The Good Life Crisis

Victor Loshak #1.5

by E.M. Smith, L.T. Vargus, Tim McBain

Everyone has secrets. Even the dead. A murder interrupts Special Agent Victor Loshak's vacation in Santa Fe -- a middle-aged man executed in his garage. The forensic details make it seem like a professional job, but the local police seem hell bent on pinning the killing on the dead man's wife anyway. The story doesn't quite add up. Loshak gets swept up in the hunt for the truth, even if he's still dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and sandals. The agent digs through the seedy underworld of New Mexico, finds it populated with colorful characters who may or may not be playing it straight. The details of the case grow increasingly bizarre. Everyone seems to have a different description of the dead man in the garage -- his personality, his passions, his hopes and dreams all vary wildly depending on who is telling the story. If Loshak can find out who the victim really was, he can solve the case. If not... Grab this short sequel to Beyond Good & Evil! Praise for the Victor Loshak "Was hooked from the 1st page and stayed up all night to finish it. Jaw dropping edge of your seat action packed thriller." - Mary Palmer "There is a terrifying serial killer in this book. And the story is riveting...I really enjoyed getting to know Loshak better. I love the way he consciously reads people and uses his knowledge of human behavior to function in everyday life, not just as a detective. I love his self awareness. I love his measured, experienced approach to life and his job and I love his honesty with himself and other people." - Melanie "I felt that adrenaline rush tingling down my spine. You’ll be left wondering did I lock the back door?...I began reading this book, and didn’t stop until I was finished at 3:00am." - C. Awbrey "This was a wonderful, well written (with all their great details), sinister crime story." - C. Munger "Great read. Mystery, thrills, suspense and the grim horror of what true crime sounds, feels, looks, and smells like. A must read whether you have or haven’t indulged before in this series." - Indiquinn

Genres: Thriller

75 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2018

About the author

E. M. Smith came by his redneck roots honestly, his barbwire tattoo dishonestly, and his sobriety slowly. Recovery isn't a sprint, according to his friends, it's a marathon. That's probably why he turned into such a fitness geek when he quit drinking.

You can call him Mason if you want to. He just uses his initials to seem professional.

Reviews

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, now this has been a whirlwind of a story! Loshak really knew what to do to follow the clues and tips to their conclusion. I definitely want more to read about Loshaks adventures. So onward to next book.

[Dawn Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Victor Loshak no rest for the weary. Teehee!! This is a fun fast read from L.T. Vargus, Tim McBain and E.M. Smith. This is a lot lighter than the first Loshak book Beyond Good and Evil. There is even a little humor. I definitely got a chuckle. If you are looking for the gore and darkness you usually get from these authors it's not in this novella. With all that said, this is not the typical L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain books but it was fun and gives you a break from all the blood and guts. I love Loshak and can't wait for him to team back up with Violet Darger. I would recommend it, it's fun. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good Life Crisis is a great little intermediary novella between Books 1 and (the soon-to-be-released) 2. It's not as dark as Book 1 or the Violet Darger series, and it doesn't focus quite as much on profiling killers. What it does is give the reader a fun mystery that Loshak has to solve. This murder mystery had me cocking my head trying to figure out where it was headed, which was a ton of fun. It's also great to see Loshak and Jan's relationship build before we dive into Book 2.

[Melanie Foxfire · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Good Life Crisis, Victor Loshak solves crimes using his superior skills of observation. No detail is too small for him to notice and he never makes assumptions. He's a pro at deciphering the stories people tell about themselves and others and he always gets to the truth.

But Victor Loshak needs to reconnect with the man he was before he threw himself head first into his job to survive the devastating loss of his daughter. He has realized that he desperately needs his ex wife in his life. Can he balance his work with his personal life or will his marriage end up as another casualty of crime? Can he see the truth about himself like he can about everybody else? And if he can, will he be courageous enough to admit it?

I enjoyed this appetizer for book two. A crime gets solved and we get to know Loshak a little better. I wonder if he's learning as much about himself as we are. Or is his job just an excuse to keep everybody at arm's length? Is he facing or is he hiding behind his responsibilities?

[David Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Loshak. You have to love the guy. If you are familiar with the Darger books, you will know about his personal battles and his likeable nature. That gets pushed to the limit in this story!

This novella was immensely enjoyable to read. It contains a murder, really colourful characters, laugh out loud humour, and also an update to his ongoing personal issues.

As with the other novellas, the profiling is pretty much non existent, but the story itself is a fun read and all fits together nicely, flowing towards the conclusion of another great book.

One for fans of Darger and Loshak, but also for people who might want a light hearted, quick read, with a bit of death thrown in for good measure.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor Loshak is back proving that he has a very human side as she helps his ex-wife settle in Santa Fe, of course his visit to Santa Fe turns into a mystery to be solved. While this was a novella, it was well worth the read. If you are a Loshak fan from the Violet Darger books or the first Loshak book this is must read. I received a review copy from the author and have chosen to provide this review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet little Segway to whatever comes next for Loshak. I loved this little, (semi humorous at times), glimpse into Loshak’s personality. It made him a wee bit more real to me. There were some bigger than bizarre life characters in this mini installment as well. Their attention to detail makes their adventures buzz along until the very end.

[Tasha Lebow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet

When you love a writer’s style and feel you know a character like an old pal, new books are almost always a great treat. This novella is like a tasty appetizer from the Vargas-McBain team, whose usual books are each like a five course meal. very enjoyable read...that left me looking forward to more!

[Melissa N · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story/novella but this time it centers on Loshak. I enjoyed reading it and liked reading even when he is on vacation he never truly is. So not as serious as we see hunting serial killers but fun to see him humanized with his ex and like how they can still interact even though they are no longer married.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! I love that there is a middle aged protagonist! I complained that in the first Loshak book they made him seem almost elderly but that wasn’t the case here. In fact, he seemed to be quite a babe magnet in this story! Can’t wait for the next Loshak story!

[Tami Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's quick and shows a brighter side of Loshak. I am truely enjoying getting to know him. I loved this glimpse at his humor and relationship.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one. It made me get the next one right away.

[Shannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great novella! Love Loshak!

[Scott Widener · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a novella in the Victor Loshak series. We are following a FBI profiler who is reconnecting with his ex-wife and enjoying a much deserved vacation. But if your a murder cop you’re always a murder cop. this was a quick and simple murder mystery with a known character/s. So if you have liked this series or the Violet Darger series this novella should wet your whistle.

[Stephen F. Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an OK book, but sort of short and predictable. I couldn't figure out why an FBI profiler would take this much time off duty (on vacation) to look into this mystery. I liked the character, but would like to check out some of the author's better stuff.

[Debra Chiaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Wow, now this has been a whirlwind of a story! Loshak really knew what to do to follow the clues and tips to their conclusion. I definitely want more to read about Loshaks adventures. So onward to q next book.

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lol - Loshak can’t even go on vacation without getting recognized and pulled into an investigation. Funny, quick read. Enjoy!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good novella. Love Loshak, but where’s Darger?

[Linda Pinkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor Loshak Does It Again

All I can say is I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES. Sorry for shouting but that's how I feel. Another great book by the team.

[Bettyboop · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Good Life Crisis’ proved even more, Loshak needs Darger.

[Sharon C. Robideaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sort of humorous

Not really belly laugh funny, except for the art jokes, but readers get to see a lighter side of Loshak.

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt very rushed compared to their other books.

[Jen Bailey Bergen (tryjen) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy frickfrackin shit!

[Sandra Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet

I simply love all of L.T. Vargus, Tim McCain ... Smith books. This one was short but sweet and I enjoyed it to the MAX!!

[Jack Rilkoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess I am not really into novellas. There is so little character and story development that the end comes far too quickly without enough buildup.

[Bobbi Stoffers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors are brilliant in setting up the scene in their books, I always feel I’m right there with the characters. Never a dull moment in this book.

[Edwin Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book!!!

This a perfect sequel!!
I hope Jenkins the reporter is back in the 2nd Book in the series.
Great stuff!!!

[Carla Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great short novella about a home invasion serial killer. Very entertaining you should give it a try.

[Lana McBroom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick easy read

Vacation Loshak…never off duty. Nice quick, light read. Ready for book 2 and a new story to keep me entertained!