The Merchant of Death

Playing the Fool, Book 2

By: Lisa Henry, J.A. Rock

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

Length: 5 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

All's fair in love and war.

There's something rotten in the state of Indiana. When con man Henry Page takes it upon himself to investigate the death of an elderly patient at a care facility, he does so in true Shakespearean tradition: dressed as a girl.

FBI Agent Ryan "Mac" McGuinness has more to worry about than Henry's latest crazy idea. Someone is trying to send him a message - via a corpse with a couple of bullets in it. He needs to figure out who's trying to set him up before he gets arrested, and he really doesn't have time for Henry's shenanigans. Then again, he'd probably be able to focus better if Henry didn't look so damn distracting in a baby doll dress and a wig.

But when Mac discovers that Henry has been keeping a secret that connects the cases, he has to find a way to live on the right side of the law when he just might be in love with the wrong sort of man.

©2015 Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock (P)2016 Riptide Publishing

More Powerful, More Suspense, More Romance, More

What did you love best about The Merchant of Death?

I loved that it took the strengths of book one- characters and situation- and made it stronger and better in book two. The enigmatic, but totally charismatic Henry Page is more so. The stalwart, but down to earth Mac who has a weak spot for one Henry Page is more so. And instead of one, there are two mysteries. And new players and more about the current cast. It was just more and I loved that.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Henry Page- he is so confused and so mixed up. He can't even figure himself out. But for all his shenanigans, he cares and he gives. He is terrified of the feelings he has for Mac, but yet he wants this man to respect him and want him. He needs Mac to be the first person who doesn't let him down.

What about Nick J. Russo’s performance did you like?

Can I say Everything? Yes, because that would be true. I think I'd stop listening to the series if Russo wasn't the narrator. I read the trilogy through and there is always a danger to listening to some one read a story after the characters are already established in my mind with voice and personality, but with Russo's narration they became clearer and truer. Or at least that's the best way I can describe it.
Plus timing and tone. I felt he nailed the essence of the story. I could laugh and sigh and feel like I was right there.

Who was the most memorable character of The Merchant of Death and why?

This would be Viola. The first book hinted at her and her situation and who she is definitely affects Henry. But to meet her was wonderful. She has a traumatic brain injury, but this doesn't restrict her. She thinks, feels, and knows things. She's intuitive about people and was the catalyst to getting them to see themselves better.

Any additional comments?

This is book two and it most definitely builds on book one so should be read in order.

My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to listen to the book in exchange for an honest review.

It was really good.

This was a nice story, I already knew and love the characters, especially Henry. It had the same humorous style the previous book had, but I feel like this one was a bit more serious and it take some attention to a very interesting subjects, not usually mention in books.

I loved the relationship between Henry and Viola, it was very sweet and also heartbroken to understand the whole situation. Viola among some other secondary characters were amazing. I really enjoyed her and Remi, and loved to hate some others.

Mac was also fun to read, it was very interesting to expect his reactions from the situations he was into and how much he let his feelings get involved in his job. His relationship with Henry is so much entertaining, I love the way they interact with each other, they’re great together.

The narration was great, I don't generally like audiobooks, but this one is one of the exceptions, I think the narrator made a great job giving voices to Mac and Henry, it was so easy to know one from the other. It had a very nice way to make transmit the emotion, it was a great experience.

I feel like I liked the first book better, but I really enjoyed this one, and I’ll surely move on to the next one to know what the authors have prepare for Henry and Mac.

The Merchant of Death

It took me a little longer to get through this book because so much of it was behavior I didn’t like in the first book. If you loved the characters of Henry and Mac, you’ll still love them in this book. As always, the narrator does a great job!

Wonderful series

Book 2 in this series picked right up from the ending of the first story. The intensity really picked up as well, really loving everything about this series. Mac & Henry are wonderful, it's fun to see them get to know each other, overcome their own insecurities through this suspense storyline. Nick Russo is fantastic and I am so disappointed that the audible is not available yet, but no way am I waiting - on to book 3 NOW.

Can't get enough!

Henry and Mac's story continues. The intrigue leaves me ready to start the next book. Viola adds a lot to the story and I can't wait to see what is going to happen next!

Loving Henry & Mac

This is the second book in the series and picks up right after book one..they have to be enjoyed in order. it's a fun story that shows just how small the world is and how who we fall for may not always be who we think we should love. The heart wants what the heart wants.. and in this fun mystery Mac is saving Henry as he goes undercover in a personal con.

enjoy!

Now I’m hooked

It wasn’t that the first book wasn’t enjoyable, there was just something about this one that truly hooked me on these characters. I liked them well enough I just wasn’t invested yet. I have the next book already downloaded and I’m just taking the time to write this review so I can jump back into it.

Enjoying this series

Really enjoying this trilogy. It’s cute and funny. Looking forward to the next book. Nick does the best job with both Henry and Mac!!

Some Sequels Are Just As Good as the First

Merchant of Death is just as good as the first book in the series but in a different way. Be prepared for less humor and to learn more about Henry and why he is the person he is. Once again the narration by Nick J Russo is fantastic.

Fun continuation

This is not a stand alone as it picks up where the first left off and for me I really enjoyed this ride and it ends with more questions for the next part. Russo does excellent with the narration.