***** Pulse Pounding Whodunit —– Review By Rox Burkey
SUMMARY
Ronnie Spatch Senior was brutally murdered. An empty safe. What warranted the murder of an old man?
Retired New York City police detective Brandon Turner is just trying to enjoy time with his girlfriend, her sixteen-year-old son, and his dog, Max. They are his priority.
But he has a nagging feeling that something is missing. An itch that needs to be scratched. He misses the action his former job provided. It was an adrenaline rush retirement just can’t fill.
So, when Ronnie Spatch Junior asks for his help with finding the person who killed his father on their family farm, Turner uses it as an opportunity to scratch that itch. Which he does by starting his own private detective agency and launching himself straight into a murder investigation.
While searching the farm for clues, Turner discovers Ronnie Junior lying unconscious on the barn floor with a hunting knife sticking out of his stomach. It quickly became clear to him his client’s father’s death was much more than a simple robbery gone wrong.
Austin PD Sergeant Investigator Palmer Kraus is on loan to the Magnolia Bluff Police Department. When he shows up unannounced at the crime scene, Turner realizes he’ll have to deal with Magnolia Bluff’s finest once again. Only this time, he can do it on his own terms.
Follow the breadcrumbs left behind in Joe Congel’s most compelling mystery to date. Blood is Thicker than Money, book 38 in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles series, is a mystery not to be missed as Turner tries to balance everyday life while going all in, grappling to solve a crime that doesn’t stop at murder.
REVIEW
‘Blood is Thicker than Money’ is book 38 in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. Readers will enjoy finding Brandon Turner, a retired NYPD detective, living in the picturesque small town of Magnolia Bluff, Texas. Though Brandon sought the quieter life, he soon finds himself pulled back into the world of crime-solving when Ronnie Spatch approaches him after the brutal murder of his father. Frustrated with the local police’s lack of progress, Brandon navigates the challenges of establishing himself as a private investigator with Ronnie as his first client. The mystery unfolds against a rich backdrop of small-town dynamics, showcasing the author’s ability to weave suspense sprinkled with heart-moving, poignant moments.
Joe Congel brilliantly intertwines elements of Brandon’s personal and professional life as he delves deeper into the investigation. The character of Brandon is particularly well-developed; he balances his past experiences as a cop with his desire for a peaceful existence. Joyce and her 16-year-old son continue to bring out Brandon’s need for family relationships. Palmer Kraus’s personal qualities become revealed to allow readers to immediately relate to someone they would like to meet or add as a friend. Their new partnership allows for insightful exchanges and shared discoveries, enhancing the mystery with both tension and camaraderie. The distinctive plot and storyline provide readers with a relatable cast of supporting characters, which adds layers and complexity to the mystery.
Joe Congel expertly crafts an unforgettable tale that is not only a gripping whodunit but a captivating exploration of relationships and personal growth. The subtle romance blossoming between Brandon and Joyce provides an emotional anchor to the story. The themes of love and family amidst the chaos of murder and deceit give a sensational, realistic quality from start to finish. Each twist and turn expertly leads readers to the final revelation, showcasing a perfect balance of heart and grit. Fans of complex mysteries, ‘Blood is Thicker than Money’ exemplifies classic storytelling. Readers will enjoy the engaging character arcs and a plot that keeps them guessing until the very end. Masterfully executed and not to be missed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joe Congel grew up in Syracuse, NY, and currently lives in beautiful Charlotte, NC. He got his first break in the world of publishing when he illustrated the humorous book, Housetraining Your VCR, A Help Manual for Humans, published by Grapevine Publications back in the early ’90s.
A few years after Housetraining set the world on fire, Joe decided that he was better suited as a writer rather than as an artist, so he began crafting stories that allowed the reader to use their own imagination to add the visuals to the narrative.
Since he’s enjoyed reading murder mysteries and PI detective stories all his life, he felt he had a pretty good grasp on how to create an engaging character in the world of private detecting. DEAD IS FOREVER is the first book in the Razzman Mystery Crime Files series, featuring Tony Razzolito, PI. The book is set in Syracuse, NY, and Charlotte, NC, with upcoming books in the series concentrated more in and around the Charlotte area. Joe is uniquely qualified to write about both areas of the country since he lived in Syracuse for 36 years and Charlotte for over 25 years.
When he’s not writing, you will most likely find him spoiling his three grandchildren.
Follow Joe on Facebook.com/JoeCongelAuthor
and on Twitter: @JoeCongelAuthor
Blog: https://joecongelfictionstories.blogspot.com/
Email: jc.razzman@gmail.com
2 replies to "Blood is Thicker than Money"
A nice teasing review for what appears to be an excellent novel from Joe. Good job.
Thank you, Rox! I’m blown away by your review. Thank you for reading and posting such a wonderful review of my book.