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Blu Carraway Mysteries #3
Caught Up In It
The award-winning diva, C, has got a big problem: someone wants her dead. A team of mercenaries attempts to gun her down in Kuala Lumpur. Lucky for her, Lowcountry Private Investigator, Blu Carraway, is already on the job there for a different client. Double-lucky for C, they make their move when she’s chit-chatting with him in a bar. Unlucky for the mercenaries, four of them end up dead.
The hunt is on now for the mega-pop star. Where does she go to hide out? The sleepy islands around Charleston, South Carolina—Blu’s backyard. He’s already proven himself once, so C hires the Blu Carraway Investigation Agency to protect her for real. The job takes Blu halfway around the world and several cities in between. The search for the truth reveals what could drive a person to want someone else dead.
And Blu Carraway ends up right in the way.
The hunt is on now for the mega-pop star. Where does she go to hide out? The sleepy islands around Charleston, South Carolina—Blu’s backyard. He’s already proven himself once, so C hires the Blu Carraway Investigation Agency to protect her for real. The job takes Blu halfway around the world and several cities in between. The search for the truth reveals what could drive a person to want someone else dead.
And Blu Carraway ends up right in the way.
285 pages, Hardcover
Published April 23, 2019
4 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
David Burnsworth
7 books191 followersDavid Burnsworth became fascinated with the Deep South at a young age. After a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee and fifteen years in the corporate world, he made the decision to write a novel. Burnsworth is the author of the Brack Pelton Mystery Series and the Blu Carraway Mystery Series. Having lived in Charleston on Sullivan’s Island for five years, the setting was a foregone conclusion. He and his wife along call South Carolina home.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 25, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Private Investigator Blu Carraway is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia protecting pop star “C” from an unknown element who wants her dead. Believing she is being watched by another team Blu is taking some downtime in a local bar. Then C walks in and soon the bad guys follow. Blu takes control and leaves four bodies behind.
He returns home to the Lowcountry and is surprised when the diva shows up on his turf begging him to protect her again. He takes her on with some rules of his own. Before long he is using all his resources to keep her safe. Over the course of just a few days, chaos ensues. Blu starts to question who he can trust. He and his team travel hither and yon trying to ascertain who is behind the hit put out on C. Amidst all the action Blu is also dealing with a very sick horse.
When I pick up a David Burnsworth novel I know I am in for non-stop action and more than a few dead bodies. This series was originally was a spin-off of the author’s other series, but by the end of this story the two series are now completely blended together. This made me very happy because Brack from the Heat Series and Blu from this series are both such strong characters working around and out of Charleston, South Carolina and I had no idea how the author could keep both series going. Brack and Blu have worked together and characters from the other series have crossed over to this one. Bringing Blu, Brack, Crome, and the ladies in their lives together makes perfect sense and makes this series so strong and compelling.
These characters are so well written, they are intriguing and we learn more about them throughout the story and in each new book. Readers can see their growth and witness their life’s journeys. The dialogue is fantastic and realistic for people who have known each other for a long time and who have seen what they have seen. The relationships are strong and understanding. They are not just teammates, they are friends and they care about each other. The accepted their client into their fold and went to extreme lengths to keep her safe at their own peril and I would expect no less from the characters we have come to know over the course of these stories.
Mr. Burnsworth also knows how to set a scene. His island home, complete with his herd of wild horses and swarms of mosquitos, along with every location his characters travel is vividly described. His words take readers right there on the front lines of the mayhem that seems to follow Blu and his team everywhere they go.
Fast-paced, action, suspense, and drama. Burnsworth keeps the reader’s eyes glued to the pages hardly giving us time to come up for air. I loved it. While the story reached a great ending I was sorry to see the book come to an end. These characters really grab ahold, it’s hard to let them go.
Private Investigator Blu Carraway is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia protecting pop star “C” from an unknown element who wants her dead. Believing she is being watched by another team Blu is taking some downtime in a local bar. Then C walks in and soon the bad guys follow. Blu takes control and leaves four bodies behind.
He returns home to the Lowcountry and is surprised when the diva shows up on his turf begging him to protect her again. He takes her on with some rules of his own. Before long he is using all his resources to keep her safe. Over the course of just a few days, chaos ensues. Blu starts to question who he can trust. He and his team travel hither and yon trying to ascertain who is behind the hit put out on C. Amidst all the action Blu is also dealing with a very sick horse.
When I pick up a David Burnsworth novel I know I am in for non-stop action and more than a few dead bodies. This series was originally was a spin-off of the author’s other series, but by the end of this story the two series are now completely blended together. This made me very happy because Brack from the Heat Series and Blu from this series are both such strong characters working around and out of Charleston, South Carolina and I had no idea how the author could keep both series going. Brack and Blu have worked together and characters from the other series have crossed over to this one. Bringing Blu, Brack, Crome, and the ladies in their lives together makes perfect sense and makes this series so strong and compelling.
These characters are so well written, they are intriguing and we learn more about them throughout the story and in each new book. Readers can see their growth and witness their life’s journeys. The dialogue is fantastic and realistic for people who have known each other for a long time and who have seen what they have seen. The relationships are strong and understanding. They are not just teammates, they are friends and they care about each other. The accepted their client into their fold and went to extreme lengths to keep her safe at their own peril and I would expect no less from the characters we have come to know over the course of these stories.
Mr. Burnsworth also knows how to set a scene. His island home, complete with his herd of wild horses and swarms of mosquitos, along with every location his characters travel is vividly described. His words take readers right there on the front lines of the mayhem that seems to follow Blu and his team everywhere they go.
Fast-paced, action, suspense, and drama. Burnsworth keeps the reader’s eyes glued to the pages hardly giving us time to come up for air. I loved it. While the story reached a great ending I was sorry to see the book come to an end. These characters really grab ahold, it’s hard to let them go.
May 21, 2019
There’s a rule of fiction that says something like this: if you want to make the reader hate a character, have them be cruel to an animal. I guess you could turn it around and say, if you want to make the reader love a character, show their deep bond with an animal. From dogs to goats, some of the best setups make use of this tactic and David Burnsworth’s hero, Blu Carraway, is no exception. He’s a man who lives on a small South Carolinian island with native horses that he lets run wild. His favorite, the one who saved his life once, is old and dying. You’ll have to read the book to find out if the poor beast dies.
I had no idea what a Carolina Marsh Tacky was until I read Caught Up in It. It’s the breed of the aforementioned horse. It is known for traits such as stamina, endurance, fortitude, sure-footedness, and smarts, yet it is also known for its gentleness and equanimity. I could be describing Blu himself here. The man is indefatigably patient with his new client, the pop star known as C (whose real name is the somewhat less whimsical Ariel).
Ariel is surprisingly down-to-earth, although has an annoying habit of prevarication, in the sense of holding back the truth. Still, as a female character in a male-dominated book written by a man, she is quite satisfying. Burnsworth makes her neither too implausible nor too ephemeral, a tough line to walk.
Blu’s daughter is also a nicely drawn character, but I wasn’t too happy with his girlfriend, who seemed rather on the nose. Still, that’s likely not because of a flaw in the author’s portrayal but rather a result of the genre – giving the lonesome hero a steady girlfriend is always risky. Probably I’m just jealous.
The book was the right mix of action and reflection and kept me guessing right up to the end. It’s the third in the series but there is enough backstory (very well intertwined if I do say so myself) that it wasn’t a problem that I hadn’t read the first two. I can see one of the big issues with finding the Blu Carraway series is that now my to-read list has grown by two, and I was already booked into next decade. Ah well. I’ll just have to learn how to read faster. It was an excellent book. Five stars!
I had no idea what a Carolina Marsh Tacky was until I read Caught Up in It. It’s the breed of the aforementioned horse. It is known for traits such as stamina, endurance, fortitude, sure-footedness, and smarts, yet it is also known for its gentleness and equanimity. I could be describing Blu himself here. The man is indefatigably patient with his new client, the pop star known as C (whose real name is the somewhat less whimsical Ariel).
Ariel is surprisingly down-to-earth, although has an annoying habit of prevarication, in the sense of holding back the truth. Still, as a female character in a male-dominated book written by a man, she is quite satisfying. Burnsworth makes her neither too implausible nor too ephemeral, a tough line to walk.
Blu’s daughter is also a nicely drawn character, but I wasn’t too happy with his girlfriend, who seemed rather on the nose. Still, that’s likely not because of a flaw in the author’s portrayal but rather a result of the genre – giving the lonesome hero a steady girlfriend is always risky. Probably I’m just jealous.
The book was the right mix of action and reflection and kept me guessing right up to the end. It’s the third in the series but there is enough backstory (very well intertwined if I do say so myself) that it wasn’t a problem that I hadn’t read the first two. I can see one of the big issues with finding the Blu Carraway series is that now my to-read list has grown by two, and I was already booked into next decade. Ah well. I’ll just have to learn how to read faster. It was an excellent book. Five stars!
May 10, 2019
In Caught Up In It, the third book in the Blu Carraway Mystery Series, author David Burnsworth transports the reader back to the sultry lowcountry setting of Charleston, SC for another intriguing Blu Carraway Southern noir mystery adventure!
A year has passed since Blu Carraway and best friend/business partner Mick Crome's last investigative case. But all hell breaks loose when Blu saves twenty-seven year old diva mega pop star "C" (Ariel) from a contract hit while working a private security detail in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. C shows up at Blu's island home and wants him to manage her security detail permanently, but first Blu and Mick have to find out who has contracted the mob hit on C and why before she ends up dead!
From Charleston to Hollywood to Las Vegas, Blu, Mick and the rest of their team are determined to keep Ariel "C" safe while they engage in a dangerous game of cat and mouse on multiple fronts that involves murder, mayhem, and one colicky wild island horse!
Author David Burnsworth weaves a fast-paced and suspenseful tale that catches the reader up on what Blu, Mick, and the rest of the crew have been up to since book two, while engaging them to follow Blu and Mick's latest investigative journey as it takes them all over Charleston and other locales in search of the people who want to kill Ariel. The reader is easily drawn into this well-written story with its richly descriptive plot and setting, it is filled with enough action and unsuspecting twists and turns that definitely takes the reader on one hell of a thrilling roller coaster ride.
As a fan of Southern fiction, I loved the richly descriptive Charleston setting, Blu's barrier lowcountry home on Carraway Island and his lovable wild herd of Carolina Marsh Tacky horses, and the surrounding picturesque lowcountry SC areas. With an intriguing cast of characters; witty dialogue and dramatic interactions; the author masterly weaves one hell of an explosive mystery series, where Blu, Mick, and their team embark on dangerous investigative adventures that are definitely a pure adrenaline rush!
Caught Up In It is an intriguing tale that has the true essence of a classic Southern noir mystery that will leave the reader wanting more!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
A year has passed since Blu Carraway and best friend/business partner Mick Crome's last investigative case. But all hell breaks loose when Blu saves twenty-seven year old diva mega pop star "C" (Ariel) from a contract hit while working a private security detail in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. C shows up at Blu's island home and wants him to manage her security detail permanently, but first Blu and Mick have to find out who has contracted the mob hit on C and why before she ends up dead!
From Charleston to Hollywood to Las Vegas, Blu, Mick and the rest of their team are determined to keep Ariel "C" safe while they engage in a dangerous game of cat and mouse on multiple fronts that involves murder, mayhem, and one colicky wild island horse!
Author David Burnsworth weaves a fast-paced and suspenseful tale that catches the reader up on what Blu, Mick, and the rest of the crew have been up to since book two, while engaging them to follow Blu and Mick's latest investigative journey as it takes them all over Charleston and other locales in search of the people who want to kill Ariel. The reader is easily drawn into this well-written story with its richly descriptive plot and setting, it is filled with enough action and unsuspecting twists and turns that definitely takes the reader on one hell of a thrilling roller coaster ride.
As a fan of Southern fiction, I loved the richly descriptive Charleston setting, Blu's barrier lowcountry home on Carraway Island and his lovable wild herd of Carolina Marsh Tacky horses, and the surrounding picturesque lowcountry SC areas. With an intriguing cast of characters; witty dialogue and dramatic interactions; the author masterly weaves one hell of an explosive mystery series, where Blu, Mick, and their team embark on dangerous investigative adventures that are definitely a pure adrenaline rush!
Caught Up In It is an intriguing tale that has the true essence of a classic Southern noir mystery that will leave the reader wanting more!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
May 22, 2019
This book has it all. Guns, ammo, explosions, drugs. Shootouts, kidnapping and fast cars.
And Blu thought it was just going to be a simple security detail. Why is the mob involved?
Blu and Crome really are in the midst of a boiling cauldron of trouble. And all along there’s the undercurrent. Will Crome once again disappear at the conclusion of the case? For a year or three or even forever?
I didn’t want this book to end even though I was just a little irritated with those two men. They were vaping all over the place like a couple of wimps. If they wanted to quit smoking, why didn’t they just use nicotine patches and get on with it?
I’m looking forward to the next book, but by then I’m hoping these guys have kicked their vaping addiction
***Book provided without charge by PICT.***
And Blu thought it was just going to be a simple security detail. Why is the mob involved?
Blu and Crome really are in the midst of a boiling cauldron of trouble. And all along there’s the undercurrent. Will Crome once again disappear at the conclusion of the case? For a year or three or even forever?
I didn’t want this book to end even though I was just a little irritated with those two men. They were vaping all over the place like a couple of wimps. If they wanted to quit smoking, why didn’t they just use nicotine patches and get on with it?
I’m looking forward to the next book, but by then I’m hoping these guys have kicked their vaping addiction
***Book provided without charge by PICT.***
April 17, 2019
Exciting. Fast-paced page turner. High body count. Romance, snark, enemies, friends, horses, dog, music star, guns, vehicles, and more. The book reminds me of Stuart Woods' Stone Barrington series, but is completely different, if that makes any sense. Both are a entertaining romp, with reality a distant issue. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via Edelweiss.
June 23, 2019
David Burnsworth's books are so well-written! They are exciting and move quickly. I love his characters. They are flawed, but aren't we all? I can't wait to see what happens next to Blu and the team.
November 17, 2020
I would have liked this book more, but the editor didn't do her job. There were tons of spacing issues, misspellings, and other simple mistakes that proved too distracting to enjoy the plot as much as I'd have liked to.
May 25, 2020
The Jack Reacher series is way better.
April 27, 2019
I like these Carraway novels even though I don't like the part of society they feature. Blu plunges into the world of thugs and mobsters and the body count is high. I like the Low Country setting even though I'd never want to meet the seedy people Blu consults for information.
I like the good balance of character development and action in this novel. And action there is! Blu and his cohorts always seem to get into situations where lots of people end up dead. At least they are mostly bad guys.
This is a good novel for readers who would like getting into the life of a tough Low Country Private Investigator who does not shy away from gun fights. You'll read about high power deals some feel are worth killing for. You'll come across supposed friends who don't hesitate to betray Blu for money. And you'll experience the mosquito laden atmosphere of the South Carolina coast islands.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I like the good balance of character development and action in this novel. And action there is! Blu and his cohorts always seem to get into situations where lots of people end up dead. At least they are mostly bad guys.
This is a good novel for readers who would like getting into the life of a tough Low Country Private Investigator who does not shy away from gun fights. You'll read about high power deals some feel are worth killing for. You'll come across supposed friends who don't hesitate to betray Blu for money. And you'll experience the mosquito laden atmosphere of the South Carolina coast islands.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 5, 2019
Given Henery Press’s reputation for cozy mysteries, I was disappointed in this offering. The story is considerably more hard boiled than most of the books published with this imprint - incorporating significantly more drinking, smoking and vaping, and violence. The story, moving from Asia to South Carolina to Las Vegas to Los Angeles, did hold my interest; but, at the same time, it was not my cup of tea.
I suspect there would many that would find Blu Carraway’s lifestyle and friends to be interesting, so I need to be careful. A movie based upon the book, unless carefully edited, would quickly acquire a “R” rating. As I tend to avoid “R” rated movies, I should have avoided this book. Sadly, I did not.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I suspect there would many that would find Blu Carraway’s lifestyle and friends to be interesting, so I need to be careful. A movie based upon the book, unless carefully edited, would quickly acquire a “R” rating. As I tend to avoid “R” rated movies, I should have avoided this book. Sadly, I did not.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 7, 2019
Burnsworth hits the target again! Caught Up In It brings Blu Carraway back into action -- and lots of it! The characters fully align with the scene that he sets -- dark, seedy, and not necessarily always on the up and up. The flow from overseas and back to the U.S. is a whirlwind that was a bit fast-paced and hard to follow; but definitely kept my attention. Blu is quite unconventional for my standard favorite type of "hero". His lifestyle isn't "by the book" but I think that is what really makes him intriguing and impossible to stop reading. Through Blu, we learn the darker side of people -- the greed, betrayal, and even murder. The web of sin is strong -- so much that it burns form within until you reach the finale.
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
May 25, 2019
Although as Noir mystery I couldn't term the Blu Carraway Investigations Series "light-hearted," I can call them entertaining, spirit-lifting, and a delight to read. Yes, there is violence; but the author delineates his characters so deeply, explores their backstories and their potential future timelines. He also sets up a really puzzling mystery that the protagonists and associates and friends must work at diligently to solve while they remain alive, because they are all definitely in danger here. The characters also demonstrate a depth of feeling that is not often encountered in Noir, I don't think, and this make for a well-rounded mystery with plenty of depth and breadth.
March 4, 2019
Review to follow
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