Tangled In The Web

by Jeff Stanger

Beat up. Burned down. Blackmailed. Quick is having a bad week.

His shop has burned to the ground. He’s being blackmailed by a mysterious organization called Satellite. And he’s recovering from a beat down from a roller derby athlete.

So, the last thing he needs is a trip to Cleveland. But with no other choice, he attends the Rock and Roll Auction and discovers Donnie Duluth is out of jail. Donnie is one of the best at faking art and memorabilia and he’s working for Satellite. And that’s when Quick realizes the scam he’s been drawn into:

How do you pass off a fake as the genuine article? You have an expert certify that it’s authentic. And that’s exactly what Satellite is demanding from them. Donnie makes the fakes, Quick certifies they are real.

But the Satellite boss in Cleveland has a sultry niece with her own agenda —for Quick and the forgeries. And Quick figures out a way he can scam them all. But he will need help. Help from a most unlikely source.

Tangled in the Web is part of the Quick Mystery Series. Perfect for fans of Carl Hiaasen, this hilarious romp through the world of art and memorabilia auctions will keep you laughing as you turn each page. Add a copy to your collection!

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2019

About the author

Jeff Stanger writes humorous fiction, mysteries, and satire. His most recent work is the Tales From a Roundabout collection of stories. Each takes place in Carmel, Indiana —a city known for art, status, and traffic circles. Fans of Tim Dorsey and Carl Hiaasen will enjoy these hilarious stories.

In addition, he has written the Quick Baseball Mystery series. Although they usually have the game of baseball as a backdrop, you don't have to be a student of the game or even a fan to enjoy them. There is enough mystery, danger, and even romance to keep you on the edge of your seat. The series follows the exploits of a rare baseball memorabilia dealer who always seems to land himself in the middle of a variety of crimes to be solved.

Stanger also wrote Trolley Dodgers which follows the Midwest college town of Bloomington, Indiana as they try to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also wrote Kansaska, a funny look back at the semi-pro minor leagues of the 1940s.

Reviews:

The Fungo Society: "Sprinkled with wit and the aura of a Philip Marlow mystery." ~Readers' Favorite

Tangled in The Web: "This is the second in the series but I did not read the first one yet. No matter. This book is absolutely hilarious and compelling, disturbing and fun-filled. No matter what, you just have to love Quick!" ~Amazon Review

Trolley Dodgers: "Trolley Dodgers is a story in which readers can’t help but root for the underdog, and it’s that quality that will keep them engaged." — ForeWord Magazine

72 Hours In Savannah: "Written with humor and a touch of mystery, these Jonathan Quick mysteries are fun to read whether one is a baseball fan or a mystery fan." ~Amazon Review

Kansaska: "Kansasaka is a really funny book! It has it all... baseball, aliens, country life, suspense and even a bit of romance! I don't know how anyone can pass up reading this fun American novel. Buy it now! =)" ~Amazon Review


Stanger lives and writes in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Follow:

Website & Blog: jeffstangerbooks.com

Twitter: Twitter.com/jeffstanger

Facebook: Facebook.com/jeffstangerfanpage

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first reading of this author, and the reason I tried this book was the attraction of humour enrobing crime in the world of sports memorabilia. After the season we had with the Chicago Cubs (not to mention the Sox) I thought this one sounded likely to provide a smile or two.
It has many outrageous characters, extreme situations for our man Quick and some gnarly criminals and what they are willing to do to pass off forgeries for big money.
I did not read the first Quick book but I figure there will be another coming soon for reasons I won't reveal to keep from spoiling this for others. People really into sports will enjoy this book I think.
Rather a lot of the scenes could be described as male fantasies until it comes to physical punishment and then...not so much.

Kindle Unlimited

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second in the series. My compliments to Blue Trolley Press for producing such a readable book, larger print and clear typeface.

It involves forgeries in the memorabilia arena and Quick is up to the challenge of clearing his name after it has been fraudulently used to pass off fakes as authenticated items.

The tone is light and despite the tragedies he faces, Quick puts his little gray cells to work to outmaneuver the mysterious organization called Satellite.

I will enjoy reading more in this series.

I purchased a copy and as a result I had my copy signed by the author during Spring Training 2023. Thanks Jeff! I enjoyed our 7th inning rendezvous.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art auctions, legal and forged artifacts, and the FBI!!! How much more tangled could one get??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.

[Eirlys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quirky and interesting

A quirky story about baseball memorabilia that sounds boring. I must admit that I am not into baseball at all, but this book is funny and entertaining.

[Karin Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fraud??? And how is Quick involved??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Nebulous · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Tangled in the Web" by Jeff Stanger will appeal to art, memorabilia and ardent baseball fans. This book is a mix of mystery and humour and is narrated through Quick who is full of wit and charm, and I was drawn to him right from the start. The writing ability of Jeff to introduce significant events or concepts of Baseball throughout the story was well done. The supporting characters such as Simone, Emily Tarantola, Donnie Duluth, Zeus and Victor Simmons to mention a few were memorable, and their characteristics flowed well with the story. This book certainly gave me Carl Hiassen vibes, and it can be read as a standalone. Overall, it is a good read.

A thank you to BookSirens for allowing me to be a part of the review team, and this review is left voluntarily.

[Beth Birnbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently found a giant album of approximately 500 rookie baseball cards from the 1990's. Ah ha, I thought, they must be worth something. A few were. Most were available on Amazon from 1 to 99 cents.
But sometimes, especially if they're old, baseball cards and other memorabilia can be worth a fortune. Just ask O.J. who got away with murder, by not with stealing sports memorabilia. People take this stuff seriously.
Now, add a dealer who just had his store burnt down, a reputation to uphold despite being forced by criminals to cheat, a crazy sexy lady, and you wind up tangled in a web.
I wouldn't want to live through it, but it sure was great fun to read. And there really aren't that many books featuring the scenic wonders of Ohio. Having been there the year the Cayahoga River caught fire, I have to say it seems to have cleaned up nice!

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the series but I did not read the first one yet. No matter. This book is absolutely hilarious and compelling, disturbing and fun-filled. No matter what, you just have to love Quick!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a review sample of the book. 'Tangled In The Web' in return for an honest review. Jeff Stanger has written another hit (triple? no, home run!). The novel grabs you from the first page with the opening line, "This story includes recreational dentistry, family feuds and unusual tattoos (some sexy, some frightening).". What? Tell me more, please! The baseball theme, catchy dialog and some unexpected and funny situations added to the adventure and left me eager for "extra innings", but my time "in the box" (sample) was over and I had "struck out". Do yourself a favor and buy "some peanuts and cracker jacks", "clear the field" and "settle in at home plate" while you read an enjoyable tale. I sure will. And don't forget to "stretch"!

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned things about baseball that my husband, the expert, didn’t even know! Quick is a funny character, even when he’s getting beat to a pulp. He just doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut. But he does have a good sense of humor about all of it. I’m looking forward to the next book and learning more about baseball!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written and amusing story, but I prefer main characters that try to do smart things and not letting themselves get beat up.