In “A Death in Vegas,” the president of a company that specializes in beneficial bugs for organic gardeners discovers a young woman dead in his Las Vegas hotel suite. She had worked as a sexy lady bug at his convention booth—and he had nothing to do with her death. While that’s being investigated, the FBI raids his booth on a money-laundering scam, which he knows nothing about either. Soon, the … the coroner doesn’t have good news. The police and FBI are against him—and his wife cannot be found. He flees to find answers and his wife.
“With his tongue planted firmly in cheek, Christopher Meeks spins a charming and surprisingly sexy tale of murder, betrayal, and the importance of beneficial insects.”
–Mark Haskell Smith, author of Baked and Raw: A Love Story
“I’ve never, ever wanted to go to Vegas. I don’t care if what happens there, stays there. But Christopher Meeks makes me want to go so I can find out who done it. A fun, exciting read, with Chris’s usual wonderful writing and great sense of humor. “
–Jessica Barksdale Inclan, author of Her Daughter’s Eyes and How to Bake a Man.
“Christopher Meeks had me at page three. I couldn’t wait to find out how Patton Burch was going to explain the naked body he woke up to in his Las Vegas hotel room – first to the cops and then to his wife.” –Sam Sattler, Book Chase
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“Who does just good things?”
Imagine a Humphrey Bogart’s character without the knowledge and experience of a detective. This is, in my view, our “culprit” Patton Burch (“[…] as in tree.” / “With a U, not an I”): an average man with an ordinary successful life who, pushed by the police prejudice, transforms himself into an amateur but tenacious detective.
“I’m not a cop or a private eye, true—doesn’t mean I’m not doing the right thing.
The plot, well built, plays with the innocence and guilt of the “culprit”, of the police and of all other persons who we’ll meet. As a good mystery should have, the storyline is peppered with clues, valid or red herrings. Even the (almost) “cliches” and bits of… humor have their role. All together will make you curious and wonder who did it. There are some shadows even in the spotlight.
Next to the very well executed visual presentation, a sprinkle of romantic insecurities, the story has a melodicity that pulls you in the middle of the events. You have only one chance: be there, shoulder to shoulder with Patton, protagonists in a classical but at the same time an original noir movie.
The rhythm increases whilst the information is discovered. As the deadline approaches, so the pace becomes more alert, the danger becomes present and palpable and the climax crushes upon the main character(s).
“Promise me we’ll have a nice boring life after this, okay?”
Mystery novel lover or not, just relax, take a seat in your preferred spot and start reading A Death in Vegas. Both the “detective reader” and the “spectator reader” will be satisfied. Even written at the third person, the protagonist’s voice will capture your attention and, most likely, it will make you enjoy the story.
In the end, I just hope that Mr. Meeks (and Mrs. Lorraine Curry) is mistaken and solving murders will not become one of Patton’s habits (especially those of which is accused of himself).
http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.com/2019/11/review-death-in-vegas-by-christopher.html
Christopher Meeks – A Death in Vegas – Reviewed 9/19/19 – Read 9/18-19/19
Sexy young model, murder, money laundering, mob ties, and wine how does it all fit?????
Patton Burch, hired a beautiful young woman to bring in sales at a convention in Vegas because his wife said it would work. The next thing he knows, he wakes up and she is dead in his room, just because he was a good guy and he felt she needed help. He is charged with murder. Then the FBI raids his booth at the convention because they think he is laundering money and his wife is missing. He is forced to start his search for the killer because he has no choice! It’s either that or jail…. And he is sure that no one would help him because no one is listening!!!!!
What did I like? This is one of the most twisted murder mystery books that I have read in a while. It starts in Vegas and ends up in San Francisco and the grape country with twists and turns and then back on its self. I kept thinking that I had figured out who killed Samatha but then it was off on another road. The ending blew me away!
@ddeegott What will you like? Excellent writing, through research, and awesome characters! You will love the incredible way the author takes you through the amazing search for the killer and the problems with Patton’s wife. There is an underlying message to the reader in learning how to cope with married life, I loved it! An excellent read that will have you on the edge of your seat and some really great humorous spots also. I had trouble putting this book down to feed my cats, but they were louder than the book!!! LOL