Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Private Investigator Russ Morgan solves cases, using more than his wits.

 

Enigma

Who’s blackmailing the high-profile televangelist whose son was miraculously cured of his homosexuality many years ago? Threatening letters using old Enigma songs from the 90’s have got Reverend Howard Richardson spooked. Psychic Denver PI Russ Morgan uncovers obscene secrets shrouded in seeming righteousness, but must make peace with a sword of justice that cuts the innocent as well as the guilty.

 

Blood & Dirt

When Russ Morgan investigates a vandalized marijuana grow in Mesa County, he lands in the middle of a family feud that escalates into murder. Who is willing to go that far to get what they want? Russ’s personal life is escalating, too—he has to figure out if he’s brave enough to begin a relationship with Colin Stewart, who is half his age.

 

 

First edition of 'Enigma' published by Wilde City Press, August 2013.

First edition of 'Blood & Dirt' published by Wilde City Press, August 2015.

 

Book Review

Enigma

“It is not the power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.” ~ Aung San Suu Kyi

Russ Morgan is a private investigator who uses his intuitive gifts to help him solve his cases. Russ is also an empath, someone capable of literally feeling what another person is feeling, to put themselves in “other people's shoes". With all the discomfort this can cause, sometimes Russ wonders why he does this job when it's so emotionally and physically draining. It's times like these when he has to remind himself that those of us who have these extra-sensory abilities have a responsibility to use them. Then he is approached to solve what seems to be a simple blackmail case, but, in truth, no case is ever as uncomplicated as it seems and this one is no exception.

Besides being an empath, Russ is also gay, which may or may not be a problem, especially in a case involving a “cured” homosexual. Russ is also a recovering alcoholic; drinking caused enough problems in his life, including losing the love of his life because he couldn't drink. Russ is in his 50s now and is lonely, but still feeling guilty about the one who got away. At the office of his client, he meets an attractive young man named Colin, who is more than helpful and obviously flirting. Russ is sorely tempted, but taps those feelings down telling himself that this beautiful twenty-something young man is way too young for him. Russ does find that Colin is nothing if not persistent and not easily dismissed. His sharp perception of other people sometimes clouds his ability to sort out his own life because, if he lets them, the bombardment of information affordable to him can be quite confusing and unsettling. Russ has been doing this work for many years and is practiced in putting things in perspective by stepping back and regrouping.

Andrew Kommen, the lawyer who hires Russ, is a pompous ass who enjoys asserting his assumed power over others. He's not successful with Russ who can tell the difference between what Kommen says and what he's feeling. Fortunately, Russ can turn his abilities off if necessary. Kommen works for Reverend Howard Richardson, who is even more offensive with a condescending attitude toward everything. He is threatened by a series of notes left in private places, notes that become more threatening as time goes on. They are coming from someone who knows his son, James, whom the reverend placed in a reparative therapy camp years ago to “cure” his homosexuality. His “recovered” son now has a wife and three children. James's recovery is a big feather in the cap of his father's ministry; one he needs to keep. The investigation is convoluted, with seemingly everyone under suspicion and confused except for Russ, who is calmly processing the information and forming his own opinions of the case. Russ is certain he knows who the culprit is, but when the notes become life-threatening, Russ knows he has to make his move and solve the case before someone dies.

This is a well written mystery with an outstandingly crafted main character. Russ being the narrator enabled me to understand what he's thinking and feeling. It also was a great vehicle for letting me see what he saw as far as other people's auras and emotions go and it was all very fascinating. I loved Colin and am looking forward to seeing him again because I doubt he will give up on Russ and I don't think Russ will be able to deny that blond green-eyed elf forever.

For those of you who enjoy a mystery starring a new, gentler, different kind of P.I. with a psychic twist, you may enjoy this story. Thanks so much, Lloyd, for introducing me to Russ and his unique perception about investigations.

 

Blood & Dirt

“There is no fire like passion, there is no shark like hatred, there is no snare like folly, there is no torrent like greed.” ~ Gautama Buddha

One of the most dangerous situations law enforcement officers face is domestic violence. Going in, officers know they're at a disadvantage and dealing with people who either love or hate each other or both, and may turn on the officer in a second due to their of their conflicting emotions. When Russ Morgan takes a case in which the culprit is someone in the client's family, he knows it's risky, but still decides to accept the assignment. When Russ gets to the family ranch and experiences the degree of animosity the family members feel for each other, he has second thoughts; but Russ doesn't give up easily and forges ahead, determined to solve the case.

Russ finally gives in to Colin's charms and they began spending time together. The longer they are with each other, the harder it is to be apart. Russ still has serious concerns about their age difference, but Colin calls him on it, asking Russ if that's just an excuse and not the real reason for his hesitation. Russ wants to be able to love Colin the way he deserves to be loved but fears he can't. Despite the difference in their ages, they find they have a lot in common. Russ opens up, telling Colin about the lover he lost due to his alcoholism. Colin listens patiently, then reminds Russ he's no longer that man and their relationship is a completely different situation. While he's away, Russ finds he misses Colin more than he thought he would. Especially with all the venom surrounding him, it makes him long for a quiet, comfortable night together.

Discovering who trashed Sarah's marijuana crop proves to be a difficult job. Wading through the evidence and abundance of emotion, Russ's limits are tested, but fortunately, through his experience and training, he can cope effectively. His gift for reading auras comes in quite handy, telling him when the suspects are thinking and feeling something different than they say they are. With so much strong emotion flying around, Russ takes his firearm with him, fearing he may need it. He's expecting some kind of confrontation at any minute. When tragedy strikes, Russ is extremely relieved he heeded his own advice.

This is a complex mystery, which had me considering that everyone may have committed the crime. I tried to follow the clues as Russ laid them out, but kept running down the wrong path, but it wasn't frustrating; it was exhilarating. I was on the edge of my chair for most of the book. Russ had me suspecting everyone! I even wondered if “the butler”—which in this case would be the cook—could have been responsible. I was delighted to see Colin made an appearance and happy to see that they are making progress. I come from a very close family, so the dysfunction of this family was sad and disturbing, but Lloyd did a fantastic job of defining the characters with their many flaws and warped thinking. If you like a book about dysfunctional families, both physical and emotional destruction, private detectives, hot cops, and beautiful law clerks, then this may be the story for you. Thank you, Lloyd, for making me feel and think.

 

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The frist editions of both books were provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Collection/ 2 novellas, 68650 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	23-March-2020
Price	$5.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://ninestarpress.com/product/russ-morgan-pi/