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Sing Roses For Me
A tragic love story methodically woven around a fallen country music star, a beautiful dancer, a 13 year old child genius and a powerful, psychopathic judge. A friend pulls out a Ouija board and asks you to play. It's just a game, right? But when the Ouija board reveals a secret you've never disclosed, then "the spirit" asks you to warn his living sister that she is about to be murdered. What would you do? This is the scenario that tragically entangles the lives of Max Allen, Carla Cecil and Bradford Doss. Max is a disgraced fallen country music star trying to survive his ignominy by escaping to the islands to find a new direction and purpose for his life. In the islands, he meets and falls in love with, Michelle, a beautiful cruise ship dancer. Bradford Doss, is a revered Texas State Court Judge. He is also a serial murderer. Carla Cecil, is a child genius. At 13 she is the youngest person to ever attend Rice University, the spirit's living sister and tragically... the judges next prey.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2017
918 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 10, 2019
This was a really interesting book! It's sort of split into two stories that slowly intertwine towards the end of the novel. Things happen quite slowly in the sense that you think the two stories aren't going to connect and when they do perhaps the way it happens is a bit far-fetched but wow this book certainly kept my interest.
Here we have murder, music and Ouija boards, which makes for a very interesting read.
Here we have murder, music and Ouija boards, which makes for a very interesting read.
July 9, 2019
Great story
Although I want a fan of what happened in this book, I loved how strong Carla was. The other characters in the book meshed well and really helped Carry the story.
Although I want a fan of what happened in this book, I loved how strong Carla was. The other characters in the book meshed well and really helped Carry the story.
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December 31, 2017💝💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/31/2017)! 💝💝
Blurb:
A tragic love story methodically woven around a fallen country music star, a beautiful dancer, a 13 year old child genius and a powerful, psychopathic judge.
A friend pulls out a Ouija board and asks you to play. It's just a game, right? But when the Ouija board reveals a secret you've never disclosed, then "the spirit" asks you to warn his living sister that she is about to be murdered. What would you do? This is the scenario that tragically entangles the lives of Max Allen, Carla Cecil and Bradford Doss.
Max is a disgraced fallen country music star trying to survive his ignominy by escaping to the islands to find a new direction and purpose for his life. In the islands, he meets and falls in love with, Michelle, a beautiful cruise ship dancer. Bradford Doss, is a revered Texas State Court Judge. He is also a serial murderer. Carla Cecil, is a child genius. At 13 she is the youngest person to ever attend Rice University, the spirit's living sister and tragically... the judges next prey.
Blurb:
A tragic love story methodically woven around a fallen country music star, a beautiful dancer, a 13 year old child genius and a powerful, psychopathic judge.
A friend pulls out a Ouija board and asks you to play. It's just a game, right? But when the Ouija board reveals a secret you've never disclosed, then "the spirit" asks you to warn his living sister that she is about to be murdered. What would you do? This is the scenario that tragically entangles the lives of Max Allen, Carla Cecil and Bradford Doss.
Max is a disgraced fallen country music star trying to survive his ignominy by escaping to the islands to find a new direction and purpose for his life. In the islands, he meets and falls in love with, Michelle, a beautiful cruise ship dancer. Bradford Doss, is a revered Texas State Court Judge. He is also a serial murderer. Carla Cecil, is a child genius. At 13 she is the youngest person to ever attend Rice University, the spirit's living sister and tragically... the judges next prey.
August 1, 2018
"Fascinating thriller"
This uses a clever device of advancing the story through the lives of different protagonists. We learn of Max's life as a country singer, of the troubles that befall Carla Cecil and the deviant nature of the evil Judge Bradford Doss.
For a long time I couldn't imagine how these different threads came together. When the revelation did come it was the weakest part of the book for me. That apart, the final chapters proved more exciting and rewarding than what had gone before. Overall, this was a really good thriller and I enjoyed it very much.
This uses a clever device of advancing the story through the lives of different protagonists. We learn of Max's life as a country singer, of the troubles that befall Carla Cecil and the deviant nature of the evil Judge Bradford Doss.
For a long time I couldn't imagine how these different threads came together. When the revelation did come it was the weakest part of the book for me. That apart, the final chapters proved more exciting and rewarding than what had gone before. Overall, this was a really good thriller and I enjoyed it very much.
December 23, 2017
So the new guy in town, in Nashville Tennessee, is looking to become a musician. He is good, but we all know that Nashville is not where you go to become a musician because EVERYONE there is just as good. So he is sitting in a cafe sipping a cup of coffee, and this guy - Waylon Jones (Jennings, right?) sees him, feels bad for him, and sits at his table. Listens to his story. Offers him a chance.
This is where I put the book down. Unfortunately this is just too much fantasy for my taste.
This was a few chapters in, and I admit the first few chapters were okay. But it was based in Houston, and yes, I'm a Texan and y'all know I talk like one, but this was over the top. Good ole boys, that thar good sanger should do a CD, etc.
I'm truly sorry to not give a good review, but please, other readers, read the book description and decide for yourselves if you want to try it. Many will enjoy it I'm sure, it just hit my ole cynical nature upside the head.
This is where I put the book down. Unfortunately this is just too much fantasy for my taste.
This was a few chapters in, and I admit the first few chapters were okay. But it was based in Houston, and yes, I'm a Texan and y'all know I talk like one, but this was over the top. Good ole boys, that thar good sanger should do a CD, etc.
I'm truly sorry to not give a good review, but please, other readers, read the book description and decide for yourselves if you want to try it. Many will enjoy it I'm sure, it just hit my ole cynical nature upside the head.
November 30, 2017
the book itself was okay, and would have gotten three stars if it weren't for the summary (which I read before getting this book). The event with the board happens about halfway through the book, and until then you get a very complicated timeline with events going back and forth between the years, and it's not easy to figure out when each thing happened. Also, Max and Carla aren't connected until very late in the book, so you can go from a harsh criminal scene in Texas to a seemingly unrelated chill bar in the Caribbean in a very random jump, and it is quite annoying to have to figure out what one thing has to do with the other. And until a-bit-further-than-halfway through the book, the events truly seem unrelated. The climax was a bit exciting, but the rest of the book was so exasperating I was glad it was finally over.
July 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this book.
After buying a Kindle I recently plundered the "100 best free" list on Amazon and this was by far and away the stand out title for me.
This is the first book I've read by Ben Marney and I found his writing style effortless and enjoyable to read.
Sing Roses for Me is an epic tale, and at ~400 pages, Ben crams a lot of story into a short space. The storytelling is lean and tight - at no point did I notice any lull, drag or slack in this book. I was hooked from beginning to end. Ben has crafted a tale that is original, highly entertaining and full of humanity - it manages to be very dark, heartbreakingly tragic, and strangely uplifting all at once.
We follow 2 distinct storylines spanning many years - each was quite different from the other, but I couldn't say which I enjoyed more. After just a few chapters I had become caught up in them both equally.
The plotlines don't converge until about 2/3 or 3/4 of the way in, and I spent much of the book guessing how they would intertwine. There wasn't much point - I could never have guessed. In this sense, the book struck me as very Smitherd-esque (Luke Smitherd) in as much that you never know quite where the plot will take you next. In the hands of a lesser storyteller this lack of direction could be a weakness, but Ben Marney executes it with such skill that it makes for an utterly compelling read.
If anything I wished the ending had been a little bit darker (but all other reviews I've seen love the ending, so perhaps that's just me). And despite the originality of the tale as a whole, I couldn't help but notice a number of cliches and tropes thrown in along the way. Nevertheless, the book cracks along at such a pace, that these didn't get a chance to detract from my enjoyment and for that reason I can't knock any stars off.
I would recommend this for thos who enjoy the works of James M. Cain, Ed McBain and John Marrs.
A solid 5 for me.
After buying a Kindle I recently plundered the "100 best free" list on Amazon and this was by far and away the stand out title for me.
This is the first book I've read by Ben Marney and I found his writing style effortless and enjoyable to read.
Sing Roses for Me is an epic tale, and at ~400 pages, Ben crams a lot of story into a short space. The storytelling is lean and tight - at no point did I notice any lull, drag or slack in this book. I was hooked from beginning to end. Ben has crafted a tale that is original, highly entertaining and full of humanity - it manages to be very dark, heartbreakingly tragic, and strangely uplifting all at once.
We follow 2 distinct storylines spanning many years - each was quite different from the other, but I couldn't say which I enjoyed more. After just a few chapters I had become caught up in them both equally.
The plotlines don't converge until about 2/3 or 3/4 of the way in, and I spent much of the book guessing how they would intertwine. There wasn't much point - I could never have guessed. In this sense, the book struck me as very Smitherd-esque (Luke Smitherd) in as much that you never know quite where the plot will take you next. In the hands of a lesser storyteller this lack of direction could be a weakness, but Ben Marney executes it with such skill that it makes for an utterly compelling read.
If anything I wished the ending had been a little bit darker (but all other reviews I've seen love the ending, so perhaps that's just me). And despite the originality of the tale as a whole, I couldn't help but notice a number of cliches and tropes thrown in along the way. Nevertheless, the book cracks along at such a pace, that these didn't get a chance to detract from my enjoyment and for that reason I can't knock any stars off.
I would recommend this for thos who enjoy the works of James M. Cain, Ed McBain and John Marrs.
A solid 5 for me.
August 13, 2017
You know sometimes you read a book and it just moves you, well this one did..I absolutely loved it.
What a story and not to be missed. This is a love story, a murder, a Quiji board that solves a mystery.
When you start, and you are reading about a country music star, a 13 year old genius, a judge and a dedicated cop, you wonder where this one is going. This starts with Max trying to find his way in the world, he loves music and always wanted to be a star. But he tries to make it in Nashville, but just doesn't happen. He comes back home and works for his brother who is a realtor. Then you meet the 13 year old Clara who is a genius and her family sends her to live with a Judge and his wife, so she can go to college. Clara who just wants a good life but she lives with evil. The Judge and his wife, appear to be the perfect couple taking Clara in. It also shows how you can meet and your lives be entwined in ways you can never imagine.
In trying to help Clara, these people all meet and she has a big impact on their lives. From the country music star - Max that makes it big and loses it all, to meeting the love of his live, Michelle.
One fateful night, Michelle brings a Quiji board home and it changes all of these lives forever.
I can't say enough good things about this book, other then, clear your schedule because once you pick this book up, you won't want to let it go. Everytime I hear this song now, I will think of this book!
What a story and not to be missed. This is a love story, a murder, a Quiji board that solves a mystery.
When you start, and you are reading about a country music star, a 13 year old genius, a judge and a dedicated cop, you wonder where this one is going. This starts with Max trying to find his way in the world, he loves music and always wanted to be a star. But he tries to make it in Nashville, but just doesn't happen. He comes back home and works for his brother who is a realtor. Then you meet the 13 year old Clara who is a genius and her family sends her to live with a Judge and his wife, so she can go to college. Clara who just wants a good life but she lives with evil. The Judge and his wife, appear to be the perfect couple taking Clara in. It also shows how you can meet and your lives be entwined in ways you can never imagine.
In trying to help Clara, these people all meet and she has a big impact on their lives. From the country music star - Max that makes it big and loses it all, to meeting the love of his live, Michelle.
One fateful night, Michelle brings a Quiji board home and it changes all of these lives forever.
I can't say enough good things about this book, other then, clear your schedule because once you pick this book up, you won't want to let it go. Everytime I hear this song now, I will think of this book!
August 22, 2018
Ben Marney tells a gripping tale of sexual abuse and abuse of power that made me want to strangle someone. Sing Roses For Me has two story lines that eventually come together.
The second string story is about a musician who has a difficult time finding himself, unhappily joins his brother's real estate business, leaves when his brother dies, eventually gets back into music and becomes successful only to fall into disfavor due to no fault of his, eventually finds music again, falls in love with a much younger woman.... It's complicated. A good story in its own right.
The primary story is about a young girl whose life is very unfortunate. Mom is gone, Dad's not much of a dad especially after her brother is killed. She is put in foster care where she can attend college at the age of ... hum... I forget... 14. Something like that. She has a measured IQ of something over 150. The care provider, a state judge,
I was surprised at how much I liked this book despite my reputation of lover of "Hallmark" like stories. Good job Mr. Marney.
The second string story is about a musician who has a difficult time finding himself, unhappily joins his brother's real estate business, leaves when his brother dies, eventually gets back into music and becomes successful only to fall into disfavor due to no fault of his, eventually finds music again, falls in love with a much younger woman.... It's complicated. A good story in its own right.
The primary story is about a young girl whose life is very unfortunate. Mom is gone, Dad's not much of a dad especially after her brother is killed. She is put in foster care where she can attend college at the age of ... hum... I forget... 14. Something like that. She has a measured IQ of something over 150. The care provider, a state judge,
I was surprised at how much I liked this book despite my reputation of lover of "Hallmark" like stories. Good job Mr. Marney.
November 17, 2017
Justice Prevails In The End The Powerful Get Caught
Some people think they can get away with murder but even the most cunning sociopaths and serial killers and the untouchables get what’s coming to them in the end. This story has all the suspense you need. A thirteen year old genius goes to college early and lives with a professor and his wife. A serial killer kidnaps her 9 year old brother and has a car crash and he dies just months after her mom and she comes home to see about her father. He is in bad shape. The professor moves him to a mental y est her college where she can visit daily. She becomes ill and after a checkup her whole world and that if those around her changes for the next ten years. Read her story.
Some people think they can get away with murder but even the most cunning sociopaths and serial killers and the untouchables get what’s coming to them in the end. This story has all the suspense you need. A thirteen year old genius goes to college early and lives with a professor and his wife. A serial killer kidnaps her 9 year old brother and has a car crash and he dies just months after her mom and she comes home to see about her father. He is in bad shape. The professor moves him to a mental y est her college where she can visit daily. She becomes ill and after a checkup her whole world and that if those around her changes for the next ten years. Read her story.
November 23, 2017
Surprise Thriller.
At first it appears as if the author is telling two stories as there was no connection from one set of characters to the next. in the first story we have a country western singer and his search for a purpose in life. The next story we have an innocent 13 year old girl who becomes the ward of an evil pedophile who just happens to be a high-powered judge. Half way through the book comes the connection by a ouija Board! As all the characters come together the drama and the suspense builds to terror and and finally a satisfying ending. This was the author’s first book and I am looking forward to his next book.
At first it appears as if the author is telling two stories as there was no connection from one set of characters to the next. in the first story we have a country western singer and his search for a purpose in life. The next story we have an innocent 13 year old girl who becomes the ward of an evil pedophile who just happens to be a high-powered judge. Half way through the book comes the connection by a ouija Board! As all the characters come together the drama and the suspense builds to terror and and finally a satisfying ending. This was the author’s first book and I am looking forward to his next book.
April 26, 2021
A Magical Mystery Crime Story
Excellently written story, actually two stories, woven together for a mystical ending. The only thing I hated was that it took so long for the evil to be finally stopped. I appreciated the facts pointed out about the unspoken rules among police and others in authority, which holds true also within the medical community among doctors (sad to say).
Great characters and storyline - riveting descriptions into their thoughts and the struggle in their lives. All I can suggest is an editor for the typos sprinkled throughout.
Excellently written story, actually two stories, woven together for a mystical ending. The only thing I hated was that it took so long for the evil to be finally stopped. I appreciated the facts pointed out about the unspoken rules among police and others in authority, which holds true also within the medical community among doctors (sad to say).
Great characters and storyline - riveting descriptions into their thoughts and the struggle in their lives. All I can suggest is an editor for the typos sprinkled throughout.
July 10, 2017
Surprisingly good
I thought I would not like this book when I read the first couple of chapters, but then I continued reading because I wanted to see justice done. It takes a while and a lot of heartache, but justice and happiness is found. Had a lot of twists and turns, suspense and drama. Well written with strong and likable characters with the exception one but that is finally handled perfectly.
Well written and I definitely recommend this book.
I thought I would not like this book when I read the first couple of chapters, but then I continued reading because I wanted to see justice done. It takes a while and a lot of heartache, but justice and happiness is found. Had a lot of twists and turns, suspense and drama. Well written with strong and likable characters with the exception one but that is finally handled perfectly.
Well written and I definitely recommend this book.
December 23, 2017
I really liked this book. The interwoven stories may have taken a little too long to come to a common thread, but I kept reading and it did happen. As someone with a musical background myself, I loved the way the music was woven through the story. I'll be reading more from this guy. Keep up the good work!
July 5, 2017
What an unexpected pleasure this book was.
With incredible skill this author brought individual characters with their own interesting plots together into thrilling, chilling conclusion. The characters were well developed, plausible story lines full of horror and mystery. I will definitely watch for future mysteries from this author.
With incredible skill this author brought individual characters with their own interesting plots together into thrilling, chilling conclusion. The characters were well developed, plausible story lines full of horror and mystery. I will definitely watch for future mysteries from this author.
July 19, 2017
A page Turner
The book is about a country singer, or is it about a thirteen year old girl, and what about the young detective? As their stories develop through each chapter it became impossible to put the book down. Several unexpected twists and turns unite each character to make this a believable tale of abuse, murder and love with a happy(ish) ending. A great read.
The book is about a country singer, or is it about a thirteen year old girl, and what about the young detective? As their stories develop through each chapter it became impossible to put the book down. Several unexpected twists and turns unite each character to make this a believable tale of abuse, murder and love with a happy(ish) ending. A great read.
September 2, 2017
Brilliant
There is constant drama in this book. It has so many twists and turns that has your blood pumping one minute and your heart breaking the next. So well written if there was gramatic errors or spelling mistakes I never noticed. I was so in to this book. Brilliant must read.
There is constant drama in this book. It has so many twists and turns that has your blood pumping one minute and your heart breaking the next. So well written if there was gramatic errors or spelling mistakes I never noticed. I was so in to this book. Brilliant must read.
November 2, 2017
This was a superb book to read. I nearly gave up for the first part of this book because of the content but continued on and I am glad I did. This was an on the edge of your seat thriller and had my heart pounding until the very end. I really liked Gus and the very strong Carla's characters. All in all a great read.
June 4, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The characters and story were very well done. Loved the fact that Ben managed to weave so many different people's lives into each other. There were a few typoz but still did not detract from the enjoyment. I loved the bit at the end in the author's notes that certain details were true. Well recommended to anyone who enjoys a murder mystery.
The characters and story were very well done. Loved the fact that Ben managed to weave so many different people's lives into each other. There were a few typoz but still did not detract from the enjoyment. I loved the bit at the end in the author's notes that certain details were true. Well recommended to anyone who enjoys a murder mystery.
March 7, 2019
Song Roses For Me
This was a really engrossing story! It was very well-written and a brilliantly presented tale. The characters were interesting and likable.(except the villain). There were so many twists and unexpected turns on this. journey, with realized right up to and including the last page. Next, Serpentine Roses!
This was a really engrossing story! It was very well-written and a brilliantly presented tale. The characters were interesting and likable.(except the villain). There were so many twists and unexpected turns on this. journey, with realized right up to and including the last page. Next, Serpentine Roses!
March 14, 2019
Amazing
I started the book in the late morning and it is now 1:47 am I couldn't put it down until I finished it.... at first , because of the pedophile stuff I almost stopped , I hate to read that stuff..however I got past that n continued....super interesting story ,well thought out, never really knew what was next n with who...loved every minute of the book..thanks suzanne
I started the book in the late morning and it is now 1:47 am I couldn't put it down until I finished it.... at first , because of the pedophile stuff I almost stopped , I hate to read that stuff..however I got past that n continued....super interesting story ,well thought out, never really knew what was next n with who...loved every minute of the book..thanks suzanne
July 10, 2017
Sing roses
A great story,expertly planned out ,strangers. ships colliding.amazing coincidences,characters wholly believable,you find your self rooting for them.and great ending as well.
A great story,expertly planned out ,strangers. ships colliding.amazing coincidences,characters wholly believable,you find your self rooting for them.and great ending as well.
July 12, 2017
Love the book and cant wait to read more by Ben Marney
I couldn't put the book down. I am so happy I discovered this talented author and will definitely be reading him from now on.
I couldn't put the book down. I am so happy I discovered this talented author and will definitely be reading him from now on.
July 15, 2017
Very good read
I was looking for a book to read on vacation and came across this. I hadn't heard of the author but I was ok with that. I was hooked from the beginning. It holds you to the end. I am so glad I downloaded this book.
I was looking for a book to read on vacation and came across this. I hadn't heard of the author but I was ok with that. I was hooked from the beginning. It holds you to the end. I am so glad I downloaded this book.
August 13, 2017
I loved this book!
This was an outstanding read. I literally was engrossed in the story as the connections unfolded. I got chill bumps and a few times I got teary eyed!!! Will definitely look for more from this Author!
This was an outstanding read. I literally was engrossed in the story as the connections unfolded. I got chill bumps and a few times I got teary eyed!!! Will definitely look for more from this Author!
September 10, 2017
Excellent
When this story started out it was difficult to see how all the characters could have any relationship to each other but the author brought them all together combining into what is a truly excellent piece of work
When this story started out it was difficult to see how all the characters could have any relationship to each other but the author brought them all together combining into what is a truly excellent piece of work
October 6, 2017
A fantastic book. It draws you in and holds on. I struggled to put it down. Great characters and a fast moving plot. I found myself shouting at the characters when they were going to do something they shouldn't and sighed with relief at the end.
October 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Character development, suspense, drama, heartbreak, and more. Two separate storylines are skillfully brought together. It's tragic and untenable what the pre-teen heroine has to endure. The hero in the other story is flawed and sympathetic. The villain is ever present in both stories. He's a monster. I cried, I ached, and I couldn't put this down. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
December 30, 2017
Captivating
The title first attracted me to this book. Afterwards the characters and plots . Could not put the book down, trying to figure out the connection between the two storylines. Very good book..
The title first attracted me to this book. Afterwards the characters and plots . Could not put the book down, trying to figure out the connection between the two storylines. Very good book..
March 9, 2018
I couldn't put it down!
His characters are very well written and relatable. The plot is fast paced and exciting keeping me glued to the pages devouring them in my rush to find out why happened!!
His characters are very well written and relatable. The plot is fast paced and exciting keeping me glued to the pages devouring them in my rush to find out why happened!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews