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Harding Boys
Murder Upstream: A Detective Mystery
While the town of Harding grapples with a catastrophic and unexpected flood, a young businesswoman is found dead, beaten to death on the steps of her father’s mansion. Detective Kyle Villante gets his first call after coming off a two-year undercover stint that ended in a bloodbath and marred his reputation with the brass. But he doesn’t get to work the case alone. Detective Solomon Aduwo of the State Police has arrived in Harding to assist with the investigation. Villante bristles at the perceived leash around his neck, but he and Aduwo set out to work the case, all while Villante struggles to keep secrets and ghosts of the past from coming back to haunt him. Meanwhile, Aduwo has come to Harding with secrets of his own and an agenda that could doom Villante’s future. Murder Upstream is a thrilling mystery, full of vivid characters, puzzling questions, action and suspense.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2016
1204 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 9, 2018
Step by Step methodical with all the facts with him this outstanding and far a way from being in "the box" of normality this detective mystery finds the killer. Outstanding writing ability a must for all to read. I loved it!!!!
Want to read
May 18, 2019TheFussyLibrarian
October 17, 2016
Political interference and mixed loyalties could have crippled the imperfect lead detective on the investigation into the brutal murder of a rich young contractor, and it came close to doing so.
Tasked with a hidden agenda, the Nigerian state cop became the partner in the investigation and also learned some things about himself.
A very busy investigation with frequent plot twists, this proved to be a good mystery with the opportunity for several learning experiences for the reader. Neither a standard procedural nor a cozy, I really enjoyed following these cops, and especially the ending. I was so engrossed that I finished it in one day.
Andrew Tell did excellent work in voice interpreting the rather large group of characters who are primarily male.
I requested and received this book at no cost from the publisher, author, or narrator courtesy of AudioBookBOOM.
Tasked with a hidden agenda, the Nigerian state cop became the partner in the investigation and also learned some things about himself.
A very busy investigation with frequent plot twists, this proved to be a good mystery with the opportunity for several learning experiences for the reader. Neither a standard procedural nor a cozy, I really enjoyed following these cops, and especially the ending. I was so engrossed that I finished it in one day.
Andrew Tell did excellent work in voice interpreting the rather large group of characters who are primarily male.
I requested and received this book at no cost from the publisher, author, or narrator courtesy of AudioBookBOOM.
July 23, 2018
Gave up
Couldn't get in to it. Couldn't understand the slang they were talking. Name of the town and river didn't mean anything to me. I couldn't even figure out what state of was supposed to be set in or if it was supposed to be in United States or maybe another country. I have up on it after a few chapters.
Couldn't get in to it. Couldn't understand the slang they were talking. Name of the town and river didn't mean anything to me. I couldn't even figure out what state of was supposed to be set in or if it was supposed to be in United States or maybe another country. I have up on it after a few chapters.
September 10, 2018
Wanted to like it
Two stars given as I was able to finish the novel.
But the plot crawls, the characters are two dimensional and the story plods along. Despite an interesting mix of characters, they just don't seem real or believable . Even the protagonist is lacking dimension and elicited no empathy. Nuff said.
Two stars given as I was able to finish the novel.
But the plot crawls, the characters are two dimensional and the story plods along. Despite an interesting mix of characters, they just don't seem real or believable . Even the protagonist is lacking dimension and elicited no empathy. Nuff said.
July 14, 2016
Fantastic read
Such a great great book! The main character is flawed yet I rooted for him the whole time. This book was amazing!
Such a great great book! The main character is flawed yet I rooted for him the whole time. This book was amazing!
October 28, 2016
( Format : audio book )
""...like being driven under water.*"
I really enjoyed every minute of this book: great, quirky story well written and narrated; plenty of action without too much overt violence; good dialogue and intriguing characters with real personalities, and a mystery - who killed the heiress? -, plus hidden secrets of the two investigating officers.
