Dart

Dan Neumann Mystery #1

by Phil Rustad

A bank is held up and everything goes wrong. 5 people are shot, one dies, a pregnant woman loses her baby. But the robbers are caught and a conviction seems certain. When the trial takes place, the judge rules out much of the evidence, the defense attorney turns the entire event into a circus and the suspects become celebrities and walk out of court free. Two months later, they're both dead. Shot sniper style by someone who was an expert marksman using an experimental weapon - a weapon that can kill at over 2000 yards. Retired Minneapolis Homicide Detective Dan Neumann is called in because of his expertise in shooting. He quickly determines that the most likely suspect, Ben Harris, the dead woman's husband, has neither the skills nor demeanor to be a sniper. But if not Harris, then who did it? And when other bodies appear, Dan must race against the clock and the impending entry of the FBI into the chase-a chase that takes him from Minneapolis to Phoenix to Alaska in pursuit of the killer-a chase that winds up over Duluth Minnesota in a small plane being pursued by F-16s. This is the first work by Phil Rustad.

Genres: Mystery, Book Club

244 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2009

About the author

With a background in manufacturing in the Minnesota Ordinance Industry and a life long interest in Military and Weapons History, Phil Rustad has a unique perspective for writing a murder mystery. By combining state of the art technology with the age old inner struggle between our good and evil natures, he crafts a story that is both modern and ancient. In Dart, he examines the human drive to seek justice in a world that is daily redefining that word.

Reviews

[Laurinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fun ride. Dan Neumann is a serviceable protagonist - almost boilerplate. Where this author shines is in the plot and detail work. It's a particularly fun read for a Minnesotan, but I even enjoyed the ballistics detail and I'm not a gun enthusiast at all. The payoff at the end is unexpected and unexpectedly satisfying. As soon as I finished, I ordered this book and Alamo ND for my dad. I can't wait to hear what he thinks.

[Marylyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing! Fun read.

[Leah Hess Windnagle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rustad is a self-published author who has a strong passion for guns, which is very apparent in this work. I felt as though the talk of guns and ammunition often was more detailed than anything else in the novel. It was a reasonably quick read, but I will admit I had a hard time picking it up after having put it down for a bit. The character development is lacking, but the plot is extremely exciting and fast-paced. For a first, self-published novel, it isn't so bad. I believe I'll be continuing the Dan Neumann mystery series.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. The story was intriguing and well paced. I found myself rooting for both the detective and Harris, not really wanting either one to fail. I am not going to spoil it, but I also found the end of the book refreshing and different.

If you are from MN the book mentions many landmarks and places most people are familiar with. There was also quite a few references to my favorite radio show (Garage Logic) in the book.

A very good book, especially for a first book and I plan on reading "Alamo" as well.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really like this book. The author is a local (actually an Edina Realty agent) who is friends with one of my co-workers, who lent me tne book. Fabulous characters, terrific plot with enough twists and turns to keep you engaged with increasing interest, very well written. Only complaint is the few minor typos that were distracting. Can't wait to read his next book. Very much like John Sandford (one of my favorites)

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an interesting murder mystery and commentary on the current justice system. It would make a good book club read as it leaves quite a bit for discussion. Buy your copy at philrustad.com today!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by a judging friend Phil Rustad. I didn't know he could write.....and he can! It's a really intriguing book and in the end I was rooting for the "bad guys". Quite different. Good for Phil. Can't wait to read his next one.

[Danise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read, even with all the technical info on bullets & guns, which I'm not into at all. Being a Minnesotan, it was fun to read about local places. Found the very ending a bit much (won't give it away, just the last scene didn't really work for me).