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Dev Haskell Mystery #7
Ting-A-Ling
Ting-A-Ling is the Seventh mystery in the highly entertaining Dev Haskell Private Investigator mystery series. In Hitchcockian fashion, the telephone rings at two in the morning. PI Dev Haskell answers, half-asleep, to a giggling woman named Danielle. It seems she's found his phone number on a bathroom stall. She's called Dev "for a good time," but what she really wants is for him to deliver a simple message to her former business partner. It's all fun and games (not to mention funny) til someone goes missing. Next thing he knows, our fair but bumbling hero can’t find his client or her business partner, which turns out to be the least of his problems when he finds himself on the hook for murder, and suddenly haunted by a multitude of childhood secrets. In a bizarre but compelling mixture of suspense, family drama, and offbeat comedy, Dev once again messily balances both sides of the law in a wacky adventure that will keep you on your toes while laughing out loud. "Faricy is the next Carl Hiaasen." -Crime Scene
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2014
280 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
Mike Faricy
130 books239 followersI was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, I still live there as well as in Dublin, Ireland. I've been a soldier, freelance journalist, tended bar, sold designer cakes, owned a painting and decorating company along with a number of other schemes and scams. If that doesn't offend you I also play bagpipes with the Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band. All my books stand alone, read them in whatever order you wish. They are filled with the sort of oddballs we are all curious about, but wisely, prefer to keep at a distance. None of my characters will be saving the world from terrorism, international banking conspiracies or coups to take over the government. Rather, they inhabit a world just below the surface of polite society, characters with one foot on either side of the law. The circumstances they find themselves in are usually due to bad decisions, but bad decisions lead to interesting stories. They serve not so much as an example but as a warning to us all. Thanks for taking the time, happy reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 20, 2016
Our hero, private eye Dev Haskell, is enjoying an evening with his long time friend with benefits, Heidi, when he gets a call at 3 AM. The young woman is clearly drunk and has been stood up by her date and found Dev's number listed as "For a good time call..." in the ladies room of a bar. It seemed like a good idea at the time. The following day, now sober trust fund princess Danielle is embarrassed by her call, but hires Dev to help her get back the $50k she loaned to a former business partner. Renee Paris is someone that no one has anything good to say about and tracking him down seems like easy money. But things go awry following a fire and the discovery of a dead body and Dev soon finds himself back in the sights of his old nemesis, Lt. Manning of the police. Can Dev, with the help of his lawyer pal Louie, get himself out of another fine mess. This was a fun mystery with great characters. Dev is not for everyone, but if you liked the other books in the series you will certainly like this one. It's one of the best.
January 25, 2015
By book 7, Haskill should know by now to be wary of women who come onto him. I loved the first book I read but the formular appears much the same in each novel.
I was very disappointed in the abrupt ending and was left wondering what is was all about.
I was very disappointed in the abrupt ending and was left wondering what is was all about.
February 21, 2024
Another mystery with the P.I. Devlin Haskell. He’s being hassled by cops again and once again almost dies twice. But he solved his case!
February 15, 2018
This book like the other Dev Haskell books was going along nicely when it abruptly came to an end as if the author ran out of any idea how to end it.
April 9, 2018
I enjoyed this book right up until the end. It didn't end, it just stopped. I'm honestly not sure what happened.
August 9, 2019
It has an incredibly stupid ending.
I liked reading the story for the most part until I realized the ending provided no information at all to explain exactly what really happened.
I liked reading the story for the most part until I realized the ending provided no information at all to explain exactly what really happened.
July 8, 2021
Dev Haskell made the mistake of answering a 2 AM phone call; his life went downhill from there. The sexy voiced caller was one Danielle Roxbury the heiress-princess-trust fund-baby. Dev, of course, couldn't resist. She has apparently loaned $50,000, in cash, to lowlife con man Renee Paris, and she wants Dev to send the message she wants her money back. Dev suggests she get a good lawyer.
Now that I'm seven books into the series, I realized that I don't know much about Devlin Haskell. Mike Faricy does a great job of describing all the regulars, and the cast of characters introduced in each book, but he doesn't tell us much about Dev. In the last book, LAST SHOT, there is mention that Dev is an Iraq War vet, and all along, I've assumed he must be easy on the eye because women seem to be drawn to him (at least at first). The only thing, I know about him after reading this book is that he has dark hair, combed back. The emphasis on Devlin Haskell has always been his ability to be at the wrong place, at the right time, to find himself in hot water. He is also charming enough, and smart enough to get himself out of these jams pretty much unscathed.
We also learn about a childhood friend of Dev's, Jimmy White who Dev recalls taking the blame for a broken window for him.
The skill of a mystery writer is showcased by how well they pull all the threads in a plotline together. I find that Mike Faricy is a very good thread puller. No matter how far from the central story something may seem, it will matter in the end. However, there is a teeny, tiny thread… no, maybe just a trace of lint… that remains a mystery here… What would that be?! Ahh, that would be telling.
This is a good place to add that there is a box set that contains books 1 through 7. Check it out!
Now that I'm seven books into the series, I realized that I don't know much about Devlin Haskell. Mike Faricy does a great job of describing all the regulars, and the cast of characters introduced in each book, but he doesn't tell us much about Dev. In the last book, LAST SHOT, there is mention that Dev is an Iraq War vet, and all along, I've assumed he must be easy on the eye because women seem to be drawn to him (at least at first). The only thing, I know about him after reading this book is that he has dark hair, combed back. The emphasis on Devlin Haskell has always been his ability to be at the wrong place, at the right time, to find himself in hot water. He is also charming enough, and smart enough to get himself out of these jams pretty much unscathed.
We also learn about a childhood friend of Dev's, Jimmy White who Dev recalls taking the blame for a broken window for him.
The skill of a mystery writer is showcased by how well they pull all the threads in a plotline together. I find that Mike Faricy is a very good thread puller. No matter how far from the central story something may seem, it will matter in the end. However, there is a teeny, tiny thread… no, maybe just a trace of lint… that remains a mystery here… What would that be?! Ahh, that would be telling.
This is a good place to add that there is a box set that contains books 1 through 7. Check it out!
December 30, 2018
Dev gets a weird call in middle of the night his name is on the bathroom door at Bunnies “for a good time call and his number”. Dev’s late night call calls him back a Danielle she wants to hire him. She invested money with Renee and now he says the business is gone. Dev starts to investigate Renee Paris a sleaze ball developer and he is the king of bad investments. Dev learns an old friend from elementary thru high school invested with him and lost everything and ended up killing himself 7 years ago. Det. Manning calls him into his office doesn’t tell Dev why but learns from Louie that the fire he saw on the news is Renee’s place.
May 17, 2019
Decent enough read.
This was a decent enough read that it held my interest.
The plot was ok and flowed well enough. The last part of the story moved quickly and didn’t seem to have much going on.
Easy enough read though.
This was a decent enough read that it held my interest.
The plot was ok and flowed well enough. The last part of the story moved quickly and didn’t seem to have much going on.
Easy enough read though.
June 5, 2023
A wrong number leads to a murder investigation
Dev gets a late night call from someone woman who found his number on a bathroom wall in some bar. After the call she goes missing and Dev goes looking for her. It's a fast read.
Dev gets a late night call from someone woman who found his number on a bathroom wall in some bar. After the call she goes missing and Dev goes looking for her. It's a fast read.
February 26, 2025
First class entertainment
Mike Faricy always delivers a good yarn, first class entertainment and a never ending supply of new characters as well as old favourites such as Louie ,Heidi Mike, and Manning.
Mike Faricy always delivers a good yarn, first class entertainment and a never ending supply of new characters as well as old favourites such as Louie ,Heidi Mike, and Manning.
April 18, 2018
And, Dev avoids arrest again!
April 2, 2019
Mike Faricy has done it again--another light, entertaining Dev Haskell story.
July 4, 2019
Typical Mike Faricy book, a fun light read.
January 3, 2021
Seriously!!! How could someone not like any of these books!
As usual, VERY VERY good read. I do recommend it and hope you give it a chance because if you don't, you are the loser!!!! Excellent read and looking for more:-) Keep up the good work!!!!
As usual, VERY VERY good read. I do recommend it and hope you give it a chance because if you don't, you are the loser!!!! Excellent read and looking for more:-) Keep up the good work!!!!
March 25, 2021
Addicted
I swear I've read 9 in a row! His books are like homemade,buttery,lightly buttered popcorn with a chilled drink on the side. Hits The Spot!!
I swear I've read 9 in a row! His books are like homemade,buttery,lightly buttered popcorn with a chilled drink on the side. Hits The Spot!!
December 30, 2022
Will he ever learn? The phone call at 2am from a drunk woman starts it all.
The usual characters and the demise of a villian or two.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
The usual characters and the demise of a villian or two.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book
March 27, 2023
This book kind of lost me toward the end.
October 14, 2024
Delightful read. Mike and his attorney friend Louis have a super-friendly relationship which helps make the story funny and aplausable. Looking out for the next Mike Faricy read.
March 24, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
This is the seventh book in the Dev Haskell Private Investigator series. I loved it!
Dev Haskell is a fantastic character. He may be a bit of a womanizing pervert at times, but he has a good heart. However, even his best intentions seem to get him into trouble! This character has wormed his way into my affections, even though some of his antics have me rolling my eyes at times!
This is another fantastic tale in the Dev Haskell series, and I was completely hooked from the first page. Dev somehow manages to get himself into trouble without trying very hard. However, this time it's because of a phone call in the middle of the night. There are several twists and turns in this story which kept things interesting, but I was a little disappointed with some of the plot. It seemed a bit thin in places and left me with a couple of questions regarding motive and why a certain character (Dev in particular) would do something completely out of character. Yes, he's been through some tough times, and he's emotionally scarred because of it, but the sudden violence didn't feel right somehow. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
I don't know if it's because Dev is maturing, or if the author is becoming a bit weary, but I found the tone of the book to be more dark and subdued; Dev seems to have lost his sparkle somewhat. Although his ogling of the female form is still there, it seems that his heart is not in it anymore and is just going through the motions. He is certainly not the same person I met in the first novel, Russian Roulette. I don't say this lightly because I would love to read another Dev Haskell adventure, but perhaps it's time the dysfunctional P.I. either settled down or retired. I think that it is extremely difficult for an author to keep getting ideas to keep a series going and, although Dev is a great character, and his antics have kept me entertained, an author needs to keep trying new things or face getting stuck in a rut and his characters and stories reflecting this which, sadly, seems to be the case here.
Mike Faricy is a fantastic author. I love his tongue in cheek writing style, but other readers may disagree. His books are fast paced and extremely exciting to read. He is one of my favourite authors, and I am looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.
I highly recommend this book (and the other Dev Haskell books in the series) if you love detective novels that are entertaining and extremely addictive. - Lynn Worton
This is the seventh book in the Dev Haskell Private Investigator series. I loved it!
Dev Haskell is a fantastic character. He may be a bit of a womanizing pervert at times, but he has a good heart. However, even his best intentions seem to get him into trouble! This character has wormed his way into my affections, even though some of his antics have me rolling my eyes at times!
This is another fantastic tale in the Dev Haskell series, and I was completely hooked from the first page. Dev somehow manages to get himself into trouble without trying very hard. However, this time it's because of a phone call in the middle of the night. There are several twists and turns in this story which kept things interesting, but I was a little disappointed with some of the plot. It seemed a bit thin in places and left me with a couple of questions regarding motive and why a certain character (Dev in particular) would do something completely out of character. Yes, he's been through some tough times, and he's emotionally scarred because of it, but the sudden violence didn't feel right somehow. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
I don't know if it's because Dev is maturing, or if the author is becoming a bit weary, but I found the tone of the book to be more dark and subdued; Dev seems to have lost his sparkle somewhat. Although his ogling of the female form is still there, it seems that his heart is not in it anymore and is just going through the motions. He is certainly not the same person I met in the first novel, Russian Roulette. I don't say this lightly because I would love to read another Dev Haskell adventure, but perhaps it's time the dysfunctional P.I. either settled down or retired. I think that it is extremely difficult for an author to keep getting ideas to keep a series going and, although Dev is a great character, and his antics have kept me entertained, an author needs to keep trying new things or face getting stuck in a rut and his characters and stories reflecting this which, sadly, seems to be the case here.
Mike Faricy is a fantastic author. I love his tongue in cheek writing style, but other readers may disagree. His books are fast paced and extremely exciting to read. He is one of my favourite authors, and I am looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.
I highly recommend this book (and the other Dev Haskell books in the series) if you love detective novels that are entertaining and extremely addictive. - Lynn Worton
March 24, 2014
I received this book to give an honest review.
What can I say about this book other than if you love a humorous story, with a bit of mystery and P.I. work than you have to read Mike Faricy's book. Now I know this is book 7 as part of the Dev Haskell series, but they DO NOT have to be read in order. You get a new case with each book, and have the same main characters. The lawyer, P.I. Dev, the detective, and his go to girl for everything Heidi.
Now with Ting-A-Ling Dev once again finds himself taking on a client who is a woman. Women are his weakness and you would think he would learn after all the problems they have caused him.
This time it is no different, after getting a call in the middle of the night by a woman named Danielle he hears why she needs him and takes it on. Of course something sounds fishy but hey Dev needs money to pay the bills. But little does he know he is being taken on a ride and it is not fun at all. Someone from his childhood past comes back into play and Dev and he finds himself back into the radar of his famous detective friend.
There is the action, mystery surrounding Danielle and why she needs Dev all rolled up into a perfect read. If you are looking for something that will have you shaking your head at the main character for his actions but at the same time laughing then get your hands on Ting-A-Ling.
What can I say about this book other than if you love a humorous story, with a bit of mystery and P.I. work than you have to read Mike Faricy's book. Now I know this is book 7 as part of the Dev Haskell series, but they DO NOT have to be read in order. You get a new case with each book, and have the same main characters. The lawyer, P.I. Dev, the detective, and his go to girl for everything Heidi.
Now with Ting-A-Ling Dev once again finds himself taking on a client who is a woman. Women are his weakness and you would think he would learn after all the problems they have caused him.
This time it is no different, after getting a call in the middle of the night by a woman named Danielle he hears why she needs him and takes it on. Of course something sounds fishy but hey Dev needs money to pay the bills. But little does he know he is being taken on a ride and it is not fun at all. Someone from his childhood past comes back into play and Dev and he finds himself back into the radar of his famous detective friend.
There is the action, mystery surrounding Danielle and why she needs Dev all rolled up into a perfect read. If you are looking for something that will have you shaking your head at the main character for his actions but at the same time laughing then get your hands on Ting-A-Ling.
January 1, 2015
Another free Christmas ebook, and maybe one of the better ones. Gasp yes, you thought I was getting into a rut. Ones like this are, fortunately or unfortunately, what keep me downloading those damn free ebooks. It worked, I think I'd like reading another Dev Haskell Private Investigator novel. Not certain mind you, but I can see myself checking the series out. The ending sold me on this one and I thought the mystery aspect was rather well done, from the set-up to the end. If you can still get this one as free download -- do it!
January 4, 2015
I love the 'Dev Haskell' series. Ting-A-Ling was full of misadventure and some ever present bad luck for Dev. The storyline was great. I liked how the story played out. The characters, as always, are great. I love this series and the fact that it can be read in any order. I look forward to reading more of Dev's adventures. Mike Faricy wrote another great addition to this series. A great add to your tbr list. Recommended read.
January 4, 2015
I Love Dev!!!
A late night call from a sexy woman, starts a new case and a lot of Hijinks. He mentions in passing and I would Love a look back at what Dev did after High School, which branch of Military he joined and the cause of his PTSD. It explains a lot about his drinking and lackadaisical attitude but his being in shape and certain skills. Heidi knows why can't we???????
A late night call from a sexy woman, starts a new case and a lot of Hijinks. He mentions in passing and I would Love a look back at what Dev did after High School, which branch of Military he joined and the cause of his PTSD. It explains a lot about his drinking and lackadaisical attitude but his being in shape and certain skills. Heidi knows why can't we???????
March 6, 2016
P.I. Dev is kind of a screw up, drives a p.o.s. car, no lasting relationships, half ass work ethics, not an alcoholic but lies his beer. He's a bit gullible which places him as a person of interest with the police frequently. I guess I read these books hoping he changes his game plan, gets the girl & becomes at least slightly more reputable. One could only hope...
April 28, 2014
'Ting-A-Ling' by Mike Faricy is a enjoyable read. This was the first time I've read Mike's work and I'll definitely read more. Highly recommend to anyone that enjoys private investigators and mysteries.
December 11, 2014
I prefer mysteries and action novels that have some humor in addition to an interesting plot. This book meets both of my preferences. It is the first one that I've read by Mr. Faricy in this series, and I plan to read more adventures of Dev Haskell.
January 16, 2015
This is my second Dev Haskell mystery. This one was better than the first I read ("Bite Me". At least Mr. Faricy has learned how to end a book... The writing is not professionally done and the story really isn't much of a mystery. It was worth every penny of the price: free.
February 8, 2015
It vaguely reminded me of Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar mysteries but not as good. I stopped halfway through to reread those. I finished this one just to finish- I did not think the characters were very likeable or funny. Glad it was a freebie.
January 12, 2015
Light mystery with some comedy included. Dev, the main character, and his lawyer buddy make an entertaining pair chasing the bad folks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews