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Harry Bronson #1

WHY CASEY HAD TO DIE

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Excellent Book

Paperback

First published December 13, 2006

36 people are currently reading
117 people want to read

About the author

L.C. Hayden

29 books55 followers
Award-winning and bestselling author L. C. Hayden is the creator of the popular Harry Bronson Thriller series, the Aimee Brent Mystery series, and several standalones. Hayden is known in the mystery field for her edge-of-the-seat suspense and her surprise endings. Her mysteries have hit the Kindle, the B&N, and the Pennsylvania Top Seller Lists. The books have been finalists for the Agatha Award, the LCC Awards, the Silver Falchion Awards, the Readers’ Choice Award, and others.
Her nonfiction angel/miracle series consists of spiritually uplifting books that leave the reader wanting more. They are international best sellers.
Hayden’s other works include children’s picture books, a paranormal mystery, a guide for aspiring authors, a young adult inspirational novelette, and others.
Besides being an accomplished author, Hayden is a popular speaker who is often in demand. She has done workshops and school presentations, has spoken to clubs and organizations, and was hired by several major cruise lines to speak while cruising all over the world. From October 2006 to October 2007, Hayden hosted Mystery Writers of America’s only talk show, Murder Must Air.
Check out Hayden’s books at tinyurl.com/LCHaydenbooks and befriend her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

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5 stars
40 (33%)
4 stars
39 (32%)
3 stars
27 (22%)
2 stars
9 (7%)
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4 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,641 reviews62 followers
December 4, 2023
Hey there, Book Lovers, ready for a little Hard-Boiled Mystery?

Well, here I am doing a little catching up again. I have read and reviewed books 3 through book 6 but I had never read the first three in the Harry Bronson series. I decided I loved Harry so much that he deserved to be read from the beginning. Wow, am I ever glad that I did; this is one very exciting series, and Harry is my hero! The name of this book is *Why Casey Had to Die* written by L.C. Hayden. It was published in 2006 and was a finalist for the Agatha Award for Best Novel.

The story starts with Harry retiring from the Dallas police force and the only regret that Harry has is his first case was never solved. He and his wife Carol are getting ready for a long overdue vacation, and they will be traveling around the country when Harry gets a call out of the blue offering him a job as a Consultant to the Slayers group, which holds a week-long convention in Safford, Arizona. Harry is confused about how they ever came up with his name, but after some checking, he agrees. Now, all he has to do is break the news to Carol. The one odd thing about where the convention was being held was that it was the hometown of Casey, and her mother still lived there.

This sets the stage for one heck of a mystery; as he travels across the country from Texas to Arizona, he keeps getting these notes signed with an "S," which is getting on his nerves. Where was all this going? What did it have to do with Casey? Well, are you interested? I was and could not put the book down till I had read the last page. Wow, what a book! If you have not read this, then I highly recommend that you do; you will not regret it!

• ASIN: B0024FB00S
• Publication Date: 12/13/2006
• File Size: 4170 KB
• Print Length: 309 pages
• Genre: Hard-Boiled Mysteries, Hard-Boiled Mysteries, Literature & Fiction
Profile Image for Jody.
69 reviews
December 9, 2018
I found myself rather enjoying this mystery novel but there were some problems with it. It felt really rushed at the climax of the story. Some of the dialogue like the bad guy explaining in detail who the real villian was seemed a little shallow. Felt like this borrowed from Lee Child's Jack Reacher character with the coffee fascination. But all in all entertaining enough for me to ponder reading something else by L.C. Hayden.
Profile Image for Barbara.
Author 39 books110 followers
April 7, 2020
If you're looking for a fast paced book that pulls you in and keeps you hooked it's this one. This book is right up there with the Ed McBain 87th Precinct books I used to devour. Bronson is definitely a character I want to follow and I can't wait to see more of his acquaintances on the force.

As I said, the pace is fast and there are many twists and turns you won't see coming. I can't wait to dive into books two and three that came in the boxed set version I purchased on Kindle.
Profile Image for Shelly Mccarthy.
41 reviews5 followers
June 16, 2020
It took me so long to finish this book and that rarely happens to me. I couldn’t get into this book at all and I didn’t want to give up. So I kept taking breaks from reading this book to read other books and then come back. Terrible writing, nothing made sense to me. It was like a cat and mouse hunt.
Profile Image for Dr. Simone J. Simone.
181 reviews5 followers
March 11, 2021
Very Unique Venue

The writing is so excellent that I actually thought that a man was writing the voice and actions of the detective. In fact, the wife came across more as a character created by a male writer. The way the detective set up questions without answering a y intrigued me. This is a complex story with surprising twists which makes it a great read.
Profile Image for P.S. Winn.
Author 103 books364 followers
March 13, 2021
Harry Bronson was a detective for a long time, he plans to retire, but things don't always go as you want. Heading to a murder mystery convention may not have been a good idea as dead bodies and a kidnapping bring Harry out of retirement quickly. A good read that is well-written and intriguing.
781 reviews10 followers
February 13, 2023
Hard to guess

Harry is my new favorite PI and if his wife joins him, they will be my new favorite couple. All the characters are well developed and the plot moves quickly and seamlessly. Enjoyable.
Profile Image for Priya.
748 reviews
July 10, 2018
Reveal of murderer was definitely a surprise.!
Profile Image for Donny.
160 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2021
Why Casey Had To Die is not my normal type of book but I couldn't put this book down.
1,471 reviews7 followers
March 2, 2023
Great detective thriller

This story kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of action and suspense. Loved the main character Harry. Can't wait to read more with this character!
Profile Image for Mary Seifert.
Author 12 books111 followers
June 18, 2023
A great introduction to another mystery series-a thrilling ride!
Profile Image for Shanna.
3 reviews
December 10, 2024
I just love the protagonist in this book. He just makes you want to root for him. This was a very great read! The cliffhangers were magnificent!!!
Profile Image for Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel .
7 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2025
This book started out well, but I was disappointed in the ending. Overall, Detective Bronson is no Hercule Poirot, and this author is no Mary Higgins Clark.
Profile Image for Agnieszka.
24 reviews24 followers
August 18, 2013
Wow! Absolutely loved the mystery within a mystery! The whole case was set up perfectly to keep the reader rather clueless and trying to figure out what character is connected to what role in the "murder". A big round of applause to Harry Bronson for never giving up on Casey's case and being an outstanding detective that paid attention to the smallest details. Can't wait to read book 2 and 3!
Profile Image for Sharon Mensing.
963 reviews32 followers
June 5, 2010
I enjoyed this mystery set at a mystery convention and including a geocache connection (which doesn’t start until around p. 200). Believable characters and relationships for the most part, but the way the cops jumped in to help the retired cop at the end of the book was a real stretch.
Profile Image for Chris Anderson.
44 reviews
September 30, 2011
I wasn't too sure about this one when I started, but I'm a geocacher and the hobby plays a role in the mystery. I'm glad I stuck with it. I really ended up liking this one and look forward to reading more of her Harry Bronson mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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