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Jack Davis Mystery #2
The Dead Man
If you like Lee Child’s twists and turns and James Patterson's page-turning thrills, you'll love award-winning and bestselling author Joel Goldman's thriller, The Dead Man!
”A masterful blend of rock-solid detective work and escalating dread. The Dead Man is both a top-notch thriller and a heart-rendering story of loss, courage and second chances. I loved it." Robert Crais, NYT Bestselling Author
When people in a study of the human brain start to die exactly as they have dreamed they would die, Jack Davis crosses paths with a serial killer, taking him onto both sides of the law and into the path of a murderer's terrifying rage.
“The Dead Man is one of those rare novels you will be tempted to read the first time to enjoy and the second time to appreciate how Goldman put the pieces together. The hours spent on both will be more than worth it." Bookreporter.com
It doesn't get any better than that, so grab The Dead Man and don't let go!
”A masterful blend of rock-solid detective work and escalating dread. The Dead Man is both a top-notch thriller and a heart-rendering story of loss, courage and second chances. I loved it." Robert Crais, NYT Bestselling Author
When people in a study of the human brain start to die exactly as they have dreamed they would die, Jack Davis crosses paths with a serial killer, taking him onto both sides of the law and into the path of a murderer's terrifying rage.
“The Dead Man is one of those rare novels you will be tempted to read the first time to enjoy and the second time to appreciate how Goldman put the pieces together. The hours spent on both will be more than worth it." Bookreporter.com
It doesn't get any better than that, so grab The Dead Man and don't let go!
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2009
624 people are currently reading
924 people want to read
About the author
Joel Goldman
34 books280 followersJoel Goldman is the Edgar and Shamus nominated author of four thriller series.
His first series features Lou Mason, a trial lawyer willing to dive into the dark water to save his clients.
Joel's second series introduces former FBI Special Agent Jack Davis who has a movement disorder that makes him shake when he should shoot.Joel has a unique perspective on Jack's condition since he lives with the same disorder.
Alex Stone headlines Joel's third series. She's a public defender who applies her own code of justice when the system gets it wrong.
Joel's fourth series goes international with Cassie Ireland and Jake Carter. She's a modern day Robin Hood and he's a professional poker player. They join forces to bring down the rich and powerful.
Joel lives with his wife and two dogs in Leawood, KS, a suburb of Kansas City, MO.
Series:
* Lou Mason Mystery
* Jack Davis Mystery
* Alex Stone Mystery
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
December 6, 2017
Read this series and this book first time September 1, 2013. It was my re read list, like living and caring Jack Davis character. He suffers from medical condition called Tics, retired from FBI, divorced, also lost of his son and daughter tragically. Now working for Harper Institute of the Mind, trying to solve suicide/murder cases.
August 21, 2017
Riveting! This brilliantly written second edition in the Jack Davis’ series by Joel Goldman grabs your attention from page one as the scene of a December 1959 double murder unfolds. No one was ever charged for the homicides, in which the daughter was a witness to, but lucky to have been brave enough to jump from her second story bedroom to avoid the assailant.
The story then jumps to present day, January 2009, as Jack Davis meets with a friend to discuss his delicate “services” in need once again. Davis is a former FBI agent who had left the agency for health reasons. The complications of his disease made it impossible for him to fulfill his duties at the agency. His son was murdered years before and more recently, his daughter has passed away.
But Simon, who is in a security business, needed him now. Milo Harper’s foundation was doing studies on the human brain. But some of the study participants are dying. Not only that, but dying exactly in the way they’ve dreamed they would die.
The foundation, The Harper Institute, are performing the studies to try to find ways to cure Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. But the studies are now pointing to deaths and could be the end of the institute!
Jack, even with his physical and sometimes debilitating limitations, agrees to help his friend Simon but soon discovers, he’s become involved in something much worse than “unexplained deaths”. There’s a serial killer loose and Jack must find out the truth and who is behind the now determined, murders.
Joel Goldman has a unique style as his story unfolds in the first person, putting you into the head of Jack Davis. I found this to be quite gripping and captivating.
The novel itself is quite long, so you can’t read it all in one sitting, but you’ll find it difficult to find a place to “stop for the night”. Realistically set in the Kansas City area, I found the book to be very believable since I also live in the Kansas City area and my books are also based around the Kansas City area, however in a fictitious setting based around the Kansas City area.
Goldman’s realistic setting, fast-paced dialogue and chilling plotting will have you wanting to read more in this gritty suspense series. I’m looking forward to more of this author’s work.
The story then jumps to present day, January 2009, as Jack Davis meets with a friend to discuss his delicate “services” in need once again. Davis is a former FBI agent who had left the agency for health reasons. The complications of his disease made it impossible for him to fulfill his duties at the agency. His son was murdered years before and more recently, his daughter has passed away.
But Simon, who is in a security business, needed him now. Milo Harper’s foundation was doing studies on the human brain. But some of the study participants are dying. Not only that, but dying exactly in the way they’ve dreamed they would die.
The foundation, The Harper Institute, are performing the studies to try to find ways to cure Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. But the studies are now pointing to deaths and could be the end of the institute!
Jack, even with his physical and sometimes debilitating limitations, agrees to help his friend Simon but soon discovers, he’s become involved in something much worse than “unexplained deaths”. There’s a serial killer loose and Jack must find out the truth and who is behind the now determined, murders.
Joel Goldman has a unique style as his story unfolds in the first person, putting you into the head of Jack Davis. I found this to be quite gripping and captivating.
The novel itself is quite long, so you can’t read it all in one sitting, but you’ll find it difficult to find a place to “stop for the night”. Realistically set in the Kansas City area, I found the book to be very believable since I also live in the Kansas City area and my books are also based around the Kansas City area, however in a fictitious setting based around the Kansas City area.
Goldman’s realistic setting, fast-paced dialogue and chilling plotting will have you wanting to read more in this gritty suspense series. I’m looking forward to more of this author’s work.
April 26, 2016
I enjoyed this book from the very beginning. Each of the main characters had an interesting back story and the interplay between the characters was quite engrossing. The plot was suspenseful, and it was greatly enhanced by the many small sub-episodes that contribute greatly to the entertainment value of the story. The realism of the characters and the many extras made me want to read more of this series. The book has lots to enjoy.
June 14, 2009
My first of Joel's books. A great read from beginning to end. Goldman keeps the mystery going right from the beginning. I enjoyed the many characters built into this murder myster each with backgrounds that keep the suspense going. Definite read!
November 13, 2012
Good book, good series, looking forward to more.
February 10, 2022
It was fine and intriguing but way too predictable. Well written and all the details were interesting, but I missed a surprising turn at the end. I enjoyed the process of reading, the characters were also good, still I had a bit of disappointment at the end.
January 24, 2013
I loved the premise of this series - taking the damaged hero to a whole 'nother level. and although I'll get the next book, I'm not totally in love. (I actually stopped reading the first book halfway through, I was bored and already had this one ready on my iPad).
I LOVE the Lou mason series, and Alex stone's two books (especially seeing some characters from the former appear in the latter!) and I had high hopes. but there just way too much filler - flights of poetic fancy shrouded in words that popped right out of a self-help book. a little too much flowery, faux deep stuff. not the crisp, humour that Lou brought to the table.
I do like the fact that mr Goldman has given jack his condition - tics - as it makes for an interesting character arc. and it's not to heavy handed, ie were not meant to pity him. so props for that. but I'd really, really prefer to hang out with Lou.
I LOVE the Lou mason series, and Alex stone's two books (especially seeing some characters from the former appear in the latter!) and I had high hopes. but there just way too much filler - flights of poetic fancy shrouded in words that popped right out of a self-help book. a little too much flowery, faux deep stuff. not the crisp, humour that Lou brought to the table.
I do like the fact that mr Goldman has given jack his condition - tics - as it makes for an interesting character arc. and it's not to heavy handed, ie were not meant to pity him. so props for that. but I'd really, really prefer to hang out with Lou.
July 17, 2015
Another good Goldman thriller/mystery.
I liked the flawed characters, but I do wish Jack's spasms would stop. The plot about a serial killer was a good one, but I knew who the killer was because of two too obvious clues. Regardless, I enjoyed it. I finished it because of Wendy and Lucy. I wanted to see how there tales would be written. Although Wendy was dead, her final act made her father proud. Ex-cop/felon Lucy, who is helping Jack, does something hilarious at the end.
I liked the flawed characters, but I do wish Jack's spasms would stop. The plot about a serial killer was a good one, but I knew who the killer was because of two too obvious clues. Regardless, I enjoyed it. I finished it because of Wendy and Lucy. I wanted to see how there tales would be written. Although Wendy was dead, her final act made her father proud. Ex-cop/felon Lucy, who is helping Jack, does something hilarious at the end.
January 23, 2017
Great whodunnit
I did not figure this one out until the main character did. That makes it a great read for me.
I did not figure this one out until the main character did. That makes it a great read for me.
October 19, 2017
Great, Complex, Enjoyable Mystery/Thriller
This second of Joel Goldman's "Jack Davis" mystery/thrillers is even better than the first, which I awarded five stars. This should get six stars, but the computer will only allow me to award five...
This novel is even more complex than the first of it's series, and even more enjoyable to read. Jack Davis, the former FBI agent disabled by a nameless convulsive disorder, reluctantly agrees (for a friend) to take a job as head of security for a huge multi-million dollar research facility. Operated by a billionaire website developer, the research team is trying to cure brain diseases. Aided by a ragtag team of investigators with deep knowledge of both crime and interrogation techniques, Jack tries desperately to find answers to a perplexing death by a test subject. Can he find the answers when everyone involved carries heavy baggage -- while his former FBI team tries to pin a murder and a missing five million dollar payoff on Jack?
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES
This second of Joel Goldman's "Jack Davis" mystery/thrillers is even better than the first, which I awarded five stars. This should get six stars, but the computer will only allow me to award five...
This novel is even more complex than the first of it's series, and even more enjoyable to read. Jack Davis, the former FBI agent disabled by a nameless convulsive disorder, reluctantly agrees (for a friend) to take a job as head of security for a huge multi-million dollar research facility. Operated by a billionaire website developer, the research team is trying to cure brain diseases. Aided by a ragtag team of investigators with deep knowledge of both crime and interrogation techniques, Jack tries desperately to find answers to a perplexing death by a test subject. Can he find the answers when everyone involved carries heavy baggage -- while his former FBI team tries to pin a murder and a missing five million dollar payoff on Jack?
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES
October 4, 2018
4-1/2 stars: the highest I can rate a book that isn't "To Kill A Mockingbird"
I have found a new favorite in Joel Goldman. Right up there with Dean Koontz; Lee Child; and a small number of others who are the most talented in our time.
This book had too many niggling errors to overlook, yet Goldman writes engrossing narratives that illuminate characters and behavior that adds both deeper and quicker understanding, as well as fuller and richer enjoyment of the unfolding mysteries and puzzles.
And speaking of puzzles and mysteries, Goldman weaves puzzles into this yarn in subtle ways that seem to just add color or texture to a scenario or to a character or it's dialog. In reality, he is embedding many false leads and leading his poor reader into false assumptions – and does it with such style as to cause one to enjoy it!
I have found a new favorite in Joel Goldman. Right up there with Dean Koontz; Lee Child; and a small number of others who are the most talented in our time.
This book had too many niggling errors to overlook, yet Goldman writes engrossing narratives that illuminate characters and behavior that adds both deeper and quicker understanding, as well as fuller and richer enjoyment of the unfolding mysteries and puzzles.
And speaking of puzzles and mysteries, Goldman weaves puzzles into this yarn in subtle ways that seem to just add color or texture to a scenario or to a character or it's dialog. In reality, he is embedding many false leads and leading his poor reader into false assumptions – and does it with such style as to cause one to enjoy it!
January 3, 2018
Rating - 4 and half
( Goodreads, please enable this option)
"What took you so long?"
Similar to mesmerizing moments that you remember your whole life, there are certain lines/dialogues of literary world that haunts you forever...
I didn't expect something of that sort will happen when I picked up this book. I enjoyed Jack Davis's first adventure Shakedown but this one is better. This is multi threaded, emotional and has a chilling finale.
This is one of those books where I was blown away the way the victim/savior dynamics changed and made me/reader look like a fool!
Highly recommended..
( Goodreads, please enable this option)
"What took you so long?"
Similar to mesmerizing moments that you remember your whole life, there are certain lines/dialogues of literary world that haunts you forever...
I didn't expect something of that sort will happen when I picked up this book. I enjoyed Jack Davis's first adventure Shakedown but this one is better. This is multi threaded, emotional and has a chilling finale.
This is one of those books where I was blown away the way the victim/savior dynamics changed and made me/reader look like a fool!
Highly recommended..
December 13, 2017
Excellent book! Muder,mayhem and mystery! What do you get when you combine an exFBi agent with a bad medical disorder and a lady landlord (ex-cop, ex-convict?) A team ready to face the odds no matter what because they both have something to prove! Loved this book!
December 23, 2017
Is isGood story
This story was told so well you couldn't wait to get to the next chapter and continue reading.sometimes you know where the writer is headed and sometimes you are wrong.
This story was told so well you couldn't wait to get to the next chapter and continue reading.sometimes you know where the writer is headed and sometimes you are wrong.
January 30, 2018
A good easy ready that is relatively fast paced. The interesting complication of the motor disorder the main character Jack Davis has adds a little more depth to that role (and complications, of course). Worth your time.
February 7, 2018
Jack Davis an ex FBI man is hired to find out why three people are dead that all worked for the dream institute. Each died the way their dreams foretold they would die. Jack begins to suspect it is murder rather than natural circumstances and is looking for a serial killer.
April 20, 2018
AUDIBLE BOOK Jack Davis Mystery #2
Former FBI agent Jack Davis with tic disorder, a condition that causes shakes (an affliction that is shared by the author) is hired to find out why nightmare research subjects are dying according to their own nightmares
Former FBI agent Jack Davis with tic disorder, a condition that causes shakes (an affliction that is shared by the author) is hired to find out why nightmare research subjects are dying according to their own nightmares
June 10, 2018
great story!
i thoroughly enjoyed this novel! It was intriguing and twisted enough to keep me interested in reading all day. I took one break and went out but was thinking about it so came home to finish.
i thoroughly enjoyed this novel! It was intriguing and twisted enough to keep me interested in reading all day. I took one break and went out but was thinking about it so came home to finish.
June 26, 2018
Loved it !
Everything flowed along nicely,and I went from person to person guessing who the murderer was- I did actually consider the real person( don’t want to give it away ! ) for a second,but NOT for the right reason...! What a surprise !! Great read - would recommend !
Everything flowed along nicely,and I went from person to person guessing who the murderer was- I did actually consider the real person( don’t want to give it away ! ) for a second,but NOT for the right reason...! What a surprise !! Great read - would recommend !
January 20, 2019
Great story. Shame about the spoiler
Great second book. Would have been excellent if I hadn’t been for the spoiler near the beginning or did I just noticed it. I read the whole book just to make sure I was right. I was right. Hence the 4 not 5
Great second book. Would have been excellent if I hadn’t been for the spoiler near the beginning or did I just noticed it. I read the whole book just to make sure I was right. I was right. Hence the 4 not 5
October 1, 2022
The Science of Living Your Dreams
Superb plot development believable characters great dialogue and if you believe that science is the be all and end all you might just be right even with the unexpected twist having a tic or two along the way highly recommend
Superb plot development believable characters great dialogue and if you believe that science is the be all and end all you might just be right even with the unexpected twist having a tic or two along the way highly recommend
May 6, 2023
I love Joel Goldman, his books are awesome thrillers with great flawed characters. I loved the throw back to Lou Mason and company in this book. I wish there were more books and I wish I could get my hands on them faster.
October 5, 2025
Excellent
Excellent story, well written. The failings of the characters add to the story without seeming over the top. I did guess the murderer before the end but not too far ahead.
Excellent story, well written. The failings of the characters add to the story without seeming over the top. I did guess the murderer before the end but not too far ahead.
August 6, 2017
Good read enjoyed it
This series is one that you will want to read in order, very well written and good character development .
This series is one that you will want to read in order, very well written and good character development .
December 2, 2017
Great plot.
Jack has his problems, but keeps busy. In this episode he took a job to investigate why people in a dream study were dying just like in their dreams.
Jack has his problems, but keeps busy. In this episode he took a job to investigate why people in a dream study were dying just like in their dreams.
December 5, 2017
I actually liked this mystery book. It is a mystery book like most, but it keeps you interested to the end. I would recommend it.
December 7, 2017
Good read
Every character in the book has meaning to the whole story. You thought you have figured out, story turns, opening up to another possibility. True mystery.
Every character in the book has meaning to the whole story. You thought you have figured out, story turns, opening up to another possibility. True mystery.
December 14, 2017
The Dead Man
4 stars because of repetition! Other than that, it was well done. (I did guess "who done it" fairly early on.) Enjoyed the character development.
4 stars because of repetition! Other than that, it was well done. (I did guess "who done it" fairly early on.) Enjoyed the character development.
December 27, 2017
Great book!
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked the characters , especially Jack. The only thing I didn't like was the remark about Fox news. It was uncalled for.
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked the characters , especially Jack. The only thing I didn't like was the remark about Fox news. It was uncalled for.
January 5, 2018
This book had plenty of twists and turns thay kept me captivated. i thoroughly enjoyed the book and excited to see what will happen next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews