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Henry Walsh Private Investigator #1
Dead at Third
He knows he’s more than just another washed-up ex-cop. Solving a murder will help him prove it...
A straight-shooter who lives on a boat and likes a drink or two, Henry’s frustrated he can't even land work as a dispatcher. And his job running security for a local baseball team is far from his idea of excitement.
But it pays the bills.
The morning after the season ends, Henry’s at his friend’s bar with a Bloody Mary in one hand and a phone in the other. He takes a call that could change everything...
Turns out a couple of fishermen pulled third baseman Lance Moreau’s body from the St. Johns River. And his teammate's been arrested for the murder.
The team's owner turns to Henry to help prove the cops have the wrong man.
Henry knows working security in an empty ballpark is one thing. But investigating a murder?
It won’t be easy.
Lucky for him he has Alex Jepson on his side. She’s beautiful. She’s tough. And as Henry likes to say...she’s the one with the brains.
They’re a good match, in more ways than one.
Now all they have to do is find the real killer...
A straight-shooter who lives on a boat and likes a drink or two, Henry’s frustrated he can't even land work as a dispatcher. And his job running security for a local baseball team is far from his idea of excitement.
But it pays the bills.
The morning after the season ends, Henry’s at his friend’s bar with a Bloody Mary in one hand and a phone in the other. He takes a call that could change everything...
Turns out a couple of fishermen pulled third baseman Lance Moreau’s body from the St. Johns River. And his teammate's been arrested for the murder.
The team's owner turns to Henry to help prove the cops have the wrong man.
Henry knows working security in an empty ballpark is one thing. But investigating a murder?
It won’t be easy.
Lucky for him he has Alex Jepson on his side. She’s beautiful. She’s tough. And as Henry likes to say...she’s the one with the brains.
They’re a good match, in more ways than one.
Now all they have to do is find the real killer...
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2019
1002 people are currently reading
611 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Payette
34 books22 followersWith more than 23 novels published, Gregory Payette is known for fun, gritty crime fiction and mysteries.
Alongside his books, he is an accomplished artist, painting scenes that tell a story. His creative projects live at PayetteStories.com.
He grew up in a mostly blue-collar New England town, and before turning to fiction full-time, worked a variety of jobs—from slinging a hammer to his work in fundraising.
Today he lives in North Carolina with his family.
Alongside his books, he is an accomplished artist, painting scenes that tell a story. His creative projects live at PayetteStories.com.
He grew up in a mostly blue-collar New England town, and before turning to fiction full-time, worked a variety of jobs—from slinging a hammer to his work in fundraising.
Today he lives in North Carolina with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
August 25, 2020
Enjoyable murder mystery
The book is a first of a series and mystery is excellent. The characters were very well developed and their interaction was great to great. The twists and turns in the story kept the story unpredictable till the very end. Enjoyed it.
The book is a first of a series and mystery is excellent. The characters were very well developed and their interaction was great to great. The twists and turns in the story kept the story unpredictable till the very end. Enjoyed it.
January 29, 2022
I picked up Dead At Third during a free offer and enjoyed this first installment in Gregory Payette’s Henry Walsh series. Henry is a former Rhode Island cop who moves to Jacksonville, Florida after an incident. He takes a job as head of security for the fictional Jacksonville Sharks baseball club, a major league franchise. But he’s still a cop at heart. One of the team’s players, Lance, is murdered right after the last game of the season. His teammate, Jackie, is accused of the crime. A blood-scarred baseball bat seems to be the murder weapon. The team owner asks Henry to investigate and prove Jackie innocent. Henry’s father had been Lance’s surrogate parent and coach, so Henry had a connection with Lance. And off we go to unwind the tangled web of lies and history that led to the very untimely death of Lance Moreau.
The best aspects of the book are the central characters, which Mr. Payette builds well. They all have deep backstories and complex relationships. As the story unfolds, we learn more and more about Henry’s personal story and come to care about him and his colleague/partner/love interest, Alex. The investigation takes Henry back to his childhood home town in Florida and uncovers old wounds, lies, and cover-ups in the small town. All of the characters come to life in a pleasing way as we follow Henry’s first person narrative through the case to the twisted conclusion.
The story is a quick read, partly owing to the author’s penchant for cutting off scenes and jumping to the next, letting the reader fill in the blanks based on the subsequent events. At times this means that the characters know more than the reader, but it makes for a fast pace as Henry moves from suspect to suspect and witness to witness trying to unravel the truth. The story draws you in and keeps you wanting to know what’s going to happen next. Just what you want from a mystery.
There are a few head-scratchers in the plot, and the whole story seems more minor-league than major league in scale. (For example, the aging major-league star player’s agent, lawyers, the MLB players’ association, and the avalanche of media attention that would have naturally accompanied the murder of a major league player and the arrest of his teammate are nowhere to be found here.) The author would have been better served if the Jacksonville Sharks were a double-A franchise rather than a fictional major league team. At times witnesses with long-held secrets open up to Henry a little more easily and conveniently than makes sense, but the author provides enough context to make it plausible. These are minor blemishes in an otherwise fun and generally well-written story. As the first peek into Henry’s world, it does its job of leaving you wanting to read the next installment. The free book offer got me hooked, for sure.
The best aspects of the book are the central characters, which Mr. Payette builds well. They all have deep backstories and complex relationships. As the story unfolds, we learn more and more about Henry’s personal story and come to care about him and his colleague/partner/love interest, Alex. The investigation takes Henry back to his childhood home town in Florida and uncovers old wounds, lies, and cover-ups in the small town. All of the characters come to life in a pleasing way as we follow Henry’s first person narrative through the case to the twisted conclusion.
The story is a quick read, partly owing to the author’s penchant for cutting off scenes and jumping to the next, letting the reader fill in the blanks based on the subsequent events. At times this means that the characters know more than the reader, but it makes for a fast pace as Henry moves from suspect to suspect and witness to witness trying to unravel the truth. The story draws you in and keeps you wanting to know what’s going to happen next. Just what you want from a mystery.
There are a few head-scratchers in the plot, and the whole story seems more minor-league than major league in scale. (For example, the aging major-league star player’s agent, lawyers, the MLB players’ association, and the avalanche of media attention that would have naturally accompanied the murder of a major league player and the arrest of his teammate are nowhere to be found here.) The author would have been better served if the Jacksonville Sharks were a double-A franchise rather than a fictional major league team. At times witnesses with long-held secrets open up to Henry a little more easily and conveniently than makes sense, but the author provides enough context to make it plausible. These are minor blemishes in an otherwise fun and generally well-written story. As the first peek into Henry’s world, it does its job of leaving you wanting to read the next installment. The free book offer got me hooked, for sure.
March 1, 2021
Tough read
I really wanted to like this book. However, there wasn’t much to like. Henry, the main character, is a loser. He has no self esteem, no confidence, no smarts. We don’t know why he left the State Police job after five years. His partner, Alex, is obviously attracted to him and he just ignores her. Another woman comes on to him and he ignores her as well. The major problem is Henry is told something important in confidence and swears he will keep it private. He then proceeds to tell everyone he comes in contact with the secret. I didn’t like the secondary characters any better either. Don’t waste your time.
I really wanted to like this book. However, there wasn’t much to like. Henry, the main character, is a loser. He has no self esteem, no confidence, no smarts. We don’t know why he left the State Police job after five years. His partner, Alex, is obviously attracted to him and he just ignores her. Another woman comes on to him and he ignores her as well. The major problem is Henry is told something important in confidence and swears he will keep it private. He then proceeds to tell everyone he comes in contact with the secret. I didn’t like the secondary characters any better either. Don’t waste your time.
March 25, 2021
Gregory Payette does well to maintain reader attention. Quick, easy flow story line with plenty of intrigue. Cop, who’s now not a cop, the innuendo between Henry and Alex is cute. The story, not so predictable, and the characters interesting enough to lead you astray in thought before the curtain falls.
March 11, 2021
Ordinary. Guess I have been spoiled by all the Harlan Coben mysteries I've read. Not a lot of action, not a lot of twists and turns. Perhaps I'll read the next book in the series to see if it gets any better.
August 19, 2022
Pretty shallow. The main character is indecipherable - good guy or the guy who spills a secret to a bartender minutes after promising not to tell? Plot is solved out of no where. I'll stop the series at #1
November 26, 2020
Barnes and Noble offered this as a Serial Reads for Nov 2020.
I give it 4 stars for it was an entertaining mystery that I can recommend to friends.
I give it 4 stars for it was an entertaining mystery that I can recommend to friends.
November 27, 2020
This was the Barnes and Noble Nook serial read for the month of November. I'm not so much into the sports, so I probably would not have given this a chance had it not been Nook's serial read this month. And yes, it focuses on some players and employees of a baseball team, but it is really not a sports story. I enjoyed the mystery with all its twists and turns, and there was an interesting cast of characters. I would definitely read the next book in this series.
January 7, 2023
Fun new series for me. It was a good who dunit with just the right amount of tension.
August 17, 2021
Plot not believable.
I can't really comment without giving the ending away. Suffice it to say that I find it hard to believe anyone would be murdered to protect the reputation of a dead person. Maybe in politics but not in real life. And everything the killer had to go through to arrange it is just unfathomable.
The writing was okay. Even the language, which others have objected to was appropriate for the characters and wasn't overused.
Not a bad read but unreal in my opinion.
I can't really comment without giving the ending away. Suffice it to say that I find it hard to believe anyone would be murdered to protect the reputation of a dead person. Maybe in politics but not in real life. And everything the killer had to go through to arrange it is just unfathomable.
The writing was okay. Even the language, which others have objected to was appropriate for the characters and wasn't overused.
Not a bad read but unreal in my opinion.
November 25, 2020
I had such high hopes when I started reading this book. It was one of the rare times that the Nook free monthly read was not a romance.
Instead they gave us this cliche riddled excuse of a detective novel. I don’t think the author missed one cliche. A man with no future finds himself trying to prove the innocence an aging baseball star accused of murdering his youthful replacement.
First, I think Henry was a poor choice for a first name. Butt what really got me was the fact that the author rarely if ever gave any physical descriptions of any of the his characters. And it’s particularly noticeable with the lead character of the novel. I have no idea what race he was, how tall or short he was, whether he had a buzz cut, a Mohawk or flowing golden locks. He could have been an iron jawed body builder or a skinny, runt with a weak jaw and receding hairline. I don’t think there was one original idea in the book. Just an avalanche of description less characters. (Okay there were a few descriptions for a couple characters. But they were never fleshed out. Some times female characters were vaguely described as attractive. Whatever that means.)
And why were Henry’s aging parents in the story. Were we supposed to think they were suspects.
Please, Nook, there are so many talented authors waiting to be discovered. Don’t give us bologna sandwiches when there are steak and lobster dinners waiting to be served.
Instead they gave us this cliche riddled excuse of a detective novel. I don’t think the author missed one cliche. A man with no future finds himself trying to prove the innocence an aging baseball star accused of murdering his youthful replacement.
First, I think Henry was a poor choice for a first name. Butt what really got me was the fact that the author rarely if ever gave any physical descriptions of any of the his characters. And it’s particularly noticeable with the lead character of the novel. I have no idea what race he was, how tall or short he was, whether he had a buzz cut, a Mohawk or flowing golden locks. He could have been an iron jawed body builder or a skinny, runt with a weak jaw and receding hairline. I don’t think there was one original idea in the book. Just an avalanche of description less characters. (Okay there were a few descriptions for a couple characters. But they were never fleshed out. Some times female characters were vaguely described as attractive. Whatever that means.)
And why were Henry’s aging parents in the story. Were we supposed to think they were suspects.
Please, Nook, there are so many talented authors waiting to be discovered. Don’t give us bologna sandwiches when there are steak and lobster dinners waiting to be served.
December 31, 2024
Very entertaining!
Main character is Henry Walsh, who lives on a boat, and perhaps likes a drink or two too much.
He is a former Rhode Island detective that was pushed out of his job for not agreeing to cover up, or look the other way.
His current job is Head of security for the local [losing] baseball team, not really his idea of excitement, but it does
pay the bills.
The morning after the current season ends, and the team has once again missed the playoffs,
Henry is at his friend's bar, of course, with a Bloody Mary in his hand, when he gets a call.
A couple of fisherman just pulled the team's third basemen,a local kid,Lance Moreau's body from the St. John River,
and a teammate of Lance has been arrested for the murder.
Lance is from Henry's home town, and Henry's father took under his wing, and taught Lance how to hit a
baseball.
The team's owner, wants Henry to help prove that the police have arrested the wrong man, the team's backup third baseman,
Jackie Lawson. Henry is not sure that he is capable of investigating a murder, and he knows that it will not be easy, but
the truth is what drives him to accept the challenge .And he’s not about to let anyone stop him.
Not even the cops.
Alex Jepsen, yes that is a female, and she is tough, beautiful, and is good at using her brains, is a good person
to have assist Henry.
Henry and Alex are more than just coworkers, she helps him muddle through and find the real killer.
Main character is Henry Walsh, who lives on a boat, and perhaps likes a drink or two too much.
He is a former Rhode Island detective that was pushed out of his job for not agreeing to cover up, or look the other way.
His current job is Head of security for the local [losing] baseball team, not really his idea of excitement, but it does
pay the bills.
The morning after the current season ends, and the team has once again missed the playoffs,
Henry is at his friend's bar, of course, with a Bloody Mary in his hand, when he gets a call.
A couple of fisherman just pulled the team's third basemen,a local kid,Lance Moreau's body from the St. John River,
and a teammate of Lance has been arrested for the murder.
Lance is from Henry's home town, and Henry's father took under his wing, and taught Lance how to hit a
baseball.
The team's owner, wants Henry to help prove that the police have arrested the wrong man, the team's backup third baseman,
Jackie Lawson. Henry is not sure that he is capable of investigating a murder, and he knows that it will not be easy, but
the truth is what drives him to accept the challenge .And he’s not about to let anyone stop him.
Not even the cops.
Alex Jepsen, yes that is a female, and she is tough, beautiful, and is good at using her brains, is a good person
to have assist Henry.
Henry and Alex are more than just coworkers, she helps him muddle through and find the real killer.
November 25, 2020
This was the November Serial Read on the Barnes & Noble Nook app.
Henry Walsh is an ex-cop who is working security for a baseball team in Florida where he grew up. A local star player is murdered and his death pinned on a older player displaced by the younger man. There is a personal connection for Henry: his dad mentored the local star and got him into baseball.
Henry and his partner, Alex (short for Alexandra), are asked to investigate the player’s death by the team owner who doesn’t believe the official story. Henry and Alex begin their investigation and he quickly learns that no one wants to tell him the truth, particularly about the death of a local boy that happened many years previously.
Baseball just happens to be where the murder victim, the suspect, Henry, and Alex work. This is really a “small town” mystery, where everyone is acquainted with each other and many are keeping each other’s secrets.
This was a nice, lightweight read—a good vacation book. Henry’s backstory—how he left Florida, ended up in Rhode Island only to have to leave the force and relocate back to Florida—is hinted at, but not explained. There are several other books in the series, so (hopefully) we learn more. And see where Henry’s relationship with Alex goes.
Henry Walsh is an ex-cop who is working security for a baseball team in Florida where he grew up. A local star player is murdered and his death pinned on a older player displaced by the younger man. There is a personal connection for Henry: his dad mentored the local star and got him into baseball.
Henry and his partner, Alex (short for Alexandra), are asked to investigate the player’s death by the team owner who doesn’t believe the official story. Henry and Alex begin their investigation and he quickly learns that no one wants to tell him the truth, particularly about the death of a local boy that happened many years previously.
Baseball just happens to be where the murder victim, the suspect, Henry, and Alex work. This is really a “small town” mystery, where everyone is acquainted with each other and many are keeping each other’s secrets.
This was a nice, lightweight read—a good vacation book. Henry’s backstory—how he left Florida, ended up in Rhode Island only to have to leave the force and relocate back to Florida—is hinted at, but not explained. There are several other books in the series, so (hopefully) we learn more. And see where Henry’s relationship with Alex goes.
May 13, 2021
I love watching sports, so when I saw this book offered on one of the myriad of books for sale emails that I subscribe to, I just had to jump on it.
Henry Walsh is a former police detective, due to circumstances not outlined in this particular story, now finds himself part of the security staff for one of the Florida professional baseball teams, which just happens to be located in the area where he grew up. The owner's star prospect has turned up dead and asks his security people Henry and Alex to investigate the situation as the player that Lance was supposed to replace is now accused of Lance's death.
As Thomas Wolfe is noted to have said something to the effect that one can't go home, Henry finds this to be true as it was Henry's father who introduced baseball to Lance and many of the folks whom Henry grew up with seem to be involved, one way or the other.
Despite the title, this isn't a sports book per se but more of a character study of secrets and lies that Henry's friends have kept for decades.
I enjoyed the book and I would consider reading more in the series if I come across them for sale.
Henry Walsh is a former police detective, due to circumstances not outlined in this particular story, now finds himself part of the security staff for one of the Florida professional baseball teams, which just happens to be located in the area where he grew up. The owner's star prospect has turned up dead and asks his security people Henry and Alex to investigate the situation as the player that Lance was supposed to replace is now accused of Lance's death.
As Thomas Wolfe is noted to have said something to the effect that one can't go home, Henry finds this to be true as it was Henry's father who introduced baseball to Lance and many of the folks whom Henry grew up with seem to be involved, one way or the other.
Despite the title, this isn't a sports book per se but more of a character study of secrets and lies that Henry's friends have kept for decades.
I enjoyed the book and I would consider reading more in the series if I come across them for sale.
June 3, 2024
DEAD AT THIRD by GREG PAYETTE...what can I say? There was so much room for improvement. I am going to guess Greg edited his own work and did not bother to have beta readers involved in the book. Payette makes the same errors over and over. For instance, the use of phrases like "he said" and "she said" when only two people are talking. What is the point? All that does is slow down the read. He uses the same wording even in one paragraph. This is sloppy lazy writing. The phrases and words he uses are poorly chosen. Greg, were you rushing when you wrote this?
On a positive note, I was never able to figure out whodunit. The baseball setting was neat in a sublime way. But sadly, the main character, Henry Walsh, seems like a loser, a drunken law officer has-been. And we never find out what really happened to him to get him thrown off the force. His partner, Alex, had much more on the ball. It's obvious she likes him but he seems oblivious. I would read another in the series only because perhaps Greg's writing has taken a turn for the better. Perhaps Greg will contact me to edit his next book.
On a positive note, I was never able to figure out whodunit. The baseball setting was neat in a sublime way. But sadly, the main character, Henry Walsh, seems like a loser, a drunken law officer has-been. And we never find out what really happened to him to get him thrown off the force. His partner, Alex, had much more on the ball. It's obvious she likes him but he seems oblivious. I would read another in the series only because perhaps Greg's writing has taken a turn for the better. Perhaps Greg will contact me to edit his next book.
August 21, 2025
This is the first book in the Henry Walsh Investigator Mystery series by Gregory Payette. Henry Walsh is a former police detective turned security guard for a minor league baseball team in Jacksonville, Florida. He’s frustrated, broke, and living on a boat—until a phone call changes everything. The team’s third baseman, Lance Moreau, has been found dead in the St. Johns River, and his teammate is arrested for the murder. The team's owner hires Henry to investigate the murder. Henry is a reluctant sleuth with street smarts, a dry sense of humor who loves whiskey. Henry is rough around the edges, lives on a boat, and isn’t afraid to bend the rules if it means getting closer to the truth. Alex Jepson is tough, resourceful, and sharp as a tack. Alex balances Henry’s impulsiveness with strategic thinking and isn’t afraid to challenge him when he’s off track. Together, they unravel a murder mystery that’s more tangled than a Florida fishing net. This is a murder mystery tangled in team secrets, old grudges and hidden motives. I really enjoyed this amazing cozy crime fiction sports thriller novel.
December 4, 2023
I found the Dead at Third Kindle book version from an email list of cheap books, so I took a chance to read this book. I'm glad I chose this book. Dead at Third is a baseball themed murder investigation. This book is a quick and fun book to read. I could have easily read this book in one setting, but I took my time to really pace myself with this book.
Dead at Third is a murder mystry with a former Rhode Island detective that was pushed our of his job for not aggreeing to cover up, or look the other way, from a crime. So he found himslef blackballed in the police field. So Henry Walsh moves back to Florida and becomes the head of security for a minor league baseball team. When a former resident of the minor league baseball team is traded to his home town club, he is found dead. Henry Walsh takes it upon himself to investiate the death of the third baseman, hence the name of the book, Dead at Third.
I absolutely loved the imagery and pace of this book. I enjoy baseball and murder mystreys, so this book was a great book for me to really enjoy. I highly recommend this book.
Dead at Third is a murder mystry with a former Rhode Island detective that was pushed our of his job for not aggreeing to cover up, or look the other way, from a crime. So he found himslef blackballed in the police field. So Henry Walsh moves back to Florida and becomes the head of security for a minor league baseball team. When a former resident of the minor league baseball team is traded to his home town club, he is found dead. Henry Walsh takes it upon himself to investiate the death of the third baseman, hence the name of the book, Dead at Third.
I absolutely loved the imagery and pace of this book. I enjoy baseball and murder mystreys, so this book was a great book for me to really enjoy. I highly recommend this book.
February 27, 2021
A good read. Nothing spectacular.
Overall this was a good read. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could. Often when I restarted from where I left off I wasn't sure which series I'd been reading and considering I've just come off books by some of my favourite authors that was a compliment. The reason why I didn't round up to 4 stars is because I couldn't bring myself to care about the main character. I've read the whole book and he is still a bit of a wooden character to me. Don't get me wrong, there are some great quite-emotionless characters out there. Reacher for example. But Reacher is memorable and unusual and once you've read about him he does not blend. This character, Henry, unfortunately could be any one of a hundred. At the start I hadn't paid attention to which book I was reading - it was just the next on my to-read list - and for the longest time I couldn't get a feel for whether the main character was a man or a woman.
Overall this was a good read. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could. Often when I restarted from where I left off I wasn't sure which series I'd been reading and considering I've just come off books by some of my favourite authors that was a compliment. The reason why I didn't round up to 4 stars is because I couldn't bring myself to care about the main character. I've read the whole book and he is still a bit of a wooden character to me. Don't get me wrong, there are some great quite-emotionless characters out there. Reacher for example. But Reacher is memorable and unusual and once you've read about him he does not blend. This character, Henry, unfortunately could be any one of a hundred. At the start I hadn't paid attention to which book I was reading - it was just the next on my to-read list - and for the longest time I couldn't get a feel for whether the main character was a man or a woman.
December 2, 2023
Henry Walsh, a former Rhode Island policeman, is currently the head of security for the Jacksonville Sharks baseball team and works his side hustle as a PI.
The book opens the day after the season has ended. Henry is at his friend's local bar. A phone call from the Sharks's owner to Henry is the setup for "Dead at Third". Henry and Alex (security coworker) are challenged to prove that Jackie Lawson didn't kill his teammate Lance Moreau.
I like the how the author developed the characters and twisted the plot. My interest never wavered though I thought I new the name of the killer...I was wrong.
My only quibble is with the baseball team's major league level. The Sharks seemed more like a minor league team. If a murder happen in the majors there would be a lot more coverage from newspapers, TV, online, etc.
The book opens the day after the season has ended. Henry is at his friend's local bar. A phone call from the Sharks's owner to Henry is the setup for "Dead at Third". Henry and Alex (security coworker) are challenged to prove that Jackie Lawson didn't kill his teammate Lance Moreau.
I like the how the author developed the characters and twisted the plot. My interest never wavered though I thought I new the name of the killer...I was wrong.
My only quibble is with the baseball team's major league level. The Sharks seemed more like a minor league team. If a murder happen in the majors there would be a lot more coverage from newspapers, TV, online, etc.
July 28, 2021
Dead at Third (Henry Walsh Private Investigator Series Book 1) Gregory Payette
Saw this advertised as free for the first in the series, thought I'd give it a try. Like this author and how he writes, tells the story from all angles.
When a boy comes up dead and another baseball player is arrested it's up to Henry and his partner Alex to find out who really killed the boy.
They uncover so many hidden secrets from years ago and how they are all playing a part in this story.
Lots of people but it's easy to keep them straight. Love how laid back Henry is when he has a gun pointed at him and he doesn't even have a weapon at all. Enjoy the Mafia type scenes that take place.
Can't wait to read more from this author.
Saw this advertised as free for the first in the series, thought I'd give it a try. Like this author and how he writes, tells the story from all angles.
When a boy comes up dead and another baseball player is arrested it's up to Henry and his partner Alex to find out who really killed the boy.
They uncover so many hidden secrets from years ago and how they are all playing a part in this story.
Lots of people but it's easy to keep them straight. Love how laid back Henry is when he has a gun pointed at him and he doesn't even have a weapon at all. Enjoy the Mafia type scenes that take place.
Can't wait to read more from this author.
July 26, 2022
This was an interesting first in a series murder mystery set in Jacksonville, Florida. Henry Walsh is a former Rhode Island police officer who leaves the force for reasons yet unknown. He ends up back where he grew up, near Fernandina Island, close to Jacksonville. He becomes Director of Security for a fictitious pro baseball team, the Jacksonville Sharks. When one of the Sharks is found murdered, and his teammate is accused of the crime, Henry is asked to look into it by the team owner.
This novel has enough suspense and twists and turns to keep one interested. But there are moments that are somewhat unbelievable. But few and far in between. Overall, I enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading the second in the series.
This novel has enough suspense and twists and turns to keep one interested. But there are moments that are somewhat unbelievable. But few and far in between. Overall, I enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading the second in the series.
Read
April 25, 2023Finally, a decent mystery
I've been reading cozies for too long. Now I'm trying police procedurals and PI stories, as long as they're not too gritty. People who are experienced, and are supposed to be investigating, as opposed to neglecting their own business and interfering with police investigations. I loved the way this book crept towards the solution, picking up pieces along the way, gradually revealing the whole picture, instead of hiding half of it behind phone calls that come but you never get to hear the conversation, and then having someone take a whole long boring chapter at the end to lay it all out. Even threw in a little twist just at the end, right when you thought you knew what was what. Well constructed book, definitely worth a read.
I've been reading cozies for too long. Now I'm trying police procedurals and PI stories, as long as they're not too gritty. People who are experienced, and are supposed to be investigating, as opposed to neglecting their own business and interfering with police investigations. I loved the way this book crept towards the solution, picking up pieces along the way, gradually revealing the whole picture, instead of hiding half of it behind phone calls that come but you never get to hear the conversation, and then having someone take a whole long boring chapter at the end to lay it all out. Even threw in a little twist just at the end, right when you thought you knew what was what. Well constructed book, definitely worth a read.
November 26, 2020
This book was the free serial read from Barnes and Noble for the month of Nov., 2020. I found it while browsing my Nook app and it looked interesting. I'm a baseball fan and this book was a mystery surrounding the murder of a baseball player. This is the first of three in the Henry Walsh Mystery series.
It was a fast, light weight read that was average, at best. The story line, character development, etc., etc. were good - just not great. No plans, at this time, to read the others books in the series.
It was a fast, light weight read that was average, at best. The story line, character development, etc., etc. were good - just not great. No plans, at this time, to read the others books in the series.
November 29, 2020
Henry Walsh is a former policeman who has returned to his hometown in Florida after an unspecified problem. He now works Security for a local baseball team and is just trying to get by.
When the star third baseman, Lance Moreau, is found dead and the aging former star Jackie Lawson is arrested for the murder, the team's owner asks Henry to prove that Jackie is innocent.
This is an entertaining book that is reminiscent of others in this genre. Nothing too exciting but a pretty good cast of characters and a pretty good mystery. I would definitely read more by this author.
When the star third baseman, Lance Moreau, is found dead and the aging former star Jackie Lawson is arrested for the murder, the team's owner asks Henry to prove that Jackie is innocent.
This is an entertaining book that is reminiscent of others in this genre. Nothing too exciting but a pretty good cast of characters and a pretty good mystery. I would definitely read more by this author.
July 30, 2021
Good story - poor editing
I enjoyed the story—kept you guessing until the end. Liked the characters. But editing seemed non-existent, or very poorly done. It was like reading a quickly-typed first draft. “Peaked” instead of “peeked” (in more than one instance). A car has “brakes”, not “breaks”. And one time it said someone “looked at Henry”, when Henry is the narrator in the first-person voice. Those are just the ones that I recall. Makes it difficult to keep going. If he’d go back and have a good editor clean it up, this book would deserve more stars .
I enjoyed the story—kept you guessing until the end. Liked the characters. But editing seemed non-existent, or very poorly done. It was like reading a quickly-typed first draft. “Peaked” instead of “peeked” (in more than one instance). A car has “brakes”, not “breaks”. And one time it said someone “looked at Henry”, when Henry is the narrator in the first-person voice. Those are just the ones that I recall. Makes it difficult to keep going. If he’d go back and have a good editor clean it up, this book would deserve more stars .
August 1, 2021
Wow
It's an amazing book. Thrilling and kept me glued until the end. Henry Walsh and his partner Alex are asked to investigate the mysterious death of Lance, a baseball player by Bob Campbell, owner of the baseball team. There is more to the story as Lance's death is connected to another death. The victim was Joseph, Son of Johnny Rossy. Jacki Lawson has been framed for Lance's murder. Read how Alex and Hendry track down the actual killer with the help of clues that come along with their interrogation. Wonderful.
It's an amazing book. Thrilling and kept me glued until the end. Henry Walsh and his partner Alex are asked to investigate the mysterious death of Lance, a baseball player by Bob Campbell, owner of the baseball team. There is more to the story as Lance's death is connected to another death. The victim was Joseph, Son of Johnny Rossy. Jacki Lawson has been framed for Lance's murder. Read how Alex and Hendry track down the actual killer with the help of clues that come along with their interrogation. Wonderful.
October 16, 2023
Read time 4 hours
The first in a series about Henry Walsh, a former Rhode Island cop whose career got sidelined before it even got started and he ended up as head of security for a hometown baseball team in Florida.
When a player n the team turns up dead police arrest a suspect and immediately stop investigating. The GM asks Henry to use his knowledge and experience to find who the true killer is.
Great start to a series, contains just enough backstory to kickstart these cases without bogging down in endless history.
The first in a series about Henry Walsh, a former Rhode Island cop whose career got sidelined before it even got started and he ended up as head of security for a hometown baseball team in Florida.
When a player n the team turns up dead police arrest a suspect and immediately stop investigating. The GM asks Henry to use his knowledge and experience to find who the true killer is.
Great start to a series, contains just enough backstory to kickstart these cases without bogging down in endless history.
November 11, 2023
A first novel and a great one. A baseball player is killed and it seems his teammate has done the deed. The team's owner calls upon his security team to investigate because he does not believe who has been arrested is guilty. Henry is a former police detective, now head of security of the baseball team after losing his brief stint at detective years earlier. He and his partner investigate. A good cast of characters, a good mystery that is not predictable, and one worthy enough to want to read the rest of the series.
December 12, 2023
Interested To See Where The Series Goes From Here...
Wasn't sure how I felt about this one once I finished it, but I think the pros outweighed the cons, so I'm willing to see where the series goes from here. I love baseball so the premise attracted me straight away. Once I got into the story, I wished I'd been able to keep a scorecard because it got a bit fuzzy for me. It all cleared up, fortunately, when I got to the end. If you're looking for a quick, enjoyable 'Dead At Third' is worth a quick read.
Wasn't sure how I felt about this one once I finished it, but I think the pros outweighed the cons, so I'm willing to see where the series goes from here. I love baseball so the premise attracted me straight away. Once I got into the story, I wished I'd been able to keep a scorecard because it got a bit fuzzy for me. It all cleared up, fortunately, when I got to the end. If you're looking for a quick, enjoyable 'Dead At Third' is worth a quick read.
July 2, 2020
When the cops won't do their job, PI Henry Walsh will
The police refuse to investigate a murder because a suspect has been provided. Henry and Alex want to know the truth, so they snoop and step on a few toes. This is a fun whodunnit. Henry and Alex's relationship works well on the page. The southern small town corruption is very realistic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The police refuse to investigate a murder because a suspect has been provided. Henry and Alex want to know the truth, so they snoop and step on a few toes. This is a fun whodunnit. Henry and Alex's relationship works well on the page. The southern small town corruption is very realistic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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