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Detective Qigiq #2
Tune Up
On their second case, Qigiq and Kandy are loaned to the Traffic Division to investigate an early morning accident. Hit and run. By a motorcycle. The victim is an elderly Asian woman. A young witness in a nearby dry cleaner and a truck driver suggest all “accidents” aren’t created equal. Then the Captain drops a new assignment on their an affluent Bay Area lawyer is missing. The man’s wife stomps into their office screaming about a contract she found hidden in the backups of their home computer. A contract with a seven-figure payout, and an incriminating Exhibit A. Following the trail of both the motorcycle rider and the lawyer with Kandy complaining, “We’re homicide detectives, there should be a body,” leads to a vintage motorcycle club called the Ton Up where lips are sealed, a yacht harbor on the coast where riddles run deep, and a midnight roadside confrontation that ends with a splash. As the trails twist they soon find that these people and places have one thing in A violist named Mylin. Who plays in an all-female orchestra called The Girls of the Orient. And, unbeknownst to her, is the subject of a fine-art photographer’s latest collection. From San Francisco to Mexico, the treacherous cliffs of the Pacific coast to the desolation of Nevada’s high desert, Tune Up moves like Kandy’s turbocharged Mini through a foggy landscape of false identities, fake romance, and frenzied chases, as Qigiq realizes one picture really can reveal more than 1,000 words.
408 pages, ebook
Published May 1, 2017
About the author
Joe Klingler
9 books27 followersJoe Klingler was born in the Great Black Swamp on a hot July day during a cold war. In primary school he read Four Wheel Drift. That led to a soap box derby car named Restless, two crashes, and a lifelong love of motion.
Images of Jimi Hendrix playing the U.S. National Anthem at Woodstock inspired pounding on a Gibson in a garage band influenced by local groups like the MC5 and Iggy and Stooges whose pioneering punk music he figured existed everywhere—though it was actually coming out of Detroit, Michigan forty miles to the north.
Joe read The God Machine by Martin Caidin, and started thinking about the nature of computation. He studied electrical engineering, spent time doing research in medical image processing, published academic papers, wrote a few patents. All of which led to an interest in special effects and the software that made them. He co-founded a company that was soon acquired, leading to a string of jobs for bigger and bigger corporations until assimilation by a billion dollar enterprise gave him the idea for a book—which he wrote while moving 525 mph bouncing between the coasts of North America.
That book led to RATS, his debut novel, which draws on the beauty of technology, its uses, misuses and abuses. And how the collision of human ideologies shapes its future—and ours. A minor character in RATS led to Mash Up: a rollicking ride with student musicians through San Francisco, Silicon Valley, social media and the minds of persons who use sharp knives to solve problems.
He currently resides in California with an iMac and a couple of motorcycles, and has recently released his third novel: Missing Mona. He's fond of turbochargers, and loves his S1000RR.
P.S. The best way to know when a new book is released is to subscribe to The Klingler Kronicle at joeklingler.com. Joe sends an update about six times per year, your email address will never be shared, and you can opt out at any time.
Images of Jimi Hendrix playing the U.S. National Anthem at Woodstock inspired pounding on a Gibson in a garage band influenced by local groups like the MC5 and Iggy and Stooges whose pioneering punk music he figured existed everywhere—though it was actually coming out of Detroit, Michigan forty miles to the north.
Joe read The God Machine by Martin Caidin, and started thinking about the nature of computation. He studied electrical engineering, spent time doing research in medical image processing, published academic papers, wrote a few patents. All of which led to an interest in special effects and the software that made them. He co-founded a company that was soon acquired, leading to a string of jobs for bigger and bigger corporations until assimilation by a billion dollar enterprise gave him the idea for a book—which he wrote while moving 525 mph bouncing between the coasts of North America.
That book led to RATS, his debut novel, which draws on the beauty of technology, its uses, misuses and abuses. And how the collision of human ideologies shapes its future—and ours. A minor character in RATS led to Mash Up: a rollicking ride with student musicians through San Francisco, Silicon Valley, social media and the minds of persons who use sharp knives to solve problems.
He currently resides in California with an iMac and a couple of motorcycles, and has recently released his third novel: Missing Mona. He's fond of turbochargers, and loves his S1000RR.
P.S. The best way to know when a new book is released is to subscribe to The Klingler Kronicle at joeklingler.com. Joe sends an update about six times per year, your email address will never be shared, and you can opt out at any time.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 1, 2024
Very entertaining and fast paced with a lot of tech, motorcycles, and weird. There was a lot going on but it all came together in the end in a blast of excitement. The Burning Man event made for a really unusual finale full of odd people who were actually pretty amazing. I can’t imagine what these girls in the Orchestra went through. Well done and the story brought a very real current problem to the forefront and made the reality of it bite deep. The sex trade is horrific.
August 10, 2017
If you like motorcycles
I was interested in this book until chapter 25. There was a lot to do with motorcycles vintage new Steve McQueen's jump who could do this jump and by the time I got to chapter 25 i had enough. I did enjoy the two main characters and I like their development. But then at chapter 25 I had figured out the plot and it was redundant. It was also unbelievable to me what one of the characters did for another one who he had only known for 24 hours. This book has 53 chapters many of which could have been edited out and it did not hold my attention after chapter 25 I went to the end and just read it. And some of the ending was fantastical, as an unbelievable. I won't be reading this author again.
I was interested in this book until chapter 25. There was a lot to do with motorcycles vintage new Steve McQueen's jump who could do this jump and by the time I got to chapter 25 i had enough. I did enjoy the two main characters and I like their development. But then at chapter 25 I had figured out the plot and it was redundant. It was also unbelievable to me what one of the characters did for another one who he had only known for 24 hours. This book has 53 chapters many of which could have been edited out and it did not hold my attention after chapter 25 I went to the end and just read it. And some of the ending was fantastical, as an unbelievable. I won't be reading this author again.
August 5, 2017
***This book was reviewed for the San Francisco Book Review
Klingler's Tune Up: Secret of Mylin is an intense mystery set in modern day California and Nevada. It begins with a questionable traffic accident that proves to be less an accident than premeditation upon closer inspection. An elderly Chinese woman is struck by a motorcycle while going over a crosswalk. Homicide detectives Qigiq and Kandy are assigned to the case, though the victim still lives. Their search for the hit and run motorcyclist leads them to the Ton Up Club, where they put in play an elaborate plan to get in good with the bikers, and to hopefully find bikers matching the sparse description. Their inquiries stir up a buzz. Languishing in this case, they are assigned to find a missing person, one Rudy Spooner. A series of pics and video sent to the police find the missing Spooner, as his car goes over a cliff along the infamous Devil’s Slide. A second victim of that plunge ties their two cases together. Unfortunately, that leaves far more questions than answers. Who is Pé and how is she connected to Mrs Chong, the hit-and-run victim? How does Spooner tie into things?
A second storyline plays out between photographer Joe Roberts and violist Mylin. Months before, he had snapped Mylin's picture unbeknownst to her, while outside a concert. She comes into his booth at an art show in California, several states from Ann Arbor Michigan, where the picture had been taken. Joe learns she is with the GO Orchestra, musicians for hire. In a bid to see her again, he books a night with a violist through the orchestra, requesting Mylin.
After dinner, she gets him to go with her to a charity auction performance, where he gets the beginnings of an idea about just what kind of business this orchestra really runs. Mylin then asks Jo to take her to San Francisco, where her grandmother is hospitalised. As Pé is found, and Mylin comes to visit Mrs Chong, the two storylines are woven tighter and tighter together. What is GO’s secret? Why was Mrs Chong struck by a motorcycle on purpose? Will Joe be able to help Mylin in the way he wants to be able to?
I absolutely devoured this book! Klingler takes a unique tact, writing all of Joe’s sections in first person, and all the rest in third person. This created a unique dynamic, affecting how I felt towards certain characters. I enjoyed both storylines, finding Qigiq and Kandy’s humour and working relationship to be quite amusing, while finding Mylin and Joe to be rather endearing. Joe really wants to protect this girl he's only just met. And I loved Ferd! He is a lab rat, with the same wry humour as Qigiq and Kandy. This is the second book in this set, and I went and snagged the first Qigiq and Kandy novel. Looking forward to it!!
Another aspect of the story that I loved was that it is set very near my home. I pass the now closed Devil’s Slide, into Pacifica every day. The Slide was replaced by tunnels through Montara Mountain for safety, as cars were prone to go over the cliff in that dangerous area. They still occasionally do go over, along parts of the road.
📚📚📚📚📚 Highly recommended!
Klingler's Tune Up: Secret of Mylin is an intense mystery set in modern day California and Nevada. It begins with a questionable traffic accident that proves to be less an accident than premeditation upon closer inspection. An elderly Chinese woman is struck by a motorcycle while going over a crosswalk. Homicide detectives Qigiq and Kandy are assigned to the case, though the victim still lives. Their search for the hit and run motorcyclist leads them to the Ton Up Club, where they put in play an elaborate plan to get in good with the bikers, and to hopefully find bikers matching the sparse description. Their inquiries stir up a buzz. Languishing in this case, they are assigned to find a missing person, one Rudy Spooner. A series of pics and video sent to the police find the missing Spooner, as his car goes over a cliff along the infamous Devil’s Slide. A second victim of that plunge ties their two cases together. Unfortunately, that leaves far more questions than answers. Who is Pé and how is she connected to Mrs Chong, the hit-and-run victim? How does Spooner tie into things?
A second storyline plays out between photographer Joe Roberts and violist Mylin. Months before, he had snapped Mylin's picture unbeknownst to her, while outside a concert. She comes into his booth at an art show in California, several states from Ann Arbor Michigan, where the picture had been taken. Joe learns she is with the GO Orchestra, musicians for hire. In a bid to see her again, he books a night with a violist through the orchestra, requesting Mylin.
After dinner, she gets him to go with her to a charity auction performance, where he gets the beginnings of an idea about just what kind of business this orchestra really runs. Mylin then asks Jo to take her to San Francisco, where her grandmother is hospitalised. As Pé is found, and Mylin comes to visit Mrs Chong, the two storylines are woven tighter and tighter together. What is GO’s secret? Why was Mrs Chong struck by a motorcycle on purpose? Will Joe be able to help Mylin in the way he wants to be able to?
I absolutely devoured this book! Klingler takes a unique tact, writing all of Joe’s sections in first person, and all the rest in third person. This created a unique dynamic, affecting how I felt towards certain characters. I enjoyed both storylines, finding Qigiq and Kandy’s humour and working relationship to be quite amusing, while finding Mylin and Joe to be rather endearing. Joe really wants to protect this girl he's only just met. And I loved Ferd! He is a lab rat, with the same wry humour as Qigiq and Kandy. This is the second book in this set, and I went and snagged the first Qigiq and Kandy novel. Looking forward to it!!
Another aspect of the story that I loved was that it is set very near my home. I pass the now closed Devil’s Slide, into Pacifica every day. The Slide was replaced by tunnels through Montara Mountain for safety, as cars were prone to go over the cliff in that dangerous area. They still occasionally do go over, along parts of the road.
📚📚📚📚📚 Highly recommended!
September 2, 2017
In the novel Tune Up by Joe Klingler, we are invited into an underworld and inner-world of hardboiled fiction that stands apart from other books of this genre. This is action, adventure, a multitude of thrills, and detection all at its best, without falling into the tropes that have been so long established by other writers. I found a unique voice in this text, along with an explosive story.
The characters stand out, and the narrative plows on from page to page. Klingler provides us with an effective hook, providing the framework for what becomes a page-turning plot. This is no small novel, and has enough to content to be worth the cost of admission. I also received a paperback copy and this book looks extremely professional and well-done.
Tune Up is a trigger-pull of a book, with active writing and believable dialogue. This one qualifies as a really gripping read. And there is the promise emblazoned on the cover that more adventures will ensue, as this is noted as Book One.
Klingler is descriptive, as he should be, while maintaining the propulsion of his narrative. We get all the right details on the run as he sets up the next phase of the plot. He pauses here and there to paint the scene for us where needs to, showing us he knows what he’s doing as a writer. From the first line, we are taken in.
By and large, I am not generally attracted to the detective genre, but this book is an exception to the case. Klingler is no amateur. In some ways, it reminded me of the Stieg Larrson trilogy. It is more than just gumshoe and crime; there is an intense story at this book’s center.
My review was based on an advance review copy that the author was kind enough to provide.
The characters stand out, and the narrative plows on from page to page. Klingler provides us with an effective hook, providing the framework for what becomes a page-turning plot. This is no small novel, and has enough to content to be worth the cost of admission. I also received a paperback copy and this book looks extremely professional and well-done.
Tune Up is a trigger-pull of a book, with active writing and believable dialogue. This one qualifies as a really gripping read. And there is the promise emblazoned on the cover that more adventures will ensue, as this is noted as Book One.
Klingler is descriptive, as he should be, while maintaining the propulsion of his narrative. We get all the right details on the run as he sets up the next phase of the plot. He pauses here and there to paint the scene for us where needs to, showing us he knows what he’s doing as a writer. From the first line, we are taken in.
By and large, I am not generally attracted to the detective genre, but this book is an exception to the case. Klingler is no amateur. In some ways, it reminded me of the Stieg Larrson trilogy. It is more than just gumshoe and crime; there is an intense story at this book’s center.
My review was based on an advance review copy that the author was kind enough to provide.
January 20, 2024
The photographer is mesmerized by the pictures he just happened to take. Or is it the girl in the pictures? He is at a show trying to sell his pictures, when a prospective customer stares at one of the pictures. It is the girl, looking at her picture. She asks about the picture and is told it was taken outside a concert hall during a smoke break where the Asian girl orchestra was playing. The photographer bought a ticket and was present for the second half of the concert.
That's just the start. The girl's father, sister, brother, and gang members play major roles here. So do the cops, one from Alaska. The climax of the story happens at the Burning Man Festival at Black Rock in Nevada. I'd love to see this, and I'm positive my wife wouldn't.
Great story.
That's just the start. The girl's father, sister, brother, and gang members play major roles here. So do the cops, one from Alaska. The climax of the story happens at the Burning Man Festival at Black Rock in Nevada. I'd love to see this, and I'm positive my wife wouldn't.
Great story.
September 19, 2017
This book was as good as any detective novel I've ever read, although it crosses more into a thriller at times. A hit and run turns out to be a murder, and detectives get into the motorcycle scene to investigate. I liked it although I had some small criticisms. The biggest is that it doesn't really end. I assume there will be a follow up book that will continue the story but I don't think it was good enough to compel me to read a sequel. That and I just don't care enough about motor cycles to have that much of a murder mystery devoted to details about them.
November 23, 2020
Great Introduction to this Impressive Author
I downloaded this book that a friend had suggested a while ago & finally got around to reading it. What a pleasant surprise - wish I had done that sooner. Klinger weaves together an interesting cast of characters and an intriguing plot; revealing facts piece by piece from the different perspectives of the key players. Caught my attention early and I had trouble putting it down. Holds up on it’s own, but I can’t wait to read the next installment.
I downloaded this book that a friend had suggested a while ago & finally got around to reading it. What a pleasant surprise - wish I had done that sooner. Klinger weaves together an interesting cast of characters and an intriguing plot; revealing facts piece by piece from the different perspectives of the key players. Caught my attention early and I had trouble putting it down. Holds up on it’s own, but I can’t wait to read the next installment.
July 29, 2018
What a great book!
A wonderful read, with everything a reader could want: great plot; interesting characters; accurate location description; many twists and potholes to preserve attention and defer "ah-ha!" events; clever deceptive threads; and best of all, very well-written.
Sadly, turning the last page has forced me to purchase the next book in the series, and that will mean not only skipping meals, but maybe missing a bill.
A wonderful read, with everything a reader could want: great plot; interesting characters; accurate location description; many twists and potholes to preserve attention and defer "ah-ha!" events; clever deceptive threads; and best of all, very well-written.
Sadly, turning the last page has forced me to purchase the next book in the series, and that will mean not only skipping meals, but maybe missing a bill.
February 1, 2024
Gripping
Even on a day I had lots of problems to tackle, I couldn't put this book down long enough to get dressed and eat! I haven't been this emersed in any book let alone a police procedural detective novel. Absolutely gripping and I don't even like tech! Buy or borrow this whole series about the Inuit detective from Alaska on Sabbatical in San Francisco. Definitely a 5 or better experience.
Even on a day I had lots of problems to tackle, I couldn't put this book down long enough to get dressed and eat! I haven't been this emersed in any book let alone a police procedural detective novel. Absolutely gripping and I don't even like tech! Buy or borrow this whole series about the Inuit detective from Alaska on Sabbatical in San Francisco. Definitely a 5 or better experience.
February 19, 2026
It’s always good to read a story where the writer is knowledgeable about elements of the plot. In this case motorcycles, and performing musicians. The different storyline’s are interspersed into opposite chapters which keep the momentum going.
The last section at Burning Man is the crazy artistic, far out fantasy that we would expect, and provides the intriguing background to the final story plot. Kept me engaged right till the end.
The last section at Burning Man is the crazy artistic, far out fantasy that we would expect, and provides the intriguing background to the final story plot. Kept me engaged right till the end.
November 22, 2017
I finished this a few weeks ago but was busy so didn't get around to writing about it.
Overall, a good story. Very unexpected, just the right amount of romance and comedy but mostly action. I didn't get the jargon and think it would have been better if there was less technical stuff, but maybe someone who is into bikes will love all that.
Overall, a good story. Very unexpected, just the right amount of romance and comedy but mostly action. I didn't get the jargon and think it would have been better if there was less technical stuff, but maybe someone who is into bikes will love all that.
January 22, 2018
Complex and colorful, familial ties that bind and chafe
I read Mash Up a while back, and this book has the same chemistry between dissimilar partners, a chemistry that works. Qigiq and KD delve into confusing evidence and tease out the underlying truth. Nice word pictures of Burning Man too.
I read Mash Up a while back, and this book has the same chemistry between dissimilar partners, a chemistry that works. Qigiq and KD delve into confusing evidence and tease out the underlying truth. Nice word pictures of Burning Man too.
January 16, 2024
Burning Man strange diversion
This book had three or four story lines running all the time. I found that to be too much to follow. That left readers with about six primary characters to keep up with.
I was handling that til we got to Burning Man, at which point I thought the author was using the drugs that were all over the place there in the desert.
This book had three or four story lines running all the time. I found that to be too much to follow. That left readers with about six primary characters to keep up with.
I was handling that til we got to Burning Man, at which point I thought the author was using the drugs that were all over the place there in the desert.
December 5, 2024
Excellent tension and resolution
Just like the first book Mash Up, Klingler has once again reached success. Qigiq, Kandy, and Fred are as memorable and entertaining as ever. A new plot with wonderful characters takes the detectives from cliff-diving to Burning Man with nary a stop to breathe. Well worth the time to read, and I’m already looking for the next.
Just like the first book Mash Up, Klingler has once again reached success. Qigiq, Kandy, and Fred are as memorable and entertaining as ever. A new plot with wonderful characters takes the detectives from cliff-diving to Burning Man with nary a stop to breathe. Well worth the time to read, and I’m already looking for the next.
March 23, 2026
Slavery in America.
An old Chinese woman was crossing the street when a motorcycle struck her and proceeded to run. Before you can breathe there are people disappearing, police trying to solve whatever is going on and others dying. In the midst of this love is blooming.
Read to get the full experience of this book.
An old Chinese woman was crossing the street when a motorcycle struck her and proceeded to run. Before you can breathe there are people disappearing, police trying to solve whatever is going on and others dying. In the midst of this love is blooming.
Read to get the full experience of this book.
July 29, 2017
Good story
Good story but the ending was lacking as it really didn't end , not unless he has another book in the works to let you know where some of these characters direction went .
Good story but the ending was lacking as it really didn't end , not unless he has another book in the works to let you know where some of these characters direction went .
August 9, 2017
Fast paced
My first Klingler story and an interesting, fast paced police procedural. New technologies blended with old police methodologies provide the backbone for this tale of sex slavery and the denouement of a criminal enterprise.
I will read more of this writer.
My first Klingler story and an interesting, fast paced police procedural. New technologies blended with old police methodologies provide the backbone for this tale of sex slavery and the denouement of a criminal enterprise.
I will read more of this writer.
January 8, 2018
A Chinese woman is struck in a crosswalk.
What starts out as a simple hit and run investigation turns into something much more sinister. Unraveling the mystery will take going under cover deep inside the motor cycle scene.
What starts out as a simple hit and run investigation turns into something much more sinister. Unraveling the mystery will take going under cover deep inside the motor cycle scene.
January 31, 2018
Musicians and Bikers in California
This is a pleasant and interesting read. The cops are sharp and humorous. The bad guys are bad enough. The only reason one star is deducted is the victims and the hero sometimes stretched my credulity.
This is a pleasant and interesting read. The cops are sharp and humorous. The bad guys are bad enough. The only reason one star is deducted is the victims and the hero sometimes stretched my credulity.
July 31, 2018
Another Great Book
At first I didn't think I was going to read this book, but I am sure happy I did. Not only was it good, it was great. Thanks Joe Klinger for a great read. Getting ready to read book II.
At first I didn't think I was going to read this book, but I am sure happy I did. Not only was it good, it was great. Thanks Joe Klinger for a great read. Getting ready to read book II.
April 7, 2021
Motorcycles and San Francisco
If you know some things about San Francisco, you will enjoy this book. In your mind, you will be able to picture the scenes you are reading. I couldn’t put it down near the last chapters.
If you know some things about San Francisco, you will enjoy this book. In your mind, you will be able to picture the scenes you are reading. I couldn’t put it down near the last chapters.
July 14, 2023
Action, adventure, mystery
Excellent mystery/ thriller with intriguing characters and interesting locales. Thought-provoking. Great series! I want to read more of this author's work. Enjoy!
Excellent mystery/ thriller with intriguing characters and interesting locales. Thought-provoking. Great series! I want to read more of this author's work. Enjoy!
February 23, 2026
Awesome story! This would make a great movie.
Really enjoyed this book and throughout the whole thing kept seeing a movie come to life...should do a screenplay and get on that. The characters were awesome and quirky and just really enjoyed it.
Really enjoyed this book and throughout the whole thing kept seeing a movie come to life...should do a screenplay and get on that. The characters were awesome and quirky and just really enjoyed it.
December 18, 2017
Overall a good murder mystery. It twists and turns like a bike ride on a winding road. I learned a lot about motorcycles and motorcycle culture.
June 2, 2018
Running well
Absolutely the best mystery novel I've read in a long time! Do yourself a favor and buy it! Do it now!
Absolutely the best mystery novel I've read in a long time! Do yourself a favor and buy it! Do it now!
July 9, 2018
Fun story
The story is filled with unusual characters, along with being a really good cop story. I found it an easy read!
The story is filled with unusual characters, along with being a really good cop story. I found it an easy read!
September 3, 2018
One of only two who didn't find Tune Up: the Secrets of Mylin worth reading all the way to the end.
I read the reviews and bought it. Unfortunately, I didn't like it.
I read the reviews and bought it. Unfortunately, I didn't like it.
April 29, 2019
First Klingler book. Exciting, action packed, and I had a hard time putting it down. Already starting the sequel.
June 9, 2021
Tune Up Review
I enjoyed this book 100% thus 5 stars! I don't review very often but I just had to do this one.
I enjoyed this book 100% thus 5 stars! I don't review very often but I just had to do this one.
Read
October 23, 2021Didn't read it; marked it Read so I could get it off my Want To Read list
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews