Murder at the Marathon: A Joe Pereira Mystery

By W.H. Denney

Former NYPD homicide detective Joe Pereira, whose wife was ruthlessly mugged and murdered, finds himself inadvertently in the middle of another criminal investigation. After his wife died, Pereira was forced into retirement when he exhibited a ruthless streak that prompted a police brutality lawsuit against the city.

As part of his effort to get his life back together, Pereira takes up jogging and decides to run in the New York City Marathon. During the race, a runner next to him apparently has a heart attack and dies. The man's girlfriend, a high-class call girl, convinces Pereira it was murder. Former detective Pereira sets out to prove her right and discovers the man's death is part of a tangled web of power and greed involving the head of a major technology company, the mob, and a city official sworn to uphold the law.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595656803
• ISBN13: 9780595656806
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

A Surprise

I was really just looking for a break from reading business books but I was delighted with Murder at the Marathon. I wisked through it in 2 days.The style is understated. The characters are interesting but not overdrawn, the author is clearly intelligent but he doesn't flaunt it, and the plot is odd enough to hold our attention without forcing you to work too hard at suspending disbelief.I look forward to the next Joe Pereira mystery.

One of the best mystery books I read in a long time.

The reading was so enjoyable that I just did not want the book to end. I strongly recommend it. I can not wait for W. H. Denney next Joe Pereira mistery.

Great entertainment!

This is a wonderfully entertaining story. Denney offers spectacular detail and a great story line that kept me guessing right up to the very end. Joe Pereira is a likeable character who quickly comes to life as the plot twists and turns unexpectedly. It's definitely one of those books that leaves you looking forward to the next one!

A New Detective

Joe Pereira is no stereotypical ex-cop. He's a man with a conscience and an honest appraisal of what's right and wrong in the world - and there is a lot of that to view in contemporary NYC and its border country: New Jersey. The murder happens alongside Joe as he struggles through the final miles of the marathon. He can't be bothered with another man's plight, but of course he is. Joe is very real. He worries about ethics and boundaries, for himself as well as others. He is not one to stand by or be shoved out of the way of things that have gone wrong.Although I read this book weeks ago, I can still see Joe clearly in my mind's eye; his aching walk as he recovers from the title's race; his ever-present sadness over the loss of his wife; his affection for and joy in his niece. He is a comfortable and a comforting companion. I think you'll find him that way, too.

This novel wins the race!

W. H. Denney is a FANTASTIC writer. I am amazed with the detail and research he puts into this who-done-it. I had a great time with the characters and never expected the ending. Very well done. I recommend this one highly. I can't wait until Denney comes out with Murder in Miami.