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Jergen County #1
Murder Club
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
A prominent author dies while attending a special retreat for a local crime writers group. “For us Murder is a hobby,” the group’s president informs the detectives upon their arrival at the crime scene. “We do look forward to witnessing real police procedure.” The detectives soon discover that all those attending had strong motives to kill the victim. They must discover. Are the writers interested in watching the police at work or is one or more of them killers covering their trail while pretending to cooperate? If this is not enough the two investigators have never worked together before. Recently promoted to investigations Deputy Sheriff Christine Urich is anxious to succeed. Show that she is not just a pretty face promoted to make the Department look fair. The lead Detective, Robert Jordan, struggles with Demons of his own. His career circles the drain after being hounded out of Memphis Homicide. Landing in this rural county Jordan seems content to finish his career making as few waves as possible. Struggling to establish a working relationship, the two work to solve the crime and bring the killer to justice.
A prominent author dies while attending a special retreat for a local crime writers group. “For us Murder is a hobby,” the group’s president informs the detectives upon their arrival at the crime scene. “We do look forward to witnessing real police procedure.” The detectives soon discover that all those attending had strong motives to kill the victim. They must discover. Are the writers interested in watching the police at work or is one or more of them killers covering their trail while pretending to cooperate? If this is not enough the two investigators have never worked together before. Recently promoted to investigations Deputy Sheriff Christine Urich is anxious to succeed. Show that she is not just a pretty face promoted to make the Department look fair. The lead Detective, Robert Jordan, struggles with Demons of his own. His career circles the drain after being hounded out of Memphis Homicide. Landing in this rural county Jordan seems content to finish his career making as few waves as possible. Struggling to establish a working relationship, the two work to solve the crime and bring the killer to justice.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2020
298 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
Richard Powell
24 books16 followersYes, I am a pirate 200 years too late. The cannon don't thunder there's nothin' to plunder I'm an over 60 victim of fate. Arrivin' too late. Been my fate.
My apologies, to Jimmy Buffet.
Moving away from the legend, officially I arrived in this world an Iowan. Notice, unlike many from this fine state I didn't say Hawkeye. Instead of attending that fine institution of higher learning, I chose the Harvard of the Midwest, Drake University. (Though some might say Harvard is the Drake of the East.) Where I completed a Masters Degree. After convincing myself I needed further educating I completed my Doctoral Studies at Ohio University, in Athens Ohio. At this point, I also need to mention that contrary to popular opinion. Ohio is the Bobcat State. (Who would want to be thought of as some kind of poison nut? Even squirrels don't eat buckeyes)
Excuse me had to pause at this point to recover. Patted myself so hard on the back, I got a cramp.
Yes now, where was I?. Oh yes, I just finished sharing my intellectual credits.
While employed as a Psychologist, I dabbled in the forensic area of the field. Not just child custody, but identifying and working with real evildoers. Most are ordinary people like you and I. (At least I hope I'm ordinary in that regard) But there are true monsters out there. How they got to that point is often heart-rending, but once they reach that point, they need to be put away to keep the rest of us safe. Not abused mind you. As that road usually led to where they are, but comfortable and confined.
Moving on. I met and married a wonderful woman, why she picked me or didn't at least avoid me successfully I am uncertain. I would put her picture here, but she refused to allow it. Doesn't want to be hassled by the paparazzi while shopping. That can be quite annoying I'm sure. The fact that we've remained together for thirty years is a testament to her strength.
Together we produced three children, two boys, and a girl. All awesome despite my influence.
I have always been a scribbler of sorts but took a hiatus from fiction while I practiced my profession. Retired now I have time to devote to this craft. I hope what I produce provides you as much pleasure as I get from producing it.
My apologies, to Jimmy Buffet.
Moving away from the legend, officially I arrived in this world an Iowan. Notice, unlike many from this fine state I didn't say Hawkeye. Instead of attending that fine institution of higher learning, I chose the Harvard of the Midwest, Drake University. (Though some might say Harvard is the Drake of the East.) Where I completed a Masters Degree. After convincing myself I needed further educating I completed my Doctoral Studies at Ohio University, in Athens Ohio. At this point, I also need to mention that contrary to popular opinion. Ohio is the Bobcat State. (Who would want to be thought of as some kind of poison nut? Even squirrels don't eat buckeyes)
Excuse me had to pause at this point to recover. Patted myself so hard on the back, I got a cramp.
Yes now, where was I?. Oh yes, I just finished sharing my intellectual credits.
While employed as a Psychologist, I dabbled in the forensic area of the field. Not just child custody, but identifying and working with real evildoers. Most are ordinary people like you and I. (At least I hope I'm ordinary in that regard) But there are true monsters out there. How they got to that point is often heart-rending, but once they reach that point, they need to be put away to keep the rest of us safe. Not abused mind you. As that road usually led to where they are, but comfortable and confined.
Moving on. I met and married a wonderful woman, why she picked me or didn't at least avoid me successfully I am uncertain. I would put her picture here, but she refused to allow it. Doesn't want to be hassled by the paparazzi while shopping. That can be quite annoying I'm sure. The fact that we've remained together for thirty years is a testament to her strength.
Together we produced three children, two boys, and a girl. All awesome despite my influence.
I have always been a scribbler of sorts but took a hiatus from fiction while I practiced my profession. Retired now I have time to devote to this craft. I hope what I produce provides you as much pleasure as I get from producing it.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 3, 2018
This one took me a bit to get into, but I'm not sure if it was because it was a hard to get into beginning or just that I was reading it only at night and falling asleep too easily. With that said, it did get better and better the more I read.
The main crime story was a good one and the police investigation was well done. I did enjoy trying to piece it together and figure it out. It was a little bit predictable, but still well written and a good read. I enjoyed the side stories that helped you get to know the characters and their lives a bit more. I found that an enjoyable part of the book as well.
Overall, a good read. I did enjoy it.
The main crime story was a good one and the police investigation was well done. I did enjoy trying to piece it together and figure it out. It was a little bit predictable, but still well written and a good read. I enjoyed the side stories that helped you get to know the characters and their lives a bit more. I found that an enjoyable part of the book as well.
Overall, a good read. I did enjoy it.
July 30, 2017
Set in the South and full of interesting characters, Murder Club is a page-turning whodunit with a pair of tough but fair cops, each with their own pasts and present struggles. This is such an entertaining read and Richard Powell keeps you guessing right to the very end. I look forward to the next installment in the series.
May 8, 2018
I won a copy of Murder Club (Jergen County #1) through a Goodreads Giveaway. A very entertaining read that keeps you guessing right to the very end. The two investigators have never worked together before this case. The lead Detective, Robert Jordan, has as a drinking problem and he struggles with demons from his past. Deputy Sheriff Christine Urich, recently promoted to investigations is anxious to succeed and has her own secrets. They manage to establish a working relationship in spite of hiding their secrets from each other. Jordan works to help Urich hone her investigating skills as they wade through all the possible suspects.
June 5, 2018
Rather silly mystery
I receive a free copy of the novel to read and review from Goodreads.
"Murder Club" is about the murder of a famous female writer of crime stories who herself is murdered. It is not a police procedural, nor is it a tense thriller. In fact I thought it rather silly.
The primary characters ,sheriff officers Jordan and Ulrich , are unappealing and poorly presented. Other characters are simply dropped into the narrative without much explanation, so I resorted to leading backwards ( not easy in a ebook) to try to figure out host and why they suddenly appeared on the pages.
The author let the story hop around without much exposition to character description. The story did have some humor in it, but I am not really sure it was intentional.
I prefer my mysteries as gritty, hard boiled , and dark. This was not al all that way.
I finally gave it up as amateurish and not worth my time.
However, remember that this review is one person's opinion. You may like the book.
I receive a free copy of the novel to read and review from Goodreads.
"Murder Club" is about the murder of a famous female writer of crime stories who herself is murdered. It is not a police procedural, nor is it a tense thriller. In fact I thought it rather silly.
The primary characters ,sheriff officers Jordan and Ulrich , are unappealing and poorly presented. Other characters are simply dropped into the narrative without much explanation, so I resorted to leading backwards ( not easy in a ebook) to try to figure out host and why they suddenly appeared on the pages.
The author let the story hop around without much exposition to character description. The story did have some humor in it, but I am not really sure it was intentional.
I prefer my mysteries as gritty, hard boiled , and dark. This was not al all that way.
I finally gave it up as amateurish and not worth my time.
However, remember that this review is one person's opinion. You may like the book.
May 27, 2018
During an author club weekend getaway best selling writer Kathy Mertz turns up dead but is it an accident or was it murder? With a host of suspects disgraced alcoholic detective Bob Jordan and his rookie partner Christine Urich must discover the truth. The premise of the book is good and is the start of a fun murder mystery but there are a lot of unnecessary story lines deviations and fringe characters that muddle the plot. I did not enjoy the side stories of the detectives love lives. The resolution felt hurried and unfinished. I also struggled with the writer's style there would be a new chapter opening with character dialogue and no names or indication of who was speaking in the scene.
May 15, 2018
A lush detective gets a 2nd chance
This book is a GoodReads giveaway win.
This book was okay. Jordan had some personal trauma with the murder of his daughter which affected his career as a cop. The trauma caused Jordan to turn to alcohol and he got into some trouble, so he lost his job. He got hired at a smaller department in Memphis, started attending AA, and got a new female partner to mentor. He still falls off the wagon. He and his partner catch a murder case.
This book goes through the investigation a little more thoroughly than other books which is why 3 stars. It's a pretty typical "who dunnit" book.
This book is a GoodReads giveaway win.
This book was okay. Jordan had some personal trauma with the murder of his daughter which affected his career as a cop. The trauma caused Jordan to turn to alcohol and he got into some trouble, so he lost his job. He got hired at a smaller department in Memphis, started attending AA, and got a new female partner to mentor. He still falls off the wagon. He and his partner catch a murder case.
This book goes through the investigation a little more thoroughly than other books which is why 3 stars. It's a pretty typical "who dunnit" book.
May 23, 2018
I received this book through the goodreads giveaways program.
I could not get past all the errors in the book. It is very confusing. There are so many instances of missing quotes, extra quotes, missing apostrophes, extra apostrophes, etc. I kept having to read paragraphs multiple times, as they weren't making sense.
Bob Jordan is a cop with a drinking problem after his daughter is murdered. He is given another chance with a case of an author, murdered at a writer's retreat. He's paired with a young cop, who moonlights as a boxer.
I could not get past all the errors in the book. It is very confusing. There are so many instances of missing quotes, extra quotes, missing apostrophes, extra apostrophes, etc. I kept having to read paragraphs multiple times, as they weren't making sense.
Bob Jordan is a cop with a drinking problem after his daughter is murdered. He is given another chance with a case of an author, murdered at a writer's retreat. He's paired with a young cop, who moonlights as a boxer.
February 21, 2025
Rose's writing style is engaging and accessible, making Campus Murder Club a quick and enjoyable read. The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and secrets, which adds depth to the story. While the plot occasionally relies on some familiar tropes of the genre, Rose manages to keep the twists and turns coming, ensuring that readers remain invested in the outcome. Fans of young adult thrillers and anyone who enjoys a good whodunit will find themselves captivated by this exciting and suspenseful novel.
September 2, 2023
An author dies and the community are in awe of the author's work yet no one sheds a tear for her death. This is a dialogue-driven murder mystery story where readers can follow the moment the character dies and the full investigation, learning the suspects and motives for committing murder. It's difficult to connect with the investigation team as there are various perspectives and characters introduced.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2024
Too much gratuitous sex, not enough mystery.
Too much about the investigators' personal lives and not enough clues.
Strange, interspersed remarks about Republicans that I think were supposed to be funny but came across as desperate to be part of the "in" crowd.
Sexual objectification of black women.
DNF. 26% with a several skips.
Too much about the investigators' personal lives and not enough clues.
Strange, interspersed remarks about Republicans that I think were supposed to be funny but came across as desperate to be part of the "in" crowd.
Sexual objectification of black women.
DNF. 26% with a several skips.
June 24, 2024
Good story
Well written murder mystery with lots of interesting characters. Very few editing errors. I enjoyed reading it and will buy the next one even though this first one was wrapped up nicely and can stand a lone.
Well written murder mystery with lots of interesting characters. Very few editing errors. I enjoyed reading it and will buy the next one even though this first one was wrapped up nicely and can stand a lone.
June 10, 2018
good mystery kept us wondering until the end
February 26, 2022
I won this book through goodreads giveaway.
September 12, 2023
Authors
A very good read with enough twists and turns to keep reading. Meeting the new characters is just a cherry on top, can't wait to read the next book.
A very good read with enough twists and turns to keep reading. Meeting the new characters is just a cherry on top, can't wait to read the next book.
November 23, 2024
Interesting
This book gets to the lives of the characters.
Into problems, issues, and healing.
A good read and look forward to reading the next book
This book gets to the lives of the characters.
Into problems, issues, and healing.
A good read and look forward to reading the next book
January 13, 2025
This is an old fashion who done it with twists and turns and the cop with his own demons and quirky main characters. A mystery writers get together and who killed the most successful.
March 23, 2025
Murder Club
Fast paced, well developed characters. Fun read. Good book for a first in series. I will continue reading the series.
Fast paced, well developed characters. Fun read. Good book for a first in series. I will continue reading the series.
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May 21, 2025Read 5/25
June 15, 2025
Not bad. Interesting premise. I'd read another.
June 21, 2025
Super fun
Unusual , quirky, believable, relevant, timely, ingenious, etc. Great characters that have real lives. Lots of learning by the characters and the readers.
Unusual , quirky, believable, relevant, timely, ingenious, etc. Great characters that have real lives. Lots of learning by the characters and the readers.
May 23, 2022
Great read if I say so myself Hopefully they get the Author right soon
August 17, 2019
Nobody, I mean nobody, writes great dialogue like Richard Powell. And this Murder Club series is the best.
September 7, 2018
A really good breakout novel for Memphis author Richard Powell - A writers club gone wrong. I really enjoyed this - Nice job Richard
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews