While the facts of the case point to an emo band that the victim was helping at the time of the theft, the lethal force that Jason encounters in his investigation feels more like death metal. He finds himself imperiled by a hitman known as The Heartbreaker, due to his signature of shooting his victims through the heart at close range. With danger also threatening his staff and girlfriend, Jason must continue to mend fences with his retired police detective father, in spite of a recent riff that caused a major setback to their relationship.
Everyone thought The Tactile Tattoo was a “can’t miss” band. The pre-release buzz for their first CD was tremendous. But a bad review from a key industry critic, who didn’t care for their lyrics, left the album stillborn at record stores across the country.
The group soon learned that second chances in the current state of the music business are practically nonexistent. One band member discovered that money talks in an industry strapped for cash, and a bribe was entirely possible. However, funding that bribe meant getting involved with all of the wrong people.
In the midst of this action whodunit, the reader is treated to an insider’s view of the music industry that captures the new obstacles that today’s bands must overcome in order to succeed. Some musicians handle the pressures, opportunities, and disappointments more effectively than others. Some still succumb to the mesmerizing allure of sex and drugs and rock & roll.
Rock & Roll Rip-Off is the second novel in RJ McDonnell’s Rock & Roll Mystery Series. Like the critically acclaimed Rock & Roll Homicide, McDonnell once again mixes humor, music, and a cast of unique characters to unfold a memorable mystery that shows Jason and a loved one “knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door.”
Rock & Roll Rip-Off is the second novel in the Rock & Roll Mystery Series, featuring private investigator Jason Duffy. It was selected Premier Book Awards 2010 Mystery/Thriller of the Year.
King's River Life Magazine
2/12/11
"Not only is the reader treated to an inside view of how crimes are solved, but they get to see an insider’s view of the music industry, and the problems bands run into. Full of twists and turns, McDonnell shows what a real murder mystery is." - Marilyn Meredith
For an author interview and the full review click:
http://kingsriverlife.com/02/12/robert-mcdonnell/
KAZI Radio Book Review
12/5/10
RJ McDonnell combines a well-plotted mystery with a music-industry backdrop to create a book that should appeal to mystery fans and music fans alike. ... He also provides laughs along the way, and it is a hard-hearted reader indeed that doesn't enjoy the final chapter. - reviewed by Tim Chamberlain
For the full review click:
http://kazibookreview.wordpress.com/2010/12/04/review-of-rock-roll-rip-off-by-rj-mcdonnell/
Premier Book Awards - 2010 Mystery/Thriller Novel of the Year
9/10/10
Congratulations for your novel, Rock & Roll Rip-Off, being selected by the 2010 Premier Book Awards as the Best Book of the Year in the Mystery/Thriller category!
The competition was fierce and it was a difficult decision choosing from so many deserving books entered into this year's contest. However, the judges were unanimous in their selection of Rock & Roll Rip-Off as the winner.
You should be justifiably proud to have written such a wonderful, award winning novel. We are proud to send you the enclosed certificate in recognition of your achievement.
All of us at Premier Book Awards sincerely hope your commercial success equals your literary achievement.
To Your Future Success,
James R. Olson
Premier Book Awards
http://premierbookawards.com/2010%20Winners.htm
8/12/10
"Critical Mick says: Don't stop believin'! RJ McDonnell's Irish-American PI Jason Duffy leads a series that is hard rockin' good fun. Add Rock & Roll Rip-Off to your stacks! No suitcase full of money is required for this one to become a hit."
For the full review click:
http://www.criticalmick.com/criticalmick_rock_roll_rip-off.htm
6/9/10
"Rock & Roll Rip-Off is a fascinating adventure on the darker side of the music industry and the criminal underworld that lies within it."
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/sbw/jun_10.htm
Darcia Helle - Thriller Author
5/22/10
"Nonstop, edge-of-your-seat action! Rock & Roll Rip-Off is the
second book in McDonnell's Rock & Roll Mystery Series. Jason Duffy is
a P.I.-ex-musician, with a psyche degree and experience as a mental health
counselor. His employees are past patients. His clients are from the world
of rock & roll. The characters draw you into their world and the plot
keeps you turning pages.
McDonnell's writing is full of suspense, mystery, and humor. A unique and
fun series that had me hooked from the start!"
Mysterious Reviews
5/15/10
"The plot is well considered and developed, and Jason Duffy an appealing PI. A musician himself, the author clearly knows the world in which he sets his mysteries, providing an insider look at not only what the public sees on stage, but also what it takes behind-the-scenes to get it there. Finally, the rocky relationship Duffy has with his father, introduced in the first book of the series, takes a step forward here ... a nice touch."
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