Boomsters: An Unexpected Adventure

by David Marks

In the heart of Chicago, where shadows conceal secrets and organized crime reigns, one retiree embarks on an extraordinary journey.

David Blazen spent 50 years comfortable in his work routine but now is retired and desperately searching for purpose in his life. He ultimately finds it in the most unlikely of by becoming a self-proclaimed detective.

Travel through a labyrinth of adventure in this award-winning novel, where suspense lurks around every corner and laugh-out-loud moments break through the tension. Follow along as David’s search for truth and justice gets him caught in a web of contentious cases, all within his first week on the job.

The most puzzling? A murder he witnessed that police are calling a suicide.

Will his investigation help identify the killer? It’s up to this amateur sleuth to solve that mystery, prevent a budding turf war between Chicago's two dirtiest crime lords, keep a corrupt candidate out of the mayor's office, and bring peace to a city rattled by crime and violence.

The problem is, to succeed, he must become a criminal himself.

All net proceeds from this book will be donated to non-profit organizations benefitting America's veterans.

"We’re all searching for purpose and fulfillment in our lives, and this crime fiction adventure is both heartwarming and inspiring, An action-packed and surprisingly poignant yarn about a man’s search for himself as he enters his golden years." - Kirkus Reviews

2023 BookFest Awards Winner : 1st Place in Cozy Detective and 2nd Place in Amateur Sleuth

Selected as a Notable 100 Books in the 2023 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book CompetitionAbout the AuthorDavid Marks used creativity and imagination to thrive in the business world until he retired at seventy. Retirement was traumatic because while he loved working, he hated not working even more. To pass the time, he began to tap notes into his iPhone about a fictional character facing the same challenges. And just like that, Boomsters was born.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Humor, Audiobook

538 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2023

About the author

David Marks used creativity and imagination to thrive in the business world until he retired at seventy. Retirement was traumatic because while he loved working, he hated not working even more. To pass the time, he began to tap notes into his iPhone about a fictional character facing the same challenges. And just like that, Boomsters was born.

Reviews

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boomsters
David Marks
09/08/2023

Let me just star by saying I laughed out loud so many times out of (1) pure enjoyment and (2) being able to relate to the narrator that I was subsequently banned from reading this one after my hubby went to sleep!!

After years of a very productive career David Blazen has reached the age of 70 and time to retire. He don’t know what to do with all of this time and clearly retirement isn’t for everyone. While trying to discover what to do with himself less than 30 days after his retirement, he realizes that his observation skills are keen and he has a need to figure out what’s behind the door. Enter self taught Detective David Blaze (you read that right. Minus the N sounds way cooler.)

Chicago is home to crime families, criminals and corrupt politicians. Thank goodness for the detective, as finds himself stumbling into more than one less than ideal situation.

Cryptic and dangerous characters, action, adventure and social satire are layered perfectly together to make Boomsters a book that I will not soon forget.

I love a good crime/detective novel - add in humor - totally sold. (Have I told you to read this yet ?? Gooooo!!)

[Steven LaPorta · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read that kept me thoroughly engaged. Especially as a life long Chicagoan.

[Carla Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this Title in a Goodreads Giveaway.

This book had me hooked from the first page. One of those diamonds of a book you cannot put down. A real true page turner. It has many laugh out loud moments that are hilarious. Very well written that keeps you thoroughly entertained.

David Blazen has worked for 50 years and has just retired. Retirement isn't at all what he thought it would be. At 70 he still needs to keep active. He wants to challenge his mind. He comes up with idea to be a self made detective. On his first day as a detective he witnesses a murder, but doesn't see the murderers face. He is bound and determined to find out who it is. David gives himself the name of Detective Blaze, he gathers a team of friends with their own unique skills. The group is known as team Blaze. David's investigation leads him to The top two crime families in Chicago. He also stumbles onto a corrupt candidate who is running for the Mayor of Chicago. David is determined to see the candidate revealed for who she really is, and to try to stop the turf war between the two crime families. The precarious positions Dectective Blaze gets into are hard to get out of. The only way he sees to reach his goals is to become a criminal himself. The ending of this book will leave you speechless. This is my top read so far this year and I highly recommend it. I love the authors imagination on this one. Now go read it and be thoroughly entertained!

[READER VIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Boomsters: An Unexpected Adventure,” by David Marks, revolves around David Blazen, a man who has just retired after 50 years in a comfortable job. He is desperately looking for a purpose in his life and decides that he will become a detective. With no formal training besides the pamphlets he buys from a correspondence course, he sets out to fight crime in his city. On his first day on the job, he witnesses a murder that police are calling a suicide, and he is determined to help identify the killer. It’s up to this amateur sleuth to solve that mystery, prevent a budding turf war between Chicago’s two dirtiest crime lords, keep a corrupt candidate out of the mayor’s office, and bring peace to a city rattled by crime and violence. To do all this, he must become a criminal himself.

David Blazen is a common man, a man entering his retirement years with no idea how to spend his free time and keep his mind occupied. He has always been a go-getter, a businessman whose keen observation skills, which include people-watching, have served him well. After careful consideration, he decides to get involved in his community by becoming a detective and soon has an entire team dedicated to crime solving. Little does he know this is the start of the adventure of a lifetime that will change his life forever. David Marks takes readers deep into the mind of David by keeping his narration in the first-person point of view. As the main character, he is flawed but highly relatable and extremely well-developed.

I was drawn to this novel because of the concept of the main character being an older man looking for some excitement in his life. I was immediately hooked from the first chapter when David is at Mel’s funeral and after reading his humorous observations, including how most people were just there to make sure he was dead: “You can’t live life as a jerk and die a mensch.” The story takes place in Chicago and involves secrets, organized crime, and all types of cryptic characters, but the humor keeps it from becoming too dark.

As a work of literary fiction, it is an exciting mix of adventure, action, humor, and social satire. The well-developed supporting characters and storylines expertly highlight how interconnected a community is and how some actions affect everyone. The author’s depiction of the mentality of a retired person is spot on and the language is highly descriptive:

The soft powder blanketed the ground and nestled against the bare trees, making for a truly picturesque setting…

Overall, “Boomsters: An Unexpected Adventure” by David Marks is a light-hearted yet suspenseful novel following one man’s search for truth and justice that eventually gets him into more trouble than he bargained for. The humor, plot twists, and entertaining cast of characters make for a fast-paced and highly entertaining novel. It is recommended for readers who enjoy crime fiction and detective novels with quirky characters.

I needed to enter the mind of a murderer. I stood up and imagined myself as a killer. My brow furrowed as I sneered my most menacing sneer, my right hand in my pocket, pretending to hold the murder weapon.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quirky, funny and interesting story. The beginning of the book is more realistic than the end, but I believe that's why it's called fiction. I could easily see this being a top grossing 80's movie.

If you enjoy a varity of characters that you'lll love (and a few you'll love to hate), laughing when you probably shouldn't (and definitely when you should!), a storyline pushing the boundaries but real enough to root for the good guys, this book is for you!

[Bssrlnd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boomsters: An Unexpected Adventure, by David Marks

David Blazen is 70 and retired from a long career in sales and marketing of trinkets. He is brooding about not having any real purpose in life. He continues to go to his fitness center and watch all the others inside the facility. Unbeknownst to anyone else, he becomes a witness to a possible murder and has an overwhelming need to know what happened and why. He decides to attend the funeral and notices an unusual cast of characters in attendance: FBI, Sarah Cutler who is running for mayor of Chicago, members of the fitness center, two of Chicago's most powerful mobsters and their crew, and several Chicago police officers. Why would this unknown man's funeral bring together such a diverse group and is one of them a murderer? From this point on the story adds multiple characters and multiple possible storylines as David 'Blaze' Blazen starts analyzing every new piece of information and comparing the many stories with each person he meets.

This book has humor (mostly David's head voice), suspense, colorful characters, and the many twists and turns that a great mystery will throw at the reader. David's character comes across as Columbo meets Don Quixote, a curious yet caring investigator with naive chivalry and a need for service to others. He can mix it up with profoundly evil people who only want to amass fortune and power using any tactics they choose. Yet David can still find the good in others and tries to help them in any way he can. Most people who have known David for some time think he is a little crazy in his efforts, yet, the plot thickens and the build-up to the end is spectacular.

[Adventure Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Boomsters" by David Marks is a true gem—one of those rare finds that you can't put down. It's a page-turner from start to finish, packed with laugh-out-loud moments that kept me thoroughly entertained. Hysterical doesn't even begin to cover it; I laughed the whole time!

David Marks has a remarkable gift for not taking himself too seriously, which makes this book such a refreshing read. The main character, David Blazen, is incredibly relatable, and I found it so easy to connect with him. His antics and misadventures had me hooked, rooting for him every step of the way.

I initially started with the physical book but switched to the audiobook halfway through during a recent road trip. Wow—just wow! The narration was superb, bringing the characters to life in a way that few narrators can. There's nothing worse than a great book with a bad narrator, but this was not the case at all. This was a great book made even better by a fantastic narrator.

If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, engage you with its well-crafted characters, and keep you entertained from cover to cover, "Boomsters" is it. Highly recommend!

[Chelsea Elward · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun journey reading Boomsters, An Unexpected Adventure. I love a good detective story but this book holds a special place in my literary head, as I was born in Chicago to baby boomer parents.

I understand and so appreciate what author David Marks has spent his newly retired life working on. It’s a fast and fun read and, I would recommend to any of my friends for a good reminiscent laugh of our time hanging in Chicago.

Detective Blaze, the steam room incident, getting paid under the table, fancy cars, explaining social media to your father, corruption, future MAYOR OF CHICAGO, murders, courtrooms, bombs, Boomsters had my full attention!

Work of fiction yet feels very real.

[T.G. Wolff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boomsters is a farcical thriller. Newly retired David Blazen is looking for his next adventure. He finds it in a slightly used certificate and the creation of Detective Blaze. Now he’s part of the good guys keeping Chicago safe. He learns the hard way that to make an omelet, you have to break some eggs. Eventually he asks the question many eggs can you break and still be considered a good guy?

Bottom line: Boomsters is for you if you like your thrills off-beat and your morality ambiguous.

Premise is a simple one that mirrors author David Marks’ own experience. What if just because you retire doesn’t mean you’re done contributing to society and life? David Blazen faces this challenge and a girlfriend who is less then happy with the way he’s doing retirement. With a little effort and $150, he buys a sightly used detective training certificate and, using the lessons in the accompanying pamphlets, becomes a force to be dealt with in Chicago’s complicated political and crime scene.

This story is difficult to place in a single genre. On Amazon, it’s listed as an organized crime thriller, a PI mystery, and a murder thriller. All of those are accurate and yet do not fully capture what the reader is in for when opening this book. It is a thriller as numerous times, Detective Blaze’s status as living is in peril. It is also told from multiple points of view so the reader generally knows more than Blaze. It is a mystery as core to the start is the death of a man in a sauna. Competing organized crime families are the shark infested waters Blaze has to navigate. In my opinion, the thing missing from all of these descriptors is the farcical nature of the story telling. Blaze reminds me of Inspector Clouseau without the physical comedy and French accent. When things go the most wrong, they go the most right for Blaze.

David is likeable as our detective. We know, as he knows, that he has no business being a detective. But each success propels him forward, driving him deeper into a multi-faceted world of crime. He makes his own decisions and owns the results. He has a team, many of whom are also on the senior circuit, and a young IT whiz who lives next door. These characters are also likeable for their willingness to jump in to very serious situations to either help Blaze out or for the fun of it.

The bad guys are equally likeable. Blaze goes to extremes to detail the crimes on the heads of the bosses of the families – these are not innocent men – but we see them humanized to the multidimensional people with strengths and insecurities.

Plot of this story, with few exceptions, is linear. Blaze enters an ongoing situation and all the other parties reaction. Blaze and the multiple bad guys consistently act true to their natures. This results in a story that at times can feel like its wandering toward a conclusion as it is knocked from one path to another. The mystery element is the only part where I was left with some questions. The plot of the main story – Blaze’s intervention in organized crime – is solid and holds up well from the end looking back.

This is a long book – over 530 pages. Some readers will jump in and not surface to the end while other may feel the weight of the page count. Readers who stick hard to the traditional rules of mysteries and thrillers may struggle with the more farcical elements while those who can suspend the rules will be delighted with this story.

The ending is intentionally non-traditional, like the rest of the book. Whether you like it or not, agree or disagree with Blaze, it will get you thinking, which is what author David Marks exactly wants.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute laugh riot of mystery, suspense, and that little bit of retirement reality.

Boomsters is a new mystery by debut author David Marks, himself a retiree who has spectacularly followed up on that common vow to someday write a book! The story grabbed me from the start with its humor, surprising, twisty plot, and underlying realism of what it can be like when retiring after a long and active career that mattered.

When David Blazen retired, he and his girlfriend, Mary, who was doing the same, had a vague plan of spending quality time together and traveling. While she slips comfortably into her new life, David quickly finds himself at loose ends; he feels like their togetherness is peaking and soon discovers he can only spend so much time at his gym people-watching before someone complains he’s creepy. A creative mind with a knack for observation and deduction, a taste for the vintage PI television shows of his youth, and an ingrained belief in truth, justice, and the American way, he impulsively decides to become a private detective. Without any real preparation, he jumps in with both feet, eventually finding trouble with a capital “T.”

David is engaging and likable, but the people who know him question his choices and sanity and are dragged along on his adventure. And for me, it was Blazen’s, or BLAZE’S, personable narrative, humorous delivery, and sparkling dialogue that really set it apart from the average mystery. I laughed out loud and couldn’t help compiling a mental list of friends I needed to share this with.

His voice energizes the plot, as do the unforeseen twists and mounting suspense. The city of Chicago, its history, and its reputation for crime and criminal organizations provide the location for the story. The author’s descriptions are vivid and evocative, creating clear images of the settings, people, and actions.

The book literally weighs in at over 500 pages, and I admit the length was daunting initially. However, once in the story, the pages flew by: I needed every page. So, don’t let its tome-like appearance intimidate you; like BLAZE, jump in with both feet.

I recommend BOOMSTERS to readers of mystery, thrillers, and suspense, especially those who appreciate a lot of humor in their stories.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Boomsters” by David Marks, is a tour de force in the Detective Mystery genre and yet so much more. The reader is drawn not only into the mind of David Blazen, MMC, Retiree, Self-Proclaimed Detective, but also that of the killer, in a dynamic, heart-thumping adventure. It is not all drama and thriller however, the reader also gets to delight in a wry humour reminiscent of Dick Spanner PI or Ray Chandler in its carefully crafted nuances

David Blazen is retired after 50 years in the same career and finds himself without direction and far, far out of his comfort zone. There is no joinging the bowls club, or pottering around the garden for him, oh no, he decides to become a detective. This choice however, leasds him down a path into the unknown, dangerous underworld of Chicago, where in his first week he witnesses a murder. The concerning thing is however, the police claim that the deceased had unalived themselves. Knowing this to be false, David is determined to find out who the murderer is and why the polivce are brushing it off

A riveting thriller with wonderful swirls of mystery, intrigue, deceit and denial, with a delicious sprinkling of humour, satire and a very relatable lead. The beauty of it is, that David Blazen is a stroong lead but the community as a whole is involved and that is a really nice touch to the novel. Absolutely recommended at the highest level. Thrilling yet tongue in cheek fun, loved it!

Thank you to Partners in Crime VBT and David Marks for this highly entertaining ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the beginning of this book with the funeral being an opening to this book. The funeral for Mel has a whole lot of characters that were there that he was sure did not know the dead man. We then get a chance to learn about our MMC named David. He is retired after loosing his first wife and now has a girlfriend named Mary. David and Mary are both retired and doing fun things together as a couple. David decides he wants to be a PI while is retired and just claims he is one with no training. That was the best part and hilarious! David makes me laugh as a character throughout the book.
Boomsters is a fantastic unexpected adventure as the author writes a hilarious, compelling,engaging unexpected adventure. The characters were well written and the main character David is relateable to the readers. I loved Detective Blaze and the whole PI investigative angle. I loved the ending of the book the author wrote as it insinuates there will be another book involving Detective Blaze again, soon!

[Jean Herr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fast paced and so funny!! I delighted in the characters and found the storyline wildly imaginative. I got the book on Sun. and by Mon. I was already 250 pages. Into it, and loving it.

I also think it has a lot to say about the retirement years, good friends, knowing who you can trust, and showing up for one another. It has some thoughtful commentaries on our current addiction to the digital world. And how to deal with drugs and crime. Not realistic, but a great way to fantasize about solving the problem.

The writing is so descriptive. I can picture each scene. It reminds me of an old time comic book story coming to life.

My favorite character is Mary. Pole dancer, lover of children, thoughtful, and always knowing what to do in a pinch.
Thank you for such a fun journey. It was exciting & ridiculous, poignant & sweet. 🤣

[Melinda Rachlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was about two thirds of the way through this novel when I was interrupted for a month due to a hospital stay. I was enjoying the story. I thought it was a unique plot, with a good sense of humor. It moved a little slowly but there were a lot of moving parts. The characters were memorable and easy to differentiate.

This past week I picked up where I had left off. The last third of the novel was where all the plans came to fruition. I did not enjoy the fulfillment of the plot as much as the planning of it. However, even with the month away, I was able to resume reading without forgetting which character was which. So there is something to be said for that.

[S Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I got it because it was set in Chicago, but this was not a major element in the story. Each character was well portrayed and believable. The main character Detective Blaze is bright and has a fun sense of humor. While the story itself was not a classic fantasy, it was definitely fantastical! I couldn’t put it down. If you read it, you will understand, especially if you are a Boomer. My review does not do this one justice!

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free Kindle version copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway in March or April of 2024 in exchange for an honest review.

At the time the only way to read the book was via the Kindle app on my iPhone SE. Fast forward to March 2025 and I purchased a Kindle and began reading this book vigorously.

The book is okay and at time humorous. At times though it is so unrealistic it is painful and it was very predictable.

At around 500 pages I have a hard time recommending this book.

[BarryMillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins with a murder that so intrigues the author he becomes a detective to solve the case. He weaves an amazing tail of intrigue and madness with side vignettes that are hysterical and comical. The book has everything including characters so well documented the reader thinks they are real. Its a fun interesting and captivating read. Run don’t
walk to start reading it. Its a not to be missed story

Barry Millman

[Diana T-C · Rating 4 out of 5]

DNF - laugh out loud funny at least a handful of times - yet DNF because it isn't my genre and I want to read Sci-Fi or Urban Fantasy. This book was starting to lag a bit in the middle, and it just isn't what interests me. Yet, I laughed out loud and that's worth something these days.

I recommend it even though I didn't finish it.

[Rosemary Hurwitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book an entertaining read about a retired company man. Initially he is reluctantly navigating retirement but soon his detective skills lead him into a new and stimulating world. This author takes you on a whirlwind of fun and well thought out adventures. A surprising twist makes this one highly recommended.

[Jennifer Zayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boomsters was such a fun listen on audiobook! David Marks blends humor, mystery, and heart in a really unique way. The story is full of quirky characters and unexpected twists, but what I loved most is how it also touches on finding purpose and adventure later in life. The narration by B.J. Harrison brought everything to life and made it even more enjoyable. A smart, funny, and heartwarming read!

[marc barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boomsters is creative, adventurous and kept me interested throughout. There is hope for us 70+ retired or semiretired to have a new & creative outlet. I enjoyed reading and kept me wanting to get to the next chapter. Congratulations to David aka Blaze bringing the reader along on his adventures.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boomsters was an unexpected joy. What began as a newly retired gentleman turned into a can’t put it down mystery. Twists and turns along the way lead to interesting stories about the myriad of characters. The ending will leave you wanting more of the character.
Enjoy It
Barry Millman

[Karen Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyably funny and action packed thriller. I did not want it to end. The humor was a great surprise and kept me laughing. It was enjoyable and thought provoking throughout. I hope that there might be another one lingering.

[Donovan Meade · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing adventure! The character development, and their arcs had me coming back for more and more. For someone that normally reads spy novels., This was right up my alley. The Complex storylines and nonstop action were very impressive…

Would highly recommend!

[Tisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is kind of whacky and random, but it's also super fun. One thing happens after another, but you can't help but love the main character - a retired salesman who decides he wants to become a detective.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks, Goodreads, for the book, but it was not for me. Maybe my sense of humor is just different than the author’s and the people who loved this book, but I couldn’t get into it and did not finish it.

[Kimmarie Pozar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect any of this

Well that was a rollercoaster ride I didn’t expect! Lots of fun and slightly dizzying. The characters are hilarious and bigger than life and the story line will keep you guessing.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Boomsters.. Had humor, intrigue, a little bit of everything. Captivating from beginning to end , & would strongly recommend it to everyone. I would look forward to more from Blaze & His gang. Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. Marty G -

[Patty Lauritzen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let’s start with the good. The characters are very likable. You will find good in even the most despicable of the characters. The bad….the book is way too long for the substance of the book. Way too much information disseminated on bunny trails. Sorry. 😩

[Lola · Rating 1 out of 5]

really awful

I couldn’t suspend my grasp on reality long enough to enjoy more than 20% of this ridiculous book, and that’s being generous.