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The Books

Name: Before the Brakes Failed
Author: F. Matthew Johnson

Romantic mysteries and police stories shaped by relationships, service, place, and the questions that refuse to stay buried.

Now Available

It Started With the Letter

Romantic Mystery
Military Life
Second Chances
International Settings

Joan Boyd hasn’t seen Arthur in more than a decade. Seeing the sharp, well-groomed, brown-skinned soldier standing inside her mother’s doorway is quite a shock. Their high school breakup wasn’t the cleanest thing she’s ever done, but it seemed right at the time. She’s back home in Fort Washington for some motherly marriage advice. When Army Staff Sergeant Arthur Robinson asks the attractive Pennsylvania school counselor out to dinner, it complicates her life even further. Arthur returns to his unit in Stuttgart, Germany, but within a few days, he’s on a flight back to Maryland. This time, instead of delivering a letter, the mission is to help find his high school heartthrob, who has disappeared without a trace. Some openly question whether Arthur is involved in Joan’s disappearance. Is it sheer coincidence that his reappearance, and her disappearance, happen only days apart?

Joan’s family is in a desperate race to find her… or her body. And it all started with the letter.

Available formats: Paperback, hardcover, and Kindle — all on Amazon.

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A First Look

Read a Sample of It Started With the Letter

Visit this book’s Amazon page and select “Read sample” or “Look inside” when available.

Preview on Amazon

Available Now

Before the Brakes Failed

Police Mystery
Detective Fiction
Homicide Investigation
Arizona to Maryland

Was it an accident or murder?

Was it an accident or murder? That is the question before Detective James Washington. A request from his wife takes James from his comfort zone as a sheriff’s deputy in Cochise County, Arizona, and lands him in the Prince George’s County, Maryland, Police Department as a homicide detective.

As he transitions to the new unit, his first homicide case is a routine, single-vehicle traffic fatality. Is the death in his case a tragic accident or something more sinister? All the evidence points to a simple conclusion, but when a second and then a third accident surface with the exact same circumstances and results, the hunt is on… and the clock is ticking…

Available formats: Paperback, hardcover, and Kindle — all on Amazon.

Buy on Amazon Read a Sample Ask About the Book

A First Look

Read a Sample of Before the Brakes Failed

Visit this book’s Amazon page and select “Read sample” or “Look inside” when available.

Preview on Amazon

Reader Review · Before the Brakes Failed

5 out of 5 stars

Page Turner

This is the second F. Matthew Johnson book I have read. Like the first – It Started with the Letter, I could not put the book down while wanting it to never end. The characters are so beautifully developed in their lives at home, work and in their community. Their dialogue, behavior, identity, relationships, and flaws are so real I find it difficult to call them characters. They came to feel like people I know. Johnson masterfully weaves intricate themes. His details of locations and institutions reflect inside knowledge. The plot stands the test of time: justice denied twists and deforms the soul of the best of us.

My comments are general for fear of spoiling the suspense of the book. It’s a detective/crime thriller starring a brilliant hardworking sleuth whose wife’s suggestions often lead him down many right paths. Warning: Johnson’s books are addictive; I desperately need his third book.

Darlene T. Verified Amazon purchase · Paperback · October 13, 2026 Read the review on Amazon

Reader Reviews

Readers on It Started With the Letter

“I enjoyed Johnson’s style of writing. It’s a combination of knowledge of the geographic area, military life and experience combined with a plausible story line… Johnson draws the reader into personal aspects of each main character. Very tastefully written.”
— Bobbie, verified Amazon purchase

“After finishing It Started with the Letter, I was in big trouble. I needed to read the next Arthur Robinson book as soon as possible! … I loved the characters, and I loved the references to local places and military customs, terminology and lifestyle.”
— Darlene T., verified Amazon purchase

“Thoroughly enjoyed the read! It’s a nice easy flow. Loved reading and recognizing so many places in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Go get it, read it! Can’t wait for the next book!”
— TJ, verified Amazon purchase

For Book Clubs

Book-Club Resources

Discussion questions and book-club materials for It Started With the Letter are planned. If your club is reading the book, Johnson would be glad to hear from you—he welcomes book-club invitations through the contact page.