Memphis Confidential (Book) - 7/17/2023 12:09:33 AM
I know I will not be disappointed when I see another work by Gerald Darnell, and I am especially delighted when it is a Carson Reno mystery. Memphis Confidential is a wonderful addition to the series. Although I encourage you to read the entire series, Memphis Confidential is a great stand-alone as well as all the other books. Here we have the great detective being visited by an ex-romantic interest asking for his help. He half-heartedly agrees to look into the matter of whether her current boyfriend has any ties to a recent large Casino robbery, but before he knows it, he is being charged with murder by the police. Now the matter has his full attention as he tries to learn about a connection and clear his name. As the investigation continues numerous people start turning up dead. I enjoy reading the Carson Reno storyline while I try to solve the mystery, but this one had me guessing all the way to the end. Of course, Memphis Confidential had the entire cast of usual characters – Joe and Lydia, Marcie, the receptionist, and we can’t forget, Carson, the bulldog. I definitely recommend you check this one out. AA five out of five!
The Innocent Stranger (Book) - 11/21/2020 6:08:33 AM
I am always thrilled to read another "Carson Reno" book and never disappointed. This time a possible insurance fraud case falls into his lap and quickly turns into a multiple murders case. As always, we have our usual cast of characters and our regular places to hang out, but an all new storyline and set of characters. "The Innocent Stranger" focuses around a rather large life insurance claim, but quickly turns into a mystery drama with twists and turns on every page. Being narrated by Carson Reno himself is an intriguing way to reveal the storyline to the reader. The quote about our detective, "Sweetheart, I can fix anything but the break of day and a broken heart...and I'm working on those" sums it up nicely. I love the easy-flowing writing style of Gerald Darnell. Although "The Innocent Stranger" is one of many in the Carson Reno series (and I recommend you read them all). but each is a great stand-alone novel. A definite 5 out of 5!!!
The Disappearance of Robin Murat (Book) - 6/17/2020 12:09:33 PM
5.0 out of 5 stars An old fashion mystery with lots of twists! You will root for Carson & he does not disappoint.
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2020
Format: Paperback
"Sometimes you have to trust your gut.....sometimes that's all you have left." -
Gerald has written another epic mystery in the Carson Reno Mystery series, The Disappearance of Robin Murat. This author has the talent of keeping his readers wanting more as they receive more clues that Carson uncovers as he is hired to solve a missing person case. Carson's clients, local and state police officers, and even gangsters trust that he will remain honest and work with integrity as he solves this case. Carson travels to New Orleans and discovers that his hypothesis to this missing person had to be changed. The clues to the investigation are not as "clear" as he has to dig deeper into the muddy waters in New Orleans. A bar in New Orleans becomes his temporary office as he works with a team of professionals that help him discover the story behind this missing person, Jake Furman. Will Carson and his team be able to figure it out before its too late?
The Disappearance of Robin Murat (Book) - 2/23/2020 6:02:37 PM
Hired for what would appear to be a simple missing persons case quickly turns into a case involving missing money, a connection to the mob and murder. Carson Reno, our infamous private investigator is hired by yet another "damsel in distress." This time to simply locate her missing brother. As always, the case turns into more than Carson had bargained for and he finds himself not only being followed, but someone try's to kill him, which he takes personal. With several twist & turns and a few "Perry Mason" moments all of the usual cast of characters from the Peabody Hotel are there to help the story evolve, such as, Lydia, Joe, Marcie, and, not to be forgotten, Carson, the English bulldog. His pursuit lands him in New Orleans where things start developing and adding even more mystery to the case and, all the while, adding more bodies. "The Disappearance of Robin Murat" is just another well-written, easy to read Carson Reno novel by Gerald W. Darnell. I always know when I pick up a Carson Reno story that I am in for a treat. All of the books are great stand-alones, but I recommend you check them all out. You won't be disappointed. Darnell has an easy writing style that just flows naturally. His story-telling ability is outstanding and very enjoyable. I personally can't get enough of the Carson Reno series and always look forward to additional works, including other works outside the Carson Reno books, by Darnell. I can't recommend his work any higher; a definite 10 outta 10. Keep them coming, please. A big fan!
Lack of Candor (Book) - 1/27/2020 9:52:57 AM
If you like a good mystery, "Lack of Candor" is your book. Another "Carson Reno" story with a methodical private investigator "who always gets his man/or woman." "Lack of Candor" centers around the possible suicide/murder of a sergeant with the Memphis Police Department. The wife says she has no information; the girlfriend (yes, there's a girlfriend) says she has all the information. From there the story develops. The cast of character's names is quite entertaining. One of my favorites, for example, is a criminal named 'Iaam Trouble.' The plot takes many twists and turns and has the reader guessing with every chapter. "Lack of Candor," from page one, becomes a page turner. I couldn't put it down...in fact, I read it in one setting. It's an easy read for a lazy afternoon. This is not my first Gerald W. Darnell novel and won't be my last. The "Carson Reno" series is a lot of good reading and fun. I highly recommend you check them all out, but "Lack of Candor" is also a great stand-alone. A definite thumbs up!
Shadows and Lies (Book) - 8/3/2018 11:20:36 PM
This is my second Carson Reno novel and it was as well-written as the first one I read. Once again, the Drake Detective Agency becomes involved with a case loaded with murders, blackmail and deception in a case going back over 20 years. The characters are great and come to life with the detailed descriptions of each. At every twist and turn there is yet another murder adding to an already intriguing plot and allowing Carson Reno to chip away the details providing a clear picture of what 'may' have happened...his last meeting with family, foes, police and FBI is only half-way solved in his mind, hoping for illumination from others as he goes along with his story, awaiting a Perry Mason moment!
The fun the characters have regarding people's names is quite amusing, my favorite being 'rum and coke.' 'Shadows and Lies' is a fun, lighthearted mystery crime story. The included pictures are an added pleasure. Gerald W. Darnell has done it again...providing us with an entertaining read, uneasy to put down!!!
Murder my Darling (Book) - 7/27/2018 1:46:39 PM
This is my first Carson Reno story and I'm hooked. A short mystery with many twists and turns and plots that you constantly trying to figure out 'who done what.' Characters that popped up in the story, later turned out to be more attached to the story then first met the eye..very interesting additional twists that only added to an already intriguing story line.
Although there was mystery, crime, murder, blackmail and suspense, it was also a very fun read. Having enjoyed 'Murder My Darling', I look forward to reading additional Carson Reno novels by Gerald W. Darnell. I highly recommend 'Murder My Darling.'
Murder in Humboldt (Book) - 12/13/2010 2:04:20 PM
By Jake Patterson
Jake Patterson October 23, 2010 at 10:58am Subject: .. Hey Gerald, I'm walking through the new winery in Humboldt last night and saw a copy of your book on the counter for sale. I picked it up and saw a couple of stories that I remembered my dad telling about you guys. I also noticed that there was a Jimmy in the dedication and thought that may be him as well. I immediately bought the book and took it home. It was really entertaining. As I looked through the "Quotes" section, I saw the one from my dad and his relating weddings and funerals. Both my mother and I laughed until we cried. Now that I have a daughter that will never know her Grandad, I can't tell you how proud it made me to see those stories in print. Anyway, I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that I'm enjoying the book and also to say thanks. Best Regards, Jake Patterson
Don't Wake Me Until It's Time to Go (Book) - 11/8/2010 10:42:13 AM
Subject: Still laughing - thru the tears
Loved your book. The girl at Crown Winery told me that your new book had arrived, but they didn"t know what to charge, so she wouldn't let me have one. I did get an autographed copy, though. I have something for you. Sandy will LOVE that chapter about Kelly - so did I!! Thanks for sharing your memories with us - can't wait for the sequel! Keep 'em coming. Love you! Di
Don't Wake Me Until It's Time to Go (Book) - 10/23/2010 7:58:40 AM
Jake Patterson October 23, 2010 at 10:58am
Subject: Don't Wake Me...
Hey Gerald,
I'm walking through the new winery in Humboldt last night and saw a copy of your book on the counter for sale. I picked it up and saw a couple of stories that I remembered my dad telling about you guys. I also noticed that there was a Jimmy in the dedication and thought that may be him as well. I immediately bought the book and took it home. It was really entertaining. As I looked through the "Quotes" section, I saw the one from my dad and his relating weddings and funerals. Both my mother and I laughed until we cried. Now that I have a daughter that will never know her Grandad, I can't tell you how proud it made me to see those stories in print. Anyway, I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that I'm enjoying the book and also to say thanks.
Best Regards,
Jake Patterson
Don't Wake Me Until It's Time to Go (Book) - 10/5/2010 9:29:03 AM
This afternoon, right after lunch, I came in and literally had nothing to do so Hello recliner and get Gerald's book...Gerald I could not put it down...It was kind of like looking at a good movie...What I considered the best kept coming and coming...From the dedication to your father to Jimmy's commit at the last page, it was tremendous...All the way through I could see all of us (the reunion group) sitting and listening to one your stories...Yes I was so impressed and I know it will be a success...Got another in the oven...Great...Go to it...Hey, I did not even take time this pm to get up and get another beer...Yep, I am a few behind...
Here's to you friend...Keep up the good work...Peace...Joe Richard Gray
A Day in Court (Short Story) - 2/26/2024 12:27:20 PM
I'm not much for reading courtroom scenes that don't watch them on television except for an occasional, Judge Judy, or the like--supposedly true cases.
But your chapter's tightly written and moves along very nicely including the characters just the right way as well as describing them well. There was only one little thing that bothered me. Was Mildred slipping around, or sleeping around. While I don't think anyone sleeps while sneaking around and having sex, it's a word that people tend to use that is dead wrong because there is no sleep in that version of sleeping.
Also, it would've been great if the mystery witness was sleeping and therefore didn't hear the call to the witness stand. But that's a reach for now.
Ron
Precious (Short Story) - 1/26/2021 2:06:39 PM
I've been to the Whirlaway Club… But at another time in another city. They are all alike with incredibly beautiful women with fake names who seem very interested in their customers as long as the money keeps flowing their way. And, trouble does come when they mix their work life with their personal lives.
Reno seems to actually add pressure when he is supposedly taking pressure off Candy, getting her to talk through the supposedly innocuous questions about Roxy's murder. From what I read, pretty standard stuff… No surprises. Including Reno's being smitten by Precious. I have found myself finding the especially tiny girls with such tight bodies, but with sometimes, rather sad faces, to be tantalizing. In the second last paragraph a tiny little typo, otherwise impeccable writing of inexperienced crime fiction writer.
That is a nicely packaged download of the story, including pictures. But I now have all the usual suspects in Roxy's demise that will only come along with the, "rest of the story."
A great story to read to the end. And some great memories, especially of the last time when my partner came along and she and I admired the porcelain but very real boobs of the Chinese girl who shared them with us so generously that we should have gone back for more.
Ron
Vera (Short Story) - 6/24/2020 9:06:07 AM
Twenty books in the Carson Reno series. That's quite an accomplishment! Old school private eye fiction. Maybe, pulp fiction, can't tell from this chapter/story.
Well written. Unfortunately, the membership you have did not allow for a correct format for conversation, making it more difficult to read. Your detailed description and conversation made it quite easy to follow what was happening. Vera Martel had a problem that many are familiar with.
Ron
Vera (Short Story) - 6/23/2020 2:33:05 PM
well done
Justifiable Homicide - Beginning (Short Story) - 7/16/2014 6:08:05 AM
Very well written and engaging. I don't read mystery, murder stories, unless they are true stories, but there are a lot of people who do. From the number of books you have written, it looks like you are quite successful in that genre.
Ron
Dead End (Article) - 1/3/2016 3:09:35 PM
A very suspenseful story at whatever stage it's in--I'm guessing somewhere in-between. I'm thinking the title has multiple meanings, and hopefully not a "dead" ending.
Dead End (Article) - 1/2/2016 10:06:20 AM
A compelling story that is just the beginning (or the ending?) of a larger story.
I did find a few glitches that a good edit will fix.
Ron
Justifiable Homicide (Article) - 12/31/2014 11:50:36 AM
Thanks Ron Hull for your advise about the editor. Off works much better.
Justifiable Homicide (Article) - 12/31/2014 10:35:19 AM
For some reason, I'm not much interested in murder mysteries. Although I've certainly seen enough of them in movies. I did read parts of your excerpt from the novel here, and find that your writing is very good, and that you set up interesting scenes with interesting situations. I didn't see any dialogue, but like the rest of the writing, I believe it will be quite good as well.
I've learned recently that if you are having trouble with the AD editor, you can use a special paste like I do in my browser, "Paste and Match Style," or you can turn off the editor and your paragraphs should come out normally.
Keep writing good stuff for your mystery readers…
Ron
