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Roy Martin Mysteries #1
The Misplaced Mob
When a young girl is found dead of a botched abortion in the swimming hole of a small, rural amusement park Roy Martin, the new Sheriff of Laurel County, takes it in stride. But the next day, after barely escaping death when someone fires four rounds of buckshot into his oncoming patrol car, Roy realizes this case is not only dangerous, it’s personal.
- GenresMystery
228 pages, Paperback
Published July 9, 2018
147 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 19, 2019
This is the second book I’ve read by author John Rose Putnam and I have to say I enjoyed it even more than the western I read, which is saying a lot. Because he is so well-known and well-loved for his tales of the Wild West, it surprised me how adept he is at telling a really great mystery.
Set in the mid-50s, his protagonist—Roy Martin—immediately comes to life on the first page. He speaks to the reader in first-person as he begins his new job as sheriff in the hometown he’d left decades earlier after the death of his father, who also once held the job of sheriff. Roy was hired as a deputy while he was still in New York City, but before he even arrives in Laurel County, the sitting sheriff is the second sheriff to fall victim to a deadly car crash. Roy is chosen to be his replacement.
The years spent in the NYPD—though fraught with difficulties that spawned many bad habits—have given Roy a sharpness and savvy lacking in small town law enforcement. He has to weed through the raw local talent to find backup he can depend on. The big standout is Lily. Formerly relegated to answering the phones, Roy recognizes in her qualities that yearn to be utilized. Roy does just that, elevating her role to most trusted ally.
The chemistry between Roy and the supporting cast is compelling and believable, and the story itself unfolds organically, exposing layer after layer of corruption and murder. I’m already hooked on this series and so looking forward to reading more!
Set in the mid-50s, his protagonist—Roy Martin—immediately comes to life on the first page. He speaks to the reader in first-person as he begins his new job as sheriff in the hometown he’d left decades earlier after the death of his father, who also once held the job of sheriff. Roy was hired as a deputy while he was still in New York City, but before he even arrives in Laurel County, the sitting sheriff is the second sheriff to fall victim to a deadly car crash. Roy is chosen to be his replacement.
The years spent in the NYPD—though fraught with difficulties that spawned many bad habits—have given Roy a sharpness and savvy lacking in small town law enforcement. He has to weed through the raw local talent to find backup he can depend on. The big standout is Lily. Formerly relegated to answering the phones, Roy recognizes in her qualities that yearn to be utilized. Roy does just that, elevating her role to most trusted ally.
The chemistry between Roy and the supporting cast is compelling and believable, and the story itself unfolds organically, exposing layer after layer of corruption and murder. I’m already hooked on this series and so looking forward to reading more!
February 14, 2019
Wonderful murder mystery.
Sheriff Martin is called to look at the dead body of a girl who is pregnant and that sets the perfect pace for the start of the mystery. The manner of writing and the way the story progresses is highly enjoyable.
Perfect murder mystery for readers of the genre
Sheriff Martin is called to look at the dead body of a girl who is pregnant and that sets the perfect pace for the start of the mystery. The manner of writing and the way the story progresses is highly enjoyable.
Perfect murder mystery for readers of the genre
August 4, 2018
John Rose Putnam may be familiar to many readers as an author of outstanding westerns. However, in ‘The Misplaced Mob’ he turns his hand to 1950’s small town America for a superb noir crime tale that will have readers flipping pages late into the night. A big-city cop returns to the town where he was born to take over the job of Sheriff. He faces the mysterious death of his predecessor, of his own father before that, and several young girls who are turning up beaten and dead in the local lake. His crime team, a seasoned ex-Chicago detective, a younger patrol officer and the precinct telephonist. In the opposite corner, the New York mob. What a wonderful premise for an original story!
Author Putnam perfectly captures the feeling of the mid-nineteen-fifties with a profusion of small details that build a credible backdrop for his story of conspiracy and corruption. He populates his world with engaging characters with a notable standout in the form of Lily, the aforementioned telephonist, who evolves to become a very adept crime fighter.
One aspect of this riveting tale was the pace and rhythm which reminded me of the crime movies of the mid-to-late forties and early fifties, exemplified by Bogart and movies like ‘The Big Sleep’ and ‘Double Indemnity’. Putnam uses his writing magic to imbue the tale with the same punchy resonance that lived in those noir classics through spot-on dialogue and character interaction. A must read for all lovers of gritty crime thrillers.
Author Putnam perfectly captures the feeling of the mid-nineteen-fifties with a profusion of small details that build a credible backdrop for his story of conspiracy and corruption. He populates his world with engaging characters with a notable standout in the form of Lily, the aforementioned telephonist, who evolves to become a very adept crime fighter.
One aspect of this riveting tale was the pace and rhythm which reminded me of the crime movies of the mid-to-late forties and early fifties, exemplified by Bogart and movies like ‘The Big Sleep’ and ‘Double Indemnity’. Putnam uses his writing magic to imbue the tale with the same punchy resonance that lived in those noir classics through spot-on dialogue and character interaction. A must read for all lovers of gritty crime thrillers.
December 22, 2018
I am first of all, a big fan of this author's westerns, so I am delighted to say that the author an also write murder, mysteries. This story begins when Roy Martin, the new sheriff in town, gets a call about a dead body. The girl is not only young, but was pregnant. Her drowning is similar to the death her own cousin suffered. Sheriff Roy Martin uses a lot of good common sense to work his way through this twisted mystery in search of a the killer. Well done story and a great writing style make this book a winner.
August 6, 2018
John Rose Putnam usually writes westerns - which I really like. I've read most of his western books. I was surprised at how easily he transitioned to writing such an engaging 1950's crime story. He was spot on with dialogue and social standards of that time period. This book reminded me of some of Robert B. Parker's books - another great plus for me as a fan of both Parker and MacDonald's styles. I highly recommend it. And, if you haven't read his western series, check those out too.
September 18, 2019
John Putnam has a talent for spinning a well-written, unique, and memorable yarn.
In The Misplaced Mob, he has penned an engrossing mystery complete with engaging, believable characters.
September 6, 2018
Roy Martin returning home from New York was surprised to become sheriff, but his history was deep. A great story of building trust, a team and organized crime. The criminals were where they wanted to be, part of building a network of whisky, stolen cars, dead cars and sheriffs. I had to keep reminding myself that this is based in the early 50s. Very exciting read with people you feel like you know.
January 12, 2019
Another great story
I always love this author’s books. His characters are true and good and fight for justice. Putnam’s knowledge of history and the west never ceases to amaze as he brings it all to life with his books.
I like this new series and can’t wait to see haw the sheriff progresses in this small town.
I always love this author’s books. His characters are true and good and fight for justice. Putnam’s knowledge of history and the west never ceases to amaze as he brings it all to life with his books.
I like this new series and can’t wait to see haw the sheriff progresses in this small town.
September 10, 2019
Contrary to another writer's opinion, you can go home again. Only it may not be as welcoming as hoped.
At least it isn't in the experience of Roy Martin.
Martin, formerly a homicide investigator in the Big Apple, returns to his rural home turf as county sheriff and finds himself confronted with fatal "accidents," several real murders and a mobster who attempts to assassinate him.
This page-turner of a novel set in the 1950s hinges on a trial decades earlier and its aftermath, which brings the mobsters of the title into his path.
Being fresh back in the territory, Martin is uncertain who he can trust--even in his own department. He soon assembles a crew consisting of a hardened Chicago ex-cop, a rookie officer and a receptionist who proves herself as brave as she is smart.
John Rose Putnam's usual genre is the western. But in this novel he's shown to be equally adept at the crime novel. If you enjoy a fast-paced read with plenty of action, engaging characters and pithy dialogue, you won't be disappointed with this one.
At least it isn't in the experience of Roy Martin.
Martin, formerly a homicide investigator in the Big Apple, returns to his rural home turf as county sheriff and finds himself confronted with fatal "accidents," several real murders and a mobster who attempts to assassinate him.
This page-turner of a novel set in the 1950s hinges on a trial decades earlier and its aftermath, which brings the mobsters of the title into his path.
Being fresh back in the territory, Martin is uncertain who he can trust--even in his own department. He soon assembles a crew consisting of a hardened Chicago ex-cop, a rookie officer and a receptionist who proves herself as brave as she is smart.
John Rose Putnam's usual genre is the western. But in this novel he's shown to be equally adept at the crime novel. If you enjoy a fast-paced read with plenty of action, engaging characters and pithy dialogue, you won't be disappointed with this one.
April 11, 2022
I could not put this intriguing story down. The author captured my attention from the beginning, and I was fascinated by the unexpected twists and turns of this mystifying murder case. When former NYPD Detective Roy Martin wanted to get away from New York City crime life, he returned to his birthplace and became the new Sheriff of Laurel county. Instead of living a quiet country life, he found himself entangled in solving an old mystery that had haunted the area for years.
If you love mysteries, this is the book for you.
If you love mysteries, this is the book for you.
October 8, 2018
As a retired police detective sergeant, I had to remind myself the story takes place in the mid-nineteen fifties. This was a time when few police agencies outside of New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and other big metropolitan areas, where peace officers were trained on the job, and not formally trained at a police academy (they were never called "cop schools"). The results were mixed to say the least and usually for the worst. The story takes place in a rural county, somewhere on the eastern seaboard, where poor law enforcement training was the norm. I also had to remind myself this story could have been lifted from a nineteen-forties-fifties mystery movie.
Given that, the story is a well-done page turner.
Roy Martin, a former NYPD homicide investigator, arrives in Laurel County, where is originally from, after being hired as the county sheriff. The old sheriff, who was suppose to train him, had suddenly died in an accident (really?). The sheriff prior to him was Roy's father, who suddenly died in an accident after a New York mobster, who had earlier come to the area, was sentenced to prison for tax evasion. Co-incidental? Just before Roy had arrived, a twelve-year-old girl is found floating in a local swimming area after she had been beaten to death.
The accumulation of these and other incidents don't add up in Roy's mind. After he is nearly murdered, it is obvious to him, someone or some people don't want him to investigate any further.
Although, from the area, it had been years since Roy lived in Laurel County and he hardly knows anybody. He doesn't know who he can trust and rely upon to assist him in solving what believes now are a series of murders. He finally depends on a motley group consisting of an ex-Chicago police officer, a green deputy sheriff and Lily, the receptionist turned deputy to back him up.
Besides Roy Martin, Lily is one of the most engaging characters in the story.
I won't into the details of the story, as it would spoil it for the readers. Despite some clichés and a few too many "hunches," the story moves at a brisk pace and will keep you reading into the night.
Highly recommended.
Given that, the story is a well-done page turner.
Roy Martin, a former NYPD homicide investigator, arrives in Laurel County, where is originally from, after being hired as the county sheriff. The old sheriff, who was suppose to train him, had suddenly died in an accident (really?). The sheriff prior to him was Roy's father, who suddenly died in an accident after a New York mobster, who had earlier come to the area, was sentenced to prison for tax evasion. Co-incidental? Just before Roy had arrived, a twelve-year-old girl is found floating in a local swimming area after she had been beaten to death.
The accumulation of these and other incidents don't add up in Roy's mind. After he is nearly murdered, it is obvious to him, someone or some people don't want him to investigate any further.
Although, from the area, it had been years since Roy lived in Laurel County and he hardly knows anybody. He doesn't know who he can trust and rely upon to assist him in solving what believes now are a series of murders. He finally depends on a motley group consisting of an ex-Chicago police officer, a green deputy sheriff and Lily, the receptionist turned deputy to back him up.
Besides Roy Martin, Lily is one of the most engaging characters in the story.
I won't into the details of the story, as it would spoil it for the readers. Despite some clichés and a few too many "hunches," the story moves at a brisk pace and will keep you reading into the night.
Highly recommended.
November 7, 2018
Roy Martin leaves the big city of New York to be the new Sheriff of small town Laurel Country, the same job his father had years before. The previous Sheriff was supposed to train him, but he died before Roy arrived. An accident, just days after a young girl was found dead in the swimming hole.
History repeats itself, and Roy can't help but think it is somehow related to his father's death, the mob, and bootlegging. Especially now that he seems to be a target. The hardest part is that he doesn't know his officers or his bosses well enough. He has to trust his instincts and the female dispatcher, one very green patrol officer, and an ex-Chicago Detective, and hope no one gets hurt.
With the 1950s perspective and many twists and turns, following Roy's reasoning and strategies made for a fun read. I liked Roy and his attitude, his perseverance. He pushed the limits and spoke his mind, but not to the point of being reckless. A well-written and well-paced story of the 1950s. It's not clear if this is the beginning of a series or a stand-alone mystery. I'm hoping there's more of Roy to come.
History repeats itself, and Roy can't help but think it is somehow related to his father's death, the mob, and bootlegging. Especially now that he seems to be a target. The hardest part is that he doesn't know his officers or his bosses well enough. He has to trust his instincts and the female dispatcher, one very green patrol officer, and an ex-Chicago Detective, and hope no one gets hurt.
With the 1950s perspective and many twists and turns, following Roy's reasoning and strategies made for a fun read. I liked Roy and his attitude, his perseverance. He pushed the limits and spoke his mind, but not to the point of being reckless. A well-written and well-paced story of the 1950s. It's not clear if this is the beginning of a series or a stand-alone mystery. I'm hoping there's more of Roy to come.
February 25, 2019
Marvelous read. Kept me on edge the whole time. I started reading and did not stop till the end when came the big disappointment. Having said that, I only gave it 4 stars, because, figuratively speaking, a cliff hangar leaves you hanging at the end of a sentence while this one left you hanging in the middle of a sentence. It certainly does not close the case and answer all the questions pertaining thereto. Spoiled the whole thing for me. Who do we trust, who don't we trust - no answers forthcoming. It leaves the reader unfulfilled, which I don't appreciate.
Is this a continuing saga or is each book a stand alone, cause this was sure wasn't? I hesitate to take on the next book not knowing if there will be an actual ending or another stop in the middle of a sentence. Most mystery series solve a case in one book and open another in the next book. Which is this series? Continuing saga or stand alone case file? It is a quandary/
Is this a continuing saga or is each book a stand alone, cause this was sure wasn't? I hesitate to take on the next book not knowing if there will be an actual ending or another stop in the middle of a sentence. Most mystery series solve a case in one book and open another in the next book. Which is this series? Continuing saga or stand alone case file? It is a quandary/
September 25, 2022
First-Rate Crime Fiction
John Rose Putnam acclimates the reader to Laurel County, a small southern town, through the eyes of Roy Martin, the new sheriff who was a former homicide cop from New York. This fast-paced, riveting novel bridges Roy’s past with the present, providing him hunches about who is behind the recent murders in his county.
The author adds many layers of authenticity to the story: geographical details, character background, logistics of bootlegging, and the intricacies of police work.
Unpredictability is another factor which holds reader interest: Like Roy and Lily, I was taken by surprise over what they came across inside a cabin in the woods. I also held my breath during the last scenes.
I highly recommend this work of Crime Fiction where you’ll encounter danger at every plot turn.
John Rose Putnam acclimates the reader to Laurel County, a small southern town, through the eyes of Roy Martin, the new sheriff who was a former homicide cop from New York. This fast-paced, riveting novel bridges Roy’s past with the present, providing him hunches about who is behind the recent murders in his county.
The author adds many layers of authenticity to the story: geographical details, character background, logistics of bootlegging, and the intricacies of police work.
Unpredictability is another factor which holds reader interest: Like Roy and Lily, I was taken by surprise over what they came across inside a cabin in the woods. I also held my breath during the last scenes.
I highly recommend this work of Crime Fiction where you’ll encounter danger at every plot turn.
July 17, 2018
This is not like some of the other books I have read by this author. While most of his are history based--this is a clean murder mystery which kept me reading! There are plenty of twists and turns and the ending--well I did not guess it.
Roy Martin is the new sheriff in town. He did grow up there but then moved on out and became a detective in NYC. The sheriff who had asked him to help him was dead --and Roy's father who was sheriff before him was also dead. Natural causes or murder? And it seems that the young girl found dead in the swimming hole well she wasn't the first! Cover ups and murder--and why was the NYC Mob members in this tiny little town?
You will have to read this book to find out!
The Misplaced Mob
Roy Martin is the new sheriff in town. He did grow up there but then moved on out and became a detective in NYC. The sheriff who had asked him to help him was dead --and Roy's father who was sheriff before him was also dead. Natural causes or murder? And it seems that the young girl found dead in the swimming hole well she wasn't the first! Cover ups and murder--and why was the NYC Mob members in this tiny little town?
You will have to read this book to find out!
The Misplaced Mob
August 12, 2018
This is definitely a five-star read. I was always disappointed when I had to put this novel down to do other things. I loved the small town feel of the story. Roy is the new sheriff in town from New York, but he's not new to the town. I enjoyed being privy to Roy working through solving the crimes. But, most of all, I liked that he gave credit where it was due. Lily is a great character. She is brave and smart, but just as humble as the sheriff. The pace of the story is in sync with the small town police department working to bring down the big boss when the sheriff doesn't know whom he can trust. As the story approaches the end, the pace, the action, and the suspense pick up. I enjoyed this novel one hundred percent.
September 2, 2019
This story takes us back to the 1950's and will say I enjoyed it right up until the end. Roy Martin is a big city detective who gets tired of city life and heads back out to the rural town he grew up in. Before he even gets out there, the current sheriff he's supposed to be working for is killed and he's promoted. He's in town less than a few hours when the body of a dead girl turns up - and it isn't the first. Time for Roy to get to work.
And he does. His hunches are almost psychic, although he is wrong once. Then we get to the end. You know that because the story stops. Right there where we're all standing, still waiting for an explanation of the girls' deaths and the rest of the story to be tied up in a big red bow. Instead, Roy is going to the hospital then nothing. We're done.
And he does. His hunches are almost psychic, although he is wrong once. Then we get to the end. You know that because the story stops. Right there where we're all standing, still waiting for an explanation of the girls' deaths and the rest of the story to be tied up in a big red bow. Instead, Roy is going to the hospital then nothing. We're done.
July 27, 2020
This isn't a bad crime story as stories go, but it didn't captivate me the way other stories I've read have. I feel the characters could have been better developed, and some of the dialogue seems unrealistic. It has a decent but predictable plot, and I like a few more twists and turns. I would have given it another star, but there are also some editing and proofing errors that need to be addressed: things like quotes in incorrect places and missing quotes, incorrect use of punctuation, combining two speakers in the same paragraph, etc. Call me fussy, but as an editor as well as an author, I always find these sorts of things distracting. I just felt it could use a little more polish, leaving me concluding that it was just an average story.
January 11, 2019
"An Easy To Read, Fast-Paced Investigation"
This is an amazing crime novel which I totally enjoyed. It takes place in 1955 when Roy Martin becomes the sheriff of Laural County. A young girl is found dead in a pond t the park. The next day while Roy is driving his vehicle it is struck by bullets. He knows this is a deadly threat and it turns out to be a stunning, surprising investigation. This is an awesome, compelling story I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm anxious to read the next novel of the series. Highly recommend.
This is an amazing crime novel which I totally enjoyed. It takes place in 1955 when Roy Martin becomes the sheriff of Laural County. A young girl is found dead in a pond t the park. The next day while Roy is driving his vehicle it is struck by bullets. He knows this is a deadly threat and it turns out to be a stunning, surprising investigation. This is an awesome, compelling story I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm anxious to read the next novel of the series. Highly recommend.
March 23, 2019
A JRP. Mystery Adventure Thriller/A New Sheriff/A Murder/Murderous Reactions
JRP. has. penned a mystery adventure series (RMMB - 1) which is about a NYPD detective who takes a job in small city as Chief of Deputies under the Sheriff. Our detective is anxious to get awAy from the big city, but has no idea about the corruption that occurs before accepting the position. Before he can assume his position the Sheriff is murdered. He is offered and accepts the position and then all help breaks loose. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
JRP. has. penned a mystery adventure series (RMMB - 1) which is about a NYPD detective who takes a job in small city as Chief of Deputies under the Sheriff. Our detective is anxious to get awAy from the big city, but has no idea about the corruption that occurs before accepting the position. Before he can assume his position the Sheriff is murdered. He is offered and accepts the position and then all help breaks loose. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
January 7, 2020
The Misplaced Mob reminded me of Robert B. Parker's Paradise Series featuring Sheriff Jesse Stone. The dialogue was especially reminiscent, although not so much as to be derivative. The author did overuse the phrase "That's good police work" a bit, but not enough to keep me from buying the other two books in the Roy Martin series. I very much enjoyed this nostalgic mystery and look forward to reading more of Putnam's work.
October 5, 2022
An exciting read!
When I think of John Putnam I think of westerns, but now realize he writes great mysteries too! The Misplaced Mob was a good fast paced read. Sheriff Roy Martin, formerly a New York homicide cop, is the new sheriff and he doesn’t take long in clearing up the dirty hidden secrets of his old hometown. The closer you come to the end you will find the book impossible to put down!
When I think of John Putnam I think of westerns, but now realize he writes great mysteries too! The Misplaced Mob was a good fast paced read. Sheriff Roy Martin, formerly a New York homicide cop, is the new sheriff and he doesn’t take long in clearing up the dirty hidden secrets of his old hometown. The closer you come to the end you will find the book impossible to put down!
February 1, 2019
I enjoyed this fast paced book. The story was full of action and suspense. I loved the characters and how the main character was determined to solve the crimes. There was a lot going on in this small town and they had to discover a lot of past crimes. The author does a great job of keeping you on edge throughout the book.
June 2, 2019
A fine cast of characters
Whi!e not exactly a mystery since the perps are pretty clear quite soon, the story keeps pulling you on. A fun read. Roy is a fine fellow, and Lily the perfect deputy. I'll read another book featuring them any old time.
Whi!e not exactly a mystery since the perps are pretty clear quite soon, the story keeps pulling you on. A fun read. Roy is a fine fellow, and Lily the perfect deputy. I'll read another book featuring them any old time.
December 22, 2019
The Mob takes a hit!
Gives a Jessey Stone story a real run for the money! What's not to like.
I'm looking for Book #2 already. Parker could not have written it any better.
Go for it, you will not be disappointed!
Gives a Jessey Stone story a real run for the money! What's not to like.
I'm looking for Book #2 already. Parker could not have written it any better.
Go for it, you will not be disappointed!
February 6, 2019
One of the best mysteries I've read in a long time.
February 9, 2019
wow, read some of this book, but just had to walk away from it.
February 25, 2019
Bang,💥bang!!!
Shoot 🔫outs, mobsters, police, oh my!!! This book is action packed and thrilling and will keep you turning the pages.
Shoot 🔫outs, mobsters, police, oh my!!! This book is action packed and thrilling and will keep you turning the pages.
November 12, 2020
This book was a breath of fresh air. A wonderful old fashioned detective story. Action packed with a little romance thrown in, but just a true, down to earth enjoyable read.
December 12, 2020
A Good Old-Fashioned Mystery
A great hero, good supporting cast, well plotted, Good pacing. I want to read more by this skillful author. The best book I've read in quite a while. The story is set a couple of generations ago and is written in the style of the time. For me, that's value added!
A great hero, good supporting cast, well plotted, Good pacing. I want to read more by this skillful author. The best book I've read in quite a while. The story is set a couple of generations ago and is written in the style of the time. For me, that's value added!
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