The circumstance isn't new but the story was enjoyable nonetheless. I liked the fast-paced, action-filled crime novel and this definitely scratched that itch. I would recommend it to those looking for a classic crime thriller.

Another great, action packed, smart and feisty private detective novel from Thomas Perry. Perry always delivers the smart cat-and-mouse thrills, and is one of my favorite current detective novelists. The plot of this book was fun, especially if you love a smart PI story with some legal intrigue.

The audiobook narrator was not my favorite -- I found him a little too melodramatic for Perry's no-nonsense hard-boiled style. I think I'd rather read this one in print. Nonetheless, a very enjoyable ride that keeps me a loyal Thomas Perry devotee. Fans of Michael Connelly will love this one.

I was given a NetGalley widget for this one a year ago and I just got around to reading it and dangit it was so good. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have consumed this wildly relevant fictional tale, which felt not at all fictional, more like historical fiction, due to the times. The cover initially was what drew me in, but I'm so thankful to have stuck with it because the outcome was magical. I always love listening to audiobooks and when they sweep me off my feet, I'm just utterly captivated! I always really enjoy multi-cultural thrillers, for I embark on a journey through a land unknown to me, while still getting spooked.

Murder Book - Thomas Perry
A heartfelt THANK YOU to Netgalley and Highbridge Audio for providing me with an eARC from my favorite author, Thomas Perry.

If you are a rare mystery and suspense fan who hasn't yet read this multiple Edgar award winning author (who has writer over 40 bestsellers), you are in for a rare treat. Especially good fit for fans of Mark Billingham, Ruth Ware, Jane Casey and many other top caliber writers.

Murder Book is an engaging read in which a criminal organization aggressively targets businesses in a Midwestern town with a "protection" racket, where they force owners to pay a regular fee to protect their businesses from being destroyed by the very thugs they are paying.

I finished this in one sitting, my only issue with this story is that recent worldwide events proved people refuse to inconvenience themselves (even slightly) to protect their neighbors, however I still greatly enjoyed this story.

Thomas Perry writes wonderfully entertaining and imaginative books, and Murder Book is yet another top-quality offering by a stellar author.

Until next time, make sure to check out Mr. Perry's a Small Town and his Jane Whitefield series (I waited until I had read the rest of his collection before starting this series, but these books are now among my favorites, the character Jane "comes to life" to the degree where you consider her a dear friend).

This is an action-packed novel following Harry Duncan as he investigates criminal activity in a small town in Indiana. For the most part, Murder Book has the feel of a Jack Reacher novel - stranger ends up in a small town, realizes something bad is going on, sticks around to keep people safe and help the good guys win. And most of the book was a real page-turner and would have been a 4 star read for me. Ultimately, I felt like the story went way too long and the ending dragged for me.

The narrator was great, Peter Berkrot does an excellent job brining the story off the page.

This one started rough for me. It was pretty slow and I wasn’t sure I was going to get into it. However by the 30% mark I was sold.

So it took longer than I like to pick up but once it did it was a steady pace to the end. There was plenty of action to keep it interesting and the case itself was enough to be interesting.

I received an audio copy of this one through NetGalley and my only real “complaint” I guess is that the narrator has such a soothing voice I found myself getting sleepy listening to it! So it’s not really a complaint but I was not expecting the narrator to have that soothing of a voice!

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Murder Book by Thomas Perry

I want to start by thanking the author, publishers, and NetGalley for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. This is the first book I’ve read by Thomas Perry, and I will 100% be reading more.

This book had so many unexpected twists and turns. I enjoyed the book. It was highly detailed and very well written. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. I don’t want to give too many spoilers, but I highly recommend this book. This book is a bit of a slow burn, but it’s worth it once you start.

Harry Duncan is an ex-cop, the U.S. attorney hired to investigate a series of heinous uprising crimes in several small towns in midwestern states. Harry Duncan utilized unorthodox tactics to uncover a violent organized crime syndicate. The crime syndicate hired a bunch of criminals to scare current residents and get them to vacate the area. This syndicate was far more violent and brutal than he could have ever expected. Duncan decided to create a “Murder Book” to document the case. Duncan uncovered something much more sinister than he could have ever expected.

I am once again reminded how much I love a Thomas Perry book!! I have loved every single book of his that I've read! This one was the best yet. I enjoyed all the twists and turns of this book and the lone PI being a good guy and getting shit done! I hope this book is made into a series b/c I would totally read that!

#MurderBook
#NetGalley

A quick moving thriller with great narration! I recommend for anyone that is a fan of this author, looking to try something new or likes the mystery/thriller genre.

I enjoyed this fun and engaging book. I thought orator encaputured me and voice inflection was engaging..

Definitely encourage grabbing a copy.

This is an action packed story of murder and mayhem. A former cop with convenient ties to the FBI via an ex-wife, is contracted to look into an uptick in organized crime in rural Indiana. The more he digs, the more he uncovers. Surprisingly, sandhill cranes, one of my favorite birds, figure into the mystery. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with ARC audiobook.

This was a well-written and thorough mystery featuring Harry Duncan, a former cop, turned private investigator. When his ex-wife, a US attorney, calls to ask him to find out what's going on in a small town in a neighboring state, he didn't anticipate uncovering an extension of a Chicago crime ring, but he does. The questions he has to answer are why now, why here, and who is behind it all?

We're taken on a fun ride as he protects himself and the residents of this small town while cutting off the heads of the hydra that keep popping up.

I actually liked a lot of the extra detail that some reviewers felt was too much, because it made his constant coming out on top more believable. It wasn't just a writer taking liberties with his character's prowess, but his constant careful nature and investigation that enabled him to best the criminals sent his way.

Well done, Thomas Perry! Thank you for an advance review copy to you and to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley as well.

Alright I hate to leave a negative review in any way, but I just didn’t really enjoy this one. It was too draggy and just not for me

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 book wasn’t my cup of tea, but the writing was quality so the review is middle of the road. I’d be willing to give t this author another chance on another book.

I loved this exciting, fast-paced, action-packed crime book. The characters drew me in and I didn't want to put it down. I will be looking for more books by this author. I am hooked.

I received this book for free through netgalley.com. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Harry Duncan made the mistake of taking a case his ex-wife offers him working for the State Attorney. He soon finds that he has stumbled into a mob takeover of a small town. Although he brings a lot of evidence without names they are no good to his ex. Now putting his life on the line he tries to get the information that he is looking for.

This is a great private detective novel. Harry Duncan is a likable character who has quite a few skills that help him to stay alive. The story is interesting and keeps your attention. Harry reminds me a bit of Michael Connelly's character Bosch. Even though Bosch is a cop the feel of this book brings the same feel and given that I am a huge Bosch fan it's no wonder I really fell for this book. I am definitely going to be adding Thomas Perry on my list of authors to explore more.

From the moment you start this book, you’ll be saying to yourself “something doesn’t add up here”. Twists await you at every moment and the main characters are endearing.

I was a little disappointed with some of the narrative. The reader had a gravelly way of deepening his voice throughout, seemingly to build drama or suspense. However, these moments happened frequently and not always at times where it made the most sense. As a particular voice or in dialogue, it would have made sense to happen so often. Instead, it could be a little distracting, and pull from the actual story. I'm not sure that I would try other novels read by Peter Berkrot, but will try to keep an open mind in the future.

As for the story itself: Harry Duncan is called upon by his ex-wife, now a US attorney, to investigate a rise in crime across small towns in Indiana. The crimes are seemingly unconnected, with no clear motive, but the rate at which they're happening doesn't add up.

Harry agrees to take the case, and within an hour of arriving at Parkman's Elbow, two thugs attempt to highjack his car. Luckily he's warned in time by the local barkeep, and he's able to make a citizen's arrest, though he drives them to a distant police station so as not to arouse suspicion and gossip too early in the smaller area.

Things don't slow down from there, and Harry soon finds himself uncovering a crime ring that is more than he can handle on his own. With the help of some of the locals, and his ex-wife, hopefully they'll prove to be just enough to keep Parkman's Elbow from a bloodbath.

This was a book that I really enjoyed. Harry's thought process was methodical and clearly drawn out. He was careful to keep down notes, and safe files regularly before sending them on. His skill and experience as a police detective helped him throughout his investigation, and it made for a very thrilling and interesting read. Another aspect that was appealing was the minimal cussing, which can be pretty rare in some mysteries, especially with the criminal ring that was developed. Sometimes, over-use of cussing can detract from the story, especially ones that I'm listening to, and this was a pleasant surprise for me.

I'd definitely recommend this to someone who likes procedurals, or mysteries of any sort. Very well worth the read, and I'll be looking forward to trying more Thomas Perry books in the future!

Harry Duncan gave me very big Liam Neeson from Taken vibes. He has very particular and very good skill sets which he utilizes throughout the story to solve the case. And the case? Every time he unfurls one strand of it, a bunch more show up all knotted together.

I loved this book. It's similar yet different than others I've read. I quite like Harry's seemingly gruff, no nonsense take towards the people around him and the suspects. He really does outwit each and every one of them like a boss. And the way he goes about it? Look, I laughed. He makes them look so dumb.

This is my first book by the author and I'll be looking up more of his work for sure.