What do you think?
Rate this book
Nick Lafferty #1
Crystal White
With nothing to live for, will only death satisfy his need for revenge?
In California, DEA agent Nick Lafferty led the investigation to eradicate a new and deadly form of synthetic crack cocaine called Crystal White. An investigation that took from him everything he cherished, and left Lafferty a broken man. A man with nothing to live for.
Now, the street poison Crystal White again floods the streets, this time in the northern suburbs of New York City.
Aided by his ex-partner, Delmar Harley, an alcoholic cop on the edge and dogged by a beautiful assistant district attorney who believes the DEA agent’s gone rogue, Nick Lafferty relentlessly embarks on a dark and vengeful journey of revenge, mounting a full-on assault against the Crystal White drug cartel.
Nick Lafferty will stop at nothing to make them pay…with their lives—or his.
The sensational new crime thriller from David DeLee, author of FATAL DESTINY and the Grace deHaviland bounty hunter series.
In California, DEA agent Nick Lafferty led the investigation to eradicate a new and deadly form of synthetic crack cocaine called Crystal White. An investigation that took from him everything he cherished, and left Lafferty a broken man. A man with nothing to live for.
Now, the street poison Crystal White again floods the streets, this time in the northern suburbs of New York City.
Aided by his ex-partner, Delmar Harley, an alcoholic cop on the edge and dogged by a beautiful assistant district attorney who believes the DEA agent’s gone rogue, Nick Lafferty relentlessly embarks on a dark and vengeful journey of revenge, mounting a full-on assault against the Crystal White drug cartel.
Nick Lafferty will stop at nothing to make them pay…with their lives—or his.
The sensational new crime thriller from David DeLee, author of FATAL DESTINY and the Grace deHaviland bounty hunter series.
ebook
First published June 8, 2012
204 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
David DeLee
70 books41 followersDavid DeLee is the award winning author of the Grace deHaviland Bounty Hunter series, including the novels Fatal Destiny, Pin Money, With Intent to Deceive, and Take Down. David's also written many short stories featuring Grace, most notably Bling, Bling, which appeared in the anthology The Rich and the Dead edited by Nelson DeMille, and Fatal Tryst, an audio version of which is available for free from Crime City Central http://crimecitycentral.com/crime-cit...
David's other work includes the novel Crystal White which SUSPENSE MAGAZINE called "...a dark portrayal of the evil that men--and women--can do.", the second Nick Lafferty novel Out of the Game,and a collection of short stories that can be found in Murder, Mayhem & Mystery: An Omnibus of Crime Fiction.
David is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. He holds a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and is a former licensed private investigator. A native New Yorker, David currently resides in New Hampshire.
For more information be sure to check out his website at www.daviddelee-author.com and his publisher's website - www.darkroadpub.com
David's other work includes the novel Crystal White which SUSPENSE MAGAZINE called "...a dark portrayal of the evil that men--and women--can do.", the second Nick Lafferty novel Out of the Game,and a collection of short stories that can be found in Murder, Mayhem & Mystery: An Omnibus of Crime Fiction.
David is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. He holds a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and is a former licensed private investigator. A native New Yorker, David currently resides in New Hampshire.
For more information be sure to check out his website at www.daviddelee-author.com and his publisher's website - www.darkroadpub.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 7, 2021
Nick Lafferty suffers a tremendous loss and begins his quest for retribution. He rekindles old relationships, bonding with old friends when he goes home to New York to bury his father. It turns out that isn't his only reason for returning. His lost love is there as is his old buddy who stole her. But that is water under the bridge. Time for more pressing matters.
Nick and his old partner Del begin their investigation into the distribution of a deadly form of synthetic coke called Crystal White, which Nick had tried to wipe out back in California, but it seemed to have materialized in New York. Nick has a personal vendetta against the king pin of the crime syndicate and doesn't want to involve local law enforcement, and his old friend Del has pledged to keep this operation secret. However, they soon find themselves in the cross-hairs of the Assistant District Attorney and her investigator who start to see Nick and Del involved in some nefarious activities.
The story covers a lot of ground, involving a whole cast of characters. There is also a lot of background information about Nick and Del that explains why they are where they are in their lives. Del has a drinking problem that makes working with him difficult, but doesn't deter them from moving forward. And not surprisingly Nick and the Assistant D.A. named Caitlin develop an appreciation for each other's skills and a personal attraction, which hopefully develops further in succeeding volumes of this series of books.
There is much intrigue and violence here, especially as the book reaches a conclusion. The ending is very satisfying, however, and makes the suffering along the way seem to have been worthwhile. The subplots also offer other new avenues for this series to explore. I can hardly wait to read the next Nick Lafferty thriller!
Nick and his old partner Del begin their investigation into the distribution of a deadly form of synthetic coke called Crystal White, which Nick had tried to wipe out back in California, but it seemed to have materialized in New York. Nick has a personal vendetta against the king pin of the crime syndicate and doesn't want to involve local law enforcement, and his old friend Del has pledged to keep this operation secret. However, they soon find themselves in the cross-hairs of the Assistant District Attorney and her investigator who start to see Nick and Del involved in some nefarious activities.
The story covers a lot of ground, involving a whole cast of characters. There is also a lot of background information about Nick and Del that explains why they are where they are in their lives. Del has a drinking problem that makes working with him difficult, but doesn't deter them from moving forward. And not surprisingly Nick and the Assistant D.A. named Caitlin develop an appreciation for each other's skills and a personal attraction, which hopefully develops further in succeeding volumes of this series of books.
There is much intrigue and violence here, especially as the book reaches a conclusion. The ending is very satisfying, however, and makes the suffering along the way seem to have been worthwhile. The subplots also offer other new avenues for this series to explore. I can hardly wait to read the next Nick Lafferty thriller!
September 20, 2018
An eighteen month investigation for Lafferty ,they had been duped, instead of catching Nazario red handed with the merchandise. A message was sent, he was going into the harbor, where Lafferty family was at. A call from an old partner Del, and he returns to his home town. Nazario been producing a synthetic cocaine, called Crystal White, he is now on the east coast. Teaming up with Del, can they get him. A good plot that flows, giving one the inside view of how the investigation is going. Have read others by author and have enjoyed them all.
October 31, 2022
Quite an introduction!
Whichever way this author goes, he cracks it every time. We have Nick who has some terrible baggage about him, namely the fact he was responsible for the death of his wife and daughter. We have Del who is an alcoholic police officer who went off with Nick's wife many years ago. The two team up after 11 years apart to bring down the drug king who killed Nick's family.
There are highs and lows throughout this story as both of these men have to fight their demons. A great read which holds you right to the end.
Whichever way this author goes, he cracks it every time. We have Nick who has some terrible baggage about him, namely the fact he was responsible for the death of his wife and daughter. We have Del who is an alcoholic police officer who went off with Nick's wife many years ago. The two team up after 11 years apart to bring down the drug king who killed Nick's family.
There are highs and lows throughout this story as both of these men have to fight their demons. A great read which holds you right to the end.
May 21, 2025
This is the first book I have read written by this author. I was pleasantly surprised. The plot was engaging and the characters well developed. The relationships between the characters were instrumental in the development of the plot and kept the story interest and moving along to the conclusion that seemed to come way too soon. The major loose threads were tied up in an unexpected way. I will most likely read more in this series.
August 21, 2018
DEA once, still on the books, searching for payback.
Having read all of the "Grace Dr Havaland series, I didn't recognize the same style in this series. Not a bad thing, just different from other authors. I liked the book. I recommend it to everyone. I'm on to his next adventure.
Having read all of the "Grace Dr Havaland series, I didn't recognize the same style in this series. Not a bad thing, just different from other authors. I liked the book. I recommend it to everyone. I'm on to his next adventure.
December 7, 2020
Crystal White
When a DEA agent 's wife and daughter are murdered by a drug lord he cannot find the inner peace he wants. He is determined to revenge their deaths by killing the man responsible..Will it cost him his career or even his life ?. Very interesting novel.
When a DEA agent 's wife and daughter are murdered by a drug lord he cannot find the inner peace he wants. He is determined to revenge their deaths by killing the man responsible..Will it cost him his career or even his life ?. Very interesting novel.
April 4, 2021
The suspense keeps going.
There are several stories going on all through the book. They keep you going and interested. This author gives you a ending, bring all lose end together. This book is worth reading.
There are several stories going on all through the book. They keep you going and interested. This author gives you a ending, bring all lose end together. This book is worth reading.
April 28, 2018
I love this series Well worth
The time to read this book . Good characters an plo is hrratt the action is exciting and believe able
The time to read this book . Good characters an plo is hrratt the action is exciting and believe able
July 21, 2021
Excellent thriller.
April 5, 2023
good read
July 15, 2023
Doesn't know what he is talking about.
Early on, the MC has a Glock 17 in an ankle holster. Later on 2nd MC "cocks the hammer on his Glock ".
Early on, the MC has a Glock 17 in an ankle holster. Later on 2nd MC "cocks the hammer on his Glock ".
November 15, 2012
Reading “Crystal White” was a pleasant introduction to this author’s repertoire. I accidently stumbled on a promotion some time ago and I thank the author for providing a highly captivating story that entertained me for hours. Needless to say Mr. DeLee has won my heart and I will definitely read more of his work in future.
The reader is thrust into the plot right from the start as we shadow Special Agent Nick Lafferty leading a task force on a dangerous drug raid. With a mix of technical jargon in the narrative we follow his team as they try to bring down the notorious drug lord kingpin, Ruben Nazario.
During the final stage of the raid Nick gets a call from his wife, he agrees to call her back when he has a free moment. Nick’s wife and daughter are waiting for him on his boat in San Diego harbor and when he calls back he unknowingly triggers a device instantly killing his wife and child.
It doesn't take long for Nick to realise it was a set up and his emotions take control of him leaving the force with no alternative but to give Nick time to grief and get his life back on track. However while on compassion leave his only focus is on avenging his loss at any cost.
To compound his grief, Nick is called back to his roots in New York to settle his father’s estate. There he reconnects with a former partner Del Harley and learns Ruben Nazario’s drug “Crystal White” has spread to the east coast. They agree to pool their efforts and we are reeled back into another exciting hunt with no shortage of action and excitement.
“Crystal White” is a well-written novel that provides a captivating adventure into the crime detective world. The characters are down to earth and quite credible. The plotting is well paced with enough down time to savour the intimate moments and get ready for the next element of surprise. The suspense was quite satisfying and kept me guessing till the very last page.
The reader is thrust into the plot right from the start as we shadow Special Agent Nick Lafferty leading a task force on a dangerous drug raid. With a mix of technical jargon in the narrative we follow his team as they try to bring down the notorious drug lord kingpin, Ruben Nazario.
During the final stage of the raid Nick gets a call from his wife, he agrees to call her back when he has a free moment. Nick’s wife and daughter are waiting for him on his boat in San Diego harbor and when he calls back he unknowingly triggers a device instantly killing his wife and child.
It doesn't take long for Nick to realise it was a set up and his emotions take control of him leaving the force with no alternative but to give Nick time to grief and get his life back on track. However while on compassion leave his only focus is on avenging his loss at any cost.
To compound his grief, Nick is called back to his roots in New York to settle his father’s estate. There he reconnects with a former partner Del Harley and learns Ruben Nazario’s drug “Crystal White” has spread to the east coast. They agree to pool their efforts and we are reeled back into another exciting hunt with no shortage of action and excitement.
“Crystal White” is a well-written novel that provides a captivating adventure into the crime detective world. The characters are down to earth and quite credible. The plotting is well paced with enough down time to savour the intimate moments and get ready for the next element of surprise. The suspense was quite satisfying and kept me guessing till the very last page.
January 12, 2013
***First-Reads***
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book. Crystal White is an action-packed book that kept me guessing until the end. The action actually starts very early on in the book, so don't expect for it to sneak up on you; it's there from the beginning. It is not the typical crime thriller cookie-cutter book and I loved that. The characters are well developed and when explosions, stabbings, and shootings aren't taking place, we get to learn more about the characters themselves. The book focuses on the view points of three main characters: Nick Lafferty, a DEA agent and ex-cop out for revenge; Del Harley, an alcoholic detective and Nick's ex-partner; and Caitlin McKenna, an ADA trying to pin down what Nick and Del are up to. I can usually figure out how a book is going to end; however, DeLee had me guessing until the end. There were some twists in the book that were great because they were unexpected. The characters are very credible and you can empathize with them easily. The book goes into great detail that presents an atmosphere allowing the reader to feel like they are living the story as well. This definitely will not be the last book I read from DeLee.
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book. Crystal White is an action-packed book that kept me guessing until the end. The action actually starts very early on in the book, so don't expect for it to sneak up on you; it's there from the beginning. It is not the typical crime thriller cookie-cutter book and I loved that. The characters are well developed and when explosions, stabbings, and shootings aren't taking place, we get to learn more about the characters themselves. The book focuses on the view points of three main characters: Nick Lafferty, a DEA agent and ex-cop out for revenge; Del Harley, an alcoholic detective and Nick's ex-partner; and Caitlin McKenna, an ADA trying to pin down what Nick and Del are up to. I can usually figure out how a book is going to end; however, DeLee had me guessing until the end. There were some twists in the book that were great because they were unexpected. The characters are very credible and you can empathize with them easily. The book goes into great detail that presents an atmosphere allowing the reader to feel like they are living the story as well. This definitely will not be the last book I read from DeLee.
February 21, 2015
Crystal White brought excitement and fear for the agents. From the start, the author provides a believable setting with strong characterization and a dynamite plot! Lafferty was definitely a hero any woman would like to bed. But I digress. The knitting together of plot, setting, dialogue and characterization makes this is a five-star read! I would definitely read more books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews