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Sam Cable #1
April's Fool
When Sam Cable, Texas Ranger, is assigned to protect a volatile and controversial candidate for US Senate, April Marie Fortney, his life is turned into a daily dose of hell on toast.
How could it get worse?
He finds out when he wakes up next to her dead body. With no memory of how he got there.
The spotlight focuses on Cable as he races against an impending indictment, highlighting him as the newest poster boy for an intense and divisive national debate on racial relations. Cable digs through a web of conflicting motives, politically-driven ambition, and the past of the murdered woman, desperately seeking the truth before time runs out.
His only ally? A feisty FBI Agent named Rita Goldman, whose sense of justice is as profound as her lack of field experience. Can a rookie FBI Agent help prove his innocence? Or will she be the one to bury him?
How could it get worse?
He finds out when he wakes up next to her dead body. With no memory of how he got there.
The spotlight focuses on Cable as he races against an impending indictment, highlighting him as the newest poster boy for an intense and divisive national debate on racial relations. Cable digs through a web of conflicting motives, politically-driven ambition, and the past of the murdered woman, desperately seeking the truth before time runs out.
His only ally? A feisty FBI Agent named Rita Goldman, whose sense of justice is as profound as her lack of field experience. Can a rookie FBI Agent help prove his innocence? Or will she be the one to bury him?
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2016
About the author
Scott Bell
21 books118 followersScott Bell writes because that way he can daydream and claim it on his taxes. A Certified Fraud Examiner and professional Suburban Man, Scott has a wife, two grown kids, and at least one cat sleeping on his keyboard. (The cat, not the wife and kids. They have their own keyboards to sleep on.)
When he's not writing, Scott fights a relentless battle against weeds, slow drivers, and ever-shrinking pants.
When he's not writing, Scott fights a relentless battle against weeds, slow drivers, and ever-shrinking pants.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 12, 2019
Texas Ranger Sam Cable has been assigned to protect a candidate for the US Senate. They don't get along well .... they have different political beliefs .... and with her being black and his being white, there's usually a racial overtone to their conversations.
To his surprise and mortification he wakes up naked, fuzzy headed and staring into the dead eyes of the woman he was charged with protecting. He has no memory of how he got there..when he got there...
While local law enforcement focus their sights on Cable and the media is going crazy with reports of race relations exploding.
His only allies are his boss and FBI Agent Rita Goldman, a rookie in the field. She doesn't like him much, either, and Sam's afraid that she will do more harm than good and he'll find himself wearing orange in prison.
He knows they have to solve this murder immediately if not sooner ... before they come to arrest him. There are plenty of suspects, and some surprises regarding the Senator's background. While Sam works one end of the list of possible suspects, Rita starts at the other end.
It's when they meet in the middle that things turn deadly for both of them.
I love the characters of Sam and Rita. Sam is the stereotypical cowboy.. from his Stetson to his boots. He's got a temper, but also a terrific sense of humor. Rita, being a rookie, comes across as a bit arrogant, but that's mainly because she doesn't want anyone to see how vulnerable she really is. The one thing they do have in common is their sense of justice.
There's a lot of action from beginning to end and twists and turns that keep you riveted to each page. This is a stand alone but I would love to see/read a series with these characters.
Many thanks to the author / Red Adept Publishers for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 17, 2019
What a funny, rollicking crime thriller! This is the first in a series by Scott Bell, and I listened to the audio format of the book. Be warned though, it is liberally sprinkled with F-bombs and other swearing. If you're put off by that you may want to avoid this book.
The story opens with our main character, Sam Cable - Texas Ranger -- coming out of a drug induced blackout laying naked next to the dead body of the a female Senatorial candidate that he was meant to be guarding. The scene, even though it involved a dead body, was with written with a lot of tongue in cheek humor. From there the story line rockets off. The sly (and not so sly) humor continues throughout the book.
This is jam packed with action, and moves at a quick pace. I loved the interactions with Sam and his older brother, Matt.
The narration was outstanding. The only thing that bugged me a little was that the female lead came from the New York City area. Her accent for the most part seemed more Irish than New Yorker -- her voice was the one I liked the least. But for the plethora of characters presented in the book, overall the narration was great.
Thanks to the narrator, J Scott Bennett for the free Audible credit in exchange for an honest review of this audio book.
The story opens with our main character, Sam Cable - Texas Ranger -- coming out of a drug induced blackout laying naked next to the dead body of the a female Senatorial candidate that he was meant to be guarding. The scene, even though it involved a dead body, was with written with a lot of tongue in cheek humor. From there the story line rockets off. The sly (and not so sly) humor continues throughout the book.
This is jam packed with action, and moves at a quick pace. I loved the interactions with Sam and his older brother, Matt.
The narration was outstanding. The only thing that bugged me a little was that the female lead came from the New York City area. Her accent for the most part seemed more Irish than New Yorker -- her voice was the one I liked the least. But for the plethora of characters presented in the book, overall the narration was great.
Thanks to the narrator, J Scott Bennett for the free Audible credit in exchange for an honest review of this audio book.
May 19, 2017
I won this in a giveaway and really appreciate it. A fast moving "who done it" that keeps your attention with a complex plot and realistic characters. Texas Ranger Sam Cable is caught up in the murder investigation of a female politician he has been assigned to protect. With the help of FBI agent Rita Goldman, he fights to clear himself and must navigate the web of lies and deceit that has framed him. An excellent mystery with great writing and I highly recommend this.
July 14, 2019
This is a great murder, mystery story that keeps you wondering who the killer is right up to the end. Texas Ranger, Sam Cable, is framed for the murder of a political candidate in this fast action who-done-it. Help comes from an unlikely source, and together they race to find the true culprit before Sam is arrested. Sam is the stereotypical cowboy, all “western” and hunky good looks, but he is smart, honest and has both a temper and a great sense of humour. You can not help but like him. J. Scott Bennett, the narrator of the audiobook, does a great job of the voices and definitely makes you feel the cowboyness of Sam. This story has lots of action, intrigue, twists and realistic characters that keep you entertained the whole way through.
February 21, 2017
Texas Ranger killed the political candidate/judge he was protecting so it seems. Excellent plot. Just the right amount of humor thrown in. Characters are well developed. Fans of Jack Reacher will love this book. Texas Ranger Sam Cable is the main character. A man in control of things wakes up in the wrong place with no idea how he got there. Coverup? Hate crime? All is not black and white thanks to a tenacious FBI agent. Page turner.
July 13, 2020
I really enjoyed April's Fool. Didn't feel like a fool for reading it.
Crisply written, fun, different characters, well drawn, great plot, who can ask for anything more?
Crisply written, fun, different characters, well drawn, great plot, who can ask for anything more?
November 22, 2019
4.5
Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.
Texas Ranger Sam Cable has been assigned to bodyguard April Marie Fortney, a US Senate candidate while she campaigns. No one is more surprised than Sam when he wakes up next to her dead body. And they’re both naked. What?! Someone is going to a lot of trouble to make it look like he killed Fortney, but Sam knows in his gut (since he can’t remember what happened) that he did not. So, instead of sitting around while others look no further than his own yummy self (my words), he starts poking around on his own. The big question is: can he find the real killer before he gets locked up good and proper? Time is ticking…
Well, how often does a book start off with a naked Texas Ranger in bed with a naked candidate for Senate? Ok, so maybe that start is out there somewhere, but how often is the woman dead and the nommy Ranger clueless about what happened? Talk about getting a book up and running from the get go. How about we stir the pot? Not only is Sam being set up, but he’s white and she’s black. White law enforcement officer, dead black woman. Oh, man. Talk about a powder keg. Sam has his investigative work cut out for him. Luckily, he has help when the FBI gets involved and Rita Goldman is put on the case. Add in Sam’s brother, some helpful co-workers, and a peach of a boss and things start looking up for Sam. Just a tiny bit, but we’ll take it, right?
The writing will toss you in the deep end (kinda like Sam from page 1 on) and you’ll need to keep swimming along with Sam to get to shallow water. The characters are awesome. Seriously. And the plot is twisty and turny enough to keep you guessing. Nice! I can’t wait to go on more adventures with Sam and his dynamic crew. If you’re looking for a fast-paced intriguing whodunit with great characters then be sure to pick this one up!
Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.
Texas Ranger Sam Cable has been assigned to bodyguard April Marie Fortney, a US Senate candidate while she campaigns. No one is more surprised than Sam when he wakes up next to her dead body. And they’re both naked. What?! Someone is going to a lot of trouble to make it look like he killed Fortney, but Sam knows in his gut (since he can’t remember what happened) that he did not. So, instead of sitting around while others look no further than his own yummy self (my words), he starts poking around on his own. The big question is: can he find the real killer before he gets locked up good and proper? Time is ticking…
Well, how often does a book start off with a naked Texas Ranger in bed with a naked candidate for Senate? Ok, so maybe that start is out there somewhere, but how often is the woman dead and the nommy Ranger clueless about what happened? Talk about getting a book up and running from the get go. How about we stir the pot? Not only is Sam being set up, but he’s white and she’s black. White law enforcement officer, dead black woman. Oh, man. Talk about a powder keg. Sam has his investigative work cut out for him. Luckily, he has help when the FBI gets involved and Rita Goldman is put on the case. Add in Sam’s brother, some helpful co-workers, and a peach of a boss and things start looking up for Sam. Just a tiny bit, but we’ll take it, right?
The writing will toss you in the deep end (kinda like Sam from page 1 on) and you’ll need to keep swimming along with Sam to get to shallow water. The characters are awesome. Seriously. And the plot is twisty and turny enough to keep you guessing. Nice! I can’t wait to go on more adventures with Sam and his dynamic crew. If you’re looking for a fast-paced intriguing whodunit with great characters then be sure to pick this one up!
November 5, 2016
Can a dog catch his tail?
Another of Scott Bell's fast-paced action stories. In this one, he manages to entangle Texas Ranger Sam Cable in the murder of a political candidate. With several agencies investigating the case, clues are fed to the reader, developed, and then subjects are added to the collection of potential killers. It keeps the reader "chasing his tail" until the last pages.
Another of Scott Bell's fast-paced action stories. In this one, he manages to entangle Texas Ranger Sam Cable in the murder of a political candidate. With several agencies investigating the case, clues are fed to the reader, developed, and then subjects are added to the collection of potential killers. It keeps the reader "chasing his tail" until the last pages.
July 16, 2020
Scott Bell, the author of “April’s Fool” (Red Adept Publishing 2019), is one heck of a thrilling writer who knows how to build suspense, spin a tale, pull his readers to the edge of their seat, and get inside his characters’ heads.
Bell’s writing is crisp, clear, and moves at a fast pace. The plotting is astute. The characters are fascinating. While the books have a grim/gritty quality where they need to, they also have humor and acute descriptions. What more could one ask for?
“April’s Fool” is the first in a new police procedural/crime thriller series set in Texas, and “May Day” (Red Adept 2019) is also available, and “June Bug” (Red Adept) should be along soon.
The protagonist is the series, Sam Cable, is a modern-day Texas Ranger, and being a Texas Ranger, he is naturally tough—and as an added bonus, he is exceptionally tall and Hollywood handsome. But he also has a wry sense of humor that adds a sparkle to the story and a determination that drives him and the book. He is also in one helluva mess at the start of ”April’s Fool.”
Bell does not tip toe into the story. Right there on page one, Sam wakes up groggy beside a dead body. And, naturally enough, not just any dead body but the corpse of the woman he was assigned to protect, a controversial and often irate candidate for US Senate, April Marie Fortney. Fortney is black and works racial discord in her campaign; thus, the story has some interestingly timely elements to it, as Sam, who is white, is quickly pegged as her killer, though he insists he was set up.
Though he wakes up in bed with her, they have not been lovers. They didn’t even like each other. In fact, Sam and the dead woman pretty much loathed each other. Still, there he was—in her bed.
As Sam is not immediately put in jail, he has time—though not much—to find out who set him up and why and how he can prove it all. In many ways, his situation goes quickly from bad to worse. His enemies are hidden, but talented, and his allies are scarce, and consist primarily of a rookie FBI agent Rita Goldman. Rita, who is a delightful bookish contrast to Sam, is more at home with paperwork, research, and numbers than guns and confrontations. She and Sam don’t get each other at all, and neither is sure they like the other. But it doesn’t matter as Rita digs in, ferreting out some essential facts. Rita's character arc is profound and profoundly well done.
Sam’s other helpmates are his brother Matt, a Dallas (Texas) County sheriff’s deputy, Matt’s pregnant wife, Darla, and Sam’s feisty mother, who apparently raised her kids with a combination of tough love and sheer toughness.
All in all, April’s Fool is a fast moving, exciting book, well worth the reading.
Bell’s writing is crisp, clear, and moves at a fast pace. The plotting is astute. The characters are fascinating. While the books have a grim/gritty quality where they need to, they also have humor and acute descriptions. What more could one ask for?
“April’s Fool” is the first in a new police procedural/crime thriller series set in Texas, and “May Day” (Red Adept 2019) is also available, and “June Bug” (Red Adept) should be along soon.
The protagonist is the series, Sam Cable, is a modern-day Texas Ranger, and being a Texas Ranger, he is naturally tough—and as an added bonus, he is exceptionally tall and Hollywood handsome. But he also has a wry sense of humor that adds a sparkle to the story and a determination that drives him and the book. He is also in one helluva mess at the start of ”April’s Fool.”
Bell does not tip toe into the story. Right there on page one, Sam wakes up groggy beside a dead body. And, naturally enough, not just any dead body but the corpse of the woman he was assigned to protect, a controversial and often irate candidate for US Senate, April Marie Fortney. Fortney is black and works racial discord in her campaign; thus, the story has some interestingly timely elements to it, as Sam, who is white, is quickly pegged as her killer, though he insists he was set up.
Though he wakes up in bed with her, they have not been lovers. They didn’t even like each other. In fact, Sam and the dead woman pretty much loathed each other. Still, there he was—in her bed.
As Sam is not immediately put in jail, he has time—though not much—to find out who set him up and why and how he can prove it all. In many ways, his situation goes quickly from bad to worse. His enemies are hidden, but talented, and his allies are scarce, and consist primarily of a rookie FBI agent Rita Goldman. Rita, who is a delightful bookish contrast to Sam, is more at home with paperwork, research, and numbers than guns and confrontations. She and Sam don’t get each other at all, and neither is sure they like the other. But it doesn’t matter as Rita digs in, ferreting out some essential facts. Rita's character arc is profound and profoundly well done.
Sam’s other helpmates are his brother Matt, a Dallas (Texas) County sheriff’s deputy, Matt’s pregnant wife, Darla, and Sam’s feisty mother, who apparently raised her kids with a combination of tough love and sheer toughness.
All in all, April’s Fool is a fast moving, exciting book, well worth the reading.
November 9, 2017
April’s Fool by Scott Bell Review
Talk about bad luck, but the family will always have your back!
When Sam Cable, Texas Ranger, is assigned to protect a volatile and controversial candidate for US Senate, April Marie Fortney, his life is turned into a daily dose of hell on toast. How could it get worse? He finds out when he wakes up next to her dead body. With no memory of how he got there. The spotlight focuses on Cable as he races against an impending indictment, highlighting him as the newest poster boy for an intense and divisive national debate on racial relations. Cable digs through a web of conflicting motives, politically-driven ambition, and the past of the murdered woman, desperately seeking the truth before time runs out. His only ally? A feisty FBI Agent named Rita Goldman, whose sense of justice is as profound as her lack of field experience. Can a rookie FBI Agent help prove his innocence? Or will she be the one to bury him?
What did I like? The lead characters are so awesome I could not lay this book down. Sam just could not catch a break and it just keeps going downhill. The ending was way out from left field and I could not see it for anything. Rita Goldman is just astounding! Having a background in accounting and knowing the footprints that they leave just made this book that much more interesting. But Sam stole the whole book!
What will you like? Besides the lead characters Scott gives us a great cast of people to back them up and in Sam’s case, he sure needed them. The humor, intrigue, mystery, and suspense throughout the storyline that just keeps giving off back luck at every turn will keep you turning those pages. Sam’s determination to not go to jail and watching his growth during the search for the real killer is amazing. I also enjoyed the development of Rita in her job and self-worth, she plays an important part in the book to Sam with every turn it seems that she is battling uphill. Then out of nowhere, this seems to take a turn for even more bad luck just when Sam thinks all will be right with the world… Wow, explosive! I would sure like to see a series continue about Sam and Rita they are amazing characters! I received this from the author for an honest review with no other compensation.
Talk about bad luck, but the family will always have your back!
When Sam Cable, Texas Ranger, is assigned to protect a volatile and controversial candidate for US Senate, April Marie Fortney, his life is turned into a daily dose of hell on toast. How could it get worse? He finds out when he wakes up next to her dead body. With no memory of how he got there. The spotlight focuses on Cable as he races against an impending indictment, highlighting him as the newest poster boy for an intense and divisive national debate on racial relations. Cable digs through a web of conflicting motives, politically-driven ambition, and the past of the murdered woman, desperately seeking the truth before time runs out. His only ally? A feisty FBI Agent named Rita Goldman, whose sense of justice is as profound as her lack of field experience. Can a rookie FBI Agent help prove his innocence? Or will she be the one to bury him?
What did I like? The lead characters are so awesome I could not lay this book down. Sam just could not catch a break and it just keeps going downhill. The ending was way out from left field and I could not see it for anything. Rita Goldman is just astounding! Having a background in accounting and knowing the footprints that they leave just made this book that much more interesting. But Sam stole the whole book!
What will you like? Besides the lead characters Scott gives us a great cast of people to back them up and in Sam’s case, he sure needed them. The humor, intrigue, mystery, and suspense throughout the storyline that just keeps giving off back luck at every turn will keep you turning those pages. Sam’s determination to not go to jail and watching his growth during the search for the real killer is amazing. I also enjoyed the development of Rita in her job and self-worth, she plays an important part in the book to Sam with every turn it seems that she is battling uphill. Then out of nowhere, this seems to take a turn for even more bad luck just when Sam thinks all will be right with the world… Wow, explosive! I would sure like to see a series continue about Sam and Rita they are amazing characters! I received this from the author for an honest review with no other compensation.
June 27, 2019
Texas Ranger Sam Cable’s day is starting off badly....really really badly! He wakes, naked, next to the dead, naked body of a judge. The judge who he has been assigned to protect during her political campaign. All of the evidence points toward Sam being a killer, including racial propaganda found in his luggage. Now the judge’s husband is claiming that Sam, a white LEO, has committed a hate crime...the judge was black. The problem is that Sam has no memory of that night, beyond dinner with the campaign staff.
FBI agent Rita Goldman is sent in to act as liaison with the San Antonio PD since the crime was against a federal judge. The forensic accountant doesn’t believe that this is an open and shut case...something seems off. Against orders from her SAIC, Rita starts he own investigation.
Will Sam and Rita find the true killer(s) before Sam’s indicted? Corruption and blackmail abounds...interspersed with Sam’s dry humor and movie quotes. A good story for law enforcement buffs. This narrator does exceptionally well the portrayal of the, sometimes goofy, Texas Ranger. I look forward to more in this series.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
FBI agent Rita Goldman is sent in to act as liaison with the San Antonio PD since the crime was against a federal judge. The forensic accountant doesn’t believe that this is an open and shut case...something seems off. Against orders from her SAIC, Rita starts he own investigation.
Will Sam and Rita find the true killer(s) before Sam’s indicted? Corruption and blackmail abounds...interspersed with Sam’s dry humor and movie quotes. A good story for law enforcement buffs. This narrator does exceptionally well the portrayal of the, sometimes goofy, Texas Ranger. I look forward to more in this series.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are mine.
This is the first book in the Sam Cable Mystery series. Sam is a Texas Ranger who is assigned to guard a Judge running for a Senate seat. Their relationship is not great but Sam is dedicated to his job. One day, Sam wakes up naked in a hotel room and lying next to him is the body of the Judge. He has no memory of how he ended up in the Judge's hotel room or how she ended up getting murdered. What's worse - the FBI are pounding on the hotel room door - how can Sam explain this?
This was a mystery which grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't let go - it's chock full of action, red herrings and some good humor. Sam is a well developed main character and his interactions with his brother Matt are realistic and warm - as the best ribbing is from those who know you best. Every chapter begins with a quote to set the tone - which I enjoyed. I'm am looking forward to more of Sam's adventures.
I listened to this book - the narrator, J. Scott Bennett, did a great job. He completely embodied the character of Sam. I have become a great fan.
This is the first book in the Sam Cable Mystery series. Sam is a Texas Ranger who is assigned to guard a Judge running for a Senate seat. Their relationship is not great but Sam is dedicated to his job. One day, Sam wakes up naked in a hotel room and lying next to him is the body of the Judge. He has no memory of how he ended up in the Judge's hotel room or how she ended up getting murdered. What's worse - the FBI are pounding on the hotel room door - how can Sam explain this?
This was a mystery which grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't let go - it's chock full of action, red herrings and some good humor. Sam is a well developed main character and his interactions with his brother Matt are realistic and warm - as the best ribbing is from those who know you best. Every chapter begins with a quote to set the tone - which I enjoyed. I'm am looking forward to more of Sam's adventures.
I listened to this book - the narrator, J. Scott Bennett, did a great job. He completely embodied the character of Sam. I have become a great fan.
May 4, 2019
Sam Cable wakes up in a hotel room along side a dead politician which he is supposed to be guarding, the question is who killed her and how did he end up in the room. Sam is a Texas Ranger and he is supposed to be guarding April Fortnay who is a candidate for US senate.Before he can gather his thoughts the police arrive and arrest him. He thinks he was framed but the law and FBI are calling it as a racial murder and the only ally he has is an out of rookie FBI agent. This is a cat and mouse game and throughout you are drip fed clues and red herrings and yet the ending still surprised me.
This is a great read and will keep you glued until the last page, there is also some humour added in the mix which is great for keeping perspective. I don't give spoilers so you will have to read it yourself to see if Sam in innocent.
This is a great read and will keep you glued until the last page, there is also some humour added in the mix which is great for keeping perspective. I don't give spoilers so you will have to read it yourself to see if Sam in innocent.
April 7, 2019
Texas Rangers - my favorite kind of lawman. While things don't look that great for Ranger Cable, you have to ask yourself if he is really going to sit back and let someone else solve this murder? Being in the wrong place at the wrong time with no recollection of how he got there starts the ball rolling. Enter a lady FBI agent that doesn't do exactly as she's told and things get very interesting. Between the two of them piecing their bits together, it becomes clear just what happened. Fast paced and kept my interest. I received an advance copy for my honest review.
May 25, 2017
Sam Cable is another entertaining character introduced in this book. Sam wakes up and finds himself in a bad situation and Scott keeps your attention until the very end. If you're like me, your always trying to figure out "who done it". No spoilers here, you have to read the book to find out but don't worry, it's a great read.
Can't wait to find out if Sam Cable has any more adventures!
Can't wait to find out if Sam Cable has any more adventures!
April 3, 2020
This is the first book in a new series by Mr. Bell. Sam Cable is such a likable character that I can't wait to see more involving him. The plot was intriguing and it kept me coming back for more until the end. I definitely was root for the bad guys to be caught so that Sam was cleared. I definitely recommend it!
October 25, 2022
Sam Cable is the Real Deal
Scott Bell created a genuine Texas Ranger when he imagined Sam Cable. Cable almost achieves legendary status in his first exposure as a Ranger. You will want to read the next installment ASAP! All of Bell’s characters are believable and unique. Sharp, colorful comments and witticisms add unexpected humorous relief to the tension. I’m hooked! I’m in for the long haul.
Scott Bell created a genuine Texas Ranger when he imagined Sam Cable. Cable almost achieves legendary status in his first exposure as a Ranger. You will want to read the next installment ASAP! All of Bell’s characters are believable and unique. Sharp, colorful comments and witticisms add unexpected humorous relief to the tension. I’m hooked! I’m in for the long haul.
August 13, 2020
Sam is the man
Hilarious dialogue ,good humor and a fast paced story. Good old boys win again with a little help from his friends in Texas.
Hilarious dialogue ,good humor and a fast paced story. Good old boys win again with a little help from his friends in Texas.
April 2, 2026
great rollicking read
Hard to put down or set aside. You want to know what happens next with these characters. I’m looking forward to the next tale.
Hard to put down or set aside. You want to know what happens next with these characters. I’m looking forward to the next tale.
July 25, 2019
Sam Cable, Texas Ranger, is working security for US Senate Candidate, April Fortney. When he wakes up in her room, naked; finds her dead; and has no recollection of why he’s there or what happened, he knows he’s in trouble. It isn’t long before he’s fighting for his freedom with the help of his brother, friends, and an unlikely FBI agent. They’re up against some tough people, busily avoiding being tailed and ducking flying bullets.
This was an enjoyable mystery to listen to. It’s a bit of a police procedural, but mostly, it’s a look into Sam Cable’s life. The story takes you along on the ride to determine if Cable is as good as he seems.
The narrator was perfect for the story, and he’s very easy to listen to. He managed to get all the accents right, and it was always easy to tell which character was speaking. He did a great job with the female FBI agent, going back and forth between her “professional” voice and her New York accent. He truly brought the characters to life. I hope I have the chance to listen to the next book in this series. I’d love to know if that FBI agent makes another appearance.
I will add a warning: this book has racial overtones. April Fortney was a black woman. Her husband takes her death as an opportunity to rile up racial discord as he steps into her candidate shoes. There are other instances of racial abhorrence concerning blacks, whites, Hispanics, and Jews. If this bothers you, you might want to find a different book to listen to/read. To me, it seemed fitting for the world we’re presently living in and made the story more realistic.
I received a free Audible copy of this book from the narrator. While I thank him for his generosity, it had no effect on my review. All opinions in this review express my true and honest reactions to this audio book.
This was an enjoyable mystery to listen to. It’s a bit of a police procedural, but mostly, it’s a look into Sam Cable’s life. The story takes you along on the ride to determine if Cable is as good as he seems.
The narrator was perfect for the story, and he’s very easy to listen to. He managed to get all the accents right, and it was always easy to tell which character was speaking. He did a great job with the female FBI agent, going back and forth between her “professional” voice and her New York accent. He truly brought the characters to life. I hope I have the chance to listen to the next book in this series. I’d love to know if that FBI agent makes another appearance.
I will add a warning: this book has racial overtones. April Fortney was a black woman. Her husband takes her death as an opportunity to rile up racial discord as he steps into her candidate shoes. There are other instances of racial abhorrence concerning blacks, whites, Hispanics, and Jews. If this bothers you, you might want to find a different book to listen to/read. To me, it seemed fitting for the world we’re presently living in and made the story more realistic.
I received a free Audible copy of this book from the narrator. While I thank him for his generosity, it had no effect on my review. All opinions in this review express my true and honest reactions to this audio book.
July 18, 2019
Another excellent book that grabs the reader on the first page and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end! Love the main character, Sam Cable, and although he seems to have the whole world against him, he never gives up the fight! The secondary characters Matt and Darla, and the other Texas Rangers were memorable and added to the suspense in the book.
The spunky FBI agent, Rita Goldman added hope and her dedication to finding the real killer.
The narration was incredible as is the norm for J. Scott Bennett. Multiple voices and dialects, all genders are done well and with ease.
Some quotes from the kindle version of the book which I also own:
"Railroad spikes pounded into my head, driven by a chain gang of demons."
"I suspected he was trying for intimidation, but he wound up looking constipated."
"If heaven had a meal plan, I hoped it included open-faced turkey sandwiches."
I thoroughly enjoyed the quotes at the start of the chapters written by famous persons, musicians, and authors and I actually looked forward to hearing the next one. Extremely well done!
"A wise man makes his own decisions; an ignorant man follows public opinion."-Grantland Rice
The spunky FBI agent, Rita Goldman added hope and her dedication to finding the real killer.
The narration was incredible as is the norm for J. Scott Bennett. Multiple voices and dialects, all genders are done well and with ease.
Some quotes from the kindle version of the book which I also own:
"Railroad spikes pounded into my head, driven by a chain gang of demons."
"I suspected he was trying for intimidation, but he wound up looking constipated."
"If heaven had a meal plan, I hoped it included open-faced turkey sandwiches."
I thoroughly enjoyed the quotes at the start of the chapters written by famous persons, musicians, and authors and I actually looked forward to hearing the next one. Extremely well done!
"A wise man makes his own decisions; an ignorant man follows public opinion."-Grantland Rice
July 11, 2021
( Format : Audiobook )
"Horseshoes and hand grenades."
April's Fool is the first in the Sam Cable Mystery series, and what fun it is. Author Scott Bell not only has put together an intriguing mystery story but also gives the reader well developed interesting characters with their own foibles and traits and lifelike conversation, all mixed up with dollops of action. And did I mention humour? It houses from almost every page.
Sam Cable is a Texas Ranger of some ten years standing and had been placed as security for a somewhat controversial judge now running for senator. They hadn't liked each other - Cable being a white law officer being sufficient to activate April Fortney's distrust - so when Sam wakes up in her room, the Judge strangled in bed beside him, he is the natural suspect. To make things worse, Sam had no memory at all of the night before. Fortunately for him, there is a tiny FBI agent who might just help find out what happened.
I love this series and Rita, the New York agent, is fast becoming one of my favourite fictional characters. She makes up for her lack of height with pushy personality. All narrated by the excellent J.Scott Bennett, a joy to hear.
A great read for any mystery thriller fan who likes their characters sassy and very much alive.
"Horseshoes and hand grenades."
April's Fool is the first in the Sam Cable Mystery series, and what fun it is. Author Scott Bell not only has put together an intriguing mystery story but also gives the reader well developed interesting characters with their own foibles and traits and lifelike conversation, all mixed up with dollops of action. And did I mention humour? It houses from almost every page.
Sam Cable is a Texas Ranger of some ten years standing and had been placed as security for a somewhat controversial judge now running for senator. They hadn't liked each other - Cable being a white law officer being sufficient to activate April Fortney's distrust - so when Sam wakes up in her room, the Judge strangled in bed beside him, he is the natural suspect. To make things worse, Sam had no memory at all of the night before. Fortunately for him, there is a tiny FBI agent who might just help find out what happened.
I love this series and Rita, the New York agent, is fast becoming one of my favourite fictional characters. She makes up for her lack of height with pushy personality. All narrated by the excellent J.Scott Bennett, a joy to hear.
A great read for any mystery thriller fan who likes their characters sassy and very much alive.
May 9, 2019
This book was suspenseful with many twists and turns. Action packed and fairly well written. The only negative I found was the unnecessary foul language, that didn't add to the story. There are adult themes, but they weren't graphic. If you can ignore the language, worth the read. #AprilsFool. #ScottBell
February 8, 2017
I won this book in a giveaway and I really enjoyed it!
From start to end I liked the characters and their relationships. Even after I finished the book I was still thinking about the story and how it ended. All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something fast paced that keeps you guessing until the end!!
From start to end I liked the characters and their relationships. Even after I finished the book I was still thinking about the story and how it ended. All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something fast paced that keeps you guessing until the end!!
April 9, 2019
The ARC of this book was received in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will most likely not be the last. The book started with off with a bang and the story kept going from there. Texas Ranger Sam Cable wakes up next to his protectee, Senate candidate April Fortney, and she is dead. The story follows the investigation of the murder and the framing of Ranger Cable with plenty of interesting characters including a Yankee FBI agent named Rita Goldman.
April 12, 2019
One heck of a plot. A lot of twists and turns, it takes some navigating to get through them. In the mean time you have people doing drive byes and someone fallowing you around town. It can get crazy for a bit. Very good story, and in the end you fallow the money as usual. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
April 22, 2020
Texas Ranger Sam Cable, is framed for murder, after waking up in a compromising position next to a woman, who he was charged with protecting. Nice story that follows Sam, as he tries to prove his innocence and FBI agent Rita Goldman, who despite herself also thinks he is innocent.
June 19, 2025
This book is a combination mystery/thriller tale. A modern-day Texas Ranger, Sam Cable, is framed for the killing of a U.S. Senate candidate in San Antonio, Texas. It is a very tight frame that the real killers concocted. The official investigation is handled by the San Antonio police with an assist from the FBI. The Texas Rangers rally around Sam and conduct their own investigation as well. It is a good mystery with several viable suspects being examined. The characters are well developed and realistic as people. The dialogue is genuine and also entertaining as law enforcement personnel trade barbs with one another and with suspects. Tension and suspense are provided as Sam’s actual innocence remains in doubt as the investigation continues. Action is provided when the takedown of suspects and accomplices unfold. I would have given this book a five-star rating, but once the solution was unveiled, I felt some easily discovered clues were overlooked by poor police work. This case could have been resolved much earlier if the investigators had been more thorough in their work.
January 27, 2020
April's Fool
A Sam Cable Mystery, Book 1
By: Scott Bell
This is a murder mystery with multiple law enforcement agencies involved in solving the crime. There are many suspects, but someone has pointed the finger at the
Texas Ranger assigned as her body guard. The good guys and bad guys interact well. There are many hilarious moments, that are almost cozy mystery worthy. The exception to cozy is language. There are TOO many f-bombs for my liking, along with other expletives!!! Other than that a fun listen.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. J. Scott Bennett has become a favorite narrator.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
A Sam Cable Mystery, Book 1
By: Scott Bell
This is a murder mystery with multiple law enforcement agencies involved in solving the crime. There are many suspects, but someone has pointed the finger at the
Texas Ranger assigned as her body guard. The good guys and bad guys interact well. There are many hilarious moments, that are almost cozy mystery worthy. The exception to cozy is language. There are TOO many f-bombs for my liking, along with other expletives!!! Other than that a fun listen.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. J. Scott Bennett has become a favorite narrator.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 12, 2017
What a fun jaunt through Texas. The hero was so quintessential Texan and the female lead in the story so anti anything Texas, that it was a fun read. There were so many personalities to choose as to the deceased person, that I am still not sure which of our eccentric women he decided on.
The only reason I did not give the book a five star-the switch between first and third person narrative. It is too distracting.
The only reason I did not give the book a five star-the switch between first and third person narrative. It is too distracting.
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