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Darla Cavannah Mysteries #2
Officer Elvis
In the vein of Harlan Coben and Lisa Gardner, Gary Gusick takes readers on an explosive ride-along with Mississippi detective Darla Cavannah, a Yankee transplant making her name in the Deep South.
After performing at a local old-folks home, off-duty police officer and part-time Elvis impersonator Tommy Reylander smoothes out his pompadour, climbs into his pink Caddy, and gets all shook up—fatally so, when a bomb explodes. Whether he was killed for his police work or bad singing is a mystery that detective Darla Cavannah is determined to solve.
Though it’s been several years since Darla (reluctantly) partnered up with Tommy, she convinces her boss to let her lead the murder investigation. As the new regional director of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Shelby Mitchell can think of better uses for his star detective’s time, but not even the most hardened good ole boy can resist Darla’s smart, savvy persuasions. She soon embarks on a roller coaster ride through the world of Elvis tribute artists while tracking down one of the most bizarre serial killers in the history of the Magnolia State. Aiding her pursuit of the killer is recently reprimanded officer Rita Gibbons, fresh from the trailer park and described by Shelby as “half a licorice stick short in the manners department.” But Rita’s plenty smart, even when this case takes their suspicious minds in an entirely unexpected direction.
After performing at a local old-folks home, off-duty police officer and part-time Elvis impersonator Tommy Reylander smoothes out his pompadour, climbs into his pink Caddy, and gets all shook up—fatally so, when a bomb explodes. Whether he was killed for his police work or bad singing is a mystery that detective Darla Cavannah is determined to solve.
Though it’s been several years since Darla (reluctantly) partnered up with Tommy, she convinces her boss to let her lead the murder investigation. As the new regional director of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Shelby Mitchell can think of better uses for his star detective’s time, but not even the most hardened good ole boy can resist Darla’s smart, savvy persuasions. She soon embarks on a roller coaster ride through the world of Elvis tribute artists while tracking down one of the most bizarre serial killers in the history of the Magnolia State. Aiding her pursuit of the killer is recently reprimanded officer Rita Gibbons, fresh from the trailer park and described by Shelby as “half a licorice stick short in the manners department.” But Rita’s plenty smart, even when this case takes their suspicious minds in an entirely unexpected direction.
- GenresMystery
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2014
34 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Gary Gusick
8 books17 followersGary Gusick is a former advertising executive with more than thirty years experience as a copywriter and creative director. He is a winner of numerous national and international awards for creative excellence in advertising. The Last Clinic is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 13, 2015
After a performance at old folks home, off duty police officer and part-time Elvis impersonator Tommy Reylander climbs into his pink Cadillac and is promptly blown to smithereens. Detective Darla Cavannah, who used to work with Tommy years ago, is determent to find his killer. Now she must go investigate all Tommy's enemies. But when more Elvis impersonators is starting to die must Darla re-valuate the while case, is there someone out there who just do not like the King of Rock and Roll, or have something against Elvis impersonators?
This cozy mystery book was actually a lot of fun to read. I liked Darla Cavannah, she's a tough chick and she made a great team with Rita Gibbons, who is back out in the field after being reprimanded for crashing a department SUV during a chase. Rita is an Elvis fan and that was handy on this case on the case to have. Also, she is a funny character and Darla & Rita work great together.
The case in itself was OK; I wasn't completely taking in by it. Don't take it wrong, I enjoyed reading the book and I would very much read more in this series. But it was a very lighthearted book and I prefer my crime novels to be a mix of light and dark or just dark. This felt a bit too whimsical for my taste. But it is a perfect book to read when you need something lighthearted in your life. But I must admit I was a bit surprised when it came to the killers identity, I don't want to give the story away, but who he was supposed to be was a bit of surprise, especially since I don't know much about the fellow in question he thought he was. Confusing? Yeah, but this is part of the plot and I just don't want to give it away.
So this book gets 3.5 stars. I actually changed the rating writing this review, gave it a half star more because I did enjoy the book!
I received this copy from the publisher through Netgalley and from TLC Book Tours in return for an honest review!
Review also posted on A Bookaholic Swede and It's a Mad Mad World
This cozy mystery book was actually a lot of fun to read. I liked Darla Cavannah, she's a tough chick and she made a great team with Rita Gibbons, who is back out in the field after being reprimanded for crashing a department SUV during a chase. Rita is an Elvis fan and that was handy on this case on the case to have. Also, she is a funny character and Darla & Rita work great together.
The case in itself was OK; I wasn't completely taking in by it. Don't take it wrong, I enjoyed reading the book and I would very much read more in this series. But it was a very lighthearted book and I prefer my crime novels to be a mix of light and dark or just dark. This felt a bit too whimsical for my taste. But it is a perfect book to read when you need something lighthearted in your life. But I must admit I was a bit surprised when it came to the killers identity, I don't want to give the story away, but who he was supposed to be was a bit of surprise, especially since I don't know much about the fellow in question he thought he was. Confusing? Yeah, but this is part of the plot and I just don't want to give it away.
So this book gets 3.5 stars. I actually changed the rating writing this review, gave it a half star more because I did enjoy the book!
I received this copy from the publisher through Netgalley and from TLC Book Tours in return for an honest review!
Review also posted on A Bookaholic Swede and It's a Mad Mad World
January 24, 2015
Darla Cavannah is back, this time as a lieutenant for the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations, still working under Shelby who's the regional director. She's investigating the murder of her former hapless partner who also moonlighted as an Elvis impersonator.
Gusick again manages to capture the endearing aspects of the Southern locale, from the vernacular to the politics and social customs of the community. The case is interesting, taking some interesting turns while immersed in the fandom of Elvis Presley and the world of his impersonators.
I really enjoyed this story and how it deftly fused mystery and suspense with intelligent humor. The characters are creatively and expertly developed, providing me with a truly pleasurable reading experience. And, if you haven't read the first book, you won't be lost as the continuity is summarized succinctly and sufficiently. However, that one was a gem, too, so I'd make a point of reading it.
Bring on the next book!
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
Gusick again manages to capture the endearing aspects of the Southern locale, from the vernacular to the politics and social customs of the community. The case is interesting, taking some interesting turns while immersed in the fandom of Elvis Presley and the world of his impersonators.
I really enjoyed this story and how it deftly fused mystery and suspense with intelligent humor. The characters are creatively and expertly developed, providing me with a truly pleasurable reading experience. And, if you haven't read the first book, you won't be lost as the continuity is summarized succinctly and sufficiently. However, that one was a gem, too, so I'd make a point of reading it.
Bring on the next book!
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
October 18, 2016
I don't know why but I missed this book when it first came out.
Gary Gusick's debut, The Last Clinic was one of my favorite books of 2013. A month or so ago Alibi offered me an ARC for his upcoming release The Legacy and when I opened it up I noticed it was book 3, so I immediately one clicked this book.
It's good. I love that Gary Gusick isn't afraid of sacred cows. He isn't careful around controversial topics. He has a story to tell and he puts it out there even knowing he will offend some. He writes with the same deft hand as Lisa Gardner. His books are subtle, his stories are well told.
You can count on the fingers of one hand the male authors I will read just on the strength of their name. Honestly at the moment Mark Henwick is the only name other than Gary Gusick that I can think of. Both authors have female protagonists and in my opinion they both write women well.
Gary Gusick's debut, The Last Clinic was one of my favorite books of 2013. A month or so ago Alibi offered me an ARC for his upcoming release The Legacy and when I opened it up I noticed it was book 3, so I immediately one clicked this book.
It's good. I love that Gary Gusick isn't afraid of sacred cows. He isn't careful around controversial topics. He has a story to tell and he puts it out there even knowing he will offend some. He writes with the same deft hand as Lisa Gardner. His books are subtle, his stories are well told.
You can count on the fingers of one hand the male authors I will read just on the strength of their name. Honestly at the moment Mark Henwick is the only name other than Gary Gusick that I can think of. Both authors have female protagonists and in my opinion they both write women well.
April 3, 2015
When an Elvis Presley impersonator, who happens to be a Hinds County Mississippi Deputy, is blown up in his Caddy Convertible after performing at an old folds retirement home it falls to Lt Darla Cavannah of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Jackson Office to investigate. Lt Cavannah felt a responsibility to catch the killer because the impersonator was one of their own she and the victim had worked together previously under her current boss when he was the Sheriff of Hinds County. Working under a tight time frame, constrained budget, and with a partner Rita Gibbons) who was previously taken off investigative duty for totaling a department vehicle while chasing a suspect in a bombing case. Described as dressing like a country and western singer and having a little trailer park in her upbringing. But you have to work with what you are given and the chase is on. Lt Cavannah is a believable character and one that you find yourself rooting for. It has all of the crazy character one would expect to find in the deep south which only enhances the enjoyment of the book. Cavannah and Gibbons get their suspect in the end and a good time is had by all.
I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley. I would rate it at 4 stars for enjoyment value.
I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley. I would rate it at 4 stars for enjoyment value.
October 28, 2015
Fans of the original Elvis may love this theme or hate it, but it's original and there's lots of credible detail. An Elvis impersonator is killed, just after his concert in an old folks' home, and it happens that in his day job he's a police officer, newly promoted to detective.
The detective assigned to this case was briefly the deceased man's work partner, but other than that she plays the role of outsider. She has come from Philadelphia to Mississippi and married here, so she sees the surrounds and warm or unwelcoming people with a fresh eye.
I would have liked more of the outdoor scenery, but the author keeps it tight, taking us only where we need to go. This includes a tour around Graceland, the office of an agency which arranges Elvis gigs, and a meth manufacturer's basic home. You will read the word Elvis many times through this adventure, and there is some dark humour too, aimed at the deceased and his costume rather than at the memory of the King. We uncover more than one sinister activity, and social problems of today.
This author is no stranger to writing about controversy, but if this is what it takes to get people talking, good.
The detective assigned to this case was briefly the deceased man's work partner, but other than that she plays the role of outsider. She has come from Philadelphia to Mississippi and married here, so she sees the surrounds and warm or unwelcoming people with a fresh eye.
I would have liked more of the outdoor scenery, but the author keeps it tight, taking us only where we need to go. This includes a tour around Graceland, the office of an agency which arranges Elvis gigs, and a meth manufacturer's basic home. You will read the word Elvis many times through this adventure, and there is some dark humour too, aimed at the deceased and his costume rather than at the memory of the King. We uncover more than one sinister activity, and social problems of today.
This author is no stranger to writing about controversy, but if this is what it takes to get people talking, good.
June 24, 2015
I received a free copy from NetGalley for my review. Once I got into this book, I enjoyed it. Elvis tribute artist murders - quite the plot, with numerous laugh out loud moments. Will I go find the first book in the series to read? Very probably. Will I recommend this book, with the many diverse characters? Absolutely.
April 15, 2015
Gary Gusick in his new book, “Officer Elvis” Book Two in the Darla Cavannah series published by Alibi gives us another adventure with Darla Cavannah.
From the back cover: In the vein of Harlan Coben and Lisa Gardner, Gary Gusick takes readers on an explosive ride-along with Mississippi detective Darla Cavannah, a Yankee transplant making her name in the Deep South.
After performing at a local old-folks home, off-duty police officer and part-time Elvis impersonator Tommy Reylander smoothes out his pompadour, climbs into his pink Caddy, and gets all shook up—fatally so, when a bomb explodes. Whether he was killed for his police work or bad singing is a mystery that detective Darla Cavannah is determined to solve.
Though it’s been several years since Darla (reluctantly) partnered up with Tommy, she convinces her boss to let her lead the murder investigation. As the new regional director of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Shelby Mitchell can think of better uses for his star detective’s time, but not even the most hardened good ole boy can resist Darla’s smart, savvy persuasions. She soon embarks on a roller coaster ride through the world of Elvis tribute artists while tracking down one of the most bizarre serial killers in the history of the Magnolia State. Aiding her pursuit of the killer is recently reprimanded officer Rita Gibbons, fresh from the trailer park and described by Shelby as “half a licorice stick short in the manners department.” But Rita’s plenty smart, even when this case takes their suspicious minds in an entirely unexpected direction.
Nothing against Elvis impersonators however you have to admit dressing up like him and singing his songs does seem like an unusual hobby. Certainly not something to get killed for. Especially blown up in a pink caddy. Now we are pushing it. I didn’t read the first book in this series, I will certainly correct that, but let me assure you Mr. Gusick set it up so that you didn’t have to. Now Darla and her new partner, Rita, are on the trail of a strange serial killer. This is a light breezy mystery that will have you laughing at times. This is a lot of fun and will keep you guessing as to who the killer is. I like Darla Cavannah and I am so looking forward to her next adventure.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from TLC Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: In the vein of Harlan Coben and Lisa Gardner, Gary Gusick takes readers on an explosive ride-along with Mississippi detective Darla Cavannah, a Yankee transplant making her name in the Deep South.
After performing at a local old-folks home, off-duty police officer and part-time Elvis impersonator Tommy Reylander smoothes out his pompadour, climbs into his pink Caddy, and gets all shook up—fatally so, when a bomb explodes. Whether he was killed for his police work or bad singing is a mystery that detective Darla Cavannah is determined to solve.
Though it’s been several years since Darla (reluctantly) partnered up with Tommy, she convinces her boss to let her lead the murder investigation. As the new regional director of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Shelby Mitchell can think of better uses for his star detective’s time, but not even the most hardened good ole boy can resist Darla’s smart, savvy persuasions. She soon embarks on a roller coaster ride through the world of Elvis tribute artists while tracking down one of the most bizarre serial killers in the history of the Magnolia State. Aiding her pursuit of the killer is recently reprimanded officer Rita Gibbons, fresh from the trailer park and described by Shelby as “half a licorice stick short in the manners department.” But Rita’s plenty smart, even when this case takes their suspicious minds in an entirely unexpected direction.
Nothing against Elvis impersonators however you have to admit dressing up like him and singing his songs does seem like an unusual hobby. Certainly not something to get killed for. Especially blown up in a pink caddy. Now we are pushing it. I didn’t read the first book in this series, I will certainly correct that, but let me assure you Mr. Gusick set it up so that you didn’t have to. Now Darla and her new partner, Rita, are on the trail of a strange serial killer. This is a light breezy mystery that will have you laughing at times. This is a lot of fun and will keep you guessing as to who the killer is. I like Darla Cavannah and I am so looking forward to her next adventure.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from TLC Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 27, 2015
That was absolutely ridiculous…and just in the nick o’ time! Many thanks to Random House Alibi and Net Galley for the DRC. This second installment of the Darla Cavannah mystery series reads just fine as a stand-alone novel.
I like to read several books at a time, and it was getting a little dark out there. The Blitzkrieg had broken out in the master bathroom, with Hitler’s troops having overrun Belgium and Poland and on into France. On my e-reader, Bull Connor had sent huge attack dogs and fire hoses against the teenagers of Birmingham, and Dr. King already understood he would not make it out of the struggle alive. And by bizarre coincidence, Elvis was already perched on my nightstand. We were in the Vegas years, and Priscilla said that on the nights he wasn’t performing, the man just ate and took pills out of boredom. And downstairs, even my fiction and humor were looking a trifle grim.
In situations like that, some foot-stomping humor is not only welcome, but necessary. In Officer Elvis, someone has murdered an Elvis impersonator in Jackson, Mississippi. The case goes to Damn Yankee transplant Officer Darla Cavannah. “Damn Yankees were the ones who came to the South and stayed.” She is assisted by her newbie partner, Rita, who “…might be a licorice stick short in the judgment department, but she ain’t afraid of the devil.”
Darla doesn't fit in well in Jackson, but she has to stay because her husband is the last doctor in the state that will help women who want to terminate a pregnancy. If he leaves, they lose their access. And as if we hadn't irony enough, Darla and her spouse are trying to get pregnant...but who has time?
I will grant that my fondness for this ham-handed satire is assisted by my own Yankee urban snobbery; and yet, I did have an Aunt Sister and not one but two Uncle Brothers of whom I was quite fond, thank you very much, and so if you are a Southerner, you just might enjoy this as much as I did…bless your heart.
It was a quick read and extremely accessible.
Who doesn’t need a laugh? You get online now, and you order you a copy. It's up for sale April 21.
It’s for your own good!
I like to read several books at a time, and it was getting a little dark out there. The Blitzkrieg had broken out in the master bathroom, with Hitler’s troops having overrun Belgium and Poland and on into France. On my e-reader, Bull Connor had sent huge attack dogs and fire hoses against the teenagers of Birmingham, and Dr. King already understood he would not make it out of the struggle alive. And by bizarre coincidence, Elvis was already perched on my nightstand. We were in the Vegas years, and Priscilla said that on the nights he wasn’t performing, the man just ate and took pills out of boredom. And downstairs, even my fiction and humor were looking a trifle grim.
In situations like that, some foot-stomping humor is not only welcome, but necessary. In Officer Elvis, someone has murdered an Elvis impersonator in Jackson, Mississippi. The case goes to Damn Yankee transplant Officer Darla Cavannah. “Damn Yankees were the ones who came to the South and stayed.” She is assisted by her newbie partner, Rita, who “…might be a licorice stick short in the judgment department, but she ain’t afraid of the devil.”
Darla doesn't fit in well in Jackson, but she has to stay because her husband is the last doctor in the state that will help women who want to terminate a pregnancy. If he leaves, they lose their access. And as if we hadn't irony enough, Darla and her spouse are trying to get pregnant...but who has time?
I will grant that my fondness for this ham-handed satire is assisted by my own Yankee urban snobbery; and yet, I did have an Aunt Sister and not one but two Uncle Brothers of whom I was quite fond, thank you very much, and so if you are a Southerner, you just might enjoy this as much as I did…bless your heart.
It was a quick read and extremely accessible.
Who doesn’t need a laugh? You get online now, and you order you a copy. It's up for sale April 21.
It’s for your own good!
May 28, 2015
Darla Cavannaugh sets out to find the killer of Tommy Reylander, a police officer known as Officer Elvis because he is also a part-time Elvis impersonator (or Elvis tribute artist as they prefer to be called). He loses his life after a show one night. At first, the police department is hesitant to jump in the investigation and wonders if it was a one-time unfortunate event, but then other murders start happening. And all the victims are Elvis tribute artists.
Now, Darla is on the hunt for a serial killer. What could possibly bet the motivation to kill Elvis many times over?
When I first read the title of this book, I had no idea what to think. Officer Elvis? It started off a little campy, with Officer Elvis performing for a group of senior citizens. But, when the murders started happening, it became a captivating mystery. Best part... the characters are eccentric and memorable. There are no one-dimensional characters here.
I love seeing a woman leading investigations and being sharp and not easily intimidated, so Darla was a joy to read. Even better, her partner is a lady who's trying to make a comeback after some misfortune. Even though there's a lot of wit and charm to the characters, there are some intense and emotional murders made all that more interesting by getting occasional chapters from the murderer's point of view.
What could have been a hokey Elvis story, ends up being a murder mystery full of twists and turns and loaded with characters you won't forget. All in all, a fast read that will keep your attention, engage your emotions, and keep you guessing.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
Now, Darla is on the hunt for a serial killer. What could possibly bet the motivation to kill Elvis many times over?
When I first read the title of this book, I had no idea what to think. Officer Elvis? It started off a little campy, with Officer Elvis performing for a group of senior citizens. But, when the murders started happening, it became a captivating mystery. Best part... the characters are eccentric and memorable. There are no one-dimensional characters here.
I love seeing a woman leading investigations and being sharp and not easily intimidated, so Darla was a joy to read. Even better, her partner is a lady who's trying to make a comeback after some misfortune. Even though there's a lot of wit and charm to the characters, there are some intense and emotional murders made all that more interesting by getting occasional chapters from the murderer's point of view.
What could have been a hokey Elvis story, ends up being a murder mystery full of twists and turns and loaded with characters you won't forget. All in all, a fast read that will keep your attention, engage your emotions, and keep you guessing.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
March 21, 2015
This is the second novel in a series featuring Detective Darla Cavannah but the first one I had read. Although it is a murder mystery I found it quite entertaining with frequent touches of humour.
The main plot involves around the murder of several Elvis "tribute artists", i.e. guys who go around dressing up as Elvis look-a-likes and singing Elvis' repertoire.The first victim is Officer Elvis, aka Detective Tommy Rylander, who meets his maker when his Caddy blows up outside a seniors home where he has just performed. After wrangling an assignment to the case Darla discovers that several other Elvis performers have recently died "accidentally" leading her to conclude that someone is on the track of and killing these Elvis imitators. With the help of an expert FBI forensics guy Darla succeeds in obtaining a photo of a male who has been present at some of the scenes where the murders occurred. Meanwhile we learn this individual's story as the author recounts it through his eyes. He is avenging a wrong that Elvis perpetrated upon Carl Perkins by taking credit for the hit song Blue Suede Shoes.
The finale revolves around the annual Elvis tribute artist contest in Jacksonville, Mississippi. Darla and her sidekicks almost trap the murderer but he escapes after abducting the lead performer. Fireworks ensue at Graceland where he too meets his maker.
But the novel does not not end there. Darla figures out that the first murder of Officer Elvis was unrelated to the others. Once on the trail she tracks down and apprehends the murderer of Officer Elvis.
The main plot involves around the murder of several Elvis "tribute artists", i.e. guys who go around dressing up as Elvis look-a-likes and singing Elvis' repertoire.The first victim is Officer Elvis, aka Detective Tommy Rylander, who meets his maker when his Caddy blows up outside a seniors home where he has just performed. After wrangling an assignment to the case Darla discovers that several other Elvis performers have recently died "accidentally" leading her to conclude that someone is on the track of and killing these Elvis imitators. With the help of an expert FBI forensics guy Darla succeeds in obtaining a photo of a male who has been present at some of the scenes where the murders occurred. Meanwhile we learn this individual's story as the author recounts it through his eyes. He is avenging a wrong that Elvis perpetrated upon Carl Perkins by taking credit for the hit song Blue Suede Shoes.
The finale revolves around the annual Elvis tribute artist contest in Jacksonville, Mississippi. Darla and her sidekicks almost trap the murderer but he escapes after abducting the lead performer. Fireworks ensue at Graceland where he too meets his maker.
But the novel does not not end there. Darla figures out that the first murder of Officer Elvis was unrelated to the others. Once on the trail she tracks down and apprehends the murderer of Officer Elvis.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2016
I received a free kindle copy of Officer Elvis, A Darla Cavannaugh Mystery by Gary M. Gusick, published by Random House Publishing Group - Alibi from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. Cannot yet review on Amazon, still in pre-order status.
Detective Darla Cavannaugh was married to Hugh the Glue former football star. He is deceased. Mississippi people are reluctant to work with a Yankee. Her former partner Tommy Reylander aka Officer Elvis wanted to be called Detective Elvis finished a performance at a health related facility for the elderly. He left his girlfriend, 'Cil waiting while he collected his pink Cadillac. He ended his career with a huge blast.
Darla gets help from Rita who had been put on a desk for an accident when she's been driving a State of Mississippi vehicle. She describes herself as trailer park, but not trash. She provides comic relief.
The investigation takes a lot of twists & turns & exposes the underbelly of the Mississippi Mob & crooked club owners. There is an Association for Elvis Tribute Artists also involved.
The storyline was not a strong one, but overall the book was a fast, entertaining, funny read. For that, it received five stars.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Officer-Elvis-D...
Detective Darla Cavannaugh was married to Hugh the Glue former football star. He is deceased. Mississippi people are reluctant to work with a Yankee. Her former partner Tommy Reylander aka Officer Elvis wanted to be called Detective Elvis finished a performance at a health related facility for the elderly. He left his girlfriend, 'Cil waiting while he collected his pink Cadillac. He ended his career with a huge blast.
Darla gets help from Rita who had been put on a desk for an accident when she's been driving a State of Mississippi vehicle. She describes herself as trailer park, but not trash. She provides comic relief.
The investigation takes a lot of twists & turns & exposes the underbelly of the Mississippi Mob & crooked club owners. There is an Association for Elvis Tribute Artists also involved.
The storyline was not a strong one, but overall the book was a fast, entertaining, funny read. For that, it received five stars.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Officer-Elvis-D...
December 16, 2015
Random House Publishing Group - Alibi and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Officer Elvis, in exchange for an honest review.
Wrongfully billed as "Officer Elvis", Detective Tommy Reylander is an Elvis impersonator doing the senior center circuit in his spare time. Someone took offense to Tommy, as Lieutenant Darla Cavannah finds out the next morning. "Officer Elvis" was blown sky high in his prized automobile and it is up to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation to find out why. Darla requested the case because Tommy was her former partner when she was a detective in the Hinds County Sheriff's Department. As Darla begins to dig into the crime, she discovers some individuals who may have motive for the killing. When Tommy's phone records provide a lead, it is up to Darla to track down the murderer before many more people are killed.
Officer Elvis is fast paced and interesting, although there is really no mystery involved. The motivation of the killer is the only question needing to be answered. There is one twist at the end of the book, but it came a little too late to provide the mystery aspect that I was expecting. The ending reminded me of a Scooby Doo episode, where everything just comes together in a neat package and the case gets solved quickly. This was a good read, but the lack of surprises made it middle of the road for me.
Wrongfully billed as "Officer Elvis", Detective Tommy Reylander is an Elvis impersonator doing the senior center circuit in his spare time. Someone took offense to Tommy, as Lieutenant Darla Cavannah finds out the next morning. "Officer Elvis" was blown sky high in his prized automobile and it is up to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation to find out why. Darla requested the case because Tommy was her former partner when she was a detective in the Hinds County Sheriff's Department. As Darla begins to dig into the crime, she discovers some individuals who may have motive for the killing. When Tommy's phone records provide a lead, it is up to Darla to track down the murderer before many more people are killed.
Officer Elvis is fast paced and interesting, although there is really no mystery involved. The motivation of the killer is the only question needing to be answered. There is one twist at the end of the book, but it came a little too late to provide the mystery aspect that I was expecting. The ending reminded me of a Scooby Doo episode, where everything just comes together in a neat package and the case gets solved quickly. This was a good read, but the lack of surprises made it middle of the road for me.
March 17, 2015
Tommy Reylander is a part time officer of the police department and part time impersonator of Elvis. After doing a show at an old folks home, he is killed when his pink caddy explodes. Who would want to kill him? Detective Carla Cavannah talks her superior into letting her investigate the crime. Why does she have to talk her superior into it? She gets a partner, Rita Gibbons from the trailer park. Rita is fearless. As they investigate the case, Carla finds them in the unreal world of Elvis impersonators and fans. Carla ends up chasing a strange serial killer. Why is the serial killer strange? Will she solve her case?
The writing is styles is engaging and the pace fast. The characters and storyline make for a quick, fun reading. I laughed out loud while reading this book. It is an excellent mystery novel.
Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book free from the publisher from NetGalley. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The writing is styles is engaging and the pace fast. The characters and storyline make for a quick, fun reading. I laughed out loud while reading this book. It is an excellent mystery novel.
Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book free from the publisher from NetGalley. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
March 13, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#2 in the Darla Cavannah Mystery series. I liked this a lot more than I expected to. It was simple, fast-moving, and folksy. The setting in Mississippi was somewhat unusual and provided some interest. The format of the book allowed me to follow the killer's actions while leaving something to the imagination about his final plans. And, of course, we were always privy to the MBI's (Mississippi Bureau of Investigation) operation. The story kept my interest and moved forward quickly with no particular bumps or hold-ups along the way. The characters were amusing and offered with a light touch, not taking themselves too seriously. I particularly enjoyed Darla's no-nonsense approach, offset by Rita's charmingly small-town attitude. I will definitely look for more from this author.
#2 in the Darla Cavannah Mystery series. I liked this a lot more than I expected to. It was simple, fast-moving, and folksy. The setting in Mississippi was somewhat unusual and provided some interest. The format of the book allowed me to follow the killer's actions while leaving something to the imagination about his final plans. And, of course, we were always privy to the MBI's (Mississippi Bureau of Investigation) operation. The story kept my interest and moved forward quickly with no particular bumps or hold-ups along the way. The characters were amusing and offered with a light touch, not taking themselves too seriously. I particularly enjoyed Darla's no-nonsense approach, offset by Rita's charmingly small-town attitude. I will definitely look for more from this author.
June 10, 2015
Officer Elvis was the perfect mix of an absorbing mystery and laugh out loud entertainment. Lieutenant Darla Cavannah of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and her new partner, Rita Gibbons, investigate a string of murders of Elvis impersonators (or “tribute artists” as they like to be known.) There’s plenty of comic relief during the investigation, and Gary Gusick’s humorous take on southern manners and speech was a delight. Add some unforgettable characters, plenty of Elvis trivia, and the result is a great summer read.
Thank you to Random House/Alibi and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Thank you to Random House/Alibi and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
April 23, 2015
Review: OFFICER ELVIS (A Darla Cavannah Mystery #2) by Gary M. Gusick
I love this series. Author Gary Gusick pokes gentle fun at his home state while remaining unafraid to face its uglier history. Some moments were laugh-aloud, while others were sad, even tragic. Detective Darla Cavannah of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation sets out to discover the cause of the death of a deputy who was an Elvis impersonator, uncovering a winding and twisty case with an almost unstoppable predator.
I love this series. Author Gary Gusick pokes gentle fun at his home state while remaining unafraid to face its uglier history. Some moments were laugh-aloud, while others were sad, even tragic. Detective Darla Cavannah of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation sets out to discover the cause of the death of a deputy who was an Elvis impersonator, uncovering a winding and twisty case with an almost unstoppable predator.
March 14, 2015
I enjoy reading this series. Detective Darla Cavannah is one gutsy lady who is often referred to as a Damn Yankee Bitch. She is good at her job and when a fellow detective from the local sheriff department is killed in a car explosion she leads the investigation. Lots of characters from Book 1 are back adding their 2cents worth. This book dwells mainly on the murder investigation and less home life. Looking forward to book 3.
April 21, 2015
Officer Elvis is an enjoyable read with quirky characters and interesting trivia. Mr Gusick has a great heroine with Lieutenant Darla Cavannah and her sidekick Rita. I was given an early copy to review.
February 25, 2015
This book was hilarious! I could not put it down. I will definitely be reading more by this author. If you like a dose of humor with your mystery then this book is for you
April 28, 2015
Originally published at Reading Reality
This seems to be a week where everything I read turned out to be in the middle of a series – and I hadn’t figured that out beforehand.
So like several of my early reviews this week, even though Officer Elvis is the second book of Darla Cavannah, I can attest that it is not only possible to read this without having read the first (The Last Clinic), it is a whole lot of fun to read this one, with or without having read the first one.
Officer Elvis is an absolute hoot from beginning to end. Not that there isn’t a very serious series of murders to investigate, but the surrounding events are just way too much fun.
There are at least 85,000 Elvis impersonators (really) in the world, and someone seems determined to cut that number down. In other words, there’s a serial killer targeting Elvis impersonators, and Lieutenant Darla Cavannah of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has caught the case.
She doesn’t start out thinking this is a serial killer cases. She starts out investigating the death of one of her former police partners. Tommy Reylander may have been one of the worst Elvis impersonators ever in the history of Elvis impersonators, but he was also a cop. Not terrible good at that, either, but still a cop.
In Jackson Mississippi, just like everywhere else, cops take the death of other cops very seriously, no matter how strange or unusual the circumstances of that death might be. Tommy died when his pink Cadillac Elvismobile exploded.
Tommy even dressed his girlfriend like Priscilla Presley, and the lookalike “Cill” is one of the first suspects – except that Tommy had almost no assets. He wasn’t even a good enough cop to have pissed off very many criminals, although there are a few.
But when Darla discovers a string of Elvis impersonator murders, everyone in the office is forced to conclude that someone wants Elvis to permanently leave all the buildings.
Some of the murders are inherently tragic, especially the one that misses its intended victim. Almost all of the circumstances contain an element of Elvis trivia and a whole lot of gallows humor.
The string of crimes is pointing directly to the upcoming Ultimate Elvis competition in nearby Tupelo Mississippi, Elvis’ birthplace. As all the contestants (and potential victims) gather for the high point of their year, one man is determined to take back what he believes is rightfully his. He just has to get Elvis back to Graceland to carry out his plan.
It’s up to Darla and her new partner, disgraced detective and Elvis fan Rita Gibbons, to let just enough, and not too much, of this last tribute play itself out.
Be prepared to be all shook up by the ending.
Escape Rating B+: This was way too much fun. I laughed through all of the early set up of the story, and just couldn’t stop. There are too many joke possibilities in the idea that this many people are seriously, or not so seriously, pretending to be Elvis. Particularly all the variations. The yodeling Elvis was probably my favorite, although I’m very happy not to have to listen to him.
But underneath the humor there is a very serious investigation of a serial killer – and one who is both organized in the way that he is committing the crimes, and psychotic in his motivations.
At the same time we have a dive into this rather strange offshoot of the entertainment industry – the world of the Elvis Tribute Artists. Some people take it seriously, some people don’t, but it looks like the Dixie Mob has its dirty fingers in this particular pie – just as it does in other parts of the entertainment industry.
What Darla can’t figure out is why the Dixie Mob and two of her own local criminal kingpins cared two hoots about Tommy Reylander. He may have been a cop, but he was seriously bad at it. She can’t help worrying at the puzzle of why the local meth kingpin, the local sleazy club owner, and the head of the Elvis Tribute Artists association and his hired goons had any interest in Tommy in the first place. If he was killed as part of the string of Elvii murders, why do these villains care?
And if he wasn’t, what did these crime lords have in common with Tommy, who wasn’t even smart enough, or venal enough, to be on the take?
Darla is determined to find all the answers, and as a viewpoint character she is fascinating to follow. She’s a terrific cop, but it’s more than that. As a Yankee in the Deep South, she has an outsider’s perspective on all the players, but as someone who has lived in Mississippi for ten years, even though she is still not accepted in a lot of ways, she has figured out how things (and people) work. That she is not involved with any of the various families and factions makes her a good person to see through all the connections and assumptions.
She’s smart, and she’s tough when she needs to be, but she has developed her own set of friends and colleagues who help her navigate a place where she will always be on the periphery. And it works for her and the reader.
Darla’s first adventure is The Last Clinic, where she investigates and falls for her husband. I can’t wait to see how she got started.
This seems to be a week where everything I read turned out to be in the middle of a series – and I hadn’t figured that out beforehand.
So like several of my early reviews this week, even though Officer Elvis is the second book of Darla Cavannah, I can attest that it is not only possible to read this without having read the first (The Last Clinic), it is a whole lot of fun to read this one, with or without having read the first one.
Officer Elvis is an absolute hoot from beginning to end. Not that there isn’t a very serious series of murders to investigate, but the surrounding events are just way too much fun.
There are at least 85,000 Elvis impersonators (really) in the world, and someone seems determined to cut that number down. In other words, there’s a serial killer targeting Elvis impersonators, and Lieutenant Darla Cavannah of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has caught the case.
She doesn’t start out thinking this is a serial killer cases. She starts out investigating the death of one of her former police partners. Tommy Reylander may have been one of the worst Elvis impersonators ever in the history of Elvis impersonators, but he was also a cop. Not terrible good at that, either, but still a cop.
In Jackson Mississippi, just like everywhere else, cops take the death of other cops very seriously, no matter how strange or unusual the circumstances of that death might be. Tommy died when his pink Cadillac Elvismobile exploded.
Tommy even dressed his girlfriend like Priscilla Presley, and the lookalike “Cill” is one of the first suspects – except that Tommy had almost no assets. He wasn’t even a good enough cop to have pissed off very many criminals, although there are a few.
But when Darla discovers a string of Elvis impersonator murders, everyone in the office is forced to conclude that someone wants Elvis to permanently leave all the buildings.
Some of the murders are inherently tragic, especially the one that misses its intended victim. Almost all of the circumstances contain an element of Elvis trivia and a whole lot of gallows humor.
The string of crimes is pointing directly to the upcoming Ultimate Elvis competition in nearby Tupelo Mississippi, Elvis’ birthplace. As all the contestants (and potential victims) gather for the high point of their year, one man is determined to take back what he believes is rightfully his. He just has to get Elvis back to Graceland to carry out his plan.
It’s up to Darla and her new partner, disgraced detective and Elvis fan Rita Gibbons, to let just enough, and not too much, of this last tribute play itself out.
Be prepared to be all shook up by the ending.
Escape Rating B+: This was way too much fun. I laughed through all of the early set up of the story, and just couldn’t stop. There are too many joke possibilities in the idea that this many people are seriously, or not so seriously, pretending to be Elvis. Particularly all the variations. The yodeling Elvis was probably my favorite, although I’m very happy not to have to listen to him.
But underneath the humor there is a very serious investigation of a serial killer – and one who is both organized in the way that he is committing the crimes, and psychotic in his motivations.
At the same time we have a dive into this rather strange offshoot of the entertainment industry – the world of the Elvis Tribute Artists. Some people take it seriously, some people don’t, but it looks like the Dixie Mob has its dirty fingers in this particular pie – just as it does in other parts of the entertainment industry.
What Darla can’t figure out is why the Dixie Mob and two of her own local criminal kingpins cared two hoots about Tommy Reylander. He may have been a cop, but he was seriously bad at it. She can’t help worrying at the puzzle of why the local meth kingpin, the local sleazy club owner, and the head of the Elvis Tribute Artists association and his hired goons had any interest in Tommy in the first place. If he was killed as part of the string of Elvii murders, why do these villains care?
And if he wasn’t, what did these crime lords have in common with Tommy, who wasn’t even smart enough, or venal enough, to be on the take?
Darla is determined to find all the answers, and as a viewpoint character she is fascinating to follow. She’s a terrific cop, but it’s more than that. As a Yankee in the Deep South, she has an outsider’s perspective on all the players, but as someone who has lived in Mississippi for ten years, even though she is still not accepted in a lot of ways, she has figured out how things (and people) work. That she is not involved with any of the various families and factions makes her a good person to see through all the connections and assumptions.
She’s smart, and she’s tough when she needs to be, but she has developed her own set of friends and colleagues who help her navigate a place where she will always be on the periphery. And it works for her and the reader.
Darla’s first adventure is The Last Clinic, where she investigates and falls for her husband. I can’t wait to see how she got started.
March 12, 2019
Who knew that there were lots of different kinds of Elvis Tribute Artists? Who knew that it was serious business? There is lots of fun trivia about Elvis and Graceland, but the characters are pretty great as well. This is a wild ride through Mississippi to Graceland, trying to find a serial killer and out why he is killing Elvis tribute artists. This is a great beach read, weekend read, just need a break read and if you are an Elvis fan what could be better than Elvis and a murder mystery?
November 7, 2017
A smart protagonist, some lol moments, a plot that did it's job, and a satisfying twist. God bless Gary Gusick's little heart.
December 18, 2017
Too many names to keep straight.
April 28, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/of...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Officer Elvis is the second book in the Darla Cavannah Mysteries series. Though this is the first book by author Gary Gusick that I have read, I am happy to report that I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery :) I plan on reading the first book as well now!
This is a novel featuring Darla Cavannah. She is a strong-willed female detective from the North, living and working in Jackson, Mississippi. In this story Darla is investigating the murder of a fellow law enforcement officer (and her former partner) and part-time Elvis impersonator on the side, Tommy Reylander. Lieutenant Darla Cavannah is with the MBI – Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (statewide agency), Jackson Office. While Tommy’s death is a local matter, Darla pushes to have the case…..
“Remember the line at the end of the movie The Maltese Falcon? When somebody kills your partner, you’re supposed to do something about it.”
Major Shelby Mitchell does not want a dud of a case hanging around, and I quote:
“the unsolved murder of a fellow police officer is not the kind of case a law enforcement official in my position wants hanging around his neck, not if he has in mind to keep his job. As you well know, I officially serve at the will and pleasure of the governor. Which means I can be sacked without so much as a never you mind. …Lookie here, Miss Darla, the media is going to have a feeding frenzy if Tommy’s killer ain’t caught. And I don’t favor them feeding on me.”
Shelby finally capitulates and gives Darla 3 days to solve the crime, or it gets dumped back to a local county sheriff. There is no one on staff that Darla would want to work with (their thoughts “Darla had a directness and lack of gentility that most Mississippians-including most of the other detectives in the bureau-saw as offensive.”) So, Darla is paired up with Rita Gibbons, a quirky character that once you get to know her idiosyncrasies, she is quite the character…which Darla learns and comes to appreciate. They made quite the crime solving team.
The twists and turns abound. One murder turns into another and then another….looks like a plot to kill all Elvis impersonators? With superior sleuthing skills, Darla uncovers something bigger than first anticipated, a serial killer of Elvis impersonators. But why? Well that you will have to discover for yourself. The mystery was well laid out and kept my attention throughout the book.
The manner in which all the different Elvis’ were introduced kept my interest. And Cilla (Tommy’s widow) kept me smiling. I could SO picture her! Big hair and all. I was said though when that beautiful car was trashed by way of explosion. Really??? Sacrilegious to blow up such a fine vehicle – in my opinion. I also loved all the song title dropping. Like a blast from the past of a well-loved entertainer. “All Shook Up”, “Blue Suede Shoes”, etc.
If you are a fan of Elvis, murder mysteries and could use a few good laughs at the same time, pick up this book and give it a read. You won’t be sorry. Thank you, thank you very much. :)
*OBS would like to thank the author and TLC Book Tours for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Officer Elvis is the second book in the Darla Cavannah Mysteries series. Though this is the first book by author Gary Gusick that I have read, I am happy to report that I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery :) I plan on reading the first book as well now!
This is a novel featuring Darla Cavannah. She is a strong-willed female detective from the North, living and working in Jackson, Mississippi. In this story Darla is investigating the murder of a fellow law enforcement officer (and her former partner) and part-time Elvis impersonator on the side, Tommy Reylander. Lieutenant Darla Cavannah is with the MBI – Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (statewide agency), Jackson Office. While Tommy’s death is a local matter, Darla pushes to have the case…..
“Remember the line at the end of the movie The Maltese Falcon? When somebody kills your partner, you’re supposed to do something about it.”
Major Shelby Mitchell does not want a dud of a case hanging around, and I quote:
“the unsolved murder of a fellow police officer is not the kind of case a law enforcement official in my position wants hanging around his neck, not if he has in mind to keep his job. As you well know, I officially serve at the will and pleasure of the governor. Which means I can be sacked without so much as a never you mind. …Lookie here, Miss Darla, the media is going to have a feeding frenzy if Tommy’s killer ain’t caught. And I don’t favor them feeding on me.”
Shelby finally capitulates and gives Darla 3 days to solve the crime, or it gets dumped back to a local county sheriff. There is no one on staff that Darla would want to work with (their thoughts “Darla had a directness and lack of gentility that most Mississippians-including most of the other detectives in the bureau-saw as offensive.”) So, Darla is paired up with Rita Gibbons, a quirky character that once you get to know her idiosyncrasies, she is quite the character…which Darla learns and comes to appreciate. They made quite the crime solving team.
The twists and turns abound. One murder turns into another and then another….looks like a plot to kill all Elvis impersonators? With superior sleuthing skills, Darla uncovers something bigger than first anticipated, a serial killer of Elvis impersonators. But why? Well that you will have to discover for yourself. The mystery was well laid out and kept my attention throughout the book.
The manner in which all the different Elvis’ were introduced kept my interest. And Cilla (Tommy’s widow) kept me smiling. I could SO picture her! Big hair and all. I was said though when that beautiful car was trashed by way of explosion. Really??? Sacrilegious to blow up such a fine vehicle – in my opinion. I also loved all the song title dropping. Like a blast from the past of a well-loved entertainer. “All Shook Up”, “Blue Suede Shoes”, etc.
If you are a fan of Elvis, murder mysteries and could use a few good laughs at the same time, pick up this book and give it a read. You won’t be sorry. Thank you, thank you very much. :)
*OBS would like to thank the author and TLC Book Tours for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
November 16, 2025
http://openbooksociety.com/article/of...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Officer Elvis is the second book in the Darla Cavannah Mysteries series. Though this is the first book by author Gary Gusick that I have read, I am happy to report that I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery 🙂 I plan on reading the first book as well now!
This is a novel featuring Darla Cavannah. She is a strong-willed female detective from the North, living and working in Jackson, Mississippi. In this story Darla is investigating the murder of a fellow law enforcement officer (and her former partner) and part-time Elvis impersonator on the side, Tommy Reylander. Lieutenant Darla Cavannah is with the MBI – Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (statewide agency), Jackson Office. While Tommy’s death is a local matter, Darla pushes to have the case…..
“Remember the line at the end of the movie The Maltese Falcon? When somebody kills your partner, you’re supposed to do something about it.”
Major Shelby Mitchell does not want a dud of a case hanging around, and I quote:
“the unsolved murder of a fellow police officer is not the kind of case a law enforcement official in my position wants hanging around his neck, not if he has in mind to keep his job. As you well know, I officially serve at the will and pleasure of the governor. Which means I can be sacked without so much as a never you mind. …Lookie here, Miss Darla, the media is going to have a feeding frenzy if Tommy’s killer ain’t caught. And I don’t favor them feeding on me.”
Shelby finally capitulates and gives Darla 3 days to solve the crime, or it gets dumped back to a local county sheriff. There is no one on staff that Darla would want to work with (their thoughts “Darla had a directness and lack of gentility that most Mississippians-including most of the other detectives in the bureau-saw as offensive.”) So, Darla is paired up with Rita Gibbons, a quirky character that once you get to know her idiosyncrasies, she is quite the character…which Darla learns and comes to appreciate. They made quite the crime solving team.
The twists and turns abound. One murder turns into another and then another….looks like a plot to kill all Elvis impersonators? With superior sleuthing skills, Darla uncovers something bigger than first anticipated, a serial killer of Elvis impersonators. But why? Well that you will have to discover for yourself. The mystery was well laid out and kept my attention throughout the book.
The manner in which all the different Elvis’ were introduced kept my interest. And Cilla (Tommy’s widow) kept me smiling. I could SO picture her! Big hair and all. I was said though when that beautiful car was trashed by way of explosion. Really??? Sacrilegious to blow up such a fine vehicle – in my opinion. I also loved all the song title dropping. Like a blast from the past of a well-loved entertainer. “All Shook Up”, “Blue Suede Shoes”, etc.
If you are a fan of Elvis, murder mysteries and could use a few good laughs at the same time, pick up this book and give it a read. You won’t be sorry. Thank you, thank you very much. 🙂
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Officer Elvis is the second book in the Darla Cavannah Mysteries series. Though this is the first book by author Gary Gusick that I have read, I am happy to report that I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery 🙂 I plan on reading the first book as well now!
This is a novel featuring Darla Cavannah. She is a strong-willed female detective from the North, living and working in Jackson, Mississippi. In this story Darla is investigating the murder of a fellow law enforcement officer (and her former partner) and part-time Elvis impersonator on the side, Tommy Reylander. Lieutenant Darla Cavannah is with the MBI – Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (statewide agency), Jackson Office. While Tommy’s death is a local matter, Darla pushes to have the case…..
“Remember the line at the end of the movie The Maltese Falcon? When somebody kills your partner, you’re supposed to do something about it.”
Major Shelby Mitchell does not want a dud of a case hanging around, and I quote:
“the unsolved murder of a fellow police officer is not the kind of case a law enforcement official in my position wants hanging around his neck, not if he has in mind to keep his job. As you well know, I officially serve at the will and pleasure of the governor. Which means I can be sacked without so much as a never you mind. …Lookie here, Miss Darla, the media is going to have a feeding frenzy if Tommy’s killer ain’t caught. And I don’t favor them feeding on me.”
Shelby finally capitulates and gives Darla 3 days to solve the crime, or it gets dumped back to a local county sheriff. There is no one on staff that Darla would want to work with (their thoughts “Darla had a directness and lack of gentility that most Mississippians-including most of the other detectives in the bureau-saw as offensive.”) So, Darla is paired up with Rita Gibbons, a quirky character that once you get to know her idiosyncrasies, she is quite the character…which Darla learns and comes to appreciate. They made quite the crime solving team.
The twists and turns abound. One murder turns into another and then another….looks like a plot to kill all Elvis impersonators? With superior sleuthing skills, Darla uncovers something bigger than first anticipated, a serial killer of Elvis impersonators. But why? Well that you will have to discover for yourself. The mystery was well laid out and kept my attention throughout the book.
The manner in which all the different Elvis’ were introduced kept my interest. And Cilla (Tommy’s widow) kept me smiling. I could SO picture her! Big hair and all. I was said though when that beautiful car was trashed by way of explosion. Really??? Sacrilegious to blow up such a fine vehicle – in my opinion. I also loved all the song title dropping. Like a blast from the past of a well-loved entertainer. “All Shook Up”, “Blue Suede Shoes”, etc.
If you are a fan of Elvis, murder mysteries and could use a few good laughs at the same time, pick up this book and give it a read. You won’t be sorry. Thank you, thank you very much. 🙂
April 22, 2015
Officer Elvis fits into the adult category due to adult language, sexual innuendoes and profanity.
Lieutenant Darla Cavannah, worked with the MBI, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. Her one time partner, Tommy Reylander, when she worked for the Hinds County Sheriff's Office, was an Elvis Tribute Artist. Upon arriving at work, she discovered that "Officer Elvis" as he was known by his stage name had been blown up the night before at his last performance. She felt that although they hadn't gotten along well as partners, it was part of "the unwritten code" that they should work they case and find the murder. She wanted to lead the investigation.
Darla is given three days to come up with some good leads or turn the case over to the local county department. What she comes up with is bigger and stranger than anyone could have imagined.
Officer Elvis started out moderately paced and then picked up speed as it approached its climax. I thought the mix of Elvis Presley history and fiction made for an interesting basis for the story.
As this is the second book in the Darla Cavannah series, we were able to see a further development in Darla's professional character. Unfortunately we only find one scene with her new husband so we don't find much more about her personal life.
There are returning members from the first book such as Major Shelby Mitchell, her superior officer and Uther Pendragon Johnson - FBI research specialist, and new characters like Detective Rita Gibbons, her new partner and Elvis Presley aficionado. It was a lot of fun to see what information Uther was able to dig up through his resources and Rita’s knowledge of Elvis was quite impressive.
Watching the killer’s planning was fascinating. It was very well thought out and had definitely been thought about for some time. The way he made various planned steps ahead of time kept me wanting to keep reading to see what he was going to do with those steps since he didn’t execute them right away.
There were quite a number of twists and turns in the plot of this story, so much so that the story turns out to be about so much more than what it looks like at first glance. Officer Elvis is not the only Elvis Presley tribute artist who is murdered in the short few weeks leading up to a large competition. One of the questions that comes up during the investigations is why would the killer take out Officer Elvis who usually places last, or near last in this competition every year?
Despite the adult themes and profanity, I found the basic story itself to be very interesting. Those who are Elvis Presley fans will enjoy this novel, I'm sure. I gave it 4 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
See my full review at Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
Lieutenant Darla Cavannah, worked with the MBI, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. Her one time partner, Tommy Reylander, when she worked for the Hinds County Sheriff's Office, was an Elvis Tribute Artist. Upon arriving at work, she discovered that "Officer Elvis" as he was known by his stage name had been blown up the night before at his last performance. She felt that although they hadn't gotten along well as partners, it was part of "the unwritten code" that they should work they case and find the murder. She wanted to lead the investigation.
Darla is given three days to come up with some good leads or turn the case over to the local county department. What she comes up with is bigger and stranger than anyone could have imagined.
Officer Elvis started out moderately paced and then picked up speed as it approached its climax. I thought the mix of Elvis Presley history and fiction made for an interesting basis for the story.
As this is the second book in the Darla Cavannah series, we were able to see a further development in Darla's professional character. Unfortunately we only find one scene with her new husband so we don't find much more about her personal life.
There are returning members from the first book such as Major Shelby Mitchell, her superior officer and Uther Pendragon Johnson - FBI research specialist, and new characters like Detective Rita Gibbons, her new partner and Elvis Presley aficionado. It was a lot of fun to see what information Uther was able to dig up through his resources and Rita’s knowledge of Elvis was quite impressive.
Watching the killer’s planning was fascinating. It was very well thought out and had definitely been thought about for some time. The way he made various planned steps ahead of time kept me wanting to keep reading to see what he was going to do with those steps since he didn’t execute them right away.
There were quite a number of twists and turns in the plot of this story, so much so that the story turns out to be about so much more than what it looks like at first glance. Officer Elvis is not the only Elvis Presley tribute artist who is murdered in the short few weeks leading up to a large competition. One of the questions that comes up during the investigations is why would the killer take out Officer Elvis who usually places last, or near last in this competition every year?
Despite the adult themes and profanity, I found the basic story itself to be very interesting. Those who are Elvis Presley fans will enjoy this novel, I'm sure. I gave it 4 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
See my full review at Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
May 20, 2015
Officer Elvis (A Darla Cavannah Mystery) by Gary Gusick 3 stars
All in the name of Elvis.
Tommy Reylander, a detective with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department is an Elvis impersonator. He’s just finished his performance for the residents of the Clarion Hills Senior Residence Center. His girlfriend, Edwina (dressed to look like Priscilla) has joined him on the stage for the final numbers and she stays behind to chat to the residents while Tommy goes out to his prize convertible Cadillac. He’s going to drive away from the home with “Cill” by his side to the waves and cheers of the adoring audience, except that the minute he turns the engine, it’s over for him and his beloved car, thanks to a bomb.
Lieutenant Darla Cavannah of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Jackson Office is given the investigation. Her boss, Major Shelby Mitchell wants the murderer caught as quickly as possible. Rita Gibbons, who dresses like a country-western singer, becomes her partner for the case. Her knowledge of all things Elvis bring invaluable insight for Darla as more Elvis impersonators are murdered in bizarre circumstances.
This was a fun book. There were enough murders to make you want to keep turning the pages. There were also plenty of suspects scattered throughout to keep your interest alive, and even when you meet the killer, there’s still so many doubts about the others who’ve been interviewed as the potential murderer, surely they still up to no good?
Darla Cavannah is a superb lady detective. A woman with high intelligence and ability to sort fact from fiction. She’s good at her job and keeps her cool and unlike some lead detectives, has no hang-ups. All the people surrounding her in this story are also well drawn. As the reader, you are able to come away from the book feeling like you’ve met some real people. It took me a bit of time to get into the style of “Mississippi” writing, but once I had, it was a pleasure to read.
Treebeard
All in the name of Elvis.
Tommy Reylander, a detective with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department is an Elvis impersonator. He’s just finished his performance for the residents of the Clarion Hills Senior Residence Center. His girlfriend, Edwina (dressed to look like Priscilla) has joined him on the stage for the final numbers and she stays behind to chat to the residents while Tommy goes out to his prize convertible Cadillac. He’s going to drive away from the home with “Cill” by his side to the waves and cheers of the adoring audience, except that the minute he turns the engine, it’s over for him and his beloved car, thanks to a bomb.
Lieutenant Darla Cavannah of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Jackson Office is given the investigation. Her boss, Major Shelby Mitchell wants the murderer caught as quickly as possible. Rita Gibbons, who dresses like a country-western singer, becomes her partner for the case. Her knowledge of all things Elvis bring invaluable insight for Darla as more Elvis impersonators are murdered in bizarre circumstances.
This was a fun book. There were enough murders to make you want to keep turning the pages. There were also plenty of suspects scattered throughout to keep your interest alive, and even when you meet the killer, there’s still so many doubts about the others who’ve been interviewed as the potential murderer, surely they still up to no good?
Darla Cavannah is a superb lady detective. A woman with high intelligence and ability to sort fact from fiction. She’s good at her job and keeps her cool and unlike some lead detectives, has no hang-ups. All the people surrounding her in this story are also well drawn. As the reader, you are able to come away from the book feeling like you’ve met some real people. It took me a bit of time to get into the style of “Mississippi” writing, but once I had, it was a pleasure to read.
Treebeard
May 4, 2015
Tommy Reylander is a detective with Hinds County Sheriff’s Department in the state of Mississippi and on his own time, he is an Elvis impersonator. His preferred stage name is ‘Officer Elvis’. This particular performance is at a nursing home. “Tommy looked around the room, making eye contact here and there, muttering thank you, winking and blowing kisses. An elderly woman in the back row had fainted. Or maybe she’d nodded off. In nursing homes it was kind of hard to tell.” Edwina (Cill) Nothauzer was Tommy’s girlfriend. She was the Priscilla to Tommy’s Elvis. She waited at the door with his fans while he went to retrieve the caddy. He owned an ‘Elvis-mobile’, a car just like Elvis’ 1955 pink and white Cadillac Fleetwood. This would be the last time he’d ever start the car.
Lieutenant Darla Cavannah of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations (MBI) is called to investigate the explosion that took Tommy’s life. She soon finds out that someone is targeting Elvis impersonators. Before her promotion, she and Tommy had been partners. She hadn’t been close to him; but he is one of their own. She teams up with Rita Gibbons, a recently reprimanded officer, who needs this second chance.
Officer Elvis was well done; it has a very creative story line. The author used dialect and expressions of the Mississippi locale that made the characters more believable. I’m drawn to mysteries that use humor and even a bit of sarcasm, and this one fit the bill. The killer is shadowed in a couple of early chapters without revealing his identity. Then about half way through, he is identified but the novel remains suspenseful as Darla and her team try to catch up to him. Officer Elvis follows The Last Clinic, #1 in the series, but I didn’t feel the need to read them in order. This book is complete in itself. Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Lieutenant Darla Cavannah of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations (MBI) is called to investigate the explosion that took Tommy’s life. She soon finds out that someone is targeting Elvis impersonators. Before her promotion, she and Tommy had been partners. She hadn’t been close to him; but he is one of their own. She teams up with Rita Gibbons, a recently reprimanded officer, who needs this second chance.
Officer Elvis was well done; it has a very creative story line. The author used dialect and expressions of the Mississippi locale that made the characters more believable. I’m drawn to mysteries that use humor and even a bit of sarcasm, and this one fit the bill. The killer is shadowed in a couple of early chapters without revealing his identity. Then about half way through, he is identified but the novel remains suspenseful as Darla and her team try to catch up to him. Officer Elvis follows The Last Clinic, #1 in the series, but I didn’t feel the need to read them in order. This book is complete in itself. Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
November 21, 2016
Tommy was a police officer and part-time Elvis impersonator tribute artist. After playing a gig at a seniors' home, he gets in his caddy, which promptly blows up. Darla, his former partner, takes the lead on the murder investigation, which leads her to talk with a former drug dealer who now saves catfish, the owner of a strip bar, a poker-addicted lawyer and Tommy's girlfriend, Cill (she was "Priscilla" in his act). She eventually makes a link to other Elvis tribute artists as she tries to solve this murder.
This is the second book I've read by this author and I liked it. I liked the writing style and thought it was well-paced. It's written in third person perspective with the focus on wherever the action is. It's an easy fun read ... you'll especially appreciate it if you are an Elvis fan. The language at times is for a mature reader.
It is the second in the Darla Cavannah series, a Philadelphian transplant in Mississippi, but it works as a stand alone. You don't have to read the first one (I read it in 2013) to know what's going on as there's enough background given and this book happens a couple years later.
I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2016/11...
April 21, 2015
Ever since I started reading the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich, I have been on a quest to find good mysteries with colorful and amusing characters. After finishing Officer Elvis, I think I have found just such a series. This is the second book featuring Darla Cavannnah. I haven't read the first one, but I will be seeking it out.
This time around, Darla is trying to solve the murder of her old partner, Tommy "Officer Elvis" Ryelander. She ends up with a new partner and a case that ends up being more convoluted than she bargained for. I really liked Darla.She is a smart no-nonsense cop and an all around likable character. I also liked that she was tall. Sometimes I get tired of reading about small, under 5 feet women. I loved how she kept correcting people's English.
The story is rounded out nicely with great peripheral characters for Darla to interact with. Even though this is supposed to be a stand alone, I do wish I had read the first one before this to get a better feel for the relationship between Darla and her boss as well as her husband. This will definitely be on my recommend list!
This time around, Darla is trying to solve the murder of her old partner, Tommy "Officer Elvis" Ryelander. She ends up with a new partner and a case that ends up being more convoluted than she bargained for. I really liked Darla.She is a smart no-nonsense cop and an all around likable character. I also liked that she was tall. Sometimes I get tired of reading about small, under 5 feet women. I loved how she kept correcting people's English.
The story is rounded out nicely with great peripheral characters for Darla to interact with. Even though this is supposed to be a stand alone, I do wish I had read the first one before this to get a better feel for the relationship between Darla and her boss as well as her husband. This will definitely be on my recommend list!
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