My rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ I liked it a lot
Review | About the author | Teaser | Author Q&A
"Garrett and Tiffanie Bate had it all—youth, money, and a perfect marriage. Until Tiffanie is killed in a suspicious accident. Neither the police nor the insurance investigators can prove she was murdered and the case turns cold.
Two years later the insurance company asks an intern—former college professor turned private eye Ray Courage—to reopen the investigation. He uncovers little new evidence to support suspicions that Garrett killed his wife for the insurance money. Garrett has the perfect alibi—hundreds of witnesses that place him more than two hours from the scene of Tiffanie’s death. Ray knows he’s missing something. But what? As his search for the truth unfolds, Ray’s life is put in jeopardy and he realizes his adversary is someone who’ll kill before he’ll be caught.
In this prequel to Courage Matters, Ray Courage begins his private investigation career, displaying the skills, abilities and sense of humor that have made him a fan favorite around the world."
"Courage Begins" is the prequel to the Ray Courage series, by author R Scott Mackey. Although this is part of a series, there are no cliff-hangers and it can be read stand-alone.
Courage begins fully delivers on what is promised in its synopsis. Narrated from the first person point of view of Ray Courage, the story is extremely well written, with clear, simple structure, flawless spelling and grammar, and a rhythm to its flow, as we find out about Ray, the people and places in his life and of course the case that he is investigating.
Ray is a very likeable character, with real integrity. He is also funny and he likes his ales. I found his voice very authentic and believable.
The plot is also very good, however there was a big hint half way through, therefore, although still very satisfying, the twist did not come as a surprise to me.
Definitely a good fast-paced read which leaves you wanting more.
[ARC received from the Publishers]
Courage begins fully delivers on what is promised in its synopsis. Narrated from the first person point of view of Ray Courage, the story is extremely well written, with clear, simple structure, flawless spelling and grammar, and a rhythm to its flow, as we find out about Ray, the people and places in his life and of course the case that he is investigating.
Ray is a very likeable character, with real integrity. He is also funny and he likes his ales. I found his voice very authentic and believable.
The plot is also very good, however there was a big hint half way through, therefore, although still very satisfying, the twist did not come as a surprise to me.
Definitely a good fast-paced read which leaves you wanting more.
[ARC received from the Publishers]
About the Author
Scott Mackey lives in Northern California, where he writes both fiction and non-fiction. His first book, Barbary Baseball, achieved critical acclaim from baseball historians for its quality research and writing. He followed that with two young adult novels. His popular Ray Courage Mystery Series includes Courage Begins, Courage Matters, and Courage Resurrected. The fourth book in the series, Courage Lies Beneath, is scheduled for release later in 2015.
Scott's career arc has included stints as a corporate communications manager, college professor, copywriter, bartender, and youth sports coach. In addition to obsessing over punctuation and grammar, he cares about his family (including his dog and cat), the San Francisco Giants, and his rather sad golf game.
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Thank you!
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