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To Die For #4
Letters to Die for Lib/E
Burned-out software engineer Jake Martin and his Golden Retriever, Fred, live in a mountain cabin far enough from Denver to escape the rat-race but not far enough to escape its crime. While remodeling an old house he uncovers a stack of love letters that will turn his world inside out.
When word of the letters gets out, people start dying, including the owner of the house Jake was remodeling. With his main source of income gone, he lets his friend and neighbor, Bonnie Jones, talk him into searching for the killer after they are offered a large retainer. The problem is the person who hires them is the major suspect.
With the help of Fred and Bonnie, Jake continues to find more evidence that his new employer is trying to create a smokescreen to divert attention from himself. Will the trio of amateur detectives be able to stop the murders, or will they become the next victims?
When word of the letters gets out, people start dying, including the owner of the house Jake was remodeling. With his main source of income gone, he lets his friend and neighbor, Bonnie Jones, talk him into searching for the killer after they are offered a large retainer. The problem is the person who hires them is the major suspect.
With the help of Fred and Bonnie, Jake continues to find more evidence that his new employer is trying to create a smokescreen to divert attention from himself. Will the trio of amateur detectives be able to stop the murders, or will they become the next victims?
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First published June 27, 2016
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About the author
Richard Houston
11 books64 followersRichard is working on his third career. His first was as a carpenter and roofer for twenty years while working his way through college. With a BS in Math he spent the next twenty-five years as a successful software engineer by working on the Space Shuttle at both Vandenberg AFB, and Johnson Space Center. He then went on to start Master Mind SofTools where he developed software for fortune 500 companies.
After taking early retirement in 2007, he moved to Warsaw, Missouri and built a home on the water with a view to die for. Richard now devotes his time to raising his great-grand daughter and writing. He is currently working on the second novel in the Jacob Martin series.
After taking early retirement in 2007, he moved to Warsaw, Missouri and built a home on the water with a view to die for. Richard now devotes his time to raising his great-grand daughter and writing. He is currently working on the second novel in the Jacob Martin series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
April 4, 2018
It was really just OK. The cover art is great but I found what was inside pretty mediocre. I was surprised that it is book #4 in the series. maybe I need to read more to warm up to the characters. There was nothing really wrong with the book, just not particularly interesting to me.
April 21, 2018
Keeps you guessing and trying to puzzle it out. It was a fun read because it was well written and edited, but besides that...it's a terrific story that keeps you turning the page. I highly recommend this book
July 17, 2023
A Good read.
I loved Fred, an adorable dog, who helped his master, Jake, to solve a crime. I liked Bonnie, an elderly neighbour of Jake's, who also helped solve the crime. The story was intriguing and somewhat different. .
I loved Fred, an adorable dog, who helped his master, Jake, to solve a crime. I liked Bonnie, an elderly neighbour of Jake's, who also helped solve the crime. The story was intriguing and somewhat different. .
April 28, 2018
It was a quick read, interesting but not a lot of depth and not much detail....I give it an ok...good for a beach read
April 11, 2018
Wonderful tale
This will draw you in and you will be trying to solve the mystery as you read but you may not see all the twist and turns until the last minute. You won't be able to put it down
This will draw you in and you will be trying to solve the mystery as you read but you may not see all the twist and turns until the last minute. You won't be able to put it down
March 28, 2018
Decent quick read
This is an enjoyable series. I don't know how Jake earns enough money to buy dog food for Free but he's a likeable guy, if not too bright. He does dumb things like picks up a can of spray paint used to destroy evidence instead of letting it lie for the police. His friend and neighbor Bonnie is a feisty older woman who also doesn't have much income. This mystery isn't very complicated and there are plot holes in abundance. I don't expect much from a cozy so if I enjoy it, I give it 4 stars. As a straight up murder mystery, probably 3 stars. I love the dog.
This is an enjoyable series. I don't know how Jake earns enough money to buy dog food for Free but he's a likeable guy, if not too bright. He does dumb things like picks up a can of spray paint used to destroy evidence instead of letting it lie for the police. His friend and neighbor Bonnie is a feisty older woman who also doesn't have much income. This mystery isn't very complicated and there are plot holes in abundance. I don't expect much from a cozy so if I enjoy it, I give it 4 stars. As a straight up murder mystery, probably 3 stars. I love the dog.
March 24, 2018
Great Reading!
I am a sucker for any book with animals. Dogs and cats lead the list, but a ferret or a bird will also catch my attention. Fred is the star of this series. I love the relationship between Jake and Bonnie, but Fred the Golden Retriever saved the day. The plot was intricate enough to keep you busy and guessing who did what. You will enjoy this book.
I am a sucker for any book with animals. Dogs and cats lead the list, but a ferret or a bird will also catch my attention. Fred is the star of this series. I love the relationship between Jake and Bonnie, but Fred the Golden Retriever saved the day. The plot was intricate enough to keep you busy and guessing who did what. You will enjoy this book.
May 4, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this funny cozy mystery, the first one I've read in this series*. I live in Colorado so the fact that Jake and his Golden Retriever Fred live in Evergreen was a bonus. Jake used to be a software engineer but now is a down at the heel sometimes carpenter. He also writes e-book mysteries which apparently gives him some background for crime solving. His cohort Bonnie is his chain-smoking 70ish neighbor who is part mother, caretaker and friend and who goes to great lengths to be part of the "investigations" in which Jake is involved. Fred is an active member of the mystery-solving trio.This mystery had a whole host of characters with red herrings galore and I didn't know the solution to the murders until the very end.
* Actually this turns out to be the 4th one I've read in this series but they were spaced out over more than 3 years. In Goodreads some of these books are categorized under the "Books to Die For" series, some under the "To Die For" series all by the same author. So if the same book is listed in two series, I wouldn't necessarily record the book as "read" in both series. Confusing!
* Actually this turns out to be the 4th one I've read in this series but they were spaced out over more than 3 years. In Goodreads some of these books are categorized under the "Books to Die For" series, some under the "To Die For" series all by the same author. So if the same book is listed in two series, I wouldn't necessarily record the book as "read" in both series. Confusing!
January 23, 2020
Nice but a lack of depth.
Firstly I note that I have not read the first three books in the series.
The story is a light murder mystery, with a nice team attempting to solve the mystery comprising of a man with little money, his dog, and a seventy year old lady. The characters are lovely; although personally I couldn't relate to them, I liked them.
The murder mystery does not go into depth and it is not the sort of novel where you are gripped or where you are dying to ascertain who the killer is. I did not guess the murderer, but I would be surprised if many readers do!
Grammatically the language used is simple and flows nicely, but there are quite a few errors in the writing (I would guess around 10) which gave the impression it had not been well checked before being published.
I did really like the bond between Jake and Fred, and I did enjoy reading Bonnie's and Jake's discussions as they tried to work out who was behind everything. I wasn't really sure what the point of the letters were until confirmed in the epilogue!
Overall an easy read but nothing memorable and not one to recommend. Two out of five.
Firstly I note that I have not read the first three books in the series.
The story is a light murder mystery, with a nice team attempting to solve the mystery comprising of a man with little money, his dog, and a seventy year old lady. The characters are lovely; although personally I couldn't relate to them, I liked them.
The murder mystery does not go into depth and it is not the sort of novel where you are gripped or where you are dying to ascertain who the killer is. I did not guess the murderer, but I would be surprised if many readers do!
Grammatically the language used is simple and flows nicely, but there are quite a few errors in the writing (I would guess around 10) which gave the impression it had not been well checked before being published.
I did really like the bond between Jake and Fred, and I did enjoy reading Bonnie's and Jake's discussions as they tried to work out who was behind everything. I wasn't really sure what the point of the letters were until confirmed in the epilogue!
Overall an easy read but nothing memorable and not one to recommend. Two out of five.
April 3, 2018
5 stars, probably a bit much, but these books grow on you
I gave it 5 stars for the simple reason, I live in Colorado and enjoy the fact that Jake runs around some of the some streets I've traveled, even the same bars ( earlier book). But seriously, these books are a quick read, and enjoyable. They're not super serious, rather light hearted, although with a corpse or two, and fun to read. I've purchased the next book in this series. Notice I don't go into detail about the book, some of these ratings are like a book report, its good, fun, relatively cheap.. buy it.
I gave it 5 stars for the simple reason, I live in Colorado and enjoy the fact that Jake runs around some of the some streets I've traveled, even the same bars ( earlier book). But seriously, these books are a quick read, and enjoyable. They're not super serious, rather light hearted, although with a corpse or two, and fun to read. I've purchased the next book in this series. Notice I don't go into detail about the book, some of these ratings are like a book report, its good, fun, relatively cheap.. buy it.
April 4, 2018
A fast reading, intricate story of friendship and greed!
Jake, a handyman, along with dog Fred and his neighbor and good friend, Bonnie, become entangled in the mystery of who killed his boss, Debbie. While at work Jake finds some letters in an armoire in the room where he was working. At first it looks like Jake was involved by the police. However, he is quickly eliminated as a suspect. He keeps being pulled into the situation and he and his two best friends try to figure out just who killed Debbie when clues and evidence keeps popping up. Jake figures out everything when Bonnie makes a chance observation. The truth will surprise you!
Jake, a handyman, along with dog Fred and his neighbor and good friend, Bonnie, become entangled in the mystery of who killed his boss, Debbie. While at work Jake finds some letters in an armoire in the room where he was working. At first it looks like Jake was involved by the police. However, he is quickly eliminated as a suspect. He keeps being pulled into the situation and he and his two best friends try to figure out just who killed Debbie when clues and evidence keeps popping up. Jake figures out everything when Bonnie makes a chance observation. The truth will surprise you!
October 16, 2020
A cozy trio of amateur sleuths that captured my heart as well as my interest in the mystery being solved. How could I resist a decent man that is a good neighbor, loves his dog and tears up in memories of his deceased wife. But that’s only Jake! Add in Fred, his Golden Retriever, and his salty senior citizen neighbor, Bonnie and you have a truly endearing group of clue seekers. Then drop in a few twists and turns, and include a beautiful femme fatale who happens to be a homicide detective, and I’m hooked until the end.
July 20, 2017
A most enjoyable read
Every bit as good as the earlier books in the series. At a point where many series begin to limp, this one keeps providing reading pleasure. Fortunately I still have a couple ahead of me to savor. If you have read the earlier books, you know what you are in for, so sit back and enjoy. If you haven't, I envy you. But start with the first in the series. You'll enjoy it more.
Every bit as good as the earlier books in the series. At a point where many series begin to limp, this one keeps providing reading pleasure. Fortunately I still have a couple ahead of me to savor. If you have read the earlier books, you know what you are in for, so sit back and enjoy. If you haven't, I envy you. But start with the first in the series. You'll enjoy it more.
June 9, 2018
I've read the entire series (or will have by tomorrow), and I enjoy them. The books aren't deep, and I agree with other reviewers the main character does some stupid things regarding dealing with clues. He isn't a PI, and he makes mistakes. There are a few problems with editing (my biggest complaint in indie novels). Most of these has to do with quotation marks in places they don't belong. I probably wouldn't have read the novels if it weren't for Fred the dog.
February 25, 2019
A fast paced, pleasant read
I liked this story about Jake and his beloved dog, Fred. Their neighbor, Bonnie, adds just enough spice to the mix that makes this a pleasant diversion. The mystery was so-so, but the dog, everyone's reactions to the dog, and the quirky characteristics of Jake and Bonnie, trying to solve the mystery, we're great. I'll be looking for more books about Jake, Bonnie, and Fred, the loveable golden retriever.
I liked this story about Jake and his beloved dog, Fred. Their neighbor, Bonnie, adds just enough spice to the mix that makes this a pleasant diversion. The mystery was so-so, but the dog, everyone's reactions to the dog, and the quirky characteristics of Jake and Bonnie, trying to solve the mystery, we're great. I'll be looking for more books about Jake, Bonnie, and Fred, the loveable golden retriever.
September 2, 2023
Each book has gotten better!
There were more twists in this who dunnit, including impersonating someone, hiring Jake to do some handyman work, so he'd find " love letters" then another unsent letter written to a soldier that had already been deployed 13 months, telling him she was pregnant. Multiple characters, all with motives to kill, but you're unsure who the killer was til the end and then another surprise pops up! Fred as always, us very involved, as is Bonnie.
There were more twists in this who dunnit, including impersonating someone, hiring Jake to do some handyman work, so he'd find " love letters" then another unsent letter written to a soldier that had already been deployed 13 months, telling him she was pregnant. Multiple characters, all with motives to kill, but you're unsure who the killer was til the end and then another surprise pops up! Fred as always, us very involved, as is Bonnie.
March 25, 2018
Fred the detective!
An enjoyable mystery with lots of twists and turns and more bodies than you will find out about. This story is comfortably written and feels like you know who everyone is. But the villains aren't exactly stable and the reason for all the murders is money. I liked this one. What a team!
An enjoyable mystery with lots of twists and turns and more bodies than you will find out about. This story is comfortably written and feels like you know who everyone is. But the villains aren't exactly stable and the reason for all the murders is money. I liked this one. What a team!
March 28, 2018
Fred the dog!I
Didn't realise this story was a detective story, until I had read a couple of chapters, by then I was too engrossed by it, Fred the dog 🐕 had a main part in the story sniffing out things,loved his food as well.
Jake and 70 year old Bon, we're superb detectives having worked out who the murderous were, better than the real deal detectives, good book.
Didn't realise this story was a detective story, until I had read a couple of chapters, by then I was too engrossed by it, Fred the dog 🐕 had a main part in the story sniffing out things,loved his food as well.
Jake and 70 year old Bon, we're superb detectives having worked out who the murderous were, better than the real deal detectives, good book.
April 7, 2018
Boring
I tried to finish this book several times. The characters were not to my liking as they were not believable. If you read the first few chapters to become familiar with the characters and the epilogue, you can save yourself the trouble of wading through the endless dialogue.
I tried to finish this book several times. The characters were not to my liking as they were not believable. If you read the first few chapters to become familiar with the characters and the epilogue, you can save yourself the trouble of wading through the endless dialogue.
April 13, 2018
Really liked this book, especially Fred with his almost human-like characteristics. The book is well-written; the characters, believable (almost like your next-door neighbours). There were plenty of thrills and chills with just the right amount of humour thrown in for good measure. Highly recommended.
April 16, 2018
Quick, easy, fun read!
I loved the characters, especially Bonnie and Fred, and the plot was intriguing and tricky enough to keep me guessing right up to the end. If you like easy to read murder mysteries with amateur sleuths and quirky characters, you can't go wrong with this book!
I loved the characters, especially Bonnie and Fred, and the plot was intriguing and tricky enough to keep me guessing right up to the end. If you like easy to read murder mysteries with amateur sleuths and quirky characters, you can't go wrong with this book!
February 7, 2023
the Best Yet
Jake, Bonnie and Fred are wrapped up in another complex mystery. Freddie is put in danger but Jake comes to the rescue. Bonnie is her usual friend and refuses to let Jake and Freddie face danger alone. The end of the mystery is surprising and a twist in plot. Recommend this series to anyone who likes a quick mystery read.
Jake, Bonnie and Fred are wrapped up in another complex mystery. Freddie is put in danger but Jake comes to the rescue. Bonnie is her usual friend and refuses to let Jake and Freddie face danger alone. The end of the mystery is surprising and a twist in plot. Recommend this series to anyone who likes a quick mystery read.
December 7, 2024
One of my favorite author's and narrator, Todd McLaren makes this story very enjoyable. I also love the characters; Jake Martin, a software engineer that is tired and his golden retriever, Fred. While remodeling an old house he uncovers a stack of love letters that turns his world inside out with a lot of mysteries and people lying.
July 23, 2025
Scheme gone wrong
Great story with an unexpected twist at the end. Love the characters especially Fred the dog, he sounds like quite the companion. Bonnie always wants in on the action no matter how dangerous it might get. The three of them, Jake, Bonnie, and Fred, make quite the team . Looking forward to their next adventure.
Great story with an unexpected twist at the end. Love the characters especially Fred the dog, he sounds like quite the companion. Bonnie always wants in on the action no matter how dangerous it might get. The three of them, Jake, Bonnie, and Fred, make quite the team . Looking forward to their next adventure.
May 24, 2017
Loved the entire series. The characters were likable; the mystery kept me guessing; and the humor actually had me laughing out loud. (Something I'm not prone to do.) Very sad that I've finished this series.
June 18, 2017
Boring
I guess I read this book at the wrong time because I found the book to have a very slim plot. The dog's part in the story line was cute, but I found myself skipping through chapters as the plot really wasn't all that interesting.
I guess I read this book at the wrong time because I found the book to have a very slim plot. The dog's part in the story line was cute, but I found myself skipping through chapters as the plot really wasn't all that interesting.
July 4, 2017
Cute story with Fred, the golden retriever
This story had a twist at the end and was easy reading. Fred, the dog, is an interesting character: his owner and his sidekick are entertaining but not memorable. Writing was OK but nothing outstanding.
This story had a twist at the end and was easy reading. Fred, the dog, is an interesting character: his owner and his sidekick are entertaining but not memorable. Writing was OK but nothing outstanding.
March 24, 2018
Likable characters
Well written Likable characters and many twists and turns Will keep you from putting this book down . Fred the golden retriever will worm his way in to your heart
Well written Likable characters and many twists and turns Will keep you from putting this book down . Fred the golden retriever will worm his way in to your heart
March 26, 2018
Super book-and the dog is the hero in this one lol
I really liked Bonnie jake and of course Fred. The police are not made to look like totally nincompoops and I like that too. Really tired of amateur sleuths who do one stupid boneheaded thing after another. This was a good story!
I really liked Bonnie jake and of course Fred. The police are not made to look like totally nincompoops and I like that too. Really tired of amateur sleuths who do one stupid boneheaded thing after another. This was a good story!
March 30, 2018
It was ok
This wasn't an exciting book to read. It didn't keep my attention for very long. It took me much longer to read than normal. Characters weren't fleshed out enough to be interesting. Don't think I will read more of his books.
This wasn't an exciting book to read. It didn't keep my attention for very long. It took me much longer to read than normal. Characters weren't fleshed out enough to be interesting. Don't think I will read more of his books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews