Shattered Shell

Lewis Cole #3

by Brendan DuBois, Dubois

While investigating a series of arson fires on the New Hampshire coast, Lewis Cole learns that a friend has been murdered, and he suspects that the mysterious arsonist may have committed this crime as well.

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Crime

355 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1999

About the author

Brendan DuBois of New Hampshire is the award-winning author of twenty novels and more than 150 short stories. His novel, "Resurrection Day," won the Sidewise Award for Best Alternative History Novel of the Year.

In addition to his thrillers, Brendan DuBois is the author of the Lewis Cole mystery series.

He is currently working on a number of writing projects with New York Times bestselling author James Patterson,

He is also a one-time "Jeopardy!" gameshow champion, and a co-winner of the trivia gameshow "The Chase."

His short fiction has appeared in Playboy, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Analog, and numerous other magazines and anthologies including “The Best American Mystery Stories of the Century,” published in 2000 by Houghton-Mifflin. Another one of his short stories appeared in in "The Year's Best Science Fiction 22nd Annual Collection" (St. Martin's Griffin, 2005) edited by Gardner Dozois

His short stories have twice won him the Shamus Award from the Private Eye Writers of America, and have also earned him three Edgar Allan Poe Award nominations from the Mystery Writers of America. Visit his website at www.BrendanDuBois.com.
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Reviews

[Scott Rhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arson and rape are the crimes du jour in Tyler Beach, New Hampshire in Brendan Dubois’s third book to feature his mystery-solving retired spy and magazine columnist, Lewis Cole, “Shattered Shell”.

Literally starting out with a bang, Lewis and the entire town watch in horror as the fourth resort motel to be struck by an arsonist goes up in flames. Luckily, it’s winter, the off-season, so the resorts are empty. Nobody has been killed, but people’s livelihoods are ruined. The police and the fire inspector, Mike Ahern, are stumped. No clues, no motives, nothing.

On the same night as the fire, the girlfriend of Detective Diane Woods is violently raped in her apartment. Understandably distraught and angry, Woods asks Cole to use his unconventional investigation skills to find the perp. She even gives Cole permission to use Cole’s buddy, Felix Tinios, for assistance. This is a big deal, since Felix’s methods aren’t what one would call legal.

Dubois has weaved another fascinating and convoluted web of mystery and suspense in this third novel. He even ramps up the action in this one, as Cole and Felix uncover a Boston mob war going on in the idyllic town of Tyler Beach.

Fans of old-school tough-guy detective stories (think Robert B. Parker, Robert Crais, Michael Connelly) will love the Lewis Cole series. The best part? Dubois has written eleven of them.

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

DuBois seems to capture the essence of life in seaside NH: wild life during summer tourism and desolation during the winter months. This third book in the series opens with the local female police chief's girlfriend gets raped and beaten badly; she asks for Lewis Coles' help to bring Biblical justice to the rapist. Protagonist Lewis is very likeable, but carries lots of baggage from his former life as do most of the characters, including Lewis's criminal friend, Felix Timios. The other storyline involves arson for local seashore vacant hotels/motels. Both storylines move along quickly, and friendships are stretched very far in this one.

[Elaine and Tess the Springer. I won’t be on GR for a bit. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book so well written and it just pulls you in.

[Jennifer S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Lewis Cole and his cast of characters in Tyson, NH and this 3rd in the series was typical of the first 2. Thankfully, DuBois didn't feel it necessary to continue to repeat the backstory in this installment. I thought the ending and revelation of the perpetrator was highly predictable.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In the third installment of the Lewis Cole Series, author Brendan DuBois takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through a sleepy coastal town plagued by arson and violence. "Shattered Shell" is a hard-hitting crime fiction novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

When a mysterious arsonist sets fire to hotels in the quiet town of Tyler Beach, the local police are left baffled. Enter Lewis Cole, a retired Department of Defense analyst and a familiar face in the town. Lewis is no stranger to solving critical cases, and this time, he's up against a fugitive pyromaniac who leaves destruction in their wake.

But the fires are just the beginning. When a brutal act of violence rocks the community, Lewis dives headfirst into a high-profile hunt to unmask the culprit. His thirst for justice and determination to prevent further assaults lead him to enlist the help of old friends, including the enigmatic Felix Tinios, a Boston mob-connected "security consultant."

DuBois masterfully weaves themes of justice, loyalty, and resilience throughout the narrative. Lewis Cole is a compelling protagonist—a flawed yet relentless investigator who refuses to back down. His interactions with Felix Tinios add depth to the story, revealing layers of intrigue and hidden alliances.

DuBois's prose is crisp and evocative. He paints vivid scenes of the coastal town, capturing both its idyllic charm and the underlying tension. The pacing is relentless, propelling readers forward as they piece together clues alongside Lewis.

"Shattered Shell" is a rollercoaster ride of suspense, with unexpected twists and a pulse-pounding climax. DuBois's ability to blend intricate plotting with authentic characters makes this novel a standout in the genre. If you're a fan of James Patterson or Michael Connelly, buckle up—you're in for a thrilling read.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Severn Publishing and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with Lewis at another motel fire caused by an arsonist. This is the 4th one in recent weeks. When he is asleep at home, he receives a call asking him to come to the hospital where her girlfriend is due to a sexual attack. At the hospital, Diane asks of favor of him and that is to find the person that attacked her girlfriend and let her know.

It now works out that Lewis has two thinks to search for; the arsonist and Kara's, Diane's girlfriend, attacker. In regard to the arsonist, he is working Paula, a newspaper reporter and asks Felix, a friend for help with Diane's request.

Learn what events Felix and Lewis ran into while searching for Kara's attacker, who was the arsonist and how Lewis eventually with Mike, the fire inspector, finally put all the pieces together as well as how both quests were related.

This is another great story in the series.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Lewis Cole. Just wants to live a peaceful life in his little house on the coast in Tyler Beach. But when a horrific event happens in the life of his friend Diane, he makes a promise to her to find the villain or villains and deliver this package to her. With his background, this promise does not really bother him as such, and he is pledged and determined to keep it no matter the result. He employs his friend Felix, a mob-connected security consultant, to help him. Together they follow clues through unexpected and deadly twists and turns. In his spare time, Lewis is also trying to solve an arson case which has destroyed five beach hotels in Tyler Beach. A great read that will have you holding your breath to the end!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered Shell is the best in the Lewis Cole series so far. A woman is raped and she just happens to be Lewis Cole's best friend's partner. As Lewis investigates the rape and the murder of her landlord, he runs afoul of an unsophisticated cadre of criminals. The book is set on the New Hampshire seacoast during the winter months as a series of arson fires are destroying local motels that are closed for the winters.

I can recommend this book if you like fast-paced reads that keep you guessing until the end. Have fun.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lewis Cole, a man who can’t talk about his past, is back for another installment of this excellent series.Two of his female friends come to him for help: one is looking for an arsonist who is setting hotels ablaze, and the other is looking for her girlfriend’s rapist. With a variety of characters added to the seemingly unrelated cases, Cole continually leaps from case to case until their paths get close enough for him to take action. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the first and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Ilona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series, no cellphones, dial up computers, …
Winter at Tyler Beach, New Hampshire, deserted but not quiet. An arsonist is in town and no clues are to be found. Lewis does what he does best and digs into it. But then he gets a call from his friend, and local detective, Diane, her life partner, Kara, has been viciously raped, and she wants him to track down the attacker. He promises that he will.
This is book 3 but I think it is very easy to read as a standalone, but to get the full picture you will want to read the first 2

[Roger]

Shattered Shell (Lewis Cole Book 3), my third read from author Brendan DuBois. A 477-page mystery, a well-written, entertaining & enjoyable read. I'll read more from this author. I own 7 other books by this author & after reading this one they've just moved to the top my TBR list. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading Killer Waves (Lewis Cole Book 4) next. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second Lewis Cole mystery I have read. The main character is shrouded in enough secrecy to keep him interesting from book to book. I found the read compelling enough to have to finish it in three days. I saw Brendan DuBois as a contestant on "Jeopardy" a number of years ago and was intrigued. The story takes place in the frigid cold of a northeastern US winter - perfect for winter reading as we northerners can relate to the cold. Try this author and I think you'll like him.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous. I haven’t enjoyed a main character this much since Travis McGee. The plot is tight, the writing skilled, and the characters well drawn and believable. The non-stop action kept me up well past my bedtime. Highly recommended! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Bob Rucier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent story but lousy editing

I've enjoyed the first 3 Lewis Cole books. The author needs a new editor. There are misspelled words, incorrect words and gibberish throughout all 3 books.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It was engaging and had plenty of surprises, twists and turns. I read this on my e-reader and was disappointed to see that there were typos on every page. It may be transferring to digital.

[Mark Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read and very Lewis Cole. Not so deep or elegant and passionate as MacDonald but still some mystery and adventure sure to entertain. The editing on the Kindle version was terrible though: tons of mis-spelled and wrong words.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing, full of suspense story. Lewis begins to get involved when someone close to him is murdered. Is the Arsonist involved. Once you start reading, there’s no stopping. Who did it and why. Will Lewis solve it on time to stop any further people getting hurt.

[Marsha Valance · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my 10 best mysteries read in 1999.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting to know the comfortable characters better for each book, a nice easy read... too bad Cole keeps getting beat up.

[Norma Zenkus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each Lewis Cole mystery gets better and better!

[Janecope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read in this series.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best thus far in the series and it's really impressive. From rape, arson, and a lot of bruising, it's an installment that will keep you entertained 'til the very last page. Highly Recommended.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A number of set fires and violence. Lewis Cole is called to investigate. The story line keeps you interested.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good narrative and a good who-done-it. A bit longer than need be and at times a bit depressing as Lewis Cole goes from one mishap to another.

[Lynda Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a double mystery, as there are two felonies afoot: firstly an arsonist burning down local hotels. Is this a crazy, or someone with other motives? Local columnist Lewis Cole and journalist friend and ex-date Paula start to do their homework.

Then there is the rape, of Local cop's partner. Lewis fears. However, the good cop wants more from Cole than just to find the felon here. She seeks justice - of the eye-for-the-eye kind. A new moral quandary for Cole.

All of this set against a deeply unforgiving winter. The wrecked shells of the budng-down buildings say something about the lives of some of the main characters - some kinds of damage are almost impossible to set aside. The ambience for what proves to be a whodunit too, with reveals aplenty is resolutely noir.

Cole has resourceful friends of a somewhat morally grey disposition. He himself has seen action too, from what seems to be a deep and murky past as a special agent (while this is a standalone, it seems there are other novels featuring Cole Lewis).

The end brings a fell-good factor in being surprisingly upbeat. Recommended, this one won't disappoint.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another new author for me and I am glad the we have three more of his books in the library because it was a good one, kept me up till 1:30 to get it finished. Based along the NH and MA coast it features Lewis Cole, an ex Department of Defense employee in a job about which he can not speak, and now living in an old house and posing as a columnist for a Boston based paper. When the partner of his good friend, a local Police detective is assaulted he promises to try and track down the rapist although he is not happy with what his friend has in mind to do when she learns who it is. He is also becoming involved in trying to identify an arsonist that has been torching local motels and inns. I found it to be the kind of book that you hate to put down until you have reached the end..

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

How far will Lewis go for his friends?

My review is based on the 2023 edition of Shattered Shell. This third book in the Lewis Cole series delves into just how far Lewis will go for his friends and to protect his home. While I enjoyed the first two books, Shattered Shell made them pale in comparison in the depth of the story and the character interaction. There were so many times I was chastising Lewis for being such a bonehead or not being open-minded, but overall, it all made for an excellent story filled with plenty of action and unforeseen plot twists. If you have read the first two books, this is a must read. I received an Advance Reader Copy of Shattered Shell from the publisher and chose to provide my review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Shattered Shell, the description of the snow storm, the sky and the duress that people have to face under it is beautiful. Lewis is looking for an arsonist who is destroying local hotels closed for winter, and the culprit and his motive provide an unexpected ending. Great read and a very good addition to the series.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third installment in the Lewis Cole Series and I think it’s the best to date. With the previous books I’ve had issues with wordiness and overly detailed descriptiveness that I felt bogged down the overall story. This book was much more focused on the dual storylines and on the investigations. The characters in the series are well developed and the storylines are interesting. The investigations are well thought out and detailed, holding your attention to their conclusions. This was a good addition to the series.

[Bryan Higgs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been looking for a new mystery author to pick up -- one who has a series of books that I can wade through and enjoy. So, I saw a book by this author on the New Books shelf at the library, and decided to go back and try some earlier ones of his.

I enjoyed this one. It's a little reminiscent of Kathy Reichs in the sense that the hero gets himself into a sticky situation by apparently not thinking too deeply about things, and, especially, by not telling anyone where he was going to be. (Reichs' hero[ine], Temperance Brennan, seems to make a habit of that in every book.)

The characters are reasonably interesting, the dialog somewhat, and the mystery not so easy to figure out. So, I'll continue with this author for a while to see how he does...