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Midnight Sin
Becoming a cop changes everything you thought you knew about life. Midnight Sin is an inside look at the dark and mysterious world behind the cop’s badge. Rookie cop Gary Hollings quickly learns that wrestling street thugs and arresting drug dealers while trying to track down a serial rapist is nowhere near as tough as watching his back from his fellow cops. He must also fight his inner demons – ones that he never knew he had until he put on that police uniform.
The police world is one of long hours and split-second decisions. The choices are not always clear. Midnight Sin is a gritty cop novel that explores the complexities of the cop psyche.
The police world is one of long hours and split-second decisions. The choices are not always clear. Midnight Sin is a gritty cop novel that explores the complexities of the cop psyche.
350 pages, Nook
First published March 24, 2011
7 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Michael Tabman
10 books62 followersMichael rose through the ranks of the FBI reaching the level of Special Agent in Charge, commanding 250 FBI Agents throughout three states. His most notable case, the Red Lake High School Massacre investigation, thrust him into the global eye and drew praise for his live news broadcast. Prior to joining the FBI, Michael was a police officer in Fairfax County, Virginia working on patrol and in plain clothes/anti-crime. He became the department’s first hostage negotiator due to his ability to communicate clearly and convincingly.
Michael is called upon as a media crime and security analyst having appeared on CNN, CNBC, HLN, American Heroes Channel, Huffington Post Live, Al Jazeera, WCBS Radio, Sirius Radio and interviewed by the New York Times, USA Today and MSNBC.com.
As a security expert and author of three books, Michael is a sought after
keynote speaker for corporate events, speaking on a variety of crime and security related topics.
Concerned about your security? Are you prepared to manage a crisis? Have you mitigated risks in your organization?
Michael Tabman and his team at SPIRIT Asset Protection will help your organization remain secure, manage risk and be prepared to effectively respond to a crisis. Fraud, theft, sabotage and workplace violence can strike any time...
Michael is called upon as a media crime and security analyst having appeared on CNN, CNBC, HLN, American Heroes Channel, Huffington Post Live, Al Jazeera, WCBS Radio, Sirius Radio and interviewed by the New York Times, USA Today and MSNBC.com.
As a security expert and author of three books, Michael is a sought after
keynote speaker for corporate events, speaking on a variety of crime and security related topics.
Concerned about your security? Are you prepared to manage a crisis? Have you mitigated risks in your organization?
Michael Tabman and his team at SPIRIT Asset Protection will help your organization remain secure, manage risk and be prepared to effectively respond to a crisis. Fraud, theft, sabotage and workplace violence can strike any time...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 5, 2011
I just finished this book and loved it. It started out with some exciting and tense action and from those events the story unfolded in ways I would have never guessed. As a big CSI fan, this is one of the best police stories I have read. You really felt you were working with the main character (a rookie cop) and could feel what he was going through. One of the best scenes was an Internal Affairs investigation - it was intense. I am looking forward to the sequel, and will not be surprised to see this made into a movie. You could tell that the author had a lot of experience. I highly recommend this book. Midnight Sin
May 3, 2011
Midnight Sin is an interesting look into the life of a rookie cop. This book started out a little slow for me, often reading more like a cop's journal than a crime novel. Halfway through, the pace picked up and the story took off from there.
A cop writing a book about cops always intrigues me. In Michael Tabman's first novel, he gives us an inside view of how they handle crime and one another. He holds nothing back, dealing with ambition, crooked cops and Internal Affairs while struggling to catch a serial rapist. This is a great read for anyone looking to walk in a cop's shoes.
A cop writing a book about cops always intrigues me. In Michael Tabman's first novel, he gives us an inside view of how they handle crime and one another. He holds nothing back, dealing with ambition, crooked cops and Internal Affairs while struggling to catch a serial rapist. This is a great read for anyone looking to walk in a cop's shoes.
June 22, 2011
Midnight Sin
Author: Michael Tabman
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Rookie cops have a lot to learn often at the hand of those more experienced. Instinct, gut feelings, trust and watching the back of their fellow officers is paramount to surviving on the job and making sure your back is watched and protected too. Officer Gary Hollings wants to move up in the ranks of the KC Police Department. Working with many seasoned officers, listening, observing and following their directions would work to helping him that long ladder to make Detective. This is Gary’s story. You hear his voice and understand his feelings, emotions, and apprehensions as author Michael Tabman brings the reader in up close and personal in the life of one rookie officer, the hunt for a serial rapist, drug and burglaries gone south and corruption widespread as I review Midnight Sin.
Beginning with a rape in the park. The author envelops the reader and guides you through the incident hearing the voice of not only the rapist, hunting his prey but the unsuspecting jogger who is his victim. Adapt at getting away, being unnoticed and blending into the dark of night, the jogger never sees him coming and the end result is brutal.
Detective Frank Patelli gets the case and encounters more than just the victim, but her boyfriend and unfeeling, cold and unemotional man named Brian. Throughout his encounter with him you can feel the disconnection he has started to form with Robin, the victim, the accusatory words that he spouts out blaming her for her own actions and trying to make her out to be the guilty party and frustration the Detective and his partner felt when trying to offer her support. But, there is much more to come.
Officer Hollings and his training Officer Thompson find themselves assisting another officer during a robbery. The author graphically and vividly describes events and the three men involved translate what went down differently. As Officer Hollings and his partner enter the convenience store and the Jim Burkett, the officer in charge questions the owner, what happens next is right out of an episode of Law and Order or CSI. Slow motion or even fast-forwarding the events, two men get shot and the robber goes down. But, how will they relate the events to Internal Affairs and whose back will Hollings have? But, there is so much more as Hollings is then paired with another training officer, handles a drug bust and learns more about the inner workings of an officer’s mind and thoughts.
Implied by the officers and sometimes coming straight out are the many indiscretions of their fellow officers. Often making it seem that some of the women provide extra fun for some of them and of course bragging about their conquests gives this story some extra intrigue and flavor.
As the two officers recuperated and a full investigation is underway, the author allows the reader to enter the minds, thinking and understand the rationale behind each officer’s approach to the upcoming interview and inquiry. The pressure placed upon the rookie officer to back up the senior partner and the naivety in thinking they could fool those on the board. Burkett presents an honest and truthful account although not entirely flawless. Thompson and Hollings quite different. Salient points concerning the robbery and various parts of the incident and their accounts are fully orchestrated to making Thompson out to be the one who handled it correctly without giving due credit to the other. Hollings learns the ropes, patrols and comes face to face with more than just domestic violence cases, serial rape and robberies. As he get to know his fellow officers and sees some rise up in the ranks he begins to question in his mind just how they got there and why.
Behind the scenes banter among the cops in the locker room, one man spying on their conversations and discussions that lead the reader to wonder who might be behind the rapes and several officers whose focus is not always on the case nor the victim.
Frank Patelli delves into another investigation in the multiple rapes. Procedures are described in detail and our rookie cop whose learning survival skills and the ropes is beginning to understand a lot more than most expect. A new rookie cop from New York, taking no guff from anyone, including the senior officers, soon assimilates himself into the daily grind, proves his strength and becomes someone Hollings learns he can rely on.
One woman cop whose reputation and actions often come between Hollings and his girlfriend Janie. Past relationships keeping true feelings at bay and hoping to allay those in the present, as the search for one serial rapist takes on a new and unusual twist as he revisits, one victim but deters from his usual MO. As the victim relates her second experience noting many differences from the first the reader is alerted to the fact that this might not be the same person.
As Hollings delves deeper into the rapes and the victim count rises to 6 rapes, corruption in the department uncovered, an officer that pays the ultimate price and two rogue officers on the take. As Hollings and his friend Bergman piece things together they learn that those in power are not the ones to ultimately trust. Many officers are on the take and higher ups covering it up as Hollings reveals what he learns, gets the short end of the stick and could lose even more than just his job but his new relationship too.
True life issues. Real crimes committed everyday. Police officers that struggle with their conscience, home lives and much more, author Michael Tabman takes his real life experiences, enveloping the reader in the action, drama, fear, sadness and frustrations of the officers of the Third Precinct and those working to find this serial rapist. Mistakes are made, clues are being left and one woman is killed one rape turns into a brutal murder. What does happen and who is behind the rapes will astound the reader and give you much pause for thought. Corruption runs deep in this precinct.
An ineffective police sergeant, a young rookie officer set up and a precinct riddled with crime, and many who pay more than the ultimate price as Midnight Sin comes to a close, the rapist revealed and much exposed. Characters vividly described. Crimes graphically pictured in the mind of the reader. Rape is wrong. Abuse is equally wrong. Why do some women allow it? Why would someone allow a man or woman to abuse him or her in any way? Take a piece of delicate china or porcelain and drop it. Look at the pieces left. As each victim is questioned and their lives become like those broken pieces of china or porcelain hoping to be pasted or glued back in place but never without scars or jagged edges.
An ending so explosive and volatile you won’t see it coming. A killer/rapist so elusive he escapes capture for too long. Just who the rapist is you won’t believe. Could he be hiding in plain sight? What is his motive? DEA Task forces arrested and corrupt yet one man escapes the net. As author Michael Tabman allows the reader into the world of what is supposed to be those who are here to protect the public and keep us safe, and those that are really not.
Gary Hollings made many mistakes. Cops were caught on tape and you won’t believe how or why. An explosive ending that will send chills down your spine and shake Gary to his inner core. You won’t see it coming as author Michael Tabman brings the story full circle with an emotional impact that will ignite chain reaction letting you know there is much more to come. Who is the last victim? You won’t know that until you read the very last page and the very last line. This reviewer will never reveal the ending nor give anything away. After all the author is a former cop and FBI agent and I would not want to be called in for questioning for withholding information. Besides: as a reviewer: I would take the fifth!
This is one novel that is right up there with those written by Connolly, Thor and Fairstein. Who knows what is next for our rookie cop? Midnight Sin: A rapist who preys on those in the dark of night. One novel you won't be able to put down.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Author: Michael Tabman
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Rookie cops have a lot to learn often at the hand of those more experienced. Instinct, gut feelings, trust and watching the back of their fellow officers is paramount to surviving on the job and making sure your back is watched and protected too. Officer Gary Hollings wants to move up in the ranks of the KC Police Department. Working with many seasoned officers, listening, observing and following their directions would work to helping him that long ladder to make Detective. This is Gary’s story. You hear his voice and understand his feelings, emotions, and apprehensions as author Michael Tabman brings the reader in up close and personal in the life of one rookie officer, the hunt for a serial rapist, drug and burglaries gone south and corruption widespread as I review Midnight Sin.
Beginning with a rape in the park. The author envelops the reader and guides you through the incident hearing the voice of not only the rapist, hunting his prey but the unsuspecting jogger who is his victim. Adapt at getting away, being unnoticed and blending into the dark of night, the jogger never sees him coming and the end result is brutal.
Detective Frank Patelli gets the case and encounters more than just the victim, but her boyfriend and unfeeling, cold and unemotional man named Brian. Throughout his encounter with him you can feel the disconnection he has started to form with Robin, the victim, the accusatory words that he spouts out blaming her for her own actions and trying to make her out to be the guilty party and frustration the Detective and his partner felt when trying to offer her support. But, there is much more to come.
Officer Hollings and his training Officer Thompson find themselves assisting another officer during a robbery. The author graphically and vividly describes events and the three men involved translate what went down differently. As Officer Hollings and his partner enter the convenience store and the Jim Burkett, the officer in charge questions the owner, what happens next is right out of an episode of Law and Order or CSI. Slow motion or even fast-forwarding the events, two men get shot and the robber goes down. But, how will they relate the events to Internal Affairs and whose back will Hollings have? But, there is so much more as Hollings is then paired with another training officer, handles a drug bust and learns more about the inner workings of an officer’s mind and thoughts.
Implied by the officers and sometimes coming straight out are the many indiscretions of their fellow officers. Often making it seem that some of the women provide extra fun for some of them and of course bragging about their conquests gives this story some extra intrigue and flavor.
As the two officers recuperated and a full investigation is underway, the author allows the reader to enter the minds, thinking and understand the rationale behind each officer’s approach to the upcoming interview and inquiry. The pressure placed upon the rookie officer to back up the senior partner and the naivety in thinking they could fool those on the board. Burkett presents an honest and truthful account although not entirely flawless. Thompson and Hollings quite different. Salient points concerning the robbery and various parts of the incident and their accounts are fully orchestrated to making Thompson out to be the one who handled it correctly without giving due credit to the other. Hollings learns the ropes, patrols and comes face to face with more than just domestic violence cases, serial rape and robberies. As he get to know his fellow officers and sees some rise up in the ranks he begins to question in his mind just how they got there and why.
Behind the scenes banter among the cops in the locker room, one man spying on their conversations and discussions that lead the reader to wonder who might be behind the rapes and several officers whose focus is not always on the case nor the victim.
Frank Patelli delves into another investigation in the multiple rapes. Procedures are described in detail and our rookie cop whose learning survival skills and the ropes is beginning to understand a lot more than most expect. A new rookie cop from New York, taking no guff from anyone, including the senior officers, soon assimilates himself into the daily grind, proves his strength and becomes someone Hollings learns he can rely on.
One woman cop whose reputation and actions often come between Hollings and his girlfriend Janie. Past relationships keeping true feelings at bay and hoping to allay those in the present, as the search for one serial rapist takes on a new and unusual twist as he revisits, one victim but deters from his usual MO. As the victim relates her second experience noting many differences from the first the reader is alerted to the fact that this might not be the same person.
As Hollings delves deeper into the rapes and the victim count rises to 6 rapes, corruption in the department uncovered, an officer that pays the ultimate price and two rogue officers on the take. As Hollings and his friend Bergman piece things together they learn that those in power are not the ones to ultimately trust. Many officers are on the take and higher ups covering it up as Hollings reveals what he learns, gets the short end of the stick and could lose even more than just his job but his new relationship too.
True life issues. Real crimes committed everyday. Police officers that struggle with their conscience, home lives and much more, author Michael Tabman takes his real life experiences, enveloping the reader in the action, drama, fear, sadness and frustrations of the officers of the Third Precinct and those working to find this serial rapist. Mistakes are made, clues are being left and one woman is killed one rape turns into a brutal murder. What does happen and who is behind the rapes will astound the reader and give you much pause for thought. Corruption runs deep in this precinct.
An ineffective police sergeant, a young rookie officer set up and a precinct riddled with crime, and many who pay more than the ultimate price as Midnight Sin comes to a close, the rapist revealed and much exposed. Characters vividly described. Crimes graphically pictured in the mind of the reader. Rape is wrong. Abuse is equally wrong. Why do some women allow it? Why would someone allow a man or woman to abuse him or her in any way? Take a piece of delicate china or porcelain and drop it. Look at the pieces left. As each victim is questioned and their lives become like those broken pieces of china or porcelain hoping to be pasted or glued back in place but never without scars or jagged edges.
An ending so explosive and volatile you won’t see it coming. A killer/rapist so elusive he escapes capture for too long. Just who the rapist is you won’t believe. Could he be hiding in plain sight? What is his motive? DEA Task forces arrested and corrupt yet one man escapes the net. As author Michael Tabman allows the reader into the world of what is supposed to be those who are here to protect the public and keep us safe, and those that are really not.
Gary Hollings made many mistakes. Cops were caught on tape and you won’t believe how or why. An explosive ending that will send chills down your spine and shake Gary to his inner core. You won’t see it coming as author Michael Tabman brings the story full circle with an emotional impact that will ignite chain reaction letting you know there is much more to come. Who is the last victim? You won’t know that until you read the very last page and the very last line. This reviewer will never reveal the ending nor give anything away. After all the author is a former cop and FBI agent and I would not want to be called in for questioning for withholding information. Besides: as a reviewer: I would take the fifth!
This is one novel that is right up there with those written by Connolly, Thor and Fairstein. Who knows what is next for our rookie cop? Midnight Sin: A rapist who preys on those in the dark of night. One novel you won't be able to put down.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
August 27, 2011
"Midnight Sin" by Michael Tabman is a realistic look at the world of police work. Told from the perspective of young officer, Gary Hollings, "Midnight Sin" reveals the investigation of a major crime spree—a serial rapist.
When we first meet Gary, he's a rookie working with his training officer, Thompson. To Gary's eyes, Thompson appears to be a self-possessed, experienced officer. Hollings begins to see his flaws, realizing that Thompson is also an arrogant jerk who enjoys belittling other offers. He particularly likes to bully officer Jim Burkett.
Burkett makes an easy target. Older, heavy and slow, he's unmarried and lives with his mother. Though he claims to have an active social life, Hollings suspects he's actually quite lonely.
Things turn dangerous when Hollings and Thompson join Burkett on a call of suspicious activity at a convenience store. They discover that they've walked into an armed robbery in progress. Thompson and Hollings are shot, but not seriously wounded.
During his hospital stay, Gary Hollings meets Janie, whom he eventually dates. Janie has a great distrust of cops, having dated a few. Gary has a tough time trying to allay her fears. Unfortunately, he manages to reinforce as many as he alleviates. Theirs is a bumpy relationship, made more difficult when he gets assigned to the serial rapist task force.
Gary Hollings is young, enthusiastic and somewhat naïve. Even after being on the force a couple years, he doesn't entirely lose his naivete. He's kind and compassionate, illustrated by his interactions with the rape victims and his fellow officers.
Sargent Hughes, the head of the Third Precinct, is a quiet man. He keeps to himself, rarely going on patrol with his men. The officers joke that he's more interested in correcting the grammar in their reports than he is doing any actual police work. Because of his laissez-faire leadership, things on the night shift aren't all they should be.
As time passes, Gary gains some experience as an officer. Feeling more confident, he tries hard to learn from his mistakes both professionally and personally. He is eventually tapped for the special task force formed to track and apprehend the serial rapist. He and the other members follow leads and close in on the rapist, with a surprising twist at the end.
"Midnight Sin" keeps the reader enthralled, leading toward a conclusion that keeps us guessing. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy crime dramas with an in depth look at the lives of the people behind the investigations. It is as much a character study as it is a mystery.
© Dellani Oakes 2011
When we first meet Gary, he's a rookie working with his training officer, Thompson. To Gary's eyes, Thompson appears to be a self-possessed, experienced officer. Hollings begins to see his flaws, realizing that Thompson is also an arrogant jerk who enjoys belittling other offers. He particularly likes to bully officer Jim Burkett.
Burkett makes an easy target. Older, heavy and slow, he's unmarried and lives with his mother. Though he claims to have an active social life, Hollings suspects he's actually quite lonely.
Things turn dangerous when Hollings and Thompson join Burkett on a call of suspicious activity at a convenience store. They discover that they've walked into an armed robbery in progress. Thompson and Hollings are shot, but not seriously wounded.
During his hospital stay, Gary Hollings meets Janie, whom he eventually dates. Janie has a great distrust of cops, having dated a few. Gary has a tough time trying to allay her fears. Unfortunately, he manages to reinforce as many as he alleviates. Theirs is a bumpy relationship, made more difficult when he gets assigned to the serial rapist task force.
Gary Hollings is young, enthusiastic and somewhat naïve. Even after being on the force a couple years, he doesn't entirely lose his naivete. He's kind and compassionate, illustrated by his interactions with the rape victims and his fellow officers.
Sargent Hughes, the head of the Third Precinct, is a quiet man. He keeps to himself, rarely going on patrol with his men. The officers joke that he's more interested in correcting the grammar in their reports than he is doing any actual police work. Because of his laissez-faire leadership, things on the night shift aren't all they should be.
As time passes, Gary gains some experience as an officer. Feeling more confident, he tries hard to learn from his mistakes both professionally and personally. He is eventually tapped for the special task force formed to track and apprehend the serial rapist. He and the other members follow leads and close in on the rapist, with a surprising twist at the end.
"Midnight Sin" keeps the reader enthralled, leading toward a conclusion that keeps us guessing. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy crime dramas with an in depth look at the lives of the people behind the investigations. It is as much a character study as it is a mystery.
© Dellani Oakes 2011
February 22, 2012
Disclaimer: I'm an incorrigible police procedural/mystery/crime drama book fiend, so I may be a bit biased as to the subject matter. However, the second I picked up Midnight Sin, I was hooked.
The story is told from the point of view of Gary Hollings, a rookie cop in the Westland Park Police Department, a suburban precinct bordering on Kansas City. For a suburban patrol cop, Hollings sees a great deal of action: rapes, officers down, and a hell of a lot of corruption inside the department.
With his creation of Hollings, author Michael Tabman gives us a character to which many readers can relate. Hollings is a normal young guy trying to do the right thing. He's ambitious, while at the same time possessing enough insecurity to make him likable. Like a lot of twenty-something guys, he struggles with his worldview of women, his feelings for his girlfriend and fidelity. While I believe Hollings is a complex, layered protagonist, I do wonder if some of the other characters could be a bit more multi-dimensional, but on the other hand, so many complicated characters might have made this book more muddled and less compelling than it is.
For anyone wanting to have an informed, in-depth view of life inside a police department, Midnight Sin is a must-read. A big thank you to Michael Tabman for graciously providing me with a copy of this book to review.
The story is told from the point of view of Gary Hollings, a rookie cop in the Westland Park Police Department, a suburban precinct bordering on Kansas City. For a suburban patrol cop, Hollings sees a great deal of action: rapes, officers down, and a hell of a lot of corruption inside the department.
With his creation of Hollings, author Michael Tabman gives us a character to which many readers can relate. Hollings is a normal young guy trying to do the right thing. He's ambitious, while at the same time possessing enough insecurity to make him likable. Like a lot of twenty-something guys, he struggles with his worldview of women, his feelings for his girlfriend and fidelity. While I believe Hollings is a complex, layered protagonist, I do wonder if some of the other characters could be a bit more multi-dimensional, but on the other hand, so many complicated characters might have made this book more muddled and less compelling than it is.
For anyone wanting to have an informed, in-depth view of life inside a police department, Midnight Sin is a must-read. A big thank you to Michael Tabman for graciously providing me with a copy of this book to review.
October 25, 2011
This book was inspired by true crime - a case I worked as a plain clothes cop. Take a look at the dark and mysterious world behind the cop's badge.
Law and Order Producer Peter Giuliano said, "Michael has reached deep inside and managed to capture his heart and soul as a cop. My heart was pounding. This is a powerful story told by someone who has captured the feelings of all of us, no matter which side of the law you happen to be on."
Law and Order Producer Peter Giuliano said, "Michael has reached deep inside and managed to capture his heart and soul as a cop. My heart was pounding. This is a powerful story told by someone who has captured the feelings of all of us, no matter which side of the law you happen to be on."
May 23, 2011
Stepping up to the plate for the first time with Midnight Sin, Michael Tabman hit it out of the ball park. The story is packed with adventure and mystery. Excellent character development. You will breeze through this book.
I just read a good review of his other book. Think I'll try it.
I just read a good review of his other book. Think I'll try it.
June 8, 2011
Midnight Sin is an action packed, heart pounding and thrilling read! Be prepared for this one because you’ll want to read it all day without stopping. I know I couldn’t! The story surrounds rookie cop Gary Hollings quickly learns that wrestling street thugs and arresting drug dealers while trying to track down a serial rapist is nowhere near as tough as watching his back from his fellow cops. He must also fight his inner demons – ones he never knew he had until he put on that police uniform. Tabman’s experience as a cop and an FBI agent really shows in this book, so be prepared to learn a lot from this book. Tabman’s realistic views of the men and women behind the uniform as well as the squads room is unparalleled. Buckle up, catch the bad guys, with this gripping drama, Midnight Sin.
June 14, 2011
Wow! I really enjoyed this book. It had everything, drama, action and above all it explored the human condition and from a male perspective. It asks the moral question again and again, does the end really justify the means? What I like most about this book is that it was a good cop/crime novel (liberally laced with sex!) but it also made you question your own moral compass. So not only was it a fun read it had mental nourishment as well. I'm looking forward to author Tabman's next novel!
Since it is a different genre I would also like to read his other book, "Walking the Corporate Beat." This should be interesting.
Since it is a different genre I would also like to read his other book, "Walking the Corporate Beat." This should be interesting.
June 12, 2011
Michael,
As I promised you last week at your book signing, I finished Midnight Sin and signed on to Goodread to write a review. Congratulations on writing such a terrific book. It was a fascinating story with a great plot, interesting characters, suspense and plenty of tension. I honestly could not put it down. I am trying to figure out which character was based on you. It was a pleasure meeting you and your wife. I will read your other book and look forward to your next novel. Is there a Midnight Sin sequel in the works?
Pam
As I promised you last week at your book signing, I finished Midnight Sin and signed on to Goodread to write a review. Congratulations on writing such a terrific book. It was a fascinating story with a great plot, interesting characters, suspense and plenty of tension. I honestly could not put it down. I am trying to figure out which character was based on you. It was a pleasure meeting you and your wife. I will read your other book and look forward to your next novel. Is there a Midnight Sin sequel in the works?
Pam
August 1, 2011
Midnight Sin ~ by Michael Tabman
Gary Hollings, rookie cop at the Westland Park Police Department, learns early on that his biggest lessons were learned after leaving the police academy.
Michael Tabman will keep you guessing at every turn who the bad guy could be. What you’re not prepared to find is that there is a little bit of bad guy and hero in us all, which one do you let the world see…..which one do you let out only at night?
Midnight Sin is a definite must read, with a tale that stays with you long after the last page is turned.
Gary Hollings, rookie cop at the Westland Park Police Department, learns early on that his biggest lessons were learned after leaving the police academy.
Michael Tabman will keep you guessing at every turn who the bad guy could be. What you’re not prepared to find is that there is a little bit of bad guy and hero in us all, which one do you let the world see…..which one do you let out only at night?
Midnight Sin is a definite must read, with a tale that stays with you long after the last page is turned.
June 11, 2011
That went fast. I read this book in a couple of days. From the first page, he's got you hooked. There's alot of action and every time something happens, you start wondering what's going to happen next. Its obvious that the author was a cop. He's got the language and how they do things down pat. Its very realistic while being alot of fun to read. The story had some good surprises and you felt close to the main characters. Read it!!
June 8, 2011
I reallly enjoyed reading this book.
It had excellent character development and extremely well written dialogue.
The story was exciting and suspenseful -- really held my interest from page one.
It was more than just a "cop story".
I highly recommend it.
It had excellent character development and extremely well written dialogue.
The story was exciting and suspenseful -- really held my interest from page one.
It was more than just a "cop story".
I highly recommend it.
June 23, 2011
I enjoyed the book tremendously. The journey through a smaller police force through a rookies eyes was so interesting. A fast paced read that kept me guessing til the end of the book ...and beyond. I am waiting for a sequel and hoping there is one.
July 4, 2011
Excellent book. Great story and character development. The author is more than just telling a fictional story. If you read between the lines, you will enjoy this book even more. This author has a unique style. I highly recommend this.
September 22, 2012
A very interesting police procedural with some minor flaws that, for me, did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. It follows the experiences of Hollins, a rookie cop, in a mythical suburb of Kansas City. Hollings' first test involves a gas station holdup where Burkitt, a rather self-absorbed cop who wants nothing more than to be a detective, arrives first on the scene, followed by Hollings and Thompson, his training officer. What happens next is the subject of an IAD investigation but Hollins and Thompson are shot, not badly wounded, Thompson shoots the perp in the ass, Burkitt shoots out an exit sign, but all exit seemingly unscathed. Then a series of rapes occur, Hollings gets suckered into doing some things he shouldn't, and IA starts to look into several things. And watch out for the three Bees. "Yeah, that happens. But a young, smart kid like you won't be on patrol very long. Keep out of trouble and you'll move up the ranks real fast. Just watch out for those three B’s." "Three bees?” "Yeah, booze, broads and bucks. If you get into a bind in any one of those, you get all fucked up. Almost any time a cop's career got ruined, it was over one of those things." And especially Bullet Brenda.
Reminiscent of early Wambaugh, although I found the POV shifts from third to first person jarring. That and occasional missteps like the following: "face of innocence just wreaked [sic] of being a cop. " I also found the ending quite unsatisfactory, but if it's the first book in a possible series, excusable, I suppose.
Nevertheless, if you like gritty, authentic cop stories, this is a good one.
Reminiscent of early Wambaugh, although I found the POV shifts from third to first person jarring. That and occasional missteps like the following: "face of innocence just wreaked [sic] of being a cop. " I also found the ending quite unsatisfactory, but if it's the first book in a possible series, excusable, I suppose.
Nevertheless, if you like gritty, authentic cop stories, this is a good one.
June 5, 2013
My rating is more of a 1.5
I was so excited to read this book; it sounded very interesting and I've not read a book dealing with this subject matter. But as I got deeper into the story I found myself waiting for something to happen, for the plot to develop, and it never really did. There were a few, what felt like, sub-plots throughout but none of them were really developed enough. However it did seem to be quite a realistic portrayal of police life.
The writing wasn't really anything special, seeming very basic. The descriptions of people and places were often needlessly long and unenecessary. It just didn't flow very well and where there should have been suspense and tension there was none.
This wasn't exactly an awful book, I just found it to be poorly written, thus I couldn't empathise or sympathise with any of the characters
I was so excited to read this book; it sounded very interesting and I've not read a book dealing with this subject matter. But as I got deeper into the story I found myself waiting for something to happen, for the plot to develop, and it never really did. There were a few, what felt like, sub-plots throughout but none of them were really developed enough. However it did seem to be quite a realistic portrayal of police life.
The writing wasn't really anything special, seeming very basic. The descriptions of people and places were often needlessly long and unenecessary. It just didn't flow very well and where there should have been suspense and tension there was none.
This wasn't exactly an awful book, I just found it to be poorly written, thus I couldn't empathise or sympathise with any of the characters
July 11, 2015
In the first part of this novel there were a lot of scenes involving some sexual content. That put me off a bit, but as the story line developed I found out why others said they couldn’t put it down. This is a top notch police story.
July 4, 2012
This book was so poorly written. No plot per say, no drama or suspense. I only finished it because I feel committed to finishing something I start. This was punishment.
March 11, 2012
Read my review of Midnight Sin and all my reviews here: http://abshepherdsreinventedreader.bl...
December 14, 2012
If you have family members or friends who are cops, you should read this book. If you depend on cops to protect your family you should read this book. If you have great respect and admiration for cops you should read this book. If you don't particularly like cops you should read this book.
There are many criteria for reviewing a book. For me, the most important one is whether it communicates something of value to the reader. Most of us can't really fathom what a cop's life is like. He or she is just a uniform, someone giving you a ticket on the side of the road, or someone who shows up in an emergency. But what motivates a cop? What insecurities does a cop deal with every day? Are cops inherently trustworthy?
"Midnight Sin" offers the reader a view inside the psyches of a rookie cop during his first two years on the job. I didn't like everything about this rookie cop. There were moments when I thought he was foolish or petty, others when I thought he needed to be taught a few things about treating women. But that's because he wasn't an idealized version of a movieland cop, but a real person, an average, inexperienced kid who always wanted to be a cop. After reading the book I felt I understood what made him tick, and it will help me relate to cops in the future.
Is this the best written book I ever read? Frankly, no. It could have benefited from professional editing, but it did its job effectively. It was honest, the view of one law enforcement professional whose other writings tell me he's worth listening to. It got it's message across, and that's what makes it worth reading.
There are many criteria for reviewing a book. For me, the most important one is whether it communicates something of value to the reader. Most of us can't really fathom what a cop's life is like. He or she is just a uniform, someone giving you a ticket on the side of the road, or someone who shows up in an emergency. But what motivates a cop? What insecurities does a cop deal with every day? Are cops inherently trustworthy?
"Midnight Sin" offers the reader a view inside the psyches of a rookie cop during his first two years on the job. I didn't like everything about this rookie cop. There were moments when I thought he was foolish or petty, others when I thought he needed to be taught a few things about treating women. But that's because he wasn't an idealized version of a movieland cop, but a real person, an average, inexperienced kid who always wanted to be a cop. After reading the book I felt I understood what made him tick, and it will help me relate to cops in the future.
Is this the best written book I ever read? Frankly, no. It could have benefited from professional editing, but it did its job effectively. It was honest, the view of one law enforcement professional whose other writings tell me he's worth listening to. It got it's message across, and that's what makes it worth reading.
June 3, 2012
This is an incredible story about a rookie police officer facing professional and personal challenges. What I really like about this book is how it got deep into the mind not only of the main character, but of the other police officers and the criminals. As you read the book, you learn alot about police procedures and watch the rookie develop into a more mature police officer and person. This book a must read and I can see it as a movie.
June 4, 2012
There were lots of things I liked about this book. I think it gave a glimpse into a cop's life and the kinds of problems he faces. However, I would have liked to see more resolution in the ending. It was just left hanging! I know all cases aren't solved, but I like my books to end with "who done it"!
November 12, 2013
There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed. I liked the direct insight into life on patrol. My Dad was a police officer for 23 years and I always wanted this kind of insight. Unfortunately, I found this to be a bit predictable and entire sections were drawn out too much up front and wrapped up to quickly in the end. In general, I liked it but couldn't give it more than 3 stars.
February 8, 2016
I think this book is a bit too real for me. I did not like the attitudes of the police officers nor their vocabulary. The writing was okay, but not great. Tabman clearly knows his topic, but I felt the story itself was a bit weak.
December 14, 2016
Great Book
Read
January 2, 2013loved it
Want to read
September 17, 2018Synopsis: a look at the mysterious world behind a cop's badge, the one held by rookie Gary Hollings.
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