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When Dark Secrets Get Darker
Benjamin Bishop is Baltimore’s newest private investigator. He’s employed by one of the smallest but most powerful law firms in the state of Maryland, catering to the rich and crooked. His client list ranges from thieves to judges, drug dealers to politicians. He will work for anybody, and accommodate any request--as long as the money is right. But when Benny is hired to investigate the brutal death of successful businessman and popular sugar daddy Ronald Murray, it no longer feels right to give up the murderer to the client. Some people deserve to die. The battle of good versus evil becomes conflicting when the lines are blurred. If evil people do good, is it good enough, and when good people do evil, should they be punished?
270 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2011
1 person is currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Thomas N. Pointer Jr.
1 book16 followersI once wrote that if reading is my medicine, writing is the therapy.
I use words as stage props to describe a scene, giving my readers a visual that's so specific, it not only puts them on the page but in the character, making them feel one with the story.
Communication is the greatest tool we have. For those who like to send messages, please don't hesitate. I love meeting people.
My writing career started with spoken word poetry way before it became popular. During the late 1970's when I was about eight or nine years of age, I would write stories, trying to make the words rhyme. It seemed more creative than the traditional way of writing stories. People would listen to me just to hear which words were being used. I would marvel at how Muhammad Ali did it. That's when I realized the power of words. And I haven't ever forgotten its impact.
I use words as stage props to describe a scene, giving my readers a visual that's so specific, it not only puts them on the page but in the character, making them feel one with the story.
Communication is the greatest tool we have. For those who like to send messages, please don't hesitate. I love meeting people.
My writing career started with spoken word poetry way before it became popular. During the late 1970's when I was about eight or nine years of age, I would write stories, trying to make the words rhyme. It seemed more creative than the traditional way of writing stories. People would listen to me just to hear which words were being used. I would marvel at how Muhammad Ali did it. That's when I realized the power of words. And I haven't ever forgotten its impact.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 7, 2012
This is the author's first book and it was great. It was the first mystery I've read. Story line was great no errors, which is always a plus. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I didn't like the way it ended, other than that it was a great read story flow was wonderful.
December 18, 2011
Thoroughly enjoyed this PI tale.
March 31, 2017
This was a good mystery story about a PI investigating the death of a wealthy man with ties to prostitution. The search for the killer was interesting, and learning about the life of the victim, Ronald, was also interesting. There were many characters introduced, but it was easy to keep them all straight. I didn't have to go back and reread chapters to figure out who did what, which I appreciated. I liked how Benjamin, the PI, had a strong, loving relationship with his girlfriend Tina. Overall, this book was fun to read, the pace moved quickly and held my interest throughout. It will be interesting to see how the next book in the series turns out.
I received a copy of this for free through goodreads first reads program.
I received a copy of this for free through goodreads first reads program.
February 16, 2012
I received a free copy of this book through a Good Reads First Read giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity of letting me read this!
It's times like these I wish there was an option for half stars because I'd give Mr. Pointer's fabulous debut a solid 4.5 stars!
Oodles of money? Check. Booze? Check. The world's oldest profession? Check. A kinky, and now dead, generous sugar daddy-esque benefactor? Check. And a Private Investigator hired to figure out how all the pieces fit together? Check and check.
In what I hope is the first book in this series, we are introduced to Benjamin 'Benny' Bishop. He's Baltimore's newest PI at his uncle's law firm. Benny is a well constructed character, right down to his love of Cranberry Juice. He may be able to be bought and might stretch the truth a little bit in the quest to get his man (or woman), but, when it comes to his core convictions, he stands firm.
If you like mysteries that are dark, twisty, and show both the ugly and redeeming side of human nature, this is a title you need to add to your list. Highly recommended and I look forward to Benny's next investigation.
~~ Victoria
It's times like these I wish there was an option for half stars because I'd give Mr. Pointer's fabulous debut a solid 4.5 stars!
Oodles of money? Check. Booze? Check. The world's oldest profession? Check. A kinky, and now dead, generous sugar daddy-esque benefactor? Check. And a Private Investigator hired to figure out how all the pieces fit together? Check and check.
In what I hope is the first book in this series, we are introduced to Benjamin 'Benny' Bishop. He's Baltimore's newest PI at his uncle's law firm. Benny is a well constructed character, right down to his love of Cranberry Juice. He may be able to be bought and might stretch the truth a little bit in the quest to get his man (or woman), but, when it comes to his core convictions, he stands firm.
If you like mysteries that are dark, twisty, and show both the ugly and redeeming side of human nature, this is a title you need to add to your list. Highly recommended and I look forward to Benny's next investigation.
~~ Victoria
March 4, 2012
Lust and Kept Secrets
Benjamin Bishop is an up-and-coming private investigator for his uncle’s prestigious law firm. When he gets an early morning phone call from his uncle to hurry in to the office, he wonders what his uncle has in store for him. He quickly learns that the case he is assigned has little clues, a deceased victim, and a wealthy man who wants to know who killed his brother.
While Benjamin is trying to put the puzzle pieces together for his case, he also has a few personal problems of his own. He has baby mama drama and a relationship he wants to take to the next level. Will Benny be able to balance his personal and professional life?
“When Dark Secrets Get Darker” has many twists and turns that readers will find it difficult to put the book down. Thomas Pointer Jr. does an outstanding job keeping the reader interested. Dead bodies are everywhere, high priced prostitutes are discovered, money is tossed around, sexual encounters are discovered, drugs are plentiful, and secrets are kept. Purchase the book and see for yourself. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Reviewed by: Sabrina
4.5 stars
Benjamin Bishop is an up-and-coming private investigator for his uncle’s prestigious law firm. When he gets an early morning phone call from his uncle to hurry in to the office, he wonders what his uncle has in store for him. He quickly learns that the case he is assigned has little clues, a deceased victim, and a wealthy man who wants to know who killed his brother.
While Benjamin is trying to put the puzzle pieces together for his case, he also has a few personal problems of his own. He has baby mama drama and a relationship he wants to take to the next level. Will Benny be able to balance his personal and professional life?
“When Dark Secrets Get Darker” has many twists and turns that readers will find it difficult to put the book down. Thomas Pointer Jr. does an outstanding job keeping the reader interested. Dead bodies are everywhere, high priced prostitutes are discovered, money is tossed around, sexual encounters are discovered, drugs are plentiful, and secrets are kept. Purchase the book and see for yourself. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Reviewed by: Sabrina
4.5 stars
January 17, 2012
The first thing I would like to compliment the writer on is the book cover. I found it to be very appealing for a mystery novel and it definitely draws you to the book.
Secondly, the story itself was a very relaxing & an easy read but with still lots going on to keep your attention throughout. I was totally surprised by the ending as it was not whom I thought it would be. So the writer had me there.
For a first novel, I believe you did an excellent job! For your next novel though, I would rather prefer to read more on the "guts" of the investigation and less on the "girls".
Congrats on your first novel!
Secondly, the story itself was a very relaxing & an easy read but with still lots going on to keep your attention throughout. I was totally surprised by the ending as it was not whom I thought it would be. So the writer had me there.
For a first novel, I believe you did an excellent job! For your next novel though, I would rather prefer to read more on the "guts" of the investigation and less on the "girls".
Congrats on your first novel!
January 18, 2012
Great book, from beginning to end...you get sucked in and don't want to put it down....kudos to Thomas for giving us a great read.
May 18, 2013
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads. I really enjoyed this very well-written book. The plot was tight without a lot of unnecessary sidetracking.
September 5, 2015
When Dark Secrets Get Darker reads like a roller coaster, unfortunately I am not talking about the content instead I am referring to the writers approach. The novel starts out extremely rough, so rough that I was close to the point of deleting it off of my nook. Then things got quite a bit better as the story slowly started to unfold. Things began to build towards a climax but unfortunately, the story jumps off a cliff for a half page ending that left me feeling unsatisfied.
First complaint, the story takes place in Baltimore, a town I am very familiar with. At now point was the essence or the feel of the city captured. Very little mention of any of its key aspects or personality. A brief mention of the Marriot here and there, perhaps a name drop of a neighborhood but other than that I couldn't envision the locale.
Secondly, the set up of Mr. Bishop is highly questionable as he is a PI for his uncles law firm but only a short time as his mentor accompanied him on I believe 5 investigations as he started out his PI career, no mention of a law enforcement background yet he has a position such as this, with little training and then taking on a high stakes case such as this for his uncle? Sorry nephew, go investigate this insurance fraud granny, I need someone with experience on this job.
Lastly, the ending in which the author/publisher are a bit misleading on: "But when Benny is hired to investigate the brutal death of successful businessman and popular sugar daddy Ronald Murray, it no longer feels right to give up the murderer to the client." This tells me that there is some confliction in the mind of Ben in terms of how to properly end his investigation. This is good because it shows that on top of the build up and suspense of the investigation there is also the underlying storyline of how Ben, his uncle, his client, and possibly the murder(s) will satisfy this conflict at the end. Sadly as stated earlier the story ends all too abruptly as if the author just gave up. No real explanation of why things turned out the way they did just the simple this happened and thats all I'm going to say about that. This hinders the readers desire to take on another novel if there isn't some sense of satisfaction, especially in a story that is attempting to build upon itself throughout the novel.
First complaint, the story takes place in Baltimore, a town I am very familiar with. At now point was the essence or the feel of the city captured. Very little mention of any of its key aspects or personality. A brief mention of the Marriot here and there, perhaps a name drop of a neighborhood but other than that I couldn't envision the locale.
Secondly, the set up of Mr. Bishop is highly questionable as he is a PI for his uncles law firm but only a short time as his mentor accompanied him on I believe 5 investigations as he started out his PI career, no mention of a law enforcement background yet he has a position such as this, with little training and then taking on a high stakes case such as this for his uncle? Sorry nephew, go investigate this insurance fraud granny, I need someone with experience on this job.
Lastly, the ending in which the author/publisher are a bit misleading on: "But when Benny is hired to investigate the brutal death of successful businessman and popular sugar daddy Ronald Murray, it no longer feels right to give up the murderer to the client." This tells me that there is some confliction in the mind of Ben in terms of how to properly end his investigation. This is good because it shows that on top of the build up and suspense of the investigation there is also the underlying storyline of how Ben, his uncle, his client, and possibly the murder(s) will satisfy this conflict at the end. Sadly as stated earlier the story ends all too abruptly as if the author just gave up. No real explanation of why things turned out the way they did just the simple this happened and thats all I'm going to say about that. This hinders the readers desire to take on another novel if there isn't some sense of satisfaction, especially in a story that is attempting to build upon itself throughout the novel.
November 24, 2012
Benny Bishop is a P.I. new to the area and employed by his Uncle in a small town but very powerful law firm filled to the brim with unsavory characters. During an investigation he starts to question his own morals. " If evil people do good, is it good enough, and when good people do evil, should they be punished?" When hired to track down the murderer of Murray's brother, his clues find him knee deep in a world of corruption, prostitution, and an entire underworld filled with dark secrets.
I don't want to give anymore of the story away as this book is a breeze-by read that enamors the reader from page one and ensures it can't be put down until it's finished. This book is a well rounded package despite the genre of books one might typically read, you will thoroughly enjoy it. Definitely add it to your holiday wish list!
I don't want to give anymore of the story away as this book is a breeze-by read that enamors the reader from page one and ensures it can't be put down until it's finished. This book is a well rounded package despite the genre of books one might typically read, you will thoroughly enjoy it. Definitely add it to your holiday wish list!
July 26, 2012
review forthcoming after posted next week on optimisticreader.com
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews