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The Survivors Club
Detective Tess McCrae investigates a grisly crime scene in the ghost town of Credo, Arizona. To an ordinary investigator, the evidence suggests a cartel drug hit. But Tess, with a nearly faultless photographic memory, is far from ordinary, and she sees what others might this is no drug killing. Someone went to gruesome lengths to cover up this crime. The killer’s trail leads Tess from Tucson to California; from anti-government squatters in the Arizona mountains to the heights of wealthy society, including the rich and powerful DeKoven family, who’ve dominated Arizona commerce and politics since the 1800s. But as Tess follows the trail of gore and betrayal, perfect and indelible in her memory, she uncovers far more than one man’s murder, and solves much more than one isolated crime. The Survivors Club is a serpentine, stay-up-all-night thriller from New York Times bestselling author and master storyteller J. Carson Black.
364 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2013
215 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 20, 2015
J Carson Black has written another TREMENDOUS book! This stand alone book follows the police as they try to solve the murders of persons that should have died previously. It kept me very interested from beginning to end. J Carson Black is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I love her Laura Cardinal and Cyril Landry series and I feel my GR FRIENDS will too.
March 29, 2022
*Not For Me*
*2.5 Stars*
This was an early freebie via the now called Amazon first Reads.
I have no idea why I chose this book but it just shows how how my taste has changed since then but I occasionally pick something that I would not usually go for.
This is about a crime meant to look like the work of the cartel.
Detective Tess McCrae, is a very capable detective in a world dominated by men. She also has a photographic memory. The rest of the book reveals dark secrets behind a powerful family. None of which are likeable and the survivors club is more than just a club. it just did not grab me.
*2.5 Stars*
This was an early freebie via the now called Amazon first Reads.
I have no idea why I chose this book but it just shows how how my taste has changed since then but I occasionally pick something that I would not usually go for.
This is about a crime meant to look like the work of the cartel.
Detective Tess McCrae, is a very capable detective in a world dominated by men. She also has a photographic memory. The rest of the book reveals dark secrets behind a powerful family. None of which are likeable and the survivors club is more than just a club. it just did not grab me.
November 2, 2013
As mysteries go this one is solid. It has pretty much everything you could ask for from a “who done it” and avoids a lot of the pit falls I have seen in other mysteries lately. The mystery itself is very well conceived. There is just enough information to keep you guessing but a tough enough puzzle that you don’t figure it out till the very end. I particularly liked how the various murders were all connected together and I doubled back on my guess several times as parts of the story were revealed.
J. Carsen Black is not an author I was familiar with prior to reading this book, but she certainly has a deft hand at story telling. Her writing flows naturally and the story progresses at a fairly even pace, at least until the very end. She also managed to avoid the pitfall of trying too hard to keep the villains in shadow. While you go about half the book before the culprits start getting unveiled, that first half doesn’t feel convoluted. I have seen other mysteries where the author twists the story in knots to tell what is going on without revealing who the bad guy is. Thankful when the story goes far enough to require the villains to step up Black allows them to act in the clear rather than artificially keep their identities secret. My one complaint about how this story is written is the end of the climax and the denuma. The story was so well paced until the end that when it came time to wrap everything up it felt incredibly rushed. The ended felt pretty unsatisfactory and left me wanting more, but in a bad way. Not wanting “another book” more but rather “where are the last 15 pages” more.
The characters are decently interesting and well-conceived. I was impressed that while Black gave the lead the standard “amazing ability”, she then didn’t keep hitting that over and over again. Her gifts felt more like texture rather than a contrived story device that predictably plays out in act three. I was happy to see that level of restraint in an author. The villains are appropriately evil, although perhaps a little to evil, and the rest of the cast were fairly two dimensional. That isn’t really a knock against Black however. This is not a terribly long book and there wasn’t enough room to both flesh out the full cast and tell a compelling story. If this ever becomes part of a Tess McCrae series then I would hope to see her friends and colleagues get more attention.
http://homeofreading.com/the-survivors-club/
J. Carsen Black is not an author I was familiar with prior to reading this book, but she certainly has a deft hand at story telling. Her writing flows naturally and the story progresses at a fairly even pace, at least until the very end. She also managed to avoid the pitfall of trying too hard to keep the villains in shadow. While you go about half the book before the culprits start getting unveiled, that first half doesn’t feel convoluted. I have seen other mysteries where the author twists the story in knots to tell what is going on without revealing who the bad guy is. Thankful when the story goes far enough to require the villains to step up Black allows them to act in the clear rather than artificially keep their identities secret. My one complaint about how this story is written is the end of the climax and the denuma. The story was so well paced until the end that when it came time to wrap everything up it felt incredibly rushed. The ended felt pretty unsatisfactory and left me wanting more, but in a bad way. Not wanting “another book” more but rather “where are the last 15 pages” more.
The characters are decently interesting and well-conceived. I was impressed that while Black gave the lead the standard “amazing ability”, she then didn’t keep hitting that over and over again. Her gifts felt more like texture rather than a contrived story device that predictably plays out in act three. I was happy to see that level of restraint in an author. The villains are appropriately evil, although perhaps a little to evil, and the rest of the cast were fairly two dimensional. That isn’t really a knock against Black however. This is not a terribly long book and there wasn’t enough room to both flesh out the full cast and tell a compelling story. If this ever becomes part of a Tess McCrae series then I would hope to see her friends and colleagues get more attention.
http://homeofreading.com/the-survivors-club/
January 14, 2014
3.5 Stars
It seems I've been on a suspense/mystery/thriller kick lately. That's fine as thanks to NetGalley and some blogger friends, I've found plenty to read.
J. Carson Black will now to be added to my "check out her books list".
What I liked: There wasn't much not to like in The Survivors Club. The writing flowed and the descriptions kept my interest. The characters were interesting and very human. No kickass, super human heroine, although she does have what I will call a photographic memory. Tess isn't a know it all and doesn't seem to have problems interacting with others. I loved the opening because basically you knew it was important to the story but it was a mystery within itself and that's all I can say about that.
There was a clear line between the "good guys" and the bad, that was different. While you know pretty soon who the bad guys are there is a twist that Ms Black puts in place to stir things up. Take my word for it, you don't know what you think you do.
If you love well plotted mysteries and good writing, you'll enjoy The Survivors Club.
What I didn't like: This is becoming key to me, the more I read. There was a prequel to The Survivors Club, called Icon, that I would have loved to have read before reading this one. It would have added not only to Tess' character but her love interest. Neither GoodReads nor Amazon indicated this was the second book in what I now can see becoming a series. I want to read a book, not research it and the author first.
I bought The Survivors Club when it was on sale on Amazon for $1.99, it is now $4.99. The paperback edition is $8.97. I would not have paid the $4.99 since I had never read this author before, now, I might.
Highly recommend!
It seems I've been on a suspense/mystery/thriller kick lately. That's fine as thanks to NetGalley and some blogger friends, I've found plenty to read.
J. Carson Black will now to be added to my "check out her books list".
What I liked: There wasn't much not to like in The Survivors Club. The writing flowed and the descriptions kept my interest. The characters were interesting and very human. No kickass, super human heroine, although she does have what I will call a photographic memory. Tess isn't a know it all and doesn't seem to have problems interacting with others. I loved the opening because basically you knew it was important to the story but it was a mystery within itself and that's all I can say about that.
There was a clear line between the "good guys" and the bad, that was different. While you know pretty soon who the bad guys are there is a twist that Ms Black puts in place to stir things up. Take my word for it, you don't know what you think you do.
If you love well plotted mysteries and good writing, you'll enjoy The Survivors Club.
What I didn't like: This is becoming key to me, the more I read. There was a prequel to The Survivors Club, called Icon, that I would have loved to have read before reading this one. It would have added not only to Tess' character but her love interest. Neither GoodReads nor Amazon indicated this was the second book in what I now can see becoming a series. I want to read a book, not research it and the author first.
I bought The Survivors Club when it was on sale on Amazon for $1.99, it is now $4.99. The paperback edition is $8.97. I would not have paid the $4.99 since I had never read this author before, now, I might.
Highly recommend!
April 7, 2014
This book was awful!
I am not sure why I even finished it.
I found it lacking in story, the characters were shallow and simple, and the language was too clichéd. Poor flow, and everything was tell, not show. (Not to mention all the "he grinned", "she grinned", "we all grinned a lot even though this was supposed to be suspense or a thriller".)
Where was the suspense? The character development? The twists?
Sorry, but no.
I am not sure why I even finished it.
I found it lacking in story, the characters were shallow and simple, and the language was too clichéd. Poor flow, and everything was tell, not show. (Not to mention all the "he grinned", "she grinned", "we all grinned a lot even though this was supposed to be suspense or a thriller".)
Where was the suspense? The character development? The twists?
Sorry, but no.
November 27, 2013
OVERVIEW:The Survivors Club was the first novel that I read by J.C. Black, the protagonist of the story is Detective Tess McCrae, who was introduced in a previous book of hers titled “Icon”. The hook about the story and protagonist is that she has an eidetic memory which makes her an absolute asset in her line of work. This element sounds a lot similar to the TV show that has been mentioned in almost all the reviews of this book. What also separates the book from the TV show is the main character just doesn't rely on it entirely. The plot has her working the mystery using solid police work and her mental acumen as well.
She is currently investigating a Cartel murder which soon turns out to be not the case. This book is a police procedural and Tess has to focus on solving the mystery of all the deaths that seem to be staged and also focus on her relationship with the actor Max who was the focus of the book “Icon”. I liked how the author juxtaposed the protagonist’s personal and professional lives and made them both relevant. The pace and plot twists are reasonably mixed within and it makes for a fascinating read overall.
The Survivor’s Club is a very good introduction to Tess McCrae as a character and J. Carson Black as an author. This book essentially reads as the first book of the series and can be enjoyed even without reading Icon. Though once you have read an enjoyed it, like me, you’ll want to read Icon as well. I very much enjoyed this story and would heartily recommend it to mystery/thriller fans especially those who enjoy the works of Michael Connelly, Mark Billingham & Phillip Margolin.
January 4, 2014
Another excellent read from one of my favorite authors, J. Carson Black. 'The Survivors Club' opens as a murder mystery that develops into much more. From a bullet ridden body in the desert of a retired cop, this yarn expands outward. The plot expands when several other murders that are seemingly unrelated somehow fit in with the body of the retired cop. Then we have the super rich family, the DeKovens. Somehow there must be some connection into these murders, or do they ? With the murder of the son of a powerful judge the intense pressure mounts on protagonist Tess McCrea. Set in and around the area of Tuscon, Arizona this novel has a distinct flavor of the old west at times. Author Black is so adept at capturing the flavor of really being in the outskirts of Tucson itself. Black's Sheriff's Deputy McCrea is a strong lead to push this story at a very quick pace. Was a very difficult book to put down right from page one. Having now read several of J. Carson Black's novels, I can see they get better and better every time out ! Do not miss this novel ! 5 stars out of 5 ! Pick it up and travel to Tucson with J. Carson Black for a superb tale of mystery and murder ! Try it, you'll like it !!
October 19, 2013
Tess McCrae and her partner, Danny, are called to investigate the murder of a retired police officer. He was found in the ghost town of Credo, AS and it looks like a hit by a drug cartel. As soon as they eliminate that, they start investigating, more people keep turning up dead and old cases from all over the US may be related. The very wealthy DeKoven family seem to be at every turn of the investigation. Could they be involved? Why are seemingly random people from all over turning up dead?
I have read most of Ms. Black' s books. I absolutely loved the Laura Cardinal series. I think this book lacked a little. It didn't have the believability factor for me. There were times when I felt the book really dragged and it just didn't seem put together real well. That being said, it's an ok book. After reading the other series, this was somewhat of a let down for me. It felt like the whole book felt forced. Not one of her best. it does pick up at the end so it does have some excitement. If she adds more books with these characters I would probably read the next one to see if it picks up some.
I have read most of Ms. Black' s books. I absolutely loved the Laura Cardinal series. I think this book lacked a little. It didn't have the believability factor for me. There were times when I felt the book really dragged and it just didn't seem put together real well. That being said, it's an ok book. After reading the other series, this was somewhat of a let down for me. It felt like the whole book felt forced. Not one of her best. it does pick up at the end so it does have some excitement. If she adds more books with these characters I would probably read the next one to see if it picks up some.
May 9, 2015
Plot, characters, setting. It's the setting that was most wonderful for me in this fairly grizzly mystery - in and around and south of the streets and mountains I know so well - from the Rincon foothills of Tucson to Patagonia and Nogales, even the lonely close-to-the-border ghosts towns where I snooped when I first arrived in this city-in-the-desert. (I never realized the danger I might be in until a few years later, but that's another story!) The protagonist is okay, quite smart and real, making occasional choices that might be a bit questionable, which makes her even more believable. The plot, although interesting, is difficult to totally believe, since I don't think Ms. Black ever really gave enough information about why this family did what they did - all as adult siblings. I can understand one of them, and maybe two, but I needed more proof as to how the other two might have been motivated to participate in some of the things they took part in. All in all I enjoyed its many facets, its many personalities, and its many stops along the route!
January 11, 2014
2.5
First: the animal doesn't die, but is severely wounded. That costs the story one half star for me.
This is a fine, fast-paced, read-in-one-sitting type of thriller.
It does get very gory at the end, and I had to skim a couple of passages.
One thing I don't get about this book at all:
The author makes a big deal in the opening chapters about the lead's super autobiographical memory. Yet the SAM never really plays a pivotal part in the solving of the case.
It's especially annoying because the author doesn't seem to understand SAM. Most of the time she has the lead do things that are eidetic, not super autobiographical. Yet even the eidetic recalls are nothing earth-shattering or case-solving. At best having her "remember" a news article just saves a paragraph here and there where another cop would look something up on a computer.
If you want a book to read on a short plane trip, this is an ok choice.
First: the animal doesn't die, but is severely wounded. That costs the story one half star for me.
This is a fine, fast-paced, read-in-one-sitting type of thriller.
It does get very gory at the end, and I had to skim a couple of passages.
One thing I don't get about this book at all:
The author makes a big deal in the opening chapters about the lead's super autobiographical memory. Yet the SAM never really plays a pivotal part in the solving of the case.
It's especially annoying because the author doesn't seem to understand SAM. Most of the time she has the lead do things that are eidetic, not super autobiographical. Yet even the eidetic recalls are nothing earth-shattering or case-solving. At best having her "remember" a news article just saves a paragraph here and there where another cop would look something up on a computer.
If you want a book to read on a short plane trip, this is an ok choice.
October 25, 2013
My View:
Simply stunning! This murder/mystery/thriller sets the standards for this genre. J Carson Black is a brilliant story teller, she weaves an extricate tale of deception, thrill kills, greed, blackmail and murder. Carson Black’s characters are complex, realistic and genuine. Detective Tess McCrae is a wonderful protagonist – smart, dedicated, grounded and passionate about her work and a decent person to boot.
It is a well written, beautifully crafted narrative. This writer brings alive the characters, the setting and tells an interesting and complex story effortlessly. A perfect read! This book has everything you need in a thriller and more. Add this author to your reading list you, will not be disappointed.
Simply stunning! This murder/mystery/thriller sets the standards for this genre. J Carson Black is a brilliant story teller, she weaves an extricate tale of deception, thrill kills, greed, blackmail and murder. Carson Black’s characters are complex, realistic and genuine. Detective Tess McCrae is a wonderful protagonist – smart, dedicated, grounded and passionate about her work and a decent person to boot.
It is a well written, beautifully crafted narrative. This writer brings alive the characters, the setting and tells an interesting and complex story effortlessly. A perfect read! This book has everything you need in a thriller and more. Add this author to your reading list you, will not be disappointed.
May 21, 2016
Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down.
I'm not going to give any spoiler details or even anything remotely close. I will say that the book kept me guessing for quite some time but eventually I was able to figure it out, slightly ahead of the main characters. The best part is that once everything was laid out, it all made sense. No aspect of the story seemed tacked on for no reason or because there was a thread that needed to be dealt with at the end.
I'm not going to give any spoiler details or even anything remotely close. I will say that the book kept me guessing for quite some time but eventually I was able to figure it out, slightly ahead of the main characters. The best part is that once everything was laid out, it all made sense. No aspect of the story seemed tacked on for no reason or because there was a thread that needed to be dealt with at the end.
January 1, 2014
First-rate well-written crime thriller featuring a female sheriff's deputy with a photographic memory who gets tangled up with the family from Hell as she investigates what appears to be a violent drug-related killing.
August 5, 2014
The good: the plot was interesting and entertaining.
The not so good: I found the narrative stilted, the characters not well developed. Didn't like the autobiographical memory angel as it didn't figure even slightly in the resolution of the plot.
The not so good: I found the narrative stilted, the characters not well developed. Didn't like the autobiographical memory angel as it didn't figure even slightly in the resolution of the plot.
August 8, 2014
You get what you pay for
You get what you pay for
I got this book for$2.99. I think someone owes me change. It's like I said you get what you pay for.
You get what you pay for
I got this book for$2.99. I think someone owes me change. It's like I said you get what you pay for.
July 10, 2018
I really like this book a lot. I read a lot of suspense and detective novels and they generally follow a similar pattern. This one was different and far less obvious. Rather than the genius investigator who easily figures things out you get a better sense of how an investigation can be slow and plodding and come together little piece by little piece rather than through a single epiphany or action. To me that seems much more authentic and made me enjoy the book much more. This is my first time reading this author but I'll definitely look for more
April 5, 2018
Stumbling and uninspired
In far too many places the writing became repetitive, almost like cut and paste went horribly wrong. Filler added between plot twist labored to keep my attention. Characters lacked depth, except for the dog. And the dog felt like she'd been added in on a late rewrite so that there could be a sweet ending.
In far too many places the writing became repetitive, almost like cut and paste went horribly wrong. Filler added between plot twist labored to keep my attention. Characters lacked depth, except for the dog. And the dog felt like she'd been added in on a late rewrite so that there could be a sweet ending.
February 19, 2017
Couldn't follow along...
This story started out OK. But just a few chapters into the storyline it got so confusing. I lost my place so many times I had to give up and just forget it.
This story started out OK. But just a few chapters into the storyline it got so confusing. I lost my place so many times I had to give up and just forget it.
January 27, 2018
Sensational thriller!
This is an awesome thrill ride of a book! I am excited to read more in this series. The characters are exceptionally written, and the plotline kept you interested from the beginning to the explosive end!
This is an awesome thrill ride of a book! I am excited to read more in this series. The characters are exceptionally written, and the plotline kept you interested from the beginning to the explosive end!
July 9, 2018
The end.......a real doozi!!!!
I was sorry to have so many distractions at first cuz it finally became a bingeing page turner. The dialogue was so detailed and descriptive that I believed to be there watching every scene.....great 👍 read!!!!! 👌
I was sorry to have so many distractions at first cuz it finally became a bingeing page turner. The dialogue was so detailed and descriptive that I believed to be there watching every scene.....great 👍 read!!!!! 👌
December 7, 2022
Surprising ending. The characters were interesting and well described. The plot was continuously surprising.
I would recommend this book to friends. It kept me interested looking forward to solving the mystery and saving lives of dog and detective
I would recommend this book to friends. It kept me interested looking forward to solving the mystery and saving lives of dog and detective
October 18, 2018
Good
I enjoyed the book. The ending was completely unexpected. I'm looking forward to reading more books from this author. Thanks.
I enjoyed the book. The ending was completely unexpected. I'm looking forward to reading more books from this author. Thanks.
March 2, 2019
Strange good mystery
These characters are so well rounded you can love them and hate the at the same time. Despicable bad guys.
These characters are so well rounded you can love them and hate the at the same time. Despicable bad guys.
April 20, 2020
Enjoyable
Enjoyed the storyline and characters. Would’ve liked a more in depth approach to The Survivors Club character’s history. Good isolation read.
Enjoyed the storyline and characters. Would’ve liked a more in depth approach to The Survivors Club character’s history. Good isolation read.
January 1, 2015
“The Survivor’s Club” by J Carson Black is a fast moving well organized mystery thriller. Black’s readers are drawn into the story at the turn of the first page. Intrigue begins immediately as potential victims are put on notice that they are in danger. As the story unfolds, readers will find how the antagonists pick their victims and why. Black introduces her protagonist, Tess McCrae, to her readers giving them McCrae’s history as a seasoned investigator. In the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department, Detective McCrae has reputation as a no-nonsense investigator. She uses good police work and her abilities to solve her cases. Readers see the crime scenes through McCrae’s eyes. Black doesn’t pull any punches in her description of the murder scenes. Each crime scene shows signs of evil at work.
The plot quickly unfolds giving readers a taste of how deadly Black’s antagonist can be. Readers get visual descriptions from Black putting them at Tess’s side. The plot continually expands involving readers in the action feeling the tension build as the story’s pace quickens. “The Survivor’s Club” changes directions and has many unexpected twists and turns.
The author does a great job of developing each support character both protagonist and antagonists and keeps readers aware of the history of each character and where they fit into the ongoing development of the plot. Black keeps her readers involved in the investigation as they are looking at the victims or suspects as if they are part of Tess’ investigative team. She places readers on the edge of their seats at the beginning of the story and maintains the tension and intrigue all the way to the last page.
Tess McCrae comes to life and jumps off the page with her common sense way at cutting through the maze and cover up the antagonists have created to point the investigation in the wrong direction. One of Black’s specialties is creating an unpredictable plot and unpredictable solutions to her mystery. Her readers find one surprise after another.
The Survivor’s Club” offers great character development as readers see Tess McCrae grow and become comfortable with her job and her personal life. She has come to enjoy her new partner discussing his father-to-be status. Black gives her readers characters they can embrace and want to see in future stories. Black’s protagonist tells readers her back story and how her special superautobiographical memory helps her in her work. McCrae uses her special ability as needed but her common sense helps her solve cases. We last heard from McCrae in “The Icon” and readers will hope to see her in future Black books.
J. Carson Black extends an invitation for her readers to enjoy Arizona as she describes McCrae’s travels throughout the state. She literally brings the area to life as if readers are watching the scenery in a movie in their home.
“The Survivor’s Club” is a mystery/murder/thriller that you won't want to put down. Black’s skillfully describes the bloody murder scenes in imaginative ways. The plot twists and turns are unpredictable but believable, and in true Black style she wraps up all the loose ends. Unquestionably, author Black is a highly talented mystery/thriller writer. My recommendation Black’s “The Survivor’s Club” awarding a strong 5 star ranking.
October 18, 2013
I tend to read detective/murder stories when I need to relax. I picked this book up figuring I would read it throughout the week, when I had time to read. I couldn’t stop reading and finished the book the day after I started it.
The plot in this book is really exciting. The story follows a few different characters and it takes a couple of chapters before the stories come together. Yet, even though there are separate stories at the beginning, the transition between stories flows seamlessly. The story starts out with a grisly murder and things just escalate from there. The reader learns about other murders that have taken place as the story tracks the ongoing investigation.
Part of the mystery is solved halfway through the story, which surprisingly didn’t detract from the story as a whole. There is enough other stuff going on, and enough still left unsolved, that the reader is still hanging at the edge of their seat waiting to see what will happen next.
The characters in this story are really enjoyable. Tess, the main character in the story, was incredibly likable and realistic. Her personality was feisty without being obnoxious, a good mix for the lead detective. The “bad guys” were perfectly written into this story. They were very realistic and it was easy to imagine them as actual people.
The writing itself was pretty good. There wasn’t anything that stood out as fantastic in this authors writing, but it certainly wasn’t a chore to read. The author does a nice job of keeping the sentences and story flowing smoothly.
Bottom Line: I would give this book 9/10 stars. I look forward to more books involving Tess and her photographic memory.
I received this book for review purposes via NetGalley.
The plot in this book is really exciting. The story follows a few different characters and it takes a couple of chapters before the stories come together. Yet, even though there are separate stories at the beginning, the transition between stories flows seamlessly. The story starts out with a grisly murder and things just escalate from there. The reader learns about other murders that have taken place as the story tracks the ongoing investigation.
Part of the mystery is solved halfway through the story, which surprisingly didn’t detract from the story as a whole. There is enough other stuff going on, and enough still left unsolved, that the reader is still hanging at the edge of their seat waiting to see what will happen next.
The characters in this story are really enjoyable. Tess, the main character in the story, was incredibly likable and realistic. Her personality was feisty without being obnoxious, a good mix for the lead detective. The “bad guys” were perfectly written into this story. They were very realistic and it was easy to imagine them as actual people.
The writing itself was pretty good. There wasn’t anything that stood out as fantastic in this authors writing, but it certainly wasn’t a chore to read. The author does a nice job of keeping the sentences and story flowing smoothly.
Bottom Line: I would give this book 9/10 stars. I look forward to more books involving Tess and her photographic memory.
I received this book for review purposes via NetGalley.
January 2, 2015
This was one of the monthly free book promotions from my Samsung Kindle app. I have never read this author, and I would be willing to read more, at least with this setting.
I liked: the descriptions of places in Southeast Arizona, where I used to live and still love. I was thrilled that the lead character lived in Patagonia, a quirky little village that is loved by me and many of my friends. The violence was somewhat graphic, as in the description of the crime scenes. That was not such as to be make me cringe, though. The solution to who did it was not so obscure as to annoy me when revealed, but was still satisfying to me in the resolution.
I didn't like Tess's wishy washy relationship with her lover. I prefer leading characters with strength of commitment or the strength to move on firmly when the situation is not right.
I liked: the descriptions of places in Southeast Arizona, where I used to live and still love. I was thrilled that the lead character lived in Patagonia, a quirky little village that is loved by me and many of my friends. The violence was somewhat graphic, as in the description of the crime scenes. That was not such as to be make me cringe, though. The solution to who did it was not so obscure as to annoy me when revealed, but was still satisfying to me in the resolution.
I didn't like Tess's wishy washy relationship with her lover. I prefer leading characters with strength of commitment or the strength to move on firmly when the situation is not right.
October 29, 2013
Tess McCrae investigates what starts out looking like a brutal cartel hit on a retired cop at a ghost town. With her phenomenal memory and her cop instincts, she knows something is off. When she and her partner discover that it definitely was not a cartel hit, she starts investigating by going back to ground zero and where that leads. It leads to more murders, people who have lots to hide, and many more locations than her piece of Arizona.
I really liked this book. It was hard for me to put down, and when I did, it invaded my thoughts until the very end. It was definitely one of those edge-of-my-seat books, with complicated plot lines, interesting, sometimes not particularly likeable characters.
I won this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book. It was hard for me to put down, and when I did, it invaded my thoughts until the very end. It was definitely one of those edge-of-my-seat books, with complicated plot lines, interesting, sometimes not particularly likeable characters.
I won this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2013
The book opens with the murder that has the look of a drug hit, but Tess McCrae, a detective with the sheriff’s department doesn’t thinks so. She has a photographic memory and things don’t add up. When she investigates further, she opens up a hornet’s nest and more murders. It all seems to revolve around the DeKoiven family; a rich family and powerful family. Can the very wealthy get away with anything they want?
I found this to be a very interesting story with a plot that develops as it unfolds. The characters are believable; some likeable others not. The mystery is somewhat resolved in the middle of the book, but that doesn’t take away the suspense and thrills which continue throughout.
I found this to be a very interesting story with a plot that develops as it unfolds. The characters are believable; some likeable others not. The mystery is somewhat resolved in the middle of the book, but that doesn’t take away the suspense and thrills which continue throughout.
February 25, 2014
Incredible
Incredible
Incredible meaning the way authors come up with killers and the way they kill. This story was one of the more interesting in villains. I like the lead detective, Tess. reading the story you begin to feel close to her and want to help her solve the case, it helped that she has one of those photographic memories but that wasn't overly played up.
This is a book about wealthy people thinking they are above the law. if you're looking for a good who done it and how are they going to get caught this book is for you.
I'm delighted to have discovered this author and will look for more by her for my Kindle. if I had had this book in hardcopy I definitely would have shared it.
Incredible
Incredible meaning the way authors come up with killers and the way they kill. This story was one of the more interesting in villains. I like the lead detective, Tess. reading the story you begin to feel close to her and want to help her solve the case, it helped that she has one of those photographic memories but that wasn't overly played up.
This is a book about wealthy people thinking they are above the law. if you're looking for a good who done it and how are they going to get caught this book is for you.
I'm delighted to have discovered this author and will look for more by her for my Kindle. if I had had this book in hardcopy I definitely would have shared it.
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