A house fire is extinguished to reveal the body of a choir director. The smell of gasoline points to murder. Thomas Warrendale was employed by First Baptist Church, where Detective RJ Franklin Jr. is a parishioner. Recovering from a car accident, RJ is on leave from the police force in St. Joseph, Indiana, when this puzzling case calls him back. His insider’s knowledge makes him the obvious … choice to lead the investigation. The congregation doubled after Warrendale revamped the music to appeal to a more youthful crowd. RJ’s godmother, Mama B, gives the detective an earful about the choir director’s non-musical activities. Warrendale was also an accountant and a “fancy pants” seducer. His clients believe the man was stealing from them. Warrendale turns out to be an alias; his real name was Tyrone Warren, once a highly paid CPA in Cleveland. Was Warren in hiding? From his stone-faced wife? A disgruntled client? Now someone is breaking in to the dead choir director’s office and the homes of his former clients. Believing the vandal to be the killer, RJ is particularly concerned about the safety of one client, the striking owner of two hair salons. Book 1 in the RJ Franklin Mystery series. Soul food recipes included.
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Wow! I just realized that I had not reviewed this book and I always review books that I enjoy this much. That is the only negative to rating books on my Kindle but not reviewing there. Travellin’ Shoes deserves the time and attention! I bought the book because I love the author, V.M. Burns but I will buy the next one because I loved the characters. They felt so real! The plot was highly intriguing but it was the personal story that took this book from really good to “I Love It!”
Absolutely one of the best books I’ve read. The descriptions of the characters and the settings were so detailed, I felt like I was right there along with them. Wonderful characters led by the very smart, sharp RJ Franklin, a male main character. Great mystery kept me guessing till the end. Lots of suspects. Lots of twists. I couldn’t put this book down and I can’t wait for the next installment. So different from VM Burns’ Bookshop series but equally as great!
This book was very interesting. RJ Franklin is a detective with the St. Joe, Indiana police department. He has been on leave following an accident, but he returns to help solve the murder of the choir director at his church. Money laundering/embezzlement, secrets, affairs, and more make this an interesting read. I enjoyed seeing a book set in an urban setting and thoroughly enjoyed this first book. I look forward to seeing what’s next for RJ. I hope he can forgive himself and learn to find love with Paris.
Detective RJ Franklin is recovering from an accident and is currently on leave from the police department. When a fire at the home of the choir director from a local church is put out and a mans body is found inside Detective Franklin is asked to investigate especially as it is revealed that money is missing from the church. Who wanted the choir director dead? Was he involved with the missing money? A great cast of characters, numerous suspects, and a very well written mystery will have you turning the pages! I can’t wait to read more! Definitely recommend!
I have read and loved all of the other books that V.M. Burns has written so far, and was intrigued by this book that has a male police detective as the main character. I was even more interested when I read that this was her thesis project. I was not disappointed! I loved the characters, especially RJ and Mama B. RJ is a police detective who is currently on leave after a car accident and while he is out running in the middle of the night comes across a house fire. He soon finds out that the victim is the choir director at his church. His captain asks him to come back from medical leave to help work on the case because of his connection to the church and his closeness to the members. I liked how the characters, the city of St. Joseph Indiana, and the church were portrayed in the story. I loved how the author weaved a tight story together and kept me guessing until the end. I can’t wait to read more books in this series!
Travellin’ Shoes may be a cozy read, but V.M. Burns knows police procedure. She also writes compelling characters and creates excellent red herrings. Loved Mama B and RJ’s hair dresser love interest. But RJ Franklin was the star of this book. Particularly impressed that this was the author’s MFA thesis. Ms. Burns is already a rising star. I predict she rises straight to the top. As a fan of police procedurals, I hope she’ll write many more RJ Franklin novels.
An excellent mystery. Wonderful three dimensional characters and a complex plot. Burns has a great writing style that flows very well. I highly recommend this book.