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To Die For #5
A Relic to Die For
The crime solving trio of the Books To Die For series is back to solve another who dun it. This time Bonnie's nephew discovers family relics for sale online belonging to his great, great grandfather who was buried 150 years ago on the family farm. Jake is hired to check out the grave of Captain Howard Scott on the Southern Missouri homestead. The investigation lands Jake in a grave with a corpse and a suspect in a gruesome murder. Will he clear his name and find the real murderer. Of course he will, but along the way, Jake, Bonnie, and Fred have an adventure of a lifetime. Richard Houston is a two-time USA Today Bestselling author whose amateur sleuth solves murder mysteries in Colorado and the Missouri Ozarks with his Golden Retriever and widowed, sixty-nine-year-old neighbor.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2017
949 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Richard Houston
11 books64 followersRichard is working on his third career. His first was as a carpenter and roofer for twenty years while working his way through college. With a BS in Math he spent the next twenty-five years as a successful software engineer by working on the Space Shuttle at both Vandenberg AFB, and Johnson Space Center. He then went on to start Master Mind SofTools where he developed software for fortune 500 companies.
After taking early retirement in 2007, he moved to Warsaw, Missouri and built a home on the water with a view to die for. Richard now devotes his time to raising his great-grand daughter and writing. He is currently working on the second novel in the Jacob Martin series.
After taking early retirement in 2007, he moved to Warsaw, Missouri and built a home on the water with a view to die for. Richard now devotes his time to raising his great-grand daughter and writing. He is currently working on the second novel in the Jacob Martin series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
November 16, 2018
Cozy but not entirely clean.
Plotted well, likable cast, twists enough for interest, some graphic body reactions in earlier chapters might put some off (me as well) graphics aren’t necessary for plot development as we’ve learned from TV. Would’ve rated it a 4 w/o that baggage. Recommended with aforementioned warnings.
Plotted well, likable cast, twists enough for interest, some graphic body reactions in earlier chapters might put some off (me as well) graphics aren’t necessary for plot development as we’ve learned from TV. Would’ve rated it a 4 w/o that baggage. Recommended with aforementioned warnings.
October 30, 2017
I accidentally read the last book first, in this case, I never realized it however, as the book kept my attention throughout.
A man and his dog are in Southern Missouri on a case. His friend, Bonnie's sister, Margot has hired him to find her husband's late great, great grandfather's civil war relics. Jake finds the grave site of the plundered war hero, however, he also finds a newly dug grave, as he falls in...
This mystery is full of suspects and unusual situations that Jake and Fred (the dog,) find themselves in.
A man and his dog are in Southern Missouri on a case. His friend, Bonnie's sister, Margot has hired him to find her husband's late great, great grandfather's civil war relics. Jake finds the grave site of the plundered war hero, however, he also finds a newly dug grave, as he falls in...
This mystery is full of suspects and unusual situations that Jake and Fred (the dog,) find themselves in.
April 17, 2020
Another great read
These books are always a pleasure to read. They are so good that I never speed read them. It may take me all day to read but I can't put one down before I'm finished. I love to hear about Fred and the addition of the kitten was icing on a moist cake. I am always delighted with the descriptions of the Denver area but this book took place in Missouri-another familiar place. The descriptions always make me feel like I'm right there -a part of the story.
These books are always a pleasure to read. They are so good that I never speed read them. It may take me all day to read but I can't put one down before I'm finished. I love to hear about Fred and the addition of the kitten was icing on a moist cake. I am always delighted with the descriptions of the Denver area but this book took place in Missouri-another familiar place. The descriptions always make me feel like I'm right there -a part of the story.
March 27, 2025
I enjoyed this book very much. The author writes with humor that made me chuckle out loud sometimes. The Golden Retriever and the Kitten were both adorable.
October 17, 2019
Just finished "A Relic to Die For" by Richard Houston and want you to know that if you haven't read any of his cozy mysteries, now's the time. Jake Martin and Fred, his Golden Retriever, are back in the hunt for a new killer. This time, a missing Civil War sword leads to a series of murders in rural Missouri, and Jake finds himself in the middle of a twisting plot. The author has a way of gently making you turn the pages to find out what happens next. And leaves the reader wondering whodunit. Fast-paced enough to grab a soda between chapters, and engrossing enough to read it even with the TV on. Enjoyable way to spend your reading time.
August 4, 2018
A Relic to Die For
I enjoyed the reader’s journey with this book. As a lover of dogs, I especially love any book with a pup in the mix of things.
The characters are colorful. One can almost picture being there, seeing and hearing what they are doing and saying.
In this volume, Jake has been hired by the family of a Civil War veteran to find a Civil War sword. As in all the books, Jake and his canine companion, Fred, get into more sticky issues than they bargained for.
I enjoyed the reader’s journey with this book. As a lover of dogs, I especially love any book with a pup in the mix of things.
The characters are colorful. One can almost picture being there, seeing and hearing what they are doing and saying.
In this volume, Jake has been hired by the family of a Civil War veteran to find a Civil War sword. As in all the books, Jake and his canine companion, Fred, get into more sticky issues than they bargained for.
October 7, 2019
I'm sure glad I read this mystery. It is #5 in the To Die For series. I read #1-4 set in Colorado, then I read #6 which was set in Missouri with really no indication why Jake had moved there. So #5 cleared that all up!
Bonnie and her twin sister Margot were back at Bonnie's in Colorado when Margot's son found some Civil War relics listed on Craig's List that Margot identified as having been buried with her great-great grandfather in the family cemetery in Missouri. She hired Jake to locate the relics (a battle sword and Bowie knife) and return them to the family. Bonnie came to Missouri too and told Jake that she and Margot had decided to buy the family farm (including the cemetary where their relative was buried). Several murders later with many complications Jake with Fred's help solves the mystery of the grave robbing and the murders. There was plenty of on the edge of your seat excitement before the case was solved plus humor we've come to expect in the relationship between Jake and Bonnie (she is his 20+ years older next door neighbor in Colorado) and Jake's close connection with Fred, the Golden Retriever with the wagging tail and perpetual smile. During the course of the story Fred finds a kitten that Jake rescues (and Bonnie adopts) which also showed up in the next book. Now Margot has hired Jake to renovate the old homestead which is where book #6 picks up. I do love these books and the characters. I would advise that they be read in chronological order if at all possible. I fear there may be no more in the series after #6 (I hope the author is busily writing more from his home on the Lake of the Ozarks...!).
Bonnie and her twin sister Margot were back at Bonnie's in Colorado when Margot's son found some Civil War relics listed on Craig's List that Margot identified as having been buried with her great-great grandfather in the family cemetery in Missouri. She hired Jake to locate the relics (a battle sword and Bowie knife) and return them to the family. Bonnie came to Missouri too and told Jake that she and Margot had decided to buy the family farm (including the cemetary where their relative was buried). Several murders later with many complications Jake with Fred's help solves the mystery of the grave robbing and the murders. There was plenty of on the edge of your seat excitement before the case was solved plus humor we've come to expect in the relationship between Jake and Bonnie (she is his 20+ years older next door neighbor in Colorado) and Jake's close connection with Fred, the Golden Retriever with the wagging tail and perpetual smile. During the course of the story Fred finds a kitten that Jake rescues (and Bonnie adopts) which also showed up in the next book. Now Margot has hired Jake to renovate the old homestead which is where book #6 picks up. I do love these books and the characters. I would advise that they be read in chronological order if at all possible. I fear there may be no more in the series after #6 (I hope the author is busily writing more from his home on the Lake of the Ozarks...!).
October 5, 2019
I figure any author who manages to write a couple hundred pages of reasonable English prose deserves one star for effort. (Of course, zero-stars are not allowed.) In this case, a second star needs to be added for descriptions of a sweet dog, Fred, and a somewhat intriguing mystery. But that’s as far as I can go.
The main character is boring, his first-person narrative banal. None of the secondary characters rise above their one-sentence descriptions — very short sentences at that. What little you learn about each (even the recurring, seventy-something alcoholic sidekick) suggests none is anyone you’d ever want to meet. The mystery creaks to a plausible resolution (although I suspect a blanket from a little known Confederate officer’s grave is probably not worth a million dollars.) But I didn’t care about the victims nor the suspects, not even the love interest accused of the crime, so didn’t care whodunit.
Talking about the supposed “romance,” it was never clear what the two saw in each other except, perhaps, they were the only single people under the age of fifty in town. (Why do male mystery writers always have a beautiful female with large breasts who far outclasses the detective yet who are immediately attracted to him?)
The editing was pretty good except for a few problems in the revision process of the type “My outburst woke Fred, who’d been sleeping at my feet, to wake up.”
As I said, Fred was enjoyable. Otherwise, I don’t recommend this one.
The main character is boring, his first-person narrative banal. None of the secondary characters rise above their one-sentence descriptions — very short sentences at that. What little you learn about each (even the recurring, seventy-something alcoholic sidekick) suggests none is anyone you’d ever want to meet. The mystery creaks to a plausible resolution (although I suspect a blanket from a little known Confederate officer’s grave is probably not worth a million dollars.) But I didn’t care about the victims nor the suspects, not even the love interest accused of the crime, so didn’t care whodunit.
Talking about the supposed “romance,” it was never clear what the two saw in each other except, perhaps, they were the only single people under the age of fifty in town. (Why do male mystery writers always have a beautiful female with large breasts who far outclasses the detective yet who are immediately attracted to him?)
The editing was pretty good except for a few problems in the revision process of the type “My outburst woke Fred, who’d been sleeping at my feet, to wake up.”
As I said, Fred was enjoyable. Otherwise, I don’t recommend this one.
October 2, 2019
A little slow to start, but I stuck with it and was glad I did, because it picked up and made for very interesting reading.
The characters were great. I was really at a loss as to who I thought the killer really was and was extraordinarily stunned at who it turned out to be. She never entered my mind that she was in any way involved, except for the one fact, the bullet being sent to ballistics and the results therefrom. But, the motive still evaded me and didn't point a finger at only her. There were others that could have sent it. But Mr. Houston came through, even if it was at the bitter end.
Additionally, I thought it was an interesting way of robbing graves, I'll say that for it, but, as we find out, not a very well thought out one. Dire eventual results.
Never having read any of the books in this series, I think I may have to to alleviate that. If the other books are this good, they are well worth reading. But I do hope that the others are better proof read so that there won't be a reason to hold back that last star that this one occasioned.
The characters were great. I was really at a loss as to who I thought the killer really was and was extraordinarily stunned at who it turned out to be. She never entered my mind that she was in any way involved, except for the one fact, the bullet being sent to ballistics and the results therefrom. But, the motive still evaded me and didn't point a finger at only her. There were others that could have sent it. But Mr. Houston came through, even if it was at the bitter end.
Additionally, I thought it was an interesting way of robbing graves, I'll say that for it, but, as we find out, not a very well thought out one. Dire eventual results.
Never having read any of the books in this series, I think I may have to to alleviate that. If the other books are this good, they are well worth reading. But I do hope that the others are better proof read so that there won't be a reason to hold back that last star that this one occasioned.
October 23, 2019
Another winner from Richard Houston
I think I have now read all the books in the To Die For series and I hope Mr. Houston will keep writing them. It's a pleasure to spend time with Jake, his friend and neighbor Bonnie, and the best dog ever, Fred. The mystery in this one, involving stolen Confederate artifacts, was stretching it a little bit, but the characters are so good and the writing also that I didn't mind. This is one of the books set in Missouri and I admit to missing the Colorado setting, but I imagine Mr. Houston doesn't want the books to feel stale. Of course, only in fiction would you find someone involved in as many murders as Jake is, but that's why we have cozy mysteries. The book is complete, and you can read the series out of order, but it does help to read the first one first and get the background on Jake, Fred and Bonnie. If you love dogs, you'll find even more to enjoy with this series.
I think I have now read all the books in the To Die For series and I hope Mr. Houston will keep writing them. It's a pleasure to spend time with Jake, his friend and neighbor Bonnie, and the best dog ever, Fred. The mystery in this one, involving stolen Confederate artifacts, was stretching it a little bit, but the characters are so good and the writing also that I didn't mind. This is one of the books set in Missouri and I admit to missing the Colorado setting, but I imagine Mr. Houston doesn't want the books to feel stale. Of course, only in fiction would you find someone involved in as many murders as Jake is, but that's why we have cozy mysteries. The book is complete, and you can read the series out of order, but it does help to read the first one first and get the background on Jake, Fred and Bonnie. If you love dogs, you'll find even more to enjoy with this series.
August 15, 2017
The latest book by Richard Houston, "A Relic to Die For" does not disappoint. All of the main characters are there, Jake, Fred, Bonnie, and even Bonnie's long suffering sister, Margot. The only thing I found myself missing was Jake's Rocky Mountain home and his descriptions of living in the Rockies.
As in Houston's previous books, this yarn had all of the elements, a murder mystery, a bit of romance, and my favorite, the wonderful interactions Jake has with his animals, Fred, his golden retriever, and a new found kitten who tries to steal the show. Houston is able to tell his story without gratuitous violence or sex. I only wish it wasn't going to be a whole year before reading another one of these charming books, assuming there will be more.
As in Houston's previous books, this yarn had all of the elements, a murder mystery, a bit of romance, and my favorite, the wonderful interactions Jake has with his animals, Fred, his golden retriever, and a new found kitten who tries to steal the show. Houston is able to tell his story without gratuitous violence or sex. I only wish it wasn't going to be a whole year before reading another one of these charming books, assuming there will be more.
August 5, 2018
Well written engaging mystery with lots of interesting characters, the ones you love and the ones you love to despise. Jake and most of his friends live in Colorado, but he is asked to go to Missouri to find out about a probable robbery of the grave of a Civil War ancestor. Let the body count begin! It's a good thing that the local sheriff knows and likes Jake and his brilliant Golden Retriever Fred from a previous case or things could get even messier. This is the first that I've read of this series, but that didn't reduce my enjoyment in any way except that now I have to hunt down the others for personal enjoyment.
I need audio, and Tom Taverna is great for this narration!
I requested and received a free audio copy courtesy of AudioBookBOOM.
I need audio, and Tom Taverna is great for this narration!
I requested and received a free audio copy courtesy of AudioBookBOOM.
February 26, 2018
Jake and Bonnie are at it again in this rollicking mystery surrounding Captain Howard Scott's Grave. The golden, Fred, has his paws full as he tries to push Jake toward the biggest clues. It all begins when Bonnie's nephew discovers a family war relic online. (Surely, he has something better to do than surf the web!)
How could Jake not become involved after finding himself in an open grave in the middle of the night next to the cemetery?
The book is fast-paced.
I enjoyed the characters. The book is clean but has a bit of everything...mystery, furry friends, romance, and cranky old folks. Mr. Houston definitely hasn't disappointed his fans with this one.
How could Jake not become involved after finding himself in an open grave in the middle of the night next to the cemetery?
The book is fast-paced.
I enjoyed the characters. The book is clean but has a bit of everything...mystery, furry friends, romance, and cranky old folks. Mr. Houston definitely hasn't disappointed his fans with this one.
December 10, 2019
A Relic to Die For by Richard Houston is a great murder mystery. I really enjoy the twists the author writes, and I am a dog lover, so Fred is an automatic hit with me. The killer was not obvious in this book, and the way the thefts were done was genius. Tom Taverna was perfect for performing this book. He added the right suspense and gravity to his voice. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. I will most definitely listen to more books by this author and narrator. The imagery in the story was very well done, and I learned some things listening to the story.
December 15, 2018
Friendly Mysteries
Cozy Mysteries are pink and frilly , not these. I think of them more as a friendly experience.
Why ? Probably because the narrator , Jake , tells his story as one might tell a friend over a coffee .
Not that they lack danger and mystery .There is always a complicated case to solve and usually more than one killer to trap.
The style is cool , laid back and above all , confidential and friendly.
How could it be other than that with a big lovable golden retriever orchestrating the action ?
Cozy Mysteries are pink and frilly , not these. I think of them more as a friendly experience.
Why ? Probably because the narrator , Jake , tells his story as one might tell a friend over a coffee .
Not that they lack danger and mystery .There is always a complicated case to solve and usually more than one killer to trap.
The style is cool , laid back and above all , confidential and friendly.
How could it be other than that with a big lovable golden retriever orchestrating the action ?
August 21, 2017
I love this series!
It could have something to do with the golden retriever who helps with the solving of more than one mystery or the bourbon drinking elderly best friend, but I really think it has more to do with the combination of a weaving of great story telling, good plot, and great 'characters'! Thank you Mr Houston once again for another lovely read. I wait somewhat patiently for the next book in this series.
It could have something to do with the golden retriever who helps with the solving of more than one mystery or the bourbon drinking elderly best friend, but I really think it has more to do with the combination of a weaving of great story telling, good plot, and great 'characters'! Thank you Mr Houston once again for another lovely read. I wait somewhat patiently for the next book in this series.
June 10, 2018
I would have given this novel 4 stars, but I found a major mistake in character names. An uncle of one of the characters is named Mike at one point, but after he's murdered suddenly, his name is Al. I even went back and checked that I hadn't glossed over it in reading. Going back on a Kindle is a pain, but I did it anyway. Yep, the name was Mike first. This is a problem with editing, and keeping track of your characters. Hence, the 3 stars.
October 2, 2018
Poor Fred!
Another excellent book in this series. Jake seems to attract trouble, this time a collection of bodies, a a result of an EBay auction.
A new love interest for Jake & a new feline friend for Fred.
Jake solves the homicides, resulting in the killer shooting Fred..
These books have a beginning, a middle & an end, no guessing what happened next, but the person who eventually turns out to be the killer is never obvious.
A thoroughly enjoyable book.
Another excellent book in this series. Jake seems to attract trouble, this time a collection of bodies, a a result of an EBay auction.
A new love interest for Jake & a new feline friend for Fred.
Jake solves the homicides, resulting in the killer shooting Fred..
These books have a beginning, a middle & an end, no guessing what happened next, but the person who eventually turns out to be the killer is never obvious.
A thoroughly enjoyable book.
January 20, 2019
Fun Read
First book I have read by this author. When I first starting reading, I wasn't too thrilled.. However I kept reading, and the more I read, the more I enjoyed the book. Then remembered this was the fifth book of the series, so missed the introduction of all the main characters (except the cat). All that said, I thoroughly enjoyed his writing and story telling. I just ordered books 1-3 so I can be introduced to the main characters!
First book I have read by this author. When I first starting reading, I wasn't too thrilled.. However I kept reading, and the more I read, the more I enjoyed the book. Then remembered this was the fifth book of the series, so missed the introduction of all the main characters (except the cat). All that said, I thoroughly enjoyed his writing and story telling. I just ordered books 1-3 so I can be introduced to the main characters!
February 21, 2019
Free and Jake
Fred and Jake are in Missouri doing some work for Bonnie's sister which always leads to trouble. They find a corpse inside an open rave and are accused of murder by the new female deputy who happens to turn Jake on.I
Another whodunit but in a different place were people don't know them. After Margot buys the old homestead more read bodies turn up.
I love the stories and hate to see them end.
Fred and Jake are in Missouri doing some work for Bonnie's sister which always leads to trouble. They find a corpse inside an open rave and are accused of murder by the new female deputy who happens to turn Jake on.I
Another whodunit but in a different place were people don't know them. After Margot buys the old homestead more read bodies turn up.
I love the stories and hate to see them end.
May 16, 2019
We return to the stomping grounds in book 1, and some of the characters we met then. This time it is greed over civil war relics that have someone killing people left right and centre. Jake Martin, Bonnie Jones and superdog, Fred is in the middle of the drama.
All very enthralling, as to how and why a murderer does what they do, for what appears easy gain.
Off course, the narrator adds that extra wham to a great story, with the various characters vocalizations.
All very enthralling, as to how and why a murderer does what they do, for what appears easy gain.
Off course, the narrator adds that extra wham to a great story, with the various characters vocalizations.
June 1, 2024
Fantastic read!
How could I not love a book with a dog AND a mystery? I've read all one through five books and every one of them I have enjoyed. This one had me holding my breath at the end.
The characters are great and realistic. I can picture each of them in my minds eye. The setting is described well too. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Thank you Mr. Houston for writing such entertaining stories.
How could I not love a book with a dog AND a mystery? I've read all one through five books and every one of them I have enjoyed. This one had me holding my breath at the end.
The characters are great and realistic. I can picture each of them in my minds eye. The setting is described well too. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Thank you Mr. Houston for writing such entertaining stories.
June 15, 2018
Not really a 5, but these books grow on you.
This series is an acquired taste, if Fred the dog wasn't in it. I'd probably rate it a 2. These books are the kind you look forward to just for pure fun and relaxing entertainment. Go ahead and give him a shot, they're not expensive. I think you'll be glad you did
This series is an acquired taste, if Fred the dog wasn't in it. I'd probably rate it a 2. These books are the kind you look forward to just for pure fun and relaxing entertainment. Go ahead and give him a shot, they're not expensive. I think you'll be glad you did
October 8, 2019
Great book!
I am going to go back and read the other books in this series! In this book, I don't know who I like the best - Fred, Tigger or Jake. It is an awesome storyline that includes dead bodies, Civil War relics and an old house full of surprises. Richard Houston has done an outstanding job of weaving this tale. Thank you for a great afternoon!
I am going to go back and read the other books in this series! In this book, I don't know who I like the best - Fred, Tigger or Jake. It is an awesome storyline that includes dead bodies, Civil War relics and an old house full of surprises. Richard Houston has done an outstanding job of weaving this tale. Thank you for a great afternoon!
October 21, 2019
A Relic to Die For
I read Books 1 and 2 in this series and really enjoyed them. When I saw this one on Book Bub I just had to read it too. My only regret is that I haven’t read the other in the series but I can easily fix that. A very enjoyable story. I recommend it without reservation.
I read Books 1 and 2 in this series and really enjoyed them. When I saw this one on Book Bub I just had to read it too. My only regret is that I haven’t read the other in the series but I can easily fix that. A very enjoyable story. I recommend it without reservation.
March 1, 2020
Jake and Fred, two of my favorite detectives, once again are in Missouri finding dead bodies. It isn't that they want to, but it just happens. And of course, Jake has to find out what happened. The answer isn't simple and it takes some real brain power to figure out motive, opportunity, and who. Surely it isn't the pretty new Deputy. Fred doesn't just take up with anyone.
Great story as always.
Great story as always.
June 27, 2021
I love stories with a dog
I’ve read some of the series, enough to know that each book in the series can stand alone as a story, although the author tied the books together with many of the main characters. Always solving murders together, the main character and his dog. They’re great at it!
I’ve read some of the series, enough to know that each book in the series can stand alone as a story, although the author tied the books together with many of the main characters. Always solving murders together, the main character and his dog. They’re great at it!
September 15, 2022
A Relic to Die For
I gave this book two stars because I finished it. Me finishing was touch and go. Way too cutesy. Stilted and corny dialog. The conversations and scenarios are extremely unrealistic. The protagonist has a continous on going conversation with himself and the dog and kitten. Corny. Painful to read.
Seems like the kind of book your great grandmother might enjoy.
I gave this book two stars because I finished it. Me finishing was touch and go. Way too cutesy. Stilted and corny dialog. The conversations and scenarios are extremely unrealistic. The protagonist has a continous on going conversation with himself and the dog and kitten. Corny. Painful to read.
Seems like the kind of book your great grandmother might enjoy.
September 4, 2023
One of the best so far!
I had a little difficulty keeping all the characters straight, but happy to see Fred is getting better care now. Less fast food thanks to changes Jake's wife made before she died. I really wasn't sure who dunnit til the very end, not who I expected. Killing over Civil War relics and planted evidence made for an interesting read
I had a little difficulty keeping all the characters straight, but happy to see Fred is getting better care now. Less fast food thanks to changes Jake's wife made before she died. I really wasn't sure who dunnit til the very end, not who I expected. Killing over Civil War relics and planted evidence made for an interesting read
October 21, 2023
A great thriller, Jake & Fred solve murders!
I started with book one and just finished book 5 ! Richard Houston is an excellent author! He can really spin a tale and get. you thinking about "who did it". I am a dog lover myself and when I saw the Golden Retriever on the cover , I was intrigued.
Hope there is a book 6 !!!
I started with book one and just finished book 5 ! Richard Houston is an excellent author! He can really spin a tale and get. you thinking about "who did it". I am a dog lover myself and when I saw the Golden Retriever on the cover , I was intrigued.
Hope there is a book 6 !!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews