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Greene and Kennicott #4
Stranglehold
Fact or fiction? Current events in the City of Toronto echo the plot of Robert Rotenberg’s latest legal thriller Stranglehold . Everyone is saying he predicted the future for Toronto’s mayor. Read it and find out!
Ripped from the headlines, Stranglehold is bestselling author Robert Rotenberg’s most shocking book yet, featuring Detective Ari Greene in the fight of his life.
It is just after Labour Day and the city is kicking into gear. All eyes are on the hotly contested election for Toronto’s next mayor and crime is the big issue. Greene is no stranger to the worst of what the city has to offer, but even he is unprepared for what happens next when he stumbles upon a horrific homicide.
In one nightmare moment his world is flipped upside down. Soon Greene is pitted against his young protégé, Daniel Kennicott, who arrests him for first-degree murder. Tied down on house arrest as he awaits his trial, Greene has to find a way to clear his name, and also must face some very hard that he didn’t really know the people he believed in most; that there are unseen forces at work prepared to see him take the fall; and most of all, that he should never underestimate the price people will pay for love.
Eerily reminiscent of the scandal surrounding the current Toronto mayor, Stranglehold is Rotenberg’s fourth gripping mystery set on the streets and in the courtrooms of the city, capturing audiences with his masterful knowledge of the intricacies of the criminal justice system and feel for the emotions that make people tick.
Ripped from the headlines, Stranglehold is bestselling author Robert Rotenberg’s most shocking book yet, featuring Detective Ari Greene in the fight of his life.
It is just after Labour Day and the city is kicking into gear. All eyes are on the hotly contested election for Toronto’s next mayor and crime is the big issue. Greene is no stranger to the worst of what the city has to offer, but even he is unprepared for what happens next when he stumbles upon a horrific homicide.
In one nightmare moment his world is flipped upside down. Soon Greene is pitted against his young protégé, Daniel Kennicott, who arrests him for first-degree murder. Tied down on house arrest as he awaits his trial, Greene has to find a way to clear his name, and also must face some very hard that he didn’t really know the people he believed in most; that there are unseen forces at work prepared to see him take the fall; and most of all, that he should never underestimate the price people will pay for love.
Eerily reminiscent of the scandal surrounding the current Toronto mayor, Stranglehold is Rotenberg’s fourth gripping mystery set on the streets and in the courtrooms of the city, capturing audiences with his masterful knowledge of the intricacies of the criminal justice system and feel for the emotions that make people tick.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2013
24 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Robert Rotenberg
23 books206 followersAfter graduating from law school in Toronto, Robert Rotenberg became the managing editor of Passion, the English-speaking magazine of Paris. He then returned to Canada to publish and edit his own magazine, T.O. The Magazine of Toronto. In 1991, he opened his own law practice and is today one of Toronto’s top criminal lawyers, defending, as he likes to say “everything from murder to shoplifting.” Rotenberg lives in Toronto and has three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
May 21, 2013
3.5 stars. I'm an easy target for a courtroom-based mystery set in Toronto. I've devoured all four books in the series, and will be first in line for the fifth as well.
Plot-wise, "Stranglehold" may be the weakest in the series. (I think "Old City Hall" was easily the best). There's not too much surprise when the different pieces fall into place. Instead, "Stranglehold" focuses on giving more flesh and colour to Rotenberg's characters.
As you'd expect from a book written by a criminal lawyer, the story shines during the courtroom scenes. But despite the fun of those scenes, this book still falls short for me. I want to like it more than I do. Rotenberg has a bad habit of describing everything and everyone in superlatives - he's constantly telling us how this cross-examination was "masterful", that strategic decision was "brilliant". Everyone is the "most" or the "best" or the "toughest" or the "kindest" or the "bravest." Even the featured homeless person fell from the very highest perch of a stellar career. No one is ordinary! This makes the characters not just hard to like (which is forgivable) but hard to believe (which is less so). More showing and less telling would help.
Finally, while I love reading about my beloved city, Rotenberg is winking at us Torontonians just a little too broadly. The bit about the fat, bombastic mayoral candidate who comes under fire for all the time he spends coaching the football team of a local high school? It's a little much.
Plot-wise, "Stranglehold" may be the weakest in the series. (I think "Old City Hall" was easily the best). There's not too much surprise when the different pieces fall into place. Instead, "Stranglehold" focuses on giving more flesh and colour to Rotenberg's characters.
As you'd expect from a book written by a criminal lawyer, the story shines during the courtroom scenes. But despite the fun of those scenes, this book still falls short for me. I want to like it more than I do. Rotenberg has a bad habit of describing everything and everyone in superlatives - he's constantly telling us how this cross-examination was "masterful", that strategic decision was "brilliant". Everyone is the "most" or the "best" or the "toughest" or the "kindest" or the "bravest." Even the featured homeless person fell from the very highest perch of a stellar career. No one is ordinary! This makes the characters not just hard to like (which is forgivable) but hard to believe (which is less so). More showing and less telling would help.
Finally, while I love reading about my beloved city, Rotenberg is winking at us Torontonians just a little too broadly. The bit about the fat, bombastic mayoral candidate who comes under fire for all the time he spends coaching the football team of a local high school? It's a little much.
June 11, 2025
There was a murder!
June 26, 2013
I had a lively discussion with a patron at the library a while ago. He was looking for a good mystery or legal thriller to read. But he had a qualifier - nothing Canadian, he just finds American books 'better'. Oh boy, do I love a challenge...we compromised and I'm just waiting for him to come back and let me know what he thought of the Canadian titles/authors I sent him home with.
Robert Rotenberg was one of those authors. This gentleman likes series, so I sent him home with the first in Rotenberg's excellent series - Old City Hall. The fourth book, Stranglehold, is newly released and I have to say - Rotenberg gets better and better with every book.
Recurring character Detective Ari Green returns, but in a different role. Rather that being the one in charge of the investigation; this time he's the one being investigated.....for murder. Green finds Jennifer, the married Crown Attorney he has been having an affair with, dead in the motel room they were meeting at - and the police arrive before he has time to call 911......
I just love the Canadian setting - the descriptions of streets, stores and neighbourhoods that I recognize. It really brings the novel to life. Rotenberg himself is a criminal lawyer in Toronto. His courtroom descriptions and intimacy with the Canadian legal system again brings that 'extra' sense of authenticity to his work. There are some sly nods to present day Toronto that Canadian will 'get'. Notably, the overweight Mayor who coaches a boy's rugby team.
I enjoy Rotenberg's recurring characters. Green is less than perfect and this makes him all the more human. I really enjoy his father's scenes in this book. Kennicott is also a character I really enjoy as he feels his way through his new position. I hope we see more of Awotwe Amankwah, a reporter for the Toronto Star. Rotenberg gives each of his characters an excellent second story line with their personal lives. It lets us get to know them a bit better and carries their story forward into the next book.
The plotting in Stranglehold is excellent, believable and well played. But the exploration of relationships - familial and work are just as much a part of the story. I think this is probably my favourite of the series (so far) An excellent series and definitely recommended eh?
Robert Rotenberg was one of those authors. This gentleman likes series, so I sent him home with the first in Rotenberg's excellent series - Old City Hall. The fourth book, Stranglehold, is newly released and I have to say - Rotenberg gets better and better with every book.
Recurring character Detective Ari Green returns, but in a different role. Rather that being the one in charge of the investigation; this time he's the one being investigated.....for murder. Green finds Jennifer, the married Crown Attorney he has been having an affair with, dead in the motel room they were meeting at - and the police arrive before he has time to call 911......
I just love the Canadian setting - the descriptions of streets, stores and neighbourhoods that I recognize. It really brings the novel to life. Rotenberg himself is a criminal lawyer in Toronto. His courtroom descriptions and intimacy with the Canadian legal system again brings that 'extra' sense of authenticity to his work. There are some sly nods to present day Toronto that Canadian will 'get'. Notably, the overweight Mayor who coaches a boy's rugby team.
I enjoy Rotenberg's recurring characters. Green is less than perfect and this makes him all the more human. I really enjoy his father's scenes in this book. Kennicott is also a character I really enjoy as he feels his way through his new position. I hope we see more of Awotwe Amankwah, a reporter for the Toronto Star. Rotenberg gives each of his characters an excellent second story line with their personal lives. It lets us get to know them a bit better and carries their story forward into the next book.
The plotting in Stranglehold is excellent, believable and well played. But the exploration of relationships - familial and work are just as much a part of the story. I think this is probably my favourite of the series (so far) An excellent series and definitely recommended eh?
September 28, 2015
Nice surprise to read this! Not my usual fare - crime genre - but it's my library book-club's offering for November. So, I read it early. My first by Rotenberg, and his fourth. Will check out his earlier ones. I'm told his 'OLD CITY HALL' is terrific.
I must admit I was lured in by the setting - downtown Metropolitan Toronto. It was fun to recognize
locations, and to look out from upper -level, office-building windows. There were views I took in myself, years ago, from those same spots, when I worked in the area.
This novel was totally engaging. Although, I thought I had the mystery solved by page thirty-eight. Was I ever glad to be wrong, and humbled! Rotenberg takes the reader through all the usual suspects and keeps us guessing. I love his characterizations, and his court-room expertise. Well-thought out plot. Great job.
I'm glad I read it and I look forward to the book-club discussion to come.
P.S. With such a book, I'm always wary of back-cover blurbs that hint too much. I try to avoid reading them.
I must admit I was lured in by the setting - downtown Metropolitan Toronto. It was fun to recognize
locations, and to look out from upper -level, office-building windows. There were views I took in myself, years ago, from those same spots, when I worked in the area.
This novel was totally engaging. Although, I thought I had the mystery solved by page thirty-eight. Was I ever glad to be wrong, and humbled! Rotenberg takes the reader through all the usual suspects and keeps us guessing. I love his characterizations, and his court-room expertise. Well-thought out plot. Great job.
I'm glad I read it and I look forward to the book-club discussion to come.
P.S. With such a book, I'm always wary of back-cover blurbs that hint too much. I try to avoid reading them.
November 2, 2015
This is the first of Rotenberg's books I have read and I will look for his earlier works. A good detective story even without knowing all of the back stories. Really liked that it was set in Toronto - helped visualize what was happening and it was nice to hear the prosecutors referred to as "the Crown'
December 11, 2013
Another excellent turn by Rotenberg. So happy his books are finally becoming available in the US and not just Cananda. I figured this one out a little earlier than most but his writing is so well done I really don't care.
July 19, 2021
While this novel is an improvement from the previous one in the series, it still fails to recapitulate the magic of the series opener. The novel was mostly well written, with a smattering of more adjectives than needed for drama and the action moved at a decent pace. The plot was fairly predictable, but still well laid out. The trial scenes were well constructed and the attention to detail in those scenes was fascinating. The character interaction, which was a highlight for me in the first two novels, was good, but character growth has plateaued. Where the novel had some major problems was in believability of some character's actions. After a few chapters I was willing to accept , the rest of the contrivances that obscured the killer till the end weren't as good.
On top of everything some characters turned really nasty. Jo Summers was an interesting character who abruptly turned into a blood seeker as soon as Ari was accused of murder. She had reasons to be suspicious of him, but her attitude was hard to swallow. And because we didn't spend time in her mind, we didn't get a redeeming revelation such as, she was grieving for her friend. It was also a bit hard to stomach her outrage at Ari for 'breaking Raglan's marriage' while she kisses Kennicot and doesn't tell him she's in a serious relationship. If she never shows up again in the series I'm OK with it.
Overall, I feel like the series has stalled and while the trial aspect was definitely interesting, the characters are slowly turning into two-dimensional shadows.
On top of everything some characters turned really nasty. Jo Summers was an interesting character who abruptly turned into a blood seeker as soon as Ari was accused of murder. She had reasons to be suspicious of him, but her attitude was hard to swallow. And because we didn't spend time in her mind, we didn't get a redeeming revelation such as, she was grieving for her friend. It was also a bit hard to stomach her outrage at Ari for 'breaking Raglan's marriage' while she kisses Kennicot and doesn't tell him she's in a serious relationship. If she never shows up again in the series I'm OK with it.
Overall, I feel like the series has stalled and while the trial aspect was definitely interesting, the characters are slowly turning into two-dimensional shadows.
March 24, 2014
Each book by this author gets better. The main characters, Detectives Ari Greene and Daniel Kennicott, are well-developed and sympathetic. I liked the pace of this book, although I figured out the guilty party about 2/3rds of the way through. The resemblance of Hap Charlton to a certain real-life mayor of Toronto is certainly well-drawn. I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
That being said, I have one bone to pick, and it isn't with the writer. How can a book published by such an established company have so many ridiculous errors of syntax and spelling? Does no one proofread anymore? There is no excuse for this irritating sloppiness except corner-cutting by the publisher. It is very, very annoying for someone who cares about grammar and spelling to see this messiness.
That being said, I have one bone to pick, and it isn't with the writer. How can a book published by such an established company have so many ridiculous errors of syntax and spelling? Does no one proofread anymore? There is no excuse for this irritating sloppiness except corner-cutting by the publisher. It is very, very annoying for someone who cares about grammar and spelling to see this messiness.
July 25, 2015
3 1/2 stars.
The marketing department for this book made a special point of comparing the mayoral candiate to a certain former Toronto mayor. Kind of insulting considering what the newly elected mayor does in the book is nothing like what the captain of Ford Nation did (if you're Canadian, you'll know who that is).
Unfortunately, that statement on the back of the book ruined it for me - I figured out the mystery long before the somewhat lacklustre ending.
This is the second book I've read by Rotenberg and although I enjoyed it more than "Stray Bullets", there's just something about his plotting that bothers me. Don't get me wrong: I think he's a great writer. I just wish he would concentrate a little more on coming up with a good story without giving too much away.
The marketing department for this book made a special point of comparing the mayoral candiate to a certain former Toronto mayor. Kind of insulting considering what the newly elected mayor does in the book is nothing like what the captain of Ford Nation did (if you're Canadian, you'll know who that is).
Unfortunately, that statement on the back of the book ruined it for me - I figured out the mystery long before the somewhat lacklustre ending.
This is the second book I've read by Rotenberg and although I enjoyed it more than "Stray Bullets", there's just something about his plotting that bothers me. Don't get me wrong: I think he's a great writer. I just wish he would concentrate a little more on coming up with a good story without giving too much away.
May 13, 2021
I loved reading a detective/legal fictional story set in Toronto - the landmarks, the culture, the Canadian justice system all make it so relevant. But, my main problem was in the text: on truly most pages, there was a typographical error. Why? Added to that, I identified the killer by the 10th chapter but our protagonist was clueless. For a seasoned homicide detective, it seemed rather inconceivable that Green was not keenly concerned about motive: why would anyone want to murder Jenifer Raglan? So, that made the long denouement seem slow for me. But, the writing itself was very good and I would continue reading this author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2013
I have read all of Rotenberg's books and have enjoyed each one. The characters are great and the way he depicts Toronto is true to the Toronto I know. The best part being that he manages to highlight the best aspects of a city that at times can be very frustrating. But this was my favourite one yet. Ari Green is a great character and the mystery woven around him was a bit predictable but nevertheless had me reading compulsively because I wanted to make sure things turned out ok for Green. Now I am looking forward to Rotenberg's next book...
April 29, 2018
This was a great read, not only because it is set in my city (Toronto), but because of its excellent plot and pacing. Detective Ari Greene becomes a defendant in a murder trial and Rotenberg keeps the suspense high as we move through the trial. I found myself both not wanting the novel to end and dying to get to the conclusion. His characters are well-developed and their humanity is clearly defined. I look forward to his fifth book with much anticipation.
Highly recommended to anyone who likes crime/police procedurals.
Highly recommended to anyone who likes crime/police procedurals.
October 17, 2015
Strangle hold might be the latest book for Robert Rotenberg, although it is the first of his that i have read, This was a great crime/legal drama, rich with a familiarity with neighborhoods of Toronto, and with the Canadian legal system both court and police.
More wonderfully, his characters, whether heroic, damaged, or questionable, all step out brilliantly from the page.
I am not a Canadian--but one need not be to enjoy this novel. I highly recommend it.
It will be my distinct pleasure to read both his earlier books and any more to come.
More wonderfully, his characters, whether heroic, damaged, or questionable, all step out brilliantly from the page.
I am not a Canadian--but one need not be to enjoy this novel. I highly recommend it.
It will be my distinct pleasure to read both his earlier books and any more to come.
December 18, 2015
I'm not a big fan of crime fiction having saturated myself with it at a younger age, but my own biases aside Rotenberg's fourth Ari Greene novel is well written and clever. Being set in Toronto and unapologetically Canadian can, I think, be a bit of a risk if you're seeking wide appeal in a genre, but Rotenberg really does pull it off nicely. 3.5/5
October 8, 2017
I have read the complete series to date and now wait impatiently for the next one. Robert Rotenberg has succeeded in creating his own universe of characters and now we are familiar with Ari Greene, Daniel Kennicott and a large cast of supporting players. In this outing we find Greene's illicit affair coming to a tragic end. Not only does he experience a loss but the fingers are pointing his way. At the centre is a family trying to save a drug addicted son and a similarly addicted Crown attorney trying to redeem her past failures. As always in Rotenberg's books Toronto is a character. I have written a trilogy of mysteries about Sioux Lookout and when I read his work I get why people there told me that the books were so much better if you knew the setting. This is a superior Canadian mystery series, ranking with Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache books. I think I see a film or television series in the works. Must read for mystery aficionados who have ever been to Toronto.
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August 20, 2017
When a book has rave reviews on its front and back covers by such great authors as Ian Rankin and Kathy Reichs you know you are in for a treat. Rotenberg's mysteries set in my hometown of Toronto are suspenseful, well written and descriptive. The author is a lawyer and very knowledgeable about trials, criminal behaviour and police procedures. The only thing I dislike about his books is his negative description of Scarborough, the suburb of Toronto where I spent my formative years. Scarborough is not the desolate, crime ridden place he claims it to be. It has beautiful parks, great shopping and good schools. Perhaps, it has changed somewhat but I still believe that every part of Toronto has good and bad areas.
October 4, 2021
The main story was not a surprise to me as I knew, from references in subsequent books that I have read out of order, that Ari was going to be charged. What surprised me was how long it seemed to take for it to happen. Once I got into the trial section, I couldn’t put the book down. I read the last few chapters a second time the next day and I was really impressed with the way the author tied up all the loose ends. A very satisfying conclusion from a sentimental point of view as well. The only thing that bothers me with all Rotenberg’s books is how easily the police and others seem to be able to get access to wiretaps, phone records and bank records. I always thought (naively?) that in Canada these records were closely guarded. 🤔
April 27, 2018
Another excellent book with exciting trial in Toronto. Ari Greene has been meeting Jennifer Raglan, Crown attorney on Monday mornings. In the first chapter, Ari is late getting to the motel, and he finds Jennifer lying in the bed strangled. Ari hears someone outside, and chases someone through nearby streets. As he is about to call in the murder, his partner Kennicott calls him. Ari realizes if he tells Kennicott he was in the motel room he won't be able to investigate. Soon Ari is up for murder. The prosecutor is doing a great job with circumstantial evidence. Near the end it becomes very exciting as a witness is found.
April 5, 2024
Full disclosure, I had the solve figured out pretty much from the get-go, and so I toyed with 4-stars vs. 5, but even though I more or less had it figured, it didn't stop me from enjoying book 4 in this terrific series. Narration was good, loved the character arcs and building and the nods and new roles to/for past characters (like Mr. Singh). Rotenberg is a fabulous writer -- I can only assume he's an even better attorney. He certainly knows his way around a courtroom and police station. A few snide comments about my home town of Scarborough but...I can live with that. Onto book 5!
February 3, 2024
Book on tape. Perfect for the time and place. Detective Greene is in big trouble! A murder. A trial. a judge. A prosecutor. A lawyer. Another prosecutor. A husband? Complications...
What is a Kennicot to do?
Great to listen to in instalments. Rotenberg's writing seems lot better than his ratings.
Another Canadian author, under rated on Good Reads, what a surprise...?!?
Why does this happen so very often?
What is a Kennicot to do?
Great to listen to in instalments. Rotenberg's writing seems lot better than his ratings.
Another Canadian author, under rated on Good Reads, what a surprise...?!?
Why does this happen so very often?
August 2, 2025
I am still enjoying this mystery/legal series set in Toronto. The characters and the setting are very well portrayed and the courtroom scenes are stellar.
The plot was a bit thin this time and stretched credibility somewhat. I was able to figure out who the murderer was before it was officially revealed but not their motive. I also found the high number of typographical errors to be rather irritating. Even the main character, Ari Greene, had his name misspelled at one point!
The plot was a bit thin this time and stretched credibility somewhat. I was able to figure out who the murderer was before it was officially revealed but not their motive. I also found the high number of typographical errors to be rather irritating. Even the main character, Ari Greene, had his name misspelled at one point!
December 4, 2017
A real page turner: simply couldn't put the book down.
This time, Homicide Detective Ari Greene is the accused in the murder of the woman he loved Jennifer Raglan. Most of the book is focused on courtroom antics, which I find fascinating. Lots of twists of course, and unexpected outcomes, but very enjoyable. Some characters resemble Toronto Mayor robert Ford or Trump....
This time, Homicide Detective Ari Greene is the accused in the murder of the woman he loved Jennifer Raglan. Most of the book is focused on courtroom antics, which I find fascinating. Lots of twists of course, and unexpected outcomes, but very enjoyable. Some characters resemble Toronto Mayor robert Ford or Trump....
March 15, 2021
First try with reading Roterberg. Good to read a Canadian author who writes a good mystery set in Scarborough at places very familiar to me and where we spent a lot of time in our ministry in Toronto over a period of 16 years!
June 2, 2021
This is fourth book in the detective Greene and Kennicot series and I think the best of the four. Rotenberg is skillful in the detective game and how it all plays out in court adding a surprise to the ending.
September 7, 2022
Another great legal criminal procedural. I love that a great cop team with legal heft has come to Canada.
I am concluding it would be better to read these books in order as there is so much character development that happens in each.
I am concluding it would be better to read these books in order as there is so much character development that happens in each.
September 10, 2022
Fun, fast-paced book. I like the tension between Greene and Kennicott due to the circumstances of the case. The narrator was good, and I like how the short chapters made it super digestible in quick bursts, like during my lunch breaks.
December 1, 2024
The fourth installment of the Greene and Kennicott series, set in Toronto. The stories feel on the previous stories in the series which is nice for someone who reads the series in sequence. Some of the story situations are a bit surprising, but so is life. I look forward to the next one.
January 13, 2018
Detective Ari Greene is unprepared for a terrible homicide which takes place in a seedy motel in Toronto. Detective Daniel Kennicott investigates the homicide and arrests his mentor.
July 18, 2018
Basic crime thriller. The writing is just words, nothing inventive or creative. Just rote. Might be a good beach read.
August 26, 2018
Excellent, as always. I am always looking forward to his next release. Always a great story, interesting twists and turns with wonderful character development.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews