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Charlie Crawford Mystery #10
Palm Beach Taboo
There’s a dangerous cult in Palm Beach.
All about philanthropy and altruism, they say. All about sex and money, Crawford and Ott say.
Then there’s a brutal stabbing…make that sex and money and MURDER!
Suspects? Well, there's a billionaire heiress, an ex-movie star, a former member of Skull and Bones, a Blackwater psychopath…and the bizarre thing, they’re members of the Mensa society!
All about philanthropy and altruism, they say. All about sex and money, Crawford and Ott say.
Then there’s a brutal stabbing…make that sex and money and MURDER!
Suspects? Well, there's a billionaire heiress, an ex-movie star, a former member of Skull and Bones, a Blackwater psychopath…and the bizarre thing, they’re members of the Mensa society!
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2021
503 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Tom Turner
16 books91 followersA native New Englander, Tom Turner ran a bar in Vermont after college, then moved to New York and spent time as an award-winning copywriter at several Manhattan advertising agencies.
After years of post-Mad Men life, he made a radical change and got a job in commercial real estate. A few years later he ended up in Palm Beach, buying, renovating and selling houses. On the side, he wrote Palm Beach Nasty, its sequel, Palm Beach Poison, and a screenplay, Underwater.
While at a wedding, he fell for the charm of Charleston, South Carolina, and moved there. He recently completed his third novel entitled, Killing Time in Charleston.
After years of post-Mad Men life, he made a radical change and got a job in commercial real estate. A few years later he ended up in Palm Beach, buying, renovating and selling houses. On the side, he wrote Palm Beach Nasty, its sequel, Palm Beach Poison, and a screenplay, Underwater.
While at a wedding, he fell for the charm of Charleston, South Carolina, and moved there. He recently completed his third novel entitled, Killing Time in Charleston.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 8, 2022
Great page turner. Couldn't put it down. There's a dangerous cult in Palm Beach.
All about philanthropy and altruism, they say. All about sex and money, Crawford and Ott say.
Then there's a brutal stabbing...make that sex and money and MURDER!
Suspects? Well, there's a billionaire heiress, an ex-movie star, a former member of Skull and Bones, a Blackwater psychopath...and the bizarre thing, they're members of the Mensa society!
All about philanthropy and altruism, they say. All about sex and money, Crawford and Ott say.
Then there's a brutal stabbing...make that sex and money and MURDER!
Suspects? Well, there's a billionaire heiress, an ex-movie star, a former member of Skull and Bones, a Blackwater psychopath...and the bizarre thing, they're members of the Mensa society!
January 12, 2021
A well written murder mystery that not only kept me turning pages, but since I live near Palm Beach, some of the references were definitely familiar to me which made this mystery even more fun. Detective Charlie Crawford and his partner Mort Ott were given a murder in the early morning hours to investigate. It seems, the victim was a part of a cult type community that claimed to be philanthropic doing only good for the community. With the members being a part of the Mensa community or having billions they could bring into the community, Charlie and Mort have their many suspects and none at the same time! This is a fast paced read with lots of dots to connect that don't seem to want to connect. And maybe there is a second murder committed before the first one and who tried to kill one of the members who left the membership. What exactly does this cult do and are the murders related to money? Who are these people and what are their backgrounds? How do they all seem to have an alibi? Is it an inside job? What about the head of this cult, Crux? Is he beyond being a suspect? So many dots to connect that leave our detectives scratching their heads. Can they actually find the real murder or murderers? A page turner you can't put down once you start and it has you guessing along with the detectives. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
January 10, 2021
This was a fun murder mystery. There were so many possible murderers. It made you want to keep reading to find out who did it!
Thanks to the author for a digital ARC of this book.
Thanks to the author for a digital ARC of this book.
January 15, 2021
Twisty! Exciting! Addictive! Suspenseful! Keeps you guessing! Everything you could want in a modern thriller!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
October 30, 2025
Another excellent read by one of my favorite online author.
Ott and Crawford are involved in solving a murder or a series of murders within a cult.
The chase scene got my blood pumping and heart rate up.
Ott and Crawford are involved in solving a murder or a series of murders within a cult.
The chase scene got my blood pumping and heart rate up.
December 17, 2020
Palm Beach Taboo - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Charlie Crawford's woken at an ungodly hour by his police partner Mort Ott, alerting him to the discovery of a murder victim's corpse in their district. Trying to establish who's who in the wealthy commune of people living at the victim's address, (or one of four others owned by SOAR), is not easy.
When a witness and former cult member is viciously attacked, after being interviewed by Crawford, suspicions are further aroused.
From then on, the pressure on Charlie and Mort rises considerably, as their Chief demands quick results 'at almost any cost'!
Tom Turner smoothly brings the reader up to breakneck speed, while the action moves from place to place, as the dynamic duo link witnesses' statements, while Janet at the station digs out their backgrounds and relationships.
Another attempted murder, followed by a speedboat, land and air chase to nab the villains will have you rooting for Charlie, Ott and their team to make like the Mounties and get their men.
Don't hesitate to grab your copy of Tom Turner's 5-star crime-thriller, Palm Beach Taboo today - it'll keep you on the edge of your seat - guaranteed!
Charlie Crawford's woken at an ungodly hour by his police partner Mort Ott, alerting him to the discovery of a murder victim's corpse in their district. Trying to establish who's who in the wealthy commune of people living at the victim's address, (or one of four others owned by SOAR), is not easy.
When a witness and former cult member is viciously attacked, after being interviewed by Crawford, suspicions are further aroused.
From then on, the pressure on Charlie and Mort rises considerably, as their Chief demands quick results 'at almost any cost'!
Tom Turner smoothly brings the reader up to breakneck speed, while the action moves from place to place, as the dynamic duo link witnesses' statements, while Janet at the station digs out their backgrounds and relationships.
Another attempted murder, followed by a speedboat, land and air chase to nab the villains will have you rooting for Charlie, Ott and their team to make like the Mounties and get their men.
Don't hesitate to grab your copy of Tom Turner's 5-star crime-thriller, Palm Beach Taboo today - it'll keep you on the edge of your seat - guaranteed!
January 15, 2021
43 people belong to SOAR which is supposedly not a cult but is a congregation. One of the members has been found with his throat slashed. Clues are pointing towards someone in the house who did the deed. Ten people live in this house. The rest live in four other houses nearby. They say they are
philanthropic and help the community. One member has left the group and appears to be afraid of what may happen to him. Why should he be afraid if they only do good in the community? Everybody in this group is either very rich or highly intelligent.
A woman who bought the first 2 houses has passed on. They say from natural causes, but was it?
She was a younger woman who appeared to be in good health.
Detectives Crawford and Ott have a lot of suspects. Will the killer be someone from this group? Will they be able to crack this case?
This story is very well written and the plot is well thought out. I enjoyed reading this book.
I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is strictly my own.
philanthropic and help the community. One member has left the group and appears to be afraid of what may happen to him. Why should he be afraid if they only do good in the community? Everybody in this group is either very rich or highly intelligent.
A woman who bought the first 2 houses has passed on. They say from natural causes, but was it?
She was a younger woman who appeared to be in good health.
Detectives Crawford and Ott have a lot of suspects. Will the killer be someone from this group? Will they be able to crack this case?
This story is very well written and the plot is well thought out. I enjoyed reading this book.
I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is strictly my own.
January 15, 2021
Charlie Crawford and Mort Ott are good old fashioned detectives. They follow the clues with determination, but are not afraid to stretch the boundaries to solve their case. Good detectives with snarky come backs and have each other’s backs. Detectives just doing their job that they still like.
An early call takes them to a mansion in Palm beach to find a man in a “supine” position as Mort likes to say, indicating a dead body. This one in bed. There were nine other people in the house but none of them knew anything. As the investigation proceeds the detectives learn that all the individuals are part of a “congregation” that claims to be philanthropic which sounds more like a cult to Charlie. The old adage, follow the money, has the detectives stumped for a while; but the author does a great job of connecting the clues and leading the reader along on a fun and satisfying read. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. The comments and review are my honest opinion.
An early call takes them to a mansion in Palm beach to find a man in a “supine” position as Mort likes to say, indicating a dead body. This one in bed. There were nine other people in the house but none of them knew anything. As the investigation proceeds the detectives learn that all the individuals are part of a “congregation” that claims to be philanthropic which sounds more like a cult to Charlie. The old adage, follow the money, has the detectives stumped for a while; but the author does a great job of connecting the clues and leading the reader along on a fun and satisfying read. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. The comments and review are my honest opinion.
January 13, 2021
PALM.BEACH,TABOO..# 10
...Tom.Turner.
Ten people living together in this one house their purpose was to help others, now one has been murdered. They have five houses and 43 in their secret congregation. What is the motive, to be a leader, and the greed of money to buy more houses in the four years it was began. First was a woman who had bought two homes, in good health and died way too young.
A good flowing plot, one is intrigue of what could motivate them to have this kind of life style while in Palm Beach
Given Arc for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
...Tom.Turner.
Ten people living together in this one house their purpose was to help others, now one has been murdered. They have five houses and 43 in their secret congregation. What is the motive, to be a leader, and the greed of money to buy more houses in the four years it was began. First was a woman who had bought two homes, in good health and died way too young.
A good flowing plot, one is intrigue of what could motivate them to have this kind of life style while in Palm Beach
Given Arc for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
January 8, 2021
Charlie and Ott are detectives trying to solve several murders involving a so called church organization that actually is not a regular organization. Most of the members are filthy rich and that is how they "buy" spots in this organization. Suspects of the murders change frequently with members accusing each other of crimes but who is telling the truth the and who is falsifying the facts?
It's a fun ride with many twists and turns with the suspects not found until near the end.
It's a fun ride with many twists and turns with the suspects not found until near the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2021
Although this is the tenth book in the series, this is the first one I've read. This could be read as a stand alone book. The characters were interesting with snarky dialogue that I tend to enjoy. The story was well written and the mystery well plotted.
Crawford and Ott, homicide detectives are investigating the murder of a member of a new religious order or cult depending on who they speak to.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Crawford and Ott, homicide detectives are investigating the murder of a member of a new religious order or cult depending on who they speak to.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
January 15, 2021
I look forward to the new Charlie Crawford adventures. This new book didn't disappoint. It had a little bit different background for the story and different types of characters. It moved right along keeping your interest the entire way. The back and forth between Charlie and Ott is sharp as ever.I won't go into the story except to say you will enjoy it. Only bad part is the wait for the next installment.
January 31, 2021
Best one yet.
I was excited to see another installment of this series. I was not disappointed. Det. Charlie Crawford is back in full form. He and his side kick Det. Off have to figure out who killed a man who was the treasurer of a cult. Suspects galore. Reaquainting with Real Estate Mogul and former FWB Rose, and Charlie's girlfriend Dominica. A added bonus was to read the growth in Charlie's character, unusual in a detective novel. He's moving on up.
I was excited to see another installment of this series. I was not disappointed. Det. Charlie Crawford is back in full form. He and his side kick Det. Off have to figure out who killed a man who was the treasurer of a cult. Suspects galore. Reaquainting with Real Estate Mogul and former FWB Rose, and Charlie's girlfriend Dominica. A added bonus was to read the growth in Charlie's character, unusual in a detective novel. He's moving on up.
February 8, 2021
Guessing all the way to the end
Generally, I've got a good sense of whodunnit in these murder mysteries. I couldn't even begin to tell you why theydunnit, ever. This Palm Beach Taboo, though? So many plausible suspects, even when knocked out of the frame.
Crawford and Ott are great characters. Not sure they would be my friends, but they are good detectives no doubt. Very enjoyable, and very well done. I want more in this series, for sure.
Generally, I've got a good sense of whodunnit in these murder mysteries. I couldn't even begin to tell you why theydunnit, ever. This Palm Beach Taboo, though? So many plausible suspects, even when knocked out of the frame.
Crawford and Ott are great characters. Not sure they would be my friends, but they are good detectives no doubt. Very enjoyable, and very well done. I want more in this series, for sure.
January 12, 2021
I enjoyed this police procedural, but I thought that the storyline moved a little slow. It is an entertaining story with Detectives Charlie Crawford and his partner, Mort Ott. Some of the scenes could have been left out and the story would still have been played out. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 13, 2021
A dead body in a secure building of the SOAR cult with his throat cut. A lot of suspects that live in this community. Detectives Crawford and Ott get the assignment. A wealthy female investor of SOAR has died very young, supposedly from a brain aneurysm. Murder, money stealing and blackmail are all part of the novel.
January 13, 2021
One of my favorite authors, Willow Rose, recommended this book to me, so I downloaded it. While I did enjoy it, I felt that it moved rather slow (or, at least, it felt like it took me forever to read). There were SO many characters. But, on the other hand, there were SO many suspects, so that was kind of fun.
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January 27, 2021D heisler
5.0 out of 5 stars palm Beach Taboo
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2021
This book was very interesting and moved along very nicely. I enjoyed the characters and the plot was handled in a fresh style. The detectives had depth and were very likeable. The "who dunnit" aspect keeps the reader guessing as to who really did it. This is a new author to me and I liked his book
5.0 out of 5 stars palm Beach Taboo
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2021
This book was very interesting and moved along very nicely. I enjoyed the characters and the plot was handled in a fresh style. The detectives had depth and were very likeable. The "who dunnit" aspect keeps the reader guessing as to who really did it. This is a new author to me and I liked his book
February 8, 2021
Genious
Very often there is less quality when a series of books are written about a person or persons escapades. Not true of Tom Turners efforts . Each books has been a fresh and exciting work detailing a pair of detectives with great dialog as the solve a who done it . Really worth the time to follow this author.
Very often there is less quality when a series of books are written about a person or persons escapades. Not true of Tom Turners efforts . Each books has been a fresh and exciting work detailing a pair of detectives with great dialog as the solve a who done it . Really worth the time to follow this author.
February 16, 2021
SOAR or DESCEND
Crawford and Ott catch a tough case involving Mensa suspects...many suspects. Smart, rich characters "aiding" the poor while "helping" themselves. Characters were too judgemental. My favorite was Ott, who was the most realistic. Liked Charlie, too; he wasn't your "typical" detective and that was nice.
Crawford and Ott catch a tough case involving Mensa suspects...many suspects. Smart, rich characters "aiding" the poor while "helping" themselves. Characters were too judgemental. My favorite was Ott, who was the most realistic. Liked Charlie, too; he wasn't your "typical" detective and that was nice.
April 8, 2022
32-2022. Such a pleasurable read! I have loved this series. Breezy murder mystery with sarcastic detectives and fun sidekicks. Suspects are rich and /or pompous, and there is lots of fun made of the really rich folk. Reminds me of a Hiaasen book, also set in Florida. I hope for another one someday.
January 14, 2021
Another great one
Once again enjoyed crime in Palm Beach with Crawford & Ott. The plot isn’t complicated but it is enjoyable how you get to the end. Although this could be read as a stand alone, I would start at the beginning of the series. Thanks Mr. Turner!
Once again enjoyed crime in Palm Beach with Crawford & Ott. The plot isn’t complicated but it is enjoyable how you get to the end. Although this could be read as a stand alone, I would start at the beginning of the series. Thanks Mr. Turner!
January 19, 2021
A good read.
I enjoyed reading about Charlie Crawford and his partner, Mort Ott. The story was exciting and intriguing, keeping the suspense all the way through. I liked the descriptions of Palm Beach and the characters too. I am going to read more about these detectives
I enjoyed reading about Charlie Crawford and his partner, Mort Ott. The story was exciting and intriguing, keeping the suspense all the way through. I liked the descriptions of Palm Beach and the characters too. I am going to read more about these detectives
January 22, 2021
Enjoyable as always
I've read them all and found them entertaining. The characters are interesting and so are the plots. These are not great literature but are great entertainment which I'm appreciating just now.
I've read them all and found them entertaining. The characters are interesting and so are the plots. These are not great literature but are great entertainment which I'm appreciating just now.
January 31, 2021
Good one charlie
Wow super good story line and as always Charlie and got have a go at the elitists of palm beach all the regulars are in and the just when you think you got it figured it twists so good story. Saying Pur a vida from costa Rica
Wow super good story line and as always Charlie and got have a go at the elitists of palm beach all the regulars are in and the just when you think you got it figured it twists so good story. Saying Pur a vida from costa Rica
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February 7, 2021Entertaining story
Some typos . These are police stories solving murders . Some procedural stuff , a lot of conversation . Interesting characters . Easy reading .
Some typos . These are police stories solving murders . Some procedural stuff , a lot of conversation . Interesting characters . Easy reading .
February 21, 2021
Cult question?
This store has more possible suspects than not. Most live the same mansion and all have their own quirks. Crawford and Ott work their way through the list and keep adding to it. Finally they start making some progress.
This store has more possible suspects than not. Most live the same mansion and all have their own quirks. Crawford and Ott work their way through the list and keep adding to it. Finally they start making some progress.
March 17, 2021
Another page turner!
This book has an easy read flow to it. I like that the author didn’t try to complicate this read by overstuff scenes. It was fairly predictable who the villains were after meeting them. But that didn’t kill the suspense.
This book has an easy read flow to it. I like that the author didn’t try to complicate this read by overstuff scenes. It was fairly predictable who the villains were after meeting them. But that didn’t kill the suspense.
October 18, 2022
another top notch book
Crawford and Ott are investigating a “Cult” merger and have a cadre of suspects to run down. Great story line, and Crawford is put in the line of fire. After which he decides to finally buy a condo. Great read
Crawford and Ott are investigating a “Cult” merger and have a cadre of suspects to run down. Great story line, and Crawford is put in the line of fire. After which he decides to finally buy a condo. Great read
August 9, 2023
Lots of twists and turne
Classic Charlie Crawford with a few unexpected twists. A little short on the Ott humor and definitely short with Charlie's love life. Still, well worth the read.
Classic Charlie Crawford with a few unexpected twists. A little short on the Ott humor and definitely short with Charlie's love life. Still, well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews