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Deuce Mora #1-4

Deuce Mora Mystery Series

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Four heart-stopping, hard-boiled mysteries at a sizzling price!
Deuce Mora’s one tough cookie–-a female sleuth with a conscience and an attitude–fiery, tough, athletic, a dirty fighter when she has to be. The scrappy lead columnist for the Chicago Journal normally writes about politics, and, rather than shying away from fights, she tends to pick them, but every once in a while, Deuce’s search for a good story brings her face to face with more trouble than she was really looking for. In Award-winning journalist Jean Heller’s first action-packed mystery featuring the intrepid sleuth, Deuce learns in short order that if you mess with organized crime, you have to be tough—and you’d better be as much detective as reporter. The second volume finds Deuce on the wrong side of the NSA, the FBI and the CIA. At a minimum. Exhausted by these two white-knuckle investigations in one year, Deuce is content to focus on her column until she gains information that could help catch the relentless arsonist whose Burning Rage is consuming Chicago. The Ill Wind sweeping Chicago threatens to blow in a bloody mob war. Fans of hard-boiled female protagonists should hang onto their fedoras—this one’s an action-packed extravaganza!

THE SOMEDAY FILE

Deuce uncovers a series of crimes committed over nearly six decades, and, as her human interest story morphs into a hard-boiled, action-packed mystery, she finds herself dead center in a storm of threats and reprisals from the mob. Fortunately, she has many allies, but at least one of them, she suspects, is hiding a secret–- corruption? Murder? The veteran reporter knows: if you’re talking Chicago crime scene—it’s probably both.

THE HUNTING GROUND

The grisly discovery of a human bone while Deuce is out for a hike with handsome arson investigator Mark Hearst leads to the unearthing of a vast burial field, a human trafficking ring, and international intrigue. The pull-no-punches columnist—and meticulous detective—keeps turning up information, but the Journal’s lawyer appears daily, bringing warnings about “national security.” What, Deuce seethes, could be a greater matter of national security than the safety of the city’s children, who are being kidnapped and murdered?

BURNING RAGE

Whole blocks of Chicago real estate are falling to an arsonist, but no one knows why and everyone suspects the worst—terrorism. But no terrorist group has claimed the mayhem. From the moment she hears the earliest details of the first fire, her detective-instincts say the pieces don’t fit, and every other instinct tells the hard-hitting reporter she can’t walk away from the story—even though she knows she’ll regret it.

ILL WIND

In the cold blustery dawn, reporter Deuce Mora stands looking up at a body swinging from the window of a downtown Chicago federal building. The dead man was her friend, and she knows to a certainty that this is not, as the police claim, a suicide. But the death scene was triple-locked–—from the inside.Deuce suspects his death is tied to his investigation of organized crime, a viewpoint that is strengthened by the arrival in Chiago of a Washington reporter who's been following the story. They work the story together as it erupts into a bloody mob war in the streets.

WHO WILL LIKE IT: Fans of Chicago private investigators VI Warshawski and Libby Fischer Hellman’s Georgia Davis, get-the-story-or-die reporters like Hank Philippi Ryan’s Jane Ryland and Kelly Lange’s Maxi Poole, hard-boiled female protagonists like Marcia Muller’s Sharon McCone and Laura Lippman’s Tess Monaghan; and anyone who admires tough-minded women sleuths who’re good in a fight.

1535 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2020

766 people are currently reading
388 people want to read

About the author

Jean Heller

13 books52 followers
My mother once confronted my husband and me, put her hands on her hips, and asked, “Can’t one of you hold onto a job?”

She was joking – sort of. Both of us were journalists, and we kept getting better jobs, which required moving. A lot. Moving frequently is, I have discovered, a good way to avoid having to clean out the closets, the garage, and the cabinets under the kitchen sink.

Through it all, I have been one thing above all else, a writer.

I started my first novel when I was in the third grade, the story of people living at the center of the earth. I liked the concept, but I really didn’t have a good plot point, and when I discovered what it’s really like at the center of the earth, the project sort of went up in flames, so to speak.

My first complete novel, a thriller called “Maximum Impact,” was published by Forge, an imprint of St. Martin’s Press, in 1993. My second, “Handyman,” came two years later. Both received great reviews from critics, and both will be available in Kindle editions in early 2015.

The new one, also a thriller, is called “The Someday File.” It is the first in what will be a series set in Chicago, a city I have loved since I was in college and which I have called home for years. I set it here because Chicago is such a great character in its own right. The stories I can build on these bones – quite literally in the case of “The Someday File” – have infinite possibilities.

_________________________________________________


Jean’s news career included serving as an investigative and projects reporter and editor for The Associated Press in New York City and Washington, D.C., The Cox Newspapers and New York Newsday in Washington, D.C. and the St. Petersburg Times in Washington, D.C. and Florida.

Jean has won multiple awards, including the Worth Bingham Prize, the Polk Award, and is an eight-time Pulitzer Prize nominee.

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5 stars
594 (73%)
4 stars
182 (22%)
3 stars
33 (4%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Foxy Vixen.
319 reviews11 followers
October 22, 2022
I received this FREE thru Amazon Free Kindle Ebooks… thanks

The Someday File
Takes place mostly in Chicago spanning 3 different time periods.. the 50’s, 70’s and present day. That and the fact that the characters change names throughout the book can make it very confusing at times.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book about a journalist before, especially one that digs into old crimes.
Many players… a little romance and a great dog named Humphrey. Sure gave me insight into the mobs that run Chicago with very long arms that reach Vegas!
This was a very fun read and looking forward to the other 3 books in the box set.

The Hunting Ground
Murphy goes for a walk and discovers a Child’s femur which ends up to be 1 of many. When the NSA gets involved in solving this horror you know you are in for a bumpy ride.
Along the way Duece meets Charles who ends up haunting her for a very long time. Sex trafficking is a hot topic in this book as it currently is. Grab the Kleenex you will need it.

Burning Rage
Who is this arsonist that is burning up Chicago? It’s all in the history and the rage burns on. Is this the straw that breaks Duece’s back?

Ill Winds
This was the 4th and final book in the series, and in my opinion the best of the books. It tends to be more political than the others, maybe that is why I enjoyed it so much. On the down side, Murphy didn’t have much of a part.. too bad.
All, I’ll say is, it was not said, but I really believe that Duece’s stand is ‘Mess with me, but don’t mess with my friends’.
This whole series was so good, sure wish there were more out there like them.
Going right now so see what else this Author has for me to read!
298 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2020
Very good

Descriptive. Feel as if I've been to Chicago now. Sorry I finished reading these books. Sad about some of those likable characters not making it to the next book. Entertaining! Now I have a Julie Smith book to read.
Profile Image for Tressan Moore.
76 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2021
Intriguing

Really found these books intriguing. Deuce is one neck of a reporter and tough woman. As a California transplant to the state of Illinois the references to Chicago were so interesting. The author filled the books with historical and modern stories of Chicago. Made me ant to explore the city. I was pleased that the author sprinkled the stories with words I wanted to look up ( kindle makes that easy). Nothing worse than writing down to your readers. All in all I very much enjoyed the mystery and the intrigue of this series.
251 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2020
Mystery and Action

This set was filled with exciting mysteries each one more powerful than the previous one. Deuce has amazing interviewing techniques and is determined to investigate until she gets answers. This puts her into dangerous situations and often in the hospital. Near death experiences are becoming common place, but she never gives up. Delightful read!
Profile Image for bex.
2,435 reviews24 followers
August 10, 2020
Solid 3

I liked the earlier books better than the later ones. They got to be a bit far-fetched for my taste. I tend to prefer a more straightforward mystery.
Author 3 books6 followers
March 25, 2024
These four books are, indeed a "series" - and not the "serial" that so many authors produce! Each story is complete in itself, but the main characters remain.
It is a good series, although the main character does seem to have a charmed life! However, even the final book doesn't leave one with questions. I would also suggest that, in the first volume,, there is a brief "description" that would fit into an erotic novel!
Anyone interested in the history of Chicago will love much of the information provided.
So why only three stars? Simply because of the amount of unacceptable, unnecessary, and offensive blasphemy. Indeed, there was so much that, if it wasn't for the positive aspects already shared, I would only have given two stars!
Other authors can write good stories without such language; I wish that all would do so. Interestingly, it is never the name of Muhammad, or Allah, or one of the Hindu deities, etc, that it used. Only those of us to whom the name of Jesus, the Christ, is special, are treated in this way. Perhaps there are memories of Salman Rushdie.
129 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2022
loved it

Gotta say that Deuce Mora takes a lickin and keeps on tickin! Great stories with lots of action,intrigue,and a bunch of great characters. Some of the people takes some time to know and like but if you read the four books...you will get to know all of them and like some and even feel connected to a few. Four great stories that will grab your interest at that start of book and keep it til the end. Even at the end you’re hoping for a number five! Loved the stories and definitely recommend you read them!
Profile Image for Clifford Schulze.
100 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2020
Investigative reporter or police detective?

First off, i enjoyed the book. It was well written, with plenty of action and character development. The reason i gave it four stars instead of five is the story is improbable. Here we have an investigative reporter working hand in hand with the FBI to solve a series of murders. In the process, this investigative reporter has more success in evading assassins than trained FBI agents and mob bosses. Still, the Deuce Mora books are a must read.
526 reviews6 followers
February 16, 2024
Thoroughly rivetting

An extremely riveting and action packed series of Deuce Mora mysteries. Definitely a seat of the pants experience throughout. Each book, whilst being able to be read as a one off, combined to make a thoroughly entertaining series of adventures. Highly recommended reading for lovers of mysteries,, especially murder mysteries. Am interested in reading the rest of the 8 book series
36 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2025
Outstanding Read

I received a copy of Deuce More V 1-4 for free I read them - initiator of boredom but then for pleasure. Well written. Tight science. Unexpected twists and turns. Even a little romance. Excellent research.

I was an editor for years. It takes a fair bit of writing to impress and capture my interest. Heller skillfully crafts solid stories with unexpected endings. I would absolutely recommend her writing.
3 reviews
January 10, 2022
Great books to read

Wonderful story telling page-turning constantly couldn't wait to finish each book but yet hated when each one ended, loved learning the history of Chicago and all of the different Mafia that was involved. Just fantastic writing! Looking forward to reading more from this author.
31 reviews
March 23, 2022
I need more

I couldn’t read all four volumes without asking for more. A truly gifted writer, each volume included familiar characters but each was entirely different from the last. In addition to being enjoyable, she brought forth serious issues we face today.
I’ll continue to look for more of her books and highly recommend that others read her books as well.
56 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2023
An exciting read! Jean Heller is a great story teller as she creates a woman that is brave, and smart, but also has flaws that make he more relatable. I loved how Deuce constantly vowed to not get deeper involved but then did. I do appreciate a smart woman figuring out clues that escape the experts. My only complaint is there are not several more in the series.
4 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2023
Great Mysteries!!!

I loved these books! They just kept me reading to find out what Duece would figure out next. I loved her thought process and she was so human with flaws like the rest of us. Each story was intriguing and very different from the next. The history in each story was great as well. Can't wait for the next one as this last one left us hanging just a wee bit!
86 reviews
Read
November 8, 2023
4 great books of a great series

Meet Deuce Mora and join her in this series of adventures you won't want to put down. She is a journalist who writes about truth and justice without reservations or fear. She puts the bad guys on notice and bears the consequences. What are the consequences? Life, liberty and sanity - usually hers.
2 reviews
February 5, 2024
Don't miss these in-put-downable mysteries

I read right through all four. Here is Chicago painted with a lover's brush; parks, buildings, restsuarants. Deuce reads books I have loved and gifted me titles to explore. And, as complicated a series of mysteries as you could possibly want. Thanks Jean Heller, I can't survive more
1,574 reviews7 followers
February 7, 2024
might have been interesting

I had not read many words at all when I came across blasphemy and other swearing and gutter talk.. so I cannot recommend this set of books.
Bad language of any kind does not make tension, does not describe or enhance any character at all and does not develop a character or set a scene or create any drama.
22 reviews
March 6, 2024
Truly enjoyable reading

Jean belle has a way of keeping you turning pages. Her character Deuce Mora pulls no punches while dealing with the bad guys. She keeps investigating until she solves the mystery with no thought of the danger she is in. Strong women but still has a love interest who understands her need to get the bad guys. Well written.
Profile Image for Sunny.
9 reviews
September 24, 2020
Duece

I enjoyed this series, the characters were well developed and I found them believable. There wasn't a bunch of swearing or or sex. Lots of innuendo about sex but not integrally to the story.
718 reviews7 followers
October 25, 2020
I enjoyed this series very much. Maybe too many deaths, some unpredictable and sad. The characters were well-developed, and in spite of what Deuce's editor thought, I felt she moved forward with integrity and strong intuition. A good supportive series for journalists! Good plots and action.
Profile Image for Bruce McLennan.
67 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2021
I really enjoyed these stories about Chicago and Deuce Mora. They were well written and edited and I could read at a good pace. The stories of each book were plausible but there was a definite need for suspended disbelief at some of the scenarios. In all, a very good effort from a very good writer.
Profile Image for K.T..
Author 39 books66 followers
April 5, 2021
This was an intense read. Gritty, full of twists and able to pack a punch. I had to take a break before the last book to read something more light hearted. An extremely well written series. I love the main character, Deuce.
Profile Image for Margie White.
26 reviews
July 18, 2021
A newspaper reporter who is detective/superhero rolled into one!

These books were very exciting and held my interest throughout. The characters were colorful and the stories ranged from tense to heartwarming to traumatic to compassionate. Viva Deuce Mora!
59 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2021
Thrillers

I really enjoyed this Deuce Mora series which I purchased
For a bargain price. As a journalist it was a different take on thrillers. The FBI and CIA characters were a bonus.






Deuse
215 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2021
Exciting

The story had several climaxes, each more tense and exciting. One thing I appreciated was the explanatory modifier to remind where I had come across a name earlier in the story.
Profile Image for Joan Mills.
118 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2022
reader review

The books are continuous with in historical context. There are many characters, but key are the main characters: Josie, Mark and her editor. All three play a key part .
15 reviews
May 19, 2022
Deuce? Should be Uno, number one!

This is a fast moving read with lots of action and credibility! If you have ever wondered about life as an investigative reporter,this book is for you!
2 reviews
January 2, 2023
Extremely well written!

One of the best series I've read - and I've read alot! The history and details added so much to the plot. Not too much sex or bad language. A real page turner!!
50 reviews
November 18, 2023
Just Love Deuce Mora

The fourth installment was just as good as the first three. Heller has convinced me, I must visit Chicago and she’s left me a list of restaurants, I hope are real! Another great story…
Profile Image for Ellie Algiere.
23 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2024
Reporter turned crime fighter

A Chicago columnist finds news all around her. Deuce writes strong opinions in her column and ends up fighting to find the truth, and fighting for her life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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