Book Reviews

Book Review: The Big Show Stopper

Media Type: Print Book
Title: The Big Show Stopper
Author: Ken Dalton
Publisher: Different Drummer Press
Pages: Paperback; 296
Release Date: September 26, 2010
Source: Promotional Tour
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Genre: Mystery/Thriller

HDB Rating: 4 Keys to My Heart

Recommended to: Readers who enjoy a good mystery

Add it on: Goodreads / Shelfari / Amazon / B&N

The Big Show Stopper opens in a packed concert arena with everyone waiting for the entrance of Brady Blackstone, the richest, and premier concert performer in America. But before Brady sets his foot on the stage, a tragic accident takes his life in front of Bear and a devastated Flo. However, it does not take Bear and Flo very long to question if the death was it an accident or murder?

I’m becoming more and more a fan of a good mystery, and The Big Show Stopper definitely satisfied that itch for me. I’ll be honest that I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with characters named Pinky and Bear involved, but I hoped that it would be related to snarky humor and innuendos. Oh, how right I was! Thank you so much Ken Dalton for fulfilling that for me.
As a a mystery, The Big Show Stopper is one that definitely doesn’t disappoint. The plot is fast moving, and Dalton knows how to throw just enough twists into the mix to keep you guessing. I liked how this mystery really follows the “recipe” if you will for a good story. Take one famous person, murder him, then have several possible suspects for your characters to investigate. Pinky, Bear and Flo definitely had their hands full with this one. I thought I had the mystery solved, and then I’d suddenly realize that I was completely off. Ah, mystery. How I love you as a genre.
Pinky, Bear and Flo are fantastic characters. In fact, they are really what makes the book so great! Yes, the mystery is good, but without the interaction between these characters I don’t think I would have been half as invested in reading on as I was. Their sarcasm and actions towards one another is extremely realistic, and they play off one another beautifully. We have Pinky, the greedy lawyer, Bear, the smooth talking PI, and then Flo, who is Bear’s girlfriend and also a heck of a sleuth. I thought the three of them together were the perfect blend of sarcasm, humor, and realism.
My one gripe, and this a small thing in the grand scheme of things, was Flo. She wasn’t exactly the nicest person to Bear most times, and she jumped on him about the tiniest things. I can’t really remember how many times she threatened to leave him in the book. As I’ve always said, I know I won’t love every character, so I kind of wrote it off to enjoy the overall book. Like I mentioned above, Flo is pretty evened out by the other two characters anyway. I guess I just really liked Bear and wanted him to be treated better. Yup, it’s just little old me talking here.
Anyway enough rambling. Suffice it to say that The Big Show Stopper is well worth your time, whether you are a long time mystery lover or brand new to the genre! I didn’t mention it before but this actually is the second book in a series. It doesn’t matter much, as you can completely read this as a standalone. Just be warned that you’ll end up wanting the first book. 
With a mixture of humor and downright good mystery, this book will be sure to have you reading long into the night.

FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.