VOTE: A Vic Bengston Investigation

Vic Bengston Investigation #2

by Richard J. Schneider

A computer billionaire dies of a gunshot wound to the head. Cops say it was a suicide. Investigative reporter Vic Bengston disagrees. Vic has a new job, a new newspaper, and a new deadly assignment. As he pursues his investigation, which cuts corners along the way, Vic finds himself deep in the world of cyber security, uncovering evidence that shakes the very foundation of the VOTE, our political system, and, possibly, the Republic.

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2015

About the author

Richard J. Schneider is the creator of the Vic Bengston Investigation mystery series, set in Colorado. Vic is a Baby Boomer who returns to investigative journalism after a few decades running a public relations business.

In WATER, the first in the series, Vic signals his return to Denver journalism with a front page splash on the execution-style murder of a well-known political figure. But he is pulled from the story after Day One as the newspaper’s “pros” take over. This does not stop Vic, who bucks his bosses and the cops to unravel the mystery, eventually leading to a deadly confrontation with the killer. The next in the series, VOTE, will be available in early 2015.

"For me, the characters drive the story," says Schneider. "Vic keeps digging even when his bosses and the cops tell him not to. He follows hunches, and breaks the rules. I add a bit of fun to the stories, along with political intrigue."

Schneider grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois, north of Chicago, moving to Colorado in 1969 after college. After careers as an award-winning journalist, an energy conservation advocate for Colorado, and a communications consultant, he now writes fiction full time.

He lives in Denver, Colorado.

Reviews

[Cynthia A. Stamper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining and an easy read. I do come across numerous type-o's but was able to figure it out.

I would recommend this to anyone, especially Denverites & Coloradans. Possibly better proof readers would solve
the type-o's. I like the reporter playing detective & I definitely related to Vic's age as I'm in my 60's myself!

[Marshall Emm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This not-quite-cozy mystery is set in Denver, CO, and there is a lot of local color serving as background for a combination mystery-thriller with more than one plot twist. It is thoroughly contemporary, dealing with two major themes: the value of data (specifically protection of national security and commercial interests in it), and the difficulty or otherwise that individuals have in voting. Mr. Schneider has an engaging, readable style which will keep you turning pages. In his notes at the end he says that he does everything himself-- research, writing, editing, publishing-- and I think he's done a good job except for the editing part. Too often he lets auto-correct mess things up and the result is an interruption in the flow of the story for the attentive reader. Cost you a star, Mr. Schneider, but otherwise-- good one!