Evolution: Jeff Resnick's Backstory: The Jeff Resnick Mysteries

Jeff Resnick Mystery

by L.L. Bartlett

A prequel to the nationally best-selling Jeff Resnick Mysteries, this collection of short stories chronicles Jeff's (and his brother, Richard Albert's) backstory. What forces molded these men into the people they are today? Find out in these 11 thought-provoking tales that span from Jeff and Richard's first meeting until two years before the first book in the series, Murder on the Mind. These stories are not mysteries.

Table of

"First Contact" "Betty's Dead" "Shooting Hoops" "Resnick's Revenge" "The First Noel" "Food for Thought" "The Turning Point" "Happy Birthday?" "Leaving on a Jet Plane" "Sleep's Dark and Silent Gate" "Reunion"

Genres: Mystery

Audible Audio

First published December 22, 12

About the author

The immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what put Lorraine Bartlett’s pen name Lorna Barrett on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it’s her talent -- whether writing as Lorna, or L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett -- that keeps her there. This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square and Lotus Bay Mystery series, and now the Tales of Telenia fantasy saga, and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s). Check out the descriptions and links to all her works here: http://www.LLBartlett.com

Reviews

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Evolution: Jeff Resnick's Back Story by L.L. Bartlett fills in the reader on what occurred in Jeff's and Richard's lives up until 2 years before Jeff's head injury due to mugging (Murder on the Mind). A reader should complete the mystery series first. There are no mysteries in this short story collection, rather an ordered series of events that explain Jeff's and Richard's characters and expectations. Definitely worth reading for a fan of the series. Slightly disappointing: there are a few long gaps in Jeff's life without a story.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evolution is a series of short stories that gives you the back history of how Jeff and Richard met. It shows how their relationship develops over years told by their points of view. Their story is definitely not always pleasant, but you will come to understand so much more about them both. A must read for lovers of Jeff Resnick.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I THINK THIS IS THE LAST BOOK OF THE JEFF RESNICK SERIES, I HOPE MS BARTLETT WRITES MORE OF THE SERIES. I LOVE READING THEM. PLEASE! ;D

[Sandra Holladay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually short stories aren't quite good enough to garner more than three stars, and that is what this book is, a collection of short stories that fill in the gaps in Jeff and Richards lives. The difference here is that these stories are really good. Maybe because I already know Jeff and Richard. Maybe not. But Ms. Bartlett does know how to to write, and to anyone who is a fan of Jeff Resnick, then by all means, read this collection of short stories and perhaps shed a tear for the people they are and who they are on their way to becoming.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evolution is a series of short stories written about the back story of Jeff Resnick and his brother Richard, and how their relationship developed over the early years, starting with the first meeting between the two brothers. The stories are told from alternating viewpoints of both brothers, with a no holds barred look at both characters that at times can be harsh. However, this proves to be a great insight into the adult lives of these two characters. If you are a fan of Jeff Resnick, this is a must read, and one that makes you want to go back and reread the entire series so see how these early character developments track into their future.

[Sue Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like Jeff Resnick? Do you ever wonder what his life was like before he was mugged? Do you wonder about his brother and how he grew up? Well, this book will help you understand the brothers and how their lives were before. This was a super quick and easy read. I read it in a very short time. There were parts of it that broke my heart, parts that got my dander up and parts that warmed my soul. If you're as big of a Jeff Resnick fan as I am, you really should read this.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to this series. Obviously us readers can not get enough of these characters. Definitely a nice read. The star review process is subjective and personal to each reviewer here. I rarely give 5 stars unless a book is unforgettable and perhaps life changing. My 4 stars are great reads that kept me interested and entertained. They may not be perfect but I really enjoyed them.

[Pamela Priest · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love L. L. Bartlett' Jeff Resnick books, you'll love this backstory, telling how Jeff and Richard met and lived together when Jeff was a teenager. They lived with Richard's grandparents, and Richard's grandmother was mean to Jeff, causing him problems. The funniest part was the payback Jeff gave to Richard's grandmother when she kept barging into his bedroom unannounced. This is a must read!

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the Jeff Restock series has been around since 2005, I'm late to the party. I read Murder on the Mind, the 1st book in this series and it made me want to read the rest of the series. I then discovered Evolution: Jeff Resnick's Backstory. It isn't necessary to read Evolution to enjoy Murder on the Mind, but it helps the reader better understand the character. Looking forward to reading the next book, Dead in Red.

[Taylor's♡Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite moment in these stories is when Richard brings a 15-year-old Jeff to a pediatrician to see if he's alright. You can tell he's trying, he's just horrible at this.

Best character is these stories is Kurtis. Jeff would have been fed to wolves without him.

Also congratulations to Richard in the birthday story for finally growing a pair.

Reread: 2023

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a Jeff Resnick fan you definitely want to read this compilation of short stories giving more insight into the relationship between Jeff and his half-brother Richard Alpert. Much of it is sad but gives the reader more of the defining moments that make them who they are today.

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of short stories that explain the relationship of the Resnick brothers. A very good read. I love the Jeff Resnick mystery series.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read the Jeff Resnick novels you have to read this. Great to know about his and Richard's background.

[Rosepetal78 · Rating 3 out of 5]

It felt a little rushed but I would give it 3.5 stars. After the end, the author did comment on the fact that she left some info out.

[Karen-Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really a cosy, more a biography/back story and it was a wonderful capping to reading the series. I loved how it filled in all the nooks and crannies of the novels.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad I discovered L. L. Bartlett

Really impressed with how this book pulled me in and made me care about these characters and their lives. Great. 5 Stars

[Rainbow Unicorn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not entirely a fan of short stories, but these do indeed give a bit more background into the brothers and how they became the people they are.