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Jonathan Thorpe #1
Cold Blue
Tulsa Police Department Sergeant Jonathan Thorpe finds his wife and young daughter slain in their home. Frustrated by the department's failure to solve the crime, Thorpe conducts his own covert investigation. As Cold Blue opens, a brutal interrogation leads to a shocking revelation that requires Thorpe to mete out a very personal form of justice. A lone man against a rogue group, Thorpe sets off a controversy that brings the FBI into the midst of the city's police department. And the FBI's beautiful Ambretta Collins seems to have zeroed in on him as the prime suspect. Still, Thorpe fights on. But is he really alone?
328 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2011
70 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Gary Neece
4 books7 followersGary Neece is a sergeant and twenty-one year veteran of the Tulsa Police Department in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has vast experience in specialty units for violent crime reduction and drug enforcement. Much of the inspiration for his writing springs from his time in the Special Investigations Division, where he supervised the department’s undercover Vice/Narcotics Unit. He lives near Tulsa with his wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 4, 2015
An interesting and well-told tale with a main character driven by an understandable motive but one who isn’t necessarily likeable because of his actions.
John Thorpe is a bit of a cross between Jack Reacher and Spenser – always one step ahead of his enemies. His ability to anticipate their moves leads to a diluting of some of the tension in the story because the chance they might best him never occurs.
Neese’s style is sometimes on the ‘See Spot. See Spot run. Run, Spot, Run.’ level. Most readers would get the Bond-Moneypenny reference without his explanation and what causes cauliflower ear in boxers isn’t something we necessarily need to know. He also describes some historical incidents that tie into the story in more detail than is necessary. They provide texture to this novel but slow down its forward progress.
Neese ends the story with a twist I never saw coming, but as I read it, I realized he had perfectly set the stage for it earlier.
The setting – Tulsa, OK – is a refreshing change from the New York/Los Angeles/Boston triumvirate that dominate the mystery/crime/thriller field.
I see there’s a second book in this series and it’s on my ‘To Read’ list.
John Thorpe is a bit of a cross between Jack Reacher and Spenser – always one step ahead of his enemies. His ability to anticipate their moves leads to a diluting of some of the tension in the story because the chance they might best him never occurs.
Neese’s style is sometimes on the ‘See Spot. See Spot run. Run, Spot, Run.’ level. Most readers would get the Bond-Moneypenny reference without his explanation and what causes cauliflower ear in boxers isn’t something we necessarily need to know. He also describes some historical incidents that tie into the story in more detail than is necessary. They provide texture to this novel but slow down its forward progress.
Neese ends the story with a twist I never saw coming, but as I read it, I realized he had perfectly set the stage for it earlier.
The setting – Tulsa, OK – is a refreshing change from the New York/Los Angeles/Boston triumvirate that dominate the mystery/crime/thriller field.
I see there’s a second book in this series and it’s on my ‘To Read’ list.
December 4, 2021
A good cop turns vigilante after his wife & daughter are killed and the police can't seem to solve the murders.John Thorpe did what any of us would want to do if we were in his shoes. I really liked John Thorpe and I was pleased at the ending of this story.
I hope Gary Neece will write more. I think this was a good first book and it was left open just enough that this could become a series!
I hope Gary Neece will write more. I think this was a good first book and it was left open just enough that this could become a series!
February 10, 2014
Packed with a punch, "Cold Blue" by Gary Neece is an action packed thriller that never lets up. Chock full of bigger than life characters who are very realistic with plenty of depth. The book's protagonist is John Thorpe of the Tulsa P.D. Thorpe also leads the Organized Gang Unit. Thorpe having lead a very difficult life especially since the murder of his wife and daughter. Thorpe suspects a dirty rat in Tulsa and takes matters into his own hands. Good guy gone bad ? or good guy eliminating bad ? Thorpe falls into there for sure. When Thorpe meets his match in FBI Agent Ambretta Collins story line in book gets very tense. "Cold Blue" complete with lively dialog was delight to read. You bet , 5 stars out of 5 for "Cold Blue" by Gary Neece. I'd recommend it highly. Put this one in category of do not miss !! Allow Gary Neece to spin a yarn that will roll along like a freight train. Now that's a great ride !
May 3, 2012
Great read. Neece is the real deal. I like this book better than any of Lee Childs "Reacher" novels. The only problem with this book is there isn't another five of Neece's books ready to read.
October 28, 2018
A good story kind of a quick ending and mushy towards the end
I chose it because it was free and now I want to read more stories by the author.
I am alarmed by authors who seem to hit the 300 or 400 page limit and then quickly shut down their story.
I think there could be a more even flowing into the story but I suspect editors like books that are three or four hundred pages long.
I chose it because it was free and now I want to read more stories by the author.
I am alarmed by authors who seem to hit the 300 or 400 page limit and then quickly shut down their story.
I think there could be a more even flowing into the story but I suspect editors like books that are three or four hundred pages long.
July 15, 2019
Revenge served hot.
The main character is similar to “The Accountant” - trained in all manner of martial arts, etc. He is also a policeman who is out for revenge. Someone killed his wife and daughter and he will make them pay. He just has to figure out how not to get caught.
Pretty good story with an interesting twist, or two.
The main character is similar to “The Accountant” - trained in all manner of martial arts, etc. He is also a policeman who is out for revenge. Someone killed his wife and daughter and he will make them pay. He just has to figure out how not to get caught.
Pretty good story with an interesting twist, or two.
September 4, 2024
One of the most engaging books I've read in ages.
The first book in ages that has kept me enthralled. Well written and different from the majority, can't wait to read the second book.
The first book in ages that has kept me enthralled. Well written and different from the majority, can't wait to read the second book.
February 23, 2020
The book was good but I feel like there was some unnecessary writing, it was very detailed but all in all a good enough story
December 8, 2021
I read this book after Gary published it and really enjoyed it. I knew Gary. He died a few years ago but he was a great man and a great police officer.
March 13, 2023
Great book by Gary Neece. His experience as a Tulsa Police officer is evident. Too bad he died of a brain tumor.
October 19, 2018
Bravo! A good fast read! now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
August 11, 2014
I've been enjoying crime novels lately. Most of the time they are pretty good, but this story is above average. Jonathan Thorpe is a no-nonsense cop with ex military training. He's tough, mean, at times brutal, and has no problem hurting people. He's one of the characters that lives by absolutes. He minds his own business, but when backed into a corner, real or perceived, has no problem putting people in line, righting a wrong, even if it leads to his own demise.
He reminds me of Charles Bronson in the Death Wish movies. A man, who functions almost like a machine, intent of purpose driving his every decision. The story isn't the most original I've read, but it's more sophisticated than most in this genre. In his quest to make things right in his mind he forges ahead, never quite knowing what's up the next trail. It's like fighting the Viet Cong or the Taliban. You never quite know who the enemy is.
He reminds me of Charles Bronson in the Death Wish movies. A man, who functions almost like a machine, intent of purpose driving his every decision. The story isn't the most original I've read, but it's more sophisticated than most in this genre. In his quest to make things right in his mind he forges ahead, never quite knowing what's up the next trail. It's like fighting the Viet Cong or the Taliban. You never quite know who the enemy is.
March 26, 2016
This is an excellent story of a police officer, Thorpe, in Tulsa OK. His wife and daughter are killed and he goes off the deep end. Soon he pulls himself together. Thorpe realizes the system is corrupt enough to ensure the perpetrators are never going to be punished, so he sets himself up as a vigilante who will do anything to discover who is responsible and see to it they pay with their lives – no Fifth Amendment and no torture off limits. Then a sharp female FBI agent arrives to solve the murders Thorpe has committed so far. Thorpe is assigned to work with her. He has to walk a tightrope to finish the job he has started. He doesn’t care if he is caught, just so long as his revenge is completed first.
Neece wanders off point occasionally – sometimes to add depth to characters, story, and milieu, but other times his wanderings did nothing except slow the story down. The ending was completely out of the blue but totally satisfying.
Neece wanders off point occasionally – sometimes to add depth to characters, story, and milieu, but other times his wanderings did nothing except slow the story down. The ending was completely out of the blue but totally satisfying.
May 30, 2014
The reason I decided to read this book was because the setting was in Tulsa, OK, my own home state. By discarding the 'salty' language in the story I was able to enjoy the strong hero, even though questioning his actions at times. Then I discovered the author was an actual officer in the TPD. Even if your family is not directly affiliated with a law enforcement agency you should find something to appreciate while reading this book.
July 19, 2014
This is a good read with twists. I loved following the main character through his thoughts and how he decides what/when. It caught me shortly after the beginning all the way to the end. I read about 40 mins a day average and was able to stop at good spots. If you like police action/who done its, this is one for you to ready. I will read other books by this author.
September 12, 2014
Warning: This book contains lots of violence and killing! Police Detective John Thorpe's wife and daughter were brutally murdered, and he is waging a vendetta to hunt down and execute those police officers responsible. He sets traps and arranges situations where he can do them in. So far he has been successful. An FBI agent comes into the picture. Will she be the one to tun him in?
October 5, 2014
I love how this book is a little different and you know who is doing the killings throughout but the question is, how are they going to get away with it? Since this is a series I could only assume the main character would not get arrested at the end. I did not see the twist behind how it was going to happen coming at all. I will be reading the next book
February 15, 2016
The termol an individual goes thru in the loss as a father and husband has surely been conveyed by this writing, and the need for vengeance overrode his legal justice apears resurrected by mysterious forces on his behalf. Enjoyed every minute, though caught myself questioning if good or just less evil until the end. Look forward to more writings.
December 30, 2015
Cold Blue
I enjoyed this book and it held my interest. Police officers have a very hard job and the emotional impact it takes on them and their families are something most of us will never understand. After reading this it opened my mind and feelings to all they give for us everyday. This book is an eye-opener for sure.
I enjoyed this book and it held my interest. Police officers have a very hard job and the emotional impact it takes on them and their families are something most of us will never understand. After reading this it opened my mind and feelings to all they give for us everyday. This book is an eye-opener for sure.
January 8, 2016
Seriously Good!
I read this at the recommendation of a friend that knows the author. I was really surprised that this was the author's first book because it's so well written! Definitely a page turner, I'm getting ready to purchase the 2nd book written by this author, definitely a fan.
I read this at the recommendation of a friend that knows the author. I was really surprised that this was the author's first book because it's so well written! Definitely a page turner, I'm getting ready to purchase the 2nd book written by this author, definitely a fan.
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January 23, 2014Cold blue
l chose this book,as it was a new mystery
l was pleasantly surprised at the detail and suspense it contained. I especially liked the twists and detail that the author inserted in the book. I will look for another book by Gary Reece.
l chose this book,as it was a new mystery
l was pleasantly surprised at the detail and suspense it contained. I especially liked the twists and detail that the author inserted in the book. I will look for another book by Gary Reece.
February 27, 2014
Excellent read
Excellent read
this book is very well written. although at the beginning it seems like basic plot it has a very interesting plot turn at the end that is amazing. kudos to the author. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fine read
Excellent read
this book is very well written. although at the beginning it seems like basic plot it has a very interesting plot turn at the end that is amazing. kudos to the author. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fine read
July 1, 2014
Kept me coming back
Loved this book for the in-depth view of law enforcement and military, and reluctantly state my disappointment at the way it sort of petered out right at the end.
Loved this book for the in-depth view of law enforcement and military, and reluctantly state my disappointment at the way it sort of petered out right at the end.
September 8, 2015
Redemption
Thorpe was dealt a horrible hand with the needless murder of his wife and child. Vengeance was calculated and perfect. You have to give him credit for unbelievable forethought. Got an ally?
Thorpe was dealt a horrible hand with the needless murder of his wife and child. Vengeance was calculated and perfect. You have to give him credit for unbelievable forethought. Got an ally?
March 6, 2016
This was not the best book I've read nor was it particularly well written. It did hold my interest most of the time and I finished it because I wanted to know what happened. The ending definitely redeemed it however thus the three stars.
April 2, 2016
Good read
Unique touch. Combined the despair of losing loved ones and the quest to avenge their murders. You definitely side with Thorpe despite his lawless pursuit. Will read Nerve again
Unique touch. Combined the despair of losing loved ones and the quest to avenge their murders. You definitely side with Thorpe despite his lawless pursuit. Will read Nerve again
September 9, 2012
Great book! Would like to see a sequel.
June 4, 2013
Excellent book and I can't wait for the sequel.
January 25, 2014
This book just kept it coming. No drawn out boring sideline stories here. Looking forward to the next one
January 11, 2014
Good
well paced detective story. good choice for crime novel readers who like lots of detail and some interesting plot twists.
well paced detective story. good choice for crime novel readers who like lots of detail and some interesting plot twists.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews