Reader Reviews

Dedicated to fans of the Donald Youngblood Mystery series.
Thank you for your encouragement and support!

Write the author at dybloodmysteries@aol.com and some of your comments could show up here.

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Baldacci's literary brother
I've been a David Baldacci fan for years, and when I discovered the novels of Keith Donnelly, it was like finding Baldacci's literary brother.
-Wendy O., Johnson City, TN

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We love all the references to the Vols
[Three Deuces Down and Three Devils Dancing] were both so good I just had to have the third [book]. I love mysteries. I have passed the books to several friends and they are enjoying them also. We love all the references to the Vols and places around that we know as well.
-Norma C., Knoxville, TN

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Lover of mysteries
I love series books and the mystery/detective genre is my favorite. Your book was the first detective book in years that I took the time to sit down and read. Traveling through eastern Tennessee on our vacation made your book Three Deuces Down come alive...
-Bob H., Valatie, NY

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...you probably aren't going...to write [the books] fast enough...
I have finished all three books [and] I am completely ready for the next one. You probably aren't going to be able to write them fast enough for me. I am hooked. I loved the way you had more than one thing going on at a time and how you [included] every walk of life . . . It all was believable. I like [that] I knew a lot of the areas you [wrote about]. I love that part of Tennessee. I am originally from Louisville [TN] so I knew the area you [wrote about] in book three. I would like to purchase all my books from you so you can sign each one. I want my children to have them some day. Let me know when book four is out...
-Joyce W., Payneville, KY

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Up there with Grisham
You were very gracious to mail the books [that I ordered] and autograph each [one] individually... I enjoyed [all three books] very much. Your story telling is fantastic and being familiar with the Gatlinburg area I was able to picture myself in the surroundings. I am a very big fan of John Grisham and you are right up there with him. Waiting for you next novel . . . thanks for the great stories.
-Jose G., Miami, FL

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...in love with "Blood!"
[Reader and her friend met Keith at a signing] I have read most of the day while our husbands were car watching in Pigeon Forge. I am in love with Blood! I am getting ready to take [the book] to [read] in bed . . . our husbands are now watching the football game. Which reminds me! The only flaw with my darling Blood is the UT fan thing, but I forgive him, you see I am one of those, how did he (you) put it "hated Gators."
My friend . . . is rushing me to finish so she can start [Three Days Dead], so, I guess I better get back to reading. I am so glad we happened into your signing...
-Cyndi H., Evansville, IN

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Love the goodness of your main character
I have read the first two [books] and plan on reading the third one while we take a little vacation at our cabin... I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two. [The books] have a really good story line and I love the goodness of your main character. The classic 'doing good' because it is the right thing to do, really rings home for me. The way in which [Don's] friends help him and he helps them is something that speaks volumes to me.
-Randy B., McCalla, AL

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Not a fan of blood, guts and gore
Just wanted to let you know that I read “Three Devils Dancing” the same day that I [purchased it]. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the other books in the series. I love a mystery but am not a fan of blood, guts and gore so I was impressed with how you worked the gruesome murders into the story without the grim blow by blow details.
...I'm adding you to my "favorite" author list.
-Elaine and Ricky T., Monroe, GA

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Posted on Facebook recently
...The three Donald Youngblood books are in the same bookcase where I keep my James Bond books, a place of honor, not to lay it on too thick.
-Ron H., Kingsport, TN

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From Seasonal Visitors to Gatlinburg
I have totally enjoyed your Youngblood series, and anxiously await installment four.
I was lucky enough to buy each [of the three books] each year as they were released, and met you ...in Gatlinburg.
...We are seasonal visitors [to the area and] spend April and October in Townsend TN. This October will be 35 years.
I would love to make it four straight signings ...Let me know [when] the release date [for book four] is firm.
-Chuck F., Longwood, FL

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You beat Grisham
I have read all of ...[your] books again in the last 3 days, and . .. my personal opinion [is that] you beat Grisham. You have the ability to keep me on edge waiting for the next twist. My fears and hopes for each character play over to amaze me like a small amount of books can. I can only read a few authors over again and I'm glad to say you are one of them.
-Walker F., Taylorville, UT

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Like yours [books] better [than Patterson]
I like mystery [and] private dick books. I have read quite a few of the Patterson books and I like yours better. Of course it is easy to get hooked on the characters in [your] books from one to the next.
I just finished Three Days Dead and ... was very sucked in to Three Devils Dancing [with] the way you ended [Three Days Dead]. You did a great job for the reader creating emotional interest in Lacy Malone. Also I like the way there are at least two bad guys being dealt with. Anxious to hear more about Roy and Billy and their close tie with "Blood" and maybe Bruiser . . .
-Jim R., Park City, UT

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Youngblood caused reader to miss appointment
I ended up missing a medical appointment because I was so engrossed in Three Days Dead [and] when I looked [up] from the breakfast table it was 11 am. That got a good chuckle from my bridge group who quickly wrote down your name. A great read again, I like it that there are several things going at once and that you end them with the start of another book, [reeling] me in for [Three Devils Dancing].
-Marilyn E., Keezleton, VA

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A Joy to Read
I find his [Donnelly's] books very entertaining and a joy to read. I appreciate the continuity of characters so I feel that I am getting to know them [the characters.]
-Robert B., Singer Island, FL

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[Donnelly] is a terrific writer
...I really enjoyed his [Donnelly's] [three] books. In my opinion he is a terrific writer...I am hooked on his books and he can count on me as a loyal fan.
-Margaret S., Huber Heights, OH

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Mother-in-law gave first two books as a Christmas gift
My mother-in-law met you ... at one of your book signings. She bought [your first two books] ... to give us as a Christmas present. I read the first one and thought it was one of the best mysteries I had read. I was hooked and had trouble putting it down. I immediately read the second one and loved it just as much! ... You have such wonderful talent. I just saw on the web site that there is now a third book. I will be buying that as soon as I get finished writing this email. I look forward to reading it.
-Laura L., Hebron, KY

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Can hardly wait to receive the third one [book]
...I bought the first two [books in Gatlinburg], which I have already read since returning home , and was disappointed with myself for not buying all three! I have never enjoyed two stories as much as I have these. The way the characters banter with each other makes me smile and the mysteries kept me hooked until the very end of each book. I can hardly wait to receive the third one and I'm pretty sure that you told me that a fourth one was in the works? ... You are an excellent writer and I hope to see more people "discover" you. I know I'll be recommending you to my friends and also to our local book store.
-Carrie P., Shelton, WA

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Looking forward to [book] number four
...I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Youngblood's latest exploits... I am looking forward to number four...
-Tony W., Charlotte, NC

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15 years ... since reader has read a book
It has been 15 years or more since I have read a book [vision problem]. But I must tell you - I really enjoyed Three Devils Dancing and some nights I had trouble putting it down. [There were] so many intriguing plots and such interesting characters.
-Lynne R., Gatlinburg, TN

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Looking for Three Devils Dancing
I have the other two [books] and would like the third. I met [Keith] in Gatlinburg, and told him I would let him know what I thought of the books... I really liked both books. I read them from cover to cover without stoppage. They were very entertaining, and kept me wondering what [was] next ...
-Jim and Bonnie S., Bakersfield, CA

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Great Smoky Mountain Locations [in Three Devils Dancing] made reader feel she was there again
...I just finished reading Three Devils Dancing and was once again really pleased with the book. I probably would have never read any of your books had I not met you last summer at your book signing ... in Gatlinburg. I love how you have a couple of stories going on, which makes the books more exciting. I was very disappointed when I finished reading this book last night, because I now have to wait until your next book comes out. I just don't know how you are going to top the last three books you have written. You have great talent! Our trip last summer to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the tour of Cades Cove made me feel that I was there again when you mentioned these areas and trails in your books.
-Connie V., Midland, MI

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Liked the little hints of [Donald's] character
Sorry I have not written you sooner but my job never stops. I do a fair amount of reading [for my job] but enjoy the occasional "recreational read" for my own pleasure. ...I purchased all three of your novels. I'm glad I did because I was dangerously diverted from my real job being so caught up in the mysteries. I like the development of the Donald character and his many redeeming qualities - good job there. I like the little hints of his character like playing spider solitaire to relax, and enjoying Gevalia coffee. I'm there with you my friend. I hope you are continuing the series and I will be checking the web site for future announcements of the next novel. Keep up the good work.
-Ray H., TN

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Like yours [books] just as well
...I met you at two book signings...I just finished reading Three Devils Dancing and it was by far my favorite of the three [books]. I've read all of James Lee Burke, Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child and Lee Child. Their books are tops as far as I'm concerned. I like yours just as well. Keep it up... Looking forward to the next one
-Mike B., Kingsport, TN

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[My boss will] love that you are a true Vols fan
I asked my local librarian for a good read. I have finished all the others [the librarian has] suggested. When I love a book, I don't put it down. The librarian had gotten your first book for Christmas from his children and then ... bought your other two. I am excited for you to write more! After all, you are a "local"... My boss is from East Tennessee and he would love that you are a true Vols fan ... I finally got to read your second book. Brought it in to work with me and could not put it down. Have the third at home waiting. I hope you write very quickly as I can't wait for more. I love dogs and have gotten to the point I love winter more than summer, too. Enjoying your books,
-Suzanne R., Martin, TN

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Blond, lady cop enjoying [books], too
My husband and I just finished the three Don Youngblood books, and we LOVED them! As fans of "serial" mysteries/thrillers, we just wanted to say thanks and PLEASE keep Don alive and well and starring in more novels. He's a friend, now ... We read about the books in the [newspaper] and hunted them down [We] shared [the books] with [our] neighbor who is a retired, blond lady cop and she is enjoying them, too. Keep up the good work!
-Steve and Doris P., Mooresburg, TN
P. S. ... we live in upper east Tennessee so it was really fun to recognize some places (and guess at others) in the novels.

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[Keith's books] Good diversion during busy tax season
[We] met you briefly this summer when visiting the Smokies. We finished [Three [Deuces Down] and [Three Days Dead] and have an order pending ... for [Three Devils Dancing]. Kathy's birthday is 2/13 and I would appreciate it if you could use that info to personalize [Three Devils Dancing] for her. Anyway, we both enjoy your stories. It’s a good diversion during our busy tax season.
Editorial Note: Keith not only personalized the book for Kathy's birthday but for Valentine's Day as well. Bernie and Kathy also asked about Keith's books being available as ebooks. Three Deuces Down is now available for ebook readers!
-Bernie and Kathy H., New Berlin, WI

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Master of the two-word-sentence
Three Devils Dancing is a fantastic book. You have hit your stride! There is no doubt that all future books in your Donald Youngblood Mystery Series will be top-notch and well-received . . . You are becoming a master of the two-word-sentence. I’m impressed. A lot can be said in two words! I have been able to read several novels during this cold and snowy winter. J.D. Robb, Janet Evanovich, Ken Follett, ...[Sue Grafton] ...—well, I enjoyed your book the most of all of them. Thank you for a wonderful diversion. I can’t wait for book number four!
-Mary Alice H., Chilhowie, VA

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[Your new book, Three Devils Dancing is like] eating an awesome steak
I love your new book! I haven't finished it yet, not because it doesn't keep my interest (quite the contrary) but because I don't want it to end. I liken it to eating an awesome steak. You don't get one very often and can't wait to dig in, but you really want to eat slowly and chew every morsel, to get the full enjoyment. Then you hate it when the meal is over. You are an awesome writer, man! I get into the characters so much, and the dialogue is so believable and cool that I'm laughing, crying or cheering constantly. That says a lot when you can get your reader to feel the whole range of emotions. Donald, Billy and Roy are the coolest! You're the man, buddy! You have carved yourself a place, right up there with the best, and you deserve to be there.
-Jeff W., Birmingham, AL

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Not a fast reader but ...
I am not a fast reader but I covered this one [Three Devils Dancing] in 4 days and seriously could not put it down. I think it is a super continuation of the others [books in the series]. And, just when I thought it was over, [you] continued to tie up the loose ends. [You are a] great writer. I particularly like to read a book that preserves the characters from previous books - Billy, Mary, Lacy, Big Bob
-Preston L., Ballston Spa, NY

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Really enjoyed [Three Devils Dancing]
Really enjoyed it – an easy read and just as good as the first two. The whole advent of serial killing being in our backdoor is chilling and disturbs my peaceful views. It is nice to know [read about] that there are ‘good guys.’ I do a good bit of genealogy [research] and struggles don’t change, they just take different forms. I like your development of the characters.
-Jane M., Buchanan, TN

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Hooked by first page [of first book]
I was only interested in having a book signed by the author without really caring about the book itself. I was hooked by the first page. I have since read the following two books and look forward to the fourth. They are getting even better with each book.
-Velda P., Grand Rapids, MI

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Fantastic reading
Just finished book 3 – each one gets better and better. Can’t wait for book 4. Great reading… James Patterson has nothing on Keith Donnelly!
-Anita S., Raleigh, NC

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Read all three [books] in 2-1/2 days!
I read all three in 2-1/2 days! Couldn't put the books down. I totally enjoyed each one and very captivating! ... You make the books (stories) very interesting.
-Ken and Marti Z., Michigan

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Second Review from NY Online Book Reviewer
I just finished Three Devils Dancing and I loved it. The mystery was good and I like the interaction among the characters. I was glad to see Lacy , Mary and Roy [return].
-Dru Ann L., NY, NY
I Love Books (look at what I'm reading)

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Staying up late…wondering who-done-it
We finally got around to reading Three Days Dead recently. ... We were very impressed with the mystery; it is one of those page-turners that keeps you up a while longer each night before cutting off the light, wondering who-done-it and how the story will end.
-Bill and Linda M., Macon, GA

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Racheting up the “gotcha” factor!
Keith Donnelly writes really great action/thriller type stuff. Three so far and a fourth underway that promises to ratchet-up the gotcha factor (judging by the author's quick sketch of what I can look forward to!).
Take a look at Keith's web site. If you enjoy this genre of fiction, as I do, you will become an enthusiastic reader of Keith's work.
-Gordon F., USN Ret., Chuckey, TN

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Looking for a souvenir
I am an avid book reader and so I bought [your] books on a whim. I just wanted to drop a line saying I absolutely loved both books.
I can not wait to read the next one [Three Devils Dancing]. I am hooked. It was the best souvenir I could have bought myself.
I also love that my books are signed by you. They added a nice touch to my bookshelves.
-Terri B., Crown Point, IN

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From a new “fan"
I purchased the first two books and read one on the way home to Richmond IN. The second I read two days later. Loved the story line and characters. ... the Gatlinburg area is our most favorite place in the world. ...We eat at The Brewery and Best Italian every time we are there [from the books].
[I hope you] keep the story going for a long time.
-Becky C., Richmond, IN

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Stories are fast paced with plenty of turns and twists
I [have] finished reading all three novels.
A fast read. I could not lay them down till I was finished reading. I read [the] first one [in one day]. The second [the next day] and the third [the next].
The characters are very entertaining, and the stories are fast paced with plenty of turns and twists. Don, Billy, Roy and the other cast of characters would make for three great movies.
I will be recommending your books to my friends. Hope to see many more in the future.
P. S. I am an avid reader and ... you will love the fast paced nail-biting action of the Youngblood mysteries...[Keith Donnelly’s] characters are human and easy to relate to. Read Three Deuces Down and you will be hooked and have to read the others.
-Tim N., Kernersville, NC

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...DELICIOUS ...reading [Three Devils Dancing]!
Three days DELICIOUS! ... love this third book. Where on earth do you get your plot lines - it's a bit scary! I love reading these books because each is not only a great story but, ... , it's also fun (and funny) to identify all the characters and figure out which friend or acquaintance they are! An interesting perk of nearly 40 years of kinship!
-Sarah C., Stamford, CT

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Can’t read Patterson, love “yours”
[I] will begin reading the 3rd [book] tonight. I know that some compare you to Patterson, but I think you are a much better author than that. I look forward to yours, I can’t read his.
-Scott F., Columbus, GA

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Books lived up to comparison
I have to admit I was skeptical at first having heard someone compare you to Patterson however, both of the books were GREAT! Read the second book in about 2 days.
-Belinda K., Piedmont, NC

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Style reminds reader of Sue Grafton
I was made aware of your books at ... [the dentist’s office}. Your style reminds me of Sue Grafton (a compliment) except your chapters are shorter...God has given you a great talent...
-Judy T., Pigeon Forge, TN

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Right up there with James Patterson
Love these books. Can't wait for Part 3. I mean this as a compliment ... you are right up there with James Patterson in my book! I am glad you are writing full-time now, and maybe we can see your new books released closer together.
-Joe S., Seymour, TN

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Hates reading but now has read books cover to cover
...Awesome! You have a real talent as a writer to keep a story flowing and keeping it a page turner - this is coming from someone that hates to read but has now read…[all] your books cover to cover.
-Todd L., Madison, MS

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Read Deuces vacationing on Lake Michigan
...great place for reading. So! I have enjoyed your book and meeting Donald Youngblood and his friends. This is not the type of book I usually read, but it kept me wondering all the way through.
-Bonnie R., Salt Lake City, UT

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Lexington reader is hooked
My friend… bought me Three Deuces down. Great mystery and I'm hooked.
Thanks for a great story.
-Kathy S., Lexington, KY

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Reader has a black standard poodle
Loved both of your books. Even if I didn’t have a black standard poodle I would be waiting for your next one.
-Mary Margaret M., Towson, MD

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Reader grateful for easy-to-read page design
Three Deuces Down and Three Days Dead were without a doubt the best books that I have read in a long time. The characters were so human, even "Jake.” Your choice of print means so much to me as I have macular degeneration; the spacing of the type is a great help...
-Dorothea E., Winnabow, NC

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CA reader found Three Days Dead compelling
Just finished reading [Three Days Dead]. It was a compelling book. Couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait till the next one is finished. Great book!
-“Fritzi” L., Huntington Beach, CA

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A “very well done” from Minnesota
Just thought I'd pass along a "very well done" on your first mystery; "Three Deuces Down". I'm an avid mystery reader who reads many [authors] from my home state of Minnesota.
...[Recently] wandered into ...[a] gift shop where I ran across a signed copy of your novel. A great find! - And I'm looking forward to picking up a copy of your new mystery; "Three Days Dead.”
-Bart B., White Bear Lake, Minnesota

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Reader “hungry” after Three Deuces Down
I thoroughly enjoyed your book! I could not put it down. I can't wait for the next one to come out, so just write like crazy!
The worst thing about it was that I was starving after reading. You sure do know how to describe food! Thanks for testing my willpower!
-Sally K., Franklin, TN

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Satisfied reader from Ohio, comments re both books
...he gave me a copy of Three Deuces Down...started ready today. I very rarely read novels, but yours is hard to put down…finished the book this am. Loved it. Haven’t read a mystery in many years. Is Youngblood going to marry Mary? I hope that nothing every happens to Jake. I’m an animal lover. Liked the closure with Marlene.
...just finished Three Days Dead…it was great. I wonder if Lacy is going to end up living with Don and Mary… Can't wait to see what Don's up to next.
-Viola S., Williamsburg, OH

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Reader promises to spread the word!
Like you, I keep a stack of books in the 'to be read' queue, so it took a while to get to Three Deuces Down. I just finished reading it today and wanted to drop you a note to let you know how much I enjoyed it.
I like the characters and the easy-to-read style in which you write.
Keep up the great work and keep spreading the word. I'm sure promotion isn't easy or glamorous but you are making converts one person at a time - I'm living proof. I'll be sure to tell my mystery loving friends about your series.
-Neil K., Aurora, IL

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Met at Charleston, SC book signing...
Helen [wife] has read both your books and loved them (the first was complete before we got back to Wichita). I haven’t had the pleasure yet.
-John M., Wichita, KS

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Fellow mystery writer gives kudos!
We met at the bookstore in Asheville [NC.]
I finished Three Deuces Down a handful of days after I got it from you. I thought it was very well done; had a great plot; and was a comfortable, fun read. I'll be ordering Three Days Dead within the next few weeks.
Again, great job!
-Bill Noel, Author, (The Folly Beach Mystery Series : Folly, The Pier, Washout, and The Edge.) Louisville, KY

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VA Reader Reading Books #1 and #2 Over and Over Again... can't wait for Book #3!
I have read, and re-read #1 and #2 at least 4 times each and believe or not, I am getting ready to read #1 again! ... hopefully there is a Book #3 and it will be out there real soon! Can’t wait to get my hands on it! Keep ‘em coming – You are an awesome author!
-From Renee C., Alexandria VA

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Read 2nd book first, now wants to read lst!
I bought your book"3 days dead" at a book signing after Christmas. I started reading it on the trip back to my home and couldn't put it down! It was wonderful! I would like to purchase your first book "3 deuces down". You have acquired another avid fan!
Keep writing!
-Sandy O’D., Vienna, VA

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From “Across the Pond”
Greetings from Ireland!
II was on holiday recently to your part of the world. [I was in] the Smokies and spent a couple of days in Gatlinburg. I was having dinner one night with my dad in a steakhouse [there.] I had a look about the small shop inside and stumbled upon your book. Thought I would buy it as a souvenir from the area instead of the many hand carved Indians, etc. that are abundant in shops around the Smokies. Anyway, just emailed you to let you know I really enjoyed the book and it definitely had some great characters and a very lively story to it. Definitely better value for money than a wooden Indian, in my opinion!
Very lovely part of the world you live in. Interesting to see Ireland included in your book. Anyway, I was lucky to stumble across your book.
-Carl R., County Down, NI

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Donald Youngblood mysteries go to Iraq!
After enjoying your books so much, I sent my nephew copies to Iraq where he is stationed. Out of the 8 books sent, yours were the ones he most enjoyed. I told him not to send them back, until others in the platoon had time to read them also. He is asking when is the next Donald Youngblood is coming out.
-Nancy B., H.S. Administrator and Teacher, Jonesville, VA

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Three Days Dead – reader kept from her “work!”
…… just wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying your book - I believe I like it even better than the first one. As a matter of fact, I have a million things to do, but instead I have been sitting here in my UT nuggie, drinking several cups of coffee and saying "I'll read just one more chapter, or I'll read just 10 more minutes" - so now I have to get ready for work and have gotten absolutely nothing done!
-Nancy W., Johnson City, TN

Note: Some of the content of emails has been edited to ensure reviewer privacy.