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Joe Congel
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DEAD IS FOREVER: A Tony Razzolito PI Story (The Razzman Mystery Crime Files Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Joe Congel (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 66 ratings
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Tony Razzolito, AKA the Razzman, is tired of dead-end sales jobs and refuses to get another, despite a huge blowout with his wife. Instead, he decides to pursue his dream of becoming a PI. He just has to figure out how to get started.

Just hours later, Tony receives a phone call from his friend, Detective Joe Humphrey - his wife has been murdered. The devastating news sends Tony’s emotions on a roller coaster ride he didn’t expect. Yes, their marriage had issues, what marriage doesn't? But now... now he would never have the opportunity to work things out, to make amends, or to say he's sorry.

Shocked, pissed off and emotionally overwhelmed, he is determined to find the killer and insists on helping Joe with the investigation. When clues to another woman's death tie the two crimes together, Tony may discover that some secrets about his wife are better left hidden.



Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 4
    The Razzman Mystery Crime Files
  2. Print length
    361 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    May 25, 2017
  6. File size
    763 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B072PV1XHD
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (May 25, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 25, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 763 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 ‏ : ‎ 361 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 66 ratings

About the author

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Joe Congel

Joe Congel

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Joe Congel grew up in Syracuse, NY, and currently lives in beautiful Charlotte, NC. He got his first break in the world of publishing when he illustrated the humorous book, Housetraining Your VCR, A Help Manual for Humans, published by Grapevine Publications back in the early ’90s.

A few years after Housetraining set the world on fire, Joe decided that he was better suited as a writer rather than as an artist, so he began crafting stories that allowed the reader to use their own imagination to add the visuals to the narrative.

Since he’s enjoyed reading murder mysteries and PI detective stories all his life, he felt he had a pretty good grasp on how to create an engaging character in the world of private detecting. DEAD IS FOREVER is the first book in the Razzman Mystery Crime Files series, featuring Tony Razzolito, PI. The book is set in Syracuse, NY, and Charlotte, NC, with upcoming books in the series concentrated more in and around the Charlotte area. Joe is uniquely qualified to write about both areas of the country since he lived in Syracuse for 36 years and Charlotte for the last 25 plus years.

When he’s not writing, you will most likely find him spoiling his three grandchildren.

Follow Joe on Facebook.com/JoeCongelAuthor

and on Twitter: @JoeCongelAuthor

Blog: https://joecongelfictionstories.blogspot.com/

Email: jc.razzman@gmail.com

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
66 global ratings
Fact,fiction,or creative genius?
4 Stars
Fact,fiction,or creative genius?
While the Razzman has a few deficiencies and his transformation into a pi is a bit unbelievable,the characters, nevertheless,are well thought out and well formed. Despite some editing errors, I,who for the most part do not read this genre,I did find it interesting and happy I did read it! Understanding this is Joe’s first book, I truly applaud his creative and appealing plot. Some ‘things’are unresolved,but, I believe,this is a great opportunity for a sequel I look forward to reading more! It said that every piece of writing reveals a bit of the author’s life. I’m not sure if I should be frightened,cautious,or grateful for ‘heads up.’
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Top reviews from the United States

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great debut!
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is the first book I've read by Joe Congel and I enjoyed it very much! It got down to business right away and didn't let up until the final page!

There were some twists I didn't see coming and that is always a nice surprise. It had suspense, heartache, action, and just a bit of spice to keep your emotions alert. It's very well written and will keep your attention throughout!

I read that this book was a work in progress for a very long time before it came to fruition, and I must say I'm glad that the author followed through and finished it, along with now several other books in the series! I look forward to reading more!
2 people found this helpful
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CW Hawes
4.0 out of 5 stars A Pretty Doggone Good Debut Novel
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2018
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I ran across Congel and the Razzman on Twitter, and I'm glad I did.

The older I get the more I enjoy mysteries, especially private eye mysteries. So I picked up the whole lot of Congel's books.

"Dead is Forever" (love the title) isn't actually a PI novel. It's an amateur detective novel. The story of how and why Tony Razzalito becomes a PI.

I'm not a big fan of the amateur detective. The sleuth does things that just aren't possible in the real world. Congel gets around this to some degree by having Tony's best friend a police detective.

Interesting and well-drawn characters are what I look for in a novel, and I wasn't disappointed. Even the minor characters have enough depth to make them interesting.

Throughout the book, Tony is working through his grief over his wife's death and his guilt about the state of their marriage when she was killed. Such an extended exploration could end up maudlin and saccharine. Congel is able to keep the narrative from going over the edge.

The novel isn't really a whodunnit or a howdunnit. I'ts a whydunnit. Why was Tony's wife killed in the first place? And Tony takes on the job of finding out. And the ending is very satisfying.

A pretty good debut novel. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series and hope Mr Congel has more Razzman stories in his pen.
One person found this helpful
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James R Metras
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended!
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2017
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I grew up with the author. I enjoyed the way he incorporated aspects of his real life into the story. For example, someone else was the murderer. I am not implying that he has ever murdered anyone, but I was a groomsman in his wedding and I have not seen or heard from his wife in decades. I'm sure she is alive and well somewhere. Coincidence? I'm just say'n. I was disappointed that he did not work into the story his time as gay escort for Syracuse's political elite. Just kidding! Money never changed hands as far as I know. It's not like they don't screw us enough already. I was quite devastated not to see my name as I was reading. My therapist said that I should not be too concerned until I finished the book. Then she upped my meds. I finally saw my name but I was not sure it referenced me or someone else. Maybe a little more Thorazine will help. Besides, he was my GHFFing buddy! How can that not be a major plot line!!! Oh, the book! It was actually quite enjoyable. I have just begun downloading #2, and when I am finished I am going to purchase his second book. I am very much looking forward to reading it.
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Lizzy
4.0 out of 5 stars What a fantastic debut novel!
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
From the beginning of this book to the end, the action keeps coming.

Most people who dream of being PIs do not dream of their first “case” involving the death of their spouse, but that’s exactly what happens with Tony Razzolito, when he gets the horrible news that his wife has been murdered … and in the most awful way.

Because Tony’s best friend, Joe Humphrey is a cop, he is afforded the opportunity to investigate his wife’s murder without being a licensed PI.

I don’t want to give away any spoilers about the story itself. What I can say is that Tony’s character really appealed to me. I found Tony very true-to-life and unlike many people in the real world, he isn’t afraid to take a second look at his flaws and to be introspective and honest with himself. The author has created a multi-faceted character who I think will probably become even more interesting as he steps into a formal role as PI in future books.

In additional to Tony’s character, Congel did a great job with the supporting characters. I could really picture the action as it unfolded.

Would I read more from this author: absolutely! He has a great knack for storytelling indeed!
2 people found this helpful
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Rob Horner
4.0 out of 5 stars A great first novel
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2020
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Dead is Forever tells the story of an out of work wannabe PI who gets the opportunity of a lifetime when his best friend, a police detective, lets him help solve a murder. The problem is that the victim also happens to be the main character's wife.

The story is very good, with enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. Joe Congel has a gift for pacing, that special something which has you wanting to start the next chapter, just one more chapter, even though you know you should probably put the book down and get some sleep.

The only reason the story doesn't get 5-stars is that there are a few editing issues. They don't detract from the story, but are common enough to warrant mention.

At the end of the day, Dead is Forever is an excellent debut novel, full of deep character development and a fulfilling amount of introspection by the main character. You're drawn into a murder mystery with enough layers to satisfy an Agatha Christie fan, and enough action to someday be a triple-A feature film.

Highly recommended.
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Top reviews from other countries

Richard Schwindt
4.0 out of 5 stars nice start to a series...
Reviewed in Canada on December 21, 2018
Verified Purchase
Tony Razzolito is a wannabe private investigator killing time, waiting for his career to somehow start itself. His marriage is shaky, and his wife nowhere near convinced that he has the right stuff; for marriage, or anything else. This all changes when she is murdered and, ready or not, Tony is launched into the investigation. Dead is Forever represents a good start to a series, though the tone sometimes seems too cozy and amiable for the subject matter. That said, the story flows nicely, the Razzman is relatable character, and much like the craft beer that regularly disappears into the protagonist, you will probably want to check out more than one. Recommended over a Sam Adams and a sandwich.
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Yorkshire lass
5.0 out of 5 stars A great debut novel
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 12, 2018
Verified Purchase
Well worth a read is Joe Congel's debut novel DEATH IS FOREVER where we meet Tony Razzalito, fondly known as Razz to his friends. As a wannabe private investigator, his chance to realise his dreams comes sooner than expected with the murder of his wife - an interesting concept to kick-start the story.
I loved the characters in this book, that of Razz in particular. An unassuming guy, he's not afraid to acknowledge his short-comings and shows a fierce loyalty towards his friends. His need to become involved in bringing his wife's killer to justice is met by Joe Humphrey, a life-long friend who is in charge of the investigation.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Tony Razzolito has found his vocation in life, setting the tone for Joe Congel's subsequent stories that feature Razzalito as a PI.
It's a well written book which has been edited with care, ensuring the story flows along easily. One of the great joys of reading for me is being taken to new places and given a feel for the location and people who live there. In this, the author doesn't disappoint. I got a real sense of time and place and an insight into yet another part of the US which was unknown to me.
All in all, a great debut novel that's encouraged me to read more from this author. Treat yourself to a copy.
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