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Dead Winner
A new stand-alone novel from Kindle Book Award- and CLUE Award-winning author Kevin G. Chapman
Be careful what you wish for . . .
Rory McEntyre is a lonely trusts & estates attorney who plays the hero inside video games. Then, his old flame, Monica, walks into his office with a $60 million winning lottery ticket and a world of trouble.
Monica’s husband, Tom, is dead, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot. A homicide detective considers Monica a suspect, so Rory must be her criminal lawyer. Thugs from Tom’s shady business think Monica has incriminating evidence Tom stole from the company, so Rory must be her protector. Most importantly, Rory must be Monica’s private detective, because the winning lottery ticket is missing. As Monica and Rory search for the ticket, their relationship heats up well beyond attorney and client. Rory has the chance to win the girl of his dreams, but does he have what it takes to be a real hero? And is Monica everything he wants to believe she is? If he’s not careful, Rory could end up like Tom – a Dead Winner.
Be careful what you wish for . . .
Rory McEntyre is a lonely trusts & estates attorney who plays the hero inside video games. Then, his old flame, Monica, walks into his office with a $60 million winning lottery ticket and a world of trouble.
Monica’s husband, Tom, is dead, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot. A homicide detective considers Monica a suspect, so Rory must be her criminal lawyer. Thugs from Tom’s shady business think Monica has incriminating evidence Tom stole from the company, so Rory must be her protector. Most importantly, Rory must be Monica’s private detective, because the winning lottery ticket is missing. As Monica and Rory search for the ticket, their relationship heats up well beyond attorney and client. Rory has the chance to win the girl of his dreams, but does he have what it takes to be a real hero? And is Monica everything he wants to believe she is? If he’s not careful, Rory could end up like Tom – a Dead Winner.
- GenresMystery
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2022
17 people are currently reading
1019 people want to read
About the author
Kevin G. Chapman
22 books242 followersIn 2025, I will be publishing my 10th novel, Treacherous Hack, book #7 in my Mike Stoneman series.
My 2023 stand-alone novel, The Other Murder, won the GRAND PRIZE CLUE award as the best suspense/thriller of 2023 (Chanticleer International Book Awards)! The Other Murder is about a high-profile murder and the media frenzy it creates, and the other murder that nobody cares about. When two journalists team up to investigate the two murders, nothing is as it seems, and the most dangerous thing . . . is the truth.
Be sure to also check out another stand-alone novel titled Dead Winner, where the quest for a $60 million dollar winning lottery ticket turns deadly. Dead Winner was named the BEST POLICE PROCEDURAL OF THE YEAR and Blue Ribbon winner of the CLUE Award.
Also new is a short story titled The Car, the Dog & the Girl, which is available FREE from Kevin's website and from Amazon and other ebook retailers.
And, of course, look for my 7-book Mike Stoneman series has garnered wonderful reviews and critical acclaim, including:
Book #4 -- Fatal Infraction, was the WINNER of the CLUE Award as best police procedural of 2021 and is a Semi-Finalist for the 2022 Kindle Book Award
Book #3, Lethal Voyage, was the WINNER of the 2021 Kindle Book Award (best mystery/thriller) and a Finalist for the CLUE and the 2021 RONE Award (InD'Tale magazine),
Kevin lives in Central New Jersey with his photographer wife. When not in times of global pandemic, they love to travel (on cruise ships, especially) and Kevin loves playing tournament poker and cheering on his beloved New York Mets.
My 2023 stand-alone novel, The Other Murder, won the GRAND PRIZE CLUE award as the best suspense/thriller of 2023 (Chanticleer International Book Awards)! The Other Murder is about a high-profile murder and the media frenzy it creates, and the other murder that nobody cares about. When two journalists team up to investigate the two murders, nothing is as it seems, and the most dangerous thing . . . is the truth.
Be sure to also check out another stand-alone novel titled Dead Winner, where the quest for a $60 million dollar winning lottery ticket turns deadly. Dead Winner was named the BEST POLICE PROCEDURAL OF THE YEAR and Blue Ribbon winner of the CLUE Award.
Also new is a short story titled The Car, the Dog & the Girl, which is available FREE from Kevin's website and from Amazon and other ebook retailers.
And, of course, look for my 7-book Mike Stoneman series has garnered wonderful reviews and critical acclaim, including:
Book #4 -- Fatal Infraction, was the WINNER of the CLUE Award as best police procedural of 2021 and is a Semi-Finalist for the 2022 Kindle Book Award
Book #3, Lethal Voyage, was the WINNER of the 2021 Kindle Book Award (best mystery/thriller) and a Finalist for the CLUE and the 2021 RONE Award (InD'Tale magazine),
Kevin lives in Central New Jersey with his photographer wife. When not in times of global pandemic, they love to travel (on cruise ships, especially) and Kevin loves playing tournament poker and cheering on his beloved New York Mets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 1, 2022
Dead Winner is a stand-alone thriller by the author of the Mike Stoneman Detective series set in New York; this one is set in the same universe and features some minor characters from those books, but you do not need to have read them to enjoy this. I received an early draft from the author to beta read, and then the final ARC version, and am posting this honest review voluntarily.
Geeky estate lawyer Rory McAvoy never forgot Monica, his college friend’s beautiful girlfriend, so when she and Tom walk into his office asking for his help hiding a recent large lottery win, he’s eager to help. Then Tom is found dead, apparently by suicide, and Monica turns to Rory for comfort - but is there more to Tom’s death than there seems?
This was a very readable twisty contemporary mystery where you don’t really know who to trust. Why would a new multimillionaire commit suicide, but if he was murdered, how did they pull it off? Is Rory really as naive as he seems? There are white collar criminals, gangsters and dodgy ex-cops, but who’s just after the money, and who is a killer? Find out when Dead Winner is published on November 22nd.
Geeky estate lawyer Rory McAvoy never forgot Monica, his college friend’s beautiful girlfriend, so when she and Tom walk into his office asking for his help hiding a recent large lottery win, he’s eager to help. Then Tom is found dead, apparently by suicide, and Monica turns to Rory for comfort - but is there more to Tom’s death than there seems?
This was a very readable twisty contemporary mystery where you don’t really know who to trust. Why would a new multimillionaire commit suicide, but if he was murdered, how did they pull it off? Is Rory really as naive as he seems? There are white collar criminals, gangsters and dodgy ex-cops, but who’s just after the money, and who is a killer? Find out when Dead Winner is published on November 22nd.
November 24, 2022
This is such an entertaining book. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to restrain myself from reading the end to see if my guess was right about what was really going on (I was!)
I love the Noir feel to this mystery novel, which one of the characters quite correctly likens to The Maltese Falcon. It made it feel timeless yet contemporary with all the latest twenty first century technology mentioned.
Rory was a great character and I loved him. It’s nice to have a lawyer as a main character. He’s sweet, very naive, and his ethics could be refreshed, but it was easy to sympathize with him. I loved that he was a gamer and the most important things in his apartment were his consoles, gaming chair and huge tv.
Breonna was another character I loved. She was so capable and I loved how she handled the Northrop goons.
The different plot lines focusing on Rory, Buster, and the police were all expertly handled. I haven’t read the author’s other books, so I wasn’t aware that there were cameos from his other works, but I loved reading that there were in the afterword. I also found the choice of names interesting. I could be reading too much into things, but I thought several character names held significance.
Altogether a highly enjoyable, fast paced mystery novel with a killer hook and a satisfying conclusion.
I love the Noir feel to this mystery novel, which one of the characters quite correctly likens to The Maltese Falcon. It made it feel timeless yet contemporary with all the latest twenty first century technology mentioned.
Rory was a great character and I loved him. It’s nice to have a lawyer as a main character. He’s sweet, very naive, and his ethics could be refreshed, but it was easy to sympathize with him. I loved that he was a gamer and the most important things in his apartment were his consoles, gaming chair and huge tv.
Breonna was another character I loved. She was so capable and I loved how she handled the Northrop goons.
The different plot lines focusing on Rory, Buster, and the police were all expertly handled. I haven’t read the author’s other books, so I wasn’t aware that there were cameos from his other works, but I loved reading that there were in the afterword. I also found the choice of names interesting. I could be reading too much into things, but I thought several character names held significance.
Altogether a highly enjoyable, fast paced mystery novel with a killer hook and a satisfying conclusion.
November 23, 2022
Kevin Chapman is the author of Dead Winner, a standalone novel, that tells the story of Rory McAvoy, and his old friends Tom and Monica.
Monica and Tom come to see Rory out of the blue to help them with an issue. They won the lottery and want Tom to set up a trust. They have the ticket and all seems above board, until Tom is found dead, an apparent suicide, or is it?
Monica as the grieving widow comes to rely on Rory for companionship and help. Is she really the grieving widow though? People start coming out of the woodwork to try to get the ticket and whatever else they think Tom had.
The detectives on the case are trying to figure out what really happened to Tom and why. Rory finds that the firm that Tom worked for is not above board.
This is one of those novels that has a lot of twisty and turning events. Can Monica and Rory stay safe? Then there is Monica, I kind of figured out the ending a bit before I got there, but it was still a surprise for me.
If you love a story that can keep you turning the pages and stay up all night finishing the book, that is a good one in my opinion.
I give it 5 stars.
I received a copy of the book for review purposes only.
Monica and Tom come to see Rory out of the blue to help them with an issue. They won the lottery and want Tom to set up a trust. They have the ticket and all seems above board, until Tom is found dead, an apparent suicide, or is it?
Monica as the grieving widow comes to rely on Rory for companionship and help. Is she really the grieving widow though? People start coming out of the woodwork to try to get the ticket and whatever else they think Tom had.
The detectives on the case are trying to figure out what really happened to Tom and why. Rory finds that the firm that Tom worked for is not above board.
This is one of those novels that has a lot of twisty and turning events. Can Monica and Rory stay safe? Then there is Monica, I kind of figured out the ending a bit before I got there, but it was still a surprise for me.
If you love a story that can keep you turning the pages and stay up all night finishing the book, that is a good one in my opinion.
I give it 5 stars.
I received a copy of the book for review purposes only.
December 2, 2022
Rory McAvoy, our geeky estate attorney, sets up a trust and will for old college friends Tom and Monica before they turn in their $6M lottery ticket. The next day, Monica discovers Tom’s died from an apparent suicide, and the lottery ticket is missing. As Rory and Monica search for the ticket, nothing is what it seems, with secrets, lies, and coverups at every turn.
Dead Winner is a perfect popcorn thriller from page 1. The plot is suspenseful, action-packed, and highly entertaining. Rory and Monica’s relationship blurs the lines of attorney/client relationship with a bit of romance, causing me to question the reliability of our narrators. Everyone is a suspect! The book is a bit dialogue heavy, which personally isn’t my favorite style. But the plot’s twists and turns kept me guessing, leading to a rewarding ending.
If you’re looking for a perfect distraction from life, Dead Winner is a winner. 😉
Dead Winner is a perfect popcorn thriller from page 1. The plot is suspenseful, action-packed, and highly entertaining. Rory and Monica’s relationship blurs the lines of attorney/client relationship with a bit of romance, causing me to question the reliability of our narrators. Everyone is a suspect! The book is a bit dialogue heavy, which personally isn’t my favorite style. But the plot’s twists and turns kept me guessing, leading to a rewarding ending.
If you’re looking for a perfect distraction from life, Dead Winner is a winner. 😉
November 28, 2022
Coffee & Thorn Book Tour – Scheduled - November 28, 2022 – 4.5 Stars
DEAD WINNER – by Kevin G. Chapman
New York City Trusts & State Attorney, Rory McEntyre, who likes to play the hero in RPG video games, finds himself thrust into the role in real life when his college friends Monica Willams and her husband Tom walk into his office holding a winning lottery ticket worth sixty million dollars.
When Monica later finds Tom dead in their apartment from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, she turns to Rory for legal representation when homicide detectives Mason and Berkowitz consider Monica a suspect.
As detectives delve deeper into Tom’s presumed suicide, the winning lottery ticket goes missing as evidence of his shady business dealings rises to the service.
‘As Monica and Rory search for the ticket, their relationship heats up well beyond attorney and client. Rory has the chance to win the girl of his dreams, but does he have what it takes to be a real hero?
‘And is Monica everything he wants to believe she is?’
‘If he’s not careful, Rory could end up like Tom – a Dead Winner.’
If you enjoy reading mystery thrillers with a dash of organized crime for flavor and main characters you will love and love to hate, then I think you are going to like DEAD WINNER, with an ending I truly did not see coming until a well placed reveal clued me in.
Thank you, Lilyan, of Coffee & Thorn Book Tour And First Legacy Publishing, LLC, for providing me with an eBook of DEAD WINNER at the request of an honest review.
DEAD WINNER – by Kevin G. Chapman
New York City Trusts & State Attorney, Rory McEntyre, who likes to play the hero in RPG video games, finds himself thrust into the role in real life when his college friends Monica Willams and her husband Tom walk into his office holding a winning lottery ticket worth sixty million dollars.
When Monica later finds Tom dead in their apartment from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, she turns to Rory for legal representation when homicide detectives Mason and Berkowitz consider Monica a suspect.
As detectives delve deeper into Tom’s presumed suicide, the winning lottery ticket goes missing as evidence of his shady business dealings rises to the service.
‘As Monica and Rory search for the ticket, their relationship heats up well beyond attorney and client. Rory has the chance to win the girl of his dreams, but does he have what it takes to be a real hero?
‘And is Monica everything he wants to believe she is?’
‘If he’s not careful, Rory could end up like Tom – a Dead Winner.’
If you enjoy reading mystery thrillers with a dash of organized crime for flavor and main characters you will love and love to hate, then I think you are going to like DEAD WINNER, with an ending I truly did not see coming until a well placed reveal clued me in.
Thank you, Lilyan, of Coffee & Thorn Book Tour And First Legacy Publishing, LLC, for providing me with an eBook of DEAD WINNER at the request of an honest review.
November 28, 2022
"If you refuse to talk it may cause them to think your hiding something...like the lottery ticket...and the embezzlement."
Though sound advise from Rory to Monica, I couldn't help but laugh hysterically at all the the things these two were hiding including their relationship!
Dead Winner, by Clue Award winner and author of the high octane Mike Stone thriller series Kevin G Chapman, is a fun mystery thrill ride with many sub plots intertwined with as many twists.
Rory leads a quiet life as a Trust & Estates lawyer only being daring when role playing in video games. All that changes when his old college classmate, Tommy, walks into his office with his wife, Monica, who Rory always wished he had asked out first. Great news! They have a winning ticket for the 60 million dollar lottery. They need Rory to set up a trust so they don't have to publicly claim the winnings. Why? Tommy says it's because of his job and "some people" who wouldn't be happy about it.
Three days later...bad news! Tommy is dead. Monica needs Rory to be her lawyer and her private eye. Why? Because the lottery ticket is missing, she's a suspect in Tommy's death and..oh yeah...those "some people" they want to talk to her...and Rory too.
The author narrated this story himself and you could just tell how much fun he had with these quirky out there characters including the "goons" following Monica and Rory, the bumbling cops, and the over the top criminals.
I figured out most of what was going on from the start but there was one relationship I didn't see until the very end. I have to say it put a smile on my face and I was glad to see it all end with a live winner.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Coffee and Thorn Book Tours for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
*This Review Is For The Audiobook*
Though sound advise from Rory to Monica, I couldn't help but laugh hysterically at all the the things these two were hiding including their relationship!
Dead Winner, by Clue Award winner and author of the high octane Mike Stone thriller series Kevin G Chapman, is a fun mystery thrill ride with many sub plots intertwined with as many twists.
Rory leads a quiet life as a Trust & Estates lawyer only being daring when role playing in video games. All that changes when his old college classmate, Tommy, walks into his office with his wife, Monica, who Rory always wished he had asked out first. Great news! They have a winning ticket for the 60 million dollar lottery. They need Rory to set up a trust so they don't have to publicly claim the winnings. Why? Tommy says it's because of his job and "some people" who wouldn't be happy about it.
Three days later...bad news! Tommy is dead. Monica needs Rory to be her lawyer and her private eye. Why? Because the lottery ticket is missing, she's a suspect in Tommy's death and..oh yeah...those "some people" they want to talk to her...and Rory too.
The author narrated this story himself and you could just tell how much fun he had with these quirky out there characters including the "goons" following Monica and Rory, the bumbling cops, and the over the top criminals.
I figured out most of what was going on from the start but there was one relationship I didn't see until the very end. I have to say it put a smile on my face and I was glad to see it all end with a live winner.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Coffee and Thorn Book Tours for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
*This Review Is For The Audiobook*
Read
December 13, 2022Dead Winner is a treasure hunt mystery with a love story. Or is it? It is the story of a lonely, cautious lawyer, Rory, who has the chance to step out of his monotonous life to become the hero he pretends to be while playing interactive video games. When Rory's college friend Tom and his wife Monica discover they have a winning lottery ticket with a jackpot of 60 million, they approach Rory to help establish a trust to manage the money. The following week Tom is found in their luxe highrise apartment dead of a gunshot wound to the head, an apparent suicide. Why would such a lucky man kill himself? Is the beautiful Monica a murder suspect? And where is the winning lottery ticket?
This is a fun novel and a quick read with lots of twists and turns. There is a cast of colourful characters and a cheeky tone to the writing. For some reason, I am reminded of watching old episodes of Columbo or Magnum PI (the Tom Selleck version) - it has that same fun and mischievous feel to it.
Many thanks to the author and Coffee and Thorn Booktours for my copy to review.
This is a fun novel and a quick read with lots of twists and turns. There is a cast of colourful characters and a cheeky tone to the writing. For some reason, I am reminded of watching old episodes of Columbo or Magnum PI (the Tom Selleck version) - it has that same fun and mischievous feel to it.
Many thanks to the author and Coffee and Thorn Booktours for my copy to review.
November 7, 2022
A huge jackpot win on the lottery kicks off this brilliant book! A husband and wife that want to stay anonomous to keep themselves safe, his wife comes home to find her husband dead. The home is empty, the door locked from inside, no sign of breaking and entering, Tom wasn't suicidal, what's going on?! Intrigued from the start! I wasn't sure where it was going to go but it seemed that Monica moved on fast after Tom's death!
I enjoyed this book and liked the characters, I liked the twist at the end and saw a version of it coming but it wasn't the right one so it surprised me. Would read more from this author as I liked the writing style and storyline.
I enjoyed this book and liked the characters, I liked the twist at the end and saw a version of it coming but it wasn't the right one so it surprised me. Would read more from this author as I liked the writing style and storyline.
November 29, 2022
This is a perfect read for a wet winter day. I've read previous works by this author, and I knew that this one was set in the same "universe", as the Mike Stoneman series, so I was expecting pretty dark. But no, this one is pure entertainment - a traditional crime romp with seedy characters, secrets and lies everywhere, and danger behind every corner. Add a nerdy lawyer, a beautiful blonde who is less dumb than she seems, a dead body on the carpet and some pretty rough goons whose sub-plot criss-crosses the main action most deliciously. The plot is full of twists and misdirection, and I didn't see the end coming at all. Curl up with this one!
November 6, 2022
Enticing from the first page, “Dead Winner” has all the hallmarks of a true suspense.
Read full review in the 2022 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 19, 2024
This story has some surprises that I didn’t see coming!
October 20, 2022
Dead Winner begins with an interesting title and goes on to deliver a plot that totally lives up to such intrigue.
Rory is a hard-working, honest-as-the-day-is long estate lawyer with a penchant for gaming where his alter ego – a genuine keyboard warrior - is fearless, powerful and decisive. His everyday life is mundane but he’s successful in his field, well-liked, if a little naïve. So when Tom & Monica, old friends from college, – and I use the term friends loosely – seek him out to handle their affairs after a humongous lottery win that they insist on keeping secret for now – he can’t turn them down. In fact, he’s flattered they came to him whilst also trying to hide his long-term crush on Monica. Besides, it’ll mean bringing a lot of business to his firm, something that won’t harm his career in the slightest.
He doesn’t see that they’re taking advantage of him; friends wouldn’t do that, and anyway he can manage their affairs like the competent lawyer he is… until Tom is found dead and the lottery ticket has vanished.
Monica, aka the grieving widow, looks to Rory for support… and he can’t believe his luck when their “relationship” takes an altogether surprising turn. Their new goal is to find that ticket all while Tom’s business partners are happy to see his death recorded as suicide, since that’ll keep the police at bay.
Well, for a while at least, until Rory uncovers details that bring their business into disrepute, tarnish Tom’s reputation and bring him into direct contact with gangsters and killers.
Will they find that ticket? Can it all be worked out without any more “incidents”? To know for sure you’ll need to read the book. Expect drama, high stakes, plenty of tension and an awful lot of empathy for Rory as he does everything he can, plus more, to fulfil his promise to handle his friend’s affairs.
Dead Winner is jam-packed with great twists that had me second guessing everything for a while , although the penny did drop for me long before the end. Even so, the fast paced nature of the story and wanting to see how events panned out held my attention right to a very satisfying conclusion.
Highly recommended, and a new author for me to follow.
Rory is a hard-working, honest-as-the-day-is long estate lawyer with a penchant for gaming where his alter ego – a genuine keyboard warrior - is fearless, powerful and decisive. His everyday life is mundane but he’s successful in his field, well-liked, if a little naïve. So when Tom & Monica, old friends from college, – and I use the term friends loosely – seek him out to handle their affairs after a humongous lottery win that they insist on keeping secret for now – he can’t turn them down. In fact, he’s flattered they came to him whilst also trying to hide his long-term crush on Monica. Besides, it’ll mean bringing a lot of business to his firm, something that won’t harm his career in the slightest.
He doesn’t see that they’re taking advantage of him; friends wouldn’t do that, and anyway he can manage their affairs like the competent lawyer he is… until Tom is found dead and the lottery ticket has vanished.
Monica, aka the grieving widow, looks to Rory for support… and he can’t believe his luck when their “relationship” takes an altogether surprising turn. Their new goal is to find that ticket all while Tom’s business partners are happy to see his death recorded as suicide, since that’ll keep the police at bay.
Well, for a while at least, until Rory uncovers details that bring their business into disrepute, tarnish Tom’s reputation and bring him into direct contact with gangsters and killers.
Will they find that ticket? Can it all be worked out without any more “incidents”? To know for sure you’ll need to read the book. Expect drama, high stakes, plenty of tension and an awful lot of empathy for Rory as he does everything he can, plus more, to fulfil his promise to handle his friend’s affairs.
Dead Winner is jam-packed with great twists that had me second guessing everything for a while , although the penny did drop for me long before the end. Even so, the fast paced nature of the story and wanting to see how events panned out held my attention right to a very satisfying conclusion.
Highly recommended, and a new author for me to follow.
November 26, 2022
Spoilers: Winning the lottery brings with it a host of problems: taxes taken out, strangers pretending to be long lost relatives, gold diggers and fortune hunters, harassed by shady organizations, many threats, and sometimes death. That's enough to make one wish they never bought a ticket.
On its own that would be an interesting premise for a murder mystery in which a lottery winner is found dead shortly after their win but before it is made public. Unfortunately, Kevin G. Chapman's Dead Winner is not that book. It takes that premise and mar it with too many plot twists that are used to justify its length.
Tom Williams just won the lottery and he has only told his wife, Monica and his former schoolmate, Rory McEntyre, who is his financial advisor. Unfortunately, the day after he gives this news, Tom is found dead by Monica. Monica insists that Tom's death was suicide but there are some inconsistencies to that version. Not to mention, that Tom's former employers and assistant are involved in separate subplots involving him. Tom has his own secrets and Riley and Monica are harboring a not so secret infatuation for each other.
The lottery plot is interesting. There are moments when greed overtakes the characters along with the promise of new big money. There is a seriocomic sequence when Tom and Monica discover that the lottery ticket is missing and someone holds it for ransom.
There are some real truthful moments particularly as Riley reevaluates his friendship with Tom and interest in Monica. He realized that the more aggressive and choleric Tom always took the lead in their friendship, so Riley is realizing that he now has to take control. One of those means is being there for Monica and being more available for her more than Tom was.
However, the book has too many red herrings and subplots that the narrative runs away with itself. Some of the characters don't amount to very much and others become too involved with the action. This is one mystery that needs focus and to develop one potential plot at a time instead of over crowding the Reader.
The worst is saved for last. There is a final plot twist that I won't reveal but makes absolutely no sense based on the previous information that we have been given. The twist seems to have pulled out of thin air rather than the clues and mystery itself. It's not an ending to make you wonder or marvel so much as it's an ending to make you roll your eyes or throw the book down in disgust.
Unfortunately, Dead Winner is actually a Live Loser.
On its own that would be an interesting premise for a murder mystery in which a lottery winner is found dead shortly after their win but before it is made public. Unfortunately, Kevin G. Chapman's Dead Winner is not that book. It takes that premise and mar it with too many plot twists that are used to justify its length.
Tom Williams just won the lottery and he has only told his wife, Monica and his former schoolmate, Rory McEntyre, who is his financial advisor. Unfortunately, the day after he gives this news, Tom is found dead by Monica. Monica insists that Tom's death was suicide but there are some inconsistencies to that version. Not to mention, that Tom's former employers and assistant are involved in separate subplots involving him. Tom has his own secrets and Riley and Monica are harboring a not so secret infatuation for each other.
The lottery plot is interesting. There are moments when greed overtakes the characters along with the promise of new big money. There is a seriocomic sequence when Tom and Monica discover that the lottery ticket is missing and someone holds it for ransom.
There are some real truthful moments particularly as Riley reevaluates his friendship with Tom and interest in Monica. He realized that the more aggressive and choleric Tom always took the lead in their friendship, so Riley is realizing that he now has to take control. One of those means is being there for Monica and being more available for her more than Tom was.
However, the book has too many red herrings and subplots that the narrative runs away with itself. Some of the characters don't amount to very much and others become too involved with the action. This is one mystery that needs focus and to develop one potential plot at a time instead of over crowding the Reader.
The worst is saved for last. There is a final plot twist that I won't reveal but makes absolutely no sense based on the previous information that we have been given. The twist seems to have pulled out of thin air rather than the clues and mystery itself. It's not an ending to make you wonder or marvel so much as it's an ending to make you roll your eyes or throw the book down in disgust.
Unfortunately, Dead Winner is actually a Live Loser.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2022
Rory McEntyre is a New York estate lawyer in a reputable firm: competent, hard-working, and single. One afternoon, his new clients turn out to be his old university friends Tom and Monica Williams, with an unusual request. They’ve won a share of one of New York’s mega-lotteries, and need his help to set up a trust to smokescreen their good fortune. Rory, who still pines for Monica but thinks that the better man won her heart and hand, obliges. But then Tom dies, apparently by his own hand, and the grieving and confused widow needs Rory’s help and support in every step of negotiating the labyrinth of complex investigations and revelations resulting from Tom’s suicide.
Dead Winner is a pacy, twisty comedy-thriller. At least, I hope it was supposed to be a comedy-thriller. That’s how I read it, and that’s how I’m reviewing it. Without spoilers, let me say I read it that way because the plot was obvious to me from the first chapters, and my enjoyment was in watching Rory getting deeper and deeper into something that wasn’t going to end well for him.
Side characters added to my chuckles. The executive assistant who was an Olympic judo contestant uses those skills in a scene reminiscent of Emma Peel in her leathers. The head of security who has ‘muscle envy’ on seeing the build of the (of course) probably-Russian hitman. Each character fit their role – harried and overworked detectives, ex-cop security, cold and efficient head of the investment firm for which Tom had worked – perfectly, instantly recognizable, taking their places in the unfolding events like the stock characters of a Christmas pantomime. As in a pantomime, there were many places when I wanted to figuratively shout ‘look behind you!’ at Rory – but then again, that would have spoiled the fun.
Recommended, but not – at least for me – to be taken seriously.
Dead Winner is a pacy, twisty comedy-thriller. At least, I hope it was supposed to be a comedy-thriller. That’s how I read it, and that’s how I’m reviewing it. Without spoilers, let me say I read it that way because the plot was obvious to me from the first chapters, and my enjoyment was in watching Rory getting deeper and deeper into something that wasn’t going to end well for him.
Side characters added to my chuckles. The executive assistant who was an Olympic judo contestant uses those skills in a scene reminiscent of Emma Peel in her leathers. The head of security who has ‘muscle envy’ on seeing the build of the (of course) probably-Russian hitman. Each character fit their role – harried and overworked detectives, ex-cop security, cold and efficient head of the investment firm for which Tom had worked – perfectly, instantly recognizable, taking their places in the unfolding events like the stock characters of a Christmas pantomime. As in a pantomime, there were many places when I wanted to figuratively shout ‘look behind you!’ at Rory – but then again, that would have spoiled the fun.
Recommended, but not – at least for me – to be taken seriously.
July 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It's the kind of book when you wish you were reading the paperback version, so you can skip to the back of the book to see if you were right, not that I would do that of course because the books mystery would be over. This is a stand alone mystery but it you are a fan of this author it does contain a few names you will recognise but only as bit parts. The story focus on Rory as he tries to help his friend and new client, however the story is told by multiple characters so you also get an insight of what other characters are thinking or doing. Having said that you are left guessing if everything is as it seems through most of the book, I did have my suspicions. I liked Rory as a main character, he might not have been a super hero but he tried. The story is entertaining with a lot going on and a few twists. I can't wait for the next book by this author.
Rory is surprised to find his new client is the woman he has been in love with for ever, Monica. She had her husband have just won the lottery and need help setting up a trust before coming forward to claim the prize. Then he gets a phone to say Monica has just discovered her husband dead from an apparent suicide and with the police looking at her she needs his help as a lawyer. With money missing from there account and his bosses doing a rush clean up job, things look suspicious. And that's before they discover the lottery ticket is missing. Can Rory help his client or is he in over his head?
On the whole I liked the narrator. Although a few of the ladies voices made me laugh, they were so squeaky.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Rory is surprised to find his new client is the woman he has been in love with for ever, Monica. She had her husband have just won the lottery and need help setting up a trust before coming forward to claim the prize. Then he gets a phone to say Monica has just discovered her husband dead from an apparent suicide and with the police looking at her she needs his help as a lawyer. With money missing from there account and his bosses doing a rush clean up job, things look suspicious. And that's before they discover the lottery ticket is missing. Can Rory help his client or is he in over his head?
On the whole I liked the narrator. Although a few of the ladies voices made me laugh, they were so squeaky.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 26, 2022
Another engaging crime novel from Kevin Chapman – a standalone but set in the same universe as the Mike Stoneman series and with some pleasing cameo appearances for readers of those books to recognise.
This is a good holiday read – engaging, fun, a page turner. It is much less dark than the previous book I read from this author, (Righteous Assassin - also set in this universe), and has a frothy, filmic feel.
I loved the plot but I wouldn’t read it for the lead characters. Rory was just about likeable enough, but I found Monica as deeply unattractive a lead woman as I’ve met for a long time – I rather like books with unattractive lead characters, but here I think I was supposed to find her sympathetic through most of the book, especially as the book is described as “romantic”. As it was, the suspiciously overrapid relationship between Rory and “grieving widow” Monica didn’t do it for me AT ALL. All that squeezing and simpering and purring and asking Rory to protect and adore her and Rory going gooey and wanting to be her knight in shining armour – oh give us a break! She struck me as a woman from a 1950s magazine, which perhaps was an intentional nod to the film-noir feel of the book as a whole.
These reservations didn’t stop me compulsively reading on though! When I wasn’t reading it, it did make me spend time thinking if I could guess the plot – when a thriller does that, it’s a big plus for me. I had a good theory all worked out, and it was totally wrong. I really liked that.
This is a good holiday read – engaging, fun, a page turner. It is much less dark than the previous book I read from this author, (Righteous Assassin - also set in this universe), and has a frothy, filmic feel.
I loved the plot but I wouldn’t read it for the lead characters. Rory was just about likeable enough, but I found Monica as deeply unattractive a lead woman as I’ve met for a long time – I rather like books with unattractive lead characters, but here I think I was supposed to find her sympathetic through most of the book, especially as the book is described as “romantic”. As it was, the suspiciously overrapid relationship between Rory and “grieving widow” Monica didn’t do it for me AT ALL. All that squeezing and simpering and purring and asking Rory to protect and adore her and Rory going gooey and wanting to be her knight in shining armour – oh give us a break! She struck me as a woman from a 1950s magazine, which perhaps was an intentional nod to the film-noir feel of the book as a whole.
These reservations didn’t stop me compulsively reading on though! When I wasn’t reading it, it did make me spend time thinking if I could guess the plot – when a thriller does that, it’s a big plus for me. I had a good theory all worked out, and it was totally wrong. I really liked that.
November 25, 2022
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, so here it is.
A nerdy estate lawyer gets an unexpected visit from two old (and now married), college friends. It seems they’ve won the lottery and are seeking his advice about how to handle the logistics of how best to handle the situation. The lawyer ( Rory), always had a crush on the wife (Monica), and the husband (Tom), was always more of a frenemy or bully than an actual friend. Shortly after their meeting, Tom is found dead by Monica and the lottery ticket goes missing. From that point on there is mystery, deception, violence, a dark corporation, and surprise disclosures and entanglements as Rory and Monica try to hunt down that winning ticket.
The core concept was good but for me Dead Winner was just “ok”. One problem was that I didn’t like any of the characters. They were either awful immoral people or naïve, spineless, or clueless in my opinion. There were many twists and turns in the plot, actually too many, but I found that almost everything was entirely telegraphed or predictable. Perhaps I may be jaded because I read too many books in this genre, but for me there was nothing new under the sun in terms of plot with this one.
On the plus side, I did finish it and it was a pleasant enough distraction. The chapters were well constructed and the action and story flowed nicely too. Sadly, Dead Winner was just not as spectacular as I was hoping it would be.
A nerdy estate lawyer gets an unexpected visit from two old (and now married), college friends. It seems they’ve won the lottery and are seeking his advice about how to handle the logistics of how best to handle the situation. The lawyer ( Rory), always had a crush on the wife (Monica), and the husband (Tom), was always more of a frenemy or bully than an actual friend. Shortly after their meeting, Tom is found dead by Monica and the lottery ticket goes missing. From that point on there is mystery, deception, violence, a dark corporation, and surprise disclosures and entanglements as Rory and Monica try to hunt down that winning ticket.
The core concept was good but for me Dead Winner was just “ok”. One problem was that I didn’t like any of the characters. They were either awful immoral people or naïve, spineless, or clueless in my opinion. There were many twists and turns in the plot, actually too many, but I found that almost everything was entirely telegraphed or predictable. Perhaps I may be jaded because I read too many books in this genre, but for me there was nothing new under the sun in terms of plot with this one.
On the plus side, I did finish it and it was a pleasant enough distraction. The chapters were well constructed and the action and story flowed nicely too. Sadly, Dead Winner was just not as spectacular as I was hoping it would be.
April 12, 2023
A murder mystery thriller where greed and gullibility are eager bedfellows.
The story follows Rory McEntyre, a lawyer with forensic accounting skills, who is depicted as affable and lonely. His world is dramatically enlivened when the subject of his unrequited law student love, Monica Williams, re-enters his life with what escalated to become a remarkable predicament. There’s a declaration of a winning lottery ticket and the surprise death of Monica’s husband. Rory is thrust into a situation that defies his wildest dreams. The estranged sweetheart desperately needs his help and her potential wealth is beyond his wildest imagination.
Chapman explores the human emotions of greed and emotional manipulation to the extent that every primary character appears willing to compromise their ethics and morality for the sake of a perceived gain.
The conclusion offers multiple layers of contrived behaviour from leading characters. I was left wondering whether some characters were so busy scheming that they potentially disadvantaged their own happiness in ways that would adversely affect their entire lives for the sake of a perceived short-term cash win.
A character states, “I think I came out ahead on the deal.”
The lingering question for me was: Once people commit to conspire in a plan to betray and deceive in order to ‘win’, how do they ultimately trust each other? You can decide. Worth the read.
The story follows Rory McEntyre, a lawyer with forensic accounting skills, who is depicted as affable and lonely. His world is dramatically enlivened when the subject of his unrequited law student love, Monica Williams, re-enters his life with what escalated to become a remarkable predicament. There’s a declaration of a winning lottery ticket and the surprise death of Monica’s husband. Rory is thrust into a situation that defies his wildest dreams. The estranged sweetheart desperately needs his help and her potential wealth is beyond his wildest imagination.
Chapman explores the human emotions of greed and emotional manipulation to the extent that every primary character appears willing to compromise their ethics and morality for the sake of a perceived gain.
The conclusion offers multiple layers of contrived behaviour from leading characters. I was left wondering whether some characters were so busy scheming that they potentially disadvantaged their own happiness in ways that would adversely affect their entire lives for the sake of a perceived short-term cash win.
A character states, “I think I came out ahead on the deal.”
The lingering question for me was: Once people commit to conspire in a plan to betray and deceive in order to ‘win’, how do they ultimately trust each other? You can decide. Worth the read.
November 22, 2022
A Grand suspenseful story
What a thrilling story in Dead Winner by Kevin Chapman. Chapman writes crime thrillers stories well, and now, here is a suspenseful plot with a very intriguing death takes place, and it's not so easy to see the what or the why it happened. It seems there are different angles on this death. And one can wonder if this is the curse of the lottery winners that happen so often. I am a definite fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. It is a very well-written plot, and I enjoyed it. It’s one of those embraceable stories. It’s definitely un-put-downable! It is always an honor to read this author's books. This author is a great storyteller. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. This is a magnificent story that kept this reader turning the pages. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. The characterizations are engrossing and dynamic. Definitely an unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Yes, you never know what's going to happen next. Dead Winner is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
What a thrilling story in Dead Winner by Kevin Chapman. Chapman writes crime thrillers stories well, and now, here is a suspenseful plot with a very intriguing death takes place, and it's not so easy to see the what or the why it happened. It seems there are different angles on this death. And one can wonder if this is the curse of the lottery winners that happen so often. I am a definite fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. It is a very well-written plot, and I enjoyed it. It’s one of those embraceable stories. It’s definitely un-put-downable! It is always an honor to read this author's books. This author is a great storyteller. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. This is a magnificent story that kept this reader turning the pages. Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. The characterizations are engrossing and dynamic. Definitely an unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Yes, you never know what's going to happen next. Dead Winner is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
November 26, 2022
Dead Winner by Kevin G. Chapman comes packaged with romance, trickery, and a multitude of crimes. It all starts with a surprise visit to a lawyer. Rory hasn’t seen his old college friends, Tom and Monica, in years. They’ve won the lottery and want Rory to set up a secret trust. Alarm bells sound for the savvy reader, but not it seems for kind-hearted Rory. When a few days later, Tom is fatally shot, Rory’s life snowballs!
The mystery deepens. Police investigators favour suicide over murder and are ready to close the case when a clean-up crew from Tom’s company arrives to cover up the potential of any sensitive documents seeing the light of day. As the waters continue to muddy, Monica and Rory get romantic. Tom’s personal assistant, Breonna, joins the story and the detectives get suspicious. Something’s going on. Tom’s suicide has opened a can of worms.
I enjoyed reading this one. The characters are typical of crime fiction, but with an added layer of deception (and, in Rory’s case, gullibility). These layers of truth and lies give the story a fresh feel and a sense of fun. Each step of the way, people are duped, set up, used, and occasionally rewarded. The master players control the crime and pace of the action as well.
The mystery deepens. Police investigators favour suicide over murder and are ready to close the case when a clean-up crew from Tom’s company arrives to cover up the potential of any sensitive documents seeing the light of day. As the waters continue to muddy, Monica and Rory get romantic. Tom’s personal assistant, Breonna, joins the story and the detectives get suspicious. Something’s going on. Tom’s suicide has opened a can of worms.
I enjoyed reading this one. The characters are typical of crime fiction, but with an added layer of deception (and, in Rory’s case, gullibility). These layers of truth and lies give the story a fresh feel and a sense of fun. Each step of the way, people are duped, set up, used, and occasionally rewarded. The master players control the crime and pace of the action as well.
December 2, 2022
Disclaimer: I won this in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book started out with a great premise. Rich guy killed, winning lottery ticket and hundreds of thousands missing, and some odd sexual tension. Sounds like a great time. Instead it was on okay time with some bright spots that were quite good.
My issue with this book was that I knew Monica was in on it from the moment she tried sleeping with Rory. He was clearly an easy horny mark from the start. It then took like 70% of the book to get to the “here it is”. That made for a rather anticlimactic experience. The “twist” of it being the couple + Breonna wasn’t shocking because we hadn’t heard from Breonna in so long.
The weird part about needing to pay the uncle back for the boat was real weird and seemed random. Having all of the stuff with the company was just silly. If I was dying from cancer, I would have turned in everything and then shot myself. That would have been a much more clear motive for suicide that would have led the cops off of the case as well. These were easy fixes that could have shortened the book a bit and left more room for backstory and the relationship between Monica and Breonna. That would have been far more interesting.
This book started out with a great premise. Rich guy killed, winning lottery ticket and hundreds of thousands missing, and some odd sexual tension. Sounds like a great time. Instead it was on okay time with some bright spots that were quite good.
My issue with this book was that I knew Monica was in on it from the moment she tried sleeping with Rory. He was clearly an easy horny mark from the start. It then took like 70% of the book to get to the “here it is”. That made for a rather anticlimactic experience. The “twist” of it being the couple + Breonna wasn’t shocking because we hadn’t heard from Breonna in so long.
The weird part about needing to pay the uncle back for the boat was real weird and seemed random. Having all of the stuff with the company was just silly. If I was dying from cancer, I would have turned in everything and then shot myself. That would have been a much more clear motive for suicide that would have led the cops off of the case as well. These were easy fixes that could have shortened the book a bit and left more room for backstory and the relationship between Monica and Breonna. That would have been far more interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
Dead Winner is a gripping thriller packed with secrets, danger, and unexpected twists. Rory is your typical hard-working lawyer, living a predictable life—until his old college acquaintances, Tom and Monica, pull him into their world after winning a massive lottery jackpot.
Handling their legal affairs seems like a straightforward job at first, but when Tom turns up dead and the winning ticket disappears, things spiral out of control fast. Rory is an easy character to root for—he’s smart but a little too trusting, and it’s fascinating to watch him get swept into a world he’s completely unprepared for. Monica, the grieving widow, adds another layer of intrigue as Rory struggles to figure out if she’s someone he can trust or just another piece in the dangerous puzzle.
The twists are sharp, the tension is high, and while I did piece things together before the final reveal, the journey was just as enjoyable as the destination. This book is a perfect mix of crime, drama, and suspense, with plenty of action to keep you turning pages. A great read for fans of fast-paced thrillers with compelling characters!
Handling their legal affairs seems like a straightforward job at first, but when Tom turns up dead and the winning ticket disappears, things spiral out of control fast. Rory is an easy character to root for—he’s smart but a little too trusting, and it’s fascinating to watch him get swept into a world he’s completely unprepared for. Monica, the grieving widow, adds another layer of intrigue as Rory struggles to figure out if she’s someone he can trust or just another piece in the dangerous puzzle.
The twists are sharp, the tension is high, and while I did piece things together before the final reveal, the journey was just as enjoyable as the destination. This book is a perfect mix of crime, drama, and suspense, with plenty of action to keep you turning pages. A great read for fans of fast-paced thrillers with compelling characters!
April 24, 2025
I was completely hooked from the first page of Dead Winner. Kevin G. Chapman has crafted an intelligent, tightly woven mystery that blends legal drama, suspense, and psychological intrigue into a thriller that’s impossible to put down.
The story follows Rory McEntyre, a lawyer who finds himself caught in a web of secrets, deception, and danger after an unexpected reunion with Monica, an old flame. What starts as a simple legal arrangement for a lottery-winning couple turns into something much more sinister when her husband suddenly dies, leaving Rory questioning everything. As he gets pulled deeper into the mystery, the stakes become deadlier than he ever imagined.
Chapman’s writing is smart, fast-paced, and immersive. The legal details add realism without bogging down the narrative, and every twist had me second-guessing the characters and their motives. I was genuinely surprised by the brilliant ending it wrapped up the story in a way that felt both unexpected and deeply satisfying.
If you love thrillers with high stakes, complex characters, and clever twists, Dead Winner is an absolute must-read.
The story follows Rory McEntyre, a lawyer who finds himself caught in a web of secrets, deception, and danger after an unexpected reunion with Monica, an old flame. What starts as a simple legal arrangement for a lottery-winning couple turns into something much more sinister when her husband suddenly dies, leaving Rory questioning everything. As he gets pulled deeper into the mystery, the stakes become deadlier than he ever imagined.
Chapman’s writing is smart, fast-paced, and immersive. The legal details add realism without bogging down the narrative, and every twist had me second-guessing the characters and their motives. I was genuinely surprised by the brilliant ending it wrapped up the story in a way that felt both unexpected and deeply satisfying.
If you love thrillers with high stakes, complex characters, and clever twists, Dead Winner is an absolute must-read.
October 5, 2022
This story is riveting as the author leaves no stone unturned as he spins together murder, mystery, suspense, intrigue, deception, and thrill into this captivating plot. The main character is a mild mannered, soft-hearted attorney who’s mundane life changes the minute he takes on new clients. They are a couple who he knows from college, the wife being a past love. Aiding them with their winning lottery ticket, brings unexpected and dangerous results. He is easily swept up in a spiral of unanticipated events that force him to be on the offense and make snap decisions. His world goes from zero to 60 in no time. Twists and turns rotate through like a funnel cloud, and takes the reader for an unstoppable emotional ride. Sprinkle in a romance subplot, and you are definitely pulled in until the end. This incredible drama keeps pulsing on until the final conclusion, which has a “wow” finish. Fantastic story not to miss! I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.
March 19, 2025
Kevin G. Chapman has a knack for crafting thrillers that feel both intelligent and heart-pounding, and Dead Winner is no exception. What starts as a simple legal case soon spirals into a high-stakes murder mystery that had me flipping pages as fast as I could.
Rory McEntyre, an estate lawyer, thinks he’s just doing a favor for an old law school crush, Monica, and her husband—helping them set up a trust for their massive lottery winnings. But then, her husband is dead, and suddenly, nothing is simple anymore. Suspicion, deception, and danger close in around Rory as he realizes this case is far more complicated than he ever imagined.
Chapman’s writing is fast-paced, immersive, and sharp. He blends legal drama, suspense, and emotional depth seamlessly, making Rory an incredibly relatable protagonist. I found myself constantly second-guessing characters, wondering who could be trusted, and loving every twist and turn.
If you’re a fan of smart legal thrillers mixed with psychological suspense, Dead Winner is an absolute must-read.
Rory McEntyre, an estate lawyer, thinks he’s just doing a favor for an old law school crush, Monica, and her husband—helping them set up a trust for their massive lottery winnings. But then, her husband is dead, and suddenly, nothing is simple anymore. Suspicion, deception, and danger close in around Rory as he realizes this case is far more complicated than he ever imagined.
Chapman’s writing is fast-paced, immersive, and sharp. He blends legal drama, suspense, and emotional depth seamlessly, making Rory an incredibly relatable protagonist. I found myself constantly second-guessing characters, wondering who could be trusted, and loving every twist and turn.
If you’re a fan of smart legal thrillers mixed with psychological suspense, Dead Winner is an absolute must-read.
April 14, 2025
Some thrillers hook you with action, others with plot twists—Dead Winner does both while adding a layer of emotional complexity that makes it so much more than just a murder mystery.
What I loved about this book is how grounded and realistic it feels. Chapman gives us a believable protagonist—Rory isn’t some fearless detective or action hero. He’s just a guy caught in a situation that spirals out of control, and his flaws and doubts make him completely relatable. His rekindled connection with Monica adds a personal, emotional layer that makes every decision feel weighty and real.
The pacing is spot-on—you get the slow burn of suspense in the beginning, followed by a nonstop thrill ride in the second half. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, Chapman throws in another twist that flips everything upside down. And the ending? Absolute perfection.
If you love legal thrillers with an emotional core, unpredictable twists, and a protagonist you can truly root for, Dead Winner is a must-read.
What I loved about this book is how grounded and realistic it feels. Chapman gives us a believable protagonist—Rory isn’t some fearless detective or action hero. He’s just a guy caught in a situation that spirals out of control, and his flaws and doubts make him completely relatable. His rekindled connection with Monica adds a personal, emotional layer that makes every decision feel weighty and real.
The pacing is spot-on—you get the slow burn of suspense in the beginning, followed by a nonstop thrill ride in the second half. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, Chapman throws in another twist that flips everything upside down. And the ending? Absolute perfection.
If you love legal thrillers with an emotional core, unpredictable twists, and a protagonist you can truly root for, Dead Winner is a must-read.
April 28, 2025
I didn’t expect to get completely hooked on Dead Winner, but here I am, telling all my friends they have to read it! This book starts out with a pretty cool premise an old law school buddy shows up with his gorgeous wife and a secret about a winning lottery ticket. But from there, it just spirals into a wild ride full of mystery, betrayal, and emotional twists I didn’t see coming.
Rory, the main guy, is kind of the underdog—he’s smart, super responsible, and totally caught off guard when his past crashes into his present. Watching him navigate this weird mix of professional duty and personal history (especially with Monica!) had me glued to the page. Monica is fascinating just the right amount of suspicious and vulnerable to keep you guessing.
This is one of those books that has a little bit of everything: money, murder, mystery, legal drama, and even some psychological depth. Perfect for fans of twisty thrillers that aren’t just about whodunnit, but why. Super entertaining and sneakily thought-provoking.
Rory, the main guy, is kind of the underdog—he’s smart, super responsible, and totally caught off guard when his past crashes into his present. Watching him navigate this weird mix of professional duty and personal history (especially with Monica!) had me glued to the page. Monica is fascinating just the right amount of suspicious and vulnerable to keep you guessing.
This is one of those books that has a little bit of everything: money, murder, mystery, legal drama, and even some psychological depth. Perfect for fans of twisty thrillers that aren’t just about whodunnit, but why. Super entertaining and sneakily thought-provoking.
April 30, 2025
it’s a brilliantly layered story that makes you think about justice, media influence, and truth. Kevin G. Chapman masterfully weaves a gripping whodunit that keeps you turning pages while making you reflect on real-world issues.
The story follows Hannah Hawthorne, a cable news producer covering the murder of an NYU student. It’s the perfect media story young, white, tragic. Meanwhile, Paulo, a small-time reporter, digs into a second murder from the same night—a Hispanic teen found dead just across the park. No media frenzy, no national outrage. When Paulo and Hannah team up, they uncover a shocking connection between the two cases. But the truth comes at a cost their reputations, their jobs, and maybe even their lives.
I loved how this book dives into the complexities of crime reporting who gets justice, who gets ignored, and what happens when the truth is inconvenient. It’s a fast-paced, engaging mystery that kept me hooked until the very last page. If you love thrillers that are both entertaining and thought-provoking, this one’s a must-read!
The story follows Hannah Hawthorne, a cable news producer covering the murder of an NYU student. It’s the perfect media story young, white, tragic. Meanwhile, Paulo, a small-time reporter, digs into a second murder from the same night—a Hispanic teen found dead just across the park. No media frenzy, no national outrage. When Paulo and Hannah team up, they uncover a shocking connection between the two cases. But the truth comes at a cost their reputations, their jobs, and maybe even their lives.
I loved how this book dives into the complexities of crime reporting who gets justice, who gets ignored, and what happens when the truth is inconvenient. It’s a fast-paced, engaging mystery that kept me hooked until the very last page. If you love thrillers that are both entertaining and thought-provoking, this one’s a must-read!
November 24, 2022
I’ve read a few of Kevin Chapman’s Mike Stoneman thrillers which feature a police detective investigating a crime. A detective novel, while fun and entertaining, also has more restraints on the kinds of things that might happen and still be credible. This story gets outside of that when Rory, an attorney who typically deals with estate planning, finds himself in the middle of a situation that is well beyond his normal case. What causes this to happen and the multiple parties involved in the situation brings more complications to figuring out what is really going on. Wondering whether Rory and his client could bring the situation to a satisfying conclusion kept me guessing to the very end. While cliché to say, it’s the truth, I never saw that ending coming. Definitely one I’d recommend if you’re into thrillers.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
November 24, 2022
You may think you know what's going to happen . . . but you'd be off base.
Chapman has woven a wild tale that will have you thinking you know what's up, only to make you question it at every turn of the page. A lonely attorney whose life revolves around his online gaming. An old flame and her hubby who turn up looking for his legal expertise. A sudden death. A need for protection. An investigation he can't entrust to anyone else. These are the threads that Chapman weaves into a tapestry that will grip you, nail you to the pages, and spit you out at its conclusion. And you'll love it so much you'll be sorry it's over.
If you haven't read Chapman yet, this standalone is the place to start; it will send you off to find all his other books.
[I was fortunate to receive a pre-publication copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
Chapman has woven a wild tale that will have you thinking you know what's up, only to make you question it at every turn of the page. A lonely attorney whose life revolves around his online gaming. An old flame and her hubby who turn up looking for his legal expertise. A sudden death. A need for protection. An investigation he can't entrust to anyone else. These are the threads that Chapman weaves into a tapestry that will grip you, nail you to the pages, and spit you out at its conclusion. And you'll love it so much you'll be sorry it's over.
If you haven't read Chapman yet, this standalone is the place to start; it will send you off to find all his other books.
[I was fortunate to receive a pre-publication copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
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