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Reed Ferguson Mystery #4
Farewell, My Deuce
Life and the detecting business are running smoothly for private eye Reed Ferguson, until one of the Goofball Brothers goes missing. Reed leads the search and soon discovers Deuce's connection to some unscrupulous characters. As Reed learns more about Deuce's activities, the clues point to intrigue, danger and death. But will Reed find his friend alive, or will it be "Farewell, My Deuce."
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2013
About the author
Renee Pawlish
132 books352 followersFrom the time she was ten and tried to write her own detective series in the fashion of the Hardy Boys, Renée Pawlish has been developing her craft. Along with creative writing classes, Renée studied great writers like Dashiell Hammett, Rex Stout, Stephen King, Sue Grafton and many more. Once Renée graduated from college, she began her first novel. Now, all these years later, she has penned numerous books in a variety of genres.
Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.
Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off
The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released
The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest
Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.
The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.
Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off
The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released
The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest
Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.
The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 21, 2015
P.I. Reed Ferguson is determined to find his missing friend, Deuce Smith. Deuce’s disappearance is so uncharacteristic that both of his brothers believe something awful has happened to him. The leads Reed chases down gives him the same feeling. Will he even find Deuce alive?
Farewell My Deuce is a fun read that not only pays homage to the classic P.I. novels of the 40’s and 50’s, but also incorporates a distinct cozy flavor. Renée Pawlish’s clever blend of both styles adds a welcome mix of suspense with lighter moments. The cast of secondary characters is equally appealing with a smart girlfriend whose nursing skills come in handy and a longtime buddy whose computer skills are also useful.
Although this is the fourth installment in the series, I didn’t need to read the previous three to understand what’s going on in Reed’s personal and professional life. Other than the occasional short reference to a previous case, the story works well as a standalone. Mystery fans who love P.I. novels and cozies sprinkled with references to Humphrey Bogart and Chandler novels will likely enjoy this read.
Farewell My Deuce is a fun read that not only pays homage to the classic P.I. novels of the 40’s and 50’s, but also incorporates a distinct cozy flavor. Renée Pawlish’s clever blend of both styles adds a welcome mix of suspense with lighter moments. The cast of secondary characters is equally appealing with a smart girlfriend whose nursing skills come in handy and a longtime buddy whose computer skills are also useful.
Although this is the fourth installment in the series, I didn’t need to read the previous three to understand what’s going on in Reed’s personal and professional life. Other than the occasional short reference to a previous case, the story works well as a standalone. Mystery fans who love P.I. novels and cozies sprinkled with references to Humphrey Bogart and Chandler novels will likely enjoy this read.
August 30, 2018
As if one didn’t know from the black and white, noir cover, Farewell, My Deuce is an homage to Raymond Chandler. Although “Deuce,” one of two brothers named “Ace” and “Deuce” respectively by their poker-playing father, is male instead of the female in Chandler’s Farewell, My Lovely, the plot is worthy of a Marlowe story—at least, the Marlowe stories on the network radio show in the mid-20th century. “Ace” and “Deuce” aren’t the most brilliant LEDs in the array. In fact, Reed Ferguson, the protagonist who loves films of the noir era, likes them despite his nickname for them, the “Goofball Brothers.”
Like the eBook, Black, a similar effort from another author, the events take place in the modern era with references and call-backs to earlier eras and private investigator myth. Indeed, Ferguson reminds me of another private eye (although from actual period pieces), Toby Peters. Just like Toby, Reed seems to end up holding the bag and getting beaten and wounded, for nothing but his own satisfaction in solving the case. Since this was intended to be the first in a series, one can easily imagine Reed Ferguson doing as well in his business as another fictional character, Westlake’s Dortmunder, seems to score in the crime biz – rarely!
The plot, once you get through it, is reminiscent of that in Jack Nicholson’s Chinatown. While it is plausible in the modern context, it feels more like the shady doings in the film just mentioned. Farewell, My Deuce has some humorous moments, especially the phone calls from his mom. It even has some lines that sound like they come from an earlier time. At one point, Reed describes his hacker and Harvard graduate friend by saying, “He was as smart as anyone I knew, but at the same time, he couldn’t butter bread. Brilliant, but no common sense.” (p. 23)
To be honest, Farewell, My Deuce isn’t as satisfying as the classics to which I’ve referred in this review (Someone is going to rip on me for calling Stuart Kaminsky’s Toby Peters novels “classic,” but they are highly recommended in my book.). However, Farewell, My Deuce was an entertaining one night’s reading. It was a nice escape.
Like the eBook, Black, a similar effort from another author, the events take place in the modern era with references and call-backs to earlier eras and private investigator myth. Indeed, Ferguson reminds me of another private eye (although from actual period pieces), Toby Peters. Just like Toby, Reed seems to end up holding the bag and getting beaten and wounded, for nothing but his own satisfaction in solving the case. Since this was intended to be the first in a series, one can easily imagine Reed Ferguson doing as well in his business as another fictional character, Westlake’s Dortmunder, seems to score in the crime biz – rarely!
The plot, once you get through it, is reminiscent of that in Jack Nicholson’s Chinatown. While it is plausible in the modern context, it feels more like the shady doings in the film just mentioned. Farewell, My Deuce has some humorous moments, especially the phone calls from his mom. It even has some lines that sound like they come from an earlier time. At one point, Reed describes his hacker and Harvard graduate friend by saying, “He was as smart as anyone I knew, but at the same time, he couldn’t butter bread. Brilliant, but no common sense.” (p. 23)
To be honest, Farewell, My Deuce isn’t as satisfying as the classics to which I’ve referred in this review (Someone is going to rip on me for calling Stuart Kaminsky’s Toby Peters novels “classic,” but they are highly recommended in my book.). However, Farewell, My Deuce was an entertaining one night’s reading. It was a nice escape.
October 30, 2023
Quick, entertaining read
This is 3rd book I've read in series, and Reed's character is slipping, gradually, into a more crass state of life and thought - though never one to be mistaken for a choir boy. He's now a bit too predictable for my reading time.
This is 3rd book I've read in series, and Reed's character is slipping, gradually, into a more crass state of life and thought - though never one to be mistaken for a choir boy. He's now a bit too predictable for my reading time.
July 30, 2015
Reed Ferguson is at it again
Renee Pawlish writes like the old black and white detective shows but better. The combination of humor, silly mistakes and page turning, fast paced who-dunnit style mystery is such a fabulous break from reality. Perfection at a great price!
Renee Pawlish writes like the old black and white detective shows but better. The combination of humor, silly mistakes and page turning, fast paced who-dunnit style mystery is such a fabulous break from reality. Perfection at a great price!
September 25, 2017
Construction can be deadly!!!!!!
10 stars!!!!!!
Reed is a friend you would definitely want to have.
One of the Goofball brothers get in a real bad situation, that he heard about but would never think he get in the middle, for doing something someone had talked him into doing and couldn't get out of. Then overhearing the wrong conversations, then ask questions of what he heard, wrong move goofball !!!!!!
I loved the things Reed went through for a friend, and he girl Willie and Cal helped also.
Construction is a rough business.
You will love this book in t his series.
I read a couple newer books now I'm reading in order.
10 stars!!!!!!
Reed is a friend you would definitely want to have.
One of the Goofball brothers get in a real bad situation, that he heard about but would never think he get in the middle, for doing something someone had talked him into doing and couldn't get out of. Then overhearing the wrong conversations, then ask questions of what he heard, wrong move goofball !!!!!!
I loved the things Reed went through for a friend, and he girl Willie and Cal helped also.
Construction is a rough business.
You will love this book in t his series.
I read a couple newer books now I'm reading in order.
June 6, 2026
These books are a fun and easy read where you don’t have to use your brain. But if you do use it a little, the books reveal themselves to be both a bit lazy (using the same names for different characters from book to book, and I guess there’s always a Honda Civic somewhere—maybe an ode to the car, but it seems lazy) and plain stupid sometimes. I’m no brainiac, but even I see the clues laid bare 50–100 pages before the main character realizes them. But for a quick and pretty engaging read, this and the other books are a nice waste of time because of the charming (and somewhat shallow) characters.
March 7, 2017
This is the first book in the series that I have read (downloaded for free from Amazon). I didn't feel that I needed to read the previous ones to enjoy this one, which I did. It was a short fun read, almost like a cozy mystery with a touch of noir, with which the lead character loves the film noir - especially Bogie who gets a few mentions.
His friend (Deuce) has gone missing and his two brothers ask for Reed's help as they are sure that something bad has happened to him, and Reed agrees.
It's a light story that I enjoyed and at some point I will probably read the rest in the series.
His friend (Deuce) has gone missing and his two brothers ask for Reed's help as they are sure that something bad has happened to him, and Reed agrees.
It's a light story that I enjoyed and at some point I will probably read the rest in the series.
May 13, 2017
I'm reading this series all out of order and I think that's affecting my review. I do like the characters very much. I think that because this is one of the earlier books in the series, the characters are not as fleshed out. I was interested in what was going to happen to them, but I didn't lose sleep over their dilemmas.
That being said, it was a good book and I enjoyed reading it. Love that it's set in Denver.
That being said, it was a good book and I enjoyed reading it. Love that it's set in Denver.
June 2, 2017
Another enjoyable mystery from Renee. (I didn't realize until I looked her up on the 'Fantastic Fiction' webpage that she has written over 15 'Ferguson' mysteries). One of his quirky friends is missing. Reed sets out to find him. It also appears that we are introduced to the police detective Spillman in this story.
It is short novel, but I like it! Reminds me of the Stephanie Plum mysteries, which are easy reads - brain candy, light, fun, and no nutritional value. Sit back and enjoy!
It is short novel, but I like it! Reminds me of the Stephanie Plum mysteries, which are easy reads - brain candy, light, fun, and no nutritional value. Sit back and enjoy!
December 21, 2020
Deuce may a couple bricks shy of a load, but he is dependable. He and his brother, Ace share the condo below Reed. When Deuce turns up missing, everyone gets concerned and Reed needs to find him. He works for a construction company, so that is a good place to start. In order to find him, though, Reed must first solve some criminal activities within the construction industry. He does it in typical Reed Ferguson fashion, which means lots of entertainment.
August 16, 2017
Another fast, fun read
I really like this series! It's quirky and fun with a good mystery every time. This case involves one of the Goofball brothers. One has gone missing and Reed sets out to find out what happened. The only reason I'm giving this one four stars instead of five is the typos...there are quite a few. But not enough to make you not want to finish the book.
I really like this series! It's quirky and fun with a good mystery every time. This case involves one of the Goofball brothers. One has gone missing and Reed sets out to find out what happened. The only reason I'm giving this one four stars instead of five is the typos...there are quite a few. But not enough to make you not want to finish the book.
December 10, 2018
Enjoyable series. One thing I find particularly good about this series is you can read them out of order and not feel totally out of touch. Once you have read one, you know the characters and its game on. This one centers on the "goofball" brothers who live downstairs from Reed. They make the perfect companion characters as they are very unlike Reed but still lovable and engaging.
October 21, 2017
"Farewell, My Deuce" is the 4th book in the
Reed Ferguson Mystery Series. One of Reed's best friends,
Deuce is missing and Reed trying to find him before it is to late.
Renee Pawlish is on MY MUST READ LIST
and is Highly Recommended.
Reed Ferguson Mystery Series. One of Reed's best friends,
Deuce is missing and Reed trying to find him before it is to late.
Renee Pawlish is on MY MUST READ LIST
and is Highly Recommended.
August 9, 2019
It was a rather entertaining story even if the detective worked was way too easy and the dialogue was about cheesy. I've read other "Reed Ferguson" mysteries and they are relatively light, easy reads if you are looking for a simple detective story.
January 15, 2019
Good book
November 17, 2019
Love the goofballs
This was a fun and easy read, always good to have Ace, Suede and Bob in the mix. Just need a dog!
This was a fun and easy read, always good to have Ace, Suede and Bob in the mix. Just need a dog!
March 29, 2020
Ok
Give me a break what detective throws his gun out the window not any detective I ever read ,I enjoyed your book until that chapter.
Give me a break what detective throws his gun out the window not any detective I ever read ,I enjoyed your book until that chapter.
May 22, 2020
Reed and one of the goofball brothers goes missing, the laughs are plenty and so is trouble in this noir. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest
March 27, 2021
Kindle-Free. 3.5stars
December 4, 2022
KEEPS YOU WANTING TO KJEEP READING.
LOVE THE AUTHOR AND WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE. KEEPS THE STORYLINE GOING IN ANTICIPATION. WANTING THE BNET BBOOK.
LOVE THE AUTHOR AND WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE. KEEPS THE STORYLINE GOING IN ANTICIPATION. WANTING THE BNET BBOOK.
March 20, 2023
P.I. story with mix of characters
This is book 4 in the Reed Ferguson Private Investigator series with a nice mix of characters and a good mystery. It's an entertaining book.
This is book 4 in the Reed Ferguson Private Investigator series with a nice mix of characters and a good mystery. It's an entertaining book.
March 2, 2024
surprisingly good
I enjoyed this story very much. It was fast paced and well written. I’ll be looking for more in the series.
I enjoyed this story very much. It was fast paced and well written. I’ll be looking for more in the series.
November 28, 2025
Fun book! Very twisty!
January 23, 2025
Deuce In The Hole
For the most part I enjoy the Reed Ferguson series... on occasion there are some events that I have reservations about. But they are quick reading and hold my interest enough to figure out what's going on.
For the most part I enjoy the Reed Ferguson series... on occasion there are some events that I have reservations about. But they are quick reading and hold my interest enough to figure out what's going on.
March 20, 2017
Fun read predictable plot
This story had great potential with some good early character development. That is where it ended with an easy to figure plot and a predictable finish. It was a fun read that needed mire substance.
This story had great potential with some good early character development. That is where it ended with an easy to figure plot and a predictable finish. It was a fun read that needed mire substance.
March 31, 2017
Kindle Unlimited or else was on a freebie day, yes another one of my going to go thru them all. Between comment and the rating, might get hint. This is going to be the beginning of a beautiful relationship lol {wrong movie but one of the actors is right, just luv Bogie and Bacall} *This one is also available The Reed Ferguson Series: Books 4-6 The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series Boxset
Life and the detecting business are running smoothly for private eye Reed Ferguson, until one of the Goofball Brothers goes missing. Reed leads the search and soon discovers Deuce's connection to some unscrupulous characters. As Reed learns more about Deuce's activities, the clues point to intrigue, danger and death. But will Reed find his friend alive, or will it be "Farewell, My Deuce."
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies 1 - Reel Estate Rip-off 2 - The Maltese Felon 3 - Farewell, My Deuce - Elvis and the Sports Card Cheat 3.5 {SS} - 4 Out of the Past 5 - Torch Scene 6 - The Lady Who Sang High 7 - Sweet Smell of Sucrets 8 - The Third Fan 9 - Back Story 10 - Night of the Hunted 11 - The Postman Always Brings Dice 12 - Walk Softly, Danger 12.5 {N} - Road Blocked 13 - A Gun For Hire 13.5 {SS} - Small Town Focus 14 - Ace In the Hole 14.5 {N} - Nightmare Sally 15 - Cool Alibi 15.5 {SS} - The Damned Don't Die 16 - The Big Steal 16.5 {SS} - The Wrong Woman 16.6 {SS} - Double Iniquity 17
The Reed Ferguson Series: Box Set 1-3 {Elvis and the Sports Card Cheat in 1 version set & is 3.5}
The Reed Ferguson Series: Books 4-6 The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series Boxset
NOVELLA: Walk Softly, Danger {12.5}
NOVELLA: Ace in the Hole {14.5}
• short story: Elvis And The Sports Card Cheat {3.5}
• short story: A Gun For Hire {13.5}
• short story: Cool Alibi {15.5}
• short story: The Big Steal {16.5}
• short story: The Wrong Woman {16.6}
Reed Ferguson Stories: Five Mystery Short Tales (The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series)
Life and the detecting business are running smoothly for private eye Reed Ferguson, until one of the Goofball Brothers goes missing. Reed leads the search and soon discovers Deuce's connection to some unscrupulous characters. As Reed learns more about Deuce's activities, the clues point to intrigue, danger and death. But will Reed find his friend alive, or will it be "Farewell, My Deuce."
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies 1 - Reel Estate Rip-off 2 - The Maltese Felon 3 - Farewell, My Deuce - Elvis and the Sports Card Cheat 3.5 {SS} - 4 Out of the Past 5 - Torch Scene 6 - The Lady Who Sang High 7 - Sweet Smell of Sucrets 8 - The Third Fan 9 - Back Story 10 - Night of the Hunted 11 - The Postman Always Brings Dice 12 - Walk Softly, Danger 12.5 {N} - Road Blocked 13 - A Gun For Hire 13.5 {SS} - Small Town Focus 14 - Ace In the Hole 14.5 {N} - Nightmare Sally 15 - Cool Alibi 15.5 {SS} - The Damned Don't Die 16 - The Big Steal 16.5 {SS} - The Wrong Woman 16.6 {SS} - Double Iniquity 17
The Reed Ferguson Series: Box Set 1-3 {Elvis and the Sports Card Cheat in 1 version set & is 3.5}
The Reed Ferguson Series: Books 4-6 The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series Boxset
NOVELLA: Walk Softly, Danger {12.5}
NOVELLA: Ace in the Hole {14.5}
• short story: Elvis And The Sports Card Cheat {3.5}
• short story: A Gun For Hire {13.5}
• short story: Cool Alibi {15.5}
• short story: The Big Steal {16.5}
• short story: The Wrong Woman {16.6}
Reed Ferguson Stories: Five Mystery Short Tales (The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series)
February 12, 2017
A good story
The is my first experience reading this author. A good lighthearted story, with a good mix of characters. I will be reading another of Pawlish's books soon.
The is my first experience reading this author. A good lighthearted story, with a good mix of characters. I will be reading another of Pawlish's books soon.
January 22, 2015
Published: 21/11/2013
Author: Renee Pawlish
Recommended for: fan's of 'who done it' novels and Young Adults
Edition: Kindle
I found this book on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought I would give it a try as I enjoy the thriller genre.... however I wouldn't really class it as a thriller it didn't grip my attention and get my mind wondering what would happen next, it is more of a 'friendly' thriller. With it being a kindle book there was alot of spelling mistakes and grammer problems which did lose it a star as it was annoying to keep correcting them. The main character wasn't very well described and developed throughout the story which would have added abit more depth to it and be able to relate to the characters. However it was still a good and enjoyable read and perfect for fan's of the who done it type books and for readers of YA's.
Author: Renee Pawlish
Recommended for: fan's of 'who done it' novels and Young Adults
Edition: Kindle
I found this book on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought I would give it a try as I enjoy the thriller genre.... however I wouldn't really class it as a thriller it didn't grip my attention and get my mind wondering what would happen next, it is more of a 'friendly' thriller. With it being a kindle book there was alot of spelling mistakes and grammer problems which did lose it a star as it was annoying to keep correcting them. The main character wasn't very well described and developed throughout the story which would have added abit more depth to it and be able to relate to the characters. However it was still a good and enjoyable read and perfect for fan's of the who done it type books and for readers of YA's.
April 3, 2015
Renée Pawlish just keeps getting better & better in the comic murder mystery genre. Pawlish's continuing development of her lead character, Reed Ferguson makes for an entertaining read as she feeds us movie trivia that both entertains & educates, all while being interwoven in the story. This time one of Reed's Goofball Brother friends is missing and it falls to Reed to find him, all the while continuing to develop Reed's love life.
The Reed Ferguson mystery series:
• Book 1: This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
• Book 2: Reel Estate Rip-off
• Book 3: The Maltese Felon
• Book 4: Farewell, My Deuce
• Book 5: Out Of The Past
• Book 6: Torch Scene
• Book 7: The Lady Who Sang High
• Book 8: Sweet Smell Of Sucrets
• Book 9: The Third Fan
• short story: Elvis And The Sports Card Cheat
Coming Soon: Night of the Hunted!
The Reed Ferguson mystery series:
• Book 1: This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
• Book 2: Reel Estate Rip-off
• Book 3: The Maltese Felon
• Book 4: Farewell, My Deuce
• Book 5: Out Of The Past
• Book 6: Torch Scene
• Book 7: The Lady Who Sang High
• Book 8: Sweet Smell Of Sucrets
• Book 9: The Third Fan
• short story: Elvis And The Sports Card Cheat
Coming Soon: Night of the Hunted!
July 27, 2015
Farewell, My Deuce is another fun detective story by Renee Pawlish. I hadn't read any of Renee's books until the 10th book, Back Story, came out recently. I really enjoyed her 10th book, so I quickly went back to read the earlier novels in the Reed Ferguson mystery series.
Reed's neighbor, Deuce, disappears one day and his brothers are frantic to locate him because Deuce is a very naive guy. Reed checks out Deuce's last known sighting, and the story takes off quickly. I couldn't wait to read the book each day to enjoy the film noir sarcasm and the antics that Reed goes through to find the culprits. I highly recommend Farewell, My Deuce to everyone that enjoys some laughs along with some crimes.
Reed's neighbor, Deuce, disappears one day and his brothers are frantic to locate him because Deuce is a very naive guy. Reed checks out Deuce's last known sighting, and the story takes off quickly. I couldn't wait to read the book each day to enjoy the film noir sarcasm and the antics that Reed goes through to find the culprits. I highly recommend Farewell, My Deuce to everyone that enjoys some laughs along with some crimes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews