What do you think?
Rate this book
Empath Detective #2
Murder Feels Bad: A REAL-LIFE MURDER MYSTERY Investigated by a Web Developer Who Can FEEL PEOPLE'S EMOTIONS, Including Murderers, Who Feel SO BAD
He can feel people's emotions. And murderers feel super bad.
Mark Falcon, an aspiring detective and (for now) reluctant web developer, has a secret. He can "vibe" other people’s emotions. And when a wedding gets crashed by a seeming suicide, Mark vibes that there’s one aloof groomsman who wasn’t surprised at the death. Problem is, this guy's also the only current lead for Mark’s website business. And both Mark and I (his trusty sidekick/housemate) are dead broke.
Then, we get our first-ever real detective client ... and she’s afraid the wedding killer wants to kill her next.
Exciting, right? Except her reason sounds … delusional. But Mark does vibe that she’s in real danger. Also, she’s super hot. And possibly into me…
Meanwhile, the cops tell us to back off the whole thing, or else. Even when more people in our small Virginia town start dying.
With the cops threatening jail (again), quirky locals turning lethal, and a spiritual crisis on my part which has really bad timing, Mark and I are racing to catch a killer who seems ready to murder anyone…
Including us.
Murder Feels Bad is the second novel in the Empath Detective mystery series, a new cozy mystery series that totally really happened, but is officially fiction. If you like Janet Evanovich, M. C. Beaton, Deb Baker, and long lists of famous author names, you'll love this new series that has it all — amateur detectives you'll love, zany small-town characters, sparkling wit, and a cold-blooded killer you'll never even suspect.
Buy this hilarious cozy mystery today! Right now, even! You're not seriously going to miss out on our latest adventure?
Plus, there's a whole extra mystery novella waiting for you inside ... totally free...
Mark Falcon, an aspiring detective and (for now) reluctant web developer, has a secret. He can "vibe" other people’s emotions. And when a wedding gets crashed by a seeming suicide, Mark vibes that there’s one aloof groomsman who wasn’t surprised at the death. Problem is, this guy's also the only current lead for Mark’s website business. And both Mark and I (his trusty sidekick/housemate) are dead broke.
Then, we get our first-ever real detective client ... and she’s afraid the wedding killer wants to kill her next.
Exciting, right? Except her reason sounds … delusional. But Mark does vibe that she’s in real danger. Also, she’s super hot. And possibly into me…
Meanwhile, the cops tell us to back off the whole thing, or else. Even when more people in our small Virginia town start dying.
With the cops threatening jail (again), quirky locals turning lethal, and a spiritual crisis on my part which has really bad timing, Mark and I are racing to catch a killer who seems ready to murder anyone…
Including us.
Murder Feels Bad is the second novel in the Empath Detective mystery series, a new cozy mystery series that totally really happened, but is officially fiction. If you like Janet Evanovich, M. C. Beaton, Deb Baker, and long lists of famous author names, you'll love this new series that has it all — amateur detectives you'll love, zany small-town characters, sparkling wit, and a cold-blooded killer you'll never even suspect.
Buy this hilarious cozy mystery today! Right now, even! You're not seriously going to miss out on our latest adventure?
Plus, there's a whole extra mystery novella waiting for you inside ... totally free...
344 pages, ebook
Published October 24, 2017
33 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Bill Alive
52 books77 followersYou know how you keep reading piles and piles and piles of mystery series, and most of them are, like, moderately okay … at least, there weren’t too many typos … and your eyes aren’t actually bleeding …
… but then … THEN … every so often … WOW, you’re just smitten.
The style is fabulous, the people are hilarious, the action is fantastic and terrifying and gut-wrenching and you just want to shout, THIS! This right here! Why can’t they all be like THIS?
The next time you find a series like that, could you PLEASE TELL ME?
I mean, please tell this Bill Alive author guy?
Because otherwise, he’s just going to keep trying to write them.
Which is super fun. See that smile? He’s clearly enjoying himself.
But still. Once in awhile, the guy needs to see how it’s done. What’s your favorite series? He’ll probably love it too.
… but then … THEN … every so often … WOW, you’re just smitten.
The style is fabulous, the people are hilarious, the action is fantastic and terrifying and gut-wrenching and you just want to shout, THIS! This right here! Why can’t they all be like THIS?
The next time you find a series like that, could you PLEASE TELL ME?
I mean, please tell this Bill Alive author guy?
Because otherwise, he’s just going to keep trying to write them.
Which is super fun. See that smile? He’s clearly enjoying himself.
But still. Once in awhile, the guy needs to see how it’s done. What’s your favorite series? He’ll probably love it too.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 9, 2018
really enjoyed this book. it's was good if not better than the first book. I highly recommend this book if u like murder mysteries
May 18, 2018
Empath Strikes Again
(Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book. Read it and decided to provide my honest review). Murder Feels Bad, The Empath Detective Mystery Series by Bill Alive has me more perplexed than Book One. The book is still formatted as a journal and narrated by the main character, Pete, as he goes through his adventure of solving a series of seemingly connected murders in his town. The murders are actually solved by his roommate Mark who is an empath. The book is written in the first person exclusively through the eyes of the main character, Pete: however, I would argue the main character should be Mark, the empath, who actually solves the murders using his talents.
The author did a really good job building out Mark’s character, defining what an empath is, and how an empath would look like as an everyday person. The author then takes the character-building further by depicting the breadth and depth of such a character who uses their empath talent as a detective solving murders. Fascinating! Mark’s character is witty, charismatic, charming, and endearing and I wish his voice was much more prevalent and independent in the storyline. Unfortunately, since this story is told solely by Pete and his machinations, there is a certain tediousness in The Empath Detective Mystery Series Book Two that has not lessened from the first book. It took a lot of energy to push myself through the book due to the main character’s immaturity and his constant whining voice that just gets in the way of solving the mystery and enjoying the storyline. Overall, what made this novel readable was the author’s character-building and storytelling capability beyond Pete and the different twist on a mystery using an empath detective.
I really struggled with the rating of 3 or 4 stars but landed on a 4-star rating because Murder Feels Bad is enjoyable in filtered chunks. MY RECOMMENDATION HAS NOT CHANGED FROM BOOK ONE: If you are able to filter your reading then Murder Feels Bad can be an enjoyable read. –Tex.
(Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book. Read it and decided to provide my honest review). Murder Feels Bad, The Empath Detective Mystery Series by Bill Alive has me more perplexed than Book One. The book is still formatted as a journal and narrated by the main character, Pete, as he goes through his adventure of solving a series of seemingly connected murders in his town. The murders are actually solved by his roommate Mark who is an empath. The book is written in the first person exclusively through the eyes of the main character, Pete: however, I would argue the main character should be Mark, the empath, who actually solves the murders using his talents.
The author did a really good job building out Mark’s character, defining what an empath is, and how an empath would look like as an everyday person. The author then takes the character-building further by depicting the breadth and depth of such a character who uses their empath talent as a detective solving murders. Fascinating! Mark’s character is witty, charismatic, charming, and endearing and I wish his voice was much more prevalent and independent in the storyline. Unfortunately, since this story is told solely by Pete and his machinations, there is a certain tediousness in The Empath Detective Mystery Series Book Two that has not lessened from the first book. It took a lot of energy to push myself through the book due to the main character’s immaturity and his constant whining voice that just gets in the way of solving the mystery and enjoying the storyline. Overall, what made this novel readable was the author’s character-building and storytelling capability beyond Pete and the different twist on a mystery using an empath detective.
I really struggled with the rating of 3 or 4 stars but landed on a 4-star rating because Murder Feels Bad is enjoyable in filtered chunks. MY RECOMMENDATION HAS NOT CHANGED FROM BOOK ONE: If you are able to filter your reading then Murder Feels Bad can be an enjoyable read. –Tex.
May 29, 2018
I'm hooked on this series of books! They are real good who done it books. They remind me of the old TV show Pushing Daisies.
May 13, 2018
Mark & Pete are in the mix again — at the wedding of two former suspects from Murder Feels Awful, Mark is hit with exceptionally negative vibes, the church bell clangs, and the body of a young woman is found collapsed at the base of the bell tower under frayed rope. Once again, it’s hard to be an empath.
A series of strange events follows — a lethally attractive blonde beseeches Mark & Pete for protection, frightened that the local organic milk provider (and suspected witch), is trying to poison her, and while the police are content to rule the hanging as a suicide, Mark & Pete feel otherwise. At the young victim’s funeral, a beatific older man approaches Pete to invite him to a spiritual meeting at his home, and the story starts twisting and turning like the gravel road to their mountaintop shack.
Several more murders occur along the way, with clues pointing to a variety of suspects, but even as the police continue to claim everything has been neatly wrapped with a bow on top, Mark & Pete know the real killer hasn’t been found. Their search, and Mark’s vibes, lead them to a strange and spooky place, facing a danger they never saw coming.
And that’s not all — Ceci might be feeling romantic toward clueless Pete, while Mark & police officer Gwen continue to bicker and banter, sometimes even empathetically.
This second Mark & Pete adventure is even better than the first, filled with hairpin curves readers don’t anticipate (unless, like Mark, they’re empathetic). Plus, the next installment, Murder Feels Crazy, promises even more mayhem, with Furries marching down Back Mosby’s Main Street, protesting who knows what …
A series of strange events follows — a lethally attractive blonde beseeches Mark & Pete for protection, frightened that the local organic milk provider (and suspected witch), is trying to poison her, and while the police are content to rule the hanging as a suicide, Mark & Pete feel otherwise. At the young victim’s funeral, a beatific older man approaches Pete to invite him to a spiritual meeting at his home, and the story starts twisting and turning like the gravel road to their mountaintop shack.
Several more murders occur along the way, with clues pointing to a variety of suspects, but even as the police continue to claim everything has been neatly wrapped with a bow on top, Mark & Pete know the real killer hasn’t been found. Their search, and Mark’s vibes, lead them to a strange and spooky place, facing a danger they never saw coming.
And that’s not all — Ceci might be feeling romantic toward clueless Pete, while Mark & police officer Gwen continue to bicker and banter, sometimes even empathetically.
This second Mark & Pete adventure is even better than the first, filled with hairpin curves readers don’t anticipate (unless, like Mark, they’re empathetic). Plus, the next installment, Murder Feels Crazy, promises even more mayhem, with Furries marching down Back Mosby’s Main Street, protesting who knows what …
May 2, 2018
As much as I liked the first book, I think I liked this one slightly more. There was a bit more character depth going on, we learned more about the main characters, and we also got a darker type of mystery to delve into. Murder Feels Bad was a bit of a religious mystery, with spiritualism, religion, and lots of guidance about romance and abilities going on. Pete’s relationship with the police, with Mark, and with his friends seemed to intensify with each case. Not only do his relationships intensify, but his money problems do too, with no food in the fridge and no money to pay for it.
The gang is all there; Gwen, Mark, and even the car Thunder makes a pleasant return. Mark and Gwen both seem to still argue with one another, but they aren’t nearly as destructive as in the first book. In fact towards the end of the book, they both seem to get along quite well…but no spoilers in this review, I promise.
Pete makes several references to writing the ebook of the first case, which I found amusing. There was also the case itself which was a good one-I guessed who killed the victim, and got it wildly wrong for once. The ending was a bit of a surprise, but I didn’t mind. It turned out okay in the end, aside from one character who was very nearly killed.
The gang solves the crime, but it also leaves a strong opening for the third book of which of course I must have now. *grabby hands* The writing progresses at a decent pace, and the plot was well done. I couldn’t have done better myself, though I tend to write fantasy more than mystery to be honest.
What else? Oh yes. If you are deeply religious, then you might not appreciate this book. I, thankfully, am not, however I did find issues with how the matter was resolved. While it all made sense, the timing of it was just a bit suspicious, even with Mark’s abilities.
I definitely look forward to book three. I also really want to know who this Numb person is, and what his history is. I’m hoping more information about that will appear in book three, most of all.
All in all, Murder Feels Bad is an excellent way to pass the time for a few hours.
I rate this 4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5.
{Review also posted on my blog Pass Me That Book and Amazon.}
The gang is all there; Gwen, Mark, and even the car Thunder makes a pleasant return. Mark and Gwen both seem to still argue with one another, but they aren’t nearly as destructive as in the first book. In fact towards the end of the book, they both seem to get along quite well…but no spoilers in this review, I promise.
Pete makes several references to writing the ebook of the first case, which I found amusing. There was also the case itself which was a good one-I guessed who killed the victim, and got it wildly wrong for once. The ending was a bit of a surprise, but I didn’t mind. It turned out okay in the end, aside from one character who was very nearly killed.
The gang solves the crime, but it also leaves a strong opening for the third book of which of course I must have now. *grabby hands* The writing progresses at a decent pace, and the plot was well done. I couldn’t have done better myself, though I tend to write fantasy more than mystery to be honest.
What else? Oh yes. If you are deeply religious, then you might not appreciate this book. I, thankfully, am not, however I did find issues with how the matter was resolved. While it all made sense, the timing of it was just a bit suspicious, even with Mark’s abilities.
I definitely look forward to book three. I also really want to know who this Numb person is, and what his history is. I’m hoping more information about that will appear in book three, most of all.
All in all, Murder Feels Bad is an excellent way to pass the time for a few hours.
I rate this 4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5.
{Review also posted on my blog Pass Me That Book and Amazon.}
May 2, 2018
Great Ending To A Good Murder Mystery
This novel is in keeping with book one. It is witty and sarcastic. The narrator is still pretty immature and the empath detective is still finding his way. I love the way this book ended. While the reader could guess some things, there were a whole bunch of details that were hidden until the author did the big reveal. Can't wait to see what happens next! I received this book for free and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.
This novel is in keeping with book one. It is witty and sarcastic. The narrator is still pretty immature and the empath detective is still finding his way. I love the way this book ended. While the reader could guess some things, there were a whole bunch of details that were hidden until the author did the big reveal. Can't wait to see what happens next! I received this book for free and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.
April 26, 2018
I enjoyed the first book in this series (Murder Feels Awful) and I thought that this one was better, it is very nearly a 5 star book, maybe book 3 will get there!
As in the first book this is narrated in the first person by Pete, a rather impressionable and naive young man who is into 'new age' in a big way, but also falls in love (or at least lust) with every 'hot' girl he meets. This results in some very funny situations and dialogue. His house-mate, Mark is the empath who can feel people's emotions and who, despite being nominally a very reclusive web site developer gets involuntarily involved in murder investigations, to the extent that he is now supposed to be training to be a Private Investigator.
There is a rather involved multiple murder mystery forming the backbone to the book, but the main strengths of this book are the character descriptions, which being told from the perspective of Pete are frequently hilarious and also the humour.
If you like cosy mysteries with a different spin and lots of humour then this is a great read and highly recommended.
As in the first book this is narrated in the first person by Pete, a rather impressionable and naive young man who is into 'new age' in a big way, but also falls in love (or at least lust) with every 'hot' girl he meets. This results in some very funny situations and dialogue. His house-mate, Mark is the empath who can feel people's emotions and who, despite being nominally a very reclusive web site developer gets involuntarily involved in murder investigations, to the extent that he is now supposed to be training to be a Private Investigator.
There is a rather involved multiple murder mystery forming the backbone to the book, but the main strengths of this book are the character descriptions, which being told from the perspective of Pete are frequently hilarious and also the humour.
If you like cosy mysteries with a different spin and lots of humour then this is a great read and highly recommended.
April 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this book.
I read the first one and it was great, the second one was just as good, but the ending was more suspenseful. I had no idea who was guilty at all until the end.
This is the type of book that is just plain good, the characters are believable, they are quirky, funny and downright amusing.
You don't want to miss this new series and I hope the author keeps on writing more in this series, I don't want it to end.
I read the first one and it was great, the second one was just as good, but the ending was more suspenseful. I had no idea who was guilty at all until the end.
This is the type of book that is just plain good, the characters are believable, they are quirky, funny and downright amusing.
You don't want to miss this new series and I hope the author keeps on writing more in this series, I don't want it to end.
April 12, 2018
The wittiness continues in the second book. Pete is just as confused as ever with woman and Mark just can't get through to Gwen professional or relationship wise. I admit this one had me constantly guessing who was the murderer. We didn't see very much of the, as I call them, Game Room Team in this one. Story was fast paced and had Mark and Pete running every which way. No spoilers in this one for the first book just in case you read out of order. I do suggest getting the first book first just because it sets up the characters so well.
April 13, 2018
Great second book in this series. Mark is an empath who can sense what others feel. He and his friend Pete are amatuer private eyes. A number of deaths , suicide or murder? This novel will keep you interested in reading and begging to find out the murder or murders are. It will keep you guessing who is the culprit or culprits in this escapade.
April 18, 2018
Imagine being an empath and investigating multiple murders, feeling every emotion; guilt, sorrow, and pain. Although he doesn't have a PI license, Mark and his sidekick Pete manage to solve the murders. Well written, good plot and characters, fast paced, and plenty of twists.
I received a complimentary copy and freely give my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy and freely give my honest review.
April 21, 2018
I loved the 2nd book in this series. The characters are fascinating and humorous. They have a wonderful way of interacting and adding to each other. The story is awesome. I would recommend this book to anyone who might love mystery and a healthy touch of humor. It kept me guessing who dunnit right to the end.
.
.
April 21, 2018
Hilarious, quirky, and fun. I couldn't figure out who the real guilty party was and when I thought I knew who it was...I was wrong! Many twists and turns. You can't see the forest for the trees. This book will keep you guessing all the way through. I highly recommend it!
December 8, 2017
Great book!
A murder mystery with heart, suspense and humor. I'm very much looking forward to the next one from this author.
A murder mystery with heart, suspense and humor. I'm very much looking forward to the next one from this author.
January 11, 2018
“Another real-life murder mystery investigated by a still-broke web developer who can feel people’s emotions, including murderers, who really do feel awful.”
Book 2 of this series finds Mark Falcon, web-developer/empath/fledgling detective and his tenant/trusty but annoying sidekick, Pete Villette, tying up loose ends from a murder they solved in book 1, and attending the wedding of one of the murder suspects. The wedding is sidelined when a body falls from the church bell tower, giving Mark and Pete a new case to solve.
I struggled with this one, as I did with the first in the series – it’s a great premise, an empath who can sense the evil doers. That’s a skill I’d like to have. Mark and Pete remind me of a less cool version of Holmes/Watson – Pete follows along as Mark solves the crime and writes it down for posterity.
Minuses: Some of the dialogue where they were figuring out the identity of the murderer sort of dragged for me, so I paged past it. And there’s too much repetition of Pete and Mark needing to shout while they are riding around in “Thunder,” Mark’s aging car. Yes, I get it, the motor is very loud, but after the fifth repetition in as many pages, that gets a little old.
Pluses: The writing style is conversational, reminding me of the scenes in “Wayne’s World” where the characters are riding around in an AMC Pacer, eating licorice from the dome light slot. The dialogue is snappy, the settings well-described, and the characters interesting.
Pete still strikes me as a Labrador on crank, but there’s something appealing about him, in a kid-brother/messy puppy kind of way. Still not fond of Mark -he’s cranky and generally a miserable person, and needs a kick in the pants to get going, but his empath skills are intriguing. I keep hoping he’ll lighten up. And I’m secretly hoping Pete develops some sort of paranormal skills of his own. I think that would be an interesting twist.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. Absent that, I probably would have purchased the book anyway, because I read book 1 and was curious. And this did make the time on the elliptical pass quickly. Is this something I’d want to read again? No. Will I read more in the series, assuming there is more? Yeah, at least one more, to see if there are any shifts in the characters.
Book 2 of this series finds Mark Falcon, web-developer/empath/fledgling detective and his tenant/trusty but annoying sidekick, Pete Villette, tying up loose ends from a murder they solved in book 1, and attending the wedding of one of the murder suspects. The wedding is sidelined when a body falls from the church bell tower, giving Mark and Pete a new case to solve.
I struggled with this one, as I did with the first in the series – it’s a great premise, an empath who can sense the evil doers. That’s a skill I’d like to have. Mark and Pete remind me of a less cool version of Holmes/Watson – Pete follows along as Mark solves the crime and writes it down for posterity.
Minuses: Some of the dialogue where they were figuring out the identity of the murderer sort of dragged for me, so I paged past it. And there’s too much repetition of Pete and Mark needing to shout while they are riding around in “Thunder,” Mark’s aging car. Yes, I get it, the motor is very loud, but after the fifth repetition in as many pages, that gets a little old.
Pluses: The writing style is conversational, reminding me of the scenes in “Wayne’s World” where the characters are riding around in an AMC Pacer, eating licorice from the dome light slot. The dialogue is snappy, the settings well-described, and the characters interesting.
Pete still strikes me as a Labrador on crank, but there’s something appealing about him, in a kid-brother/messy puppy kind of way. Still not fond of Mark -he’s cranky and generally a miserable person, and needs a kick in the pants to get going, but his empath skills are intriguing. I keep hoping he’ll lighten up. And I’m secretly hoping Pete develops some sort of paranormal skills of his own. I think that would be an interesting twist.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. Absent that, I probably would have purchased the book anyway, because I read book 1 and was curious. And this did make the time on the elliptical pass quickly. Is this something I’d want to read again? No. Will I read more in the series, assuming there is more? Yeah, at least one more, to see if there are any shifts in the characters.
December 3, 2018
kindle unlimited {1 is NOT, sometimes available non amazon as free tho, & 0 prequal that should be read AFTER 1 is free for signing up for mailing list}. Interesting Holmes/Watson type story, except empath versus sociopath {supposed, tho he calls himself that several times}. Only one of these would have given a 4 1/2 to is #3 but that means 5 in the world of amazon.
He can feel people's emotions. And murderers feel super bad. Mark Falcon, an aspiring detective and (for now) reluctant web developer, has a secret. He can "vibe" other people’s emotions. And when a wedding gets crashed by a seeming suicide, Mark vibes that there’s one aloof groomsman who wasn’t surprised at the death. Problem is, this guy's also the only current lead for Mark’s website business. And both Mark and I (his trusty sidekick/housemate) are dead broke. Then, we get our first-ever real detective client ... and she’s afraid the wedding killer wants to kill her next.
Exciting, right? Except her reason sounds … delusional. But Mark does vibe that she’s in real danger. Also, she’s super hot. And possibly into me…Meanwhile, the cops tell us to back off the whole thing, or else. Even when more people in our small Virginia town start dying. With the cops threatening jail (again), quirky locals turning lethal, and a spiritual crisis on my part which has really bad timing, Mark and I are racing to catch a killer who seems ready to murder anyone…Including us.
Empath Detective NOTE: order listed below is order suggested READ in, as 0 has spoilers {can be gotten free for signing up mailing list, 1 not ku but was freebie thru something & may still be}
Murder Feels Awful 1
Origin Story: Mark Falcon, Akina, and the Condo Killer 0
Murder Feels Bad 2
Murder Feels Crazy 3
Murder Feels Deadly 4 {coming soon}
He can feel people's emotions. And murderers feel super bad. Mark Falcon, an aspiring detective and (for now) reluctant web developer, has a secret. He can "vibe" other people’s emotions. And when a wedding gets crashed by a seeming suicide, Mark vibes that there’s one aloof groomsman who wasn’t surprised at the death. Problem is, this guy's also the only current lead for Mark’s website business. And both Mark and I (his trusty sidekick/housemate) are dead broke. Then, we get our first-ever real detective client ... and she’s afraid the wedding killer wants to kill her next.
Exciting, right? Except her reason sounds … delusional. But Mark does vibe that she’s in real danger. Also, she’s super hot. And possibly into me…Meanwhile, the cops tell us to back off the whole thing, or else. Even when more people in our small Virginia town start dying. With the cops threatening jail (again), quirky locals turning lethal, and a spiritual crisis on my part which has really bad timing, Mark and I are racing to catch a killer who seems ready to murder anyone…Including us.
Empath Detective NOTE: order listed below is order suggested READ in, as 0 has spoilers {can be gotten free for signing up mailing list, 1 not ku but was freebie thru something & may still be}
Murder Feels Awful 1
Origin Story: Mark Falcon, Akina, and the Condo Killer 0
Murder Feels Bad 2
Murder Feels Crazy 3
Murder Feels Deadly 4 {coming soon}
June 14, 2018
review by fritzi redgrave
Murder Feels Bad by Bill Alive.
review by fritzi redgrave
Another story of Mark and Pete, aspiring investigators who actually do solve murders. They are an unlikely duo. Mark is an empath who feels what others feel and can, at times, send them signals. He frequently reads Pete's mind which bugs the heck out of Pete.
Pete works at a new age store part time and is Mark's housemate. He is a hyper little guy obsessed with beautiful women. As I said, they are quite a pair!
In this story, a wedding is interrupted by the discovery of a body. Looking for the killer leads our heroes into an association with a religious guru and his followers, several of whom end up dead.
This book is easy to read and is a good one for vacation/beach reading. It can be very funny, which seems weird for a story about murder, but it works. Easy to pick up and put down or read in one sitting.
I am looking forward to the next in the series, Murder Feels Crazy.
Four and a half stars. Half star is for excessive silliness at the end; an afterward of sorts.
Murder Feels Bad by Bill Alive.
review by fritzi redgrave
Another story of Mark and Pete, aspiring investigators who actually do solve murders. They are an unlikely duo. Mark is an empath who feels what others feel and can, at times, send them signals. He frequently reads Pete's mind which bugs the heck out of Pete.
Pete works at a new age store part time and is Mark's housemate. He is a hyper little guy obsessed with beautiful women. As I said, they are quite a pair!
In this story, a wedding is interrupted by the discovery of a body. Looking for the killer leads our heroes into an association with a religious guru and his followers, several of whom end up dead.
This book is easy to read and is a good one for vacation/beach reading. It can be very funny, which seems weird for a story about murder, but it works. Easy to pick up and put down or read in one sitting.
I am looking forward to the next in the series, Murder Feels Crazy.
Four and a half stars. Half star is for excessive silliness at the end; an afterward of sorts.
November 21, 2018
Mark should tell you.
This is a very different-but great—cozy. Pete and Mark, as the main characters, are unique as crime investigators. Imagine solving a crime by empathically receiving jumbled thoughts from nearly everyone around you. I’d be a basket case.
This is a very funny book. It is told from Pete’s point of view as he and Mark happen upon murders. Always in the wrong place at the wrong time. Other than having a difficult time keeping all of the characters straight, I have enjoyed reading the first 2 books in this series. I will start the the third next. I’m rather invested in witnessing the way Pete and Mark evolve as detectives and as mature adults. (Pete, especially, has a ways to go before attaining the mature part. Therein lies most of the hilarity.
I’m not one to recap the storyline. Take my word for it if you’ve read this far that you will enjoy reading about their adventures and escapades.
This is a very different-but great—cozy. Pete and Mark, as the main characters, are unique as crime investigators. Imagine solving a crime by empathically receiving jumbled thoughts from nearly everyone around you. I’d be a basket case.
This is a very funny book. It is told from Pete’s point of view as he and Mark happen upon murders. Always in the wrong place at the wrong time. Other than having a difficult time keeping all of the characters straight, I have enjoyed reading the first 2 books in this series. I will start the the third next. I’m rather invested in witnessing the way Pete and Mark evolve as detectives and as mature adults. (Pete, especially, has a ways to go before attaining the mature part. Therein lies most of the hilarity.
I’m not one to recap the storyline. Take my word for it if you’ve read this far that you will enjoy reading about their adventures and escapades.
June 16, 2018
After having read the first book, I was delighted when I received the ARC for the second and put it aside to read and savour at my leisure (I was THAT sold!) and of course, life gets in the way and I end up leaving my honest review at the 11th hour.
As before, a very good cozy murder-mystery with some very laugh-out-loud bits. I can see how annoying Pete can be but I cannot help but like his naïve, hormone-driven young man's honesty when he meets good looking females. He puts into words what I am sure every single male out there thinks the minute a hot woman enters a room, and I love it when he mentally recoils when he suspects that perhaps they may be a murderer. And yet he never learns, and plunges straight in when the next hottie presents herself. How can you NOT be amused?!
I really enjoy this author's work and look forward to the next one.
As before, a very good cozy murder-mystery with some very laugh-out-loud bits. I can see how annoying Pete can be but I cannot help but like his naïve, hormone-driven young man's honesty when he meets good looking females. He puts into words what I am sure every single male out there thinks the minute a hot woman enters a room, and I love it when he mentally recoils when he suspects that perhaps they may be a murderer. And yet he never learns, and plunges straight in when the next hottie presents herself. How can you NOT be amused?!
I really enjoy this author's work and look forward to the next one.
June 15, 2018
Well, the two unpaid private detectives are at it again. While at a wedding, an apparent suicide is discovered. But Mark and Pete think it’s a murder. And so they start another investigation. In this book, the cast of characters is largely the same as in the first book, Murder Feels Awful. Pete continues to lust after beautiful women while bodies are piling up and the sleuths are trying to determine the interconnections between the characters. I liked the first book, I liked the novella even better, but this book seems kind of slow moving for me. Until the very end. I thought the end of the book was very well done. I will certainly plan to read the next book by Bill Alive. I was provided a copy of this book for an honest review.
June 21, 2018
Mark and Pete are back in action. This time they’re protecting a woman who believes she’s in danger. Just like before everything spirals out of control and Mark and Pete end up involved in a murder investigation. Unfortunately their detective skills haven’t particularly improved but they manage to muddle through. The relationship between the two men is fun to read and parts had me laughing out loud. Seeing Mark and Gwen grow closer is interesting - especially Gwen’s grudging acceptance of Mark’s ability. I received an arc of this story and voluntarily left an honest review.
June 13, 2018
Murder Feels Bad is the second book that I have read by this author and I can't wait to read any books Bill Alive writes.There is comedy, mystery, many twists and turns, and you will be surprised by the ending. I didn't see it coming. I love this author and his style of writing. I like a book where I feel like I know the characters like I know my neighbors and this book delivers that feeling tenfold!
June 16, 2018
Another farce of a detective story with Petey and Mark, this time it starts with a suicide of a young woman in the church bell tower during a wedding. The shenanigans Pete and Mark get up to are hilarious and nothing ever seems to go right. Although Pete does seem to learn some adult lessons, but I'm waiting for book three to see if he actually learned anything. The one final thing I have to say is the author has something against all religions. You'll see it in the writing of both books.
November 18, 2018
Really PETE?
First off I got these books for my sister. She laughs so much as she reads them I had to check them out. I find I like the stories but I also spend as lot of time wishing I could also PETE up side his head. He's such a dork. I think once he grows up (which is over due) he'll realize Cici is the love of his life and she can center him. Then he will be able to achieve those dreams he has.
First off I got these books for my sister. She laughs so much as she reads them I had to check them out. I find I like the stories but I also spend as lot of time wishing I could also PETE up side his head. He's such a dork. I think once he grows up (which is over due) he'll realize Cici is the love of his life and she can center him. Then he will be able to achieve those dreams he has.
November 8, 2018
Mark does it again
A good kooky book of Pete who will one day grow up and see Ceci for who she really is and incredible Mark, who feels others vibes and emotions, nearly eliminating himself in the process. Gwen is thawing, good news for Mark. The book is about the ability of one person to override others will to commit evil. Tragic
A good kooky book of Pete who will one day grow up and see Ceci for who she really is and incredible Mark, who feels others vibes and emotions, nearly eliminating himself in the process. Gwen is thawing, good news for Mark. The book is about the ability of one person to override others will to commit evil. Tragic
January 17, 2019
Fantastic
Well, that was a roller coaster, never knew what was happening next or to whom ( or who to ) not sure which is correct. Of course I had to stay up all night till I finished reading the book, with the usual great main characters and a bunch of other strange people. Liked the ending too.
Well, that was a roller coaster, never knew what was happening next or to whom ( or who to ) not sure which is correct. Of course I had to stay up all night till I finished reading the book, with the usual great main characters and a bunch of other strange people. Liked the ending too.
June 14, 2018
Pete totally does it again.... I mean Bill... Whatever. The author takes us on a ride worth of the mightiest rollercoaster. I have to admit i was surprised by the bad guy. This was one twist i did not see coming and i'm not so easy to surprise. Just ask all my friends that refuse to go with me to the movies because i ruin the ending for them. 😂😂😂
June 17, 2018
Follows almost immediately after Murder Feels Awful WHICH YOU REALLY MUST READ FIRST (along with Origin Story [the link is in the back of Murder Feels Awful]). The three books together can be read in a long, uninterrupted weekend. I read an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
July 4, 2018
“Murder Feels Bad” is really good!
I love the numerous, almost self-deprecating way Bill Alice’s character Pete narrates his and Mark’s adventures. He draws you into the story with them and you truly enjoy the ride. Looking forward to Book 3, “ Murder Feels Crazy.”
I love the numerous, almost self-deprecating way Bill Alice’s character Pete narrates his and Mark’s adventures. He draws you into the story with them and you truly enjoy the ride. Looking forward to Book 3, “ Murder Feels Crazy.”
Read
August 8, 2019Do you believe?
It takes a while for me to adjust to Pete's slightly over the top girly narrative. I like Mark Falcon, the empathic detective. I wish we could read the storyline from his point of view. Having said all that, I enjoyed this book!
It takes a while for me to adjust to Pete's slightly over the top girly narrative. I like Mark Falcon, the empathic detective. I wish we could read the storyline from his point of view. Having said all that, I enjoyed this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews