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Inspector Rebecca Mayfield Mystery #1
One O'Clock Hustle
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
Homicide Inspector Rebecca Mayfield and Richie Amalfi were introduced in the Angie Amalfi mysteries, and they now have their own mystery series. This is their first full-length story.
When San Francisco Homicide Inspector Rebecca Mayfield arrives at the scene of a deadly shooting, she's shocked to find that the witnesses have caught the killer, and that he's someone she knows. Rebecca's a by-the-book detective, and she's always done her job according to the rules, without hesitation ... until Richie Amalfi comes back into her life.
Richie knows his way around everything and everyone in his city. When people say they "know a guy who knows a guy," Richie's the guy they're talking about. He can usually help people out of tight situations, but suddenly finds he can't get himself out of hot water when he's accused of murder.
Richie's on the run, and he runs straight to Rebecca to help him prove his innocence. From the nightclubs of North Beach to the scenic heights of Twin Peaks, dangers lurk and more deaths happen. As Rebecca discovers there's a lot more to Richie than she thought, and a lot more to like than she imagined, she soon fears not only for her life, but also her heart.
Homicide Inspector Rebecca Mayfield and Richie Amalfi were introduced in the Angie Amalfi mysteries, and they now have their own mystery series. This is their first full-length story.
When San Francisco Homicide Inspector Rebecca Mayfield arrives at the scene of a deadly shooting, she's shocked to find that the witnesses have caught the killer, and that he's someone she knows. Rebecca's a by-the-book detective, and she's always done her job according to the rules, without hesitation ... until Richie Amalfi comes back into her life.
Richie knows his way around everything and everyone in his city. When people say they "know a guy who knows a guy," Richie's the guy they're talking about. He can usually help people out of tight situations, but suddenly finds he can't get himself out of hot water when he's accused of murder.
Richie's on the run, and he runs straight to Rebecca to help him prove his innocence. From the nightclubs of North Beach to the scenic heights of Twin Peaks, dangers lurk and more deaths happen. As Rebecca discovers there's a lot more to Richie than she thought, and a lot more to like than she imagined, she soon fears not only for her life, but also her heart.
249 pages, ebook
First published March 14, 2014
1970 people are currently reading
2402 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Pence
76 books192 followersJoanne Pence is a USA Today best-selling and award winning author of two mystery series, contemporary and historical romance, fantasy and thrillers. She is the author of the Angie Amalfi culinary mystery series, which is still in print after twenty years, and now has 15 books (the latest, COOKING SPIRITS was an April 2013 release), and a novella (Cook's Christmas Capers, Dec. 2013). She has just begun a new series, the Rebecca Mayfield mysteries. ONE O'CLOCK HUSTLE is the first full-length novel, and THE THIRTEENTH SANTA is a novella which shows how the two main characters met.
Joanne's books have won many awards and honors, including RWA's Golden Heart and Rita Award nominations, the Independent Book Seller's Golden Quill, the Daphne du Maurier award, the Willa Cather Literary Award in Historical Fiction (for DANCE WITH A GUNFIGHTER), and the Idaho Top Fiction Award for ANCIENT ECHOES.
Joanne was born and raised in San Francisco and now makes her home in the foothills of Boise. She has been president of the Boise chapter of Sisters in Crime, a founder and board member of the Popular Fiction Association of Idaho, and founding member and current board member of the Idaho Writers Guild. A graduate of U.C. Berkeley with a master's degree in journalism, Joanne has written for magazines, worked for the federal government, and taught school in Japan.
Joanne's books have won many awards and honors, including RWA's Golden Heart and Rita Award nominations, the Independent Book Seller's Golden Quill, the Daphne du Maurier award, the Willa Cather Literary Award in Historical Fiction (for DANCE WITH A GUNFIGHTER), and the Idaho Top Fiction Award for ANCIENT ECHOES.
Joanne was born and raised in San Francisco and now makes her home in the foothills of Boise. She has been president of the Boise chapter of Sisters in Crime, a founder and board member of the Popular Fiction Association of Idaho, and founding member and current board member of the Idaho Writers Guild. A graduate of U.C. Berkeley with a master's degree in journalism, Joanne has written for magazines, worked for the federal government, and taught school in Japan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
May 10, 2014
On her website, author Joanne Pence says, " I hope you'll enjoy my stories." That sentiment is worth noting. because nowadays, many mystery writers don't seem to share that hope. Instead, their writing seems to be saying. "l hope you'll find my stories disgusting, shocking, and far-fetched." Not so Ms. Pence. Her stories, and in this instance, One O'Clock Hustle, feel real and worth spending your time reading.
First of all, the settings are seem real—even to a former resident of San Francisco. The tale itself seems perfectly plausible—no need for unlikely serial killers who dine on the body parts of their victims. But most of all, Ms. Pence's characters are real and—whether good or bad—sympathetic, with plausible personal problems.
I suspect that most of her readers, like me, will have had personal experience of attraction to a person with whom they have little in common, on the surface. They may even, like the protagonist, Inspector Rebecca Mayfield, experience that attraction to a person who is supposed to be taboo. Readers who've had such experiences will find themselves unable to stop reading about Inspector Mayfield's coping with that very situation—while simultaneously attempting to solve a tangled web of murders.
I love mystery detectives who solve crimes using logic. I particularly love the ones who, in order to solve those crimes, must expand their personal definition of "logic." Inspector Mayfield does just that, and I love her for it. You will, too.
First of all, the settings are seem real—even to a former resident of San Francisco. The tale itself seems perfectly plausible—no need for unlikely serial killers who dine on the body parts of their victims. But most of all, Ms. Pence's characters are real and—whether good or bad—sympathetic, with plausible personal problems.
I suspect that most of her readers, like me, will have had personal experience of attraction to a person with whom they have little in common, on the surface. They may even, like the protagonist, Inspector Rebecca Mayfield, experience that attraction to a person who is supposed to be taboo. Readers who've had such experiences will find themselves unable to stop reading about Inspector Mayfield's coping with that very situation—while simultaneously attempting to solve a tangled web of murders.
I love mystery detectives who solve crimes using logic. I particularly love the ones who, in order to solve those crimes, must expand their personal definition of "logic." Inspector Mayfield does just that, and I love her for it. You will, too.
May 17, 2014
Read this because I needed a change, something different and unexpected, and this popped across my radar due to someone else in my Goodreads network reading it. I don't typically read mysteries, so this looked interesting.
Generally, I found the prose mediocre, with shallow caricatures full of cliches, but the plot was decent. It was also a quick read.
Generally, I found the prose mediocre, with shallow caricatures full of cliches, but the plot was decent. It was also a quick read.
August 3, 2017
Rated 3.5 stars
January 19, 2017
This is a ridiculously unbelievable set-up. If she had as little sense as she shows in this book, Rebecca would never have lasted as a police officer. The writing itself is not bad, so I lasted through 25% of the book hoping it would improve. She just does one dumb thing after another.
June 6, 2021
One O'Clock Hustle by Joanne Pence is the first book in the Inspector Rebecca Mayfield Mystery series and a spin off the Angie Amalfi Mystery series. Inspector Rebecca Mayfield is called to the scene of a homicide only to find the main suspect is a former acquaintance Richie Amalfi. An enjoyable, fast-paced mystery with plenty of action and a little romance. It is nice to have a man that can cook for you. A nice start to what looks like a fun series.
July 15, 2014
Joanne Pence plays with the cop-cozy dynamic in One O'Clock Hustle by making the cop a woman and the damsel-in-distress a dude-in-distress in a way that works really well. Rebecca Mayfield is known as a by-the-books homicide inspector, but Richie Amalfi, a man who lives by his own rules, lowers her defenses and has her questioning not only the rules but her own sense of right and wrong. When Amalfi becomes the prime suspect in a murder, he wants nothing more than to prove his innocence and get on with his life, and he will stop at nothing to do it. Amalfi doesn't even seem to realize he's a dude-in-distress as he runs around town trying to solve the crime he's accused of committing even when his actions tend to make matters worse. Mayfield is thrown into the role of protecting, defending, and investigating Amalfi all at once. To make matters more complicated, there's an undeniable attraction between them she's determined to ignore. Pence's characters exhibits an amalgam of strength, vulnerability, intelligence, and ineptness all rolled into a wonderfully human mash that makes them all the more real. Pence injects humor through the use of the unexpected as well as playing on images of stereotypes. One O'Clock Hustle hustles the reader through the streets of San Francisco on emotional high and lows as crime, frustration, and mayhem play a dangerous game with Inspector Mayfield and Richie Amalfi.
November 1, 2016
This is a spin-off mystery series that features Rebecca Mayfield, a homicide detective, with Richie Almalfi, a man with 'connections.' A woman is killed in a nightclub, and Richie is fingered for the murder. After all, his hand has gun powder residue and the gun was found in his hand; however, he claims he didn't do it.
Arrested for the murder, Richie escapes from Mayfield's partner, Bill Sutter, and arrives at Rebecca's apartment. By-the-book Mayfield doesn't turn him in like she should, and together they slowly unravel who killed Meagan Blakely.
Having not read the previous series, in which these characters were introduced, was not a problem as it was easy enough to become engaged with the story without knowing any past history. It was a light, if somewhat improbable, mystery. The characters are realistic; the chemistry between the two is plausible; and the ending is open-ended enough that more stories featuring the two is more than possible. On the other hand, the story is complete as is with most of the answers wrapped up.
Oh yes, kudoes to the author for no obvious (to me, that is) WTT trends (no green-eyed character, no hair tucking, to name a few). If they were in there, this reader missed them.
Arrested for the murder, Richie escapes from Mayfield's partner, Bill Sutter, and arrives at Rebecca's apartment. By-the-book Mayfield doesn't turn him in like she should, and together they slowly unravel who killed Meagan Blakely.
Having not read the previous series, in which these characters were introduced, was not a problem as it was easy enough to become engaged with the story without knowing any past history. It was a light, if somewhat improbable, mystery. The characters are realistic; the chemistry between the two is plausible; and the ending is open-ended enough that more stories featuring the two is more than possible. On the other hand, the story is complete as is with most of the answers wrapped up.
Oh yes, kudoes to the author for no obvious (to me, that is) WTT trends (no green-eyed character, no hair tucking, to name a few). If they were in there, this reader missed them.
May 7, 2014
This book is what a mystery should be. It leads your mind to someone else being the bad guy and then hits you smack dab in the middle of the forehead when it all comes to light of what happened, who did, and why. It caught me off guard and with being one of those people who can usually figure out who did it before the author lets it out that's saying a lot. The characters are beautifully detailed and the story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Find the rest of my review here allnightbooks.com
April 20, 2017
There had been a shooting at Big Caesar's Nightclub (San Francisco North Beach).
On the crime scene: Officer Danzig was giving DI Rebecca “Iron Maiden” Mayfield (SFPD Homicide) the information.
The alleged assailant is Richard “Richie” Amalfi.
Angelina “Angie” Amalfi (Richie's cousin) is engaged to Inspector Paavo Smith.
Evelyn Ramirez (ME) ID the victim as Meaghan Blakely (31, Bishop).
DI Bill Sutter (55+, Rebecca’s partner, SFPD Homicide) arrived shortly after.
Bayshore Boulevard (Oakdale Ave). DI Mayfield & Officer Mike Hennessy went to visit Barbara Pasternak (Danny’s wife).
Daniel “Danny” Pasternak (club bookkeeper, bookie) had been murdered.
DI Mayfield was following up leads & doing lots of interviews.
Evelyn was doing the autopsy on Sherman Glickman.
Will the murders get solved & someone brought to justice?
Warning: This book contains adult content, violence, which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Quail Hill Publishing; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
On the crime scene: Officer Danzig was giving DI Rebecca “Iron Maiden” Mayfield (SFPD Homicide) the information.
The alleged assailant is Richard “Richie” Amalfi.
Angelina “Angie” Amalfi (Richie's cousin) is engaged to Inspector Paavo Smith.
Evelyn Ramirez (ME) ID the victim as Meaghan Blakely (31, Bishop).
DI Bill Sutter (55+, Rebecca’s partner, SFPD Homicide) arrived shortly after.
Bayshore Boulevard (Oakdale Ave). DI Mayfield & Officer Mike Hennessy went to visit Barbara Pasternak (Danny’s wife).
Daniel “Danny” Pasternak (club bookkeeper, bookie) had been murdered.
DI Mayfield was following up leads & doing lots of interviews.
Evelyn was doing the autopsy on Sherman Glickman.
Will the murders get solved & someone brought to justice?
Warning: This book contains adult content, violence, which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Quail Hill Publishing; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
September 13, 2017
Rebecca Mayfield, the sole female homicide detective in San Francisco, arrives exhausted at a murder scene, pleased to learn that eye witnesses have captured the murderer until she learns that the captured man is her friend Richie Amalfi in One O’Clock Hustle by Joanne Pence. Finding it hard to believe that Richie could have committed murder, despite the fact that he is rumored to be “connected,” Rebecca seeks to question him, only to have him lawyer up. Then, arriving home later, Rebecca is astonished to find Richie there. He has escaped from the police and has turned to Rebecca to help him prove his innocence. Against her better judgment, Rebecca decides against turning him in and works together with Richie to try to get to the bottom of the crime.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
September 12, 2019
ok. Female detective, Rebeca, works case of nightclub killing if female. Suspect, Richie, gets away from cops. Ends up at cops apt. She hides him for few days. Meets his friends, Shay n other guy. Two others gets killed. Murderer is night club manager/owner. Murdered girl was former gfriend who began blackmailing him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2017
2 1/2 stars. I never really suspended disbelief over the premise (by the book cop teams up with shady but cute prime suspect). Just ok story. I liked that it was a quick read. :)
January 17, 2016
Richie Amalfi is accused of killing his date at Big Caeser's Casino. Rebecca Mayfield is the detective on the case. When Richie escapes and finds his way to Rebecca's, he has to convince her that they need to work together to find the killer since it was not him.
I like these characters. Humor lurks behind the scenes as Richie is trying to find the killers and Rebecca is trying to decide what is the right thing to do because he gets more attractive the longer he is around her. I like Vito and Shay. They are resourceful in a way the police cannot be. I have my doubts about her partner. Something is not quite right there. The story was a good murder mystery. I was guessing to the end.
I look forward to Rebecca's next adventure.
I like these characters. Humor lurks behind the scenes as Richie is trying to find the killers and Rebecca is trying to decide what is the right thing to do because he gets more attractive the longer he is around her. I like Vito and Shay. They are resourceful in a way the police cannot be. I have my doubts about her partner. Something is not quite right there. The story was a good murder mystery. I was guessing to the end.
I look forward to Rebecca's next adventure.
January 15, 2017
I really enjoyed this audiobook. This is a cozy mystery with a little romance thrown in. The characters were well thought out. Homicide inspector Rebecca Mayfield, Richie Amalfie, and friends Vito and Shay were all fun to follow.
The writing reminded me a little of Janet Evanovich.
Fast moving, cute guys and funny positions the main character are put in.
We need to read the second book in the series to find out if Rebecca and Richie ever become a couple.
I received this audiobook for free for an honest review.
Kristi Burns narrator. Recommend her!!
The writing reminded me a little of Janet Evanovich.
Fast moving, cute guys and funny positions the main character are put in.
We need to read the second book in the series to find out if Rebecca and Richie ever become a couple.
I received this audiobook for free for an honest review.
Kristi Burns narrator. Recommend her!!
Want to read
January 24, 2017We first meet Rebecca Mayfield, a homicide detective who goes by name Rebecca Rulebook in the Angie Amalfi's series. Making an appearance in the same series is Ritchie Amalfi as Angie's cousin and is very mysterious. Rebecca is called to a case where the "perp" is caught. The person turns out to be Ritchie who denies committing the murder. With Richie help, Rebecca finds the answer before she looses her life. I recommend this series and will read the next book as time permits.
July 24, 2016
Fun and fast reading
She's a San Francisco Homicide Inspector. He's the adult version of a "bad boy". He's arrested for murder at a local night club and escapes custody. Then he goes to her house and the two of them begin investigating the murder together. The plot is sufficiently complex to hold the reader's interest, fast moving and fun reading. All in all, a good book.
She's a San Francisco Homicide Inspector. He's the adult version of a "bad boy". He's arrested for murder at a local night club and escapes custody. Then he goes to her house and the two of them begin investigating the murder together. The plot is sufficiently complex to hold the reader's interest, fast moving and fun reading. All in all, a good book.
October 18, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
September 4, 2016
Very light mystery that I enjoyed a lot!
February 28, 2022
One O'Clock Hustle: A Rebecca Mayfield Mystery, Book 1 depicting the lower body of a female police officer, dressed in shorts, plus a wall old style clock
One O’Clock Hustle is the first book in the Rebecca Mayfield series of mysteries written by USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Joanne Pence. After enjoying for a few years now the Ancient Secrets series from the same talented writer, I thought to disconnect from a mad world and wind down with a cozy romantic mystery.
Rebecca Mayfield is a by-the-book cop, doing her work, putting in the extra time, but what starts as a regular call to investigate a homicide crime scene quickly becomes personal. Richie Amalfi is more than an acquaintance for our Rebecca and when he is accused of murder, she must decide if he is guilty or not.
What follows is a six hours long adventure filled with secrets, mysteries, and a little romance.
Joanne Pence has written another compelling novel. One O’Clock Hustle is fast-paced, easy to follow, not too bloody, and funny, sprinkled with pop fiction trivia and beautiful descriptions that make the characters and the city of San Francisco spring to life in vivid relief in the listener’s mind.
Respected and talented voiceover artist Kristi Burns delivers an excellent narration for One O’Clock Hustle. She reads with professionalism and enthusiasm, manages to make each character feel different, and infuses the story with emotion and urgency right at the opportune moment. Her voice is pleasant, her narration is clear and balanced, so everything is just as it should be for this to be a successful and entertaining audio production.
When I picked up One O’Clock Hustle I wanted a short and sweet novel that could help me relax and that’s exactly what I got. I highly recommend this first book and I’ll be sure to continue with the series as soon as possible.
I can count at any time on Joanne Pence to delight and entertain with a captivating story!
One O’Clock Hustle is the first book in the Rebecca Mayfield series of mysteries written by USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Joanne Pence. After enjoying for a few years now the Ancient Secrets series from the same talented writer, I thought to disconnect from a mad world and wind down with a cozy romantic mystery.
Rebecca Mayfield is a by-the-book cop, doing her work, putting in the extra time, but what starts as a regular call to investigate a homicide crime scene quickly becomes personal. Richie Amalfi is more than an acquaintance for our Rebecca and when he is accused of murder, she must decide if he is guilty or not.
What follows is a six hours long adventure filled with secrets, mysteries, and a little romance.
Joanne Pence has written another compelling novel. One O’Clock Hustle is fast-paced, easy to follow, not too bloody, and funny, sprinkled with pop fiction trivia and beautiful descriptions that make the characters and the city of San Francisco spring to life in vivid relief in the listener’s mind.
Respected and talented voiceover artist Kristi Burns delivers an excellent narration for One O’Clock Hustle. She reads with professionalism and enthusiasm, manages to make each character feel different, and infuses the story with emotion and urgency right at the opportune moment. Her voice is pleasant, her narration is clear and balanced, so everything is just as it should be for this to be a successful and entertaining audio production.
When I picked up One O’Clock Hustle I wanted a short and sweet novel that could help me relax and that’s exactly what I got. I highly recommend this first book and I’ll be sure to continue with the series as soon as possible.
I can count at any time on Joanne Pence to delight and entertain with a captivating story!
December 2, 2021
Inspector Rebecca Mayfield, a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department, is a strictly by-the-book cop. Outside of work, she lives quietly in a small, not quite legal in-law apartment, with her dog, Spike, who is a hairless Chinese Crested-Chihuahua mix.
And then one fine Saturday night, she gets called to Big Caesar's, a popular, fancy club where there has just been a shooting. There's one dead woman, and one suspect, caught standing over the body with the gun in his hand. He has a crazy story about being innocent, and seeing the actual killer leave via the window.
This suspect is Richie Amalfi, a charming, handsome businessman whose business and actual source of income isn't entirely clear. Richie, though, is "practically family" at Mayfield's home police station, with his niece engaged to marry another Inspector there. And however skeptical Mayfield and others are about his source of income, he has absolutely no record of violence. Yet, he's been caught red-handed, right?
Mayfield questions the witnesses, while her partner takes Amalfi in for booking. Or, rather, he tries to. Amalfi quickly gives him the slip. Mayfield finds this out when she finally gets home--and finds Richie Amalfi waiting for her, and getting an unusually warm welcome from Spike, who usually is cool and standoffish with strangers (a typical Chinese Crested trait, by the way.)
Richie Amalfi wants her help proving he's innocent. Somehow, he convinces her, not exactly that it's a good idea, but to go along with it, nevertheless. Just for a day. Really.
Soon they're chasing all over San Francisco, looking for the missing bookkeeper, or rather, as it turns out, the bookie, who works at Big Caesar's, his mistress, his wife, a friend of the dead woman, and a newspaper reporter whose career isn't going anywhere, and who, it turns out, had agreed to ghostwrite a book for Danny the bookie, whose clients would not be happy to find out about Danny's book.
The local criminal gangs get interested, too. It's soon not at all clear that either Richie or Rebecca will survive.
However! I can assure you that, as in all well-organized novels, the dog does survive, without a scratch.
It's an enjoyable mystery, if a little bit stereotypical in parts.
I bought this book.
And then one fine Saturday night, she gets called to Big Caesar's, a popular, fancy club where there has just been a shooting. There's one dead woman, and one suspect, caught standing over the body with the gun in his hand. He has a crazy story about being innocent, and seeing the actual killer leave via the window.
This suspect is Richie Amalfi, a charming, handsome businessman whose business and actual source of income isn't entirely clear. Richie, though, is "practically family" at Mayfield's home police station, with his niece engaged to marry another Inspector there. And however skeptical Mayfield and others are about his source of income, he has absolutely no record of violence. Yet, he's been caught red-handed, right?
Mayfield questions the witnesses, while her partner takes Amalfi in for booking. Or, rather, he tries to. Amalfi quickly gives him the slip. Mayfield finds this out when she finally gets home--and finds Richie Amalfi waiting for her, and getting an unusually warm welcome from Spike, who usually is cool and standoffish with strangers (a typical Chinese Crested trait, by the way.)
Richie Amalfi wants her help proving he's innocent. Somehow, he convinces her, not exactly that it's a good idea, but to go along with it, nevertheless. Just for a day. Really.
Soon they're chasing all over San Francisco, looking for the missing bookkeeper, or rather, as it turns out, the bookie, who works at Big Caesar's, his mistress, his wife, a friend of the dead woman, and a newspaper reporter whose career isn't going anywhere, and who, it turns out, had agreed to ghostwrite a book for Danny the bookie, whose clients would not be happy to find out about Danny's book.
The local criminal gangs get interested, too. It's soon not at all clear that either Richie or Rebecca will survive.
However! I can assure you that, as in all well-organized novels, the dog does survive, without a scratch.
It's an enjoyable mystery, if a little bit stereotypical in parts.
I bought this book.
December 16, 2018
One O'Clock HUSTLE
JOANNE PENCE
Review by Roy Murry, Author
Not what I expected of a Mystery, and I have read many; the genre I love.
A Criminal and the Inspector are too close for comfort. Inspector Mayfield has a murder to solve and relies on Richard, a businessman with dubious credentials for guidance.
This novel is a setup for a cheesy romance story albeit there are some clues to decipher and the two (More him than her) proceed to solve the murder of one of Richard's pickups. Rebecca Mayfield is a pushover and puts herself in legal limbo by listening to Richard's story.
Their investigative conversations in her apartment (His hideout) and his two-man gang get to the route of the matter, while Rebecca's partner and lieutenant are not involved. Some suspense and a few conflicts are thrilling but, not a series I will follow.
However, Pence's characters are entertaining if you're looking for a continuing romance to read a la Crime. I was Hustled a bit for 99 cents.
A disappointing mystery read from a USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR.
JOANNE PENCE
Review by Roy Murry, Author
Not what I expected of a Mystery, and I have read many; the genre I love.
A Criminal and the Inspector are too close for comfort. Inspector Mayfield has a murder to solve and relies on Richard, a businessman with dubious credentials for guidance.
This novel is a setup for a cheesy romance story albeit there are some clues to decipher and the two (More him than her) proceed to solve the murder of one of Richard's pickups. Rebecca Mayfield is a pushover and puts herself in legal limbo by listening to Richard's story.
Their investigative conversations in her apartment (His hideout) and his two-man gang get to the route of the matter, while Rebecca's partner and lieutenant are not involved. Some suspense and a few conflicts are thrilling but, not a series I will follow.
However, Pence's characters are entertaining if you're looking for a continuing romance to read a la Crime. I was Hustled a bit for 99 cents.
A disappointing mystery read from a USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR.
September 19, 2017
3.5 stars
This was just a light, fun, entertaining, interesting and enjoyable story. This is one of the better cozy mystery's that I have listened to. The story is constantly moving forward and something is always happening. There are plenty of suspects, but the story keeps you guessing with plenty of twists and turns. This is a really good start to a series.
Great characters. You can feel the chemistry between Rebecca and Richie. Rebecca definitely has an unconventional way of conducting a murder investigation. She skates the edges of proper police procedure, but it works for her.
Kristi Burns did a really good job with the narration. Pleasant voice . Easy to listen to for hours. Good character voices. Both male and female characters. Clearly spoken. Smooth even delivery. Very enjoyable
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
This was just a light, fun, entertaining, interesting and enjoyable story. This is one of the better cozy mystery's that I have listened to. The story is constantly moving forward and something is always happening. There are plenty of suspects, but the story keeps you guessing with plenty of twists and turns. This is a really good start to a series.
Great characters. You can feel the chemistry between Rebecca and Richie. Rebecca definitely has an unconventional way of conducting a murder investigation. She skates the edges of proper police procedure, but it works for her.
Kristi Burns did a really good job with the narration. Pleasant voice . Easy to listen to for hours. Good character voices. Both male and female characters. Clearly spoken. Smooth even delivery. Very enjoyable
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
June 6, 2022
Surprising story at every turn. Rebecca Mayfield is not an ordinary police inspector. She normally plays by the rules, but in this case she never does. It makes the story interesting, but a bit frustrating for a reader who is accustomed to police going by the book.
There is plenty of intrigue. Characters are not easy to figure out. Some of the story almost seems unbelievable, and some things don't seem to tie together. But it keeps the reader interested. Sparks fly between Rebecca and a murder suspect named Richie Amalfy. It's surprising how her resistance to his charms keeps coming and going. The last chapter of the story promises to offer a conclusion to this dilemma.
A pretty enjoyable read, but for someone who is more hung up on strict police procedurals, it was a little discomforting, although plenty exciting.
There is plenty of intrigue. Characters are not easy to figure out. Some of the story almost seems unbelievable, and some things don't seem to tie together. But it keeps the reader interested. Sparks fly between Rebecca and a murder suspect named Richie Amalfy. It's surprising how her resistance to his charms keeps coming and going. The last chapter of the story promises to offer a conclusion to this dilemma.
A pretty enjoyable read, but for someone who is more hung up on strict police procedurals, it was a little discomforting, although plenty exciting.
March 15, 2017
A delightfully suspenseful mystery
I absolutely adored Rebecca and Richie together. The author developed these characters so w theell I felt like I knew them in real life. They brought to mind all the couples I know whose relationship worked but shouldn't. Richie and Rebecca are perfect for each other and don't even know it. I love the mystery and suspense in this story while the twists and turns kept me turning the pages (tapping my Kindle).
I live on a fixed income and usually don't spend more than $2.99 for an ebook but I threw caution to the wind and bought the rest of the series. These books are better than the chocolate I would have bought with that money. Thanks, Joanne.
I absolutely adored Rebecca and Richie together. The author developed these characters so w theell I felt like I knew them in real life. They brought to mind all the couples I know whose relationship worked but shouldn't. Richie and Rebecca are perfect for each other and don't even know it. I love the mystery and suspense in this story while the twists and turns kept me turning the pages (tapping my Kindle).
I live on a fixed income and usually don't spend more than $2.99 for an ebook but I threw caution to the wind and bought the rest of the series. These books are better than the chocolate I would have bought with that money. Thanks, Joanne.
October 6, 2019
A fun read
This book was perfect to curl up with on a rainy British weekend. There were some moments of humour, others of tension, some of pathos and others of pure and simple “ha, that serves you right!”
Rebecca Mayfield is a dedicated detective with a by the book approach to her work. It all starts to unravel when Richie Amalfi becomes the prime suspect in a homicide. Realising that his underground network can find information faster than dogged police enquiries, the rules begin to waver as she follows a trail of blackmail, gambling and revenge to solve the case.
It was hard not to like the dashing Amalfi despite his underworld dealings and the tension between him and Rebecca made it a fun, light hearted read.
This book was perfect to curl up with on a rainy British weekend. There were some moments of humour, others of tension, some of pathos and others of pure and simple “ha, that serves you right!”
Rebecca Mayfield is a dedicated detective with a by the book approach to her work. It all starts to unravel when Richie Amalfi becomes the prime suspect in a homicide. Realising that his underground network can find information faster than dogged police enquiries, the rules begin to waver as she follows a trail of blackmail, gambling and revenge to solve the case.
It was hard not to like the dashing Amalfi despite his underworld dealings and the tension between him and Rebecca made it a fun, light hearted read.
January 29, 2021
I chose this book on sale because it seemed like a cozy sort of mystery and because it was first in a series, and I enjoy reading series mystery books. It didn't quite meet my expectations. It was written more like a screenplay than a novel, with stereotypical characters and cliched expressions that bored me. Plus the mystery wasn't that great. The chemistry between Rebecca and Richie was telegraphed from page 1, practically, the growing feelings between also pretty stereotypically described.
This would be a good beach read, and did provide some escapism in these times of covid vaccine shortages, so there was that.
I may give the series a second chance by reading the next installment, but only if I can get it from the online local library's offerings.
This would be a good beach read, and did provide some escapism in these times of covid vaccine shortages, so there was that.
I may give the series a second chance by reading the next installment, but only if I can get it from the online local library's offerings.
May 7, 2017
Not as predictable as I thought.
Joanne Pence manages to bring alive San Francisco and it's denizens in a believable and addictive way. The basic premise of strong female lead and bad boy foil is not as cut and dry as would normally be expected in stories like this. I'm interested to have found out that side characters have their own series, which makes the world Joanne had built much more rounded than the average series. Plot builds nicely, and resolves well, although I can't wait to read the next book.
Joanne Pence manages to bring alive San Francisco and it's denizens in a believable and addictive way. The basic premise of strong female lead and bad boy foil is not as cut and dry as would normally be expected in stories like this. I'm interested to have found out that side characters have their own series, which makes the world Joanne had built much more rounded than the average series. Plot builds nicely, and resolves well, although I can't wait to read the next book.
May 14, 2017
The story starts out kind of rough, as if the author is still considering where to go with the characters. It feels like a mix of noir, cozy, mystery, and almost thriller. Then the characters start coming to life and the story really picks up. I'm glad I didn't give up on it in the beginning. Although the Inspector would never get away with the things she does on and off the job, it's all in good fun. And the romantic twist adds to the flavor of the story. A nice read and a good start for the series.
May 29, 2017
Homicide Detective Rebecca Mayfield and her partner Bill Sutter are investigating the murder of Meaghan Blakely at a nightclub in San Francisco. So far the only suspect seems to be a love interest of Rebecca's (of course) named Ritchie Amalfi. When Rebecca returns home after a long shift, Ritchie has somehow found her secret (or so she though) alley apartment. Quickly this turns into no ordinary investigation as she lets her suspect lead the way around town checking out people who were close to the victim. A little far fetched but all in all, an ok story.
May 19, 2018
An okay book about a police inspector Rebecca investigating a murder. She quickly falls for the main suspect, having known him from before and works to solve the crime. It does turn out that he is being framed for the murder and she eventually discovers the truth with a lot more help from his colleagues than hers. He of course shows that crime actually does pay when he gets ownership of a thriving night spot. There are some interesting characters in this book but I didn't care too much for the romance part of it.
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