Classmate Murders

A Jim Richards Murder Mystery #1

by Bob Moats

Jim Richards has reluctantly turn sixty and has just quit his job as a security guard. One day he receives an email from a childhood sweetheart he hasn't seen in over 40 years, pleading for help but he doesn't get to her in time. A killer is now stalking and killing his old female classmates (while they are under police protection) for unknown reasons and Jim, along with his friend Buck, a big, mustachioed biker, are trying to stop the killer before he gets to one woman Jim is falling for and before the class of '67 has lost any more of it's female alumni.

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

Nook

First published May 1, 2009

About the author

Detroit area resident, Bob Moats, has been writing short stories and plays for as long as he can remember. He has lost most of his original stories, typed or handwritten, in the numerous moves he has made from his hometown of Fraser, Michigan to Northern Michigan, to Las Vegas and back to Fraser, where he now lives. He also wrote the short fantasy novella "Crystal Prison of Kyr" and is a published playwright with his three act comedy "Happily Ever After".

Moats became one of the causalities of unemployment early in 2009, and had time on his hands to finally pursue a life long dream of writing a full blown crime novel. Thus was born the first book, "Classmate Murders".

What followed was a series of 20 books starting with "The Classmate Murders" which introduces the main character, Jim Richards, who has to admit he has become a senior citizen, reluctantly. Richards, one day, receives an email from a childhood sweetheart asking for his help, but by the time he reaches her, she has been murdered. His life turns around and he is pulled into numerous murders of women from his high school who he hasn't seen in forty years. Along with a friend of his, Buck, a big, mustached biker, they go off to track down the killer before he can get to one former classmate, Penny Wickens, a TV talk show host who Jim has just fallen for while protecting her. The killer is also murdering the women right out from under police protection, driving homicide detective Will Trapper crazy, and he slowly depends on Jim to help. There's humor, suspense, wild chases across suburban Detroit with cops, classic cars and motorcycle clubs; murder, mayhem, a good amount of romance and a twist ending.

Bob recently started a new series, the Fatal series. The first book "Fatal Rejection" is about serial killers, an author and the editors that the author wants to murder. The second book "Fatal Departure" follows the first with a new serial killer stalking the principal characters, Sarah and Dave. A third book is now in the works, "Fatal Romance" about a killer using companion ads to find his prey.

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this free on Nook one weekend and read it in one day! I loved the concept and the characters were so enjoyable.

[bex · Rating 2 out of 5]

A weak 2 star rating. Most mysteries require a certain amount of suspension of disbelief, but this is just plain ridiculous. No police department is going to hand over both protection of probable victims and the entire investigation to a couple unknown civilians! Nor will they leave one incompetent cop on duty for days with no back up or shift changes. And that is just the start of the stupidity. Add to that unstable POV, including first person narration of things he can't see and just generally blah writing. No thanks!

[Christy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cannot figure out what people enjoyed about this book. The story was unbelievable and predictable, the characters weren't realistic, and it overall wasn't interesting. A 60 year old man who reads crime novels finds some of his old high school classmates are being murdered. He decides to investigate the murders himself, and continues to discover things the police are unable to. He does this by using Google, calling people and asking basic questions. The police don't seem to have a problem with this, and even start listening to his suggestions as he starts to run the investigation.

While trying to save his ex-classmates, Jim runs into a woman he hasn't seen in 40 years. She admits she had a crush on him in HS, the sleep together a few hours later, by the next day they're saying "I love you" and the following day they're discussing marriage. SERIOUSLY??

This book seemed like a teenager wrote it for a high school English class. It felt like every other sentence started with "I". It also seemed like all of the actions were those of an 18 year old, but the character was supposed to be 60. I didn't get it at all.

[Michele Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Title: The Classmate Murders
Author: Bob Moats
Publisher: Magic1 Production
ASIN: B002D48NBO
Reviewed by Michele Tater for The Coach Tater Review

Middle age is when your old classmates are so gray and wrinkled and bald they don't recognize you. ~Bennett Cerf

Jim Richards a sixty year old who lives with his parents and recently has lost his job as a security guard for a car dealership. He is an avid reader of reading and watching anything related to mystery; books, movies and television series. The book “The Classmate Murders” follows this older in body than mind, gentleman who leads a simple and somewhat boring life until he receives a disturbing e-mail from a high school classmate. She was actually an ex-girlfriend of his who was now afraid that someone wanted to take her life. Unfortunately, he receives that message too late and she is found dead with the message that there will be more murders to come. With his good friend Buck, Jim decides to use his learned investigation skills, no matter how limited, to try to solve the mystery before others are found dead. With team works so well together that the police seem to be one step behind them. Jim becomes an important part of the case, even with small matter he knows a little too much about the woman involved. He comes the conclusion that the women being threatened are cheerleaders from his high school. Who would want these women dead after forty years later and why.

I must admit I didn't think that a story about a senior citizen wanna-be private investigator was going to be so entertaining, but was I wrong. This book proves that even an old dog can have a sharp mind to look at details and figure out leads to solve a difficult case. With its humor, and friendly banter between characters and with some steamy sexy scenes, this book packs a lot between its covers. Adults of any age would find the characters likable, the plot integrating, and will find it a great mystery. I liken it to a cup of tea brewed, not too hot and not too cold, sweet with a little honey with no need for the cream.

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every now and again you stumble upon something wonderful on the internet. Bob Moats' Classmate Murders is an excellent blend of Elmore Leonard and Philip Marlowe sensibilities, with an unexpected hero well into his sixties, downsized from his job and forced into an early retirement he can't afford. The character is easy to relate to, the story itself a wonderful suspenseful ride with a cast of interesting characters, and damn if it isn't some great detective writing. If you like your crime novels gritty, with a touch of biker sensibility and a side of arthritis, you'll love Bob Moat's work.

Bob Moats sells all of his stuff online--He's his own publisher, right down to his own homegrown printing press. He puts the 'In' in 'Indie'. The Classmate Murders is available as a free pdf, if you ask him for it nicely:

http://magic1online.com/NewBlog/MNBlo...

[Bob Moats · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been revised and re-edited as of February 2013. It is the first of 27 books of the Jim Richards series available on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Kobo, Apple, Sony and Smashwords.com. This is the third edition.

Merged review:

To all those people who complained about the grammar and such, this book has been professionally edited now. The book has been revised and re-edited as of February 2013. Thanks.

I wrote this book, it was my first to introduce my characters, what can I say it was a start and I think was good, but I'm prejudiced. The book and a preview are available in Ebook or paperback at http://murdernovels.com

[Jenny Hilborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classmate Murders is an easy read, featuring an older cast of characters, which is quite refreshing. The protagonist is a senior citizen, duty bound to take care of his elderly parents, a bit down on himself, yet still with a great sense of humor. The action starts right away with an email from an old classmate who tells him her life is in danger. What follows is an entertaining, lighthearted read as the amateur sleuth learns early on the identity of the killers and tries to prevent the murders of his former classmates. I enjoyed the humor and the relationships between the characters.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT I'VE READ THE ENTIRE SERIES.

[RoTheReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, intriguing and funny

I think this book be a good start into the next books in this series.
Loved the comedy in this read also.

[Cristyn West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait to dig in!

6/16/10
On page 35 and already in love!

6/28/10
To be honest when this one came across my desk, I groaned. As I mentioned on the stream, I'm not a huge fan of amateur sleuthing, especially in the senior citizen bracket.

I like my investigators hot and knowledgeable. Top of their field. I am far more of a 'procedural' girl (evidenced clearly by Plain Jane).

So I can honestly say I was not just pleasantly surprised by Bob's "Classmate Murders" but downright shocked at how engaging and entertaining a read this book was.

He threw my pre-conceived notions about what a senior citizen sleuth could be out the window and made me sit up and pay attention. I was immediately drawn in my his beautifully honest lead character, Jim Richards, who is putting up one heck of fight against aging, while of course solving crimes that hit a little too close to home.

From Richard's deep relationship with his old co-worker (without a hint of any weird, latent, homo-eroticism) to his complicated feeling for his own aging parents, I can say that Jim Richards is as interesting as any hunky C.S.I. professional.

Would I like to have seen smoother dialogue and Bob to trust his reader enough to not lay in so much description? Yes.

Do I want to read more of Jim Richards adventures? Heck Ya!

Again, if you love amateur sleuths, you've got to check out "Classmate Murders." But honestly, even if you are like me and a little iffy on the sub-genre, I am telling you that this book packs a big bang for it's buck! (and yes, Bob, that pun was intended :-)

Find "Classmate Murders" eBook on Smashwords: http://bit.ly/9BkKDB

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Richards isn't the typical hero you usually find in crime novels: he's an unemployed senior citizen living with his parents. From the first few pages, I liked this character. He's funny, caring and intelligent. He even does a better job than the police!


There's a bit of romance in this book between Jim and Penny, the girl who had a crush on him forty years ago, which I find very cute. It proves that you're never to old too fall in love. :)


This is a fun and easy-to-read book full of suspense. This is the type of book that you could easily read in one sitting. It's a must-read for every fan of murder mysteries! From the very first pages I was interested. Lots of entertainment from the beginning to the end. From bikers to a TV talk show host, there's a great variety of characters which makes the reading more fun.


Bob Moats wrote an amazing novel. Classmate Murders is a great start to a series that I'm sure is wonderful. With titles like Vegas Showgirl Murders, Dominatrix Murders, Mistress Murders, Bridezilla Murders, Magic Murders, Strip Club Murders, Made-for-TV Murders, Mystery Cruise Murders, Talk Show Murders, Sin City Murders and Black Widow Murders, it ought to be awesome. I can't wait to read the rest of Jim Richards adventures. I think I just discovered a new favorite author! :)

[Linda B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Classmate Murders is a fun and clever mystery. The story is written mostly in narration style, which works perfectly with this main character. You can almost hear the character’s voice as he tells the story and adds his own brand of humor.

Jim Richards is a regular guy, who is mature, divorced, and living with his parents to help take care of his dad. When he finds his long-ago high school classmates are being murdered, he and his friends step in to try to find the killer and protect Penny, his new-found love. I have read many books with female civilians getting caught up in a murder mystery, but this time it is a man who noses his way into the action. The cops don’t like it – until he comes up with some interesting clues. I enjoyed the variety and personality differences in the characters. It is also fun to read about people closer to my age.

It is a reminder to younger people that love can bloom at any age, but I thought the romantic antics started to get in the way of the mystery. Eventually it got back on track and came through with a satisfying wrap up to the case. I especially enjoyed the last part of the book that sets the stage for the following books.

This is an enjoyable and distinctive kind of mystery.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classmate Murders by Bob Moats features a 60 year old man living at home with his parents (divorced and helping care for his father, but still...), and exploring his love of class detectives both in books and in life. He has the opportunity to sharpen his detecting skills honed by Hammett and Chandler when high school classmates-former cheerleaders-turn up in his life only to shortly thereafter be killed.

While investigating these crimes, our hero (Jim) begins a relationship with one of the former cheerleaders, now a tv talk show host. As a woman close to the protagonists age, it's a pleasure to read people my age enjoying sex and flirting and Turner Classic Movies.

The writing is generally smooth and witty. Most of the story is told through Jim's voice but there are several somewhat jarring episodes told from the third person. These passages do not fit in easily with the rest of the book and the shift from first to third person is abrupt.

Aside from that, I greatly enjoyed the characters and the writing and look forward to reading another book in the series.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a light and easy read, a little amateurish, but I quite enjoyed it, especially the second half of the story.

Jim Richard had just turned 60. He didn’t much like it, especially as he was now living back at his parent’s house, in his old bedroom, after his divorce. But he was able to help his Mum with his Dad, who was very ill, when it was necessary. He spent most of his time on his computer, and when he received an email from an old flame, whom he hadn’t seen in 40 years, who said her life was in mortal danger, he immediately tried to contact her.

But he was too late, and along with Buck, his best (and only) friend, they decided to investigate, and find the killer. The police weren’t too impressed with Jim, in fact he was a suspect for a time, but when they discovered a killer was stalking, sending warning emails, then killing Jim’s old female classmates, they worked together, finding the remaining women, and putting them under police protection.

The killer was too clever though, as those protected still died, so Jim and Buck upped the ante, putting their own lives in danger. Would they be able to stop the killer before all of the women had been killed? Would Jim and Buck suffer the same fate?

[Maggie Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I realise this is the author's first book and that he has written several more. I also know that he has edited this one and republished it. I've been an editor for 40 years, and as with all books, no matter who publishes them, something always gets by everybody. With that in mind, I read this, hoping I would find a new writer to enjoy, and I did. There were things in this mystery to which I could relate: not so much the murders as the type of relationship that was developing between Penny and Jim. That was my father and my stepmother, who saw each other again after 40 years at their own high school reunion. A few other things related to me, and to be honest, there wasn't a single far-fetched thing for me in the story. A few items were perhaps stretching, but not a complete field goal out of sight. I think for a first work, this was pretty good. Rather than follow the progression of the books, though, to see how Bob's writing changes and gets better, I'm simply going to jump forward to the most recent and go from there. Good job on this one, Mr. Moats. You have a new fan.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a chance to find a new author writing mystery novels when I stumbled across Bob Moats on twitter. That was cool, I am a big fan of murder mysteries and I zoomed over and snagged a copy of The Classmate Murders.

I just finished after a marathon reading session, I could not put it down. With just the right mix of old school mysteries and some really cool characters and a different style, Bob Moats grabs you right at the first page and takes you on a great ride. I like the characters and the tale keeps you on the edge of your seat, right to the final chapter. I like mysteries, read a lot of 'em too, but I did know whodunnit until Jim Richards and his sidekick Buck figure it out at the end. That is good mystery. I will be buying more in the series, yes there are more!

[John Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If anyone has read all of my previous reviews (thank you !!) they will be aware that I am not overkeen on American novels. After a couple of reads recently, I may be having a rethink.

I like a 'who-done-it?' which this isnt really.
I like an English book with English police or Private Eyes - which this isnt
I like a book that is particularly well written which, I am sorry, this one didnt quite tick all the boxes.
Having said all of that I really enjoyed it. If it is possible to have a 'feel good' story about a serial killer then this is it.

With my Kindle edition, there was the first chapter of the next in the series and this provides a good epilogue to this one. I wonder , however, if I would understand it if I had not read this one.
Now I am wondering if Kindle has the next.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this mystery was fun having a 62 year old kind of nothing finding his place in life and having great sex with a fellow 60 + year old lady! Thought it was wonderful he was taking care of his parents or rather helping them if they needed him. Was surprised that any of the Michigan Police would let him butt his nose in with the investigations and let him get away with it! Being a Michigander I enjoyed him using our cities and knew the bar he was referring to………..but was still a well-written, enjoyable read and will look for the next in this series!

[Cynthia Nunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a prolific, habitual reader for 45 years and Bob Moat's book, Classmate Murders, was one of the funniest, entertaining and engrossing books I have ever read! The main characters pull you in and engage you in their shenanigans to such an extent that you'll wish your own family had someone like them.

[Georgiann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Moat's debut murder novel hits the target. Those who enjoy a fast paced suspense story with enjoyable characters and plot twists will want to read. It's easy to get hooked on a series like this for anyone who enjoys a little bit of Murder She Wrote combined with The Rockford Files.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can tell this book was Bob Moats' first book. The writing style is a little transparent. But I sincerely enjoyed the plot and the colorful characters! I bought the next two books in this "Murder" series because they were affordable and I liked the first story.

[Bob Moats · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book, what can I say, it's a start on many more books and it's a fun read, but I'm prejudiced. The book and a preview are available in Ebook or paperback at http://murdernovels.com

[C.J. Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, and a fun novel to read as well.

[Dottiebeads]

This was a great story, but the writing was PAINFULLY bad. Whoever proofread and/or edited this book should be shot.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book Introducing Jim Richards

[Lisa Denn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slow at first but once the main cast of characters are introduced and develop a comraderie the books pace quickens and the plot keeps you seated until you reach the last page. Highly recommend.

[Dee Bockler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seniors still have what it takes!

Jim and Penny are an enjoyable senior couple. I really enjoyed their circle of biker friends and cops. This was a fast paced mystery with lots of action and geriatric sex and humor.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Would give less stars if I could. So poorly written. Overall storyline isn’t bad but the language is very basic and the descriptors used are appallingly atrocious. Maybe the author needed a better editor.

[Erinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

A security man who lives with his parents receives a letter from an old classmate. Shortly thereafter she is found dead. A little too cutesy for my taste.

[Alicia Byfield-Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Read

It keeps you wanting more. The story line was good but the first person reading was hard to get around not bad though