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Phyllis Entis
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THE GREEN PEARL CAPER: A DAMIEN DICKENS MYSTERY (Damien Dickens Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Phyllis Entis (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 93 ratings

Atlantic City, New Jersey. 1979

Framed for the murder of his client, shunned by his friends, Damien Dickens is on the run.

His only chance to clear his name is to find his client's killer.

His only path to redemption is to protect her son from harm.

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  1. Book 1 of 6
    Damien Dickens Mysteries
  2. Print length
    262 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    March 30, 2015
  6. File size
    3.2 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

The Nielsen Professional Building

The Nielsen Professional Building, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Courtyard offices of the Dickens Detective Agency
The Carmel Years - Offices of the Dickens Detective Agency

In 1983, Damien and Millie move to the peaceful coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, and set up their agencies in a courtyard office suite at the southern edge of the downtown district.

As their reputation grows, they are drawn into high-stakes cases that threaten their partnership, their marriage, and their very lives.

The Dickens Detective Agency

The early years

The Dickens Detective Agency was established in the early 1970s by Damien Dickens, an ex-cop with the Atlantic City Police Department. Located in a small office suite above a restaurant, the agency also employed Millie Hewitt, who had the unenviable job of keeping Damien organized, while keeping the bill collectors at bay.

Damien and Millie marry, and she becomes a full-fledged licensed PI and an equal partner in all of the agency's cases.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you are looking for an entertaining, easy-to-read murder mystery, look no further - Phyllis Entis' The Green Pearl Caper: A Damien Dickens Mystery fits the bill. If you love Perry Mason, or other shows of that era, you will love this book! Enjoy a trip back to the past with this enjoyable mystery." -Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite
"If Princess Leia from Star Wars was a receptionist at a detective agency, she would be a lot like Millie." - Reviewed by Charity Rowell-Stansbury for On My Kindle

About the Author

Recipient of the 2019 Top Female Author award in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category, Phyllis Entis is the author of the Damien Dickens Mysteries. Her debut novel, The Green Pearl Caper, was a Library Journal SELF-e Selection.
Born and raised in Montreal, Phyllis is a free-lance writer and retired food safety microbiologist with degrees from McGill University and the University of Toronto. In 2007, ASM Press published her non-fiction book, Food Safety: Old Habits, New Perspectives. Phyllis lives in Victoria, British Columbia with her husband and their Australian Cobberdog, Shalom. When she's not writing, Phyllis usually can be found walking around town, browsing in the local library, or enjoying her garden.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00VF7YF5S
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quintzy Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 30, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.2 MB
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 262 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 6 ‏ : ‎ Damien Dickens Mysteries
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 93 ratings

About the author

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Phyllis Entis

Phyllis Entis

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Recipient of the 2019 Top Female Author award in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category, Phyllis Entis is the author of the Damien Dickens Mysteries. Her debut novel, The Green Pearl Caper, was a Library Journal SELF-e Selection.

Born and raised in Montreal, Phyllis is a free-lance writer and retired food safety microbiologist with degrees from McGill University and the University of Toronto. In 2007, ASM Press published her non-fiction book, Food Safety: Old Habits, New Perspectives. Phyllis lives in Victoria, British Columbia with her husband and their Australian Cobberdog, Shalom. When she’s not writing, Phyllis usually can be found walking around town, browsing in the local library, or enjoying her garden.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
93 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this mystery novel for its simple plot with unexpected twists and turns, well-rounded characters, and entertaining storytelling. The book is a quick read that customers find engaging, with one review noting it grabs readers from the first page.

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Plot twistsEnjoymentStory qualityCharacter developmentPage turnerPlayabilityReadability
15 customers mention "Plot twists"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the plot twists in this mystery book, describing it as a fun cozy mystery with surprises at every turn and an extremely tight storyline.

"...who the villains are along with our protagonist and the plot never feels contrived to keep the mysteries a secret from the reader, but as with the..." Read more

"...The mystery itself was pretty good with enough hints to guide me in the right direction but not so many as to narrow down the choices to one person..." Read more

"...It was a really interesting case and mystery and that is definitely the strong point of the book...." Read more

"...dealings with PI Damien Dickens was exciting and filled with enough twists and turns to satisfy the most ardent mystery fan...." Read more

14 customers mention "Enjoyment"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and fun to read.

"...An enjoyable read, offering a bit of escape from reality, without seeming unbelievable...." Read more

"...I absolutely loved this book and raced through the second half of it unable to put it down...." Read more

"...The twists and turns kept the story lively and held my interest." Read more

"A fun, quick read! Author Phyllis Entis has created an appealing hero in Damien Dickens, a down-on-his-luck private investigator...." Read more

11 customers mention "Story quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storytelling of the book, with one review highlighting its vintage private detective style and first-person narrative by Damien Dickens.

"...Told in first person by Damien Dickens, the story follows our erstwhile detective through his ups and downs as he tries to solve the murder of a..." Read more

"...I am definitely on board for more Damien Dicken's mysteries. Well done, it's a great series and I would recommend this book to everyone." Read more

"...The story of the Sutherland family and their various dealings with PI Damien Dickens was exciting and filled with enough twists and turns to satisfy..." Read more

"...The characters are well-rounded, with enough back-story to give you some insights into why they behave the way they do...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the characters are well-rounded, with one customer highlighting the appealing hero in Damien Dickens.

"...The Narration: Tom Lennon did an OK job. First, he’s perfect for Damien Dickens. He sounds like a hard used PI who’s down on his luck...." Read more

"...Ms Entis does a terrific job of building the character of Damien Dickens and all of the supporting characters...." Read more

"A fun, quick read! Author Phyllis Entis has created an appealing hero in Damien Dickens, a down-on-his-luck private investigator...." Read more

"...the most part, I liked the storytelling, the tempo, and most of the plot and characters...." Read more

3 customers mention "Page turner"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging, with one mentioning it's a page turner from beginning to end.

"This book grabbed me from the first page...." Read more

"A page turner from beginning to end, The Green Pearl Caper is an enjoyable PI Mystery!..." Read more

"...is good, as is the plotting and the storyline, all of which kept me turning the pages." Read more

3 customers mention "Playability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the playability of the book great.

"...There are many plot twists and turns that all make sense and play out very well...." Read more

"This is a great, updated version of the classic American hard-boiled detective novel of the thirties and forties...." Read more

"Hope the author makes a series out of this Detective story, it was a great, easy to read book full of intrigue and plot twists to keep the reader..." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a quick read.

"A fun, quick read! Author Phyllis Entis has created an appealing hero in Damien Dickens, a down-on-his-luck private investigator...." Read more

"For the most part, I liked the storytelling, the tempo, and most of the plot and characters...." Read more

"...The Green Pearl Caper is a fun, fast read, and I heartily recommend it!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • SK Holmesley
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Damien Dickens Mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The pacing of "The Green Pearl Caper" by Phyllis Entis reminded me of the classic noir mysteries of yore. Told in first person by Damien Dickens, the story follows our erstwhile detective through his ups and downs as he tries to solve the murder of a previous client, protect those he cares for despite their betrayal, and avoid being killed himself.

    Although currently popular, first person is not typically my first choice in the books I read; however, in this case, it fit the story. Well handled by the author, we learn who the villains are along with our protagonist and the plot never feels contrived to keep the mysteries a secret from the reader, but as with the best of kind, classic noir mysteries rolled along at just the right pace for this reader.

    An enjoyable read, offering a bit of escape from reality, without seeming unbelievable. The first in the series, but not the last, and not the last one I will read.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • DabOfDarkness
    4.0 out of 5 stars Atlantic City in the 40s.. or is it 1979?
    Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2017
    Format: Audible AudiobookVerified Purchase
    Set in and around Atlantic City in 1979, private investigator has been arrested in connection with the murder of Celine Sutherland, one of three adult daughters of a local well-connected and rich family. Now he’s been bailed out by the youngest daughter, Susan, and he has to work hard to clear his name.

    Parts of this book felt like they were set in the golden age of black & white movies and noir detective stories (perhaps the 40s or 50s) and some parts definitely feel solidly centered in 1979. The blend worked well with this story since our hero, PI Dickens, is a bit of a stereotype. It’s this well-known stereotype that let me slip into Damien’s life easily and pick up on the mystery right away instead of worrying about what he was all about. The cliche is complete with beautiful, efficient, and single secretary Millie Hewitt, who has a thing for her boss. Which brings me to the part that didn’t work so well with this 40s mashed up into 1979 – gender roles. I would have been happier with a bit more depth to the ladies in this tale.

    Many years ago, Damien saved a young Celine Sutherland, and it’s a bit of a tragedy for Damien that she is now dead by his gun, with him neatly framed for it. With big money in play, there’s a list of potential culprits. Tracking down clues is a challenge in 1979 without computerized records, the internet, or cell phones. I quite enjoyed watching Damien and Millie do their best to dig up info without getting on the bad side of the law or a solid beat down from questionable parties interested in the case.

    I did get a little chuckle out of some of the character names. Like Damien Dickens made me wonder if the author is a Dickens fan. Then we have Detective James Holmes, who makes me wonder if the author is a Sherlock Holmes fan as well. It was fun to see these little potential nods to other great authors.

    The mystery itself was pretty good with enough hints to guide me in the right direction but not so many as to narrow down the choices to one person over the rest. At least, not until the big reveal near the end.

    I received a free copy of this book.

    The Narration: Tom Lennon did an OK job. First, he’s perfect for Damien Dickens. He sounds like a hard used PI who’s down on his luck. His female voices could use a bit more femininity. There were a few times where the volume of the narration changed, and while these variations weren’t enough to damage your hearing, I prefer a smooth recording.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Timothy Price
    5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Judge a Book by it's cover!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Phyllis Entis could spend a bit more money on the cover of this book because the quality belies the contents. I absolutely loved this book and raced through the second half of it unable to put it down. The writing is excellent and the plotting and story line is extremely tight. There are many plot twists and turns that all make sense and play out very well. It was a really interesting case and mystery and that is definitely the strong point of the book. I am definitely on board for more Damien Dicken's mysteries. Well done, it's a great series and I would recommend this book to everyone.
    Helpful
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  • Amy M. Reade
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a Story!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book grabbed me from the first page. The story of the Sutherland family and their various dealings with PI Damien Dickens was exciting and filled with enough twists and turns to satisfy the most ardent mystery fan. As someone who lives just down the road from Atlantic City, I found the author's knowledge of the area impressive. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves mysteries and has a few hours on their hands--because you're not going to want to put it down.
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  • Reader Editor
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Simple Plot with Unexpected Twists
    Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A private investigator has been framed, then arrested for a murder of a daughter of a wealthy family. Then the victim’s younger sister bails him out. The P. I. already had history with that family. The younger daughter will help the P.I. clear his name and find the real perpetrator.

    This story takes place in the late 1970s. It could well have been classic noir taking place in earlier years. The plot resembles stories of decades long past. The fact that the title contains the word Caper instantly threw me back in time. The story is set in a very early Atlantic City. This was an interesting mystery because I could not predict what would happen next, as is possible with so many mysteries. The twists and turns kept the story lively and held my interest.
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  • New York Army Mom
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very Enjoyable!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A page turner from beginning to end, The Green Pearl Caper is an enjoyable PI Mystery! Ms Entis does a terrific job of building the character of Damien Dickens and all of the supporting characters. There were lots of twists and turns in the plot and the reveal near the end brought it all together. I highly recommend and I have already downloaded the next book in the series... The White Russian Caper... and I can’t wait to get started!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Helen
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fun murder mystery
    Reviewed in Italy on March 30, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is a fun murder mystery, set in the 1970s with a great set of characters, such as Damien Dickens, PI, his assistant Millie, and lawyer/friend Gus. Framed for murder, Dickens sets out to prove his innocence and find the real killer.
    The author has created an intriguing story which keeps you guessing nearly until the end. Tongue-in-cheek in places, it's great to read something that doesn't rely on modern technology to solve the problem but good old-fashioned sleuthing instead.
    I enjoyed this, and can't wait to read the next in the series!
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on November 3, 2015
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Really enjoyed the suspense and drama
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  • MeandtheMutts
    5.0 out of 5 stars An immersive, compelling read
    Reviewed in Spain on January 1, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    An absolute 'blast from the past' style of storytelling! If ever you need to visit the 1970s - and why wouldn't you want to? - then this story will take you there, immerse you in its atmosphere and take you for one heck of a mystery tour through Atlantic City and thereabouts. This is a story that 'speaks' to the reader, you can visualise and hear everything, as a result of the detailed descriptions and the nifty incorporation of real dialect- this is smart world-building.
    Damien Dickens is a robust leading man: a Private Investigator focused on his mission to find out who killed Celine Sutherland.
    Just about every member of Celine's family is under suspicion, unfortunately only by Dickens as the police see things differently and he is taken in for questioning as a suspect himself.
    He may seem to be caught up in his own worst nightmare, but you just know to trust in him - much like the detective shows of yesteryear, Dickens is competent, confident a not a little bit charming :)
    The story takes on a number of twists and turns - just when you think you have it all sussed, there's another bump in the road - a sign of a great writer and a dependable, unfaltering character.
    The mood is set to perfection - although a little too detailed for my own personal liking at times - and reeks of nostalgia, with effortless references to a begone era (and yes, it's only 40ish years ago)
    With glimpses of humour (such as Sherlock & Holmes as the Police) and a sweet romance between Dickens and Millie, this has it all. A great mystery, wrapped in beautifully-written prose, and held together by a sturdy and impressive cast of characters.
    Luckily, there are more stories to follow!
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  • PBT
    4.0 out of 5 stars Detective noir in the 1970s
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 17, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    You can add Damien Dickens to the likes of Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe. This is a thoroughly enjoyable detective novel with all the right nods to the detective noir genre. The placing of the action to the late 1970s works nicely. Looking forward to reading the sequels.
    Report

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