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Raja Williams #2
C'est La Vie
This book can be read as a standalone novel or part of the series.
What do a private detective, a hacker and an assassin have in common? The desire to help when justice needs a hand.
C'est La Vie is a rollicking detective mystery thriller featuring Raja Williams and his partner Vinny Moore. Neither the dark, tragic anti-hero nor the James Bond super-hero type, Raja Williams is a wealthy Oxford-educated PI of mixed Caribbean descent who possesses a strong empathic power and a sixth sense for evil that gives him headaches and steers him straight into trouble. His partner Vinny Moore is a gorgeous hipster geek who prefers hacking computers to haute couture.
Raja and Vinny go to Paris when the wife of a visiting British professor disappears and three policemen are executed. The investigation leads straight into the world of club drugs, white slavery and an international criminal known only as the Scorpion.
The writing style is lean and fast paced, with a hint of hard-boiled and plenty of humorous banter between the two protagonists, a la Dashiell Hammett's The Thin Man.
A colorful cast of characters, great dialogue and a suspenseful, twisting plot make C'est La Vie an entertaining tale.
What do a private detective, a hacker and an assassin have in common? The desire to help when justice needs a hand.
C'est La Vie is a rollicking detective mystery thriller featuring Raja Williams and his partner Vinny Moore. Neither the dark, tragic anti-hero nor the James Bond super-hero type, Raja Williams is a wealthy Oxford-educated PI of mixed Caribbean descent who possesses a strong empathic power and a sixth sense for evil that gives him headaches and steers him straight into trouble. His partner Vinny Moore is a gorgeous hipster geek who prefers hacking computers to haute couture.
Raja and Vinny go to Paris when the wife of a visiting British professor disappears and three policemen are executed. The investigation leads straight into the world of club drugs, white slavery and an international criminal known only as the Scorpion.
The writing style is lean and fast paced, with a hint of hard-boiled and plenty of humorous banter between the two protagonists, a la Dashiell Hammett's The Thin Man.
A colorful cast of characters, great dialogue and a suspenseful, twisting plot make C'est La Vie an entertaining tale.
210 pages, ebook
First published June 16, 2013
38 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Jack Thompson
26 books57 followersJack Thompson is an international bestselling author finding voices in many genres. In addition to his popular Raja Williams mystery series, Jack writes science fiction, political thrillers, paranormal romance, children's stories and fairy tales.
According to Jack, whether reading or writing, what makes a story great is how well it communicates to the reader. Whether presenting him with a hero he wishes he could be or a villain he chooses to hate, the characters must relate to the reader on a personal level. A reader will leave a good story in an improved condition. He may have learned something new about the world or himself, or simply been well entertained. That's why Jack writes.
According to Jack, whether reading or writing, what makes a story great is how well it communicates to the reader. Whether presenting him with a hero he wishes he could be or a villain he chooses to hate, the characters must relate to the reader on a personal level. A reader will leave a good story in an improved condition. He may have learned something new about the world or himself, or simply been well entertained. That's why Jack writes.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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November 1, 2020Author gift boxed set 1-3
February 4, 2013
I received C'est La Vie in return for an honest review from the author Jack Thompson. Margaret Browning has gone missing after stumbling across a triple murder while visiting an antique shop she didn't have a chance to visit the day before. When her husband Dr. Phillip Browning speaks to the French police they suspect at first she’s lost but as the conversation continues they learn that she went missing where the triple murder happened. They also learn that they have witnesses that saw her and she is indeed missing. However the inspector assures Dr. Browning that he will find his wife. It’s when leaving the station that Dr. Browning receives a business card for Raja Williams from a stranger suggesting he call him to help.
Raja’s head was buzzing before he called Gloria his assistant who takes all the calls. So when he calls to check in she’s ready and waiting with the news about Professor Browning’s request for help. Raja tends to get a headache before he starts a case and when something bad is about to happen, and he knows he’s going to take the case before he even calls Professor Browning. After a quick conversation with Professor Browning, Raja calls Gloria to make arrangements for him and Vinny to arrive in France. The pair head off to France to see if they can find Margaret.
Raja checks in at the police station hoping to learn something new but instead buts heads with the inspector in Margaret’s case. From his conversation with the inspector Raja is sure that he’s hiding something, however it’s not uncommon for local police to stonewall him. With Vinny’s help they learn that the Inspector is connected to Bruno Laurent the manager of the club where the antique owner is a dancer. They also learn that they are dealing with designer drugs, prostitution with is legal in Paris, as well as human trafficking. What was once just a missing person has turn into more than the pair bargained for. Will they be able to find Margaret before it’s too late?
C’est La Vie is captivating story that draws you in right from the start only letting go at the very end. Like the first book it’s an action packed adventure full of suspenseful twists and turns that keep you guessing till the very end. Raja is a unique character he’s wealthy but he doesn't do his P.I. work for the money he does it because he really wants to help people. He’s the kind of guy that goes over above and beyond the line of duty, risking his own life. The author has created another fantastic book that ranks as one of my top mysteries of all time. The story-line is smooth so it flows easily start to finish with a great concept. I don’t tend to connect with main characters that are male often but for me Raja was easy to connect with and very likable I kept hoping to see him in a yellow trench since he reminds me of a modern day Dick Tracy. In addition to Raja he also has a partner who helps out on his cases, a super hacker named Vinny who looks like a Victoria secret model but is the ultimate hacker. She’s a great asset to Raja’s character she’s just adds to the fun. Both characters have evolved from the first book which I feel is important. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series I just really love this duo.
Raja’s head was buzzing before he called Gloria his assistant who takes all the calls. So when he calls to check in she’s ready and waiting with the news about Professor Browning’s request for help. Raja tends to get a headache before he starts a case and when something bad is about to happen, and he knows he’s going to take the case before he even calls Professor Browning. After a quick conversation with Professor Browning, Raja calls Gloria to make arrangements for him and Vinny to arrive in France. The pair head off to France to see if they can find Margaret.
Raja checks in at the police station hoping to learn something new but instead buts heads with the inspector in Margaret’s case. From his conversation with the inspector Raja is sure that he’s hiding something, however it’s not uncommon for local police to stonewall him. With Vinny’s help they learn that the Inspector is connected to Bruno Laurent the manager of the club where the antique owner is a dancer. They also learn that they are dealing with designer drugs, prostitution with is legal in Paris, as well as human trafficking. What was once just a missing person has turn into more than the pair bargained for. Will they be able to find Margaret before it’s too late?
C’est La Vie is captivating story that draws you in right from the start only letting go at the very end. Like the first book it’s an action packed adventure full of suspenseful twists and turns that keep you guessing till the very end. Raja is a unique character he’s wealthy but he doesn't do his P.I. work for the money he does it because he really wants to help people. He’s the kind of guy that goes over above and beyond the line of duty, risking his own life. The author has created another fantastic book that ranks as one of my top mysteries of all time. The story-line is smooth so it flows easily start to finish with a great concept. I don’t tend to connect with main characters that are male often but for me Raja was easy to connect with and very likable I kept hoping to see him in a yellow trench since he reminds me of a modern day Dick Tracy. In addition to Raja he also has a partner who helps out on his cases, a super hacker named Vinny who looks like a Victoria secret model but is the ultimate hacker. She’s a great asset to Raja’s character she’s just adds to the fun. Both characters have evolved from the first book which I feel is important. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series I just really love this duo.
December 23, 2012
Author Jack Thompson writes this detective, crime-solving mystery with great style and humor. The story opens with English Professor Browning's wife, Margaret, coming up missing while on a shopping trip in Paris. At the same time as her disappearance, three Paris policemen are shot to death -- not far from where Margaret had been shopping. The police as well as the British Consulate are pretty much mute about Margaret's disappearance. Frustrated,Professor Browning starts to leave the Consulate when someone gives him a business card and states that this person could help. That is Raja Williams, private detective extraordinaire, who arrives rapidly from Florida by private aircraft. Raja is a very successful detective, but wherever he goes, there is always explosive chaos. True to form in Paris, Raja becomes a terrorist suspect and thrown in jail. There is more than one crime involved in this fast-paced story. This is the second Raja Williams story I have read and it's as great an entertaining read as the first one. I'm wondering what part of the world he'll travel to next to solve a crime that no one else can. Great job, Mr. Jack Thompson!
Merged review:
Author Jack Thompson writes this detective, crime-solving mystery with great style and humor. The story opens with English Professor Browning's wife, Margaret, coming up missing while on a shopping trip in Paris. At the same time as her disappearance, three Paris policemen are shot to death -- not far from where Margaret had been shopping. The police as well as the British Consulate are pretty much mute about Margaret's disappearance. Frustrated,Professor Browning starts to leave the Consulate when someone gives him a business card and states that this person could help. That is Raja Williams, private detective extraordinaire, who arrives rapidly from Florida by private aircraft. Raja is a very successful detective, but wherever he goes, there is always explosive chaos. True to form in Paris, Raja becomes a terrorist suspect and thrown in jail. There is more than one crime involved in this fast-paced story. This is the second Raja Williams story I have read and it's as great an entertaining read as the first one. I'm wondering what part of the world he'll travel to next to solve a crime that no one else can. Great job, Mr. Jack Thompson!
Merged review:
Author Jack Thompson writes this detective, crime-solving mystery with great style and humor. The story opens with English Professor Browning's wife, Margaret, coming up missing while on a shopping trip in Paris. At the same time as her disappearance, three Paris policemen are shot to death -- not far from where Margaret had been shopping. The police as well as the British Consulate are pretty much mute about Margaret's disappearance. Frustrated,Professor Browning starts to leave the Consulate when someone gives him a business card and states that this person could help. That is Raja Williams, private detective extraordinaire, who arrives rapidly from Florida by private aircraft. Raja is a very successful detective, but wherever he goes, there is always explosive chaos. True to form in Paris, Raja becomes a terrorist suspect and thrown in jail. There is more than one crime involved in this fast-paced story. This is the second Raja Williams story I have read and it's as great an entertaining read as the first one. I'm wondering what part of the world he'll travel to next to solve a crime that no one else can. Great job, Mr. Jack Thompson!
December 12, 2012
Review of C’est La Vie by Jack Thompson (Raja Williams Series Book 2)
5 stars
I love the subtle humour of Jack Thompson’s series of mystery-suspense starring Raja Williams, a very unexpected but highly efficient, and adorable, private investigator. Raja is not the ordinary routine P.I. He gets bad headaches when approaching the presence of evil (as when beginning a new case), he works for the underdog in need of justice, and he owns a private jet, so many classic autos even he can’t count, and homes in many varied locales. But Raja is a down-to-earth individual who doesn’t push his way using his wealth or expertise. In fact, he approaches everybody with civility and respect, from the people he employs, to clients, even to small-bit drug dealers. And drugs are a major part of the problem in this novel, along with potential police corruption and brutal murder.
A visiting British professor’s wife in Paris unexpectedly and inadvertently witnesses a gruesome killing, and is kidnapped. In the process, three French police officers are killed. The Inspector in charge brushes off the Professor’s demands for an investigation, and even the British Consulate doesn’t seem to want to know. But through a series of events, the Professor finds Raja Williams and asks him to locate his missing wife; and of course, Raja is immediately away to Paris.
If you haven’t read the first in this series, “The Color of Money,” why wait? Get both of these superb novels and settle in for an excellent reading experience.
5 stars
I love the subtle humour of Jack Thompson’s series of mystery-suspense starring Raja Williams, a very unexpected but highly efficient, and adorable, private investigator. Raja is not the ordinary routine P.I. He gets bad headaches when approaching the presence of evil (as when beginning a new case), he works for the underdog in need of justice, and he owns a private jet, so many classic autos even he can’t count, and homes in many varied locales. But Raja is a down-to-earth individual who doesn’t push his way using his wealth or expertise. In fact, he approaches everybody with civility and respect, from the people he employs, to clients, even to small-bit drug dealers. And drugs are a major part of the problem in this novel, along with potential police corruption and brutal murder.
A visiting British professor’s wife in Paris unexpectedly and inadvertently witnesses a gruesome killing, and is kidnapped. In the process, three French police officers are killed. The Inspector in charge brushes off the Professor’s demands for an investigation, and even the British Consulate doesn’t seem to want to know. But through a series of events, the Professor finds Raja Williams and asks him to locate his missing wife; and of course, Raja is immediately away to Paris.
If you haven’t read the first in this series, “The Color of Money,” why wait? Get both of these superb novels and settle in for an excellent reading experience.
December 23, 2012
I really like the story and character development this author uses. Great private detective series and I am looking forward to next adventure due in new year.
November 26, 2020
This series just gets better, although this book is part of a series it is a standalone story and Jack Thompson cleverly incorporates a short resume of characters from previous books.
It starts with a murder and the disappearance of a witness. Dr Philip Browning, a lecturer at Kings College London was in Paris for a conference accompanied by his wife Margaret. Margaret was idly gazing into the window of a Parisian antique shop when she observed a brutal murder being committed, the last sighting of Margaret was when she was seen getting into a police van.
Dr. Browning, desperate to find his wife, acquires the services of wealthy, Oxford educated Raja Williams, an unusual but charismatic PI with a growing reputation for solving crimes. Raja is aided by Vinny Moor, beautiful , resourceful and a renown hacker and his indispensable assistant.
This action packed story is full of nail biting suspense, red herrings, more twists than a corkscrew and just as many suspects. The body count is high, there is police corruption on a large scale, prostitution and human trafficking but who is behind it ?
I loved this book because it kept me guessing until the end, I didn't know who, in the police department was corrupt and who was on the straight and narrow, well worth a read.
It starts with a murder and the disappearance of a witness. Dr Philip Browning, a lecturer at Kings College London was in Paris for a conference accompanied by his wife Margaret. Margaret was idly gazing into the window of a Parisian antique shop when she observed a brutal murder being committed, the last sighting of Margaret was when she was seen getting into a police van.
Dr. Browning, desperate to find his wife, acquires the services of wealthy, Oxford educated Raja Williams, an unusual but charismatic PI with a growing reputation for solving crimes. Raja is aided by Vinny Moor, beautiful , resourceful and a renown hacker and his indispensable assistant.
This action packed story is full of nail biting suspense, red herrings, more twists than a corkscrew and just as many suspects. The body count is high, there is police corruption on a large scale, prostitution and human trafficking but who is behind it ?
I loved this book because it kept me guessing until the end, I didn't know who, in the police department was corrupt and who was on the straight and narrow, well worth a read.
September 6, 2020
Can't go wrong
With a Jack Thompson mystery thriller!! I've read several and can't get enough of his books! I want to thank Jack for putting his books into Kindle Unlimited. I read on an average of two books a day. Without Kindle Unlimited I couldn't possibly afford even one book a day. It also give me the opportunity to diversify the authors I can read. I started out with Nancy Drew books, when I was a child, which only fueled my attraction, to reading and mysteries. I've been a voracious reader ever since. Jack keeps his books moving constantly, with lots of information and action. His books are never boring or dull. I highly recommend this book and all of Jack Thompson's books!! Thank you, Jack.
With a Jack Thompson mystery thriller!! I've read several and can't get enough of his books! I want to thank Jack for putting his books into Kindle Unlimited. I read on an average of two books a day. Without Kindle Unlimited I couldn't possibly afford even one book a day. It also give me the opportunity to diversify the authors I can read. I started out with Nancy Drew books, when I was a child, which only fueled my attraction, to reading and mysteries. I've been a voracious reader ever since. Jack keeps his books moving constantly, with lots of information and action. His books are never boring or dull. I highly recommend this book and all of Jack Thompson's books!! Thank you, Jack.
April 21, 2020
This book had me on the edge of my seat, I had to put it down repeatedly, it was so suspenseful. Corruption runs deep, it doesn’t seem any way to find the truth and bring down the bad guys but that doesn’t stop Raja and Vinnie. This case blew up in their faces.
Mr. Thompson has found a niche with these characters and the story lines. This is the third book in the series and I can see there will be a long history of work for Raja and Vinnie. Which is just fine by me!!
Mr. Thompson has found a niche with these characters and the story lines. This is the third book in the series and I can see there will be a long history of work for Raja and Vinnie. Which is just fine by me!!
December 13, 2019
Another good yarn in this very readable series.
June 30, 2023
This one had its moments, but overall, it seemed (I know it's fictional) hard to believe. I rate it 5 stars.
August 13, 2017
Love, love, love Vinny and Raj. What a great team; righting the wrongs in the world with unlimited money and human resources! :)
March 17, 2013
Jack Thompson is quickly becoming one of my favorite new detective authors on the scene. This book is the second of the Raja Williams detective series, and believe me it does not disappoint the reader. Jack has really pushed the bar on his writing skills together in writing a fine novel. His writing makes “C’est la Vie” a very well written story that not only captivates your interest, but holds the story together intact to the point that you do not want to put the book down. Bring on the next Raja Williams.
As the tittle suggests the novel takes place in Paris, France. Raja and Vinny are not that familiar with the Paris law enforcement agencies, so they do not really know whom to trust. Of course, this adds to the mystery of the novel. Obviously, someone within the agency is corrupt and on the take. It is Raja’s mission to find out who the mastermind is, who committed the murder, and what exactly all is being smuggled.
Jack tucks this all into a neat, well-put-together novel and if “C’est la Vie” is not on your list of books to read, it well should be. This is especially true if you are a fan of the detective, murder mystery genre. I cannot reiterate enough how much Jack has progressed as a professional writer, and “C’est la Vie” speaks volumes for his budding talent.
Cam
As the tittle suggests the novel takes place in Paris, France. Raja and Vinny are not that familiar with the Paris law enforcement agencies, so they do not really know whom to trust. Of course, this adds to the mystery of the novel. Obviously, someone within the agency is corrupt and on the take. It is Raja’s mission to find out who the mastermind is, who committed the murder, and what exactly all is being smuggled.
Jack tucks this all into a neat, well-put-together novel and if “C’est la Vie” is not on your list of books to read, it well should be. This is especially true if you are a fan of the detective, murder mystery genre. I cannot reiterate enough how much Jack has progressed as a professional writer, and “C’est la Vie” speaks volumes for his budding talent.
Cam
June 12, 2013
Raja and Vinny aren't your run-of-the-mill heroes, and their adventures in Paris, solving a murder/kidnapping, should hold your interest to the end. Well, close to it, anyway, as the final few, quick chapters are a little anticlimactic. Hookers, corrupt cops, drugs and violence are presented with the right touch to keep you turning the pages. It isn't dark and seedy Mickey Spillane. It's fast, modern and good fun.
February 22, 2013
This book was okay. Many plot points that seemed rather implausible to me however. A fun, fluffy read nonetheless.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews