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A Kane Novel #1
A Song for the Asking
"From Amazon bestselling author Steve Gannon, thrillers that will keep you up all night . . . but lock your doors and windows first!" From the drama of the High Sierra to the beaches of Malibu and the crime-filled streets of Los Angeles, "A Song for the Asking" tells the story of a family struck by tragedy . . . and of the courage each member must find to survive. Filled with candor, compassion, and humor, "A Song for the Asking" is a deeply moving novel that celebrates the enduring strength of the family spirit. "Rarely does a first novel come along that is both electrifying and unflinching in its portrayal of a family in turmoil. In an intense and poignant debut that brings to mind the powerful dramas of Pat Conroy, Steve Gannon tells a story that is quite unforgettable. Deeply moving, compelling, and filled with candor and compassion, "A Song for the Asking" is, in a word, remarkable, and signals the emergence of a major new talent" Bantam Editorial Review " . . . well-drawn, convincing characters" Kirkus Reviews "Gannon writes brilliantly of the high hopes and shattered dreams, the love, laughter, tears, and pain that make up the family experience. His wonderfully dense and complex characters and his provocative plot combine to produce a heartrending, heartrending novel. An impressive debut." Booklist What Readers Are Saying About Steve Gannon's novels “Steve Gannon is right up there with DeMille, Child, Baldacci, and Connelly’s Bosch. Settle in by the fire and enjoy.” ~ Jessie N. Bridges “Powerful . . . Gannon writes brilliantly of the love, laughter, and tears that make up the family experience.” ~ Booklist “I savored every word, my emotions soaring and plummeting in the hands of this talented author.” ~ Muddy Rose Reviews “Definitely one of my favorite authors over the past few years. Superb storyteller and writer.” ~ BrentW “There are only a few authors who keep me up all night to finish their story and Steve Gannon is now on my list.” ~ Keri “I read all the time - love Vince Flynn, Russell Blake, Robert Crais among the many incredible authors. Steve is right in there now that I'm reading the Kane series - please keep them coming.” ~ Nan L. Thompson Readers’ and Critics’ Praise For Steve Gannon “Stunned! Moved me more than words can say.” ~ Daniel “The Best! Steve Gannon again thrills, and just as with all his work, you won't be able to put this one down. So . . . feed the kids, and tell the husband or wife you’re busy, and read, read, read!” ~ Debra Vogel “Brilliant, moving, penetrating gem of a novel. At times I laughed out loud; at times I couldn't stop the tears - it was that moving. This book deserves an unquestioned five stars.” ~ Skye Hye “Exciting and emotionally gripping - highly recommended.” ~ Suncoast (Amazon Top 500 Reviewer) “One of my favorite series. I've laughed, gotten mad, and even cried through these books. Highly recommend.” ~ CV “Well-drawn, convincing characters . . .” ~ Kirkus Reviews “Hang on for the ride! This is the first book I have given 5 stars to in the last 75 books I've read.” ~ P.A. Dail “Another gem! Couldn't put it down” ~ Greg C “Intense and deeply emotional. What a rollercoaster ride!” ~ Arlene Adams “This novel has it all . . .
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1997
300 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
About the author
Steve Gannon
13 books39 followersI was a Navy brat, the oldest of four kids. My dad served as a captain in the US Navy, so our family moved around a lot—North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia. When my dad finally took a post at the Pentagon for the remainder of his career, we landed for good in Falls Church, Virginia.
After a high-school education under the not-so-gentle tutelage of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, I embarked for college one step ahead of a serious run-in with the Falls Church police—eventually completing my undergraduate education at Duke University and USC with a degree in physics. Following a stint as a systems engineer in the Southern California aerospace industry, I headed back to UCLA for graduate work, earning a DDS degree four years later. I passed the California Dental Board exam that summer and prepared to begin a new career.
At that point I think I had my first identity crisis. I liked school. Beat work. Plus it allowed me to put off deciding what I wanted to do with my life when I grew up. I had never really thought about the future much. I had just gone from day to day, surmounting one hurdle at a time. Now that I was finished with school, was this going to be it? Work?
Not that I don’t like work. I held down part-time jobs during most of my college years— retail sales in a bookstore, swing shift on a loading dock, nights as a bartender. Like that.
In retrospect, I think those jobs were as influential as my formal education in shaping who I am. I recall little of my advanced math courses (and by little I mean zero), and I haven’t practiced dentistry in years, but I do remember things I picked up working various jobs, things I have been able to use in my writing.
Anyway, I opened a dental office on the Westside of town and began my life as an adult. But not without a struggle. During the years I practiced dentistry in Brentwood (right down the street from where O.J. Simpson didn’t kill Nicole), I got my Screen Actors Guild card and “acted” in TV commercials, shamelessly promoting everything from luggage to beer. I also modeled in a worldwide print campaign for Camel cigarettes before “Joe Camel,” the famous R.J. Reynolds cartoon that more effectively targeted kids, took over the cigarette advertising reins. That job was fun. Except for the smoking.
And I wrote fiction. Lots of fiction. All kinds of fiction. Mostly short stories, but some longer pieces, too. Some even got published.
Upon retiring from dentistry in my mid-thirties, I spent a decade as a real-estate developer specializing in beachfront construction in Malibu. Homes for the stars. More recently I’ve served as executive director for an Idaho nonprofit that promotes classical music concerts and presents various educational programs. And I continue to write.
Okay, seems like a lot of careers for one guy, right? I agree. Bottom line, I guess I was always ready to take a chance on something new, which led me down a lot of unexpected paths. But one constant remained throughout, something that gave me a way to use all my experiences, both good and bad. Writing.
And in the end, that’s what I finally decided I wanted to do, even if I were to ever grow up . . . someday. I think it’s what I do best.
My first full novel, titled A Song for the Asking, was published to both critical and reader acclaim by Bantam Books. The book was inspired by the question: “Can a homicide detective who deals with the worst of human nature go home to a normal family life?” In doing the research for my fictional lead character, LAPD Detective Daniel Kane, I met some fascinating people, learned some unexpected things, and made some lifelong friends.
IMG_0206Since then I have continued the “Kane Novel” series, following with bestsellers Kane, a thriller, and Allison, a suspense tale told from the perspective of Kane’s only daughter, Allison. A fourth in the series, titled L.A. Sniper, is scheduled for release in 2014. Glow, a standalone novel that chronicles the e
After a high-school education under the not-so-gentle tutelage of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, I embarked for college one step ahead of a serious run-in with the Falls Church police—eventually completing my undergraduate education at Duke University and USC with a degree in physics. Following a stint as a systems engineer in the Southern California aerospace industry, I headed back to UCLA for graduate work, earning a DDS degree four years later. I passed the California Dental Board exam that summer and prepared to begin a new career.
At that point I think I had my first identity crisis. I liked school. Beat work. Plus it allowed me to put off deciding what I wanted to do with my life when I grew up. I had never really thought about the future much. I had just gone from day to day, surmounting one hurdle at a time. Now that I was finished with school, was this going to be it? Work?
Not that I don’t like work. I held down part-time jobs during most of my college years— retail sales in a bookstore, swing shift on a loading dock, nights as a bartender. Like that.
In retrospect, I think those jobs were as influential as my formal education in shaping who I am. I recall little of my advanced math courses (and by little I mean zero), and I haven’t practiced dentistry in years, but I do remember things I picked up working various jobs, things I have been able to use in my writing.
Anyway, I opened a dental office on the Westside of town and began my life as an adult. But not without a struggle. During the years I practiced dentistry in Brentwood (right down the street from where O.J. Simpson didn’t kill Nicole), I got my Screen Actors Guild card and “acted” in TV commercials, shamelessly promoting everything from luggage to beer. I also modeled in a worldwide print campaign for Camel cigarettes before “Joe Camel,” the famous R.J. Reynolds cartoon that more effectively targeted kids, took over the cigarette advertising reins. That job was fun. Except for the smoking.
And I wrote fiction. Lots of fiction. All kinds of fiction. Mostly short stories, but some longer pieces, too. Some even got published.
Upon retiring from dentistry in my mid-thirties, I spent a decade as a real-estate developer specializing in beachfront construction in Malibu. Homes for the stars. More recently I’ve served as executive director for an Idaho nonprofit that promotes classical music concerts and presents various educational programs. And I continue to write.
Okay, seems like a lot of careers for one guy, right? I agree. Bottom line, I guess I was always ready to take a chance on something new, which led me down a lot of unexpected paths. But one constant remained throughout, something that gave me a way to use all my experiences, both good and bad. Writing.
And in the end, that’s what I finally decided I wanted to do, even if I were to ever grow up . . . someday. I think it’s what I do best.
My first full novel, titled A Song for the Asking, was published to both critical and reader acclaim by Bantam Books. The book was inspired by the question: “Can a homicide detective who deals with the worst of human nature go home to a normal family life?” In doing the research for my fictional lead character, LAPD Detective Daniel Kane, I met some fascinating people, learned some unexpected things, and made some lifelong friends.
IMG_0206Since then I have continued the “Kane Novel” series, following with bestsellers Kane, a thriller, and Allison, a suspense tale told from the perspective of Kane’s only daughter, Allison. A fourth in the series, titled L.A. Sniper, is scheduled for release in 2014. Glow, a standalone novel that chronicles the e
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 20, 2015
I only read 27% of it before I deleted it from my Kindle. I just couldn't figure out where the story was going. It went from a long, drawn-out description of a rock-climbing incident (boring) to the dad being on a stakeout which led to a couple of murders to the wife auditioning for an orchestra to the dad missing out on his son's birthday party and giving another son shit for not wanting to pick a career other than music.
My head started to spin and I found myself skimming through alot of pages. That's when I knew to just end it. I was never going to finish it and life is too short to waste time on a bad book.
My head started to spin and I found myself skimming through alot of pages. That's when I knew to just end it. I was never going to finish it and life is too short to waste time on a bad book.
August 6, 2013
As I sit here trying to pen a review for Gannon's A Song for the Asking, I find myself struggling. Reading through the book, my anticipated star rating jumped from 2 to 3, to 5 to 4 in one sitting.
Rather than explain discretely I will simply provide a SPOILER RIDDEN response to the text.
In the beginning Gannon introduces Travis and Thomas (Tommy) Kane, using the age old technique of having main characters discuss their deep emotional issues, and summarize their entire characters in a few pages of dialogue we find out Tommy and Travis have daddy issues (1 star)
Then they embark on an actually quite tense climb (3 stars) that abruptly cuts out and we go back in time a few months (1 star again)
The story then introduces Kane himself (the daddy causing the issues) and the rest of the family. At this point I would describe this book as an Alex Cross novel with the balance of focus on family rather than police procedure. Although Gannon still finds time to have Kane leaping through windows and blasting ethnic bad-guys while getting gip from his superiors.
We also find out about Kane's ridiculous parenting skills, Travis' struggle with musicianship, and Kane's wife's inability to recognize a drunken terrible father when she is written in next to one.
The first 1-2 parts of the novel are in themselves completely bizarre. While Kane is presented as being a total prick to his family the story didn't really gel as to what the central plot was - were we meant to attach to Kane and hope he redeemed himself? Or busted a criminal bad-guy, or maybe we are supposed to feel for his children (and essentially hope Kane gets run over by a bus.) I assumed that Gannon was attempted to make us empathize with each character, however the effort came across too shallow, and his style left me worried that Gannon actually supported Kane's approach.
Anyway MAJOR SPOILERS FROM NOW the book plods along reading like an awkward confessional autobiography when abruptly shit gets terrible. Kane's daughter Allison is brutally raped by intruders, and Nate the youngest boy witnesses it and slaughters the crims with his dads firearm (none of this is revealed to anyone else in the plot, except slightly Travis) This scene of any in the book is horrifying well written, and while reading I found myself mesmerized with tension and disgust (5 stars).
Disturbingly this is the peak of the book. Despite being the most tense scene, the book then revolves around Travis and Tommy (3 stars), and how their climbing trip ends in disaster, which simultaneously gives Travis the emotional depth to succeed at music, but causes Kane to plunge into a drunken spiral resulting in him assaulting his entire family (4 stars for guts).
SOMEHOW from this Travis and Kane make-up and it is implied Kane is not ostracized from the family (WTF 1 star)
I hope this rant has somehow clarified my struggle to rate this book, on the one hand it was surprising and tragic, on the other it was weirdly plotted and stupidly feel good in conclusion.
Ultimately I guess pretty darn good for a selfie (although a few word substitutions in there [microsoft word doesn't pick those up so well])
Rather than explain discretely I will simply provide a SPOILER RIDDEN response to the text.
In the beginning Gannon introduces Travis and Thomas (Tommy) Kane, using the age old technique of having main characters discuss their deep emotional issues, and summarize their entire characters in a few pages of dialogue we find out Tommy and Travis have daddy issues (1 star)
Then they embark on an actually quite tense climb (3 stars) that abruptly cuts out and we go back in time a few months (1 star again)
The story then introduces Kane himself (the daddy causing the issues) and the rest of the family. At this point I would describe this book as an Alex Cross novel with the balance of focus on family rather than police procedure. Although Gannon still finds time to have Kane leaping through windows and blasting ethnic bad-guys while getting gip from his superiors.
We also find out about Kane's ridiculous parenting skills, Travis' struggle with musicianship, and Kane's wife's inability to recognize a drunken terrible father when she is written in next to one.
The first 1-2 parts of the novel are in themselves completely bizarre. While Kane is presented as being a total prick to his family the story didn't really gel as to what the central plot was - were we meant to attach to Kane and hope he redeemed himself? Or busted a criminal bad-guy, or maybe we are supposed to feel for his children (and essentially hope Kane gets run over by a bus.) I assumed that Gannon was attempted to make us empathize with each character, however the effort came across too shallow, and his style left me worried that Gannon actually supported Kane's approach.
Anyway MAJOR SPOILERS FROM NOW the book plods along reading like an awkward confessional autobiography when abruptly shit gets terrible. Kane's daughter Allison is brutally raped by intruders, and Nate the youngest boy witnesses it and slaughters the crims with his dads firearm (none of this is revealed to anyone else in the plot, except slightly Travis) This scene of any in the book is horrifying well written, and while reading I found myself mesmerized with tension and disgust (5 stars).
Disturbingly this is the peak of the book. Despite being the most tense scene, the book then revolves around Travis and Tommy (3 stars), and how their climbing trip ends in disaster, which simultaneously gives Travis the emotional depth to succeed at music, but causes Kane to plunge into a drunken spiral resulting in him assaulting his entire family (4 stars for guts).
SOMEHOW from this Travis and Kane make-up and it is implied Kane is not ostracized from the family (WTF 1 star)
I hope this rant has somehow clarified my struggle to rate this book, on the one hand it was surprising and tragic, on the other it was weirdly plotted and stupidly feel good in conclusion.
Ultimately I guess pretty darn good for a selfie (although a few word substitutions in there [microsoft word doesn't pick those up so well])
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2017
Dan Kane is the self-proclaimed "king of his castle" - his beachfront California home - and rules his subjects with a loving but undisputed will. His wife, Cathryn fears him; as do his four children, Tommy, Travis, Allison and Nate. Hardened by his years in law enforcement, he is determined to toughen his children up in order to prepare them to face a violent and unforgiving world. This leads to each member of the family paying both a physical and psychic price for Dan's unwitting cruelty towards them.
Catheryn, who loves her husband, must defend her children against him. Tommy, the oldest child, suffers the most for being his father's "chosen one". Favored for his physical strength and football prowess, Tommy, meets with tragedy for defying Dan's authority. Allison, the only girl and a budding writer, abandons all hope of ever gaining her father's approval and so is deprived of his protection. Nate, the baby at only nine years old must keep a terrible secret or risk his father's wrath. And Travis, the second son, must suffer his father's ridicule for his love of music and other such "weak" pursuits until he finally has to stand up and face down the father he loves dearly but has grown to hate.
This is actually a re-read for me. I don't actually remember when I read this book for the first time, but I was delighted to learn that not only is Steve Gannon still writing, but that his second book Kane can either be bought in Kindle format or as a paperback. I am definitely reserving my copy today! :) I give this book an A+! and am currently also placing Glow on my wishlist as well.
Catheryn, who loves her husband, must defend her children against him. Tommy, the oldest child, suffers the most for being his father's "chosen one". Favored for his physical strength and football prowess, Tommy, meets with tragedy for defying Dan's authority. Allison, the only girl and a budding writer, abandons all hope of ever gaining her father's approval and so is deprived of his protection. Nate, the baby at only nine years old must keep a terrible secret or risk his father's wrath. And Travis, the second son, must suffer his father's ridicule for his love of music and other such "weak" pursuits until he finally has to stand up and face down the father he loves dearly but has grown to hate.
This is actually a re-read for me. I don't actually remember when I read this book for the first time, but I was delighted to learn that not only is Steve Gannon still writing, but that his second book Kane can either be bought in Kindle format or as a paperback. I am definitely reserving my copy today! :) I give this book an A+! and am currently also placing Glow on my wishlist as well.
April 13, 2014
Tough scoring this one low as I didn't like it but he didn't make any mistakes ! Right at the start I got a bit bogged down as it was describing a mountain climb and I've no interest in this at all so sort of switched off at this.
Then I really disliked the character of Allison and I was aware another in this series is all about her so that gave me pause for thought. I didn't like Kane himself very much, either. The fact he didn't attend his youngest's birthday party sort of finished him for me.
It seemed to be a little too descriptive for me. I finally gave in when they were all taking a car journey reading "...with occasional pockets of larkspur, columbine and thistle nestling".....for me I just needed to get to WHERE they were headed. I always get bogged down by too much description.
So it just wasn't for me but I must impress again NOT A SINGLE MISTAKE by the time I gave up at 17% which is exemplary !!
Then I really disliked the character of Allison and I was aware another in this series is all about her so that gave me pause for thought. I didn't like Kane himself very much, either. The fact he didn't attend his youngest's birthday party sort of finished him for me.
It seemed to be a little too descriptive for me. I finally gave in when they were all taking a car journey reading "...with occasional pockets of larkspur, columbine and thistle nestling".....for me I just needed to get to WHERE they were headed. I always get bogged down by too much description.
So it just wasn't for me but I must impress again NOT A SINGLE MISTAKE by the time I gave up at 17% which is exemplary !!
May 20, 2013
Wow - if this is a first novel, keep them coming!
First of all - this is listed as a Young Adult book. I would NOT consider this to be anything but a book for adults or possibly very mature older teenagers. This is an excellent book, depicting life in a dysfunctional family led by an alcoholic, controlling despot of a father. I found it hard to believe that this was Steve Gannon's first book. The writing was clear, concise, evocative. The characters were exceptionally well drawn. Yes, there were some weak areas but the overall power of the book steamrolled right over the weak areas for me. The book made me cry, scream and cheer - not bad for a first time author.
Two more books are out in this series now - "Kane" and "Allison" and I am excited to read them both.
WARNING: offensive language; very graphic rape scene; physical, verbal and emotional abuse scenes.
First of all - this is listed as a Young Adult book. I would NOT consider this to be anything but a book for adults or possibly very mature older teenagers. This is an excellent book, depicting life in a dysfunctional family led by an alcoholic, controlling despot of a father. I found it hard to believe that this was Steve Gannon's first book. The writing was clear, concise, evocative. The characters were exceptionally well drawn. Yes, there were some weak areas but the overall power of the book steamrolled right over the weak areas for me. The book made me cry, scream and cheer - not bad for a first time author.
Two more books are out in this series now - "Kane" and "Allison" and I am excited to read them both.
WARNING: offensive language; very graphic rape scene; physical, verbal and emotional abuse scenes.
April 1, 2012
A first novel, and overwritten in the way some first novels are. (Put the thesaurus down and just right a good story!) The plot is overblown. The characters are not very likeable. Kane, the father, is abusive. The sensitive side of his character is brought out too little and too late for me. I only finished this book because I felt I had to. It's not the worst book I read, but it's far from the best.
May 5, 2013
I almost didn't read this book. I knew it was going to be a tough read and I wasn't wrong. It's about a family that is unable (in their minds) to meet the high expectations of their father, leaving them each holding inside sometimes terrible secrets. I wasn't expecting it to be as emotional as it was - it was an extremely well-written book.
July 29, 2013
I don't often write a review but this time I had to. A depth of characterisation I can't recall finding in a debut book often before, a story line which kept me gripped. Couldn't have rated it higher.
August 12, 2014
Steve Gannon creates terrific characters. Each person in the story, "A Song for the Asking" is so deeply created, I feel like I know them. I worry about them. Some I hated and then accepted. Good story, recommend this book highly.
August 9, 2013
Kind of a cliffhanger...literally. Made me cry and want to reach out and touch some members of the family; wanted to beat others!
July 19, 2025
Ok
The Main Character is a Jerk. He Treats his Children like they are Boot Camp Recruits.
A lot of the Story involving the kids is Unrealistic and plain Bad.
For Example his oldest Son has a College Football Scholarship and he is Still at home for the Summer.... NO if he is on Scholarship with the University of Arizona he would be at the University Not at Home.
The Football team has Rookie Camp, Spring and Summer Football. Especially as a Rookie on Scholarship he would go Directly from High School to the Arizona Football Team. He is Not getting the Summer off he will be in their Conditioning, Weight Lifting Program. In fact most Football Players take Summer College Courses to take the Pressure off the classes they will need to do during the Football playing season.
My point is he didn't do very good research on this Book.
I have a hard time reading Books when the Main Character is Obnoxious.
I expect a lot of people will Ignore the Flaws in this Book and enjoy it. Personally I couldn't enjoy it.
The Main Character is a Jerk. He Treats his Children like they are Boot Camp Recruits.
A lot of the Story involving the kids is Unrealistic and plain Bad.
For Example his oldest Son has a College Football Scholarship and he is Still at home for the Summer.... NO if he is on Scholarship with the University of Arizona he would be at the University Not at Home.
The Football team has Rookie Camp, Spring and Summer Football. Especially as a Rookie on Scholarship he would go Directly from High School to the Arizona Football Team. He is Not getting the Summer off he will be in their Conditioning, Weight Lifting Program. In fact most Football Players take Summer College Courses to take the Pressure off the classes they will need to do during the Football playing season.
My point is he didn't do very good research on this Book.
I have a hard time reading Books when the Main Character is Obnoxious.
I expect a lot of people will Ignore the Flaws in this Book and enjoy it. Personally I couldn't enjoy it.
November 19, 2017
This is a definite 5 star book. This follows the dynamics of a family that is interesting from the first page. The father is a cop, an extremely strict disciplinarian, the mother is a concert pianist and they are raising four children. You'll find that you recognize many characteristics in this families' ups and downs - and the brutal criticism of the son who wants to be a pianist also, while of course the 18 year old son is the 'golden boy' who has received a football scholarship.
This is not just another family story. This one is a page turner, emotional, and every single character in the book is extremely interesting. This is the first of a series (I think of 3 books) and I look forward to reading the next ones also.
This is not just another family story. This one is a page turner, emotional, and every single character in the book is extremely interesting. This is the first of a series (I think of 3 books) and I look forward to reading the next ones also.
April 7, 2022
Detective Daniel Kane is the father of 4 and rules the family with an iron hand and it creates problems with hi kids and his wife as well when his ideas of what they should be doing cause dissension in the family. Mixed with his work where his is a no nonsense officer prone to come on overly strong on his arrestees his family dynamics lead to a breakdown as he becomes violent with the family after his oldest son is killed in a climbing accident.
October 8, 2022
I couldn't help feeling that this was a family in dire need of professional intervention. The father has a serious alcohol problem and is abusive to his wife and family. The poor daughter was raped by a thief and never got treated medically for it. Everything seemed to get swept under a rug and not dealt with.
I think the author tries to indicate that they were working things out, but to me, the book ends with many serious unresolved issues
I think the author tries to indicate that they were working things out, but to me, the book ends with many serious unresolved issues
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2022
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Rape of teenage girl
Murder
Domestic Violence
Narcissistic Abuse
The storyline was good overall. The Hero was a narcissistic abuser. This story should have come with trigger warnings. It took me a while to get through it. I would have to put the book down every time I would get to a part where the narcissistic jerk would bully and/or abuse his family members. Yet, he’s the hero? I won’t read anymore of this series.
Rape of teenage girl
Murder
Domestic Violence
Narcissistic Abuse
The storyline was good overall. The Hero was a narcissistic abuser. This story should have come with trigger warnings. It took me a while to get through it. I would have to put the book down every time I would get to a part where the narcissistic jerk would bully and/or abuse his family members. Yet, he’s the hero? I won’t read anymore of this series.
July 22, 2023
Pretty great depth of character as each of the family members are analyzed. Also, good stuff regarding descriptions like the phosphorescent ocean, the parts of classical music and the details on mountain climbing. The relationships between Arnie, Kane and other cops. But… I also found parts tediously detailed, like Arnies retirement party scene. All in all, a bit sophomoric, though entertaining.
December 27, 2020
Fabulous read
I didn’t so much like it starting out, but the farther I got the more intense the story became. By the end, I considered it one of the better books I’ve read. Very gripping, very intense. Truly a song.
I didn’t so much like it starting out, but the farther I got the more intense the story became. By the end, I considered it one of the better books I’ve read. Very gripping, very intense. Truly a song.
February 3, 2021
Love
What's beautiful story in many ways it catch your heart and your tears so beautifully written about love family and trials and tribulations . what a tender and loving heart the Author Steve Gannon must have.
What's beautiful story in many ways it catch your heart and your tears so beautifully written about love family and trials and tribulations . what a tender and loving heart the Author Steve Gannon must have.
September 7, 2024
Dan Kane may be a good cop but he is a truly horrible human being, father and husband. I cringed every time there was a scene at the Kane family home. I had to check when it was written as it seemed like something from the 70s.
May 15, 2017
BRAVOS
Starts slowly ,builds towards a exciting middle and ends satisfyingly, much like a good classical piece of music being heard and felt.
Starts slowly ,builds towards a exciting middle and ends satisfyingly, much like a good classical piece of music being heard and felt.
June 1, 2017
Great Charactors
This was a very good introduction to the Kane family. I look forward to reading about their interactions with each other and others who cross their path.
This was a very good introduction to the Kane family. I look forward to reading about their interactions with each other and others who cross their path.
April 16, 2018
Deep deep book. Couldn't put it down.
Truly a book worth reading. Twists and turns that I never saw coming. Can't wait to start the next one. Be prepared to lose sleep.
Truly a book worth reading. Twists and turns that I never saw coming. Can't wait to start the next one. Be prepared to lose sleep.
August 31, 2019
This is the first book of the Kane series. I read them out of order and it cleared up the questions I had after reading Kane
October 1, 2019
Excellent
These are good books. There so full of emotion. I love the characters. There’s a lot of action and I’m excited to read the next one.
These are good books. There so full of emotion. I love the characters. There’s a lot of action and I’m excited to read the next one.
December 29, 2019
This story was too long and it was a struggle to finish it. In a word, boring. I don't understand why the rating is so high. Fake reviews?
October 27, 2021
An Adult’s Birth
In a deeply flawed family, demons exist and remain to be excised. Each family member faces their own limitations until …
In a deeply flawed family, demons exist and remain to be excised. Each family member faces their own limitations until …
October 13, 2022
not my cup of tea - dysfunctional family in a disjointed story that seemed to end without an ending.
January 28, 2018
Lots of moving parts that never really came together other than Kane is a bully with a badge. I already have a copy of the next book in the series so lets see if can redeem this one.
June 28, 2020
Read it in one sitting. Could not put it down. Needed to know how it all turned out.
July 7, 2010
I really enjoyed this book....cops & music, what a perfect combination in a novel for me! This story follows the Kane family during one tumultuous summer. The patriarch, Daniel, is a hard-ass LA Homicide Detective who rules his home with an iron thumb. His unlikely wife, Catherine, is a concert cellist (how the college football jock & musician hooked up wasn't really ever explained). They have four children. Tommy is the oldest, he's just graduated high school & is preparing to attend Arizona State on a football scholarship & is the apple of his Dad's eye. Travis is 16 and is an amazing pianist. Allison is the 15 year old budding writer (she gets her first story published during this fateful summer). And Nate, is the 9 year old who is trying to find his own place in this rocky family.
Daniel is a control freak -- at work & at home with his wife & kids. He thinks music is for pansies, and really doesn't seem to care that Allison gets a short story published in a national magazine at the tender age of 15. All his children should live up to the amazing Tommy. We do get to see Dan's soft-side with their old dog, Tar, who used to be Daniel's hunting buddy(we go back in history a bit with these two). Gannon uses Tar to really show that Daniel isn't all bad, but puts up a hard façade when around other people. Catherine is, for the most part, a very strong female. While she doesn't stand up to Dan every time, for the most part she holds her own and defends her children against his constant criticism & ridicule.
Part one of the book concentrates on building all the characters. In Part Two and awful act jeopardizes this family & bonds the younger two siblings in a way that will last forever. Part three concludes the short prologue and should bring softer readers to tears, not necessarily with the resolution, but with how it affects Dan & ultimately how he treats his family when dealing with this life-altering tragedy.
This is an amazing novel -- especially considering it is Gannon's first (and unfortunately as of summer 2010, his only!) book. While it doesn't go into Daniel's past to explain why he is such a jerk, I don't think it is really necessary for this novel to be a success. Some people are the way the are, just because that is them! It isn't the result of being beaten by your dad (though it wouldn't surprise me in Dan's case). I found that the dialogue flowed quite nicely as well (with the constant sibling banter). I also thought the story followed each of the characters very well so that this book wasn't over-shadowed by the high profile kidnapping case that Dan is investigating.
Overall I really enjoyed this book!
Daniel is a control freak -- at work & at home with his wife & kids. He thinks music is for pansies, and really doesn't seem to care that Allison gets a short story published in a national magazine at the tender age of 15. All his children should live up to the amazing Tommy. We do get to see Dan's soft-side with their old dog, Tar, who used to be Daniel's hunting buddy(we go back in history a bit with these two). Gannon uses Tar to really show that Daniel isn't all bad, but puts up a hard façade when around other people. Catherine is, for the most part, a very strong female. While she doesn't stand up to Dan every time, for the most part she holds her own and defends her children against his constant criticism & ridicule.
Part one of the book concentrates on building all the characters. In Part Two and awful act jeopardizes this family & bonds the younger two siblings in a way that will last forever. Part three concludes the short prologue and should bring softer readers to tears, not necessarily with the resolution, but with how it affects Dan & ultimately how he treats his family when dealing with this life-altering tragedy.
This is an amazing novel -- especially considering it is Gannon's first (and unfortunately as of summer 2010, his only!) book. While it doesn't go into Daniel's past to explain why he is such a jerk, I don't think it is really necessary for this novel to be a success. Some people are the way the are, just because that is them! It isn't the result of being beaten by your dad (though it wouldn't surprise me in Dan's case). I found that the dialogue flowed quite nicely as well (with the constant sibling banter). I also thought the story followed each of the characters very well so that this book wasn't over-shadowed by the high profile kidnapping case that Dan is investigating.
Overall I really enjoyed this book!
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