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Ray Courage Mystery #2
Courage Resurrected
Ray Courage’s wife Pam died thirteen years before in a car accident. Or did she? Ray’s world is turned upside down when he receives a series of e-mails from someone claiming to be his dead wife, accusing him of attempting to kill her and vowing revenge. Ray sets out to find the identity of the e-mailer only to discover the circumstances of his wife’s apparent death appear to be all but accidental. Soon Police Detective Carla Thurber comes to suspect Ray of killing his wife, and of a subsequent murder of Pam’s confidant. Meanwhile, a murderous predator who does not want the facts of Pam’s death to surface aims to stop Ray. In the greatest challenge of his life, Ray must outrun the police and elude those who are out to kill him as he seeks the truth about his wife’s death.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2015
59 people are currently reading
140 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
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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 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 16, 2015
This is the second full book in the author's series featuring retired college professor turned private investigator Ray Courage (a novella kicks the whole thing off). Like the others, I received it free in exchange for an unbiased review.
Whether that's entirely possible is a matter of debate in my mind; you see, I enjoyed the novella and first novel (Courage Matters) immensely. So when I opened this one, it was with every expectation that I'd enjoy it as well. Whether or not that had any influence on how much I liked this one I'm not sure; I do know that it held my interest enough that I plowed through it almost nonstop (in fairness, that's not too hard since it comes in at just 216 pages).
About 13 years earlier, Ray lost his beloved wife Pam in an automobile crash that officially was deemed a horrific accident. In the morning of that day, the two had a nasty argument that resulted in her storming out of the house in an uncharacteristic fit of anger (exacerbating, needless to say, Ray's feelings of sadness and guilt). But now, out of the blue, he receives a couple of email messages from someone who claims to be Pam. Worse, the sender accuses him of murdering her and threatens to get payback all these years later. Could it be, Ray wonders, that she didn't die in the accident after all? And if she's still alive, could she really hate him that much - especially since he had nothing to do with her death?
But then the local police get wind of the emails (thanks to an alert from "Pam"), and a detective starts digging through the years-ago car crash and decides to reopen Pam's case to determine if the accident was, in fact, murder. It doesn't take long, as you might suspect, for Ray to become a person of interest.
As if trying to avoid the clutches of the police weren't enough, it seems other bad guys are monitoring everything Ray says and does and where he goes - possibly in an attempt to make sure he's charged with Pam's murder and possibly for other, darker reasons. Suffice it to say from then on there's plenty of action as Ray and his sidekick Rubia, a former student from his college days who runs a nonprofit to help troubled youth), try to ferret out the truth about what happened to Pam.
Things get a bit hectic over the last few chapters (coming close to exceeding the realm of possibility, especially for a guy who doesn't spend a lot of time at the gym), but everything works out in the end (sorry, but I don't consider it a spoiler to reveal that the hero of an ongoing series survives). I assume (make that hope) there'll be a new adventure coming down the road - and for sure I'll be wanting to get my hands on it.
Whether that's entirely possible is a matter of debate in my mind; you see, I enjoyed the novella and first novel (Courage Matters) immensely. So when I opened this one, it was with every expectation that I'd enjoy it as well. Whether or not that had any influence on how much I liked this one I'm not sure; I do know that it held my interest enough that I plowed through it almost nonstop (in fairness, that's not too hard since it comes in at just 216 pages).
About 13 years earlier, Ray lost his beloved wife Pam in an automobile crash that officially was deemed a horrific accident. In the morning of that day, the two had a nasty argument that resulted in her storming out of the house in an uncharacteristic fit of anger (exacerbating, needless to say, Ray's feelings of sadness and guilt). But now, out of the blue, he receives a couple of email messages from someone who claims to be Pam. Worse, the sender accuses him of murdering her and threatens to get payback all these years later. Could it be, Ray wonders, that she didn't die in the accident after all? And if she's still alive, could she really hate him that much - especially since he had nothing to do with her death?
But then the local police get wind of the emails (thanks to an alert from "Pam"), and a detective starts digging through the years-ago car crash and decides to reopen Pam's case to determine if the accident was, in fact, murder. It doesn't take long, as you might suspect, for Ray to become a person of interest.
As if trying to avoid the clutches of the police weren't enough, it seems other bad guys are monitoring everything Ray says and does and where he goes - possibly in an attempt to make sure he's charged with Pam's murder and possibly for other, darker reasons. Suffice it to say from then on there's plenty of action as Ray and his sidekick Rubia, a former student from his college days who runs a nonprofit to help troubled youth), try to ferret out the truth about what happened to Pam.
Things get a bit hectic over the last few chapters (coming close to exceeding the realm of possibility, especially for a guy who doesn't spend a lot of time at the gym), but everything works out in the end (sorry, but I don't consider it a spoiler to reveal that the hero of an ongoing series survives). I assume (make that hope) there'll be a new adventure coming down the road - and for sure I'll be wanting to get my hands on it.
April 12, 2022
Some humor, some wit, a little excitement, but a lot of it seemed stupid to me. I guess when you’re writing about “bad guys” you have to have some stupid.
June 17, 2015
This book is a little bit of a whirlwind and after a number of disappointing books earlier in the week it’s brilliant to finally get something into my hands that is truly provoking of those feelings that come when you get caught up in a mystery. The writing is strong and bold, Mackey really knows how to spin the reader and keep them guessing. With thrillers I’m always trying to stay one step ahead, it’s a competition for me as a reader but here I really struggled to piece everything together. The characters are strong and witty but with bite that makes them feel genuine. Ray has a sense of oldness meaning he feels a little weathered but safe. Sometimes when you read mystery books the characters are just as jumpy as you are but here Ray instils a feeling of calm that jars with the tense atmosphere and it really works.
I liked the red herrings that are mixed within the plot and I thought the entire story had a keen eye for detail. The clues are just subtle enough to create drama and intrigue but help pull the reader in making the twists, turns and surprises all the more enjoyable. Commenting as a reader of this book only, I liked the way the book started on the first page, it really grabbed your attention. I don’t know whether the previous two do but some mystery books feel like the cogs are slowly, slowly turning and just easing you in but here, no chance. I liked the constant toying between whether Courage’s wife could somehow still be alive and I thought that the interaction between him and his daughter Rubia was wonderfully described. It also added a human touch to the story. The pace is quick and light which means that you are constantly trying to sift through for the clues that are there but you can’t quite get to.
As a reader of this genre I would recommend this straight away. It’s a brilliant book with enough characters, bad guys, twists and turns to keep you thoroughly entertained. Even if you’re not a big fan of the mystery/thriller genre, I know not all are I think this has enough included, with the parts between Rubia and Ray to fill the gaps that you may normally miss from a book of this genre. I’m a little upset I’ve come into this series now however I’m utterly happy I had the chance to experience this book for myself.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
I liked the red herrings that are mixed within the plot and I thought the entire story had a keen eye for detail. The clues are just subtle enough to create drama and intrigue but help pull the reader in making the twists, turns and surprises all the more enjoyable. Commenting as a reader of this book only, I liked the way the book started on the first page, it really grabbed your attention. I don’t know whether the previous two do but some mystery books feel like the cogs are slowly, slowly turning and just easing you in but here, no chance. I liked the constant toying between whether Courage’s wife could somehow still be alive and I thought that the interaction between him and his daughter Rubia was wonderfully described. It also added a human touch to the story. The pace is quick and light which means that you are constantly trying to sift through for the clues that are there but you can’t quite get to.
As a reader of this genre I would recommend this straight away. It’s a brilliant book with enough characters, bad guys, twists and turns to keep you thoroughly entertained. Even if you’re not a big fan of the mystery/thriller genre, I know not all are I think this has enough included, with the parts between Rubia and Ray to fill the gaps that you may normally miss from a book of this genre. I’m a little upset I’ve come into this series now however I’m utterly happy I had the chance to experience this book for myself.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
September 10, 2015
God, I love a good thriller.
Scott Mackey's Courage Resurrected: Courage Resurrected, is the third in his Ray Courage Private Investigator series. As I haven't read the preceding two titles, I felt Courage Resurrected held its own as a stand-alone tale where a thousand thrills a second does not even begin to cover its tenacity and enjoyment.
Our protagonist, Ray Courage, had a devastating loss over a decade ago where his beloved wife, Pam, perished in an awful automobile accident. Right when Ray thought he had come to terms with his wife's tragic death, he begins to receive cryptic emails from a person claiming to be Pam - and they're not of the "I miss you, come rescue me" variety. Instead, they accuse Ray of attempting to killer her and to warn him that her exact revenge is all but imminent. Naturally, Ray embarks on a mission to find said sender of the emails, along the way obtaining the help of Carla Thurber, iron-faced police detective who wastes no time in suspecting Ray in murdering his wife instead of helping a grieving husband to search for his presumably still alive dead wife.
As such, Ray goes rogue in a sense to find out what really went on with his wife's death, all along the way having to put his hope that she is indeed alive aside to seek the truth.
Ray himself is a believable character. He's just the right amount of stoic and vulnerable, creating a character portrait of believability and emotional investment. He still has lingering feelings of guilt surrounding Pam's death considering the argument they had before she embarked on what would be her final car ride. Mackey depicts a portrayal of one man's hopeful redemption of not being able to say goodbye to his dear wife so finely that the reader finds themselves rooting for him as he uncovers the layers of truths that accompany his wife's death and false accusal in his involvement.
Like this review? Read more like it at www.readingotherpeople.com
Scott Mackey's Courage Resurrected: Courage Resurrected, is the third in his Ray Courage Private Investigator series. As I haven't read the preceding two titles, I felt Courage Resurrected held its own as a stand-alone tale where a thousand thrills a second does not even begin to cover its tenacity and enjoyment.
Our protagonist, Ray Courage, had a devastating loss over a decade ago where his beloved wife, Pam, perished in an awful automobile accident. Right when Ray thought he had come to terms with his wife's tragic death, he begins to receive cryptic emails from a person claiming to be Pam - and they're not of the "I miss you, come rescue me" variety. Instead, they accuse Ray of attempting to killer her and to warn him that her exact revenge is all but imminent. Naturally, Ray embarks on a mission to find said sender of the emails, along the way obtaining the help of Carla Thurber, iron-faced police detective who wastes no time in suspecting Ray in murdering his wife instead of helping a grieving husband to search for his presumably still alive dead wife.
As such, Ray goes rogue in a sense to find out what really went on with his wife's death, all along the way having to put his hope that she is indeed alive aside to seek the truth.
Ray himself is a believable character. He's just the right amount of stoic and vulnerable, creating a character portrait of believability and emotional investment. He still has lingering feelings of guilt surrounding Pam's death considering the argument they had before she embarked on what would be her final car ride. Mackey depicts a portrayal of one man's hopeful redemption of not being able to say goodbye to his dear wife so finely that the reader finds themselves rooting for him as he uncovers the layers of truths that accompany his wife's death and false accusal in his involvement.
Like this review? Read more like it at www.readingotherpeople.com
April 9, 2015
Ray Courage’s wife, Pam, has been dead for 13 years—killed in a strange auto mishap, ruled an accident because no other vehicle was ever found. Ray has tried to move on with his life, with a modest degree of success, until one day he receives an email purporting to be from Pam, accusing him of trying to kill her. At first, he thinks it’s a sick joke, but he receives further communication, and then he learns that the police have been contacted and informed that he somehow tried to kill his wife.
In Courage Resurrected by R. Scott Mackey, we follow Ray as he struggles with the possibility that his wife is not dead, and furthermore, she is pretty steamed at him, believing he tried to do her in. He’s determined to get to the bottom of it, but that becomes complicated when a skeptical policewoman gets on his tail, and fresh corpses start turning up, with clues pointing at him. When one of his wife’s former co-workers ends up dead in his apartment, a warrant is issued for his arrest, and he has to make a decision—turn himself in, or go on the lam. In typical Ray Courage fashion, he decides to take the latter course of action.
In the third book in the Ray Courage mystery series, we follow Ray as he tries to stay one step ahead of the law while catching up with a killer who is determined to keep old secrets worth killing for.
Mackey writes with a deft touch of humor and a sharp eye for description of locale and human behavior. He’s also good at planting subtle clues that a sharp-eyed reader will pick up on, provided he or she is a really sharp-eyed reader. There are surprises, red herrings, and more twists than a roller coaster at King’s Dominion, and it’ll leave you just as breathless.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.
In Courage Resurrected by R. Scott Mackey, we follow Ray as he struggles with the possibility that his wife is not dead, and furthermore, she is pretty steamed at him, believing he tried to do her in. He’s determined to get to the bottom of it, but that becomes complicated when a skeptical policewoman gets on his tail, and fresh corpses start turning up, with clues pointing at him. When one of his wife’s former co-workers ends up dead in his apartment, a warrant is issued for his arrest, and he has to make a decision—turn himself in, or go on the lam. In typical Ray Courage fashion, he decides to take the latter course of action.
In the third book in the Ray Courage mystery series, we follow Ray as he tries to stay one step ahead of the law while catching up with a killer who is determined to keep old secrets worth killing for.
Mackey writes with a deft touch of humor and a sharp eye for description of locale and human behavior. He’s also good at planting subtle clues that a sharp-eyed reader will pick up on, provided he or she is a really sharp-eyed reader. There are surprises, red herrings, and more twists than a roller coaster at King’s Dominion, and it’ll leave you just as breathless.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.
November 14, 2015
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I received this book to give an honest review.
I like P.I. books there is just something about them that makes them a great read.
With Courage Resurrected start the book off with his wife Pam and what her last moments are. You see Ray lost his wife Pam thirteen years ago and though he and his daughter have moved on in life they still miss her. So when out of the blue Ray gets an email from someone claiming to be his wife he wonders if maybe she could still be alive but why would she fake her own death then? Ray starts investigating what happened that fateful day thirteen years ago, but what will he uncover and what does a web domain have to do with anything?
It is a race against time as Ray is being hunted by the police since the case is being reopened and he is being hunted by those who don't want him to uncover the truth. There is more going on than Ray expects will he get the answers he needs or will he be too late?
I liked the mystery behind it all and how Ray didn't give up no matter what was thrown his way and the characters were well written. The author does go a bit at times into details that we could do without but nothing too major.
I received this book to give an honest review.
I like P.I. books there is just something about them that makes them a great read.
With Courage Resurrected start the book off with his wife Pam and what her last moments are. You see Ray lost his wife Pam thirteen years ago and though he and his daughter have moved on in life they still miss her. So when out of the blue Ray gets an email from someone claiming to be his wife he wonders if maybe she could still be alive but why would she fake her own death then? Ray starts investigating what happened that fateful day thirteen years ago, but what will he uncover and what does a web domain have to do with anything?
It is a race against time as Ray is being hunted by the police since the case is being reopened and he is being hunted by those who don't want him to uncover the truth. There is more going on than Ray expects will he get the answers he needs or will he be too late?
I liked the mystery behind it all and how Ray didn't give up no matter what was thrown his way and the characters were well written. The author does go a bit at times into details that we could do without but nothing too major.
December 13, 2018
Good read
Good read. Easy reading style. No brainer. Can't think of more to say but they insist on 20 or more words
Good read. Easy reading style. No brainer. Can't think of more to say but they insist on 20 or more words
July 26, 2018
Lots of storylines that finally twist together.
This is one of those books that the author wrote backwards or put in unforeseeable clues to make the story work. Either way the reader can get lost in the diatribe. Not a fan of 'out of the blue' revelations that tie up totally unrelated ends. That just seems like you are cheating your readers. Still, not a bad read, just would like more definition.
This is one of those books that the author wrote backwards or put in unforeseeable clues to make the story work. Either way the reader can get lost in the diatribe. Not a fan of 'out of the blue' revelations that tie up totally unrelated ends. That just seems like you are cheating your readers. Still, not a bad read, just would like more definition.
March 5, 2017
Who Is PAM1111?
Thirteen years ago Ray Courage's wife died in a car crash. On the anniversary of her death, November 11th, Ray receives an email from her. Is she still alive? This one email set in motion murder, false accusations, and a money laundering scheme. One of the best Courage mysteries.
Thirteen years ago Ray Courage's wife died in a car crash. On the anniversary of her death, November 11th, Ray receives an email from her. Is she still alive? This one email set in motion murder, false accusations, and a money laundering scheme. One of the best Courage mysteries.
December 14, 2017
Courage resurrected
Loved this book! Exciting story, interesting characters, all around good read. Looking for another one as soon as I finish this.
Loved this book! Exciting story, interesting characters, all around good read. Looking for another one as soon as I finish this.
August 8, 2015
In Courage Resurrected, Ray Courage has a dilemma. His dead wife keeps sending him emails. That's the way this outstanding mystery starts out, and the deliciously drawn-out pace of the book only serves to tantalize the reader to keep turning the pages.
Ray begins working on solving the question of who might be sending these notes from beyond the grave. His wife, Pam, supposedly died in a fiery car explosion thirteen years ago, and, while the body was never positively identified, Ray doubts Pam really survived. Besides, the notes are threatening and accusatory -- something he can't picture Pam as writing.
The police have reopened the case as well, and have Ray pegged as a prime suspect -- especially when they find out he's been withholding information about the emails.
The story deftly unfolds, bringing various perpetrators into view for the reader to weigh as possible killers. Ray continues working the case on his own line, away from the police investigation, and it quickly puts his life in jeopardy.
The writing in this well-edited novel is superb, weaving in marvelous turns-of-phrase regularly. For example, as Ray pays a potential suspect twenty dollars for information, his conscience tugs at him.
"Somewhere in Asia, the Dalai Lama no doubt felt a stab of heartburn over the negative Karma I had set in motion."
He doesn't know it yet, but classic Bad Guy Chuck Rattner -- owner of Crazy Zebra Enterprises, where Pam had worked -- has set a goon squad to watch him as they both try to trace the source of the electronic threats.
And there's yet another adversary on Ray's heels -- a deranged woman named Claire Craft. What's her motive in stalking Ray? And what does she have to gain from seeing him fall?
These are questions that are solved nicely in the second half of the book. The writer sets up a neat little mystery, then leads the reader through an orderly recitation of the facts -- including the new ones as each one is introduced -- and dares us to try and guess the solution before the protagonist is eliminated.
It's skillful crafting of plot, characters and dialogue -- all combining to lead us on a pleasant chase through the clues to the surprising end.
I give Courage Resurrected five stars, and hope to read more mysteries by this author in the future.
Ray begins working on solving the question of who might be sending these notes from beyond the grave. His wife, Pam, supposedly died in a fiery car explosion thirteen years ago, and, while the body was never positively identified, Ray doubts Pam really survived. Besides, the notes are threatening and accusatory -- something he can't picture Pam as writing.
The police have reopened the case as well, and have Ray pegged as a prime suspect -- especially when they find out he's been withholding information about the emails.
The story deftly unfolds, bringing various perpetrators into view for the reader to weigh as possible killers. Ray continues working the case on his own line, away from the police investigation, and it quickly puts his life in jeopardy.
The writing in this well-edited novel is superb, weaving in marvelous turns-of-phrase regularly. For example, as Ray pays a potential suspect twenty dollars for information, his conscience tugs at him.
"Somewhere in Asia, the Dalai Lama no doubt felt a stab of heartburn over the negative Karma I had set in motion."
He doesn't know it yet, but classic Bad Guy Chuck Rattner -- owner of Crazy Zebra Enterprises, where Pam had worked -- has set a goon squad to watch him as they both try to trace the source of the electronic threats.
And there's yet another adversary on Ray's heels -- a deranged woman named Claire Craft. What's her motive in stalking Ray? And what does she have to gain from seeing him fall?
These are questions that are solved nicely in the second half of the book. The writer sets up a neat little mystery, then leads the reader through an orderly recitation of the facts -- including the new ones as each one is introduced -- and dares us to try and guess the solution before the protagonist is eliminated.
It's skillful crafting of plot, characters and dialogue -- all combining to lead us on a pleasant chase through the clues to the surprising end.
I give Courage Resurrected five stars, and hope to read more mysteries by this author in the future.
June 28, 2015
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The story revolves around Ray who has lost his wife, Pam in a car accident thirteen years ago. The day of the accident, Ray and his wife had been in an argument that resulted in her fleeing the house in anger and driving away. Does Ray have lingering guilt of that fateful day ?
From out of nowhere, years later, Ray receives an email from someone claiming to be his dead wife. The email goes on to accuse him of trying to muder her all those years ago. Whoever this person really is they intent on getting revenge and making sure he pays for what he tried to do. Who is this person writing the emails? If his wife is really dead, then who has a grudge against him? The author begins to lay the groundwork for a mystery that takes us on a journey of Ray trying to prove his innocence while trying to stay one step ahead of the police who decide that the investigation into what happened that day need to be re examined.
Of course Ray is the main suspect or as the police call it, a person of interest. But why are there others unsavory men following him? Is it their job to make sure he gets convicted of his wife's muder or is there something more mysterious going on with these men? Why are dead bodies shoeing up that point to Ray as the suspect?
The race is on for Ray to dig as deep as he can, stay out of jail and discover the truth behind Pam's death. He gets help from Rubia, a former student from his college days. Will they be able to solve the mystery before time runs out for Ray? The author gives us a book filled with a twists, a determination from Ray to prove his innocence and an ending you won't see coming. I love the authors style of writing that gives us little tiny subtle hints that could easily be missed if you rush thru the book. I encourage you to read the book, take everything in, watch for clues skillfully hidden within the story and enjoy the ride.
November 10, 2015
11/11, Pamela Courage (IPO financial manager, Crazy Zebra Empires, San Jose State, nee Reilly) was driving down the lonely River Road near Clarksburg & someone was following her.
The Sacramento Bee stated Pam had not survived the inferno car wreck.
The widowed husband Raymond Ray Courage (San Jose State, PhD, former college professor, Sacramento State, PI), & daughter Sara Courage (6th. grade, daughter, tennis/soccer) carried on.
Fast forward 13 yrs. Ray received a very troubling email.
Ray (narrator) got a knock on his door. It was Lieutenant Carla Thurber (Detective, Sacramento P/D).
She later decided to reopen the case.
Rubia (former Los Modernos gang leader) inherited the Say Hey bar from her Uncle.
She had also founded the It’s My Life (IML) non-profit PI investigation service.
Ray helped her run it. He was also investigating his wife’s mysterious accident.
There were more troubling emails coming to him.
Was Pamela in an accident?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written crime mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime mystery movie, or mini TV series. 1 book you won’t want to put down. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Story Cartel; Big Hound Publishing; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The Sacramento Bee stated Pam had not survived the inferno car wreck.
The widowed husband Raymond Ray Courage (San Jose State, PhD, former college professor, Sacramento State, PI), & daughter Sara Courage (6th. grade, daughter, tennis/soccer) carried on.
Fast forward 13 yrs. Ray received a very troubling email.
Ray (narrator) got a knock on his door. It was Lieutenant Carla Thurber (Detective, Sacramento P/D).
She later decided to reopen the case.
Rubia (former Los Modernos gang leader) inherited the Say Hey bar from her Uncle.
She had also founded the It’s My Life (IML) non-profit PI investigation service.
Ray helped her run it. He was also investigating his wife’s mysterious accident.
There were more troubling emails coming to him.
Was Pamela in an accident?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written crime mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime mystery movie, or mini TV series. 1 book you won’t want to put down. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Story Cartel; Big Hound Publishing; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
August 10, 2015
We all handle fights with our spouses differently. It was a bigger fight than they’d ever had. Pam Courage went to see a counselor but quickly ran out. Instead, she chose to drive around and around and around. She finally decided to face the music and go home, but she was dreading it. She takes an exit to turn around. Before she gets back on the highway, a truck broadsides her car and it’s entirely engulfed in flames. There were very few witnesses and no one reported seeing a truck at the scene. Thirteen years go by. There was never any real closure for her husband, Ray, and their daughter, Sara.
On the anniversary of Pam’s death in present day, Sara is in college and Ray begins receiving text messages from Pam. What’s worse is she is blaming him. Then, he is visited by the police who have received an anonymous tip that his wife’s accident was not accidental at all. Detective Carla Thurber spent a bit of time reviewing the records of the investigation before she showed up on Ray’s doorstep. It seems Detective Lewis had done very little investigative work thirteen years ago. By now, Ray is a Private Investigator and begins following some old leads himself.
I was biting at the hook after the prologue and the first chapter. By the end of the second chapter, I was pulled in hook, line, and sinker, and could no longer put the book down. Each chapter propels the reader forward; each closes with a cliffhanger that is carried over into the next chapter. It gets delightfully twisty before straightening out at the end. Ray had a bit of support in Rubia, an ex-gangbanger. Now turned around, she helps others pull themselves out of gangs, drugs, and crime. Ray works with her volunteering on a part-time basis at her non-profit, ‘It’s My Life’ (IML). Rubia’s no-nonsense attitude lent a lot to this story. Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
On the anniversary of Pam’s death in present day, Sara is in college and Ray begins receiving text messages from Pam. What’s worse is she is blaming him. Then, he is visited by the police who have received an anonymous tip that his wife’s accident was not accidental at all. Detective Carla Thurber spent a bit of time reviewing the records of the investigation before she showed up on Ray’s doorstep. It seems Detective Lewis had done very little investigative work thirteen years ago. By now, Ray is a Private Investigator and begins following some old leads himself.
I was biting at the hook after the prologue and the first chapter. By the end of the second chapter, I was pulled in hook, line, and sinker, and could no longer put the book down. Each chapter propels the reader forward; each closes with a cliffhanger that is carried over into the next chapter. It gets delightfully twisty before straightening out at the end. Ray had a bit of support in Rubia, an ex-gangbanger. Now turned around, she helps others pull themselves out of gangs, drugs, and crime. Ray works with her volunteering on a part-time basis at her non-profit, ‘It’s My Life’ (IML). Rubia’s no-nonsense attitude lent a lot to this story. Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
August 24, 2016
Reviewed on www.snazzybooks.com
This is the first I’ve read from the Ray Courage mystery series, and I am so impressed with the way he’s created such an interesting cast of characters and a great storyline that kept me wanting to read on.
This felt like a novel that I could really get stuck into (and I did!) and it had plenty of points where I found myself questioning a whole variety of characters and their motives. The characters are well-developed and convincing, even the ‘baddies’ (which so often isn’t the case in this genre), and I was rooting for Ray to clear his name and find out what actually happened to his wife. I felt for him so much, especially when he’s remembering his wife and their life together, and this made me root for him even more!
The story is really fast paced, but not ridiculously so – it moves along at just the right speed really, giving enough information to explain what’s going on without becoming too descriptive or wordy; it manages to remain packed full of action and octane without being at all trashy. Though there were some points that were a little crazy, and included lots of very American-style and phrases (it is an American novel, to be fair), this wasn’t to the point of it annoying me.
I also didn’t feel that I was at a disadvantage for not having read the first book, though there were some mentions of occurrences that I imagine might relate back to the first book so I guess if you have the opportunity to read them in order then that always makes sense!
Overall this was a really enjoyable, fun thriller that I would really recommend to anyone looking for a new Detective indie series to read!
* Many thanks to the author for providing a copy of this novel in return for an honest review *
This is the first I’ve read from the Ray Courage mystery series, and I am so impressed with the way he’s created such an interesting cast of characters and a great storyline that kept me wanting to read on.
This felt like a novel that I could really get stuck into (and I did!) and it had plenty of points where I found myself questioning a whole variety of characters and their motives. The characters are well-developed and convincing, even the ‘baddies’ (which so often isn’t the case in this genre), and I was rooting for Ray to clear his name and find out what actually happened to his wife. I felt for him so much, especially when he’s remembering his wife and their life together, and this made me root for him even more!
The story is really fast paced, but not ridiculously so – it moves along at just the right speed really, giving enough information to explain what’s going on without becoming too descriptive or wordy; it manages to remain packed full of action and octane without being at all trashy. Though there were some points that were a little crazy, and included lots of very American-style and phrases (it is an American novel, to be fair), this wasn’t to the point of it annoying me.
I also didn’t feel that I was at a disadvantage for not having read the first book, though there were some mentions of occurrences that I imagine might relate back to the first book so I guess if you have the opportunity to read them in order then that always makes sense!
Overall this was a really enjoyable, fun thriller that I would really recommend to anyone looking for a new Detective indie series to read!
* Many thanks to the author for providing a copy of this novel in return for an honest review *
September 30, 2015
Ray Courage has received a startling message from his wife. The problem was that his wife died in a fatal car accident 13 years ago. What’s going on here? Who sent that message, that strange, bone-chilling message?
I was instantly lured by the gripping introduction as questions tickled my mind. Could the wife still be alive? And why would she think that Ray tried to kill her? What really happened the day that she “died?” This then provokes Ray to investigate.
It would seem that the wife’s apparent death may have had something to do with the custody battle of a web domain and the lynches of a Russian mafia. Of course, I failed to see the connection in all that. It almost felt like this all deviated from the “dead” wife, but I had to trust that the author would make something from this labyrinth of cryptic clues and superfluous storyline.
Courage Resurrected is a complex mystery thriller that both stimulates and lulls the reader. While riveted to discover the whereabouts of the wife and who is behind all those perplexing emails, you are also quelled by the intricacy of the case, which, like a ripple, largely spans out into less prominent and more ambiguous forms. I mean, who were Mastrov and Lobo? What could they possibly have to do with what happened to Ray’s wife? And what’s up with “Crazy Zebra Way?” Frankly, all the confusion pacified what started off as a compelling mystery read. The story was well-written for the most part, but I just wasn’t that excited with it.
I was instantly lured by the gripping introduction as questions tickled my mind. Could the wife still be alive? And why would she think that Ray tried to kill her? What really happened the day that she “died?” This then provokes Ray to investigate.
It would seem that the wife’s apparent death may have had something to do with the custody battle of a web domain and the lynches of a Russian mafia. Of course, I failed to see the connection in all that. It almost felt like this all deviated from the “dead” wife, but I had to trust that the author would make something from this labyrinth of cryptic clues and superfluous storyline.
Courage Resurrected is a complex mystery thriller that both stimulates and lulls the reader. While riveted to discover the whereabouts of the wife and who is behind all those perplexing emails, you are also quelled by the intricacy of the case, which, like a ripple, largely spans out into less prominent and more ambiguous forms. I mean, who were Mastrov and Lobo? What could they possibly have to do with what happened to Ray’s wife? And what’s up with “Crazy Zebra Way?” Frankly, all the confusion pacified what started off as a compelling mystery read. The story was well-written for the most part, but I just wasn’t that excited with it.
November 7, 2015
"A Fast-Moving Thriller With Deep Tension"
In this novel, Pam Courage has had a bad day. She's driving numerous rounds between Sacramento and Davis, California. She's under so much distress but decides to settle the argument she and her husband had that early morning. She is killed in an auto accident before arriving home, by a huge truck; her car bursts into flames and she is incinerated within. Thirteen years later, her husband Ray Courage, an ex-college professor, is now a private investigator, primarily for insurance companies. A friend, Rubia, had once been a former gang leader in West Sacramento until she now is founder of "It's My Life," a non-profit organization to help kids stay away from gangs by offering more productive activities. Ray has volunteered a few hours every week to lend a hand to her, though he doesn't feel confident to do much good. He lacks the capabilities Rubia has by living such a life on the streets. It's November 11, the day Pam had died. It always brings back memories. A message pops up on his I-phone, from address PAM1111, proclaiming she is Pam and is alive. She's going to seek revenge on his attempted murder of her. Will this open the case file where Ray could be arrested for murder? Detective Carla Thurber suspects he is a murderer, and that he's also murdered a friend of Pam's. This is a complex, non-stop action thriller which will intrigue and amaze you. Excellently written and a fast read.
In this novel, Pam Courage has had a bad day. She's driving numerous rounds between Sacramento and Davis, California. She's under so much distress but decides to settle the argument she and her husband had that early morning. She is killed in an auto accident before arriving home, by a huge truck; her car bursts into flames and she is incinerated within. Thirteen years later, her husband Ray Courage, an ex-college professor, is now a private investigator, primarily for insurance companies. A friend, Rubia, had once been a former gang leader in West Sacramento until she now is founder of "It's My Life," a non-profit organization to help kids stay away from gangs by offering more productive activities. Ray has volunteered a few hours every week to lend a hand to her, though he doesn't feel confident to do much good. He lacks the capabilities Rubia has by living such a life on the streets. It's November 11, the day Pam had died. It always brings back memories. A message pops up on his I-phone, from address PAM1111, proclaiming she is Pam and is alive. She's going to seek revenge on his attempted murder of her. Will this open the case file where Ray could be arrested for murder? Detective Carla Thurber suspects he is a murderer, and that he's also murdered a friend of Pam's. This is a complex, non-stop action thriller which will intrigue and amaze you. Excellently written and a fast read.
August 30, 2015
Reviewed by Gemini
Courage Resurrected is the third book in the Ray Courage Series. Although I did not read the first one or the novella, I did not have any problem enjoying this one. Courage Resurrected was both funny and suspenseful. I also loved the fact that Ray is a former college professor turned private investigator that is not made out to be some overly handsome superhero. He is a smart, funny, an everyday guy that doesn’t take himself seriously. He doesn’t even carry a gun.
In this installment, Ray receives an accusatory email from his dead wife who should have died in a car accident more than ten years ago. A new investigation into her death leads to more questions and more deaths. Somehow, Ray becomes the prime suspect in multiple murders and sets out to clear his name and get some answers of his own. Several elements of the book become all too familiar but Ray’s attitude under pressure keeps things moving along nicely. The supporting cast is also intriguing. The mystery and suspense was top notch and it took me a while to figure things out. I would enjoy reading the next installment but hope that the author continues to mix things up.
**Copy received courtesy of Blog Tour Promoter for an honest and unbiased opinion.**
Courage Resurrected is the third book in the Ray Courage Series. Although I did not read the first one or the novella, I did not have any problem enjoying this one. Courage Resurrected was both funny and suspenseful. I also loved the fact that Ray is a former college professor turned private investigator that is not made out to be some overly handsome superhero. He is a smart, funny, an everyday guy that doesn’t take himself seriously. He doesn’t even carry a gun.
In this installment, Ray receives an accusatory email from his dead wife who should have died in a car accident more than ten years ago. A new investigation into her death leads to more questions and more deaths. Somehow, Ray becomes the prime suspect in multiple murders and sets out to clear his name and get some answers of his own. Several elements of the book become all too familiar but Ray’s attitude under pressure keeps things moving along nicely. The supporting cast is also intriguing. The mystery and suspense was top notch and it took me a while to figure things out. I would enjoy reading the next installment but hope that the author continues to mix things up.
**Copy received courtesy of Blog Tour Promoter for an honest and unbiased opinion.**
August 3, 2018
Some thirteen years after the death of his wife Pam, in an automobile accident, Ray Courage receives an email purporting to be from his long-dead wife. There are some details in the email and those following that only his wife could know. He begins to wonder, could she possibly have escaped that horrendous accident and be alive or is somebody playing with his mind?
Being Ray, he has to investigate and while investigating he becomes accused of murdering a co-worker of his late wife to keep her quiet, as a Sacramento Police Detective becomes convinced that he killed this woman and that he also killed his wife and is determined to prove it.
Into this mix comes a particularly confused, somewhat unhinged woman who is also convinced Ray killed her mother on the same day that his wife died; a father-in-law who doesn't like Ray and who is convinced his daughter is still alive and faked her death to get away from Ray; and a very wealthy individual who will go to any lengths to protect himself and his business and doesn't hesitate to set Ray up for the murder.
So Ray is on the run from the police and must come up with a way to prove he didn't kill anyone.
Read this book through to the end. I am sure it is well worth the effort and no doubt, will make you a Ray Courage fan as am I.
Being Ray, he has to investigate and while investigating he becomes accused of murdering a co-worker of his late wife to keep her quiet, as a Sacramento Police Detective becomes convinced that he killed this woman and that he also killed his wife and is determined to prove it.
Into this mix comes a particularly confused, somewhat unhinged woman who is also convinced Ray killed her mother on the same day that his wife died; a father-in-law who doesn't like Ray and who is convinced his daughter is still alive and faked her death to get away from Ray; and a very wealthy individual who will go to any lengths to protect himself and his business and doesn't hesitate to set Ray up for the murder.
So Ray is on the run from the police and must come up with a way to prove he didn't kill anyone.
Read this book through to the end. I am sure it is well worth the effort and no doubt, will make you a Ray Courage fan as am I.
August 12, 2015
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Courage Resurrected is book two in the Ray Courage Mystery series. The story begins thirteen years earlier with Ray's wife visibly upset and driving around to avoid going home. She suddenly senses she's being followed. The scene switches to present day, on the thirteenth anniversary of Pam Courage's death. Ray receives a cryptic email message from someone claiming to be Pam and accusing him of trying to kill her. What he began to think was a prank causes him to investigate her accident on his own. Was it really an accident or did someone murder her? If so, why? The reemergence of someone claiming to be his wife has not opened old wounds but a trail of death along the way.
This was a fantastic mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. There were so many plausible reasons for her death, but the truth will definitely surprise you. The reason is even more shocking. All in all, Courage Resurrected is a fast paced action packed mystery everyone will love!
Courage Resurrected is book two in the Ray Courage Mystery series. The story begins thirteen years earlier with Ray's wife visibly upset and driving around to avoid going home. She suddenly senses she's being followed. The scene switches to present day, on the thirteenth anniversary of Pam Courage's death. Ray receives a cryptic email message from someone claiming to be Pam and accusing him of trying to kill her. What he began to think was a prank causes him to investigate her accident on his own. Was it really an accident or did someone murder her? If so, why? The reemergence of someone claiming to be his wife has not opened old wounds but a trail of death along the way.
This was a fantastic mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. There were so many plausible reasons for her death, but the truth will definitely surprise you. The reason is even more shocking. All in all, Courage Resurrected is a fast paced action packed mystery everyone will love!
November 5, 2015
Ray's life has been tumbled upside down. He's just received an email from Pam1111, his dead wife's name and the date she died - November 11. Is Pam dead as Ray has believed for the past 13 years or is she really alive? The emails have started a storm to form pulling in many people - some with disastrous results.
Ray starts investigating to find out what happened the day Pam died. Originally it was decided that Pam’s death was an accident but a mysterious call to Detective Carla Thurber at Sacramento Police Department makes her decide to relook at the case. Ray’s fight with Pam that morning puts him on the suspect list when the case is reopened. Later when a dead body is found in Ray’s home, he goes on the run from the police and the real murderers. Carla thinks she has an airtight case for murder and puts out a warrant for Ray.
So much was happening that I couldn’t stop reading. I especially liked when Carla found a little nick in her ironclad case which got her to dig deeper. This story is full of suspense that will keep you on your toes.
Ray starts investigating to find out what happened the day Pam died. Originally it was decided that Pam’s death was an accident but a mysterious call to Detective Carla Thurber at Sacramento Police Department makes her decide to relook at the case. Ray’s fight with Pam that morning puts him on the suspect list when the case is reopened. Later when a dead body is found in Ray’s home, he goes on the run from the police and the real murderers. Carla thinks she has an airtight case for murder and puts out a warrant for Ray.
So much was happening that I couldn’t stop reading. I especially liked when Carla found a little nick in her ironclad case which got her to dig deeper. This story is full of suspense that will keep you on your toes.
December 31, 2015
Ray Courage is remembering the anniversary of his wife's death. It has been 13 years since she died in
a terrible firey car crash. NOW he is getting emails from someone with the name Pam1111. That is his wife's name and the month and year she died! Who would do such a cruel thing? Pam1111, says she is his wife and that she is going to get back at him for all the terrible things he did that day and has the prove that he killed someone! Ray doesn't know what to do about this. He only knows he never killed anyone! Who is this person? Why are they doing this? The answer will surprise you!!
a terrible firey car crash. NOW he is getting emails from someone with the name Pam1111. That is his wife's name and the month and year she died! Who would do such a cruel thing? Pam1111, says she is his wife and that she is going to get back at him for all the terrible things he did that day and has the prove that he killed someone! Ray doesn't know what to do about this. He only knows he never killed anyone! Who is this person? Why are they doing this? The answer will surprise you!!
June 1, 2015
This is definitely a page turner! The author has you guessing throughout the book trying to piece together what exactly is going on and why certain events are occurring. This is my first book in the series and I will definitely be reading the first two! R. Scott Mackey hit a home run! I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
July 20, 2015
Need something to keep you on edge, keep you up all night lying to yourself saying one more page....just one more page? Well look no further, this is the book you're looking for! Well written with a great plot!!!! This book will have you glued from start to end!
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
February 14, 2016
Penetrating & Engaging
Professor turned PI, Ray Courage has his idyllic world rocked to its foundation as his whole world unravels. Author R. Scott Mackey has penned a witty page turning murder-mystery that feels like a modern version of Dashiell Hammett. If you're a fan of the genre or just looking for an engaging weekend read, check out Courage Resurrected.
Professor turned PI, Ray Courage has his idyllic world rocked to its foundation as his whole world unravels. Author R. Scott Mackey has penned a witty page turning murder-mystery that feels like a modern version of Dashiell Hammett. If you're a fan of the genre or just looking for an engaging weekend read, check out Courage Resurrected.
January 29, 2017
Even though this book is a part of the series, it could be read as a standalone.
This is a great mystery thriller with lots of twists and turns in the plot and some very unexpected ending. I really enjoyed reading it.
This is a great mystery thriller with lots of twists and turns in the plot and some very unexpected ending. I really enjoyed reading it.
June 9, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I have not read the previous book but caught on quick. this journey with Ray was a good journey to be on. i look forward to going backwards and starting this series.
July 1, 2015
Ray Courage is great!
I am ready to read more about Ray and Rubia. Good story kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.
I am ready to read more about Ray and Rubia. Good story kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.
November 6, 2015
Overall a good read. Recommended for people who love mysteries.
May 5, 2016
very good
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