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Stefan Kopriva Mystery #1
Waist Deep
When disgraced former cop Stefan Kopriva is asked by an old high school classmate to find a runaway sixteen year old girl, he reluctantly accepts. Driven by guilt over a terrible mistake that drove him from the force more than ten years earlier, Kopriva battles old injuries, old demons and long ago memories as he unravels the mystery of the missing Kris Sinderling...and seeks his own redemption.
A Stefan Kopriva Mystery novel.
A Stefan Kopriva Mystery novel.
ebook
First published May 28, 2011
215 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Frank Zafiro
143 books96 followersA former police officer, Frank writes gritty crime fiction from both sides of the badge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 21, 2023
Excellent Crime Fiction
I’m always on the lookout for new authors who write authentic crime fiction and tell great stories. Mr. Zafiro is a new favorite!
I’m always on the lookout for new authors who write authentic crime fiction and tell great stories. Mr. Zafiro is a new favorite!
November 5, 2023
WAIST DEEP is a PI Mystery. Stef Kopriva used to be a cop. But that was ten years ago. A shooting, a wrong call, and a deep, personal relationship with a liquor bottle took him from a stand-up guy to the bottom of the barrel. A fight at a hockey game, one in the stands, not on the ice, reconnects Stef with a guy from high school. He has a problem. His 16-year-old daughter has run away. The cops aren’t looking for the little beauty, so he asks Stef for help, who agrees. And things get shady, fast.
Bottom line: WAIST DEEP is for you if you like gritty heroes so far from perfect they’re exactly what a story needs.
Strengths of the story. Zafiro excels at writing characters who are less than perfect. His are not gentlemen detectives who’ve lived charmed lives and solve crimes while hovering above the chaos, like Philo Vance, Lord Peter Wimsey, or Sherlock Holmes. Oh, no. His characters are down in the muck, fighting to keep their heads above water. Stef Kopriva was an ensemble character in Zafiro’s first three River City series books. Ten years after that book three, Kopriva steps out on his own with this full-length case. Kopriva is a well developed character, a loner who has isolated himself from the world and now needs that world if he’s going to find the runaway teen. Maybe it’s Kopriva had already been a part of Zafiro’s world that doesn’t feel like a first book in a series.
Like the leading character, the story scenario is a little dirty, kinda uncomfortable, and totally intriguing. A teen has run away but why and to where? She seems to have caring parents…or is that a front. She was blessed with popularity at school…or is that a curse. She definitely attracts the kind of attention that can destroy a teen, mentally and emotionally if not physically. You keep turning the pages wanting the answer…is she dead?
Where the story fell short of ideal: There weren’t many things to pick on with this book. Standing at the end and looking back to the beginning, the logic is solid. Characters are true to themselves and the writing and editing are solid. There are unsatisfying elements, but they aren’t flaws of the storytelling. They’re just a reader wanting better things to happen to the hero we’re cheering for.
Bottom line: WAIST DEEP is for you if you like gritty heroes so far from perfect they’re exactly what a story needs.
Strengths of the story. Zafiro excels at writing characters who are less than perfect. His are not gentlemen detectives who’ve lived charmed lives and solve crimes while hovering above the chaos, like Philo Vance, Lord Peter Wimsey, or Sherlock Holmes. Oh, no. His characters are down in the muck, fighting to keep their heads above water. Stef Kopriva was an ensemble character in Zafiro’s first three River City series books. Ten years after that book three, Kopriva steps out on his own with this full-length case. Kopriva is a well developed character, a loner who has isolated himself from the world and now needs that world if he’s going to find the runaway teen. Maybe it’s Kopriva had already been a part of Zafiro’s world that doesn’t feel like a first book in a series.
Like the leading character, the story scenario is a little dirty, kinda uncomfortable, and totally intriguing. A teen has run away but why and to where? She seems to have caring parents…or is that a front. She was blessed with popularity at school…or is that a curse. She definitely attracts the kind of attention that can destroy a teen, mentally and emotionally if not physically. You keep turning the pages wanting the answer…is she dead?
Where the story fell short of ideal: There weren’t many things to pick on with this book. Standing at the end and looking back to the beginning, the logic is solid. Characters are true to themselves and the writing and editing are solid. There are unsatisfying elements, but they aren’t flaws of the storytelling. They’re just a reader wanting better things to happen to the hero we’re cheering for.
November 2, 2016
In my reviews of the author’s first two ‘River City Crime’ novels, I called him a worthy successor to Ed McBain. His third novel, however, was a disappointment and I rescinded my praise. But I gave him a pass since any writer (even McBain) can have a book that doesn’t measure up to his usual standards.
Zafiro partially redeems himself in Waist Deep, a story about disgraced ex-cop Stefan Kopriva’s search for a high school friend’s missing daughter.
Kopriva is very realistic. He has physical and psychological injuries from his time on the force that sometimes hamper him in his quest for answers. He gets into several confrontations that don’t always end with him on top. He fights his desire for booze and sometimes loses. He still carries a torch for a woman he loved and lost.
Unlike Beneath A Weeping Sky, Waist Deep is taut if not always fast-paced. But those slow spots show just how slow and plodding an investigation can be. And it leaves the reader with a faint hope that Stefan Kopriva just might redeem himself down the road.
Frank Zafiro is back on my ‘To Read’ list.
Zafiro partially redeems himself in Waist Deep, a story about disgraced ex-cop Stefan Kopriva’s search for a high school friend’s missing daughter.
Kopriva is very realistic. He has physical and psychological injuries from his time on the force that sometimes hamper him in his quest for answers. He gets into several confrontations that don’t always end with him on top. He fights his desire for booze and sometimes loses. He still carries a torch for a woman he loved and lost.
Unlike Beneath A Weeping Sky, Waist Deep is taut if not always fast-paced. But those slow spots show just how slow and plodding an investigation can be. And it leaves the reader with a faint hope that Stefan Kopriva just might redeem himself down the road.
Frank Zafiro is back on my ‘To Read’ list.
September 11, 2017
Another downtrodden ex-Cop with a multitude of issues getting involved in other people's business. A simple trip to a hockey game leads to Stefan Kopriva agreeing to engage in a spot of unofficial sleuthing to investigate the disappearance of an old school acquaintance's daughter. Of, course, it leads to a whole lot of trouble for Kopriva. Luckily for the reader, the trouble is of the entertaining kind, and Kopriva is a likeable enough protagonist, despite (because of) his faults. I listened to the audio book and Kopriva came across as a poor relation of Harry Bosch's, partly due to the narration, I suspect. That's no bad thing, and I enjoyed my time with Zafiro's creation. Waist Deep is told in first person and is an easy to read and fast moving mystery/thriller that is well worth a read.
August 1, 2021
A story about an ex-cop investigating a colleague's daughter's disappearance. Heavy on the more lurid side of the crime, this tale dives deep into one of the more despicable aspects of criminals that is the child-rapist/sexual manipulator. A quick read for sure, the book focuses closely to one plot point, with an ex-police officer looking into a missing 16-year-old, and ultimately, discovering some unsavory truths.
Checked this book out in preparation for attending an upcoming writer's conference, the author being a fellow panelist with me. As with the other early novels of my fellow attendees, I will forgo heavy criticism, and will simply state this is recommended for anyone interested in fast-read crime novels without much heavy backstory or theme. Very much looking forward to meeting the author and sharing some good war stories, both fictional and real life.
Checked this book out in preparation for attending an upcoming writer's conference, the author being a fellow panelist with me. As with the other early novels of my fellow attendees, I will forgo heavy criticism, and will simply state this is recommended for anyone interested in fast-read crime novels without much heavy backstory or theme. Very much looking forward to meeting the author and sharing some good war stories, both fictional and real life.
November 7, 2021
A THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE ‘WHODUNNIT’
Frank Zafiro’s “Stefan Kopriva Mystery - Book 1” is a great read with more twists and turns then a rollercoaster.
Mr. Zafiro protagonist is the last person anyone would hire as a P.I. He’s a former disgraced cop responsible for the death of a
child, an alcoholic, and - basically - broke. However, when an old friend asks Stef to find his missing daughter, Stef has a purpose to his existence and agrees.
The characters, storyline, and attention-to-detail make this an enticing, emotional, and filled with ‘red herrings’. Pick up a copy, and you’d be hard-pressed to put it down.
I’ve already recommended the “Stefan Kopriva Mystery - Book 1” to my family & friends. So-o-o-o… What are you waiting for?
Frank Zafiro’s “Stefan Kopriva Mystery - Book 1” is a great read with more twists and turns then a rollercoaster.
Mr. Zafiro protagonist is the last person anyone would hire as a P.I. He’s a former disgraced cop responsible for the death of a
child, an alcoholic, and - basically - broke. However, when an old friend asks Stef to find his missing daughter, Stef has a purpose to his existence and agrees.
The characters, storyline, and attention-to-detail make this an enticing, emotional, and filled with ‘red herrings’. Pick up a copy, and you’d be hard-pressed to put it down.
I’ve already recommended the “Stefan Kopriva Mystery - Book 1” to my family & friends. So-o-o-o… What are you waiting for?
May 24, 2020
Stefan Kopriva, a disgraced former cop, a recovering alcoholic who thinks drinking one beer is okay then ends up drinking six. A man crippled by bullets that entered his body ten years ago and causes him pain everyday of his life. He is begged my a man to find his missing daughter. Stefan discovers the sixteen year old girl involved in porn because she believes she is in love with her teacher who tells her that porn is all right. She is going to be a Star. What follows is a torturous route to find the girl
and get her back to her parents.
It's a raw, gritty book that entertains with characters you will love to hate.
This was a free book, and this is my honest review.
and get her back to her parents.
It's a raw, gritty book that entertains with characters you will love to hate.
This was a free book, and this is my honest review.
May 21, 2022
Great Read!
This book moves quickly! Kopriva, down but not out ex cop tried his best to rescue a beautiful underage girl after her desperate father hired him to find her. Not a simple run away, Stef finds his nice little town of River City has a gritty, ugly side to it that exploits young beautiful underage girls. He makes many legal mistakes along the way but decided the risk is nothing if he can get Kris back with her family. Stef Kopriva is a hero to me, instead of a washed up ex cop. He uncovers an ugly operation going on that the River City PD never knew existed. I highly recommend this Frank Zafiro book, Waist Deep
This book moves quickly! Kopriva, down but not out ex cop tried his best to rescue a beautiful underage girl after her desperate father hired him to find her. Not a simple run away, Stef finds his nice little town of River City has a gritty, ugly side to it that exploits young beautiful underage girls. He makes many legal mistakes along the way but decided the risk is nothing if he can get Kris back with her family. Stef Kopriva is a hero to me, instead of a washed up ex cop. He uncovers an ugly operation going on that the River City PD never knew existed. I highly recommend this Frank Zafiro book, Waist Deep
May 10, 2018
Not a Mystery - More a Detective/Cop Type of Read
Good story line. Written well. I liked the characters. This story was very real to life but hard to be satisfied with the outcome due to a crappy justice system and the games people are forced to play. I guess I like stories where the good guys win and the bad guys pay - this was definitely not one.
Good story line. Written well. I liked the characters. This story was very real to life but hard to be satisfied with the outcome due to a crappy justice system and the games people are forced to play. I guess I like stories where the good guys win and the bad guys pay - this was definitely not one.
March 16, 2023
Every fiber said run away....far away. Glad I didn’t.
Based on a recommendation, I took a leap of faith. I rarely read PI novels, and generally don’t like the one’s I’ve tried. This was gritty, honest and engaging from the first chapter. I’m looking forward to more. Excellent work!
Based on a recommendation, I took a leap of faith. I rarely read PI novels, and generally don’t like the one’s I’ve tried. This was gritty, honest and engaging from the first chapter. I’m looking forward to more. Excellent work!
August 31, 2017
I was waist deep into this book before I determined I really didn't need to finish it. But I did.
Nothing special. I really didn't buy in to the protagonist's story. The ending was satisfactory because everything didn't fall into place perfectly.
Nothing special. I really didn't buy in to the protagonist's story. The ending was satisfactory because everything didn't fall into place perfectly.
April 14, 2021
A Great novel about one the current things happening in this world today.
Frank Zafiro is a very good writer. Held my interest through the whole story. Had good characters and good action. Good author.
Frank Zafiro is a very good writer. Held my interest through the whole story. Had good characters and good action. Good author.
April 22, 2021
Crime fiction without a murder.
I love a good mystery. I also love a well told story. The mystery was down played, but the story was intriguing. I am looking forward to Frank's next book.
I love a good mystery. I also love a well told story. The mystery was down played, but the story was intriguing. I am looking forward to Frank's next book.
August 1, 2021
Enjoyable read
Thought it a little strange that an x-cop volunteer to search for a distant friends daughter. Sounds like the police’s job especially when he discovered she was not a run away.
Thought it a little strange that an x-cop volunteer to search for a distant friends daughter. Sounds like the police’s job especially when he discovered she was not a run away.
February 19, 2022
Entertaining
This mystery begins with the hiring of an ex-cop with a damaged reputation and a damaged body to find a missing teenage girl. During the search for the missing girl prostitution and pornography are uncovered. The twists of this story make it an interesting book.
This mystery begins with the hiring of an ex-cop with a damaged reputation and a damaged body to find a missing teenage girl. During the search for the missing girl prostitution and pornography are uncovered. The twists of this story make it an interesting book.
October 23, 2017
Excellent reading
Very very enjoyable. Easy reading with a likeable lead character. You feel like you know him after a while. I'll be reading more from this author.
Very very enjoyable. Easy reading with a likeable lead character. You feel like you know him after a while. I'll be reading more from this author.
October 29, 2017
Good story
I enjoyed reading a story based around were I live. I could picture the area as Stef searched for clue on the missing teen. Quick read that kept me engaged.
I enjoyed reading a story based around were I live. I could picture the area as Stef searched for clue on the missing teen. Quick read that kept me engaged.
December 4, 2018
Waist Deep
It seems amazing that I can be so naive. I learned a lot about judging a policeman for misjudgment. Trying to do something good doesn’t always work out that way.
It seems amazing that I can be so naive. I learned a lot about judging a policeman for misjudgment. Trying to do something good doesn’t always work out that way.
April 23, 2021
Dark
The protagonist isn't quite the sharpest knife in the drawer and the author doesn't seem a big fan of police in general, but all in all, a good read
The protagonist isn't quite the sharpest knife in the drawer and the author doesn't seem a big fan of police in general, but all in all, a good read
May 17, 2021
The author delivered a satisfying read. It's not all peaches and cream for some ex-cops and he does an outstanding job of showing that in the protagonist.
April 21, 2012
It’s been over a decade since Stefan Kopriva was on the River City Washington Police Force. The years have not dimmed the harsh memories of many inside or outside law enforcement regarding Kopriva. The years have not been kind to Kopriva either as he can’t forget the past any more than anyone else. He lived it and is acutely aware, even when his body isn’t hurting with every step, of what his actions cost him and others.
Brawling at the local hockey game hadn’t been the plan. But the brawl happened and because of that Kopriva runs into Matt Sinderling. Back long ago they both had been in high school doing their own things. They weren’t friends, didn’t hang out with each other, or have any real contact other than passing each other in the hall.
In the here and now, Matt has a 16 year old daughter who has run away. Matt can’t find her and wants Kopriva’s help. Matt figures a former cop will do better looking for Kris than those active on the River City Police Force. Kopriva knows full well how little the police will do on the case and also knows that he is no way the best option for Matt. But, Matt is heartbreakingly desperate and does not care that Kopriva isn’t licensed as a private investigator or anything else. All he wants is his little girl, who has grown up to be quite the seductive beauty, back home alive. Kopriva eventually agrees and begins a case that will test him physically and mentally on violence filled tour of the underbelly of River City.
What has always set the Frank Zafiro novels and short stories apart from many is his ability to pull you completely into his world. Not only does the author have an extensive background in police work, he brings the job alive to readers in ways not often seen in mystery fiction. Not just what happens at work but the repercussions at home.
Such is the case here where he has resurrected his tragic everyman figure Stefan Kopriva. First seen in Under a Raging Moon the Kopriva character has always been intense and complicated. That carried forward into Heroes Often Fail and continues here in Waist Deep: A Stefan Kopriva Novel. A novel that explores what the outcome of those two books had on various other characters in relation to Kopriva while adding yet more depth and nuance to the Kopriva character.
The result is another intense and very good read that borders on the noir designation. Frank Zafiro often writes of dark things and this is another case of that and therefore the book is not a light read in any sense. It is also yet another case of why Frank Zafiro is building an incredible career and deserves to be on your reading radar.
Material supplied by the author a very long time ago in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2012
Lots more reviews at http://kevintipplescorner.blogspot.com/
Brawling at the local hockey game hadn’t been the plan. But the brawl happened and because of that Kopriva runs into Matt Sinderling. Back long ago they both had been in high school doing their own things. They weren’t friends, didn’t hang out with each other, or have any real contact other than passing each other in the hall.
In the here and now, Matt has a 16 year old daughter who has run away. Matt can’t find her and wants Kopriva’s help. Matt figures a former cop will do better looking for Kris than those active on the River City Police Force. Kopriva knows full well how little the police will do on the case and also knows that he is no way the best option for Matt. But, Matt is heartbreakingly desperate and does not care that Kopriva isn’t licensed as a private investigator or anything else. All he wants is his little girl, who has grown up to be quite the seductive beauty, back home alive. Kopriva eventually agrees and begins a case that will test him physically and mentally on violence filled tour of the underbelly of River City.
What has always set the Frank Zafiro novels and short stories apart from many is his ability to pull you completely into his world. Not only does the author have an extensive background in police work, he brings the job alive to readers in ways not often seen in mystery fiction. Not just what happens at work but the repercussions at home.
Such is the case here where he has resurrected his tragic everyman figure Stefan Kopriva. First seen in Under a Raging Moon the Kopriva character has always been intense and complicated. That carried forward into Heroes Often Fail and continues here in Waist Deep: A Stefan Kopriva Novel. A novel that explores what the outcome of those two books had on various other characters in relation to Kopriva while adding yet more depth and nuance to the Kopriva character.
The result is another intense and very good read that borders on the noir designation. Frank Zafiro often writes of dark things and this is another case of that and therefore the book is not a light read in any sense. It is also yet another case of why Frank Zafiro is building an incredible career and deserves to be on your reading radar.
Material supplied by the author a very long time ago in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2012
Lots more reviews at http://kevintipplescorner.blogspot.com/
August 1, 2011
This story takes place in the mythical town of River City (sorta, because it's based on Spokane, WA, as we know from other books about it by the author Frank Zafiro, who only writes under that name, because his real name is Frank Scalise, and ... hey, what's with all the fake names? :) But I digress ...). The main character, Stefan Kopriva, was once a River City police officer, but he left the force under less than ideal circumstances. In fact, you could say he was disgraced.
To say that Stefan is wounded isn't saying nearly enough. He not only suffers physically, from old gunshot wounds and a knee injury that made me wince just to read about it, but he endures mental and emotional damage due to a young girl's death for which he blames himself. It was her death that led to his departure from the police force.
So ... despite his disabilities and not having a car (River City is a pretty small town, thank God), he shuffles over to a hockey game and gets into it with a really stoo-pid and loud drunk, for reasons related to honor and showing what a basically decent guy he is and all. Then he ends up in the hoosegow. Almost. Except the security chief, Matt Sinderling, doesn't press charges. But he does have a request for Stefan. He would like to hire Stefan to find his missing 16-year-old daughter, Kris, who's run away. She's interested in acting and has run away to become a big star. Apparently.
Stefan would like nothing better than to simply say no and walk shuffle away. He'd rather lay back in an easy chair, drink a beer or two (or three or four) and forget about the whole thing. Except that he's a recovering alcoholic and the beer part would be so wrong. So laying back would do just fine, thanks.
However, when Stefan sees the photo of Kris, he sees a 16-year-old girl going on 25 years. Maybe older. This kid is no innocent little girl, but Matt is blind to that. He's so naive that all he sees is his little girl when he looks at that picture. So Stefan reluctantly agrees to take Matt's money and look for Kris, even though he's not a licensed private investigator, he can barely move and he doesn't even own a freaking car.
Read the entire review at http://thebookgrrl.blogspot.com/2011/...
To say that Stefan is wounded isn't saying nearly enough. He not only suffers physically, from old gunshot wounds and a knee injury that made me wince just to read about it, but he endures mental and emotional damage due to a young girl's death for which he blames himself. It was her death that led to his departure from the police force.
So ... despite his disabilities and not having a car (River City is a pretty small town, thank God), he shuffles over to a hockey game and gets into it with a really stoo-pid and loud drunk, for reasons related to honor and showing what a basically decent guy he is and all. Then he ends up in the hoosegow. Almost. Except the security chief, Matt Sinderling, doesn't press charges. But he does have a request for Stefan. He would like to hire Stefan to find his missing 16-year-old daughter, Kris, who's run away. She's interested in acting and has run away to become a big star. Apparently.
Stefan would like nothing better than to simply say no and walk shuffle away. He'd rather lay back in an easy chair, drink a beer or two (or three or four) and forget about the whole thing. Except that he's a recovering alcoholic and the beer part would be so wrong. So laying back would do just fine, thanks.
However, when Stefan sees the photo of Kris, he sees a 16-year-old girl going on 25 years. Maybe older. This kid is no innocent little girl, but Matt is blind to that. He's so naive that all he sees is his little girl when he looks at that picture. So Stefan reluctantly agrees to take Matt's money and look for Kris, even though he's not a licensed private investigator, he can barely move and he doesn't even own a freaking car.
Read the entire review at http://thebookgrrl.blogspot.com/2011/...
December 25, 2016
River City Cops
What a great read. Retired cop with a past of both heroism and disdain. Great characters with a superb plot and plenty of action. A different plot in that we are dealing with "barely" child pornography and the underworld street activities. This author is superb in everything he writes. Get his books, you won't regret it.
What a great read. Retired cop with a past of both heroism and disdain. Great characters with a superb plot and plenty of action. A different plot in that we are dealing with "barely" child pornography and the underworld street activities. This author is superb in everything he writes. Get his books, you won't regret it.
December 2, 2015
Frank Zafiro knows how to develop a character complete with accurate and believable insights and feelings. 'Waist Deep' is a well written story with twists and turns you never see coming. Ex-cop Kopriva gets under your skin and stays there. You find yourself wondering why other cops from his old department don't like him. But then, I guess those are stories for another day, and I look forward to reading them. Thank you for a brilliant and entertaining story.
November 25, 2015
It is a little unbelievable that this former police officer would make so many mistakes, implicating himself while taking no precautions - such as leaving his finger prints all over at a break-in. As I was reading this I was thinking "You idiot, you just touched all kinds of stuff for no good reason." Any policeman would have brought gloves, even if he was in a hurry.
November 25, 2015
A really great read. I couldn't help admiring Stef for his perseverance in spite of all that happened to him during the investigation. Had a little trouble understanding at first, why he had done nothing with his life for 10 years. After his story was revealed, it made sense and I was proud of him for kicking the alcohol and pills.
December 1, 2015
Fabulous exhilarating suspense filled storyline.
If you like police suspense novels with a mesmerizing storyline, this Well researched grammatically correct fast paced page turner is one that will have you on the edge of your seat right from the first page right up to the end.
One of the best crime novels I've read in awhile.
If you like police suspense novels with a mesmerizing storyline, this Well researched grammatically correct fast paced page turner is one that will have you on the edge of your seat right from the first page right up to the end.
One of the best crime novels I've read in awhile.
December 8, 2015
Waist Deep But Not in Mystery
The novel Waist Deep was not great. There was no appealing main character. The characters were not fleshed out; just names more or less. There was no real background on anyone. There were a lot of typographical errors. I sure would not waste my time reading it again.
The novel Waist Deep was not great. There was no appealing main character. The characters were not fleshed out; just names more or less. There was no real background on anyone. There were a lot of typographical errors. I sure would not waste my time reading it again.
December 16, 2015
This book was just okay, in my estimation. An ex policeman is asked by a friend to look into the missing daughter. This person has been badly injured in the line of duty, and the 16 year old is involved in borderline porn. The whole thing is unfortunate. It is almost porn, but not quite. Still, it is quite sleazy--not wholesome at all.
November 25, 2015
Lackluster tale of a some what wimpy ex cop, not PI/PI. Another unfathomable high rating. If you had tired of dictionaries and encyclopedias and there was absolutely nothing else to read you might give this a 2.5 .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews