A Bucket Full of Lies

Bob Roosevelt #1

by Robert K. Swisher Jr.

Bob Roosevelt meets an old friend while running from trouble and ends up in even more trouble. Can he pick out the truth from the bucket full of lies that he is told and find his friend's killer?

Genres: Mystery

259 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 3, 2012

About the author

I have been writing since 1967. To date I have placed twelve novels with traditional publishers ranging from young adult to historical fiction. My novels received good reviews from Publishers Weekly and others. Over the past eight years I have indied eleven novels ranging from mysteries, humor, zanny love stories, literary, and an off the wall creative writing book based on a course I taught. I have worked for newspapers, outdoor magazines, and placed many short stories and poems with literary magazines.

Reviews

[Jana Petken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roosevelt seems like a lost soul until he arrives in a diner, which in turn leads to a whole bucket full of lies, with the murder of Sam, an old friend from the past, women who lead him on, and a guardian angel monk, who loves to lend quirky opinions at every turn.

The Character Roosevelt was honourable but was also pulled into a story involving kidnapping, murder, drugs and mystery that he could have lived without. This story flows with good dialogue and believable co-characters. It is written with an engaging tone that kept me involved.
The guardian angel talking all the way through is an added bonus to the story and he is portrayed as a partner, who advises, warns, and gives opinions that opens the detective's eyes to some new insights into the case. He is definitely not your typical angel! There was a sense of humour that lifted the plot, coming subtly from the angel and this also set the book apart from just another mystery because it also looks into Bob's soul.

The mystery and plot are well developed and grew with each new page. The characters' way of life in this town was interesting and gave the book a whole bucket of personality. It was a great read with a really likeable protagonist. I enjoyed it from start to finish and hope this author carries on with his very unique writing style, which allows the reader dive right into the story and remain there.

[Lesley Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I must confess to having fallen quite in love with ex-hippie, ex Vietnam veteran, laid back and temporarily laid off private eye Bob Roosevelt. From the moment he parked his ancient VW Beetle, Matilda, and strolled on to the page I knew we were going to get along just fine, whatever happened. And what a lot did! The plot had so many twists in it I wished I’d started taking notes from the beginning. Every page, and in some places almost every paragraph, is sprinkled with original similes and witty asides that made me laugh aloud, and also smile with admiration because they were so damn clever and apposite. Too many to list here, I’ll give just two examples: “The street was as deserted as a Stephen King novel.” “Lisa picked at her egg like the cholesterol would jump off the plate and bite her.” You get the flavour. I was beguiled by this book from start to finish, and recommend that you don’t just take my word for it, but give yourself a treat and read it. Five glittering stars!

[Janice Spina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bucket Full of Lies was an enjoyable read laced with humor and mystery. Robert Swisher is a talented writer who knows how to weave a fascinating story with his wonderful sense of humor. I found myself chuckling at some of the amusing lines in his book. There are many twists and turns that will keep the reader swiftly turning pages and guessing right up until the end.

Bob Roosevelt is a detective who is an aging hippy who still thinks of life differently than the younger generation. He has had a 'hard knock life' and learned things by the skin of his teeth but will never give up until he solves a case. This case is one involving an old friend who he hasn't seen in ages. Roosevelt finds himself up to his neck in trouble and woman before he knows what is happening.

This is the second book I have read by this fascinating author. I would highly recommend it and look forward to more from Mr. Swisher.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 2 out of 5]

In “A Bucket Full of Lies,” Swisher takes a unique and entertaining stance to the writing art.

Read full review in February 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Cindy B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

TTS-enabled, no audiobook available. Plot enough to finish, some likeable characters.

[Tom Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the outset the reader is treated to a good mystery, laced with the protagonist’s humorous if fatalistic outlook. Bob Roosevelt, the lead character is likable; well-drawn as a determined investigator with a strong sense of justice.
The story is narrated in first-person point of view and reads like the script of a Philip Marlow movie. At first glance, I thought there was overuse of similes, but within a few scenes, it became clear that they are the vehicle for the high level of humour.
There is a colourful cast of characters and all are well-developed. The plot and sub-plots are skilfully woven to create an engaging mystery and suspense. Bob doesn’t waltz in and solve all the issues with a few clues, and his job is further complicated by the lies implicit in the title.
I found this to be a highly entertaining story, and I’ll be reading more from the author.

[paulette sarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good thriller

This story was definitely different. Loved the way the author used the Guardian Angel to banter back and forth with the main character. Good twist with the other characters..

[M.G. Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bob Roosevelt is an ageing Private Detective, reformed hippy. He also has a sharp-tongued Guardian Angel named Pea Brain who during life was a 14th century monk. When he stops at a greasy spoon diner while on a road trip, he bumps into a friend that he hasn’t seen on almost four decades. The Guardian Angel warms him against getting involved though he cannot explain why and sure enough, as he is returning to the family home of his old friend, the friend is killed.

Cue the opening up of a silly plot where inept and brutal police officers are out to get him, pay little attention to what is really going on and only seek (by accident rather than design) to derail Bob.

I was genuinely surprised to see that it had received so many 3 star reviews on Good Reads. It had me hooked from the first page and the second we were introduced to the not-so-angelic Guardian Angel, I knew I was on to a good thing. I can only suspect it is because of the quick, dry rapier wit. This sort of humour appeals to Brits but I am not sure it appeals so much to an American audience – hence why TV show Pushing Daisies was far more popular on this side of the Atlantic than “over there” and why when you mention the names Robert Rankin and Jasper Fforde most Americans will respond in a blank tone “sorry, who?”

And that is precisely the two writers that this work reminds me of and that is one of the highest accolades I could possibly give to this book. It is funny, sharp, intelligent and fast paced. Another comparison I would make is the dark humour of Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London series – that fusing of detective drama with humour.

Whether you like that style of writing or not, it is an intriguing crime thriller as it stands – it isn’t there merely as a vessel for the silliness. As the plot unravels we find ourselves drawn in to a thicker plot than you might at face value have expected.

Down sides? Firstly some of the language. There are a few typos and some of the grammar grates on you – it could have done with an editor with an advanced level of English to change all instances of “like” to “as if”. These are minor complaints and don’t really distract the reader. It’s all simple stuff too – lap top when it should be laptop. It’s all just basic language stuff.

My other complaint is that it drags a bit in the middle section but nothing that some good, ruthless editing can’t cure. Aside from those two minor points, this is a fine début novel and if you like dark humour, a sarcastic tone and silliness in a serious novel then you can do far worse than this.

See more book reviews at my blog

[Ian Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The comedic mystery is one of my favorite sub-genres, and A Bucket Full of Lies is an excellent example of one. The mystery genre takes the cake for the most over-written of all genres. I don’t envy anyone who tries to compete in this marketplace. But I do think it’s wise authors find a way to distinguish themselves. Doing like attorneys did some decades back when there were too many lawyers and fleeing into a sub-genre is always an excellent choice. The author’s done that approach one better though and fled into a sub-sub-genre. Not only is this a comedic mystery, it’s a paranormal comedic mystery. The hero, a detective, has a guardian angel for a sidekick, only he can see and hear and communicate with. And he’s no ordinary angel. Far from it; he may have more character flaws than the hero, which is saying a lot, and his cantankerous, lecherous, sinful nature probably isn’t that of your typical monk’s either, but what a character! Between the down on his luck detective who solved his last case mostly by luck, and little by actual detective work, and his off-color sidekick, we have an excellent motor propelling this story along. Their dynamic and the dark humor that comes of it is priceless.

Speaking of our hero getting by on luck, I should mention that it’s mostly bad luck. Hence, he quickly gets in over his head in a complex crime situation that will likely get him killed before he can untangle himself from the various story threads that connect the nefarious characters. As if that weren’t bad enough, he’s got a questionable past that’s just begging to catch up with him and when it does, has a grave pre-dug for him. Last but not least, he’s immune to good advice and common sense; his big heart just keeps getting in the way, making him a sucker for saving people who can’t be saved. Maybe it’s his own soul he’s trying to rescue in so doing. I found I was taking to the hero like a friend I wanted to have over for dinner, who, with any luck, might just stay the month.

Fair warning, you might want to get in shape for this story by doing some stomach crunches in preparation for the endless parade of snarky one liners that will have you doubling over. Not every one of the jokes lands; some of the witticisms feel a bit forced. But enough wry quips connect with a knockout wallop.

If you’re no more partial to this kind of mystery than any other, this might read as a 4 star book to you, that is to say, still highly entertaining. But considering my love for both the paranormal and a good comedic mystery, the author pretty much hit the bull’s eye with me and my reading tastes, thus the five star rating.

[Felipe Lerma · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the more unusually-character-populated books I've read in quite awhile. Original, engaging, nimble, and full of wry and even truly laugh-out-loud humor.

Ex-hippie, ex-Vietnam war veteran, now private detective Roosevelt arrives in Iowa, runs into an old buddy, and witnesses his friend shot dead.

Over-laying this plot line is the fact that Roosevelt is also 24-7 shadowed by a Guardian Angel reluctantly assigned to watching over him.

Interspersed through-out the entire novel is a wry, sometimes witty, sometimes exaggerated humor that's shared by both Roosevelt and his tag-along angel.

Nuancing the narrative is the interplay, expertly and seemlessly woven by the author, of Roosevelt's thoughts, the angel's ability to hear all his thoughts, the angel's willingness to comment to Roosevelt, and Roosevelt's inevitable reactions to his angel's comments - sometimes while Roosevelt is speaking with another character (who doesn't hear the angel or Roosevelt's thoughts).

I did mention it's complicated. In a good way, a very good way.

And Robert Swisher, the author, does so in an amazingly entertaining fashion.

Adding growing levels of action and danger - deepening the depths of discussion between angel and man.

All the while, maintaining a consistent, often-welcome, always-surprising dose of wise-guy humor, banter, and thought.

Below are a few examples (from dozens and dozens).

***

"Matilda [a VW] purred down I-80. The wind blew through my hair. The truckers blasted by me like I was driving in reverse."

*

"Who wants to see me?" I asked Sheila.
"I bet it's not the Tooth Fairy," Manuel laughed.
Sheila gave him a look that would shut up a mother-in-law..."

*

"...bullets hissed by my head like a convention of mad hornets."

*

"The clerks at the [all night] store looked like bleached out zombies who only draw life from fluorescent light."

***

Don't worry, there's a ton more, really.

It's a constant barrage and, eventually, consoling reminder, of the quirky contradictions in life.

The author's bio indicates there's already three more books with the same two main characters (not sure about the supporting cast), Roosevelt and his angel. I think I'm both in trouble, and got a lot to look forward to.

[Jada Ryker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bucket Full of Lies, by Robert Swisher, is a unique murder mystery. The book starts with this paragraph:

"You had better boot scoot out of here, Roosevelt," my Guardian Angel warned me trying to look like he really cared. "If you don't, you are going to get trapped right in the middle of a murder, a multiple kidnapping, a gun and heroin smuggling ring, and to top it off everyone you meet will only lie to you. And if that is not enough, you are going to get hurt, maybe even killed."

Bob’s Guardian Angel is a fourteenth century monk with a shaved head, sixties, and as round as he is tall. When Wright lived as a monk, he sold forgiveness and told women relations with him were a blessing from God. Although Wright has been a moderately successful Guardian Angel since Bob acquired him in Vietnam, he’s a pain in the behind.

Bob is surprised when he’s approached by Sam Wrench. Although Bob has not seen Sam in forty-five years, Sam seems to have orchestrated the meeting. Sam knows Bob is a private investigator, and Sam’s in trouble. When Bob agrees to help him and Sam is gunned down a short time later, it appears the Guardian Angel may be right. And when Lisa, Sam’s widow, contradicts Sam’s statement about the children and distracts Bob from asking pointed questions with a gin and tonic, Bob should have known things were going downhill.

A Bucket Full of Lies is an excellent mystery. The characters are quirky and believable. The descriptions are wonderfully on target. The story moves at a brisk pace. Mr. Swisher also does an excellent job offering cross sections of life in the nineteen sixties, when “frat boys were famous for beating hippies nearly to death and cutting their hair.” (Hint: the frat boys who tangled with Bob didn’t cut his hair. As Bob says: “War has a way of reminding one that peace is all well and good but all people have to embrace the idea before you throw your club away. Pity the world.”)

This book is a fine treasure of humor, pop culture, and mystery. I highly recommend it.

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although sorely tempted, I can't fairly give this book more than 3 stars, but I liked it quite a lot and could enjoy the read despite the flaws.

First off, I am not the right audience for this book. It is grittier and tougher than I generally like. I think it would earn a higher rating from a reader who goes for that.

But despite that, I like Bob Roosevelt. In the first chapter I contemplated for a moment whether I was expected to believe in the paranormal or believe he was insane. But after that I stopped caring which and just enjoyed his internal banter with his partner no one else sees. I liked his morality and humility and all the conflicts of his personality. I liked the fact that he kept on going when he knew he was in over his head because it felt like the right thing to do, but kept thinking where he could be instead.

There is no denying the book needs editing. But finding the right editor would probably be tricky, because some of what is wrong helps give Roosevelt his unique voice. An editor would need to find a balance between correctness and the voice that makes the book enjoyable to read and makes Roosevelt lovable even when some part of you is certain he doesn't deserve it.

Although I don't feel I am quite the right audience for this book, I find myself wanting to read more of the series to find out what trouble Roosevelt and his angel get into next time.

Note: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes. That fact has not influenced the rating or content of this honest review.

[Angela Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Roosevelt is a down on his luck private detective, who finds himself in Des Moines, Iowa after he has to make a hasty retreat from Florida. He runs into an old friend, Sam, from his old hippie commune days. Against his better judgement and the advice of his guardian angel, he follows Sam home to find out what ever trouble his friend is in. Sam is shot dead before they even get inside. His beautiful young wife asks him to stay. Bob knows he should get out of Iowa as soon as he can, but what private eye isn’t compelled to solve the murder of a friend?
This has all the components for a great detective novel; a corpse, a wife an ex-wife, a kidnap plot and some shady gangsters. It has the familiar feel of a Raymond chandler novel, but is yet truly original and modern. Bob Roosevelt is an interesting character; he has done a tour in Vietnam, lived in a hippie commune and drives around in a vintage VW beetle named Mathilda. But the best moments come from the obnoxious wise cracking guardian angel. The blunt comments on Bob’s investigation provide many laugh out loud moments.
I loved this book and after finishing, I ran straight to the Amazon store to buy the follow up Trout fishing for bodies. Well done Mr Swisher you have gained a new fan.

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A BUCKET FULL OF LIES is an intriguing tale of a man with a guardian angel who no one else can see or hear. Roosevelt is a private detective despite being old enough to be almost retired. He doesn't seem to be very good at his job, but certainly grips you as the reader into coming along with him and trying to solve the cases presented in the book. You could call him a male version of Kinsey Milhone in Sue Grafton's alphabet series, as he is presented in the same witty manner with his guardian angel as a sidekick.

The story is full of twists and turns that sometimes it is hard to tell what is a truth and what is a lie, and then you get close to the end when all should be explained, but you're even more confused. Swisher delivers punch after punch of great dialogue and mystery being sure to allow you to follow everything that has happened and spot the clues once you've read the whole thing.

Overall it leaves you feeling like you've been alongside Roosevelt and his guardian the whole time, as a silent third partner. Highly recommended to anyone who loves a good mystery!

[Christopher Antony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great murder mystery + comedy of modern American manners


From the moment that I read the table of contents, I had a feeling that this was going to be a very good book. It did not disappoint. From the initial murder, I was brought on a veritable avalanche of twists and turns, until the all the mysteries were solved in the last chapters. This really is a book you will enjoy reading, not just for the excellent storyline, but also because the characters are so well drawn, that you will feel you are reading about people you have known all your life.
One of the greatest charms of this novel is the almost love hate relationship that exists between Roosevelt (the main character) and his guardian angel. It adds an engaging extra level to the tale.
I cannot recommend this novel too highly. If you want a murder mystery/comedy of modern manners, this is definitely a great example of the genre.
This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.

[Brenda Perlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bucket Full of Lies is an intense mystery that even had some laughable moments. That is what I loved most about this book. The humorous undertone that continues throughout the story.
The Guardian Angel is quirky to say the least. I am a big fan or quirky.

This is a well written story that captured my attention from the first paragraph and kept my interest throughout. I give the author kudos for his great writing ability but most of all his awesome imagination. This was an enjoyable read with twist and turns that will keep you guessing. If you are looking for a fun read I recommend this book as it was an offbeat escape.

"Libraries are holy to me. The rows and rows of books are symbols of man's futile attempt to make himself permanent. Libraries are also quieter than churches, and you don't have candles all around them or have to listen to people preach at you."

[Ann Denton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bucket Full of Lies is an imaginative tale of a never give up Private Investigator.
Bob Roosevelt and his guardian angel captured my attention on the first page and kept my interest to the last page. The twists and turns along with the humorous/sarcastic banter between Roosevelt and his guardian angel kept it fast paced and hard to put down.
Shortly after Roosevelt runs into an old friend at a diner, the friend is murdered. Against the advice of his guardian angel, Roosevelt takes on the task of solving the case. However, it seems all he gets for his troubles is A Bucket full of lies. The characters are well developed, fun and believable. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery. You’ll love the twist at the end.

[C.N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The detective, Bob, has an interesting companion, a guardian angel in the form of a rather overtly earthy 14th century monk. This makes for some hilariously situations with the monk complaining when Bob does the honorable thing.

The story unfolds with a murder of a man who had been a close friend many years previously. From the get go the monk warns Bob to scoot as things are not what they seem and lies are overflowing. Bob is a decent guy and can't help investigating the death of his friend. The deeper he goes, the more twists and turns unravel.

This is a fascinating tale and a book that should suit all those who like a good mystery with a touch of light humor. The twist in the end is something I didn't see coming. Awesome read and highly recommended.

[Jan Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book for an honest review*

When I started reading this book, I did not know that it was part of a series. Now that I know there are more books on Roosevelt, I can't wait to get into them. The storyline is gripping and I love a book which has a good dose of humor thrown in. You will love the interaction between this P.A. and his Guardian Angel, who is an absolutely irreverent monk. He is supposed to be helping The P.A. but more often than not is a bit too late with his two bit that he likes to throw in all the time. A total page turner. You will not be disappointed.

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Bucket Full Of Lies (Book 1) (Bob Roosevelt Mystery Series)” by Robert Swisher was a real surprise find for me. The book was recommended by a friend but I had no idea what to expect. What I found was a hilarious and witty private detective story with a few quirks and twists that turned this into an incredibly entertaining and rewarding read.
Bob Roosevelt has a complicated past, contradictions and a Guardian Angel whose commentary and interference adds another great layer to the book.
Throw in a murder investigation and you have plenty of sparks and action.
Very good.

[Rebecca Bryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Roosevelt is contacted by Sam, an old hippie friend, he and his guardian angel are dumped into the middle of a guns and drug-running ring. Sam is murdered, his kids kidnapped and everyone seems to be lying through their teeth. Can Roosevelt’s guardian angel keep him alive long enough to solve the crime and rescue the children?
The author’s easy style and quirky humour grabbed me from page one, and kept me interested and guessing until the end. Nice twists, great characters: a thoroughly entertaining read.

[Suzanne Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is for sure a unique book. I liked the fact that he had a guardian angel looking out for him; good thing that he did;)
I also like the fact that the guardian angel had personality as well as the man in the story. If you are a fan of Hallmark series on TV, I believe that you will enjoy this series. I certainly plan on moving on to the next book.

[James Chalk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky and Fun!
What a great read. This author effortlessly blends humor with mystery and suspense. The story takes off early and never lets up. It has many twists and turns, including a delightfully unexpected ending. I love the main character and his rather unusual sidekick! I will be looking to read more of the Bob Roosevelt Mystery Series!

[Susan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's not to like about a high moral-ed hippie, private eye, named Robert Roosevelt that drives a Volkswagen Beetle named Matilda & has a guardian angel from the 14th century. A very tangled web of lies that in this yarn Roosevelt must find his way clear of. Low and behold, Roosevelt gets to the bottom of the mess and reveals all the dirty secrets from a small town in Iowa. An entertaining read.

[Cherime MacFarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rolling on the floor laughing, that's where I spent most of my time with this one. The twists are great. I truly enjoyed this book and the character. Never read a mystery before where the sidekick was a guardian angel. Great fun. And I'm not going to say much more than onward to #2. Great read.

[Glenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

odd read but I enjoyed it. Not a cozy mystery

[Sandra Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery, comedy and lies

Enjoyed reading what and where Roosevelt would turn up next. Full of twist and turns. I could see myself knowing him somehow back in his hippie days.