A Reason to Live (Marty Singer Mystery #1)

By: Matthew Iden

Narrated by: Lloyd Sherr

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

In the late 90s, a bad cop killed a good woman and DC Homicide Detective Marty Singer got to watch as the murderer walked out of the courtroom a free man. Twelve years later, the victim's daughter comes to Marty begging for help: the killer is stalking her now. There's just one problem: Marty's retired...and he's retired because he's battling cancer. But with a second shot at the killer - and a first chance at redemption - Marty's just found…a reason to live.

©2012 Matthew Iden (P)2013 Matthew Iden

This is an awesome novel of a good modern mystery!!

While I was listening to this story it grabbed my interest almost immediately. This author has to be one of the best mystery writers of this day and age. I highly recommend this book and author with the highest recommendations a fan.

REASON TO LIVE

Where does A Reason to Live (Marty Singer Mystery #1) rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

THAT'S SUCH A RIDICULOUS QUESTION. I HAVE LISTENED TO OVER 200 BOOKS!

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Reason to Live (Marty Singer Mystery #1)?

THE STAKEOUT 😁😁😁

What about Lloyd Sherr’s performance did you like?

COULD SWITCH CHARACTERS EASILY, LIKED THE WAY HE PORTRAYED THE MAIN CHARACTER.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

CANCER ISN'T NECESSARILY A DEATH SENTENCE, KEEP YOUR OUTLOOK IN CHECK!

Any additional comments?

GOOD READ, LIKEABLE CHARACTERS, I JUST WASN'T CRAZY ABOUT THE ENDING.

Outstanding! Loved it!

Where does A Reason to Live rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would rank it as one of my most favorite audiobooks. A Reason to Live is a winning combination of mighty fine writing and excellent narration.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love Marty Singer. He is a hero who agrees to help a scared young woman even when his own life is uncertain due to his battle with cancer

Which scene was your favorite?

I laughed out loud at Marty's description of the paper gown he had to wear in the doctor's office.

If you could take any character from A Reason to Live out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I would love to take Marty Singer out to dinner to take his mind off his health problems and hear stories about his life before the diagnosis of cancer.

Any additional comments?

It's the first in the Marty Singer Mystery series and I can't wait to hear more.

predictable but enjoyable mystery

This very formulaic mystery is about a retired police detective fighting cancer and getting dragged back into a former case where the murderer seemed to walk free. The main character is likeable and believable, and the narrator is very easy to listen to. This novel was a pleasant, fun way to pass the time. There is mystery, action, and romance. This was good "escape fiction."

A Reason to Live

What did you love best about A Reason to Live?

It was a good story - kept you guessing

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character - Marty

What about Lloyd Sherr’s performance did you like?

He was okay - not the best I have heard but enjoyable.

Who was the most memorable character of A Reason to Live and why?

Marty, of course. Makes me want to get the next book to see what happens with his character since he is going through chemo.

A reason to listen...

This was a solid listen. The Marty Singer character was a good one. Very believable, and endearing. The story line was quite original, and moved along at a quick pace. There were a few twists and turns, but I had it figured out quite early on. The "whodunnit" moment was kind of...Meh. But, overall I did enjoy the book, and look forward to the next in the series!

Interesting Story

This story held my interest all the way through. Good narration by Lloyd Sherr. AN enjoyable listen.

Good murder mystery

You have a police officer who was forced into retirement because he has cancer. He's approached by a young woman, the daughter of a woman murdered 12 years ago by a bad cop. You follow Marty Singer through his cancer treatments and sickness while trying to protect and find the person who is stalking the young woman. There's twists and turns and a few surprises along the way.

The narrator did a very good job with the narration.

Finding Purpose

Marty Singer sat in the courtroom and heard the verdict of not guilty being read. He knew that a murderer was being set free. The whole department knew that he had murdered the young woman and now her 10 year old daughter would be left without a mother.

Twelve years later, the daughter approaches Marty and asks if he would help her. The man who had killed her mother was now stalking her.

Marty had retired as a detective from the police department because of a diagnosis of cancer. He had nothing to keep himself busy and being a detective again was just what he needed. He would get out of the house and the job would keep him busy.

The book turned out to be an enjoyable listen. The narrator, Lloyd Sherr, did a good job. He created a the voices of the character's with recognition. Sherr was able to create the emotions required, anger, happiness, fear, etc., appropriately. I would suggest that someone who enjoys a good mystery that is creative in its style, would enjoy, A Reason to Live.

Police procedural falls flat

This book started out okay... A detective having to revisit failed a prosecution 15 years after perpetrator is acquitted at trial, but then fell flat with too obvious leads not pursued and clumsy interjection of protagonist's cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy (hence, the title). It was barely worth the $3.99sale price; it would not have been worth a credit. The narration was fine.