A New Prospect

I love a mystery/police story; especially a feel-good one where the victim deserved what he got. Add to that an older and wiser New York cop with compassion for the others victimized by the victim and justice prevails! This was entertaining from beginning to end; I had to keep reading to see how Sam unravels the mystery but he's such a character I really didn't want to be finished with the story. Try this one and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. I can't wait for the next Sam Jenkins mystery to see what other troubles are brewing in the South for Sam and his new force to investigate!

A New Prospect by Wayne Zurl is a suspenseful, well-written mystery. Retired police officer Sam Jenkins decides that he is starting to get bored with the retired life and decides to take a job as the new Police Chief in a little town called Prospect. In a small town where everyone knows each other and the crime rate is almost null, what¿s the worst that could happen? Sam quickly starts to question his decision when a homicide rattles the small town. He has the intelligence and experience to investigate the case but when people in high places yank the case from him, Sam makes it his mission to show everyone that he still has what it takes. But when one of Sam¿s close friends is arrested for the murder, he has to step up his game to prove his friend¿s innocence and find the person who is responsible. Wayne Zurl does an amazing job of bringing the characters and story to life. The speech patterns were so well-written that it didn¿t seem like reading at all, just a natural conversation between the characters and myself. If you are looking for an intriguing police mystery, I highly recommend A New Prospect.

If you like mysteries this book is for you. Sam Jenkins is technically a retired copy; however, that doesn't stop him from helping a friend in trouble. Sam is the ideal cop character; he is tough, slightly rough around the edges, levelheaded, and compassionate. The reader will find him very likable. Cecil, however, is the exact opposite. Normally a reader will feel sorry for the murdered character. Although the reader will likely feel slightly bad, that sorrow will be lessened the more the reader gets to know Cecil's character. He can be arrogant, rude, demeaning, and snobby. In the book, it appears that he is not missed very much. The only thing wrong with the case Sam is about to take on would be that his friend is the main suspect! Sam knows he has to really pull through and figure out the mystery...or else. This book has plenty of intrigue, action, mystery, and drama. The reader will not be bored. The book is very well-written, the transitions are smooth, and the plot is concise and logical. The reader will enjoy the ending and this book, overall. This book is recommended to adult readers.

Sam Jenkins worked for the New York Police Department for twenty years, then retired to move to Tennessee. Naturally, after retirement, he didn't plan on joining the Police Force once again, but the urge came upon him and he acted on it. His new position as a Police Chief in Prospect began with a mission to solve a homicide, investigate the suspects, and make sure justice is served. However, he had to deal with political influence and extreme pressure from people who didn't want him to take the case. What kind of reputation did Cecil Lovejoy have, and who killed him? What kind of relationship did he have with his wife? Was Sam's best friend the number one suspect? Was Pearl satisfied with Sam, or did she go over his head to push him away? Time is running out, and the clock ticks fast as Sam tries to fit the pieces to the puzzle. I highly recommend this book to all mystery lovers, who enjoy an intriguing story filled with suspense, interesting characters, and humor. Wayne Zurl uses his expertise as a professional in criminal justice as he becomes a Master storyteller in a setting that fits like a glove as he creates a gripping story with intense suspense, page-after-page. The characters with their Southern accent come to life, the twists-and-turns make the reader crave for more, and the author's imagination and creativity become addictive. The story is intelligent, interesting, and enjoyable. Will the crime be solved as New York law meets Southern society? Will greed, hatred, and bribery be swept from under the carpet? Will the wealthy and powerful win the game, or the war? Who are the innocent, and will the guilty be convicted? "A NEW PROSPECT:City Limit" contains as much Yankee charm as MY COUSIN VINNY, is as suspenseful as THIRTEEN DAYS, and is as dramatic as PRESUMED INNOCENT, with Harrison Ford.

Are you a fan of small town mysteries set in the south? If so then your in for a real treat because Wayne Zurl gives us just that! This one is set in the tiny town of Prospect, TN. Sam Jenkins had been retired from his job as a New York police detective for 14 years when he decides to apply for the job of Police Chief in Prospect, after the former chief was forced into an early retirement for uhh hum illegal activities. Who would have ever guessed that one the first day of Sam's job a murder would take place, I mean after all murder never happens in Prospect!!!Turns out during a car show, Sam and his partner for the day are called to a local car show to take care of a disorderly drunk. The drunk turns out to be Cecil Lovejoy one of the towns most prominent citizens, whom most people really didn't like. Later in the day they are called back to the car show because of a murder, and guess what the murder victim is none other than Cecil. Sam decides because of his former experience with the NYPD his office will take care of the murder investigation but soon it become obvious that Cecil's family wants him off the case; but Sam doesn't let that stop him from trying to solve the case! I loved this one! When a book starts out with someone having a life altering experience in the Walmart you just know its going to be a good read! This is one of those books that really grabbed me from the first pages and held me through out. I actually read it in one sitting. The writing is smooth and really captures the flavor of the south, I could even hear the southern dialogue in my head while reading! I love the laid back style of Sam Jenkins, not to mention his often sarcastic sense of humor.The character of Sam seems to fit perfectly into his new role, and the secondary characters in his little department are great! I also love when an author includes a dog in the story and for this one we have Sam's little Scottish Terrier Bitsey. Its easy for me to see why this book was an Indie award winner, and for anyone who loves a good mystery, set in a small town with a southern flavor, this book is going to be right up your alley! A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book and finished it in less than a day. I wanted to know who dunnit. I thought it was someone else until Sam said he figured it out then I knew I was wrong. I like Sam and his crew. They make a good team which they need as too many others seem to be working against them. I enjoyed the story. I had fun reading this one.

Excellent storyteller! Experienced detective with good skills tells a very engrossing tale. He incorporates the jargon and terms of both the law and the Smoky Mts. beautifully. Can't wait to get into another of his stories!

After twenty years on the NYPD, Sam Jenkins and his wife Kate leave New York behind to retire in the Great Smoky Mountain small town of Prospect, Tennessee. But his retirement doesn't last long when he accepts the position of the town's new Chief of Police. One would think that this is a cushy position in a sleepy little Appalachian town, and normally it would be ... except for the murder of a prominent real estate developer puts Sam on the case to solve the murder just two days into the job. And if that isn't bad enough, Sam encounters problems when influential people don't want him on the case ... and oh by the way, the murder suspect just happens to be one of Sam's friends. So what does a seasoned ex-NYPD Detective like Sam Jenkins do? Why he solves the case of course! A New Prospect is the first book in the Sam Jenkins Mystery series. Author Wayne Zurl weaves an intriguing tale of mystery and suspense that keeps the reader guessing who the real killer is and how Sam will solve the case. Written in the first person narrative, Sam Jenkins takes the reader along for the ride as he goes about solving his first case as the Prospect Chief of Police. Sam is a sarcastic guy who has no problem saying exactly what he's thinking: his quick wit, sense of humor, friendly banter and sweet flirty side keeps the reader laughing out loud as the story unfolds. Author Wayne Zurl engages the reader with a story that has a mixture of humor, intrigue, drama and suspense. His use of the local southern dialect stays true to the setting in the story, the reader feels like they are transported to the town of Prospect. I loved the fun banter that makes up the dialogue in the story, you can't help but get drawn into the story as the characters come to life. Sam Jenkins has a unique style of engaging his listeners as he tells about his new adventure that got him out of retirement. With a quirky cast of characters; a rich description of the setting and the local dialect; and a suspenseful storyline full of twists and turns, A New Prospect is just the beginning of the thrilling Sam Jenkins adventures that readers will follow in the Sam Jenkins Mystery series! With his prior extensive knowledge and experience of police procedure, author Wayne Zurl has created a realistic story and series that diehard of mystery / detective fans will crave to read. A New Prospect and the Sam Jenkins Mystery series is simply an addicting whodunit mystery series that will turn mystery fans into Sam Jenkins fans!

A who dun it with a small town police force and a wealthy family at the center. Since living with a police officer, I have found myself enjoying these who dun its that have a strong police presence even more so. The story begins where you are introduced to this man and wife, the man is more than despicable and she is living with him just as he is. In the next moment, the reader meets a retired police officer who has been enjoying retirement in a small TN town where life is the exact opposite from his police days in New York City. After scandal hits the Chief of police, Sam Jenkins decides that he needs to come out of retirement to keep his new hometown safe. Filled with twists and turns, this who dun it had a great recipe of murder, deceit and lots of family history. As my mom always says she hates it when the person who ends up being the killer is nowhere in the book until the very end, not so with this one. Although, I may have been on a different path, the killer was in the book the entire time. I was happily surprised as to how all the clues came together and even with the twist of an ending. A perfect who dun it to curl up with in these winter months and take a journey with these characters to find out who really had the best motive to kill our less than honorable victim. I would even recommend this to the men folk as the police aspect makes it an appealing read.

in the town of Prospect. Sam Jenkins had retired from the fast lane as a New York City cop and moved with his wife to Tennessee expecting to live a quite life. Then things get interesting. When Prospect's police chief has to quit because of a little scandal, Sam comes out of retirement to take over. In this sleepy little town, what could do wrong? Well, murder for one and Sam's friend turns out to be the number one suspect. Cozy, southern drawl murder mystery that will keep you wondering if Sam can find the killer and save his friend.