Dying to Know

Gumshoe Ghost Mystery #1

by Tj O'Connor

Dying is overrated. Murder is not.

Detective Oliver Tucker prefers to be the guy investigating shootings, not the guy getting shot. So when he returns as a ghost after being murdered in his home, it's only natural for Tuck to investigate the most important case of his life--his own. Detective, solve thyself!

Piecing together cold cases, foggy memories, and eerie premonitions, Tuck fears that if he doesn't figure out who pulled the trigger, his wife may be the next victim. Surprised to discover many earth-bound spirits chasing the same killer, Tuck's unique perspective from the other side leads him to a chilling conclusion--it's the living, not the dead, who are most terrifying.

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fantasy, Mystery Thriller

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Tj O’Connor is an award-winning author of mysteries and thrillers. He’s an international security consultant specializing in anti-terrorism, investigations, and threat analysis—life experiences that drive his novels. With his former life as a government agent and years as a consultant, he has lived and worked around the world in places like Greece, Turkey, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and throughout the Americas—among others. In his spare time, he’s a Harley Davidson pilot, a man-about-dogs (and now cats), and a lover of adventure, cooking, and good spirits (both kinds). He was raised in New York’s Hudson Valley and now lives with his wife, Labs, and Maine Coon companions in Virginia where they raised five children who are supplying a growing tribe of grands.

Tj’s work has been recognized with: The American Legacy Award for Political Thrillers; the American Fiction Awards for Political Thrillers & Mystery/Suspense; Gold Medal from the Independent Publishers Book Awards (IPPY) for mysteries; Gold Medal Winner—Military Writer’s Society of America; Gold Medal Winner—Readers Favorite Book Awards; Bronze Medal Winner from the Reader’s Favorite Book Awards; and a finalist for The Silver Falchion Award Finalist for Mysteries and Thrillers; Foreword Reviews’ INDIEFAB Mystery Book of the Year; and the Deadly Ink’s David Award Finalist for Best Mystery/Thriller.

Learn about Tj’s world at:
Web Site: www.tjoconnor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tjoconnor.author
Blog: https://tjoconnor.com/theplotthickens/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tjoconnor
Twitter: https://x.com/Tjoconnorauthor
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tjoconnoraut...

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have all heard that “Dead men tell no tales” (author unknown) but in TJ O’Connor’s breakout novel Dying to Know a dead man does tell a tale. A very entertaining tale to be exact.

The novel starts out with the bang. That bang is the gun that kills Detective Oliver Tucker (known as Tuck) when he gets up during the night to investigate a noise he hears downstairs. When he wakes up to see his dead body and crying wife, he knows that life – now death – will never be the same. His faithful black Lab Hercule can see him and hear him, but is confused when Tuck cannot play ball or pet him.

Once he gets more accustom to his new state, he is determined to find his killer. However, he needs help from his partner, known as Bear, who is acting very suspicious. Bear is hiding evidence, meeting with unsavory characters and seems to be excessively close to Tuck’s wife, Angel. On the road to finding his killer, will Tuck see, hear and find out things that he might not want to know about those that are closest to him?

Tuck’s problems are compounded when he is swept away to watch scenes that include murders and abductions. He is not sure if he is going back in time or watching an event that could be prevented. While he tries to figure out how to help, Doc, his spirit guide visits him, but doesn’t give him answers, only suggestions.

The quest to find his killer becomes part of a tangled plot that is ensnaring Angel and Bear. He reaches out desperately to Angel. But at what cost? He may be putting this professor in more danger than she bargains for by asking her to be his investigator. Soon a retired mobster, hired killer and maybe one of Angel’s closest friends are all looking suspicious to Tuck. He is no longer just looking for his murderer; he is trying to protect those he loves from joining him in death.

Don’t let all of this murder and mayhem stop you from enjoying the humor and fun in this mystery. It is a fun, fast read. I like the short chapters that call for me to read “just one more” until I realize it is past midnight. O’Connor pays homage to one of my all-time favorite authors, Dame Agatha Christie but naming the delightful Lab Hercule and including an archaeological dig as part of the main storyline.

Kudos to O’Connor on his debut novel. I cannot wait to hear more tales from the dead man in this series.

Copyright © 2014 Laura Hartman
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

I think I will like the next book better, because we will know more about the characters and their relationships good or bad. This kept you guessing till the end. You do not know who to trust. Can you trust all the cops? Did Tuck and Angela have a good marriage or bad? Why was Tuck murdered? What are the laws for ghosts? Their was so much Tuck and the reader has to find out. Who are the bad guys and good guys.

Tuck was killed right off the bat. His memory is not the best. The only one who he can see and talk to is his dog. He finally can communicate with his wife. She keeps saying its her fault. His partner is being sneaky and to friendly with his wife. Angela at times is glad that he is back but also hides things and wants privacy.

Dr. Angela Tucker works for the University and she is also supposed to look at area that new highway was going to build but some bones and artifacts were found she needs to help decide what should be best for the site. She stays in the bedroom while Tuck goes to investigate the noises downstairs. After she hears her husband being shot she lets the dog out and saves her. A lot of people are getting hurt around her.

Bear is Tuck's partner but he was hiding some files that Tuck had before the crime scene comes into the house. He also searches the house that night.

Their are plenty of secrets, lots of action, mistrusting everybody. The two cops working the murder think that Angela and Bear are having an affair. Tuck does not believe his partner and wife were. Tuck is jealous and is questioning it after some facts come out.

Lots of twists and turns so you feel lost for most of the book. It is a clean read. I definitely want to read more of this series and see where it will take us next.

I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest opinion of it by Netgalley and Midnight Ink

01/08/2014 Published Midnight Ink 384 pages ISBN-10: 0738739502

[Brooke Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars - Reviewed at Brooke Blogs.

Dying to Know by TJ O'Connor is the first book in the Gumshoe Ghost Mystery Series. I was hooked from page one. This is a fast paced mystery with paranormal elements.

Tuck, a homicide detective, is the victim of a homicide. He realizes this while looking at his body and crime scene being processed. He figures he is meant to stick around to try to solve his own murder. Little does he know, there's a lot more at stake. Several murders, intertwined with historical artifacts and even a murder from the past all come to a head in Dying to Know by TJ O'Connor.

TJ has created great characters and a really fun story line. Tuck is a guy you just like right from the start. He's dealing with some heavy things - his own murder, trying to keep his wife safe, and wondering if his partner really wanted to solve the crime, or if he was somehow involved. Tuck is smart and funny. Angela, or Angel to Tuck, is a professor and falls into the role of amateur sleuth. Tuck realizes his ghost powers are limited, and he often needs Angel to do the more physical aspect of things, like talking to witnesses.

I would consider this a cozy mystery. There are several murders, but no real gory details. There is mild cursing. But overall, the mystery had more of a cozy mystery feel to me than any other genre of mystery.

I really enjoyed this mystery. Dying to Know by TJ O'Connor has everything I love in a great mystery. Likeable characters, a unique, interesting story line, and a mystery that had plenty of suspects and kept me guessing until the end. Throw in an awesome setting, some Civil War/history aspects, and the paranormal world full of ghosts, and you've got a winner. This series will be on my must-buy, must-read list.

I checked this book out of the library. :)

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say this book is a step above a cozy mystery because it is jam packed with action, multiple suspects and red herrings. Maybe a touch too much because you have to pay attention because it jumps quickly from scene to scene as Tuck transports himself to see what's happening with different characters and at different locations. Surprisingly, I knew who the killer was because I just had a personal reaction to the individual early on, I don't think you can figure out who dunnit by reading the book. You certainly wouldn't know the motive until it's spelled out for you.

If it matters to you, there is no sex, some fighting scenes but no graphic violence/gore and no vulgar language that I can recall (but don't make a nasty comment if there's one or two).

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley.

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://openbooksociety.com/article/dy...

Brought to you by OBS reviewer JoAnne

Well, this book was definitely a surprise. I wanted to read it because I really liked the premise – a man is murdered, and then has to find out who did it. (Sounds kind of creepy the way I wrote that, but I like books with a twist). When he returns mere minutes after he is killed, he soon discovers that only his dog, Hercule, can see him. He also finds out other things, with the help of another mysterious ‘ghost’, Doc. That once you pass, thoughts become nothing and emotions are everything. Definitely a different twist on what people might or might not think happens when they die.

Once Tuck discovers that his death might have not been planned, and his wife Angel (Angela) could be in danger from the same killer, he strives with everything he has to find a way to communicate with her. Even when he does eventually reach her, he doesn’t have all the answers, and while she is struggling to come to terms with Tuck’s death and sort-of reappearance, he doesn’t know who to trust or how to keep her safe, and this includes whether or not to trust his partner, ‘Bear’ Braddock.

Angela is a Professor who is assisting a local dig, Kelly’s farm. Just when I thought the book couldn’t get any more interesting, I was delightfully surprised. I say that because I am a huge Civil War devotee, and intermingling with not only Tuck’s murder, but others’, is finding out that the dig at the farm has to do with the Civil War and brings elements of that into the story.

Yet when you dig deeper into Tuck’s murder, you will find that things are not always as they appear, and what does appear may not be what you see after all. Read the book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dying to Know is written by first time mystery author TJ O'Connor. It is set in Winchester, Virginia..I always like reading about places I've been and Winchester is located on the amazing Highway 50, a beautiful ride in Virginia and into West Virginia. Also, Mr. O'Connor is highly qualified..he is an international security consultant and a former government agent so he must know what he is talking about in regard to weaponry and police procedures.

I don't normally like paranormal stories but this is a different kind of ghost story. I wouldn't really class it as paranormal. This ghost was a part of the story and kept the plot moving along. I probably could deal with the ghost aspect because the author ensured that Tuck, the ghost, did not seem like a ghost. Rather he was one of the characters of the book. Tuck had been a detective in real life and he continued his detecting in the afterlife. Interesting unique story all around.

Great ending...I was kept guessing until the end. One thing I would change...the cover of the book...not eye-catching at all.

[Lance Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

The paranormal storyline stumbles at bit at first, while a new ghost gets his footing in the afterlife. However, it is easy to overlook this as the mystery quickly gains traction and is itself a real puzzler. The credibility of the murder investigation more than compensates for some of the more incredible elements of the story, resulting in a strong start to this series. Read our full review, here: http://www.mysteriousreviews.com/myst...

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tuck is a police detective who is killed by an intruder in his home. He stays around as a ghost to help solve his murder. This is a good story with some major twists and turns. I'm hoping this is the first of a series so Tuck can stick around and help Angela, his wife and Bear, his partner solve crimes.

[Charlotte mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun book to read, Interesting insights in people & personal interactions. And interesting perspectives from the ghostly point of view.

[T.G. Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early Termination is a crime novel. Parole Officer Casey Carson has her hands full with a stacked case load and a rookie to train. Her workload takes a twist when one of her clients is found dead with her business card stuff in his mouth. Now the cops want her, members of the Diablo gang want her, her ex-husband and her new maybe plaything, they both want her, too.

Bottom line: Early Termination is for you if you like fast-paced crime stories woven with suspense, thrills, and humor.

The standout feature of this read is the intrigue. Casey is our hero, yes, but in some respects, she also the victim. Her professional world is devolving around her. First, she has to realize she caught up in the middle of some big nasty, then she has to decide what to do about it. Casey is a great every-woman hero. She isn’t a hot shot spy or a bad ass detective. She’s a parole officer and she just wants to stay in her lane. She’s happy there. Or, she was. Her everydayness is key to her appeal.

Supporting characters provide the color and comic relief to Casey’s straight-woman personality. Her new love interest, Marcus, calls her Sunshine, a tongue-in-cheek nickname since she wasn’t known for brightening people’s day. She calls him, His Hotness, but not to his face. Her cousin Joy is temporarily living with her. Self-reportedly psychic and now dating one of Casey’s co-workers, Joy is an entertaining pain in Casey butt. There is her ex, Betz, who is a by-the-book cop and then there’s Felony, the Cocker Spaniel Betz drops on her lap.

EARLY TERMINATION twists the main plot – who is killing Casey’s clients and why – with professional and personal side stories. Some may find it a little much but I think most will really enjoy the resulting pace and dynamic storytelling. Standing at the end and looking back, I was able to retrace most of the threads of the braid. I had a question or two, but that’s pretty normal for me.

EARLY TERMINATION crosses over several crime genres, giving it broad appeal. It is listed as organized crime / thriller on Amazon and as mystery and suspense on Partner’s In Crime.
Suspense is a major element as Casey works to figure out what is going on right along with us. There are thriller elements as Casey is threatened by a gang lurking from Book 1 and takes actions to fight back. While murder is central to the story, the mystery element is light as Casey isn’t in the starring role of the investigator. She leaves that largely to the police. EARLY TERMINATION squarely in the crime / suspense / thriller cross-genre.

The humor in EARLY TERMINATION is the cherry on the sundae. With witty lines like “I had the patience of a puppy without the happy-go-lucky attitude” and referring to her the mess her new furry friend made, Casey tells him “You should be embarrassed,” but admits no one had ever been that happy to see her. I had several good chuckles during this read.

This was a fast read that earned points for laughter, zany family, and a cute dog. This is the 2nd book in the series and I did not read the first. The primary storyline stood alone from the first book but several of the subplots carried over. Goyette gives us the background needed to jump in but I think I would have appreciated the characters and plots more if I had read the first. I put reading the first book in the “nice to do” category. Book 1’s title is OBEY ALL LAWS.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this book was definitely a surprise. I wanted to read it because I really liked the premise - a man is murdered, and then has to find out who did it. (Sounds kind of creepy the way I wrote that, but I like books with a twist). When he returns mere minutes after he is killed, he soon discovers that only his dog, Hercule, can see him. He also finds out other things, with the help of another mysterious 'ghost', Doc. That once you pass, thoughts become nothing and emotions are everything. Definitely a different twist on what people might or might not think happens when they die.

Once Tuck discovers that his death might have not been planned, and his wife Angel (Angela) could be in danger from the same killer, he strives with everything he has to find a way to communicate with her. Even when he does eventually reach her, he doesn't have all the answers, and while she is struggling to come to terms with Tuck's death and sort-of reappearance, he doesn't know who to trust or how to keep her safe, and this includes whether or not to trust his partner, 'Bear' Braddock.

Angela is a Professor who is assisting a local dig, Kelly's farm. Just when I thought the book couldn't get any more interesting, I was delightfully surprised. I say that because I am a huge Civil War devotee, and intermingling with not only Tuck's murder, but others', is finding out that the dig at the farm has to do with the Civil War and brings elements of that into the story.

Yet when you dig deeper into Tuck's murder, you will find that things are not always as they appear, and what does appear may not be what you see after all. Read the book.

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dying to Know is the first book in the author’s dead detective case files. the very first chapter opens with our main character, Tuck, asleep in his bed with his wife Angel when a noise is heard in the house, and he goes to investigate and winds up dead. But the story does not stop there because top comes back but doesn’t really leave and starts to investigate his own murder with help from the people in his life. While Tuck was alive, he was a police officer with a partner named Bear. Tuck starts to notice some weird secrets that are happening between his wife and his partner after he is murdered. Tuck is trying to find out who murdered him and why. Also, a really cool feature of Tuck’s afterlife is that when he touches something he gets a vision of what happened during a past timeframe or events. He has a sort of mentor named Doc who helps guide him and give him answers to certain questions as he is adjusting to being dead and his new “life”.
There are some deep secrets in this book and as you start reading it you want to read till the end and find out all of them. I found the author’s writing to be very interesting and engaging as a mystery and a thrilling read. Tuck is a relatable character even as a dead man because if I ever died in it was possible that I could find out who murdered me and watch over my family for help my family and anyway I certainly would do so so that really made me want to read this book. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series

[Laura Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A confession. I read the second book, Dying For The Past, before this first one in the series. I absolutely loved the second one and had high hopes for Dying To Know.

Cozies are a favorite for me in the mystery genre. Fun titles and colorful covers. And those characters, often a bit quirky, who you feel you know. What’s even more fun is a paranormal cozy. And that’s what I got. A detective, Tuck, who wakes up dead, killed in his own home. There stands his wife, crying over his body. Being a detective, his first case as a dead guy is to solve his own murder. But, who can he turn to for help. The only one who can see and hear him is his dog, Hercule, and he ain’t talking. I couldn’t wait to see how he sorted it out.

There’s a lot to sort out. Tuck doesn’t like what he’s learning about his partner, Bear. It couldn’t be him, could it? Bear is close with Tuck’s wife, Angel. Does this put her in danger? How can he, a dead man, protect her?

And what is it with spirits anyway? Tuck’s spirit guide, Doc, raises more questions than answers. Just get to the point already. There must be a reason for it. But, Doc ain’t saying. It’s up to Tuck to decipher the information.

There’s a serious mystery to solve. But there’s fun and plenty of humor too. A great start to a series I must continue reading.

I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting and unique mystery in that the hero gets killed at the very beginning. But he is not gone. Hanging around in ghost form, he needs to determine who shot him. He has to grow into his abilities, at times stuck inside a room, for example, until he learns how to use the powers he has. It was fun to see him grow, sometimes stumbling into more trouble. Tuck's character growth in that respect is a big part of the novel. It takes him a while but he eventually learns how to communicate with humans still alive. I really liked that the dog could see him from the beginning.

The plot is a complex one involving an historical dig, a mobster, antique finds and the dealers who handle them, a couple over eager police investigators and more. There was such a prominent red herring I was totally fooled as to who the villain was. There is a good deal of suspense as Tuck's wife pursues finding the villain, Tuck giving help when he can.

I liked this mystery with a unique hero. It is the first in a series and I am eager to read the next one.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Kathy KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast-read mystery that has multiple individuals looking for the murderer(s) of several different individuals. This includes police, college professors, mobsters (and retired mobsters), and amazingly, several of the deceased! MC Tuck was a police detective that is killed at the beginning in what appears to be a home invasion. Even though Tuck is now dead, he's still around and is determined to solve his own murder, but to save his wife from danger. Red herrings abound; and even though I figured out the guiltiest party (yes, there's guilt aplenty) early on, I sometimes had doubts until the final pages.

My only problem with the book is the "rules" or conventions of how ghosts work in creative works. Like other paranormal/fantasy works, each seems to be based on slightly different traditions. In this work, we really don't discover the "how", so it's one of those times readers must simply willingly suspend their disbelief.

In the end, I believe I'll follow up with the next volume in this "Gumshoe Ghost" mystery.

[Betsy Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

TJ O'Connor uses an unusual conceit with his first Gumshoe Ghost mystery. Having a dead cop solve his own murder is that conceit. Combining a ghost story with a standard police procedural made the story stand out from the crowd. O'Connor has a writing style that is easy to enjoy yet keeps the reader guessing until the final scene.

With enough red herrings sprinkled throughout to fill a case of sardine tins, the reader is not left out in the cold. A careful read might reveal the murderer, but it's not likely too many readers will snap their fingers early on and say, "Aha! S/he did it!"

Well done. Waiting for the next in the series.

[Katie Hedgepeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a really neat idea and I wasn’t sure how it would work. The author was really creative with how the ghost part of it worked. It was cool learning the rules alongside the main character. (And a lot of the rules were based on things they discuss on Ghost Hunters, which was cool! Really helped ground the idea.) At times I felt like the main character talked a little too much like an old-timey gumshoe (he did mention a lot of the old detectives were his favorite) but overall the dialogue was very natural. It was a good mystery and I’d be interested to read the rest of the series.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

What could go wrong when you have to solve your own murder from the other side?!

This tangled web of lies runs deep.

Interesting plot and characters you grow to love or hate (Bear) until the very end!

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Oliver "Tuck" Tucker is gunned down in his own home, he returns in a less-solid, more-corporeal form. Thinking he has unfinished business in the land of the living, since that's why most ghosts don't move on, Tuck is surprised to learn that may not be the case. Tasked with helping his widow, Angel, and former partner, Bear, solve his murder proves somewhat difficult as he navigates his way through the spirit plane while trying to help those on the physical one. Especially when he suspects everyone and realizes that it is possible for a ghost to be jealous.

Secrets between Angel and Bear drive him to distraction. Bear's sneaky actions lead Tuck to believe his partner may have additional secrets, especially when he sees Bear meeting with less than upstanding citizens. As the investigation moves forward, Tuck's sudden shifts from the present to the past or the present to the impending future, at the touch of an object, have him realizing that his murder isn't a simple case of home invasion. When Tuck discovers the reasons behind all of the chaos may stem from the archaeological dig site his widow is part of, he fears that she may be in danger. Tuck's shooter may not have been after him at all. This is cemented when other spirits come to him with information that connects his murder to the past, present, and future murders of others.

In the land of the living, how can the ghost of a former detective break the case of his own murder wide open? And will anyone he can help be willing to believe?

I received a copy of Dying to Know through NetGalley last year and, like so many other books I have, it got buried on my Kindle. When Great Escapes Book Tours announced the tour for Book 2 in the series, Dying for the Past, I recognized the look of the cover and found Tj on Goodreads to see what Book 1 was. Sure enough, I had it on my Kindle to read. What a great way to kick me into reading not only Book 1 but Book 2, as well. I really regret not reading it before now.

Dying to Know is a great mystery filled with twists, turns, and suspense. I love the idea behind a detective who is murdered and comes back to solve his own case. Tuck takes his reintroduction to the world pretty well considering he's part of a world that shouldn't be able to hear or see him. After he begins to figure out what he can and can't do, Tuck is able to communicate with Angel, and then the investigation really gets rolling. With his abilities to investigate and snoop undetected, he and Angel are able to start getting to the bottom of what is going on, and neither can believe what they discover. I was able to suspect early on who was responsible for the chaos in Dying to Know, but that knowledge didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. After all, just because I thought I knew who it was doesn't mean that I knew why or how everything related and intertwined.

Tuck is written with humor and wit. Some of the lines that come out of his mouth, or his antics, give the story a less tragic feel, yet it doesn't detract or make the story unbelievable. Angel is a grieving widow but the author doesn't dwell or overdo the emotions. She is a strong woman and is written as such. Bear is the partner that every cop should aspire to have. His partner is killed, he feels guilty, and does anything and everything he can to find the murderer. These three characters are written with excellence and depth.

The plot flows along nicely and is very smooth. The events unfold rather quickly and they envelope the reader. I was pulled in from the very beginning of the book. I was entertained throughout and the author's writing kept me engaged, not wanting to put the book down.

Very enjoyable read!!

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Dying to Know - Gumshoe Ghost Mystery Book 1
Author: T. J. O'Conner
Published: 1-8-2014
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Pages: 386
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers and Suspense
Sub Genre: Cozy Mystery, Detective, Animals
ISBN: 9780738739502
ASIN: B00H3R53NW
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley

.
It is unusual for the murdered victim to solve their own murder, but that is what happens in Dying to Know. Oliver "Tuck" Tucker is awakened in the night after his wife hears a noise downstairs. finding no one he heads back up when he is shot dead on the stairs. He awakens to his home filled with cops, techs and his body at the foot of the stairs. The only one who can see or hear him is his Labrador Retriever, Herc. He believes he is still there to solve his own murder. It seems he can sometimes make those around him hear whispers of thoughts and with time he and his wife Angela can speak with one another. Then there is his guide on the other side. What can I say? A no nonsense mentor who pushes Tuck to learn quickly.




His former partner, Theodore "Bear" Braddock, is acting strange and Tuck is wondering if he might be involved in his murder somehow. Calvin Clemens and Mikey Spence are acting like jerks making innuendoes about Tucks wife and even Tuck himself and his integrity. I don't like them and want them to be guilty. T J O'Conner has developed characters you will believe in and feel strongly about. You will hate to see the story end. I picked up my iPad expecting to read a chapter or two before going to sleep. I know famous last words. I was surprised to see two hours had passed and I was reading the last page. The ending will leave you with chills.



Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H...


Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dying...


Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...


The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/The-Reading-...#

[Susan Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you mix rural cops, college professors, assorted villains, a heroic Labrador Retriever, and a detective who’s determined to solve his own murder?

Answer: The Dead Detective Casefiles!
Meet police detective Oliver Tucker (“Tuck” to most), who investigates suspicious sounds in his home one night and finds himself on the wrong end of a gun. A single shot straight to his heart signals the end of his life—or at least, life as he knew it. In the aftermath of his murder, Tuck discovers that death is a lot more complicated than he always believed. He also discovers he has a power few other ghosts can harness—the ability to work among the living, to be heard and sometimes seen by others. That includes Hercule, his four-year-old Labrador Retriever, who proves himself to be a staunch defender of Tuck’s wife. (Dog lovers rejoice: the loyal and heroic Hercule is active in all three books in the series.)

In Dying to Know, Tuck soon learns his death is just part of a larger puzzle that stretches back generations. The discovery of skeletal remains that likely date back to Civil War days puts Tuck’s wife squarely in the middle of a deadly confrontation between historical conservationists and people backing a multi-million highway project. Then there are various villains and others who may or may not be on the right side of the law, plus assorted ghosts who know a lot more than they’re willing or able to reveal. To save his wife and solve his own murder, Tuck must uncover the secrets of past generations that threaten those living today.

The author weaves seemingly disparate (and complex!) subplots into a seamless finale. The result is an expertly crafted blend of history, mystery, and paranormal fiction, with an adroit use of humor. Perfectly paced , history buffs and fans of both mystery and paranormal fiction will find much to enjoy.

I highly recommend you read the books in order; start with this one (Dying to Know), then Dying for the Past, and finish with Dying to Tell.

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS -

Oooo this book gave me chills… and tears... and kept me on the edge of my seat. All of those.

I know this is a mystery. But every reader likes a book for a different reason. I will confess that I am not a huge fan of hard-core mystery. So for me, what I look for are the relationships and the characters. And that’s what did it for me in this book! The mystery actually took a backseat and it was the relationships and the character development in this book that totally did it for me. Both main characters, Tuck and his wife Angel, were great! I really loved them both! Their dog, Hercule was the perfect sidekick. And this is coming from someone who is not a dog lover. Sorry LOL.

The connection between Tuck and his wife was amazing. I mean for a dead guy… WOW, I was feeling every single bit of those emotions! And that’s not to say that there wasn’t a lot of action as well. There was! This book was action packed. But there was also lots of paranormal/ghost activity as well. Which thrilled me! I am a HUGE fan of ghost stories. Through the whole book scenes of the movie "Ghost" kept coming to mind. So much of it reminded me of parts of that movie. Great movie by the way!

There are also some very cool special effects in here which I will not give away. This is not your typical mystery. This is not your typical ghost story. This is the best of both worlds!

Well done. I will be reading more.


I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!!

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dying to Know by Tj O'Connor is a must read for all detective mystery and paranormal fans. Especially, those who love Angie Fox's paranormal sleuthing detective with a ghost that helps her solves crimes. Like Angie Fox's series, this is the first book to an incredible series. Dying to Know is the welcome installment to the new addictive series all intrigue fans will love. In this first part, there is murder, mystery, and humor mixed in with the paranormal. Readers are introduced to a male detective who is murdered while investigating a crime. He soon learns he has special abilities that helps him solve crimes including working on his own. Only it is not that simple.

Every thing gets more complicated and expands as the story goes further. With each new piece, the more suspenseful it gets. It makes readers, like myself, wonder why, who, and how it all connects. I love a mystery upon mystery. Peeling layers away only to discover more questions than answers. It's fun, memorable, and exciting. The pacing of this read is perfect. The dialogue and characters make it whiz by faster than I'd like. But that is not an issue at all. If you're looking for a read that is deadly, puzzling, and entertaining read Dying To Know and the rest of the series by Tj O'Connor! He's a brilliant new writer to me. I cannot wait to dive into the next grand adventure by him.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I raced through all three of these books, I found myself thinking that I’ve found the next David Handler, whose Stewart Hoag series I have thoroughly enjoyed over the years. O’Connor writes with the same sense of style, sophistication, and wit as Hoag and some of the best of detective fiction authors, but adds the currently-popular paranormal component by making the main character a ghost. I’ve read some paranormal mysteries that handle this well and many more that don’t; O’Connor handles the trope very well indeed.

Tuck’s character is mouthy, smart, and industrious, ferreting out clues and information using his newfound abilities while also moving through space and time in unusual ways. The rest of the characters are also memorable and very likable, particularly Tuck’s widow Angel who is by turns smart, sassy, and very much able to take care of herself.

As the series progresses, O’Connor does a good job of fleshing out the characters and building their backstories. I especially enjoyed the revelation in book 2 about Tuck’s family. In addition to great characterizations, O’Connor is also a really, really good storyteller. The mysteries here are complex and well-plotted and plumped up by dialog that is by turns snarky and sparkling.

I’ll be recommending this series and author for sure.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love detective stories and this one really kept my attention. Detective Oliver Tucker (Tuck) heard a noise during the night so he got up to check it out. The intruder shot him. Even though he is dead, Tuck sees himself lying there with his wife crying beside him. Even though the only one who can see or hear him is his dog, Hurcule, Tuck decides to solve his murder.

That's hard for him because he can't do the things he could when he was alive. Eventually, his wife Angel is able to hear him and he makes her his assistant because she can and will do things he can't. He tried to get his partner, Bear, to work with him, but Bear couldn't hear him. When Tuck saw Bear doing some suspicious things, he decides to just watch Bear to see what he is up to.

This book is well written with lots of twists and turns in the story. I was a bit confused at times about who was a good guy and who wasn't. Since often the characters were both, it took me a while to figure things out. But it was well worth the time. I loved the ending and sure didn't see that coming.

This is a fun murder mystery. How can a murder be fun? Read to find out. You won't regret it.

Please note I won this book in a giveaway.

[Paula Ratcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of a series and I will be doing a book tour on the second book in this series. In this book Oliver Tucker finds himself dead pretty quickly and finds out what happens when you die which is being stuck on earth. He is determined to find out who killed him. He reaches out to his wife Angela or as he calls her Angel. Angel thinks she is hearing things but then realizes her husband is still with her. She also knows Tuck is determined to find out who killed him. She helps investigate the murder.

What an incredible story that Mr. O'Connor takes you on with his great cast of characters who each deal with Tuck's death in their own way and Tuck learns somethings about the dead along that way as well. He learns who to trust and not trust and who really has his back even if he is a ghost. I loved the writing style and the way the story flowed together gripped me and kept me going on this fabulous journey can't wait to see what is next in this series!

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review of the three The Dead Detective Casefiles I read: Dying to Know, Dying for the Past, and Dying to Tell.
I chose to read and review all of them and it simply was gut feeling, the bizarre feeling that tells you are going to love the books.
It worked and it was a very pleasant surprise, a set of novels that mixes paranormal, noir, a pinch of romance, and a lot of everything.
The characters are fleshed out and likeable: Tuck, Bear, Angel, Hercules the dog are likeable and well plotted. I had a lot of fun with Tuck's ghost jealousy and the banter with Tuck's nemesis.
These are fast paced stories, well plotted and highly entertaining. There's plenty of twists, surprises and the solutions are always satisfying.
So go, get them and have fun.
Many thanks to Tj O'Connor and Partners in Crime for this digital copies, all opinions are mine.

[Dolly Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We have all heard that “Dead men tell no tales” (author unknown) but in TJ O’Connor’s breakout novel Dying to Know a dead man does tell a tale" this is a quote from another person's review and I couldn't agree more. This book is a step above a cozy mystery because it is jam packed with action, multiple suspects and red herrings. This is T.J. O'Connor first debut novel and I am excited to see him further develop in his writing and the series. If I had to change anything, I think it would be getting a better cover to the book. By glancing alone I would not of chosen this book, it was picked by fellow members of a book club as one of our books to read for the month. I am glad it was recommended as I thoroughly enjoyed it

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This begins a paranormal mystery series that has a gritty police procedure vibe as well which I liked. There are some nice misdirections in this read so it was interesting to see how other murders in this book are connected and how the murderer is revealed.

The main character, police detective Oliver Tucker aka Tuck, is killed in his home one night. His body may be gone but his spirit is still hanging around trying to solve the mystery of his death. He is trying to protect his wife, history professor Dr. Angela Tucker, from harm.

Tuck in ghost form can’t remember many details and words and pictures are blurry to him so he has his wife help him investigate since she can hear and sometimes see him.

[Ann Sutphin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend told me about this book and that it was a local author. I ordered the book right there (thank you kindle) and started reading.
I am not usually a mystery reader but I enjoyed the story very much. I loved the location since it was all areas I am very familiar with. The characters were very enjoyable and Tuck was my favorite. For a dead guy he was very funny :)
I had the bad guy figured out pretty early but that did not take away from the story at all. I have already ordered the next in the series !