Death Benefits (Southern Fraud Thriller 2) [Kindle Edition]

Jennifer Becton (Author), J. W. Becton (Author)

Book Description

Fraud investigator Julia Jackson is back in action, and her next assignment throws her straight into the crosshairs of a bevy of desperate people...and one man who will do anything to keep his secret safe.

Late one night, a car burns on a lonely rural road, and the discovery of a body--charred beyond recognition--in the driver's seat sets in motion a series of deadly events. And when the wife of the supposedly deceased driver demands her husband's million-dollar life insurance policy payout before the autopsy can be completed, fraud investigators Julia Jackson and Mark Vincent must determine exactly how the victim died and at whose hands.

As Julia and Vincent interview witnesses and tangle with a host of angry suspects, another man is working behind the scenes to sever his mysterious connection to the body by any means necessary.

Soon Julia and Vincent realize they are not dealing with an average death benefits scam, but with a potential serial killer instead.

Death Benefits is the second book in the six-volume Southern Fraud crime dramedy series, which blends suspense, humor, and Southern charm with just a touch of romance. If you enjoy reading humorous mysteries or watching TV crime dramedies like Castle or The Mentalist, you should like the Southern Fraud series.

Features
* Approximately 77,000 words
* Specially formatted for ebook
* Linked table of contents
* Full-color interior art

The Southern Fraud Thriller Series (in order)
Absolute Liability
Death Benefits
At Fault--Coming Soon!

Product Details

• File Size: 672 KB
• Print Length: 260 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Whiteley Press, LLC (February 1, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0074SRURW
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,859 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Sequel that Leaves Us Excited for More February 3, 2012

By Kelley L.

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Jennifer Becton throws us into another wacky crime that our long-suffering heroine, Julia Jackson, must solve. Fortunately, her trusty partner Mark Vincent is back (sigh!), lending his strengths to balance hers as they sift through the evidence. Of course, Julia is still working behind the scenes on her sister's cold rape case, and this time she may actually have a lead. But can she pursue it without endangering those closest to her? And as for Vincent, those of us who are already in love with him get another peek through his rough exterior. What more will we learn about Mark as the story unfolds?

Becton's strengths lie in her character development, which she accomplishes mainly through dialogue and sparse description; in her complex, nail-biting plots; and in her laugh-out-loud sense of humor. The question of romance creeps forward every few chapters, tantalizing us with possibilities but leaving plenty of room for development through the upcoming books in the series.

Start with Absolute Liability, and then move on to Death Benefits, the latest release in Jennifer Becton's Southern Fraud Thriller series! You will be entertained.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another wonderful thriller and a swoon-worthy hero! February 2, 2012

By Jakki L.

Format:Kindle Edition

Becton hits readers with another thriller. Starting with page one, the reader is dropped right into the action. From imagery to characters and banter, Becton continually gains and keeps her reader's attention. I was so absorbed in the investigation, I found myself taking mental notes as I tried to uncover this mystery alongside the special agents. As the climax approached, I was right there in the action with Julia and Vincent.

When a dead body is discovered, special agents Julia Jackson and Mark Vincent are left with many questions. They must determine if this is a simple death benefits case or something more. Kathy Vanderbilt has one million reasons why she would want her husband dead, but she might not be the only one. In addition to uncovering this mystery, Julia is still secretly working on discovering the identity of her sister's rapist. With another lead, Julia must try to keep those closest to her from getting involved.

It is Becton's ability to create vivid scenes for her readers that helps make them feel a part of the story. Whether her characters are in the office, interviewing a suspect, or on the scene, it is easy to see, feel and relate to them. Part of what makes the reader a part of the story are the characters. They are real characters, with real issues, and can be found in anyone's community. In Julia and Helena's relationship, I can visualize conversations I have with my best friend over a cup of coffee. Vincent's desire to reconnect with his estranged son makes him more than a steamy piece of eye candy oozing masculinity. And who doesn't know, or want to know, a feisty, blue-haired lady like Mrs. Twilley who cracks readers up with her expressions and ability to wield a cane? Let's not forget Kathy Vanderbilt who represents the southern redneck who needs her "respects." Let me say, Becton knows her southern lifestyle, and I could see many facets of my southern friends in her characters. That made it all the more enjoyable.

Adding to the reality of her descriptions and characters is the dialog, which is natural and not forced, especially the banter between Julia and Vincent. Beware: smiling, chuckling, and sighing might be the result of experiencing a conversation with Vincent, leaving the reader eager for the next novel to find out exactly what is in store for Julia and Vincent.

While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I was left with a few unanswered questions. I am not sure those questions will be answered in the next book, but I am anxious to find out more about Tricia's rapist coming to justice and to see what awaits Vincent and Julia. No doubt there will be more swoon-worthy moments involving Vincent.

ARC copy provided by author

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars As Soon As I Heard Mark Vincent's Voice... February 16, 2012

By Susan Haughton

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

...I knew I would probably enjoy Death Benefits. Having just finished Absolute Liability, which was a terrific read, I was hoping for another Southern Fraud book, particularly if it featured Mark Vincent, who is my new favorite character du jour. Smoldering, hunky guy with a heart and just enough of a past to keep it interesting. The slowly developing relationship between Julia and Mark is played just right...not so fast as to be unbelievable, but slowly, delectably developed. Just the right pace, in my humble opinion.

I thought the plot was well developed; it certainly held my interest throughout the book and better yet, the "voice" of the killer kept me guessing.

While there is murder and there is death, even a little gore, this is not a heavy, dark book that will haunt your dreams. It is fast paced with well drawn, well developed characters who leave you wanting to know a little more about them. I am eagerly anticipating the next book and only wish the author could write as fast I can read.

This book stands on its own, but I would suggest new readers start with Absolute Liability in order to fully enjoy Death Benefits.

More About the Author

Jennifer has worked in the publishing industry for twelve years as a proofreader, copy editor, and freelance writer. In 2010, she accepted the challenge to self-publish her first novel Charlotte Collins: A Continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Upon discovering the possibilities of the expanding ebook market, she created Whiteley Press, LLC, an independent publishing house. Caroline Bingley, Jennifer's second historical novel, was released in October 2011.

Jennifer also writes thrillers under the pseudo-pseudonym J. W. Becton. Absolute Liability, the first in the six-book Southern Fraud Thriller Series, made the Amazon Kindle Best Sellers list and spent three nonconsecutive weeks on the Indie Reader Best Sellers list. Death Benefits and At Fault are now available, and Moral Hazard will be released in 2013. The Southern Fraud series blends suspense, humor, and Southern charm with just a touch of romance. If you enjoy reading humorous mysteries or watching TV crime dramedies like Castle or The Mentalist, you should like the Southern Fraud series. For more information on Jennifer's thrillers, visit http://www.jwbecton.com.