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Detective Parrott #1
Murder in the One Percent
This version of Murder in the One Percent has been withdrawn from the market and republished in August, 2022.
Someone comes to the party with murder in his heart and poison in his pocket…A powerful and rich playboy, a rare but naturally occurring poison, a newly divorced woman with an axe to grind, and pressure from the former President of the US—these are just a few of the challenges that African-American Detective Oliver Parrott faces when he answers a routine call for back-up and discovers someone died at a country estate the morning after an elaborate birthday party. When Parrott learns the deceased is the wealthy former US Secretary of the Treasury and just about everyone at the party had a motive to kill him, he realizes this will be the investigation to make—or break—his career.
Someone comes to the party with murder in his heart and poison in his pocket…A powerful and rich playboy, a rare but naturally occurring poison, a newly divorced woman with an axe to grind, and pressure from the former President of the US—these are just a few of the challenges that African-American Detective Oliver Parrott faces when he answers a routine call for back-up and discovers someone died at a country estate the morning after an elaborate birthday party. When Parrott learns the deceased is the wealthy former US Secretary of the Treasury and just about everyone at the party had a motive to kill him, he realizes this will be the investigation to make—or break—his career.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2018
31 people are currently reading
808 people want to read
About the author
Saralyn Richard
9 books210 followersCritically-acclaimed author and educator, Saralyn Richard writes about people in settings as diverse as elite country manor houses and disadvantaged urban high schools. She loves beaches, reading, sheepdogs, the arts, libraries, parties, nature, cooking, and connecting with readers.
Visit Saralyn at http://saralynrichard.com, on her Amazon page at https://www.amazon.com/Saralyn-Richar..., or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Palmcirclepress
Visit Saralyn at http://saralynrichard.com, on her Amazon page at https://www.amazon.com/Saralyn-Richar..., or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Palmcirclepress
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 24, 2017
I absolutely love cozies. I enjoy the fun, light hearted, and fast paced stories. I love getting to know the characters and feeling like they are people I could actually come across in my small town. That being said, some of my favorite books to read are thrillers. I love the edge of your seat, suspenseful feeling. I received a copy of Murder in the One Percent from netgalley. It isn’t what I usually request but every now and then I like to request something that is different from my regular reads. Thrillers are what I read when I first began reading mysteries. In this story we meet Oliver Parrott, a young black detective working in a wealthy area of Philadelphia. He enjoys his job even if it is a bit, in his opinion, mundane. He investigates mainly stolen property and although he knows he shouldn’t, he wishes for more to do. He lives in a nice apartment with his cockatiel, Horace. His fiancee, Tonya, is deployed–again, this time in Afghanistan. He misses her dearly and hasn’t had the best day after hearing from back home (St. Louis) that his cousin, Bo, was killed during a shootout. He was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. He speaks briefly with his fiancee and then receives a call to go investigate a death, it shouldn’t take long as they believe its natural causes but he needs to stop by.
We are taken a month back in time to the home of Caroline (Caro) and John E. Campbell a very wealthy couple who are planning a small get together over a weekend to celebrate John’s 65th birthday. Caroline has invited six other very wealthy couples who are all close friends of the couple. John is initially a little uneasy because many of the couples do not get along with other people invited, namely Preston Phillips–who is also the cousin of Caroline, but as they all love John, they agree to try to put aside their feelings and attend the weekend long birthday get together. An extra guest will attend the party as she had been staying with one of the couples and they can’t very well leave her home alone. I really enjoyed the flashback. It was so well done and that, at least to me, is no small feat for a book. It gave just enough history from enough characters (even the multiple POV was done well) to make me loathe Preston by page 20. The more I read the more I disliked him.
We are back in present day, it’s the weekend of John E.’s birthday celebration. Everyone shows up as expected. They chit chat and catch up. They spend the weekend riding horses, shopping, eating, drinking and enjoying the winter weather. There are a few hiccups though (as everyone expected with Preston showing up), Preston’s wife has broken her ankle. A few people have plans to confront Preston about ways he has wronged their family be it financially or emotionally. Everyone had a bone to pick with him. It was easy to dislike him. On the last day of the weekends long party, Preston is found unresponsive in his room. He is taken to the hospital but it’s too late. He was poisoned, but by who? Everyone disliked him and because the poison is so easy to get and so many of the characters had access to it, would Detective Parrott be able to figure out who slipped it to Preston?
I was pulled in to the book immediately. For a debut this book was incredible. I tend to give a lot of leeway for new authors, as I feel like there is a learning curve–Ms. Richard didn’t need it. I was halfway through the book and aside from a character (who I wasn’t supposed to like anyway), I couldn’t find anything that I didn’t like or that, in my opinion, felt far fetched. I can usually find something that just doesn’t work, that wasn’t the case here. Two days before Christmas and I couldn’t stop reading this book. In between playing with children, giving out gifts and preparing for the holiday I was glued to my computer. It’s one of those books that you can’t put down. With 40 pages left to I still hadn’t figured out who the killer was. I started it a few days ago only reading the first couple of pages (I like to figure out my next book before I finish my current read) and after finishing the last book that I had to review I started on this one again and had it almost finished that same day. I felt like the ending to the mystery was plausible which I always enjoy in a mystery. It didn’t seem over the top. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
I received an arc of this book from netgalley.
We are taken a month back in time to the home of Caroline (Caro) and John E. Campbell a very wealthy couple who are planning a small get together over a weekend to celebrate John’s 65th birthday. Caroline has invited six other very wealthy couples who are all close friends of the couple. John is initially a little uneasy because many of the couples do not get along with other people invited, namely Preston Phillips–who is also the cousin of Caroline, but as they all love John, they agree to try to put aside their feelings and attend the weekend long birthday get together. An extra guest will attend the party as she had been staying with one of the couples and they can’t very well leave her home alone. I really enjoyed the flashback. It was so well done and that, at least to me, is no small feat for a book. It gave just enough history from enough characters (even the multiple POV was done well) to make me loathe Preston by page 20. The more I read the more I disliked him.
We are back in present day, it’s the weekend of John E.’s birthday celebration. Everyone shows up as expected. They chit chat and catch up. They spend the weekend riding horses, shopping, eating, drinking and enjoying the winter weather. There are a few hiccups though (as everyone expected with Preston showing up), Preston’s wife has broken her ankle. A few people have plans to confront Preston about ways he has wronged their family be it financially or emotionally. Everyone had a bone to pick with him. It was easy to dislike him. On the last day of the weekends long party, Preston is found unresponsive in his room. He is taken to the hospital but it’s too late. He was poisoned, but by who? Everyone disliked him and because the poison is so easy to get and so many of the characters had access to it, would Detective Parrott be able to figure out who slipped it to Preston?
I was pulled in to the book immediately. For a debut this book was incredible. I tend to give a lot of leeway for new authors, as I feel like there is a learning curve–Ms. Richard didn’t need it. I was halfway through the book and aside from a character (who I wasn’t supposed to like anyway), I couldn’t find anything that I didn’t like or that, in my opinion, felt far fetched. I can usually find something that just doesn’t work, that wasn’t the case here. Two days before Christmas and I couldn’t stop reading this book. In between playing with children, giving out gifts and preparing for the holiday I was glued to my computer. It’s one of those books that you can’t put down. With 40 pages left to I still hadn’t figured out who the killer was. I started it a few days ago only reading the first couple of pages (I like to figure out my next book before I finish my current read) and after finishing the last book that I had to review I started on this one again and had it almost finished that same day. I felt like the ending to the mystery was plausible which I always enjoy in a mystery. It didn’t seem over the top. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
I received an arc of this book from netgalley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2018
I loved the pacing of the book – fast paced enough to keep the reader engaged, yet thoughtful care taken to allow for great storytelling. Lots of action, lots of unexpected twists and turns, and a juicy glimpse into how “the other half” lives. Detective Parrott has his work cut out for him, and I found myself rooting for him throughout the book, empathizing with his frustrations, cheering for each of his discoveries in the case. I never saw the ending coming, and I was delighted to have been kept in the dark until the very end. I can’t wait for the next book!
March 9, 2021
A group of One Percenters—the wealthiest among us— spends a birthday weekend on a gentleman's farm in rural Pennsylvania to celebrate John E. Campbell's sixty-fifth birthday. One of the guests, Preston Phillips, is hated by most of the others and for good reason. When a guest dies of suspicious means, Detective Oliver Parrott is brought in to solve this difficult case.
A thoroughly enjoyable mystery with a terrific resolution! I've gone ahead and bought the next book in the series.
A thoroughly enjoyable mystery with a terrific resolution! I've gone ahead and bought the next book in the series.
September 23, 2020
A perfect-pitch story of the ultra-rich, upper echelon earners in society. They thought they were invulnerable until someone takes one of them down a peg or two, or six feet—under. The story held me captive to the very end.
June 12, 2019
I enjoyed this book about the rich and famous, (The One Percent), featuring the guy that everyone loves to hate. Great plot, almost every couple in the book has good reason to, at least, think about killing the star of the show. I usually give up on books with as many characters as this book has, however, Richard does just as excellent job of characterization as she does with the plot. I did not lose track of anyone and thoroughly love the book. Very clever ending. Where's the next book Saralyn? I will definitely be following you.
June 16, 2018
This is a very entertaining, delicious quick read that shows lot of promise from this new author. I connected with the characters and was still guessing until the last chapter. Looking forward to more cases with Detective Parrott in the future!!
My only question- did it ever come out why Gerald was so worried?
My only question- did it ever come out why Gerald was so worried?
July 8, 2018
Looking for other summer reads yesterday a worker at the store recommended this book to me as I mentioned I wanted a fun easy quick read mystery! It was just that! From start to finish I couldn’t put it down! The characters, the setting, the elite... a great quick read mystery that left me guessing til the end!!! I can’t wait for more novels to follow!!!
May 8, 2018
Intriguing mystery
Keeps you wondering until the end. Great first mystery. Looking forward to another book. Good luck and congrats on your novel.
Keeps you wondering until the end. Great first mystery. Looking forward to another book. Good luck and congrats on your novel.
Read
May 14, 2018I just finished "Murder in the one percent". I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The ending was certainly a surprise.
I am an avid reader and literally could not put the book down.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Jerry Buckner
I am an avid reader and literally could not put the book down.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Jerry Buckner
March 29, 2018
Wealthy friends gather at a mansion to celebrate the owner’s birthday. He receives many surprises—good ones like expensive cigars and one very bad one, a dead body. Detective Oliver Parrott is on the case and discovers suspects galore. The writing, reminiscent of Agatha Christie, is sharp as the creases on a bespoke suit and the ending is a surprise as delicious as a homemade truffle. Detective Parrott is a wonderful protagonist worthy of his own series. (Hint, hint, SR.)
September 11, 2019
I love murder/mysteries, and I am thoroughly enjoying this Clue-like story. It is interesting to get to know the victim before he dies. The characters and back stories are interesting, and create exciting drama. I would definitely recommend this book to people who love murder mysteries.
April 21, 2018
If you love a good murder mystery, then this book is for you. It introduces us to characters attending a birthday party weekend that has been marvelously planned. The characters allow you to imagine being a "one percenter." Being rich allows you to be entitled, and we can imagine each of them with their rich and lovely lives, many with petulant needs to be met. Everyone seems very nice and personable as they come to the birthday party weekend, although they have their individual quirks. However, the one character comes that everyone has some history. The history is not always good, and you learn quickly that evil has a memory of its own. Would this history be worth killing for and ending a life for past crimes? Will death provide peace that each person needs? How do their (supposed) friendships change, knowing that someone amongst them is a murderer? It is like sitting on a long trial jury with each character on the stand. The author reveals each character with the strengths and flaws each one has. With each chapter, you want to find out who it is that could kill and for what reason: money, love, betrayal, manipulation, political gain, etc. At many times, you are so close to the answer. You continue to imagine and reimagine scenes along with an excellent detective. This detective has to be a master at being independent, interviewing, and maintaining professional relationships. You read into the mind of the detective and you realize you are becoming a sleuth too. The author gives you just a little bit more, here and there. The answer comes just in the knick of time.
March 3, 2018
Murder in the One Percent, by Saralyn Richard is a classic tale of many suspects who had reasons to kill Preston Phillips. As the characters are developing the reader tends to believe, "OK, this is the person who did the dastardly deed." Toward the end of the book most of the characters look guilty. The actual murderer will come as a complete surprise because of a twist of fate. The book would make Robin Leach glad to have read about "the rich and the famous." The one percent may live differently than the other ninety nine percent of us, but the story line will appeal to all who love a good mystery.
February 21, 2018
I thought Murder in the One Percent, by Sarilyn Richard was terrific! Everything about it kept my interest and I didn’t want it to end. It was full of twists and turns keeping me in suspense the whole time. Sarilyn’s description of the characters, their lifestyles, relationships and possible motives leading up to the murder intrigued me and I wanted to sit by the cinnamon smelling fire with Caro sipping a hot cup of tea with her. It all seemed so real. Her detective Oliver Parrot did an awesome job of putting the whole thing together. Very fresh and clever. Hope there will be more from this wonderful writer, Sarilyn Richard.
March 24, 2018
I loved this murder mystery and had a hard time putting it down. I read it on Kindle so I was able to pick it up wherever I was during the day. Thank you Saralyn for introducing us to Detective Oliver Parrott, I will be looking forward to his next case and cast of characters.
November 16, 2017
The twists unravel, then turn around and bite you. Saralyn Richard’s take on the classic murder mystery is fresh, fun, and deadly.
February 28, 2018
Wow, wow, wow! This is a unique mystery novel with many unexpected revolving plot theories going on in your head as you read and try to anticipate the surprising outcome. Between the pages you will meet the ultra chic wealthy moving shaking elite as they make for a convoluted murder mystery you will not put down and will long remember. This novel is well researched and a thoughtful new approach to “who done its”."
Read
October 27, 2019What a fun, rollicking whodunit adventure this was for me. Author Saralyn Richard has done her readers a great service by presenting a well researched journey through the world of the ultra-rich as well as the nuts and bolts investigatory processes involved to solve the case, led by Detective Oliver Parrott, an outsider to this world who's forced into its revelations as the one assigned to find the murderer. Ms. Richard is also to be commended for the ambitious undertaking of presenting a number of characters into her story, almost all of whom are suspects right up until near the final page. As an author myself, I was continually impressed by her clever wording and phrasing, adding a welcome coloring to her visuals and the thoughts swirling through the minds of her actors. This lyrical enhancement certainly added to my appreciation for this highly recommended sleuthing escapade.
January 3, 2020
A bunch of rich people get together for their friend’s birthday bash. One of the “friend” was found dead after his wife broke an ankle, and everyone, including the victim’s brand new 20something yo wife, has a motive to kill. Couldve been any of them. Couldve been a set up. Couldve been anything!
Plus:
• Short chapters
• Well developed characters (first 28% was characters introduction)
• Interesting characters (rich people)
• Easy read
Minus:
none
“I know, and we’ve got our own reasons to hate him.”
Plus:
• Short chapters
• Well developed characters (first 28% was characters introduction)
• Interesting characters (rich people)
• Easy read
Minus:
none
“I know, and we’ve got our own reasons to hate him.”
January 25, 2019
This book held my attention through multiple clues as to the possible cause of Preston's death. Each character was sufficiently developed to make them believable which was a challenge for the author since there are so many fabulous characters - all of whom "coulda done it". I was captivated to the end and couldn't have predicted the outcome. Wonderfully developed, easy to read and enjoy. Absolutely recommend this to any mystery lovers.
December 31, 2019
One of the best mysteries I have ever read! First time I didn't see the ending coming. I couldn't put the book down. Excited to read the next book by Saralyn Richard! I have found a new author. I would recommend this be to any mystery loved. Patterson, you have some serious competition!
So very happy ☺to have discovered a new read. You I'll not be able to out the book down once you start reading.
So very happy ☺to have discovered a new read. You I'll not be able to out the book down once you start reading.
December 18, 2018
What an amazing cozy fun mystery. It gave me a few sleepless night as I was wanting to know “who done it”. This book by Saralyn Richard does not disappoint. Well developed characters and a terrific plot will keep you guessing to the end. I would highly recommend Detective Parrott and company and I for one am hoping for a sequel.
August 11, 2018
A modern Dame Agatha mystery that's just a darn good yarn. Congrats to the author for a great mystery plot that kept me turning the pages. I'm hoping there's a sequel featuring more of Detective Parrott. Sorry I took so long for the review.
November 26, 2018
This book gives the reader a great cast of characters and puzzling mystery to solve. It took me all the way to the end before I knew who the culprit was. Thoroughly enjoyable, I recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of Agatha Christie!
January 11, 2019
MURDER IN THE ONE PERCENT is an intriguing mystery. I appreciated the multitude of characters, the unique cause of death, and the satisfying resolution. An enjoyable read for fans of the genre.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book.
January 13, 2019
Lovers of the Agatha Christie type of mystery can enjoy this one, set New York among the financial elite. At the bucolic horse country estate of a pair of well-to-dos, a birthday party among long-time friends results in murder. Almost every one of the party-goers has a motive. Whodunit?
September 6, 2024
The first part of the book was a little slow getting to the crime. After that, it was hard to put down. The author is a master at providing enough detail to put the reader in the scene. Well worth the read.
March 16, 2020
A pretty good mystery. Good clues, good detective, good police work. Interesting interrogations and characters.
August 4, 2023
2,5 rounded up
Okay-ish, but the ending was a letdown
Okay-ish, but the ending was a letdown
November 13, 2019
In Murder in the One Percent, Saralyn Richard has done a rather good job of misdirecting the reader. What we expect and what we get are completely different, and in a refreshing way because of the originality of the plot. One must compliment the author for adding a twist to the classic whodunit.
The story is set among the super rich (the one percenters) who live charmed lives in their mansions, with their expensive cars, maids, designer clothes, country houses, expensive furnishings, fine dining and over the top dinner parties with expensive pairings with each course. It is interesting to note that such dinner parties take about five hours to conclude.
One such dinner party is hosted by Caroline and John E Campbell to celebrate John E’s 65th birthday. The birthday festivities span the whole weekend and the guests are invited to stay the weekend at the Campbells’ luxurious country farm. On Sunday morning, one of the guests and cousin of Caroline Campbell is found dead in his bed. An autopsy soon reveals that he was poisoned.
A young African American police detective, Oliver Parrott, is assigned to investigate the murder. The case is surrounded by great media attention and also pressure from the upper echelons of power to solve the case pronto because Preston Phillips, as an ex Secretary of the Treasury was a very important man.
A murder is what Oliver has been waiting for because such serious crimes hardly happen in his jurisdiction. But when the case of Preston Phillips’s murder drops into his lap, Oliver has reservations not only because of the media and political attention but also because he, like most of us when thrown into uncharted waters, begins to doubt his ability. But, he ventures forth, nevertheless, with enthusiastic determination.
Oliver soon discovers that every guest at the dinner party had an axe to grind with Preston Phillips. Although there is no dearth of motives for Oliver to investigate, his investigation is impeded by the suspects engaging lawyers to be present, even for routine police interviews. Nevertheless, Oliver carries on and uncovers the person responsible for Preston Phillips’s death.
What I particularly liked about the book, apart from the clever misdirection is that the story is told from the perspective of the suspects. As such, we are in their heads and they all appear to be innocent of the crime.
The reason I only gave this book a 3 star rating is because it is not explained how Oliver arrived at the conclusion as to who killed Preston. Also, the constant references to the designer brands and expensive possessions of the ‘one percenters’ became rather tiresome.
All in all, it was a light and breezy read. I would definitely read this author’s work again.
.
The story is set among the super rich (the one percenters) who live charmed lives in their mansions, with their expensive cars, maids, designer clothes, country houses, expensive furnishings, fine dining and over the top dinner parties with expensive pairings with each course. It is interesting to note that such dinner parties take about five hours to conclude.
One such dinner party is hosted by Caroline and John E Campbell to celebrate John E’s 65th birthday. The birthday festivities span the whole weekend and the guests are invited to stay the weekend at the Campbells’ luxurious country farm. On Sunday morning, one of the guests and cousin of Caroline Campbell is found dead in his bed. An autopsy soon reveals that he was poisoned.
A young African American police detective, Oliver Parrott, is assigned to investigate the murder. The case is surrounded by great media attention and also pressure from the upper echelons of power to solve the case pronto because Preston Phillips, as an ex Secretary of the Treasury was a very important man.
A murder is what Oliver has been waiting for because such serious crimes hardly happen in his jurisdiction. But when the case of Preston Phillips’s murder drops into his lap, Oliver has reservations not only because of the media and political attention but also because he, like most of us when thrown into uncharted waters, begins to doubt his ability. But, he ventures forth, nevertheless, with enthusiastic determination.
Oliver soon discovers that every guest at the dinner party had an axe to grind with Preston Phillips. Although there is no dearth of motives for Oliver to investigate, his investigation is impeded by the suspects engaging lawyers to be present, even for routine police interviews. Nevertheless, Oliver carries on and uncovers the person responsible for Preston Phillips’s death.
What I particularly liked about the book, apart from the clever misdirection is that the story is told from the perspective of the suspects. As such, we are in their heads and they all appear to be innocent of the crime.
The reason I only gave this book a 3 star rating is because it is not explained how Oliver arrived at the conclusion as to who killed Preston. Also, the constant references to the designer brands and expensive possessions of the ‘one percenters’ became rather tiresome.
All in all, it was a light and breezy read. I would definitely read this author’s work again.
.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews