Pushed

Benny James Mystery #2

by Jason Deas

Benny James is back! The former FBI agent turned private eye is whisked into action by TV evangelist, Reverend Jim, who heads a mega church in Mississippi and has a major problem. Reverend Jim’s son, Brother Jim, has taken his battle against sin to the extreme. Attractive young women are being “baptized” by being pushed from bridges. Benny jets to West Palm Beach, Florida, the epicenter of the murders, to join his girlfriend and media powerhouse. As she chases the story, an adversary from her past vies for Benny’s affection. An FBI agent and hot young gun, becomes infatuated with Benny and creates more waves in an already turbulent atmosphere. The bizarre murders continue as the fatal baptismal rituals increase in frequency. Only one woman survives, but she disappears before she can identify her would-be killer. With the help of a new cast of eclectic characters, as well as some old favorites, Benny crisscrosses Florida in search of answers, making connections, in an attempt to catch the killer before more young lives are washed away.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Ebooks, Mystery Thriller

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2012

About the author

Jason 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.

Reviews

[Jenifer]

I have to confess that the author is my brother and this is not a genre I usually read. But I did and I have to honestly say it was great. I loved the characters. They made me laugh out loud several times and the suspense was enough to keep me reading non stop. Good job little bro and looking forward to the next one!

[Peggy]

It tried

This book is pretty good. I had not read the first book in this series so I don't know if the first book ended in the same fashion that this one did. Lots of characters which could have been developed better. Good story line, but never seemed to mature well. At the end, the reader has been e
Waiting for a big finish, but instead it just ended. That is why I wonder if book number one just lead directly into book two. I feel like I wasn't able to w the whole story wrapped up, so I won't be reading book three.

[Deana St. John]

I liked this book. I liked the characters (especially Red) and the plot was intriguing enough to keep me reading. The plot was also borderline almost too creepy for me, but I hung in there and the ending was worth it. The most picayune problem I had, was with the main characters names. Benny has been the name of many characters with mental health problems, (savant?). Red is a cool name for a smart, savvy hero. Had to get out of my preconceived notions of who was who sometimes. Perhaps that's what Jason Deas meant for us to do.

DSJ

[Black Butterfly]

BORROWED FROM AMAZON 5*stars +100 MORE
REV JIM & HIS SON ARE TWO VERY CREEPY DUDES. I HAD FIGURED IT OUT ABOUT HALF WAY THROUGH, BUT IT DIDN’T MATTER BECAUSE I REALLY LOVE THIS SERIES. I RATE IT UP THEIR WITH WHAT I CALL MY FAV’S: BLOOD SIMPLE, BAGDAD CAFÉ, BLUE VELVET AND CRIMES OF PASSION (or China Blue) MY FAV’S ARE ALL CHOCKED FULL OF UNIQUE CHARACTERS. I LOVE MOVIES & BOOKS WITH CHARACTERS THAT STAY IN MIND FOREVER AND EVERY NOW AND THEN I THINK OF THEM. THIS IS A 3 BOOK SERIES I ONLY HAVE ONE MORE TO READ (boo-hoo) BRAVO MR JASON DEAS! ;D

[Sharon]

Surprise ending for me. I love all the characters in this series, especially Red. Although Benny James is the main character, Red, in his simplistic childlike manner, sees things for what they are, and in that way he helps Benny catch the bad guy. I like how Mr. Deas shows us how to treat people who are different with respect and to accept them for who they are. The murder mysteries are the main focus of the books with the path to find the killer interesting and intriguing, but the character interaction is most important too. For me that's what makes a good book.

[Dawn Puig]

This author was so one dimensional. Not only was the story predictable, but he would explain things to much. He doesn’t let the reader use their own imagination to set scenes or figures things out. By doing this he takes away any of the mystery or intrigue the story may have. Wasn’t bad, but couldn’t wait to finish so I could read something else. Don’t bother with this read or this author, I would imagine his writing style will be the same in any other book.

[Sue Aker]

Boring Book.

I thought the book was boring and poorly written. The author starts too many sentences with Benny this and Benny that. After reading the prologue and the first page I knew who Benny was , so I didn't need the name repeated every other sentence. I didn't make it past the first two pages before I became annoyed with the author's writing and quit reading the book.

[Robin Clemons]

Another amazing story by Jason Deas

Benny James is at it again, following leads that defy description in a mystery saga is his forte. He has numerous friends that aid him in his quest to stop a killer. It is easy to put yourself in his shoes by reading carefully between the lines and listening to the voices of all that in the story.

[Pennie Collins]

Great Summer read!

Crisp writing and a tight mystery. Loved the character Red. First time seeing a mentally challenged person portrayed with dignity and humor in a mystery. This is a perfect book for a vacation read. I recommend this book for anyone who loves a deliciously twist in a mystery.

[Joyce Patterson]

Excellent Series

Exceptionally well build characters in this fast-paced mystery that doesn't include long drawn out descriptions of such things like what every character mentioned is wearing. This book doesn't need it yet you still have strong, vividly memorable characters. I can't wait to read his next book. I have a feeling Jason Deas will end up on my favorite authors list.

[Sue]

Not a deep mystery. A bit of a stretch with Red - portrayed as seemingly simple - perhaps a savant? The challenges/jealousy among profess Is probably a fair portrayal and the ultimate unveiling was not a total surprise.

The book, a quick read kept my attention.

[Kevin James]

Really enjoyed this. Benny James, the former FBI agent, is a great central character. Funny but smart. Reminds of the Myron Bolitar character in the Harlem Coben books- which I loved.
Fun relationship with his tv anchor girlfriend too.
Nice chewy series of crimes to solve.

[Robert F. Tanner]

Good vs. Evil. Read and find who wins.

Outstandingly story. Jason Deas is an equal with Child, Ballacci, Tannenbaum, and other writers of similar genre. Can't wait to read book 3. The characters are lovable and believable.

[Regina Meehan-simunek]

Not my favorite

Benny sometimes reminds me of a person I am not very fond of, like home but... I like Red and Rachel but I felt Jason Deas rushed this story, I guess near the beginning of the story what was going on.....

[Patricia McCormick]

Another great Jason Deas story

This is my second Benny James mystery, and I enjoyed it as much as the first one. Benny is hired to find the son of an evangelist who is killing young women in Florida, and he finds some confusing twists along the way to the solution.

[Cherop]

A good murder mystery. The ending was a surprise.

[Kay Peterson]

Good

Easy read, entertaining enough. People who like a quick read and a little crime and humor will like this one.

[cj gordon]

A fun read

The book has a lot of humor and soul. Story was good, hints along the way made it better. Enjoyavle

[Janis Ferguson]

Loved this book.

Characters were believable and amusing. Well written and lots of action.

Need to go back and read book one. I would recommend this book.

[Lynda]

Good read

Hard to put down this book! Took only a day to read as it was so intriguing! Did not see the end coming

[Kathleen Quinn]

Excellent mystery

This book kept my interest from beginning to end. I didn't know who the killer was until the very end. I would recommend this book to anyone liking a good read.

[Samantha Smith]

Benny James & Red are the best!

Love these books! Love Benny & Red! Y'all need to read Jason Deas! On to book 3 which I know will be just as good

[Keisha Roland]

Excellent

This book was very enjoyable. Red is a fantastic and lovable character. Can’t wait to read the next one. K

[Judy]

Excellent read

I really like the character a in this series and all the crazy stuff they get up to. I'm sure I'll read the whole series

I do recommend this book.

[Tracy Lunsford]

great read

now to go back and read #1!!
fun book! really enjoyed it!
light and intense easy to get into! read it!

[Cathy]

Really like the characters in these books...stories are okay

[Dan]

Good mystery

Enjoyed reading. Benny is quite a character, as is Red, Ned and Ted. Enjoyable characters. Surprise ending I did not see coming.

[Teresa]

Characters are growing on me. Plot to obvious in this one. Crimes more hardcore than I prefer. Will read one more in this series.

[Angela M Fordham]

Benny gets better and better

This book is great. Benny and Red have evolved as characters and the storyline fits their friendship. can't wait to read book three!!

[Janet L.]

Another great book with Benny James. He’s the type of person you want investigating on your behalf. Looking forward to the next book in this series.