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)

All I can say is WOW!

Any additional comments?

I can't tell the readers or author how important this series of books have become to me. I am nearly a senior citizen (74 years old) who recently became a widow after 35 years of being more than happily married. Now I am struggling to find out just who I really am & to try & go forth in life. Reading at least 4 of these books so far they have spoken to me on more than a literary way. John Ceepak & his side kick Danny & all those who deal with them are teaching me something I should have known & followed in Kindergarten. The stories themselves are simple & enjoyable, life like & challenging when I ask myself "Could I do that?" Could I be like J. Ceepak with his code of honor? I had to give that a lot of thought. It is so easy to skip over. Be aware readers, I am 74 yrs old so this is a serious & meaningful question for me. And by the way it is in the ten commandments. Say what? But I am not going there per se. I did realize the "code" was very meaningful to me although I knew it also take compassion, patience & courage. So here is the rub….. what does it take to follow the example of the author Chris Grabenstein's description of being someone 'who does not lie, does not steal or does not cheat,' & more importantly does not tolerate those who do! I know I know what a Pandora's box this can become. & I can see the wall of resistance coming down like Niagara falls. And I agree it isn't for everyone, but I also know life can be much simpler, less stressful & so much less dramatic by taking this code seriously. So as I continue to read this entertaining & enticing series I have decided I am going try to try & do just this. Wish me luck in a world where none of this code is taken very seriously.



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A Guilty Pleasure

This was a great book, but not great literature. If you are looking for a sophisticated crime drama with deep meaning this book will not please. It is however a a fast paced read with very likeable characters that catch your interest and create a desire to know what is next. It was the first book in a while that I couldn't wait see what was next and found myself making time to finish listening to.

the reader makes this book

I'm a huge fan of crime fiction, legal thrillers, etc., and this book wasn't the most challenging story. But two things made it a great listen for me: the reader was outstanding and the author nailed the entire Jersey Shore -- from the peculiarities and vulgarities of Jerseyans language to the tacky and freewheeling world of beach life. As a native of the area, it was just like being there. This book won't enlighten you or change your life, but it is a good listen and a fine bit of mind candy to pass some hours - maybe while you lay on the beach at the Jersey Shore.

I loved it -- and the whole series!

This book--and the rest of the author's "John Ceepak" mysteries--are hilarious and entertaining visits to the New Jersey shore, where local cops--a former MP and a surfer dude--track down bad guys in fictional Sea Haven. TILT-A-WHIRL, the first in the series, won the 2006 Anthony Award for "Best First Mystery" and will hook you on going back for more (all available here on audible.com). The dialog is crisp and full of sharp humor, made even better by the delivery of the excellent narrator. (If you've spent any time on the "Joisey" shore, you'll appreciate him even more!)

I got such a laugh from this book I visited the author's Website, which is also funny and entertaining. Be sure to download the perfectly believable Sea Haven visitor map, which shows where all the best spots are located! I'm hopping the next installment will be on audible in time for summer!

Very disappointed

I'm not sure where I read about comparisons to Hiaasen...but this sophomoric tale doesn't make it. I realise that the protagonist is supposed to be quite young and, to that extent, the narrator does a good job. But it's all too 'gee whiz' for me. I read (and listen) to a lot of crime fiction and enjoy many different styles including the humourous and offbeat. But I was very disappointed in this book.

family listen

When heard the first book I thought it seemed like it was geared to a teen age crowd, but now I'm on my third book. The books are based on telling the truth, they have humor, and are non violent. The books are a refreshing break and can be shared by the non mystery people.

Really Fun Mystery, Can't Wait for More :)

I am a real fan of mystery and detective fiction of all sorts, and I really enjoyed Tilt-A-Whirl for what it was - a light, humorous book, with good characters, and, of course, one where the good guys win.

The two main characters are Danny, the narrator, who is a 24-year-old beach bum/ part-time cop earning a few dollars over the summer; and Ceepak, his very straight-laced ex-military partner. Danny is a great foil for Ceepak - Danny is naive and young, whereas Ceepak is experienced and worldly and...not so much up to speed on pop culture!

While this is a fun book, it is not a "cozy" mystery (no old mansions, locked-room murders or elevenses!). There is murder, conspiracy, some swearing, serious crime and crime-solving, however!

I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book and yes, I plan to go through the series!

Beachy read

You can't exactly call this a cozy detective story, but it's light enough to recommend for a day on the beach. The thing I liked most is also the thing I liked least, the story is narrated by the main character's younger side kick. I liked this because it was different but at times it was too much hero worship. Pack it next to the sunscreen if you don't want the typical summer romance novel.

Dissappointingly Enjoyable

I enjoyed this story. I enjoyed the narrator. I did not appreciate or enjoy the cursing. This is a good mystery with good and likable characters. The cursing does not add to the story but detracts from it. So if you perfer not hearing the F-word over and over in spots you may want to avoid this one. For as John Ceepak says himself, "swearing is the sign of a limited vocabulary."

ENJOY THE RIDE

Incredible job by the narrator with a fantastic story filled with twists and turns on top of twists and turns. The author captures how people really speak --especially in New Jersey. No wonder this book won the coveted Anthony Award for BEST FIRST MYSTERY!

brilliant book

I wasn't sure what I as getting I to she I first started listening to this story, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought it was a well written book. The narrator really brought the book to life.

with the book itself there were so many twists and turns and red herrings that I didn't see who did it until just before the reveal, with the outcome coming as a complete shock to me.

Found another great series!

So pleased to have found this series - clever, and refreshingly different and light hearted. I will be downloading the rest!

Loved it!

Loved it! I'm totally smitten by John Ceepak, what an awesome character. Together with his partner in crime, Danny Boyle, they're a great double act. I thought the story was clever, and I was getting confused when they seemed to have it all wrapped up about 3 hours into the audio book, when it's an 8 hour story. Well, I wasn't expecting that to happen! No spoilers here, if you want to know you'll have to read/listen to the book yourself. It's worth it and I highly recommend the investment!

loved it

I wasn't sure at first; but soon got hooked on the story. I felt I Got to know the characters well. normally I can predict an ending, but this one had me doubting myself unroll the very end. great book.

Amazing and free

I must admit I didn’t hold out much hope for this audiobook because I got it for free, but it was amazing- gripped me from start to finish, and full of unexpected twists. Very highly recommended.

Enjoyable listen.

A good story, full of twists and turns but full marks goes to narrator. I look forward to listening, also read by Jeff Woodman, to the next John Ceepak episode.

really enjoyed

loved this book, downloaded for free on audible and will definitely be listening to the others in the series. great characters and story, 5 stars from me

Like an episode of Scooby Doo!

Weak. Obvious from the start what was going to happen. Not sure who this is aimed at but more like teen fiction.

Pleasantly surprised

I wasn't sure what it would be like. Narrator was great straight away, easy listen straightaway. Storyline good with twists and turns.

Entertaining

A good introduction to the series and well narrated. Helped pass the time and funny in parts. Bought as a BOGOF.