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Milo Rathkey Mysteries #1
GREAT PARTY! SORRY ABOUT THE MURDER
Real estate magnet James Bonner is murdered in his office after his New Year's Eve Party. The widow has a long-standing grudge. The son has gambling debts, and a couple of low life thugs are hanging around. Why? Is it the kid's gambling debt or something more sinister? One-time cop turned private eye Milo Rathkey just had his life turned upside down. That's why he was invited to the party. That's why he talked with the soon to be corpse. And that's why the cops want him in on the investigation. Mary Alice it was a great party...sorry about the murder.
364 pages, Paperback
Published January 24, 2018
177 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 29, 2018
A down at the heels PI inherits a fortune and an estate.
He has to share the house with a stick in the mud housemate, but it's certainly a step up from his prior situation. Newly wealthy, he's invited to a hoity toity party. The host is an unpleasant jerk. He's deep-sixed, and our PI consults with the police to solve the murder, and ends up solving another.
Very readable, but a bit meandering.
He has to share the house with a stick in the mud housemate, but it's certainly a step up from his prior situation. Newly wealthy, he's invited to a hoity toity party. The host is an unpleasant jerk. He's deep-sixed, and our PI consults with the police to solve the murder, and ends up solving another.
Very readable, but a bit meandering.
January 26, 2019
The author is a husband and wife team who got on the cat’s nerves a year after retirement? The cat demanded that they write a book? This book is the result. In their own words: “Always listen to the cat”.
This book is full of humor as Milo and his friends investigate the murder of a very nasty character. People shied away from this person in the same way as we try to avoid a root canal operation. Some very good things happened to Milo. He inherited, amongst other things, a whole room filled with mystery stories. That sounds like heaven to me.
This mystery gives all the vital information to solve the mystery ourselves. It is not reserved for the last chapter. I must confess that I did not solve it.
I liked this book because it is a real detective story where clues are sought and investigated. I see that the second mystery about Milo has just been published.
Wonderful! The authors promise a new book each year. Something to look forward to.
This book is full of humor as Milo and his friends investigate the murder of a very nasty character. People shied away from this person in the same way as we try to avoid a root canal operation. Some very good things happened to Milo. He inherited, amongst other things, a whole room filled with mystery stories. That sounds like heaven to me.
This mystery gives all the vital information to solve the mystery ourselves. It is not reserved for the last chapter. I must confess that I did not solve it.
I liked this book because it is a real detective story where clues are sought and investigated. I see that the second mystery about Milo has just been published.
Wonderful! The authors promise a new book each year. Something to look forward to.
June 6, 2018
In Great Party! Sorry about the Murder! by D.B. Elrogg, life for private investigator Milo Rathkey of Duluth, Minnesota is about to undergo a major change. One minute he is getting punched by the man he is tailing, and the next he has inherited $15 million and half a huge estate. By the end of the day he has moved into the first floor of Lakesong, where he grew up as the son of the cook, with the second floor’s being occupied by Sutherland McKnight, the son of his benefactor John McKnight. Word of Milo’s windfall spreads quickly among the top tier of Duluth, and by the next day Milo has received an invitation from neighbor Mary Alice Bonner to the New Year’s Eve party of the year.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
August 28, 2018
The storyline and characterization are very good. I can only give it a three-year review at best due to the truly terrible punctuation issues. The author is in desperate need of a good editor. Still, I am looking forward to the next book and hoping that the punctuation issues are resolved.
I read this for free with Kindle Unlimited.
I read this for free with Kindle Unlimited.
January 13, 2018
Liked a lot
Good story, well developed plot and characters. Reads like a story ABOUT something, not just TELLING a story. I look forward to the next one!
Good story, well developed plot and characters. Reads like a story ABOUT something, not just TELLING a story. I look forward to the next one!
April 12, 2023
Now THIS is a detective book
If ever I've read the epitome of what a PI should be it's Milo Rathkey! Isn't that a great name?! I'd love to know how the author settled on such a perfect name. Milo speaks to me. He's everything you'd want in a former cop turned detective. He has a bit of that "Columbo-ness" to him, yet there's also a warmth and great sense of humor. I applaud the author for finding a brilliant new edge to this type of character rather than the standard old jaded, grumpy guy.
The change in Milo's life is very creative - going from counting pennies to millionaire overnight. The author does a marvelous job of letting us see how Milo eases into this drastic life change. Equally enjoyable is watching the growing relationship between he and Sutherland... So different, yet so connected.
The crime itself was brilliantly crafted together. As it unfolds, the hints that it could be everyone really get your little gray cells pumping. As it progresses the author clearly takes us through the clues. Nothing is just stumbled upon. Milo doesn't just out of pure luck stumble on the murderer. Everything is methodically and clearly set before you. We see Milo, and Gramm, persistently following every lead. If you REALLY pay attention, you can figure it out, but it's clever enough to fool many.
I highly recommend this very interesting and entertaining book and am anxious to dig in to the next one in the series!
If ever I've read the epitome of what a PI should be it's Milo Rathkey! Isn't that a great name?! I'd love to know how the author settled on such a perfect name. Milo speaks to me. He's everything you'd want in a former cop turned detective. He has a bit of that "Columbo-ness" to him, yet there's also a warmth and great sense of humor. I applaud the author for finding a brilliant new edge to this type of character rather than the standard old jaded, grumpy guy.
The change in Milo's life is very creative - going from counting pennies to millionaire overnight. The author does a marvelous job of letting us see how Milo eases into this drastic life change. Equally enjoyable is watching the growing relationship between he and Sutherland... So different, yet so connected.
The crime itself was brilliantly crafted together. As it unfolds, the hints that it could be everyone really get your little gray cells pumping. As it progresses the author clearly takes us through the clues. Nothing is just stumbled upon. Milo doesn't just out of pure luck stumble on the murderer. Everything is methodically and clearly set before you. We see Milo, and Gramm, persistently following every lead. If you REALLY pay attention, you can figure it out, but it's clever enough to fool many.
I highly recommend this very interesting and entertaining book and am anxious to dig in to the next one in the series!
July 5, 2020
This story has everything I look for in a murder mystery. There are just enough characters to keep track and allow the reader to play a little bit of detective, with each character introduced and created under its own level of importance. The authors do an excellent job of making each situation realistic, commenting on the different aspects of Milo and Sutherland's lives so that we understand their eating habits, hobbies, childhoods, and (frequently addressed) financial state.
The book is truly an enjoyable read - one that is difficult to put down yet calming on the mind. Every aspect of the plot, setting, and characters fit together and helped remind me that I love reading! It's the kind of book that has left me thinking about each character even after the murder has been solved.
The syntax did feel a bit wordy at times, especially at the beginning where certain descriptions were given in such detail that they created a false sense of suspense. The diction also felt a bit overdone here and there, with vocabulary such as "admonished" and "acrimony" used where maybe a simpler word could be more accurate. Ultimately, by pushing their limits, I'll admit that the sentences did in fact provide a helpful illustration of the story. I can tell that the authors are finding their voice, and I can't wait to see where it goes because this book is just the beginning.
The book is truly an enjoyable read - one that is difficult to put down yet calming on the mind. Every aspect of the plot, setting, and characters fit together and helped remind me that I love reading! It's the kind of book that has left me thinking about each character even after the murder has been solved.
The syntax did feel a bit wordy at times, especially at the beginning where certain descriptions were given in such detail that they created a false sense of suspense. The diction also felt a bit overdone here and there, with vocabulary such as "admonished" and "acrimony" used where maybe a simpler word could be more accurate. Ultimately, by pushing their limits, I'll admit that the sentences did in fact provide a helpful illustration of the story. I can tell that the authors are finding their voice, and I can't wait to see where it goes because this book is just the beginning.
July 27, 2018
Not A Great Book! Sorry for DNF!!!
I’m freely using extra exclamation points and question marks as does this author, who really needs an editor!! Here are examples: ?!! ?!!! !!!! ???
I don’t know if it’s shorter sentences and/or it’s the formatting with a space after each short paragraph, but I thought I was reading a novel aimed at the younger YA market. Furthermore, extra spacing during a rapid conversation only adds white space to pages; it doesn’t inform or assist the reader.
There are so many POV switches that I felt like I were at a doubles tennis match!!! Zip! Zap! Zip! Zap! At times, the switch is telegraphed by using a given name instead of a surname.
Characters often do not speak as their characters should. A petty criminal says to his knee-breaking associate: “. . . The old man has been murdered!”
There are so many grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation errors, plus run-on words. I made it to the 75% Kindle mark, then called it DNF. At that point I didn’t care who the murderer was.
5 eye-rolling emojis!!!!!
I’m freely using extra exclamation points and question marks as does this author, who really needs an editor!! Here are examples: ?!! ?!!! !!!! ???
I don’t know if it’s shorter sentences and/or it’s the formatting with a space after each short paragraph, but I thought I was reading a novel aimed at the younger YA market. Furthermore, extra spacing during a rapid conversation only adds white space to pages; it doesn’t inform or assist the reader.
There are so many POV switches that I felt like I were at a doubles tennis match!!! Zip! Zap! Zip! Zap! At times, the switch is telegraphed by using a given name instead of a surname.
Characters often do not speak as their characters should. A petty criminal says to his knee-breaking associate: “. . . The old man has been murdered!”
There are so many grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation errors, plus run-on words. I made it to the 75% Kindle mark, then called it DNF. At that point I didn’t care who the murderer was.
5 eye-rolling emojis!!!!!
February 12, 2020
In this time over endless turmoil, it is great to read a book with lots of white-hatted good guys who get along and some excellent black-hatters.
The title is reminiscent of an Agatha Christie, but this book has much more character development. It would demean it to describe it as a "cozy" mystery, but much of the repertoire amongst the characters forces the reader to smile. How bad can it be when a good guy former cop turned private investigator inherits half an estate and gets along swimmingly with the owner of the other half?
There are lots of warm and fuzzies, but the best part is the plot. It does not disappoint in the least. It was a great party from beginning to end and I can't wait for the next installment.
Now for the part that could get me confused as a sexist. Women and men write differently. I think what warms this well-plotted mystery is the combination of male and female writers. I recommend this book to all readers of either gender.
The title is reminiscent of an Agatha Christie, but this book has much more character development. It would demean it to describe it as a "cozy" mystery, but much of the repertoire amongst the characters forces the reader to smile. How bad can it be when a good guy former cop turned private investigator inherits half an estate and gets along swimmingly with the owner of the other half?
There are lots of warm and fuzzies, but the best part is the plot. It does not disappoint in the least. It was a great party from beginning to end and I can't wait for the next installment.
Now for the part that could get me confused as a sexist. Women and men write differently. I think what warms this well-plotted mystery is the combination of male and female writers. I recommend this book to all readers of either gender.
Read
January 7, 2025I’m just not into general mysteries. The beginning was interesting with the main character getting an unusual bequest in a will but I lost interest soon after that.
Amazon synopsis:
No one liked real estate developer James Bonner, but someone took that dislike to murder, shooting him after his New Year’s Eve party. Now the police are hoping former cop turned private detective Milo Rathkey will help find the killer. Milo has to weave his way through the list of suspects, including the dead man’s family, while his attention is taken with a three month old hit and run. It’s totally disconnected from murder. Or is it?
For Milo, life has already been turned on its head. From a man who sees a parking ramp as day care for cars, to a millionaire overnight. Oh and the millions came with half of an estate. That’s why he was invited to the party.
Amazon synopsis:
No one liked real estate developer James Bonner, but someone took that dislike to murder, shooting him after his New Year’s Eve party. Now the police are hoping former cop turned private detective Milo Rathkey will help find the killer. Milo has to weave his way through the list of suspects, including the dead man’s family, while his attention is taken with a three month old hit and run. It’s totally disconnected from murder. Or is it?
For Milo, life has already been turned on its head. From a man who sees a parking ramp as day care for cars, to a millionaire overnight. Oh and the millions came with half of an estate. That’s why he was invited to the party.
July 25, 2020
Couldn't put this book down!!!!
10+++++ stars!!!!
I loved this book!! This is a new author i am starting to read and i really enjoy his book, i can't wait to get started on the next book in this series.
I like Milo and how his life changed and how he adjusted to the big change. I also like Sutherland and his banner back and forth with Milo. They learn from each other, their way of life. Martha their chef is great, along with her sister and the two brothers she is raising.
Everything is jelling in Lakesong.
You will love this book also. Give it a try!!!!
Milo is a very good private detective, he is patient, and very thorough when he pieces together parts of evidence to get the job done.
Take this book for a spin!!!!
10+++++ stars!!!!
I loved this book!! This is a new author i am starting to read and i really enjoy his book, i can't wait to get started on the next book in this series.
I like Milo and how his life changed and how he adjusted to the big change. I also like Sutherland and his banner back and forth with Milo. They learn from each other, their way of life. Martha their chef is great, along with her sister and the two brothers she is raising.
Everything is jelling in Lakesong.
You will love this book also. Give it a try!!!!
Milo is a very good private detective, he is patient, and very thorough when he pieces together parts of evidence to get the job done.
Take this book for a spin!!!!
November 1, 2020
I received this book compliments of D. B. Elrogg and the Goodreads Giveaway program.
I found this a very enjoyable procedural. It is centered on a couple of highly unlikely situations, but has quite a few very true to life bits and pieces. Unearthing bits is the way to solve the crime and introduce the characters. They are interesting, and mostly not overly quirky. It does feel that the space given to getting to know the characters is setting up for the series, but it isn't annoying. This is a 'everyone hated the murder victim' story so there is plenty to unravel and questions about who is the bad guy. I would be happy to read more of Milo's adventures.
I found this a very enjoyable procedural. It is centered on a couple of highly unlikely situations, but has quite a few very true to life bits and pieces. Unearthing bits is the way to solve the crime and introduce the characters. They are interesting, and mostly not overly quirky. It does feel that the space given to getting to know the characters is setting up for the series, but it isn't annoying. This is a 'everyone hated the murder victim' story so there is plenty to unravel and questions about who is the bad guy. I would be happy to read more of Milo's adventures.
September 12, 2018
Not so sorry about the murder.
Great Party..... Is a fun mystery which is full of mystery. Why did an excop inherit $15 million? Why didn't the benefactor 's son contest the will? Why did two people who had only a house in common get along so well. What the.... Who did the murder? I was really in the dark about that one until the end. I was so engrossed with the rest of the story, I missed the one clue which was the reveal. Great book. Great writing. Need the next one to fill the void.
Great Party..... Is a fun mystery which is full of mystery. Why did an excop inherit $15 million? Why didn't the benefactor 's son contest the will? Why did two people who had only a house in common get along so well. What the.... Who did the murder? I was really in the dark about that one until the end. I was so engrossed with the rest of the story, I missed the one clue which was the reveal. Great book. Great writing. Need the next one to fill the void.
August 18, 2018
Loved "Great Party! Sorry about the murder"! It initially caught my attention because of the location. My in-laws were from Duluth/Superior and we still have family there. We've been there a few times and enjoy the city so it was fun to read the landmarks. When I first started reading, I wasn't sure how much I'd like Milo but he quickly became endearing. I'm very eager to read his next adventure! And please keep Annie the cat in there! (I'm owned by 4 cats and 3 dogs.)
July 6, 2025
I’m so glad I found this series…
Just the perfect mix of humor and unforgettable characters. The premise is intriguing and the two housemates have a unique bond that I can see developing into fantastic dilemmas. Character development is done so well with no one being too over the top. Easy to see why these guys connect. Looking forward to the next installment and finding about Annie—it’s gonna be good, y’all!
Just the perfect mix of humor and unforgettable characters. The premise is intriguing and the two housemates have a unique bond that I can see developing into fantastic dilemmas. Character development is done so well with no one being too over the top. Easy to see why these guys connect. Looking forward to the next installment and finding about Annie—it’s gonna be good, y’all!
December 17, 2018
A fun, light, murder mystery with great characters and some surprising plot twists. The more I read, the more absorbed I became in the story. I could have read this book in one sitting. The situations that Milo gets into and the characters are very interesting and inventive. Anxiously waiting for the next book to see what further adventures the author has in store for Milo.
April 8, 2019
Another delightful read!
Do yourself a favor and read this book! It has interesting characters and a delightfully complex plot. You will find that you cannot put this book down until you finish it. Just don't plan on doing anything until you come to the end. I will be reading everything this author has written it's a great way to spend a rainy day.
Do yourself a favor and read this book! It has interesting characters and a delightfully complex plot. You will find that you cannot put this book down until you finish it. Just don't plan on doing anything until you come to the end. I will be reading everything this author has written it's a great way to spend a rainy day.
December 9, 2022
Yay! I found a new author to follow! This book was amazing. Well developed characters, interesting mystery, fast paced story. I loved the humorous interaction between characters and enjoyed all “the guys” they had in their employ. I have ordered the next two books in the series and hope more are on the way! Thank you for such an excellent read!!
April 20, 2023
Once I found these books a few days ago, I have been listening to them via Audible back to back. I’m now on book 5. The characters are likable and the stories are interesting and unpredictable. I love to laugh and have found unexpected humor that has made me laugh out loud.
I’m so glad that I found this author and these books.
I’m so glad that I found this author and these books.
September 13, 2024
Fabulous Surprise!
How have I not heard of this book? This series? The discovery of The Milo Rathkey Mysteries was a fabulous surprise. Written with wit and humor, the plot is a simple murder but it is filled and complicated with characters that weave a good story. Almost a throw-back in style, I fell into it and couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to start the next one!
How have I not heard of this book? This series? The discovery of The Milo Rathkey Mysteries was a fabulous surprise. Written with wit and humor, the plot is a simple murder but it is filled and complicated with characters that weave a good story. Almost a throw-back in style, I fell into it and couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to start the next one!
December 4, 2024
Milo and mystery
Milo is a lucky man and quite the slueth. Good writing of a solid, entertaining plot. I had my suspicions after a certain phone mishap but there were enough red herrings to keep certainty at bay. The title gives one the tone and atmosphere of the story. and its protagonist. On to book #2!
Milo is a lucky man and quite the slueth. Good writing of a solid, entertaining plot. I had my suspicions after a certain phone mishap but there were enough red herrings to keep certainty at bay. The title gives one the tone and atmosphere of the story. and its protagonist. On to book #2!
January 14, 2018
Fun Whodunit
This first book by D.B Elrogg is an enjoyable mystery set in Duluth, MN. I look forward to getting to know their main characters better in future novels. Readers who enjoy a cozy mystery won't be disappointed.
This first book by D.B Elrogg is an enjoyable mystery set in Duluth, MN. I look forward to getting to know their main characters better in future novels. Readers who enjoy a cozy mystery won't be disappointed.
February 9, 2018
Fun read
Great characters with lots of twists and turns. The only problem I had was that whoever proof read this book did a bad job. I probably saw 20 or 30 errors. Missing punctuation, wrong words used, wrong tense. But in the end of it I would recommend this book.
Great characters with lots of twists and turns. The only problem I had was that whoever proof read this book did a bad job. I probably saw 20 or 30 errors. Missing punctuation, wrong words used, wrong tense. But in the end of it I would recommend this book.
March 19, 2018
Great story and time well spent.
Enjoyed the Milo Rathkey character and all the others in this book. Hope to see more of these books featuring him and the rest of his humerous friends and associates in future books. Kept my interest and also kept me up late several nights.
Enjoyed the Milo Rathkey character and all the others in this book. Hope to see more of these books featuring him and the rest of his humerous friends and associates in future books. Kept my interest and also kept me up late several nights.
October 24, 2018
Great read!!
Fun, fun, fun. Likeable characters, great writing, excellent editing. (Some misplaced quotation marks; minimally distracting).
Looking forward to reading more about Milo. Hopefully soon!
Fun, fun, fun. Likeable characters, great writing, excellent editing. (Some misplaced quotation marks; minimally distracting).
Looking forward to reading more about Milo. Hopefully soon!
November 18, 2018
Interesting occasionally fun.
I just found out how to use my kindle. Picked this book at random. Next o
Milo Rathkey will be picked on purpose. Loved the characters, enjoyed the plot, including the twist at the end.
I just found out how to use my kindle. Picked this book at random. Next o
Milo Rathkey will be picked on purpose. Loved the characters, enjoyed the plot, including the twist at the end.
December 8, 2018
The first book in a delightful new mystery series
Charming! Funny! Cleaver characters. An ingenious plot. I can honestly say That I never figured out the murder until the very end when the author revealed the guilty party.
Charming! Funny! Cleaver characters. An ingenious plot. I can honestly say That I never figured out the murder until the very end when the author revealed the guilty party.
October 23, 2019
A fun whodunit
Loved, loved this book! The main characters ARE characters! One liners kept coming that were laugh out loud funny!
You two authors keep writing and we'll keep reading! Win-Win!! Thank you for a truly enjoyable read!
Loved, loved this book! The main characters ARE characters! One liners kept coming that were laugh out loud funny!
You two authors keep writing and we'll keep reading! Win-Win!! Thank you for a truly enjoyable read!
February 17, 2020
I really enjoyed this book!
A good mystery with some good humor mixed in. And keeps you interested and even ends with a slight twist.
It starts off well and doesn't get so overly wordy or background intensive that you lose the story - as is so common.
It is just right!
A good mystery with some good humor mixed in. And keeps you interested and even ends with a slight twist.
It starts off well and doesn't get so overly wordy or background intensive that you lose the story - as is so common.
It is just right!
April 18, 2021
More please!!
I read this series in the opposite order, do wish I started from book one, but it worked out okay in the end. At first Milo's quirks bothered me, then I started looking forward to him. Can't wait for more! Wish you could write them as fast as I read them!!
I read this series in the opposite order, do wish I started from book one, but it worked out okay in the end. At first Milo's quirks bothered me, then I started looking forward to him. Can't wait for more! Wish you could write them as fast as I read them!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews