Travellin’ Shoes by V.M. Burns is the first book in the “RJ Franklin” mystery series. Publisher: Camel Press, coming July 1, 2018.
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.
Soul food recipes included.
RJ Franklin has arrived and is featured in this invigorating first book where the author kept me engaged from beginning to end, in a book that quickly became a page turner as I had to know what the outcome would be.
The author knows how to tell a story with the highs and lows, as RJ Franklin went about doing his business interacting with his family, friends and suspects that taunts his sensibilities with this and that. I like how this mystery was set up giving me enough to work with and keeping me wondering what the author’s next path would be as the story progressed and the clues began to make sense, especially the twists and turns that enhanced the telling of this tale, gradually pointing to the killer’s identity. With an eclectic cast of characters starting with RJ and of course Mama B, this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to more adventures with RJ and his friends.
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FTC Full Disclosure – I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the author.
Thanks, I put it on my library list.
Thank you so much. I love libraries and really appreciate you putting this on the list.
I’ve read and enjoyed two of V.M. Burns’ Mystery Bookshop Mysteries and am adding Travellin’ Shoes to my wish/TBR lists.
Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy my new series.
I love her first two books, this one should be a winner as well!
Thank you so much.
Reminds me of Walter Moseley’s Easy Rollins series.
That is such a wonderful compliment. I hope you like the book.
V M Burns is my favorite new author right now. She is smart an an excellent writer. I was privileged to meet her at Malice in April. She is a delightful lady. I have this book on preorder and I plan to read everything she publishes.
Aww. Thank you, Annette. You are awesome and I appreciate the kind words and support. It was great meeting you at Malice too.
I want to read this. Thank you, Dru.
My comment went awry, but Thank you so much. I appreciate the support.
I have put this on my to be read list. This book looks like it will be an interesting read with a great storyline.
Thank you, Penny Harper. I hope you enjoy the book.
Thank you, Cheryl. I hope you enjoy the book.