Author: Chris Grabenstein
Genre: Mystery, Series #1
Published: 2005
Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)
Yearly Count: 103
In Sea Haven, New Jersey, during the peak of the tourist season, John Ceepak, an ex-military policeman, and Danny Boyle, a "summer cop" are investigating partners in the death of a wealthy real-estate resident. As the two join forces to catch the murderer, we learn about them as individuals and as a team.
Oddly enough, I found the narration to be awkward at first - Boyle is the narrator. Ceepak is the stronger character, so in the beginning I thought Ceepak was talking, but I was wrong. It was clearly identified who was speaking, but it felt off to me. I'm not so sure why that happened, but I adjusted quickly.
Ceepak and Boyle are different. Ceepak appears to be somewhat uptight and too perfect (a bit tiring after a while) and Boyle - a little green in police work. However, those characteristics add some spice to the plot and makes for an enjoyable read. There's humor, which creates some smirks and smiles, and by the end, Ceepak and Boyle are a team that I want to ride with again. I look forward to getting to know them more.
The title and cover of this book do nothing for me, but I've read several great reviews of it.
ReplyDeleteJoy, I'm so tickled that you enjoyed Tilt-a-Whirl. I think you'll find Ceepak isn't quite so perfect as you progress through the series. But he is quite determined to live by his code! It's also very fun to watch he and Danny teach eachother throughout the series. While the books can be read out of sequence and understood, you lose that glimpse of both of them growing and changing if you do. The other thing I think you'll find - at least I did - is that this series gets better with every book! :)
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion, if you decide to start this series, I think you'll find the titles to be quite poignant. They tie in to the books in many important ways. I'm always looking for their multiple means - they're present in every book. Grabenstein is a master with titles.
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion ~ I understand your feelings regarding the title, but like Jen says below - it's apropos. If you like police procedurals, you probably would enjoy this.
ReplyDeleteJen ~ I loved how Ceepak's character played out; I just thought the phrase regarding his code following became redundant. Don't get me wrong, I understand Ceepak because I'm a rule follower as well - I will not be reading them out of order. :) I'm so glad I finally got to it. Thanks for the encouragement.
Joy: Thank you for the review. I like learning about new to me authors. This sounds like a good series.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, Joy! I'll be reaing his second YA book this month and I was just wondering like, yesterday!, what his adult books would be like and here you are with the answer. Guess I'll give this one a whirl! (ugh, LOL)
ReplyDeleteI love these books! I've been listening to audios and so there is never any question of who is speaking.
ReplyDeleteOh, goodness! The last thing I need is another mystery series. I love them, tho. That's probably why I've started a million of them and have another million on my TBR list that I want to start. What's just one more? So on the list it goes.
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE your new header!!!!!
ReplyDeleteJoy,
ReplyDeleteGrabenstein is really good IMO. Try Slay Ride sometime (it was a holiday mystery a couple of year's ago). He has a new book out too: Mind Scrambler.
I love discovering a new mystery series. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this author. Sounds like a fun read and if you want to get to know them more that is surely a good sign!
ReplyDeleteI bought a copy of this one in my library sale for a quarter and hadn't heard a thing about it. Then, I flipped through it a little more thoroughly and decided it probably wasn't for me. Funny timing! I just swapped it yesterday and now I've finally found a review! Oh, well. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
ReplyDeleteVickie ~ I've thought about these guys since closing the book, so that's a good sign. :)
ReplyDeleteNicola ~ I think you'll like it. I'll be watching for your thoughts.
Beth F ~ Glad to know that this series has another dedicated follower.
Booklogged ~ It seems to be a popular series once you get your hands on the first. I'm looking forward to more. I also love starting new series, but have the same problem with them adding up to a million!
Danielle ~ Thank you! That's kind of you to say. :)
Diane ~ Thanks for the reminder! I like to read a few holiday books during the season, so it's on the reading list for this year. Thanks for the reminder.
Stacybuckeye ~ I think you'd like this series, too.
Staci ~ Oh definitely. He writes children's/YA books too.
Bookfool ~ I think most often our gut is a good thing to follow, so for you - you may have made the right choice. :)