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Rebecca Ranghorn Mystery #1
Naked Frame
Rebecca Ranghorn is wanted for murder. The dead man in her office has a bullet in his head. Her bullet. But she's not the killer. At least she doesn't think...
- GenresMystery
Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2010
3 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Robert Burton Robinson
29 books25 followersRobert Burton Robinson is the author of eleven novels and novellas, a children's picture book, a comic strip book, and fifty-four short stories.
Robert's Complete Bibliography:
Sir Liam the Brave - Liam's Wondering World series, #2 (children's picture book)
The Problem with The Three - Liam's Wondering World series, #1 (children's picture book)
Mimi & Iffy Comic Strip Collection - Vol. 1
GINGER LIGHTLEY COZY MYSTERY SERIES
Sweet Ginger Poison
Ginger Dead House
Cold Ground Ginger
Nightmares of a Novelist (Four Short Stories)
Four Steps Under (Psychological Suspense)
Deadly Commitment (Thriller)
Dream Tunnel (Kids Sci-Fi)
Rebecca Ranghorn - Texas P.I. (Mystery)
GREG TENORLY SUSPENSE SERIES
Bicycle Shop Murder
Hideaway Hospital Murders
Illusion of Luck
Fly the Rain
Robert has two bachelor's degrees (music and computer science), and has held a wide variety of jobs over the years, including fourteen years as a software engineer developing applications for Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
He and his wife live in the Houston area. He enjoys spending time with family, watching movies and TV, and playing guitar, bass, and ukulele.
Robert's Complete Bibliography:
Sir Liam the Brave - Liam's Wondering World series, #2 (children's picture book)
The Problem with The Three - Liam's Wondering World series, #1 (children's picture book)
Mimi & Iffy Comic Strip Collection - Vol. 1
GINGER LIGHTLEY COZY MYSTERY SERIES
Sweet Ginger Poison
Ginger Dead House
Cold Ground Ginger
Nightmares of a Novelist (Four Short Stories)
Four Steps Under (Psychological Suspense)
Deadly Commitment (Thriller)
Dream Tunnel (Kids Sci-Fi)
Rebecca Ranghorn - Texas P.I. (Mystery)
GREG TENORLY SUSPENSE SERIES
Bicycle Shop Murder
Hideaway Hospital Murders
Illusion of Luck
Fly the Rain
Robert has two bachelor's degrees (music and computer science), and has held a wide variety of jobs over the years, including fourteen years as a software engineer developing applications for Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
He and his wife live in the Houston area. He enjoys spending time with family, watching movies and TV, and playing guitar, bass, and ukulele.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 7, 2010
An intriguing mystery introducing a man/woman duo. Rebecca is a P.I. Her partner in sleuthing turns out to be her highschool best friend, Gabby (WEIRD name for a dude.. but he is a bit metrosexual) The case: Rebecca is having words and tequila with a man she doesn't get along with well and she wakes up with a smoking gun in her hand and a dead body on her office floor. Did she do it?
Well, she's pretty darn certain SHE didn't do it and thus, she's been framed. The story is pretty action packed, never a dull moment as the bodies start piling up and it becomes a major whodunit.
What I liked: I was never bored. This isn't one of those 400 page novels in which 100 pages of it are full of long descriptive details.
What I didn't like: The lack of emotion in the characters. Um, your shop, your business, your clothes have all burned down. A little more reation would be appropriate in instances like that. I guess you call that character developement. It just needed a bit more of that.
Four stars.
Well, she's pretty darn certain SHE didn't do it and thus, she's been framed. The story is pretty action packed, never a dull moment as the bodies start piling up and it becomes a major whodunit.
What I liked: I was never bored. This isn't one of those 400 page novels in which 100 pages of it are full of long descriptive details.
What I didn't like: The lack of emotion in the characters. Um, your shop, your business, your clothes have all burned down. A little more reation would be appropriate in instances like that. I guess you call that character developement. It just needed a bit more of that.
Four stars.
December 4, 2010
I recently won a copy of Naked Frame, written by Robert B. Robinson, in a member giveaway on Library Thing. The description of the book sounded interesting and convinced me to want to read it. I mean who doesn’t like a good murder mystery? The story follows Rebecca Ranghorn who is a private investigator who normally deals with cases involving cheating husbands. Only things didn’t go as planned, when Rebecca’s friend Gabby comes to her office and finds her passed out behind her desk, gun in hand, and a dead man on the floor. When all evidence points to Rebecca as the killer, she goes on the hunt for clues to prove her innocence, along with the innocence of Gabby who is pulled into the mystery by helping her. Naked Frame was a good read for me and kept the suspense going as to who all was involved and what motive they had to set up Rebecca to take the rap. I have decided to give this book a rating of 3 because I really wish there was a little more building of the characters and some insight as to what made them really tick. They were written well, but it was hard for me to connect to them. I will definitely be on the lookout for the second book in the series, because with a little more detail in the right places, and this series is bound to be a great one! I’m eager to see how Mr. Robinson’s writing style evolves as he fine tunes it for future works. I would recommend Naked Frame for those of you who like good murder mysteries that leave you questioning who the real killer is throughout the story. This book does have some mild adult content, which is probably better suited for mature audiences.
December 29, 2010
Review provided by Black Lagoon Reviews:
Naked Frame by Robert B. Robinson is the debut in his new Rebecca Ranghorn Mystery Series. With an intriguing who done it, lots of seedy characters with motive and a great crime solving duo, this was a fun quick read at just over 100 pages.
Making this novel fly by so quickly was the adorable pair of main characters comprised of no-nonsense PI Rebecca Ranghorn and her cohort Gabby G'Blee. The banter between the two is engaging and instantly endearing. Their easy going relationship adds levity to the novel that making it feel much more like a cozy mystery then a suspense thriller. Gabby's flamboyant nature perfectly offsets Rebecca's tough hard-as-nails demeanor as they try desperately to uncover who set her up to take the fall for Big Bill Smotherburn's murder. Like the main characters the suspects in the case are all wonderfully written. While we aren't privy to much back story in the novel, the attitudes and personalities still come through perfectly adding a colorful and dangerous cast to the story.
The settings are also quite unique. Take for instance Cafe Nue which is owned by Big Bill. The atmosphere is erotic with the female waitstaff roaming around in only a skimpy thong and has a bar complete with a winding waterfall resembling a urinal in a men's bathroom. This setting is well used through out the novel offering up several clues as to 'who done it' and becomes a motive in and of itself. Likewise, the various other locales are well set without going into great detail. Again with being such a short novel, there isn't a lot of time to set atmospheres and yet Robinson worked well within the confined parameters of his novel. Each was concise yet construed the proper atmospheres that seemed to mirror the characters, thus adding a faint glimspe at their 'natural habitat'.
The mystery itself is interesting with a never ending stream of suspects, all capable of murder and with ample motives. There are plenty of twists and side stories that keep you guessing and leaving you with the assumption you know how the story will end. Notice, I said assumption. In truth, the ending is rather complicated with various threads coming together to converge on the truth. The pace maintained throughout the sleuthing is fast, the side stories adding in to suspense and intrigue of the novel that keeps the reader interested.
The only bit I thought could have been worked on was the emotion within the novel. The characters are a bit aloof through it all. The excitement reads a bit like the moments when they are simply going over what facts they know for certain and throwing around theories. There's little since of immediacy even in moments that merit it. This is something that I would like to see get worked on a bit more, but while it separates the reader from the emotional appeal of the characters, it doesn't make the story any less mysterious and engrossing. If it was longer, well, then we might of hit a few snags.
Overall, this was a fun read that I got through in a single sitting. Unlike normal cozy mysteries, there is a bit more adult subject matter in this novel, so younger readers should beware. That said, if you like a good mystery and are in the market for a quick read, this is definitely a good choice.
Naked Frame by Robert B. Robinson is the debut in his new Rebecca Ranghorn Mystery Series. With an intriguing who done it, lots of seedy characters with motive and a great crime solving duo, this was a fun quick read at just over 100 pages.
Making this novel fly by so quickly was the adorable pair of main characters comprised of no-nonsense PI Rebecca Ranghorn and her cohort Gabby G'Blee. The banter between the two is engaging and instantly endearing. Their easy going relationship adds levity to the novel that making it feel much more like a cozy mystery then a suspense thriller. Gabby's flamboyant nature perfectly offsets Rebecca's tough hard-as-nails demeanor as they try desperately to uncover who set her up to take the fall for Big Bill Smotherburn's murder. Like the main characters the suspects in the case are all wonderfully written. While we aren't privy to much back story in the novel, the attitudes and personalities still come through perfectly adding a colorful and dangerous cast to the story.
The settings are also quite unique. Take for instance Cafe Nue which is owned by Big Bill. The atmosphere is erotic with the female waitstaff roaming around in only a skimpy thong and has a bar complete with a winding waterfall resembling a urinal in a men's bathroom. This setting is well used through out the novel offering up several clues as to 'who done it' and becomes a motive in and of itself. Likewise, the various other locales are well set without going into great detail. Again with being such a short novel, there isn't a lot of time to set atmospheres and yet Robinson worked well within the confined parameters of his novel. Each was concise yet construed the proper atmospheres that seemed to mirror the characters, thus adding a faint glimspe at their 'natural habitat'.
The mystery itself is interesting with a never ending stream of suspects, all capable of murder and with ample motives. There are plenty of twists and side stories that keep you guessing and leaving you with the assumption you know how the story will end. Notice, I said assumption. In truth, the ending is rather complicated with various threads coming together to converge on the truth. The pace maintained throughout the sleuthing is fast, the side stories adding in to suspense and intrigue of the novel that keeps the reader interested.
The only bit I thought could have been worked on was the emotion within the novel. The characters are a bit aloof through it all. The excitement reads a bit like the moments when they are simply going over what facts they know for certain and throwing around theories. There's little since of immediacy even in moments that merit it. This is something that I would like to see get worked on a bit more, but while it separates the reader from the emotional appeal of the characters, it doesn't make the story any less mysterious and engrossing. If it was longer, well, then we might of hit a few snags.
Overall, this was a fun read that I got through in a single sitting. Unlike normal cozy mysteries, there is a bit more adult subject matter in this novel, so younger readers should beware. That said, if you like a good mystery and are in the market for a quick read, this is definitely a good choice.
February 25, 2011
Ever read a dime novel? Or rather, do you like reading dime novels? Than I've got the thing for you. Robert Burton Robinson's book is just that. And not a penny more.
Filled to the brim with all clichés of the genre – including names such as Big Bill Smotherburn or Gabby Garnersdale – this wasn't as much a thrilling mystery novel (which I expected when requesting the book) as it was a modern-day cookie-cutter approach of a whodunit novel.
To remain fair, maybe I'm just not the right recipient for this kind of book. Framed for murder Rebecca Ranghorn (so what is it about those names, anyway) is trying to find out who's the real killer. And while more dead bodies turn up, things take an interesting twist. So far so good, but unfortunatelly the whole execution of the idea left something to be desired.
The distinct characterizations of all the protoganists was a bit overdrawn for my own taste. And while I'm always in favor of strong female lead characters Rebecca was a bit over the top too. What was ok about the book was the fact that it's been fluently written though.
In short: A fast paced story in best dime novel tradition this wasn't quite to my liking, though others might enjoy it!
Filled to the brim with all clichés of the genre – including names such as Big Bill Smotherburn or Gabby Garnersdale – this wasn't as much a thrilling mystery novel (which I expected when requesting the book) as it was a modern-day cookie-cutter approach of a whodunit novel.
To remain fair, maybe I'm just not the right recipient for this kind of book. Framed for murder Rebecca Ranghorn (so what is it about those names, anyway) is trying to find out who's the real killer. And while more dead bodies turn up, things take an interesting twist. So far so good, but unfortunatelly the whole execution of the idea left something to be desired.
The distinct characterizations of all the protoganists was a bit overdrawn for my own taste. And while I'm always in favor of strong female lead characters Rebecca was a bit over the top too. What was ok about the book was the fact that it's been fluently written though.
In short: A fast paced story in best dime novel tradition this wasn't quite to my liking, though others might enjoy it!
October 23, 2011
I enjoyed Robert Robinson's Naked Frame. It is a quick read because you keep wanting to see what will happen next. He does an excellent job of weaving in new characters as they enter into the story and keeps you wondering what is going to happen next because of the new character. It is a detective story full of twists and turns and will keep the reader guessing what is going to happen next.
Hopefully we will hear more about Rebecca Ranghorn and detective business. She is a refreshing addition to the detectives that are part of our reading culture. She is a character that one gets to know quickly and begins to feel close to in this first mystery that she is involved in. We can only hope that more is to come.
Naked Frame is an good read and one that will keep the reader guessing as to how it will turn out. I look forward to more to come and hope Rebecca and Gabby have a long friendship in the pages to come. ( )
Hopefully we will hear more about Rebecca Ranghorn and detective business. She is a refreshing addition to the detectives that are part of our reading culture. She is a character that one gets to know quickly and begins to feel close to in this first mystery that she is involved in. We can only hope that more is to come.
Naked Frame is an good read and one that will keep the reader guessing as to how it will turn out. I look forward to more to come and hope Rebecca and Gabby have a long friendship in the pages to come. ( )
May 30, 2021
A good read. It reminded me a lot of Nancy drew figure, of course, the extent to which the P.I. rebecca goes to find the truth is a little too much for my taste (Cafe Nue') All together an ok story-- a murder mystery which comes full circle where everyone is trying or actually killing every other person and then one comes to know that the actual murder never really happened. The end however, was brought to a close a little too conveniently. A very plain and simple style of storytelling. No edgy drama that goes with a murder mystery. However, a good adventure, look forward to another rebecca mystery, but hopefully without the kinky stuff.
December 4, 2010
I found this to be a wonderful page turner. It was a shorter story, but the twists and turns made you feel like you had experienced a 300+ page book. Rebecca and her friend Gabby have an adventure that lasts no more that a couple of days, but leaves you exhausted with everything they have to go through, with all the mysteries they are put up against. At one point you wonder how they can every prevail. Once you are sure you now how they will, you find out you were WRONG! This was a very fun book to read, and I hope I get to see more of Rebecca Ranghorn in the future!
February 14, 2011
This book was just NOT my taste. I read 1/3 of this book, and just could NOT get into it. The female character had a male character trying to tag behind her all the while the sexual comments, etc., just flat out turned me off. Was the male character trying to be a James Bond? He overtook the femaile 'main' character, when it should be the other way around. I quit reading this book. It did nothing for me but to put me off from ALL the sexual comments.
January 30, 2018
Rebecca Ranghorn investigates cheaters. Her client Carly wants her to get evidence against William Smotherburn, local loan shark and club owner, who raped her 16-year old daughter. Little did Rebecca think that this would unleash a spate of murders for which she would be framed. She and her best friend Gabby are on the run from murder they need to solve the crime before the police find them.
It felt like a loose series of events tied together by the storyline
It felt like a loose series of events tied together by the storyline
May 5, 2011
A quick read but more of a sketch of a book than actually plotted story. Neither of the main characters does any real detection and neither seems to have a clue about their chosen lines of work. Cliched scene follows cliched scene until, with only a few pages left, the actual perpetrator of the various crimes conveniently blurt out the facts of their guilt.
January 15, 2011
on the one side I was glad that this book was so short as it wasn't very captivating, on the other hand there were too many threads going on for such a short book.
Most of the characters just didn't work for me and the "sex" parts were too much carried out compared to everything else.
Most of the characters just didn't work for me and the "sex" parts were too much carried out compared to everything else.
December 9, 2010
For my Book review please visit the following Link :
http://bittenbybooklust.blogspot.com/...
Thank you deeply - Blair
http://bittenbybooklust.blogspot.com/...
Thank you deeply - Blair
July 20, 2014
Good
Good
this is all about the evil crimes of a gang of criminals that have many different criminal businesses.the many killings.
Good
this is all about the evil crimes of a gang of criminals that have many different criminal businesses.the many killings.
April 7, 2015
Good read
First book by this author I have been able to read and found that it was a very entertaining and enjoyable book to read looking forward to finding another one
First book by this author I have been able to read and found that it was a very entertaining and enjoyable book to read looking forward to finding another one
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews