The pacing of the book was off and not enough happens in the first few chapters. While the protagonist finds himself in a lot of action scenes before chapter 10 they feel disconnected and standalone rather than building on something more or his purpose for what he is doing. It was hard to keep interested when the plot felt like it had been abandoned so early on and eventually I couldn't continue it and had to add this book to my DNF (did not finish) list.

MURDER BOOK – by Thomas Perry – 3.5/5.0 Stars

‘When a sudden crime wave hits several small midwestern towns, the U.S. Attorney for the region calls on Harry Duncan to investigate. An ex-cop known for his unorthodox methods, Duncan is reluctant to go up against a widespread criminal organization—but the attorney in question is Ellen Leicester, the wife who left him fifteen years earlier, and to her, he can’t say no.’

The action in this book hits the ground running from the very beginning and doesn’t let up until around the ninety percent mark. As the reader, you try to determine, along with the main character, Harry Duncan, who is a ‘friend’ and who is a foe.

Unfortunately, after sitting on the edge of my seat, with ten percent left in the book, the nonstop action comes to a screeching halt, and the dynamic between Harry and his ex-wife changes in a way that doesn’t make sense—considering everything that happened prior. Scenes that are meant to reveal all are written in a way that feels very anticlimactic, in my opinion.

Thank you, NetGalley and Penzler Publishers (Mysterious Press), for providing me with an eBook of MURDER BOOK at the request of an honest review.

Unfortunately I don't think I'm the demographic for this book. Felt predictable and aimed at an older audience not as familiar with the plot dynamics at play. DNF @ 30%

Thank you to Penzler Publishers, Mysterious Press and NetGalley for their ARC.

Not sure where to go on this one given that the mystery/case itself was intriguing and the main characters were fun to follow. However, the plot felt jumbled at times and seemed to be going in too many directions at once. Solid crime novel overall, just need to suspend belief with many of the developments throughout that keep the story going. 3.5 stars

Harry Duncan has been a police officer in many different venues. He got a lot of knowledge from each one. Now he is a private investigator, working out of Chicago. He gets a call one day from his former wife, who he married while they were in law school. He dropped out after their divorce and Ellen is now a U.S. Attorney for Illinois. She wants him to investigate rumors she is hearing from a very small town in Indiana, where someone is attempting to build a criminal enterprise. Harry drives to Parkman's Elbow near a bend in the Ash River. Two thugs immediately brace him for $1000 to not jack up his car. Harry takes them down and drives them to Indianapolis for booking, since he does not know how deeply infiltrated the police force might be. And, it just goes downhill from there. Murders and general mayhem are rained down on Parkman's Elbow. No one has a clue why this is happening, until Harry talks to an ornithological team from Cornell University. AS always, Perry maintains a fast-paced plot containing excellent pivots along the way.

A reweiw fron Fantastic Ficton:
An ex-cop takes on a widespread criminal organization targeting Midwestern towns in this "master class in the craft of suspense" (New York Times) from the author of The Old Man.


When a sudden crime wave hits several small midwestern towns, the U.S. Attorney for the region calls on Harry Duncan to investigate. An ex-cop known for his unorthodox methods, Duncan is reluctant to go up against a widespread criminal organization—but the attorney in question is Ellen Leicester, the wife who left him fifteen years earlier, and to her, he can’t say no.

Initially brought in as a consultant to determine if the racketeering is severe enough to require an all-out investigation by the FBI, Duncan quickly finds himself in conflict with a syndicate far more violent than first suspected. As the investigation develops, he begins compiling a “murder book,” the notebook in which a detective keeps records, interviews, photos—everything he needs to build his case. But his scrutiny of the gang soon makes Duncan a target. And Ellen, too.


A thrilling and suspenseful tour of crime-addled midwestern towns, Murder Book is signature Thomas Perry, with characters you won’t soon forget, crisply-described action sequences, and breathlessly-tense plotting that will keep you racing through the pages.

Harry Duncan, ex cop does some private eye work for his ex wife.
Just looking into possible criminal elements moving in to a small town.
He soon discovers that it is a large criminal element with more than just extortion and racketeering in the plan.
Along the way he is shot at, nearly run over, wrestled with and threatened multiple times.
Of course he comes through with the goods that allow his ex wife to prosecute the culprits.
A little Jack Reacher, a little Rockford Files, little Hawaii Five oh….explosively fast paced and certainly plausible plot.
Very good. Enjoyed it immensely.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for allowing me this ARC.

I haven't read any of Thomas Perry's other books and wasn't familiar with him before I came across ths book. Based on the description, I was sure I would like it. I am so pleased that I decided to read Murder Book. The plot was unlike other books that I have read. It kept me guessing and really conveyed the sense of not knowing who you could trust. I found the writing to be so engaging. During the tenser moments of the book, my heart was literally beating harder and I was found myself leaning forward in anticipation of what was to come. The writing was so descriptive that I was able to see the action playing out in my head, almost as though I was watching a movie.

I highly recommend this book, and I will be checking out other books written by Thomas Perry!

3.5 stars

When ex-cop Harry Duncan is called upon to consult in the investigation of a Midwest crime spree, he doesn’t want to take on this particular group of bad guys but can’t say no to the U.S. Attorney who brought him in – his ex-wife.

Harry soon finds himself and someone he still cares about in the crosshairs of a violent cast of characters. His murder book compiles everything he needs to build his case, but his out-of-the-box approach to catching these bad guys makes this a hard-to-put-down ride you won’t soon forget.

This stand-alone from Thomas Perry is an enjoyable read with a good deal of humor throughout to counter the tension of the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Mysterious Press Publishers for providing a free ARC. This review is provided voluntarily.

MURDER BOOK is a terrific thriller by Thomas Perry. Former cop, Harry Duncan, agrees to investigate a crime wave that appears to be developing through several nearby towns in Indiana. What he discovers is more complicated and dangerous than he anticipated. This book is exceptionally well written and quite believable, as are all of Perry’s novels. The suspense built all the way to the end that was a bit abrupt, perhaps because I did not want the novel to end. I really liked this new character and will be disappointed if Perry does not write another novel featuring Duncan.

I really want to thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. I'm a sucker for a well told thriller, and this one is superb. I found it difficult to put it down. The characters are simple and straightforward, but the action and plot are complex and intricately woven. The story kept me on the edge of my seat and I loved every page.

Trouble starts when career criminals show up in out-of-the-way locations

“Murder Book” is a gripping mystery with compelling characters, lots of action, and surprising plot twists. U.S. Attorney Ellen Leicester notices that certain “career” criminals have been committing crimes in unexpected out-of-the-way rural Indiana; she suspects that this unusual “activity” might just be the start of some new crime syndicate. These goings-on certainly should not be ignored, but she needs solid evidence to proceed. She needs someone to confirm her suspicions. She knows just whom to call, someone from her past.

Harry Duncan is an ex-cop who diligently kept all his old case notes stored in what he called “Murder Books.” He is also the ex-husband of U.S. Attorney Ellen Leicester. Theirs was not a contentious divorce, but one that set them both free. Leicester asks him to go to Indiana on a scouting mission as a “consultant.” He will observe, document, and send a report to help determine if there is anything that the government should investigate. He begins yet another “murder book,” meticulously recording what he sees and hears. This makes him a target.


“Murder Book” has an unusual pattern of criminal activity that starts an equally unusual chain of events. Readers anxiously turn the pages. The characters are well developed and straightforward. They are not terribly complex, but the events, actions, and plot are. Every page is filled with action, uncertainty, and unusual twists.

I received a review copy of “Murder Book” from Thomas Perry, Penzler Publishers, and Mysterious Press. Perry packs everything into this story that readers want: nail-biting suspense, tense drama, and startling events; this is another classic.

“Murder Book” is now available in print, as an e-book, and on audio from independent bookstores, online booksellers, retail stores, public libraries, and anywhere you get your books.


#BookReview #MurderBook #ThomasPerry #RuralIndiana #CareerCriminals

Another terrific thriller from Thomas Perry. Fast-paced, three-dimensional characters, and a slam-bang ending. Perry is true pro and the best suspense writer in the business.

Murder Book is a high stakes crime thriller novel. Protagonist Harry Duncan is an ex-cop turned PI. He's highly intelligent and seems to have no fear, so it's no surprise that his ex-wife, a DA, calls him in to examine a potential crime ring that she suspects is being formed in small towns in Indiana. He's on his own with no official backup, and the danger ramps up quickly. Who or what is bringing these ex-convicts to terrify business owners in these small Midwest towns? Harry's on the case.
The action in this novel is fantastic! It's perfectly spaced out, so you never get bored. Harry is so innovative and able to figure his way out of any tough situation. He's a perfect protagonist in this kind of novel. I was interested the whole way through and it kept me guessing. One of the best crime centered thrillers I've read.

When Harry Duncan’s ex-wife, U.S. Attorney Ellen Leicester, called him to meet, he knew it would be trouble. He just didn’t know how much.

Duncan, a former cop in Chicago, as well as a couple of other places, knows how the bad guys think. He’s been hired at times as a consultant by government agencies, so his name has ended up on a list of acceptable independent contractors for her to hire. And she needs an independent contractor.

She has heard rumblings of crimes being committed in small towns in the Midwest. Burglaries, extortion, even a couple of murders. She’s thinking that maybe someone is trying to start an organized crime syndicate outside of Chicago, and she needs some proof before she can call in the FBI or the state police to investigate. That’s where Harry comes in.

Duncan decides to take the job and packs up to head out of town. He drives through several small towns on the Ash River in Indiana, ending up at a bar named The Elbow Room for a burger. He barely has a chance to try the beer and eat his lunch before a couple of guys show up threatening to tow his car. They claim to be working for the police, but Duncan sees through them immediately. He overpowers them and cuffs them, putting them in the backseat of his car to deliver to the Indiana State Police.

Later, he returns to the bar to pay his tab to the bartender and owner, Renee Parkman, certain that he is in the right place and that there is clearly an issue there. He does more research on the town of Parkman’s Elbow, and he thinks that The Elbow Room is exactly the type of bar that a crime syndicate would target for extortion. And sure enough, as Duncan sits in the restaurant one evening, three men come in and sit at the bar. He’s able to persuade them to leave without taking of the bar’s money (with some help from the local police), but he anticipates trouble later.

Later the night they were released from jail, Duncan is prepared when the three men show up at Renee’s house. He waits for two of them to head to her door with the gasoline before anchoring their getaway car to a big tree in her yard. When the getaway driver tries to drive away, his brand new car is snagged, pulled to pieces, and then the tree falls on it. The fire department is called out to put out the car fire, while the house is unharmed.

Duncan feels good about his work so far, and then he gets the ransom call. It’s from Renee’s number. She’s been taken and needs cash for the kidnappers, or they will kill her and maybe hurt her in other ways as well. Figuring out where she’s being kept and staging a rescue only adds to his information on how determined and resourceful this new crime syndicate is. But it doesn’t show him who the leader is. He’ll have to follow the trail back to Chicago for that.

When he puts together all of his files and photos, recorded carefully into notebooks he calls Murder Books, he wants to hand them all off to Ellen. There is clearly something happening, and it deserves a team of investigators. He sets up a handoff for her, in the parking lot of a public beach, after dark. Ellen resists, wanting him to keep investigating, but Duncan wants out. But he keeps thinking it still feels unfinished, as he watches her drive away with all his files.

He’s not the only one who feels things are unfinished, as the bullet that rips through the passenger side window attests.

It’s clear that Duncan won’t be completely finished with this investigation until the leader is taken down or Harry is dead. But which will it be?

Murder Book is a smart suspenseful thriller from Edgar-award-winning author Thomas Perry. The pages spark with action sequences, and his characters all have secrets and agendas that give them depth. Duncan’s wry statements and his understanding of the criminal mind offers an enlightening view of investigations, and watching him put together the puzzle piece by piece is fascinating.

I really enjoyed Murder Book. I’ll be honest—it’s been a while since I’ve gone for a darker mystery, but this was a good one for me to jump into. It reminded me of all the best procedurals I’ve read in the past—the perseverance of the hero, the way he uses his intelligence to out-fight the villains, and the acerbic humor that makes him human. If you’re stuck waiting for the next Reacher book or wanting a smart procedural about someone not as trapped by all those pesky laws as an officer or a fed, then Murder Book may just be the book you’ve been waiting for.

Egalleys for Murder Book were provided by Mysterious Press through NetGalley, with many thanks.

In the book Murder Book, author Thomas Perry writes about Harry Duncan, an ex-cop who is known for his unorthodox methods to solve cases. Something strange is happening in several small Midwestern towns and the US Attorney’s office for the region contacts Duncan to look into things. Oh, and the US Attorney for the region happens to be his ex-wife and he cannot say no to her.
This is a fast pace, signature Thomas Petty book. The characters are easy to connect with and the story is easy to follow. I would recommend this action packed book. I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dnf'd at 21%

Murder Book is written wonderfully, but wonderfully written books with good grammer and scene building do not always have good plots. Murder Book has little to no plot, which is essential for a mystery book. The author constantly changes to the actual crime that is taking place, thus removing the mystery.

Switching to the crime in action only works if it happens well after the WHOLE mystery is solved. Switching after tiny mysteries are solved does not work.

I however hope this author continues writing. I feel like maybe mystery isn't the best genre for them, maybe romance would suit them better as the small interactions the protagonist had with our damsel in distress were the only parts worth reading.

Harry’s ex-wife, Ellen…the new US attorney, has asked him to investigate a new crime wave in the mid west. Harry takes this on with almost no hesitation. But, he soon discovers more than he expected. And he and Ellen both end up on the run!

I really enjoyed Harry Duncan. He is no nonsense and pretty dang smart. He is very unconventional and I enjoyed his unique ways of going about things.

This story moves quickly. And boy, does it get intense, especially towards the end. I loved the chase. I could definitely see this as a tv show!

The narrator, Peter Berkrot , is not my favorite. He tends to be overly dramatic and he speeds up in the exciting parts. But, this did not take away from the story. I did roll my eyes in places over his portrayal.

Need a good mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was intricately detailed and suspenseful. Everything connected together and it was fascinating to realize how everything worked out. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

💥 I absolutely loved this book I dove right in and didn’t put it down u til I was finished. It is very reminiscent of the Harry Bosch character and books. I loved the characters and how they immediately just felt real.

💥 The way Harry thinks through every detail and uses all of his past experiences was just perfection. I have lived in small towns my whole life and loved how the story involved not only the towns themselves but the people and dynamic of living where everyone knows everyone and everything.

💥 This is my first Thomas Perry book but I can’t wait to read more from him and I really, really hope this is only the beginning of Harry Duncan’s adventures. Thank you to Netgalley and Penzler Publisbers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

4/5