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A BJ Vinson Mystery #1
The Zozobra Incident
2nd Edition
A BJ Vinson Mystery
B. J. Vinson is a former Marine and ex-Albuquerque PD detective turned confidential investigator. Against his better judgment, BJ agrees to find the gay gigolo who was responsible for his breakup with prominent Albuquerque lawyer Del Dahlman and recover some racy photographs from the handsome bastard. The assignment should be fast and simple.
But it quickly becomes clear the hustler isn’t the one making the anonymous demands, and things turn deadly with a high-profile murder at the burning of Zozobra on the first night of the Santa Fe Fiesta. BJ’s search takes him through virtually every stratum of Albuquerque and Santa Fe society, both straight and gay. Before it is over, BJ is uncertain whether Paul Barton, the young man quickly insinuating himself in BJ’s life, is friend or foe. But he knows he’s stepped into something much more serious than a modest blackmail scheme. With Paul and BJ next on the killer’s list, BJ must find a way to put a stop to the death threats once and for all.
First Edition published as The Zozobra Incident & The Bisti Business by Martin Brown Publishers, LLC, 2012.
A BJ Vinson Mystery
B. J. Vinson is a former Marine and ex-Albuquerque PD detective turned confidential investigator. Against his better judgment, BJ agrees to find the gay gigolo who was responsible for his breakup with prominent Albuquerque lawyer Del Dahlman and recover some racy photographs from the handsome bastard. The assignment should be fast and simple.
But it quickly becomes clear the hustler isn’t the one making the anonymous demands, and things turn deadly with a high-profile murder at the burning of Zozobra on the first night of the Santa Fe Fiesta. BJ’s search takes him through virtually every stratum of Albuquerque and Santa Fe society, both straight and gay. Before it is over, BJ is uncertain whether Paul Barton, the young man quickly insinuating himself in BJ’s life, is friend or foe. But he knows he’s stepped into something much more serious than a modest blackmail scheme. With Paul and BJ next on the killer’s list, BJ must find a way to put a stop to the death threats once and for all.
First Edition published as The Zozobra Incident & The Bisti Business by Martin Brown Publishers, LLC, 2012.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2011
7 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Don Travis
8 books11 followersDon Travis is a man totally captivated by his adopted state of New Mexico. Each of his mystery novels features some region of the state as prominently as it does his protagonist, a gay ex-Marine, ex-cop turned confidential investigator. Don never made it to the Marines (three years in the Army was all he managed) and certainly didn’t join the Albuquerque Police Department. He thought he was a paint artist for a while, but ditched that for writing a few years back. A loner, he fulfills his social needs by attending SouthwestWriters meetings and teaching a weekly writing class at an Albuquerque community center.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 5, 2018
A PG-rated mystery set in Albuquerque and Santa Fe and featuring a gay PI, this is the first in a series.
The setting is what drew me in and kept me reading: I live between those two cities and much of my enjoyment of this book came from seeing scenes set in familiar places, amidst familiar landscapes. Those of you who live in NYC, London, and other big cities routinely encounter fiction set in your world; for those of us living in rural New Mexico it's quite a novelty.
I didn't find the story or the writing remarkable in any way -- thus the 3 stars. Travis' prose is workmanlike. Dialogue can be a bit wooden and long-winded, since it's sometimes used in an info-dumpy way that doesn't follow the natural patterns of human speech. If the author improved the dialogue, it would definitely take the writing up a notch.
I have to admit, I've read so much m/m romance with explicit sex scenes that the fade-to-black encounters in this book kept taking me by surprise. But this isn't a romance novel, although there is a love interest subplot woven tightly into the main plot.
I've already bought the second book, The Bisti Business, and I'll be interested to see how the writing develops as the series progresses.
The setting is what drew me in and kept me reading: I live between those two cities and much of my enjoyment of this book came from seeing scenes set in familiar places, amidst familiar landscapes. Those of you who live in NYC, London, and other big cities routinely encounter fiction set in your world; for those of us living in rural New Mexico it's quite a novelty.
I didn't find the story or the writing remarkable in any way -- thus the 3 stars. Travis' prose is workmanlike. Dialogue can be a bit wooden and long-winded, since it's sometimes used in an info-dumpy way that doesn't follow the natural patterns of human speech. If the author improved the dialogue, it would definitely take the writing up a notch.
I have to admit, I've read so much m/m romance with explicit sex scenes that the fade-to-black encounters in this book kept taking me by surprise. But this isn't a romance novel, although there is a love interest subplot woven tightly into the main plot.
I've already bought the second book, The Bisti Business, and I'll be interested to see how the writing develops as the series progresses.
March 15, 2020
I've been reading a LOT of whodunits lately (for a challenge) and have discovered that as long as the characterization is solid and the mystery well-crafted...that I don't even mind fade-to-black sex scenes. In some cases, it even feels like a non-explicit romance is more appropriate!
June 27, 2017
I spotted the third book in this series on a GR friend's feed. My first thought was wondering where else is a "City of Rocks," but the cover image pretty much said "our" City of Rocks, so I clicked. How could I have missed a series about a gay P.I. in New Mexico, based in Albuquerque in fact? So I finished Book 1 in a day, and probably need more time to digest, but here are some first impressions. BTW, I already picked up Book 2.
First, Zozobra looks like a cousin of the Roswell aliens in this cover. I mean where are his ears? :) Truth be told, I haven't been to a burning since my own high school days, and let's just say that's a lot longer time passed than BJ's high school days to his revisit. ;) https://burnzozobra.com/all-about-zoz...
Next, I couldn't help comparing BJ Vinson to Dave Brandstetter. Basing my compare/contrast on the first book, BJ may not have quite so strong a moral compass as Dave, but it's early (reader) days here. One similarity I'll point out is the way BJ gives historical and personal background and astute descriptions of the state. For Brandstetter it was southern California; for BJ it's the whole state of New Mexico. Like Dave, BJ gives us a personal viewpoint via anecdotes and observations of his own past and the state's past, some of which I know from first-hand experience. There are other Brandstetter comparisons I could make, but I'll leave those to some of my fellow Hansen fans. The first and second books are set in the mid/late 2000's and it's interesting to be reminded of how much has changed even in a decade.
First, Zozobra looks like a cousin of the Roswell aliens in this cover. I mean where are his ears? :) Truth be told, I haven't been to a burning since my own high school days, and let's just say that's a lot longer time passed than BJ's high school days to his revisit. ;) https://burnzozobra.com/all-about-zoz...
Next, I couldn't help comparing BJ Vinson to Dave Brandstetter. Basing my compare/contrast on the first book, BJ may not have quite so strong a moral compass as Dave, but it's early (reader) days here. One similarity I'll point out is the way BJ gives historical and personal background and astute descriptions of the state. For Brandstetter it was southern California; for BJ it's the whole state of New Mexico. Like Dave, BJ gives us a personal viewpoint via anecdotes and observations of his own past and the state's past, some of which I know from first-hand experience. There are other Brandstetter comparisons I could make, but I'll leave those to some of my fellow Hansen fans. The first and second books are set in the mid/late 2000's and it's interesting to be reminded of how much has changed even in a decade.
November 15, 2016
I loved this book. I loved the setting and feel of being in Albuquerque. I loved our protagonist. I loved the pacing and suspense. This was a complete win for me.
About the setting: I imagine there are quite a few cultural differences between Albuquerque and the Pacific Northwest. However, even taking that into consideration, the story was hitting me more like a nineties historical than a contemporary PI novel, even though there were cell phones and a present-day car or two. Which didn’t bother me in the slightest, but I started to wonder if Albuquerque was sort of stuck in the past, with their western lingo and clothing styles. But I wouldn’t know for sure. That being said, I ate up the outdated fashion, cowboy discos, and silly old-timer expressions.
BJ is an intriguing man and an excellent protagonist. He’s an ex-detective, is rich, has interesting and often risky hobbies, sports a vicious old gunshot wound, hangs out at the local country club, and works as a confidential investigator. He’s not your typical playboy, but his love life is fairly dynamic. For one, his ex calls to have him investigate a blackmail scandal; two, the main suspect is a male prostitute, determined to get into BJ’s pants; and three, BJ falls for a college student during the investigation, who totally knocks his socks off in the bedroom. He claims to be a pretty boring guy, but for this story he certainly has a lot going on.
BJ’s thrust into danger when the blackmail investigation turns deadly. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering who was going to get popped off next. I loved this setup. There was something deliciously scandalous about BJ’s ex, Del, having BJ hunt down dirty photos of himself screwing another guy. And yet there was also something completely normal about it too. BJ treated the investigation just like any of his other cases, showcasing his amazing intuition and work ethic. I was incredibly impressed with the quality of his character.
There wasn’t a whole lot of talk about what BJ looked like, but with all those hot boys flocking to him, it’s a safe bet he was a sexy beast. A straight man made a comment BJ was very straight-acting, but until someone said so, I didn’t think much about how BJ presents himself. Another person was shocked BJ had a Stetson, which led me to believe BJ doesn’t dress as a typical New Mexican. But that was hard for me to gauge, perhaps because everyone in this story seemed as if they were either a cowboy or gang member. It did make me wonder if BJ was a bit of a snob, or at least seen as one.
BJ’s my new hero and definitely someone I’d want to meet in real life. I’ll be following his adventures closely.
5 stars—a glorious page-turner!
Reviewed by Ben for The Novel Approach Reviews
About the setting: I imagine there are quite a few cultural differences between Albuquerque and the Pacific Northwest. However, even taking that into consideration, the story was hitting me more like a nineties historical than a contemporary PI novel, even though there were cell phones and a present-day car or two. Which didn’t bother me in the slightest, but I started to wonder if Albuquerque was sort of stuck in the past, with their western lingo and clothing styles. But I wouldn’t know for sure. That being said, I ate up the outdated fashion, cowboy discos, and silly old-timer expressions.
BJ is an intriguing man and an excellent protagonist. He’s an ex-detective, is rich, has interesting and often risky hobbies, sports a vicious old gunshot wound, hangs out at the local country club, and works as a confidential investigator. He’s not your typical playboy, but his love life is fairly dynamic. For one, his ex calls to have him investigate a blackmail scandal; two, the main suspect is a male prostitute, determined to get into BJ’s pants; and three, BJ falls for a college student during the investigation, who totally knocks his socks off in the bedroom. He claims to be a pretty boring guy, but for this story he certainly has a lot going on.
BJ’s thrust into danger when the blackmail investigation turns deadly. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering who was going to get popped off next. I loved this setup. There was something deliciously scandalous about BJ’s ex, Del, having BJ hunt down dirty photos of himself screwing another guy. And yet there was also something completely normal about it too. BJ treated the investigation just like any of his other cases, showcasing his amazing intuition and work ethic. I was incredibly impressed with the quality of his character.
There wasn’t a whole lot of talk about what BJ looked like, but with all those hot boys flocking to him, it’s a safe bet he was a sexy beast. A straight man made a comment BJ was very straight-acting, but until someone said so, I didn’t think much about how BJ presents himself. Another person was shocked BJ had a Stetson, which led me to believe BJ doesn’t dress as a typical New Mexican. But that was hard for me to gauge, perhaps because everyone in this story seemed as if they were either a cowboy or gang member. It did make me wonder if BJ was a bit of a snob, or at least seen as one.
BJ’s my new hero and definitely someone I’d want to meet in real life. I’ll be following his adventures closely.
5 stars—a glorious page-turner!
Reviewed by Ben for The Novel Approach Reviews
August 11, 2018
A quirky confidential investigator (PI is too sleazy for him) named Burleigh J. Vinson – and yes, with a name like that I’d go by my initials too, no matter how strange they may sound – is at the center of this original, suspenseful, and highly unpredictable mystery/adventure. BJ is a former Marine and Albuquerque detective, and his cases are as unusual as his ex, a prominent and somewhat arrogant lawyer who brings BJ a case involving the man who broke up their relationship. But that is only the beginning of the strangeness that fills this book, and I loved every second of it. Run-of-the-mill murder mysteries are not my thing – but complicated stories like this with plots that twist and turn and characters who are so “alive” they seem to jump off the page – I’ll take one of those anytime!
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 10, 2017
** 4.5 Stars **
It was a great murder-mystery with numerous twists and turns. It captured my interest instantly and never let up. I LOVE the setting. Can't wait for the next installment!
September 19, 2019
This was an enjoyable mystery and I liked Travis' economical, concise writing style. It had a classic LA noir mystery feel even though this was set in 2006 New Mexico.
My main downside was that Travis really filled you in on the miles of investigating that BJ did to get through the case. I felt like I was an intern job shadowing. It felt realistic but was tedious and redundant at times and slowed the pace.
The developing romance subplot is nice. Normally I don't mind if intimacy is off- page but I did miss it here. I think because when BJ was with Paul, he was a happier, livelier character. So I wouldn't have minded more time, depth, or more overt sexy times to brighten the mood a little.
Still, a fun read.
My main downside was that Travis really filled you in on the miles of investigating that BJ did to get through the case. I felt like I was an intern job shadowing. It felt realistic but was tedious and redundant at times and slowed the pace.
The developing romance subplot is nice. Normally I don't mind if intimacy is off- page but I did miss it here. I think because when BJ was with Paul, he was a happier, livelier character. So I wouldn't have minded more time, depth, or more overt sexy times to brighten the mood a little.
Still, a fun read.
November 12, 2016
“The Zozobra Incident” is a very intriguing and fast paced mystery novel with loads of twists and turns. The main character in this book is the “Confidential Investigator” B.J Vince who finds himself in the middle of a far bigger and dangerous investigation than he has bargained for. There are car chases, murders, shooting and ruthless gangs mixed with a tentative romance to create a quite a fantastic mystery experience.
B.J Vinson takes up a case of retrieving some sensitive pictures of his ex-boyfriend, Del Dahlman. His search leads him to the hustler who was the main reason behind his breakup with Del. As time goes and Vinson chases down the person responsible for stealing the negatives from Emilio, the hustler, attempts are made on his life as well as Del. When bodies start to drop, Vinson finds himself in a deadly race to catch the bad guys before more people are killed. During all this mayhem, Vinson meets and falls for a young journalism student, Paul Burton. But as much as he likes Paul, there are things about him which makes him a likely suspect in the case he is working. B.J is determined to prove that Paul is not who they are thinking he is but will he be able to solve the case on time to save his life as well as his love??? Read to find out!!
The investigation process in this story is very nice and engaging. I loved Vinson. He was brash, efficient and a charmer when he wanted to be. His experiences as a military cop and then as a police officer gave him a unique talent to ferret out the ugly truth. His methods were effective and I had to hand it to him for always being so cool and in control of situations. I felt really bad when he had to reluctantly suspect Paul but the entire thing was part of the “mystery” so it could not be helped. Ultimately he does uncover the mystery and fix his personal life as well so there is a very satisfying ending waiting for the reader at the end.
The setting of the book is in the city of Albuquerque and its neighboring counties. The author describes the entire city dynamic very vividly and through B.J’s love for history, we learn a lot about the history of the culturally rich state of New Mexico. The entire event of “Zozobra” is described very nicely and I think it will inspire many a readers to experience the “Santa Fe Fiesta” for themselves.
The romance between Paul and Vinson is just a part of the plot which is not given much exposure. There are many times when they get physically intimate but all are off page. Paul’s character is used to heighten the entire mystery of the story. This book is not a romance so if you are looking for one, do not opt for this read.
This read has an intriguing and fast placed plot which will keep you hooked throughout. There are many likable secondary characters who plays significant roles in the story. Combine that with the setting, beautifully detailed writing and a solid mystery makes this novel a must read for any mystery lover.
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
B.J Vinson takes up a case of retrieving some sensitive pictures of his ex-boyfriend, Del Dahlman. His search leads him to the hustler who was the main reason behind his breakup with Del. As time goes and Vinson chases down the person responsible for stealing the negatives from Emilio, the hustler, attempts are made on his life as well as Del. When bodies start to drop, Vinson finds himself in a deadly race to catch the bad guys before more people are killed. During all this mayhem, Vinson meets and falls for a young journalism student, Paul Burton. But as much as he likes Paul, there are things about him which makes him a likely suspect in the case he is working. B.J is determined to prove that Paul is not who they are thinking he is but will he be able to solve the case on time to save his life as well as his love??? Read to find out!!
The investigation process in this story is very nice and engaging. I loved Vinson. He was brash, efficient and a charmer when he wanted to be. His experiences as a military cop and then as a police officer gave him a unique talent to ferret out the ugly truth. His methods were effective and I had to hand it to him for always being so cool and in control of situations. I felt really bad when he had to reluctantly suspect Paul but the entire thing was part of the “mystery” so it could not be helped. Ultimately he does uncover the mystery and fix his personal life as well so there is a very satisfying ending waiting for the reader at the end.
The setting of the book is in the city of Albuquerque and its neighboring counties. The author describes the entire city dynamic very vividly and through B.J’s love for history, we learn a lot about the history of the culturally rich state of New Mexico. The entire event of “Zozobra” is described very nicely and I think it will inspire many a readers to experience the “Santa Fe Fiesta” for themselves.
The romance between Paul and Vinson is just a part of the plot which is not given much exposure. There are many times when they get physically intimate but all are off page. Paul’s character is used to heighten the entire mystery of the story. This book is not a romance so if you are looking for one, do not opt for this read.
This read has an intriguing and fast placed plot which will keep you hooked throughout. There are many likable secondary characters who plays significant roles in the story. Combine that with the setting, beautifully detailed writing and a solid mystery makes this novel a must read for any mystery lover.
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
April 5, 2012
It's fun to find a story set in your own home state and being able to identify the places private investigator B.J. "Vince" Vinson visits is cool. The story is well written, the mystery interesting enough to keep one's attention and the characters are all well rounded. I look forward to his next adventure (which seems to involve the Deming Duck Races).
August 31, 2018
That was pretty good.
The middle lagged a bit, BJ seemed to wander for weeks accomplishing nothing. But the last 1/4 zipped along and was full of suspense.
I’d call this suspense with romantic elements.
The middle lagged a bit, BJ seemed to wander for weeks accomplishing nothing. But the last 1/4 zipped along and was full of suspense.
I’d call this suspense with romantic elements.
August 28, 2018
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**
The BJ Vinson Mystery series by Don Travis could probably be read as a standalone, though I would never recommend anyone do that with any series. This series follows the cases of Confidential Investigator BJ Vinson. There are characters that are introduced in the first book that are part of each of these books. There are some references to cases or actions in previous books, which is why I think for full enjoyment you should read this series in the appropriate order.
For the most part, this series takes place in New Mexico and as I’ve never traveled to this area, and know very little about it, I found the location fascinating. The author does a fantastic job throughout the series of bringing the area, food, people, and scenery to life. I don’t know anything about the area so I can’t confirm if it’s authentic but it certainly feels that way.
The first book in the series is The Zozobra Incident, and as weird as the name was to me, it absolutely makes sense when you read the book. If you’re from the area or familiar with it, you probably have an idea. I did not, and this was just further fascination about learning of the area.
BJ is quite the character and I struggled to like him at first. He could be abrasive, cocky and was more than willing to use physical aggression to force answers out of someone. BJ had served in the marines, he was a police officer until he was injured in the line of duty and then he moved on to his current work. He wasn’t a private eye, because that was too low class and dirty for him. He was wealthy and at the rate he attracted attention, good looking. In this first case, we’re following along with he’s been hired by his ex who was a prominent, out attorney. Del is being threatened by naked photos of himself and asks BJ to find the culprit and stop it. I thought both Del and BJ were jerks and seemed to deserve each other, but they were not to be. Though there is the drama of BJ’s personal life, the focus of this story is really on his work and solving the mystery of the threats against Del, and the events that unfold during his search.
The setting of this book is in the early 2000’s and it really had more of an old time feel, like those old private eye books in the 70’s or 80’s. That added to my struggle with this first book a little, along with my dislike of BJ. It also really makes you realize how advanced technology has become in less than 20 years.
I sometimes struggle with first books in the series just because there’s so much information purge. The first book introduces the characters, behaviors, settings, and tone for future books. It’s a lot to take in, plus add all the information that BJ’s learning in his quest to solve Del’s problem. By the end of this book, BJ’s personal life has settled down with the new man in his life. This is definitely a mystery, detective series and not a romance. There are some elements with BJ’s personal life, especially in this first book, but it’s really just a small part. Having read all the books in the series, I can definitely recommend if you enjoy mysteries and detective books, that you read this series now!
Rating: 4 stars
The BJ Vinson Mystery series by Don Travis could probably be read as a standalone, though I would never recommend anyone do that with any series. This series follows the cases of Confidential Investigator BJ Vinson. There are characters that are introduced in the first book that are part of each of these books. There are some references to cases or actions in previous books, which is why I think for full enjoyment you should read this series in the appropriate order.
For the most part, this series takes place in New Mexico and as I’ve never traveled to this area, and know very little about it, I found the location fascinating. The author does a fantastic job throughout the series of bringing the area, food, people, and scenery to life. I don’t know anything about the area so I can’t confirm if it’s authentic but it certainly feels that way.
The first book in the series is The Zozobra Incident, and as weird as the name was to me, it absolutely makes sense when you read the book. If you’re from the area or familiar with it, you probably have an idea. I did not, and this was just further fascination about learning of the area.
BJ is quite the character and I struggled to like him at first. He could be abrasive, cocky and was more than willing to use physical aggression to force answers out of someone. BJ had served in the marines, he was a police officer until he was injured in the line of duty and then he moved on to his current work. He wasn’t a private eye, because that was too low class and dirty for him. He was wealthy and at the rate he attracted attention, good looking. In this first case, we’re following along with he’s been hired by his ex who was a prominent, out attorney. Del is being threatened by naked photos of himself and asks BJ to find the culprit and stop it. I thought both Del and BJ were jerks and seemed to deserve each other, but they were not to be. Though there is the drama of BJ’s personal life, the focus of this story is really on his work and solving the mystery of the threats against Del, and the events that unfold during his search.
The setting of this book is in the early 2000’s and it really had more of an old time feel, like those old private eye books in the 70’s or 80’s. That added to my struggle with this first book a little, along with my dislike of BJ. It also really makes you realize how advanced technology has become in less than 20 years.
I sometimes struggle with first books in the series just because there’s so much information purge. The first book introduces the characters, behaviors, settings, and tone for future books. It’s a lot to take in, plus add all the information that BJ’s learning in his quest to solve Del’s problem. By the end of this book, BJ’s personal life has settled down with the new man in his life. This is definitely a mystery, detective series and not a romance. There are some elements with BJ’s personal life, especially in this first book, but it’s really just a small part. Having read all the books in the series, I can definitely recommend if you enjoy mysteries and detective books, that you read this series now!
Rating: 4 stars
February 15, 2021
A very intriguing mystery read with romance on the side. 6 books in the series (with more to come?) and each one lays out a very entertaining and enthralling mystery with interesting secondary characters and lots of detail about the New Mexico landscape that make me really want to visit and see the sights. Everything centers around the main character, BJ, and his PI business. Second to the mystery is BJ's romance with Paul which starts in this book and continues in the next 4.
April 4, 2025
I did really enjoy this. I think it might be a while before I can read book 2.
This was PG ish. It's fade to black. But there was a mention of someone wanting to have a menage with in the past. So that's not quite PG. But everything is fade to black on page.
This didn't bother me. I liked the mystery and the characters.
Pretty sucky of his ex to walk out on him during recovery from injury. But BJ still hleped him when he asked.
This was PG ish. It's fade to black. But there was a mention of someone wanting to have a menage with in the past. So that's not quite PG. But everything is fade to black on page.
This didn't bother me. I liked the mystery and the characters.
Pretty sucky of his ex to walk out on him during recovery from injury. But BJ still hleped him when he asked.
August 3, 2018
Not only is this an amazing mystery but I am really excited about the connection between Paul and Vince. Also like the vivid description of the Albuquerque settings and historical information. I've had this series on the TBR list and just upset I waited so long to read it. So glad that I have the next novel! Well done!
July 13, 2017
A solid 5 star through to about 80% ...but the end slightly tailed off a bit for me. Still want to read the next books in the series though :)
July 22, 2023
The mystery was enough to keep me reading but I didn’t feel the chemistry at all with the romance. It seemed very sudden love and didn’t seem to fit the story.
November 12, 2016
Wow, talk about a book with so many twist and turns that it is hard to decide what is up and what is down. That is the best way to describe this book in my opinion.
B.J. Vinson is now what is considered a Confidential Investigator which is the same as a private investigator but with much pretty words. After serving in the military and then serving on the police force this is the life that Vinson chose after being shot on the job as a police officer.
Vinson is doing pretty good for himself in his new business and the last person he expects to walk in the doors of his company is his ex Del. After Del left him shortly after being injured in the line of duty, Del could not handle helping Vinson get back to the way he was before he was shot and Del decided to do the next best thing and bring someone new into their relationship. Needless to say that did not go over well and caused them to end their relationship. So when Del comes in and needs Vinson to help track down the individual that was part of the cause of them splitting and going their separate ways, Vinson is curious as to what the reasoning is behind Del needing his help. When Del tells him that his now ex has raunchy pictures of the two of them together and is trying to blackmail Del, Vinson thinks it is somewhat of poetic justice. But nonetheless agrees to help Del.
Little does anyone realize that there is way more going on then meets the eye and before long the investigation turns dangerous with bodies turning up and attempts on not just Del but Vinson also. The more Vinson digs the more the danger comes knocking on his door and the more determined Vinson becomes not to back down.
Vinson also has suspicions that the man, Paul that he has started falling for may be part of the blackmail and the attempts on his and others lives. The more things happen the more he starts to question Paul's loyalty, especially since when Paul is around and information starts to come in, the informant ends up dead.
So this whole investigation just became even more personal and Vinson is determined to figure out who the bad guys are and what the reasoning behind everything is. He is determined to bring the blackmailing murder or murders to justice no matter who is involved.
This was such a good read. There was so many twist and turns that it took till the very end to realize exactly who the bad guys where and the reasoning behind everything they was doing. I was truly starting to question more then one of the people in Vinson's life and I wondered if they was working against him. This mystery was definitely one that left me wondering how things would turn out in the end. I was seriously questioning if Vinson would survive it all or if he would become a casualty in the end. This was definitely a very interesting read and I can't wait till the next book to come out in this series.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
B.J. Vinson is now what is considered a Confidential Investigator which is the same as a private investigator but with much pretty words. After serving in the military and then serving on the police force this is the life that Vinson chose after being shot on the job as a police officer.
Vinson is doing pretty good for himself in his new business and the last person he expects to walk in the doors of his company is his ex Del. After Del left him shortly after being injured in the line of duty, Del could not handle helping Vinson get back to the way he was before he was shot and Del decided to do the next best thing and bring someone new into their relationship. Needless to say that did not go over well and caused them to end their relationship. So when Del comes in and needs Vinson to help track down the individual that was part of the cause of them splitting and going their separate ways, Vinson is curious as to what the reasoning is behind Del needing his help. When Del tells him that his now ex has raunchy pictures of the two of them together and is trying to blackmail Del, Vinson thinks it is somewhat of poetic justice. But nonetheless agrees to help Del.
Little does anyone realize that there is way more going on then meets the eye and before long the investigation turns dangerous with bodies turning up and attempts on not just Del but Vinson also. The more Vinson digs the more the danger comes knocking on his door and the more determined Vinson becomes not to back down.
Vinson also has suspicions that the man, Paul that he has started falling for may be part of the blackmail and the attempts on his and others lives. The more things happen the more he starts to question Paul's loyalty, especially since when Paul is around and information starts to come in, the informant ends up dead.
So this whole investigation just became even more personal and Vinson is determined to figure out who the bad guys are and what the reasoning behind everything is. He is determined to bring the blackmailing murder or murders to justice no matter who is involved.
This was such a good read. There was so many twist and turns that it took till the very end to realize exactly who the bad guys where and the reasoning behind everything they was doing. I was truly starting to question more then one of the people in Vinson's life and I wondered if they was working against him. This mystery was definitely one that left me wondering how things would turn out in the end. I was seriously questioning if Vinson would survive it all or if he would become a casualty in the end. This was definitely a very interesting read and I can't wait till the next book to come out in this series.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
May 18, 2020
An interesting investigation for BJ Vinson - what starts off as a simple commission from his ex soon escalates. There are plenty of avenues developing as the story goes on.
BJ and the other characters develop well, though like most PI's BJ does like to stir up a hornet's net.
His relationship with Paul starts quietly but stutters as doubts are placed in BJ's mind that are not cleared up until the end. And a most unusual transport method to a show down!!
I also enjoyed the references to New Mexico history and culture.
I do enjoy a good mystery and this delivered.
BJ and the other characters develop well, though like most PI's BJ does like to stir up a hornet's net.
His relationship with Paul starts quietly but stutters as doubts are placed in BJ's mind that are not cleared up until the end. And a most unusual transport method to a show down!!
I also enjoyed the references to New Mexico history and culture.
I do enjoy a good mystery and this delivered.
December 2, 2016
90% of this book was good enough for me, what with the MC focusing on the investigation, but the last 10% kind of ruined it for me. I think involving the boyfriend for the climax was a weak plot when said boyfriend just popped for a bit here and there and the romance was almost nonexistent. Other things that also raised my eyebrows were how connected the MC was and how helpful and cooperative and tolerant/accepting the bunch of side characters were.
February 10, 2012
4.5 stars. Captures you from the beginning with intrigue. Sex is all "fade to black". Multiple gay characters with a new love interest as well as an ex. Complex plot, some violence. Fun read.
August 26, 2017
You can read my review of “The Zozobra Incident” at my web site.
could-not-finish
September 5, 201835% in and the only thing that comes to mind is that they're all grasping at straws - the author, the protagonist, the plot.
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