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Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles #17
Second Chances: Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, Book 17
Retired New York Police Detective, Brandon Turner wanted to move as far away from the Big Apple as possible.
Pointing a finger at a map, he ends up in Magnolia Bluff, a small town in the Texas Hill Country.Unfortunately, it’s not as easy to retire here as he’d hoped. While exploring a park with his dog and the real-estate agent showing him the property, they discover a body. They report the death and, as far as Turner is concerned, that’s where it ends. But it’s not that simple.This body was not the first. There were others and all the evidence points to drugs. The local police are not savvy enough to solve these crimes on their own and ask Turner for help. But the former detective has other ideas. He intends to leave his past life where it belongs… in the past. But he soon realizes that he just can’t stay away from the case. Vowing not to work with the local detective, Turner begins his own investigation, putting himself, his dog, and the woman he just met in danger.Can Turner and the local police set aside their differences long enough to stop a potential drug ring from destroying more lives? The town’s residents are counting on it. As for Turner, he just wants to solve this case as soon as possible so he can start enjoying his retirement.
Pointing a finger at a map, he ends up in Magnolia Bluff, a small town in the Texas Hill Country.Unfortunately, it’s not as easy to retire here as he’d hoped. While exploring a park with his dog and the real-estate agent showing him the property, they discover a body. They report the death and, as far as Turner is concerned, that’s where it ends. But it’s not that simple.This body was not the first. There were others and all the evidence points to drugs. The local police are not savvy enough to solve these crimes on their own and ask Turner for help. But the former detective has other ideas. He intends to leave his past life where it belongs… in the past. But he soon realizes that he just can’t stay away from the case. Vowing not to work with the local detective, Turner begins his own investigation, putting himself, his dog, and the woman he just met in danger.Can Turner and the local police set aside their differences long enough to stop a potential drug ring from destroying more lives? The town’s residents are counting on it. As for Turner, he just wants to solve this case as soon as possible so he can start enjoying his retirement.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2023
31 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 21, 2023
Second Chances: Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, Book 17. This is not the first book I've read by Joe Congel, and it won't be my last. Congel is a top-notch writer. His stories are fluid, never lacking in excitement, and he always has characters rich in description. If you are looking for a book filled with suspense and action, this book is a must-read.
When Detective Brandon Turner retires, he only has a mind to get out of New York and start fresh, he points his finger on a map to determine where he will pick up a new life. Magnolia Bluff. A small town. A perfect place to settle and live a peaceful life. But things are not always how you plan, as it goes for Brandon Turner, and right off the top, when his dog Max finds a body at Burnet reservoir. He tries to avoid being pulled into the investigation, but he can't ignore his background in the narcotics division or his instincts. And when he sees the sloppy police work and more bodies turn up, Brandon finds himself feet-first in the middle of a murder investigation.
There are some advantages, though, when he meets the real estate agent who will show him some property near the lake, and the sparks begin to fly.
Conger mixes suspense, mystery, and humor in a well-written novel. You will not only relate to Brandon, but you will also fall in love with Max, his faithful four-legged friend.
I highly recommend Second Chances. It is a wonderful addition to the Magnolia Bluff Series.
Five suspenseful stars.
When Detective Brandon Turner retires, he only has a mind to get out of New York and start fresh, he points his finger on a map to determine where he will pick up a new life. Magnolia Bluff. A small town. A perfect place to settle and live a peaceful life. But things are not always how you plan, as it goes for Brandon Turner, and right off the top, when his dog Max finds a body at Burnet reservoir. He tries to avoid being pulled into the investigation, but he can't ignore his background in the narcotics division or his instincts. And when he sees the sloppy police work and more bodies turn up, Brandon finds himself feet-first in the middle of a murder investigation.
There are some advantages, though, when he meets the real estate agent who will show him some property near the lake, and the sparks begin to fly.
Conger mixes suspense, mystery, and humor in a well-written novel. You will not only relate to Brandon, but you will also fall in love with Max, his faithful four-legged friend.
I highly recommend Second Chances. It is a wonderful addition to the Magnolia Bluff Series.
Five suspenseful stars.
December 6, 2023
Second Chances by Joe Congel is book 17 in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles series. Author Joe Congel weaves together a compelling mystery that will keep you in your seat until the last page and leave you wishing for more.
Brandon Turner decides to leave New York City and his career as a narcotics officer for a simpler life. Pointing randomly at a map leads him to Magnolia Bluff, Texas, a small town near Austin where life appears slower—but looks can be deceiving. While with his real estate agent, Joyce, they stumble across a dead body, and Brandon finds himself pulled into the investigation. Will Brandon be able to find the peaceful life he’s searching for, or will this murder be the death of his dreams?
Joe Congel brings Magnolia Bluff, Texas to life in this tightly-crafted whodunit. Fantastic action and snappy dialogue pull the reader in and don’t let go. It would be easy to lose track in this large cast of characters, but the author keeps a tight focus on the clues while also portraying a slice of life in a small town where everyone knows your business and secrets are hard to keep. Brandon’s tension with Detective Sovern adds the perfect amount of seasoning to this stew of murder and mayhem, keeping the intensity level high at just the right moments.
Brandon is a guy you can easily root for, the kind of guy you hope all cops would be. His budding feelings for Joyce and the portrayal of her as a mom caring for her teenaged son provides a nice counterpoint to the body count piling up in the seedy underbelly of the town. I give this well-crafted mystery a 5 for its effective storytelling and firm grip on the reader. I gulped it down in a day! Although it easily stands alone, I think you’ll find yourself quickly wanting another trip to Magnolia Bluff to see how some of the other characters manage their own mysteries.
Brandon Turner decides to leave New York City and his career as a narcotics officer for a simpler life. Pointing randomly at a map leads him to Magnolia Bluff, Texas, a small town near Austin where life appears slower—but looks can be deceiving. While with his real estate agent, Joyce, they stumble across a dead body, and Brandon finds himself pulled into the investigation. Will Brandon be able to find the peaceful life he’s searching for, or will this murder be the death of his dreams?
Joe Congel brings Magnolia Bluff, Texas to life in this tightly-crafted whodunit. Fantastic action and snappy dialogue pull the reader in and don’t let go. It would be easy to lose track in this large cast of characters, but the author keeps a tight focus on the clues while also portraying a slice of life in a small town where everyone knows your business and secrets are hard to keep. Brandon’s tension with Detective Sovern adds the perfect amount of seasoning to this stew of murder and mayhem, keeping the intensity level high at just the right moments.
Brandon is a guy you can easily root for, the kind of guy you hope all cops would be. His budding feelings for Joyce and the portrayal of her as a mom caring for her teenaged son provides a nice counterpoint to the body count piling up in the seedy underbelly of the town. I give this well-crafted mystery a 5 for its effective storytelling and firm grip on the reader. I gulped it down in a day! Although it easily stands alone, I think you’ll find yourself quickly wanting another trip to Magnolia Bluff to see how some of the other characters manage their own mysteries.
October 1, 2023
Second Chances by Joe Congel is a fast-paced read that is more than just a mystery—it’s a wonderful smalltown story. This novel is a fine addition to the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles.
The author knows how to endear a character to the reader. Congel accomplishes this by giving the protagonist, Brandon Turner, an interesting backstory and a wonderful, loving dog, Max, also a delightful character in the book. In fact, all the characters are worth following in this adventure.
Don’t miss this quick read!
The author knows how to endear a character to the reader. Congel accomplishes this by giving the protagonist, Brandon Turner, an interesting backstory and a wonderful, loving dog, Max, also a delightful character in the book. In fact, all the characters are worth following in this adventure.
Don’t miss this quick read!
January 31, 2024
Brandon Turner, the protagonist in Joe Congel’s latest addition to the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, has moved to Magnolia Bluff, Texas, with his black Labrador named Max. Turner is a retired detective for the NYPD. He left the force after a “dirty cop” false accusation. Even though he was found innocent of all charges and legally exonerated, Turner decided he had had enough. He had done his best to oust known drug dealers from New York, and he knew his fellow officers would never again trust him. Brandon was ready for a second chance in life.
Magnolia Bluff is nestled next to the Burnet Reservoir. Turner wants to buy a lakefront property and live an enjoyable peaceful life, one that includes sitting on the deck watching the sunset and listening to the sounds of nature. Of course, he wouldn’t be opposed to owning a fishing boat and drifting slowly across the reservoir with a rod and reel handy to catch a couple of bass for dinner. Just thinking about it makes him smile.
The moment he parks in front of the Flower B&B and is greeted by its owner, Lily Greenley, Turner knows he and Max are home. Now, all he has to do is keep his former life and career a secret, but, alas, he has much to learn about the sleepy little hamlet in beautiful Texas Hill Country. All is not as it appears.
Turner soon realizes that you can take the cop off the job, but you can’t take the cop mentality out of the detective. Turner’s cop instincts take over when he learns that several high school students have died as result of a drug overdose. Who is supplying them with heroin laced with fentanyl?
Along the way, Turner suffers a “first.” He has never before turned his back on the possibility of hunting down a drug dealer. But despite his disdain for the local PD and because they sincerely need his help, Turner agrees to work independently to guide them in a concerted effort to discover who is supplying the deadly drug. For the first time in his life, Turner falls truly in love, but will the fact that he hasn’t been forthcoming about his past, as well as the dangers in which he puts Joyce Blackstone, he questions whether or not Joyce will give him a second chance?
Joe Congel is a new member of the Underground Authors, a group of twelve authors who have collectively penned more than twenty books in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles Series. Writing crime stories, however, is not a new adventure for Congel, author of The Razzman Mystery Crime Files Series. Congel’s writing style is unique in that he skillfully provides the reader a modern take on the traditional hardboiled detective.
I highly recommend Second Chances. It is fast-paced and entertaining while it presents to the reader one of the most intense challenges facing the modern detective: How can he and the local police force protect our youth from drug dealers bent on destroying their future?
Magnolia Bluff is nestled next to the Burnet Reservoir. Turner wants to buy a lakefront property and live an enjoyable peaceful life, one that includes sitting on the deck watching the sunset and listening to the sounds of nature. Of course, he wouldn’t be opposed to owning a fishing boat and drifting slowly across the reservoir with a rod and reel handy to catch a couple of bass for dinner. Just thinking about it makes him smile.
The moment he parks in front of the Flower B&B and is greeted by its owner, Lily Greenley, Turner knows he and Max are home. Now, all he has to do is keep his former life and career a secret, but, alas, he has much to learn about the sleepy little hamlet in beautiful Texas Hill Country. All is not as it appears.
Turner soon realizes that you can take the cop off the job, but you can’t take the cop mentality out of the detective. Turner’s cop instincts take over when he learns that several high school students have died as result of a drug overdose. Who is supplying them with heroin laced with fentanyl?
Along the way, Turner suffers a “first.” He has never before turned his back on the possibility of hunting down a drug dealer. But despite his disdain for the local PD and because they sincerely need his help, Turner agrees to work independently to guide them in a concerted effort to discover who is supplying the deadly drug. For the first time in his life, Turner falls truly in love, but will the fact that he hasn’t been forthcoming about his past, as well as the dangers in which he puts Joyce Blackstone, he questions whether or not Joyce will give him a second chance?
Joe Congel is a new member of the Underground Authors, a group of twelve authors who have collectively penned more than twenty books in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles Series. Writing crime stories, however, is not a new adventure for Congel, author of The Razzman Mystery Crime Files Series. Congel’s writing style is unique in that he skillfully provides the reader a modern take on the traditional hardboiled detective.
I highly recommend Second Chances. It is fast-paced and entertaining while it presents to the reader one of the most intense challenges facing the modern detective: How can he and the local police force protect our youth from drug dealers bent on destroying their future?
December 25, 2023
I’m such a fan of the multi-author crime fiction series, Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, having read many of the books so far. Years ago, I read and enjoyed a novel by Joe Congel, so I was excited to see his contribution to the series.
Reading most of this book in one sitting, I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Brandon Turner, a retired NYC police detective who comes to Magnolia Bluff with his dog, Max, to get far away from his former life and lead a quiet life. While the scenery drastically changes, Turner is immediately pulled back into the profession he just left when he discovers a body and finds out it wasn’t the first one. And the deaths don’t stop there. He’s hardwired to solve crimes and finds it tough to turn away. Simultaneously, he takes an instant liking to his real estate broker, Joyce, who can’t help but get wrapped up in all that’s going on.
I loved Congel’s interaction between Turner and Reece Sovern. Although Turner isn’t officially on the case, he agrees to work with Magnolia Bluff’s police chief. They’re men from very different worlds, each with their own way of doing things, but who realize they need one another to solve the case.
There are several different stories at play, and nothing is as simple as it seems. The author seamlessly weaves the different plots together into a very engaging story. This story was terrific, and I love seeing characters that I’ve come to know from the other books I’ve read. An excellent addition to a superb series.
Reading most of this book in one sitting, I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Brandon Turner, a retired NYC police detective who comes to Magnolia Bluff with his dog, Max, to get far away from his former life and lead a quiet life. While the scenery drastically changes, Turner is immediately pulled back into the profession he just left when he discovers a body and finds out it wasn’t the first one. And the deaths don’t stop there. He’s hardwired to solve crimes and finds it tough to turn away. Simultaneously, he takes an instant liking to his real estate broker, Joyce, who can’t help but get wrapped up in all that’s going on.
I loved Congel’s interaction between Turner and Reece Sovern. Although Turner isn’t officially on the case, he agrees to work with Magnolia Bluff’s police chief. They’re men from very different worlds, each with their own way of doing things, but who realize they need one another to solve the case.
There are several different stories at play, and nothing is as simple as it seems. The author seamlessly weaves the different plots together into a very engaging story. This story was terrific, and I love seeing characters that I’ve come to know from the other books I’ve read. An excellent addition to a superb series.
September 29, 2023
SECOND CHANCES by Joe Congel
Brandon Turner has retired from the police department in New York and, with his faithful dog Max, moves to Magnolia Bluffs for some peace and quiet. His plans, buy a place on the lake and catch up on his fishing. Unfortunately, Magnolia Bluffs is becoming littered with murdered bodies. Since he doesn’t have much confidence in the local police solving the murders, Turner finds himself smack dab in the middle of the investigation and in danger to boot. Now he must find the killer before anyone else gets hurt.
In Book 17 of the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, the author does an amazing job of linking the reader with the characters. Drawing the reader in till he feels he could walk right up to one of the Magnolia Bluffs’ citizens and buy them a cup of coffee.
Max, Turner’s four-legged companion, steals the show. Not only will you be wanting to buy the characters a cup of coffee, you’ll be wanting to give the dog a biscuit. 😊
Told in his inimitable style, this is a must read for Joe Congel fans and mystery lovers alike. If you love the Razzman, as I do, I suggest giving Brandon Turner a go.
Brandon Turner has retired from the police department in New York and, with his faithful dog Max, moves to Magnolia Bluffs for some peace and quiet. His plans, buy a place on the lake and catch up on his fishing. Unfortunately, Magnolia Bluffs is becoming littered with murdered bodies. Since he doesn’t have much confidence in the local police solving the murders, Turner finds himself smack dab in the middle of the investigation and in danger to boot. Now he must find the killer before anyone else gets hurt.
In Book 17 of the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, the author does an amazing job of linking the reader with the characters. Drawing the reader in till he feels he could walk right up to one of the Magnolia Bluffs’ citizens and buy them a cup of coffee.
Max, Turner’s four-legged companion, steals the show. Not only will you be wanting to buy the characters a cup of coffee, you’ll be wanting to give the dog a biscuit. 😊
Told in his inimitable style, this is a must read for Joe Congel fans and mystery lovers alike. If you love the Razzman, as I do, I suggest giving Brandon Turner a go.
September 4, 2024
Fast comfort read
This is the first book I’ve read in this series, it won’t be the last. It was a quick, steady paced, comfortable read. Including a dog, especially a black lab is always good, even more so when he’s constantly referred to as the best friend. It also had just the right amount of romance for me, not overbearing, but a little bit.
This is the first book I’ve read in this series, it won’t be the last. It was a quick, steady paced, comfortable read. Including a dog, especially a black lab is always good, even more so when he’s constantly referred to as the best friend. It also had just the right amount of romance for me, not overbearing, but a little bit.
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December 7, 2023Featured on Lone Star Book Blog Tours.
January 27, 2025
Lot's of excitement
The author has created an amazing and innovative plot to go with an imaginative cast of characters making this hard to put down
The author has created an amazing and innovative plot to go with an imaginative cast of characters making this hard to put down
December 17, 2023
Second Chances by Joe Congel is the first book I have read in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. I have read a lot of great reviews about the series, and the many talented authors who have contributed their stories. As a fan of Mr. Congel’s Razzman series, I decided to jump right in with Second Chances. Considering this is book 17 in the series, I was a little concerned I might be lost with references to things that I would need to know from previous books, but that was not the case. I had all the information I needed to become immediately engaged with the characters.
Brandon Turner is a retired New York City cop, who, despite being exonerated, left his position under a cloud of suspicion. As a single guy with no ties, he randomly selects Magnolia Bluff, Texas as his new home. All he wants is to get far away from detective work, settle down in a quiet little town on a lake, and do some fishing. He has high hopes when he meets the friendly manager of the B&B, the local café owner, and many of the welcoming folks at the local coffee shop, The Really Good. But when the lovely real estate agent, Joyce, takes him on a tour of the reservoir, they find a dead body. When the local detective pressures him to help solve the murder with ties to other deaths, Turner refuses to get sucked back into the very thing he is trying to escape. When things become more personal, Turner decides he can’t turn his back on what’s happening.
I loved everything about this story. Mr. Congel’s writing style is casual, authentic, witty, and down-to-earth, which is one reason it fits in so well with this small-town atmosphere and its unique characters. Brandon Turner uses his expertise with passion, logic, and forethought to investigate murders, not heroics or grandstanding that can feel forced. The plot moves quickly with plenty of suspense, action, and twists and turns. I really enjoyed the organic development of Turner’s relations with Joyce, as well as the other town folks. I cared about the characters and wanted to learn more about them. There will be other Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles in my future. I highly recommend Second Chances to all mystery and crime fiction fans.
Brandon Turner is a retired New York City cop, who, despite being exonerated, left his position under a cloud of suspicion. As a single guy with no ties, he randomly selects Magnolia Bluff, Texas as his new home. All he wants is to get far away from detective work, settle down in a quiet little town on a lake, and do some fishing. He has high hopes when he meets the friendly manager of the B&B, the local café owner, and many of the welcoming folks at the local coffee shop, The Really Good. But when the lovely real estate agent, Joyce, takes him on a tour of the reservoir, they find a dead body. When the local detective pressures him to help solve the murder with ties to other deaths, Turner refuses to get sucked back into the very thing he is trying to escape. When things become more personal, Turner decides he can’t turn his back on what’s happening.
I loved everything about this story. Mr. Congel’s writing style is casual, authentic, witty, and down-to-earth, which is one reason it fits in so well with this small-town atmosphere and its unique characters. Brandon Turner uses his expertise with passion, logic, and forethought to investigate murders, not heroics or grandstanding that can feel forced. The plot moves quickly with plenty of suspense, action, and twists and turns. I really enjoyed the organic development of Turner’s relations with Joyce, as well as the other town folks. I cared about the characters and wanted to learn more about them. There will be other Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles in my future. I highly recommend Second Chances to all mystery and crime fiction fans.
October 23, 2023
A Slice of Southern Pie
Brandon Turner has an edge—the kind of edge that comes after twenty-three years as a New York City narcotics detective. Disgusted with a system that labeled him a dirty cop but let the real bad guys strut out of court with barely a slap on the wrist, Turner walked away from his job and NYC. He needed to clear his mind and get away from the big city rot. His finger found Magnolia Bluff, Texas on the map. He imagined a sleepy little burg close to a lake where he could fish to his heart’s content and his faithful companion Max could find plenty of grass on which to do his business.
It didn’t take long before his plans went awry. From all appearances, Turner found the small town laid-back all right. Some of the folks were downright friendly in fact, but Magnolia Bluff’s underbelly looked as ugly as the Big Apple’s. Teen deaths from fentanyl overdoses were mounting and local law enforcement floundered in their attempts to arrest the bad guy. Once the Magnolia Bluff Police Department found out about Brandon’s drug enforcement background, they cajoled him for assistance. He reluctantly agreed, but after a run-in with a hot-rodding punk drug dealer, Turner was on the case like Max on a bone.
Second Chances is a well-written who-dun it. Author Joe Congel serves up a solid mystery complete with a sweet southern belle that turns his eye. Turner’s tough big city style rankles the locals, but he gets the job done. And so does Joe Congel. A deeply satisfying mystery and a great addition to the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles.
Brandon Turner has an edge—the kind of edge that comes after twenty-three years as a New York City narcotics detective. Disgusted with a system that labeled him a dirty cop but let the real bad guys strut out of court with barely a slap on the wrist, Turner walked away from his job and NYC. He needed to clear his mind and get away from the big city rot. His finger found Magnolia Bluff, Texas on the map. He imagined a sleepy little burg close to a lake where he could fish to his heart’s content and his faithful companion Max could find plenty of grass on which to do his business.
It didn’t take long before his plans went awry. From all appearances, Turner found the small town laid-back all right. Some of the folks were downright friendly in fact, but Magnolia Bluff’s underbelly looked as ugly as the Big Apple’s. Teen deaths from fentanyl overdoses were mounting and local law enforcement floundered in their attempts to arrest the bad guy. Once the Magnolia Bluff Police Department found out about Brandon’s drug enforcement background, they cajoled him for assistance. He reluctantly agreed, but after a run-in with a hot-rodding punk drug dealer, Turner was on the case like Max on a bone.
Second Chances is a well-written who-dun it. Author Joe Congel serves up a solid mystery complete with a sweet southern belle that turns his eye. Turner’s tough big city style rankles the locals, but he gets the job done. And so does Joe Congel. A deeply satisfying mystery and a great addition to the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles.
October 15, 2023
I’ve waited anxiously for each new book in his Razzman series. Now Joe has spread his wings, and his talents, in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. His story Second Chances is number seventeen in the series.
Joe’s writing style is a bit different here. Of course, it would be, he’s writing from inside a totally different individual. Brandon Turner is man who’s had it tough—which of us can identify here? He takes off from the East Coast and dives headfirst into the quirky people, the gorgeous setting, the unique shops and businesses, and yes, the far-too-many murders of the soon-to-be-famous Texas Hill Country town of Magnolia Bluff.
Who can blame Turner for having little faith in the town’s constabulary? After all, there have been a slew of killings. Sure, most all the murders have been brought to justice, but still, that does little for Turner’s confidence, so what does he do but dedicate himself to righting wrongs.
Even though serious about digging out a killer, Congel isn’t immune to dosing us with humor and even a bit of romance.
Whether you’re on the lookout for a great stand-alone mystery, or LOVE series stories, you will find something to like in Magnolia Bluff. Or, maybe just come to see if you can solve the crimes before the multitude of amateur and almost-professional sleuths that live here.
Joe’s writing style is a bit different here. Of course, it would be, he’s writing from inside a totally different individual. Brandon Turner is man who’s had it tough—which of us can identify here? He takes off from the East Coast and dives headfirst into the quirky people, the gorgeous setting, the unique shops and businesses, and yes, the far-too-many murders of the soon-to-be-famous Texas Hill Country town of Magnolia Bluff.
Who can blame Turner for having little faith in the town’s constabulary? After all, there have been a slew of killings. Sure, most all the murders have been brought to justice, but still, that does little for Turner’s confidence, so what does he do but dedicate himself to righting wrongs.
Even though serious about digging out a killer, Congel isn’t immune to dosing us with humor and even a bit of romance.
Whether you’re on the lookout for a great stand-alone mystery, or LOVE series stories, you will find something to like in Magnolia Bluff. Or, maybe just come to see if you can solve the crimes before the multitude of amateur and almost-professional sleuths that live here.
June 2, 2024
Retired cop, Brandon Turner is everything I expected a tough New York policeman to be, even if he is just trying to go fishing. As he attempts to leave his background as a narcotics detective behind, he’s foiled at every turn by murder, villains and the unfamiliar small town doings of Magnolia Bluff, Texas.
At first, Brandon Turner is put off by the people of Magnolia Bluff. The town’s inquisitive inhabitants contrast sharply with the impersonal, detached people he knew in New York City. But that’s what makes the book so enchanting. It transports you to a place where people might be nosy, but they can also be caring and thoughtful.
And if you want another feel-good element in a book, SECOND CHANCES delivers with Max, a black Labrador. Max is there, a comforting friend, throughout the book. He’s such a wonderful dog that you begin to feel all is right with the world, except for those criminals cooking up murder and selling drugs. Don’t worry, Brandon Turner is on their case, and he’s their worst nightmare.
All in all, SECOND CHANCES is a great addition to the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. It’s a book to enjoy and savor, and one that I recommend!
At first, Brandon Turner is put off by the people of Magnolia Bluff. The town’s inquisitive inhabitants contrast sharply with the impersonal, detached people he knew in New York City. But that’s what makes the book so enchanting. It transports you to a place where people might be nosy, but they can also be caring and thoughtful.
And if you want another feel-good element in a book, SECOND CHANCES delivers with Max, a black Labrador. Max is there, a comforting friend, throughout the book. He’s such a wonderful dog that you begin to feel all is right with the world, except for those criminals cooking up murder and selling drugs. Don’t worry, Brandon Turner is on their case, and he’s their worst nightmare.
All in all, SECOND CHANCES is a great addition to the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. It’s a book to enjoy and savor, and one that I recommend!
October 16, 2023
In the murderous but strangely inviting town of Magnolia Bluff, crimes are solved by everyone other than the police. In this remarkable series we have seen crimes solved by priests and a librarian, the coffee shop owner and the newspaper editor, a model and the local psychologist. Crime fighting from the point of view of the amateur. Now meet Brandon Turner, hardened New York City narcotics detective. He’s a pro, but retired and looking to spend his days fishing in Burnet Reservoir. He’s good, but unlucky as he quickly finds himself engaged with a nasty collection of local drug dealers, happy to kill anyone in their way. He doesn’t much care for local police. He just wants to throw a line in the water, but he is going to do much more than that. Author Joe Congel’s “Razzman” series combines clear and confident prose with compelling stories. He has now brought “fresh blood” to an already excellent series. Highly recommended with a Lone Star by the water.
June 12, 2024
I did not want to put this book down; unfortunately, I only have a few minutes at bedtime to read. This book kept my attention and had me reading yet another chapter until my tired eyes just had to leave it. Joe does an excellent job developing his characters, and had me rooting for Brandon Turner, the retired cop who just can't leave law enforcement behind. I enjoyed watching him and Joyce fall for each other, and the descriptions of him finding those bodies in the lake was just creepy. (Sorry if that's a spoiler!) I highly recommend this book, and even though it is book 17 of the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, it can easily be read as a standalone without having to read the other books--although books 1-16 are awesome, too!
August 8, 2024
RETIREMENT ISN'T ALL THAT RELAXNG...
From the time retired NY Detective Brandon Turner crosses the Magnolia Bluff town limits until the final pages of this book, the action and twists and turns are non-stop. His relationship with his dog/best friend Max is amazingly well developed and enjoyable. If you are a dog lover, you will appreciate the care the author takes in making sure Max is taken good care of. The banter between Turner and Magnolia Bluff's finest is well crafted and at times laugh out loud funny. The mystery and action will not disappoint. This is a more than worthy entry in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles Series. I highly recommend Joe Congel's SECOND CHANCES and look forward to reading his newest release in the series CATCH A TIGER BY THE TOE.
From the time retired NY Detective Brandon Turner crosses the Magnolia Bluff town limits until the final pages of this book, the action and twists and turns are non-stop. His relationship with his dog/best friend Max is amazingly well developed and enjoyable. If you are a dog lover, you will appreciate the care the author takes in making sure Max is taken good care of. The banter between Turner and Magnolia Bluff's finest is well crafted and at times laugh out loud funny. The mystery and action will not disappoint. This is a more than worthy entry in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles Series. I highly recommend Joe Congel's SECOND CHANCES and look forward to reading his newest release in the series CATCH A TIGER BY THE TOE.
November 20, 2024
Enjoyable introduction to new character
Joe Congel continues to impress! Here he provides readers an enjoyable introduction to a new character, Brandon Turner, a NYC detective retiring to Magnolia Bluff. A good cosy mystery with some engaging characters. This is the first Magnolia Bluff book I’ve read, and the author did make me want to read more.
It takes a couple chapters to introduce the town and several characters I guess play important roles in the series, then the story moves at a good pace. The main character is likable, as are most of the townsfolk. I love Max, Brandon’s black lab, and their relationship. Max is a great addition to the book!
Joe Congel continues to impress! Here he provides readers an enjoyable introduction to a new character, Brandon Turner, a NYC detective retiring to Magnolia Bluff. A good cosy mystery with some engaging characters. This is the first Magnolia Bluff book I’ve read, and the author did make me want to read more.
It takes a couple chapters to introduce the town and several characters I guess play important roles in the series, then the story moves at a good pace. The main character is likable, as are most of the townsfolk. I love Max, Brandon’s black lab, and their relationship. Max is a great addition to the book!
September 15, 2024
Sometimes, you just want to walk away from the life you knew. For retired New York policeman, Brandon Turner, that means a big change. All the way across the country, in fact. Brandon and his dog Max, have decided on a place. What they didn't expect was a dead body to surface. In life, even though things change, they seem eerily familiar to what we once knew. I enjoyed this murder mystery. I like this author's writing style which feels comfortable, and like sitting down in a room and hearing the tale from the main character's mouth.
October 16, 2023
A fun detective story with the right amount of action, but enough smalltown chit-chat to get to know the characters.
Loved it.
A real page turner.
Magnolia Bluff may not be the place to retire to for most, but ex-detective Turner eventually found his cabin overlooking the lake.
Loved it.
A real page turner.
Magnolia Bluff may not be the place to retire to for most, but ex-detective Turner eventually found his cabin overlooking the lake.
December 22, 2024
A policemanfalls in love...
After retiring from the force, and getting caught up in a small town with a big drug problem, it only takes a few days to fall in love and solve the case. A feel good cozy adventure.
After retiring from the force, and getting caught up in a small town with a big drug problem, it only takes a few days to fall in love and solve the case. A feel good cozy adventure.
December 23, 2024
Very engaging book. Well written, no grammar issues, no gaps in thought, very realistic. Humorus small town aspects. I especially appreciated to G rating of the romantic attraction.
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