The past and the present collide with stunning results in the tenth installment of the Reed Ferguson mystery series.When Brad Webb asks me to look into the decades-old murder of his grandfather, Dewey Webb, I don’t see much promise of solving the case. Dewey was a Denver-based private detective who died mysteriously in 1955, but the police never found the killer. The trail is completely cold … The trail is completely cold after seventy years—what hope do I have of finding the killer now?
Despite my doubts, I’m intrigued and launch my own investigation. I quickly find myself drawn into both the underworld and the elite society of 1950s Denver, where I soon realize Dewey discovered secrets someone still desperately wants to keep hidden decades later…even if it means resorting to murder.
Can I piece together clues spanning seventy years to find a killer, or will Dewey’s deadly past return to destroy me?
Voted #1 Best Indie Book of 2015 by ReadFREE.ly!
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Back Story is the tenth book in the Reed Ferguson mystery series by Renee Pawlish. Brad Webb contacts Reed and asks him to investigate a cold case, the murder of his private investigator grandfather, Dewey Webb, killed back in 1955. Reed begins to investigate using Dewey Webb’s journal from 1955. At the time of his murder, Dewey Webb was working on three investigations; a wife suspected of cheating on her husband, an insurance scam, and a search for a missing valuable painting. It all get’s rather complicated with people still wanting to hide secrets going back to 1955. A really fun read!
This is a blast from the past for Reed Ferguson. Denver P.I. Dewey Webb was murdered in 1955. In 2015, Reed Ferguson is hired by his grandson to go through Dewey’s old files and find out what some dangerous people want with them. The novel uses the form of a chapter from the present to a chapter from Dewey’s journal, 1955. As Reed follows in Dewey’s footstep, he has to be extra careful.
There are two other murders tied into this case, and Reed could be next. One of the richest families in Denver has a dark secret, and they will kill to keep it.
Great book. I couldn’t put it down. Wasn’t sure what would happen next. Loved it!
First of all, the reason I love Reed Ferguson series is that they are set in Colorado, shortly after the second world war. The time period and the setting are a favorite of mine. His characters are interesting, each with a story to tell. I like to figure out “whodoneit” early. I can’t do that with these mysteries. I am kept guessing right up until the end.
kept my interest as to the time period, but not very well written
Good read!
I really enjoy the stories and characters of Ms Pawlish. Back Story was an excellent read.
Great book with good characters and a plot that keeps you guessing. Highly recommend this book and this author!
I enjoyed the author’s use of going back and forth between different periods of time.
Detective noir at its best. The author has done a fine job in re-creating the 30’s,. The lingo made me smile. It is a good story.
An “Old School” detective story good for a weekend read; reminiscent of the old MGM detective movies.
Reed Ferguson was his usual great character….love this series, all the characters. I look forward to every one of these books. And since I had read some Dewey Webb books prior, I loved the back story being uncovered.
Just found this author and loved this book. It is a lot like the books I used to read – good story – humor and no explicit sex.
An interesting mystery that spammed 1950s to modern day. The flashbacks to the 1950s didn’t feel enough like that time though.
This series is well written, witty, with good characters and an interesting plot. Shows that mysteries can be engaging and interesting without having to be brutal. Recommend highly.
I liked the transition between past and present.
Really fun back and forth in time for fans of the Dewey Webb series.
thoroughly enjoyed and have since purchased and read others in the series
Beautifully written story of a private investigator digging into the cold case murder of a P.I. many years prior. With the help of the old files, Reed makes progress but discovers that some of those who were involved are still alive. Will Reed survive or meet the same fate?
I enjoyed this book immensely. The plot was unique, and it was a clean read with no sex scenes thrown in to take away from the real story.