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Private Investigator James Benoit Heatley #0.5
A Matter of Vengeance
Life had taught Heat many valuable lessons.
Things like have a code to live by, the simpler the better.
Simple rules a man could live by.
Rules like whoever killed a man’s partner had to pay for that sin.
Rules like never take the rap for something you didn’t do.
And most important of all, never let somebody else do your dirty work for you.
Introducing P.I. James Benoit “Heat” Heatley in A Matter of Vengeance, a tale of Southern Noir.
Things like have a code to live by, the simpler the better.
Simple rules a man could live by.
Rules like whoever killed a man’s partner had to pay for that sin.
Rules like never take the rap for something you didn’t do.
And most important of all, never let somebody else do your dirty work for you.
Introducing P.I. James Benoit “Heat” Heatley in A Matter of Vengeance, a tale of Southern Noir.
87 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2021
6 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Sivils
41 books216 followersScience fiction and classic crime novels have long been favorites of author K.C. Sivils. A fan of past noir masters such as Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, Sivils also enjoys the current generation of storytellers like Matt Abraham, Renee Pawlish and Alex P. Berg.
The combination of film noir and science fiction in director Ridley Scott’s adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s sci-fi classic Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep into the masterful Harrison Ford vehicle Blade Runner encouraged him to consume as much of both genre’s as possible.
When not working at his real job, Sivils enjoys his family, his dogs, writing and rocking out to classic rock bands like the Rolling Stones, New Wave rockers The Cars, and the Godfathers of Punk, the Ramones.
Follow Author K.C. Sivils on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/k-c-s...
The combination of film noir and science fiction in director Ridley Scott’s adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s sci-fi classic Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep into the masterful Harrison Ford vehicle Blade Runner encouraged him to consume as much of both genre’s as possible.
When not working at his real job, Sivils enjoys his family, his dogs, writing and rocking out to classic rock bands like the Rolling Stones, New Wave rockers The Cars, and the Godfathers of Punk, the Ramones.
Follow Author K.C. Sivils on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/k-c-s...
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 3, 2022
This is prequel #0.5 to the series titled 'Private Investigator James Benoit Heatley'. This book is entirely stand alone, but will binge-lead you through the series. I found myself feeling like I was immersed in one of those old 1930s, 1940s private eye tales, but Heat and Amy are very modernly placed. I was shocked back into the present every time they used a cell phone.
Police Detectives Elijah Boucher, a Gentleman to his very toes, and his partner Miguel Garcia are investigating the brutal death of Wolfgang Johann 'Wolf' Pfeiffer, partner in the private investigations shop with James Benoit 'Heat' Heatley. Twenty-four year old Amerasian office manager/girl Friday to the private eyes was rescued by Wolf, and his death hits her very hard. Amy and Heat are willing to do almost anything to find justice for Wolf. They may have to.
K.C. Sivils writes a tight, intriguing tale peopled with folks that grab my sympathy and kinship immediately, and a mystery that always takes me by surprise. I am pleased to recommend his works to friends and family. He is an author that can lift you into another world.
Reviewed on February 3, 2022, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Nobles, BookBub, and Kobo. Not available for review on GooglePlay.
Police Detectives Elijah Boucher, a Gentleman to his very toes, and his partner Miguel Garcia are investigating the brutal death of Wolfgang Johann 'Wolf' Pfeiffer, partner in the private investigations shop with James Benoit 'Heat' Heatley. Twenty-four year old Amerasian office manager/girl Friday to the private eyes was rescued by Wolf, and his death hits her very hard. Amy and Heat are willing to do almost anything to find justice for Wolf. They may have to.
K.C. Sivils writes a tight, intriguing tale peopled with folks that grab my sympathy and kinship immediately, and a mystery that always takes me by surprise. I am pleased to recommend his works to friends and family. He is an author that can lift you into another world.
Reviewed on February 3, 2022, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Nobles, BookBub, and Kobo. Not available for review on GooglePlay.
June 29, 2021
Private investigator's partner is murdered and we learn who did it and why - 4.5 stars
When someone is violently murdered, it common to look for close friends and family. Heat, PI James Benoit Heatley, seemed to be suspect number one when the victim, Wolf (Wolfgang Johann Pfeiffer) is found battered on the street. Wolf and Heat were ex-cops, partners in their own private investigation firm, and known to have been disagreeing.
As the fast-moving story plays out, we are told that "many domestic partners have disagreements" and for sure "many arguments are about money". Case closed. Next. Well not that fast.
Amy is the office manager and can attest that Heat rescued her and many other young women from human trafficking. There is a huge demand for young women and drugs in many cities; Houston is no exception. The traffickers even branded their property to assure perpetual ownership rights.
Boucher and Miguel are Houston detectives, both of whom are still on speaking terms with Heat and, until recently, Wolf. When you are a cop, you have to follow the rules far more closely than a PI might.
A little undercover work turns up a working girl, "Blondie", who just may have seen Wolf when he was alive.
Working girl skills like noticing who is watching and using a cell phone surreptitiously are important survival skills.
A Matter of Vengeance is a quick, good read. Enjoy.
When someone is violently murdered, it common to look for close friends and family. Heat, PI James Benoit Heatley, seemed to be suspect number one when the victim, Wolf (Wolfgang Johann Pfeiffer) is found battered on the street. Wolf and Heat were ex-cops, partners in their own private investigation firm, and known to have been disagreeing.
As the fast-moving story plays out, we are told that "many domestic partners have disagreements" and for sure "many arguments are about money". Case closed. Next. Well not that fast.
Amy is the office manager and can attest that Heat rescued her and many other young women from human trafficking. There is a huge demand for young women and drugs in many cities; Houston is no exception. The traffickers even branded their property to assure perpetual ownership rights.
Boucher and Miguel are Houston detectives, both of whom are still on speaking terms with Heat and, until recently, Wolf. When you are a cop, you have to follow the rules far more closely than a PI might.
A little undercover work turns up a working girl, "Blondie", who just may have seen Wolf when he was alive.
Working girl skills like noticing who is watching and using a cell phone surreptitiously are important survival skills.
A Matter of Vengeance is a quick, good read. Enjoy.
September 1, 2021
A Matter of Vengeance - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Private Eye James Benoit 'Heat' Heatley's partner Wolfram 'Wolf' Pfeiffer has been found beaten to death with someone's bare knuckles and the police detectives in charge of the case question Heat first, before he proves he was on a case of his own.
Naturally Heat's soon on the trail of Wolf's killer too. Who's Blondie and how does she help Heat?
Amy's a pretty Amerasian former working girl, like the new flatmate Heat's asked her to give a room to, to keep her off the streets he rescued Amy from. Who's Amy's date?
Why does Blondie ring Heat to warn him about?
As time runs out for Amy, Heat's in full 'Terminator' mode, after forewarning police of his intentions and it's not long before the sex-traffickers and illegal casino owners who killed Wolf are paying the price of their evils acts.
Can justice be done in KC Sivils' excellent modern noir crime-thriller, A Matter of Vengeance?
Will our intrepid PI survive to solve another crime?
Get your copy of this atmospheric revenge-thriller today and revel in the revelations within!
Private Eye James Benoit 'Heat' Heatley's partner Wolfram 'Wolf' Pfeiffer has been found beaten to death with someone's bare knuckles and the police detectives in charge of the case question Heat first, before he proves he was on a case of his own.
Naturally Heat's soon on the trail of Wolf's killer too. Who's Blondie and how does she help Heat?
Amy's a pretty Amerasian former working girl, like the new flatmate Heat's asked her to give a room to, to keep her off the streets he rescued Amy from. Who's Amy's date?
Why does Blondie ring Heat to warn him about?
As time runs out for Amy, Heat's in full 'Terminator' mode, after forewarning police of his intentions and it's not long before the sex-traffickers and illegal casino owners who killed Wolf are paying the price of their evils acts.
Can justice be done in KC Sivils' excellent modern noir crime-thriller, A Matter of Vengeance?
Will our intrepid PI survive to solve another crime?
Get your copy of this atmospheric revenge-thriller today and revel in the revelations within!
February 24, 2023
"A Matter of Vengeance" didn't start well with two mentions of men's fashion brands on the first page - if you're going to be walking those mean streets I would question the practicality of wearing handcrafted loafers, but that's just me!
Heat and Wolf are P.I.'s, specialising in divorce work. Recently their working relationship has broken down, money has gone missing from the company, and Heat has been trying to figure out what's happening.
When Wolf is found beaten to death it is a race to the finished between Heat and the police - while the police will arrest the guilty parties, Heat is far more likely to go medieval on their asses.
It's a sordid story at heart and has several faults but, more importantly, it shows promise.
It doesn't last long enough to flesh the plot or the central characters out and it is a standalone for the moment - I'd definitely read more.
3 Stars.
Heat and Wolf are P.I.'s, specialising in divorce work. Recently their working relationship has broken down, money has gone missing from the company, and Heat has been trying to figure out what's happening.
When Wolf is found beaten to death it is a race to the finished between Heat and the police - while the police will arrest the guilty parties, Heat is far more likely to go medieval on their asses.
It's a sordid story at heart and has several faults but, more importantly, it shows promise.
It doesn't last long enough to flesh the plot or the central characters out and it is a standalone for the moment - I'd definitely read more.
3 Stars.
August 10, 2021
Great storyline, plenty of action
I really enjoyed this book. It had an good plot and enough action to keep me interested the whole way through. Heat is a monster of a detective with a big heart for those he cares about. After his partner is murdered, he has only Amy, his receptionist left close to him. Amy has a hard time choosing a good guy, often getting abused or mistreated, and that's where Heat steps in. The rest you'll have to read to find out. Good book worth reading!
I really enjoyed this book. It had an good plot and enough action to keep me interested the whole way through. Heat is a monster of a detective with a big heart for those he cares about. After his partner is murdered, he has only Amy, his receptionist left close to him. Amy has a hard time choosing a good guy, often getting abused or mistreated, and that's where Heat steps in. The rest you'll have to read to find out. Good book worth reading!
June 12, 2021
A novella introducing P.I. James Benoit Heatley, Heat. A crime noir thriller taking place in present day Houston. Heat doesn't like those who prey on women or murder his partner. He goes after those and gives them the heat they deserve. I'm very much looking forward to more stories in this series.
June 18, 2021
Wolf, Heat's PI partner, is murdered while on a case and Heat is determined to find out who did it and make them pay. Contains murder, torture, sex slavery and compassion. Heat is a likeable, but abrupt character with a heart of gold but dangerous when necessary. A possibility of more cases to follow. A good read. Recommended.
January 17, 2022
An excellent PI story. Heat's partner is found brutally murdered but with fists. Heat wants revenge but he talks to the 2 detectives he knows and they know he can be hot heated. Heat picks up a lead but hsi secretary and former sex slave is captured and thinks the worse can happen. Can Heat find her in time. Well worth reading
January 22, 2022
A fast-paced introduction to James Benoit (Heat) Heatley.
Heat is a grumpy no-nonsense private investigator looking into his partner's murder.
All the characters introduced here are well-formed and relatable.
I will definitely be reading more of this series.
Heat is a grumpy no-nonsense private investigator looking into his partner's murder.
All the characters introduced here are well-formed and relatable.
I will definitely be reading more of this series.
February 25, 2022
If you like mysteries and hard bitten detectives, this story will pull you in and keep you there all the way to the end. Very well written, believable characters who seem to be exactly who you expected them to be. Lots of action.
Give this story a good read and enjoy the people it reveals.
Give this story a good read and enjoy the people it reveals.
May 27, 2024
This is the prequel to the James Benoit series. It introduces Heat, Amy, Garcia, and Boucher through a human trafficking case and the murder of Heat's partner.
It kept my attention and I look forward to reading the first full length book.
It kept my attention and I look forward to reading the first full length book.
July 20, 2021
Exciting
Constant action of differing kinds like the main characters and a really good crime story as well.will get test of books
Constant action of differing kinds like the main characters and a really good crime story as well.will get test of books
August 25, 2021
A Matter of Vengeance
Interesting story about a private investigator who is savagely murdered and his partner who is determined to find his killer.
Interesting story about a private investigator who is savagely murdered and his partner who is determined to find his killer.
October 30, 2021
This prequel has me begging for more. This P. I. Is rough, tough and smart. Packed a lot into a short story. Good pacing and dialogue.
December 19, 2021
Maybe because the book's short but I didn't think that the PI did a lot of investigating. It was still a good read.
May 24, 2022
PI Heatley aka HEAT, has his secretary kidnapped and his partner (Wolf) killed. He solves the cases and saves his secretary.
August 6, 2023
Gripper thriller. Quick read & quite enjoyable
October 10, 2025
Discovering that the main character is called Heat, certainly created certain expectations with me of some heated exchanges looming in the plot...as they actually did.
But it also made me smile as I could foresee some fun too awaiting with some smart aleck/ humourous remarks waiting.
A Matter of Vengeance by author KC Sivils turned out to be quite an immersive prelude to a new series, confirming some expectations but impressing me too with the character of Heat as well as his sheer humanity revealed in unexpected and understated ways. I'll be happy indeed to follow his future exploits.
Enjoy
But it also made me smile as I could foresee some fun too awaiting with some smart aleck/ humourous remarks waiting.
A Matter of Vengeance by author KC Sivils turned out to be quite an immersive prelude to a new series, confirming some expectations but impressing me too with the character of Heat as well as his sheer humanity revealed in unexpected and understated ways. I'll be happy indeed to follow his future exploits.
Enjoy
December 23, 2025
HOLY CAP! I did enjoy Heat ana Amy's story and I was glad that he saved her and got her help when she was strung out on drugs by sex traders who used and abused women! I am so hooked that I can't spell! lol
March 20, 2024
Five stars doesn’t do this adrenaline-fueled, rollercoaster thrill ride justice! A Matter of Vengeance is detective noir at its finest. Sivils’ character P.I. James Benoit Heatley reminds a great deal of one of my all-time favorite gumshoes, Mike Hammer who was known for his two-fisted approach to dealing out justice. Sivils style reminds me of a 21st century version of Mickey Spillane, the American author who created Mike Hammer in 1947. Just as I, The Jury introduced many of us to Mike Hammer, A Matter of Vengeance introduces us to P.I. James Benoit “Heat” Heatley. I could draw many other parallels between Mike Hammer and James Benoit Heatly but doing that would border too closely on dropping spoilers and the least thing that I want to do is spoil this awesome read for you.
Just as Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer became a popular television series back in the days when I was just knee-high to a grasshopper growing up on the family farms, I can see the further adventures of James Benoit Heatedly becoming a popular television crime series today. I can’t wait to the next book in this series to become available. Meanwhile I’ll be ordering and reading some of his many other standalone novels and series.
Just as Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer became a popular television series back in the days when I was just knee-high to a grasshopper growing up on the family farms, I can see the further adventures of James Benoit Heatedly becoming a popular television crime series today. I can’t wait to the next book in this series to become available. Meanwhile I’ll be ordering and reading some of his many other standalone novels and series.
September 26, 2021
Author SIVILS does his detectives the way I like them...dark and conflicted, but with a strong sense of morals and a soft heart..Good read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews