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Dead by Sunrise: A small-town mystery with twists and turns that will keep you reading well past your bedtime
The first book in the bestselling mystery series by R.L. Ryker.Murder lurks in the shadows of the Pacific Northwest’s Olympic Mountains.Former major crimes detective Brandon Mattson returns to Forks, WA to take command of his hometown’s fledgling police force. Brandon’s respite from homicide is short-lived when a body washes ashore on the nearby Quileute Reservation.Vicious fang marks and a series of ominous vampire-related graffiti point to members of a local cult. But Brandon isn’t so sure wannabe vampires are to blame, and it soon becomes evident that more than one person had reason to murder the young woman.Balancing a homicide investigation, small-town politics, and raising a fifteen-year-old daughter, Brandon is running out of time to solve the case before the bloodthirsty killer claims another victim.
- GenresMysteryFictionProcedural
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2021
273 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 16, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am unsure why I struggled to finish this book, it became a chore rather than a pleasure.
I enjoyed the book, although it did seem to move very slowly, and from about the 70% mark, the book just seemed to lose appeal and it was like I was having to eat a huge plate of brussel sprouts (not a fan of them) that just didn't seem to reduce no matter how long I ate.
It breathed a huge sigh of relief when I finally got to the end.
I didn't feel that the characters were well developed, I kind of felt quite 'meh' about all of them.
I mean, this is not the worst book I have ever read, and I decided to give it a very average 3 stars.
I am unsure why I struggled to finish this book, it became a chore rather than a pleasure.
I enjoyed the book, although it did seem to move very slowly, and from about the 70% mark, the book just seemed to lose appeal and it was like I was having to eat a huge plate of brussel sprouts (not a fan of them) that just didn't seem to reduce no matter how long I ate.
It breathed a huge sigh of relief when I finally got to the end.
I didn't feel that the characters were well developed, I kind of felt quite 'meh' about all of them.
I mean, this is not the worst book I have ever read, and I decided to give it a very average 3 stars.
April 29, 2021
Enjoyable read with several tension-filled moments - but what would a murder mystery be with no tension and surprises? Having grown up in a small town, I felt like I knew some of the characters, i.e., those who never left, those who left and returned, those everyone liked to talk about behind their backs, and those who were up to no good and thought they were above the law. And having been there, I knew everyone would be watching the new police chief who returned to take a job others wanted. I found myself taking sides when questions of "who done it" were discussed in the book. While reading, I thought this book would make a great "prime time movie of the week." Lots of twists and turns in the plot which made solving the murders a bit more difficult. But, the new police chief is up to the challenge. The question is whether or not he is up to the challenge of old girlfriends, longtime enemies, and a teenage daughter who is as stubborn as her father. The author writes with a natural flow and easy rhythm of words, which I enjoyed. I laughed aloud several times while reading, and one of my favorite statements in the book was, "Roll with the punches or end up on your backside!" I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2023
Very enjoyable & real
For a book written outside of working hours & in the lunch hour sitting in his car - what a sterling effort! Impressive! I will gladly give you an Amazon review. And …. I look forward to the rest of your series and enjoying Forks even when I live on the other end of the world!! First off, thank you for taking the time to give us closure on the ending & not finish it in a rush of half a chapter length. And, well done on hiding the culprit in plain sight. A refreshing read that is not full of puffery & ‘sugar sweet folks’ but deals in down to earth reality. 4 stars because I cant find anything to dislike but, and this is not a criticism but a ‘would like to also see’, would have loved to be able to lose myself more in the physical setting of the scene descriptions, especially coming from someone who talks about the the last of the daylight being tucked away into the horizon (that’s a sympathetic & sensitive description that conures up a readers response) - I want to hear the wind soughing in the trees and smell the forest & experience the trees towering above me. Given the richness of the landscape I would like to dwell in some of that. When we get that, it will be 5 stars!! I’m off to buy Book 2!
For a book written outside of working hours & in the lunch hour sitting in his car - what a sterling effort! Impressive! I will gladly give you an Amazon review. And …. I look forward to the rest of your series and enjoying Forks even when I live on the other end of the world!! First off, thank you for taking the time to give us closure on the ending & not finish it in a rush of half a chapter length. And, well done on hiding the culprit in plain sight. A refreshing read that is not full of puffery & ‘sugar sweet folks’ but deals in down to earth reality. 4 stars because I cant find anything to dislike but, and this is not a criticism but a ‘would like to also see’, would have loved to be able to lose myself more in the physical setting of the scene descriptions, especially coming from someone who talks about the the last of the daylight being tucked away into the horizon (that’s a sympathetic & sensitive description that conures up a readers response) - I want to hear the wind soughing in the trees and smell the forest & experience the trees towering above me. Given the richness of the landscape I would like to dwell in some of that. When we get that, it will be 5 stars!! I’m off to buy Book 2!
May 15, 2021
Eventide is Book 1 in A Chief Mattson Mystery by R L Ryker. The story opens with Brandon Mattson driving to Forks, WA, his hometown as the new Chief of Police. I enjoyed the opening because I got the background on Brandon. Once he arrived at the Police Station, all ***breaks out. A murder on tribal land and a less than enthusiastic welcome by the police officers. The murder is different because the victim was bitten by vampire teeth and the town is about two weeks away from the Moonbeam Festival. There are several themes in the book. Brandon’s relationship with his father, a recent divorce with hus daughter coming for the summer, and an officer who leaks information and who does not like Brandon. I was guessing until the end. I was surprised at the conclusion and I thought this was such a good thriller mystery. Can’t wait to read book 2 in the series. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
May 8, 2021
I enjoyed this murder mystery. The characters are well thought out. Troubles from small town politics and the transition from big city detective to local police chief plays out well. Suspects abound but so is the press for a quick arrest.
Although the first few chapters do not seem to flow smoothly, it reflects Brandon's move back home. He seems at odds with everyone. He has no time to settle in before a young woman is found on the beach, murdered. Pressure from his family, the mayor, the press and his own police force provide several subplots as he refuses to give in. He antagonizes nearly everyone as he conducts a thorough investigation. It quickly becomes complicated.
I believe more background was needed for his relationships, especially with his daughter. I did enjoy the glimpses into west coast life and the changes forced on a town when they are the setting for a popular novel.
Although the first few chapters do not seem to flow smoothly, it reflects Brandon's move back home. He seems at odds with everyone. He has no time to settle in before a young woman is found on the beach, murdered. Pressure from his family, the mayor, the press and his own police force provide several subplots as he refuses to give in. He antagonizes nearly everyone as he conducts a thorough investigation. It quickly becomes complicated.
I believe more background was needed for his relationships, especially with his daughter. I did enjoy the glimpses into west coast life and the changes forced on a town when they are the setting for a popular novel.
June 6, 2021
I was not expecting to be drawn into the story so fast. I love the way the author pulls you in right at the beginning and makes it a hard book to put down till you have read it all. Brandon is fresh off his divorce and leaving Seattle after being a detective for ten years. He wants to slow down so he moves back to his home town taking the job of police chief. When he arrives to meet his new staff he is called away to investigate a possible murder where the victim has vampire like bite marks on her neck. The chief runs into all kinds of problems including the Mayor who wants to have a vampire festival and she keeps trying to stop the investigation. This story is fast paces and will keep you attention with lots of twists. I would recommend it to everyone.
June 17, 2021
Book Sirens eARC. Brandon, a veteran cop, returns to his home town of Forks, WA to take over as chief of police expecting small town policing. On his first day a young girl's body is discovered on a local beach. A vampire romance series has made Forks a tourist hot spot with an upcoming Moonbeam festival. Murder is bad for tourism and he is under a lot of pressure for a fast solve. Hampered by conflict within the force, uncooperative witnesses and too many suspects he finds himself challenged. However solid investigation saves the day with a twist. This is a solid police procedural with the vampire lore and location adding a touch of whimsey. Good character development enhances an enjoyable, slightly offbeat read. Would read this author again ...a good beginning to the series.
May 26, 2021
When former Homicide Detective Brandon moved back to his home town as Chief of Police he assumed life would be a little easier in a small town than in the big city. He learned that it wasn't so on his first day on the job.
A young woman was murdered with vampire bites on her neck. Little did Brandon know that not only did he have to solve the murder but deal with the pressure from the city mayor, newspaper reporter, town gossip and leaks in his department.
With a handful of suspects he must find the killer before they strike again.
Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own
A young woman was murdered with vampire bites on her neck. Little did Brandon know that not only did he have to solve the murder but deal with the pressure from the city mayor, newspaper reporter, town gossip and leaks in his department.
With a handful of suspects he must find the killer before they strike again.
Thank you Booksirens and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own
May 27, 2021
Not read anything by the author before but the summary sounded good and I thought it worth a try.
I liked the characters, sometimes I got a little confused with the interchanging use of a person's name but that's probably just me.
The plot twisted and turned enough to keep it engaging without becoming too complicated. I enjoyed the sub plots as well, they added to the story and characters.
I enjoyed the book from beginning to end and am glad I took a chance on a new to me author.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I liked the characters, sometimes I got a little confused with the interchanging use of a person's name but that's probably just me.
The plot twisted and turned enough to keep it engaging without becoming too complicated. I enjoyed the sub plots as well, they added to the story and characters.
I enjoyed the book from beginning to end and am glad I took a chance on a new to me author.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
April 17, 2021
The story of an ex homicide detective returning to his home town to become Chief of Police. A strong storyline which was well written. The twists and turns of the murder case kept me guessing . Hoping that there will be more books about Forks and its Police Chief as I feel that there is a great deal more to know. Highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 28, 2021
A story of difficulties encountered in reconciling with a divorce, a stressed teenage daughter, a new job in a new city, a romance from the past, a new romance and building a team at work whilst looking for a murderer. A good and well written plot that gets the reader´s attention from the beginning. Entertaining and eady to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 18, 2021
Action packed
A compelling mix of murder mystery, local politics, personal family and love-life drama set in the Pacific Northwest. As expected for the first book of a series, though the central crime in this one is eventually solved, there are many other mysteries about the area, an older unsolved murder with a personal connection for Mattson, and a number of other ongoing story lines that are left dangling. The reader is enticed to continue with book #2!
A compelling mix of murder mystery, local politics, personal family and love-life drama set in the Pacific Northwest. As expected for the first book of a series, though the central crime in this one is eventually solved, there are many other mysteries about the area, an older unsolved murder with a personal connection for Mattson, and a number of other ongoing story lines that are left dangling. The reader is enticed to continue with book #2!
June 7, 2023
Much better than expected
At first - the reference to vampires turned me off and I almost deleted this book without reading it. But I'm very glad that I didn't do that! It turned out to be a superb tale of great detective work. The talk of trust and distrust was well handled (I've been in a similar situation and like the way it was handled in this story!). And the few vampire parts were not objectional after all!
At first - the reference to vampires turned me off and I almost deleted this book without reading it. But I'm very glad that I didn't do that! It turned out to be a superb tale of great detective work. The talk of trust and distrust was well handled (I've been in a similar situation and like the way it was handled in this story!). And the few vampire parts were not objectional after all!
April 15, 2021
Well written book focusing on a new police chief in a small town. There were murders to solve but that was only one element of the story. Woven between the main genre of the book were family dynamics, small town views, and hints of romance.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
July 20, 2022
Forks WA a slightly different view
I admit I haven't read the famous vampire books. But I loved the tie in to local fictional lore. The story is well written. The characters interesting. My job had me in Forks a couple of times a week, for a couple of years. I could easily view the town and people through both the writing and personal experiences. I highly recommend this book.
I admit I haven't read the famous vampire books. But I loved the tie in to local fictional lore. The story is well written. The characters interesting. My job had me in Forks a couple of times a week, for a couple of years. I could easily view the town and people through both the writing and personal experiences. I highly recommend this book.
January 8, 2024
Its a fun time. This has everything you want in a nice mystery story. There are a couple slow parts inbetween the juicy parts but that's fine, keeps you reading more. I also enjoyed the touch of the supernatural in the story. Pleasantly surprised to find out there are more books with these characters! Can't wait to keep reading!
December 16, 2021
Mytery.
I liked this book because of the people in it.The new chief of police seemed real to me with real family prolems.I will be reading more of these books ad they ate written.Good job.
I liked this book because of the people in it.The new chief of police seemed real to me with real family prolems.I will be reading more of these books ad they ate written.Good job.
November 29, 2022
Mattson Mysteries
I like the characters and how everything played out. I read the book in one day. The twist and turns made it hard to put down. The end of the book put everything in perspective. Never saw it coming. Was surprised
I like the characters and how everything played out. I read the book in one day. The twist and turns made it hard to put down. The end of the book put everything in perspective. Never saw it coming. Was surprised
August 4, 2023
Great police story
This was a great story with modern day technology to catch the guilty parties. It shows so much of what officers go through with bad newspaper personnel and even each other at times. GREAT JOB R.L.!!!
This was a great story with modern day technology to catch the guilty parties. It shows so much of what officers go through with bad newspaper personnel and even each other at times. GREAT JOB R.L.!!!
August 24, 2023
Dead by Sunrise
Dead by Sunrise was a refreshing improvement on my reading of late. The author kept my attention from start to finish. The resolutions of the Crimes were believable. The characters were interesting. I am anxious to keep reading stories by R.L. Ryker.
Dead by Sunrise was a refreshing improvement on my reading of late. The author kept my attention from start to finish. The resolutions of the Crimes were believable. The characters were interesting. I am anxious to keep reading stories by R.L. Ryker.
January 31, 2024
Non stop reading.
I had trouble putting it down each evening.
It was very well written and never lagged in interest. I definitely recommend this for anyone who enjoys a good who-done-it mystery.
I had trouble putting it down each evening.
It was very well written and never lagged in interest. I definitely recommend this for anyone who enjoys a good who-done-it mystery.
February 21, 2024
A great “ Who Done It”.
Interesting story. Believable characters. Good discription of small town interactions. Insightful of how easy sex relationships can cause problems. Also reveals how the press can cause a lot of unrest in a small town.
Interesting story. Believable characters. Good discription of small town interactions. Insightful of how easy sex relationships can cause problems. Also reveals how the press can cause a lot of unrest in a small town.
April 5, 2024
R L Ryker sets a steady pace
Dead by Sunrise brings the reader into a small town in Washington that has history, suspense, and an interesting twist at the end. The reader will enjoy how this book was written and look forward to more by this author.
Dead by Sunrise brings the reader into a small town in Washington that has history, suspense, and an interesting twist at the end. The reader will enjoy how this book was written and look forward to more by this author.
April 19, 2021
Convoluted
Round and round. Simple murders but so much extra turmoil that it was all n hidden in the mess. Great side stories.
Round and round. Simple murders but so much extra turmoil that it was all n hidden in the mess. Great side stories.
June 11, 2021
Great mystery
This is a great story that intrigues you and keeps you wa noting to renal more! Great writing! Loved this book!
This is a great story that intrigues you and keeps you wa noting to renal more! Great writing! Loved this book!
June 17, 2021
Good
a book a small town who are not willing to work with the new chief of police in this small town.
a book a small town who are not willing to work with the new chief of police in this small town.
July 14, 2021
A well thought out mystery
There are many characters in this story. All or none of them could be guilty of mayhem and murder. It was hard to put the bok down.
There are many characters in this story. All or none of them could be guilty of mayhem and murder. It was hard to put the bok down.
February 10, 2022
This is a great read!
This was the first book I've read by this author - really enjoyed it! Strong plot with believable characters. Ordering the next in series now...
This was the first book I've read by this author - really enjoyed it! Strong plot with believable characters. Ordering the next in series now...
June 7, 2022
A surprisingly good read
Different from the usual cozy mysteries I find here...Surprisingly good read and I would gladly recommend this to anyone who loves mysteries
Different from the usual cozy mysteries I find here...Surprisingly good read and I would gladly recommend this to anyone who loves mysteries
June 21, 2022
A rather slow start to a first book in a series. The pace picked up about halfway with a pretty surprising conclusion. Not a cliffhanger. I will definitely continue the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews