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Jake Cantrell Mystery #1
Dead Man's Bridge
For fans of Linwood Barclay, this exhilarating series debut by award-winning author Robert Mrazek features former Army officer Jake Cantrell as he tries to solve a series of murders at a small college town in upstate New York.
Unfairly disgraced former army officer Jake Cantrell has only one friend Bug, a wolf-dog he saved while serving in Afghanistan. Together, they try to put his bitter past behind him and Jake settles for employment at the bottom rung of the campus security ladder of a small upstate New York college. But things only turn worse when the college's richest and most powerful alumnus is found hanging from a campus footbridge on the eve of homecoming weekend.
Jake is convinced the man was murdered, but with no credibility to his name, no one agrees-at least not until a second body is found hanging from the same bridge. But as a vicious hurricane sweeps up the Eastern seaboard, the clock is ticking and it's only a matter of time before the killer strikes again.
Trusting his instincts, Jake puts his own life in peril as he attempts to uncover the buried secrets at the heart of the murders in acclaimed author Robert J. Mrazek's Dead Man's Bridge, the first in a new heart-pounding mystery series sure to keep readers hooked until the very last page.
Unfairly disgraced former army officer Jake Cantrell has only one friend Bug, a wolf-dog he saved while serving in Afghanistan. Together, they try to put his bitter past behind him and Jake settles for employment at the bottom rung of the campus security ladder of a small upstate New York college. But things only turn worse when the college's richest and most powerful alumnus is found hanging from a campus footbridge on the eve of homecoming weekend.
Jake is convinced the man was murdered, but with no credibility to his name, no one agrees-at least not until a second body is found hanging from the same bridge. But as a vicious hurricane sweeps up the Eastern seaboard, the clock is ticking and it's only a matter of time before the killer strikes again.
Trusting his instincts, Jake puts his own life in peril as he attempts to uncover the buried secrets at the heart of the murders in acclaimed author Robert J. Mrazek's Dead Man's Bridge, the first in a new heart-pounding mystery series sure to keep readers hooked until the very last page.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2017
18 people are currently reading
826 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Mrazek
30 books71 followersRobert Jan Mrazek was a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 3rd Congressonal District on Long Island for most of the 1980s.
He was born in Newport, Rhode Island, but grew up in Huntington, New York. He graduated from Cornell University in 1967. In 1967, he entered the United States Navy.
Mrazek was elected as a Democrat to the 98th United States Congress, defeating one term Republican incumbent John LeBoutillier. Mrazek served in the House from 1983 until 1993.
While in Congress, he coauthored the law that saved the Manassas battlefield from being bulldozed for a shopping center. He also authored the Tongass Timber Reform Act, the Amerasian Homecoming Act, which brought nineteen thousand children fathered by Americans during the Vietnam War to the US, and the National Film Preservation Act of 1988, which set up the federal registry in the Library of Congress to protect films of cultural importance.
Since retiring from Congress, Mrazek has written ten books. He also wrote and co-directed a feature film called The Congressman, that was released in 2016.
Mrazek is the author of seven novels, including Stonewall's Gold, Unholy Fire, The Deadly Embrace, Valhalla, The Bone Hunters, Dead Man's Bridge, and And the Sparrow Fell.
In 2000, Stonewall's Gold won the Michael Shaara Prize as the best Civil War novel of the year. In 2007, Deadly Embrace won the W.Y. Boyd Prize for Excellence in Military Fiction from the American Library Association.
Mrazek has also written two critically acclaimed non-fiction works, including A Dawn Like Thunder, which was named Best Book (American History) by the Washington Post, and To Kingdom Come, the story of a disastrous mission by the US 8th Air Force over Germany in 1943.
He was born in Newport, Rhode Island, but grew up in Huntington, New York. He graduated from Cornell University in 1967. In 1967, he entered the United States Navy.
Mrazek was elected as a Democrat to the 98th United States Congress, defeating one term Republican incumbent John LeBoutillier. Mrazek served in the House from 1983 until 1993.
While in Congress, he coauthored the law that saved the Manassas battlefield from being bulldozed for a shopping center. He also authored the Tongass Timber Reform Act, the Amerasian Homecoming Act, which brought nineteen thousand children fathered by Americans during the Vietnam War to the US, and the National Film Preservation Act of 1988, which set up the federal registry in the Library of Congress to protect films of cultural importance.
Since retiring from Congress, Mrazek has written ten books. He also wrote and co-directed a feature film called The Congressman, that was released in 2016.
Mrazek is the author of seven novels, including Stonewall's Gold, Unholy Fire, The Deadly Embrace, Valhalla, The Bone Hunters, Dead Man's Bridge, and And the Sparrow Fell.
In 2000, Stonewall's Gold won the Michael Shaara Prize as the best Civil War novel of the year. In 2007, Deadly Embrace won the W.Y. Boyd Prize for Excellence in Military Fiction from the American Library Association.
Mrazek has also written two critically acclaimed non-fiction works, including A Dawn Like Thunder, which was named Best Book (American History) by the Washington Post, and To Kingdom Come, the story of a disastrous mission by the US 8th Air Force over Germany in 1943.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 28, 2017
If there's a dog as a “character” in a mystery, you can bet your bottom dollar I'm going to read it. In this case, the dog is Bug, an 18 year old wolf dog rescued in Afghanistan by Jake Cantrell. Jake has since been dishonorably discharged and is back in the States working as a security guard for his alma mater. Jake has a problem with alcohol, using it to escape the guilt he feels. It's not believable that despite being what appears to be an alcoholic, he's able to go cold turkey without any repercussions. Bug doesn't figure into the book as much as I would have hoped.
This is a fast paced, straightforward mystery. I can't say that the ending is at all believable but it was a fun read. This is supposedly the start of a series and I would read the next book.
My thanks to netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance copy of this book.
This is a fast paced, straightforward mystery. I can't say that the ending is at all believable but it was a fun read. This is supposedly the start of a series and I would read the next book.
My thanks to netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance copy of this book.
July 12, 2017
Jake Cantrell was wrongly court-martialed from the army. His only companion is a wolf-dog named Bug that he found in Afghanistan. But now Bug is eighteen and suffering from cancer. Jake is working as a security guard at the upper New York college where he graduated and was a football star. His roommate Jordan Langford is now the college president. Jake is drinking too much and just sort of drifting. He is constantly at odds with the spit and polish Captain of Security.
The story begins with Jake being called out to a suspicious death. An alumnus is found hanging from a walking bridge over a gorge separating the college buildings from a residential area. Jake suspects murder but the Captain and the local police are quick to write it off as a suicide. Jake learns that the man was a very successful alumnus who had just gifted the college with $50 million when he is called in to talk to his friend Jordan.
Jordan has another problem: he is being blackmailed for $5 million. He either pays up or his sexual peculiarities will be exposed which will ruin his reputation. Jake agrees to investigate. He believes that the two things, the blackmail and the murder, are connected. He has about 24 hours to investigate which would be too short a time even without the fact that a hurricane is causing havoc with the weather too.
When the first murder victim's best friend is also found hanging on the same bridge, the tension escalates. And when the third best friend goes missing from his hospital room, the tension escalates further. Jake's investigations lead him to blackmailers, shady investigators, even shadier lawyers and a revenge plot.
This was a fast paced thriller with an engaging main character. I look forward to more mysteries starring Jake Cantrell.
The story begins with Jake being called out to a suspicious death. An alumnus is found hanging from a walking bridge over a gorge separating the college buildings from a residential area. Jake suspects murder but the Captain and the local police are quick to write it off as a suicide. Jake learns that the man was a very successful alumnus who had just gifted the college with $50 million when he is called in to talk to his friend Jordan.
Jordan has another problem: he is being blackmailed for $5 million. He either pays up or his sexual peculiarities will be exposed which will ruin his reputation. Jake agrees to investigate. He believes that the two things, the blackmail and the murder, are connected. He has about 24 hours to investigate which would be too short a time even without the fact that a hurricane is causing havoc with the weather too.
When the first murder victim's best friend is also found hanging on the same bridge, the tension escalates. And when the third best friend goes missing from his hospital room, the tension escalates further. Jake's investigations lead him to blackmailers, shady investigators, even shadier lawyers and a revenge plot.
This was a fast paced thriller with an engaging main character. I look forward to more mysteries starring Jake Cantrell.
May 4, 2017
Thank you to Net Galley, the publishers and the author for an ARC copy for an honest review.
Disgraced former army officer Jake Cantrell and his pal, Bug, a wolf-dog he saved while in Afghanistan and the only friend he has left, try to put their bitter pasts behind them as Jake finds employment at the bottom rung of the campus security ladder of a small upstate New York college. But things only turn for the worse when the college’s richest and most powerful alumnus is found hanging from a campus footbridge on the eve of homecoming weekend.
