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Gideon and Sirius #2
Guardians of the Night
As the sole members of LAPD’s Special Cases Unit, Detective Michael Gideon and his German shepherd partner Sirius work investigations considered bizarre even by Los Angeles’s standards. Yet their latest case is more than strange—it might be out of this world.
Ronald “Wrong” Pauley is a homeless man long fallen from grace. When Pauley’s late-night drinking is interrupted by a detonation of light, he sees what he describes as a “being of light” in the alley below. Pauley tries to help, but ends up as a witness to what he believes is the murder of a fallen angel.
Gideon and Sirius are already in the midst of trying to determine the identity of the so-called “Reluctant Hero” who seemed to magically appear just moments after shots began ringing out at an elementary school. Braving gunfire, the hero tackled the shooter, and then disappeared.
Both cases defy easy answers, but when Pauley turns up dead, the detectives are left with two murders to solve and lots of questions. Gideon and Sirius—along with help from a newfound friend—investigate that thin line between the real and surreal to make sense of these possible crimes.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
1022 people are currently reading
2925 people want to read
About the author
Alan Russell
24 books290 followersFollow Alan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alanrussellmysteryau...
Alan Russell is the author of The Last Good Dog, the sixth book in the #1 bestselling series featuring LAPD detective Michael Gideon and his K-9 partner, Sirius.
In 1990 Walker & Company published Alan's first book, No Sign of Murder, which received positive reviews, including a standalone rave from The New York Times. The work was followed up by The Forest Prime Evil and comedic mysteries The Hotel Detective and The Fat Innkeeper, which won him the Lefty Award, given to the best humorous mystery of the year, and a Critics’ Choice Award. His novel Multiple Wounds, a psychological thriller, earned him a nomination for both an Anthony Award and the Macavity Award for best novel of the year. Russell then published Shame, a novel of psychological suspense. His novels Exposure, Political Suicide, A Cold War, and The Homecoming, have been categorized as suspense novels. Alan is also the author of St. Nick, a Christmas Cop Novel, and the Gideon & Sirius novels, which include Burning Man, Guardians of the Night, Lost Dog, Gideon's Rescue, L.A. Woman, and The Last Good Dog.
Alan Russell is the author of The Last Good Dog, the sixth book in the #1 bestselling series featuring LAPD detective Michael Gideon and his K-9 partner, Sirius.
In 1990 Walker & Company published Alan's first book, No Sign of Murder, which received positive reviews, including a standalone rave from The New York Times. The work was followed up by The Forest Prime Evil and comedic mysteries The Hotel Detective and The Fat Innkeeper, which won him the Lefty Award, given to the best humorous mystery of the year, and a Critics’ Choice Award. His novel Multiple Wounds, a psychological thriller, earned him a nomination for both an Anthony Award and the Macavity Award for best novel of the year. Russell then published Shame, a novel of psychological suspense. His novels Exposure, Political Suicide, A Cold War, and The Homecoming, have been categorized as suspense novels. Alan is also the author of St. Nick, a Christmas Cop Novel, and the Gideon & Sirius novels, which include Burning Man, Guardians of the Night, Lost Dog, Gideon's Rescue, L.A. Woman, and The Last Good Dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews
January 10, 2017
The 2nd in the Gideon and Sirius series. I had trouble with the story line, but I really enjoyed Gideon and of course (his dog) Sirius. Not the worst book I read- a bit of a disappointment- but I'm a sucker for a dog!
December 6, 2014
I guess you have to be a fan of his work
It was not my type of read, maybe I was expecting something else when I selected this book. I got bored very early on and found it hard to continue so I skipped from chapter 13 to chapter 27 and still felt I hadn't missed anything exciting. No suspense or mystery to speak of in my opinion.
It was not my type of read, maybe I was expecting something else when I selected this book. I got bored very early on and found it hard to continue so I skipped from chapter 13 to chapter 27 and still felt I hadn't missed anything exciting. No suspense or mystery to speak of in my opinion.
December 12, 2014
So near is falsehood to truth that a wise man would do well not to trust himself on the narrow edge. – Cicero
You think you’re the only one who can quote an ancient philosopher? Plato said: ‘He was a wise man who invented beer.’
“Does that mean you’re ready for another?”
“Far be it from me to contradict Plato.” –Seth and Gideon - Guardians of the Night
There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare. - Sun Tzu
From secrecy and deception in high places, come home, America. From military spending so wasteful that it weakens our nation, come home, America. - George McGovern
_________________________
Military contractors. Self-serving, obsessive, narcissistic. And often? Well, let’s just say “above the law” often comes with governmental protection – no matter what the contractor does. And sometimes, what the contractors do is beyond horrifying.
Guardians of the Night is an unusual novel – a cutting edge look at cutting edge military technology, to be sure. But it grows well beyond a simple military suspense thriller. That is an amazing story line in itself. But there is a strong literary bent as well. There are literary and movie references galore, music and history and things that go bump in the night. Add in a well-developed, believable character list, convoluted storytelling, and of course, Sirius, a police dog beloved by all who meet him – and you have a police/military thriller that is much more than the genre it nestles within.
Gideon and Sirius are heroes. They ran into a burning building to capture a serial killer, and the public, of course, went wild. There is an undercurrent, a second storyline around the serial killer, Haines, which weaves through the story in a horrifying manner – much like watching the dead eyes of a Black Mamba… you wait for the strike – the strike which will steal your life.
And then there is “The Reluctant Hero” – the man who saved a playground full of children, yet will not identify himself. After a run-in with the Chief, (well, and the Mayor too) (Sirius really shouldn’t write snarky emails, ya know? Well, it was funny . . .) Gideon and Sirius are on the hunt for a man who doesn’t wish to be found and dragged out in front of the public. No one can protect their privacy in today’s world of political one-upmanship.
Can Gideon and Sirius stop a megalomaniac, find a “Reluctant Hero” without destroying his life, solve the murder of a homeless man with an incredible story to tell –and possibly solve the murder of a Angel?
I received this book from Amazon “First To Read” Program. All thoughts are my own – and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great story with a modern, terrifying message.
Publication date: January 1, 2015
You think you’re the only one who can quote an ancient philosopher? Plato said: ‘He was a wise man who invented beer.’
“Does that mean you’re ready for another?”
“Far be it from me to contradict Plato.” –Seth and Gideon - Guardians of the Night
There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare. - Sun Tzu
From secrecy and deception in high places, come home, America. From military spending so wasteful that it weakens our nation, come home, America. - George McGovern
_________________________
Military contractors. Self-serving, obsessive, narcissistic. And often? Well, let’s just say “above the law” often comes with governmental protection – no matter what the contractor does. And sometimes, what the contractors do is beyond horrifying.
Guardians of the Night is an unusual novel – a cutting edge look at cutting edge military technology, to be sure. But it grows well beyond a simple military suspense thriller. That is an amazing story line in itself. But there is a strong literary bent as well. There are literary and movie references galore, music and history and things that go bump in the night. Add in a well-developed, believable character list, convoluted storytelling, and of course, Sirius, a police dog beloved by all who meet him – and you have a police/military thriller that is much more than the genre it nestles within.
Gideon and Sirius are heroes. They ran into a burning building to capture a serial killer, and the public, of course, went wild. There is an undercurrent, a second storyline around the serial killer, Haines, which weaves through the story in a horrifying manner – much like watching the dead eyes of a Black Mamba… you wait for the strike – the strike which will steal your life.
And then there is “The Reluctant Hero” – the man who saved a playground full of children, yet will not identify himself. After a run-in with the Chief, (well, and the Mayor too) (Sirius really shouldn’t write snarky emails, ya know? Well, it was funny . . .) Gideon and Sirius are on the hunt for a man who doesn’t wish to be found and dragged out in front of the public. No one can protect their privacy in today’s world of political one-upmanship.
Can Gideon and Sirius stop a megalomaniac, find a “Reluctant Hero” without destroying his life, solve the murder of a homeless man with an incredible story to tell –and possibly solve the murder of a Angel?
I received this book from Amazon “First To Read” Program. All thoughts are my own – and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great story with a modern, terrifying message.
Publication date: January 1, 2015
December 17, 2014
Enjoyable free Kindle book -- I believe this was the December Kindle First selection that I chose.
The main characters are a quirky and very witty detective, Gideon, and his police dog partner, Sirius. They solve two interesting cases in this story, and they're not at all your usual cases. Gideon and Sirius are the "special" case team, which leaves them room for some interesting and perhaps atypical police work. I found the first 2/3 of the book really entertaining, well-developed, and well-written, but the way the ending came together was a bit unbelievable to me and, after such a great beginning, a little disappointing. Still, it was a quick and enjoyable read. I have not previously read The first book, burning Man, but this worked fine as a stand-alone book. My guess is that those who have read them both would enjoy this second one even more.
The main characters are a quirky and very witty detective, Gideon, and his police dog partner, Sirius. They solve two interesting cases in this story, and they're not at all your usual cases. Gideon and Sirius are the "special" case team, which leaves them room for some interesting and perhaps atypical police work. I found the first 2/3 of the book really entertaining, well-developed, and well-written, but the way the ending came together was a bit unbelievable to me and, after such a great beginning, a little disappointing. Still, it was a quick and enjoyable read. I have not previously read The first book, burning Man, but this worked fine as a stand-alone book. My guess is that those who have read them both would enjoy this second one even more.
December 15, 2014
I received a free advanced copy of this book from Amazon.
I quite enjoy crime novels and this book I did enjoy. I didn't realise that this book was book 2 in the series, but luckily I wasn't too confused with some of the events that occurred or were mentioned.
I absolutely loved the Harry Potter mentions. And I understood most of what he said when it came to the Watergate Scandal and the other stuff.
Overall, a good read.
I quite enjoy crime novels and this book I did enjoy. I didn't realise that this book was book 2 in the series, but luckily I wasn't too confused with some of the events that occurred or were mentioned.
I absolutely loved the Harry Potter mentions. And I understood most of what he said when it came to the Watergate Scandal and the other stuff.
Overall, a good read.
May 3, 2021
While the first book was very intense, this one is more introspective. Combining lots of high-tech shenanigans, unlikable characters, an a hero or two, this story is enjoyable and suitably convoluted. The exploration of the characters is much more in-depth, and the side-stories are well developed.
Although the ending came from no-where and was wrapped up much too easily, it was satisfying that neither our hero nor his dog were injured in the process.
Although the ending came from no-where and was wrapped up much too easily, it was satisfying that neither our hero nor his dog were injured in the process.
January 7, 2015
3.5. I liked the twist at the end.
I like the dog, but the author tries too hard to be clever.
And I really didn't give a shit about the main character's relationship with his ladyfriend, and he spent a lot of time talking about that.
And as a procedural...it pulls one of those tricks where everything is going along and then all of a sudden it breaks off and next thing you know he's explaining everything to the perp in a Sherlock Holmes kind of way. Not a good procedural. The best parts of "procedure" were skipped. And the choices the author made about what does and does not get resolved by the end...that annoyed me. (I won't say any more for spoilers.)
Something odd--the guy appears to be mildly psychic, but this doesn't really help him much with solving the crimes. Not sure what the point is of that, but it amused me.
I did like the dog. I am kind of curious enough to consider reading the first in the series (this is the second). Even though most of the story, as far as I can tell, was recapped in the book I just read.
I like the dog, but the author tries too hard to be clever.
And I really didn't give a shit about the main character's relationship with his ladyfriend, and he spent a lot of time talking about that.
And as a procedural...it pulls one of those tricks where everything is going along and then all of a sudden it breaks off and next thing you know he's explaining everything to the perp in a Sherlock Holmes kind of way. Not a good procedural. The best parts of "procedure" were skipped. And the choices the author made about what does and does not get resolved by the end...that annoyed me. (I won't say any more for spoilers.)
Something odd--the guy appears to be mildly psychic, but this doesn't really help him much with solving the crimes. Not sure what the point is of that, but it amused me.
I did like the dog. I am kind of curious enough to consider reading the first in the series (this is the second). Even though most of the story, as far as I can tell, was recapped in the book I just read.
Read
April 18, 2018Alan Russel knows how to tell a story. This is the second in his detective series keeping Gideon and Sirius his trusted partner and canine. Not disappointing at all and even better than the last book. Looking forward the #3. I did not see the ending coming at all in any respect. Keep it up!
February 15, 2020
This one really grabbed me
I rarely leave a review, because tastes are so personal. Why this one?
The relationship between Michael Gideon and Sirius is so good. It adds something special to yet another (albeit excellent) police detective story. The final piece is the moral ambiguity of Gideon. Did he ask the devil for help?
I rarely leave a review, because tastes are so personal. Why this one?
The relationship between Michael Gideon and Sirius is so good. It adds something special to yet another (albeit excellent) police detective story. The final piece is the moral ambiguity of Gideon. Did he ask the devil for help?
March 14, 2017
Solid writing and the characters are multi-leveled. It is hard to not be enamored by Sirius, the police dog. He is my favorite.
June 3, 2016
3.5 stars
A man & his dog This is the author's second book (following "Burning Man") featuring LAPD Detective Michael Gideon & his canine partner Sirius. It's been three years since they were both badly burned while apprehending "the Weatherman", a killer who continues to contact Gideon from prison.
Three years of medical treatments, physio & command performances for the media as the LAPD's poster boy. Now they're just relieved to be back at work as the sole members of the Special Cases Unit. The investigations that come their way vary depending on whether Gideon is on or off his superior's hit list.
Currently he's got two. The first concerns finding the mysterious man who heroically tackled a gunman threatening a school & promptly disappeared. Then there's the case of the murdered angel. Gideon is more than a little sceptical when a homeless man tells him he saw an angel struck down by bright lights in a back alley. But something about the guy compels Gideon to take him seriously & he starts to dig.
The trail leads him to Drew Corde, a high tech weapons developer who invents lethal toys for the DOD. He's an arrogant git with a God complex & not someone you want to cross. Gideon is not easily intimidated & what follows is a scary game of cat & mouse. As Gideon gets closer to the answers he knows Sirius has his back but at the eleventh hour, help comes from an surprising source.
This is a fast paced, well written police procedural with a wide range of characters. Gideon's life revolves around girlfriend Lisbet, a smart & understanding graphic designer & Seth who is his best friend, next door neighbour & font of wisdom. And of course Sirius, who holds the distinction of being bilingual (Dog & German). There's an easy rapport among them that feels like real people who genuinely like each other.
Peripheral characters include cops, shifty businessmen & a cast of colourful, eccentric residents of the bohemian Venice Beach scene.
But the heart of the book belongs to Gideon & his relationship with Sirius. He's a decent, intuitive guy who is good at his job but still haunted by the fire that changed his life. The scars on the outside are obvious. It's the ones on the inside that sneak up on him occasionally in the form of PTSD-induced nightmares. Luckily he has Sirius to pull him through. Gideon's dialogue is economical & infused with a dry wit. He's prone to being a bit of a smart ass, especially when dealing with superiors & I enjoyed the many musical & literary references. The author even has him make a joking comment about real life writer Robert Crais whose book "Suspect" features another human/canine pair of detectives.
I really enjoyed this. The plot is tight & the main character someone you like immediately & can't help rooting for. The bond between man & dog is touching, one all animal lovers will be able to relate to.
By the end, Gideon has tied up most of the loose ends in both cases but realized he has some work to do in his personal life & I look forward to seeing where this leads him in the next book.
A man & his dog This is the author's second book (following "Burning Man") featuring LAPD Detective Michael Gideon & his canine partner Sirius. It's been three years since they were both badly burned while apprehending "the Weatherman", a killer who continues to contact Gideon from prison.
Three years of medical treatments, physio & command performances for the media as the LAPD's poster boy. Now they're just relieved to be back at work as the sole members of the Special Cases Unit. The investigations that come their way vary depending on whether Gideon is on or off his superior's hit list.
Currently he's got two. The first concerns finding the mysterious man who heroically tackled a gunman threatening a school & promptly disappeared. Then there's the case of the murdered angel. Gideon is more than a little sceptical when a homeless man tells him he saw an angel struck down by bright lights in a back alley. But something about the guy compels Gideon to take him seriously & he starts to dig.
The trail leads him to Drew Corde, a high tech weapons developer who invents lethal toys for the DOD. He's an arrogant git with a God complex & not someone you want to cross. Gideon is not easily intimidated & what follows is a scary game of cat & mouse. As Gideon gets closer to the answers he knows Sirius has his back but at the eleventh hour, help comes from an surprising source.
This is a fast paced, well written police procedural with a wide range of characters. Gideon's life revolves around girlfriend Lisbet, a smart & understanding graphic designer & Seth who is his best friend, next door neighbour & font of wisdom. And of course Sirius, who holds the distinction of being bilingual (Dog & German). There's an easy rapport among them that feels like real people who genuinely like each other.
Peripheral characters include cops, shifty businessmen & a cast of colourful, eccentric residents of the bohemian Venice Beach scene.
But the heart of the book belongs to Gideon & his relationship with Sirius. He's a decent, intuitive guy who is good at his job but still haunted by the fire that changed his life. The scars on the outside are obvious. It's the ones on the inside that sneak up on him occasionally in the form of PTSD-induced nightmares. Luckily he has Sirius to pull him through. Gideon's dialogue is economical & infused with a dry wit. He's prone to being a bit of a smart ass, especially when dealing with superiors & I enjoyed the many musical & literary references. The author even has him make a joking comment about real life writer Robert Crais whose book "Suspect" features another human/canine pair of detectives.
I really enjoyed this. The plot is tight & the main character someone you like immediately & can't help rooting for. The bond between man & dog is touching, one all animal lovers will be able to relate to.
By the end, Gideon has tied up most of the loose ends in both cases but realized he has some work to do in his personal life & I look forward to seeing where this leads him in the next book.
January 6, 2015
Smooth-plays like a movie in my head
This story maintained my interest, beginning to end. The main character is complex, heroic and flawed, funny and too self-serious. As the author designed, I love Gideon's dog. Makes me think that if only people who had to go through horrendous things had a dog, they could get through the pain. Of course, like Lisbet, I also have faith and that makes a world of difference. I believe I will look up other books in the Gideon and Sirius series. I enjoyed the literary and musical references as well.
This story maintained my interest, beginning to end. The main character is complex, heroic and flawed, funny and too self-serious. As the author designed, I love Gideon's dog. Makes me think that if only people who had to go through horrendous things had a dog, they could get through the pain. Of course, like Lisbet, I also have faith and that makes a world of difference. I believe I will look up other books in the Gideon and Sirius series. I enjoyed the literary and musical references as well.
January 8, 2019
An excellent follow up to the first book of this series. The 'Special Cases" scenario works well for the characters situation and I found the main storyline intriguing, with the touch of 'possible paranormal" interesting as well.
Again, a solid 4-star, with my only concerns the ongoing 'relationship' between the imprisoned arsonist/killer from the first book and the somewhat intrusive nature of the main character's flashbacks.
Again, a solid 4-star, with my only concerns the ongoing 'relationship' between the imprisoned arsonist/killer from the first book and the somewhat intrusive nature of the main character's flashbacks.
January 14, 2015
I think if the author reduced by 80-90% the number of puns, relentless references to old TV/music/film, and the Wikipedia-like explanations of all things by this cop, he would have a hero worth sticking with. Fortunately, his four-legged side kick is much more likable. Siriusly.
December 6, 2014
Solid Character and plot
I liked the balance of good plot and development of the main character. The unexpected at several turns kept me reading.
I liked the balance of good plot and development of the main character. The unexpected at several turns kept me reading.
April 10, 2015
Two of my least favorite things... incest and the liberal use of puns.
May 14, 2015
I liked this book, especially the interplay between the detective and his dog, but there was a bit too much profanity in it for me to recommend it to anyone else.
July 20, 2016
Loved the second as much as the first!
October 5, 2022
In this installment, Gideon and Sirius have two special cases to investigate: identify the Reluctant Hero who diverted a school shooting and sort facts from fantasy in a homeless man’s story of the death of an angel. Gideon is still working through his issues after the death of his wife and his and Sirius’ near deaths by fire while apprehending Ellis Haines ‘The Weatherman’ serial killer. Gideon is also a reluctant hero.
Gideon is fortunate to have found another good woman, but he is hesitant to share some of his fears with her. He is equally fortunate to have a good neighbor ‘Shaman’ Seth Mann who is both a good friend and confidant.
The two cases intertwine around Gideon, but don’t really intersect. Recommended as another strong partnership fighting crime.
Readalikes:
Alex Kava’s Ryder Creed novels; Robert Crais – Suspect; Michael Connelly – The Narrows; Lisa Marie Redmond – A Cold Day in Hell; Caleb Carr – Surrender New York; John McMahon – The Good Detective; Jeffrey B. Burton – The Finders; Robert Ellis – City of Echoes; R.M. Greenaway – Cold Girl.
Pace: Fast Paced
Characters: Complex; Flawed; Likable
Storyline: Character-driven
Writing style: Engaging
Tone: Mildly dark
Frame: LA; Contemporary
Themes: Urban police; Cop and dog partnerships
Red flags/Trigger warning: Gideon’s flashbacks and nightmares
Gideon is fortunate to have found another good woman, but he is hesitant to share some of his fears with her. He is equally fortunate to have a good neighbor ‘Shaman’ Seth Mann who is both a good friend and confidant.
The two cases intertwine around Gideon, but don’t really intersect. Recommended as another strong partnership fighting crime.
Readalikes:
Alex Kava’s Ryder Creed novels; Robert Crais – Suspect; Michael Connelly – The Narrows; Lisa Marie Redmond – A Cold Day in Hell; Caleb Carr – Surrender New York; John McMahon – The Good Detective; Jeffrey B. Burton – The Finders; Robert Ellis – City of Echoes; R.M. Greenaway – Cold Girl.
Pace: Fast Paced
Characters: Complex; Flawed; Likable
Storyline: Character-driven
Writing style: Engaging
Tone: Mildly dark
Frame: LA; Contemporary
Themes: Urban police; Cop and dog partnerships
Red flags/Trigger warning: Gideon’s flashbacks and nightmares
June 15, 2019
Having enjoyed the first book in this series, Burning Man, I looked forward to reading Guardians of the Night. I am one of those people who are very happy that there are more and more mysteries being written that feature working dogs.
Once again, I was treated to smart-aleck Gideon's ability to turn a phrase, and some of his acronyms are going to come in handy (NBH = Nobody Home; D-SAT = Didn't See a Thing). Readers are also treated to information and opinions on poetry, authors, and movies. I do know that I learned a lot about something important to the storyline, but I'm not going to say what it is so you can figure it out for yourself.
I like Russell's way with a fast pace and how he puts a mystery together. There's plenty of misdirection in Guardians of the Night, and you have to pay attention to almost every little thing because it will be part of the solution to both cases by book's end. I also like Russell's characterizations-- especially those of Wrong Pauley, Elle, and the Reluctant Hero.
There's only one thing that bugs me about this book: Gideon is still not paying attention to Sirius's behavior! You'd think if Gideon wound up in hot water a time or two, he'd learn that Sirius knows what he's barking about and pay attention. Maybe by book three?
With the strength of Russell's characters and storylines, you know I'll be moving on to the third book in the series. Bring on Lost Dog!
Once again, I was treated to smart-aleck Gideon's ability to turn a phrase, and some of his acronyms are going to come in handy (NBH = Nobody Home; D-SAT = Didn't See a Thing). Readers are also treated to information and opinions on poetry, authors, and movies. I do know that I learned a lot about something important to the storyline, but I'm not going to say what it is so you can figure it out for yourself.
I like Russell's way with a fast pace and how he puts a mystery together. There's plenty of misdirection in Guardians of the Night, and you have to pay attention to almost every little thing because it will be part of the solution to both cases by book's end. I also like Russell's characterizations-- especially those of Wrong Pauley, Elle, and the Reluctant Hero.
There's only one thing that bugs me about this book: Gideon is still not paying attention to Sirius's behavior! You'd think if Gideon wound up in hot water a time or two, he'd learn that Sirius knows what he's barking about and pay attention. Maybe by book three?
With the strength of Russell's characters and storylines, you know I'll be moving on to the third book in the series. Bring on Lost Dog!
May 24, 2017
What a trilogy
How I enjoyed this book. I loved the one liners, such cute words. Gideon was so good at it. Sirius was great in every way a clever dog can be. I have chosen this book to review as it tells part of the poem "Guardians of the Night", what a wonderful poem!. The thrills and spills are very good held me on the edge of my wheelchair seat and kept me spellbound. The nasty dodgy characters are what they are meant to be in all three books, the nastiest. The Weatherman is horrid, menacing and plays dirty. I dislike him. Gibson's lady friend is charming, I trust that they will marry, find true love and be happy ever after.
These books should be read by dog lovers but more so by dog haters, it will change their attitude to dogs forever.
I trust that Alan Russell will write many more books in this series. He is great at his job. Keep it going.
How I enjoyed this book. I loved the one liners, such cute words. Gideon was so good at it. Sirius was great in every way a clever dog can be. I have chosen this book to review as it tells part of the poem "Guardians of the Night", what a wonderful poem!. The thrills and spills are very good held me on the edge of my wheelchair seat and kept me spellbound. The nasty dodgy characters are what they are meant to be in all three books, the nastiest. The Weatherman is horrid, menacing and plays dirty. I dislike him. Gibson's lady friend is charming, I trust that they will marry, find true love and be happy ever after.
These books should be read by dog lovers but more so by dog haters, it will change their attitude to dogs forever.
I trust that Alan Russell will write many more books in this series. He is great at his job. Keep it going.
November 17, 2019
This is the 4th book I have read by Russell and I now consider his one of my favorite authors. His talent for character development rivals that of more popular writers like Grisham. Those that know me know I do not say that lightly.
I do not often read series because I feel like the authors struggle to keep my attention after the first book. That is definitely not the case with this series. Russell grabbed by attention in book 1, and even as I finished book 2, he had never let go.
We once again join Gideon and his loyal partner Sirius as they try to solve some of LA's most confusing crimes. The emotion practically jumps off the page and right into the reader. The characters seem like real people and not just a figment of the writer's imagination.
I can not possibly recommend this series more.
I do not often read series because I feel like the authors struggle to keep my attention after the first book. That is definitely not the case with this series. Russell grabbed by attention in book 1, and even as I finished book 2, he had never let go.
We once again join Gideon and his loyal partner Sirius as they try to solve some of LA's most confusing crimes. The emotion practically jumps off the page and right into the reader. The characters seem like real people and not just a figment of the writer's imagination.
I can not possibly recommend this series more.
January 13, 2018
I loved this book! The protagonist is a detective with a sharp wit and sense of humor that he uses to compensate for his various anxieties brought on by PTSD. His sidekick is his canine partner, Sirius (ala the dog star). They are assigned the case of a homeless man who witnesses the murder of an angel on the streets of Los Angeles, and from there it gets kind of weird. Haha. Mike digs deeper and discovers a connection with a company that produces drone swarms with the potential for use in warfare. As he gets closer to the truth, Mike finds himself and those around him in peril. The writing is strong, and the storyline zips along. Turns out this is book #2 in a series. I hope the author continues to write for this character.
May 4, 2018
Another great story
Alan Russell is a genius in his writing skills,and strategy. He puts an much detail in the action of his books, and its a learning experience for me, and will be to anyone reading his books. A lot, and I mean lot of research has to be done in his writing skills, and I have gleaned many things that were new to me. His series about being a detective with his K9 partner is heart warming, although much of the series is about Homicides that need to be solved that they do together. It is nice to read books that have morals. I would recommend this series to anyone who loves detective storylines. I never give the story line away in any review that I do. I hate when people do that. I want you to enjoy the story from page to page.
Alan Russell is a genius in his writing skills,and strategy. He puts an much detail in the action of his books, and its a learning experience for me, and will be to anyone reading his books. A lot, and I mean lot of research has to be done in his writing skills, and I have gleaned many things that were new to me. His series about being a detective with his K9 partner is heart warming, although much of the series is about Homicides that need to be solved that they do together. It is nice to read books that have morals. I would recommend this series to anyone who loves detective storylines. I never give the story line away in any review that I do. I hate when people do that. I want you to enjoy the story from page to page.
March 17, 2019
This is my second book to have read by the author. Gideon and Sirius have another case: a homeless man says he saw an angel murdered. Gideon reluctantly interviews this homeless man Wrong Parley. It isn’t until he meets him and talks with him does Gideon decides he really likes him and tries to help him only to find Wrong killed a few days later. Gideon and Sirius also look into the shooting at a school where the shooter is killed by an unknown hero. This book is more complex because of the possible source of the angel. The book is not as entertaining as the first but still good. Gideon seems to come to terms with his past and his injuries and chooses a future with his girlfriend, Lisbet. Book #3 is waiting by my bedside.
June 14, 2019
Just as funny and compelling as the first installment, I liked Guardians of the Night even better. I loved the mystery and its cast of villains and victims. The twists and turns were unexpected but made sense. Not all the plot points are neatly tied up but they are significant to the overall story. I love the bits of trivia about movies, pop culture, LA, philosophy and religion. The dialogues are funny, the characters likable and there is no preaching, posturing or political agenda. Mostly, there is Sirius. I suspect, the author is a great dog lover and it shows - we do all stare at dogs like a sumo wrestler at a sushi buffet.
July 14, 2022
wontlookwednesday on a Thursday…..
#cookiereads Guardians of the Night by Alan Russell 🐕
Detective Gideon and his bad ass K-9 partner Sirius are investigating an interesting case of sorts. A homeless man claims to see an angel on Venice Beach. Afterwards he is murdered. Can Gideon and Sirius solve the crime? 🐕
Furiends this is a fast read and most importantly it has a dog as a main character. A dog!!! How awesome!! I love reading stories like these!! 🐕
2.5 out of four paws #bookstagram #bookaddict #gideonandsiriusnovel #guardiansofthenight #corgioftheday #corgiofinstagram #corgilife #bluemerlecorgi
#cookiereads Guardians of the Night by Alan Russell 🐕
Detective Gideon and his bad ass K-9 partner Sirius are investigating an interesting case of sorts. A homeless man claims to see an angel on Venice Beach. Afterwards he is murdered. Can Gideon and Sirius solve the crime? 🐕
Furiends this is a fast read and most importantly it has a dog as a main character. A dog!!! How awesome!! I love reading stories like these!! 🐕
2.5 out of four paws #bookstagram #bookaddict #gideonandsiriusnovel #guardiansofthenight #corgioftheday #corgiofinstagram #corgilife #bluemerlecorgi
November 23, 2016
Actual rating: 3.5 stars. This mystery series is a strange one for me. While I don't feel like there's anything particularly compelling to the characters or the story - it really is just your average potboiler - there's something about it that makes it un-put-downable. I thought this sequel was better than the first, but it still lacks a little sparkle to make me rate it higher. However... I'm about three chapters into the next in the series and it's got more sparkle. Depending on how it ends, it may very well signify the author is getting his footing with this series.
June 12, 2017
Oh, Dog.
I am not a fan of crime fiction, but I was drawn to this series because of Sirius. I like dogs. Having read Burning Man, I have become an instant fan of Sirius and his side-kick.
Alan Russell's research into high tech surveillance is very enlightening; his comedic banter and references to classic movies and songs is both witty and pure genius.
I would recommend this series not to just fans of crime fiction, but also to those who have never sampled the genre. Oh...and dog lovers.
I am not a fan of crime fiction, but I was drawn to this series because of Sirius. I like dogs. Having read Burning Man, I have become an instant fan of Sirius and his side-kick.
Alan Russell's research into high tech surveillance is very enlightening; his comedic banter and references to classic movies and songs is both witty and pure genius.
I would recommend this series not to just fans of crime fiction, but also to those who have never sampled the genre. Oh...and dog lovers.
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