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Crown Vic #1
Crown Vic: Ray Boyd isn't Stupid / Occasional Risk
From Lee Goldberg, #1 New York Times bestselling author, comes the darkest, most hard-boiled work of his career...
This hand-grenade of pure noir features two, never-before-published crime stories about Ray Boyd, an ex-con traveling the open road in a used, black-and-white, Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor.
Ray is the anti-Reacher. He doesn't help people in trouble. He helps himself.
Fair warning, these two violent, sexually explicit stories -- Ray Boyd isn't Stupid and Occasional Risk -- mark a sharp departure from the police procedurals and fast-moving thrillers that Goldberg is known for, though they feature the same ingenious plotting, colorful characters, and outrageous wit of his best-loved work. They are, as he says in his lively introduction, a test run. If there is an enthusiastic response to the stories, he says that Ray Boyd will be back...
This hand-grenade of pure noir features two, never-before-published crime stories about Ray Boyd, an ex-con traveling the open road in a used, black-and-white, Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor.
Ray is the anti-Reacher. He doesn't help people in trouble. He helps himself.
Fair warning, these two violent, sexually explicit stories -- Ray Boyd isn't Stupid and Occasional Risk -- mark a sharp departure from the police procedurals and fast-moving thrillers that Goldberg is known for, though they feature the same ingenious plotting, colorful characters, and outrageous wit of his best-loved work. They are, as he says in his lively introduction, a test run. If there is an enthusiastic response to the stories, he says that Ray Boyd will be back...
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2023
About the author
Lee Goldberg
151 books2,152 followersLee Goldberg is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over forty novels, including Malibu Burning, Calico, Lost Hills (the first novel in his acclaimed "Eve Ronin" series), 15 "Monk" mysteries, five "Fox & O'Hare" adventures (co-written with Janet Evanovich), and the new thriller Ashes Never Lie, the second in his "Sharpe & Walker" series.. He's written and/or produced many TV shows, including Diagnosis Murder, SeaQuest, and Monk and he co-created the Hallmark movie series Mystery 101.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 30, 2023
a fun read
I hope Lee Goldberg writes more stories like this. In the preface, he said that he would pay attention to these reviews to determine if he should
Write more of these type of stories. Mr G please do!
I hope Lee Goldberg writes more stories like this. In the preface, he said that he would pay attention to these reviews to determine if he should
Write more of these type of stories. Mr G please do!
October 24, 2023
Really good
I truly loved this book. It was alot edgier than his previous books but with the same style and humor. I hope there's more to come!
I truly loved this book. It was alot edgier than his previous books but with the same style and humor. I hope there's more to come!
August 12, 2025
Written with a bit more edge than many of his other works, Crown Vic proves that Lee Goldberg is simply an amazing storyteller and I really hope we get more neo-noir stories about Ray Boyd in the future.
October 18, 2023
Well written. As the author stated, this would have been perfect for the old Alfred Hitchcock Magazine I used to read 50+ years ago. I would be interested in seeing more of Ray's adventures in some format.
Aside: this could use some proofreading love. 5 or 6 times I found a conjunctive word omitted that made me stop and re-read the sentence.
Aside: this could use some proofreading love. 5 or 6 times I found a conjunctive word omitted that made me stop and re-read the sentence.
December 18, 2023
Top notch modern crime fiction
Two impressive shorts featuring a criminal drifter as he makes his way across the country Reacher-style sans Jack's moral code.
Two impressive shorts featuring a criminal drifter as he makes his way across the country Reacher-style sans Jack's moral code.
October 18, 2023
The puzzles and inventiveness are here but a hero who barely cares for anyone but himself is just not that interesting to follow. Let Ray grow as a man or let him go, please. Also, the Kindle version deserved way better proof-reading than it got; I flagged at least a dozen typos and instances of missing text, including character names that were misspelled!
April 22, 2024
If James Cain and Gil Brewer collaborated on a modern-day noir, you’d have @LeeGoldberg’s #CrownVic. They don’t get meaner, grittier, or sexier than the situations Ray Boyd finds himself in in this book, consisting of one novella and one novelette. Hope like hell we’ll get more!
February 3, 2026
Loved Ray Boyd! I pictured him as Jon Bernthal’s American Gigolo character. Interestingly enough, as I was reading I was thinking he was like a felonious, civilian Jack Reacher, and low and behold, he picks up a Jack Reacher novel left in his hotel room and did the same comparison! Sometimes it’s the little things! Anyway, I really enjoyed these two stories and will be moving on to the sequel.
December 26, 2023
Liked it, do it again!
More, more!
I would definitely read another. This guy is just as interesting as Reacher but way funnier. Both are my kinda guys.
More, more!
I would definitely read another. This guy is just as interesting as Reacher but way funnier. Both are my kinda guys.
November 29, 2023
I would like to see more of Ray.
I like these two stories and would like to see more of Rays gritty adventures. These are good fast reads.
I like these two stories and would like to see more of Rays gritty adventures. These are good fast reads.
November 29, 2023
ride
A pro writes for fun, and we enjoy the results. More anytime you write. Get going. Well done pulp noir with humor
A pro writes for fun, and we enjoy the results. More anytime you write. Get going. Well done pulp noir with humor
November 28, 2023
Good pace
The character was tuned to his role
No slobber crying or remorse for his actions
Plus it had violence in the right proportion
The character was tuned to his role
No slobber crying or remorse for his actions
Plus it had violence in the right proportion
November 26, 2023
I have always enjoyed reading anything written by this author. I did enjoy these shorts stories, however, I could have done without the explicit sex. The story lines were good and the characters were interesting, but please, no more soft porn!
November 18, 2023
More
Please continue this series. Short stories, not one long drawn out story.
Just the right length for easy reading too.
Please continue this series. Short stories, not one long drawn out story.
Just the right length for easy reading too.
October 28, 2023
great read
Lee goldberg has created a new sub-genre of gritty crime plots mixed with gritty soft porn. As always his characters are alive and viable, scatter across dynamic and changing plot lines.
Goldberg had asked for feed back on these two short stories; in particular, whether he should write a third chapter about Ray’s tilted moral compass.
I would encourage him to continue this lusty series
Lee goldberg has created a new sub-genre of gritty crime plots mixed with gritty soft porn. As always his characters are alive and viable, scatter across dynamic and changing plot lines.
Goldberg had asked for feed back on these two short stories; in particular, whether he should write a third chapter about Ray’s tilted moral compass.
I would encourage him to continue this lusty series
November 12, 2023
Loved the character and the parallels between the character created by another Lee. How refreshing to read a book where the central character is true to themselves and isn't the guy who wears their underpants on top of their trousers, overcoming unbelievable odds to defeat the bad guys. More like this please Lee
October 25, 2023
Crown Vic by Lee Goldberg
2 short stories by acclaimed writer Lee Goldberg. Written in the style of 50’s mob stories; a crooked guy, a poor gorgeous lass who needs help, and the bad guy(s). Not enough to fill a Hard Case Crime novel. But enough to satisfy. Hopefully, we see more of these stories featuring Ray. I know there’ll be a hot girl in it.
2 short stories by acclaimed writer Lee Goldberg. Written in the style of 50’s mob stories; a crooked guy, a poor gorgeous lass who needs help, and the bad guy(s). Not enough to fill a Hard Case Crime novel. But enough to satisfy. Hopefully, we see more of these stories featuring Ray. I know there’ll be a hot girl in it.
November 12, 2023
My vote is to keep writing more Ray Boyd stories
These first two stories to start off are very entertaining. Enjoyable fast pace and twists and turns in the storylines. I look forward to reading more about the “trouble” Ray finds in his travels.
These first two stories to start off are very entertaining. Enjoyable fast pace and twists and turns in the storylines. I look forward to reading more about the “trouble” Ray finds in his travels.
November 10, 2023
Crown Vic
Loved these short stories from one of my favorite authors, Lee Goldberg. I really liked the character, and enjoyed the plot and writing style. I’m hoping this review will let Lee know we want more stories with this “crazy” and interesting character.
Loved these short stories from one of my favorite authors, Lee Goldberg. I really liked the character, and enjoyed the plot and writing style. I’m hoping this review will let Lee know we want more stories with this “crazy” and interesting character.
October 30, 2023
Let's have more
These are two short stories about an ex-con that seems to always find trouble but ends up on the winning end. The character is likable even though he is not what you would call a model citizen. Lee Goldberg, you have my vote to continue this series.
These are two short stories about an ex-con that seems to always find trouble but ends up on the winning end. The character is likable even though he is not what you would call a model citizen. Lee Goldberg, you have my vote to continue this series.
November 10, 2023
Awesome
I really liked Lee Goldberg's books. I didn't like the Eve Ronin books as much. But this one more than made up for them. I definitely like the Reacher/anti-Reacher attitude.
The book is fast, interesting, gritty.
I really liked Lee Goldberg's books. I didn't like the Eve Ronin books as much. But this one more than made up for them. I definitely like the Reacher/anti-Reacher attitude.
The book is fast, interesting, gritty.
October 22, 2023
Twisty
Good story with fun turns to keep you on your toes. The main character is a classic jerk that you love to hate. At least for me anyway.
Good story with fun turns to keep you on your toes. The main character is a classic jerk that you love to hate. At least for me anyway.
October 23, 2023
more please.
Loved the short stories. A little thriller, a little romance, a little humor. All good. Love Lee Goldberg’s style of writing. These stories were great.
Loved the short stories. A little thriller, a little romance, a little humor. All good. Love Lee Goldberg’s style of writing. These stories were great.
October 25, 2023
More Please
These are great stories. They’re a great start to a new series of books. Maybe Ray goes to LA and Eve Ronin puts him away. Could be a good tv series too.
These are great stories. They’re a great start to a new series of books. Maybe Ray goes to LA and Eve Ronin puts him away. Could be a good tv series too.
November 1, 2023
Excellent
I love Lee Goldberg’s writing style and wit. I read everything he writes. I would love to see more Ray!
I love Lee Goldberg’s writing style and wit. I read everything he writes. I would love to see more Ray!
November 7, 2023
As fun as Reacher!!😂
This is a fun & fast book that will make you laugh because you can just visualize the scene as you read it! And for sure Ray IS NOT STUPID!😂
This is a fun & fast book that will make you laugh because you can just visualize the scene as you read it! And for sure Ray IS NOT STUPID!😂
May 23, 2024
I've heard Ray Boyd, the criminal at the heart of Crown Vic's two stories, described as the Anti-Jack Reacher, and though I think that's accurate, I think it sells the stories short.
These two fast-paced little crime nuggets are smart enough to make for far more entertaining exploits than a mere pastiche and they really have more in common with stories from the great authors published during the heyday of Gold Medal.
Our first tale, Ray Boyd Isn't Stupid, has the titular character drifting into a small lakeside vacation destination, with little cabins and plenty of good fishing. He's stuck there because a dirty sheriff's deputy wants to bust him and he needs a job to pay the dude off. It doesn't hurt that the owner's wife and a young ex-junkie are there eager to make him feel at home. But everyone wants something from Boyd and they all think he's dumb enough to roll over. By the end we've seen more double-and-triple crosses than I could have imagined and everyone learns that Ray Boyd isn't stupid.
The second story is shorter, but no less gritty. Occasional Risk sees Boyd trying to cheat a televangelist and a Mexican drug cartel. Very clever plot in this one, but doled out very quickly since it's a short story and the resolution is maybe a bit too simple.
With his adroit skill at sharp dialogue and building twisty plots, author Lee Goldberg sets loose a pair of dirty little thrillers that gleefully revel in being just a touch lurid and just a smidge mean. It won't fool anyone into thinking they are noir, but they proved to be fun diversions that I gobbled up like candy.
These two fast-paced little crime nuggets are smart enough to make for far more entertaining exploits than a mere pastiche and they really have more in common with stories from the great authors published during the heyday of Gold Medal.
Our first tale, Ray Boyd Isn't Stupid, has the titular character drifting into a small lakeside vacation destination, with little cabins and plenty of good fishing. He's stuck there because a dirty sheriff's deputy wants to bust him and he needs a job to pay the dude off. It doesn't hurt that the owner's wife and a young ex-junkie are there eager to make him feel at home. But everyone wants something from Boyd and they all think he's dumb enough to roll over. By the end we've seen more double-and-triple crosses than I could have imagined and everyone learns that Ray Boyd isn't stupid.
The second story is shorter, but no less gritty. Occasional Risk sees Boyd trying to cheat a televangelist and a Mexican drug cartel. Very clever plot in this one, but doled out very quickly since it's a short story and the resolution is maybe a bit too simple.
With his adroit skill at sharp dialogue and building twisty plots, author Lee Goldberg sets loose a pair of dirty little thrillers that gleefully revel in being just a touch lurid and just a smidge mean. It won't fool anyone into thinking they are noir, but they proved to be fun diversions that I gobbled up like candy.
October 18, 2023
Ray Boyd isn’t stupid, and that’s a good thing. He needs a sharp mind to extricate himself from the predicaments he gets himself into. After his release from prison, he wants nothing more than to cruise across the country in his Crown Vic, stopping along the way to earn a few bucks and find some female company. He likens himself to his favorite fictional character, Jack Reacher, but in truth he’s more like an anti-Reacher. The big man goes from town to town righting wrongs and saving the innocents, asking nothing in return. Ray Boyd – well, he rescues the occasional damsel in distress, providing she’s good in bed, but mostly he’s in it for himself.
Lee Goldberg introduced Ray Boyd in between book contracts, through two short stories, Ray Boyd Isn’t Stupid and Occasional Risks. Goldberg describes them as “gritty, sexually explicit stories,” and indeed they are, far different than his usual fare. Now he’s considering bringing Ray back, and is asking his readers for their honest opinions about whether he should. This reader gives an enthusiastic two thumbs up. Ray Boyd is unlike any of Goldberg’s other protagonists, but he’s just as entertaining. Mr. Goldberg, bring it on.
One thing I really enjoyed was Mr. Goldberg's setting for a pivotal scene: Goode Company Barbecue in Houston. I've had many a fine meal there and it was fun to imagine it as a crime scene.
Lee Goldberg introduced Ray Boyd in between book contracts, through two short stories, Ray Boyd Isn’t Stupid and Occasional Risks. Goldberg describes them as “gritty, sexually explicit stories,” and indeed they are, far different than his usual fare. Now he’s considering bringing Ray back, and is asking his readers for their honest opinions about whether he should. This reader gives an enthusiastic two thumbs up. Ray Boyd is unlike any of Goldberg’s other protagonists, but he’s just as entertaining. Mr. Goldberg, bring it on.
One thing I really enjoyed was Mr. Goldberg's setting for a pivotal scene: Goode Company Barbecue in Houston. I've had many a fine meal there and it was fun to imagine it as a crime scene.
August 19, 2025
If Ray Boyd, the protagonist of Crown Vic, hadn’t picked up a cell phone, I would have sworn that this great piece of noir crime fiction was set somewhere in the early 1950s. Indeed, as I read the two short stories covering 93-pages, I felt as if I had stepped into a different time and place. While Lee Goldberg’s protagonist is the antithesis of Jack Reacher, it’s easy to believe that both men came from the same mother. Even so, as ex-con Boyd walks outside the lines of “right and wrong,” you can’t help but root for him. In this first of the Crown Vic series, along with the plenty of violence and graphic sex, Boyd encounters femme fatales, corrupt cops, cartel gang members, and a sleazy televangelist. For anyone who enjoys mystery, suspense, and noir crime stories….this is the book to pick up.
October 15, 2023
Ray Boyd is another classic Lee Goldberg character - not quite the "good guy" but also not a "bad guy". He's somewhere in between, and he makes for an entertaining read! I enjoyed the reappearance of the Vibora cartel (a Goldberg regular) and the nods to Reacher (Lee Child). Boyd feels like he's somewhere in the middle of a continuum with Reacher on one end and Ian Ludlow on the other.
These are short stories in length only. They pack the same amount of action, intrigue, and excitement as a full-length novel. They do need a bit of proofing (acknowledging this is something of a "test run"), but I'd love to read more Ray Boyd!
These are short stories in length only. They pack the same amount of action, intrigue, and excitement as a full-length novel. They do need a bit of proofing (acknowledging this is something of a "test run"), but I'd love to read more Ray Boyd!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews