What do you think?
Liv Bergen Mystery #2
Lot's Return to Sodom
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is no place for button-downed citizens—unless they’re trying to hide a murder
Sharp-witted Liv Bergen can’t avoid becoming embroiled in murders, it seems. Her family’s hometown of Sturgis, South Dakota, is quickly becoming the Sodom of the Black Hills during the dog days of summer as it hosts the infamous rally of grizzled hard-core motorcycle bikers—half a million of them. Crime comes too close for comfort when Liv must solve the mystery of a beautiful young townie to clear her brother’s name.
Liv witnesses the vile death of another young woman, and during her investigation of both crimes she attracts the uninvited attentions of the menacing leader of Lucifer’s Lot—the baddest of the bad biker gangs. Her quick wit and pragmatic thinking are all that stands between her and certain elimination.
FBI agent Streeter Pierce is back on the trail, working undercover to find the murderer and a shadow criminal called the Crooked Man. When he and Liv cross paths, sparks are flying, literally.
Fans of the amateur sleuth’s adventures will find this second book in the Liv Bergen series—the sequel to In the Belly of Jonah—an even deeper mystery, with greater consequences for their heroine.
Sharp-witted Liv Bergen can’t avoid becoming embroiled in murders, it seems. Her family’s hometown of Sturgis, South Dakota, is quickly becoming the Sodom of the Black Hills during the dog days of summer as it hosts the infamous rally of grizzled hard-core motorcycle bikers—half a million of them. Crime comes too close for comfort when Liv must solve the mystery of a beautiful young townie to clear her brother’s name.
Liv witnesses the vile death of another young woman, and during her investigation of both crimes she attracts the uninvited attentions of the menacing leader of Lucifer’s Lot—the baddest of the bad biker gangs. Her quick wit and pragmatic thinking are all that stands between her and certain elimination.
FBI agent Streeter Pierce is back on the trail, working undercover to find the murderer and a shadow criminal called the Crooked Man. When he and Liv cross paths, sparks are flying, literally.
Fans of the amateur sleuth’s adventures will find this second book in the Liv Bergen series—the sequel to In the Belly of Jonah—an even deeper mystery, with greater consequences for their heroine.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2011
About the author
Sandra Brannan
10 books201 followers2010 In The Belly of Jonah
2011 Lot's Return to Sodom
2012 Widow's Might
2013 Noah's Rainy Day
2014 Solomon's Whisper
2016 Jacob's Descent
2018 Jeremiah's Revenge
Sandra Brannan has created a heart-pounding mystery thriller series around Liv Bergen, a woman who embodies the spirit of South Dakota. Much like her character Liv Bergen, Brannan has spent her career in the mining business.
Working her way up from day laborer in the company her grandfather founded to a top executive in the family business wasn't easy, as Sandra often received threads from those opposed to mining. These life experiences gave her a first-person perspective into the high-stakes scenarios of which she writes.
In response to the overwhelming success of "In the Belly of Jonah" (2010), "Lot's Return to Sodom" (2011), "Widow's Might" (2012) and "Noah's Rainy Day" (2013), "Solomon's Whisper" (2014), "Jacob's Descent" (2016), "Jeremiah's Revenge" (2018), Brannan prioritizes her time first to the librarians and booksellers for nominating her to earn ABA Indie Next List and Notables, to book clubs and fans who have described Liv Bergen as the love child of Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone and Lee Child's Jack Reacher, and to teachers for all the gratitude she has for their role in her success. Her books have landed on the Denver Post best-seller list and reached #1 Best of Suspense Series on Listopia in 2015, Top 10 for e-book mysteries and Top 5 for women's mysteries, earning awards for her books from Book Excellence, TopShelf Indie, Forword Reviews IndieFab, USA Book News, and even Best of Suspense 2013 from Suspense Magazine.
Named one of the top 25 most fabulous women by Black Hills Magazine, Brannan lives in Deadwood near her hometown of Rapid City, South Dakota, with her husband spending lots of time with sons and grandchildren.
If you'd like to know when Sandra will be in your area for a signing, interview or speaking event, please check her website or email sandra@sandrabrannan.com for appearances or book clubs.
2011 Lot's Return to Sodom
2012 Widow's Might
2013 Noah's Rainy Day
2014 Solomon's Whisper
2016 Jacob's Descent
2018 Jeremiah's Revenge
Sandra Brannan has created a heart-pounding mystery thriller series around Liv Bergen, a woman who embodies the spirit of South Dakota. Much like her character Liv Bergen, Brannan has spent her career in the mining business.
Working her way up from day laborer in the company her grandfather founded to a top executive in the family business wasn't easy, as Sandra often received threads from those opposed to mining. These life experiences gave her a first-person perspective into the high-stakes scenarios of which she writes.
In response to the overwhelming success of "In the Belly of Jonah" (2010), "Lot's Return to Sodom" (2011), "Widow's Might" (2012) and "Noah's Rainy Day" (2013), "Solomon's Whisper" (2014), "Jacob's Descent" (2016), "Jeremiah's Revenge" (2018), Brannan prioritizes her time first to the librarians and booksellers for nominating her to earn ABA Indie Next List and Notables, to book clubs and fans who have described Liv Bergen as the love child of Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone and Lee Child's Jack Reacher, and to teachers for all the gratitude she has for their role in her success. Her books have landed on the Denver Post best-seller list and reached #1 Best of Suspense Series on Listopia in 2015, Top 10 for e-book mysteries and Top 5 for women's mysteries, earning awards for her books from Book Excellence, TopShelf Indie, Forword Reviews IndieFab, USA Book News, and even Best of Suspense 2013 from Suspense Magazine.
Named one of the top 25 most fabulous women by Black Hills Magazine, Brannan lives in Deadwood near her hometown of Rapid City, South Dakota, with her husband spending lots of time with sons and grandchildren.
If you'd like to know when Sandra will be in your area for a signing, interview or speaking event, please check her website or email sandra@sandrabrannan.com for appearances or book clubs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
April 22, 2018
Review: LOT'S RETURN TO SODOM by Sandra Brannan
(A Liv Bergen Mystery)
I fell in love with this series from the very beginning of the first mystery, IN THE BELLY OF JONAH. I loved this one also, though due to the subject matter it was personally uncomfortable. Ms. Brennan delves deeply into the psyches of her characters (which I find personally gratifying) and she continues to set up complex patterns and plots.
Protagonist Liv Bergen returns to her home town of Rapid City, South Dakota, for a brief convalescence with family as she continues her recovery from the near-fatality of IN THE BELLY OF JONAH. It so happens that her visit coincides with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and multiple murders. Liv' s puzzle-loving mind can't resist interfering, especially since one elderly deceased was a long-term family friend, and the murdered young lady was shortly to become Liv's brother's beloved fiance.
(A Liv Bergen Mystery)
I fell in love with this series from the very beginning of the first mystery, IN THE BELLY OF JONAH. I loved this one also, though due to the subject matter it was personally uncomfortable. Ms. Brennan delves deeply into the psyches of her characters (which I find personally gratifying) and she continues to set up complex patterns and plots.
Protagonist Liv Bergen returns to her home town of Rapid City, South Dakota, for a brief convalescence with family as she continues her recovery from the near-fatality of IN THE BELLY OF JONAH. It so happens that her visit coincides with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and multiple murders. Liv' s puzzle-loving mind can't resist interfering, especially since one elderly deceased was a long-term family friend, and the murdered young lady was shortly to become Liv's brother's beloved fiance.
July 20, 2011
(fiction, mystery)
In this second of the series, modern day miner Liv Bergen finds herself in Sturgis during the annual motorcycle rally, and is up to her neck in dead bodies. Sturgis during the rally – you know there have to be really bad biker dudes, and the main ones belong to Lucifer's Lot.
Although I liked In the Belly of Jonah, the first of the series, better, this book was a decent mystery. There was too much backstory in the initial dialogue, and it seemed forced. There were typos and editing mistakes that shouldn't be in a finished edition. Prostrate cancer? It was dialogue, but the speaker shouldn't have been that ignorant.
And the cliches...”hungry eyes,” “a blessing and a curse,” “fiery eyes...like hot pokers,” “smiling mischievously with her inviting lips and dancing eyes.” The pages of computer notes, recapping everything we had already learned, was boring.
The portrayal of the bikers seemed mixed. It seemed there was contempt for the 1%ers, the baddest of the bad, but the leader, Mully, almost came across as a good guy at times. There there was disdain for the other 99%, the decent bikers, because they were poseurs.
Part of the story were predictable, but there was a nice twist. I did enjoy learning about some biker culture (is that an oxymoron?). The murders were not as gruesome as in the first book, although the bikers did some really nasty, gross things.
One description that made me laugh:
She was at least twenty pounds too heavy to be dressing that skimpily, the skin stretching over her buttocks and thighs looking more like plastic Baggies full of hominy.
This one is okay for a summer read, entertaining, not challenging, but not outstanding for its genre.
In this second of the series, modern day miner Liv Bergen finds herself in Sturgis during the annual motorcycle rally, and is up to her neck in dead bodies. Sturgis during the rally – you know there have to be really bad biker dudes, and the main ones belong to Lucifer's Lot.
Although I liked In the Belly of Jonah, the first of the series, better, this book was a decent mystery. There was too much backstory in the initial dialogue, and it seemed forced. There were typos and editing mistakes that shouldn't be in a finished edition. Prostrate cancer? It was dialogue, but the speaker shouldn't have been that ignorant.
And the cliches...”hungry eyes,” “a blessing and a curse,” “fiery eyes...like hot pokers,” “smiling mischievously with her inviting lips and dancing eyes.” The pages of computer notes, recapping everything we had already learned, was boring.
The portrayal of the bikers seemed mixed. It seemed there was contempt for the 1%ers, the baddest of the bad, but the leader, Mully, almost came across as a good guy at times. There there was disdain for the other 99%, the decent bikers, because they were poseurs.
Part of the story were predictable, but there was a nice twist. I did enjoy learning about some biker culture (is that an oxymoron?). The murders were not as gruesome as in the first book, although the bikers did some really nasty, gross things.
One description that made me laugh:
She was at least twenty pounds too heavy to be dressing that skimpily, the skin stretching over her buttocks and thighs looking more like plastic Baggies full of hominy.
This one is okay for a summer read, entertaining, not challenging, but not outstanding for its genre.
May 7, 2018
http://fallenoverbookreviews.blogspot...
I received this book via NetGalley to give an honest review.
We pick up right where book one left off and it seems Liv just cannot stop helping solve cases especially when she is hurt. When she witnesses what she believes is crime she knows that the MC will be looking for her. On top of this, it seems her brother will find himself being questioned by the police on the murder of his girlfriend. When he asks for Liv's help on not only clearing his name but also in finding out who is involved she doesn't hesitate even if the FBI gets involved. What Liv uncovers is a secret that has been held onto for years. The one thing about Liv is that she does whatever she needs to help her family out even if that means putting herself in the danger zone.
I honestly think that Liv needs to become an agent because she is amazing at putting pieces together to solve the crime.
Though this biker gang came across as the worst their leader did not. For some reason, he seemed to be a good guy at times and I am not sure if that was an act, or if he really wanted to seem good. I was a bit weirded out at how they earned their purple wings I even went back to re-read that section in case I got it wrong.
I think this author did a great job with Sturgis and what does happen there though she did keep it a bit cleaner in some aspects.
Overall a good story I am loving this Liv Bergen series. I can not wait to read more.
I received this book via NetGalley to give an honest review.
We pick up right where book one left off and it seems Liv just cannot stop helping solve cases especially when she is hurt. When she witnesses what she believes is crime she knows that the MC will be looking for her. On top of this, it seems her brother will find himself being questioned by the police on the murder of his girlfriend. When he asks for Liv's help on not only clearing his name but also in finding out who is involved she doesn't hesitate even if the FBI gets involved. What Liv uncovers is a secret that has been held onto for years. The one thing about Liv is that she does whatever she needs to help her family out even if that means putting herself in the danger zone.
I honestly think that Liv needs to become an agent because she is amazing at putting pieces together to solve the crime.
Though this biker gang came across as the worst their leader did not. For some reason, he seemed to be a good guy at times and I am not sure if that was an act, or if he really wanted to seem good. I was a bit weirded out at how they earned their purple wings I even went back to re-read that section in case I got it wrong.
I think this author did a great job with Sturgis and what does happen there though she did keep it a bit cleaner in some aspects.
Overall a good story I am loving this Liv Bergen series. I can not wait to read more.
August 12, 2011
In this sequel to “In the Belly of Jonah,” Liv is in the last week of her rehabilitation after her encounter with the de Milo killer and has come to stay with her parents in Rapid City, SD. She has arrived just in time for the beginning of the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis – and just in time for murder. Her brother’s girlfriend, Michelle, has been murdered, as has an older man who is a friend of the family. To make matters worse, Michelle’s 14-year-old sister, Char, is missing. Jens, Liv’s brother, is concerned that Char might be in trouble and asks Liv to try to discover where Char is, and what really happened to Michelle. In the meantime, the local FBI SAC has requested that Special Agent Streeter Pierce come to SD to help solve the murders. Will Liv be able to find Char? How much danger has she just put herself in? And will she and Streeter FINALLY manage to meet?
I’m enjoying the series, although Liv had a TSTL moment when she decided that she knew who the killer was, but wanted to go and confront the person and make sure about it before she told anyone. Hello? This person, she suspects, killed someone – does she really think she’ll be safe? But other than that – and the ridiculously coy “Liv and Streeter keep just missing each other” thing (which has been driving me nuts), I did enjoy this story a great deal. We learn more about Liv’s family and meet a few of her siblings, and we also get to know Streeter better, learning a bit more about his mysterious past. The pace is fast; although the book covers only 3 days, they are days that are absolutely packed with action and suspense. For fans of suspense/thrillers and mysteries, this is a great book – and it has a great twist to the ending that threw all my preconceptions about whodunit right out the door. Definitely pick it up!
I’m enjoying the series, although Liv had a TSTL moment when she decided that she knew who the killer was, but wanted to go and confront the person and make sure about it before she told anyone. Hello? This person, she suspects, killed someone – does she really think she’ll be safe? But other than that – and the ridiculously coy “Liv and Streeter keep just missing each other” thing (which has been driving me nuts), I did enjoy this story a great deal. We learn more about Liv’s family and meet a few of her siblings, and we also get to know Streeter better, learning a bit more about his mysterious past. The pace is fast; although the book covers only 3 days, they are days that are absolutely packed with action and suspense. For fans of suspense/thrillers and mysteries, this is a great book – and it has a great twist to the ending that threw all my preconceptions about whodunit right out the door. Definitely pick it up!
May 3, 2011
Liv Bergen is recovering after the incident with De Milo in The Belly of Jonah. Liv is taking some time visiting with her family. It is a very busy time. The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is taking place. When Liv’s brother’s girlfriend is found with her head bashed in, Liv’s brother is the number one suspect. Liv receives some help in the form of FBI Agent Streeter. He and Liv worked together before.
Lot’s Return to Sodom is the second Liv Bergen novel. It is not recommended that you start with In the Belly of Jonah. Though at the beginning there is a brief mention of the prior events that took place in the first book. Though, I have never attended Sturgis’s Motorcycle Rally, I am familiar with it. It was good to see Liv and Streeter again. Liv has become more assertive. I felt that Streeter took a little bit of a back seat in this book. I felt that this book was more of the traditional mystery novels. It had a killer had a purpose, it was not like the De Milo killer. I still liked this book a lot and can not wait to visit with Liv and Streeter again.
Lot’s Return to Sodom is the second Liv Bergen novel. It is not recommended that you start with In the Belly of Jonah. Though at the beginning there is a brief mention of the prior events that took place in the first book. Though, I have never attended Sturgis’s Motorcycle Rally, I am familiar with it. It was good to see Liv and Streeter again. Liv has become more assertive. I felt that Streeter took a little bit of a back seat in this book. I felt that this book was more of the traditional mystery novels. It had a killer had a purpose, it was not like the De Milo killer. I still liked this book a lot and can not wait to visit with Liv and Streeter again.
November 5, 2011
Lot’s Return To Sodom by Sandra Brannan
This book provides more details than you may want to hear about the underbelly of the 1% outlaw motorcycle gangs. A murder and other despicable behavior are offset by the tenacity and courage of the female protagonist.
Liv Bergen is recovering from her encounters with murder in a previous book. I think a smidgen more of back story would be helpful in understanding Liv. Liv’s feelings for her brother Jen overwhelm whatever common sense she might have. Liv is the consummate “stick your hand in a hornet nest” protagonist. Her passion and tenacity are laudable.
Mully is an outlaw biker whose character is somewhat confusing. Streeter, an FBI agent, apparently held a major role in the previous book. Streeter is carrying a large torch for Liv who is unaware of his existence. The book has action, intrigue, violence, romance and interesting twists to the plot. The setting of the Sturgis motorcycle gathering is colorful and somewhat dismaying. All in all, Ms. Brannan put together a fun book to read.
I recommend the book.
This book provides more details than you may want to hear about the underbelly of the 1% outlaw motorcycle gangs. A murder and other despicable behavior are offset by the tenacity and courage of the female protagonist.
Liv Bergen is recovering from her encounters with murder in a previous book. I think a smidgen more of back story would be helpful in understanding Liv. Liv’s feelings for her brother Jen overwhelm whatever common sense she might have. Liv is the consummate “stick your hand in a hornet nest” protagonist. Her passion and tenacity are laudable.
Mully is an outlaw biker whose character is somewhat confusing. Streeter, an FBI agent, apparently held a major role in the previous book. Streeter is carrying a large torch for Liv who is unaware of his existence. The book has action, intrigue, violence, romance and interesting twists to the plot. The setting of the Sturgis motorcycle gathering is colorful and somewhat dismaying. All in all, Ms. Brannan put together a fun book to read.
I recommend the book.
June 14, 2011
Sandra Brannan is a local SD author. This book take's place in the Black Hills of SD. It was very interesting to see in print the names of familiar places that I frequent.
Liv Bergen has returned to SD after having gone through quite the ordeal in the first book in the series. book #2 picks up right where things left off (I like this in a series). She is not directly involved the murder that takes place, but has family members that are. I like the fact that Liv doesn't listen to what is recommended by the "guys" and follows her own instincts. There are too many books out there where the female just does what somebody else says...not Liv! I wasn't expecting the twist at the end as to who the murderer was, but this was a great twist on what I had expected when I made my own conclusions as to who the murderer was.
I would recommend this book to anybody.
Liv Bergen has returned to SD after having gone through quite the ordeal in the first book in the series. book #2 picks up right where things left off (I like this in a series). She is not directly involved the murder that takes place, but has family members that are. I like the fact that Liv doesn't listen to what is recommended by the "guys" and follows her own instincts. There are too many books out there where the female just does what somebody else says...not Liv! I wasn't expecting the twist at the end as to who the murderer was, but this was a great twist on what I had expected when I made my own conclusions as to who the murderer was.
I would recommend this book to anybody.
August 8, 2011
Liv tumbles into a mystery when her brother's girlfriend is murdered and she also witnesses a possibly related death totally by accident and her sister knows a third victim completely coincidentally. This is my last go-around with Liv Bergen. I honestly thought the first one was pretty good, but this one alternated between mind-numbingly boring and thoroughly ridiculous. The coincidences were out of control, and Liv's go-get-'em responses made her insufferable.
September 21, 2011
I love Sandra Brannan's narrative voice. Smart and down-to-earth, this book pulled me in and made me care about both the characters and the plot from page one. The setting is original - the opposite of Hollywood, though the pages turn as quickly as any mass market book I've read. Very groovy voice in the crime fiction scene.
June 2, 2018
Liv Bergen Mystery Series
Book 1 - In the Belly of Jonah
Book 2 - Lot's Return to Sodom
Book 3 - Widow's Might
Book 4 - Noah's Rainy Day
Book 5 – Solomon's Whisper
Book 6 - Jacob's Descent
Book 7 - Jeremiah's Revenge
by Sandra Brannan
The Liv Bergen Series by Sandra Brannan will split audiences, either loving or extremely disliking the books.
On the positive the books are faced paced, with a modern female lead. The gripping story line twists and turns like a snake on a mission.
On the negative, after the first, the books fall into a pattern, with the spice losing its flavour quickly. The second and third books are a much harder read.
The first book in the series “In the Belly of Jonah”, introduces the characters Liv Bergen, amateur sleuth, and her love interest, FBI Agent Streeter Pierce.
They investigate the gruesome murder of her summer intern Jill Brannigan. More murders are quick to follow, by a madman with an appetite for human art.
#InTheBellyOfJonah
#NetGalley
www.books-reviewed.weebly.com
Book 1 - In the Belly of Jonah
Book 2 - Lot's Return to Sodom
Book 3 - Widow's Might
Book 4 - Noah's Rainy Day
Book 5 – Solomon's Whisper
Book 6 - Jacob's Descent
Book 7 - Jeremiah's Revenge
by Sandra Brannan
The Liv Bergen Series by Sandra Brannan will split audiences, either loving or extremely disliking the books.
On the positive the books are faced paced, with a modern female lead. The gripping story line twists and turns like a snake on a mission.
On the negative, after the first, the books fall into a pattern, with the spice losing its flavour quickly. The second and third books are a much harder read.
The first book in the series “In the Belly of Jonah”, introduces the characters Liv Bergen, amateur sleuth, and her love interest, FBI Agent Streeter Pierce.
They investigate the gruesome murder of her summer intern Jill Brannigan. More murders are quick to follow, by a madman with an appetite for human art.
#InTheBellyOfJonah
#NetGalley
www.books-reviewed.weebly.com
May 21, 2012
Following her encounter with a serial killer, Liv Bergen has returned to her family home to recuperate. Her childhood hometown is no safe haven, however, with stalkers, biker gangs, rapists and of course...murderers.
After a local woman is murdered and Liv's brother becomes a suspect, she does everything she can to discover the truth and help him. When FBI Streeter Pierce is brought in to investigate, it looks like he and Liv may finally cross paths.
Will Liv Bergen or Streeter Pierce find the killer? With so many suspects, it's hard to know who to trust.
I was uncertain if I would like this book as much as 'In the Belly of Jonah.' Not because I doubted that it would be good but because I liked the first one so much. Since I was up until ludicrous hours of the morning finishing it, I think it's safe to say it delivered.
This is not a book for the squeamish. I know that might seem like a redundant thing to say about a murder mystery novel but sometimes it's just easier to read about people being killed and carved than it is to read about sexual abuse. Comfort zones aside, it is a fantastic read for avid murder mystery and literature devourers
Liv's hometown is riddled with creepers. Maybe it is the bike rally and the murder that sharpens this perspective but if I lived in such a place I would move. It's a serious statement of her affection for her family that she not only sticks around when she has just been through a trauma but that she actively seeks out suspicious people to help her brother.
I can't say that Liv Bergen is a character I can relate to. A Catholic woman who says her Hail Marys every time she does something unlawful and shocks at the notion of abortion? Not hardly. The reason I'm so drawn to Liv is that she is one kick-ass protagonist. She is level-headed in times of crisis in a way I could never be. She not only manages to keep her head but is also capable of forethought and practicality. Plus, she has a wonderful wit.
One of the things that had me writhing in the best possible way was the way Liv and Streeter kept grazing paths. I was squirming for the moment when they would finally come face to face.
Fans of Kelleher be warned - he's a no-show in this novel. Bly was a great partner for Streeter but seriously...I want my Kelleher back! Hopefully he'll return in the next book.
There is one aspect of this book which isn't resolved but since it was only touched on - and is obviously the prime focus for the next installment - I wasn't left with any sensation that parts of the story felt unresolved. Only with the with the itch that I seriously need to read the next Bergen book, 'Widow's Might.'
I suppose you could technically read 'Lot's Return to Sodom' without having read 'In the Belly of Jonah' but I have to insist, since it is such a good read and gives an excellent insight to the development of Liv and Streeter's characters. Also, references will go over your head and some emotional impact on the characters will be lost on you. Thus, read it.
(From my blog: Quill Café)
In accordance with the FTC, I would like to disclose that I received this book from the publisher through the Book Blogger Convention in association with Book Expo America. The opinions expressed are mine and no monetary compensation was offered to me by the author or publisher.
After a local woman is murdered and Liv's brother becomes a suspect, she does everything she can to discover the truth and help him. When FBI Streeter Pierce is brought in to investigate, it looks like he and Liv may finally cross paths.
Will Liv Bergen or Streeter Pierce find the killer? With so many suspects, it's hard to know who to trust.
I was uncertain if I would like this book as much as 'In the Belly of Jonah.' Not because I doubted that it would be good but because I liked the first one so much. Since I was up until ludicrous hours of the morning finishing it, I think it's safe to say it delivered.
This is not a book for the squeamish. I know that might seem like a redundant thing to say about a murder mystery novel but sometimes it's just easier to read about people being killed and carved than it is to read about sexual abuse. Comfort zones aside, it is a fantastic read for avid murder mystery and literature devourers
Liv's hometown is riddled with creepers. Maybe it is the bike rally and the murder that sharpens this perspective but if I lived in such a place I would move. It's a serious statement of her affection for her family that she not only sticks around when she has just been through a trauma but that she actively seeks out suspicious people to help her brother.
I can't say that Liv Bergen is a character I can relate to. A Catholic woman who says her Hail Marys every time she does something unlawful and shocks at the notion of abortion? Not hardly. The reason I'm so drawn to Liv is that she is one kick-ass protagonist. She is level-headed in times of crisis in a way I could never be. She not only manages to keep her head but is also capable of forethought and practicality. Plus, she has a wonderful wit.
One of the things that had me writhing in the best possible way was the way Liv and Streeter kept grazing paths. I was squirming for the moment when they would finally come face to face.
Fans of Kelleher be warned - he's a no-show in this novel. Bly was a great partner for Streeter but seriously...I want my Kelleher back! Hopefully he'll return in the next book.
There is one aspect of this book which isn't resolved but since it was only touched on - and is obviously the prime focus for the next installment - I wasn't left with any sensation that parts of the story felt unresolved. Only with the with the itch that I seriously need to read the next Bergen book, 'Widow's Might.'
I suppose you could technically read 'Lot's Return to Sodom' without having read 'In the Belly of Jonah' but I have to insist, since it is such a good read and gives an excellent insight to the development of Liv and Streeter's characters. Also, references will go over your head and some emotional impact on the characters will be lost on you. Thus, read it.
(From my blog: Quill Café)
In accordance with the FTC, I would like to disclose that I received this book from the publisher through the Book Blogger Convention in association with Book Expo America. The opinions expressed are mine and no monetary compensation was offered to me by the author or publisher.
January 21, 2013
As I mentioned in my review of Widow’s Might, after reading it, I liked the characters so much that I decided to go back to the beginning of the Liv Bergen series and read the books in order. The first book is In the Belly of Jonah, and immediately after completing it, I started this one, Lot’s Return to Sodom. I am very happy now that I understand all the references in Widow’s Might. What is really intriguing to me also is that Widow’s Might picks up exactly where Lot’s Return to Sodom left off - like maybe five minutes later! - but yet you wouldn’t know it without reading both books! (This is a pleasant change from the too typical cliffhanger endings of trilogies.)
Liv Bergen, age 29, manages her family’s limestone quarry in Livermore, Colorado. But this book takes place in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where Liv’s family is. Even more interesting, the action coincides with the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. I have heard of the rally, but I never knew much about it until reading this book. Now, I think I’m happy I never was anywhere near South Dakota in August! [Is it really as bad as it is depicted in this book, you may ask? I would say that (a) I met Sandra Brannan and I trust her impressions and (b) I googled pictures of “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally” and they support her descriptions of what goes on there! …which is not to say there probably aren’t many good and fun things about the rally as well….
Once again Liv is tangentially involved in a murder. In this case, Michelle, the finance of her brother Jens has been killed. Agent Streeter Pierce comes to the Black Hills to investigate, because the FBI agent in the area claims this murder looks like a serial killer case that Streeter has been following. Liv never met Streeter, even though he was a main character in the previous book, and doesn’t realize who he is. She has seen him however, and thinks of him as “Agent Adonis.”
Liv is determined to solve the crime of who killed Michelle because her brother Jens is also a suspect. As if that weren't enough to get Liv into trouble, she inadvertently witnesses another death that happens in the presence of an outlaw motorcycle gang, and takes pictures of the scene with her phone. At the last minute, "Mully," the formidable head of the gang, spots her, and now Liv has a reason to fear for her own life. Liv and Streeter both circle around each other as they chase the killer or killers, and both end up as targets themselves as they close in on the truth.
Evaluation: Once again Brannan as crafted a story that is full of colorful, likeable, and realistic characters. Although the book is plenty suspenseful, it still exhibits humor and a “homespun” quality that is a refreshing change from other books in this genre.
Rating: 3.5/5
Liv Bergen, age 29, manages her family’s limestone quarry in Livermore, Colorado. But this book takes place in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where Liv’s family is. Even more interesting, the action coincides with the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. I have heard of the rally, but I never knew much about it until reading this book. Now, I think I’m happy I never was anywhere near South Dakota in August! [Is it really as bad as it is depicted in this book, you may ask? I would say that (a) I met Sandra Brannan and I trust her impressions and (b) I googled pictures of “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally” and they support her descriptions of what goes on there! …which is not to say there probably aren’t many good and fun things about the rally as well….
Once again Liv is tangentially involved in a murder. In this case, Michelle, the finance of her brother Jens has been killed. Agent Streeter Pierce comes to the Black Hills to investigate, because the FBI agent in the area claims this murder looks like a serial killer case that Streeter has been following. Liv never met Streeter, even though he was a main character in the previous book, and doesn’t realize who he is. She has seen him however, and thinks of him as “Agent Adonis.”
Liv is determined to solve the crime of who killed Michelle because her brother Jens is also a suspect. As if that weren't enough to get Liv into trouble, she inadvertently witnesses another death that happens in the presence of an outlaw motorcycle gang, and takes pictures of the scene with her phone. At the last minute, "Mully," the formidable head of the gang, spots her, and now Liv has a reason to fear for her own life. Liv and Streeter both circle around each other as they chase the killer or killers, and both end up as targets themselves as they close in on the truth.
Evaluation: Once again Brannan as crafted a story that is full of colorful, likeable, and realistic characters. Although the book is plenty suspenseful, it still exhibits humor and a “homespun” quality that is a refreshing change from other books in this genre.
Rating: 3.5/5
June 12, 2011
breesabookworm.com
I was gifted this book as an ARC, although, I didn't read in time to be advanced.
This is the second book in the Liv Bergen mystery series. Liv just went through being saved from the clutches of a psychotic serial killer and was in the hospital for over a month dealing with heroin withdrawals that the killer had injected her with.
Liv went home to stay with her parents, to aid in her recovery, when once again, she finds herself in the midst of not one but two or more murders. One of the people murdered just happened to be her brother's girlfriend. Once again, who comes to investigate? Agent Streeter of course!
This book was different from the first, as the first focused on the sick and twisted mind of a serial killer. This book is more of a mystery that Liv to easily places herself in the middle of. Of course Liv is always one step ahead of the FBI.
If you can suspend your belief that a woman who helps run a mining industry is more clever than the trained professionals, and more apt to being almost seemingly murdered every other chapter, then I'm sure you will enjoy this book.
A plus in this books, as well as in the previous, is that you don't know who the killer is until the very end. Seriously. I wasn't surprised when I realized who it was, however, I hadn't been thinking of them all along, either.
Liv gets herself in trouble with a seriously sick and twisted motorcycle gang, who are basically on her tail throughout the book. Are they the ones who committed the crimes?
Ah, but lets get to the good stuff, eh? Streeter comes to the rescue, always one step behind. The book itself encompasses one day, one very long day, but the romance between Streeter and Liv heats up, even though they only spend a few minutes together in that day. I really like the way this is written. They didn't meet in the first book. They were aware of the other in this one, but only had a bit of face time. But, it was lovely. Of course, that is a total chick thing to say.
One thing that bothered me about the idea of this series, is how unbelievable it would be for Liv to continue to find herself around murder victims and one particular FBI agent. So, when Streeter gave Liv the tracking dog in the end, it was like, AH, now I see how the author is going to do this.
The book was okay. I like most books. This wasn't one that I'm like just dying for the next one to come out, but I think that if I remember this time next year that it's out, then I will read it for sure. The mystery is well written. There is tons of dialogue in solving said mystery. It is written in third person from Streeter's point of view and first person in Liv's.
I was gifted this book as an ARC, although, I didn't read in time to be advanced.
This is the second book in the Liv Bergen mystery series. Liv just went through being saved from the clutches of a psychotic serial killer and was in the hospital for over a month dealing with heroin withdrawals that the killer had injected her with.
Liv went home to stay with her parents, to aid in her recovery, when once again, she finds herself in the midst of not one but two or more murders. One of the people murdered just happened to be her brother's girlfriend. Once again, who comes to investigate? Agent Streeter of course!
This book was different from the first, as the first focused on the sick and twisted mind of a serial killer. This book is more of a mystery that Liv to easily places herself in the middle of. Of course Liv is always one step ahead of the FBI.
If you can suspend your belief that a woman who helps run a mining industry is more clever than the trained professionals, and more apt to being almost seemingly murdered every other chapter, then I'm sure you will enjoy this book.
A plus in this books, as well as in the previous, is that you don't know who the killer is until the very end. Seriously. I wasn't surprised when I realized who it was, however, I hadn't been thinking of them all along, either.
Liv gets herself in trouble with a seriously sick and twisted motorcycle gang, who are basically on her tail throughout the book. Are they the ones who committed the crimes?
Ah, but lets get to the good stuff, eh? Streeter comes to the rescue, always one step behind. The book itself encompasses one day, one very long day, but the romance between Streeter and Liv heats up, even though they only spend a few minutes together in that day. I really like the way this is written. They didn't meet in the first book. They were aware of the other in this one, but only had a bit of face time. But, it was lovely. Of course, that is a total chick thing to say.
One thing that bothered me about the idea of this series, is how unbelievable it would be for Liv to continue to find herself around murder victims and one particular FBI agent. So, when Streeter gave Liv the tracking dog in the end, it was like, AH, now I see how the author is going to do this.
The book was okay. I like most books. This wasn't one that I'm like just dying for the next one to come out, but I think that if I remember this time next year that it's out, then I will read it for sure. The mystery is well written. There is tons of dialogue in solving said mystery. It is written in third person from Streeter's point of view and first person in Liv's.
April 23, 2018
This is the second book in the Liv Bergen series and here, Liv finds herself at the wrong place and the wrong time and her instincts as an amateur sleuth kick in.
Unlike the first book, this book's pace takes a step back and you're not hit with gory crime scene details but it rather shows more developed characters and we get to meet Liv's family.
In my view, it's almost as though the author is slowly prepping Liv for more hardcore cases and to do so she's got to be at her best and Streeter (a.k.a Agent Adonis) has to get an understanding of what exactly he feels for Liv.
The writing style and tone is still very refreshing and I am hopeful that anyone who picks the first book would read the entire series because aside from the action, solving mysteries, attraction and insight, there's the desire to see if Liv did get to accomplish her resolution of not using strong language.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC! Two down, three more to go!
Unlike the first book, this book's pace takes a step back and you're not hit with gory crime scene details but it rather shows more developed characters and we get to meet Liv's family.
In my view, it's almost as though the author is slowly prepping Liv for more hardcore cases and to do so she's got to be at her best and Streeter (a.k.a Agent Adonis) has to get an understanding of what exactly he feels for Liv.
The writing style and tone is still very refreshing and I am hopeful that anyone who picks the first book would read the entire series because aside from the action, solving mysteries, attraction and insight, there's the desire to see if Liv did get to accomplish her resolution of not using strong language.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC! Two down, three more to go!
April 22, 2018
Thanks Netgalley for a copy to read and review.
Let's be honest... this was an amazing read but the covers and titles need to go. Biblical titles probably turn off more readers than not. Which is a horrible thing since I found this to be an amazing read. I was totally engrossed and didn't want to put this book down. First of all it's a mystery/thriller about bikers at Sturgis, second Liv is the best nonagent problem solver I have ever read. She didn't even attend Quantico and she's solving mysteries and murders way before FBI agents. Of course she's always in the right place at the right time. She needs to probably heal up a bit for the next book since she's always a hair away from dying. Five amazing stars of entertainment, this book was hands down just an amazing read. I learned some stuff about bikers that I'd rather not know too....;)
Let's be honest... this was an amazing read but the covers and titles need to go. Biblical titles probably turn off more readers than not. Which is a horrible thing since I found this to be an amazing read. I was totally engrossed and didn't want to put this book down. First of all it's a mystery/thriller about bikers at Sturgis, second Liv is the best nonagent problem solver I have ever read. She didn't even attend Quantico and she's solving mysteries and murders way before FBI agents. Of course she's always in the right place at the right time. She needs to probably heal up a bit for the next book since she's always a hair away from dying. Five amazing stars of entertainment, this book was hands down just an amazing read. I learned some stuff about bikers that I'd rather not know too....;)
September 25, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Green Leaf books for the electronic copy
I discovered Sandra Brannan's novels on Netgalley and quickly read them all. I love all of the characters and felt like I got to know them better in each novel. I can't wait for more in the series. I recommend you start from the beginning and read them all.
I discovered Sandra Brannan's novels on Netgalley and quickly read them all. I love all of the characters and felt like I got to know them better in each novel. I can't wait for more in the series. I recommend you start from the beginning and read them all.
July 12, 2018
Disclaimer: I received a download of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway to facilitate writing this review. No other compensation was offered or requested.
Following the events of the previous book, In the Belly of Jonah, mine operator Liv Bergen is mostly healed up, but taking the last bit of her recuperation in her family’s hometown of Rapid City, South Dakota. As it happens, this visit coincides with the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Liz witnesses a ritual performed by the Lucifer’s Lot outlaw motorcycle gang that ends up with someone dead.
And that’s not the only corpse around. The girlfriend of Liz’s brother Jens turns up with her head bashed in not too far from where Lucifer’s Lot are camped. The leader of the gang, Mully, is the top suspect (and the one the FBI favors) but it could also be Jens, or the woman’s creepily obsessed boss, or her missing little sister Char, or…someone else.
Special Agent Streeter Pierce is called in to investigate on the tenuous thread that this may be connected to a serial killer case he worked on years before. He and Liv have met before, though she doesn’t remember it, and since she’s also snooping around, the case soon gets complicated. The corpses start piling up!
Good: The author has worked in the mining industry in South Dakota and does a good job of conveying the contrast between the hot leather party of the motorcycle rally and the open countryside around that small town. The story manages to have quite a few twists without getting confusing.
Not so good: There’s some clunky bits of “as you know, Bob” exposition as two FBI officers who are already aware of the nature of outlaw motorcycle gangs brief each other on the subject. Also, there’s quite a bit of fat-shaming. One of the minor characters is made cartoonishly loathsome so that Streeter can look cooler.
Content: There’s oral sex early on, and the solution to the mystery involves backstory that may be triggery for some readers.
Recommended to mystery fans who can stomach the content and have an interest in South Dakota-set stories. Not so recommended to motorcycle enthusiasts, who are in this book mostly to be gawked at.
Following the events of the previous book, In the Belly of Jonah, mine operator Liv Bergen is mostly healed up, but taking the last bit of her recuperation in her family’s hometown of Rapid City, South Dakota. As it happens, this visit coincides with the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Liz witnesses a ritual performed by the Lucifer’s Lot outlaw motorcycle gang that ends up with someone dead.
And that’s not the only corpse around. The girlfriend of Liz’s brother Jens turns up with her head bashed in not too far from where Lucifer’s Lot are camped. The leader of the gang, Mully, is the top suspect (and the one the FBI favors) but it could also be Jens, or the woman’s creepily obsessed boss, or her missing little sister Char, or…someone else.
Special Agent Streeter Pierce is called in to investigate on the tenuous thread that this may be connected to a serial killer case he worked on years before. He and Liv have met before, though she doesn’t remember it, and since she’s also snooping around, the case soon gets complicated. The corpses start piling up!
Good: The author has worked in the mining industry in South Dakota and does a good job of conveying the contrast between the hot leather party of the motorcycle rally and the open countryside around that small town. The story manages to have quite a few twists without getting confusing.
Not so good: There’s some clunky bits of “as you know, Bob” exposition as two FBI officers who are already aware of the nature of outlaw motorcycle gangs brief each other on the subject. Also, there’s quite a bit of fat-shaming. One of the minor characters is made cartoonishly loathsome so that Streeter can look cooler.
Content: There’s oral sex early on, and the solution to the mystery involves backstory that may be triggery for some readers.
Recommended to mystery fans who can stomach the content and have an interest in South Dakota-set stories. Not so recommended to motorcycle enthusiasts, who are in this book mostly to be gawked at.
February 22, 2015
It's official: I am in love with this mystery series.
Love the fluent writing.
Love the intriguing plots.
Love the strong characters.
Love the freaking amazing titles. Not only do they make direct reference to the story, being inspired by a character, as is the case of In the Belly of Jonah, or the 1%er MC's name "Lucifer's Lot", they also are somehow references to the Bible (in both cases they are very well - and subtly - explained by Sandra Brannan) - so, you not only have some crime-solving action in here, you also learn/refresh your knowledge.
Lot's Return to Sodom picks up where In the Belly of Jonah ended. Liv Bergen is back home, in South Dakota, under the care of her family, where she's recovering from the consequences of her previous "investigations" of the so called de Milo murders.
But tragedy seems to have followed her from Colorado, and this time it strikes home, because Liv's brother's girlfriend is found dead and her brother is one of the prime suspects.
Moreover, she witnesses the death of yet another young woman and attracts the attentions of the leader of Lucifer's Lot, the baddest of the bad biker gangs.
But where there's two, there's a third: a man is brutally murdered, his skull bashed in in the MO of a serial killer called the Crooked Man (I think this is going to be the case around which Widow's Might revolves - amazing build up!).
FBI Agent Streeter Pierce investigates, but that is not enough for Liv Bergen.
Again she sets out to find out the truth for herself, clearing her brother's name and uncovering with FBI Special Agent Streeter Pierce a long kept secret.
You never really know someone.
You never know who hides the darkest secrets.
Liv Bergen won't stop at nothing.
Love the fluent writing.
Love the intriguing plots.
Love the strong characters.
Love the freaking amazing titles. Not only do they make direct reference to the story, being inspired by a character, as is the case of In the Belly of Jonah, or the 1%er MC's name "Lucifer's Lot", they also are somehow references to the Bible (in both cases they are very well - and subtly - explained by Sandra Brannan) - so, you not only have some crime-solving action in here, you also learn/refresh your knowledge.
Lot's Return to Sodom picks up where In the Belly of Jonah ended. Liv Bergen is back home, in South Dakota, under the care of her family, where she's recovering from the consequences of her previous "investigations" of the so called de Milo murders.
But tragedy seems to have followed her from Colorado, and this time it strikes home, because Liv's brother's girlfriend is found dead and her brother is one of the prime suspects.
Moreover, she witnesses the death of yet another young woman and attracts the attentions of the leader of Lucifer's Lot, the baddest of the bad biker gangs.
But where there's two, there's a third: a man is brutally murdered, his skull bashed in in the MO of a serial killer called the Crooked Man (I think this is going to be the case around which Widow's Might revolves - amazing build up!).
FBI Agent Streeter Pierce investigates, but that is not enough for Liv Bergen.
Again she sets out to find out the truth for herself, clearing her brother's name and uncovering with FBI Special Agent Streeter Pierce a long kept secret.
You never really know someone.
You never know who hides the darkest secrets.
Liv Bergen won't stop at nothing.
September 25, 2018
Such a great series. Exciting, suspenseful and so hard to put down.
May 4, 2011
By the time Lot's Return to Sodom begins, Liv Bergen has almost fully recovered from her ordeal with De Milo. She's looking forward to returning to work and getting on with life when she learns her brother's girlfriend has been murdered, and he's a suspect. He asks Liv to find the killer, and his girlfriend's missing little sister, since she was successful in uncovering murderers before.
As with most amateur detective series, Liv Bergen needs a reason to be involved with the case and her brother gives her the standard cliched plea for help that successfully serves it's purpose. Liv's involved because she's been asked by a suspected friend/family member. Her qualifications: She's done this before and survived. Nothing new here, but it gets the job done.
While Liv's involvement is standard amateur detective fare, the events of the book itself are not. Lot's Return to Sodom isn't quite as gruesome as In the Belly of Jonah was, but it's bound to make readers uneasy at pivotal moments. The mystery is even more twisty-turny than the previous Liv Bergen book, which coupled with the book's focus on 1%-ers at the Sturgis motorcycle rally, makes this novel a must read.
Liv and Streeter finally come face to face. The results are not as sexy as one would hope, but things play out in a believable manner. Liv manages to be inappropriate repeatedly, causing many of their scenes to be cutely funny. The tension between the characters seemed less strong now that they're both fully aware of each other, but I continue to have high hopes for them in the future.
Lot's Return to Sodom continues a series that fans of edgy mysteries should not miss. The biker aspect of this particular book will also greatly appeal to fans of the TV show Sons of Anarchy. The mystery always remains in the forefront of this series, making the books extremely compelling reads. I can't wait to what Liv (and Streeter!) do next.
As with most amateur detective series, Liv Bergen needs a reason to be involved with the case and her brother gives her the standard cliched plea for help that successfully serves it's purpose. Liv's involved because she's been asked by a suspected friend/family member. Her qualifications: She's done this before and survived. Nothing new here, but it gets the job done.
While Liv's involvement is standard amateur detective fare, the events of the book itself are not. Lot's Return to Sodom isn't quite as gruesome as In the Belly of Jonah was, but it's bound to make readers uneasy at pivotal moments. The mystery is even more twisty-turny than the previous Liv Bergen book, which coupled with the book's focus on 1%-ers at the Sturgis motorcycle rally, makes this novel a must read.
Liv and Streeter finally come face to face. The results are not as sexy as one would hope, but things play out in a believable manner. Liv manages to be inappropriate repeatedly, causing many of their scenes to be cutely funny. The tension between the characters seemed less strong now that they're both fully aware of each other, but I continue to have high hopes for them in the future.
Lot's Return to Sodom continues a series that fans of edgy mysteries should not miss. The biker aspect of this particular book will also greatly appeal to fans of the TV show Sons of Anarchy. The mystery always remains in the forefront of this series, making the books extremely compelling reads. I can't wait to what Liv (and Streeter!) do next.
July 23, 2012
I received “Lot’s return to Sodom” & “Widow’s Might” as ARC’s (how lucky!) they are 2nd & 3d in the Liv Bergen mystery series. I knew the minute I heard the titles of the books and saw the covers which, by the way I LOVE and the bbb (back book blurb) that I would love this series too, and so I have! I immediately bought the first book in this series “In the Belly of Jonah” read it in a day and started on the other two. All 3 are 5 star books for me, this is a new and favorite series.
In "Lot’s return to Sodom' we again have our heroine Liv “boots”(for her steel toed boots she always wears) Bergen, recovering from the De Milo killer in the first book "In The Belly of Jonah" and going home to her large and loving family to recuperate. Spunky Liv yet once again jumps in and does not look back in a fight for her brother Jen's who has been accused of killing a pretty young townie during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota (yet one more reason to love this book!)which is Liv's hometown, so will we find out who is doing the killing at Sturgis?
Liv and her new “friend” who she has not actually met yet who saved her life in the first book, agent Streeter pierce of the FBI both get caught up in evil murdering men hanging around the motorcycle rally.
I really wanted a different ending for Liv with the Lucifer’s lot motorcycle gang leader Mully who I really liked and I thought maybe…not romance but, maybe he could have helped save her in that one particular instances and maybe be brought back in another book, you know the evil biker dude with the heart of gold?
I love that Liv is a tough girl who can take care of herself and that she comes from a big loving family who have a family mining business as does the author herself.
Again, I love all 3 of the books I have read so far and am looking forward to the 4th in the series "Noah’s Rainy Day"
In "Lot’s return to Sodom' we again have our heroine Liv “boots”(for her steel toed boots she always wears) Bergen, recovering from the De Milo killer in the first book "In The Belly of Jonah" and going home to her large and loving family to recuperate. Spunky Liv yet once again jumps in and does not look back in a fight for her brother Jen's who has been accused of killing a pretty young townie during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota (yet one more reason to love this book!)which is Liv's hometown, so will we find out who is doing the killing at Sturgis?
Liv and her new “friend” who she has not actually met yet who saved her life in the first book, agent Streeter pierce of the FBI both get caught up in evil murdering men hanging around the motorcycle rally.
I really wanted a different ending for Liv with the Lucifer’s lot motorcycle gang leader Mully who I really liked and I thought maybe…not romance but, maybe he could have helped save her in that one particular instances and maybe be brought back in another book, you know the evil biker dude with the heart of gold?
I love that Liv is a tough girl who can take care of herself and that she comes from a big loving family who have a family mining business as does the author herself.
Again, I love all 3 of the books I have read so far and am looking forward to the 4th in the series "Noah’s Rainy Day"
April 7, 2011
If you read my review of Brannan's first book, In the Belly of Jonah, you know I wasn't a huge fan, but that all changed with this book. I loved the character development, the story, the details, and how quickly the story moved. I was guessing who the killer would be from the start and was surprised to find myself on the wrong path right up until Liv figures it out. That doesn't happen often.
Brannan's ability to describe events and to misdirect you is astonishing. I felt like I was deep within the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis and while it is a rough, raw, and sometimes hard to swallow place, it allowed me to experience something I would never have the balls to do in real life. The story can be graphic at times, but it's not over embellished or drawn out for the sake of blood and gore. It makes the story what it is, a ghastly murder with some bad bikers at the center of the story.
I love that the story of Liv was expanded, and that Streeter Pierce was in this one as well. I wasn't that excited about it when I finished the first book, but I'm so glad I gave this one a chance and read it as well. I'm waiting patiently for the next to be written.
The one thing I can only hope Brannan will wrap up in her next book is the murder of a family friend, and just who is the Crooked Man. I hope the references to them in this book were put there to intrigued and perhaps foreshadow what is to come.
If you have read In the Belly of Jonah, then I know you'll want to pick this one up. And if you haven't, then you can read this one and go back later to read the first in the series (you won't be lost if you read them out of order at this point) or go ahead and spend a weekend wrapped up with two spectacular murder mysteries.
Brannan's ability to describe events and to misdirect you is astonishing. I felt like I was deep within the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis and while it is a rough, raw, and sometimes hard to swallow place, it allowed me to experience something I would never have the balls to do in real life. The story can be graphic at times, but it's not over embellished or drawn out for the sake of blood and gore. It makes the story what it is, a ghastly murder with some bad bikers at the center of the story.
I love that the story of Liv was expanded, and that Streeter Pierce was in this one as well. I wasn't that excited about it when I finished the first book, but I'm so glad I gave this one a chance and read it as well. I'm waiting patiently for the next to be written.
The one thing I can only hope Brannan will wrap up in her next book is the murder of a family friend, and just who is the Crooked Man. I hope the references to them in this book were put there to intrigued and perhaps foreshadow what is to come.
If you have read In the Belly of Jonah, then I know you'll want to pick this one up. And if you haven't, then you can read this one and go back later to read the first in the series (you won't be lost if you read them out of order at this point) or go ahead and spend a weekend wrapped up with two spectacular murder mysteries.
June 11, 2011
(fiction, mystery)
In this second of the series, modern day miner Liv Bergen finds herself in Sturgis during the annual motorcycle rally, and is up to her neck in dead bodies. Sturgis during the rally – you know there have to be really bad biker dudes, and the main ones belong to Lucifer's Lot.
Although I liked In the Belly of Jonah, the first of the series, better, this book was a decent mystery. There was too much backstory in the initial dialogue, and it seemed forced. There were typos and editing mistakes that shouldn't be in a finished edition. Prostrate cancer? It was dialogue, but the speaker shouldn't have been that ignorant.
And the cliches...”hungry eyes,” “a blessing and a curse,” “fiery eyes...like hot pokers,” “smiling mischievously with her inviting lips and dancing eyes.” The pages of computer notes, recapping everything we had already learned, was boring.
The portrayal of the bikers seemed mixed. It seemed there was contempt for the 1%-ers, the baddest of the bad, but the leader, Mully, almost came across as a good guy at times. There there was disdain for the other 99%, the decent bikers, because they were poseurs.
Part of the story were predictable, but there was a nice twist. I did enjoy learning about some biker culture (is that an oxymoron?). The murders were not as gruesome as in the first book, although the bikers did some really nasty, gross things.
One description that made me laugh:
She was at least twenty pounds too heavy to be dressing that skimpily, the skin stretching over her buttocks and thighs looking more like plastic Baggies full of hominy.
This one is okay for a summer read, entertaining, not challenging, but not outstanding for its genre.
In this second of the series, modern day miner Liv Bergen finds herself in Sturgis during the annual motorcycle rally, and is up to her neck in dead bodies. Sturgis during the rally – you know there have to be really bad biker dudes, and the main ones belong to Lucifer's Lot.
Although I liked In the Belly of Jonah, the first of the series, better, this book was a decent mystery. There was too much backstory in the initial dialogue, and it seemed forced. There were typos and editing mistakes that shouldn't be in a finished edition. Prostrate cancer? It was dialogue, but the speaker shouldn't have been that ignorant.
And the cliches...”hungry eyes,” “a blessing and a curse,” “fiery eyes...like hot pokers,” “smiling mischievously with her inviting lips and dancing eyes.” The pages of computer notes, recapping everything we had already learned, was boring.
The portrayal of the bikers seemed mixed. It seemed there was contempt for the 1%-ers, the baddest of the bad, but the leader, Mully, almost came across as a good guy at times. There there was disdain for the other 99%, the decent bikers, because they were poseurs.
Part of the story were predictable, but there was a nice twist. I did enjoy learning about some biker culture (is that an oxymoron?). The murders were not as gruesome as in the first book, although the bikers did some really nasty, gross things.
One description that made me laugh:
She was at least twenty pounds too heavy to be dressing that skimpily, the skin stretching over her buttocks and thighs looking more like plastic Baggies full of hominy.
This one is okay for a summer read, entertaining, not challenging, but not outstanding for its genre.
June 5, 2018
When you finish reading the first book in a series, you know whether or not you're going on to the next book. In fact, you have, at least subconsciously, made up your mind that you are in it for the reading long haul. Great characters and page turning action are often the leading reasons for grabbing the next book. Another factor, for me anyway, is the backstory. How well does the author flesh out the supporting characters? Do all the characters come across as flesh and blood people each with their peculiarities and flaws? I was happy that Special Agent Streeter Pierce made it into this, the second book in the series. And, the people in Liv Bergen's large family are not just names.
Along with a great backstory that gives realism to a series, red herrings are necessary to work the mystery angle. Sandra Brannan throws up a red herring here and there to give the reader enough suspects on which to chew. Just when you are convinced that so and so is the guilty party, another possibility is offered.
Liv Bergen isn't a cop, and she isn't an FBI agent. She runs one of the family quarries in Colorado, has a love for the business, and an innate talent for putting two and two together to solve the sticky mysteries of murder. Liv is a lapsed Catholic schoolgirl who sometimes recalls Bible passages in ways that the nuns might not appreciate. She is the kind of strong female protagonist who is both human and admirable.
If you're looking for a your next thriller, filled with folks you will either love or hate, I suggest that you run, don't walk, to get your copy of the first book in the series, IN THE BELLY OF JONAH, and this one. Why both? When you finish the first one, you will want to immediately start on the next. By the way, LOT'S RETURN TO SODOM has a great ending!
Along with a great backstory that gives realism to a series, red herrings are necessary to work the mystery angle. Sandra Brannan throws up a red herring here and there to give the reader enough suspects on which to chew. Just when you are convinced that so and so is the guilty party, another possibility is offered.
Liv Bergen isn't a cop, and she isn't an FBI agent. She runs one of the family quarries in Colorado, has a love for the business, and an innate talent for putting two and two together to solve the sticky mysteries of murder. Liv is a lapsed Catholic schoolgirl who sometimes recalls Bible passages in ways that the nuns might not appreciate. She is the kind of strong female protagonist who is both human and admirable.
If you're looking for a your next thriller, filled with folks you will either love or hate, I suggest that you run, don't walk, to get your copy of the first book in the series, IN THE BELLY OF JONAH, and this one. Why both? When you finish the first one, you will want to immediately start on the next. By the way, LOT'S RETURN TO SODOM has a great ending!
January 6, 2013
Liv Bergan is just healing from her life threatening experience while nosing in the FBI's investigation of a serial murderer. Her 'day job' is managing a branch of her family's rock quarry. The only good memory of that experience is her blurry memory of the FBI agent who saved her life. Unfortunately she was in and out of consciousness during his visits, and has yet to really meet him.
Now, her hometown of Sturgis, South Dakota is being inundated by loads of motorcycle groups who are coming to the annual motorcycle rally. Unfortunately, this event also draws a number of non-law abiding men, and their 'groupie' women who will do anything for the gang members.
Liv is called home by her brother, one of her eight siblings, because his wonderful girlfriend has just been murdered, and her 14 year old 'partying' sister is missing. The local police have implied that he might be the murderer. Though the FBI have also been brought in on another local murder, things aren't going well.
This second Liv Bergan mystery continues the delicious writing of Sandra Brannan.. Once again, the title and subject of her books, are made more interesting because of the connection to the Biblical story involved. Definitely not a religious story but knowing the related Biblical story adds greatly to the reader's involvement in the mystery. If you don't know the related story, you'll still find yourself deeply involved in the story line. After reading book one, I was thrilled to be able to continue onto book two. Now I'm hooked and going right to book three---Widow's Might.
Looking for a new mystery? This Liv Bergan series is a terrific find!!
Now, her hometown of Sturgis, South Dakota is being inundated by loads of motorcycle groups who are coming to the annual motorcycle rally. Unfortunately, this event also draws a number of non-law abiding men, and their 'groupie' women who will do anything for the gang members.
Liv is called home by her brother, one of her eight siblings, because his wonderful girlfriend has just been murdered, and her 14 year old 'partying' sister is missing. The local police have implied that he might be the murderer. Though the FBI have also been brought in on another local murder, things aren't going well.
This second Liv Bergan mystery continues the delicious writing of Sandra Brannan.. Once again, the title and subject of her books, are made more interesting because of the connection to the Biblical story involved. Definitely not a religious story but knowing the related Biblical story adds greatly to the reader's involvement in the mystery. If you don't know the related story, you'll still find yourself deeply involved in the story line. After reading book one, I was thrilled to be able to continue onto book two. Now I'm hooked and going right to book three---Widow's Might.
Looking for a new mystery? This Liv Bergan series is a terrific find!!
August 4, 2011
I reviewed In the Belly of Jonah by Sandra Branna earlier this year and was really looking forward to reading her second book of the series, Lot’s Return. It was very much a let down and was not as good as the first book in this series. Once again we have Liv Bergen involved in solving the crimes; this time in the area of Sturgis SD near her family’s mining company. Of course with Sturgis there are bikers and the annual raunchy display.
The story line was all over the place and in dire need of editing for cohesiveness. The story did not flow well. There was a particular sexual assault that I think was only thrown in for shock value, but the repeated reference to the act was just unnecessary and tedious.
The characters also have some problems. Although I think the character of Murley was supposed to be a creepy, slimy character, he came off as a sympathetic and almost likeable. The character of Liv witnessed a crime, photographed it and did not tell police even though someone ended up dead! It was just unbelievable.
The Biblical references in both books have nothing to do with the story and these are certainly not books where the characters struggle with issues of faith. I am not sure why they are included. The ending was disappointing and unrealistic. I won’t put a spoiler here, but let me just say that the FBI simply would not have given Liv a gift that took years of expensive development.
The best part of the book was the Dedication when she told her mother that she didn’t have to read the story.
The story line was all over the place and in dire need of editing for cohesiveness. The story did not flow well. There was a particular sexual assault that I think was only thrown in for shock value, but the repeated reference to the act was just unnecessary and tedious.
The characters also have some problems. Although I think the character of Murley was supposed to be a creepy, slimy character, he came off as a sympathetic and almost likeable. The character of Liv witnessed a crime, photographed it and did not tell police even though someone ended up dead! It was just unbelievable.
The Biblical references in both books have nothing to do with the story and these are certainly not books where the characters struggle with issues of faith. I am not sure why they are included. The ending was disappointing and unrealistic. I won’t put a spoiler here, but let me just say that the FBI simply would not have given Liv a gift that took years of expensive development.
The best part of the book was the Dedication when she told her mother that she didn’t have to read the story.
January 18, 2017
Liv Bergen is back to her childhood home, in Sturgis, South Dakota, to complete her recovery from the last murder she was involved in.
Now she is confronted with the murder of her brother’s girl friend. Meredith’s body is found right outside of the road leading to the family quarry. In order to help Jens she sets her course to find the killer and why Meredith died.
At this time, Sturgis is the Sodom of the Black Hills as it hosts the motorcycle rally attended by many of the outlaw bikers of America.
The County Sheriff thinks Meredith was caught up in the motorcycle rally and was murdered by a biker. The FBI resident agent, Shankley, agrees. However, FBI agent Streeter Pierce who has come from Denver to assist Shankley with another case, disagrees with him.
Streeter is searching for the Crooked Man, a shadow criminal who has murdered in the past. Shankley had gotten Streeter to Sturgis by suggesting Meredith was murdered by the Crooked Man.
Meantime while Liv is trying to locate Char, Meredith’s sister and solve Meredith’s murder. While waiting for Jens, she witnesses the death of another young woman involved with the biker gang Lucifer’s Lot. Now, Mully, leader of Lucifer’s Lot is on her trail.
A diverse cast of characters that are individual with different motivations. Lot’s for things going on here in Sturgis, it can get a little confusing.
The description of the motorcycle rally is detailed and I can tell you I wouldn’t like to be in Sturgis when it is going on.
Now she is confronted with the murder of her brother’s girl friend. Meredith’s body is found right outside of the road leading to the family quarry. In order to help Jens she sets her course to find the killer and why Meredith died.
At this time, Sturgis is the Sodom of the Black Hills as it hosts the motorcycle rally attended by many of the outlaw bikers of America.
The County Sheriff thinks Meredith was caught up in the motorcycle rally and was murdered by a biker. The FBI resident agent, Shankley, agrees. However, FBI agent Streeter Pierce who has come from Denver to assist Shankley with another case, disagrees with him.
Streeter is searching for the Crooked Man, a shadow criminal who has murdered in the past. Shankley had gotten Streeter to Sturgis by suggesting Meredith was murdered by the Crooked Man.
Meantime while Liv is trying to locate Char, Meredith’s sister and solve Meredith’s murder. While waiting for Jens, she witnesses the death of another young woman involved with the biker gang Lucifer’s Lot. Now, Mully, leader of Lucifer’s Lot is on her trail.
A diverse cast of characters that are individual with different motivations. Lot’s for things going on here in Sturgis, it can get a little confusing.
The description of the motorcycle rally is detailed and I can tell you I wouldn’t like to be in Sturgis when it is going on.
June 15, 2012
I loved the first book in the Liv Bergen series so I was excited to read the followup "Lot's Return to Sodom." I was not dissapointed! The events of this book take place during the annual Sturgis Bike Rally. I really did not know much about the rally or that area of the country before so I enjoyed learning about both. It was interesting for me to read about the activities of some of the motorcycle gangs. I know from talking to Sandra that she did a lot of research on the gangs to get the events of the book to be in line with reality.
I really like Liv, she is such a strong female character. I have to admit that this time she really did a few things that I really did not understand. As the book went on though her actions (or lack thereof actually) were explained. She witnesses some really nasty gang activity and I wonder what I would have done in the same situation. There were a few times while reading the book that I thought I had it all figured out, I was WRONG! I love that! Nothing makes me more excited about a book than not being able to figure out "who-done-it?!"
If you missed out on the first book in the series I highly recommend it. You can certainly jump in with this one and not feel lost though. I feel confident in saying that Sandra Brannan is going on my "auto-buy" list! If she wrote it, I know I am going to enjoy reading it!
BOTTOM LINE: An excellent follow up to the first in the series!
I really like Liv, she is such a strong female character. I have to admit that this time she really did a few things that I really did not understand. As the book went on though her actions (or lack thereof actually) were explained. She witnesses some really nasty gang activity and I wonder what I would have done in the same situation. There were a few times while reading the book that I thought I had it all figured out, I was WRONG! I love that! Nothing makes me more excited about a book than not being able to figure out "who-done-it?!"
If you missed out on the first book in the series I highly recommend it. You can certainly jump in with this one and not feel lost though. I feel confident in saying that Sandra Brannan is going on my "auto-buy" list! If she wrote it, I know I am going to enjoy reading it!
BOTTOM LINE: An excellent follow up to the first in the series!
July 13, 2018
Lot's return to sodom by Sandra Brannan.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is no place for button-downed citizens–unless they're trying to hide a murder.
Sharp-witted Liv Bergen can't avoid becoming embroiled in murders, it seems. Her family's hometown of Sturgis, South Dakota, is quickly becoming the Sodom of the Black Hills during the dog days of summer as it hosts the infamous rally of grizzled hard-core motorcycle bikers–half a million of them. Crime comes too close for comfort when Liv must solve the mystery of a beautiful young townie to clear her brother's name.
Liv witnesses the vile death of another young woman, and during her investigation of both crimes she attracts the uninvited attentions of the menacing leader of Lucifer's Lot–the baddest of the bad biker gangs. Her quick wit and pragmatic thinking are all that stands between her and certain elimination.
FBI agent Streeter Pierce is back on the trail, working undercover to find the murderer and a shadow criminal called the Crooked Man. When he and Liv cross paths, sparks are flying, literally.
This was a really enjoyable read with likeable characters. I love the cover. Very unique. I am really enjoying this series with livs different way of looking at the crime and solving it. 5*.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is no place for button-downed citizens–unless they're trying to hide a murder.
Sharp-witted Liv Bergen can't avoid becoming embroiled in murders, it seems. Her family's hometown of Sturgis, South Dakota, is quickly becoming the Sodom of the Black Hills during the dog days of summer as it hosts the infamous rally of grizzled hard-core motorcycle bikers–half a million of them. Crime comes too close for comfort when Liv must solve the mystery of a beautiful young townie to clear her brother's name.
Liv witnesses the vile death of another young woman, and during her investigation of both crimes she attracts the uninvited attentions of the menacing leader of Lucifer's Lot–the baddest of the bad biker gangs. Her quick wit and pragmatic thinking are all that stands between her and certain elimination.
FBI agent Streeter Pierce is back on the trail, working undercover to find the murderer and a shadow criminal called the Crooked Man. When he and Liv cross paths, sparks are flying, literally.
This was a really enjoyable read with likeable characters. I love the cover. Very unique. I am really enjoying this series with livs different way of looking at the crime and solving it. 5*.
April 23, 2011
Another great Liv Bergen mystery. A little less gore, but definitely left me on my seat trying to figure out who the killer was and the hows and the whys. Again I spent the entire book trying to narrow down my options to find the killer at right towards the end I had two in mind, but the clues sent you a different way. Again the killer was in the book the entire time and didn't come out of left field - love it.
Brannan expertly loops her character Bergen into this next investigation. This book begins just after the completion of the first book and her therapy from her injuries. I absolutely believed the way she ended up in the middle of this investigation and felt as though it was completely smartly done.
Something that may be minor, but I enjoyed was that this book could be a stand alone. There were a few references to book number 1, but I felt as though anyone could grab this second in the series and enjoy it on its own.
I think any reader who loves the suspense and wants to piece together the puzzle to finish with a killer that no one would have guessed in the beginning would enjoy this one. I am anxiously awaiting for the next appearance of Liv Bergen.
Brannan expertly loops her character Bergen into this next investigation. This book begins just after the completion of the first book and her therapy from her injuries. I absolutely believed the way she ended up in the middle of this investigation and felt as though it was completely smartly done.
Something that may be minor, but I enjoyed was that this book could be a stand alone. There were a few references to book number 1, but I felt as though anyone could grab this second in the series and enjoy it on its own.
I think any reader who loves the suspense and wants to piece together the puzzle to finish with a killer that no one would have guessed in the beginning would enjoy this one. I am anxiously awaiting for the next appearance of Liv Bergen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews