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Ray Courage Mystery #0.5
Courage Begins
Garrett and Tiffanie Bate had it all—youth, money, and a perfect marriage. Until Tiffanie is killed in a suspicious accident. Neither the police nor the insurance investigators can prove she was murdered and the case turns cold.
Two years later the insurance company asks an intern—former college professor turned private eye Ray Courage—to reopen the investigation. He uncovers little new evidence to support suspicions that Garrett killed his wife for the insurance money. Garrett has the perfect alibi—hundreds of witnesses that place him more than two hours from the scene of Tiffanie’s death. Ray knows he’s missing something. But what? As his search for the truth unfolds, Ray’s life is put in jeopardy and he realizes his adversary is someone who’ll kill before he’ll be caught.
In this prequel to Courage Matters, Ray Courage begins his private investigation career, displaying the skills, abilities and sense of humor that have made him a fan favorite around the world.
Two years later the insurance company asks an intern—former college professor turned private eye Ray Courage—to reopen the investigation. He uncovers little new evidence to support suspicions that Garrett killed his wife for the insurance money. Garrett has the perfect alibi—hundreds of witnesses that place him more than two hours from the scene of Tiffanie’s death. Ray knows he’s missing something. But what? As his search for the truth unfolds, Ray’s life is put in jeopardy and he realizes his adversary is someone who’ll kill before he’ll be caught.
In this prequel to Courage Matters, Ray Courage begins his private investigation career, displaying the skills, abilities and sense of humor that have made him a fan favorite around the world.
76 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2015
93 people are currently reading
356 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 6, 2015
I had a day of nothing to read while awaiting a group read to start and was lucky enough to find this 76-page novella as a free read on Amazon. I was in the mood for a short whodunit and this story fit the bill perfectly.
Ray Courage was a college professor who became bored with his job. He felt his skills suited him for a job as an investigator so he took a deep breath, quit his scholarly career and went for it. As we meet Ray, he is 52 years old and is starting an investigator internship with an insurance company. He is given a cold case of a woman killed 20 years previously. It is suspected that her husband killed her for the insurance money, but evidence could never be found to prove it. Can Ray actually crack a case that stumped multiple detectives?
There are several things I liked about Courage Begins. Scott Mackey, the author, has come up with a good little plot. Though his writing is efficient, he does take the time to create atmosphere in most of his scenes and to give us a glimpse into Ray’s personal life. I found Ray to be endearing and a “regular guy”. The book is laced with subtle humor, which I found amusing. The pace is excellent.
Though Courage Begins is the first installment of the Ray Courage Mystery series, it is definitely a stand-alone with no loose ends left hanging. I must say I look forward to seeing more of this older rookie investigator and have already downloaded the next book, Courage Matters, a full-length novel. There is a third book available and another in the pipeline. Anyone looking for a fast yet entertaining mystery will find it in Courage Begins. Definitely recommended.
Ray Courage was a college professor who became bored with his job. He felt his skills suited him for a job as an investigator so he took a deep breath, quit his scholarly career and went for it. As we meet Ray, he is 52 years old and is starting an investigator internship with an insurance company. He is given a cold case of a woman killed 20 years previously. It is suspected that her husband killed her for the insurance money, but evidence could never be found to prove it. Can Ray actually crack a case that stumped multiple detectives?
There are several things I liked about Courage Begins. Scott Mackey, the author, has come up with a good little plot. Though his writing is efficient, he does take the time to create atmosphere in most of his scenes and to give us a glimpse into Ray’s personal life. I found Ray to be endearing and a “regular guy”. The book is laced with subtle humor, which I found amusing. The pace is excellent.
Though Courage Begins is the first installment of the Ray Courage Mystery series, it is definitely a stand-alone with no loose ends left hanging. I must say I look forward to seeing more of this older rookie investigator and have already downloaded the next book, Courage Matters, a full-length novel. There is a third book available and another in the pipeline. Anyone looking for a fast yet entertaining mystery will find it in Courage Begins. Definitely recommended.
April 7, 2015
After working for 22 years as a professor at Sacramento State University, Ray Courage retired and set out to become a private investigator. In order to get his license he needs 4,000 hours of paid intern work, and has signed on at California Farmers Insurance. His boss gives him a cold case involving the death of a wealthy real estate agent, Tiffanie Bate, who died of carbon monoxide poisoning along with her lover. Although the company suspected foul play, in light of her husband having taken out a $1.5 million policy on her life shortly before she died, he has an iron clad alibi, and the police are calling the death accidental.
In Courage Begins, a novella introducing Ray Courage, written by R. Scott Mackey, the reader follows Ray as, with the help of his former student and ex-gangbanger, Rubia, he digs up ghosts that someone wants to be left buried. Ray knows that he’s on to something when the town drunk swears that he saw the husband near the crime scene the night of the death—despite video evidence placing him at a very public event many miles away. When someone tries to get him to drop the case, using the same method that killed Tiffanie, Ray knows he’s on to something. The question, though, is whether or not he can prove it before he becomes the next victim.
Pithy dialogue and on-the-mark narrative descriptions, along with a good mixture of humor and horror, mark Courage Begins as a must-read book for mystery fans. I received a free copy of this introductory novella in exchange for my review.
In Courage Begins, a novella introducing Ray Courage, written by R. Scott Mackey, the reader follows Ray as, with the help of his former student and ex-gangbanger, Rubia, he digs up ghosts that someone wants to be left buried. Ray knows that he’s on to something when the town drunk swears that he saw the husband near the crime scene the night of the death—despite video evidence placing him at a very public event many miles away. When someone tries to get him to drop the case, using the same method that killed Tiffanie, Ray knows he’s on to something. The question, though, is whether or not he can prove it before he becomes the next victim.
Pithy dialogue and on-the-mark narrative descriptions, along with a good mixture of humor and horror, mark Courage Begins as a must-read book for mystery fans. I received a free copy of this introductory novella in exchange for my review.
July 17, 2015
3.5 I liked it a lot
Courage Begins is the prequel to the Ray Courage series, by author R Scott Mackey. Although this is part of a series, there are no cliff-hangers and it can be read stand-alone.
Courage begins fully delivers on what is promised in its synopsis. Narrated from the first person point of view of Ray Courage, the story is extremely well written, with clear, simple structure, flawless spelling and grammar, and a rhythm to its flow, as we find out about Ray, the people and places in his life and of course the case that he is investigating.
Ray is a very likeable character, with real integrity. He is also funny and he likes his ales. I found his voice very authentic and believable.
The plot is also very good, however there was a big hint half way through, therefore, although still very satisfying, the twist did not come as a surprise to me.
Definitely a good fast-paced read which leaves you wanting more.
[ARC received from the author]
BooksChatter
Courage Begins is the prequel to the Ray Courage series, by author R Scott Mackey. Although this is part of a series, there are no cliff-hangers and it can be read stand-alone.
Courage begins fully delivers on what is promised in its synopsis. Narrated from the first person point of view of Ray Courage, the story is extremely well written, with clear, simple structure, flawless spelling and grammar, and a rhythm to its flow, as we find out about Ray, the people and places in his life and of course the case that he is investigating.
Ray is a very likeable character, with real integrity. He is also funny and he likes his ales. I found his voice very authentic and believable.
The plot is also very good, however there was a big hint half way through, therefore, although still very satisfying, the twist did not come as a surprise to me.
Definitely a good fast-paced read which leaves you wanting more.
[ARC received from the author]
BooksChatter
September 17, 2015
THERE WAS NO TURNING BACK
This is a very well written story that kept me captivated as Ray Courage tries to solve a two-year-old murder and insurance claim. The main character, Ray Courage, retired from teaching college to become a private investigator. The style reminds me of a modern day Dragnet. The twists and turns of this unsolved crime kept me turning the pages as the story remains in a constant suspense. The plot was ingenious and executed where you learn bits and pieces of this two-year-old mystery until it is solved. This book is part of a series but reads as a standalone.
This is a very well written story that kept me captivated as Ray Courage tries to solve a two-year-old murder and insurance claim. The main character, Ray Courage, retired from teaching college to become a private investigator. The style reminds me of a modern day Dragnet. The twists and turns of this unsolved crime kept me turning the pages as the story remains in a constant suspense. The plot was ingenious and executed where you learn bits and pieces of this two-year-old mystery until it is solved. This book is part of a series but reads as a standalone.
June 11, 2015
Excellent mystery
I really liked this book. Ray Courage has started a new career, and has been given an assignment to review an old insurance case. Every thought the husband killed his wife, but no one could prove it. He had an airtight alibi. Could Ray prove him guilty or was he innocent. Only reading the book will tell you for sure. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend you pick up a copy today.
I really liked this book. Ray Courage has started a new career, and has been given an assignment to review an old insurance case. Every thought the husband killed his wife, but no one could prove it. He had an airtight alibi. Could Ray prove him guilty or was he innocent. Only reading the book will tell you for sure. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend you pick up a copy today.
June 24, 2015
This was a great short read. Its about a man who is starting a new chapter in his life. Ray has become an intern and his first case is a two year old insurance case. He spends the next four days figuring out how Tiffanie was really murdered. The story was fast paced, and very entertaining. It was like watching an episode of Law and Order. The writing style is really just spot on.
I did receive a free copy of this book for an honest review.
I did receive a free copy of this book for an honest review.
August 20, 2015
Excellent short story. Read it in a couple of hours. Very easy entertaining read. Mystery and suspense to it....
Read
August 20, 2015Courage begins
Excellent short story. Read it in a couple of hours. Very easy entertaining read. Mystery and suspense to it.... Read it...
Excellent short story. Read it in a couple of hours. Very easy entertaining read. Mystery and suspense to it.... Read it...
December 16, 2019
Courage Begins: A Ray Courage Mystery Novella (Ray Courage Private Investigator Series Book 1) by R. Scott Mackey is a story of Tiffanie Bate being killed in a suspicious accident. The case turned cold. This is a prequel to Courage Matters, where Ray Courage began his private investigation career.
I gave it four stars.
I received a complimentary Kindle copy in an Amazon promotion.
That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
I gave it four stars.
I received a complimentary Kindle copy in an Amazon promotion.
That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
January 28, 2023
Ray Courage is a retired college professor. He is starting a new career as a private investigator and doing paid hours for an insurance company doing cold case files that don't feel right. The first one is a two year old death of a young wife and her lover. The husband is giving a speech at a dinner for relators in another city. Courage figures out how he did it and turns his phone on record and broadcast to the police while the husband brags about how he did it and with the help of his identical twin. Fast, quick read and a great lead into a new series very clever series.
January 10, 2017
This book is the beginning of a series, but, as far as I understand, it could be read as a standalone.
The novella was a quick but rather enjoyable read. The main character is interesting and his sidekick is intriguing (they are such different people!). The mystery was tough to solve but that's what kept the main character going, and it also kept me interested in the plot.
I'll read more of Ray Courage books for sure!
The novella was a quick but rather enjoyable read. The main character is interesting and his sidekick is intriguing (they are such different people!). The mystery was tough to solve but that's what kept the main character going, and it also kept me interested in the plot.
I'll read more of Ray Courage books for sure!
May 22, 2019
Former college professor Ray Courage is now working as a private eye for California Farmers Insurance Company. On his first day they give him a cold case to re-investigate. Two years previously Tiffanie Bate was killed by carbon monoxide poisoning just months after her husband insured her life foe $1.5 million.
An enjoyable well-written novella
An enjoyable well-written novella
August 22, 2020
I liked that I could finish this in one sitting and I really enjoyed the writing style. The main character is one I could follow through a series. The ending felt a bit quick - nicely tied up in a bow but almost a little too quickly, but that will not stop me from purchasing the next book in the series so I can keep reading.
February 25, 2017
Introducing Ray Courage
A short introducing Dr. Ray Courage., former college professor turned insurance investigator. He's given a cold case of possible murder that had a million dollar payout. Can he break the prime suspects' alibi? A good read as he follows the clues.
A short introducing Dr. Ray Courage., former college professor turned insurance investigator. He's given a cold case of possible murder that had a million dollar payout. Can he break the prime suspects' alibi? A good read as he follows the clues.
October 5, 2018
Entertaining mystery novella
I wanted more, but have to admit the pacing of the story was perfect. I liked the author's writing style and mms ain character. Although the way Ray Courage investigates is probably not too realistic, it was logical and moved the story along briskly.
I wanted more, but have to admit the pacing of the story was perfect. I liked the author's writing style and mms ain character. Although the way Ray Courage investigates is probably not too realistic, it was logical and moved the story along briskly.
June 28, 2017
A good start to this series!
January 4, 2018
It was a fun read. I felt the ending was a little rushed. I also did not care for the branding of items. It dates the work and removes imagination. Thanks for sharing your story.
September 11, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
April 17, 2021
A clever short murder mystery.
February 25, 2017
Scott you definitely have a talent. Courage Begins is a great opening to you character Ray Courage. You have made him into a real person, someone we probably know. This story flows at the right speed to keep readers glued to it. Thanks for a great beginning.
August 30, 2015
Reviewed by Gemini
Courage Begins is the introduction to the Ray Courage Private Investigator series. It’s a short and straight-forward novella. Courage Begins gives readers a glimpse into the first case that Ray Courage took on during his internship as a private investigator. It’s told in first person so you get an idea of how Ray thinks and can easily see that he has a twisted sense of humor, Ray is an older self-deprecating guy so he just can’t be taken too seriously. Of course, that’s what makes his story a fun read.
Ray’s first case involves possible insurance fraud and has Ray looking into the suspicious death of a woman that was supposedly killed via carbon monoxide poisoning. He dives right in and quickly meets some interesting characters. His attention to detail makes it far too easy for him to figure out what really happened but his digging also puts his life in danger. Of course, he escapes death and brings the murderer to justice. Everything that happens in between is intriguing and somewhat hilarious as it unfolds from Ray’s perspective. I have read the books out of order but didn’t feel like I missed anything.
**Personal Purchase**
Rating: 3.5
Courage Begins is the introduction to the Ray Courage Private Investigator series. It’s a short and straight-forward novella. Courage Begins gives readers a glimpse into the first case that Ray Courage took on during his internship as a private investigator. It’s told in first person so you get an idea of how Ray thinks and can easily see that he has a twisted sense of humor, Ray is an older self-deprecating guy so he just can’t be taken too seriously. Of course, that’s what makes his story a fun read.
Ray’s first case involves possible insurance fraud and has Ray looking into the suspicious death of a woman that was supposedly killed via carbon monoxide poisoning. He dives right in and quickly meets some interesting characters. His attention to detail makes it far too easy for him to figure out what really happened but his digging also puts his life in danger. Of course, he escapes death and brings the murderer to justice. Everything that happens in between is intriguing and somewhat hilarious as it unfolds from Ray’s perspective. I have read the books out of order but didn’t feel like I missed anything.
**Personal Purchase**
Rating: 3.5
November 5, 2015
Ray has retired from years as a college professor and become an intern private investigator for an insurance company. He's been bored and wants to do something more exciting. His boss figures that with Ray's experience he can handle a cold case. Tiffanie Bate and her lover were found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in Tiffanie's bed. There were signs of tampering with the furnace so the husband was the natural suspect since his wife was planning to divorce him. But Garrett has an alibi: he was at a realtor's conference among many people and one of the speakers. He was also photographed at the conference, leaving the conference, going into his hotel late that night, and then leaving early the next morning so he couldn't be the killer. Garrett had also taken out a million and a half dollar life insurance policy on Tiffanie not long before she died. The insurance company would love to prove Garrett murdered Tiffanie so they could get their money back. Ray talks to the Bate family members, coworkers, witnesses and ex-girlfriend and begins to believe that Garrett really did murder Tiffanie but Garrett has an iron-clad alibi. Ray has to figure out how Garrett did it. The truth proves how conniving Garrett really was. You won't be disappointed with this story.
October 28, 2015
"A Great Mystery Novella"
This is a well written, interesting introduction to this new series by R. Scott Mackey. Doctor Ray Courage had been a professor at Sacramento State University and retired after 22 years at the age of 52. He's starting a new career as a private investigator, entering into an internship with California Farmers Insurance. With his background, he jumps right into a case which had cost the insurance company $1.5 million. It was ruled an accidental death but there are some circumstances which suggest it might be homicide. Ray Courage has the skills, abilities, and even a sense of humor ... but this time his humor could dissolve when his life is threatened and nearly lost. This is one of the most entertaining mysteries I've read in a long time. It's well written and a quick read. Highly recommend.
This is a well written, interesting introduction to this new series by R. Scott Mackey. Doctor Ray Courage had been a professor at Sacramento State University and retired after 22 years at the age of 52. He's starting a new career as a private investigator, entering into an internship with California Farmers Insurance. With his background, he jumps right into a case which had cost the insurance company $1.5 million. It was ruled an accidental death but there are some circumstances which suggest it might be homicide. Ray Courage has the skills, abilities, and even a sense of humor ... but this time his humor could dissolve when his life is threatened and nearly lost. This is one of the most entertaining mysteries I've read in a long time. It's well written and a quick read. Highly recommend.
November 10, 2015
I liked this mystery novella. It was pretty much right to the point of the mystery that needs to be solved and how it was solved. Ray seems to be a very serious guy and won't stop on his first case until he solves it. I like that in a mystery book like this never give up. Ray has decided to become a private eye and a case that he is given is one that no one has been able to solve. The husband was cleared of all charges relating to his wife's death so why does Ray feel there is something more? Well of course there is. Ray goes on the hunt for answers and ends up in the cross hairs of the person who is responsible too many questions being asked is not good.
I did enjoy the plot and I can see myself reading more by this author.
I did enjoy the plot and I can see myself reading more by this author.
April 5, 2020
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Ray Courage is starting a new career as a private investigator and needs investigative hours with a business before he can get his license. An insurance company hires him and his first case is a two year old claim that was ruled an accident but appears suspicious.
Ray does a good job of investigating this case, better than it was previously investigated. In fact, he may have done too good of a job…
Courage Begins is a novella that has all of the qualities of a full-length murder mystery. It is the introduction of Ray Courage as a PI that can be read in one sitting and the introduction to several full-length novels which I’m looking forward to reading.
Ray Courage is starting a new career as a private investigator and needs investigative hours with a business before he can get his license. An insurance company hires him and his first case is a two year old claim that was ruled an accident but appears suspicious.
Ray does a good job of investigating this case, better than it was previously investigated. In fact, he may have done too good of a job…
Courage Begins is a novella that has all of the qualities of a full-length murder mystery. It is the introduction of Ray Courage as a PI that can be read in one sitting and the introduction to several full-length novels which I’m looking forward to reading.
June 18, 2015
I got this book from the Author, and even though he did not ask for it, I am very happy to provide a review for it. I was just going to glance at it, because I was in the middle of reading another book, and ended up staying way passed my bedtime to finish it, I just had to find out how it would all end. As you might have guessed its a Novella so it was a fairly quick read, well written, with interesting characters and a great plot line. An excellent start to a new series. I certainly can't wait to read more books by Scott Mackey.
December 29, 2015
This is a fast paced mystery about Ray Courage, who is forced to "retire early" from teaching due to a student false statement about inappropriate behavior. He is now trying to get to get his private investigator's license. He takes on an old cold case for an insurance company who paid over a million dollars on a claim. The police and the insurance company both believe the husband killed his wife and received the money. Does he actually prove the murder or is he just putting in "billable hours" toward his license? Read the book to find out.
October 13, 2015
very great book, and very scary twin.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews