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Milan Jacovich #19
Speaking of Murder
When a celebrity-packed motivational event turns deadly, Cleveland private eye Milan Jacovich (MY-lan YOCK-ovitch) finds himself caught up in the mess.
Milan and his associate Kevin "K.O." O'Bannion are hired as extra security for several high-profile inspirational speakers at a convention in downtown Cleveland, where they get off to a rocky start. Each special guest seems more unpleasant than the last--particularly Tommy Triller, the main draw for the weekend, with an ego to match his bank account. Tensions run high, but Milan thinks they have things covered . . . until Triller's dead body is found in his hotel room, a bullet hole between his eyes and a motivational CD jammed in his mouth.
Among the suspects are fellow speakers, including southern psychologist Dr. Ben, who resented earning less than Triller; hip hop artist and convicted killer Hy Jinx; and former big-league baseball manager Tony Nardoianni, who might be willing to do almost anything for the right price.
Milan figures he and K.O. are out of work when his significant other, Cleveland homicide detective Tobe Blaine, takes charge of the murder case. But to Milan's surprise, his old nemesis and local mob boss Victor Gaimari asks Milan to work for him. Nardoianni owes Victor, who wants to make sure the debt is paid--and that the aging athlete's gambling past stays under wraps as the murder investigation continues.
Tobe's not happy to have Milan and K.O. operating on her turf. But a job is a job, and Milan is determined to clear his new client of murder . . . by finding the real killer.
Milan and his associate Kevin "K.O." O'Bannion are hired as extra security for several high-profile inspirational speakers at a convention in downtown Cleveland, where they get off to a rocky start. Each special guest seems more unpleasant than the last--particularly Tommy Triller, the main draw for the weekend, with an ego to match his bank account. Tensions run high, but Milan thinks they have things covered . . . until Triller's dead body is found in his hotel room, a bullet hole between his eyes and a motivational CD jammed in his mouth.
Among the suspects are fellow speakers, including southern psychologist Dr. Ben, who resented earning less than Triller; hip hop artist and convicted killer Hy Jinx; and former big-league baseball manager Tony Nardoianni, who might be willing to do almost anything for the right price.
Milan figures he and K.O. are out of work when his significant other, Cleveland homicide detective Tobe Blaine, takes charge of the murder case. But to Milan's surprise, his old nemesis and local mob boss Victor Gaimari asks Milan to work for him. Nardoianni owes Victor, who wants to make sure the debt is paid--and that the aging athlete's gambling past stays under wraps as the murder investigation continues.
Tobe's not happy to have Milan and K.O. operating on her turf. But a job is a job, and Milan is determined to clear his new client of murder . . . by finding the real killer.
- GenresMystery
257 pages, Hardcover
First published July 8, 2016
10 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Les Roberts
58 books138 followersLes Roberts is the author of 15 mystery novels featuring Cleveland detective Milan Jacovich, as well as 9 other books of fiction. The past president of both the Private Eye Writers of America and the American Crime Writer's League, he came to mystery writing after a 24-year career in Hollywood. He was the first producer and head writer of the Hollywood Squares and wrote for the Andy Griffith Show, the Jackie Gleason Show, and the Man from U.N.C.L.E., among others. He has been a professional actor, a singer, a jazz musician, and a teacher. In 2003 he received the Sherwood Anderson Literary Award. A native of Chicago, he now lives in Northeast Ohio and is a film and literary critic."
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August 9, 2016
I have read and enjoyed all of Les Roberts' Private Eye Milan Jacovich books. He may be getting older, but age has not slowed him down. When he and his associate K. O. O’Bannion are hired to provide security at a large, three-day convention for the Global Motivational Speakers Association, readers can be sure that at least one person will be murdered.
The convention, which cost each of the 2,000 attendees $7,000 and gave them the opportunity to listen to several motivational speakers and buy their merchandise. The speakers’ specialities ranged from psychiatry, baseball, hip-hop, religion, and the occult. All tried to convince people that if they followed their advice, they will become rich and have everything they want. The speakers are well-known to the attendees, though some, because of their media exposure on television, magazines, and newspapers, are better known than others.
Tommy Triller, a tall, good looking, womanizer is the main attraction. He earned more than $100 million annually from his speeches and sales of his books, CDs, and other paraphernalia. After the opening night program, his body was found in his hotel suite, a bullet hole between his eyes and one of his motivational CDs stuffed into his mouth.
After the convention organizer fired Milan, he is quickly hired by the local mob boss who feared that one of his associates who owed him money may have his past publicized. He wanted Milan to find the killer before his friend got unwanted publicity.
Since Milan was not employed by the convention, his significant other, Cleveland homicide detective Tobe Blaine, was assigned the case.
Milan and K.O. quickly discovered that most speakers, as well as the organizer, had large egos and, it turned out, animosity towards the others. They were also a rather nasty bunch of people.
Since the organizer would not refund the money paid by the attendees, the hotel would not refund the money (paid in advance) for the three-night stays, and the police would not allow suspects to leave, there was pressure to find the killer quickly.
The book is a fast read and well-written. The reader gets to know the characters, motivations, and atmosphere. There is a bit of repetition and, while the chapters are short, most move on to a different topic and location; only a few continue directly from the previous one.
Interesting observation: Referring to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Milan notes, “There’s more about murder and crime on its pages every year than an entire section of mystery fiction at the public library.” Sadly, that is true.
The convention, which cost each of the 2,000 attendees $7,000 and gave them the opportunity to listen to several motivational speakers and buy their merchandise. The speakers’ specialities ranged from psychiatry, baseball, hip-hop, religion, and the occult. All tried to convince people that if they followed their advice, they will become rich and have everything they want. The speakers are well-known to the attendees, though some, because of their media exposure on television, magazines, and newspapers, are better known than others.
Tommy Triller, a tall, good looking, womanizer is the main attraction. He earned more than $100 million annually from his speeches and sales of his books, CDs, and other paraphernalia. After the opening night program, his body was found in his hotel suite, a bullet hole between his eyes and one of his motivational CDs stuffed into his mouth.
After the convention organizer fired Milan, he is quickly hired by the local mob boss who feared that one of his associates who owed him money may have his past publicized. He wanted Milan to find the killer before his friend got unwanted publicity.
Since Milan was not employed by the convention, his significant other, Cleveland homicide detective Tobe Blaine, was assigned the case.
Milan and K.O. quickly discovered that most speakers, as well as the organizer, had large egos and, it turned out, animosity towards the others. They were also a rather nasty bunch of people.
Since the organizer would not refund the money paid by the attendees, the hotel would not refund the money (paid in advance) for the three-night stays, and the police would not allow suspects to leave, there was pressure to find the killer quickly.
The book is a fast read and well-written. The reader gets to know the characters, motivations, and atmosphere. There is a bit of repetition and, while the chapters are short, most move on to a different topic and location; only a few continue directly from the previous one.
Interesting observation: Referring to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Milan notes, “There’s more about murder and crime on its pages every year than an entire section of mystery fiction at the public library.” Sadly, that is true.
July 15, 2017
GMSA hires Milan Security as extra help for the speakers. Don't they know that is enviting murder? And Milan will stop at nothing to catch the killer. With the help of KO and Detective Sergeant Tobe Blaine, they sure catch the culprit.
Note: To Milan: Stop wondering about the Sacramento Capitol Building; it is elegant, but just don't plan to visit in the summer time. For myself, perhaps I'll come to Cleveland. I would like to see Nighttown.
Note: To Milan: Stop wondering about the Sacramento Capitol Building; it is elegant, but just don't plan to visit in the summer time. For myself, perhaps I'll come to Cleveland. I would like to see Nighttown.
September 15, 2017
I was born and raised in Cleveland. I have been a fan of and reading Les Roberts since I discovered him .. and Milan Jacovich in 1996.
It pains me to leave this review.
I was supremely disappointed in this latest book Speaking of Murder. It simmers between boring and awful.
In the past, the city of Cleveland was highlighted: it's twists and turns, its history, it's nuances, its interesting corners. Except for one hotel, Cleveland is absent in this book.
One major recurring character really got the bum's rush in this one, with barely a nod and a mention and another dismissed as old and retired.
As far as the main characters, they were not themselves: they were all angry... ALL THE TIME! It seemed like every conversation (and meal or intimacy!) started out in a friendly or business like manner then someone shouted, slammed or jumped up and ran out angrily. They sniped at each other, they were rude to suspects and minor character alike, as well as each other: " We zing each other kindly. " was the line Milan said at the very end. No, there was very little kindness in any of the interactions between the main characters, minor characters or in this book.
That is not Cleveland.
It pains me to leave this review.
I was supremely disappointed in this latest book Speaking of Murder. It simmers between boring and awful.
In the past, the city of Cleveland was highlighted: it's twists and turns, its history, it's nuances, its interesting corners. Except for one hotel, Cleveland is absent in this book.
One major recurring character really got the bum's rush in this one, with barely a nod and a mention and another dismissed as old and retired.
As far as the main characters, they were not themselves: they were all angry... ALL THE TIME! It seemed like every conversation (and meal or intimacy!) started out in a friendly or business like manner then someone shouted, slammed or jumped up and ran out angrily. They sniped at each other, they were rude to suspects and minor character alike, as well as each other: " We zing each other kindly. " was the line Milan said at the very end. No, there was very little kindness in any of the interactions between the main characters, minor characters or in this book.
That is not Cleveland.
August 28, 2016
Another fun addition to the Milan Jacovich series. Roberts again teams up with Kennedy, this time to explore the world of public speaking and motivational seminars. In this story, Milan and Kevin O'Bannion are hired on as extra security at a convention for high-profile (and some not-so high profile) motivational speakers. Of course, it doesn't take long for one of them to wind up dead, and Milan and his lady friend Tobe Blaine, a homicide detective with the Cleveland police find no shortage of suspects. I have said it before, but I love the dynamic between Milan and Tobe, although I noticed some of the exchanges seemed sharper at times. I was especially happy to see the return of Victor Gaimari, the head of Cleveland's mob. He's a fun character, one you can't decide whether to love him or hate him, and you often wind up doing both in the same book. All in all, this was another excellent mystery, with great dialogue, some good laughs and excellent action. In addition, I had no idea whodunit until the end.
October 17, 2020
I once tempted for the dentist whose name inspired Roberts's main character. At the time, I didn't know that fact and remember being somewhat confused by it. Years later, at a writers's conference, Les Roberts spoke and I learned what the relationship between the two names is. That's partly what inspired me to read this series.
This is currently the last book in the series. One of the editions of the series featured a one page letter from Roberts at the end of the book. One of the purposes of that letter was to introduce the next book in the series. In one of the earlier series entries, that letter by Roberts revealed that he intended this series to end with the book we were then holding--but the next story in the series came to Roberts seemingly unbidden. So, I guess we can't really say Roberts won't write any more Milan Jacovich stories (at least until Roberts passes away) but since this was published 4 years ago at the time I'm writing this review, I'm not sure it seems likely that there will be another book.
Though I didn't really rate the books highly, I do find that I will miss the series a bit. I did like that it was set in Cleveland. I learned quite a bit about the city and surrounding area. I do think Roberts got better with the details later in the series than he was in some of the earlier series entries. I am glad that Milan seems to finally have a stable romantic relationship in his life (with Tobe). I'm also glad that Milan and Victor seem to have returned to a semblance of a friendship.
I'm on the fence about the introduction of K.O. to the series. I do think he added some things to the series but his presence also took away some of the aspects of the series that we'd come to expect up to that point. I like K.O. but he does need to work on his temper and his unfiltered comments. I was a bit worried that Roberts was going to take him the way of Milan's earlier romantic life and have Carli and K.O. break up because she couldn't handle his job. For me, that argument never really got resolved. It seemed like K.O. just ignored it because he didn't really know how to deal with it. They never really sat down to discuss her concerns or work things out.
Dan Kennedy returns as a co-author based on his experiences as a motivational speaker and writer. My own thoughts on conventions such as the fictional one portrayed in this book probably fall closer to those of Milan and K.O. than to the attendees and those who put on the conventions.
This is currently the last book in the series. One of the editions of the series featured a one page letter from Roberts at the end of the book. One of the purposes of that letter was to introduce the next book in the series. In one of the earlier series entries, that letter by Roberts revealed that he intended this series to end with the book we were then holding--but the next story in the series came to Roberts seemingly unbidden. So, I guess we can't really say Roberts won't write any more Milan Jacovich stories (at least until Roberts passes away) but since this was published 4 years ago at the time I'm writing this review, I'm not sure it seems likely that there will be another book.
Though I didn't really rate the books highly, I do find that I will miss the series a bit. I did like that it was set in Cleveland. I learned quite a bit about the city and surrounding area. I do think Roberts got better with the details later in the series than he was in some of the earlier series entries. I am glad that Milan seems to finally have a stable romantic relationship in his life (with Tobe). I'm also glad that Milan and Victor seem to have returned to a semblance of a friendship.
I'm on the fence about the introduction of K.O. to the series. I do think he added some things to the series but his presence also took away some of the aspects of the series that we'd come to expect up to that point. I like K.O. but he does need to work on his temper and his unfiltered comments. I was a bit worried that Roberts was going to take him the way of Milan's earlier romantic life and have Carli and K.O. break up because she couldn't handle his job. For me, that argument never really got resolved. It seemed like K.O. just ignored it because he didn't really know how to deal with it. They never really sat down to discuss her concerns or work things out.
Dan Kennedy returns as a co-author based on his experiences as a motivational speaker and writer. My own thoughts on conventions such as the fictional one portrayed in this book probably fall closer to those of Milan and K.O. than to the attendees and those who put on the conventions.
December 25, 2018
This finishes our reading of the 19-book Cleveland-based PI Milan Jacovich set – sorry to find the finale such a tepid retirement. As in #17, “Win, Place, or Die”, Dan S. Kennedy was recruited as a co-author for his first-hand experience. In the earlier novel, his direct participation in harness racing was the reason; in this one, his vocation as a business success motivational speaker was imperative. That ilk was the subject of “Speaking”, which focused primarily on a motivational speaker convention and the three “star” performers Tommy Triller; Dr. Ben Mayo, a blatant Dr. Phil McGraw caricature; and Dr. Lorelai Singleton, a blatant Dr. Laura Schlessinger caricature.
Not long into the plot, one of these is murdered despite Milan and his sidekick/intern K.O. being hired as additional security for the big names – who actually had their own bodyguards. After the murder, Milan’s firm is fired and his squeeze Homicide Detective Sergeant Tobe Blaine comes on the scene as the official investigator. Thereafter, Milan is hired by his mob buddy of sorts to “protect” one of the lesser lights (and keep Milan and K.O. in the tale).
Unfortunately, we once again then have a middle book consisting of nearly 80% of the novel wherein basically nothing happens to advance the case for either our PI’s or the cops. Thus the solution came after such a long drought of interest we were hardly wowed. We were additionally somewhat surprised at the rather pointed “attacks” on the Dr. Ben and Lorelai characters, although we are assured in an afterward that these were completely fictional in a debatable attempt to add some humor to the story. Moreover, some objectionable language uncharacteristically peppered the tale.
We stuck by this series for a long time since we consistently found the lead character Milan so likable. We’re not sure adding K.O. in book #16 did much for the set, and causes us to wonder if a ghost writer might have been involved thereafter – or was it just the publisher saying the stories needed fresh blood? We wish Roberts had been better at rolling out the clues more generously rather than dulling us with long sections of interview after interview with little progress in each case. To other readers we would recommend a sampling of the earlier books, but almost wish now we were not quite so determined to read all 19 novels. {2.5}
Not long into the plot, one of these is murdered despite Milan and his sidekick/intern K.O. being hired as additional security for the big names – who actually had their own bodyguards. After the murder, Milan’s firm is fired and his squeeze Homicide Detective Sergeant Tobe Blaine comes on the scene as the official investigator. Thereafter, Milan is hired by his mob buddy of sorts to “protect” one of the lesser lights (and keep Milan and K.O. in the tale).
Unfortunately, we once again then have a middle book consisting of nearly 80% of the novel wherein basically nothing happens to advance the case for either our PI’s or the cops. Thus the solution came after such a long drought of interest we were hardly wowed. We were additionally somewhat surprised at the rather pointed “attacks” on the Dr. Ben and Lorelai characters, although we are assured in an afterward that these were completely fictional in a debatable attempt to add some humor to the story. Moreover, some objectionable language uncharacteristically peppered the tale.
We stuck by this series for a long time since we consistently found the lead character Milan so likable. We’re not sure adding K.O. in book #16 did much for the set, and causes us to wonder if a ghost writer might have been involved thereafter – or was it just the publisher saying the stories needed fresh blood? We wish Roberts had been better at rolling out the clues more generously rather than dulling us with long sections of interview after interview with little progress in each case. To other readers we would recommend a sampling of the earlier books, but almost wish now we were not quite so determined to read all 19 novels. {2.5}
November 5, 2022
I first came across Les Roberts's books walking by a Cleveland authors' display in the library. I picked up The Duke of Cleveland knowing nothing more about it than that it was written by a Clevelander and ended up thoroughly enjoying it. (I even gave it 5 stars, and I hand those out very sparingly.) A dozen years later, I picked up this book in the same way, and the experience was much different.
There are only two and a half characters in this book: Milan/K.O./Tobe, who are the same thing in different packages; almost all of the conference speakers, who are all exactly the same person with different names; and the half character, which is the obvious Shirley MacLaine knockoff, who is the only one given any worthwhile attention but who ends up having almost nothing to do with the plot.
There was so much potential to get into the unique nuttiness of each of these speakers, but that enormous opportunity was entirely missed. Instead we get half-hearted attempts which end up in lackluster (or even annoying) characterization like the pointless emphasis on the failed presidential candidate who really likes guns, yee haw.
They are all angry and all in the same way. It's amazing that for a group of people who has become successful by persuading people (and making millions doing it--did he mention millions? Oh he will. Millions, I tells ya. Lots and lots of millions. And in case you didn't notice, the protagonists don't make millions. But the speakers do. Except the ones who only make a million. Who cares about them, though? The other ones make millions. Did he mention millions?), zero of them have any social intelligence whatsoever.
The characters are so lazily written that in one chapter I accidentally misread who K.O. was going up to talk to (both of the characters' names start with C) and it wasn't until the next chapter when Milan went to talk to someone else and I wondered why he was talking to the same character K.O. had just talked to that it turned out it wasn't the same person. That's... bad writing.
I'm sorry to say that this one is safely skippable, especially for a book whose premise came with a truckload of potential entertainment. All it had to do was be delivered, which based on the first Roberts book I read he is quite capable of doing.
There are only two and a half characters in this book: Milan/K.O./Tobe, who are the same thing in different packages; almost all of the conference speakers, who are all exactly the same person with different names; and the half character, which is the obvious Shirley MacLaine knockoff, who is the only one given any worthwhile attention but who ends up having almost nothing to do with the plot.
There was so much potential to get into the unique nuttiness of each of these speakers, but that enormous opportunity was entirely missed. Instead we get half-hearted attempts which end up in lackluster (or even annoying) characterization like the pointless emphasis on the failed presidential candidate who really likes guns, yee haw.
They are all angry and all in the same way. It's amazing that for a group of people who has become successful by persuading people (and making millions doing it--did he mention millions? Oh he will. Millions, I tells ya. Lots and lots of millions. And in case you didn't notice, the protagonists don't make millions. But the speakers do. Except the ones who only make a million. Who cares about them, though? The other ones make millions. Did he mention millions?), zero of them have any social intelligence whatsoever.
The characters are so lazily written that in one chapter I accidentally misread who K.O. was going up to talk to (both of the characters' names start with C) and it wasn't until the next chapter when Milan went to talk to someone else and I wondered why he was talking to the same character K.O. had just talked to that it turned out it wasn't the same person. That's... bad writing.
I'm sorry to say that this one is safely skippable, especially for a book whose premise came with a truckload of potential entertainment. All it had to do was be delivered, which based on the first Roberts book I read he is quite capable of doing.
September 22, 2017
SPEAKING OF MURDER BY LES ROBERTS. This is the first book of the Milan Jacovich mysteries and I loved it! Very light hearted and the characters are well defined and likeable .
Milan and his cohort, KO (Kevin O'Bannon) are hired by a hotel to help provide security for some very controversial motivational speakers. The most problematic of them, Tommy Triller, who for various reasons, including his popularity, are targets for any would be hit man or wacko follower. Milan & KO find working hotel security not such a hot job as none of the main speakers want them around & they are all asses! When murder occurs on the first night, Milan finds himself nose to nose with his love Detective Tobe Blaine. From there the mystery really unfolds.
Not only did I get a pretty good mystery but I found the characters & the plot entertaining. I think Mr.Roberts just got another fan in me.
I recieved this book free from goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
Milan and his cohort, KO (Kevin O'Bannon) are hired by a hotel to help provide security for some very controversial motivational speakers. The most problematic of them, Tommy Triller, who for various reasons, including his popularity, are targets for any would be hit man or wacko follower. Milan & KO find working hotel security not such a hot job as none of the main speakers want them around & they are all asses! When murder occurs on the first night, Milan finds himself nose to nose with his love Detective Tobe Blaine. From there the mystery really unfolds.
Not only did I get a pretty good mystery but I found the characters & the plot entertaining. I think Mr.Roberts just got another fan in me.
I recieved this book free from goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2017
Loved this as I have all the Milan Jacovich books by Les Roberts, mostly because they generally are quick reads of the old style tough guy, hard boiled PI variety, but really because I love the Cleveland setting. This one centered around the Renaissance Hotel in the Terminal Tower on Public Square, plus other scenes around town. Pictured myself tooling around with Milan and his new young sidekick K.O. Also, the plot skewered the cult surrounding public speaking celebrities. Easy to guess who were the models for the speakers. Lots of fun as usual.
September 30, 2018
Another great Milan Jacovich novel from Les Roberts.
November 8, 2018
Assume this was the end of the Milan Jacovich series.
February 21, 2022
I think the main character Milan is likable and I’ve read all the books in the series thus far. It’s fun to read about places with which I’m familiar. These books are an easy, quick read.
April 28, 2023
It was fun trying to guess who the murderer was. My guess wasn’t the one.
February 15, 2024
This was a fantastic book. I read it for my library mystery book club, but will definitely get book 1-18 to meet all the characters. I highly recommend this book!
January 6, 2017
I have enjoyed most of Les Roberts books but this one was disappointing.
October 17, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable! This was my very first Milan Jacovich mystery. In fact, I've never (to my knowledge) read anything by either Les Roberts or Dan S Kennedy before. Speaking of Murder was the kind of book that makes you want to go back and pick up all of the previous books in the series. Reading a more classically styled detective novel was a nice change up for me from the more suspenseful/thriller-style mysteries I tend to gravitate to. I liked the screwball-style banter between Milan and Tobe; it was another classic touch. The mystery itself really did have me guessing up until the very end. A final shout-out to Dan S Kennedy: I really hope your colleagues in the motivational speaking industry forgave you, because Speaking of Murder came across to me as all in good fun. I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
August 16, 2016
I received a copy of this book through librarything.com in return for an honest review.
This is the second Milan Jacovich mystery that I have read. In this case Milan is hired to protect the most famous of a group of self-help gurus who have gathered in Cleveland for a convention. The hotel is packed with convention goers and the top speakers in the United States on self help and even some of the lesser known practitioners of the genre.
Earlier in the morning the top speaker is found dead in his room. Milan loses his job as protector and the case is to be handled by the Cleveland police in the person of Milan's girlfriend Lt. Det. Tobe Blaine. But no sooner is Milan off the case then he is hired by an outside interest to protect one of the minor speakers on the program so that the police do not dig up any dirt on him and besmirch his character. In the process of the investigation everyone has to stay in Cleveland and this brings out the worst in the egos of some of the megastars and even some of their fans who are attending the convention. Everyone has a favorite suspect but there appears to be no proof one way or another until someone mentions an unknown package in the trunk of a limo that delivered one of the speakers to the hotel. Now to track down where the package went.
The case is eventually solved. Milan and Tobe do not bump heads too much during the case. KO, Milan's able bodied sidekick learns a little more about controlling his temper and learning to talk to people. An excellent short book that keeps the Milan Jacovich series running.
This is the second Milan Jacovich mystery that I have read. In this case Milan is hired to protect the most famous of a group of self-help gurus who have gathered in Cleveland for a convention. The hotel is packed with convention goers and the top speakers in the United States on self help and even some of the lesser known practitioners of the genre.
Earlier in the morning the top speaker is found dead in his room. Milan loses his job as protector and the case is to be handled by the Cleveland police in the person of Milan's girlfriend Lt. Det. Tobe Blaine. But no sooner is Milan off the case then he is hired by an outside interest to protect one of the minor speakers on the program so that the police do not dig up any dirt on him and besmirch his character. In the process of the investigation everyone has to stay in Cleveland and this brings out the worst in the egos of some of the megastars and even some of their fans who are attending the convention. Everyone has a favorite suspect but there appears to be no proof one way or another until someone mentions an unknown package in the trunk of a limo that delivered one of the speakers to the hotel. Now to track down where the package went.
The case is eventually solved. Milan and Tobe do not bump heads too much during the case. KO, Milan's able bodied sidekick learns a little more about controlling his temper and learning to talk to people. An excellent short book that keeps the Milan Jacovich series running.
September 14, 2016
I'm not sure why I enjoyed Speaking of Murder so much but this went down as one of my favorite Milan books so far. Maybe it was the simple setting of being on Public Square, not having to race all over the region, or the enjoyable characters, but I couldn't put the book down. Also, as Milan is settling into his life as a private investigator, he has a steady girlfriend who doesn't judge him and their relationship seems to work. Also, the addition of K.O. to the Jacovich Security team, is a great mentor-ship role for Milan.
I do miss Milan's family, the first couple of books in the series deals with Milan's recent divorce and you see his kids grow up. Since his children went off to college, we haven't had an update on the family, nor had dealings with his ex and her significant other that still live in Milan's old home. Also, Milan has moved on, and we don't hear too much about his old stomping grounds in the old Slovenian neighborhood. Maybe's it's about time for Milan to take Tobe, K.O. and Carli on a double date to Sterle's and the new changes to Milan's old hood.
I do miss Milan's family, the first couple of books in the series deals with Milan's recent divorce and you see his kids grow up. Since his children went off to college, we haven't had an update on the family, nor had dealings with his ex and her significant other that still live in Milan's old home. Also, Milan has moved on, and we don't hear too much about his old stomping grounds in the old Slovenian neighborhood. Maybe's it's about time for Milan to take Tobe, K.O. and Carli on a double date to Sterle's and the new changes to Milan's old hood.
August 21, 2016
I was totally unfamiliar with this author, but the blurb souned interesting, and I have visited family in and around Cleveland, so I was glad to give it a try. And that is unfortunate for my wallet, as I now need to find and read more of this series.
Milan is an older ex-cop turned PI, Tobe is his SO/Cleveland homicide detective, K.O. is Milan's under thirty partner/apprentice. The other basics are covered in the publisher's blurb.
The plot is well crafted, and the plot twists are amazing. The characters are craftily depicted with superb realism. I suppose it must class as a cozy because there is no horror or explicit erotica, and it is not quite a procedural. I also feel that this is a series that must rank up there with the best, and, thankfully, is not a zillion pages long.
I entered a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway and won this offering from the publisher.
Milan is an older ex-cop turned PI, Tobe is his SO/Cleveland homicide detective, K.O. is Milan's under thirty partner/apprentice. The other basics are covered in the publisher's blurb.
The plot is well crafted, and the plot twists are amazing. The characters are craftily depicted with superb realism. I suppose it must class as a cozy because there is no horror or explicit erotica, and it is not quite a procedural. I also feel that this is a series that must rank up there with the best, and, thankfully, is not a zillion pages long.
I entered a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway and won this offering from the publisher.
September 24, 2016
This nineteenth book in the series finds that a motivational seminar is a perfect place to figure out who had motive to kill. Private eye Milan Jacovich and partner K.O. along with Detective Sergeant Tobe Blaine spend their time interviewing speakers at the annual convocation of the Global Motivational Speakers Association after one extremely pompous high-priced millionaire headliner, Tommy Thriller, ends up on the wrong side of a gun. In an unusual twist, someone followed self-help advice and decided much to private eye Milan Jacovich’s dismay. To solve the murder Detective Sergeant Tobe Blaine must solve the case quickly so that disgruntled attendees and suspects trapped at the hotel can finally depart. Toss in a mob boss, payola, and the fact that Blaine and Jacovich are friends with benefits and you find a plot that moves along to a satisfying conclusion.
August 11, 2016
This is Goodreads book.
It was a bit hard to get into at first because there are a lot of characters who have to be introduced.
The story line is interesting and will keep your interest until the end.
There is an afterword by co author Dan S. Kennedy that explains his involvement in the book. I wish I had read that first.
This is the first Milan Jacovich Mystery that I have read so perhaps if I had read any of the others previously written it would have taken less time to really get into the story.
I look forward to reading an earlier one that was written without a co author.
It was a bit hard to get into at first because there are a lot of characters who have to be introduced.
The story line is interesting and will keep your interest until the end.
There is an afterword by co author Dan S. Kennedy that explains his involvement in the book. I wish I had read that first.
This is the first Milan Jacovich Mystery that I have read so perhaps if I had read any of the others previously written it would have taken less time to really get into the story.
I look forward to reading an earlier one that was written without a co author.
August 22, 2016
Quick read. There was dry humor, which was appropriate and made me chuckle a few times. I enjoyed the characters and liked how they were similar to real life motivational speakers (part of the humor). I did feel like there was a lot of descriptive language but it helped me to picture everything clearly in my mind. I haven't read any of the other Milan Jacovich mysteries yet but wouldn't mind adding a few to my TBR pile. :)
August 27, 2016
A murder mystery with tension and humor. This is my first time reading a Milan Jacovich mystery but it won't be my last. This is a story of a murder at a motivational speakers convention. It is filled with unpleasant people so anyone of them could have been killed and it wouldn't break my heart. It is a fun read that will keep you guessing until the end.
January 29, 2017
This is a Goodrerads win review. This is a good book about a private eye who is hired as extra security for some high-profile speakers at a convention. The guest speakers turn out to be rather unpleasant and one of them turns out dead. So they need to find the killer. I really enjoyed this book.
July 11, 2016
I have enjoyed reading the Milan mysteries because his office was just around the block from my Cleveland apartment. This one has less local atmosphere and less story. Still enjoyed it, but only 3 stars - barely.
August 15, 2016
This is a series book that stands on its own. I enjoyed the plot and the characters in this well written book. Just enough detail about the characters and the location to keep it interesting without getting bogged down with too many details. I won this book on goodreads.
August 15, 2016
As usual, I read this in two sittings! (I do that with Les's books, as I can't usually put them down!) Intriguing look behind the scenes of a "self-help" convention. With a murder, of course, and plenty of suspects.
August 9, 2016
I enjoyed this mystery. Interesting characters, plot, and setting. I won it in a contest and it was a good read.
August 18, 2016
Enjoyable funny look
Nice book to take to the beach during the summer. Well written, good characters, and enough laughs to keep you engaged.
Nice book to take to the beach during the summer. Well written, good characters, and enough laughs to keep you engaged.
September 23, 2016
Great book! If you like reading mysteries that take place in Cleveland, you will definitely enjoy this book. The rest of Les Robert's books are pretty awesome, too.
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