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The Mystery of Jessica Benson
Jessica Benson is hot, beautiful, bisexual, and dead. Her life and death intersects the drama of a professional football team and the detectives who are on the case. The story takes place in Miami Beach, Florida. The author, C. K. Laurence, has been a student of crime activity and weaves an exciting tale of mystery and intrigue, and creates an unexpected ending to a suspenseful adventure. Ms. Laurence is a long-time rowdy Miami Dolphins football fan and uses her knowledge of the sport to develop a side-story that rings true in football culture. The book moves quickly from hot Miami Beach parties to the football field to the murder scene. Look out! The ending is a shocker!
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2012
161 people are currently reading
956 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 24, 2014
C. K. Laurence writes this book from a drifting third person point of view – drifting from a distant one to in a character’s head to in another character’s head all in the same scene. The shift from one character’s head to another’s was disconcerting at times, especially when she only shifted to the second character’s head for a few lines.
This book had one of the most obnoxious characters I’ve ever encountered. Will Kauffman, main character Karen Brandt’s detective partner, is racist, sexist, and just about every other offensive –ist you can imagine. He also browbeats and insults everyone they interview, which is not the way to get information from people. The friction between the two throughout the book was just a little ‘off’ as well. It didn’t ring true, seemed too forced to me.
The blurb here on Goodreads says the ending is a shocker. Um, actually, no, it wasn’t. I picked out the guilty party a little over halfway through the book. And it was one that is so common - almost a cliché - that I knew what was going to happen the moment the climactic scene began.
Like so many other mysteries I’ve read lately, the cops here stumble around blindly for three-fourths of the book until suddenly they get that one piece of information that solves the case. That isn’t how it works in real life.
By the way, Ms. Laurence, the deep, wide trench, usually filled with water, surrounding the rampart of a fortified place, as a town or a castle – such as Dr. Fraga’s home in your story – is called a moat. A mote is a small particle or speck of dust. Doesn’t anybody proofread books before they’re published anymore?
I rated this book 2 stars but 1.5 to 1.75 would be more accurate. I didn’t hate it but it was far from okay. It wasn’t even good enough to put C. K. Laurence on my ‘To read when I’m desperate’ list.
This book had one of the most obnoxious characters I’ve ever encountered. Will Kauffman, main character Karen Brandt’s detective partner, is racist, sexist, and just about every other offensive –ist you can imagine. He also browbeats and insults everyone they interview, which is not the way to get information from people. The friction between the two throughout the book was just a little ‘off’ as well. It didn’t ring true, seemed too forced to me.
The blurb here on Goodreads says the ending is a shocker. Um, actually, no, it wasn’t. I picked out the guilty party a little over halfway through the book. And it was one that is so common - almost a cliché - that I knew what was going to happen the moment the climactic scene began.
Like so many other mysteries I’ve read lately, the cops here stumble around blindly for three-fourths of the book until suddenly they get that one piece of information that solves the case. That isn’t how it works in real life.
By the way, Ms. Laurence, the deep, wide trench, usually filled with water, surrounding the rampart of a fortified place, as a town or a castle – such as Dr. Fraga’s home in your story – is called a moat. A mote is a small particle or speck of dust. Doesn’t anybody proofread books before they’re published anymore?
I rated this book 2 stars but 1.5 to 1.75 would be more accurate. I didn’t hate it but it was far from okay. It wasn’t even good enough to put C. K. Laurence on my ‘To read when I’m desperate’ list.
September 1, 2014
This book was just painful to read. The characters had little to no development and the sections with dialogue read like a 7th grader's fan fiction story. I stuck it through to the end, but it took me weeks to finish this mess. The author really needs a good editor. Some of her sentences didn't even make sense. Like this one: "He moaned low, painful and bitterly, drawing blood". I have no idea what the author was trying to communicate there. I wouldn't recommend this book or anything else by this author to anyone. I'm glad I got this book for free on my kindle, but I'm still irritated that I wasted several hours reading it.
November 27, 2013
An amazing page turner..I didn't put it down til I was finished!Loved the characters in the book..felt like I knew them personally. I am a huge football fan and that just added to my interest. An ending I won't soon forget...not at all what I thought would be the ending. Fantastic writing :) i can hardly wait to read more of this author!! In fact i think i will read The Mystery of Jessica Benson again..it was that good!! Five stars isn't enough! I highly recommend this book..you will not be disappointed!!
November 20, 2013
The Mystery of Jessica Benson is a fun ride through the glitz and glamour of the Miami sports scene. The author takes us behind the ropes of professional football, using it as the vehicle to tell an extremely interesting story.
The title character, Jessica Benson is a beautiful young woman. She's the girlfriend of the Miami team quarterback, and she's killed early in the book. But that's not the last we hear of Jessica. He story unwinds slowly throughout the book, spinning off new suspects as each new layer of her story is unveiled. She's the most interesting murder victim I've read about in years, and she adds spice, to an already simmering mystery.
The hero of the story is Police Detective Karen Brandt, a beautiful woman in her own right. She has her own battles to fight while trying to find the killer. Karen Brandt a delightful addition to the Florida crime fiction scene and I hope the author has plans for a follow up novel.
The title character, Jessica Benson is a beautiful young woman. She's the girlfriend of the Miami team quarterback, and she's killed early in the book. But that's not the last we hear of Jessica. He story unwinds slowly throughout the book, spinning off new suspects as each new layer of her story is unveiled. She's the most interesting murder victim I've read about in years, and she adds spice, to an already simmering mystery.
The hero of the story is Police Detective Karen Brandt, a beautiful woman in her own right. She has her own battles to fight while trying to find the killer. Karen Brandt a delightful addition to the Florida crime fiction scene and I hope the author has plans for a follow up novel.
September 3, 2016
I suppose one star tells it all. This may be the most poorly written books I've ever read. That I was able to finish it is due to my interest in "who done it". Having said that, let me add that this was a good story line, although I was a bit disappointed with the abrupt ending. It seemed rushed and lacking development. The major failing of this book is a common failing with many writers -poor characterization. These characters were lacking any semblance of realism and were more like cardboard cut-outs. In a good novel, which comes first - characters or plot? A story without intriguing characters isn't a novel. This could have been and might still be a fine mystery, but only with major character development.
November 29, 2013
If you like a great murder mystery, which includes a variety of sexual behaviors among many of the characters, set in beautiful Miami Beach, this is the book for you. The author has done her research well and it’s shown in the police characters who are included in the book. Who did do what to Jessica Benson? And who was Jessica Benson, anyway? Why was she involved with this football team? There is a lot of evilness told in this story, but also a really sweet love story. Are you intrigued? Then I suggest you read The Mystery of Jessica Benson. But only if you are an adult.
November 26, 2013
This was a great book. Lots of twists and turns. A true who done it till the end. I get my books free and this is the first time reading this author. I think I'll go add some of his books to my wish list .
November 24, 2013
Good read. the characters reminded me of an old raymond burr movie playing the heavy cop.
November 20, 2013
I FIQURED OUT WHO THE KILLER WAS VERY, VERY EARLY IN THE BOOK. I WOULD HAVE GIVEN THIS 2 1/2* MAYBE 3* STARS BUT I DIDN'T HAVE THAT OPTION. THERE WAS A LOT OF UNECESSARY DESCRIBING OF ROOMS, GARDENS, HOUSES, AND FOOTBALL OMG SO MUCH FOOTBALL. MOST OF THIS STUFF DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE ACTUAL STORY. MAIN CHARACTERS KYLE & KAREN WERE KIND OF UNREAL FOR ME, LIKE THE OTHER CHARACTERS. I TRIED TO GET INTO IT, JUST NEVER CLICKED, I WAS BORED. THE LOVE SCENES MILDLY ROMANTIC. ;<
October 16, 2014
This book was a great mystery book that has you guessing until the very
end. The ending is a real shocker and you could not have seen it coming. There are many suspects and you will be changing your mind throughout the book.
Great characters and excellent suspense throughout the book. Highly recommend to those who love a good mystery book.
end. The ending is a real shocker and you could not have seen it coming. There are many suspects and you will be changing your mind throughout the book.
Great characters and excellent suspense throughout the book. Highly recommend to those who love a good mystery book.
November 26, 2013
Great read, recommended to all mystery and football fans :)
November 12, 2013
it appears that the charactors could all have an attitude adjustment. Story line okay, An easy read aNd not too long.
December 11, 2013
Quick moving and engaging from the beginning, could not see the ending coming. Suffice to say if you love Miami, football, and exciting people you will have a great time reading this book.
November 2, 2013
Not the best mystery/suspense that I've read, but not the worse.
A light read.
A light read.
January 4, 2023
I wish I could have given this half a star instead of a full star. It was one of the worst books I’ve ever read. It’s filled with so many clichés, like the racist, sexist, corrupt, heavy set police officer paired with the cute, almost sexy partner that puts up with his verbal abuse and is also super quick to ruin her career for a relationship. The storyline was poor. The formatting wasn’t great on the Kindle. There were several inconsistencies in the book, such as one character going in between 2 names and the cops taking separate cars to one location, just for them to leave together in the same vehicle a few lines later.
Save your time. Don’t read this book.
Save your time. Don’t read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2022
the mystery of Jessica benson
A great book . I really enjoyed it. A woman is found murdered in her apartment just after her and her boyfriend have a big argument and he leaves. The lead detective is trying to place the blame on the boyfriend . The lead detectives partner knows the dead woman’s boyfriend from when she was a teen . She is trying to prove his innocence while keeping her feelings for him
Hidden
A great book . I really enjoyed it. A woman is found murdered in her apartment just after her and her boyfriend have a big argument and he leaves. The lead detective is trying to place the blame on the boyfriend . The lead detectives partner knows the dead woman’s boyfriend from when she was a teen . She is trying to prove his innocence while keeping her feelings for him
Hidden
November 3, 2025
EBK-M, Kindle, @ 2021, Read 10/31/2025, Fiction, Mystery.
An aging quarterback for a Florida team gets into an argument with his youngish girlfriend at a team party. He's ready to settle down, she isn't - at all! Next day, she's dead and he's the top suspect.
I found it hard to sympathize with many of the characters, and I'm certainly not a football fan. I finished this read, but the end did not surprise me at all!
2☆'s = Okay- Maybe you'll like it -- not my cup of tea!
An aging quarterback for a Florida team gets into an argument with his youngish girlfriend at a team party. He's ready to settle down, she isn't - at all! Next day, she's dead and he's the top suspect.
I found it hard to sympathize with many of the characters, and I'm certainly not a football fan. I finished this read, but the end did not surprise me at all!
2☆'s = Okay- Maybe you'll like it -- not my cup of tea!
May 25, 2017
Good read
Good read, holds your interest. Just right for light reading. Good use of local places and eateries. Read and enjoy.
Good read, holds your interest. Just right for light reading. Good use of local places and eateries. Read and enjoy.
December 18, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so .Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so .Shelley MA
December 20, 2018
I did not see that coming!
January 10, 2019
Good mystery novel
I liked the sports/ cops angle of the book. It kept me interested all the way through. I admit, I did not see the way it ended coming. Good job by the author.
I liked the sports/ cops angle of the book. It kept me interested all the way through. I admit, I did not see the way it ended coming. Good job by the author.
August 8, 2019
Great mystery keeps it interesting
Great story line love mysteries and romance. Had me guessing all the way through the book how it was going to end.
Great story line love mysteries and romance. Had me guessing all the way through the book how it was going to end.
December 11, 2019
This was a fun police mystery, with a little romance thrown in. A good diversion.
February 13, 2023
Great book
I truly enjoyed this book. A great who done it! Can't wait to read the next one. Highly recommend this book.
I truly enjoyed this book. A great who done it! Can't wait to read the next one. Highly recommend this book.
Read
August 28, 2023If there's a character I can't stomach from the get go I'm not the least bit surprised he/she committed the crime(s) and Jessica? Trust me, was no mystery.
Read
February 21, 2017I received this book free in exchange for an honest return.
I hated this book. I thought that it was boring, the characters were hard to connect to, and after wasting my time reading the first few chapters I just quit and couldn't continue. I wish I had passed on this book instead of accepting it.
I hated this book. I thought that it was boring, the characters were hard to connect to, and after wasting my time reading the first few chapters I just quit and couldn't continue. I wish I had passed on this book instead of accepting it.
September 17, 2015
This was a very difficult story for me to get through. I understand the author is into authenticity of the crime scene, but for me, there were several parts that were too abrasive, in dialog and actions. I almost felt like there needed to a warning label at the front of the book. (And just to be clear: I'm normally neither a prude nor a delicate flower in reading "squeamish" stories.)
I did eventually gut through it, and the ending was totally different than I thought it would be, (which was good,) but I'm not going to read this author again. Life is too short to be spending it reading violent dialog against women and minorities.
Two stars.
I did eventually gut through it, and the ending was totally different than I thought it would be, (which was good,) but I'm not going to read this author again. Life is too short to be spending it reading violent dialog against women and minorities.
Two stars.
May 8, 2014
JESSICA...JESSICA...JESSICA
Nicely written murder mystery involving a not so nice model and a professional football team and it's players. Good characters and simple but effective dialogue in an era of big words with little substance. Nice plot twist at the end that I never saw coming.
Nicely written murder mystery involving a not so nice model and a professional football team and it's players. Good characters and simple but effective dialogue in an era of big words with little substance. Nice plot twist at the end that I never saw coming.
June 12, 2014
It was a good story but it took awhile to tell. It was nice that the mail guy who happens to be a football player wasn't a jerk. I hate type casting that all football players are.
A football players girlfriend is murdered. He's number #1 suspect. Investigation leads to many possibilities to who could have done her in.
A football players girlfriend is murdered. He's number #1 suspect. Investigation leads to many possibilities to who could have done her in.
March 15, 2015
I liked!
Somehow this story felt bright and clean, and I felt uplifted even as I read. The characters are believable (for the most part). NOTE: a petard was a bomb placed against a castle gate with a short fuse. If the bomber doesn't get away fast enough, he gets blown up, or hoisted on his own petard.
Somehow this story felt bright and clean, and I felt uplifted even as I read. The characters are believable (for the most part). NOTE: a petard was a bomb placed against a castle gate with a short fuse. If the bomber doesn't get away fast enough, he gets blown up, or hoisted on his own petard.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews