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Jane Perry #2
Redemption
After a series of life-changing events, detective Jane Perry has resigned from the Denver Police Department. Trying to make a living as a private investigator, she finds her past haunting her at every turn and old demons rising up to torment her.
Then Jane meets Kit Clark, a woman who wants Jane to drive with her from Colorado to Northern California in search of a man who matches the description of the killer who murdered her granddaughter many years before. Kit’s convinced that the man has started to kill again and she wants to stop him. Jane thinks the woman is crazy—especially when she discovers that she’s a New Age devotee—but Jane is desperate for work. They head on the road, gathering critical information about the killer, and themselves, along the way. Jane has recently experienced several events in her life that seem to border on the paranormal, though she is a complete skeptic in that regard. Now, those experiences come with greater frequency. And when the trail of the killer leads to a fundamentalist church, the consequences of belief and faith propel her toward a deadly confrontation.
Once again, Laurel Dewey has created a novel as rich in character as it is in suspense. Juxtaposing spirituality and religion, mission and manipulation, revenge and redemption, this powerful, taut mystery confirms the author as a top-flight storyteller and promises to resonate in your soul.
Then Jane meets Kit Clark, a woman who wants Jane to drive with her from Colorado to Northern California in search of a man who matches the description of the killer who murdered her granddaughter many years before. Kit’s convinced that the man has started to kill again and she wants to stop him. Jane thinks the woman is crazy—especially when she discovers that she’s a New Age devotee—but Jane is desperate for work. They head on the road, gathering critical information about the killer, and themselves, along the way. Jane has recently experienced several events in her life that seem to border on the paranormal, though she is a complete skeptic in that regard. Now, those experiences come with greater frequency. And when the trail of the killer leads to a fundamentalist church, the consequences of belief and faith propel her toward a deadly confrontation.
Once again, Laurel Dewey has created a novel as rich in character as it is in suspense. Juxtaposing spirituality and religion, mission and manipulation, revenge and redemption, this powerful, taut mystery confirms the author as a top-flight storyteller and promises to resonate in your soul.
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2009
48 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Laurel Dewey
23 books53 followersLaurel Dewey’s writing career has been anything but predictable. Born in Glendale, California, Dewey began her career working in public relations. Her writing talents quickly took her into other entertainment avenues. As an assistant editor at BOP Magazine in the late 1980's, Dewey helped launch the blockbuster career of teen pop groups, including The New Kids on The Block. During this time, she wrote a string of successful mystery radio plays for Los Angeles public radio networks.
Not satisfied to write in only one genre, Dewey went on to pen a western novella “In the Name of the Land” which was nominated for a Silver Spur Fiction Award. A collection of short stories followed, as did a successful stint writing and producing radio ads and promos.
In the early 1990’s, Dewey relocated to rural Colorado. But her eclectic writing forte continued as she pursued work as a freelance investigative journalist, advertising/marketing promoter and newspaper columnist. In the mid and late 1990’s, two of her books on plant medicine were published, along with 10 booklets and hundreds of articles on alternative health. During this time, she appeared as a featured guest on hundreds of national radio and television programs and lectured extensively across the United States and Canada.
But then the pages turned...literally. In 2007, Dewey released her first fiction novel, PROTECTOR, a gritty, mystical crime thriller that follows the rocky life of damaged Denver homicide detective Jane Perry. In preparation for writing the book, Dewey immersed herself in detailed research, interviewing Colorado homicide detectives and traveling on "ride-a-longs" with street cops. The intricate research helped Dewey create a debut novel that is powerful, compelling, controversial and utterly original.
The sequel to PROTECTOR, REDEMPTION, was released in June of 2009. The third book, REVELATIONS, released in June, 2011. A series of short stories and novellas featuring Detective Jane Perry were published throughout 2011, starting with "An Unfinished Death" which is a prequel to PROTECTOR.
The fourth Jane Perry novel will be published in late 2012.
In keeping with Dewey's ability to push the envelope, she's written a standalone novel, "Betty's (Little Basement) Garden," that is set for release on June 12, 2012. This controversial book will certainly spark many conversations and hopefully enlighten readers at the same time.
Dewey lives with her husband and two orange cats in rural Colorado.
Not satisfied to write in only one genre, Dewey went on to pen a western novella “In the Name of the Land” which was nominated for a Silver Spur Fiction Award. A collection of short stories followed, as did a successful stint writing and producing radio ads and promos.
In the early 1990’s, Dewey relocated to rural Colorado. But her eclectic writing forte continued as she pursued work as a freelance investigative journalist, advertising/marketing promoter and newspaper columnist. In the mid and late 1990’s, two of her books on plant medicine were published, along with 10 booklets and hundreds of articles on alternative health. During this time, she appeared as a featured guest on hundreds of national radio and television programs and lectured extensively across the United States and Canada.
But then the pages turned...literally. In 2007, Dewey released her first fiction novel, PROTECTOR, a gritty, mystical crime thriller that follows the rocky life of damaged Denver homicide detective Jane Perry. In preparation for writing the book, Dewey immersed herself in detailed research, interviewing Colorado homicide detectives and traveling on "ride-a-longs" with street cops. The intricate research helped Dewey create a debut novel that is powerful, compelling, controversial and utterly original.
The sequel to PROTECTOR, REDEMPTION, was released in June of 2009. The third book, REVELATIONS, released in June, 2011. A series of short stories and novellas featuring Detective Jane Perry were published throughout 2011, starting with "An Unfinished Death" which is a prequel to PROTECTOR.
The fourth Jane Perry novel will be published in late 2012.
In keeping with Dewey's ability to push the envelope, she's written a standalone novel, "Betty's (Little Basement) Garden," that is set for release on June 12, 2012. This controversial book will certainly spark many conversations and hopefully enlighten readers at the same time.
Dewey lives with her husband and two orange cats in rural Colorado.
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April 12, 2011
Detective Jane Perry is trying to bring down the bad guys one at a time and on her terms. When an undercover sting operation goes wrong, Jane finds herself in desperate need of money and fast. So when Katherine “Kit” Clark from Jane’s “AA” meeting group offers to hire Jane to track down a serial killer in California, the offer is too good for Jane to pass up.
Redemption is the second Jane Perry novel. It can be read as a stand alone novel. Right from the beginning, this book did not hold back. Jane can out swing and hard. Jane is just like one of the guys, which is a good thing. Jane and Kit made a great pair. They reminded me a little bit like Thelma and Louise. Jane as the crazy, unpredictable Louise and Kit as Thelma looking for an adventure. Jane plays be her own rules and if you aren’t with her than you better watch your back, that she doesn’t put a bullet in it. This book kept a pretty, evenly fast pace. The ending was strong. A surprise was seeing my hometown listed not once but several times in this book. Grand Junction, Colorado is not a town that is usually mentioned when stories take place in Colorado. I have a new favorite author in Laurel Dewey. Everyone needs some Redemption and you can fine it in this book!
Redemption is the second Jane Perry novel. It can be read as a stand alone novel. Right from the beginning, this book did not hold back. Jane can out swing and hard. Jane is just like one of the guys, which is a good thing. Jane and Kit made a great pair. They reminded me a little bit like Thelma and Louise. Jane as the crazy, unpredictable Louise and Kit as Thelma looking for an adventure. Jane plays be her own rules and if you aren’t with her than you better watch your back, that she doesn’t put a bullet in it. This book kept a pretty, evenly fast pace. The ending was strong. A surprise was seeing my hometown listed not once but several times in this book. Grand Junction, Colorado is not a town that is usually mentioned when stories take place in Colorado. I have a new favorite author in Laurel Dewey. Everyone needs some Redemption and you can fine it in this book!
March 19, 2011
Article first published as Book Review: Redemption by Laurel Dewey on Blogcritics.
As Jane Perry’s undercover assignment is blown, she is as angry as hell. Having her bust taken over by the local authorities is like a kick in the pants. Having left a position with the police force and opening her own office as PI, she is very obsessive of her cases. Working with the FBI on this undercover sting was only going to build her business one more step. When she finds out, they have bypassed her and gone with the locals she sees red. Frustrated and worried she finds herself open for a new job. That is how she hooked up with Catherine (Kit) Clark. An older slightly eccentric bohemian type, looking for answers.
Kit is convinced the man who killed her granddaughter so many years ago, has just kidnapped another young girl. Recently released on bail, he is waiting for a new trial. Kit needs Jane’s help to track him down and find Charlotte Walker, the twelve year old who recently disappeared. Initially Jane is intrigued. The story Kit tells is tragic, blaming herself, the abduction and murder of her own granddaughter is heartrending. Yet it has destroyed her family and alienated them to the extent they consider her dead. She has come to terms with her life and her part in Ashlee’s death. Recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, she wants to put to rest and close the book on Lou Peters the alleged murderer. Now she is convinced he has taken another victim. Jane is hooked.
With media interest in the case, Jane tries to keep a low profile. However, how low can it be when she finds that her client-copartner in the case is just a bit kooky? She drinks jade water, walks backwards for relief of her back, and wears outlandish clothes. She eats herbs and is a naturalist. As Jane delves deeper into the disappearance of Charlotte Walker, she finds out that Catherine has not told her everything.
Immersing herself further in the case, she stumbles on a religious cult. Lou is deep in the group and they believe in his innocence. Lou has ingratiated himself and become close with the founder. Can Jane find Charlotte before it is too late? Will Lou’s madness escalate before she can find the clues?
In Redemption, Laurel Dewey further develops the character of Jane Perry who made her first appearance in Dewey’s first novel, Protector. Jane is a strong and opinionated character. She is a survivor of physical abuse as a child, and believes she has overcome her past. She is vulnerable because of that past, and it dictates many of her decisions in life. She finds she has difficulty trusting and pushes people away. When offered the chance to become Sergeant, she turned it down. Her old boss Weyler was one of the few people she trusted, but she needed a break, she had to get away. She really begins to like Catherine and get close only to find that Catherine also has a secret, which puts her at odds with the law.
Kit is a likable character, full of flair. She has lived an interesting life, growing up in the era of free love and flower power. She is gregarious and funny, with some extremely odd quirks. She believes her cancer was caused by her anger and hatred after the death of her granddaughter Ashlee. Not only did she feel at fault for her death, her daughter blamed her as well. The pain was so deep that forgiveness would never come. She has made peace with her life but worries at how the hatred in her daughter will make her ill as well. Her companionship is good for Jane, it steadies her in a way she has never had.
The spirituality of the book is subtle and flows throughout the background. It is intrinsic to the story and very interesting. Kit has some very interesting and thought provoking beliefs, without which this novel would not have been the same. Well written, the story is fast paced and thrilling. You will find yourself drawn to the characters and feel their pain as well. The mystery and plot are well researched and very believable.
I would recommend this book for those interested in suspense and murder. It also has a little twist of lightheartedness as well as sadness. I was not prepared to enjoy it as I did. I found it unique and interesting, and could not put it down. This would be a great book for a book club, it spans a time when changes were happening and cultures were new. It would create a great deal of conversation and opinions
This book was received as a free copy through the publicist. All opinons are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
As Jane Perry’s undercover assignment is blown, she is as angry as hell. Having her bust taken over by the local authorities is like a kick in the pants. Having left a position with the police force and opening her own office as PI, she is very obsessive of her cases. Working with the FBI on this undercover sting was only going to build her business one more step. When she finds out, they have bypassed her and gone with the locals she sees red. Frustrated and worried she finds herself open for a new job. That is how she hooked up with Catherine (Kit) Clark. An older slightly eccentric bohemian type, looking for answers.
Kit is convinced the man who killed her granddaughter so many years ago, has just kidnapped another young girl. Recently released on bail, he is waiting for a new trial. Kit needs Jane’s help to track him down and find Charlotte Walker, the twelve year old who recently disappeared. Initially Jane is intrigued. The story Kit tells is tragic, blaming herself, the abduction and murder of her own granddaughter is heartrending. Yet it has destroyed her family and alienated them to the extent they consider her dead. She has come to terms with her life and her part in Ashlee’s death. Recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, she wants to put to rest and close the book on Lou Peters the alleged murderer. Now she is convinced he has taken another victim. Jane is hooked.
With media interest in the case, Jane tries to keep a low profile. However, how low can it be when she finds that her client-copartner in the case is just a bit kooky? She drinks jade water, walks backwards for relief of her back, and wears outlandish clothes. She eats herbs and is a naturalist. As Jane delves deeper into the disappearance of Charlotte Walker, she finds out that Catherine has not told her everything.
Immersing herself further in the case, she stumbles on a religious cult. Lou is deep in the group and they believe in his innocence. Lou has ingratiated himself and become close with the founder. Can Jane find Charlotte before it is too late? Will Lou’s madness escalate before she can find the clues?
In Redemption, Laurel Dewey further develops the character of Jane Perry who made her first appearance in Dewey’s first novel, Protector. Jane is a strong and opinionated character. She is a survivor of physical abuse as a child, and believes she has overcome her past. She is vulnerable because of that past, and it dictates many of her decisions in life. She finds she has difficulty trusting and pushes people away. When offered the chance to become Sergeant, she turned it down. Her old boss Weyler was one of the few people she trusted, but she needed a break, she had to get away. She really begins to like Catherine and get close only to find that Catherine also has a secret, which puts her at odds with the law.
Kit is a likable character, full of flair. She has lived an interesting life, growing up in the era of free love and flower power. She is gregarious and funny, with some extremely odd quirks. She believes her cancer was caused by her anger and hatred after the death of her granddaughter Ashlee. Not only did she feel at fault for her death, her daughter blamed her as well. The pain was so deep that forgiveness would never come. She has made peace with her life but worries at how the hatred in her daughter will make her ill as well. Her companionship is good for Jane, it steadies her in a way she has never had.
The spirituality of the book is subtle and flows throughout the background. It is intrinsic to the story and very interesting. Kit has some very interesting and thought provoking beliefs, without which this novel would not have been the same. Well written, the story is fast paced and thrilling. You will find yourself drawn to the characters and feel their pain as well. The mystery and plot are well researched and very believable.
I would recommend this book for those interested in suspense and murder. It also has a little twist of lightheartedness as well as sadness. I was not prepared to enjoy it as I did. I found it unique and interesting, and could not put it down. This would be a great book for a book club, it spans a time when changes were happening and cultures were new. It would create a great deal of conversation and opinions
This book was received as a free copy through the publicist. All opinons are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
February 20, 2017
My hero Jane Perry is back at it again. She is now a PI and in AA after leaving the Denver police department. Kit Clark has hired Jane to find a missing girl in California. Kit and Jane are total opposites but have much to learn from each other.
August 17, 2011
Second book I have read by this author. I loved it. Finished it in 2 days. She does an excellent job developing her characters. When a book makes me cry or my heart pound then you know it is good. I really love the edgy and tortured main character. Bought her new short story today. Keep on writing Laurel!
March 5, 2011
*Rating is 3.5, not 3*
Redemption by Laurel Dewey is the second in the Jane Perry series, after Protector. However, I think Redemption can be read and understood without having read the first part, like me. There are some references to the first book but they aren't major or confusing.
Cop turned private investigator, Jane Perry, is an alcoholic. She joins an AA group in hopes of staying sober enough to solve a big case, which however, turns out be a disaster. Jane meets Kit Clark for the first time in an AA meeting. Kit is one of those New-Age followers and to practical, reality-oriented cop, Jane Perry, she comes across as a lunatic.
Kit's granddaughter, Ashlee, was raped and killed by a religious fanatic, Lou Peters, more than ten years ago. However, the murderer is released, after a glitch is found in the evidence. Another young girl is kidnapped, some time after Lou's release. Kit is convinced that Lou is behind the abduction of the child and will do anything to save the child from what happened to her own granddaughter. Jane is unconvinced by Kit's reasoning and doesn't see how Lou could be involved. However, she reluctantly agrees to help after she finds out about Kit's cancer.
Kit and Jane are as different as night and day, but the one thing that's common between them is that they are both seeking redemption - Kit, from her guilt about Ashlee's death and Jane, from the painful memories of her past.
Redemption is completely different from any other thriller I have read. There is a lot of talk about spirituality, God, mysticism and coincidences. I was a bit sceptical at first, but soon that evaporated since Redemption is a very refreshing take on the thriller genre. Despite not believing in such things, there were many parts in the book that did touch me quite a bit. If you read this book with an open-mind, you might even end up learning something from it.
"Call it coincidence or synchronicity, it's the same beautiful magic. Life serves them up to everyone; the trick is understanding the messages they seek to deliver." Kit leaned towards Jane. "Forget about logically explaining them. They defy explanation! When you begin to realize how these coincidences weave in and out of your life, only then will you understand the governing power of a higher plan."
We're all blind at times, she thought, to things we simply do not want to see because it's comfortable to turn away. Facing the bitter truth is like plunging a hot knife into your heart and exposing all the pretty little stories we tell ourselves that make us feel safe or justified or blissfully ignorant.
Apart from being a page-turner, Redemption is also insightful and thought-provoking. It's action-packed and thrilling on one hand , sad and emotional on the other.
"There's three kinds of people in the world. There are those who want to control you because they can't control themselves. What they don't get is that the more control you go for, the less control you have. Then there are those who are looking for someone to love them because they feel empty by themselves. What they don't get is that if you don't love yourself, you'll always feel as if you're lacking. The third kind of person is looking for redemption. They see themselves as dirt sinners who can never get clean enough. What they don't get is that they've been told a lie. God made them perfect. It's life that made them forget that."
Redemption is one of those books where there's something happening at every page; I didn't have the chance to be bored. There are enough twists and turns to keep you on your seat. The plot is suspenseful enough to keep your attention from wandering elsewhere. The author doesn't compromise with the characterization to focus just on the plot. The best thing about Redemption is that the main protagonist, Jane Perry, is not perfect. She's very flawed - Jane is a chain smoker, alcoholic and short-tempered. Yet she's an incredibly strong character. I couldn't help but admire her, feel for her and be amazed at her strength after her painful, horrific childhood is revealed.
Redemption is a satisfying suspense novel, not the greatest, but absorbing nonetheless.
Overall:
Gripping and unputdownable thriller.
Recommended?
Yes, if you like page-turning but intelligently written thriller novels.
March 9, 2011
I did not read the first book in the series, Protector, but that did not seem to matter all that much in reading this book. I caught up relatively easily to what the author felt I needed to know about Jane Perry's story so that I could dive into the action-packed, suspense-filled plot of this book.
One of the first things I noticed about the main character of Jane Perry is both her seemingly-abrasive personality, complete with a foul mouth, and her battle with alcoholism. Throughout the book, her strong personality is both her greatest strength and her biggest weakness. Her daily battle to remain sober - pushing six months - is also a prominent theme, complete with AA meetings, sobriety chips, and the 12-step program. I found these details interesting from the educational standpoint, since I have known a few alcoholics, both recovering and not, but nothing about the process of recovery from this horrible addiction.
The woman that hires Jane Perry, Katherine Clark (better known as Kit), is in many ways the very opposite of Jane. A woman in her 60's, she describes her personality as that of an "earth mother". Dealing with stage 4 cancer, she is a strict adherent of New Age philosophies and herbal medicine to treat both her cancer and her particular brand of spirituality. In addition, several of the plot's "bad guys" were followers of a particular sect of Fundamentalist Christianity that Kit spends an overt amount of time condemning, despite her many lectures of tolerance, love, and forgiveness. This in turn incites Jane to regularly mock Fundamentalist Christianity by proxy.
While I realize that radicals of any religion are easy fodder for mainstream literature, the personal beliefs of the author completely overpower the actual plot of the book. It is patently obvious that Dewey is a major supporter of all things New Age, with a penchant for Buddhism, and is completely against a literal translation of the Bible. As I have said in previous reviews, a good author is invisible to the reader, but in this book, the author often felt more present in the plot than the actual characters the book was intended to be about - some sort of amalgamation of Jane and Kit. Despite the good intentions that I am sure Dewey harbors in writing in this fashion, I became rather depressed by the end of the book by the over-saturation of Dewey's agenda of New Ageism versus Christianity, as the book became less and less about the heroics of Jane Perry and more about the beliefs of Laurel Dewey.
While I acknowledge that I do not agree with everything within the particular doctrines of the character of Dr. John Bartosh, I do consider myself a Fundamentalist Christian, a person who believes in both the literal and figurative translation of the Bible. For the author to expect me, the reader, to not even be slightly offended by the condemnation and open mockery of what I consider to be the foundation of my morality and how I live my life on a daily basis is both presumptuous and insensitive.
Despite this, the book was well-written from a literary approach, with unique characters, an unpredictable plot, and no loose ends.
One of the first things I noticed about the main character of Jane Perry is both her seemingly-abrasive personality, complete with a foul mouth, and her battle with alcoholism. Throughout the book, her strong personality is both her greatest strength and her biggest weakness. Her daily battle to remain sober - pushing six months - is also a prominent theme, complete with AA meetings, sobriety chips, and the 12-step program. I found these details interesting from the educational standpoint, since I have known a few alcoholics, both recovering and not, but nothing about the process of recovery from this horrible addiction.
The woman that hires Jane Perry, Katherine Clark (better known as Kit), is in many ways the very opposite of Jane. A woman in her 60's, she describes her personality as that of an "earth mother". Dealing with stage 4 cancer, she is a strict adherent of New Age philosophies and herbal medicine to treat both her cancer and her particular brand of spirituality. In addition, several of the plot's "bad guys" were followers of a particular sect of Fundamentalist Christianity that Kit spends an overt amount of time condemning, despite her many lectures of tolerance, love, and forgiveness. This in turn incites Jane to regularly mock Fundamentalist Christianity by proxy.
While I realize that radicals of any religion are easy fodder for mainstream literature, the personal beliefs of the author completely overpower the actual plot of the book. It is patently obvious that Dewey is a major supporter of all things New Age, with a penchant for Buddhism, and is completely against a literal translation of the Bible. As I have said in previous reviews, a good author is invisible to the reader, but in this book, the author often felt more present in the plot than the actual characters the book was intended to be about - some sort of amalgamation of Jane and Kit. Despite the good intentions that I am sure Dewey harbors in writing in this fashion, I became rather depressed by the end of the book by the over-saturation of Dewey's agenda of New Ageism versus Christianity, as the book became less and less about the heroics of Jane Perry and more about the beliefs of Laurel Dewey.
While I acknowledge that I do not agree with everything within the particular doctrines of the character of Dr. John Bartosh, I do consider myself a Fundamentalist Christian, a person who believes in both the literal and figurative translation of the Bible. For the author to expect me, the reader, to not even be slightly offended by the condemnation and open mockery of what I consider to be the foundation of my morality and how I live my life on a daily basis is both presumptuous and insensitive.
Despite this, the book was well-written from a literary approach, with unique characters, an unpredictable plot, and no loose ends.
April 15, 2011
Katherine "Kit" Clark is convinced that the Lou Peters, the man who raped and murdered her granddaughter Ashlee is at it again. When reasonable doubt was proven in the case of Ashlee,Lou is granted a new trial and he was ordered out of prison on bond. Now there is another missing girl and Kit is convinced Lou is the one to blame.
Jane Perry quit the police force to become a private investigator, and things haven't been going so well. While attending an AA meeting she decides to step out for a smoke and meets Kit Clark a sixty eight year old woman who acts well, a bit odd. Kit shows up the next day at Jane's office explaining her granddaughters murder, and how she feels that Lou has abducted the twelve year old girl that is in the headlines. She hires Jane to figure it out, and wants Jane to get it accomplished in ten days or less. Will Jane be able to solve the case?
This book had me hooked from the beginning. Jane is a very tough character who likes to smoke and used to drink, because of her past and the demons that haunt her I felt like these habits actually made her seem more realistic.Kit is someone that reminds me of a sixties free spirited hippie, while she has led a very colorful life she blames herself for Ashlee's murder, and the sad thing is so does her daughter. She is now dying of cancer and believes that the cancer was a product of the hate that festered inside her.
After I started reading this book I realized that there was another book titled "Protector" that introduces us to Jane, but the author does a fantastic job of giving us enough background information that you can easily read "Redemption" as a stand alone work.
Jane Perry is a character that I look forward to reading more of, it will be quite interesting to see how the author continues to develop her.
If your looking for a fast paced thriller filled with mystery and suspense then you need to read "Redemption."
Jane Perry quit the police force to become a private investigator, and things haven't been going so well. While attending an AA meeting she decides to step out for a smoke and meets Kit Clark a sixty eight year old woman who acts well, a bit odd. Kit shows up the next day at Jane's office explaining her granddaughters murder, and how she feels that Lou has abducted the twelve year old girl that is in the headlines. She hires Jane to figure it out, and wants Jane to get it accomplished in ten days or less. Will Jane be able to solve the case?
This book had me hooked from the beginning. Jane is a very tough character who likes to smoke and used to drink, because of her past and the demons that haunt her I felt like these habits actually made her seem more realistic.Kit is someone that reminds me of a sixties free spirited hippie, while she has led a very colorful life she blames herself for Ashlee's murder, and the sad thing is so does her daughter. She is now dying of cancer and believes that the cancer was a product of the hate that festered inside her.
After I started reading this book I realized that there was another book titled "Protector" that introduces us to Jane, but the author does a fantastic job of giving us enough background information that you can easily read "Redemption" as a stand alone work.
Jane Perry is a character that I look forward to reading more of, it will be quite interesting to see how the author continues to develop her.
If your looking for a fast paced thriller filled with mystery and suspense then you need to read "Redemption."
January 1, 2016
Jane Perry is a hard-nosed, rough around the edges private investigator who has spent the last 6 months getting sober while trying to ignore her tortured past. Kit Clark is a free-spirited follower of new age practices trying to keep history from repeating itself. When these two women come together they clash on every level until they discover their common ground, the one thing they are both seeking; Redemption.
Kit has hired Jane to help find a missing 12-year-old girl who she believes was kidnapped by the same man who kidnapped, raped and killed her 14-year-old granddaughter, 14 years earlier. Jane questions Kit's motives but needs the cash so she reluctantly agrees to drive to Oakhurst California with Kit to find the truth. Along the way they must deal with a fundamentalist preacher, a glory hound behavioral analyst, witnesses who may not be telling the truth, and a host of other surprises before the kidnapper can be caught. Will they find the young girl before it's too late or will this case end leaving both Jane and Kit with one more thing to feel responsible for?
The second installment in the Jane Perry series, "Redemption" is a gripping, suspenseful, edge-of-your -seat thrill ride that will grab the reader on page one and not let them go until the very end. Laurel Dewey should be commended for writing such rich characters as well as a story that twists and turns but doesn't confuse the reader. If you like well-written mysteries, with well-developed characters, and can handle a little profanity, then get this book now!
Kit has hired Jane to help find a missing 12-year-old girl who she believes was kidnapped by the same man who kidnapped, raped and killed her 14-year-old granddaughter, 14 years earlier. Jane questions Kit's motives but needs the cash so she reluctantly agrees to drive to Oakhurst California with Kit to find the truth. Along the way they must deal with a fundamentalist preacher, a glory hound behavioral analyst, witnesses who may not be telling the truth, and a host of other surprises before the kidnapper can be caught. Will they find the young girl before it's too late or will this case end leaving both Jane and Kit with one more thing to feel responsible for?
The second installment in the Jane Perry series, "Redemption" is a gripping, suspenseful, edge-of-your -seat thrill ride that will grab the reader on page one and not let them go until the very end. Laurel Dewey should be commended for writing such rich characters as well as a story that twists and turns but doesn't confuse the reader. If you like well-written mysteries, with well-developed characters, and can handle a little profanity, then get this book now!
September 17, 2009
In Laurel Dewey's "Redemption," private investigator Jane Perry, a former Denver Police detective, takes a road trip from Denver to California with her client, Kit Clark, in search of Lou Peters, a man Kit says killed her granddaughter many years ago and who Kit believes is responsible for the disappearance of a 12-year-old in California.
Though traveling together, the two don't always work together since Jane is not sure if Kit is seeking revenge for the murder of her granddaughter. And then there are the issues of Jane's addictions and Kit's New Age ways.
Jane must search for clues in places she's not familiar with, including the home of a fundamentalist Christian leader. Hampering Jane's investigation is profiler and media maven Clinton Fredericks, who follows her every move.
The follow-up to "Protector," which introduced flawed detective Jane Perry, "Redemption" peels away some layers of Jane's past as she travels the road to redemption. Jane is definitely flawed, but you gotta love her. She's a strong woman who cares about the victims and uses her wits and instincts to tackle her way through extreme circumstances. Dewey has given readers a page-turning tale of mystery with colorful characters in this second Jane Perry book. I can't wait to see what Jane will do next!
Though traveling together, the two don't always work together since Jane is not sure if Kit is seeking revenge for the murder of her granddaughter. And then there are the issues of Jane's addictions and Kit's New Age ways.
Jane must search for clues in places she's not familiar with, including the home of a fundamentalist Christian leader. Hampering Jane's investigation is profiler and media maven Clinton Fredericks, who follows her every move.
The follow-up to "Protector," which introduced flawed detective Jane Perry, "Redemption" peels away some layers of Jane's past as she travels the road to redemption. Jane is definitely flawed, but you gotta love her. She's a strong woman who cares about the victims and uses her wits and instincts to tackle her way through extreme circumstances. Dewey has given readers a page-turning tale of mystery with colorful characters in this second Jane Perry book. I can't wait to see what Jane will do next!
September 24, 2014
This is the second book in the Jane Perry series, and I liked it only marginally better than the first one, which is to say not much at all. Although, I was gratified that she had to work a little harder and think a little harder to find the killer in this book. (Spoiler Alert for the first book: how it took her until the last 20+ pages to figure out the real culprit in Protector, I will never understand. It was so obvious that it made me seriously consider if I wanted to read this book.)
The writing style seems a bit forced...as if the author is smashing you over the head with how tough Jane is. Her language is tough, her smoking is tough, her drinking is tough, her wardrobe is tough, her crappy childhood was tough, and like the honey badger, Jane don't give a crap. Although, she can wildly vacillate between tough guy and emotional meltdown in any give chapter or paragraph.
I probably would have liked Jane better if this had been written in the 1st person rather than the 3rd, because I would have been more inside her head and understanding how and why she thought and reacted certain ways.
I've got the 3rd one in the series, but frankly, I'm just tired of Jane and her toughness and don't feel like investing any more time and imagination in her adventures.
The writing style seems a bit forced...as if the author is smashing you over the head with how tough Jane is. Her language is tough, her smoking is tough, her drinking is tough, her wardrobe is tough, her crappy childhood was tough, and like the honey badger, Jane don't give a crap. Although, she can wildly vacillate between tough guy and emotional meltdown in any give chapter or paragraph.
I probably would have liked Jane better if this had been written in the 1st person rather than the 3rd, because I would have been more inside her head and understanding how and why she thought and reacted certain ways.
I've got the 3rd one in the series, but frankly, I'm just tired of Jane and her toughness and don't feel like investing any more time and imagination in her adventures.
February 28, 2011
Redemption by Laurel Dewey
This is a suspenseful private eye novel with a strong female protagonist.
Jane Perry’s tenacity is her greatest strength. I always like a book with a strong female protagonist. Of course in Jane’s case bull headed and stubborn might also apply. Her inability to accept those who want to help her appear to be her biggest fault.
The story bogged down for me when what appeared to be proselytization occurred. The spirituality and mysticism weren’t strong enough to categorize the book as fantasy or speculative but it seemed to pull it out of main stream literature’s path of normalcy. However when you are dealing with fictional psychopaths one does wonder what is normal.
I think the book and series starring Jane Perry will cultivate a strong following. I won’t be one of them. I just had a hard time staying with the story. The characters were colorful and the plot was intricate but it just didn’t grab my attention. I had a hard time reading it. That being said, I do think it will be a success, this is why there is chocolate and vanilla.
This is a suspenseful private eye novel with a strong female protagonist.
Jane Perry’s tenacity is her greatest strength. I always like a book with a strong female protagonist. Of course in Jane’s case bull headed and stubborn might also apply. Her inability to accept those who want to help her appear to be her biggest fault.
The story bogged down for me when what appeared to be proselytization occurred. The spirituality and mysticism weren’t strong enough to categorize the book as fantasy or speculative but it seemed to pull it out of main stream literature’s path of normalcy. However when you are dealing with fictional psychopaths one does wonder what is normal.
I think the book and series starring Jane Perry will cultivate a strong following. I won’t be one of them. I just had a hard time staying with the story. The characters were colorful and the plot was intricate but it just didn’t grab my attention. I had a hard time reading it. That being said, I do think it will be a success, this is why there is chocolate and vanilla.
January 16, 2016
Jane Perry has resigned from the police department and is trying to make a living as a private investigator. However, her past is rising to haunt her. Seeking comfort at an AA meeting, she meets a woman whose granddaughter was murdered many years ago. This woman discovers what Jane does for a living and asks Jane to drive with her from Colorado to California to find her granddaughter's killer whom she's convinced is still murdering people.
Jane is somewhat skeptical when she finds out that the lady is a New Age devotee but she's desperate for work. They head out on the road, gathering information about the killer, and themselves, along the way. Jane has had several incidents happen to her that border on the paranormal, but is a complete skeptic in that area. But as the road points to a fundamentalist church, belief and faith propel her towards her to a deadly confrontation.
I enjoyed this book because of the plot line of faith and paranormal events mixed with a murder mystery. I enjoy Laurel Dewey as a writer and look forward to her next book. I give this book and A+!
Jane is somewhat skeptical when she finds out that the lady is a New Age devotee but she's desperate for work. They head out on the road, gathering information about the killer, and themselves, along the way. Jane has had several incidents happen to her that border on the paranormal, but is a complete skeptic in that area. But as the road points to a fundamentalist church, belief and faith propel her towards her to a deadly confrontation.
I enjoyed this book because of the plot line of faith and paranormal events mixed with a murder mystery. I enjoy Laurel Dewey as a writer and look forward to her next book. I give this book and A+!
May 16, 2013
After reading the first in this series as a Free Fridays offering from B&N I purchased this book. That in itself speaks volumes about the respect I have for Laurel Dewey, since I have purchased very few books as I use the local library's collection of downloadables and read some of the free offerings from B&N. So take note, authors and B&N, giving away the first in a series does lead to sales. I will soon purchase #3 in the series.
The plot is fairly predictable, but I find the character studies the greatest draw with Ms. Dewey. This book definitely details the growth in the the main character, Jane Perry, but also examines the personalities of several other characters. Yes, this is a mystery/suspense book, but it is also a study of people and their struggles to come to grips with their pasts which are the backdrops for the present and future.
I suggest that readers start with the first book in the series, Protector, so that they can fully appreciate the struggles in Jane's personal life exhibited in this book.
The plot is fairly predictable, but I find the character studies the greatest draw with Ms. Dewey. This book definitely details the growth in the the main character, Jane Perry, but also examines the personalities of several other characters. Yes, this is a mystery/suspense book, but it is also a study of people and their struggles to come to grips with their pasts which are the backdrops for the present and future.
I suggest that readers start with the first book in the series, Protector, so that they can fully appreciate the struggles in Jane's personal life exhibited in this book.
April 3, 2011
Three Reasons Review (borrowed from: jennylovestoread.blogspot.com)
1.) Reasons you chose this book
* I like to read mysteries
* It sounded like an interesting book!
2.) Reasons you liked or disliked this book
* I liked the mystery when certain things kept coming up, like the snake stone and Eagle Road. It seemed like signs were coming up everywhere. I found this very interesting.
* Now I am a Christian, but the religious parts of this book just took away from the story for me. I really found myself skimming over those parts of the book.
* I had kind of a hard time staying in tune with the story.
3.) Reasons you are recommending this book
* I struggled with this book but visit Amazon and look at other reviews, because it really depends on what you like.
1.) Reasons you chose this book
* I like to read mysteries
* It sounded like an interesting book!
2.) Reasons you liked or disliked this book
* I liked the mystery when certain things kept coming up, like the snake stone and Eagle Road. It seemed like signs were coming up everywhere. I found this very interesting.
* Now I am a Christian, but the religious parts of this book just took away from the story for me. I really found myself skimming over those parts of the book.
* I had kind of a hard time staying in tune with the story.
3.) Reasons you are recommending this book
* I struggled with this book but visit Amazon and look at other reviews, because it really depends on what you like.
April 14, 2011
Jane Perry quit the police force and is now working as a private detective. But she has to deal with her personal demons which have led her to drink. Outside an AA meeting she meets Kit Clark who is convinced that a man named Lou Peters killed her grandchild and may be involved in the disappearance of another child. Off to California from Denver, Jane has to deal with a crazy cast of characters and a much more in hopes of located and saving this missing girl. This is the second Jane Perry novel in a series and although I have not tread the first (Protector), this one hold its own as it is a suspenseful and character driven story that leads to a powerful climax.
May 31, 2012
After powering through The Protector, I couldn’t wait to start Redemption.
Since I’m doing my reviews after reading the three books, I have to say, this was probably my least favorite of the three. It took longer to get in to, although once I did I was up until the early hours of the morning finishing it.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the plot. There wasn’t much of a mystery to solve and some parts were a little boring. It was great for character development, but really seemed just like a transition between books. That said, I’m comparing it to the other two.
Since I’m doing my reviews after reading the three books, I have to say, this was probably my least favorite of the three. It took longer to get in to, although once I did I was up until the early hours of the morning finishing it.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the plot. There wasn’t much of a mystery to solve and some parts were a little boring. It was great for character development, but really seemed just like a transition between books. That said, I’m comparing it to the other two.
September 21, 2011
The second book in the Jane Perry series and it's full of the wonderful, heart tugging and inspiring plot points that you just don't see in your usual mystery/thriller genre reads. Jane is evolving as a person which I think is superb, but she's also dealing with the trauma from her past that she's having a hard time shaking. The title of this book really says it all; everyone in this book is looking for Redemption and they all find it by the end. GREAT READ!!!
March 23, 2013
Gritty main character is female private investigator. She has recently retired from the police force and is trying to help an older woman prove an ex-con is guilty of a new kidnapping. I really enjoyed this book, as well as Protector, (same author, same gritty main character). I recommend it. However, if you are easily offended by foul language, " gritty" is a euphemism for " swears A LOT." The story is great, though!
June 11, 2014
Not a bad plot but very poorly edited.
The author needs a thesaurus and the help of a good editor .who is proficient in grammar and sentence construction. She had a pretty good story line and characters and even did a good job of motivating the changes in her characters but a lot of the narration was choppy and poorly constructed. The mistakes in grammar and the tense of verbs was annoying and distracting.
Not a book I'd read again or recommend.
The author needs a thesaurus and the help of a good editor .who is proficient in grammar and sentence construction. She had a pretty good story line and characters and even did a good job of motivating the changes in her characters but a lot of the narration was choppy and poorly constructed. The mistakes in grammar and the tense of verbs was annoying and distracting.
Not a book I'd read again or recommend.
November 13, 2011
Second book in the Jane Perry series. Laurel Dewey continued her great story telling ability in this follow on from Protector. Many twists and turns keep you turning the pages. As well as coming to a successful ending in this saga, Jane Perry deals with her problems and at last starts to come to terms with them. Thouroughly enjoyable read.
June 23, 2012
This author weaves a good, engaging story. While I didn't care for Jane, the main character at first in the first book, she has definitely grown on me. I like how the underlying story in both books is Jane's personal development and working through of issues that make her who she is as she tackles her investigative challenges. I will definitely read the third book in the series!
December 31, 2012
The second in a series about a conflicted police woman and her life outside the force. She has become a PI and while solving cases is also coming to terms with her upbringing and problems.
Good mystery with many twists and turns though the story is mostly about the "maturing" going on in Jane's life.
Good mystery with many twists and turns though the story is mostly about the "maturing" going on in Jane's life.
March 8, 2013
By the end of this the second book of the series, I have gone from disliking Jane, the main character, to really enjoying watching her develop. In the first book, I disliked so much, I nearly quit reading. Glad I did not. This is a great story with wonderful characters. A lot of cussing and soul searching. A bunch of offending all types of spirituality.
February 20, 2015
This is an entertaining and fast paced story. I really like that the main character, Jane, is shown to be human. She makes mistakes and (even though she frequently doesn't want or ask for it) the people in her life help pick her back up again. I'll be happily picking up the 3rd book in the series soon.
September 4, 2012
Jane Perry is a cop gone private detective. Kit comes to ask her help in finding an abducted girl and nailing the kidnapper who she is convinced abducted her niece and killed her. Starts slow but picks up at the end.
December 23, 2012
I enjoyed this book - lots of twists and turns and "who done its" however, it drug on a little too long for me and is therefore not one of my favorites. Laurel Dewy winds a clever mystery story though and it is a book worth the read!
December 27, 2012
3.5. I am enjoying this series... These books start out a little slow, but the main character is good and the story is a really quick read in the end. Some of the plot is predictable, but the ending was really good.
January 6, 2013
Still a good read, but not as good as her first book in the series. This was just a bit too slow paced and I had pegged the bad buy 2/3 the way thru. Sometimes, this is okay provided there are other surprises and secondary story lines, but not the case in this book.
April 6, 2011
Great follow-up to The Protector.....Kep them coming
August 24, 2011
Great book I couldn't put it down
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