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Sonoma Knight PI #1
The Goat-Ripper Case
Who is dumping dead goats in Sonoma? Afghan vet and Bronze Star hero Jake Knight comes home to heal, save his farm and fall in love. Not yet a licensed P.I., he takes his first pro-bono case and races to stop a perverted wine maker with a taste for murder. He assembles a witty crew of characters for support. With a stroke of genius, Jake foils an assassination. This is a sexy romantic crime thriller set in the heart of California wine country. A fast, fun foray into artisan cheese, adulterated wine and political intrigue. Adult theme: Age 18+
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2013
2 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Peter Prasad
8 books59 followersI write crime thrillers - post-modern with a twist. So, I sweat bullets and laugh at myself, drunk on life. I'm captivated by my own imagination, looking for zinger dialog and blazing story.
GOAT-RIPPER is a sexy romantic crime thriller in the heart of Sonoma wine country. Jake Knight, Afghan vet and new PI, goes after a wine cheat and saves the governor.
GURL-POSSE KIDNAP is a drug deal gone wrong. It morphs into murder, kidnap and redemption as Jake helps his client see the light.
GUT-CHECK GREEN has environmental terrorists raiding a wine party. They stymie a task force sent to hunt them down. Only Jake can identify and chase them, going up against a vicious killer, the Pencil Man.
CAMPAIGN ZEN 500bc-2012 is a look at the history of the ballot box, told in tavern doggerel. Pour a jar and read aloud, then vote as often as you can.
About me? Florida native, San Francisco resident, father, husband and Boy Scout in recovery, world traveler, Zen poet, Africa & Tokyo ad guy, start-up & solar guy, ocean energy champion, a writer for 40 years.
I love the poem cadences of Kipling, the dialect of Mark Twain, the heart of Vonnegut and the thrillers of John D. MacDonald. His PI, Travis McGee, was birthed on a Beach Club bar stool where I grew up.
So jump in; life is a participatory sport. If you're an emerging writer, load up on life experiences on which to craft your art. Thanks for reading. O'ya dear readers.
GOAT-RIPPER is a sexy romantic crime thriller in the heart of Sonoma wine country. Jake Knight, Afghan vet and new PI, goes after a wine cheat and saves the governor.
GURL-POSSE KIDNAP is a drug deal gone wrong. It morphs into murder, kidnap and redemption as Jake helps his client see the light.
GUT-CHECK GREEN has environmental terrorists raiding a wine party. They stymie a task force sent to hunt them down. Only Jake can identify and chase them, going up against a vicious killer, the Pencil Man.
CAMPAIGN ZEN 500bc-2012 is a look at the history of the ballot box, told in tavern doggerel. Pour a jar and read aloud, then vote as often as you can.
About me? Florida native, San Francisco resident, father, husband and Boy Scout in recovery, world traveler, Zen poet, Africa & Tokyo ad guy, start-up & solar guy, ocean energy champion, a writer for 40 years.
I love the poem cadences of Kipling, the dialect of Mark Twain, the heart of Vonnegut and the thrillers of John D. MacDonald. His PI, Travis McGee, was birthed on a Beach Club bar stool where I grew up.
So jump in; life is a participatory sport. If you're an emerging writer, load up on life experiences on which to craft your art. Thanks for reading. O'ya dear readers.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 13, 2013
At first, I really wasn't sure. Honestly, up until 80% through, I still wasn't sure. There was so much going on and, even though there were connections, I really just could not see the point of the story. The last 20&, though, almost made up for all that. A lot of questions got answered, a lot of things came out - and the way he solves the case and gets it noticed really was interesting and well thought out. I've gone back and forth between 3 and 4 stars over and over since I finished reading it. Four, to me, means that I liked it enough to tell everyone they should read it, but I don't know if I can do that. I still just don't know.
Here were some of my thoughts on the book - FYI it won't give anything away, but it does give some info that you would learn from the book.
The romance between ex-army brother (why does everyone name their main characters Jake?)and the girl he hadn't seen in like 15 years was awkward, unnecessary and way too fast. It felt forced and out of place. It detracted from the story, but then gave a reason for the PI guy to suddenly be in his life.
The relationship between the wine guy and his assistant was just confusing and, well, scary. I know that they were using it to show even more of his depravity, but between that and all of his talk about a "cute butt-boy from North Africa" (which is mentioned over and over again throughout the middle part of the book), I was a little disturbed.
It really needs someone to come through and give it a once over - fix the missing words, grammatical issues and misuse of punctuation.
I received this book free with the agreement that I would write an honest review.
Here were some of my thoughts on the book - FYI it won't give anything away, but it does give some info that you would learn from the book.
The romance between ex-army brother (why does everyone name their main characters Jake?)and the girl he hadn't seen in like 15 years was awkward, unnecessary and way too fast. It felt forced and out of place. It detracted from the story, but then gave a reason for the PI guy to suddenly be in his life.
The relationship between the wine guy and his assistant was just confusing and, well, scary. I know that they were using it to show even more of his depravity, but between that and all of his talk about a "cute butt-boy from North Africa" (which is mentioned over and over again throughout the middle part of the book), I was a little disturbed.
It really needs someone to come through and give it a once over - fix the missing words, grammatical issues and misuse of punctuation.
I received this book free with the agreement that I would write an honest review.
January 26, 2014
1st of all, I want to thank Mr. Prasad for providing me with the copy of this book. I appreciate it very much.
An enjoyable read. A well crafted story. The protagonist, Jake Knight, is a fine character. Set in the Sonoma Valley in California, wine and cheese country, Jake if newly back from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. And, his character is the most vivid of the story. One wants to believe in Jake and, in the end, to read more of his exploits. And, I thought that I read somewhere in Goodreads, that Mr. Prasad is working on another Sonoma Knight book. I will look forward to it being available.
While Jake's character is real and believable, I can't really say the same for many of the other characters. Oh, the main ones were developed well, but, the periphery characters just didn't seem as real as Jake. Especially, Jake's brother, Wally. Maybe in further books Wally will come into his own. But, pretty much all main characters seemed to be real. You know, someone you could know and want to know about.
The plot was complex without being so complicated that one couldn't follow it. Someone was killing goats in the Sonoma Valley and Jake wonders why. What follows is a complex plot to delude wine connoisseurs out of money for expensive bottles of wine. While not wanting to give any spoilers, Jake attempts to look into this mystery. Uncovering what is known to the readers, is what is at the heart of the story.
As I said, I enjoyed the book. Quite a lot, in fact. Hoping to read more of the Sonoma Knight in the future.
An enjoyable read. A well crafted story. The protagonist, Jake Knight, is a fine character. Set in the Sonoma Valley in California, wine and cheese country, Jake if newly back from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. And, his character is the most vivid of the story. One wants to believe in Jake and, in the end, to read more of his exploits. And, I thought that I read somewhere in Goodreads, that Mr. Prasad is working on another Sonoma Knight book. I will look forward to it being available.
While Jake's character is real and believable, I can't really say the same for many of the other characters. Oh, the main ones were developed well, but, the periphery characters just didn't seem as real as Jake. Especially, Jake's brother, Wally. Maybe in further books Wally will come into his own. But, pretty much all main characters seemed to be real. You know, someone you could know and want to know about.
The plot was complex without being so complicated that one couldn't follow it. Someone was killing goats in the Sonoma Valley and Jake wonders why. What follows is a complex plot to delude wine connoisseurs out of money for expensive bottles of wine. While not wanting to give any spoilers, Jake attempts to look into this mystery. Uncovering what is known to the readers, is what is at the heart of the story.
As I said, I enjoyed the book. Quite a lot, in fact. Hoping to read more of the Sonoma Knight in the future.
August 16, 2013
When Peter Prasad posted a description of his book, I commented on how enticing I found the setting: the Sonoma Wine Country and the artisanal cheese-making trade. The author included my comment in the book's opening notes. Reading the book in actuality turned out to be as enjoyable as anticipated. He describes it as a fun, entertaining, romantic crime novel, which is exactly what it is.
Jake Knight is a returning veteran with a healing war wound, who wants to regain his uncomplicated farm life and joins his brother, Wally, in turning the farm they inherited from their father into a sheep spread, where the milk will be cultivated into cheese. His other desire is to become a private detective. The instincts driving him into the latter profession come to the fore when he suspects that a new and shady character has bought a wine property and is adulterating the wine to disguise its doctored contents so that it can be sold for hugely inflated profits. Jake soon connects the new wine maker with the death of numerous goats found killed and their livers cut out.
A large part of the book's enjoyment consists of submersion in the local culture of the area. Jake's return to normality in the arms of a beautiful barmaid provides the romance.
