Murder in the River City

River City Mysteries #2

by Allison Brennan

Keep your friends close … When the long-time bartender at Dooley’s Pub is murdered, the police believe a violent gang of thieves is responsible. But Shauna Murphy, Dooley’s fiery granddaughter, thinks Mack’s killer is someone she knows. In addition to stealing money, the thieves stole her grandfather’s collection of autographed baseballs, leaving behind the only forgery. The lead detective doesn’t take her seriously, and Shauna reluctantly turns to long-time family friend, Detective Sam Garcia—the man who once broke her heart. But Sam has another murder to the death of a young woman who was strangled and dumped in the river.… and your enemies closerAs Sam digs deeper into his own investigation, he suspects that his case is linked to Mack’s murder. After an attack on Shauna leaves her shaken and angry, Sam vows to protect her. But he can’t defend her against an unknown threat. As time runs out with no one to trust, Sam and Shauna must work together to catch a ruthless killer before they both end up dead and buried.Praise for New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan: “A fan of Allison's for many years, you always know what you are getting...a great story with love `em or hate `em characters and perfectly placed plot twists in every book.” – Suspense Magazine“Fast becoming a master at delivering complex, layered plots and characters that erupt from the page ..." RT Book Reviews"Brennan has a terrific talent for scaring the pants off readers while at the same time making them want more, more, MORE!” – True Crime Book Reviews“Brennan does murder better than almost everyone writing in the suspense genre.” – Armchair Interviews

Genres: Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary, Short Stories, Romance

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2012

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.

In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.

RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.

With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.

You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.

Reviews

[Suspense Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The news hits the streets of a murder at Dooley’s Pub and Shauna Murphy comes running. Literally. Dooley is Shauna’s grandfather and she can’t wipe the gory imagery of his body lying cold on the floor as she speeds toward the blockade. Shauna is a spitfire and won’t take no for an answer when denied access. Her hair-trigger is only shadowed by her tenacity and she’s ready, willing, and able to do whatever is needed to get into that building—even threatening to speak to the press.
Relief overwhelms her as she walks in the door to find Dooley sitting safely inside. The victim is their longtime friend and bartender, Mack. At first glance this looks like a robbery gone bad—especially with the missing autographed baseballs and empty cash drawer—but, something about the scene is bothering Shauna and when she hits on it, she’s ignored. One baseball is still on the shelf. It’s a Babe Ruth and not many people realize it’s a fake. In fact, only the old-timers and employees know the truth. Which—to Shauna at least—means that this was an inside job.
As if she doesn’t have enough to do, between running her family’s construction company and spending more time at Dooley’s Pub to keep an eye on things, Shauna’s tossed head first into the investigation. To some extent, this is her own doing. Adding to her stress is the return of the man she’s loved since she was a budding teen. Detective Sam Garcia has come home and he’s ready to confront his feelings for his best friend’s kid sister.
Though shorter than her typical fare, Brennan doesn’t slow the pace or the angst in her latest release, “Murder in the River City.” If anything, I’d say she speeds things up a bit, adding significant details that build layers onto her characters and add that electric spark often only found when reading a pro. I can’t speak for her other fans, but I’d love to see more of Murphy and Garcia.

Reviewed by Shannon Raab for Suspense Magazine

[Lynda Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Allison Brennan didn’t disappoint! Simple and relaxing books with a little suspense and mystery along the way!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a treat this was to find.. Even had John Black and Dean Hooper from previous books in it. The author explains that this was written as a serial for a magazine but you cannot tell. Very good suspense/mystery novella.

A bartender is beaten and murdered. A young woman is murdered..

Shauna Murphy's grandfather own's Dooley’s Pub where the bartender had worked for almost 10 years. After being relieved that it wasn't her Grandfather she still wants to know who killed her friend and pesters the lead detective John Black with clues she is finding.

Detective Sam Garcia comes back to town to join the homicide department and is partnered with John who in turns pushes Shauna off on him. But what John doesn't know is there is quite the history between Sam and Shauna. They grew up together as he was good friend with her brothers and she always had a crush on him but with there age difference he pushed her away - more than once. Then later when she was engaged to another man he arrested her fiance the day before their wedding. He doesn't figure she has forgiven him yet.

The mystery of the two murders and there connection has everyone stumped. Its not till they bring in Dean Hooper from the FBI that they start to put the piece together... But to catch the killer Shauna's life has to be put on the line and now that Sam has finally gotten her back will he be able to let her do it....

[Dewey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a novella when I bought it; too bad. The story starts well; I was interested. I liked the 2 detectives but Shauna is eye-rolling annoying. Novellas never have enough time for good character development. I am trying to find some Brennan books that are solid writing.

[Lynita conaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I would recommend this book if your into thrillers. I love this author and have read all of her book. This book does not disappoint. New characters, I hope we see them again

[Stacy]

Q

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her books. The suspense and then the closure.

[Mary Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story and characters, a good ride all the way…but oh please, clean up all the typos (supposedly the purpose for this updated edition).

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread~
I just read this again after reading book favorites and I now know there are even more fan favorites and repeat characters! John Black and Simone were in book one and they both return to this story, not as the lead but to help solve the case! Love the second chance romance, the family and the grandfather.


Original~
Quick read with some fan favorites! Sam and Shauna have history and chemistry, but they also are immersed in a murder investigation. The villain was predictable, but the redemption part for another character was unexpected and great to see!

[Rhea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having caught up on the Lucy Kincaid series, I bought this book of three short stories by Allison Brennan. One of the things I love about Allison Brennan's books is the continuity of characters. There are characters in these short stories that have been in some of the trilogies and Lucy series and it's good to get some time with them again. Each story is succinct but long enough to get you completely invested and wish it were a full novel. I think, at this point, that Ms. Brennan could let me read her to-do list and I would become emotionally invested. :)

Each story is smart and suspenseful and I especially loved the third story which was told in first person. This was the longest story and the character of Selena is one I'd like to see again.

Lastly, I would like to say that it doesn't seem fair to the author to give this book a lower rating because the reader admittedly didn't realize it was a book of short stories and was then disappointed. I do agree with the reviewer who said Ms.Brennan should never write short stories because they are so good, you just want more and more!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another murder mystery with an entertaining cast of characters. Police procedural mixed with romance leads to solving the mystery and the guy getting the girl (or visa versa).

A murder is committed and the trail leads to a major money laundering scheme and the FBI involvement in taking down the laundry. During all this a "star-crossed" couple finally decides to step back from pride and let each other know how they feel (how stupid can pride be?).

Good entertainment, not much thought needed.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by this short story, it left me wanting to read more and wished that it was longer. I would have loved to see the history between Shauna and Sam, even between their families. I loved Dooley and seeing him interact with Shauna was fun! At times it was hard to tell who was the grandparent and who was the child. The mystery part kept me on my toes, I hadn’t guessed, especially with who was the secret informant, it took guts to do something like that.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. A very quick read. Read it in less than a day. It kept me guessing to the end. Weren't multiple story lines, got to the point and that was it. And I like that she brought in characters from other books. She has a way of tying all of her books together. Over all good book. Hope she writes more with these characters.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! Being originally from Seattle and living in Sacramento were this book took place for the past 30 years it was fun knowing where ever they were going and doing! It was an outstanding murder crime mystery and was to the last few pages before I figured it out!

This is my first Allison Brennan Novel and I look forward to reading more!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Allison Brennan's books, and Murder in the River City is no exception.

Great, intriguing storyline that instantly draws you in, fantastic new characters, and even cameo appearances from some old favorites!

There's nothing not to love about this novella, definitely worth checking out!

[Jerrie Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of Allison Brennan's books and enjoyed them all. Honestly, I was thrilled to read she had a new romantic suspense out. Ms. Brennan packed a ton of emotion, tension, and mystery in this novella. It's a quick and rewarding read.

[Katey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think all of Allison Brennan's novels and short stories are great. I actually finished this in one day, because it is a snow day today. Good day to catch up on reading and stay in from the cold. I thought the storyline was good.

[Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was a big "meh".

[Kathy Fuierer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! VERY quick read as I couldn't put it down! Next up "Killing Justice"

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable but interesting. Not one of Brennan's best, but entertaining enough.

[Rachelle Piatek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great easy read poolside!!!!

[E J Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summer read.....well formed characters and lots of twists and turns!
Sex, Murder and Mystery...who could as for any more!

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A so-so novella; not as good as her usual series and quite predictable. Good to read in the middle of the night when you can't sleep.

[Jennee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was an awesome book. When I first read the description of it, I thought it would just be "ok", but the book pulled me in and kept me hooked until the end.

[Hollie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan. Very predictable.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like all her books

[Mary Roya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Allison Brennan story. Wonderful!

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a predictable plot and outcome, but an easy OK read.