Book Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
Series Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Wick Templeton is an ex cop, and a man with a plan. Wick’s plan, as a private detective, is to take only the cases that interest him and only when he feels like making the effort. That’s what happens when an injury forces you to retire from the police force, you cop an attitude. Although if anyone was asked, it was an attitude you always had. When an ex boyfriend calls in need of his help, Wick decides a little wicked intervention is needed to protect the ex and solve the case. What he doesn’t figure on is an enigma called Ned Harris.
Friend or foe? Criminal or cop? Wick doesn’t know but he likes the way the man fills out his slacks. But Ned the puzzle is going to have to wait because there is a crime to solve and Wick is the man to do it.
What a great story and a delicious new addiction! Havan Fellows has created an over the top private eye, Wick Templeton, in an action-packed adventure series guaranteed to bring a smile to your face as well as quite a few snorts as Wick moves through an investigation like a devil with guns, knives and sarcastic comments to spare.
In the first story of the series, Wicked Solutions, we are introduced to Wick Templeton, a man who lives his life on his own terms and no one else’s. Here he is:
Wick Templeton had retired from the police force years ago when an injury to his left side kept a doctor from clearing him to do anything but paper pushing.
He wasn’t a paper pusher. He needed the action of the streets, his fingernails dirty to feel like he contributed. Otherwise he was mean as a bear, and not the type he preferred in his bed either.
So he made do with his own company, so he could do things his way and play by his rules. Technically he wasn’t a private investigator, though he did have his license, for legal purposes. No, he leaned more toward the title of problem solver, hence the name Wicked Solutions. Have a spouse cheating on you and require proof? Sure, he’d take the pics if his schedule permitted. Have an issue with an overly friendly person who pops up everywhere?
Wick would help out there also.
Here is a man in pure pulp fiction form and we love him for it. Wick is smart, crafty, and dominant in every way. Oh, and have I said sexy? He is that too. Wick has more layers to him than a puff pastry. And it seems that the more Fellows reveals about him, the more we understand that what we are given is just the “tip of the iceberg” as far as his character goes. And the mystery about Wick, and Ned, and all of the other people we meet is part of the delicious fun of this book and the series.
In each story, Wick is given a mystery to solve. In Wicked Solutions, it appears that an ex-boyfriend is being set up to take the fall for some illegal activities and needs Wick’s help to keep his job and prove his innocence. While Wick is not eager at first to help, when he does agree, he will do so by all means, legal or not. He has a small group of friends he trusts, including one who is an IT wiz. It’s such a giggle and a snort to watch as Wick goes about the business of offending and outsmarting all of those around him. I just loved it.
Havan Fellows writing is so well done here. The story flows smoothly, the dialog crisp and perfect for the characters, and the ending leaves one wanting more while still giving the mystery the resolution is deserves. Just a great job all around. There is an element of romance here but it builds slowly over the next four books. We see in this book only the interest between the men and the hint of what will follow. It really works as a neat tease for the rest of the series.
At 43 pages, it is a quick read. Far too short for my tastes because I just love this character. But it works at 43 pages, a true complete story. It also sets up the next book in the series, as does each book that follows. I have to admit I read them all in one sitting, grabbing each up like a bonbon and devouring them. You will want to as well. But you must start with this one and get a feel for Wick and all the wonderful, snarky adventures to follow. I can’t recommend this character and this series highly enough. You are going to love him too!
Wicked’s Ways series:
Wicked Solutions
Wicked Bindings
Wicked Incarceration
Wicked Guidance
Cover art by Laura Harner. The design works to brand the series but I wish it had been a little more “pulp fiction” in design.
Book Details:
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 