Rohm Around the Dial

Max Harmon Mystery #2

by Micheal Maxwell

“You’re listening to the heart of Classic Rock here on KRHM.” These are the last words Jeff Davis would ever speak.

When a popular disc jockey is killed on air, it give a whole new meaning to dead air.

With the murder of a second DJ across town, a whole new set of rules comes into play.

188 pages, Paperback

First published November 23, 2021

About the author

Micheal Maxwell has traveled the globe on the lookout for strange sights, sounds, and people. His adventures have taken him from the Jungles of Ecuador and the Philippines to the top of the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge, and from the cave dwellings of Native Americans to The Kehlsteinhaus, Hitler’s Eagles Nest! He’s always looking for a story to tell and interesting people to meet.

Micheal Maxwell was taught the beauty and majesty of the English language by Bob Dylan, Robertson Davies, Charles Dickens, and Leonard Cohen.

Mr. Maxwell has traveled the globe, dined with politicians, rock stars, and beggars. He has rubbed shoulders with priests and murderers, surgeons and drug dealers, each one giving him a part of themselves that will live again in the pages of his books.

Micheal Maxwell has found a niche in the mystery, suspense, genre with The Cole Sage Series that gives readers an everyman hero, short on vices, long on compassion, and a sense of fair play, and the willingness to risk everything to right wrongs. The Cole Sage Series departs from the usual, heavily sexual, profanity-laced norm and gives readers character-driven stories, with twists, turns, and page-turning plot lines.

Micheal Maxwell writes from a life of love, music, film, and literature. Along with his lovely wife and travel partner, Janet, he lives in a small town in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Max Harmon is called to investigate when a DJ at a local radio station is found strangled to death while on air.

A few days later, another DJ is found in the same way at another local radio station.

He lost his partner a short time back, and just as he's learning to work alone, his supervisor, who doesn't really care for Max, presents him with a new partner ... a young woman with not much experience. Max has a suspicion in the back of his mind that she might be a plant. It's no secret that the supervisor would like to see him go ... it's a political thing.

When they have no leads, no clues, no evidence, and after questioning the DJs' co-workers, Max makes the decision to work the night shift at the first radio station. Max had some practice when he was in college, so this will be nothing new.

But baiting the killer while on the air brings consequences ... deadly consequences.

It's fast-paced, and although the killer and motive are revealed early on, it takes nothing away from the story. The characters are solidly drawn and I like how they relate to each other, especially when a news reporter is also brought in. This is the second in the series and easily read as a stand alone. However, I would recommend reading in order as the character development is so apparent.

Many thanks to the author / The Book Whisperer / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction / mystery / police procedural. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

Riding the airways can be a lonesome gig. Radio transmission stations are usually located in remote areas because of the large array of equipment and antennas. Carson has the late shift, a job he can only face when he has enjoyed a sufficient number of libations. Tonight, would be no exception. He pulled into the parking lot dreading the beginning of his 2:00 a.m. shift.

A number of DJ’s were winding up being murdered with no explanation. There was no physical evidence and no way of finding a way to track the killer. Male or female made no difference. They were being choked while at the board in the night. Max Harmon, an experienced detective, is assigned to the case. Without a clue or any trace evidence to go on, where would he start the investigation?

Another murder occurs and still no evidence or clues to follow. The police chief is getting aggravated at Max and is demanding results. He adds an assistant to Max’s team, Paige Weaver. She is a rookie just out of school and anxious to start her new career. Max will be the perfect mentor.

Everyone is expecting a quick resolution to the case. Hard to accomplish without any trace evidence or leads! Max and Paige doggedly pursue every angle and possible lead.

The author has constructed an entertaining case with a satisfactorily evolving body of evidence and resultant resolution. Book 2 can be read as a standalone. Read and enjoy. 4.5 stars - C. E. Williams

We received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are his honest opinions.

[Kay Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Harmon Has Another Murder To Solve

The sleepy town of Rohm seemed like a nice, quiet place to work and get away from his troubled past. After the mess in book one, Max is left weary and sleep deprived, but there will be no rest for him in the near future. Disc Jockey Jeff Davis is winding up his late night show at KRHM and waiting for his replacement when he hears the door open. Jeff assumes it is the DJ on the next shift, but the next thing he knows there is a garrote around his neck and everything goes black. Max has no clues to follow. There doesn’t seem to be any motive for the crime, nothing was taken, there is no evidence, no video, absolutely nothing to point him in the right direction. The small police department he works for is surprisingly corrupt and Max is slowly learning whom he can trust. His new partner, Paige, (To replace the deceased Joe) is the first woman ever hired by the Rohm police department. He’ll have to solve a murder, train her, and find her loyalty at the same time.

I really liked this book. Max is a wonderfully witty character with surprising talents and a desire to get the job done. I couldn’t help but sympathize with his plight as he fights the battle to stay awake and cognizant while he tries to solve a murder. I have to admit, when I started to read Rohm Around The Dial I was intrigued with the character enough that I decided to stop and read the first book of the series, When In Rohm, before reading the newer book. That helped me get more out of the second book because I understood Max’s character in depth. It is not necessary for you to follow my lead on this, but I think you’ll be happy if you do.

[Philip Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 DJs are murdered in a small town and Max proceeds to solve the crimes - 4 stars

The story moves slowly but surely as the murders are done quickly with a rope usually in a radio station by a tall strongman who wants to be remembered.

Max Harmon came to the town of Rohm only recently after leaving Miami, FL. Max Harnon is the town's only detective; his previous partner was shot and died. The town has been run by a corrupt chief of police who looks out for his friends. Long-time policemen have recently left the town of Rohm either by death or retiring. Max is trying to clean up and get the corrupt officials to leave. A new police detective has been hired, an inexperienced young woman, Paige Weaver.

While teaching Paige the ropes and bringing in a potential romantic interest in the person of Wendy Turner who is a newspaper reporter.

Late-night stake-outs, meeting bereaved parents, and drinking large quantities of coffee keep the plot moving - plodding along with just enough tweaks to keep you interested. Since most of the action occurs at 2 or 3 in the morning, there is a definite sense of pulling an all-nighter not only for Max but for the reader as well.

You will learn the murderer's thoughts and likely understand his twisted motivation. There is no empathy for the murderer. There is an arrest of a motorcycle rider that seems more in line with normal action mysteries. The motorcycle tough is a little off because the reader has long since known who the murderer is.

The best part of the story is the use of a civilian to entice the murderer to strike again.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rohm Around the Dial by Micheal Maxwell
A Max Harmon Mystery #2

With the feel of a cozy mystery but with the police in the sleuth’s position, this was a quick easy book to read. Not having read book one of the series, I had a feeling I might have missed part of the backstory that may have fleshed out Max, his job situation, and his potential romantic interest but the story stood on its own as it was written.

What I liked:
* Detective Max Harmon: dedicated, professional, overworked, tired, competent, dealing with corrupt police and politicos, has a backstory I would like to know more about.
* Detective Paige Weaver: New hire, young, some work experience, in town to care for her mother, intelligent, straight arrow, as a future.
* Wendy: journalist and potential love interest for Max
* That the book was able to stand on its own without having read the first book
* That it would be appropriate for many ages of readers
* That the DJ killer was caught, and that story line completed
* The links to potential future cases Max may encounter
* Getting a feel for who Max has on his side and who might be against him
* That Max got to play DJ for a few nights
* Getting to read a new-to-me author

What I didn’t like:
* The killer – a truly evil and rather horrible person
* That more than one person was more interested in self, power, and money than in the deaths occurring around town

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? I think so

Thank you to NetGalley and The Book Whisperer for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving the Max Harmon stories, Micheal Maxwell has made him real, he is always exhausted, he gets headaches, he sometimes doubts himself just like normal people.
A serial killer is on the loose in the town of Rohm, two DJs from a local radio station were strangled whilst doing the night shift, there were no clues except that the killer wore leather and used a common blue rope.......Max was a one man band at the Rohn PD, Chief Popper his boss was a self serving part of the old boys brigade, apart from Greg Ross from uniform Max trusted no one but he was determined to make Rohm a safe place to live.
Max had gained a new partner,Paige Weaver, was she a plant or would he be able to add her to the small band of people that he trusted ? Max's friend, reporter Wendy Turner, was also on the list of people that he could trust, Max had feeling for Wendy but he couldn't act on them, he knew that Wendy felt the same, she was always there to help when he needed it.
When yet another DJ disappeared the town was living in fear, the ball was in Max's court, he had to do something drastic.
This is a great story, the killer is known from the beginning but the cat and mouse chase between the psychopathic killer and Max is nail biting. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and also seeing how the frustrating romance between Max and Wendy evolves.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.

[Jeff Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Harmon isn’t getting a lot of sleep these days. Still fairly new to Rohm, he has barely scratched the surface of the corruption. He may have caught a break, though when he is assigned a new partner, Paige. She seems to be like minded in ending the graft. That has to wait as a late night radio DJ is strangled to death while on the air. No motive and very few clues. When another DJ at a different station is murdered the same way, Max has a serial killer on his hands. With the help of Wendy, reporter for the local paper, they are going to have to get really creative if they want to get this guy. Could there be a budding romance between Max and Wendy? Very enjoyable read.

[Deb Beachburgmom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This mystery book is the second in a series but you can read it as a stand alone. It comes with everything you need, a murder, some angst between characters , the new character and a possible chance at love over friendship. It’s set in a small town which should be idyllic but seems to be plagued with bad luck and crimes. Throw in some corrupt characters and you have an interesting story.
I give this book 3.5 stars.....which for me is a good book and I would read the third in series once it comes out. It’s a fairly quick and easy read.

I received a free copy from NetGalley and Book Whisperer. All opinions I’ve given are my own.
I would recommend this book to friends and my book club.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rohm small town with corrupt enforcement of law
Max Harman,staff is short now, with lost of his partner
DJ was strangled, then another cross town
Problems within the radio stations, is questioned
Both well liked, charismatic.
Paige.Weaver a new partner for Max
Style of writing flows, good detail of what is going on
of how Max and Paige work together
Enjoyed, clean, interesting.
Given ARC by Net Galley and The Book Whisperer
For my voluntary review and my honest opinion

[Sherry Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Micheal Maxwell!!!

Can't wait to get started on Rohm #3. Mr Maxwell is a gifted storyteller! I have not been disappointed yet!
Max Harmon has solved anther crime in the town of Rohm. We're introduced to his new partner, Paige, in this book. They work well together to solve the new murders in the town.

[Karen Brunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good pace

The pace keeps up through the story never getting boring but nice and easy to keep up with. The main character is very real and the background characters have just enough to stay interesting. Wasn't sure at first about this series but have found my self
enjoying it and looking forward to more.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another nicely crafted winner

Max, confronted by obstructions in Rohm’s political structure on the one hand, and a crime problem (homicide!) in the other, manages to keep the situations in hand by the end of this story - but an incident along the way with the specter of some sort of Federal operation hanging over it, clouds the horizon.

[Linda Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished Rohm Around the Dial. It was wonderful. Good story line, great characters, and even though we know (who??) early on, it was great fun getting there. Thank you, Mr. Maxell, for another fun journey~~~!!

[Denice Langley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most often asked question of a serial killer is why. But as this killer selecys radio djs as his victim, the questions mount with each death. The police procedural in this book is excellent with the clues often leading into dead ends and the killer's identity shocking in the end.

[Richard Easterbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story building a great series

[Eleanor Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, kept me engrossed from start to finish. I look forward to Michael Maxwell’s next book.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good murder mystery, well written with plenty of action. I liked the characters and the plot was believable. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and look forward to more of Max Harmon's Mysteries.

[patricia day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Hard to put down. Good read. Kept my interest waiting for what happens next. I'll be reading the next book

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable book and a fast read. I rate it 5 stars.