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Premier Mystery
Imposter
Matt Kelly's knack for concealing his identity is his greatest asset as a federal agent. But when an assignment gets personal, discovering who he really is may prove to be the toughest mission of all.
376 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
35 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Davis Bunn
112 books1,039 followersDavis Bunn is an internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than eight million books in twenty languages.
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 21, 2013
I enjoyed this Christian suspense a lot! It was action packed, fast paced and clean! I got through it pretty fast, considering it's pretty big. ;) I think the last half was what really grabbed me, cause things started to take shape- but that's how it always is, right. ;)
I felt like I was right there with the investigators- I COULD NOT figure out who "it" was!!!! And every time I thought I had it I'd realize it couldn't be...until I realized....maybe it could? :D
I've never really been one for heroes going through a depression, so the main guy annoyed me slightly and I kept finding myself gripping the binding and hissing "Man UP, and get OVER it, Matt!" at the pages, but it wasn't TOO bad and it really did add to the story. ;)
The girl in the story wasn't my favorite heroine, (she somehow got on my nerves but I honestly don't know why) but she was pretty cool and I liked how she was just willing to be a friend and encourage Matt- especially since she had her own bits of depression to deal with.
In all, I really enjoyed it! I think I still like The Lazarus Trap over this one, but it was a thrilling and suspenseful experience nonetheless! :)
I felt like I was right there with the investigators- I COULD NOT figure out who "it" was!!!! And every time I thought I had it I'd realize it couldn't be...until I realized....maybe it could? :D
I've never really been one for heroes going through a depression, so the main guy annoyed me slightly and I kept finding myself gripping the binding and hissing "Man UP, and get OVER it, Matt!" at the pages, but it wasn't TOO bad and it really did add to the story. ;)
The girl in the story wasn't my favorite heroine, (she somehow got on my nerves but I honestly don't know why) but she was pretty cool and I liked how she was just willing to be a friend and encourage Matt- especially since she had her own bits of depression to deal with.
In all, I really enjoyed it! I think I still like The Lazarus Trap over this one, but it was a thrilling and suspenseful experience nonetheless! :)
March 31, 2014
Fine writing+engaging plot+memorable characters=one of my favorite books!!
Davis Bunn has done it again! This exciting thriller explodes off the pages with a storyline keeping you engaged to the very last page. The personal struggle of protagonist, Matt Kelly, underlies his sense of duty to do what is right. In his search to find out why his mother was targeted Agent Kelly finds himself surrounded by characters with hidden agendas, personal vendettas, and about as much emotional baggage as he is willing to admit carrying himself.
While Matt Kelly is challenged to let go of the dark secrets in his life he can't do it alone. Davis Bunn brings in memorable secondary characters who bring the story to life by showing us just enough of each character's heart he ensures we won't soon forget this remarkable ensemble. Wit, grit, and just enough strength of character make this a story worth reading over and over. Davis Bunn
Davis Bunn has done it again! This exciting thriller explodes off the pages with a storyline keeping you engaged to the very last page. The personal struggle of protagonist, Matt Kelly, underlies his sense of duty to do what is right. In his search to find out why his mother was targeted Agent Kelly finds himself surrounded by characters with hidden agendas, personal vendettas, and about as much emotional baggage as he is willing to admit carrying himself.
While Matt Kelly is challenged to let go of the dark secrets in his life he can't do it alone. Davis Bunn brings in memorable secondary characters who bring the story to life by showing us just enough of each character's heart he ensures we won't soon forget this remarkable ensemble. Wit, grit, and just enough strength of character make this a story worth reading over and over. Davis Bunn
September 13, 2011
Bunn has written a ton of books but this is my first one to read. The NoveList database states that Bunn "explores the dynamics of moral conduct, personal integrity, and religious belief" and I think this sums his style up nicely. He is often cited as an author of Christian fiction (CF), but in this book, any Christian themes are so very subtle that you would hardly call it CF.
"Imposter" is very suspenseful, in an urban and ethnic setting, and full of deplorable as well as likeable characters sprinkled throughout. There is a relationship blooming between a Hispanic female cop and the white main male character, the grizzled older cop who dearly loves his mentally disabled adult daughter, dirty politicians, and bad cops. So some familiar scenarios and others not so familiar. Good page turner with implied violence and no sex. I look forward to another book in my future.
"Imposter" is very suspenseful, in an urban and ethnic setting, and full of deplorable as well as likeable characters sprinkled throughout. There is a relationship blooming between a Hispanic female cop and the white main male character, the grizzled older cop who dearly loves his mentally disabled adult daughter, dirty politicians, and bad cops. So some familiar scenarios and others not so familiar. Good page turner with implied violence and no sex. I look forward to another book in my future.
June 5, 2008
A very interesting read. Imposter tells the story of Matt Kelley who is a new agent with the State Department. A bomb goes off, killing his mother, and the investigation that begins dwells in the political, miitary, and state police corruption. I loved the book. Davis Bunn has a penchant for writing that literally holds you to the book and won't let you quit reading. Definitely recommended for fans of spy thrillers and action novels.
October 17, 2012
Book description is rather misleading. A significant portion of the book is traditional spy and cop fluff, but the premise of the story - of the hero Matt maximizing and agonizing about his ability to blend personalities - was only sparsely touched upon.
Still, it was an OK read. Well-written to the point where it compels the reader to turn pages but does not quite deliver on the goods it promises.
Still, it was an OK read. Well-written to the point where it compels the reader to turn pages but does not quite deliver on the goods it promises.
July 11, 2010
The story was fine, not amazing. The writing was overly poetic sometimes and it got in the way--like the author was trying too hard to be eloquent. But, my biggest complaint (while I guess it should be the writing itself) was that the title and synopsis on the back were not an accurate representation of the actual plot.
July 19, 2016
The story hits the ground running, with twists and turns non-stop. Enjoyed the characters, and interaction between police, government security agencies, and the military. The very slightest reference to Christian faith. There were a few confusing bits, but overall a great story. I'll be looking for more by this author!
August 15, 2008
This was well paced, but a mediocre story. It was not well laid out - but did have a fairly original story.
The characters were not greatly developed, but they managed a bit more depth than the story.
It was a good read, for a one time read.
The characters were not greatly developed, but they managed a bit more depth than the story.
It was a good read, for a one time read.
February 28, 2013
Grade: C
Just okay. Everything was a bit too convenient to be believable.
Just okay. Everything was a bit too convenient to be believable.
June 9, 2020
The description of this book sounded interesting. I've read Davis Bunn's work before and he's one of those that I keep an eye out for.
So far, I think I like the story. There are a lot of characters, so it's sometimes hard to keep track of them, but I think I'm getting the hang of it. Some of the descriptions of government buildings/offices made me zone out a bit but it is a fraction of the book.
I like Connie Morales. She's a great character! She's tough, and a little sassy. I like how she called out a certain someone in front of everybody. Her and Matt are quite interesting. Matt standing up for Connie made me laugh a little, because he just let it loose. The man who controls himself so well is like, "Back. On. Up."
Some grammar is missing in the kindle edition. Things like, "No sir" instead of, "No, sir," etc.
Watching Matt interact with his dad was not fun to read. I know this type of relationship is common and the author did a good job setting up that tension, but not my personal favorite scenes!
There is a bit of jargon and specific place names that are unfamiliar to me. Sometimes that makes it hard to follow but I get the gist maybe 50% of the time.
I like how many times the good guys win in this book.
For me, this wasn't my favorite work of this author. It was an interesting story, and I didn't totally figure out the bad guy until the end, but the jargon, etc. ultimately weighed it down for me. I have read a lot so I consider my vocab and comprehension to be decent but it just was way over my head in a lot of ways. I liked the action, many of the characters, and the general plotline. To me, Matt healed a little bit throughout the story, but he still seemed emotionally wounded in the end, which was bittersweet for me. An important relationship I wanted fixed in the book didn't end up happening and Connie seemed quite different in the end (not much explanation is given for this—my theory is she is a Christian and therefore decides to trust God, be patient, and help Matt heal... I say this because the author is a Christian or at least writes Christian fiction generally). There isn't much Christian content in here — a Christian leader and a few Christian characters, but no deep God discussions.
One or two semi-descriptive kisses. No cursing. Some violence, but not overly described — ie, if you have little tolerance for violence, you'd probably be okay. Dead bodies are slightly described (smell, memories, etc.).
3 stars.
So far, I think I like the story. There are a lot of characters, so it's sometimes hard to keep track of them, but I think I'm getting the hang of it. Some of the descriptions of government buildings/offices made me zone out a bit but it is a fraction of the book.
I like Connie Morales. She's a great character! She's tough, and a little sassy. I like how she called out a certain someone in front of everybody. Her and Matt are quite interesting. Matt standing up for Connie made me laugh a little, because he just let it loose. The man who controls himself so well is like, "Back. On. Up."
Some grammar is missing in the kindle edition. Things like, "No sir" instead of, "No, sir," etc.
Watching Matt interact with his dad was not fun to read. I know this type of relationship is common and the author did a good job setting up that tension, but not my personal favorite scenes!
There is a bit of jargon and specific place names that are unfamiliar to me. Sometimes that makes it hard to follow but I get the gist maybe 50% of the time.
I like how many times the good guys win in this book.
For me, this wasn't my favorite work of this author. It was an interesting story, and I didn't totally figure out the bad guy until the end, but the jargon, etc. ultimately weighed it down for me. I have read a lot so I consider my vocab and comprehension to be decent but it just was way over my head in a lot of ways. I liked the action, many of the characters, and the general plotline. To me, Matt healed a little bit throughout the story, but he still seemed emotionally wounded in the end, which was bittersweet for me. An important relationship I wanted fixed in the book didn't end up happening and Connie seemed quite different in the end (not much explanation is given for this—my theory is she is a Christian and therefore decides to trust God, be patient, and help Matt heal... I say this because the author is a Christian or at least writes Christian fiction generally). There isn't much Christian content in here — a Christian leader and a few Christian characters, but no deep God discussions.
One or two semi-descriptive kisses. No cursing. Some violence, but not overly described — ie, if you have little tolerance for violence, you'd probably be okay. Dead bodies are slightly described (smell, memories, etc.).
3 stars.
January 1, 2023
Imposter
Reader’s Notes:
– a character deals with the death of a parent & disgust from the other parent
– this is told from 7 points of view (some are only used once or a few times; 3 of the points of view are used the most)
Review:
This was an overall interesting read! I normally wouldn’t have picked this up, but a friend suggested it for me to read. It did take me until about 20% in to really become interested in the investigation, but I was hooked from that point on. I’m not sure if the reader was supposed to be able to figure out who the bad guy was as the story went on or if they weren’t supposed to be able to until closer to the end of the story (I personally wasn’t really sure who was responsible until closer to the end and I didn’t even know why until the characters revealed it). I would have loved to see more of Matt using his mimic talent during the story with how much it was talked about in the beginning, but with his personality I can understand why he didn’t use it much except when necessary.
Summary:
When a political candidate’s wife is killed, there are a lot of people with questions. Especially when the media begins trying to sell a story that doesn’t match the facts.
Matt Kelly, son of the dead woman and who was there when the attack happened, is in the unique position to leverage getting himself into the real investigation. But with the police stonewalling him and an unknown foe trying to stop him at every turn, Matt is becoming even more determined to find his mother’s killer.
Who would want to kill the woman everyone loved?
Reader’s Notes:
– a character deals with the death of a parent & disgust from the other parent
– this is told from 7 points of view (some are only used once or a few times; 3 of the points of view are used the most)
Review:
This was an overall interesting read! I normally wouldn’t have picked this up, but a friend suggested it for me to read. It did take me until about 20% in to really become interested in the investigation, but I was hooked from that point on. I’m not sure if the reader was supposed to be able to figure out who the bad guy was as the story went on or if they weren’t supposed to be able to until closer to the end of the story (I personally wasn’t really sure who was responsible until closer to the end and I didn’t even know why until the characters revealed it). I would have loved to see more of Matt using his mimic talent during the story with how much it was talked about in the beginning, but with his personality I can understand why he didn’t use it much except when necessary.
Summary:
When a political candidate’s wife is killed, there are a lot of people with questions. Especially when the media begins trying to sell a story that doesn’t match the facts.
Matt Kelly, son of the dead woman and who was there when the attack happened, is in the unique position to leverage getting himself into the real investigation. But with the police stonewalling him and an unknown foe trying to stop him at every turn, Matt is becoming even more determined to find his mother’s killer.
Who would want to kill the woman everyone loved?
December 9, 2024
Federal agent Matt Kelley seeks the bomber who killed his mother.
This book is what I'd call "clean fiction." The book may be labeled "Christian fiction" only because writing in that genre can result in a lifetime pigeonhole.
The descriptions of the weather are especially notable. Other writers may wish to read this book solely for inspiration in this area.
I like how there is a *possibility* of romance between some of the characters, but everyone doesn't end up paired off and things aren't neatly sealed with a kiss or a proposal.
The choice of the Baltimore Police Department adds color, grit, and realism. That police department is seriously dysfunctional--everything I've ever seen about it makes it look mired in history and tradition and sometimes corruption at the expense of public service. This story fits right in with that, while humanizing and celebrating some of the good cops who work within that challenging environment.
I appreciate how much the author cares about his craft. Every element of the story was realistic and well-researched.
Recommended for fans of clean spy thrillers. Male readers will feel right at home.
Favorite quotes:
"He flows around life, but there's nothing to see, nothing to notice, nothing to tell you what you're up against."
"The wind carried a thin blade of frost."
"The sky was the color of a fire long dead."
This book is what I'd call "clean fiction." The book may be labeled "Christian fiction" only because writing in that genre can result in a lifetime pigeonhole.
The descriptions of the weather are especially notable. Other writers may wish to read this book solely for inspiration in this area.
I like how there is a *possibility* of romance between some of the characters, but everyone doesn't end up paired off and things aren't neatly sealed with a kiss or a proposal.
The choice of the Baltimore Police Department adds color, grit, and realism. That police department is seriously dysfunctional--everything I've ever seen about it makes it look mired in history and tradition and sometimes corruption at the expense of public service. This story fits right in with that, while humanizing and celebrating some of the good cops who work within that challenging environment.
I appreciate how much the author cares about his craft. Every element of the story was realistic and well-researched.
Recommended for fans of clean spy thrillers. Male readers will feel right at home.
Favorite quotes:
"He flows around life, but there's nothing to see, nothing to notice, nothing to tell you what you're up against."
"The wind carried a thin blade of frost."
"The sky was the color of a fire long dead."
June 15, 2024
This book is a great option If you are looking for something fast paced and full of details.
The author was very meticulous describing the streets of Baltimore, the way a police department works and its relation with other agencies resulting in well rounded characters and interactions.
However I think the plot has some moments that could have been edited or resolved in a less complex way. At times it felt like a big moment may be crucial for the story but resulted in just a piece of information that didn't impact the outcome at all, also making the ending a little weak in my opinion.
I've seen that this book is sometimes classified as "Christian Suspense" but the only thing religious is the mention of the spiritual inclination of some characters. Other than that, faith is not relevant to the plot.
The author was very meticulous describing the streets of Baltimore, the way a police department works and its relation with other agencies resulting in well rounded characters and interactions.
However I think the plot has some moments that could have been edited or resolved in a less complex way. At times it felt like a big moment may be crucial for the story but resulted in just a piece of information that didn't impact the outcome at all, also making the ending a little weak in my opinion.
I've seen that this book is sometimes classified as "Christian Suspense" but the only thing religious is the mention of the spiritual inclination of some characters. Other than that, faith is not relevant to the plot.
April 9, 2022
The first book I’ve read by this author. I picked it up in the Christian Fiction section in my library because the title and cover were markedly different from the other 98% of books in the same genre. I found what I was looking for! Suspense, intrigue, complex plot and characters, and internal battles with a spiritual thread that doesn’t whack you over the head. Minimal romance that doesn’t make you want to throw up a little in your mouth. Well done, Davis Bunn!
February 16, 2025
I really like the plot of this but I had such a hard time following all the character names as the author uses the persons last name some of the time, then the first name at other times. I’m constantly having to mentally try to remember who’s who. The dialogue is hard for me to follow was well in terms of who’s taking. Again I like the plot and the main characters but just too many players/characters for me.
March 10, 2025
I enjoyed the action in this book, and Matt is a great character. However, there were some things that I had a hard time understanding. There were so many choppy sentences I feel like I didn't get a super full picture of what was going on. There were also so many characters and details to follow and I had a difficult time remembering what was happening.
The research for this book is amazing, though. So detailed.
The research for this book is amazing, though. So detailed.
July 23, 2017
Not too happy with this book. I felt like there was so much conflict going between character and a lot of character development and then that character took a back burner. I felt like there was just too much caos going on. I just wish that the main character was in more books.
April 3, 2018
It was hard to get into, got interesting toward the end, and confused me the entire time. I'm still not sure exactly what happened. I guess this one was over my head. Plus, I feel like there are unfinished storylines. So I liked it, but it's not a favorite.
March 29, 2019
I usually love Davis Bunn’s Books, but this one left me cold. There were too many characters and back stories and I finished going - what?, why?, who? Were they all imposters? Was anyone who they claimed to be? And Matt - could I ever grow to like him? Not on this book.
May 17, 2022
The end of the book made up for the slow first half. Lots of fun cop cliches and a romance that didn’t whack you over the head. The ending was satisfying and creative, I didn’t expect it from the lack of creativity elsewhere in the book.
July 14, 2023
Top Shelf Mystery
Davis Bunn's books are always well written, well researched, and well developed. This is one of his finest, and I've read more than a few. You owe it to yourself to read this book. You'll thank me, truly.
Davis Bunn's books are always well written, well researched, and well developed. This is one of his finest, and I've read more than a few. You owe it to yourself to read this book. You'll thank me, truly.
January 3, 2024
It was hard to follow for me and went on a little too long. Was obvious from the beginning who was involved in the scam, just took a while to reveal just how. Overall, it's an alright book but not one I would read again
February 24, 2025
Hard to follow and slow to develop. Plus, two-thirds in a different story by a different author was inserted into the book, and about 40 pages of the original story were missing -- that didn't help the hard to follow issue, which I was already experiencing.
April 17, 2018
Intriguing
Good clean intrigue from start to finish. Well written detail of the surroundings and action. It would make a great mini series.
Good clean intrigue from start to finish. Well written detail of the surroundings and action. It would make a great mini series.
February 4, 2019
Gripping
Plenty of twists, 3D characters whose lives are multi-dimensional, plenty of emotion as well as action. I always end up one of Davis Bunn’s books wanting a sequel.
Plenty of twists, 3D characters whose lives are multi-dimensional, plenty of emotion as well as action. I always end up one of Davis Bunn’s books wanting a sequel.
December 28, 2019
Good mystery story, character development was excellent you were interested in what happens to all of them.
Want to read
July 20, 2020overdrive
hoopla
hoopla
March 18, 2021
Really good. Love the emphasis on not doing this life alone.
February 15, 2022
3.5
Sex: None
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Sex: None
Language: None
Violence: Mild
January 22, 2023
It was thrilling. I struggled to follow the plot at times. I still don't know who's Matt's biological father.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews