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Special Agent Constant Marlowe
Downstate
Special Agent Constant Marlowe pursues a lead to rural Illinois and finds a hornet’s nest of conspiracy in a pulse-pounding novella by New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver, where nothing is what it seems.
Special Agent Constant Marlowe is in pursuit of “Mr. X,” a key player in organized crime. Her mission is to collar him and flip him into a cooperating witness. The only problem? Marlowe doesn’t know who he is or even what he looks like. It doesn’t help that the trail has led her to a farming community in the nether land of Downstate, those stretches of Illinois where endless fields of late-season corn block the truth…and any sign of coming threat. When Marlowe stumbles on a teenage boy’s convenience store robbery, she suddenly finds herself in the crosshairs of a conspiracy that shatters the illusion of a sleepy small town.
Special Agent Constant Marlowe is in pursuit of “Mr. X,” a key player in organized crime. Her mission is to collar him and flip him into a cooperating witness. The only problem? Marlowe doesn’t know who he is or even what he looks like. It doesn’t help that the trail has led her to a farming community in the nether land of Downstate, those stretches of Illinois where endless fields of late-season corn block the truth…and any sign of coming threat. When Marlowe stumbles on a teenage boy’s convenience store robbery, she suddenly finds herself in the crosshairs of a conspiracy that shatters the illusion of a sleepy small town.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2025
3231 people are currently reading
783 people want to read
About the author
Jeffery Deaver
509 books11.7k followers#1 international bestselling author of over thirty novels and three collections of short stories. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He's received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
December 27, 2024
I am a huge Jeffery Deaver fan, particularly his Lincoln Rhyme series. So after seeing this new novella I couldn’t download it fast enough, not realizing this was actually book two of a series. Book one is The Rule of Threes, featuring Special Agent Constant Marlowe. How did I miss that? By the time I realized my mistake I was too far in to stop.
I always consider myself a series gal. Love them. With that said…I always start with book one and make my way through the entire series. Thus, missing book one threw me into a tail spin.
Here are my thoughts without knowing the backstory of our MC. It simply didn’t work for me. I had a nagging feeling I was missing something from start to finish. I had no connection to the characters or storyline.
So this is likely a case of, it’s me and not the book🙋🏻♀️. Many readers enjoyed this novella more than I did, so I strongly urge you to read other reviews.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories.
I always consider myself a series gal. Love them. With that said…I always start with book one and make my way through the entire series. Thus, missing book one threw me into a tail spin.
Here are my thoughts without knowing the backstory of our MC. It simply didn’t work for me. I had a nagging feeling I was missing something from start to finish. I had no connection to the characters or storyline.
So this is likely a case of, it’s me and not the book🙋🏻♀️. Many readers enjoyed this novella more than I did, so I strongly urge you to read other reviews.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories.
March 1, 2025
A Very Happy Reading!
I enjoyed reading this book very much. A very happy reading, is what it is.
Thank you, Jeffery Deaver, for being such a great writer. You have inspired me to read more of your books. I have read The Rule of Threes. And I loved it.
Downstate is a treasure. Both books are centered around Special Agent Constant Marlowe.
I am introduced to her in The Rule of Threes. She did an incredible job finding her criminals. And placing some of their behinds under arrest. Well deserved.
In Downstate, Marlowe is on the hunt for a criminal, but she just doesn’t know who the suspect is. She has no idea who she should be looking for. And so, how can she possibly arrest him?
This mystery is a great mystery, and it is one that is not going to be easily solved. Or will it be? We’ll see.
Five stars. 💫💫💫💫💫
I enjoyed reading this book very much. A very happy reading, is what it is.
Thank you, Jeffery Deaver, for being such a great writer. You have inspired me to read more of your books. I have read The Rule of Threes. And I loved it.
Downstate is a treasure. Both books are centered around Special Agent Constant Marlowe.
I am introduced to her in The Rule of Threes. She did an incredible job finding her criminals. And placing some of their behinds under arrest. Well deserved.
In Downstate, Marlowe is on the hunt for a criminal, but she just doesn’t know who the suspect is. She has no idea who she should be looking for. And so, how can she possibly arrest him?
This mystery is a great mystery, and it is one that is not going to be easily solved. Or will it be? We’ll see.
Five stars. 💫💫💫💫💫
October 10, 2025
Jeffrey Deaver has always interested me with his short stories, though I have never tackled a full-length novel by the author. After recently reading a collection of Deaver short stories, I discovered one of the characters has their own branch-off short series, a novel and novella to date. Department of Criminal Investigation Special Agent Constant Marlowe is on assignment in Plains, Illinois. She’s looking for "Mr. X", who is deeply involved in organised crime. She is trying to get him to testify against those higher up the chain of command, but without knowing who he is, this proves difficult. When Marlowe stops in a convenience store one night, she collars a teen who’s dabbling in petty crime. After he is detained, rumour has it he is set to go into general population, which serves no one any good. Marlowe intervenes and decides to transport the teen herself. During the drive, she learns how this young man has been caught in a web and the dark side of what is going on at that store. Things only get more intense as the trip to Plains uncovers hidden truths in this small community. Deaver does a great job with this piece and keeps the reader hooked.
Jeffery Deaver is a stand out storyteller, able to handle the various parts of the machine to lure the reader in. Deaver sets the scene and injects excitement into every page. As the story gains momentum, the reader learns much and is transported on an adventure they did not know existed. The foundation is there and Deaver builds on it with ease!
Characters work well from the outset. Constant Marlowe intrigued me in the short story collection Deaver created earlier and I was pleased to find more with her in the protagonist's chair, though this piece turned the focus away from her development. Others help shape the story and flavour the various pathways Deaver builds into his novella. I enjoyed the banter between characters, which helps propel things forward for all to enjoy.
Plot points work to surprise the reader from the opening pages and do not stop until the final page turn. Deaver develops some great surprises as he weaves twists into the story for all to enjoy. There is a tension in the tale and the reader will soon find that they are in the middle of it all. I hope to see more Constant Marlowe and will likely tackle Deaver’s other work in the coming months.
Kudos, Mr. Deaver, for a highly entertaining read.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Jeffery Deaver is a stand out storyteller, able to handle the various parts of the machine to lure the reader in. Deaver sets the scene and injects excitement into every page. As the story gains momentum, the reader learns much and is transported on an adventure they did not know existed. The foundation is there and Deaver builds on it with ease!
Characters work well from the outset. Constant Marlowe intrigued me in the short story collection Deaver created earlier and I was pleased to find more with her in the protagonist's chair, though this piece turned the focus away from her development. Others help shape the story and flavour the various pathways Deaver builds into his novella. I enjoyed the banter between characters, which helps propel things forward for all to enjoy.
Plot points work to surprise the reader from the opening pages and do not stop until the final page turn. Deaver develops some great surprises as he weaves twists into the story for all to enjoy. There is a tension in the tale and the reader will soon find that they are in the middle of it all. I hope to see more Constant Marlowe and will likely tackle Deaver’s other work in the coming months.
Kudos, Mr. Deaver, for a highly entertaining read.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 20, 2024
You can always count on Jeffery Deaver for a high-octane, in-your-face, edge-your-seat thriller and the novella, Downstate, is no exception. Constant Marlowe is one kick-ass main protagonist and the story fills a short space with one shocking twist after another, keeping the reader glued to the page waiting for the next one. And, if that’s not enough for the pickiest thriller reader, it ends on a very satisfying note. Definitely one fun, fast, and highly entertaining read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Original Stories for the opportunity to read this novella in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Original Stories for the opportunity to read this novella in exchange for an honest review
January 20, 2025
This is another short story about intelligent and brave Special Agent Costant Marlowe.
This time, doing an investigation about gang crimes, she stumbles upon some suspicious information that leads toward the human trafficking net.
As always in Jeffery Deaver's short stories, not everything is as it looks at first glance.
This time, doing an investigation about gang crimes, she stumbles upon some suspicious information that leads toward the human trafficking net.
As always in Jeffery Deaver's short stories, not everything is as it looks at first glance.
January 1, 2025
Downstate is a novella by best-selling American author, Jeffery Deaver that features Special Agent Constant Marlowe, itinerant investigator for the Department of Criminal Investigations in the state of Illinois. As she heads downstate from Chicago to the small town of Plains, Constant Marlowe is reminded of why she hates cornfields.
She’s on the trail of an unnamed individual who has never killed anyone, never been arrested, but is well-known on the dark web for the weapon he sells: information. This Mr X can lead her to a ruthless sociopath who is on every law enforcement agency’s wanted list. He may be aware she’s coming, but has he underestimated Constant and the little sting she’s set up?
Later, in the downtime until her target is transported to the city, she somehow gets entangled in a very nasty racket going on in the town, and ends up on the run with a teenaged petty thief, a BOLO out on them both and a blanket order that endangers their lives. But Constant is not one to shy away from a challenge.
Before matters are properly resolved, Constant gets into a fist fight, Evan Quill makes an appearance, and Constant’s loathing for cornfields is strongly reinforced. More of this cast, please, Mr Deaver!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories
She’s on the trail of an unnamed individual who has never killed anyone, never been arrested, but is well-known on the dark web for the weapon he sells: information. This Mr X can lead her to a ruthless sociopath who is on every law enforcement agency’s wanted list. He may be aware she’s coming, but has he underestimated Constant and the little sting she’s set up?
Later, in the downtime until her target is transported to the city, she somehow gets entangled in a very nasty racket going on in the town, and ends up on the run with a teenaged petty thief, a BOLO out on them both and a blanket order that endangers their lives. But Constant is not one to shy away from a challenge.
Before matters are properly resolved, Constant gets into a fist fight, Evan Quill makes an appearance, and Constant’s loathing for cornfields is strongly reinforced. More of this cast, please, Mr Deaver!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories
January 16, 2025
Marlowe on the Run
A review of the Amazon Original Stories eBook (January 14, 2025)
I had no sooner finished An Acceptable Sacrifice than yet another Jeffery Deaver novella appeared. Downstate is a further outing with the unorthodox Illinois Division of Criminal Investigation agent Constant Marlowe. Marlowe heads out into the field to entrap a mysterious Mr. X who is the source of the secret information that empowers a Chicago mob boss.
What Marlowe discovers in small town Plains, Illinois is a completely separate conspiracy which hints at a corrupt police force and a possible human trafficking operation. She drops her mob investigation in order to rescue a possible victim of the small town culprits. This puts her on the local police radar and suddenly she is on the run along with her possible witness.
This was a compelling read from the reliable Jeffery Deaver and included several of his now trademark story twists. I again broke my 2025 New Year's resolution to avoid the often disappointing Amazon Original Stories in the hope that Deaver would not let me down, and I was proved correct.
Trivia and Links
Jeffery Deaver is the prolific author of several suspense and thriller series. He is probably best known for the Lincoln Rhyme (1997-2023-ongoing) series. His Colter Shaw (2019-2025-ongoing) series is the basis for the current TV show Tracker (2024-ongoing). His latest release is Downstate (January 14, 2025), which follows The Rule of Threes (2024) and The Broken Doll (2022) in the Constant Marlowe series. His forthcoming release is South of Nowhere (Colter Shaw #5 - expected publication May 6, 2025).
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
A review of the Amazon Original Stories eBook (January 14, 2025)
Constant Marlowe’s employer, the IDCI, was based in both Springfield and Chicago but she was rarely in the offices there. A field agent, she spent much of her time investigating cases Downstate, a designation that meant any place that was not Chicago, whether it was down, up or in the middle.
I had no sooner finished An Acceptable Sacrifice than yet another Jeffery Deaver novella appeared. Downstate is a further outing with the unorthodox Illinois Division of Criminal Investigation agent Constant Marlowe. Marlowe heads out into the field to entrap a mysterious Mr. X who is the source of the secret information that empowers a Chicago mob boss.
What Marlowe discovers in small town Plains, Illinois is a completely separate conspiracy which hints at a corrupt police force and a possible human trafficking operation. She drops her mob investigation in order to rescue a possible victim of the small town culprits. This puts her on the local police radar and suddenly she is on the run along with her possible witness.
This was a compelling read from the reliable Jeffery Deaver and included several of his now trademark story twists. I again broke my 2025 New Year's resolution to avoid the often disappointing Amazon Original Stories in the hope that Deaver would not let me down, and I was proved correct.
Trivia and Links
Jeffery Deaver is the prolific author of several suspense and thriller series. He is probably best known for the Lincoln Rhyme (1997-2023-ongoing) series. His Colter Shaw (2019-2025-ongoing) series is the basis for the current TV show Tracker (2024-ongoing). His latest release is Downstate (January 14, 2025), which follows The Rule of Threes (2024) and The Broken Doll (2022) in the Constant Marlowe series. His forthcoming release is South of Nowhere (Colter Shaw #5 - expected publication May 6, 2025).
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
January 19, 2025
Jeffery Deaver’s novella Downstate packs a lot of punch into a quick read, and listening to Christina Traister narrate it brought the story vividly to life. As a long-time fan of Deaver’s work, I always expect tight plotting and unexpected twists, and this one didn’t disappoint. While the premise might seem straightforward—Special Agent Constant Marlowe chasing a mystery man known only as "Mr. X"—the rural Illinois setting and a seemingly minor convenience store robbery give way to a labyrinth of conspiracy, danger, and deception.
Downstate thrives on misdirection. Every time you think you know where the story is heading, Deaver pulls the rug out from under you. He’s a master at taking seemingly small details and spinning them into something bigger, more ominous. The cornfields of Illinois are more than just a backdrop—they’re a perfect metaphor for how the truth here is always just out of sight, hidden behind something mundane yet ominous.
Constant Marlowe is a great protagonist, sharp and determined but also human. She doesn’t have the answers handed to her, and her wit and persistence carry the story forward. Deaver gives her enough depth to feel authentic, even within the novella’s shorter page count. The supporting characters add to the intrigue without overstaying their welcome. Everyone feels like they have a part to play, and it’s satisfying to see how those pieces click into place by the end.
I read the audio version and Christina Traister’s narration struck the right balance between suspense and urgency. Her delivery captured Marlowe’s intelligence and resilience while heightening the tension during pivotal moments. I found myself leaning in, eager to know what would happen next. While there were a few moments where the pacing felt a touch uneven, it didn’t detract from the overall experience.
If you’re a Deaver fan or just someone who loves a tightly woven thriller with plenty of surprises, Downstate is absolutely worth your time. It’s a short but satisfying ride that proves once again why Deaver remains one of the best in the game. And if you’re new to his work, this novella is an excellent place to get a taste of his style—just don’t expect to predict where it’ll take you.
Downstate thrives on misdirection. Every time you think you know where the story is heading, Deaver pulls the rug out from under you. He’s a master at taking seemingly small details and spinning them into something bigger, more ominous. The cornfields of Illinois are more than just a backdrop—they’re a perfect metaphor for how the truth here is always just out of sight, hidden behind something mundane yet ominous.
Constant Marlowe is a great protagonist, sharp and determined but also human. She doesn’t have the answers handed to her, and her wit and persistence carry the story forward. Deaver gives her enough depth to feel authentic, even within the novella’s shorter page count. The supporting characters add to the intrigue without overstaying their welcome. Everyone feels like they have a part to play, and it’s satisfying to see how those pieces click into place by the end.
I read the audio version and Christina Traister’s narration struck the right balance between suspense and urgency. Her delivery captured Marlowe’s intelligence and resilience while heightening the tension during pivotal moments. I found myself leaning in, eager to know what would happen next. While there were a few moments where the pacing felt a touch uneven, it didn’t detract from the overall experience.
If you’re a Deaver fan or just someone who loves a tightly woven thriller with plenty of surprises, Downstate is absolutely worth your time. It’s a short but satisfying ride that proves once again why Deaver remains one of the best in the game. And if you’re new to his work, this novella is an excellent place to get a taste of his style—just don’t expect to predict where it’ll take you.
February 2, 2025
Jeffery Deaver's second story featuring Special Agent Constant Marlowe is sadly just an average thriller, with a few reasonable twists. Marlowe is quite an intersting character, but wasted in this dull novella.
February 28, 2025
“I gotta say: you come to town, Agent Constant Marlowe, and all kinds of sh*t happens.”
Unfortunately for me none of the sh*t that happened was very interesting, in the minority here but for me Special Agent Constant Marlowe could have been interesting but she landed in this dull, silly novella.
Unfortunately for me none of the sh*t that happened was very interesting, in the minority here but for me Special Agent Constant Marlowe could have been interesting but she landed in this dull, silly novella.
March 5, 2025
This short novella is my introduction to the author, Jeffery Deaver.
A small town, boxing, female cop has a murder dropped smack dab on her plate. So much for a small town's peace and quiet.
Suspicions, rumors, and interference attempt to derail the investigation, but Marlowe stands firm. And, she starts to question her trust of those she works for/with, as well as some of the townspeople...
Fast-paced, this book is a great introduction to the series and left me ordering more.
I received this copy as an Amazon Prime Read, and I am giving you my honest review.
A small town, boxing, female cop has a murder dropped smack dab on her plate. So much for a small town's peace and quiet.
Suspicions, rumors, and interference attempt to derail the investigation, but Marlowe stands firm. And, she starts to question her trust of those she works for/with, as well as some of the townspeople...
Fast-paced, this book is a great introduction to the series and left me ordering more.
I received this copy as an Amazon Prime Read, and I am giving you my honest review.
December 23, 2024
Constant Marlowe returns in a novella that continues to push twists and turns at every opportunity and every single time you think you've got it figured out, something completely different happens. These novellas are incredibly fun, and I always want to go back and start over to see all of Deaver's foreshadowing. I hope he keeps writing because I'll keep reading.
Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
January 14, 2025
Constant Marlowe is in search of Mr. X, a data miner and information broker for the underworld. When she captures him, she is sucked into a world of corruption with only an unlikely sidekick to help her out.
Fast paced, dirty, tmadrenaline fueled. Deaver keeps Marlowe true to herself and I relish her breaking out into a fully fledged series of her own.
Fast paced, dirty, tmadrenaline fueled. Deaver keeps Marlowe true to herself and I relish her breaking out into a fully fledged series of her own.
July 12, 2025
The plot is hijacked by a minor incident, which when dug deeper is no minor incident but the key to the previous plot line. Plus the usual- almost everything you perceive to be happening, well it's the opposite.
January 26, 2025
Great short story. Likeable female lead character. Thoroughly enjoyed
March 24, 2025
I feel like I didn’t retain anything from this book. I guess I had high expectations for it. Honestly, I only picked it so I can mark Illinois off of my 50 States book challenge. Haha!
January 11, 2025
Some Are Not As They Appear
Special Agent Constant Marlowe of the Illinois Department of Criminal Investigations is driving to Plains County to find Marcel Descartes. He can find people even when they hide. A crime boss in Chicago uses him to find people he wants to eliminate. Marlowe is to bring him back to be a cooperating witness. With the help of a local Deputy Sheriff, she executes a clever trap to arrest Descartes. Afterward, Marlowe goes into a small grocery store to buy a quick dinner. While checking out, a very young boy is in front of her. He grabs some gift cards and runs. The owner chases him. She pursues finding them fighting, breaks it up, and arrests the kid. A deputy takes him away. She returns to the grocery store, but it is closed. As she walks away, two arguing men catch her attention. She quickly assesses it as a domestic dispute, but the larger man takes offense and starts to challenge her. She obliges and puts her guns in a bag. What that man did not know is that Marlowe was a professional boxer. Off to the detention center he goes. Later, Marlowe, waiting in the detention center, sees the kid just arriving. He is more beat up than when he was arrested. She learns that the sheriff wants to send him to the adult facility vice, a facility that can house minors. Marlowe decides to take matters into her own hands. From this start, she starts to unravel a complex case.
This short story has only one thread, starting in one direction that changes quickly when Marlowe creates a fake transport document with the kid’s name. On the ride back to Chicago, she learns from the kid that they are driving away from serious crimes back in Plains. She turns around. Every Plain character mentioned in the first paragraph plays a significant role. What follows is a fast-paced rollercoaster ride with twists, turns, and what I call a literary grenade, as it changed my whole understanding of the bad and good guys. Each encounter involves shooting and deathly threats to her and the kid. Chases separate the encounters. This kept my interest to the short story’s end.
This short story's background is a little thin, a common characteristic of this genre. Most of it is provided to explain the reasons behind her current behavior. As for her character, her actions and discussions offer most of it. This aspect was adequate and did not detract from my reading enjoyment.
This novel contains some aspects that can cause some readers to stop reading. While there are no intimate scenes, there are references to such activity. Objectional language is noticeable but appropriate, given the action’s nature and level. All violence is presented as it occurs. It is not more than what can be seen on prime-time television. I did not realize before requesting this short story that it is the second in the series. I did not see any undocumented references to it in this story. You should be able to read this short story without reading the previous novel.
My only issue with this short story is typical for this genre. Some of Marlowe’s actions are not legal, but they keep the pace fast. I liked that the novel was easy to read and that the author succeeded in focusing my attention on the wrong individuals. The reveals surprised me and enhanced my enjoyment of reading.
This is Jeffery Deaver's sixth work and the first short story I have read. I enjoyed reading it. He is on my Will-Read list of authors. I recommend reading this novel if the teasers interest you. I want to read more from this author and have the ARC of his next novel. I rate this novel with four stars.
I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version through NetGalley from Amazon Original Stories. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Amazon Original Stories, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
Special Agent Constant Marlowe of the Illinois Department of Criminal Investigations is driving to Plains County to find Marcel Descartes. He can find people even when they hide. A crime boss in Chicago uses him to find people he wants to eliminate. Marlowe is to bring him back to be a cooperating witness. With the help of a local Deputy Sheriff, she executes a clever trap to arrest Descartes. Afterward, Marlowe goes into a small grocery store to buy a quick dinner. While checking out, a very young boy is in front of her. He grabs some gift cards and runs. The owner chases him. She pursues finding them fighting, breaks it up, and arrests the kid. A deputy takes him away. She returns to the grocery store, but it is closed. As she walks away, two arguing men catch her attention. She quickly assesses it as a domestic dispute, but the larger man takes offense and starts to challenge her. She obliges and puts her guns in a bag. What that man did not know is that Marlowe was a professional boxer. Off to the detention center he goes. Later, Marlowe, waiting in the detention center, sees the kid just arriving. He is more beat up than when he was arrested. She learns that the sheriff wants to send him to the adult facility vice, a facility that can house minors. Marlowe decides to take matters into her own hands. From this start, she starts to unravel a complex case.
This short story has only one thread, starting in one direction that changes quickly when Marlowe creates a fake transport document with the kid’s name. On the ride back to Chicago, she learns from the kid that they are driving away from serious crimes back in Plains. She turns around. Every Plain character mentioned in the first paragraph plays a significant role. What follows is a fast-paced rollercoaster ride with twists, turns, and what I call a literary grenade, as it changed my whole understanding of the bad and good guys. Each encounter involves shooting and deathly threats to her and the kid. Chases separate the encounters. This kept my interest to the short story’s end.
This short story's background is a little thin, a common characteristic of this genre. Most of it is provided to explain the reasons behind her current behavior. As for her character, her actions and discussions offer most of it. This aspect was adequate and did not detract from my reading enjoyment.
This novel contains some aspects that can cause some readers to stop reading. While there are no intimate scenes, there are references to such activity. Objectional language is noticeable but appropriate, given the action’s nature and level. All violence is presented as it occurs. It is not more than what can be seen on prime-time television. I did not realize before requesting this short story that it is the second in the series. I did not see any undocumented references to it in this story. You should be able to read this short story without reading the previous novel.
My only issue with this short story is typical for this genre. Some of Marlowe’s actions are not legal, but they keep the pace fast. I liked that the novel was easy to read and that the author succeeded in focusing my attention on the wrong individuals. The reveals surprised me and enhanced my enjoyment of reading.
This is Jeffery Deaver's sixth work and the first short story I have read. I enjoyed reading it. He is on my Will-Read list of authors. I recommend reading this novel if the teasers interest you. I want to read more from this author and have the ARC of his next novel. I rate this novel with four stars.
I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version through NetGalley from Amazon Original Stories. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Amazon Original Stories, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
January 18, 2025
This was a fun novella to listen to. This is my first introduction to Constant Marlowe and she’s a special agent who loves to fight. I enjoyed the mystery with police corruption and thoroughly enjoyed the action towards the end in the corn field. The narrator, Christina Traister does a good job portraying Constant but the tones and inflections used for the men were okay. I plan on going back and checking out the first book since I really enjoyed this novella. If you love mystery, police procedural, and corruption be sure to check this one out!
A very special thanks to Brilliance Publishing for the gifted ALC.
A very special thanks to Brilliance Publishing for the gifted ALC.
February 19, 2025
This is second installment of the detective series Constant Marlowe and I was blown by it. And yes it's Constant and not Constance. It's no spelling mistake.
It's smart and well written and intriguing also adrenaline pumping. It was good from the start to the ending and the end twist, I kind of suspected it but yet didn't see it coming.
And to pack that punch, and adrenaline in a small novella is something a good storyteller will be able to achieve. It was brilliant.
Thank you Amazon original stories and Netgalley for another bang on ARC in exchange of an honest review.
It's smart and well written and intriguing also adrenaline pumping. It was good from the start to the ending and the end twist, I kind of suspected it but yet didn't see it coming.
And to pack that punch, and adrenaline in a small novella is something a good storyteller will be able to achieve. It was brilliant.
Thank you Amazon original stories and Netgalley for another bang on ARC in exchange of an honest review.
January 1, 2025
3.5* Downstate is a ‘wham-bam’ thriller of a novella from Jeffrey Deaver which doesn’t leave much space to breathe!
Special Agent Constance Marlowe is tasked with bringing in Mr X, the man who provided research, information and data to allow others to commit crimes. The plan is to flip X to support unravelling a specific criminal. As Constance tries to work out X’s identity, she witnesses a teenager stealing gift cards from a grocery store. Little does she know that this apparent minor infraction will lead her into a much darker underbelly of rural crime and conspiracy.
Told at blistering pace and with an unrelenting plot, this is a great thrill ride. As it’s a novella there is limited space to set the scene and to really get under the skin of any of the characters, which is my usual preference, but I hugely enjoyed this caper. Constance is kick-ass and fun to be with ride alongside for a couple of hours.
I listened to the audio version which had a professional narrator who lacked a little with engagement (it was better when speeded up).
Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Original Audio for an ARC
Special Agent Constance Marlowe is tasked with bringing in Mr X, the man who provided research, information and data to allow others to commit crimes. The plan is to flip X to support unravelling a specific criminal. As Constance tries to work out X’s identity, she witnesses a teenager stealing gift cards from a grocery store. Little does she know that this apparent minor infraction will lead her into a much darker underbelly of rural crime and conspiracy.
Told at blistering pace and with an unrelenting plot, this is a great thrill ride. As it’s a novella there is limited space to set the scene and to really get under the skin of any of the characters, which is my usual preference, but I hugely enjoyed this caper. Constance is kick-ass and fun to be with ride alongside for a couple of hours.
I listened to the audio version which had a professional narrator who lacked a little with engagement (it was better when speeded up).
Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Original Audio for an ARC
March 29, 2025
I did not attach to this book at all.
I’m kinda stunned.
I’ve read enough by Deaver to look forward to his work.
Constant Marlow sounded like a character I’d really appreciate.
But the first one was just so-so for me.
I thought I’d get on board with a different story.
But no - instead this one was just lifeless.
I won’t be abandoning all Deaver.
But I’m not going in for any more Marlow - this is clearly not for me 🙁
I’m kinda stunned.
I’ve read enough by Deaver to look forward to his work.
Constant Marlow sounded like a character I’d really appreciate.
But the first one was just so-so for me.
I thought I’d get on board with a different story.
But no - instead this one was just lifeless.
I won’t be abandoning all Deaver.
But I’m not going in for any more Marlow - this is clearly not for me 🙁
December 21, 2024
Downstate by Jeffery Deaver (4.5 stars)
Publishing Date: January 14, 2025
Agent Marlowe is chasing down Mr. X. Her mission leads her to the farming community of Illinois. Marlowe is a badass for sure! She’s able to handle everything in her way of uncovering the truths that have been hidden for so long.
This book is written in such detail that you will be sucked into the conspiracies, and plot twists. Deavers writing style is thrilling and enjoyable! He has an amazing way of pulling you into the book with how immersive his words are. Downstate will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the whole read. Plot twist after plot twist, you’ll quickly get sucked in, and unable to put it down!
Thank you again, Amazon Orig. Stories for allowing me to read this book for review via NetGalley
Publishing Date: January 14, 2025
Agent Marlowe is chasing down Mr. X. Her mission leads her to the farming community of Illinois. Marlowe is a badass for sure! She’s able to handle everything in her way of uncovering the truths that have been hidden for so long.
This book is written in such detail that you will be sucked into the conspiracies, and plot twists. Deavers writing style is thrilling and enjoyable! He has an amazing way of pulling you into the book with how immersive his words are. Downstate will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the whole read. Plot twist after plot twist, you’ll quickly get sucked in, and unable to put it down!
Thank you again, Amazon Orig. Stories for allowing me to read this book for review via NetGalley
January 14, 2025
This is a fast paced novel with a few twists and turns. It will keep you turning the pages. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
January 30, 2025
3.5 stars
I love the author and like the main character, Constant, but this wasn't my favorite story by Deaver. However, I did like the tension and twists at the end.
I love the author and like the main character, Constant, but this wasn't my favorite story by Deaver. However, I did like the tension and twists at the end.
February 3, 2025
There’s a lot going on in this one. I liked the lead character Constant Marlowe, looking forward to more stories.
March 21, 2025
3.5⭐
Constant Marlowe is such a badass
Constant Marlowe is such a badass
February 22, 2025
The ending came on so suddenly. It felt like the book was just beginning, and then I turned the page and it was the “about the author” page. Let me just say, I was let down.
March 20, 2025
Read this on the ferry home today! TBF I couldn't put it down 😍
October 21, 2025
A fun short read - bit of a police thriller with a female detective hunting an informant and trying to take down an organised crime boss. A few interesting bad guys and twists that kept me interested.
December 19, 2024
**3.5 stars**
Constant, a special agent in Illinois, pursues a case in a small town that turns into a chase for the truth that's much more complex than expected. I hadn't actually read the first novella in this series, but enough backstory was given here that although it likely would have been a more immersive read if I had, it wasn't necessary. Although after reading this, I may go back and read the first one!
Deaver writes in a vivid, in-your-face, casual manner that thriller and mystery fans would enjoy. As the story progressed, I got more invested in (and paranoid of!) the main characters. The author keeps you guessing until the end, even with chapters written from different character POVs. I would bet you haven't read a book with a higher ratio of pages to descriptions of corn.
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Constant, a special agent in Illinois, pursues a case in a small town that turns into a chase for the truth that's much more complex than expected. I hadn't actually read the first novella in this series, but enough backstory was given here that although it likely would have been a more immersive read if I had, it wasn't necessary. Although after reading this, I may go back and read the first one!
Deaver writes in a vivid, in-your-face, casual manner that thriller and mystery fans would enjoy. As the story progressed, I got more invested in (and paranoid of!) the main characters. The author keeps you guessing until the end, even with chapters written from different character POVs. I would bet you haven't read a book with a higher ratio of pages to descriptions of corn.
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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