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US Marshal Dirk Sterling #2
Corruption
A US Marshal Thriller US Deputy Marshal Dirk Sterling is tasked with the near-impossible and perilous mission of capturing Beaux Crandall, an elusive fugitive and former mogul on the FBI's most wanted list. Crandall, a mastermind of vice with charges ranging from money laundering to illegal firearms and child pornography, broke his pre-trial release conditions and disappeared without a trace. Crandall is rumored to be hiding out in a small rural town in Montana. As Sterling delves into the case, he also grapples with a tangled web of personal relationships and unresolved emotions. From navigating unwanted feelings for his boss, Chief Deputy Emory Grey, to wrestling with the volatile emotions surrounding his late partner's widow and her son, Sterling is pushed to his limits both personally and professionally. Against the breath-taking backdrop of the Montana mountains, Sterling and his rookie partner, Hank Flannigan, find themselves entangled in a web of deception, danger, and desire. When Crandall escalates his criminal operations and kidnaps a local woman, Sterling must orchestrate a daring plan. Risking his life, he battles to bring Crandall to justice.
- GenresThriller
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2023
244 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Burnett
35 books360 followersJodi Burnett is a Colorado native and a mountain girl at heart. She loves writing Mystery and Suspense Thrillers from her small ranch southeast of Denver, where she lives with her husband and their two big dogs. There she dotes on her horses, complains about her cows, and writes to create a home for her imaginings. Burnett is a member of Novelists, Inc. and Sisters in Crime. Connect with Jodi at jodi@jodi-burnett.com, on Facebook @ JodiBurnettAuthor, on Instagram @ JodiBurnettAuthor, or on Twitter @ Jodi_writes. Get free books by Burnett on her website.
https://jodi-burnett.com
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Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 25, 2023
What a nail biting read! Dirk and Harry are on the hunt for a sadistic fugitive, a task full of danger, lies, and animosity.
I like that there are glimpses of the characters' lives outside of work, and how that realistically affects them. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I like that there are glimpses of the characters' lives outside of work, and how that realistically affects them. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 19, 2023
Jodi Burnett has once again kept me on the edge of my seat with this second installment of her US Marshall Dirk Stirling series. She has also created some romantic tension throughout the story.
This time Dirk Stirling gets involved with an investigation of a crime that looks like long missing fugitive Beaux Crandall may be behind. He and his partner Hank travel to a nearby town in hopes of finding someone who may recognize Beaux and their interest escalates when they discover he has been seen in the area.
Murder, missing children, and complicated relationships are part of this story. Although it is the second book in a series, it is not necessary to have read the previous one to be fully caught up in the emotions and breath-taking thrills of Corruption.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an early copy of this book with no obligation to provide a positive review. Any comments and opinions here are my own.
This time Dirk Stirling gets involved with an investigation of a crime that looks like long missing fugitive Beaux Crandall may be behind. He and his partner Hank travel to a nearby town in hopes of finding someone who may recognize Beaux and their interest escalates when they discover he has been seen in the area.
Murder, missing children, and complicated relationships are part of this story. Although it is the second book in a series, it is not necessary to have read the previous one to be fully caught up in the emotions and breath-taking thrills of Corruption.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an early copy of this book with no obligation to provide a positive review. Any comments and opinions here are my own.
October 23, 2023
Beaux Grandall was a business man who had his hands in shady deals. He was betrayed by someone and was caught by the SWAT team but was able to escape. When a woman is kidnapped Deputy Marshal Dirk Sterling and his rookie partner find themselves in danger as they try to capture Grandall and bring him to justice. A very exciting and chilling read which is fast pace and a lot of suspense. I received a ARC copy and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
October 24, 2023
Once again I couldn't put this down. I think I've fallen for US Marshal Dirk Sterling, man of my dreams haha.
October 24, 2023
Jodi Burnett did it again. This is a fast action pack e-book. I did not want to put it down but you know things have to get done around the house. Dirk and Henry went after an evil man that was from Louisiana that jumped bail. He just plain disappeared. He went to Canada and decided to get back into drugs, guns, pornography, and human trafficking. Yes, a very evil man. You find out all this in the prologue of the book. Yes I recommend this book but be prepared for not wanting to put the book down.
October 27, 2023
This is a book full of the action, interesting scenarios, well-crafted characters and can't-put-it-down excitement readers have come to expect from Jodi Burnett. The storyline is complex but easy to follow as Dirk Sterling and the us Marshall's team takes on a nefarious criminal from the FBI's Most Wanted List. I highly recommend this second in the US Marshall Dirk Sterling series. I look forward to more in this series. I received an ARC and this is my honest assessment of this novel.
October 14, 2023
This was another knuckle biter! There were a couple of unexpected moments, a few more awfully sad moments, plus a hint of romance. I really love her books, even if they are abut dark. I love that they’re clean reading.
October 31, 2023
This story combines mystery, action and real human emotions. If you like strong leading characters, Dirk is in your wheelhouse. If you like a story where the protagonist is not alone, this also hits home with his team that always has his back. The action is well laid planned out, not unbelievable, but certainly requiring effort above and beyond by the team. You also realize that heroes have families, friends and teammates; the work will always complicate those relationships.
June 2, 2024
Good read
U.S. Marshal Sterling and his Montana office, track down a heinous criminal into child pornography, drugs, and dark web murder videos. The Marshals do their job, only to discover the stink runs deep. These books are a heart wrenching read because of the subject matter.
U.S. Marshal Sterling and his Montana office, track down a heinous criminal into child pornography, drugs, and dark web murder videos. The Marshals do their job, only to discover the stink runs deep. These books are a heart wrenching read because of the subject matter.
October 24, 2023
Jodi Burnett's new book Corruption takes us back to the US Marshals Office in Billings, Montana, the second book in her US Marshal Thriller series. The story starts off with Chief Emory Grey asking one of her Deputy Marshals to look into a gun smuggling deal that went wrong in Wyoming, where a dead body was found with a note nailed to the body's head. Since she believes that the killer could be in Montana she wants to be the office that catches the killer.
With not much to go on the team Deputy Dirk Sterling started by searching the FBI's ViCap database and comes across a case from over a year ago where a suspect was arrested in Louisiana for numerous crimes. Several notes were posted by area police personnel that indicated the the suspect may have been responsible for some murders where the victims also had notes nailed to their heads. The suspect was never brought to trial, since he jumped bail and seemed to disappear.
Along with desiring to solve the case, Dirk and the rest of the office must deal with personal matters. Among these items would be with both Dirk and Emory trying to avoid getting involved with each other since they work together. Emory has dated FBI agent Dave Aldrich a few times and has involved him in the case since the information used to obtain the suspect came from the FBI. Dave wants the relationship to become more involved. Dirk has several females in his life that would like to become involved but for different reasons Dirk is not ready for that to happen. And Dirk's partner Henry is having marital problems since he has been spending a lot of time working cases with Dirk.
Throw all this together with Beaux Crandall, the suspected killer, who is also into money laundering, gunrunning and the distribution of child pornography, is out to become the areas newest crime boss, you have a very fast reading enjoyable book that also involves the local Indian Reservation, the jurisdiction of another counties Sheriff and possible money laundering in the area Indian Casino. Well written and worth reading.
With not much to go on the team Deputy Dirk Sterling started by searching the FBI's ViCap database and comes across a case from over a year ago where a suspect was arrested in Louisiana for numerous crimes. Several notes were posted by area police personnel that indicated the the suspect may have been responsible for some murders where the victims also had notes nailed to their heads. The suspect was never brought to trial, since he jumped bail and seemed to disappear.
Along with desiring to solve the case, Dirk and the rest of the office must deal with personal matters. Among these items would be with both Dirk and Emory trying to avoid getting involved with each other since they work together. Emory has dated FBI agent Dave Aldrich a few times and has involved him in the case since the information used to obtain the suspect came from the FBI. Dave wants the relationship to become more involved. Dirk has several females in his life that would like to become involved but for different reasons Dirk is not ready for that to happen. And Dirk's partner Henry is having marital problems since he has been spending a lot of time working cases with Dirk.
Throw all this together with Beaux Crandall, the suspected killer, who is also into money laundering, gunrunning and the distribution of child pornography, is out to become the areas newest crime boss, you have a very fast reading enjoyable book that also involves the local Indian Reservation, the jurisdiction of another counties Sheriff and possible money laundering in the area Indian Casino. Well written and worth reading.
November 7, 2023
Once again, Jodi Burnett, embraces her talent and creates another gripping mystery with our favorite character, US Deputy Marshal Dirk Sterling. This plot focuses on a diabolical killer, Beau Crandall, who once arrested, fled to eventually land in Montana to start his trafficking business, gun running and child pornography anew. Dirk, along with his young partner Hank, focus on capturing Beau, while Beau has his own posse protecting his financial ventures and those lives he’s stolen. Besides focusing on their number one passion, their jobs and this intense case, Dirk and Hank battle with tensions and uncertainties in their personal lives. Dirk is still playing the two-step with his boss Emory Grey and fighting their attraction. Hank is battling his wife’s obsession to bear a child while Hank focuses on his job, which threatens his wife’s identity and self-confidence. The murders keep occurring, the tension keeps building, people keep dieing….will there even come a resolution? The plot’s pace is fast, building, even until the end. And always a surprise at the end that made me go…..whaaat?! Fantastic story not to miss. I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.
November 25, 2023
I want to say that this is Jodi Burnett’s best series yet, but I hesitate because each of her series is unique. They all build on the series that preceded them and share all the same principal characters, most of which we met for the first time in her first series, Run for the Hills, Hidden in the Hills, and Danger in the Hills.
Like all her series, Corruption, is an adrenaline-fueled, action-packed, roller-coaster thrill ride. It is a page burner packed with surprises that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat. The way Corruption ends had me saying, wow! I did not see that coming. But the way it ends gives Jodi the perfect lead for the next book in the series.
Although these books can be read and enjoyed as standalone thrillers, they really should be read in the order in which Jodi wrote them because they build upon each other with their overarching romantic elements. Every reader looks for different things in the books that they read, different things that keep them coming back for more. For me it is all about the blood and guts. For some it may be the romantic elements. For still others it may be a combination of the two.
Like all her series, Corruption, is an adrenaline-fueled, action-packed, roller-coaster thrill ride. It is a page burner packed with surprises that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat. The way Corruption ends had me saying, wow! I did not see that coming. But the way it ends gives Jodi the perfect lead for the next book in the series.
Although these books can be read and enjoyed as standalone thrillers, they really should be read in the order in which Jodi wrote them because they build upon each other with their overarching romantic elements. Every reader looks for different things in the books that they read, different things that keep them coming back for more. For me it is all about the blood and guts. For some it may be the romantic elements. For still others it may be a combination of the two.
January 16, 2024
A Fast-Paced Tale of Twists and Turns
I have been a faithful reader of Jodi Burnett’s books for several years. She really knows how to keep a reader compulsively turning pages.
Dirk Sterling is back, still trying to get past his attraction to his new boss, settle into a comfortable relationship with his new partner, and navigate a friendship with the lonely widow of his previous partner.
In this series Burnett has created a collection of interesting characters with a range of challenges. We met some of them in a previous series, and old friends from other books make cameo appearances sometimes, which is fun.
She’s clearly done her law enforcement research. The plot twists usually feel natural because they’re well set up, although sometimes they happen somewhat conveniently.
I often wish she’d give us a bit more nuance. The “bad guys” are irredeemably evil, while the “good guys” are always upright and superlative. This makes things in the world of her novels feel kinda black-and-white.
That said, I still recommend this book as an entertaining and engaging read!
I have been a faithful reader of Jodi Burnett’s books for several years. She really knows how to keep a reader compulsively turning pages.
Dirk Sterling is back, still trying to get past his attraction to his new boss, settle into a comfortable relationship with his new partner, and navigate a friendship with the lonely widow of his previous partner.
In this series Burnett has created a collection of interesting characters with a range of challenges. We met some of them in a previous series, and old friends from other books make cameo appearances sometimes, which is fun.
She’s clearly done her law enforcement research. The plot twists usually feel natural because they’re well set up, although sometimes they happen somewhat conveniently.
I often wish she’d give us a bit more nuance. The “bad guys” are irredeemably evil, while the “good guys” are always upright and superlative. This makes things in the world of her novels feel kinda black-and-white.
That said, I still recommend this book as an entertaining and engaging read!
October 19, 2023
'Corruption' was riveting. The thrilling plot was filled with suspense, intrigue, tension, relationships, bits of levity, sadistic behavior, a big misunderstanding, bouts of jealousy, trafficking minors, child pornography, money laundering, several "Oh no!" moments, kidnapping, a hair-raising rescue, and a new adventure. Moreover, I liked the vividness the author incorporated for example: "Dirk’s awareness slogged through his petroleum jelly-covered consciousness," the figurative language, such as "Her moist irises glinted like fractured shards of bottle-green glass," and the humor, such as “'Think we stand out?' He grinned. Dirk’s young partner, with his blond hair and millennial good looks stood out in this place like a southern Californian surfer at a small-town rodeo. 'Nah, you fit right in.'” Overall, I liked the exhilarating narrative though not necessarily the special dose of corruption revealed at the end. Oh no!
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
October 23, 2023
Another thriller with US Deputy Marshal Dirk Sterling. Dirk and his boss at the marshals’ office, Chief Deputy Emory Grey had met before knowing that she was his boss. They are still trying unsuccessfully to avoid the attraction that they both feel. When a vicious criminal, Beaux Crandall, is believed to be in Montana, he and his partner Henry “Hank” Flannigan are assigned the case. After being arrested, Beaux had been released on a million-dollar bond and fled. Now he is trying to restart his guns, drugs and child trafficking operation. Dirk had discovered a link between Beaux and the cruel manner in which he dispatches his victims. He is still dealing with the loss of his original partner and assisting Sam’s widow and young son. Will he and Emory find the time to work out their relationship? As they follow the trail of bodies, Dirk and Hank finally receive the intel they need to make an arrest. Will they finally be able to put Beaux Crandall away for good? Stay tuned. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
November 29, 2023
Excellent addition to the Dirk Sterling series.
Corruption, the second in the Dirk Sterling series certainly lives up to its billing as a thriller. Not only was this an action-packed story, the character interaction and underlying tension between most of the characters makes it even better. I always try to predict things about Jodi Burnett’s US Marshal stories and most times I’m dead wrong. I was thrilled to be right about one of my predictions this time. What that prediction was and how essential to the story it is will have to remain a secret, to let you in on it might provide a spoiler. And if you are reading this review hopefully you hate spoilers as much as I hate them.
If you enjoy Jodi’s books, grab a copy, and settle in for a very entertaining experience, not only will you encounter thrills, and suspense you may encounter a bit of humor and interesting life dilemmas. My review is based on listening to Nick Cracknel’s excellent narration, he brought each character to life and with his excellent pacing took this story to the next level.
Corruption, the second in the Dirk Sterling series certainly lives up to its billing as a thriller. Not only was this an action-packed story, the character interaction and underlying tension between most of the characters makes it even better. I always try to predict things about Jodi Burnett’s US Marshal stories and most times I’m dead wrong. I was thrilled to be right about one of my predictions this time. What that prediction was and how essential to the story it is will have to remain a secret, to let you in on it might provide a spoiler. And if you are reading this review hopefully you hate spoilers as much as I hate them.
If you enjoy Jodi’s books, grab a copy, and settle in for a very entertaining experience, not only will you encounter thrills, and suspense you may encounter a bit of humor and interesting life dilemmas. My review is based on listening to Nick Cracknel’s excellent narration, he brought each character to life and with his excellent pacing took this story to the next level.
October 24, 2023
Another excellent read. This book picks up where book 1 left off. I love how the book flows and the characters blend well together. The storyline is well written and flows steadily throughout the entire book. There’s a lot of action and nail biting moments in the story with enough suspense to keep you hooked.
Even though Hank, Dirk and Emory have their own stories going on, it never detracts from the main story. Everything is interwoven and fits right in. The plot is excellent and I love the way it all comes together and wraps up at the end and then you get that little snippet at the end that makes you anxious to get to the next book in the series.
I just couldn’t put this book down.
Even though Hank, Dirk and Emory have their own stories going on, it never detracts from the main story. Everything is interwoven and fits right in. The plot is excellent and I love the way it all comes together and wraps up at the end and then you get that little snippet at the end that makes you anxious to get to the next book in the series.
I just couldn’t put this book down.
October 25, 2023
US Deputy Marshal Dirk Sterling and his rookie partner, Henry “Hank” Flannigan find themselves up against a fugitive crime lord who is into money laundering, illegal firearms, and child pornography. Both men have issues going on in their personal lives but can’t let those issues interfere with a life and death pursuit of a wanted criminal.
When pursuit turns into a showdown, with backup slow in arriving, can Dirk and Hank prevent the fugitive and his team from escaping with a group of innocent children, or will the two of them be outnumbered and taken down? An edge-of-your-seat thriller that Jodi Burnett is a master at achieving.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When pursuit turns into a showdown, with backup slow in arriving, can Dirk and Hank prevent the fugitive and his team from escaping with a group of innocent children, or will the two of them be outnumbered and taken down? An edge-of-your-seat thriller that Jodi Burnett is a master at achieving.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read
October 25, 2023Dirk Sterling is a US Marshall and is challenged in this book defined a very dangerous criminal. Dirk is chasing this criminal's whereabouts. He ends up in Dirks area, and Dirk tries to find this criminal who seems to have no conscience. I found the plot very good and the action was tremendous. Derek hunts down the criminal and there are many twists and turns while he is doing so. He is also dealing with a partner who has marriage problems and that makes it even more interesting. I recommend this book for all those who like the action of the US marshals, as they go about their duty.
November 5, 2023
Jodi strikes again. Jodi's books grab my attention from the start. I love how well I feel I know her characters. Once again Dirk shows his commitment to catching the bad guy and won't give up. He isn't afraid to take a stand which sometimes gets him into trouble. But he's also not afraid to take responsibility if he does not exactly follow what he's supposed to do. Like all of Jodi's books I just didn't want to put it down and once it was over I wanted to know when I could enjoy the next one.
November 26, 2023
Audiobook: I enjoyed book two of the "US Marshal Dirk Sterling" series as much as the first one. US Marshal Dirk Sterling has been given the task for finding and bringing in one of the FBI's most wanted criminals. I liked all the surprising twists and turns as the story progressed. I was happy with the characters' arcs. There were some amusing moments. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Nick Cracknell's narration was entertaining, and his performance added to my enjoyment of the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
April 25, 2024
Sensationalism
Again, the main characters are well done and likable, their personal stories well thought out. But the case work is filled with sadistic fodder that actually gives me nightmares. The action scenes are good but I don't think I can abide any more.
I'll wait for Jodie Burner to bring her K-9 SAR stories back.
Again, the main characters are well done and likable, their personal stories well thought out. But the case work is filled with sadistic fodder that actually gives me nightmares. The action scenes are good but I don't think I can abide any more.
I'll wait for Jodie Burner to bring her K-9 SAR stories back.
November 29, 2024
High interest. Keeps the reader engaged and ending is a cliff hanger.
Believable characters and fast paced enough to keep going.
Awaiting next edition to series.
The relationship between characters is captivating.
worth the read. I will definitely order the next follow up novel.
Believable characters and fast paced enough to keep going.
Awaiting next edition to series.
The relationship between characters is captivating.
worth the read. I will definitely order the next follow up novel.
October 27, 2023
Once again the author has given us a US Marshal Dirk story that will have you gripped. He has to go searching for a killer from the past. Perhaps there’ll even be romance involved. Danger, secrets and suspense to to keep you wondering what will happen next.
October 28, 2023
He has been the tough task of getting them and brining them in for justice. They are very dangerous but that is not the only problem he is facing in this fast paced action book. See just what he will face next
October 29, 2023
Wow! More awesomeness..
Another wonderfully written masterpiece! Dirk Sterling has his hands full in this awesome book! Plenty of drama and mystery! I had a hard time putting this one down. I can't wait for the next book!
Another wonderfully written masterpiece! Dirk Sterling has his hands full in this awesome book! Plenty of drama and mystery! I had a hard time putting this one down. I can't wait for the next book!
October 31, 2023
This book has everything. Bad guys, mystery, love interest, inter-personal foibles. I'm glad the "love interest" wasn't dragged out over multiple books! I hate when that happens. Enjoyed this book very much. I'm looking forward to the next installment. Have to get the bad guy permanently!
March 23, 2024
Another exciting book by Jodi Burnett
The characters in this book are real. The struggles are common place. Things we can all relate to.
I’m hoping everything turns out positively for Henry.
His money issues have been glossed over so I’m wondering is he the mole?
The characters in this book are real. The struggles are common place. Things we can all relate to.
I’m hoping everything turns out positively for Henry.
His money issues have been glossed over so I’m wondering is he the mole?
April 8, 2024
AMAZING BOOK!
I love these romantic and suspenseful book’s! I’m in love with Dirk. Who wouldn’t be?! I, of course love each character. They are all unique. I can’t edit to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend all of Jodi’s books!
I love these romantic and suspenseful book’s! I’m in love with Dirk. Who wouldn’t be?! I, of course love each character. They are all unique. I can’t edit to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend all of Jodi’s books!
March 4, 2025
They finally figured it out
Hank and Sterling fight a ring of drug traffickers, human traffickers, weapons sales and child porn ring. They get in several fire fights but do they win.
Hank and Sterling fight a ring of drug traffickers, human traffickers, weapons sales and child porn ring. They get in several fire fights but do they win.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews