WATER: A Vic Bengston Investigation
“Grrrreat, Like Tony The Tiger Says! Vic is back in the newspaper biz, driven out of retirement by boredom. He also, frankly, missed the rush. A murder here, crooked politicos there…he gets his groove back. Schneider put me right in Vic’s chair at the paper and along the river. Written as tight as a good newspaper story, Water gives me a real feel for those farmers & ranchers. This would so be a great movie!” —Virginia Reames
“Thirsty for WATER. Richard Schneider creates a mystery that is suspenseful and psychologically plausible. The language and situations are contemporary and the political background completely believable. As parts of the American West face another year of severe droughts and incredible wildfires, the novel’s pertinence to our current situation is undeniable. The novel is gripping as you read it and also leaves you with much to reflect on. Schneider clearly knows a great deal about Colorado’s history and political culture and uses that knowledge to powerful effect in Water. Judged by this first book, the Vic Bengston series should gain many devoted readers as it unfolds.” —Bob Golden
“Page turner breathes life into the politics of the West’s liquid gold. Schneider’s portraits of a narcissistic legislator, a corrupt water buffalo (lawyer) and desperate farmers all ring true in this contemporary saga of Colorado water wars. The narrator, an aging boomer journalist returning to his craft after decades in advertising, is the idealistic glue that make this page turner a great read.” —CL Harmer
“Intriguing Subject. This book is much more than your typical who-done-it. Controlling water (the substance) is crucial to Colorado’s economy, and WATER (the book) does an exceptional job of explaining that, plus it is an interesting tale. I particularly like Chapter 29’s nostalgic view of rural life.” —Joanna Fettingon
“More than a mystery. I’m generally speaking not a mystery reader but found the plot woven into the water rights issues in Colorado very interesting.” —MGI
“Crime-fighting journalist makes an unforgettable debut. A great read and a very timely topic for the American west. Vic is destined to become a legendary crime-fighting, journalist. Eagerly awaiting the next one in the series.” —Colorado Wizard
“Great mystery! Loved the book especially since I live in Colorado! Lots of research went into this, I can tell. Very hard to put down. Great job Richard! Look forward to future ones in the series!” —CO Accountant
“Enjoyed meeting Vic for the first time. I love a good mystery and read 2-3 each month. I get the most enjoyment when I can connect to the primary character. I found myself relating to Vic and his desire at to return to a career that feeds his soul vs the pocketbook. Woven into the plot of political maneuvering, corruption and murder over Colorado “liquid gold”, is a well researched story that breathes life into the characters. Vic’s friendship with Chief Detective Driscoll, proving himself to his much younger editor Peggy and his struggle to be impartial after listening to victims, are realistic and believable. Mr. Schneider’s dialog is conversational sprinkled with just the right amount of wit and sarcasm; it makes you feel like you are eavesdropping on the characters…not reading a narrative. Looking forward to dropping in on Vic and friends in what I hope will be the next Vic Bengston adventure.” —TRSTurboon
“A pleasant afternoon’s adventure. Schneider has, after a lifetime of writing news and ad copy, learned how to spin a yarn. WATER is a gripping story that captivates your imagination and, if you’ve ever been to Denver, it also resonates with your mental images. The story is great. What’s even more fun is to know that Vic Bengston will be back in subsequent Novels.” —Ronald Kienzle
“A good Who-Done-It. My wife read WATER first and said it was a good read. I just started it and can hardly put it down, a third of way through in two days. That’s fast reading for me. The author grabs your attention immediately, setting your mind in a tizzy trying to figure out who did it. Which is great as I can’t remember the last time I read a fictional novel, but you can be sure I’ll be reading more of this author’s books. If you like “Who Done It” novels you’ve got to have Dick’s books!” —Frank Briscoe
“A good, quick read! I bought it because it was written by a cousin not because I expected it to be compelling. But I found that I couldn’t put the book down. I look forward to the next mystery.” —Billy Art
VOTE: A Vic Bengston Investigation
“Schneider has produced another fun read with a captivating story. He is an expert on Denver, the newspaper business, and ham radio therefore the novel is somewhat autobiographical and the descriptions of scenes and events are clear and accurate. I am looking forward to another Vic Bengston story – I hope there is not as much time between this one and the next as there was since the last. Come on, Dick, get busy.” —Ronald Kienzle
“Loved the second book in the Vic Bengston series! Kept me reading – hard to put it down. Since I live in Colorado, the references of local places was very cool!!” —CO Accountant
Who Killed Porkchop?
“Rapid fire wacky! Wacky Key West, that is. Schneider’s interesting style of mile a minute settings definitely keep you on the edge of your seat, and he wraps it all up with a neat bow. I’m gonna enjoy what he brings out next. This one’s really good.” —Virginia Reames
“Quick Read. I bought the book only because of the cover art. There are two plots here that are amusing and intriguing. Parts of it will leave you laughing out loud.” —Joanna Fettingon
Source: Amazon Reviews