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David Mapstone Mystery #7
The Night Detectives (David Mapstone
The private detective business starts out badly for former Phoenix deputy David Mapstone, who has teamed up with his old friend and boss, Sheriff Mike Peralta. Their first client is gunned down just after hiring them. The case involved the suspicious death of a young Arizona woman who fell from a condo tower in San Diego. The police call Grace Hunter's death a suicide, but the client doesn't buy it. He's her brother-or is he? After his murder, police find multiple driver's licenses, and his real identity is a mystery. Complicating the case is that the condo's owner is an Arizona state senator who was instrumental in Peralta's recent election defeat. In San Diego, David finds the woman's boyfriend, who is trying to care for their baby and can't believe Grace would kill herself. He, too, hires the pair to solve Grace's death and reveals some darker facts. Grace was putting herself through college as a high-priced call girl, an escort for rich men who valued her looks and discretion. Before the day is out, the boyfriend is murdered, and David barely escapes with his own life. Whoever is killing their clients may be coming for them. Neither the lovely beaches of San Diego nor the enchanting desert of Arizona can conceal the brutal danger that exists there. Solving the case will take Mapstone and Peralta into the world of human trafficking, corrupt politics, and the white supremacist movement. They no longer have badges, but they are still detectives-the night detectives.
Audio CD
First published January 1, 2013
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83 people want to read
About the author
Jon Talton
25 books93 followersJon Talton is the author of the David Mapstone novels, which follow the adventures of a historian-turned-deputy, working the mean streets of the urban West.
Jon's first novel, "Concrete Desert," was hailed by Kirkus as "an impressive debut." The Washington Post said it "is more intelligent and rewarding than most contemporary mysteries." The series has continued with "Camelback Falls," "Dry Heat," "Arizona Dreams" and "Cactus Heart." "Dry Heat" received Arizona Highways magazine's best fiction award in 2005.
Jon's first novel, "Concrete Desert," was hailed by Kirkus as "an impressive debut." The Washington Post said it "is more intelligent and rewarding than most contemporary mysteries." The series has continued with "Camelback Falls," "Dry Heat," "Arizona Dreams" and "Cactus Heart." "Dry Heat" received Arizona Highways magazine's best fiction award in 2005.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 6, 2013
The Night Detectives by Jon Talton is a Poisoned Pen Press publication. This is a David Mapstone Mystery with a 2013 release date.
David and his partner Peralta have been hired to find out what really happened to a young girl that took a dive out a window. Grace, aka, Scarlett has a high end client list of "Johns". However, she had cleaned up her act and gotten married and had a child. So, her "suicide" didn't seem likely.
This is the first case for the pair of newly minted private detectives. After a heartbreaking defeat in the race for Sherriff of Phoenix, Arizona, Peralta starts up his own agency. Being Hispanic amid racial turmoil played in big role is his defeat.
For, David, a historian, this job is a life line. He is separated from his wife. The two were involved in some pretty heavy drama and now the marriage is hanging by a thread. David is not at his best here as he struggles with anger, sadness, and guilt.
This case really gets under David's skin when a baby goes missing. As the detectives search out what really happened to Grace, they undercover a conspiracy that is the link to Grace and her client list.
Told in first person by David Mapstone, we are privy to his emotions and thoughts as the case proceeds as well as delving deeply into his personal life and vivid nightmares.
I liked this short mystery/detective novel. The author is obviously tuned into the complex political situation in Phoenix and gives us a clear understanding of the climate there.
I did have some moments of anger toward Peralta. While the agency was actually his, he could have informed David about some things in advance instead of making him look and feel stupid. Peralta got frustrated with David at times, but I felt like part of it was his fault.
It looks like the agency will survive and David will have the chance to work out some of his personal issues. The two detectives and their ladies would make an excellent team for further adventures.
Overall this one gets an B+ Thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC.
David and his partner Peralta have been hired to find out what really happened to a young girl that took a dive out a window. Grace, aka, Scarlett has a high end client list of "Johns". However, she had cleaned up her act and gotten married and had a child. So, her "suicide" didn't seem likely.
This is the first case for the pair of newly minted private detectives. After a heartbreaking defeat in the race for Sherriff of Phoenix, Arizona, Peralta starts up his own agency. Being Hispanic amid racial turmoil played in big role is his defeat.
For, David, a historian, this job is a life line. He is separated from his wife. The two were involved in some pretty heavy drama and now the marriage is hanging by a thread. David is not at his best here as he struggles with anger, sadness, and guilt.
This case really gets under David's skin when a baby goes missing. As the detectives search out what really happened to Grace, they undercover a conspiracy that is the link to Grace and her client list.
Told in first person by David Mapstone, we are privy to his emotions and thoughts as the case proceeds as well as delving deeply into his personal life and vivid nightmares.
I liked this short mystery/detective novel. The author is obviously tuned into the complex political situation in Phoenix and gives us a clear understanding of the climate there.
I did have some moments of anger toward Peralta. While the agency was actually his, he could have informed David about some things in advance instead of making him look and feel stupid. Peralta got frustrated with David at times, but I felt like part of it was his fault.
It looks like the agency will survive and David will have the chance to work out some of his personal issues. The two detectives and their ladies would make an excellent team for further adventures.
Overall this one gets an B+ Thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC.
May 16, 2013
David Mapstone is quite a character. Hard wired, brilliant, with a violent edge; this guy is really interesting. And the characters in this book are top notch too, a whole slew of them. In fact, the characters and their interactions are almost as much fun as the really good story itself. Short and exciting, this is a mystery well worth reading.
December 24, 2016
Good mystery but greater assessment of the plight of Arizona's biggest city.
July 3, 2017
David Mapstone is too hard on himself. In this book, author Jon Talton's eighth in the series, detective Mapstone - now a private eye - is beating himself up about problems with his second marriage, occasional pained thoughts about his first marriage, his competence as a detective, his career, the state of modern day Phoenix, and lots of other stuff. This man is about as far opposite from the cold-hearted gunzel of Dashell Hammet as Sinatra is from Janice Joplin. As usual, pulls himself together enough to do a fine job of solving a complicated case with more than one character who could be a good guy or a really bad guy. I enjoy this series because it combines current politics, problems of urban America, and a wide selection of non-standard characters with mysteries full of great twists and turns.
June 23, 2018
Love these books, as Talton, in the section Paying My Debts says "It's humbling to see how many people are moved by the lives of these characters, including the biggest of all, Phoenix."
Phoenix is a living breathing character in these books. As a long time resident I follow the action as it moves from one area of the city to another. I recognize passing referrals to other crimes or incidents that have occurred in the city. Shifting the the story between Phoenix and San Diego is to bring to life the two cities and their dependence on each other. In trade for mobs of tourists, escaping Phoenix summer heat, San Diego is the cashier for the cooler temperatures. I read a library copy
Phoenix is a living breathing character in these books. As a long time resident I follow the action as it moves from one area of the city to another. I recognize passing referrals to other crimes or incidents that have occurred in the city. Shifting the the story between Phoenix and San Diego is to bring to life the two cities and their dependence on each other. In trade for mobs of tourists, escaping Phoenix summer heat, San Diego is the cashier for the cooler temperatures. I read a library copy
November 8, 2021
Jon Talton's characters are complex and intriguing. As are his plots. As is the city that his main character both loves and loathes. And just when I am starting to cringe at the violence, he writes a sentence that either makes me laugh or is so perfect I have to read it over and over. Or both.
I'm not a native of AZ but I moved here over 30 years ago (which makes me a native according to some people) and I live near Sedona in a town that is being over-developed mostly by outside developers (from "The Valley" and elsewhere). It's heartbreaking. I can testify that Jon knows what he's writing about and does it very well.
I'm not a native of AZ but I moved here over 30 years ago (which makes me a native according to some people) and I live near Sedona in a town that is being over-developed mostly by outside developers (from "The Valley" and elsewhere). It's heartbreaking. I can testify that Jon knows what he's writing about and does it very well.
February 26, 2019
Interesting character and good read-there were a couple plot points that I didnt get but otherwise good story. I think the author could ease up on his dislike of the current Phoenix-I dont like it either but dont think its relative to story.
October 25, 2019
October 2019 I read this throughout my Phoenix trip, including at the airports. Too much violence for my taste.I do like the characters, especially the PhD cop. I also enjoy the Phoenix history lessons. Quite nostalgic about the1970's geography.
November 21, 2018
A very good book, used the audio version.
September 22, 2024
A library find. September 2024.
March 9, 2017
David, Lindsey, Peralta and Sharon...all together again. An odd customer drops by the office to hire Peralta and Mapstone to figure out the death of a high price call girl. He's tatted and has a prosthetic and he's a pretty scary dude. He leaves the office and while on the phone in his car outside the office is shot to death. What's going on? Trips to San Diego to check things out. More death. The call girl had tried to quit the business and had a baby boy and hubby. Mapstone talks to the hubby, even changes the baby's diaper, but when Mapstone goes back, daddy is dead and baby is missing?. Where's baby? Who killed daddy?
April 21, 2013
First Line: The dead talk to me in my dreams. When I wake up, I can't remember what they said.
The elections are over, and there's a new sheriff in Maricopa County. Former Sheriff Mike Peralta and his friend and Deputy David Mapstone are out of jobs-- but not for long. Trouble is, their fledgling private detective business doesn't start out well. Not only does Mapstone not want to take their first case, their client is gunned down in the parking lot moments after hiring them. Peralta decides to carry on with the case, the suspicious death of a young Arizona woman who fell to her death from a San Diego highrise.
In San Diego, the two new private eyes find the woman's boyfriend who's trying to take care of their baby. He doesn't think his girlfriend committed suicide either and hires them to look into it. Before the day is out, the boyfriend is dead and Mapstone is nearly killed. They may not carry badges anymore, but Peralta and Mapstone are still up to their necks in danger.
Although-- like all well-written series novels-- you don't have to read the rest of the books in the series for this latest installment to make sense, I'm more than happy to tell you that I'm a long-time Talton and Mapstone fan. Jon Talton is one of two writers I depend on for an accurate portrayal of the Phoenix metropolitan area. If setting is important to you, Talton's Phoenix is the real deal.
He also writes a lean, mean mystery that is both action-packed and introspective. More than once while reading The Night Detectives, I thought I had it all figured out only to find that I didn't. I like that.
I like Talton's setting, I like his stories, but more than anything else, I like his character, David Mapstone. It's been a pleasure to watch this character develop through each book in the series. In The Night Detectives, Mapstone is in a very dark place emotionally. Loved ones have died tragically. He is separated from his wife and despairs of their ever getting back together. He's lost a job he loves. He's got a lot on his mind that he'd rather not dwell on, but no matter where he goes, he can't escape his thoughts. Even his home-- once his sanctuary-- has turned into a place he wants to avoid.
The only thing I don't like about David Mapstone is that it always seems to be summer in Phoenix when he's at an emotional low, and when he's depressed, he whines about the heat. But what's a little whining from such a nuanced character in such a marvelously told tale? Since Talton's first Mapstone mystery, Concrete Desert, I've been recommending this series. The only thing The Night Detectives has done is to make me more insistent in my recommendation.
The elections are over, and there's a new sheriff in Maricopa County. Former Sheriff Mike Peralta and his friend and Deputy David Mapstone are out of jobs-- but not for long. Trouble is, their fledgling private detective business doesn't start out well. Not only does Mapstone not want to take their first case, their client is gunned down in the parking lot moments after hiring them. Peralta decides to carry on with the case, the suspicious death of a young Arizona woman who fell to her death from a San Diego highrise.
In San Diego, the two new private eyes find the woman's boyfriend who's trying to take care of their baby. He doesn't think his girlfriend committed suicide either and hires them to look into it. Before the day is out, the boyfriend is dead and Mapstone is nearly killed. They may not carry badges anymore, but Peralta and Mapstone are still up to their necks in danger.
Although-- like all well-written series novels-- you don't have to read the rest of the books in the series for this latest installment to make sense, I'm more than happy to tell you that I'm a long-time Talton and Mapstone fan. Jon Talton is one of two writers I depend on for an accurate portrayal of the Phoenix metropolitan area. If setting is important to you, Talton's Phoenix is the real deal.
He also writes a lean, mean mystery that is both action-packed and introspective. More than once while reading The Night Detectives, I thought I had it all figured out only to find that I didn't. I like that.
I like Talton's setting, I like his stories, but more than anything else, I like his character, David Mapstone. It's been a pleasure to watch this character develop through each book in the series. In The Night Detectives, Mapstone is in a very dark place emotionally. Loved ones have died tragically. He is separated from his wife and despairs of their ever getting back together. He's lost a job he loves. He's got a lot on his mind that he'd rather not dwell on, but no matter where he goes, he can't escape his thoughts. Even his home-- once his sanctuary-- has turned into a place he wants to avoid.
The only thing I don't like about David Mapstone is that it always seems to be summer in Phoenix when he's at an emotional low, and when he's depressed, he whines about the heat. But what's a little whining from such a nuanced character in such a marvelously told tale? Since Talton's first Mapstone mystery, Concrete Desert, I've been recommending this series. The only thing The Night Detectives has done is to make me more insistent in my recommendation.
April 8, 2013
This is the seventh in the author’s excellent southwestern US crime series. It features two former members of a county sheriff’s department. In this one, a new sheriff has been elected. This is reflective of changing times in and around Phoenix, Arizona, which in real life it is all too apparent the author detests.
He is also very unhappy with changes in the city of Phoenix.
This unhappiness gets in the way of a smoothly organized, nicely flowing contest between the forces of evil and those on the side of the angels. Nevertheless, Talton’s talent as a conceptualizer of excellent plots and formidable characters is fully apparent as newly minted private investigators, Mike Peralta and cold case specialist David Mapstone, team up on their first case, the suspicious death of a young woman from Arizona who dies in a fall from a condo balcony in San Diego.
There are a number of issues immediately apparent and Mapstone really wants nothing to do with San Diego. His first wife still lives in the area and he’s struggling to come to terms with his current wife’s absence.
Part of Talton’s talent is his ability to gradually weave the personal elements of his characters past and present beings into the reality of the dangerous case Peralta and Mapstone face. The two principals are marvelously different in their backgrounds and their approaches to detection and law enforcement. The differences add materially to reader enjoyment of the novel. The author uses these differences effectively throughout this entertaining and satisfying novel.
A copy of the novel was supplied to me at no cost by the publisher.
November 1, 2025
Weak plot, too many hooks to previous books (which I haven’t read), gratuitous violence in order to prove how bad the bad guys really were.
July 20, 2016
Screw this book.
Seriously.
Screw its misogyny: Every female character is defined entirely by the person she has sex with. A prostitute, a woman who had an affair, and a rape victim.
Screw its lazy storytelling: someone hacks the CIA, twice, when the author can't figure out how else to have them get information.
Screw its brutal and pointless violence: a character we have never met is introduced as he lay dying, after being forced to witness his wife raped and strangled in front of him. This serves absolutely no purpose, we already hate the bad guy for the numerous other people he killed and for being a white supremacist. It then goes on to have zero impact on what little remains of the story.
And screw it for basically being geography porn: The author, originally from Phoenix, sets an event at a real location and then spends an excruciating amount of time describing all of the real landmarks and shops. I can only imagine this is for people to cheer when a place they know gets mentioned. He actually stops and describes how the street naming convention works, for avenues and streets.
Seriously.
Screw its misogyny: Every female character is defined entirely by the person she has sex with. A prostitute, a woman who had an affair, and a rape victim.
Screw its lazy storytelling: someone hacks the CIA, twice, when the author can't figure out how else to have them get information.
Screw its brutal and pointless violence: a character we have never met is introduced as he lay dying, after being forced to witness his wife raped and strangled in front of him. This serves absolutely no purpose, we already hate the bad guy for the numerous other people he killed and for being a white supremacist. It then goes on to have zero impact on what little remains of the story.
And screw it for basically being geography porn: The author, originally from Phoenix, sets an event at a real location and then spends an excruciating amount of time describing all of the real landmarks and shops. I can only imagine this is for people to cheer when a place they know gets mentioned. He actually stops and describes how the street naming convention works, for avenues and streets.
June 28, 2013
this was ok - and might have been better if I was more familiar with the characters and their back story. This is the first David Mapstone mystery and I felt like I was dropped in the middle of a story. Overall - I found David to be a sort of sad sack kinda guy - glass is half empty, he feels sorry for his self and he doesn't come of very mature. He goes of half cocked at times and it rang false to me. And, the letter he reads from his wife ...there was nothing true about it...don't misunderstand - I can get she had meaningless sex to forget about her loss but the letter itself...that wasn't written by a woman.
December 4, 2014
This is still a really terrific series. Phoenix becomes a character in the book and I love it's strong presence. The character of Mapstone is grappling with huge issues and I liked how Peralta called him on his behavior changes. The issues with Lauren are very frustrating - I want to shake her and Mapstone both. The plot was pretty well done. I have a quibble with the bad guy's motivations - it seems to me that their planned course of action became riskier than it was worth.
I'll be continuing with this series.
I'll be continuing with this series.
September 21, 2013
It was worth the wait. Mapstone is so mean to himself. There wasn't as much history in this one, almost as if Mapstone is trying to curb the habit, now that he's in private business instead of solving historical cases for the MCSO. I missed that. Some parts made the business between David and Robin murkier than it seemed originally. I don't know if that's my quick reading, or if it means something else. Perhaps the next one will tell me.
August 16, 2013
Not only a great story, with continuing characters, but it takes place in Phoenix where the author gives such great descriptions that you know exactly where he's writing about. Plus, a bonus in this book-----a small part takes place in San Diego----another city i am familiar with.Can't wait for another David Mapstone book!!
August 6, 2014
Am happy to know that this series will continue. I love reading about the history and development of Phoenix, possibly because I got to live there one year. Mr. Talton always finds a connection in this series to something that happened in the past, and the research is very good. Hope there's lots more to come.
July 21, 2013
Normally I slam books shut the moment they stretch my credulity. That could have happened with this one except I knew the crazy stories he was telling about Phoenix were true. Truth is stranger than fiction in Arizona, Texas, South Carolina--and now Florida.
September 16, 2016
The wheels on the bus go round...
Going full circle and then some more, Jon Talton takes us on another Mapstone mystery. This one is more crude and angry, but the job gets done albeit with great human cost.
Looking for more.
Going full circle and then some more, Jon Talton takes us on another Mapstone mystery. This one is more crude and angry, but the job gets done albeit with great human cost.
Looking for more.
May 19, 2013
Liked the way it moved but I did miss some complexity
June 28, 2013
Good for guys - easy read, fast moving, interesting characters, some sex and some gun porn (doting on the guns like he does on the gals). I will read others from this author.
August 12, 2013
Good read-it's scary the hate groups out there and the hatred that is their mantra
May 4, 2014
did not finish
September 3, 2016
Another Mapstone mystery. He and Peralta are now private detectives, which is a nice way for the series to move forward.
September 16, 2015
David Mapstone, my favorite "not a detective" detective! All stories set in Phoenix, so I can relate.
March 18, 2016
Enjoyable mystery. Mapstone always brings me back to Phoenix...no matter where I am.
October 9, 2016
Lost a star because of all the descriptions of streets and crap. Bully for you you know your way around Phoenix and San Diego. Boring
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews