JasonDuffy thought he had accepted a routine burglary case when a career studiomusician hired him to recover a memorabilia collection featuring unusualtreasures from some of the top performers in the music industry. But Jasonquickly finds himself at the top of a hit list that has nothing to do with TheTop 40 and everything to do with a table for one at the San Diego Coroner’sOffice.
While the facts of the case point to an emoband that the victim was helping at the time of the theft, the lethal force thatJason encounters in his investigation feels more like deathmetal. He finds himself imperiled by a hitman known as The Heartbreaker, dueto his signature of shooting his victims through the heart at close range. Withdanger also threatening his staff and girlfriend, Jason must continue to mendfences with his retired police detective father, in spite of a recent riff thatcaused a major setback to their relationship.
Everyone thought The Tactile Tattoo was a“can’t miss” band. Thepre-release buzz for their first CD was tremendous. But a bad review from a keyindustry critic, who didn’t care for their lyrics, left the album stillborn atrecord stores across the country.
The group soon learned that second chancesin the current state of the music business are practically nonexistent. One bandmember discovered that money talks in an industry strapped for cash, and a bribewas entirely possible. However, funding that bribe meant getting involved withall of the wrong people.
In the midst of this action whodunit, thereader is treated to an insider’s view of the music industry that captures thenew obstacles that today’s bands must overcome in order to succeed. Somemusicians handle the pressures, opportunities, and disappointments moreeffectively than others. Some stillsuccumb 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 ofunique characters to unfold a memorable mystery that shows Jason and a loved one“knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door.”
The Story Behind This Book
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.
Praise and Reviews
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
Critical Mick
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
The Midwest Book Review
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!"
http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Roll-Rip-Off-RJ-McDonnell/dp/0981491421/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274798736&sr=8-1
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."
