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Helpless
Palmer, son of bestselling author Michael Palmer, delivers the follow-up to his acclaimed debut "Delirious"--the story of an award-winning coach whose ordered world is suspended by shocking accusations of murder.A high school soccer coach finds his world upended by shocking accusations and long buried secrets. . .
Nine years after he left Shilo, New Hampshire, former Navy Seal Tom Hawkins has moved back. It's not an auspicious homecoming. Tom has returned to raise his teenage daughter, Jill, following the murder of his ex-wife, Kelly. Despite Tom's efforts to stay close to Jill by coaching her high school soccer team, Kelly's bitterness fractured their relationship. But together, they are on the mend, and life in Shilo is starting to shape up into something approaching normal.
Normal doesn't last long. Shilo's police sergeant makes it clear that Tom is his chief suspect in Kelly's death. In the days that follow, an anonymous blog post alleges that Coach Hawkins is sleeping with one of his players, Internet rumors escalate, and incriminating evidence surfaces on Tom's own computer and cell phone. Soon the FBI and police are investigating Tom for what appears to be a very disturbing and unprecedented series of crimes.
Someone is out to frame Tom—someone capable of destroying everything he loves without laying a finger on him. As he races to prove his innocence, he must unravel a tangle of lies about his family, the friends and colleagues he thought he knew, and about his past. For deep amid the secrets he's been keeping—from a troubled tour of duty to the reason for his ex-wife's death—is the truth that someone will gladly kill to protect. . .
416 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2012
319 people are currently reading
1082 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Palmer
15 books548 followersDANIEL PALMER is the author of four critically-acclaimed suspense novels. After receiving his master’s degree from Boston University, he spent a decade as an e-commerce pioneer. A recording artist, accomplished blues harmonica player, and lifelong Red Sox fan, Daniel lives in New Hampshire with his wife and two children where he is currently at work on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
October 12, 2016
I am still deciding on the rating of this book it was fast paced & a really good read, I enjoyed the characters & the plot was good Daniel Palmer keeps you turning the pages that's for sure.
Tom Hawkins a former Navy SEAL returns to Shilo New Hampshire he is the soccer coach for his daughter Jill's team Suddenly he learns of his former wife Kelly's murder suddenly he is drawn into a sexting accusation that Tom Vehemently denies any knowledge of or who is sending them, when he is harassed by the Shilo police dept. what he finds is the child porn is linked to his daughters school .
Jill's life is put in danger & Tom will do anything to protect his daughter, soon other students go missing one by one end up dead Tom is at his wits end to solve who it is that is framing him of something he couldn't possibly do?
The ending is a race to find the killer will Tom prove his innocence or will he get to the perp & prove his innocence?
4 Star*
Tom Hawkins a former Navy SEAL returns to Shilo New Hampshire he is the soccer coach for his daughter Jill's team Suddenly he learns of his former wife Kelly's murder suddenly he is drawn into a sexting accusation that Tom Vehemently denies any knowledge of or who is sending them, when he is harassed by the Shilo police dept. what he finds is the child porn is linked to his daughters school .
Jill's life is put in danger & Tom will do anything to protect his daughter, soon other students go missing one by one end up dead Tom is at his wits end to solve who it is that is framing him of something he couldn't possibly do?
The ending is a race to find the killer will Tom prove his innocence or will he get to the perp & prove his innocence?
4 Star*
March 9, 2012
I first read a review of this book over at Jenn's Bookshelves and wanted to get it immediately. Thankfully my friend Kelly felt the same way and she let me borrow it.
This reminded me a lot of Harlan Coben books that I have read in the past. Fast-paced, well-written characters and plenty of mystery!
I was immediately drawn to Tom and his plight. It is pretty clear that he is a stand up guy and someone is out to get him. The title is definitely apt as I was so upset with how everything kept happening to him and he had no control over any of it. This was such a great part of the mystery of the book. Who is doing this to Tom?
I loved his relationship with his daughter. She is a typical teen and they have things to work through but I could tell Tom loved her deeply and made a huge effort. I was pleased that she finally caught on and really reached out to her dad.
All the characters were well-written but I especially loved Ann. (I think that's her name - I cant remember now!)She was a great investigator and her attraction to Tom didn't seem forced or trite.
I really enjoyed this author and will definitely read more of his books.
Specials thanks to Jenn's Bookshelves for her top notch recommendation!
This reminded me a lot of Harlan Coben books that I have read in the past. Fast-paced, well-written characters and plenty of mystery!
I was immediately drawn to Tom and his plight. It is pretty clear that he is a stand up guy and someone is out to get him. The title is definitely apt as I was so upset with how everything kept happening to him and he had no control over any of it. This was such a great part of the mystery of the book. Who is doing this to Tom?
I loved his relationship with his daughter. She is a typical teen and they have things to work through but I could tell Tom loved her deeply and made a huge effort. I was pleased that she finally caught on and really reached out to her dad.
All the characters were well-written but I especially loved Ann. (I think that's her name - I cant remember now!)She was a great investigator and her attraction to Tom didn't seem forced or trite.
I really enjoyed this author and will definitely read more of his books.
Specials thanks to Jenn's Bookshelves for her top notch recommendation!
January 4, 2012
Action packed book from the moment you start reading! Tom Hawkins a former Navy SEAL has had a quiet life coaching a girl's high school soccer team until his ex wife is murdered. His estranged daughter Jill comes to live with him.The police suspect Tom of murdering his ex wife.That's just the first couple chapters then the book has you on the edge of your seat.Tom is then accused of having underage sex with one of his players on his team who is also his daughters's best friend. FBI agent Rainey then becomes involved and charges Tom with child pornography and downloading pictures of teen age girl's. This book was a fast paced great read. You can't put it down because you have to find out why Tom who was a quiet soccer coach is now being framed. Excellent read !
November 18, 2011
Just finished HELPLESS! I had the pleasure and privilege to read ans advance copy! You WANT this book! Fabulous, I stayed up late every night. Hard to put down, intriguing, lots of technology, real life plausible drama. Not only is this an enjoyable read, but you learn a lot! Thanks again Daniel for a great book, waiting on the next and next and next........
March 6, 2012
What makes a good book for me? I think most of all it is really three things; characters, continuity and plot.
I want likeable characters. I need to be able to connect with them and see them as real people. The book must also have solid continuity. I don’t like to be reading a book and have to stop and think - no wait, they were not there or nope that never happened. Then lastly a great book needs a smooth intriguing plot. No matter how real or farfetched; I need to believe in it, feel it and breathe it. Helpless had all this and more!
This book kept me up late and I mean really late. I kept telling myself one more chapter, but the way Mr. Palmer wrote his novel, I couldn’t find a great stopping point. At 6am, yes you read that right, I simply had to say ENOUGH! I was absolutely engaged from the beginning of the book to the very end.
One would think that Tom had an ideal start to his adult life. He worked hard and became a Navy SEAL, reconnected with his high school sweetheart and now has a baby on the way. Unfortunately, that was the beginning of the end for him. From that moment forward, Tom’s life would never be ideal again. After their divorce, his ex-wife Kelly took every opportunity to turn his baby girl against him. Now that she is dead, he needs to work especially hard to earn his daughters trust and love. All they have is each other, but when they should be grieve the loss of Kelly’s life; they are thrust into a conspiracy of lies and betrayal. Can they repair their already shaky relationship?
Tom is an innocent man whose life has been ruined by falsehoods. He has no idea why these awful things are happening to him, but he will do anything to prove his innocence and protect his daughter. Helpless has a scary realism to it that should not be ignored. In our current world of technology, anyone is at risk to the perils that Tom faces. It’s a reality that any one of us could face at any time. Seemingly innocent actions can have lifelong terrible repercussions. One message or photo can change a person’s life forever.
While Tom’s ordeal was on the extreme side of things, this could happen to anyone. Not just the horrible events that happened to him, but also to the innocent children. Mr. Palmer has written an engaging and captivating tale. He kept me guessing and wondering what could happen next to this poor man. Within society it truly is a misconception that we are innocent until proven guilty and what happened to Tom is a prime example.
Helpless is an amazing rendition about perseverance, tenacity, faith and love. Tom’s fight was a long arduous journey, but he has the heart of a loving father and the ferocity of a warrior. Helpless is a story for anyone who devoted to technology. This is an eye opener to the scary possibilities of our current reality. So sit back and take a look at what there is to fear.
I want likeable characters. I need to be able to connect with them and see them as real people. The book must also have solid continuity. I don’t like to be reading a book and have to stop and think - no wait, they were not there or nope that never happened. Then lastly a great book needs a smooth intriguing plot. No matter how real or farfetched; I need to believe in it, feel it and breathe it. Helpless had all this and more!
This book kept me up late and I mean really late. I kept telling myself one more chapter, but the way Mr. Palmer wrote his novel, I couldn’t find a great stopping point. At 6am, yes you read that right, I simply had to say ENOUGH! I was absolutely engaged from the beginning of the book to the very end.
One would think that Tom had an ideal start to his adult life. He worked hard and became a Navy SEAL, reconnected with his high school sweetheart and now has a baby on the way. Unfortunately, that was the beginning of the end for him. From that moment forward, Tom’s life would never be ideal again. After their divorce, his ex-wife Kelly took every opportunity to turn his baby girl against him. Now that she is dead, he needs to work especially hard to earn his daughters trust and love. All they have is each other, but when they should be grieve the loss of Kelly’s life; they are thrust into a conspiracy of lies and betrayal. Can they repair their already shaky relationship?
Tom is an innocent man whose life has been ruined by falsehoods. He has no idea why these awful things are happening to him, but he will do anything to prove his innocence and protect his daughter. Helpless has a scary realism to it that should not be ignored. In our current world of technology, anyone is at risk to the perils that Tom faces. It’s a reality that any one of us could face at any time. Seemingly innocent actions can have lifelong terrible repercussions. One message or photo can change a person’s life forever.
While Tom’s ordeal was on the extreme side of things, this could happen to anyone. Not just the horrible events that happened to him, but also to the innocent children. Mr. Palmer has written an engaging and captivating tale. He kept me guessing and wondering what could happen next to this poor man. Within society it truly is a misconception that we are innocent until proven guilty and what happened to Tom is a prime example.
Helpless is an amazing rendition about perseverance, tenacity, faith and love. Tom’s fight was a long arduous journey, but he has the heart of a loving father and the ferocity of a warrior. Helpless is a story for anyone who devoted to technology. This is an eye opener to the scary possibilities of our current reality. So sit back and take a look at what there is to fear.
February 12, 2012
I found myself interested in this story right from the start. There is something scary and compelling about reading a story that can believably take place.
The dynamics of the father, daughter relationship was very believable based on a split home where one parent is trying to pit the child against the other parent. Having the main character struggle to build a relationship with his daughter, while also trying to prove his innocence really helped make this story more believable.
The story itself was interesting and kept me reading until the end. The author touches on some topics that I believe parents are already trying to get a handle on in this day and age. This book really brings into focus just how damaging the internet can be and how eternal the information is that you find online. He brings up the topic of sexting among teenagers. Many of the things from this book are already taking place in our society and should be addressed by parents. If you add in the cop with a grudge who is so blinded by the past that he wants to blame Tom for everything that is happening in his town. Tom doesn't stand a chance at clearing his name alone, so he calls in for help from a friend who works for the FBI. None of his so called friends believe that he's innocent, and there sure not willing to help him clear his name. This makes it difficult to tell who the real bad guys are.
Overall I enjoyed the small town politics, and the story line of Helpless. I recieved this book for free from Goodreads.
The dynamics of the father, daughter relationship was very believable based on a split home where one parent is trying to pit the child against the other parent. Having the main character struggle to build a relationship with his daughter, while also trying to prove his innocence really helped make this story more believable.
The story itself was interesting and kept me reading until the end. The author touches on some topics that I believe parents are already trying to get a handle on in this day and age. This book really brings into focus just how damaging the internet can be and how eternal the information is that you find online. He brings up the topic of sexting among teenagers. Many of the things from this book are already taking place in our society and should be addressed by parents. If you add in the cop with a grudge who is so blinded by the past that he wants to blame Tom for everything that is happening in his town. Tom doesn't stand a chance at clearing his name alone, so he calls in for help from a friend who works for the FBI. None of his so called friends believe that he's innocent, and there sure not willing to help him clear his name. This makes it difficult to tell who the real bad guys are.
Overall I enjoyed the small town politics, and the story line of Helpless. I recieved this book for free from Goodreads.
January 16, 2012
originally posted: http://newborrowedused.blogspot.com/2...
My Thoughts: I found myself interested in this story right from the start. There is something eerie and compelling about reading a story that can believably take place.
The father/daughter relationship was well done based on a bad divorce with one parent trying to pit child against the other parent. Having Tom struggle to build this relationship of trust with Jill while also trying to prove his innocence really helped this aspect.
The story itself was interesting and kept me reading until the end. With the prevalence of sexting among this age group you can see many things from this book already taking place in our society. Then add in the cop with a grudge who is so blinded by past grudges that he wants to blame Tom for everything that is happening in his town, to so called friends who have a unique way of dealing with things you don't know who the real bad guys are.
The only thing that didn't work for me was the attempt at romance. It kind of felt like it was added to appeal to a certain audience and I didn't need it to enjoy the story. Both characters were strong enough to carry their roles without adding more to it.
Overall I enjoyed the small town politics of Helpless over the corporate intrigue of Delirium
My Thoughts: I found myself interested in this story right from the start. There is something eerie and compelling about reading a story that can believably take place.
The father/daughter relationship was well done based on a bad divorce with one parent trying to pit child against the other parent. Having Tom struggle to build this relationship of trust with Jill while also trying to prove his innocence really helped this aspect.
The story itself was interesting and kept me reading until the end. With the prevalence of sexting among this age group you can see many things from this book already taking place in our society. Then add in the cop with a grudge who is so blinded by past grudges that he wants to blame Tom for everything that is happening in his town, to so called friends who have a unique way of dealing with things you don't know who the real bad guys are.
The only thing that didn't work for me was the attempt at romance. It kind of felt like it was added to appeal to a certain audience and I didn't need it to enjoy the story. Both characters were strong enough to carry their roles without adding more to it.
Overall I enjoyed the small town politics of Helpless over the corporate intrigue of Delirium
November 7, 2011
Tom Hawkins is a former Navy SEAL, is now a high school soccer coach for his daughter’s Jill’s team. Trying to establish a relationship with Jill after his ex-wife is murdered is tough. And life gets tougher when he is excused have having an affair with a student, one of Jill’s friends. Then suggestive photos of female students are emailed to him and found on his computer.
He knows he is innocent and could be the target of a set-up but why? And does his ex-wife’s death have something to do with it. Or are the secrets from his Navy days that have come back to haunt him?
Daniel Palmer’s second novel Helpless may be not be a powerful thriller as his first (Delirious) but it hits home for those of us who are fathers of teenage daughters and the fear of sexting (which is spreading like wildfire). I found the Tom’s predicament to be powerful and his determination to find the cause and end this frightful mess to be sometimes intense and sometimes a little off. To find that there were not one but two separate things going on made it all the more surprising.
He knows he is innocent and could be the target of a set-up but why? And does his ex-wife’s death have something to do with it. Or are the secrets from his Navy days that have come back to haunt him?
Daniel Palmer’s second novel Helpless may be not be a powerful thriller as his first (Delirious) but it hits home for those of us who are fathers of teenage daughters and the fear of sexting (which is spreading like wildfire). I found the Tom’s predicament to be powerful and his determination to find the cause and end this frightful mess to be sometimes intense and sometimes a little off. To find that there were not one but two separate things going on made it all the more surprising.
July 19, 2019
What a joy to read a well-written novel! The plot is complex, clearly presented, and fast-paced; the characters are fully-drawn, believable and sympathetic; and the vocabulary is, for the most part, precise and expressive. I really enjoyed this novel although some of the technological terminology was over my head. These characters accompanied me through a long wait in Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and New York's Laguardia- and all the air miles between. Tom Hawkins and his daughter, Jill, made my potentially-tedious journey fly by.
May 8, 2012
I tried to start and finish this one in a day because it kept me wanting to find out what happened next. My eyes finally gave out very late into the night. What a rollercoaster ride this story was and many sides and issues were involved. I like this type of story and I know I will read more of Daniel Palmer's work.
January 4, 2012
It could happen to you....
Read
April 22, 2018I read this on an airplane, otherwise I probably wouldn't have read it in a day - it did move along and I was engaged, but it's not a story you have to work too hard to figure out. I was ahead of the protagonist in figuring out "whodunit." It was nice to have a teenage girl as an important character and the issues of cyber-bullying, child pornography online, and the dangers of false accusations via social media were timely. There were several things I found unrealistic in terms of how the professionals behaved. I am willing to suspend my disbelief in thrillers, but the local cops are a little too incompetent and the visiting FBI agent a little too quick to find the suspect "sexy" - it took me out of the story. At 522 pages though - it lasted me through my whole first flight of the day!
January 21, 2019
Amazing Read again by Daniel Palmer
I loved it tremendously!!! Good guy navy seal gets blindsided with arrest . FBI agent can't decide whether to believe or trust him. Very involved masterful plot. You cannot guess the bad guy. Don't even try. Wonderful read.......
I loved it tremendously!!! Good guy navy seal gets blindsided with arrest . FBI agent can't decide whether to believe or trust him. Very involved masterful plot. You cannot guess the bad guy. Don't even try. Wonderful read.......
March 20, 2017
This is a fast paced interesting read. Enjoying Daniel Palmers books as much as his fathers, Michael Palmer, books.
September 20, 2025
Let me preface this by saying I rarely give this kind of review and I hate doing it, but this has to be done. For me, this was absolutely not my cup of tea. Sorry, not sorry.
He is a Navy SEAL. He is amazing at hand-to-hand combat. He did something bad. He has been framed.
He is a Navy SEAL. He is amazing at hand-to-hand combat. He did something bad. He has been framed.
He is a Navy SEAL. He is amazing at hand-to-hand combat. He did something bad. He has been framed.
He is a Navy SEAL. He is amazing at hand-to-hand combat. He did something bad. He has been framed.
IF I HAD TO READ ALL OF THAT ONE MORE TIME, I MIGHT HAVE COMPLETELY LOST MY EVERY LOVING MIND!!!!
I did not like the writing style. It was extremely repetitive, very slow, and uneventful. I almost DNFed it MULTIPLE times, but I hate doing that. So, I stuck with it to the end, hoping 🤞 that it would pick up, get exciting, be eventful....But NO! It did not! Sorry to say, but I do not think that this author is for me.
Don't let me discourage you from reading this; everyone has different tastes and likes different flavors of tea.
However, Fellow Bookies....Let's keep this reading coaster rolling....🎢🎢🎢🎢
AND REMEMBER:
READ MY REVIEWS HERE
&
FOLLOW MY PROFILE HERE
🤓Until Next time, Fellow Bookies🤓...
He is a Navy SEAL. He is amazing at hand-to-hand combat. He did something bad. He has been framed.
He is a Navy SEAL. He is amazing at hand-to-hand combat. He did something bad. He has been framed.
He is a Navy SEAL. He is amazing at hand-to-hand combat. He did something bad. He has been framed.
He is a Navy SEAL. He is amazing at hand-to-hand combat. He did something bad. He has been framed.
IF I HAD TO READ ALL OF THAT ONE MORE TIME, I MIGHT HAVE COMPLETELY LOST MY EVERY LOVING MIND!!!!
I did not like the writing style. It was extremely repetitive, very slow, and uneventful. I almost DNFed it MULTIPLE times, but I hate doing that. So, I stuck with it to the end, hoping 🤞 that it would pick up, get exciting, be eventful....But NO! It did not! Sorry to say, but I do not think that this author is for me.
Don't let me discourage you from reading this; everyone has different tastes and likes different flavors of tea.
However, Fellow Bookies....Let's keep this reading coaster rolling....🎢🎢🎢🎢
AND REMEMBER:
READ MY REVIEWS HERE
&
FOLLOW MY PROFILE HERE
🤓Until Next time, Fellow Bookies🤓...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2012
After enjoying Delirious by Daniel Palmer, I'm back for more with the author's latest novel Helpless. Some of the topics (sexting, estranged families coming together) are very timely.
Former Navy Seal Tom Hawkins is thrust into the role of both mom and dad following the suspicious death of his ex-wife Kelly. His teenage daughter Jill has spent most of her life hearing bad things about her father. Kelly did everything in her power to destroy Tom's relationship with Jill. If you've been taught all your life to resent a person, what do you do when you're forced together? In Jill's case she rebuffs every attempt Tom makes at affection and concern. It's pretty hard for Jill to ignore Tom considering he is also her soccer coach. Their tenuous relationship is put to the test when Tom is accused of a horrible crime.
Tom is accused of rape and of running a child pornography ring. Once that happens Tom becomes a pariah in the small town of Shilo, New Hampshire. The town sheriff is just eating it all up. The sheriff, Brendan Murphy, can't stand Tom. Guys like Brendan are just waiting for you to screw up. At this point I was scared to keep reading. I was fully in Tom's corner. As a reader, I hate it when an innocent person is framed. Or they get caught up in circumstances beyond their control. It's the same for me with television and movies. There isn't always a happy ending in stories like these.
To make matters worse an FBI agent, Rainy Miles, is also on his tale. She's convinced that Tom is the ringleader of a large child porn ring. She believes another person, James Mann, was one of Tom's biggest customers. Despite their being no obvious connection between the two, law enforcement is convinced there is a connection.
A long-buried secret is eating away at Tom. He once smuggled heroin into the U.S. and buried it, which was a source of major contention with Kelly. She wanted to make money off of it, while Tom wanted a normal life. Is this secret the source of Tom's misery? Does someone else know?
I love the dynamic between Tom and Jill. It feels very real. Despite Jill's attitude, Tom refuses to give up on their relationship. Tom fights through the teenage angst, breaking down Jill's tough exterior. What I didn't like was all the technical aspects. There is a lot of computer lingo in the book. It's broken in the simplest terms possible, but sometimes I still felt like I didn't understand it. A second read would probably open my mind up a little more. If you're a sucker for mysteries, give this one a try.
Rating: Give it a try
Note: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Former Navy Seal Tom Hawkins is thrust into the role of both mom and dad following the suspicious death of his ex-wife Kelly. His teenage daughter Jill has spent most of her life hearing bad things about her father. Kelly did everything in her power to destroy Tom's relationship with Jill. If you've been taught all your life to resent a person, what do you do when you're forced together? In Jill's case she rebuffs every attempt Tom makes at affection and concern. It's pretty hard for Jill to ignore Tom considering he is also her soccer coach. Their tenuous relationship is put to the test when Tom is accused of a horrible crime.
Tom is accused of rape and of running a child pornography ring. Once that happens Tom becomes a pariah in the small town of Shilo, New Hampshire. The town sheriff is just eating it all up. The sheriff, Brendan Murphy, can't stand Tom. Guys like Brendan are just waiting for you to screw up. At this point I was scared to keep reading. I was fully in Tom's corner. As a reader, I hate it when an innocent person is framed. Or they get caught up in circumstances beyond their control. It's the same for me with television and movies. There isn't always a happy ending in stories like these.
To make matters worse an FBI agent, Rainy Miles, is also on his tale. She's convinced that Tom is the ringleader of a large child porn ring. She believes another person, James Mann, was one of Tom's biggest customers. Despite their being no obvious connection between the two, law enforcement is convinced there is a connection.
A long-buried secret is eating away at Tom. He once smuggled heroin into the U.S. and buried it, which was a source of major contention with Kelly. She wanted to make money off of it, while Tom wanted a normal life. Is this secret the source of Tom's misery? Does someone else know?
I love the dynamic between Tom and Jill. It feels very real. Despite Jill's attitude, Tom refuses to give up on their relationship. Tom fights through the teenage angst, breaking down Jill's tough exterior. What I didn't like was all the technical aspects. There is a lot of computer lingo in the book. It's broken in the simplest terms possible, but sometimes I still felt like I didn't understand it. A second read would probably open my mind up a little more. If you're a sucker for mysteries, give this one a try.
Rating: Give it a try
Note: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2012
I reviewed Daniel Palmer's first book, Delirious, last year and really enjoyed it. (Quick side note.. I just realized both covers have a man under water!) Anyway, I was enthralled by his first book and was excited to pick up the second, Helpless, which is a stand-alone thriller that also incorporates technology into its story.
In Helpless, soccer coach, Tom Hawkins, who is also the father of one of the players, Jill, is accused of having an affair with one of his high school students. Before he can even clear his name, the accusations start piling on including those about running a child pornography ring. And what's even scarier than the accusations alone is that the evidence, all involving technology, starts to pile up against him too. And who can refute that?
I used to work with sex crimes investigators and the families involved so I am aware, unfortunately, of how prominent these issues are. But I also am aware of the fact that sometimes allegations are fabricated and of the devastating effects they can have on those victims of the false allegations. I think that was part of what drew me to this book -- maybe a horrid fascination with how scary and big the internet and computers are and how these things can be so dangerously manipulated. In Helpless, Hawkins uses his skills from when he was a Navy SEAL to do his own investigation to clear his name, and he races to do it before he's put in jail for good because he knows that based on the evidence he'll be found guilty.
While I didn't like this quite as much as Delirious, I have to say Palmer wrote another great story that kept you guessing. One of the things that makes these books stand out is the technological aspect and how these are incorporated into the plot points. There was also a component that involved "sexting" which is so dangerous but also prominent among teens now. As I read that I imagined how I would address that if I had a child... it's one of those things that you can't just wait for, you have to always be open and let your kids know about the consequences. Because it is a scary thing that can have life-long, ruinous effects. In that sense, even though this is a thriller, this might be something that parents should read so they can be aware!!
My only gripe about this book is there was a sort of secondary mystery/storyline that I didn't care for, and while the two story lines were somewhat woven together, I wonder if it was really necessary to include both.
Regardless, Helpless was a smart and psychologically thrilling. I look forward to Palmer's next book!
Taken from my blog at www.takemeawayreading.com
In Helpless, soccer coach, Tom Hawkins, who is also the father of one of the players, Jill, is accused of having an affair with one of his high school students. Before he can even clear his name, the accusations start piling on including those about running a child pornography ring. And what's even scarier than the accusations alone is that the evidence, all involving technology, starts to pile up against him too. And who can refute that?
I used to work with sex crimes investigators and the families involved so I am aware, unfortunately, of how prominent these issues are. But I also am aware of the fact that sometimes allegations are fabricated and of the devastating effects they can have on those victims of the false allegations. I think that was part of what drew me to this book -- maybe a horrid fascination with how scary and big the internet and computers are and how these things can be so dangerously manipulated. In Helpless, Hawkins uses his skills from when he was a Navy SEAL to do his own investigation to clear his name, and he races to do it before he's put in jail for good because he knows that based on the evidence he'll be found guilty.
While I didn't like this quite as much as Delirious, I have to say Palmer wrote another great story that kept you guessing. One of the things that makes these books stand out is the technological aspect and how these are incorporated into the plot points. There was also a component that involved "sexting" which is so dangerous but also prominent among teens now. As I read that I imagined how I would address that if I had a child... it's one of those things that you can't just wait for, you have to always be open and let your kids know about the consequences. Because it is a scary thing that can have life-long, ruinous effects. In that sense, even though this is a thriller, this might be something that parents should read so they can be aware!!
My only gripe about this book is there was a sort of secondary mystery/storyline that I didn't care for, and while the two story lines were somewhat woven together, I wonder if it was really necessary to include both.
Regardless, Helpless was a smart and psychologically thrilling. I look forward to Palmer's next book!
Taken from my blog at www.takemeawayreading.com
March 29, 2015
No one writes “complex” better than Daniel Palmer, as reiterated in Helpless. A web of deception, revenge, a frame up of sexual crimes, drugs, kidnapping, and a behind the scenes complicated twisted scheme for an intense and gripping suspenseful ride. How far will a parent go to protect their child?
The novel openswith Lindsey Wells, age fifteen, (sexting) a nude photo of herself to her boyfriend, Tanner (for his eyes only, right), as she thinks this is better than sleeping with him, as she has to keep him interested. Little does she know her photo among other girls, will go viral across the internet and will end up on a child-porn website which later links to Tom.
Former Navy SEAL Tom Hawkins has moved back to New Hampshire to raise his teenage daughter, after his ex-wife, Kelly dies under mysterious circumstances. He and his daughter are not on the best of terms; however, things get worse, as he soon finds himself being charged with being a rapist, drug smuggler, child pornographer, and accused of sleeping with his 16-year-old daughter Jill's, best friend Lindsey.
If this is bad not enough, he is being targeted by an old military pal who was involved in smuggling heroin from Germany with the dead wife. From sexting rings, naked pictures, frantic teens, a fetish market, drugs, murder, kidnapping, and the ability to destroy people’s reputation, using technology-- piling up making the story a little unrealistic at times. However, some nice family dynamics with father-daughter, and a much needed lesson and warning for teens and parents alike, in today’s social media world.
Even though the novel was suspenseful, with many twists and turns, I did not feel it was as good as some of Palmer’s other books. Possibly due to listening to the audiobook narrated by Phil Gigante, not as captivating a voice as Peter Berkrot, which is superb.
Looking forward to reading Delirious, next and back to Peter, once again. (please keep using Peter). I have read all Palmer's newer books, and making my way backwards to some of the older ones. If you have not read Palmer, you are in for a treat!
Check out Palmer's latest upcoming May 2015 suspense thriller CONSTANT FEAR!
The novel openswith Lindsey Wells, age fifteen, (sexting) a nude photo of herself to her boyfriend, Tanner (for his eyes only, right), as she thinks this is better than sleeping with him, as she has to keep him interested. Little does she know her photo among other girls, will go viral across the internet and will end up on a child-porn website which later links to Tom.
Former Navy SEAL Tom Hawkins has moved back to New Hampshire to raise his teenage daughter, after his ex-wife, Kelly dies under mysterious circumstances. He and his daughter are not on the best of terms; however, things get worse, as he soon finds himself being charged with being a rapist, drug smuggler, child pornographer, and accused of sleeping with his 16-year-old daughter Jill's, best friend Lindsey.
If this is bad not enough, he is being targeted by an old military pal who was involved in smuggling heroin from Germany with the dead wife. From sexting rings, naked pictures, frantic teens, a fetish market, drugs, murder, kidnapping, and the ability to destroy people’s reputation, using technology-- piling up making the story a little unrealistic at times. However, some nice family dynamics with father-daughter, and a much needed lesson and warning for teens and parents alike, in today’s social media world.
Even though the novel was suspenseful, with many twists and turns, I did not feel it was as good as some of Palmer’s other books. Possibly due to listening to the audiobook narrated by Phil Gigante, not as captivating a voice as Peter Berkrot, which is superb.
Looking forward to reading Delirious, next and back to Peter, once again. (please keep using Peter). I have read all Palmer's newer books, and making my way backwards to some of the older ones. If you have not read Palmer, you are in for a treat!
Check out Palmer's latest upcoming May 2015 suspense thriller CONSTANT FEAR!
March 6, 2012
I have a few new books there that I have been enjoying. The first is by Daniel Palmer, son of medical thriller author Michael Palmer. Daniel is trying his hand at writing too. And I have to say that "Helpless" has been worth the read. I was first going to scan it to see what it was about. Well the scan lasted for the first four chapters. Yeah, it caught me up real quick. I think that Daniel is not going to have to worry about walking in his father's footsteps. He will be forging his own path.
Here is the set up. Nine years after he left Shilo, New Hampshire, former Navy Seal Tom Hawkins has returned to raise his teenage daughter, Jill, following the murder of his ex-wife, Kelly. Despite Tom’s efforts to stay close to Jill by coaching her high school soccer team, Kelly’s bitterness fractured their relationship. But life in Shilo is gradually shaping up into something approaching normal. Normal doesn’t last long. Shilo’s police sergeant makes it clear that Tom is his chief suspect in Kelly’s death. Then an anonymous blog post alleges that Coach Hawkins is sleeping with one of his players. Internet rumors escalate, and incriminating evidence surfaces on Tom’s own computer and cell phone. To prove his innocence, Tom must unravel a tangle of lies about his past. For deep amid the secrets he’s been keeping—from a troubled tour of duty to the reason for his ex-wife’s death—is the truth that someone will gladly kill to protect.
So after sitting here for a lil over an hour, I have now laid down my e-reader. Why? Well I finished the book that quick. Not that it was easy but that it was that interesting. Flipping from page to page as my eyes scanned through. Horrid that I speed read so often but that has been my doing since I was a teen. This was a great book that had me constantly guessing as it went along. I think ya'll would like it too!
Here is the set up. Nine years after he left Shilo, New Hampshire, former Navy Seal Tom Hawkins has returned to raise his teenage daughter, Jill, following the murder of his ex-wife, Kelly. Despite Tom’s efforts to stay close to Jill by coaching her high school soccer team, Kelly’s bitterness fractured their relationship. But life in Shilo is gradually shaping up into something approaching normal. Normal doesn’t last long. Shilo’s police sergeant makes it clear that Tom is his chief suspect in Kelly’s death. Then an anonymous blog post alleges that Coach Hawkins is sleeping with one of his players. Internet rumors escalate, and incriminating evidence surfaces on Tom’s own computer and cell phone. To prove his innocence, Tom must unravel a tangle of lies about his past. For deep amid the secrets he’s been keeping—from a troubled tour of duty to the reason for his ex-wife’s death—is the truth that someone will gladly kill to protect.
So after sitting here for a lil over an hour, I have now laid down my e-reader. Why? Well I finished the book that quick. Not that it was easy but that it was that interesting. Flipping from page to page as my eyes scanned through. Horrid that I speed read so often but that has been my doing since I was a teen. This was a great book that had me constantly guessing as it went along. I think ya'll would like it too!
February 7, 2012
Tom Hawkins is the hometown hero and soccer coach for the State Champion Shilo High School Wildcats Varsity team. In the ten-year estrangement from his ex-wife Kelly, Tom has had only two purposes in life. To rebuild the relationship he once had with his now teenaged daughter Jill, a hard fought mission in its own right as Kelly is determined to continue her assignment to degrade him at every turn, and coach his teams to victory. His success with the soccer teams is noteworthy, a continuous stream of championship titles; his success with Jill not so much. A strange turn of events (of which Tom chooses not to question), finds him now coaching Jill as a member of the girls team. The chance for his dream of reconciliation allowing Tom to be the full-fledged father he should be looms on the horizon. Although his newly forged relationship with Jill, strained at best, Tom fears the ominous arrival of a police car at practice will shatter all hopes for the future. An exemplary career as a Navy Seal is of no use to Tom as he finds himself embroiled in an investigation whose evidence, although circumspect, even his hard fought skills cannot assist in proving his innocence. As the lead suspect in a tragic murder and rumors of impropriety abound Tom is helpless to save himself. People Tom thought were his friends now turn their backs on him, driving Tom in desperation to turn to an old teammate who is now an attorney. With Tom’s tenuous relationship with his daughter, Jill on the line along with his reputation, fear that the long-kept secret he has shared with no one is about to surface putting an end to everything he is.
January 31, 2012
Tom Hawkins lives a relatively normal life. Former Navy SEAL and now soccer coach to his daughter's high school team, his only worries have been his tumultuous relationship with his ex-wife, Kelly, and his daughter, Jill. After Kelly is discovered dead, Tom is prime suspect number one. Now Tom's life is heading downhill fast. A mysterious blog post accuses him of sleeping with one of his students and now the FBI is in town and he is a suspect in a child pornography ring. The only hope that Tom has is getting people to believe that he couldn't possible have anything to do with this. To do this he just might have to reveal what his big secret is and what really ended his marriage. Lucky for him one FBI agent, Rainy, believes in him.
Palmer will have your head spinning again! The intricate storyline leaves you guessing how and why and when all is revealed you are just amazed. You really get to thinking about how technology impacts lives today. How one blog post or sext can ruin someone's life. Completely believable in all aspects. The reader is also fully invested in Jill and Tom's relationship and you hope that they will finally patch up their trust issues.
This is the second novel that Palmer has written and he did not let me down. If you love a good mystery/thriller you will love Helpless. If you haven't read Delirious yet, Palmer's first novel, than I highly suggest you grab that one too!
(ARC was provided by author for an honest review)
Palmer will have your head spinning again! The intricate storyline leaves you guessing how and why and when all is revealed you are just amazed. You really get to thinking about how technology impacts lives today. How one blog post or sext can ruin someone's life. Completely believable in all aspects. The reader is also fully invested in Jill and Tom's relationship and you hope that they will finally patch up their trust issues.
This is the second novel that Palmer has written and he did not let me down. If you love a good mystery/thriller you will love Helpless. If you haven't read Delirious yet, Palmer's first novel, than I highly suggest you grab that one too!
(ARC was provided by author for an honest review)
March 25, 2012
*goodreads first reads giveaway*
Helpless is a well written thriller. I was a bit uncertain at the beginning whether I would like it or not; Just reading about teenagers sexting made me a little uncomfortable. I worried the whole story would deal with that. The story picked up from there though, dealing more with a father who will do anything to protect his daughter, even while it seems that someone is doing their best to frame him for heinous crimes (pedophilia and distributing child pornography).
I will say that for the first third of the book I was not sure about the portrayal of the father. I could understand a lot of what he was going through, but his background as a Navy SEAL did not fit in my mind. Maybe I don't have as much understanding of the SEALS, but this character seemed a bit indecisive and weak, yet as the story continued, he grew stronger and became more of the type of character I had envisioned.
I was quite impressed with the level of complexity in the story. Palmer succeeded in surprising me towards the end with the identity of the person who framed the main character. That alone garners a favorable rating from me.
I would recommend Helpless to anyone who enjoys a thriller that feels more like it is a real life event.
Helpless is a well written thriller. I was a bit uncertain at the beginning whether I would like it or not; Just reading about teenagers sexting made me a little uncomfortable. I worried the whole story would deal with that. The story picked up from there though, dealing more with a father who will do anything to protect his daughter, even while it seems that someone is doing their best to frame him for heinous crimes (pedophilia and distributing child pornography).
I will say that for the first third of the book I was not sure about the portrayal of the father. I could understand a lot of what he was going through, but his background as a Navy SEAL did not fit in my mind. Maybe I don't have as much understanding of the SEALS, but this character seemed a bit indecisive and weak, yet as the story continued, he grew stronger and became more of the type of character I had envisioned.
I was quite impressed with the level of complexity in the story. Palmer succeeded in surprising me towards the end with the identity of the person who framed the main character. That alone garners a favorable rating from me.
I would recommend Helpless to anyone who enjoys a thriller that feels more like it is a real life event.
March 2, 2012
An exciting, and at the same time scary fast paced story. What happens when a male high school soccer coach appears to have been framed for not one, but several incidents; murdering his wife, getting involved with one of his soccer players and if that's not bad enough, having child pornography on his computer? As the story develops, we're wondering if maybe he was involved in some or all of these instances, but if he wasn't who would want to pin these things on him and why? A great story that combines the best of "who did it?" "how did they do it?" "why did they do it?" "are they going to get caught" and "how are they going to get caught?". I give this a big recommendation.
February 16, 2014
This book was great!! It kept me at the edge of my seat!! Daniel Palmer book touches on a variety of different subjects without getting off topic or side tracked and finds a way to tie everything in together really nicely. This was definetly entertaining and at times very touching ((and cheesy) in a good way!). With all of those odds stacked against Tom I couldn't wait to see how he was going to get himself out of his situation. This is the second book I have read by Daniel Palmer. He is a great writer, I will definetly be looking for more of his work. If you want a book that keeps you guessing and excited the WHOLE RIDE, this is the book to read. Two thumbs up!!!!
June 18, 2012
Wow! This is a truly outstanding, riveting mystery/thriller that's almost impossible to put down from the beginning. It's scary, too, as the plot involves cyber-criminals who use the Internet and cell phones to frame a high school soccer coach for horrible crimes and destroy his reputation. And as if that weren't enough, the characters are so well portrayed that they seem real and the reader is drawn into their lives. Don't miss out on this brilliant novel, and while you're at it, pick up the author's first novel, Delirious, which is also a terrific read.
January 18, 2012
Daniel Palmer solidifies his place as a thriller writer with his second novel, Helpless. Illegal activities from twenty years earlier, teenage sexting and a high tech scam to ruin reputations via the internet all coincide to make ex Navy seal and single father Tom Hawkins feel totally helpless to protect his teenage daughter and clear his name of serious charges.
April 7, 2013
I liked this book but hoped to like it more. None of the characters grabbed me and the story dragged a bit. Storyline seemed to jump around too much, and like a good basketball game or chess game, once you got to the end it all happened quickly and was wrapped up in a neat little bow.
April 7, 2014
When I can't put a book down I can not put a book down. This book was that amazing! I read it in two days. If you love seeing a character go through trials and coming out on top then this is the book for you!
September 4, 2012
This is very frightening and I recommend everyone to read it... from the teens to the adults!
May 31, 2020
An engrossing thriler/mystery that not only creates fast paced suspense but gives us sturdy protagonist-Tom Hawkins. Daniel Palmer (son of author Michael Palmer known for his fine medical thrillers) weaves a thrill packed read involving a father who is trying to to connect to his estranged daughter after the suspicious death of his ex-wife When false allegations come to light against him he finds himself on the run and diligently grasping for clues/aid to prove his innocence. Yeah we've seen this story before but Palmer gives it a faced paced storyline with unexpected twists and surprises. Also Hawkins is a nifty hero, vulnerable/sympathetic as a broken man with a secret desparately trying to protect and connect with his daughter. The family dynamic here is the strength, but it doesn't hurt to have dad a bit of a super-guy with his past training either! It's a nifty read!
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