What do you think?
Rate this book
Accidental Private Eye
Out of work. Out of money. Out of options. After a streak of bad luck, army veteran Dallas Rowen is due for a break, and he finds it in a single sentence uttered by a stranger: “I need your help.” Mistaken for a private investigator and desperate for cash, Dallas is enticed by the promise of a paycheck and apprehensively takes on the role of detective.
The death of demolition derby driver Jerry Grady has flooded the news. However, they've omitted one piece of information: it wasn't the impact of the crash that killed him — it was the bullet to his head.
Dallas sets out on the increasingly dangerous investigation, determined to make good on his vow to uncover the truth. As he closes in on the killer, the duplicitous detective quickly realizes time is running our in the battle for justice. The crosshairs of a murderer are turning toward him.
With his trademark gripping narrative, master of suspense Clair Poulson delivers a fast-paced, carefully plotted thriller that will leave audiences breathless.
The death of demolition derby driver Jerry Grady has flooded the news. However, they've omitted one piece of information: it wasn't the impact of the crash that killed him — it was the bullet to his head.
Dallas sets out on the increasingly dangerous investigation, determined to make good on his vow to uncover the truth. As he closes in on the killer, the duplicitous detective quickly realizes time is running our in the battle for justice. The crosshairs of a murderer are turning toward him.
With his trademark gripping narrative, master of suspense Clair Poulson delivers a fast-paced, carefully plotted thriller that will leave audiences breathless.
220 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
20 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Clair M. Poulson
55 books298 followersClair M. Poulson was born and raised in Duchesne, Utah. His father was a rancher and farmer, his mother a librarian. Clair has always been an avid reader, having found his love for books as a very young boy.
He has served for forty years in the criminal justice system. Twenty years were spent in law enforcement, ending his police career with eight years as the Duchesne County Sheriff. For the past twenty years Clair has worked as a justice court judge for Duchesne County. Clair is also a veteran of the US Army where he was a military policeman. He has served on various boards and councils during his professional career, including the Justice Court Board of Judges, Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, Utah Judicial Council, Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, an FBI advisory board and others.
In addition to his criminal justice work, Clair has farmed and ranched all of his life. He has raised many kinds of animals, but his greatest interest is horses.
Clair has served in many capacities in the LDS church, including fulltime missionary (California Mission) bishop, counselor to bishop, young men president, high councilor, stake mission president, scoutmaster, High Priest group leader, etc. He currently serves as a Sunday School teacher.
Clair is married to Ruth, and together, they have five children, all of whom are married: Alan (Vicena) Poulson, Kelly Ann (Wade) Hatch, Amanda (Ben) Semadeni, Wade (Brooke) Poulson, and Mary (Tyler) Hicken. Between them they have twenty-three children. Clair and Ruth met while both were students at Snow College and were married in the Manti temple.
Clair has always loved telling his children, and later his grandchildren, make-up stories. His vast experience in life and his love of literature has always contributed to both his telling stories to children and his writing of adventure and suspense novels.
He has served for forty years in the criminal justice system. Twenty years were spent in law enforcement, ending his police career with eight years as the Duchesne County Sheriff. For the past twenty years Clair has worked as a justice court judge for Duchesne County. Clair is also a veteran of the US Army where he was a military policeman. He has served on various boards and councils during his professional career, including the Justice Court Board of Judges, Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, Utah Judicial Council, Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, an FBI advisory board and others.
In addition to his criminal justice work, Clair has farmed and ranched all of his life. He has raised many kinds of animals, but his greatest interest is horses.
Clair has served in many capacities in the LDS church, including fulltime missionary (California Mission) bishop, counselor to bishop, young men president, high councilor, stake mission president, scoutmaster, High Priest group leader, etc. He currently serves as a Sunday School teacher.
Clair is married to Ruth, and together, they have five children, all of whom are married: Alan (Vicena) Poulson, Kelly Ann (Wade) Hatch, Amanda (Ben) Semadeni, Wade (Brooke) Poulson, and Mary (Tyler) Hicken. Between them they have twenty-three children. Clair and Ruth met while both were students at Snow College and were married in the Manti temple.
Clair has always loved telling his children, and later his grandchildren, make-up stories. His vast experience in life and his love of literature has always contributed to both his telling stories to children and his writing of adventure and suspense novels.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 17, 2012
I always enjoy Poulson's books though some are better than others. I like this one a lot and hesitated over rating it 4 or 5. It has a rural flavor even though it's set in Provo, Salt Lake, and Ogden.
March 8, 2021
Overall, I really liked this book. I have only read two other Poulson books. One of them I quite liked, and one of them I really didn't. I I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, so I started it with a little trepidation. I was pleasantly surprised.
I didn't like that sorta kinda love triangle, but that was about it. If that had played a bigger part in the story, I probably would have only given this three stars, but it was pretty minor. I liked the fact that Poulson didn't make this completely rookie P.I. independently and miraculously solve a crime. It was pretty refreshing.
I didn't like that sorta kinda love triangle, but that was about it. If that had played a bigger part in the story, I probably would have only given this three stars, but it was pretty minor. I liked the fact that Poulson didn't make this completely rookie P.I. independently and miraculously solve a crime. It was pretty refreshing.
March 19, 2013
I enjoyed this book for the most part; it being a nice, wholesome murder mystery. However, judging from the info dump at the end, I got the impression that the author was tired of writing this and just wanted to be finished.
March 28, 2013
I generally like Clair Poulsons books, did not enjoy this one at all. I thought the plot was boring and the only character I liked was the spunky grand daughter. Don't even get me started on Sophie! Was she supposed to be for real? Gag.
November 14, 2012
not one of my favorites of his but still ok. This one had a different plot but still didn't really feel attached to any of the characters. A good mystery but that was about it.
December 19, 2012
It kind of bothered me, because it is not really like his normal style of writing (just in my opinion)
July 15, 2020
I wanted to like this book! I read another book by this author years ago and loved it, but this one I couldn’t get into. The idea for the story was great-but the writing seemed...juvenile. Lots of telling instead of showing, and phrasing that constantly pulled me out of the story and focused me on the writing instead. I’ll give Mr. Poulson another chance-but this isn’t a book I’ll be reading again.
February 14, 2024
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. The misunderstanding of the PI was cleared up in the early chapters, which was a relief to me. I hate books built upon lies and deceits with a happily ever after ending. The characters were fund, and the suspense was enjoyable as well.
August 9, 2017
Well thought out plot, engaging characters, unexpected twists, all make this an wonderful read.
February 10, 2018
Fun, fast read. I read this book after having the author recommended to me by a friend. Definitely a fun “fluff” novel.
April 26, 2019
His writing style wasn't my favorite, no build up with the romance and the characters were one dimensional. The repetitiveness of the main character's routine got boring. It was an interesting mystery and had potential.
May 5, 2020
Perhaps the best LDS book I've listened to.
June 30, 2020
Just good clean fun & some twists.
Plot is great. Details are accurate and believable. Characters are real and fun to be with. Bad guys are as they should be, bad.
Plot is great. Details are accurate and believable. Characters are real and fun to be with. Bad guys are as they should be, bad.
March 12, 2021
Quick, easy read
Read
August 27, 2021Haha I finished this but don't remember it:)
August 20, 2025
I liked the book but it was predictable from the 2nd half on.
April 21, 2024
I started ready the first 3 chapters from the kindle review from a different book that I finished and had to go get this one. This has a very different starting fromn the other books thast I have read from Clair Poulson. A non-active LDS soldier has been robbed of all his worldly possesions, including all his money. He's standing infront of a PI office on a Sunday afternoon, worndering where his next meal is comning from - when an older woman wants him to find the Killer of her grandson. and so the adventure begins. It's full of danger and of cours love.
May 15, 2014
I was reluctant to read this one, as the premise seemed hokey. I mean, who would hire some random person to be their detective and why would he go along with it? But Poulson pulled it off. In fact, this was one of the best of his that I've read so far.
Dallas Rowen is down on his luck. Since returning home from Afghanistan, nothing seems to be going his way. In fact, it's total coincidence that he's leaning up against the door of a private investigator's office when a little old lady comes up and demands that he do some detective work for her. And she's paying. Cash. He tries to set her straight and back out of it, but she insists that he is the only one who can help her. Finally, feeling not a little guilty, he accepts the money and listens to her story.
It seems that her grandson was recently killed in a demolition derby. But the strange thing is that he did not die in a crash; he was shot in the head. He was murdered and she is certain that Dallas can get to the bottom of it for her. So with some misgivings, he decides to give it a try.
One of the things I liked best about this book was how Poulson handled the matter of Dallas' accidental entry into the PI field. He didn't just take the money and somehow on his own solve the whole thing. He refused to take advantage of his "client," and even asked for help from the real PI whose door he had been leaning on. If that aspect had been poorly handled I wouldn't have liked the whole book. As it was, I really bought into the characters after that.
The mystery was good, too. :)
Dallas Rowen is down on his luck. Since returning home from Afghanistan, nothing seems to be going his way. In fact, it's total coincidence that he's leaning up against the door of a private investigator's office when a little old lady comes up and demands that he do some detective work for her. And she's paying. Cash. He tries to set her straight and back out of it, but she insists that he is the only one who can help her. Finally, feeling not a little guilty, he accepts the money and listens to her story.
It seems that her grandson was recently killed in a demolition derby. But the strange thing is that he did not die in a crash; he was shot in the head. He was murdered and she is certain that Dallas can get to the bottom of it for her. So with some misgivings, he decides to give it a try.
One of the things I liked best about this book was how Poulson handled the matter of Dallas' accidental entry into the PI field. He didn't just take the money and somehow on his own solve the whole thing. He refused to take advantage of his "client," and even asked for help from the real PI whose door he had been leaning on. If that aspect had been poorly handled I wouldn't have liked the whole book. As it was, I really bought into the characters after that.
The mystery was good, too. :)
January 12, 2013
Enjoyable murder/mystery book by Clair. The murderer wasn't an obvious suspect.I liked his style of writing that is both clean and attention catching. His experience in life with keeping people safe has shown through in his writing, but not to the point of over doing it. I liked how the main character, Dallas, became the accidental private eye for Ellen Grady to find the person responsible for her grandson's murder. There is a little of the LDS belief added in, but very tastefully done. I really liked how Dallas got back on track with his life after just getting the job that Ellen offered.
Sophie and alex were very different woman, but both appealing woman worth getting to know. Sophie the quiet, self assured, but caring, and Alex the red head, that says it all. Sophie is Clair's wife and partner and I like the tie in.
Alex is Jerry Grady's big sister. Alex is the untrusting granddaughter of Ellen, Dallas' client. Dallas eventually gets hired by hank Pierce as a PI, but not till he already has been working for Ellen to find the murderer. He goes to work at the car repair shop where Jerry worked and becomes part of the pit crew in Jerry's old derby racing life where he meets Sophie. He gets ambushed, beat up, tailed, fired at and in the end finds the one responsible. he is an ex- army leutenant that has had some hard times, like getting burglarized and his identity and money taken when Ellen approaches him in front of a PI office and assumes he is a PI.
Sophie and alex were very different woman, but both appealing woman worth getting to know. Sophie the quiet, self assured, but caring, and Alex the red head, that says it all. Sophie is Clair's wife and partner and I like the tie in.
Alex is Jerry Grady's big sister. Alex is the untrusting granddaughter of Ellen, Dallas' client. Dallas eventually gets hired by hank Pierce as a PI, but not till he already has been working for Ellen to find the murderer. He goes to work at the car repair shop where Jerry worked and becomes part of the pit crew in Jerry's old derby racing life where he meets Sophie. He gets ambushed, beat up, tailed, fired at and in the end finds the one responsible. he is an ex- army leutenant that has had some hard times, like getting burglarized and his identity and money taken when Ellen approaches him in front of a PI office and assumes he is a PI.
November 7, 2013
Unconvinced that the premature death of her grandson, Jerry, was an accident, Ellen Grady seeks the help of a private investigator. She falls upon the ex-military Dallas Rowen; desperate for money, he agrees to investigate Jerry's death. Problems arise when Dallas uncovers Jerry's dark past.
This book was very intriguing. The author keeps you very involved in, and attached to the story. There were some dull points in the story line, but there were very few. I liked how the author added a little romance; I think it kept me more emotionally involved. I also think that it softened the harshness and intensity of a murder setting; he has done this in some of his other books, which I enjoy.
Over all I really liked this book. If you like mystery and police novels and a little romance, then you'll like tis book.
This book was very intriguing. The author keeps you very involved in, and attached to the story. There were some dull points in the story line, but there were very few. I liked how the author added a little romance; I think it kept me more emotionally involved. I also think that it softened the harshness and intensity of a murder setting; he has done this in some of his other books, which I enjoy.
Over all I really liked this book. If you like mystery and police novels and a little romance, then you'll like tis book.
October 24, 2013
Almost gave it 5 stars, so 4 1/2.
I really liked this book, the characters, and the interesting case. Clair Poulson's experience in law enforcement really shines in this book with the development of the investigation. Oh, and the murder happens in my hometown! :)
It's only flaws, in my opinion, was the lack of a big twist (like many of his books have) and no dramatic ending.
Was a little disappointed in the epilogue also since I was excited that it sounded like it could become a series of books with this character as he develops into a real P.I., and continues to date multiple women to find the right one for him. But no.
Still, a great story that I really enjoyed, with a realistic mystery.
I really liked this book, the characters, and the interesting case. Clair Poulson's experience in law enforcement really shines in this book with the development of the investigation. Oh, and the murder happens in my hometown! :)
It's only flaws, in my opinion, was the lack of a big twist (like many of his books have) and no dramatic ending.
Was a little disappointed in the epilogue also since I was excited that it sounded like it could become a series of books with this character as he develops into a real P.I., and continues to date multiple women to find the right one for him. But no.
Still, a great story that I really enjoyed, with a realistic mystery.
May 4, 2013
Listening to audio books as we travel has been a pleasant diversion for my husband and me. We have listened to almost all of Clair Poulson's novels and enjoyed them. They help pass the hours on the road very well. This book, however, was among my least favorites. The characters were not as well developed or as interesting as they could have been. The story lacked any real spark to keep your interest. It plodded to its conclusion. It was good enough to keep listening, but not very creative or inspiring. We look forward to his next one being better.
July 22, 2013
I wanted to like this book. And in general I'm a fan of Clair Poulson but the writing in this one was way to superficial. I didn't feel like there was enough character development. I think having it written in first person may have caused a few tone issues for me... The plot had potential and I enjoyed reading it but the story fell flat toward the end for me... the epilogue was a let down. This could have been a series and I felt like the epilogue was an easy way out.
February 7, 2017
Very fun. Glad I picked this for my first Clair M. Poulson mystery.
March 8, 2013
Once again Clair Poulson has written a book that has good character development and a excellent story. My only wish is that there would be a second book about Dallas. I want to hear about his next case. How he does it without Hanks help, since he's retired. I want to hear more about his relationship with Sopie. I want to hear more from this character. PLEASE
October 18, 2014
Didn't particularly enjoy this mystery but I was really hoping for a thriller this Halloween. This book didn't do it for me. I had the killer figured out before the private investigator so that was disappointing. Some good twists and turns but the multiple people on his tail quickly got old as well as the multiple break-ins.
November 13, 2012
This book is about a fellow that was out of a job and was leaning against the wall of a detective agency. A lady drove up and hired him to find out who killed her grandson. He has an adventure searching for the killer.
March 16, 2015
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the story which kept you guessing until the end. It was refreshing to read a mystery without all the smut added into it. The LDS Genre does get a bit preachy sometimes but Clair Poulson seems to know how to keep the story going without being preachy which is nice.
February 27, 2015
I have always loved Clair Poulsons books! This was easy to get into, a fun read, and just the right amount of mystery. In fact I'm a total chicken and can only read his books with other people around because I get too scared when I'm alone, lol! Anyway, this was a great book.
October 21, 2012
Great story! We listened to this on our road trip and enjoyed it. Characters were realistic, plot realistic, and I didn't guess who did it like I do most of the time!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews