Dead Game

John Marquez #3

by Kirk Russell

Named one of the top ten crime novels of 2005 by the American Library Association, Deadgame marks the return of "far and away the most inventive new detective hero" ( Booklist ). Ex-DEA agent John Marquez, now head of the undercover unit of the California Department of Fish and Game, is closing in on sturgeon poachers, whose highly profitable caviar trade is backed by the Russian mafia. When his key confidential informant disappears, Marquez follows the trail directly into the middle of a deadly FBI operation and a web of conflicting loyalties. Newly releasedin paperback, this fast-paced, compelling, and vivid ecothriller pushes the tough-but-sensitive Marquez to the limit.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Detective

377 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

I aimed at writing long ago but that turned out to more romance than reality. Looking back, I was lucky to learn something about the world first. Never gave up on writing though. It just took longer. I've written five novels with an undercover California Fish and Game warden, John Marquez, three with a San Francisco homicide inspector, and now Signature Wounds and FBI special agent bomb tech, Paul Grale. Grale is living in the world we're in and dealing with the challenges of our times. I'm very hooked into him and working on a new story.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third and perhaps final novel in this series and it starts off like the others that preceded it with a screw-up and potentially violent ending for a character. However, it quickly charts a course for some interesting plot diversions with the Russian mob and Marquez's personal life. I've grown attached to John Marquez and enjoyed reading about his tireless devotion to duty while battling problems on the homefront with his step-daughter and wife as well as the bureaucrats in Sacramento. This one exacts a toll on him and you can see the writing on the wall, aging operator needs to retire or find a desk job that he doesn't want. Russell has created a truly real character in John Marquez and his team of undercover agents. The day to day mundane chores of policework and the constant driving all over the state are as stimulating to read about as the action of shootouts and takedowns. After reading this book you know there are real people out there protecting our wildlife resources just like John Marquez and that is a comforting thought when I go sleep.

[L Holt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is about as dispassionate a novel and protagonist I have encountered during my long life of reading the suspense/mystery/thriller stories. One would think that a game warden would be more passionate about his profession, but the passion doesn’t kick in until page 178. I’m glad that I kept reading, however the rest of the book made up for the first part. It is also unfortunate that the author felt compelled to end the book with a “tender” statement of the moral of the story,

[Walt Mccluskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead game

Another of the excellent tales linking the nature world to the political one with all the problems the relationship presents. The tie between sturgeon poaching and terrorist activity is very believable in today's world and demonstrated the love of money and power so many allow to lead their lives.

[Ned Arick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very difficult to follow

Though I finished Dead Game, it was difficult for me to follow all the characters Mr Russell included in this novel...The story is important with an interesting plot. I'll probably take a break from Mr Russell's work, then return after a Leon Uris or other historical or (less complex) mystery novel... I'll be returning to Mr Russell's work!

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

This is one I'm sure you will enjoy. Crime, suspense, nature all wrapped up in a gripping story. Plenty of action.

[Chip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirk Russell writes some good stories.

[Maureen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent book....not feeling the urgency over sturgeon roe and the losers trying to poach it...I’m an environmentalist , but this didn’t ring a bell with me.

[Judee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third in a series of eco-thrillers by this author and the first I have read. I enjoyed the setting and reading about the California Delta and the landscape there. The main character goes undercover for the Department of Fish and Game to catch sturgeon poachers. Sturgeon is a good source of caviar. There are other crimes going on, even murder. It starts slowly but winds up well and overall it was a good read.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting detective story that has its flaws in some spotty character development. This is a continuing story for which I have not read the previous books, so some of this is to be expected, but the brand new characters were some of the flimsiest.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third, and I think best, of the John Marquez series. There is a sameness in the plotting of the three novels, but Marquez is an interesting character working for the ecological good of us all.

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll Never Think Of Caviar The Same Way Again!

[Cindy B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Police mystery with a well-defined, likeable cast. A sex scene, light language / gore, some evolution references and political views throughout do hamper but it's worth finishing. EBook ©2005