Lieutenant Joe Boyd takes his family on a much-needed camping trip in the beautiful lakefront woods outside of town. But a leisurely trail walk with Chance, their new dog, goes haywire when he breaks loose. When they finally reach him, he’s digging furiously. What the dog finds, turns their vacation upside down and launches Joe and his partner into a puzzling cold case homicide from the late 1980s. As they begin to unravel the evidence—aided by two women from a local writer’s group—things start to point to an unlikely set of culprits. Their identities—if known—would shock the entire town. Some people will do anything to keep a thirty-year-old secret from seeing the light of day.
Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 27 novels including The Unfinished Gift, When Night Comes and The Reunion. Over 1.3 million copies of his books are in print or downloaded. He's won 3 Carol Awards (finalist 6 times), 4 Selah Awards and 4 of his books have been finalists for RT Review’s Inspirational Book of the Year. His novels have received over 47,000 Amazon reviews (4.7 Avg).
A member of Word Weavers International and ACFW, Dan writes fulltime in the Daytona Beach area. He and his wife Cindi have been married 46 years. You can find out more about his books or follow him on other social media sites from his website at http://www.danwalshbooks.com.
Lieutenant Joe Boyd, while on vacation, finds evidence of a cold case from the 1980s.
I've looked forward to this book ever since reading the last Joe Boyd novel. I wasn't disappointed. Clues sprinkled along the way, kept me super-interested.
I'm a member of Word Weavers and weaving (sorry couldn't resist the play on words) the writing group into the story made it much better. I loved how that played into the plot. There are many things I enjoy about this book. The characters. As mentioned prior, the plot. And, the satisfying conclusion. I'm already looking forward to the next one in this series.
I still like Walsh's non suspense novels more than his suspense.....even though suspense is my favorite genre'. I just got used to his genre' he first wrote, I still associate that with him. However, he has been doing a great job on suspense.
This is the second book in the Joe Boyd Suspense Series, and I enjoyed it as much as the first. Cold cases intrigue me, and Walsh did a great job of spinning a murder of 31 years ago, and having his detectives solve it. I don't want to give any spoilers away, so I'll just say it this way: the conversation between Joe and his pastor was really good, and had some great points that have to do with being Christians.
I’ve read and enjoyed several of Dan Walsh’s books, particularly those in the suspense genre. This one wasn’t up to the caliber of the others.
Lieutenant Joe Boyd is on a camping trip with his family and friends Jack and Rachel Turner. When Joe’s kids take their dog for a walk, the zealous Beagle escapes while chasing a rabbit. Btu the dog uncovers something more sinister. A grave.
It turns out the body belonged to a teenager who’d gone missing some thirty years before. Police at that time believed he’d robbed the convenience store where he worked and disappeared. Joe and his partner Hank begin working on the case.
This book was different in that we pretty much learn the killer’s identity in the early part of the book. That alone took away any suspense. There were also several loose threads and convenient occurrences. Such as:
• When Hank visits the location of the convenience story the person who reported the boy missing thirty years earlier just “happens” to come along at that time. • A man attending a writer’s group is writing a fictional account of the story and shares chapters at a local writer’s group close to the time when the body was discovered. • Hank finds a class ring, but nothing was done to identify the owner. Many class rings have some distinguishing features, some even have the owner’s initials engraved. • Melissa (one of the women from the writer’s group) doesn’t recall her pastor hung out with a key witness when they were in high school until she sees a photo of him in her yearbook. (And the witness isn’t in the photo.) • One of the suspects takes the writer’s laptop computer to delete all of his files on the book. We see him reading how to destroy a hard drive. We read about him deleting the files and saying he’s going to destroy the laptop, but we don’t know for sure he did. This led me to believe the police might discover that it’s in his possession.
It seems like the author wasn’t so much concerned with writing a suspense novel as he was pointing out that no one—including those in the ministry—is perfect.
"Jesus talked about false prophets who'd come in sheep's clothing, but inwardly were ravenous wolves. Paul warned Christians in Ephesus in a similar way about false teachers who’d come in like vicious wolves, not sparing the flock. And he wasn't talking about outsiders, either. Because he said, even from among your own group."
So, I’ve been a Dan Walsh fan for some time. The Reunion and The Unfinished Gift…sooo good.
His mysteries: Jack Turner Suspense series (Remembering Dresden — my absolute favorite) were enjoyable, and the newest for me, Joe Boyd Suspense books are terrific.
Through gentle faith/gospel/theology inclusions in his books I’ve no doubt of Mr. Walsh's deep relationship with The Lord. In this one he tackles a tough subject…when our church leaders are wolves in sheep's clothing, surrounded by a cold case murder mystery . Wow, did this pack a punch.
Two couples and their kids were on a family camping trip when military history author
Jack Turner’s dog unearths the skeletal remains of a human hand. After calling it in to the police station, and to keep their vacations from being hijacked, Lieutenant Joe Boyd encourages his police chief to trust Joe's partner (Hank Turner) to take lead in this case. Plus this gives Hank a chance to earn some self-reliance in his own investigative abilities.
The cold case was an unsolved mystery of a convenience store being robbed and the disappearance of the teenage clerk back in 1988. For decades it was only speculated that the boy stole the money then left forever, or it was a case of armed robbery ending in the boy's death, with evidence being hidden. Well, the buried remains decades later proved the latter theory true.
Oh, but that was only the tip of the investigating, and of corruption uncovered.
I can’t wait to get into the third book in this series, Scandal of Mercy.
This story has an interesting plot line. It is a cold case being solved. The author’s omniscient view gives pieces of information through flashbacks, so the reader figures out who the perps are pretty early. However, the story is about the process of solving the cold case, so the interest is in how the two detectives put the clues together to prove their case. Clues come from a variety of places, but Joe and Hank, the two detectives, put all the pieces together in the end.
The first quarter or so in the book sets background, but the story picks up speed and moves along nicely after that. The author has some humor mixed in with the seriousness of solving a murder because there is banter between the detectives that gives a random chuckle. Some of the characters are Christians. They are interested in real justice and don’t want to make any missteps. At one point the lead detective consults his pastor for advice, which when given from Scripture, solidifies the detective’s resolve to move forward. Events unravel rather quickly toward the end, and justice is served.
The case is 30 years old, but body has been newly discovered; it was found by a dog. Up until that the discovery, the case was one of a missing person. It was a high school kid who died, and a number of the characters in the story were classmates of the victim. Old memories of the time are recalled, and suspicions arise. It’s hard to get away with something in a smaller town since there are always some people who have information that when conglomerated help to paint a clearer picture. It makes for a good story.
This is the second book in Dan Walsh’s Joe Boyd Suspense Series. It’s a captivating mystery, revisiting a cold case that is reopened when a skeleton is found in the woods. The reader is brought back in time to the original events leading up to the crime, and then follow Joe Boyd and his partner, Hank, as they uncover evidence to wrap up the case. I was hooked from the beginning and recommend this mystery!
I'm enjoying this cold-case suspense series because of they are clean, straightforward investigations that bring justice in the small town Southern setting. Like the other books, this one has a Christian detective named Joe Boyd and his interactions with interesting and likeable characters.
After his own dog discovers a long-buried body in a remote campground setting, interrupting his badly needed vacation with his family, Detective Boyd is thrust into another cold case mystery like so many that land in his path. Since he's a Christian, readers of faith will nod and smile with understanding that this is how things happen in the life of believers through their vocation. And as the plot plays out, there's sadly another element to the faith angle - wolves in sheep's clothing, a very real situation in the time of the early church that remains today.
As I read this, knowing who the culprits were, I found myself feeling sad about all the stupid things we do as teenagers and young adults, with no concept of things going wrong or living with consequences of hiding crime and sin. That's a strong theme in The Joe Boyd Suspense Series, where people hide from their sin until it is ultimately time for it to be in the open.
Readers who will like this book and series are the ones who like simple, straightforward cold case investigations, family values, and clean stories with "real" Christian characters.
Another great book in a suspense series by Dan Walsh. This book had a great plot involving the past = high school age students, and the current time period involving their life as adults within a relatively small community, but a community with a couple of substantially active and big churches and also a Word Weavers Group. I loved how Dan weaved the story throughout the community characters, their lives and their consciences. It blended so well with another book I am reading called Louder Than Words by Andy Stanley, about developing one's own character.
This was an interesting page-turner but, again, I was not thrilled about the ending and the way the detectives and the justice system handled the criminals. I love Mr. Walsh's books, and will continue reading them, but hoping for stronger and 'more awe' in the mystery and suspense endings. He is a talented story teller and has the ability to switch from one book genre to another. His dog stories are definitely my favourite. I have one more to read.
Though I didn't read the first book in this series, this one stands alone quite nicely. Also, Lt Joe Boyd is introduced in the three Jack Turner mysteries I've read and these characters appear in this book also, so it's easy enough to pick up the threads.
In this story Joe and his family, together with the Turners, are on a camping trip when they make a grisly discovery. So Joe and his partner Hank work on this old case involving a teen convenience store worker who disappeared thirty years ago. Since this story deals with a cold case from 1988, there's some hopping back and forth through time but I didn't find it hard to follow.
Dan Walsh is a great writer, well able to capture the reader and take him for a satisfying ride. No high drama or heart-stopping terror in this one, but compelling enough that I read the whole book in one sitting.
In this second book of the Joe Boyd suspense series, we find Joe and his friends thrown unexpectedly into another cold case. The story is fast-paced and transitions easily between each character's point of view. Reading this was like watching a true life crime mystery, superbly written, well researched and very believable. I enjoy the integration of the same characters from previous books and series by Dan Walsh. It's refreshing to read a really good faith based mystery without any of Hollywood's hype and foul language. Mr. Walsh's books and Culpepper, GA just might be on the way to being as good as Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone and her Santa Teresa characters. I'll certainly be reading the next in this series, and looking up more books by Dan Walsh.
A great suspense narrative. It's really strange to read a "Who-done-it" knowing who done it. A 30 year cold case unfolds practically from the beginning of the book of who and how the victim dies. In just a few more chapters, you know who did the deed. This is all within the first half of the book.
The real suspense takes place in the last half of the book. How to rap up the crime and provide justice.
Dan Walsh is a master in character development. Mr. Walsh told this story without foul language, no sexual content and zero graphic violence. Wholesome story telling comes to mind. Faith based with no Bible thumping sermon.
I loved the story and the relaxing read. I hope you enjoy the your read as well
I really enjoyed this book because lately I have read so many mysteries where the cop and star witness are falling in love and the book goes on and on about how they can't have a relationship while the case is going on but then talks about the strong emotional pull they have towards each other. So it was refreshing to read a mystery where it was actual cop investigating the murder and random people providing clues to help solve it. Just goes to show that even though thirty years had passed away, the truth still came out. You can't hide forever from the truth. Interesting how the main culprits were established pastors who had a huge following of members of their congregation. You just never know sometimes who the good guys are and those that aren't.
In An Inconvenient Death, author Dan Walsh opens up a cold case for Lt. Joe Boyd, when Joe's dog uncovers a skeleton in the deep woods. Detective Hank Jensen handles the first part of the investigation with daily input from Joe, who is on vacation at the time. The twisted tale involves some high rollers. Walsh ties up all the loose ends. I wish the book had been proofread, as there were many punctuation errors as well as wrong words used. While these were detrimental to the quality of the book, they did not take away from the storyline.
I have been reading Dan Walsh's book for many years and consider him one of my favorite authors. He writes several styles of books and in the past few years he's expanded to suspense and I have read everyone of those. While I have loved each of those suspense books, this one was the best of all. I'm not typically a fast reader but I had the hardest time putting this down. I hope he writes another, at some point, of the Joe Boyd Supsense series.
Oh how to ruin a vacation have the dog dig up a body while camping. However, the Cold Case Squad is on a roll. Thanks to suspicious church members, a rare bullet, a murder mystery book in the works Joe and Hank have been able to solve this fairly quickly. Many surprises, fast moving, compelling story. Love how you bring Jack and Rachel into the story. Love the importance of family. Great job. Thank you. Will be looking forward to Book 3.
The accidental discovery of a skeleton on a camping-fishing trip launches another cold-case investigation for Culpepper Lieutenant Joe Boyd.
Back in 1988, a high-school boy went missing; no one knew whether he had disappeared voluntarily or as the result of foul play. Now, that question has been answered, but many others remain.
The trails of evidence that Joe follows leads him to an unexpected conclusion ... and an even more unexpected suspect.
This book was a free download and while the story was basically entertaining, I didn't care for the Christian passages or references that didn't add anything to the story. In loosely reading the description prior to downloading, either I missed that this was from a Christian writer/publisher or it wasn't mentioned. Had I noticed that, I probably would have skipped it. As it is, I found too many grammatical errors and one huge plot blooper for me to give this a higher rating. Whatever happened to copyediting?
This is the first book I've read by Dan Walsh & it is definitely a keeper! Containing a bit of humor, which made it even better, it was a very well written Christian mystery. I look forward to reading more by this author & hope to read more books in this series. Oh I did agree with Joe in one thing. Kate did deliver all of her compliments with backhanded insults. Hopefully she'll do better in the next book. Ha!
I got caught up in the story from the start. I listened to much of the book with my iPad digital voice, which made it feel more like a Perry Mason show, with little feeling and inflection. The characters however, are more sensitive than most detective stories portray them. I'm afraid to spoil the plot by commenting so I will just say that if you enjoy clean and gore-free detective stories, you will enjoy this one.
This was a page turner as all of Dan Walsh's book are,in my opinion. He has a knack of character descriptions that are real and personal. I pre ordered this book right away and was not disappointed. I've enjoyed every one of Dan's novels and I'm looking forward to the next one.
What an amazing book! Every book in this series has kept me glued to my seats from the first page! Dan Walsh is a wonderful author, his books are amazing, they are heartfelt and very true to life. I enjoyed the characters and their storylines in this book and the books before this one. I highly recommend Dan Walsh's books.
What a treat. The suspense started immediately and just when you think you have it figured out, another twist occurs that makes you scratch your head and wonder, now what? Excellent job. Dan always comes through with excellent writing and suspenseful intrigue.
Another excellent adventure in the life of Detective Joe Boyd. On a weeks break Joes's dog comes across a body and the Cold Case Squad are in action again. Threaded throughout the story Dan's convictions shine through. That I read this in two days shows how gripping it is. Cant wait for the next one.
This story, like the others he has written, captures the reader from the first chapter. I appreciate that the narrative gives you the details needed, without anything gory or unneeded. I also appreciate that he can get the emotions needed with out the use of curse words. Just wholesome, suspense.
Dan Walsh is one of my favourite authors. I love the way he tells a story and An Inconvenient Death is no exception. I really enjoyed the fact that he included Jack Turner in a small way in this book. It is great to be able to read a book and not be inundated by foul language, graphic sex and gory details. Thank you Mr. Walsh.
Another Great Read in the Joe Boyd Suspense Series
I really enjoyed reading An Inconvenient Death. Ilike the characters Joe and Hank. They are written well, like real people. Clean and no inappropriate situations. I recommend the series to anyone that enjoys suspense. I hope more stories after Book 3.
Excellent characterization of wolves in sheeps clothing
Thank you for clarifying that truth trumps evil , you wove the story and deep spiritual truths flawlessly, no sermon just a glimpse at the validity of God's way and Word, the story flowed so well that I couldn't put it down, finished it at 3:00 am, great job!!
I’m hooked on Dan Walsh books! I try to start his books on a lazy morning, when I’m pretty sure I can just do nothing that whole day so I don’t have to stop reading till I’m done! His stories grab & keep my attention the entire time. I’m especially happy that his books are Christian without being syrupy! :)