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Roy Ballard Mysteries #3
If I Had a Nickel
Alex Dunn owned one of the most valuable collections of hobo nickels in the world, and it appears somebody killed him for it. Now Roy Ballard and Mia Madison are hired by the insurance company to track the collection down, which means they might reveal the identity of the killer in the course of their investigation. But the more they dig, the more suspects they uncover, including Dunn’s children, his ex-wife, and a buxom masseuse who takes a hands-off approach to the services she offers.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2015
509 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Ben Rehder
76 books276 followersBen Rehder wanted to become a writer ever since he was dropped on his head as a toddler. As he grew into a young adult and the vertigo gradually dissipated, his passion for literature grew. Ben longed to craft the type of soul-stirring prose that would touch people’s lives and help them explore new emotional horizons. But he went to work at an ad agency instead.
Throughout his rewarding and fruitful career in the ad business, Ben has been known to write such imaginative and compelling phrases as “Act now!,” “Limited-time offer,” and “Compatible with today’s rapidly changing network environment.”
However, there eventually came a time when, as unbelievable as it sounds, writing brochures and spec sheets simply wasn’t enough to satisfy Ben’s creative urges. Ben knew: It was time to write a novel.
“But what kind of novel?” Ben asked himself, drawing stares from passersby.
A mystery? A thriller? A work of suspense? Ben had read hundreds of books in these genres and loved them all. But nothing had sparked his creative juices enough to try it himself.
Fate played a hand one day when Ben’s father-in-law tossed him a copy of a Carl Hiaasen novel. And then it hit him. It literally hit him, right in the forehead. When the swelling went down and Ben had a chance to read the book, he discovered a type of fiction he had never experienced before—the comic crime novel! He loved the wacky characters, the zany plots, the interesting writing that threw a good deal of humor into the mix.
So Ben set out to write his own novel. After many grueling minutes in front of a computer, Ben was proud to present Buck Fever. Like many best-selling classics, Buck Fever has lots and lots of verbs, prepositions, adjectives, and the occasional gerund. It was even nominated for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel!
Next came Bone Dry, Flat Crazy, Guilt Trip, Gun Shy, and Holy Moly. Best of all, Ben is now releasing the earlier novels in ebook format at the low low price of just $2.99. What a deal!
Throughout his rewarding and fruitful career in the ad business, Ben has been known to write such imaginative and compelling phrases as “Act now!,” “Limited-time offer,” and “Compatible with today’s rapidly changing network environment.”
However, there eventually came a time when, as unbelievable as it sounds, writing brochures and spec sheets simply wasn’t enough to satisfy Ben’s creative urges. Ben knew: It was time to write a novel.
“But what kind of novel?” Ben asked himself, drawing stares from passersby.
A mystery? A thriller? A work of suspense? Ben had read hundreds of books in these genres and loved them all. But nothing had sparked his creative juices enough to try it himself.
Fate played a hand one day when Ben’s father-in-law tossed him a copy of a Carl Hiaasen novel. And then it hit him. It literally hit him, right in the forehead. When the swelling went down and Ben had a chance to read the book, he discovered a type of fiction he had never experienced before—the comic crime novel! He loved the wacky characters, the zany plots, the interesting writing that threw a good deal of humor into the mix.
So Ben set out to write his own novel. After many grueling minutes in front of a computer, Ben was proud to present Buck Fever. Like many best-selling classics, Buck Fever has lots and lots of verbs, prepositions, adjectives, and the occasional gerund. It was even nominated for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel!
Next came Bone Dry, Flat Crazy, Guilt Trip, Gun Shy, and Holy Moly. Best of all, Ben is now releasing the earlier novels in ebook format at the low low price of just $2.99. What a deal!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 17, 2017
Really fun book to read
This series takes place around Austin, Texas. Places I know and pictured it vividly. Roy and Mia are hired to recover stolen Hobo nickels, also couple other insurance fraud cases. Their attractions toward each other growing, but seeing other people. Mia is having problems with her boyfriend, Roy also suspect his real estate agent girlfriend. But they both there to support and help each other.
Learned about Hobo nickels.
One thing didn't made any sense; how could he see the cellphone on the dashboard of upside down car?
This series takes place around Austin, Texas. Places I know and pictured it vividly. Roy and Mia are hired to recover stolen Hobo nickels, also couple other insurance fraud cases. Their attractions toward each other growing, but seeing other people. Mia is having problems with her boyfriend, Roy also suspect his real estate agent girlfriend. But they both there to support and help each other.
Learned about Hobo nickels.
One thing didn't made any sense; how could he see the cellphone on the dashboard of upside down car?
June 23, 2024
It's been quite a while since I read this book so I'll keep it brief. Roy Ballard, wisecracking legal videographer works for insurance companies by taking videos of claimants that disprove their claims. In other words, if a claim is filed by someone claiming to have injured his back in an auto accident preventing him from working and he is videoed playing basketball, his claim will be denied.
Roy and his partner, Mia, investigate a valuable coin collection's disappearance when its owner is murdered. Not surprisingly, they end up focussing on the murder, itself.
Well-written (in a kind of Texas dialect) mystery set in Austin (the town to which Claudia and I will move in October when we leave France after ten years here). I wish Roy wasn't quite so much of a smartass but I guess videography can do that to a guy. This is my third Roy Ballard book, each of them receiving four stars.
Not critical to read the earlier books in the series but why not start there?
Bye
Roy and his partner, Mia, investigate a valuable coin collection's disappearance when its owner is murdered. Not surprisingly, they end up focussing on the murder, itself.
Well-written (in a kind of Texas dialect) mystery set in Austin (the town to which Claudia and I will move in October when we leave France after ten years here). I wish Roy wasn't quite so much of a smartass but I guess videography can do that to a guy. This is my third Roy Ballard book, each of them receiving four stars.
Not critical to read the earlier books in the series but why not start there?
Bye
November 29, 2015
I love Rehder's characters!
I'm always a little bummed when I finish a Ben Rehder book. I enjoy the situations and the mystery and humor so much, and I know I'm going to have to wait awhile for the next book. And usually I learn something while I'm reading.
Like most people, I had never heard of hobo nickels. After reading about them I had to Google them and see examples. Now I will be watching my nickels, just in case there are some loose ones out there.
This book is a fast read because it's hard to put down. The situations flow logically and Roy Ballard and his partner Mia puzzle out the crimes without bumbling luck or unrealistic actions on their parts. I can appreciate that. The humor and romance adds charm to this read.
I'm always a little bummed when I finish a Ben Rehder book. I enjoy the situations and the mystery and humor so much, and I know I'm going to have to wait awhile for the next book. And usually I learn something while I'm reading.
Like most people, I had never heard of hobo nickels. After reading about them I had to Google them and see examples. Now I will be watching my nickels, just in case there are some loose ones out there.
This book is a fast read because it's hard to put down. The situations flow logically and Roy Ballard and his partner Mia puzzle out the crimes without bumbling luck or unrealistic actions on their parts. I can appreciate that. The humor and romance adds charm to this read.
September 26, 2016
I have to admit these characters grow on you. I'm disappointed there isn't a number 4 to move on to. That being said this book was pretty hard to put down. There is enough excitement and mystery to keep you guessing and some pretty good detective work involved. I have enjoyed these three books and would go on to his other series but I have way too many books in my waiting list at the moment.
February 8, 2017
A most excellent 5 star read! hope this isn't the end of the series... tried his other series but, not so much...:(
September 26, 2020
This is Book 3 and it is even better than the previous one.
Sometimes series lose their way, and start dropping off at the 3rd book, but not this time. The legal viideographer and his partner are going from strength to strength. The case(s) are interesting and the characters great. The banter and wit is both extremely irritating and charmingly endearing. Mia has a boyfirend, something that Roy is not too keen on, and then his own love life picks up. This doesn't stop the fireworks between Him and Mia though!
The narration is great and the style really suits the writing and feel of these books.
I am really enjoying this series and totally recommend it.
Sometimes series lose their way, and start dropping off at the 3rd book, but not this time. The legal viideographer and his partner are going from strength to strength. The case(s) are interesting and the characters great. The banter and wit is both extremely irritating and charmingly endearing. Mia has a boyfirend, something that Roy is not too keen on, and then his own love life picks up. This doesn't stop the fireworks between Him and Mia though!
The narration is great and the style really suits the writing and feel of these books.
I am really enjoying this series and totally recommend it.
September 25, 2020
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Book three in the series shows Roy and Mia attempting to get to the bottom of a priceless hobo nickel collection which has gone missing after the death of its owner. Is something specious going on? As Roy and Mia investigate personal lives start to interfere, is Roy right to not trust Mias new man or are his personal feelings getting in the way? This is another exciting audio and a big shout out to Johnny Peppers as I love his narration. These two investigators feel like
Old friends and these books never disappoint.
Book three in the series shows Roy and Mia attempting to get to the bottom of a priceless hobo nickel collection which has gone missing after the death of its owner. Is something specious going on? As Roy and Mia investigate personal lives start to interfere, is Roy right to not trust Mias new man or are his personal feelings getting in the way? This is another exciting audio and a big shout out to Johnny Peppers as I love his narration. These two investigators feel like
Old friends and these books never disappoint.
February 2, 2021
Audiobook review
Roy & Mia are back with their cheek & chat & case to get their & your teeth into.
I knew nothing about Hobo nickels when I listened to this, I do now! Really interesting snippet of info inside this story.
I really enjoy these stories and these two and the dynamics amuse me big time.
The narrator is great too, a chilled out voice to keep you listening
Worth a read or listen.
Roy & Mia are back with their cheek & chat & case to get their & your teeth into.
I knew nothing about Hobo nickels when I listened to this, I do now! Really interesting snippet of info inside this story.
I really enjoy these stories and these two and the dynamics amuse me big time.
The narrator is great too, a chilled out voice to keep you listening
Worth a read or listen.
August 2, 2017
had a lot fun reading and even learned a great trivia about hobo nickels
November 28, 2022
#3 in the series and I'm still enjoying it. This one I read in less than a day. Roy and Mia are assigned to find a stolen hobo coin collection. I had never heard of a hobo coin, so learning about those was interesting. The Roy and Mia relationship is put to the test a few times with both dating some new characters.
I'm not sure I can read all eight of these books but will go on to #4 after the way this one ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger.
I'm not sure I can read all eight of these books but will go on to #4 after the way this one ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger.
September 20, 2020
Really enjoying this fantastic series which features investigators Roy and Mia. This book is sharp, fast paced and with enough twists and turns to keep you really guessing. Looking forward to book 4.
February 26, 2017
This is a really fun series about an insurance fraud investigator.
January 15, 2017
Well deserved five stars!
I think I I'm being repetitive now but with the oozing charm and witty rapport, the Roy Ballard series is easily one of my favorites. The plot is great and one I've never read before. That in itself is fantastically refreshing.
I HIGHLY recommend this entire series. It was entertaining and engaging from the beginning. The subject matter was interesting and the twists kept the pages turning.
I think I have a new favorite author! Im looking forward to diving in to the next series!
I think I I'm being repetitive now but with the oozing charm and witty rapport, the Roy Ballard series is easily one of my favorites. The plot is great and one I've never read before. That in itself is fantastically refreshing.
I HIGHLY recommend this entire series. It was entertaining and engaging from the beginning. The subject matter was interesting and the twists kept the pages turning.
I think I have a new favorite author! Im looking forward to diving in to the next series!
March 21, 2021
My first and last of this particular series. The main character (Roy) is just too annoying for me.
September 29, 2021
I did like this book but somehow it didn't grab me as much as the previous books and it took me a lot longer to listen to. No fault of the book, I guess I wanted something a bit more funny or light like the authors other series but I had started this book so had to carry on. There is a lot going on with house hunting, break ups, drug overdose and other investigations so there is plenty to keep it interesting. The author has done a lot of research on the subject and this shows in the story but to be honest to much was going on and with too many people involved. The characters Roy and Mia are what kept my listening and will keep me continuing on with the series.
Roy and Mia are hired to find a valuable hobo nickel collection when the owner is found dead and then missing. Not sure if the death was natural or to cover up the theft they start with the people closest to the deceased and the people who had access to the house, his ex wife and own children. The police are looking hard at his 'masseuse' who might have killed him during a very physical rub down but that doesn't explain how she could walk out of the house with the coins. To find the coins Roy might just have to break some laws, buy a house and catch a killer.
I liked the narrator he used his voice well to create each character.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Roy and Mia are hired to find a valuable hobo nickel collection when the owner is found dead and then missing. Not sure if the death was natural or to cover up the theft they start with the people closest to the deceased and the people who had access to the house, his ex wife and own children. The police are looking hard at his 'masseuse' who might have killed him during a very physical rub down but that doesn't explain how she could walk out of the house with the coins. To find the coins Roy might just have to break some laws, buy a house and catch a killer.
I liked the narrator he used his voice well to create each character.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 20, 2020
I am listening to this series on Audible and I’m really enjoying the books so far. The narrator is great and although, being a Brit,I don’t get some of the Texan references (food items, restaurants, tv programmes etc) I’m really enjoying the descriptions of the differing Texan landscapes and buildings.
This story centres around the death of a man during a session with a masseuse. When his body is discovered, the theft of his expensive hobo nickels is exposed. Roy and Mia, videographers working on behalf of the insurance company, are hired to find out what happened to the valuable collection. When it transpires the mans death was in fact murder the pair determine to get to the bottom of the mystery.
The characterisation is great and I like the mini stories of their quick fix jobs which are interspersed into the longer cases. There’s lots of humour and it looks like a romance may be on the cards in book 4......
This story centres around the death of a man during a session with a masseuse. When his body is discovered, the theft of his expensive hobo nickels is exposed. Roy and Mia, videographers working on behalf of the insurance company, are hired to find out what happened to the valuable collection. When it transpires the mans death was in fact murder the pair determine to get to the bottom of the mystery.
The characterisation is great and I like the mini stories of their quick fix jobs which are interspersed into the longer cases. There’s lots of humour and it looks like a romance may be on the cards in book 4......
August 7, 2020
Format: audiobook
Narrator: Johnny Peppers
At the end of the last book Roy Ballard was nervously waiting for the arrival of his teenage daughter who he hadn’t seen in person for 7 years but in this book there was virtually no mention of that? I would have expected there to at least have been some sort of reference to how things went as it was such a big deal for Roy.
This case seemed to stall more than the last two books, there were a couple of other minor cases that Roy and Mia solved whilst working on the main case, the hobo coins were an interesting thing that I’d never heard of before but overall this story didn’t draw me in as much as the last two, still a good read/listen though and as usual the narrator does a great job.
If your looking for a light, fun, enjoyable read then this is a series worth reading/listening too.
Narrator: Johnny Peppers
At the end of the last book Roy Ballard was nervously waiting for the arrival of his teenage daughter who he hadn’t seen in person for 7 years but in this book there was virtually no mention of that? I would have expected there to at least have been some sort of reference to how things went as it was such a big deal for Roy.
This case seemed to stall more than the last two books, there were a couple of other minor cases that Roy and Mia solved whilst working on the main case, the hobo coins were an interesting thing that I’d never heard of before but overall this story didn’t draw me in as much as the last two, still a good read/listen though and as usual the narrator does a great job.
If your looking for a light, fun, enjoyable read then this is a series worth reading/listening too.
September 26, 2025
If I Had a Nickel by Ben Rehner, 7 hrs and 13 mins, 3/5 Roy Ballard mystery #3
Johnny Peppers does an incredible job as the narrator
It makes me sad to write this review. As much as I loved the 2nd book in the series, I dislike this one. I kept thinking it had to get better. It didn't.
Roy Ballard, 30 30-something who investigates insurance fraud. His partner is Mia. The duo is hired by an insurance company to find out what happened to one of the most valuable collections of hobo nickels in the world after the old man who owned them died. The cute banter of will they / won't they isn't continued in this book, as both Roy and Mia are dating other people. Roy, after sleeping with someone else, thinks Mia does get a bit sickening. The mystery takes a variety of twists and turns. The ending was disappointing.
Johnny Peppers does an incredible job as the narrator
It makes me sad to write this review. As much as I loved the 2nd book in the series, I dislike this one. I kept thinking it had to get better. It didn't.
Roy Ballard, 30 30-something who investigates insurance fraud. His partner is Mia. The duo is hired by an insurance company to find out what happened to one of the most valuable collections of hobo nickels in the world after the old man who owned them died. The cute banter of will they / won't they isn't continued in this book, as both Roy and Mia are dating other people. Roy, after sleeping with someone else, thinks Mia does get a bit sickening. The mystery takes a variety of twists and turns. The ending was disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2017
The legal videographer team of Roy Ballard and Mia Madison is working on several different cases for their insurance company clients. But they keep coming back to the Dnn murder, though they solved one aspect of Alex Dunn’s death, the theft of his hobo nickel coin collection, hence the title of the book.
I really enjoy this series as it offers a challenge in the following the clues to a mystery. Ben Rehder offers many threads that need untangling. And, the end was a surprise to me. I enjoyed this mystery, cozy mystery with a side of romance and relationships.
I really enjoy this series as it offers a challenge in the following the clues to a mystery. Ben Rehder offers many threads that need untangling. And, the end was a surprise to me. I enjoyed this mystery, cozy mystery with a side of romance and relationships.
October 8, 2020
This is the third book in the Roy Ballard series and once again I found the story interesting with so many twists and turns in it!
Yes these books are an enjoyable read - nothing too complicated but totally interesting - so all in all a relaxing read.
If you go through the books in the series in one go, it might bug you that you keep getting the main character’s back-ground story in every book, so maybe it would be better to try and read other books in between books.
However I will not be following that piece of advice... book 4 here I come!
Yes these books are an enjoyable read - nothing too complicated but totally interesting - so all in all a relaxing read.
If you go through the books in the series in one go, it might bug you that you keep getting the main character’s back-ground story in every book, so maybe it would be better to try and read other books in between books.
However I will not be following that piece of advice... book 4 here I come!
June 8, 2021
Book 3 in the RoyBallard series and they Roy and Mia have been tasked to track down a collection of Hobo Nickels, apparently quite rare, the more they investigate the more suspects they seem to have now I have never heard of Hobo Nickels but with Roy and Mia on the case, I'm sure they will get their man/woman you can never tell these days.
These 2 fighting duo's do a wonderful job it makes you wonder if they might make a go of it, a good storyline and as always great narration by Johnny Peppers
These 2 fighting duo's do a wonderful job it makes you wonder if they might make a go of it, a good storyline and as always great narration by Johnny Peppers
April 30, 2023
A detective story in the style of Sherlock Holmes, but at a very low level. There is no ongoing storyline here. There are too many sub-stories that are not related to the main story at all. The main plot doesn't sound believable either.
In order to confuse the readers and to simulate a suspenseful detective story, the writer inserted endless details that are not relevant to the story itself.
In order to fill as many pages as possible in the book, various love stories have been added here. A 2.5 star book.
In order to confuse the readers and to simulate a suspenseful detective story, the writer inserted endless details that are not relevant to the story itself.
In order to fill as many pages as possible in the book, various love stories have been added here. A 2.5 star book.
July 4, 2018
GREAT WAY TO SPEND 4th OF JULY
Work around my residence requires my time causing me to
read all books in increments, I always feel good when looking
forward to a few more chapters in Ben Rehder books.
I recently completed “ IF I HAD A NICKEL “ and “ POINT TAKEN”, both books interesting with good conclusions.
Work around my residence requires my time causing me to
read all books in increments, I always feel good when looking
forward to a few more chapters in Ben Rehder books.
I recently completed “ IF I HAD A NICKEL “ and “ POINT TAKEN”, both books interesting with good conclusions.
March 25, 2019
For some reason, this one didn't pull me in as much as the first two books in the series. I still liked it and I like the wit and banter between the characters, but the story just wasn't that interesting to me. I found my mind wandering and then the dreaded feeling of just wishing it would end soon.
I'm not giving up on the series.... just hope the next one is a little more captivating.
I'm not giving up on the series.... just hope the next one is a little more captivating.
July 27, 2020
Another romp in the lives of Roy and Mia, partners in their legal videography business. As usual, they become entangled in much more than the sneaky photos they take of insurance scammers. This one may require a little note-taking to keep the characters straight at first. A very good read, another one of Mr. Rehder's series I knocked out in a day!
October 17, 2020
I love the caracters Mia and Rob, but...
After 3 books of this serie, I find that a lot is repetitive.
There are also a lot of sub stories that just add length to the book without adding to the suspense.
I finished the book just because I wanted to know the name of the killer and how they figured it, but I was disappointed. The end is just a jack in the box, then it's done.
After 3 books of this serie, I find that a lot is repetitive.
There are also a lot of sub stories that just add length to the book without adding to the suspense.
I finished the book just because I wanted to know the name of the killer and how they figured it, but I was disappointed. The end is just a jack in the box, then it's done.
January 20, 2021
Loving this series set in Austin. Or, I should say love that I discovered the Authors writing (Ben Rehder).
All of the books so far, I’m on number 4 of the Roy Ballard Mysteris, have an interesting cast of characters and events. Interesting happenings between Roy and Mia interacting with Police Insurance Scams and personal relationships.
All of the books so far, I’m on number 4 of the Roy Ballard Mysteris, have an interesting cast of characters and events. Interesting happenings between Roy and Mia interacting with Police Insurance Scams and personal relationships.
July 26, 2020
If I Had a Nickel
I really enjoyed this book, kept reading until I was done. I've read the previous two books and intend to read the rest in the series. Mia and Roy are good business partners.
I really enjoyed this book, kept reading until I was done. I've read the previous two books and intend to read the rest in the series. Mia and Roy are good business partners.
December 31, 2021
Another book from one of my go to authors. His witty come backs and sarcastic comments keep the mystery and intrigue moving. Of course with his partner Mia helping keep things on track I enjoy the fast paced flow of these wonderful murder/fraud investigations.
June 4, 2017
Witty and smart.
Just another job for Roy and Mia - lots of fun, misadventure and guessing who did what and maybe to whom for the reader.
Just another job for Roy and Mia - lots of fun, misadventure and guessing who did what and maybe to whom for the reader.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews