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Marty Singer #3
One Right Thing
Retired DC Homicide detective Marty Singer is driving through rural Virginia when he sees a billboard by the side of the road with the picture of a man and a simple, stunning question:
J.D. HOPE WAS MURDERED ON MAY 6TH. DO YOU KNOW WHY?
To most, the message means nothing. But Marty stops the car, turns around, and rushes headlong into a deadly mix of drugs, lies, and double-crosses.
Because Marty's got his own history with the man on the sign...and he needs to find out who murdered J.D. Hope and why if he wants to do One Right Thing.
This is a new release of a previously published edition.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2013
1732 people are currently reading
921 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Iden
34 books344 followersI write fantasy, science fiction, horror, thrillers, crime fiction, and contemporary literary fiction with a psychological twist.
I’ve held jobs with the US Postal Service, international non-profit groups, a short stint with the Forest Service in Sitka, Alaska, and time with the globe-spanning Semester at Sea program. Trips to Iceland, Patagonia, and Antarctica added to the creative pot, as well, and I started to put all those experiences to good use about eight years ago--thinking, dreaming, and writing.
Please email me at matt.iden AT matthew-iden.com, Tweet @CrimeRighter, or find me on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/matthew.iden.
The Marty Singer detective series is:
A Reason to Live (Marty Singer #1)
Blueblood (Marty Singer #2)
One Right Thing (Marty Singer #3)
The Spike (Marty Singer #4)
The Wicked Flee (Marty Singer #5)
I’ve held jobs with the US Postal Service, international non-profit groups, a short stint with the Forest Service in Sitka, Alaska, and time with the globe-spanning Semester at Sea program. Trips to Iceland, Patagonia, and Antarctica added to the creative pot, as well, and I started to put all those experiences to good use about eight years ago--thinking, dreaming, and writing.
Please email me at matt.iden AT matthew-iden.com, Tweet @CrimeRighter, or find me on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/matthew.iden.
The Marty Singer detective series is:
A Reason to Live (Marty Singer #1)
Blueblood (Marty Singer #2)
One Right Thing (Marty Singer #3)
The Spike (Marty Singer #4)
The Wicked Flee (Marty Singer #5)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 18, 2022
J.D. Hope was murdered on May 6th. Do you know why?
When Marty Singer, the retired detective who put J.D Hope in jail 20 years ago, sees the colossal billboard with J.D.'s photo, and this question on it, he feels compelled to call the phone #...and to try and get answers for J.D.'s mother and sister.
The billboard grabbed him, and that opening grabbed me!
I enjoy reading crime fiction on occasion, and I know that I will be picking up more Marty Singer novels when the mood next strikes...
When Marty Singer, the retired detective who put J.D Hope in jail 20 years ago, sees the colossal billboard with J.D.'s photo, and this question on it, he feels compelled to call the phone #...and to try and get answers for J.D.'s mother and sister.
The billboard grabbed him, and that opening grabbed me!
I enjoy reading crime fiction on occasion, and I know that I will be picking up more Marty Singer novels when the mood next strikes...
September 29, 2015
"There’s going to be another time when you’ll wonder if you got it in you to do the right thing. You gonna be up for it?”
This is the third installment of Marty Singer mysteries -- and only within few days, and three books in, I already know that this will be a series I follow religiously. Marty is driving on Virginia’s Route 29, when he sees a billboard not far from Cain's Crossing, with a sign "J.D. HOPE WAS MURDERED ON MAY 6TH. DO YOU KNOW WHY?". The sign causes him to stop and calls the number on the sign. Because Marty knew J.D. Hope. Twenty years ago, he arrested Hope for murder in D.C. And so the story begins...
Some people lose their night sleep because they're reading a great book. For me, though, I have a very strict sleeping time. I rarely sleep late even if I am in the middle of reading a good book. Instead, it is when I 'sacrifice' my shut-eye during morning commute, when I can't keep my eyes off my Kindle when I am standing/sitting on a train or a bus, THAT is when I know that I'm in a company of a special book.
That's what happened to me when I read One Right Thing . It is another solid entry of the series and simply the best yet.
Marty's health issue is one element that draws me into this series in the beginning. A former detective fighting cancer is not something I stumble upon often. It also humanizes Marty as someone facing a grave illness and knowing his own limitation when working a case.
Interestingly, Marty's health issue now resides to the background. After having successful surgery, Marty is in remission. While it should've eliminate the unique element of Marty's situation, it actually strengthen the story line here somewhat. Being in remission enables Marty to be more focused, to be more relentless, in trying to gather information, to ask people around even when he is being stonewalled by Hope's family, Hope's wife, as well as Local PD. Heck, Marty is even able to give one-two ass-kicking lessons to a couple of bad guys.
This creates a very smooth flow between the investigation and action. I could guess what drives Marty to try finding out who murders Hope, to do that one right thing, and that what makes the answer of the murder as the 'punch-in-the-gut' revelation. It sure will stay with me for a longer time. This is an ending to remember, and elevated the whole story to my 5-stars level.
In addition, Matthew Iden provides several twists and turns that make the case more complex than simply a murder of a local crook. There are other things in play within the small town of Cain's Crossing, and one development made my eyes go wide and I muttered, "Oh, shit".
Bottom line, One Right Thing is a very well-written, intelligent, and one of my most satisfying reads of the year.. I am so happy that I discover this series and I look forward to reading more Marty Singer books in the future (and I will, I already have book #4 and #5 with me).
PS: While the book is provided for free, I immediately clicked the buy button after I finished this. Because a book this good, I need to spend money for the author. If you don't believe me, here's the proof or purchase
The book is provided by Thomas & Mercer publishing via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
November 8, 2015
I received this via Goodreads FirstReads in exchange for an honest review.
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3.5 stars... took awhile for this to pick up but when it did it kept my attention.
The mystery itself was so-so for me and I guessed a couple things (usually don't) but it didn't take away from my reading at all.
The characters and setting were well done. I warmed up to Marty Singer right away. I think him and another detective from another series I like would get along well:).
The final twist of the story with the one guy I didn't expect but wasn't too surprised either.
I will be checking out the other books in the series at some point, though when that will be *shrugs * haha;-)
Would recommend, happy reading!
-----
3.5 stars... took awhile for this to pick up but when it did it kept my attention.
The mystery itself was so-so for me and I guessed a couple things (usually don't) but it didn't take away from my reading at all.
The characters and setting were well done. I warmed up to Marty Singer right away. I think him and another detective from another series I like would get along well:).
The final twist of the story with the one guy I didn't expect but wasn't too surprised either.
I will be checking out the other books in the series at some point, though when that will be *shrugs * haha;-)
Would recommend, happy reading!
October 16, 2015
"This would be a great time to call the Cain's Crossing PD and give Warren my suspicions and deductions. He'd be so impressed, he might deputize me. Or run me out of town for continuing to stick my nose in places it didn't really belong. On the other hand, he had to know the meth labs were there. If he wasn't doing anything about them...well, I didn't like where those thoughts led......" Marty Singer
This is the third book in the "Mary Singer Mystery" series. A trip to Virginia to see a friend turns into something else when Marty spots a billboard showing the face of someone he once arrested. Only now there is a reward to try to find out why this guy, JD Hope, is dead.
JD's mother and sister refuse his offer to let him look into his death. They are feeling animosity towards Marty for helping to put him in prison to begin with. Feeling guilt over the original arrest Marty stays in Cain's Crossing to try to uncover some answers himself. Not only is the family not cooperating but neither are the local police-not even the ex wife seems to want to get involved.
Finally Marty finds an ally and they begin to sort through JD's past. It takes a look back at why Marty felt the need to stop in the first place when he realized JD was dead. Can Marty straighten this mess out for the good of the people of Cain's Crossing? Can he find JD's killer? Can he trust the people who are close to him on his self appointed case? A few surprises in the end I didn't see coming. Marty is determined to do "One Right Thing" in JD's memory.
A pleasant companion to the first two books in this series. Well written, comfortable characters. Marty continues his fight with cancer, and this is intertwined throughout the story as well as mention of previous characters. And like the other books this can be read as a stand alone. Now onto the fourth book!
Thank you to Matthew Iden, Thomas&Mercer and Netgalley for an ARC.
This is the third book in the "Mary Singer Mystery" series. A trip to Virginia to see a friend turns into something else when Marty spots a billboard showing the face of someone he once arrested. Only now there is a reward to try to find out why this guy, JD Hope, is dead.
JD's mother and sister refuse his offer to let him look into his death. They are feeling animosity towards Marty for helping to put him in prison to begin with. Feeling guilt over the original arrest Marty stays in Cain's Crossing to try to uncover some answers himself. Not only is the family not cooperating but neither are the local police-not even the ex wife seems to want to get involved.
Finally Marty finds an ally and they begin to sort through JD's past. It takes a look back at why Marty felt the need to stop in the first place when he realized JD was dead. Can Marty straighten this mess out for the good of the people of Cain's Crossing? Can he find JD's killer? Can he trust the people who are close to him on his self appointed case? A few surprises in the end I didn't see coming. Marty is determined to do "One Right Thing" in JD's memory.
A pleasant companion to the first two books in this series. Well written, comfortable characters. Marty continues his fight with cancer, and this is intertwined throughout the story as well as mention of previous characters. And like the other books this can be read as a stand alone. Now onto the fourth book!
Thank you to Matthew Iden, Thomas&Mercer and Netgalley for an ARC.
October 12, 2015
In Book #3, One Right Thing, we find that our sarcastic and stubborn retired homicide detective Marty Singer has taken a road trip, a holiday to recuperate from his recent cancer surgery. On the way back to Washington he drives through a sleepy town, and notices a massive billboard advertising a murder. If this wasn't odd in itself, the victim is someone that he arrested 20 years previously - and for those 20 years his conscience has been bothered, because something just wasn't right about that bust. Time to investigate - but the family doesn't want him there after finding out who he is, and the local police are hostile. Why does no one want him looking into this murder?
I enjoyed this book a great deal because it gives us some depth and insight into Marty's career 20 years ago, and also an ethical and moral look at the strain that those who deal with murder day in, day out are under, and the grey areas of crime and law enforcement. It has a redemption arc for multiple characters; and I felt provided more depth than the previous book, whilst also adding an interesting supporting cast that allowed to the story to take multiple twists and turns.
It was fast paced, with plenty of things that I wasn't expecting and I think is my favourite of the three books in this series I've read so far. I'd still recommend reading it in order just to get the full experience of Marty's journey as a retired detective battling cancer, but still unwilling to give up on crimes that he can help with. Definitely looking forward to the next one.
My thanks to Matthew Iden, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy of this title.
I enjoyed this book a great deal because it gives us some depth and insight into Marty's career 20 years ago, and also an ethical and moral look at the strain that those who deal with murder day in, day out are under, and the grey areas of crime and law enforcement. It has a redemption arc for multiple characters; and I felt provided more depth than the previous book, whilst also adding an interesting supporting cast that allowed to the story to take multiple twists and turns.
It was fast paced, with plenty of things that I wasn't expecting and I think is my favourite of the three books in this series I've read so far. I'd still recommend reading it in order just to get the full experience of Marty's journey as a retired detective battling cancer, but still unwilling to give up on crimes that he can help with. Definitely looking forward to the next one.
My thanks to Matthew Iden, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy of this title.
December 22, 2013
I was most pleasantly surprised with this book. Kept me wondering what was coming next and how this character fit into the story.
February 8, 2017
One right thing by Mathew Iden is a mystery and thriller and general fiction (adult) read.
Retired DC Homicide detective Marty Singer is driving through rural Virginia when he sees a billboard by the side of the road with the picture of a man and a simple, stunning question:
J.D. HOPE WAS MURDERED ON MAY 6TH. DO YOU KNOW WHY?
To most, the message means nothing. But Marty stops the car, turns around, and rushes headlong into a deadly mix of drugs, lies, and double-crosses.
Because Marty's got his own history with the man on the sign...and he needs to find out who murdered J.D. Hope and why if he wants to do One Right Thing.
This was a good read. I liked the story and the characters. 4*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
Retired DC Homicide detective Marty Singer is driving through rural Virginia when he sees a billboard by the side of the road with the picture of a man and a simple, stunning question:
J.D. HOPE WAS MURDERED ON MAY 6TH. DO YOU KNOW WHY?
To most, the message means nothing. But Marty stops the car, turns around, and rushes headlong into a deadly mix of drugs, lies, and double-crosses.
Because Marty's got his own history with the man on the sign...and he needs to find out who murdered J.D. Hope and why if he wants to do One Right Thing.
This was a good read. I liked the story and the characters. 4*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
September 16, 2014
I loved the first two Marty Singer mysteries and this one, the third in the series, continues the streak. Part of the appeal is the twist on the genre, since technically Marty is no longer a policeman. He doesn’t have to operate under the same constraints. He doesn’t have the same readily available resources. Yet, in his heart, he’s still a cop and the series still feels like a police procedural.
I also like Marty for the kind of person he is, approaching his vocation turned avocation to protect and serve, wanting to see justice done. In this particular case the main thing motivating Marty is, as the title implies, a desire to do the right thing. Marty has a history with the murder victim and is driven to find his murderer to make up for a feeling that he fell short in his duties to him in the past.
I also like author Iden’s ability to string words together in a way that doesn’t feel like he’s trying too hard, yet sometimes stops me short with their subtle, yet evocative way of describing something. One example is this description of a house.
I stopped in front of a white-sided Queen Anne–style home on the corner of Beal and Market. It was a sprawling pile, with wraparound porch, octagonal tower, and meticulously carved gingerbread under the eaves. The knobs, pilasters, dentils, and other features that I’m sure an architect would have a word for were painted a slate blue with salmon trim, giving the whole thing a slightly silly, fairy-tale cast.
If you’re a fan of police procedurals or mysteries, One Right Thing (really the entire Marty Singer Mystery series) is well worth your time.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
I also like Marty for the kind of person he is, approaching his vocation turned avocation to protect and serve, wanting to see justice done. In this particular case the main thing motivating Marty is, as the title implies, a desire to do the right thing. Marty has a history with the murder victim and is driven to find his murderer to make up for a feeling that he fell short in his duties to him in the past.
I also like author Iden’s ability to string words together in a way that doesn’t feel like he’s trying too hard, yet sometimes stops me short with their subtle, yet evocative way of describing something. One example is this description of a house.
I stopped in front of a white-sided Queen Anne–style home on the corner of Beal and Market. It was a sprawling pile, with wraparound porch, octagonal tower, and meticulously carved gingerbread under the eaves. The knobs, pilasters, dentils, and other features that I’m sure an architect would have a word for were painted a slate blue with salmon trim, giving the whole thing a slightly silly, fairy-tale cast.
If you’re a fan of police procedurals or mysteries, One Right Thing (really the entire Marty Singer Mystery series) is well worth your time.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
February 6, 2014
Matthew Iden has created a protagonist who is a fully realized and complex human. Marty Singer finds himself struggling with illness, the loss of a long and satisfying career, and feelings of guilt and regret over unresolved cases. The heart of the mystery here is not necessarily the current murder that he is drawn into investigating, but one of the old cases that linger in his mind. That latter case is the root cause of the recent one, and Marty tries to solve the new one in order to resolve the earlier one. I am not normally a fan of stories that jump back and forth in time, but Iden manages to do this effectively, as the two related cases are played out in parallel and come to a final and shared resolution at the end of the novel. Along the way, Iden tosses in a number of twists and turns that cause the reader to wonder if he has figured it out or not. The final resolution is believable and satisfying.
This is the third installment in a series centered on Marty Singer, though it is the first one I have read. I have now started reading the first and look forward to reading the other books in this entertaining series. Marty Singer has become one of my new favorite fictional characters, and I believe Matthew Iden has drawn him in a way that I will come to know him better and more fully as we go along. A fascinating journey awaits a reader who joins Marty Singer's adventures.
This is the third installment in a series centered on Marty Singer, though it is the first one I have read. I have now started reading the first and look forward to reading the other books in this entertaining series. Marty Singer has become one of my new favorite fictional characters, and I believe Matthew Iden has drawn him in a way that I will come to know him better and more fully as we go along. A fascinating journey awaits a reader who joins Marty Singer's adventures.
May 20, 2013
I finished this in one day as I just couldn't put it down. Marty Singer feels like an old friend and just had to find out how he was doing.
I loved the story. This is my favorite of the three.
It starts out with a "sign" for Marty which he can't let go. I just love this character.
There were a couple of things that I never saw coming. Great story!
Can't wait to check back in on Marty for the next one!
Laine
I loved the story. This is my favorite of the three.
It starts out with a "sign" for Marty which he can't let go. I just love this character.
There were a couple of things that I never saw coming. Great story!
Can't wait to check back in on Marty for the next one!
Laine
June 1, 2014
"One Right Thing" is a good Book 3 in the Marty Singer Series, not quite as good as the first two, but a good read none the less. There's no romance but more surprise twists in this one which may even suit your tastes better. There are also slightly more editing errors, but nothing serious. I definitely plan to continue the series and read Book 4.
October 3, 2015
Another very good book.
You'll be doing "One Right Thing" by reading this book. Fast paced with many turns and twists. Mystery of who killed J.D or who is the head of operation will keep you guessing. Ending is shocking, but very glad Marty is doing good. Can't wait to read more about him in the next book.
You'll be doing "One Right Thing" by reading this book. Fast paced with many turns and twists. Mystery of who killed J.D or who is the head of operation will keep you guessing. Ending is shocking, but very glad Marty is doing good. Can't wait to read more about him in the next book.
February 3, 2014
This, the third Marty Singer mystery, makes you keep turning pages. You're rewarded with twists and turns, and - when you thing everything is clear - there's yet another twist. When I turned the last page, I was sorry it was over. I'm glad I have another Marty Singer waiting to be devoured.
April 5, 2013
I just finished it. Awesome, I couldn't put it down!
November 30, 2013
Another excellent book by Matthew Iden. I rated this one 4.8 stars. Jim finished this book 11-29-13 and gave it 4.5 stars.
February 11, 2014
Good Stuff.
May 24, 2014
Kept me guessing....I thought I had it all figured out, then Iden threw a curve ball. I was right about who killed J.D., at least.
October 18, 2018
This is a contemporary non-Christian fiction crime mystery.
One Right Thing is Book #3 out of 6 books.
Marty Singer thought he had it all ... and then cancer came along and turned his world upside down. Although forced to retire from the homicide division after 30 years,
trouble - and investigations - seem to find him wherever he goes.
Driving home after visiting friends lands him in a fix ...
a billboard with a simple message on it ...
"WHO KILLED J. D. HOPE?"
As the story goes on, glimpses of Marty's experiences
with J. D. years earlier appear.
But can he find out what this fellow was mixed up in and find the killer before someone tries to force him out of town ...
and before any more deaths occur?
Not quite the way I expected the story to go either ...
plenty of twists!
Warren and Palmer, the town's top cops, don't seem to care that the guy lost his life and don't seem to be trying to figure out what happened.... or are they hiding something?
Mrs. Hope claims she doesn't want his help.
Mary Beth, J. D.'s sister, seems like she knows more than she's telling.
One crew of brothers who seem to always be up to no good.
One nosy reporter.
A few other colorful characters pop up here and there as well.
Descriptions of the characters, places, and events
make the story easy to read and enjoy.
Only thing that I didn't particularly care for was the language; could have done without fuck, shit, and a few other swear words.
Fortunately, they weren't used on every page.
Here are a few favorite quotes:
Life doesn't end until your heart stops beating,
I learned, and acting any other way was a waste of time.
Marty Singer
page 33
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
".....I sure would appreciate it if you wouldn't nose around things yourself."
(Marty asks question, nosing around...)
"What part of 'don't poke your nose into this' did you not understand?"
"Never hurts to ask," I replied.
Chief Lloyd Palmer
Detective Shane Warren
"retired" Detective Marty Singer
pages 46-47
----------------------------------------
I didn't know how to do
half of the things on my phone I knew I could,
but one thing I could do was look up an address.
Marty
page 143
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"What is it about 'not getting involved' you fail to understand?"
Local police officer Warren
"Seemed like a good idea at the time," I said.
"But I'm coming around to your way of thinking."
Marty Singer
page 156
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
"....The right thing is doing something without payback.
Doing it when it ain't easy.
Doing it when it'll hurt."
J. D. Hope to Marty Singer
(Years earlier)
page 252
Fortunately for me ... this was the end of one story,
but not the end of Marty Singer ... I look forward to re-uniting with the crusty "retired" detective as the series continues!
One Right Thing is Book #3 out of 6 books.
Marty Singer thought he had it all ... and then cancer came along and turned his world upside down. Although forced to retire from the homicide division after 30 years,
trouble - and investigations - seem to find him wherever he goes.
Driving home after visiting friends lands him in a fix ...
a billboard with a simple message on it ...
"WHO KILLED J. D. HOPE?"
As the story goes on, glimpses of Marty's experiences
with J. D. years earlier appear.
But can he find out what this fellow was mixed up in and find the killer before someone tries to force him out of town ...
and before any more deaths occur?
Not quite the way I expected the story to go either ...
plenty of twists!
Warren and Palmer, the town's top cops, don't seem to care that the guy lost his life and don't seem to be trying to figure out what happened.... or are they hiding something?
Mrs. Hope claims she doesn't want his help.
Mary Beth, J. D.'s sister, seems like she knows more than she's telling.
One crew of brothers who seem to always be up to no good.
One nosy reporter.
A few other colorful characters pop up here and there as well.
Descriptions of the characters, places, and events
make the story easy to read and enjoy.
Only thing that I didn't particularly care for was the language; could have done without fuck, shit, and a few other swear words.
Fortunately, they weren't used on every page.
Here are a few favorite quotes:
Life doesn't end until your heart stops beating,
I learned, and acting any other way was a waste of time.
Marty Singer
page 33
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
".....I sure would appreciate it if you wouldn't nose around things yourself."
(Marty asks question, nosing around...)
"What part of 'don't poke your nose into this' did you not understand?"
"Never hurts to ask," I replied.
Chief Lloyd Palmer
Detective Shane Warren
"retired" Detective Marty Singer
pages 46-47
----------------------------------------
I didn't know how to do
half of the things on my phone I knew I could,
but one thing I could do was look up an address.
Marty
page 143
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"What is it about 'not getting involved' you fail to understand?"
Local police officer Warren
"Seemed like a good idea at the time," I said.
"But I'm coming around to your way of thinking."
Marty Singer
page 156
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
"....The right thing is doing something without payback.
Doing it when it ain't easy.
Doing it when it'll hurt."
J. D. Hope to Marty Singer
(Years earlier)
page 252
Fortunately for me ... this was the end of one story,
but not the end of Marty Singer ... I look forward to re-uniting with the crusty "retired" detective as the series continues!
September 17, 2021
This was a super solid read in the Marty Singer series. It surpassed the second entry, which was the most important achievement. I found the second book fairly lackluster due to having a plot that involves gangs (which I don't personally enjoy), so it was nice to bump back up from where that second book left me. This entry is nicely tied with the first book of the series at 4-stars. I'm curious to know if any entries will be absolutely perfect, but I have yet to come across that yet.
This go around, Marty is heading back into town after a short trip and spots a rather eye-catching billboard sign that reads:
Third book in and I'm definitely still a Marty Singer fan. He's such a cool character, and I love that the author still has him being tough at 53 years of age without forgetting that he isn't a young buck anymore either. He feels like a very real guy with very real responses to situations. He isn't a dud character with a boring personality, and I particularly love his smartass moments. Other characters I meet along the way in these books are charming too, even if their presences are short-lived.
Matthew Iden does a very good job in bringing folks to life via well-written dialogue that seems to be the perfect rendition of real-life conversations. The plot is very intriguing and the pace, as I'm starting to see, flows effortlessly from one chapter into the next. I love, love, LOVE when authors know how to continue a chapter from where exactly the previous one left off. It's the best way to keep me invested and in tune. Things flow great in this story, and the mystery of J.D.'s death was one that sucked me just the same as it did Marty. There were several little twists in this one which were fun to read, despite them contributing to the story's somewhat somber feel.
All in all, this was a very entertaining ride and I'm looking forward to the next entry, especially after reading its sneak peak. Good grief. Quite a way to start a story! Can't wait.
This go around, Marty is heading back into town after a short trip and spots a rather eye-catching billboard sign that reads:
"J.D. HOPE WAS MURDERED ON MAY 6TH. DO YOU KNOW WHY?"The name triggers a two-decade-old memory of Singer's first interaction with him that didn't end nicely. Needless to say, he now feels compelled to get to the bottom of the murder in the hopes of doing "one right thing" for J.D.'s sake. And for his own sake as well.
Third book in and I'm definitely still a Marty Singer fan. He's such a cool character, and I love that the author still has him being tough at 53 years of age without forgetting that he isn't a young buck anymore either. He feels like a very real guy with very real responses to situations. He isn't a dud character with a boring personality, and I particularly love his smartass moments. Other characters I meet along the way in these books are charming too, even if their presences are short-lived.
Matthew Iden does a very good job in bringing folks to life via well-written dialogue that seems to be the perfect rendition of real-life conversations. The plot is very intriguing and the pace, as I'm starting to see, flows effortlessly from one chapter into the next. I love, love, LOVE when authors know how to continue a chapter from where exactly the previous one left off. It's the best way to keep me invested and in tune. Things flow great in this story, and the mystery of J.D.'s death was one that sucked me just the same as it did Marty. There were several little twists in this one which were fun to read, despite them contributing to the story's somewhat somber feel.
All in all, this was a very entertaining ride and I'm looking forward to the next entry, especially after reading its sneak peak. Good grief. Quite a way to start a story! Can't wait.
October 2, 2019
Finding the hero inside!
Matt Iden has created an incredibly easy-to-relate-to character in Marty Singer. He's as human as any of us, with all the frailties that goes with that. Unlike most of us, though, he manages to find the hero inside -- bringing him out in bits and pieces, fits and starts, but always managing to get the hero where he's needed, when he's needed most.
I don't know where Marty is going to land next, but I bet he's going to take us on a wild and wonderful journey as he calls on the reluctant hero inside himself to once again save the day!
Can't wait to read The Spike.
5-Stars!
Matt Iden has created an incredibly easy-to-relate-to character in Marty Singer. He's as human as any of us, with all the frailties that goes with that. Unlike most of us, though, he manages to find the hero inside -- bringing him out in bits and pieces, fits and starts, but always managing to get the hero where he's needed, when he's needed most.
I don't know where Marty is going to land next, but I bet he's going to take us on a wild and wonderful journey as he calls on the reluctant hero inside himself to once again save the day!
Can't wait to read The Spike.
5-Stars!
January 29, 2019
A very satisfying mystery starring an affable retired DC detective who is trying to right some wrongs in his past or those in others....This is only the second of the series that I have read but I have enjoyed the characters (believable), the setting (VA. DC and MD) and especially the caliber of writing (a page-flipping, police procedural mystery) of Mr. Iden. His Marty Singer series is definitely worth a look-see if you haven't already had the pleasure.
July 23, 2021
His surgery being apparently successful, Marty Singer goes on a trip into Virginia and as he is returning to Washington DC sees a billboard asking for information about the execution of an individual who was sentenced to 20 years in prison due to Marty's detective work, and when released, returns to his home town. Marty wants to solve the mystery of the execution. Again, high action and strong characterization.
March 15, 2018
Jack Reacher imposter.
There’s a Reacher book where this entire plot happens almost to the tee, just can’t recall the name. Haven’t finished this yet, although I’ll get through it, if only to confirm my suspicions.
It’s not a bad book, it’s just not very good, pretty slow and slightly unbelievable.
There’s a Reacher book where this entire plot happens almost to the tee, just can’t recall the name. Haven’t finished this yet, although I’ll get through it, if only to confirm my suspicions.
It’s not a bad book, it’s just not very good, pretty slow and slightly unbelievable.
June 10, 2023
Marty shows a lot of heart in this one
Very sad story of a search for redemption, both for Marty and the case he’s trying to solve. Love this author’s writing—great unfolding of plot and even better characters. Transitions between scenes and descriptions are all excellent, just the right amount of detail to keep me turning the page.
Very sad story of a search for redemption, both for Marty and the case he’s trying to solve. Love this author’s writing—great unfolding of plot and even better characters. Transitions between scenes and descriptions are all excellent, just the right amount of detail to keep me turning the page.
December 21, 2018
The Right Thing (3)
A great book on a rainy day,,, what more could one ask for! A page turner to the end. I wish more people's conscience kicked in,, would be a better world to live in.
A great book on a rainy day,,, what more could one ask for! A page turner to the end. I wish more people's conscience kicked in,, would be a better world to live in.
Read
August 28, 2021Marty Singer is a regular guy who does irregular things for other people. He's a guy that you like to cheer for and want to get his man. Marty never gives up until he has solved the clues. I'm on to read book number 4, The Spike.
September 1, 2021
3/3 with this series
I've never been happier for a Suggested series as this one. I've been happy with each of the 3 books I've read and would read more if not for the fact I like to rotate the authors I read.
I've never been happier for a Suggested series as this one. I've been happy with each of the 3 books I've read and would read more if not for the fact I like to rotate the authors I read.
March 24, 2017
Many surprising turns
I've read a couple singer novels; I like the character. This novel has a complex plot as the characters are not whom they seem and trust is in low supply. By the end you wonder how you could have trusted any of them!
I've read a couple singer novels; I like the character. This novel has a complex plot as the characters are not whom they seem and trust is in low supply. By the end you wonder how you could have trusted any of them!
June 25, 2017
I usually don't put 5 stars for genre, but (a) I love Iden's work and (b) the premise of this one knocked my socks off.
November 16, 2017
I sort of like these Marty Singer stories. The bad guys weren't really evident but when they were finally revealed it made perfect sense. Some things seem just a little bit dated.
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