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Inner Space #1
Inner Space
How well do you know your best friend? How would you react if he was suddenly arrested for murder? At 45 years of age with a broken, childless marriage behind him, Detective Inspector Nick Burton is just coasting through life. That is until the day his boss, Chief Superintendent Dan Davies, is arrested and charged with murder. In denial Nick's attempts to get at the truth are further hampered when Dan dies while in custody. Question did he commit suicide to avoid prosecution and imprisonment? Or was he murdered to prevent a scandal?
- GenresParanormal
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 27, 2013
What I liked about it:
the story did a complete 180 and turned into a paranormal book from a murder mystery
the humor
that the tough cop (Nick) also had a softer side
the pacing of the story-it was just right.
What I didn’t like:
insta-love (especially in Nick's case)
that there was very little about the comatose "bad guy"-at least, I needed more justification for the murder than what we were given in the book.
the ending and the big reveal-everything was wrapped up too neatly & the media would never be satisfied that easily, if a high ranking officer committed suicide while under police custody.
A murder mystery & out-of-body experience, you don't wanna miss this one!
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2018
I wasn't sure what I was getting with this book...the prologue was creepy...witnessing a paralyzed, mute guy being murdered but there was more to this guy. Then learning the murderer is a chief inspector of police...hmmm. Inspector Nick Burton is horrified that his best friend & chief, Dan Davies, has not only been arrested for murder, but has confessed. He is unable to see his friend that day and then the next day..wham! his friend is dead. Nick refuses to leave the investigation alone and begins his own. He learns that Dan was involved in an experiment, led by university professor who believes that the mind can manipulate the body. This professor has been known to use his mind to levitate or move objects. One of the professor's assistants, and a new love interest for Nick, explains the the experiment but it is still mind boggling. The more that Nick delves into this experiment, the more bizarre it appears. Running parallel to his private investigation, Nick is leading a task force to take down a local crime family that leaves his new love ultra concerned for his safety. The book is fast paced and the ending will leave you gasping because there is a HUUUUUGE plot twist. Well played Mr. Author, well played...lol
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 20, 2018
The first part of this book is similar to any crime novel you might think to read. but only at the beginning. It soon changes into something creative complex and well thought out. I was impressed with the amount of planning it must have taken to pull this off, there are so many things in to connect with one another and it all comes together to create a truly interesting plot.
The characters are realistic and come alive on the page. As the book progresses I feel what the main character feels. It didn't take long for me to be emotionally invested in the outcome of the book, I felt as though it was me going through this experience rather than reading about someone else going through the experience.
The narration was well paced and had a natural flow to it. The voices for the characters are all easy to recognize, the only thing I didn't like was that the female voices were just a bit off for me.
Overall it was a great book to listen to and I'll be looking for more books from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
The characters are realistic and come alive on the page. As the book progresses I feel what the main character feels. It didn't take long for me to be emotionally invested in the outcome of the book, I felt as though it was me going through this experience rather than reading about someone else going through the experience.
The narration was well paced and had a natural flow to it. The voices for the characters are all easy to recognize, the only thing I didn't like was that the female voices were just a bit off for me.
Overall it was a great book to listen to and I'll be looking for more books from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
September 12, 2018
Interesting story with a good plot and it draws you in and you like the main character and wonder about the victim. So, if and when you get a chance pick up a copy and enjoy. You'll even like the audio if you get a chance to listen.
July 31, 2020
Quite a clever plot. Old fashioned police procedural meets old fashioned science fiction.
June 6, 2012
Recently, in one of my writing groups I became acquainted with a man who writes Sci-Fi books. I was a Sci-Fi Fan before any of the Star Trek series came into existence, and so naturally I was curious to know what kind of Sci-Fi books he wrote. Being a writer myself, and although at the moment, waiting on my first book to be published, I tend to be very critical of writers, because many of today's writers do not tend to develop well thought out plans that would bring a reader into an alternative world, where he or she loses him or herself and relaxes.
Thus, it was with great curiosity that I ordered the book, Inner Space, Book One, by Merlin Fraser. I had no idea what to expect! I am a voracious reader and can read in many genres, both non-fiction and fiction. Having attended the university, one of the first things, I learned was to speed read, and I had decided to speed through the book quickly. However, if a book is exciting and draws me into an alternative world quickly, I forget speed reading, and sit back and relax, and enjoy the world I have been invited to enter into. That is what happened yesterday, upon the delivery of the book, Inner Space. I had decided to read one chapter to get a feel for the the book and its theme, instead, before I knew it I had read two chapters and was half-way through the third. The book is well written, and it lured me to come in and find out what was going on in the inner spaces of the mind.
Mind traveling, a scientific topic, that has been haunting scientists, since before the time of Galileo, and Fraser presents his case for mind traveling, and wraps it up within this story excellently. What drew me into his world was the way he wrote it. The supposedly dumb cop, the hero and the smart heroine, who knows everything about inner space travel and leaving the body, and yet, she knows very little about the inner strivings of a cop, who is determined to get at the bottom of what happened to his boss and beloved friend. I sat there walking with this guy, feeling his confusion, and urging him to keep at it, especially when he had his confrontation with Superintendent Joy! Wow, "Let her have it," I said.
The book also has humour in it. I laughed at the term 'morning prayers' and cracked up as the hero met the little old lady that lived beneath him. I liked the way he observed her getting ready to go into her "full old lady mode". That was so refreshing, and I laughed until I had wet eyes. There is a dry and sometimes sarcastic humour in the book, that I appreciated.
Finally, I am not one who stops to read a book, if I don't have it on my schedule. I may look at the first chapter, but then I continue on with what I was doing. That was not the case with this book. It captured me and demanded my attention.
I can only recommend it with the highest praise. You may ask if I plan to read the other two in the series, and I can only say, without a shadow of doubt, Yes! It is excellent reading and will challenge the way you think and see things, and that is the purpose of a good Sci-Fi novel. It forces you to stretch your mind and see beyond the known into the unknown, if only for a little while.
Ciao,
Pat Garcia
Thus, it was with great curiosity that I ordered the book, Inner Space, Book One, by Merlin Fraser. I had no idea what to expect! I am a voracious reader and can read in many genres, both non-fiction and fiction. Having attended the university, one of the first things, I learned was to speed read, and I had decided to speed through the book quickly. However, if a book is exciting and draws me into an alternative world quickly, I forget speed reading, and sit back and relax, and enjoy the world I have been invited to enter into. That is what happened yesterday, upon the delivery of the book, Inner Space. I had decided to read one chapter to get a feel for the the book and its theme, instead, before I knew it I had read two chapters and was half-way through the third. The book is well written, and it lured me to come in and find out what was going on in the inner spaces of the mind.
Mind traveling, a scientific topic, that has been haunting scientists, since before the time of Galileo, and Fraser presents his case for mind traveling, and wraps it up within this story excellently. What drew me into his world was the way he wrote it. The supposedly dumb cop, the hero and the smart heroine, who knows everything about inner space travel and leaving the body, and yet, she knows very little about the inner strivings of a cop, who is determined to get at the bottom of what happened to his boss and beloved friend. I sat there walking with this guy, feeling his confusion, and urging him to keep at it, especially when he had his confrontation with Superintendent Joy! Wow, "Let her have it," I said.
The book also has humour in it. I laughed at the term 'morning prayers' and cracked up as the hero met the little old lady that lived beneath him. I liked the way he observed her getting ready to go into her "full old lady mode". That was so refreshing, and I laughed until I had wet eyes. There is a dry and sometimes sarcastic humour in the book, that I appreciated.
Finally, I am not one who stops to read a book, if I don't have it on my schedule. I may look at the first chapter, but then I continue on with what I was doing. That was not the case with this book. It captured me and demanded my attention.
I can only recommend it with the highest praise. You may ask if I plan to read the other two in the series, and I can only say, without a shadow of doubt, Yes! It is excellent reading and will challenge the way you think and see things, and that is the purpose of a good Sci-Fi novel. It forces you to stretch your mind and see beyond the known into the unknown, if only for a little while.
Ciao,
Pat Garcia
July 23, 2011
Inner Space – Book 1 by Merlin Fraser
This first book of this trilogy by Merlin Fraser is, in a word, fascinating. Combining elements of several genres, it makes for a captivating and perfectly paced read from beginning to end.
Mr. Fraser has done a suburb job creating characters that are believable and richly detailed. It is easy to identify with all of them – good and bad and the supporting cast is treated with equal dignity and care.
These are people with whom I connected immediately. Mr. Fraser is not afraid to let his characters show how human they are both in their flaws and in their strength. The story and the characters form a perfectly matched set. The scenes, settings, narrative, humor, passion and dialogue are all absolutely realistic.
Finding a favorite part of the book or a favorite character was impossible for me – I loved them all. I honestly can’t think of a thing I would change.
No matter if your tastes run to mysteries, procedurals, paranormal action adventure novels, thrillers or romances or if you just enjoy a good story well told – this is the book for you.
Mr. Fraser touches each of those genres with a deft hand. Inner Space Book One is a book I highly recommend. I can’t wait to dig into Book Two in this series. Let’s see if Merlin Fraser can deliver in Inner Space Book Two – The Reluctant Nemesis what he generously served in Book One.
This first book of this trilogy by Merlin Fraser is, in a word, fascinating. Combining elements of several genres, it makes for a captivating and perfectly paced read from beginning to end.
Mr. Fraser has done a suburb job creating characters that are believable and richly detailed. It is easy to identify with all of them – good and bad and the supporting cast is treated with equal dignity and care.
These are people with whom I connected immediately. Mr. Fraser is not afraid to let his characters show how human they are both in their flaws and in their strength. The story and the characters form a perfectly matched set. The scenes, settings, narrative, humor, passion and dialogue are all absolutely realistic.
Finding a favorite part of the book or a favorite character was impossible for me – I loved them all. I honestly can’t think of a thing I would change.
No matter if your tastes run to mysteries, procedurals, paranormal action adventure novels, thrillers or romances or if you just enjoy a good story well told – this is the book for you.
Mr. Fraser touches each of those genres with a deft hand. Inner Space Book One is a book I highly recommend. I can’t wait to dig into Book Two in this series. Let’s see if Merlin Fraser can deliver in Inner Space Book Two – The Reluctant Nemesis what he generously served in Book One.
April 3, 2016
I wasn't quite certain what I was going to find in Inner Space Book 1 by the title, although after reading the description I was prepared for a crime mystery, with a difference. What I wasn't prepared for was just how intriguing and thought-provoking that `difference' would be, in this captivating story.
Inner Space would easily appeal to several genres. There is the crime mystery itself skilfully written and tailored with totally believable, true-to-life characters. There is the expertly crafted romantic element intertwined perfectly with the story-line. And there is the paranormal aspect which also makes this book at the top of the list for must-read reading, especially if you like to explore possibilities which may take you out of your comfort zone.
It's impossible to equate Inner Space to any other crime mystery style I have ever read; it is so deliciously, refreshingly, different, although authors Agatha Christie and Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch) came fleetingly to mind, from my reading experiences. I found it extremely difficult to put this book down, and it was made all that much more difficult because there were no unnecessary blocks of description which served to sway me from continuing.
Inner Space Book 1 comes highly recommended, and I can't wait to read the remaining two books in the trilogy.
Jan Reid - J M Lennox
Inner Space would easily appeal to several genres. There is the crime mystery itself skilfully written and tailored with totally believable, true-to-life characters. There is the expertly crafted romantic element intertwined perfectly with the story-line. And there is the paranormal aspect which also makes this book at the top of the list for must-read reading, especially if you like to explore possibilities which may take you out of your comfort zone.
It's impossible to equate Inner Space to any other crime mystery style I have ever read; it is so deliciously, refreshingly, different, although authors Agatha Christie and Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch) came fleetingly to mind, from my reading experiences. I found it extremely difficult to put this book down, and it was made all that much more difficult because there were no unnecessary blocks of description which served to sway me from continuing.
Inner Space Book 1 comes highly recommended, and I can't wait to read the remaining two books in the trilogy.
Jan Reid - J M Lennox
January 4, 2012
This was different than I expected, paranormal but no vampires, no werewolves, no fairies or goblins. Realistic out of body experiences as well as the involvement of a university group investigating/testing psy abilities made for an interesting plot, with some interesting twists.
The general plot worked around a very 'sensible' police detective investigating, more or less without authority, the incomprehensible arrest of his superior officer and friend for murder and that officer's subsequent suicide/ death by natural causes while in jail after he confesses to the crime.
More investigation that 'action' but good characterization and good interaction between the characters kept it interesting. And I definitely did not see the twist at the end coming at all.
If the author can keep up this level of excellence on the series, he will probably end up being one of my 'auto buys'.
The general plot worked around a very 'sensible' police detective investigating, more or less without authority, the incomprehensible arrest of his superior officer and friend for murder and that officer's subsequent suicide/ death by natural causes while in jail after he confesses to the crime.
More investigation that 'action' but good characterization and good interaction between the characters kept it interesting. And I definitely did not see the twist at the end coming at all.
If the author can keep up this level of excellence on the series, he will probably end up being one of my 'auto buys'.
July 13, 2012
This unique story gives us mystery and suspense with a paranormal edge - the psychological kind, rather than vampires and werewolves. Nick is a strong viewpoint character that easily captured my attention. I found both the characters and the plot well developed, with enough twists and surprises to keep me guessing throughout.
At times the writing gets a little bogged down with details and character speeches, but overall this is a quick-paced, intriguing read. I'm looking forward to reading book #2 in this series.
At times the writing gets a little bogged down with details and character speeches, but overall this is a quick-paced, intriguing read. I'm looking forward to reading book #2 in this series.
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February 19, 2016Well constructed - with a great character.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews