Deceitful Moon

Manny Williams Series, Book 2

By: Rick Murcer

Narrated by: DJ Holte

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Detective Manny Williams and his partner, Sophie Lee, are called to the scene of a disturbing and gruesome murder at Lansing's local adult playhouse, the White Kitty. The circumstances surrounding the murder rocket deeper into the bizarre as the forensic evidence reveals more questions than answers. As he begins his investigation, Manny is interrupted by a phone call that shakes his world. His nemesis, serial killer Dr. Fredrick Argyle, has killed again and sent the evidence to prove it. Argyle's heinous actions force Manny and Sophie back to the Caribbean. All the while the body count rises in his home city. Two serial killers. Each threatening to change his life forever. One succeeds.

©2011 Rick Murgittroyd (P)2015 Murcer Press, LLC

I didn't see that coming!

What made the experience of listening to Deceitful Moon the most enjoyable?

Twists and turns I didn't see coming

What other book might you compare Deceitful Moon to and why?

Unique plot. Can't compare it to another book.

What about DJ Holte’s performance did you like?

Great voice, good cadence and inflection

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

Suspense at it's best.

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."

plenty of dead bodies and violence

Deceitful Moon picks up 3 months after the events of Caribbean Moon, the first book in the Detective Manny Williams series. I would suggest listening to the books in order, as the story line from the previous book continues. They are not really stand alones.

In Deceitful Moon, there are two plot lines, so there is a lot going on and a lot to keep up with. Firstly, Manny and his partner, Sophie Lee, continue to hunt the serial killer who appeared in the first book, briefly sending them back to the Caribbean. Secondly, they have a new serial killer in their hometown of Lansing who is killing males. As in the previous book, the body count keeps rising and Manny and Sophie once again join forces with the FBI.

Both books have been fast paced and action packed, and I have enjoyed every minute of them. There are plenty of dead bodies, violence and some rather gory details, but there is also plenty of humor and some very likable characters. I truly loved the blend of jokes and grisly serial killer hunting, but I appreciate that the humor and sexual innuendos may not be every listener’s cup of tea. If you’ve listened to J.A. Konrath’s Jack Daniels series and enjoyed it, you will like this. The writing is engaging, and there are some breathtaking twists and turns. Mannie’s partner, Sophie, is a great character and I loved her attitude. I also enjoyed the nice camaraderie and witty banter within the police department and with the FBI. They are the sort of books where you will be laughing out loud one minute and be on the edge of your seat and totally spooked the next.

In Deceitful Moon, there was one heart breaking moment that totally shocked me. In hindsight, everything was building up to that development, but still, a very brave move, Mr. Murcer. The ending definitely leaves you wanting to read the next in the series

There was a change in narrator from book 1 to book 2. Not really a problem, it just took a little while to adjust to the different voices, especially as I started this one straight after finishing the first.

The narration provided by DJ Holte for Deceitful Moon was fantastic. Great pacing, intonation and range of different voices as well as great expression of a range of emotions. There were no issues with the quality of the production.

I am eagerly waiting for book 3, Emerald Moon, to be made available as an audiobook, and I am hoping DJ Holte will once again provide the narration for it.

Audiobook provided for review by the narrator.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog

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Fast paced; suspenseful; good narration.

I enjoyed this fast-paced, well-plotted, suspenseful mystery that comes with a side of light banter to balance the gruesome deaths. My rating 4.5.

Manny is a dedicated, driven, workaholic police detective. He loves his wife and daughter but that doesn’t stop him from getting pulled away when he is deep in pursuit of a killer. He gets along well with his partner, Sophie, who, even though married, seems to flirt a bit - okay outrageously - especially with one of the FBI agents they have been working with. Manny has his own draw to resist in the form of a female FBI agent.

Manny and Sophie are just getting into the investigation of a local murder binge that appears to be targeting men of ill repute, known for hurting or mistreating women. Although the vigilante killer (or killers) may be ridding society of some real low life, still it’s murder. Before Manny gets deep into the forensics, where he likes to dig, he gets a call he doesn’t want to hear.

Another serial killer, and Manny’s nemesis, Dr. Fredrick Argyle, is on the killing path again and is baiting Manny to catch him. This guy is very brutal and creepy, reminding me of Hannibal Lecter.
Manny and his team speed off to the new crime scene where Dr. Argyle leaves a few mutilated bodies and warnings that Manny and his family and friends are not safe. Back home, Manny’s own boss is shot at point blank range leaving Manny another killer to track.

The story makes clear shifts between the murder investigations keeping the reader/listener keyed to gather the clues. The author skillfully hints at suspects that do not seem probable but one never quite knows what might cause someone to snap.

Although the plot deals with some gruesome murders, the author manages to maintain a certain lightness in the friendship of the characters and the depth of love among the family. The comedic banter seems natural as a release to ease the tensions of their gritty jobs. Mr. Murcer does a good job with each element: strong characters, skillfully plotted mysteries with red-herring clues and twists, and high levels of action and suspense. I really enjoyed the forensic details and mind thinking that Manny sorts through trying to get ahead of the killers.

The story is sprinkled with cursing, as might be expected with cops and killers, but, as far as I can recall, the author doesn’t use the worst of the words. I really enjoyed the fast-paced style and the strong, engaging protagonist. Although this can be read without having read the first book, it made me wish that I had read that one first. Also, this ends with open lines for new changes in the next book. I do recommend this book (and series) to those who enjoy good forensic details and can deal with some gritty murder scenes.

Audio Notes: DJ Holte does a really good job with the narration. He provides smooth transitions between distinct voices and he captures and portrays the range of emotions including love, humor, hatred, mania and more. The audio definitely enhanced my enjoyment of this reading experience.

I received this audio book from the narrator for an honest review.

Read one, get 2

This is an extremely well plotted mystery thriller with 2 beautifully constructed mysteries, and vibrant characters. It is the second book in the series (I read the first book some years ago), and, while this book can be read as a standalone novel, I think it best if the reader reads this series in order, because these stories interlock so closely. However, even if you read this one first, I think you will find it absorbing.

There are 2 sets of villains, and 2 sets of violent crimes that must be solved as quickly as possible, and one set of crimes affects every major character in the book in stunningly surprising ways. The villain who is carried over from the 1st book reminded me of Hannibal Lecter in his viciousness and brilliance. He is a bit less stable, or rather, unstable in very different ways, but his instability in no way impairs his effectiveness. Of such characters nightmares are born!

There is a fairly large cast of characters to keep track of, and all of them are important, and contribute significantly to the development of the plot. Some are wonderfully sympathetic, and a few are not only that, but charmingly quirky, as well, and the author presents them with verve and compassion. Not only are these people law enforcement professionals, but they are extremely decent, good individuals, as well, and that makes investment on what happens to them on this reader’s part inevitable.

I do have one quibble with the plot, and seeing it surprised me, because the author is so meticulous in every other detail. When a police officer, of any rank, is either wounded or killed in the line of duty, his family is NOT informed by phone. Officers are sent to her home or wherever she happens to be, she is told personally, and then escorted to the hospital. In addition, the closest waiting room will be packed with other police officers, on or off duty, to provide support to their fallen comrade and his/her family. If the wounded officer is in the ICU and the ICU waiting room cannot accommodate them, they will find the closest available place, and pretty much make it their own.

Mr. Holte provided a stunning narration, the excellence of which fully complimented this very, very fine book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for this unbiased review via the courtesy of Audiobookblast dot com

Campy horror & humor

What did you love best about Deceitful Moon?

I liked Rick Murcer's writing style. His work is packed with similes that are often a humorous relief from the horror. I don't know if he intended for me to laugh so much amid the mystery and bloodshed but I did. Many references to the previous book made me want to read it and see if it was the same. My favorite line: "He cradled Louise in his arms, putting his hand on the hole in her chest, trying to stem the flow that wouldn't take STOP for an answer." The first time I heard it I laughed out loud. The second time I thought it was brilliant.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I didn't really have a favorite character. I appreciated that the characters, except for the evil Dr. Argyle, were not two dimensional. I liked the way Manny Williams and his partner Sophie Lee bantered back and forth. It will be interesting to find out what happens to Dr. Argyle when the series ends.

What does DJ Holte bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

DJ Holte brings sparkle and color to the story. He gives all the characters a distinctive voice, even the women. His rendition of the villainous Dr. Fredrick Argyle is a nasty maniacal voice that will give you the creeps.

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

No, there was too much graphic violence for that.

Any additional comments?

Horror isn't my favorite genre but when DJ Holte offered Deceitful Moon to me for an honest review, I jumped at the chance to hear one of my favorite narrators again.

Good Job!

Very much enjoyed hearing it read! Replaced my normal radio program during work. Play good Rick, win the WA! See you there next year!

Enjoyable

I enjoyed the second installment of the Manny series almost as much as the first. Deceitful Moon seems even darker than Caribbean Moon which says a lot.

The narrator gives a good performance despite some of Murcer's strange descriptions.

Where's the other books?!

This was just as good as when I read the book. I can't wait for the other books to go audio.