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Roy Ballard Mysteries #6
Shake And Bake
Does Caleb Dimmick really work at his father’s motorcycle dealership, or does he simply ride the payroll, thereby giving his dad a nice tax break? Roy Ballard, a legal videographer specializing in insurance fraud, is hired to find out. After just a few days, Roy is convinced everything is legit—until a dealership employee is gunned down in his own backyard, possibly by an assassin on an orange sportbike. Now, with a large life insurance payout on the line, Roy needs to identify the killer. But the deeper Roy digs, the greater the risk grows, setting up a series of deadly confrontations that will shake him to his core.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2019
353 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Ben Rehder
76 books277 followersBen Rehder wanted to become a writer ever since he was dropped on his head as a toddler. As he grew into a young adult and the vertigo gradually dissipated, his passion for literature grew. Ben longed to craft the type of soul-stirring prose that would touch people’s lives and help them explore new emotional horizons. But he went to work at an ad agency instead.
Throughout his rewarding and fruitful career in the ad business, Ben has been known to write such imaginative and compelling phrases as “Act now!,” “Limited-time offer,” and “Compatible with today’s rapidly changing network environment.”
However, there eventually came a time when, as unbelievable as it sounds, writing brochures and spec sheets simply wasn’t enough to satisfy Ben’s creative urges. Ben knew: It was time to write a novel.
“But what kind of novel?” Ben asked himself, drawing stares from passersby.
A mystery? A thriller? A work of suspense? Ben had read hundreds of books in these genres and loved them all. But nothing had sparked his creative juices enough to try it himself.
Fate played a hand one day when Ben’s father-in-law tossed him a copy of a Carl Hiaasen novel. And then it hit him. It literally hit him, right in the forehead. When the swelling went down and Ben had a chance to read the book, he discovered a type of fiction he had never experienced before—the comic crime novel! He loved the wacky characters, the zany plots, the interesting writing that threw a good deal of humor into the mix.
So Ben set out to write his own novel. After many grueling minutes in front of a computer, Ben was proud to present Buck Fever. Like many best-selling classics, Buck Fever has lots and lots of verbs, prepositions, adjectives, and the occasional gerund. It was even nominated for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel!
Next came Bone Dry, Flat Crazy, Guilt Trip, Gun Shy, and Holy Moly. Best of all, Ben is now releasing the earlier novels in ebook format at the low low price of just $2.99. What a deal!
Throughout his rewarding and fruitful career in the ad business, Ben has been known to write such imaginative and compelling phrases as “Act now!,” “Limited-time offer,” and “Compatible with today’s rapidly changing network environment.”
However, there eventually came a time when, as unbelievable as it sounds, writing brochures and spec sheets simply wasn’t enough to satisfy Ben’s creative urges. Ben knew: It was time to write a novel.
“But what kind of novel?” Ben asked himself, drawing stares from passersby.
A mystery? A thriller? A work of suspense? Ben had read hundreds of books in these genres and loved them all. But nothing had sparked his creative juices enough to try it himself.
Fate played a hand one day when Ben’s father-in-law tossed him a copy of a Carl Hiaasen novel. And then it hit him. It literally hit him, right in the forehead. When the swelling went down and Ben had a chance to read the book, he discovered a type of fiction he had never experienced before—the comic crime novel! He loved the wacky characters, the zany plots, the interesting writing that threw a good deal of humor into the mix.
So Ben set out to write his own novel. After many grueling minutes in front of a computer, Ben was proud to present Buck Fever. Like many best-selling classics, Buck Fever has lots and lots of verbs, prepositions, adjectives, and the occasional gerund. It was even nominated for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel!
Next came Bone Dry, Flat Crazy, Guilt Trip, Gun Shy, and Holy Moly. Best of all, Ben is now releasing the earlier novels in ebook format at the low low price of just $2.99. What a deal!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 11, 2023
This series has been quite entertaining for me, and I think this was one of my favorites of the six I've read so far. Roy and Mia are planning their upcoming wedding but Mia is still reeling from what happened in book #5 (I won't say what that was). She is having second thoughts about their choice of careers as the business keeps putting their lives in danger. But Roy takes on another insurance fraud investigation case that seems simple enough at first, but naturally with the lowlifes being investigated evolves into one dangerous situation after another.
For me these books aren't so much about which of the lowlifes might be committing which crime, but about the relationship and character development of Roy and Mia. The story is all from Roy's perspective and he often can only guess what Mia is thinking or feeling. We never know her personal thoughts unless she decides to share them with Roy, and even then I'm not always sure she's 100% forthcoming with him. So it keeps him, and me, on our toes, looking forward to what's next.
For me these books aren't so much about which of the lowlifes might be committing which crime, but about the relationship and character development of Roy and Mia. The story is all from Roy's perspective and he often can only guess what Mia is thinking or feeling. We never know her personal thoughts unless she decides to share them with Roy, and even then I'm not always sure she's 100% forthcoming with him. So it keeps him, and me, on our toes, looking forward to what's next.
September 25, 2020
This is the sixth book in the Roy Ballard series and one of the best. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series about legal videographer Roy and how he unwittingly becomes embroiled in murder cases. This time he delves into the dealings of a bike dealership when one of the employees is suspected of being employed only on paper. Things become complicated when one of the owners of this business gets killed, quickly followed by another employee.
One of the reasons this series is so enjoyable to listen to is the quality of the narration. Johnny Peppers is a great narrator
The one thing which kept me guessing about this book was the title. I couldn’t understand what it meant until almost at the end, when all was explained.
Finally, Mr Rehder, I hope there is a book seven in the series as this book leaves the reader hanging regarding Roy’s personal life and I need a resolution!
One of the reasons this series is so enjoyable to listen to is the quality of the narration. Johnny Peppers is a great narrator
The one thing which kept me guessing about this book was the title. I couldn’t understand what it meant until almost at the end, when all was explained.
Finally, Mr Rehder, I hope there is a book seven in the series as this book leaves the reader hanging regarding Roy’s personal life and I need a resolution!
October 6, 2020
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Wow who would have thought that being an insurance videographer would be so dangerous but no matter what case gets assigned to Roy he always seems to get himself caught up in something that puts his life at risk. This time he’s having to do it without Mia as she is still struggling in the aftermath of previous events and Roy is concerned that she may not be able to live with a man who does what he does for a living. My heart was breaking for the pair of them in this book and I really need book 7 now to check in on my two friends
Wow who would have thought that being an insurance videographer would be so dangerous but no matter what case gets assigned to Roy he always seems to get himself caught up in something that puts his life at risk. This time he’s having to do it without Mia as she is still struggling in the aftermath of previous events and Roy is concerned that she may not be able to live with a man who does what he does for a living. My heart was breaking for the pair of them in this book and I really need book 7 now to check in on my two friends
November 1, 2025
Uh oh this series is getting a bit heavy. Events from the last book are affecting our two investigators in the worst way. Mia is losing her spark and that takes the bliss outta Roy. Damn! Besides that it’s a confusing, fun mystery. No complaints there.
July 15, 2019
Another Top Shelf Roy Ballard Mystery
Roy Ballard is a videographer, but he doesn’t shoot weddings and bar mitzvahs—he investigates insurance fraud. Unlike private investigators, who actually spend most of their time in front of a computer (despite what the books and movies would lead you to believe), Roy spends a lot of his time videotaping people doing things they claim they’re unable to do—lifting bags of cement at Lowe’s, when they’re supposed to be laid up in bed after a work injury, that sort of thing.
This time around, Roy is in the middle of investigating the employee of a motorcycle dealership, the son of the co-founder, to make sure he’s really an employee, and therefore entitled to a big health insurance claim, when the father—who had survived being shot during what appeared to be a bungled burglary a few months earlier—is murdered.
Suddenly, Roy finds himself being tailed and outright threatened. What started out as a simple check on possible insurance fraud starts to look a lot more complicated.
Adding to the complications is that Mia, Roy’s partner—in business and life—is still recuperating from PTSD after shooting and killing a man in self-defense on a previous case. She hasn’t shown interest in working with Roy since. Their wedding is set for November, 10 months from now. Will their relationship survive?
Hell, will *Roy* survive!
It’s an open question, with so many slippery suspects and creeps and noises that wake Roy up in the night...
You’ll have to read to find out! Thankfully, Ben Rehder makes that a pleasure, as always, with snappy dialogue, surprise twists and page-turning action. My only complaint is that these books are too darn short! I can’t wait for the next one.
Roy Ballard is a videographer, but he doesn’t shoot weddings and bar mitzvahs—he investigates insurance fraud. Unlike private investigators, who actually spend most of their time in front of a computer (despite what the books and movies would lead you to believe), Roy spends a lot of his time videotaping people doing things they claim they’re unable to do—lifting bags of cement at Lowe’s, when they’re supposed to be laid up in bed after a work injury, that sort of thing.
This time around, Roy is in the middle of investigating the employee of a motorcycle dealership, the son of the co-founder, to make sure he’s really an employee, and therefore entitled to a big health insurance claim, when the father—who had survived being shot during what appeared to be a bungled burglary a few months earlier—is murdered.
Suddenly, Roy finds himself being tailed and outright threatened. What started out as a simple check on possible insurance fraud starts to look a lot more complicated.
Adding to the complications is that Mia, Roy’s partner—in business and life—is still recuperating from PTSD after shooting and killing a man in self-defense on a previous case. She hasn’t shown interest in working with Roy since. Their wedding is set for November, 10 months from now. Will their relationship survive?
Hell, will *Roy* survive!
It’s an open question, with so many slippery suspects and creeps and noises that wake Roy up in the night...
You’ll have to read to find out! Thankfully, Ben Rehder makes that a pleasure, as always, with snappy dialogue, surprise twists and page-turning action. My only complaint is that these books are too darn short! I can’t wait for the next one.
November 5, 2020
My heart is aching for poor Mia, who is really struggling with the hangover from book 5. Roy, who pretends that he's taking everything in his stride, is really worried about her. Roy has really evolved from book 1 into a thoughtful and caring man and I really appreciate the effort the author has put into the changes to his personality. Nothing dramatic but enough to know that he's definitely a man in love. This case, with the Motor bike shop, is quite complex and you need to pay close attention. It's another twisty, turny problem, which Roy has to put all his efforts into whilst poor Mia mostly languishes at home in despair. I can't wait for book 7 to find out what happens to Roy and Mia and whether or not they make it up the aisle. This is such an engaging series and Johnny Peppers really does a superb job with the narration. I love every book and recommend them all
August 8, 2019
Another good insurance scam, that is not.
Another good Roy Ballard tale. This one not so much about an insurance scam though. Lots of good and bad characters that keep the tale rolling along. Lots of questions about Roy and Mia's future though.
Another good Roy Ballard tale. This one not so much about an insurance scam though. Lots of good and bad characters that keep the tale rolling along. Lots of questions about Roy and Mia's future though.
July 17, 2022
This is book six in the series and to be honest it wasn't my favourite. I think this was because I simple got confused with so many characters dead or trying kill each other, I lost track who everybody was. I did stick with it and by the end I had more of an idea of what was going on, I think maybe I need to sit down and listen to it again but in longer sittings. Having said that I like the characters, although with Mia thinking of giving it up, she wasn't so heavily involved, which left Roy to get in trouble all on his own and boy did he get into trouble.
After Mia killed someone she is thinking of giving up pi business leaving Roy to investigate what should be a simple case. Find out of somebody really does work in a motorcycle dealership or if his father has just put him on the books for the tax benefits. Only when he is confronted by one of the employees after his third visit to the shop, do things get complicated. The owner of the shop is killed and now what was a simple fraud case turns into a murder investigation and Roy is in the firing line. Can he find out who the killer is and talk Mia into staying or is things over in more ways than one?
The narrator was okay. I normally like this narration but this time I think his monotonous voice was the reason I struggled to follow the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
After Mia killed someone she is thinking of giving up pi business leaving Roy to investigate what should be a simple case. Find out of somebody really does work in a motorcycle dealership or if his father has just put him on the books for the tax benefits. Only when he is confronted by one of the employees after his third visit to the shop, do things get complicated. The owner of the shop is killed and now what was a simple fraud case turns into a murder investigation and Roy is in the firing line. Can he find out who the killer is and talk Mia into staying or is things over in more ways than one?
The narrator was okay. I normally like this narration but this time I think his monotonous voice was the reason I struggled to follow the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 12, 2020
I have read all of the books in this series up to this point, and am hoping he will write others. These are generally short, quick reads. Very entertaining, with a plot with a number of different angles to keep you guessing. Twists make sense, and the conclusion is not just out of the blue. The main character adds a bit of humor to the books as he often has funny little responses to things others say. But these are not overdone, just enough to lighten the story and make me smile.
I know this sounds like a 5-star rating, and you may be wondering why it isn't. I always compare crime/mystery books against my all time favorite writer of this genre. It's hard to explain why I like my favorite writer over others, but I just like the quality of his writing style and the complicated plots. Rehder's books come very close to that author's books. I would give Rehder books a 4-1/2 star rating if I could.
I know this sounds like a 5-star rating, and you may be wondering why it isn't. I always compare crime/mystery books against my all time favorite writer of this genre. It's hard to explain why I like my favorite writer over others, but I just like the quality of his writing style and the complicated plots. Rehder's books come very close to that author's books. I would give Rehder books a 4-1/2 star rating if I could.
October 9, 2020
The life of a videographer is not always smooth, and in this book Roy is once again stirring up trouble, and this time there are life threatening moments. Mia is still trying to come to terms with the events of the previous book, creating uncertainty about where their relationship is going, both on a professional and personal level.
Good story telling, although there was a lot of recapping of the back story and I felt that could have been edited down a bit.
There wit was still there too although perhaps a bit more restrained and the banter was less, but the emotional content and context was a bit higher so it was swings and roundabouts.
The narration by Johnny Peppers, who has done all the previous books was really good as usual and suits the style and pace of the book.
I am really looking forward to the next in the series.
Good story telling, although there was a lot of recapping of the back story and I felt that could have been edited down a bit.
There wit was still there too although perhaps a bit more restrained and the banter was less, but the emotional content and context was a bit higher so it was swings and roundabouts.
The narration by Johnny Peppers, who has done all the previous books was really good as usual and suits the style and pace of the book.
I am really looking forward to the next in the series.
May 27, 2021
Another great audio book in the Roy Ballard series. This time he's investigating fraud at a motorbike dealership. Having to do it on his own whilst Mia grapples with events in the past, he's thrown into all sorts of scrapes, mishaps and life threatening situations. What seems like an ordinary investigation into whether someone is working at the dealership, in true Roy Ballard style turns into much more. These books are always fast paced, keep you engaged in the story and wanting to know more. The narration was great as always. Looking forward to the next in the series.
August 11, 2020
Format: audiobook
Narrator: Johnny Peppers
This story was less about insurance fraud and definitely put Roy Ballard in much more dangerous territory.
Mia is still trying to cone to terms with the shooting in the last book so this latest case put her and Roy on shaky ground personally. I need another book in this series, I’m now so invested in this couple that I have to know how things work out for them.
Another thrilling story that the narrator brings to life.
Narrator: Johnny Peppers
This story was less about insurance fraud and definitely put Roy Ballard in much more dangerous territory.
Mia is still trying to cone to terms with the shooting in the last book so this latest case put her and Roy on shaky ground personally. I need another book in this series, I’m now so invested in this couple that I have to know how things work out for them.
Another thrilling story that the narrator brings to life.
November 2, 2020
Good Read
I really liked the first two Roy Ballard books. I'am about to go search for more. Who wouldve thought a book about a video guy for
Insurance companies could be funny & filled with suspense. Loved them
I really liked the first two Roy Ballard books. I'am about to go search for more. Who wouldve thought a book about a video guy for
Insurance companies could be funny & filled with suspense. Loved them
January 18, 2020
I love Every book Ben Reader writes. Zany, funny and full of life.
April 30, 2020
Another Gripping Story .
I Started Reading This And of Course I read until My Eyes Were Drooping. I have a Hard Time Putting Down a Great Read.!!!
I Started Reading This And of Course I read until My Eyes Were Drooping. I have a Hard Time Putting Down a Great Read.!!!
June 29, 2020
Good fun
August 1, 2020
Please see me reviews of the Ballard books. Same goes here. Love the main characters and so gladd that the author is lately mixing up his cop connections more. A terrific series!
October 19, 2020
A little but gutted at finishing this brilliant, fast paced series. Wondering if there will be another and we can see how the story evolves.
September 6, 2023
Another great entry in this series.
March 10, 2024
Very good book; action packed, and with characters one can admire. I rate this one 4.8 stars.
September 22, 2025
Fun read with lots of decent humor, Mia's PTSD notwithstanding. I'm quite enjoying this series.
December 1, 2025
Shake and Bake by Ben Rehder, audiobook 7 hours 24 minutes 4/5
Love the narrator so much.
Another Roy Ballard mystery. This time, it begins as a straightforward case of verifying whether someone is on the payroll and actively working. Or just on this dad's payroll because there was an insurance claim filed. Once a murder that changes everything.
Mia is having problems due to things that happened in the previous book, so there isn't the cute banter between the two that there is in other novels, which did make it a little less interesting.
Love the narrator so much.
Another Roy Ballard mystery. This time, it begins as a straightforward case of verifying whether someone is on the payroll and actively working. Or just on this dad's payroll because there was an insurance claim filed. Once a murder that changes everything.
Mia is having problems due to things that happened in the previous book, so there isn't the cute banter between the two that there is in other novels, which did make it a little less interesting.
August 29, 2019
Another good story about videographer Roy Ballard. I gave book five 4-stars because the story wasn't quite up to the level of the previous four books. But this one is back to 5-stars.
I sure hope Roy and Mia are going to be okay. Their future together is unclear but it doesn't look good.
It would be interesting if in a future story it featured Roy's teenage daughter. She figured into the story in one of the previous books, but only in reference and never appeared directly, i.e. she had no dialog. And I suppose it might be an interesting idea if Roy's ex-wife figured into a story. But mostly I hope Roy and Mia work through their difficulty and stay together.
I sure hope Roy and Mia are going to be okay. Their future together is unclear but it doesn't look good.
It would be interesting if in a future story it featured Roy's teenage daughter. She figured into the story in one of the previous books, but only in reference and never appeared directly, i.e. she had no dialog. And I suppose it might be an interesting idea if Roy's ex-wife figured into a story. But mostly I hope Roy and Mia work through their difficulty and stay together.
August 21, 2019
Perfect mixture of mystery and mayhem. Being a videographer for an insurance company can lead to a lot of adventure, especially for Roy Ballard. Simple task. The insurance company does not want to pay a policy on a motorcycle shop, if it is fraudulent, and it is Roy's job to find out if it is. The claim might seem valid, but dead bodies start piling up and Ballard latches onto that like a dog over a bone. There has to be something bigger going on an he can't figure out what it is. His snooping gets him into a bunch of trouble. Another really enjoyable read!
July 16, 2019
I save 5 stars for really remarkable books but I wish I could give this 4 1/2. I'm a big fan of Rehder's Blanco County books but Roy Ballard has become a favorite too. The who/why dunnit part of this book was well-plotted and enjoyable but what really set this book apart for me was Roy and Mia's relationship. As Mia wrestles with what happened in the last book it's a test for both of them and adds dimension to an always entertaining series.
July 31, 2019
.
Another good read from the author. I did laugh when I read it was cold and snowy and then read further on it was”only” 30 degrees. I live in Scotland and can guarantee that if it’s that temperature we certainly won’t see snow, in fact we are out in shorts and T-shirt’s and it’s not in the 30s. I do hope this was a little typo otherwise I am inviting the author over February/March time to see how cold it gets 😂
Another good read from the author. I did laugh when I read it was cold and snowy and then read further on it was”only” 30 degrees. I live in Scotland and can guarantee that if it’s that temperature we certainly won’t see snow, in fact we are out in shorts and T-shirt’s and it’s not in the 30s. I do hope this was a little typo otherwise I am inviting the author over February/March time to see how cold it gets 😂
October 21, 2019
I really like the Roy Ballard series. The characters are well developed and I care what happens to them. I like the little bit of sarcasm and humor. What I find annoying is the almost constant reference to Mia being so hot, beautiful, irresistible to men. Have these men never seen a nice looking woman before? Good grief, it's a bit juvenile. I do like the series though, just please ease up on the every single man wants Mia. With that being said, I can't wait for the next book.
August 3, 2019
Spectacular read
This is the most entertaining book I've read this year. I read about one book a day and I'm glad I read this one today. The humor is great, suspense is page turning,relatable characters and wonderfully written. Ben Rehder is a rockstar and this novel is a spectacular read! Can't wait for the next Roy Ballard mystery. 😍
This is the most entertaining book I've read this year. I read about one book a day and I'm glad I read this one today. The humor is great, suspense is page turning,relatable characters and wonderfully written. Ben Rehder is a rockstar and this novel is a spectacular read! Can't wait for the next Roy Ballard mystery. 😍
July 17, 2019
Excellent
Ben Rehder never fails to deliver a great story. Another great entry into the Roy Ballard series. Can’t wait for the next one.
Ben Rehder never fails to deliver a great story. Another great entry into the Roy Ballard series. Can’t wait for the next one.
July 22, 2019
Very entertaining series especially the local color of Austin, Texas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews