Check out these great mystery reads. From hard boiled to comedic. There's something for everybody!
This Group Giveaway has expired
CAPTURED
CAPTURED David Callinan
A woman on the run from a ruthless cyber gang sees Mike Delaney on the street. In desperation she drops something into his pocket and snaps him on her cell phone. From that moment the ex-US assassin, ex-Hong Police enforcer and ex-monk is sucked into a war against an enemy that will stop at nothing to get it back. Whether he likes it or not, Delaney is now an accomplice and must find the woman and bring the gang to justice. Then he comes face-to-face with Mammoth.
What a mystery! A great read with a cover.
Great plotline.
David is a great author - don't miss out on this one!
An exciting action thriller with an engaging hero and lots at stake!
Great story. The tension just builds and builds until - well, no spoilers. Read the story and find out.
INFALLIBLE
INFALLIBLE carlyle labuschagne
Cursed in love death was coming for her once again...
Sexy, smart and career ambitious, South African Detective Scarlet Anne Martins get's the career opportunity of her life - working for the NYPD in The Special Crimes Unit. After landing a high profile case involving the escape of a notorious serial killer, her career jumps from NYPD freelancing detective to consulting for the FBI.
But never had Scarlet imagined how quickly those dreams could slip through her fingers when she meets her new partner Agent Blade, who appears to have a vendetta against the serial killer she's assigned to bring down.
At a shocking turn of events, Scarlet finds herself a fugitive in a foreign country after being framed for a fatal bombing and aiding the escape of this Serial Killer. She starts to
Sexy, smart and career ambitious, South African Detective Scarlet Anne Martins get's the career opportunity of her life - working for the NYPD in The Special Crimes Unit. After landing a high profile case involving the escape of a notorious serial killer, her career jumps from NYPD freelancing detective to consulting for the FBI.
But never had Scarlet imagined how quickly those dreams could slip through her fingers when she meets her new partner Agent Blade, who appears to have a vendetta against the serial killer she's assigned to bring down.
At a shocking turn of events, Scarlet finds herself a fugitive in a foreign country after being framed for a fatal bombing and aiding the escape of this Serial Killer. She starts to
Murder In Absentia
Murder In Absentia Assaph Mehr
A senator’s son is found dead, in what looks like a cult ritual murder. His father wants to have a resolution, but at the same time to keep it away from the public eye. Enter Felix the Fox: neither a traditional detective nor a competent magician - but something in between.
This is a story of Togas, Daggers and Magic - for lovers of Murder Mysteries, Ancient Rome and Urban Fantasy.
“Mehr creates a vivid cast and an equally vivid setting in which magic just seems to fit in perfectly.”
– Richard Knaak, NYT best-selling author of author of Legends of Huma
"Mehr's imagined world based on ancient Rome feels at once familiar and dreamlike."
– Ruth Downie, author of Medicus Roman mysteries
"Hardcore Historical Fantasy - Felix the Fox is Sherlock Holmes in Ancient Times"
– Jonathan Maas
This is a story of Togas, Daggers and Magic - for lovers of Murder Mysteries, Ancient Rome and Urban Fantasy.
“Mehr creates a vivid cast and an equally vivid setting in which magic just seems to fit in perfectly.”
– Richard Knaak, NYT best-selling author of author of Legends of Huma
"Mehr's imagined world based on ancient Rome feels at once familiar and dreamlike."
– Ruth Downie, author of Medicus Roman mysteries
"Hardcore Historical Fantasy - Felix the Fox is Sherlock Holmes in Ancient Times"
– Jonathan Maas
Tupelo Gypsy (Voodoo Lucy Series 1)
Tupelo Gypsy (Voodoo Lucy Series 1) Vito Zuppardo
In New Orleans where jazz bands play until the first light of dawn, murder doesn’t sleep either.
The legend of Voodoo Lucy begins when twenty-eight-year-old Lucinda (Lucy) Jones leaves Tupelo, Mississippi and her alcoholic, abusive, father behind to start a new life in New Orleans. Having long gotten through life by running small-time cons, Lucy dreams up a profitable voodoo-laced scam that soon finds her running afoul of a criminal gang boss and his crew. When she dares to testify against a killer, Lucy’s life starts to spiral out of control. With friends on both sides of the law and a drug gang who wants her dead, can Lucy scheme her way out of danger and into the life she’s always dreamed of?
Vito Zuppardo author of 15 books
The legend of Voodoo Lucy begins when twenty-eight-year-old Lucinda (Lucy) Jones leaves Tupelo, Mississippi and her alcoholic, abusive, father behind to start a new life in New Orleans. Having long gotten through life by running small-time cons, Lucy dreams up a profitable voodoo-laced scam that soon finds her running afoul of a criminal gang boss and his crew. When she dares to testify against a killer, Lucy’s life starts to spiral out of control. With friends on both sides of the law and a drug gang who wants her dead, can Lucy scheme her way out of danger and into the life she’s always dreamed of?
Vito Zuppardo author of 15 books
The Case of a Cruising Phantom by S. H. Marpe...
The Case of a Cruising Phantom by S. H. Marpel Living Sensical
I knew exactly why I was still here. To haunt whoever had pushed me overboard.
My only problem was finding them. And if they weren't still alive, they had relatives.
Meanwhile, I kept amused by haunting the ship's passengers and crew. And the cruise line didn't have a problem with it. Their "haunted cruises" were a big hit. Full capacity for this old boat and its evening dinner cruises out beyond the harbor.
"Misstep Mary" they called me. Even had a faded photo of me blown up and cut out so passengers could take photos with me "haunting" them. Because they ruled my death accidental. But would I still be here if it was?
So I arranged for the Ghost Hunters to show up and solve this. Otherwise, there was no peaceful 'going into the light'. Getting revenge might be all I get...
My only problem was finding them. And if they weren't still alive, they had relatives.
Meanwhile, I kept amused by haunting the ship's passengers and crew. And the cruise line didn't have a problem with it. Their "haunted cruises" were a big hit. Full capacity for this old boat and its evening dinner cruises out beyond the harbor.
"Misstep Mary" they called me. Even had a faded photo of me blown up and cut out so passengers could take photos with me "haunting" them. Because they ruled my death accidental. But would I still be here if it was?
So I arranged for the Ghost Hunters to show up and solve this. Otherwise, there was no peaceful 'going into the light'. Getting revenge might be all I get...
I've read alot of postive reviews for this book. Adding now to my TBR.
A great alien world to explore. Imaginative and fun to read.
From the opening pages, the reader gets drawn into a world of intrigue and suspense. The writer continues to hold your attention without fail, don't miss this one, it reads like a binge-worthy show on Netflix!
This has to be a good book. The title alone makes me want to open the book.
Wow! Can't wait to read this!
Shielding Eva
Shielding Eva Julia Imari
She’s alone with an invisible stalker…until an unexpected ally refuses to leave her side….
Former ER nurse Eva Hadley had seen everything gory. But nothing prepared her for her parents’ murders. Her instinct tells her she’s next. And she discovers having Jesse as an ally means only one thing. Trouble. Falling for him is far more dangerous than staying alive.
Cynical attorney Jesse Sinclair’s job is to bust scam businesses. Seeing Eva at her Halloween party, he is overwhelmed by her beauty and charm, yet senses her fear and suffering. He’s determined to uncover what went wrong.
Can Eva accept Jesse’s advances as an ally without an emotional connection getting in the way?
Former ER nurse Eva Hadley had seen everything gory. But nothing prepared her for her parents’ murders. Her instinct tells her she’s next. And she discovers having Jesse as an ally means only one thing. Trouble. Falling for him is far more dangerous than staying alive.
Cynical attorney Jesse Sinclair’s job is to bust scam businesses. Seeing Eva at her Halloween party, he is overwhelmed by her beauty and charm, yet senses her fear and suffering. He’s determined to uncover what went wrong.
Can Eva accept Jesse’s advances as an ally without an emotional connection getting in the way?
Fantastic cover for a wonderful romance!
Strawberry Pie Murder- Starke, Fl Culinary Co...
Strawberry Pie Murder- Starke, Fl Culinary Cozy Mystery Series Amber Craft
There's been a murder....And Stella Rae Needs Your Help!
Ready to read a cozy mystery that's filled with intrigue and deception that draws you in and challenges you to see if you can figure out the puzzle before the true killer is revealed?
Hold on to your strawberry shortcake, baby! And get ready for....
STRAWBERRY PIE MURDER
Stella Rae Walker lives in the dusty, rusty, sleepy town of Starke, Florida passing her days as the dessert shop owner of "Stella's Sweets."
When tourist Harold Feldman drops dead in the middle of the road right in front of her shop, Stella is caught up in figuring out what happened.
Was it a suicide, or did Harold's unfortunate bad habits lead to his murder?
Click the link to find out how to get a slice of Strawberry Pie Murder for FREE!
http://eepurl.com/c2
Ready to read a cozy mystery that's filled with intrigue and deception that draws you in and challenges you to see if you can figure out the puzzle before the true killer is revealed?
Hold on to your strawberry shortcake, baby! And get ready for....
STRAWBERRY PIE MURDER
Stella Rae Walker lives in the dusty, rusty, sleepy town of Starke, Florida passing her days as the dessert shop owner of "Stella's Sweets."
When tourist Harold Feldman drops dead in the middle of the road right in front of her shop, Stella is caught up in figuring out what happened.
Was it a suicide, or did Harold's unfortunate bad habits lead to his murder?
Click the link to find out how to get a slice of Strawberry Pie Murder for FREE!
http://eepurl.com/c2
The Case of the Missing Bubble Gum Card: A Ja...
The Man by the Sea
The Man by the Sea Chris Ward
John "Slim" Hardy, heavy drinker and disgraced soldier turned bumbling private investigator, is hired to investigate Ted Douglas, an investment banker who slips out of work every Friday to visit a desolate cove on the Lancashire coast. There, he walks to the shore, opens an old book, and begins to read aloud.
His wife thinks he's having an affair.
Slim thinks he's insane.
The truth is more incredible than either could imagine.
The Man by the Sea is the sensational debut novel by Jack Benton, a classic story of love, betrayal, murder, and intrigue.
His wife thinks he's having an affair.
Slim thinks he's insane.
The truth is more incredible than either could imagine.
The Man by the Sea is the sensational debut novel by Jack Benton, a classic story of love, betrayal, murder, and intrigue.
Murder from the Newsdesk
Murder from the Newsdesk Peter Bartram
Join Colin Crampton, ace crime reporter on the Evening Chronicle in 1960s Brighton, in seven more cozy crime mysteries.
The Mystery of the African Charity: Amateur sleuth Colin discovers greed - and a murder mystery - behind what looks like a good deed.
The Mystery of the Two Suitcases: Colin interrupts a romantic Valentine’s date with girlfriend Shirley Goldsmith to unravel a case where love will find a way.
The Mystery of the Single Red Sock: Colin’s act of heroism plunges him into the hunt for one of the most violent criminals he’s ever confronted.
Plus: The Mystery at the Beauregard Hotel, The Mystery of the Precious Princess, The Mystery of the Clothes on the Beach, and The Mystery of the Phantom Santa. This book of cozy mystery stories will keep you smiling to the very last page.
The Mystery of the African Charity: Amateur sleuth Colin discovers greed - and a murder mystery - behind what looks like a good deed.
The Mystery of the Two Suitcases: Colin interrupts a romantic Valentine’s date with girlfriend Shirley Goldsmith to unravel a case where love will find a way.
The Mystery of the Single Red Sock: Colin’s act of heroism plunges him into the hunt for one of the most violent criminals he’s ever confronted.
Plus: The Mystery at the Beauregard Hotel, The Mystery of the Precious Princess, The Mystery of the Clothes on the Beach, and The Mystery of the Phantom Santa. This book of cozy mystery stories will keep you smiling to the very last page.
The perfect summer read especially if you love all things British.
Love the inventive humor and pace of these fun capers!
Heart of Malice (Alice Worth Series Book 1)
Heart of Malice (Alice Worth Series Book 1) Lisa Edmonds
The first time Moses Murphy’s granddaughter killed on his orders, she was six years old.
For 20 years, she was a prisoner of an organized crime syndicate, forced to use her magic to make Moses the most powerful and feared man on the East Coast. To escape, she faked her own death and started a new life as Alice Worth, a PI specializing in cases involving the supernatural.
Hired to investigate the disappearance of a mysterious object of power, Alice enlists the help of Malcolm, a ghost running from a past as nightmarish as her own. When her client is kidnapped, Alice must find her and the object of power before a vengeful killer destroys the city and slaughters thousands—starting with Alice.
For 20 years, she was a prisoner of an organized crime syndicate, forced to use her magic to make Moses the most powerful and feared man on the East Coast. To escape, she faked her own death and started a new life as Alice Worth, a PI specializing in cases involving the supernatural.
Hired to investigate the disappearance of a mysterious object of power, Alice enlists the help of Malcolm, a ghost running from a past as nightmarish as her own. When her client is kidnapped, Alice must find her and the object of power before a vengeful killer destroys the city and slaughters thousands—starting with Alice.
An Untimely End [preview]
Murder in the Morning Edition
Murder in the Morning Edition Peter Bartram
Welcome to Brighton, England - where they do like to murder beside the seaside…
Don't you just hate it when you get the afternoon off - and then find yourself chasing a train robber with his loot?
Join ace crime reporter Colin Crampton and his feisty Australian girlfriend Shirley Goldsmith as they embark on a new adventure.
It all starts when Colin spends a lazy afternoon by the beach with Shirley. But when a daring robbery takes place before their very eyes, Colin reckons he's on the trail of a big story.
But nothing about the robbery is what it seems. And before long Colin and Shirley are drawn deeper into danger.
Colin encounters a motorcycle rocker with bad teeth, a dyslexic tattooist, and a seller of novelty toilet roll holders as he chases down his story.
Come and join the fun.
Don't you just hate it when you get the afternoon off - and then find yourself chasing a train robber with his loot?
Join ace crime reporter Colin Crampton and his feisty Australian girlfriend Shirley Goldsmith as they embark on a new adventure.
It all starts when Colin spends a lazy afternoon by the beach with Shirley. But when a daring robbery takes place before their very eyes, Colin reckons he's on the trail of a big story.
But nothing about the robbery is what it seems. And before long Colin and Shirley are drawn deeper into danger.
Colin encounters a motorcycle rocker with bad teeth, a dyslexic tattooist, and a seller of novelty toilet roll holders as he chases down his story.
Come and join the fun.
The perfect summer read especially if you love all things British.
Love the inventive humor and pace of these fun capers!
A Mind Reader's Christmas: An Eric Beckman My...
A Mind Reader's Christmas: An Eric Beckman Mystery Al Macy
Eric Beckman, a mind-reading private investigator, is spending Christmas in snowy Vermont with his wife and daughter. He needs a break from solving cases, but the townspeople convince him to look into the village mystery: Every holiday season, someone switches the baby Jesus with one of the other figures in the town’s nativity scene.
With the help of his ten-year-old daughter, also a mind reader, he soon learns that some of the residents of the small town are not who—or even what—they seem to be. There’s something supernatural going on in Newburn, Vermont.
With the help of his ten-year-old daughter, also a mind reader, he soon learns that some of the residents of the small town are not who—or even what—they seem to be. There’s something supernatural going on in Newburn, Vermont.
Death by Advertising by J. R. Kruze
Death by Advertising by J. R. Kruze Living Sensical
I was her closest friend. But didn't know she was dead.
Until I saw the full page ad in the paper advertising her funeral. And my company ran that ad - without my knowing it.
Another mystery was in how she died. No corpse, just an urn filled with ashes that was distributed over the harbor without any witnesses. Shown by a slick video played at her funeral.
No motive. Just a disappearance. The coroner's report from an upstate, rural county stated natural causes. For a young 20-something advertising executive.
But there were no details left unaccounted for. Funeral arrangements paid for in advance. Even the police chief said it was a closed case. That didn't stop Detective Johnson from being curious...
2 Bonus Stories: "A Goddess Visits" and "Long Overdue Santa."
Claim Your Copy Now.
Until I saw the full page ad in the paper advertising her funeral. And my company ran that ad - without my knowing it.
Another mystery was in how she died. No corpse, just an urn filled with ashes that was distributed over the harbor without any witnesses. Shown by a slick video played at her funeral.
No motive. Just a disappearance. The coroner's report from an upstate, rural county stated natural causes. For a young 20-something advertising executive.
But there were no details left unaccounted for. Funeral arrangements paid for in advance. Even the police chief said it was a closed case. That didn't stop Detective Johnson from being curious...
2 Bonus Stories: "A Goddess Visits" and "Long Overdue Santa."
Claim Your Copy Now.
I've read alot of postive reviews for this book. Adding now to my TBR.
A great alien world to explore. Imaginative and fun to read.
From the opening pages, the reader gets drawn into a world of intrigue and suspense. The writer continues to hold your attention without fail, don't miss this one, it reads like a binge-worthy show on Netflix!
This has to be a good book. The title alone makes me want to open the book.
Wow! Can't wait to read this!
Beachcomber Investigations
Beachcomber Investigations Stephanie Queen
Ex-special ops legend Dane Blaise is desperate to recruit Shana George away from Scotland Yard to partner with him in his new venture, Beachcomber Investigations. But first they need to stop a sniper from killing an old friend from his unit.
Forgotten
The Mystery of Ruby's Sugar Sample
The Mystery of Ruby's Sugar Sample Rose Donovan
Christmas, 1934.
The snow lies heavy around Pauncefort Hall. Dress designers Ruby Dove and Fina Aubrey-Havelock leave behind their Oxford exams to rescue Lady Charlotte’s wardrobe. But what Lady Charlotte doesn’t know is that Ruby is on a mission—a mission to avenge her family and bring down an empire.
As the weather worsens, Ruby and Fina are drawn into the intrigues of Lady Charlotte’s other guests, who include a princess, a furiously left-wing don, a West End starlet—and, it seems, a murderer. After the two resident cads are poisoned, Ruby and Fina must find the culprit and still carry out their secret plans—all before the law arrives. But Pauncefort Hall can remain snowbound for only so long.
This the first book in the Ruby Dove historical cozy mystery series.
The snow lies heavy around Pauncefort Hall. Dress designers Ruby Dove and Fina Aubrey-Havelock leave behind their Oxford exams to rescue Lady Charlotte’s wardrobe. But what Lady Charlotte doesn’t know is that Ruby is on a mission—a mission to avenge her family and bring down an empire.
As the weather worsens, Ruby and Fina are drawn into the intrigues of Lady Charlotte’s other guests, who include a princess, a furiously left-wing don, a West End starlet—and, it seems, a murderer. After the two resident cads are poisoned, Ruby and Fina must find the culprit and still carry out their secret plans—all before the law arrives. But Pauncefort Hall can remain snowbound for only so long.
This the first book in the Ruby Dove historical cozy mystery series.
The Hidden Genes of Professor K: A Medical My...
The Imperial Alchemist
The Imperial Alchemist A.H. Wang
***FREE PREVIEW CHAPTERS***
A legend buried for 2000 years. A woman compelled to uncover the truth.
210 BCE, CHINA. The most powerful emperor China has ever known is on the brink of death. In desperation, he sends his most gifted alchemist on a quest for the mythical elixir of life.
His fleet never returned…
NOW, archaeologist Georgia Lee is compelled to hunt for a mysterious man who may hold the secret to the greatest discovery ever.
Her search takes her from an ancient tomb in China, through traditional Japan, to the blistering Australian outback, and the dizzying heights of verdant mountains in tropical Taiwan. What begins as an investigation into an archaeological riddle turns into something very sinister. Georgia starts to suspect that perhaps she is the one being hunted instead…
A legend buried for 2000 years. A woman compelled to uncover the truth.
210 BCE, CHINA. The most powerful emperor China has ever known is on the brink of death. In desperation, he sends his most gifted alchemist on a quest for the mythical elixir of life.
His fleet never returned…
NOW, archaeologist Georgia Lee is compelled to hunt for a mysterious man who may hold the secret to the greatest discovery ever.
Her search takes her from an ancient tomb in China, through traditional Japan, to the blistering Australian outback, and the dizzying heights of verdant mountains in tropical Taiwan. What begins as an investigation into an archaeological riddle turns into something very sinister. Georgia starts to suspect that perhaps she is the one being hunted instead…
Cover and opening of this adventure novel take you in right away. Enough twists and turns for a blockbuster movie, this is the fun summer beach read you've been waiting for!
Romantic, elegant, rich with fascinating factual Asian history and that quest at the heart of Gothic literature -- the elixir of immortality -- this novel provides adventure enough to remind us, moment by moment, about how exciting and precarious being alive really is.
Grabs you from the first sentence! I was impressed by the writing and the story line! Move over Dan Brown! Seriously that is what it reminded me of. I look forward to reading this!
An exciting quest to uncover an ancient Chinese secret takes archaeologist Georgia Lee back in time. To lay bare the Imperial Alchemist's startling story she will have to travel most of Asia. The Imperial Alchemist is a book fans of ancient China and modern mystery will enjoy.
A trek around the world, a mystery and something deadly. Intriguing!
Subtle Deceit
Subtle Deceit R.A. Mcgee
Tracking down a missing person takes a brilliant mind and bloody knuckles…
Porter has no match when it comes to tracking down a target. The former federal agent has built a business gathering leads from missing persons posters… if the reward is enough to line his pockets…
When Porter finds a potentially profitable case in the disappearance of a free-spirited co-ed, he never expects the father to offer a double reward if the girl is found in 24 hours. In a race against time, the former agent follows a twisted trail of frat boys, ex-lovers, and a vengeful crime boss. Porter vows to get to the truth before the day is through, no matter how much pain he needs to cause to get the job done.
Porter has no match when it comes to tracking down a target. The former federal agent has built a business gathering leads from missing persons posters… if the reward is enough to line his pockets…
When Porter finds a potentially profitable case in the disappearance of a free-spirited co-ed, he never expects the father to offer a double reward if the girl is found in 24 hours. In a race against time, the former agent follows a twisted trail of frat boys, ex-lovers, and a vengeful crime boss. Porter vows to get to the truth before the day is through, no matter how much pain he needs to cause to get the job done.
She Wore Mourning (sample)
She Wore Mourning (sample) P.D. Workman
A dead child.
A mother deep in mourning.
Private Investigator Zachary Goldman’s life isn’t all roses, but he tries to put his own shattered life behind him to investigate the death of five-year-old Declan Bond.
Declan’s death has been ruled an accident, but his grandmother thinks there is more to it. She fears Declan’s mother will not be able to find peace until Zachary can give them an answer once and for all. But as Zachary digs into the circumstances surrounding Declan’s death, he finds that all is not as it seems, and somebody doesn’t want him to find the truth.
A mother deep in mourning.
Private Investigator Zachary Goldman’s life isn’t all roses, but he tries to put his own shattered life behind him to investigate the death of five-year-old Declan Bond.
Declan’s death has been ruled an accident, but his grandmother thinks there is more to it. She fears Declan’s mother will not be able to find peace until Zachary can give them an answer once and for all. But as Zachary digs into the circumstances surrounding Declan’s death, he finds that all is not as it seems, and somebody doesn’t want him to find the truth.
ONE FALSE MOVE
ONE FALSE MOVE David Callinan
A crazed escapee and child abuser kidnaps Mike Delaney’s wheelchair-user friend and 15-year old daughter. The ex-assassin, ex-cop and ex-monk is faced with a demon from his past. Will Delaney sacrifice his life for theirs? He has just four hours to save them.
What a mystery! A great read with a cover.
Great plotline.
David is a great author - don't miss out on this one!
An exciting action thriller with an engaging hero and lots at stake!
Great story. The tension just builds and builds until - well, no spoilers. Read the story and find out.
Old Friends
Old Friends Angus McLean
Tough Auckland private eye Dan Crowley faces off against a gang of murderous thugs when he is called on to help out his old mate, Mike Manning.
A trucking firm faces collapse from unexplained stock thefts and Mike's reputation and freedom are on the line when he stands accused. He brings in his old mate Dan, proprietor of Chase Investigations, to clear his name and catch the real culprits. Backed up by Dan's resourceful wife Molly they investigate further and try to keep one step ahead of his long standing nemesis, DI Kennedy, but the boys are up against it to close the case unscathed and with their friendship intact.
A trucking firm faces collapse from unexplained stock thefts and Mike's reputation and freedom are on the line when he stands accused. He brings in his old mate Dan, proprietor of Chase Investigations, to clear his name and catch the real culprits. Backed up by Dan's resourceful wife Molly they investigate further and try to keep one step ahead of his long standing nemesis, DI Kennedy, but the boys are up against it to close the case unscathed and with their friendship intact.
Blood Bath in Rio
Blood Bath in Rio Gus Heyerdahl
Tor Medina’s first thriller! After watching his family being massacred, young Tor Medina kills a man and flees. Why was his family killed and what will he do now? Get this new detective thriller that one reader described as “hard to put down”. Discover what happened in Tor Medina’s past that will forever haunt him and the reason why he became one of the world’s top detectives.