What do you think?
Rate this book
Reed Ferguson Mystery #25
Ace in the Hole: A Reed Ferguson Novella
Reed returns in a holiday tale! It’s Christmas time, and Denver private investigator Reed Ferguson’s family and friends are coming into town. But when a con artist swindles his delightfully naïve friend Ace Smith out of some money, Reed steps in to see if he can find the culprit. This leads him to a devious bell-ringing Santa and much more. Can Reed wrap up this mystery before his holiday festivities begin, or will his holly jolly Christmas Eve turn fatal? Ace in the Hole is a 25,000-word novella in the Reed Ferguson world. It is set after Road Blocked in the timeline. With a Bogie-wannabe detective, a dose of humor, and a clever homage to film noir, you won't want to put this mystery down. From the award-wining author of This Doesn't Happen In The Movies. Great for fans who love a fast-paced, humorous read, without a lot of swearing or sex.
- GenresMystery
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2016
285 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Renee Pawlish
114 books346 followersFrom 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
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 19, 2016
Feel good story.
Reed and his goofball brothers always makes me laugh and feel good. Two days before Christmas, Ace bought iPad, but when he opened the box all it was in it was a tile. Hired Reed to find the person that sold him iPad. Like always Willie is there to help too. Ace really helped this time, even hold a gun in his hand. Short but really good story.
Reed and his goofball brothers always makes me laugh and feel good. Two days before Christmas, Ace bought iPad, but when he opened the box all it was in it was a tile. Hired Reed to find the person that sold him iPad. Like always Willie is there to help too. Ace really helped this time, even hold a gun in his hand. Short but really good story.
December 15, 2016
I didn't think I was spoiling the story, but Willie called me last night and said some folks are particular about that sort of thing, and why didn't I play it safe? Ok Willie-this is for you and those folks. DISCLAIMER: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK! MAY CONTAIN MORE INFORMATION THAN YOU WANT***SPOILER ALERT***
Merry Christmas Willie! Reed went against your wishes and took a case before the parents came in town to celebrate...but you already knew that because you helped him. That must have been kind of boring waiting in the car while he went into a bar, had a beer and a game of pool! Is that why you decided not to go along the next day?Well I think it was great that you didn't make a fuss about Reed "bending" his promise like that. After all Ace tried to be careful and smart when in fact he was taken for $500 by a con man! I know you wanted to help him get his money back. I think Reed would have not been a very good friend to Ace if he hadn't stepped in to help. I sure didn't expect him to loose $400 to the same guy! What about that bank robbery? And I certainly didn't expect Ace to actually help Reed capture the jerk and resolve the case! And what about that reward? I think it all turned out great, don't you?
This short Reed Ferguson story was an interesting lesson in Christmas con men and the unsuspecting public who are hoping for a bargain. In the true spirit of Christmas, Reed helps his neighbor, Ace, and keeps Ace's self esteem from plummeting when he shows some bad judgement. I like the way Reed takes an almost hopeless case and sticks with it day after day until he figures everything out. This was a fun read and a nice way to get some insight on the characters and their true value of friendship. You won't want to miss this book!
Merry Christmas Willie! Reed went against your wishes and took a case before the parents came in town to celebrate...but you already knew that because you helped him. That must have been kind of boring waiting in the car while he went into a bar, had a beer and a game of pool! Is that why you decided not to go along the next day?Well I think it was great that you didn't make a fuss about Reed "bending" his promise like that. After all Ace tried to be careful and smart when in fact he was taken for $500 by a con man! I know you wanted to help him get his money back. I think Reed would have not been a very good friend to Ace if he hadn't stepped in to help. I sure didn't expect him to loose $400 to the same guy! What about that bank robbery? And I certainly didn't expect Ace to actually help Reed capture the jerk and resolve the case! And what about that reward? I think it all turned out great, don't you?
This short Reed Ferguson story was an interesting lesson in Christmas con men and the unsuspecting public who are hoping for a bargain. In the true spirit of Christmas, Reed helps his neighbor, Ace, and keeps Ace's self esteem from plummeting when he shows some bad judgement. I like the way Reed takes an almost hopeless case and sticks with it day after day until he figures everything out. This was a fun read and a nice way to get some insight on the characters and their true value of friendship. You won't want to miss this book!
December 16, 2016
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author, in return here's an honest review. Pawlish absolutely crushes this one, hitting it out of the park! Reed Ferguson is back with another mystery to solve, this one begins Christmas week. 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. Not only does Ace get in the title but he plays a more important role in this book. No spoilers here though, buy the books, read the books, get into a very good author, As I have!
April 4, 2019
Love ya' Reed
I first got caught up in this series because I lived in Denver some years back. The action in this one takes place in what was my old neighborhood. What a hoot!
But I'm pretty sure this would be a popular series with anyone who loves a mystery with action and love interest but no really grafic sex and violence.
I first got caught up in this series because I lived in Denver some years back. The action in this one takes place in what was my old neighborhood. What a hoot!
But I'm pretty sure this would be a popular series with anyone who loves a mystery with action and love interest but no really grafic sex and violence.
December 16, 2016
Ace and the Ipad
The goofball brothers are at it again. Reed Ferguson is in top form this time out. Read it all in one sitting. Renee does it again. Highly recommend this book.
The goofball brothers are at it again. Reed Ferguson is in top form this time out. Read it all in one sitting. Renee does it again. Highly recommend this book.
May 6, 2017
Ace?
Ace comes to the rescue and helps catch a bank robber. He even gets to hold a gun. Great Christmas story.
Ace comes to the rescue and helps catch a bank robber. He even gets to hold a gun. Great Christmas story.
March 13, 2021
A good read
Another good short story. Ace finally gets his chance to be a hero. Can Deuce’s day to shoot a gun be coming soon?
Another good short story. Ace finally gets his chance to be a hero. Can Deuce’s day to shoot a gun be coming soon?
May 3, 2023
It was OK.
September 29, 2024
Another novella listed as #25 but should be read earlier in the series.
April 24, 2025
Ace Smith has been conned out of the money to buy a Christmas present and so asks for Reed's help is getting it back.
An enjoyable mystery
An enjoyable mystery
January 8, 2019
Kindle Unlimited or else was on a freebie day, yes another one of my going to go thru them all. Note: Ace in the Hole is a 25,000-word novella in the Reed Ferguson world. It is set after Road Blocked in the timeline so 13.5. {this one is in Reed Ferguson Stories: Five Mystery Short Tales which has Elvis and the sports card cheat, a gun for hire, cool alibi, the big steal, and the wrong woman as collection {which is NOT listed by goodreads as collection}.
Reed returns in a holiday tale! It’s Christmas time, and Denver private investigator Reed Ferguson’s family and friends are coming into town. But when a con artist swindles his delightfully naïve friend Ace Smith out of some money, Reed steps in to see if he can find the culprit. This leads him to a devious bell-ringing Santa and much more. Can Reed wrap up this mystery before his holiday festivities begin, or will his holly jolly Christmas Eve turn fatal? With a Bogie-wannabe detective, a dose of humor, and a clever homage to film noir, you won't want to put this mystery down.
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)
Reed returns in a holiday tale! It’s Christmas time, and Denver private investigator Reed Ferguson’s family and friends are coming into town. But when a con artist swindles his delightfully naïve friend Ace Smith out of some money, Reed steps in to see if he can find the culprit. This leads him to a devious bell-ringing Santa and much more. Can Reed wrap up this mystery before his holiday festivities begin, or will his holly jolly Christmas Eve turn fatal? With a Bogie-wannabe detective, a dose of humor, and a clever homage to film noir, you won't want to put this mystery down.
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)
February 16, 2017
Caught Him for Once!
Very readable short story. Great characters who'd you like to get to know better. Realistic plot
And it was Christmas!
Very readable short story. Great characters who'd you like to get to know better. Realistic plot
And it was Christmas!
December 13, 2016
Ace Smith comes to Reed to help him. Ace was ripped off by a guy who was suppose to sell him an I-Pad cheaper than the Apple store. When Ace went to get the rest of the money from an ATM, the guy gave him a "sealed" box. Ace was so happy because his older brother Bob gave him most of the money for the gift for Deuce their other brother. Reed picks up his parents at the airport and follows the guy to his house. And things do not go well, to say the least. Willie and Reed also lost money to this guy and now Reed is really bound and determined to get his money and Ace's back. Can he do it without getting into trouble? He promised his parents he would not be working on a case while they were there visiting. Then the case turns into more than just a con artist. What you ask? Read the book to find out. I received ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
December 13, 2016
"Ace in the Hole," the new Reed Ferguson novel by Rene Pawlish, is a most wonderful and entertaining Christmas present she could have given us this holiday season. Just in time to read between trips to the store, wrapping presents and sipping eggnog, this festive mystery will keep you enthralled as, once again, Reed is off to help a friend. Amidst the chaos of parents arriving and the rest of the festivities of the season, Reed tries to squeeze in a favor for a friend, which once again becomes more complicated than originally expected.
Renee always manages to give her novellas a full novel feel, and you will be completely engrossed in this wonderful tale that will put you in the holiday mood.
Renee always manages to give her novellas a full novel feel, and you will be completely engrossed in this wonderful tale that will put you in the holiday mood.
December 20, 2016
I love a good Pun!
I was counting up the books in this series that I have read. Even though I have jumped around a bit It was interesting to see how man I have completed. I enjoy the characters, and pretty well know what to expect from them! The good balls add the bit of humor, the nurse, because I am one. The best part which is a new experience for me, I know where they are! I actually see the mall, the corner of Hampton, It's my city! Such a hoot!! A friend who lives in England got pictures from me of the places mentioned. We both had fun traveling together. Look forward to the next one just a taste of danger, a bit of a chuckle, and a very life like read to imerse in. Oh and at a complete opposite, WOW couldn't put down Nephilim!
I was counting up the books in this series that I have read. Even though I have jumped around a bit It was interesting to see how man I have completed. I enjoy the characters, and pretty well know what to expect from them! The good balls add the bit of humor, the nurse, because I am one. The best part which is a new experience for me, I know where they are! I actually see the mall, the corner of Hampton, It's my city! Such a hoot!! A friend who lives in England got pictures from me of the places mentioned. We both had fun traveling together. Look forward to the next one just a taste of danger, a bit of a chuckle, and a very life like read to imerse in. Oh and at a complete opposite, WOW couldn't put down Nephilim!
December 15, 2016
Ace in the Hole is the new Reed Ferguson novel by Renee Pawlish. Set at Christmas, everyone is getting ready for the holiday season. As usual for Reed and Willie, nothing about the holiday is easy. With the chaos of Reed's parents arriving and preparations for the holiday season, Reed still squeezes in a favor for a friend. Of course the case becomes more complicated than Reed originally expected. Renee has given us a holiday read to enjoy as we follow Reed's escapades to turn the frown upside down for Ace.
December 16, 2016
Another winner
Pawlish's novels are fun, clean and have just enough suspense to keep me reading and wanting more. I'm a Reed Ferguson fan and highly recommend these books. This one is a quick read and totally satisfying.
Pawlish's novels are fun, clean and have just enough suspense to keep me reading and wanting more. I'm a Reed Ferguson fan and highly recommend these books. This one is a quick read and totally satisfying.
December 19, 2016
I enjoyed this story about Reed Ferguson, a private detective, trying to help his neighbor and stay out of trouble with his family just before Christmas. I love these stories about a private detective that is happily married and drinks coke
December 20, 2016
Another great Reed Ferguson story
I love Renee Pawlish mysteries! Another good story starting with a bait and switch event and getting more complicated. Ace is trying to help but gets in trouble.
I love Renee Pawlish mysteries! Another good story starting with a bait and switch event and getting more complicated. Ace is trying to help but gets in trouble.
December 13, 2016
Another fantastic read to curl up by the fire with.
December 16, 2016
Good story that continues the Reed Ferguson series, with a mystery that develops after Reed's friend gets scammed.
Well-written and enjoyable to read.
Well-written and enjoyable to read.
December 16, 2016
Another cute one
You just gotta like the Goofball brothers-- and in this one Deuce actually helps Reed out-- just a fun read in time for Christmas!
You just gotta like the Goofball brothers-- and in this one Deuce actually helps Reed out-- just a fun read in time for Christmas!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews