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The Razzman Mystery Crime Files #4
Best Served Cold
Firebird Book Award Winner - Crime Fiction
Private eye, Tony Razzolito along with Homicide Detectives John Cahill and Lucy Havens are racing the clock to catch a killer that should've been behind bars a year ago.
Last year, up-and-coming NASCAR driver, Jarrod Trevino was murdered and left in an alley in the middle of the city. A murder that neither Razzolito nor the cops were able to solve.
A year later, Teddy 'Sky' Jones, new rookie sensation for the Charlotte Wildcats basketball team was shot to death and his body left in an alley behind the Spectrum Sports Center.
There are enough similarities between the two murders—both high-profile athletes killed in the same way with the same caliber gun, both left in an alley in Uptown Charlotte—that the city may have a potential serial killer on their hands. Or could it be a copycat killer? Or maybe something else entirely?
The mayor, the CMPD, and the city of Charlotte, all believe the murders are connected. Tony Razzolito disagrees and signs on to help the police discover the truth in this baffling, whodunnit murder mystery.
But first, he and the lead homicide detective need to learn how to play nice. Because their egos keep getting in the way of finding justice for the victim's families and for a homicide captain who's feeling the weight of a frustrated city sitting heavily upon her shoulders.
This is Book 4 in the popular Razzman Mystery Crime Files series
Private eye, Tony Razzolito along with Homicide Detectives John Cahill and Lucy Havens are racing the clock to catch a killer that should've been behind bars a year ago.
Last year, up-and-coming NASCAR driver, Jarrod Trevino was murdered and left in an alley in the middle of the city. A murder that neither Razzolito nor the cops were able to solve.
A year later, Teddy 'Sky' Jones, new rookie sensation for the Charlotte Wildcats basketball team was shot to death and his body left in an alley behind the Spectrum Sports Center.
There are enough similarities between the two murders—both high-profile athletes killed in the same way with the same caliber gun, both left in an alley in Uptown Charlotte—that the city may have a potential serial killer on their hands. Or could it be a copycat killer? Or maybe something else entirely?
The mayor, the CMPD, and the city of Charlotte, all believe the murders are connected. Tony Razzolito disagrees and signs on to help the police discover the truth in this baffling, whodunnit murder mystery.
But first, he and the lead homicide detective need to learn how to play nice. Because their egos keep getting in the way of finding justice for the victim's families and for a homicide captain who's feeling the weight of a frustrated city sitting heavily upon her shoulders.
This is Book 4 in the popular Razzman Mystery Crime Files series
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2023
6 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 6, 2023
Best Served Cold: Razzman Mystery Crime Series Book 4 is a rollercoaster ride of sheer entertainment. I've read several of Congel's books, though I especially enjoyed this one with all the twists and turns and ups and downs Congel served up. He certainly knows how to spin a good yarn.
When Homicide detectives John Cahill and Lucy Havens are called to a crime scene and discover the body of Teddy 'Sky' Jones, a rookie for the Charlotte Wildcats basketball team with a hole in his chest, Cahill believes there's a connection to another murder. One year earlier they were standing over the body of NASCAR driver Jarrod Trevino, also discovered in a back alley after a day of signing autographs for the upcoming Coco-Cola 600 stock car race - same MO: both were professional athletes, the same caliber of gun was used, and both bodies were discovered I Uptown Charlotte. Enough to convince everyone it was a copycat killing, but not Razzman who was called in to help solve the case.
Joe has penned credible, relatable characters - my favorite, Vinney Gabrianno who keeps things lively in Charlotte. Congel also uses the tension between Razzman and Cahill and their volley of words to support the oftentimes humorous narrative.
With several suspects at hand, will they find the murderer before someone else dies?
Hats off to another home run hit by Joe Congel. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next Razzman book in the series. Highly recommend.
When Homicide detectives John Cahill and Lucy Havens are called to a crime scene and discover the body of Teddy 'Sky' Jones, a rookie for the Charlotte Wildcats basketball team with a hole in his chest, Cahill believes there's a connection to another murder. One year earlier they were standing over the body of NASCAR driver Jarrod Trevino, also discovered in a back alley after a day of signing autographs for the upcoming Coco-Cola 600 stock car race - same MO: both were professional athletes, the same caliber of gun was used, and both bodies were discovered I Uptown Charlotte. Enough to convince everyone it was a copycat killing, but not Razzman who was called in to help solve the case.
Joe has penned credible, relatable characters - my favorite, Vinney Gabrianno who keeps things lively in Charlotte. Congel also uses the tension between Razzman and Cahill and their volley of words to support the oftentimes humorous narrative.
With several suspects at hand, will they find the murderer before someone else dies?
Hats off to another home run hit by Joe Congel. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next Razzman book in the series. Highly recommend.
May 2, 2023
This is yet another fantastic read by Congel. I’ve read three previous and am always completely vested in the story and, most especially, its characters.
It’s fast paced, page-turning, light at times (specifically the exchange between Razz and his friend, Brooklynite, pizza eating Vinny.)
Two high profile murders that the local law enforcement believes are connected. Razz disagrees. The similarities between the murders must have been done by the same person (s). Razz is set on proving otherwise.
Congel weaves a thrilling tale full of suspense, twists, drama, and engaging dialogue. Another excellent five star read. Highly recommended!
It’s fast paced, page-turning, light at times (specifically the exchange between Razz and his friend, Brooklynite, pizza eating Vinny.)
Two high profile murders that the local law enforcement believes are connected. Razz disagrees. The similarities between the murders must have been done by the same person (s). Razz is set on proving otherwise.
Congel weaves a thrilling tale full of suspense, twists, drama, and engaging dialogue. Another excellent five star read. Highly recommended!
June 11, 2023
What I really liked about this mystery novel is that author Joe Congel starts with his own description of a police investigation of a suspected perp with “softball questions.” Then he slowly but surely, ratchets up the plot with a full-blown narrative, three-dead men, good guy cops with attitudes, and our favorite PI, THE RAZZMAN! Along with these we get a bunch of suspects, hidden information, searches, evidence, etc. If you haven’t gotten the picture, allow me to sum up the review. I’ll paint a clearer image with red oil paints splashed across a white canvas to say: murder and vengeance, like the title are: BEST SERVED COLD—exactly the way Joe Congel serves up a good story—cold trails until the very end when it all comes together.
October 23, 2023
Best Served Cold is another of Joe Congel’s addictive stories about PI Tony Razzolito, aka the Razzman.
It’s a year since Tony and his partner, Scott, were involved in the murder investigation of Jarrod Trevino – famous NASCAR racing driver in Charlotte – a case that still remains unsolved. Rita, homicide captain at the 23rd precinct, is under pressure from the mayor to get some results and calls upon Tony and Scott’s help when another body is discovered in an alley with a 9mm hole in his chest. This time the victim is Teddy ‘Sky’ Jones, basketball player and new rooky sensation for the Charlotte Wildcats. It’s the same MO, but could it be a copycat killing?
The Razzman agrees to help, disappointed to learn he will be working alongside Detective John Cahill and his partner, as before. Their mutual animosity is legendary with the police captain asserting her authority and reining the pair in when the spats get out of hand.
A Razzman story wouldn’t be the same without the inclusion of Vinnie Gabrianno – a vibrant character with a pronounced Brooklyn accent, great sense of humour and a passion for food. I love Vinnie’s character. In fact, all of the characters feel like old friends. It’s good to see Tony’s relationship with Karen is still going strong and, to spice things up even further, there is a love interest that develops between Scott and a newcomer to the scene; the subject giving rise to a lot of banter that all feels very natural.
Joe Congel has a relaxed writing style that flows along easily. Well-paced and peppered with humour, his books are always a pleasure to read. If you are already a Razzman fan this is for you. If you have yet to discover him, I suggest you give him a try -you won’t be disappointed.
It’s a year since Tony and his partner, Scott, were involved in the murder investigation of Jarrod Trevino – famous NASCAR racing driver in Charlotte – a case that still remains unsolved. Rita, homicide captain at the 23rd precinct, is under pressure from the mayor to get some results and calls upon Tony and Scott’s help when another body is discovered in an alley with a 9mm hole in his chest. This time the victim is Teddy ‘Sky’ Jones, basketball player and new rooky sensation for the Charlotte Wildcats. It’s the same MO, but could it be a copycat killing?
The Razzman agrees to help, disappointed to learn he will be working alongside Detective John Cahill and his partner, as before. Their mutual animosity is legendary with the police captain asserting her authority and reining the pair in when the spats get out of hand.
A Razzman story wouldn’t be the same without the inclusion of Vinnie Gabrianno – a vibrant character with a pronounced Brooklyn accent, great sense of humour and a passion for food. I love Vinnie’s character. In fact, all of the characters feel like old friends. It’s good to see Tony’s relationship with Karen is still going strong and, to spice things up even further, there is a love interest that develops between Scott and a newcomer to the scene; the subject giving rise to a lot of banter that all feels very natural.
Joe Congel has a relaxed writing style that flows along easily. Well-paced and peppered with humour, his books are always a pleasure to read. If you are already a Razzman fan this is for you. If you have yet to discover him, I suggest you give him a try -you won’t be disappointed.
April 18, 2023
This is the fourth in the Razzman Series and every bit as good as the first three. Once again Razz and his partner are working with the police pro bono to solve a high-profile murder of a Charlotte Wildcats ball player. Adding to the drama, the M.O. is the same as another unsolved high-profile murder and a third with even less of a connection.
The mystery between the murders deepens as the story progresses.
The author has done a wonderful job of developing relatable, likeable characters. The Razzman is a gumshoe with a bit of an ego and a heart of gold, in love with one woman and loyal to his friends. My favorite secondary character is Vinnie with his Brooklyn accent, questionable dealings and love of pizza. He is also another character who is loyal to his friends.
The world building is spot on, making it easy to lose yourself on the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina.
The storyline held my interest from beginning to end.
A well-rounded enjoyable read, that I can highly recommend. Mr. Congel, when can we expect number five?
The mystery between the murders deepens as the story progresses.
The author has done a wonderful job of developing relatable, likeable characters. The Razzman is a gumshoe with a bit of an ego and a heart of gold, in love with one woman and loyal to his friends. My favorite secondary character is Vinnie with his Brooklyn accent, questionable dealings and love of pizza. He is also another character who is loyal to his friends.
The world building is spot on, making it easy to lose yourself on the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina.
The storyline held my interest from beginning to end.
A well-rounded enjoyable read, that I can highly recommend. Mr. Congel, when can we expect number five?
February 25, 2024
This wasn't my first reading encounter with the Razzman, and it won't be my last. A different type of detective story, mixing in confrontations between the detective and the PI as the bodies pile up with no apparent connections except they were all shot with a .9mm bullet. Must admit Vinnie cracks me up.
A rollercoaster of an investigation as the Razzman tries to connect multiple murders together finding plenty of misdirections to muddy the waters.
Once you've read one, you'll want to read more 'the Razzman' cases.
A rollercoaster of an investigation as the Razzman tries to connect multiple murders together finding plenty of misdirections to muddy the waters.
Once you've read one, you'll want to read more 'the Razzman' cases.
September 28, 2024
WOW, WOW
As good as some other authors I have read & I have read Grisham, Thor, Baldacci, Grafton, Cussler, Child, etc. Real good flow, some awesome humor, suspense! No kidding! Now I will be looking at Joe's Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles!!
As good as some other authors I have read & I have read Grisham, Thor, Baldacci, Grafton, Cussler, Child, etc. Real good flow, some awesome humor, suspense! No kidding! Now I will be looking at Joe's Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles!!
December 23, 2024
Best in the series!
I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by Joe Congel, and this one seemed a notch or two better than the other Razzman mysteries. The central mystery is a good puzzle not easily solved, the characters are all realistic, and the dialogue is well written. I read this quickly, eager to find out who the murderer or murderers might be. A good read, for sure!
I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by Joe Congel, and this one seemed a notch or two better than the other Razzman mysteries. The central mystery is a good puzzle not easily solved, the characters are all realistic, and the dialogue is well written. I read this quickly, eager to find out who the murderer or murderers might be. A good read, for sure!
August 16, 2023
Review of Best Served Cold:A Tony Razzolito PI Story
Author Joe Congel knows his way around the police and PI world. In Best Served Cold: A Tony Razzolito PI Story, the rhythm of his story zings as much as the one-liners Private Investigator Tony Razzolito spouts while he is investigating his cases. For the most part, he’s a gentleman when it comes to the ladies, but it’s no holds barred when he jibes and jousts with his own associate Scott McHenry and especially with Homicide Detective John Cahill. The Razzman, as he’s sometimes known, has a particular distaste for Cahill who works for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Put them in the same room and sparks will fly.
The captain of the 23rd precinct of the CMPD requests the help of McHenry Investigative Services in a case that’s garnering massive media attention. Charlotte Wildcat basketball rookie sensation Teddy “Sky” Jones is discovered murdered in a Charlotte, North Carolina back alley. Another famous sports figure was killed in a similar manner the previous year. The chief is leaning on the captain whose leaning on her detectives to solve the case. The investigation resembles an MMA cage match as the egos of the detectives and the private investigators bump up against each other to see who will solve the murder first.
Joe Congel deserves five stars for his fast-paced mystery. Buy the book. Read it. You won’t be disappointed.
Author Joe Congel knows his way around the police and PI world. In Best Served Cold: A Tony Razzolito PI Story, the rhythm of his story zings as much as the one-liners Private Investigator Tony Razzolito spouts while he is investigating his cases. For the most part, he’s a gentleman when it comes to the ladies, but it’s no holds barred when he jibes and jousts with his own associate Scott McHenry and especially with Homicide Detective John Cahill. The Razzman, as he’s sometimes known, has a particular distaste for Cahill who works for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Put them in the same room and sparks will fly.
The captain of the 23rd precinct of the CMPD requests the help of McHenry Investigative Services in a case that’s garnering massive media attention. Charlotte Wildcat basketball rookie sensation Teddy “Sky” Jones is discovered murdered in a Charlotte, North Carolina back alley. Another famous sports figure was killed in a similar manner the previous year. The chief is leaning on the captain whose leaning on her detectives to solve the case. The investigation resembles an MMA cage match as the egos of the detectives and the private investigators bump up against each other to see who will solve the murder first.
Joe Congel deserves five stars for his fast-paced mystery. Buy the book. Read it. You won’t be disappointed.
June 23, 2023
Best Served Cold, Book 4, is my foray into the Tony Razzolito PI mysteries. Detectives Cahill and Havens have a tough case with Teddy ‘Sky’ Jones found murdered with a similar MO to another professional athlete from the prior year, Jarrod Trevino. Finding the connection and killer between the two cases in Uptown Charlotte takes readers on a suspenseful journey with plot twists with unexpected heart-pounding results.
The character and plot development are superb, with realistic dialogue and easy banter, like what occurs between Cahill and Razzman . Tony signs on with his team to help the police track the evidence in this complex murder mystery because he believes this is no copycat killer. It is difficult to pick a favorite character as they are interlinked like the clues weaving through the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina. The story is fast-paced, with significant appearances by the memorable Vinnie Gabrianno, a Brooklyn mobster. He is outrageously endearing.
Fans of fantastic murder mystery whodunits will love the drama, suspense, and thrills until the unexpected ending. I highly recommend this expertly executed story and added the first three books to my must-read list.
The character and plot development are superb, with realistic dialogue and easy banter, like what occurs between Cahill and Razzman . Tony signs on with his team to help the police track the evidence in this complex murder mystery because he believes this is no copycat killer. It is difficult to pick a favorite character as they are interlinked like the clues weaving through the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina. The story is fast-paced, with significant appearances by the memorable Vinnie Gabrianno, a Brooklyn mobster. He is outrageously endearing.
Fans of fantastic murder mystery whodunits will love the drama, suspense, and thrills until the unexpected ending. I highly recommend this expertly executed story and added the first three books to my must-read list.
July 3, 2023
I could really identify with Joe. Can't stand pumpkin spice anything!
From the beginning, you know all the characters. Joe C imbues all their dialogue and mannerisms with their personalities. Nothing left to wonder. Some people call Tony arrogant, but I find him honest. Sure, he sometimes has to apologize but that makes him real.
The Razzman is called into action when the up-and-coming star of the Wildcats basketball team is murdered in a way similar to a heart-wrenching case Tony worked on a year ago. Not a place he want to revisit, especially without a paycheck. But once again he can't say no to the chief.
The investigation moves along, as they gather info and grow the suspect list, then narrow things down to an inevitable conclusion. Nice work Joe C!
From the beginning, you know all the characters. Joe C imbues all their dialogue and mannerisms with their personalities. Nothing left to wonder. Some people call Tony arrogant, but I find him honest. Sure, he sometimes has to apologize but that makes him real.
The Razzman is called into action when the up-and-coming star of the Wildcats basketball team is murdered in a way similar to a heart-wrenching case Tony worked on a year ago. Not a place he want to revisit, especially without a paycheck. But once again he can't say no to the chief.
The investigation moves along, as they gather info and grow the suspect list, then narrow things down to an inevitable conclusion. Nice work Joe C!
February 14, 2026
Another great one from Joe! A fun read and his usual page turner that continues the series. Alas, still wish he’d ditch the chain restaurants and use some names he knows from real life, like “Murray’s Deli” 8-)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews