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Can Be Murder #1
Headaches Can Be Murder
Serendipity leads Chip Collingsworth into mystery writing and to the small community of Turners Bend, Iowa, where he intertwines his new life and local events into Brain Freeze, his second novel with hero and alter ego Dr. John Goodman and FBI Agent Jo Schwann. Two crimes are solved and two romances emerge. A thriller with a humorous, homespun twist, but definitely not a cozy.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
19 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 6, 2020
While I enjoyed (both) the stories, it felt a little bit like the author didn't have enough material for a full novel so padded it out by including the book within a book. However, as I progressed through, I found that it was interesting to see how Chip's "real life" was showing up in his writing. I would try another book in this series.
December 15, 2017
Enjoyable read, two stories for the price of one. I felt that the main story was not as strong as the "novel," with a nonchalant approach to very serious threats. Not as believable as I would have liked.
March 30, 2018
This is written as a book in a book. The main character is an author and his novel is contained in this novel. It was enjoyable, quick reading.
May 10, 2021
Really enjoyed this book! Especially the fact it was based in Boone county Iowa where I grew up
November 16, 2015
Charles “Chip” E. Collingsworth III was supposed to become a neurosurgeon like his father and grandfather before him, but wasn’t suited to being a doctor, so dropped out of medical school. Three failed marriages later and with his trust fund depleted, Chip wrote a crime novel about famed neurosurgeon John Goodman investigating “the Cranium Killer” with the FBI, and casting two of his ex-wives as victims. To his surprise, he found an agent willing to represent the manuscript, and it turned into a best-seller.
On a cross-country trip, Chip stumbled across an abandoned farmhouse in Turners Bend, Iowa, and decided that this would be a good place to write his second book in. Except that he’s run out of ex-wives he wants to murder (his first wife was much nicer) and that means he’s out of ideas. Until one day he falls off a shed, and the ensuing bump on his head gives him a painful inspiration for a possible plotline. As his real life and novel intertwine, can Chip survive long enough to finish the manuscript?
The gimmick in this book, the first in the Chip Collingsworth series, is that there are two stories unfolding simultaneously. Chip lives his life in rural Iowa, and as things happen around him, he incorporates versions of them into Dr, Goodman’s quest to find out whether microchips inserted into people’s brains are turning them into killers. Chip meets an attractive veterinarian, and Dr. Goodman meets an attractive FBI agent. Chip adopts a golden retriever, and Dr. Goodman does as well. Not all the things happening in Turners Bend are so benign, however, and Chip winds up doing some investigating himself.
One thing that amused me was Chip constantly being given suggestions on what kind of characters should be in his next book, which just happened to match the persons who suggest them.
The twin narrative approach is fun, but means that each story gets less character development. I noticed quite a few spellchecker typos, which would be acceptable in the “fictional” chapters as Chip writes his drafts, but not so much in the “real world” ones.
There are a couple of sex scenes, and a bit of torture in the Goodman section.
Recommended for those wanting to read mysteries with an Iowa connection.
On a cross-country trip, Chip stumbled across an abandoned farmhouse in Turners Bend, Iowa, and decided that this would be a good place to write his second book in. Except that he’s run out of ex-wives he wants to murder (his first wife was much nicer) and that means he’s out of ideas. Until one day he falls off a shed, and the ensuing bump on his head gives him a painful inspiration for a possible plotline. As his real life and novel intertwine, can Chip survive long enough to finish the manuscript?
The gimmick in this book, the first in the Chip Collingsworth series, is that there are two stories unfolding simultaneously. Chip lives his life in rural Iowa, and as things happen around him, he incorporates versions of them into Dr, Goodman’s quest to find out whether microchips inserted into people’s brains are turning them into killers. Chip meets an attractive veterinarian, and Dr. Goodman meets an attractive FBI agent. Chip adopts a golden retriever, and Dr. Goodman does as well. Not all the things happening in Turners Bend are so benign, however, and Chip winds up doing some investigating himself.
One thing that amused me was Chip constantly being given suggestions on what kind of characters should be in his next book, which just happened to match the persons who suggest them.
The twin narrative approach is fun, but means that each story gets less character development. I noticed quite a few spellchecker typos, which would be acceptable in the “fictional” chapters as Chip writes his drafts, but not so much in the “real world” ones.
There are a couple of sex scenes, and a bit of torture in the Goodman section.
Recommended for those wanting to read mysteries with an Iowa connection.
February 7, 2013
I enjoyed the technique of a story within a story. The hero of the main plot is a writer who isolated himself on an Iowa farm to escape from his old life. Although he intended to be a hermit, he finds himself getting involved with the folks in the small farming town and enjoying being part of the community. Events in his life find their way into his book, and the reader follows the mystery in the author's life and the mystery in the author's story. The chapters don't alternate--sometimes there are two chapters in Turners Bend with Chip and his new friends then one chapter from Chip's novel. But the clear heading and different fonts make it easy to recognize what mystery you're in at any given time.
August 4, 2013
Interesting storyline pattern with chapters alternating between the real-life mystery involving the main character, a newly successful author relocated to a small town, and the chapters of the new book he is writing.
The novelty of this did fade a bit and tended to be a bit confusing at times, though it worked reasonably well for me, different enough to keep my interest.
One thing I hope does not continue in future books. Authors who have one of the main characters a veterinarian need a vet or an experienced vet tech read the manuscript for errors. Much of the information was accurate, but there were a few real *clangers* that were noticeable enough to bump me out of the storyline.
The novelty of this did fade a bit and tended to be a bit confusing at times, though it worked reasonably well for me, different enough to keep my interest.
One thing I hope does not continue in future books. Authors who have one of the main characters a veterinarian need a vet or an experienced vet tech read the manuscript for errors. Much of the information was accurate, but there were a few real *clangers* that were noticeable enough to bump me out of the storyline.
December 22, 2012
i'm glad this was free on kindle so that i didn't buy it.
i realize that mystery series by definition sort of follow the same general outline, and that this one was meant to set up any future books. however, i didn't think the double mystery plotline was well executed at all. instead of being drawn into both, i found myself not caring too much about either one. this could have been two okay books, instead of one competing plots. and the ending was so obviously left open in both mysteries. meh.
i realize that mystery series by definition sort of follow the same general outline, and that this one was meant to set up any future books. however, i didn't think the double mystery plotline was well executed at all. instead of being drawn into both, i found myself not caring too much about either one. this could have been two okay books, instead of one competing plots. and the ending was so obviously left open in both mysteries. meh.
May 19, 2013
We read this for book club, and we had the pleasure of meeting the two authors. They are delightful, unassuming, and fun. I often wonder about authors... whether I would enjoy them personally. It's nice to know these two. And it was illuminating to talk about their process for writing, for getting published, and for publicizing.
The book is a fast-moving read, perfect for vacation or a rainy day. The characters were engaging, and the story was believable. A really nice first effort. I'm looking forward to their next book.
The book is a fast-moving read, perfect for vacation or a rainy day. The characters were engaging, and the story was believable. A really nice first effort. I'm looking forward to their next book.
March 21, 2016
"Broke and aimless after three divorces, Chip Collingsworth wrote a crime novel as cathartic therapy. It became a success. Now they want book two. Buckling under the pressure, he escapes to Iowa to write Brain Freeze, a thriller set on the North Shore of Minnesota. What will happen when his real life starts to read like his crime fiction?"
I enjoyed this book for its insights into the writing process. I look forward to meeting the authors at my book club later this month.
I enjoyed this book for its insights into the writing process. I look forward to meeting the authors at my book club later this month.
October 23, 2012
Marilyn Rausch and Mary Donlon have written a wonderful mystery inside a mystery. I loved the parallel stories and seeing characters from completely different worlds interact. The authors do a great job developing their characters and keep the story moving. Excellent job! Can’t wait to read the next one.
December 22, 2012
Very interesting book - the writing is light and funny, but the subject can be serious and frightening.
Chip, a three-times divorcee, down-on-his luck writer, comes to a unknown town in Iowa to try and break his writer´s block. What he finds there is completly unexpected - friends, love and a sense of belonging. There is story within a story, so you get two mysteries for the price of one.
Chip, a three-times divorcee, down-on-his luck writer, comes to a unknown town in Iowa to try and break his writer´s block. What he finds there is completly unexpected - friends, love and a sense of belonging. There is story within a story, so you get two mysteries for the price of one.
January 9, 2013
I'm just getting into reading digital books. this was the 4th one for me. I am really disappointed in the multiple typos I have had to wade through. this book wasn't as bad as the others, but still had plenty.
As for the story, it was engaging and interesting, albeit a bit confusing with the dual plotlines. I'm glad I read this book for free.
As for the story, it was engaging and interesting, albeit a bit confusing with the dual plotlines. I'm glad I read this book for free.
December 26, 2012
just so-so.didn't make me want to read additional books by this author. The editing was good tho. i even fell asleep trying to finish this! Didn't particularly care for the 2 similar stories in one, but they were pretty easy to keep straight.
January 11, 2013
Ripping good yarn. Not too deep. Fluffy mind candy. A rainy Sunday kind of book
Could get a slight migraine from the whiplash between two worlds, especially when the rhythm is broken (two chapters in TB. Wait, what?).
Could get a slight migraine from the whiplash between two worlds, especially when the rhythm is broken (two chapters in TB. Wait, what?).
March 14, 2014
This book is so cool. There is a book being written inside of this book, so it is like getting two books in one! It sounds confusing, but it isn't, and it breaks up the story in logical places that keeps the book fun to read. Plus a book about headaches, of course I want to read it!
March 2, 2015
I bought this book on a whim when I happened on an author(s) event at the local mystery bookstore. It was a fun cold-weekend read and I liked the dual story format. Lots of local references for us Midwesterners to enjoy
December 27, 2012
Good book, like getting two books for price of one, but made the beginning a little confusing. Too many typos for my taste. But would read another book from these authors.
January 29, 2013
Very good first mystery. I very much enjoyed the authors managed the novel within a novel - wasn't sure which mystery I was more taken with!
April 25, 2013
3.5 stars. The interspersal of of story with writer's draft was interesting, but somewhat distracting with the constant switches.
August 8, 2013
Enjoyable but at times a little confusing with the switch to fiction and real life
June 26, 2014
enjoyed the unique style of this book. a book within a book, genius. both plots were good too.
January 27, 2016
Total Action and A Great Murder Mystery
Holds your attention
WAnting more reading time to see what's happening next
Can't wait to read the next book
Well written
Holds your attention
WAnting more reading time to see what's happening next
Can't wait to read the next book
Well written
December 24, 2012
Entertaining and well written. If you want an escape, this is the book.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews