Title: Jack of Hearts by Christopher Greyson
Genre: Currently # 17 on Amazon Best Sellers Rank in Books, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Mystery, Private Investigators
Publisher: Greyson Media LLC
Publication Date: TO BE RELEASED AUGUST 14, 2017
Source: Greyson Media LLC and NetGalley
Title and Cover: Jack of Hearts – That is supposed be an alligator(?)
More a cozy mystery than a thriller, this book is part of the Detective Jack Stratton Mystery Thriller Series. This is my introduction to this author and series, so I am not familiar with where they are normally based, or whether or not Alice is usually a part of his investigations or in what capacity. However, the series appears to be very well received.
Jack Stratton gets stuck flying his King Shepherd, Lady, to Florida with him when he and his human counter-part, Alice, head south for her to meet his parents. (The proposed dog-sitter flaked.) Lady wasn’t happy with her airline accommodations (or lack thereof) and Jack feels it’s obvious Lady will have her revenge. He is unable to warn his parents about the canine–and this is no ordinary lap dog. Jack has proposed to Alice, but hasn’t yet received a “yes.”
According to what I read in Wikipedia, a female King Shepherd ranges from 90 lbs to 110 lbs–we’re talking BIG dog, so at 120 lbs. poor Lady needs to lose a little weight. The extra pounds do not seem to slow her down, however, when she is needed the most. His parents reside in one of those senior communities with more rules than common sense and Jack’s parents have the usual nosy neighbors that can’t miss the over-sized fur ball. We’re talking one massive dog. See example.
Jack’s mother is a member of a neighborhood book club and an unofficial member of an unofficial “neighborhood watch” and she asks her son to look into a thief they call the “Orange Blossom Cove Bandit.” Whoever it is is stealing small-time stuff from homes and yards in their quiet retirement community. The neighborhood also enjoys a resident alligator or three. Jack is understandably reluctant to become involved in what is already a local police matter until the nature of the crime turns personal–and deadly. Jack’s parents, their home and specifically his mother, become a target.
Mr. Grayson employs a deep sense of humor in dealing with the seniors of the community and if you’ve ever eavesdropped a senior’s conversation, you’ll readily recognize the dialogue. His plot moves with senior precision, involves bingo, Lady, Alice, the bad guy(s), and the paramedics in the expected order.
It’s a clean, fun, and compelling novel and makes Jack a charismatic and sympathetic character. Jack’s mother’s cronies manipulate Alice and that softens her earlier controlling personality, but I’m not sure why she’d meet his parents were she not serious about Jack. We’ll just have to wait and see!
This book was offered by the author Christopher Greyson and Greyson Media LLC through NetGalley and it was my privilege to read and review. Part of the well received Detective Jack Stratton Mystery Thriller Series, this is sure to be a favorite. Recommended fun, triumphant romp for people of all ages who appreciate a clean, topical read.
Rosepoint Publishing: 4.5 of Five Stars
The Author: The action-packed Detective Jack Stratton Series has found a wide-spread fan base touching multiple genres. Christopher Greyson is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author with broad appeal in mystery, thriller and romance readers. His love of mystery and adventure began with his grandfather and his imagination took flight. Greyson holds degrees in Computer Science, Theatre, and Communications. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife (also an author) and two children. Visit Christopher Greyson at ChristopherGreyson.com, on Twitter @chris_greyson and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherGreysonAuthor
©2017 Virginia Williams 
Rosepoint Publishing 