Tag Archives: rick sulik

Review of Mystery Novel, “Two Peas In A Pod” (2025)

two peas

© James Pyles

Seven years ago, at his request, I reviewed author Rick Sulik’s supernatural murder mystery novel Death Unmasked. Seven years is a long time, and I ultimately forgot all about it.

Then I got an email from Sulik asking if I’d be willing to review the book’s sequel Two Peas In A Pod. My memory was jogged and of course, I’ll generally review a book for a free copy. I said “yes.”

I didn’t revisit the first novel or my review so I could approach “Peas” fresh (as opposed to “frozen” – okay, bad joke). Here are my impressions.

First, the stuff I liked.

The novel’s strength is the accuracy of police procedure. That’s no surprise given Sulik’s extensive background in law enforcement. He worked three-and-a-half years with the Houston Police Department, twenty-two years with the Pasadena (suburb of Houston) Police Department, and ten years as a courthouse bailiff with the Gonzales County Sheriff’s Department. That also helps in that the setting of both books is in and around Houston.

I’ve never been near Houston, but I’ll take it on faith that Sulik’s description of the area is accurate and that residents of Houston and Pasadena would be impressed with his rendition. I’ve watched movies and TV shows set in places where I’ve lived and just shook my head at how inaccurately the locations were portrayed. Anyway.

Where the book could have been better.

Continue reading →

Death Unmasked: A Book Review

death unmasked

Cover image of the novel “Death Unmasked” by Rick Sulik

Disclosure: Almost three months ago, author Rick Sulik asked me to review his 2015 novel Death Unmasked. We had an email discussion and I agreed with the understanding that I would provide an honest review, no holds barred. I subsequently received a kindle edition of the book and finished reading it yesterday.

You should probably know two things about Rick before we get started. He’s a retired police officer, having served on both the Houston and Pasadena (Texas) police forces. He believes in reincarnation. Both of these figure prominently in this novel.

Imagine that you’re a homicide detective in Houston and nearing retirement. You’re a loner, both on the force and in your personal life, and yet there is this longing in you for connection.

Then, little by little, you begin to recall experiences from a past life, your previous name, your wife, how you died, and how she was raped and murdered.

Continue reading →