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John Ceepak Mystery #5
Mind Scrambler
Police officers John Ceepak and Danny Boyle are making the rounds in Atlantic City when Danny runs into his former crush, Katie. She's working for a magician named Rock, and her life seems to be in better order than Boyle could have hoped for. But the pair soon find themselves on another case when Katie is found strangled to death.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 23, 2009
14 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Chris Grabenstein
154 books2,438 followersCHRIS GRABENSTEIN is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. His books include the LEMONCELLO, WONDERLAND, HAUNTED MYSTERY, DOG SQUAD, and SMARTEST KID IN THE UNIVERSE series, and many fun and funny page-turners co-authored with James Patterson. You can visit Chris at ChrisGrabenstein.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 30, 2009
I always enjoy this series, but I'm having a hard time identifying exactly why.
First, I haven't read anything else quite like them, even though I've read quite a range of mysteries.
They are more character driven and somehow softer than most procedurals, while clearly having more of an edge than cozies (not to mention featuring two police officers). This book seemed harsher than the previous books, but somehow it didn't cross the line into icky. I give Grabenstein major credit for this, thinking back over the story.
The setting on the Jersey Shore is also unusual for me. I enjoy the link to the various amusement park rides the books are named for, particularly this book's Mind Scrambler. This time, the story wanders to Atlantic City, which is more usual mystery stomping grounds (or it felt that way, even though I can't think of any specific examples).
The best things about these books are the two lead characters: John Ceepak and Danny Boyle.
John Ceepak lives his life by a strict code of honor, and expects the same from those around him. His partner (Danny Boyle)describes him as the worlds oldest Eagle Scout. He's always perceptive and able to think his way to the right conclusion. Again, I give Grabenstein credit for making this work, because it could have been very tedious. In this book, his code of honor is tested, more so than we've seen. Watching him struggle through this adds further depth to his character.
Danny Boyle started as a somewhat shallow, carefree young man in search of an easy summer job. Ceepak has had a significant effect on him, and he is maturing very nicely. He has just the right touch of hero worship as he narrates the story, contrasting what he is able to figure out with the conclusions that Ceepak draws. This time, Danny is drawn into the mystery in a very personal way, even being considered a suspect for a period of time. Watching him balance between Danny the individual and Danny the police officer made for good reading.
I also want to mention the narrator, Jeff Woodman. He does a fantastic job of bringing these books to life.
I recommend reading this series in order, since Danny's growth is such a major part of the books for me.
First, I haven't read anything else quite like them, even though I've read quite a range of mysteries.
They are more character driven and somehow softer than most procedurals, while clearly having more of an edge than cozies (not to mention featuring two police officers). This book seemed harsher than the previous books, but somehow it didn't cross the line into icky. I give Grabenstein major credit for this, thinking back over the story.
The setting on the Jersey Shore is also unusual for me. I enjoy the link to the various amusement park rides the books are named for, particularly this book's Mind Scrambler. This time, the story wanders to Atlantic City, which is more usual mystery stomping grounds (or it felt that way, even though I can't think of any specific examples).
The best things about these books are the two lead characters: John Ceepak and Danny Boyle.
John Ceepak lives his life by a strict code of honor, and expects the same from those around him. His partner (Danny Boyle)describes him as the worlds oldest Eagle Scout. He's always perceptive and able to think his way to the right conclusion. Again, I give Grabenstein credit for making this work, because it could have been very tedious. In this book, his code of honor is tested, more so than we've seen. Watching him struggle through this adds further depth to his character.
Danny Boyle started as a somewhat shallow, carefree young man in search of an easy summer job. Ceepak has had a significant effect on him, and he is maturing very nicely. He has just the right touch of hero worship as he narrates the story, contrasting what he is able to figure out with the conclusions that Ceepak draws. This time, Danny is drawn into the mystery in a very personal way, even being considered a suspect for a period of time. Watching him balance between Danny the individual and Danny the police officer made for good reading.
I also want to mention the narrator, Jeff Woodman. He does a fantastic job of bringing these books to life.
I recommend reading this series in order, since Danny's growth is such a major part of the books for me.
December 28, 2019
What a great episode - and probably my favorite to date. This one had it all - tragedy, betrayal. chaotic/dysfunctional family issues, etcetera.
Of course there is also lots of humor woven all throughout. Fantastic mystery along with the much appreciated humorous banter and riotous quips made for a very satisfying episode!
Of course there is also lots of humor woven all throughout. Fantastic mystery along with the much appreciated humorous banter and riotous quips made for a very satisfying episode!
October 11, 2020
3.8 Stars - Fun, cozy mystery in New Jersey
Book #5 - I listened to the 8 hours audiobook very well narrated by Jeff Woodman. Love these main characters, the funny comical feeling and as always a good enough whodunnit mystery get solved. — Part number five is set in the casino world in Atlantic City, NJ and I couldn’t but remember a long ago short visit there by a 19 years old young girl and friends from Sweden. — Looking forward to next part.
Read October 10, 2020
Book #5 - I listened to the 8 hours audiobook very well narrated by Jeff Woodman. Love these main characters, the funny comical feeling and as always a good enough whodunnit mystery get solved. — Part number five is set in the casino world in Atlantic City, NJ and I couldn’t but remember a long ago short visit there by a 19 years old young girl and friends from Sweden. — Looking forward to next part.
Read October 10, 2020
March 9, 2016
In the fifth installment of this series, Officer Danny Boyle finds himself in Atlantic City with his partner and mentor, Officer John Ceepak, to depose a witness in the case against Ceepak's father. While there, Danny runs into an ex-girlfriend, who is working for the famous illusionist who has a show at the hotel. They agree to meet for breakfast the next day, but she leaves Danny an ominous voicemail and is found dead later that night. Since they have the week off, Danny and Ceepak offer to stick around and help solve the case.
There is a lot going on in this book, maybe a bit too much, (hence the title), but overall it was a quick, easy read.
There is a lot going on in this book, maybe a bit too much, (hence the title), but overall it was a quick, easy read.
July 20, 2009
The next installment of the Ceepak/Boyle mysteries. Not the best of the series, but okay. The boys step out of Sea Haven to help solve the murder of one of Danny's childhood friends in Atlantic City. I did learn the secrets to a few magic tricks, though.
December 27, 2008
MIND SCRAMBLER is book number five in the John Ceepak mystery series. In this caper, Danny (the book's voice) and Ceepak are in Atlantic City deposing a witness set to testify against Ceepak's father. They are doing this deposition purely as a favor to the prosecutor over in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. While they are there, an old friend of Danny's shows up. She's working for Atlantic City's famous Richard Rock, an illusionist, and his wife, Jessica Rock, as their nanny.
Danny's friend calls him and tells him she needs to speak with him privately, but before Danny can connect with her, she's murdered. Danny and Ceepak are out-of-towners, but they aren't going to stand by and be wallflowers. They are still law enforcement agents in the state of New Jersey, so they'll pitch in and help bring the murderer to justice.
I honestly do not know how Chris Grabenstein manages to make every Ceepak book better than the one before it. I read every one thinking there is NO WAY it gets any better than THIS! And yet Grabenstein tops himself every time!
One of the many reasons I enjoy the John Ceepak mysteries so much is the connection of the title to the book. Part of the whole puzzle is making the connection with the plot. And the significance of Mind Scrambler is probably the greatest of them all. It ties directly into the illusions Richard Rock is performing on his show as well as the reality that is being manipulated in the murder investigation. And for Danny, he has a personal connection to MIND SCRAMBLER as his personal reality is called into question when he finds his friend dead in a compromising position. And as the reader, your head will be spinning round and round, much like Danny's does. You know when you watch an illusionist that there's a logical explanation for how the "magic tricks" work, but the dizziness comes from taxing your brain to try to figure out HOW they work.
.
I was dizzy from all the spinning and smoke and mirrors and illusions Grabenstein created that challenged my brain in this plot. This is my kind of thrill ride!
Of course, Atlantic City is a new setting for the Ceepak/Boyle duo. But Grabenstein makes use of this new setting working in a number of pop culture references to Monopoly. Combine the references with Danny's sarcasm in the narration, and you have the recipe for Grabenstein's signature humor!
The ultimate reason I adore this series as much as I do is the dynamic duo. John Ceepak and Danny Boyle are among my absolute favorite characters in crime fiction. The symbiotic relationship between these two is what makes the series work so well. In every book they have progressively learned from each other, but in none as blatantly and strongly as in MIND SCRAMBLER. It is a very effective use of characterization to view Ceepak through the eyes of Danny; Ceepak is, after all, his hero. So when Ceepak stumbles, the effect of seeing that mis-step through the eyes of Danny makes it all the more powerful.
When a crime fiction novel makes me laugh, tugs at my heart strings, moves me to cheer for the hero(s) and challenges me to THINK, I know I've found a top-notch work of art! MIND SCRAMBLER is all those things and so much more.
Danny's friend calls him and tells him she needs to speak with him privately, but before Danny can connect with her, she's murdered. Danny and Ceepak are out-of-towners, but they aren't going to stand by and be wallflowers. They are still law enforcement agents in the state of New Jersey, so they'll pitch in and help bring the murderer to justice.
I honestly do not know how Chris Grabenstein manages to make every Ceepak book better than the one before it. I read every one thinking there is NO WAY it gets any better than THIS! And yet Grabenstein tops himself every time!
One of the many reasons I enjoy the John Ceepak mysteries so much is the connection of the title to the book. Part of the whole puzzle is making the connection with the plot. And the significance of Mind Scrambler is probably the greatest of them all. It ties directly into the illusions Richard Rock is performing on his show as well as the reality that is being manipulated in the murder investigation. And for Danny, he has a personal connection to MIND SCRAMBLER as his personal reality is called into question when he finds his friend dead in a compromising position. And as the reader, your head will be spinning round and round, much like Danny's does. You know when you watch an illusionist that there's a logical explanation for how the "magic tricks" work, but the dizziness comes from taxing your brain to try to figure out HOW they work.
.
I was dizzy from all the spinning and smoke and mirrors and illusions Grabenstein created that challenged my brain in this plot. This is my kind of thrill ride!
Of course, Atlantic City is a new setting for the Ceepak/Boyle duo. But Grabenstein makes use of this new setting working in a number of pop culture references to Monopoly. Combine the references with Danny's sarcasm in the narration, and you have the recipe for Grabenstein's signature humor!
The ultimate reason I adore this series as much as I do is the dynamic duo. John Ceepak and Danny Boyle are among my absolute favorite characters in crime fiction. The symbiotic relationship between these two is what makes the series work so well. In every book they have progressively learned from each other, but in none as blatantly and strongly as in MIND SCRAMBLER. It is a very effective use of characterization to view Ceepak through the eyes of Danny; Ceepak is, after all, his hero. So when Ceepak stumbles, the effect of seeing that mis-step through the eyes of Danny makes it all the more powerful.
When a crime fiction novel makes me laugh, tugs at my heart strings, moves me to cheer for the hero(s) and challenges me to THINK, I know I've found a top-notch work of art! MIND SCRAMBLER is all those things and so much more.
October 7, 2020
I'm always expecting a cozy mystery with this series, and while it's very funny, it also tackles some tough subjects. There's nothing cozy about what Ceepak and Boyle end up investigating by chance in Atlantic City. I liked it nonetheless. But I love Boyle, and I like his relationship with Ceepak, and as I make progress in this series, I don't like the idea that there's nothing after Free Fall. I do hope Chris Grabenstein writes another one.
July 30, 2009
Atlantic City is the setting for the latest Danny Boyle and John Ceepak novel and the book is indeed a mind scrambler. Ceepak and Danny are in the city to take a deposition in an old case. The deposition doesn’t happen but there is plenty of action.
While walking through the casino the two spot a purse-snatcher and bring him down. This brings them to the attention of the head of security, Cyrus Parker. It turns out that Cyrus served in the same unit as Ceepak during his time in the service. Parker asks Ceepak and Danny for help during that evening’s performance by Richard Rock. Rock is under the impression that someone is going to attend the show and attempt to steal the secret to the success of one of his illusions.
Katie Landry is an old friend of Danny’s and Danny sees her in the lobby of the Xanadu hotel and casino. Katie is working as a nanny and tutor for Richard Rock’s children. Richard Rock is a magician who is putting on a show at the Xanadu. Katie tells Danny that she needs to talk to him later. Danny is hoping she is going to tell him that she is dumping the person that Danny thinks is her current boy friend.
When Danny goes backstage later he finds Katie’s body. Her death has not been an easy one and it is obvious she suffered and fought back and Danny is determined to find who is responsible.
Mind Scrambler is a fast-paced novel with wonderful characters. Although out of their element in Atlantic City, Danny and Ceepak move swiftly to discover what is really going on behind the scenes at the Xanadu.
While walking through the casino the two spot a purse-snatcher and bring him down. This brings them to the attention of the head of security, Cyrus Parker. It turns out that Cyrus served in the same unit as Ceepak during his time in the service. Parker asks Ceepak and Danny for help during that evening’s performance by Richard Rock. Rock is under the impression that someone is going to attend the show and attempt to steal the secret to the success of one of his illusions.
Katie Landry is an old friend of Danny’s and Danny sees her in the lobby of the Xanadu hotel and casino. Katie is working as a nanny and tutor for Richard Rock’s children. Richard Rock is a magician who is putting on a show at the Xanadu. Katie tells Danny that she needs to talk to him later. Danny is hoping she is going to tell him that she is dumping the person that Danny thinks is her current boy friend.
When Danny goes backstage later he finds Katie’s body. Her death has not been an easy one and it is obvious she suffered and fought back and Danny is determined to find who is responsible.
Mind Scrambler is a fast-paced novel with wonderful characters. Although out of their element in Atlantic City, Danny and Ceepak move swiftly to discover what is really going on behind the scenes at the Xanadu.
July 9, 2015
I'm a big fan of this series, but skipped the previous book as the plotline sounded like something I wouldn't get into. Made little difference, except for the subplot about Ceepak's father, whom we learned was scum in the first book. Regarding that angle, I believe that taking a statement is not the same as "deposing" a witness in civil cases; moreover, having the son of the defendant do it seems absurd. I wasn't buying the outcome of that one either.
As for this storyline, I found Ceepak and his military pal's use of The Code priggishly tedious. Then again, I have little patience for people who live in absolute worlds with NO gray areas whatsoever. That having been said, there were times I admired Ceepak's handling of certain situations, where Danny wasn't at his most ... mature. We were introduced to a minor character, The Great Mandini, whom I'd like to see again.
In general, the story seemed grimmer than the previous books, and a tad drawn out. I cheered when one of the female gang from Sea Haven told Danny to stop keeping Katie on some sort of saintly, nun-like pedestal. These books are all about his growing as a person, which he seems to be doing more of than the rigid Ceepak.
Jeff Woodman's narration is terrific! I love it except ... he gives characters these stereotypical Sopranos-style accents. I learned to speak English in New Jersey, rarely running across that phenomenon.
As for this storyline, I found Ceepak and his military pal's use of The Code priggishly tedious. Then again, I have little patience for people who live in absolute worlds with NO gray areas whatsoever. That having been said, there were times I admired Ceepak's handling of certain situations, where Danny wasn't at his most ... mature. We were introduced to a minor character, The Great Mandini, whom I'd like to see again.
In general, the story seemed grimmer than the previous books, and a tad drawn out. I cheered when one of the female gang from Sea Haven told Danny to stop keeping Katie on some sort of saintly, nun-like pedestal. These books are all about his growing as a person, which he seems to be doing more of than the rigid Ceepak.
Jeff Woodman's narration is terrific! I love it except ... he gives characters these stereotypical Sopranos-style accents. I learned to speak English in New Jersey, rarely running across that phenomenon.
June 27, 2009
One of the most enjoyable of the Ceepak mysteries, this has Danny continuing to mature while still being the smart-aleck slacker cop. The wit and humor are top notch here. I have already given a copy of the book to a friend, knowing she would like it.
The characters of Danny and Ceepak definitely grew, showing us sides we had not yet had a chance to know.
As always, Jeff Woodman brings Danny to life with skillful use of voicing in narrating the audiobook.
Rumor has it that Mind Scrambler might be the last Ceepak novel. That would be incredibly too bad. Danny and Ceepak have so many more adventures ahead of them, we should get the opportunity to read them. (Are you listening, St. Martins?)
The characters of Danny and Ceepak definitely grew, showing us sides we had not yet had a chance to know.
As always, Jeff Woodman brings Danny to life with skillful use of voicing in narrating the audiobook.
Rumor has it that Mind Scrambler might be the last Ceepak novel. That would be incredibly too bad. Danny and Ceepak have so many more adventures ahead of them, we should get the opportunity to read them. (Are you listening, St. Martins?)
June 30, 2009
I love John Ceepak and Danny Boyle. I've loved them since the first book but this book is different and deeper than any of the previous four. Ceepak is dealing with his father and Danny is learning more from Ceepak every day. A trip to Atlantic City to take a deposition about Ceepak's father ends up in a complicated murder case, involving Danny's old girlfriend Katie. Magic, illusion and mayhem follow. This book has the most powerful ending of any of the Ceepak novels. If it truly is the last in the series than Grabenstein ended on a true high.
July 27, 2009
Danny and John are moving into darker country together. They have traveled to Atlantic City for a deposition regarding John's father. While they are there, Danny's friend, Katie, approaches him regarding a problem with her employer, the illusionist, Rick Rock. Things quickly go from bad to worse and Danny and John are caught trying to solve several murders not on their home turf. And, it is all complicated by Ceepak's father, messing with his head.
I am so glad Chris will be moving to a new publisher. I have to have my Boyle and Ceepak fix.
I am so glad Chris will be moving to a new publisher. I have to have my Boyle and Ceepak fix.
July 7, 2009
Narrator Danny Boyle and his partner John Ceepak are taking a deposition in Atlantic City when Danny runs into Katie, an old girlfriend, now acting as nanny for a magician's act. When Katie is murdered, the two men are deputized by the Atlantic City police, and face a mirrored maze of misdirection until Ceepak figures out what they should be looking for.
July 14, 2009
Since this story involved an Atlantic City magician there were far more twists and turns than usual. I think I have developed a new disorder, plot whiplash. But Grabenstein makes it work, it all comes together in the end. My only negative is this book just came out & it will probably be at least a year before I get to read about the hunky Officer Ceepack!
July 22, 2009
This was the best one yet in a series that I love!!!! It was very humerous as well as a really good thriller. Start from the beginning and read ALL of them in order. I so hope they do one of them as a movie...
July 13, 2009
A fun read. Set in Atlantic City; has some info on magic acts. Have read all his, usually set in Seaside, old summer stomping ground of Richard.
November 15, 2015
Lots of twists and turns.
November 11, 2015
More of the murder mystery in the seacoast small town of Sea Haven, NJ.
I really do love the 2 main characters in this entire series. Most enjoyable.
I really do love the 2 main characters in this entire series. Most enjoyable.
January 2, 2016
John Ceepak and Danny Boyle take a trip to Atlantic City.
December 29, 2022
Mind Scrambler by Chris Grabenstein is the 5th book of the John Ceepak mystery series set in contemporary New Jersey. John Ceepak and Danny Boyle, Sea Haven police officers, are in Atlantic City to take a deposition. Danny's former girlfriend Katie is in Atlantic City, working as a nanny to famous magician Richard Rock's children, while he gives nightly performances. Danny looks forward to seeing Katie again after the show; never imagined he would next see her dead.
Of course John and Danny agree to assist the Atlantic City PD with the murder investigation. The tricks, illusions and misdirection continue, outside the magic show. Nothing is as it seems; everyone is lying.
Danny likens the utter confusion of the case to the Mind Scrambler ride on the Sea Haven boardwalk: "three steel arms radiating out from a central pylon. Each arm has four cars rotating under it while the whole three-legged rig twirls around that central pillar. It spins and whirls like a three-beater Mixmaster. Crank the mind scrambler up to full speed...you spin, you slide, you sail toward the other cars, then you slip away." As murders pile up, the plot is a definite Mind Scrambler. Danny's perspective is refreshingly young and irreverent, as always.
Of course John and Danny agree to assist the Atlantic City PD with the murder investigation. The tricks, illusions and misdirection continue, outside the magic show. Nothing is as it seems; everyone is lying.
Danny likens the utter confusion of the case to the Mind Scrambler ride on the Sea Haven boardwalk: "three steel arms radiating out from a central pylon. Each arm has four cars rotating under it while the whole three-legged rig twirls around that central pillar. It spins and whirls like a three-beater Mixmaster. Crank the mind scrambler up to full speed...you spin, you slide, you sail toward the other cars, then you slip away." As murders pile up, the plot is a definite Mind Scrambler. Danny's perspective is refreshingly young and irreverent, as always.
March 27, 2021
A wonderful & this time sad...Ceepak mystery. Ceepak & Boyle are out of town following up on a deposition against Ceepak's crappy father and run into their old friend Katie. Once Boyle's best friend and love of his life. Promising to meet Katie later, Boyle is excited. Unfortunately Katie is murdered in a monstrous way. Boyle is shattered and he & Ceepak must help the local PD solve the murder. A magic show, a swarmy PI, too many suspects and secrets to count don't make for an easy case. Full of twists, turns, more murders, & illusions has the two cops minds scrambled trying to solve the murder of their friend. It was a 4 star book until the author put in 3 political statements that had nothing to do with the book or the plot.
July 19, 2020
Enjoyable, worthy of a listen
This is very well-written by Brad Parks and excellently narrated by one of my favorites, MacLeod Andrews. This novel kept me listening whenever I had free time. Follow these quirky characters with enjoyment, humor and suspense. Though the ending was a bit unlikely and improbable, I still look forward to more listens by this talented duo. I did have the murderer figured out earlier on. All in all, a compelling take that is very enjoyable. Highly recommended with a 🍒 on top.
This is very well-written by Brad Parks and excellently narrated by one of my favorites, MacLeod Andrews. This novel kept me listening whenever I had free time. Follow these quirky characters with enjoyment, humor and suspense. Though the ending was a bit unlikely and improbable, I still look forward to more listens by this talented duo. I did have the murderer figured out earlier on. All in all, a compelling take that is very enjoyable. Highly recommended with a 🍒 on top.
July 18, 2017
MIND SCRAMBLER
Danny and Ceepak are at it again! I was wondering how Chris, (the author ) was going to play his books out, not being by "the shore." However, he did a nice job of putting them into a different environment because of the circumstances they we're put in. As always, the plot was amazing and well thought out. For those of you with the faint of heart, "BEWARE!" Constant surprises. 💰 🎲 🎰 😈😵
Danny and Ceepak are at it again! I was wondering how Chris, (the author ) was going to play his books out, not being by "the shore." However, he did a nice job of putting them into a different environment because of the circumstances they we're put in. As always, the plot was amazing and well thought out. For those of you with the faint of heart, "BEWARE!" Constant surprises. 💰 🎲 🎰 😈😵
September 17, 2017
An unsavoury subject dealt with very well. Every mystery holds something different, and this is exactly the same! Illusions and secrecy, not to mention unsavoury characters, make this another unforgettable, enjoyable read!
November 9, 2017
the 4th Ceepak and Boyle book I have read and the best thusfar. Very well written and a good story. Without giving anything away...I had part of it down, and part of it not so much. Much like the time I went to.....Focus Danny
February 14, 2017
Not my favorite of the series. But, not enough to stop reading him. I do like his humor, so I'll definitely read the next book in the series. It's usually easy, entertaining reading.
May 8, 2017
Good but no my favorite in this series.
October 21, 2017
Plot wise not the best entry in this series, but I always enjoy the characters and the audio narration by Jeff Woodman.
April 26, 2019
so good as usual. Love Ceepak and Danny!
November 14, 2019
I read this a couple of months back, forgot to do my review!
One of the John Ceepak Mystery books, which I read in succession over a couple of months.
I really enjoyed them!
One of the John Ceepak Mystery books, which I read in succession over a couple of months.
I really enjoyed them!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews