What do you think?
Rate this book
Sydney Brennan Mysteries #1
Back to Lazarus
"When I was six years old, my father killed my mother. He beat and choked her to death. I'm told that he was found hanging from a homemade noose in his cell. I want to know why he waited so long to do it."
Sydney Brennan isn't sure how to answer her client's question, short of holding a séance, and the Tallahassee detective has some questions of her own. Why does Noel Thomas remember so little about her childhood? Why is she delving into her father's suicide now? And, most importantly, why isn't Noel telling her the truth?
Sydney crisscrosses the Florida Panhandle, reconstructing the tragic Thomas family history. The violence that destroyed the Thomas family connects to a present-day web of deceit and corruption through a desperate man willing to do anything to keep his secrets safe. To discover his identity, Sydney must go Back to Lazarus, back to the town where Noel's beautiful but troubled mother began her inevitable descent over twenty years ago. But by following in the footsteps of the murdered woman, does Sydney risk sharing her fate?
Rooted in bars and back roads and Panhandle prisons, forgotten towns and forgotten people, at its heart Back to Lazarus is about stories: the stories people tell us, the stories we tell ourselves, and what happens when we realize it's all a lie.
Sydney Brennan isn't sure how to answer her client's question, short of holding a séance, and the Tallahassee detective has some questions of her own. Why does Noel Thomas remember so little about her childhood? Why is she delving into her father's suicide now? And, most importantly, why isn't Noel telling her the truth?
Sydney crisscrosses the Florida Panhandle, reconstructing the tragic Thomas family history. The violence that destroyed the Thomas family connects to a present-day web of deceit and corruption through a desperate man willing to do anything to keep his secrets safe. To discover his identity, Sydney must go Back to Lazarus, back to the town where Noel's beautiful but troubled mother began her inevitable descent over twenty years ago. But by following in the footsteps of the murdered woman, does Sydney risk sharing her fate?
Rooted in bars and back roads and Panhandle prisons, forgotten towns and forgotten people, at its heart Back to Lazarus is about stories: the stories people tell us, the stories we tell ourselves, and what happens when we realize it's all a lie.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2014
1393 people are currently reading
1969 people want to read
About the author
Judy K. Walker
16 books42 followersA recovering criminal attorney, Judy K. Walker has enough spare letters after her name (and student loan debt) to suggest that insatiable curiosity is something fictional private investigator Sydney Brennan inherited from her creator. Fortunately, Judy’s curiosity rarely involves murders. She also penned the Dead Hollow Trilogy, an Appalachian thriller series with a touch of the paranormal that taps into her West Virginia origins.
The Sydney Brennan Mysteries stand alone, but do build upon each other. The books, featuring Tallahassee Private Investigator Sydney Brennan and a recurring supporting cast, are (in reading order): Back to Lazarus, Secrets in Stockbridge, The Perils of Panacea, No Safe Winterport, Braving the Boneyard, River Bound, and Grave Truth.
Dead Hollow is a true trilogy of supernatural crime thrillers and must be read IN ORDER: Prodigal, Founder, and Heir.
Judy writes from her home in Hawaii, where she is surrounded by husband, feral pigs, and assorted geckos.
The Sydney Brennan Mysteries stand alone, but do build upon each other. The books, featuring Tallahassee Private Investigator Sydney Brennan and a recurring supporting cast, are (in reading order): Back to Lazarus, Secrets in Stockbridge, The Perils of Panacea, No Safe Winterport, Braving the Boneyard, River Bound, and Grave Truth.
Dead Hollow is a true trilogy of supernatural crime thrillers and must be read IN ORDER: Prodigal, Founder, and Heir.
Judy writes from her home in Hawaii, where she is surrounded by husband, feral pigs, and assorted geckos.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
October 11, 2015
This was a better written and better told story than many of the independently published books I’ve read.
It was a straightforward mystery without a lot of twists, a refreshing change from ones so convoluted the reader needs GPS to keep of where they’re going.
I guessed the guilty party fairly early in the book but I would have liked to have seen a more detailed description of how the crime went down than ‘X did it.’
I also would have liked to be able to form a better picture of Sydney Brennan than I could from the information provided. And I would have liked a little more information on how Sydney became a PI.
This was one of the most error-free e-books I’ve read.
I wouldn’t mind reading more of Sydney’s adventures.
It was a straightforward mystery without a lot of twists, a refreshing change from ones so convoluted the reader needs GPS to keep of where they’re going.
I guessed the guilty party fairly early in the book but I would have liked to have seen a more detailed description of how the crime went down than ‘X did it.’
I also would have liked to be able to form a better picture of Sydney Brennan than I could from the information provided. And I would have liked a little more information on how Sydney became a PI.
This was one of the most error-free e-books I’ve read.
I wouldn’t mind reading more of Sydney’s adventures.
September 11, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed the story and style. I will be checking out the rest of the series.
August 18, 2017
I got as far as 8% into this and packed it in. It's full of American acronyms (though in fairness she did sometimes explain what they stood for, saving us looking them up) and American pop culture references I didn't understand and just lost all interest in having to look up. If you want a book to be read internationally, surely you could consider that so many readers will not understand like something being "akin to Rose Mary Woods's 1973 postural twitch for Nixon." I reached this reference-"....visions of baby shampoo bottles with twisting heads" and gave up.
I had no idea whatsoever why Sydney mentioned that "having a coffeepot close to hand is dangerous for any flat surfaces in my office" when she's just served tea to a client.....it makes no sense whatsoever. She missed a from "....if she had job" and this sentence is odd, too-"....just enough too much make-up to slightly cheapen her pretty face."
It seemed doubtful to me that Noel, her client, wouldn't have looked up her father online herself to learn about him. It took me a while to figure out when this is supposed to be set and I'd assumed it was before mobile phones and internet as Sydney was also going to borrow a neighbour's phone at one point but it's 2004 !! It isn't for me, I'm afraid.
I had no idea whatsoever why Sydney mentioned that "having a coffeepot close to hand is dangerous for any flat surfaces in my office" when she's just served tea to a client.....it makes no sense whatsoever. She missed a from "....if she had job" and this sentence is odd, too-"....just enough too much make-up to slightly cheapen her pretty face."
It seemed doubtful to me that Noel, her client, wouldn't have looked up her father online herself to learn about him. It took me a while to figure out when this is supposed to be set and I'd assumed it was before mobile phones and internet as Sydney was also going to borrow a neighbour's phone at one point but it's 2004 !! It isn't for me, I'm afraid.
January 14, 2017
I thought this was a promising start from an independent writer, and my interest is piqued enough that I would be happy to read on about Sydney in further novels.
Overall, a simple story without too many twists, though somewhat lacking in some more interesting character development and at some points a little eye-roll cliche. Why the mystery about Sydney's age and her name? Some more details might make her a more 'likeable' character. She comes across as one of those 'I'm just a normal girl who wears little to no makeup and boring clothes and have terrible hair but, oops, I have guys throwing themselves at me' types. Too done. There were several points at which I nearly put the book down, some of the metaphors and the way Sydney describes herself seem forced. Finally, I feel there were too many unanswered questions. I know these are addressed (at least, acknowledged) in the epilogue, but not enough that I felt satisfied from the story.
I'll be reading the next novel to see whether Sydney's character develops any more, and perhaps the writer's skills have developed also. But as far as some independent books are concerned, this is promising.
Overall, a simple story without too many twists, though somewhat lacking in some more interesting character development and at some points a little eye-roll cliche. Why the mystery about Sydney's age and her name? Some more details might make her a more 'likeable' character. She comes across as one of those 'I'm just a normal girl who wears little to no makeup and boring clothes and have terrible hair but, oops, I have guys throwing themselves at me' types. Too done. There were several points at which I nearly put the book down, some of the metaphors and the way Sydney describes herself seem forced. Finally, I feel there were too many unanswered questions. I know these are addressed (at least, acknowledged) in the epilogue, but not enough that I felt satisfied from the story.
I'll be reading the next novel to see whether Sydney's character develops any more, and perhaps the writer's skills have developed also. But as far as some independent books are concerned, this is promising.
September 27, 2017
Sydney Brennan is a gem!
I get a lot of free books on BookBub. Most I never get past the first chapter, because, well, there are a lot of writers out there, but not that many really *good* writers. Finding a really good novel in one of these freebies—a well-crafted story, with three-dimensional characters who have strong voices, and well-hewn prose—now that’s something to write home about.
Back to Lazarus is one of these rare gems. A page-turning thriller with a complex narrator/protagonist (Sydney) who isn’t a wilting violet (thank god!), and is committed to finding the truth. Her own story is revealed as she digs into the story her client is paying her to dig into, which makes for a satisfying double mystery.
Sydney’s history, psyche, and sometimes resistant self-analysis are a running thread throughout the story, tying everything together. Like so many heroes, she inadvertently gets herself, and others, into trouble in ways both physical and emotional. The thrill comes from watching her and them get out of it.
I’m delighted this is the first of a series!
I get a lot of free books on BookBub. Most I never get past the first chapter, because, well, there are a lot of writers out there, but not that many really *good* writers. Finding a really good novel in one of these freebies—a well-crafted story, with three-dimensional characters who have strong voices, and well-hewn prose—now that’s something to write home about.
Back to Lazarus is one of these rare gems. A page-turning thriller with a complex narrator/protagonist (Sydney) who isn’t a wilting violet (thank god!), and is committed to finding the truth. Her own story is revealed as she digs into the story her client is paying her to dig into, which makes for a satisfying double mystery.
Sydney’s history, psyche, and sometimes resistant self-analysis are a running thread throughout the story, tying everything together. Like so many heroes, she inadvertently gets herself, and others, into trouble in ways both physical and emotional. The thrill comes from watching her and them get out of it.
I’m delighted this is the first of a series!
February 14, 2019
Everything a good mystery needs.
Everything a good mystery needs, including an author confident enough not to linger lovingly over the gore, and give us desire instead of sex. Characters are well drawn and I find myself wanting to meet them again.
Everything a good mystery needs, including an author confident enough not to linger lovingly over the gore, and give us desire instead of sex. Characters are well drawn and I find myself wanting to meet them again.
February 27, 2018
Sydney Brennan is a wise-cracking Florida PI who is asked to investigate the death of her client’s father, 24 years after he allegedly kills himself in prison. Somebody, or somebodies, doesn’t want her to wake up sleeping dogs, and she ends up in some pretty tense situations.
I’m generally a cozy mystery reader, but enjoyed this traditional PI mystery. Sydney is a relatable character – she’s older, shorter, and slightly rounder than your traditional PIs, but she’s still got a smart mouth and an intense desire to see justice done. And she’s not afraid of a fight, or getting dirty if it will help her clients. She tends to want to keep helping those clients, even if they tell her no, because she just can’t stand injustice. That could be a problem for her heath, but even so, she has to pursue a lead to its conclusion no matter the cost. Sydney’s support team, and the secondary characters, are well-drawn, dimensional people themselves.
This book has a fast pace, snappy dialogue, likeable characters, an interesting plot, and a surprise ending. I liked it so much that I bought and immediately read Book 2 in the series. If you like traditional PI novels, with strong female characters, I suggest this one.
I’m generally a cozy mystery reader, but enjoyed this traditional PI mystery. Sydney is a relatable character – she’s older, shorter, and slightly rounder than your traditional PIs, but she’s still got a smart mouth and an intense desire to see justice done. And she’s not afraid of a fight, or getting dirty if it will help her clients. She tends to want to keep helping those clients, even if they tell her no, because she just can’t stand injustice. That could be a problem for her heath, but even so, she has to pursue a lead to its conclusion no matter the cost. Sydney’s support team, and the secondary characters, are well-drawn, dimensional people themselves.
This book has a fast pace, snappy dialogue, likeable characters, an interesting plot, and a surprise ending. I liked it so much that I bought and immediately read Book 2 in the series. If you like traditional PI novels, with strong female characters, I suggest this one.
April 1, 2019
Reviewing this is a little tricky. On the one hand, I think the plot was pretty solid and I liked the overall feel and atmosphere, but there were also certain character-related things that I didn't like or just found annoying. On the whole, I would say it's a good book, though, and my complaints aren't big enough that I regret reading it.
I will point out that it took me a LONG time to read it, though. Once I got started it wasn't bad at all — I quite liked the plot, as mentioned — but there was no urge to keep going. If I scheduled my reading time, sure, I read it, but it wasn't so thrilling that I just had to keep reading.
That said, I think the writing itself was pretty nice. Overall, the characters were nuanced and felt like real people, even if I find it a little weird just how quickly everyone decided that Sydney was their best friend and they would do everything for her. It's... a bit off-putting, to be honest, because that doesn't really happen in real life. Also, I wasn't all that pleased about that whole deal with Richard, but that's mainly because I have a general dislike for cheating. So highly subjective, obviously, but I still felt it wasn't quite necessary.
And don't get me started on Sydney's brilliant idea to set herself up as bait. She even acknowledges that none of her newfound friends/protectors/partners-in-crime would let her do it if she told them because it's too dangerous, but she does it anyway. Like, that's your first clue that you shouldn't do it, especially when you've got a psychopath killer after you and your plan is "I'll figure it out later." Don't get me wrong, I love that Sydney felt competent and independent — she did pull that off really well — but that particular choice was just stupid. It's the kind of things characters (not just women) only do in books, movies, or TV shows when they're trying to be cool and kickass, but they always end up in trouble. For once, I just wish that there would be a character who asked for help with their insane plans, or just avoided it entirely because they're stupid and suicidal.
Still, despite this, I did like the book and I liked Sydney. I might even read the next one if I ever feel like it, but I can't say when. I, uh, have a lot of other books to read first...
I will point out that it took me a LONG time to read it, though. Once I got started it wasn't bad at all — I quite liked the plot, as mentioned — but there was no urge to keep going. If I scheduled my reading time, sure, I read it, but it wasn't so thrilling that I just had to keep reading.
That said, I think the writing itself was pretty nice. Overall, the characters were nuanced and felt like real people, even if I find it a little weird just how quickly everyone decided that Sydney was their best friend and they would do everything for her. It's... a bit off-putting, to be honest, because that doesn't really happen in real life. Also, I wasn't all that pleased about that whole deal with Richard, but that's mainly because I have a general dislike for cheating. So highly subjective, obviously, but I still felt it wasn't quite necessary.
And don't get me started on Sydney's brilliant idea to set herself up as bait. She even acknowledges that none of her newfound friends/protectors/partners-in-crime would let her do it if she told them because it's too dangerous, but she does it anyway. Like, that's your first clue that you shouldn't do it, especially when you've got a psychopath killer after you and your plan is "I'll figure it out later." Don't get me wrong, I love that Sydney felt competent and independent — she did pull that off really well — but that particular choice was just stupid. It's the kind of things characters (not just women) only do in books, movies, or TV shows when they're trying to be cool and kickass, but they always end up in trouble. For once, I just wish that there would be a character who asked for help with their insane plans, or just avoided it entirely because they're stupid and suicidal.
Still, despite this, I did like the book and I liked Sydney. I might even read the next one if I ever feel like it, but I can't say when. I, uh, have a lot of other books to read first...
November 3, 2016
Tallahassee FL. Ms. Sydney “Syd” Brennan (PI) was listening to Noel Thomas (client, daughter, granddaughter) tell about her father Isaac Thomas (husband, abusive) killing Vanda Thomas (wife/mother, nee Harrison) on 10/6/1980, & then on 10/12/2002, he committed suicide.
Jimmy’s bar had also been torched.
Syd went to the West Florida Correctional Institution (WFC).
She spoke with Ms. Tanya Carroll (25+, warden’s asst.).
Then Syd took off & spoke with Mary Harrison (Noel’s grandmother), & Virginia “Ginny” Ludlow (daughter, nee Harrison).
Syd’s next stop was Lazarus (town) where Ida Pickett (Isaac’s sister) lived.
Hainey, TN. Richard Frey (50+, attorney, Chief Assistant, Public Defender’s Office) & Syd discussed the Thomas trial.
On to speak with Claire Johnson (51).
Syd was having a conversation with Detective Drake (Stetler County Sheriff’s Dept.) & Detective Sutton (Stetler County Sheriff’s Dept.).
Did Isaac kill his wife Vanda?
Claire Johnson name came up on the investigation.
Officer Rudy Nagroski, Mike Montgomery (investigator, Hainey PD), & Richard (Hainey PD) were also helping with the arson & murder case.
Warning: This book contains extreme violence, graphic adult content or expletive language &/or sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery
book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Smashwords; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Jimmy’s bar had also been torched.
Syd went to the West Florida Correctional Institution (WFC).
She spoke with Ms. Tanya Carroll (25+, warden’s asst.).
Then Syd took off & spoke with Mary Harrison (Noel’s grandmother), & Virginia “Ginny” Ludlow (daughter, nee Harrison).
Syd’s next stop was Lazarus (town) where Ida Pickett (Isaac’s sister) lived.
Hainey, TN. Richard Frey (50+, attorney, Chief Assistant, Public Defender’s Office) & Syd discussed the Thomas trial.
On to speak with Claire Johnson (51).
Syd was having a conversation with Detective Drake (Stetler County Sheriff’s Dept.) & Detective Sutton (Stetler County Sheriff’s Dept.).
Did Isaac kill his wife Vanda?
Claire Johnson name came up on the investigation.
Officer Rudy Nagroski, Mike Montgomery (investigator, Hainey PD), & Richard (Hainey PD) were also helping with the arson & murder case.
Warning: This book contains extreme violence, graphic adult content or expletive language &/or sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery
book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Smashwords; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 29, 2016
I found this to be a very enjoyable book with a great story line and engaging characters. I do wish that the main character did not put herself down as much as she does, but otherwise I found this to be a very satisfying story.
December 24, 2016
Very impressed... Great characters... I was hooked from the beginning..
If you have an ereader download it now while it is still free.
Someday soon Judy K Walker will be shelved with the rest of the great suspence novelists.
If you have an ereader download it now while it is still free.
Someday soon Judy K Walker will be shelved with the rest of the great suspence novelists.
December 31, 2022
Sydney is a private investigator who is approached by a woman named Noel who wants some answers surrounding her Father's death. She asks Sydney to take the job and provide her with answers to the questions that haunt her.
Noel doesn't remember much about her Father or her Mother. Her Mother was murdered when she was young and it was done by her Father. She went to live with her Grandmother and never really found out anymore than that until roughly 20 years later when she receives a piece of mail that changes everything.
Sydney is great at her job and will do whatever it takes to get the answers that her clients are looking for. Noel's case is no different, except for the fact that it's been a long time since the murder and her Father's death seems to be a little odd.
Sydney, Noel, and a few others join together and go on a crazy ride of trying to figure out what happened 20 years ago as well as the true behind Noel's Fathers death.
This was a really good book. For me it took about getting a quarter of the way through it to really pick up and become good. From that point on it was great. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good mystery, some action packed sections, as well as some emotional ones.
Noel doesn't remember much about her Father or her Mother. Her Mother was murdered when she was young and it was done by her Father. She went to live with her Grandmother and never really found out anymore than that until roughly 20 years later when she receives a piece of mail that changes everything.
Sydney is great at her job and will do whatever it takes to get the answers that her clients are looking for. Noel's case is no different, except for the fact that it's been a long time since the murder and her Father's death seems to be a little odd.
Sydney, Noel, and a few others join together and go on a crazy ride of trying to figure out what happened 20 years ago as well as the true behind Noel's Fathers death.
This was a really good book. For me it took about getting a quarter of the way through it to really pick up and become good. From that point on it was great. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good mystery, some action packed sections, as well as some emotional ones.
November 28, 2017
Back to Lazarus was an interesting story and the main character, Sydney Brennan was a spunky character with vices and virtues unique to her personality. As another reviewer commented, this was a better-written story than others I have read by independent authors, but for some reason, I had a hard time getting into it. I am pretty hard headed when it comes to reading and I don't give up easily. Once I start I won't give up unless the story just keeps spiraling out of control in a downward direction. After a slow start, I was able to really get into it at about the halfway point. It is well worth a read if you love a good crime drama, but I'm afraid the end result just wasn't my cup of tea. This probably has nothing to do with the author, just preferences, you know? Who knows, I may decide to read another in the series at some point, but for now I'll just say that it was a solid effort, not great but not terrible.
April 7, 2020
Lately the books I have picked up have all turned out to be really good rates and this one was definitely no different. I enjoy a good mystery to read. I found the female character quite engaging but once in a while I felt she was a bit harsh . Maybe that Was just her character
I’m not sure that the lawyer in the story I felt he was a bit perhaps weak but I don’t know if that was because he had some feelings for the main character. In any case I enjoyed the book so much that I put the following books in the series on my wish list. I really would like in my library to carry them but they don’t so recommend them.
Sometimes it’s hard to write a story that happened 30 years prior and bring it all together in the end so that it’s a believable product but I did feel that the author did a really good job on that
I’m not sure that the lawyer in the story I felt he was a bit perhaps weak but I don’t know if that was because he had some feelings for the main character. In any case I enjoyed the book so much that I put the following books in the series on my wish list. I really would like in my library to carry them but they don’t so recommend them.
Sometimes it’s hard to write a story that happened 30 years prior and bring it all together in the end so that it’s a believable product but I did feel that the author did a really good job on that
January 12, 2019
A marvelous, delightful mystery full of thrills!
Sydney Brennan, the private investigator, is approached by Noel who hires her to find out why her father who has been incarcerated for killing her mother waited all these years to commit suicide in prison.
Sydney's investigation starts at the prison, takes her to a lot of places within the state of Florida and through different adventures to find the facts including a beating to within an inch of her life! Her perseverance, grit and courage keep her going including making a final plan to lure the culprit.
A wonderful book that combines mystery with adventure proven to keep the readers glued to the book until the last page is read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thank you Ms. Walker !
Sydney Brennan, the private investigator, is approached by Noel who hires her to find out why her father who has been incarcerated for killing her mother waited all these years to commit suicide in prison.
Sydney's investigation starts at the prison, takes her to a lot of places within the state of Florida and through different adventures to find the facts including a beating to within an inch of her life! Her perseverance, grit and courage keep her going including making a final plan to lure the culprit.
A wonderful book that combines mystery with adventure proven to keep the readers glued to the book until the last page is read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thank you Ms. Walker !
June 25, 2017
Ghosts voices
Thoroughly engaging, well written mystery following the investigation of a twenty year old murder and a much more recent death. The plot was intriguing and beautifully drawn, sending us down some twisty rabbit holes that converged and diverged before the ultimate satisfying resolution. An extremely likeable protagonist, despite a past that hints strongly at dysfunctional relationships; the team she gathers almost accidentally along the way reflects the affinity for justice they all share. The wise cracks and humour somewhat balance the sense of imminent violence that hovers threateningly over the players. Highly recommended.
Thoroughly engaging, well written mystery following the investigation of a twenty year old murder and a much more recent death. The plot was intriguing and beautifully drawn, sending us down some twisty rabbit holes that converged and diverged before the ultimate satisfying resolution. An extremely likeable protagonist, despite a past that hints strongly at dysfunctional relationships; the team she gathers almost accidentally along the way reflects the affinity for justice they all share. The wise cracks and humour somewhat balance the sense of imminent violence that hovers threateningly over the players. Highly recommended.
August 25, 2017
Cool New Talent!
This PI novel is fun, well written, and only periodically harrowing. Sydney Brennan is a can-do and slightly snarky 21st century woman who knows the investigation ropes. The characters are well-drawn and differentiated, and the plot, while expectable, is well put together. Grammar, syntax and spelling are fine. Writing is well done. A bit annoying is the lack of resolution of the evil, polluting company poisoned our town plot thread. From early on in the novel it just lies there in the middle of the story and is never developed.
Anyhow, well done. I'm off to download the next installment.
This PI novel is fun, well written, and only periodically harrowing. Sydney Brennan is a can-do and slightly snarky 21st century woman who knows the investigation ropes. The characters are well-drawn and differentiated, and the plot, while expectable, is well put together. Grammar, syntax and spelling are fine. Writing is well done. A bit annoying is the lack of resolution of the evil, polluting company poisoned our town plot thread. From early on in the novel it just lies there in the middle of the story and is never developed.
Anyhow, well done. I'm off to download the next installment.
January 24, 2019
This book was a good introduction to Sydney (Syd) Brennan. Her past isn't perfect but maybe this is what makes her good when it comes to investigating and helping others sort out their own pasts/puzzles. The case led to more than Syd or her client, Noel, bargained for. Noel received a newspaper clipping in the mail that had her wanting to know more about her father's suicide in prison. She mainly wanted to know why it took him as long as it did because he had been in jail for years. Each bit of answer Syd found led her to another question and not all unfolded as expected. I enjoyed this and definitely plan to read more in this series.
July 17, 2017
"A Great Woman P.I. Mystery"
Beginning with the first book of this series, Tallahassee Private Investigator, Sydney Brennan, searches throughout northern Florida. She's trying to reconstruct a family history being hired to investigate the suicide of a man within prison. The man had been found guilty of killing his wife 24 years earlier. Sydney is a talented P.I. and always forges on even if it leads her to trouble ... and perhaps danger. The characters are well defined and there's a bit of humor along the way. A very captivating story you'll love. Highly recommend.
Beginning with the first book of this series, Tallahassee Private Investigator, Sydney Brennan, searches throughout northern Florida. She's trying to reconstruct a family history being hired to investigate the suicide of a man within prison. The man had been found guilty of killing his wife 24 years earlier. Sydney is a talented P.I. and always forges on even if it leads her to trouble ... and perhaps danger. The characters are well defined and there's a bit of humor along the way. A very captivating story you'll love. Highly recommend.
February 27, 2020
What a breath of fresh air!
Sydney Brennan, PI. created by Judy K. Walker is like no other. Sydney is a she with a most refreshing personality, thinking and saying the darndest things that made me smile or laugh out loud (fuzzy toilet lid cover). As a PI, she refused to stop her investigation, was kidnapped and beaten, recovered, went back to uncover the truth for her client. A must read for PI fans and mystery lovers. Ms. Walker’s original writing style added a freshness to a tragic tale. A great goodread
Sydney Brennan, PI. created by Judy K. Walker is like no other. Sydney is a she with a most refreshing personality, thinking and saying the darndest things that made me smile or laugh out loud (fuzzy toilet lid cover). As a PI, she refused to stop her investigation, was kidnapped and beaten, recovered, went back to uncover the truth for her client. A must read for PI fans and mystery lovers. Ms. Walker’s original writing style added a freshness to a tragic tale. A great goodread
February 22, 2018
What a great story!
Sydney Brennan is an investigator. She is hired by a woman to learn why her imprisoned father killed himself twenty years after he was locked up for killing her mother. The investigation takes her into Lazarus, a dying town, and into the State Prison where the father had been. I won’t go any further because of spoilers, but will say that it was extremely well plotted and had characters a reader could easily spend more time with. I5was a great story.
Sydney Brennan is an investigator. She is hired by a woman to learn why her imprisoned father killed himself twenty years after he was locked up for killing her mother. The investigation takes her into Lazarus, a dying town, and into the State Prison where the father had been. I won’t go any further because of spoilers, but will say that it was extremely well plotted and had characters a reader could easily spend more time with. I5was a great story.
April 19, 2018
A quirky investigator
She almost gets herself killed tracing the past for her client. Clearly she has stepped into a bees nest that is still thriving in the Police Department after 20 years. Extortion from prostitutes is one aspect. Rape of sisters wanting to visit brothers in jail is another. Her investigations open the whole sick crime scene up, as well as the reason for the "suicide" of an astute but innocent inmate. A great read. Tedious at moments.
She almost gets herself killed tracing the past for her client. Clearly she has stepped into a bees nest that is still thriving in the Police Department after 20 years. Extortion from prostitutes is one aspect. Rape of sisters wanting to visit brothers in jail is another. Her investigations open the whole sick crime scene up, as well as the reason for the "suicide" of an astute but innocent inmate. A great read. Tedious at moments.
June 4, 2019
Enjoyable book, a win-win.
A female investigator is hired to review the circumstances around a woman’s father’s apparent suicide. The deeper she digs, the more she puts herself in jeopardy until she gets too deep and pays the price. I enjoyed the book and the characters you meet and how the truth is revealed. Plus, there’s second book (for free) waiting at the end of the ebook. A win-win.
A female investigator is hired to review the circumstances around a woman’s father’s apparent suicide. The deeper she digs, the more she puts herself in jeopardy until she gets too deep and pays the price. I enjoyed the book and the characters you meet and how the truth is revealed. Plus, there’s second book (for free) waiting at the end of the ebook. A win-win.
September 19, 2020
Isaac Thomas was convicted of killing his wife.
His daughter, Noel, wants to know why he waited 20 years in prison to suicide. She hires PI Sydney Brennan to find out what happened. Sydney digs deeper and finds a complicated backstory to both deaths.
I was chasing the truth as much as Sydney and was glad that she kept working it.
** Females with names Noel and Sydney kept me shaking my head. But that's just me.
His daughter, Noel, wants to know why he waited 20 years in prison to suicide. She hires PI Sydney Brennan to find out what happened. Sydney digs deeper and finds a complicated backstory to both deaths.
I was chasing the truth as much as Sydney and was glad that she kept working it.
** Females with names Noel and Sydney kept me shaking my head. But that's just me.
September 19, 2017
This was a good and very interesting story and had a few plot twists along the way. It is very dramatic and will keep your attention the entire time. Really decent book with a great pace. It is a mystery that follows a p.i. looking into a suicide by the deceased daughter who never got to know the person. Someone doesn't want her digging around.
November 12, 2017
Better than I expected
This is a good page turning story. But more than that, it is a well written page turner. I read a lot of light crime type novels that have good stories but I find myself skipping chunks because the style is too wafferly, repetitive or just clunky. It was such a surprise to find that this one I could read and enjoy for the style as much as the story.
This is a good page turning story. But more than that, it is a well written page turner. I read a lot of light crime type novels that have good stories but I find myself skipping chunks because the style is too wafferly, repetitive or just clunky. It was such a surprise to find that this one I could read and enjoy for the style as much as the story.
March 3, 2018
Slow but very good
Sydney is a investigator that gets a case to find out about a womans past. This opens up all kinds of old cases. Sydney gets into a case that is not about her clients. This book starts out slow you have to get to about chapter 5 before things start moving and making more since.
Sydney is a investigator that gets a case to find out about a womans past. This opens up all kinds of old cases. Sydney gets into a case that is not about her clients. This book starts out slow you have to get to about chapter 5 before things start moving and making more since.
January 17, 2019
On par with and in the style of Sue Grafton's alphabet mysteries
If you like Sue Grafton's alphabet mysteries you'll like the Sydney Brennan series. The two authors have different voices but are otherwise indistinguishable.. Since Grafton is running out of letters, these maybe your next beach read.
If you like Sue Grafton's alphabet mysteries you'll like the Sydney Brennan series. The two authors have different voices but are otherwise indistinguishable.. Since Grafton is running out of letters, these maybe your next beach read.
January 23, 2019
Sydney investigates the death of a prisoner who had been imprisoned for killing his wife over twenty years prior. The daughter had learned of her father's death and wanted Syd to check it out. In the process, Syd gets beaten up pretty badly but continues her search.
Good characters, lots of adventure and a very good plot. I'd recommend it and I'd like to read another of Sydney's adventures.
Good characters, lots of adventure and a very good plot. I'd recommend it and I'd like to read another of Sydney's adventures.
June 26, 2025
Justice or Revenge
Sydney investigates an old murder and suicide at the request of the daughter of both victims.
Far from giving up when she is warned off the investigation, she pursues the issue until she discovers the real murderer. It's an intriguing story with a wide cast of characters. Highly recommended reading.
Sydney investigates an old murder and suicide at the request of the daughter of both victims.
Far from giving up when she is warned off the investigation, she pursues the issue until she discovers the real murderer. It's an intriguing story with a wide cast of characters. Highly recommended reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews