Forewarned but Unheeded

Ryan Mallardi Private Investigations #4

by R. Shannon

Ryan Mallardi's premonitions about his friend and client Jean-Francois Lenoir, unfortunately, come true. JF, as his family called him, is the wealthy patriarch of an international tire conglomerate, recently widowed, but more recently remarried to a woman 30 years his junior, who seemed to make him very happy. Some would say he was 'over the moon' about his beautiful wife Tara, and some others would say he was obsessed with her.

If he was deliriously happy or obsessed, why would JF commit suicide only a few days before his 75th birthday party? Did JF, in a moment of despair, kill himself? After all, his oldest son, Francois, identified the writing in the suicide note as his father's handwriting. Or were Tara and her boyfriend-on the-side, Anthony, guilty of murder?

Ryan's premonition about JF came from surveillance he did on Tara over the last several months so he knew the backstory, but more on that later. Ryan is hired onto the case by JF's son, Francois, to find out what really happened and to also watch the police as Francois doesn't like what they are beginning to insinuate about him being the biggest inheritor. Ryan agrees to take the case only if Francois agrees to a quest for truth no matter where it leads. After a few moments of hesitation, Francois agreed. What was Francois' hesitation about? Was it a suicide or murder? Was it the cheating wife? Or her paramour? Or did JF's loving son choose to sacrifice his own father to protect the family empire?

When there are billions of dollars at stake, much of which is now ready to change many hands, any one of the immediate family, or even the extended family who have flown in for Grandpa's birthday party, could be a likely suspect.

Ryan Mallardi investigates the case, while trying to stay clear of the investigating cops who are focusing on the very person Ryan doesn't want to be guilty. He is doing this all the while planning to get his girlfriend Colleen an engagement ring, which is a whole other story in itself that leads to a couple of shocking revelations in the case. Ryan is committed to a quest for truth for JF, even if the outcome is not going to make the rich family happy.

Genres: Mystery, Contemporary

313 pages, ebook

Published January 4, 2021

About the author

R. Shannon’s novels are Catholic and Christian friendly and feature an ensemble of interesting characters. The stories are written in a slice of life style with light humor, biblical morality and heart.

She was born and raised in New Jersey and has lived over 20 years in Florida.

When not writing, she is coding web design and contributing to a “new author” blog. Be sure to sign up at www.readfirstchapter.com to get notice of new and/or early releases.

She loves to interact with readers, so if you enjoyed the book, please feel free to email her at rshannon@readfirstchapter.com

Reviews

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forewarned but Unheeded by R. Shannon is a riveting mystery that dives into wealth, deception, and deadly secrets. Private investigator Ryan Mallardi is hired to uncover the truth behind the suspicious death of Jean-Francois Lenoir, a billionaire whose apparent suicide raises more questions than answers. With a much younger wife, Tara, and billions at stake, every family member becomes a suspect—including his son, Francois, who stands to inherit the most.

The novel expertly weaves suspense, intricate relationships, and corporate intrigue, keeping the reader engaged through unexpected twists. Ryan’s personal life, particularly his plans to propose to his girlfriend, adds a human element to the fast-paced investigation. The characters are well-developed, with layered motivations that make it difficult to discern friend from foe.

Shannon’s writing is sharp and immersive, balancing detailed detective work with gripping psychological tension. The book maintains a steady pace, with revelations that shift perspectives just as the reader thinks they’ve solved the mystery. The blend of wealth, betrayal, and high stakes makes this a compelling read for fans of crime thrillers. Forewarned but Unheeded is a cleverly plotted whodunit that keeps you guessing until the very end.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written romantic suspense that has an ensamble cast facing real life challenges. The interactions between the characters makes for very interesting reading and the faith based foundation adds grounding to the story. I am not Catholic but found the perspectives of Fr Liam to be powerful and inspiring.

This is the 4th and weakest of this series. I had guessed the killer very early and the suspense never reached the level in the other books. Still not bad, just not great.

[Julee M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I appreciate the Christian aspect, I didn't have to wade through explicit sex scenes that added nothing to the story. The mystery itself was wonderful, full of twists and turns to an ending that made sense.
I recommend this book with 5 stars. Well done

[paulette sarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good mystery

This story kept you guessing until the end. The mystery part of the story was good but the romantic part with Colleen and Ryan was a little cheesy and dull.

[Lawrence Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twisting who dunnit love story

Step by step murder mystery with twists and turns and an interwoven love story. If I need a private detective, I want Ryan Mallardi. Well done.