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To Die For #3
A Treasure to Die For
A Treasure to Die For takes place in Colorado and involves some amateur sleuths: a middle age, unemployed software engineer turned handy-man slash writer; his neighbor, a 69 year old widow; and of course, Fred, his golden. Between the three of them they track down a murderer who wants a copy of Tom Sawyer so bad, he is willing to kill for it. But it's not any copy, only the right edition will do. He's trying to find the location of the lost Tenderfoot mine in the Colorado Rockies which has been written in code by a 19th century miner who found it then died before telling anyone. The miner used his personal copy of Tom Sawyer to encode the message before dying on Mosquito Pass. The message wasn't found until the early fifties by some uranium miners. No one was able to decode it until now.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
856 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
About the author
Richard Houston
11 books64 followersRichard is working on his third career. His first was as a carpenter and roofer for twenty years while working his way through college. With a BS in Math he spent the next twenty-five years as a successful software engineer by working on the Space Shuttle at both Vandenberg AFB, and Johnson Space Center. He then went on to start Master Mind SofTools where he developed software for fortune 500 companies.
After taking early retirement in 2007, he moved to Warsaw, Missouri and built a home on the water with a view to die for. Richard now devotes his time to raising his great-grand daughter and writing. He is currently working on the second novel in the Jacob Martin series.
After taking early retirement in 2007, he moved to Warsaw, Missouri and built a home on the water with a view to die for. Richard now devotes his time to raising his great-grand daughter and writing. He is currently working on the second novel in the Jacob Martin series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 8, 2017
Chaos and Supposition
Richard Houston has written an amusing mystery with the best character being Fred, the golden retriever. While the story was enjoyable, Jake and Bonnie stumbled and bumbled through the tale to the very end. The villains were fairly obvious, and the characters a bit to shallow and simple for my taste. However, the scenery was realistic and beautiful. For those who enjoy very light reading mixed with humor, you'll enjoy this book.
Richard Houston has written an amusing mystery with the best character being Fred, the golden retriever. While the story was enjoyable, Jake and Bonnie stumbled and bumbled through the tale to the very end. The villains were fairly obvious, and the characters a bit to shallow and simple for my taste. However, the scenery was realistic and beautiful. For those who enjoy very light reading mixed with humor, you'll enjoy this book.
November 9, 2017
“A Treasure to Die For” was an interesting story, littered with surprises and the unexpected. This was my first time reading a Richard Houston book, and the first I read of the “…. To Die For…” books and I found it to be an enjoyable read. I have two dogs myself and regularly look after my brothers two puppies and because of my own love for dogs I found myself really enjoying the character Fred, the golden retriever. Fred is a smart dog and the relationship he has with Jake and even Bonnie is so cute, they are like the three musketeers. I liked that the author showed the loyalty of a dog and the close relationship humans can have with their dogs because this made me think of me and my own dogs and helped me to get more invested in the story.
This book is a mystery that keeps you guessing and wondering who did it. It is very much an adventure story filled with intrigue to keep the audience wanting to read along. I found it entertaining and enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters who spend much of the book stumbling over and around one another while the plot keeps getting more tangled and complicated. Jake and Bonnie are both awesome characters and Jake has a great sense of humor, often making fun of himself. I liked that Bonnie was an older character than in a lot of the books I read and to see her and Jake and Fred and the friendship between them. Overall I thought the book was super cute. I liked that it was suspenseful and a mystery story without there being a lot of violence or gore or anything too yucky. There are many good villains and clues that you need to pay attention to and I enjoyed that as it helped me to stay interested and focused on the story. I especially liked that I was able to guess the main villain before it was revealed.
I would definitely recommend this book and I hope to read some of Houston’s other books. I think this book is good for teenagers to adults and can be enjoyed by all types of people. I was a little hesitant before I started reading because I had read some reviews online that felt the story was inconsistent and that it didn’t quite manage to connect the characters but I did not notice these problems myself. I thought it was well written and well thought out with little bits of humor thrown in at the right times. I also liked that it was set in what seemed like a beautiful part of Colorado. My family and I love to go camping in Colorado and again being able to connect parts of the book with my own life made it that much better to read.
This book is a mystery that keeps you guessing and wondering who did it. It is very much an adventure story filled with intrigue to keep the audience wanting to read along. I found it entertaining and enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters who spend much of the book stumbling over and around one another while the plot keeps getting more tangled and complicated. Jake and Bonnie are both awesome characters and Jake has a great sense of humor, often making fun of himself. I liked that Bonnie was an older character than in a lot of the books I read and to see her and Jake and Fred and the friendship between them. Overall I thought the book was super cute. I liked that it was suspenseful and a mystery story without there being a lot of violence or gore or anything too yucky. There are many good villains and clues that you need to pay attention to and I enjoyed that as it helped me to stay interested and focused on the story. I especially liked that I was able to guess the main villain before it was revealed.
I would definitely recommend this book and I hope to read some of Houston’s other books. I think this book is good for teenagers to adults and can be enjoyed by all types of people. I was a little hesitant before I started reading because I had read some reviews online that felt the story was inconsistent and that it didn’t quite manage to connect the characters but I did not notice these problems myself. I thought it was well written and well thought out with little bits of humor thrown in at the right times. I also liked that it was set in what seemed like a beautiful part of Colorado. My family and I love to go camping in Colorado and again being able to connect parts of the book with my own life made it that much better to read.
April 7, 2017
Great book as usual
I don't often read books by any one author one right after the other but I never stopped loving these characters or got tired of reading about the area. It just got better with each book.
I don't often read books by any one author one right after the other but I never stopped loving these characters or got tired of reading about the area. It just got better with each book.
January 26, 2019
Top dog, Fred.
I think that Fred is the smartest detective, bar none. The humans need to take lessons from him. This is the first book I have read in this series and may be my last.
I think that Fred is the smartest detective, bar none. The humans need to take lessons from him. This is the first book I have read in this series and may be my last.
January 22, 2019
This boo
This book was poorly edited, and this was annoying and distracting. The mention of Appleton in the first chapter was confusing. The character development was good. I liked Fred and Bonnie. Jake was ok. I may read another book in this series but maybe not.
This book was poorly edited, and this was annoying and distracting. The mention of Appleton in the first chapter was confusing. The character development was good. I liked Fred and Bonnie. Jake was ok. I may read another book in this series but maybe not.
September 5, 2017
I didn't find the treasure.
The plot is too improbable.
The novel is short on character development except Fred and Bon.
I found it hard to believe that the Colorado Rockies near Boulder are so full of depraved killers.
The plot is too improbable.
The novel is short on character development except Fred and Bon.
I found it hard to believe that the Colorado Rockies near Boulder are so full of depraved killers.
September 2, 2017
Okay, but could have.
Not bad, do not recommend it - to much better stuff to read out there. Maybe the rest of the series is better than this one.
Not bad, do not recommend it - to much better stuff to read out there. Maybe the rest of the series is better than this one.
January 29, 2019
I liked the banter and lightheartedness, as well as the premise. It is unique for a cozy mystery from all those I've read, so I enjoyed that aspect as well. But, Richard, I have to say I got so I wanted to vomit every time I read "Bon Bon!!!" Even calling her "Bon" once. I almost stopped reading it because of that and the bad proof-reading job in the first 1/2 to 2/3rds of the book. Some parts were a bit amateur-writerish, again more in the first half of the book. The other thing I must comment on was what felt like the abrupt ending. And finally....WAY too negative toward Colorado! My youngest daughter, her hubby and children live outside of Denver, she for 21 years. I've been there extensively myself for visits for long periods. I found your frequent negative comments about it offensive. That being said, they have had 2 Golden's as well. I enjoyed the fact that I knew the areas well that you wrote about. But you made it sound like the only way into Leadville was that rural, hard-to-get route, which is bullshit. I know first hand. Leadville is an adorable little town and not hard to get to.
So, sorry to say, I won't be reading any of your other books. P.S. I figured out the murderer very early on.
So, sorry to say, I won't be reading any of your other books. P.S. I figured out the murderer very early on.
October 1, 2018
Enjoyable storyline.
Clever beginning - you're into the book before you realise it. Jake & Fred make a good team, with senior citizen, Bonnie, there to support or put a spoke in the wheel.
It starts with a book signing, the book's topic being lost treasure, the clues are in code, which can be deciphered with a particular copy of 'Tom Sawyer', A couple of the audience have a copy including Jake.
're author has a few heated words with a couple of the audience, who question his source of information & it's veracity. Within a short space of time, Jake's home is broken into, one of the audience is murdered & the fun begins.
Well written with a good plot & tongue in cheek humour.
Clever beginning - you're into the book before you realise it. Jake & Fred make a good team, with senior citizen, Bonnie, there to support or put a spoke in the wheel.
It starts with a book signing, the book's topic being lost treasure, the clues are in code, which can be deciphered with a particular copy of 'Tom Sawyer', A couple of the audience have a copy including Jake.
're author has a few heated words with a couple of the audience, who question his source of information & it's veracity. Within a short space of time, Jake's home is broken into, one of the audience is murdered & the fun begins.
Well written with a good plot & tongue in cheek humour.
December 6, 2019
This is the third book in the series that I have read, and, in my opinion, the weakest. If half stars were possible, perhaps I'd upgrade it to 2 1/2 stars. The book has its enjoyable moments, but I just couldn't get past the fact that Jake made so many implausible and foolish decisions in investigating the case. Too often clues popped up out of the blue as a plot convenience, rather than as the result of any serious investigating. Another reviewer said that the dog is probably the smartest one in the book, and I'd have to agree.
Will I read any other books in this series? Probably, when I'm looking for a light read. the books have generally been enjoyable, the characters likeable, and a good dose of humor thrown in.
Will I read any other books in this series? Probably, when I'm looking for a light read. the books have generally been enjoyable, the characters likeable, and a good dose of humor thrown in.
February 8, 2023
Love this series!
I've read most of the books in this series and love spending time with Jake, his dog Fred, and his neighbor Bonnie. I've read them out of order and that hasn't been a handicap, but you'll get a better sense of the characters if you at least read the first book first. Each book is complete, and each story keeps you hooked. This one is about possible treasure hidden somewhere close to Jake's cabin in CO. There are twists and turns and a few red herrings, but the story moves long quickly. My only disappointment is the rather abrupt ending - too many questions left unanswered IMHO. Still, it's a good read and I enjoyed it.
I've read most of the books in this series and love spending time with Jake, his dog Fred, and his neighbor Bonnie. I've read them out of order and that hasn't been a handicap, but you'll get a better sense of the characters if you at least read the first book first. Each book is complete, and each story keeps you hooked. This one is about possible treasure hidden somewhere close to Jake's cabin in CO. There are twists and turns and a few red herrings, but the story moves long quickly. My only disappointment is the rather abrupt ending - too many questions left unanswered IMHO. Still, it's a good read and I enjoyed it.
March 16, 2020
According to what I see, this is book 3. I haven't read the first two books.
The characters felt very cardboard to me. It's definitely more of an action-driven plot than a character-driven plot. I find I tend to prefer the latter in books I read. I felt held at a distance from the characters, which meant I never really got to care about them, which means I don't really care what happens to them.
The premise sounded interesting--a treasure hunt based on a code in a specific edition of a book. Sad that it didn't hold my interest.
The characters felt very cardboard to me. It's definitely more of an action-driven plot than a character-driven plot. I find I tend to prefer the latter in books I read. I felt held at a distance from the characters, which meant I never really got to care about them, which means I don't really care what happens to them.
The premise sounded interesting--a treasure hunt based on a code in a specific edition of a book. Sad that it didn't hold my interest.
September 17, 2017
Fred is the real hero!
I love the characters, especially Fred, but Jake and Bonnie are delightful too. This is a well written mystery with lots of twists and turns and a good villain, actually several good villains. You had to pay close attention to the clues to follow the story. I figured out the main villain, but not all the other villainous acts. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I love the characters, especially Fred, but Jake and Bonnie are delightful too. This is a well written mystery with lots of twists and turns and a good villain, actually several good villains. You had to pay close attention to the clues to follow the story. I figured out the main villain, but not all the other villainous acts. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
December 14, 2017
Jake and Fred make a good team. Jake is like a laid back McIver as he tries to do things without spending any money since he doesn't have much. Sometimes his contraptions work, sometimes they don't. But somehow Fred comes along and leads Jake in the right direction. The bad guy isn't so easy to spot in this who-done-it . And Jake skates on the edge of legality as he searches for the clues that will get his treasures back and prove his friend innocent.
February 8, 2019
Funny, entertaining and quick read.
While I enjoyed the mystery, the wit of the writer, and the characters, especially the dog, I felt the main character (also the writer), made his elder friend out to be much more demented than her years. At the risk of calling him ageist, I am in my late 60's, and am nowhere near as feeble as he makes this character out to be. It's rather insulting.
I did, however, enjoy the book, but am not going to put it on a top list any time soon.
While I enjoyed the mystery, the wit of the writer, and the characters, especially the dog, I felt the main character (also the writer), made his elder friend out to be much more demented than her years. At the risk of calling him ageist, I am in my late 60's, and am nowhere near as feeble as he makes this character out to be. It's rather insulting.
I did, however, enjoy the book, but am not going to put it on a top list any time soon.
August 1, 2019
Jake and his friend Bonnie make a great pair solving the mystery of a stolen first edition of Tom Sawyer. There were a lot of suspects but I had no trouble keeping them straight. Jake has a wry sense of humor that I love. But the star of the show is Fred, his Golden Retriever. Jake takes Fred everywhere and talks to him like he is a person. I listened to the audio version and Todd McLaren did a great job.
December 3, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this light cozy mystery. It was written simply and effectively. The mystery was decent, nothing really special, but enjoyable. I liked Jake, the main character, and his sidekick, Bonnie, the booze-guzzling spinster. And the dog was portrayed well and was very likeable as he helped solve the case with his animal instincts. Quite fun and I'll likely read more of this writer.
December 22, 2022
I did not like this book and finished it purely out of spite to see who actually did it. The author made the main character suspect, then write off, the suspect the same people over and over and over again.
I was also so unclear about how old the main character was because he held such strange beliefs and values, which I think were actually just the author trying to fit his views into the character.
I was also so unclear about how old the main character was because he held such strange beliefs and values, which I think were actually just the author trying to fit his views into the character.
September 1, 2023
He takes better care of Fred now, they both sleuthed better too
1st I don't get why Jake got nothing from Julie's benefits or pensions, as she worked for either the state or federal government as a park ranger. Then there were a lot of characters to follow, got confused a few times, but actually enjoyed this book the best so far. Bon is a character, and Fred is the star, Jake is getting better all THE way around. Going onto the next one
1st I don't get why Jake got nothing from Julie's benefits or pensions, as she worked for either the state or federal government as a park ranger. Then there were a lot of characters to follow, got confused a few times, but actually enjoyed this book the best so far. Bon is a character, and Fred is the star, Jake is getting better all THE way around. Going onto the next one
September 4, 2017
Very light reading
The characters were solid enough to support a story, but the story that was presented need something substantial to pull the characters together. This story needs someone to proof read and fix the mistakes. This is light reading if you don't mind inconsistencies.
The characters were solid enough to support a story, but the story that was presented need something substantial to pull the characters together. This story needs someone to proof read and fix the mistakes. This is light reading if you don't mind inconsistencies.
March 8, 2018
Fun read
Can't remember how i stumbled into this series but I I'm glad i did. living in Colorado and have been to a lot of the places he refers to in his stories helps, but it's definitely not necessary to enjoy his writing. I recommend these books just for the fun of it. Glad he quit feeding his dog McDonald's.
Can't remember how i stumbled into this series but I I'm glad i did. living in Colorado and have been to a lot of the places he refers to in his stories helps, but it's definitely not necessary to enjoy his writing. I recommend these books just for the fun of it. Glad he quit feeding his dog McDonald's.
April 11, 2018
The third in a series of complex murder mysteries...
Again, Jake Martin finds himself in the middle of a murder mystery, a triple one at that. He, Bonnie and Fred climb and sneak and ferret out the clues to these murders. A large number of protagonists muddy the water right up to the end. Good, solid storytelling that will keep you guessing!
Again, Jake Martin finds himself in the middle of a murder mystery, a triple one at that. He, Bonnie and Fred climb and sneak and ferret out the clues to these murders. A large number of protagonists muddy the water right up to the end. Good, solid storytelling that will keep you guessing!
April 19, 2018
This is the third book in the To Die For series. I read #1 in 2017 and #2 in 2015. Amazingly, I got right back imto the characters and the Colorado setting (Jake the protagonist lives in Evergreen with his Golden Retriever companion). Good mystery with lots of humor including a 69 year old neighbor who insists on helping Jake. I will happily read any other books in the series.
February 13, 2019
Not impressed. Improbable characters, improbable plot. Police officers that apparently just sit back and do nothing while amateurs solve the mystery. But the thing that bothered me most was when a suspect was referred to by name BEFORE his name had been discovered. The thing I enjoyed most was a reference to “The Burglar Who Traded Ted Williams” by Lawrence Block, a book that I did enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2019
I have enjoyed this audio book, the narrator adds that extra wham, to a great story, but the true hero is the writer of this witty and, at times, complex crime scenes.
The main character, a part-time writer and handyman, Jake Martin, together with his dog Fred, solve a very convoluted crime spree, together with Jake's elderly neighbor, Bonnie.
It is an entertaining experience.
The main character, a part-time writer and handyman, Jake Martin, together with his dog Fred, solve a very convoluted crime spree, together with Jake's elderly neighbor, Bonnie.
It is an entertaining experience.
August 27, 2017
Ok
I enjoyed the book, although the ending was less than satisfying. The sidekick idiosyncrasies are beginning to get wearing. However, as I said I read the whole book and in general enjoyed it.
I enjoyed the book, although the ending was less than satisfying. The sidekick idiosyncrasies are beginning to get wearing. However, as I said I read the whole book and in general enjoyed it.
September 7, 2017
Good
A delightful story for a sunny afternoon. The story easily flowed with a good set of characters that kept your interest at the maximum level.. I would like to read more books by this author
A delightful story for a sunny afternoon. The story easily flowed with a good set of characters that kept your interest at the maximum level.. I would like to read more books by this author
September 9, 2017
Fred the Wonder Dog!
I really liked the book, but I loved Fred! 🤗 Actually, the book was a fun read, I particularly enjoyed Jake's self-deprecating sense of humor! It was a light-hearted read with a corkscrew ending. I'll definitely be getting the other "To-Die-For" books 👍🏻😃
I really liked the book, but I loved Fred! 🤗 Actually, the book was a fun read, I particularly enjoyed Jake's self-deprecating sense of humor! It was a light-hearted read with a corkscrew ending. I'll definitely be getting the other "To-Die-For" books 👍🏻😃
September 12, 2017
Hardy Boys come back again.
Good descriptions of the streets and some land scales. But the scenes are set as needed by a writer, without serious thought. Reminds me of the old Hardy Boys books.
Good descriptions of the streets and some land scales. But the scenes are set as needed by a writer, without serious thought. Reminds me of the old Hardy Boys books.
September 20, 2017
This is a great story!
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last. The story was well thought out and had just a touch of humor, which made it a totally enjoyable read. I give this book a full five star rating.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last. The story was well thought out and had just a touch of humor, which made it a totally enjoyable read. I give this book a full five star rating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews