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)

Loved the Characters

Loved the characters in this new mystery series about a small town police force. It's just a popcorn book but I would read the next installment.

great mystery

loved it. beginning to end intrigue. on to the next book by this author. need one more word.

Certainly NOT a family novel

While I agree that the writer is very talented and much of the dialogue is humorous the book took a very dark and PERVERSE turn. Turned out to be a disgusting book that I just don't know if I can chance another go at any of the other books in the series. NOT for a young reader or for ANYONE at all squeamish!

at moments it really shines

the narrator makes some interesting choices he makes the lead character
sound like Nicholas cage and not in a good way. the story should have been set in california not new jersey. the story is really lighthearted at times but it takes you to some really dark places. at times you feel like your reading a stephen king book at disneyworld! but after saying all that i enjoyed it except the cartoony nic cage voice.

Detective novel +NJ Shore = great book

I really enjoyed this book great story with some twists and turns . Likable main characters and all set at the Jersey Shore one of my favorite places. What really made the book was the fantastic narration by Jeff Woodman he did an outstanding job . I'm on to the next one !

twisted

great book with very difficult subject matter. I think it was handled well.

potential to open debate on the subject which is great.

Great Book interesting and Great Performance.

The book was a refreshing listen. Loved the main characters. Cpac and Boil. I enjoyed the Performance Very well done. This series is on the top of my list. Check it out. 5 stars in my opinion.

Living by THE CODE

I really liked this book about murder on the Tilt-a-Whirl, narration was great. Lots of evil exposed here, although my favorite part is probably the developing relationship between the part time summer cop, Danny and the ex-military MP, Ceepak. Ceepak, freshly back from the war in Iraq, is regimented, and out to do GOOD. He faces the bag lady, druggies, and the powerful rich . . . will he cross over to the dark side?

Loved it !

Great story, well read.
Not a lot of blood and gore. Fun, light, with surprising plot twists.

WOW!

I loved this book! I wasn't sure what to expect, but got a fun time. I enjoy all of the characters and will be back for more!