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Silicon Valley Mystery #2
Chutes and Ladder
When a camping trip uncovers a murder, this amateur sleuth is stuck putting out the fire …
Marty Golden enjoys time with his nieces, but he wanted to spend the weekend with his new girlfriend — not chaperone a Girl Scout camping trip. Once he stumbles upon the corpse of a friend in the woods, the outdoors adventure becomes an open-air disaster. When the police label it an accidental death, the meticulous Marty vows to investigate the murder. After all, it’s poor manners to let your friend’s death go unsolved.
On the hunt for clues the cops ignored, Marty uncovers a disturbing connection to himself. And as he digs deeper, a misbehaving pup, a kooky cousin, and a maniacal ninja put his survival skills to the test.
Will Marty unravel the mystery before the killer, or his imagination, gets to him?
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2019
260 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Marc Jedel
14 books69 followersMarc Jedel writes funny, feel-good murder mysteries filled with quirky characters, twisty plots, and the kind of humor that goes down easy with a cup of tea—or glass of wine.
After years writing marketing copy in Silicon Valley, Marc finally started crafting fiction people actually wanted to read. He’s the author of multiple cozy mystery series, including the Silicon Valley Mystery, Ozarks Lake Mystery, and Redwoods Country Mystery series. His books have earned thousands of glowing reviews.
Like Andy from the Redwoods Country Mysteries, Marc keeps getting older and sincerely hopes retirement doesn’t involve running a B&B. Like Marty from the Silicon Valley Mystery series, he lives in tech-heavy California, has worked in high-tech, and proudly wields bad puns. Like Jonas and Elizabeth from the Ozarks Lake Mystery series, Marc grew up in the South and spent many a summer in and around Arkansas.
He lives with his endlessly patient wife and a sweet, neurotic dog who remains deeply unimpressed by Marc’s jokes. When not writing, Marc can be found hiking, plotting murders (on the page, officer, really!), or avoiding whatever home improvement project he’s been putting off.
Visit his website, , www.mjedel.com for free content, special offers, and updates.
After years writing marketing copy in Silicon Valley, Marc finally started crafting fiction people actually wanted to read. He’s the author of multiple cozy mystery series, including the Silicon Valley Mystery, Ozarks Lake Mystery, and Redwoods Country Mystery series. His books have earned thousands of glowing reviews.
Like Andy from the Redwoods Country Mysteries, Marc keeps getting older and sincerely hopes retirement doesn’t involve running a B&B. Like Marty from the Silicon Valley Mystery series, he lives in tech-heavy California, has worked in high-tech, and proudly wields bad puns. Like Jonas and Elizabeth from the Ozarks Lake Mystery series, Marc grew up in the South and spent many a summer in and around Arkansas.
He lives with his endlessly patient wife and a sweet, neurotic dog who remains deeply unimpressed by Marc’s jokes. When not writing, Marc can be found hiking, plotting murders (on the page, officer, really!), or avoiding whatever home improvement project he’s been putting off.
Visit his website, , www.mjedel.com for free content, special offers, and updates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 21, 2019
3.5 stars
The second humorous mystery around software engineer Marty Golden and his family. It went off to a good start when he took the girls to the (all) girl scout camping trip and discovered the body of one of his poker friends in the woods.
While "supporting the police investigation" most of his wild theories were so out of this world that I couldn't even be bothered to let the words enter my brain. Other than that I had a great time with this fast paced mystery and will read the next one.
The second humorous mystery around software engineer Marty Golden and his family. It went off to a good start when he took the girls to the (all) girl scout camping trip and discovered the body of one of his poker friends in the woods.
While "supporting the police investigation" most of his wild theories were so out of this world that I couldn't even be bothered to let the words enter my brain. Other than that I had a great time with this fast paced mystery and will read the next one.
March 24, 2019
If you ever watched Get Smart, you will remember the bumbling hero Maxwell Smart. Well, meet Marty Golden. He is a nerd who works at a tech startup called "Rover" which provides driverless cars similar to a taxi or uber business. Marty has an imagination that does not quit and his daydreams are hilarious. The fact that he also thinks he is a partner to Mace, a Sergeant with the police is even funnier.
Marty Golden, is roped into chaperoning for his niece's girl scout camping trip. Marty is not a camper and would much rather spend his time in an office than to have anything to do with the outdoors. The scout leaders and other mothers aren't pleased that he is there, and he has been given the task to find wood for the fire. While he is out gathering wood, he decides to answer the call of nature, and steps off the path for some privacy. Before he does his business, he glances across the clearing and notices a body on the ground. When he realizes he knows the man, he is determined to bring him justice. Marty immediately gets on the nerves of the detectives who are investigating the situation. He assumes that he will be working with them - as in privy to all the details. He begins his own investigation and often ends up on the wrong end of the stick. He manages to bumble around in his quest to solve the "crime" as a wannabe detective.
The book is fast paced and full of humor. The author keeps us guessing as to what has really transpired, and it's not until the very end that the details are revealed. With more than one victim, Marty has his hands full. We learn more about Marty and his life with his family getting involved (his cousin) and with his girlfriend becoming more involved in his life. Watch for the interference of his sister's dog as well, it is hilarious. There are several twists and turns as the story progresses keeping me guessing, and of course all my ideas were wrong. I enjoyed Raj once again in this story. He is Marty's straight man, all comedians need one. This is the second book in the series by Marc Jedel, and I enjoyed it more than the first one. I knew what to expect from Marty and went into this book expecting the slapstick type antics. I had a great time reading this one, and will be watching the next in the series. If you enjoy mysteries, but need an enjoyable light-hearted read, I would definitely recommend you pick this book up. I was provided a copy of this book from the author upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Marty Golden, is roped into chaperoning for his niece's girl scout camping trip. Marty is not a camper and would much rather spend his time in an office than to have anything to do with the outdoors. The scout leaders and other mothers aren't pleased that he is there, and he has been given the task to find wood for the fire. While he is out gathering wood, he decides to answer the call of nature, and steps off the path for some privacy. Before he does his business, he glances across the clearing and notices a body on the ground. When he realizes he knows the man, he is determined to bring him justice. Marty immediately gets on the nerves of the detectives who are investigating the situation. He assumes that he will be working with them - as in privy to all the details. He begins his own investigation and often ends up on the wrong end of the stick. He manages to bumble around in his quest to solve the "crime" as a wannabe detective.
The book is fast paced and full of humor. The author keeps us guessing as to what has really transpired, and it's not until the very end that the details are revealed. With more than one victim, Marty has his hands full. We learn more about Marty and his life with his family getting involved (his cousin) and with his girlfriend becoming more involved in his life. Watch for the interference of his sister's dog as well, it is hilarious. There are several twists and turns as the story progresses keeping me guessing, and of course all my ideas were wrong. I enjoyed Raj once again in this story. He is Marty's straight man, all comedians need one. This is the second book in the series by Marc Jedel, and I enjoyed it more than the first one. I knew what to expect from Marty and went into this book expecting the slapstick type antics. I had a great time reading this one, and will be watching the next in the series. If you enjoy mysteries, but need an enjoyable light-hearted read, I would definitely recommend you pick this book up. I was provided a copy of this book from the author upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
April 2, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I have to admit that I don't read too many copies that have a male main character but I liked this one. Marty is a software engineer type persons with a strange sense of humor. He does not let anything stop him as he lives his life trying to keep those around him happy. Much to his dismay when his sister hurts her ankle he gets volunteered to fill in as a chaperone on a Girl Scout camping trip with his niece. It's comical as he proceeds to inadvertently mess up all kinds of stuff until he gets sent for busy work. Imagine his surprise when he stumbles across the dead body of someone he knows. What follows is an original take on an amateur investigation that kept making me giggle all the way to the surprising end. Great for fans of cozies looking for something different. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
I have to admit that I don't read too many copies that have a male main character but I liked this one. Marty is a software engineer type persons with a strange sense of humor. He does not let anything stop him as he lives his life trying to keep those around him happy. Much to his dismay when his sister hurts her ankle he gets volunteered to fill in as a chaperone on a Girl Scout camping trip with his niece. It's comical as he proceeds to inadvertently mess up all kinds of stuff until he gets sent for busy work. Imagine his surprise when he stumbles across the dead body of someone he knows. What follows is an original take on an amateur investigation that kept making me giggle all the way to the surprising end. Great for fans of cozies looking for something different. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
April 28, 2019
Marty is back for more of his antics along with his two precious nieces and a co-worker that seems to be topping him when it comes to American sayings.
This is a good follow up to the first in this series, Uncles and Ants. I still wonder about Marty and how he inserts himself into the cases and seems to think he is part of the investigative team. I also wonder about his state of mind and as much as he jumps around and to conclusions, I still wonder if he is on the spectrum or leaning that way. Despite that, I enjoy Marty's quirkiness because it adds that little something that every story needs to make it stand out.
The mystery was engaging and while I had some suspicions as to the guilty party, I did not figure it out until it was revealed. I think there were enough clues buried in the text but I enjoyed that it wasn't obvious and it made me think about the potential motives of the suspected characters.
The book does leave you hanging on one fact - Marty's sister's car was totaled in the first book and in this one, she is waffling between what wacky color she is going to paint her new car....but it isn't revealed which means I have to read the next book to find out!
Overall I have enjoyed this series and wonder what the author could come up with for the next book. We give it 4 paws up.
This is a good follow up to the first in this series, Uncles and Ants. I still wonder about Marty and how he inserts himself into the cases and seems to think he is part of the investigative team. I also wonder about his state of mind and as much as he jumps around and to conclusions, I still wonder if he is on the spectrum or leaning that way. Despite that, I enjoy Marty's quirkiness because it adds that little something that every story needs to make it stand out.
The mystery was engaging and while I had some suspicions as to the guilty party, I did not figure it out until it was revealed. I think there were enough clues buried in the text but I enjoyed that it wasn't obvious and it made me think about the potential motives of the suspected characters.
The book does leave you hanging on one fact - Marty's sister's car was totaled in the first book and in this one, she is waffling between what wacky color she is going to paint her new car....but it isn't revealed which means I have to read the next book to find out!
Overall I have enjoyed this series and wonder what the author could come up with for the next book. We give it 4 paws up.
March 27, 2019
Chutes and Ladder is a light hearted cozy mystery. I suggest reading Uncle and Ants before embarking on Chutes and Ladder. It will provide background information on Marty that is missing in Chutes and Ladder. Marty Golden is a unique character. He likes to wear Hawaiian shirts (all the time), a Star-Trek fan (there is an upcoming convention), tells bad jokes and has an overactive imagination. Marty also manages to say or do the wrong thing 95% of the time (He is a twelve year old in an adult’s body). When he stumbles upon his friend’s body in the woods, he feels he needs to get answers (it would be rude not to investigate). I wish the author had included further background details on Marty (divorced, number of kids, age). He always takes the driverless Rover vehicles. Is it because he doesn’t drive or doesn’t own a car? I have to admit to being fascinated with the concept of driverless cars (I dislike driving—I get bored). I wish there had been more details about the service (does it work like Uber, cost). I enjoyed Marc Jedel’s descriptive writing which provides vivid imagery. Bigelow, the puppy Marty gave to his nieces, provides comic relief. He is going to need a firm hand and massive amounts of training (with no guarantee it will work). The mystery was light weight (like Marty). I would have preferred a mystery with more complexity. Chutes and Ladder is an entertaining story with quirky characters, zany incidents, witty dialogue and guaranteed giggles.
March 20, 2019
Marc Jedel is hilarious! Generally I run from any hint of comedy, but charming author Jedel had me at his debut novel, UNCLE AND ANTS. So I immediately raced to read the second Silicon Valley Mystery, CHUTES AND LADDERS. Let me specify I don't laugh about the murders or about the corporate dumkopf "whiz child," but I can't stop laughing at protagonist Marty Golden, perennial and proverbial Feckless Hero. If there were ever a perfect illustration of The Fool card in Tarot, Marty is it! Paranoid, fantasist, engineer, socially misadept. You just have to love a character who is so transparently and authentically himself. Naturally he's head over heels in another complex, dangerous, mystery--right where readers want him.
April 18, 2019
Chutes and Ladder is Book 2 in the Silicon Valley Mystery series and works as a stand-alone. I did not read the first book and was quite comfortable reading this one. I imagine a few of Marty’s eccentricities would have been more expected if I had read Book 1, but that did not detract from my enjoyment.
The mystery is well-paced. There are several suspects from neighbours to co-workers to random drive-by characters. The motives range from relationship provocations to work place conflicts and there are even a couple of red herrings too. Altogether they make for an entertaining read.
The cast of characters is quite varied from the head-firmly-on-shoulders sister Laney, to the cheeky nieces Skye and Megan, to the enigmatic girlfriend Meghan. Raj is such a hilarious straight man and the perfect person to contrast against Marty with his overly excitable nature. Perhaps my favourite character, however, is Sergeant Mace Jackson. He’s no nonsense, tough and yet has an almost unbelievable patience for Marty’s utter silliness.
One area I found a bit odd, was that most of the people who Marty comes across don’t seem to like him or are annoyed by him. He’s actually pretty likable, even if incredibly quirky and distracted, so I didn’t see the need to keep that idea on repeat.
Two parts of this story that I particularly liked:
The Silicon Valley setting and all the tech related gadgets. The Rover concept is pretty cool.
I quite enjoyed big reveal and it was fun to read Marty’s euphoria at finally figuring it all out!
Overall, this was a fun, well-plotted cozy mystery and I give it 4/5 stars. Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book supplied by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
The mystery is well-paced. There are several suspects from neighbours to co-workers to random drive-by characters. The motives range from relationship provocations to work place conflicts and there are even a couple of red herrings too. Altogether they make for an entertaining read.
The cast of characters is quite varied from the head-firmly-on-shoulders sister Laney, to the cheeky nieces Skye and Megan, to the enigmatic girlfriend Meghan. Raj is such a hilarious straight man and the perfect person to contrast against Marty with his overly excitable nature. Perhaps my favourite character, however, is Sergeant Mace Jackson. He’s no nonsense, tough and yet has an almost unbelievable patience for Marty’s utter silliness.
One area I found a bit odd, was that most of the people who Marty comes across don’t seem to like him or are annoyed by him. He’s actually pretty likable, even if incredibly quirky and distracted, so I didn’t see the need to keep that idea on repeat.
Two parts of this story that I particularly liked:
The Silicon Valley setting and all the tech related gadgets. The Rover concept is pretty cool.
I quite enjoyed big reveal and it was fun to read Marty’s euphoria at finally figuring it all out!
Overall, this was a fun, well-plotted cozy mystery and I give it 4/5 stars. Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book supplied by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 18, 2020
You have to love Marty's devotion ! Marty Golden is the main character in the Silicon Valley Mystery series by Marc Jedel, he is a software engineer working for a company that has driverless cars. It's like a taxi company except you place an order for a ride on the Rover app and a car comes to your location and takes you where you want to go and its all computerized.....but that's not the best part of Marty's life....Marty has this overactive imagination and his mind wonders at the most inappropriate times getting him in hot water at times.
In Chutes and Ladder, the second book in this series, Marty gets roped into taking his one niece to an overnight camping trip for the Girl Scouts after his sister hurts her ankle and is unable to go. Lucky for Marty he doesn't have to spend the night in the woods with a bunch of girls because he is sent on a rock finding errand and stumbles over a dead body !! Unfortunately Marty discovers that he knows the deceased. Larry is one of his poker playing buddies and also an engineer.
In the first book in this series, Uncle and Ants, we got to see how Marty's mind works and we met Sergeant Mace Jackson who Marty has on speed dial and thinks that he and Mace are a team. Well that fun continues in Chutes and Ladder when Marty, again, gets involved and won't stop. And when his cousin Samantha's friend dies after a skydiving accident, Marty knows there is something up and will stop at nothing to do what HE thinks he does best and do some "investigating"......
You will LOVE the way Marty's mind works and how he "justifies" what he is doing for the police. You cannot help but want to continue reading to see what is going to happen next because you know if it involves Marty, you are not going to want to miss it !! And even though it is a book and you are reading it, you won't be able to stop yourself from reading one more page or one more chapter until you are at the end and can sit back and breath again ....because Marty will have you sitting on the edge of your seat holding your breathe hoping things work out !!!
In Chutes and Ladder, the second book in this series, Marty gets roped into taking his one niece to an overnight camping trip for the Girl Scouts after his sister hurts her ankle and is unable to go. Lucky for Marty he doesn't have to spend the night in the woods with a bunch of girls because he is sent on a rock finding errand and stumbles over a dead body !! Unfortunately Marty discovers that he knows the deceased. Larry is one of his poker playing buddies and also an engineer.
In the first book in this series, Uncle and Ants, we got to see how Marty's mind works and we met Sergeant Mace Jackson who Marty has on speed dial and thinks that he and Mace are a team. Well that fun continues in Chutes and Ladder when Marty, again, gets involved and won't stop. And when his cousin Samantha's friend dies after a skydiving accident, Marty knows there is something up and will stop at nothing to do what HE thinks he does best and do some "investigating"......
You will LOVE the way Marty's mind works and how he "justifies" what he is doing for the police. You cannot help but want to continue reading to see what is going to happen next because you know if it involves Marty, you are not going to want to miss it !! And even though it is a book and you are reading it, you won't be able to stop yourself from reading one more page or one more chapter until you are at the end and can sit back and breath again ....because Marty will have you sitting on the edge of your seat holding your breathe hoping things work out !!!
March 3, 2019
Marty Golden, against his better judgment, gets assigned as chaperone for his niece's girl scout camping trip. Marty is not a camper and would much rather spend his time in an office than to have anything to do with the outdoors. The scout leaders aren't pleased that he is there, and to make things worse, it seems that everything he has to do with seems to go awry. Marty has been given the task to find wood for the fire. While he is out gathering wood, he decideds to answer the call of nature, and steps off the path for some privacy. Before he does his business, he glances across the clearing and notices a body on the ground.
Marty has helped the local police solve a previous case, and now every time he speaks with the detectives, he assumes that he is working with them - as in privy to all the details and asserts himself into the case as a wannabe detective. Of course, Marty manages to bumble that as well.
The book is fast paced and full of humor. In many ways, I could see this book being played out as a movie, with Jerry Lewis starring as Marty.
The author keeps us guessing as to what has really transpired, and it's not until the very end that the details are revealed.
This is the second book in the series by Marc Jedel, but the first book of his that I have read. I had such a great time reading this, I am now going to read the first book 'Uncle and Ants'.
If you need a good light hearted read, I would definitely recommend this.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of Chutes and Ladder.
Marty has helped the local police solve a previous case, and now every time he speaks with the detectives, he assumes that he is working with them - as in privy to all the details and asserts himself into the case as a wannabe detective. Of course, Marty manages to bumble that as well.
The book is fast paced and full of humor. In many ways, I could see this book being played out as a movie, with Jerry Lewis starring as Marty.
The author keeps us guessing as to what has really transpired, and it's not until the very end that the details are revealed.
This is the second book in the series by Marc Jedel, but the first book of his that I have read. I had such a great time reading this, I am now going to read the first book 'Uncle and Ants'.
If you need a good light hearted read, I would definitely recommend this.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of Chutes and Ladder.
March 13, 2019
A great sequel to Uncle and Ants!
Chutes and Ladder continues the saga of Marty Golden and his pursuit of professional achievement in his day job as a Silicon Valley software engineer while growing his relationship with his sister, nieces and new girlfriend, with the ongoing interruptions of his hobby as a criminal investigator.
His planned weekend with his girlfriend becomes a Girl Scout camping trip with his oldest niece during which he discovers the murder of his old friend and regular player at his monthly poker game. His pursuit of the truth about what happened leads him on a journey where both he and the reader learn more about the people in both his personal and professional life, and the twists and turns that resulted in the death of his friend, all the while immersed in corporate intrigue. And of course, while the story of his friend's murder is complete, the ending makes it clear that Marty will be facing new adventures very soon.
Chutes and Ladder is an enjoyable read, with a growing cast of interesting characters, and new insights into returning characters. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
Chutes and Ladder continues the saga of Marty Golden and his pursuit of professional achievement in his day job as a Silicon Valley software engineer while growing his relationship with his sister, nieces and new girlfriend, with the ongoing interruptions of his hobby as a criminal investigator.
His planned weekend with his girlfriend becomes a Girl Scout camping trip with his oldest niece during which he discovers the murder of his old friend and regular player at his monthly poker game. His pursuit of the truth about what happened leads him on a journey where both he and the reader learn more about the people in both his personal and professional life, and the twists and turns that resulted in the death of his friend, all the while immersed in corporate intrigue. And of course, while the story of his friend's murder is complete, the ending makes it clear that Marty will be facing new adventures very soon.
Chutes and Ladder is an enjoyable read, with a growing cast of interesting characters, and new insights into returning characters. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
March 13, 2019
This is a fun and funny series that litterly takes you on a humorous ride! The story/series centers around Marty who works for a
car service called Rover. (a high teck Taxi)
The main character Marty is a bit of a 'mess' an engineer that has
a bit of Sherlock Holmes in him. But he's a little more Barnie Fife. (the old Andy Griffith show. If your old school you'll get it) He's kind of a stumble bum but with the help of a police detective that just tolerates his investigating and his co-worker
Raj who I just love he manages to figure out the crime(s) and who did it.
Chutes and Ladder is the 2nd book in the series. All the characters from book 1 reappear in book 2 making me think they are all a continued part of the series. The author hinted at book 3 at the end.
This is a fun series and I am looking forward to the next one!
I received a complimentary copy.
car service called Rover. (a high teck Taxi)
The main character Marty is a bit of a 'mess' an engineer that has
a bit of Sherlock Holmes in him. But he's a little more Barnie Fife. (the old Andy Griffith show. If your old school you'll get it) He's kind of a stumble bum but with the help of a police detective that just tolerates his investigating and his co-worker
Raj who I just love he manages to figure out the crime(s) and who did it.
Chutes and Ladder is the 2nd book in the series. All the characters from book 1 reappear in book 2 making me think they are all a continued part of the series. The author hinted at book 3 at the end.
This is a fun series and I am looking forward to the next one!
I received a complimentary copy.
March 13, 2019
Chutes and Ladder was a fun read as it took Uncle Marty on lots of quirky twists and turns as he tried to find out what happened to his friend that he found dead while chaperoning his niece’s Girl Scout camping trip.
There were an abundance of laughs in this clever mystery that was even funnier than the first book in the series, Uncle and Ants.
Both set in the Silicon Valley, Uncle Marty, coworkers and his sister and two nieces had some crazy computer-related adventures and food and horses played parts too. Not to mention ever present law enforcement heroes.
If you want to see how it all fits together and laugh along the way, pick up Chutes and Ladder. Although I bought a copy, I did receive an advance copy so I could write about it when it came out.
Enjoy reading this funny book!
There were an abundance of laughs in this clever mystery that was even funnier than the first book in the series, Uncle and Ants.
Both set in the Silicon Valley, Uncle Marty, coworkers and his sister and two nieces had some crazy computer-related adventures and food and horses played parts too. Not to mention ever present law enforcement heroes.
If you want to see how it all fits together and laugh along the way, pick up Chutes and Ladder. Although I bought a copy, I did receive an advance copy so I could write about it when it came out.
Enjoy reading this funny book!
May 24, 2019
Marty Golden was all set to spend the weekend with his girlfriend when his sister injures her foot and can't accompany her daughter on a Girl Scout camping trip. Instead she volunteers her brother Marty to be a chaperone. Which of course upsets the other mothers. What no one counted on was finding a dead body. What makes it worse is the dead guy is a poker buddy of Marty's.
Marty is a funny character who really makes you laugh while reading and seeing how Marty solves the murder. The book was a quick and enjoyable read that pulls you in to see what Marty is going to do next! Can't wait to see what the author has next in store for Marty!
Marty is a funny character who really makes you laugh while reading and seeing how Marty solves the murder. The book was a quick and enjoyable read that pulls you in to see what Marty is going to do next! Can't wait to see what the author has next in store for Marty!
April 16, 2021
Oh, my. The main character is a bumbling, slightly delusional, engineer who seems to have ADHD and a love of pop culture and bad puns. I jumped into this series in the middle and there were several references to things that happened in the first book that left some confusion, so I would recommend that you start at the beginning of the series. However, I still found this an enjoyable read and lots of fun. I kept thinking this was like Inspector Clouseau mixed with "The Office" and "The Big Bang Theory."
March 19, 2019
Just as fun as the first one! Loved Marty, his nieces, his cousin and the dog. Having read a lot of cozy mysteries, I'm tired of bakeries, B&B's and book stores. Marty is a fresh and smart character, placed in a unique setting. Marc Jedel provides vivid descriptions of life in high-tech Silicon Valley without leaving those us still in the low-tech world behind. Hope he's working hard on book #3 in the series!
April 22, 2019
I really enjoyed this funny mystery. I received this for free and voluntarily chose to review it. This main character has a running fantasy of being a superhero. Although very intelligent, he rubs people the wrong way, escapes into his inner world way too much and has very few friends. Add a very large puppy, various family members and being overly optimistic, stir in murder and you get this very laughable mystery. I've given this clean mystery a 4.5* rating.
February 13, 2022
Ready for an other madcap, funny, delightful mystery involving nerdy uncle Marty and family?
Marty Golden, nerdy code writer for Rover Car Service, the driverless cars. The brother of Lannie and Uncle of Megan and Skye. The sort of friend to sargent Mace. The guy who gets in trouble by just being himself. The one with the family and friends that think he can do anything. After all he is UNCLE MARTY!
Marty Golden, nerdy code writer for Rover Car Service, the driverless cars. The brother of Lannie and Uncle of Megan and Skye. The sort of friend to sargent Mace. The guy who gets in trouble by just being himself. The one with the family and friends that think he can do anything. After all he is UNCLE MARTY!
January 19, 2023
Marty Golden is back in the second Silicon Valley Mystery. All he wants is to spend some time with his girlfriend at a Star Trek Convention. What he got is chaperoning both of his niece's Girl Scout camping trip. To make matters worse he stumbles on a dead body in the woods. he knows the guy from his poker game group, and becomes the person of interest for local law enforcement. Very good for Marty's second case.
July 5, 2025
Chutes, ladder and a hurdle.
Fun, quick and bouncy read.
I encounter a disconcerting feeling in the early stages that never left me and that came from the lackadaisical way Marc stated the 8 year old left one of her adderal pills laying around and the dog ate it. Never in a million years could any of that statement set well with me, fictional or not.
Other than that, the quirky silliness weaved its way from start to finish with humour and interest.
Fun, quick and bouncy read.
I encounter a disconcerting feeling in the early stages that never left me and that came from the lackadaisical way Marc stated the 8 year old left one of her adderal pills laying around and the dog ate it. Never in a million years could any of that statement set well with me, fictional or not.
Other than that, the quirky silliness weaved its way from start to finish with humour and interest.
March 26, 2019
Zany and Fun!
This book is the perfect read when you need a quick pick me up, or a fun read for the beach or on the plane. Fast paced, so funny and a great mystery to boot! The characters feel like family, from the eye rolling girls, the nerdy uncle, and my new favorite, that crazy cousin. We all have one of those! Looking forward to what this new author comes out with next!
This book is the perfect read when you need a quick pick me up, or a fun read for the beach or on the plane. Fast paced, so funny and a great mystery to boot! The characters feel like family, from the eye rolling girls, the nerdy uncle, and my new favorite, that crazy cousin. We all have one of those! Looking forward to what this new author comes out with next!
March 17, 2021
Chutes and Ladder: A Silicon Valley Mystery (Book 2)
This time Marty is investigating the murder of one of his poker buddy. On a Girl Scout camping trip Marty find the body of Larry. The police pinky did it but it was cleared up when the found out that he was with the gurl scout troop. Will he solve the case?
This time Marty is investigating the murder of one of his poker buddy. On a Girl Scout camping trip Marty find the body of Larry. The police pinky did it but it was cleared up when the found out that he was with the gurl scout troop. Will he solve the case?
November 29, 2021
This was a fun mystery read.
It was a little slow and I did keep putting off reading this. Its fine in the end but it wasn't a great read in comparison to the first book.
MC comes across as very immature and that does detract as I was enjoying his attitude. Its now rather teenager than older chatacter, something thst I think is a let down to a series that works quite well.
It was a little slow and I did keep putting off reading this. Its fine in the end but it wasn't a great read in comparison to the first book.
MC comes across as very immature and that does detract as I was enjoying his attitude. Its now rather teenager than older chatacter, something thst I think is a let down to a series that works quite well.
February 6, 2020
Funny mystery
I hope Marty never changes! His goofy antics make this series unique. He’s not a typical mystery hero and this series always keeps me guessing. It’s a refreshing change.
I hope Marty never changes! His goofy antics make this series unique. He’s not a typical mystery hero and this series always keeps me guessing. It’s a refreshing change.
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March 10, 2020Good read for fun.
Marc Jedel did another fun story enhanced by his creative narrative. He connects well with the lives of kids, so he must have a couple, especially girls.I
I will try another book of his when I want another fun read.
Marc Jedel did another fun story enhanced by his creative narrative. He connects well with the lives of kids, so he must have a couple, especially girls.I
I will try another book of his when I want another fun read.
January 25, 2021
Not your typical engineer
Marty is a differ type of hero,an engineer who gets involved in helping find a murderer after he finds the body of a poker buddy. Stakes get higher when his cousin's friend also is killed
Marty is a differ type of hero,an engineer who gets involved in helping find a murderer after he finds the body of a poker buddy. Stakes get higher when his cousin's friend also is killed
July 15, 2025
Yet another highly entertaining read! I love the character dynamics, the fun, mad dog and the family surrounding Marty, as he yet again seeks justice with his not altogether partner Sergeant Mace Jackson. Laugh out loud, dramatic and funny. The perfect Summer read.
March 11, 2019
I won a review copy on library thing. I really enjoyed the book. Am looking forward to more books by this author in the future
October 26, 2020
Craziness
This eas a light weight murder mystery. It verged on the silly side of life a good bit of time.
This eas a light weight murder mystery. It verged on the silly side of life a good bit of time.
March 19, 2021
Liking Marty
Marty thinks a lot of himself. He fancies himself a PI, but Sgt Jackson just tolerates him. I felt like the book ended too quickly . I was left with questions
Marty thinks a lot of himself. He fancies himself a PI, but Sgt Jackson just tolerates him. I felt like the book ended too quickly . I was left with questions
July 1, 2021
Another great
These are just good humor and bumbling sleuthing. Its the kind of quirky humor that is so easy to read and hard to put down.
These are just good humor and bumbling sleuthing. Its the kind of quirky humor that is so easy to read and hard to put down.
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