Rick Neumayer is no stranger to this blog. He’s a good friend of ours, and his books are delightful. From his heartfelt debut novel, Journeyman (which I was privileged to help workshop) to his first Jim Guthrie mystery, Hotwalker, I am always thrilled to hear that Rick has something new on tap. (And he and my hubby are great musical friends, having made music into the wee hours in Ireland, long after I had returned to our room to pack the night before we left Galway.)

But I digress. Below I tell you more in depth why you should read (and review on Amazon!) dear Rick’s book. First, here’s his back cover copy:

Jim Guthrie is back, and this time, the case is out of this world … literally. Louisville’s favorite private eye finds himself embroiled in a tangled web of mystery at the “Little Green Men Festival” in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. A documentary filmmaker vanishes, a mysterious monolith appears overnight, and whispers of alien involvement fill the air. But beneath the quirky festival facade lies a sinister truth. A fifteen-year-old  murder case resurfaces, tying directly to Guthrie’s current client and the missing filmmaker. As he delves deeper, Guthrie uncovers a web of deceit, greed, and violence that stretches far beyond the reach of little green men. Can Guthrie navigate the bizarre world of UFO enthusiasts, untangle a cold case, and rescue the missing filmmaker before it’s too late?

Now my take.

Richard Neumayer’s “The Little Green Men Murders” takes readers on a captivating journey through the intriguing world of rural Kentucky’s UFO subculture. In this second standalone adventure featuring private investigator Jim Guthrie, Neumayer delivers a fast-paced mystery filled with humor, suspense, and unexpected twists.

Set against the backdrop of a quirky UFO-themed festival, the novel opens with Jim Guthrie receiving a frantic phone call from Jessamine Barrett Tilford, who pleads for his help in finding her kidnapped husband, Travis. As Jim dives into the investigation, he uncovers a world of conspiracy theories, amateurish kidnappers, and bizarre festival attendees dressed as “little green men.” With a ransom demand of $500,000 looming over them, Jim and Jessamine must navigate through a web of danger and deception to rescue Travis before it’s too late.

One of the novel’s standout features is Neumayer’s adept blend of humor and suspense. When someone mentions Guthrie’s skittishness around a particular dog, he quips to his readers, “Small wonder. Next to Cybil’s dog, the hound of the Baskervilles would pale. Her Irish wolfhound stood over seven feet tall on his hind legs, with a wiry gray coat, foot-long snout, and tennis ball-sized eyes.” It’s this combination of humor and vivid, apt descriptions that bring scenes to life in his audience’s imagination.

From clever banter to unexpected plot twists, Neumayer keeps readers enthralled and amused throughout the narrative. Despite the gravity of the situation, the interactions between characters, particularly Jim Guthrie and Jessamine Tilford, are infused with humor and warmth, enriching the depth of the story. There’s a subtle undercurrent of sexual tension, yet Guthrie maintains a respectful distance and understands his boundaries.

Neumayer’s writing style is both sharp and engaging, with a narrative that effortlessly flows from one scene to the next. The pacing is brisk, immersing readers in the heart of the mystery from the very first page and maintaining momentum until the final reveal. Each chapter is brimming with suspenseful moments and unforeseen revelations, ensuring that readers remain eagerly invested in the unfolding story. Neumayer’s literary approach to storytelling elevates this book beyond mere entertainment, showcasing it as a work of literary merit.

Furthermore, Neumayer excels in creating bold and atmospheric settings. The rural landscape of Kentucky serves as more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right, with its abandoned churches, dense forests, and mysterious religious sects adding depth and intrigue to the plot. Neumayer’s descriptive prose paints a lively picture of the setting, transporting readers to the heart of the action with every turn of the page.

“The Little Green Men Murders” is a finely crafted mystery that is sure to delight fans of the genre. With its compelling characters, clever plot twists, and unique setting, this novel is a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling and entertaining read.

On a personal note, let me say what a beautiful soul this writer is. He’s one of those people who makes your heart happy when you see an email of his in your inbox. You’re pleased to do anything for him because he’s just as generous. He’s a kind, patient, wise man, and you know the good he’s done in the world and you’re just glad he’s here. He’s endured unimaginable suffering and has only grown stronger and sweeter for it. Barry and I are so honored to call him friend.

But if you read his books, you’ll know all of that about him anyway. (And do read his books! You won’t be sorry.)