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Needed Killing #1
He Needed Killing
I was standing in a dead man’s apartment staring at the severed end of a rope hanging from one of the exposed beams overhead. What was I doing here? Last week I was just a university employee who had taken early retirement. Now a man was dead and I was in the thick of it. People were counting on me to figure out what had happened—and why. What kind of retirement was this?
244 pages, ebook
First published October 18, 2012
26 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Bill Fitts
22 books12 followersI used to say that I grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, when, in truth, I only started growing older there. After nineteen years I left to go to college and, for the most part, spent the next twenty years aging somewhere else—New Jersey, Florida, Panama Canal Zone, Massachusetts, and Georgia. Then I returned to Tuscaloosa and continued the maturation process for another twenty-six years. In 2015 my wife and I moved to Vero Beach, Florida, where I hope to continue growing older for a good long time.
The locations I’ve lived in have had more influence on my mystery novels (the Needed Killing Series) than on the fantasies (Song of Narne). The town of Shelbyville in the NKS is based in large part on Tuscaloosa with some wrinkles from other locations thrown in to keep things interesting—and keep the inhabitants guessing. That’s not to say that the places I’ve been aren’t reflected in the fantasies—but most of the geography of Narne is imaginary.
While growing older, I’ve tried my hand at a number of jobs—newspaper collator, darkroom technician, farmhand, factory worker, sailor, salesman, underwriter, account executive, accountant, systems administrator, information specialist--and professional writer. As an author I find that those earlier experiences contribute to what happens in my novels—again more in the not-as-fictional mysteries than in the fantasies. There’s just not enough magic in the real world.
Interestingly, the event that crystallized my decision to start writing full-time is one that I haven’t used in any of my novels. The tornado that ripped through Tuscaloosa on April 27, 2011, destroying an eighth of the town—including the back half of my house—hasn’t made it into any of my novels. Shelbyville and Narne have both been spared.
On the other hand, the support, encouragement, and editorial assistance my wife provides have been part of every novel since the beginning.
I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
For more information about my writing, visit my website http://www.billfittsauthor.com/.
The locations I’ve lived in have had more influence on my mystery novels (the Needed Killing Series) than on the fantasies (Song of Narne). The town of Shelbyville in the NKS is based in large part on Tuscaloosa with some wrinkles from other locations thrown in to keep things interesting—and keep the inhabitants guessing. That’s not to say that the places I’ve been aren’t reflected in the fantasies—but most of the geography of Narne is imaginary.
While growing older, I’ve tried my hand at a number of jobs—newspaper collator, darkroom technician, farmhand, factory worker, sailor, salesman, underwriter, account executive, accountant, systems administrator, information specialist--and professional writer. As an author I find that those earlier experiences contribute to what happens in my novels—again more in the not-as-fictional mysteries than in the fantasies. There’s just not enough magic in the real world.
Interestingly, the event that crystallized my decision to start writing full-time is one that I haven’t used in any of my novels. The tornado that ripped through Tuscaloosa on April 27, 2011, destroying an eighth of the town—including the back half of my house—hasn’t made it into any of my novels. Shelbyville and Narne have both been spared.
On the other hand, the support, encouragement, and editorial assistance my wife provides have been part of every novel since the beginning.
I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
For more information about my writing, visit my website http://www.billfittsauthor.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 1, 2013
The author has a unique voice, at times almost a straight recitation of facts. But it does fit his character and the story does work well. Definitely worth reading. I probably will read the sequel.
February 15, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up
How can anyone resist a book with this title? Guess I can – it’s been on my to-read shelf for nearly a decade! I’m glad I finally decided to read it, though, as it was just what I needed after my last book. Entertaining with a sense of humor that fits me perfectly, I liked this book considerably more than most other GR users.
Anyone familiar with US colleges should be able to figure out what major university in Alabama is the basis for the setting of this book. Anyone who knows how revered football is at major universities will understand some of the comments and traditions in this book. What most of us are not familiar with, however, are the inner workings of some of the non-academic and non-athletic departments of a major university, but this book filled in some of those gaps, albeit in an off-handed sort of way.
I like the MC and his friends, but especially his pets – his dog, Tan, and his cat, The Black, TB for short. The way he talks to them is great, and it gives him the opportunity to think out loud while trying to figure out a problem. I also like the way he worked with the police (to some extent), asked questions they hadn’t considered, and kept them informed of new information he uncovered.
Not many people in the book liked the victim, so there were a lot of potential suspects to think about. As the book progressed and more clues were found, my suspect list got smaller. I probably should have had the actual culprit closer to the top of my list, but nope. The motive also escaped me, which may be why I liked the book so much more than other readers. The end of this book appears to lead directly into the next in the series, and I’m eager to see where it takes us.
How can anyone resist a book with this title? Guess I can – it’s been on my to-read shelf for nearly a decade! I’m glad I finally decided to read it, though, as it was just what I needed after my last book. Entertaining with a sense of humor that fits me perfectly, I liked this book considerably more than most other GR users.
Anyone familiar with US colleges should be able to figure out what major university in Alabama is the basis for the setting of this book. Anyone who knows how revered football is at major universities will understand some of the comments and traditions in this book. What most of us are not familiar with, however, are the inner workings of some of the non-academic and non-athletic departments of a major university, but this book filled in some of those gaps, albeit in an off-handed sort of way.
I like the MC and his friends, but especially his pets – his dog, Tan, and his cat, The Black, TB for short. The way he talks to them is great, and it gives him the opportunity to think out loud while trying to figure out a problem. I also like the way he worked with the police (to some extent), asked questions they hadn’t considered, and kept them informed of new information he uncovered.
Not many people in the book liked the victim, so there were a lot of potential suspects to think about. As the book progressed and more clues were found, my suspect list got smaller. I probably should have had the actual culprit closer to the top of my list, but nope. The motive also escaped me, which may be why I liked the book so much more than other readers. The end of this book appears to lead directly into the next in the series, and I’m eager to see where it takes us.
May 21, 2018
I read the second book in this series because it was a freebie (or low cost, can't remember which). That got me interested, so I decided to read the first one. An interesting series with the "investigator" a retired media tech guru. The reason he retired, his boss, dies at his retirement party and the provost of the university asks him to investigate. Crawford did not attend his own retirement party, but he and a coworker had set up the party to be recorded and sent out over the internet.
I noticed in the first book that he named his pets for their colors. His brown dog is Tan and the cat is The Black, called TB. I saw The Black and immediately thought of Walter Farley's Black Stallion - don't think that's relevant, but I thought of it just the same.
I noticed in the first book that he named his pets for their colors. His brown dog is Tan and the cat is The Black, called TB. I saw The Black and immediately thought of Walter Farley's Black Stallion - don't think that's relevant, but I thought of it just the same.
February 9, 2017
This book offers a leisurely stroll through academia by someone familiar with its ways and culture. The murder mystery aspect is competently executed, with hints dropped throughout the narrative for the attentive reader to find. It's a bit too leisurely in spots (hence the 3 stars), but the main character/amateur sleuth is a congenial type. I have bought the sequel to this book and find myself looking forward to reading it.
January 13, 2015
He needed an editor.
It would probably be a lot more fun to read if you are newly retired, on staff at UA, or obsessed with what your next meal is going to be. Even better if you are all of those.
All in all, a fair-to-middling tale from a genial enough narrator. Fluffy, silly read that many will love, but not really my thing.
It would probably be a lot more fun to read if you are newly retired, on staff at UA, or obsessed with what your next meal is going to be. Even better if you are all of those.
All in all, a fair-to-middling tale from a genial enough narrator. Fluffy, silly read that many will love, but not really my thing.
March 8, 2015
An absorbing mystery that flows easily. The main character is interesting and the murder(s) are solved using information and deductive reasoning - unlike some that I have recently read where the "detective" seems to accuse everyone in sight until the actual culprit is finally discovered. I plan to read more of this series.
December 10, 2012
I finished reading He Needed Killing and immediately bought the second in the series, He Needed Killing Too. I enjoyed them both. They remind me of books by my two favorite authors, Lawrence Sanders and Stuat Woods.
January 7, 2013
the book started out slowly but i kept at it. finding out who was the killer was great and the reason for them doing what they did was interesting. i am upset that the killer was not who i thought but i guess that is what makes a great book!!!!!
August 16, 2023
Have you ever read a book that you are not sure if you liked? I find myself searching for the next book in this series, to buy and read, so I can make up my mind. The book flows easily, the dialogue is seamless but it takes more than 60% of the book to introduce the characters and the back story. Finally the murder is declared to have happened and now the investigation begins. But it is so cerebral to the main character it is difficult to see if he is interested in your suspect. Anyway I have decided to read book two before I decide if I like it.
February 13, 2022
A Retired Crime Solver
Retired from his University job, he becomes a detective to solve crimes that “needed” a killing. With a dog and cat to keep things interesting, this book is a deductive read with a well thought out solution using modern technology.
Retired from his University job, he becomes a detective to solve crimes that “needed” a killing. With a dog and cat to keep things interesting, this book is a deductive read with a well thought out solution using modern technology.
August 30, 2023
I liked all the books in this series. I liked the main character, I liked how the author's voice developed, I liked the romance in the background, I liked the cat and even the dog a bit.
September 11, 2013
This the first book in the Needed Killing Series written by Bill Fitts. I downloaded the eBook version on my Nook. I found it to be delightful. For one thing, I was brought up in Tuscaloosa, very thinly disguised as Shelbyville in the book. My front yard abutted the University of Alabama campus, in fact, they now own what was now my childhood neighborhood. I attended the U of A. That makes it very easy to visualize the settings in this book and that is fun.
For another, I love any book with a dog and cat, especially a black cat. This man absolutely must have a cat and he is a great observer of cat behavior. The Black (TB) is just so, so, well, cat. And, Tan, the big old klunky dog is fun, too. The cat/dog interactions are do true, savvy on the TB's part and Tan in total oblivion.
Many members of my immediate family have been on the faculty or staff of major universities. He got the behind the scenes politics and personalities right on.
I enjoyed his writing style. The book was intelligent, but fun and easy to read. I promptly downloaded the next two in the series. I would have downloaded more, but only three are available at this time.
For another, I love any book with a dog and cat, especially a black cat. This man absolutely must have a cat and he is a great observer of cat behavior. The Black (TB) is just so, so, well, cat. And, Tan, the big old klunky dog is fun, too. The cat/dog interactions are do true, savvy on the TB's part and Tan in total oblivion.
Many members of my immediate family have been on the faculty or staff of major universities. He got the behind the scenes politics and personalities right on.
I enjoyed his writing style. The book was intelligent, but fun and easy to read. I promptly downloaded the next two in the series. I would have downloaded more, but only three are available at this time.
April 15, 2014
I marked this book as "to read" not remembering that a friend had told me that a retired University of Alabama employee (a co-worker of his) had written it. Once I picked it up and saw the sort of non-disclaimer at the front about Tuscaloosa, I of course remembered the connection. As far as mysteries go, I've certainly read worse in the cozy genre over the years; the gist of the story was believable, but the writing could've done with some tighter editing. It was great fun to see what all in real-life Tuscaloosa, past and present, turned up in the book -- and in what form (a restaurant renamed but otherwise the same, a bar that was an amalgamation of a few bars and time periods, etc.). I think I will probably keep reading Mr. Fitts just to indulge myself in that sort of fun.
November 1, 2013
Extremely enjoyable read. Great literature it's not, but it's a good story, and really, sometimes that's all you need. Being university-adjacent myself, I found the description of university politics (at least for "Shelbyville") dead-on. And, of course, I really enjoyed spotting the locales.
Crawford's first-person narrative took a bit for me to get used to, but once I starting hearing it as the author himself would read it (helps having heard him do a reading recently) it clicked. And the way that Crawford talks to his animals, and how his mental cogs mesh and turn, are genuine.
And personally, I loved that basic science is what does in the murderer!
Crawford's first-person narrative took a bit for me to get used to, but once I starting hearing it as the author himself would read it (helps having heard him do a reading recently) it clicked. And the way that Crawford talks to his animals, and how his mental cogs mesh and turn, are genuine.
And personally, I loved that basic science is what does in the murderer!
March 27, 2014
This was a nice, inoffensive, completely improbable read. I doubt I'd have gone much past the beginning if it weren't a book club book. But I pushed on and by the end, it's not the worst book I've ever read (here's looking at you, Chuckles!). The plot is pretty Duh, with entirely too much description of cooking and too little introduction of appropriate guns at appropriate points. And the climax is so completely absurd I audibly scoffed. But the characters are nice enough and actually a little fleshed by the end. It's a self-insert, obviously, but a pleasant, no big deal one. I think I liked the cat best.
August 23, 2013
I love this series of books. I like the next two books the best. In fact, they seem to get better with each book.
It's an easy read. The characters are people I think I've met in my hometown. I hope Mr. Fitts continues to keep on killing folks, because I'm having fun helping Crawford figure out the killer.
It's an easy read. The characters are people I think I've met in my hometown. I hope Mr. Fitts continues to keep on killing folks, because I'm having fun helping Crawford figure out the killer.
August 3, 2015
I enjoyed this group of characters. It was a nice read and I am happy to read that there is a second in the series. The characters not only have a murder to solve, but have everyday lives that need tending.
July 24, 2014
This was a different cozy mystery I enjoy all the twist and turns. I love the character specially T.B. . I find it really interesting sometime different can be good. I recommend this to all cozy reader.
April 28, 2013
This book was good but not great. It didn't seem to have enough substance for the length. The mystery was good and the ending tied it all together.
October 4, 2013
Great local color. Ok story line. Too predictable
October 21, 2013
Starts slow, but it does pick up, and gets better once you get used to the characters. And I will read the next one!
March 12, 2014
Fun read! Although a bit predictable--I had to read it to confirm my suspicions...and for another giggle!
October 13, 2014
A different way to solve a crime. I enjoyed the story and characters. When I pick up a book, I know right away whether I want to read it. I read it to the end and was not disappointed
July 21, 2016
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book cover is on my Pinterest board and my blog, Michelle Dragalin’s Journey.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews