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The Superhero Detective #1
Superhero Detective for Hire
Look, I get it: I’m not your typical superhero. I don’t leap tall buildings, I’m not a billionaire playboy, and I didn’t get bitten by a radioactive spider. Plus, I don’t wear tights. Where the heck would I keep my gun?
But don’t get it twisted: I, private detective Truman Lord, am still very much a superhero. If my gun doesn’t get you, my powers surely will. I’m thinking about using that as my catchphrase. Don’t try to steal it. I copyright my stuff.
When Eileen hired me to stop a former lover from blackmailing her, I thought it would be a simple matter of using sweet reason to persuade him to stop. I call my right fist “sweet”; my left one is “reason.” But, when people started turning up dead and supervillains came out of the woodwork, I was soon investigating a murder case where I was the next target. Someone wanted me dead.
I hoped to foil their objective. “Foil" is superhero and detective-speak for “punch them in the face.”
But don’t get it twisted: I, private detective Truman Lord, am still very much a superhero. If my gun doesn’t get you, my powers surely will. I’m thinking about using that as my catchphrase. Don’t try to steal it. I copyright my stuff.
When Eileen hired me to stop a former lover from blackmailing her, I thought it would be a simple matter of using sweet reason to persuade him to stop. I call my right fist “sweet”; my left one is “reason.” But, when people started turning up dead and supervillains came out of the woodwork, I was soon investigating a murder case where I was the next target. Someone wanted me dead.
I hoped to foil their objective. “Foil" is superhero and detective-speak for “punch them in the face.”
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2015
226 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 23, 2018
Run of the mill pseudo hard boiled detective mystery with a super hero as a detective.
Not bad but I thought the solution to the puzzle was lame.
Not bad but I thought the solution to the puzzle was lame.
March 6, 2018
I'm a big fan of Darius Brasher's THE OMEGA SUPERHERO books, though they tended to get a little dark for my tastes, so I decided to check out his other superhero series.
THE SUPERHERO DETECTIVE is a work which reflects its title in that it's about a hydrokinetic private eye who just so happens to work as a licensed hero in-between his career as a gumshoe. I liked Truman Lord during his guest appearance in SENTINELS and was eager to get into his series. So, what did I think? I really liked it.
SUPERHERO DETECTIVE FOR HIRE follows Truman Lord as he's hired by a middle aged academic being blackmailed by her much younger lover. Said lover has the ability to create 3-dimensional illusions of the events he's experienced as well as record them on film. It turns out the young man has made an enormously profitable living blackmailing older rich women he's sleeping with. Unfortunately, he crosses the wrong person during Truman's investigation and it swiftly becomes a case where the bodies begin piling up.
The book is really good with a buffet of sex, lies, superpowers, and murder. If I have any complaints, it's the fact the book is about 80% detective noir and 20% superhero. A more evenly distributed balance between the capes and private detective work would have been appreciated. Despite this, I had a lot of fun with the characters and the seediness of Truman's investigations.
Truman is a great protagonist and while cynical deadpan snarkers are nothing new in the detective genre, I found him to be a likable Harry Dresden-esque figure. Certainly, I'm looking forward to picking up more volumes of his series.
9/10
THE SUPERHERO DETECTIVE is a work which reflects its title in that it's about a hydrokinetic private eye who just so happens to work as a licensed hero in-between his career as a gumshoe. I liked Truman Lord during his guest appearance in SENTINELS and was eager to get into his series. So, what did I think? I really liked it.
SUPERHERO DETECTIVE FOR HIRE follows Truman Lord as he's hired by a middle aged academic being blackmailed by her much younger lover. Said lover has the ability to create 3-dimensional illusions of the events he's experienced as well as record them on film. It turns out the young man has made an enormously profitable living blackmailing older rich women he's sleeping with. Unfortunately, he crosses the wrong person during Truman's investigation and it swiftly becomes a case where the bodies begin piling up.
The book is really good with a buffet of sex, lies, superpowers, and murder. If I have any complaints, it's the fact the book is about 80% detective noir and 20% superhero. A more evenly distributed balance between the capes and private detective work would have been appreciated. Despite this, I had a lot of fun with the characters and the seediness of Truman's investigations.
Truman is a great protagonist and while cynical deadpan snarkers are nothing new in the detective genre, I found him to be a likable Harry Dresden-esque figure. Certainly, I'm looking forward to picking up more volumes of his series.
9/10
February 22, 2021
Apparently a spinoff of another of the author's superhero series, this was an enjoyable, moderately interesting, low-stakes story. It's light on action, heavy on the process of private detectiving. The main character and narrator is well-developed with a complex morality that makes him a hero, despite factors that could easily drag him into gray zones. Of course, he's a complete pig when it comes to women, at least in his constant evaluations of their appearance, although his outward actions are generally honorable, and the setting is awfully misogynistic; almost every woman shown is a receptionist or secretary or a sex kitten unsatisfied by her wealthy older husband. It's like a 1950s comic book social landscape only partially updated for the 21st century.
I appreciated that it was the most adult of the few superhero-based novels I have read to date, which tend to skew towards YA sensibilities even if intended for an adult audience. This is a feature of the source material, but here the author crafts a concept that matures the subgenre somewhat.
The voice of the hardboiled detective was maintained well throughout the story. The touches of humour were nice, usually in the form of the main character's self-deprecation. Although superpowers were not a huge part of the story, I liked the creative uses of the MC's hydrokinetic abilities.
Amazon sales rank (Feb 2021; tracking for my Kindle Unlimited trial books, just for fun)
Best Sellers Rank: #205,782 in Kindle Store
Best sub-rank: #928 in Contemporary Fantasy Fiction
I appreciated that it was the most adult of the few superhero-based novels I have read to date, which tend to skew towards YA sensibilities even if intended for an adult audience. This is a feature of the source material, but here the author crafts a concept that matures the subgenre somewhat.
The voice of the hardboiled detective was maintained well throughout the story. The touches of humour were nice, usually in the form of the main character's self-deprecation. Although superpowers were not a huge part of the story, I liked the creative uses of the MC's hydrokinetic abilities.
Amazon sales rank (Feb 2021; tracking for my Kindle Unlimited trial books, just for fun)
Best Sellers Rank: #205,782 in Kindle Store
Best sub-rank: #928 in Contemporary Fantasy Fiction
unfinished
May 16, 2017This was just not what I was looking for. It wrote like a cheesy detective and gangster plot. Well written just not what I wanted.
September 2, 2019
DNF 17%
Two chapters in and every female character is described as a potential sexual partner. The protagonist can't even refer to a woman without ruminating on her looks. If this was satire, I'd say it was overblown, but it is not.
The author struggles with grammar. His MC seems to think he has it mastered though. Ha.
Brasher also likes to quote real people in his fantasy, either mashing the quotes and/or misattributing them. Is it too hard a thing to use Google these days?
On the plus side, the tone is pleasant - a blending of comedy and noir. The concept is interesting and the power-sets seem modest enough to make any action-scenes relatable, assuming there was some action past the point at which I quit.
If you don't mind a misogynistic MC and a pretentious author, I can see some promise here.
Two chapters in and every female character is described as a potential sexual partner. The protagonist can't even refer to a woman without ruminating on her looks. If this was satire, I'd say it was overblown, but it is not.
The author struggles with grammar. His MC seems to think he has it mastered though. Ha.
Brasher also likes to quote real people in his fantasy, either mashing the quotes and/or misattributing them. Is it too hard a thing to use Google these days?
On the plus side, the tone is pleasant - a blending of comedy and noir. The concept is interesting and the power-sets seem modest enough to make any action-scenes relatable, assuming there was some action past the point at which I quit.
If you don't mind a misogynistic MC and a pretentious author, I can see some promise here.
June 23, 2019
Read an excerpt of this from the author's other series first book, Caped. And on the promise of that excerpt, I bought(!) this book and started reading it.
And, it pretty much lived up to my self-aggrandized hype. I'm sure Titus would agree.
Mild spoiler: A university president is being blackmailed by her lover, and she hires Titus, a superpowered private detective, to put an end to the blackmail without alerting her husband.
Titus is a character, for sure, and I don't just mean that as a person in a story. He is full of himself, mostly with reason. He's okay with being slightly abrasive toward people. One never knows what will break off/out of someone and reveal something useful.
Very satisfying read, and I definitely want to continue the series. Soon, dear readers, soon!
And, it pretty much lived up to my self-aggrandized hype. I'm sure Titus would agree.
Mild spoiler: A university president is being blackmailed by her lover, and she hires Titus, a superpowered private detective, to put an end to the blackmail without alerting her husband.
Titus is a character, for sure, and I don't just mean that as a person in a story. He is full of himself, mostly with reason. He's okay with being slightly abrasive toward people. One never knows what will break off/out of someone and reveal something useful.
Very satisfying read, and I definitely want to continue the series. Soon, dear readers, soon!
December 8, 2019
Am enjoyable read
Got this book after going down a rabbit hold of Kindle recommendations... Read one superhero book and suddenly you are dog piled with 20 more as suggestions.
Overall the book was good. I felt like the author was trying just a little too hard with the protagonist's throw back to 1940's gumshoe detective crossed with sarcastic wise guy. But I love a good mystery and this delivered a one that I found enjoyable. After about halfway through the book, the protagonist had grown on me and I had accepted his personality.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I plan on picking up the sequel.
Got this book after going down a rabbit hold of Kindle recommendations... Read one superhero book and suddenly you are dog piled with 20 more as suggestions.
Overall the book was good. I felt like the author was trying just a little too hard with the protagonist's throw back to 1940's gumshoe detective crossed with sarcastic wise guy. But I love a good mystery and this delivered a one that I found enjoyable. After about halfway through the book, the protagonist had grown on me and I had accepted his personality.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I plan on picking up the sequel.
November 24, 2024
Nope. An annoying MC with a sense of humor only he appreciates and I'm not even going to get into his leery obsession with women.
I've read better superhero books this year.
Below is an example of the author's love of 'I' which happens way too much. Almost as if he hired an elementary school student to write some scenes.
"I put the gun back into the desk drawer I had taken it out off. I picked up the glass bowl holding the depleted water. I took it to the bathroom at the end of the hall to refill it."
Blessedly short, or I wouldn't have finished it.
I've read better superhero books this year.
Below is an example of the author's love of 'I' which happens way too much. Almost as if he hired an elementary school student to write some scenes.
"I put the gun back into the desk drawer I had taken it out off. I picked up the glass bowl holding the depleted water. I took it to the bathroom at the end of the hall to refill it."
Blessedly short, or I wouldn't have finished it.
December 17, 2018
What a fun book. You don't have to like fantasy or superhero stories to like our hero Truman Lord. I don't much like most superhero books and have been pleasantly surprised with Darius Brasher's Omega Superhero series and now this enjoyable fast read.
Please see my full review here: https://www.morebooksthantime.com/sup...
Please see my full review here: https://www.morebooksthantime.com/sup...
October 10, 2018
One heck of a story.
Quite an enjoyable read. However, I kept thinking the main character sounded very familiar. Then I remembered! I think it was a detective series by I believe a writer named Donald Westlake. Not sure, and really doesn't matter😀 This one is good enough to stand alone, and you should definitely read it.
Quite an enjoyable read. However, I kept thinking the main character sounded very familiar. Then I remembered! I think it was a detective series by I believe a writer named Donald Westlake. Not sure, and really doesn't matter😀 This one is good enough to stand alone, and you should definitely read it.
February 26, 2018
Enjoyable read
I liked this one. The snarky comments and dialogue were entertaining. It would be nice if authors who wrote about guns actually knew something about them. However that is probably to much to wish for.
I liked this one. The snarky comments and dialogue were entertaining. It would be nice if authors who wrote about guns actually knew something about them. However that is probably to much to wish for.
March 17, 2018
Not for me
Detective noir with a wise-cracking detective.
The internal dialog was just too corny. While I can deal with some of it, the amount was just too much and too horrible. Paraphrasing:
Detective noir with a wise-cracking detective.
The internal dialog was just too corny. While I can deal with some of it, the amount was just too much and too horrible. Paraphrasing:
September 15, 2018
A comic narrative and a light read
I read the omega superhero series first and found this to be a light read with more witty dialogs. It's not as serious and if you are looking for something where you do not want to think too much, this is perfect.
I read the omega superhero series first and found this to be a light read with more witty dialogs. It's not as serious and if you are looking for something where you do not want to think too much, this is perfect.
February 21, 2019
Good.
I’ve read a few of Darius’s books. Truman is my favourite of his characters as he is a neat blend of mockery and kindness with a hint of thuggery.
I highly recommend all of these super books. The have a lot of heart.
I’ve read a few of Darius’s books. Truman is my favourite of his characters as he is a neat blend of mockery and kindness with a hint of thuggery.
I highly recommend all of these super books. The have a lot of heart.
August 27, 2017
Love it!
Such a fun book! Really enjoyed it. Not my usual genre but I'm hooked! Finished it in one day, on to the next in series.
Such a fun book! Really enjoyed it. Not my usual genre but I'm hooked! Finished it in one day, on to the next in series.
February 19, 2018
I think this quote from the homicide detective, Glenn Pearson, pretty well sums up my thoughts. “Though you’re almost as good as you think you are, you’re nowhere near as funny as you think you are.”
May 20, 2018
Good yarn
I liked it. An uncompliated yarn that entertained me for several hours. I will be reading the next one in the series.
I liked it. An uncompliated yarn that entertained me for several hours. I will be reading the next one in the series.
September 21, 2018
Elvis Cole meets Luke Cage
So awesome
Great book, if you love superhero’s and detectives you will love this. Elvis Cole meets Luke Cage - super funny
So awesome
Great book, if you love superhero’s and detectives you will love this. Elvis Cole meets Luke Cage - super funny
November 21, 2018
Great fun
Fun book, fairly easy reading that combines pulp mysteries with super heroes. Likable characters, fast plot, good action, and a bit of film noir.
Fun book, fairly easy reading that combines pulp mysteries with super heroes. Likable characters, fast plot, good action, and a bit of film noir.
January 1, 2019
Loved it!
I found this absolutely delightful! You can almost hear Truman narrating his actions. It is not your average detective story.
I found this absolutely delightful! You can almost hear Truman narrating his actions. It is not your average detective story.
September 3, 2019
Good book
Would recommend this book to anyone. A detective series with super hero's. Definitely not your typical super hero's book. Cannot wait to read the next book
Would recommend this book to anyone. A detective series with super hero's. Definitely not your typical super hero's book. Cannot wait to read the next book
October 14, 2019
Super hero detective
A nice twist on a detective novel with the main character also being a hero with powers. It was a fun read
A nice twist on a detective novel with the main character also being a hero with powers. It was a fun read
February 12, 2022
Another Winner
I have Enjoyed reading all the books in his Super hero series. Great characters and story that reads smoothly and kept me engaged
I have Enjoyed reading all the books in his Super hero series. Great characters and story that reads smoothly and kept me engaged
August 23, 2025
This was bad in an exceptional way. If you can pretend like it’s a satire of all the tropes it’s playing in to it gets a little better.
December 12, 2019
Dud. This book is riddled cliches. A reader could play cliche bingo. 94% you've seen elsewhere. The Super hero parts of the story are good. But, it feels like you have to drag thru a swamp of derivative material to get to it.
July 6, 2016
Thoughtful literature? Nope. But reasonably amusing. The viewpoint character is very much NOT the Modern Sensitive Male(tm) that has become the norm in urban fantasy. He is, however, exceedingly honest in sharing his unfiltered thoughts with the reader, and has a personal code to which he adheres, even when it conflicts with professional or societal expectations.
I laughed. I cringed. I groaned. I chuckled. I read it all the way through, and was generally entertained. Not your standard superhero story, not your standard UF - but an interesting change of pace. Sometimes you just want some Fritos, instead of the fancy tortilla chips.
I laughed. I cringed. I groaned. I chuckled. I read it all the way through, and was generally entertained. Not your standard superhero story, not your standard UF - but an interesting change of pace. Sometimes you just want some Fritos, instead of the fancy tortilla chips.
April 15, 2016
Just Silly - But Good
Silly story, as believable as science fiction, but a great fun read. The superhero, Truman is delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Silly story, as believable as science fiction, but a great fun read. The superhero, Truman is delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 2, 2016
Several proofreading errors took me out of the story. The tone and writing very close to Robert Parker Spenser series
September 29, 2016
I love a good PI novel with a twist and this one delivers.
January 12, 2017
With a rather crazy sense of humor, the main character stumbles a bit through an investigation in a world with metahumans as well as blackmailers. Lots of fun & a pretty good mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews