Out of Time

Casey Jones Mysteries #2

by Katy Munger

Meet Casey Jones--an unlicensed, no-nonsense private detective who hides 160 pounds of muscle with an in-your-face femme fatale style. She's bold, she's bad and, most of all, she's nobody's fool. Underneath her wise-cracking, 100% Southern exterior, there beats a 14-karat heart with a definite spot for life's losers. With the brains to take on any challenge and the guts to impose her own brand of justice, Casey Jones has what it takes to be your best friend--or your very worst enemy. This time around, Casey takes on a case that batters her once-sturdy body and threatens to expose her closest held secret. When her investigation into the case of a woman on death row sets her at odds with her hometown police force, Casey quickly learns that true blue friends aren't necessarily clad in blue. One by one, bodies begin to fall, while Casey holds her ground. She must race to uncover the truth before more people die--and before she takes the rap for their murders. With the help of an unlikely pair of bloodhounds and even more unlikely pair of bloodhounds and even more unlikely allies, Casey battles back to reclaim her client's life and her own, and to set a trap for a very clever killer. . .before time runs out.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Ebooks, Mystery Thriller, Crime

285 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 1, 1998

About the author

Katy Munger, a North Carolina-based mystery author, has published 17 novels, co-authored multiple books, and contributed short stories to numerous anthologies. She's most known for the humorous Casey Jones mystery series, the somber and thoughtful Dead Detective series (as Katy Munger and Chaz McGee), and the cozy Hubbert & Lil series (as Katy Munger and Gallagher Gray). Originally published by major houses like Bantam and HarperCollins, her books are now available on Amazon under her real name. Katy has also contributed as a book reviewer for the Washington Post and served as North Carolina’s 2016 Piedmont Laureate. Visit katymunger.com to learn more.

Reviews

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the first book in this series Legwork was OK, the actual plot was a bit predictable, but Casey was an interesting character and lifted the book from being just ordinary. This book was a more complex mystery and Casey continued to be quite intriguing, so in the end it was a more satisfying read.

I thought the middle of the book was a bit slow and there were a few occasions when I found myself a little irritated by the author.
For example as soon as Tillman tells Casey he’s not going to give Casey important information until later, it is so obvious he isn’t going to survive until the meeting, it really is a bit of a plot cliché.
However this was a decent novel and I would have given 3.5 stars if this were possible.

[Alex ♈ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 1st book was close to epic, this one was just ok.
I didn't expect the heroine to act like a klutz, and what about this dumb detective??! 🙄
Good thing she didn't stop her sexual relationship with her male BFF.
Otherwise it was just ok.

[Carl Brookins · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s nearly six feet tall and she weighs around 160. Within her shapely female form, she hides a good heart, a keen intelligence and enough muscle to protect her when the going gets a little hairy. She also has a smart mouth and a particular attitude toward the male gender, especially those who get in her way or try to patronize her. Meet Casey Jones, a modern P.I. who’ll follow a trail to wherever it takes her. If she’s willing to traipse into that dark cemetery in a tight skirt and high heels, it’s more likely she’s the chaser, than the chasee. And she’ll be ready for whatever comes.

Katy Munger has fashioned an interesting P.I. by taking something from the classic detective novel, adding a fresh and up-to-date attitude, a little angst, and telling a cracking good story in the bargain. When Casey agrees to look at an old murder, she learns that time is truly of the essence. The wife of a popular cop in Durham was convicted of his murder. She’s exhausted her appeals and is now on the death row count down. Gail Honeycutt’s family, sure Gail is innocent, is making a final effort to keep her from being executed in a month’s time. They want Casey to take another run at the case.

Casey takes the case against the advice of her employer, her own best judgment, several of her friends, her cop acquaintances, and just about everybody else outside the Honeycutt family. It isn’t long before her questions begin to make someone uneasy. Then there are those attacks on her person. Are they connected to the Honeycutt case, or are they a vindictive thief from another case?

This is a straight-forward, cleanly written P.I., novel with a few unusual characters, an engaging protagonist and is a good story with excellent pacing. Munger demonstrates all the tools needed to produce a series of well-constructed readable stories. I look forward to following Casey Jones on many future adventures.

[Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series protagonist is unlicensed P.I. Casey Jones; not only is she smart, talented and durable, but Casey has had more than her share of bad luck in her life -- including a short stretch in a Florida pen. “Out of Time” by Katy Munger is the second in this series. On the surface, Casey appears to rough and tough ~ someone with some baggage; she seems like she could be unlikeable, but she is just the opposite. As a big girl of 160 pounds, she is a bit of a nontraditional protagonist, which adds to her appeal.

Beyond Casey, Munger does give us some interesting characters. Most notably is her boss, Bobby D., her extremely overweight and well connected fellow private investigator. Her current beau Bill Butler is lean and long-lashed Raleigh PD detective whom she is studiously “not dating.” Both are berating her for agreeing to look for evidence that could overturn a woman's death sentence. The woman supposedly killed her husband, another cop. Not only does Casey run into problems, but someone tries to kill her. “Out of Time” has an intriguing storyline and is an easy read. Give it a try and see if you like it. It is not a great mystery, but a good one.

[Ken Finlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Out of Time”, second in the 'Casey Jones' series, is a great read, even better than “Legwork”.
The family of Gail Honeycutt, currently on Death Row, want Casey to prove that Gail didn't kill her husband.
But the case is years old, Gail remembers nothing of the murder, and time is running out.
Casey starts digging around and before long uncovers a series of suspects, most of whom seem to have fled.
Also, someone is trying to kill Casey, and coming close to being successful. Has it got something to do with the murder or is another of her cases coming back to haunt her?
It all builds to a dramatic conclusion.
For me the best part of the book was the party towards the end – strong mountain men, not given to talking, give Casey a memorable 'thank you.' It is beautifully done.
4 Stars.

[Will Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately I've been reading this series out of order, but it doesn't matter, I have a crush on the Amazon detective with the no-nonsense mouth and in your face attitude. The supporting characters that are always in her life don't really flesh out in the story, but you get the gist of their being. The characters that matter are much better developed and you really get to know her boss. In fact, I think I've met him (a few times) in my life. Great plot with a good mystery. Reading this story felt like eating comfort food-it's all good.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Large and in charge

Casey Jones is a big woman. Not fat, just muscle according to the description. More than that, she is a highly intelligent woman with an instinct for investigation and heart for justice. While this is a series, this is a read alone book. The ending was great and all of the loose ends tied together nicely. I haven't read the other books in the series, but I plan to rectify that very soon.

[Joe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave one star not because its horrible book, but because the author or whoever decides what a chapter is, is nuts! Example, last chapter could have been 3 plus an epilogue. Instead it went on for 40 pages (kindle version). I pace my reading. I want to know where I can take a breather, break, of which I think there was one one it the entire book. Sorry Katy. Not at all my kind of reading.

[C.A. Knutsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Casey Jones mystery

This mystery was more complex than the first Casey Jones mystery and the time pressure was felt throughout the story. The Casey Jones character was further developed. More interesting supporting cast were introduced. Casey had to seek help from a number of quarters. I liked the way all of those open issues were summed up at the end.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Munger brings Casey Jones to life as a larger than life, baldy, babe with a knack for tracking down the clues. You will love this well written book with laugh out loud dialogue and in your face antics. The characters are complex and well defined and will make you want to pick up the next in the series.

I highly recommend this book to fans of the mystery/suspense genre.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. I had never heard of the author but saw the recommendation from Janet Evanovich so I thought I would give it a try. Glad I did! Another strong woman tale, an amateur private investigator, and almost licensed, takes on a case that seems impossible. Yet she had to try, because it was one of thoset that tugs at your heart strings.

[Melissa McBride · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book but didn't like the characters. After I read this second book in series the main characters just got on my nerves. I like the mystery and twists of the story so I kept on reading but I won't be reading any more in the series

[Betty G Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like this series!

This is a series I just "happened upon," as we "Southerners" ( as referred to by the heroine)say. It's easy to read and suspenseful at the same time. Very enjoyable and entertaining!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved 'Out Of Time'. The story line was fun and interesting. The characters were a great mix of personalities. Casey is such a hoot. I loved her as a person and as a detective. Definitely a must add to your tbr list. Recommended.

[Lesley Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Loved this book, Casey is asked to help a woman on death row accused of killing her husband who was a cop. Casey has to take on bent cops and bullets. Very action packed I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Casey Jones an unofficial PI in North Carolina picks up a case from the women members of a death row inmate who have convinced Casey that she is innocent. It wasn't and easy task but she finally prevails.

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last minute save

Well tracking who done it. Persistent heroine in a male dominated world. Saucy rhetoric and suggestive encounters all add up to an entertaining mystery.

[PJ Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚📚📚📚

A dark and gritty story of innocence against corruption. Well written and slightly disturbing, it would be believable as a true crime book.

[Sharon Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the wit and plot lines in this series.

[Shannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book! Great series! Love Casey’s personality!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I wasn't sure I would like this series but totally enjoy Casey's sass. The characters are well written. Good plots in both books so far.

[Sheryl Melang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of the series so far

This time the humor is paired with some social conciousness along with more dimension and depth off the main character.

[Barb VanderWel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.

[Jamie]

Personal Note: See "Casey Jones Mysteries Vol. 1-6" on kindle.

[AKA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun but predictable. Way too many convenient happenings. Casey was klutz just when the bad guy was around. I hate Bill.

[JB · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was good but the ending dragged on and on and on.

[Verity W · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took me longer to get into that the first one did, but it's still an interesting mystery and I'm intrigued to see how long Casey can manage to keep one step ahead of the police and avoid losing her job. I've got the next one already on the shelf, but I'm not sure how many more of these I'll read after that if they don't fall into my hand.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second novel in the series about a private investigator (ok, she is faking it, but..) that finds herself involved in a serious case.

Casey Jones is hired by a family clan (women) to try and do the impossible. The job? Remove Gail Honeycutt from death row within a month. Casey is flummoxed but takes the case when she senses that Gail is, indeed, not guilty.

This book was filled with action, murdered victims, police force inquiries, and more. The book to me, however, would have been improved upon by not constantly telling us about Casey, herself. Casey Jones is a large built woman with large sexual tastes. That is stated so many times that it overshadowed the storyline and for me made the book almost a DNF or Do Not Finish. I was bored. However, I'm glad I looked past the character and rough language as the story was solid.

This is an adult novel and a heck of a story once you get past the main character, who is a good person but drawn too rough (my opinion only.)

[Ann Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katy was a new author to me. I really enjoyed this book. She reminds me a little of Fanny Flagg because she has a slow, southern detail way of painting a scene. Hence, I could "see" everything she was trying to tell me. Casey Jones, the private investigator, was fabulous. She's gritty, funny and sometimes her confidence wavers, which makes her a very believable character. A complicated mystery involving dead police officers, a judge and a woman at the end of the line on death row. Every character in this book carried their own weight. I'm looking forward to reading more from Katy.

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

On balance, the main character, Casey Jones, an unlicensed private eye with a somewhat shady past, was easy to like if more than bit unbelievable. The basic story line is that Casey has been approached by the family of a woman on death row in law and order North Carolina and there's only a month until her execution date. It comes down fairly neutral on the death penalty itself. Some of the prose contained within the book was enjoyable, especially since I've lived in North Carolina in the past.