Luther: The Calling by Neil Cross is a 2011 Simon & Schuster publication.
My DH and I watched every Luther episode ever made- all without the benefit Luther: The Calling by Neil Cross is a 2011 Simon & Schuster publication.
My DH and I watched every Luther episode ever made- all without the benefit of having read this book first. While I kept intending to read it- I never quite managed to work it into my schedule… until I noticed it was part of the KU program. I immediately borrowed it, super excited by the prospect of getting to read a ‘Luther’ story.
I will confess, though, that both my husband and I were occasionally put off by the show due to the very dark nature of the plotlines. It seems we’ve both mellowed just a bit over the years. So, though I was somewhat prepared for a dark, gritty crime thriller I was not ready for the descriptions of one of the most heinous sorts of crimes out there. I had to take a few breaks before I was able to complete the novel.
This book is basically the setup for the series- the case that nearly breaks the unorthodox John Luther. This meant that “Alice” had not come along just yet- and I was a bit disappointed she was not a part of this book. I always thought the series was better when she was a part of it.
That said, John Luther is a flawed, complicated character-an anti-hero type who flaunts the rules and manages to somehow come out of it with his job still intact. The book is well-written and executed and is unflinchingly realistic at times- from the graphic depictions of the crimes and the criminals- but also the corruption and vigilantism. I am disappointed to see that a planned follow-up has never materialized. I’d love to see more installments in the series, even though I found this one a bit hard to get through due to its graphic nature and subject matter.
Overall, I was glad I finally got around to reading this book. I wish I’d done so before watching the show, though, as I feel it would have given me a better understanding of John’s actions in that first season. Even if you have not seen the show- if you like dark, twisted, gritty crime thrillers this is one you might want to consider.
Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor is a 2023 Riverhead Books publication.
It’s been ages since I read a good crime drama/family saga. Age of Vice certainly Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor is a 2023 Riverhead Books publication.
It’s been ages since I read a good crime drama/family saga. Age of Vice certainly fits that bill. The psychology behind powerful family run criminal enterprises, the glitter of vast wealth, the innocent people that get drawn in or trapped in that web is always compelling.
Set in India in the early 2000s, the story follows Sunny Wadia, the son of a corrupt businessman, Anjay, a boy who witnessed horrible violence and was then sold into servitude, eventually coming to work for Sunny- constantly at his beck and call, and Neda, a journalist working on a story who becomes dazzled by Sunny’s wealth and exciting lifestyle. But when a horrific car crash occurs, it changes the course of their lives in unexpected ways…
This one is a bit hefty, but it is such an absorbing page turner it goes by super-fast. This is, by far, one of the best modern organized crime dramas, I’ve read in ages. This book is definitely worthy of all the buzz and excitement! Can’t wait to read more books by this author!!...more
-Worth Killing for by Jane Haseldine is a 2018 Kensington publication.
This third installment in the Julia Gooden series finds Julia and Navarro back -Worth Killing for by Jane Haseldine is a 2018 Kensington publication.
This third installment in the Julia Gooden series finds Julia and Navarro back together- but they are keeping it on the down-low.
Her romantic life is put on hold, though, when Julia comes face to face with her long- lost father, Duke. Julia had not seen Duke since she was a child- just before her brother, Ben, disappeared. With his sudden return, secrets of the past start to unravel-
Will Julia finally get the answers about Ben she’s been searching for all these years?
Julia must relive some painful memories, face her father, and some of the shady characters surrounding him- while she continues her work as an investigative reporter. Julia and Navarro have great chemistry- both professionally and personally. I am happy they finally got back together!
This installment is very personal for Julia forcing her to make controversial decisions. I was on the edge of my seat a time or two! If you are following this series, this is an installment you won’t want to miss!!
I can’t wait to see how the series, and Julia’s relationship with Navarro, will progress from here.
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave is a 2021 Simon & Schuster publication.
This book got lots of ‘buzz’ last year, was a Reese Witherspoon book cThe Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave is a 2021 Simon & Schuster publication.
This book got lots of ‘buzz’ last year, was a Reese Witherspoon book club pick, and an instant NYT bestseller. Naturally, I added it to my TBR list… but it took me over a year to finally get around to reading it, but boy was it worth the wait!!
The story grabbed my attention immediately, but I couldn’t have guessed how engrossing, smart and well-plotted the book would be, or how emotional it would become…
Hannah and her teenage stepdaughter, Bailey, are having trouble adjusting to one another, though Bailey’s father, Owen, insists his daughter will eventually come around. So far, though, Hannah's hasn't been able to win her over...
But then, Owen, only barely manages to get a brief, simple message to Hannah, sending her a note which read ‘protect her’- obviously referring to Bailey. With that, he proceeds to vanish- seemingly because his employer runs afoul of the law.
But his possible culpability is the least of their worries, and suddenly Hannah and Bailey must work together, whether Bailey likes it or not, if they hope to find Owen, battling unknown forces in their quest to uncover the truth…
The suspense is palpable, the mystery deep and compelling. The plotting is tight, the pacing so pitch perfect it was impossible to put this book down.
But the story reaches out further than the mystery/thriller elements to create a mother/daughter bond that beyond all else is the cornerstone of the story-
And is ultimately the most rewarding pay- off.
Overall, this book did indeed live up to the hype. As 2022, with one or two notable exceptions, has mainly served up stale, lukewarm offerings in the thriller category, thus far, I was relieved to discover I had an ace in the hole with this one. Highly recommend!!
Night Passage by Robert B. Parker is a 1998 Jove publication.
Jesse Stone, a fired alcoholic homicide cop from L.A., accepts a job offer as Chief of PNight Passage by Robert B. Parker is a 1998 Jove publication.
Jesse Stone, a fired alcoholic homicide cop from L.A., accepts a job offer as Chief of Police in the small community of Paradise, Massachusetts. His past worked in his favor, as certain citizens of Paradise would rather have an incompetent person in the job, someone who wouldn’t pay too close attention to their activities.
Sadly, for them, Jesse Stone turns out to be far more perceptive than they bargained for…
Jesse Stone… not much of a conversationalist…. Which is probably a good thing. Despite his issues with the bottle and his profound depression over the end of his marriage and career- mainly the marriage, I think- you don’t get much past Jesse. He’s quiet, a man of few words, but a great listener. Overall, a fascinating character- flawed, sure, but a man, one can’t help but like and root for.
This first installment in the series is just flat out awesome… and despite the age of the book, it seems some things never change. Jessie gets on the bad side of a local when he humiliates him for beating his wife. Now, it seems Jesse could be the target of his revenge. When the former Chief dies, and a woman is murdered, a scheme unfolds worthy of any he might have encountered in LA.
While this style of writing is not very common anymore and would probably be met with disdain by the majority of current, more enlightened readers- I liked the spare dialogue, the quietness that screams menace, and builds the suspense, creating a dark, moody atmosphere, almost Noir-ish in style.
This book may have followed a format frequently used in the nineties, might have been a little predictable, but for me it was like a breath of fresh air. Today’s crime fiction might seem far more advanced, but they got nothing on Jesse Stone.
Usually, I’m kicking myself for getting a late start on a series. In this case, I’m glad have this series to work through right now. I’m also glad I watched the movies first. Jesse is a bit younger in the books, but otherwise the feel is similar.
I was a big fan through the movies, I’m a bigger fan now, thanks to the books!
Hard Cash Valley by Brian Panowich is a 2020 Minotaur publication.
Gripping Southern Noir!
In his third novel, Panowich moves his southern saga forwardHard Cash Valley by Brian Panowich is a 2020 Minotaur publication.
Gripping Southern Noir!
In his third novel, Panowich moves his southern saga forward with a new cast of characters, introducing Dane Kirby-a part-time fire investigator who has been tapped to consult with the GBI on a case that involves a missing boy on the autism spectrum.
Dane is also trying to help his old friend, Ned, who has been accused of murder, on top of keeping a terrible secret from those closest to him.
Once again, the rural locations, the shocking criminal underground, rooted in greed, and a haunted main character that pulls the reader’s emotions in all directions, makes this a riveting, unputdownable crime drama.
A Twist of the Knife by Becky Masterman is a 2017 Minotaur publication.
This third installment in the series sends Brigid to Florida, where her fatherA Twist of the Knife by Becky Masterman is a 2017 Minotaur publication.
This third installment in the series sends Brigid to Florida, where her father is facing a serious health crisis- but her main reason for this trip is to touch base with her former partner, Laura, who needs Brigid’s help with a case involving a death row inmate she feels certain is innocent.
The situation is urgent, as the execution date is quickly approaching.
While Brigid is not totally convinced of the man’s innocence, she goes all in to help Laura search for the evidence needed to save his life.
Any story centered around a race against time saga that could save the life of a potentially innocent person sitting on death row, about to be executed, is certain to be a tense and compelling drama.
Brigid’s view is pragmatic, where as Laura has allowed herself to become emotionally involved. The did he- or didn’t he- factor keeps the reader conflicted, and the ethical issues with Laura adds to the uncertainty.
While the story is absorbing, it doesn’t have the same edge as the two previous installments. Despite that, it is still a solid entry in the series and provides the reader with bit more insight into Brigid’s family dynamic, as well.
While not the best addition, I still enjoyed the story and am looking forward to meeting up with Brigid again in the near future.
Deacon King Kong by James McBride is a 2020 Random House publication.
Bold, Brilliant and Captivating!
Set in 1969 Brooklyn, the story starts off witDeacon King Kong by James McBride is a 2020 Random House publication.
Bold, Brilliant and Captivating!
Set in 1969 Brooklyn, the story starts off with a literal bang when an elderly church deacon, known as ‘Sportcoat’, shoots Deems Clemens, a drug dealer, in front of the Cause houses housing project, with no shortage of witnesses.
Sportcoat, may have been the deacon of The Five Ends Baptist Church for years, but he is also a long-time alcoholic, whose beverage of choice is a homemade hooch called King Kong. While his health has suffered, more so now that his wife, Hettie, has died, no one seems to know why Sportcoat shot Deems. However, the fallout connects a group of people from vastly different walks of life, from police officers, to members of the Italian mob, in a very surprising way.
I must say, I was very impressed with this novel!! It’s unique and packed with humor. There’s a zany satirical quality to the story and it’s just enormous! There is a huge cast of characters, which is normally a deal breaker for me. But, in this case, I miraculously had no problem keeping up with the characters. There is a lot going on, however, and while not always as cohesive as I needed it to be, it all somehow comes together beautifully.
There is a treasure hunt, a mystery, and a surprising romance, all rolled into an atmospheric and timely crime drama, as different drug factions war it out, all wanting a piece of the pie, while Sportcoat, who has no memory of shooting Deems, has a price on his head.
McBride masterfully weaves the threads together, connecting the characters in one way or another. While the humor stands out, so does the poignant portrait of loneliness and sorrow. Yet, at the end of the day the strong emphasis on faith, church, and the importance of community, gives this novel a stylishly warm glow.
Overall, this is a unique piece of historical fiction,which covers a lot of ground with a magnificent deliverance. There is some anger here, but its presentation is mild, and the crime elements are far from graphic. While it is a little bittersweet, with a few moments of melancholy, it is mostly an affable, gentle story that left me with an enormous respect for McBride’s talent as a writer....more
Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich is a 2016 G.P. Putnam’s Son’s publication.
Southern Literature, organized crime, and a family drama all rolled into oBull Mountain by Brian Panowich is a 2016 G.P. Putnam’s Son’s publication.
Southern Literature, organized crime, and a family drama all rolled into one book.
Usually, the ‘black sheep’ of the family means the odd guy out- but in an unsavory way. Clayton Burroughs is most definitely the odd guy out in his family- but in this case, he is the only one in his family who walks on the right side of the law.
In fact, he’s a sheriff in a neighboring community, while his brother runs the family business on Bull Mountain, located in Northern Georgia. Their family empire, which has been run by the Burroughs for generations, began with bootlegging, then branched out into drugs- first pot, and now meth.
Clayton is devoted to his wife, and wants to keep the peace, which means giving his mean hard-bitten brother and his criminal enterprise a wide berth. But when an ATF agent shows up, he lures Clayton into helping him shut ‘the mountain’ down. Naturally, the plan throws Clayton a few unforeseen curveballs, pitting one brother against the other, and leading to a dreaded, but unavoidable family showdown….
I passed on this book five years ago, when it was first released. I found my way back to it when ‘Hard Cash Valley’ was released. I didn’t make the connection at first- but soon realized that HCV was the third book in the Bull Mountain series- so I decided to do a quick catch up-
I entered into this one with a small amount of trepidation, mainly due to some misleading trendy, sub-genre labels attached to it, which now that I’ve read it, didn’t do the book justice.
However, I discovered this book is right up my alley! I loved it! I love southern fiction, I love family sagas, and I love crime fiction. I especially love it when a book can mingle these genres into one book and do so with style… literary style, at that.
I had a hard time finding anyone who had the same insights into this novel that I did- so this may seem way out of left field – but I found a strong parallel between the Burroughs family and many fictional mob families.
To me, many of the same elements are present- an organized crime operation- loyalties, backstabbing, deep family dramas, cold-blooded criminals, tons of gritty violence, a hint of Greek or Shakespearian tragedy- any of that sound familiar? The difference is, of course, that instead of Italy, New York, or Chicago, this book is set in the mountains of Northern Georgia and it is a much smaller, tight knit group- although the enterprise reaches far and wide.
We also have Clayton Burroughs- a conflicted hero- such a well- drawn character- flawed, but determined to break the chain – but in the end will he lack the courage of his own convictions?
This is really, really good stuff!!
The story may be violent and rough, the characters without conscience, mean, and heartless, with no redeemable traits, they may not speak eloquently, or live opulently, although they are surely deceptively comfortable financially- but this book is not raw! It is not stark, or sparse- it is way too polished for some of the tags and labels applied to it.
The characters are hardly one dimensional and the novel does not rely heavily on the action to carry it. In fact, it is deeply psychological, even quiet at times- very high in suspense, and nearly impossible to put down.
I have already started book two and I can tell I am going to like it- maybe as much as I did this one!!...more
She Lies in Wait by Gytha Lodge is a 2019 Random House publication.
It’s 1983, and a group of popular kids are out camping together. Aurora Jackson isShe Lies in Wait by Gytha Lodge is a 2019 Random House publication.
It’s 1983, and a group of popular kids are out camping together. Aurora Jackson is there with her older sister, Topaz- a situation Topaz is unhappy about and makes sure Aurora knows it. After a night of hard partying, though, it comes to her attention that Aurora is missing.
Now, thirty years later, tests confirm that the recently discovered remains of a young female are indeed that of Aurora Jackson. Jonah Sheens is the head investigator, but the case is a personal one for him. He happens to have a connection with the case, that if it came to light, might raise a few questions, or be construed as a conflict of interest. Working alongside him is rookie DC, Juliette Hanson, who is trying to make a good first impression.
Working the cold case opens a Pandora’s box of new memories, fresh information, and painful revelations for Jonah, and reopens old wounds for Aurora’s family and the teens who were present when she disappeared. Old and new suspects become targets of the investigation, while Jonah and Juliette try to focus on solving this case once and for all, despite their own personal issues. Will Jonah finally solve the case that has haunted him for thirty years?
I loved the cold case trope, one of my favorites in crime fiction, and I’m usually always up for a good British police procedural. My experience with pure procedural's is that they are often fairly straightforward, without too many bells and whistles. This book does follow that format, so don't expect much flair.
That said, the plot was well- developed, and executed. The story held my interest from start to finish- I did begin to piece the puzzle together but didn’t have a clue about the motive or how everything would eventually come together.
The professional chemistry between Jonah and Juliette was a little awkward, in my opinion, but I think that relationship was beginning to show promise. Juliette has a developing personal crisis running in the background, a situation I would love to see explored in future installments, as well.
Overall, the characterizations of the main characters need a little work, but other than that, this is a solid start to the series. I liked it well enough to give the second installment a try.
The Boy by Tami Hoag is a 2018 Dutton publication.
Wow! This is one of Hoag’s best and I’ve read many of her books over the years!!
When a young singleThe Boy by Tami Hoag is a 2018 Dutton publication.
Wow! This is one of Hoag’s best and I’ve read many of her books over the years!!
When a young single mother is the victim of a late night home invasion which leaves her hospitalized, and her young son dead, Broussard and Fourcade must tiptoe through the murky waters of law enforcement politics and worrisome circumstantial evidence to find the truth.
The hot and steamy Louisiana humidity is almost palpable as the restless tension between the married detectives, Annie Broussard and Nick Fourcade, ebbs and flows. But it is nothing like the tension between Nick and his new boss, who is keeping Nick on a tight leash, threatening to cut him loose at any moment.
However, it is this puzzling case that keeps the reader on the edge of their seats. The murder of a child sets the emotional tone right from the start. The child’s mother, Genevieve Gauthier, seems to have a sordid past, and has made a few questionable parenting decisions, including the selection of an unreliable teenage girl to babysit her son.
Seeking answers from the babysitter, the detectives become concerned when the girl hasn’t been seen in a few days. The investigation is also stymied by a lot of political wrangling and jockeying for position within the law enforcement arena. This combination of events kept me riveted to the pages, watching in horror as events spiraled completely out of control.
I love this detective team. Annie is more even tempered, but she’s also more emotional. However, her powers of observation are amazing. Nick, on the other hand, with his French vernacular and Cajun slang has a bit of a temper and he has a very hard time keeping it under control.
Although the couple is experiencing some tension in their relationship, they are a sexy couple, and I enjoy watching them interact. They also make a good detective team, even though they often clash and have a vastly different approach to their jobs.
There is another storyline in the book which is very heart wrenching, making this not only a great crime thriller, but also a very thought- provoking piece of fiction. The shades of gray, and the high pitch emotions had my heart up in my throat.
I’ve been a fan of this author for many years. Hoag writes very solid, atmospheric stories and really knows how to ramp up the suspense. She outdid herself with this one, I must say. I’d been waiting to read this one for a long time as the publication date kept getting pushed back and my review schedule prevented me from getting to it as quickly as I’d hoped. However, the wait was well worth it.
If you like tense, atmospheric thrillers, with complex characters and personalities, and mysteries that will keep you guessing to the bitter end, this one is for you. Plus, despite being ‘Team Annie’ for most of this story, that audacious, but very principled, Frenchman- Nick Fourcade, really grows on you....more
Don’t Send Flowers by Martin Solares is a 2018 Grove Press publication.
There aren’t many crime dramas, one can recommend by saying ‘this is an importDon’t Send Flowers by Martin Solares is a 2018 Grove Press publication.
There aren’t many crime dramas, one can recommend by saying ‘this is an important book’ or a ‘must read’, to anyone other than to those who typically read books within that category. However, this book might be the exception.
For those who are fed up with implausible plot lines, constantly craving realism in your fiction, you will have met your match with this novel. While it makes for a great work of fiction, unfortunately it is all too plausible, and all too realistic. It will certainly put things in perspective.
When the sheltered girl of a wealthy man is taken hostage, a former detective, Carlos Treviño, is hired to find her, while attempting to fly under the radar of Commander Margarito Gonzalez, the corrupt chief of police.
Sometimes an overused word is still the only one that will adequately describe something. In this case, I can’t think of a more apt word than 'gritty'. This is a vivid, very depressing look at Mexico, and what has become of it. Crime dramas that utilize a current situation as a basis for a story often makes one wonder if the story was, at least in part, based on fact.
This is well developed, raw, intricately detailed crime thriller, packed with stunning twists, and edge of your seat suspense. This book has been accurately labeled as 'noir', a personal favorite of mine, which does help to offset some of the grit, giving the story a bit of polish, smoothing out some of the rough edges.
The novel is taut and edgy, perfectly paced, with such well-drawn characterizations, it was like I was actually there watching these horrible and strange events unfold in real time.
I do wish this book would see more coverage, gaining enough momentum to cross over into the mainstream consciousness. This novel is not just a strong crime drama, a well written piece of noir fiction, but is also a searing portrait of the current situation in Mexico. Reading this novel, even if one is not exactly a huge fan of crime thrillers would assuredly raise awareness of Mexico’s plight.
This story is so intimate, it gives readers an up close and personal look at how drug lords rule over law enforcement and politicians in a way news reports could never convey. Yes, it is fiction, but it’s the most realistic and one of the most unforgettable crime novels I’ve read in a long time.
November Road by Lou Berney is a 2018 William Morrow publication.
A stylish piece of historical crime fiction-
1963-
Carlos Marcello the head of a largeNovember Road by Lou Berney is a 2018 William Morrow publication.
A stylish piece of historical crime fiction-
1963-
Carlos Marcello the head of a large New Orleans crime syndicate is behind the assassination of the president of the United States. Frank Guidry, is one of Marcello’s best guys, but Frank, unknowingly became a part of the assassination plan, which means he has become a loose end, meaning his days are numbered.
Making a run for it, Frank encounters, Charlotte, a young mother who decided to leave her ne’er do well husband. Charlotte is having some car trouble, and winds up at the same motel as Frank. The two strike up a conversation and before long, the wheels in Frank’s mind start turning. Anyone searching for him would not be looking for a man traveling with a family. So, he offers Charlotte and her children a ride to her aunt’s home in LA. It is the perfect set up for Frank, until he realizes he’s put this young mother and her children in grave danger, and his once hardened heart, can’t bear the thought of that.
As the couple spends more time together, Charlotte starts to care for Frank as well, and although, deep down, she senses something about him isn’t entirely on the up and up, she still puts her faith in him, remaining completely ignorant of her precarious situation. Frank’s time with Charlotte, under the strain of life on the run, facing his own mortality, has him contemplating a different kind of life, one where he could have a family of his own.
Lou Berney certainly has a way with words. He also perfectly captures the shocked and grief- stricken mood of the country, building rich, dark, and conflicted characterizations, while keeping the reader on the edge of their seats with a palpable atmosphere of foreboding.
This is another amazing story by Berney. I don't know how he manages to capture time in a perfect freeze frame, holding the characters still, right in that moment, where the entire world seemed to shift with JFK’s murder. The story is chilling, yet, has its moments of genuine pleasure. The road trip, the fraught romantic entanglements, and the inner thoughts of the characters, as they each reach a life changing fork in the road- as does the country is a stunning combination.
There’s a new door opening on the one just closed, pitting the feeling of hope against the feeling of dread.
“With every decision we create a new future. We destroy all other futures.”
Once more, for me, here is a mob figure I find myself liking, despite everything I know about it him and the actions I’ve seen him take. Watching him transform was maybe a little bittersweet, under the circumstances, but it was also a big part of why this book ticks all the boxes.
Charlotte is braver that she may appear to some readers, as in the early sixties, divorce was still a stigma. I admired her tenacity, and the way her resolve strengthened, the more empowered she feels by the possibility of controlling her own destiny.
This book is riveting, suspenseful, and so eloquently written, at times I thought my heart might skip a beat.
Berney said he hoped this book would be ‘both hard to put down and hard to forget’ and I’d say he accomplished that goal and then some!...more
One False Move by Harlan Coben is a 1998 publication.
Five books into the Myron Bolitar series, and Coben’s writing really begins to hit a stride!
WhenOne False Move by Harlan Coben is a 1998 publication.
Five books into the Myron Bolitar series, and Coben’s writing really begins to hit a stride!
When Myron is hired to keep an eye on women’s basketball player, Brenda Slaughter, the last thing he ever expected was to find himself dealing with one of the most powerful families in the city, mobsters, and twenty year old secrets.
With Brenda’s freedom, and maybe even her life hanging in the balance, Myron enlists Win to help him find Brenda’s missing mother, possibly expose a cover up, and help keep Brenda safe, all while dealing with Esperanza’s demands to become a full partner, and cope with his waning relationship with Jessica.
This installment is a little bit of a game changer as the reader watches Myron’s character go through a myriad of emotions, some of them very surprising. Myron’s hilarious, self-deprecating remarks and observations kept me entertained through, what was a little bit of a slow start, but the tone changes little by little until the last quarter of the book, when things become more serious than I’ve seen them thus far.
Myron may have lost a little innocence here, and it will be interesting to see if he rebounds from this or is his character will have a new edge from here on out.
The recurring characters offer much insight and wry observations and challenge Myron in ways he may not have asked for, but is better for it in the long run.
Overall, this one is the best of the series to date, and has me stoked to hurry up and get going on the other chapters in the series so I can get caught up.
Dead End Fix by T.E. Woods is a 2016 Alibi publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest reDead End Fix by T.E. Woods is a 2016 Alibi publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
We are up to book six in this series and the inevitable has finally taken place. Everyone has completely unraveled, and are losing their touch, losing their grip, losing their minds, and losing faith.
For those following the series, you will remember how book five ended, which was with a cliffhanger, and I’ve been on pins and needles wondering how Mort and Lydia are going to handle the situation without exposing their sordid past.
Well, this part of the story turned out to be rather anticlimactic, and was wrapped up fairly early on, making me more than a little suspicious. Well, my instincts were right. The competition between Lydia and Allie is just getting started, rapidly barreling towards the ultimate showdown.
Meanwhile, Mort finds himself dealing with a homicide inside Seattle’s gang population. Poor Mort believes in old fashioned justice and is so out of his element here. He doesn’t understand the gang mentality, nor does he understand the law enforcement unit assigned to this area. Their attitude is in direct opposition to everything Mort believes in. But, in the end, Mort may find his very foundation shaken to the core.
I think, in this installment, the author wisely begins to transition things, because otherwise the same old battles would become stale and boring. Mort’s crisis of conscience, being forced to face the stark realities of crime, justice, and retribution, is long overdue.
If Mort manages to come through this particularly dark episode without totally falling apart, then I predict he will come back with a more realistic approach to his job, see all situations with a more cynical point of view, and will wear a much harder exterior, and may even understand Lydia’s point of view more fully.
Lydia, who for me, is the big star of the show, and the most interesting character study I’ve encountered in a crime drama in a long while, has her hands full in this chapter, and spends a lot time trying to stay alive and one step ahead of her arch nemesis. In the end, her insights into entire situation makes too much sense, which is troubling, and I had to shake my head as that thought rolled around in my mind, taking root, and growing steadily to the point where I struggled to argue with Lydia. I still think she nailed it. What she believes is so much more realistic and true, even if we all wish to hold onto Mort’s value system with all our might.
While this novel isn’t quite on the same level as previous installments, I think it was a necessary transition piece, with the mind games being toned down a little, and there is more action based suspense, than we’ve seen before. We should all be familiar with the characters at this point, and are emotionally invested in them enough by now to feel their pain, confusion, and conflict, which means the author has created a very firm foundation for the characters and for the fans of the series.
It will be interesting to see how things evolve from here, as the tone will most definitely be different. That’s not always a bad thing, and while the storyline was not exactly what I’ve been accustomed to in the past, I still think it was time for the series to move forward, and face new challenges, and bring in new elements in order to sustain its longevity.
This is another gritty, twisty, and dark crime drama, and a very solid addition to the series, which left me will lots to ponder over.
Tough Justice: Betrayed ( part 7 of 8) by Tyler Anne Snell is a 2016 Harlequin Special Release publication.
This series is very addictive, and HarlequTough Justice: Betrayed ( part 7 of 8) by Tyler Anne Snell is a 2016 Harlequin Special Release publication.
This series is very addictive, and Harlequin has really allowed these authors to get down and dirty, showing off their chops, and delivering some very gritty storytelling. The only bad thing about it is, I only have one more chapter left. Bummer! Another very solid installment in the series, I think fans of romantic suspense fans are going love.
Fixed in Blood by T.E Woods is a 2015 Random House/ Alibi publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange fFixed in Blood by T.E Woods is a 2015 Random House/ Alibi publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Finally! It's been a long wait between books and I have been dying to know what would become of the relationship between Mort and Lydia, which ended on a very sour note in the last installment.
As the story opens we find things have not gotten better between the two, but when a young mother is found murdered and the bodies keep piling up, Mort and Lydia find themselves once more working on a disturbing murder case. How did Lydia get involved ? When one of her patients calls in obvious distress and promptly disappears, she does a little investigating of her own and runs right into Mort in the process. So, for Auld Lang Syne the two are back together again working to find a murderer, and hopefully Lydia can refrain from sliding off the wagon, so to speak. And of course we will get an update on Allie and it's not a positive update, as she has gone from bad to worse, causing Mort and his son great distress.
This series is one my favorites. I love the dark themes and Lydia is always a unique character study, and is an interesting parallel to Mort. Allie is out of total control now having completely given herself over to evil, drawing yet another interesting parallel between these two women. One of which is pure sociopath and the other well... I'm not really sure how to define Lydia, and the two are connected by Mort.
Snuff films, something we have all come to believe is really a urban legend, seems to be given some credence with this story as young women are forced into prostitution to pay off debts, then found murdered, then for kick and giggles a recording of the murders surfaces. It is of utmost urgency that Mort find this sick killer, never in his wildest dreams thinking he could somehow be connected to the case in a personal way.
This installment was worth the long wait. There are hairpin turns, huge and shocking developments, very atmospheric, and a truly twisted story.
This series has everything a good thriller should have with a psychological angle that sucks you in and keeps you entrenched in the drama as much as you are in the crime solving element. I love that the main female protagonist, Lydia, has this calm professional exterior but hides an impulse that sets her apart, making her character border on the anti-hero side of things. “The Fixer” is most assuredly controversial, but I can't help but cheer for her and I even understand her brand of justice, even if I might not actually condone it.
I was happy to see Mort and Lydia working together as a team again, putting their issues in the past. I have a feeling Mort is really going to need Lydia now as more details leak about about Allie. But, I know for sure I can't wait for the next book to come out.. I hope the wait isn't too long though....hint, hint. 4.5 stars...more
Don't Talk to Strangers by Amanda Kyle Williams is a 2014 Bantam Publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in excDon't Talk to Strangers by Amanda Kyle Williams is a 2014 Bantam Publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
If you like a good thriller, or police procedural, or just a good old whodunit, or a gritty crime story, this is book is not to be missed. Keye Street is a character that defies the traditional detective stereotype and gives us a human being with frailties, complications and too many internal battles to name. When she loses her job for being an alcoholic, she cleans up her life, has a relationship and works as a consultant on the side while running a private detective and bail recovery agency.
“ I watched him get in his car. As soon as the the engine started. I hightailed it through the yard and up the sidewalk to mine, a dingy Plymouth Neon with a dent in the hood.- you don't want to spy on a guy who restores vehicles for a living in something flashy. So, my white on white 1969 Impala convertible was at home in the parking garage. Missing me, I thought warmly. I'd had it since high school. And my mother says I can't commit.”
When she gets a call from the sheriff of a small town in Georgia called Whisper, appropriately enough, she begins the hunt for a sadistic sexual predator who has killed to two young thirteen year old girls. Immediately we are swept into the sultry backwoods of Georgia where ten years ago a girl went missing and the case went cold. Now another girl as gone missing, only this time they not only find her body but the body of the other missing girl not too far apart in a little known backwoods area mainly used for hunting and fishing.
Upon arrival in Whisper, Keye who is of Chinese descent, is beset by suspicions and outright rudeness by the the Sheriff's staff and the residents of the small town. But, the sheriff has no such feelings about Keye. In fact he seems to really like her a lot. Keye is confused about her reaction to the man. After all she is in a committed relationship and with her past issues the last thing she needs is more upheaval.
“ We walked for a couple of minutes. I could hear the rustle of this uniform, his breathing, feel his hips lightly bump into me as we walked. And I felt all those dueling emotions, too-- exhaustion, excitement at new evidence, sadness at what the evidence meant, guilt at my attraction to a small town sheriff, and astonishment that the physical pull of his body so close to mine was enough to stir me even in the middle of an investigation. Nothing an addict's brain enjoys more that a little inner chaos. It's like jet fuel. Those pathways had been carved out years ago, and they opened up wide for just about any emotional roller coaster ride I wanted to take. But what rose to the top was sorrow. I felt sick over Skylar, worried, bombarded with images of other victims, dozens of other children in dozens of other cases. I didn't even know this child and I couldn't bear to think about her suffering. Life isn't always kind to the most fragile among us. It's the hardest injustice to contemplate.”
Why, Why, Why are there not more novels like this one in the mystery/ thriller genre today? This was one of the best I have come across in a good long while. Keye is so different, so profound, and so human, someone who can admit to having problems but works so hard to stay on the right path. Her tenacious handling of this super emotional story was superb. Her mind wandered at times, but she always shifted her focus back to where it belonged-- finding a missing girl who was being tortured and held captive and try to stop her from becoming the third victim. Tense, terrifying, a parent's worse nightmare, secrets, cover ups, creepy pedophiles, and incredible plot twist had me riveted . Do not read this one late at night, all alone in the house. It is really creepy, and a word of warning- there are graphic depictions that some readers might find disturbing. This is a gritty story dealing with sexual predators, so you get the idea. I'm not sure where Keye will go from here. She has diagnosed herself, admitting what is really going on in her personal relationships, but what will she do about it? I think she will have a lot to think about but it is also made clear she is about to have a family situation come up which will certainly prove interesting. I can not wait for the next book in this series. Note that while this is a series, this book can be read as a stand alone. 5 stars!!...more
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