Town Red

by Jennifer Moss

His partner is killed. His girlfriend takes off. His job is hanging by a thread...Chicago Homicide Detective Ryan Doherty has one last chance to save his career—solving the case of Scott and Carly Redding, ad execs who each appear to have died of natural causes...on the same night. And there are hundreds of people who could've wanted the Reddings dead, including every ex-employee of their high-powered firm, Town Red Media.At the top of the list is Catharine Lulling, a former VP at Town Red Media. Ryan becomes obsessed with she is charming, intelligent, wealthy, and possesses psychic abilities he can’t even understand. Drawn into her unconventional world, he risks the case—and his life—to find out if she’s the real thing, or the real killer.

Genres: Suspense, Contemporary

302 pages, Paperback

First published September 14, 2012

About the author

Jennifer Moss is a native of the Chicago area, the setting of her series of mysteries with a metaphysical twist. After graduating from Northwestern University, she moved to Los Angeles where she worked full time in technology and the dot-com industry. Jennifer now divides her time between L.A. and her home in the mountains near Yosemite National Park.

Be sure to check out the first four in her series: TOWN RED, WAY to GO, TAKING the RAP, and FRIEND of the FAMILY!

Reviews

[Lara Kleinschroth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Firstreads Giveaway ARC.
I enjoyed this one! In some ways it was typical of the genre - crime committed, investigated, leading you in one direction only to have a twist ending. In other ways it was quite unique - less of the thrill-a-minute page turner, more character driven plot with a developing love story. It could have been darker, more sinister for my taste, but that's not what these characters were about. Catharine Lulling is eccentric and very interesting - her atrium, dancing and psychic abilities - would love to get to know her better in further installments. I loved that it was set in Chicago - maybe it's just me and what I have and haven't read, but there doesn't seem to be alot of good books set in that vibrant and exciting city. Would love to get to know it better in further installments as well! I like the title - and the name of the company at the heart of the story - taken from a Billie Holiday song, although that's as far as the idea of jazz goes. Dialogue was a little stiff in places, but again, the character development was very strong, and this could be just the beginning for a solid series about Detective Ryan Doherty and the intriguing new woman in his life, Catharine Lulling.

[Phung Do · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a solid who-did-it story. I liked the banter the characters had. Some unexpected sci-fi. Romance amongst the murder mystery. But the setting and dialogues were ehh for me. Police department solving a double-homicide at an ad agency… The author took time developing the story so the reveal wasn’t until the last pinch of the book, but it was a surprising one! A quick read overall. I’d compare it to a Law & Order TV episode: not a book to read ASAP but if it’s around and you’re in the mood, put it on.

[Susan Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good mystery that I can't solve. I thought I had this one, but then found out I was wrong!

[Ginger Snaps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a mystery book, not a romance like I usually read but I thoroughly enjoyed it!! I do enjoy mysteries from time to time, believe it or not!! I read every single Nancy Drew book I could get my hands on. :) Back to this book. Chicago Detective Ryan Doherty's life changed when his partner was killed and his longtime girlfriend left him in the same night. For the next two years he drowned his sorrows in women and alcohol. He's facing a possible desk job in the future if he doesn't solve this double murder case of a husband/wife who died at exactly the same time in different places with no obvious clues as to how or who was behind it.

On the top of the list of suspects is a Catherine Lulling who does readings and seems to know details she shouldn't about the case. But Detective Ryan is slowly becoming obsessed with Catherine, finding every excuse he can to see her again and again, not sure if she is truly the killer.

This book was fully enjoyable. There were surprises I didn't see coming and I didn't guess the ending. I LOVE when an author can fool me! I found author Jennifer Moss to be a very talented writer and the story flowed well and seamlessly as I could hardly put it down. If you are like me and mostly read romance books, why don't you give this one a try? It is a wonderful mystery book full of good character development, dialogue, and I can't leave out Detective Ryan's new partner who offers comedic relief!

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[HIJXS DEL COSMOS · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first, I got this book in exchange for an honest review, so thanks to the author for that.

Now to the book: I normally don't read mystery books, not because I don't like them, but because I barely own them, but I quite enjoyed this one. It was great to read a detective story filled with mystery, suspense and a little touch of romance.

I thought that would damage the main plot, but in fact, it didn't, so it was fine. It took me a while to really "get" into the story, but once I was into it, I couldn't stop reading, so that's another reason to pick up this book, is so freaking addictive.

As for the main character, Ryan, I think he was awesome! The whole police/investigation thingy going on was truly exceptional. Of course, we have some twists in this book as well, which was great. So pumped to read the next book!

[Barbara Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Town Red. It was this month's selection for the bookclub I belong to, and the reads don't always appeal to me, but this book really did! It has all you'd want in a murder detective story, plus some metaphysical intrigue and a little bit of romance, too. I was worried that the romance would overshadow the rest of the story, but it really serves to help build up the characters into 3-dimensional people, and makes you want to continue the series to see what happens to them next. Fantastic book!

[Jon Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Town Red" by Jennifer Moss is a mystery full of emotion, intrigue, suspense and drama. The murder of a married female ad exec sets the detective team in motion. The first step would be to clear the husband. The only problem is he is dead, too. Across town. There appears to be an entire agency worth of suspects, past and present. Another catch? It needs to be closed quickly. Fast paced and gritty.

[Eric Henson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Town Red blew me away...

TOWN RED kept my attention right from the start with its strong plot, captivating characters, and of course Moss writing ability. This definitely is a book for the mystery/suspense genre crowd. Jennifer Moss has a great talent, and her fast paced story TOWN RED is a movie waiting to happen.

[Jay Lopez]

This was my first giveaway win here on Good reads. It was great book, that kept me interested enough to continue reading. More suspense was brought in when Catharine began to be suspected, meanwhile Detective Doherty was catching feelings for this magical woman. Moss ends the story with a twistful ending, resulting in the person least expected to be the killer. Good book!

[Mary Wilson Redden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!

I was introduced to this author by a friend of mine who knew her in college. Extra exciting to have an (admittedly tenuous) connection to an author I enjoy!

I liked the banter between partners, it was witty, but also felt very real. I liked the pacing of the book. A very entertaining read. I've already ordered the next one.

[Sandra Alonzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOWN RED is a fun read. Jennifer Moss has written an entertaining, page-turning mystery with great dialogue, likeable characters, and a believable love story. I'm ready for Book Two!!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. Liked the characters, was pleased with the ending. Really looking forward to her next book this winter!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This interesting murder mystery gets all the Chicago details right!

[Zrinka Jelic · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! OMG! I inhaled this book. Oh, wow! Still reeling from it. Ryan the detective and his partner DiSanto are on the case of double homicide of Scott and Carly Redding. And there's a extended list of those who want to see them dead. They were horrible bosses, manipulative, exploitative, demeaning, and the list goes on. And there are many suspects or persons of interest. Including Catherine Lulling. Ryan falls hard for her, and her for him. However, this is a slow burn romance. You'll find yourself cheering for them as their relationship blossoms. But, his cop thinking had him suspect her and he almost lost whatever little good thing he had going. However, she's not a typical run of the mill woman he is used to casually dating. Lucky for him. They share a psychic connection that saved his life. After a week in a hospital, he is ordered to continue his recovery at her place. And there's no place he'd rather be.
You go to read this! I want this book to become the bestseller. Go!

[Lynne Levandowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOWN RED by Jennifer Moss
Publisher: Black Opal Books
Date published: August 31, 2012
ISBN: 9781937329563
Mystery/Suspense/Romantic Elements
Paperback
Reviewed by Lynne
http://www.amazon.com/Town-Red-Jennif...
Obtained via author.
Rating: 5


Ryan Doherty, a Chicago homicide detective, has lost his partner and now has one last chance to save his career. By solving the murder of two ad executives, Scott and Carly Redding. The Reddings appear to have died by natural causes and both on the same night, which makes the case a puzzler. Especially since there are any number of people, particularly ex or current employees of the Redding company, Town Red Media, who might have wanted the high power couple dead.

As Ryan and his new partner start digging up clues and suspects, Ryan soon becomes infatuated with a woman at the top of the list. Catherine Lulling, a former Vice President at Town Red, who possesses psychic abilities he can’t even begin to understand. As he delves deeper into the mystery of Catherine Lulling and of her involvement with the Reddings, Ryan fears he has finally found the woman of his dreams, only to perhaps lose her in the end. As the evidence mounts up against her, Ryan soon finds himself growing extremely protective of her and wonders what he will do if it is discovered that Catherine is indeed the real killer.

TOWN RED by Jennifer Moss is an exceptional debut novel. Filled with mystery and suspense, as well as many unique twists and turns in the plot line, TOWN RED is a great treat for anyone who enjoys mysteries.

Moss is very skilled at dialogue and a wonderful mystery writer. TOWN RED had me sitting on the edge of my seat, turning pages till the end, just to see whodunit.

Ryan Doherty is a great main character, and the reader can only empathize with him when he discovers that the woman he is interested in ends up being the main murder suspect in the Redding case.

Catherine is an interesting character as well. At times she seems guilty of the Redding murders, at other times more like an innocent young girl who just happened to get caught up in something sinister. It is easy to like her yet mistrust her at the same time. Also, Moss does an incredible job in her descriptions of Catherine’s home and, in particular, the bedroom. Some fascinating ideas.
Moss adds so many intriguing characters as suspect, it is a complete joy ride as the reader is introduced to them, one-by-one. But never in a million years did I see coming the unexpected ending Moss adds to TOWN RED.

The pacing is just right for TOWN RED. With so many twists in this story, the reader never gets bored. I found myself intrigued with the unusual murders and how they could have happened, and for what reason. There are so many people who could have been involved, that I was never able to figure out the truth. Which is why the ending surprised me.

TOWN RED is a great book, and one I would recommend to anyone interested. It is written with the skill of a seasoned writer, and I cannot emphasize what a rare talent Ms. Moss is. Since I haven’t read too many mystery novels, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading TOWN RED. But I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed this story.

TOWN RED is not to be missed, and I look forward to more of Ms. Moss’s work.

I give TOWN RED five stars.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to star ratings it's hard for me to make a call on this one. It's whodunnit with - in the words of the author - "a supernatural twist". By all normal measures, it's a good mystery. The whodunnit is well done without being overly complex. The pacing keeps the plot moving, while intentionally refraining from being breakneck. There is more than one significant pause that makes room for careful character development. And the character development is well-executed as well. The main characters start from a place that require them to grow and the author brings them through that growth naturally. This includes the antagonists and criminals in the book.

And yet, I can't fully get behind the book either. I very simply did not find the characters compelling or interesting to me. I just don't think I fit into the target demographic. As I said, it is definitely well written and I'm glad I read it, so I have to give this one a weak four star rating.

This is the first in a series by Jennifer Moss and I really do recommend that any lover of crime fiction gives it a try.

[Melysah Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Town Red by Jennifer Moss is a murder mystery novel about a local agency, Town Red Media, where the top two employees end up dead at the same time. It’s a who-dun-it, and it follows the life of Ryan Doherty, a Chicago detective, who has been in a slump. There’s a few twists involving money, secrets, love – and, of course, death.

I love a good murder mystery. Mystery and crime are my favorite genres. And this book doesn’t disappoint. I enjoyed the banter between Ryan and his fellow mates at the police station.

Ryan falls for a person of interest, Cathrine, so that complicates things. At first I wasn’t too keen on the romance element (not my favorite genre), but I like the unconventionality of how it was portrayed. And that’s about the only thing that slightly irked me.

Otherwise, I loved the book. It’s a definite page-turner. Town Red is well written, has good character development and an even pace. So, I say read it!

[Jon Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a murder mystery full of emotion, intrigue, suspense and drama. A married female ad exec is found dead, setting the detective team in motion. First step in a murder investigation: Clear the spouse. No problem, he’s dead too. Clear across town. There appears to be an entire agency full of suspects, past and present and to add to the workload of the two detectives, the case needs to be closed quickly. Fun, fast paced and intense book.

[Karie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this 3.5 stars. Liked the story - but have a hard time rating books higher than need some additional proofreading...it just detracts from the story for me.

[Bella Smyth · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow what a fab sounding book cant wait to read