Rock & Roll Homicide
by R.J. McDonnell
Published by Killeena Publishing
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Alex McGilvery
Rock & Roll Homicide introduces Jason Duffy, private investigator. Jason started out as a rock musician, much against his police officer father’s desires, then was a therapist before he became a private investigator. This mix of careers is important to Jason’s character and the story that R.J. McDonnell is telling. The fact that Jason hires previous clients provides some humor in the novel, but never at the expense of stereotyping the characters with mental illness.
Jason is asked to investigate the murder of rocker Terry Tucker just as his group was preparing to hit the big time. His client is Chelsea Tucker, the victim’s wife and the police’s primary suspect. The case dumps Jason back into the world of the professional rockers where his old connections are well positioned to help out. What he doesn’t have is an in at the police station, and he is forced to talk to his now retired father. During his investigations he discovers connections to the Russian Mafia and things start getting interesting and dangerous, fast.
While the mystery itself is not that complex, what really held my attention was the development of the characters that populate the book. The only time a stereotype is used is so it can be shattered a few pages on. Jason’s changing relationship with his father is as gripping as the main plot. He faces and deals with the temptations of re-entering the world of rock and roll.
All the various pieces work together believably and with a large dose of humor. Rock & Rock Homicide is a satisfying read. Everything works together for a well-thought-out ending. I was left looking forward to meeting Jason and his companions in more novels.
Armchair Interviews says: Wonderful character development.
Author’s Web site: http://www.RJMcDonnell.com