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McRyan Mystery #0.5
First Case: Murder Alley
Award winning author, Roger Stelljes, delivers a mystery NOVELLA (12 chapters/25,280 words) that is the prequel to the McRyan Mystery Series.
First Case provides an introduction and backstory to the lead character, "Mac" McRyan and his fellow detectives. Stelljes' knack for GRITTY and REAL DIALOGUE (slang/jargon/behind the scenes dialog), as well as his uncanny sense of place and time, will put you in the middle of the action allowing you to feel the desperation of Mac McRyan and his fellow detectives.
First Case provides an introduction and backstory to the lead character, "Mac" McRyan and his fellow detectives. Stelljes' knack for GRITTY and REAL DIALOGUE (slang/jargon/behind the scenes dialog), as well as his uncanny sense of place and time, will put you in the middle of the action allowing you to feel the desperation of Mac McRyan and his fellow detectives.
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2012
1968 people are currently reading
1190 people want to read
About the author
Roger Stelljes
42 books746 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the McRyan Mystery Series and the Tori Hunter - Manchester Bay Mystery Series. The two crime series with over 3+ million downloads and 200,000+ reviews and ratings. Get the heart-stopping, action-packed thrillers that fans of John Sandford, Lee Child, Michael Connelly, James Patterson and Karin Slaughter will be hooked on by one of the best new authors in crime fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
November 6, 2023
It’s What He is Born to Do.
After being a police officer for four years, Mac McRyan becomes a homicide detective. On his first case he must solve the murder of a young lawyer.
The evidence doesn’t appear to be looking good, there appears to be some dirty doings going on. Mac is going to have to put out his best foot forward if he’s going to solve this murder mystery.
Highly recommended.
Five fantastic stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After being a police officer for four years, Mac McRyan becomes a homicide detective. On his first case he must solve the murder of a young lawyer.
The evidence doesn’t appear to be looking good, there appears to be some dirty doings going on. Mac is going to have to put out his best foot forward if he’s going to solve this murder mystery.
Highly recommended.
Five fantastic stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 3, 2018
This prequel to the McRyan Mystery Series has been sitting on my kindle for forever. I originally bought it as I lived in St. Paul for a couple of years during my medical school days, and I love to read books set in a familiar area. This is a pretty darn good story, especially considering it is a novella.
Michael McKenzie (Mac) McRyan is a 30ish-year-old attorney turned copper who is embarking on his first case as a detective--a fresh murder of an up and coming attorney. He is paired with veteran detective Richard Lich (“Dick Lick”). Dick wants to see if the kid has talent, so he hands over the reins and lets Mac lead the case.
Mac is smart and extremely hard-working. We go through his thought processes as he ultimately solves the case. I loved learning about mind-mapping, Mac’s way of pulling clues together.
Mr. Stelljes introduces us to Mac’s personal life, including a pretty significant domestic crisis in this little tale. I suspect we will see considerable interaction with his extended family, which is full of cops, in future books.
The ending was a nice twist. I thought I had it worked out, but I didn’t. Yay!
I certainly liked this introduction enough to continue on with the Mac McRyan series. He is an easy guy to root for, and I really like Mr. Stelljes’ style.
Michael McKenzie (Mac) McRyan is a 30ish-year-old attorney turned copper who is embarking on his first case as a detective--a fresh murder of an up and coming attorney. He is paired with veteran detective Richard Lich (“Dick Lick”). Dick wants to see if the kid has talent, so he hands over the reins and lets Mac lead the case.
Mac is smart and extremely hard-working. We go through his thought processes as he ultimately solves the case. I loved learning about mind-mapping, Mac’s way of pulling clues together.
Mr. Stelljes introduces us to Mac’s personal life, including a pretty significant domestic crisis in this little tale. I suspect we will see considerable interaction with his extended family, which is full of cops, in future books.
The ending was a nice twist. I thought I had it worked out, but I didn’t. Yay!
I certainly liked this introduction enough to continue on with the Mac McRyan series. He is an easy guy to root for, and I really like Mr. Stelljes’ style.
December 6, 2018
This is a fairly short thriller (less than 100 pages) that won’t take you very long to read, but it’s pretty good and sets the stage as the opener for longer books in a series. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
November 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this prequel to the McRyan series ~ it's well-crafted and kept my attention. I think Mac is a good character and I liked getting his full background. It will be interesting to see where his career as a detective takes him. I'm glad to see there are several more books in the series and I look forward to reading them!
January 7, 2025
First Case by Roger Stelljes was recommended by a friend to read, and I am very pleased that I did. First Case introduces a new detective called Michael Mckenzie McRyan (Mac) who teams up with veteran cop Dick Lick to investigate the murder of Gordon Oliver. Readers of First Case will follow the twist and turns of the investigation intertwine with Detective Michael Mckenzie McRyan personally life. Also, the readers of First Case will laugh and be impressed with the ending.
At first I though First Case, was about a mafia family due to the reference of "family business". However, this was not the case, "family business" refers to law enforcement family. I am impressed with the way Roger Stelljes portrays his characters.
Readers of First Case will learn about how to be it feels to be a new detective and how to win over your work colleagues. Also, readers will learn that you can not keep a secret in the workplace, you are always eventually found out.
I recommend this book.
At first I though First Case, was about a mafia family due to the reference of "family business". However, this was not the case, "family business" refers to law enforcement family. I am impressed with the way Roger Stelljes portrays his characters.
Readers of First Case will learn about how to be it feels to be a new detective and how to win over your work colleagues. Also, readers will learn that you can not keep a secret in the workplace, you are always eventually found out.
I recommend this book.
April 12, 2015
3.5 Stars!!!
I am one of those readers who can't start a series at the second or third book. I have to read them in order if I know previous books in the series exist. First Case was written after the first book in the McRyan mystery series but I hadn't discovered the author yet, so I started with the first short story.
What I liked: Since I had no expectations and short stories are well, short; I really enjoyed the background on the protaganist, Michael McRyan (known as "Mac"). I had never read any books by Mr. Stelljes and First Case gave me a sampling to see if I should continue.
All of this came about because the third book in the series came to my attention as a free Kindle deal, before I rush in to obtain a free book, I now do my homework. I went crazy with free offerings when I first received my Kindle and was very disappointed in some of my book deals. Now, I research before I click the "get it free" button.
Mac is written as a very idealistic character but extremely savvy. (He also has a law degree, which the book explains why he's not a lawyer. He's extremely smart and picks up on the slightest clues. The thing I enjoyed most was the characters thought process and sense of fairness. In addition, Mac is a bulldog when he gets the bit between his teeth.
I also really enjoyed the secondary characters, Mac's partner, Richard Lich (Dick Lick) and the Police captain and commissioner are solidly behind their cops.
What I didn't like: It's hard to find something in such a short book not to like especially if the author is halfway decent writer. So, yeah, I just enjoyed the book.
I'm extremely glad I read First Case before starting the series as the background on Mac and his thought process is critical to the series.
Recommended - start with this one before the first full length novel, The St Paul Conspiracy.
I am one of those readers who can't start a series at the second or third book. I have to read them in order if I know previous books in the series exist. First Case was written after the first book in the McRyan mystery series but I hadn't discovered the author yet, so I started with the first short story.
What I liked: Since I had no expectations and short stories are well, short; I really enjoyed the background on the protaganist, Michael McRyan (known as "Mac"). I had never read any books by Mr. Stelljes and First Case gave me a sampling to see if I should continue.
All of this came about because the third book in the series came to my attention as a free Kindle deal, before I rush in to obtain a free book, I now do my homework. I went crazy with free offerings when I first received my Kindle and was very disappointed in some of my book deals. Now, I research before I click the "get it free" button.
Mac is written as a very idealistic character but extremely savvy. (He also has a law degree, which the book explains why he's not a lawyer. He's extremely smart and picks up on the slightest clues. The thing I enjoyed most was the characters thought process and sense of fairness. In addition, Mac is a bulldog when he gets the bit between his teeth.
I also really enjoyed the secondary characters, Mac's partner, Richard Lich (Dick Lick) and the Police captain and commissioner are solidly behind their cops.
What I didn't like: It's hard to find something in such a short book not to like especially if the author is halfway decent writer. So, yeah, I just enjoyed the book.
I'm extremely glad I read First Case before starting the series as the background on Mac and his thought process is critical to the series.
Recommended - start with this one before the first full length novel, The St Paul Conspiracy.
January 20, 2023
Mac is THE MAN
Knowing myself I’d have thrown a fit after finding out that my partner is checking, I’d have cried myself to sleep and not even have the energy to work but Mac kept his head
As for his detective work he is good and this was so realistic, I wholly enjoyed everything
The author did a great job of introducing key players in this first book and there isn’t too much traffic when in comes to characters, nothing confusing and all key players are easy to spot. This is my first time coming across the author’s work and I’m impressed with the writing style, the book is straight to the point and there isn’t unnecessary inclusion of things just to make the book longer or over embellish the mystery/crime and the detectives skills. I loved it
Knowing myself I’d have thrown a fit after finding out that my partner is checking, I’d have cried myself to sleep and not even have the energy to work but Mac kept his head
As for his detective work he is good and this was so realistic, I wholly enjoyed everything
The author did a great job of introducing key players in this first book and there isn’t too much traffic when in comes to characters, nothing confusing and all key players are easy to spot. This is my first time coming across the author’s work and I’m impressed with the writing style, the book is straight to the point and there isn’t unnecessary inclusion of things just to make the book longer or over embellish the mystery/crime and the detectives skills. I loved it
July 20, 2015
Michael McKenzie “Mac” McRyan had it all. A former University of Minnesota Gopher hockey player, he was a good-looking law school graduate married to a beautiful lawyer. They had money, a big house, and an auspicious future. Then two of his cousins, police officers in a long line of McRyan cops, were killed in the line of duty, and Mac gave up his promising legal career to follow in his late father’s footsteps and become a homicide detective.
First Case is a prequel novella to Roger Stelljes’ McRyan Mystery Series. I first hit upon this author when I noted that he is a Minnesotan, and I am always interested in local writers. I don’t find his writing as stimulating or compelling as a couple of my other favorite Minnesota authors, I think his storytelling is solid, his characters convincing, and his plots entertaining. First Case is Mac’s initiation into homicide investigation after four years as a street cop. Is it realistic that he is given full reign on his first case and that his instincts are dead on? Maybe, maybe not. He is definitely given the benefit of the doubt because of his genealogy. His dad was practically a saint in the department.
When a hard-working, hard-playing lawyer is found dead in the alley behind a bar, Mac and his partner start asking questions. Is the killer someone related to his law cases, or is he an angry husband or boyfriend? Stelljes kept me guessing as Mac went back and forth, examining all angles.
There are some personal issues in this book as well. I was somewhat surprised by the level of emotion – I would have expected more, considering the circumstances. But First Case is primarily a police procedural, and the writing is straightforward with a well-constructed plot. The solution was unexpected, if a bit unrealistic. I give the author points for creativity, however.
If you’re looking for a quick read on a Sunday afternoon, pick up First Case. Mac McRyan is worth getting to know.
3-1/2 stars
First Case is a prequel novella to Roger Stelljes’ McRyan Mystery Series. I first hit upon this author when I noted that he is a Minnesotan, and I am always interested in local writers. I don’t find his writing as stimulating or compelling as a couple of my other favorite Minnesota authors, I think his storytelling is solid, his characters convincing, and his plots entertaining. First Case is Mac’s initiation into homicide investigation after four years as a street cop. Is it realistic that he is given full reign on his first case and that his instincts are dead on? Maybe, maybe not. He is definitely given the benefit of the doubt because of his genealogy. His dad was practically a saint in the department.
When a hard-working, hard-playing lawyer is found dead in the alley behind a bar, Mac and his partner start asking questions. Is the killer someone related to his law cases, or is he an angry husband or boyfriend? Stelljes kept me guessing as Mac went back and forth, examining all angles.
There are some personal issues in this book as well. I was somewhat surprised by the level of emotion – I would have expected more, considering the circumstances. But First Case is primarily a police procedural, and the writing is straightforward with a well-constructed plot. The solution was unexpected, if a bit unrealistic. I give the author points for creativity, however.
If you’re looking for a quick read on a Sunday afternoon, pick up First Case. Mac McRyan is worth getting to know.
3-1/2 stars
October 6, 2022
A novella as a prequel sets the stage for a riveting series with Michael McKenzie "Mac" McRyan. Michael is from a long line of police officers with the St. Paul Police Department in Minnesota. He planned a different professional life as an attorney until his loss of two (2) cousins changed his outlook. "First Case: Murder Alley" is quite an appropriate title as we learn that after Mac's four (4) years as a cop, he now views the crime scene in an alley behind a local bar as his 1st case as a homicide detective. As we've learned Mac's background, it becomes even more interesting that the murder victim is a trial lawyer at a high-profile law firm that Mac once interviewed at after law school.
The twists and turns in the murder investigation make this an engaging, page-turning read that I would have stayed up to finish reading regardless of the chapter and/or page count. As the author is an attorney by day and an author by night, there is an authenticity that can't be ignored.
A policeman or policewoman's life of service has never been easy. Still, it seems even more difficult with each passing year for the officer and their families. Too often, the news media only shares the stories of corruption or police brutality; sadly, there is more public derision than benevolence. This novella reminds us of their humanity, commitment, and diligence in seeking justice, particularly for those that no longer have a voice and their families and friends who will never forget.
I look forward to continuing to read this series.
The twists and turns in the murder investigation make this an engaging, page-turning read that I would have stayed up to finish reading regardless of the chapter and/or page count. As the author is an attorney by day and an author by night, there is an authenticity that can't be ignored.
A policeman or policewoman's life of service has never been easy. Still, it seems even more difficult with each passing year for the officer and their families. Too often, the news media only shares the stories of corruption or police brutality; sadly, there is more public derision than benevolence. This novella reminds us of their humanity, commitment, and diligence in seeking justice, particularly for those that no longer have a voice and their families and friends who will never forget.
I look forward to continuing to read this series.
August 30, 2023
Author recommended by a fellow camera club member so I started with the first. Short but sweet. Hero is a guy who gives up his job as an attorney to become a cop, continuing the family tradition. Problem? His status seeking wife thinks that is beneath her. So, trouble on the home front while trying to solve the murder of, what else, an attorney. Interesting, twisty plot and well written. Fun to return to the Twin Cities area that I used to visit for work back in the late 70's and author does a good job of capturing the milieu.
Guess I will need to check out the second of the nine in the series.
Guess I will need to check out the second of the nine in the series.
March 30, 2012
This novella introduces us to Michael "Mac" Mckenzie McRyan.
The story was just enough to hook the reader. All of the McRyan's are in Law Enforcement except Mac. He was a lawyer who was married to a lawyer. They seemed to have a perfect life until two McRyan cousins are killed in the line of duty. . .
The story was just enough to hook the reader. All of the McRyan's are in Law Enforcement except Mac. He was a lawyer who was married to a lawyer. They seemed to have a perfect life until two McRyan cousins are killed in the line of duty. . .
January 9, 2016
Short read. Fast paced & unputdownable!
June 8, 2016
Thank goodness it's over!
Reading this book was so hard, I can honestly say I only persevered out of sheer stubbornness. The writing is awful, not only because it's all tell and very little show, but also due to the endless repetitions and the going around in circles,seemingly with the sole purpose of pointlessly filling pages. The dialogue is forced and stilted and as natural as a blue banana. And really, the whole thing reads like the first effort of a very inexperienced amateur, which for all I know, it might well be. I only hope the writing gets better in subsequent books, since I downloaded the first three of the series at the same time to read on a holiday. It's taken me over a month to finish the first, and I don't think I'll be rushing to start the second just yet.
Reading this book was so hard, I can honestly say I only persevered out of sheer stubbornness. The writing is awful, not only because it's all tell and very little show, but also due to the endless repetitions and the going around in circles,seemingly with the sole purpose of pointlessly filling pages. The dialogue is forced and stilted and as natural as a blue banana. And really, the whole thing reads like the first effort of a very inexperienced amateur, which for all I know, it might well be. I only hope the writing gets better in subsequent books, since I downloaded the first three of the series at the same time to read on a holiday. It's taken me over a month to finish the first, and I don't think I'll be rushing to start the second just yet.
November 15, 2021
** Audiobook version **
As a prequel, this shorter story provides the backstory for Mack McRyan. Outlining his once - promising law career to him becoming a cop when his two best friends are killed. Running alongside this is the story of the body in the alley, a case McRyan investigates with his partner. The story has an interesting spin as alibis are shot to pieces to reveal the killer and his motives. Meanwhile, at home, McRyan has matters of the heart to deal with.
As a prequel, this shorter story provides the backstory for Mack McRyan. Outlining his once - promising law career to him becoming a cop when his two best friends are killed. Running alongside this is the story of the body in the alley, a case McRyan investigates with his partner. The story has an interesting spin as alibis are shot to pieces to reveal the killer and his motives. Meanwhile, at home, McRyan has matters of the heart to deal with.
August 20, 2018
A Fast Thrill
The McRyan Mystery Thriller moves so fast that the book has ended and the crime is solved before you even get a chance to exhale.
The McRyan Mystery Thriller moves so fast that the book has ended and the crime is solved before you even get a chance to exhale.
March 13, 2021
Holy shmokes
I woke up today at 10 and by 11am, I have been digging for a book. I found this little treasure at about 6 tonight. This was an easy read. Easy, simple, good, uncomplicated, but...it had drama, suspense, crime and a hint of action. Its not a James Patterson book or Mary Burton nor is it Jason Pinter, however, it is good. I read the mixed reviews and to me, it shouldn't be mixed. It should be either 4 or 5 stars. 4 star for being an easy book but 5 for everything your looking for. I liked it. I actually enjoyed it. No misspellings, no confusion, no mistakes. Kudos to the Author. I look forward to the next book.
I woke up today at 10 and by 11am, I have been digging for a book. I found this little treasure at about 6 tonight. This was an easy read. Easy, simple, good, uncomplicated, but...it had drama, suspense, crime and a hint of action. Its not a James Patterson book or Mary Burton nor is it Jason Pinter, however, it is good. I read the mixed reviews and to me, it shouldn't be mixed. It should be either 4 or 5 stars. 4 star for being an easy book but 5 for everything your looking for. I liked it. I actually enjoyed it. No misspellings, no confusion, no mistakes. Kudos to the Author. I look forward to the next book.
October 1, 2024
It's a good, really good short crime investigation story, with a plot twist at the end which I kind of speculated it upfront but not exactly the way it turned out.
The only issue for me was the language, as English is my second language, and I am more familiar with non-fiction English books & articles, this was my first English fiction book to read, I am not sure if it's the case or maybe the book language is considered to be slang or common language than classic, I had to do more translation than I ever did with any other book, maybe a native speaker who read this book would enlighten me over this :)
The only issue for me was the language, as English is my second language, and I am more familiar with non-fiction English books & articles, this was my first English fiction book to read, I am not sure if it's the case or maybe the book language is considered to be slang or common language than classic, I had to do more translation than I ever did with any other book, maybe a native speaker who read this book would enlighten me over this :)
October 9, 2023
Life is what happens while you're making other plans. Mac had his life planned out and so did his wife. He'd opt out of the family tradition of law school and go into practice like his wife. Then several family members of the Thin Blue Line were murdered On The Job and he felt the need to make a turn. He loved it, she didn't. Then a lawyer is murdered and it becomes his first case as a Detective. And it all goes sideways. Good read that makes me want to go on with the series.
Johnny Peppers is an uninspired reader.
Johnny Peppers is an uninspired reader.
October 30, 2013
I REALY ENJOYED AND SUPER PROUD I FIQURED OUT WHAT THE MURDER WEAPON WAS WHEN THEY WERE AT THE MURDER SCENE. RAHHHHHHHHHHH ME! I ALSO KNEW WHO THE KILLER WAS(while they were interviewing suspects) JUST DIDN'T KNOW WHY THEY DID IT. DOUBLE RAHHHHHHHHHH! ;D THERE WAS A LOT OF DESCRIPIION OF SOME STUFF I THOUGHT WAS A BIT OVER DONE, I WILL BE READING MORE OF THIS SERIES. EVEN WITH THAT I STILL LIKED THE CHARACTERS ESPECIALLY "MAC" HE IS A SUPER COOL SMART ALPHA GUY AND ANY WOMAN WHO COULDN'T SEE THAT, IS ONE BLIND A*S CRAZY SKEEZER BIT*H. HE IS ALL THAT AND A BAG OF CHIPS, A MAN YOU GO "WHOO-HOO! YES! EVERY DAY 'CAUSE HE'S YOURS. MY ONLY PROBLEM I HAD WITH THE BOOK WAS, WHY WOULD ANYONE NAME A SCHOOL "CRETIN" REALLY? "CRETIN HIGH SCHOOL"? (ha-ha-ha-hah-ha!) NOOOOOOOOOOO! COULDN'T YOU FIND A BETTER NAME FOR A HIGH SCHOOL? I HOPE THIS NAME WASN'T TAKEN FROM REAL LIFE AND SOMEWHERE THERE IS A HIGH SHOOL WITH THAT NAME. BOO-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA! ;# ;} ;D ;0 SORRY! LOL!
March 10, 2023
FIRST CASE by Roger Stelljes is a police procedural set in St. Paul, Minneapolis. It follows the first homicide case of newly minted Detective Mac McRyan. A hard-driving, womanizing lawyer from a high-powered law firm turns up dead and McRyan and his new partner catch the case. The book is only ninety pages long, so it’s really a novella. The detectives miss a few questions that should been asked to key witnesses. Some of the procedures and details covered are sketchy and the book is often repetitive on backstory and investigative deduction. But the characters talk like cops and act like cops and are likable. The investigation flows logically, and the deductions made by the investigators make sense and are supported by the evidence. That’s how a police procedural should be written. There’s also an entertaining subplot with a satisfying resolution. Overall, a good springboard for what turns out to be a successful nine-book series.
December 26, 2017
Of Good Moral Character?
OK, this is easy. I'm already a fan of author Roger Stelljes--I've been reading his McRyan series out of order--and I love narrator Johnny Pepper's voicing of the various characters, so this introductory novella was a relaxing and enjoyable romp for me. There were parts with which I was familiar, because each of the novels is carefully constructed to stand alone so critical background is included, but being the core of the instant story they were more layered and detailed, giving additional depth to and understanding of the characters and their world. I read/listened to this first class police procedural as part of a box set, which I can strongly recommend, but if you happen upon any one of the stories, grab and enjoy it!
***Disclaimer: "I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."*** [AB]
OK, this is easy. I'm already a fan of author Roger Stelljes--I've been reading his McRyan series out of order--and I love narrator Johnny Pepper's voicing of the various characters, so this introductory novella was a relaxing and enjoyable romp for me. There were parts with which I was familiar, because each of the novels is carefully constructed to stand alone so critical background is included, but being the core of the instant story they were more layered and detailed, giving additional depth to and understanding of the characters and their world. I read/listened to this first class police procedural as part of a box set, which I can strongly recommend, but if you happen upon any one of the stories, grab and enjoy it!
***Disclaimer: "I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."*** [AB]
March 6, 2023
A solid start to a series
This was my first book by Roger Stelljes. I bought the series on Kindle with Audio so I could listen on a road trip. I wasn’t expecting anything great just some to entertain during my windshield time.
I found the book to just ok, if you like a good old fashioned cops and bad guys genre ala All American style then you will like this story. You get a solid introduction of "Mac," his persona, and his investigative skills. The story itself was not exactly impressive. You could guess fairly easily who the murderer was, or at least I did. Nevertheless, it was a good read and you don’t waste a lot of time.
This was my first book by Roger Stelljes. I bought the series on Kindle with Audio so I could listen on a road trip. I wasn’t expecting anything great just some to entertain during my windshield time.
I found the book to just ok, if you like a good old fashioned cops and bad guys genre ala All American style then you will like this story. You get a solid introduction of "Mac," his persona, and his investigative skills. The story itself was not exactly impressive. You could guess fairly easily who the murderer was, or at least I did. Nevertheless, it was a good read and you don’t waste a lot of time.
February 2, 2013
If you like a good old cops and robbers book, USA style, then you will probably enjoy this one. This is the first in a series, so you have others to follow it. Personally, I found the book ok but it wasn’t up to the standard of Earl Stanley Gardner, an American author of this genre who I have really enjoyed even though it was written back in the 30’s-50’s. But give this one a chance-it is short and sweet and you won’t have to commit loads of reading hours to it. If you like it, you can carry on with the other books, if not then no real time is wasted.
September 27, 2014
I have to start of by saying that usually when I read these short stories that authors put out, I hate them. To me they seem to be the author trying to make a quick buck. That being said, I really liked this short novella in the Michael "Mac" McRyan series. Even though it was short, I thought it did a good job letting the story and mystery play out. It also gave us much more insight into Mac's first marriage and his history. I would say anyone who has been reading this series would enjoy this short tale. I am looking forward to starting the next book in the series, Electing to Murder
March 27, 2022
I had 0 expectations heading into this novel. Its a brand new author and was looking for a legal drama and I found it in this nice little short story. Had a few twists in there and some good character development for the protagonist. Other than having a ridiculously long name, Mac was an easy character to root for and showed some depth for case work to get finished in 90 pages. I have a hard time finding any faults other than the one mentioned above. I do not know where this will lead, but its a good opening appetizer. It wets the pallet and gives you just enough to get into book 1.
December 10, 2021
I've read all of the "Mac" series and loved them all. Somehow I missed this one. This was really good, although parts were explained in the other books, this explains in detail how Mac got started in the police dept and his very 1st case as a detective. He and his partner break down clues to find a killer. And I'll have to say, the very end was handled in a perfect manner.
Well written and enjoyable.
Well written and enjoyable.
June 21, 2014
Fast read. You get a solid introduction of "Mac," his persona, and his investigative skills. The story itself was not exactly impressive. You could guess fairly easily who the murderer was. Nevertheless, it was a good read. I had read the other books first, so reading this book was just the steps I had to take to continue this journey in this series.
May 20, 2019
Very good
Enjoyed the storyline, enjoyed the background drama. Very well written and kept me interested. The wife.....what a shallow @#$%&. I was so hoping she wouldn't take the deal so she could land on that shallow butt. That would have been the highlight to the end of a good story.
Enjoyed the storyline, enjoyed the background drama. Very well written and kept me interested. The wife.....what a shallow @#$%&. I was so hoping she wouldn't take the deal so she could land on that shallow butt. That would have been the highlight to the end of a good story.
July 15, 2018
This Novella was my introduction to Mr Stelljes books. I absolutely loved it. Writing was brilliant and I could not put it down. I loved the characters who were wonderfully filled out and certainly interesting. I love his style of writing and can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
September 9, 2022
Dead Lawyer
A womanizing attorney is murdered behind a bar. An up and coming detective is assigned the case. His father was also a detective and superior in every way. Does the apple fall far from the tree?
This was enjoyable. The main character is likable and the mystery is good. Well written it was an interesting read.
A womanizing attorney is murdered behind a bar. An up and coming detective is assigned the case. His father was also a detective and superior in every way. Does the apple fall far from the tree?
This was enjoyable. The main character is likable and the mystery is good. Well written it was an interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews