Money to Burn

Casey Jones Mysteries #3

by Katy Munger

Casey Jones is a take-no-prisoners female PI who wouldn't be caught dead whining over a lousy boyfriend or asking for help. She's too busy lifting weights, running off at the mouth and making doughnut runs for her overstuffed business partner, the larger-than-life Bobby D.--a 360 lb. lothario whose little black book is almost as big as his appetite. With a stretch in the Florida pen behind her and no official PI license, Casey comes from nothing and has nothing to lose. She lives full speed ahead, with a healthy respect for the screw-ups of others. Only this time, it's Casey who's stepped in it. When a favorite client gets killed on her watch, Casey vows to find the killer no matter what the cost, either personally or professionally. When the trail leads her into the rarified ranks of North Carolina's social elite, Casey's dirt-poor childhood comes rushing back in a wave of self-doubt that adds fire to her considerable fury. She fights to regain her self-confidence and expose an incendiary killer out to destroy more than her name. Casey moves from farmland to the mountains, from debutante balls to drag bars, from boardrooms to bedrooms-and even down the prickly path of lust-at-first-sight as she battles unknown enemies anxious to see her, quite literally, go up in flames.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Humor

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 1999

About the author

Katy Munger, a North Carolina-based mystery author, has published 17 novels, co-authored multiple books, and contributed short stories to numerous anthologies. She's most known for the humorous Casey Jones mystery series, the somber and thoughtful Dead Detective series (as Katy Munger and Chaz McGee), and the cozy Hubbert & Lil series (as Katy Munger and Gallagher Gray). Originally published by major houses like Bantam and HarperCollins, her books are now available on Amazon under her real name. Katy has also contributed as a book reviewer for the Washington Post and served as North Carolina’s 2016 Piedmont Laureate. Visit katymunger.com to learn more.

Reviews

[Ken McDouall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Munger does this sort of thing better than many other authors of "light mysteries" who have a wider readership. She is consistently funny, topical, and steeped in southern culture, and Casey Jones is one of the more memorable fictional detectives you'll meet!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times really funny, mystery was good but at times the story dragged a bit for me.

[Ken Finlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

In “Money To Burn”, third in the 'Casey Jones' series, Katy Munger took a leisurely approach which made the novel probably about one third longer than it needed to be.
Casey is employed as a bodyguard and P.I. by a tobacco scientist, Thomas Nash, who may well be on the verge of creating a completely safe cigarette.
But Nash is murdered almost immediately, and his research is destroyed.
His fiancee, Lydia Talbot, daughter of immensely rich tobacco tycoon Randolph Talbot, hires Casey to investigate the murder, in particular her belief that her father was behind it.
What follows is a typically thorough examination of the evidence and the possible suspects - but, in the end, it is a moment of madness by the killer that reveals a plot that is twisted and out of the blue.
As the book goes on Casey, usually happy in her own skin, finds herself wondering (as those around her find love, or at least the semblance of it) if she, too, deserves better.
There's also the small matter of a serial rapist who drugs his victims. None of them have been able to provide a single memory of their assault.
Casey is an unusual heroine. She's definitely a woman, albeit a stocky one, but many of her attributes have strong masculine notes. She's strong, confidant and in control but it is that control, gained from her past experiences, that prevents her from meaningful interactions with people (especially men she could be interested in).
I enjoyed it greatly, my only caveat is that it takes far too long to get to the point.
4 Stars.

[Rob Kitchin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read books 1-5 pretty much when published, enjoying the combination of light-hearted humour, good mystery plots and engaging lead character. Casey lives in the moment and is happy to roll with the punches and between the sheets, determined to get her man and the criminal. In this outing, she’s out of her comfort zone mixing with high society, who seem to live by different rules. She’s not going to let a little inferiority complex hinder her though as she moves between down-at-heel bars, tobacco farms, and fancy parties and debutante balls. Munger spins out an engaging plot with plenty of potential suspects, intrigue, chases, dangerous encounters, and romantic interest, building to a nice denouement. And there’s a good sense of place and nicely spun social observation. Which leads me to wonder why I never completed the series; I might see if I can track down copies of books 6 and 7.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Casey is back with another case. This time she has been hired to protect a scientist who is working to perfect a safe cigarette and has been getting threatening phone calls. She has been on the job a whole day and over night her client is murdered and his house and lab is burned to the ground. Feeling that she failed in her job she sets out to find the killer and finds herself up against the head and family of the wealthy owner of a big tobacco company. Many possible suspects, threats on her life make this a difficult case, but she doesn't give up.

[Will Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good, light-hearted mystery, but I found it a tad long-winded. At 30% into the story I was wondering how the author was going to keep it going another 70%. She did. And she keeps it interesting till the end. It's well edited, uses lots of southern cliche's, and has you believing that there are definitely 2 classes of people in this world, or at least down south; those with money, and those without.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts with a bit of a ‘mystery’ cliché, Casey is protecting her new client until midnight, then she goes home. It is so clear what is going to happen as soon as she leaves, I just wish the author had thought of something less obvious.

I thought the middle of the book was a bit slow, but Casey is amusing enough to keep the story going and by the time the mystery was resolved I thought it was a decent story.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mo Money

Good story about rich people who have too much money. They think they can buy everything and they try to. But everything is not for sale. Trying to find out who killed Thomas Nash, Casey Jones encounters the Talbot family. Stinking rich and on so dysfunctional. Enjoyed the story. Has enough action to be a page-turner.

[AKA · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Another fun but predictable read. Casey and Bobby were hilarious together. No Bill! I really liked Burly. My biggest knock is how slow the middle chapters are... The denouement was not a great pay off for how much digital ink was spilled to get there.




There is a bit of romance but no monogamy.

[C.A. Knutsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Much Can Money Buy?

Casey had to do the work for the police again. Interesting relationships develop around her; even one for herself. I liked the way the author tied up loose ends at the end of the story.

[Betty G Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and Frightening

I found this series by accident one day and just finished the third book. Casey is hilariously funny and so human at the same time. She has a personality that comes alive in this series. I feel as if I know her! Great book!

[paulette sarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Loved this book. The main character was really a bizarre person. The mystery part of the story was really good and you never would have guessed who the killer really was. Go the author wrapped up all the romantic connections. Would love to read more Casey mysteries.

[Shannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! 😍

[Becky Kincaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey Jones is a larger than life character.

I liked this book a lot. It makes you laugh, and keeps you guessing till the end. I will enjoy reading another Casey Jones mystery.

[Barb VanderWel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.

[Lois Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Money to Burn

This P. I. goes above and beyond, continuing to investigate even after her client can no longer pay her fee.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the characters

Enjoyed the good people, and the karma for the bad.
Modern life as it often is. Messy, painful, and way too real.

[Henry D.Pezzetti · Rating 1 out of 5]

So-so

Not a bad read but it lingers too long. Probably will not read another but capable to be a good character.

[Della Reams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Money

I enjoyed this book about a strong, muscular woman who is a Private Eye. Or at least.that's what she tells everyone. There are lots of similar names to try to keep track of.

[Jamie]

Personal Note: See "Casey Jones Mysteries Vol. 1-6" on kindle.

[Lesley Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I like this series of books, Casey is a P I and she's tough. She doesn't stop until she's solved the case.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable and so written.I .

I enjoyed this novel and thought it was well written. I did not figure out who the bad guy was.

[Sandra Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

What a wonderful page turner! The characters and plot grab you and don't let go right from the beginning. Great storyline.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s ok. I keep reading her books but sometimes it’s tiresome to have politics thrown in, and she tries too hard to be outrageous. But many readers may enjoy that.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

ill bk Casey gets client who is developing a safe smoke cigarette and fighting big tobacco companies

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best one of the series so far :-)

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this series. Casey is a kick-ass hoot and fun to follow. I have waited years for more.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Casey Jones is entertaining, as always.

[Carolyn (in SC) C234D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this several years ago, rated it 8 out of 10.