What do you think?
Rate this book
Joe Burgess #3
Redemption
His impatience growing with liars, public indifference and senseless murders, fifty-year-old, Portland (Maine) homicide detective, Sgt. Joe Burgess, thinks he might be getting too old for the job.
When his Columbus Day picnic plans are cancelled by the discovery of yet another body, Joe finds himself staring into the cold, dead face of a man he knows-Reggie the Can Man.
Burgess and Reggie have a long history going back to high school football and a year together in Vietnam. Mentally ill and upon hard-times, Reggie has lived on the streets for the past decade. Burgess and Reggie's brother have kept him together with lots of ups and downs, always with the hope of redemption.
When an astute medical Examiner questions the accidental nature of Reggie's death, Burges must do one last thing for Reggie- find out the who, and why, of his lost friend's death.
But Reggie's not the only one in need of redemption when the investigation takes some bizarre turns and is nearly derailed over a shocking personal revelation.
"Flora's Joe Burgess mysteries are authentic police procedurals-right down to the grisly autopsies" Bushnell On Books
"The story starts on a deceptively ordinary day. It is Saturday of a sunny Columbus Day weekend in Portland. Then, only a few lines into the story, everything changes..." Portland Press Herald
"'Redemption' is a good story. It earns its place in a strong and accomplished police procedural series." Nancy Grape (freelance writer)
When his Columbus Day picnic plans are cancelled by the discovery of yet another body, Joe finds himself staring into the cold, dead face of a man he knows-Reggie the Can Man.
Burgess and Reggie have a long history going back to high school football and a year together in Vietnam. Mentally ill and upon hard-times, Reggie has lived on the streets for the past decade. Burgess and Reggie's brother have kept him together with lots of ups and downs, always with the hope of redemption.
When an astute medical Examiner questions the accidental nature of Reggie's death, Burges must do one last thing for Reggie- find out the who, and why, of his lost friend's death.
But Reggie's not the only one in need of redemption when the investigation takes some bizarre turns and is nearly derailed over a shocking personal revelation.
"Flora's Joe Burgess mysteries are authentic police procedurals-right down to the grisly autopsies" Bushnell On Books
"The story starts on a deceptively ordinary day. It is Saturday of a sunny Columbus Day weekend in Portland. Then, only a few lines into the story, everything changes..." Portland Press Herald
"'Redemption' is a good story. It earns its place in a strong and accomplished police procedural series." Nancy Grape (freelance writer)
- GenresMystery
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
160 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Kate Flora
54 books127 followersKate Flora grew up on a chicken farm in Maine where the Friday afternoon trip to the library was the high point of her week. She dreamed of being able to create the kind of compelling, enchanting worlds of the books she disappeared into every week, but growing up in the era when “help wanted” ads were still sex-segregated, she felt her calling was to go to law school and get the job they told her she couldn’t have.
After law school, Kate worked in the Maine attorney general’s office, protecting battered kids, chasing deadbeat dads, and representing the Human Rights Commission. Those years taught her all a crime writer needs to know about the human propensity to commit horrible acts. After some years in private practice, she decided to give writing a serious try when she quit the law to stay at home for a few years with her young sons. That ‘serious try’ led to ten tenacious and hellacious years in the unpublished writer’s corner, followed, finally, by the sale of her Thea Kozak series.
Kate’s eighteen books will include eight Thea Kozak mysteries, five gritty Joe Burgess police procedurals, a suspense thriller (written under the name Katharine Clark), two true crime books, Death Dealer and Finding Amy (co-written with Joseph Loughlin, a Portland, Maine Deputy Police Chief), a Maine game warden's memoir, A Good Man with a Dog, co-written with Roger Guay, and a book about police shootings from the police point of view, Shots Fired: The misunderstandings, misconceptions, and myths about police shootings, co-written with Joseph K. Loughlin. Finding Amy was a 2007 Edgar nominee as well as a Maine Literary Award finalist, and has been optioned for a movie. Kate’s award-winning short stories have been widely anthologized and Redemption and And Grant You Peace, her third and fourth Joe Burgess mysteries, won the Maine Literary Award for Crime Fiction.
Flora's fiction, nonfiction, and short fiction have been finalists for the Edgar, Agatha, Anthony, and Derringer Awards.
She is a founding member of the New England Crime Bake, the region's annual mystery conference, and the Maine Crime Wave. With two other crime writers, she started founded Level Best Books, where she worked as an editor and publisher for seven years. She served a term as international president of Sisters in Crime, an organization founded to promote awareness of women writers’ contributions to the mystery field. Currently, she teaches writing and does manuscript critiques for Grub Street in Boston.
She has two sons (one into film and the other into photovoltaics) two lovely daughters-in-law, an adorable eight-year-old grandson and five granddogs, Frances, Otis, Harvey, Oscar, and Daisy. When not conducting research for her novels and nonfiction—research that includes riding an ATV through the Canadian woods or hiding in a tick-infested field waiting to be found by search and rescue dogs—Kate can often be found in her garden, waging war against the woodchucks and her husband’s lawnmower, or in the kitchen, devising clever and devious ways to get the men in her life to eat their vegetables.
After law school, Kate worked in the Maine attorney general’s office, protecting battered kids, chasing deadbeat dads, and representing the Human Rights Commission. Those years taught her all a crime writer needs to know about the human propensity to commit horrible acts. After some years in private practice, she decided to give writing a serious try when she quit the law to stay at home for a few years with her young sons. That ‘serious try’ led to ten tenacious and hellacious years in the unpublished writer’s corner, followed, finally, by the sale of her Thea Kozak series.
Kate’s eighteen books will include eight Thea Kozak mysteries, five gritty Joe Burgess police procedurals, a suspense thriller (written under the name Katharine Clark), two true crime books, Death Dealer and Finding Amy (co-written with Joseph Loughlin, a Portland, Maine Deputy Police Chief), a Maine game warden's memoir, A Good Man with a Dog, co-written with Roger Guay, and a book about police shootings from the police point of view, Shots Fired: The misunderstandings, misconceptions, and myths about police shootings, co-written with Joseph K. Loughlin. Finding Amy was a 2007 Edgar nominee as well as a Maine Literary Award finalist, and has been optioned for a movie. Kate’s award-winning short stories have been widely anthologized and Redemption and And Grant You Peace, her third and fourth Joe Burgess mysteries, won the Maine Literary Award for Crime Fiction.
Flora's fiction, nonfiction, and short fiction have been finalists for the Edgar, Agatha, Anthony, and Derringer Awards.
She is a founding member of the New England Crime Bake, the region's annual mystery conference, and the Maine Crime Wave. With two other crime writers, she started founded Level Best Books, where she worked as an editor and publisher for seven years. She served a term as international president of Sisters in Crime, an organization founded to promote awareness of women writers’ contributions to the mystery field. Currently, she teaches writing and does manuscript critiques for Grub Street in Boston.
She has two sons (one into film and the other into photovoltaics) two lovely daughters-in-law, an adorable eight-year-old grandson and five granddogs, Frances, Otis, Harvey, Oscar, and Daisy. When not conducting research for her novels and nonfiction—research that includes riding an ATV through the Canadian woods or hiding in a tick-infested field waiting to be found by search and rescue dogs—Kate can often be found in her garden, waging war against the woodchucks and her husband’s lawnmower, or in the kitchen, devising clever and devious ways to get the men in her life to eat their vegetables.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 25, 2019
Well, I loved this! Detective Sergeant Joe Burgess is a man of a certain age; he fought in Vietnam with a comrade who never really recovered and lives off and on the street. He's known as Reggie the can-man because he collected bottles & cans. Somebody murders him. The story, as always in this series, is set against the backdrop of Portland, Maine, a coastal city. This third outing is the best one so far. I was riveted and turning the pages faster and faster, as Joe looks for Reggie's murderer. The cast of characters is varied and each is very human and real. The mystery is hard to figure out, but the ending pulls no punches and all is revealed. I will move on to #4.
February 20, 2012
Redemption is Kate Flora’s third Joe Burgess Mystery and, after reading this installment, I’m excited to read books one and two! Set against the backdrop of Portland, Maine’s coastline, the book touches upon the privileged upper class and the lack of apathy the public, and even some of the authorities, have for the homeless in this fast-paced, gritty crime drama. Not to worry though, main character, Detective Sergeant Joe Burgess, a lovable, big-hearted, by-the-book cop with a fierce loyalty to those he loves, is on the case and won’t rest until he finds the killer. Written in the third person, the story quickly unfolds as we follow Burgess through the myriad of suspects and clues. Flora keeps us glued to our seats with scene after suspense-filled scene and with some of the most colorful and descriptive characters ever assembled in one novel.
Detective Joe Burgess has just found his longtime friend and fellow Vietnam veteran, a familiar figure on the streets of Portland known as “Reggie the Can Man,” at the bottom of the Portland harbor, dead from an apparent drowning. Soon, though, it becomes apparent that this was no accident and that Reggie Libby was murdered. Throughout the investigation, Joe and his team work tirelessly around the clock wading through clues, inconsistent alibis, and uncooperative suspects, including drug dealers, hired killers, a crazy witch, an alcoholic artist, a cold-calculating ex-wife, and Reggie’s weasel of a son, in order to find Reggie’s killer. To make matters worse, Joe is battling past demons of his own while trying to preserve his relationship with his current love interest. With everything closing in around him, Joe is left wondering if he’ll ever find Reggie’s killer!
Redemption is most definitely a winner!
Detective Joe Burgess has just found his longtime friend and fellow Vietnam veteran, a familiar figure on the streets of Portland known as “Reggie the Can Man,” at the bottom of the Portland harbor, dead from an apparent drowning. Soon, though, it becomes apparent that this was no accident and that Reggie Libby was murdered. Throughout the investigation, Joe and his team work tirelessly around the clock wading through clues, inconsistent alibis, and uncooperative suspects, including drug dealers, hired killers, a crazy witch, an alcoholic artist, a cold-calculating ex-wife, and Reggie’s weasel of a son, in order to find Reggie’s killer. To make matters worse, Joe is battling past demons of his own while trying to preserve his relationship with his current love interest. With everything closing in around him, Joe is left wondering if he’ll ever find Reggie’s killer!
Redemption is most definitely a winner!
January 1, 2014
I borrowed this book from the library mainly because it's set in Portland, Maine, only 50 miles from where I grew up, and it received good reviews. I didn't expect to like it; I didn't even expect to finish it. But it pulled me in quickly and I had to keep reading. The mystery is intriguing, and the characters are interesting and unpredictable for the most part. I did take exception to Star Goodall - if Flora wants us to believe Star is a Wiccan, then Flora knows nothing about Wicca. Beyond that, however, Flora seems pretty grounded in reality and I appreciated her sensibilities. The only reason I'm not giving this book 4 stars is because I quickly tired of the policemen's perpetual whine, "We're so underpaid! We're so under-appreciated! We're so overworked!" There are millions and millions of people who do dangerous work, are paid far less well, are under-appreciated, and are overworked. (If you want to read about a police detective who suffers, yes, but doesn't fall into this endless self-pitying loop, check out Gabriel Cohen's Jack Leitner mysteries. They're great.)
April 10, 2012
My first Flora book. I really liked it and the story was so realistic to our times. Our judgements by sight only, will probably be in our society forever but Flora addressed it so well. I will read more of her books.
April 10, 2021
I obtained a review copy from eBook Discovery and this is my honest opinion. This case is personal for Joe Burgess and boy, does that ever come through. The storyline is intense, with many heart-pounding moments that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The Crips, as Joe Burgess calls them, have an amazing relationship; one that comes from dealing with life-threatening and life-altering situations and knowing that the man/men walking that road with you will always have your back. In my opinion, it is a bit difficult to write that relationship without going overboard and becoming melodramatic or reverting to hyperbole. Ms. Flora handles it quite well. Would real-life officers get away with things The Crips do? Of course not, but it's fiction, and Ms. Flora is allowed to use poetic license and she does quite well.
So no one thinks I swallow her bait hook, line, and sinker, I still have a major problem with her overuse of profanity. Like many things in life, profanity is better used in very small doses, otherwise, it begins to lose its impact and no longer creates an intense, emotional feeling. It just becomes a shovel the author uses to beat the reader over the head. Will I stop reading the series because of it? No way! I love these characters and don't ever want to see the series end.
So no one thinks I swallow her bait hook, line, and sinker, I still have a major problem with her overuse of profanity. Like many things in life, profanity is better used in very small doses, otherwise, it begins to lose its impact and no longer creates an intense, emotional feeling. It just becomes a shovel the author uses to beat the reader over the head. Will I stop reading the series because of it? No way! I love these characters and don't ever want to see the series end.
December 2, 2019
This is a terrific series; I am reading them in order, and this may be the best so far.
There are a lot of police procedurals out there, and Flora does it as well as anyone, and perhaps better. In all of them policemen complain, but this is probably accurate and fair. To me, though, Flora has a less whiny tone, and the complaints are what seems a realistic portrayal of a tough line of work. The precinct group are well etched, with distinct personalities, and the bonds between them are strong and make compelling reading.
Actually, all the characters are well-crafted. Reggie comes through as damaged but almost saintly. Chris is amazingly wise. The bad people are pretty darn bad, which seems typical of the series, but they are not stereotypes, either.
I can't quite get to five stars because the ending seemed a bit confusing and overblown, though it was still organic to the plot. But Flora is a smart writer and a poignant one, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Joe Burgess series.
There are a lot of police procedurals out there, and Flora does it as well as anyone, and perhaps better. In all of them policemen complain, but this is probably accurate and fair. To me, though, Flora has a less whiny tone, and the complaints are what seems a realistic portrayal of a tough line of work. The precinct group are well etched, with distinct personalities, and the bonds between them are strong and make compelling reading.
Actually, all the characters are well-crafted. Reggie comes through as damaged but almost saintly. Chris is amazingly wise. The bad people are pretty darn bad, which seems typical of the series, but they are not stereotypes, either.
I can't quite get to five stars because the ending seemed a bit confusing and overblown, though it was still organic to the plot. But Flora is a smart writer and a poignant one, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Joe Burgess series.
May 22, 2017
Police procedural par excellence!
This is the second book by author Kate Flora that I've read (her Joe Burgess Mystery, Book 5 " Led Astray" is, also, a 5-Star read) and I can't say enough about just how good these books are! Not only has author Kate Flora created a wonderful protagonist in the form of Detective Sergeant Joe Burgess, but she has given "life" to all of the other characters, as well ... to the point where it is impossible not to get caught up in the drama that befalls all of them.
Great characters, interesting plot, action-galore and cop-speak' that is realistic enough to put you right in the thick of things, this is a police-procedural that is not to be missed.
//Too, author Flora seems to enjoy putting in a good amount of humor in her books (at least in the two Joe Burgess mysteries I've had the pleasure of reading) as well as a fair amount of heart-felt compassion, both of which I look for in authors that I am likely to follow.//
This is the second book by author Kate Flora that I've read (her Joe Burgess Mystery, Book 5 " Led Astray" is, also, a 5-Star read) and I can't say enough about just how good these books are! Not only has author Kate Flora created a wonderful protagonist in the form of Detective Sergeant Joe Burgess, but she has given "life" to all of the other characters, as well ... to the point where it is impossible not to get caught up in the drama that befalls all of them.
Great characters, interesting plot, action-galore and cop-speak' that is realistic enough to put you right in the thick of things, this is a police-procedural that is not to be missed.
//Too, author Flora seems to enjoy putting in a good amount of humor in her books (at least in the two Joe Burgess mysteries I've had the pleasure of reading) as well as a fair amount of heart-felt compassion, both of which I look for in authors that I am likely to follow.//
March 28, 2021
Joe Burgess, homicide detective of the Portland Police, is aways by the book. He crosses his t's and dots his i's. But this case is about one of his close friends, Reginald Libby.
Reggie is a veteran, returns home with PTSD, and is having a hard time getting back into civilian life. He ends up homeless. Joe always made a point to visit with him on his night shift.
Joe is called to the harbor. A dead body is floating in the water facedown.
Another excellent police procedural story in the series, Joe Burgess Mystery, book 3. Joe is a character who is driven. Layered with flaws and complexity, which enhances the plot.
Kate Flora's writing is always superb. Her books come highly recommended.
I received this book from ebook discovery. I volunteered to review it, and this is my honest review.
Reggie is a veteran, returns home with PTSD, and is having a hard time getting back into civilian life. He ends up homeless. Joe always made a point to visit with him on his night shift.
Joe is called to the harbor. A dead body is floating in the water facedown.
Another excellent police procedural story in the series, Joe Burgess Mystery, book 3. Joe is a character who is driven. Layered with flaws and complexity, which enhances the plot.
Kate Flora's writing is always superb. Her books come highly recommended.
I received this book from ebook discovery. I volunteered to review it, and this is my honest review.
October 15, 2017
This is the second Kate Flora book I've read. I happened across a review of her latest book while spending time in Maine and found a couple of her earlier Joe Burgess books at a local indie bookstore and a thrift store. Very much how dogged police work pays off. The emotional connection to the victim, "Reggie the Can Man," was a driving force since he and Reggie were high school classmates and fought in Vietnam together. Joe was able to get his life together while Reggie, who had a heart of gold, ended up on the streets. Lots of interesting characters, fast paced and a plot twist - I'll be reading more of her books.
March 15, 2021
I really liked this book. It was mostly somber (appropriately so for a murder mystery), with a touch of humor and a lot of humanity. The characters felt very real to me. No one was perfect, and most were not all evil either. The mystery was well thought out. There was a lot of commentary about how people see those who are homeless or nearly so. It rang true. It is a standalone book. I had not read the earlier ones in the series, but I will go back now and start at the beginning, just because I food the characters compelling. I received a free copy of the book from eBook Discovery, but this is my honest review. Great job.
July 10, 2019
This third edition in the Joe Burgess series involves Joe's friend from Portland who served with him in Vietnam. This book was chilling because of the evil of Reggie's ex-wife. A truly hard story to read because I personally know a Vietnam Vet who is mentally ill so this really hit me on a personal level. How Joe discovers who killed Reggie and what happens make a good read though. Very few errors and really interesting characters, even the evil ones. Highly recommend this book and the series.
October 31, 2019
I love the character of Joe Burgess , this plot was written so well showing his emotion for this man, who had been a friend, in the service, and then-homeless. His love was deep, his pocket to buy things to help Reggie with the cold that bothered him..As Joe says if they had a strong clean soul, or a jar of happiness for Reggie he would gladly bought those as well.
This touches him, he misses Chris. The team is great, the procedural draws you in. Glad there is more books
This touches him, he misses Chris. The team is great, the procedural draws you in. Glad there is more books
July 25, 2024
There is a good book trying to get out, but is smothered by pretty lame prose and a hamfisted theme. The tough life of a police detective and the impact on his persona life is a constant drumbeat. And the repeated comparisons of the real life of crimes and investigations to that seen on TV or in movies bring down the tale. I find it interesting and rather telling on the value of literary awards that the author has gathered much praise for her work.
March 21, 2021
Yet another stellar book. I swear if half the population had the dedication to their friends and their work and life in general as Joe Burgess the world would be a better place. I can’t help but wish Joe some peace ... and sleep of course. I received this book from eBook DIscovery. I am voluntarily posting this review. This is my honest review.
January 14, 2022
Another great entry in the Joe Burgess series -- things got a little over-the-top for me at one point, with people hearing things too well through windows on a stormy night, and that, plus a few very unlikely behaviors from the bad guys kept this from getting five stars but still, recommended. Joe Burgess is a complicated individual with a tough life, and he makes the series work.
September 21, 2023
I like Joe and his team of cops. This was a very moving story for me. The sad fact that stigma's are attached to people by others and they think it gives them the right to abuse them. Pretty sad commentary of our society and country. Kate Flora is a gifted writer and I am so glad I found her. Good book and a page turner for me!
February 21, 2021
Lots of suspects in this book, and the pace is good as always. Excellent characters in a story that's entertaining and easy to read.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
October 5, 2018
Very well written police story.
October 10, 2018
3 3/4 stars- great reading, nothing fancy or intellectual, just very entertains and fun, if you like detectives, murder, humor and flashes of extraordinary kindness.
August 17, 2019
This a continuation of the Joe Burgess series book #3! Joe is a Portland Maine police detective and he is caught up on a case he is working that involves a homeless persons murder.
March 25, 2021
The story itself was pretty typical but wow, homelessness was presented so well.
February 25, 2012
Almost everyone who grew up during the Vietnam War era knows or knew a Reggie. Heck, some of us may have even been on the cusp of becoming one. In Kate Flora's third Joe Burgess police procedural, Redemption, Joe and Reggie Libby were high school buddies and played football on the same high school team. They even went to Vietnam together and Joe pulled Reggie through a hellish night of blood, mud and fire after he had been wounded.
Years later, Joe and Reggie's brother Clay have been on a perpetual roller-coaster of hope and frustration over Reggie's (now known as Reggie The Can Man) inability to get the demons in his head under control and crawl out of the bottle.
It's Columbus Day weekend and Joe is on his way to enjoy a rare non-cop day with Chris, his girlfriend and the two foster kids she wants to adopt. Joe doesn't get far before two spooked teens jump out in front of his car, waving him down so they can have him call the cops to report a body at the bottom of Portland Harbor. Poor Joe. Not only does his weekend go to hell, but his gut gets a nasty wrench when he discovers the deceased is Reggie.
From there, readers get on a non-stop express train of action and confusing events as they run smack dab into one of the most interesting cast of characters in a long time. There's Reggie's girlfriend Maura, a barely functioning schizophrenic whose goodness and fragility come through loud and clear. There are a bunch of really, really nasty people headed by Joe's godson Joey, who was Reggie's son. His mother, Claire is the ex-wife from hell, but is she even worse than that? There's a serial arsonist, a self-proclaimed witch who is also Reggie's cousin, her husband who she claims is dead and a scrap metal dealer you'll love to hate.
Intertwined in all of the misdeeds and lies spawned by these evil doers are the life stresses the cops who work with Joe experience. The nonstop pace necessary to keep up with new developments in the investigation pushes all of them to the brink and there's one incident that's positively scary when one of them lets his macho get in the way of common sense.
Two-thirds of the way through the story, Joe gets a piece of news that leaves him at a complete loss. It's a situation so unexpected he has absolutely no idea how to cope with it and it's a dandy plot twist that eventually sets the stage for the next book in the series. Yes, the language is really raw and there's a lot of violence in this book, but they fit, given the constant pressure the good guys are under. Frankly, you're probably going to find yourself wincing in sympathy at some of the damage the protagonists experience on their way to a solution. If you like full-bore cop action, this book is your next meal, complete with dessert.
If you haven't read the first two in the series, (Playing God and The Angel of Knowlton Park), do so before reading this one. It will help you understand what makes these cops tick and enhance your enjoyment of this dandy addition to the series.
Years later, Joe and Reggie's brother Clay have been on a perpetual roller-coaster of hope and frustration over Reggie's (now known as Reggie The Can Man) inability to get the demons in his head under control and crawl out of the bottle.
It's Columbus Day weekend and Joe is on his way to enjoy a rare non-cop day with Chris, his girlfriend and the two foster kids she wants to adopt. Joe doesn't get far before two spooked teens jump out in front of his car, waving him down so they can have him call the cops to report a body at the bottom of Portland Harbor. Poor Joe. Not only does his weekend go to hell, but his gut gets a nasty wrench when he discovers the deceased is Reggie.
From there, readers get on a non-stop express train of action and confusing events as they run smack dab into one of the most interesting cast of characters in a long time. There's Reggie's girlfriend Maura, a barely functioning schizophrenic whose goodness and fragility come through loud and clear. There are a bunch of really, really nasty people headed by Joe's godson Joey, who was Reggie's son. His mother, Claire is the ex-wife from hell, but is she even worse than that? There's a serial arsonist, a self-proclaimed witch who is also Reggie's cousin, her husband who she claims is dead and a scrap metal dealer you'll love to hate.
Intertwined in all of the misdeeds and lies spawned by these evil doers are the life stresses the cops who work with Joe experience. The nonstop pace necessary to keep up with new developments in the investigation pushes all of them to the brink and there's one incident that's positively scary when one of them lets his macho get in the way of common sense.
Two-thirds of the way through the story, Joe gets a piece of news that leaves him at a complete loss. It's a situation so unexpected he has absolutely no idea how to cope with it and it's a dandy plot twist that eventually sets the stage for the next book in the series. Yes, the language is really raw and there's a lot of violence in this book, but they fit, given the constant pressure the good guys are under. Frankly, you're probably going to find yourself wincing in sympathy at some of the damage the protagonists experience on their way to a solution. If you like full-bore cop action, this book is your next meal, complete with dessert.
If you haven't read the first two in the series, (Playing God and The Angel of Knowlton Park), do so before reading this one. It will help you understand what makes these cops tick and enhance your enjoyment of this dandy addition to the series.
June 21, 2012
“Redemption,” the third in the Joe Burgess mystery series by author Kate Flora, is one of her very best so far, which is saying a lot. Flora is also the author of seven Thea Kozak mysteries, a suspense thriller, and true crime book, “Finding Amy,” which has been filmed for TV and is being considered for a movie. Quite an impressive list of credits for Flora, who divides her time between Maine and Massachusetts and also teaches writing for Grub Street in Boston.
In “Redemption,” Portland, Maine detective Joe Burgess is trying hard to live a normal, family-centered life with his new love and two foster children. Until two young boys flag down his car and tell him they think they’ve spotted a body floating in the water. Unfortunately, Joe is able to identify the body—an old friend from Vietnam days, Reggie Libby, a.k.a. Reggie The Can Man. Reggie’s life since those long-ago days has been a continuous downward spiral, spent in an alcoholic haze, collecting cans and bottles he redeems for spending money.
At first, it looks like Reggie fell into the water accidentally. But the medical examiner thinks otherwise. Who would want to murder a homeless man? The question haunts tough cop Joe Burgess, and he decides that he owes it to Reggie to find out.
Flora draws us into Reggie’s world, past and present, with a fast-moving plot, terse dialogue, and a cast of believable, flawed characters. This one is an emotional roller coaster, right to the last page. And it left me wondering whose redemption the book was really about: Reggie The Can Man or Detective Joe Burgess. Either way, this is a must-read for mystery lovers everywhere.
Reviewed by Susan Santangelo, author of “Moving Can Be Murder” for Suspense Magazine
In “Redemption,” Portland, Maine detective Joe Burgess is trying hard to live a normal, family-centered life with his new love and two foster children. Until two young boys flag down his car and tell him they think they’ve spotted a body floating in the water. Unfortunately, Joe is able to identify the body—an old friend from Vietnam days, Reggie Libby, a.k.a. Reggie The Can Man. Reggie’s life since those long-ago days has been a continuous downward spiral, spent in an alcoholic haze, collecting cans and bottles he redeems for spending money.
At first, it looks like Reggie fell into the water accidentally. But the medical examiner thinks otherwise. Who would want to murder a homeless man? The question haunts tough cop Joe Burgess, and he decides that he owes it to Reggie to find out.
Flora draws us into Reggie’s world, past and present, with a fast-moving plot, terse dialogue, and a cast of believable, flawed characters. This one is an emotional roller coaster, right to the last page. And it left me wondering whose redemption the book was really about: Reggie The Can Man or Detective Joe Burgess. Either way, this is a must-read for mystery lovers everywhere.
Reviewed by Susan Santangelo, author of “Moving Can Be Murder” for Suspense Magazine
December 26, 2019
This is the 3rd book in the Det. Joe Burgess series. After looking up this author, as I wanted a novel centered in Maine and Kate Flora's name popped up I found a "Detective series" that matched my location intent and this was a bonus. She does a very good job, helping the reader to get involved with the detective, Joe Burgess, and the other detectives as well that he works out cases with him. Very good!!
April 8, 2020
The best of the series so far
The first two were grittier than I can usually stomach but I liked Joe Burgess and his cop friends enough to keep me reading. My reward was this installment. Kate Flora managed to sustain a foundation of tenderness and humanity that kept me reading. I teared up more than once, especially at the end. I look forward to continuing my growing friendship with Joe and Chris.
The first two were grittier than I can usually stomach but I liked Joe Burgess and his cop friends enough to keep me reading. My reward was this installment. Kate Flora managed to sustain a foundation of tenderness and humanity that kept me reading. I teared up more than once, especially at the end. I look forward to continuing my growing friendship with Joe and Chris.
September 15, 2012
Another good Joe Burgess novel. The Angel of Knowlton Park is still my favorite in the series, but this one was good as well. Dad was right - there is a plot twist about 3/4 the way through the book that makes you eager for a fourth novel in the series.
My favorite quote from the book, "Bring coffee and some paqinkillers, would you? I'm a little bit shot."
My favorite quote from the book, "Bring coffee and some paqinkillers, would you? I'm a little bit shot."
May 11, 2020
Another non-stop winner!
This series just keeps on getting better! I like the behind the scenes window on the exceptional police work that is seldom acknowledged and the cost paid by the detective team as they must continue to juggle "normal" family lives with the unrelenting stress of their professional lives! Bravo to these unsung heroes!
This series just keeps on getting better! I like the behind the scenes window on the exceptional police work that is seldom acknowledged and the cost paid by the detective team as they must continue to juggle "normal" family lives with the unrelenting stress of their professional lives! Bravo to these unsung heroes!
May 17, 2012
I have read all three Joe Burgess books and this one is the best yet. I enjoy the Portland, Maine setting and the mystery is not clear until the very end. Insight as to what a cop's life must be like - crazy!
August 19, 2012
Flora keeps her readers twisting in the wind as her main character, Joe Burgess, shifts through more unanswered questions than answers. In the novel Redemption there are not too many places for the reader to catch his or her breathe. This book is well worth the winding race to the end.
February 28, 2015
Redemption is a beautifully written, exquisitely nuanced social commentary packaged in an intricate mystery.
[minor proofreading oversight incorrect/correct on pg.140: palate/palette of golds and plums...]
[minor proofreading oversight incorrect/correct on pg.140: palate/palette of golds and plums...]
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews