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RJ McDonnell
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Rock & Roll Rip-Off (Rock & Roll Mystery Series Book 2) Kindle Edition

by RJ McDonnell (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 73 ratings
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Rock & Roll Rip-Off was named “2010 Mystery/Thriller of the Year” by Premier Book Awards.

Jason Duffy thought he had accepted a routine burglary case when a career studio musician hired him to recover a memorabilia collection featuring unusual treasures from some of the top performers in the music industry. But Jason quickly finds himself at the top of a hit list that has nothing to do with The Top 40 and everything to do with a table for one at the San Diego Coroner’s Office.

While the facts of the case point to an emo band that the victim was helping at the time of the theft, the lethal force that Jason encounters in his investigation feels more like death metal. He finds himself imperiled by a hitman known as The Heartbreaker, due to his signature of shooting his victims through the heart at close range. With danger also threatening his staff and girlfriend, Jason must continue to mend fences with his retired police detective father, in spite of a recent riff that caused a major setback to their relationship.

Everyone thought The Tactile Tattoo was a “can’t miss” band. The pre-release buzz for their first CD was tremendous. But a bad review from a key industry critic, who didn’t care for their lyrics, left the album stillborn at record stores across the country. The group soon learned that second chances in the current state of the music business are practically nonexistent. One band member discovered that money talks in an industry strapped for cash, and a bribe was entirely possible. However, funding that bribe meant getting involved with all of the wrong people.

In the midst of this action whodunit, the reader is treated to an insider’s view of the music industry that captures the new obstacles that today’s bands must overcome in order to succeed. Some musicians handle the pressures, opportunities, and disappointments more effectively than others. Some still succumb to the mesmerizing allure of sex and drugs and rock & roll.

Rock & Roll Rip-Off is the second novel in RJ McDonnell’s Rock & Roll Mystery Series. Like the critically acclaimed Rock & Roll Homicide, McDonnell once again mixes humor, music, and a cast of unique characters to unfold a memorable mystery that shows Jason and a loved one “knock, knock, knockin’ on heaven’s door.”
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  1. Book 2 of 5
    The Rock & Roll Mystery Series
  2. Print length
    299 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    March 29, 2010
  6. File size
    520 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0042JTPBK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Killeena Publishing (March 29, 2010)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 29, 2010
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 520 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 299 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 73 ratings

About the author

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RJ McDonnell

RJ McDonnell

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RJ McDonnell is the son of a Pennsylvania State Police Detective, who received several decorations for solving complex and high-profile crimes. In addition to a traditional education, RJ also had the benefit of seeing every police detective drama on television and in the movies. His father would frequently critique these stories for believability of characters and police procedures.

He earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Penn State University and a Masters at Marywood University.During his college years RJ was a rhythm guitarist and vocalist in two bands. Shortly thereafter, he moved to San Diego where he went to work for a professional writing service. In addition, he wrote a monthly column for the Military Press, and another for a San Diego publication, providing advice to job seekers.

In the 90s, RJ got into comedy writing. He wrote for a local San Diego cable television show that had a Saturday Night Live-type format. Over its two seasons on the air, 34 of his skits were produced. Rock & Roll Homicide was the first novel in his Rock & Roll Mystery Series. The second novel, Rock & Roll Rip-Off, was selected 2010 Mystery/Thriller of the Year by

Premier Book Awards.

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5
73 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

William Bentrim
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Hard Boiled Detective Novel With a Rock N Roll Kicker
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2012
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Rock & Roll Rip-Off by R. J. McDonnell

An ex-rocker, turned mental health professional (seems oxymoronic) turned, hard nose private eye finds himself dodging bullets while trying to run down a collection of music memorabilia.

Jason Duffy, the main protagonist, is likeable in multiple areas. He is intuitive and creative which aids his detecting. Personally, I thought his strong suite was his compassion and acceptance for his former mental health clients. He pulled them into his life and provided them with a safe haven and occasionally employment. I did think his goal to protect Kelly was a bit overprotective but he did evolve through the book.

The characterizations were marvelous! I really enjoyed the variety of interesting people who populate the book. The story was suitably complex while the major mystery was explained in the first six chapters the ancillary action took the rest of the book to a satisfying conclusion.

I look forward to reading more from R.J. as the premise of his stories leads to a wealth of possible scenarios that promise to be entertaining.

I recommend it.
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John J. Luczak
5.0 out of 5 stars Keep the Rock & Roll Series Coming
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2010
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Rock & Roll Rip-Off is the second of McDonnell's novels that I've read in his Jason Duffy series. Again, he combines realistic fast-paced action with a fair amount of humor to make for a very entertaining read. It takes place a year after Rock & Roll Homicide left off, and does a good job of showing progress in Jason's detective skills. It also portrays the maturation of his relationship with his girlfriend, Kelly, and the continued ups-and-downs with his crusty retired police detective father.
My main criticism is that McDonnell wrote it in the 3rd person, where Rock & Roll Homicide was told strictly through Jason's eyes. I can see why he wanted to show the readers the villain's perspective. But, personally, I missed the familiarity that came across in the first book.
Overall, I liked Rock & Roll Rip-Off better because of its classic who-done-it twists and compelling tension. I've been a fan of rock music since I was in my early teens, and loved the way the story revealed several major obstacles that are unique to the digital music age.
I really empathized with the victim, a career studio musician and father of five, who built a big memorabilia collection to put his kids through college, only to have it stolen. The victim's wife was very credible in the way she supported her husband, defended her children, and added key insights to move the investigation forward.
Finally, if you felt McDonnell's sense of humor added a lot to his first novel in the series, you won't be disappointed in Rock & Roll Rip-Off. I had at least five LOL moments where my wife asked why I was laughing so hard. I wish there were ten more in this series that I could get started on tonight.
6 people found this helpful
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patticake
3.0 out of 5 stars Loved the First Book - This One's Okay
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2011
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I'd actually give Rock & Roll Rip-Off 3.5 stars if that were possible. One of the main reasons this isn't a 4 or 5 star review is that while the first book (Rock & Roll Homicide) is written first person, this one isn't. I can't imagine why not - I don't think I've ever seen a series go from first to third person perspective before, and the thing I liked best about the first book was being in Jason's head, as it were. I liked seeing things from his perspective. I was happy to see some recurring characters from Jason's assistant to the cop who worked with him last time.

The plot seemed to get a bit out of control, but the good guys prevailed. Jason's relationship with his father and his girlfriend seem unresolved, and don't really seem to develop, but they're okay.

Overall, I'd read another book in the series if the author would be so kind as to write one. And I'd hope the next one would be written from Jason's perspective ;)
4 people found this helpful
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Rhonda Bauer
4.0 out of 5 stars Good read - engaging
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2019
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Story kept my interest. Enjoyed it.
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Sheri A. Wilkinson
5.0 out of 5 stars Rock & Roll Rip Off
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2010
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Rock & Roll Rip Off is the second book in the Rock and Roll Mystery series by R.J. Mc McDonnell. Private investigator Jason Duffy is back. He is not an ordinary P.I., He has a psych degree and also was a musician in a Rock band. All his employees are ex patients of his which makes for intersting adventures.

Jeannine is his office worker, a bit OCD but very reliable. Corey his Photographer has Tourettes syndrome. His father is an ex cop and is always ready to help his son despite thier differences. And who could forget Detective Shamansky, the fine food & lady loving cop who is ready to stick his neck out for his new found friend. Then there is Kelly, Jasons girl friend. She is devoted to Jason and willing to do what ever it takes to stay with the man she loves.

With the aide of these friends he takes on what he thinks is a simple case, a career musician who has a huge memorabila collection. That collection gets stolen and Jason is on the scene. He finds that an "emo" band is somehow connected. Every band memeber has motive. Soon a murder occurs, enter drugs and a bribe and this book really takes off.

R.J. Mc Donnell's knowledge of music and the "band world" brings about a unique quality to these mysteries. Lovable characters, twists, turns, humor and suspense make this the perfect all night read. I highly recommend to murder/mystery lovers.
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Desert Walker
4.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile read
Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2014
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Good read by an author I only recently discovered. First book in series was better, but I enjoyed this book..
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STUART MCCALLUM
5.0 out of 5 stars Rock & Roll Rip-Off - Sheer Reading Entertainment
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2012
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RJ McDonnell is a wonderful writer who sweeps his readers into a world which he has created. As a fan of music and a lover of a good mystery, Rock & Roll Rip-Off is a book that I was looking forward to reading. I am very pleased I did.

From the opening chapter I was drawn to the main characters that were engaging and highly likeable. What follows are many twist and turns that you expect from a good mystery featuring the ever-present bad guys. I found that the author did a remarkable job of infusing humour throughout the cleverly written plot. This has left this reader with the utmost respect for, RJ McDonnell, and looking forward to reading many more books written by this author.

To sum it up, I am delighted to have read, Rock & Roll Rip-Off which I highly recommend to lovers of good mysteries.
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Top reviews from other countries

Dave Herts
3.0 out of 5 stars Not hitting the right notes for me
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 15, 2014
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I love music, and crime mysteries, so thought this was for me.
Not so, quite disappointing, won't be reading any more in the series.
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