What do you think?
Rate this book
Mystery Puzzle #1
STOP A MURDER - HOW
BOOK #1 - HOW: Puzzles 1 - 12
This is unlike any mystery or thriller book you've ever read before. You play the sleuth, and as the story unfolds you will be tasked with solving puzzles to prevent a murder from happening.
In this five-book series, you'll uncover the mind and motivations of a nefarious killer who is plotting to commit an unspeakable crime.
Each book contains an epistolary collection of emails, texts, and letters, delivered to thriller author J.A. Konrath, by a serial killer. This psychopath is sending detailed, cryptic puzzles and brain teasers that lead to clues about who will be murdered, why, when, where, and how.
Some of the puzzles are easy to figure out. Others are much more devious.
Do you like solving mysteries? Do you enjoy brain teasers or escape-the-room games? Are you good at spotting clues?
Only you can stop a murder.
Are you smart enough?
Are you brave enough?
Let the games begin...
#1 STOP A MURDER - HOW: Puzzles 1 - 12
#2 STOP A MURDER - WHERE: Puzzles 13 - 24
#3 STOP A MURDER - WHY: Puzzles 25 - 36
#4 STOP A MURDER - WHO: Puzzles 37 - 48
#5 STOP A MURDER - WHEN: Puzzles 49 - 60
STOP A MURDER - ANSWER BOOK
ABOUT THE STOP A MURDER SERIES
This series works best with an internet connection, using a Kindle Fire or Kindle app to enter answers on the killer's website. An e-ink Kindle will work, but the interface will be smoother if used in conjunction with a computer or smart phone.
While each book in this series can be read and enjoyed on its own, the experience will be richer if read in order, and if the internet is used.
Over the five book series, you'll need to answer over seventy puzzles. When you answer correctly, you are rewarded with more clues that can stop a murder and reveal the killer's identity.
This is unlike any mystery or thriller book you've ever read before. You play the sleuth, and as the story unfolds you will be tasked with solving puzzles to prevent a murder from happening.
In this five-book series, you'll uncover the mind and motivations of a nefarious killer who is plotting to commit an unspeakable crime.
Each book contains an epistolary collection of emails, texts, and letters, delivered to thriller author J.A. Konrath, by a serial killer. This psychopath is sending detailed, cryptic puzzles and brain teasers that lead to clues about who will be murdered, why, when, where, and how.
Some of the puzzles are easy to figure out. Others are much more devious.
Do you like solving mysteries? Do you enjoy brain teasers or escape-the-room games? Are you good at spotting clues?
Only you can stop a murder.
Are you smart enough?
Are you brave enough?
Let the games begin...
#1 STOP A MURDER - HOW: Puzzles 1 - 12
#2 STOP A MURDER - WHERE: Puzzles 13 - 24
#3 STOP A MURDER - WHY: Puzzles 25 - 36
#4 STOP A MURDER - WHO: Puzzles 37 - 48
#5 STOP A MURDER - WHEN: Puzzles 49 - 60
STOP A MURDER - ANSWER BOOK
ABOUT THE STOP A MURDER SERIES
This series works best with an internet connection, using a Kindle Fire or Kindle app to enter answers on the killer's website. An e-ink Kindle will work, but the interface will be smoother if used in conjunction with a computer or smart phone.
While each book in this series can be read and enjoyed on its own, the experience will be richer if read in order, and if the internet is used.
Over the five book series, you'll need to answer over seventy puzzles. When you answer correctly, you are rewarded with more clues that can stop a murder and reveal the killer's identity.
78 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2017
About the author
J.A. Konrath
360 books3,023 followersJoe Konrath has written over twenty novels in the Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels thriller series. They do not have to be read chronologically to be enjoyed, but the order is: Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, Rusty Nail, Dirty Martini, Shot of Tequila, Fuzzy Navel, Cherry Bomb, Dead On My Feet, Serial Killers Uncut (with Blake Crouch), Shaken, Stirred (with Blake Crouch), Dying Breath, Everybody Dies, Rum Runner, Last Call, White Russian, Shot Girl, Chaser, Old Fashioned, Bite Force, and Witch Brew. More coming soon.
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 8, 2018
This is a book of puzzles, 12 for each book in the series. Some are really easy, and they run from riddles and trivia to basic cryptograms. I had fun with this, but I either got it on sale or free, and I probably wouldn't pay full price. I hope the next one has harder puzzles.
You need to put the information into a website as your going, and you're going to need to look some stuff up. So not a book to take on the go.
You need to put the information into a website as your going, and you're going to need to look some stuff up. So not a book to take on the go.
January 2, 2019
This isn't a book you read, it's a book you play. Having completed several immersive puzzle story books, I found this one to be a quick little puzzle book (took me an afternoon to play all the way through, with distractions) with the puzzles being on the easy side... Admittedly, some had slight twists that caught me off guard, but then again for as much as I do puzzle-y things, I should probably be better than I am at this. I would recommend this as a first entry if you're justy getting into the world of puzzle books. Also- these are NOT Standalone; if you're not going to invest in all 5 books, then don't even bother with this. Off to read the next one. I'll keep you posted on my thoughts as I finish each book.
December 7, 2017
Stop a Murder: How by J. A. Konrath is at least one-half an activity book for readers who love mysteries and are getting a little bit smug about always getting to a solution before the author is finished providing clues. In this case, the always entertaining Konrath invites readers to help prevent a murder. Konrath has received emails from a criminal planning a murder, the criminal baits Konrath with clues that when followed might lead the author to prevent a murder. Along the way, the unknown sender taunts and baits Konrath by insulting his previously published works as well as his overall abilities and intelligence. Konrath has a plan.
The activity has several parts. There are five novels with clues about how to stop the murder; each has a title describing what the successful reader will be able to find out. This novel, the first, addresses the “How.” Others will address the “Where,” the “Why,” the “When,” and the “Who.” All five can be read for free through KU but the sixth, the answer book, sells for USD 2.99. After I worked my way through one-half of this novel, I bought the answer book. Because that is where I knew the answer, was positive I was correct but found the website would not acknowledge my carefully typed correct response. I looked forward to vindication from the answer book so that I could send a self-righteous whine to the author. Well … I was right, but I gave the answer in the wrong format. Careful (and complete) reading of the puzzles and clues is essential to avoid damage to your nearest unsuspecting house pet. In other words, this was fun. And I learned new things. What is leetspeak? (I am sure this is not a spoiler.)
For those readers who like responding to writing challenges, this is a pleasant diversion. For those experts in the ancient game of trivial pursuit, this can be humbling. And for a bonus, Konrath provides lots of humor and satire throughout the email exchanges between the Unknown Sender and himself/reader.
I gave this an Amazon five-star rating because I was so amused and haven’t seen anything like this for quite a while. You might need more than one device to get through this experience. It is all about how convenient you like things to be. Read the Kindle book on one device, go to the website to input your answers, and keep a notebook and old-fashioned scribbling device nearby. And maps. And you will need to do Google searches. It is not cheating. The Unknown Sender and Konrath expect you to do this. Unless you already speak leetspeak.
I used this first novel as a testbed. I didn’t want to refer to the answer book but after the experience of finding myself correct but incorrect, I decided to not punish myself a lot if I had to give in occasionally. This was unintentionally wise because I found an incredibly difficult clue that I was in no way equipped to handle. Readers who are fond of movies will have no problems with the clue that completely defeated me.
This novel has it all. A mystery, challenges, humor, and good writing. I look forward to having fun with the other four mystery novels. After imbibing several alcoholic refreshments, I am going to hide the answer book in some hidden, protected file. I’ll never be able to find it again. This is good news for Konrath as far as book sales because at a certain level of frustration I will simply buy another copy.
The activity has several parts. There are five novels with clues about how to stop the murder; each has a title describing what the successful reader will be able to find out. This novel, the first, addresses the “How.” Others will address the “Where,” the “Why,” the “When,” and the “Who.” All five can be read for free through KU but the sixth, the answer book, sells for USD 2.99. After I worked my way through one-half of this novel, I bought the answer book. Because that is where I knew the answer, was positive I was correct but found the website would not acknowledge my carefully typed correct response. I looked forward to vindication from the answer book so that I could send a self-righteous whine to the author. Well … I was right, but I gave the answer in the wrong format. Careful (and complete) reading of the puzzles and clues is essential to avoid damage to your nearest unsuspecting house pet. In other words, this was fun. And I learned new things. What is leetspeak? (I am sure this is not a spoiler.)
For those readers who like responding to writing challenges, this is a pleasant diversion. For those experts in the ancient game of trivial pursuit, this can be humbling. And for a bonus, Konrath provides lots of humor and satire throughout the email exchanges between the Unknown Sender and himself/reader.
I gave this an Amazon five-star rating because I was so amused and haven’t seen anything like this for quite a while. You might need more than one device to get through this experience. It is all about how convenient you like things to be. Read the Kindle book on one device, go to the website to input your answers, and keep a notebook and old-fashioned scribbling device nearby. And maps. And you will need to do Google searches. It is not cheating. The Unknown Sender and Konrath expect you to do this. Unless you already speak leetspeak.
I used this first novel as a testbed. I didn’t want to refer to the answer book but after the experience of finding myself correct but incorrect, I decided to not punish myself a lot if I had to give in occasionally. This was unintentionally wise because I found an incredibly difficult clue that I was in no way equipped to handle. Readers who are fond of movies will have no problems with the clue that completely defeated me.
This novel has it all. A mystery, challenges, humor, and good writing. I look forward to having fun with the other four mystery novels. After imbibing several alcoholic refreshments, I am going to hide the answer book in some hidden, protected file. I’ll never be able to find it again. This is good news for Konrath as far as book sales because at a certain level of frustration I will simply buy another copy.
August 8, 2018
DNF 50%.
I'm not great at puzzles, so I really shouldn't have bothered. But I do enjoy the author. Even before I started I was wondering if I wanted to be interactive while reading a book. One answer I had correct (after deciphering and googling), and it would never take the answer. After hitting up facebook others had the same issues and someone helped how to input it. Another question was just as frustrating. I had 14 values I found instead of 10. Well some were combined. The next question was the last straw. Sure some of the words were caps, but my reader didn't have all the caps that the hints did. Then I'd still have to google for the answer.
Sorry, not for me. But if you like puzzles and Konrath, this would be right up your alley. I'm guessing the other four in the series are similar.
I'm not great at puzzles, so I really shouldn't have bothered. But I do enjoy the author. Even before I started I was wondering if I wanted to be interactive while reading a book. One answer I had correct (after deciphering and googling), and it would never take the answer. After hitting up facebook others had the same issues and someone helped how to input it. Another question was just as frustrating. I had 14 values I found instead of 10. Well some were combined. The next question was the last straw. Sure some of the words were caps, but my reader didn't have all the caps that the hints did. Then I'd still have to google for the answer.
Sorry, not for me. But if you like puzzles and Konrath, this would be right up your alley. I'm guessing the other four in the series are similar.
November 13, 2017
Unlike any other book
I am a super fan of Konrath’s books especially the Jack Daniels series. Stop A Murder series is nothing like his other books. This book captures audiences from all different categories. If you like creepy books and puzzles this is a must read. Some of the puzzles are no brainers while others can be more challenging (use google to help you along the way). Some puzzles you have to think outside the box because google will not be able to help you at all. Definitely recommend reading at least 1 book to see if you like it and if you do.. read them all. Once you solve one, it makes you want to solve them all.
I am a super fan of Konrath’s books especially the Jack Daniels series. Stop A Murder series is nothing like his other books. This book captures audiences from all different categories. If you like creepy books and puzzles this is a must read. Some of the puzzles are no brainers while others can be more challenging (use google to help you along the way). Some puzzles you have to think outside the box because google will not be able to help you at all. Definitely recommend reading at least 1 book to see if you like it and if you do.. read them all. Once you solve one, it makes you want to solve them all.
October 15, 2019
This was a fun insomnia read because I could solve puzzles at the end of each chapter and then enter answers into the stopamurder.com/#how website to see if I was correct. Number 6 was a challenge until I realized the answer needed to be in Roman Numerals, and Number 11 stumped me because I was unfamiliar with the older pop culture references, but in the end, I was happy to have found the smoking gun. The book is highly recommended for folks who like escape rooms or murder mystery parties.
July 17, 2018
The Puzzles Are Fun
The storyline has you acting as a character in a way, helping to solve puzzles to stop a crime. Some puzzles are very easy and others are difficult. I flew through the puzzles in one sitting. A sitting that took a few hours. I’m going to move on to book 2. I’m curious.
The storyline has you acting as a character in a way, helping to solve puzzles to stop a crime. Some puzzles are very easy and others are difficult. I flew through the puzzles in one sitting. A sitting that took a few hours. I’m going to move on to book 2. I’m curious.
December 1, 2017
For puzzles, it was pretty good!
I did like this, however, I did end up buying the answer book, because I got almost all answers, there were a couple I couldn't get, and I wanted to solve it. It was fun doing the puzzles instead of just reading about a killer.
I did like this, however, I did end up buying the answer book, because I got almost all answers, there were a couple I couldn't get, and I wanted to solve it. It was fun doing the puzzles instead of just reading about a killer.
March 28, 2018
I absolutely love murder mysteries, and I've even subscribed to a few mystery boxes. I'm SO happy to see this book series. I wish I knew it existed sooner, as I'm a good year late to the game...but I'm glad I found it at all!
August 13, 2019
Not really impressed I guess you have to into death, murder and kill
I was not really impress with this find your murder book. But I am not really into death, murder, and kill situations.
I was not really impress with this find your murder book. But I am not really into death, murder, and kill situations.
September 13, 2019
A Totally AWESOME READ!!
This has to be the most interesting book, I've ever read!! Back and forth emails, between the supposedly killer and Konrath. Each trading barbs at the other. A series you won't want to put down!!
This has to be the most interesting book, I've ever read!! Back and forth emails, between the supposedly killer and Konrath. Each trading barbs at the other. A series you won't want to put down!!
April 23, 2020
Different...but awesome
Loved that this book used a combo of wits, the internet and an interesting plot to grip the reader. Love this format, and hope that JA writes some more of these. Now, I need to go and solve the puzzles for the next in the series...
Loved that this book used a combo of wits, the internet and an interesting plot to grip the reader. Love this format, and hope that JA writes some more of these. Now, I need to go and solve the puzzles for the next in the series...
November 21, 2017
This was a fun start to what will hopefully be an even more entertaining series.
December 7, 2017
Could not put down!!!!
I have never read a book like this, and this will not be the last one. Highly addictive. I could not stop thinking about this book!!
Awesome!!!
I have never read a book like this, and this will not be the last one. Highly addictive. I could not stop thinking about this book!!
Awesome!!!
October 31, 2018
Meh
Interesting but not overwhelming me with a desire to keep going. Just a bit disappointed in this. On the upside you won't get stuck because the hints do help tremendously.
Interesting but not overwhelming me with a desire to keep going. Just a bit disappointed in this. On the upside you won't get stuck because the hints do help tremendously.
January 3, 2020
Challenging
December 1, 2024
This interactive puzzle book was very entertaining. I will continue the series.
July 1, 2018
Boring¡
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews