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Rockwell Return Files #2
'til Death: Second Impressions
The Soviets want him dead. Wisecracking Private Detective Sam Rockwell is running for his life, but that doesn’t keep him from taking the case of a Return who's slipped past Heaven’s radar and overstayed his time on earth. Together with his fiancé, Amelia, Sam brawls through 1950s San Francisco to unravel a zany mystery where nothing is what it seems at first blush. The laughs and silver screen thrills of Jason Anspach’s signature funny Cold War tale of Hollywood noire are back in this madcap sequel as Sam and Amelia return once again to right wrongs, solve crimes, send the dead off to their proper eternity, and maybe, set a date for their wedding! The Maltese Falcon meets It's a Mad Mad Mad world in this smart and witty paranormal romp.
- GenresMystery ThrillerFiction
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2016
16 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Jason Anspach
191 books850 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 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 23, 2016
One of my favourite books from last year was Jason Anspach’s retro noir-ish spooky detective mystery ‘Til Death. It was a breath of fresh air, and a fun read, and now Jason’s back with a sequel.
Detective Sam Rockwell returns with his sassy fiance Amelia as they investigate more shady shenanigans, this time heading to San Francisco to track down a Return (a recently deceased ghost with unfinished business) who has outstayed it’s welcome.
As the investigation progresses, once again Sam finds himself mixed up in something far bigger than he could ever have expected, as he and Amelia are exposed to more danger than ever before.
Once again, Anspach does a commendable job of evoking the 50’s era, with wonderfully detailed descriptions and informed cultural references, as well as the snappy, movie-style banter between the various characters throughout, and the fact that it never takes itself too seriously is a big plus.
The Cold War backdrop, coupled with the vivid nostalgia balance each other nicely, and although there is the usual violence and mayhem involved with a murder mystery, and a ruthless villain to contend with, Anspach keeps proceedings as lighthearted and funny as possible, maintaining the all-important entertainment factor at all times.
Once again, M.S. Corley is on art duty, and his gorgeously retro cover is the icing on the cake.
If you haven’t checked out the original ‘Til Death, you can pick it up at a reduced price until April 29th as well as this sequel.
Witty, warm and decidedly old-school, this sequel delivers laughs and peril in equal measures with all the style and grace of an almost-forgotten era.
Detective Sam Rockwell returns with his sassy fiance Amelia as they investigate more shady shenanigans, this time heading to San Francisco to track down a Return (a recently deceased ghost with unfinished business) who has outstayed it’s welcome.
As the investigation progresses, once again Sam finds himself mixed up in something far bigger than he could ever have expected, as he and Amelia are exposed to more danger than ever before.
Once again, Anspach does a commendable job of evoking the 50’s era, with wonderfully detailed descriptions and informed cultural references, as well as the snappy, movie-style banter between the various characters throughout, and the fact that it never takes itself too seriously is a big plus.
The Cold War backdrop, coupled with the vivid nostalgia balance each other nicely, and although there is the usual violence and mayhem involved with a murder mystery, and a ruthless villain to contend with, Anspach keeps proceedings as lighthearted and funny as possible, maintaining the all-important entertainment factor at all times.
Once again, M.S. Corley is on art duty, and his gorgeously retro cover is the icing on the cake.
If you haven’t checked out the original ‘Til Death, you can pick it up at a reduced price until April 29th as well as this sequel.
Witty, warm and decidedly old-school, this sequel delivers laughs and peril in equal measures with all the style and grace of an almost-forgotten era.
April 25, 2016
What a great follow up novel... So much fun... Jason is able to hold his hand close, not tipping off his readers until he's ready for the reveal in this suspense filled novel! Jason is also able to keep the same noir 50's feel... Like I said in the first review it's a little like The Honeymooners meets Topper with a twist of Father Knows Best... And a side order of Russian Spies...
I can hardly wait for the novel 'Til Death: No Returns...
I can hardly wait for the novel 'Til Death: No Returns...
May 9, 2016
The second book in the series contained all the elements I enjoyed from the first book. A solid series.
January 9, 2025
I get more hard-boiled by the day. Soon they’ll be writing novels about me.
Well, that was fun… again! I'm very glad to report that Jason Anspach's 2nd "'til Death" book, namely, "Second Impressions" avoided any hint of a sophomore slump that you sometimes find in the middle book of a relatively compact trilogy. Having said that, however, I will say that Books 1 and 2 were noticeably (notably?) different affairs. Both just as enjoyable, yes, but structured in different ways for sure. I don't know if I'd phrase it as "I enjoyed this one over that one or vice versa" but don't just expect a repeat of the first tome if you did at least have the wherewithal to read it! And you should!
I’m truly amazing. Probably saved the whole world and it didn’t even make the papers.
Book 1 of course had the "luxury" of introducing us to not only the main cast and crew but also making us aware of Returns and just how involved the Judeo-Christian version of heaven, hell, and apparently even the Big Guy (gotta be a guy, right, he groused!) truly are. It also had more opportunity for humorous anecdotes as Sam Rockwell, straight-arrowed son of Alicia and the late but not permanently departed Frank Rockwell, struggled to make ends meet as a Private Investigator and All-Around Nice Guy when it came to helping the Returned find solace, lost fortunes, or whatever it is they were seeking. Oh and we wouldn't / couldn't forget Amelia either as she's a swell dame with nice gams and all that. It was, obviously!!!, Urban Fantasy with a dash of genuine ha-ha's at its best!
Giving me pushback is only going to make smooth waters get choppy.
Book 2, however, was much more of a legitimate detective story - noting again that Anspach had the good sense to keep the Sam Spade language to an acceptable level - as Sam and Amelia's business has not only taken off on our own mortal plane but also gained the respect - and necessary licensing - of those folks plying their trade at the Pearly Gates Administration Building. And things, as they say, are not all well and good in either location as we very quickly realize that, yes fans, something is indeed afoot, noting that especially "someone is actively interfering with the heavenly business". I won't spoil the big surprise but let's just say the infiltration of our AMERICAN and naturally DEMOCRATIC Judeo-Christian way of life is under some threat and if it continues, well, it means bad times ahead for just about everyone. Why who(m)ever should we call to straighten things out?
His paperwork lists him as deceased. We just have no idea where he is at the moment.
So as these books tend to do, we're pretty much presented with all the facts we need to know just what is going on. The big questions then revolve around seeing whether or not the solutions that may or may not be found will be done so in the proverbial nick of time or not. But hey, at least we've relocated for this one primarily to San Francisco for the duration so if nothing else, we can enjoy the scenery. Which naturally means lots and lots of fog. But even with that in mind, it's a nicely thought out little series of events and circumstances. Still, what was lacking in my eyes in this chapter, again, was the same level of humor as before and it is missed. Not to the point of aggravation, no, but still it is telling.
What was it about that handsome face that attracted so many fists?
And not just humor, but really any sense of surprise whatsoever. Like the author says at one point: "(it's) like the judge of a science fair looking over all the children’s exhibits, though the winner was obvious from the beginning." So yeah, no surprises who lives, who dies (or at least Re-Returns), who is set up for an obvious return in Book 3, and just what that trip to Tahiti is going to mean for the rest of the trilogy. Speaking of trilogies… well, you get the point. Anyway, good fun, definitely fast-paced + light reading, and a jolly good time was had by all! And by "all" I mean me!
Well, that was fun… again! I'm very glad to report that Jason Anspach's 2nd "'til Death" book, namely, "Second Impressions" avoided any hint of a sophomore slump that you sometimes find in the middle book of a relatively compact trilogy. Having said that, however, I will say that Books 1 and 2 were noticeably (notably?) different affairs. Both just as enjoyable, yes, but structured in different ways for sure. I don't know if I'd phrase it as "I enjoyed this one over that one or vice versa" but don't just expect a repeat of the first tome if you did at least have the wherewithal to read it! And you should!
I’m truly amazing. Probably saved the whole world and it didn’t even make the papers.
Book 1 of course had the "luxury" of introducing us to not only the main cast and crew but also making us aware of Returns and just how involved the Judeo-Christian version of heaven, hell, and apparently even the Big Guy (gotta be a guy, right, he groused!) truly are. It also had more opportunity for humorous anecdotes as Sam Rockwell, straight-arrowed son of Alicia and the late but not permanently departed Frank Rockwell, struggled to make ends meet as a Private Investigator and All-Around Nice Guy when it came to helping the Returned find solace, lost fortunes, or whatever it is they were seeking. Oh and we wouldn't / couldn't forget Amelia either as she's a swell dame with nice gams and all that. It was, obviously!!!, Urban Fantasy with a dash of genuine ha-ha's at its best!
Giving me pushback is only going to make smooth waters get choppy.
Book 2, however, was much more of a legitimate detective story - noting again that Anspach had the good sense to keep the Sam Spade language to an acceptable level - as Sam and Amelia's business has not only taken off on our own mortal plane but also gained the respect - and necessary licensing - of those folks plying their trade at the Pearly Gates Administration Building. And things, as they say, are not all well and good in either location as we very quickly realize that, yes fans, something is indeed afoot, noting that especially "someone is actively interfering with the heavenly business". I won't spoil the big surprise but let's just say the infiltration of our AMERICAN and naturally DEMOCRATIC Judeo-Christian way of life is under some threat and if it continues, well, it means bad times ahead for just about everyone. Why who(m)ever should we call to straighten things out?
His paperwork lists him as deceased. We just have no idea where he is at the moment.
So as these books tend to do, we're pretty much presented with all the facts we need to know just what is going on. The big questions then revolve around seeing whether or not the solutions that may or may not be found will be done so in the proverbial nick of time or not. But hey, at least we've relocated for this one primarily to San Francisco for the duration so if nothing else, we can enjoy the scenery. Which naturally means lots and lots of fog. But even with that in mind, it's a nicely thought out little series of events and circumstances. Still, what was lacking in my eyes in this chapter, again, was the same level of humor as before and it is missed. Not to the point of aggravation, no, but still it is telling.
What was it about that handsome face that attracted so many fists?
And not just humor, but really any sense of surprise whatsoever. Like the author says at one point: "(it's) like the judge of a science fair looking over all the children’s exhibits, though the winner was obvious from the beginning." So yeah, no surprises who lives, who dies (or at least Re-Returns), who is set up for an obvious return in Book 3, and just what that trip to Tahiti is going to mean for the rest of the trilogy. Speaking of trilogies… well, you get the point. Anyway, good fun, definitely fast-paced + light reading, and a jolly good time was had by all! And by "all" I mean me!
March 27, 2018
'Till Death: Second Impressions - Review by Martha A. Cheves
Frank Rockwell, Sam's deceased father, had made his way down as a Return - ghost - from the Pearly Gates Administration Building in order to see his wife Alice one last time. He was given clearance by claiming to hold plans for an atomic super weapon that jeopardized the world if discovered by the Soviet Union. Though he told Sam the plans were legitimate, they weren't where he promised they could be found, and Sam took the ordeal as another of his father's "jokes."
Sam, who runs S. Rockwell, Private Investigator - Returns and the Unexplainable Welcomed was about to say something to his mother when a deafening BOOM violated the air. He was flung forward and could feel a brief but intense heat at his back as he fell. His mother Alice was knocked backward and landed on her bottom inside the house as shattered glass and debris rained down on the driveway and lawn. His father's Cadillac lay twisted and flaming, like a burned carcus of a blown out Panzer tank.
So, was the possibility of the plans for real or is there someone out that that simply believes they are? Find out as you follow Sam, with the help of his fiance Amelia and a certain angel named Eamon track down a rouge Return and defend America against a Soviet Agent.
I've read Book 1 in this series 'till Death and found it to be amusing and humorous at times. It was full of twists and turns. I couldn't see how Book 2 could get any better. I was wrong. This book has grown into slight humor, more suspense and murder, more 'Returns', and more enjoyment. Now I can't wait to red Book #3 'til Death: The Man Who Balked.
Frank Rockwell, Sam's deceased father, had made his way down as a Return - ghost - from the Pearly Gates Administration Building in order to see his wife Alice one last time. He was given clearance by claiming to hold plans for an atomic super weapon that jeopardized the world if discovered by the Soviet Union. Though he told Sam the plans were legitimate, they weren't where he promised they could be found, and Sam took the ordeal as another of his father's "jokes."
Sam, who runs S. Rockwell, Private Investigator - Returns and the Unexplainable Welcomed was about to say something to his mother when a deafening BOOM violated the air. He was flung forward and could feel a brief but intense heat at his back as he fell. His mother Alice was knocked backward and landed on her bottom inside the house as shattered glass and debris rained down on the driveway and lawn. His father's Cadillac lay twisted and flaming, like a burned carcus of a blown out Panzer tank.
So, was the possibility of the plans for real or is there someone out that that simply believes they are? Find out as you follow Sam, with the help of his fiance Amelia and a certain angel named Eamon track down a rouge Return and defend America against a Soviet Agent.
I've read Book 1 in this series 'till Death and found it to be amusing and humorous at times. It was full of twists and turns. I couldn't see how Book 2 could get any better. I was wrong. This book has grown into slight humor, more suspense and murder, more 'Returns', and more enjoyment. Now I can't wait to red Book #3 'til Death: The Man Who Balked.
July 20, 2020
This series really fun. I started reading it because it was free on Kindle Unlimited and it sounded a little interesting. For most people. it would probably be a quick read. Being a slow reader, its never quick for me. LOL. I definitely enjoyed it enough to pick up the second one and I believe there is a 3rd I will also pick up. It nothing spectacular, but I think you will have fun reading it.
March 8, 2017
Adorable suspense about a detective and his fiancé who try to track down a ghost who has overstayed his welcome. A great read by an amazing author
March 19, 2024
A great follow-up to the first book; lots of warmth and rollicking twists and turns. A masterful performance by narrator Johnny Heller too!
July 12, 2024
Fun! Personally liked it better than the first book.
April 25, 2016
Not as good as the first
I loved Anspach's first book, 'til Death. This second book was a bit of a disappointment though. It started out fast paced and funny like the first, but flagged in the middle and positively dragged at the end. By the middle I had figured out the crux of the crime, so I felt that it should have ended much sooner. There were also a lot of typos and missing words in the e-book edition I read. However, I believe the author has the talent to write another winner, so I look forward to reading his next book.
I loved Anspach's first book, 'til Death. This second book was a bit of a disappointment though. It started out fast paced and funny like the first, but flagged in the middle and positively dragged at the end. By the middle I had figured out the crux of the crime, so I felt that it should have ended much sooner. There were also a lot of typos and missing words in the e-book edition I read. However, I believe the author has the talent to write another winner, so I look forward to reading his next book.
April 12, 2017
This is the second book in the Rockwell Return Files and I loved it! Sam reminds me of a cross between a film noir detective and Columbo which I think is a great combo. Amelia is a perfect match for him and I love reading about their exploits. I like the Returns and that some of them have more abilities than others. Mary Lake was a hoot!
I am so looking forward to reading the next book!
I am so looking forward to reading the next book!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews