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Mercenaries in Suits #2
The Learning Curve of Pain
"The world Ruckus creates is well-observed and feels quite lived-in." - IndieReader
"One second you have a lovely homey scene, then the next second you feel your hair rising." - Chole P
When part-time fixer Chance Yang is enlisted to investigate a pair of suspicious deaths, the trails lead him from the sunny shores of Spain to the posh boroughs of London.
Responding to the wishes of a dying man, Chance is called to Spain to find answers to a decades-old mystery surrounding the death of a young governess. Allegedly, Emma Milken died of tuberculosis, but her brother, Lewis, suspects foul-play and seeks answers in his final days. But, as Chance searches for the truth, he can only hope his investigation will bring closure rather than vengeance.
As life leads Chance back to London, he encounters Detective Nigel Weatherby of the Metropolitan Police. Referred by his flamboyant former boss, Felipe Kazama, the Detective is searching for answers into what should be an open-and shut-case of murder. But ominous evidence discovered in the victim's backyard hints at the possible involvement of the deceased's influential neighbours and their adopted daughter, who was once a child soldier - meaning that finding answers isn't as simple as it seems.
To discover the truth, Chance must go undercover to infiltrate the lives of a wealthy and powerful family as he searches for answers that may be best left buried. Undeterred by the death threats he receives, the fixer must unravel the twisting mystery as lies begin to crumble. But can Chance use his unique skills and cunning to unveil the grisly secrets in the leafy London borough?
"One second you have a lovely homey scene, then the next second you feel your hair rising." - Chole P
When part-time fixer Chance Yang is enlisted to investigate a pair of suspicious deaths, the trails lead him from the sunny shores of Spain to the posh boroughs of London.
Responding to the wishes of a dying man, Chance is called to Spain to find answers to a decades-old mystery surrounding the death of a young governess. Allegedly, Emma Milken died of tuberculosis, but her brother, Lewis, suspects foul-play and seeks answers in his final days. But, as Chance searches for the truth, he can only hope his investigation will bring closure rather than vengeance.
As life leads Chance back to London, he encounters Detective Nigel Weatherby of the Metropolitan Police. Referred by his flamboyant former boss, Felipe Kazama, the Detective is searching for answers into what should be an open-and shut-case of murder. But ominous evidence discovered in the victim's backyard hints at the possible involvement of the deceased's influential neighbours and their adopted daughter, who was once a child soldier - meaning that finding answers isn't as simple as it seems.
To discover the truth, Chance must go undercover to infiltrate the lives of a wealthy and powerful family as he searches for answers that may be best left buried. Undeterred by the death threats he receives, the fixer must unravel the twisting mystery as lies begin to crumble. But can Chance use his unique skills and cunning to unveil the grisly secrets in the leafy London borough?
457 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2022
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Shawe Ruckus
8 books10 followersShawe Ruckus is an author of urban mysteries and YA science fantasy, in which cold cases and legendary creatures take centre stage.
Shawe is a globetrotter born in Inner Mongolia. Having woven a rich tapestry of experiences from her diverse residencies—including China, the UK, Austria, South Korea, Switzerland, and Japan—Shawe brings a unique medley of humour, bad humour, suspense, and slices of everyday life to her stories.
Having attended King's College London and the University of Cambridge, Shawe also took courses at the International Space University, where she acquired much useful technical knowledge for her writing. She was a student at the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries in London, where Agatha Christie learned how to poison.
Her first book in the Mercenaries in Suits series was shortlisted for the 2023 Readers' Favorite Book Award in the Urban Fiction category.
When not writing, Shawe Ruckus indulges in culinary adventures, offers mentorship sessions to inspiring entrepreneurs to 'hunt' their next unicorn, and persistently attempts to cultivate a green thumb.
Sign up for the Awe & Ruckus VIP Book Club at
www.aweandruckus.com
Shawe is a globetrotter born in Inner Mongolia. Having woven a rich tapestry of experiences from her diverse residencies—including China, the UK, Austria, South Korea, Switzerland, and Japan—Shawe brings a unique medley of humour, bad humour, suspense, and slices of everyday life to her stories.
Having attended King's College London and the University of Cambridge, Shawe also took courses at the International Space University, where she acquired much useful technical knowledge for her writing. She was a student at the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries in London, where Agatha Christie learned how to poison.
Her first book in the Mercenaries in Suits series was shortlisted for the 2023 Readers' Favorite Book Award in the Urban Fiction category.
When not writing, Shawe Ruckus indulges in culinary adventures, offers mentorship sessions to inspiring entrepreneurs to 'hunt' their next unicorn, and persistently attempts to cultivate a green thumb.
Sign up for the Awe & Ruckus VIP Book Club at
www.aweandruckus.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 3, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and the author for a review copy of The Learning Curve of Pain, the second novel in the Mercenaries in Suits series featuring Chance Yang and his former boss, Felipe Kazama, set mostly in London in 2016.
Chance responds to a dying man’s request and goes to Spain to discover what happened to his sister years ago. Emma Milken apparently died of tuberculosis but her brother Lewis suspects some more nefarious. Back in London with answers he meets Nigel Weatherby of the Met, who is investigating what seems like an open and shut case of murder, but there are anomalies. Urged on by Felipe Kazama Chance goes undercover at the neighbours, a well to do couple with an adopted daughter who was once a child soldier.
I found The Learning Curve of Pain to be a compulsive read, even if I’m not quite sure why. It is a difficult novel to grab hold of as there is a lot of allusion and nebulousness, with Felipe offering a stream of consciousness monologue at every turn. He has a lot to say, throwing useless facts at every turn, but if you parse it, it is quite pointed and not far from my own thoughts, notably on Brexit.
The novel consists of two separate stories, the death of Emma Milken and after that the murder of Daniele, which takes up the majority of the novel. There is a vein of sick humour in this latter story and I thought it was really clever the way the author puts it together. Not that anything is totally spelled out, the reader has to infer so much.
The murder investigation hums along in the background for much of the novel as it is as much about the people as the crime. The novel spends a lot of time with Chance and his budding relationship with Catherine Roxburgh. He is obviously a smart man, based on his investigative skills, but he seems like a blank canvas in his relationship with Catherine in that he seems to exist to please her. Strange. Talking of strange, Felipe Kazama is the standout character in the novel. His mouth motors at 100mph minimum, but I think that is a front to cover his activities, where the mergers and acquisitions business he works in is rather different to the standard.
I will say that I got lost in all the references to The Remains of the Day as I haven’t read the novel or watched the film. I’m sure that there are inferences in the many discussions about it, but they all went over my head, so I found it fairly tedious.
The Learning Curve of Pain is a good read that I can recommend.
Chance responds to a dying man’s request and goes to Spain to discover what happened to his sister years ago. Emma Milken apparently died of tuberculosis but her brother Lewis suspects some more nefarious. Back in London with answers he meets Nigel Weatherby of the Met, who is investigating what seems like an open and shut case of murder, but there are anomalies. Urged on by Felipe Kazama Chance goes undercover at the neighbours, a well to do couple with an adopted daughter who was once a child soldier.
I found The Learning Curve of Pain to be a compulsive read, even if I’m not quite sure why. It is a difficult novel to grab hold of as there is a lot of allusion and nebulousness, with Felipe offering a stream of consciousness monologue at every turn. He has a lot to say, throwing useless facts at every turn, but if you parse it, it is quite pointed and not far from my own thoughts, notably on Brexit.
The novel consists of two separate stories, the death of Emma Milken and after that the murder of Daniele, which takes up the majority of the novel. There is a vein of sick humour in this latter story and I thought it was really clever the way the author puts it together. Not that anything is totally spelled out, the reader has to infer so much.
The murder investigation hums along in the background for much of the novel as it is as much about the people as the crime. The novel spends a lot of time with Chance and his budding relationship with Catherine Roxburgh. He is obviously a smart man, based on his investigative skills, but he seems like a blank canvas in his relationship with Catherine in that he seems to exist to please her. Strange. Talking of strange, Felipe Kazama is the standout character in the novel. His mouth motors at 100mph minimum, but I think that is a front to cover his activities, where the mergers and acquisitions business he works in is rather different to the standard.
I will say that I got lost in all the references to The Remains of the Day as I haven’t read the novel or watched the film. I’m sure that there are inferences in the many discussions about it, but they all went over my head, so I found it fairly tedious.
The Learning Curve of Pain is a good read that I can recommend.
March 16, 2023
Shawe Ruckus in this second investigative series “The Learning Curve of Pain” explores the life of Chance Yang tasked with finding whether foul-play surrounds the death of Lewis Milken’s sister Emma who allegedly died of tuberculosis. The book has no connection with the first part, “Mercenaries in Suits” but readers can opt to read it as a series because there exist similar characters and for more gist of the story line.
Fans of murder mystery will enjoy this book because it features the life of a young detective trying to unravel couple deaths as tasked by his boss. At first it seems just like a normal crime movie where one expects detectives to get on board, find the answers, and arrest the killers. However, the stories in the book are full of twists and turns. For instance, it emerges in one of the victim’s house evidence hints at possible involvement of the deceased influential neighbors. Chance has a huge task at hand, confronting wealthy and powerful families sets the story on a rollercoaster of events. From death threats to multiple lies, Chance is compromised but choses to risk it all.
The author has used a variety of murder mysteries like mini episodes which makes the book interesting. When one thinks Chance is on the verge of solving the puzzle, a new assignment arises and readers have themselves another fresh investigation with its own unique challenges. The title is synonymous with how Chance has to embrace different personalities that comes with a painful reality. He has to develop certain characters and skills to be successful in the different environment he lands which is challenging, especially blending with the local cultures. I enjoyed how each character brings their own personalities that adds to the uniqueness of the plot.
Mystery murder funs will enjoy the book.
Fans of murder mystery will enjoy this book because it features the life of a young detective trying to unravel couple deaths as tasked by his boss. At first it seems just like a normal crime movie where one expects detectives to get on board, find the answers, and arrest the killers. However, the stories in the book are full of twists and turns. For instance, it emerges in one of the victim’s house evidence hints at possible involvement of the deceased influential neighbors. Chance has a huge task at hand, confronting wealthy and powerful families sets the story on a rollercoaster of events. From death threats to multiple lies, Chance is compromised but choses to risk it all.
The author has used a variety of murder mysteries like mini episodes which makes the book interesting. When one thinks Chance is on the verge of solving the puzzle, a new assignment arises and readers have themselves another fresh investigation with its own unique challenges. The title is synonymous with how Chance has to embrace different personalities that comes with a painful reality. He has to develop certain characters and skills to be successful in the different environment he lands which is challenging, especially blending with the local cultures. I enjoyed how each character brings their own personalities that adds to the uniqueness of the plot.
Mystery murder funs will enjoy the book.
March 23, 2023
The Learning Curve of Pain is the second installment of Ruckus's Mercenaries in Suits series. Lewis Milken, an older man in his last days from Stage IV lung cancer, enlists the help of part-time investigator, Chance Yang, to look into a decades old mystery of the death of Lewis's younger sister, Emma. Allegedly, Emma died of tuberculosis while she lived abroad in Spain, where she worked as a governess. But Lewis thinks otherwise and suspects that foul work is at play. Chance travels to the sunny shores of Spain to find more information for the case. Though he is skeptical, he is determined to find anything that may serve as closure for Lewis. In the midst of all of this, Chance is tasked with investigating another suspicious murder in London and is teamed up with Detective Nigel Weatherby of the Metropolitan Police. The book's pacing is very slow at the start, but gradually picks up as the story moves on, though this may be a bit of a disappointment to mystery fans who are used to more action and excitement from the get go. Despite being the second volume of the series, this can be read as a standalone. As a reader, this is always a plus in my book and I found that it was easy enough to follow the plot and various characters without having to worry that I was missing pertinent events or information from the first volume. Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was that this was a mystery within a mystery, rather than the traditional route of single mystery encompassing an entire book. Despite the slow start, the book has promise and was an entertaining read.
March 13, 2023
Lewis Milken has enlisted the help of Chance Yang to investigate the death of his sister, Emma. The story goes that she died of tuberculosis, but Lewis is convinced otherwise. Along the way, Chance is pulled into a murder investigation that gets more confusing as he investigates.
The Learning Curve of Pain is book two in this series. It can be read as a standalone as it is a separate story. But there are recurring characters, and I think the immersion into the story only increases by reading both books in the series, but this book is an enjoyable read in its own right.
This book is a murder mystery with plenty of twists and turns. I thought the author kept the story fresh by including multiple cases for Chance to investigate. The book is over four hundred pages, and doing this kept me invested in the plot. I thought the story was a little slow to start initially, but it picked up nicely soon enough, so I didn't find it too off-putting.
Another mentionable note is that I enjoyed the variety in the characters and the diversity in their personalities. I thought their uniqueness added to the plot and helped drive it well.
A very enjoyable read!
The Learning Curve of Pain is book two in this series. It can be read as a standalone as it is a separate story. But there are recurring characters, and I think the immersion into the story only increases by reading both books in the series, but this book is an enjoyable read in its own right.
This book is a murder mystery with plenty of twists and turns. I thought the author kept the story fresh by including multiple cases for Chance to investigate. The book is over four hundred pages, and doing this kept me invested in the plot. I thought the story was a little slow to start initially, but it picked up nicely soon enough, so I didn't find it too off-putting.
Another mentionable note is that I enjoyed the variety in the characters and the diversity in their personalities. I thought their uniqueness added to the plot and helped drive it well.
A very enjoyable read!
January 2, 2024
This marks the second installment in the "Mercenaries in Suits" series. Having enjoyed the first book, my affection for the sequel matches it equally. The storyline is meticulously crafted, and the enigma woven throughout the narrative is exceptionally captivating. I believe discussing too much might detract from the mystery, best left to be explored through your own imagination.
The storytelling within this book is incredibly immersive. The characters seamlessly blend into the storyline, enhancing it without overshadowing the plot—a truly commendable feat. These characters are intricately developed, their trials and tribulations evident throughout the tale. Those who resonate with their struggles may find an added layer of enjoyment. In essence, the story enthralls, and the characters are masterfully penned.
On the whole, both books in this series have provided me immense satisfaction, and I extend my gratitude to the author for crafting such engaging narratives. For those who appreciate the enigmatic and thrilling aspects of literature, this book proves to be an excellent choice.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The storytelling within this book is incredibly immersive. The characters seamlessly blend into the storyline, enhancing it without overshadowing the plot—a truly commendable feat. These characters are intricately developed, their trials and tribulations evident throughout the tale. Those who resonate with their struggles may find an added layer of enjoyment. In essence, the story enthralls, and the characters are masterfully penned.
On the whole, both books in this series have provided me immense satisfaction, and I extend my gratitude to the author for crafting such engaging narratives. For those who appreciate the enigmatic and thrilling aspects of literature, this book proves to be an excellent choice.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2023
This is the second book in the series "Mercenaries in Suits". I loved the first book and equally love the second book as well. The story is well constructed and the mystery created in the book is very intriguing. There is not much to discuss as I think a mystery book should be experienced via your imagination and not by any other source.
The narrative in this book is incredibly engaging, and the way the characters are seamlessly integrated into the plot without overshadowing it is truly impressive. The characters themselves are well-developed, and their struggles and challenges are evident throughout the story. Readers who can relate to these characters may find the book even more enjoyable. Overall, the story is captivating and the characters are very well-written.
As a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed both books in this series and express my appreciation to the author for creating them for our enjoyment. This book is a great choice for readers who are drawn to the mysterious and thrilling elements of literature.
Thank you
Regards
The narrative in this book is incredibly engaging, and the way the characters are seamlessly integrated into the plot without overshadowing it is truly impressive. The characters themselves are well-developed, and their struggles and challenges are evident throughout the story. Readers who can relate to these characters may find the book even more enjoyable. Overall, the story is captivating and the characters are very well-written.
As a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed both books in this series and express my appreciation to the author for creating them for our enjoyment. This book is a great choice for readers who are drawn to the mysterious and thrilling elements of literature.
Thank you
Regards
March 20, 2023
The Learning Curve of Pain is my kind of book. It had the perfect plot twist, storyline, and climax, leaving my heart pounding with shock and my jaw wide open until the end. I loved how Shawe Ruckus placed each chapter in perfect sequential form, making it much easier to follow along and understand. Not many authors do that brilliantly, and Ruckus accomplished it beautifully. Chance Yang was your typical investigator with a passion for solving problems and being the hero. At the end of each chapter, I could not help but think of the clues left and solve the mystery along with Chance, and then just when I had it figured out, Ruckus interweaves the plot twist of a lifetime, taking the book in a whole new direction. The Learning Curve of Pain is the book you don’t want to put down, and it will leave you breathless until the very end.
The Learning Curve of Pain is a satisfying mystery you’ll want to tell your friends about. This book would be perfect for doing a class assignment and having fun. I am giving this book a 5 out of 5-star rating.
The Learning Curve of Pain is a satisfying mystery you’ll want to tell your friends about. This book would be perfect for doing a class assignment and having fun. I am giving this book a 5 out of 5-star rating.
March 20, 2023
I was intrigued by the summary to read The Learning Curve of Pain - Mercenaries in Suits Book 2 by Shawe Ruckus. It had me wanting to dive in the world and explore it. Shawe Ruckus has a way of making sure that the readers only get a taste of what is going to happen. Most mystery stories are fast paced from beginning to end. However, this one is slow pacing but gradually picks up the more you read. I also like that I get to know more about different characters and not just sticking to one of them. It adds layers to the story and makes it worth reading. The only thing I didn't like is that instead of their being just one long story, there is actually two separate stories. I didn't realize that until I got to the epilogue of the first story. I would have preferred for The Learning Curve of Pain to be the only story instead of being surprised like that. Still, I do recommend this book to those who love a good slow burning mystery. I rate this a 4 out of 5 stars.
March 22, 2023
I liked that the story begins right where it ends in the first book in the series and immediately pulls the reader into the plot. The overall script feels much more crisp and tight compared to the first book. However, this one too has many questions revolving around facts which tend to take the reader's focus away from the actual plot. They don't really add a lot of value to the dialogue and even sound condescending in some places.
There are also some disturbing scenes and ruthless moments, which do a good job of adding to the drama involved. Most of the chapters end exactly when there is palpable tension, a punch has been delivered and the reader is eager to know more.
This book answers most of the questions left unanswered in the first one. It also introduces some additional characters, broadening the set of perspectives that get added in the story. I would have liked it better if there was less repetition of quotes which regularly appear as the story progresses.
There are also some disturbing scenes and ruthless moments, which do a good job of adding to the drama involved. Most of the chapters end exactly when there is palpable tension, a punch has been delivered and the reader is eager to know more.
This book answers most of the questions left unanswered in the first one. It also introduces some additional characters, broadening the set of perspectives that get added in the story. I would have liked it better if there was less repetition of quotes which regularly appear as the story progresses.
March 24, 2023
Can't Help but be Drawn into the Lives of These Characters
This is the second book in the series, but don't worry if you haven't read the first. The author does a good job of catching you up to speed on the characters and back stories. It is a combination of romance, mystery, and political commentary, making it enjoyable for many literary tastes.
The novel takes place in England and uses many colloquialisms. Anyone enamored with England will love references to the sights and favorite hangouts in London.
The characters are well developed, and you can't help falling in love with Mr. Darcy, the mischievous cat. Although Filippe's rambling speeches can upend nerves, they are meant to provoke deep thoughts and encourage social awareness.
I am looking forward to the next book, as I have become intrigued by the daily lives of the characters that weave together the tapestry of this series.
This is the second book in the series, but don't worry if you haven't read the first. The author does a good job of catching you up to speed on the characters and back stories. It is a combination of romance, mystery, and political commentary, making it enjoyable for many literary tastes.
The novel takes place in England and uses many colloquialisms. Anyone enamored with England will love references to the sights and favorite hangouts in London.
The characters are well developed, and you can't help falling in love with Mr. Darcy, the mischievous cat. Although Filippe's rambling speeches can upend nerves, they are meant to provoke deep thoughts and encourage social awareness.
I am looking forward to the next book, as I have become intrigued by the daily lives of the characters that weave together the tapestry of this series.
March 17, 2023
I struggled with this book at the beginning. It's a little slow and not especially attention grabbing at first. And I found Chance to be a little irritating, he just kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I was nervous about the rest of the book but once it picked up I was very hooked! And Chance did grow on me.
The mystery itself is well written and unpredictable. In any book there's always a few pieces you solve quickly, but there were enough twists and turns that I wasn't able to figure out the book before finishing. The secondary characters were well written and didn't fall flat. And the author did a great job at setting the scene and immersing you in the world.
It's a longer book, which I personally like, but if you're looking for a quick read this may not be it.
The mystery itself is well written and unpredictable. In any book there's always a few pieces you solve quickly, but there were enough twists and turns that I wasn't able to figure out the book before finishing. The secondary characters were well written and didn't fall flat. And the author did a great job at setting the scene and immersing you in the world.
It's a longer book, which I personally like, but if you're looking for a quick read this may not be it.
March 10, 2024
Chance Yang, a part-time investigator, is hired by an old man near death to solve the cold-case murder mystery of his sister. Starting in Spain but mainly taking place in England, the tangled mystery eventually expands into two mysteries that Chance must solve. There's plenty of twists and turns along the way as he slowly pulls the truth out. This is an interesting book but has some rather intense scenes it and a few parts that were a bit annoying.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
March 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this Audiobook book and the Narration was incredible. I definitely recommend this Audiobook. I'm really happy i read this. A must have.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2023
Strong sequel in the Mercenaries in Suits series, it had what I enjoyed from the first book and improved on it. I was invested in what was going on.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2023
Man Felipe is hard for me to deal with lol. Other than that, I like the mystery of this. I was surprised at how things twisted because I definitely didn't see it coming. Kept me intrigued.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews