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Try Dying
Bart Rezco, is a wise-ass, risk-taking private investigator in Houston, Texas, during the seventies. He destroys two careers, two marriages, and all his money treading the city’s dangerous business and social waters.
He resigns from Mayor Jeff Wiseman’s dirty tricks reelection campaign with enough evidence to sink the mayor’s election. Bart joins the political opposition as a first step, falling in love with Mayor Wiseman’s wife, Kaye, maybe his last step.
Conspiracies, shootings, blackmailers, car “accidents”, murders, and a near fatal beating delays Bart’s efforts to win Kaye and thwart the mayor’s schemes. Caught between adversarial forces, his love for Kaye, and devotion to his handicapped daughter, Marleen, Bart struggles to prove worthy.
Bodies are falling and the climactic scene looms. Bart has to make a choice.
Desperate, Bart plans to assassinate the evil mayor, but moral instincts prevail. Instead, he will leverage the mayor with blackmail. His best friend and mentor, Malcolm Hodge, wisely derails that plan.
The mayor takes drastic revenge, assaults his wife, and then sets Bart up for the kill and the blame. But the PI springs his own counter measures. In the resulting shootout, the mayor and his deadly henchman, Big Ralph, go after Bart and Kaye. Will the loving couple survive?
He resigns from Mayor Jeff Wiseman’s dirty tricks reelection campaign with enough evidence to sink the mayor’s election. Bart joins the political opposition as a first step, falling in love with Mayor Wiseman’s wife, Kaye, maybe his last step.
Conspiracies, shootings, blackmailers, car “accidents”, murders, and a near fatal beating delays Bart’s efforts to win Kaye and thwart the mayor’s schemes. Caught between adversarial forces, his love for Kaye, and devotion to his handicapped daughter, Marleen, Bart struggles to prove worthy.
Bodies are falling and the climactic scene looms. Bart has to make a choice.
Desperate, Bart plans to assassinate the evil mayor, but moral instincts prevail. Instead, he will leverage the mayor with blackmail. His best friend and mentor, Malcolm Hodge, wisely derails that plan.
The mayor takes drastic revenge, assaults his wife, and then sets Bart up for the kill and the blame. But the PI springs his own counter measures. In the resulting shootout, the mayor and his deadly henchman, Big Ralph, go after Bart and Kaye. Will the loving couple survive?
237 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 14, 2025
Try Dying by Clifton Nixon is a thrilling novel that takes readers into a world of danger, suspense, and romance. It follows Bart and the path he must take to protect those he loves.
Bart Rezco had two failed marriages and two unsuccessful careers. Seeking a fresh start, he decided to venture into private investigation. He was hired by the devious Mayor Jeff Westermann to dig up dirt on his opponent for reelection. In the process, he fell in love with the beautiful mayor's wife, Kaye, and they began an affair. A shooting at Bart's house began a series of disastrous events. With a long list of suspects and a spiteful mayor at the top, along with the lives of his daughter, Marleen, and Kaye at risk, Bart must take action.
Nixon effortlessly weaves together a story of crime, deception, and love. He balances action, suspense, and romance, blending these themes into a thrilling story. He also has an eye for detail as he paints vivid pictures of each scene. The book has excellent pacing. It is not rushed or too slow. The chapters are short and punchy with tense action scenes. The book also has great character development. Bart has had two failed marriages and careers, but as he fell in love with Kaye, we see him evolve, grow, and try to be better. The supporting casts are also well-developed and crafted. They add depth and help move the story forward.
I love that dates were added at the beginning of each chapter. This touch made it feel more like a real-time chronicle of events rather than a fictional story. It made me feel like I was experiencing the events of the story as they occurred. It also builds tension and suspense, as I was able to track the progression of events and anticipate the impending actions. The love between Bart and Kaye was beautiful to read about. From the moment they met, it was clear that there was a deep connection between them. Despite the danger of their complex relationship, they found comfort and peace in each other. It was beautiful to see the way they cared for and supported each other. Their relationship was the highlight of this book. It added warmth to a story marked with darkness and corruption.
This is a gripping and unforgettable story. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. This book is perfect for fans of crime fiction, suspense, and romance.
Bart Rezco had two failed marriages and two unsuccessful careers. Seeking a fresh start, he decided to venture into private investigation. He was hired by the devious Mayor Jeff Westermann to dig up dirt on his opponent for reelection. In the process, he fell in love with the beautiful mayor's wife, Kaye, and they began an affair. A shooting at Bart's house began a series of disastrous events. With a long list of suspects and a spiteful mayor at the top, along with the lives of his daughter, Marleen, and Kaye at risk, Bart must take action.
Nixon effortlessly weaves together a story of crime, deception, and love. He balances action, suspense, and romance, blending these themes into a thrilling story. He also has an eye for detail as he paints vivid pictures of each scene. The book has excellent pacing. It is not rushed or too slow. The chapters are short and punchy with tense action scenes. The book also has great character development. Bart has had two failed marriages and careers, but as he fell in love with Kaye, we see him evolve, grow, and try to be better. The supporting casts are also well-developed and crafted. They add depth and help move the story forward.
I love that dates were added at the beginning of each chapter. This touch made it feel more like a real-time chronicle of events rather than a fictional story. It made me feel like I was experiencing the events of the story as they occurred. It also builds tension and suspense, as I was able to track the progression of events and anticipate the impending actions. The love between Bart and Kaye was beautiful to read about. From the moment they met, it was clear that there was a deep connection between them. Despite the danger of their complex relationship, they found comfort and peace in each other. It was beautiful to see the way they cared for and supported each other. Their relationship was the highlight of this book. It added warmth to a story marked with darkness and corruption.
This is a gripping and unforgettable story. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. This book is perfect for fans of crime fiction, suspense, and romance.
April 16, 2025
Try Dying by Clifton Nixon features Bart Rezco, a middle-aged man who has lived in Houston, Texas, his entire life. Bart is going through a typical midlife crisis, having undergone two divorces and now engaging in an adulterous relationship with Kaye, the mayor's wife, whose husband is his former employer and arch-nemesis. He barely has time for his daughter, Marleen, which depresses him. In his free time, Bart enjoys a bottle of whiskey and TV, particularly watching "The Rockford Files."
Bart's career has been marked by controversy. He went from being a disgraced cop to a disbarred lawyer and is now a private investigator who digs up dirt on his clients' opponents and helps couples catch their spouses in the act of infidelity. Throughout his career, Bart has accumulated a sizable number of enemies.When Bart is shot at home, he begins to suspect that one of his enemies might be involved.
The plot is set in Houston, Texas, in 1978 and follows a continuous progression of events, often using flashbacks to explain how situations developed. Despite the non-linear narrative, the book is well-organized and easy to navigate.
One of the key themes of the book is Bart's pattern of winning and losing. Despite making the same mistakes repeatedly, he expects different outcomes. It takes getting shot at to prompt Bart to start thinking and taking the right action to bring about a positive outcome. The book provides an invaluable lesson about the importance of learning from one's mistakes.
Clifton Nixon's writing style is easy to comprehend, and the use of stereotypical Texan dialogue adds a realistic touch to the story. Overall, "Try Dying" is a thrilling novel that keeps readers engaged until the end.
Bart's career has been marked by controversy. He went from being a disgraced cop to a disbarred lawyer and is now a private investigator who digs up dirt on his clients' opponents and helps couples catch their spouses in the act of infidelity. Throughout his career, Bart has accumulated a sizable number of enemies.When Bart is shot at home, he begins to suspect that one of his enemies might be involved.
The plot is set in Houston, Texas, in 1978 and follows a continuous progression of events, often using flashbacks to explain how situations developed. Despite the non-linear narrative, the book is well-organized and easy to navigate.
One of the key themes of the book is Bart's pattern of winning and losing. Despite making the same mistakes repeatedly, he expects different outcomes. It takes getting shot at to prompt Bart to start thinking and taking the right action to bring about a positive outcome. The book provides an invaluable lesson about the importance of learning from one's mistakes.
Clifton Nixon's writing style is easy to comprehend, and the use of stereotypical Texan dialogue adds a realistic touch to the story. Overall, "Try Dying" is a thrilling novel that keeps readers engaged until the end.
April 10, 2025
Try Dying by Clifton Nixon is a gripping murder thriller that hooks you from the start. The story revolves around private investigator Bart Rezco, a man weighed down by the collapse of two careers and two failed marriages. Despite his setbacks, Bart finds solace and a renewed sense of purpose in his daughter, Marleen — a child he hadn’t always been present for but now cherishes deeply.
Over the years, Bart has made plenty of enemies. Most notably, he defected from Houston Mayor Jeffery Westermann’s reelection campaign to support the opposition — and complicated matters further by falling in love with the mayor’s wife, Kaye. Bart dreams of a fresh start with Kaye and hopes to free her from Jeff’s grasp, all while trying to be the father Marleen deserves.
But trouble is never far. Bart’s mentor, Malcolm Hodge, devises a plan that could shake up the mayor’s world. What would happen when the mayor wants revenge?
The story is fast-paced and packed with suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat right to the final page. The title is fitting, the cover design is eye-catching, and the plot flows seamlessly. A definite page-turner you won’t want to put down.
Over the years, Bart has made plenty of enemies. Most notably, he defected from Houston Mayor Jeffery Westermann’s reelection campaign to support the opposition — and complicated matters further by falling in love with the mayor’s wife, Kaye. Bart dreams of a fresh start with Kaye and hopes to free her from Jeff’s grasp, all while trying to be the father Marleen deserves.
But trouble is never far. Bart’s mentor, Malcolm Hodge, devises a plan that could shake up the mayor’s world. What would happen when the mayor wants revenge?
The story is fast-paced and packed with suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat right to the final page. The title is fitting, the cover design is eye-catching, and the plot flows seamlessly. A definite page-turner you won’t want to put down.
May 1, 2025
Bart Rezco had vowed to live life anew, at least for his only child and daughter, Marleen. His hamartia was the result of two unsuccessful marriages of convenience, which Bart had chosen as his stepping stone out of financial ruin. He could not draw much inspiration from his failed careers as a police officer and a lawyer, where he had been the sacrificial lamb yet received a dishonorable discharge each time. Moving forward, he was sure that he wanted to be there for his daughter and also get ahold of his life. He hoped to achieve those goals by starting as a private investigator. However, the demons that haunted his life don’t seem to have had their fill and his alacrity for easy money wouldn’t go away. “Try Dying” by Clifton Nixon blends crime and mystery laced with detective work to deliver a thrilling novel built on suspense.
Jeff Westermann was vying for re-election as mayor. However, he chose to engage in deceptive tactics against his opponent, Oscar Taylor, with the intention of damaging his campaign. Jeff hired Bart to do whatever it took, including framing Taylor, so as to taint his public image. After learning about the nature of the job that Jeff hired Bart for, Malcolm Hodge, Bart’s partner, advised him against taking the mayor’s money. Unfortunately for Bart, he could not resist the money and was already visualizing how he would purchase a specialized van for his daughter.
Bart would only realize sooner than later that his appetite for money and unlucky episodes with women would not only bring him closer to his grave but also threaten his daughter’s life, further redefining his life as a quest for vengeance.
This book deserves a five-star rating due to its exceptional editing, which ensures a distraction-free reading experience. The inclusion of chapter headings in the form of dates provides readers with the storyline’s trajectory, thereby enabling them to follow the chronology of events. As previously mentioned, suspense has advanced the major plot shifts in this book. I had several tense moments while reading this book as I rooted for Bart and looked forward to the cathartic effect that would result from his success.
The character development of this book paints a mundane society around a political season. Clifton did not exaggerate the character’s personalities. Instead, they all had relatable flaws, which made them believable and easy to empathize with in their circumstances. The author has also shown how politics can be a dirty game, riddled with corrupt police officers, disregard for human life and vengeance. It was quite saddening to read how rogue politicians view voters as pawns in their game of elections. Sadly, they do not even care if their close family members have to pay the price for their election.
There is nothing I liked the least about this book. It contains vivid descriptions of characters and the different settings where action happens in the book. This enabled me to create mental images while reading, thus getting me emotionally invested in the characters’ lives. I recommend it to readers who love crime, thriller, mystery and detective books.
Jeff Westermann was vying for re-election as mayor. However, he chose to engage in deceptive tactics against his opponent, Oscar Taylor, with the intention of damaging his campaign. Jeff hired Bart to do whatever it took, including framing Taylor, so as to taint his public image. After learning about the nature of the job that Jeff hired Bart for, Malcolm Hodge, Bart’s partner, advised him against taking the mayor’s money. Unfortunately for Bart, he could not resist the money and was already visualizing how he would purchase a specialized van for his daughter.
Bart would only realize sooner than later that his appetite for money and unlucky episodes with women would not only bring him closer to his grave but also threaten his daughter’s life, further redefining his life as a quest for vengeance.
This book deserves a five-star rating due to its exceptional editing, which ensures a distraction-free reading experience. The inclusion of chapter headings in the form of dates provides readers with the storyline’s trajectory, thereby enabling them to follow the chronology of events. As previously mentioned, suspense has advanced the major plot shifts in this book. I had several tense moments while reading this book as I rooted for Bart and looked forward to the cathartic effect that would result from his success.
The character development of this book paints a mundane society around a political season. Clifton did not exaggerate the character’s personalities. Instead, they all had relatable flaws, which made them believable and easy to empathize with in their circumstances. The author has also shown how politics can be a dirty game, riddled with corrupt police officers, disregard for human life and vengeance. It was quite saddening to read how rogue politicians view voters as pawns in their game of elections. Sadly, they do not even care if their close family members have to pay the price for their election.
There is nothing I liked the least about this book. It contains vivid descriptions of characters and the different settings where action happens in the book. This enabled me to create mental images while reading, thus getting me emotionally invested in the characters’ lives. I recommend it to readers who love crime, thriller, mystery and detective books.
April 14, 2025
After a failed stint in law and a police career left in ruins, Bart managed to piece together a new life in private investigations. With two marriages lost and two careers derailed, his options were limited. Launching a PI business brought new challenges—he needed visibility. So, he reached out to Malcolm Hodge, a retired cop turned successful private investigator.
Malcolm’s friendship proved to be a steady anchor through Bart’s ups and downs. Bart also maintained a long-standing friendship with Tommy Garno, dating back to high school. When Bart was recently shot, the suspect list was extensive—jealous husbands, ex-lovers, unhappy clients, creditors, rivals, and business associates.
Among his enemies was Houston’s mayor, Jeffery Westermann. Bart had walked away from Westermann’s reelection campaign to support his opponent—and was also having an affair with the mayor’s wife, Kaye. She had confided in Bart just how crucial her marriage was to Westermann’s political future.
With all the suspense, this book had me hooked from start to finish. The pacing was sharp, never dragging, and Bart’s character stood out as refreshingly different. I thoroughly enjoyed tracking his journey and highly recommend this read to others.
Malcolm’s friendship proved to be a steady anchor through Bart’s ups and downs. Bart also maintained a long-standing friendship with Tommy Garno, dating back to high school. When Bart was recently shot, the suspect list was extensive—jealous husbands, ex-lovers, unhappy clients, creditors, rivals, and business associates.
Among his enemies was Houston’s mayor, Jeffery Westermann. Bart had walked away from Westermann’s reelection campaign to support his opponent—and was also having an affair with the mayor’s wife, Kaye. She had confided in Bart just how crucial her marriage was to Westermann’s political future.
With all the suspense, this book had me hooked from start to finish. The pacing was sharp, never dragging, and Bart’s character stood out as refreshingly different. I thoroughly enjoyed tracking his journey and highly recommend this read to others.
April 14, 2025
Bart Rezco carries a trail of failed roles—husband, father, cop, and lawyer. Now working as a private investigator, his past is as complicated as his present. Twice divorced, he has a daughter named Marleen who relies on leg braces and crutches. Recently shot, Bart has no shortage of enemies, and if he let his mind wander through the list of suspects, it would only keep growing.
Kaye, married to Mayor Jeff Westermann, has somehow endured seven years in that strained relationship. The mayor’s reelection campaign sets off a series of events that deeply affect Bart's life. Kaye feels distant from her husband, who disapproves of her working in retail, yet she finds a sense of comfort and validation in Bart. As Bart contemplates dark paths like blackmail or even assassination, he turns to his mentor, Malcolm Hodge, for advice—what will Malcolm suggest?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. It's packed with twists and unexpected turns. The author's writing style is engaging, and I especially appreciate the nice choice of title. This is the first book I’ve read by Clifton, and I’m excited to explore more of his work.
Kaye, married to Mayor Jeff Westermann, has somehow endured seven years in that strained relationship. The mayor’s reelection campaign sets off a series of events that deeply affect Bart's life. Kaye feels distant from her husband, who disapproves of her working in retail, yet she finds a sense of comfort and validation in Bart. As Bart contemplates dark paths like blackmail or even assassination, he turns to his mentor, Malcolm Hodge, for advice—what will Malcolm suggest?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. It's packed with twists and unexpected turns. The author's writing style is engaging, and I especially appreciate the nice choice of title. This is the first book I’ve read by Clifton, and I’m excited to explore more of his work.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews