Book Review: "Rock and Roll Homicide" by RJ McDonnell

Part of what makes any mystery great are the personalities and background history of its characters in the book. In this case, readers are in for a fun ride, as author RJ McDonnell takes on the music business in Rock and Roll Homicide. Doberman's Stub is an up-and-coming heavy metal band, on the cusp of greatness as the novel opens. They are in the studio recording what is sure to be their breakout CD (their third) and primed for the stadium concert tour circuit. When lead singer and songwriter Terry Tucker is killed instantly during a recording break, fingers point to Terry's wife as the most likely suspect for the murder.

Chelsea Tucker has motive and a recent history of confrontation with Terry. She turns to rookie Private Investigator (PI) Jason Duffy, a former rocker himself, turned mental health counselor, turned detective. This is his first murder case, and to top it off, for assistance he's got to rely on a staff of former mental health patients as employees and a strained relationship with his father who's a retired detective from the San Diego Police Department (SDPD). The SDPD detective working the case doesn't have much faith in Jason either, as he changes from one suspect to another over the course of the case.

In addition to Chelsea, Terry's wife, potential suspects also include the recording company (a potential Russian Mob organization), Terry's band mates, and roadies. There's plenty of motivation to go around, and things really heat up when a tabloid news show takes an interest in the case. The action comes fast and furious, with plenty of humor and good will. Readers will root for the underdog detective and his band of misfits.

Most enjoyable for readers are the characters author RJ McDonnell brings to the story. They grow and develop over the course of the story, and readers get drawn into their worlds.

The Russian Mob angle and the introduction of Irish terrorists into the story may stretch the limits of believability at moments, but the overall enjoyment factor will override any dissatisfaction there. This is an engaging, funny take on being a PI, on being in the music business, and on fitting in with society for those with mental health challenges. McDonnell never forgets that in every situation, there are real people with real motivations, and he is able to bring out the best in his characters and story.

Rock and Roll Homicide
RJ McDonnell
ISBN: 978-0-9814914-1-7