Off You Go: A Mystery Novella

by Boo Walker, Benjamin Blackmore

Why did Gina Callahan jump? She had it all.

In Charleston, South Carolina, Dewey Moses is a vegetable farmer, a bluegrass musician, and a recovering alcoholic. Since getting booted out of his house and his band, he’s trying to get back on top.

Now, he’s a year sober, and selling vegetables at the farmer’s market. But what he knows better than growing heirloom tomatoes is how to get down to the bottom of things. What started out as a favor for a friend is proving to be his most lucrative talent: investigative work.

When Faye Callahan, the wife of one of the most powerful land developers in the South, comes to see him, she puts his talents to the test. Her daughter jumped off the Cooper River Bridge a few days before. She left a suicide note in her abandoned car. There were witnesses.

But Faye doesn’t believe it. Having just fallen in love, her daughter was as happy as she’d ever been. Why would she take her own life? Agreeing to help, Dewey finds out quickly that sometimes it’s best to leave things alone.

Genres: Mystery, Contemporary

90 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2014

About the author

Bestselling author Boo Walker initially tapped his creative muse as a songwriter and banjoist in Nashville before working his way west to Washington State, where he bought a gentleman’s farm on the Yakima River. It was there amongst the grapevines and wine barrels that he fell in love with telling stories that now resonate with book clubs around the world. Rich with colorful characters and boundless soul, his novels will leave you with an open heart and a lifted spirit.

Always a wanderer, Boo currently lives in Valencia, Spain with his wife and son. He also writes thrillers under the pen name Benjamin Blackmore. You can find him at boowalker.com and benjaminblackmore.com.

For a free copy of his Red Mountain cookbook, updates, and other goodies, sign up for his newsletter at boowalker.com.

Reviews

[Pamellia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot! Loved the main character and enjoyed how the book was set up. I recently discovered this author and now I'm craving more of his writing.

Recommended for anyone who just likes a good short story.
5 stars

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Dewey Moses is a recovering alcoholic and a man with a knack for growing vegetables, particularly black heirloom tomatoes called Cherokee Purples, which he called ‘maters just as his grandfather had. He is approached by Faye Callahan at the farmer’s market where he sells his produce, because she’d heard he was good at ‘getting to the bottom of things.’ Faye’s daughter, Gina, had jumped from the Cooper River Bridge several days ago, leaving a suicide note in her abandoned car. Faye can’t understand why Gina would take her own life at a time when she was happy and in love. Dewey agrees to help.

The police inevitably ruled Gina’s death as a suicide very quickly, given her track record, but as Dewey delves into Gina’s life questions are raised and the answers take him in an unexpected and dangerous direction.

Dewey’s a warm and engaging personality, full of charm and I liked him immediately. His sister’s untimely death had sent him off the rails and into a three-year affair with the bottle. He and his wife parted ways and he misses her and his two girls desperately and longs see them. He’s been sober for almost a year and, with a now healthy lifestyle, is hopeful of re-uniting with his family. He’s relaxed and easy-going and, as well as growing vegetables, loves playing music and supplements his income with private investigation work.

Although this is a novella, at just over 2 hours listening time or 71 pages, the story isn’t rushed. The plot develops steadily and unexpectedly and I followed it through the twists not knowing what the outcome would be. It’s very enjoyable and well written with authentic, believable characters and dialogue.

I loved the inclusion of TA Reddick from Lowcountry Punch and hope there will be more books with these two terrific characters. Another great performance by RC Bray, a consistently excellent narrator.

[Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
What makes a good mystery?
I wonder this while reading this story, 65 pages to complete a whole story. A whole singular thing.
I thought this story would be a simmered down verison of a thriller mystery, and thats what I got.
I really think this story needed more pages. Its just way too short to fully explore the characters and story.
But if you want a quick read and a interesting southern story I'd recommend

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great novella. Loved the main character, Dewey. Despite some demons, he is a good man with a moral character. And the ‘maters make me want to try a sandwich of my own!

[Heather Keck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this copy of Boo Walkers, Off You Go prior to diving into The Red Mountain Chronicles series to sample Boo’s writing.

The short mystery Novella was definitely a quick read, and not a very big time investment for the sample. I found it to have some unnecessary sexual situations that really wasn’t integral to the plotline and as stated not necessary.

The characters did not have the depth that I was seeking. definitely not to begin the series I originally wanted to start, nor did I enjoy Boo’s writing style. That said, however, I do think I would take the time to read another Novella follow up with Gina‘s point of view.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read by this author. I loved it. The main character Dewey Moses is intriguing. This was a short story and I did not want it to end. I wanted more!! I have researched the author and his books--very eager to read his novels especially Lowcountry Punch (the main character in this novel was also in this short story). I would encourage you to seek out this author--you will not be disappointed.

[Brooke Rousseau · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good!! I was curious to see how an entire murder crime investigation could be wrapped up in 80 pages. The MC Dewey was easy to love and admire. The one thing I will say is I wish there was a little more detail in how Gina ended up still being alive/Deweys process to figuring that out rather than that just being a quick little one page bomb drop. Other than that, this story flowed perfectly and had me on my toes the whole time

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the mater Man. When he makes a mistake, he makes a doozy. He drank to much and his wife put him out of the house. He goes to rehab and starts two new careers. Both are important to him. He wants to help people while he is helping himself. A short story with a lot of magic. A good story line and a very good Main Character. Recommend. I read it in one evening without TV.

[Vicky Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story about a family struggles.

I loved this sweet story of redemption and growth in Dewey's life. I also loved that T A Reddick made appearance to help Dewey in his new PI job. It's a quick read and I loved the ending. if you like who done it books and suspense it is well with the read.

[Judy Welden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I seldom read mystery stories, I love this author when he writes as Boo Walker. Read six of his books in several weeks, gave all 5 stars and thought I'd try one of his mysteries. Even though I didn't love it as much as the others, it was really well-written and kept me entertained for several hours. Judy Welden, author: An Unstoppable Survivor

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I won this book on Goodreads.

I liked this story. The main characters have deep backstories and genuine personalities. The mystery was good. The book was short, so I am glad there are more stories in this series.

[Steve Martinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. For being only 65 pages, this was a surprisingly good little mystery. Mr. Walker was able to create a likeable hero; and didn't make it seem like he was rushing the story. I will be interested in reading more of, the hero, Dewey Moses' exploits.

[Helen La · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoping for more from these characters.

Enjoyed this novella. Great character development. Not your typical PI kind of character, he grows tomatoes and is a musician. Will be watching this author. Just finished Red mountain, and I’m a fan of Boo’s.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed

I loved this novella. It was like watching the first episode of a new TV show. Come to think of it , this would be a a great pilot show! Everyone would love Dewey and always be cheering for him! It was fast moving and enjoyable.

[D. La · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story. It would be interesting to see a novel with these characters. This was a very fast read that moved along with an interesting end

Read it and enjoy a fast moving short story. I'm looking forward to more of this author's stories in the future.

[MaryAnn Chabot-Fence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I never read short stories but Boo always wins.

Ok, so now I've read them all and even went looking for eastern Washington wines. I know, fantasy..
Write more. I'm going to suggest Boo to My New book club, probably Red Mountain, my fave

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The audiobook version was done well. I enjoyed the performance and thought it really helped get me into the story. The story itself was written well, but it wasn’t really for me. The mystery wasn’t really that mysterious and it sort of just... ended.

[Barry Edstene · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second Benjamin Blackmore book, and I do enjoy the fact that his main characters have flawed personalities and demons of their own. They however still function, and deliver the excitement and great suspense we all look for in a great read.

[Dawn Boeheim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!

Great story! I just found out that Boo Walker is writing these thrillers under a pseudonym! Well, he’s wonderful at both kinds of stories! I’ve read all his books as Boo Walker and now I’m going to keep reading his thriller books.

[Leatha White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet

Good story and quick read. This is the first time I finished a mystery novel in a couple of hours. I liked the fact that it didn’t continue on and on. It was short and to the point.

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off He Went!

I enjoyed this mystery novella, and the busy P.I. Dewey, trying to solve a crime. A really fun read, with a twist and lots of great characters, by one of my favorite authors.

[Jane Maliszewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A girl jumps off a bridge ..did she survive?

I liked the main character. He is very analytical. the rest of the characters were believable. I liked the plot. I would recommend the book.

[Kim Stringfellow Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! I loved Dewey, and really enjoyed T.A. having a part in the book as well. Really great characters and an engaging story!

[Lavender · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice short story that is a good introduction to some characters I hope to hear more about in the future.

[Larry Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little story. I loved the characters. Mr. Walker has become one of my favorite authors.

[Barb VanderWel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.

[Wpayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off You Go

Enjoyed the story and Dewey. He was sure a different kind of hero but an interesting guy. The ending was a surprise.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters and twisty plot. An interesting and quick read that has me watching for more stories from Boo.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. I liked the characters as well as the writing style. Would definitely recommend.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful little family drama with bribery, corruption, addiction and music thrown in for good measure. Nifty locale and a treat as a travelogue.