All in all, an enjoyable romp in wine (and cheese) country.
Jake Knight is a returning veteran with a healing war wound, who wants to regain his uncomplicated farm life and joins his brother, Wally, in turning the farm they inherited from their father into a sheep spread, where the milk will be cultivated into cheese. His other desire is to become a private detective. The instincts driving him into the latter profession come to the fore when he suspects that a new and shady character has bought a wine property and is adulterating the wine to disguise its doctored contents so that it can be sold for hugely inflated profits. Jake soon connects the new wine maker with the death of numerous goats found killed and their livers cut out.
A large part of the book's enjoyment consists of submersion in the local culture of the area. Jake's return to normality in the arms of a beautiful barmaid provides the romance.
All in all, an enjoyable romp in wine (and cheese) country.
August 28, 2013
WOW!! I loved this book! Peter Prasad is an exceptional story teller! It was fun that the setting was in Sonoma close to where I live and I could relate to the locations which were vividly described. The story and plot were so captivating I stayed awake reading later than I should have because I was enjoying the cast of unique, interesting, and sometimes twisted, characters. This was a very well written, compelling, interesting, educational, humorous and creative read. Jake was a hero in high school, while serving his country as a US Army Ranger patrolman, and now as a rookie private investigator. Since the number of pages remaining was getting smaller and smaller I knew I was coming to the end of the book, but not ready for it to end…so I was thrilled to learn that this is the first book in a series of the Sonoma Knight!!
April 10, 2014
The Goat-Ripper Case treats the reader to a multifaceted story line that is richly endowed with descriptive prose. Jake, the Afghanistan War veteran, and war hero, who has recently returned home to Sonoma Valley, is a truly likable character. At times, as the plot advances, it seems he is unusually lucky ... but isn't that often the case with fictional heroes. Soon he is working in the family farm business with his brother. A parallel story line is introduced early. Semper, a devilish character, has plans to make his newly purchased vineyard into a highly profitable business. The lives of these two men, who are so different, soon become entangled in an unexpected way. The character development of both is superb. Surrounding these two key figures other interesting characters are introduced. And romance happens, complete with several sex scenes; parental discretion is advised. The author made the time to learn a great deal about the wine and cheese businesses of Sonoma Valley. He weaves many interesting details of those industries into his tale. The very best of the story is saved for the last chapters. It is there that the identity of the person targeted for death is finally revealed. Peter is a writer who is truly skilled in the art of painting pictures with words. I offer one small sample of his writing style: "The setting sun began to kiss the ocean in a final blaze of golden orange across the dunes." Such lovely word-imagery is to be found sprinkled among the paragraphs of this book in liberal qualities. We must assume that Peter loves to write. If there is a fault to be clearly identified with Goat-Ripper, it would be that Chapter One should be edited until it is brought up to the quality of the rest of this entertaining novel. But, after that one criticism, there is little left to criticize. Here is a book to be recommended to mature readers who enjoy the reading of adventure stories placed in the setting of today's California wine country.
May 1, 2015
This is the first in a series of novels by Peter Prasad and it forms a good introduction to his main character, recently returned and decorated Army veteran Jake Knight. Jake has plans to become a PI and the goat-ripper case is his first one. The book is set in Sonoma and although I don’t know the area well, I have visited there and loved the whole atmosphere and the memories the book evoked. As I said, a good introductory novel and, although not flawless, certainly worth reading.
July 28, 2013
"Deep reverence for the Sonoma land and the culture of cheese and wine. "Characterization is phenomenal. A gem of a book."
October 26, 2018
Decent
An average P.I. novel. I was hoping for more given the setting of California’s wonderful wine country. There was opportunity to make this story deeper with more developed characters, but the author wasn’t able to flesh out the main characters, so in my opinion the book fell short.
An average P.I. novel. I was hoping for more given the setting of California’s wonderful wine country. There was opportunity to make this story deeper with more developed characters, but the author wasn’t able to flesh out the main characters, so in my opinion the book fell short.
March 9, 2014
GOAT-RIPPER was a hard book to write.
With an idea in June and a chapter outline in October, I began the long march of 2,500-word days in February. I had a final draft by May, revised six times and writing 14-hour days. Editing added a month. Illustrations and formatting added long days. Proofing drove me nuts; I have to slow way down and read so carefully for that. However, my readers deserve the best book I can produce with professional editing, illustration, proofing and formatting.
In journalism class many moons back, a single typo earned at F. Thankfully, Goat-Ripper would make my professors at University of Florida proud. Long live sun, soil and rain.
Afghan veteran and Bronze Star hero Jake Knight returns home to heal, save his family farm, fall in love … and catch a wine adulterator making obscene profits. The bad guy is bent on murder by poison. Jake races to stop him and start his career at a private investigator.
“The crime thrillers of John D. McDonald inspire me. His PI was Travis McGee who lived on a houseboat. McDonald was a neighbor down the street where I grew up in Florida. Now, 40 years later, I look forward to honoring him and the many excellent thriller writers and true-character investigators that San Francisco has bred," says author Peter Prasad, a pen name for a 40-year writer, father, and award-winning environmentalist who lives in San Francisco.
“As a location, Sonoma is a magical character in Goat-Ripper. I made cheese every weekend for a year to get that right.” says Prasad. “The food, wine, flavors and beauty of Sonoma feed my muse.”
Early readers praise the story’s scenic descriptions, action and characters that are pure California. Reader comments: “You do every Marine proud.” “Nash Bridges’ daring, Steinbeck’s eye and Vonnegut’s heart.” “What a thrilling location for a mystery.”
I hope you enjoy reading GOAT-RIPPER. I look forward to hearing from you, my valued readers. Please remember that reviews are the life blood of Indie Authors, so have at it. I read them and it makes me a better writer. On'ya!
Twitter: PeterPrasadSF@Twitter.com
Piterest: PeterPrasad@Pinterest.com
E-mail: PeterPrasad.SF@gmail.com.
With an idea in June and a chapter outline in October, I began the long march of 2,500-word days in February. I had a final draft by May, revised six times and writing 14-hour days. Editing added a month. Illustrations and formatting added long days. Proofing drove me nuts; I have to slow way down and read so carefully for that. However, my readers deserve the best book I can produce with professional editing, illustration, proofing and formatting.
In journalism class many moons back, a single typo earned at F. Thankfully, Goat-Ripper would make my professors at University of Florida proud. Long live sun, soil and rain.
Afghan veteran and Bronze Star hero Jake Knight returns home to heal, save his family farm, fall in love … and catch a wine adulterator making obscene profits. The bad guy is bent on murder by poison. Jake races to stop him and start his career at a private investigator.
“The crime thrillers of John D. McDonald inspire me. His PI was Travis McGee who lived on a houseboat. McDonald was a neighbor down the street where I grew up in Florida. Now, 40 years later, I look forward to honoring him and the many excellent thriller writers and true-character investigators that San Francisco has bred," says author Peter Prasad, a pen name for a 40-year writer, father, and award-winning environmentalist who lives in San Francisco.
“As a location, Sonoma is a magical character in Goat-Ripper. I made cheese every weekend for a year to get that right.” says Prasad. “The food, wine, flavors and beauty of Sonoma feed my muse.”
Early readers praise the story’s scenic descriptions, action and characters that are pure California. Reader comments: “You do every Marine proud.” “Nash Bridges’ daring, Steinbeck’s eye and Vonnegut’s heart.” “What a thrilling location for a mystery.”
I hope you enjoy reading GOAT-RIPPER. I look forward to hearing from you, my valued readers. Please remember that reviews are the life blood of Indie Authors, so have at it. I read them and it makes me a better writer. On'ya!
Twitter: PeterPrasadSF@Twitter.com
Piterest: PeterPrasad@Pinterest.com
E-mail: PeterPrasad.SF@gmail.com.
April 2, 2015
The Goat-Ripper Case (Sonoma Knight PI #1) by Peter Prasad is the story about a military man from Sonoma, California. Jake Knight is back from Afghanistan and is adjusting to civilian life with the help of his brother Wally. The pair run the family farm with the help of Sandy and Marco. Down the road is the winery Fransec which is newly owned by Dr. Semper. Dr. Semper is a true villain, but will he be caught?
The story starts out with a funny vibe going on about a vet, a farm, cheese, and wine. At first I was skeptical, but the story gets interesting when Dr. Semper enters the scene. He is definitely a miscreation. And I love a mischief-maker.
The plot and pace are even. There’s murder, mystery, crime, and romance. You don’t see an evenly themed story very often. Writers tend to overdo paranormal or romance or whatever. My mind was in shock and felt like there should be more of one genre. But after consideration, I like the fact that it’s proportional.
En masse, I enjoyed the story. The characters are entertaining. The plot is interesting. The story moves along briskly. This was an unexpected delight.
The story starts out with a funny vibe going on about a vet, a farm, cheese, and wine. At first I was skeptical, but the story gets interesting when Dr. Semper enters the scene. He is definitely a miscreation. And I love a mischief-maker.
The plot and pace are even. There’s murder, mystery, crime, and romance. You don’t see an evenly themed story very often. Writers tend to overdo paranormal or romance or whatever. My mind was in shock and felt like there should be more of one genre. But after consideration, I like the fact that it’s proportional.
En masse, I enjoyed the story. The characters are entertaining. The plot is interesting. The story moves along briskly. This was an unexpected delight.
April 17, 2015
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read but not for the prudish or squeamish.
Mr Prasad has a naughty sense of humour and zest for life and it certainly shows in this novel, which is the first in a series about our hero, Jake - The Sonoma Knight PI.
I have to say that at some points the milk drinking all American Jake was just a bit too good to be true for my taste but he was set off against two of the most dastardly villains I have ever encountered outside of a Stephen King novel and they made this book a fun read. I liked the Northern California setting as well (I am an occasional 49ers fan and it reminded me of trips to see them play). There were some great minor characters who really fleshed the action out as well and I am looking forward to meeting them again in the next Sonoma Knight novel. I certainly wouldn't mind reading a spin-off starring the sexy Colonel 'Hap' Hazard.
Original and page turning stuff.
(I received a gift copy from the author. Thanks very much!)
Mr Prasad has a naughty sense of humour and zest for life and it certainly shows in this novel, which is the first in a series about our hero, Jake - The Sonoma Knight PI.
I have to say that at some points the milk drinking all American Jake was just a bit too good to be true for my taste but he was set off against two of the most dastardly villains I have ever encountered outside of a Stephen King novel and they made this book a fun read. I liked the Northern California setting as well (I am an occasional 49ers fan and it reminded me of trips to see them play). There were some great minor characters who really fleshed the action out as well and I am looking forward to meeting them again in the next Sonoma Knight novel. I certainly wouldn't mind reading a spin-off starring the sexy Colonel 'Hap' Hazard.
Original and page turning stuff.
(I received a gift copy from the author. Thanks very much!)
November 9, 2015
I'll Drink To This Story
An intriguing title pulled me in. I was impressed with Prasad's knowledge of the wine and cheese-making-industry. The author kept the action moving and had enough sex to keep it interesting. The ending was a bit too pat but I assume the story had to fit into a format . The climax could have had more tension. The one thing that really didn't work for me was an "afterward" curiously tacked onto the end. Although very well-written, the afterward belonged early in the story interwoven with the current storyline. It was like a prologue tacked onto the end. I've never seen that before and it didn't work here. Let me end on a high note. The author is a gifted writer and tells a dampened good story.
An intriguing title pulled me in. I was impressed with Prasad's knowledge of the wine and cheese-making-industry. The author kept the action moving and had enough sex to keep it interesting. The ending was a bit too pat but I assume the story had to fit into a format . The climax could have had more tension. The one thing that really didn't work for me was an "afterward" curiously tacked onto the end. Although very well-written, the afterward belonged early in the story interwoven with the current storyline. It was like a prologue tacked onto the end. I've never seen that before and it didn't work here. Let me end on a high note. The author is a gifted writer and tells a dampened good story.
February 1, 2016
Jake Knight, medically retired from the armed forces, returns home to Sonoma to save his family farm and encounters a puzzling mystery.
Tightly written, with fully-fleshed characters, and not a little Prasad quirkiness, 'Goat-Ripper' is a pleasurable page-turner, full of invention. Toss in a little romance with the wine and cheese - et voila! - you have a winner. I shall be reading more of this series...
Highly recommended for lovers of a good old-fashioned romping tale.
Tightly written, with fully-fleshed characters, and not a little Prasad quirkiness, 'Goat-Ripper' is a pleasurable page-turner, full of invention. Toss in a little romance with the wine and cheese - et voila! - you have a winner. I shall be reading more of this series...
Highly recommended for lovers of a good old-fashioned romping tale.
September 23, 2013
I enjoyed this book. Time well spent. Good read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews