Sunday, January 19, 2014

Quinn Checks In (Liam Quinn Mysteries #1) by L.H. Thomson

Warning: this novel contains strong language and violence.

Liam Quinn is back in his hometown Philly after three years in the pen for forgery. Now the ex-boxer, ex-art student has been given a chance to make amends by working as an insurance investigator, restoring a little of his family's pride and getting another chance at the woman of his dreams. But a gallery heist isn't what it seems, and pretty soon, Quinn is running out of people to trust. The biggest mobster in town, a sweetheart named "Vin The Shin," is calling him out; a steady string of lowlifes want his head, and the local police think he's hiding something. But hey, when trouble comes knocking? That's when Quinn Checks In.


I had a really good time reading Quinn Checks In.  It reminded me a lot of the old black and white  investigator tv shows, like Perry Mason and Sam Spade.  I might even stretch it to Columbo, but that's a stretch for Quinn.  His father wanted him to be a boxer but instead he became an artist.  One who uses his talent to forge priceless pieces of art.

After doing some time in the pen, he gets a job with his best friends insurance company as an investigator.  He's the guy the makes sure that everything is on the up and up because there are many people out there ready with a con to make a quick buck.  But not everything is easy, and although Quinn isn't one to be pushed around, he gets into his fair share of hot water.

What else I really enjoyed was the family dynamics in Quinn Checks In.  We don't just get to know about Quinn, but his whole family.  It's one of those family's where you are expected for Sunday dinner and you better be there or else.  He has a brother who's a cop, another a preacher and it's hard for Quinn to try and redeem his past with his family.  Not to mention that his family isn't too proud that Quinn was a bad boy.  On top of all of that, Quinn's been fighting his feelings for Nora, his long time best friend.  He's afraid to act on his feelings because he isn't sure how she feels.

So toss in some great family dynamics, tentative romance (maybe in future installments), some mafia, police, art heists and investigating mixed with some spectacular writing and you have Quinn Checks In, a great whodunnit that will keep you thoroughly entertained!



*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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The old grey donkey, Eeyore stood by himself in a thistly corner of the Forest, his front feet well apart, his head on one side, and thought about things. Sometimes he thought sadly to himself, "Why?" and sometimes he thought, "Wherefore?" and sometimes he thought, "Inasmuch as which?" and sometimes he didn't quite know what he was thinking about.

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