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Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes #5
The Worst Detectives in the Federation
An entire naval task force, gone without a trace...
When a battleship and its escorts mysteriously disappear near a contested area of space, they leave no clues behind, and their own Navy is preparing for war and can’t spare the resources to find them.
Which wouldn’t really matter to ex-Navy Captain Brad Mendoza. He finally has all he ever a ship, a crew, and the most beautiful woman in the galaxy as his girlfriend. Seriously, can life get any better?
But that’s when Carla Mendoza, his ex-wife, appears, begging Brad for help to find the missing task force and its flag captain, the man she left Brad for. Still, it’s an easy no, except that Carla has a clue, a mysterious note, that Brad can’t ignore.
Now Brad and Jessica are in way over their heads as they find themselves playing detective while also dodging their own Navy and an enemy force, both of whom would love to see them dead. And it’s only with a ton of dumb luck that they’ll get out of this one.
The fifth book in the reader-favorite Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series, The Worst Detectives in the Federation picks up where The Worst Rescuers in the Republic left off. A humorous, action-filled adventure full of mystery and intrigue, you’ll love seeing our two scrappy and often hopeless dead heroes race to save a galaxy on the brink of war. Part military science fiction, part space opera, and part detective thriller. Order today!
When a battleship and its escorts mysteriously disappear near a contested area of space, they leave no clues behind, and their own Navy is preparing for war and can’t spare the resources to find them.
Which wouldn’t really matter to ex-Navy Captain Brad Mendoza. He finally has all he ever a ship, a crew, and the most beautiful woman in the galaxy as his girlfriend. Seriously, can life get any better?
But that’s when Carla Mendoza, his ex-wife, appears, begging Brad for help to find the missing task force and its flag captain, the man she left Brad for. Still, it’s an easy no, except that Carla has a clue, a mysterious note, that Brad can’t ignore.
Now Brad and Jessica are in way over their heads as they find themselves playing detective while also dodging their own Navy and an enemy force, both of whom would love to see them dead. And it’s only with a ton of dumb luck that they’ll get out of this one.
The fifth book in the reader-favorite Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series, The Worst Detectives in the Federation picks up where The Worst Rescuers in the Republic left off. A humorous, action-filled adventure full of mystery and intrigue, you’ll love seeing our two scrappy and often hopeless dead heroes race to save a galaxy on the brink of war. Part military science fiction, part space opera, and part detective thriller. Order today!
- GenresScience FictionFiction
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2024
740 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Skyler Ramirez
54 books125 followersSkyler grew up in Southern California, under the best weather that state has to offer. So, he's shown a little of his insanity over the years in moving to colder, wetter places: New York City; Provo, Utah; Bainbridge Island, WA. He now resides with his family in Texas, which (apart from the humidity) gives him that great weather once again.
Skyler has been and continues to be a leader and executive with multiple Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies, working across a variety of functions, both technical and non-technical. In other words, he's very much a jack-of-all-trades but master of none. Maybe that's why he has now decided to be an author as well. In it, he’s finally found the thing he loves to do most.
Mr. Ramirez currently resides in Texas with his wife, Lindsey, and their four children.
Skyler has been and continues to be a leader and executive with multiple Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies, working across a variety of functions, both technical and non-technical. In other words, he's very much a jack-of-all-trades but master of none. Maybe that's why he has now decided to be an author as well. In it, he’s finally found the thing he loves to do most.
Mr. Ramirez currently resides in Texas with his wife, Lindsey, and their four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 2, 2025
4.25.
Upon review, I dont see how piloting a space SR71 Blackbird into a secret system controlled by Neo Neo Space Not Sees with a literal Super Star Destroyer or whatever it is in fake German alongside underground poker rings counts as " detectives" but hey, I'll take it.
Brad and Jessica or Ben and Jen... silly pop culture references...are back at it again with a rag tag crew. We follow them through laughter, love, trauma, heartbreak and growth. They are broadly written but I still care about them.
It follows the George R.R. Martin sense of book writing where no character is safe even when named. The dual perspectives work surpsingly well and moved the story along.
I never will like body horror, even if its a brief moment to illustrate the above Not Sees brutality. And to echo our intrepid heroes, the ending into the next book seemed a bit too easy.... but again, Pulp Sci Fi!
Upon review, I dont see how piloting a space SR71 Blackbird into a secret system controlled by Neo Neo Space Not Sees with a literal Super Star Destroyer or whatever it is in fake German alongside underground poker rings counts as " detectives" but hey, I'll take it.
Brad and Jessica or Ben and Jen... silly pop culture references...are back at it again with a rag tag crew. We follow them through laughter, love, trauma, heartbreak and growth. They are broadly written but I still care about them.
It follows the George R.R. Martin sense of book writing where no character is safe even when named. The dual perspectives work surpsingly well and moved the story along.
I never will like body horror, even if its a brief moment to illustrate the above Not Sees brutality. And to echo our intrepid heroes, the ending into the next book seemed a bit too easy.... but again, Pulp Sci Fi!
May 12, 2024
Entertaining space opera listening. 🎆🎎✨🎧
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 5 of 6
Jessica is going after Brad who has been kidnapped. She is successful and a new adventure begins and another and another.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of fantasy world 🌎 space opera adventure novels. 2024
An awesome series. Happy reading and have fun 😜
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 5 of 6
Jessica is going after Brad who has been kidnapped. She is successful and a new adventure begins and another and another.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of fantasy world 🌎 space opera adventure novels. 2024
An awesome series. Happy reading and have fun 😜
May 11, 2024
Love this author
Wow! I haven't been disappointed once. I cannot wait for the next release. Brad and Jessica are tremendous characters and the supporting cast is excellent. More twists and turns than a road up Mt Rushmore.
Wow! I haven't been disappointed once. I cannot wait for the next release. Brad and Jessica are tremendous characters and the supporting cast is excellent. More twists and turns than a road up Mt Rushmore.
February 24, 2024
the good guys win again
Like the perils of Pauline, it’s one thing after another with this crew.
Our bad detectives figure out the plot and have to prevent a war. All while on a job for Brad Mendoza’s ex.
Lots of fun. Quick read. Do it now.
Like the perils of Pauline, it’s one thing after another with this crew.
Our bad detectives figure out the plot and have to prevent a war. All while on a job for Brad Mendoza’s ex.
Lots of fun. Quick read. Do it now.
February 29, 2024
Getting better with each instalment! (No spoilers from me!)
I enjoyed the first book so much I went straight into book 2. Now, 3 days later, I've read all the "worst" books available! Tragedy!!!!! Fortunately, the next book is due in the spring so hopefully not too long to wait.
The heroes and heroines in these books are flawed but more believable for all that. The author has managed to create characters you can really care about. I especially like the level of action, coupled with character development that really doesn't require graphic language or scenes. Although there IS a reference to swearing that I found very amusing! I also particularly enjoy The device of The tale being told simultaneously from the viewpoint of the two main characters recollections. Very clever!
The plot rips along at quite a lick and with multiple twisty turny bits eventually reaches a satisfying conclusion. There's even a set-up for "tune in next time" and a nice little teaser too.
This is not high, intellectual science fiction by any means, and that's no bad thing! This is a good, old fashioned space opera, with strong, if flawed, heroes and heroines coupled with clever, evil, nasty enemies. (Trust me, the baddies REALLY are bad!) Embroiled in an excellent, well told story, in a universe that just works. The writing style is excellent and the result is what they used to call a real page turner. (I should know, 5 books in 3 days!)😁
In conclusion (finally) I can't recommend this series highly enough. Now, I'm off to explore the rest of Mr Ramirezs' work!
I enjoyed the first book so much I went straight into book 2. Now, 3 days later, I've read all the "worst" books available! Tragedy!!!!! Fortunately, the next book is due in the spring so hopefully not too long to wait.
The heroes and heroines in these books are flawed but more believable for all that. The author has managed to create characters you can really care about. I especially like the level of action, coupled with character development that really doesn't require graphic language or scenes. Although there IS a reference to swearing that I found very amusing! I also particularly enjoy The device of The tale being told simultaneously from the viewpoint of the two main characters recollections. Very clever!
The plot rips along at quite a lick and with multiple twisty turny bits eventually reaches a satisfying conclusion. There's even a set-up for "tune in next time" and a nice little teaser too.
This is not high, intellectual science fiction by any means, and that's no bad thing! This is a good, old fashioned space opera, with strong, if flawed, heroes and heroines coupled with clever, evil, nasty enemies. (Trust me, the baddies REALLY are bad!) Embroiled in an excellent, well told story, in a universe that just works. The writing style is excellent and the result is what they used to call a real page turner. (I should know, 5 books in 3 days!)😁
In conclusion (finally) I can't recommend this series highly enough. Now, I'm off to explore the rest of Mr Ramirezs' work!
September 1, 2024
A so so book
I enjoyed the previous books and it does get better toward the end of this book. But I really disliked the character Carla. The finger bending scene made me want to quit reading. I'm not really sure why the author felt the need to try to insert her in the story. She mostly complains unpleasantly the entire time and pulls a Karen. Having her be good at fighting was a little hard to believe. Yes okay she went to academy. But she has a lot less actual combat experience than Jessica or brad. I could have believed she could pilot a ship but it was a bit much that she could beat up Jessica and Brad. That setup didn't have much payoff either. She seemed to add nothing to the plot. It was funny that they sent her to pull a Karen on a navy admiral but I think they could have done that over the phone there wasn't much reason for her to be on the mission aside some very awkward attempts at redeeming his ex wife that fell pretty flat. Oh well writing is hard. The ending was great. I hope the next book will get better.
I enjoyed the previous books and it does get better toward the end of this book. But I really disliked the character Carla. The finger bending scene made me want to quit reading. I'm not really sure why the author felt the need to try to insert her in the story. She mostly complains unpleasantly the entire time and pulls a Karen. Having her be good at fighting was a little hard to believe. Yes okay she went to academy. But she has a lot less actual combat experience than Jessica or brad. I could have believed she could pilot a ship but it was a bit much that she could beat up Jessica and Brad. That setup didn't have much payoff either. She seemed to add nothing to the plot. It was funny that they sent her to pull a Karen on a navy admiral but I think they could have done that over the phone there wasn't much reason for her to be on the mission aside some very awkward attempts at redeeming his ex wife that fell pretty flat. Oh well writing is hard. The ending was great. I hope the next book will get better.
April 30, 2025
“The Worst Detectives in the Federation”, fifth in the 'Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes' series, sees the romance between Brad and Jessica progressing slowly but nicely, right up until Brad's ex-wife Carla turns up with a job offer he'd very much like to refuse.
Her new husband, Horace Clarington, has disappeared along with an entire Promethean Navy task force.
Horace, of course, was the man who Brad found shtupping Carla, bringing their marriage to an end.
But, Carla has cash and, importantly, a message from Horace to Brad.
That message leads to a clue revealing the rough location of the missing ships. More importantly it reveals why they disappeared.
Katherine Henderson, who appeared (before disappearing) in “Battle for Poe” turns up unexpectedly with badly needed technology.
The novel, the longest in the series to date, takes a while to get going but is in full turbo mode by the end.
It's solid Space Opera, heavy on action and light on characterisation.
3.5 Stars, brought back to 3 Stars.
Her new husband, Horace Clarington, has disappeared along with an entire Promethean Navy task force.
Horace, of course, was the man who Brad found shtupping Carla, bringing their marriage to an end.
But, Carla has cash and, importantly, a message from Horace to Brad.
That message leads to a clue revealing the rough location of the missing ships. More importantly it reveals why they disappeared.
Katherine Henderson, who appeared (before disappearing) in “Battle for Poe” turns up unexpectedly with badly needed technology.
The novel, the longest in the series to date, takes a while to get going but is in full turbo mode by the end.
It's solid Space Opera, heavy on action and light on characterisation.
3.5 Stars, brought back to 3 Stars.
February 23, 2024
Absolutely loved this!
I continue to be amazed at how much trouble Capt. Brad Mendoza can get into or how many times he is beaten up. When he agrees to help his ex-wife Carla find a missing naval task force, he could not imagine the devious plot behind it all. He teams up with Katherine, his former XO, who is now with Prometheus Security.
As Jessica stated, Brad is a tactical genius. He will need all of his training to survive this adventure.
I was upset with the heroic death at the end, but even more upset with the discovery of a traitor in the close-knit crew. Skyler, p!ease hurry with the next book!
I continue to be amazed at how much trouble Capt. Brad Mendoza can get into or how many times he is beaten up. When he agrees to help his ex-wife Carla find a missing naval task force, he could not imagine the devious plot behind it all. He teams up with Katherine, his former XO, who is now with Prometheus Security.
As Jessica stated, Brad is a tactical genius. He will need all of his training to survive this adventure.
I was upset with the heroic death at the end, but even more upset with the discovery of a traitor in the close-knit crew. Skyler, p!ease hurry with the next book!
March 5, 2024
A highly entertaining read
Book 4 was good, a significant improvement on the first 3, this is an improvement on 4
I can see why it's called the worst detectives but in reality, it's more spying, although you expect spies to be unknown and the 2 main characters couldn't get more known if they tried.
Lots of intrigue, lots of political manoeuvrings and some fighting, both inter ship and hand to hand
Characters die that are of importance and it's a good thing, it is unusual for authors to kill off important characters, but for the reader it adds a level unexpectedness that means you're never too sure who's safe and who isn't
Pity book 6 isn't out yet, now I have to wait
Book 4 was good, a significant improvement on the first 3, this is an improvement on 4
I can see why it's called the worst detectives but in reality, it's more spying, although you expect spies to be unknown and the 2 main characters couldn't get more known if they tried.
Lots of intrigue, lots of political manoeuvrings and some fighting, both inter ship and hand to hand
Characters die that are of importance and it's a good thing, it is unusual for authors to kill off important characters, but for the reader it adds a level unexpectedness that means you're never too sure who's safe and who isn't
Pity book 6 isn't out yet, now I have to wait
April 28, 2024
More complicated than ever!
We find our “dead” heroes in over their heads once again. They are offered a paying job that can net them enough money to cover their operating expenses for several months, which will give them the opportunity to catch their breath and take the time to figure out how they want to organize themselves for their future.
Of course things are never going to be easy or simple for them. They wind up in danger multiple times as they work on solving the mystery of the disappearance of a major task force from their former Navy. Murphy is keeping busy with throwing extra challenges in the way just because of their typical luck…
We find our “dead” heroes in over their heads once again. They are offered a paying job that can net them enough money to cover their operating expenses for several months, which will give them the opportunity to catch their breath and take the time to figure out how they want to organize themselves for their future.
Of course things are never going to be easy or simple for them. They wind up in danger multiple times as they work on solving the mystery of the disappearance of a major task force from their former Navy. Murphy is keeping busy with throwing extra challenges in the way just because of their typical luck…
March 23, 2024
Great and entertaining story.
This book was longer and better written than the last few in the series. Mr. Ramirez is obviously becoming a professional author.
We get a better look inside the minds of both Brad and Jessica. We also get characters from other Brad Mendoza stories from his past. A heartwarming finality to the relationship of Brad and someone close to him.
All in all, it's a great book. I highly recommend it.
This book was longer and better written than the last few in the series. Mr. Ramirez is obviously becoming a professional author.
We get a better look inside the minds of both Brad and Jessica. We also get characters from other Brad Mendoza stories from his past. A heartwarming finality to the relationship of Brad and someone close to him.
All in all, it's a great book. I highly recommend it.
August 26, 2024
one narrative voice please
I really like this series but the early books were better. Why? I’m so tired of so many authors alternating characters narrating. You developed Brad as a full character and reading his ideas and emotions about Jessica were interesting. She was a more fully developed character-Jessica’s narrative voice just comes off as whiny. Get back to what you do best.
I really like this series but the early books were better. Why? I’m so tired of so many authors alternating characters narrating. You developed Brad as a full character and reading his ideas and emotions about Jessica were interesting. She was a more fully developed character-Jessica’s narrative voice just comes off as whiny. Get back to what you do best.
August 6, 2025
Best one yet.
So at five books into this series, I intended to take a break and spend some time in a different genre. Having finally read the authors notes after book four, I realized I really like Mr. Ramirez’ style and dedication to telling a clean story that even his kids could enjoy. I am delaying my move to something outside of this story simply because it’s that good. Excellent reading for any avid reader, regardless of age or education level.
So at five books into this series, I intended to take a break and spend some time in a different genre. Having finally read the authors notes after book four, I realized I really like Mr. Ramirez’ style and dedication to telling a clean story that even his kids could enjoy. I am delaying my move to something outside of this story simply because it’s that good. Excellent reading for any avid reader, regardless of age or education level.
February 25, 2024
Great Follow-Up in the Series
Skyler has an excellent sense of humor and his comedic timing is superb. In the last eight weeks, I’ve read his long and short fiction about the Worst Crew in known space. He has never failed to surprise, cheer, and make me laugh. I love Brad and Jess.
Skyler has an excellent sense of humor and his comedic timing is superb. In the last eight weeks, I’ve read his long and short fiction about the Worst Crew in known space. He has never failed to surprise, cheer, and make me laugh. I love Brad and Jess.
March 21, 2024
Excellent sci fi thriller/ adventure
The worldbuilding continues to be fascinating, and the story is well-written with a good, logical balance between Jessica and Brad's narration. Bad things happen, including an extremely high (and sad) body count. There is humor (often laugh out loud) to mitigate the bad things. But I cried.
The worldbuilding continues to be fascinating, and the story is well-written with a good, logical balance between Jessica and Brad's narration. Bad things happen, including an extremely high (and sad) body count. There is humor (often laugh out loud) to mitigate the bad things. But I cried.
March 24, 2024
It's a fun read. Parts of it are rather clunky and contrived, like undercover superspies signing of their report with "for the glory of the superspy organisation X, which I am a member of!"
But the characters have really grown on me, and the books are just good fun. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next part.
But the characters have really grown on me, and the books are just good fun. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next part.
September 2, 2024
Great sci-fi!
Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes is a great sci-fi adventure. The main characters are easily relatable and well-developed. There are plenty of twists in the storyline that are dramatic and entertaining. I highly recommend it (as I plan to borrow book 6 from KU).
Kindle Unlimited
Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes is a great sci-fi adventure. The main characters are easily relatable and well-developed. There are plenty of twists in the storyline that are dramatic and entertaining. I highly recommend it (as I plan to borrow book 6 from KU).
Kindle Unlimited
September 5, 2024
Ex-wife and a rescue
When his ex-wife shows up, just after Brad gets out of hospital, all he'll breaks out. Her lover is missing along with his Patrol group. No-one in the Navy will listen to her when she gets a coded message from him except Brad as he uses Brad's infamous nickname. So the search begins. Good Read.
When his ex-wife shows up, just after Brad gets out of hospital, all he'll breaks out. Her lover is missing along with his Patrol group. No-one in the Navy will listen to her when she gets a coded message from him except Brad as he uses Brad's infamous nickname. So the search begins. Good Read.
September 14, 2024
a whole new quality
So book 4 had some amazingly funny humor, with the natural and hilarious back and forth between the characters under the influence of the truth serum, and one section had this old man in tears, but this so far is the best book in the series. Cried a couple of times, to the concern of the cat on my lap. I urge you, read them from the beginning.
So book 4 had some amazingly funny humor, with the natural and hilarious back and forth between the characters under the influence of the truth serum, and one section had this old man in tears, but this so far is the best book in the series. Cried a couple of times, to the concern of the cat on my lap. I urge you, read them from the beginning.
December 30, 2024
I have read all the Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes, by Skyler Ramirez, currently out. I have found them to be wonderful, quick military sci-fi reads. These stories are action-packed, with plenty of quick-witted humor, clean romance, and great characters in a vast yet trackable universe. Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes has quickly become my favorite enjoyment sci-fi read.
June 20, 2025
Yes, I have to confess that I am enjoying this series more and more. It has a great balance or tension, humor and intriguing scenarios, continues to build on the story between Jessica and Brad, while introducing new characters. I enjoyed this story and will definitely read the next in the series - what a cliffhanger this story ended on!
July 28, 2025
The continues adventures in saving the universe with Jessica and Brad. Or maybe misadventures is a better description, as these two definitely have some misadventures. I enjoyed the ever growing team that Jessica and Brad have put together. This time around, Brad's ex-wife is their client. Lots of space adventures this time, with super-secret spy space ships. Good times all around.
February 26, 2024
Brad and Jessica are back, when they are hired by Brad's ex wife to find the man she cheated with, what could possibly go wrong. As the team investigate, they soon find themselves knee deep in a conspiracy to start a war.
March 17, 2024
Friend or Foe?
The saga continues with new challenges and friends. The crew reaches out to help the last person they would expect to ask. New and old connections make for an unusual bond.
The saga continues with new challenges and friends. The crew reaches out to help the last person they would expect to ask. New and old connections make for an unusual bond.
March 26, 2024
My kind of series!
A fun book (and series) to read. The fact that it is written without the usual questionable language, violence or sex makes it a book I feel good about sharing with my teens.
A fun book (and series) to read. The fact that it is written without the usual questionable language, violence or sex makes it a book I feel good about sharing with my teens.
March 26, 2024
The series continues where it left off with nonstop plot movement and action with a great cast of characters. Looking forward to reading book 6 with the ending of this book clearly being more than it seemed.
May 31, 2024
a lot of fun and very well written
As with the past 4 books, this has been a fun little adventure and will we get more information about the other worlds.
So now what is next?
Thanks Skyler, looking forward to reading more.
As with the past 4 books, this has been a fun little adventure and will we get more information about the other worlds.
So now what is next?
Thanks Skyler, looking forward to reading more.
June 6, 2024
Impressive reversal of fortune
Was impressed that the real captain finally got out of his shell and started doing his job. Good strategy with using his resources. The nazies as the bad guys is rather typical but nazi in space isn’t new.
Was impressed that the real captain finally got out of his shell and started doing his job. Good strategy with using his resources. The nazies as the bad guys is rather typical but nazi in space isn’t new.
June 21, 2024
Another story another fantastic journey
The more I read, the more I appreciate the story telling. More character development and new twists and turns.a very enjoyable distraction. Going right to the next one!
The more I read, the more I appreciate the story telling. More character development and new twists and turns.a very enjoyable distraction. Going right to the next one!
July 17, 2024
Fun quick space opera read and fifth in a series! This book works more on the characterization for the two main characters and supporting characters. It has an action oriented plot, evil villains, humor, etc. This story keeps you reading. Recommended
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews