Mind Scrambler

A John Ceepak Mystery

By: Chris Grabenstein

Narrated by: Jeff Woodman

Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

John Ceepak and Danny Boyle are making the rounds in Atlantic City when Danny runs into his former crush, Katie. She's working for a magician named Rock, and her life seems to be in better order than Boyle could have hoped for. But Ceepak and Boyle soon find themselves on another case when Katie is found strangled to death. It is up to Ceepak and Boyle to find out who killed her. Their lives and the lives of others depend on it.

Don't miss other adventures featuring Sea Haven's finest, including (in order) Tilt-a-Whirl, Mad Mouse, Whack-a-Mole, and Hell Hole.

©2009 Chris Grabenstein (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Darker than others in the series

I thought it was an excellent installment in the series. Yes, it was a different environment, and the underlying crimes are disgusting, but that's probably what I liked about it - it was much darker and grittier and more bad stuff happens than in the Sea Haven based stories.

There were points where I wanted to smack some of the characters for being so frustrating and annoying and full-of-lies. Ceepak and Danny do make it through, but if it wasn't for the fact that they are essential to the series and you know they must prevail so they have to figure it out eventually, you might be worried that the bad guys will get away with their crimes.

The narration was excellent.

Good Mystery with light humor

What about Jeff Woodman’s performance did you like?

I believe he has the character spot on. Reminds me some of Parker's Spencer. Love that series.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

At first was thrown by the humor and thought might be for younger listeners. Glad I stuck with it. Went back and downloaded all the other books in the series. I'm a fan.

Excellent as Always

I love the Ceepak and Boyle books and Jeff Woodman does a terrific job on the narration. Thank goodness Chris Grabenstein will get to continue the series so Audible make sure you continue with the audiobooks!

This Series is So Good

If you could sum up Mind Scrambler in three words, what would they be?

Best so far

What did you like best about this story?

It kept me interested throughout

Which character – as performed by Jeff Woodman – was your favorite?

Danny

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I sure did laugh at times

Any additional comments?

I like Chris Grabensteins books a lot

loving this series

another great book in this series. I thought at the beginning it was little slow. with way to much detail of the magic act but there is a great reason for it

Buy the whole Ceepak series.

A nice light listen. Stories were not predictable, and quite humorous at times, My husband and I both enjoyed them all. (A highly unusual occurrence)

Pretty good except for the dad subplot

I'm a big fan of this series, but skipped the previous book as the plotline sounded like something I wouldn't get into. Made little difference, except for the subplot about Ceepak's father, whom we learned was scum in the first book. Regarding that angle, I believe that taking a statement is not the same as "deposing" a witness in civil cases; moreover, having the son of the defendant do it seems absurd. I wasn't buying the outcome of that one either.

As for this storyline, I found Ceepak and his military pal's use of The Code priggishly tedious. Then again, I have little patience for people who live in absolute worlds with NO gray areas whatsoever. That having been said, there were times I admired Ceepak's handling of certain situations, where Danny wasn't at his most ... mature. We were introduced to a minor character, The Great Mandini, whom I'd like to see again.

In general, the story seemed grimmer than the previous books, and a tad drawn out. I cheered when one of the female gang from Sea Haven told Danny to stop keeping Katie on some sort of saintly, nun-like pedestal. These books are all about his growing as a person, which he seems to be doing more of than the rigid Ceepak.

Jeff Woodman's narration is terrific! I love it except ... he gives characters these stereotypical Sopranos-style accents. I learned to speak English in New Jersey, rarely running across that phenomenon.

Another fun Ceepak mystery? Roger That!

If you like the Ceepak mysteries you’ll like this one as well. Chris Grabenstien does such a wonderful job of painting a picture that you really feel as if you’re visiting the Jersey Shore. It’s a great mix of mystery and quirky fun that you can’t help but enjoy it. This book does turn a little sober at the end which is a bit of a twist but I can’t wait to move on in the series.

Mr Woodman does such a good job with this book (and the other Ceepack stories) that it falls into the category in which the audible book is that much more enjoyable than the written book.

Typically Good...but

Another good Ceepak and Boyle mystery...however, this one was a little irrirating as the author had to get political and slam the previous administration and conservatives in a couple of not so obscure references. Grabenstein should stick to writing and keep the political agenda out of the book...especially when a man with the integrity of our hero, John Ceepak, would cringe at such stupid statements.

love this series!

I hope Danny Boyle never grows up. His comments can be hilarious. The line about Fox had me reversing the audio so I could hear it again. But I must say that there was way too much vulgar language in this book. I know the author was making a point but it was overdone. I think it could have been handled better. You can make a person obnoxious with a little vulgarity, not overkill. That is why it's 4 stars instead of 5.