Courage Matters (Ray Courage Mystery, #1)
by: R. Scott Mackey
Series: Ray Courage Private Investigator
Genre: Mystery
Release Date: February 27, 2014
Source: Author
"Breaking Bad meets Spenser for Hire."
Rookie Private Investigator Ray Courage is asked by "Stockbroker to the Stars" Lionel Stroud to investigate an employee who's been acting suspiciously. Ray soon learns that not everything is as it appears at Stroud's firm. When his investigation uncovers a possible Ponzi Scheme orchestrated by Stroud himself, two people are murdered and Ray becomes Suspect Number One. Ray needs to find answers fast to avoid prison ... or death at the hands of the killer. Complicating his efforts are threats from a Mexican drug lord, hostility from a millionaire with a penchant for strippers, harassment from a cop bent on putting Ray away for life, and a rekindled love affair with Stroud's daughter.
REVIEW
Courage Matters is the first full length book in the Ray Courage Mystery series. I have also read the introduction novella (Courage Begins) as well as the second full length book, Courage Resurrected. They are all stand alones. Courage Matters was a lot of fun. Ray Courage may be an older hero but he is hilarious, clever and doesn’t take himself too seriously. The book was well written and the mystery was fast-paced but easy to follow.
Courage Matters focuses on what amounts to Ray’s first official case as a private investigator on his own. It involves the father of a woman that Ray dated a couple of years prior. She contacts Ray because her father believes that one of his associates is trying to steal clients from his investment firm. The father doesn’t really want Ray to get involved but agrees but adds a few stipulations that Ray soon violates. Ray’s tenacity eventually gets him in hot water with the police and the client. Ultimately, Ray ends up with his back against the wall and must use his superior investigative skills to solve the mystery and clear his name.
To be honest, Ray Courage is a rare everyman in the sea of washboard abbed heroes. He doesn’t carry a gun and he isn’t ex-military. He is a former professor that knows a lot about history and pop culture. His sidekick is a reformed former female gang leader. When I visualize his character, I immediately think of Ray Romano or Al Roker. Ray Courage has no business being a private investigator considering his background and demeanor but he is good at it. And, his antics are entertaining. I hope that there is another book in the series.
**Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
Rating: 4
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The Ray Courage Private Investigator Series:
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Courage Matters ~ You’re reading it
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