Murder in Palm Beach: The Homicide That Never Died

by Bob Brink

The doorbell rings in the home of a prominent Palm Beach citizen, quickly followed by a shotgun blast that shatters a window, cracking the calm of a cool January night. Rodger Kriger falls to the floor, mortally wounded, leaving a wife and six children.

An ambitious prosecutor pins the deed on Mitt Hecher, a hoodlum and karate expert. At Hecher's trial, fellow jail inmates testify that he confessed. He is convicted and sentenced to the brutal and anarchic state prison at Raiford, where a stabbing a day and a killing a week are the "mean" average.

Judges repeatedly frustrate Hecher and several attorneys working without fees to get a new trial, as investigators pursue myriad scenarios. Meanwhile, his wife contracts a deadly disease.

Was Hecher innocent, and if so, who did it? Did the sons of a wealthy Cuban kill Kriger? Were the operators of a gambling enterprise out to get him? Was a love triangle the basis for the shooting? Did a vicious underworld figure do the bidding of a criminal gang? Was a prominent politician behind the slaying? Those are the questions seeking answers amid the exploration of issues of justice and power.

Murder in Palm Beach is the saga of a battle between a man whose swagger has sent him spiraling to the bottom and powerful, sinister forces determined to keep him there. It is a story of redemption wrapped in a mystery tale reeking with power, sex, violence, and romance.

Genres: Mystery, True Crime, Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Suspense

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2014

About the author

Bob Brink is a journalist who worked with the Palm Beach Post, The Associated Press in Chicago, Milwaukee Journal, Tampa Tribune, Joliet Herald-News, and Palm Beach Media Group (magazines). His byline has been on thousands of news stories, features, and entertainment reviews.
He has been a freelance writer for several years, and now is embarked on writing novels. To promote his books, the current one being BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS, he has a website, with a blog on which he addresses activities involving his books, other books, and three passions: grammar, alternative health care, and socio-political issues. The website address is: www.bobbrinkwriter.com.
Blood on Their Hands is a legal thriller that opens with the brutal police beating of a Black man and has the theme of racial injustice running throughout. It was published in May 2020 by TouchPoint Press.
His preceding novel, Murder in Palm Beach: The Homicide That Never Died, is closely based on a real, 1976 murder that made headlines for 15 years, and has gained notoriety again with a new crinkle in the case.
Brink has won numerous writing accolades and several awards, including three for Palm Beach Illustrated, which won the Best Written Magazine award from the Florida Magazine Association after he became copy chief and writer.
Besides dabbling in short-story writing over the years, Brink immersed himself in learning to play the clarinet and tenor saxophone. He performed many years with an estimable, 65-piece community symphonic band, and played a few professional big band gigs. He relegated music to the back seat after embarking on writing novels.
A product of Michigan and Iowa, Brink has a bachelor’s degree in English from Drake University in Des Moines and completed graduate journalism studies at the University of Iowa, Iowa City.

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rodger Kriger is a prominent member of Pal Beach society. One night, after returning home from a party, he is shot by an unknown assailant, and dies of his wounds 11 days later.

Law enforcement officers are pressured to find the killer and find him fast. Police don't seem to care who actually did the killing. The assistant state's prosecutor settle on Mitt Hecher, a long-standing trouble maker. He's a karate instructor and known for starting fights and then offering his targets a discount to attend his karate school.

What follows is a corrupt law system, blackmail, prisoners willing to lie to get some time cut off their time served, forgery, and even a dishonest defense attorney. It's literally a free for all .. and Mitt is caught in the middle.

The plot has a lot going on and it's to the author's credit that it works. There are many secondary characters that I found hard to follow at the beginning. But, again, the author took his time to fully develop the personalities. Even though Mitt is a sort-of-bad guy, he's entirely likeable.

Many thanks to the author / Candid Book Reviews who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[Val Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Bob Brink asked me to review his debut novel, Murder in Palm Beach, I was unable to do so immediately due to other pressures on my time. That was a shame, bacause when I started the book, I really enjoyed it. Of course, anybody who reads this blog knows I espaecially enjoy murder mysteries. Bob was a journalist before he turned to novel writing. so it is not surprising that this book reads smoothly and easily.

Murder in Palm Beach begins in January 1976 when the doorbell rings at the Palm Beach home of a man and his wife who have just returned from a dinner party. The man, Roger Kriger, answers the door and is mortally wounded by a shotgun blast.

After Rodger Kriger, a wealthy restauranter was killed in his home the state's attorney, Bosworth and prosecutor, Scraponia pinned the rap on Mitt Hecher, a petty thug who ran a karate school and his pal Davey Ross. This is a high profile murder and Hecher and Ross liked to cause trouble in Palm Beach bars. However, the wrong man is found guilty. He is not a saint by any means, but he is innocent of this crime but gets locked up anyway.

Many people, including a few criminal attorneys and private investigators, never believe Hecher is guilty, nevertheless, he was convicted and sentenced to prison for twenty-five years. A number of scenarios cast suspicion on other possible perpetrators. Hecher makes twenty-five failed appeals against his conviction. Only then does the Florida Board of Clemency commute the remaining ten years of his sentence as time served.

Tom Palladin, a key player in Hecher's release gives him the name of the real killer, so Hecher and three friends track the killer down to bring them to justice.

The author has a great deal of knowledge about the legal and penal systems, and uses that to great effect in Murder in Palm Beach. The only adverse comment I might make is that, if anything, the reader is sometimes given more information than is needed to move the story along. Still, I really enjoyed this book and have donated my copy to my local library so that others may enjoy it too.

Valerie Penny

[Shelly Itkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mitt Hecher was definitely not a model citizen and he did get into many different types of fights with people and even the police. One thing he did not do is murder anyone. Unfortunately, thanks to a corrupt judicial system and some prosecutors who are trying to make a name for themselves, it looks like they have convicted an innocent man. Being sent to jail for minor charges would be acceptable but to be convicted and sentenced for murder when the witnesses are all people who are in jail with the accused is really unbelievable.
Yes we are told to accept the verdict of the jury but how can we when they evidence they are given are lies?

Rodger Kriger and his family lived in a lovely section and not one that Mitt would be familiar with. Mr. Kriger had been shot in his home and died in the hospital eleven days later. He was no angel and always had a girlfriend on the side and might of been involved in some shady deals. All that the police want to do is solve the murder and are not clearly looking at the facts. They just want to settle the case and show they have the killer of his murder.
Mr. Hecher is serving a minimum of twenty five years in jail and although he tries his best in each prison he is always turned down on appeals for another even when they have evidence to cause reasonable doubt.
As if Mitt did not have enough problems, his wife Diane is diagnosed with a serious medical condition that can be treated. but will never go away. Who is going to take care of Pauley there little boy? When Mitt met Diane he changed his ways but it seemed to be too late for him to be able to get a fair trial.
Mr. Brink exposes us to the courts, and the attorneys and higher ups who are willing to disregard important information so that each appeal is rejected. Is this how the law operates? Having innocent men serve life sentences for crimes they did not commit?
It was a slow start but definitely got better as the books continues.

[john r shell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible

Don't waste your time. Must have written his own reviews. Slow and boring. Better reads elsewhere. Not for me .

[January Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished it, but found it dull and not very interesting. I'm a true crime buff, but this didn't cut it for me.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mitt Recher, thug or muderer or both? BobBrink provides a factionalized account of the case of Mark Herman, imprisoned for the murder of a prominent figure. Mitt grows up in a dysfunctional family, becoming a thug in response to an early exposure of being bullied in school. He takes up karate, becoming quite good and running a karate class. Along the way, he picks fights in order to sell his class. He also does petty crimes and manages to avoid prosecution much to the chagrin of the authorities. After a murder, the authorities conspire to convict Mitt even though he may not have done the crime. As the story unfolds, Mitt fights a losing battle against the authorities even though there are many questions about the crime and the trial. Being married and having son while he is in prison bring about change to his outlook on life. Mitt's actions bring support from many corners. From a story standpoint, Mitt seems a little too good during his stay in prison. Is he this good? Are the authorities that bad? The questions are explored in the text in a clear, reporting style. This is an interesting read, although extremely slow in spots. Bob Brink raises many questions about the justice system especially in regard to incarceration and rehabilitation all while telling a tale of a man's fight for an overturn of his conviction. A book worth reading as a picture of what a struggle a fight against rigged justice can be.

[Elly Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning was interesting, and the end had action, but the middle of the story was all about life in prison. I wanted more--like what was happening with the bad guys, what they were saying/doing while Mitt was locked up and filing for appeals. The author certainly knows the justice system.

[Lsdebdj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corruption in Our Judicial System - Great Read

This was very interesting true story about corruption in our judicial system. I found it a little hard to get through because of all the detail. On the other hand, after I got half way through, I wanted to keep reading because the story became faster flowing and I had really gotten immersed in the story. I would recommend 'Murder In Palm Beach' highly.

[Michael Hartnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Redemption Story I’ve Read in a Long Time
Based on actual events of a 1976 assassination, Murder in Palm Beach by Bob Brink is a gripping tale that serves as both a powerful redemption story and a searing indictment on the criminal justice system. Worthy of a legacy that runs back from Saint Augustine through Malcolm X, this novel demonstrates how Mitt Hecher forges a path from brutal ruffian to a leader who supports those in the harshest conditions.
While those earlier transformative figures embraced religion as their way forward, Hecher finds his light through his incredibly supportive wife Diane and subsequently from his son Pauley. His mother and his family had first to endure Mitt’s extremely harsh 28-year prison sentence for relatively minor offences and then ultimately his trumped-up murder conviction that sent Mitt away for life.
Brink does a marvelous job of demonstrating how the criminal justice system can be subverted and perverted, initially through prosecutor Jim Scraponia’s corrupt witness coercions and then many years of legal stonewalling perpetrated by a series of insular government officials and judges. What makes this novel so extraordinary is Brink’s skill at pulling together telling details of the case through many compelling scenes involving relevant characters; he deftly pieces together seemingly disparate elements.
The novel builds in its intensity and intrigue as every rejection and mistreatment Mitt endures only further steels his determination. Those prison depictions are memorable: the diminutive, yet dangerous Mitt must prove himself in the roughest environments. At the maximum-security prison (Raiford), Mitt uses his formidable skills in karate at first to protect himself and then to train other prison inmates. His charisma and burgeoning inner decency allow Mitt to become that beacon of light in this darkest of places. In Raiford and a subsequent prison, we hear many fascinating tales of prisoner lives, what got them in the clink and what they must now do to survive.
Simply put, Murder in Palm Brink is endlessly engaging. Brink presents scenes – particularly Mitt’s farewell from Raiford and those prison visitations by Diane and young Pauley – that are incredibly poignant. He makes us care deeply for a man who was once a thuggish punk. The steady deterioration of the case against Mitt is juxtaposed with exciting and stunning revelations. Taking all of these elements in totality, I enjoyed Murder in Palm Beach as the best redemption story I’ve read in a long time.

[Michael Hartnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Redemption Story I’ve Read in a Long Time
Based on actual events of a 1976 assassination, Murder in Palm Beach by Bob Brink is a gripping tale that serves as both a powerful redemption story and a searing indictment on the criminal justice system. Worthy of a legacy that runs back from Saint Augustine through Malcolm X, this novel demonstrates how Mitt Hecher forges a path from brutal ruffian to a leader who supports those in the harshest conditions.
While those earlier transformative figures embraced religion as their way forward, Hecher finds his light through his incredibly supportive wife Diane and subsequently from his son Pauley. His mother and his family had first to endure Mitt’s extremely harsh 28-year prison sentence for relatively minor offences and then ultimately his trumped-up murder conviction that sent Mitt away for life.
Brink does a marvelous job of demonstrating how the criminal justice system can be subverted and perverted, initially through prosecutor Jim Scraponia’s corrupt witness coercions and then many years of legal stonewalling perpetrated by a series of insular government officials and judges. What makes this novel so extraordinary is Brink’s skill at pulling together telling details of the case through many compelling scenes involving relevant characters; he deftly pieces together seemingly disparate elements.
The novel builds in its intensity and intrigue as every rejection and mistreatment Mitt endures only further steels his determination. Those prison depictions are memorable: the diminutive, yet dangerous Mitt must prove himself in the roughest environments. At the maximum-security prison (Raiford), Mitt uses his formidable skills in karate at first to protect himself and then to train other prison inmates. His charisma and burgeoning inner decency allow Mitt to become that beacon of light in this darkest of places. In Raiford and a subsequent prison, we hear many fascinating tales of prisoner lives, what got them in the clink and what they must now do to survive.
Simply put, Murder in Palm Brink is endlessly engaging. Brink presents scenes – particularly Mitt’s farewell from Raiford and those prison visitations by Diane and young Pauley – that are incredibly poignant. He makes us care deeply for a man who was once a thuggish punk. The steady deterioration of the case against Mitt is juxtaposed with exciting and stunning revelations. Taking all of these elements in totality, I enjoyed Murder in Palm Beach as the best redemption story I’ve read in a long time.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in Palm Beach: The Homicide That Never Died by Bob Brink is a fascinating mystery novel that takes the reader on a journey through the lives of the characters and the corrupt legal system. This book is closely based on a real-life murder that happened in 1976. Prominent citizen Rodger Kriger is gunned down in his home and dies of his injuries and infection several days later. A street thug with a reputation for trouncing guys and then flipping them to come to take karate lessons are framed for the hit and sentenced to heavy time in Raiford. The struggle begins to prove his innocence of this particular crime, but the world and the system will not be in his favor.
Murder in Palm Beach by Bob Brink is the first book that I have read by this author, but when I read the description for this book I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. The fact that this book is based on a true crime only added to my interest in reading. This book doesn’t start off with a direct lead up to the shooting but instead introduces you to a variety of characters. At first, I didn’t see the point in certain characters, scenes and situations being presented, but gradually I saw the web that the author was weaving with this book. The author was doing a gradual build-up of the storyline and also showing the importance of the character who was about to be shot and killed. I didn’t like Hecher in the beginning, but I have to say that I appreciate his development and reform for the sake of the woman he grew to love.
Now, the pace of this story isn’t fast, but I will say that it is gripping. You get pieces of information and riveting scenes at just the right moments to keep you page-turning. The mysterious characters at the gun store kept me page-turning as I was eager to learn who they were, what role did they play, and why. The shock of the “zealous” prosecutor gripped me even more. I was honestly appalled at his behavior and eagerness to do whatever it takes to get Hecher off the streets for good.
There honestly isn’t anything that I don’t like about this book. I can tell that it has been professionally edited as I found few to no errors throughout.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. The author gave me a fascinating mystery with political twists and pitfalls. The characters are engaging and the struggle that Hecher goes through to prove that he is innocent of this crime makes it hard to put down. You get politics, romance, conspiracy, and a thrilling who-done-it.

[Fiction Vixens Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading anything by Boob Brink and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this great story. Bod Brink has given us a story with great characters that will suck you in from start to finish and leave you wanting more. This story is full of mystery , suspense and intrigue that is have you setting on the edge of your seat to see whats going to happen next. The way that this author writes about the prison system is great and shows that he is quite knowledgeable about the legal system,and he translates it well in his book. This story is about Mitt Hecher, who's a petty thug,who also runs a karate school and he has a best friend called Davey Ross. These two like to cause trouble in Palm Beach Bars. And then there's Rodger Kriger,who's a wealthy restaurateur and who is murdered in his home. And the state attorney Bosworth and the prosecutor Scraponia plans to pin the the killing on poor Hecher. And soon Hecher finds himself convicted and sentenced to prison for twenty-five years. But after twenty-five failed appeals the broad of Florida clemency commuted the remaining 10 years as time served. But Mitt learns from Tom Palladin who the real killer really is and soon Hecher and three pals track him down ,and bring him to justice. And soon Hecher's conviction is overturned, and he's is exonerated. But then Scraponia is soon sentenced to prison,and Bosworth escapes punishment. But what will become of Bosworth ? I could go on and tell you more about this great story ,but that would spoil the read for you .I highly recommend that you read this great story ,you won't be disappointed.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Palm Beach is in the news quite a bit lately – you know, the Mar-a-Lago version of Palm Beach. Well, apparently, there is another side to this town, and it is the setting for Bob Brink’s Murder in Palm Beach, a work of what is sometimes called “faction.” It is a novel that is based on true events, in other words.

In this story, Mitt Hecher is not a model citizen and he was known to battle other individuals and even the police. He wasn’t a murderer, but with a corrupt judicial system and some local prosecutors wanting to make a name for themselves, there is a conviction of an innocent man.
The murder victim, Rodger Kriger, lives with his family in the “nice” part of PB. He was shot at home and died after 11 days in the hospital. As is often the case (I watched The Wire, so I know these things!), the cops and courts can’t be relied on to provide justice. All the police want is to solve the murder (get a conviction of SOMEONE) to boost their statistics and they don’t take time to be sure of the facts.

Mitt has a sick wife and a child, to add to his problems – as in, who can care for them with him in prison? TBH, I found this a bit depressing, and as it is/was apparently Mr. Brink’s debut novel, I don’t want to be too harsh. It just wasn’t my thing. Two stars, for effort. And thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Pam Koenig · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. My first thought about the story, was that I never read a more convoluted storyline, plus the beginning of the book kind of told me why the upcoming murder happened. The more I read, the more incredible the story seemed and since I hate to leave a book unread I finished it. The story was put forth as being based on a true story, but the tale made me doubt it. I decided to try to find what the true murder was and see how much matched the tale. I found newspaper reports from 1985 that spelled out the real tale of murder and corruption and collusion with the names of the real individuals. This author seemed to have followed the news reports for the story while changing names but keeping the initials of the real individuals. This book does bring to conclusion a murder that was really never solved and did have all the convoluted twists and turns that were in the real tale. The book itself was confusing with a timeline that jumped from one thing to another to the point that I had a hard time following who was speaking and what happened and when. The crime itself was very interesting, and a lot if information is out there that I think would have made a better True Crime book than a book based on a crime. Sorry, but while interesting to me it missed the mark.

[Krystal Stubbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mitt Hecher owns his own karate studio and is known by the local law enforcement. If there is a bar fight he is probably in the middle of it. Hecher is well known to be hirable if you need someone beat up. However, he meets the right woman, Diane Berglund, and tries turning his life around. it is a little too late, though, and he gets charged with weapons, drugs, stolen property etc and gets sent to prison for 28 years.

Rodger Kriger is a local, prominent citizen and owned some local restaurants.

Kriger and his wife return from a dinner party and hear the doorbell, and before he could answer shots were fired and Kriger was hit. he ends up dying from his wounds.

Being such a huge figure, pressure is put on prosecutor Jim Scraponia to find and try the killer. Hecher is a thorn in law enforcements side, and although he is already in prison Scraponia decides that Hecher should go down for the Kriger murder. Hecher is found guilty and sentenced to 25 years.

Years later information starts coming to light that Hecher may not be the killer..... but at every turn the courts uphold the guilty verdict. Did Hecher kill Kriger? Will Hecher ever get justice and be cleared of a the murder if he didn't? ..... Wonderful and suspenseful book, enjoyed it immensely.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accused of a murder he did not commit
An interesting story of miscarriage of justice wrapped around courts, the judicial system and the incarceration system. This story revolves around Mitt Hecher, a family man accused and imprisoned for a murder he did not commit and how he eventually turns his sentence around through the help of many people who believe in him, especially his wife, son and mother. Among new activities he instigates with the help of the officials within the prison such as karate lessons. As a Canadian, I wasn't sure if some offered activities would actually be an acceptable exercise in the system. However, the action and response to such a request obviously made a difference to the inmates and their attitudes, not to mention its value in preparing long-term residents for their upcoming freedom. Will the loss of his very ill wife deter Hecher from trying to redeem himself and also from fighting for the truth to come out? Will he ever know who the real killer was? I found I really enjoyed reading this book regardless of the anger it generated with falsehoods and blocked hearings which should have been heard and acted upon. But truth sometimes really does come out and provides the reader with a feeling of good over evil.

[Jaime Kurp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder in Palm Beach: The Homicide That Never Died

by Bob Brink

Reviewed by Jaime Kurp

This book was different from what I normally read. I honestly had a hard time reading part one of the story. I felt that the author threw in so many characters all at once and it was a little hard for me to keep track of everyone. In part one you really don’t like the main character, Mitt Hecher. He is a guy who fights, hustles people and has a bad record. But by the end of part one you start to feel sorry for him. He meets a girl and she starts to change him. But not quick enough before the cops get him. And the worse part is he is doing time for something he didn’t do. Now in part two you really see Mitt change and grow. He starts to become a better person. Which then makes you start to like him. And in part three you finally get to see Mitt get his revenge so to speak.

I think that I would have enjoyed this book more if there was a little more mystery. I figured out who called for Kriger to be killed. But wasn’t sure who the guy was and you find that out at the end. But I left there wasn’t enough to keep you on the end of your seat. But other all the story was good.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review based on ARC from NetGalley:
Murder in Palm Beach is a loosely fictionalized account of the murder of Richard Kreusler in Palm Beach. The story follows the man who was convicted of the murder, based on loosely related circumstantial evidence, and the testimony of 4 convicts. The fact that the 4 convicts perjured themselves simply to get lighter sentences for their own crimes does seem to be typical of Florida.
Like certain other authors, it's clear that Brink used to be a journalist. The chapters and sections in the chapters tend to be very short, though at times light on the description. There are a few times that the story just jumps from one character POV to another and that gets tedious for reading.
Some of the instances that take place in the prison and the lunacy that leads up to the final capture of the actual murderer read like something out of a Tim Dorsey novel, and not in a good way. Wanting to make the wrongly convicted felon (he was serving time for a number of other crimes that he did commit) the hero is one thing, but portraying the police as some completely corrupt and incompetent with no consequences for their actions just smacks of absurdity.

[Jessica Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe how much I love this book! From reading the back cover, I assumed it would be the same thing you see on tv and movies and I would be bored with it. When I started reading though, I could not stop reading. I spent many nights lying in bed reading, when I should have been sleeping. The way Bob Brink writes is magical! He has great knowledge of not only the legal system but also the prison system. It translates well in this book.

Now on to the book. Mitt Hetcher has done many things in his life that others might look down upon. When he is thrown in prison for a murder he didn't commit, so many things change in his life. His son is born and we kind of get to see him grow throughout the book. His wife is diagnosed with a terminal illness. She suffers more then he does in this book Also his friends all seem to change over the years. Everyone seems to be divided but most know he didn't do it. By the end of the book it is clear and Mitt Hetcher is cleared as well!

[Ebooks Rock · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Murder in Palm Beach, Bob Brink has created a crime novel that could easily rival the likes of John Grisham and Richard Montanari. On the whole it is a story or redemption, but redemption that does not come easy. First arrested and charged for a crime you are insistent you didn't commit; then convicted of the crime and sentenced to decades behind bars; then losing the love of your life whilst serving time under a barbaric prison regime. Is this the price Mitt Hecher had to pay for rubbing up a few members of the justice system the wrong way? And will he get any justice of his own.

It won't be easy, there are people that have a vested interest in leaving the murder case in the past, not least the Assistant DA, who was happy to throw the book at Hecher without investigating other possibilities. Hecher soon finds out, that when your on the bottom, some will do whatever it takes to keep you there, especially those that have guilt of their own.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Palm Beach, the land of the tanned, toned and moneyed, is marred by the murder of a prominent resident. A typical "who done it" would be a slight to this book because it's much more.

Bob Brink's Murder in Palm Beach is similar to a 1976 murder (also similar to another PB murder in the early 1980s but I think I'm reading too many crime thrillers). The book revolves around Mitt, the guy accused of the crime, who is imprisoned based on overzealous prosecutorial skills rather than outright guilt. There are plenty of other plausible scenarios but Mitt is the man unlucky in every way who is "pinched" for the murder.

The book is well written which is expected since Bob Brink is an experienced print journalist. If you enjoy following the guy wrongly imprisoned, this story is for you. It will keep you engaged, titillated and, if the book was a meal, well nourished.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in Palm Beach was a really great read. It was actually really hard for me to put it down because I had to know what would happen next.

Mitt Hecher and his friend Davey Ross like to go to different bars and pick fights to get people to sign up for Hecher's karate classes. Hecher has been in trouble many times with the law because of the way he lives his life, until one day he finds someone who changes him. When Richard Kriger, a restaurant owner and a guy with a big reputation in town gets shot in his home, the police and lawyer that has it out for Hecher pin the murder on him and he is convicted. Who is the real murderer and how does Hecher prove his innocence in jail?
This book was a really great murder mystery and I highly recommend it. It keeps you on your toes and you just have to know what happens to Hecher. I loved it.

[Patricia Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mitt Hecher has spent his life being a tough guy. He's earned a reputation with the cops and a prosecuting attorney who believes in nailing Mitt on the basis that he "deserves" prison even if he hasn't done the crime. Mitt is convicted of murder based on "circumstantial" evidence, with lies and staged by the prosecutor. Bob Brink writes in a style that made me feel like this was THE actual story of Mitt's life, his rehabilitation, his progress in prison, his caring for people, and the discovery of who (among numerous suspects) actually was the murderer. There's a terrific power in his writing; the courtroom drama, the reluctance of the courts to allow an appeal despite evidence o his innocence, the confluence of people and factors that worked on his case all became very real. I so much enjoyed this book!!!! Thanks Goodreads for a great read.

[Kindle Crazy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about Murder in Palm Beach by Bob Brink, was that it took me back to the golden age of detective fiction. The story was gripping from start to finish, centered around a classic whodunit - did the man, Hecher, sentenced to over 25 years in prison, murder Roger Kriger? Or was he thrown under the bus by a politically hungry district attorney, hoping to boost his career by nailing an easy conviction for the brutal shooting of the restaurateur. One thing is sure, there are certainly more suspects of the crime, some of whom are very shady characters indeed, and when the plot is so well written, that you will be swept up in excitement, constantly wondering where it is going to go next. Is this a story of redemption, or will justice escape everyone...you will have to read to find out, and you really should.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book free with a promise of a review.  This is my first time readying anything from this author, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.  The author has given us a story with great characters and story line that will suck you in from the start to finish and left me wanting more.  The story is full of mystery, suspense and excitement that kept me on the edge of my seat, I just wanted to keep reading so that I could see what was going to happen next.  I have to say that I also had a hard time putting this book down. I feel that the author had great knowledge not only the legal system but also the prison system.  I love reading True Crime and Mysteries and this was not a disappointment.  I highly recommend this to all that love mysteries and those who don't you wont be disappointed.  I will also be on the look out for more from this author.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder and the seedy underbelly of this city associated with the rich and glamorous are showcased in this book written as fiction with a strong ring of truth. The book is based on a real incident with a victim, Rodger Kriger who is a tad shady and the main character, Mitt Hecher, who is a bit of a thug and someone you don't really like but end up feeling for him. Did he really kill Kriger?
I found the characters well written and the book was fast paced and hard to put down at times. Unfortunately it illustrates our imperfect justice system and corruption at all levels. Bob Brink has written an interesting book and a fascinating look at Mitt Hecher's story. This is good read and well worth your time. Thank you to NetGalley, Bob Brink and publisher BooksGoSocial for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Kim Aalaie (Reader) 8/10/2018
Bad boy, meets girl, turns good but to late...runs amok with the law. 'Murder in Palm Beach' has everything a good crime mystery should have...murder, revenge, outlaws, frame jobs, love, hate, romance and amidst all that, a wonderful, heart-warming love story. This book is full of twists and turns on every page and every time you think you know where Bob Brink is going to go, you are wrong!
The dialogue is perfect for each character that has been described perfectly to provide the reader with a mental image of each.
'Murder in Palm Beach' reels you in from the first chapter and you simply can't put it down. A must read!!! Very well-written novel with many plots and side story's that keep you interested until the very end. Way more then a 5 star book. I've just become a fan of Bob Brink!

[R.W. Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mitt Hecher, a petty thug who ran a karate school and his pal Davey Ross, liked to cause trouble in Palm Beach bars. When Rodger Kriger, a wealthy restauranter was killed in his home the state's attorney, Bosworth and prosecutor, Scraponia pinned the rap on Hecher. Hecher was convicted and sentenced to prison for twenty-five years. After twenty-five failed appeals the Florida Board of Clemency commuted the remaining ten years as time served. Tom Palladin, a key player in his release gave Hecher the name of the real killer, Generoso Gagliardi. Hecher and three pals tracked the killer down and brought him to justice. Hecher's conviction was overturned, and he was exonerated. Scraponia was sentenced to prison, but Bosworth escaped punishment

[Ian Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad book

This story did keep me intrigued for the most part. I think the plot was quite brilliant, perhaps the best thing about the book. However I didn't think that the storyline flowed seamlessly together as it was kind of patchy sometimes. I must say though that the be author is pretty darn good at the romance scenes which is a huge plus in any story. To my mind the writing was not consistently good nor consistently bad - quite good at times and a bit tedious at others. The thing however that makes this book stands out is the great human interest story which it relates. I believe it was an outstanding tale that the author chose to tell, one that has wide appeal, and reasonable justice was done in the telling.

[Heath Henwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder at Palm Beach
By Bob Brink

3 stars

Full of drama

Realistic and believable character development.

Unfortunately, the plot is dragged out too far to flow really well. Those who persistent though the middle of the book will come to a satisfactory ending.

Murder in Palm Beach is the saga of a battle between a man whose swagger has sent him spiralling to the bottom and powerful, sinister forces determined to keep him there. It is a narrative of redemption wrapped in a mystery tale reeking with power, sex, and violence. It also contains a heart-rending love story.

This title has been reviewed by This title was provided by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an open and honest review.

#MurderInPalmBeach #NetGalley