There are additional depths to this story, as well, and both of the unlikely paired detectives Villante and Aduwo, have to face up to their own internal moral issues. So much is packed into this story. But never think it is heavy - just the opposite. It is a really fun listen as the water rises and a murderer is sought. Andrew Tell's narration is fast paced, clear and the voices he uses in dialogue clearly differentiate the speakers, enhancing an already excellent story.
My thanks to the rights holder who gifted me a copy of Murder Upstream, via Audiobook Boom. I have not previously read any of Mark Hazard's work but will be looking out for more by him in the future, as well as further books narrated by the talented Mr.Tell.
So, yes, I can and will recommend this book to my friends
""...like being driven under water.*"
I really enjoyed every minute of this book: great, quirky story well written and narrated; plenty of action without too much overt violence; good dialogue and intriguing characters with real personalities, and a mystery - who killed the heiress? -, plus hidden secrets of the two investigating officers.
There are additional depths to this story, as well, and both of the unlikely paired detectives Villante and Aduwo, have to face up to their own internal moral issues. So much is packed into this story. But never think it is heavy - just the opposite. It is a really fun listen as the water rises and a murderer is sought. Andrew Tell's narration is fast paced, clear and the voices he uses in dialogue clearly differentiate the speakers, enhancing an already excellent story.
My thanks to the rights holder who gifted me a copy of Murder Upstream, via Audiobook Boom. I have not previously read any of Mark Hazard's work but will be looking out for more by him in the future, as well as further books narrated by the talented Mr.Tell.
So, yes, I can and will recommend this book to my friends
June 24, 2021
A flawed cop, Villante, helped out by a state policeman and nigerian chieftain, Aduwo. It was about the murder of a wealthy socialite and a surveyor. The flawed cop had a heart which was why he was flawed, having worked undercover for two years and got on well with the bad guys. The plot was interesting but it lurched along. The relationship between the flawed cop villante, and the state policeman was good, eventually!
But there was something a bit off kilter within this book. This was a small town with few cops and they could afford to let one of them go undercover for two years with no cover for him found back at the police station? They had very few police officers, I think there was possibly apart from the police chief, one or two other police officers? And this place had a lot of crime? Villante seemed to be the only working policeman in the station, solving everything. Just off kilter really.
But there was something a bit off kilter within this book. This was a small town with few cops and they could afford to let one of them go undercover for two years with no cover for him found back at the police station? They had very few police officers, I think there was possibly apart from the police chief, one or two other police officers? And this place had a lot of crime? Villante seemed to be the only working policeman in the station, solving everything. Just off kilter really.
January 2, 2020
"Muddled"
This was the first Hazard title I'd read and expected better. I get that your main character needs to have something to make him stand out from the crowd these days, but there were too many examples of Villante drifting off the subject. I don't know how many Nigerian policemen there are in the States but again maybe the only reason he was there was to introduce his own agenda. Another reason to drift away from the case at hand. If the story line for the case is strong enough, it doesn't need the diversions.
This was the first Hazard title I'd read and expected better. I get that your main character needs to have something to make him stand out from the crowd these days, but there were too many examples of Villante drifting off the subject. I don't know how many Nigerian policemen there are in the States but again maybe the only reason he was there was to introduce his own agenda. Another reason to drift away from the case at hand. If the story line for the case is strong enough, it doesn't need the diversions.
July 12, 2018
Villante, Detective, Is A Star
A very nicely drawn portrait of an interesting character gives a major lift to this story. Villante is an undercover cop who becomes close to some of the bad guys he was forced to take down. But now on a new case with a state cop to assist his past catches up with him. Full of authentic action, well researched this is good book. I didn’t give it five stars because I felt the main characters lacked depth. They need backstories.
A very nicely drawn portrait of an interesting character gives a major lift to this story. Villante is an undercover cop who becomes close to some of the bad guys he was forced to take down. But now on a new case with a state cop to assist his past catches up with him. Full of authentic action, well researched this is good book. I didn’t give it five stars because I felt the main characters lacked depth. They need backstories.
February 14, 2020
Great read.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story where a lot of past history has a huge bearing on the events of today. An influential lady's murder starts the investigation off for maverick detective Villante. Paired up with an unwanted outsider, detective Aduwo, makes for some interesting teamwork. A complex case to sort through to find out what happened and why.
Will be following these two with interest.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story where a lot of past history has a huge bearing on the events of today. An influential lady's murder starts the investigation off for maverick detective Villante. Paired up with an unwanted outsider, detective Aduwo, makes for some interesting teamwork. A complex case to sort through to find out what happened and why.
Will be following these two with interest.
July 17, 2018
I was caught up in this book
One of the best books of this genre I have read. I'm a big mystery fan since early childhood. I like everything from cozies to thrillers, especially police procedurals. The two detectives in this case were so well suited to bringing out the best in each other. I didn't see the end till it was upon me. Can't wait to read the next book.
One of the best books of this genre I have read. I'm a big mystery fan since early childhood. I like everything from cozies to thrillers, especially police procedurals. The two detectives in this case were so well suited to bringing out the best in each other. I didn't see the end till it was upon me. Can't wait to read the next book.
July 18, 2018
Loners can be useful
I wasn't sure if I was going to keep interest in this book, but I really liked it. It was actually a really good read. Good suspense and action, along with some misdirection. I dont like cursing, but there wasn't much of it, and, best of all no explicit sex! Great job!
I wasn't sure if I was going to keep interest in this book, but I really liked it. It was actually a really good read. Good suspense and action, along with some misdirection. I dont like cursing, but there wasn't much of it, and, best of all no explicit sex! Great job!
May 12, 2019
Interesting story
It seems like this was the second story in the series, but the author filled in the past to make the past history fit the line. The author built the depth of the two main characters to show more character from each. Story was interesting and made you think as you read.
It seems like this was the second story in the series, but the author filled in the past to make the past history fit the line. The author built the depth of the two main characters to show more character from each. Story was interesting and made you think as you read.
July 5, 2019
A Good Read
The author drew me in with his beautifully flawed characters then kept my attention with a fast paced plot. Even though I did not get most of his music references I very much appreciated the attention to detail and the depth it lends to the character Kyle Villante. I look forward to reading the next novel by this author.
The author drew me in with his beautifully flawed characters then kept my attention with a fast paced plot. Even though I did not get most of his music references I very much appreciated the attention to detail and the depth it lends to the character Kyle Villante. I look forward to reading the next novel by this author.
October 3, 2019
Lots of Sub Stories
Enjoyed trying to keep each sub plot straight because those sub plots lead to the answering plot of the main murder plot. The end however gave me some curious as to how these follow up plot lines lead to the next book in the series. Definitely left this reader thinking and wanting to read more of the series and this author
Enjoyed trying to keep each sub plot straight because those sub plots lead to the answering plot of the main murder plot. The end however gave me some curious as to how these follow up plot lines lead to the next book in the series. Definitely left this reader thinking and wanting to read more of the series and this author
July 12, 2018
Fast paced
A dirty cop for the right reasons? Or a clean cop for the wrong reasons? Either way, Vallente is a messed up cop, trying to solve the murders of two people, all while having a stater sent to partner with him and review his work. A fast paced book.
A dirty cop for the right reasons? Or a clean cop for the wrong reasons? Either way, Vallente is a messed up cop, trying to solve the murders of two people, all while having a stater sent to partner with him and review his work. A fast paced book.
July 15, 2018
Offbeat detective with a lot of twists
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the offbeat detective not your normal by the book story great twists keep you going for the next one enjoy it for great read
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the offbeat detective not your normal by the book story great twists keep you going for the next one enjoy it for great read
July 21, 2018
A well put together murder mystery
With many other mysteries stories you know about mid book who is the killer. This book gave some clues but not enough for me to guess. You should try it and see if you are able. Great job Mark Hazard.
With many other mysteries stories you know about mid book who is the killer. This book gave some clues but not enough for me to guess. You should try it and see if you are able. Great job Mark Hazard.
July 22, 2018
Fluid, active and light wight
Strong in descriptions,in action too. Slightly intresting personalities, without much depth in their psychological makeup. Intresting and up to date subjetc.
Strong in descriptions,in action too. Slightly intresting personalities, without much depth in their psychological makeup. Intresting and up to date subjetc.
July 23, 2018
Murder Mystery
Detective Kyle Villanueva is forced to work with an agent Solomon Aduwo sent from the state. They hit the ground running when the daughter of a wealthy town builder is found dead. Lots of humor, rock music play in the goings on. Enjoyed!
Detective Kyle Villanueva is forced to work with an agent Solomon Aduwo sent from the state. They hit the ground running when the daughter of a wealthy town builder is found dead. Lots of humor, rock music play in the goings on. Enjoyed!
July 27, 2018
Well played!
I was sceptical as I began reading. I kept going and was pleased to find the characters evolved into real promising detectives worth following thru the flooding city streets of Harding! I will keep my eyes open for more of Mark Hazard's stories! Well played Mark !
I was sceptical as I began reading. I kept going and was pleased to find the characters evolved into real promising detectives worth following thru the flooding city streets of Harding! I will keep my eyes open for more of Mark Hazard's stories! Well played Mark !
August 21, 2018
The characters made the book worthwhile. The plot was a bit haphazard and not too believable. Some of the sub-plots were vague and did not exactly fit into the flow of the plot. But the characters were fascinating.
August 28, 2018
A murder with a twist
Several moving pieces here which kept me wondering,what the real story was. A great detective story, with a state police "consultant" that adds to the mystery. Great read!!!
Several moving pieces here which kept me wondering,what the real story was. A great detective story, with a state police "consultant" that adds to the mystery. Great read!!!
September 5, 2018
Fun Romp!!
I really enjoyed this book! Interesting character development mixed with ecological concerns, which are extremely relevant to our time. The detectives made me laugh out loud, and made my heart sing with their honor and humility!! Read it, you won't be disappointed!
I really enjoyed this book! Interesting character development mixed with ecological concerns, which are extremely relevant to our time. The detectives made me laugh out loud, and made my heart sing with their honor and humility!! Read it, you won't be disappointed!
November 20, 2018
Floodwaters aren't the only things running high.
Crackling mystery, engaging characters, snappy plot, corruption abounds, everyone has secrets waiting to be uncovered. Twisty ending and satisfying conclusion.
Crackling mystery, engaging characters, snappy plot, corruption abounds, everyone has secrets waiting to be uncovered. Twisty ending and satisfying conclusion.
November 23, 2018
Twists
While this story has its twists and turns, I found the end reason for the murder a bit unbelievable and lacking in strength. The characters are strong and the suspense was there, but the wrap up a bit week. I didn't find the reason for the murder credible.
While this story has its twists and turns, I found the end reason for the murder a bit unbelievable and lacking in strength. The characters are strong and the suspense was there, but the wrap up a bit week. I didn't find the reason for the murder credible.
September 2, 2019
I enjoyed this book. I liked the relationships of the character's which were unique and very interesting. I want to read more from this author for sure and will be following him from now on. I thought the plot was unique. The book kept me entertained to read it in one sitting too!
October 8, 2019
First in the seriez
I liked it and I didn't. It's not o e of those books that grabbed me from the start. I guess I would say I r
Finished it because I started it. It's ok, not great. I probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
I liked it and I didn't. It's not o e of those books that grabbed me from the start. I guess I would say I r
Finished it because I started it. It's ok, not great. I probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
May 1, 2021
A great read
While this book definitely needs to be edited for grammar and missing words, it was a wonderful story. It kept me interested and had a twist at the end that I did not see coming.
While this book definitely needs to be edited for grammar and missing words, it was a wonderful story. It kept me interested and had a twist at the end that I did not see coming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews