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Jack MacTaggart #1
Hush Money: A Mystery
A Finalist for Private Eye Writers of America's Shamus Award for Best First P.I. Novel
A Finalist for Left Coast Crime's 2013 Rocky Award
When Hush Puppy, Pasadena socialite Sydney Everett's champion show horse, dies under suspicious circumstances, junior lawyer Jack MacTaggart is assigned to handle the insurance claim. But the case soon takes an unexpected turn, thrusting Jack into a spiraling web of blackmail and murder in which he finds himself both the prime suspect and the next likely victim. In this acclaimed debut novel, the first in a series, former Los Angeles trial lawyer Chuck Greaves takes readers into the high-stakes worlds of big-firm litigation and professional equestrian show-jumping, where no one can be trusted, and where nothing is quite what it seems.
A Finalist for Left Coast Crime's 2013 Rocky Award
When Hush Puppy, Pasadena socialite Sydney Everett's champion show horse, dies under suspicious circumstances, junior lawyer Jack MacTaggart is assigned to handle the insurance claim. But the case soon takes an unexpected turn, thrusting Jack into a spiraling web of blackmail and murder in which he finds himself both the prime suspect and the next likely victim. In this acclaimed debut novel, the first in a series, former Los Angeles trial lawyer Chuck Greaves takes readers into the high-stakes worlds of big-firm litigation and professional equestrian show-jumping, where no one can be trusted, and where nothing is quite what it seems.
336 pages
First published May 1, 2012
7 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Chuck Greaves
11 books29 followersaka C. Joseph Greaves
Chuck Greaves spent 25 years as a trial lawyer in Los Angeles before turning his talents to fiction. He has been a finalist for most of the major awards in crime writing, including the Lefty, Shamus, Macavity, and Audie Awards, as well as the New Mexico-Arizona, Oklahoma, and Colorado Book Awards, the CAL Award in Fiction, and the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction.
Chuck's Jack MacTaggart series of legal mysteries include the titles HUSH MONEY, GREEN-EYED LADY, THE LAST HEIR, and THE CHIMERA CLUB. In addition, Chuck publishes general/literary fiction as C. Joseph Greaves, including TOM & LUCKY (Bloomsbury), a Wall Street Journal "Best Books of 2015" selection.
For more information, please visit him at his website: www.chuckgreaves.com.
Chuck Greaves spent 25 years as a trial lawyer in Los Angeles before turning his talents to fiction. He has been a finalist for most of the major awards in crime writing, including the Lefty, Shamus, Macavity, and Audie Awards, as well as the New Mexico-Arizona, Oklahoma, and Colorado Book Awards, the CAL Award in Fiction, and the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction.
Chuck's Jack MacTaggart series of legal mysteries include the titles HUSH MONEY, GREEN-EYED LADY, THE LAST HEIR, and THE CHIMERA CLUB. In addition, Chuck publishes general/literary fiction as C. Joseph Greaves, including TOM & LUCKY (Bloomsbury), a Wall Street Journal "Best Books of 2015" selection.
For more information, please visit him at his website: www.chuckgreaves.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 13, 2019
This was practically a perfect read. It had a twisty mystery surrounding the death of a show horse & we got to listen to some rounds of show jumping that were almost as exciting as watching the real thing. It was all done exceedingly well. Handling horses & horse people properly in a novel seems to be a rarity.
The characters were well done. Jack does wise crack a fair amount & it was generally very well done. The others acted well within their situations & most were quite memorable, so even though there were quite a few, I never had any trouble distinguishing between them.
The situation was well done overall, although I had some issues with the JPL break-in & a few other actions. A few were somewhat forced. Still, nothing knocked me out of what turned out to be a story that I didn't want to put down. I just had to know!
Very well narrated. Definitely recommended.
The characters were well done. Jack does wise crack a fair amount & it was generally very well done. The others acted well within their situations & most were quite memorable, so even though there were quite a few, I never had any trouble distinguishing between them.
The situation was well done overall, although I had some issues with the JPL break-in & a few other actions. A few were somewhat forced. Still, nothing knocked me out of what turned out to be a story that I didn't want to put down. I just had to know!
Very well narrated. Definitely recommended.
May 2, 2012
I received “Hush Money” by Chuck Greaves as a part of the GoodReads.com come giveaway program. I received an ARC copy (Advanced Reader’s Copy) which typically means that not everything about the book is finalized, typically things like the cover. I hope this is the cover it’s published with though, because I think it does a great job of fitting the story inside!
Now I know that most of the books that I talk about on my blog (or my Good Reads account) are fantasies, but I’ve been reading mysteries for a lot longer, and I still really enjoy picking them up from time to time. “Hush Money” reminded me of John Grisham’s work, a mix of the law, mystery, and thrilling action. In fact, this biggest difference from Grisham’s work is that “Hush Money” is written with a slightly younger feel to it.
Normally socialite Sydney Everett’s insurance claims would be handled by Jared Henley, a lawyer who only has his position because his Daddy is was one of the people who started the firm, and he’s therefore had everything handed to him on a plate. Jared seems to be allergic to work though, and since he’s off doing who knows what, the file for Sydney’s dead show horse is handed to Jack MacTaggart. There’s no love lost between Jack and Jared, but Jack doesn’t mind handling the case too much. Well at least not until he’s framed for murder.
What starts out as an apparent equine death from natural causes soon spirals into multiple murders, cover ups, and attempts on Jack’s life. He handles it all with a wry look at life that often left me chuckling, and a “never give up” attitude that is probably the only reason he ever gets to the bottom of the whole mess. Especially considering the cop who is investigating the murders hates him.
I’d give this book a solid 4 stars. It’s a good mystery that kept me guessing the whole way through, and I really enjoy it when I don’t see the solution coming from chapters in advance! I’d definitely recommend it to any mystery lover.
Now I know that most of the books that I talk about on my blog (or my Good Reads account) are fantasies, but I’ve been reading mysteries for a lot longer, and I still really enjoy picking them up from time to time. “Hush Money” reminded me of John Grisham’s work, a mix of the law, mystery, and thrilling action. In fact, this biggest difference from Grisham’s work is that “Hush Money” is written with a slightly younger feel to it.
Normally socialite Sydney Everett’s insurance claims would be handled by Jared Henley, a lawyer who only has his position because his Daddy is was one of the people who started the firm, and he’s therefore had everything handed to him on a plate. Jared seems to be allergic to work though, and since he’s off doing who knows what, the file for Sydney’s dead show horse is handed to Jack MacTaggart. There’s no love lost between Jack and Jared, but Jack doesn’t mind handling the case too much. Well at least not until he’s framed for murder.
What starts out as an apparent equine death from natural causes soon spirals into multiple murders, cover ups, and attempts on Jack’s life. He handles it all with a wry look at life that often left me chuckling, and a “never give up” attitude that is probably the only reason he ever gets to the bottom of the whole mess. Especially considering the cop who is investigating the murders hates him.
I’d give this book a solid 4 stars. It’s a good mystery that kept me guessing the whole way through, and I really enjoy it when I don’t see the solution coming from chapters in advance! I’d definitely recommend it to any mystery lover.
March 8, 2012
Jack MacTaggert, a wise-cracking young lawyer, is a new addition to a prestigious, highfalutin law firm. Jack, his law firm and the moneyed players in the grand-prix world of horse jumping become all mixed up in this tale of insurance fraud, dead horses and murder (of the human kind). Greaves has written a sharp, funny, fast-paced mystery with a smart, sarcastic young hero who, I hope, we will see lots more of.
I used to love Dick Frances books and this is a more modern, funnier, US based mystery with an interesting look at the people and horses involved with grand-prix jumping.
I used to love Dick Frances books and this is a more modern, funnier, US based mystery with an interesting look at the people and horses involved with grand-prix jumping.
November 9, 2021
Jack MacTaggart is a lawyer in Pasadena, California (as a side note, Gen. George S. Patton Jr. was from Pasadena :) ). The law firm partner who normally handles Sydney Everett's legal problems is unavailable, so Jack goes to deal with a pair of insurance adjusters who want to deny her claim when her prize jumping horse dies. In some ways this is a legal thriller in the vein of John Grisham, though Greaves explains legal terms so seamlessly that you hardly notice that he's using jargon here and there (Greaves, like Grisham, is a lawyer), while Grisham doesn't throw much legal terminology around. And in some ways this is a thrilling mystery in which the main character gets into all sorts of dangerous situations and then gets himself out of them.
I have to confess that I have trouble with the idea that a lawyer would do some of the things that MacTaggart does, and I have trouble with the idea that a man whose sole training is in the law would be physically or mentally capable of the kind of special operations exploits that he carries out. Those escapades occur mostly in the latter half of the book; the former half is the best, as we see MacTaggart actually practicing law. One of the great flaws in the book - other characteristics outweigh it enough that I did like the book - is that there's no mention at all of the fact that lawyers don't do their own investigating. Whatever the flaws of the Perry Mason TV show, it got one thing right - instead of Perry doing the investigating, he had Paul Drake on retainer. It is highly unrealistic for Jack to go out prowling and poking his nose into things, instead of calling on one of his firm's investigators.
But it is a good, entertaining book. It has flaws, and it's a bit lightweight, but it's fun to read.
I have to confess that I have trouble with the idea that a lawyer would do some of the things that MacTaggart does, and I have trouble with the idea that a man whose sole training is in the law would be physically or mentally capable of the kind of special operations exploits that he carries out. Those escapades occur mostly in the latter half of the book; the former half is the best, as we see MacTaggart actually practicing law. One of the great flaws in the book - other characteristics outweigh it enough that I did like the book - is that there's no mention at all of the fact that lawyers don't do their own investigating. Whatever the flaws of the Perry Mason TV show, it got one thing right - instead of Perry doing the investigating, he had Paul Drake on retainer. It is highly unrealistic for Jack to go out prowling and poking his nose into things, instead of calling on one of his firm's investigators.
But it is a good, entertaining book. It has flaws, and it's a bit lightweight, but it's fun to read.
July 15, 2017
PROTAGONIST: Jack McTaggart, lawyer
SETTING: Pasadena, CA
SERIES: #1 of 3
RATING: 3.5
WHY: Lawyer Jack Mactaggart is assigned to handle the insurance claim for a prized show horse who has died, Hush Puppy. Its owner, Sydney Everett, has been involved in funny business involving a dead horse before. Jack ties her into a scheme involving the son of the senior partner of his law firm. With the aid of stable manager Tara Flynn, Jack delves deep into the world of horse racing and uncovers a nefarious scheme involving scientific research. Jack is often quite funny, and his relationship with Tara is well depicted. Some of his investigative techniques and how the book concluded brought on eye rolls from me; but on the whole, the book was a good first effort.
SETTING: Pasadena, CA
SERIES: #1 of 3
RATING: 3.5
WHY: Lawyer Jack Mactaggart is assigned to handle the insurance claim for a prized show horse who has died, Hush Puppy. Its owner, Sydney Everett, has been involved in funny business involving a dead horse before. Jack ties her into a scheme involving the son of the senior partner of his law firm. With the aid of stable manager Tara Flynn, Jack delves deep into the world of horse racing and uncovers a nefarious scheme involving scientific research. Jack is often quite funny, and his relationship with Tara is well depicted. Some of his investigative techniques and how the book concluded brought on eye rolls from me; but on the whole, the book was a good first effort.
September 18, 2022
2.75. Basic twisty lawyer mystery, sort of in the vein of The Lincoln Lawyer. Got a little convoluted and would’ve been improved by simplifying. It may be one of those that makes less sense the more you think about it.
I’m don’t think JPL was the right choice for part of the setting vs. just making up some generic government/industry research site, given the scientific niche involved. Some of the characters were jerks with racist attitudes and accompanying racist statements, as well as fat stereotypes that could’ve easily been left out. Hopefully those were specific to the characters in this book and will not continue later in the series. I did get confused at times trying to keep everyone straight, given the number of side characters. I’ll probably give the next one in the series a try to see if some of these issues improve.
I’m don’t think JPL was the right choice for part of the setting vs. just making up some generic government/industry research site, given the scientific niche involved. Some of the characters were jerks with racist attitudes and accompanying racist statements, as well as fat stereotypes that could’ve easily been left out. Hopefully those were specific to the characters in this book and will not continue later in the series. I did get confused at times trying to keep everyone straight, given the number of side characters. I’ll probably give the next one in the series a try to see if some of these issues improve.
September 19, 2019
I'm not familiar with Chuck Greaves' work, but after this novel,I definitely want to be more familiar with it. In this novel, which just happens to be his first one,a socialite named Sydney Everette has to file an insurance claim. Her beloved show horse,who she named Hush Puppy,dies under mysterious circumstances and Jack MacTaggart has to get to get to the bottom of the mystery. In doing so,he has to enter into the world of equestrian, which he isn't as familiar with. What I liked about the novel is the fast pacing,the unique mystery,and the mixture of humor and seriousness used to tell the story, can't wait to read more from him!
September 1, 2021
I thought this was a great book. The author is hilarious! Coming from a legal background, I did appreciate that he used some technical legal terms and didn't completely dumb it down, even though it might be hard for someone else to understand.
The one thing that was hard to get over was that the main plot turned into a subplot, and a subplot turned into the main plot...?? It was very strange. I mean, as is typical in mysteries, everything kind of ties up together anyway, but I just thought that he emphasized the importance at different levels than he should have.
Otherwise, I really liked it! It was a fast read.
The one thing that was hard to get over was that the main plot turned into a subplot, and a subplot turned into the main plot...?? It was very strange. I mean, as is typical in mysteries, everything kind of ties up together anyway, but I just thought that he emphasized the importance at different levels than he should have.
Otherwise, I really liked it! It was a fast read.
July 14, 2021
There is a great deal to like in this first mystery by Chuck Greaves. It was complex and set in a world I will never visit. I read the page turner in a couple of days and will continue to follow this series. I downgraded one star because the protagonist's witty repartee was too much at times. I kept thinking, "Just take it down a notch." There were just too many snarky comments that seemed unrealistic and contrived.
October 4, 2021
I grew up at the Flintridge Riding Club so naturally was drawn to reading this novel by no means do I not like this book I just was not very impressed with the writing of the book its not a page turner keep you begging for more type novel- is it worth a read I would say no but if you enjoy mystery and horses then I might want to read hush money
July 23, 2025
Jack McTaggert 's law firm assigns him to cover an insurance claim for a dead horse. He immediately suspects there is more to the story, but has no clue as to the cover-up he may have uncovered. His career and his life (as well as those around him) may be at risk if he chooses to question his job, but that doesn't seem to bother McTaggert as he investigates. A good legal crime thriller.
June 10, 2018
Jack MacTaggart is a rough-around-the-edges lawyer working for a polished firm when he is assigned to defend a race horse owner accused of scamming the insurance company after her horse dies. When Jack's mentor is murdered, it is soon apparent that the two cases are connected.
November 2, 2017
Jack McTaggart - would love to meet him. Great sense of humor, honor, and intelligent.
February 21, 2018
Enjoyed it for the showjumping and attorney scenes.
April 16, 2018
Fun mystery
Very enjoyable! Hope to see Jack and Tara together again in the not-too-distant future. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Very enjoyable! Hope to see Jack and Tara together again in the not-too-distant future. Thanks for sharing them with us.
August 23, 2021
MacTaggert could be a fun character to follow
May 15, 2024
A great crime novel! Solid plot, interesting characters, a bit of a gritty tone, strong on setting and details.
June 3, 2014
Reminiscent of Steve Martini’s Paul Madriani novels is Greaves’s legal thriller, starring a hands-on lawyer. When the titular, bazillion-dollar horse dies under shadowy circumstances, the insurance company refuses to pony up (Ha!)—especially since the owner’s prior boss died the same way with a fat settlement check following. Checking in on the situation is Jack MacTaggart, a lawyer pinch-hitting for the firm representing the owner. MacTaggart is full of awesome; he’s energetic, smart, and (ahem) cocksure. Greaves’s writing is such that these traits will quickly infect dudes reading the book. Beware, wives and coworkers of Our Great Nation, for the forthcoming uptick in sassy smart mouthing and confident street smarts amid our diligent hard work. Greaves also provides the just-right level of detail to remain interesting (e.g., how equine show jumping works) without sacrificing the brisk pace or becoming distracting. One of Mac T’s other cases shows a big hearted streak: he works on behalf of a terminally ill trash collector trying to get his insurance to cover a procedure. When the fraud case turns deadly, Mac T is spit into the path of the police and the killer. Despite a few spots of implausibility (e.g., breaking into guarded premises), this is a dynamic first novel, and the entire staff of the BFD Empire hopes for many more from M. Greaves. VERDICT An excellent choice for fans of legal/crime fiction and/or Robert B. Parker’s early Spenser novels.
Find this review and others at Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
Find this review and others at Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
May 15, 2013
This was a new to me author and narrator and only picked it up because it is nominated for an Audie award in the mystery category.
When the book started I thought ok it’s a legal thriller, then we have a death of a horse and all that goes along with the hoity toity horse crowd, then we have a murder and some medical mystery so this is hard to categorize. I enjoyed the main character lawyer Jack MacTaggert he was somewhat cynical, and has a dry sense of humor. I see there is a second book coming out and I will be picking it up because I did enjoy this character.
You don’t have to be a horse person to enjoy this book but if you enjoy Dick Francis give this one a try. I am curious where Jack will end up going from here because the events at the end of this book left a few questions hanging out there.
Dan Butler’s narration was good but I’m honestly not sure if it was award worthy. He had a few different characterizations but they weren’t always consistent, but his narration of the main character was well done and I felt he captured Jack’s snarky humor very well. I would listen to other narrations by Dan Butler.
Not sure what else to add… this was a solid mystery and a good start to a new series that I will probably continue to read.
3 ½ Stars
When the book started I thought ok it’s a legal thriller, then we have a death of a horse and all that goes along with the hoity toity horse crowd, then we have a murder and some medical mystery so this is hard to categorize. I enjoyed the main character lawyer Jack MacTaggert he was somewhat cynical, and has a dry sense of humor. I see there is a second book coming out and I will be picking it up because I did enjoy this character.
You don’t have to be a horse person to enjoy this book but if you enjoy Dick Francis give this one a try. I am curious where Jack will end up going from here because the events at the end of this book left a few questions hanging out there.
Dan Butler’s narration was good but I’m honestly not sure if it was award worthy. He had a few different characterizations but they weren’t always consistent, but his narration of the main character was well done and I felt he captured Jack’s snarky humor very well. I would listen to other narrations by Dan Butler.
Not sure what else to add… this was a solid mystery and a good start to a new series that I will probably continue to read.
3 ½ Stars
October 16, 2013
Hush Money, the debut novel by lawyer turned author by Chuck Greaves, introduces Jack MacTaggart to the world of mysteries and thrillers. Jack's a lawyer who is most comfortable representing clients against powerful interests. But the fun begins when he's assigned the task of dealing with a wealthy socialite whose horse, Hush Money, has just died.
Of course, all is not as it seems. The wealthy socialite may have financial problems, and the horse may have been killed for the insurance money. In short order, Jack is thrust into the world of Olympic Style show jumping horses as he tries to figure out what happened to the horse.
The book provides an exciting mystery, richly developed settings and several interesting characters. But it's Jack MacTaggart who steals the show. He's smart, tough and extremely funny. He's a ham sandwich guy investigating a foie gras world.
Jack MacTaggart is the classic wisecracking tough guy that we don't see often enough in crime fiction today. I'm looking forward to much more from Mr. Greaves.
Of course, all is not as it seems. The wealthy socialite may have financial problems, and the horse may have been killed for the insurance money. In short order, Jack is thrust into the world of Olympic Style show jumping horses as he tries to figure out what happened to the horse.
The book provides an exciting mystery, richly developed settings and several interesting characters. But it's Jack MacTaggart who steals the show. He's smart, tough and extremely funny. He's a ham sandwich guy investigating a foie gras world.
Jack MacTaggart is the classic wisecracking tough guy that we don't see often enough in crime fiction today. I'm looking forward to much more from Mr. Greaves.
July 10, 2012
Beautifully constructed book! Characters are well drawn; plotting is superb; the pacing delightful. It absolutely deserves five stars.
But, it is not a GREAT book. It is an excellent book. Way above average. I had to stop and reflect what elevates a book to greatness?
I'm not sure that I have the answer; however, I did manage to come up with an example.
Jim Butcher's "Harry Dresden" series, I believe, rises to greatness (also, there appears to hordes of fans that agree).
The Dresden series has well drawn characters; superb plotting and the pace is, well, wonderful. But what sets it apart from Greaves' "Hush Money"?
The characters! You care about the characters. The story draws you in and you develop a vested interest in what happens not only to Harry, but to those close to him.
Don't get me wrong. Greaves' Jack MacTaggart is a delightful hero. Witty, charming and irreverent. He does not; however, draw us in.
Anyway, just an thought. Curious to know what you think?
But, it is not a GREAT book. It is an excellent book. Way above average. I had to stop and reflect what elevates a book to greatness?
I'm not sure that I have the answer; however, I did manage to come up with an example.
Jim Butcher's "Harry Dresden" series, I believe, rises to greatness (also, there appears to hordes of fans that agree).
The Dresden series has well drawn characters; superb plotting and the pace is, well, wonderful. But what sets it apart from Greaves' "Hush Money"?
The characters! You care about the characters. The story draws you in and you develop a vested interest in what happens not only to Harry, but to those close to him.
Don't get me wrong. Greaves' Jack MacTaggart is a delightful hero. Witty, charming and irreverent. He does not; however, draw us in.
Anyway, just an thought. Curious to know what you think?
May 24, 2012
I will refrain from giving a plot synopssis, since other reviewers have done so.
I enjoyed Hush Money and you will too if you like lawyer books with a good mystery and a witty main character. I don't normally read lawyer books and I did find that some of the legal lingo in book was a little hard to follow at times. I really enjoyed the main character's wit, which did a good job of not coming across as rude nor snobish.
The ending was a little abrupt and felt a little incomplete in tying up loose ends. I also think the author was trying too hard to spin the last few chapters into an unpredicatable ending, which added to the incomplete feeling to the ending.
Thank you to GoodReads First Reads for the chance to read this ARC (advanced readers copy) book.
I enjoyed Hush Money and you will too if you like lawyer books with a good mystery and a witty main character. I don't normally read lawyer books and I did find that some of the legal lingo in book was a little hard to follow at times. I really enjoyed the main character's wit, which did a good job of not coming across as rude nor snobish.
The ending was a little abrupt and felt a little incomplete in tying up loose ends. I also think the author was trying too hard to spin the last few chapters into an unpredicatable ending, which added to the incomplete feeling to the ending.
Thank you to GoodReads First Reads for the chance to read this ARC (advanced readers copy) book.
February 20, 2014
I really liked this book. When I was a young girl, we lived across from Bay Meadows race track in San Mateo, and we were frequently at the track. I especially liked the paddock, and got to know the horses and jockeys. This book brought a lot of those memories back for me.
This was a well written mystery, with a nicely placed plot, that seemed to go just about the same way the rider would lead the horse to the jumps, faster and faster until the final jump, when I held my breath as I read in anticipation. The characters were believable, and made me care about them, even the villain.
I'm sure the author will have more of this protagonist, and I'm looking forward to more of Jack's adventures.
This was a well written mystery, with a nicely placed plot, that seemed to go just about the same way the rider would lead the horse to the jumps, faster and faster until the final jump, when I held my breath as I read in anticipation. The characters were believable, and made me care about them, even the villain.
I'm sure the author will have more of this protagonist, and I'm looking forward to more of Jack's adventures.
June 8, 2012
Chuck Greaves' HUSH MONEY, was a great romp. The horse world, which I happen to love, but which others can find tedious, was exposed in an engaging way with rich characters and great settings in the barely disguised Flintridge Riding Club. The central character was complex and motivated with all the requisite components of a mystery handled with an expert hand (this despite HM being Greaves' first book). The combination of horses and mystery made this book "on my track" but there's so much that had nothing to do with the equine world, that if you're not the horsey type, there's lots for you to chew on as well!
April 10, 2013
Jack MacTaggart is a newly hired lawyer at a prestigious law firm in Pasadena. He is assigned to handle an insurance claim on the death of a horse, a show jumper insured for $2 million dollars. Funny book though I found it a bit over done, sort of a low tech wanna-be James Bond. Even though Jack is the new kid, everyone turns to him for answers. He knows nothing about horses but quickly becomes the expert and the go to guy in case of emergency. The villains are appropriately sinister to off set our smart talking super hero Jack. Still, an entertaining story narrated by Dan Butler.
April 4, 2012
Hush Money is a riveting story of an attorney who is sucked into a crazy equestrian world. I adore the love stroy underlying the mystery itself and it is a reletively easy read. While reading the book I went through the ups and downs with Jack and I felt as if I was watching through the fence. I was a little disappointed with the open ending. I hoped there would be a happily ever after but despite this Hush Money is intriguing and there is a nice balance of action and drama.
September 9, 2013
With the flavor of Mickey Spillane and the legal twists of Grisham or Turow, Chuck Greaves introduces Jack MacTaggert.
Jack is investigating the mysterious death of Hush Puppy - a champion show horse. Twists and turns abound including the death of another horse, blackmail and murder. Working frequently "on principle" Jack follows all the leads getting bruised and battered along the way.
The beginning is slow but it ends up being an enjoyable story.
Jack is investigating the mysterious death of Hush Puppy - a champion show horse. Twists and turns abound including the death of another horse, blackmail and murder. Working frequently "on principle" Jack follows all the leads getting bruised and battered along the way.
The beginning is slow but it ends up being an enjoyable story.
May 2, 2015
This is the first book in the Jack McTaggert mysteries,and the author's first book.
I loved the writing as well as the main character in lawyer Jack McTaggert.
Mr Greaves fleshed out his not only his flawed hero but everyone involved in the mystery. No one in the book the book is a one dimensional including McTaggert.
I liked this book so much that I'm now reading the 2nd one in the series,Green Eyed Lady.
Hush Money is well worth the time in reading it
I loved the writing as well as the main character in lawyer Jack McTaggert.
Mr Greaves fleshed out his not only his flawed hero but everyone involved in the mystery. No one in the book the book is a one dimensional including McTaggert.
I liked this book so much that I'm now reading the 2nd one in the series,Green Eyed Lady.
Hush Money is well worth the time in reading it
February 18, 2016
A fun romp through the legal system and the monied horsey-set of L.A.
The bad guys were fairly obvious, but the story was well-written and fast-paced. The writing is refreshing and fun to read. I would definitely give Chuck Greaves another go-round with his smart-ass attorney Jack MacTaggart. Unlike some authors (I'm looking at you, Deborah Coonts and Janet Evanovich), Greaves has not populated his novel with obnoxious, secondary characters.
The bad guys were fairly obvious, but the story was well-written and fast-paced. The writing is refreshing and fun to read. I would definitely give Chuck Greaves another go-round with his smart-ass attorney Jack MacTaggart. Unlike some authors (I'm looking at you, Deborah Coonts and Janet Evanovich), Greaves has not populated his novel with obnoxious, secondary characters.
May 4, 2012
I received this as a Goodreads giveaway.
I'm a fan of mysteries, and this one was good. I really liked Jack and his quick wit and smart ass comments. This kept me guessing, and I liked the ending. There were some parts that seemed improbable, but it was entertaining enough that I let it slide and just enjoyed the story.
I'm a fan of mysteries, and this one was good. I really liked Jack and his quick wit and smart ass comments. This kept me guessing, and I liked the ending. There were some parts that seemed improbable, but it was entertaining enough that I let it slide and just enjoyed the story.
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