What do you think?
Rate this book
The Gin Palace Trilogy #2
The Bone Orchard
A TOWN GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER
Beneath the glamour of a trendy Hamptons summer town lies another world–one of dark lives and desperate secrets. And when Labor Day arrives and the beautiful people depart, locals like Declan MacManus are left behind to make a living out of just surviving. A sometime P.I., MacManus is an expert at self-defense and a master of self-destruction, but nothing he’s seen of the dark side of fortune can prepare him for what he is about to discover.
On a dark, deserted road Mac witnesses a bizarre, single-car wreck, but he knows that what he saw was murder. Following a trail of clues to a chilling conspiracy, Mac is running out of time, out of chances, and out of luck. He is about to become part of a secret no one is willing to talk about . . .
Beneath the glamour of a trendy Hamptons summer town lies another world–one of dark lives and desperate secrets. And when Labor Day arrives and the beautiful people depart, locals like Declan MacManus are left behind to make a living out of just surviving. A sometime P.I., MacManus is an expert at self-defense and a master of self-destruction, but nothing he’s seen of the dark side of fortune can prepare him for what he is about to discover.
On a dark, deserted road Mac witnesses a bizarre, single-car wreck, but he knows that what he saw was murder. Following a trail of clues to a chilling conspiracy, Mac is running out of time, out of chances, and out of luck. He is about to become part of a secret no one is willing to talk about . . .
277 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 26, 2002
698 people are currently reading
1763 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Judson
19 books150 followersDANIEL JUDSON, a Shamus Award winner and a four-time finalist, is the author of five previous novels, most recently The Violet Hour. He attended Southampton College, and his time in the Hamptons (particularly the parts that don’t make the society pages) was the inspiration for the setting and characters in Voyeur. He now lives in Connecticut.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
September 15, 2014
This book, free from Amazon, was an entertaining read. There were a few errors, but none interrupted my reading or the flow of the book. The mechanics were good except for character development. I liked Declan, protagonist in chief, and the storyline, but both had the potential to be really extraordinary in a way that would not detract from the simplicity of both. That sounds like an oxymoron, but sounding and being are two different things. I liked that the author did not jumble up the storyline. He kept it clear and precise. There was no over use of sex or putrid language. The fights, injuries and snoopery were over done costing the author a fourth star. Being critically injured, from the sound of it, recovering enough to walk into another fight within a few hours or days was just not realistic. The author tidied up the storyline nicely at book's end. The author was not pretentious or wordy, and those attributes are gifts to readers. In all, I liked the author enough to read him again.
Thank you, Mr. Judson, for a good read.
Thank you, Mr. Judson, for a good read.
March 24, 2017
If you enjoy a crime mystery with lots of action, this book will definitely please you. The tension is sustained all the way through as the main character, Declan, known locally as Mac, tries to keep himself from being entangled by the efforts of a cast of nasty types. It seems that there are more than a few with an agenda to bring him down and make him the scapegoat for the beatings and murders they are committing. Against his will he is pressed into working for a PI whose methods he dislikes with the lure of protecting his pal, Augie, who is on a surveillance job. They have been told that they are supposed to get evidence on a cheating spouse but become witnesses to the drowning of a young girl whose car is forced off the road and into some water, when the tires have been spiked. The chief of police has a vendetta against Mac and so after pulling the girl's lifeless body from the submerged car, Augie gets him to leave before the cops arrive and try to pin it on him. It seems like Mac can't catch a break no matter what he does. The action continues as more local residents turn out to be involved in the plot but Mac has some loyal supporters who help him evade capture so the he can go on to eventually bring the culprits down.
This was a great selection for me to read as I kept my husband company during a long day of tests in hospital. By the day's end my Kindle battery ran out so I finished it last night. In summary, a super exciting read, lots of violent confrontations but no foul language, some male-female attraction but no sex scenes. Probably a book guys would like a lot.
This was a great selection for me to read as I kept my husband company during a long day of tests in hospital. By the day's end my Kindle battery ran out so I finished it last night. In summary, a super exciting read, lots of violent confrontations but no foul language, some male-female attraction but no sex scenes. Probably a book guys would like a lot.
June 15, 2023
A very entertaining read, action packed from end to end, with lots of twists and turns. The central character, Declan MacManus, is interesting, but a little too indestructible to be totally plausible. The action is compressed into am short period which helped maintain the pace, but overall it was a bit too violent for my taste.
September 5, 2015
The detective dishwasher of this trilogy is a tragic figure in many ways. The story is engaging and complex. I find the reluctance of Mac to use his gift of detecting and solving mysterys to pay the bills to be somewat old after a while. Mac is misunderstood and mistreated in many ways.
August 4, 2014
Okay, but not great. Sometimes I felt like I was missing things from not having read the first one. Also some sloppy parts. I had trouble liking the characters--no one to cheer for.
October 2, 2014
Decent
story line was interesting, but the main character seems fuzzy,alternating between a wimpy dishwasher and college graduate and martial arts black belt
story line was interesting, but the main character seems fuzzy,alternating between a wimpy dishwasher and college graduate and martial arts black belt
June 8, 2016
I liked the characters and the dialogue. I got frustrated at times. I'm not sure why. Maybe if I'd read the first book the pieces would have fallen into place for me better.
April 21, 2023
In book two of this trilogy, we learn more about Mac, Augie, and Frank. Mac is Declan MacManus, our . . . well, it's hard to call this guy a "hero," you know? Anti-hero? Mostly, Mac just wants to be left alone. But that doesn't seem possible.
Augie is his friend, whom he met while doing a job for Frank in the first book, The Poisoned Rose. Mac is a sort of reluctant P.I. He doesn't want to stay in the line of work he has found himself in, but people keep finding him.
As this story unfolds, Frank sends Augie and Mac out to watch for someone. At least that's what they are told. While they are watching, a sixteen-year-old girl comes speeding around a corner in her dad's Corvette, loses control, and crashes into a pond, where she drowns. Augie and Mac run to try to help her, but Mac leaves when the police start showing up. Mac can't afford any trouble with the police, at the moment, as he and the Chief are not exactly on good terms.
But the police don't really investigate the scene, as much as just clean it up. This starts an investigation on Mac's part that winds up revealing some pretty incredible stuff, by the end of this book.
The writing is similar to the first book. It is told from Mac's point of view, and still has that cold, dark, private investigator feel to it. It's pretty much as violent as the first book. Tina, Augie's daughter, who seems to be infatuated with Mac, also figures very heavily into this story, and their relationship deepens pretty intensely. No worries, though. Nothing illegal or untoward happens between them. I'll give you that spoiler.
I love the way the characters play off of each other in this story. Judson keeps the reader guessing, and it's always hard to know who is telling the truth, if, in fact, anyone is. There are some unseen twists that come about, especially toward the end (unseen by this reader, at least) that really kept this story interesting.
I suppose I'm going to have to run down a copy of the third book, now, as Mac's tale is obviously not over.
Augie is his friend, whom he met while doing a job for Frank in the first book, The Poisoned Rose. Mac is a sort of reluctant P.I. He doesn't want to stay in the line of work he has found himself in, but people keep finding him.
As this story unfolds, Frank sends Augie and Mac out to watch for someone. At least that's what they are told. While they are watching, a sixteen-year-old girl comes speeding around a corner in her dad's Corvette, loses control, and crashes into a pond, where she drowns. Augie and Mac run to try to help her, but Mac leaves when the police start showing up. Mac can't afford any trouble with the police, at the moment, as he and the Chief are not exactly on good terms.
But the police don't really investigate the scene, as much as just clean it up. This starts an investigation on Mac's part that winds up revealing some pretty incredible stuff, by the end of this book.
The writing is similar to the first book. It is told from Mac's point of view, and still has that cold, dark, private investigator feel to it. It's pretty much as violent as the first book. Tina, Augie's daughter, who seems to be infatuated with Mac, also figures very heavily into this story, and their relationship deepens pretty intensely. No worries, though. Nothing illegal or untoward happens between them. I'll give you that spoiler.
I love the way the characters play off of each other in this story. Judson keeps the reader guessing, and it's always hard to know who is telling the truth, if, in fact, anyone is. There are some unseen twists that come about, especially toward the end (unseen by this reader, at least) that really kept this story interesting.
I suppose I'm going to have to run down a copy of the third book, now, as Mac's tale is obviously not over.
March 23, 2018
WOW!
Mac is a man just trying to get through the days, nights and years of his life. His father left him as a child, told him he would come back for him. But he never did. He's wondered why his whole life. The Chief of Police has had it in for him just as long. One bad thing after another happens when he tries to help people who have no where else to turn. It's a fast story and it doesn't slow down as he tries to just stay alive at times. Needs better editing for missing letters and your instead of you're, but overall a great read. Looking forward to the next book in the series!!
Mac is a man just trying to get through the days, nights and years of his life. His father left him as a child, told him he would come back for him. But he never did. He's wondered why his whole life. The Chief of Police has had it in for him just as long. One bad thing after another happens when he tries to help people who have no where else to turn. It's a fast story and it doesn't slow down as he tries to just stay alive at times. Needs better editing for missing letters and your instead of you're, but overall a great read. Looking forward to the next book in the series!!
April 15, 2018
Wish I had read book 1 first....
I really enjoyed this book. There are a few spoilers that I believe revealed the central plot of the first book from this trilogy. This was necessary as there are some long-standing history between the main character, Mac, and the police chief and a man named Frank.
The plot was interesting and kept me guessing throughout the story. I recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. There are a few spoilers that I believe revealed the central plot of the first book from this trilogy. This was necessary as there are some long-standing history between the main character, Mac, and the police chief and a man named Frank.
The plot was interesting and kept me guessing throughout the story. I recommend this book.
March 10, 2020
The Mysteries Continues
This second part is a little bit better than number one. Hard to believe but for me it's true.
Some of the characters find peace but others continue looking for for the answers.
Mac still hasn't found love but he is looking to the future. His friends are still concerned about him but he seems just to keep going and giving.
I'm looking forward to reading number 3.
This second part is a little bit better than number one. Hard to believe but for me it's true.
Some of the characters find peace but others continue looking for for the answers.
Mac still hasn't found love but he is looking to the future. His friends are still concerned about him but he seems just to keep going and giving.
I'm looking forward to reading number 3.
February 13, 2018
Again, this was a cheap Kindle special, and was merely OK. It was a follow-on from the first in the series, The Poisoned Rose, which I reviewed a little while ago.
These books are pretty violent, and the characters portrayed are not ones to whom one might feel sympathetic. But the plot sped along apace, and kept my attention.
Mostly a "Meh".
These books are pretty violent, and the characters portrayed are not ones to whom one might feel sympathetic. But the plot sped along apace, and kept my attention.
Mostly a "Meh".
January 9, 2019
A good suspenseful murder mystery
A well written murder mystery with enough twists and turns and well rounded characters. I enjoyed reading this book it was a fast read that held your attention. The ebook needs a thorough editing for missing articles and other grammatical mistakes but other than that it’s a pleasure to read.
A well written murder mystery with enough twists and turns and well rounded characters. I enjoyed reading this book it was a fast read that held your attention. The ebook needs a thorough editing for missing articles and other grammatical mistakes but other than that it’s a pleasure to read.
July 24, 2019
Great read
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys PI/mystery genre. The plot moves from the beginning to the penultimate and the final result. The characters are well-developed, holding your interest throughout. Even if you did not read the first book in this trilogy, this novel could stand alone.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys PI/mystery genre. The plot moves from the beginning to the penultimate and the final result. The characters are well-developed, holding your interest throughout. Even if you did not read the first book in this trilogy, this novel could stand alone.
March 3, 2022
The book is a stand alone story, but you cab detect an obvious influence of the first book all through the story. They give you enough of each character history to understand the story which is good. The story goes fast so no boring parts. Although some times it feels that the investigation is going nowhere. Very surprising ending too.
May 1, 2022
2 stars. I finished this 2 nights ago and I am now struggling to even remember it. It wasn't great, I remember that!
*******************
Beneath the glamour of a trendy Hamptons summer town lies another world–one of dark lives and desperate secrets. And when Labor Day arrives and the beautiful people depart, locals like Declan MacManus are left behind to make a living out of just surviving. A sometime P.I., MacManus is an expert at self-defense and a master of self-destruction, but nothing he’s seen of the dark side of fortune can prepare him for what he is about to discover.
On a dark, deserted road Mac witnesses a bizarre, single-car wreck, but he knows that what he saw was murder. Following a trail of clues to a chilling conspiracy, Mac is running out of time, out of chances, and out of luck. He is about to become part of a secret no one is willing to talk about
*******************
Beneath the glamour of a trendy Hamptons summer town lies another world–one of dark lives and desperate secrets. And when Labor Day arrives and the beautiful people depart, locals like Declan MacManus are left behind to make a living out of just surviving. A sometime P.I., MacManus is an expert at self-defense and a master of self-destruction, but nothing he’s seen of the dark side of fortune can prepare him for what he is about to discover.
On a dark, deserted road Mac witnesses a bizarre, single-car wreck, but he knows that what he saw was murder. Following a trail of clues to a chilling conspiracy, Mac is running out of time, out of chances, and out of luck. He is about to become part of a secret no one is willing to talk about
May 2, 2023
Who is this Declan MacManus with such a miserable plight and life? One thing we know about him is that he’s totally loyal towards his friends and he is a bit of the philosopher. This could be a tense reading as there’s nothing but fighting and killing for the majority of the book and doesn’t resolve itself until the very end 🥸
November 4, 2017
The Bone Orchard
There was a twist to the story which was good. What I did not like was that the main character was constantly being hurt and then got up and acted as if nothing happened to him.
There was a twist to the story which was good. What I did not like was that the main character was constantly being hurt and then got up and acted as if nothing happened to him.
December 14, 2017
Great read!
Daniel Judson will take his place among the great story weavers. Hi uses adjectives like butter on hot toast, his words melt into Al l the nooks and crannies of the story in just the right way.
Daniel Judson will take his place among the great story weavers. Hi uses adjectives like butter on hot toast, his words melt into Al l the nooks and crannies of the story in just the right way.
January 9, 2018
I lost interest in the story about halfway through. The protagonist seemed to have a serious death wish that put me off. About the time I’d get a little momentum going, I’d stumble across a typo that had me scratching my head trying to figure out what the author was saying.
September 22, 2019
MacManus is in the business of protecting people of all kinds. The book is fast paced moving from one confrontation to another. He has one bruised and battered body. He manages to help his friend Augie and to solve several mysteries about a crime and about his own life.
February 2, 2020
Early in the fall in the Hamptons DeClan MacManus sees an accident that is not an accident. As he gets involved in searching for the killer he becomes involved with previous problems.
Too much violence for me.
Too much violence for me.
August 6, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
November 19, 2017
This is an amazing detective/suspense/thriller series! I highly recommend this series, and any books by author Daniel Judson.
October 14, 2017
Still good
Looking forward to book number three in this series.
This is well written, very good characters. Main character continues his development
Looking forward to book number three in this series.
This is well written, very good characters. Main character continues his development
November 1, 2017
I didn't notice this was book 2 of a series. It was hard to figure out a lot of details not knowing them from the 1st book. Good story but I still have some unanswered questions.
November 24, 2017
Ok
Background info was sketchy. Storyline must be consumed with book one, since this was book two, I was a little lost in the history.
Background info was sketchy. Storyline must be consumed with book one, since this was book two, I was a little lost in the history.
November 27, 2017
Enjoyed this second in the trilogy.
December 10, 2017
Hard To Put Down
The action and suspense keeps one reading. The protagonist is too self- loathing for me, yet I can't stop reading.
The action and suspense keeps one reading. The protagonist is too self- loathing for me, yet I can't stop reading.
December 24, 2017
Not bad
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews