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Jason Wade #3
A Perfect Grave
When Sister Anne McGrath, a much-loved community saint, is brutally murdered, Seattle Mirror reporter Jason Wade, who has a personal interest in the case, joins the investigation and makes a shocking discovery about Sister Anne's past that changes everything. Original.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
2063 people are currently reading
1960 people want to read
About the author
Rick Mofina
68 books1,331 followersRick Mofina is a former journalist who has interviewed murderers on death row in Montana and Texas, flown over L.A. with the LAPD and patrolled with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police near the Arctic. He's also reported from the Caribbean, Africa and Kuwait's border with Iraq. His true-crime freelance work has appeared in The New York Times, The Telegraph (London, U.K.), Reader’s Digest, Penthouse, Marie Claire and The South China Morning Post, (Hong Kong). He has written more than 20 crime fiction thrillers that have been published in nearly 30 countries.
His work has been praised by James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Michael Connelly, Lee Child, Tess Gerritsen, Jeffery Deaver, Louise Penny, Sandra Brown, James Rollins, Lisa Unger, Brad Thor, Nick Stone, David Morrell, Allison Brennan, Heather Graham, Linwood Barclay, Peter Robinson, Håkan Nesser and Kay Hooper.
The Crime Writers of Canada, The International Thriller Writers and The Private Eye Writers of America have listed his titles among the best in crime fiction. As a two-time winner of Canada's Arthur Ellis Award, a four-time Thriller Award finalist and a two-time Shamus Award finalist, the Library Journal calls him, “One of the best thriller writers in the business.”
Series:
* Tom Reed and Walt Sydowski
* Jason Wade
* Jack Gannon
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Novel (2003): Blood of Others
His work has been praised by James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Michael Connelly, Lee Child, Tess Gerritsen, Jeffery Deaver, Louise Penny, Sandra Brown, James Rollins, Lisa Unger, Brad Thor, Nick Stone, David Morrell, Allison Brennan, Heather Graham, Linwood Barclay, Peter Robinson, Håkan Nesser and Kay Hooper.
The Crime Writers of Canada, The International Thriller Writers and The Private Eye Writers of America have listed his titles among the best in crime fiction. As a two-time winner of Canada's Arthur Ellis Award, a four-time Thriller Award finalist and a two-time Shamus Award finalist, the Library Journal calls him, “One of the best thriller writers in the business.”
Series:
* Tom Reed and Walt Sydowski
* Jason Wade
* Jack Gannon
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Novel (2003): Blood of Others
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
March 14, 2017
This book was excellent. In fact the whole three book series ( The Dying Hour, Every Fear and A Perfect Grave) was excellent. Glad I read them in order. Though, each book could stand alone. I'm just sorry the series ended with just three books. The primary characters Jason Wade, and his father Henry are realistic, and affable. The stories wonderful and complex. I would greatly enjoy revisiting these characters ten years later.
October 27, 2016
It got off to a slow start and I began to think I might not finish it, but once things started to get moving, the pace & tension kept building nicely.
The plot was woven together neatly from several threads of the lives of seemingly unconnected characters and (without giving too much away) although it became fairly obvious whodunnit from about midway through the story, that didn't detract from my enjoyment of how it all played out.
The plot was woven together neatly from several threads of the lives of seemingly unconnected characters and (without giving too much away) although it became fairly obvious whodunnit from about midway through the story, that didn't detract from my enjoyment of how it all played out.
March 12, 2008
A Perfect Grave
Rick Mofina
Pinnacle Books, 2007, 362 pps.
ISBN No. 978-0-7860-1848-2
Sometimes events from the past make their way to the present and not always with a pleasing result. Is there something in Sister Anne Louise Baxter’s past that would bring about her brutal murder? Jason Wade, reporter for The Seattle Mirror, is determined to find the answer.
Jason is having a difficult time at work. His boss is constantly pressuring him and he has received blame for actions that were not his fault. Jason is determined to climb back to the top of his profession with a story that will be over and above that any other reporter writes. Jason feels that the murder of Sister Anne could be this story.
Sister Anne is loved by everyone. She spends her days at a mission and counsels street people, ex-convicts and anyone that is in need of compassion and reassurance. Jason’s previous relationship with Detective Grace Garner is of no help to him in getting inside information. Grace broke it off with Jason and he is still hurt. Grace is regretting that decision but can’t figure out how to undo the action.
Jason also is dealing with his father’s problems. Henry Wade used to be a police officer but when a hold-up went bad and someone was killed, Henry turned to the bottle and Jason’s mother left him and Jason. Now Henry has worked to overcome his drinking but the past is coming back to haunt him and he is leaning on Jason for help.
Meanwhile a small boy is suffering from a brain tumor and is in need of surgery his mother cannot afford.
How do all of these seemingly disconnected facts tie together? How do any of these situations have a bearing on the murder of Sister Anne?
These are questions that Jason must figure out and eventually he does do that but the conclusion will come as a shock to Jason as well as the reader.
I highly recommend this book. It is one that just keeps picking up speed as you read along. This is the first Mofina Jason Wade book that I have read but I have put the first two on my wish list. I hopefully there will be a fourth to add to that list.
Rick Mofina
Pinnacle Books, 2007, 362 pps.
ISBN No. 978-0-7860-1848-2
Sometimes events from the past make their way to the present and not always with a pleasing result. Is there something in Sister Anne Louise Baxter’s past that would bring about her brutal murder? Jason Wade, reporter for The Seattle Mirror, is determined to find the answer.
Jason is having a difficult time at work. His boss is constantly pressuring him and he has received blame for actions that were not his fault. Jason is determined to climb back to the top of his profession with a story that will be over and above that any other reporter writes. Jason feels that the murder of Sister Anne could be this story.
Sister Anne is loved by everyone. She spends her days at a mission and counsels street people, ex-convicts and anyone that is in need of compassion and reassurance. Jason’s previous relationship with Detective Grace Garner is of no help to him in getting inside information. Grace broke it off with Jason and he is still hurt. Grace is regretting that decision but can’t figure out how to undo the action.
Jason also is dealing with his father’s problems. Henry Wade used to be a police officer but when a hold-up went bad and someone was killed, Henry turned to the bottle and Jason’s mother left him and Jason. Now Henry has worked to overcome his drinking but the past is coming back to haunt him and he is leaning on Jason for help.
Meanwhile a small boy is suffering from a brain tumor and is in need of surgery his mother cannot afford.
How do all of these seemingly disconnected facts tie together? How do any of these situations have a bearing on the murder of Sister Anne?
These are questions that Jason must figure out and eventually he does do that but the conclusion will come as a shock to Jason as well as the reader.
I highly recommend this book. It is one that just keeps picking up speed as you read along. This is the first Mofina Jason Wade book that I have read but I have put the first two on my wish list. I hopefully there will be a fourth to add to that list.
July 23, 2016
Excellent novel.
Jason Wade rookie crime report and his father ex-police officer. After bank robber killed eight years old boy, he lost himself in a bottle, but he recovered and working as a private detective. Jason's relationship with his father is rocky, always hopes to find out what happened. Jason under pressure to find a crime story that will help to increase newspaper circulation. Author being once a crime report makes the Jason's character very believable. Now trying find out why Sister Anne was murdered. Other two books Every Fear and The Dying Hour is excellent, must be read too.
Jason Wade rookie crime report and his father ex-police officer. After bank robber killed eight years old boy, he lost himself in a bottle, but he recovered and working as a private detective. Jason's relationship with his father is rocky, always hopes to find out what happened. Jason under pressure to find a crime story that will help to increase newspaper circulation. Author being once a crime report makes the Jason's character very believable. Now trying find out why Sister Anne was murdered. Other two books Every Fear and The Dying Hour is excellent, must be read too.
August 2, 2016
I enjoyed this suspenseful book. The story flowed at a good pace and I liked the main character, reporter Jason Wade. I also liked the supporting storylines especially the one about Jason's dad, an ex-Seattle cop and the one about Brady, the young boy who needs an expensive brain surgery. I plan to read more from Rick Mofina.
May 18, 2019
This was a really excellent procedural. A young crime reporter is in hot water with his boss. He is assigned the night shift and told that if he wants to keep his job he’d better come up with some stories. He is also told that he must work with a young woman who is, in his opinion, a liar and a detriment. A prostitute has been murdered and now a Nun is found murdered. He pursues everything he can learn about the Nun, who is known as the Angel of Seattle because of her good deeds. The novel follows the reporter, his father who is a PI and the Police. The is lots of activity and enough complexity in the plots to keep most readers involved. All in all, very good reading. Thanks to the Author and Publisher for an e-Galley for an honest review.
October 10, 2025
3 1/2 Nuns
Decent story.
Decent story.
February 9, 2018
2.5 stars. Maybe I was a bit distracted when I read this but I just couldn't get into it. It was my least favorite book of the trilogy. Were there too many cliches? Perhaps. A saintly nun who works with prisoners and homeless people is brutally murdered and our intrepid reporter, Jason Wade, is hot on the heels of the story. So we have the poor beleaguered reporter, his beastly editor who is constantly on his back, his police officer on and off girlfriend who is not cooperating and feeding him info, the useless rookie reporter Jason is saddled with mentoring and his father who is stressing him out.
It was actually well written and a pretty good story. The nun's death naturally related to events from 25 years ago and of course Jason throws everything at it to get the scoop. But - it just didn't grab me. I didn't get a sense of drama and it felt kind of flat to me. I thought the Jack Gannon series (also about a reporter) was much better.
It was actually well written and a pretty good story. The nun's death naturally related to events from 25 years ago and of course Jason throws everything at it to get the scoop. But - it just didn't grab me. I didn't get a sense of drama and it felt kind of flat to me. I thought the Jack Gannon series (also about a reporter) was much better.
March 7, 2019
Profanity
I can't understand why some feel that gutter language makes for a good story. I did not finish this garbage.
I can't understand why some feel that gutter language makes for a good story. I did not finish this garbage.
March 18, 2018
The book ending was clearly 5 Stars even though I only gave it Four... As I am reading the book, it kept going on and on about Sister Ann, to the point about giving up and so GLAD I Didn't!!! Excellent Ending *****
April 12, 2022
Love how the author tied up everything but left open the option of grace for future stories
October 7, 2015
Once again one of my very favorite writers has crafted an incredible adventure filled with intrigue, suspense, mayhem, and some horrific murders. "A Perfect Grave", is the third book in author Rick Mofina's Jason Wade series. Completely powerful , and a very compelling plot moving at top speed keeping the intrigue, and suspense pushed to the max from first page through it's conclusion. Author Rick Mofina is a master story teller who can weave several different story arcs that are amazing when they all come glued together for an exciting finish. This time out Jason Wade is hot onto a story of a brutally murdered Nun from one of the poorest sections of Seattle. Even with Wade's past successes digging out real gems of bombshell stories, his boss refuses to trust him to work alone. Eldon Reep who is Jason's boss keeps sending him out with over matched cub reporter Cassie Appleton.Cassie is not a digger. Jason is a classic digger. Wade as usual is relentless in tracking down every angle of some of the most horrific crimes he's covered. Jason's on and off again romance with Detective Grace Garner is adversarial for the duration of this murder investigation of Sister Anne Braxton. Who would kill in such a heinous way one of the most beloved , and caring Nuns at their homeless shelter ? Sister Anne spent decades tending to the poorest of Seattle, her entire life seemed to be committed to God's work with the poor. Meanwhile, Jason's father Henry still holding onto his job as a P.I. is now conflicted. Senior Wade's bosses want him to carry a gun and be certified to carry it. Henry hasn't picked up a gun for many years since he washed out of the Seattle PD. Jason is tasked with exploring the previous life of Sister Anne, yet while helping his father hold things together. I must say I had an enjoyable read with "A Perfect Grave". With several moving parts I had to slow down and think as I was reading. Somehow I knew everything would tie together with that crazy "WOW" feeling you get when the pieces are assembled. The truly odd kilter of characters were a blast reading about as the story unfolds and develops. With names like Leon Dean Sperbeck, Russell Scott Schallert, Vern Pearce, or Eldon Reep There's no vanilla there. So far this third book in the Jason Wade series is the last book. Hopefully author Rick Mofina will add to the series soon. I can tell you now, you cannot go wrong with any of author Rick Mofina's masterful stories. Without question five stars out of a possible five stars. I'd highly recommend you get into any of Rick Mofina series, or his free standing novels. An excellent time will be had. I kid you not. Hurry on into Mofina's wonderful world of story telling.
November 17, 2017
You won't want to put it down
A mystery, a quest for the truth and a chance at redemption. Very well written and it will keep you guessing the whole way.
A mystery, a quest for the truth and a chance at redemption. Very well written and it will keep you guessing the whole way.
February 4, 2018
Excellent mystery
The story kept you enthralled with revelation one after another with a quest for recompense. Very good characterization, intrigue and intensity.
The story kept you enthralled with revelation one after another with a quest for recompense. Very good characterization, intrigue and intensity.
August 9, 2021
This is the third book in the Jason Wade trilogy. Rick Mofina uses his extensive experience as a crime reporter and a man who's interviewed serial killers and other serious criminals, to write a believable exciting story.
The story opens with the horrific murder of a much loved saintly Sister Anne Braxton who worked among the homeless, the invisible people who usually see faces turning away from them. Sister Anne truly saw them and loved them without judgement. Before she's murdered, we see in Sister Anne a guilt for something in her past. Is her murderer a leftover from this past or just one of the many homeless she works with every day? This is what Jason Wade, a young reporter for the Seattle Mirror, would be trying to find out.
Jason has experienced loss in his life. His mother left when he was a young boy because his father spent the time hiding in the bottle to deal with some dark moment in his past when he served as a young police officer. Jason has also been unlucky in love. His latest breakup was with Detective Grace Garner who ends up taking the lead on the investigation over the death of Sister Anne.
Jason has been a bright star in the previous two books of the trilogy, yet we find him sitting at the night crime desk as the story opens. This is the same desk he occupied in the first book of the trilogy, the desk for the underdog. How did he end up there again? An incident with Cassie Appleton, a young hire made by Metro Editor Eldon Reep, has brought him back to the desk of shame. Cassie ignored Jason's advice on an article about a prostitution sting then blamed Jason when everything went wrong with the story causing the death of a blameless school principal. It became a he said she said situation and Jason lost.
There is another murder and a kidnapping that become connected with the case. Jason and Grace are on again off again in cooperating with each other on information. After her breakup with Jason, Grace had a failed relationship with an FBI agent who turned out to be a liar and a womanizer. He had a wife and kids waiting for him to find a place for them all to live. He had her believing he was separated from his wife for a divorce, not just simply for a move. Grace is beginning to wonder why she did what she did to Jason.
Jason's dad, Henry Wade, is going to AA and seriously working at staying away from the alcohol that dragged him so low. He has a new job as a Private Investigator and has gotten away from working in the brewery which had been detrimental to his mental health. As the story progresses, the case Jason is working on converges with a case Henry is working on. It brings Henry to a confrontation with the trauma from his past.
Many questions arise as Sister Anne's past is slowly revealed throughout the story. Is she a Saint or a Sinner? Why not both? Saints are often sinners who "Fall down and then get up" as a popular Christian song expresses. What is it about Sister Anne's sinful past that brought about the insanity that seems to be happening all at once around her? How is Sister Anne connected with Rhonda and Brady Boland that causes a dangerous criminal to kidnap Brady, a young boy with a possibly terminal brain tumor?
I'd like to see more written about Jason Wade because I feel that there were loose ends I'd like to see tied up. It seems like he and Grace might have a chance, but not absolute on that. Would like to see Cassie get her comeuppance. Would also like to see more in terms of success for Henry Wade. Will he work at tracking his wife down now that he's turned his life around? The story did give enough that I can finish happy endings for myself. Guessing that Cassie is the one loose end I'd most like to see handled.
All in all, it's a great series of books. Rick is a writer that holds you on the edge of your seat with his mysteries and paints a great scene while weaving wonderful mysteries for a reader to enjoy
The story opens with the horrific murder of a much loved saintly Sister Anne Braxton who worked among the homeless, the invisible people who usually see faces turning away from them. Sister Anne truly saw them and loved them without judgement. Before she's murdered, we see in Sister Anne a guilt for something in her past. Is her murderer a leftover from this past or just one of the many homeless she works with every day? This is what Jason Wade, a young reporter for the Seattle Mirror, would be trying to find out.
Jason has experienced loss in his life. His mother left when he was a young boy because his father spent the time hiding in the bottle to deal with some dark moment in his past when he served as a young police officer. Jason has also been unlucky in love. His latest breakup was with Detective Grace Garner who ends up taking the lead on the investigation over the death of Sister Anne.
Jason has been a bright star in the previous two books of the trilogy, yet we find him sitting at the night crime desk as the story opens. This is the same desk he occupied in the first book of the trilogy, the desk for the underdog. How did he end up there again? An incident with Cassie Appleton, a young hire made by Metro Editor Eldon Reep, has brought him back to the desk of shame. Cassie ignored Jason's advice on an article about a prostitution sting then blamed Jason when everything went wrong with the story causing the death of a blameless school principal. It became a he said she said situation and Jason lost.
There is another murder and a kidnapping that become connected with the case. Jason and Grace are on again off again in cooperating with each other on information. After her breakup with Jason, Grace had a failed relationship with an FBI agent who turned out to be a liar and a womanizer. He had a wife and kids waiting for him to find a place for them all to live. He had her believing he was separated from his wife for a divorce, not just simply for a move. Grace is beginning to wonder why she did what she did to Jason.
Jason's dad, Henry Wade, is going to AA and seriously working at staying away from the alcohol that dragged him so low. He has a new job as a Private Investigator and has gotten away from working in the brewery which had been detrimental to his mental health. As the story progresses, the case Jason is working on converges with a case Henry is working on. It brings Henry to a confrontation with the trauma from his past.
Many questions arise as Sister Anne's past is slowly revealed throughout the story. Is she a Saint or a Sinner? Why not both? Saints are often sinners who "Fall down and then get up" as a popular Christian song expresses. What is it about Sister Anne's sinful past that brought about the insanity that seems to be happening all at once around her? How is Sister Anne connected with Rhonda and Brady Boland that causes a dangerous criminal to kidnap Brady, a young boy with a possibly terminal brain tumor?
I'd like to see more written about Jason Wade because I feel that there were loose ends I'd like to see tied up. It seems like he and Grace might have a chance, but not absolute on that. Would like to see Cassie get her comeuppance. Would also like to see more in terms of success for Henry Wade. Will he work at tracking his wife down now that he's turned his life around? The story did give enough that I can finish happy endings for myself. Guessing that Cassie is the one loose end I'd most like to see handled.
All in all, it's a great series of books. Rick is a writer that holds you on the edge of your seat with his mysteries and paints a great scene while weaving wonderful mysteries for a reader to enjoy
April 6, 2018
Seattle, WA. Pioneer Square District. Compassionate Heart of Mercy Shelter. Sister Anne Louise Braxton (49) had died doing what she loved to do; helping the downtrodden & those in dire need.
News flash: Brian Pillar was arrested for solicitation, along with 10 other johns in the law enforcement hooker sting.
Detective Grace Garner (Seattle PD, homicde), & Detective Dominic Perelli (partner, Seattle PD, homicde), listened to Isabella Martell (Mutual Tower housecleaning) say Roberto Martell (26, grandson, drug dealer, pimp) never came to her place.
Yesler Terrace. Detective Garner, & Detective Perelli had arrived at the crime scene.
Jason Wade (The Seattle Mirror crime reporter, Grace’s ex-lover), was close behind.
The CSI Unit & King County ME were present.
Sister Vivian Lansing (60+, Chicago, IL.,) was here to make sure all the funeral arrangements/burial contact of family were taken care of.
Kay Cataldo (Sr. forensic scientist) would also examine the body.
There were 4 possible suspects.
Why did Sister Denise Taylor go see Jason?
Whisper Creek Ranch. Jason was going to interview Sister Marie Clermont (retired Sr. council member Compassionate Heart of Mercy Order).
Will the murder mysteries get solved & someone brought to justice?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written who-dunnit murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; DailyFreeBooks; Carrick Publishing; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
News flash: Brian Pillar was arrested for solicitation, along with 10 other johns in the law enforcement hooker sting.
Detective Grace Garner (Seattle PD, homicde), & Detective Dominic Perelli (partner, Seattle PD, homicde), listened to Isabella Martell (Mutual Tower housecleaning) say Roberto Martell (26, grandson, drug dealer, pimp) never came to her place.
Yesler Terrace. Detective Garner, & Detective Perelli had arrived at the crime scene.
Jason Wade (The Seattle Mirror crime reporter, Grace’s ex-lover), was close behind.
The CSI Unit & King County ME were present.
Sister Vivian Lansing (60+, Chicago, IL.,) was here to make sure all the funeral arrangements/burial contact of family were taken care of.
Kay Cataldo (Sr. forensic scientist) would also examine the body.
There were 4 possible suspects.
Why did Sister Denise Taylor go see Jason?
Whisper Creek Ranch. Jason was going to interview Sister Marie Clermont (retired Sr. council member Compassionate Heart of Mercy Order).
Will the murder mysteries get solved & someone brought to justice?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written who-dunnit murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; DailyFreeBooks; Carrick Publishing; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
November 18, 2025
📚✝🕵️♀️💰NOVEL THOUGHTS📰🚗✝📚
This third in the Jason Wade series was the best one yet. Jason is now tracking the story in the killing of a nun who has been devoted to the rundown parts of Seattle giving food, shelter and support for the past 25 years. When she is found brutally murdered in her apartment and when another nun is tasked to do the clean up, she finds a loose floor board and discovers a secretly kept journal which after reading its cryptic contents, turns it over to her superior. What does all this mean? What sort of past did she have that she is wanting God's forgiveness for? Jason and his new boss, another obnoxious head editor Eldon Reep has demoted Jason to the night desk again after a story written by Cassie Appleton was so far off the mark, it made the paper look bad. But, from Jason's telling, it wasn't his fault. Cassie asked him to check his sources which he did and told her she had it wrong but she went with it anyway and afterwards, told Reep it was Jason who steered her wrong! But as much as he hates this shift, it will end up bringing him the most satisfaction on so many aspects of his life. It will bring him closer to his father who has been dealing with an emotional crisis from his former job as a cop which caused his marriage to fall apart, his family to fall apart because of his finding solace in a bottle and for his father to face his demons which have tormented him for so long. The unique threads of all of the storylines will converge in such a satisfying way. The the backend of the story will capture the reader that no doubt will be reading into the night to see how it all turns out. It is such a page-turner! And maybe Jason and Grace will find their way back to each other as well. pssstt .... Grace has commitment issues!
This third in the Jason Wade series was the best one yet. Jason is now tracking the story in the killing of a nun who has been devoted to the rundown parts of Seattle giving food, shelter and support for the past 25 years. When she is found brutally murdered in her apartment and when another nun is tasked to do the clean up, she finds a loose floor board and discovers a secretly kept journal which after reading its cryptic contents, turns it over to her superior. What does all this mean? What sort of past did she have that she is wanting God's forgiveness for? Jason and his new boss, another obnoxious head editor Eldon Reep has demoted Jason to the night desk again after a story written by Cassie Appleton was so far off the mark, it made the paper look bad. But, from Jason's telling, it wasn't his fault. Cassie asked him to check his sources which he did and told her she had it wrong but she went with it anyway and afterwards, told Reep it was Jason who steered her wrong! But as much as he hates this shift, it will end up bringing him the most satisfaction on so many aspects of his life. It will bring him closer to his father who has been dealing with an emotional crisis from his former job as a cop which caused his marriage to fall apart, his family to fall apart because of his finding solace in a bottle and for his father to face his demons which have tormented him for so long. The unique threads of all of the storylines will converge in such a satisfying way. The the backend of the story will capture the reader that no doubt will be reading into the night to see how it all turns out. It is such a page-turner! And maybe Jason and Grace will find their way back to each other as well. pssstt .... Grace has commitment issues!
July 15, 2019
Good stuff. Kind of a shame that the series are finished with this. It's a fun read and it requires you to be in the mood and play along with the author.
This is a standard murder investigation novel. A nun is murdered and we follow Jason Wade as he gets lucky and pretty much stumbles into the culprit. The characters are good, although stereotypical, including Wade's evil manager who continues giving Jason a hard time despite his previous successes. I like Jason and his father, though. They are good guys trying to find their way.
I appreciate the narrative and the level of detail. The author adds a lot of descriptions, places and processes, but without going into overload.
Mofina was in a my local library a few weeks back. The timing was very inconvenient and I couldn't meet him. Hopefully there'll be another chance.
This is a standard murder investigation novel. A nun is murdered and we follow Jason Wade as he gets lucky and pretty much stumbles into the culprit. The characters are good, although stereotypical, including Wade's evil manager who continues giving Jason a hard time despite his previous successes. I like Jason and his father, though. They are good guys trying to find their way.
I appreciate the narrative and the level of detail. The author adds a lot of descriptions, places and processes, but without going into overload.
Mofina was in a my local library a few weeks back. The timing was very inconvenient and I couldn't meet him. Hopefully there'll be another chance.
April 14, 2019
Tense with lots of tangles and levels to the story and the investigation.
In particular (without disclosing spoilers) I appreciated the detailed insight into the pressures and processes of a (good) reporter. As Jason Wade discovers new elements to the story he is covering/ writing, he goes to enormous lengths to check and verify the facts. Having been professionally hurt by an unverified element of a news story in the past, he is determined to ensure that this never happens again.. and I laud that integrity. Clearly, the author's experience in journalism helped to create an authentic character trait.
As to the story itself, I found it intriguing that the pivotal character was a nun. I mean to say, one expects that nuns will lead a life of love, service and self-sacrifice. But who knows what brought them to that moment of commitment? And therein lies the tale.
Overall an exciting and engaging read. I am sad to hear only two other books feature Jason Wade but I shall nonetheless be looking out for more books by this author.
Five stars!
In particular (without disclosing spoilers) I appreciated the detailed insight into the pressures and processes of a (good) reporter. As Jason Wade discovers new elements to the story he is covering/ writing, he goes to enormous lengths to check and verify the facts. Having been professionally hurt by an unverified element of a news story in the past, he is determined to ensure that this never happens again.. and I laud that integrity. Clearly, the author's experience in journalism helped to create an authentic character trait.
As to the story itself, I found it intriguing that the pivotal character was a nun. I mean to say, one expects that nuns will lead a life of love, service and self-sacrifice. But who knows what brought them to that moment of commitment? And therein lies the tale.
Overall an exciting and engaging read. I am sad to hear only two other books feature Jason Wade but I shall nonetheless be looking out for more books by this author.
Five stars!
April 3, 2019
Worthwhile Crime Thriller
Rick Molina has done a good job of crafting this interesting crime thriller. The story is plausible, the twists and turns interesting, and the characters and settings believable.
A grisly murder occurs in Seattle and both a newspaper reported and Seattle Police investigates the crime which is very high profile since the victim was a nun. As the story unfolds, it begins to have connections to other crimes and events. Both the police and the newspaper reporter press on toward solving the case.
As luck would have it, the reporter and lead investigator are former lovers, but the “former” status impedes them from working closely together.
As with most crime thrillers, there are some interesting plot twists and turns that helps propel the storyline forward.
It is a good book and worth the read, but it is pretty much standard crime-thriller fare, enjoyable but not outstanding.
Rick Molina has done a good job of crafting this interesting crime thriller. The story is plausible, the twists and turns interesting, and the characters and settings believable.
A grisly murder occurs in Seattle and both a newspaper reported and Seattle Police investigates the crime which is very high profile since the victim was a nun. As the story unfolds, it begins to have connections to other crimes and events. Both the police and the newspaper reporter press on toward solving the case.
As luck would have it, the reporter and lead investigator are former lovers, but the “former” status impedes them from working closely together.
As with most crime thrillers, there are some interesting plot twists and turns that helps propel the storyline forward.
It is a good book and worth the read, but it is pretty much standard crime-thriller fare, enjoyable but not outstanding.
January 17, 2018
I do not usually write a review on books I have read. However I may begin to do this now. I did enjoy the book and for the most part was trying to find odds and ends of time to steal away and see what was going to happen next. While the book kept me interested, I felt like there were many, many characters brought in without a good description. For me a little description of who we are talking to and about is important when there are so many people in the book. Character development is important for me when I read---I like to feel like I "really know" who we are talking about in the moment. I felt this was lacking. I did not find the ending particularly surprising but was happy all ended well. (SMALLL SPOILER HERE)
Overall Mr. Mofina wrote a decent book. I doubt I will follow up the other books with the main character but may try one of his other completed offerings.
Overall Mr. Mofina wrote a decent book. I doubt I will follow up the other books with the main character but may try one of his other completed offerings.
August 2, 2018
The brutal murder of a nun dedicated to helping the less fortunate shocks the community. With little evidence and a lot of heat from the powers-that-be, the police department feels pressure coming at them from all corners. Jason Wade, crime reporter for the Mirror, also feels heat surrounding this story and doggedly pursues every tidbit of information he is given to uncover the full story. As with his previous books, this one is filled with detailed descriptions that has the reader feeling some of the pressure that both (police and press) go through in their search to uncover the truth. Jason wants to be recognized for his work but refuses to cut corners in order to meet a deadline. The length he will go to follow the story to its eventual end is amazing and sometimes quite frightening. I wish there were more books in this series!
October 24, 2018
"A Perfect Grave" by Rick Mofina is the third I've read by this author and I can truly say, each gets better. I don't usually manage to read any series in the order they were written, but this one finds Jason Wade, rookie crime reporter in Seattle, still struggling with his boss (a new one this time), his dad and their old issues, and the failed relationship with detective sweety Grace Garner. Jason has a nose for news though and lands an interesting assignment following the vicious murder of a local beloved nun. The plot gets complicated as he slowly puts the pieces together laboriously following each lead. It gets complicated; with his father, with Grace, and the history of Sister Anne. This book just keeps moving. Highly recommended--it won't let you down.
April 2, 2020
Another great story by Rick Mofina. I marvel at the authors who have so very many plots & stories that they need to narrate up their sleeves just awaiting a pen & paper so that they can spill the 'beans' onto it.
The book kept me glued t0 its pages from morning until late at night. I am pleased that I am a retired Senior Citizen & together with the "homebound " stay due to this Covid-19 pandemic I am forced to stay home & not venture outside. This gave me a great opportunity to spend a greater amount of time than I usually would reading this wonderful & believable story. 'A Perfect Grave' was a book that was a welcome 'un-put-downable' read for just such a time. It kept me enthralled from start to finish.
Thank you, Mr. Mofina.
The book kept me glued t0 its pages from morning until late at night. I am pleased that I am a retired Senior Citizen & together with the "homebound " stay due to this Covid-19 pandemic I am forced to stay home & not venture outside. This gave me a great opportunity to spend a greater amount of time than I usually would reading this wonderful & believable story. 'A Perfect Grave' was a book that was a welcome 'un-put-downable' read for just such a time. It kept me enthralled from start to finish.
Thank you, Mr. Mofina.
January 25, 2018
I like this author. I have read several of his books and none have been overloaded with sex and/or obscenities. His writing mechanics are excellent, and he is my favorite writer of thrillers. I am usually struck by the symbiotic relationship he creates between the press and the law, especially in the present book. Jason Wade, a criminal law reporter, works hand in glove with the legal powers that be to solve an armored car heist that occurred twenty-five years in the past. Readers, get ready for a thrilling ride because it is 'a comin' from the first page to the last.
Thank you, Mr. Mofina, for another good read.
Thank you, Mr. Mofina, for another good read.
June 6, 2020
What's in the past does not always stay there. When crime reporter Jason Wade begins to cover the murder of a beloved nun in Seattle it's just a way for him to save his job. It soon becomes much more. By the time he is finished the seemingly disparate threads of a dead teenage prostitute, a decades old cold case, a kidnapping, and personal family secrets all weave together to make a thrilling conclusion to the case.
Spoiler - I loved this can't put down page turner of a book. I didn't even realize it was 3rd in a series until I finished it, as it stands alone perfectly. It will certainly not be the last book I read from this author. Read it - you won't be sorry.
Spoiler - I loved this can't put down page turner of a book. I didn't even realize it was 3rd in a series until I finished it, as it stands alone perfectly. It will certainly not be the last book I read from this author. Read it - you won't be sorry.
December 6, 2021
It's been a while since a book engaged me the way this one did – and that includes books from authors I really enjoy reading.
The story here is convoluted. Nothing is straight A to B. Every chapter that brings a new character on stage had me wondering ‘What does he (or she) have to do with the main plot?’ Then somewhere around the 60 – 70% mark, things started falling into place, and before too long, I saw where Mofina was heading and figured it all out.
The author’s comments read as if this is the last Jason Wade book. That to me would be a big mistake, and I hope Mofina brings him back for more adventures.
The story here is convoluted. Nothing is straight A to B. Every chapter that brings a new character on stage had me wondering ‘What does he (or she) have to do with the main plot?’ Then somewhere around the 60 – 70% mark, things started falling into place, and before too long, I saw where Mofina was heading and figured it all out.
The author’s comments read as if this is the last Jason Wade book. That to me would be a big mistake, and I hope Mofina brings him back for more adventures.
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