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Grisham/Sullivan #1
The Strategist
Camille Grisham was once a decorated field agent with the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit. Her job was to solve the country's most complex and violent crimes, often with little more than a textbook profile of the perpetrator to go on. No one did it better. But after her partner's death at the hands of serial killer Daniel Sykes, she has lost faith in everything she once was.
Forced to leave the Bureau under the weight of guilt, Camille returns to her childhood home, hopeful that the presence of family and friends can heal the wounds that time could not. Unfortunately, a change in scenery does not bring about a change in fortune. Less than twenty-four hours after her arrival, Camille is left to deal with yet another tragic loss - the brutal murder of her best friend in an apparent home invasion.For local police, the case is open and shut; for Camille, it is anything but.
Desperate for answers, she becomes an unwitting participant in an investigation that winds through the darkest corridors of wealth, power, and political corruption. All the while, a killer waits patiently in the shadows, watching Camille's every move.
With the help of a young homicide detective whose doubts about her department's case increase by the second, Camille races to uncover the true motives behind her friend's murder, even though doing so will put her on an inevitable collision course with a past that she desperately wants to leave behind.
Forced to leave the Bureau under the weight of guilt, Camille returns to her childhood home, hopeful that the presence of family and friends can heal the wounds that time could not. Unfortunately, a change in scenery does not bring about a change in fortune. Less than twenty-four hours after her arrival, Camille is left to deal with yet another tragic loss - the brutal murder of her best friend in an apparent home invasion.For local police, the case is open and shut; for Camille, it is anything but.
Desperate for answers, she becomes an unwitting participant in an investigation that winds through the darkest corridors of wealth, power, and political corruption. All the while, a killer waits patiently in the shadows, watching Camille's every move.
With the help of a young homicide detective whose doubts about her department's case increase by the second, Camille races to uncover the true motives behind her friend's murder, even though doing so will put her on an inevitable collision course with a past that she desperately wants to leave behind.
371 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2013
573 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
John Hardy Bell
7 books45 followersA proud Colorado native and Sherlock Holmes fanatic, John currently lives in Denver with his wife and son. His stories feature cops and robbers, FBI agents, and serial killers. But beyond the archetypes, he writes about people. "There is darkness in the most heroic among us, and good in the most reviled. My job as a novelist is to not only tell an entertaining story but also to cultivate the truth of the characters who drive that story." His Grisham & Sullivan Murder Mystery Series introduces two exciting heroines to the genre, FBI Agent Camille Grisham, and Major Crimes Detective Chloe Sullivan.
You can find out more about John, get the latest on upcoming releases, so simply say hello, by visiting http://www.johnhardybell.com
You can find out more about John, get the latest on upcoming releases, so simply say hello, by visiting http://www.johnhardybell.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 10, 2017
I understand that a five-star review from the author himself must be taken with a GENEROUS grain of salt, but with 'The Strategist' I've done my level best to write an entertaining, thought-provoking, and timely suspense novel. Camille Grisham is a character I hope you will not only relate to, but will eventually grow to love. She has been beaten up and broken down. But like the true heroine that she is, she will eventually find her way back ~ though the road to redeemption will be a harrowing one. It wouldn't be any fun if it wasn't, right? :)
April 22, 2020
Enjoyable
John Hardy Bell has written a book that I found it really easy to climb into and very hard to get out of. His main female leads had balls, which I really liked. It's hard to find a strong female cop lead
John Hardy Bell has written a book that I found it really easy to climb into and very hard to get out of. His main female leads had balls, which I really liked. It's hard to find a strong female cop lead
July 6, 2022
A "Can't Put Down" Book
I've been reading a lot of Murder/Mysteries. In reality they are often a similar book with different names and different locations, but other than that, they are not very different. Often after reading a chapter or two, I'll realize I have already read it!
Not a problem with "The Strategist." A very good book and I will certainly seek out other books written by John Hardy Bell!
I've been reading a lot of Murder/Mysteries. In reality they are often a similar book with different names and different locations, but other than that, they are not very different. Often after reading a chapter or two, I'll realize I have already read it!
Not a problem with "The Strategist." A very good book and I will certainly seek out other books written by John Hardy Bell!
June 8, 2017
Fantastic page-turner murder mystery. The plot layout is perfect, the characters well developed. Suspense throughout the book keep the reader on edge and reading frantically to keep up with the tidbits of explanation for endless cliffhangers. Seriously hard to put down. Very well developed story with the backstory just right and revealed perfectly through the book.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
May 17, 2020
A compelling read you'll find hard to put down.
The characters in any novel are what draw my attention most. John Hardy Bell did an exceptional job of creating some rich, believable characters. When you add the intriguing plot and the addictive action, you just can't go wrong. I highly recommend this book.
The characters in any novel are what draw my attention most. John Hardy Bell did an exceptional job of creating some rich, believable characters. When you add the intriguing plot and the addictive action, you just can't go wrong. I highly recommend this book.
July 19, 2023
Gripping and Compelling
This was a well thought out and wonderfully written thriller. It’s difficult to find stories like this anymore. Most owls now are overly gory and filled with profanity. John Hardy Bell has become to be an author. I will search out for additional enjoyment. I highly recommend this book.
This was a well thought out and wonderfully written thriller. It’s difficult to find stories like this anymore. Most owls now are overly gory and filled with profanity. John Hardy Bell has become to be an author. I will search out for additional enjoyment. I highly recommend this book.
July 9, 2024
First book by this author..
It was a little hard to follow towards the end but that’s my own fault. I tent to read three or four books at the same time. The writing is good and the pace keeps you reading. I have already bought the second book and would recommend this book to anyone who political suspense.
It was a little hard to follow towards the end but that’s my own fault. I tent to read three or four books at the same time. The writing is good and the pace keeps you reading. I have already bought the second book and would recommend this book to anyone who political suspense.
July 6, 2017
I have never read anything by this author before, so didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. This book was actually excellent. The story caught me and kept me reading. There were twists and turns that made the book engaging.
January 29, 2018
Well written.
Really enjoyed this story. Loved the female characters. The plot is also great as I could not tell until the very end if we had all the players involved in this crime. It was a great depiction of political power. I will read the next book also.
Really enjoyed this story. Loved the female characters. The plot is also great as I could not tell until the very end if we had all the players involved in this crime. It was a great depiction of political power. I will read the next book also.
April 19, 2019
Awesome!
I was conflicted about reading this story because so many times the writing does not capture my interest. But this one hooked me in pretty quickly and held my attention to the end.
I was conflicted about reading this story because so many times the writing does not capture my interest. But this one hooked me in pretty quickly and held my attention to the end.
July 14, 2022
Enjoyed this book
The plot of this book takes a wild ride
Characters were good, I wanted to punch the idiot cop in the face!! The rest of the characters were believable and relatable.
The plot of this book takes a wild ride
Characters were good, I wanted to punch the idiot cop in the face!! The rest of the characters were believable and relatable.
March 22, 2023
Good police work.
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. It read quickly and kept me reading when I should have been doing housework. I would definitely read this author again. I always enjoy police procedure stories
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. It read quickly and kept me reading when I should have been doing housework. I would definitely read this author again. I always enjoy police procedure stories
December 12, 2017
Seriously hard to put down. Very well written and developed. The story has just the right amount of character building which was revealed perfectly throughout the book.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
April 13, 2018
Recommended
A fast moving tale of friendship and betrayal. I look forward to reading more by this author, particularly more about Grisham and Sullivan 's futures.
A fast moving tale of friendship and betrayal. I look forward to reading more by this author, particularly more about Grisham and Sullivan 's futures.
March 28, 2019
Wonderful!!!!
Suspenseful to the last page!! Great character portraits! You held my attention to the last minute. Thank you for a great read!
Suspenseful to the last page!! Great character portraits! You held my attention to the last minute. Thank you for a great read!
June 12, 2019
Really good
From first to last page, The Strategist kept my interest and didn't slip into unbelievable land like so many books do.
From first to last page, The Strategist kept my interest and didn't slip into unbelievable land like so many books do.
July 26, 2019
Good read but fairly predictable
A thriller which is too predictable. I didn't like the end personally, as it demeans the meaning of a hero.
Okay read.
A thriller which is too predictable. I didn't like the end personally, as it demeans the meaning of a hero.
Okay read.
May 6, 2020
COMPLETE ENGAGEMENT
From go to woe an intriguing read. Great character development exciting plot. Must read more from this author - and soon.
From go to woe an intriguing read. Great character development exciting plot. Must read more from this author - and soon.
September 26, 2020
Captivating
Different style of thriller than what I’ve been reading It was good. I would recommend this book to others. Good read.
Different style of thriller than what I’ve been reading It was good. I would recommend this book to others. Good read.
July 5, 2022
Excellent book.
Enjoyed reading your book. Very good story and well written. For those who enjoy reading a thriller that is easy to follow, I highly recommend this book.
Enjoyed reading your book. Very good story and well written. For those who enjoy reading a thriller that is easy to follow, I highly recommend this book.
April 18, 2023
WOW, AMAZING READ
Definitely was a page turner, I didn’t want to put the book down, I am about to read the 3rd book in this series, I really loved this book.
Definitely was a page turner, I didn’t want to put the book down, I am about to read the 3rd book in this series, I really loved this book.
December 24, 2023
Excellent story. Lots of intrigue and excitment.
Looking forward to the others in the series.
Looking forward to the others in the series.
May 8, 2021
A good, solid and interesting story. An enjoyable suspense that is shorter in length than many suspense novels.
February 7, 2020
Very average- started well but ending was not so great
There were few chapters which got me hooked onto the book, but it slowed down a lot. Would have been better if few chapters were trimmed after the climax.
There were few chapters which got me hooked onto the book, but it slowed down a lot. Would have been better if few chapters were trimmed after the climax.
September 18, 2013
I give this book 4 1/2 stars
The Strategists is a story about the consequences of actions. They can make you lose everything you hold dear, even your life.
Camille Graham is a former FBI agent, suffering from anxiety attacks, she leaves Washington, and seemingly, all of her troubles to head home to family and friends. Julia Leeds is one of those friends waiting for her at home. Her best friend. But the day after Camille arrives, Julia is murdered.
In his debut novel, Bell weaves a very good story of murder, the far reaching hand of those in power, facing your problems and making decisions that can bring harsh consequences. Everyone in this book suffers from their choice of action. Camille in not getting help with her emotional problems, Julia for delving into uncharacteristic territory, as well as all those that participate in the crime and it's cover-up. The book is about learning from your actions, unfortunately, the author offers, sometimes you learn too late. The characters are real and relatable. The opening chapter pulls you right in, it is suspenseful and enticing. The book has a good pace and even though you know early on who is responsible for Julia's death, you won't want to put the book down. It is that good and well-written. The Strategist is one of those books that gets inside of your head and stays with you even after you have finished it.
For me, hence the 4 1/2 stars, there were logic gaps. Police detectives remiss on Constitutional law, killers pulling up to their mark's front door in the middle of the day to do a hit. And a trained criminal investigator who has trouble recognizing faces. I think that there was too much direction around the dialogue instead of letting the dialogue set the emotion. Also, although it is a great title for a book, the name doesn't fit the story as it wasn't about the person deemed that and the strategy (if you can call it that) that he employed was lacking, and not well executed.
Overall, it is a good book from what I think is a talented author. I look forward to reading more of his work and highly recommend The Strategist.
The Strategists is a story about the consequences of actions. They can make you lose everything you hold dear, even your life.
Camille Graham is a former FBI agent, suffering from anxiety attacks, she leaves Washington, and seemingly, all of her troubles to head home to family and friends. Julia Leeds is one of those friends waiting for her at home. Her best friend. But the day after Camille arrives, Julia is murdered.
In his debut novel, Bell weaves a very good story of murder, the far reaching hand of those in power, facing your problems and making decisions that can bring harsh consequences. Everyone in this book suffers from their choice of action. Camille in not getting help with her emotional problems, Julia for delving into uncharacteristic territory, as well as all those that participate in the crime and it's cover-up. The book is about learning from your actions, unfortunately, the author offers, sometimes you learn too late. The characters are real and relatable. The opening chapter pulls you right in, it is suspenseful and enticing. The book has a good pace and even though you know early on who is responsible for Julia's death, you won't want to put the book down. It is that good and well-written. The Strategist is one of those books that gets inside of your head and stays with you even after you have finished it.
For me, hence the 4 1/2 stars, there were logic gaps. Police detectives remiss on Constitutional law, killers pulling up to their mark's front door in the middle of the day to do a hit. And a trained criminal investigator who has trouble recognizing faces. I think that there was too much direction around the dialogue instead of letting the dialogue set the emotion. Also, although it is a great title for a book, the name doesn't fit the story as it wasn't about the person deemed that and the strategy (if you can call it that) that he employed was lacking, and not well executed.
Overall, it is a good book from what I think is a talented author. I look forward to reading more of his work and highly recommend The Strategist.
October 8, 2013
In “The Strategist,” FBI agent Camille Grisham’s meteoric career trajectory is derailed by the onset of a panic attack during a confrontation with a serial killer, resulting in the death of her partner. The stress of the event leads her to quit the FBI and head home to Denver, only to encounter an even greater tragedy within the first twenty-four hours of her arrival.
Camille seeks to excise the demons of her past while simultaneously probing the circumstances of the latest trauma. As she relentlessly pursues the case, a cloud of evil conspirators gathers around her, leading to a dramatic confrontation in book’s finale.
I rarely give five-star ratings, but with “The Strategist,” first-time author John Hardy Bell has defied the odds and delivered the goods. Finely-described, three-dimensional characters, lucid descriptions of people and action, a plot that keeps the reader guessing until the very end, and protagonists possessing the right balance of strengths and failings all serve to move this page-turner along at a brisk pace. While the book certainly stands on its own merits, it also invites a sequel, which this reader would welcome.
If you’re looking for a story with plenty of twists and multiple layers of complexity, “The Strategist” is just what the doctor ordered.
Camille seeks to excise the demons of her past while simultaneously probing the circumstances of the latest trauma. As she relentlessly pursues the case, a cloud of evil conspirators gathers around her, leading to a dramatic confrontation in book’s finale.
I rarely give five-star ratings, but with “The Strategist,” first-time author John Hardy Bell has defied the odds and delivered the goods. Finely-described, three-dimensional characters, lucid descriptions of people and action, a plot that keeps the reader guessing until the very end, and protagonists possessing the right balance of strengths and failings all serve to move this page-turner along at a brisk pace. While the book certainly stands on its own merits, it also invites a sequel, which this reader would welcome.
If you’re looking for a story with plenty of twists and multiple layers of complexity, “The Strategist” is just what the doctor ordered.
July 8, 2014
A gripping read, right from the first chapter. I was hooked. Camille is heading home after leaving the FBI, a career that she had loved until something traumatic happened, which she was unable to come to terms with. We find what it was later on in the story. She feels a failure. What will people think of her? What will her father think of her? The best part of returning home would be spending time with her friend of many years, Julie, but sadly it was not to be. We already know from the first chapter that Julie has a terrifying secret, but she is murdered before she can tell Camille about it. Instead, she leaves instructions for her friend to carry out in the event of her death. Not satisfied with the way the investigation is going, Camille is drawn into the case. Her FBI training kicks in as she delves deeper and deeper into the homicide. The characters are real, the reader can’t help but be drawn in. The story keeps you guessing right to the end. Not at all predictable. I thoroughly recommend this book
November 13, 2013
As a debut, the book is surprisingly well written. It’s not a CSI-typed story trying to dig up the truth. It’s more about fighting the wealthy and powerful who are able to corrupt any aspect of our public and personal life.
My only complaint is that sometimes there are excessive dialogue exchanges, especially in the first eight chapters before crises and actions take place. After that, I could not put it down. The characters are very realistic. The rascal cop who “intimidates people simply by the way he wears his badge”, the woman politician who answers every question by not answering the question … I especially like the way the devils are brought down - not by justice, but by the selfishness of their own people. That’s the sad reality!
I hope the author will keep producing good work like this!
My only complaint is that sometimes there are excessive dialogue exchanges, especially in the first eight chapters before crises and actions take place. After that, I could not put it down. The characters are very realistic. The rascal cop who “intimidates people simply by the way he wears his badge”, the woman politician who answers every question by not answering the question … I especially like the way the devils are brought down - not by justice, but by the selfishness of their own people. That’s the sad reality!
I hope the author will keep producing good work like this!
November 12, 2013
When FBI agent,Camille Grisham, is forced into early retirement due to emotional reasons, she reluctantly returns to her childhood home to recover. But when she discovers the gruesome death of her best friend, Julia, her need to find and expose her best friend's killer becomes her priority even if it means putting her own life in mortal danger.
John Hardy Bell does an amazing job of weaving a suspenseful story filled with characters and situations that move you. His story-telling abilities create realistic and plausible scenarios that drive a reader's mind with speed, taking them around many surprising curves. What an amazing ride! Can't wait to read more from this author.
I would highly recommend this read! Well done, John Hardy Bell!
John Hardy Bell does an amazing job of weaving a suspenseful story filled with characters and situations that move you. His story-telling abilities create realistic and plausible scenarios that drive a reader's mind with speed, taking them around many surprising curves. What an amazing ride! Can't wait to read more from this author.
I would highly recommend this read! Well done, John Hardy Bell!
October 29, 2013
John Hardy Bell's The Strategist is a fast-moving, gripping thriller from start to finish. The dialogue crackles, the tension is palpable, and the characters' are multi-dimensional. I was drawn into the story by the first page, and the twists and turns kept me riveted.
The conspiracy plot unfolded in a believable, elaborate fashion. Despite some sections which were exposition-heavy, the pace was smooth and carried the reader along. Camille's character contained flashes of Clarice Starling, but she was distinct enough to have her own identity. Overall, I found the story fascinating and exceptional. Highly recommended!
The conspiracy plot unfolded in a believable, elaborate fashion. Despite some sections which were exposition-heavy, the pace was smooth and carried the reader along. Camille's character contained flashes of Clarice Starling, but she was distinct enough to have her own identity. Overall, I found the story fascinating and exceptional. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews