The Zen Man [Kindle Edition]

Colleen Collins (Author)

Book Description

Semifinalist Best Indie Books of 2012, The Kindle Book Reviews

"A fantastic read from start to finish. Reminded me a great deal of the works of Robert Crais and Robert B Parker."
~MacKenzie Brown

"This book immediately drew me in. The wonderfully descriptive setting, the quick pace and story that promises to deliver a delicious thrill. Miss Collins has a way of weaving mystery, intrigue, romance and a touch of NOIR that is not often found much less executed this well."
~Michael Benning

"A brilliant mystery novel...I eagerly await the return of the Zen Man."
~Becky Sherriff, The Kindle Book Review

"What I didn't expect were the touches of romantic language, as delicate and erotic as a glance by Humphrey Bogart from under his hat. I also didn't expect the humorous touches in what is essentially one man's life-or-death fight to save his soul, his business and the love of his life."
~Bonnie Ramthun, multi-published mystery and YA author

"Move over Sam Spade, Nick and Nora; make room for a Denver who-dun-it, Colleen Collins’s The Zen Man. Brilliant and fast-paced writing. I couldn’t put it down."
~ Donnell Ann Bell,
 Award-Winning Author of The Past Came Hunting

"Readers of mystery are going to love Colleen Collins's novel THE ZEN MAN. It is a fast paced who-done-it that will keep you turning pages and guessing to the very end."
~Mrs. Mommy Booknerd's Book Reviews

"Not only do the pages fly by with the action and plot twists, but the characters will keep you guessing their next move as well. I was thoroughly entertained and can't wait to read the next installment of this fabulous gumshoe novel!"
~ Wendy Hines, Minding Spot book reviews

******************Book Blurb******************

Just as washed-up criminal defense attorney, life-long Deadhead (nickname “The Zen Man”), and current PI Rick Levine decides to get relicensed as a lawyer, he’s charged with killing one and ends up in the slammer with a half-mil bail.

Released on bond, Rick and his girlfriend Laura have 30 days to find the real killer. In the course of their investigations, they dig for dirt among Denver’s shady legal backrooms to its tony corporate centers. Dodging bullets, a kidnapping, trumped-up charges and the FBI's unwanted intervention, Rick and Laura continue tracking key suspects who have motive...eventually learning that true redemption begins at home.

******************End of Book Blurb******************

“I loved every single word of The Zen Man!”
~ Delores Fossen, USA Today Best-selling Author

"Rick and Laura are incredibly charming and likable...and the book’s mystery is well structured with clues and red herrings doled out steadily to move the plot along and keep things interesting... can’t wait for the return of The Zen Man."
~Book Reviews by Elizabeth A. White

"... excellent writing, a liberal dose of humor, a fast-paced plot, and a sympathetic, wise-cracking protagonist."
~Nancy Wood, author of Due Date

"The Zen Man is an homage and update of Dashiell Hammett’s Nick and Nora Charles, a well-paced mix of banter, action, and New Age philosophizing."
~ Gerald So, owner-moderator of DetecToday for fans of the private eye genre

Product Details

• File Size: 439 KB
• Print Length: 277 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: WIN, Inc. (December 18, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B006NPP9XY
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #333,328 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The Zen Man June 18, 2012

By Jersey Girl Book Reviews / Jersey Girl Sizzling Book Reviews

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Former criminal defense attorney turned PI Rick Levine, aka "The Zen Man," has been clean and sober for five years. After losing his attorney's license six years ago for his substance abuse, he's now on the right path to rebuilding his life and getting relicensed so he can practice law again. Rick and girlfriend Laura purchased a Bed & Breakfast lodge in Denver, and was hosting an annual retreat for Colorado's Criminal Defense Association. In attendance for the criminal defense attorney conference were 55 attorneys including Rick's ex-wife Deborah, aka "Wicked as in Wicked Wench of the West," and former law partner, Sam Wexler, aka "Roof Top." During a party on the first night of the retreat, Deborah was drunk and started a fight with Rick, causing a scene in front of everyone. A few hours later, Laura finds Deborah's nude body lying dead in the pool outside the lodge, she had been fatally stabbed in the heart. Rick is taken into custody as the prime suspect and charged with the first degree murder of his ex-wife. With Sam as his attorney, Laura posts bail and Rick has thirty days to investigate his case and find the real killer. Is this a crime of passion case? Has Rick been framed on trumped up charges? Will Rick and Laura solve the case, or will he become a prisoner in Colorado's criminal justice system?

The Zen Man is a classic whodunit story with a sarcastic and humorous edgy side mixed with some light romance that will keep the reader guessing as they turn the pages. Set in Denver, Colorado, the story is told in the first person narrative by our protagonist, Rick, whose comedic personality shines through as he tells his story and keeps the reader in stitches.... Jam packed with enough intrigue, suspense, twist and turns, and sprinkling of clues, this entertaining mystery engages the reader to come along with Rick and Laura on their investigation to solve the murder case.

The author creates a cast of characters in the story that are realistic, complex and have a variety of personalities that make the story that much more entertaining and compelling. Who wouldn't pull for Rick and Laura? They are a down-to-earth, engaging and lovable couple willing to go the distance to prove Rick's innocence. With supporting characters such as: criminal defense attorney Sam Wexler; Mavis the chair loving Rottweiler; stoned handymen Garrett and Ziggy; a Santa Hitman; some unscrupulous attorneys; mafioso and FBI investigators, the reader better strap themselves in for one heck of a fast paced mystery thrill ride.

As a fan of murder mystery suspense thrillers, The Zen Man was an entertaining whodunit that kept me entertained. From Rick's comedic personality, to the zen quotes and Deadhead references, to the intriguing clues and twists and turns, to the lighthearted romance, this story was simply a fun read!

The Zen Man is a fun, fast paced murder mystery novel that has all the ingredients to satisfy true murder mystery suspense fans. With an intriguing ending, the reader is left wondering if this is the first in a series that we will see Rick and Laura involved in new investigative adventures.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review, and for hosting a virtual book event on my book review blog site. Read more ›

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful! January 8, 2012

By deefossen

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

What a delightful book! Now, clean and sober, former lawyer Rick Levine thinks he's on the right path to getting back his law license, but then he's arrested for murder. The journey to clear his name is not only fast paced and a thrilling ride, it's fun! Colleen Collins makes all the right moves in this who-dun-it, and I loved the characters, especially Rick and Laura. You won't be disappointed with this one.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars In the spirit of Marlowe and Sam Spade, Great Fun! August 27, 2012

By Orlando Sanchez

Format:Kindle Edition

If you want to sit down and enjoy a good detective story with twists, turns and a sharp sense of and wit, Zen man is your book. In it Collins weaves a story of intrigue and murder sprinkled liberally with humor and passion.
Make sure you have a few hours because the story will grab you and force you to keep reading(like any good story) until you are done. An excellent whodunit.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyable read! March 16, 2013

By E. Carpenter

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I read it in one sitting. Interesting characters, detail, and backstory. I was just disappointed that I will have to wait to read another. This would make a great series.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Zen man March 12, 2013

By J. M. Hammerick

Format:Kindle Edition

Multiple twists and turns with never a slow moment.The end was not a big surprise,but motive was interesting.Would recommend books by this author.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hope to see more of Rick & Laura March 11, 2013

By Nancy E. Hanson

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

When I learned Colleen Collins had written nearly two dozen romances, I was suspicious of this turn to mystery. Don't judge an author by her covers, though. Zen Man is absolutely excellent. Her central character is complex, funny and likeable. The plot moves quickly, and there are enough surprises to keep you reading into the night. While the outcome was something I anticipated very early on, I enjoyed every step of the hunt. I hope to see more of these likeable characters in future books.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Zen Man March 5, 2013

By Lenora

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This was a page turner and great suspence novel. Although there were clues throughout the book, I wasn't sure which of 2 was the real murderer until almost the end. Twists and turns, up and down, and a great ending. Good read!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Zen Man a Must February 25, 2013

By Michael Benning

Format:Kindle Edition

This book immediately drew me in. The wonderfully descriptive setting, the quick pace and story that promises to deliver a delicious thrill. Miss Collins has a way of weaving mystery, intrigue, romance and a touch of NOIR that is not often found much less executed this well. Do yourself a favor, grab your favorite throw and a cup of something warm, sit back, read and enjoy.

More About the Author

Colleen Collins is an award-winning author who's written 21 novels and anthologies for Harlequin and Dorchester. She has also indie-published a mystery novel ("The Zen Man") and two nonfiction books on private investigations ("How Do Private Eyes Do That?" and "How to Write a Dick: A Guide for Writing Fictional Sleuths from a Couple of Real-Life Sleuths"). Her books have placed first in the Colorado Gold, Romancing the Rockies, and Top of the Peak contests, and placed in the finals for the Holt Medallion, Coeur de Bois Readers Choice, Award of Excellence, More than Magic, and Romance Writers of America RITA contests. The Zen Man was a semifinalist in the Best Indie Books 2012.

Colleen graduated with honors from the University of California Santa Barbara and completed graduate work in telecommunications. She has worked as a film production assistant, improv comic, telecommunications manager, technical writer/editor, speech writer, and private investigator. All these experiences play into her writing.

She's a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Private Eye Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.

Colleen's blog: http://colleencollinsbooks.com/