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Dev Haskell Mystery #25
Cash Up Front
Dev Haskell takes his ‘friend with benefits’ Heidi, out to dinner. His late night plans are suddenly put on hold when failed criminal, Tommy Benedetti shows up and forces Heidi into a stretch limo. Benedetti gives Heidi $200,000. Gee, $200,000 in cash, what could possibly go wrong?
There’s only one thing to do and Dev sets out to build a ‘working relationship’with FBI agent Candi Mangle.
Another incredibly bizarre Dev Haskell read… Multiple tales wrapped into one crazy adventure
A great Dev Haskell tale.
Sit back, relax, enjoy, and realize your life isn’t as bad as you thought.…
Fortunately, Dev still has Morton, his Golden Retriever.
There’s only one thing to do and Dev sets out to build a ‘working relationship’with FBI agent Candi Mangle.
Another incredibly bizarre Dev Haskell read… Multiple tales wrapped into one crazy adventure
A great Dev Haskell tale.
Sit back, relax, enjoy, and realize your life isn’t as bad as you thought.…
Fortunately, Dev still has Morton, his Golden Retriever.
- GenresMystery
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2020
376 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Mike Faricy
131 books240 followersI was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, I still live there as well as in Dublin, Ireland. I've been a soldier, freelance journalist, tended bar, sold designer cakes, owned a painting and decorating company along with a number of other schemes and scams. If that doesn't offend you I also play bagpipes with the Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band. All my books stand alone, read them in whatever order you wish. They are filled with the sort of oddballs we are all curious about, but wisely, prefer to keep at a distance. None of my characters will be saving the world from terrorism, international banking conspiracies or coups to take over the government. Rather, they inhabit a world just below the surface of polite society, characters with one foot on either side of the law. The circumstances they find themselves in are usually due to bad decisions, but bad decisions lead to interesting stories. They serve not so much as an example but as a warning to us all. Thanks for taking the time, happy reading.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 9, 2023
As I continue to read the Dev Haskell - Private Investigator series, I see Haskell starting as the jerk in the bar ending up being the guy you marry. No, Dev's not even close to popping the question, but over the past twenty-four books, he's definitely grown on me. He's likeable, affable, and just an all-around good guy.
When I started reading CASH UP FRONT, there was a clear message that we were in the pre-vaccine COVID pandemic. Mike Faricy was a one-man PSA on coronavirus precautions - masks, gloves, handwashing, social distancing - especially after Heidi, his main sweetie, came down with the disease. Now, three years into a never-ending battle with both disease and misinformation, I'm brought back to those early, confusing days when it all started.
I believe that Mike Faricy has brought himself into the story without being judgy or overtly political (just about everything I read these days turns political, in my mind, except for this series). He does it through Heidi's next-door neighbor, who just happens to be a nurse, teaching Dev the protocols for dealing with a deadly disease.
Of course, there is more than COVID with which Dev must deal. That's where the 'cash up front' comes in. It almost goes without saying that with cash in the picture, Fat Freddy Zimmerman and Tubby Gustafson will make an appearance. The series' running gags help to keep the story light while looking at the dark side of corporate greed.
I can't say it enough, you need to read the series in order and start at the beginning. If you don't, Dev Haskell's growth as a character will be lost, and it is the changes over time that keep the books fresh and engaging.
When I started reading CASH UP FRONT, there was a clear message that we were in the pre-vaccine COVID pandemic. Mike Faricy was a one-man PSA on coronavirus precautions - masks, gloves, handwashing, social distancing - especially after Heidi, his main sweetie, came down with the disease. Now, three years into a never-ending battle with both disease and misinformation, I'm brought back to those early, confusing days when it all started.
I believe that Mike Faricy has brought himself into the story without being judgy or overtly political (just about everything I read these days turns political, in my mind, except for this series). He does it through Heidi's next-door neighbor, who just happens to be a nurse, teaching Dev the protocols for dealing with a deadly disease.
Of course, there is more than COVID with which Dev must deal. That's where the 'cash up front' comes in. It almost goes without saying that with cash in the picture, Fat Freddy Zimmerman and Tubby Gustafson will make an appearance. The series' running gags help to keep the story light while looking at the dark side of corporate greed.
I can't say it enough, you need to read the series in order and start at the beginning. If you don't, Dev Haskell's growth as a character will be lost, and it is the changes over time that keep the books fresh and engaging.
July 27, 2020
25 books in, one might think things might start to get a little stale. Definitely not so. A couple plot lines to follow. Dev actually has a paying job, this time. A case! Follow a husband around and get evidence of whether he is cheating or not. Not so cut and dried as you might think. and there are some quirks to it. The main show deals with the Coronavirus and a thug named Benedetti. Dev and Heidi are waiting for the valet to bring their car around, when Dev is knocked senseless and Heidi is thrown in a stretch limo with the promise to drop her home. She returns with a suitcase containing $100,000 which Benedetti wants her to invest in her company. Something definitely doesn't seem legit, so she secures it in a safety deposit box. One of the henchmen in the limo had the Coronavirus and gave it to Heidi. Dev is left to unravel this mess and who better to talk to than another thug, Tubby Gunderson. Really, you would have missed him if he didn't show up in this one, right? Plus the police and the FBI. As usual, Morton is the smartest one in the whole bunch. He gets to lay around all day and the go to the bar and have Louie feed him fried pork rinds.
July 26, 2020
Cash Up Front (Dev Haskell - Private Investigator Book 25) by Mike Faricy provides a much-needed respite from the COVID 19 doldrums. Faricy has the rare ability to create an intriguing plot peopled with familiar but unpredictable characters. The Dev Haskell series is a jewel in a pile of mediocrity. This time out Dev comes to the aid of his long-time friend, Heidi, who has been infected with C19. While attending to her needs, Dev has to find out why a local gangster gave Heidi $200,000.00 cash to invest in a new fund that she is managing. Is the cash legit or counterfeit? And why is the bad guy giving it to her? Added to this, the terrifying Tubby Gustafson, a local gangster and Dev's constant nemesis who also wants to get to the bottom of the situation. Cash Up Front is another well-written, entertaining, and funny P.I. novel by Mike Faricy a sure-handed and reliable crime writer who stands out in a crowded field.
August 28, 2020
Dev and his girlfriend Heidi have just finished dinner and are waiting for the valet to bring the car when a limo pulls up and the man in the back tells Heidi to get in he needs to talk to her and will bring her home in about thirty minutes. She refuses and when Dev tries to interfer, he is assaulted and she is forced into the limo. Dev goes to her apartment to wait for her. She is returned after about thirty minutes with a briefcase full of money. She's been told to invest it in her Hedge Fund or he will have her killed. They put the money in a safe deposit box the next morning and Heidi gets sick with the virus that is currently going around. While she is I'll, Dev calls the FBI and advises them as to what is happening and that he thinks the money is counterfeit. The ensuing scenerio leads to murder and mayhem.
July 25, 2020
Dev Haskell, Private Investigator lands in the poop, again. A close friend and sometimes lover Heidi Bauer is physically forced by Tommy Benedetti to take his $200,000.00 in cash. Forced to take money? How can that be a problem? Well, she's an honest (yep honest) investment broker and he's a local bad-guy. Things aren't always what they seem. Then Heidi contracts COVID19, and Dev Haskell has many problems to juggle; nursing Heidi, tracking cheating husbands, fighting off the bad guys, plus territorial disputes between local and federal police agencies. Cash up Front is a fun romp. Enjoy! Cheers Lynda L. Lock (Isla Mujeres Mysteries)
August 30, 2020
As per his norm? WONDERFUL!!
I love his books. They are light, no nightmare - fodder fare, exactly what I need right now. I love this guy. He is a good guy, tries to do good, but isn't a choir boy. LOL! He is still a man, and has a great sense of humor. I really enjoy Dev's exploits! So glad to have found Mike Faricy, he is one of my absolute FAVORITE authors, especially because his plots are light and only have good things going on. (Great stories, but far from the horrors of day to day headlines. Thank all that is holy!)
He is a blessing, in this Pandemic ravaged world. Thank God for him!
I love his books. They are light, no nightmare - fodder fare, exactly what I need right now. I love this guy. He is a good guy, tries to do good, but isn't a choir boy. LOL! He is still a man, and has a great sense of humor. I really enjoy Dev's exploits! So glad to have found Mike Faricy, he is one of my absolute FAVORITE authors, especially because his plots are light and only have good things going on. (Great stories, but far from the horrors of day to day headlines. Thank all that is holy!)
He is a blessing, in this Pandemic ravaged world. Thank God for him!
January 16, 2021
The Virus
Dev is out with Heidi, on the way out a stretch limo pulls up and forces Heidi in. She's returned home unharmed later. She was given a case with $200,000.00 in it to invest. They put it in a safety deposit box. Heidi gets sick, she was exposed to the Covid virus. Dev takes care of her. In the mean time Louis suggests that the money may be counterfeit. Dev gets the FBI in on it. Then Dev starts doing his thing. Good story, shows how little it takes to become infected.
Dev is out with Heidi, on the way out a stretch limo pulls up and forces Heidi in. She's returned home unharmed later. She was given a case with $200,000.00 in it to invest. They put it in a safety deposit box. Heidi gets sick, she was exposed to the Covid virus. Dev takes care of her. In the mean time Louis suggests that the money may be counterfeit. Dev gets the FBI in on it. Then Dev starts doing his thing. Good story, shows how little it takes to become infected.
July 12, 2024
Dev comes out on top in more ways than one in this excellent page turning read!
I found myself laughing throughout this book that I could just not put down.
A romantic evening turns deadly with Covid and a few hundred rounds of bullets.
The author makes reading informative, funny, and a little twisted making losing sleep worth all the added details.
Dev is the whole package. He finishes what he starts even though he fumbles along the way.
Despite his flaws he still manages to have a good reputation with a Minnesota police department, and he always gets the girls!!
I found myself laughing throughout this book that I could just not put down.
A romantic evening turns deadly with Covid and a few hundred rounds of bullets.
The author makes reading informative, funny, and a little twisted making losing sleep worth all the added details.
Dev is the whole package. He finishes what he starts even though he fumbles along the way.
Despite his flaws he still manages to have a good reputation with a Minnesota police department, and he always gets the girls!!
March 27, 2021
What a great novel from Faricy!! I missed some details (personally), and the moment by moment descriptions were a bit long. However, great savvy story, otherwise-- warm, yet up on the times; quite clever. In contrast to what I usually review, instead of a few emotional triggers, there are a few "woke" moments. I don't agree with all that the world does, but I do agree the world should be portrayed accurately. Sensational job.
July 25, 2020
Mr. Faricy has such a fantastically engaging protagonist in Dev Haskell and the characters associated with the series all shine. This witty and savvy author offers a never-ending treat with each book and this is no exception. Very Highly Recommended.
A free gift from the author, this is my honest review.
A free gift from the author, this is my honest review.
August 23, 2020
One of the best Dev Haskell Mysteries
There was a lot of substance to this story. The current pandemic situation was woven into the story in a clever but at the same time thoughtful way. Several different threads came together unexpectedly. Dev's character was shown to have greater depth than had been revealed before.
There was a lot of substance to this story. The current pandemic situation was woven into the story in a clever but at the same time thoughtful way. Several different threads came together unexpectedly. Dev's character was shown to have greater depth than had been revealed before.
August 30, 2020
Covid -19 strikes again! Dev does too!
Again, an interesting twist and squirm plot with Dev a winner and a loser. Poor guy can't cut a break, everything good that comes to him snowballs into disaster including love.
Author Mike Faricy, really needs a better editor program or proof reader, lots of bonehead mistakes and typos. Don't blame it on the virus!
Again, an interesting twist and squirm plot with Dev a winner and a loser. Poor guy can't cut a break, everything good that comes to him snowballs into disaster including love.
Author Mike Faricy, really needs a better editor program or proof reader, lots of bonehead mistakes and typos. Don't blame it on the virus!
September 7, 2020
Cash Up Front
Fantastic read, characters and storyline. All the Dev Haskell series I’ve read are the best. Lots of action and so much going on. This one is more special mainly because some of the characters are going through what all of us are going through, this awful virus. Definitely a must read
Fantastic read, characters and storyline. All the Dev Haskell series I’ve read are the best. Lots of action and so much going on. This one is more special mainly because some of the characters are going through what all of us are going through, this awful virus. Definitely a must read
August 27, 2020
Cash and COVID-19
Dev Haskell grows on you. Dev's friend, Heidi, acquires $200,000 in cash and COVID-19. Dev juggles taking care of Heidi and investigating a possibly adulterous husband while looking into the legitimacy of the cash. Another great read.
Dev Haskell grows on you. Dev's friend, Heidi, acquires $200,000 in cash and COVID-19. Dev juggles taking care of Heidi and investigating a possibly adulterous husband while looking into the legitimacy of the cash. Another great read.
August 28, 2020
Didnt finish reading it
Arent we being bashed over the head enough with the coronavirus at every turn? Do we really have to read it in a novel? Enough already! It annoyed me enough that I quit reading.
Arent we being bashed over the head enough with the coronavirus at every turn? Do we really have to read it in a novel? Enough already! It annoyed me enough that I quit reading.
October 26, 2020
I enjoyed this book!
Dev's friend Heidi is given a huge amount of money for an investment by a known criminal. She tried to return it and was threatened so she gets Dev involved. Meanwhile she comes down with Covid and Dev works in solving her dilemma while taking care of Heidi.
Dev's friend Heidi is given a huge amount of money for an investment by a known criminal. She tried to return it and was threatened so she gets Dev involved. Meanwhile she comes down with Covid and Dev works in solving her dilemma while taking care of Heidi.
October 14, 2021
Dev is someone you want to know
He’s that guy that you know that is always there and helps and makes you smile. I really enjoyed this book because Mike Faricy dealt with COVID and showed us that we all are human. Dev is the man once again!!
He’s that guy that you know that is always there and helps and makes you smile. I really enjoyed this book because Mike Faricy dealt with COVID and showed us that we all are human. Dev is the man once again!!
July 17, 2022
Great detective mystery
This story kept you guessing until the end. Lots of action. The main character Dev is a bit of a character but still gets the job done . i have read sever of his books and find them entertaining.
This story kept you guessing until the end. Lots of action. The main character Dev is a bit of a character but still gets the job done . i have read sever of his books and find them entertaining.
July 22, 2020
COVID Current Thriller
The latest Dev Haskell novel incorporates COVID in its story line. Well done! Some old friends plus new crazy characters are featured.
The latest Dev Haskell novel incorporates COVID in its story line. Well done! Some old friends plus new crazy characters are featured.
August 20, 2020
Ok when's the next one gonna be out?
I just love these Dev Haskell books! I can not wait for the next one! Please don't make me wait too long Mr. Faricy!!!!
I just love these Dev Haskell books! I can not wait for the next one! Please don't make me wait too long Mr. Faricy!!!!
August 31, 2020
Another excellent Haskell yarn
September 21, 2020
Always enjoyable.
Dev on another case or two. He also, is taking care of a loved one with coronavirus. As usual, women use him, he gets beat up, and just stays busy.
Dev on another case or two. He also, is taking care of a loved one with coronavirus. As usual, women use him, he gets beat up, and just stays busy.
November 2, 2020
I like reading the Dev Haskell novels. There is always some humor and a decent tale. I'd still like to know how Dev gets all the money he spends...
November 17, 2020
This was a great read. Interesting, easy to read and I finished it in one day.
August 22, 2022
Another entertaining read of Dev Haskell PI's life
October 12, 2022
These mysteries are always good for light, entertainment.
December 5, 2025
Fabulous
I loved this book. Dev and friends have to deal with the real world of the pandemic and all of it changes while still trying to work.
I loved this book. Dev and friends have to deal with the real world of the pandemic and all of it changes while still trying to work.
October 28, 2020
Dev's best friend-with-benefits, Heidi, gets very sick and in trouble with some criminals at the same time and Dev does his best to help her on both fronts. Set in today's new normal, it's one of Dev's better outings.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews