Tilt-a-Whirl

John Ceepak, Book 1

By: Chris Grabenstein

Narrated by: Jeff Woodman

Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

There isn't much fun in the sun when a billionaire real-estate tycoon is found murdered on the Tilt-a-Whirl at a seedy seaside amusement park in the otherwise quiet summer tourist town of Sea Haven.

John Ceepak, a former MP just back from Iraq, has just joined the Sea Haven police department. The job offer came from an old Army buddy who hoped to give Ceepak at least a summer's worth of rest and relaxation to help him forget the horrors of war. Instead, Ceepak will head up the murder investigation. He is partnered with Danny Boyle, a 24-year-old part-time summer cop who doesn't carry a gun and only works with the police by day so he has enough pocket money left over to play with his beach buddies at night.

In the first novel in a new series written in the spirit of Carl Hiaasen's work, the Tilt-a-Whirl murder pushes Ceepak's deep sense of honor and integrity to the limits, as unexpected twists and turns keep the truth spinning wildly in every direction.

©2006 Chris Grabenstein (P)2007 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Anthony Award, Best First Mystery, 2006

• 2006 Anthony Award, Best First Novel

"A fast-paced thrill ride with lots of twists and turns and good writing from start to finish." (James Patterson)
"From page 1, this debut stands out as refreshingly different....an absolute triumph." ( Booklist)

Not the best in the series, but fun introduction

I love this series and the narrator is perfect. This is the first book and we get to see the relationship between Ceepak and Danny get off to an early roller-coaster. I am glad I listened to it for that reason. That said, it is not the best in the series - the characters really take shape in later books.

As with my books of this genre, there are lots of coincidences and plot turns that stretch my credulity, but I expect that. There are, however, a few of straight errors in legal inheritance, corporate management and police procedures that are critical to the story.

As soon as the bloody dress was thrown out, I knew something was up. A rookie on any police force would never let that happen, let alone the meticulous John Ceepak. A 12 year old child inheriting a vast empire would not, in any state in the US, be given a CEO or Chairman title, if for no other reason than they have not reached their majority and can not sign contracts. I won't mention others to avoid spoilers, but there are more I can think of off the top of my head involving powers-of-attorney and probate.

I could overlook these mistakes except that the story hinges on more than one and the whole structure of the tale come crumbling down when reality is overlaid.

Despite that, it was great fun to see the first interactions of Danny and Ceepak. I think this is the only book where we get the explanation of just why Ceepak came to Sea Haven (we know Danny grew up there).

So, a mixed review. If you like the series and that characters, this gives fills in some gaps and it is always fun to see the two of them together.

If you have not sampled the series yet, I would recommend starting with one of the stronger books in the series first and coming back to this one if you want to learn more. I started with "Rolling Thunder" and did not feel as though I was missing critical background.

Good characters (if unbelievable)

Nice little mystery. Fun narrative even if the story is on a serious issue. On to the next.

READY FOR THE NEXT EPISODE

storyline was great. did a good job on character development and I love the little peppering of humor throughout good job!

A little summer read

Not completely juvenile because of some stomach churning descriptions of despicable behavior, but those items are surrounded by lightweight and predictable characters, some saucy dialog, and a really likeable narrator. This isn't going to be one you'd read more than once, but it's enjoyable enough that I've already downloaded the next one in the series. These would be good books to pick up during a half price sale.

Great Twisty Story

Jeff Woodman gives some of the best voice acting I've ever heard. Now I must get the sequel!

A wonderful listen!

I purchased this book because it was on sell and I liked the title. When I started listening, I thought that I wouldn't enjoy it. I was wrong and I am glad that I gave it a chance. I plan on getting the rest of the series and I just added another author to my favorites list. If you haven't tried this book, give it a chance.

Nice respite from intense, dark murder mysteries

Yes, there is murder and mystery, but the odd characters and overall setting in a summer resort town make it a fun listen.

I will definitely move on in the series.

Jeff Woodman adds to the fun with the narration. His portrayal of the "perky blonde" thing and the small town cops is consistent and amusing.

Ceepak & Danny: My two favorite cops!

Any additional comments?

with how disappointed I was with book 8 in this series, I'm so glad I waited to listen to this story because it took away some of the disappointed I felt at the end of book 8.

"Jeez, oh man," Mr. Grabenstein knows precisely how to write horrific twists and turns into his mystery that bumps up the shock level to 'WTH'. And d@mn if I didn't feel guilty for laughing whenever that silent monologue goes off in Danny heads. His character is just too funny. And when Ceepak is added to it, it becomes hilarious.

💖 Jeff Woodman 💖

Fun Fluffy Mystery Thriller

It's hard to really describe why I love this book. I really shouldn't. The writing is nothing spectacular, the characters can be a bit stereotypical (and a little insulting with how stereotypical they can get) and the mystery portion is good--but not great. Yet, I fell in love with this series and I instantly bought the next three books in the series. I think I love this series because of the over-all GOOD feeling it projects without being overly sappy or too indulgent. It's just satisfying.

A good ride for the money

Bought this as a daily deal, am now glad to have found another series that's fun to listen to on long drives. At first was not too thrilled with the main character, but Grabenstein's portrayal of him grew on me until I was quite hooked. Am in the middle of the second in the series now, both me and my spouse laugh out loud at the clever reparte between characters. Try it, you'll like it.