Death of a Billionaire

by Tucker May

Ever dream of killing your boss? Alan Benning knows how you feel.

The his billionaire boss actually winds up murdered. And the whole world thinks he did it.

When globetrotting tech billionaire Barron Fisk is found dead on the floor of his swanky Silicon Valley office, all evidence points to Alan.

Alan must venture into the glitzy, treacherous world of tech billionaires to clear his name by sorting through a long list of suspects with motive aplenty. If he can’t find the real culprit, Alan’s going down. The clock is ticking.

Who killed Barron Fisk? The truth will shock— and change— the entire world.

Fans of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club series, Carl Hiaasen’s tales of high-stakes hijinx, or Ruth Ware’s page-turning mysteries will love Death of a Billionaire.

So what are you waiting for? Hit BUY NOW to see if YOU can solve the mystery of who killed Barron Fisk — before it’s too late.

Genres: Mystery

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2025

About the author

Tucker May was raised in and around Springfield, Missouri in the heart of the Ozarks. He excelled in theater performance, speech and debate, and public speaking throughout his school years. He attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Theater. At Northwestern, he was trained in playwriting and acting. He was a member of the comedic performance groups Northwestern Sketch Television, The Titanic Players, and Mee-Ow. Since college, he has taken writing classes at Second City in Chicago, iO in Chicago, iO West in Los Angeles, The Writer’s Workshop and with TV Writer Janae Bakken. He has written two novels, Death of a Billionaire and The Lemon House Murders, as well as two screenplays, Chicken Truck and Headlines! A Story of American Sensationalism

Reviews

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death of a Billionaire is indeed a fun mystery, with a varied cast of characters, some of them not very nice, living their uber-rich lifestyles. It is a story told with irreverence and an eye to what's currently happening in the world of tech. It is a very enjoyable, fast-paced mystery that you will power your way through.

I was drawn to the title by the mention of Carl Hiaasen, and while it's been far too long since I read a Carl Hiaasen book that I can't definitely make comparisons, the humour certainly reminded me of one of Carl's books.

For a debut novel, Death of a Billionaire is very accomplished, and I do recommend it to fellow readers who love a good contemporary mystery (well, actually, it's slightly futuristic) and like to have a little giggle along the way.

[Nikki Groton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a murder mystery novel and I was so pleasantly surprised!! The cheeky narration made for an incredibly light and fun read with amazing character names and great descriptions of these ridiculous people. Its comedy made for a perfect pre-bed read while still keeping me intrigued by the whodunit aspects. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something fun but incredibly well-written.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ 🔫

This was a fun, twisty, humorous mystery. The story is told through a narrator whose identity is not revealed until the end. The cast of characters are all unique and contribute to the humor in the story in each their own way. I did figure out majority of the plot early in the book, but the author did a great job keeping me questioning if I was correct. The pacing of the story was great and kept me turning the pages. This book is great for those who like who-dunnit mysteries and enjoy satire in their stories.

I received this book as an eARC. Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for providing this book for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Gary Leffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tucker May’s wry humor shines through in this highly creative and satisfying whodunit. In a quirky and cinematic near-future world, a cast of charmingly askew characters leads us through a buddy movie plot line that keeps us guessing. Imagine Beverly Hills Cop if it were set amongst Silicone Valley’s one-percenters. In Death of a Billionaire May delivers plenty of smart, old school feels, but with a healthy dose of high tech hijinks.

[JulieAnn Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me turning pages long into the nights. With a very unique cast of charaters—like the brave-yet-cowardly main character, a delightfully dramatic widow, and a hilariously childish cop—Death of a Billionaire blends intense mystery with perfectly timed comedic moments.

I was convinced I had solved the mystery within the first few pages… but wow, I was quite wrong. The twists are clever and surprising! Well written, fun, and had me guessing until the end. I’m already following this author for more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m pleasantly surprised! I’ve never read a murder mystery novel before, and I had a hard time putting this one down. It was fun, intriguing and a joy to read. This one definitely made me interested in reading more of this genre.

[Pamela Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real mystery. It kept me interested all the way through. Great writing! I recommend it to everyone who likes to read murder mysteries. The way things are presented in the short chapters makes it an especially interesting read. I am looking forward to Tucker May’s next book, and you will too.

[Logan Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

A murder mystery for the modern age and a satirical takedown of our current technocratic dystopia. It’s a page turner full of fun twists, dry humor, and cathartic cruelty to our billionaire overlords.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very different read than what I was expecting but really enjoyable nonetheless. When Alan, a meek chief financial officer , is accused of murdering the CEO, he sets out to clear his name.

There's lots of techie references here but not too geeky and I really liked Jennings and it's interactions with the various characters. There's plenty of suspects to choose from, lots of motive, and also lots of humour. I loved the narrator part and was surprised at the reveal of the narrator and also the killer. Very cleverly done.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Devi · Rating 5 out of 5]

📱📖 Read on Kindle
📃 268 pages
⏱ Approx. 4-hour read
🏷️ Publisher: BooksGoSocial
📅 Release Date: November 14, 2025
✨ ARC provided by NetGalley

This book ambushed my Sunday in the best possible way. I wasn’t planning to read it. It wasn’t even on my immediate TBR. I opened Death of a Billionaire purely out of curiosity, intending to skim a few pages and move on. That was around 8 a.m. The next time I checked the clock, it was nearly 11, I was sitting upright in bed, and I was deeply invested.

Tucker May builds a billionaire ecosystem that feels disturbingly real. Barron Fisk is exactly the kind of tech mogul you already hate a little on sight, and that familiarity makes the mystery hit harder. He drops readers straight into a razor-sharp world of money, ambition, and moral rot, and does it with such wit that you barely notice you’ve been holding your breath for chapters.

Alan and Shayne’s dynamic brings just enough friction and reluctant camaraderie to keep things moving, but the true scene-stealer here is the narrator. Snarky, judgmental, and a masterclass in dry humor, their voice is what makes this mystery so distinctly alive. Around the 20% mark, I had a hunch about the narrator’s identity, but the final reveal? Didn’t see that one coming. It’s clever, layered, and crafted with a confidence rare for debut authors.

The conclusion is bold, clever, and wildly unexpected. This book is unusual in the best way, confidently different, and meticulously plotted. There wasn’t a single dull moment, a single misstep, or a single choice I questioned. The satire lands perfectly. Every line feels intentional, every twist earned. For a debut (or is it?), this is outrageously assured storytelling.

Would I recommend it?
Add this to your TBR immediately. Death of a Billionaire is smart, twisty, and wildly entertaining, with a narrative voice that deserves a standing ovation. If you like mysteries that feel fresh, slightly unhinged in the best way, and sharp enough to leave a mark, this one delivers. Tucker May is officially on my must-read radar, and I will be watching for every future release like a hawk.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tucker May’s debut leaps off the page with confidence and mischievous energy, landing squarely in that delicious space where near-future satire meets classic mystery. Set against a glitzy, tech-obsessed California that feels both familiar and uncannily heightened, Death of a Billionaire reads like a high-speed road trip with mismatched companions - equal parts detour, discovery, and delightful chaos.

The central narrator is a study in contradictions: bold one moment, rattled the next, and completely endearing throughout. He’s joined by a cast that could only exist in a world where ambition and absurdity routinely collide - a widow who could out-dramatic a telenovela star, a cop whose immaturity is both alarming and hilarious, and a parade of oddballs who keep the plot humming.

May has an instinctive feel for timing. The humor lands without undercutting the tension, and the twists snap into place just when you’ve settled into certainty. Every revelation feels earned, surprising, and – occasionally - gleefully unhinged. More than once I looked up from the book only to realize I’d sailed well past bedtime.

For a first novel, it’s remarkably polished, deeply entertaining, and packed with personality. I turned the final page already hoping this is only the beginning of a long writing career for Tucker May.

Goes well with: Loaded nachos, a chilled craft soda, and a bowl of caramel-drizzled popcorn - the ideal snacks for a story that keeps you up way later than you planned.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"How far would one man go to clear his name of a crime he did not commit?''.
Death of a Billionaire was a breath of fresh air within the mystery thriller genre complete with witty humor, a slew of characters neatly compiled into the "who dun nit" category and a narrator with an extremely dry and dark sense of humor complete with the judgement of others and a healthy dose of cynicism for the world around him.
In the story, ex worker of Fisk Enterprises Alan Benning (who is accused of murdering his billionaire boss) sets out on a Starsky and Hutch mission with another one of Fisk's employee Sharna Jones to clear his name and nab the culprit of whom they think killed the beloved and popular billionaire. Their search leads them up many avenues although they end up discovering that the killer may not be who they deem it to be at all.
A very cleverly written murder mystery with intense action in the plot to hunt for a killer and a setting that matched the story perfectly from start to finish. The narrator had me at a loss as to their identity until the crux of the story which was a surprising reveal.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more works by Tucker May in the future.
Thankyou to Net galley, Books Go Social and the author Tucker May for an arc of this riveting and wonderfully enjoyable book.

[Sally Wilsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death of a Billionaire by Tucker May

This was both suspenseful and funny. The characters were so different and easy to like and dislike. I was surprised at the ending.
This book also shows how addicted we are to our tech devices.
Barron Fisk is a very wealthy man, but he is also a very selfish and self-centered man. One night in his office he is shot and killed. Enter Reyes and Tanner police detectives to solve the case. Reyes is by the book, get the job done and independent. Tanner not so much he is the funny one who though he has good ideas does not follow through on them or force the issue. Alan is the main suspect and is teamed up Sharla who works for the company and does not think Alan did it. So, they start investigating together. The story continues told by a mysterious narrator.
I found the book engaging and hard to put down. I read it every spare moment I had. I liked the main characters and how they interacted with each other. It is a book you have to read if you are int0 suspenseful mysteries. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more from this author.

[David Carriere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death of a Billionaire is a sharp, fast-moving mystery that blends tech world absurdity with classic whodunit tension. Alan Benning is the perfect underdog tired, overlooked, frustrated and suddenly framed for the most high profile murder imaginable. What makes the story shine isn’t just the central mystery, but the satirical lens: the polished but hollow world of Silicon Valley billionaires, the inflated egos, the secrecy, and the dizzying mix of genius and dysfunction.

The pacing stays tight, the humor lands without undercutting the stakes, and the rotating suspects keep the reader guessing all the way through. By the time the truth comes out, the reveal feels both surprising and earned, giving the book that “ohhh, that makes sense now” feeling every mystery fan loves. It’s clever, engaging, and filled with personality perfect for readers who enjoy mysteries with wit, energy, and a touch of chaos.

[Tucker May]

Dear Readers,

We are only TWO DAYS OUT from the release of Death of a Billionaire! So much thanks to those who have read and reviewed already, I deeply appreciate your time and consideration.

We are having a LAUNCH PARTY in the LA area on Friday. It should be a fun affair, so give me a follow on social media if you'd like to see pics:

@TuckerMayMysteries on BlueSky
@TuckerMayMysteries on Instagram
Tucker May Mysteries on Facebook

My next novel, The Lemon House Murders, will be dropping in early 2026 so visit TuckerMay . com if you'd like to subscribe for updates on that.

Thanks, everyone! SO EXCITED!!

[Elsaa_veloriya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t have the words to fully describe how much I loved your story, but there was one thing I felt was missing. If you were to turn your story into a comic or webtoon, it would always stay at the top. As more people realize how real and immersive the story feels, they’ll search for your work even more and eagerly wait for each new chapter.

I say this because I truly love reading stories, and I’m also a commissioned artist. If you’d like, you can take a look at my work. I believe that if we work together, your stories could become top-listed very quickly. If you’re interested, let me know on IG at elsaa.uwu. I’d truly love to work with you.

Did you understand what I meant?

[H.S. Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cheeky story reads almost like a screenplay, driven by sharp, natural dialogue and a narrator who is perfectly, delightfully unlikable. The conversations crackle with sarcasm—more than a bit, really—and the whole thing feels like it would play brilliantly on a community theater stage. I laughed the whole way through. I highly recommend this quick, clever read for a fun weekend mystery.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good murder mystery and this has been added to my reread list! It was funny, intriguing and a great mix of old world murder mysteries and the high tech world of Silicon Valley. Such a great read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I am brave. I kill spiders now”

The fantastic writing and wit shines through from the first page of this book. The characters, the plot, and everything else is full of humour. Tanner and Reyes, the detective duo, are particularly over the top, comedic characters. It’s like the funny duo are from a slapstick comedy. Yet, nothing about the book felt over the top or cringey. It’s just a delightful, humorous read and ultimately very cleverly plotted out too.

I loved the narration style, directly spoken to the reader. It made it feel a light, fun read. Alan was a fantastic protagonist. He certainly wasn’t brave or heroic a lot of the time, but he was interesting to follow.

Despite all the laughs and silliness, there is actually a cleverly written whodunnit at the centre of the story. I kept going back and forth, trying to solve the mystery and ultimately it was satisfying and unexpected.

I want to read more from this talented author.