April's Fool

A Sam Cable Mystery, Book 1

By: Scott Bell

Narrated by: J. Scott Bennett

Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

When Sam Cable, Texas Ranger, is assigned to protect a volatile and controversial candidate for US Senate, April Marie Fortney, his life is turned into a daily dose of hell on toast. Just when he thought the situation couldn’t get worse, he wakes up next to her dead body...with no memory of how he got there.

The investigation focuses on Cable, highlighting him as the newest poster boy for an intense debate on racial relations. Racing against an impending indictment, he digs through a web of conflicting motives, politically-driven ambitions, and the past of the murdered woman, desperately seeking the truth before time runs out.

His only ally is feisty FBI agent Rita Goldman, whose sense of justice is as profound as her lack of field experience. Cable doesn’t know if the rookie agent will help prove his innocence or be the one to bury him.

©2019 Scott Bell (P)2019 Scott Bell

Fantastic start to a new series!!!!

I really enjoyed this book so much I didn’t want it to end. The good news is that it’s the first in a new series.
The protagonist (Sam Cable )is a Texas ranger. He’s been assigned by the governor to protect to protect an African American woman running for the senate. The two do not get along and following a public argument Sam wakes up next to her dead body. He doesn’t remember how he got there and suspects her was drugged based on his “Costco size headache”. In his hotel room someone has planted racial material and the local police have decided that Sam did the deed and are ready to end the investigation. Only a newbie FBI agents willing to give him the benefit of doubt but only because he’s pointed out some indiscrepancies she can’t ignore. Along the way they come across multiple red herrings. I did guess who was behind the murder about half way through but it was still fun waiting to find out if I was correct.
J Scott Bennett does a fantastic job narrating (even if his Bronx accent isn’t quite there)!
This book has my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
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Surprising

This book was a mystery that was not resolved till the very end. No advanced knowledge of "who done it". The story was outstanding and you were always involved it it throughout. The resolution was one of those where you were almost holding your breath waiting for the results to come out.

Great job of narration with a voice that has almost become as known as a member of the family.

This book was provided free of charge and this review is freely and happily given.

Edgy and Enjoyable

Sam Cable, Texas Ranger, is working security for US Senate Candidate, April Fortney. When he wakes up in her room, naked; finds her dead; and has no recollection of why he’s there or what happened, he knows he’s in trouble. It isn’t long before he’s fighting for his freedom with the help of his brother, friends, and an unlikely FBI agent. They’re up against some tough people, busily avoiding being tailed and ducking flying bullets.

This was an enjoyable mystery to listen to. It’s a bit of a police procedural, but mostly, it’s a look into Sam Cable’s life. The story takes you along on the ride to determine if Cable is as good as he seems.

The narrator was perfect for the story, and he’s very easy to listen to. He managed to get all the accents right, and it was always easy to tell which character was speaking. He did a great job with the female FBI agent, going back and forth between her “professional” voice and her New York accent. He truly brought the characters to life. I hope I have the chance to listen to the next book in this series. I’d love to know if that FBI agent makes another appearance.

I will add a warning: this book has racial overtones. April Fortney was a black woman. Her husband takes her death as an opportunity to rile up racial discord as he steps into her candidate shoes. There are other instances of racial abhorrence concerning blacks, whites, Hispanics, and Jews. If this bothers you, you might want to find a different book to listen to/read. To me, it seemed fitting for the world we’re presently living in and made the story more realistic.

I received a free Audible copy of this book from the narrator. While I thank him for his generosity, it had no effect on my review. All opinions in this review express my true and honest reactions to this audio book.

April's Fool

I liked the characters in this book and their relationships. Even after I finished listening to the book I was still thinking about the story . All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something fast paced.

A murdered judge, a Texas ranger & corruption

Texas Ranger Sam Cable’s day is starting off badly....really really badly! He wakes, naked, next to the dead, naked body of a judge. The judge who he has been assigned to protect during her political campaign. All of the evidence points toward Sam being a killer, including racial propaganda found in his luggage. Now the judge’s husband is claiming that Sam, a white LEO, has committed a hate crime...the judge was black. The problem is that Sam has no memory of that night, beyond dinner with the campaign staff.
FBI agent Rita Goldman is sent in to act as liaison with the San Antonio PD since the crime was against a federal judge. The forensic accountant doesn’t believe that this is an open and shut case...something seems off. Against orders from her SAIC, Rita starts he own investigation.
Will Sam and Rita find the true killer(s) before Sam’s indicted? Corruption and blackmail abounds...interspersed with Sam’s dry humor and movie quotes. A good story for law enforcement buffs. This narrator does exceptionally well the portrayal of the, sometimes goofy, Texas Ranger. I look forward to more in this series.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Delightful crime

What a good book this was it had everything from the handsome ranger to the Motley Crue. The wit was great it fit in with the whole story. Great story and J Scott Bennett super excellent narration. I would recommend this book to everyone.

Great Mystery

Absolutely loved the narrator. He did an amazing job with each of the characters. This was an amazing story had me on edge the entire time.

Intriguing and Funny Murder Mystery

I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are mine.

This is the first book in the Sam Cable Mystery series. Sam is a Texas Ranger who is assigned to guard a Judge running for a Senate seat. Their relationship is not great but Sam is dedicated to his job. One day, Sam wakes up naked in a hotel room and lying next to him is the body of the Judge. He has no memory of how he ended up in the Judge's hotel room or how she ended up getting murdered. What's worse - the FBI are pounding on the hotel room door - how can Sam explain this?

This was a mystery which grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't let go - it's chock full of action, red herrings and some good humor. Sam is a well developed main character and his interactions with his brother Matt are realistic and warm - as the best ribbing is from those who know you best. Every chapter begins with a quote to set the tone - which I enjoyed. I'm am looking forward to more of Sam's adventures.

The narrator, J. Scott Bennett, did a great job. He completely embodied the character of Sam. I have become a great fan.

Excellent Story And Performance!

This Story Was Excellent From Start To Finish!!! The Narrator Is Superb At Making The Characters Life Like And Real! I Highly Recommend This Book For A Good Read!!!

Texas Ranger Proud!

Another excellent book that grabs the reader on the first page and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end! Love the main character, Sam Cable, and although he seems to have the whole world against him, he never gives up the fight! The secondary characters Matt and Darla, and the other Texas Rangers were memorable and added to the suspense in the book.
The spunky FBI agent, Rita Goldman added hope and her dedication to finding the real killer.

The narration was incredible as is the norm for J. Scott Bennett. Multiple voices and dialects, all genders are done well and with ease.

Some quotes from the kindle version of the book which I also own:
"Railroad spikes pounded into my head, driven by a chain gang of demons."
"I suspected he was trying for intimidation, but he wound up looking constipated."
"If heaven had a meal plan, I hoped it included open-faced turkey sandwiches."

I thoroughly enjoyed the quotes at the start of the chapters written by famous persons, musicians, and authors and I actually looked forward to hearing the next one. Extremely well done!

"A wise man makes his own decisions; an ignorant man follows public opinion."-Grantland Rice

Funny

While the plot was fairly run of the mill, Sam's absurd humour made this really entertaining.

Q

This is the first book i have by Scott bell I give it 5 out of 5 and Scott Bennett 100% as well ways

What’s not to like!?

Rangers, Irish mafia, fbi, and a dead judge! A great murder mystery that keeps you guessing right until the end. Great fight scenes and really well narrated by Scott; he’s got a real knack for storytelling that really brings out the characters!
Looking forward to see what Ranger Cable gets up to next!
This is my honest opinion of a free review copy.

fab mystery

really enjoyed this audio book well written and a great narrater can't wait for book 2