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Rockwell Return Files #1
'til Death
A laugh-out-loud communist-punching adventure! Sam Rockwell came home from the Second World War to work as a fledgling private investigator specializing in helping “Returns”: recently deceased ghosts who’ve come back with unfinished business. Short on experience and long on the imitated swagger of the detectives found in his dog-eared collection of pulp fiction P.I. mysteries, the quick-witted Sam waits for his big break—and his chance to win the heart of Amelia, his Girl Friday. But when his no-nonsense father is murdered and becomes a Return himself, everything changes. Sam sets out to find his father’s killer, only to find himself caught up in a madcap game of Cold War intrigue. Humorous and hard-boiled, ’til Death is a witty, feel-good throwback to the golden age of Hollywood noir.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2015
122 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
Jason Anspach
187 books842 followersJASON ANSPACH is the author of Galaxy's Edge, Wayward Galaxy, Forgotten Ruin. and more.
He lives in Puyallup, WA with his wife and their seven (not a typo) children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 1, 2017
'til Death was a fun, light read. Sam Rockwell is a private investigator who specializes in Returns, or ghosts who have not crossed over yet because they have some sort of unfinished business. In this book Sam's father is murdered and comes back wanting his help. I enjoyed the combination of hard-boiled mystery, ghost story, and comedy. There were some funny moments in the book, but it wasn't quite as funny as I was expecting it to be.
I mostly liked the characters in the story, even though Frank was off-putting at first, and Alice was like a regular June Clever. Frank ended up growing on me over time. In the beginning he wasn't a very likeable character, but his growth and realizations about himself were what made me like him in the end. Too bad he didn't come to those realizations until after he was already dead. I didn't blame his wife for not being upset over his death in the beginning, even though I did find the nonchalant attitude most people in the book had about death a little odd. The reasoning behind it made some sense, but was still a bit of a stretch. I would expect at least a little shock at finding out a loved one is dead.
On the other hand I liked Sam and Amelia almost immediately, even though Amelia wasn't all that well fleshed out as a character. I especially enjoyed the parts where Sam tried to pretend, with varying degrees of success, to be like the detectives in the hard-boiled mystery novels he was reading.
There is a sequel to this and I'm guessing there will be quite a few more books written in this series. If you're looking for a good clean, light mystery that harkens to the days of hard boiled mystery, but doesn't take itself too seriously then you might like this book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
I mostly liked the characters in the story, even though Frank was off-putting at first, and Alice was like a regular June Clever. Frank ended up growing on me over time. In the beginning he wasn't a very likeable character, but his growth and realizations about himself were what made me like him in the end. Too bad he didn't come to those realizations until after he was already dead. I didn't blame his wife for not being upset over his death in the beginning, even though I did find the nonchalant attitude most people in the book had about death a little odd. The reasoning behind it made some sense, but was still a bit of a stretch. I would expect at least a little shock at finding out a loved one is dead.
On the other hand I liked Sam and Amelia almost immediately, even though Amelia wasn't all that well fleshed out as a character. I especially enjoyed the parts where Sam tried to pretend, with varying degrees of success, to be like the detectives in the hard-boiled mystery novels he was reading.
There is a sequel to this and I'm guessing there will be quite a few more books written in this series. If you're looking for a good clean, light mystery that harkens to the days of hard boiled mystery, but doesn't take itself too seriously then you might like this book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
September 25, 2015
Jason Anspach’s debut novel, ‘til Death, is a fun romp through a supernatural hard-boiled adventure, with plenty of laughs and adventure along the way.
Sam Rockwell fashions himself as a detective for Returns, spirits who have unfinished business upon our earthly soil. When his father is mysteriously killed, Sam’s mother brings him in on the case. The problem is, Sam doesn’t have any real training about being a detective, except through the hard-broiled detective books he reads. While he tries to put on a certain persona and acts like a tough guy who knows it all, things start to go awry when his Returned father announces that he’s been hiding secret atomic documents for the government, and some Soviets get involved.
I really enjoyed Anspach's writing style, and look forward to seeing Sam Rockwell in future misadventures.
Sam Rockwell fashions himself as a detective for Returns, spirits who have unfinished business upon our earthly soil. When his father is mysteriously killed, Sam’s mother brings him in on the case. The problem is, Sam doesn’t have any real training about being a detective, except through the hard-broiled detective books he reads. While he tries to put on a certain persona and acts like a tough guy who knows it all, things start to go awry when his Returned father announces that he’s been hiding secret atomic documents for the government, and some Soviets get involved.
I really enjoyed Anspach's writing style, and look forward to seeing Sam Rockwell in future misadventures.
June 30, 2016
I read “‘Til Death” by Jason Anspach during a recent trip. I’m not gonna lie — I stayed up late a few nights to keep reading it.
The prose is exceptional, great dialog, and a real capturing of what I must imagine is the “feel” of the ’50’s. The style had a lightheartedness to it, but no loss of character, plot, or tension. Just a level of… comfort, perhaps? I can only describe it as the difference between a Humphry Bogart movie and a darker, modern thriller. It gave me a nice noir thriller without the swearing and sex — and, admittedly, I didn’t miss it at all.
More than a mystery, though, the book had a lot to say about life, love, and family. And, in a certain way, about the need to take a chance for something you care about.
The story centers around LA supernatural detective Sam Rockwell and his charming secretary, Amelia, as they investigate the murder of Sam’s father, who has returned as a ghost. Throughout the investigation, Sam gets schooled on police procedures, runs afoul of local politics, and uncovers a Communist plot to steal nuclear secrets, all while trying to win the heart of his best girl.
‘Til Death is an exceptionally smooth read with excellent pacing, great characters and dialog, and a satisfying ending. Lighthearted without being sappy, and intriguing without being dark. Some of the twists in the story are well telegraphed, but the writing is so good you don’t mind as you’re just anxious to see how Mr. Anspach brings it all together in the end.
Bottom Line: A great read, surprisingly well done for a first time novelist. Looking forward to reading more great work from Jason Anspach (and, yes, I’ve already bought the sequel!).
The prose is exceptional, great dialog, and a real capturing of what I must imagine is the “feel” of the ’50’s. The style had a lightheartedness to it, but no loss of character, plot, or tension. Just a level of… comfort, perhaps? I can only describe it as the difference between a Humphry Bogart movie and a darker, modern thriller. It gave me a nice noir thriller without the swearing and sex — and, admittedly, I didn’t miss it at all.
More than a mystery, though, the book had a lot to say about life, love, and family. And, in a certain way, about the need to take a chance for something you care about.
The story centers around LA supernatural detective Sam Rockwell and his charming secretary, Amelia, as they investigate the murder of Sam’s father, who has returned as a ghost. Throughout the investigation, Sam gets schooled on police procedures, runs afoul of local politics, and uncovers a Communist plot to steal nuclear secrets, all while trying to win the heart of his best girl.
‘Til Death is an exceptionally smooth read with excellent pacing, great characters and dialog, and a satisfying ending. Lighthearted without being sappy, and intriguing without being dark. Some of the twists in the story are well telegraphed, but the writing is so good you don’t mind as you’re just anxious to see how Mr. Anspach brings it all together in the end.
Bottom Line: A great read, surprisingly well done for a first time novelist. Looking forward to reading more great work from Jason Anspach (and, yes, I’ve already bought the sequel!).
July 28, 2015
Like many first novels the author uses the first few pages to find his footing, then he's off. The vintage 'Life goes on' trope is successfully delivered with noir humor and the period setting and fast paced atmosphere become a character of their own. Many times through the story I was reminded of the black and white classics of the golden age of the silver screen. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a humorous old school slice of life tale.
Read
March 15, 2018This book is crazy hilarious. When I started this book and saw that it was going to involve the return of the dead, my first thought was, "not my thing" and i almost deleted the book. Instead, thankfully, I read on and read one of the funniest, most captivating books I've read in a LONG time!!!! The dead are sometimes allowed to some back under certain comditions. Sam, the main character, is a detective for Returns, as you can imagine, struggling to make a living. His father dies, having told that he is in possession of papers about atomic secrets. But did he really? The communists believe he did and go after Frank's family to get those papers. That's where the story is and the fun!!!!! Even in the end, do the papers exist or did Frank make it all up? So much happens during this story - Frank is in agony over his widows reaction to his death. Sam's cheap pulp comic book detective persona until the real detective investigating his father's murder straightens him out. These comments aren't spoilers because the things that happen in those events and the befores and afters are so hold onto your seat and funny.
This is a book not to be missed and I have started the next book of Sam's adventures!!!! I'm hooked to a these books although I usually don't read this genre.
This is a book not to be missed and I have started the next book of Sam's adventures!!!! I'm hooked to a these books although I usually don't read this genre.
May 9, 2016
This was a fun read.
There are plenty of stories with P.I. interacting with the dead, but I liked both the whimsy and how the plot device is taken seriously. In this case some of the dead are returning for something unresolved and are not limited by who they are seen by. There is an increase of this happening and one young man wants to base his business on helping the returned.
Lots to like and their was some depths to some of the subplots. Already started the second in the series.
There are plenty of stories with P.I. interacting with the dead, but I liked both the whimsy and how the plot device is taken seriously. In this case some of the dead are returning for something unresolved and are not limited by who they are seen by. There is an increase of this happening and one young man wants to base his business on helping the returned.
Lots to like and their was some depths to some of the subplots. Already started the second in the series.
December 24, 2024
Needless to say, this was quite a departure from Jason Anspach's Galaxy's Edge books. For starters, it's not a hardcore military sci fi but a light (Catholic) detective noir with ghosts, at least one angel, and evil Russkies. I didn't find it particularly inventive, in terms of the crime plot, and not even remotely funny, just something undemanding to listen to whilst doing chores and commuting. Despite its warm and hopeful ending message, I feel like it's the kind of book you walk away from and immediately forget.
P.S. Oh yes, there was a point, at the start of Chapter 2, when the young PI was introduced, that made me want to rewatch the old film noir scenes from Whose Line is it Anyway. So, as I'm writing this, I've got Colin and Ryan in the background doing their thing, which makes me wonder if the above plot would've made a lot more sense on screen.
P.S. Oh yes, there was a point, at the start of Chapter 2, when the young PI was introduced, that made me want to rewatch the old film noir scenes from Whose Line is it Anyway. So, as I'm writing this, I've got Colin and Ryan in the background doing their thing, which makes me wonder if the above plot would've made a lot more sense on screen.
February 2, 2020
Plodding with unengaging characters. I kept waiting for it to pick up, for something to pull me in. If I could have stuck it out more, maybe it would have. I had to set it down for now. It's certainly not Christopher Moore. There are so many other books to explore.
March 6, 2016
I absolutely loved this first novel by Jason Anspach. This is a wonderful noir styled mystery, funny and oh so good. It has me thinking back to the age of Thorne Smith with his Topper novels. Oh, and if you don't know what I mean just go back and read and/or watch some old movies. Jason will be an author that you will want to follow!
March 2, 2016
Hauntingly Funny
This book was funny from the first chapter! Frank can't believe he's dead. At least his son is a private detective. Maybe he can track down the killer. But it would be nice if his wife would show a little sadness at his passing!
This book was funny from the first chapter! Frank can't believe he's dead. At least his son is a private detective. Maybe he can track down the killer. But it would be nice if his wife would show a little sadness at his passing!
May 4, 2016
Very enjoyable read. Nicely creative storytelling with likable characters. Some of the comedy is painfully funny. I'll be reading the next installment in his series.
January 8, 2025
Her eyes widened in surprise as her hand passed through his body like a wind through fog.
“Fraaank!” Alice yelped with a backwards jerk. “Did you die today?”
So let’s kick off this review with the trusty 'Detective Noir Speaking Style Translator'—the gumshoe's best friend in a shady world. Jason Anspach's "'til Death: A Madcap Private Detective Mystery... with Ghosts!" was a real page-turner, see? I’ll fess up, I had some real doubts at the start, but it turned out to be a wild ride. A helluva lot better than that last jaunt into sci-fi I took with him a while ago in the shadows, I tell ya! But I reckon every soul gets a shot at redemption, don't you think? Funny how fate plays its hand, as that was the very line the translator spun like a web in the shadows. It holds a smoky relevance for this tale, believe me.
How he managed to be more trouble dead than he was alive was beyond her.
OK, with all that out of the way, this is a good opportunity as well to say that I think Anspach's economical use of actual detective noir language worked very well. Don't get me wrong: there's still some lovely and very quotable bits included ("The hum of the tires spinning on the paved road whispered lullabies…" LOVE IT!!!). But I've read other stories where it gets a bit tedious - particularly if the story itself isn't what you'd call a real mystery to begin with. Instead it's used very well here, successfully heightening the moments of comedy and helping us get to know in particular Sam Rockwell, World War II veteran (um, did I mention this isn't modern day?) and struggling, I mean, fledgling Private Investigator (unlicensed). Oh and I guess it would also be a good time to mention the rest of his "duties", namely that the sign on his office door says "Specializing in Returns & The Unexplainable" (also unlicensed). For you see in this world, the dead don't always stay away once they pass.
I’m murdered, murdered, and no one gives two damns and a glass of lemonade about it!
The story itself then flies along like it's being steered by an angel passing time on this plane driving taxis (trust me on this one). There's a great deal of misdirection and flummoxing about, where we're not really sure until the very end what is truth and what is perhaps just a sly jape, you know, the kind that dances on the edge of trouble. Except in this case, what with Sam - and his lovely secretary Amelia - having returned home to see what all the fuss is with his father, Frank (deceased - once; Returned - hm, at least three times!). Seems dear ol' Dad has gone and had the misfortune to be murdered. And on bowling league and pot roast night, no less! Still, as we soon learn: "Not even pot roast is going to save this day! Unbelievable!"
I’ve returned to save this proud nation from the destructive grip of the Soviet menace!
Yes, it seems that oddly enough that since the end of the Second War to End All Wars (wow, did they get those predictions wrong, eh?) that folks have been returning in their incorporeal forms - all managed by the folks occupying the busy halls of the Pearly Gates Administration Building - usually to deal with unfinished business or other extremely last minute details. Not all of those returning are quite sure how to handle things as it were which is where Sam and Amelia come in, that is, to help these souls tie up all those loose ends and then make their way to wherever they're supposed to go next. Or permanently, better said. Unfortunately for Sam, this is not a great way to generate the kind of salary you'd expect to be making to support the love of your life (ref. see previous comment to lovely secretaries).
Help was close, but murder closer.
Anyway, the confusion that then results on not one but two planes (perhaps even three?) of existence makes for fun reading, which may or most likely may not be clear from how I started this review. It's a well-executed story and if you're a fan of horror comedy stir-fried up with some fresh urban fantasy like I am, well, you might find yourself wishing that Anspach had turned more of his decidedly prolific science fiction output over the past few years to additional books like this. Still, this is a three part series, so I'm going to keep going until I've also got Books 2 and hopefully 3, too, in my brainpan!
If you don’t like it, well, then you shouldn’t have died.
And with that, I'm knocking off for now to hit the grimy net and snag those tomes! I’ll catch you on the flip side, fellow truth-seekers! With the rain pouring like a sob story, what else is a gumshoe supposed to do?
“Fraaank!” Alice yelped with a backwards jerk. “Did you die today?”
So let’s kick off this review with the trusty 'Detective Noir Speaking Style Translator'—the gumshoe's best friend in a shady world. Jason Anspach's "'til Death: A Madcap Private Detective Mystery... with Ghosts!" was a real page-turner, see? I’ll fess up, I had some real doubts at the start, but it turned out to be a wild ride. A helluva lot better than that last jaunt into sci-fi I took with him a while ago in the shadows, I tell ya! But I reckon every soul gets a shot at redemption, don't you think? Funny how fate plays its hand, as that was the very line the translator spun like a web in the shadows. It holds a smoky relevance for this tale, believe me.
How he managed to be more trouble dead than he was alive was beyond her.
OK, with all that out of the way, this is a good opportunity as well to say that I think Anspach's economical use of actual detective noir language worked very well. Don't get me wrong: there's still some lovely and very quotable bits included ("The hum of the tires spinning on the paved road whispered lullabies…" LOVE IT!!!). But I've read other stories where it gets a bit tedious - particularly if the story itself isn't what you'd call a real mystery to begin with. Instead it's used very well here, successfully heightening the moments of comedy and helping us get to know in particular Sam Rockwell, World War II veteran (um, did I mention this isn't modern day?) and struggling, I mean, fledgling Private Investigator (unlicensed). Oh and I guess it would also be a good time to mention the rest of his "duties", namely that the sign on his office door says "Specializing in Returns & The Unexplainable" (also unlicensed). For you see in this world, the dead don't always stay away once they pass.
I’m murdered, murdered, and no one gives two damns and a glass of lemonade about it!
The story itself then flies along like it's being steered by an angel passing time on this plane driving taxis (trust me on this one). There's a great deal of misdirection and flummoxing about, where we're not really sure until the very end what is truth and what is perhaps just a sly jape, you know, the kind that dances on the edge of trouble. Except in this case, what with Sam - and his lovely secretary Amelia - having returned home to see what all the fuss is with his father, Frank (deceased - once; Returned - hm, at least three times!). Seems dear ol' Dad has gone and had the misfortune to be murdered. And on bowling league and pot roast night, no less! Still, as we soon learn: "Not even pot roast is going to save this day! Unbelievable!"
I’ve returned to save this proud nation from the destructive grip of the Soviet menace!
Yes, it seems that oddly enough that since the end of the Second War to End All Wars (wow, did they get those predictions wrong, eh?) that folks have been returning in their incorporeal forms - all managed by the folks occupying the busy halls of the Pearly Gates Administration Building - usually to deal with unfinished business or other extremely last minute details. Not all of those returning are quite sure how to handle things as it were which is where Sam and Amelia come in, that is, to help these souls tie up all those loose ends and then make their way to wherever they're supposed to go next. Or permanently, better said. Unfortunately for Sam, this is not a great way to generate the kind of salary you'd expect to be making to support the love of your life (ref. see previous comment to lovely secretaries).
Help was close, but murder closer.
Anyway, the confusion that then results on not one but two planes (perhaps even three?) of existence makes for fun reading, which may or most likely may not be clear from how I started this review. It's a well-executed story and if you're a fan of horror comedy stir-fried up with some fresh urban fantasy like I am, well, you might find yourself wishing that Anspach had turned more of his decidedly prolific science fiction output over the past few years to additional books like this. Still, this is a three part series, so I'm going to keep going until I've also got Books 2 and hopefully 3, too, in my brainpan!
If you don’t like it, well, then you shouldn’t have died.
And with that, I'm knocking off for now to hit the grimy net and snag those tomes! I’ll catch you on the flip side, fellow truth-seekers! With the rain pouring like a sob story, what else is a gumshoe supposed to do?
November 14, 2017
'Til Death (Rockwell Return Files) - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of: Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; A Book and A Dish
S. Rockwell, Private Investigator
Returns and the Unexplainable Welcomed
When you think of 'returns' you normally think of someone sitting behind a counter helping people get their money back for items they either don't need or simply don't want. At least that was how I've always looked at it. That is until I read 'Til Death. This is what I learned from reading this book:
'Returns' was the acccepted term used for dead folks who came back, usually due to sufficiently important unfinished business. Who made the determination on who Returned or not was still a hot topic among theologians.
Sam Rockwell's PI business was to help these 'Returns' out so they could finish up their business and move on to better places upstairs. He didn't deal with a large number of returns, but the few times a Return actually made his way into the office, they weren't exactly asking him to save the world. Most cases were as simple as an executive returning to share the code for his wall safe with his business partner. And that was the case until his mother calls to tell him his father had been murdered and his help was needed to find the killer. Oh yeah, his father was a Return. He told the people upstairs that he had information that was given to him to safe keep away from the Russians who would use it to destroy the US.
This book is so different from any I've ever read. It has murder, suspense, and best of all humor. Sam's task of finding out who killed his father and then who killed the killer, puts him up against some really rough people. But you can't help but laugh as he deals with the Returns that pop up now and then, mainly his own father. When I got to the end of 'Til Death I saw that book 2 was out. It's titled 'Til Death: Second Impressions. Yes I ordered it and can't wait to see where the Returns take Sam next.
S. Rockwell, Private Investigator
Returns and the Unexplainable Welcomed
When you think of 'returns' you normally think of someone sitting behind a counter helping people get their money back for items they either don't need or simply don't want. At least that was how I've always looked at it. That is until I read 'Til Death. This is what I learned from reading this book:
'Returns' was the acccepted term used for dead folks who came back, usually due to sufficiently important unfinished business. Who made the determination on who Returned or not was still a hot topic among theologians.
Sam Rockwell's PI business was to help these 'Returns' out so they could finish up their business and move on to better places upstairs. He didn't deal with a large number of returns, but the few times a Return actually made his way into the office, they weren't exactly asking him to save the world. Most cases were as simple as an executive returning to share the code for his wall safe with his business partner. And that was the case until his mother calls to tell him his father had been murdered and his help was needed to find the killer. Oh yeah, his father was a Return. He told the people upstairs that he had information that was given to him to safe keep away from the Russians who would use it to destroy the US.
This book is so different from any I've ever read. It has murder, suspense, and best of all humor. Sam's task of finding out who killed his father and then who killed the killer, puts him up against some really rough people. But you can't help but laugh as he deals with the Returns that pop up now and then, mainly his own father. When I got to the end of 'Til Death I saw that book 2 was out. It's titled 'Til Death: Second Impressions. Yes I ordered it and can't wait to see where the Returns take Sam next.
December 11, 2022
Part paranormal, part noir, part mystery and a tiny part romance. This was the first book I have read by this author. It looked intriguing so I thought I would check it out.
The good...I kind of like noir and it has some elements of that. Lone private eye has his own detective agency specializing in "returns," which are ghosts that return to Earth to deal with their unfinished business. Everyone can see and hear them, so it is not clear what makes the main character special, other than he advertises his business to help them out. The main character is not a dufus in this. He does make some rash decisions on occasion. But he does not act in ways that make you hate him or root against him.
The bad...Nothing too awful. The story is set in during the cold war and it has the values and sensibilities of those days. In some ways, though, it fights against those. The stay at home housewife who dotes on her husband, who treats her a bit like an Archie Bunker or Ralph Kramden. The plot is mostly designed just to push the MC and his gal together. Nothing earth shattering happens and you wonder what all the fuss was really about, in the end.
It is all a big misunderstanding, but people DO die. It kind of has comedy elements in it, but is also literally deadly serious.
This is the first book in a series. You do not know whether the MC and his gal will get their HEA. But the author gets kudos for resolving THIS story and there are no cliffhangers. I would give it 3.5 stars, if I could. But this is not one of those books that made me want to run out and grab the next book in the series.
The good...I kind of like noir and it has some elements of that. Lone private eye has his own detective agency specializing in "returns," which are ghosts that return to Earth to deal with their unfinished business. Everyone can see and hear them, so it is not clear what makes the main character special, other than he advertises his business to help them out. The main character is not a dufus in this. He does make some rash decisions on occasion. But he does not act in ways that make you hate him or root against him.
The bad...Nothing too awful. The story is set in during the cold war and it has the values and sensibilities of those days. In some ways, though, it fights against those. The stay at home housewife who dotes on her husband, who treats her a bit like an Archie Bunker or Ralph Kramden. The plot is mostly designed just to push the MC and his gal together. Nothing earth shattering happens and you wonder what all the fuss was really about, in the end.
It is all a big misunderstanding, but people DO die. It kind of has comedy elements in it, but is also literally deadly serious.
This is the first book in a series. You do not know whether the MC and his gal will get their HEA. But the author gets kudos for resolving THIS story and there are no cliffhangers. I would give it 3.5 stars, if I could. But this is not one of those books that made me want to run out and grab the next book in the series.
May 5, 2017
A delightful, 3-minute-egg of a mystery/comedy/paranormal tale. I generally avoid paranormal stuff, so this stayed on my Kindle for awhile. But I needed something light the other day, so I jumped in. I'm glad I did. I thought it was slow to get ramped up, but Anspach writes so clearly that reading it was easy, so I kept going. He throws in just enough food-for-thought along the way to keep us chewing as we go along.
Important: Unlike so many indie series that end their first volume in the middle of the story, this one wraps up with a very satisfactory conclusion.
Important: Unlike so many indie series that end their first volume in the middle of the story, this one wraps up with a very satisfactory conclusion.
September 26, 2022
Sam Rockwell is a private detective specializing in Returns (people who have died but returned as spirits for closure). He investigates the murder of his father who has returned as a ghost. Sam uses his detective skills to find out about his father’s murder. He uncovers a plot to steal nuclear secrets by the communists. Sam is also trying to win the heart of his girlfriend/secretary Amelia. I really enjoyed this detective mystery novel.
March 17, 2024
Is it possible for supernatural noir to be sweet? Yes!
Absolutely charming story; hits all the right notes of family and romance, with the addition of guardian angels and terrifying monsters (spoiler: the monsters are human). Johnny Heller’s narration is perfect for the text. Looking forward to the sequels!
Absolutely charming story; hits all the right notes of family and romance, with the addition of guardian angels and terrifying monsters (spoiler: the monsters are human). Johnny Heller’s narration is perfect for the text. Looking forward to the sequels!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2017
Detective Needed
The story catches your interest from the beginning. You want to know more about the characters and how Frank's murder gets resolved. I am intrigued by the idea of Returns and how Sam and Amelia will help them in future books.
The story catches your interest from the beginning. You want to know more about the characters and how Frank's murder gets resolved. I am intrigued by the idea of Returns and how Sam and Amelia will help them in future books.
March 28, 2019
I wanted to like this book but it felt more like a short story that went on for a bit too long. And the characters fell flat for me.
I do appreciate the Author's Note encouraging readers to give reviews here at Goodreads and on Amazon.
I do appreciate the Author's Note encouraging readers to give reviews here at Goodreads and on Amazon.
June 12, 2019
This was all right, I liked the premise of the Returns, reminding me of collecting pop bottles as a child. For me, it was a little draggy in the middle, and I reached the point where I didn't care if the guy got the girl.
July 23, 2020
A Great Read
The novel is a wonderful read. I really liked the quick pace of the story and the overall plot. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series! Well done Jason!
The novel is a wonderful read. I really liked the quick pace of the story and the overall plot. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series! Well done Jason!
June 17, 2019
Light, fun, with a creative dash of supernatural noir. I look forward to reading the sequels!
August 27, 2025
DNFed at 50%
March 20, 2017
A very tongue in check story about a private eye specializing in "ghostly returns" . Enjoy this fun romp!
May 4, 2017
i can definitely i enjoyed this fascinating read. the atmosphere of the early-mid 20th century is beautifully painted. but what i'd really like to comment that the author managed to highlight the family values and their lack thereof in our society. much respect for this gentle reminder!!!
March 15, 2017
Exciting reading
Fun, funny, fast paced, mysterious and suspenseful. I don't know when I last read a book like this. This was a good book to read and I highly enjoyed it.
Fun, funny, fast paced, mysterious and suspenseful. I don't know when I last read a book like this. This was a good book to read and I highly enjoyed it.
March 8, 2017
Sam is just starting out as a detective and trying to win the heart of a girl. Fantastic reading to keep you going until the end.
December 26, 2016
I really enjoyed reading "'til Death" by Jason Anspach during my vacation over the holidays at the beach in beautiful Brazil. I thought the book had good humor as well as a great message. It was mysterious and intriguing yet easy to read. The plot was well constructed for this genre of pulp fiction/ghost novel. Definitely different from the other books I have read and with plenty of twists and turns that make it very exciting. I had to admit that it kept my attention and I was not distracted by the crystal ocean as much as I thought I would be. That was a good indication that the book was worth reading.
Throughout the first few pages we are able to get a quick glimpse of what Alice's life, (Frank's wife), was about; her feelings as well as the lack thereof. Her nonchalant behavior was a bit shocking, yet understandable. It made me realize that we all can be a bit like Frank Rockwell, spending too much time working and not focusing on things that truly matter; in his case his wife and family. Sometimes things are inevitable and too late for a change. I loved the fact that Sam, (Frank's son) a private detective with little expertise in "returns", takes the time to look for his father's killer. He ended up getting into more than he was bargaining for.
Sam and Amelia reminded me a bit of my husband and I when we first met and started working together over 25 years ago. Sam was not a smooth operator but a caring and sweet guy trying to win his girl's heart; True Love.
Definitely "'til Death" is a refreshing book with a great message that encourages us to reflect upon our lives and the quality of time we spend with those whom we love and care for. I am very excited to read the next book in the series soon.
Throughout the first few pages we are able to get a quick glimpse of what Alice's life, (Frank's wife), was about; her feelings as well as the lack thereof. Her nonchalant behavior was a bit shocking, yet understandable. It made me realize that we all can be a bit like Frank Rockwell, spending too much time working and not focusing on things that truly matter; in his case his wife and family. Sometimes things are inevitable and too late for a change. I loved the fact that Sam, (Frank's son) a private detective with little expertise in "returns", takes the time to look for his father's killer. He ended up getting into more than he was bargaining for.
Sam and Amelia reminded me a bit of my husband and I when we first met and started working together over 25 years ago. Sam was not a smooth operator but a caring and sweet guy trying to win his girl's heart; True Love.
Definitely "'til Death" is a refreshing book with a great message that encourages us to reflect upon our lives and the quality of time we spend with those whom we love and care for. I am very excited to read the next book in the series soon.
February 17, 2017
'til Death
I enjoy paranormal stories, and this one is perhaps more suited as a young adult type book. The appearances of the ghosts are not what is normally expected. I did enjoy the Book, but am not sure if I will follow the series.
I enjoy paranormal stories, and this one is perhaps more suited as a young adult type book. The appearances of the ghosts are not what is normally expected. I did enjoy the Book, but am not sure if I will follow the series.
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