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Titan #1
Habit
Who killed Rebecca Heilshorn?
Rookie detective Brendan Healy is on his first murder case. A young woman in a remote farmhouse has called 911 on an intruder and is killed. The clue path leads Healy to several suspects, but when the victim’s brother opens fire on the cops, the department is ready to close the case. Healy persists with his own investigation, leading him into the world of human trafficking where an escort service is used by government officials. Healy tracks a potential killer, who is holding a child hostage. But the case is not yet closed, and another killer must be brought to justice.
Rookie detective Brendan Healy is on his first murder case. A young woman in a remote farmhouse has called 911 on an intruder and is killed. The clue path leads Healy to several suspects, but when the victim’s brother opens fire on the cops, the department is ready to close the case. Healy persists with his own investigation, leading him into the world of human trafficking where an escort service is used by government officials. Healy tracks a potential killer, who is holding a child hostage. But the case is not yet closed, and another killer must be brought to justice.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
989 people are currently reading
1506 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Brearton
46 books388 followersTimothy James Brearton lives in the Adirondack Mountains with his wife and three children. He's loved thrillers and police stories for most of his life. HABIT follows broken cop Brendan Healy down the rabbit hole of a human trafficking conspiracy. DEAD GONE delivers Florida cop Tom Lange into a criminal underworld and THE KILLING TIME introduces FBI agent Shannon Ames, a country girl in the big city.
http://tjbrearton.net/about
http://tjbrearton.net/about
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
October 19, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
Titan #1
Rookie detective Brendan Healy is on his first murder case. A young woman in a remote farmhouse has called 911 on an intruder and is killed. The clue path leads Healy to several suspects, but when the victim's brother opens fire on the cops, the department is ready to close the case. Healy persists with his own investigation, leading him into a world of human trafficking where an escort service is used by government officials. Healy tracks a potential killer, who is holding a child hostage. But the case is not yet closed, and another killer must be brought to justice.
Detective Brendan Healy is called in to investigate the brutal murder of a woman who had been stabbed in her own home. This led to the discovery of a complex corruption case and some exploitation that reached the top of the US government. I liked Brendan, even though he has some issues. It's action-packed, has lots of twists, and it's definitely not a routine murder.
#KindleBook
Titan #1
Rookie detective Brendan Healy is on his first murder case. A young woman in a remote farmhouse has called 911 on an intruder and is killed. The clue path leads Healy to several suspects, but when the victim's brother opens fire on the cops, the department is ready to close the case. Healy persists with his own investigation, leading him into a world of human trafficking where an escort service is used by government officials. Healy tracks a potential killer, who is holding a child hostage. But the case is not yet closed, and another killer must be brought to justice.
Detective Brendan Healy is called in to investigate the brutal murder of a woman who had been stabbed in her own home. This led to the discovery of a complex corruption case and some exploitation that reached the top of the US government. I liked Brendan, even though he has some issues. It's action-packed, has lots of twists, and it's definitely not a routine murder.
#KindleBook
August 17, 2015
This was a very good mystery thriller. Slow to begin with but once it gets going it is full steam ahead. To me there were a couple of things that I felt didn't get answered but I have since heard that this is a trilogy. Don't let this put you off reading the book, I very much enjoyed it.
July 28, 2023
Setting: New York State, USA; modern day.
This is the first book in the Titan trilogy (also released together under A Woman Found Dead in a Farmhouse). Recently-appointed detective Brendan Healy is called to the scene of the brutal stabbing of a woman in her home. The police investigations into the murder of Rebecca Heilshorn lead to the discovery of a complex plot of corruption and sexual exploitation that reaches to the very top of the US government. Inevitably, Brendan is forced to put his life on the line in the course of his investigation, even while he continues to try to cope with the earlier death of his wife and child and the addictions that resulted from his guilt over these....
This was a great start to a series - excellent characterisation, setting and twisted and unpredictable storylines made for a compulsive read, told by Brendan himself in a fairly non-descriptive style which took a bit of getting used to initially. But I was soon totally gripped by the storyline as Brendan and his team tease out the truth behind the murder of Rebecca. Looking forward to reading more in this series - 9/10.
This is the first book in the Titan trilogy (also released together under A Woman Found Dead in a Farmhouse). Recently-appointed detective Brendan Healy is called to the scene of the brutal stabbing of a woman in her home. The police investigations into the murder of Rebecca Heilshorn lead to the discovery of a complex plot of corruption and sexual exploitation that reaches to the very top of the US government. Inevitably, Brendan is forced to put his life on the line in the course of his investigation, even while he continues to try to cope with the earlier death of his wife and child and the addictions that resulted from his guilt over these....
This was a great start to a series - excellent characterisation, setting and twisted and unpredictable storylines made for a compulsive read, told by Brendan himself in a fairly non-descriptive style which took a bit of getting used to initially. But I was soon totally gripped by the storyline as Brendan and his team tease out the truth behind the murder of Rebecca. Looking forward to reading more in this series - 9/10.
February 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this! Detective Healy is a great character- I find myself hoping for more books in a Healy series perhaps. Brearton does an awesome job of keeping the pace going while allowing time for character development- there were a few typos in the Kindle version, but nothing outlandish, just a letter missing here and there. A great read, can't wait for more!
May 9, 2014
This book really grabbed my attention, like, I couldn't put it down. It started out a little slow but once it got going, WOW !! Looking forward to a second book, hopefully featuring Detective Healy.
June 10, 2017
Overlong and weird.
March 1, 2014
Excellent debut for Mr. Brearton!
Engaging story, solid relatable characters, well-designed and superbly crafted unfolding of the tale.
I don't want to say anything about the story for fear of giving anything away, but allow me to say this; I'll gladly admit that I am generally a nit-picky ass when I pick apart a story and am happy to report I really only walked away with 2 burrs stuck in my fur with this book, both very nit-picky indeed. Those are:
1. That a clearly very clever investigator with deep schooling and seemingly very good instincts, never comes even close to thinking of a library when he wants to find a book.
2. This one entirely a preference item on my part - Argon seemed like an exceedingly key character to be rather casually cliche and too briefly involved.
All in all - very happy with this book. It had me hooked from page 1. Well done!
Engaging story, solid relatable characters, well-designed and superbly crafted unfolding of the tale.
I don't want to say anything about the story for fear of giving anything away, but allow me to say this; I'll gladly admit that I am generally a nit-picky ass when I pick apart a story and am happy to report I really only walked away with 2 burrs stuck in my fur with this book, both very nit-picky indeed. Those are:
1. That a clearly very clever investigator with deep schooling and seemingly very good instincts, never comes even close to thinking of a library when he wants to find a book.
2. This one entirely a preference item on my part - Argon seemed like an exceedingly key character to be rather casually cliche and too briefly involved.
All in all - very happy with this book. It had me hooked from page 1. Well done!
May 12, 2014
Excellent mystery. This is one of the best mysteries I have read in a long time.
The main character is likeable. He of course has issues but he is smart and brave to the point of fool-hardiness.
I really have only one criticism. I still don't know all the details about what happened to the bad guys. The ending was not definite enough for me. I hope there will be a sequel that ties up those ends. I want to add that usually if there are loose ends I will not read anything else from that author but this story was so well written I am waiting for the next book, loose ends or no loose ends.
The main character is likeable. He of course has issues but he is smart and brave to the point of fool-hardiness.
I really have only one criticism. I still don't know all the details about what happened to the bad guys. The ending was not definite enough for me. I hope there will be a sequel that ties up those ends. I want to add that usually if there are loose ends I will not read anything else from that author but this story was so well written I am waiting for the next book, loose ends or no loose ends.
May 5, 2014
Cracking good crime-thriller. I struggled a little in the first few pages, but then the story moves into gear and I was hooked. Great characters, wonderful narrative, a tad complex in places, but a great read and I would certainly like to read more from this author.
June 9, 2015
Government=escort service, prostitution, porn
Carefully read the beginning, that will be the ending. This was different kind of thriller, lots of heart pumping and twists and turns. Who you think is the good one might surprise you.
Carefully read the beginning, that will be the ending. This was different kind of thriller, lots of heart pumping and twists and turns. Who you think is the good one might surprise you.
July 9, 2025
Giving this one the benefit of the doubt. Was leaning towards a "2" rating for amateurish writing. Towards the middle of the book, the writing leveled off a little bit (or maybe I just got used to it), and it was the plot that wandered off course. This book would really have benefited from a diligent editing job. The author needed to watch the repetitious literary phrases. "The Heilshorn girl", "the killer" and other references were beat to death.
It says right in the title that it's the first of a series, which should have prepared me for the abrupt ending, but I was annoyed anyway.
Even with a generous "3" rating, I won't be looking for the next installment.
It says right in the title that it's the first of a series, which should have prepared me for the abrupt ending, but I was annoyed anyway.
Even with a generous "3" rating, I won't be looking for the next installment.
June 9, 2014
The problems: a police detective who doesn't seem to know how to keep track of his gun in serious situations, lots of filler pages that don't add much to character development or plot, repetitive discussion of the cause of the murder of Rebecca, and some really bad poetry (of course, that was because the character wrote the bad poetry, but still...)
The reasons I gave it two stars: interesting storyline when you get past the filler, some decent dialogue scenes, and generally no proofreading mistakes.
The reasons I gave it two stars: interesting storyline when you get past the filler, some decent dialogue scenes, and generally no proofreading mistakes.
July 2, 2015
This was a good book...no I'm serious...a really good mystery. It is NOT a rush through, figure it out before the end kind of thriller. The author has set the pace where you have to absorb each event the characters take you through. You can actually feel Brendan Healy's past and current pain and anguish. You actually feel like you're an active investigator on this case. I can't wait to read Survivor.
July 8, 2015
Truth embedded in fiction.
While this book was written as entirely fiction, as a former prisoner extradition agent, I can tell you it is more than believable. The author did an exceptional job on keeping the reader spellbound throughout the book with scenarios without revealing the real, the complete solution to the puzzle until the very end. Well done! I will be reading more of this author's work for sure.
While this book was written as entirely fiction, as a former prisoner extradition agent, I can tell you it is more than believable. The author did an exceptional job on keeping the reader spellbound throughout the book with scenarios without revealing the real, the complete solution to the puzzle until the very end. Well done! I will be reading more of this author's work for sure.
December 24, 2018
There's more than meets the eye
After the loss of his wife and child Brenden, a recovering alcoholic, takes a detective job in another town hoping for a fresh start. He didn't expect to face attempts on his life multiple times on a case that got more confusing each step he took. Action packed with excitement this book is one you won't want to put down until it is finished.
After the loss of his wife and child Brenden, a recovering alcoholic, takes a detective job in another town hoping for a fresh start. He didn't expect to face attempts on his life multiple times on a case that got more confusing each step he took. Action packed with excitement this book is one you won't want to put down until it is finished.
May 9, 2014
What a ride
What a ride
one of the best mystery/thrillers I have read in a long time!!
Well developed main characters, suspenseful plot with many twists and turns....just wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next.o
What a ride
one of the best mystery/thrillers I have read in a long time!!
Well developed main characters, suspenseful plot with many twists and turns....just wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next.o
June 27, 2014
This is a great book. The story is compelling and the emotions of the main character, Healy, are palpable. You are sucked in early and you can't jump off the ride until it is over. I'll definitely look for more from this author.
October 5, 2015
Deep contamination
Not a routine murder, the tentacles of conspiracy are rampant and nobody is willing to talk. The good guy is the only one that wants to pursue the truth no matter how many times they try to kill him. Will keep you riveted to the end.
Not a routine murder, the tentacles of conspiracy are rampant and nobody is willing to talk. The good guy is the only one that wants to pursue the truth no matter how many times they try to kill him. Will keep you riveted to the end.
June 28, 2016
Not good
Trite, overly complicated. The author never heard of the Greek term, deus ex machina I am reminded of the old movie, "mcKenna's Gold", which went on and on, interminably. This did, too.
Trite, overly complicated. The author never heard of the Greek term, deus ex machina I am reminded of the old movie, "mcKenna's Gold", which went on and on, interminably. This did, too.
Want to read
March 6, 2016Free March 5, 2016
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H...
March 1, 2017
Enjoyed immensely!
I read so often, storylines start to blur. This book kept me on my toes and had me late for work. Good job!
I read so often, storylines start to blur. This book kept me on my toes and had me late for work. Good job!
December 9, 2022
I just started picking up books by this author several months ago. Now that I've read a handful of his novels, I find his works to be a mixed bag. Some I've enjoyed. Some I've tolerated. Since this is one of his earlier works, I'm choosing to consider this the work of a good author in the process of becoming better.
The plot of this book is very good and intricately detailed. It was definitely NOT a storyline I could see coming from a mile away. The twists to this tale were pure blind corners in many spots and yet fell in line with the plot and characters as we knew them to that point.
The characters are mostly dark and many fall into the category of pure depravity. Sheesh. This is not a read for those who have triggers concerning rape, abuse, or human trafficking. In places, this story turns black as midnight. Even the main character, Detective Brendan Healy, falls under the heading "damaged hero." He's mostly likable and very genuine in his humanity. He's tough, smart, and seriously determined. He's also a hothead who allows his emotions to rule him at times. That's a tough trait for a cop. As we learn his history, we begin to understand why he's so volatile, and he is self-aware enough to recognize his problem in hopes of dealing with it. But he's got a long way to go.
I don't know if I'll continue with this series. I might try one more of the Titan books to discover if Brendan makes any headway with his issues. But I'll wait a while to make that decision. With this dark storyline, I'll want a little time between these books. While I wait, I might try a newer book by this author.
The plot of this book is very good and intricately detailed. It was definitely NOT a storyline I could see coming from a mile away. The twists to this tale were pure blind corners in many spots and yet fell in line with the plot and characters as we knew them to that point.
The characters are mostly dark and many fall into the category of pure depravity. Sheesh. This is not a read for those who have triggers concerning rape, abuse, or human trafficking. In places, this story turns black as midnight. Even the main character, Detective Brendan Healy, falls under the heading "damaged hero." He's mostly likable and very genuine in his humanity. He's tough, smart, and seriously determined. He's also a hothead who allows his emotions to rule him at times. That's a tough trait for a cop. As we learn his history, we begin to understand why he's so volatile, and he is self-aware enough to recognize his problem in hopes of dealing with it. But he's got a long way to go.
I don't know if I'll continue with this series. I might try one more of the Titan books to discover if Brendan makes any headway with his issues. But I'll wait a while to make that decision. With this dark storyline, I'll want a little time between these books. While I wait, I might try a newer book by this author.
August 16, 2017
Same Old, Same Old
Despite being a little clinched, here and there, the storyline managed to keep my interest, all the way through. Brendan is an intelligent honest cop, who has the faith of his superiors. He is a rookie detective on his first major case and has to solve a complex murder, with very few clues or leads.
The plot is complex, without being taxing. The is a good balance of suspense and intrigue and just enough action, to keep the story moving, without being distracted from the clues. I was relieved to find that this book did not finish as a cliffhanger, but left enough loose ends, to entice me to read the next installment.
Despite being a little clinched, here and there, the storyline managed to keep my interest, all the way through. Brendan is an intelligent honest cop, who has the faith of his superiors. He is a rookie detective on his first major case and has to solve a complex murder, with very few clues or leads.
The plot is complex, without being taxing. The is a good balance of suspense and intrigue and just enough action, to keep the story moving, without being distracted from the clues. I was relieved to find that this book did not finish as a cliffhanger, but left enough loose ends, to entice me to read the next installment.
October 15, 2020
I enjoyed this book in parts. It started off really well but I found it more and more implausible. The main characteristic flawed (naturally) and has suffered a life changing tragedy which he blames himself for. There is some truth in this, as becomes more obvious.
What I really struggled with though was his recklessness. I'm not sure why authors insist on having their main characters decide that they have to go it alone rather than working with their team. In this case Brendan is also badly injured but still thinks it's a good idea to go after the bad guys by himself.
This is the first part of a trilogy but I don't think I'll be reading the other books.
What I really struggled with though was his recklessness. I'm not sure why authors insist on having their main characters decide that they have to go it alone rather than working with their team. In this case Brendan is also badly injured but still thinks it's a good idea to go after the bad guys by himself.
This is the first part of a trilogy but I don't think I'll be reading the other books.
July 30, 2017
A bit disappointing. I liked the premise and whole setup of the story. I was interested to find out who did it. However, eventually I tired of the main character. As with many of these stories, he has his troubled past and he does his share of self-loathing. That though is no excuse for the number of dumb and dangerous things he did. I also doubt he would have been able to survive some of the incidents. He got around pretty well (unbelievable in fact) for an injured person.
May 21, 2020
Too Long
Whilst the basic storyline was good for me there was way too much detail and too many sub plots. Girl gets killed and at first glance would seem the brother did it. Then new detective Healy starts asking questions of multiple players in the story along with asking questions of himself. He seems to have stumbled on cover up after cover up and puts his life at risk trying to uncover the true culprit. For me the story dragged on and some of the detail seems pointless.
Whilst the basic storyline was good for me there was way too much detail and too many sub plots. Girl gets killed and at first glance would seem the brother did it. Then new detective Healy starts asking questions of multiple players in the story along with asking questions of himself. He seems to have stumbled on cover up after cover up and puts his life at risk trying to uncover the true culprit. For me the story dragged on and some of the detail seems pointless.
April 18, 2025
The story line and the characters were well done, but I got frustrated with the very detailed descriptions that didn't move the story along. I felt like this author was getting paid by the words and he padded the story with more words than necessary, especially in first 2/3 of the book. While I am interested in learning how the story progresses in the next book, I don't want to deal with his writing style.
October 5, 2018
First time reader of this author and now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative series. 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 series.
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 series.
December 5, 2021
This story was fine. There was an implausibility about the storyline that fits a lot of murder mysteries, so I was okay with that and able to suspend my disbelief. My biggest issue was that the writing was “flat”. It just didn’t live the way a good author is able to make prose do, and left me not caring about the characters or even what was going to happen next.
May 29, 2017
Never ending
This book NEVER ended. Couldn't take it anymore!!! Got 86% done and just had ENOUGH!!!! Went in circles and hard to follow, wouldn't have been so bad but the story line wasn't that great
This book NEVER ended. Couldn't take it anymore!!! Got 86% done and just had ENOUGH!!!! Went in circles and hard to follow, wouldn't have been so bad but the story line wasn't that great
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews