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The Scapegoat
WHEN IT COMES TO REVENGE, GETTING EVEN IS NEVER ENOUGH.
A woman is found murdered in the home of the former Governor of California, but for LAPD detective Johnny Coombes, the day is just beginning.
Minutes into his investigation, a second shocking crime is committed, leading to a battle for control with the FBI. With Coronavirus on the horizon, Coombes must use all of his experience to bring the perpetrators to justice before another woman's life is lost.
But all is not as it first appears, and someone powerful has their own problems, their own agendas...
The Scapegoat is a gripping police thriller full of twists and turns that will keep readers hooked until the very last page. Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly, David Baldacci, and Robert Crais.
A woman is found murdered in the home of the former Governor of California, but for LAPD detective Johnny Coombes, the day is just beginning.
Minutes into his investigation, a second shocking crime is committed, leading to a battle for control with the FBI. With Coronavirus on the horizon, Coombes must use all of his experience to bring the perpetrators to justice before another woman's life is lost.
But all is not as it first appears, and someone powerful has their own problems, their own agendas...
The Scapegoat is a gripping police thriller full of twists and turns that will keep readers hooked until the very last page. Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly, David Baldacci, and Robert Crais.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2023
27 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
David Stanley
4 books12 followersDavid Stanley is a rising star in the world of crime fiction. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Los Angeles landscape, Stanley’s novels capture the essence of the city, drawing inspiration from the timeless works of Michael Connelly and Raymond Chandler. His writing, filled with intricate plots and vivid characters, immerses readers in the gritty mysteries of the City of Angels. With each book, Stanley cements his place as a captivating new voice in the genre. He lives in Scotland with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 28, 2023
I had been looking forward to this book after reading The Dark Halo previously and had really enjoyed that. This book does not disappoint and continues with detective Jonny Coombes with a murder and a kidnapping. It is fast paced, has a great twisting storyline, interesting characters, wonderful similes and pithy observational dialogue to boot. In an already crowded genre, David Stanley stands out with an interesting and amusing new voice. Read this in one go.
May 12, 2025
I had relatively high hopes for this book after just finishing the first book in the series. In particular, I was expecting and looking forward to further character development for the two main LAPD partners - Coombes and Sato.
Instead, what we get is a very detailed and intricate story based upon plot twists rather than the humour and character development of the first book. I found the plot twists becoming more and more dense and just began to get a bit bored halfway through.
I may try the third one when it becomes available, but hope that it reverts to the good parts of the first book rather than the slow parts of the second.
Instead, what we get is a very detailed and intricate story based upon plot twists rather than the humour and character development of the first book. I found the plot twists becoming more and more dense and just began to get a bit bored halfway through.
I may try the third one when it becomes available, but hope that it reverts to the good parts of the first book rather than the slow parts of the second.
November 18, 2025
A ok story that is a bit too long and feels it. Too many characters and too many possibilities so confusing. Story needs more pace and less filler.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews