I love all book genres which involve solving crimes: Romantic Suspense, Cozy Mysteries, Police Procedurals, Private Detective Novels. So it’s been great to discover that more and more Christian authors are delving into this area to provide top-notch mysteries enhanced by deeper faith messages. One such author is Mark Mynheir, who writes the Ray Quinn mysteries. Have you heard of Ray Quinn?
If you’re drawn to an angst-filled hero who hides his heart of gold behind wise cracks and a tough demeanor, you’ll love PI Ray Quinn, the protagonist of Mark Mynheir’s The Corruptible. Ray is a battered ex-homicide detective who was left both physically and mentally crippled by a recent trauma—a barrage of bullets that ruined his leg and killed his female partner (who was also his fiancee). Now medically retired, Ray hobbles around on a cane, numbs his pain and guilt with alcohol, and applies his quick wit to solving mysteries for paying clients.
Like any great PI, Ray has an entourage. His young partner Crevis Creighton provides the muscle to protect Ray and intimidate any bad guys they might provoke. Crevis wants to be a policeman but can’t pass the test. (He’s also not so great around dead bodies.) So Ray’s new best friend Pam Winters hangs out to tutor Crevis. Ray solved a case involving Pam’s brother, who was a pastor, and thus earned Pam’s gratitude and friendship.
One thing I really loved about this book was Ray’s relationship with Pam. Pam is a Bible-believing Christian, who shares Christ with Ray in a very natural manner. He listens to her and trusts her because she’s the one person in his life who has never let him down. Nothing romantic develops during this novel. But since this is only the second story featuring Ray, there’s always hope for future installments of his adventures!
Ray is many-faceted: he’s a lovably irascible friend, an alcoholic longing for redemption, and a detached, detail-driven detective. He kind of reminds me of these guys . . . (You knew this was coming, right?)
House
Jesse Stone
Sam Spade
Here’s an excerpt from what Publisher’s Weekly had to say about The Corruptible:
“Funny exchanges between partners, impeccable action writing, and smooth pacing propel the narrative. The author knows the cop-and-investigation gig, but offers more, managing to be witty, insightful, and introspective. Throw away the cane, Mr. Quinn: you’ve got more cases to solve and a new audience that will knock you over to get to the next one.”
This book would make a great Father’s Day gift! Follow this link to purchase a copy.
***Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah for providing a copy of this book for me to review.
How ’bout you? Did you love Mannix, Quincy, Magnum, Rockford? Who was your favorite TV detective?
About the author: Mark Mynheir was born and raised on the east coast of Central Florida. Like most boys growing up, Mark enjoyed sports, mainly football and martial arts. In 1983, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and went through basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina. After serving four years in the Marines, Mark changed gears and pursued a career in law enforcement. During his career as a police officer, Mark has worked as a narcotics agent, a S.W.A.T. team member, and a homicide detective.
Over seventeen years ago, during a health crisis involving his oldest son, Mark gave his life to Jesus Christ. Shortly after his conversion, he felt God leading him in a new direction: writing. Now he balances dual careers as a police officer and novelist. Mark is married to the love of his life and has three fantastic children. They all currently reside in Central Florida.
Hi Renee, believe it or not I’ve never heard of Ray Quinn but he definitely sounds like a character I’d like to “meet” someday! I’ll definitely have to check out Mark’s book. Thank you for sharing!
XOXO~ Renee C.
Glad you want to know him! Thanks for stopping by, Renee
My book club has read several by Mark Mynheir. We began the Ray Quinn series with book 1 and discussed The Corruptible last week at our May meeting. We also saw Hugh Laurie as a good Ray Quinn although some voted for Harrison Ford. We are eager to see how Mynheir will develop this character in the following books. Thanks for the review.
I’m envious, Becky! I wish I had a book club nearby where I could meet and discuss these characters in person. What fun that would be!
Oh, and we love Crevis!
I do, too
I hadn’t heard of this guy, but I, too, am very pleased with how much GOOD Christian fiction is out there. I LOVE the TYPE of novels that Patricia Cornwell and Iris Johansen write, but I just can’t get past the language. I’m so thrilled that there are decent crime novels to read! Thanks for this introduction!
Glad to “introduce” you, Kerri! Thanks for stopping by!
This guy sounds good; will check him/books out!!! Thanks for the info.
BTW, have you announced winner of Lightkeeper’s Ball??? I plan to purchase it….if I don’t win it…..so just wondering??!?! lol
I’m sorry, Jackie, I should have updated that post! Lana won Colleen’s book. But it’s definitely worth purchasing. And, BTW, I have more books to give away, starting in a few days so be sure to come back and check them out!
THANKS…….I will definitely be back!!!
Sounds like a really good book. And a great cast of characters too. I would read this one.
This is a good one, Elle! It was a page-turner, and I wish I could have made it last longer than a day!
Following you via Not so moody Monday… I have to admit, you had me at ‘angst-filled hero’, haha!…Oh and the picture of Dr. House as well
I’m following your site, Joy! I had fun reading about how you met your husband and decided to get married and stay in the States all within your 2 week vacation. I look forward to reading more of the posts you highlighted. And, BTW, I’m also an aspiring writer. Small world!
Mmmm.. I’m a love story fan, but I haven’t really tried reading Ray Quin’s .. maybe it’s about time I should! =D
http://www.theblogforbrides.com
http://www.journeyofawoman.wordpress.com
Yes, definitely check him out!
LOL,
Ray Quinn is also a minor celebrity in the UK.
Hadn’t heard of the one above but sounds like an interesting character
Popped over from NOBH.
I’m not surprised he’s popular. Thanks for stopping in, Sara! Blessings!
New author for me. Ray reminded me a lot of “House”, one of the few shows I never miss. For that reason if no other, I’d give this book a try.
Ray’s a great character. I think you’d love him. Thanks for stopping by, Lisa! I enjoyed your review, also.
I read The Corruptible in a single day while on vacation. My only regret is that I will have to wait so long for the next book in this series. The characters are flawed but likeable. The story drew me in from the start. Mynheir is the real deal. Ray is the goods.
I agree with all you wrote here, George