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Greg McKenzie Mysteries #2
Designed to Kill
Did the architect/engineer of a new high-rise beachfront condo shoot himself over remorse when a balcony fell, killing two people? Or did someone else pull the trigger to solve a bigger problem? That's the dilemma retired Air Force OSI agent Greg McKenzie and his wife, Jill, face at Perdido Key, FL. When a couple of hoods beat him up and warn him to butt out, Greg knows its time to put a face on a murderer. Jill takes advantage of the opportunity to make a difference as she digs for answers in places where Greg's penchant for shaking the bushes leaves tempers smoldering. Working together as a team, they follow the serpentine trail that leads to a fateful confrontation.
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First published March 14, 2004
48 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Chester D. Campbell
16 books46 followersChester D. Campbell was born in Nashville, TN in 1925, smack in the midst of the "Roaring Twenties." Though too young for such at the time, he had visions of roaring "off into the wild blue yonder." After more than a year and a half of non-roaring during World War II, he left the service as an Aviation Cadet and studied journalism. His first taste of mysteries came early in his newspaper career when he read two novels by Horace McCoy. Over the next 42 years, he spun words as a reporter, freelance journalist, political speechwriter, advertising copywriter, magazine editor, and public relations pro. He kept his dream of creating mysteries alive and took up novel writing on retirement. He has currently published five Greg McKenzie Mysteries and two books featuring PI Sid Chance. He has added three Post Cold War thrillers and a standalone suspense story . The Greg McKenzie character had his origins in Campbell's Air Force experience. After serving as an intelligence officer in the Korean War, he remained in the Air National Guard, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He and his wife, Sarah, live in Nashville, TN.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 1, 2013
Enjoyable mystery with a great twist at the end. The book wasn't cluttered with superfluous characters. Nothing bothers me more than to introduce a character who you expect to be part of the storyline just to have his name not mentioned until 200 pages later. Why introduce those kinds of characters? Now that I have explained that, let me say that the author in this book tied all the characters into the main plot, and even the minor players were used enough to matter. Very good book.
October 11, 2019
In my reading I have grown to truly appreciate the ability of skillful writers to create such vivid scenes and landscapes that I am transported to their fictional place and time. I sometimes read great authors like William Kent Krueger and C.J. Box as much for their incredible settings as their remarkable stories. Last month I added another favorite to this list when I read See Also Proof by Larry Sweazy. This novel is the third in his Marjorie Tremaine series, but the first I’d read. (It won’t be the last.)
The novels take place in the Dakotas in the early 1960’s, which at first seemed like an unusual time and place to set his stories. But, as I waded into the novel, I found myself engulfed in the world of this lonely, but determined, widow, Marjorie Tremaine, on her farm in the desolate landscape of this land. I found Marjorie a credible and sympathetic character and enjoyed seeing the world of this rural area through her eyes, the author’s penchant for meticulous detail evident in the people, geography and climate. Through Marjorie, Sweazy is able to capture the sense of the time and place in stunning fashion, often in language that is compelling and poetic. Here is one passage I especially liked.
“Night returned right on schedule. There was no such thing as a lingering evening in January. Darkness arrived abruptly, showing up before the clock struck five as if the color black had ownership rights to the world.”
But where Sweazy really hooked me was in his description of the forbidding winter cold of these parts. Even though I was reading See Also Proof in the summer, in the middle of some of the hottest days of the year, I found myself so engrossed in the freezing details of the story, I was actually shivering. His depiction of the winter weather was authentic, dramatic, and provided the perfect setting the cold murder—both literally and figuratively—of his narrative.
Like several other authors I’ve discovered recently, I hadn’t known of Larry Sweezy’s work until I cracked open See Also Proof. Now I ready to jump into the earlier books in this series, and then check out his other two series as well. My reading list is expanding, in a really good way.
The novels take place in the Dakotas in the early 1960’s, which at first seemed like an unusual time and place to set his stories. But, as I waded into the novel, I found myself engulfed in the world of this lonely, but determined, widow, Marjorie Tremaine, on her farm in the desolate landscape of this land. I found Marjorie a credible and sympathetic character and enjoyed seeing the world of this rural area through her eyes, the author’s penchant for meticulous detail evident in the people, geography and climate. Through Marjorie, Sweazy is able to capture the sense of the time and place in stunning fashion, often in language that is compelling and poetic. Here is one passage I especially liked.
“Night returned right on schedule. There was no such thing as a lingering evening in January. Darkness arrived abruptly, showing up before the clock struck five as if the color black had ownership rights to the world.”
But where Sweazy really hooked me was in his description of the forbidding winter cold of these parts. Even though I was reading See Also Proof in the summer, in the middle of some of the hottest days of the year, I found myself so engrossed in the freezing details of the story, I was actually shivering. His depiction of the winter weather was authentic, dramatic, and provided the perfect setting the cold murder—both literally and figuratively—of his narrative.
Like several other authors I’ve discovered recently, I hadn’t known of Larry Sweezy’s work until I cracked open See Also Proof. Now I ready to jump into the earlier books in this series, and then check out his other two series as well. My reading list is expanding, in a really good way.
September 5, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so . Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so . Shelley MA
November 7, 2012
Campbell has written an extremely good mystery story here. His characters are realistic and human without some of the annoying cloying habits which seem to singularly identify a person in some modern mystery novels. I felt like each of the actions which the protagonist took required some sort of actual effort and time; no one was magically transported to the front of the line at the restaurant on a Friday evening and even the recovery from accidents seemed moderately real. In movies, of course, one receives a concussion, takes two aspirin and is off running down the street. Life doesn't work that way for Campbell.
I could not help but compare this to some of the other mystery novels I have read lately. While I admit that I think that the various Patterson novels have become formulaic and somewhat contrived, what really bothers me is that the writing never seems all that good. In Designed to Kill, we are introduced to things which have nothing directly to do with the plot but are there to give the story flavor and texture. In fact, the background is interesting because you have a feel for where you are and what is happening to the characters. When the protagonist drives a distance, you can feel that it is really a drive and when you stop for lunch, it's really lunch....along with all the temptations and roadblocks which accompany any real adult diet.
If I had one criticism, and it would be miniscule considering how good I think this book is, it would be that at the end, it came together somewhat suddenly. While I thought that the building investigation/ hearing might reveal some clues, I was not quite prepared for the barrage of telephone calls and sources providing information which fit together. The reality of it is that you always find someone who gets the information slightly wrong or, more likely, can't locate the necessary information at all.
The author redeemed himself by not putting the clues together in perfect order. Even though he had given us the main clue to the murderer in the book, it seemed realistic that no one would have thought of it as important until that time.... and then of course it was almost too late. Still the care with which the protagonist and his wife set the scene was in concert with how careful he had been throughout...so it made sense and yet caught the reader by surprise. I think that is the mark of an excellent writer.
I am giving this book 4 stars (which I rarely do with modern fiction) because I am so thrilled to have discovered such a worthwhile writer. You may be assured that I will read something else by him very soon when I want to kick back and relax with a good mystery.
I could not help but compare this to some of the other mystery novels I have read lately. While I admit that I think that the various Patterson novels have become formulaic and somewhat contrived, what really bothers me is that the writing never seems all that good. In Designed to Kill, we are introduced to things which have nothing directly to do with the plot but are there to give the story flavor and texture. In fact, the background is interesting because you have a feel for where you are and what is happening to the characters. When the protagonist drives a distance, you can feel that it is really a drive and when you stop for lunch, it's really lunch....along with all the temptations and roadblocks which accompany any real adult diet.
If I had one criticism, and it would be miniscule considering how good I think this book is, it would be that at the end, it came together somewhat suddenly. While I thought that the building investigation/ hearing might reveal some clues, I was not quite prepared for the barrage of telephone calls and sources providing information which fit together. The reality of it is that you always find someone who gets the information slightly wrong or, more likely, can't locate the necessary information at all.
The author redeemed himself by not putting the clues together in perfect order. Even though he had given us the main clue to the murderer in the book, it seemed realistic that no one would have thought of it as important until that time.... and then of course it was almost too late. Still the care with which the protagonist and his wife set the scene was in concert with how careful he had been throughout...so it made sense and yet caught the reader by surprise. I think that is the mark of an excellent writer.
I am giving this book 4 stars (which I rarely do with modern fiction) because I am so thrilled to have discovered such a worthwhile writer. You may be assured that I will read something else by him very soon when I want to kick back and relax with a good mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2013
I received a copy of Designed to Kill (Greg McKenzie Mysteries #2) as a free download on Amazon. In exchange, I offer this author this, my honest review.
I have been enjoying a number of mysteries of late. I’m not sure why I’ve been picking them up, but they have been a welcome change from my generally preferred genre. (This may be, in part because I don’t write mysteries. Thus, I don’t ever find myself wondering what might have happened if . . . . )
With a clear understanding of the area of Florida in which the story is set and a firm grasp of general construction principles, Campbell tells a tale in which McKenzie and his wife, Jill, set out to solve a mystery. The two seek to determine if the death of the son of their best friends, a man who built an upscale beachfront condominium, was a suicide—as had been claimed—or murder. With the assistance of some locals and friends from McKenzie’s former law enforcement days, McKenzie and Jill thwart the efforts of those seeking to keep facts buried while avoiding the local mafia types and upsetting law enforcement personnel. Together, they unravel the mystery, bring the culprits to justice, and are able to bring some peace to their best friends.
Designed to Kill moved quickly, included sufficient elements of surprise to keep me reading, and drew a believable relationship between McKenzie and Jill. As is often the test for me with books in series, I had to ask myself if I would read more. The answer is a simple “yes!”
Also posted on www.Oathtaker.com, at PatriciaReding.BookLikes.com and on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
I have been enjoying a number of mysteries of late. I’m not sure why I’ve been picking them up, but they have been a welcome change from my generally preferred genre. (This may be, in part because I don’t write mysteries. Thus, I don’t ever find myself wondering what might have happened if . . . . )
With a clear understanding of the area of Florida in which the story is set and a firm grasp of general construction principles, Campbell tells a tale in which McKenzie and his wife, Jill, set out to solve a mystery. The two seek to determine if the death of the son of their best friends, a man who built an upscale beachfront condominium, was a suicide—as had been claimed—or murder. With the assistance of some locals and friends from McKenzie’s former law enforcement days, McKenzie and Jill thwart the efforts of those seeking to keep facts buried while avoiding the local mafia types and upsetting law enforcement personnel. Together, they unravel the mystery, bring the culprits to justice, and are able to bring some peace to their best friends.
Designed to Kill moved quickly, included sufficient elements of surprise to keep me reading, and drew a believable relationship between McKenzie and Jill. As is often the test for me with books in series, I had to ask myself if I would read more. The answer is a simple “yes!”
Also posted on www.Oathtaker.com, at PatriciaReding.BookLikes.com and on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
September 26, 2013
Second in a series. I picked it up as I thought it might teach me something about the work process in architecture, but it was more of a traditional murder mystery tied to the rhythms of a happy, healthy retirement lifestyle, AARP-focused demographic, set in the south (mostly Florida but also Tennessee, Alabama). At first I found the author's penchant for throwing in so many details irritating--not because I don't like details, but so much about fashion of every character, or the range of items on a menu, or all the steps and reasons for a secondary character's therapy exercises--these details weren't establishing mood, or developing character, or advancing plot, they seemed to be slowing down movement of the narrative forward so much I was getting exasperated.
Then I realized, I was supposed to slow down and not be in such a hurry. The target audience are retired folks who want a pleasant diversion with a hero (and his lovely wife) that they can identify with and admire. I do credit the author for having a good command of the language needed and for knowing the routine of an investigator--and for including some of the duller but necessary elements of that routine. The story did build toward the climax, too, so once I settled in I enjoyed the leisurely pace and the rising tension.
Then I realized, I was supposed to slow down and not be in such a hurry. The target audience are retired folks who want a pleasant diversion with a hero (and his lovely wife) that they can identify with and admire. I do credit the author for having a good command of the language needed and for knowing the routine of an investigator--and for including some of the duller but necessary elements of that routine. The story did build toward the climax, too, so once I settled in I enjoyed the leisurely pace and the rising tension.
January 20, 2015
Refreshing take on the detective mysteries that I've read in the past. Chester Campbell's book is a first for me in his writings and I must say I have not been disappointed. There wasn't the usual 'over-the-top-testestosterone' one usually reads in a male lead detective or investigator, there wasn't the slut-of-the-century-sex-kitten that some writers typically fall back on; there wasn't the bumbling-yet-smart-detective that others seem to to think readers enjoy.
No, Chester creates a retired couple that have been together, lived a life and now investigate murder mysteries for friends. Without the previous trappings mentioned, Chester leaves room for actual investigation that utilizes a mind over brawn, a loving and caring husband who only has eyes for his wife and a wife that will do anything for her husband. Even question murder suspects. Chester describes each character with the same detail, leaving no stone unturned.
His scenes are descriptive without getting bogged down in details. The sand, the ocean, the condominiums and so forth, bring forth images that help scene after scene fly by. I was pleasantly surprised and if another of Chester's books come up, I'll be sure to give a second look.
I would give Designed to Kill 4.5 stars.
No, Chester creates a retired couple that have been together, lived a life and now investigate murder mysteries for friends. Without the previous trappings mentioned, Chester leaves room for actual investigation that utilizes a mind over brawn, a loving and caring husband who only has eyes for his wife and a wife that will do anything for her husband. Even question murder suspects. Chester describes each character with the same detail, leaving no stone unturned.
His scenes are descriptive without getting bogged down in details. The sand, the ocean, the condominiums and so forth, bring forth images that help scene after scene fly by. I was pleasantly surprised and if another of Chester's books come up, I'll be sure to give a second look.
I would give Designed to Kill 4.5 stars.
June 8, 2013
Retired Air Force investigator Greg McKenzie can’t refuse when his best friend asks him to investigate the alleged suicide of his son, though he’s uncertain how it might be handled if the result proves it to be true.
Police contend the son, a design engineer, took his own life out of remorse after a structural defect resulted in the deaths of guests at the opening of a luxury condominium in Florida.
Greg and his wife, Jill, are an engaging couple it would be a delight to know. Their honesty and dedication to clearing the reputation of their friend’s son lands them in a heap of trouble—both with scoundrels and the police—as they go about asking questions and probing in touchy places.
They soon discover chicanery on the part of the developer and his minions, an inspector who’s willing to look the other way and even the influence of Mafia goons. Convincing hard-headed local police, however, is another matter.
This is an entertaining second entry in the Greg McKenzie series, cleverly plotted with good characterization and dialogue. There’s a nice twist at the end, too.
Police contend the son, a design engineer, took his own life out of remorse after a structural defect resulted in the deaths of guests at the opening of a luxury condominium in Florida.
Greg and his wife, Jill, are an engaging couple it would be a delight to know. Their honesty and dedication to clearing the reputation of their friend’s son lands them in a heap of trouble—both with scoundrels and the police—as they go about asking questions and probing in touchy places.
They soon discover chicanery on the part of the developer and his minions, an inspector who’s willing to look the other way and even the influence of Mafia goons. Convincing hard-headed local police, however, is another matter.
This is an entertaining second entry in the Greg McKenzie series, cleverly plotted with good characterization and dialogue. There’s a nice twist at the end, too.
October 7, 2012
Entertaining mystery with a polished "professional feel" to the writing. A sensible, mature couple star as the amateur detectives with the investigation talents provided logically by the main character's military investigators' background.
Fast action in the opening that hooks the reader quickly, well developed characters and a realistic and unusual plot line that twists in unexpected ways. Refreshing to find main characters without major character defects, neuroses and addictions and action that doesn't rely on someone doing something really stupid to advance the plot.
My only criticism would be the unfortunate emphasis on rather obstructive, rude local police officers which does seem to be one of the standard practices in many 'amateur sleuth' mysteries.
Fast action in the opening that hooks the reader quickly, well developed characters and a realistic and unusual plot line that twists in unexpected ways. Refreshing to find main characters without major character defects, neuroses and addictions and action that doesn't rely on someone doing something really stupid to advance the plot.
My only criticism would be the unfortunate emphasis on rather obstructive, rude local police officers which does seem to be one of the standard practices in many 'amateur sleuth' mysteries.
December 13, 2014
The writing in this book is the best I've seen in a while. I've come to expect errors and editing problems to at least a minor degree; in fact, I've quit commenting on the need for editing unless the problems are extensive. I didn't notice a single error in this book, and the writing style is relaxed and easy to follow. The characters were likable and competent--they didn't go downstairs alone in the dark in response to a strange noise or commit a dozen felonies in the course of the investigation. A good story well-told.
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July 16, 2016A compelling who done it.
I got this book free on bookbub but will definitely read more from this author. This story kept me interested from start to finish. I enjoyed that although the main investigator is the husband, he gives his wife credit for cleverly worming vital information from sources that help to crack the case. The story did not have to rely on descriptive blood and gore scenes, sweating sex or foul language to keep in reader interested. The chemistry between the two protagonists and the twists and turns of the investigation made this a good read.
I got this book free on bookbub but will definitely read more from this author. This story kept me interested from start to finish. I enjoyed that although the main investigator is the husband, he gives his wife credit for cleverly worming vital information from sources that help to crack the case. The story did not have to rely on descriptive blood and gore scenes, sweating sex or foul language to keep in reader interested. The chemistry between the two protagonists and the twists and turns of the investigation made this a good read.
March 3, 2013
I almost didn't download this book because a typo in the description had me worried about quality. But I definitely don't regret my choice. A very enjoyable read and decently edited (not perfect, but few are). A nice stable first person POV after a third omniscient intro. I would definitely be interested in more of the series. I didn't even suspect there was an earlier book until well into it and was able to follow all of it. No background dumps. It really felt like an independent novel.
January 16, 2015
another good Greg McKenzie mystery
Greg and Jill are pulled into the fire again. While they investigate the apparent suicide of their best friends son, they become embroiled in murder and beatings and general incompetence on the part of many. Greg and Jill take on the part of unlicensed Private Investigators. I never saw the murderer coming and was quite surprised several times. Recommend this lite fun read
Greg and Jill are pulled into the fire again. While they investigate the apparent suicide of their best friends son, they become embroiled in murder and beatings and general incompetence on the part of many. Greg and Jill take on the part of unlicensed Private Investigators. I never saw the murderer coming and was quite surprised several times. Recommend this lite fun read
February 28, 2014
This was a well-written mystery about a husband and wife team solving a crime for a friend. The characters were likeable, the story was good, but there wasn't an extreme amount of intensity. For those who prefer mysteries that aren't gory, violent and bloody, this will be a good choice. I enjoyed it.
May 23, 2014
This caught my eye because the main character is from Nashville, yet maintains a beach condo in Perdido Key. Given my connection with the 2, I thought I'd give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised & enjoyed this sleuth story. Nice to see a couple near my age as the P.I.'s & loved all the TN & FLA/ALA references.
November 4, 2013
C. D. Campbell really needs a good editor. The details of what people are wearing, the car they are driving, what the house and shrubbery look like do nothing g for the mystery. I forced myself to finish the book.
July 13, 2014
A balcony collapse results in two deaths. Did Tim. Sam's son, commit suicide? Greg McKenzie and his wife, Jill, set out to find the truth.
Greg is an ex air force criminal investigator. A good job was done describing the scenes.
Greg is an ex air force criminal investigator. A good job was done describing the scenes.
October 17, 2010
Chester Campbell writes believable characters and spins a good mystery.
September 23, 2013
Really enjoyed the book, loved the characters and the action. Will read more of his books. The characters seemed real and the plot moved well.
September 30, 2013
Pleasant surprise with an interesting plot, I love the main characters.
March 17, 2014
a well writtem mystery, it has a good pace, likable, realistic characters and enough clues and twists to keep the reader guessing!
July 8, 2014
I found it a little bit slow in the beginning. Wound up enjoying this book. Wouldn't mind reading another book in this series.
December 16, 2014
Didn't finish
Even as an avid reader, e could not get into this story. Perhaps it was me perhaps it was the storyline. Judge for yourself.
Even as an avid reader, e could not get into this story. Perhaps it was me perhaps it was the storyline. Judge for yourself.
February 12, 2016
Enthralling!
Campbell does an excellent job! This good clean story is captivating. The characters come alive. When I was reading I just couldn't put it down!
Campbell does an excellent job! This good clean story is captivating. The characters come alive. When I was reading I just couldn't put it down!
October 4, 2016
I actually enjoyed this one. The writer did a good job of playing it out until the end. Nicely done.
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May 17, 2019Read a long time ago
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews