Garrett and Tiffanie Bate had it all—youth, money, and a perfect marriage. Until Tiffanie is killed in a suspicious accident. Neither the police nor the insurance investigators can prove she was murdered and the case turns cold.

Two years later the insurance company asks an intern—former college professor turned private eye Ray Courage—to reopen the investigation. He uncovers little new evidence to support suspicions that Garrett killed his wife for the insurance money. Garrett has the perfect alibi—hundreds of witnesses that place him more than two hours from the scene of Tiffanie’s death. Ray knows he’s missing something. But what? As his search for the truth unfolds, Ray’s life is put in jeopardy and he realizes his adversary is someone who’ll kill before he’ll be caught.

In this prequel to Courage Matters, Ray Courage begins his private investigation career, displaying the skills, abilities and sense of humor that have made him a fan favorite around the world. 

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Ray Courage is starting a new career as a private investigator and needs investigative hours with a business before he can get his license. An insurance company hires him and his first case is a two year old claim that was ruled an accident but appears suspicious.

Ray does a good job of investigating this case, better than it was previously investigated. In fact, he may have done too good of a job…

Courage Begins is a novella that has all of the qualities of a full-length murder mystery. It is the introduction of Ray Courage as a PI that can be read in one sitting and the introduction to several full-length novels which I’m looking forward to reading.

About the Author

Scott Mackey lives in Northern California, where he writes both fiction and non-fiction. He is the author of the highly acclaimed Ray Courage Mystery Series: Courage Matters, Courage Resurrected, Courage Begins, Courage Stolen, and Courage Betrayed.

Twitter: smackey17
Facebook: Facebook.com/rscottmackey
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1tMtfF8
Web: rscottmackey.com