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Ray Courage Mystery #1
Courage Matters
"Breaking Bad meets Spenser for Hire"
Rookie Private Investigator Ray Courage is asked by "Stockbroker to the Stars" Lionel Stroud to investigate an employee who's been acting suspiciously. Ray soon learns that not everything is as it appears at Stroud's firm. When his investigation uncovers a possible Ponzi Scheme orchestrated by Stroud himself, two people are murdered and Ray becomes Suspect Number One. Ray needs to find answers fast to avoid prison ... or death at the hands of the killer. Complicating his efforts are threats from the son of a Mexican drug lord, hostility from an octogenarian with a penchant for lap dances, harassment from a cop bent on putting Ray away for life, and a rekindled love affair with Stroud's daughter.
Rookie Private Investigator Ray Courage is asked by "Stockbroker to the Stars" Lionel Stroud to investigate an employee who's been acting suspiciously. Ray soon learns that not everything is as it appears at Stroud's firm. When his investigation uncovers a possible Ponzi Scheme orchestrated by Stroud himself, two people are murdered and Ray becomes Suspect Number One. Ray needs to find answers fast to avoid prison ... or death at the hands of the killer. Complicating his efforts are threats from the son of a Mexican drug lord, hostility from an octogenarian with a penchant for lap dances, harassment from a cop bent on putting Ray away for life, and a rekindled love affair with Stroud's daughter.
- GenresMystery
223 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2014
80 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
R. Scott Mackey
13 books90 followersScott Mackey lives in Northern California, where he writes both fiction and non-fiction. He is the author of the highly acclaimed Ray Courage Mystery Series: Courage Matters, Courage Resurrected, Courage Begins, Courage Stolen, and Courage Betrayed (to be released January 2019)
Follow him:
Twitter: smackey17
Facebook: Facebook.com/rscottmackey
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1tMtfF8
Web: www.rscottmackey.com
Follow him:
Twitter: smackey17
Facebook: Facebook.com/rscottmackey
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1tMtfF8
Web: www.rscottmackey.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 11, 2015
When author Scott Mackey asked if I'd be willing to read this book (and the follow-up, Courage Resurrected) in exchange for reviews, I did what I always do with such requests: Held off responding. My worst nightmare, you see, is having to give a less-than-favorable review (which more often than not happens as a result of less-than-impeccable grammar and punctuation). But being a writer (albeit strictly nonfiction) and professional copy editor myself, neither am I willing to pull any punches. After I'd read the description half a dozen or so times, though, it sounded right up my alley and I said to myself (and the author) what the heck - bring 'em on. Now that I've plowed through this one almost nonstop, I assure you my sleep has been quite peaceful.
At the heart of it all is Ray Courage, retired from college professorial duties in Sacramento, California. He lost his beloved wife in an accident years ago, their daughter is on her own and he's decided on a second career as a private investigator. Soon after he hangs out his shingle, he gets a visit from former main squeeze Jill Stroud (the two were together for a couple of years after Ray's wife died). Now, she's asking Ray to do some sleuthing on behalf of her father, filthy rich investment broker Lionel. Seeing Jill again brings back some good memories, and more to the point, Ray's hope, however faint, of reconnecting with his former love - so he somewhat reluctantly agrees.
Something isn't quite right with Daddy, Jill explains, adding that the man - not known for his warm fuzzy demeanor - won't be happy that she, nor Ray, is meddling in his affairs. She was right on the money, but Ray ends up determined to keep digging despite Daddy's hostility and warnings to back off. When one person close to Daddy is murdered, Ray decides to keep plugging away. When a second body turns up, his determination to see it through intensifies (bolstered by an intensifying re-relationship with Jill). There are plenty of starts, stops, twists and turns throughout, and while I admit to having an inkling of whodunit about three-quarters of the way through, the ending was a bit of a surprise.
As I read, I kept getting flashbacks of sorts, finally realizing that Ray (and his former student and P.I. buddy Rubia) remind me of characters from somewhere else. Finally, I got my "aha" moment: it's Bernie Rhodenbarr, the Manhattan bookstore owner and occasional thief and his buddy Carolyn; they're impossible not to love in Lawrence Block's wonderful The Burglar Who series (I've devoured every single one). Unlike Bernie, Ray doesn't have sticky fingers (as far as I can tell, he's honest as the day is long) and Rubia and Carolyn don't share the same sexual preferences, but the personalities and the author's style of writing - including touches of humor here and there - seem quite similar.
BTW, for those who want to start at the beginning, there's an 85-page short story titled "Courage Begins: A Ray Courage Mystery Novella" that kicks off this series. It's not a prerequisite to this full novel, which stands alone just fine, thank you very much, but since the author was kind enough to send it to me, I zipped through it before moving to the main attraction. It's well done and provides a good introduction to the character, who is undertaking an "internship" before launching his own P.I. firm, so you may want to give it a go first. The only question I had when I finished was how a college professor with his background would ever, in a million years, come up with the notion of becoming an investigator. Well guess what? The answer turned up in this book.
The ending of this one also left the door open to plenty of possibilities for Ray's new career, too, so now I'm off and running toward Courage Resurrected. Stay tuned!
At the heart of it all is Ray Courage, retired from college professorial duties in Sacramento, California. He lost his beloved wife in an accident years ago, their daughter is on her own and he's decided on a second career as a private investigator. Soon after he hangs out his shingle, he gets a visit from former main squeeze Jill Stroud (the two were together for a couple of years after Ray's wife died). Now, she's asking Ray to do some sleuthing on behalf of her father, filthy rich investment broker Lionel. Seeing Jill again brings back some good memories, and more to the point, Ray's hope, however faint, of reconnecting with his former love - so he somewhat reluctantly agrees.
Something isn't quite right with Daddy, Jill explains, adding that the man - not known for his warm fuzzy demeanor - won't be happy that she, nor Ray, is meddling in his affairs. She was right on the money, but Ray ends up determined to keep digging despite Daddy's hostility and warnings to back off. When one person close to Daddy is murdered, Ray decides to keep plugging away. When a second body turns up, his determination to see it through intensifies (bolstered by an intensifying re-relationship with Jill). There are plenty of starts, stops, twists and turns throughout, and while I admit to having an inkling of whodunit about three-quarters of the way through, the ending was a bit of a surprise.
As I read, I kept getting flashbacks of sorts, finally realizing that Ray (and his former student and P.I. buddy Rubia) remind me of characters from somewhere else. Finally, I got my "aha" moment: it's Bernie Rhodenbarr, the Manhattan bookstore owner and occasional thief and his buddy Carolyn; they're impossible not to love in Lawrence Block's wonderful The Burglar Who series (I've devoured every single one). Unlike Bernie, Ray doesn't have sticky fingers (as far as I can tell, he's honest as the day is long) and Rubia and Carolyn don't share the same sexual preferences, but the personalities and the author's style of writing - including touches of humor here and there - seem quite similar.
BTW, for those who want to start at the beginning, there's an 85-page short story titled "Courage Begins: A Ray Courage Mystery Novella" that kicks off this series. It's not a prerequisite to this full novel, which stands alone just fine, thank you very much, but since the author was kind enough to send it to me, I zipped through it before moving to the main attraction. It's well done and provides a good introduction to the character, who is undertaking an "internship" before launching his own P.I. firm, so you may want to give it a go first. The only question I had when I finished was how a college professor with his background would ever, in a million years, come up with the notion of becoming an investigator. Well guess what? The answer turned up in this book.
The ending of this one also left the door open to plenty of possibilities for Ray's new career, too, so now I'm off and running toward Courage Resurrected. Stay tuned!
April 21, 2014
I enjoyed this read very much. There are all the usual elements of the whodunit murder thriller, with a good range of twists and blind alleys. I particularly like the main character, the early retired academic trying something a bit different. He seems to me to be a very plausible stoical, rather than heroic, figure that I had a natural affinity with. The heavy hand of the law, the presumptions of guilt or innocence and the tensions around the distribution of family money are the bread and butter of the crime genre. These elements and others are very well employed with varying degrees of originality.
There is enough in the plot for one to be able to get shadows of the ending and yet still be surprised. Agatha Christie, eat your heart out. Here is a modern writer with a similar flare for building plot that encourages the reading into stereotypical thinking and assumptions, only to then turn many elements on there heads. I will be intrigued to see whether Mackey can maintain the art of this genre so well in future books.
Mackey writes with a light touch, conveying the information we need with enough rich background to interest without drawing us so far away that we lose touch with the important plot details. He has also left enough ground raked but not so deeply dug over that it would do much to limit the direction of a sequel or even a series. Rubia, in particular, is a character with potentially miles of interesting story that could be exploited.
There is enough in the plot for one to be able to get shadows of the ending and yet still be surprised. Agatha Christie, eat your heart out. Here is a modern writer with a similar flare for building plot that encourages the reading into stereotypical thinking and assumptions, only to then turn many elements on there heads. I will be intrigued to see whether Mackey can maintain the art of this genre so well in future books.
Mackey writes with a light touch, conveying the information we need with enough rich background to interest without drawing us so far away that we lose touch with the important plot details. He has also left enough ground raked but not so deeply dug over that it would do much to limit the direction of a sequel or even a series. Rubia, in particular, is a character with potentially miles of interesting story that could be exploited.
October 11, 2014
Ray Courage was a college professor with a major addiction to baseball. When a student tried unsuccessfully to seduce him to get a better grade, and then accused him of coming on to her, he gave up teaching, and decided to become a private investigator.
When his former lover, Jill Stroud, comes to him with a plea to help her dad who thinks he’s about to be cheated, Courage has some doubts about this, his first case, but takes it anyway.
In Courage Matters by R. Scott Mackey, follow the sometimes funny, sometimes scary adventures of Ray Courage as he learns to be a PI – with the help of Rubia, a former gang-banger who owns the Say Hay Bar, a baseball-themed establishment.
I received a free review copy of Courage Matters, and while it was my first time reading Mackey’s work, I’m looking forward to another turn at bat.
Great dialogue and description, and some really wacky, but totally believable characters, and I like the way the author weaves his encyclopedic knowledge of baseball into the story.
When his former lover, Jill Stroud, comes to him with a plea to help her dad who thinks he’s about to be cheated, Courage has some doubts about this, his first case, but takes it anyway.
In Courage Matters by R. Scott Mackey, follow the sometimes funny, sometimes scary adventures of Ray Courage as he learns to be a PI – with the help of Rubia, a former gang-banger who owns the Say Hay Bar, a baseball-themed establishment.
I received a free review copy of Courage Matters, and while it was my first time reading Mackey’s work, I’m looking forward to another turn at bat.
Great dialogue and description, and some really wacky, but totally believable characters, and I like the way the author weaves his encyclopedic knowledge of baseball into the story.
November 2, 2014
I won this book from a contest on Goodreads.
Retired teacher turned Private Investigator, Ray Courage, is approached by an old love interest, Jill Stroud to take on her father as his first client. (Although Jill dumped Ray two years ago, she still makes his heart race.) Lionel Stroud is an investment broker to the very wealthy in Sacramento. Lionel's best employee, Andrew Norris, is leaving the firm and he believes he is planning to steal some of his biggest clients which could ruin him. Andrew is found dead at his home by Ray who is first on the scene. Illegally. Now the police have Ray in sight as a person of interest in the Norris murder. As Ray begins to search through Norris' files (illegally, of course) he realizes another 'big fish' Craig Ziebell, who is the owner of Ziebell Investments, is also mixed up in this mess. But before long, Ziebell is found dead, again by Ray. Illegally. Now the police are sticking close to Ray to the point of harassment.
As things heat up for not only Ray, it's also looking very bad for Lionel Stroud. The only good thing on the horizon is things are definitely heating up for Ray and Jill.
Retired teacher turned Private Investigator, Ray Courage, is approached by an old love interest, Jill Stroud to take on her father as his first client. (Although Jill dumped Ray two years ago, she still makes his heart race.) Lionel Stroud is an investment broker to the very wealthy in Sacramento. Lionel's best employee, Andrew Norris, is leaving the firm and he believes he is planning to steal some of his biggest clients which could ruin him. Andrew is found dead at his home by Ray who is first on the scene. Illegally. Now the police have Ray in sight as a person of interest in the Norris murder. As Ray begins to search through Norris' files (illegally, of course) he realizes another 'big fish' Craig Ziebell, who is the owner of Ziebell Investments, is also mixed up in this mess. But before long, Ziebell is found dead, again by Ray. Illegally. Now the police are sticking close to Ray to the point of harassment.
As things heat up for not only Ray, it's also looking very bad for Lionel Stroud. The only good thing on the horizon is things are definitely heating up for Ray and Jill.
November 10, 2014
I received this book thru Goodreads; First Reads for free . I found it to be A very well written book, and a very enjoyable read. It is A suspense book that starts out quickly and keeps you guessing to the very last couple of chapters. I very much liked the short chapters, that makes it so easy to pick it up anytime I take A break.
He includes A fair amount of humor in A well written suspense story.
Reminded me alot of the Harlan Coben books that i've read.
He includes A fair amount of humor in A well written suspense story.
Reminded me alot of the Harlan Coben books that i've read.
June 27, 2015
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. That being said, I give this book five stars. I don't usually gravitate to mysteries, but I am 'on board' for more Ray Courage or Scott Mackey books.
I enjoyed the characters and the details. I found the humor to be an extra dividend to the mystery. With the dialogue, descriptions of characters, places, sports, etc., I couldn't put the book down. I strongly recommend 'Courage Matters: A Ray Courage Mystery'!
I enjoyed the characters and the details. I found the humor to be an extra dividend to the mystery. With the dialogue, descriptions of characters, places, sports, etc., I couldn't put the book down. I strongly recommend 'Courage Matters: A Ray Courage Mystery'!
November 2, 2016
Interesting whodunit.
Very interesting cast of characters, humorous writing. But way to much detailed information or descriptions. In some parts got confusing. Money and how to keep it. It's hard to write a review without giving away the story. Didn't expected the ending, made me sad.
Very interesting cast of characters, humorous writing. But way to much detailed information or descriptions. In some parts got confusing. Money and how to keep it. It's hard to write a review without giving away the story. Didn't expected the ending, made me sad.
May 4, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! It was like getting into a good case and staying with it until it was solved, and it didn't take me long to read this well written book with great characters. I look forward to reading more of Scott Mackey's books.
July 26, 2016
This book grabbed me. It's unusual for me to read a book through in just a couple of days but that's what I did. The setting - Sacramento - helped hold my attention since I used to live there almost 40 years ago. (It was an added bonus to picture some of the streets that were mentioned and really allowed me to "be there" in the story.)
I liked the structure of the chapters - being just long enough and just active enough to play in my head as a scene on a TV show. That helped with the pace of the book.
I prefer mysteries but this is one of the first ones that I've read where I found myself trying to solve it - to figure out "who dunnit" - and just when I think I've got it figured out, a little more is revealed.
I wasn't sure if I was going to like picking this up in the middle of a series. Normally I prefer to start with the first in the series and work my way through but this read well as a single or stand-alone as it would in a series.
I liked Rubia's character and how the two of them worked together...would love to see that developed more in future books - not necessarily as a romantic interest - differences in age and all, but more as a mentor relationship with him learning as much from her as she learns from him.
I'm not sure what I'd suggest that might have earned this a 5-star rating...I went back and forth on it and although it's really higher than a 4-star, I just couldn't quite give it the highest rating.
I liked the structure of the chapters - being just long enough and just active enough to play in my head as a scene on a TV show. That helped with the pace of the book.
I prefer mysteries but this is one of the first ones that I've read where I found myself trying to solve it - to figure out "who dunnit" - and just when I think I've got it figured out, a little more is revealed.
I wasn't sure if I was going to like picking this up in the middle of a series. Normally I prefer to start with the first in the series and work my way through but this read well as a single or stand-alone as it would in a series.
I liked Rubia's character and how the two of them worked together...would love to see that developed more in future books - not necessarily as a romantic interest - differences in age and all, but more as a mentor relationship with him learning as much from her as she learns from him.
I'm not sure what I'd suggest that might have earned this a 5-star rating...I went back and forth on it and although it's really higher than a 4-star, I just couldn't quite give it the highest rating.
May 6, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book has everything you could want in a mystery: an interesting detective, a fascinating crime, a bevy of information and connections to wade through, and of course, a love interest.
Lionel Stroud, stockbroker to the wealthiest of investors, suspects an employee of rather egregious charges. He hires our man Courage to help dig up some dirt on the man at the bequest of his estranged daughter, who happens to be Courage's ex-lover. *cue the intrigue*
Things seem to be going all fine and dandy for the investigation until Courage drops by the employee's house, only to find someone beat him to the punch, and with a firearm, no less. Now, there's a much deeper case to solve, and it looks like all the evidence is pointing to one man: Courage.
Who did it? How'd they do it? WHY did they do it? Grab your own copy to find out.
5 stars
This book has everything you could want in a mystery: an interesting detective, a fascinating crime, a bevy of information and connections to wade through, and of course, a love interest.
Lionel Stroud, stockbroker to the wealthiest of investors, suspects an employee of rather egregious charges. He hires our man Courage to help dig up some dirt on the man at the bequest of his estranged daughter, who happens to be Courage's ex-lover. *cue the intrigue*
Things seem to be going all fine and dandy for the investigation until Courage drops by the employee's house, only to find someone beat him to the punch, and with a firearm, no less. Now, there's a much deeper case to solve, and it looks like all the evidence is pointing to one man: Courage.
Who did it? How'd they do it? WHY did they do it? Grab your own copy to find out.
5 stars
July 18, 2015
Courage Matters: is the first novel in the Ray Courage series. Note that a prequel to this story, Courage Begins: A Ray Courage Mystery Novella, was published a short while prior to the publication of the second book in this series, Courage Resurrected:.
Each book in the series is stand alone.
Each book in the series is stand alone.
February 25, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the first mystery authored by Scott Mackey. It is quite a debut. An intricate plot coupled with lots of twists, I found it difficult to stop reading. I recommend highly.
January 11, 2015
This book was supplied free for review purposes. An interesting story of corporate greed and love with a smartass PI.
Full review to follow
Full review to follow
November 2, 2014
I won this book on a GoodReads giveaway. I stayed up all night to finish this book. The ending took me by surprise. Can't wait to read more!
August 30, 2015
Reviewed by Gemini
Courage Matters is the first full length book in the Ray Courage Mystery series. I have also read the introduction novella (Courage Begins) as well as the second full length book, Courage Resurrected. They are all stand alones. Courage Matters was a lot of fun. Ray Courage may be an older hero but he is hilarious, clever and doesn’t take himself too seriously. The book was well written and the mystery was fast-paced but easy to follow.
Courage Matters focuses on what amounts to Ray’s first official case as a private investigator on his own. It involves the father of a woman that Ray dated a couple of years prior. She contacts Ray because her father believes that one of his associates is trying to steal clients from his investment firm. The father doesn’t really want Ray to get involved but agrees but adds a few stipulations that Ray soon violates. Ray’s tenacity eventually gets him in hot water with the police and the client. Ultimately, Ray ends up with his back against the wall and must use his superior investigative skills to solve the mystery and clear his name.
To be honest, Ray Courage is a rare everyman in the sea of washboard abbed heroes. He doesn’t carry a gun and he isn’t ex-military. He is a former professor that knows a lot about history and pop culture. His sidekick is a reformed former female gang leader. When I visualize his character, I immediately think of Ray Romano or Al Roker. Ray Courage has no business being a private investigator considering his background and demeanor but he is good at it. And, his antics are entertaining. I hope that there is another book in the series.
**Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
Courage Matters is the first full length book in the Ray Courage Mystery series. I have also read the introduction novella (Courage Begins) as well as the second full length book, Courage Resurrected. They are all stand alones. Courage Matters was a lot of fun. Ray Courage may be an older hero but he is hilarious, clever and doesn’t take himself too seriously. The book was well written and the mystery was fast-paced but easy to follow.
Courage Matters focuses on what amounts to Ray’s first official case as a private investigator on his own. It involves the father of a woman that Ray dated a couple of years prior. She contacts Ray because her father believes that one of his associates is trying to steal clients from his investment firm. The father doesn’t really want Ray to get involved but agrees but adds a few stipulations that Ray soon violates. Ray’s tenacity eventually gets him in hot water with the police and the client. Ultimately, Ray ends up with his back against the wall and must use his superior investigative skills to solve the mystery and clear his name.
To be honest, Ray Courage is a rare everyman in the sea of washboard abbed heroes. He doesn’t carry a gun and he isn’t ex-military. He is a former professor that knows a lot about history and pop culture. His sidekick is a reformed former female gang leader. When I visualize his character, I immediately think of Ray Romano or Al Roker. Ray Courage has no business being a private investigator considering his background and demeanor but he is good at it. And, his antics are entertaining. I hope that there is another book in the series.
**Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
July 12, 2015
I was given a free ebook copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review and rating.
It was hard to put my finger on what exactly made this such a great read. From the very beginning I was drawn in by the rich layering of characters – Ray at the bar with Rubia (and reading the background story about the bar and how Rubia came to be there) add in Ray’s ex-girlfriend to the bar scene and we started out with a trio of characters brought together at that moment.
This interaction of a variety of characters continues through the book. Such as Ray waiting in reception when a middle aged woman with a helmet hairdo directs him to someone’s office. Again, a great mixing of characters interacting with each other really gives a good depth to this story.
I think this is what took this suspense story from average to excellent for me.
The plot is very good and the author ensures we have plenty of details to make us feel like we are right there like a fly on the wall. Highly Recommended.
It was hard to put my finger on what exactly made this such a great read. From the very beginning I was drawn in by the rich layering of characters – Ray at the bar with Rubia (and reading the background story about the bar and how Rubia came to be there) add in Ray’s ex-girlfriend to the bar scene and we started out with a trio of characters brought together at that moment.
This interaction of a variety of characters continues through the book. Such as Ray waiting in reception when a middle aged woman with a helmet hairdo directs him to someone’s office. Again, a great mixing of characters interacting with each other really gives a good depth to this story.
I think this is what took this suspense story from average to excellent for me.
The plot is very good and the author ensures we have plenty of details to make us feel like we are right there like a fly on the wall. Highly Recommended.
February 7, 2016
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. A retired college professor turned private PI takes his first case involving a Ponzi scheme. Murders occur during the course of the investigation. Did have a surprise ending that I didnt anticipate. I did find it hard to stay involved in this story. I had to keep rereading portions to understand what was occurring. Seemed to jump around too much. Story line did not flow well for me.
October 9, 2014
loved every single word! nothing to say more!
June 12, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book. Good pacing and good characters. Will be reading more of his books
February 19, 2015
quite enjoyable - easy to follow plot . would probaly read another Ray Courage mystery
June 4, 2018
Courage Matters: (Ray Courage, #1) by Scott Mackey, was an interesting read to say the lease. To begin with Ray Courage isn't your typical PI. He has no military or civilian police experience to qualify him to be a PI but rather he is a recent resigned college professor. He is recruited by an ex girlfriend to investigate what is going on with her father's financial investment firm and he soon finds himself in way over his head. What should have been a simple job turns in to a multiple murder investigation with Ray being the lead suspect. Ray is tenacious in his pursuit of the real murderer who eludes all suspicion until the very last few pages of the book. I was dumbfounded when Ray revealed who the real killer was and I think you will be too.
March 13, 2017
This is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a stand-alone.
So far I've read three books from this series and this one was my least favorite because of all the financial terms and matters.
Overall, the book started a bit slow and then picked up the pace. The main character always seems to find some trouble to get into but his loyal sidekick is there to help him out.
Once the plot picked up the pace the book became a series of twists and turns with the final I did not anticipated at all.
Good read!
So far I've read three books from this series and this one was my least favorite because of all the financial terms and matters.
Overall, the book started a bit slow and then picked up the pace. The main character always seems to find some trouble to get into but his loyal sidekick is there to help him out.
Once the plot picked up the pace the book became a series of twists and turns with the final I did not anticipated at all.
Good read!
March 4, 2017
Courage Takes On The Stock Market
Self-deprecating self talk makes Ray Courage an enjoyable character. His banter with Rubia, his former student and a former gang member, now his "silent" partner, are great. Following the money turns up two murders and a surprising killer.
Self-deprecating self talk makes Ray Courage an enjoyable character. His banter with Rubia, his former student and a former gang member, now his "silent" partner, are great. Following the money turns up two murders and a surprising killer.
December 2, 2018
This is a solid book. I like the main character and his spunk. I like the secondary characters and how they treat Ray. The ending was a bit weak and felt rushed, but it made sense. Overall, it's a quick read with good story.
September 25, 2025
Great
A really good private investigator yarn. Nice easy plot that is very well written. Great characters with dots of humour throughout..
A really good private investigator yarn. Nice easy plot that is very well written. Great characters with dots of humour throughout..
December 17, 2015
"An Awesome Who-Done-It Novel"
In this Book Two of the Ray Courage Mystery series, Lionel Stroud, a wealthy stockbroker, hires Private Investigator, Ray Courage. Ray is still a novice investigator as he's spent most of his working years as a professor at Sacramento State University. Lionel is concerned about one of his employees, Andrew Norris, who is acting suspiciously. Ray has had a past relationship with Stroud's daughter, Jill. She comes back into Ray's life to ask him to help her father find out what's going on with his employee. Courage does hire Ray to investigate, however requests he not make any contact with Andrew, nor with any of his high end investors. Shortly, Ray takes it upon himself to check closer into Andrew's life. He goes to his home and finds him murdered. Ray is the sole suspect and will probably be arrested after a second body is found. This novel is well written, very entertaining, a real page-turner, and intriguing. R. Scott Mackey is the best author of novels depicting mainly the Sacramento, CA area. I remember all the streets, avenues, locations he mentions.
In this Book Two of the Ray Courage Mystery series, Lionel Stroud, a wealthy stockbroker, hires Private Investigator, Ray Courage. Ray is still a novice investigator as he's spent most of his working years as a professor at Sacramento State University. Lionel is concerned about one of his employees, Andrew Norris, who is acting suspiciously. Ray has had a past relationship with Stroud's daughter, Jill. She comes back into Ray's life to ask him to help her father find out what's going on with his employee. Courage does hire Ray to investigate, however requests he not make any contact with Andrew, nor with any of his high end investors. Shortly, Ray takes it upon himself to check closer into Andrew's life. He goes to his home and finds him murdered. Ray is the sole suspect and will probably be arrested after a second body is found. This novel is well written, very entertaining, a real page-turner, and intriguing. R. Scott Mackey is the best author of novels depicting mainly the Sacramento, CA area. I remember all the streets, avenues, locations he mentions.
January 13, 2016
Ray Courage, a retired college professor turned PI, is pulled into the world of high finance when a former girlfriend comes to him with concerns about her multi-millionaire financier father. The father thinks one of his brokers is on the point of leaving his firm and taking some of high profile clients with him. Ray investigates, discovers the dead body of the employee in question, and ends up suspected of murdering him.
This novel is fast-paced and I like the repartee between Ray and Rubia, a former gang member, ex jail bird, and graduate of Ray's college course. There are twists and turns aplenty and I did not anticipate the ending. I did feel that the cops harassed Ray a little too much and didn't appear to look any further for a suspect, when Ray had no obvious motive to kill anyone, but all in all, a recommended read.
This novel is fast-paced and I like the repartee between Ray and Rubia, a former gang member, ex jail bird, and graduate of Ray's college course. There are twists and turns aplenty and I did not anticipate the ending. I did feel that the cops harassed Ray a little too much and didn't appear to look any further for a suspect, when Ray had no obvious motive to kill anyone, but all in all, a recommended read.
December 28, 2015
This is a superb read! I loved Mackey's writing style. It starts with the title which is a double entendre and continues with puns and tongue in cheek statements. Some passages are poetic, yet the action is a fast paced mystery, which Ray Courage needs to solve while trying to rebuild a relationship with a former lady friend, Jill Stroud. The atmosphere of the book is delightful from the Say Hey Bar with its Willie Mayes photos and juke box playing Elvis's "Love Me True". We meet Rubia, a former gang member who fears nothing and no one; Rebecca Tampini, the flirtatious former student, and Detective Truillo who needs to solve a couple of murders.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am eager to read other novels by Mackey.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am eager to read other novels by Mackey.
January 2, 2016
Ray Courage is at it again! This time he just might be over his head in a case. This case involves his ex-girlfriend, who has asked him to "look into" one of her dad's employees. Her dad runs a multi-billion dollar investment company. When Ray starts poking around, people start getting killed! Then his ex-girlfriend wants to be a "couple" again. Talk about complicating things! Her father has fired him from the case, but that doesn't really stop Ray from continuing on with it. Then Ray gets arrested for 2 murders! Will he get this one solved or end up going to jail for the rest of his life? A surprise ending!
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