A P.I. Read



I am so sorry I am late to this party. When I requested this book I had no idea this was a series but I loved Ed as a character. Ed is a
a private investigator specializing in finding missing kids. His expertise is, unfortunately, fine-tuned as a result of his professional experiences as a detective in New York City and as a detective/sniper in Ohio. His failure to rescue a missing girl in New York led him to Ohio and the Sheriff's Department but that career move was short-lived. Another missing kid case and Ed had operated a bit too independently so he decides it is time to operate solo.
Teenage Jimmy is missing and his parents, very religious folk, are desperate to find him. They cannot imagine why Jimmy has run away but it doesn't take lone for Ed to discover that Jimmy's truth may not be easily accepted by his parents, especially his dad. Ed utilizes a variety of strategies to locate Jimmy and he soon is in the crosshairs of some dangerous and vengeful drug dealers. This is so good that I read it in three hours. I do not want to give anything away but I will say that it is a great fast paced read.
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Picking up a few months after City Problems and shortly before the Covid outbreak in the United States, Ed Runyon is no longer a Mifflin County Sheriff’s Deputy. He has started Whiskey River Investigations and, as a private investigator, will focus on missing kids. Missing kid cases are important to him and a major reason why he left New York.

Jimmy Zachman is missing. His parents, Tammy and Bob Zachman meet with Mr. Runyon and are doing everything they can to hold it together. The 15-year-old has been missing around 24 hours and they have no idea why he left. While they claim they have no idea, but Ed Runyon sees a couple of possible reasons right from the start. But, he is not there to discuss religion or politics. He is there to find their missing son.

The search for Jimmy will take Runyon far from Jimmy’s home on Poplar Street in Ambleton, Ohio. It will involve technology, a chess app, and a lot more, in a complex case where nothing is as it seems.

As this the second book in the series that began with City Problems, it would be best to have read that book first. Not only do several of the recurring characters return here, time has passed, and some situations have changed a little bit. Additionally, events of the first book are referenced repeatedly and ultimately play a role here, so read in order.

Wayward Son: An Ed Runyon Mystery is a good one. Like City Problems, the read is highly recommended.

My reading copy came from the Kleberg Rylie Branch of the Dallas Public Library System.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2023 ( )

Ed Runyon left the police department to become a PI so that he could manage his investigations his own way. In particular he wants to focus his full attention on finding missing children. When he is called to look for Jimmy Zachman, son of Bob and Tammy. Jimmy's never been in trouble before and no one has any idea why he ran away - if he did run away. Jimmy is a young chess whiz so Ed starts looking at the local chess club. One thing leads to another and, after a fair amount of shooting, good triumphs.

This is an ok read. Nothing special. Ed Runyon prays too much but then praying at all is annoying.

I received a review copy of this book through NetGalley.com. ( )