Saturday, July 27, 2024

Unbalanced

Unbalanced by D. P. Lyle
8/6/24; 354 pages
Oceanview Publishing
Jake Longly #7

Unbalanced by D. P. Lyle is a highly recommended murder mystery and the seventh novel in the Jake Longly series.

"Ex-pro baseball player Jake Longly and his girlfriend, Nicole, are asked by Jake’s father, Ray, a private investigator, to pick up some papers from a realtor for his business." It's an easy errand that should have taken a few minutes but when Jake and Nicole arrive at the office they find the realtor dead by a single gunshot to the head. This thrusts Jake and Nicole into the investigation, along with Pancake, Jake's friend and Ray's associate.

As expected, the writing is great, the pace quick, and the investigation is detailed and interesting. The banter between the characters can be funny, lighthearted, and quick witted, which is entertaining, but it can also turn serious when required. The suggestive banter between Jake and Nicole is present in every book, but isn't too distracting and over-the-top in Unbalanced. The final denouement is a bit predictable but the investigation is an intricate, fun, and fast-paced journey.

Jake and Nicole are fully realized characters (from the previous novels I've read) and this time Pancake receives further character development. The books in the series can be read as stand alone mysteries  I've read several books in the series but this was my favorite to date. Thanks to Oceanview Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

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