Innocence Lost

Detective Remy Ferguson Thriller Mystery Series #2

by Dan Grylles

Bright lights, dark powers, and innocent lives collide in this gripping thriller mystery!

Shots ring out during an elite political fundraising dinner at a luxurious Miami estate held to support the mayor’s reelection campaign. Detective Remy Ferguson and his team race down a shadowy trail to catch the shooter, but it disappears in a web of conspiracies, betrayals, and murder.

Remy lets his guard down with the mayor’s beautiful and intelligent campaign manager and does not want to believe evidence implicating her guilt. He also senses a familiar and manipulative presence at the heart of the intrigue. Could this indicate the resurfacing of the most sociopathic and lethal criminal mind in Miami’s history? Remy must close his eyes to the bright lights of Miami to peer into the dark underworld, which is swallowing innocent lives and must be stopped, even if it threatens the top echelons of power.

Following the gripping and addictive Mystery of L’Inconnu, Book 1 of the Detective Remy Ferguson Thriller Mystery Series, Innocence Lost takes Miami’s best detective deep into the secretive swamp of the city’s powerbrokers and politicians. There, he recognizes an evil mastermind that has more than the city of Miami in its sights.

Readers of detective thrillers, psychological thrillers, and political thrillers will be gripped from the first page to the last page in Book 2 of this explosive series! Book 3, Mass Infliction, is coming to readers in mid 2024. It will conclude the trilogy that starts the Detective Remy Ferguson Thriller Mystery Series. More to come!

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Politics

347 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2024

About the author

Dan Grylles is an award winning short story author. At a young age he developed three lifelong passions - writing computer programs, writing music to play on his guitar, and reading mystery/crime novels. Later, lured by the intrigue of thriller mysteries, he followed the clues of his own life and began writing those too. Dan's professional background includes many years managing a pet sitting business which inspired his fun and quirky novella, M is for Dog Show. Contact: Dan@DanGrylles.com.

Reviews

[Dan Grylles]

Just ahead of every book launch I like to leave an “Author Comment” to provide readers with something about my motivation for writing it or maybe about something I learned while writing it.

As Detective Remy Ferguson is fond of saying, “Politics just get in the way of everything.” As a man who likes to cut through the quagmire of distractions and find the solution to the mystery, especially in the case of homicide, our protagonist has no time to play nice or pander to egos of politicians. This being an election year might subconsciously have something to do with why I wound up releasing Innocence Lost in 2024.

This second book of the Detective Remy Ferguson Thriller Mystery Series weighed heavily on me to write, as it seems many people in power today - whether political, corporate, or otherwise - are often more concerned about how they appear before a television camera or supporting their “team” than in dealing with things that affect the welfare of people of all ages. What they focus on as their agenda, or perhaps more importantly, what they choose to neglect, affects families, public safety, economic opportunity, etc.

Quite different from Mystery of L’Inconnu, this story is a more procedural detective mystery, yet with the same complexity and a trail of bodies to follow, and revealing a secret perhaps more horrifying than the murders themselves. Perhaps there is a little bit of me in the story’s invisible antagonist: though I would not condone the methods used, I might under certain circumstances - where innocent lives are at stake - endorse pursuing the crime “no matter where it leads.” I hope you enjoy the book and find it relevant to our times.

[Chelsea Rider · Rating 4 out of 5]

PLOT:
The second book in the Detective Remy Ferguson series brings Det. Ferguson to a campaign event, where the story kicks off with an attempt on the incumbent mayor’s life and the death of a security guard. As Remy and the rest of the Miami Police Department team investigate, the body count rises and they find themselves entrenched in the Miami political scene.

REVIEW:
This is a well-written detective thriller with political elements that draws you in from the get-go. Detective Remy Ferguson is competent but fallible, which makes him easily likable. He isn’t written as the perfect hero of the police department but comes across more realistic and believable.

The plot has numerous paths it takes you down, but they are brought together nicely at the end with twist I didn’t see coming. It’s fast-paced and action-packed.

While Innocence Lost is the second book in a series, there isn’t much too much that seems to refer to Book #1, Mystery of L'Inconnu (which I intended to read beforehand but ran out of time. Will definitely return to it before Book #3 comes out this summer.). In other words, you can easily pick this book up and read it without feeling like you should have read the first book or that you’re missing too much context.

The only negative to the story is how many separate characters there were to keep track of, especially those employed by MPD. I repeatedly considered making a character map to help follow them.

Bottom Line: Easy to read and full of twists and turns that keeps you reading to find out more – and impossible to guess what comes next.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2, it might help to read the first book but the story works as a standalone. Detective Remy is at a political fundraising dinner where a shooting takes place. Remy investigates the shooting, having only been tased. There are plenty of questions to ask since an imposter posed as a guard, making it difficult to track down the true person's identity. The situation becomes drastic when Conover grows tired of Remy using his instincts instead of acting with his head, risking the loss of potential evidence. This is a police procedural story following Detective Remy's investigation from his point of view so readers can follow the evidence and motives.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Adriene Goyings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Innocence Lost is a fast pace thriller that has left me guessing. I enjoyed the twists and turns as well as Remy's quick wit and intelligence. I cannot wait for book 3!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic adrenaline fueled gripping detective story that the author masters in every book. I've read all his books. The plot is complex and has excellent twists and turns throughout. I enjoyed piecing together the mystery to solve the trail of bodies.
A great, fast-paced thriller.

[Ed Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised at the complexities

Definitely a good read. Very twisted interaction of cases to solve. Finally a book that holds up the interest level and leaves a nibble to get you into the next book.

[Brandee Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innocence Lost by Dan Grylles is the second installment of his Detective Remy Ferguson Thriller Mystery Book Series, and it is even more action-filled than the first book. Grylles continues to enthrall the reader from the beginning of the novel and keeps the mystery going until the final page.

Detective Remy Ferguson is providing security guidance for a donor event for Mayor Montero when shots ring out. What starts out as a possible attempted murder investigation leads Remy and his intrepid crew of CSIs and fellow police officers into an emotional and tangled web of clues, lies, half-truths, and additional crimes.

Some characters carry over from first book, and their continued development piques the reader's interest. Grylles seamlessly blends new and old characters and technology into a believable and heartbreaking framework of big-city crime and the toll it takes on the folks who have to solve the crimes. The flawed humanity of the main characters adds a layer of intrigue to the novel and makes them more relatable to the reader.

I received an ARC of this book. This review is honest and voluntary.

[Christine V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Join Remy Ferguson in his next thrilling detective adventure. Following the first novel, Mr. Ferguson finds himself in the open season during a policital fundraiser dinner. Murder after Murder, Remy is determined to figure out who is behind it.

Nothing has changed for Remy, twists and turns follow him every step of the way throughout his investigation, making this a novel that will keep you on your toes. Some characters continue through from the first book, which is nice to see the continuing thread. I hope to see them continued into the next one as well. Continued to enjoy Remy himself throughout book 2 as well.

Special thanks to Dan Grylles for providing me an advanced e-readers copy for review prior to the release date.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set aside two days for this fast-paced contemporary Miami political vice procedural in which Lieutenant Detective Remington Ferguson gets into murkier waters the further he pursues the case.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jumps into action right away. Plenty of twist and turns. I now need to go buy the first book and I look forward to the next. A few typos here and there, but still a good easy read.

[Peter Ostrander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and enjoyed the book. The plot, characters and dialogue were very true to like. My big disappointed was the ending. It was like watching a TV show and after spending time it ends with to Be Continued!!! That is how the book ends. Your expecting for the book to finish with a conclusion but you get, Hope you enjoyed reading etc. Very disappointing ending after having spent time reading the book. I might look to read the authors other books as they are well written and engaging but hope the don't end the same else I'm done.x

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many typos and grammatical errors. Too many characters with names starting with the same letter which makes it hard to remember who is who. The book suddenly just ends without any resolution to the story meaning that the reader has to buy the next book to find out what happens. Grrrr

[Tambi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What was supposed to be a standard political fundraising dinner instantly spirals into a night of horror and chaos when an attempted assassination on Mayor Montero takes place, followed by another shooting within seconds. With Lieutenant Remington (Remy) Ferguson present, the audacious killer manages to escape, slipping through Remy's grasp despite being within reach. No witnesses, no fingerprints, no clues, no evidence - but one thing is chillingly certain: this murderer didn't want Remy dead.
In his twenty-plus years as a seasoned Miami-Dade detective, Remy has encountered only one other case so cryptic, so meticulously planned, and so flawlessly executed. But it couldn’t be? Could it? The hit that left Mayor Montero fighting for his life is just the beginning of a labyrinthine mystery. With nothing tangible to go on, Remy's initial suspicion leads him into the murky waters of political intrigue. Was there a hidden adversary aiming to eliminate the Mayor? Or could the assassination attempt be a calculated move to secure his election victory?
Remy sensed an undercurrent of something far more sinister at play—could the hit have been orchestrated by the cartel? As he delved deeper, bringing in the key figures of the local gangs, a startling revelation emerges. Mayor Montero had abruptly shut down a lucrative real estate proposal, leaving a trail of furious investors in his wake. The reasons behind the mayor's decision is shrouded in mystery, but the consequences could be palpable. As he delves further, his investigation takes him down a perilous path, where every clue seems to lead to more questions than answers, and suspects become victims.
At the heart of it all stood Randolph Dimitri, the mayor’s childhood friend and most ardent supporter, the very man who had orchestrated the lavish fundraising event. Was it possible that Dimitri, feeling betrayed by Montero's sudden withdrawal from the deal, had set up his old friend as a sitting duck, inviting retribution from the disgruntled investment group?
In this shadowy realm, the atmosphere pulses with tension as characters flit through the darkness, cloaked in secrecy and deceit, misdirection and manipulation. Webs of lies stretch in every direction, entwining potential power struggles, political schemes, hidden narcotics, and intricate setups. The streets echo with the chilling aftermath of a hit-and-run car crash and the silent terror of countless unsolved murders, each seemingly unconnected yet ominously linked by a thread of danger. Ruthless cartels, masterful hackers and hidden drives, and a labyrinth of cover-ups, bribery, extortion, and possible political payoffs further muddy the waters.
The puzzle pieces were scattered, each one more perplexing than the last. The clock ticking down, a relentless reminder that Remy was racing against time. Every clue seemed to lead to another dead end, and the weight of the mystery pressed heavily. The stakes were high and every second was slipping away. Lieutenant Remy Ferguson finds himself in over his head, struggling for breath as he wades through the perilous depths of a case that threatens to engulf him whole.
Innocence Lost, the second installment in Dan Grylles' Detective Remy Ferguson Thrillers, is a masterclass in suspense that will keep readers teetering on the edge of their seats. From the very first page, Dan Grylles ensnares his audience with a plot brimming with unexpected twists and turns, challenging every assumption and second-guessing every conclusion. Just when you think you’ve deciphered the characters’ next moves, Dan Grylles throws in a plot twist so sharp it completely alters the course of the narrative, leaving readers breathless and craving more.
In this riveting sequel, Dan Grylles expertly balances high-octane action with moments of reflection of the case, creating a rhythmic ebb and flow that amplifies the suspense. Fast-paced character chases and confrontations are seamlessly interwoven with quieter, contemplative scenes, allowing readers brief moments to catch their breath while remaining wholly engrossed in the unfolding drama. The thematic exploration of betrayal and trust keeps the tension taut, as shifting alliances and unveiled secrets compel readers to question some character's motives.
The emotional depth of Innocence Lost further amplifies the nail-biting tension. Dan Grylles crafts characters so richly developed that readers become deeply invested in their fates, feeling the weight of their decisions and the high stakes of their predicaments. Detective Remy Ferguson's evolution is particularly compelling, as he battles internal demons and external threats, haunted by his fear of inadequacy and the painful memories of unsolved past crimes, specifically the elusive L’Inconnu. As Remy navigates the labyrinthine plot, readers are drawn into the complexities of his mind, grappling with his insecurities and his relentless pursuit of justice. The narrative pits him against formidable adversaries and intricate situations, each encounter forcing him to evolve both as a detective and as a person. The societal and political pressures he faces add further layers to his character, making his journey all the more gripping.
Dan Grylles doesn’t stop at developing a captivating protagonist; his secondary characters are equally fascinating. For example, Alana “The Hawk” Hawkings, the hard-nosed lawyer, exudes a “don’t mess with me” aura, while Carlson Engel’s entanglements add depth and complexity to the storyline. Every character, no matter how minor, seems to play a crucial role in the grand tapestry of the mystery, with Dan Grylles masterfully twisting the plot to keep readers guessing.
The author’s ability to weave unexpected turns into the storyline is nothing short of genius. Each twist feels like a natural progression, seamlessly integrated into the characters’ journeys rather than being a jarring addition. Dan Grylles employs clever misdirection, manipulating readers’ focus and leading them down one path only to reveal a completely different reality. This strategic execution keeps the intrigue alive and the suspense palpable.
Innocence Lost culminates in a resolution that is both surprising and deeply satisfying. Dan Grylles skillfully interlaces various plot threads, leading to a climax that is as shocking as it is logical in retrospect. The revelations about the antagonist provide a gratifying ‘ohh’ moment, tying up loose ends in a way that ensures no significant detail is overlooked. This sense of closure, sometimes elusive in mystery novels, underscores Dan Grylles' prowess in the genre.
In sum, Innocence Lost is a compelling addition to the thriller mystery genre, with expertly managed pacing, robust character development, and intricately crafted plot twists. Dan Grylles' talent for creating suspense and maintaining a fast-paced narrative ensures that readers are not only entertained but also intellectually challenged, making this book a rewarding and unforgettable read.

[Anne Hirschman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A high profile assassination attempt with alot of twist and turns.

This the second book based off Detective Remy (might be spelled wrong). A great detective novel that out in the middle of the crime (and into the minds of them all).

The reason for the lower rating is only because 1. It’s slow at times 2. I think reading the first one would help with understanding the characters more

[Cynthia A · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main players are?

Things are not what they seen. The mayor is shot and almost dies. Detective Remy Ferguson is at the function, but missed identifying the shooter. From this point on there is so much misdirection in the evidence. Persistence will find the truth, but is it the truth?

[Pedro Bedro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remy is a bit like a savant, finding connections and clues in the most tenuous situations and he does get it wrong sometimes proving that he is human. Will he ever get the girl though ? Good plot and characters but I'd have liked to see it go a bit further and save some of the girls at least.

[Garrett Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good and interesting story well told.

Detective Ferguson and his team get involved in multiple crimes and murder before they finally solve some the crimes but we have to read more of these books to finish the stories.

[John Roach, · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good readable story

[Silvia Bueno · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not know know there was a previous book to this story and it leaves you hanging for next book

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

captivating

Very interesting and fast moving, was anxious to finish and know what happened. The end makes you want more to the story line

[betty copley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner!

I love the characters. The intertwining of the whole story was great. It's definitely a series I will keep reading!

[Darin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being the best in your field is often more curse than blessing, something Detective Remy Ferguson knows all too well.

Assigned to a swanky Miami soiree supporting the mayor’s re-election campaign, Remy is tasked with supervising security. Wealthy attendees are lending their support—as well as making significant campaign contributions—in exchange for an evening of rubbing elbows with the rest of Miami’s cultural elite. It’s exactly the sort of event that helps propel the incumbent mayor to victory in a race that’s a little too close for comfort, and the mayor is not without his detractors.

Security is very tight—what could possibly go wrong?

As it turns out, everything. When gunshots ring out during the mayor’s speech, Remy and his team are catapulted into one of the most puzzling investigations of his career. All breaks in the case lead to one dead end after another, and it soon becomes apparent that whoever orchestrated the hit is one step ahead at every single turn, obliterating anything useful that could help Remy and his team catch the perpetrator. In the meanwhile, the body count is rising, and while it is soon apparent that the victims are all connected, those connections are anything but obvious.

Grylles keeps us turning pages as the complications only get more complicated, but unlike the first book in the series, we’re along for the ride with Remy from the very beginning as he struggles to connect the pieces, all the while haunted by The One That Got Away—the mysterious L’Inconnu whose sociopathic mastery of manipulation has given our hero more than a touch of PTSD. Just when you think the mystery couldn’t get any more far flung or complex, Grylles masterfully brings everything back into sharp focus by book’s end.

Well—nearly everything. After all, every good mystery series always leaves you wanting more.

Mission accomplished.

[Roger Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Book Review by R.M.Campbell 📚 Book: Innocence Lost
Author: Dan Grylles
Genre: Mystery/Crime
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#bookloungereviewteam
Book Photo:
This is Volume 2 in the Detective Remy Ferguson Thriller Mystery Series and proved to be as exciting, intriguing, puzzling, and as satisfying as the first. The story begins with the protagonist, Lieutenant Remington (Remy) Ferguson, heading up a police assignment for the security of Miami’s mayor fundraising dinner event. Security is tight, with extra private security onboard to provide extra layers of protection for the mayor. All seems to be going fine until the mayor goes onstage to address the audience and suddenly he is shot and a security officer is killed. As the chaotic scene unfolds, Remy soon learns that there is much more going on than an assassination attempt and he must dig deep to unravel the perplexing conundrum. Remy also learns that his nemesis from Book One, L’Inconnu, is somehow involved and attempting to steer Remy to a successful resolution to the crimes.
I enjoyed reading this book and how Dan Grylles formulated a plot, with seemingly unrelated events, that come together in grand style at the conclusion. The character interactions were well-written and cleverly developed. The plot, although complicated with unexpected twists, was intriguing and kept me turning pages with the mounting suspense and tension spell-binding. A romantic element was also introduced to entice the reader to captivate the mood and continue reading. The book was a page-turner for me, fast-paced and hard to put down. I highly recommend Innocence Lost for a fantastic, enjoyable mystery/crime book. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Innocence Lost, #2 - A faster pace than 'Mystery of L'Inconnu' and filled with a lot of intrigue making for an interesting story. Bad news though, the multiple investigations are not finished making the story just stop point blank, to be continued. Source: BookSprout. 4*

Dragging Down, #0 - A simplistic, quickly read novella introducing Ferguson with an interesting twist in a case he is investigating. Source: The author. 4*

Mystery of L'Inconnu, #1 - A more indepth killing spree. It drug on in the beginning but became more interesting as the story unfolded. Good story lines with a variety of characters, and plenty of misdirection to keep my interest. A bit wordy but a still entertaining. There is the L'Inconnu Passenger Manifest describing the passengers, which did not interest me. I wanted to read L'Inconnu fresh without knowing anything about the passengers. Source: Booksprout. 4*

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a complex thriller when plenty of twists, some politics, seemingly unconnected murders, corrupt businessmen, and more. Remy relies not only on his trusted team but also his gut instinct while investigating who attempted to assassinate the mayor at a reelection campaign. And it seems there may be someone in the background leaving breadcrumbs for Remy to follow. I loved how there wasn't a single straight line from the assassination attempt to the ending and that there was no obvious guilty party(s).

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lieutenant Detective Ferguson would rather be chasing clues than standing around at a fund-raising event for Mayor Montero being held at the Randolph Dimitri residence. When the Mayor is shot while giving a speech, Remy and his team, along with officers and CSI techs from other precincts, all work hard to find the culprit, or culprits, responsible. This story is filled with action and deducing, ending with a cliffhanger. Very highly recommended.

I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited and am willingly leaving a review.

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was another strong detective story where you learn a little more about detective Remy Ferguson and his view of the world and his talent for investigating murders.
A well put together story where the reader is invited to think along and the ending is not quite what you expect.
And then... the reference to an earlier part where we met detective Remy... Although the stories can easily be read separately, it was great to see that Remy seems to be helped by a murderer he still haven't found.....

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tara Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Miami, this action packed thriller is full of crime, politics, mystery and suspense. It will grab your attention right from the beginning and will keep you intrigued throughout.

Detective Remy Ferguson is definitely a guy you would want to have in your corner.

I look forward to reading book 3!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly what a ride! I loved every page of this book. I couldn't put it down. Trying to see how everything connected with everyone. I need book 3 now lol. Wow. I really want to see where this goes!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Micky Parise · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading Dan Grylles and as the story and characters and plot was nicely done, only gave it a 3 star because don't care for books that don't have a definite ending and should be stand alone.