Blood Game

Jock Boucher #2

by David Lyons

Louisiana Federal District Judge Jock Boucher returns in the second installment of this intriguing new thriller series by David Lyons.

LOUISIANA FEDERAL DISTRICT JUDGE JOCK BOUCHER RETURNS IN THE SECOND INSTA LLMENT OF THIS HIGH-OCTANE THRILLER SERIES BY DAVID LYONS.

Having killed two men with his bare hands, federal judge Jock Boucher feels he’s unfit for his post on the bench. But when the president sends a fighter jet to whisk the renegade Cajun from a Mexican vacation to the White House to convince him otherwise, Boucher agrees to stay on. Trouble follows him, though, and on the night of his return to his home in the French Quarter, he is accosted by an armed street thug. Boucher defends himself. His attacker ends up dead.

With the body count rising around him—despite all his best efforts—Boucher and his friend Detective Fitch of the New Orleans Police Department discover that the would-be bandit has put them on the trail of an illegal arms ring. Weapons are being trafficked to foreign criminal insurgents whose violent rampage across northern Mexico is blocking the development of one of the world’s largest energy fields, and powerful U.S. interests are determined to dislodge them by any means possible. Faced with the daunting possibility of hostilities with our neighbor to the south, Boucher must find a way to avert armed conflict on a scale he never imagined possible . . . while placing himself in mortal danger.

Genres: Mystery

416 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2013

Reviews

[Paul Pessolano · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Blood Game” by David Lyons, published by Emily Bestler Books.

Category – Mystery/Thriller Publication Date – August 13, 2013

Judge Jock Boucher is back and again gets involved in murder but not necessarily while sitting on the bench. In fact, the Judge is not sitting on any cases due to his involvement with murder in the first book, “Ice Fire”.

As in the first book, the Judge just seems to attract bad guys. He is mugged outside his house and in the ensuing confrontation the mugger dies. It seems his body succumbs to the heavy use of alcohol and drugs. The Judge is cleared of any wrongdoing but his actions will come back to haunt him when another attempt is made on his life.

A series of murders using cop killer bullets leads the Judge and his friend Detective Fitch on a mission to find what could be arms smugglers. The Judge also is invited into a closed clique of men who may be planning a very sinister plot to involve the United States into a war with Mexico.

The plot is so sophisticated and involves some very heavy hitters that it is hard for Boucher and Fitch to come to terms with what is happening around them. However as they get closer to realizing what is going on Boucher is kidnapped. Boucher starts to unravel the plot but must find a way to escape and thwart the plans before a war actually gets underway.

A very interesting story that will keep the reader entertained and coming back for more adventures of Judge Jock Boucher.

[Beverley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy from NetGalley. I haven't read the first in this series and I still enjoyed the second book. Not sure I really related to any of the characters but the plot was good and the conspiracy was entertaining.

[Maryjane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I only wish I had read the first book in the Jock Boucher series. David Lyons has an uncanny way of getting you up close and personal within the lives of his characters. I felt as if I was right there with him through the whole investigation. Jock Boucher is a wonderful character who I can relate too, a lot. He happens to be a Federal District Judge and the way he relates to everyone from the president, to Detective Fitch, to his girlfriend Malika, is amazing. This book has everything that a detective story should have. Suspense, questions, death, life, love, laughs,hope for the future and friendship. He gives his characters such depth that they carry you through to the end of the book, and I never got lost on who was who. I never lost interest it the story and I was even entertained and found myself smiling at times. I hope he gets married in the next book. I give this book five stars and would recommend it for teens on up. The book did not end in the way I envisioned it would, but then, I didn't know what to expect. This book is a wonderful read, and most likely, I will end up reading it again.[author image:David Lyons|76120]

[Stephenee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this copy of Blood Game through the Goodreads first reads giveaway and it was the first book that I had read by David Lyons. The characters in the book really made you feel like you knew them and that they could be your neighbors. They were down to earth, fun and caring, which is rare in a book sometimes. I loved the premise of the book, but at some points there was just a little too much going on. The plot had some high points and some low points but overall it was a good book! I would recommend it to anyone who likes government, spies, and revenge....just remember that some parts you may have to re-read to remember what is going on. I will be buying the first book and am looking forward to the next one as there were a few unanswered questions from this one....happy reading and well worth it!

[John Johnstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two of a series but don't be put off if you have not read book one, I didn't and I got straight into the characters, without having to wade through any "previously" narrative. David Lyons character Jock Boucher is a New Orleans Federal judge but not a conventional one. You are entertained throughout the book by Boucher's different and unpredictable approach to his judicial role.

The story unfolds with series of violent attacks and ends with the same however although the path of the story is easier than most to work out, it is enthralling stuff but with interludes of humour and virtuosity. Recommended

[David V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as an ARC from the publisher. Started on 7-3-13. Finished it 7-6-13. A fast-paced read about a really cool judge. A man of action who gives a damn about his fellowman. If he were real, he would probably have very few enemies because he's so likeable. The book ends with some mystery, leading, I hope, to another book. This would make a heck of a movie. Lots of wonderful references about its setting--New Orleans. I visited there many years ago and still have fond memories---ah, beignets!!!!

[Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed the book. This was not the type of book I would normally choose to read. It was a good read to get me out of my comfort zone. This was the second book in a series. I like that it was not confusing if you did not read the first book, which of course I did not. It was a little hard for the ending to be believable but because it was fiction then it was an okay ending. I am not sure how the next story would continue because it kinda leaves it as being a final book. If you enjoy murder mystery I would suggest reading this book.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough novel to describe. Just days after killing two men with his bare hands in self defense, Federal judge Jock Boucher is flown from a Mexican resort to meet the president, who persuades Jock to keep his position. On his first day back in New Orleans, Boucher kills another man in self defense, and from there, things keep getting more implausible.

Not a bad novel, if one can suspend their belief enough.

[Deb Yancey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won an advanced copy of Blood Game by David Lyons from Goodreads.com. I think that David Lyons captures the characters very well and does an amazing job of throwing the main character into situations you really do not see coming in this action packed thriller. Never a dull moment and I look forward to reading another future installment of this character in another book. I would recommend this book to those that like action thrillers.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Game by David Lyons
Goodreads author

Judge Boucher seems to get himself in many dangerous events, detective Fitch trys to keep him
from some of the life threating decisions, however he has no luck. This is a action packed thriller, keeps you wondering how will it all end. There are so many twist and turns in the action. A great read.

[Robert Keck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm liking Jock Boucher. This adrenaline spiked follow-up to Ice Fire is written for adults - by an adult. It's refreshing to see an author brave enough to put his point-of-view front and center instead of worrying about offending or alienating a few readers.

If you love 'Nawlins and are interested in Katrina after-effects, check this out.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great, I could not put it down. The character Jock Boucher was a determined man that I admired a lot. Ray Dumont had a need to avenge that caused quite a stir which made this a fast read. A great read.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book for free though good reads first reads. It was a great book and it kept me interested all through out. I would recommend to anyone who loves to be thrilled

[Shandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

stilted writing, hard to engage

[Lou Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the first one.