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P.I. Frank Johnson Mysteries #3
The Blue Cheer
P.I. Frank Johnson has moved to Scarab, West Virginia, drawn by the promise of lazy days and the lure of its tranquil mountains. What he finds instead is a Stinger rocket exploding over his back yard.
His ensuing investigation uncovers a cult called the Blue Cheer, a racist group with ugly terrorist plans. As events heat up, blood starts to spill, and for Frank it all gets real personal real quick. With the help of his bounty hunter pal and old girlfriend, he sets out to bring the Blue Cheer to justice -any way he can.
His ensuing investigation uncovers a cult called the Blue Cheer, a racist group with ugly terrorist plans. As events heat up, blood starts to spill, and for Frank it all gets real personal real quick. With the help of his bounty hunter pal and old girlfriend, he sets out to bring the Blue Cheer to justice -any way he can.
224 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2013
144 people want to read
About the author
Ed Lynskey
68 books2,711 followersEd Lynskey is a crime fiction author who writes the P.I. Frank Johnson Mystery Series and the Isabel and Alma Trumbo Cozy Mystery Series. His short fiction has appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 6, 2015
This took me almost a week to read even though it's only about 200 pages. Lynskey has a voice that reminds me quite a bit of Daniel Woodrell's; sharp & precise yet tough to find the rhythm of at first. He uses neat turns of phrase that had me forever stumbling & stopping to go back over what I'd just read. I'd get to a line like, "Once her supply of golf balls was depleted, she'd scurry into the stand of persimmons & gather up her stock in a copper wok," and be so tickled I'd have to read it again. Or "Abe's was no five-diamond eatery, but under the forgiving streetlamps, it was a nice nook," would make me pause & think, wow, he did just say that. Very pretty. There's a wee bit too much to the story; I honestly could've done without the whole of the Frank's cousin breaking out of jail plot line (especially since ) but I liked this quite a bit.
October 22, 2019
PI Frank Johnson moved to Scarab West VA. to live in a nice little cabin in the mountains. Unfortunately, he sees a Stinger missile go off in the forest and from there, well the plot thickens and it's just pure excitement. This book was so intense, I couldn't put it down. I had to find out what was going to happen. I stayed up all night reading. It is well worth the time. Thank you Ed! Now I have to find your other books.
July 21, 2008
Frank Johnson left his home in Pelham, Virginia, for what he hoped would be the serenity of Scarab, West Virginia. A cabin in the woods; living a more naturally. What he finds instead is Stinger missiles, walking fish insignias and t-r-o-u-b-l-e.
When Jan Maddox, the wife of his only friend in West Virginia is found brutally murdered shortly after Johnson witnesses a Stinger missile being fired, he finds it's too much of a coincidence for the two events not to be related. He and Old Man Maddox set out to find the murderer.
Lynskey does a fabulous job with character development. Frank Johnson has so many layers to him, and every one is intriguing. While he comes off very likable, he has few friends. He's more of a loner, and he's a simple man. Bluegrass music is what he favors. He doesn't have the Internet or a television in his cabin home, and that suits him just fine. Life's made him a bit of a sceptic, and yet he is out to do good and help those who are important to him.
The plot contains a little extra fluff at times. There is a bit of a subplot dealing with Frank's cousin which doesn't really play into the main plot of the novel. It probably could have been eliminated without any negative overall effect. Frank is in a "backwoods Southern town" and the law enforcement is questionable at best, but definitely dead set AGAINST Frank.
The book moves quickly and seems to speed up the further in you read. While "who done it" isn't necessarily a mystery throughout, what's going to transpire is. There was an incident early on in the novel dealing with evidence from a crime scene. I remember thinking, "hey, that's not right." But later I saw the purpose Lynskey had in mind for it, and the "ah ha" moment came. Lynskey even leaves a bit of the plot unresolved - on purpose. It works, and it works well.
There were some areas where I thought the writing was a bit rough around the edges, but other sections more than made up for the rough patches; they really enabled me to "enter" the story, be a part of it.
Well worth the read!
When Jan Maddox, the wife of his only friend in West Virginia is found brutally murdered shortly after Johnson witnesses a Stinger missile being fired, he finds it's too much of a coincidence for the two events not to be related. He and Old Man Maddox set out to find the murderer.
Lynskey does a fabulous job with character development. Frank Johnson has so many layers to him, and every one is intriguing. While he comes off very likable, he has few friends. He's more of a loner, and he's a simple man. Bluegrass music is what he favors. He doesn't have the Internet or a television in his cabin home, and that suits him just fine. Life's made him a bit of a sceptic, and yet he is out to do good and help those who are important to him.
The plot contains a little extra fluff at times. There is a bit of a subplot dealing with Frank's cousin which doesn't really play into the main plot of the novel. It probably could have been eliminated without any negative overall effect. Frank is in a "backwoods Southern town" and the law enforcement is questionable at best, but definitely dead set AGAINST Frank.
The book moves quickly and seems to speed up the further in you read. While "who done it" isn't necessarily a mystery throughout, what's going to transpire is. There was an incident early on in the novel dealing with evidence from a crime scene. I remember thinking, "hey, that's not right." But later I saw the purpose Lynskey had in mind for it, and the "ah ha" moment came. Lynskey even leaves a bit of the plot unresolved - on purpose. It works, and it works well.
There were some areas where I thought the writing was a bit rough around the edges, but other sections more than made up for the rough patches; they really enabled me to "enter" the story, be a part of it.
Well worth the read!
December 22, 2011
This was the first of Ed. Lynskey's books I have had the chance to read, and I really liked it, to the point where I have now begun to read his latest offering, Ask the Dice. What drew me to The Blue Cheer, in the first instance, was the Appalachian setting and the promise that it carried at least a few sentences about bluegrass music. I wasn't disappointed.
Lynskey's black Irish Private Investigator Frank Johnson, suffering from burnout and depression, has been drawn to the relatively simple way of life near the small town of Scarab, in the hope that getting away from it all and chopping wood will help him to get back on track. But, contrary to his expectations, chaos erupts around him: a drone is blown out of the sky by a stinger missile, his best friends come under attack for racial reasons, the local law enforcement people are as crooked as the day is long, and people whom he thought fairly straightforward, and to be trusted, turn out to be nothing of the kind.
Frank Johnson has to call in reinforcements from his previous life. By the time he ships out of Scarab, the small town is littered with corpses, but he has survived to tell the tale. The Blue Cheer: P.I. Frank Johnson Mystery #3
Lynskey's black Irish Private Investigator Frank Johnson, suffering from burnout and depression, has been drawn to the relatively simple way of life near the small town of Scarab, in the hope that getting away from it all and chopping wood will help him to get back on track. But, contrary to his expectations, chaos erupts around him: a drone is blown out of the sky by a stinger missile, his best friends come under attack for racial reasons, the local law enforcement people are as crooked as the day is long, and people whom he thought fairly straightforward, and to be trusted, turn out to be nothing of the kind.
Frank Johnson has to call in reinforcements from his previous life. By the time he ships out of Scarab, the small town is littered with corpses, but he has survived to tell the tale. The Blue Cheer: P.I. Frank Johnson Mystery #3
December 15, 2008
All Frank Johnson wants is a little peace. But he won't find it in Scarab, the small Appalachian town where something terrifying is going on with a group calling themselves The Blue Cheer. When Frank sees some strange fireworks in the night and begins to investigate, the game is afoot. Frank's buddy "Old Man" Maddox lends a hand, and soon the bodies begin to drop.
Like any good detective Frank takes a few lumps along the way: he tangles with a corrupt lawman and gets treated to a tour of Scarab's court and correctional system, not to mention the occasional potshot directed his way. There is an undercurrent of morality here, a comment on racism and brotherhood, but Lynskey doesn't harp on it and doesn't need to. In fact, this turns out to be one of the surprises about the Blue Cheer.
The writing, like Frank himself, is a little rough around the edges, but with a sharpness that propels the story and pushes the reader ahead. It's a wild ride down a rutted mountain road in an old Plymouth with bad brakes -- but Frank Johnson is at the wheel, and it's hard not to like the man.
Like any good detective Frank takes a few lumps along the way: he tangles with a corrupt lawman and gets treated to a tour of Scarab's court and correctional system, not to mention the occasional potshot directed his way. There is an undercurrent of morality here, a comment on racism and brotherhood, but Lynskey doesn't harp on it and doesn't need to. In fact, this turns out to be one of the surprises about the Blue Cheer.
The writing, like Frank himself, is a little rough around the edges, but with a sharpness that propels the story and pushes the reader ahead. It's a wild ride down a rutted mountain road in an old Plymouth with bad brakes -- but Frank Johnson is at the wheel, and it's hard not to like the man.
March 30, 2009
The title, which comes from a sixties band, refers to a raciest cult that runs counter to most cults in that it’s militantly anti-religious. The Blue Cheer perpetrates hate crimes in the mountains of West Virginia, but Frank Johnson, a some time depressive, ex-master technician and recluse doesn’t know this when he moves there. Johnson doesn’t suffer fools gladly, especially a small town deputy who enjoys throwing around his weight. Johnson’s buddy (a black Vietnam Vet) and his wife become targets of the Blue Cheer and Johnson collides headlong with the corrupt law enforcers of the town. I started this book last month then began it again because it deserved more attention than I was giving it. There’s a lot of techno-guy stuff (which I admire but which doesn’t hold my attention) and a very engaging private investigator who does. Several intertwined stories keep the action fast and the adrenalin high.
March 27, 2009
This is the third book in the Frank Johnson series, but Ed Lynskey kept references to previous events in the other books to a minimum, so it can stand on its own. And stand it does! Written in the first person, the style is reminiscent of the 40's-60's tough guy private eyes like Mike Hammer and Shell Scott, although Frank lacks their cynicism and sardonic wit. Also missing are the beautiful ladies who are just waiting for the chance to fall into his arms. He's good in the rough and tumble, exudes a macho persona but underneath it all beats a heart like a marshmallow.
I'm currently looking for the other books in the series.
I'm currently looking for the other books in the series.
March 12, 2010
Thanks to interlibrary loan, I was able to get a copy of this book by my Goodreads friend, Ed Lynskey. I really liked it! His hero, Frank Johnson is a likable character, but I'm not sure that I would like to be around him since so much activity and violence occur. It is fine to participate vicariously though. Old Man Maddox is a great sidekick type and the West Virginia rednecks spawn some good bad guys. I thought that Ed had forgotten about Frank's convict cousin as I approached the ending, but he came thru with a conclusion there. I'll certainly see about getting some more of Ed's books to read.
April 22, 2010
Frank Johnson retired to West Virginia and was settling in for a tranquil life until a Stinger rocket took out a drone over his place. Frank went to investigate, but he had barely picked up the rocket casing when someone knocked him out and made off with it. Since the local police refused to believe his report, Frank decided to investigate on his own only to be drawn into the intrigue of a murderous local, racist cult that everybody seems to deny.
This is a fast moving story that is hard to put down. It's a quaranteed fun afternoon read.
This is a fast moving story that is hard to put down. It's a quaranteed fun afternoon read.
August 2, 2009
This was a quick read (all in one day) with well fleshed out, likable characters. I haven't read either of the two previous books in the series, but now I'm tempted. The story line wasn't my favorite-racist atheists who are responsible for a goodly portion of the action and a subplot involving his cousin, but I did like the main character.
February 27, 2010
fast- paced, interesting complex plot, intriguing main character, reminded me of "old time" detective stories, "just the facts, m'am" type. at the risk of appearing feminist, this seemed more of a "man's book," but i would read another. i do not want to visit wild and wonderful west virginia anytime soon!
March 10, 2010
Ed asked me to be a friend on Good Reads. So I checked this book out of the library for curiosity.
It was pretty good. I liked the topic and the characters. Though some of the descriptions got in the way, so I skimmed them. (I'm much more a story person than a detail person.)
So, now I've read a book by my new friend Ed Lynskey.
It was pretty good. I liked the topic and the characters. Though some of the descriptions got in the way, so I skimmed them. (I'm much more a story person than a detail person.)
So, now I've read a book by my new friend Ed Lynskey.
March 27, 2010
Good job, Ed! You have an eye for detail and I loved your descriptions and observations of nature. I think this book might appeal more to men than women. I've put in a request for another book of yours.
November 2, 2008
This detective novel focuses on a secret racist group with
terrorist plans...moves fast, has well-drawn characters.
terrorist plans...moves fast, has well-drawn characters.
October 20, 2009
Appalachian noir. Mountains of West Virginia. I think I'd read others, but I was expecting to like it more than I did.
October 30, 2010
Great plot, Ed! This is the first of your books that I've read. I'd like to see Frank develop further; he's an interesting guy.
January 19, 2010
When I first heard, some years ago, that Ed Lynskey had written a detective story involving illicit use of Stinger shoulder-fired antiaircraft missiles, I knew I'd have to read it. Like Lynskey, I have Stingers in my past (on the production end, that is -- never fired one and do hope never to be targeted by one). Because of that, the idea of someone using that weapon to take down civilian aircraft disturbs me doubly.
Turns out that Stingers are more or less incidental to the action here, which centers around the misadventures of Frank Johnson, Private Eye. Years and years ago I enjoyed watching "The Rockford Files" on tv. My wife and I used to turn it on and say, "Well, let's watch ole Rockford get beat up in his trailer again," since the poor guy seemed an unfailing magnet for abuse and trouble. Johnson doesn't live in a trailer, but aside from that his travails brought Rockford to mind so clearly I almost saw James Garner's face while reading.
The fact that I have to reach back to Rockford for a comparison should indicate how far outside my usual genres I am here. I probably don't know the accepted criteria for evaluation. But I can see that the best way to enjoy this is to follow the narrative and surrender to the often-masterful use of detail. For example, in the opening pages, Johnson is startled by a detonation in the night sky above his backwoods cabin. He finds his Coleman lantern. It "swished with plenty of gas when I picked it up. I pumped up its pressure, stuck in a lit barbeque match, and fired up its twin mantles. Hissing, they threw out compact hemispheres of light." From there he collects his .243 and his 9 mil handgun and ventures forth into the darkness, where something hostile awaits. Pretty good so far, huh?
Other reviewers note that some of the writing is rough around the edges, which is a fair criticism. Near the end, for example, I was stumped by the sentence "I thanked the salesman for his help." There is no conversation with a salesman, or with anyone, under way at that point in the narrative. Either the conversation was deleted from an early draft and this sentence remained, or perhaps it was inadvertently pasted in. I doubt there's a writer alive who does not contend with such land mines. The trick is just to clear 'em out before your work sees the light of day.
Turns out that Stingers are more or less incidental to the action here, which centers around the misadventures of Frank Johnson, Private Eye. Years and years ago I enjoyed watching "The Rockford Files" on tv. My wife and I used to turn it on and say, "Well, let's watch ole Rockford get beat up in his trailer again," since the poor guy seemed an unfailing magnet for abuse and trouble. Johnson doesn't live in a trailer, but aside from that his travails brought Rockford to mind so clearly I almost saw James Garner's face while reading.
The fact that I have to reach back to Rockford for a comparison should indicate how far outside my usual genres I am here. I probably don't know the accepted criteria for evaluation. But I can see that the best way to enjoy this is to follow the narrative and surrender to the often-masterful use of detail. For example, in the opening pages, Johnson is startled by a detonation in the night sky above his backwoods cabin. He finds his Coleman lantern. It "swished with plenty of gas when I picked it up. I pumped up its pressure, stuck in a lit barbeque match, and fired up its twin mantles. Hissing, they threw out compact hemispheres of light." From there he collects his .243 and his 9 mil handgun and ventures forth into the darkness, where something hostile awaits. Pretty good so far, huh?
Other reviewers note that some of the writing is rough around the edges, which is a fair criticism. Near the end, for example, I was stumped by the sentence "I thanked the salesman for his help." There is no conversation with a salesman, or with anyone, under way at that point in the narrative. Either the conversation was deleted from an early draft and this sentence remained, or perhaps it was inadvertently pasted in. I doubt there's a writer alive who does not contend with such land mines. The trick is just to clear 'em out before your work sees the light of day.
March 3, 2010
I agree with others - an old-style hardboiled detective novel. But with new twists - a Stinger missile; militia types; racist, anti-religion terrorists. Despite some irritating aspects, the main plot and Frank Johnson lured me into this book during a lull in availability of more current bestsellers at the library.
Initially I found the writing style very interesting, a surprising contrast to the personality of the main character. The tone of the prose was unexpected in a novel that otherwise appeared aimed at a “tough-guy” style: “The heavy white frost I crunched over had left shredded coconut icing all across my yard.” (p. 17) “An amber pall hung over its rooftops and steeples, trapped by the domino mountains, that threatened to cave in and crush everything below them. The sun burned, a garnet wafer in the overcast sky.” (p. 58) Having recently vacationed in the wider area of West Virginia in which the novel seems to be set, I appreciated descriptions of twisty mountain roads, craggy ridges, and mine-scarred terrain. But we also found beautiful mountain scenery and well-paved roads, as well as friendly people, somewhat overlooked in what became Frank's pessimistic view of the area.
I liked the basic plot and the manner in which Frank, assisted first by "Old Man" Maddox, then by his friend Gerald, went about investigating the crimes of the Blue Cheer group. I didn't like the way women were mentioned during the course of events, and I guess my feminist side is showing. Women above the age of 18, and in some places over 16, are no longer considered "girls" as they were identified in this novel. Thank goodness WVa State Police Lt. Mary Logan was at least accorded the respect she deserved and, although a non-dimensional character, was not called a "girl," nor was she looked at as an object.
As an overall rating I'd give this book 2.5 stars if I could. It earned 3 stars for plot and action, but only 2 for character development. Would I read another? Sure, to see how the author develops with experience.
January 24, 2016
My Shelfari friend, Ed Lynskey, has "country noir" down pat. This is his second "Frank Johnson" novel, the first of his books that I've read, and I must say that I'm impressed. I'm not as fanatic about detective stories, as I am about hard science fiction, but I'm certainly amenable. Frank Johnson compares very favorably, to Ellroy's "Lloyd Hopkins", or Estleman's "Amos Walker", if he's not just a little more down & dirty. When I think of hard-boiled detectives, it's usually in a crappy neighborhood of a big city. Ed puts his guy in some serious "country" country, in the hills of West, by God, Virginia. Great characters, high speed plot, and all in just over 200 pages. You may not find Ed's books in your local library(He's not in the database for either Dallas, or Plano, Texas-both of which are big libraries), but you can find him at Amazon(where I bought this), or Barnes & Noble. I will definitely have to check out his other stuff, and I would recommend that you do, as well.
May 20, 2009
Interesting plot, the action kept moving, colorful cast of characters with lots of potential.
This is the first Frank Johnson book I've read, so perhaps I missed something coming into the middle of the series, but I felt that a lot of the characters teetered on the edge of caricature rather than well fleshed out real people. The foul language was gratuitous and distracting. Also, the ending didn't seem to fit - the PI almost single-handedly pursues the people responsible for the murder of his best friend, his best friend's wife and the reverend despite numerous obstacles and threats to his life, but then walks away from the last person he knows was involved? Just doesn't make sense to me...
For more book reviews, visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
This is the first Frank Johnson book I've read, so perhaps I missed something coming into the middle of the series, but I felt that a lot of the characters teetered on the edge of caricature rather than well fleshed out real people. The foul language was gratuitous and distracting. Also, the ending didn't seem to fit - the PI almost single-handedly pursues the people responsible for the murder of his best friend, his best friend's wife and the reverend despite numerous obstacles and threats to his life, but then walks away from the last person he knows was involved? Just doesn't make sense to me...
For more book reviews, visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2013
This book started off very exciting - I was immediately hooked and devouring it.
Somewhere just before the middle section started, this enjoyment waned. This was partly due to a plot point (no spoilers) and a lot due to the storytelling just becoming very stretched out. The whole middle of the book could have been so much tighter - the plot didn't need all that room to breathe and the pace before the slowdown had been excellent and quick. Perhaps Lynskey was trying to make a certain page count?
Things picked back up, eventually, but my enjoyment never hit the same highs as before. The ending was satisfactory, but not a whole lot more than that.
A decent read, and better than a lot of books, but ultimately not as good a book as it promised to be in early chapters, and not as good as it should have been.
Somewhere just before the middle section started, this enjoyment waned. This was partly due to a plot point (no spoilers) and a lot due to the storytelling just becoming very stretched out. The whole middle of the book could have been so much tighter - the plot didn't need all that room to breathe and the pace before the slowdown had been excellent and quick. Perhaps Lynskey was trying to make a certain page count?
Things picked back up, eventually, but my enjoyment never hit the same highs as before. The ending was satisfactory, but not a whole lot more than that.
A decent read, and better than a lot of books, but ultimately not as good a book as it promised to be in early chapters, and not as good as it should have been.
August 18, 2009
This book is set in the West Virginia mountains amid the rugged terrain and unyielding weather. The Blue Cheer is a group of vicious men out for revenge. The group combines the Klan with terrorists against religion. The writing brings to mind CJ Box and Lisa Jackson's Chosen to Die. The friendship between Old Man and Frank is interesting. Emotion seems to be scanty in many of the scenes. This is a man's novel, and the women characters are very few, and undeveloped. Jan, Old Man's wife, is the first to die, but the reader never meets her. This novel is not my normal reading, but I enjoyed the journey.
July 1, 2010
I really wanted to like this more than I did but the characters and the story didn't pull me in. Came close but never really hooked me. Maybe it was because I broke my cardinal rule, "Begin a series at the beginning." But unfortunately this is the only book by Ed Lynskey in my regional library system. Maybe if I had read the first two installments I would relate better to Mr. Johnson. Maybe if the alcohol consumption wasn't such a competitor for the main character position. Maybe if I had read this during a different phase of the moon. Maybe it would be a good thing if I just hush now!
2 stars = "it was ok"
I didn't get excited about it but your mileage may vary.
2 stars = "it was ok"
I didn't get excited about it but your mileage may vary.
November 12, 2010
I really liked this book, though my library didn't have the first two books in the series, which I may try to find at the book store and read since I did feel like I missed some background information. I really like the hard bitten Frank Johnson. It was an easy read that I finished in two days (no small feat with three young children). Even though you know most of the bad guys from the start, there are two surprises in the end (at least for me) though I do wish he had kept Old Man around for another book or so, because I really liked that character. I will be interested to see where Frank ends up next, since W Virginia didn't work out so well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2014
Action-packed mystery that I had a bit of a problem following in places.
Interesting twists I didn't see coming. Had to do the occasional reading back a few pages to completely follow certain events.
Satisfying wrap-up that ties together the various mysteries as to who killed who and why.
Enjoyable read.
Especially nice to read knowledgeable comments regarding particular well-known to nigh-obscure Bluegrass music artists.
By the way- the copy I own is not the one that is pictured above.
November 11, 2010
A truly enjoyable mystery that grabs you right from the beginning. I loved the characters and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the Frank Johnson series and finding out what drove Frank to leave Pelham behind for this mountain "vacation".
December 13, 2012
I wanted to like this, but the writing is really sloppy. Lynsky is so intent on hitting the high points of his odd, lopsided plot that he has no time for character development or anything more than the most perfunctory gestures towards creating a believable setting.
April 1, 2010
It took me awhile to get into the "tone" of the book but on the whole I enjoyed it. I would definitely try another book by this author if my library had one.
November 3, 2010
Good, taut writing, good location, a really improbable plot twist at the end.
February 22, 2011
I had a hard time reading this book, and I am not sure why. I don't think I will read any others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews