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Jack Ryder, Logan Robert Crime Mystery #1-3

Jack Ryder Murder Mysteries Novellas 1 - 3

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Indulge in the allure of three masterfully crafted murder novellas that will keep you spellbound from start to finish.

Welcome to Owen Parr's enthralling novella series, Jack Ryder, Robert Logan Murder Mysteries, where you'll meet an extraordinary duo of crime-solving partners. Jack Ryder, a former Wall Street financial banker turned crime mystery writer, enjoys his idyllic life on a forty-four-foot yacht with his faithful beagle, Max, in the tranquility of South Beach. However, when Robert Logan, a former Army Special Forces member now working as a rookie homicide detective, offers Jack a choice between being a murder suspect or helping solve the crime, Jack's life takes an unexpected turn.

In the first novella, "The Case of the Dead Russian Spy," Jack finds himself entangled in a gruesome murder investigation, with the killers eerily mimicking the method from one of Jack's own novels. Logan enlists Jack's help, but there's a twist—the investigation must take place on Jack's boat, the Easy Ryder, docked at the Miami Beach Marina. As they delve into the enigma, they realize federal agents are closely observing their progress.

Subsequent novellas in the series present new challenges for Jack and Logan, demanding their unique skills to solve intricate murder cases. With a refreshing and contemporary twist, fans of classic detective stories like Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and Ellery Queen will be captivated by these cozy yet gripping murder mysteries. Jack Ryder and Logan Robert, with their blend of wit, intellect, and determination, are destined to become cherished characters among crime fiction enthusiasts.

In the second novella, "Murder on the Cruise to Nowhere," Jack and Logan find themselves trapped on a private yacht with fifteen members of a wealthy family, one of whom is a cold-blooded killer. Seeking refuge in Havana during an impending hurricane, they must uncover the truth before the Cuban authorities intervene and hold the entire family indefinitely.

Lastly, in "Murder at Beach Cove Hotel," Jack and Logan are unexpectedly quarantined in a Miami Beach hotel during a raging hurricane. With two guests mysteriously murdered and power outages severing communication, they must race against time to unveil the killer's identity before more lives are claimed.

Prepare to be enthralled until the final pages, as Owen Parr's masterful storytelling weaves suspense and intrigue throughout each novella. Fans of classic detective tales, including Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, will relish these exhilarating mysteries. Immerse yourself in this award-winning and best-selling series, showcasing Parr's unrivaled narrative finesse. Get ready for a literary experience that will leave you craving more from the dynamic partnership of Jack Ryder and Logan Robert.Don't even think about, get this unique and entertaining boxset today, and immerse yourself in a riveting murder mystery trifecta boxset.

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2020

276 people are currently reading
151 people want to read

About the author

Owen Parr

65 books85 followers
Owen Parr is a celebrated author, having won numerous awards for his unique and creative writing style. He has received Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards from respected organizations such as Reader's Favorite and the International Book Reviewer and Award organization. He has also been recognized by the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, Crime Masters International, and New Apple Award organizations. Many of his crime mystery novels have topped Amazon's bestseller list, with several reaching the number one spot.

Parr's novels stand out due to their unique crime mystery plots, full of twists and turns that keep readers engaged and challenged. His descriptions of scenes and characters are clear and concise, immersing readers in the story and allowing them to visualize the characters and settings.

Since 2015, Parr has created several series of novels, starting with the John Powers - International Espionage and Intrigue trilogy, followed by the Joey Mancuso, Father O'Brien Crime Mysteries - twelve novels of riveting crime and murder mysteries. Finally, he has written the Jack Ryder Novellas - three crime and murder mysteries, in the style of Agatha Christie.

Regardless of which series you start with, you will find yourself wanting to read them all, as each one is a treat to experience.

In addition to being an author, Parr is also a wealth advisor and portfolio manager with over 30 years of experience with Wall Street firms. He draws inspiration from his work and uses his observations to craft compelling white-collar crime stories that often reveal the underbelly of Wall Street.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Parr's parents immigrated to the US soon after the communist takeover of the island. Although he started college seeking an electrical engineering degree, he switched to marketing and business after finding the former to be lacking in creativity.

You can find out more about Parr and his work at www.owenparr.com or by emailing him at owen@owenparr.com. Parr donates a portion of his royalties each month to organizations such as St. Jude Hospital, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and the Towers to Tunnel Foundation.

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Brian's Book Blog.
805 reviews62 followers
March 8, 2021
Excellent Series

I knew going into this that I was likely going to enjoy it. I’ve really come to love the way that Parr writes his books – and this series, while a step away from his main characters, wasn’t really a step away from the things that make his books great. They each have a concise plot and a main character who isn’t your normal detective, but still is able to piece together the plot of the crime(s) given enough time and evidence.

Jack Ryder, an author, and now part-time helper for the police is thrown into three different cases here. I won’t dive too deep into each one because, even though they were three different stories – they all built on what the last one had, allowing both Ryder but also the stories to grow and mature in front of my eyes. The first story was the most intriguing, I loved the idea of someone committing a murder that was so spot on to a book that an author wrote that the author is now being questioned about it. It’s what caused Jack and Logan to start working together. This first story builds not only who Jack Ryder is, but how he approaches a case and how he was able to help out the police in solving a crime that he only committed in his story.

The second story had the old-school Agatha Christie feel to it and it’s mentioned numerous times throughout. Each time you think you know who the killer is the story changes a bit. I know that Parr is able to throw in more and more as the story progresses, but it really feels like your helping Ryder solve the crimes as he’s solving them. You’re right there with him as he walks Logan through what he’s thinking and why he comes to the conclusions that he does.

The third story, similar to the second, has that Agatha Christie feel to it, but was throw into a modern day hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic. This added some nice realistic touches (quarantine, no one could leave, etc), while not making any stances for or against it. The plot line and murder in this one was crazy and the final scenes where the admission of the crimes happens was crazy. Such a great payoff. Oh, and I forgot to mention that all of this was happening while a hurricane was bearing down on them.

Overall, I really enjoyed this series – I love Parr’s books and I loved the “new” character. His Beagle is also a fun addition along with the back and forth that he has with Logan. I hope that there are more stories like these and while I love the full-length books, I loved the bite-sized pieces that these novellas were too. Add in the great narration by Randy McCarten and you have one of the best mystery novellas (or series of them) that I’ve read in 2021.
7,766 reviews50 followers
August 11, 2021
THE DEAD RUSSIAN SPY
We meet Jack Ryder, the life he is now living, and writing crime stories. Then Detective Logan from Miami comes asking if he has watched the news at all. Of which he also gave up when he left New York. A killing same details as in his book. Thinking he has a special knack for solving crimes, they also would like to run the investigation from his boat. If not the Major wants him brought in for questioning. Jack has a sense of humor, he has been seeing the Detective sister. Telling him his dates have an expiration date. Good flowing story, and one likes Jack and his laid back ways.

MURDER IN THE CRUISE TO NOWHERE
A cruise staying aboard for any time longer than a day was not what Jack wanted. With a family group of fourteen to discuss family matters. With Detective Logan and Jack and their lady friends making up the list of guests. Odette was nice to be around and knowing Jack’s rule that all Ladies come with an expiration date. Meeting others that evening, and now for quiet time. When murder happened, they were to pass by Cuba and show there ID in person, and not wanting to say what happens. With detective Logan and the deduction of Jack what happened to bring this murder about. Good plot.

MURDER AT BEACH COVE HOTEL
Detective Logan calls and ask Jack fir his help. A murder at the Beach Cove Hotel just down the street where his boat slip is at. Quirky people are staying there, then they are quarantine, all during a hurricane that came. Trying to figure out murder was not easy.
Good three novellas to read and enjoy.
46 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2025
Owen Parr’s Jack Ryder novellas deliver fast-paced intrigue, clever plotting, and a likable protagonist with a sharp eye for detail. Each story hooks the reader quickly and keeps the tension high, making these short reads hard to put down. Parr has a real talent for weaving together suspense and character development in a compact format, which is no easy feat.

One hallmark of Parr’s writing is his frequent use of similes. While they add color and flair to his descriptions, he occasionally leans a bit too heavily on them. Some similes feel like a stretch, and at least one is repeated more than once across the three novellas. That said, the storytelling remains strong enough to forgive these stylistic quirks.

Fans of mystery fiction will enjoy this tightly written trio of cases, and Jack Ryder is a sleuth worth following through future investigations.
Profile Image for Carôle Ceres.
892 reviews9 followers
December 18, 2024
I listened to the audiobook version of this title , really well narrated by Randy McCarten. An even bigger bonus was that it is currently in the Audible Plus catalogue!

These three novellas were worthy novels!!! Nothing was missed, not plot, not suspense, not character development - nothing! Yet, they were definitely short stories and each of them packed a punch! I look forward to seeing Jack and Logan in future tales.
161 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2020
Jack Ryder Mysteries were very exciting to read.

I enjoyed these three Novellas a lot. Good plots and interesting background locations. I am so glad in the third book that Mac was invited to stay at the hotel with Jack. I always enjoy a book more when a fur companion is included. They always make the story a lot more enjoyable.
89 reviews
October 4, 2022
Ryder Mystery

I gave it four star because of the detective Logan, how did he manage to be a detective by being and acting dumb? He didn’t need help especially when he had a whole police force behind him. Otherwise the books was good.
22 reviews
October 22, 2022
Good mysteries set in Florida

I liked the idea of living on a boat following a divorce but not the series of women as it really makes Jack seem shallow. The actual mysteries in this set are pretty good. Frankly I liked the Joey Mancusco mysteries better
1,471 reviews7 followers
December 31, 2022
Great detective thrillers

This box set kept you guessing until the end. Loved the way the main character Jack worked out who the killers were. Can't wait to read more from this author.
3 reviews
September 24, 2023
Fun to read

I enjoy this author. His books are well written with very limited grammatical errors, if any. Stories are cohesive, move right along, does not repeat himself in his writings, and have humor interwoven in stories.
30 reviews
March 28, 2025
Fun Reads

I enjoyed all three of these novellas! They were fun books and a quick read! Perfect for some unexpectedly cold, rainy spring days when all I wanted to do was curl up with a blanket in my favorite chair with few not cups of tea!! They did not disappoint in any way!
171 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2025
Relaxing Break

A well written book or three, that keeps you guessing to the end. Although I read in order there is no real need to as their is a brief explanation given at the start.
1 review
July 15, 2021
Enjoyable read

I really enjoyed these novellas. Jack and Logan make a great team. The plots were twisting like a hurricane. Thumbs up
Profile Image for gwen graves.
1,227 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2022
Ok

I have other series by Parr and loved them, these not so much. Didn't care for the main character at all. The storyline was a little boring in all three novellas.
Profile Image for Kevin.
877 reviews41 followers
January 1, 2023
Unique

I enjoyed the short stories, the references to Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, were excellent, as the twists were found in abundance throughout the short stories.
36 reviews
January 30, 2023
Wonderful book

I enjoyed reading these mysteries very much. Kept me guessing. Well written and enjoyable. If you enjoy mysteries this is a must read
Profile Image for Kathy Smith.
3 reviews
March 7, 2023
Light easy read. I would like to see Jack develop a better view of women. He treats the women in his life like objects for his enjoyment and pleasure.
5 reviews
March 25, 2023
Must read.

Really enjoyed these books they keep you thinking. I think Owen Parr is a fantastic writer his stories keep you on your toes trying to figure out who the bad guys are.
Profile Image for Beth Helm.
1,075 reviews
June 24, 2024
Loved it

I loved all 3 of these stories. Each one was different and just as complex as one another. I loved that they were quicker reads.
31 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2025
Three great quick reads. Parr’s characters are always funny, quick witted and engaging. Jack Ryder doesn’t disappoint as the lead character in these books.
57 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2024
A great read for fans of crime fiction: it doesn't go too heavily into police procedural, the number of characters makes it easy to keep track of suspects as you read, and the writing is good so you're not distracted by errors. The setting and the rather nomadic lifestyle give a fresh feel, enough description to give you a sense of place and you feel that you're following the clues alongside the characters.
I also appreciated that it's not too 'macho', the protagonist has plenty of personality and yes, he apparently has enough charm to win over whichever women he sets his eye on, but Parr keeps it on the right side of being about the character's lifestyle rather than an eye-roll male fantasy!
Profile Image for Jerry Walch.
669 reviews17 followers
June 10, 2025
After reading Beneath the White Coats by Owen Parr, he has earned a spot on my top five favorite mystery/thriller authors’ list, and I’m on a mission to make one of the three books that I read every week one of his. Beneath the White Coats, which is book 4 in the Jack Ryder Mysteries series, so I grabbed this box set, which consists of the first three books in the series, all of which are novellas. Until I started reading the first novella, The Case of the Dead Russian Spy, did I realize that I had already read this box set. I’ve probably already reviewed these novellas since I almost always review every book that I read, but I’m going to review them again because Owen Parr is now one of my all-time favorite authors.

The Case of the Dead Russian Spy, Murder Aboard a Cruise to Nowhere, Murder at the Beach Cove Hotel, and Beneath the White Coats can be read in any order and enjoyed as standalone mysteries because Owen gives enough of Jack’s backstory in each of them. Hence, the reader will know what happened before the current story began. Still, I strongly recommend reading them in the order in which Owen wrote them.

If you read only one new author this summer, make that author Owen Parr.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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