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Shamus Booker Mysteries #1
A Tale of Two Redheads
A hardboiled detective mystery with a thrilling finale.
"A man named Cromwell had a job for him. No details. Tomorrow. Nine sharp. Booker burst into the waiting room just after the crack of noon...."
Los Angeles. 1964. Booker has just pulled himself out of the gutter after tumbling from the top of the pile. He plugged the phone back in. And wouldn't you know it? It rang. His first case back is a doozy. Old man Cromwell says his wife is missing... maybe worse.
And that's when Booker punched his ticket for the shit show.
A Tale of Two Redheads follows Shamus Booker, a wisecracking detective in 1960s Los Angeles, as he cruises the the Sunset Strip in search of a missing wife. But what starts off as just another humdrum wandering broad job soon lands Booker in hot water, with both the mafia and the local cops on his six. As he follows the clues deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole, Booker finds himself drawn into a wicked web of murder and intrigue exposing the gritty underbelly of Los Angeles.
Put on your detective hat and join Booker as he tries to crack the case... before the case cracks him.
"A man named Cromwell had a job for him. No details. Tomorrow. Nine sharp. Booker burst into the waiting room just after the crack of noon...."
Los Angeles. 1964. Booker has just pulled himself out of the gutter after tumbling from the top of the pile. He plugged the phone back in. And wouldn't you know it? It rang. His first case back is a doozy. Old man Cromwell says his wife is missing... maybe worse.
And that's when Booker punched his ticket for the shit show.
A Tale of Two Redheads follows Shamus Booker, a wisecracking detective in 1960s Los Angeles, as he cruises the the Sunset Strip in search of a missing wife. But what starts off as just another humdrum wandering broad job soon lands Booker in hot water, with both the mafia and the local cops on his six. As he follows the clues deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole, Booker finds himself drawn into a wicked web of murder and intrigue exposing the gritty underbelly of Los Angeles.
Put on your detective hat and join Booker as he tries to crack the case... before the case cracks him.
- GenresMystery
340 pages, Paperback
Published November 17, 2022
69 people are currently reading
10984 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 25, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book more than I was expecting to. Shamus Booker is a really interesting and funny narrator. I also loved the character of Judy, one of the two redheads mentioned in the title. She’s a really complex character that is more than just a pretty face (and great hair).
Some smaller parts I predicted, but the overall twist caught me off guard. I thought I had it all figured out just like Booker, but then it turned out the whole theory was wrong. I love that moment of realization when reading. An excellent read overall.
Some smaller parts I predicted, but the overall twist caught me off guard. I thought I had it all figured out just like Booker, but then it turned out the whole theory was wrong. I love that moment of realization when reading. An excellent read overall.
May 16, 2023
I won this book for an honest review!
It was a very well done story with great characters. More the original detective who has his own issues but is really a good guy who has some bad luck along the way. He is getting the job done but gets hurt along the way and has cops on his back that seem to be dirty. What could stop you from getting to the truth would be death only. I thought it was really good.
It was a very well done story with great characters. More the original detective who has his own issues but is really a good guy who has some bad luck along the way. He is getting the job done but gets hurt along the way and has cops on his back that seem to be dirty. What could stop you from getting to the truth would be death only. I thought it was really good.
May 16, 2023
I won this book for an honest review!
It was a very well done story with great characters. More the original detective who has his own issues but is really a good guy who has some bad luck along the way. He is getting the job done but gets hurt along the way and has cops on his back that seem to be dirty. What could stop you from getting to the truth would be death only. I thought it was really good.
It was a very well done story with great characters. More the original detective who has his own issues but is really a good guy who has some bad luck along the way. He is getting the job done but gets hurt along the way and has cops on his back that seem to be dirty. What could stop you from getting to the truth would be death only. I thought it was really good.
June 17, 2023
I won this book in a give-away and I am glad I entered. Reminds me of the old-time detective shows on TV. Well written and good storyline. I liked the colorful language that was still suitable for all readers. I do not want to divulge too much of story, just want to say I think you will enjoy this book!
April 20, 2023
The title got me, but Booker hooked me. Shamus Booker is like a Jack Reacher from the ‘60’s! Looking forward to the next one.
April 9, 2023
Fun story
What a fun story! Booker, the main character, was a hoot. He was a great private detective when he wasn't drinking. (And even when he wasn't). Booker has the talent of being able to read people.Things are not as they seem, but Booker could read between the lines & solve the cas using hid one liners to hopefully throw off the suspect.
I would definitely recommend this book & am looking forward to the next. The writing is funny, quick witted, good mystery with a twist. And a little romance! Something for everyone.
What a fun story! Booker, the main character, was a hoot. He was a great private detective when he wasn't drinking. (And even when he wasn't). Booker has the talent of being able to read people.Things are not as they seem, but Booker could read between the lines & solve the cas using hid one liners to hopefully throw off the suspect.
I would definitely recommend this book & am looking forward to the next. The writing is funny, quick witted, good mystery with a twist. And a little romance! Something for everyone.
October 26, 2023
Surprising
Neither the title nor the cover attracted my attention but I entered to win this book anyway because it was listed as suspense, my very favorite, and very fortunately for me, I won! Mr O'Connor has a very unique writing style that presents the story in an entertaining manner and one that draws you into the plot to the point that you have difficulty putting it down. I highly recommend this book and for sure I'll be reading more in this series.
Neither the title nor the cover attracted my attention but I entered to win this book anyway because it was listed as suspense, my very favorite, and very fortunately for me, I won! Mr O'Connor has a very unique writing style that presents the story in an entertaining manner and one that draws you into the plot to the point that you have difficulty putting it down. I highly recommend this book and for sure I'll be reading more in this series.
March 4, 2023
The title of this novel is what initially piqued my interest. I enjoyed the story line, but it seemed to drag a little. The plot twist came as a surprise to me but I felt it was lacking in thrill and anticipation. I really loved the humor that was incorporated into the story, there was many notable lines. Overall, I did enjoy the book, but wish it was more thrilling!
July 4, 2023
Interesting story. It has this 50' Noir style writing that is different from the contemporary cop procedural that I'm used to. Character where typical players you'd expect considering the backdrop is Hollywood. But the journey and loss he experiences hold the story to keep you turning the page. It's not just about survival for the main character (a P.I.) but changing his life.
December 27, 2023
A mother daughter lookalike. Very similar. Hard to tell apart. Twists and turns. A run down detective is given a choice job. Find a wife. His kind of work. But nothing is normal in this story. Who you think are guilty are not. Why is a red head about to be pushed over a cliff. Well told tale. Interesting characters.
March 31, 2023
Fun read. And so it goes. Written like a Mickey Spillane novel, where women are called "broads". Detective noir, his lifestyle is a rollercoaster ride, up then down. Fast-paced, all about crime in L.A. in the 60's. Enjoyed his writing.
November 4, 2023
I won this wool in a giveaway, and I’m glad I did! It is very well written. The suspense of what would happen next was very captivating. Trying to figure out whodunit along with the story was also fun. I was wrong with who I thought it was! Can’t wait for the next Booker Mystery to come out.
November 12, 2023
Fun but spicy detective story
Very spicy with adult situations and criminal behaviors but it was a fun read. Main character grows on you as the story goes along. Surprise ending for me.
Very spicy with adult situations and criminal behaviors but it was a fun read. Main character grows on you as the story goes along. Surprise ending for me.
April 3, 2023
This is a 5* noir I only knocked it to 4 because I wish it had been done in 1st person Booker instead of narrated.
April 15, 2023
A generic P.I. story that is a blast from the past. Nothing new here, but still a very enjoyable read for fans of the genre.
May 3, 2023
Written with a classic detective noir feel, this was an ok read. Some of it dragged out for me but otherwise I enjoyed the story
October 4, 2023
As murder mystery/detective mysteries go, this was a little predictable for me. I didn’t get everything right in my guesses but close. I did however, immensely enjoy the way it was written. I laughed out loud at some of things said and giggled at others. There was tension and chaos and I really liked it.
July 31, 2024
Where do authors come up with some of these plots? Why do I enjoy reading them so much?
Booker is a PI, loves the bottle, but an all around good guy. Mostly.
The two redheads are mother and daughter. A secretary is a third one.
The story is set in Los Angeles, and includes LAPD's finest, the mob, a cat, no dogs, and various other people.
It's a good story and I think you'll enjoy it.
Booker is a PI, loves the bottle, but an all around good guy. Mostly.
The two redheads are mother and daughter. A secretary is a third one.
The story is set in Los Angeles, and includes LAPD's finest, the mob, a cat, no dogs, and various other people.
It's a good story and I think you'll enjoy it.
March 24, 2023
I enjoyed this one! I don't normally read PI novels, but this one was good. It was written in a way that made me feel like I was back in the 60s with the characters. I also didn't guess anything that happened in the book which was nice. Finished in a day!
October 4, 2023
The characters are interesting and well developed. Although the detective has some problems, he is a good guy and is looking out for other's best interest. It was fast paced with lots of different twists throughout the story.
Thanks for the free book.
Thanks for the free book.
February 9, 2024
I thought this book was great! It’s not my normal genre, but I entered to win from Goodreads anyway. I loved it! The main character took me clubbing in the 60’s, into sketchy alleyways, and kept me guessing the whole way through. Such a fun“who dun it”. I’ll be buying the follow ups.
February 9, 2024
I thought this book was great! It’s not my normal genre, but I entered to win from Goodreads anyway. I loved it! The main character took me clubbing in the 60’s, into sketchy alleyways, and kept me guessing the whole way through. Such a fun“who dun it”. I’ll be buying the follow ups.
April 28, 2025
Sort of Sam Spade type detective who drinks too much and is popular with the ladies. He gets hired to find a missing wife, but is she really missing. Then there are the unscrupulous police officers who are trying to make life miserable.. wisecracking, I like..
October 31, 2024
3.5 stars. Easy read, snappy dialogue, enjoyable.
January 17, 2025
A lot of redheads and action
This was a story about a down on his luck PI named Booker and how he solved a difficult case. A good read and a great looking cover.
This was a story about a down on his luck PI named Booker and how he solved a difficult case. A good read and a great looking cover.
June 29, 2025
Fun read
Great story line. Lots of twists. Good character development. Looking forward to rest by the next book in the series.
Great story line. Lots of twists. Good character development. Looking forward to rest by the next book in the series.
July 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I am actually super suprised it doesnt have more reviews. If you are reading this and like mysteries I 100% recommend giving it a try! It is fun, has charm and is quite funny as well. Its perfect for when you are in the mood for something that isnt quite a cozy mystery but also isnt too dark and is just an all around easy to get sucked into story. I won this book through a goodreads givaway and am providing my honest review. Thank you to the Author and Publisher for this book!
August 28, 2023
I just couldn’t get into this. Way to sexist. 39 year old guy acting like he’s in his “late 60s. But apparently God’s gift to women who are only the size of their boobs.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews