Russ Morgan, PI

Russ Morgan Mystery #1-2

by Lloyd A. Meeker

Private Investigator Russ Morgan solves cases, using more than his wits.

Enigma
Who’s blackmailing the high-profile televangelist whose son was miraculously cured of his homosexuality many years ago? Threatening letters using old Enigma songs from the 90’s have got Reverend Howard Richardson spooked. Psychic Denver PI Russ Morgan uncovers obscene secrets shrouded in seeming righteousness, but must make peace with a sword of justice that cuts the innocent as well as the guilty.

Blood & Dirt
When Russ Morgan investigates a vandalized marijuana grow in Mesa County, he lands in the middle of a family feud that escalates into murder. Who is willing to go that far to get what they want? Russ’s personal life is escalating, too—he has to figure out if he’s brave enough to begin a relationship with Colin Stewart, who is half his age.

Genres: Mystery, M M Romance, Contemporary, Crime

271 pages, ebook

First published March 23, 2020

About the author

Having led what can only be described as an irregular life, Lloyd A. Meeker can honestly say he’s grateful for all of it, and he’s got stories to tell.

Born and raised in an intentional community in rural Colorado, he’s been a minister, a light aircraft pilot, an office worker, a janitor, a drinker, and a software developer on his way to writing novels. A Dodgers fan and three-time cancer survivor, he’s practiced and taught subtle energy healing all his adult life. He’s sung in church and rainbow choirs, and currently channels his passion for music into learning the octave mandolin. He and his husband met in 2002, and live in Montpellier, France.

His titles include Traveling Light, Russ Morgan, PI, and Stone and Shell. His novel The Companion was a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Literary Awards.

Meeker's novel The Companion was named a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Literary Awards.

He is also the author of the titles Blood and Dirt, Traveling Light, Enigma, Blood Royal, and A Cape of Good Hope Christmas.

Reviews

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Russ Morgan, PI" is comprised of two earlier works - "Enigma" (2013) and "Blood and Dirt" (2015) now published in one volume by NineStar Press.

"Engima" is a novella (about 60 pages) introducing Rhys (Russ) Morgan, a 50-year-old former alcoholic private investigator, who reads auras. Russ is tasked with uncovering who is blackmailing televangelist Howard Robinson's son James, who about 15 years earlier had been miraculously cured of the "sin" of homosexuality via a conversion (read torture) camp.

We get a resolution to the situation, but it is secondary to the nuanced development of Russ' character and past. Russ is trying to overcome the wreckage alcohol brought about in his life:

In my case, I'd driven away a smart, gentle, loving partner by hiding in a bottle and hadn't seen much of love since I crawled out. Maybe I never would. But I wanted another chance at it now. I may have been fifty, flawed, and a little psychic, but I was as real as I'd ever been in my life. Some nights I wanted another chance at love so bad the longing was a metallic tang along my tongue.

In "Blood and Dirt" (roughly 190 pages), Russ is hired by Evan Landry to learn who trashed his sister's (legal) marijuana grow on their Colorado family ranch. Russ is thrown into the middle of an extremely dysfunctional family feud that turns deadly. Meeker does a great job of keeping us involved in the mystery, yet again the best thing about the story is Russ' character growth.

In the throes of a new relationship with Colin - who is 26 to his 50 - Russ has to confront his own ageism (As Colin tells him: "Maybe there's nothing you can do about what other people think, but you've gotta take care of your own shit. [...] You've got to, because you're the only one who can.") as well as realizing while he lost the love of his life, maybe there is more than one right man for him, and maybe that is Colin.

I'm so glad I discovered Meeker and feverently hope he continues to share Russ Morgan and his cases with us. Darn it, I want to see Colin and Russ' relationship grow and deepen, and I hope that Deputy Sheriff Heath Baker pops up now and then (and that he finds his own love). 4.5 stars and a Recommended Read!

I received an ARC from NineStar Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews

[Ulysses Dietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russ Morgan, PI
By Lloyd A. Meeker
NineStar Press, 2020
Five stars

This is actually an anthology, but it’s only two parts: a long short story, and a novella, both of them centered on Rhys (Russ) Morgan, a Denver-based private investigator, a recovering alcoholic, and a fifty-something man who has finally found some sort of peace in his life.

I wish Meeker had written more Russ Morgan books (maybe he will?). Morgan is a great character: quiet and intelligent, emotionally damaged but largely healed (as much as any of us are). Oh, he’s also an empath, giving him the ability to read people’s auras, to sense their emotional state, and to detect lies and deception. Useful in a PI. What always strikes me about Meeker’s writing is that he can use spiritual and even paranormal details in a way that makes them feel mundane and normal. Clearly, Morgan’s psychic gift is an incredibly helpful tool in his investigative arsenal, but it’s also no big deal.

The two parts of this anthology are linked only by Russ Morgan and Colin Stewart, a young paralegal at a huge Denver law firm. His role is peripheral but also critical in both stories, as it is he who awakens Morgan’s heart to the possibility that, even at fifty-odd years, his emotional life might not be over. The overarching plot connection between the two stories is Morgan’s apparent specialty in working on cases involving seriously dysfunctional families.

“Enigma” tells the story of a powerful evangelical minister beset by vaguely threatening letters drawn from the songs of the 1990s rock group Enigma. The evangelist’s son was “saved from his unnatural desires” many years before, and it is believed a plot is afoot to damage the ministry (and all the money and power it embraces). Morgan’s thoughtful intelligence is at the center of this cathartic story, and I was impressed by his diplomatic patience at working with people whom he despised and who despised him in turn. A man deeply aware of his own flaws, he uses his empathic gift to unravel this fairly straightforward mystery.

“Blood and Dirt,” however, is a different kettle of conundrums. A rich, arrogant gay man, a successful Denver chef, hires Morgan to find out who trashed his sister’s marijuana grow on the family ranch in rural Colorado. This sucks Morgan into a morass of dysfunction, all tied up in a failing century-old ranch and a group of adult children seething with jealousy and mistrust. When what seems like an act of petulant revenge turns into murder, Morgan must brace himself and his empathic gift to sort out the killer and to get to the bottom of an increasingly ugly situation. Once more, Morgan behaves with astonishing patience and restraint, given the way near strangers are willing to treat him when they see him as a threat to their status quo. The reader—like the young Colin—see just what a deeply good man Morgan is, even when he doesn’t always see it himself. This is a powerful, fascinating story.

I’d love to see more of Russ Morgan someday. These stories were really good, well-written, and focused on a character who could bear a lot more exploration.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Russ Morgan, PI" has two previously published stories combined into this book. "Engima" and "Blood and Dirt."

"Engima" is a novella that introduces Rhys (Russ) Morgan who is a 50 year old private investigator. We quickly learn that Russ is a recovered alcoholic who lost the man he loved due to his drinking. In this case he is hired to find out who is blackmailing a televangelist who has a gay son who was supposedly cured in a conversion camp. There is no real romance in this short story but we learn quite a bit about Russ and his ability to read auras and how that helps him solve his cases. It's an interesting mystery with secondary characters that are intriguing. There was actually quite a bit of emotion packed into this novella and I really loved it. Russ is a complex character that I connected with and wanted to see more of. He's complicated, with an interesting backstory and his ability to read auras was fascinating. He's also a lonely man and the author's ability to convey that was increadible.

"Some nights I wanted another chance at love so bad the longing was a metallic tang along my tongue."

"Blood and Dirt" is a longer story with more romance although the mystery is definitely the forefront of this book. Again another very interesting mystery with secondary characters that stand out. A few twists and turns and questions that kept me turning the page without putting the book down. This book also has a romance story between Russ and a much younger man Colin who we briefly met in "Engima." If I'm honest I didn't love Russ and Colin together as much as I wanted to and found the mystery and the family dynamics of the Landry family more compelling. I also really loved Deputy Sheriff Heath Baker and would love to read a story focused on him as well.

I enjoyed these stories and the complex character that is Russ Morgan and hope to read more from this author.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Netgalley and the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.

[Lena Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It is not the power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.” ~ Aung San Suu Kyi

Russ Morgan is a private investigator who uses his intuitive gifts to help him solve his cases. Russ is also an empath, someone capable of literally feeling what another person is feeling, to put themselves in “other people's shoes". With all the discomfort this can cause, sometimes Russ wonders why he does this job when it's so emotionally and physically draining. It's times like these when he has to remind himself that those of us who have these extra-sensory abilities have a responsibility to use them. Then he is approached to solve what seems to be a simple blackmail case, but, in truth, no case is ever as uncomplicated as it seems and this one is no exception.

Besides being an empath, Russ is also gay, which may or may not be a problem, especially in a case involving a “cured” homosexual. Russ is also a recovering alcoholic; drinking caused enough problems in his life, including losing the love of his life because he couldn't drink. Russ is in his 50s now and is lonely, but still feeling guilty about the one who got away. At the office of his client, he meets an attractive young man named Colin, who is more than helpful and obviously flirting. Russ is sorely tempted, but taps those feelings down telling himself that this beautiful twenty-something young man is way too young for him. Russ does find that Colin is nothing if not persistent and not easily dismissed. His sharp perception of other people sometimes clouds his ability to sort out his own life because, if he lets them, the bombardment of information affordable to him can be quite confusing and unsettling. Russ has been doing this work for many years and is practiced in putting things in perspective by stepping back and regrouping.

Andrew Kommen, the lawyer who hires Russ, is a pompous ass who enjoys asserting his assumed power over others. He's not successful with Russ who can tell the difference between what Kommen says and what he's feeling. Fortunately, Russ can turn his abilities off if necessary. Kommen works for Reverend Howard Richardson, who is even more offensive with a condescending attitude toward everything. He is threatened by a series of notes left in private places, notes that become more threatening as time goes on. They are coming from someone who knows his son, James, whom the reverend placed in a reparative therapy camp years ago to “cure” his homosexuality. His “recovered” son now has a wife and three children. James's recovery is a big feather in the cap of his father's ministry; one he needs to keep. The investigation is convoluted, with seemingly everyone under suspicion and confused except for Russ, who is calmly processing the information and forming his own opinions of the case. Russ is certain he knows who the culprit is, but when the notes become life-threatening, Russ knows he has to make his move and solve the case before someone dies.

This is a well written mystery with an outstandingly crafted main character. Russ being the narrator enabled me to understand what he's thinking and feeling. It also was a great vehicle for letting me see what he saw as far as other people's auras and emotions go and it was all very fascinating. I loved Colin and am looking forward to seeing him again because I doubt he will give up on Russ and I don't think Russ will be able to deny that blond green-eyed elf forever.

For those of you who enjoy a mystery starring a new, gentler, different kind of P.I. with a psychic twist, you may enjoy this story. Thanks so much, Lloyd, for introducing me to Russ and his unique perception about investigations.





Blood & Dirt

“There is no fire like passion, there is no shark like hatred, there is no snare like folly, there is no torrent like greed.” ~ Gautama Buddha

One of the most dangerous situations law enforcement officers face is domestic violence. Going in, officers know they're at a disadvantage and dealing with people who either love or hate each other or both, and may turn on the officer in a second due to their of their conflicting emotions. When Russ Morgan takes a case in which the culprit is someone in the client's family, he knows it's risky, but still decides to accept the assignment. When Russ gets to the family ranch and experiences the degree of animosity the family members feel for each other, he has second thoughts; but Russ doesn't give up easily and forges ahead, determined to solve the case.

Russ finally gives in to Colin's charms and they began spending time together. The longer they are with each other, the harder it is to be apart. Russ still has serious concerns about their age difference, but Colin calls him on it, asking Russ if that's just an excuse and not the real reason for his hesitation. Russ wants to be able to love Colin the way he deserves to be loved but fears he can't. Despite the difference in their ages, they find they have a lot in common. Russ opens up, telling Colin about the lover he lost due to his alcoholism. Colin listens patiently, then reminds Russ he's no longer that man and their relationship is a completely different situation. While he's away, Russ finds he misses Colin more than he thought he would. Especially with all the venom surrounding him, it makes him long for a quiet, comfortable night together.

Discovering who trashed Sarah's marijuana crop proves to be a difficult job. Wading through the evidence and abundance of emotion, Russ's limits are tested, but fortunately, through his experience and training, he can cope effectively. His gift for reading auras comes in quite handy, telling him when the suspects are thinking and feeling something different than they say they are. With so much strong emotion flying around, Russ takes his firearm with him, fearing he may need it. He's expecting some kind of confrontation at any minute. When tragedy strikes, Russ is extremely relieved he heeded his own advice.

This is a complex mystery, which had me considering that everyone may have committed the crime. I tried to follow the clues as Russ laid them out, but kept running down the wrong path, but it wasn't frustrating; it was exhilarating. I was on the edge of my chair for most of the book. Russ had me suspecting everyone! I even wondered if “the butler”—which in this case would be the cook—could have been responsible. I was delighted to see Colin made an appearance and happy to see that they are making progress. I come from a very close family, so the dysfunction of this family was sad and disturbing, but Lloyd did a fantastic job of defining the characters with their many flaws and warped thinking. If you like a book about dysfunctional families, both physical and emotional destruction, private detectives, hot cops, and beautiful law clerks, then this may be the story for you. Thank you, Lloyd, for making me feel and think.

NOTE: The first editions of these two books were provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russ Morgan, PI is the first book I’ve read by Lloyd A Meeker - It won’t be my last. Meeker creates memorable characters almost all of whom are potential perpetrators of the crimes Morgan investigates.

There are two distinct stories in this novel - ‘Enigma’ and ‘Blood & Dirt’.

Rhys (Russ) Morgan is a 50-year old empathic gay P.I. who at one point announces, ‘I’d never been able to figure out why, but without trying I had become a specialist in dysfunctional families.” Specializing in dysfunctional families is a major understatement as these two stories quickly demonstrate.

In neither story did the person hiring Russ want the police involved or even notified - which is why they hired him.

To quote from ‘Enigma’, I’m a little surprised you’ve come to me”, said Morgan. “Believe me, you were not my first choice” replied the lawyer seated across from him. “Our client, the Reverend Howard Richardson, does not want it known that you are investigating a black-mail attempt against his gay son.” Oh, the irony. A high-profile family values advocate with the very abomination he sought to eradicate lurking in his own household.

In ‘Blood & Dirt’, Evan Landry, a successful restaurateur hires Russ to find out “who trashed my sister’s marijuana grow.” Convinced that his own stepsister is responsible, Landry ominously informs Morgan that ‘a chef is only as good as his knife skills.’

In addition to Morgan, there is one other character who appears in both stories. That man is Colin Stewart, a legal assistant clearly smitten with Russ, who is introduced in ‘Enigma’. Stewart connects with Morgan again in ‘Blood & Dirt’ by which time Stewart has become a 26-year old paralegal. The romantic tension between these two is clearly one-sided. Morgan is unable to convince himself that a long-term relationship could work for them because of their age difference. Stewart does his best to convince Morgan that he’s wrong.

I liked almost everything about both stories in Russ Morgan, PI . The good news is that while this book can definitely be enjoyed as a stand alone novel, with a more than satisfying conclusion, there is still plenty of fodder here for a major new series. And I, for one, can’t wait to read Meeker’s next Russ Morgan, PI story.

I received an Advance Review Copy of ‘Russ Morgan, PI’ from NetGalley and NineStar Press in exchange for an honest review. #RussMorganPI #NetGalley

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with two previously published stories in one volume, 'Enigma' and 'Blood and Dirt'.

They both feature Russ Morgan, a PI who uses his psychic ability to read people’s auras to solve crimes. There are two separate cases with an overall romance arc that I’d definitely like to read more of.

There’s a lovely scene between Russ and Colin where they discuss the age difference between them and the prospect of a future together. The sex scenes are fade to black but even so, the connection between the two men is well portrayed.

The cases themselves and their resolution are not overly complex and easy to follow. There are plenty of clues, red herrings and possible suspects. There’s a lot of reference to Russ observing a person’s aura to judge how they are feeling or whether they are telling the truth. Both stories are well-written, with a fleshed-out likeable main character.

I’d also like Deputy Sheriff Heath Baker to feature in a future story - either in this series or his own!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russ Morgan, PI by Lloyd A. Meeker is two delightful tales starring the intrepid Russ Morgan, PI. Russ Morgan is a fifty something recovering alcoholic with a talent for solving puzzles.
Enigma – Has Russ tracking down a blackmailer who is threatening a fundamentalist preacher and his family. This story has all the feels and will leave you rooting for the villain.
Blood & Dirt – There is nothing uglier than family squabbles but when Russ gets thrown into the middle of a family feud he is sure to dig up dirt that will leave you gasping.
I’d never read anything by this author before but I hope there is more Russ Morgan, PI to come.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you may have already figured out, I love stumbling upon new books/authors. I personally don't realize that I'm in a reading rut until I find a book that pulls me out of it. Russ Morgan, PI by Lloyd A. Meeker was one of those books.

Russ Morgan, PI is actually a novella and a novel within one book. I'm kinda glad I didn't discover this one until they were combined. I don't think that reading one of them would have had the same impact that they did reading them together. Enigma was a great introduction to Russ Morgan, PI. It helped readers get to know him and his special "talent." It also gave readers a sense of who he was before and in the present, because they were two distinctly different men. The "before" version was an alcoholic who destroyed his shot at happiness. The "present" version was trying very hard to be a better man.

I loved the mystery behind Enigma and it honestly took me a while to figure out who the blackmailer was - and that's all I'm going to say because I don't do spoilers. I also loved the tension between Colin and Russ. It was clear that Russ was more than likely fighting a losing battle where that attraction was concerned.

Blood & Dirt picks up the story a little while later, but not too much. Colin is slowing working on convincing Russ that age is just a number. There is a lot more edge to Russ's next case though and a lot more danger. Both of which drew me even further into the book, along with the mystery that only took me a little by surprise.

The author's note at the end leads me to believe that there is more to come from Russ Morgan, PI and I certainly hope that's true.

I received Russ Morgan, PI in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[AMHH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the premise of this book: a private investigator with the empathic ability to sense and read auras— it’s such a great idea, and one that really starts to live up to its potential in the second part of the book. I say book, and not novel, because it isn’t a single contiguous narrative, but rather a short story, “Enigma” and then a longer novella “Blood and Dirt” that fleshes out the protagonist, Russ, and his abilities in a new case. I liked the second part of the book much more than the first: the short story has a pat and not-super-mysterious mystery, and Russ’s empathic abilities are interesting but nebulous: you can’t really tell how they impact him beyond what he’s willing to state outright, he’s often very blasé about their use, it’s not clear whether this is something that lots of people can do in this universe, and their origin story is vague: something about coming out opening him up to the universe, which, is intriguing but…what? I think it’s meant to be a metaphor about the freedom of being yourself and owning your sexuality, which is definitely a major thread in the short story. It’s only really mentioned in an aside between clues, and mostly as an explanatory trigger for his alcoholism, however, and doesn’t really get the development it deserves. In “Blood and Dirt,” on the other hand, everything is more complex, and, I think, infinitely better for it. Russ is more complicated— people’s reactions to his abilities are more complicated— the story is more intricate and the mystery more compelling.

There are things I loved about the book beyond the premise: the writing is great. It’s set in the 21st century but has a definite 1940s noir feel: the edgy banter, the wearying feeling of corruption and despair, the bleak ironies of everyday life— it’s all there, and the descriptions are pure gold. Some of the characters are fascinating: if Heath ever gets a spinoff of his own, or a recurring role in future books, I’m there for it.

There are things I really didn’t like. Ok, there’s one thing. Colin. Colin is the worst. He’s supposed to be an “old soul,” the twenty-something love interest for the fifty-something protagonist who’s hot and mature and just perfect and instead he comes off as a major drag. He pushes the physical boundaries of their relationship after he’s been asked not to, he preaches at Russ about his ageism (in a sing-song voice no less…ugh…) He’s deeply irritating, even a little creepy, and seeing Russ pass on a much more interesting, much less obnoxious love interest in favor of Colin is disappointing. I definitely wouldn’t be sad to see less of Colin, but I would love to read more about Russ’s investigations, and I hope that there are more to come.

*I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily composed an unbiased review

[Anabela.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a professional, Russ Morgan relies on his ability to read people's auras, to detect lies and feelings. I loved it, because his investigations weren't so much the hunt for physical clues you'd find in usual mysteries, but more like a reading of emotions combined with well directed questions and intuition. It was a very interesting process to watch, the traps he sometimes set just to get a reaction. 

He called himself an expert in family complexities, and that's precisely what this book is all about. Honestly, neither of the families in 𝗘𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗺𝗮 or 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 & 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝘁 were nice ones. It was chilling to see the level of toxicity, the unhealthy relationship between their family members. But the author has written an incredible kaleidoscope of characters, even more so when seen through Russ's eyes. Every interaction was a vibrant experience of emotions, each with their own color and impact.

Altough a big part of this story presented the ugliness of family dynamics, there was also so much humor, witt and genuine affection. So much warmth, also, mostly because of Russ as a person. He was amazingly kind, sympathetic even with bad people, patient and caring. And it made me so happy when, after years of loneliness, he met Colin who brought joy and love into Russ's life.

𝗥𝘂𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻, 𝗣𝗜 offers an original way to view humanity. Mostly at its worst, but with splashes of positivity, legitimate fondness, hope, happiness and love.

Absolutely recommended.


*ARC provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing&Design in exchange for an honest review

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad I got this ARC because I discovered an interesting author.
He's a talented storyteller and I loved his style of writing and his well thought characters.
The plot of the two novellas are engrossing and the mystery is solid.
An excellent read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russ Morgan was a great character to follow, well-written and likable. I really enjoyed these two stories, the storylines were engaging and drew me in. All in all a very enjoyable, highly entertaining read and I hope to read more of this fascinating characters.

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley*

[Coltostallion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Russ was so gruff and over it much of the time, he was a really enjoyable character for me. The mysteries themselves kept me guessing until the very end. I admit I was a bit confused when the first mystery ended with so many remaining pages, but I definitely wasn't disappointed in the end.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

** 4.5 Stars **

More, please!!!

[Ada's · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I read the introduction I thought this book sounded interesting but unfortunately for me it wasn't I just could not get into reading it to the end sorry

[Tinka023 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these. Was hoping for more.

[Janeylou · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars