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Benny James Mystery #3
Brushed Away
From Amazon.com
When a bloody painting is found hanging on a café wall, Benny James is summoned by the local police department. As a retired FBI detective now working as a private investigator, he remains a major player when it comes to peculiar murder scenes and cracking clues.
Tracking down the killer with Officer Vernon Kearns, the partners find bizarre art pieces that lead them to discarded bodies. As the list of suspects grows, a couple of artists living in a broken down plantation house piques their interest. One of the artists has the odd habit of taking on the personalities of others. The other has a secret she is desperately trying to hide.
Vernon’s detective skills mature as he and Benny rendezvous with another eccentric cast of characters, new and old. For the small town in Georgia this may be the most important case of Benny’s life as the town teeters on fear’s edge.
When a bloody painting is found hanging on a café wall, Benny James is summoned by the local police department. As a retired FBI detective now working as a private investigator, he remains a major player when it comes to peculiar murder scenes and cracking clues.
Tracking down the killer with Officer Vernon Kearns, the partners find bizarre art pieces that lead them to discarded bodies. As the list of suspects grows, a couple of artists living in a broken down plantation house piques their interest. One of the artists has the odd habit of taking on the personalities of others. The other has a secret she is desperately trying to hide.
Vernon’s detective skills mature as he and Benny rendezvous with another eccentric cast of characters, new and old. For the small town in Georgia this may be the most important case of Benny’s life as the town teeters on fear’s edge.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2013
402 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Jason Deas
17 books41 followersJason Deas has taught art in elementary schools for over a decade. He likes his job three and a half days a week. He is a songwriter, sculptor, and makes a mean pot of chili. Most of his writing used to take place at Georgia campgrounds, inside a three-man tent or sitting at an uncomfortable concrete picnic table. He wouldn’t have had it any other way until he one day found a 70’s-model camper where he now writes in luxury. Jason has published flash fiction and poems. After writing Birdsongs, a mystery for adults, his nieces asked him to write a book for kids and he granted their wish and wrote Camp Timber View. He had so much fun writing it he is currently putting the finishing touches on another middle grade novel titled The Big Stinky City. He is also working on the sequel to Birdsongs titled, Baptized by Jim.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 1, 2018
A fun, engaging read
The book is fast-paced and cleverly plotted with innocuous hints, subtle twists and potholes, and deceptive clues to generate maximum mystery.
Deas/Metcalf have done a remarkable and admirable job although in a very amateurish finished product. I hope to find more of their works at an affordable price (and dearly hope they have gotten the help of professional-level editing).
The book is fast-paced and cleverly plotted with innocuous hints, subtle twists and potholes, and deceptive clues to generate maximum mystery.
Deas/Metcalf have done a remarkable and admirable job although in a very amateurish finished product. I hope to find more of their works at an affordable price (and dearly hope they have gotten the help of professional-level editing).
June 8, 2018
Twists and turns galore
I haven't read a book in a series that have enjoyed more without reading the beginning book. Benny, Ned, Red, Uncle Karl are all characters that I won't soon forget. The twists and turns in this particular story kept me reading until finished it. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I haven't read a book in a series that have enjoyed more without reading the beginning book. Benny, Ned, Red, Uncle Karl are all characters that I won't soon forget. The twists and turns in this particular story kept me reading until finished it. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
June 3, 2018
Fun, Quick-Read Mystery
This was my first Benny James mystery, which was an enjoyable read. I haven’t read the 2 previous books in this series, but the author provided enough information that this book was a stand-alone.
The characters are the best part of this book, because they’re fully realized people who have unusual idiosyncrasies . . . or perhaps peculiarities is a better word.
Due to several oddball characters, there are funny, feel-good side plots. Of course, as in most mysteries, there is a darker side plot. I enjoyed the serial murder plot line and its many red herrings and twists.
There was one side plot that was too OTT: the shenanigans of the sex-hound Chief of Police, which could have been edited or omitted.
This was my first Benny James mystery, which was an enjoyable read. I haven’t read the 2 previous books in this series, but the author provided enough information that this book was a stand-alone.
The characters are the best part of this book, because they’re fully realized people who have unusual idiosyncrasies . . . or perhaps peculiarities is a better word.
Due to several oddball characters, there are funny, feel-good side plots. Of course, as in most mysteries, there is a darker side plot. I enjoyed the serial murder plot line and its many red herrings and twists.
There was one side plot that was too OTT: the shenanigans of the sex-hound Chief of Police, which could have been edited or omitted.
August 12, 2022
By far the oddest of the Benny James trilogy. It feels like Jason Deas has begun reading Simon Carr books. That isn't necessarily bad.
Rachael has moved to London to take her dream job. Benny is heartbroken but must go on when there is a murder in Tilley, Georgia. Somehow a picture painted in human blood and providing clues to the murder has shown up at Rene's Diner. This takes Benny and Vernon into the artist community and especially the Oglethorpe family. Angel Oglethorpe works for Rene, her mother, Nina, is a talented painter that might help with the case and Benny's loneliness, and Uncle Karl is eccentric bordering on insane.
The cast of characters is more eccentric than normal, and when the regular crew includes Red, who has a distinctive speaking style after spending his life raised by deaf/mute parents without tv or radio, that's saying a lot. Keeps you guessing until the end of this fun mystery.
Rachael has moved to London to take her dream job. Benny is heartbroken but must go on when there is a murder in Tilley, Georgia. Somehow a picture painted in human blood and providing clues to the murder has shown up at Rene's Diner. This takes Benny and Vernon into the artist community and especially the Oglethorpe family. Angel Oglethorpe works for Rene, her mother, Nina, is a talented painter that might help with the case and Benny's loneliness, and Uncle Karl is eccentric bordering on insane.
The cast of characters is more eccentric than normal, and when the regular crew includes Red, who has a distinctive speaking style after spending his life raised by deaf/mute parents without tv or radio, that's saying a lot. Keeps you guessing until the end of this fun mystery.
March 20, 2019
Routine
This is the first book I have read by this author and whilst it's not the most exciting it certainly rolls along at a decent pace. Another plus is there are not to many filler pages, which drive me nuts and usually flip through.
Storyline and characters are fine and though it was soon clear who was guilty, it didn't adversely affect the somewhat predictable and contrived finish.
Would I read another by this author? Do I recommend this book? Absolutely. I'm a fan of James Patterson, Robert B Parker, James Herbert, Ed McCain ,Lee Child & John Locke. This author may join the list, just needs that something extra. What's the something extra? I've no idea, what am I, a critic!!??
This is the first book I have read by this author and whilst it's not the most exciting it certainly rolls along at a decent pace. Another plus is there are not to many filler pages, which drive me nuts and usually flip through.
Storyline and characters are fine and though it was soon clear who was guilty, it didn't adversely affect the somewhat predictable and contrived finish.
Would I read another by this author? Do I recommend this book? Absolutely. I'm a fan of James Patterson, Robert B Parker, James Herbert, Ed McCain ,Lee Child & John Locke. This author may join the list, just needs that something extra. What's the something extra? I've no idea, what am I, a critic!!??
March 22, 2020
😐
When a killer leaves bloody paintings as clues to murders retired FBI agent Benny James is called in to investigate. In a small town full of artists and eccentrics who could possibly be the perpetrator? Each painting draws Benny closer to the answer as he goes through a list of suspects.
This book had so much potential. Although a fun kind of read I found the characters to be very juvenile with no real depth to them. Introductions of back stories with no real explanations as to who or why's really. It's a short book and maybe would have worked better as longer novel to fit in all the things that were missing?
When a killer leaves bloody paintings as clues to murders retired FBI agent Benny James is called in to investigate. In a small town full of artists and eccentrics who could possibly be the perpetrator? Each painting draws Benny closer to the answer as he goes through a list of suspects.
This book had so much potential. Although a fun kind of read I found the characters to be very juvenile with no real depth to them. Introductions of back stories with no real explanations as to who or why's really. It's a short book and maybe would have worked better as longer novel to fit in all the things that were missing?
August 31, 2018
Brushed Away
is a good one-time read but it's not one of those books that I know I will read again. There are some interesting, if strange, characters in this book, to say the least. I can't see my encountering them in real life. The dialogue is equally strange and will have you laughing in spots. The ending, well it definitely surprised me. I can honestly say that the twist at the end really surprised me. I can honestly say that Jason Deas hasn't won me over as a fan and I can honestly say that I will not be reading anymore of the Benny James Mysteries.
January 6, 2019
This was a great mystery with unique aspects to the murders. Bodies showing up in coolers with strange paintings above them was a new one for me. But the best part of Jason Deas book is the characters. He has created a town of terrifically great characters: Red, who is “special” and grows amazing tomatoes; Big E, who is greedy and corrupt; Rene from Italy who runs one of the restaurants and lives on a sailboat; Vernon, the police detective that has learned so much from Benny; and the list goes on. You can bet that I will read more of these fun mysteries!
July 16, 2018
Fun but a little wild
This is the second Benny James mystery I've read as I'd really enjoyed the first. I'm a big Myron Bolitar (Harlen Coben) fan and the wise cracking Benny reminds me of him.
There were a few too many eccentric characters for my liking so I didn't enjoy it as much as the last one. Less credible. I didn't really buy the ending either. There was nothing earlier in the book to indicate that character would do what she did.
This is the second Benny James mystery I've read as I'd really enjoyed the first. I'm a big Myron Bolitar (Harlen Coben) fan and the wise cracking Benny reminds me of him.
There were a few too many eccentric characters for my liking so I didn't enjoy it as much as the last one. Less credible. I didn't really buy the ending either. There was nothing earlier in the book to indicate that character would do what she did.
July 25, 2020
This is a murder mystery written with zero urgency. For heaven's sake, when he figures out who the murderer is and gets to tell his partner, there's a whole conversation about trivialities before he says I know who did it and maybe you could send someone to watch them? I can't configure the main character in my head at all. The parts I'm given in this book don't go together. Good storyline, just not the least bit compelling.
February 28, 2018
Not the final book??? Please NOOOO!!!!
I just love the eclectic characters that turn up in this book. Red, Ned, the Chief, Uncle Karl and of course Benny and Rachel keep me turning the pages.
The homicides and crime scenes are interesting enough without too much gory detail.
Please Mr. Deas, keep the series going.
I just love the eclectic characters that turn up in this book. Red, Ned, the Chief, Uncle Karl and of course Benny and Rachel keep me turning the pages.
The homicides and crime scenes are interesting enough without too much gory detail.
Please Mr. Deas, keep the series going.
July 2, 2018
This retired FBI guy keeps on his toes.
Benny is a retired FBI man who has found a small town in Georgia to retire. Suddenly the local police are dealing with not one but three murders. Many suspects exist and the clues just keep coming in confusing the leads to the murderer. Benny's friend, Red, gives Benny the clue that finallt solves the case.
Benny is a retired FBI man who has found a small town in Georgia to retire. Suddenly the local police are dealing with not one but three murders. Many suspects exist and the clues just keep coming in confusing the leads to the murderer. Benny's friend, Red, gives Benny the clue that finallt solves the case.
July 16, 2018
5*stars +95 MORE
WHILE READING THIS SERIES ELTON JOHN’S OLD SONG ALWAYS COMES TO MY MIND “BENNY & THE JETS”. I LOVED THAT SONG AND I LOVE THIS SERIES, BOTH MAKE ME HAPPY. I KNOW THE SUBJECT MATTER MAY BE TERRIBLE AT TIMES, BUT BENNY AND HIS CREW MAKES ME SMILE. I WONDERED WHY THE HELL IS EVERYONE PASSING OUT? I’D LOVE TO READ THIS SERIES FOREVER BUH-BUH-BUH BENNY AND THE JETS. ;D
WHILE READING THIS SERIES ELTON JOHN’S OLD SONG ALWAYS COMES TO MY MIND “BENNY & THE JETS”. I LOVED THAT SONG AND I LOVE THIS SERIES, BOTH MAKE ME HAPPY. I KNOW THE SUBJECT MATTER MAY BE TERRIBLE AT TIMES, BUT BENNY AND HIS CREW MAKES ME SMILE. I WONDERED WHY THE HELL IS EVERYONE PASSING OUT? I’D LOVE TO READ THIS SERIES FOREVER BUH-BUH-BUH BENNY AND THE JETS. ;D
February 10, 2021
This was a silly little book. I lost track of one of the characters and never figured out how he was involved but didn't care enough to go back to find out. I have read a very intense crime book just before this, so the lightness was appreciated. Not really my type of novel so probably won't read more from this author.
June 5, 2018
Fantastic—-couldn’t put it down!
Story kept me interested and the characters were unforgettable.
Although it’s a murder mystery it’s not gory and the story is believable. The characters were funny and down to earth.
Bring on more from this author.
Story kept me interested and the characters were unforgettable.
Although it’s a murder mystery it’s not gory and the story is believable. The characters were funny and down to earth.
Bring on more from this author.
June 11, 2018
Great read!
This was a great read! There were a lot of people who could have been the bad guys, but there was a great twist to it. Fast reading which made it really enjoyable. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read.
This was a great read! There were a lot of people who could have been the bad guys, but there was a great twist to it. Fast reading which made it really enjoyable. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read.
June 30, 2018
Great. Story, fast moving age turner, trying to follow many clues to a murderer
Great. Story, fast moving age turner, trying to follow many clues to a murderer. Many emotional scenes followed by suspense and mystery. Long separated lovers find each other.
Great. Story, fast moving age turner, trying to follow many clues to a murderer. Many emotional scenes followed by suspense and mystery. Long separated lovers find each other.
July 8, 2018
Brushed Away
Very entertaining and interesting storyline about criminals who are hard to convict because they cover their tracks so well. Good characters with personalities the reader can relate.
Very entertaining and interesting storyline about criminals who are hard to convict because they cover their tracks so well. Good characters with personalities the reader can relate.
August 2, 2018
Very enjoyable.
What I didn't like is the solution that Angel was the killer came with no explanation as to why, besides getting the house repaired. How did she overpower her victims and maneuver the bodies?
What I didn't like is the solution that Angel was the killer came with no explanation as to why, besides getting the house repaired. How did she overpower her victims and maneuver the bodies?
August 31, 2018
I Lost interest
After reading 121 pages of the 258 page book I finally just lost interest. The story became boring to me so I quit where I was. The story might have ended well but I really didn't care anymore
After reading 121 pages of the 258 page book I finally just lost interest. The story became boring to me so I quit where I was. The story might have ended well but I really didn't care anymore
September 17, 2018
Terrific and thrilling story
A very interesting and entertaining mystery story of what shame and greed can drive a person to do. The author has written with many interesting individuals which adds to the enjoyment of the story.
A very interesting and entertaining mystery story of what shame and greed can drive a person to do. The author has written with many interesting individuals which adds to the enjoyment of the story.
May 4, 2019
Love this series!
I totally loved this series. Well written, humorous, good romance, fast paced, would recommend this author to anyone wanting a delightful, exciting, good feeling mystery..
I totally loved this series. Well written, humorous, good romance, fast paced, would recommend this author to anyone wanting a delightful, exciting, good feeling mystery..
November 1, 2019
Light and fun
If you like Carl Hiaasen’s books, you may like this author’s writing. Manly, humorous, colorful character, enjoyable reading. The sidekick characters are more likable.
If you like Carl Hiaasen’s books, you may like this author’s writing. Manly, humorous, colorful character, enjoyable reading. The sidekick characters are more likable.
July 14, 2020
Another great Benny James story
Stolen boats, unusual art, and a couple of bodies -- I enjoyed this story as much as the previous two. Same goofy characters that I've come to love, same mystery that I couldn't figure out until almost the end.
Stolen boats, unusual art, and a couple of bodies -- I enjoyed this story as much as the previous two. Same goofy characters that I've come to love, same mystery that I couldn't figure out until almost the end.
June 2, 2018
Hugely enjoyable
I loved this town of quirky characters. Great dialogue and a smooth plot. I plan to read the other two and hope there will be more.
I loved this town of quirky characters. Great dialogue and a smooth plot. I plan to read the other two and hope there will be more.
June 2, 2018
Why I liked Brushaway
Loved the characters especially Red.The friendship between Red and Benny made the story more enjoyable. Plenty of suspects and a satisfying end
Loved the characters especially Red.The friendship between Red and Benny made the story more enjoyable. Plenty of suspects and a satisfying end
June 4, 2018
Cute mystery
Very cleverly written! I didn't have any clue as to the endong! Language as g reted, story flowed well nd good cast! Good read! No nihhtmares, guaranteed !
Very cleverly written! I didn't have any clue as to the endong! Language as g reted, story flowed well nd good cast! Good read! No nihhtmares, guaranteed !
June 7, 2018
Murder is never funny but the subject was dealt with in a way with humour that sat well, I thoroughly enjoyed it from front to back
June 8, 2018
Fun read with quirky characters.
June 8, 2018
Well written! Enjoyable characters and story
Love stumbling on a new series with genuine characters and a plot that wasn't written like it was made for tv. Give this one a try!
Love stumbling on a new series with genuine characters and a plot that wasn't written like it was made for tv. Give this one a try!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews