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Roy Ballard Mysteries #5
A Tooth for a Tooth
Lennox Armbruster was struck by a speeding vehicle—but was it an accident or an insurance scam gone wrong? Roy Ballard is hired to find out, and he soon learns there’s a third possibility: attempted murder. Joe Jankowski, the man who hit Armbruster, is a tough-talking player in the construction industry, and a feud with one of his former employees has shown that he has a temper to match his brash personality. When Roy and his partner Mia Madison attempt to dig deeper, they learn just how far Jankowski will go to shut down their investigation.
Audible Audio
First published May 13, 2018
425 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Ben Rehder
76 books276 followersBen Rehder wanted to become a writer ever since he was dropped on his head as a toddler. As he grew into a young adult and the vertigo gradually dissipated, his passion for literature grew. Ben longed to craft the type of soul-stirring prose that would touch people’s lives and help them explore new emotional horizons. But he went to work at an ad agency instead.
Throughout his rewarding and fruitful career in the ad business, Ben has been known to write such imaginative and compelling phrases as “Act now!,” “Limited-time offer,” and “Compatible with today’s rapidly changing network environment.”
However, there eventually came a time when, as unbelievable as it sounds, writing brochures and spec sheets simply wasn’t enough to satisfy Ben’s creative urges. Ben knew: It was time to write a novel.
“But what kind of novel?” Ben asked himself, drawing stares from passersby.
A mystery? A thriller? A work of suspense? Ben had read hundreds of books in these genres and loved them all. But nothing had sparked his creative juices enough to try it himself.
Fate played a hand one day when Ben’s father-in-law tossed him a copy of a Carl Hiaasen novel. And then it hit him. It literally hit him, right in the forehead. When the swelling went down and Ben had a chance to read the book, he discovered a type of fiction he had never experienced before—the comic crime novel! He loved the wacky characters, the zany plots, the interesting writing that threw a good deal of humor into the mix.
So Ben set out to write his own novel. After many grueling minutes in front of a computer, Ben was proud to present Buck Fever. Like many best-selling classics, Buck Fever has lots and lots of verbs, prepositions, adjectives, and the occasional gerund. It was even nominated for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel!
Next came Bone Dry, Flat Crazy, Guilt Trip, Gun Shy, and Holy Moly. Best of all, Ben is now releasing the earlier novels in ebook format at the low low price of just $2.99. What a deal!
Throughout his rewarding and fruitful career in the ad business, Ben has been known to write such imaginative and compelling phrases as “Act now!,” “Limited-time offer,” and “Compatible with today’s rapidly changing network environment.”
However, there eventually came a time when, as unbelievable as it sounds, writing brochures and spec sheets simply wasn’t enough to satisfy Ben’s creative urges. Ben knew: It was time to write a novel.
“But what kind of novel?” Ben asked himself, drawing stares from passersby.
A mystery? A thriller? A work of suspense? Ben had read hundreds of books in these genres and loved them all. But nothing had sparked his creative juices enough to try it himself.
Fate played a hand one day when Ben’s father-in-law tossed him a copy of a Carl Hiaasen novel. And then it hit him. It literally hit him, right in the forehead. When the swelling went down and Ben had a chance to read the book, he discovered a type of fiction he had never experienced before—the comic crime novel! He loved the wacky characters, the zany plots, the interesting writing that threw a good deal of humor into the mix.
So Ben set out to write his own novel. After many grueling minutes in front of a computer, Ben was proud to present Buck Fever. Like many best-selling classics, Buck Fever has lots and lots of verbs, prepositions, adjectives, and the occasional gerund. It was even nominated for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel!
Next came Bone Dry, Flat Crazy, Guilt Trip, Gun Shy, and Holy Moly. Best of all, Ben is now releasing the earlier novels in ebook format at the low low price of just $2.99. What a deal!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 25, 2018
Lots of fun and funny too!
I started with book 1 and read through 5 in a couple of days. I really appreciate how entertaining and easy to read the books are. They really suit my sense of humor. I just wish I could come up with such great responses. I'll patiently wait for the next one in this series and read the rest of his books while I wait. They are easy, enjoyable entertainment. I highly recommend.
I started with book 1 and read through 5 in a couple of days. I really appreciate how entertaining and easy to read the books are. They really suit my sense of humor. I just wish I could come up with such great responses. I'll patiently wait for the next one in this series and read the rest of his books while I wait. They are easy, enjoyable entertainment. I highly recommend.
February 7, 2019
Roy Ballard is irresistibly human and so dang charming it's hard to resist picking up another one of his mysteries (so why try?). A Tooth for a Tooth is tight and moves along briskly and suspensefully. Roy blunders and fumbles in his relationship with Mia (again), but loveably so. But my favorite character in this one is an eighty-something amateur sleuth who befriends Roy and steals several scenes.
May 24, 2022
I enjoyed this book, there is so much going on that you can't help but keep listening. I liked the characters, especially the mother of the murder victim who could so do Roy's job for him and needs her own series. With book five Roy has grown as a character and where as I found him annoying in book one, where as his sarcasm was just rude and Mia was the reason I kept listening, now I enjoy his friendly humorous banter. There wasn't any surprises (or twists) in the mystery and the baddie was who you suspect it was still a lot of fun getting there. Off to start the next book.
With Mia away on a girl's weekend Roy is asked to work on a case, a man who was struck by a car was definitely injured but was it an accident or a scam gone wrong? It's not long before Roy questions annoys somebody and he gets visited by some heavies. Then people start disappearing and the case takes on a life of its own and a lot more questions need asking, like where was he going when he was hit? Can Roy work out what is going on before he gets another visit? Or somebody else gets hurt?
I liked the narrator. He is a good choice for the characters in this series as his delivery is prefect.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
With Mia away on a girl's weekend Roy is asked to work on a case, a man who was struck by a car was definitely injured but was it an accident or a scam gone wrong? It's not long before Roy questions annoys somebody and he gets visited by some heavies. Then people start disappearing and the case takes on a life of its own and a lot more questions need asking, like where was he going when he was hit? Can Roy work out what is going on before he gets another visit? Or somebody else gets hurt?
I liked the narrator. He is a good choice for the characters in this series as his delivery is prefect.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 23, 2020
I listened to this book in a day. As usual the story was well paced and action packed and I found myself desperate to find out about Roy’s rollercoaster of a relationship with Mia. As the series goes on I find myself warming to him more and more.
The stand out character in this story was an elderly lady whose son had disappeared a few years earlier in mysterious circumstances. She channels her inner Miss Marple to aid and abet Roy to find the whereabouts of a young lady who may have information on her son’s whereabouts ,
This series is laced with humour and the narration is very good . A very enjoyable read.
The stand out character in this story was an elderly lady whose son had disappeared a few years earlier in mysterious circumstances. She channels her inner Miss Marple to aid and abet Roy to find the whereabouts of a young lady who may have information on her son’s whereabouts ,
This series is laced with humour and the narration is very good . A very enjoyable read.
October 1, 2020
AUDIOBOOK
Here we go again Roy and Mia are on the hunt for another insurance fraudster this time it’s a man being hit by a car. Was this a genuine accident or is there more to the story and why is the driver of the car acting so suspiciously. As people start disappearing and Roy and Mia’s lives are put at risk there is a race against time to find out the truth before someone gets hurt. Along with this Roy is also keeping a secret from Mia that could derail their wedding plans and there is an old lady with cookies who for some reason I just did not trust all the way through this story but I think that may say more about me lol. Great narration as always by Johnny Peppers
Here we go again Roy and Mia are on the hunt for another insurance fraudster this time it’s a man being hit by a car. Was this a genuine accident or is there more to the story and why is the driver of the car acting so suspiciously. As people start disappearing and Roy and Mia’s lives are put at risk there is a race against time to find out the truth before someone gets hurt. Along with this Roy is also keeping a secret from Mia that could derail their wedding plans and there is an old lady with cookies who for some reason I just did not trust all the way through this story but I think that may say more about me lol. Great narration as always by Johnny Peppers
May 22, 2018
Once again author Ben Rehder comes through with a captivating, funny and enthralling story with protagonist Roy Ballard. In this story, videographer Ballard is hired to capture a insurance claimant who was hit by a car while walking through a parking lot. Roy decides to interview the driver of the car in the accident and shortly after Roy is threatened several times. The story unfolds with Rehder's characteristic humor and superb prose.
My only complaint with these books is that I usually read them quite quickly, often in one sitting and then I find myself wishing I had another story. I don't know what Rehder's writing plans are though this Roy Ballard mysteries collection is but one of several series he works on. So it will probably be a year or more before number six comes out.
My only complaint with these books is that I usually read them quite quickly, often in one sitting and then I find myself wishing I had another story. I don't know what Rehder's writing plans are though this Roy Ballard mysteries collection is but one of several series he works on. So it will probably be a year or more before number six comes out.
July 11, 2022
A Tooth for a Tooth
Liking this series a lot. Stories are always interesting and move along. Have read a lot of books by this author and have not been disappointed.
Liking this series a lot. Stories are always interesting and move along. Have read a lot of books by this author and have not been disappointed.
June 8, 2021
This is a review of an audio version of "A Tooth for a Tooth".
For Roy Ballard and Mia it's just another job and they start their investigation at a construction site and the person who owns it Jan Jankowski and he can be a nasty piece of work, cutting corners playing with peoples lives just to save a buck or two, so Lennox Armbruster thought he would show him a lesson but it didn't and he was hit with a speeding truck, was it an accident or foul play and that's what Lennox is claiming. Roy a legal videographer, and Mia do some work for an insurance company and this is one of their jobs, as listeners before wondered about the couple they are now engaged and hope to get married the following year, and the couple works best together, but on occasions, life throws them a curveball and this particular nasty case is just that, will it come back to haunt them? Roy and Mia are struggling with this case it seems that life just is not playing fair and it's upsetting the chemistry between them, can it be fixed? This is one of the best books and this one had me on the edge of my seat, and as ever Johnny Peppers did an outstanding job of the narration.
For Roy Ballard and Mia it's just another job and they start their investigation at a construction site and the person who owns it Jan Jankowski and he can be a nasty piece of work, cutting corners playing with peoples lives just to save a buck or two, so Lennox Armbruster thought he would show him a lesson but it didn't and he was hit with a speeding truck, was it an accident or foul play and that's what Lennox is claiming. Roy a legal videographer, and Mia do some work for an insurance company and this is one of their jobs, as listeners before wondered about the couple they are now engaged and hope to get married the following year, and the couple works best together, but on occasions, life throws them a curveball and this particular nasty case is just that, will it come back to haunt them? Roy and Mia are struggling with this case it seems that life just is not playing fair and it's upsetting the chemistry between them, can it be fixed? This is one of the best books and this one had me on the edge of my seat, and as ever Johnny Peppers did an outstanding job of the narration.
November 4, 2020
If you've listened to the previous books in this series, (which isn't necessary as they all work as standalones), then I'm sure you have learned to love Roy and Mia. Their partnership, business and professional, really works and the spark and chemistry between them is palpable throughout. There are some really scary moments in this book and it feels as if the rose coloured glasses they have both been wearing because they are so loved up have been broken and real life is dragging them down. Even Roy struggles to keep his usual wit and humour going. But that's what makes this series so good. Life does get in the way. Bad things do happen to good people and being in love doesn't mean you're protected from outside influences. The story is full of action, as usual, and Roy and Mia really have to work hard to stay one step ahead of the game. This may be my favourite book in the series so far. Johnny Peppers works his usual narrator magic and all in all this is a fabulous book in a fantastic series.
June 16, 2018
Welcome back Roy Ballard! A simple task turns deadly when he is hired to prove or disprove an insurance claim where the victim may have purposely stepped in front of a moving car. Things unravel quickly and the insurance claim seems legit, but wait, there's more. It seems someone else pulled a scam on this same construction company and hadn't been seen since. Not Ballard's problem, right? Except it might be somehow connected. Now someone is threatening him as well. Add to this the fact that, if he and Mia are going to get married, he needs to tell her a truth he has been avoiding. Not necessary to have read the other books in the series first, but they are all worthwhile.
October 4, 2020
Book 5 in the series is another good story, starting out with an investigation into an accident to see if fraud is indicated ,mushrooming in to a situation involving blackmail, missing persons, assaults, shooting murder and mayhem. Meanwhile on the personal front, Roy has a secret which could totally destabilise his relationship with Mia.
This offering is as usual, witty, fast paced and gripping.
The narration is very good and fits the style of the book very well.
My only quibble is that Mia wasn't as present in this story and I missed their banter and brainstorming. I really liked Doris and would love to see her in future stories.
4.5/5 Stars.
This offering is as usual, witty, fast paced and gripping.
The narration is very good and fits the style of the book very well.
My only quibble is that Mia wasn't as present in this story and I missed their banter and brainstorming. I really liked Doris and would love to see her in future stories.
4.5/5 Stars.
February 11, 2023
I'm enjoying this series very much, especially the dynamic between Roy and Mia, and the clever stories that Rehder invents. The couple have gone through so much together and their relationship is maturing as they prepare to tie the knot. But as usual, their insurance investing business keeps throwing more than a few wrenches into the mix. I wasn't sure I'd continue to Book #6 but this convinced me to keep going!
October 29, 2025
This was a busy, fast, kind of darker mystery than the previous ones. It’s not bad but I’m just hoping Ben Rehder doesn’t choose to make Mia’s character weak. She is fun, strong and adds great zing to the series. Fingers are crossed because that will be a real bummer for future installments. The older mother who drinks Bourbon and makes the best cookies was a fun character I’d love to see in the future. She was a hoot in the best way.
Next…
Next…
August 11, 2020
Format: audiobook
Narrator: Johnny Peppers
This case has probably been the most dangerous yet for Roy Ballard and Mia Madison, a routine fraud case quickly becomes about threats and murder bring the danger straight to Roy and Mia’s front door.
I have to say, I LOVE Doris and I hope she becomes a fixture in Roy and Mia’s life.
Narrator: Johnny Peppers
This case has probably been the most dangerous yet for Roy Ballard and Mia Madison, a routine fraud case quickly becomes about threats and murder bring the danger straight to Roy and Mia’s front door.
I have to say, I LOVE Doris and I hope she becomes a fixture in Roy and Mia’s life.
May 15, 2021
Great reads
Love these books. I go from one to the next non-stop now-. I can’t wait to read the next. He may not be a PI but I see these as a PI tv show I love to watch.... only better. Highly recommend!
I feel connected Roy and Mia like good friends. I love his wit and the back and forth
Love these books. I go from one to the next non-stop now-. I can’t wait to read the next. He may not be a PI but I see these as a PI tv show I love to watch.... only better. Highly recommend!
I feel connected Roy and Mia like good friends. I love his wit and the back and forth
November 18, 2021
This was a really good story.I enjoyed it.Roy Ballard is a detective,though he meets his match in this one.Hired by an insurance company to find out if fraud was commited,he is in for a doozy! Johnny Peppers was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 20, 2018
Incredible
Loved this book. Love this whole series. Some of the absolute best writing out there. Can't wait to see what's next for Roy and Mia. And please give us more Doris too.
Loved this book. Love this whole series. Some of the absolute best writing out there. Can't wait to see what's next for Roy and Mia. And please give us more Doris too.
May 30, 2018
Another great Roy Ballard mystery. This one had so many elements - danger, intrigue, twisting plot lines, personal strife, and more. I love nothing more than investing in a recurring character or series of books and have the author grow the stories and keep them grounded and real and interesting.
June 7, 2019
Enjoyable investigations
These stories have kept me entertained for the last days. In fact, I've been suffering some insomnia due to the series. What trouble is Roy going to find a way into next ? Of course, he and Mia will resolve the issue together.
These stories have kept me entertained for the last days. In fact, I've been suffering some insomnia due to the series. What trouble is Roy going to find a way into next ? Of course, he and Mia will resolve the issue together.
November 21, 2025
I listen to this on audible and at first I did not like the narration, but I grew to love the narrator. He gave the story a lot of depth with interesting characters, which you learned to love, it is worth the read.
May 19, 2018
Thrilling and funny!
I truly enjoy these books! Great characterization and interaction, plus funny bits to add levity. Thanks so much for your talent!
I truly enjoy these books! Great characterization and interaction, plus funny bits to add levity. Thanks so much for your talent!
August 1, 2018
Loved it
October 5, 2018
Hooked
Got hooked on the first Roy Ballard novel, and haven't been disappointed yet! Thanks for the mysteries, with the healthy dash of sarcasm.
Got hooked on the first Roy Ballard novel, and haven't been disappointed yet! Thanks for the mysteries, with the healthy dash of sarcasm.
October 23, 2018
Nice little escape to Austin with Roy and Mia. Ben Rehder always makes me laugh and keeps me interested with a good story.
April 15, 2019
Sad have to wait for the next book but soo looking forward to reading great series and humour is good soo is the characters .
August 1, 2020
As always, the adventuresome Roy and Mia sauce their way through a gripping story or three. Love this series!
August 3, 2020
Good Read. I love Ben Rehder's stuff
November 13, 2020
Lennox Armbruster was hit by a speeding vehicle. Was it an accident or an insurance scam gone wrong? Of course, Roy and Mia are on the case!
September 5, 2023
Terrific, as always.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews