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Carter Mays Mystery #1
Malicious Masquerade
Chicago PI Carter Mays is thrust into a perilous masquerade when local rich girl Cindy Bedford hires him. Turns out her fiancé failed to show up on their wedding day, the same day millions of dollars are stolen from her father’s company. While Carter takes the case, Cindy’s father tries to find him his own way. With nasty secrets, hidden finances, and a trail of revenge, it’s soon apparent no one is who they say they are.
Carter searches for the truth, but the situation grows more volatile as panic collides with vulnerability. Broken relationships and blurred loyalties turn deadly, fueled by past offenses and present vendettas in a quest to reveal the truth behind the masks before no one, including Carter, gets out alive.
Carter searches for the truth, but the situation grows more volatile as panic collides with vulnerability. Broken relationships and blurred loyalties turn deadly, fueled by past offenses and present vendettas in a quest to reveal the truth behind the masks before no one, including Carter, gets out alive.
356 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2013
5 people are currently reading
1258 people want to read
About the author
Alan Cupp
9 books24 followersAlan Cupp loves to create and entertain, whether it’s with a captivating mystery novel or a funny promotional video for his church, he’s always anticipating his next creative endeavor. In addition to writing fiction, Alan enjoys acting, music, travel, and playing sports. His life’s motto is, “It’s better to wear out than rust out.” Alan places a high value on time spent with his beautiful wife and their two sons. He lives his life according to his 4F philosophy: Faith, Family, Friends, and Fun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 30, 2015
The first in a new series and a new author for in this fast action packed thriller. I found it difficult to put the book down and read it one sitting. The stiory of how one a man built his life on lies that began to unrivaled and the results. Cindy Bradford hires Chicago PI Carter Miles to find her financeTyler Moore who jilted her at the alter. Meanwhile her father is looking for him as he stole money from his secret accounts. Her father refuses to call the police. Carter needs to find Tyler before he looses everything dear to him. I recommend this book.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for a honest review. I would like to thank for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for a honest review. I would like to thank for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
March 7, 2013
Chicago private eye Carter Mays is hired by Cindy, a rich debutante, to find her missing fiance. At the same time, Cindy's father is also searching for the fiance who walked out on Cindy's wedding day. A twisting plot leads both men scrambling for alternate reasons to find the man who disappeared and seemingly stole millions from Cindy's father.
I enjoyed Carter's dry humor and chivalrous gallantry. The beginning of this book hooked me right away and I loved all the plot twists that made me constantly question motives.
I enjoyed Carter's dry humor and chivalrous gallantry. The beginning of this book hooked me right away and I loved all the plot twists that made me constantly question motives.
March 7, 2013
Won this on Goodreads. Wonderful book. If you love a good suspense novel this is for you. Can't wait to read more from Alan Cupp!
June 13, 2013
I enjoyed this book tremendously. Being fairly familiar with Henery Press, this was a refreshing change of pace compared to some of their other great reads.
After her fiancé pulls a no-show on their wedding day, Cindy Bedford hires a private detective to track him down. And what P.I. Carter Mays finds out is anything but expected.
I really enjoyed watching Cindy Bedford's struggle between what is morally right and family loyalty. Near the novel's end, Cindy discovers that her family isn't perfect and is in to some bad business. She's forced to choose between doing what is right and standing by her family. It's a hard decision for anyone and Alan Cupp captures the difficulty of that decision perfectly.
I started this book after dinner one night and stayed up until 4am to finish it. It's a gripping read with tons of action. I would be interested in reading another book by him. Hopefully, he turns this into a series. I wouldn't mind revisiting these characters again.
After her fiancé pulls a no-show on their wedding day, Cindy Bedford hires a private detective to track him down. And what P.I. Carter Mays finds out is anything but expected.
I really enjoyed watching Cindy Bedford's struggle between what is morally right and family loyalty. Near the novel's end, Cindy discovers that her family isn't perfect and is in to some bad business. She's forced to choose between doing what is right and standing by her family. It's a hard decision for anyone and Alan Cupp captures the difficulty of that decision perfectly.
I started this book after dinner one night and stayed up until 4am to finish it. It's a gripping read with tons of action. I would be interested in reading another book by him. Hopefully, he turns this into a series. I wouldn't mind revisiting these characters again.
January 28, 2015
Thanks Henery Press and Net Galley for providing me another good e-galley for free in exchange for a review.
Man, I just tore threw the pages if this book. This was book that I just could not put down. Why does a guy no show for his wedding after a three year affair, then his apartment has been evacuated. All that's left is the furniture it came with. And, his car is found at O'Hare International Airport. This is some serious fleeing.
The father of the bride, however, a real shady character, gets involved when he finds he's been robbed both at home and from his company. This man is not a nice man.
The story leads you to speculate and further speculate as you will never figure out the truth until it all comes out at the top of an abandoned building.
This was a great read and I highly recommend it!
Man, I just tore threw the pages if this book. This was book that I just could not put down. Why does a guy no show for his wedding after a three year affair, then his apartment has been evacuated. All that's left is the furniture it came with. And, his car is found at O'Hare International Airport. This is some serious fleeing.
The father of the bride, however, a real shady character, gets involved when he finds he's been robbed both at home and from his company. This man is not a nice man.
The story leads you to speculate and further speculate as you will never figure out the truth until it all comes out at the top of an abandoned building.
This was a great read and I highly recommend it!
February 21, 2013
Where is Tyler Moore? That’s the question Alan Cupp has us asking in Malicious Masquerade. When Jasper Bedford’s daughter, Cindy, is jilted at the altar, Jasper begins to wonder if something may have happened to Tyler. Jasper quickly assembles a search team and the results surprise him, yet yield little information as to Tyler’s whereabouts. Unbeknownst to Jasper, Cindy hires a private investigator to find Tyler because she believes something must have happened to him. Jasper tries to convince Cindy of the truth: Tyler used her for monetary gain; despite showing her evidence of his guilt, she doesn’t believe it. When she meets with Carter Mays, the Chicago PI she hires, she’s convinced he can find Tyler within days and Carter is unsure if he wants to take this case. He has a reason to be suspicious: the authorities haven’t been alerted to Tyler’s disappearance. The deeper Carter digs, the more he uncovers and soon he’s questioning who he can trust.
Character development is strong and yet we don’t really get to know Carter. It was almost as if Cupp focused primarily on the Bedfords with Carter being secondary. Don’t get me wrong, it works, but at times I wanted to know more about him. In the end, this is about finding Tyler and uncovering his motives and as I mentioned, the set up works. I really liked how Cupp shows us how much Cindy has grown. At the end, she’s no longer this spoiled rich girl and when she realizes her father’s true business dealings, she’s conflicted on what to do. I’m not saying what she decides, but it is definitely in keeping with her personality. I’m not surprised at how Jasper and Darlene turn out. I admit feeling sorry for Darlene at times, but it’s apparent she likes to be miserable; she and Jasper are made for each other.
There are a lot of hidden agendas in Malicious Masquerade and Cupp does a terrific job keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The plot was well executed with a few minor hiccups (explained further down), but he slowly feeds you information. Based on the clues we’re given it’s up to us to decipher them. I was thrown off course a few times, but felt vindicated in the end when it all came together. I still feel as if I had no idea what to expect and I love when writers do that. Now in terms of the secrets, wow-the business aspect of Jasper’s dealings was mindboggling. We’re told Tyler stole several millions from Jasper, but no one is sure how because Jasper and his business partner, have an intricate security system. The pieces come together at the end and everything is well placed.
I debated with the rating and it would have been solid five had a few things been cleared up. There’s an incident involving Carter’s house and it’s assumed Jasper had something to do with it, but the more I think about it, the more I’m convinced Tyler was behind it. If it was Tyler, it’s never expanded on despite the fact one of Jasper’s men is found murdered down the street from Carter’s house. There’s also the issue with several listening devices found in Carter’s office. It is assumed Jasper planted them and I most certainly can believe it, but still I can’t let go of the possibility of Tyler having something to do with it and him wanting to know how close Carter was to finding him.
The bottom line is Malicious Masquerade is a highly enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to more of Alan Cupp’s work.
ARC courtesy of Henery Press via NetGalley & review published at Literary, etc.
Character development is strong and yet we don’t really get to know Carter. It was almost as if Cupp focused primarily on the Bedfords with Carter being secondary. Don’t get me wrong, it works, but at times I wanted to know more about him. In the end, this is about finding Tyler and uncovering his motives and as I mentioned, the set up works. I really liked how Cupp shows us how much Cindy has grown. At the end, she’s no longer this spoiled rich girl and when she realizes her father’s true business dealings, she’s conflicted on what to do. I’m not saying what she decides, but it is definitely in keeping with her personality. I’m not surprised at how Jasper and Darlene turn out. I admit feeling sorry for Darlene at times, but it’s apparent she likes to be miserable; she and Jasper are made for each other.
There are a lot of hidden agendas in Malicious Masquerade and Cupp does a terrific job keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The plot was well executed with a few minor hiccups (explained further down), but he slowly feeds you information. Based on the clues we’re given it’s up to us to decipher them. I was thrown off course a few times, but felt vindicated in the end when it all came together. I still feel as if I had no idea what to expect and I love when writers do that. Now in terms of the secrets, wow-the business aspect of Jasper’s dealings was mindboggling. We’re told Tyler stole several millions from Jasper, but no one is sure how because Jasper and his business partner, have an intricate security system. The pieces come together at the end and everything is well placed.
I debated with the rating and it would have been solid five had a few things been cleared up. There’s an incident involving Carter’s house and it’s assumed Jasper had something to do with it, but the more I think about it, the more I’m convinced Tyler was behind it. If it was Tyler, it’s never expanded on despite the fact one of Jasper’s men is found murdered down the street from Carter’s house. There’s also the issue with several listening devices found in Carter’s office. It is assumed Jasper planted them and I most certainly can believe it, but still I can’t let go of the possibility of Tyler having something to do with it and him wanting to know how close Carter was to finding him.
The bottom line is Malicious Masquerade is a highly enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to more of Alan Cupp’s work.
ARC courtesy of Henery Press via NetGalley & review published at Literary, etc.
February 10, 2015
Tyler Moore doesn't show up at the church for his marriage to Cindy Bedford. Naturally, Cindy's father, Jasper, is upset. When Jasper sends a couple of his employees to Tyler's apartment to see why he isn't answering his cellphone, they discover that the entire apartment is empty, except for the furniture and the cell. When Jasper returns home, leaving his distraught daughter in the care of her mother, Darlene, Jasper discovers something else: his safe has been broken into, its contents gone, save the one item that can identify Tyler: his prenuptial agreement. Enraged, Jasper soon discovers other things that potentially destroy his life, and vows he will do whatever it takes to find Tyler.
The next morning, Cindy goes to Carter Mays office and hires him to find her fiancé. She doesn't believe Tyler would just walk out on her, and believes he may have been coerced to do it, even kidnapped. Convincing Carter to take the case was fairly easy, but it seems someone doesn't want him on it - Cindy's father Jasper.
So now we have the beginning of a nasty set of circumstances. I can't tell you any more about the book than I already have without giving away spoilers. But let me tell you that it is like a pie that hasn't yet been put together and baked: you have all the ingredients at hand, ready to be mixed. Everything looks good, right up until you pour it into the pan and place in the oven. Then something happens - you either forget about it or turn the heat up too high. Regardless, what you wind up with is a foul mess you wish you would either have not started or paid more attention to. And there's nothing you can do to change one thing, to go back and start over.
And this is what happens to Carter. He gets himself in so deep that even though you sense he wishes he would have done things differently, he never says so, and he knows he couldn't, even if he wanted to. Once you're in, you're in deep. And nothing is exactly what it seems. Not Tyler. Not Jasper. Not even Carter. Not the people around them.
All I can say is that this book is riveting. Carter is the kind of protagonist I like to see: strong, smart, funny, brave (but not 'gung ho I'm invincible' brave.) He's good at what he does and smart enough to figure things out along the way. And he gives a sort of strength to Cindy, just by having her around him. This is the kind of book that everyone should read at least once, especially when you get tired of armchair detectives accidentally figuring things out as they stumble along (which isn't to say I don't like those books, I actually do; but every once in a while it's nice to read someone who knows what they're doing all along.)
In the end, Mr. Cupp has given us a new kind of hero in Carter Mays. One I hope will be around for a very long time. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review but this in no way influenced my decision.
The next morning, Cindy goes to Carter Mays office and hires him to find her fiancé. She doesn't believe Tyler would just walk out on her, and believes he may have been coerced to do it, even kidnapped. Convincing Carter to take the case was fairly easy, but it seems someone doesn't want him on it - Cindy's father Jasper.
So now we have the beginning of a nasty set of circumstances. I can't tell you any more about the book than I already have without giving away spoilers. But let me tell you that it is like a pie that hasn't yet been put together and baked: you have all the ingredients at hand, ready to be mixed. Everything looks good, right up until you pour it into the pan and place in the oven. Then something happens - you either forget about it or turn the heat up too high. Regardless, what you wind up with is a foul mess you wish you would either have not started or paid more attention to. And there's nothing you can do to change one thing, to go back and start over.
And this is what happens to Carter. He gets himself in so deep that even though you sense he wishes he would have done things differently, he never says so, and he knows he couldn't, even if he wanted to. Once you're in, you're in deep. And nothing is exactly what it seems. Not Tyler. Not Jasper. Not even Carter. Not the people around them.
All I can say is that this book is riveting. Carter is the kind of protagonist I like to see: strong, smart, funny, brave (but not 'gung ho I'm invincible' brave.) He's good at what he does and smart enough to figure things out along the way. And he gives a sort of strength to Cindy, just by having her around him. This is the kind of book that everyone should read at least once, especially when you get tired of armchair detectives accidentally figuring things out as they stumble along (which isn't to say I don't like those books, I actually do; but every once in a while it's nice to read someone who knows what they're doing all along.)
In the end, Mr. Cupp has given us a new kind of hero in Carter Mays. One I hope will be around for a very long time. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review but this in no way influenced my decision.
June 17, 2013
*Review copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
Malicious Masquerade by Alan Cupp is a very fast paced story of a life of crime hidden behind a mask of fame and fortune. There are many twists and turns that make the reader feel he is sliding down a slippery slope of pain and confusion. But amidst all the trauma, a love affair starts to bloom.
Cindy Bedford is the daughter of Jasper Bedford, a very rich entrepreneur in the world of construction. She has led a spoiled life and now is going to marry the man of her dreams, Tyler Moore. But her dreams end abruptly when she is left standing at the altar. Not only has he disappeared, he stole millions of dollars from her father.
Cindy can’t believe any of this is true. She fears something terrible has happened to Tyler. She can’t accept that he never loved her. She hires a P.I. named Carter Mays to find him and learn the truth. What she doesn’t know is that her father doesn’t want Tyler found because he has a secret life hidden behind his façade as a decent, hardworking man. So he does everything possible to find Tyler himself. One twist leads to another and another and the truth finally comes out. Cindy is shocked to find out that her father is a hypocrite who has lied to her all her life. Everything she believed in was now destroyed and she has to pick up the pieces of her life and start over. With the help of Carter Mays, she may actually be able to do it.
This was a fun, energetic story whose characters were very true to life. It makes us realize that life is not always what it seems and sometimes, a lot of good can come from a lot of bad if we have the courage to look ahead and move on.
Definitely a 5 star read.
Reviewed by Joanne
Malicious Masquerade by Alan Cupp is a very fast paced story of a life of crime hidden behind a mask of fame and fortune. There are many twists and turns that make the reader feel he is sliding down a slippery slope of pain and confusion. But amidst all the trauma, a love affair starts to bloom.
Cindy Bedford is the daughter of Jasper Bedford, a very rich entrepreneur in the world of construction. She has led a spoiled life and now is going to marry the man of her dreams, Tyler Moore. But her dreams end abruptly when she is left standing at the altar. Not only has he disappeared, he stole millions of dollars from her father.
Cindy can’t believe any of this is true. She fears something terrible has happened to Tyler. She can’t accept that he never loved her. She hires a P.I. named Carter Mays to find him and learn the truth. What she doesn’t know is that her father doesn’t want Tyler found because he has a secret life hidden behind his façade as a decent, hardworking man. So he does everything possible to find Tyler himself. One twist leads to another and another and the truth finally comes out. Cindy is shocked to find out that her father is a hypocrite who has lied to her all her life. Everything she believed in was now destroyed and she has to pick up the pieces of her life and start over. With the help of Carter Mays, she may actually be able to do it.
This was a fun, energetic story whose characters were very true to life. It makes us realize that life is not always what it seems and sometimes, a lot of good can come from a lot of bad if we have the courage to look ahead and move on.
Definitely a 5 star read.
Reviewed by Joanne
January 16, 2013
It's very rare that males tend to write humourous mystery novels , ones along the lines of Janet Evanovich and Lisa Lutz , but Alan Cupp has stepped up to the plate and delievered his new novel Malicious Masquerade.
Imagine waiting at the altar only to learn that the guy you were going to marry is not what he seems and that it looks like he has stolen over seven million dollars from your family , money that was hidden in secret accounts and if word ever got out , then Jasper Bedford would be done for. That is what has happened to Cindy - on the day of her wedding her fiance Tyler disappeared and now her father thinks that he is responsible for theft and lots of it. Can Cindy hire a PI - Carter Mays to discover what really happened to Tyler ? What will happen though when Tyler rings Jasper and it is discovered that he has set him up to look like he has been soliciting in Child Prostution ? As Cindy and Carter start their own investigation , will they get out before trouble hits the fan or will they uncover sordid details that will leave Carter's life hanging on the balance ? Will Carter at the same time get the girl Cindy or will we read about Cindy going back to Tyler ?
Imagine waiting at the altar only to learn that the guy you were going to marry is not what he seems and that it looks like he has stolen over seven million dollars from your family , money that was hidden in secret accounts and if word ever got out , then Jasper Bedford would be done for. That is what has happened to Cindy - on the day of her wedding her fiance Tyler disappeared and now her father thinks that he is responsible for theft and lots of it. Can Cindy hire a PI - Carter Mays to discover what really happened to Tyler ? What will happen though when Tyler rings Jasper and it is discovered that he has set him up to look like he has been soliciting in Child Prostution ? As Cindy and Carter start their own investigation , will they get out before trouble hits the fan or will they uncover sordid details that will leave Carter's life hanging on the balance ? Will Carter at the same time get the girl Cindy or will we read about Cindy going back to Tyler ?
February 6, 2015
Amazing. Yes that is what I think of this novel. Truth telling, I had purchased this book along with several others back in early 2013. Every time it came to the top of one of my TBR (to be read) piles, the cover just didn't appeal. Now due to illness and finances I am reading my TBR's. What came to the top? "Malicious Masquerade."
This book had so many twists and turns that I never saw what was coming next. The book begins with a simple plot. A wealthy girl is left stranded at the altar. She hires a PI to find him. She wants answers.
Well, all I can say is be careful of what you think you want...cliché or not, you just might get it. Poor Cindy did and years of trauma more!
There was murder, theft, identity switches, lite romance, you just name it. I found myself having to finish the book no matter how late the hour.
And, to think I was disinterested due to the cover...although it was applicable, it just didn't call me. This book is truly a gem!
This book had so many twists and turns that I never saw what was coming next. The book begins with a simple plot. A wealthy girl is left stranded at the altar. She hires a PI to find him. She wants answers.
Well, all I can say is be careful of what you think you want...cliché or not, you just might get it. Poor Cindy did and years of trauma more!
There was murder, theft, identity switches, lite romance, you just name it. I found myself having to finish the book no matter how late the hour.
And, to think I was disinterested due to the cover...although it was applicable, it just didn't call me. This book is truly a gem!
August 1, 2013
I don't think of myself as someone who likes PI mysteries, but I really enjoyed this one! I think that's because of the humorous voice and the fact that it's a traditional mystery that keeps up the suspense without being too gritty. I did guess what was going on, but there were enough clever twists and turns to keep me reading and smiling.
June 4, 2015
Five Star Action
Part mystery, part action adventure, all highly readable. When Lies Crumble features a cast of villains and one amazing detective. Bravo!
Part mystery, part action adventure, all highly readable. When Lies Crumble features a cast of villains and one amazing detective. Bravo!
Read
July 17, 2015Great mystery filled with lots of twists. Fun and fast read.
May 31, 2018
Non-stop adventure! Good, fun read, full of terrible villains and an admirable main character. We don’t learn much about the main character through the story, but I guess that happens in a plot-driven book. I prefer character-driven books so I missed getting to know what drives the main character.
June 9, 2018
Intriguing plot overall with several twists. The last third was a little weak, but I'd try this author again.
August 25, 2013
Malicious Masquerade by Alan Cupp
Review by Georgianna Simpson
If you love puzzles and deep plots, this should be a wonderful read for you!
It begins with a bride (Cindy Bedford) anxiously awaiting her groom to show up at the church. The mystery deepens when he does not show and the evening falls only to find that he has packed everything and has taken money from her father’s safe as well as from his accounts at his company (from illegal accounts she doesn’t know about).
Devastated and angry…still in shock she hires Carter Mays, private investigator and former Chicago PD to find her vanished love so she can get the closure she needs or wants.
Cindy Bedford is a spoiled princess, but very lovely woman who has loved Tyler Moore for three years and accepted his proposal. Encouraged by her father Jasper Bedford, who thought the sun rose and set in Tyler, she was expecting a much different life than what she now had.
The investigation begins slowly and reveals more to the detective than he bargained for. Cindy doesn’t know her businessman father is also a heroine importer on the side (supporting his finances). She’s daddy’s little girl and has no clue as to her father’s true nature. Her mother Darlene, a functioning alcoholic, knows all the secrets, but the two have worked hard to keep Cindy in the dark.
Mays is a professional and all around good guy, handsome and kind. Very clever, he does his job well. Even followed by Jasper’s thugs he manages to make small headway into the mystery of Tyler Moore, while trying not to fall for the lovely Cindy.
I don’t want to spoil the entertainment of going through this investigation learning and thrilling to the various changes to the story. Mr. Cupp has written a very intricate and compelling mystery. It builds slowly and surely to an enticing peak of danger and discovery.
Get a good glass of wine or two and enjoy the ride.
Author supplied copy for an honest review.
Review by Georgianna Simpson
If you love puzzles and deep plots, this should be a wonderful read for you!
It begins with a bride (Cindy Bedford) anxiously awaiting her groom to show up at the church. The mystery deepens when he does not show and the evening falls only to find that he has packed everything and has taken money from her father’s safe as well as from his accounts at his company (from illegal accounts she doesn’t know about).
Devastated and angry…still in shock she hires Carter Mays, private investigator and former Chicago PD to find her vanished love so she can get the closure she needs or wants.
Cindy Bedford is a spoiled princess, but very lovely woman who has loved Tyler Moore for three years and accepted his proposal. Encouraged by her father Jasper Bedford, who thought the sun rose and set in Tyler, she was expecting a much different life than what she now had.
The investigation begins slowly and reveals more to the detective than he bargained for. Cindy doesn’t know her businessman father is also a heroine importer on the side (supporting his finances). She’s daddy’s little girl and has no clue as to her father’s true nature. Her mother Darlene, a functioning alcoholic, knows all the secrets, but the two have worked hard to keep Cindy in the dark.
Mays is a professional and all around good guy, handsome and kind. Very clever, he does his job well. Even followed by Jasper’s thugs he manages to make small headway into the mystery of Tyler Moore, while trying not to fall for the lovely Cindy.
I don’t want to spoil the entertainment of going through this investigation learning and thrilling to the various changes to the story. Mr. Cupp has written a very intricate and compelling mystery. It builds slowly and surely to an enticing peak of danger and discovery.
Get a good glass of wine or two and enjoy the ride.
Author supplied copy for an honest review.
March 12, 2015
Jasper Bedford owns West Lake Property and Development, a very prosperous real estate development company. Today his daughter Cindy is waiting for Tyler to arrive for their wedding ceremony growing anxious as the final hour approaches. Jasper learns that Tyler is a no-show and vows to find him no matter what it takes, especially after learning Tyler broke into his home and stole money while everyone was at the wedding.
Cindy hires Private Investigator Carter Mays to find Tyler after discovering he was using her as part of his sinister plan to escape with stolen bundles of money from her father. Through Cindy’s devastation, she learns that Jasper is not the father whom she has grown to love and decides to confront him and her mother. How will Cindy face her father with the information she knows without placing them all in danger and completely shredding the family to pieces?
Alan Cupp has written a good mystery and crime drama that should not be at the bottom of any reading list. This is the first book in a series for Private Investigator Carter Mays and I cannot wait to read the second novel in this collection. When Lies Crumble is full of mystery, suspense, twists and turns as read about the Bedford’s and their real estate fortune. I recommend to all amateur sleuths to get ready for a good read on a cozy afternoon or evening.
I received this book free from Henery Press through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.
Cindy hires Private Investigator Carter Mays to find Tyler after discovering he was using her as part of his sinister plan to escape with stolen bundles of money from her father. Through Cindy’s devastation, she learns that Jasper is not the father whom she has grown to love and decides to confront him and her mother. How will Cindy face her father with the information she knows without placing them all in danger and completely shredding the family to pieces?
Alan Cupp has written a good mystery and crime drama that should not be at the bottom of any reading list. This is the first book in a series for Private Investigator Carter Mays and I cannot wait to read the second novel in this collection. When Lies Crumble is full of mystery, suspense, twists and turns as read about the Bedford’s and their real estate fortune. I recommend to all amateur sleuths to get ready for a good read on a cozy afternoon or evening.
I received this book free from Henery Press through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.
July 11, 2015
Another reader recommended we try “Lies”, apparently the first novel effort for author Cupp, introducing private eye Carter Mays, with a second installment also available. Mays gets hired by Cindy Bedford to find Tyler Moore, the man who jilted her at the altar and apparently has stolen $6 million or more from her tycoon father Jasper. Jasper is almost certainly a crook – and we soon learn that his legitimate business success is buttressed my some undefined criminal activity. Mays has no easy time of his search, which is alternately handicapped and then assisted by Jasper’s goon squad of “security employees”; and before it’s over, we have heavy doses of violence, drunken wives, scheming executives, and Cindy throwing herself at our hero. Despite all manner of mayhem, Mays of course prevails in a somewhat twisty ending.
We found the plot suspenseful and convoluted enough to hold our attention; but somehow the Mays character seemed off. We never were sure whether he was a competent sleuth with skills or rather a nerd who just got lucky from time to time. Much of the action near book’s end defied belief, but after all, it’s fiction. Bottom line, we considered the tale OK, but were not as enamored as most other reviewers.
We found the plot suspenseful and convoluted enough to hold our attention; but somehow the Mays character seemed off. We never were sure whether he was a competent sleuth with skills or rather a nerd who just got lucky from time to time. Much of the action near book’s end defied belief, but after all, it’s fiction. Bottom line, we considered the tale OK, but were not as enamored as most other reviewers.
December 16, 2013
Of all things Alan Cupp’s book is not, Malicious Masquerade is not predictable. Cupp twists and turns the story, causing us to wonder what will be uncovered next.
Private Investigator, Carter, reminds me of Italian singer, Dean Martin. Martin crooned love songs softly and you’d think he didn’t have to practice at all. Carter takes his work seriously, but he works hard to discover each piece of the mystery puzzle and fit it into place. One can tell the P.I.’s been at his profession a long time. I love his easy style.
Cupp presents a plethora of situations needing answers, including why a groom would not appear at his wedding and why at least $30,000 is missing.
Excellent writing brings all our questions to resolution as Carter uncovers the real people behind their social masks. A great read.
Private Investigator, Carter, reminds me of Italian singer, Dean Martin. Martin crooned love songs softly and you’d think he didn’t have to practice at all. Carter takes his work seriously, but he works hard to discover each piece of the mystery puzzle and fit it into place. One can tell the P.I.’s been at his profession a long time. I love his easy style.
Cupp presents a plethora of situations needing answers, including why a groom would not appear at his wedding and why at least $30,000 is missing.
Excellent writing brings all our questions to resolution as Carter uncovers the real people behind their social masks. A great read.
February 18, 2015
When Lies Crumble is the first book in the Carter Mays mystery series. It is a well written and professionally edited full length mystery novel.
When a young socialite is left standing at the alter by her fiancé; she hires Charlie Mays to find him. What was at first a missing person case quickly becomes dangerous for Charlie and his client.
This plot is original and fast paced. I could have used more character development, especially of the main character, Charlie Mays. I had a hard time visualizing him and very little background was given for his character.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed When Lies Crumble. The first book in a series can often get bogged down, but the focus on a strong plot made this an absorbing read for me. It ends with a HFN with no cliffhanger.
ARC provided by Henery Press via Netgalley.
When a young socialite is left standing at the alter by her fiancé; she hires Charlie Mays to find him. What was at first a missing person case quickly becomes dangerous for Charlie and his client.
This plot is original and fast paced. I could have used more character development, especially of the main character, Charlie Mays. I had a hard time visualizing him and very little background was given for his character.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed When Lies Crumble. The first book in a series can often get bogged down, but the focus on a strong plot made this an absorbing read for me. It ends with a HFN with no cliffhanger.
ARC provided by Henery Press via Netgalley.
March 25, 2015
When Tyler Moore is a runaway groom. his fiancé Cindy Bedford hires PI Carter Mays to find him. What Carter doesn't know is that Cindy's father's security team at West Lake Development is already looking for Tyler because six millions dollars been stolen from the company while they were at the wedding venue.
Fast paced with lots of action, I found it hard to believe that someone with Carter's serious head injuries could continue to function while sustaining further injuries much less survive them and rescue Cindy and himself. The rest of the book was excellent.
Good clean action novel and this is a character I will definitely follow. I have already read book 2 before buying book 1 thanks to Net Galley and publisher. Book 2, Scheduled to Die, is even better!
I believe this book was originally titled as Malicious Masquerade.
Fast paced with lots of action, I found it hard to believe that someone with Carter's serious head injuries could continue to function while sustaining further injuries much less survive them and rescue Cindy and himself. The rest of the book was excellent.
Good clean action novel and this is a character I will definitely follow. I have already read book 2 before buying book 1 thanks to Net Galley and publisher. Book 2, Scheduled to Die, is even better!
I believe this book was originally titled as Malicious Masquerade.
Read
September 3, 2015Chicago PI Carter Mays is thrust into a house of lies when local rich girl Cindy Bedford hires him. Turns out her fiancé failed to show up on their wedding day, the same day millions of dollars are stolen from her father’s company. While Carter takes the case, Cindy’s father tries to find him his own way. With nasty secrets, hidden finances, and a trail of revenge, it’s soon apparent no one is who they say they are.
Carter searches for the truth, but the situation grows more volatile as panic collides with vulnerability. Broken relationships and blurred loyalties turn deadly, fueled by past offenses and present vendettas in a quest to reveal the truth behind the lies before no one, including Carter, gets out alive. (Originally published as Malicious Masquerade, March 2013)
Terrible. Didn't finish. Cindy's parents were bad.
Carter searches for the truth, but the situation grows more volatile as panic collides with vulnerability. Broken relationships and blurred loyalties turn deadly, fueled by past offenses and present vendettas in a quest to reveal the truth behind the lies before no one, including Carter, gets out alive. (Originally published as Malicious Masquerade, March 2013)
Terrible. Didn't finish. Cindy's parents were bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2017
Great mystery
This is a great private detective mystery for any mystery reader to enjoy, whether you enjoy hard core mysteries, or lighter reads. It is the feel of a hard-boiled detective novel, but not as dark. The detective, Carter Mays, is a standup guy, versus the alcoholic ex cop, usually found in a private detective novel. He is an ex cop yes, what doesn't do things like drink or jump in the bed with female clients. The whodunit element is great too: Carter is asked by a wealthy heiress, Cindy Bedford, to find her fiancé. He left her on her wedding day, along with a lot of money from her father's company. The book is fast-paced and well-written, and with the suspense and mystery, it is sure to be a book that you won't put down, very
This is a great private detective mystery for any mystery reader to enjoy, whether you enjoy hard core mysteries, or lighter reads. It is the feel of a hard-boiled detective novel, but not as dark. The detective, Carter Mays, is a standup guy, versus the alcoholic ex cop, usually found in a private detective novel. He is an ex cop yes, what doesn't do things like drink or jump in the bed with female clients. The whodunit element is great too: Carter is asked by a wealthy heiress, Cindy Bedford, to find her fiancé. He left her on her wedding day, along with a lot of money from her father's company. The book is fast-paced and well-written, and with the suspense and mystery, it is sure to be a book that you won't put down, very
March 27, 2013
Cindy should be having the happiest day of her life- her wedding day. But her fiancee, Tyler, never shows up, and her dad, Jasper, suspects him stealing money from him and his business. Cindy thinks that someone has kidnapped him- so she hires a PI, Carter, to find him.
Both Jasper and Carter are searching for Tyler; both want to find out what happened to him; and one wants to make sure that Tyler pays for the sins he committed.
My Review:
Traveling With T
Both Jasper and Carter are searching for Tyler; both want to find out what happened to him; and one wants to make sure that Tyler pays for the sins he committed.
My Review:
Traveling With T
January 23, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery thriller. It's filled with twists and turns throughout the novel. The author is a very good storyteller and paints the scenes and characters well. Every chapter revealed some mystery but added even more, taking the reader on a road of twists and turns to an action packed ending. Malicious Masquerade is a dark, cozy, mystery thriller about power, greed, manipulation, revenge, and murder.
February 8, 2014
Loved it!! I've been enjoying the books from Henery Press lately so I thought I would give this one a go. It's a great mix of suspense, mystery and humour with a dash of romance. Can't recommend it highly enough and I look forward to more about P.I. Carter Mays.
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.
November 11, 2014
This was a great book. I couldn't put it down! Hope there are lots more in this series.
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April 6, 2016“Cupp writes with an insider's knowledge of the human condition. [When Lies Crumble] is a breathtaking look behind the mask we all wear.” – Brandt Dodson, Author of The Sons of Jude
July 6, 2013
This was an easy read. It did not drag on. Liked it.
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