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The third in H.N. Hirsch's "Bob & Marcus Mystery" series, RAIN follows defense attorney Bob Abramson as he defends Kenny Glick, a student of Professor Marcus George's at the University of California San Diego, from a murder charge. Bob and his partner Marcus had moved to Southern California from Cambridge when Marcus had left his teaching job at Harvard and Bob, having passed the bar, became an assistant District Attorney for San Diego County. Now in private practice, he's determined to give Kenny the best possible defense--no matter the odds against him.
- GenresMystery
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2024
3 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
H.N. Hirsch
8 books8 followersH N Hirsch was a professor of political science for 40 years. When he retired, he realized a lifetime ambition to write mystery novels. The first, "Shade," was published in 2022. The sequel, "Fault Line," will be published June 1, 2023.
Visit his website at scribble-and-scratch.com
Visit his website at scribble-and-scratch.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 10, 2024
If I were to review this in a short sentence, I'd say: "enjoyable but not as good as the first one!"
As crime/mystery narratives go, Rain is quite enjoyable. I liked the inner workings of a murder investigation from the point of view of the defence lawyer. The details were revealed at a good pace, making the story gripping. But there were some things that bugged me. One is that Marcus barely features here, compared with the first book. He's relegated to the role of the husband, a minor character that almost had no importance in the grand scheme of things!. Also the second narrative line involving Bob's family, felt unnecessary to me. I guess from the point of view of Rain being part o series, you do need some development around the main characters; but it seriously slowed down the main story to the point were I really wanted to skip the family related chapters! And last, but not least, something about the writing felt off. At times it felt stilted, bullet point lines rather than a flowing narrative. As if the writer didn't know what else to say so he just ended the chapter, or just wrote anything to make the word count! I guess this could happen when you have to deliver book after book in a short period of time...
That being said, Rain is still a good story and I'd love to read another Bob and Marcus novel!
*Book from BookSirens in exchange for a voluntary review! Many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read it!
As crime/mystery narratives go, Rain is quite enjoyable. I liked the inner workings of a murder investigation from the point of view of the defence lawyer. The details were revealed at a good pace, making the story gripping. But there were some things that bugged me. One is that Marcus barely features here, compared with the first book. He's relegated to the role of the husband, a minor character that almost had no importance in the grand scheme of things!. Also the second narrative line involving Bob's family, felt unnecessary to me. I guess from the point of view of Rain being part o series, you do need some development around the main characters; but it seriously slowed down the main story to the point were I really wanted to skip the family related chapters! And last, but not least, something about the writing felt off. At times it felt stilted, bullet point lines rather than a flowing narrative. As if the writer didn't know what else to say so he just ended the chapter, or just wrote anything to make the word count! I guess this could happen when you have to deliver book after book in a short period of time...
That being said, Rain is still a good story and I'd love to read another Bob and Marcus novel!
*Book from BookSirens in exchange for a voluntary review! Many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read it!
March 25, 2025
Rain (Bob and Marcus Mysteries, 3)
By H. N. Hirsch
Pisgah Press, 2023
Five stars
Set in the mid-1990s, this third of the Bob and Marcus mysteries is a quietly double-barreled story of murder on the one hand and family drama on the other. Bob Abramson and Marcus George have been together for ten years. Settled in San Diego, Bob has his own law practice, and Marcus is on the faculty at U.C. San Diego. While it’s odd to think of a book like this as a historical novel, it is a world before the Internet and hand-held devices ruled our lives. It’s also a world I remember vividly, since Marcus and I are the same age. The quiet domestic life he and Bob have forged resonates nicely with my life.
Yes, the core narrative focuses on Bob taking on a murder case against one of Marcus’s students; but a strong second narrative theme revolves around Bob’s family—his parents Ruth and Jake, his brother and sister-in-law Alex and Carol, and their son Jay. It is a powerful truth that this committed gay couple is supported by an extended family, a family whose own drama pulls Bob away from an increasingly unsettling murder investigation.
It's not just that we watch Bob give his all for his client, with the support of his partner, long before same-sex marriage was on the table. We also watch Bob struggle emotionally when those he loves most are in trouble. Again it is with Marcus’s support that he manages the personal struggle. They are not super-heroes; they’re just men looking for happiness in the only way they know how.
H.N. Hirsch is very deft in his weaving of the two plotlines together. Yes, it’s murder, but it’s also a life being lived, with all the quiet traumas and upsets that feel far more real than explosions or gunfights. To paraphrase a conversation at the end of the book, there’s the law, and then there’s real life.
The ending is, I hope, a set up for whatever the next book in this series will be. I feel very attached to Bob and Marcus, and don’t want to let them go yet.
By H. N. Hirsch
Pisgah Press, 2023
Five stars
Set in the mid-1990s, this third of the Bob and Marcus mysteries is a quietly double-barreled story of murder on the one hand and family drama on the other. Bob Abramson and Marcus George have been together for ten years. Settled in San Diego, Bob has his own law practice, and Marcus is on the faculty at U.C. San Diego. While it’s odd to think of a book like this as a historical novel, it is a world before the Internet and hand-held devices ruled our lives. It’s also a world I remember vividly, since Marcus and I are the same age. The quiet domestic life he and Bob have forged resonates nicely with my life.
Yes, the core narrative focuses on Bob taking on a murder case against one of Marcus’s students; but a strong second narrative theme revolves around Bob’s family—his parents Ruth and Jake, his brother and sister-in-law Alex and Carol, and their son Jay. It is a powerful truth that this committed gay couple is supported by an extended family, a family whose own drama pulls Bob away from an increasingly unsettling murder investigation.
It's not just that we watch Bob give his all for his client, with the support of his partner, long before same-sex marriage was on the table. We also watch Bob struggle emotionally when those he loves most are in trouble. Again it is with Marcus’s support that he manages the personal struggle. They are not super-heroes; they’re just men looking for happiness in the only way they know how.
H.N. Hirsch is very deft in his weaving of the two plotlines together. Yes, it’s murder, but it’s also a life being lived, with all the quiet traumas and upsets that feel far more real than explosions or gunfights. To paraphrase a conversation at the end of the book, there’s the law, and then there’s real life.
The ending is, I hope, a set up for whatever the next book in this series will be. I feel very attached to Bob and Marcus, and don’t want to let them go yet.
September 29, 2024
So I came into this expecting a murder case. Which sort of happened but not really. The ending was, predictable. Just, overall it felt slow and disjointed. It didn’t take long before the issues begun to show.
The first one is the chapters. Not starting on a new page isn’t really a big deal. I’ve done this. The problem is sometimes they were still in the same scene, so it was odd they were there. And the other times enough time had passed to warrant a chapter start so they made sense. So it was giving ‘I’m just going to put a new chapter here because it feels right.’ Almost as if the author genuinely didn’t understand how chapters work and an editor didn’t sort it out.
This is a period piece. And when I say that, I was 10 when this book happens and I’m now 43. So we are talking 30 years ago. That definitely should’ve been mentioned in the blurb even though this is a third book because it reads well enough without the first two. It does explain some of the judgemental or preachy expects of the story. You really cannot avoid the author’s opinions on things. There is no subtly about it at all.
Then, unfortunately, there were continuity errors. The coffee ones stand out. I honestly thought I was losing my mind a few times but there were at least three I can readily remember where second coffee was happening and I went back to see if I had missed something but no, first coffee had not happened. There was even one instance where the character got of the phone walked into another room to explain something and then… they hung up the phone. I reread that passage a good three times or more cause I was sure I must’ve missed something… I didn’t.
for the full review go here Reading Is My Drug
The first one is the chapters. Not starting on a new page isn’t really a big deal. I’ve done this. The problem is sometimes they were still in the same scene, so it was odd they were there. And the other times enough time had passed to warrant a chapter start so they made sense. So it was giving ‘I’m just going to put a new chapter here because it feels right.’ Almost as if the author genuinely didn’t understand how chapters work and an editor didn’t sort it out.
This is a period piece. And when I say that, I was 10 when this book happens and I’m now 43. So we are talking 30 years ago. That definitely should’ve been mentioned in the blurb even though this is a third book because it reads well enough without the first two. It does explain some of the judgemental or preachy expects of the story. You really cannot avoid the author’s opinions on things. There is no subtly about it at all.
Then, unfortunately, there were continuity errors. The coffee ones stand out. I honestly thought I was losing my mind a few times but there were at least three I can readily remember where second coffee was happening and I went back to see if I had missed something but no, first coffee had not happened. There was even one instance where the character got of the phone walked into another room to explain something and then… they hung up the phone. I reread that passage a good three times or more cause I was sure I must’ve missed something… I didn’t.
for the full review go here Reading Is My Drug
June 5, 2025
A murder among the elite puts Bob and Marcus in a game of cat and mouse most deadly. Rain is a classic courtroom mystery even Perry Mason would applaud. Every detail of the investigation and trial is expressed through narration, action, and intriguing characters. This mystery will captivate readers until the very last page.
Let's start with the characters. Marcus and Bob are a loving couple living in San Diego. Bob is a lawyer and Marcus is a professor at UCSD. Their personal lives are like any other couple. I enjoyed reading from their viewpoints.
Kenny is arrested and charged with murder. He seems like a regular university guy. His personality is surprisingly complex and most of it he keeps hidden. I connected with him.
The rest of the characters are extremely well-written. The author only reveals what he wants the reader to know at any given time. The foreshadowing is subtle yet brilliant.
The mystery itself is well-plotted with a large cast of characters to sift through. The tension is taut, and the reader is thrown into the investigation. False clues and hidden agendas play a big role. Well done.
The ending caught me by surprise. I wasn't sure what to make of it at first. After I let it stew in my mind, I decided it's a solid ending with a cliffhanger. A brain teaser leaving the reader wanting more.
If you love courtroom drama and murder mystery, you'll be drawn in with Rain.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Let's start with the characters. Marcus and Bob are a loving couple living in San Diego. Bob is a lawyer and Marcus is a professor at UCSD. Their personal lives are like any other couple. I enjoyed reading from their viewpoints.
Kenny is arrested and charged with murder. He seems like a regular university guy. His personality is surprisingly complex and most of it he keeps hidden. I connected with him.
The rest of the characters are extremely well-written. The author only reveals what he wants the reader to know at any given time. The foreshadowing is subtle yet brilliant.
The mystery itself is well-plotted with a large cast of characters to sift through. The tension is taut, and the reader is thrown into the investigation. False clues and hidden agendas play a big role. Well done.
The ending caught me by surprise. I wasn't sure what to make of it at first. After I let it stew in my mind, I decided it's a solid ending with a cliffhanger. A brain teaser leaving the reader wanting more.
If you love courtroom drama and murder mystery, you'll be drawn in with Rain.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
August 28, 2024
This is the third book in the Bob & Marcus mystery series and I was lucky enough to get a free copy in return for an honest review.
I have read all three books in this series but I read the first two a while ago and I will obviously have to revisit them as the details of the books are not clear. Please note, however, you don't have to read the first two books to appreciate the third. It is easy to work out the dynamics of this partnership.
In Rain, Bob and Marcus' relationship is evolving and Bob, especially, is forced to confront a possible personal tragedy. I really enjoy watching couples as their relationships develop and mature.
The book was well written although, at times, I felt that the writing was a little pedestrian. At no time, however, did I want to stop reading. I was engaged at all times. I usually work out whodunit very easily but I wasn't right this time. I had several scenarios moving around in my head but I ended up being wrong.
Although the mystery is solved within this book there are a couple of points which I hope will be resolved in the next book. I will be reading the next book to see what happens.
Definitely recommended.
I have read all three books in this series but I read the first two a while ago and I will obviously have to revisit them as the details of the books are not clear. Please note, however, you don't have to read the first two books to appreciate the third. It is easy to work out the dynamics of this partnership.
In Rain, Bob and Marcus' relationship is evolving and Bob, especially, is forced to confront a possible personal tragedy. I really enjoy watching couples as their relationships develop and mature.
The book was well written although, at times, I felt that the writing was a little pedestrian. At no time, however, did I want to stop reading. I was engaged at all times. I usually work out whodunit very easily but I wasn't right this time. I had several scenarios moving around in my head but I ended up being wrong.
Although the mystery is solved within this book there are a couple of points which I hope will be resolved in the next book. I will be reading the next book to see what happens.
Definitely recommended.
October 8, 2024
I found myself relating more to Marcus in this tale. After all, he was the one who introduced Kenny, one of his students, to Bob, his partner, who happened to be a lawyer.
The premise of this tale is Kenny finding himself in all kinds of legal trouble and not knowing what to do. Bob, though exceptionally busy in his practice, decided to take on Kenny’s case. However, the more he talked to Kenny the more frustrated he got with him. Kenny, as it turns out, didn’t tell Bob everything … naturally, when Bob found out, he’d question Kenny further who still told him half-truths, if that. There was so much more to Kenny than I was expecting. I liked the realism that was portrayed with Kenny not being one hundred percent truthful.
What I really enjoyed about this tale was the courtroom scene near the end of the book. The back-and-forth trying to figure out what happened to the victim, Cathy. And then the verdict, and then the even bigger twist right at the end. That’s what really got my attention, that last final twist.
The premise of this tale is Kenny finding himself in all kinds of legal trouble and not knowing what to do. Bob, though exceptionally busy in his practice, decided to take on Kenny’s case. However, the more he talked to Kenny the more frustrated he got with him. Kenny, as it turns out, didn’t tell Bob everything … naturally, when Bob found out, he’d question Kenny further who still told him half-truths, if that. There was so much more to Kenny than I was expecting. I liked the realism that was portrayed with Kenny not being one hundred percent truthful.
What I really enjoyed about this tale was the courtroom scene near the end of the book. The back-and-forth trying to figure out what happened to the victim, Cathy. And then the verdict, and then the even bigger twist right at the end. That’s what really got my attention, that last final twist.
June 26, 2024
This is the first book I have read in the series, but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of this legal mystery-thriller. When one of Marcus George’s students tells him he is to be charged with the murder of a fellow student and lover, Marcus knows who to turn to for legal help. His partner, Bob Abramson, is a defence attorney and against his better judgement and workload, he takes on Kenny Glick’s case. Against their doubts, they seek flaws in the prosecution’s case and discover a history of sexual promiscuity, and group and violent sex acts linking people of power and position.
H.N. Hirsch’s writing shows a firm understanding of the legal process, and he documents the investigation in detail. We learn of Bob and Marcus’ relationship, family, and love, and who could not fall for Oscar the dog? This is a well-written novel that those who enjoy detailed legal cases and investigations will devour.
H.N. Hirsch’s writing shows a firm understanding of the legal process, and he documents the investigation in detail. We learn of Bob and Marcus’ relationship, family, and love, and who could not fall for Oscar the dog? This is a well-written novel that those who enjoy detailed legal cases and investigations will devour.
August 22, 2024
I was very engaged and entertained by the characters and the story. The author does a good job of putting the reader in the shoes of a criminal defense attorney preparing to defend a grad student charged with murder as new surprises keep arising in the investigation/case preparation process. As in the two previous volumes of this mystery series, the excellent character development makes the readers feel as if they "know" the major characters. Certainly, the human aspects of relationships and family stresses that the author weaves into the story serve to keep the reader even more interested and engaged. Did I know along the way just how the mystery story would end? No. The surprises kept me hooked and I look forward to the next volume in the series. Highly recommended.
September 28, 2024
Enjoyable read that keeps you guessing
This is a well-written mystery that keeps you guessing. The author has a professional background in law and politics, which shines through in his plot details and character descriptions. Characters are likable and there are enough details to help the reader paint a full picture in their mind without bogging down the story with unnecessary details.
This is a well-written mystery that keeps you guessing. The author has a professional background in law and politics, which shines through in his plot details and character descriptions. Characters are likable and there are enough details to help the reader paint a full picture in their mind without bogging down the story with unnecessary details.
August 30, 2024
This is the third book of the Bob & Marcus mystery series. All books are stand alones. Bob is an attorney & Marcus a college professor. One of Marcus' student's is arrested for the murder of his girlfriend & Marcus asks Bob, his husband to defend him. Lies, deceit & murder make for a pretty riveting story. I will add books 1 & 2 to my TBR list. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 13, 2024
Read this out of order. Do not usually read crime novels but enjoyed this. Will read 'next' even though it is an earlier novel in this series. (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
August 4, 2024
This is my first book by this author and I am impressed. I had always been a fan of Grisham, but Hirsch is better because not only does he include the investigation but also includes the personal relating to the lawyer and his partner.
The plot is quite clear although it takes time to unravel and has Bob's family issues as side stories. I also appreciated the academia portrayal as someone who has spent my life in that environment - specifically the comment about content vs where published (prestige).
I shed a few tears about 3/4 of the way in where Bob and Marcus relive their early courting.
I will be delighted when I get an opportunity to read the two earler books in the series and I do hope that series continues to more releases.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The plot is quite clear although it takes time to unravel and has Bob's family issues as side stories. I also appreciated the academia portrayal as someone who has spent my life in that environment - specifically the comment about content vs where published (prestige).
I shed a few tears about 3/4 of the way in where Bob and Marcus relive their early courting.
I will be delighted when I get an opportunity to read the two earler books in the series and I do hope that series continues to more releases.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews