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The Dewey Webb Series: Box Set 1-3
The first three mysteries in the acclaimed Dewey Webb Web of Deceit, Murder in Fashion, and Secrets and Lies. An addicting series! ~Amazon review Meet Dewey Webb, a hard-boiled 1940s detective, a man of contradictions who gets down-and-dirty to get the job done. For a limited time, you can grab the first three full-length thrillers in this highly acclaimed historical mystery series, almost 900 pages, for just a little more than the price of one. Web of Deceit Gordon Sandalwood suspects his wife Edith is hiding something from him, and he asks Denver private investigator Dewey Webb to find out what. Dewey, toughened by his own war experiences, reluctantly takes the case, certain it will lead to nothing. But when he sees Edith rendezvous with a mysterious man, Dewey realizes his assumptions might be wrong. As he digs deeper to identify the stranger, he turns up secrets that reach back into the war, and as he unravels a web of deceit, he discovers who has the most to gain, and the most to lose. Murder in Fashion Herb Washburn has already been convicted of murdering his boss, Mel Templeton, owner of Templeton Fashion. And in a few days, Herb is headed to the Colorado state prison for a long stay in a decidedly unfashionable suit of clothes. Herb still claims he didn’t commit the crime and, as a last resort, his wife hires Dewey Webb to find the real killer. Dewey senses secrets and lies that cast serious doubt on Herb’s version of the events. And when Dewey realizes that someone is on his trail who doesn’t want the murder solved, he must act fast before he becomes fashion's next victim. Secrets and Lies On an October day in 1949, private eye Dewey Webb’s life is turned upside-down when his long-lost father shows up and asks for Dewey’s help. It seems find Gus’s friend Len. But is there more to this request than Gus is saying? ★★★★★ I would recommend these books in a heartbeat! ~Amazon review ★★★★★ One the best reading experiences of your life. I'm a fan for life. ★★★★★ I couldn't put them down! These novels are hard-boiled, historical mysteries that are great for fans who love classic detective stories, and authors like Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and James M. Cain. Dewey Webb first appeared in the Reed Ferguson mystery, Back Story. Pick up a copy of Back Story to find out more about this classic hard-boiled detective.
539 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2018
About the author
Renee Pawlish
131 books352 followersFrom 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.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
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.
To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....
on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/
on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 9, 2018
The Dewey Webb Series Books 1 and 2
I grew up in the 40s and 50s when evening entertainment often included listening to wonderful radio shows such as Gang Busters and Inner Sanctum!! Author Renee Pawlish has a tremendous feel for bringing that compelling writing style back to us in the Yr2000s ! I really enjoy her books! Great characters, twists and turns, and surprise endings await the reader. Don't miss this great series!
I grew up in the 40s and 50s when evening entertainment often included listening to wonderful radio shows such as Gang Busters and Inner Sanctum!! Author Renee Pawlish has a tremendous feel for bringing that compelling writing style back to us in the Yr2000s ! I really enjoy her books! Great characters, twists and turns, and surprise endings await the reader. Don't miss this great series!
September 12, 2023
Web of Deceit Dewey Webb Private Investigator #1. Renée Pawlish has seamlessly transitioned from today's Reed Ferguson & the comic murder mystery genre to a late post WWII mystery genre. From a single Reed to a married Dewey Webb. Pawlish's development of the plot, her attention to detail coupled with her ability to contrive clear, concise and playful prose makes for an entertaining read in all her books. Dewey Webb is everything Reed Ferguson wants to be, an experienced PI with a military background. Pawlish pays great attention to detail and gets everything right.
Murder in Fashion Dewey Webb Private Investigator #2. Renée Pawlish has seamlessly transitioned from today's Reed Ferguson & the comic murder mystery genre to a post WWII mystery genre. From a single Reed to a married Dewey Webb. Pawlish's development of the plot, her attention to detail coupled with her ability to contrive clear, concise and playful prose makes for an entertaining read in all her books. Dewey Webb is everything Reed Ferguson wants to be, an experienced PI with a military background, married with a child. Pawlish pays great attention to detail and gets everything right. It won't be long before Dewey Webb passes Reed Ferguson, although they are two different characters & two different styles of writing.
Secrets and Lies Dewey Webb Private Investigator #3. Renée Pawlish has seamlessly transitioned from today's Reed Ferguson & the comic murder mystery genre to a late post WWII mystery genre. From a single Reed to a married Dewey Webb. Pawlish's development of the plot, her attention to detail coupled with her ability to contrive clear & concise prose makes for an entertaining read in all her books. Dewey Webb is everything Reed Ferguson wants to be, an experienced PI, with a military background, but darker than the Reed Ferguson she has been successful with. Pawlish pays great attention to detail and gets everything right. I'll be reading more from this author in the future. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Murder in Fashion Dewey Webb Private Investigator #2. Renée Pawlish has seamlessly transitioned from today's Reed Ferguson & the comic murder mystery genre to a post WWII mystery genre. From a single Reed to a married Dewey Webb. Pawlish's development of the plot, her attention to detail coupled with her ability to contrive clear, concise and playful prose makes for an entertaining read in all her books. Dewey Webb is everything Reed Ferguson wants to be, an experienced PI with a military background, married with a child. Pawlish pays great attention to detail and gets everything right. It won't be long before Dewey Webb passes Reed Ferguson, although they are two different characters & two different styles of writing.
Secrets and Lies Dewey Webb Private Investigator #3. Renée Pawlish has seamlessly transitioned from today's Reed Ferguson & the comic murder mystery genre to a late post WWII mystery genre. From a single Reed to a married Dewey Webb. Pawlish's development of the plot, her attention to detail coupled with her ability to contrive clear & concise prose makes for an entertaining read in all her books. Dewey Webb is everything Reed Ferguson wants to be, an experienced PI, with a military background, but darker than the Reed Ferguson she has been successful with. Pawlish pays great attention to detail and gets everything right. I'll be reading more from this author in the future. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
August 21, 2018
I only read the first book (Web of Deceit). I'm not bothering with the second.
There's a kind of art that I do not like. Picture an air brushed person, photo realistic, but without pores. Smooth, almost creamy, no blemishes. Almost inhuman in that "uncanny valley" way.
That's this book. The writing is so simple as to be nearly childish. There are no errors or typos. It's competent. Once I got into the rhythm of it, there was some pleasure in that. But it can't sustain the pace. Eventually it's dull. It's all porridge. There are no risks taken. All the characters are cartoons and the hero is unbelievable and kind. No poetry in the prose. It's mechanical and assembled. Well put together, but doesn't accomplish much.
Characters have dialogue and deliver information. Occasionally there is description between sentences that serves as little more than filler. For example:
"Edith put her gloves in her lap and took a cup, but she didn't drink from it. Ruby sat down, smoothed the front of her dress, and then picked up the last cup. She blew on the steaming coffee for a second, then took a tentative sip."
There's a lot of filler description like this. No emotional charge. No meaning. It's just kind of there. It's almost as if the author said something has to happen between the dialogue so let's put something there. But that something adds zero to the story.
The author is going for that pulp hardboiled vibe. But when that's done well, it's nowhere near as smooth and emotionless as this writing is. Where is the fire?
I kind of wonder why the author wrote the book. Maybe she loves hardboiled writing and wants to write those kind of books. But this feels like someone who saw a painting and decided to make a copy. The brush strokes mimic the style, but there's no purpose to the painting. It's a bowl of fruit and you can tell the fruit is made of wax.
All of this genuinely pains me. I was pulled in by the opening, hoping for some kind of build, but there really isn't one.
There's a kind of art that I do not like. Picture an air brushed person, photo realistic, but without pores. Smooth, almost creamy, no blemishes. Almost inhuman in that "uncanny valley" way.
That's this book. The writing is so simple as to be nearly childish. There are no errors or typos. It's competent. Once I got into the rhythm of it, there was some pleasure in that. But it can't sustain the pace. Eventually it's dull. It's all porridge. There are no risks taken. All the characters are cartoons and the hero is unbelievable and kind. No poetry in the prose. It's mechanical and assembled. Well put together, but doesn't accomplish much.
Characters have dialogue and deliver information. Occasionally there is description between sentences that serves as little more than filler. For example:
"Edith put her gloves in her lap and took a cup, but she didn't drink from it. Ruby sat down, smoothed the front of her dress, and then picked up the last cup. She blew on the steaming coffee for a second, then took a tentative sip."
There's a lot of filler description like this. No emotional charge. No meaning. It's just kind of there. It's almost as if the author said something has to happen between the dialogue so let's put something there. But that something adds zero to the story.
The author is going for that pulp hardboiled vibe. But when that's done well, it's nowhere near as smooth and emotionless as this writing is. Where is the fire?
I kind of wonder why the author wrote the book. Maybe she loves hardboiled writing and wants to write those kind of books. But this feels like someone who saw a painting and decided to make a copy. The brush strokes mimic the style, but there's no purpose to the painting. It's a bowl of fruit and you can tell the fruit is made of wax.
All of this genuinely pains me. I was pulled in by the opening, hoping for some kind of build, but there really isn't one.
September 10, 2018
I have been a fan of detective novels set in the 1940's and 50'. I guess it is because I remember those days well and find the little details of character and place settings to trigger fond and not so fond memories. I have found these first two Dewey Webb mysteries to be well written with good character development. There were enough "red herrings" to keep me thinking and guessing about the character who would emerge as the true perpetrator of the crime. The ending of both books were a feeling of surprise - "I never thought about that character". Being in a sense "fooled" by the author keeps my interest and makes me want to keep reading. I recommend these first two novels highly.
December 10, 2018
I saw this series and decided to give it a read because I haven't read many in the genre. I am so glad I did! The conclusion of both books took my by surprise and that was a welcome and fun change, and the writing is clear and light, like tuning into an old 1950s TV show. The world building is wonderful and Dewey Webb himself is tough but not overly so, and I enjoyed the aspects of his marriage and his not becoming romantically involved with someone every case.
A fun and very hard to put down read, nothing but enjoyable.
A fun and very hard to put down read, nothing but enjoyable.
October 12, 2021
Dewey is a good guy. I enjoy following him through his day.
I read all three stories non-stop. (I actually read a later box set of the first 3 stories in the Dewey Webb series. I couldn't get that picture to come up.) Very good books, interesting characters on both sides of the law. It is set in the late 40s - early 50s in Denver, Colorado. WW2 is over, Dewey is trying to forget his Army experiences in Germany, life is beginning to be normal again. He has a wife and a baby son now, and he is working on his on as a private investigator. Never a dull moment for him or for the reader.
I read all three stories non-stop. (I actually read a later box set of the first 3 stories in the Dewey Webb series. I couldn't get that picture to come up.) Very good books, interesting characters on both sides of the law. It is set in the late 40s - early 50s in Denver, Colorado. WW2 is over, Dewey is trying to forget his Army experiences in Germany, life is beginning to be normal again. He has a wife and a baby son now, and he is working on his on as a private investigator. Never a dull moment for him or for the reader.
March 22, 2026
Solid detective procedurals. What I liked: Post WWII period with music, movies, men wearing hats and ladies in dresses, twists and turns to the mystery, tough detective who had a rough childhood but is a good husband and Dad, the traditional male-female roles of the time (fun to read). What was lacking: writing was good but not great; little depth, not thought-provoking. Still, an entertaining easy, entertaining read.
August 16, 2018
The Dewey Webb Series (1+2)
This was a good read, the stories were set in an old fashioned setting which made it easier to manipulate the characters. Mostly people who have lived in that time period will get a kick out of these stories. Others may learn something they weren't familiar with.
This was a good read, the stories were set in an old fashioned setting which made it easier to manipulate the characters. Mostly people who have lived in that time period will get a kick out of these stories. Others may learn something they weren't familiar with.
December 25, 2018
Worth a read if you like noir
The writing could be a little more polished, but the main character is likeable and I think the author has the historical details right. No sex scenes and I don't recall any swearing, if that's a issue for some people. Not graphically violent. But it isn't goody-two-shoes, either. I enjoyed both novels in the set.
The writing could be a little more polished, but the main character is likeable and I think the author has the historical details right. No sex scenes and I don't recall any swearing, if that's a issue for some people. Not graphically violent. But it isn't goody-two-shoes, either. I enjoyed both novels in the set.
June 15, 2019
Great stories
I loved Dewey and both of these stories. The author does a great job of writing as if these were actual stories from the days of the 1920's Private Eye.
I esp. Like that there was no foul language or explicit sex. It is hard to find books that are written without relying on that trash to carry a story.
I loved Dewey and both of these stories. The author does a great job of writing as if these were actual stories from the days of the 1920's Private Eye.
I esp. Like that there was no foul language or explicit sex. It is hard to find books that are written without relying on that trash to carry a story.
June 26, 2019
I reside in Colorado, so all of the mentioned locations either I know or know of them where they are.
It is true about Loveland Colorado, in the past there was a Great Western sugar factory, over the years that too has been demolished to the ground leaving for subdivisions.
Today the Richthofen Castle is vacant selling at the price of $35.7 million dollars, has 35 rooms with rich details.
It is true about Loveland Colorado, in the past there was a Great Western sugar factory, over the years that too has been demolished to the ground leaving for subdivisions.
Today the Richthofen Castle is vacant selling at the price of $35.7 million dollars, has 35 rooms with rich details.
September 10, 2020
I should mention up front, that I love reading crime set in times where the latest technology doesn't exist to see detective work as it used to be. Clues initially relying on the evidence provided at the scene.
Dewy Web, isn't a policeman, he is a private eye, and so he doesn't view the scene, he relies on what he's told, usually by the accused or a relative. He then has to weed out what's true and what is the belief
I thoroughly enjoyed delving into life post war, in the 40s-50s.
An easy read of a simple tale, told in an entertaining way.
Dewy Web, isn't a policeman, he is a private eye, and so he doesn't view the scene, he relies on what he's told, usually by the accused or a relative. He then has to weed out what's true and what is the belief
I thoroughly enjoyed delving into life post war, in the 40s-50s.
An easy read of a simple tale, told in an entertaining way.
August 20, 2018
Enjoyable 1940 to 1950 detective mystery. They were returning soldiers from
The war. A simpler life the woman stayed home and cared for the children. It reminded me of my parents. No internet just pay phones ,phone books,talking to people to solve your crime.
The war. A simpler life the woman stayed home and cared for the children. It reminded me of my parents. No internet just pay phones ,phone books,talking to people to solve your crime.
August 20, 2018
Renee Pawlish has moved up to be one of my favorite writers. It is great to read books that have good Grammer and great editing. Add to this a great story with charecters you can identify with and it just does not get better. I must say that I love her work.
August 20, 2018
Decent Noir Detective Rendering
WWII vet with a wife and baby strikes out on his own as a private investigator in post-war Colorado, running across cheaters, murderers, blackmailers and others.
WWII vet with a wife and baby strikes out on his own as a private investigator in post-war Colorado, running across cheaters, murderers, blackmailers and others.
August 20, 2018
Great mystery series
I enjoy reading the c!assic , hard-boiled detective books. The fact Dewey Webb was married made him even more interesting because Ms. Pawlish established a very human person who is easy to relate to. I will be looking for more of her books.
I enjoy reading the c!assic , hard-boiled detective books. The fact Dewey Webb was married made him even more interesting because Ms. Pawlish established a very human person who is easy to relate to. I will be looking for more of her books.
August 21, 2018
Historical?
What historical period is this? History of a detective?, Or a town?, Or of women in lives of ordinary working, struggling people. Good story, but I couldn't classify it as historical.
What historical period is this? History of a detective?, Or a town?, Or of women in lives of ordinary working, struggling people. Good story, but I couldn't classify it as historical.
August 27, 2018
Good read
Good story, realistic characters. Different plot, convoluted tale, intrigue and deceptions throughout. The finalization plan was different than expected and finished up the good plot.
Good story, realistic characters. Different plot, convoluted tale, intrigue and deceptions throughout. The finalization plan was different than expected and finished up the good plot.
October 1, 2018
Could not put these books down, loved the details
Great prose, appealing characters, engaging plot, exciting twists... these books have it all. I enjoyed reading them and recommend them dearly.
Great prose, appealing characters, engaging plot, exciting twists... these books have it all. I enjoyed reading them and recommend them dearly.
May 15, 2024
This detective series brings back the joy I got from watching Columbo on TV. The organized, tedious, pursuit of the truth, wherever it leads. I highly recommend this to all gumshoe lovers. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
August 23, 2018
To the past
Grrow?
Growing up in this timeframe and having spent time in Colorado made this an especially enjoyable read. Two interesting mysteries.
Grrow?
Growing up in this timeframe and having spent time in Colorado made this an especially enjoyable read. Two interesting mysteries.
August 24, 2018
God memories
A detective story that is clever and reminds me of those magic 40's. A the of innocence mixed with crime and war.
A detective story that is clever and reminds me of those magic 40's. A the of innocence mixed with crime and war.
August 25, 2018
This reminds a person of sitting around a radio to listen to programs, in the 40-50 era. The News, the war, and a few programs. Very well done, for the memories of that time.
August 25, 2018
Really enjoyed the books.
The book is an easy read and has a great old fashioned mystery air. I could almost hear the music from old movies and 50's TV shows.
The book is an easy read and has a great old fashioned mystery air. I could almost hear the music from old movies and 50's TV shows.
August 26, 2018
Enjoyable read
September 1, 2018
Well written and set in late 40's after WW 2. Likable characters.
September 4, 2018
It was way back then
The story kept me guessing. I became hot and tired too. A lot of characters to remember. I never did guess who...
The story kept me guessing. I became hot and tired too. A lot of characters to remember. I never did guess who...
September 22, 2018
Entertaining read. Enjoyed the '40's scenario.
July 3, 2020
I liked the story line and the writing style of this Dewey Webb Historical Mysteries. It keeps you guessing who's the murderer. Do recommend this series and writer.
January 18, 2021
Good solid murder mysteries
I like the characters and the way the author writes. I also like the time period. There are plenty of nuances throughout the books.
I like the characters and the way the author writes. I also like the time period. There are plenty of nuances throughout the books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews