The Setup Man

Johnny Adcock leads a double life as a Major League Baseball relief pitcher and a private investigator who helps other players with their problems. When not closing games for the San Jose Bay Dogs, he takes cases involving blackmail, infidelity, and other matters his teammates need handled discreetly. A teammate approaches Adcock about a pornographic video featuring the teammate's wife, setting off an investigation that grows more complex and dangerous. As Adcock pursues the case, he uncovers connections to organized crime and human trafficking that put both his baseball career and his life at risk. The novel combines baseball action and noir detective elements, following Adcock as he navigates both the pressures of professional sports and the shadows of the criminal underworld. His unique position as both an MLB player and PI gives him access to both worlds while also making him vulnerable on multiple fronts. The Setup Man explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the tension between public personas and private lives in professional sports. Through its genre-blending approach, the book examines how people balance competing obligations and maintain their principles in morally murky situations.

Readers found this baseball mystery engaging but not groundbreaking. The baseball details and clubhouse atmosphere feel authentic, while the detective storyline moves at a steady pace. Liked: - Accurate portrayal of minor league baseball culture - Main character's observational wit and dry humor - Clear, straightforward writing style - Balance between baseball and mystery elements Disliked: - Plot becomes predictable - Some side characters lack depth - Detective aspects follow standard genre formulas - Baseball terminology can be dense for non-fans One reader noted: "The baseball scenes shine but the mystery feels by-the-numbers." Another mentioned: "Johnny's voice carries the story even when the plot doesn't." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (523 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (89 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.5/5 (41 ratings) The majority of reviews describe it as an enjoyable but not memorable read that works best for readers who appreciate both baseball and mysteries.

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🎯 T.T. Monday is actually a pen name for Nick Taylor, who teaches creative writing at San Jose State University. ⚾ The author drew inspiration from real-life baseball player Mike Piazza, who wrote in his memoir about noticing suspicious behavior while catching, making him feel like a detective behind the plate. 📚 The main character, Johnny Adcock, represents a rare combination in crime fiction - he's both a professional baseball player (relief pitcher) and a private investigator. 🔍 The book showcases authentic details about baseball bullpen culture and the daily routines of relief pitchers, drawing from extensive research and interviews with players. 💫 Despite being a crime novel, the book received praise from sports publications like Sports Illustrated for its accurate portrayal of professional baseball's inner workings.