REVIEW: THE CASE OF THE INVISIBLE SOULS : A Jarvis Mann Short Story by R Weir

For a change of pace, here's to R Weir's latest in the Jarvis Mann series:

***THE CASE OF THE INVISIBLE SOULS SYNOPSIS***
With Christmas a few weeks away and happy these last few months had been quiet, Jarvis Mann decides to take on an interesting case. A homeless veteran knocks on his door with a story of how several of his homeless companions have been bribed and taxied away never to return. Taking pause to the man’s story at first, Jarvis digs deeper learning of plans to clear out the homeless. When the man is attacked, and seriously injured, Jarvis goes undercover, learning more about life on the streets than he ever knew, becoming one of the Invisible Souls in search of an answer.

Check out the other Jarvis Mann Detective Stories:

Dead Man Code: A Jarvis Mann Detective Novel #5
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LY8JZND

Blood Brothers: A Jarvis Mann Detective Novel #4
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019S6AQXW

Twice As Fatal: A Jarvis Mann Detective Novel #3
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XTNTHWW

Tracking A Shadow: A Jarvis Mann Detective Novel #2
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MQHVKJA

The Case of the Missing Bubble Gum Card: A Jarvis Mann Short Story #1
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JGEZNSU

REVIEW:

This is a well-written depiction of the vulnerability and struggles of the homeless, the back story for many of them. Parker seeks out Jarvis when his friends are being lured away from their shared space for some unknown job and never return - they just disappear. Jarvis does a little investigating and breaks a nose or two. He goes undercover to find the motive and uses the system to help them. A short read with a big message.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

Book Review: BLOOD BROTHERS by R Weir

Synopsis:

Still recovering from his last case, which brought painful injuries and heartache, Jarvis picks himself up to help family out of a dire situation. A call from his sister-in-law leads him back to where he grew up. Big brother, Flynn, has dug himself a hole he can't climb out of, one filled with lies and deceit. Jarvis lends a hand, and is soon caught between Feds and gangsters, leading to peril for all involved.

With sharp tongue, nerves of steel, and fierce determination, Jarvis comes to his brother’s reluctant assistance. But can Jarvis save him from the depths to which he has fallen without getting them all killed? Coming to terms with his life growing up, and how he became who he is, Jarvis faces his past, present and future, and confronts an evil worse than anything he’s encountered before, one that may leave Jarvis, and all those he holds dear, dead. 

Review:

In this 4th installment of the Jarvis Mann series, Weir doesn't disappoint. Jarvis is personally involved and conflicted as he tries to ferret out the trouble his brother is in. He hasn't returned to his hometown in years and his memories are not of the happy kind, except for the girl who got away. When his brother is killed, it gets more personal. He calls in favors, but at what risk?

The story moves along at a good pace, the characters are well-developed. If you like a good mystery reminiscent of PI classics, you'll enjoy the latest addition to this series. Although necessary for the story, there is some sexual content and violence that may be offensive to same. Both Jarvis and his brother have some problems with infidelity. This is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. Weir provides the necessary background from the previous book. On the other hand, reading this one first will spoil some of the fun from the first three. I've read all four and just want to know when to expect #5.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

Books in the Jarvis Mann Series:

THE CASE OF THE MISSING BUBBLEGUM CARD

TWICE AS FATAL

TRACKING A SHADOW

Links:
AMAZON
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Review: TRACKING A SHADOW (A Jarvis Mann Detective Novel) by R Weir

Synopsis (from AMAZON)

Never knowing where his next case will come from, Private Detective Jarvis Mann is thrilled when his voicemail is lit up by the sexy tones of a lady looking to hire him. Successful business woman Emily White with girl next door looks, is certain someone is stalking her and wants Jarvis to track down the elusive shadow.

Even with three suspects, an ex-husband who lives to play softball, a sexist pig ex-employee and a mystery man who he encounters with painful results, Jarvis believes it’s all in Emily’s head until a killing in her home convinces him otherwise.

Further complicating matters a powerful business man and crime boss becomes involved muddying up the case, leaving Jarvis the prime suspect in the brutal beating of one of the possible stalkers, threatening to put his PI career on ice.

Navigating through each twist and turn in the case, and the affections of two desirable women both with an agenda, Jarvis uses dogged determination and razor sharp wit in Tracking a Shadow that moves across the Denver landscape with each shift in the sun.

Review

Not a cozy mystery, but more suspenseful, this was a compelling read.  Jarvis Mann has to stay focused to help his newest client even if he's not sure he believes there is danger.  He systematically sets out to identify who is stalking this impressive and beautiful lady but something doesn't seem right.  On the personal side, he is drawn to Melissa, an attorney in the law office that represented his client five years earlier for her divorce.  Throw in an ex-employee womanizer, the ex-husband, the ex-consultant, and any other man who comes in contact with Emily, and Jarvis has his hands full.  He certainly doesn't need the two goons and alleged mob boss to further confuse matters.  A tangled web of deceit, but who is weaving it?  To his credit, as he muddles through Jarvis shows compassion and does seem to be making 'friends' with some members of the police department; Rufus puts a positive spin on the ending.

There are references to the short story, "THE CASE OF THE MISSING BUBBLEGUM CARD" but it is not necessary to read it first.  The ending suggests another Jarvis Mann Detective Novel in the making - I'm looking forward to it!