Eagle Rock: An Ashe Cayne Novel, Book 4

Ashe Cayne #4

by Ian K. Smith

Billionaire Elliott Kantor, who ruled over a mammoth real estate portfolio in Chicago, was a creature of habit. His trainer came to his house three mornings every week for a five-thirty workout. By six-thirty he was in the car and his driver drove him down into the city where he’d get a shave and trim from his barber every morning, then head over to his offices on Wacker. He always ate breakfast at his desk, had two young assistants who tended to his every whim and demand, then spent all day in and out of meetings growing a business that had already made him one of the wealthiest men in the country. 

There were few surprises in his world. Or so everyone thought, until Kantor died in his sleep at age 77, leaving behind a vast fortune and grieving wife, son, and five grandchildren.

When Simon Kantor enlists Ashe Cayne to explore his father's death, the probing private investigator learns there was plenty of "activities" Elliott participated in after hours, including a sex traffic ring. And as Ashe and readers will discover this is only the beginning, and as our hero dives deeper and deeper into Elliott's hidden world, this may be the end for the intrepid Mr. Cayne.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

368 pages, Hardcover

First published August 6, 2024

About the author

Ian K. Smith, M.D.,Ian K. Smith, M.D. is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of SUPER SHRED, SHRED, THE 4 DAY DIET, THE FAT SMASH DIET and EXTREME FAT SMASH DIET among 7 other books including, SHRED Diet Cookbook , EAT, Happy , and The Blackbird Papers. His newest book, THE SHRED POWER CLEANSE, is available 12/29/15.

He is a former co-host of Emmy-winning “The Doctors” TV show, and a medical contributor to “The Rachael Ray Show."

He is the former medical correspondent for NBC News network and for NewsChannel 4 where he filed reports for NBC’s “Nightly News” and the “Today” show as well as WNBC’s various news broadcasts. He has appeared extensively on various broadcasts including “The Oprah Show,” “Good Morning America” “CBS This Morning” “The View,” “The Talk,” “Dr. Oz,” ‘Dr. Phil,” “Anderson Cooper 360″ and “Showbiz Tonight.”

He has written for various publications including Time, Newsweek, Men’s Health, and the New York Daily News, and has been featured in several other publications including, Publisher’s Weekly, Red Book, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, People, Essence, Ebony, University of Chicago Medicine on the Midway, Cosmopolitan, Women’s World, and Black Enterprise.

Dr. Smith is the founder of two major national health initiatives—the 50 Million Pound Challenge and the Makeover Mile—that have helped millions of people lose weight and improve their health.

A graduate of Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Dr. Smith was appointed to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition in 2010 and is serving a second term.

http://shredlife.com/about-shred/abou...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/ianksmith

Reviews

[♡Heather✩Brown♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨B O O K • T O U R✨

#ad I received a gifted copy of this book - many thanks to @AmistadBooks & @doctoriansmith & @tlcbooktours & @tlcdiversity #partner

Eagle Rock // Releases: August 6, 2024

Ashe Cayne gets a call in the early morning hours from his commander. Barely awake it takes Ashe a minute to process what he’s just heard over the phone. Billionaire Elliott Kantor has just been found, tied to a four-poster bed wearing only a pair of women’s underwear and a dog collar around his neck, dead.

The reason Ashe has been called to this scene is because Elliott’s son, Simon, wants him to investigate his father’s death. Elliott was involved in many late-night activities and a sex trafficking ring - but there’s much more Ashe is about to uncover. Things that might put his own life, or those he cherishes the most, in jeopardy.

This was one heck of a read! The story grips you from the start and keeps you entertained throughout. As more secrets are uncovered your jaw will hit the floor. The writing and characters will have you flipping the pages as you race to find out what happened to Elliott and what he was up to before being found dead.

This is a fast-paced story that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. The chapters are shortish and make for a fast read. The investigation is intriguing and will consume your every thought. A must read for thriller lovers.

This book publishes tomorrow! Grab your copy then or preorder now.

[Kim’s Kindle Reads. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Wouldn't call it a thriller technically but definitely a good mystery/suspense & I'll be going back to read the other 3 books in the series!

[adoseof.adri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashe Cayne is soo smooth 😭 I need to read the rest of this series!

[chasc.taylor_reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed that Eagle Rock jumped straight into the story and investigation. I would’ve liked to learn more about Cayne as a main character (the first time I remember reading his name was page 57. I had to check the synopsis for it). I recognize this is the 4th book in a series, but if the books can be read in any order, I’d expect some characterization tidbits thrown in here and there. Speaking of characterization, there were a few instances in which I did not like how women were described.

There are A LOT of sports references and historical Chicago tidbits throughout the story. Furthermore, I can tell that topics are well researched and I learned some new things throughout my reading. I will note that sometimes the info came across as “info dump” all in one scene (ie meeting with the doctor in chapter 5), which took me out of the story. I recognize there are some readers who appreciate these insertions.

There were some parts that were funny and engaging. I thought the interrogation scene with Duncan was great! I also appreciate the romance element and would like that to be more developed. I found myself looking for more tension throughout the story. It felt like Cayne found all the information too easily. More tension/higher stakes would keep the pages turning.

If we are being specific, I’d give this 2.25stars. There’s room to grow.

[Brandie Bridges-Sells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Now I am not a mystery girlie but this book may had done just the trick because the murder mystery had me on the edge of my seat. As I began reading this book it immediately had my attention because as Ashe Cayne as the private investigator I kept wondering how he is going to be able to sole the murder of Elliot Kantor, but then three other murders take place as soon as Ashe tries to put two and two together. At some point I was beginning to feel bad for him because all the odds were against him, but he did not falter and managed to get through it all. Overall this was a page tuner that everyone should read. Now mind you this is the fourth book in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone. Though I will say that after reading this book I plan on reading the other three because Ashe Cayne managed to get my full attention.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ian K. Smith's Eagle Rock is a Chicago mystery thriller with three murder victims. If you are a sports fan and enjoy European cars, this might be a book for you. But, PI Ashe Cayne is also big on culture. He likes Basquiat's art, is knowledgeable about Greek mythology, quotes Shakespeare, and knows the Bible. He unwinds at a boxing gym and on the golf course. His background enables him to either interview suspects or beat them up. Although Eagle Rock is the name of a California city, this is merely a coincidence and the Eagle Rock here is not even a place. It does tie together the victims in a sexual way. One of the male victims was found dead wearing red women's panties. Read the book for more details. As a writer, Smith is part of a current trend- the M.D. mystery writer who occasionally allows medical knowledge to seep into the plot. Here, Smith shows he knows his way around an autopsy. His comfort level in dealing with extremely wealthy people and ordinary criminals suggests a good bedside manner is a transferrable skill.

[Natashia Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
I wanted to read a detective book and I’m glad this opportunity came. I had fun listening to this one.

Thoughts: I enjoyed this one. We start off with a bang and we continue to be entertained along the way. I loved the flow of the story. I am glad that the narrator (Amir Abdullah) made this story just as enjoyable with his expressive tone. He was EXCELLENT with the many voices he portrayed. He made me feel like I was watching this play out in movie form. Great job.

Ashe Cayne was my kind of PI. This guy cites Shakespeare and was serious about his golf. I love his approach and his witty personality all while being serious. Ashe Cayne had swag and this man was so smooth with it. I loved how that even though he was on a case he was still living his life. He was still an average man doing what he loved.

I was intrigued with the crimes committed as well as the additional breadcrumbs that were planted in this story. I loved how all of the clues came together. He didn’t drag the story along and I appreciated this. Not only did you get facts about situations, you also got a lesson in all the things (i am not going to spoil what those things are).

I enjoyed the bond he had with his sidekick, Mechanic. He was such a no-nonsense type of guy who will break your jaw easily and with minimal effort- and I loved that. You had sweet and sour with these two. I loved his dad and how thought provoking he was with key things. I can see where Ashe get his brain from.

