Into the Fire

If you've had the pleasure of reading this Double Barrel Mysteries series by Barbara Ellen Brink, then you've been eagerly waiting for the next book in the series. A Man Can Die but Once is the latest in Barbara's series, and it begins with a dying man. This interesting (and fun) mystery begins with the who did it and how did it happen. 

Blake and Shelby Gunner are expecting their first child soon. However, crime waits for no one, and their private investigation is needed for two cases, but Shelby's hormones near her delivery time are getting to her stamina and brain power, and she's largely on the sidelines for most of these two unrelated but slightly intersecting cases. The police detective in Port Scuttlebutt gives Blake a heads up on what appears to be the murder of his uncle Farley Jones who happens to be the disgusting and often hated mayor of the town. 

A secret relationship in the town is known by only three people until Farley turns up dead in a famous baseball player's cabin outside of town, and the man who is staying there decides to hire Blake to clear his name as a definite suspect if in fact the obvious wound on Farley's head is the cause of his death. 

Barbara always writes clever banter between Blake and Shelby, includes humor, multiple suspects, and includes those characters which can be either wacky, unlikeable, and/or very suspicious. It's always a treat to read her abilities to include drama, laugh out loud moments, and incredibly intertwined mysteries that she resolves well. If you're looking for a great new series to begin, I highly recommend the Double Barrel Mysteries by Barbara Ellen Brink. Start with the first one – they're quick, fun reads and you will enjoy the perfectly selected Shakespearean quotes to head up each chapter. Meeting Blake and Shelby will be well worth your reading time. 

Father, thank you for Barbara and her talent. Please bless her big time as she continues to write for you. Please provide what she needs when she needs it to do as you ask her to do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.