"Wayward Son" by Steve Goble is a gripping and intense mystery that delves into the world of a former sheriff's deputy turned private investigator, Ed Runyon. Goble skillfully weaves a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending elements of suspense, personal struggles, and a relentless pursuit of truth.

The character of Ed Runyon is well-crafted and layered, haunted by past cases gone awry and grappling with personal turmoil. His journey to launch a PI agency in the tranquil Ohio farm country adds an intriguing backdrop to the story. Goble excels in portraying the complexity of Ed's life, from the challenges of his love life to the fierce loyalty he holds for his best friend who has fallen victim to a rogue cop.

The central plot, involving the search for a runaway chess aficionado, introduces a compelling twist by exploring the young boy's struggle with secrets in the face of his homophobic and religious parents. Ed's determination to find missing children, driven by his own haunting experiences, adds a poignant layer to the narrative. The author skillfully navigates the delicate balance between the personal and professional aspects of Ed's life, creating a well-rounded and relatable protagonist.

The story takes unexpected turns as Ed's quest to locate the missing boy leads him into a dangerous confrontation. Goble builds tension effectively, keeping readers hooked with every twist and turn. The stakes are high, and Ed's character is put to the test, making for a thrilling and unpredictable read.

The resolution of the mystery relies on Ed's determination and a risky move, adding a layer of suspense that keeps the momentum until the very end. Goble's writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions and a pace that maintains the suspense throughout the narrative.

In "Wayward Son," Steve Goble delivers a standout mystery novel that seamlessly combines elements of personal struggle, suspense, and a compelling investigative plot. Ed Runyon's character is one that lingers in the reader's mind, and the author's storytelling prowess shines in this thrilling tale of determination, danger, and the pursuit of justice. A solid four-star read for mystery enthusiasts.

This wasn't a bad read. It was just a little on the cheesy side, which I'm sure will be well loved by many. Cheesy mysteries can be fun though this has serious subjects too. I did like it and do recommend it!

Wayward son - Steve Goble

I could have sworn I left a review for this book almost a year ago!? DNF as time ran out and I can’t give a fair review.

The story was a bit corny, but I didn't mind it as the characters were so well-drawn. Ed's friend, Tuck, and his on-and-off girlfriend, Linda, were very protective of him. He also had friends in the police force. Ed himself is a very likable character. The dialogue was a bit cheesy at times, but again, I didn't find it to be as bad as in other books. The overall quality of the story was good and, in my opinion, it highlighted a serious risk to young people when it comes to sharing intimate images online. You should be very careful who you entrust with such images, or better still, never share them. Overall, the story was light-hearted, heartwarming, and enjoyable.

Wayward Son is the second novel in the Ed Runyon series written by Steve Goble. It was originally published on August 2nd, 2022 by Oceanview Publishing. I was able to read this book by obtaining and Advance Review Copy by the publisher on NetGalley.

Ed Runyon is a former sheriff’s deputy, but after a controversial shooting that took place before the beginning of this novel, has decided to become a private investigator or PI that focuses on missing persons cases, especially those involving children. He’s tired of being hired by spouses that suspect their partner is cheating on them, his love life is ruined since the girl he wants decides to get with someone else, and his best friend is getting mistreated by local police.

However, the case of missing Jimmy Zachman is going to change everything, especially once he investigates the boy’s personal and home life, his hobbies, and who his actual friends are. Runyon is also leading himself into a trap to get into more trouble than just trying to save a kid who made some bad choices and even more mistakes trying to fix them.

I enjoyed this novel because they were many twists and turns, but not too many to make it unbelievable. Goble created a character that is not exactly relatable, at least for me, but a somewhat reluctant hero that you cannot help but cheer on to make sure everything is resolved for him, from the case, to his personal life, and all the issues in between.

Rating: 5/5

A P.I. Read



I am so sorry I am late to this party. When I requested this book I had no idea this was a series but I loved Ed as a character. Ed is a
a private investigator specializing in finding missing kids. His expertise is, unfortunately, fine-tuned as a result of his professional experiences as a detective in New York City and as a detective/sniper in Ohio. His failure to rescue a missing girl in New York led him to Ohio and the Sheriff's Department but that career move was short-lived. Another missing kid case and Ed had operated a bit too independently so he decides it is time to operate solo.
Teenage Jimmy is missing and his parents, very religious folk, are desperate to find him. They cannot imagine why Jimmy has run away but it doesn't take lone for Ed to discover that Jimmy's truth may not be easily accepted by his parents, especially his dad. Ed utilizes a variety of strategies to locate Jimmy and he soon is in the crosshairs of some dangerous and vengeful drug dealers. This is so good that I read it in three hours. I do not want to give anything away but I will say that it is a great fast paced read.

Private detective novels are a dime a dozen. Great P.I. novels are much more rare. Thankfully, this is one of the rare ones. With a flawed but passionate protagonist at the helm, we race around the state of Ohio with him trying to solve the mystery at the center of the story. A fantastic crew of side characters help move along the plot, which is timely, relevant, and so important.

A great read and a worthy addition to the hard boiled mystery category.

Wayward Son by Steve Goble.
book 2 of the Ed Runyon Mystery Series.
Ed Runyon, a former sheriff’s deputy haunted by past missing child cases that went horribly wrong, is struggling to launch a PI agency and still live in the Ohio farm country he loves. His love life is in shambles, too, as his partner turns to someone else. His best friend got roughed up by a rogue cop, so Ed is in a fighting mood. Ed finds a new focus when he is hired to find a runaway chess aficionado who is keeping secrets from his homophobic, religious parents. Finding kids is the reason he became a PI, so Ed is determined to succeed and put the demons and other problems behind him. But Jimmy Zachman made a bad move and ran into far more trouble than he was already in, and the hunt for him leads Ed to a deadly and desperate confrontation. Everything comes down to determination—and one very risky move. Ed must find Jimmy at all costs.
Really good read. I did like Ed. Great story and plot. 4*.

Thank you Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this.

I read this book unaware that this is the second book of the Ed Runyon Mystery Series., and in my opinion, this could be read as a stand-alone.

Ed is a former deputy who is trying to start a PI business. Finding missing children is his speciality, so when he is hired to find a young chess player, he does whatever he can to bring him home. However, along the way, he uncovers more secrets than he bargained for.

I found this to be an interesting read, and am very intrigued to read more in the series.

This is book 2 of the Ed Runyon Mystery Series. Ed is a former deputy who is now trying to start a PI business. Finding kids is what he feels he was meant to do, so when he is hired to find a young chess player, he jumps at the chance to find him. Along the way, he uncovers one too many secrets and must find the kid at any cost.

I certainly enjoyed reading the thought processes and actions our main character went through while searching for a missing boy. The boy’s parents are ultra-conservative, just like some people in the real world here and now.

Wayward Son is the second book in the Ed Runyon series, I have not read first book in the series but had no problem reading this as a stand-alone. This was a new author for me and although I did enjoy the book overall, I have to say it wasn't a 5star read in my opinion. Runyon is a former sheriff's deputy that has turned to a PI. He is haunted by cases in his past and determined that he wants to help children in his profession now. It's a struggle as we see, and this upcoming case will reveal twists and turns. I would suggest this book to others.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A private investigator specialing in missing children faces some very tough choices when he's hired by an uber conservative family to find their missing teenage son. Ed Runyon left the NYPD when a missing child case ended in the childs death. In an effort to dedicate his time to missing children, Ed has now left his sheriff's deputy job to become a PI. But history does not change just because you do.

Steve Goble has given us a decent man just trying to make a difference who keeps coming up against fickle fate. The characters are developing. This is the 2nd book in the series so we are still meeting core characters and figuring out how Ed will save the day. This is a good, not great series that has alot of potential. Steve Goble has done an excellent job building this character and his community so far, I'll definitely read the next book to see how Ed grows next.

I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ed is a Private Investigator ( former Sheriff’s Deputy) his life is mess that’s until a local boy goes missing then he’ll do everything in his power to bring him back home.

Ed really needs to make his PI business work he’s hardly got any money at all and he’s almost used his unused vacation money from the Sheriffs office.

Ed loves to right wrongs if he thinks someone’s been treated unfairly or wrongly he’ll make whoever did it pay , I really liked that about him. I was enchanted by Ed and loved hearing about his back story and what had happened to him in the last few years and why he ended up working as a PI and why he had such an interested in finding missing children.

You’ll love the slow burn of this story and finding every clue along with Ed as he tries to find Jimmy.

Ed Runyon #2

Ed Runyon, a former sheriffs deputy haunted by his past missing child cases that went horribly wrong, is struggling to launch a PI agency and still live in the Ohio farm country that he loves. His love life is in shambles, too, as his partner turns to someone else. His best friend got roughed up by a rogue cop, as Ed is in a fighting mood. Ed has a new focus when he is hired to find runaway chess aficionado who is keeping secrets from his homophobic, religious parents.

Ed Runyon opened his PI agency to find missing children. We face a few issues in this book: a deadly virus, social issues, sexuality and cybercrimes, which are all sensitively covered. Ed is haunted by his failures and struggling with his personal life. While trying to find missing Jimmy Zachman, Ed finds himself in danger. I have not read the first book in this series, but I did think the book could be read as a standalone. The characters were well developed and believable. The story showed some of the dangers kids can face while they are online. I quite enjoyed this book.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #OceanviewPublishing and the author #SteveGoble for my ARC of #WaywardSon in exchange for an honest review.

The second of the Ed Runyon mysteries, Steve Goble’s Wayward Son continues the adventures of the former sheriff’s detective in rural Ohio. Haunted by his past failures, Ed is struggling in his personal life, as well as starting his own Private Investigation Agency, and of course the demons of his past. He is hired by very religious parents to find Jimmy Zachman, their runaway son who is a well-mannered, intelligent and chess-loving teenager. Once again, Ed’s fixation on missing children leads him into danger and he ends up wounded in hospital. A not-so-simple runaway search ensues, with plenty of action, amusing antidotes and even cultural musings of rural America. This was a more enjoyable read than the first book, with well-developed characters and a folksy narrative making for a credible modern western genre read. So overall, a promising flawed hero that delivers a four star read rating. With thanks to Oceanview Publishing and the author, for an uncorrected advanced reader copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.

This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review…mystery and intrigue…although I could not get into this story, others might…enjoy…

Ed Runyon left the police department to become a PI so that he could manage his investigations his own way. In particular he wants to focus his full attention on finding missing children. His first case is to look for Jimmy Zachman, son of Bob and Tammy, a Christian couple who seems to love their kid. Jimmy's never been in trouble before and no one has any idea why he ran away - if he did run away. Jimmy is a young chess whiz so Ed starts looking at the local chess club. One thing leads to another and, after a fair amount of shooting, good triumphs.

This is an ok read. Nothing special. Ed Runyon prays too much but then praying at all is annoying.

I’ve done it again - jumped into a series at book 2, although you absolutely don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one.

Ed Runyon is a former cop who became a PI so he could devote his full attention to one case at a time, if only he had a case. Then a missing child case falls into his lap. This suits Ed as he really wants to focus on missing people. Jimmy Zachman, the 15 year old son of Tammy and Bob Zachman did not come home the day before and the police are not doing enough in the parents’ opinion. The Zachmans are an über Christian family who swear their son is not into anything unsavoury. This raises immediate red flags with Ed - what 15 year old confides everything to their parents? The only activity Jimmy is into that is not church related is a chess club held at the library on Saturday mornings. Jimmy is a good and very keen chess player so that is where Ed starts his investigating.

The kids he talks to tell Ed that he also plays games online and give him the details and tell him he mostly plays with a character called Wunderkind. They also seem to think that Jimmy might be gay. Right, that’s definitely something Bob Zachman would struggle with given his anti gay stance on his blog. There is also evidence that Jimmy is being blackmailed for money by scammers posing as friends who have cajoled him into sending images that would shock his parents. The pressure to pay up is relentless and Jimmy sees his only option is to disappear.

Ed learns that Wunderkind lives not far away in Columbus Ohio and is gender fluid and known as Suki. Easy peasy he’ll be able to return Jimmy to his parents post haste. But hold your horses. When Ed gets to Suki’s place he finds their father, Charlie Boon, shot dead in the kitchen and the gunman is now coming for Ed. It all goes a bit supercharged after that as Ed is relentlessly pursued by bad guys who want to kill him.

I have to be honest and say that the story was a little bit corny. But I didn’t mind it too much as the characters were just so darn nice. Ed’s friend Tuck and his on and off girlfriend, Linda, really had his back. He still had friends on the police force and Ed himself is a really, all round great guy! The dialogue was, at times, a little cheesy but again I didn’t find it as bad as in many other books. The story itself was good and, I suppose, highlighted a real danger to young people online. You really need to be so careful who you trust with intimate images - or better still just don’t share them at all. Overall this was a lighthearted, heartwarming and entertaining story. Many thanks to Netgalley and Oceanview Publising for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this series. Ed Runyon is an emotionally damaged ex-detective who now has his own PI business and concentrates on finding missing kids. He’s just the sort of character I enjoy - a tough protagonist with his heart in the right place, and I was rooting for him from the start. This is an intriguing and interesting story and certainly kept me turning the pages. I loved the relationship between Ed and his great friend, Tuck, and also the love of his life, Linda. One very slight negative, but just my own opinion, was that some of the dialogue, especially between characters, seemed unauthentic. For example, the mother of the missing boy said “It is not like him,” and “I was worried they (the police) would not do anything.” In reality she would have said “It’s not …” and “… they wouldn’t …”. Just a little thing but it happened quite a lot and caused me to pause. Apart from that I would certainly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next one. Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.