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Zeke Edison #1
Kill Me Twice
Ezekiel “Zeke” Edison is new to the private eye biz, but that doesn’t keep pretty, young Paulette Mallory from turning to him for help. She tells Zeke that Jonas Dawson, a lawyer with mob connections, is going to kill her. She knows this because Dawson strangled her aunt, Pamela Keller. That’s ominous enough, but things get complicated when Paulette tells Zeke she was her aunt in a previous life.
Zeke finds that hard to believe, but he sees that Paulette truly feels vulnerable. So he takes a look into things. When he does, a couple of bruisers try to make him back off. Big mistake. Zeke’s previous job was playing middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears. His best friends, George A. Black and Regina Green, are also no strangers to laying a hurt on people.
Throw in shady big-city politics, any number of cops, some honest, some not, and a pair of hit men nicknamed Paganini and Chopin and Zeke’s first case is summed up by a time-honored expression. “Welcome to the game, rookie.”
Zeke finds that hard to believe, but he sees that Paulette truly feels vulnerable. So he takes a look into things. When he does, a couple of bruisers try to make him back off. Big mistake. Zeke’s previous job was playing middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears. His best friends, George A. Black and Regina Green, are also no strangers to laying a hurt on people.
Throw in shady big-city politics, any number of cops, some honest, some not, and a pair of hit men nicknamed Paganini and Chopin and Zeke’s first case is summed up by a time-honored expression. “Welcome to the game, rookie.”
- GenresMystery
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2015
76 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Flynn
70 books198 followersJoseph Flynn has been published both traditionally — Signet Books, Bantam Books and Variance Publishing — and through his own imprint, Stray Dog Press, Inc. Both major media reviews and reader reviews have praised his work. Booklist said, “Flynn is an excellent storyteller.” The Chicago Tribune said, “Flynn [is] a master of high-octane plotting.” The most repeated reader comment is: Write faster, we want more.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 4, 2024
Having recently discovered the work of Joseph Flynn, I find myself bingeing some of his series work. Each collection differs from the others but has a common thread, which encourages me to return for more. This novella appears to have been the start to a series that never left the ground, but proves to be an exciting read for those who have some time to spare. Zeke Edison is new to the private investigation world, having been a professional football player, but has the skills to hunt down the enemy like the best of them. Working in Chicago, he is hired to help a woman who feels that she has been reincarnated as her murdered aunt. This woman is sure that her aunt’s killer is still out there and that she will be his next target. Edison agrees to invest some time to find the man, using his various skills to get answers as needed. Flynn does well with his shorter piece and has me wondering why other books never emerged to complement it.
Ezekiel “Zeke” Edison has little experience as a private investigator, but this does not appear to bother young Paulette Mallory. When she appears at his home, Edison is ready to assist her with an odd request. Paulette explains that she is being hunted by a lawyer with connections to the mob, one Jonas Dawson. What makes things even more confusing is that Dawson is likely the man who killed her aunt many years ago. While Paulette has Zeke attentively taking down her every word, she explains that she is the reincarnation of her aunt and wants Dawson caught for the murder, while also preventing him from adding to his kill list.
As a former professional football player, Zeke Edison has connections with muscle, none more than his business partner and former on-field enemy, George A. Brown. The rough and tumble Brown assists Edison in tracking down this Jonas Dawson, who is as sleek as he is conniving. This is solidified when two mob enforcers try to steer Edison away from the investigation, though they are no match for the grit that Edison still has after a life on the field.
When a local newspaper reporter joins the investigation, Edison has all his bases covered and works the case as best he can, hoping to rid the city of Jonas Dawson before others can be targeted. It will take a great deal of effort, but Zeke Edison has never been one of shy away from a challenge. This being his first case, he has something to prove, both to himself and his client, that pretty face who might want more, should he be successful. Flynn does well laying the groundwork in this novella, though I am not sure why nothing progressed from here.
After a number of reading experiences of Joseph Flynn’s work, I feel as though I have a good handle on what he has to offer. His books are always full of action and keep the reader entertained from opening salvo to the final page turn. This story is shorter and uses a narrative approach of jamming a great deal into the story from the outset. Things gain momentum and the reader is left to chase Zeke Edison as he rushes around the Windy City to locate a killer. The story clips along while keeping many characters making their own impact on the larger reading experience. While I hoped there might be more in this series, this was a great reading palate cleanser and ensures I will be back for more Flynn soon!
Flynn presents and develops many plot points in short order, keeping the story strong and full of mystery. There are moments the reader can predict, while others are out of left field, keeping things from being too predictable. Characters play a key role in keeping the story strong, something that helps propel the mystery forward. While this did not have to depth of a Jim McGill novel or the impeding sense of doom that Ron Ketchum might face, Zeke Edison is able to hold his own with ease.
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for a great novella that reminds me why I enjoy your work so much.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Ezekiel “Zeke” Edison has little experience as a private investigator, but this does not appear to bother young Paulette Mallory. When she appears at his home, Edison is ready to assist her with an odd request. Paulette explains that she is being hunted by a lawyer with connections to the mob, one Jonas Dawson. What makes things even more confusing is that Dawson is likely the man who killed her aunt many years ago. While Paulette has Zeke attentively taking down her every word, she explains that she is the reincarnation of her aunt and wants Dawson caught for the murder, while also preventing him from adding to his kill list.
As a former professional football player, Zeke Edison has connections with muscle, none more than his business partner and former on-field enemy, George A. Brown. The rough and tumble Brown assists Edison in tracking down this Jonas Dawson, who is as sleek as he is conniving. This is solidified when two mob enforcers try to steer Edison away from the investigation, though they are no match for the grit that Edison still has after a life on the field.
When a local newspaper reporter joins the investigation, Edison has all his bases covered and works the case as best he can, hoping to rid the city of Jonas Dawson before others can be targeted. It will take a great deal of effort, but Zeke Edison has never been one of shy away from a challenge. This being his first case, he has something to prove, both to himself and his client, that pretty face who might want more, should he be successful. Flynn does well laying the groundwork in this novella, though I am not sure why nothing progressed from here.
After a number of reading experiences of Joseph Flynn’s work, I feel as though I have a good handle on what he has to offer. His books are always full of action and keep the reader entertained from opening salvo to the final page turn. This story is shorter and uses a narrative approach of jamming a great deal into the story from the outset. Things gain momentum and the reader is left to chase Zeke Edison as he rushes around the Windy City to locate a killer. The story clips along while keeping many characters making their own impact on the larger reading experience. While I hoped there might be more in this series, this was a great reading palate cleanser and ensures I will be back for more Flynn soon!
Flynn presents and develops many plot points in short order, keeping the story strong and full of mystery. There are moments the reader can predict, while others are out of left field, keeping things from being too predictable. Characters play a key role in keeping the story strong, something that helps propel the mystery forward. While this did not have to depth of a Jim McGill novel or the impeding sense of doom that Ron Ketchum might face, Zeke Edison is able to hold his own with ease.
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for a great novella that reminds me why I enjoy your work so much.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 5, 2022
I wanted to love this book because I have loved the author’s other series including McGill, Ketchum and Tall Wolf. This novel had some interesting characters, a metaphysical premise, which adds potential color to the storyline. But for me the storyline lacked dimension and depth, typical tropes and stereotypes. The pacing was fine, I kept waiting to be engaged and it just did not happen. I gave it a 3 because it is better than some of his standalone novels but would love him to write something that captures the magic of his other series.
September 5, 2017
Kill Me Twice (a Zeke Edison novel #1)
Flynn takes you on a new journey when Zeke is asked to protect his first client from being killed again! She claims she was murdered by a mob boss in her former lifetime. Hang on, you've in for more than you bargained for as Zeke's efforts take him to Minnesota then into Iowa where it all comes together in a highly explosive end. Thanks for a great read.
Flynn takes you on a new journey when Zeke is asked to protect his first client from being killed again! She claims she was murdered by a mob boss in her former lifetime. Hang on, you've in for more than you bargained for as Zeke's efforts take him to Minnesota then into Iowa where it all comes together in a highly explosive end. Thanks for a great read.
January 10, 2018
Cute and Enjoyable
The character development was just enough without becoming boring, to allow personal investment in the story. Cute flippant banter coupled with a more serious story line, made for an enjoyable reading experience.
The character development was just enough without becoming boring, to allow personal investment in the story. Cute flippant banter coupled with a more serious story line, made for an enjoyable reading experience.
February 12, 2018
I enjoy every book I read by Joseph Flynn; this first book in the Zeke Edison series is no exception. The characters are likeable and intelligent (not to mention fearless) and the action is fast-paced. I rate this one 5 stars.
October 4, 2018
Good read
I enjoyed it. Good new characters but nicely developed as all of Mr. Flynn’s characters are. Good plot. Good back story to flesh out the characters. I want to read more about Zeke, George, and Reggie. Recommended.
I enjoyed it. Good new characters but nicely developed as all of Mr. Flynn’s characters are. Good plot. Good back story to flesh out the characters. I want to read more about Zeke, George, and Reggie. Recommended.
July 9, 2019
Huh?
What on earth happened to my much beloved Joe Flynn? Couldn’t really get my teeth into this story. Miss the old writing style and stellar characters. Will try Book 2 to see if things improve but just wasn’t very impressed with this book.
What on earth happened to my much beloved Joe Flynn? Couldn’t really get my teeth into this story. Miss the old writing style and stellar characters. Will try Book 2 to see if things improve but just wasn’t very impressed with this book.
October 24, 2019
Great first Zeke Edison book
I’m looking forward to book two when it comes out. Joseph Flynn does a great job with everything he writes. Zeke Ellison and his pals are going to be a lot of fun to follow.
I’m looking forward to book two when it comes out. Joseph Flynn does a great job with everything he writes. Zeke Ellison and his pals are going to be a lot of fun to follow.
July 27, 2017
Not worth the time.
A very shallow story line with chopped up chapters made a very simple story difficult to tea.Straying with it wasn't worth the effort.
A very shallow story line with chopped up chapters made a very simple story difficult to tea.Straying with it wasn't worth the effort.
October 2, 2017
Smashing fun!
Not quite what I expected, but a fun, fast read. Great to have a brilliant, football star & his even larger best friend &opponent friends again...
Not quite what I expected, but a fun, fast read. Great to have a brilliant, football star & his even larger best friend &opponent friends again...
June 20, 2022
Paulette thinks Dawson is going to kill her like he did Pammie!!! The mobsters are working overtime, aren’t they??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
November 26, 2024
Not one of Flynn’s best
Fortunately it was a short story! I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone…too convoluted and unbelievable! Don’t bother with it .
Fortunately it was a short story! I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone…too convoluted and unbelievable! Don’t bother with it .
August 7, 2015
I am a HUGE fan of Joseph Flynn’s books … and read this one only because he was the author.
I love the concept of two massive football heroes … sports adversaries no longer “pro football available” … who, because of their mutual respect off the field, moved in together and turned their attention to sports broadcasting and detective work.
What I didn’t love … but still liked … was the shortness of the story. I like more meat to my reads, and have come to expect that from Mr. Flynn. I also thought it was rather bland in comparison to some of his other novels.
However, even saying all that, if you are a new Joseph Flynn reader, this is a good introduction to his other works. And since this is a series, perhaps this was just a “set-up” for the next submissions.
And to Mr. Flynn: I BEG of you … keep on writing … and quickly!
I love the concept of two massive football heroes … sports adversaries no longer “pro football available” … who, because of their mutual respect off the field, moved in together and turned their attention to sports broadcasting and detective work.
What I didn’t love … but still liked … was the shortness of the story. I like more meat to my reads, and have come to expect that from Mr. Flynn. I also thought it was rather bland in comparison to some of his other novels.
However, even saying all that, if you are a new Joseph Flynn reader, this is a good introduction to his other works. And since this is a series, perhaps this was just a “set-up” for the next submissions.
And to Mr. Flynn: I BEG of you … keep on writing … and quickly!
December 23, 2015
Football Detectives
A woman named Paulette Mallory comes to Zeke Edison and his partner George A Jones, first-time detectives, because she thinks someone is going to kill her. The man, Jonas Dawson, killed her aunt, Pamela Keller, years before and never got caught. He sees her by chance and can't believe how much she looks like her aunt. This was a decent read with likeable characters!
A woman named Paulette Mallory comes to Zeke Edison and his partner George A Jones, first-time detectives, because she thinks someone is going to kill her. The man, Jonas Dawson, killed her aunt, Pamela Keller, years before and never got caught. He sees her by chance and can't believe how much she looks like her aunt. This was a decent read with likeable characters!
May 17, 2015
I enjoyed it .fondest. quirky characters. amusing
July 20, 2015
Zeke Edison is a private investigator that Paulette Mallory hires to stop being killed a second time by Jonas Dawson a mob lawyer.
July 19, 2016
Not one of his better books!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews