Customer Reviews

The Zen Man

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'd read one of Colleen Collins's romance novels from many years ago, and I loved how she could write fun, fast-paced novels. Have also checked out her nonfiction books on private investigations, so I knew she was knowledgeable about the real-world of private eyes. She's brought all of that and more to The Zen Man. A book filled with thrills and chills and laughter. A mystery that doesn't hold back its punches. A pace that kept me turning pages. But my favorite part of the book? The main characters: Rick and Laura. Flawed, complex, real...yet they hold onto a wry view of the world (not unlike Nick and Nora). Great read.

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.

Rick is an ex-attorney, suspended as a result of his drug and alcohol addictions. Clean and sober, he's putting his life back together in the company of Laura, a former IT professional. They've opened a bed and breakfast in Colorado and in an attempt to attract client's to Rick's PI business, they're hosting a Criminal Defense seminar. But the first night of the retreat, Rick's ex-wife is murdered, and he's the prime suspect.

Collins has clearly done her research - she knows the world of attorneys and public investigators, as well as her locale, which makes for an easy slide into the world of Rick and Laura. The characters are flawed, but working towards redemption in a believable way. The mystery works, and the ending is satisfying. It's an enjoyable read, and I do hope Collins continues with Rick and Laura's adventures. Note: I was given a copy of this book in order to review it.

Nick has left his law practice and his drug habit behind, starting over as a PI is formost in his mind. Then he is caught up in his worse nightmare, charged with a murder he did not commit. With the help of an old friend, a new lady (Laura) and a pill head, his way of getting this solved is really not a good idea at all, because he doesn't know who to trust. A former wife tries to help only to become suspect in everything she does.
His new lady Laura, tries to help and finds herself in the deadly grip of a Colorado winter storm. He does not know if his old law partner is part of the problem of part of the solution.
This is a really good murder mystery with twists and turns in all the right places. A mystery with humor and a page turner too, is what makes this the book to read.

I received this complimentary book from the author.

I must admit I was intrigued as soon as I saw the title and couldn't wait to read this book. This is a delightful book about PI Rick Levine who is trying to put his life back together after years of alcohol abuse. He has been sober for years and together with his girlfriend Laura they are hosting a get together of criminal defense attorneys to promote his PI business and hopefully to start the process of getting back his license to practice law. Unexpectedly his ex-wife shows up at the event and after an ugly scene with Rick, she is found murdered. Rick is arrested and what follows is the attempt to clear Rick of this charge. There's a good cast of suspects and characters as the plot takes many twists before arriving at the ultimate solution. I enjoyed this book and I hope you will as well---I recommend it highly. Note: I was given a copy of this book in order to review it.