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THREE STRIKES AND YOU'RE DEAD by Michael A. Draper
Baseball goes on strike...and the fans are not happy. A chat groom group is formed "Friends against the baseball strike." They rant against the astronomical salaries and greed of the players who have ruined the game for the everyday fans.One member, "The Vindicator," decides to take action to end the strike, and soon, some of the highest paid baseball players are being murdered. Who will be next? Can the murderer be stopped? The action and suspense build as the FBI and a trio of clever amateur investigators rush around the country trying to predict where the murderer will strike next, and to discover his identity.This thoroughly modern page turner uses social media in unexpected ways and will keep the reader enthralled until the last page.
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First published July 24, 2014
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About the author
Michael A. Draper
2 books94 followersMichael A. Draper holds a master's degree in teaching from Saint Michael's College in Vermont. He spent four years in the Air Force, achieving the rank of captain. Currently agent emeritus in the field of life insurance and retirement planning, Mr. Draper found a great deal of inspiration for this novel while working with law enforcement personnel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 14, 2014
‘The pounding on the door was so unexpected that he spilled part of his drink.’
Baseball players are on strike, and they certainly don’t have everyone’s sympathy. The Vindicator wants to teach them a lesson, and what better way to do this than by killing some of the league’s top players? Randy Larkin and the team at the Peterson Detective Agency are having coffee when news breaks Bobby Chapel’s murder. They talk about the case:
‘Sounds like someone who has just taken the first step in what is planned to be a number of other crimes.’
A few days pass by, we learn more about Randy and his partners, their lives and backgrounds, and then another baseball superstar is killed. The Vindicator certainly has the attention of the baseball commissioner’s security team. The FBI is involved now, but at least one assistant baseball commissioner thinks that the commission itself needs to do something. And so they do: they hire the Peterson Detective Agency (already known to them from a previous baseball-related case) to work on the case!
From here on, the story picks up speed. Randy, Roseanne Kelly, her brother Graham Dunne under the guidance of the head of the Peterson Detective Agency, ‘Pete’ Peterson are soon racing to solve the case. Will they be able to prevent any additional murders? How will the FBI take their involvement in the case? Is the Vindicator acting alone? And just how useful can social media be in helping to solve crimes?
If you like mystery and suspense with a touch of humour, you may well enjoy this novel. I did. Michael Draper is an on-line friend of mine, and while he drew this book to my attention, I bought my own copy.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Baseball players are on strike, and they certainly don’t have everyone’s sympathy. The Vindicator wants to teach them a lesson, and what better way to do this than by killing some of the league’s top players? Randy Larkin and the team at the Peterson Detective Agency are having coffee when news breaks Bobby Chapel’s murder. They talk about the case:
‘Sounds like someone who has just taken the first step in what is planned to be a number of other crimes.’
A few days pass by, we learn more about Randy and his partners, their lives and backgrounds, and then another baseball superstar is killed. The Vindicator certainly has the attention of the baseball commissioner’s security team. The FBI is involved now, but at least one assistant baseball commissioner thinks that the commission itself needs to do something. And so they do: they hire the Peterson Detective Agency (already known to them from a previous baseball-related case) to work on the case!
From here on, the story picks up speed. Randy, Roseanne Kelly, her brother Graham Dunne under the guidance of the head of the Peterson Detective Agency, ‘Pete’ Peterson are soon racing to solve the case. Will they be able to prevent any additional murders? How will the FBI take their involvement in the case? Is the Vindicator acting alone? And just how useful can social media be in helping to solve crimes?
If you like mystery and suspense with a touch of humour, you may well enjoy this novel. I did. Michael Draper is an on-line friend of mine, and while he drew this book to my attention, I bought my own copy.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
June 3, 2015
The news is constantly filled with stories of the disagreements between professional athletes and the franchises or leagues that they play for. In Three Strikes and You're Dead by Michael A. Draper baseball players and their teams can't agree on contracts. The players want more money and the teams want to pay them less. While the millionaire players battle it out for even more compensation, the fans are left to suffer the consequences of their discontent. Higher salaries result in higher ticket prices that ultimately leave the average American unable to attend a game without spending hundreds of dollars. Even worse, with no end to the negotiations in sight, the league is forced to suspend the start of the season.
One disgruntled fan, who identifies as "The Vindicator" in baseball chat rooms, decides to take matters into his own hands. The world is shocked to learn of the mysterious death of on of baseball's biggest stars in his San Antonio hotel room. When the death is revealed to be in direct response to the unrest that currently plagues the sport, league officials and various law enforcement agencies vow to put a quick end to this vigilante violence. But the San Antonio murder is only the beginning for The Vindicator. As the strike continues, he continues to take the lives of the superstars of baseball, leading to mass panic and terror.
With terror reigning and no end in sight, league officials seek the help of an unlikely source. Roseanne, Randy and Graham are relatively new to the crime fighting game. When Roseanne's husband was murdered a year ago, the trio hunted down the killer and uncovered a string of corruption in the professional basketball league. With that success, the three have decided to try their hands at more investigations. Under the guidance of seasoned detective Pete, and at the unwavering persistence of the feisty Roseanne, the amateur sleuths convince the league to hire them as private investigators on the baseball case. But they face an adversary more dangerous than a man driven by greed or corruption. . . a fan who has turned from loyal observer to obsessed psychopath.
Michael A. Draper takes a premise ripped directly from the headlines and weaves it into a satisfying thriller. Draper is an avid reader whose admiration and knowledge of the mystery/thriller genre shines through in his own writing. He wastes no time setting up the intriguing plot and writes with a sharp and direct prose that allows for the quick pace that this thriller needs. While the action and pace are great, it is the characters that truly engage the imagination of the reader. It is impossible to not root for the trio of underdog detectives as they face the truly terrifying adversary "The Vindicator". Roseanne, in particular, is the kind of strong willed, smart, and sensitive female character that is usually absent in novels of this genre. The strong characters, dialogue, and overall quality in writing do enough to make up for the somewhat disappointing ending. After a fantastic buildup that perfectly paces the twists and turns, the novel wraps up all of the loose ends just a bit too quick and neatly for my taste. Still, Three Strikes and You're Dead is a fun thriller that is definitely worth a read.
One disgruntled fan, who identifies as "The Vindicator" in baseball chat rooms, decides to take matters into his own hands. The world is shocked to learn of the mysterious death of on of baseball's biggest stars in his San Antonio hotel room. When the death is revealed to be in direct response to the unrest that currently plagues the sport, league officials and various law enforcement agencies vow to put a quick end to this vigilante violence. But the San Antonio murder is only the beginning for The Vindicator. As the strike continues, he continues to take the lives of the superstars of baseball, leading to mass panic and terror.
With terror reigning and no end in sight, league officials seek the help of an unlikely source. Roseanne, Randy and Graham are relatively new to the crime fighting game. When Roseanne's husband was murdered a year ago, the trio hunted down the killer and uncovered a string of corruption in the professional basketball league. With that success, the three have decided to try their hands at more investigations. Under the guidance of seasoned detective Pete, and at the unwavering persistence of the feisty Roseanne, the amateur sleuths convince the league to hire them as private investigators on the baseball case. But they face an adversary more dangerous than a man driven by greed or corruption. . . a fan who has turned from loyal observer to obsessed psychopath.
Michael A. Draper takes a premise ripped directly from the headlines and weaves it into a satisfying thriller. Draper is an avid reader whose admiration and knowledge of the mystery/thriller genre shines through in his own writing. He wastes no time setting up the intriguing plot and writes with a sharp and direct prose that allows for the quick pace that this thriller needs. While the action and pace are great, it is the characters that truly engage the imagination of the reader. It is impossible to not root for the trio of underdog detectives as they face the truly terrifying adversary "The Vindicator". Roseanne, in particular, is the kind of strong willed, smart, and sensitive female character that is usually absent in novels of this genre. The strong characters, dialogue, and overall quality in writing do enough to make up for the somewhat disappointing ending. After a fantastic buildup that perfectly paces the twists and turns, the novel wraps up all of the loose ends just a bit too quick and neatly for my taste. Still, Three Strikes and You're Dead is a fun thriller that is definitely worth a read.
October 15, 2015
Mike Draper is an online friend of mine and he was kind enough to give me a copy of this, his second book, and I of course said that I would be happy to read and review it. It is a first for me, and I just had the time to get nervous about it before the book arrived and I dug into it, finding, to my immense relief, that it was highly enjoyable. For a self-published second outing, I would say it is really impressive!
The story revolves around one especially enraged (and deranged) baseball fan, who responds to the major league player's strike by killing off the biggest/best paid stars(!) He is being actively coached by a mysterious online acquaintance known to him only as "The Advocate", who has his own agenda and motivations in keeping the murderer active.
Three friends, thrown together into the field of private investigation in the course of Splattered Blood joins the law enforcement agencies in the hunt for the killer.
The pacing is really good, some details of the story line requires some suspension of disbelief, but the author keeps just the right amount of tongue-in-cheek for me to be glad to do just that, but at the same time keeping well clear of parody.
The dialog is, in its best parts, the best feature of the book, it feels very genuine and gives life to the characters in a way that a relatively short thriller seldom do. I did struggle at times though with some seemingly awkward and cumbersome dialog - but this may very well be due to English not being my first language! Furthermore, to complicate things a bit more for the foreign reader, Mike Draper writes very American! I can't really explain it better but everything about the book feels extremely American to me, characters talk, reasoning, views, beliefs, tastes and traits. And it's about baseball to begin with!
The self-editing and publishing part shows at a few places only; some typos, some incorrect references, nothing to be upset about. The shift in narrative voice is nice and keeps the story going. It is jumping at some times so as to make you feel that the main character speaks about himself in third person until you realize we shifted to just that. Third person narrative, that is.
Apart from the dialog, my favorite part is the ending, which could serve as a template; not drawn out to absurdity but suspenseful and plausible - the ending chapters of the book actually made me think about Sjöwall-Wahlöö's classic and masterful 60's-70's Martin Beck-series.
I recommend this to fans of American crime fiction and look forward to Mike's next book.
The story revolves around one especially enraged (and deranged) baseball fan, who responds to the major league player's strike by killing off the biggest/best paid stars(!) He is being actively coached by a mysterious online acquaintance known to him only as "The Advocate", who has his own agenda and motivations in keeping the murderer active.
Three friends, thrown together into the field of private investigation in the course of Splattered Blood joins the law enforcement agencies in the hunt for the killer.
The pacing is really good, some details of the story line requires some suspension of disbelief, but the author keeps just the right amount of tongue-in-cheek for me to be glad to do just that, but at the same time keeping well clear of parody.
The dialog is, in its best parts, the best feature of the book, it feels very genuine and gives life to the characters in a way that a relatively short thriller seldom do. I did struggle at times though with some seemingly awkward and cumbersome dialog - but this may very well be due to English not being my first language! Furthermore, to complicate things a bit more for the foreign reader, Mike Draper writes very American! I can't really explain it better but everything about the book feels extremely American to me, characters talk, reasoning, views, beliefs, tastes and traits. And it's about baseball to begin with!
The self-editing and publishing part shows at a few places only; some typos, some incorrect references, nothing to be upset about. The shift in narrative voice is nice and keeps the story going. It is jumping at some times so as to make you feel that the main character speaks about himself in third person until you realize we shifted to just that. Third person narrative, that is.
Apart from the dialog, my favorite part is the ending, which could serve as a template; not drawn out to absurdity but suspenseful and plausible - the ending chapters of the book actually made me think about Sjöwall-Wahlöö's classic and masterful 60's-70's Martin Beck-series.
I recommend this to fans of American crime fiction and look forward to Mike's next book.
October 7, 2014
Grab your pipe, and your magnifying glass, we're on a hunt for clues in a polished, and intriguing mystery! We all complain about the crazy money athletes make, the cost of tickets, etc., but for most sports fans, particularly diehard baseball fans, don’t dis their teams or their favorite players! But let these players go on strike, and even the staunchest union supporter gets a little testy and the chatrooms fill with fans and their opinions. When one, down-on-his-luck, bitter, average Joe decides these players are abusing their talent, their fans and the money they make, he is determined to take a stand that will be heard around the world and put an end to the strike, one way or another. The Vindicator concocts a plan to murder baseball’s highest paid players and so far the count is Vindicator up two, Baseball players, minus two. When will these murders stop? When will the connection be made that at least one fan is fed up and has found a sick a twisted answer to over-inflated egos and paychecks.
Enter a trio of Private Investigators in training, with a nose for clues and a few ideas to flush the Vindicator out. Will the baffled FBI give them a chance to prove their worth? The question is, “Who, where and when?” The “what” is murder. Can these “students” outshine their teachers and predict the answers?
Get ready for a contemporary version of those gritty PI novels of the past, not quite dark, but certainly not a fluff piece, Michael A. Draper has hit a perfect pitch with Three Strikes and You’re Dead! From start to finish, there is action, humor, a touch of romance, and a chase that spans the country. Mr. Draper knows his stuff, evil is evil, yet the twist there comes when evil is the puppet to a bigger and more vile evil. Our three heroes? Michael A. Draper has carved out three completely human and dimensional figures from a flat, blank page. Great pacing, dialogue that is spot on and the hunt for justice! It’s all here!
I received a copy from Michael A. Draper in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: July 24, 2014
Publisher: Xlibris US
Genre: Adult Mystery|Intrigue
Print Length: 200 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Enter a trio of Private Investigators in training, with a nose for clues and a few ideas to flush the Vindicator out. Will the baffled FBI give them a chance to prove their worth? The question is, “Who, where and when?” The “what” is murder. Can these “students” outshine their teachers and predict the answers?
Get ready for a contemporary version of those gritty PI novels of the past, not quite dark, but certainly not a fluff piece, Michael A. Draper has hit a perfect pitch with Three Strikes and You’re Dead! From start to finish, there is action, humor, a touch of romance, and a chase that spans the country. Mr. Draper knows his stuff, evil is evil, yet the twist there comes when evil is the puppet to a bigger and more vile evil. Our three heroes? Michael A. Draper has carved out three completely human and dimensional figures from a flat, blank page. Great pacing, dialogue that is spot on and the hunt for justice! It’s all here!
I received a copy from Michael A. Draper in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: July 24, 2014
Publisher: Xlibris US
Genre: Adult Mystery|Intrigue
Print Length: 200 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
August 13, 2014
Baseball goes on strike...and the fans are not happy. A chat room group "Friends against the baseball strike" rants against the astronomical salaries and greed of the players who have ruined the game for everyday fans. One member, "The Vindicator," decides to take action to end the strike, and soon some of the highest paid baseball players are being murdered. Who will be next? Can the murderer be stopped? The action and suspense build as the FBI and a trio of private investigator students rush around the country trying to predict where the murder will strike next, and to discover his identity. This thoroughly modern page turner uses social media in unexpected ways and will keep the reader enthrilled until the last page.
November 18, 2014
The books content is based on MLB lockout, which corresponds well with the recent NHL lockout. Some don't like so much that they are willing to take the matter in their own hands and act drastically. And this someone is Joseph Skubul and his financial sponsor Advocate( an immigrant from Yemen).
From amateur private detective team I liked Randy Larkin but its chief was so little noticeable that he just as well might not be in the story. The chapters devoted to investigation and the minds of perpetrators are very intriguing but the conclusion is little too abrupt. Also it doesn't say what happens to the reward that MLB announced.
http://poseidons99.wordpress.com/2014...
From amateur private detective team I liked Randy Larkin but its chief was so little noticeable that he just as well might not be in the story. The chapters devoted to investigation and the minds of perpetrators are very intriguing but the conclusion is little too abrupt. Also it doesn't say what happens to the reward that MLB announced.
http://poseidons99.wordpress.com/2014...
December 7, 2014
I was sent a copy from the author for a honest review.
As an avid reader of Thrillers and a sports fan,Three Strikes and You're Dead is right up my alley. Kept me up late at night and on the edge of my seat from start to finish! I highly recommend this very well written novel to all my GR friends!!
As an avid reader of Thrillers and a sports fan,Three Strikes and You're Dead is right up my alley. Kept me up late at night and on the edge of my seat from start to finish! I highly recommend this very well written novel to all my GR friends!!
November 17, 2014
Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review" 'Three Strikes and You're Dead by Michael A. Draper.
Sports fans are the most loyal of factions. They back their teams and follow them all the way. Even when they are playing poorly, the ardent fans continue to root them on. As with all types of celebrity whether sports personalities or others in the limelight, there is also the possibility of that fandom to become adoration and even obsession.
In Three Strikes and You’re Dead by Michael A. Draper we follow a tense situation as a Baseball strike is underway. Differing chat rooms echo with dismay and even anger. Often money is the driving factor in the talks, and as with all sports there is great deal of figures being overpaid. When someone decides to stir the pot even stronger, they have an active audience of potential targets. At least one of those who cross the line from fan to obsession is bound to drop out.
America’s pastime has suddenly gained fame for another reason. Bobby Chapel is the first to die. His star is just rising and everything is coming up roses. Life has just opened the door to a lucrative future, and he is set to make his mark. Lured from his home town team by the prospect of more money, he seems to be the most likely choice to make a statement. When Bobby is found dead in his hotel room, electrocuted in the hot tub, the scene is set. As the perpetrator finalizes his work, he wonders only what his special friend from the internet chat will think of his work. Humming a tune, he cleans up his mess, and scatters a pack of baseball cards to set the stage. Knowing this is only the beginning he leaves his grisly work and heads home to decide where he goes next. For him this is now his calling and he will make the greedy players sorry for ever deceiving their fans.
Roseanne Kelly, Randy Larkin and Graham Dunne, having found success in finding the murder of Roseanne’s husband, are now in the business of investigation. The death of a baseball player seems to be the perfect foil for the start-up of their new business. With the FBI already on the case, can they convince the baseball commission of their own abilities? With Roseanne in the lead not only can they but they do, with the backing of their new agency chief, Fraser “Pete” Peterson. Can they help the FBI to corral the killer before another player dies?
Draper has taken the headlines of a Baseball strike and infused it with the obsession of someone willing to create chaos and use others to do his bidding. Killing the players takes his protagonist one step further in a plan to create pandemonium, and fear. Surfing the net to find those on the fringe, he is able to quickly adapt to their own personal needs. Money is the international language and he hits a home run immediately. His killer is clever and somewhat connected so the action is perfect.
If you enjoy suspense and action this you will find it in Three Strikes and you’re Dead. If you enjoy sleuthing than you will find this team of PI's fun and energetic with both humor and bravado.
This would be a great book for a reading club or discussion group. The idea of celebrity, fans and obsessions would create a great deal of information and ideas to debate.
Sports fans are the most loyal of factions. They back their teams and follow them all the way. Even when they are playing poorly, the ardent fans continue to root them on. As with all types of celebrity whether sports personalities or others in the limelight, there is also the possibility of that fandom to become adoration and even obsession.
In Three Strikes and You’re Dead by Michael A. Draper we follow a tense situation as a Baseball strike is underway. Differing chat rooms echo with dismay and even anger. Often money is the driving factor in the talks, and as with all sports there is great deal of figures being overpaid. When someone decides to stir the pot even stronger, they have an active audience of potential targets. At least one of those who cross the line from fan to obsession is bound to drop out.
America’s pastime has suddenly gained fame for another reason. Bobby Chapel is the first to die. His star is just rising and everything is coming up roses. Life has just opened the door to a lucrative future, and he is set to make his mark. Lured from his home town team by the prospect of more money, he seems to be the most likely choice to make a statement. When Bobby is found dead in his hotel room, electrocuted in the hot tub, the scene is set. As the perpetrator finalizes his work, he wonders only what his special friend from the internet chat will think of his work. Humming a tune, he cleans up his mess, and scatters a pack of baseball cards to set the stage. Knowing this is only the beginning he leaves his grisly work and heads home to decide where he goes next. For him this is now his calling and he will make the greedy players sorry for ever deceiving their fans.
Roseanne Kelly, Randy Larkin and Graham Dunne, having found success in finding the murder of Roseanne’s husband, are now in the business of investigation. The death of a baseball player seems to be the perfect foil for the start-up of their new business. With the FBI already on the case, can they convince the baseball commission of their own abilities? With Roseanne in the lead not only can they but they do, with the backing of their new agency chief, Fraser “Pete” Peterson. Can they help the FBI to corral the killer before another player dies?
Draper has taken the headlines of a Baseball strike and infused it with the obsession of someone willing to create chaos and use others to do his bidding. Killing the players takes his protagonist one step further in a plan to create pandemonium, and fear. Surfing the net to find those on the fringe, he is able to quickly adapt to their own personal needs. Money is the international language and he hits a home run immediately. His killer is clever and somewhat connected so the action is perfect.
If you enjoy suspense and action this you will find it in Three Strikes and you’re Dead. If you enjoy sleuthing than you will find this team of PI's fun and energetic with both humor and bravado.
This would be a great book for a reading club or discussion group. The idea of celebrity, fans and obsessions would create a great deal of information and ideas to debate.
April 3, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As the story opens baseball players go on strike and no resolution is in sight. Fans across the country are infuriated; they resent being deprived of their favorite sport and believe the players are too highly paid already. Some are especially furious because they believe the overpaid players are making it financially impossible for average families to enjoy a day at the ball park.
In an online chat room two especially angry individuals who call themselves "The Advocate" and "The Vindicator" hatch a plan to end the strike and get revenge. They decide to kill some of the highest paid baseball players in order to scare the rest into seeing reason. The program is put into action and several baseball players are brutally murdered.
Meanwhile a trio of fledgling private investigators - Roseanne Kelly, Graham Dunne, and Randy Larkin - decide they want to help nab the killers. They contact the baseball commissioner, citing their previous success in helping solve a case involving the Boston Celtics. The baseball commission hires them for the job, and because they have useful contacts with the police and FBI, are able to assist - first by obtaining a surveillance tape from the hotel where the first murder occurred and then by having a knack for predicting future victims.
The characters in the story are well-developed, and we get to know something about their history, interests, and ambitions. The 'good guys' (the detectives) are quite social and we join them in their homes and in restaurants, sharing good food and good stories. There's low-key romance between Randy and the recently widowed Roseanne, and we see Randy being fatherly to Roseanne's young son JJ.
The 'bad guys' do a good job planning the murders, which in time come to involve a would be terrorist, a bomb-expert, drug addicts, and a sociopath who was abused as a child. Upping the ante are double-crosses among the perpetrators and plans for revenge. The action leads to an exciting and believable finale.
I enjoyed the book but would have preferred the private detectives to do more investigative work. They seemed to spend most of their time going about their private business and speculating about the murders rather than doing real detective work. Still it's entertaining to follow the exploits of the detectives and the murderers and I'd recommend the book to mystery fans.
As the story opens baseball players go on strike and no resolution is in sight. Fans across the country are infuriated; they resent being deprived of their favorite sport and believe the players are too highly paid already. Some are especially furious because they believe the overpaid players are making it financially impossible for average families to enjoy a day at the ball park.
In an online chat room two especially angry individuals who call themselves "The Advocate" and "The Vindicator" hatch a plan to end the strike and get revenge. They decide to kill some of the highest paid baseball players in order to scare the rest into seeing reason. The program is put into action and several baseball players are brutally murdered.
Meanwhile a trio of fledgling private investigators - Roseanne Kelly, Graham Dunne, and Randy Larkin - decide they want to help nab the killers. They contact the baseball commissioner, citing their previous success in helping solve a case involving the Boston Celtics. The baseball commission hires them for the job, and because they have useful contacts with the police and FBI, are able to assist - first by obtaining a surveillance tape from the hotel where the first murder occurred and then by having a knack for predicting future victims.
The characters in the story are well-developed, and we get to know something about their history, interests, and ambitions. The 'good guys' (the detectives) are quite social and we join them in their homes and in restaurants, sharing good food and good stories. There's low-key romance between Randy and the recently widowed Roseanne, and we see Randy being fatherly to Roseanne's young son JJ.
The 'bad guys' do a good job planning the murders, which in time come to involve a would be terrorist, a bomb-expert, drug addicts, and a sociopath who was abused as a child. Upping the ante are double-crosses among the perpetrators and plans for revenge. The action leads to an exciting and believable finale.
I enjoyed the book but would have preferred the private detectives to do more investigative work. They seemed to spend most of their time going about their private business and speculating about the murders rather than doing real detective work. Still it's entertaining to follow the exploits of the detectives and the murderers and I'd recommend the book to mystery fans.
November 23, 2014
Someone is killing baseball superstars. There's another players strike underway, and the self proclaimed Vindicator wants to teach a lesson to the greedy, overpaid sob's who are ruining the sport, players and owners alike. Randy Larkin, insurance agent, is basking in the satisfaction of having successfully taken down a cop killer, when news about the baseball murders breaks and grabs his attention. Now Randy starts to think about becoming a real PI, and is itching to tackle this case.
Once you accept the premise that the FBI would actually accept assistance from rank amateurs, Three Strikes and You're Dead takes on momentum. Working under the supervision of a licensed PI mentor, Randy, his brother Graham, and soon-to-be girlfriend Rosanne soon find themselves hot on the trail. The narration alternates between their efforts and those of the Vindicator and the terrorist who controls him. The feature that most grabbed my attention was the use that the novice investigators made of social media, especially Facebook, by setting up a discussion page about the crime and asking speculative questions of the participants. The plot moves along briskly and reaches its culmination in Grand Central Station.
The author, an online friend and fellow Connecticut resident, provided me with a copy to read and review objectively. I'm glad I did. The decency and unpretentious attitude of Randy Larkin makes him a refreshingly appealing character, and, since this is his second outing in a Mike Draper production, I hope there's a series in the works.
Once you accept the premise that the FBI would actually accept assistance from rank amateurs, Three Strikes and You're Dead takes on momentum. Working under the supervision of a licensed PI mentor, Randy, his brother Graham, and soon-to-be girlfriend Rosanne soon find themselves hot on the trail. The narration alternates between their efforts and those of the Vindicator and the terrorist who controls him. The feature that most grabbed my attention was the use that the novice investigators made of social media, especially Facebook, by setting up a discussion page about the crime and asking speculative questions of the participants. The plot moves along briskly and reaches its culmination in Grand Central Station.
The author, an online friend and fellow Connecticut resident, provided me with a copy to read and review objectively. I'm glad I did. The decency and unpretentious attitude of Randy Larkin makes him a refreshingly appealing character, and, since this is his second outing in a Mike Draper production, I hope there's a series in the works.
November 15, 2014
I was asked by the author if I would review his second book, Three Strikes and You're Dead. As I had read Splattered Blood I was eager to read it. This book carries over the same characters, as in the previous book. There is a baseball strike going on and a lot of unhappy fans. One such fan decides to take matters into his own hands and starts killing the highest paid players in the sport. I guess I can empathize with the reasoning, not the actual deed of killing the players. I also think that sports figures get pain an exorbitant amount of money to the point that it is a game of money and not the sport at all. Sure there may be great ball players out there but it seems that they are motivated by the fame and money, not the thrill of the game. Going to a major league game is pretty prohibitive for a family to enjoy live.
Mr. Draper writes an intelligent story with lots of mystery and suspense, full of twists and turns as the FBI and the amateur investigators race against the clock to save more players from getting killed. The excitement keeps the reader going until the last page is turned. Some have likened Mr.Draper's style of writing to that of Elmore Leonard and Robert B.Parker. I think that this is a book that will be enjoyed by mystery lovers and baseball fans alike. I highly recommend it.
Mr. Draper writes an intelligent story with lots of mystery and suspense, full of twists and turns as the FBI and the amateur investigators race against the clock to save more players from getting killed. The excitement keeps the reader going until the last page is turned. Some have likened Mr.Draper's style of writing to that of Elmore Leonard and Robert B.Parker. I think that this is a book that will be enjoyed by mystery lovers and baseball fans alike. I highly recommend it.
March 22, 2015
This is an enjoyable mystery novel. The focus is on a person wanting to penalize baseball players on strike--who make huge amount of money. Over the course of the novel, three murder attempts are carried out by this person (in cooperation with another person with very different motives)--all successfully. Top major league players making a lot of money are the targets.
The "good guys" are three essentially novice detectives, who have carried out successfully a solution to a murder (in the sports context). They want to become professional detectives and work with an experienced PI to get started.
How the three amigos got the attention of major league baseball to become partners with them and the FBI at first seemed a bit strained, but as the novel played out, it became fine. The plot works pretty well, the pace is pretty quick (the action does not really slow down), the three wannabe detectives seem to do a good job of working out how to solve the mystery, and there is suspense. At times, the conversations are a bit stilted, but the pace moves along and this does not stand in the way of the novel playing out.
This is the author's second novel, and he escaped a "sophomore slump"! An amiable mystery. . . .
The "good guys" are three essentially novice detectives, who have carried out successfully a solution to a murder (in the sports context). They want to become professional detectives and work with an experienced PI to get started.
How the three amigos got the attention of major league baseball to become partners with them and the FBI at first seemed a bit strained, but as the novel played out, it became fine. The plot works pretty well, the pace is pretty quick (the action does not really slow down), the three wannabe detectives seem to do a good job of working out how to solve the mystery, and there is suspense. At times, the conversations are a bit stilted, but the pace moves along and this does not stand in the way of the novel playing out.
This is the author's second novel, and he escaped a "sophomore slump"! An amiable mystery. . . .
October 3, 2014
Three Strikes and You're dead by Michael A. Daper
Baseball players go on strike and the fans are not happy. A baseball chat room, where people are venting about baseball, the (ball players) salaries, the strike, and more, is started. One member only known as "The Vindicator" decides to take matters into his hands and starts to kill off baseball players.
Three private investigators along with the FBI, try to stay one step ahead of the killer , track him down and bring him in. An original murder/mystery with likable characters, suspense, action and some drama. I loved the plot, I love baseball, I was hooked from the first page. A definite all night read! Murder/Mystery lovers (and baseball fans) should enjoy Three Strikes and You're Dead; !
Baseball players go on strike and the fans are not happy. A baseball chat room, where people are venting about baseball, the (ball players) salaries, the strike, and more, is started. One member only known as "The Vindicator" decides to take matters into his hands and starts to kill off baseball players.
Three private investigators along with the FBI, try to stay one step ahead of the killer , track him down and bring him in. An original murder/mystery with likable characters, suspense, action and some drama. I loved the plot, I love baseball, I was hooked from the first page. A definite all night read! Murder/Mystery lovers (and baseball fans) should enjoy Three Strikes and You're Dead; !
January 8, 2015
A major league baseball strike is underway and someone is murdering the league’s top players. Randy Larkin, an insurance agent turned amateur sleuth and his two partners hear about the baseball murders and convince the Commission that the crime-solving trio should be given a chance to help the FBI solve the murders.
The story alternates between the first person narration of our protagonist and the third person perspective of the so-called Vindicator and the fanatic pulling his strings. Randy and company must race to solve the mystery before more lives are lost as a bigger plan is at work to create chaos and fear.
Three Strikes and You’re Dead moves along quickly and is an entertaining read. Randy is an appealing character. This is an enjoyable book for anyone who enjoys mystery and suspense.
The story alternates between the first person narration of our protagonist and the third person perspective of the so-called Vindicator and the fanatic pulling his strings. Randy and company must race to solve the mystery before more lives are lost as a bigger plan is at work to create chaos and fear.
Three Strikes and You’re Dead moves along quickly and is an entertaining read. Randy is an appealing character. This is an enjoyable book for anyone who enjoys mystery and suspense.
September 26, 2014
Michael Draper is an Internet book friend and he requested a review of his latest book Three Strikes and You’re Dead. I will try to be as unbiased as possible.
A baseball strike is on and there is much discontent among the fans. But what can you do except complain about it? Baseball players get millions, why are they wanting more thinks, Skubul? Skubul is on disability, is an avid baseball fan and eats a high fat and sugar diet. He goes into a chatroom to complain. His chatroom moniker is the Vindicator. He is brewing a plan to knock off the highest paid players to send a message. He has high regards for the chatter The Advocate. He seems to want approval from The Advocate. Already the Vindicator has picked out his first victim.
In for training at the Peterson Detective agency, the three new recruits, Randy Larkin, Rosemary Kelly and Graham Dunne are discussing the possibility of setting up their own detective agency after they have met the qualifications. As the first on the Vindicator’s list is picked off, they get interested in possibly working with the FBI to catch the killer.
Mike Draper has an excellent hand for writing believable dialogue. Sometimes the language is strong but not enough to take away from the story. He has also added background to fill out the character of the Vindicator and this makes you think of his possible motivation. Mike Draper‘s pacing is excellent and keeps the story speeding along. I wanted just a bit more background on Randy Larkin and Rosemary Kelly. They have a romance going and it would be great to continue that in a future book.
My only negative is the background on The Advocate. I wanted more. And I also would like to have a positive character of the same ethnic group in a future book to combat any hint of racial stereotyping in the future.
Learning about the Federal Parent Locater and other useful systems in this book to gain more information on suspects was fascinating. I used several different systems in my position before I retired and enjoyed doing that. This is where the background of the author lends authenticity to this book.
I highly recommend this book to all mystery readers and baseball fans.
I received an e-book copy of this book from the author and a request for an honest review. That did not influence my thoughts or feelings in my review.
A baseball strike is on and there is much discontent among the fans. But what can you do except complain about it? Baseball players get millions, why are they wanting more thinks, Skubul? Skubul is on disability, is an avid baseball fan and eats a high fat and sugar diet. He goes into a chatroom to complain. His chatroom moniker is the Vindicator. He is brewing a plan to knock off the highest paid players to send a message. He has high regards for the chatter The Advocate. He seems to want approval from The Advocate. Already the Vindicator has picked out his first victim.
In for training at the Peterson Detective agency, the three new recruits, Randy Larkin, Rosemary Kelly and Graham Dunne are discussing the possibility of setting up their own detective agency after they have met the qualifications. As the first on the Vindicator’s list is picked off, they get interested in possibly working with the FBI to catch the killer.
Mike Draper has an excellent hand for writing believable dialogue. Sometimes the language is strong but not enough to take away from the story. He has also added background to fill out the character of the Vindicator and this makes you think of his possible motivation. Mike Draper‘s pacing is excellent and keeps the story speeding along. I wanted just a bit more background on Randy Larkin and Rosemary Kelly. They have a romance going and it would be great to continue that in a future book.
My only negative is the background on The Advocate. I wanted more. And I also would like to have a positive character of the same ethnic group in a future book to combat any hint of racial stereotyping in the future.
Learning about the Federal Parent Locater and other useful systems in this book to gain more information on suspects was fascinating. I used several different systems in my position before I retired and enjoyed doing that. This is where the background of the author lends authenticity to this book.
I highly recommend this book to all mystery readers and baseball fans.
I received an e-book copy of this book from the author and a request for an honest review. That did not influence my thoughts or feelings in my review.
March 24, 2015
Do you love baseball? Do you think it is priced out of the reach of families? Are the players overpayed? How about that baseball strike back a few years ago? Can you imagine the nerve of those guys? What can we do about it? Isn't there someway to send a message to those pampered, spoiled, drug abusing, woman dissing, prima donas? How about we kill a couple of them off to get their attention? Anybody out there who feels the same way?
A chat room, a lonely, slightly off kilter guy, and a manipulating watcher who sees his chance to gain some attention. The stage is set for a thriller that keeps you and a special investigative team busily trying to determine where and when the next baseball star will be eliminated to make a point. Not only when and where but also how the next star will be dispatched.
The story moves back and forth between the three person team--a young widow, her brother and her deceased husband's best friend who has fallen in love with her and the perp. Their interaction with their long suffering mentor, Pete, is quite amusing since he is so technically illiterate and is fighting their use of iPhones and computers, tooth and nail. There is also interaction with various law enforcement agencies that seems to belie the common belief that there is never any cooperation among them.
So far at the diabolical methodology of the Vindicator, as the murderer has chosen to identify himself in the chat room, is blood curdling. Not only are the demises of the players horrific but the possibility of such behavior in reality is mind-numbing. The Advocate, the manipulator, is even more cold-blooded for he seems to be not only educated but also mentally competent, unlike the misfit he has chosen as his henchman.
If I have any complaint at all, the ending seems so anticlimactic. After all the action and sleuthing, there is a let down in the way the perps are caught and brought to justice. It is, however, satisfying that they are. The last minute revelation of the contact the Advocate has in house does not ring as true as the rest of the story, nor does there seem to be any stated resolution to that revelation. This is a minor fault, in an otherwise enjoyable read.
A chat room, a lonely, slightly off kilter guy, and a manipulating watcher who sees his chance to gain some attention. The stage is set for a thriller that keeps you and a special investigative team busily trying to determine where and when the next baseball star will be eliminated to make a point. Not only when and where but also how the next star will be dispatched.
The story moves back and forth between the three person team--a young widow, her brother and her deceased husband's best friend who has fallen in love with her and the perp. Their interaction with their long suffering mentor, Pete, is quite amusing since he is so technically illiterate and is fighting their use of iPhones and computers, tooth and nail. There is also interaction with various law enforcement agencies that seems to belie the common belief that there is never any cooperation among them.
So far at the diabolical methodology of the Vindicator, as the murderer has chosen to identify himself in the chat room, is blood curdling. Not only are the demises of the players horrific but the possibility of such behavior in reality is mind-numbing. The Advocate, the manipulator, is even more cold-blooded for he seems to be not only educated but also mentally competent, unlike the misfit he has chosen as his henchman.
If I have any complaint at all, the ending seems so anticlimactic. After all the action and sleuthing, there is a let down in the way the perps are caught and brought to justice. It is, however, satisfying that they are. The last minute revelation of the contact the Advocate has in house does not ring as true as the rest of the story, nor does there seem to be any stated resolution to that revelation. This is a minor fault, in an otherwise enjoyable read.
March 9, 2015
Baseball is as American as apple pie, and plenty of people build their lives around their favorite players and teams. When the game goes on strike over salaries plenty of fans are unhappy, but a man who likes to call himself "The Vindicator" decides to strike back and teach the baseball industry a lesson by singling out some of the most high paid, popular stars in the business and murdering them. From the beginning his methods are clever and he doesn't leave many clues behind. It really becomes a race against time to try and figure out who is behind the killings before another star is murdered. Can the trio of Roseanne Kelly, Randy Larkin, and Graham Dunne amateur detectives with the Peterson Detective Agency figure out where the killer will strike next?
Three Strikes And You're Dead by Michael Draper is a page turning, suspense filled, mystery that allows us to see what is going on in the mind of the killer. From the beginning one can't really imagine where he might strike next, but more than that it's the clever way he pulls off the crimes that really grabs the attention. Descriptive writing not only brings the scenes to life but also creates a sense of realism within the story. While the main story revolves around baseball stars being murdered there are a few secondary stories going on that add balance such as Roseanne dealing with the loss of a husband while trying to figure out how to help her young son JJ through the loss as well. Roseanne and Randy also find their relationship shifting from friendship to something more, thing is Roseanne is fighting it because she fears what a new relationship so soon after her husband's death might do to young JJ.
I really enjoyed reconnecting with the characters from Splattered Blood, but honestly this is a book that really can be read as a stand alone because Mr. Draper does a wonderful job of filling in enough background information about the main characters so that you don't feel lost. With that said I highly recommend Splattered Blood as well especially to anyone who enjoys reading a fast paced, suspense filled story.
Three Strikes And You're Dead by Michael Draper is a page turning, suspense filled, mystery that allows us to see what is going on in the mind of the killer. From the beginning one can't really imagine where he might strike next, but more than that it's the clever way he pulls off the crimes that really grabs the attention. Descriptive writing not only brings the scenes to life but also creates a sense of realism within the story. While the main story revolves around baseball stars being murdered there are a few secondary stories going on that add balance such as Roseanne dealing with the loss of a husband while trying to figure out how to help her young son JJ through the loss as well. Roseanne and Randy also find their relationship shifting from friendship to something more, thing is Roseanne is fighting it because she fears what a new relationship so soon after her husband's death might do to young JJ.
I really enjoyed reconnecting with the characters from Splattered Blood, but honestly this is a book that really can be read as a stand alone because Mr. Draper does a wonderful job of filling in enough background information about the main characters so that you don't feel lost. With that said I highly recommend Splattered Blood as well especially to anyone who enjoys reading a fast paced, suspense filled story.
January 27, 2015
THREE STRIKES AND YOU’RE DEAD, a baseball-themed crime novel, is the second sports mystery from the Connecticut-based Michael Draper, following on the heels of his basketball-centered SPLATTERED BLOOD. It continues with the protagonists of his first, while giving us a tight new mystery set in a new sports milieu.
Baseball has gone on strike; its new season is in jeopardy; its fans are not happy. A chat room group "Friends against the baseball strike" complains of the star players’ multi-million dollar salaries. One member, "The Vindicator" decides to take action to end the strike. Soon some of baseball’s highest paid players have been murdered. The trio of Connecticut-based enthusiastic amateur detectives, Roseanne Kelly, widow of Johnny, victim in SPLATTERED BLOOD; her brother Graham Dunne, and their friend Randy Larkin, who narrates here, as he did in the first book, are puzzled by the mystery and take on their second case. They liaise with their friends in law enforcement, the baseball commissioner’s office and the FBI as they rush around the country trying to identify the murderer and predict where he will next strike.
This is a nice tight little mystery, a very welcome original one, so far as I know, and a page turner. Its Connecticut settings are nicely done, as are those of the star baseball players’ deaths. It’s nicely written. But it could do with a bit less chit-chat and backstory. The perpetrator also seems a bit too much influenced by those of that favorite mystery author, James Lee Burke. I read, liked and reviewed SPLATTERED BLOOD on its own page. I recommend this crackerjack too.
Baseball has gone on strike; its new season is in jeopardy; its fans are not happy. A chat room group "Friends against the baseball strike" complains of the star players’ multi-million dollar salaries. One member, "The Vindicator" decides to take action to end the strike. Soon some of baseball’s highest paid players have been murdered. The trio of Connecticut-based enthusiastic amateur detectives, Roseanne Kelly, widow of Johnny, victim in SPLATTERED BLOOD; her brother Graham Dunne, and their friend Randy Larkin, who narrates here, as he did in the first book, are puzzled by the mystery and take on their second case. They liaise with their friends in law enforcement, the baseball commissioner’s office and the FBI as they rush around the country trying to identify the murderer and predict where he will next strike.
This is a nice tight little mystery, a very welcome original one, so far as I know, and a page turner. Its Connecticut settings are nicely done, as are those of the star baseball players’ deaths. It’s nicely written. But it could do with a bit less chit-chat and backstory. The perpetrator also seems a bit too much influenced by those of that favorite mystery author, James Lee Burke. I read, liked and reviewed SPLATTERED BLOOD on its own page. I recommend this crackerjack too.
February 2, 2015
There are some people who live and breath sports, and I'm talking about the spectators. When a lengthy strike threatens, baseball fan Joseph Skubul can't just sit at home and wait for it to end, he takes action. While chatting on an online forum, he joins forces with a person who identifies himself as The Advocate, and they make a plan. Not only are they miffed by the strike, but they are disgusted with the enormous salaries that the top players are pulling in. They want to bring baseball to it's knees and make it affordable for the average family.
You don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy this book. As much as it does involve baseball, it is more about human nature and mans quest for justice. This is the second book in the series, though it can be read as a stand alone. The three main characters, Roseanne, Randy and Graham, from Splattered Blood are back pursuing their careers as private investigators. They are now working under the tutelage of Pete Peterson of the Peterson Detective Agency. It is good to see that their relationships are developing further. Personally, I think that Roseanne and Randy are moving too quickly, though it is quite possible to happen this way in a real life situation.
The plot is well crafted and was revealed in a realistic manner and rate. I found it very believable that at times the story progressed slowly and then at others it seemed to leap ahead with rapid discovery of clues and links between suspects.
You don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy this book. As much as it does involve baseball, it is more about human nature and mans quest for justice. This is the second book in the series, though it can be read as a stand alone. The three main characters, Roseanne, Randy and Graham, from Splattered Blood are back pursuing their careers as private investigators. They are now working under the tutelage of Pete Peterson of the Peterson Detective Agency. It is good to see that their relationships are developing further. Personally, I think that Roseanne and Randy are moving too quickly, though it is quite possible to happen this way in a real life situation.
The plot is well crafted and was revealed in a realistic manner and rate. I found it very believable that at times the story progressed slowly and then at others it seemed to leap ahead with rapid discovery of clues and links between suspects.
December 30, 2014
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Angered fans take to a chat room to complain about the baseball strike and madness ensues.
I didn’t realize this was the 2nd book with these characters but had no trouble following the story. Roseanne has decided that she, her brother, Graham, and Randy all need to become private investigators and somehow convince the powers that be at the baseball league they are perfect to investigate these murders. After that the story takes off on a wild ride.
I am very impressed with the writing. The characters are very developed and engaging. The premise is very wise. It does cost too much to take a family to any professional sport event. Yes these players are entertaining but the salaries are crazy. In this crazy leads to more crazy as people are getting killed.
You have to let go of reality a bit to think 3 amateurs would be working alongside the FBI and actually figure things out first but it was definitely an entertaining read. I would definitely read more from this author and may go back and red the first book, Splattered Blood, to see how these three got their start.
Angered fans take to a chat room to complain about the baseball strike and madness ensues.
I didn’t realize this was the 2nd book with these characters but had no trouble following the story. Roseanne has decided that she, her brother, Graham, and Randy all need to become private investigators and somehow convince the powers that be at the baseball league they are perfect to investigate these murders. After that the story takes off on a wild ride.
I am very impressed with the writing. The characters are very developed and engaging. The premise is very wise. It does cost too much to take a family to any professional sport event. Yes these players are entertaining but the salaries are crazy. In this crazy leads to more crazy as people are getting killed.
You have to let go of reality a bit to think 3 amateurs would be working alongside the FBI and actually figure things out first but it was definitely an entertaining read. I would definitely read more from this author and may go back and red the first book, Splattered Blood, to see how these three got their start.
January 3, 2020
Three Strikes and You're Dead by Michael Draper
I liked this book for a few reasons: it's about baseball players and the travel. It's not a book I'd typically read but the author sent a copy along.
I hope baseball never goes on strike, it's too American but with the very high paychecks some get, in this story the game is put on hold. A few of the higher paid players are killed, by various means and we learn their story and also that others are planning for more deaths.
They want the game to go back to what it used to be, for fun. Love charity that comes out of this book-paying it forward. Also we are given a group that plan to solve what is going on. Like all the travel and very detailed descriptions of the places traveled to. Interesting to find out how they all got together and formed the PI group.
Surprised me at the end, didn't think it'd end that way.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I liked this book for a few reasons: it's about baseball players and the travel. It's not a book I'd typically read but the author sent a copy along.
I hope baseball never goes on strike, it's too American but with the very high paychecks some get, in this story the game is put on hold. A few of the higher paid players are killed, by various means and we learn their story and also that others are planning for more deaths.
They want the game to go back to what it used to be, for fun. Love charity that comes out of this book-paying it forward. Also we are given a group that plan to solve what is going on. Like all the travel and very detailed descriptions of the places traveled to. Interesting to find out how they all got together and formed the PI group.
Surprised me at the end, didn't think it'd end that way.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
April 26, 2015
I was asked if I would be willing to read this and review it. To be honest I don't like baseball. Didn't even like it as a kid or to play it in school after getting hit with a baseball bat and two black eyes. So I was not sure about this.
Well I found out this was not strictly about baseball league. The story is also a mystery. We find out the baseball league has gone on sticky. Which is not new, but someone is not happy with the high paying players and is killing them off. They fell the fans should have a chance to enjoy the game came. The FBI is on the job buy also is a group of amateur investigators.
I love the characters that where the group of amateurs. They where serous about their job but you found your self cheering
for them. They where a mixed group, but a lot of fun to follow.
The story will hold your interest if you love baseball thrown in with a mystery. This is the book.. you will have fun.
Well I found out this was not strictly about baseball league. The story is also a mystery. We find out the baseball league has gone on sticky. Which is not new, but someone is not happy with the high paying players and is killing them off. They fell the fans should have a chance to enjoy the game came. The FBI is on the job buy also is a group of amateur investigators.
I love the characters that where the group of amateurs. They where serous about their job but you found your self cheering
for them. They where a mixed group, but a lot of fun to follow.
The story will hold your interest if you love baseball thrown in with a mystery. This is the book.. you will have fun.
February 15, 2015
This is a well-written tale not only of murder but of the power of manipulation. It involves three very likable characters who find themselves pursuing private investigation after having solved a personal complex case.
Baseball is on strike, and some of the highest paid team members are being murdered. The authorities are having a difficult time tracking down the killer, and as time is going by, more players are becoming victims. Now, with the assistance of Roseanne, Graham, and Randy, leads begin to turn up. As the story unfolds there are several unexpected surprises.
I enjoy mystery especially with a hint of romance and a good deal of humor and wit, and if you do, then I highly recommend this book.
Baseball is on strike, and some of the highest paid team members are being murdered. The authorities are having a difficult time tracking down the killer, and as time is going by, more players are becoming victims. Now, with the assistance of Roseanne, Graham, and Randy, leads begin to turn up. As the story unfolds there are several unexpected surprises.
I enjoy mystery especially with a hint of romance and a good deal of humor and wit, and if you do, then I highly recommend this book.
April 15, 2015
Baseball goes on strike...and the fans are not happy. A chat room group "Friends against the baseball strike" rants against the astronomical salaries and greed of the players who have ruined the game for everyday fans. One member, "The Vindicator," decides to take action to end the strike, and soon some of the highest paid baseball players are being murdered. Who will be next? Can the murderer be stopped? The action and suspense build as the FBI and a trio of private investigator students rush around the country trying to predict where the murder will strike next, and to discover his identity. This thoroughly modern page turner uses social media in unexpected ways and will keep the reader enthrilled until the last page.
October 29, 2014
I read Mike Draper's book called Splattered Blood so you can imagine that I was pleasantly surprised when I found this story was also about Randy, Roseanne and Graham.
The book is a mystery centered around the highest paid baseball players being murdered. The MLB is on strike and someone is very angry about this because they feel that the players already make too much money and that they are stealing America's favorite pastime. The more the players make, the more the tickets cost etc and now it costs to much for most families to go see a game. With that said, he is taking matters into his own hands.
Good read, I liked it. I wish I could give 3.5 stars.
The book is a mystery centered around the highest paid baseball players being murdered. The MLB is on strike and someone is very angry about this because they feel that the players already make too much money and that they are stealing America's favorite pastime. The more the players make, the more the tickets cost etc and now it costs to much for most families to go see a game. With that said, he is taking matters into his own hands.
Good read, I liked it. I wish I could give 3.5 stars.
January 26, 2015
+I received a copy of this e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Honestly - I very much enjoyed this book: the story is solid and the characters are well rounded. It did take a few chapters before I was really transported into the story and was able to get past what I would call a rough writing style but I was glad I stuck it out because I was treated to a great experience. All in all, a good book - solid entertainment.
January 5, 2015
If you like sports sprinkled with suspense and psychological manipulation, this is the book for you. Great job, Michael.
Want to read
January 16, 2015Author's guest post at my blog:
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2015/01/...
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2015/01/...
September 3, 2022
Having suffered through several Major League Baseball strikes/lockouts, including the two big ones in 1981 (713 games) and 1994 (948 games), I immediately saw the appeal in Michael A. Draper's tale of murder and 'vindication.' After all, who among us hasn't questioned the motives of men who walk away from their jobs to pad a salary that's already more than we'll make in our lifetime?
Three Strikes and You're Dead takes that anger, that frustration, and (let's be honest) that sort of jealous envy and follows it to a violent bottom of the ninth, bases loaded scenario. What begins as some chat room posturing very quickly escalates into a serial murder spree by a man dubbed "The Vindicator," who begins targeting the highest paid players in an effort to force a resumption of play.
This was a solid read, with a fascinating premise at its heart, and a well-developed mystery surrounding it. Draper wastes no time getting the game started, throwing an early fastball that sees a young superstar dead in his hotel bathtub. In the dugout opposite against The Vindicator is a team of amateur sleuths, an idea I originally struggled with, but which actually worked fairly well. The whole better-than-the-police trope ran out of legs long ago, but Draper has enough of a spin on his pitch to make it work here. It's as much a matter of passion and drive, as it is one of skill and luck, that makes them so successful in helping to track down their foe. They also help to ground the reader and provide a much-needed sense of normality in the face of inflated egos, salaries, and vendettas - even as their chase takes us on the road.
The first few innings were a little rough, with some solid storytelling marred by some awkward dialogue but, like any good pitcher, Draper soon settles into his game, and it's smooth sailing from then on out. Just when I thought the premise might be suffering a bit as it headed into the seventh-inning stretch, as the narrative began to feel a little tired, he switches to a knuckleballer who takes the game in an entirely new direction - one involving bombs, drugs, sociopaths, and domestic terrorism. It's a calculated risk, with a set-up that potentially stretches the bounds of credibility a bit too much, but the closer in Draper is strong enough to overcome any late inning jitters.
If Three Strikes and You're Dead were a baseball game, it'd be a slugger's match, with big hits, home runs, and some inspired base-running. There is a bit of a pitcher's duel at the end, as heroes and villains come head-to-head to determine the fate of the season, but it's the action that will have the crowd cheering. The ending might be a bit too perfect, with an epilogue born of optimism and wish-fulfillment, but the post-season is always about hope - no matter how blind or desperate it might be.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Three Strikes and You're Dead takes that anger, that frustration, and (let's be honest) that sort of jealous envy and follows it to a violent bottom of the ninth, bases loaded scenario. What begins as some chat room posturing very quickly escalates into a serial murder spree by a man dubbed "The Vindicator," who begins targeting the highest paid players in an effort to force a resumption of play.
This was a solid read, with a fascinating premise at its heart, and a well-developed mystery surrounding it. Draper wastes no time getting the game started, throwing an early fastball that sees a young superstar dead in his hotel bathtub. In the dugout opposite against The Vindicator is a team of amateur sleuths, an idea I originally struggled with, but which actually worked fairly well. The whole better-than-the-police trope ran out of legs long ago, but Draper has enough of a spin on his pitch to make it work here. It's as much a matter of passion and drive, as it is one of skill and luck, that makes them so successful in helping to track down their foe. They also help to ground the reader and provide a much-needed sense of normality in the face of inflated egos, salaries, and vendettas - even as their chase takes us on the road.
The first few innings were a little rough, with some solid storytelling marred by some awkward dialogue but, like any good pitcher, Draper soon settles into his game, and it's smooth sailing from then on out. Just when I thought the premise might be suffering a bit as it headed into the seventh-inning stretch, as the narrative began to feel a little tired, he switches to a knuckleballer who takes the game in an entirely new direction - one involving bombs, drugs, sociopaths, and domestic terrorism. It's a calculated risk, with a set-up that potentially stretches the bounds of credibility a bit too much, but the closer in Draper is strong enough to overcome any late inning jitters.
If Three Strikes and You're Dead were a baseball game, it'd be a slugger's match, with big hits, home runs, and some inspired base-running. There is a bit of a pitcher's duel at the end, as heroes and villains come head-to-head to determine the fate of the season, but it's the action that will have the crowd cheering. The ending might be a bit too perfect, with an epilogue born of optimism and wish-fulfillment, but the post-season is always about hope - no matter how blind or desperate it might be.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
July 22, 2018
I had the pleasure of getting to know this author, Michael A. Draper, (now deceased), when I reviewed his first novel “Splattered Blood” in 2012. https://thejoyofthewrittenword.com/20...
Draper’s second novel, “Three Strikes and You’re Dead”, did not disappoint. In his first novel I admired Draper’s writing skill. I still do. The story moves along at a quick pace, while at the same time developing the characters within the plot itself.
While this book is written with the baseball fan in mind, you do not have to be a fan of baseball to be a fan of this book. This is a mystery novel pure and simple. Any fan of well written detective stories will enjoy this Draper home run.
In the story line, the FBI and three amateur sleuths work together to beat the murderer’s clock of murders. Michael Draper makes this alliance believable and, for me, enjoyable. I will not say anymore about the plot, as I do not wish to spoil the book for future readers. But, trust me, this is an excellent book.
It was a joy for me to read and review this second book by Michael A. Draper. Treat yourself and get a copy soon!
Choose Joy always!!
Draper’s second novel, “Three Strikes and You’re Dead”, did not disappoint. In his first novel I admired Draper’s writing skill. I still do. The story moves along at a quick pace, while at the same time developing the characters within the plot itself.
While this book is written with the baseball fan in mind, you do not have to be a fan of baseball to be a fan of this book. This is a mystery novel pure and simple. Any fan of well written detective stories will enjoy this Draper home run.
In the story line, the FBI and three amateur sleuths work together to beat the murderer’s clock of murders. Michael Draper makes this alliance believable and, for me, enjoyable. I will not say anymore about the plot, as I do not wish to spoil the book for future readers. But, trust me, this is an excellent book.
It was a joy for me to read and review this second book by Michael A. Draper. Treat yourself and get a copy soon!
Choose Joy always!!
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