Humdinger: An Irreverent Tale of Politics, Death, and Debauchery

by Rick Mason

Ronald Humdinger, a man who prides himself on his great business ventures including a TV gameshow, a non-profit business venture creating tiny homes for the homeless from shipping containers, and a one-term politician has died while with a dwarf dominatrix in Tijuana. Was it death by natural causes or was there something more nefarious? Alexander (Ace) Bancroft was hired to find out.

294 pages, Hardcover

Published January 10, 2025

About the author

Rick Mason is a U.S. Army veteran; he served as a Communications Specialist while on active duty. He spent his last year as the Driver/Radio Operator for the First Cavalry Division Inspector General at Fort Hood, Texas. After leaving the military, he worked in the Healthcare Industry for over 30 years, in various roles, from hands-on patient care to Emergency Management and Safety. Rick retired in 2019 and started his own successful brewery and winery tour business in northeast Ohio. It was his downtime, while waiting on his "travelers" as he calls them, that led to the start of his writing career.

Reviews

[Alain Tchoumi]

This novel kicks off with a darkly comic and provocative premise that immediately grabs attention. The mysterious death of Ronald Humdinger an ambitious businessman, media personality, and former politician sets the stage for a fast-moving investigation that blends satire, intrigue, and sharp social commentary. The unusual circumstances surrounding his demise raise just enough doubt to keep the reader guessing from the very first pages.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humdinger by Rick Mason is a fantastic read—perfect for the beach. The characters are diverse and engaging, with Ace leading the way as a relentless seeker of truth who won’t stop until every question is answered. I can’t wait for the next book to come out—hopefully soon!

[Hannah Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn’t take itself seriously, and that’s exactly the point. From the outrageous circumstances surrounding Ronald Humdinger’s death to the investigation that follows, the story leans hard into satire, dark humor, and over the top situations. It reads like a wild mix of political farce and offbeat mystery.
The investigator, Ace Bancroft, helps ground the chaos as he digs into what really happened, but the real appeal is the book’s bold, irreverent tone. It pokes at politics, ego, and human excess in a way that’s meant to entertain as much as it shocks.
I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy unconventional mysteries, sharp humor, and stories that aren’t afraid to be outrageous while still delivering an engaging whodunit.

[Zara Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is bold, outrageous, and clearly written with its tongue firmly in cheek. The bizarre circumstances surrounding Ronald Humdinger’s death immediately set the tone, letting readers know this isn’t a traditional mystery but a satirical, over the top ride through politics, ego, and excess.
Ace Bancroft’s investigation gives the story structure, but the real appeal is the humor and social commentary woven throughout. The book pokes fun at ambition, image, and the strange intersections of power and personal behavior, all while keeping a whodunit thread running underneath the chaos.
I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy unconventional mysteries, dark comedy, and stories that mix political satire with absurd situations and sharp, irreverent storytelling.

[Maya Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humdinger is a darkly funny mystery packed with politics, scandal, and outrageous twists. When businessman and former politician Ronald Humdinger dies under very questionable circumstances in Tijuana, private investigator Ace Bancroft is hired to uncover the truth.
Was it a heart attack or something far more sinister? As Ace digs into Humdinger’s flashy past of TV fame, political ambition, and shady deals, he uncovers a trail of secrets, corruption, and dangerous enemies.
Fast paced, irreverent, and wildly entertaining, Humdinger is a sharp satire wrapped inside a gripping detective story.

[Olivia Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humdinger is a suspenseful and action-packed story about an intriguing and deep protagonist, Ace, trying to solve a mystery with the numerous twists and turns you’ll be guessing till the end of the book. The story is not only written well, but the pacing is just perfect. With every turn of the page, you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat, a wholehearted recommendation from me.

[David Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humdinger is a mystery story that just never stops from leaving you guessing. You can’t possibly anticipate how deep the mystery goes, and with its intriguing spin on political corruption and a smug detective protagonist in the form of Ace, what’s not to love?

[Ashley Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I enjoyed the most in this novel was the portrayal of the seedy underworld in which Humdinger takes place, filled with dark and shady characters that our protagonist has to face in his journey to get to the bottom of the mystery.

[David Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rick Mason’s Humdinger not only reads well, it’s filled with great humor, engaging characters, mature themes and a very well written protagonist. I love Humdinger and recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good mystery thriller book.

[Ishaan Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among the best detective novels I’ve read in a while now, the action, the suspense and the storytelling are enough for anyone to have a great time with this book.

[Jessica Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humdinger is a rather compelling story for me, considering the way the investigation starts, and we get to learn more and more about the conspiracies involved. I quite enjoyed this story.

[James Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was left spellbound when I read this book. From start to finish, it’s quite the ride with twists and turns all around.

[Sana Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a great experience reading Humdinger, the novel has it’s fair share of mature black humor along with a fascinating and intriguing mystery that left me guessing until the very end.

[Maya Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel from start to finish, and it gets a massive recommendation from me, especially if you’re into mystery thriller books.

[Neha Kapoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is one of the best mystery thrillers I’ve read in a long time, considering its exploration of government conspiracy, politics and intrigue. I loved every second of it.