Trophy Kill

Sidney Reed Mystery Series #1

by R.J. Norgard

Private investigator Sidney Reed hasn't been the same since the tragic death of his wife, Molly. Sharing a rundown apartment above an Anchorage, Alaska coffee shop with a cat named Priscilla, he dulls his bitter memories with cheap beer and sarcasm. When he's offered a bundle of cash for a simple surveillance job, Sidney sees a chance to finally put the broken pieces of his life back together. But once the job turns deadly, he'll have to sort through a mountain of clues to solve this case - and confront his own demons in the process.

In the hard-boiled tradition of Raymond Chandler, Trophy Kill is the first in a bold new series of Alaskan mysteries by R.J. Norgard, a former private investigator andU.S. Army counterintelligence officer, featuring Anchorage private investigator Sidney Reed. Using Alaska's beautiful and unforgiving landscape as his palette, Norgard paints a tough yet sympathetic protagonist with a razor-sharp wit, along with a rich cast of supporting characters, to create a striking portrait of crime and passion in the 49th state.

This and succeeding installments in the Sidney Reed Mystery Series feature the Sidney slowly coming to terms with loss as he struggles to regain his footing in a world he knows intimately yet struggles to understand. Along the way, he keeps asking why Molly had to die and holding himself responsible for her death. He is comforted by his lesbian landlady, an old Army buddy who works in the medical examiner's office, a psychiatrist who owes him a past debt, and Priscilla, his late wife's adoring cat. Add to this eclectic cast of characters a beautiful newspaper reporter whom he suspects is harboring a secret. Through it all, his love for Alaska and its people, and his work as a private investigator, keep him searching for answers.

236 pages, Paperback

Published May 2, 2019

Reviews

[Dona's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writer, RJ Norgard, is a friend of mine. I am already familiar with the main character, Sidney Reed, a PI living in Alaska, because I've had the good fortune to help edit the third book in this series, publishing soon. Listening to R.J. read chapter after chapter fascinated me and I was compelled to go back to the beginning of the story. What a pleasure that was, to meet Sidney Reed at the beginning of his arc, to know suddenly how far that character has come.

The truth is, Sidney Reed is a complicated character with a troubled past and a troubled present. But he quietly hopes for a better future, and the tension there makes him extremely likeable to me. Secondary characters are realistic, and Sidney's dynamic rapport with nearly everyone makes for interesting scenes and strong foundation for dialogue.

If you're into hardboiled detective stories set in wild places, check this out. It's on KU!

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a great plot, great characters, and an attractive setting, I read it from start to finish in one go!

Since his wife's unexpected and sudden death earlier in the year, private investigator Sidney Reed has holed up inside a small apartment with only his cat, Priscilla, and a steady stream of Corona as his only company. But when a new client, Elizabeth Landers, shows up at his door with what seems like an easy, straightforward surveillance job, he decides to take a step back toward living, and the money she offers is enough to take care of his past due rent. However, it's the simple cases that never seem to work out as they should, and suddenly Sidney finds himself investigating a suicide and a two-year-old possible murder.

Trophy Kill was such a good story with great characters and an interesting Anchorage, Alaska setting that I read it from start to finish in one go. Sidney Reed is just a nice guy still dealing with a load of hurt from Molly's death. He's never gotten the answers to his questions of why she killed herself and carries a ton of guilt that he should have been able to prevent it. He's been self-medicating with Corona and isolated himself from everyone he knows as he avoids coming to terms with her death. Like the original job, Sidney's investigation is straightforward, focusing directly on what is known about the cases.

Sidney gets help from several friends from his past and meets a local newspaper reporter, Maria Maldonado, who is also tracking down leads for the story about the same cases. I liked Maria almost from the start. She is young, energetic, creative, smart, and on Sidney's side. Initially, I thought she would be a thorn in his side, but that role (of being a thorn in Sidney's side) is fulfilled by Barney Pendleton, chief investigator with the Alaska State Troopers. Barney is a real jerk with a long-held grudge against Sidney. I look forward to more clashes between those two and perhaps, a real romance between Sidney and Maria.

The story combines good old-fashioned detective work and action with superior and witty dialogue. I recommend TROPHY KILL to mystery fiction readers, especially those who enjoy an excellent private eye tale.

[Darin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The protagonist is extremely likable, and the supporting cast was equally solid. All of the characters were easy to visualize, and each had their own distinctive voice—even the cat. Norgard's approach to storytelling is very engaging. The story was well plotted and surefooted in its pacing. I want to say that this was the best book I’ve read by an indie author to date, but I feel like saying “indie author” is somehow too qualifying. This is one of the best books I’ve read in the past year, period. I look forward to #2, Road Kill, and hope there will be a #3.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Set in Alaska, (love to see new settings), worn out and semi-retired P.I. Sidney Reed still grieving over the loss of his wife gets back in the saddle with a cold case. At just over 190 pages Kindle I read this one in just two sittings. Difficult to put down I really felt for the beaten down Sidney. No matter what he turns to he's met with immovable opposition. Although I guessed the killer rather early on It didn't take away from my reading. I hope the second in this series is just as good. A must read. check it out.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trophy Kill

Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a man allegedly killed by a moose he was hunting. Two years later his widow is dating his best friend and things just keep going downhill. Our PI to the rescue.

[Peter Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

More! More!

I read the second book first and enjoyed it so had to read the first in the series. Now I have to wait for the third book to come out. It is so good to discover an author who delivers in every way. Please keep writing. Beau

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping

Excellent character development. The protagonist is now a friend of mine, about whom I'd like to know more. Which means more RJ Norgard reading.

[Joe Nicholl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fair....not much to say....not much of a mystery....2 outta 5...

[Stephen Born · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Classic detective story, the research was sound and the characters were interesting. Recommend 100% to murder mystery enthusiasts.

[Patrick C Donahue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written debut novel set in Alaska

“The woman threw pheromones like Mardi Gras beads.” Former Army investigator digs in to a years-old hunting accident - or was it? Labeled as part of a Erie’s fearing Sidney Reed. I hope so!

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Norgard crafts this Anchorage-based mystery in the heart of the city with the wilderness as backdrop.

The killer is pretty easy to figure out but the “how” is tricky. Norgard seeds plenty of clues, a good amount of motive, and some nasty fights. You’ll end up rooting for Sidney Reed, as the PI drinks a little more than the best investigators in Noir mysteries. He's got lots of determination, as he solves the mystery.

"Trophy Kill" is Norgard’s first mystery, setting up Sidney Reed for more cases. Drawn from Norgard's brings his own life experiences to his writing which promises to entertain on a cold winter day.

For a different review see the Ohioana Library Association Quarterly at http://www.ohioana.org

[kid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Bought it for my step dad who never reads and he finished it in a day!!!! Amazing.

[Katie Swank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up late to finish this one. Fun read with colorful characters who engage you with their struggles, perseverance and charm. Looking forward to the sequel, Road Kill, at end of 2021.