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The Solomon Mysteries #2
High Time
When skeletal remains turn up in Baltimore’s Leakin Park, Detective Paul Solomon is pessimistic about their chances of solving the case. But a clue discovered near the bones soon leaves his partner, Tim Cullen, in little doubt as to their identity. As the case leads him close to home, Tim struggles to find a balance between professional responsibility and family, testing Paul’s patience and loyalty in the process.
In his personal life, Paul wrestles with his own increasingly precarious balancing act. His friendship with David Haygood threatens his new relationship with Owen, and he finds himself questioning not only his own judgment but his motivations as well. When Paul makes a choice that may irreparably damage his budding romance, the only person he can think to turn to is his ex-lover and friend Andy.
As Paul and Tim sift through details of the short life of a young woman who died over a quarter of a century ago, what eventually emerges from the web of connections and coincidence is a story that’s both shocking and sadly familiar to the seasoned detectives.
In his personal life, Paul wrestles with his own increasingly precarious balancing act. His friendship with David Haygood threatens his new relationship with Owen, and he finds himself questioning not only his own judgment but his motivations as well. When Paul makes a choice that may irreparably damage his budding romance, the only person he can think to turn to is his ex-lover and friend Andy.
As Paul and Tim sift through details of the short life of a young woman who died over a quarter of a century ago, what eventually emerges from the web of connections and coincidence is a story that’s both shocking and sadly familiar to the seasoned detectives.
164 pages, ebook
First published September 10, 2018
1 person is currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Keelan Ellis
12 books46 followersKeelan Ellis is a true crime enthusiast, a political junkie, and a comedy fan. Despite a compulsion to sometimes wallow in the depths of humanity’s corruption and sadness, she considers herself a romantic at heart. The stories she really connects with are about love that’s been twisted into hatred, and she believes that with honesty and forgiveness, love can overcome. Keelan loves good bourbon and classic country music, great television and well-prepared food, especially shared with like-minded people. She’s not a fan of parties and large groups of people, but there’s nothing she loves more than a long conversation with friends. Her favorite part of the writing process is the collaborative stage, hashing out plot and characters with smart and talented friends. It’s where she truly comes to understand the people she’s writing about, and often falls in love with them. With the support and encouragement--as well as some serious editing help--Keelan has found the writing niche she’s always searched for. Sometimes she gets blocked, and when that happens, there’s only one thing she knows to do. Just like Inigo Montoya, she goes back to the beginning, writing about the characters who inspired her so much in the past.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 3, 2018
Detective Paul Solomon and his partner Detective Tim Cullen are called in to investigate the finding of bones .. really old bones.
Identity of the deceased comes easy, but it's the personal connection to Cullen that's the problem. Solomon and Cullen have to sift through years of lies and coverups to get to the truth of what happened 25 years ago, when this victim went missing.
This is an engaging mystery with twists and turns galore. Lots of suspects .... but who can the detectives trust to tell the truth?
The detectives are likeable charcters, although they both have issues in their lives. Solomon's professional and personal life collide as an old friend threatens his new relationship. Cullen must find a balance between professional responsibility and his family.
I look forward to more adventures for these seasoned detectives.
Many thanks to the author / NineStar Press / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Identity of the deceased comes easy, but it's the personal connection to Cullen that's the problem. Solomon and Cullen have to sift through years of lies and coverups to get to the truth of what happened 25 years ago, when this victim went missing.
This is an engaging mystery with twists and turns galore. Lots of suspects .... but who can the detectives trust to tell the truth?
The detectives are likeable charcters, although they both have issues in their lives. Solomon's professional and personal life collide as an old friend threatens his new relationship. Cullen must find a balance between professional responsibility and his family.
I look forward to more adventures for these seasoned detectives.
Many thanks to the author / NineStar Press / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 7, 2018
3,5 stars
The first book in The Solomon Mysteries Series was a pleasant surprise for me, it is why I was looking forward to reading the second book, High Time.
Paul Solomon, an openly gay Homicide detective, and his partner, Tim Cullen, a straight divorced father of a single daughter are very professional as homicide unit cops, but they are also closed friends and care about each others. They seem to enjoy each other's company immensely, and there's plenty of banter among them.
It is not long ago since I finished the first book. I remember that I liked the mystery part, though, strangely enough, I don't remember what it was about. What this book surprised me with was so-called real life-part. You know, the one about friends, ex- and actual lovers, families and all ups and downs on these matters. Good Boys was not a book about a complicated mystery, but in the first place a book about complicated relationships. Exactly like in a RL. And because I found the main two characters extremely likable and their backgrounds very interesting, I enjoyed the whole story a lot.
The second book I'll remember because of the mystery. Not that the mystery in the first book was not that good, but the case here is more serious - because Tim's family is involved -and the investigation that Tim and Paul are busy with is also very time-consuming. Our detectives devote themselves totally to it, there are not plenty of free space for private pleasure or heated banter. There are not so many funny situations/conversations comparing to the first book, and it is what I missed immensely.
Still a good read, and I'm already looking forward to the next sequel. Besides, Paul has to clear many things with his boyfriend. If only...
***ARC provided kindly by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
The first book in The Solomon Mysteries Series was a pleasant surprise for me, it is why I was looking forward to reading the second book, High Time.
Paul Solomon, an openly gay Homicide detective, and his partner, Tim Cullen, a straight divorced father of a single daughter are very professional as homicide unit cops, but they are also closed friends and care about each others. They seem to enjoy each other's company immensely, and there's plenty of banter among them.
It is not long ago since I finished the first book. I remember that I liked the mystery part, though, strangely enough, I don't remember what it was about. What this book surprised me with was so-called real life-part. You know, the one about friends, ex- and actual lovers, families and all ups and downs on these matters. Good Boys was not a book about a complicated mystery, but in the first place a book about complicated relationships. Exactly like in a RL. And because I found the main two characters extremely likable and their backgrounds very interesting, I enjoyed the whole story a lot.
The second book I'll remember because of the mystery. Not that the mystery in the first book was not that good, but the case here is more serious - because Tim's family is involved -and the investigation that Tim and Paul are busy with is also very time-consuming. Our detectives devote themselves totally to it, there are not plenty of free space for private pleasure or heated banter. There are not so many funny situations/conversations comparing to the first book, and it is what I missed immensely.
Still a good read, and I'm already looking forward to the next sequel. Besides, Paul has to clear many things with his boyfriend. If only...
***ARC provided kindly by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
September 14, 2018
I think this book could elicit a mixed reaction. As a mystery fan I loved it, but at the same time it didn't wow me as the first book did. Not quite five stars but I can't bring myself to rate it down.
Here the mystery takes centre stage, a cold case with a personal connection that drives the policing. It's good, well written and paced with believable detecting. A stronger mystery element than in the first book. I enjoyed following the leads and wondered over possible fallout.
In the first book the partnership between Paul and Tim shone through, the banter between them is what made the book. Here it's subdued. Their friendship is still strong and there's a clear awareness of each other's quirks; the situation would cause tension and rule some out, but I still missed that light irreverence.
Romance. While there is a relationship aspect -and how refreshing is it that it's not between partners?- the series is more crime procedural than romance. Owen still doesn't feel a permanent fixture to Paul's life, he's kept apart from things. But this is Paul's doing, and I love that Paul is the cautious grump he is, he feels real, no starry eyes. Paul is far from perfect and discovering Owen is not a pushover. There's things to be worked out, as there should be. Things end positive but don't feel concrete on that front.
Things did wrap up a little suddenly and neatly on all fronts, but that's a very minor quibble.
I enjoyed it, it kept me reading. The investigation being such a strong focus I do think the book had less character to it. This isn't one that's going to appeal to non-crime fans. However I still love how real these characters feel. It's strongly written and on finishing I was wanting to reach for the next book. I REALLY hope there will more in this series.
Here the mystery takes centre stage, a cold case with a personal connection that drives the policing. It's good, well written and paced with believable detecting. A stronger mystery element than in the first book. I enjoyed following the leads and wondered over possible fallout.
In the first book the partnership between Paul and Tim shone through, the banter between them is what made the book. Here it's subdued. Their friendship is still strong and there's a clear awareness of each other's quirks; the situation would cause tension and rule some out, but I still missed that light irreverence.
Romance. While there is a relationship aspect -and how refreshing is it that it's not between partners?- the series is more crime procedural than romance. Owen still doesn't feel a permanent fixture to Paul's life, he's kept apart from things. But this is Paul's doing, and I love that Paul is the cautious grump he is, he feels real, no starry eyes. Paul is far from perfect and discovering Owen is not a pushover. There's things to be worked out, as there should be. Things end positive but don't feel concrete on that front.
Things did wrap up a little suddenly and neatly on all fronts, but that's a very minor quibble.
I enjoyed it, it kept me reading. The investigation being such a strong focus I do think the book had less character to it. This isn't one that's going to appeal to non-crime fans. However I still love how real these characters feel. It's strongly written and on finishing I was wanting to reach for the next book. I REALLY hope there will more in this series.
September 10, 2018
This is not going to be my best review…I jotted down a bunch of notes when I finished this last week but am just now getting around to fleshing those thoughts out so…
First, I might as well just type up what I wrote down the other night and go from there.
• Good but not as good.
• Missed the Partner banter.
• Can’t get a firm hold on Noah but I know I definitely don’t want there to be any sort of threesome.
• Poor David. No, I know I shouldn’t feel this way but I do.
• I liked the case being cold and close to home, very close.
• I love Paul.
So yeah, that is what I jotted down when I finished and really, I still feel all the same stuff.
I loved the first book and was beyond excited that there was going to be a second book. As I told you in my review of Good Boys, my first love will probably always be murder with romance coming in as a strong second, so to get both just puts me over the moon. And, well, I am over the moon. This was very good I just didn’t love it as much as the first one.
I love the writing and seriously can’t stress how believable the stories have been so far. I love feeling like I am just day to day watching Paul live his life.
So yeah, this is a very strong follow up and I can see this series going and going and going and me never tiring of following Paul around as hebumbles navigates himself through his relationships and solves mysteries, well, pretty brilliantly and with a huge heart.
**This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.**
First, I might as well just type up what I wrote down the other night and go from there.
• Good but not as good.
• Missed the Partner banter.
• Can’t get a firm hold on Noah but I know I definitely don’t want there to be any sort of threesome.
• Poor David. No, I know I shouldn’t feel this way but I do.
• I liked the case being cold and close to home, very close.
• I love Paul.
So yeah, that is what I jotted down when I finished and really, I still feel all the same stuff.
I loved the first book and was beyond excited that there was going to be a second book. As I told you in my review of Good Boys, my first love will probably always be murder with romance coming in as a strong second, so to get both just puts me over the moon. And, well, I am over the moon. This was very good I just didn’t love it as much as the first one.
I love the writing and seriously can’t stress how believable the stories have been so far. I love feeling like I am just day to day watching Paul live his life.
So yeah, this is a very strong follow up and I can see this series going and going and going and me never tiring of following Paul around as he
**This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.**
September 26, 2018
3.75 stars rounded up
I liked it better because the MYSTERY was better -- and not so much on Paul's personal life. Although it's still very complicated that one. Paul has been dating Owen the bartender but can't see to stop seeing David, the ex-minister, as friend. Either because he feels like he needs to save David or not, who knows.
But again, I liked it better because the mystery!! It involved bones resurfacing -- of a teenage girl who is presumed missing from decades ago -- and connected to Tim's sister.
I hope for the next book, it will also focus on mystery rather than Paul's complicated relationship with Owen and David.
I liked it better because the MYSTERY was better -- and not so much on Paul's personal life. Although it's still very complicated that one. Paul has been dating Owen the bartender but can't see to stop seeing David, the ex-minister, as friend. Either because he feels like he needs to save David or not, who knows.
But again, I liked it better because the mystery!! It involved bones resurfacing -- of a teenage girl who is presumed missing from decades ago -- and connected to Tim's sister.
I hope for the next book, it will also focus on mystery rather than Paul's complicated relationship with Owen and David.
February 26, 2019
***4.5***
Oh Keelan Ellis how I love thee!
This is the second of the The Solomon Mysteries, and you should definitely read Good Boys first. I think there's a strong case to be made to call them the The Cullen & Solomon Mysteries, his work partner, Tim Cullen, is that interesting and adorable.
Like the previous book, and more so this one, I must stress that this isn't a romance in the genre sense, the bulk of it centers around the case, and there isn't really a main couple you're rooting for or any kind of explicit smex scenes. I didn't miss them. It's more about Paul wading into the seas of emotional maturity in terms of his romantic life. The story picks up some six months after the previous case and Paul has been dating Owen, but not fully committed, while cultivating a friendship with David. What kind of friend remains to be seen.
Tim & Paul are called to a case of human remains found at Leakin Park, which turns from a cold case of a missing person to a murder investigation. If you listen to podcasts like Serial you'll get right in the picture, if fact some podcasters feature tangentially in the story. A strong sense of place is one of the strong suits of this series and it almost feels like a love letter to a lover, with it's faults and beauty exposed. The lover is the city of Baltimore. The case ends up touching close to home for Tim and testing Paul & Tim's partnership, but ultimately the mystery isn't too recondite. Rather it serves as a framework to examine Paul's emotional landscape and more crucially the nature of memory, the passage of time, family, and like before, forgiveness.
Paul in one interesting Pandora's Box, so if you want pat answers about a one and only true love you'll be disappointed. I must say that I was surprised by how things stood between Paul and Owen by the end, but it makes sense and I'm super eager for the next installment. I suspect things are going to get messy.
I did want more. More about Tim, Kathleen, Annie, and particularly David. Patience.
Oh Keelan Ellis how I love thee!
This is the second of the The Solomon Mysteries, and you should definitely read Good Boys first. I think there's a strong case to be made to call them the The Cullen & Solomon Mysteries, his work partner, Tim Cullen, is that interesting and adorable.
Like the previous book, and more so this one, I must stress that this isn't a romance in the genre sense, the bulk of it centers around the case, and there isn't really a main couple you're rooting for or any kind of explicit smex scenes. I didn't miss them. It's more about Paul wading into the seas of emotional maturity in terms of his romantic life. The story picks up some six months after the previous case and Paul has been dating Owen, but not fully committed, while cultivating a friendship with David. What kind of friend remains to be seen.
Tim & Paul are called to a case of human remains found at Leakin Park, which turns from a cold case of a missing person to a murder investigation. If you listen to podcasts like Serial you'll get right in the picture, if fact some podcasters feature tangentially in the story. A strong sense of place is one of the strong suits of this series and it almost feels like a love letter to a lover, with it's faults and beauty exposed. The lover is the city of Baltimore. The case ends up touching close to home for Tim and testing Paul & Tim's partnership, but ultimately the mystery isn't too recondite. Rather it serves as a framework to examine Paul's emotional landscape and more crucially the nature of memory, the passage of time, family, and like before, forgiveness.
Paul in one interesting Pandora's Box, so if you want pat answers about a one and only true love you'll be disappointed. I must say that I was surprised by how things stood between Paul and Owen by the end, but it makes sense and I'm super eager for the next installment. I suspect things are going to get messy.
I did want more. More about Tim, Kathleen, Annie, and particularly David. Patience.
October 4, 2018
I started, got sidetracked, returned and couldn’t stop reading. I hope there will be a next book!
September 6, 2021
In the first book in The Solomon Mysteries, we got a lot of character development and humorous give-and-take between Detective Paul Solomon and his partner Tim Cullen and the mystery, while interesting, was definitely secondary. Here in "High Time," the mystery is front-and-center and it is particularly compelling because Tim Cullen's sister Kathleen and her husband Jordan are involved in the mystery.
The plot kept my interest throughout and I like the way the mystery slowly unfolds and deepens as new clues are unearthed and new interpretation is given to the known facts of the case. It seems everyone had a different idea of what the victim Penny was like, and I find it poignant we think we know what is going on in someone's life, but we only see the surface and are often unaware of their true situation. I would give the murder/mystery aspect of "High Times" 5 stars.
Where the story works less successfully for me is in the relationship between Paul and his boyfriend of four months, Owen. There is an attraction between the two (FYI - there is no on-page sex) but they are still in the uncertain stage. They haven't met each other's friends, Paul is still keeping Owen at arm's length from his life, there is conflict about Paul's friendship with David and Andy, and the miscommunication between the two seems a bit manufactured and hastily added onto the mystery component. Finally, the ending is a bit hurried, in connection with the murder/mystery as well as Paul and Owen, but I look forward to the next book in the series, seeing how the relationship deepens and grows and what mystery awaits Detectives Solomon and Cullen. 4 stars.
I received an ARC from NineStar Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
The plot kept my interest throughout and I like the way the mystery slowly unfolds and deepens as new clues are unearthed and new interpretation is given to the known facts of the case. It seems everyone had a different idea of what the victim Penny was like, and I find it poignant we think we know what is going on in someone's life, but we only see the surface and are often unaware of their true situation. I would give the murder/mystery aspect of "High Times" 5 stars.
Where the story works less successfully for me is in the relationship between Paul and his boyfriend of four months, Owen. There is an attraction between the two (FYI - there is no on-page sex) but they are still in the uncertain stage. They haven't met each other's friends, Paul is still keeping Owen at arm's length from his life, there is conflict about Paul's friendship with David and Andy, and the miscommunication between the two seems a bit manufactured and hastily added onto the mystery component. Finally, the ending is a bit hurried, in connection with the murder/mystery as well as Paul and Owen, but I look forward to the next book in the series, seeing how the relationship deepens and grows and what mystery awaits Detectives Solomon and Cullen. 4 stars.
I received an ARC from NineStar Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
September 4, 2018
3.5 stars.
This time Paul Solomon is called to solve a 25 year old mystery when they find the remains of a girl that went missing and never heard from again. Back then everyone thought that she run away for a better life, away from her family but things are not what they seem to be.
The girl was his partners sister best friend, so this takes a difficult turn for Paul’s partner Tim. The detectives that questioned everyone then did not do a good job, they had already assumed that Tim’s sister hid something to what happened to the girl and that she was covering for her to leave. So the case didn’t go far.
Paul and Tim are on the hunt for people that may or may not be alive after so long, or left but at least they find clues that lead them to uncover things people hid.
I loved the mystery! I liked how they went about it and the leads they followed. Paul’s love life took a backseat and it was very little.
My rating is so low because I got angry with how Paul treated Owen. He was so indifferent, not thinking of him at all. At one point his friends asked him why didn’t he invite Owen over for dinner and he was like “oh he’d ruin our fun” or something along those lines. I saw red. I could not feel their connection at all. I felt more his and David’s connection than anything else… I didn’t know what to think. He made me so angry because I don’t think he fell in love with him at all.
The epilogue was so fast, I expected more but maybe we’ll see more? In a next book?
So that’s my only issue. Overall it was very good! I enjoyed it plenty and I hope we see more.
ARC received by Netgalley for an honest review!
This time Paul Solomon is called to solve a 25 year old mystery when they find the remains of a girl that went missing and never heard from again. Back then everyone thought that she run away for a better life, away from her family but things are not what they seem to be.
The girl was his partners sister best friend, so this takes a difficult turn for Paul’s partner Tim. The detectives that questioned everyone then did not do a good job, they had already assumed that Tim’s sister hid something to what happened to the girl and that she was covering for her to leave. So the case didn’t go far.
Paul and Tim are on the hunt for people that may or may not be alive after so long, or left but at least they find clues that lead them to uncover things people hid.
I loved the mystery! I liked how they went about it and the leads they followed. Paul’s love life took a backseat and it was very little.
My rating is so low because I got angry with how Paul treated Owen. He was so indifferent, not thinking of him at all. At one point his friends asked him why didn’t he invite Owen over for dinner and he was like “oh he’d ruin our fun” or something along those lines. I saw red. I could not feel their connection at all. I felt more his and David’s connection than anything else… I didn’t know what to think. He made me so angry because I don’t think he fell in love with him at all.
The epilogue was so fast, I expected more but maybe we’ll see more? In a next book?
So that’s my only issue. Overall it was very good! I enjoyed it plenty and I hope we see more.
ARC received by Netgalley for an honest review!
September 12, 2018
4.5 stars
Oh Paul... he is a little bit of a tool, but means well and I pretty much love his character. He is funny and charming in a sort of jerky way. He really is just an incredibly entertaining person to read about. Just like book one, this is really a mystery with a hint of romance.
The writing is great and the plot fluidly switches between Paul's work life and personal life. As I mentioned before, it is more about every day Paul's life than him building a connection with someone. However, we do get to see bits of him letting his guard down and spending time with a potential love interest. The writing is also very blunt which I appreciated and the author discusses sensitive subjects easily and authentically. They are not afraid to push the limit on the dialogue and internal dialogue.
The mystery and case that Paul and Tim were working on was really interesting and kept me guessing. I read so many pure romances that it is nice to get something a little out of the box. Though, I still loved the storyline with Owen and I want to know more!! I also still like David and Andy and am curious how all of these things are going to play out. I NEED the next book!
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**
Oh Paul... he is a little bit of a tool, but means well and I pretty much love his character. He is funny and charming in a sort of jerky way. He really is just an incredibly entertaining person to read about. Just like book one, this is really a mystery with a hint of romance.
The writing is great and the plot fluidly switches between Paul's work life and personal life. As I mentioned before, it is more about every day Paul's life than him building a connection with someone. However, we do get to see bits of him letting his guard down and spending time with a potential love interest. The writing is also very blunt which I appreciated and the author discusses sensitive subjects easily and authentically. They are not afraid to push the limit on the dialogue and internal dialogue.
The mystery and case that Paul and Tim were working on was really interesting and kept me guessing. I read so many pure romances that it is nice to get something a little out of the box. Though, I still loved the storyline with Owen and I want to know more!! I also still like David and Andy and am curious how all of these things are going to play out. I NEED the next book!
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**
September 12, 2018
4.5 Stars!
It was a high time High Time was released. I was so looking forward to reading it ever since I read Good Boys.
I’m not sure anymore if I like more the author’s skill to invent and carry out an intriguing crime plot with lost of twist and turns or her tremendous talent for showing the relationships’ dynamics of everyone involved. I guess it is both. If anything, the crime case, a very cold one, in this book was much more interesting than the first. There are again lies, deceptions and hidden secrets, and the fact that the sister of Paul’s partner on the case, Tim, is involved, makes it even more dramatic.
I’m a fan of crime documentaries myself and having watched plenty of these, I thought I might spot some inconsistencies, or something too made up, but I didn’t. This was not a great surprise, though. Keelan Ellis is a real pro when it comes to recreating atmosphere down to the tiniest details, no matter if it is a rock concert or a police investigation room.
Paul’s love life continues to be no less complicated than the professional one. He’s still at a crossroads and couldn’t quite make up his mind, torn between his undeniable attraction for Owen, which lingers on the brink of love and the kind of protective-romantic feelings he has for David.
If you like M/M and crime stories, you just need this book!
It was a high time High Time was released. I was so looking forward to reading it ever since I read Good Boys.
I’m not sure anymore if I like more the author’s skill to invent and carry out an intriguing crime plot with lost of twist and turns or her tremendous talent for showing the relationships’ dynamics of everyone involved. I guess it is both. If anything, the crime case, a very cold one, in this book was much more interesting than the first. There are again lies, deceptions and hidden secrets, and the fact that the sister of Paul’s partner on the case, Tim, is involved, makes it even more dramatic.
I’m a fan of crime documentaries myself and having watched plenty of these, I thought I might spot some inconsistencies, or something too made up, but I didn’t. This was not a great surprise, though. Keelan Ellis is a real pro when it comes to recreating atmosphere down to the tiniest details, no matter if it is a rock concert or a police investigation room.
Paul’s love life continues to be no less complicated than the professional one. He’s still at a crossroads and couldn’t quite make up his mind, torn between his undeniable attraction for Owen, which lingers on the brink of love and the kind of protective-romantic feelings he has for David.
If you like M/M and crime stories, you just need this book!
Want to read
August 31, 2018High Time (The Solomon Mysteries #2) (ARC) was graciously provided to me by IndiGo Marketing & Design for an honest review. Review to follow.
September 12, 2018
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**
High Time is the second book in The Soloman Mysteries series by Keelan Ellis. I really think that for the most enjoyment this series should be read in the appropriate order.
The Soloman Mysteries is a mystery series. I know, shocking huh! Though there are personal relationships and dynamics in this series, this is actually a mystery series. Romance is not the primary focus of this book, and I thank the author for that! I like romance as much as the next romance reader, but when I go into a mystery book, I want the focus to be on the mystery and not the romance. I think this author does a great job of combining both of these items.
Both Paul and Tim are in relationships. Tim's is a lot more stable than Paul’s and only has minor time in this book. Paul's struggling a little with figuring out what he wants and what he’s willing to do for it. For me, Paul's relationship took up a little more time than I like in a mystery book but, it didn’t overwhelm the story.
But, the most important part of this book is the mystery and it was really well done! Paul is not happy about the new case or the initial urgency around the bones found in the park. But the identification of the body is not as difficult as expected because the victim is in the missing person database, along with her dental records. And Tim recognized a piece of jewelry on the victim, who was his sister’s best friend in high school. Of course, that leads to a lot of boundary issues with Tim, especially when having to consider the killer could be someone he knows.
I did enjoy the mystery and the working to solve the case, though I did know who the killer was and had suspicions about how the others were involved. But, I’m sure a normal person will be able to just read along and not have to work to solve the case before the detective does. ;-) I thought the killer was pretty predictable once his/her storyline was introduced, but there were twists and turns through the story so that all was not known until the end. Of course! There were some parts of the case that made me sad, since I liked the characters involved but there was some hope at the end of the story to make me think things could be ok.
If you enjoy mysteries, I highly recommend this series! I really like the characters of Paul and Tim and most of the supporting characters. I think the author has done a great job of weaving romance in the mystery series. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see what case Paul and Tim are next involved in! Seriously, grab this series and get familiar with Paul and Tim, you’ll thank me!
Rating: 4.5 stars
High Time is the second book in The Soloman Mysteries series by Keelan Ellis. I really think that for the most enjoyment this series should be read in the appropriate order.
The Soloman Mysteries is a mystery series. I know, shocking huh! Though there are personal relationships and dynamics in this series, this is actually a mystery series. Romance is not the primary focus of this book, and I thank the author for that! I like romance as much as the next romance reader, but when I go into a mystery book, I want the focus to be on the mystery and not the romance. I think this author does a great job of combining both of these items.
Both Paul and Tim are in relationships. Tim's is a lot more stable than Paul’s and only has minor time in this book. Paul's struggling a little with figuring out what he wants and what he’s willing to do for it. For me, Paul's relationship took up a little more time than I like in a mystery book but, it didn’t overwhelm the story.
But, the most important part of this book is the mystery and it was really well done! Paul is not happy about the new case or the initial urgency around the bones found in the park. But the identification of the body is not as difficult as expected because the victim is in the missing person database, along with her dental records. And Tim recognized a piece of jewelry on the victim, who was his sister’s best friend in high school. Of course, that leads to a lot of boundary issues with Tim, especially when having to consider the killer could be someone he knows.
I did enjoy the mystery and the working to solve the case, though I did know who the killer was and had suspicions about how the others were involved. But, I’m sure a normal person will be able to just read along and not have to work to solve the case before the detective does. ;-) I thought the killer was pretty predictable once his/her storyline was introduced, but there were twists and turns through the story so that all was not known until the end. Of course! There were some parts of the case that made me sad, since I liked the characters involved but there was some hope at the end of the story to make me think things could be ok.
If you enjoy mysteries, I highly recommend this series! I really like the characters of Paul and Tim and most of the supporting characters. I think the author has done a great job of weaving romance in the mystery series. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see what case Paul and Tim are next involved in! Seriously, grab this series and get familiar with Paul and Tim, you’ll thank me!
Rating: 4.5 stars
September 22, 2018
Another great read in The Solomon Mysteries Series. This is one of those series that constantly keep you engaged in through the whole read and once each book is done I just cannot wait for the next book to come out. After reading this book I still feel the same way!!
Paul, Tim, Owen, and David are all back again in another book full of mystery but this one hits way to close to home for comfort. The remains of a human body has been discovered. When Oaul and Tim are called to the scene and a piece of evidence is discovered, Tim gets a since of dread. He has seen it before and back when his sister was a freshman in college, her best friend went missing after a night out at a Concert. Now all these years later a body is found.
Now Paul and Tim will stop at nothing to find who murdered this girl and how it all leads back to the people that Tim is close too. Mistakes are made but there is still time to be able to figure who did what and make things right.
While doing all this for the investigation, Paul is still trying to figure out what is going on with Owen and him. Not to mention David is still in the picture. Though David does not act on how he feels, Paul knows he still wants him. But this is still confusing for Paul because though he does not want to be, he is attracted to David but he does not want to want him. Paul also finds himself wanting more and more or so it seems. That is still left to be debated and who Paul will end up in the end with.
Cari Z has once again left me wanting more and I cannot wait for the next book to come out to see what is going to happen next. If the first two books are anything to go on, then it is going to be incredible.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Paul, Tim, Owen, and David are all back again in another book full of mystery but this one hits way to close to home for comfort. The remains of a human body has been discovered. When Oaul and Tim are called to the scene and a piece of evidence is discovered, Tim gets a since of dread. He has seen it before and back when his sister was a freshman in college, her best friend went missing after a night out at a Concert. Now all these years later a body is found.
Now Paul and Tim will stop at nothing to find who murdered this girl and how it all leads back to the people that Tim is close too. Mistakes are made but there is still time to be able to figure who did what and make things right.
While doing all this for the investigation, Paul is still trying to figure out what is going on with Owen and him. Not to mention David is still in the picture. Though David does not act on how he feels, Paul knows he still wants him. But this is still confusing for Paul because though he does not want to be, he is attracted to David but he does not want to want him. Paul also finds himself wanting more and more or so it seems. That is still left to be debated and who Paul will end up in the end with.
Cari Z has once again left me wanting more and I cannot wait for the next book to come out to see what is going to happen next. If the first two books are anything to go on, then it is going to be incredible.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
September 13, 2018
High Time is a murder mystery. This is not a romance novel, as I expected. There are no sexy times. There is no intimacy. I did not read the preceding book(s) in this series, so there seemed to be some relationship backstory and context I was missing.
Having said all that, it was a solid read. The mystery was engaging enough to keep me interested. It wasn’t an entirely surprising whodunit, but it wasn’t so elementary either that I got bored.
The MC Paul is a gay homicide detective in Baltimore. He is in a new-ish relationship with Owen after having recently ended an 8-year relationship. From the get-go, it seems Owen is way more invested in the relationship than Paul. As a reader, you get the sense that Paul is too guarded, either from his break-up or his job or his upbringing. He seemed to really struggle in to let Owen in. Funnily enough, I still liked Paul as a character despite him not being terribly charming or dynamic. He was smart and witty and somehow was just believable and relatable.
(The next bit might be considered a spoiler, so keep on reading at your own risk) After an argument, Paul realizes he loves Owen and that’s how the book ends. The mystery of who killed Penny is neatly solved and Paul and Owen are potentially headed toward a HEA. Tada!
This is truly no-frills mystery. No angst, no emotions, the author doesn’t try to make you think... It’s entertainment, plain and simple.
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**
Having said all that, it was a solid read. The mystery was engaging enough to keep me interested. It wasn’t an entirely surprising whodunit, but it wasn’t so elementary either that I got bored.
The MC Paul is a gay homicide detective in Baltimore. He is in a new-ish relationship with Owen after having recently ended an 8-year relationship. From the get-go, it seems Owen is way more invested in the relationship than Paul. As a reader, you get the sense that Paul is too guarded, either from his break-up or his job or his upbringing. He seemed to really struggle in to let Owen in. Funnily enough, I still liked Paul as a character despite him not being terribly charming or dynamic. He was smart and witty and somehow was just believable and relatable.
(The next bit might be considered a spoiler, so keep on reading at your own risk) After an argument, Paul realizes he loves Owen and that’s how the book ends. The mystery of who killed Penny is neatly solved and Paul and Owen are potentially headed toward a HEA. Tada!
This is truly no-frills mystery. No angst, no emotions, the author doesn’t try to make you think... It’s entertainment, plain and simple.
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**
September 12, 2018
High Time is a great, interesting mystery by Keelan Ellis.
Paul is called on to investigate the murder of a young woman who went missing years ago, now that her body has been found. Ends up, Tim's partner is a little too close to the case, as his sister was with the girl the night she went missing.
What follows is a complicated, yet easy to follow search for the killer. I found it to be fun, as it involves people who are close to Tim, making for a unique cast of suspects.
I would have liked to see some romance in this story, but alas, this one was all about the mystery. It doesn't take away from the fact that it's well written, has a great pace, and will keep you intrigued throughout.
High Time is definitely worth a read for anyone who loves a good mystery.
Paul is called on to investigate the murder of a young woman who went missing years ago, now that her body has been found. Ends up, Tim's partner is a little too close to the case, as his sister was with the girl the night she went missing.
What follows is a complicated, yet easy to follow search for the killer. I found it to be fun, as it involves people who are close to Tim, making for a unique cast of suspects.
I would have liked to see some romance in this story, but alas, this one was all about the mystery. It doesn't take away from the fact that it's well written, has a great pace, and will keep you intrigued throughout.
High Time is definitely worth a read for anyone who loves a good mystery.
September 3, 2018
I was given this ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Paul Solomon and his partner Tim Cullen are investigating the murder of Penny, a college girl who was last seen 27 years ago. Things hit close to home when Tim's sister Kathleen ends up being the last known person who spoke with Penny, then they find photographic evidence that her husband knew Penny as well.
I like a good mystery and I love it when it's not something that is far off in left field. This was great. The characters were fun and imperfect, which was nice. They were real. It wasn't confusing, yet it wasn't obvious either. It was very well done.
Detective Paul Solomon and his partner Tim Cullen are investigating the murder of Penny, a college girl who was last seen 27 years ago. Things hit close to home when Tim's sister Kathleen ends up being the last known person who spoke with Penny, then they find photographic evidence that her husband knew Penny as well.
I like a good mystery and I love it when it's not something that is far off in left field. This was great. The characters were fun and imperfect, which was nice. They were real. It wasn't confusing, yet it wasn't obvious either. It was very well done.
September 12, 2018
Clever title.... great story. I hadn't read the first book but had no trouble getting right in and being fully hooked on this book. I liked that it had gay characters where their sexually didn't 'have' to be the overwhelming focus of the book. The plot is solid, believable and engaging. I also liked that though the case was really interesting, it wasn't an 'over the top' drama. The personal connections to the case added a lot in intrigue to the story. I hope Ellis continues this Paul Solomon series-- I, for one, anticipate the next adventure.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2019
I couldn’t recall much from book one but Paul and his complicated relationships!
These continue in this book, with Tim his police partner, Owen his new romantic partner, with David the ex- gay conversion guy and even Andy his ex.
The old murder gets close to Tim, Paul’s detective partner as his brother in law is highly involved. But 25+ years do not stop Paul and Tim getting to the bottom of it all.
Paul and Owen have some ups and downs and end up maybe a few steps back but maybe more stable.
Will continue with the series.
These continue in this book, with Tim his police partner, Owen his new romantic partner, with David the ex- gay conversion guy and even Andy his ex.
The old murder gets close to Tim, Paul’s detective partner as his brother in law is highly involved. But 25+ years do not stop Paul and Tim getting to the bottom of it all.
Paul and Owen have some ups and downs and end up maybe a few steps back but maybe more stable.
Will continue with the series.
July 25, 2022
Forgot how peripheral the mystery is to these books. This one had almost nothing to recommend it. Also the MC is the only sort of interesting character in this whole thing - the rest are either annoying or noise.
September 29, 2018
I really liked Good Boys, so I wasn't surprised that I enjoyed High Time just as much. I mentioned in my review of the first book in the Solomon Mysteries series that one of the things that pulled me in was the fact that I was familiar with the area that the book took place. Baltimore isn't far from where I grew up. Things got even more interesting for me in High Time when Paul and Tim end up close to where I currently live. That's not the only reason I like this series though, just an added bonus. ;)
Paul's a great detective, but his personal life is a mess. His best friend is dating his partner, he's friends with someone who is admittedly attracted to him, he's still friends with his ex and he has no idea how to be in a relationship - even though he really cares about Owen. Things get really complicated when the current case he's working on hits way too close to those near and dear to Tim.
For the record, I got as aggravated with Paul in High Time as Owen did - and he's not the only one who called him out on his actions. Speaking of which, the supporting characters pretty much make this series for me. The mystery wasn't bad either ;)
Then, there was the location. Since I'm familiar with the area that Tim and Paul traveled to, I picked up on a couple of things that a lot of readers won't. Still, the accuracy was pretty good and recognizing landmarks was kinda fun. I also learned some things about some sneaky ways that officials collect info...
I'm pretty sure that there's more to come and I can't wait to see what's next for the Solomon Mysteries.
I received High Time in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Paul's a great detective, but his personal life is a mess. His best friend is dating his partner, he's friends with someone who is admittedly attracted to him, he's still friends with his ex and he has no idea how to be in a relationship - even though he really cares about Owen. Things get really complicated when the current case he's working on hits way too close to those near and dear to Tim.
For the record, I got as aggravated with Paul in High Time as Owen did - and he's not the only one who called him out on his actions. Speaking of which, the supporting characters pretty much make this series for me. The mystery wasn't bad either ;)
Then, there was the location. Since I'm familiar with the area that Tim and Paul traveled to, I picked up on a couple of things that a lot of readers won't. Still, the accuracy was pretty good and recognizing landmarks was kinda fun. I also learned some things about some sneaky ways that officials collect info...
I'm pretty sure that there's more to come and I can't wait to see what's next for the Solomon Mysteries.
I received High Time in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 13, 2018
I dont think the mystery nor the romance are particularly enthralling here, but Paul himself is just so fucking loveable. I anticipate great, unexpected things from this series.
September 24, 2018
4 stars
Excellent followup to Good Boys. Love the characters and the fact that the series is set in Baltimore. Really looking forward to reading book 3.
Excellent followup to Good Boys. Love the characters and the fact that the series is set in Baltimore. Really looking forward to reading book 3.
September 17, 2019
3.5 stars
February 7, 2020
3.75*
September 2, 2022
Otra trama policíaca atractiva pero sigue teniendo unos personajes muyo insulsos
September 10, 2018
High time is the thrilling sequel in the 'Solomon series' by Keelan Ellis. Following the character from 'Good Boys' Paul 'Solomon' is awoken to a call about the discovery of bones in a Baltimore park. This discovery reopens a case from 30 years ago, this is no ordinary case though as it has close ties to his partner on the force, Tim who finds he is a conflict of interest.
I really enjoyed reading this, the story was intense and thrilling. The mystery behind who killed Penny had you tossing to-and-fro about whodunnit and the relationships between all characters were tested and pushed to their limits at times. From page 1 to the end, I was hooked and finished reading in one sitting.
I really enjoyed reading this, the story was intense and thrilling. The mystery behind who killed Penny had you tossing to-and-fro about whodunnit and the relationships between all characters were tested and pushed to their limits at times. From page 1 to the end, I was hooked and finished reading in one sitting.
December 1, 2018
Thankyou to NetGalley, NineStar Press and the author, Keelan Ellis, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of High Time in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
I thought this book provided a good, quick read. The characters were real and engaging and the storyline was well written.
I thought this book provided a good, quick read. The characters were real and engaging and the storyline was well written.
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