A Book to Die For is the second book in Houston's To Die For series. Jake Martin is not your ordinary sleuth. He's an outsourced software engineer, handyman and writer. This time the story takes place in the foothills of Denver. Jake is accused of manslaughter and he has to prove the accident was really murder. Along the way he encounters a poaching ring and falls in love with a beautiful game warden. The characters are memorable and the plot is multilayered. It keeps the reader guessing who dun-it until the very end.
Richard is working on his third career. His first was as a carpenter and roofer for twenty years while working his way through college. With a BS in Math he spent the next twenty-five years as a successful software engineer by working on the Space Shuttle at both Vandenberg AFB, and Johnson Space Center. He then went on to start Master Mind SofTools where he developed software for fortune 500 companies.
After taking early retirement in 2007, he moved to Warsaw, Missouri and built a home on the water with a view to die for. Richard now devotes his time to raising his great-grand daughter and writing. He is currently working on the second novel in the Jacob Martin series.
A Book to Die For is one of those books where you want to go back and find the clues you missed. The foreshadowing when you were too new to the story to catch it. The key detail that went unnoticed because the scene was so emotional or action-packed. The physical positioning between characters you overlooked because things were moving along so fast. While this could be perceived as a problem, it’s also indicative of how involved you get in A Book to Die For and how fast a pace it has.
Jake Martin has been asked by his friend Bonnie to edit a manuscript written by her father (now deceased). Almost immediately he is ridiculed and called a hack by a man he barely knows, derided by his friend’s sister, nearly blown to bits, and then accused of being a poacher and a killer. In fact, a good part of this book is about someone trying to set Jake up to take the blame, but for what, and why?
Houston puts more twists and turns into this book than are in a Colorado mountain road. There is even a touching love story that has its own complications. I like the language Houston uses, and the realistic if intricate relationships he builds. The ending is a satisfying one. I wouldn’t mind if the action were a touch more relaxed (I’m one who likes to ponder my mysteries a little). This book may be classified as a ‘cozy’ but it’s cozy like a private plane flying along at 500 miles an hour. I could look forward to being on a plane like that again.
3 to 3.5 stars. A good cozy mystery to curl up to pass a pleasant evening with fairly light fare. Even tho it has some sad events, these seem to add a slight bittersweetness that keeps the book from becoming annoyingly saccharine. Kind of setting it in a more sympathetic, "keeping-it-real" light. I enjoyed the mystery and characters tho found the repeated stick fetching and squirrel chasing a bit repetitive, more like filler too often, but still a good story and quick read not requiring a lot of thought or concentration.
Time sequence was confusing, especially toward the end, causing an illogical progression. Character development omitted connecting details. Grammatical errors and typos were frequent.
I reviewed the author’s first mystery and found it a fresh take on the genre with much wry humor. The current one is a welcome follow up. It has one of those incredibly complex plots that had me scratching my head, and a large cast of supporting characters that I had to make notes to keep track of. The main character is Jake Martin, a divorced, unemployed software engineer and writer who is down on his luck, chronically short of money, drives an old car, and lives in a cabin in Colorado with a dog named Fred. Fred is amazing, but more about him later.
Attempting to summarize the tangled plot would be like trying to describe the human circulatory system in a few sentences. In a nutshell’s nutshell, it goes something like this: a gas barbeque explodes, a man is injured, blame is placed on Jake, and legal action threatened. As Jake seeks to prove his innocence, Fred provides exonerating evidence of propane tank tempering. In a subplot, a sexy wildlife agent takes interest in Jake and romance blossoms.
Other story elements include an attempted murder by improbable means that would ruin anyone’s afternoon cocktail and barbecue hour, a book editing job on a work of fiction that may actually be a memoir describing a murder, a very clever squirrrel, a parade of shady characters, surprise paternity, insurance fraud, a meth lab, and a tragedy.
Back to Fred, who, if he is not always at center stage, is close by, drawing attention. He plays a variety of roles and, at times, seems to be the jokester to Jake’s straight man. He performs as icebreaker, cluefinder. comic relief, best friend, tracker, protector, early warning system, heating pad, object of love and concern, mood raiser.
I enjoyed this novel and recommend it to readers. I reviewed the author’s first mystery and found it a fresh take on the genre with much wry humor. The current one is a welcome follow up. It has one of those incredibly complex plots that had me scratching my head, and a large cast of supporting characters that I had to make notes to keep track of. The main character is Jake Martin, a divorced, unemployed software engineer and writer who is down on his luck, chronically short of money, drives an old car, and lives in a cabin in Colorado with a dog named Fred. Fred is amazing, but more about him later.
Attempting to summarize the tangled plot would be like trying to describe the human circulatory system in a few sentences. In a nutshell’s nutshell, it goes something like this: a gas barbeque explodes, a man is injured, blame is placed on Jake, and legal action threatened. As Jake seeks to prove his innocence, Fred provides exonerating evidence of propane tank tempering. In a subplot, a sexy wildlife agent takes interest in Jake and romance blossoms.
Other story elements include an attempted murder by improbable means that would ruin anyone’s afternoon cocktail and barbecue hour, a book editing job on a work of fiction that may actually be a memoir describing a murder, a very clever squirrrel, a parade of shady characters, surprise paternity, insurance fraud, a meth lab, and a tragedy.
Back to Fred, who, if he is not always at center stage, is close by, drawing attention. He plays a variety of roles and, at times, seems to be the jokester to Jake’s straight man. He performs as icebreaker, cluefinder. comic relief, best friend, tracker, protector, early warning system, heating pad, object of love and concern, mood raiser.
I had a slow start reading and vesting any real interest. The story opens with a gathering for BBQ which was a logical way to introduce the protag, supporting characters, and throw a little suspicion on some antags, but it was confusing at times trying to latch onto the plot. Then the 'book' is introduced, and shortly afterward somebody dies, and the plot begins to make sense even though the connection between the two is a little hazy. There is a romance that blossoms too soon and feels contrived, but it isn't likely to continue into future books (or if it does, that would be a story in itself). The requisite dog helps his master find clues that move the mystery forward, but the actual solution is reserved for the protag (as it should be). All in all it's an intricate plot with enough twists to be a good first-in-the-series. It will be interesting to see how dog and man develop as they continue.
I just finished reading A Book To Die For by Richard Houston. Just as enjoyable as his first book, A View To Die For. Richard has the formula for a comedic murder mystery down pat! This outing has Jake and Fred helping their neighbor Bonnie and her sister Margot, edit a book written by their father. Along the way, while trying to stay out of trouble himself, Jake falls in love. This author's style of writing is very refreshing. It's like you're sitting in the room having a conversation with him. I wound up reading this book in a day. The writing is fast-paced and easy to read. There are a lot of subplots running simultaneously with the main plot, but doesn't get bogged down. If you like murder mysteries, comedy and dogs (especially golden retrievers) - get these books. You will be spellbound and laughing from beginning to end.
Clever; characters likable, writing is technically sound. A few moments of "that wouldn't happen" (like the main character being sued for negligent homicide when he's clearly not at fault), but I'm willing to stretch the boundaries of believable for a good read. This was a free book for Kindle; a fast read for a nice snowy day. It has a dog in it, so of course, that earns it an extra star. I would read this author again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a mildly entertaining mystery, redeemed by the Jake's (narrator) dog Fred. Fred was great. He's a golden retriever who would love to spend his days chasing sticks and squirreThls, followed by lapping up beer from the deck.
Life's not that simple of course. Through rather unbelievable series of events, Jake is accused first of manslaughter and then finds himself in the middle of a poaching ring. There's a female game warden, with whom he falls in love. (That's not a spoiler. You'll see it coming as soon as she's introduced.)
Several scenes were well written and exciting. Others not so much. The complex plot twists kept me reading, but I'm sure I couldn't pass a test on the end of the book if I had to list who actually was responsible for what. It's a good beach or hammock read.
This is the second book in the series I have read, and I enjoyed both. A Book to Die For has a decent plot with some twists and turns to hold the reader's interest. Jake, his dog Fred and his neighbor Bonnie have you rooting for them to solve the mystery. Jake has a love interest in this one as well. There are a few editing glitches such as words misspelled, but overall the writing is clean. I don't know how Jake manages to maintain any kind of life with so little income, so you just have to not think too hard about that. The book is complete, no cliffhangers, although you would have more background on the regulars in the series if you start from the first book. I will definitely read more in the series.
Well written, multi faceted & the star is a dog called Fred. Oh & his human companion, Jake. Richard Houston has a unique writing style, more like an autobiography than the work of fiction it really is. You never get bored with this series of books, there is always something going on. Just like real life, nothing is in a vacuum. In this volume, Jake is accused of manslaughter, uncovers long buried secrets, falls in love, gets married & is widowed. The loveable Retriever, Fred finds clues & physical evidence to help out his 'dad', whilst fulfilling his role as a waste disposal unit. The way in which Fred is portrayed, is totally understandable by any pet owner.
This book was a pleasure to read! The characters really pop out--I felt as if I knew each and every one of them. I especially loved his neighbor--she was an adorable older woman who was a busy body and couldn't help telling her sister everything--even when she wasn't supposed to.
Jake was asked to edit a book--then suddenly he is accused of murder because at a BBQ-the grill explodes and the person manning it at the time dies. He did not do it--but he has to figure out who did to save his own neck!
You are going to absolutely love his dog--a very smart and VERY playful Golden Retriever!!
I am going to have to get Book 1 and read it--then continue reading this series--I definitely don't want to miss any of it!!
I just love stories where a pet plays an important role. Jake and his Golden Retriever, Freddie, are pals--best friends, in fact. When a barbecue mishap ends in someone's death, Jake is put in the hot seat. Not by the police, but by another guest at the barbecue, Chuck Randolph. Jake has no idea why the man has it in for him. When Julie, a game warden, shows up he is sportscaster for poaching. But Julie notices something that makes her cut him loose. He isn't arrested, but he is captivated by Julie. Great story with lots of twists and turns. It kept me turning the pages.
Think Twice Before Writing Your “Tell-All” Biography
Tight First Person narrative, mostly about an unemployed writer and his dog. The dog is a vividly drawn character who overshadows the woman the narrator eventually marries.
This is a good series of amateur detective novels with extremely intricate plots. This one starts with a manuscript of a tell-all biography that needs a ghost writer and a BBQ grill blowing up “accidentally.”
It ends with a poignant note about the dog’s behavior that tells more than the tell-all manuscript.
This is the book in the To Die For series. Jake and Fred are back home in Colorado. Jake goes to his neighbor Bonnie's cabin to help with a barbecue. After they have eaten and are sitting drinking one of the kids want a bit dog so Bonnie tells her niece"s husband for flight it. As e does it blows up in his face. Belated died at the hospital. Everyone is Kami g Jake for the accident. Jake and Fred realizes it is not an accident when Fred finds the hose from rd propane tank and it has been cut. Another find tale about Jake and his golden retriever Fred.
I wanted to enjoy this book. I’m afraid though that the poor editing caused a distraction. When the characters ate desert rather than dessert as an example... There were at least 20 instances where words were missing or in the wrong order such that sentences didn’t make any sense. Adding to the confusion, the ground-work regarding the character relations weren’t well established relating to the characters, so that once the revelations to the “mystery” were unveiled, there was the appropriate appreciation from the reader. Fred was awesome!
This is the first book in this series I've read. I thought it was OK. I had a hard time keeping characters and their relationships straight. There were a lot of twists and turns with new information constantly being revealed. I liked the relationship between the dog and his owner, and how the dog is accidentally finding clues. If another in the series is offered for free download, I would consider it, but I didn't like it enough to pay for more in the series.
I liked this book much better than the first one. It flows better and the characters are better developed. I really liked the Jake and Julie storyline but was saddened at the end. Bonnie will be a great addition to the team. And we cannot forget Fred, what a wonderful and instinctive character he is. I recommend this book and series to anyone who likes mysteries and action.
The endearing characters from the previous book continue to captivate the readers along with some new ones such as Julie, Bonnie and others. Not to forget Fred/Freddie the inimitable, uncomparable Golden Retriever who has to have a major part in everything that goes on in the story!
Another superb, outstanding book! Thank you very much for the most engrossing and enjoyable reading experience, Mr. Houston!!!
This is the third book I have read in the series and probably my favorite so far. Some people have not liked the books, but I DO!!! I enjoy the simple life Jake leads with Fred and the way he figures out the mystery. Julie was a really nice addition to the story and a very strong woman, accomplished and successful in her job.
At first I wondered whether or not I would finish this book. However, as I read the characters came more to life and the mystery deepened. As I read I actually got to like the characters. I can heartily recommend this book. I will definitely try a second book.
Mystery, murder and misdirection with a touch of love!
After someone is killed while barbecuing at Jake Martin 's neighbor, Bonnie 's house, Jake needs to defend himself and figure out who killed Lonnie and how. Along the way he meets Julie, a game warden investigating poachers in the area. Can Jake succeed in his quest and also convince Julie to become part of his life?
This story is about an author and his Golden Retriever, and their adventures in Denver, Colorado. His next door neighbor lives quite far from him down the mountain, but still shorter to walk than to drive. Getting tangled up with his neighbor’s relatives at a backyard barbecue makes for a twisted and tangled mess.
This is the kind of book I can read over and over. I had a little trouble finding out the relationships with all the characters. But once I figured it out. I thought this was a super book. As a dog lover myself I especially like the thanks with Fred. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Jake and his golden, Fred, had fallen on hard times. Living without electricity and using the neighbor's wireless for his computer was a real drag. Then Julie came into their lives. Despite her cancer, she helped work out the trap that caught the poachers and solved the hit -and-run death of a young girl years ago.
Another great story with colorful characters and devious plots. Fred the dog is a great addition to the story and leaves a lasting impression. Julie the game warden was a nice love interest for Jake. Can’t wait for the next book to see how everyone gets into new trouble.
Really enjoyed this book from start to finish. A cozy mystery between a man and his dog. Fighting to prove innocence when everyone around him is out to get him. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
I like this book. Had a hard time initially - introduced all the characters quickly but they weren't defined clearly. I couldn't keep them straight. But loved the main character and if course loved his dog!