This is a cleverly plotted police procedural murder mystery. There's several red herrings and potential murderers to keep the story interesting until the end when the actual killer is revealed. The characters are fairly well developed for such a short story too. A recommended read.

I received an ARC of the book from the publisher through Library Thing Early Reviewers. ( )

The Boom Room by Rick Blechta is a new book in the Rapid Reads series from Raven Books, an imprint of Orca Book Publishers. The series books are intended to be well-written stories that can be consumed in an evening and would be of particular interest to ESL readers or readers with literacy challenges.

In The Boom Room, Detective Mervin Pratt is assigned to investigate the stabbing murder of a night club owner in his office. The early evidence points to the leader of a band playing at the club who had a fairly loud argument with the club owner earlier in the day. Lead Detective Gordon, a nemesis of Pratt's, views it as an open and shut case and sees little need for an involved investigation. Pratt disagrees.

Blechta has written a clever, interesting story in The Boom Room's airy 147 pages. You won't find deep character development or lengthy descriptive passages, but a tight procedural with sufficient red herrings to keep you guessing. For an evening of light, fun reading, The Boom Room should fit the bill. ( )

The Boom Room, makes a bang, but not a big one as this Rapid Reads mystery explodes with a very readable and short prose. Sometimes in reading mysteries you may think, "get to the point". Some ramble on and on and so detract from the continuum of the plot. Some others like Rapid Reads do tell the story quickly. Maybe too quickly for some readers. But, I see a real use for these short books. It is not always necessary to tackle an encyclopedic type challenge when reading for pleasure. And, so here is answer for those who hesitate to pick up a book they consider too huge to tackle. And, in the confines of the space occupied The Boom Room suffices quite nicely. And, yes, certain characterizations and plot solution ring true. Pratt, the central character, does come to life and the crime is solved. But, less I ramble on in looking at this book, I must say that although this was my first Rapid Reads book it shan't be my last. ( )

Review of The Boom Room by Rick Blechta

This is a Rapid Reads book received through the Early Reviewer program. These books are intended for ESL readers, reluctant readers, and adults who are challenged by literacy.

The Boom Room is a “Detective Pratt Mystery” that contains a high level of interest, straightforward story line (albeit with a bit of a twist), and language level that should suit its intended audience. The story includes some conflict between the members of the police department as well as a crime to be solved. Pratt is a believable, unpretentious character who uses brains, intuition, and morals to deal with his co-workers, follow the clues, and capture the criminal. Rick Blechta is a strong writer whose characterization and realistic dialogue draw his readers into the story and hold them until the last page. ( )

This was a Rapid read book, my first. Kind of like a TV show instead of a movie, but it was a very satisfying mystery. The Detective's partner's half-brother, from whom he is slightly estranged, becomes the primary suspect of the lead investigator. So he must solve the murder in spite of the slam dunk attitude of the lead investigator. It all revolves around a grungy club. I enjoyed reading it, would probably have enjoyed it just as much as a full-length novel. I would recommend it. ( )