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Malone Mystery #1
Come What May
Inspired by a shocking true story, Come What May, the debut book in the new Ben Malone detective mystery series, is a high-stakes thrill ride through the gritty underbelly of the City of Angels and a look at the darker side of human nature.
Ben Malone is a veteran Los Angeles Police detective with a bright future ahead of him. Or so he thought until he is caught up in a run of bad luck and his life starts falling apart. The worst of it, his unfortunate entanglement in a spate of fatal on-duty shootings at a time when activists are protesting the use of deadly force by police and rioting all over the country. On edge and questioning his judgment, Malone's LAPD superiors speculate that he may be too quick to use deadly force.
Relieved from street duty, Malone is sequestered in Robbery-Homicide Division's Cold Case Homicide Section to keep him under wraps while he undergoes department-mandated psychiatric evaluation. His work-related problems compounded by a vindictive ex-wife intent on bleeding him dry financially sends Malone into a spiral of depression that soon has him drinking too much in the attempt to cope.
Initially resentful over his reassignment to the cold case section, Malone's attitude starts to change when he and new partner, Detective Jaime Reyes, come across the files of a cold as ice, 23-year-old unsolved murder case. The more they study the case, the more certain they become that the theory pursued by the original investigators was completely wrong.
Since the decades-old murder does not fit the unit's criteria for reopening a cold case for active investigation, Malone and Reyes embark on an "off-the-books" investigation. Predictably, that creates some problems, especially for Malone. It quickly becomes clear that there are powerful forces at work both inside and outside the LAPD determined to keep the truth behind the murder buried along with the corpse.
The more resistance he encounters, the more unwavering Malone becomes in his unwillingness to let sleeping dogs lie, even when things start to get increasingly personal. His persistence in digging up bones from the past begins to threaten his very career with the LAPD. Even when the investigation sends him hurtling into more trouble than he ever dreamed possible, Malone is unrelenting. He is determined to solve the mystery and to uncover the truth behind the brutal 23-year-old unsolved murder, come what may.
Ben Malone is a veteran Los Angeles Police detective with a bright future ahead of him. Or so he thought until he is caught up in a run of bad luck and his life starts falling apart. The worst of it, his unfortunate entanglement in a spate of fatal on-duty shootings at a time when activists are protesting the use of deadly force by police and rioting all over the country. On edge and questioning his judgment, Malone's LAPD superiors speculate that he may be too quick to use deadly force.
Relieved from street duty, Malone is sequestered in Robbery-Homicide Division's Cold Case Homicide Section to keep him under wraps while he undergoes department-mandated psychiatric evaluation. His work-related problems compounded by a vindictive ex-wife intent on bleeding him dry financially sends Malone into a spiral of depression that soon has him drinking too much in the attempt to cope.
Initially resentful over his reassignment to the cold case section, Malone's attitude starts to change when he and new partner, Detective Jaime Reyes, come across the files of a cold as ice, 23-year-old unsolved murder case. The more they study the case, the more certain they become that the theory pursued by the original investigators was completely wrong.
Since the decades-old murder does not fit the unit's criteria for reopening a cold case for active investigation, Malone and Reyes embark on an "off-the-books" investigation. Predictably, that creates some problems, especially for Malone. It quickly becomes clear that there are powerful forces at work both inside and outside the LAPD determined to keep the truth behind the murder buried along with the corpse.
The more resistance he encounters, the more unwavering Malone becomes in his unwillingness to let sleeping dogs lie, even when things start to get increasingly personal. His persistence in digging up bones from the past begins to threaten his very career with the LAPD. Even when the investigation sends him hurtling into more trouble than he ever dreamed possible, Malone is unrelenting. He is determined to solve the mystery and to uncover the truth behind the brutal 23-year-old unsolved murder, come what may.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2016
766 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
About the author
Larry Darter
66 books31 followersLarry Darter is an author and retired police officer who enjoys writing crime fiction, mysteries, and thrillers. He was born in Oklahoma and lived in Dallas, Texas for more than a dozen years.
He is a veteran of the United States Navy and also served for more than ten years as an infantry officer in the United States Army Reserve, leaving military service at the rank of captain.
Larry holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Larry’s first book, an Old West novel, The Highbenders, was published in 2011. He subsequently wrote and published several non-fiction books on diverse topics ranging from popular culture to personal finance. He is currently working on a crime fiction series set in Los Angeles, California.
Beyond writing, Larry’s other passions include spending time with his partner Suzanne, reading, watching baseball, running, and travel.
He is a veteran of the United States Navy and also served for more than ten years as an infantry officer in the United States Army Reserve, leaving military service at the rank of captain.
Larry holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Larry’s first book, an Old West novel, The Highbenders, was published in 2011. He subsequently wrote and published several non-fiction books on diverse topics ranging from popular culture to personal finance. He is currently working on a crime fiction series set in Los Angeles, California.
Beyond writing, Larry’s other passions include spending time with his partner Suzanne, reading, watching baseball, running, and travel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 22, 2018
"A constant struggle to finish"
The start was promising, but that was as good as it got. I never warmed to any of the characters. Simple day to day activities - dressing, parking the car, cooking a meal were all expounded in far too much detail. As for the police and court procedures they were treated in similar fashion. Page after page of statistical data about crime were included with little or no consequence in the telling of the story. When I was expected to believe an experienced detective wouldn't spot the real killer when a clue was effectively held up in front of his face in extra-large capitals that was the final straw. I read on hoping it wouldn't be a predictable hearts and flowers ending. I should have known better.
The start was promising, but that was as good as it got. I never warmed to any of the characters. Simple day to day activities - dressing, parking the car, cooking a meal were all expounded in far too much detail. As for the police and court procedures they were treated in similar fashion. Page after page of statistical data about crime were included with little or no consequence in the telling of the story. When I was expected to believe an experienced detective wouldn't spot the real killer when a clue was effectively held up in front of his face in extra-large capitals that was the final straw. I read on hoping it wouldn't be a predictable hearts and flowers ending. I should have known better.
July 3, 2022
Police case, mystery, and justice
I thought the cold case on Mary Beth was intriguing, the detectives were personable and fun to read. The book was a quick read and entertaining to a point.
I will point out that the killer was easy to guess and watching Malone not know was annoying because it was so obvious.
Also, there were several quotation mistakes in the book, I was often distracted. There were incomplete quotes and some forgotten. A simple editing process would've fixed those.
I thought the cold case on Mary Beth was intriguing, the detectives were personable and fun to read. The book was a quick read and entertaining to a point.
I will point out that the killer was easy to guess and watching Malone not know was annoying because it was so obvious.
Also, there were several quotation mistakes in the book, I was often distracted. There were incomplete quotes and some forgotten. A simple editing process would've fixed those.
April 10, 2020
I thought this was a good debut novel. I had seen the real case on a true crime show so it was interesting to get more insight, even if fictionalized.
I had the kindle edition and I feel it could have been much better edited.
All in all, I’m interested in reading the next one in the series.
I had the kindle edition and I feel it could have been much better edited.
All in all, I’m interested in reading the next one in the series.
January 13, 2017
This book was inspired by a true story, well I think the person who inspired it is a nut job! Come What May is about Jack Malone a LAPD Detective who was involved in 3 deadly shootings in 11 months. He was cleared of wrong doing, but they decided he needed to see the staff shrink, and work a desk job until cleared by the shrink. The assign him to the Cold Cases with a new partner. Malone comes across the Mary Beth Anderson cold case that happened 23 years earlier. For some reason, Jack can not let this case go. He doesn't believe it went down the way it was written up, and he keeps getting a nagging feeling about it. While this is going on, he meets with Vanessa Bachmann, a superior officer who sets her sights on Jack. They have a one time thing that comes to bite him in the butt, later in the story. Everyone keeps telling him to drop this case, but Jack can't do it. Then he gets arrested for 2nd degree murder and suspended. While on suspension, he keeps looking into this case and things just snowball from there. Does Jack prove his innocence and solve the cold case? Why is everyone wanting him to drop it? Just who is the department trying to protect? Read this gripping story for theses answers and so much more. I received a copy of this book from Reading Deals. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
May 6, 2020
Ben Malone is a veteran Los Angeles Police detective with a bright future ahead of him. Or so he thought until he is caught up in a run of bad luck and his life starts falling apart. The worst of it, his unfortunate entanglement in a spate of fatal on-duty shootings at a time when activists are protesting the use of deadly force by police and rioting all over the country. On edge and questioning his judgment, Malone's LAPD superiors speculate that he may be too quick to use deadly force.
I have to say that I enjoyed this book to a certain degree. At times the story was intriguing and crisp but unfortunately at other times both the dialogue and descriptive parts meandered interminably. The lead was an interesting kind of guy but not very likable. I was also not intrigued by the introduction for the next book in this series.
I have to say that I enjoyed this book to a certain degree. At times the story was intriguing and crisp but unfortunately at other times both the dialogue and descriptive parts meandered interminably. The lead was an interesting kind of guy but not very likable. I was also not intrigued by the introduction for the next book in this series.
December 7, 2019
Malone’s intro
This is a tale of a police investigator with a fascinating story mixed with interesting characters. I figured out who done it midway through the book. Unfortunately I cannot rate the writing any higher as there were too many grammatical and spelling errors. At one point even a character is named incorrectly. I hope future works from the author will nave better proofreading as errors detract from an otherwise intriguing story.
This is a tale of a police investigator with a fascinating story mixed with interesting characters. I figured out who done it midway through the book. Unfortunately I cannot rate the writing any higher as there were too many grammatical and spelling errors. At one point even a character is named incorrectly. I hope future works from the author will nave better proofreading as errors detract from an otherwise intriguing story.
December 16, 2018
A bit undercooked. There are facts, there is a story. But it's easy to predict what happens next and that it is just a pilot of a book series.
And... I mean when the murder leaves the scene in the victims Audi in the beginning if the book, why does it become a Volvo at the end? Ignorance of the author (just some european car)?
And... I mean when the murder leaves the scene in the victims Audi in the beginning if the book, why does it become a Volvo at the end? Ignorance of the author (just some european car)?
January 8, 2020
Be careful what you wish for
Ben Malone isn't happy being in the cold case division but he wasn't given a choice after the last shooting. So when he comes across a old case, there is something there that catches his attention and he knows that he is looking for trouble. Will he be able to find the killer? Or will his world come crashing down? A good read.
Ben Malone isn't happy being in the cold case division but he wasn't given a choice after the last shooting. So when he comes across a old case, there is something there that catches his attention and he knows that he is looking for trouble. Will he be able to find the killer? Or will his world come crashing down? A good read.
December 12, 2018
Mediocre
The characters really aren't that bad. However, when I figured out who did it before the second chapter, ( I am not good at guessing), it showed a really lame plot. Not impressed with this man whore or the legal semantics.
The characters really aren't that bad. However, when I figured out who did it before the second chapter, ( I am not good at guessing), it showed a really lame plot. Not impressed with this man whore or the legal semantics.
August 27, 2020
Good novel.
Cringe worthy editing errors. Errors so poor it seems like a kindergarten assignment. I'd have done a better job at editing this myself. Can't say enough about the terrible little mistakes the book is laced with. Extremely poor editing.
Cringe worthy editing errors. Errors so poor it seems like a kindergarten assignment. I'd have done a better job at editing this myself. Can't say enough about the terrible little mistakes the book is laced with. Extremely poor editing.
February 14, 2023
Good story but...
A good story with a likeable protagonist and it moved at a decent pace but the grammar mistakes, omitted words and bad punctuation had me highlighting and making a note the whole time.
Proofreader, proofreader, wherefore art though?
A good story with a likeable protagonist and it moved at a decent pace but the grammar mistakes, omitted words and bad punctuation had me highlighting and making a note the whole time.
Proofreader, proofreader, wherefore art though?
December 25, 2019
Not A bad read
Good book this ..interesting angles and twists ..well worth A read not a page Turner but it's a ok read
Good book this ..interesting angles and twists ..well worth A read not a page Turner but it's a ok read
February 21, 2021
Malone is a nice character to get to know. Very predictable story though.
July 23, 2018
Come What May - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Hollywood detective Ben Malone's got three fatal shootouts on his record with the Department and the DA thinks that's too many, given the cries of police brutality echoing outside City Hall in this excellent new thriller by Larry Darter.
As a result Ben's drummed down to the cold cases department with a new partner James Reyes, where the chief expects them to troll through the thousands of unsolved murders at a rate of knots - which doesn't suit Malone's impetuous nature one little bit! He gets his teeth into the unsolved murder of Mary Beth Anderson 23 years earlier, that was put down to a burglary gone wrong. The lack of proper investigation and non-existence of DNA testing at the time rings alarm bells in Malone's mind and Reyes agrees. With the help of Malone's pal and PI, Jack Bright, turning up various anomalies of evidence and new addresses etc for possible witnesses, plus a friendly ME to speed up DNA testing and forensics, the case seems sure to be quickly resolved.
But when James is brutally shot to death and Malone's chief suspect, on top of his upcoming arraignment for the previous deaths, it's clear someone's determined that the truth - like the victim will stay buried!
How will Ben overcome the odds to get the results he needs and the evidence to clear himself? How has the real killer evaded justice for so long?
Who is willing to break the law to give fake evidence against Malone? Where are the missing forensic samples that could prove Ben and James innocent?
Will Ben ever get back to Hollywood Homicide as he wishes or does Fate have other plans in store for out intrepid hero?
You'll have to read this amazing, beautifully crafted murder mystery with a twist to find out - and when you do get your copy, tell all your friends!
I received a complimentary copy of this book so I could give a voluntary review.
Hollywood detective Ben Malone's got three fatal shootouts on his record with the Department and the DA thinks that's too many, given the cries of police brutality echoing outside City Hall in this excellent new thriller by Larry Darter.
As a result Ben's drummed down to the cold cases department with a new partner James Reyes, where the chief expects them to troll through the thousands of unsolved murders at a rate of knots - which doesn't suit Malone's impetuous nature one little bit! He gets his teeth into the unsolved murder of Mary Beth Anderson 23 years earlier, that was put down to a burglary gone wrong. The lack of proper investigation and non-existence of DNA testing at the time rings alarm bells in Malone's mind and Reyes agrees. With the help of Malone's pal and PI, Jack Bright, turning up various anomalies of evidence and new addresses etc for possible witnesses, plus a friendly ME to speed up DNA testing and forensics, the case seems sure to be quickly resolved.
But when James is brutally shot to death and Malone's chief suspect, on top of his upcoming arraignment for the previous deaths, it's clear someone's determined that the truth - like the victim will stay buried!
How will Ben overcome the odds to get the results he needs and the evidence to clear himself? How has the real killer evaded justice for so long?
Who is willing to break the law to give fake evidence against Malone? Where are the missing forensic samples that could prove Ben and James innocent?
Will Ben ever get back to Hollywood Homicide as he wishes or does Fate have other plans in store for out intrepid hero?
You'll have to read this amazing, beautifully crafted murder mystery with a twist to find out - and when you do get your copy, tell all your friends!
I received a complimentary copy of this book so I could give a voluntary review.
May 25, 2020
Fast reading procedural
I gave this 3.5 stars, raised to 4. It is a procedural and the protagonist is a 30 something, well built, good looking detective who will defy rules and regulations to solve a crime. He, because of having shot (and killed) three armed felons in the past year, was temporarily assigned to cold cases. He, at this time, is drinking excessively and feeling somewhat sorry for himself because of this assignment. One of the cases he and his partner (another renegade who is temporarily being disciplined) come across is a 23 year old unsolved violent murder of a young Dentist in her own home. It was, at the initial investigation, deemed to have been a burglary gone wrong. They did not agree with this and Malone (our protagonist) begins to investigate it on his own. The story is relatively well written, at times a bit convoluted rather than complex, but basically well done and Ben Malone has the potential to become a Twenty First century version of the hard boiled private eyes of the Twentieth. Thanks to the author and publisher for e-galley for an honest review.
I gave this 3.5 stars, raised to 4. It is a procedural and the protagonist is a 30 something, well built, good looking detective who will defy rules and regulations to solve a crime. He, because of having shot (and killed) three armed felons in the past year, was temporarily assigned to cold cases. He, at this time, is drinking excessively and feeling somewhat sorry for himself because of this assignment. One of the cases he and his partner (another renegade who is temporarily being disciplined) come across is a 23 year old unsolved violent murder of a young Dentist in her own home. It was, at the initial investigation, deemed to have been a burglary gone wrong. They did not agree with this and Malone (our protagonist) begins to investigate it on his own. The story is relatively well written, at times a bit convoluted rather than complex, but basically well done and Ben Malone has the potential to become a Twenty First century version of the hard boiled private eyes of the Twentieth. Thanks to the author and publisher for e-galley for an honest review.
August 13, 2018
Intriguing and mysterious!
I chose a four star rating because of the way the book is written. I loved this story by the way but there was so much narrative I got bogged down once in a while!
Malone the main male character is the kind of police officer who has a tendency to follow his own road regardless of the rules and policies! I love this about him! It also ensures he gets the job done and gets it done expeditiously!
He is assigned to the cold case files due to his inability to follow rules and meets his temporary partner Reyes. The two of them become involved in a cold case from 23 years prior where a woman, Mary Beth Anderson was brutally killed.
The story is fantastic and it was hard to put down. You get a sense about the middle of the book who is responsible for the death of Mary Beth but not confirmation.
I can't wait to read more from this author like the second book in the series!
I recommend this book to anyone who likes police procedural, mystery and a great story! This is a complete book without a cliffhanger! My favorite kind of book!
I chose a four star rating because of the way the book is written. I loved this story by the way but there was so much narrative I got bogged down once in a while!
Malone the main male character is the kind of police officer who has a tendency to follow his own road regardless of the rules and policies! I love this about him! It also ensures he gets the job done and gets it done expeditiously!
He is assigned to the cold case files due to his inability to follow rules and meets his temporary partner Reyes. The two of them become involved in a cold case from 23 years prior where a woman, Mary Beth Anderson was brutally killed.
The story is fantastic and it was hard to put down. You get a sense about the middle of the book who is responsible for the death of Mary Beth but not confirmation.
I can't wait to read more from this author like the second book in the series!
I recommend this book to anyone who likes police procedural, mystery and a great story! This is a complete book without a cliffhanger! My favorite kind of book!
August 6, 2018
Malone temporarily assigned to cold cases, while 3 fatal on duty shooting accidents were investigated, and he was cleared. Though one was bringing a case against him. Reading the file on MaryBeth Anderson twenty eight years old, to him she knew the victim, it was an execution, not bugulary.
His partner Reyes, they go about it as an” off the book”,investigation. Problems arrive in at out of the station, not wanting it opened. Interesting
case, and the characters,seemed down to earth, telling the case as they go along.
His partner Reyes, they go about it as an” off the book”,investigation. Problems arrive in at out of the station, not wanting it opened. Interesting
case, and the characters,seemed down to earth, telling the case as they go along.
August 29, 2019
No graphic sex scenes or foul language is a big plus.
The book was hard to put down but the characters could have been more fully developed. The ending was a surprise but seemed a little anticlimactic in how it was written. Would recommend for anyone who likes a good mystery. It was refreshing to not have to skip pages of boring graphic sex scenes or endure swear words in an otherwise good story.
The book was hard to put down but the characters could have been more fully developed. The ending was a surprise but seemed a little anticlimactic in how it was written. Would recommend for anyone who likes a good mystery. It was refreshing to not have to skip pages of boring graphic sex scenes or endure swear words in an otherwise good story.
September 15, 2020
Ben Malone is a detective with a strong sense of right and wrong. He is determined to get to the truth no matter the obstacles put in his way. His no nonsense approach to law enforcement has made him some enemies, but he never backs down. In this story he defies the rules and puts his job on the line, but in the end prevails. The details of the story unfold slowly, but always make sense. The story is extremely well-written. I look forward to following Malone in more novels by Larry Darter.
August 11, 2018
Page turner
I enjoyed this book. Though the murderer was evident to the reader before the main character, getting to the point of arrest was as much fun as figuring out the murderer. As the book went on, I didn't want to put it down. I liked the characters too. This is well worth your time.
I enjoyed this book. Though the murderer was evident to the reader before the main character, getting to the point of arrest was as much fun as figuring out the murderer. As the book went on, I didn't want to put it down. I liked the characters too. This is well worth your time.
November 22, 2018
Very well written, great story very close to reality or like here ... the reality!
The character of Malone is the one of a straight forward investigator who doesn’t give a sh.... about the brass. so when they tried to stop him he just continued. Only flaw in the story .....actually the man Robert was the target and not his wife! Funny that this was never mentioned.
The character of Malone is the one of a straight forward investigator who doesn’t give a sh.... about the brass. so when they tried to stop him he just continued. Only flaw in the story .....actually the man Robert was the target and not his wife! Funny that this was never mentioned.
September 1, 2019
Come what may. . .
Malone. . .a character you have to love! Mr Darter has drawn me into to his web and one i was eager to go to. Each page i read only made me want to quickly turn to the next . I love Malone's character and certainly look forward to reading about his next adventure. . .the action goes on and on! Thanks Mr Darter. . . Keep them coming!
Malone. . .a character you have to love! Mr Darter has drawn me into to his web and one i was eager to go to. Each page i read only made me want to quickly turn to the next . I love Malone's character and certainly look forward to reading about his next adventure. . .the action goes on and on! Thanks Mr Darter. . . Keep them coming!
September 29, 2019
Great detective mystery
Mystery following the 'Colombo' format. Reader follows main characters sequencing through crime scene clues many years old looking for a missing piece to identify killer. The reader sees the most likely before the detectives realize who but does not diminish reader enthusiasm to read to end. Very good how crimes solved narrative.
Mystery following the 'Colombo' format. Reader follows main characters sequencing through crime scene clues many years old looking for a missing piece to identify killer. The reader sees the most likely before the detectives realize who but does not diminish reader enthusiasm to read to end. Very good how crimes solved narrative.
July 1, 2021
Has a good flow.
This book has a good flow from character to character and with the story line. Malone, you want to like even when he makes a mistake. All the characters are their own person. It is easy to work up a like or dislike for each. This will turn into a good series of books. Enjoy.
This book has a good flow from character to character and with the story line. Malone, you want to like even when he makes a mistake. All the characters are their own person. It is easy to work up a like or dislike for each. This will turn into a good series of books. Enjoy.
July 27, 2025
This was an easy read with an interesting start to the plot. Malone seems to be very intelligent and a good detective, but he missed several big clues as to the identity of the murder. This was not consistent with his character and a flaw in the story. Malone also has an interesting attitude to sex.
May 31, 2019
Good procedure read
Police officer, who had been involved in three shootings, is reassigned to the Cold Case Squad. He reopens a 23 year old murder case. Finds out that there is a cover up at LAPD, on this case.
Police officer, who had been involved in three shootings, is reassigned to the Cold Case Squad. He reopens a 23 year old murder case. Finds out that there is a cover up at LAPD, on this case.
September 3, 2019
Good read
I like Ben Malone, he is a good character. He certainly had his share of adversity to overcome in this one. I can’t wait to continue this series and see what he’s up to next.
I like Ben Malone, he is a good character. He certainly had his share of adversity to overcome in this one. I can’t wait to continue this series and see what he’s up to next.
December 15, 2022
Come What May
Great read, characters, and storyline. Well written crime story. Malone and his partner were working on a cold case over 20 years old. I think you’ll enjoy the way they went about it . Good ending
Great read, characters, and storyline. Well written crime story. Malone and his partner were working on a cold case over 20 years old. I think you’ll enjoy the way they went about it . Good ending
April 19, 2024
Great first in series
Great first in series suspense novel but very much in need of a good edit. The missing words are really frustrating as are the grammar bloopers.
But an interesting PI character and an awesome premise.
Great first in series suspense novel but very much in need of a good edit. The missing words are really frustrating as are the grammar bloopers.
But an interesting PI character and an awesome premise.
April 23, 2025
This was a very good first novel. I really enjoyed it. The writing was very good, the characters were exciting and engaging, and the story was awesome and very well told. I can't wait to read something else by this new to me author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews