I'm not looking for an investigation, but one comes my way when my crotchety neighbor, Shirley Durocher, is murdered the day after a contentious Homeowners Association meeting.The suspects with motives are many, including Shirley’s shy granddaughter, Holly, who insists she is innocent and hires me to clear her name and find the real killer. To complicate matters, romantic sparks fly between Holly and Cal, my computer-geek best friend.
As I delve into the case, I discover family relationships can be treacherous, and people will resort to almost anything to keep their secrets hidden.
Can I juggle my most challenging case yet while playing matchmaker for Cal?
From the time she was ten and tried to write her own detective series in the fashion of the Hardy Boys, Renée Pawlish has been developing her craft. Along with creative writing classes, Renée studied great writers like Dashiell Hammett, Rex Stout, Stephen King, Sue Grafton and many more. Once Renée graduated from college, she began her first novel. Now, all these years later, she has penned numerous books in a variety of genres.
Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.
Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series This Doesn't Happen In The Movies Reel Estate Rip-off
The Nephilim Trilogy Nephilim Genesis of Evil Books Two and Three soon to be released
The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series The Emerald Quest
Take Five A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.
The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.
After the new book comes out, try to wait couple weeks before reading it, but couldn't wait any longer with this one. Reed Ferguson, not only trying to find the real killer of his neighbor Shirley also playing matchmaker. Granddaughter of Holly is suspected of killing her grandmother, because grandmother left everything to her. Reid's shy geek friend Cal is there to help him, also goofball brothers. Maybe in the next book we'll read more about Cal and Holly.
Reed Ferguson, PI is back, and his latest case is very close to home. A neighbor lady, Shirley Durocher, is murdered shortly after a neighborhood HOA meeting where she had attended and made accusations of mismanagement of funds as well as other confrontations.
The next week, Deuce Smith (neighbor and 1/2 of the Goofballs team) introduces Reed to Holly Durocher, Shirley's granddaughter. Before long Holly has hired Reed to find her grandmother's murderer, and the game is afoot. Reed goes to talk to Holly's mother, Karen, and discovers that history has repeated itself in parallels between Shirley and Karen's lives. He also discovers that Holly's mother is a disagreeable person who would like to see her daughter committed for a murder Reed doesn't think she had anything to do with. The case continues with many car followings and confrontations. A side case, based on the accusations of the deceased woman, is an investigation into the man who does the books for the HOA.
I love the way the author gives us enough details to picture exactly how Reed goes about his job. We learn about his tailing vehicles, stake-outs, and research. His interview techniques (and snooping) reveal a lot about the criminals but also about Reed's self motivation and how he arrives at the decision as what to do next.
A great side story in this book is Reed's best friend Cal. He happens to be at Reed's condo when Deuce brings Holly by, and Cal is instantly infatuated! This is the same guy who rarely leaves home and has been portrayed as somewhat of a super geek in previous books. It is delightful to watch him take an interest in Holly and actually work up the courage to ask her to join them for dinner.
This was an interesting installment in Reed Ferguson, PI. For once he wasn't beat up in the line of duty or caught unaware. His PI confidence has increased as well as his ability to find "jobs" for the Goofballs to "help" with his investigations. It is a pleasure to see characters who change and grow over time as they seem to be more like "real" people to me. The author has done a terrific job with plot, characters, and the underlying current that ties the various sub stories together to make an exciting book.
This book can be playful, BUT there is a serious mystery for Reed Ferguson, private eye, to solve. You followers of Renee Pawlish will be happy to know that our favorite characters, Ace, Deuce, Willie and Cal are back. Willie and Reed have been married for awhile now, are still happily in love and supportive of each other. They have an addition to their family, a cat named Humphrey. Ace and Deuce, affectionately known as the Goofball Brothers, are always anxious to help and Deuce knows that there is a significant person, a granddaughter, who may hold the key as to who murdered her grandmother. Ace brings her to meet Reed while Cal, Reed's best friend since high school, is there. Cal immediately becomes smitten with the granddaughter. Cal is normally reclusive, surrounded by his computers old pizza boxes, so this is a side of him we have not seen. The disagreeable daughter of the murdered woman, accuses her own daughter of being the culprit. Reed is moved to call his own mother, whom he usually considers a lovable pest, to let her know that he loves her. We usually get a bit of a surprise at the end when the perpetrator is identified and this story is no exception. I have to say that Pawlish's writing becomes better and better. For those of you who find writing style and readability essential to enjoying a story, you will be more than satisfied. I often found myself feeling what the character is feeling. This book is easy to read without being simplistic. I feel compelled to read everything she writes.
As you already know I am a big fan of the Reed Ferguson series and this story is no exception. A neighbor is murdered and whether Reed likes it or not he needs to figure out who did it to help keep the neighbors quiet. Cal, Reed's computer geek friend, is in this and the Goofball brothers also make an appearance. I am seriously hoping that Cal's appearance gets expanded on in the next book or two. Hint, hint. (No spoilers here) I like the way Reed works things out sometimes lucky, sometimes true detective work. It makes him more human and believable that way. Again, another great story from Ms. Pawlish.
Reed, Cal, Willie, Ace and Deuce are back in another mystery that will keep you glued to these pages till you come to the final surprise ending.
I love these characters! They are like friends of mine and I am sure you will recognize a few of yours, yet Reed, along with his pals Cal, Ace and Deuce and occasionally his sweetie, Willie, help people out of jams that might send them to jail.
Suspense, humor and a good sprinkle of love makes this series rich and enjoyable – a mystery buffet that will satisfy everyone’s tastes.
So turn off your phone, grab your snacks and drink and hunker down for one great read!
Kindle Unlimited or own or else was on a freebie day. The latter books seem to have more issues with continuity and other things, maybe it was because there is so much repitition that started to notice the other issues. BTW, SO tired of people having 'sly' smiles, what does that even MEAN really.
Denver private investigator Reed Ferguson isn’t looking for an investigation, but one comes his way when his crotchety neighbor, Shirley Durocher, is murdered the day after a contentious Homeowners Association meeting. The suspects with motives are many, including Shirley’s shy granddaughter, Holly, who insists she is innocent and hires Reed to clear her name and find the real killer. To complicate matters, romantic sparks fly between Holly and Cal, Reed’s computer-geek best friend. As Reed delves into the case, he discovers lies, deceit, thieves, and secrets that may lead to Shirley Durocher’s murderer. Can Reed juggle his most challenging case yet while playing matchmaker for Cal?
The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series This Doesn't Happen In The Movies 1 - Reel Estate Rip-off 2 - The Maltese Felon 3 - Farewell, My Deuce - Elvis and the Sports Card Cheat 3.5 {SS} - 4 Out of the Past 5 - Torch Scene 6 - The Lady Who Sang High 7 - Sweet Smell of Sucrets 8 - The Third Fan 9 - Back Story 10 - Night of the Hunted 11 - The Postman Always Brings Dice 12 - Walk Softly, Danger 12.5 {N} - Road Blocked 13 - A Gun For Hire 13.5 {SS} - Small Town Focus 14 - Ace In the Hole 14.5 {N} - Nightmare Sally 15 - Cool Alibi 15.5 {SS} - The Damned Don't Die 16 - The Big Steal 16.5 {SS} - The Wrong Woman 16.6 {SS} - Double Iniquity 17
The Reed Ferguson Series: Box Set 1-3 {Elvis and the Sports Card Cheat in 1 version set & is 3.5} The Reed Ferguson Series: Books 4-6 The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series Boxset
NOVELLA: Walk Softly, Danger {12.5} NOVELLA: Ace in the Hole {14.5}
• short story: Elvis And The Sports Card Cheat {3.5} • short story: A Gun For Hire {13.5} • short story: Cool Alibi {15.5} • short story: The Big Steal {16.5} • short story: The Wrong Woman {16.6} Reed Ferguson Stories: Five Mystery Short Tales (The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series)
The Reed Feguson series continues to hold my interests
I’m definitely a fan of Renee Pawlish, I hope her series don’t turn south as other series I was enjoying have, but thus far idon’t see that happening.’The Damned Don’t Die’ had me guessing until the end.’ I will probably finish the series soon, but plan to check out Dewey Webb series.
One other thing I like about the Feed Ferguson series in addition to it be being clean, no sex and vulgar language is Renee references a lot of places that are actual places. Of course i’m drawing a blank on the names now, but the Rooster and the Moon are B52s are actual places, though Rooster and Moon is now closed but Renee even mentions it will be closing. I say all fhatcgat it adds a lot personalization to the series. I fine myslef Googling a lot of the places and checking out Amazon Prime for the many film noir movies mentioned. I’m familiar with a lot of the films and want to watch them again, most are not freebies and my budget doesn’t currently allow me the luxury.
I’m blabbing, sorry, but just want to say Renee Pawlish has a lot off good books.
I've been choosing the Reed Ferguson Mystery series as my Prime Lending Library selection for about a year and a half now. I find the books to be very engaging and a nice escape for a couple of days.
Reed, Willie, Cal, and the Goofball Brothers are all very well developed characters and seem like the type of people I'd like to have as friends and neighbors.
The plots move quickly and the mysteries are entertaining without being so detailed that the reader gets lost in the story. As I get closer to the end of the series, I find that I look forward more to finding out about how the lives of Reed and his friends has progressed since the last book than I do about the mystery at the center of the story, but that's also why I keep reading.
Reed Ferguson and Willie his wife go to a HOA meeting due to the increase of burglaries and homeless in their neighborhood. Before the meeting, Ace and Deuce is accused by Shirley Durocher of watching her house. Shirley is not a very nice woman. She make demands of the HOA that are borderline stupid. Further in the story, Shirley ends up murdered in her house. Was someone really watching her, waiting for their time to kill her? The police think it might be the granddaughter since she is the benefactor in her will. Shirley's daughter is mad because she was cut out of the will. Then there is the argument Reed overheard with Shirley and Alan Prestwick after the meeting. Can Reed figure out who is guilty and why they did it? Read the book to find out. I received ARC of this book.
Renee Pawlish has created another good mystery read with her latest Reed Ferguson novel, The Damned Don't Die. Once again, Reed is minding his own business when a case falls in his lap. This time his neighbor, Shirley Durocher, is murdered. Even though there appears to be several suspects, the police zero in on Shirley's granddaughter Holly. So Holly hires Reed to investigate to help clear her of any charges. Reed brings his computer geek pal Cal into the investigation. One meeting with Holly and Cal is in love. So not only do we have a murder investigation, we have a little match making too. If you enjoy nice clean Noir mysteries, grab a copy of The Damned Don't Die.
With every long-running series, there's the risk that it will get stale or old. Not so with the Reed Ferguson mysteries by Rene Pawlish. In fact, each book seems to just get better and better. The wonderful cast of characters makes you feel like you're meeting up with old friends again, and the author makes the mystery in each book unique, interesting and totally engrossing. In "The Damned Don't Die," the hits come closer to home, and we also get to see the addition of a possible romance for someone totally unexpected. If you haven't read any of these books yet, jump in. Grab any one of them and you're guarantee a good time. And you'll definitely be making some new friends.
I have read all the Reed Ferguson series and enjoy the twists and the nuances of her characters. The idiocies of side characters is consistent from book to book. As an unpublished noir writer I am envious of Ms. Pawlish’s ability to spin a yarn and keep the readers eager to keep the pages turning. Dewey Webb series are also page turners.
Only a slight issue with “Damned”. When Cal gave vehicle info to Reed, Reed didn’t seem to recall he’d seen it before.
Pretty much the entire investigation is within walking distance when Reed's neighbor Shirley is murdered. Shirley's granddaughter, Holly, hires him because she is the #1 suspect of the police. Shirley was not very well liked, so there are a lot of suspects. The perp didn't turn out to be who I thought it would be and something happens in this one that I have been hoping would happen since Book #1. Another very good read!
I read this book in a matter of hours (work got in the way or I'd have taken less time)! Yeah, it is that good! A new Reed Ferguson is like a visit from an old friend and guarantees an entertaining read. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author. Pawlish absolutely crushes this one. Great characters, great story line, a must read!
Brains, beauty and brawn...OK so not so much brawn and Reed's (main character) wife is the beauty but he uses a lot of brains to solve this twisty homicide! I love that there is not a lot of violence and terrible language in this series. This Reed Ferguson series is decidedly plot driven with truly good PI work. Do yourself a favor and read this book!
I really enjoy reading Renee Pawlish's Reed Ferguson series. Some stories are better than others but once I finish a story, I go on to the next and then the next and then the next.....there is something about the writing that keeps you coming back for more. I also like how this series ties in with the Sara Spillman series.
I love Dewey Webb and enjoy each new read. This was a terrific new story, I know you will enjoy it too. Great little twists in these mystery. Get it you'll be glad you did.
Hi really enjoyed all of her mistress especially the rate Ferguson ones. The characters are so much fun to read about, you almost feel like they are family.
I have read all sixteen of the Reed Furguson books and this one was aces. This one featured great sleuthing with a minimum amount of danger, but still had enough suspense to carry me through to the surprise ending. A very quick read.
This was one of my favorite books in the series so far. Lots of plot details and all the great characters we've come to love. Plus Cal gets a girlfriend - what more could we ask for? Keep writing Renee.
Loved this episode! Book #16.I have read all of the books except #17. So will get #17 asap. I highly recommend this set of books. An important part for me is the language. Very little profanity. 🎶🎶🎶 Thanks so much! Belinda Young from Mississippi 🗿
I enjoyed reading this story about a private detective and how he solved a murder mystery. I especially enjoyed the fact that there is no crude language nor graphic bedroom scenes. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Lots of twists and turns with this book. Read it in one day. It kept my interest as I tried to guess who the murderer was (Just like when I used to watch Perry Mason TV series with my Dad.)
Another wonderful Reed Ferguson mystery. The writing flows so well, that the books are over way too soon. And maybe a new regular character may have been added.