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Lena Gamble #3
Murder Season
LAPD homicide detective Lena Gamble's third murder case is also Robert Ellis's most explosive thriller yet.
It's another rough night in Hollywood. A horrific double murder at Club 3 AM, the A list hangout for Hollywood celebs. Unfortunately for detective Gamble, it's her case.
The media is swarming. LAPD brass have their stingers out. It's the kind of murder case that goes radioactive from the start. Two dead bodies in Hollywood ...
The first victim is Johnny Bosco, owner of Club 3 AM and one of the most powerful men in Hollywood. But Lena takes the shock hard when she sees the corpse laid out beside Bosco. It's 25-year-old Jacob Gant, acquitted just weeks ago in L.A.'s latest trial-of-the-century for murdering his 16-year-old neighbor, Lily Hight.
Are these murders the result of a father's righteous anger? Or is something bigger at play? Something dark and twisted that no one can see?
You already know the answer. This is Robert Ellis at his very best.
It's another rough night in Hollywood. A horrific double murder at Club 3 AM, the A list hangout for Hollywood celebs. Unfortunately for detective Gamble, it's her case.
The media is swarming. LAPD brass have their stingers out. It's the kind of murder case that goes radioactive from the start. Two dead bodies in Hollywood ...
The first victim is Johnny Bosco, owner of Club 3 AM and one of the most powerful men in Hollywood. But Lena takes the shock hard when she sees the corpse laid out beside Bosco. It's 25-year-old Jacob Gant, acquitted just weeks ago in L.A.'s latest trial-of-the-century for murdering his 16-year-old neighbor, Lily Hight.
Are these murders the result of a father's righteous anger? Or is something bigger at play? Something dark and twisted that no one can see?
You already know the answer. This is Robert Ellis at his very best.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published December 6, 2011
94 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Robert Ellis
14 books198 followersRobert Ellis is the bestselling author of Access to Power and The Dead Room, as well as two critically acclaimed series--the Lena Gamble novels, City of Fire, The Lost Witness, and Murder Season, and the Detective Matt Jones Thriller Series, City of Echoes, The Love Killings, The Girl Buried in the Woods, and City of Stones.
Born in Philadelphia, Robert moved to Los Angeles and worked as a writer, producer, and director in film, television, and advertising. After ghostwriting the final draft of Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, Robert wrote his first novel, Access to Power, a national bestseller. His books have been translated into more than ten languages and won praise from authors as diverse as Janet Evanovich and Michael Connelly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 8, 2012
The Murder Season, Robert Ellis' latest Lena Gamble novel is a suspenseful police detective story, with enough twists and turns to keep the jaded reader hustling to finish. Ellis is a master of the kind of old fashioned cop investigating a murder, and Gamble follows the evidence wherever it leads. As the tension escalates, the story hits high gear.
Lena Gamble is called in the depths of the night to a double homicide at a big nightclub. One of the victims is Johnny Bosco, a club owner to the stars with connections to the District Attorney, but the other victim is Jacob Gant, recently acquitted of the sensational murder of Lily Hight because the DNA evidence linking him to the crime disappeared.
The police immediately suspect Lily Hight's father of the crime and a traffic cam video places him on a road minutes after the murder, but its a case that would be horrible for the LA police and district attorney because who will actually convict the father of killing the killer of his beautiful lily white daughter. The two assistant district attorneys, Bennett and Watson do not want to touch this case, and the police brass have it in for Gamble because of the actions in prior novels in this detective series.
So Gamble and Vaughn, another prosecutor in the DA office are told to handle the case, which has all the hallmarks of a career destroyer.At the same time Cobb, the original detective on the case, who seems to have secrets, starts to follow Gamble around.
Gamble soon starts to suspect that the original case against Gant was somehow wrongly prosecuted. Maybe Gant was not the killer that everyone thinks and the killer is still out there. She gets the murder book from Cobb, but finds holes in its story. She shares her findings with Vaughn and they ponder the fact that Gant was railroaded. But if Gant did not kill Lily Hight, how did Bennett, Watson and Cobb try him anyway and why, and who did kill Lily Hight.
These are the questions that Gamble must answer and as she follows the evidence and strikes out on her own to solve the original case, she finds the original assumptions about the case all wrong. Lily Hight was not so lily white as she appeared, Bennett has an ugly past, the district attorney and his hired goon are snooping around, the murder book looks like it was doctored. The bodies start to pile up, and the evidence leads to a central figure in the original case, but is it really him? Or are we being played.
A great read.
Lena Gamble is called in the depths of the night to a double homicide at a big nightclub. One of the victims is Johnny Bosco, a club owner to the stars with connections to the District Attorney, but the other victim is Jacob Gant, recently acquitted of the sensational murder of Lily Hight because the DNA evidence linking him to the crime disappeared.
The police immediately suspect Lily Hight's father of the crime and a traffic cam video places him on a road minutes after the murder, but its a case that would be horrible for the LA police and district attorney because who will actually convict the father of killing the killer of his beautiful lily white daughter. The two assistant district attorneys, Bennett and Watson do not want to touch this case, and the police brass have it in for Gamble because of the actions in prior novels in this detective series.
So Gamble and Vaughn, another prosecutor in the DA office are told to handle the case, which has all the hallmarks of a career destroyer.At the same time Cobb, the original detective on the case, who seems to have secrets, starts to follow Gamble around.
Gamble soon starts to suspect that the original case against Gant was somehow wrongly prosecuted. Maybe Gant was not the killer that everyone thinks and the killer is still out there. She gets the murder book from Cobb, but finds holes in its story. She shares her findings with Vaughn and they ponder the fact that Gant was railroaded. But if Gant did not kill Lily Hight, how did Bennett, Watson and Cobb try him anyway and why, and who did kill Lily Hight.
These are the questions that Gamble must answer and as she follows the evidence and strikes out on her own to solve the original case, she finds the original assumptions about the case all wrong. Lily Hight was not so lily white as she appeared, Bennett has an ugly past, the district attorney and his hired goon are snooping around, the murder book looks like it was doctored. The bodies start to pile up, and the evidence leads to a central figure in the original case, but is it really him? Or are we being played.
A great read.
May 30, 2016
Damn I wish I could give this 4.5 stars.This book was excellent. Lena Gamble is given a case that could completely derail her career. Two bodies in a nightclub - one is the owner but it is the second body that causes all the problems. Jacob Gant was tried for the rape and murder of a 16 year old girl. It was a slam dunk case but due to the disappearance of vital evidence he was acquitted.
Clearly the girl's father has just dispensed his own brand of justice and has public sympathy on his side. But Gamble is not so sure. Something about this case doesn't add up but she's on very thin ice here. There is a delicious sense of menace throughout the whole book as the bodies keep piling up and nothing seems to make any sense. Twists and turns and a creeping sense of danger make this a thrilling and enjoyable read. The ending is something you don't see coming. Highly recommended.
Clearly the girl's father has just dispensed his own brand of justice and has public sympathy on his side. But Gamble is not so sure. Something about this case doesn't add up but she's on very thin ice here. There is a delicious sense of menace throughout the whole book as the bodies keep piling up and nothing seems to make any sense. Twists and turns and a creeping sense of danger make this a thrilling and enjoyable read. The ending is something you don't see coming. Highly recommended.
December 30, 2017
An okay read. Saw the plot coming even with al the twists. A little bit over the top for me. I guess that happens when you read so many thrillers :)
The first 2 were translated in Dutch and I really enjoyed those. A little disappointed...
The first 2 were translated in Dutch and I really enjoyed those. A little disappointed...
September 15, 2015
What happened? I thought the author was tying up loose ends and out of nowhere comes another twist. I did not see this coming. The plot was challenging, the murders are plentiful and bloody. There are some despicable bad guys, but also some cops with compassion and feelings. Don't start a Robert Ellis novel unless you have time to finish it. It will be hard to put down.
December 25, 2018
Another good who-dun-it, but definitely the lowest point of the series. Too much focus on police politics and political interactions. Thasr’s The best I can do without including spoilers. Glad I’m done with the series. This was to too much.
September 1, 2023
aint no way…
ok update about 12 hrs after i finished (yes i finished at 4:30am what about it)…
i most enjoyed the pace of the book. i wasn’t trusting the reviews at first when they said it was an amazing thriller, but i suddenly could not put it down and had to know how it ended immediately. it was like being in lena’s shoes as a detective.. the inability to eat, drink, or sleep without thinking about every inch of the case and questioning every lead and motive. while i’m keeping my 5 star rating, i think i am most disappointed in the ending. don’t get me wrong, the last few paragraphs were amazing.. quick to the point while simultaneously leaving me content but wanting more. the lead-up is what felt odd… specifically bennett’s death, the revelation that vaughan was the real killer. i wish it was drawn out a bit longer for it to really sink in, as i was left questioning how on earth he managed to pull it off, specifically all the murders, the evidence, and framing bennett. looking back, it’s understandable as to why vaughan was completely overwhelmed at the beginning of the case, then slowly became happier and more positive as he began working with lena. but something about his revelation and quick demise just felt off.
also cobb did not deserve to die and i am MAD. but now it makes sense why he was shot in the back when bennett was most likely inside his house. the vet could’ve handled the situation better for sure, but whatever. good character arc for cobb.
otherwise, i’m glad i randomly picked up this book at the library and am looking forward to reading more of ellis’ work!
ok update about 12 hrs after i finished (yes i finished at 4:30am what about it)…
i most enjoyed the pace of the book. i wasn’t trusting the reviews at first when they said it was an amazing thriller, but i suddenly could not put it down and had to know how it ended immediately. it was like being in lena’s shoes as a detective.. the inability to eat, drink, or sleep without thinking about every inch of the case and questioning every lead and motive. while i’m keeping my 5 star rating, i think i am most disappointed in the ending. don’t get me wrong, the last few paragraphs were amazing.. quick to the point while simultaneously leaving me content but wanting more. the lead-up is what felt odd… specifically bennett’s death, the revelation that vaughan was the real killer. i wish it was drawn out a bit longer for it to really sink in, as i was left questioning how on earth he managed to pull it off, specifically all the murders, the evidence, and framing bennett. looking back, it’s understandable as to why vaughan was completely overwhelmed at the beginning of the case, then slowly became happier and more positive as he began working with lena. but something about his revelation and quick demise just felt off.
also cobb did not deserve to die and i am MAD. but now it makes sense why he was shot in the back when bennett was most likely inside his house. the vet could’ve handled the situation better for sure, but whatever. good character arc for cobb.
otherwise, i’m glad i randomly picked up this book at the library and am looking forward to reading more of ellis’ work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2020
Klappentext
Sein Freispruch erschüttert die Stadt. Niemand glaubt an seine Unschuld. Doch sein Tod könnte die Wahrheit ans Licht bringen.
Lena Gamble von der Mordkommission in Los Angeles wird zum Schauplatz eines Doppelmords in einem angesagten Szeneclub gerufen. Dort liegen die Leichen von Clubbesitzer Johnny Bosco und Jacob Gant – dem meistgehassten Mann der Stadt. Gant stand unter Anklage, die sechzehnjährige Lily Hight vergewaltigt und ermordet zu haben, war aber aus Mangel an Beweisen freigesprochen worden. Kann Lena sich auf ihren damals in diesem Fall ermittelnden Kollegen verlassen? Berufliches und Privates drohen, eine verhängnisvolle Verbindung einzugehen ...
Meine Meinung
Das Buch hatte ich ebenfalls lange ungelesen auf meinem E-Reader und ich bin auch froh, diese Reihe weiterzulesen. Im Zentrum steht die Mordkomissarin Lena Gamble, die bereits einige schwierige Fälle aufgeklärt hat. Sie ist jemand, der sich von Obrigkeiten nicht einschüchtern lässt und einen starken Gerechtigkeitssinn hat, um die Wahrheit herauszufinden, auch wenn das nicht unbedingt Freunde macht. Diese Geschichte lässt einen kaum Atem holen, denn es verbindet zwei Fälle auf eine brisante Art und Weise miteinander. Es kommen einige überraschende Dinge ans Licht, die mich den Atem anhalten lassen haben, sodass ich das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen wollte. Das Buch ist voller überraschender Wendungen und Entwicklungen bis auf die letzte Seite, womit ich überhaupt nicht gerechnet habe. Der Schreibstil ist angenehm und flüssig zu lesen.
Bewertung
Ein neuer Fall und ein gelungener Abschluss rund um die Ermittlerin Lena Gamble, der noch besser als die Vorgängerfälle war und mich ziemlich sprachlos zurückgelassen hat, daher gibt es verdiente
4,5 von 5 Würmchen
Sein Freispruch erschüttert die Stadt. Niemand glaubt an seine Unschuld. Doch sein Tod könnte die Wahrheit ans Licht bringen.
Lena Gamble von der Mordkommission in Los Angeles wird zum Schauplatz eines Doppelmords in einem angesagten Szeneclub gerufen. Dort liegen die Leichen von Clubbesitzer Johnny Bosco und Jacob Gant – dem meistgehassten Mann der Stadt. Gant stand unter Anklage, die sechzehnjährige Lily Hight vergewaltigt und ermordet zu haben, war aber aus Mangel an Beweisen freigesprochen worden. Kann Lena sich auf ihren damals in diesem Fall ermittelnden Kollegen verlassen? Berufliches und Privates drohen, eine verhängnisvolle Verbindung einzugehen ...
Meine Meinung
Das Buch hatte ich ebenfalls lange ungelesen auf meinem E-Reader und ich bin auch froh, diese Reihe weiterzulesen. Im Zentrum steht die Mordkomissarin Lena Gamble, die bereits einige schwierige Fälle aufgeklärt hat. Sie ist jemand, der sich von Obrigkeiten nicht einschüchtern lässt und einen starken Gerechtigkeitssinn hat, um die Wahrheit herauszufinden, auch wenn das nicht unbedingt Freunde macht. Diese Geschichte lässt einen kaum Atem holen, denn es verbindet zwei Fälle auf eine brisante Art und Weise miteinander. Es kommen einige überraschende Dinge ans Licht, die mich den Atem anhalten lassen haben, sodass ich das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen wollte. Das Buch ist voller überraschender Wendungen und Entwicklungen bis auf die letzte Seite, womit ich überhaupt nicht gerechnet habe. Der Schreibstil ist angenehm und flüssig zu lesen.
Bewertung
Ein neuer Fall und ein gelungener Abschluss rund um die Ermittlerin Lena Gamble, der noch besser als die Vorgängerfälle war und mich ziemlich sprachlos zurückgelassen hat, daher gibt es verdiente
4,5 von 5 Würmchen
November 24, 2018
With the ending of Murder Season, I have now read every book currently published by Robert Ellis, and have never found one I didn't enjoy. He is a master story teller and puts you firmly in the mind of the main character, believing what they believe and being rocked by new discoveries that change everything. While reading this book, no matter how much you think you know about who did it, most of the characters are flawed, so it's easy to jump to the wrong conclusions.
Murder Season ends the Lena Gamble trilogy, and starts with a phone call in the middle of the night, and ends in a painful, heartbreaking but solid closure kind of way. The story is woven so smoothly, that it's hard to comment on any specifics without running the risk of spoiling the experience, but I can say it's a messy case with high profile characters involved, and it'll keep you squirming in your seat as you try to solve it alongside Detective Gamble.
I heartily recommend this series, and any of the other books Robert has written so far.
Murder Season ends the Lena Gamble trilogy, and starts with a phone call in the middle of the night, and ends in a painful, heartbreaking but solid closure kind of way. The story is woven so smoothly, that it's hard to comment on any specifics without running the risk of spoiling the experience, but I can say it's a messy case with high profile characters involved, and it'll keep you squirming in your seat as you try to solve it alongside Detective Gamble.
I heartily recommend this series, and any of the other books Robert has written so far.
April 23, 2022
Time for Justice
When a young man recently acquitted of a brutal rape/homicide is found gruesomely murdered along with a wealthy club owner, homicide detective Lena Gamble knows she is in for a rough ride. Between political pressures and rivalries, a relentless press and unforgiving citizenry, she expects it to be ugly. But her investigation leads a winded path through corruption , deception and betrayal where nothing and no one is what they seem.
This book is well plotted and interesting. The overblown reaction from the police and prosecutors seemed overdone and unbelievable.It is a bit like OJ where there is fallout but this was too extreme. The rest of the book was fine, though there were too many characters. Pacing was good and the ending satisfactory.
When a young man recently acquitted of a brutal rape/homicide is found gruesomely murdered along with a wealthy club owner, homicide detective Lena Gamble knows she is in for a rough ride. Between political pressures and rivalries, a relentless press and unforgiving citizenry, she expects it to be ugly. But her investigation leads a winded path through corruption , deception and betrayal where nothing and no one is what they seem.
This book is well plotted and interesting. The overblown reaction from the police and prosecutors seemed overdone and unbelievable.It is a bit like OJ where there is fallout but this was too extreme. The rest of the book was fine, though there were too many characters. Pacing was good and the ending satisfactory.
January 19, 2018
Murder Season comes early in scorching LA and Detective Lena Gamble is handed her toughest assignment yet. Pin the murder of Jacob Gant, the man recently acquitted of the rape and murder of 16-year-old Lily Hight, on Lily’s father. Only things don’t quite turn out that way as the evidence drags Lena and her Assistant DA associate further from Tim Hight and towards more disturbing conclusions.
This is a great read. The heat of the city seems to pulsate off the pages, and the twists and turns Ellis builds into his plot kept me riveted to the last word on the last page. I did not see the ending coming at all! If you enjoy a real police thriller, you will gobble down this novel.
This is a great read. The heat of the city seems to pulsate off the pages, and the twists and turns Ellis builds into his plot kept me riveted to the last word on the last page. I did not see the ending coming at all! If you enjoy a real police thriller, you will gobble down this novel.
May 14, 2018
Robert Ellis...please don't let this be the last Lena Gamble book! Lena has a very hard case to solve when the killer of a girl is found not guilty putting the whole city on fire but later is found dead at a trendy club along with the clubs owner. Did the girls hero father take revenge....all signs point that way but with Lena you know it's gonna be more complicated. Love the new characters, the suspense was good and while I had a stinking feeling who would be the bad guy in the end, it was still a great ending. Write more Lena Mr Ellis!
November 7, 2021
I definitely wanted to keep reading to see what happened, so the plot grabbed me from the start, but I did have some trouble with the writing / syntax which is probably designed to be reportorial but seemed less than professional. I cared about the protagonist, Lena Gamble. I found myself confused among the other characters who all seemed a bit flat and were described only enough to be possible suspects. Other reviews indicate the first two in the series were better, so I'll go back and try those before making a final decision about Robert Ellis.
June 16, 2022
Never-ending suspense from the beginning to the very last page!
Terrific. Just terrific. One of the very best police thrillers I have ever had the pleasure of reading. This was the first of the "Lena Gamble" series I have read, but I assure you it will not be the last. I actually can't wait to start the next one. The protagonist is relatable and believable, as are the supporting characters, by the end of the story, I felt I knew them personally
Terrific. Just terrific. One of the very best police thrillers I have ever had the pleasure of reading. This was the first of the "Lena Gamble" series I have read, but I assure you it will not be the last. I actually can't wait to start the next one. The protagonist is relatable and believable, as are the supporting characters, by the end of the story, I felt I knew them personally
January 12, 2019
Another home run!
Seriously good. Enough so to push me to write a review, which I don’t often do. The third in the Lena Gamble series, this is another that I could NOT put down! I’ve loved all three of Robert Ellis’ books in this series, and only wish I had more of them to look forward to.
Seriously good. Enough so to push me to write a review, which I don’t often do. The third in the Lena Gamble series, this is another that I could NOT put down! I’ve loved all three of Robert Ellis’ books in this series, and only wish I had more of them to look forward to.
September 1, 2023
Lena is lead detective on a recent murder that should be an open and closed case. The father of a murdered girl kills her murderer, who got off on a technicality. Lena wants to reopen the case of the girl's murder, which is putting everyone in an uproar.
Then it really gets confusing.
A really good read. You'll enjoy it.
Then it really gets confusing.
A really good read. You'll enjoy it.
November 2, 2018
Never saw it coming...
Robert Ellis has become one of my new favorite authors. The suspense and twists this story takes its a full on rollercoaster ride! And I never saw the " who done it" coming!
Robert Ellis has become one of my new favorite authors. The suspense and twists this story takes its a full on rollercoaster ride! And I never saw the " who done it" coming!
August 8, 2019
Cop murder mystery with many false leads. I liked the main character, a rare find being a female cop who is rational and believable. Multiple murders starting with the killing of an exonerated defendant accused of rape and murder.
July 16, 2021
overall i really enjoyed this book, i literally had trouble putting it down! the start was a little slow and had me wondering how there would be three hundred more pages but wholly cow the ending shook me to my core. highly recommend if you need to spice up your book genres a little bit
April 26, 2022
A really great story very well told
Lena has her hands full trying to figure out who killed everyone and is pulled off course by one of the assistant DAs who is the real killer that she didn't find out about until the very last minute.
Lena has her hands full trying to figure out who killed everyone and is pulled off course by one of the assistant DAs who is the real killer that she didn't find out about until the very last minute.
July 5, 2022
OMG! What a shocker!
I do believe that Robert Ellis is amazing. I couldn't put the book down. I thought I knew who the killer was , but I kept changing my mind. I can't wait to read another of his novels!
I do believe that Robert Ellis is amazing. I couldn't put the book down. I thought I knew who the killer was , but I kept changing my mind. I can't wait to read another of his novels!
June 5, 2018
Riviting
Once again, a giant twist at all be end. I love it. I gatekeeper have unending figured out by the end but this one got me.
Once again, a giant twist at all be end. I love it. I gatekeeper have unending figured out by the end but this one got me.
August 7, 2018
Want to read more by this author.
February 3, 2019
Couldn't put this murder mystery down. Good book for a snowed in Saturday.
May 19, 2019
great mystery. well written. suspenseful to the end
Read
July 28, 2019Loved this book, real surprise ending.
February 14, 2020
Great to the end
I Loved the plot,suspense and the characters. This is the 3rd I’ve read in this series and loved each one.
I Loved the plot,suspense and the characters. This is the 3rd I’ve read in this series and loved each one.
Read
February 14, 2020good
July 16, 2020
As many twist and turns as Mulholland Drive
Just when you think you have it figured out, think again. I ride like a rollercoaster. Hard to put down.
Just when you think you have it figured out, think again. I ride like a rollercoaster. Hard to put down.
August 16, 2021
A must read
A really good read. Couldn’t wait to finish but wish it kept going.
Can’t wait for the next Lena Gamble book it will be top of my list to read.
A really good read. Couldn’t wait to finish but wish it kept going.
Can’t wait for the next Lena Gamble book it will be top of my list to read.
December 24, 2021
Great Read
Well written Different interesting plot Surprise ending Keeps interest every line Can't wait for next book Dialog very true to life and actions
Well written Different interesting plot Surprise ending Keeps interest every line Can't wait for next book Dialog very true to life and actions
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews