Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Joe Turner #2

A Long Time Dead

Rate this book
"Fast pacing, clever plot twists, and intercontinental flavor make A Long Time Dead difficult not to finish in one sitting. 5/5 Stars." -Chanticleer Book Reviews

A decade ago, it had been unthinkable when Joe Turner's life-long friend, Owen Prescott, was charged with a grisly murder. Then Owen disappeared, leaving behind a brilliant career and budding romance to live as a fugitive from justice.

Now, haunted by the memory and clinging to a belief in Owen's innocence, Joe dives in to solve the cold case as the FBI closes in on his friend.

The award-winning Joe Turner Mystery series returns with a haunting, serpentine tale that pushes the snarky defense attorney to the brink.

Bequette has penned another riveting thriller that rewards the reader with a signature twist at the finale. Unlock the mystery to the latest Joe Turner thriller today.

331 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2023

14 people are currently reading
3965 people want to read

About the author

T.L. Bequette

5 books47 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
18 (45%)
4 stars
12 (30%)
3 stars
8 (20%)
2 stars
2 (5%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Katie Lambeth.
102 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2023
Wow! The story did not go as I thought it would! The mystery amongst Owen and the murder - you really think you have it figured out. Then towards the end, it completely surprises you! I’m looking forward to reading Blood Perfect by this author. He is a captivating writer!
Profile Image for Valerie.
736 reviews14 followers
October 3, 2023
I found parts of this story creepy, undoubtedly as intended. I felt really bad for Owen, what he went through. I like the descriptions of the life that Owen has in the Cotwolds. I am disappointed that nothing is given/happens about Desiree/Margo. It just ends. #ALongTimeDead #NetGalley
198 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2025
Creepy, somewhat disappointing ending. It just kinda of stops.
673 reviews7 followers
Read
December 7, 2023
A thrilling read. Owen accused of murder makes a new life in the Cotswolds. Plenty of twists and turns along the way. I likes the two time line interweaving throughout the book. Through not fast paced I could not stop reading. I received this book from Black Rose Writing and Netgalley for a review.
Profile Image for Shweta.
199 reviews12 followers
October 6, 2023
"A Long Time Dead" by T. L. Bequette captivates readers from the outset with a gripping narrative that unfolds over a decade. The author, known for his prowess in the mystery genre, weaves a tale of intrigue and suspense around Joe Turner, a snarky defense attorney, whose life takes a dramatic turn when his friend, Owen Prescott, becomes a fugitive after being accused of a gruesome murder.

Bequette skillfully blends elements of suspense and emotion, delving into Joe's relentless pursuit of the truth and his unwavering belief in Owen's innocence. The narrative's intercontinental flavor adds an extra layer of complexity, keeping the reader engaged as the story unfolds across various settings.

The fast pacing of the plot, coupled with clever twists, ensures that "A Long Time Dead" is a page-turner that is difficult to put down. The author's ability to maintain suspense throughout the novel is commendable, creating a sense of urgency that propels the story forward.

One of the strengths of the book lies in Bequette's character development. Joe Turner is a compelling protagonist with a sharp wit and a determination that resonates with readers. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, adding depth to the story and keeping the reader invested in the fates of these characters.

The novel's climax delivers a signature twist that rewards the reader's investment in the mystery. Bequette's storytelling finesse shines in the resolution, providing a satisfying conclusion while leaving room for the lingering allure of unanswered questions.

The editorial reviews, particularly the 5/5 Stars from Chanticleer Book Reviews and the praise from Kirkus Reviews, align with the sentiments of many readers. "A Long Time Dead" stands out as an entertaining and exuberant suspense tale, skillfully navigating the complexities of murderous revenge within the literary world.

In conclusion, T. L. Bequette's latest addition to the Joe Turner Mystery series is a riveting thriller that combines a compelling narrative, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists. Readers who enjoy fast-paced mysteries with a touch of international intrigue will find "A Long Time Dead" to be a rewarding and satisfying read. Unlock the mystery today and embark on a journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page.
Profile Image for Ⓢ Ⓨ.
170 reviews23 followers
October 15, 2023
Owen Prescott, originally from Boston, has settled in England. Wanted for murder, he reinvents himself under his pen name, Anvil Bradford and lives a quiet life under the radar in the rural village of Tetbury.
Fresh out of a PHD programme and the FBIs training academy, Alyssa Wagner, sets her sight on his case and finding the fugitive. Will she succeed?

This cosy, slow paced mystery, flits between past and present telling Owen’s story of the murder he is wanted for. I enjoyed his relationship with Margo and the twists and turns solving the case. Mrs Pembroke was a lovely character and I could really picture her in my head. She seemed like she was straight out of an Agatha Christie novel!

The cover for this suggested that it might be more of a dark, faster paced thriller though, so I was a little disappointed at how much of a slow burn it was and thought it was a little predictable in places.
The police don’t carry guns in England, which was a bit of a frustrating inaccuracy by the author, especially carrying one, off duty, in a pub.

I did enjoy it though, a solid 4 stars from me.

Thank you NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for my advanced copy.
Profile Image for Breanne Christian.
246 reviews3 followers
April 17, 2024
Owen Prescott is accused of murdering his professor. The professor that is suing Owen for stealing credit from him for Owen's book. His dad, not wanting to have a bad reputation on the family, tells Owen to go out of country and stay hidden, so Owen does. Owen thinks everything is going good, he even has a girlfriend. Then, truths start to come to the surface. Each truth becomes crazier than another. Is Owen truly innocent, or did he murder his professor? Find out in "A Long Time Dead".
This installment of the Joe Turner series follows Joe's friend, Owen, instead of Joe himself. The feelings and actions were realistic.
I really liked the changed view point. I loved the twists and turns. It made me never want to put the book down. If you like legal thrillers, don't miss out on the Joe Turner series.
Profile Image for Sam Bequette.
57 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2024
An endlessly talented author once again puts his creativity on full display in a narrative filled with anxiety-inducing interactions and endlessly intriguing mysteries. Any doubts you might have foolishly harboured about the series' ability to be engrossing outside of a courtroom setting will be utterly dispelled in the pages of this gripping mystery. 10/10
Profile Image for Denice Langley.
4,851 reviews49 followers
February 1, 2025
A step back into a different kind of legal thriller finds one of my favorite characters, Joe Turner, investigating thr criminal accusation against his friend 10 years ago. Joe will never believe his friend could have done this, but why would he run and hide? TL Bequette has again taken the readers on a journey that was unexpected, but really great. Another easy 5 stars.
1,278 reviews
October 8, 2023
An unusual book that keeps your interest all the way. The ending was a great surprise. Never had a clue. Won this in a Goodreads Giveaway
Profile Image for Sharelle Lovato.
45 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2023
Page turning whodunnit

This story pulls you in from the very beginning. Full of twists, turns, and more than a couple of surprises. Very highly recommend
439 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2024
This may be my favorite of Bequette's books. I was completely engrossed in this novel, knowing there would be a twist along the way. Once again, he nailed it!
Profile Image for Cynthia Dufek Netwal.
8 reviews9 followers
January 26, 2026
I wanted to give this book a 5 but the ending wouldn’t allow it. The story was great, the twist was unexpected but the story just ended abruptly.
13 reviews
August 26, 2023
A Long Time Dead: A Joe Turner Mystery is T.L. Bequette’s third in a series---that does not have to be read in order. Together with Good Lookin’ and Blood Perfect, the author reigns in the most important categories: PLOT, DIALOGUE, CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, and PACE. In a series based upon an accomplished male protagonist it is refreshing to also find that there are strong, smart, empowered female characters. The banter is snarky and often down right LOL funny.

Bequette’s professional experience (criminal defense) lends enormous credibility to his story lines. A Long Time Dead is nearly impossible to put down. This is not a mystery that you want to skip ahead on: you don’t have a prayer in trying to figure out where Bequette is going right up until the last page. Hang on tight!

This reader is hungry for more Joe Turner!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.