Small Town Focus

Reed Ferguson Mystery #14

by Renee Pawlish

“I think my father might have killed my mother.”With this one sentence, Gina Smith immediately draws me into a case.

Questioning her past and yearning to find the mother she’s never met, Gina hires me to find answers. With the help of my wife Willie, my best friend Cal, and the always amusing Goofball Brothers, my search for Gina’s mother leads me to a rural Colorado town and a puzzling mystery that involves a decades-old kidnapping and an unsolved murder. To complicate matters, the powerful mayor and a charming pastor stand in my way.

I’m the stranger in this small town, and if I’m not careful, the murderer’s focus could turn to me.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2016

About the author

From the time she was ten and tried to write her own detective series in the fashion of the Hardy Boys, Renée Pawlish has been developing her craft. Along with creative writing classes, Renée studied great writers like Dashiell Hammett, Rex Stout, Stephen King, Sue Grafton and many more. Once Renée graduated from college, she began her first novel. Now, all these years later, she has penned numerous books in a variety of genres.

Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.

Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.

The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off

The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released

The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest

Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.

The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.

To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....

on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/

on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish

Reviews

[Tulay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series.

As expected from Renee Pawlish, another excellent book. Reed, his wife Willie, Cal and goofball brothers like visiting old friends and finding out what they are up to. Hopefully one day we'll be eating and drinking with them at the B52. Reed is trying to find the birth mother, this surge takes him to small town. Over bearing father and mayor, sheriff and some people have many secrets. Must read series, you'll enjoy every one of them.

[Moore7005 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but not my favorite.

I enjoy the Teed Ferguson stories and found this on entertaining. It was an easy read but was a little confusing.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hearing the news that a skeleton of a female has been discovered Gina Smith is convinced that her father John killed her mother. It seems he has just too many secrets. She employs Reed too find out the truth.
An enjoyable modern mystery

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably my least favorite in the series so far

I've been reading the Reed Ferguson detective novel series for over a year and this is probably my least favorite installment so far.

One of the reasons I like the series so much is because of the use of Denver locations and the supporting characters, like the Goofball Brothers and Cal, his techie buddy.

Because most of the plot takes place in a small town far from Denver that element was largely missing, as were the sidekicks, with the exception of Willie, who seemed a little out of place in the story.

In general, I like this series and have read the first fourteen in order, so I gave this one four stars based on that, but I hope future installments return to the elements of the series that made me like it so much.

[Jeff Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed is hired to find out what happened to a woman's mother, who she has never met and who her dad refuses to talk about. Recent behavior by her dad leaves her to suspect her mom might be dead. Reed's investigation leads him to a small town north of Denver where the mayor owns the town and the sheriff is his son-in-law. Can Reed unravel a 30 year mystery? Of course he can, he's Reed Ferguson!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid story with well-written characters. This is a more emotional volume dealing with learning parent's secrets after they have passed. Great series that any detective story reader will love.

[Scott Kalas · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay

Since it mentioned in the synopsis of a crime 30 years ago I was hoping for another story like ‘Back Story’ but it wasn’t so perhaps my unmet expectations diminished ‘Small Town Focus’ but still this one missed the good mark.

[Penelope Clausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story!, as always. How do writers think up these plots? Held my interest all of the day!!
Thanks again.....P

[Russ Leavitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice light mystery.

[Sharon Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

sac

This one was one of the best so far. I couldn’t figure it out, which made it suspenseful. End it kept me guessing till the very end.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book!

[Melissa Dinwiddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed Ferguson strikes again!

*SPOILER ALERT!*
I can always count on Renee Pawlish to deliver when Reed Ferguson is on the case. Although I was a little shocked that he trusted someone I suspected from the start, I still enjoyed this latest book in the series. I'm delighted that Reed is still at it after marrying the girl who first caught his eye several books ago, AND I'm delighted that she gets in on the action, too.

A mystery, some suspense, some danger, and all my favorite characters add up to a great read. I look forward to the next one!

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited or else was on a freebie day, yes another one of my going to go thru them all/again. Some after rereading didn't hold up so have dropped score here and there from previous. This is at least the 3rd or so that have had to read then reread because doesn't make sense, such as if inside starbucks when you meet someone how are you pulling her away then walking into/through the starbucks door just minutes later when already are in starbucks, and since in mall does that mean there is a door that lets outside or it's inside totally somewhere or what meet mall with different starbucks which made to sound as if no outside entry but big window to inside but wait outside until person shows then both go in and wait supposedly far enough back until other person shows up, stupidist 'pi' ever, more and more of these in this series aren't making sense/continuity etc issues and such stupidity as really small town & already been hassled or lied to or messed with so go to main lead's house in that town then park directly in front and stay and chat a while, DUH UH.

“I think my father might have killed my mother.” With this one sentence, Gina Smith immediately draws Denver private investigator Reed Ferguson into a case. Questioning her past and yearning to find the mother she’s never met, Gina hires Reed to find answers. With the help of his wife, Willie, his best friend Cal, and the always amusing Goofball Brothers, Reed’s search for Gina’s mother leads him to a rural Colorado town and a puzzling mystery that involves a decades-old kidnapping, a powerful small-town mayor, a seductively charming pastor, and an unsolved murder. And if Reed isn’t careful, the murderer’s focus could turn to him.


The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies 1 - Reel Estate Rip-off 2 - The Maltese Felon 3 - Farewell, My Deuce - Elvis and the Sports Card Cheat 3.5 {SS} - 4 Out of the Past 5 - Torch Scene 6 - The Lady Who Sang High 7 - Sweet Smell of Sucrets 8 - The Third Fan 9 - Back Story 10 - Night of the Hunted 11 - The Postman Always Brings Dice 12 - Walk Softly, Danger 12.5 {N} - Road Blocked 13 - A Gun For Hire 13.5 {SS} - Small Town Focus 14 - Ace In the Hole 14.5 {N} - Nightmare Sally 15 - Cool Alibi 15.5 {SS} - The Damned Don't Die 16 - The Big Steal 16.5 {SS} - The Wrong Woman 16.6 {SS} - Double Iniquity 17

The Reed Ferguson Series: Box Set 1-3 {Elvis and the Sports Card Cheat in 1 version set & is 3.5}
The Reed Ferguson Series: Books 4-6 The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series Boxset

NOVELLA: Walk Softly, Danger {12.5}
NOVELLA: Ace in the Hole {14.5}

• short story: Elvis And The Sports Card Cheat {3.5}
• short story: A Gun For Hire {13.5}
• short story: Cool Alibi {15.5}
• short story: The Big Steal {16.5}
• short story: The Wrong Woman {16.6}
Reed Ferguson Stories: Five Mystery Short Tales (The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series)

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renee and Reed do it again! One of the best ever!

Reed Ferguson is back with a case that seems like it should be straightforward. Find a birth mother. However never have so many roadblocks been thrown in Reed's path! It seems like nobody will talk to him, nothing can be found on the internet, and everyone looks at him oddly. How will he ever find out anything?

Well, author Renee Pawlish has carefully crafted one of the best Reed Ferguson mysteries ever, and when she brings it to the final conclusion, you will be stunned. Willie gets to help Reed in this book, and I especially enjoyed learning what book she was reading while she laid by the pool! The goofballs have a minor part-but as always, they bring levity to the seriousness of PI business. This is a good mystery that is eventually solved by Reed after many hours of hard work. I recommend the book highly for all mystery lovers. If you haven't read any of the series, the book can stand alone-needed details are filled in. However, do yourself a favor and start the series at the beginning and work your way through each delightful book.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 14..

I know I say this every time, but this is my new favorite. A great mystery u til the end.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed Ferguson is a private investigator in Denver Colo. His wife, Willie, is a nurse. Gina Smith is a co worker of Willie. She thinks her father killed her mother. While talking with Gina at a coffee shop, Gina's father comes in....a rare thing for him to do. Gina's father can't believe what she is telling Reed, and Reed doesn't believe what Gina's father is saying to her. Reed and Willie go to Sagebrush to see if they can find Gina's mother or a relative of hers. No one wants to talk. They find things are rather strange in this small town. Mayor Holder runs the town. Pastor Sheehan is also another person that people are afraid of. Gina's mother is the daughter of Mayor Holder. John Smith, Gina's father is very evasive about his past. Things are not adding up. Reed now needs to find out just what is really going on in this town of Sagebrush. Then a person by the name of Jay Overstorm is found dead in Sagebrush. What are these people hiding? What does it have to do with Gina and her parents? Read the story to find out. Remember, in a small town, everyone knows everybodies' business

[Donna Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Small Town Focus," by Renee Pawlish, is another stellar entry in the wonderful Reed Ferguson series. If you haven't read these books yet, you need to do so right away, as you are definitely missing out on a treat. Renee has blended many genres together quite well in this series. Within each book, you'll find a mystery of course, but there is also light humor and romance. Although the books are set in modern day, Ms. Pawlish captures the feel of a detective noir from the 30s and 40s, and sometimes things can get quite dark for Reed and Co. In some instances, her books can also feel like a cozy. If you like intriguing mysteries with original plots, likable characters that you want to spend more time with, and crisp, witty dialogue, you need to read this book, as well as all the rest in the series, as soon as possible.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Here it is! Pawlish absolutely crushes this one, hitting it out of the park! Reed Ferguson is back with another mystery to solve, this one begins when a nurse that Reed's wife Willie works with comes to him and announces "I think my father may have killed my mother." And they're off! All the usual characters are back and Pawlish (as usual) does a great job reacquainting you with each of them in such a fashion so new readers can come up to speed with each of them. With every Reed Ferguson book she writes Pawlish gets better, in fact the other stories she's writing actually improve Reed as well. No spoilers here though, buy the books, read the books, get into a very good author, I have!

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renee has again succeeded in providing us with an enjoyably readable Reed Ferguson mystery. She's captured the slower pace of a small town, yet also the creepiness of the sure knowledge that something not right is going on behind the facade. Even though the whole gang is here, this book focuses more on Reed alone, or Reed and Willie rather than the whole ensemble. Ms Pawlish again provides us with believable characters, a good plot with enough twists that it doesn't end up where you expect it to be going, pacing that keeps you involved with the story, and a delightful dose of Colorado locale. All without the need for on screen violence or strong language. Quite a feat, but one Renee Pawlish keeps demonstrating she is up to.

[Estella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!!!

This is my second Reed Ferguson Mystery. I'm ready for the next one. The characters are so real, it seems like you're there with them, I was in the barn when the whole truth was told about Marcia and the Holder family, and found out who did the killing and drug smuggling. I was in the dinner, walking through Toby's house when Reed just wandered in. This is a great book. Just like the first one. Don't miss it.

[Cathy Board · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific new author!

With her usual excellent style, Ms Pawlish has another great "Reed" to her credit! The Reed Ferguson series is well written, descriptive and a real who done it that keeps your hooked all the way to the end. If you read just one new author in 2017, make it Renee Pawlish!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of Renee Pawlish's books that I've read so far and this one didn't disappoint. Her books grab you from the first chapter and you won't want to put it down. I recommend adding this book, and the others in the series, to your reading list.

[Debbie Mcnally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed finds a easy to solve case more challenging then he expected.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read

Renee just keep them coming-- cute, clean mysteries that as you follow them along they begin to feel like family.

[A Michael Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely done and enjoyable to read.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this series

This was one of the better mystery plots in the series. A little less humor than some of the others but I still enjoyed it.

[Митьо Триона · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clean story with a believable background affair and a thrilling development. A quick read, but definitely a worthy one. I do recommend reading it.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited or else was on a freebie day, yes another one of my going to go thru them all. Between that comment and the rating, might get hint. {owned 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, must have missed some on the freebie giveaway days, bummer} This is going to be the beginning of a beautiful relationship lol {wrong movie but one of the actors is right, just luv Bogie and Bacall}

(The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies 1 - Reel Estate Rip-off 2 - The Maltese Felon 3 - Farewell, My Deuce 4 - Out of the Past 5 - Torch Scene 6 - The Lady Who Sang High 7 - Sweet Smell of Sucrets 8 - The Third Fan 9 - Back Story 10 - Night of the Hunted 11 - The Postman Always Brings Dice 12 - Road Blocked 13 - Small Town Focus 14 - Nightmare Sally 15
The Reed Ferguson Series: Box Set 1-3 The Reed Ferguson Series: Books 4-6 The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series Boxset (2 Book Series)
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series (14 Book Series) {Short Stories} Elvis And The Sports Card Cheat - A Gun for Hire - Ace in the Hole