Jake is convinced the man was murdered, but with no honour to his name, no one agrees―at least not until a second body is found hanging from the same bridge. Unable to push aside his military training, Jake and Bug finds themselves working to bring justice to the small college town. But as a vicious hurricane sweeps up the Eastern seaboard and the college’s homecoming weekend rapidly unfolds, the clock is ticking and it’s only a matter of time before the killer strikes again.
My thoughts on the book my first read by this author.
Some good points, some not so good points but overall a reasonable thriller.
I am not keen on the "always" mentioned drinking problem.
An okay book, with an interesting story, easy to follow, not too many twists.
Not sure if I liked the main character or not, bit rough around the edges, not too believable.
The author uses his imagination with his main character a little too much, seems to survive everything.
But I still enjoyed the book and read through very quickly.
A three star book for me.
Disgraced former army officer Jake Cantrell and his pal, Bug, a wolf-dog he saved while in Afghanistan and the only friend he has left, try to put their bitter pasts behind them as Jake finds employment at the bottom rung of the campus security ladder of a small upstate New York college. But things only turn for the worse when the college’s richest and most powerful alumnus is found hanging from a campus footbridge on the eve of homecoming weekend.
Jake is convinced the man was murdered, but with no honour to his name, no one agrees―at least not until a second body is found hanging from the same bridge. Unable to push aside his military training, Jake and Bug finds themselves working to bring justice to the small college town. But as a vicious hurricane sweeps up the Eastern seaboard and the college’s homecoming weekend rapidly unfolds, the clock is ticking and it’s only a matter of time before the killer strikes again.
My thoughts on the book my first read by this author.
Some good points, some not so good points but overall a reasonable thriller.
I am not keen on the "always" mentioned drinking problem.
An okay book, with an interesting story, easy to follow, not too many twists.
Not sure if I liked the main character or not, bit rough around the edges, not too believable.
The author uses his imagination with his main character a little too much, seems to survive everything.
But I still enjoyed the book and read through very quickly.
A three star book for me.
January 19, 2018
For all my reviews, visit my blog at http://ladyjbookishnook.blogspot.com
Dead Man’s Bridge is the first installment of the Jake Cantrell Mystery series and my first read by author Robert J. Mrazek. The story mainly takes place on and around the campus of St. Andrews College in upstate New York. This was a fast-paced mystery/thriller that took place over a period of a few days.
The main character, Jake Cantrell, is working as a campus security officer after being discharged and disgraced as an army officer in Afghanistan. He finds himself investigating a mystery concerning suicide/murder/blackmail. I felt Jake was a believable and flawed character as evidenced by his problem with alcohol. He declined mental health services after being discharged from the military even though he admits later he probably has PTSD. Also while he was deployed his wife decided to leave him for his former best friend/college roommate. Jake instead makes a poor choice to “self-medicate” with alcohol. Jake has a tough exterior but also a soft and gentle caring side.
Dead Man’s Bridge was a great novel. I hope there are more to come in the Jake Cantrell Mystery series. The author grabbed my attention at the very beginning and held it throughout the book. I would definitely read more from Robert J. Mrazek and recommend Dead Man’s Bridge to anyone who loves this genre. Four out of five stars for Dead Man’s Bridge!!!
Thank you Robert J. Mrazek, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy of this book to read.
November 20, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. There are several things going on that caught me up in the story. It had great plots running through it and some very memorable characters, This is a book of intrigue, guilt, betrayal, mystery and emotion. It is a good action thriller with Jake Cantrall racing around trying to beat the clock, solve a muder and protect a friend.
How can misconceptions about a person can alter how you work with them? What if those feelings hinder an investigation? Will that then put other lives at risk?
For a team of security officers at St Andrews College Campus in upstate New York, this becomes evident. When Jake Cantrell begins working for them. They consider him to be the lowest of the low, they don't like him, they don't respect him and they don't want him there.
This becomes obvious when attending the site of a suicide on the bridge spanning Fall Creek Gorge. Jake arrives before his colleagues and quickly assesses the scene, he tries to tell his Captain, Janet Morga, that he believes the Sheriff should be called in as he doesn't think it's a suicide. She really also should have paid heed when he warned her not to try to pull the dangling body up. They didn't know the full story of his military career, he wasn't going to tell them about it either.
Following Jake around as he tries to piece everything together was exhausting, you can then see why his best friend is Bug, his 18 year old dog he brought back from Afghanistan. I will look forward to more stories about Jake.
How can misconceptions about a person can alter how you work with them? What if those feelings hinder an investigation? Will that then put other lives at risk?
For a team of security officers at St Andrews College Campus in upstate New York, this becomes evident. When Jake Cantrell begins working for them. They consider him to be the lowest of the low, they don't like him, they don't respect him and they don't want him there.
This becomes obvious when attending the site of a suicide on the bridge spanning Fall Creek Gorge. Jake arrives before his colleagues and quickly assesses the scene, he tries to tell his Captain, Janet Morga, that he believes the Sheriff should be called in as he doesn't think it's a suicide. She really also should have paid heed when he warned her not to try to pull the dangling body up. They didn't know the full story of his military career, he wasn't going to tell them about it either.
Following Jake around as he tries to piece everything together was exhausting, you can then see why his best friend is Bug, his 18 year old dog he brought back from Afghanistan. I will look forward to more stories about Jake.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2017
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
3.5 stars
I requested this book because of its hero, Jake Cantrell, a former Army officer suffering from sense of guilt and PTSD, who owns a frail and very ill old dog, Bug. My interest in the thriller was subsidiary.
First off, I liked the author’s detached tone writing his hero, creating a certain contained intensity. In the initial scene the reader is shown, in this dispassionate tone, the opposite of detachement, the touching kindness of a man plagued by nightmares and guilt taking care of his cancerous dog.
Behind Jake Cantrell’s apparent aloofness there’s a world of unsaid compassion and caring; when the author describes Jake preparing meals for his sick dog and the animal frail condition we’re being shown the hero’s kindness (and, in a way, his solitude too).
I also liked how the author wrote the secondary characters, giving them depth too.
While I loved the hero, I missed a romantic plot (there’re some hints) and seeing how the hero would be as a lover, because he was a fascinating man with all that low-profile and self-deprecating attitude. And when other characters were speaking about him he became even more appealing (the fabulous football player, the intimidating man with a “strong aura”); even his detractors contribute to make him more attractive. So, I hope we’ll have that dimension in future stories.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
3.5 stars
I requested this book because of its hero, Jake Cantrell, a former Army officer suffering from sense of guilt and PTSD, who owns a frail and very ill old dog, Bug. My interest in the thriller was subsidiary.
First off, I liked the author’s detached tone writing his hero, creating a certain contained intensity. In the initial scene the reader is shown, in this dispassionate tone, the opposite of detachement, the touching kindness of a man plagued by nightmares and guilt taking care of his cancerous dog.
Behind Jake Cantrell’s apparent aloofness there’s a world of unsaid compassion and caring; when the author describes Jake preparing meals for his sick dog and the animal frail condition we’re being shown the hero’s kindness (and, in a way, his solitude too).
I also liked how the author wrote the secondary characters, giving them depth too.
While I loved the hero, I missed a romantic plot (there’re some hints) and seeing how the hero would be as a lover, because he was a fascinating man with all that low-profile and self-deprecating attitude. And when other characters were speaking about him he became even more appealing (the fabulous football player, the intimidating man with a “strong aura”); even his detractors contribute to make him more attractive. So, I hope we’ll have that dimension in future stories.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
March 28, 2019
*3 Stars*
Copy kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting mystery with an ending that I didn't see coming. I didn't really connect with any of the characters and I felt that Jake's Army background could have had a little more explaining. I felt that I was expecting Bug to be a bit more a central character. Otherwise though this was an intriguing book that was worth giving a go. There seemed to be many facets to the story and there are other characters that would be worth exploring more as well.
I would possibly be interested in reading more about this character if the series continues.
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Copy kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting mystery with an ending that I didn't see coming. I didn't really connect with any of the characters and I felt that Jake's Army background could have had a little more explaining. I felt that I was expecting Bug to be a bit more a central character. Otherwise though this was an intriguing book that was worth giving a go. There seemed to be many facets to the story and there are other characters that would be worth exploring more as well.
I would possibly be interested in reading more about this character if the series continues.
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September 29, 2017
Dead man's bridge by Robert J. Mrazek.
Disgraced former army officer Jake Cantrell and his pal, Bug, a wolf-dog he saved while in Afghanistan and the only friend he has left, try to put their bitter pasts behind them as Jake finds employment at the bottom rung of the campus security ladder of a small upstate New York college. But things only turn for the worse when the college’s richest and most powerful alumnus is found hanging from a campus footbridge on the eve of homecoming weekend.
This was a good read. Little slow but I read it. 3* netgalley and crooked lane books.
Disgraced former army officer Jake Cantrell and his pal, Bug, a wolf-dog he saved while in Afghanistan and the only friend he has left, try to put their bitter pasts behind them as Jake finds employment at the bottom rung of the campus security ladder of a small upstate New York college. But things only turn for the worse when the college’s richest and most powerful alumnus is found hanging from a campus footbridge on the eve of homecoming weekend.
This was a good read. Little slow but I read it. 3* netgalley and crooked lane books.
April 17, 2018
Jake Cantrell (former Army) and his pal, Bug, a wolf-dog he saved while in Afghanistan try to put put together a new life as a campus security officer in Upper NY State.
Homecoming weekend brings bac the college’s richest and most powerful alumnae. When one of these famous souls is found hanging from a campus footbridge Jake feels that is murder rather than the suicide it seems to be in this case.
On it's way is a hurricane about to make everything a touch or go situation.
The beginning of the book took me a bit to get used to but I hung on until the end and really enjoyed the final product. Will look for other offerings in this series.
Homecoming weekend brings bac the college’s richest and most powerful alumnae. When one of these famous souls is found hanging from a campus footbridge Jake feels that is murder rather than the suicide it seems to be in this case.
On it's way is a hurricane about to make everything a touch or go situation.
The beginning of the book took me a bit to get used to but I hung on until the end and really enjoyed the final product. Will look for other offerings in this series.
April 1, 2018
this read grows on you as you go along.
August 27, 2017
Robert J. Mrazek’s first in a new mystery series, “Dead Man’s Bridge,” sets up a captivating narrative.
Former army officer Jake Cantrell, now a campus security officer, is phoned in the middle of the night about an emergency near the footbridge at St. Andrews College. The body of a man is hanging from the railing above the cascading chasm.
Upon his first impression, Officer Cantrell suspects suicide. Later, when the college’s richest, most powerful alumnus is found hanging at the same footbridge during homecoming weekend, the investigation takes a precarious turn.
A killer is on the loose, targeting members of St. Andrews College. But why? What is the significance?
During his inquiries, Cantrell intimidates the victim’s family, asking questions when he shouldn’t and stepping over boundaries. Lieutenant Ritterspaugh suspends Cantrell during the investigation for obstructing protocol.
When a fierce hurricane blows into town, fallen trees and electrical telephone poles block roadways and destroy evidence, obliterating everything in sight and impeding the investigation.
All of the characters are fleshed out and interesting. The fast-pace plot will surely attract readers and keep them engrossed until the final pages. Highly recommended for mystery fans.
Former army officer Jake Cantrell, now a campus security officer, is phoned in the middle of the night about an emergency near the footbridge at St. Andrews College. The body of a man is hanging from the railing above the cascading chasm.
Upon his first impression, Officer Cantrell suspects suicide. Later, when the college’s richest, most powerful alumnus is found hanging at the same footbridge during homecoming weekend, the investigation takes a precarious turn.
A killer is on the loose, targeting members of St. Andrews College. But why? What is the significance?
During his inquiries, Cantrell intimidates the victim’s family, asking questions when he shouldn’t and stepping over boundaries. Lieutenant Ritterspaugh suspends Cantrell during the investigation for obstructing protocol.
When a fierce hurricane blows into town, fallen trees and electrical telephone poles block roadways and destroy evidence, obliterating everything in sight and impeding the investigation.
All of the characters are fleshed out and interesting. The fast-pace plot will surely attract readers and keep them engrossed until the final pages. Highly recommended for mystery fans.
August 3, 2017
4.5 stars.
In Dead Man's Bridge by Robert J. Mrazek, disgraced Army veteran and St. Andrews College campus security officer Jake Cantrell is certain the hanging death of college alum Dennis Wheatley is murder but his boss Captain Janet Morgo declares it a suicide.
Jake left the Army under a cloud due a mission gone horribly wrong and he still shoulders a great deal of guilt for the loss of several men under his command. Virtually unemployable in the aftermath, his longtime friend and college president Jordan Langford secures a position for Cantrell as campus security officer. Captain Morgo might not have a choice in hiring Jake, but this does not mean she likes him nor does she trust his judgment. Jake immediately clashes with Morgo over their differing viewpoints on the death but when Dennis's wife demands Cantrell be put in charge of the investigation, Janet has no choice but to acquiesce to the request. With another victim and a hurricane induced storm bearing down on the college, Jake is soon in a race against time to catch the killer before it is too late.
Despite his somewhat checkered past, Jake is an immensely appealing protagonist who is incredibly compassionate and caring. His tenderness when caring for his ailing dog, Bug, shows the type of man he is as does his loyalty to his longtime friend Jordan. Despite their somewhat complicated past, Jake does not hesitate to agree to look into a very delicate situation that jeopardizes Jordan's career at the college. In addition to looking into Jordan's problem, Jake is also willing to risk both his job and his life in order to uncover the truth about Wheatley's untimely death.
Robert J. Mrazek's Jake Cantrell Mystery series is off to a very strong beginning with Dead Man's Bridge. Jake is an intrepid sleuth who is willing to buck authority when necessary but it is his endearing loyalty that will win readers' hearts. The mystery surrounding Dennis Wheatley's death is quite intriguing as is the story arc dealing with Jordan's embarrassing predicament. The novel comes to an action-paced and adrenaline laced conclusion that completely wraps up the various storylines. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this exciting first installment in what promises to be an outstanding mystery series.
In Dead Man's Bridge by Robert J. Mrazek, disgraced Army veteran and St. Andrews College campus security officer Jake Cantrell is certain the hanging death of college alum Dennis Wheatley is murder but his boss Captain Janet Morgo declares it a suicide.
Jake left the Army under a cloud due a mission gone horribly wrong and he still shoulders a great deal of guilt for the loss of several men under his command. Virtually unemployable in the aftermath, his longtime friend and college president Jordan Langford secures a position for Cantrell as campus security officer. Captain Morgo might not have a choice in hiring Jake, but this does not mean she likes him nor does she trust his judgment. Jake immediately clashes with Morgo over their differing viewpoints on the death but when Dennis's wife demands Cantrell be put in charge of the investigation, Janet has no choice but to acquiesce to the request. With another victim and a hurricane induced storm bearing down on the college, Jake is soon in a race against time to catch the killer before it is too late.
Despite his somewhat checkered past, Jake is an immensely appealing protagonist who is incredibly compassionate and caring. His tenderness when caring for his ailing dog, Bug, shows the type of man he is as does his loyalty to his longtime friend Jordan. Despite their somewhat complicated past, Jake does not hesitate to agree to look into a very delicate situation that jeopardizes Jordan's career at the college. In addition to looking into Jordan's problem, Jake is also willing to risk both his job and his life in order to uncover the truth about Wheatley's untimely death.
Robert J. Mrazek's Jake Cantrell Mystery series is off to a very strong beginning with Dead Man's Bridge. Jake is an intrepid sleuth who is willing to buck authority when necessary but it is his endearing loyalty that will win readers' hearts. The mystery surrounding Dennis Wheatley's death is quite intriguing as is the story arc dealing with Jordan's embarrassing predicament. The novel comes to an action-paced and adrenaline laced conclusion that completely wraps up the various storylines. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this exciting first installment in what promises to be an outstanding mystery series.
April 10, 2017
This is a Goodreads book.
This is the first in a series of books featuring Jake Cantrell.
There is plenty of action, maybe more than 1 mystery and a surprise ending.
I liked the interaction between Jake and Bug.
I just wish mystery or crime writers did not find it necessary to in a sense glorify alcoholism e.g. saying it was needed to make the hero think.
I look forward to the next in the series.
This is the first in a series of books featuring Jake Cantrell.
There is plenty of action, maybe more than 1 mystery and a surprise ending.
I liked the interaction between Jake and Bug.
I just wish mystery or crime writers did not find it necessary to in a sense glorify alcoholism e.g. saying it was needed to make the hero think.
I look forward to the next in the series.
August 7, 2017
3.5 stars
Robert J. Mrazek is a new author to me and Dead Man's Bridge is a debut novel to a new cozy mysteries series. So I was quite excited at the chance of reading it. the book proves to be an compelling introduction to Mrazek's writing; it was hilarious, thought provoking, yet touching.
The story was told in first person from Jake Cantrell's POV. A former college football star and Army Ranger who took the fall for mission going awry, he now worked as campus police officer at his former campus. To say he's a man down on his luck was an understatement. The love of his live had deserted him to marry his best friend, his dog was on borrowed time with his doggy life, he didn't like his job, his superior and the local sheriff disliked him; he basically lived on alcohol to numb his feelings. But everything turned into disorder when the campus president being blackmailed and body counts start to rise on the campus homecoming weekend.
As the start to "Jake Cantrell's Mystery", this book gave a glimpse of Jake's background and the man's character. I liked his insouciant personality and loyalty to those he considers friends. The stance and expression he employed often had me hovering between mirth and exasperation. Mrazek truly gave life to his book with this character.
As for the mystery-solving, it's as good as can be expected from one with less than ideal authority and resources. While I wasn't too happy with the conclusion, it wasn't too out of left field either. Perhaps, considering the ending, some of this case's going to find a way to the next book. At least, if nothing else, I hope it cured Jake of his long infatuation. On another note, I didn't totally buy the superior's sudden change of heart other than it being convenient for Jake's benefit. That saying, overall I'm quite chuffed and entertained with Dead Man's Bridge and look forward to more of Jake Cantrell's adventures.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Robert J. Mrazek is a new author to me and Dead Man's Bridge is a debut novel to a new cozy mysteries series. So I was quite excited at the chance of reading it. the book proves to be an compelling introduction to Mrazek's writing; it was hilarious, thought provoking, yet touching.
The story was told in first person from Jake Cantrell's POV. A former college football star and Army Ranger who took the fall for mission going awry, he now worked as campus police officer at his former campus. To say he's a man down on his luck was an understatement. The love of his live had deserted him to marry his best friend, his dog was on borrowed time with his doggy life, he didn't like his job, his superior and the local sheriff disliked him; he basically lived on alcohol to numb his feelings. But everything turned into disorder when the campus president being blackmailed and body counts start to rise on the campus homecoming weekend.
As the start to "Jake Cantrell's Mystery", this book gave a glimpse of Jake's background and the man's character. I liked his insouciant personality and loyalty to those he considers friends. The stance and expression he employed often had me hovering between mirth and exasperation. Mrazek truly gave life to his book with this character.
As for the mystery-solving, it's as good as can be expected from one with less than ideal authority and resources. While I wasn't too happy with the conclusion, it wasn't too out of left field either. Perhaps, considering the ending, some of this case's going to find a way to the next book. At least, if nothing else, I hope it cured Jake of his long infatuation. On another note, I didn't totally buy the superior's sudden change of heart other than it being convenient for Jake's benefit. That saying, overall I'm quite chuffed and entertained with Dead Man's Bridge and look forward to more of Jake Cantrell's adventures.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2017
The story follows ex army Jake as he starts working as campus security. When someone is found hanged on campus know one believes Jake and his suspicions that this was murder. Faced with a race against time Jake struggles to solve the mystery before it’s too late.
I loved the fact that this book didn’t involve a email main character who was overcoming her past or a down and our cop in a struggling marriage. It was a brilliant refreshing change from a lot of thrillers out at the moment.
This was a fast paces plot with a great developing story, not your usual ‘whodunit’, it involved twists and turns, multiple murder and high stakes blackmail. Even better this is the first in a new series, and I love discovering a new series at the beginning.
I liked Jake and how rough around the edges he was, I mean there is nothing more attractive than an alcoholic, severely troubles ex army guy, am I right?
Although at times he was a tad indestructible and unbelievable at times, I’m definitely interested in seeing where JAke goes in the series.
And the highlight he has an aging dog as his best friend. I am there for that!! Dog companionship couldn’t be more up my street.
I loved the fact that this book didn’t involve a email main character who was overcoming her past or a down and our cop in a struggling marriage. It was a brilliant refreshing change from a lot of thrillers out at the moment.
This was a fast paces plot with a great developing story, not your usual ‘whodunit’, it involved twists and turns, multiple murder and high stakes blackmail. Even better this is the first in a new series, and I love discovering a new series at the beginning.
I liked Jake and how rough around the edges he was, I mean there is nothing more attractive than an alcoholic, severely troubles ex army guy, am I right?
Although at times he was a tad indestructible and unbelievable at times, I’m definitely interested in seeing where JAke goes in the series.
And the highlight he has an aging dog as his best friend. I am there for that!! Dog companionship couldn’t be more up my street.
September 1, 2017
Juggling dynamite in lieu of firecrackers.
Dumped by his wife for his friend while he was deployed, now working security courtesy of same friend, drummed out of the army for political expediency, unable/unwilling to play the game with employers, pretty much living on alcohol and paying for chemo for his best buddy/dog, Jake is a mess.
Although he is looked down on and ridiculed by his chief of security as well as the local sheriff, he is the only one to get it right when the first body turns up. From then on he is hip deep in blackmail, murder, and attempts on his own life. A very active and well plotted tale complete with characters so realistic I'm sure that I worked alongside some of them. Red herrings and plot twists abound to make this a really compelling read.
After receiving a print copy from the publisher courtesy of a Goodreads Giveaway that I entered, I picked up an audio done by Blackstone Audio. Christopher Lane gave a fine audio interpretation!
Dumped by his wife for his friend while he was deployed, now working security courtesy of same friend, drummed out of the army for political expediency, unable/unwilling to play the game with employers, pretty much living on alcohol and paying for chemo for his best buddy/dog, Jake is a mess.
Although he is looked down on and ridiculed by his chief of security as well as the local sheriff, he is the only one to get it right when the first body turns up. From then on he is hip deep in blackmail, murder, and attempts on his own life. A very active and well plotted tale complete with characters so realistic I'm sure that I worked alongside some of them. Red herrings and plot twists abound to make this a really compelling read.
After receiving a print copy from the publisher courtesy of a Goodreads Giveaway that I entered, I picked up an audio done by Blackstone Audio. Christopher Lane gave a fine audio interpretation!
June 27, 2025
jake Is a security guard for a college. He is well-known around town as the man who got discharged from the military...one early morning he gets a call from his coworker who works the overnight shift and there has been a body.... Jake heads over to the site and is convinced that it is not an act of suicide. Unfortunately no one agrees with him so as the day progresses he is brought up to date on a few other side issues. Before he knows it, another body has been found in the exact same spot in the exact same way... He now knows for sure that this is not a coincidence and it is not another suicide. Will he find out who did this or will the killer get away?
May 29, 2017
Set in a small college town in upstate New York, a former army officer is now working campus security - the only job he could get. He investigates when an alumnus is found hanging from a foot bridge. Classified as a suicide, he thinks it was murder unlike his boss or the local police. He is also trying to find out who is blackmailing the college president - the one person who would give him a job.
Interesting characters. Descriptions of the first body may turn some people off - don't let it. Good mystery. I want to read more by this author.
Interesting characters. Descriptions of the first body may turn some people off - don't let it. Good mystery. I want to read more by this author.
August 6, 2017
Believe it or not, this is a buddy story as much as it is a well written mystery. Jake and Bug are quite a pair and for those of us who are suckers for dogs, he's a gem. Jake's determination to figure out what actually happened at St Andrew's College leads him to open a Pandora's box of secrets, lies, and yuck. It's well written and while a bit twisty, not implausible or overly complex - in fact, it's realistic and believable. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. Try this one for a quick, satisfying read. I'm curious where Mrazek will take this next.
July 12, 2021
Another great read by Robert Mrazek. This one involves an army veteran (Jake Cantrell) who was discharged for an egregious crime during that time ( accused of murdering several of his fellow soldiers ). Lost his reputation and the stigma of his past crimes he is college campus police officer living back in his hometown of upstate NY. A series of suicides off a local bridge begins to draw suspicions and emerges that this might be a serial killing of some sort ? Good pacing, good storyline will keep you occupied with this novel.
October 4, 2017
A surprise at the end didn't change my mind about this book. It was just not the kind of book that I like. There were mysteries to solve but it all revolves around "sick and stupid" college kids. With the things that are going on in our country right now, I have had my fill of stupid, brain washed college kids. It is time to grow up.
January 17, 2018
This is a nice, solid who-done-it. Nothing here blew my socks off but I was entertained. Jake Cantrell is the main character with a questionable military background. He finds himself at the bottom of the rung working for campus security. When a body is found hanging from a bridge on campus, he is tasked with clean-up. But the bodies keep coming...
September 2, 2017
As soon as I was done, I went looking for the second book..as it turns out is a new release and now the insufferable wait for the second book begins...great book the story is easy to follow and it doesn't contain just fluff ..will look into more books by this author
October 7, 2017
Not a bad start to a new series.
December 13, 2018
Engaging mystery, straight forward plot, disappointing characters that failed to fully engage me--all were a bit too flawed. Well paced and promising overall, but not extraordinary.
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September 23, 2019This was read via audio. I'm not reviewing it or rating it because I was highly distracted during this whole book.
January 31, 2020
It was a formulaic book anyway, but I bailed out when a TEA Party guy was accused of ranting about Jews and communists. Sheesh.
April 16, 2020
Flowed well - kind of predictable- fast read - worth the read- abruptly ended
August 4, 2021
Starts out with a lot of type things that are taking over the news today-then developes into an interesting story.
March 11, 2025
Great book! Was not expecting that ending
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