What do you think?
Rate this book
Hitchhiker #4
Murder in Pink: A Ghostly Hitchhiker cozy mystery
Missing money, a dead body, and a new ghostly hitchhiker.
Oliver Atkinson should be helping plan his fortieth birthday party. Instead he meets Toni, a young woman about to embark on a charity run. When her boyfriend is found murdered and she is the prime suspect, Charlie Morningside insists his long distant relative is innocent of murder. Although he’s been dead since 1921 so he is not the most reliable witness.
With the help of Amanda, the con woman who seems to enjoy turning his world upside down, Oliver has to dig deep to find who would want the victim dead. Unfortunately all roads lead back to Toni and as evidence starts to mount up he has to decide whether to follow the trail of clues or Charlie’s gut.
At least no one is trying to kill him this time. Yet.
Oliver Atkinson should be helping plan his fortieth birthday party. Instead he meets Toni, a young woman about to embark on a charity run. When her boyfriend is found murdered and she is the prime suspect, Charlie Morningside insists his long distant relative is innocent of murder. Although he’s been dead since 1921 so he is not the most reliable witness.
With the help of Amanda, the con woman who seems to enjoy turning his world upside down, Oliver has to dig deep to find who would want the victim dead. Unfortunately all roads lead back to Toni and as evidence starts to mount up he has to decide whether to follow the trail of clues or Charlie’s gut.
At least no one is trying to kill him this time. Yet.
- GenresMystery
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2020
5 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Rodney Strong
30 books115 followersWriting is one of those things that I have always done. I vividly remember spending most of an English exam writing a complicated adventure story as the answer to an exam question. I passed the exam, either because of, or despite the answer.
I tend to write the story that comes to mind, regardless of genre.
I tend to write the story that comes to mind, regardless of genre.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 24, 2020
Rounded up. This is another installment of the Hitchhiker series. As the other books in this series, it is about a spirit/ghost/entity that "hitchhikes" a ride in the main character's head. This leads to some laughs and confusion as they try to solve a mystery.
August 2, 2021
MURDER IN PINK is the fourth book in the Hitchhiker series featuring Oliver Atkinson, his family, and his ... hangers on. Basically Oliver is an unwilling house husband, and amateur investigator who is "aided" by witnesses or involved parties, who inhabit his being. Ghost with opinions and justice on their minds. Heftily on the cosy side, this series has a number of elements to it that readers will just have to love or hate - the sense of humour, the self-deprecation of the central character, his put-upon demeanour, to say nothing of the whole idea of "ghost witnesses" who hitch a ride in Oliver's head for the purposes of solving a current day crime.
In this fourth book, Oliver is planning his fortieth birthday party when he meets a young woman, about to embark on a charity run. When her boyfriend is found murdered, she becomes the prime suspect, despite the insistence of young Charlie Morningside, that his distant relative is definitely innocent. The fact that Charlie's been dead since 1921 probably makes him an unreliable witness in everyone's eyes except Oliver, and then there's the involvement of Amanda, the con woman seemingly dedicated to turning Oliver's life into a bit more of a train wreck than it already was.
You should be getting the picture from that description, and whilst this is definitely an outing that could be read as a bit of a standalone, (let's face it, you're going to be wondering what on earth (or not) is going on anyway) without too much backstory, it's also a series that fans of the comic cosy subgenre would do well to start from the beginning.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
In this fourth book, Oliver is planning his fortieth birthday party when he meets a young woman, about to embark on a charity run. When her boyfriend is found murdered, she becomes the prime suspect, despite the insistence of young Charlie Morningside, that his distant relative is definitely innocent. The fact that Charlie's been dead since 1921 probably makes him an unreliable witness in everyone's eyes except Oliver, and then there's the involvement of Amanda, the con woman seemingly dedicated to turning Oliver's life into a bit more of a train wreck than it already was.
You should be getting the picture from that description, and whilst this is definitely an outing that could be read as a bit of a standalone, (let's face it, you're going to be wondering what on earth (or not) is going on anyway) without too much backstory, it's also a series that fans of the comic cosy subgenre would do well to start from the beginning.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
May 26, 2020
Oliver picks up a new ghostly hitchhiker, Charlie Morningside, who died in 1921. Charlie wants Oliver to help prove that his great niece, Toni didn't murder her boyfriend and didn't steal the money that was raised for cancer. Amanda also shows up and she still loves to mess with Oliver's ways of doing things just to get him going. It was a good book and it was great to read a hitchhiker book again with Oliver still trying to juggle looking after his two children, the housework, trying to work on his book, his wife and the mystery going on.
May 30, 2020
Murder in Pink is the fourth book in the Ghostly Hitchhiker Cozy Mystery series by Rodney Strong.
I enjoyed this story. Well-written and it's easy to get into the rhythmn of this story. I will be looking for previous books in this series as I enjoyed this one!
I enjoyed this story. Well-written and it's easy to get into the rhythmn of this story. I will be looking for previous books in this series as I enjoyed this one!
June 7, 2020
Oliver’s newest hitchhiker is a 15-year-old boy who’s appeared to defend a distant descendant who’s been accused of murder and fraud. Charlie Morningside died in 1922 and has come back to help his many-greats niece, Toni Schaef, who’s been accused of murdering her boyfriend in the pink bus they occupied together. And while she vigorously defends her innocence, the fact that that she’s less than forthcoming with the truth doesn’t help her case.
However, Charlie will have none of this, so Oliver and Amanda, who has ventured back to New Zealand for her grandmother’s Alice’s birthday party, set about investigating. Toni’s bid to honor her mother’s cancer death with a run around the island to raise awareness funds has attracted press attention, and, as the two of them discover, a trio of criminals as well, including Darcy, a woman whom Toni considers an old friend, but Darcy views more as an ATM.
Toni’s airy naivete doesn’t help matters – a pink-bus-dwelling twenty-something New Ager, she can’t bring herself to believe Darcy stole from her, nor that she hadn’t found true love in only three months with the murdered boyfriend, instead of a con artist who zoomed in on a target.
However, as Toni becomes a likelier suspect, Oliver learns something stunning: Toni also has a hitchhiker, although she calls them a rebounder. Their identity is even more surprising: Dorothy, who Toni refers to as “my great-something-grandmother.” In other words, Charlie’s kid sister.
Although Oliver’s not pleased to be caught in a century-old case of sibling rivalry, the Morningsides prove themselves a formidable pair, working together even when it seems they’re at cross-purposes. Getting to the bottom of this twisted tale of theft and revenge is a most satisfying family excursion.
However, Charlie will have none of this, so Oliver and Amanda, who has ventured back to New Zealand for her grandmother’s Alice’s birthday party, set about investigating. Toni’s bid to honor her mother’s cancer death with a run around the island to raise awareness funds has attracted press attention, and, as the two of them discover, a trio of criminals as well, including Darcy, a woman whom Toni considers an old friend, but Darcy views more as an ATM.
Toni’s airy naivete doesn’t help matters – a pink-bus-dwelling twenty-something New Ager, she can’t bring herself to believe Darcy stole from her, nor that she hadn’t found true love in only three months with the murdered boyfriend, instead of a con artist who zoomed in on a target.
However, as Toni becomes a likelier suspect, Oliver learns something stunning: Toni also has a hitchhiker, although she calls them a rebounder. Their identity is even more surprising: Dorothy, who Toni refers to as “my great-something-grandmother.” In other words, Charlie’s kid sister.
Although Oliver’s not pleased to be caught in a century-old case of sibling rivalry, the Morningsides prove themselves a formidable pair, working together even when it seems they’re at cross-purposes. Getting to the bottom of this twisted tale of theft and revenge is a most satisfying family excursion.
May 30, 2020
This is the fourth book in the series. You can read this series as stand-alone books, but if you really want to get into the background of the characters (like I do) and how they came to be in Oliver’s life, it makes sense if you put this book on your bedside cabinet and read book 1 (Murder in Paint), book 2 (Murder in Mud) and book 3 (Murder in Doubt) first.
I love that this book is set in New Zealand. The banter between Oliver and his “hitchhikers” is great and it’s even funnier when Oliver forgets to speak in his head, so has to wiggle his way out of some awkward conversions with people.
The characters are colourful and relatable and old friends show up from books 1, 2 and 3 (gosh, I love consistent characters). In this book, Oliver finds out he is not the only one who has a “hitchhiker”. I love the twists and turns in the book and can’t wait for the next one.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, as I loved books 1, 2 and 3 and jumped at the opportunity to be on the list. That said, this is my honest review.
Yes, I will continue to read from this author.
I love that this book is set in New Zealand. The banter between Oliver and his “hitchhikers” is great and it’s even funnier when Oliver forgets to speak in his head, so has to wiggle his way out of some awkward conversions with people.
The characters are colourful and relatable and old friends show up from books 1, 2 and 3 (gosh, I love consistent characters). In this book, Oliver finds out he is not the only one who has a “hitchhiker”. I love the twists and turns in the book and can’t wait for the next one.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, as I loved books 1, 2 and 3 and jumped at the opportunity to be on the list. That said, this is my honest review.
Yes, I will continue to read from this author.
May 29, 2020
Oliver picks up another hitchhiker who is a 15 year old boy who died in the 1920s. He is there because he wants Oliver to help his great niece who is in trouble. Having died in the 20s, 15 year old Charlie is very behind the times and constantly questions Oliver about what is now everyday phrases and things like a computer. This made me laugh out loud a lot, especially when Oliver forgets to answer Charlie in his head and answers out loud, sometimes near people who stare and think he's nuts. And Oliver also has his family. His young daughter can actually hear and communicate with Charlie too, which is also humorous. Anyway, Charlie wants Oliver to find his relative and help her because he knows she is in terrible trouble and the only clue he has is that she drives a pink bus and her name is Toni. We again have Amanda a con extraordinaire and her grandmother Alice with a shady past of her own helping Oliver with trying to find Toni innocent of killing her boyfriend and stealing charity money she amassed. Amanda again messes with Oliver's head because it amuses her. When all the potential suspects have alibis and all the evidence keeps pointing at Toni, could she really be the one, regardless of Charlie's saying otherwise? We are treated with lots of mystery and a surprise ending. I love this series and not only Oliver, but Amanda and Alice her grandmother are such fun characters and I love that they are involved in the series. I received an ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
June 6, 2020
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. Another great read in the Hitchhiker series. Reading this book was like visiting old friends that you haven't seen in a while and you have such a good time catching up on all that has been going on since your last visit. And with Oliver and his "friends" that is always an interesting proposition.
I love this series because while it is a cozy mystery and it does require some suspension of disbelief (dead people living in Oliver's head!!) it is a bit more gritty and edgy than the typical cozy. There is a bit more "on-screen" violence than is normal but it is not overdone. And as is typical of the genre, there is very little, if any, profanity, and no sex scenes, gratuitous or otherwise.
Mr. Strong included something in this book that I really enjoyed. (Please remember that I'm easily entertained!) There is a spin-off from this series called the Silvermoon Retirement Village Mysteries. In the last book from that series, Hip Flask and Hanging, Alice and her friend, Vanessa are at the train station where they run into Oliver. Then there are a couple of occasions where they again interact with Oliver. In Murder in Pink, we get to see those incidents, but they are told from Oliver's point of view this time. It was a little thing, but I really enjoyed it.
If you haven't read any of the Murder In series, you really need to. They are thoroughly enjoyable.
I love this series because while it is a cozy mystery and it does require some suspension of disbelief (dead people living in Oliver's head!!) it is a bit more gritty and edgy than the typical cozy. There is a bit more "on-screen" violence than is normal but it is not overdone. And as is typical of the genre, there is very little, if any, profanity, and no sex scenes, gratuitous or otherwise.
Mr. Strong included something in this book that I really enjoyed. (Please remember that I'm easily entertained!) There is a spin-off from this series called the Silvermoon Retirement Village Mysteries. In the last book from that series, Hip Flask and Hanging, Alice and her friend, Vanessa are at the train station where they run into Oliver. Then there are a couple of occasions where they again interact with Oliver. In Murder in Pink, we get to see those incidents, but they are told from Oliver's point of view this time. It was a little thing, but I really enjoyed it.
If you haven't read any of the Murder In series, you really need to. They are thoroughly enjoyable.
June 2, 2020
Another great read by Rodney Strong. This series is refreshingly different. It is set in New Zealand. Oliver picks up spirits of people who have passed that want him to help solve murder cases involving their loved ones in the present. This time it's 15 year old Charlie who died in 1921.
Oliver communicates with his thoughts but sometimes talks out loud with the voice in his head that makes for some amusing situations. Since Charlie sees what Oliver sees, imagine trying to explain cell phones, computers, internet and passenger jets to him; even figures of speech.
This series has a spinoff, Silvermoon Retirement Village, and 2 of those characters come back to help Oliver with this case. Both series are delightful reads involving loveable characters, interesting mysteries and touches of humor to lighten the themes.
As usual there are several twists as the plot is revealed and you won't guess who did it and why. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review. Can't wait for the next one!
Oliver communicates with his thoughts but sometimes talks out loud with the voice in his head that makes for some amusing situations. Since Charlie sees what Oliver sees, imagine trying to explain cell phones, computers, internet and passenger jets to him; even figures of speech.
This series has a spinoff, Silvermoon Retirement Village, and 2 of those characters come back to help Oliver with this case. Both series are delightful reads involving loveable characters, interesting mysteries and touches of humor to lighten the themes.
As usual there are several twists as the plot is revealed and you won't guess who did it and why. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review. Can't wait for the next one!
May 28, 2020
Imagine trying to find a girl named Toni in a pink bus somewhere in Wellington, New Zealand. Those two clues are the only ones provided to Oliver Atkinson by his latest hitchhiker, 15-year-old Charlie. All Charlie knows is that Toni (a great, great something relative) is in trouble and needs help. With Charlie’s voice in his head and assistance from his friend, Amanda, and her grandmother, Alice, Oliver not only tracks down Toni but finds himself investigating a theft and a murder. Detective Wilson is back and not surprised to encounter Oliver in the middle of another one of his cases. Rodney Strong creates interesting and unique characters and stories that feature entertaining plots with danger, mystery and touches of humor, especially when Oliver is caught in public having a conversation with his latest hitchhiker. I love this series as well as the Silvermoon Retirement Village books featuring Alice. I can’t wait for Rodney’s next book.
May 27, 2020
Murder in Pink is the fourth book in the Ghostly Hitchhiker Cozy Mystery series by Rodney Strong.
This is the first book in the series that I read and I was able to read as a stand-alone book. It was a little confusing until I learned about the hitchhikers.
There was a lot of humor with Oliver having a 15-year-old hitchhiker who died in 1922. And then having a young daughter who can also hear the hitchhiker is interesting. Oliver’s wife is very understanding and Alice and Amanda seem to keep Oliver on his toes.
It was interesting to see if the two crimes were related. There were a lot of twists and turns. I’ll definitely go back and read the earlier books in the series.
I received this book as a gift and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This is the first book in the series that I read and I was able to read as a stand-alone book. It was a little confusing until I learned about the hitchhikers.
There was a lot of humor with Oliver having a 15-year-old hitchhiker who died in 1922. And then having a young daughter who can also hear the hitchhiker is interesting. Oliver’s wife is very understanding and Alice and Amanda seem to keep Oliver on his toes.
It was interesting to see if the two crimes were related. There were a lot of twists and turns. I’ll definitely go back and read the earlier books in the series.
I received this book as a gift and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
May 23, 2020
This is my third hitchhiker book and I enjoyed as much as the first two the story concept of spirt living in your head hitching a ride is so original you can't help but be captivated. This time Oliver has Charlie living in his head a 15-year-old the died in 1922 seeking to prove his great something or other niece didn't murder her boyfriend Barry. Old friends join the cast such as Alice and Amanda and of course Detective Wilson. While investigating they discover that a large sum of money is missing from Toni's banking account, Charlie still believes she is innocent no matter what the evidence is saying. This is a must-read a review just can't describe the laughs waiting to be had.
May 27, 2020
Oliver and his hitchhikers are always entertaining. This time a teenage boy has come to Oliver. His great, great ??? niece is going to be in trouble. Charlie doesn't know her because he died while his sister was still a little girl. He only knows she will be in trouble. As soon as Oliver tracks her down, she discovers a dead body. The body of her boyfriend. As he investigates, he finds that Toni isn't being truthful with him and then there are the other suspects. He and Amanda wade through all the stories about the murder and missing money to find the truth. Will Oliver ever get rid of Charlie?
May 28, 2020
How strange that Oliver could manage day to day life with another voice, person, being??? inside his head. He gets into a lot of trouble trying to help the other voice who happens to be dead (gee I guess I didn't mention that before did I). Well they meet a young lady who may or may not be a killer (who also hears a voice in her head). She really looks guilty but than so do her so called friends Darcy and Paul. What kind of friends sent you up just so they can still a lot of money? If you want so know just what and why its PINK and to find out who really done it. Read the book. When you do find out who was the killer you will be like me---gee I never even considered that person.
May 29, 2020
I was so very pleased to have found this author! I started the series with #2 and immediately went out to get the rest of the series. I love the humor and, especially, the characters. His characters are solid--they are consistant and I like them very much. The plots are very well conceived and my interests are held right up to the end. I am a re-reader and I enjoy the re-read every bit as much as the initial read. Although the premise is paranormal, the plot does not become mired in the 'quirky'. This book left me very happy to have read it--I strongly recommend this author. ( I was very happy to have received this book prior to its release.)
May 31, 2020
This is a fun-filled paranormal who-dun-it. The mystery keeps you thinking all the while smiling through the snarky and sarcastic remarks. The thought of a ghost just popping into your head is a bit disturbing but also enticing. What must that be like, to have someone inside your head who knows all of your thoughts and holds actual conversations with you? Weird. I wasn’t sure I was going to like this when I started it, but it wasn’t too far into the first chapter when I found myself hooked. The characters are well developed and the storyline moves at a good pace. I don’t think you can go wrong with this book.
June 3, 2020
Oliver Atkinson hears voices in his head, which belong to long dead folks who need his help. This mystery is brilliantly constructed, with a multitude of plot twists and suspects. Some of the characters are laugh-out-loud funny, and all are well-developed and believable. This is the first book I’ve read in this series, and it was easy to follow the story. It was an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to future installments. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
May 25, 2020
Well-written and fast-paced paranormal mystery.
The author did a wonderful job of immersing the reader right into the paranormal “hitchhiking”. I was quickly engrossed in this book and had to know how it ends. I could hardly put it down.
Looking forward to the next book in the series and more from this author.
I received an ARC from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
The author did a wonderful job of immersing the reader right into the paranormal “hitchhiking”. I was quickly engrossed in this book and had to know how it ends. I could hardly put it down.
Looking forward to the next book in the series and more from this author.
I received an ARC from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
May 28, 2020
This is the third book I have read in the Hitchhiker series and I have enjoyed it as much as the others. Oliver is both your typical and unique neighbor next door. I enjoy his relationship with the hitchhikers as well as his family, and there are always unexpected twists in the story that keep perking your interest. The conversations between Charlie and Oliver are a hoot, and Rosie does keep Oliver on his toes. Another great read.
May 29, 2020
I found the idea of a man sharing his body with ghostly hitchhikers who can’t leave interesting. And I’d never read a book set in New Zealand before. I liked the story but didn’t realize it was in the middle of a series when I started it so I felt like I was missing information on how he got that way. Also annoying that he’s apparently had several dangerous encounters in the past but still went into a risky situation without waiting for backup.
May 30, 2020
An interesting mystery where ghost are in Oliver's head until he can help them out. His daughter can hear them as well so it is interesting when the current ghost who is a teenager is asking Oliver to look for a pink bus which is actually a pink rv where a person had been killed but it was not by the person who actually lived there. Oliver goes about trying to solve the crime and clear Toni and help out the teenager (his latest ghost) to pass.
June 22, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Fun!
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2020
Verified Purchase
Another excellent ghostly hitchhiking book! Oliver and his family are wonderful character as are Alice, Amanda, and Charlie. This mystery is well written with plenty of twists and surprises to keep you and Oliver on your toes. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion. I definitely recommend this author to cozy mystery lovers!
Great Fun!
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2020
Verified Purchase
Another excellent ghostly hitchhiking book! Oliver and his family are wonderful character as are Alice, Amanda, and Charlie. This mystery is well written with plenty of twists and surprises to keep you and Oliver on your toes. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion. I definitely recommend this author to cozy mystery lovers!
May 31, 2020
Really enjoy reading the hitchhiker series To see how much trouble the main character can cause the detective. love Amanda and her antics. This time a second hitchhiker was in there..that made it more fun. This series is so cool to read for me, as it is like a historical puzzle of who done it and why.
June 2, 2020
Oliver faces another ghostly hitchhiker with a mission. Charlie want to help his niece.
A tangled encounter brings school foes, deceased siblings, and a bevy of crooks into play with lethal consequences and interference by a politician or two.
Action packed mayhem and drama, with clever ghosts and non dead folks trying to assist
A tangled encounter brings school foes, deceased siblings, and a bevy of crooks into play with lethal consequences and interference by a politician or two.
Action packed mayhem and drama, with clever ghosts and non dead folks trying to assist
May 28, 2020
Another entertaining installment of Oliver and his 'hitchhikers', Amanda makes an appearance, she really likes messing with Oliver lol very brief appearance by Alice too. I love these characters. Can't wait for the next book.
May 28, 2020
Was privileged to read an advance copy of Murder in Pink Unique story telling Characters plotting settings right on target. Great dialogue between Oliver and Charlie his hitchhiker. A must read if you need some laughs.
May 29, 2020
He's done it again. Oliver helps another "Hitchhiker," and this time he finds out that he's not the only one who gets them. Another well written story, with interesting new characters, and visits from some old, and not so old favorites. Fun read. I highly recommend it.
June 12, 2020
Another enlightening read in the 'hitchhiker' series. Takes a bit of concentration when the text switches from the story to conversations between Oliver and his latest hitchhiker then back again to the story.
All in all an easy read. Look forward to more.
All in all an easy read. Look forward to more.
May 27, 2021
Great story
I just finished reading all 3 of the Hitchhiker books & I will say they were a lot of fun to read, I loved all the characters & storylines. Although I found this series by accident I'm so glad I did & highly recommend them to everyone.
I just finished reading all 3 of the Hitchhiker books & I will say they were a lot of fun to read, I loved all the characters & storylines. Although I found this series by accident I'm so glad I did & highly recommend them to everyone.
April 10, 2025
Another enjoyable read with all the usual suspects. Having a fifteen-year-old from over 100 years ago in your head, is certainly a challenge for Oliver, along with his children getting older.
Loved that the Wellington coastline featured in this story. Looking forward to the next book.
Loved that the Wellington coastline featured in this story. Looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews