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)

A popcorn novel that pops

Any additional comments?

I call these type of books popcorn novels, they are light, enjoyable, fun and you munch through the big bucket without noticing and then can easily toss them aside without feeling guilty.
As many listeners have commented, it's not the deep drama. It has some twists and turns, the somewhat serious issues are however taken a bit too lightly for my taste.

You want to enjoy a quick listen, go for it. Might even be a good first listen to get into the audible mood.

Good Juvenile Books

These are light-fare mysteries for juveniles. I've listened to a couple and they try to teach little lessons about duty, honor, and respect along the way. I do enjoy being at the beach again when I listen to them.

What a great find!

I bought this book on a whim because there was nothing new from my favourite authors. Now I have another favourite author and series. I really enjoyed the characters and the narration. I have ordered the next in the Ceepak series.

This is not a kid's book.

If you are a fan of Chris Grabbenstein's children's series, this is not one of those.

If you want an unexpected mystery with adult themes and don't mind the F word used frequently, then do listen. The cursing was a problem for me but the writing and complexity of the characters and mystery were excellent.

Highly Recommend

Fun little mystery with a lot of humour added as well. I enjoyed it very much. Love the corny shop names for this seaside resort town. Well read as well.

So funny. Great entertainment

I will be getting more of Jeff Woodman's works in the future. Love the lighthearted style.

Good start to a funny light series!

I read the fourth book first. I enjoyed it so much that I went back and started the series from the beginning. I am glad that I did. John Ceepak is reserve with a strong honor code. It is at the start of his working relationship with Danny and in the town of Sea Haven. We are introduced to some of the small town’s quirky characters, like the mayor’s sister, and what is happening in the background of a tourist town.

I, definitely need to read this installment. It provided understating to the nuisances of Ceepak in the fourth book. It is not something significant, which would prohibit understanding of book four, but I like those things. Seeing the growth of the characters is major element in following a series.

What I can tell from reading both books, the John Ceepak series will always be filled with twist and turns. John’s character is one who thoroughly ponders over information to solve the mystery. He has a very dry sense of humor and does not have a clue to civilian language and styles. Welcome to the world of John Ceepak.

fun caper

this is a fairly good crime story told with a measure of humor. characters I have come to care about. I would listen to another in the series when on sale. a fun listen.

Wow, didn't see that coming!

Purchased this book on a daily deal from Audible, and I'm glad I did. The story had great characters, and an interesting plot. The performance was great, too, and helped develop the characters. I enjoyed the book!

Great characters

Narrator is one of the best I have heard. A bit too much cussing for me, but I get that helped with the characterization