I would recommend this as I definitely enjoyed it. It was entertaining and again, I loved Cayne’s witty personality. I will look into the other books in this series as I enjoyed Dr. Smiths writing. I really loved Ashe Cayne’s character.

Thank you to Hear Our Voices book tours and Amistad for the advanced audiobook and gifted physical copy.

[Mika TheReadingRoom444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liissseeeennnnnnnnn
For the last 24 hours, my senses have been engulfed in greatness!
It’s been a while since I have read such a phenomenal novel that featured a detective and when I tell you this gem had all the makings of an award-winning book!
Even though this is the fourth book in this detective series, I enjoyed it so much so that I’m gonna go back and purchase the other three novels in this series. This book had me at page one . I read it within 24 hours! Please go ahead and get you a copy, your future self will thank you for it!

#EagleRock #HearOurVoices #HOV

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unable to accept the sexually compromising manner in which his father’s body was found, the son of one of the wealthiest men in the city hires ex-Chicago Police Detective turned Private Investigator Ashe Cayne to find out how his father really died and why. While following leads, the death of another prominent figure under similar circumstances piques Cayne’s curiosity and he discovers there is more to this than meets the eye.

Well-written and fully developed, Cayne is a smart, charming character, with an abundance of well-placed connections that aid in his success as an investigator. This was an engrossing quick read, my favorite installation in the series thus far, and the only disappointment is that now I have to wait for the next one. 3.5 stars

Amistad via NetGalley kindly provided me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sex. Money. Murder.

Who do you call to investigate when one of the richest men in Chicago is found dead, tied up to his bed with women’s panties on and a leather dog collar around his neck? Private investigator, Ashe Cayne of course.

Eagle Rock is a jaw dropping mystery from beginning to end. The story starts with a bang, immediately thrusting you into the world/underworld of billionaire Elliot Kantor & the events surrounding his mysterious death. His cause of death is initially ruled as heart failure, but Kantor’s son, Simon, smells foul play, and hires Cayne to investigate. Simon’s suspicions appear justified when another prominent man is found dead in a similarly uncompromising position a few days later. With the help of his partner Mechanic & his previous connections to law enforcement, Cayne burrows deep into the activities of Chicago’s elite, revealing dark secrets along the way.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashe Cayne I enjoy this series, a lot of moving parts, and when it all comes together, it's a beautiful revelation. Catching a smart criminal is a such a rush, and Ashe Cayne does it well.

[Keen_uh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would call this a classic male detective novel. The story was fine but tended to rely on outdated tropes too much for my taste. Smith often lost me with his descriptions of female characters and comments on their appearances. Unnecessary. Every. Single. Time.

Ashe Cayne was (unsurprisingly) insufferable. I found him a little bit one dimensional but overall pretty consistent. He wielded an unending desire to seem smarter than everyone else in the room. Other characters also seemed to bend too easily to his whims and the information sharing was a little odd sometimes. I repeatedly rolled my in response to his choice of quotes when talking.

In terms of structure, I think the pacing was pretty solid but the ending left a few loose ends. I think the book was also too long and didn’t give detail where it mattered. We don’t know exactly why someone was murdered but we got thick descriptions of dinner dates, foreign cars, and the history of Black professional tennis stars. It’s clear that this was part of a series and there were some allusions to earlier cases that with added context may have been a little less clunky but it wasn’t distracting for me.

Overall this was fine. Not my cup of tea but not a terrible read.

[Zhana Cox]

In “Eagle Rock,” Ian K. Smith introduces readers to Ashe Cayne, a debonair private investigator with a penchant for golf and a flair all his own. Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s elite, this novel dives deep into the high-stakes world of the city’s one percenters, unraveling a web of mystery and intrigue surrounding the murder of the insanely wealthy Elliot Kantor.

Ashe Cayne stands out as a memorable character, evoking the charm and grit of classic fictional investigators like Philip Marlowe and Easy Rawlins. Yet, Cayne brings his own unique style and personality to the table, making him a refreshing addition in detective fiction. His smooth demeanor and sharp wit make for an engaging MC who effortlessly navigates the trenches of wealth and corruption.

From the very first sentence, I was hooked. Pulling me into a fast-paced story filled with twists and turns. Smith’s writing is spellbinding, capturing the essence of Chicago’s high society while maintaining a sense of suspense that kept me wondering what’s next. The plot is meticulously crafted to the Gods, with each clue and revelation building towards a satisfying conclusion.

The novel does extremely well in its vivid depiction of the setting, bringing the opulence and dark reality of Chicago’s elite to life. Smith’s attention to detail and keen observation skills shine bright like a diamond, creating a rich and alluring reading experience. The interactions between characters are authentic and well-developed, adding depth to the story and enhancing the overall impact of the narrative.

“Eagle Rock” is a masterful blend of classic detective fiction and contemporary storytelling. Ian K. Smith has crafted a novel that not only pays homage to the greats of the genre but also carves out its own niche with a distinctive voice and style. Ashe Cayne is a character who will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, and readers will eagerly await his next adventure.

All in All, “Eagle Rock” is a gripping and exhilarating read that delivers on all fronts. With its charming protagonist, intricate plot, and evocative setting, it is a must-read for fans of detective fiction, especially those who enjoy the stories of Easy Rawlings and Philip Marlowe. Ian K. Smith has undoubtedly created a new classic in the genre, and Ashe Cayne is poised to become a favorite for those who long for intelligent, sophisticated, and thrilling mysteries.

[Sherley's Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by Dr. Ian K. Smith and boy was it a ride. This thriller / mystery / private investigator novel is a true page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat. From the first page up until the last, I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride with tons of twists and turns, and I did not want the ride to end. There is a lot going on so make sure you have your seatbelts buckled because this is a true whodunit that is guaranteed to have you questioning everyone and everything!

In Eagle Rock we meet Private Investigator Ashe Cayne, a former detective with the Chicago Police Department. Billionaire Elliott Kantor is found dead under very mysterious circumstances and due to the nature of Elliott’s death, the compromising position he was found in, and his wealth and stature, Detective Cayne, and his sidekick Mechanic are hired by Elliott’s son to solve the case. Just when they start to try to figure things out, two other people pop up death under similar circumstances. Ashe uses his smooth, charming, cool personality to get exactly what he needs out of those he interacts with in order to solve the case.

This book was so good. Ashe and Mechanic are the perfect duo. Ashe as the brains and Mechanic as the muscle. I loved how Ashe was able to talk to just about anyone and used his knowledge of sports, music, Shakespeare, art (loved the Basquiat reference), and much more to get information out of people. Like I said before, he was so smooth with it! The writing style was exceptional, and the world building was outstanding. While reading, I felt like I was watching a thriller or crime drama on television, and I could not wait to see who the culprit was at the end! Sidenote: As a romance girlie, I appreciated that a bit of romance was sprinkled in through Ashe and Carolina’s relationship.

Eagle Rock is book four in the Ashe Cayne series, but it can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this one so much that I am excited to go back and read the other books!

[Sharon Velez Diodonet · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you really know me, you know that I love a great thriller or mystery. Eagle Rock by Ian K. Smith had me in a chokehold from the first sentence. It is fast, paced suspense story with interesting characters and a murder mystery that unravels bit by bit in real time. I felt like I was right there with the detective team and I was actively putting the pieces together as new clues were revealed. I couldn't get enough of Ashe Cayne, the bad*ss protagonist and his sidekick Mechanic. In reality, all of the side characters in Cayne's world were great. I can't wait to dive into the first three books in this series because Eagle Rock, Ashe Cayne's 4th novel was fantastic.

Eagle Rock is a mystery full of quality storytelling. Not only is the narrative captivating, but the author manages to weave in compelling social commentary on power and class, sex trafficking, toxic masculinity, myths about BDSM and the secrets lives led by the wealthy. I loved that this one takes place in Chicago, one of my favorite cities. The Chicago streets come alive in this one and it was so much fun hearing all the familiar names of streets and neighborhoods.

The writing and dialogue made this one an automatic hit for me. I caught myself flying through the pages because I was so hooked on the mystery and the characters had so much depth and great development. These are some of favorite quotes:
▪︎ "I'm laughing at how different things are for the rich," I said. "You say that as if it's a new concept," my father said. "Always been like that. Always will be. They play by a different set of rules. Held to a different standard."
▪︎ "There isn't any singular type. These depraved and craven men came from all walks of life and every corner of society."
▪︎ "Rich families have strange dynamics. They relate to each other differently. There's this coldness to it all."
▪︎ "Sometimes the time spent chasing money isn't worth the time lost with family."

A big thank you to my lovely #partners @amistadbooks and @hearourvoicestours for the gifted copy and another tour opportunity.

[Candice Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

🕵🏾‍♂️ 🆂🅴🆅🅴🅽 🅻🅸🆃 🆃🅷🅸🅽🅶🆂 🕵🏾‍♂️
|| 𝙀𝙖𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠 by Ian K. Smith|

𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲?
* Yes, Ian K. Smith is a good storyteller and there are three previous books in the series (but each are standalones) that I could enjoy as well. Plus, I’ve always liked the author as a doctor.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿:
* Of course, it is Ashe Cayne because he is solving mysteries and quoting Shakespeare. He’s fit, resourceful, and fine.

𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆:
* No matter how much wealth or status a person has, there is a heavy cost of thinking your secrets cannot be unearthed. Privacy is our right as individuals, but so many people hide behind a facade of who they really are so they can escape judgment.

𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀/𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀:
* Sex & Privacy
* Perception & Society
* The Privilege of Wealth and Status

𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.
* “Unfortunately. The ones who most deserve to die are the ones who end up living.”

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘁/𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂?
* Yes, I was entertained by the plot and mystery. Ashe’s sidekick, Mechanic, made the scenes exciting. I wouldn’t want to be outside his circle of friends. I grinned each time Ashe lands on the green to golf between a murder mystery.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂?
* Shock. Excitement. Shame. I would hate to see one of my parents or siblings in an unfortunate circumstance for the world to judge and not knowing all the facts.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨ (3.75)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On this @hearourvoicestour, I wanted to say thank you for having me again and I appreciate the gifted copy @amistadbooks. Thanks @harperaudio and @librofm for the audiobook access.

🏷 #EagleRock #IanKSmith #AsheCayneSeries #Dectective #mystery #HearOurVoices #HOV  #blackgirlsread #wellreadblackgirl  #blackbookstagram

[Orsayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eagle Rock by Ian K. Smith is a riveting plunge into the concealed world of Chicago’s upper crust. At its heart is Elliott Kantor, a billionaire renowned for his predictable routine and vast real estate empire. Smith meticulously paints a picture of power and wealth, only to shatter it with Kantor’s sudden death at 77. This event leaves behind a mourning family and a legacy veiled in enigma, setting the stage for a gripping narrative.

Enter Ashe Cayne, a tenacious private investigator hired by Kantor’s son, Simon, to dig into the circumstances surrounding his father’s death. What begins as a straightforward case quickly spirals into a labyrinth of illicit activities, revealing Kantor’s involvement in a sinister sex trafficking ring. Smith’s narrative is gripping, with Cayne’s investigation peeling back layers of deception and moral corruption.

This book masterfully combines the intrigue of a murder mystery with the intensity of a thriller. Ashe Cayne is a compelling protagonist whose determination to uncover the truth propels the story forward with relentless momentum. Smith’s portrayal of the underbelly of wealth and power is chilling and fascinating, making Eagle Rock a must-read for fans of suspense and detective fiction.

Eagle Rock is a gripping tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It delves into the dark secrets of a seemingly untouchable billionaire and the dangerous world uncovered by an unyielding investigator.

[Lourdes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been wanting to read this book sense it came out and as luck would have it I was given the opportunity to do so.

I will say this is the type of mystery books I love to read and crave to read. I love a book that doesn’t reveal the “who did it “ factor until the very end. I love that I wasn’t able to guess who was criminal was straight away. I honestly wanted to create my own investigation board cause I really felt like I was investigating this crime along side Ashe Cayne and his associates.

This is the 4th book in the Ashe Cayne series, and I immediate want the other due to how amazing this story was.

Ashe Cayne is a retired Chicago cop turned P.I. Who has been asked to investigate the murder of Chicago’s richest man. The victim has been found in a unique way leading his case to be on the hush hush while being investigated. Let’s just say the victim had secret that no one who knew him, knew about. Ashe’s investigation will uncover a world of secrets and people who you would suspect of wrong doing. You literally wont know who did what until the end.

I was invested and didn’t want to put this down until we solved the case…or got an answer.
Great for mystery lovers.

[tre be · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Why are rich people so damned crazy? …Because they have everything else in the world they want. So they need something different to keep themselves entertained.”

“Rich people do weird shit…. And crazy rich people do crazy weird shit. Thats what happens when you have everything you want. Nothing is normal anymore”

No Diddy!

Private investigator, Ashe, is called in to investigate the death of a highly powerful and wealthy man found dead in bed, wearing a pair of red women’s panties.

Ashe is the man to get to the heart of this weird scene and he will have a number of possible suspects to go through to break the case.

The story is basically about the secret, wild sex lives of the wealthy. He stumbles upon quite a few revelations about the deceased kinky/lavish lifestyle. It read like the stories that are being uncovered about the heavy hitters in the music industry.

I liked the action-filled fight scenes! Ashe and his side kick Mechanic were always ready to knuck and buck! I also enjoyed the romance between Ashe and his girlfriend.

The story starts off fast, and keeps at it. The audiobook is high energy.

I hadn’t read the first 3 books in the series, but was still able to keep up with the characters.

[J Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read his first "Ash Cayne" character book only because I saw the author being interviewed on television a few months ago, and it was mentioned "Eagle Rock" was optioned for a move, so I decided to read his first Ashe Cayne series as I enjoy mysteries. And, and honestly, the first thing I noticed was the constant description of his protagonist's knowledge and descriptions of clothing/fabrics, vintage cars, high-end jewelry, hair, make-up, wine and food ordering choices, golfing comments, art, poets, Shakespear, etc., etc. I felt it was Ian Smith's way of banging over his readers' heads his own varied tastes, knowledge, etc., and it soon became tired and much of it unnecessary, I felt. Therefore, I skipped the next two books and went on to" Eagle Rock". Again, even more so in this book with the descriptions of everything from art, prose, sports, etc., to excess. BUT... what struck me most about these Ashe Cayne series was how much characters in it and the story construction are similar to characters of a mystery series I love and been reading over the years--the "Andy Carpenter" series in which the protagonist is an attorney. So, I gave it two stars only because I got through it to the end to see the outcome.

[Anniee Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑂ℎ 𝑚𝑦, 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑚𝑦 𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑏𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑛𝑑.
Let me start by saying I love that this book is based in my city 🏙️ 🌆 CHICAGO! I love love love that anyway, Ashe reminds me of Liam. Y'all know Liam right from "Taken" LoL yes. I visualized his character as Liam every time someone says they are coming to Ashe for help versus going to the police. He's discreet, well-versed, and gets the job done by any means necessary. This book was a roller coaster 🎢 you had to pay attention from the beginning to understand what was going on. You had the rich people doing what rich ppl are doing, blowing their money and into some 👀 crazy things lol. So what happens when the wealthy 🤑 passes away.. we want answers,👀 but do we really 🫤 yes, so now the detective is on the case. While running into bumps and bumps in the road Ashe never gave up. In all the cases he's been in he's never given up and he didn't give up on the case until bam 💥 the person they were looking for was right in front of them. Crazy 😧 #bonnetsnatching plot twist!

Pre-order your copy today and start reading! 8/6 this was a good read!

[Scott Schubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently had the chance to read "Eagle Rock" by Ian K. Smith, thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy of the fourth book in this series. Having not read the previous installments, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I quickly grew to love the main character, Ashe. His ability to adapt to any situation made the story engaging and the pages flew by.

The narrative was straightforward, weaving together various subplots into a larger, compelling mystery. Smith skillfully guides the reader through the story, revealing just enough to keep you guessing without disclosing too much. Ashe's relationships throughout the book were particularly well-crafted, highlighting his genuine care for others.

I was confused about the book emphasis on fitness, but looking at Smith's other work which aligns with the author adds a unique dimension to the character and story. I'm now eager to go back and read the earlier books in the series to uncover more about the backgrounds of other characters and see how it all started.

[Mysia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ashe Cayne is hired to assist in solving the murder of Chicago’s wealthiest man, he quickly realizes this case is far more complex than it seems. As other deaths come to light, their potential connection to the story deepens the mystery. Ashe Cayne is a know-it-all, history-lesson-giving, Shakespeare-quoting, in-your-face private investigator. In any other book, I would never go for a character like him, but Ian K. Smith somehow makes me love everything about Ashe. He is witty, fun, and honestly, such a great time to follow.

The story gripped me from the start, and I didn’t want to put it down. The audiobook narrator was fantastic and brought extra life to the characters. If I had seen this book on a store shelf, I probably would have walked past it without a second thought. But now, after reading it, Ian K. Smith is definitely an author I’ll be keeping my eye on.

CAWPILE
Characters: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Writing: 9
Plot: 9
Intrigue: 10
Logic: 8
Enjoyment: 9
Final rating: ⭐ 4.5/5

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much thanks to @hearourvoicestours for providing this copy of Ian K. Smith's fourth novel in the Ashe Cayne series, Eagle Rock. This book opens with the death of a renowned real estate tycoon under suspicious circumstances. Ashe is brought in as an independent investigator to get to the root of Kantor's death.
Ashe Cayne, an ex Chicago policeman, is a golf enthusiast who is extremely well read. He can quote Shakespeare and scripture without missing a beat and I found that very endearing. His relationships with colleagues and family made it clear that he is a very likeable person.
The mystery was intriguing and definitely was unpredictable. I was guessing #whodunnit right to the very end. This book gives "sex, lies and videotape" true meaning!
This is my first Smith read and I am excited to go read the 3 preceeding books of this series very soon.
Currently on sale wherever books are sold, go get your copy.
#HearOurVoices #HOV #EagleRock #Mystery #AsheCayne #ReadSoulLit #BlackGirlReads #BookMail #BookstagramSVG #Bookstagram

[Notta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon Kantor, the son of Billionaire Elliot Kantor, hired Private Investigator Ashe Cayne, to further explore the details of what caused his father’s d3ath. Elliot Kantor was found tied to a bed wearing woman’s 🩲.
With insurance money on the line, there was no way Simon would let his father rest peacefully if his d3ath was related to 💊. Throughout this novel, we follow Cayne down a rabbit hole of secrets, which also connects to several other incidents. Whoever is behind Kantor’s d3ath had it very well planned & not easily detectable. Page turner for sure!! Even when I thought I could guess who k!lled Elliot Kantor, I was proven wrong!!
Not to mention, Ashe Cayne is really just… THAT GUY!! He’s charming, intelligent, pays attention to detail, lover of golf, vintage car enthusiast, & quotes everyone from Nikki Giovanni, to Russian Novelist, Dostoevsky. That’s what I would call a well rounded guy 😅

If you’re a fan of S.A Cosby, solving mysteries and suspense, this is the book for you!

#EagleRock #HearOurVoices #HOV

[James Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ian K. Smith's "Eagle Rock" is an entertaining mystery novel and the fourth installment of the Ashe Cayne series. Cayne himself is a fascinating and well-written character. A former Chicago police detective turned private investigator, Cayne likes to keep himself physically fit through boxing, running, and golf. He is also a poetry fan and has an interest in art. When a well-known and wealthy Chicago businessman is found dead under suspicious circumstances, the dead man's son approaches Cayne to find out how his father actually died. Cayne begins his investigation and discovers the deceased businessman had a secret life connected with a group known as Eagle Rock. Smith writes smoothly and provides excellent descriptions of Chicago and its various neighborhoods. Mystery fans looking for something different should seek "Eagle Rock."

[Glenda Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eagle Rock by Dr. Ian K. Smith follows the Ashe Cayne a former officer turned private investigator who investigate the mysterious death of billionaire Real Estate Mogul Elliott Kantor. It’s the fourth book in the Ashe Cayne series, but can be read as a standalone. The story takes place in Chicago, feels like I’m in an episode of Law and Order.

Simon Kantor, Elliott’s son has suspicions about his father’s death so he hires Cayne to Investigate. Cayne discovers that Elliott Kantor participated in after hour activities including a sex trafficking ring. Ashe Cayne dives deeper into Elliott Kantor’s world and see what happened behind closed doors. It’s gripping, tense and exciting. I will be reading more of this author in the future.

Thank you hear our voices tours and Amistad books for organizing this book tour. Thank you Ian K Smith for writing an exciting mystery series.

[Danielle Wright-Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good “suspicious” story.
First of all, you will definitely be forced to be on edge at the start of the book and from there…just keep up.

Ashe Cayne was a man that lots of people respected and it was evident all through out the story.

So..
Ashe Cayne is hired to find out what happened to one the richest men in the city of Chicago when he is found dead and tied up in a bed. During his investigation, he finds that the man was doing other things in his pastime…From there, more deaths happen that might be connected, more secrets are revealed, and Ashe Cayne kept proving time and time again why he was “that man”….

There’s a part in the book where BDSM is defined and it was super informal. I appreciate when a book gives you entertainment and added info you have seen talked about but never in a way to understand.

The story is definitely plot-driven. The twist, the turns, and that people that continued to be added to the story were written well.
I overall enjoyed this book.

[Cheryl McGhee · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Something bothered me but I couldn’t put my finger on it.”

Billionaire Elliott Kantor is found dead in his bed in a very compromising position and his son, Simon hires Shakespeare-quoting, private investigator Ashe Cayne to get to the bottom of his death. The more questions Cayne asks, the more he learns that Kantor was not what he seemed to be. It’s up to Cayne to discover the truth.

Eagle Rock has all the elements of a crime drama/thriller, to include 1) an angry, foul mouth police captain on the verge of retirement 2) more dead bodies popping up to confuse the case and 3) a sidekick muscle man to assist when an extra “touch” is necessary. Ashe Cayne’s style gives old school, super sleuth vibes and his idiosyncratic way of showing how well-versed he is (knowing a little something about EVERY subject) makes for an interesting story. Ian Smith uses short chapters to weave all the missing pieces together, moving the story along smoothly, and making the reader hungry for answers throughout the book:

What was Kantor actually involved in? Is the preacher’s death connected? Did family (or friends) have anything to do with Kantor’s death? Exactly what killed him and so on and so on…

Eagle Rock is perfect for the suspense/thriller lover,

[Marsha Mims-Word · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first reading journey by this author. I enjoyed how the author sprinkled art and poetry throughout the mystery storyline. Ashe Cayne, former Detective with Chicago Police Department now Private Investigator receives a case concerning the death of a well known billionaire. While investigating this case another death happens of a billionaire preacher and the death of a mysterious woman. Question on the table are these deaths related. A number of plot twist throughout and just when you think you know, the author throws one of his poetic lines in the mix to keep you guessing. Fast paced, jaw dropping events at every turn and extremely entertaining. I plan to read the previous three books in the series. Highly recommended for those who love a good who did it.