Mind Scrambler

Road trips, dog walks and gardening have given me time for several audio books including the two next books in Chris Grabenstein's John Ceepak mystery series. I enjoy the series, narrated by Ceepak's partner, Danny Boyle. Boyle has worked his way up from summer police support to a full-fledged member of the force. He has a fondness for his straight-laced partner and in Hell Hole and Mind Scrambler, we learn more about Ceepak's past, meeting his miserable, alcoholic father who exists just to make Ceepak's life miserable. I'm sure we haven't heard the last from him either. Hell Hole dealt with the wars in Iraq.

Both books were good although the latter, Mind Scrambler, was darker than the others in the content, perhaps because it was set show more in Atlantic City, rather than the sleepy hamlet of Sea Haven where Boyle and Ceepak normally do their work.

Just be aware that, while these books have elements of a cozy mystery, they are much more hard-boiled. show less

I always enjoy Chris Grabenstein's Ceepak and Boyle mysteries, and Mind Scrambler was no exception. Strong characters, a strong setting, and a strong mystery laced with Grabenstein's trademark humor. What's not to like?

Although there is humor in the book, it's not as pronounced because the subject matter is serious and our Danny is grieving. Grabenstein knows how to write action scenes as well as strong characters and humor-- and he also knows how to tug on our heartstrings.

There is one thing, however, that I wondered about all through Mind Scrambler. There are times that the tower of integrity that's known as John Ceepak is almost a cartoon figure with his exaggerated "Just the facts, ma'am" language and his unyielding book of rules. show more Once-- just once-- I'd like to see a scene of dialogue between Ceepak and his wife Rita when they're alone. Does Ceepak still sound like a stuffed shirt then, or does he actually unwind a little? It will probably never happen, but as I enjoy reading each book in this series, I can always dream. show less

MIND SCRAMBLER is book number five in the John Ceepak mystery series. In this caper, Danny (the book's voice) and Ceepak are in Atlantic City deposing a witness set to testify against Ceepak's father. They are doing this deposition purely as a favor to the prosecutor over in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. While they are there, an old friend of Danny's shows up. She's working for Atlantic City's famous Richard Rock, an illusionist, and his wife, Jessica Rock, as their nanny.

Danny's friend calls him and tells him she needs to speak with him privately, but before Danny can connect with her, she's murdered. Danny and Ceepak are out-of-towners, but they aren't going to stand by and be wallflowers. They are still law enforcement agents in the state show more of New Jersey, so they'll pitch in and help bring the murderer to justice.

I honestly do not know how Chris Grabenstein manages to make every Ceepak book better than the one before it. I read every one thinking there is NO WAY it gets any better than THIS! And yet Grabenstein tops himself every time!

One of the many reasons I enjoy the John Ceepak mysteries so much is the connection of the title to the book. Part of the whole puzzle is making the connection with the plot. And the significance of Mind Scrambler is probably the greatest of them all. It ties directly into the illusions Richard Rock is performing on his show as well as the reality that is being manipulated in the murder investigation. And for Danny, he has a personal connection to MIND SCRAMBLER as his personal reality is called into question when he finds his friend dead in a compromising position. And as the reader, your head will be spinning round and round, much like Danny's does. You know when you watch an illusionist that there's a logical explanation for how the "magic tricks" work, but the dizziness comes from taxing your brain to try to figure out HOW they work.
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I was dizzy from all the spinning and smoke and mirrors and illusions Grabenstein created that challenged my brain in this plot. This is my kind of thrill ride!

Of course, Atlantic City is a new setting for the Ceepak/Boyle duo. But Grabenstein makes use of this new setting working in a number of pop culture references to Monopoly. Combine the references with Danny's sarcasm in the narration, and you have the recipe for Grabenstein's signature humor!

The ultimate reason I adore this series as much as I do is the dynamic duo. John Ceepak and Danny Boyle are among my absolute favorite characters in crime fiction. The symbiotic relationship between these two is what makes the series work so well. In every book they have progressively learned from each other, but in none as blatantly and strongly as in MIND SCRAMBLER. It is a very effective use of characterization to view Ceepak through the eyes of Danny; Ceepak is, after all, his hero. So when Ceepak stumbles, the effect of seeing that mis-step through the eyes of Danny makes it all the more powerful.

When a crime fiction novel makes me laugh, tugs at my heart strings, moves me to cheer for the hero(s) and challenges me to THINK, I know I've found a top-notch work of art! MIND SCRAMBLER is all those things and so much more. show less

I always enjoy this series, but I'm having a hard time identifying exactly why.First, I haven't read anything else quite like them, even though I've read quite a range of mysteries.They are more character driven and somehow softer than most procedurals, while clearly having more of an edge than cozies (not to mention featuring two police officers). This book seemed harsher than the previous books, but somehow it didn't cross the line into icky. I give Grabenstein major credit for this, thinking back over the story.The setting on the Jersey Shore is also unusual for me. I enjoy the link to the various amusement park rides the books are named for, particularly this book's Mind Scrambler. This time, the story wanders to Atlantic City, show more which is more usual mystery stomping grounds (or it felt that way, even though I can't think of any specific examples).The best things about these books are the two lead characters: John Ceepak and Danny Boyle. John Ceepak lives his life by a strict code of honor, and expects the same from those around him. His partner (Danny Boyle)describes him as the worlds oldest Eagle Scout. He's always perceptive and able to think his way to the right conclusion. Again, I give Grabenstein credit for making this work, because it could have been very tedious. In this book, his code of honor is tested, more so than we've seen. Watching him struggle through this adds further depth to his character.Danny Boyle started as a somewhat shallow, carefree young man in search of an easy summer job. Ceepak has had a significant effect on him, and he is maturing very nicely. He has just the right touch of hero worship as he narrates the story, contrasting what he is able to figure out with the conclusions that Ceepak draws. This time, Danny is drawn into the mystery in a very personal way, even being considered a suspect for a period of time. Watching him balance between Danny the individual and Danny the police officer made for good reading.I also want to mention the narrator, Jeff Woodman. He does a fantastic job of bringing these books to life.I recommend reading this series in order, since Danny's growth is such a major part of the books for me. show less

I love John Ceepak and Danny Boyle. I've loved them since the first book but this book is different and deeper than any of the previous four. Ceepak is dealing with his father and Danny is learning more from Ceepak every day. A trip to Atlantic City to take a deposition about Ceepak's father ends up in a complicated murder case, involving Danny's old girlfriend Katie. Magic, illusion and mayhem follow. This book has the most powerful ending of any of the Ceepak novels. If it truly is the last in the series than Grabenstein ended on a true high.

A wonderful & this time sad...Ceepak mystery. Ceepak & Boyle are out of town following up on a deposition against Ceepak's crappy father and run into their old friend Katie. Once Boyle's best friend and love of his life. Promising to meet Katie later, Boyle is excited. Unfortunately Katie is murdered in a monstrous way. Boyle is shattered and he & Ceepak must help the local PD solve the murder. A magic show, a swarmy PI, too many suspects and secrets to count don't make for an easy case. Full of twists, turns, more murders, & illusions has the two cops minds scrambled trying to solve the murder of their friend. It was a 4 star book until the author put in 3 political statements that had nothing to do with the book or the show more plot. show less

I thought it was an excellent installment in the series. Yes, it was a different environment, and the underlying crimes are disgusting, but that's probably what I liked about it - it was much darker and grittier and more bad stuff happens than in the Sea Haven based stories.

There were points where I wanted to smack some of the characters for being so frustrating and annoying and full-of-lies. Ceepak and Danny do make it through, but if it wasn't for the fact that they are essential to the series and you know they must prevail so they have to figure it out eventually, you might be worried that the bad guys will get away with their crimes.