Cold Quarry

Frank Pavlicek Mysteries #3

by Andy Straka

SHAMUS AWARD WINNING NOVEL
ANTHONY, SHAMUS, & AGATHA Award Nominated Series

When an expert falconer is found shot to death, P.I. Frank Pavlicek smells something far more deadly than a simple hunting accident. Something is contaminating the surrounding woods-something the Feds don't want to discuss. Seeking justice for his friend's life, Pavlicek threatens to uncover a group of domestic terrorists with a chilling agenda.

Praise for Cold Quarry:

"Andy Straka soars to wonderful heights with his latest Pavlicek tale." -- Midwest Book Review

"Frank Pavlicek is a breath of fresh air in the field of private eye fiction." -- Jeffery Deaver

"Spencer fans take hold, there is a new kid on the block!" -- Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin Book Club

An intriguing series featuring the likeable Frank Pavlicek and the ancient sport of falconry. -- C.J. Box

Frank Pavlicek is a breath of fresh air in the field of private eye fiction-witty, sharp, and flesh-and-blood real. -- Jeffery Deaver

I couldn't put it down! ...more pure suspense in this book than anything else I've read this year. -- Steve Hamilton, Edgar Award-winning author

Genres: Mystery

Nook

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

The first hint of Andy Straka's future as a mystery writer came at the age of four when he appeared at his small-town neighbor's back door carrying a butcher's knife. Thankfully, the neighbor called Andy's mother instead of social services.

​Andy is a former college basketball player, a licensed falconer, and longtime husband and father. His novels include the recently released SPLIT CITY, the first in a new amateur sleuth mystery series; the #1 bestselling private eye novel A WITNESS ABOVE and the six book, Shamus Award-winning Frank Pavlicek series; the techno-thriller trilogy DRAGONFLIES; and the critically-acclaimed suspense thrillers RECORD OF WRONGS and THE BLUE HALLELUJAH. Featured by Publishers Weekly among a group of "rising stars" in crime fiction, Andy is a past finalist for the Agatha Award and the Anthony Award.

ANDY STRAKA BOOKS IN ORDER:

--Frank Pavlicek Series--

A WITNESS ABOVE

A KILLING SKY

A COLD QUARRY

A NIGHT FALCONER

FLIGHTFALL

THE K STREET HUNTING SOCIETY

--Jesus Spares Series

SPLIT CITY

--Suspense/Thrillers--

RECORD OF WRONGS

THE BLUE HALLELUJAH

DRAGONFLIES

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. The plot moved along well, the characters were well written and the falconer angle was interesting. I give it 3 stars out of 5. There were repetitive typos,i.e., the number 1 instead of the pronoun I and "comer" for corner. The ending was too far fetched for my taste. The conspiracy part of the ending left me cold--reminded me of 9-11 conspiracies prevalent in Muslim countries(CIA plot). The book takes place in West Virginia, adding 1 more book to my US state mystery challenge.

I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley.com.

Update: Brash books has responded to my review and promised to fix typos. Kudos to Brash Books. My wife is reading it now and has noticed more typos: a slash instead of pronoun I, kitty "utter" for litter, "smelted" for smelled. Update Dec 19,2015 My wife finished and enjoyed this book. She thought the ending was ok.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery and suspense with a touch of conspiracy drew me in from the start, and the fragments of falconry lore added even more interest to the characters. The West Virginian setting makes it feel more real and less like a conspiracy thriller TV show.

I'm glad I've got the next one already queued up - this is one series I'll be following!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is 1.5 stars rounded up. No, no, and no.

I received this DRC free from Brash Books in exchange for an honest review.

I was attracted to this mystery, which is set in West Virginia, because it has the novel element of hunters that use falcons, in addition to white Supremacist bad guys known as the Stonewall Ranger Brigade. And it started out as a promising read, with detective Frank Pavlicek and his former Navy Seal partner, Jake Toronto, looking to find out who shot Chester Carew in the back, leaving him dead on his own land. The birds of prey stand as metaphors for Pavlicek and Toronto, who will now hunt the killers as "cold quarry" in order to exact justice.

Who was to expect, then, that the entire novel would be riddled with blantant sexism, with only one positive depiction of a female? It is this one redemptive moment that saved this mystery from a one star rating, a rating I save for the illiterate and the blatantly offensive.

Before I explain further about the stereotyping of women in this work, I should also mention that the N word is used twice--once by a bad guy, once by a more complex figure--and our hero is known to have shot and killed a young African-American man when he was a cop. We are told this was a righteous shooting that gives our hero terrible nightmares nevertheless.

What timing.

But back to the women. Because I wanted to enjoy this book--who picks up a murder mystery without wanting some escapist enjoyment?--I withheld judgment until the 75 percent mark, and even then I read the whole thing to see whether there would be some sly move in which the sexist behaviors of the main characters were called out, or in which the protagonist found himself reflecting that he'd misjudged some women and situations. But the entire narrative was loaded with it, not just the main character's dialogue and behaviors, so I didn't think it was likely, and in the end, there was only one good moment for a female character, and the rest were endless cliches.

We have Betty in her apron ("It's all right, I'll just be in the kitchen"); nutcase bar owner Roswell Parker; seductive reporter Kara Grayson, who goes to pieces during a violent scene in which she is not injured.

"You stay here with the woman..." Frank tells Jake.Kara tends to an injured animal, and when the dust has settled the two menfolk rush out to save the world while "A female sergeant had also arrived and seen to it that Kara Grayson and the German Shepherd were taken care of."

We often hear of women that occupy professional positions; we just never see them do their jobs, or if they do, they mess it up. Federal agent Colleen Briggs is one such character, and everyone feels great when she is openly dissed by the deputy sheriff, since she is "a robotic clone of a federal agent".

Pavlicek has a grown daughter who's out of state doing some work for him online, but when he gets her on the phone she "pouts", and he tells her, "You let me worry about that, honey."

Chester Carew's son Jason is just old enough to read The Cat in the Hat, but he is old enough to protect his mother, who is helpless, apparently.(Remember Betty? In the kitchen?) Pavlicek gets her permission to speak to her son alone, but he doesn't tell her what the kid knows or what the kid has seen. And the kid doesn't want her to know.

We meet Jake Toronto's girlfriend, who is an attorney, but when we run into her at home, she is cradling a baby. Frank's daughter Nicole, who has arrived in town, takes time for "the appropriate oohing and ahhing over the baby", and then follows her father and Priscilla into...where else? The kitchen. At this point--and I don't want to give a spoiler, so I'll use broad strokes--Frank needs to take care of something for Jake that Jake isn't available to do, and this includes getting confidential material out of the house. Priscilla is concerned because Jake keeps that door locked; of course she wouldn't have a key, right? But Frank does. When his daughter asks what is in there, he says, "It's just Jake's little office."

Priscilla does help, though, by getting "'Just, um, some personal stuff I already knew about in the bedroom'...she looked at Nicole and the two of them giggled."

Oh, but it isn't over yet. Not by a far sight. "Priscilla's hands were dwarfed" by Jake's shotgun, so of course, Frank took it from her.

It occurs to me during all this that since Priscilla is--we are told--an attorney, perhaps Frank is protecting her professional credibility by having her not know some things, or else maybe Jake was, but the word "attorney" is mentioned just once and never comes into play again.

We have a number of promiscuous women, all of whom are morally compromised. We have lazy nurses. And in a confrontation with bad guys, the uglies hurl the ultimate insult and Frank and Jake by calling them "little girls".

Excuse me now. I am going back to my DRC of Gloria Steinem's memoir. I need something to read that will remind me that women are worthy of dignity and respect.

If your ideas about gender are lodged in the 1950's, by all means, get this book, and have a real good time.

As for me: no more Andy Straka!

[Jeff Benham · Rating 4 out of 5]

PI Frank Pavlicek and his faithful companion Toronto try to solve the murder of a friend of theirs that the police insist was an accident. For such an obvious accident there sure are a lot of law enforcement agencies involved that don't want Frank and Toronto snooping around.People that could provide them information seem to end up dead. Very interesting read!

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good solid, readable whodunnit

I read this one out of sequence as I got it on offer. It's good, if slightly predictable (strong silent man that women are mysteriously attracted to, with incredibly dangerous and even more silent best friend). The plot ends on the docks, as usual. But it is readable and carried me along happily for the course of the book.

[Joy Landers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost lost the book and I wouldn't have found out what happened to Chester. what a relief I found the book and discovered what happened to Chester. I could image many sleepless nights wondering about Chester. now I know

[Carolyn (in SC) C234D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a good story about Frank Pavlicek, a Virginia private investigator who is a falconer. Don’t really remember it now, years later.

[Jack Heath]

Synopsis: a falconer is shot in the back in W. Virginia. PI Pavlicek isn't buying the police explanation. He follows a trail of lies and corpses.

[Bonnie H. Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good action book.

A really good mystery, action book. Very enjoyable and entertaining. I read straight through because I was intrigued with the characters.

[Ann Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

I'm really liked this book. I learned a lot of more about falconery that I had no idea about. Good cast of characters .

[Gill's likes reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a man’s book, no strong women characters here, most of them are described with the words; leant on me, kitchen, small hands, and given whimpering lines.

I thought the opening paragraph of the prologue was superb:

There is a light that sharpens the hunt during darkest winter, a delicate radiance belonging as much to the earth as to the sky. After dawn, it coins to the trees like some corporeal messenger. Remember the start reality of cold possibilities, it says, black memory, the frozen echoes of hollowed-out veins beneath the ground.

Then it went all down hill from there onwards for me.

I found the retrospective switch in the story line hard to follow because one minute Frank Pavlicek is at the funeral of his friend, next he is with the police before the funeral and I was confused and wondering what was going on. I could have done with a little less detailed information which for me detracted from the story.

The characters themselves seemed a little too indistinguishable for me. The only one who felt different was Toronto’s father, but even he ended up a whimpering old man which appeared out of character.

However, the plot line was a cracking one with murders, investigation, FBI, secret missions, right-wing cult, explosions and a lot of mystery.

I guess this style of writing just doesn't suit me at all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Many thank to the publisher via NetGalley for copy of this book.

[Lilian Flesher · Rating 5 out of 5]

PI Frank Pavlicek is on a new case. This case involves a friend named Chester Carew who ended up dead after a hunting accident, but was it an accident?

Obviously as an old friend of Frank, he sets out to investigate, and he himself gets attacked, making it clear to him that this was no hunting accident. Frank and his friend Jake Toronto start probing to find out what they can. Nicole who is Frank's daughter has been working with him as an investigator learning the ropes, but he sends her back to his office as he needs her there and not in the line of fire.

This story is excellent, the author touches on subjects of white supremacy, shady characters, and both Frank and Jake end up knee deep in trouble. People are dying and not by accident either!

Straka as usual entwines his love of falconry into the story, which in itself makes things different from the normal detective stories. I also love that Straka manages to convey his story without the amount of vulgarities we see in some books, although I am not offended by these some may be and this is not the case in Straka's books, they are good clean stories.

I have to thank Brash Books for allowing me to read this terrific story in return for an honest review. Honestly, these Straka books are a pleasure to read gripping, thrillers that keep you enthralled all the way. Well done to the author on another fabulous story.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dead Falconer, a Missing Falcon, and Murder

Frank Pavlicek's old friend and fellow falconer, Chester Carew, is found dead on his property, and his falcon Elo is missing. The police call it a hunting accident, but Chester's wife isn't convinced. She hires Frank to look into what happened. Franks doesn't want to take her money, but his curiosity is aroused by her banker, who tells her he'll front the money for the investigation.

Nicole, Frank's college student daughter, helps in the investigation. Jake, Frank's ex-partner also shows up, but there's something Jake doesn't want to share with Frank. Jake insists it isn't impacting the case, but Frank can't be sure.

This is an action packed mystery. As Frank questions the townsfolk, the body count mounts and Frank is attacked. It appears that this is no hunting accident, but the motive is unclear.

The setting in West Virginia is perfect for the story, and the sport of falconry adds substantially to the background. I enjoyed learning something about this interesting sport.

The plot moves quickly. Although the characters are stereotypical, the plot is what's important in the novel. Frank is a typical hard-boiled PI. He isn't a deep character, but his propensity to put himself in the middle of danger keeps the story rolling.

If you like hard-boiled PI mysteries, this is a good one.

I received this book from Brash Book for this review.

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading Frank's stories. This time a fellow falconer has been murderered. Who would have wanted Chester dead he was an old man who loved his land & his falcon. Frank and Jake get involved and they open a big can of worms. Who do you trust as the truth is blurred. Can Jake still be trusted as he is hiding something. The more he digs the worse the situation becomes. Can Frank find the killer before more people die. Chester stood up and against some dangerous men and in the end he was able to save others.
What I love about these books are that Frank is a hard man that will have your back if he trusts you. I enjoy reading about the birds and they fitted in really well with this story. What can I say about Jake a man of mystery he keeps Frank on his toes. Can wait to read the next one as they pull in you and it is really hard to put down. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

P.I. Frank Pavlicek does not believe that his friend, Chester Carew was killed in a hunting accident. When Frank goes to the scene of the crime he is hit with a rifle. Frank is told that Chester went to local want-to-be terrorist group meetings. Frank thinks that is very strange of Chester. Why did Chester go to those meetings? As Frank looks into the killing of Chester, he is warned by the local police and FBI to keep his nose out of it. Will Frank stop?

Straka has written a suspenseful mystery. It is action packed with twists and turns. This is the second novel I've read of the author's P.I. mysteries. I am a fan! A Cold Quarry is excellent!

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Mark Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is the book's description: When an expert falconer is found shot to death, P.I. Frank Pavlicek smells something far more deadly than a simple hunting accident. Something is contaminating the surrounding woods-something the Feds don't want to discuss. Seeking justice for his friend's life, Pavlicek threatens to uncover a group of domestic terrorists with a chilling agenda.

The author does a great job of allowing the reader inside P.I. Frank Pavlicek's world and head. The story is well written, and the characters really came alive for me. An added bonus: background information on falconers and why they enjoy the sport. Scenes are vividly painted with words. I would put this author on my list of authors worth reading.

[Linda Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read of Andy's and it's also when I became a fan. When this book launched, Andy spoke to the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Virginia Writers Club at Charlottesville, VA's Barnes & Noble. I was there to photograph the event for the club newsletter. I remember a lady from the audience asking when Pavlicek's romance would move to the next level. Knowing ahead of time his Pavlicek series was in the private eye/mystery genre, I was impressed how he skirted around the question and left everyone hanging. Needless to say, I was baited with curiosity and bought the book... then I read all the others! Now I'm curious what mystery lies in the upcoming Talon Dancer. Lucky me! Since I've moved on to become his paperback publisher, I'll be the first in line to know!

[Rosemary Cantrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a murder mystery, which I usually like, but not this one. It was hard to follow and I just couldn't get interested in the characters. It is built around the sport of falconry, which might have been interesting, but wasn't.

There are murders happening one after another, every possible law enforcement agency has a hand in the investigation, local militia members are possible terrorists, plus plenty of other odds and ends. Some government intrigue novels are interesting; this one not so much.

I would not recommend, as I could never get interested in the story. I found I didn't even care if they escaped the big explosion at the end or not!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for writing a review.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was obviously written soon after 9/11 as those events seem to hang over the characters a bit and there are lots of terrorist lookouts. This is the third book in the Frank Pavlicek mystery and finds Frank and Jake trying to determine who murdered a fellow falconer. Lots of action, government suspicion, and general double crossing which made it hard to figure out what was really happening. Like the interplay between Frank and his daughter Nicole as well as learning more about falconry.

[Jay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The death of a fellow falconer drags Frank into a maze of officious Government agents, White Supremists, terrorists, and dealers. A recurring theme is "Be careful who you trust,". and it is good advice The writing is clear and descriptive. All the regular characters are on display, and Frank's daughter, Nicole, plays a growing role in the investigation and resolution of the crimes. It is a great and engrossing read..

[Melba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting and intriguing book, which was a pleasure to read. I will most definitely go back and read the first two books by this author, and I hope that there will be more to come. I feel sure that anyone who enjoys mystery/thrillers will enjoy reading this book, but anyone who enjoys reading would also find it interesting.

[Hildy Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grade: C

Just an average slow-moving not very exciting book. Disappointed in the end. Reviews made it seem like it would contain more information about falconry, but really it just skimmed over the topic. Law-enforcement personnel seem like idiots. Characters were a little bit overdrawn. Don't know yet if I'll seek out a second novel by this author.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this arc from Netgalley.

A very exciting, well put together read. I really enjoyed reading this book. This author is one to keep your eyes on because he knows his stuff.

[Patricia Moren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A multi-faceted story which was a real challenge to solve. I liked the father -daughter link, made the story more believable. Some really good characters, well described and relevant to the story. I like it when the stories unravel quickly towards to end, leads to a great climax. Thoroiughly enjoyable read.

[Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good read can't tell the good guy's from the bad. Started off slow but as each page progressed it picked up steam. You keep thinking the reporter and Pavlicek are getting together,but throws you a curve.

Its just a nice read and very entertaining. Jake Toronto is still a mystery and you wonder and question his actions.

[Lori A. Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This book covers everything from mystery, suspense, excitement, heartbreak, and love for fellow human beings. It kept my attention and I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

[marvin shults · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery

This was great mystery with likeable characters and a good plot . There was a fair amount of nasty words which I don't like but by the bad guys mostly it went with the storyline. Recommended for mature teens and adults.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed all I have read in this series, have one waiting.

[Steve Monett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thriller straight through