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Reed Ferguson Mystery #1-3.5
A Reed Ferguson Omnibus
Now in a single volume - the first three humorous, film-noir-flavored Reed Ferguson mysteries, plus a Reed Ferguson short story...
THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN IN THE MOVIES
A wannabe private eye with a love of film noir and detective fiction.
A rich, attractive femme fatale.
A missing husband.
A rollicking ride to a dark and daring ending.
REEL ESTATE RIP-OFF
Lights! Camera! Reed!
A mysterious death.
A brother searching for the truth.
A devious ex-wife.
Real estate shenanigans.
More danger for Reed than a film noir plot.
THE MALTESE FELON
When an attractive female client begs Reed Ferguson to find her prize-winning Maltese show dog stolen from her back yard, Reed suspects he may be channeling Ace Ventura: Pet Detective rather than his hero, Humphrey Bogart. It sounds like a simple case, but things take a dangerous turn and Reed discovers that man's-best-friend can attract some decidedly unfriendly characters!
ELVIS AND THE SPORTS CARD CHEAT
Reed Ferguson returns in an outrageously fun short story!
Perry Rawlings, an Elvis impersonator, has his prize Mickey Mantle baseball card stolen. Who is the culprit? This tale will keep you guessing!
If you're a fan of great mysteries, don't miss this collection.
THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN IN THE MOVIES
A wannabe private eye with a love of film noir and detective fiction.
A rich, attractive femme fatale.
A missing husband.
A rollicking ride to a dark and daring ending.
REEL ESTATE RIP-OFF
Lights! Camera! Reed!
A mysterious death.
A brother searching for the truth.
A devious ex-wife.
Real estate shenanigans.
More danger for Reed than a film noir plot.
THE MALTESE FELON
When an attractive female client begs Reed Ferguson to find her prize-winning Maltese show dog stolen from her back yard, Reed suspects he may be channeling Ace Ventura: Pet Detective rather than his hero, Humphrey Bogart. It sounds like a simple case, but things take a dangerous turn and Reed discovers that man's-best-friend can attract some decidedly unfriendly characters!
ELVIS AND THE SPORTS CARD CHEAT
Reed Ferguson returns in an outrageously fun short story!
Perry Rawlings, an Elvis impersonator, has his prize Mickey Mantle baseball card stolen. Who is the culprit? This tale will keep you guessing!
If you're a fan of great mysteries, don't miss this collection.
513 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2012
2165 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
Renee Pawlish
113 books346 followersFrom the time she was ten and tried to write her own detective series in the fashion of the Hardy Boys, Renée Pawlish has been developing her craft. Along with creative writing classes, Renée studied great writers like Dashiell Hammett, Rex Stout, Stephen King, Sue Grafton and many more. Once Renée graduated from college, she began her first novel. Now, all these years later, she has penned numerous books in a variety of genres.
Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.
Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off
The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released
The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest
Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.
The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.
Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off
The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released
The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest
Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.
The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 26, 2015
Humphrey Bogart's acolyte Renee Pawlish pays homage to her guru through her protagonist (a Humphrey Bogart acolyte) Reed Ferguson, a rich lawyer who becomes a modern day detective. As they say about some wines, Renee's novels do not travel too well, i.e. they cannot be fully appreciated by people unfamiliar with Bogart's body of work, or the geography given with too much detail. But her works are still enjoyable, thanks to clever plotting and definite evolution of the protagonist, a sense of urgency, clever plotting, and deliciously twisted endings. Free from smut and bad language, not error-free or terror-free but still worth reading. All in all, Pawlish has polish!
September 12, 2023
Book 1: This Doesn't Happen In The Movies. OK, time to eat some crow. After reading the pre-release of Backstory, I had to re-read this first book in the Reed Ferguson series and I discovered that I was not fair in my review. The first third of the book moved somewhat slowly, but the author laid extensive groundwork for the characterizations that I enjoy in her later books. The movie genre references & tongue in cheek remarks that I didn't appreciate in this book are what I enjoy so much in subsequent reads. This is indeed a good read!
Reel Estate Rip-off. Renée Pawlish is a refreshing voice to the comic murder mystery genre. Pawlish's continuing development of her lead character, Reed Ferguson makes for an entertaining read as she feeds us movie trivia that both entertains & educates all while being interwoven in the story.
The Maltese Felon. Renée Pawlish just keeps getting better & better in the comic murder mystery genre. Pawlish's continuing development of her lead character, Reed Ferguson makes for an entertaining read as she feeds us movie trivia that both entertains & educates all while being interwoven in the story. This time she takes on the world of show dogs, educating & entertaining us, while further developing Reed's love life. I received a free Kindle copy of this book back in May of 2018 and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Reel Estate Rip-off. Renée Pawlish is a refreshing voice to the comic murder mystery genre. Pawlish's continuing development of her lead character, Reed Ferguson makes for an entertaining read as she feeds us movie trivia that both entertains & educates all while being interwoven in the story.
The Maltese Felon. Renée Pawlish just keeps getting better & better in the comic murder mystery genre. Pawlish's continuing development of her lead character, Reed Ferguson makes for an entertaining read as she feeds us movie trivia that both entertains & educates all while being interwoven in the story. This time she takes on the world of show dogs, educating & entertaining us, while further developing Reed's love life. I received a free Kindle copy of this book back in May of 2018 and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
August 21, 2025
Sometimes a little luck can turn into real skill
As you read these 3 books and one short story, you will find that Reed starts out with nothing much more than ambition and a little luck. The harder he tries to solve his first case the more danger he finds himself in. In books 2 and 3, you will begin to see a little skill developing mixed in with the danger. He better develop his skills if he wants to survive. He does accomplish this and manages to solve the crimes along the way. His little band of friends are enough to make anyone feel privileged to know them. The author has a real cast of characters that I would live to see on the "silver screen". A must read detective series for anyone that enjoys a Columbo style detective with the heart of Bogie.
As you read these 3 books and one short story, you will find that Reed starts out with nothing much more than ambition and a little luck. The harder he tries to solve his first case the more danger he finds himself in. In books 2 and 3, you will begin to see a little skill developing mixed in with the danger. He better develop his skills if he wants to survive. He does accomplish this and manages to solve the crimes along the way. His little band of friends are enough to make anyone feel privileged to know them. The author has a real cast of characters that I would live to see on the "silver screen". A must read detective series for anyone that enjoys a Columbo style detective with the heart of Bogie.
September 23, 2019
Enjoyed these small stories for what they were; also rather liked the tongue in cheek movie references sprinkled throughout. All stories of this nature try (sometimes too hard) to have a surprise twist ending. I have read enough of these to figure it out by about the second chapter! That's not to say, however, that I enjoyed my time spent any less. A good intro to the genre for those who may be new.
October 4, 2019
Interesting
A none assuming private investigator who lives in an apartment just below 2 odd "goofball" brothers and is extremely fond of his neighbour, Willi, Wilhemina, a buxom nurse gets himself into all sorts of difficult situations. He is a get 'Bogie 'fan and tries to follow his heroes detective practises. not as astutely needless to say. A highly humouris book guaranteed to entertain
A none assuming private investigator who lives in an apartment just below 2 odd "goofball" brothers and is extremely fond of his neighbour, Willi, Wilhemina, a buxom nurse gets himself into all sorts of difficult situations. He is a get 'Bogie 'fan and tries to follow his heroes detective practises. not as astutely needless to say. A highly humouris book guaranteed to entertain
October 23, 2019
Reed is an all around normal good guy wanting a career as a private detective. And he's getting there - its kind of a learn as you go thing. Join Mr. Ferguson as he practices the tricks of the trade with some spying, stake outs, humorous antics, a couple of goofy neighbors, a friend who doesnt like to leave his house, a quirky Mom, and lots of head and body injuries. Oh and there's a love interest, too. Great series!
December 31, 2019
Nice bunch of mysteries
If you are looking to read a light mystery book with a touch of humor, a splash of romance and without working too hard this is a great collection. The stories are fun and interesting without messing around with deep meanings and complicated social apologies for modern life that haunt so many of these books and destroys their value. I will go as far to say that I am very possibly going to read more of this delightful Author’s work.
If you are looking to read a light mystery book with a touch of humor, a splash of romance and without working too hard this is a great collection. The stories are fun and interesting without messing around with deep meanings and complicated social apologies for modern life that haunt so many of these books and destroys their value. I will go as far to say that I am very possibly going to read more of this delightful Author’s work.
May 21, 2021
Cute series
The main character is a somewhat bumbling new PI who, while endearing, manages to incur so many head injuries from falls and attacks it’s a wonder he doesn’t have a disabling traumatic brain injury. These are simple stories that I would almost classify as cozy mysteries. If a quick, sometimes amusing, read is what you’re looking for this series delivers. Not a great read, but ok.
The main character is a somewhat bumbling new PI who, while endearing, manages to incur so many head injuries from falls and attacks it’s a wonder he doesn’t have a disabling traumatic brain injury. These are simple stories that I would almost classify as cozy mysteries. If a quick, sometimes amusing, read is what you’re looking for this series delivers. Not a great read, but ok.
July 8, 2018
Fun, easy to enjoy, fast-paced and great when looking for a change of venue in my reading world. Not stuffy, just laid-back and not requiring too much reader involvement, like a cool breeze on a hot summer day. Loved that this was a presentation of books 1-3, because when I finished one, I usually wanted to just continue on with the nice place the author created. Looking for more of these.
September 26, 2019
Money, money, money
Good stories. Lots of action. Being fami
Liar with Denver area, directkions are good! Question? What happened w\glock? Spare keys and why did Reed wait until book 3 & short story to get paid. Reed needs cell fone store or buy by the dozen! Good read. I enjoyed the series. Look for Willie.🔯😇
Good stories. Lots of action. Being fami
Liar with Denver area, directkions are good! Question? What happened w\glock? Spare keys and why did Reed wait until book 3 & short story to get paid. Reed needs cell fone store or buy by the dozen! Good read. I enjoyed the series. Look for Willie.🔯😇
March 15, 2021
Easy to read as well as entertaining!
I read the first three books in the series and found them all easy to read, work more with humor and intrigue. I have reco.mended them to my daughter and sister who also love to read. I hated it when the hero was beaten with a board. But he recovers completely.
I read the first three books in the series and found them all easy to read, work more with humor and intrigue. I have reco.mended them to my daughter and sister who also love to read. I hated it when the hero was beaten with a board. But he recovers completely.
May 8, 2018
Witty with dry humour many twist in and turns. Old movie fans will enjoy
All references to Bogart and Baca!! . There are others mentioned in the books. Same characters in each book which is nice to see how they progress. Enjoyable read.
All references to Bogart and Baca!! . There are others mentioned in the books. Same characters in each book which is nice to see how they progress. Enjoyable read.
August 5, 2018
Fun!
Super easy reading with lively, believable characters. There is a touch of everything from humor to almost gory, funny to angry and heartbreaking. A little mystery, romance, and twists!
Super easy reading with lively, believable characters. There is a touch of everything from humor to almost gory, funny to angry and heartbreaking. A little mystery, romance, and twists!
December 15, 2018
Nice
This is not my kind of book. It is a nice story with a nice lead character and nice little plots. But I like something more edgier. There's nothing wrong with this book because I read the whole thing. It's not bad its just nice
This is not my kind of book. It is a nice story with a nice lead character and nice little plots. But I like something more edgier. There's nothing wrong with this book because I read the whole thing. It's not bad its just nice
April 29, 2019
Mystery with a dash of comrdy
Amateur detective trying to live up to Bogey's film image.
With his friends and neighbors he manages to solve a few cases and keep himself in business while collecting a few bruises along the way.
Amateur detective trying to live up to Bogey's film image.
With his friends and neighbors he manages to solve a few cases and keep himself in business while collecting a few bruises along the way.
September 16, 2019
Fun Reading!
The mysteries are unique! Deuce and Ace are personable characters that come alive in these stories as lovable. Reed as a novice investigator captures the reader's imaginstion.
The mysteries are unique! Deuce and Ace are personable characters that come alive in these stories as lovable. Reed as a novice investigator captures the reader's imaginstion.
September 19, 2019
Fun, easy flow read.
Great laugh out loud moments! Reed gets himself and friends into some hairy situations, but the way he gets out of them is even better! But wait till Mom calls!!
Great laugh out loud moments! Reed gets himself and friends into some hairy situations, but the way he gets out of them is even better! But wait till Mom calls!!
January 23, 2020
4 stars
Not bad writing. I did get tired of the ancient movie references. The language is not too foul and Ferguson solved his cases. Ace, Duce, Bob, and Cal are great support characters. Good reading if you like P.I. stories.
Not bad writing. I did get tired of the ancient movie references. The language is not too foul and Ferguson solved his cases. Ace, Duce, Bob, and Cal are great support characters. Good reading if you like P.I. stories.
January 29, 2020
Bogie?
Some cute tales about a private investigator/ movie buff who gets himself into so many bad spots. I don't know how his poor body is able to take all the beatings, head bumps, twisted ankles, etc. But he does manage to solve crime.
Some cute tales about a private investigator/ movie buff who gets himself into so many bad spots. I don't know how his poor body is able to take all the beatings, head bumps, twisted ankles, etc. But he does manage to solve crime.
April 14, 2020
Good reads
Quick reading stories. Investigator gets into scrapes. Has some helpers like the Goofball Brothers and his friend Cal who make the stories interesting. Also a love interest. Good reading for an afternoon
Quick reading stories. Investigator gets into scrapes. Has some helpers like the Goofball Brothers and his friend Cal who make the stories interesting. Also a love interest. Good reading for an afternoon
May 6, 2020
This is a good read if you want something without violence but a decent story. I am enjoying the series at the moment because there is enough stress with the virus without reading anything too heavy. I like the characters and the writing style. There is mystery, romance with some humour.
June 26, 2020
Fun read, unexpected twists.
Found this set of stories to be a fun read, never really a serious “detective or crime solving” set. His nativity is a bit unsettling at times. Having said that, I still found it an enjoyable read.
Found this set of stories to be a fun read, never really a serious “detective or crime solving” set. His nativity is a bit unsettling at times. Having said that, I still found it an enjoyable read.
September 25, 2020
This is a fun introduction into Renee Pawlish's Denver set PI. Or should we say trainee PI, who is learning on the job. Full of great film noir references, good humour and introducing regular and likeable characters, this is a light and entertaining read.
March 25, 2022
A fun series !
Reed is a very different main character. His cases are unique but not cozies. It is breath of fresh air . There is a short story at the end which is fun too. I have not read any books from this writer, but I would. I hope you enjoy these stories too !!!
Reed is a very different main character. His cases are unique but not cozies. It is breath of fresh air . There is a short story at the end which is fun too. I have not read any books from this writer, but I would. I hope you enjoy these stories too !!!
March 28, 2022
Good stories, but need editing
The story ideas are good. The detective keeps doing stupid things, it seems the author is trying to make the story longer. Too many typos and grammatical errors
The story ideas are good. The detective keeps doing stupid things, it seems the author is trying to make the story longer. Too many typos and grammatical errors
November 15, 2023
Comfy
Enjoy Reed Ferguson series. Entertaining, and suspenseful. Would recommend to anyone wanting a comfy, rainy day read. Nice as a set to read from one case to the next, while getting to know each of the characters.
Enjoy Reed Ferguson series. Entertaining, and suspenseful. Would recommend to anyone wanting a comfy, rainy day read. Nice as a set to read from one case to the next, while getting to know each of the characters.
February 20, 2018
Chatty and Lightheartede
The private investigator is involved in a series of plots, locations, and serious variety of danger, but he gets to the bottom of his cases.
The private investigator is involved in a series of plots, locations, and serious variety of danger, but he gets to the bottom of his cases.
May 8, 2018
Enjoyed
Fun and easy to read. Likeable characters. Great descriptions of scenery. Enjoyed all the books I read. Looking forward to more.
Fun and easy to read. Likeable characters. Great descriptions of scenery. Enjoyed all the books I read. Looking forward to more.
August 19, 2018
One of the few books that I enjoyed completely.
October 18, 2018
Simple but very entertaining and fun to read stories. Good to read in between more serious books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews