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Jacob Striker #2
Snakes & Ladders
When Homicide Detective Jacob Striker discovers that a string of recent suicides might actually be covered-up murders, his investigation quickly leads him to the Riverglen Mental Health Facility. The victims were all patients from the support group overseen by psychologist Dr. Erich Ostermann. And when Striker discovers Larisa Logan - a dear friend of his, and a patient of Ostermann - has gone missing, his investigation goes into overdrive.
Time is running out. And the evidence tells him one very important fact: that Larisa knows something about the murders.
Even worse, she is trapped. She can't return to the hospital because her own life is in danger.
Larisa's only chance for living is to escape.
Racing against time and a chilling adversary, Striker searches desperately for Larisa. It is a dangerous game they play. Where one right step can catapult you to a place of dominance - and one wrong step can leave you sliding to your doom.
It is a game of psychopaths. It is Snakes & Ladders.
Time is running out. And the evidence tells him one very important fact: that Larisa knows something about the murders.
Even worse, she is trapped. She can't return to the hospital because her own life is in danger.
Larisa's only chance for living is to escape.
Racing against time and a chilling adversary, Striker searches desperately for Larisa. It is a dangerous game they play. Where one right step can catapult you to a place of dominance - and one wrong step can leave you sliding to your doom.
It is a game of psychopaths. It is Snakes & Ladders.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2012
About the author
Sean Slater
15 books47 followersSean Slater is the pseudonym for Vancouver Police Officer Sean Sommerville. As a police officer, Sommerville works in Canada's poorest slum, the Downtown East Side - an area rife with poverty, mental illness, drug use, prostitution, and gang warfare. He has investigated everything from frauds and extortions to homicides. Sommerville has written numerous columns and editorials for the city newspaper. His work has been nominated for the Rupert Hughes Prose Award, and he was the grand-prize winner of the Sunday Serial Thriller contest, which was co-written by Daniel Kalla and published in the Vancouver Province. When not patrolling the 'Skids', Sommerville is working hard writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 27, 2023
Sean Slater returns with another great Canadian police procedural. Meeting or exceeding expectations, Slater develops another strong story with great police flavouring. A number of apparent suicides show some sign that there may have been outside influence. When Detective Jacob Striker is contacted by an elusive individual, targeting him and warning the Vancouver Police to stay away, he pulls all those involved into a deadly game. Ready to do whatever it takes to ensure success, the Adder creates a dangerous game of Snakes and Ladders, With Detective Striker in the middle. Slater does wonders with the story and his abilities, keeping the reader hooked!
After discovering that a number of suicides in Vancouver might have been covered-up murders, Homicide Detective Jacob Striker is quick to act, He follows the leads he has and soon ends up at the Riverglen Mental Health Facility. All who died were once patience’s here, under the support of Dr. Erich Ostermann, a psychiatric practitioner of some regard. When Striker learns that one of his close friends was also a patient of Dr. Ostermann, he is troubled to find out that she is missing.
As time ticks on, someone reaches out to Detective Striker to let him know that he ought to steer clear of the investigation, as it is becoming a dangerous game. This game is one where lives can be lost quickly and people devoured by those they cannot see. The Adder signs his notes and Detective Striker is fuelled to keep looking with renewed vigour.
As things get intense, Detective Striker and his partner try to piece things together, all the while, remaining one step behind the man who holds all the answers. They will have to make their move and hope to turn the tables, or many lives could be lost before anything can be done. Sean Slater does well once more with this piece that had me flipping pages well into the night.
A great crime thriller uses capable writing and clear storylines to keep the reader engaged. Sean Slater does that easily, building from a strong debut novel exploring the streets of Vancouver. Slater uses his knowledge as a cop to craft this piece that pulls on everything to present a cogent book. Short chapters help push things along and keep the reader wanting just a little more.
The characters present themselves effectively, providing the reader with a story flavoured by multiple angles. Plot twists find their way into the story and do not let go, leaving the reader in awe at some points. I want to see where Slater will take things and how Detective Striker will get out of the danger that is put before him, while also keeping the action high.
Kudos, Mr. Slater, for another great read.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After discovering that a number of suicides in Vancouver might have been covered-up murders, Homicide Detective Jacob Striker is quick to act, He follows the leads he has and soon ends up at the Riverglen Mental Health Facility. All who died were once patience’s here, under the support of Dr. Erich Ostermann, a psychiatric practitioner of some regard. When Striker learns that one of his close friends was also a patient of Dr. Ostermann, he is troubled to find out that she is missing.
As time ticks on, someone reaches out to Detective Striker to let him know that he ought to steer clear of the investigation, as it is becoming a dangerous game. This game is one where lives can be lost quickly and people devoured by those they cannot see. The Adder signs his notes and Detective Striker is fuelled to keep looking with renewed vigour.
As things get intense, Detective Striker and his partner try to piece things together, all the while, remaining one step behind the man who holds all the answers. They will have to make their move and hope to turn the tables, or many lives could be lost before anything can be done. Sean Slater does well once more with this piece that had me flipping pages well into the night.
A great crime thriller uses capable writing and clear storylines to keep the reader engaged. Sean Slater does that easily, building from a strong debut novel exploring the streets of Vancouver. Slater uses his knowledge as a cop to craft this piece that pulls on everything to present a cogent book. Short chapters help push things along and keep the reader wanting just a little more.
The characters present themselves effectively, providing the reader with a story flavoured by multiple angles. Plot twists find their way into the story and do not let go, leaving the reader in awe at some points. I want to see where Slater will take things and how Detective Striker will get out of the danger that is put before him, while also keeping the action high.
Kudos, Mr. Slater, for another great read.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 10, 2019
Not my cup of tea and I won’t look up more of this author
How can a police officer get second degree burns but head straight back to work? Goes into every dangerous situation not waiting for back up as not time blah blah what a hero
How can a police officer get second degree burns but head straight back to work? Goes into every dangerous situation not waiting for back up as not time blah blah what a hero
March 28, 2026
I had the pleasure to pick this book up in summer last year, tho I didn't finish it - I am still having found memories - could have minor spoilers below
my biggest problem with it was the graphic extent of the story.
ja es ist ein Krimi, aber so viel Detail zu den Leichen war mir bissi zu viel und auch unwohl.
my biggest problem with it was the graphic extent of the story.
ja es ist ein Krimi, aber so viel Detail zu den Leichen war mir bissi zu viel und auch unwohl.
July 3, 2015
Polisiye sevmeyen ben 500 küsür sayfayı iki günde nasıl bitirdim :D :D Ahaha çok güzel bi kitaptı ya...
July 11, 2012
My utmost thanks to the Author, the Publisher, and Goodreads for this free book to read and review.
As I read though this novel, I will be listing things of possible error with the editing that should had been caught before final printing, and when I'm finished reading my opinion of the book will be honestly given.
And now...
I finished reading a number of days ago, but took this time in trying to formulate in my mind how to compose a proper review to post. So, here goes with the positive raves and warranted criticism...
Wow!
Fast pace. Great murder/mystery with a terrific assortment of characters. Easy to like (and dislike) key characters within the story as they were all strongly developed and fleshed out. Plus, the surprising twists and turns in the plot kept me completely engrossed right to the end. The best aspect of it all is I am familiar with Greater Vancouver and was picturing each location of importance while reading.
I hope the copy I received was an uncorrected proof as I really strongly feel the editing could had been more tighter (or at least another competent individual or two to go over the manuscript as what flaws were not picked up by one person could of been discover before going to a proper press run). There were editing problems.
I do realize the Publisher (the distinctly reputable publishing firm of Simon & Schuster) as per this particular copy of the book I received was printed in the United Kingdom and was intended for the British market place so contains the British version of spellings (tire written as tyre and curb as kerb).
I found problems with the actual written story where certain things did not make sense and/or the story's structuring was a bit off and ultimately sloppy. Things or places were mentioned without elaborating further and taking for granted the Reader knew about said places or things having never been to the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. When writing, put yourself in the mindframe of a reader not knowing anything of any location you place the action. Write to be informative the best you can without becoming too wordy in descriptions and never go any further than truly needed to enhance the storyline or plot. The same goes for writing too little.
There were also strange uncorrected situations that cropped up in a few places. For example...
Page 9-11: If the air was just as cold inside the suite as it was outside, wouldn't the milk had remained cool to the touch no matter what? This should had been caught as being quite conflicting.
And while we are in East Vancouver: where were the vermin infestations that also do inhabit said area? In other words: the cockroaches, rats, mice, fleas, lice, and silverfish? Especially the cockroaches. All part of the slums and shit holes located in that region. The suite had to be infested with something that goes along with the garbage found within that suite of the first known victim. And the 'bugs' would had already been at the 2nd known victim if she had been dead for a few days (even though this victim was more tidy than the first victim's squaller conditions).
There was another scene where the two major police characters had already entered their car and when the 'boss' showed up it was said to just get into the car and drive. Were they not already in the car? Another sloppy and very noticeable mistake.
The tox test requested at the fancy Laboratory on Broadway and Granville was never followed up and it left that whole aspect of the main characters even going there completely dangling.
Lines? Instead of using that drug related term maybe highly-priced Dom Pérignon (Champagne) or Hennessy (Cognac) would had worked more as these are better related to the pompousness portrayed at that Lab without going over the 'line' associated with Cocaine and the possible reputation of said Laboratory. In general, stay away from any drug reference unless it truly is called for, and especially being as vague as was used in the spoken dialogue you crafted.
Saint Pauls (Hospital) was only mentioned in passing and that sentence could had been completely removed or taken a tad bit further describing what it actually is and a very brief mention of location and distance from the one in Burnaby. Saint Pauls could of appeared in the author's first novel which I confess have not read and may had contained events that are hinted at in this second book concerning Jacob Striker to which I do apologize.
Same thing with 'The Endowment Lands'. And also just writing 'Shaughnessy'...
A few other writing criticisms were also encountered, but I'll just let them be as having already expressed that errors within the final editing of this novel were sadly quite evident.
As previously stated, if this version of the novel SNAKES & LADDERS that I received as a First-Read was an uncorrected printed copy and the mistakes were corrected I do again apologize.
Otherwise, I did find the story interesting and fast pace with a real surprise ending. If it wasn't for the editing flaws I would had given this novel a far higher star rating.
Not meant to be über critical as I did enjoy the story, yet...
From what I understand mistakes coming back to bite one on the rear is all part of trying to be a successful writer as you do learn by these mistakes and by not entirely resting your laurels taking things for granted that all is fine once the 'finished' manuscript leaves your hands. Especially after all the labor and countless months of effort and not having a third (or fourth) party doing a full reading to catch what should had been caught.
As I read though this novel, I will be listing things of possible error with the editing that should had been caught before final printing, and when I'm finished reading my opinion of the book will be honestly given.
And now...
I finished reading a number of days ago, but took this time in trying to formulate in my mind how to compose a proper review to post. So, here goes with the positive raves and warranted criticism...
Wow!
Fast pace. Great murder/mystery with a terrific assortment of characters. Easy to like (and dislike) key characters within the story as they were all strongly developed and fleshed out. Plus, the surprising twists and turns in the plot kept me completely engrossed right to the end. The best aspect of it all is I am familiar with Greater Vancouver and was picturing each location of importance while reading.
I hope the copy I received was an uncorrected proof as I really strongly feel the editing could had been more tighter (or at least another competent individual or two to go over the manuscript as what flaws were not picked up by one person could of been discover before going to a proper press run). There were editing problems.
I do realize the Publisher (the distinctly reputable publishing firm of Simon & Schuster) as per this particular copy of the book I received was printed in the United Kingdom and was intended for the British market place so contains the British version of spellings (tire written as tyre and curb as kerb).
I found problems with the actual written story where certain things did not make sense and/or the story's structuring was a bit off and ultimately sloppy. Things or places were mentioned without elaborating further and taking for granted the Reader knew about said places or things having never been to the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. When writing, put yourself in the mindframe of a reader not knowing anything of any location you place the action. Write to be informative the best you can without becoming too wordy in descriptions and never go any further than truly needed to enhance the storyline or plot. The same goes for writing too little.
There were also strange uncorrected situations that cropped up in a few places. For example...
Page 9-11: If the air was just as cold inside the suite as it was outside, wouldn't the milk had remained cool to the touch no matter what? This should had been caught as being quite conflicting.
And while we are in East Vancouver: where were the vermin infestations that also do inhabit said area? In other words: the cockroaches, rats, mice, fleas, lice, and silverfish? Especially the cockroaches. All part of the slums and shit holes located in that region. The suite had to be infested with something that goes along with the garbage found within that suite of the first known victim. And the 'bugs' would had already been at the 2nd known victim if she had been dead for a few days (even though this victim was more tidy than the first victim's squaller conditions).
There was another scene where the two major police characters had already entered their car and when the 'boss' showed up it was said to just get into the car and drive. Were they not already in the car? Another sloppy and very noticeable mistake.
The tox test requested at the fancy Laboratory on Broadway and Granville was never followed up and it left that whole aspect of the main characters even going there completely dangling.
Lines? Instead of using that drug related term maybe highly-priced Dom Pérignon (Champagne) or Hennessy (Cognac) would had worked more as these are better related to the pompousness portrayed at that Lab without going over the 'line' associated with Cocaine and the possible reputation of said Laboratory. In general, stay away from any drug reference unless it truly is called for, and especially being as vague as was used in the spoken dialogue you crafted.
Saint Pauls (Hospital) was only mentioned in passing and that sentence could had been completely removed or taken a tad bit further describing what it actually is and a very brief mention of location and distance from the one in Burnaby. Saint Pauls could of appeared in the author's first novel which I confess have not read and may had contained events that are hinted at in this second book concerning Jacob Striker to which I do apologize.
Same thing with 'The Endowment Lands'. And also just writing 'Shaughnessy'...
A few other writing criticisms were also encountered, but I'll just let them be as having already expressed that errors within the final editing of this novel were sadly quite evident.
As previously stated, if this version of the novel SNAKES & LADDERS that I received as a First-Read was an uncorrected printed copy and the mistakes were corrected I do again apologize.
Otherwise, I did find the story interesting and fast pace with a real surprise ending. If it wasn't for the editing flaws I would had given this novel a far higher star rating.
Not meant to be über critical as I did enjoy the story, yet...
From what I understand mistakes coming back to bite one on the rear is all part of trying to be a successful writer as you do learn by these mistakes and by not entirely resting your laurels taking things for granted that all is fine once the 'finished' manuscript leaves your hands. Especially after all the labor and countless months of effort and not having a third (or fourth) party doing a full reading to catch what should had been caught.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2012
I was so lucky to win a copy of "Snakes and Ladders" by Sean Slater through the Goodreads Giveaway Contest.This was an amazing novel about a psychopath who lives for only one thing-The Game.With every fresh death, the killer climbs up the ladder, in the never-ending game of Snakes And Ladders.I could not put this book down.The title of the book was so original, and the cover was inviting.
The novel starts off with what looks like a suicide. An older, teenaged girl, a condemned building with the utilities switched off, whose mother is dead and whose father is in jail, and a near-empty vial of prescription drugs in her hand that Homicide Detective Jacob Striker recognises as medication for a bipolar depressive diagnosis. But it’s been filmed and why does the victim have large amounts of prescription drugs prescribed by the same doctor and dispensed by the same pharmacy? Unfortunately the suspect manages to retrieve his camera and get away thanks to a window being painted shut and a getaway car. Striker knows the girl vaguely as she used to go to the same high school as his own daughter.
Readers soon learn the identity of the man set up as the killer, but the book’s focus is on the motives of those directing the killer, the person meticulously planning these deaths. When Striker learns a former Victim Support Worker, Larisa Logan, knows something about Mandy’s death and has become both a missing person and a person of interest to a policeman with connections to the Mental Health Team, Striker vows to find Larisa before her enemies do and get justice for Mandy.
When another body turns up and Striker and Santos have to escape a burning building, finding Larisa becomes even more urgent. There’s also a need to track down a doctor, currently on leave and uncontactable, who prescribed medication for Mandy and the second victim. Both were being given therapy by another doctor who has a high profile with useful political and police contacts. He is hiding behind patient confidentially and hindering the operation, yet his wife and children seem scared by him and his daughter’s been observed with bruising around her face. Striker and Santos not only have a race against time but are hindered by a cop after his own glory and internal politics.
A former policeman, Sean Slater, handles procedure and a multi-stranded story with skillful ease. The mental health issues are handled sensitively and realistically.
Sean Slater’s written a genuine page turner. “Snakes and Ladders” is a compelling read.But all games come to an end...
The novel starts off with what looks like a suicide. An older, teenaged girl, a condemned building with the utilities switched off, whose mother is dead and whose father is in jail, and a near-empty vial of prescription drugs in her hand that Homicide Detective Jacob Striker recognises as medication for a bipolar depressive diagnosis. But it’s been filmed and why does the victim have large amounts of prescription drugs prescribed by the same doctor and dispensed by the same pharmacy? Unfortunately the suspect manages to retrieve his camera and get away thanks to a window being painted shut and a getaway car. Striker knows the girl vaguely as she used to go to the same high school as his own daughter.
Readers soon learn the identity of the man set up as the killer, but the book’s focus is on the motives of those directing the killer, the person meticulously planning these deaths. When Striker learns a former Victim Support Worker, Larisa Logan, knows something about Mandy’s death and has become both a missing person and a person of interest to a policeman with connections to the Mental Health Team, Striker vows to find Larisa before her enemies do and get justice for Mandy.
When another body turns up and Striker and Santos have to escape a burning building, finding Larisa becomes even more urgent. There’s also a need to track down a doctor, currently on leave and uncontactable, who prescribed medication for Mandy and the second victim. Both were being given therapy by another doctor who has a high profile with useful political and police contacts. He is hiding behind patient confidentially and hindering the operation, yet his wife and children seem scared by him and his daughter’s been observed with bruising around her face. Striker and Santos not only have a race against time but are hindered by a cop after his own glory and internal politics.
A former policeman, Sean Slater, handles procedure and a multi-stranded story with skillful ease. The mental health issues are handled sensitively and realistically.
Sean Slater’s written a genuine page turner. “Snakes and Ladders” is a compelling read.But all games come to an end...
July 6, 2012
I won this book from firstreads giveaways.
This book was fast-paced and exciting! I really liked it ; the story was good and believable and it was nice the way we could see through both the killer and the detective's minds. It was really well-written and never boring : it was packed with action and twists.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest in psychological thrillers and serial killers. And really anyone who likes a good read.
This book was fast-paced and exciting! I really liked it ; the story was good and believable and it was nice the way we could see through both the killer and the detective's minds. It was really well-written and never boring : it was packed with action and twists.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest in psychological thrillers and serial killers. And really anyone who likes a good read.
no-longer-reading
June 15, 2012I won this book from a firstreads giveaway here on goodreads. I'm looking forward to reading and reviewing it soon!
February 19, 2014
Very well put together psychological murder mystery.
April 8, 2025
Detective Jacob Striker investigates a series of apparent suicides that may actually be murders. The trail leads him to the Riverglen Mental Health Facility, where the victims had been a part of a support group overseen by psychologist Dr. Erich Ostermann.
Things take a huge turn when Jacob Striker discovers that his close friend, Larisa Logan, is missing and may have very important information regarding the case.
The investigation takes a turn where one wrong move could lead absolute disaster, while the right choices might offer some sort of survival.
I believe Sean Slater's experience as a Vancouver police officer is what leads to the authentic elements and narrative, particularly in the investigative procedures and the realities of crime.
Its combination of a well-crafted plot, complex characters, and a eerie atmosphere that makes it a standout in the crime thriller genre.
I did feel that it was a bit predictable, I knew who dunnit very early on in the book.
However, this was my first ever crime novel that I ever picked up back in 2014 when I was roughly 19 at the time and it will always hold a special place in my heart as it started my love for the crime thriller genre.
Things take a huge turn when Jacob Striker discovers that his close friend, Larisa Logan, is missing and may have very important information regarding the case.
The investigation takes a turn where one wrong move could lead absolute disaster, while the right choices might offer some sort of survival.
I believe Sean Slater's experience as a Vancouver police officer is what leads to the authentic elements and narrative, particularly in the investigative procedures and the realities of crime.
Its combination of a well-crafted plot, complex characters, and a eerie atmosphere that makes it a standout in the crime thriller genre.
I did feel that it was a bit predictable, I knew who dunnit very early on in the book.
However, this was my first ever crime novel that I ever picked up back in 2014 when I was roughly 19 at the time and it will always hold a special place in my heart as it started my love for the crime thriller genre.
February 20, 2020
I enjoyed this one. 2.5 stars. In detective books the main characters i.e. the detectives usually bore me but I actually did enjoy the rapport between these two characters and the plot was an interesting one. Some areas of the book were not fully explained and did not go deep enough into the psychology of the characters in places and that aspect was a let down, especially given the whole psychiatry/mental illness theme. Some parts were not explained properly like for example, I am not clear what went down with that character Billy and what his purpose was, a lot of things were not clearly explained and there were inconsistencies and things just didn't tie in. I did really enjoy the storyline, but aspects of the story were not fully explained and did not tie in later and this seriously took away from the book and left me confused so I cannot award more than 2.5*s. This book would've benefited more from a chapter from each of the characters perspective, it would've given it more of a psychological twist and provide a better understanding.
December 6, 2018
4 ya da 5 puanlik polisiye kitap bulmanin bu kadar zor olmasi beni hayal kirikligina ugratiyor.
Ilk 3/4’luk kismi okudugumda puanim 4’tu. Karakterler, mekanlar iyi kurgulanmisti, olay akisi ve dugumler surukleyiciydi ama sonra bir olmamislik duygusuyla birakti kitap beni. Tamam engeregin gecmisine dair aydinlatildik ama neden Striker’a takmisti mesela, tamamen heyecan olsun diye. Ya da sapik gibi Larissa’yi takip eden polis meselesi yine ucu hic bir yere cikmayan, karakterle davranisin ortusmedigi, kitabi anlamsiz yere dalandirip budaklandiran yan oykuler olmus. Bence cok fazla anlamsiz yan oyku vardi, doktorun seks fantezileri/tercihleri gibi.
Yine de 3’luk bir polisiye kotu demek degil benim icin, seri takip edilebiilir.
Ilk 3/4’luk kismi okudugumda puanim 4’tu. Karakterler, mekanlar iyi kurgulanmisti, olay akisi ve dugumler surukleyiciydi ama sonra bir olmamislik duygusuyla birakti kitap beni. Tamam engeregin gecmisine dair aydinlatildik ama neden Striker’a takmisti mesela, tamamen heyecan olsun diye. Ya da sapik gibi Larissa’yi takip eden polis meselesi yine ucu hic bir yere cikmayan, karakterle davranisin ortusmedigi, kitabi anlamsiz yere dalandirip budaklandiran yan oykuler olmus. Bence cok fazla anlamsiz yan oyku vardi, doktorun seks fantezileri/tercihleri gibi.
Yine de 3’luk bir polisiye kotu demek degil benim icin, seri takip edilebiilir.
September 3, 2020
Purchase Snakes & Ladders here for just $10!
Ths second in the Jacob Striker series, this time Jacob is personally affected when his friend Larisa disappears and is found to be one of many of a Doctor's missing patients. Fast paced, easy to read and the very definition of a page turner, Slater's chilling novel will be put on the top of your To Read list.
Elisa - The Book Grocer
Ths second in the Jacob Striker series, this time Jacob is personally affected when his friend Larisa disappears and is found to be one of many of a Doctor's missing patients. Fast paced, easy to read and the very definition of a page turner, Slater's chilling novel will be put on the top of your To Read list.
Elisa - The Book Grocer
May 4, 2017
The first 4 chapters sucked me in very quickly. A very eerie book that sometimes gave me chills down my back. It was well written, I like the direct, no nonsense style of writing that this author demonstrated throughout the book. I could really tell the author had a police background, and it made for quite interesting reading. This is my first time reading a book by Sean Slater, I would have liked to have more description around the characters, but otherwise, a good read.
June 11, 2017
First time reading Sean Slater. Wasn't disappointed. It's a really long book, honestly, 500+ pages long, but the story was fast paced and it didn't make me bored. Well, it took me around 100 pages to get really into it, but once I get into the story, I fell in love. It was quite tiring, though, to read it since it's a really long story and the epilogue was quite too long for me to handle. But I really like it!
May 6, 2024
It was OK, but nothing special. Rounded up from 2.5 to be generous. It started off really good, then there was a scene in the middle (the fire) that was so stupid it lost all credibilty from there onwards. It got steadily worse, including a bit where Striker is driving at over 140 kph. I'm getting rather fed up of maverick cops with a 'sod everyone else' attitude. It's a quick read, but not good enough for me to want to track his other books down.
August 18, 2019
I loved this book - fast paced, exciting, suspenseful ... I read it quickly because I continually had to know what was going to happen next.
The fact the you could read perspectives from a few sides really added intrigue and an extra dimension to it.
Will definitely look for more titles by this author 😁
The fact the you could read perspectives from a few sides really added intrigue and an extra dimension to it.
Will definitely look for more titles by this author 😁
January 3, 2018
An interesting read, with a good plot. Continues well on the characteristics of The Survivor. Sometimes, certain element don't seem to be synced from one time to another, but on the whole a good read with very well written plot twists. Will surely read the rest of the Striker novels.
September 14, 2024
A Canadian police story for Canadian police staff. Too much in house technical talk. Seemed to get results on intuition rather than actual police work. Also, a lot of US references are not understood by UK people which can be irritating.
Far too much waffle about getting coffee too 🙄
Far too much waffle about getting coffee too 🙄
November 21, 2018
A very good read, not as good as the first, however it is good enough to keep any reader a fan of Jacob Striker.
March 27, 2020
Dry....nothing exciting happens really!
March 23, 2025
Sean Slater and Police Procedures are like a great combo and I like reading thrillers and this is a damn good read with twists
March 15, 2017
The renegade Vancouver Homicide Detective is back investigating a series of suspicious suicides linked to the Riverglen Mental Health Facility.
Fast paced and with characters to invest in I also like the Canadian aspects.
Definitely worth a read.
Fast paced and with characters to invest in I also like the Canadian aspects.
Definitely worth a read.
March 16, 2012
When staying alive is the only game worth playing…
Detective Jacob Striker has had more than his fair share of brushes with death. But this one really shocks him. When he is called to attend a suicide at a decrepit apartment on the bad side of town, the case unexpectedly brings him one step closer to home. This time the victim is not just another sad statistic – the end product of mental illness and drug addiction – this time it’s someone Striker knows and cares about.
And one thing is obvious to Striker: this wasn’t a suicide.
LIFE
Striker’s investigation quickly leads him to the Riverglen Mental Health Facility. The victim was a patient from the support group overseen by psychiatrist Dr Erich Overmann. And when Striker discovers that Larisa Logan – a dear friend of his, is also a patient of Dr Overmann – has gone missing, his investigation goes into overdrive.
OR
Racing against time and a chilling adversary, Striker searches desperately for Larisa. It is a dangerous game they play, where on right step can catapult you to a place of dominance – and one wrong step can leave you sliding to your doom.
DEATH?
Jacob Striker comes across as an engaging lead. He is driven to locate his missing friend and won’t let bureaucracy stand in his way of getting to the truth. He has various run-ins with authority figures, and I always found myself willing Striker on. He has an old school approach to his investigation and tends to go with his gut. He’ll take a chance and is willing to make intuitive leaps.
The dynamic between Striker and his partner Felicia was somewhat unexpected. They work together but there is a deeper relationship that causes a certain amount of friction between them both. I liked the unpredictability that this added to the narrative. The volatile spark this creates ensures that things never get boring while the partners try to unravel the mystery.
One of the things I particularly liked is the fact that the author includes a number of chapters written from the perspective of Striker’s opponent. The reader gets to learn the motivations behind the person who is running rings around the authorities. You get inside their head and get a genuine sense of the chaos and cunning that resides there. I wouldn’t dream of giving away any spoilers, but suffice to say that this character, known only as The Adder, is one extremely sick puppy.
A few years ago I read some crime fiction by another Canadian author called Michael Slade. Slade’s novels are also set in Vancouver and were so dark that the stories seemed to exist somewhere in the thin line between crime and horror fiction. Sean Slater’s writing puts me in mind of that work. Both authors have a certain flair when it comes to digging into the darker side of the human psyche. The psychological elements that are played upon in this story tread some pretty harrowing ground.
After a bit of investigation of my own I confirmed my suspicion that Snakes and Ladders is the second title to feature Jacob Striker. There is another novel called The Survivor, which is already available. Though I have not read this I don’t think this detracted from my enjoyment of Snakes and Ladders. I picked up on a couple of references that must relate to the first novel but not knowing this backstory wasn’t a particular hindrance. If anything I’m more inclined now to seek out the first book and fill in the blanks.
Snakes and Ladders is published by Simon and Schuster and is available now.
Detective Jacob Striker has had more than his fair share of brushes with death. But this one really shocks him. When he is called to attend a suicide at a decrepit apartment on the bad side of town, the case unexpectedly brings him one step closer to home. This time the victim is not just another sad statistic – the end product of mental illness and drug addiction – this time it’s someone Striker knows and cares about.
And one thing is obvious to Striker: this wasn’t a suicide.
LIFE
Striker’s investigation quickly leads him to the Riverglen Mental Health Facility. The victim was a patient from the support group overseen by psychiatrist Dr Erich Overmann. And when Striker discovers that Larisa Logan – a dear friend of his, is also a patient of Dr Overmann – has gone missing, his investigation goes into overdrive.
OR
Racing against time and a chilling adversary, Striker searches desperately for Larisa. It is a dangerous game they play, where on right step can catapult you to a place of dominance – and one wrong step can leave you sliding to your doom.
DEATH?
Jacob Striker comes across as an engaging lead. He is driven to locate his missing friend and won’t let bureaucracy stand in his way of getting to the truth. He has various run-ins with authority figures, and I always found myself willing Striker on. He has an old school approach to his investigation and tends to go with his gut. He’ll take a chance and is willing to make intuitive leaps.
The dynamic between Striker and his partner Felicia was somewhat unexpected. They work together but there is a deeper relationship that causes a certain amount of friction between them both. I liked the unpredictability that this added to the narrative. The volatile spark this creates ensures that things never get boring while the partners try to unravel the mystery.
One of the things I particularly liked is the fact that the author includes a number of chapters written from the perspective of Striker’s opponent. The reader gets to learn the motivations behind the person who is running rings around the authorities. You get inside their head and get a genuine sense of the chaos and cunning that resides there. I wouldn’t dream of giving away any spoilers, but suffice to say that this character, known only as The Adder, is one extremely sick puppy.
A few years ago I read some crime fiction by another Canadian author called Michael Slade. Slade’s novels are also set in Vancouver and were so dark that the stories seemed to exist somewhere in the thin line between crime and horror fiction. Sean Slater’s writing puts me in mind of that work. Both authors have a certain flair when it comes to digging into the darker side of the human psyche. The psychological elements that are played upon in this story tread some pretty harrowing ground.
After a bit of investigation of my own I confirmed my suspicion that Snakes and Ladders is the second title to feature Jacob Striker. There is another novel called The Survivor, which is already available. Though I have not read this I don’t think this detracted from my enjoyment of Snakes and Ladders. I picked up on a couple of references that must relate to the first novel but not knowing this backstory wasn’t a particular hindrance. If anything I’m more inclined now to seek out the first book and fill in the blanks.
Snakes and Ladders is published by Simon and Schuster and is available now.
November 22, 2012
First off, big thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for my advance copy. I won it right here in a Goodreads giveaway. I will be reading this next and will hopefully have a review up before it is officially released next Tuesday (June 26th).
Well, didn't quite finish before it was released but really tried. This was a very well paced novel that I would regret having to put down and would look forward to picking up at the first opportunity. Beginning on the first page all the way through I never found myself trying to get ahead of the story (I am sometimes impatient with authors, I'm not a moron, don't treat me like one!), if anything I found myself stopping and thinking about the latest plot development and how it would fit into the whole.
I would like to thank the author for giving us the perfect amount of background and explanation of the police work being done without bogging us down with way too much detail. As readers we are not police officers and will need some explanation but I don't need to know the entire detective's handbook to figure out what is trying to be said. The perspective is refreshing as few crime novels seem to favour a Canadian viewpoint. I was very happy to see this done and had to remind myself that many readers would not know what the CBC or RCMP are, and that some explanation was needed.
Jacob Striker is a well rounded character but I found myself wanting to get into his being a little more. I will certainly be seeking out the previous novel in order to try and fill out my image of him. I can understand the need to carry on a narrative without rehashing previous stories to death but a more comprehensive picture would have been greatly appreciated. I'm also looking forward to seeing how the relationship between Jacob and Felisha will develop in the future.
Concerning the "whodunnit" there were some twists that I did not see coming at all and some that I figured out early and saw coming a mile away. I will not go into detail as I don't like giving spoilers, but a little more insight as to the motivations of the Adder and the Doctor would have been nice in order to give them a little more depth. Slater describes the exact circumstances of what causes their behaviour but not what is truly driving them, especially the Doctor. I found them a little pale as characters. Another character that seems a little flat would be Dalia and it would almost seem as if we will be seeing her again in future. I certainly hope so and would like to see her reach her full potential as a possible antagonist.
All in all a very enjoyable read. A page turner that kept me flying through right until the end. I look forward to more in the Jacob Striker line and will certainly be diving into the previous novel -The Survivor- at the first opportunity.
Well, didn't quite finish before it was released but really tried. This was a very well paced novel that I would regret having to put down and would look forward to picking up at the first opportunity. Beginning on the first page all the way through I never found myself trying to get ahead of the story (I am sometimes impatient with authors, I'm not a moron, don't treat me like one!), if anything I found myself stopping and thinking about the latest plot development and how it would fit into the whole.
I would like to thank the author for giving us the perfect amount of background and explanation of the police work being done without bogging us down with way too much detail. As readers we are not police officers and will need some explanation but I don't need to know the entire detective's handbook to figure out what is trying to be said. The perspective is refreshing as few crime novels seem to favour a Canadian viewpoint. I was very happy to see this done and had to remind myself that many readers would not know what the CBC or RCMP are, and that some explanation was needed.
Jacob Striker is a well rounded character but I found myself wanting to get into his being a little more. I will certainly be seeking out the previous novel in order to try and fill out my image of him. I can understand the need to carry on a narrative without rehashing previous stories to death but a more comprehensive picture would have been greatly appreciated. I'm also looking forward to seeing how the relationship between Jacob and Felisha will develop in the future.
Concerning the "whodunnit" there were some twists that I did not see coming at all and some that I figured out early and saw coming a mile away. I will not go into detail as I don't like giving spoilers, but a little more insight as to the motivations of the Adder and the Doctor would have been nice in order to give them a little more depth. Slater describes the exact circumstances of what causes their behaviour but not what is truly driving them, especially the Doctor. I found them a little pale as characters. Another character that seems a little flat would be Dalia and it would almost seem as if we will be seeing her again in future. I certainly hope so and would like to see her reach her full potential as a possible antagonist.
All in all a very enjoyable read. A page turner that kept me flying through right until the end. I look forward to more in the Jacob Striker line and will certainly be diving into the previous novel -The Survivor- at the first opportunity.
October 13, 2012
The follow up thriller from Sean Slater to the excellent debut ‘The Survivor’ and Jacob Striker, the renegade Vancouver Homicide Detective is back investigating a series of suspicious suicides linked to the Riverglen Mental Health Facility. Under the auspices of the well-respected psychiatrist Dr Ostermann, Striker delves deeper into the workings of this institution to discover why some of its most vulnerable patients have become murder victims and sets about saving another patient struggling to avoid the clutches of a determined killer. The book is punctuated with vignettes charting the working of the killer’s mind as Striker and his feisty female partner Felicia delve deeper into the family life of Dr Ostermann and discover the dark secrets that lie within…
Drawing on his own background as a Vancouver police officer in some of the toughest neighbourhoods, Slater has created a truly plausible and likeable character in Striker. I love the way that any renegade action Striker undertakes is loosely based on his credo of ‘extigent circumstances’ that backs up his often foolhardy but well-intentioned actions to trap the killer, dragging the more circumspect Felicia in his wake as the voice of reason. Striker makes no effort to pacify his superiors and remains single-minded and determined throughout the course of the book despite the physical risks to himself and Felicia whose personal relationship with her partner is sometimes tricky in the light of their on/off romantic entanglement. Luckily this gives another added frission to the plot instead of being irritating as happens too often in crime thrillers.
The plot is well-constructed although I did guess the killer well in advance of the close of the book and my only real criticism of the book generally is that it is maybe 50 or so pages too long as certain sections seemed a little drawn out and covering the same ground from a different angle. However, having said that I have recommended this book to others and have had positive feedback leading them to seek out ‘The Survivor’ as well. All in all a good read, perfect for fans of Chris Carter and Richard Montanari and any reader who likes a more violent and darker crime read..
Drawing on his own background as a Vancouver police officer in some of the toughest neighbourhoods, Slater has created a truly plausible and likeable character in Striker. I love the way that any renegade action Striker undertakes is loosely based on his credo of ‘extigent circumstances’ that backs up his often foolhardy but well-intentioned actions to trap the killer, dragging the more circumspect Felicia in his wake as the voice of reason. Striker makes no effort to pacify his superiors and remains single-minded and determined throughout the course of the book despite the physical risks to himself and Felicia whose personal relationship with her partner is sometimes tricky in the light of their on/off romantic entanglement. Luckily this gives another added frission to the plot instead of being irritating as happens too often in crime thrillers.
The plot is well-constructed although I did guess the killer well in advance of the close of the book and my only real criticism of the book generally is that it is maybe 50 or so pages too long as certain sections seemed a little drawn out and covering the same ground from a different angle. However, having said that I have recommended this book to others and have had positive feedback leading them to seek out ‘The Survivor’ as well. All in all a good read, perfect for fans of Chris Carter and Richard Montanari and any reader who likes a more violent and darker crime read..
March 24, 2012
"What he saw made him reach for his pistol. Positioned on the other side of the glass was another camera."
When Detective Jacob Striker is called to the shady end of town to deal with yet another suicide, he is shaken to discover the victim is a girl his daughter went to school with. Convinced that it wasn't a suicide, Striker and his sassy hispanic partner Felicia race around town, hot on the trial of a rogue psychiatrist.
I always feel a bit so-so about these books. On the one hand, they're pacy, exciting mysteries with plenty of hints but I never manage to guess the bad guy until the reveal. On the other hand, they're filled with some pretty sick people and crimes. They often descend into stereotypes and clichés, and they always turn up on my doorstep in trade paperback form, taking up twice as much weight and volume as is really needed!
I enjoyed Slater's previous effort The Survivor, particularly his detailed knowledge of the police system and all the bureaucracy that gets in the way of the good guys just doing their jobs. I enjoy the cynicism, the fact that we never know whether other police staff are crooked, which of the psychiatrists is the bad one, or whether those phone calls from a nearly lost contact are red herrings or helpful clues.
My criticisms are pretty foreseeable - the writing is pedestrian in quality, abounding with clichés (of course Striker and Felicia have an on-off relationship which makes his already dramatic teenaged daughter even more angry!), and we really don't need a new chapter every 5 pages (109 chapters, 532 pages) - particularly when many of those chapters are only 2 pages long.
Great airport fiction. I'm not sure that the quality of the writing deserves hard-earned time off in a more tranquil environment.
When Detective Jacob Striker is called to the shady end of town to deal with yet another suicide, he is shaken to discover the victim is a girl his daughter went to school with. Convinced that it wasn't a suicide, Striker and his sassy hispanic partner Felicia race around town, hot on the trial of a rogue psychiatrist.
I always feel a bit so-so about these books. On the one hand, they're pacy, exciting mysteries with plenty of hints but I never manage to guess the bad guy until the reveal. On the other hand, they're filled with some pretty sick people and crimes. They often descend into stereotypes and clichés, and they always turn up on my doorstep in trade paperback form, taking up twice as much weight and volume as is really needed!
I enjoyed Slater's previous effort The Survivor, particularly his detailed knowledge of the police system and all the bureaucracy that gets in the way of the good guys just doing their jobs. I enjoy the cynicism, the fact that we never know whether other police staff are crooked, which of the psychiatrists is the bad one, or whether those phone calls from a nearly lost contact are red herrings or helpful clues.
My criticisms are pretty foreseeable - the writing is pedestrian in quality, abounding with clichés (of course Striker and Felicia have an on-off relationship which makes his already dramatic teenaged daughter even more angry!), and we really don't need a new chapter every 5 pages (109 chapters, 532 pages) - particularly when many of those chapters are only 2 pages long.
Great airport fiction. I'm not sure that the quality of the writing deserves hard-earned time off in a more tranquil environment.
April 8, 2013
I have mixed feelings about this novel. On one hand I thought that it was largely well-written and developed. The plot was full of twists and developments and the characters were all likable or detestable depending on their role within the novel. I particularly enjoyed the personal/working relationship between Striker and Felicia, their banter was both belivable and funny at times, while their genuine chemistry came out during times of struggle.
Despite all of this I felt a real sense of relief when I finally finished the book. It wasn't that the plot lost any of its intensity or the characters fell flat, but I think it was more the length of the novel. 530+ pages isn't a quick read by anyones standards and I think the sheer length of it just ended up making me bored, even though the content was well-paced. Chapters describing them travelling about Canada, buying coffee or re-interviewing characters could all have been compressed or entirely cut-out in order to make it shorter and therefore more enjoyable. Even the epilogue, which should have been the ending to the novel, was three seperate chapters long...
Also, personally I grew annoyed with the writing style after a while, not the main blocks of text but the endings to the chapters. Slater ended almost all paragraphs or chapters with a statement which (I think) was supposed to build tension, but sometimes they were so mundane that they just made me laugh. e.g.
"They headed for Point Grey.
Where the Ostermanns lived."
As if your reaction would be, "OH NO, NOT THE OSTERMANNS!" This was more of a personal reaction but it did really begin to grate.
So overall I think it was a good book but I was beyond relieved when it finished!
Despite all of this I felt a real sense of relief when I finally finished the book. It wasn't that the plot lost any of its intensity or the characters fell flat, but I think it was more the length of the novel. 530+ pages isn't a quick read by anyones standards and I think the sheer length of it just ended up making me bored, even though the content was well-paced. Chapters describing them travelling about Canada, buying coffee or re-interviewing characters could all have been compressed or entirely cut-out in order to make it shorter and therefore more enjoyable. Even the epilogue, which should have been the ending to the novel, was three seperate chapters long...
Also, personally I grew annoyed with the writing style after a while, not the main blocks of text but the endings to the chapters. Slater ended almost all paragraphs or chapters with a statement which (I think) was supposed to build tension, but sometimes they were so mundane that they just made me laugh. e.g.
"They headed for Point Grey.
Where the Ostermanns lived."
As if your reaction would be, "OH NO, NOT THE OSTERMANNS!" This was more of a personal reaction but it did really begin to grate.
So overall I think it was a good book but I was beyond relieved when it finished!
March 19, 2012
It's amazing how much a cover can get you to read a book and then you discover, well I actually like this author as I picked up Sean Slater's first book "The Survivor" due to the fact that the cover had a hockey mask and reminded me of Friday the 13th and I really enjoyed the novel as well as the fact it was a school shooting which for some reason I enjoy reading about as it fascinates me ( just to add - I'm not pyschotic LOL) . When I discovered Sean Slater had a new one coming out, I picked it up and was again fascinated and drawn in as he had chosen another angle and field that I am interested in probably due to the fact that my dad works in that industry of mental health. In Snakes and Ladders, we met our first victim Mandy Gill and it looks like an everyday suicide, but Jacob knew Mandy and is convinced otherwise. Soon two more murders occur in the same pattern and the clues all point to a Dr. Erich Osstermann who is a famous and renowned psychatrist . As Jacob disgs deeper though , he discovers things aren't always as they seem as the case starts to turn into something more sinister and take a completely different angle than they ever expected. When Jacob discover's that his old counsellor and a friend Larissa maybe next on the killer's hit list can he find the killer in time as he starts to find himself not playing the usual game of cat and mouse but of the childhood game "Snakes and Ladders".
I look forward to reading and discovering more of Sean Slater's books as he writes them , this is one mystery author that should be added to your to-read list
I look forward to reading and discovering more of Sean Slater's books as he writes them , this is one mystery author that should be added to your to-read list
July 23, 2012
Detective Jacob Striker is called to an apparent suicide victim and finds that he knows this person. Although this person has a long history of mental illness and drug addiction, Det. Striker is convinced this is not a suicide. Now Larisa Logan, a counsellor from Victim Services and long time friend who was instrumental in overcoming his wife's death, is calling Striker with information about his suicide victim informing him that she has proof his victim was murdered. But when Striker tries to get in touch with Larisa, she has suddenly disappeared into thin air. Then another victim is found with the same MO as the first one. The only link Striker has, connecting all three of them is that they were all patients from a support group run by Dr. Erich Ostermann. Now the hunt is on for this notorious killer and time is running out for Larisa.
This is a fabulous read that I was thoroughly mezmerized by and certainly had trouble putting down. Sean Slater is at the top of my list of best mystery/thriller authors ever!!
This is a fabulous read that I was thoroughly mezmerized by and certainly had trouble putting down. Sean Slater is at the top of my list of best mystery/thriller authors ever!!
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