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Frank Pavlicek Mysteries #4
Record of Wrongs
Something extraordinary is about happen to Quentin Price. A former college security guard, he is being released after serving nine years in prison because a new round of DNA testing has cast doubt on his guilt. But that's not all. He is about to confront a figure from his past who will make him an offer difficult to refuse: the chance to help solve the crime that put him behind bars. There is only one problem. What if Quentin is guilty? And what if the person he is about to meet appears the unlikeliest ally of all? In a suspenseful thriller that crackles with a palpable sense of loss, Quentin balks when asked by Ruth Crawford, the white mother of the young coed he was convicted of raping and murdering, to join in a search for the actual perpetrator. Did Quentin in fact kill Gwen Crawford? Has he only gotten off on a technicality as the police and Gwen's father Jack, a private investigator and former cop, believe? NYPD homicide detective Garnell Harris, called in by the state's Assistant Attorney General to consult on the reopened case, might be able to help sort out what really happened. But in the end it will be up to Quentin to join forces with Ruth. The two form an uneasy alliance, only to discover that sometimes, the one thing harder to find than forgiveness is the truth.
381 pages, Hardcover
About the author
Andy Straka
20 books149 followersThe first hint of Andy Straka's future as a mystery writer came at the age of four when he appeared at his small-town neighbor's back door carrying a butcher's knife. Thankfully, the neighbor called Andy's mother instead of social services.
Andy is a former college basketball player, a licensed falconer, and longtime husband and father. His novels include the recently released SPLIT CITY, the first in a new amateur sleuth mystery series; the #1 bestselling private eye novel A WITNESS ABOVE and the six book, Shamus Award-winning Frank Pavlicek series; the techno-thriller trilogy DRAGONFLIES; and the critically-acclaimed suspense thrillers RECORD OF WRONGS and THE BLUE HALLELUJAH. Featured by Publishers Weekly among a group of "rising stars" in crime fiction, Andy is a past finalist for the Agatha Award and the Anthony Award.
ANDY STRAKA BOOKS IN ORDER:
--Frank Pavlicek Series--
A WITNESS ABOVE
A KILLING SKY
A COLD QUARRY
A NIGHT FALCONER
FLIGHTFALL
THE K STREET HUNTING SOCIETY
--Jesus Spares Series
SPLIT CITY
--Suspense/Thrillers--
RECORD OF WRONGS
THE BLUE HALLELUJAH
DRAGONFLIES
Andy is a former college basketball player, a licensed falconer, and longtime husband and father. His novels include the recently released SPLIT CITY, the first in a new amateur sleuth mystery series; the #1 bestselling private eye novel A WITNESS ABOVE and the six book, Shamus Award-winning Frank Pavlicek series; the techno-thriller trilogy DRAGONFLIES; and the critically-acclaimed suspense thrillers RECORD OF WRONGS and THE BLUE HALLELUJAH. Featured by Publishers Weekly among a group of "rising stars" in crime fiction, Andy is a past finalist for the Agatha Award and the Anthony Award.
ANDY STRAKA BOOKS IN ORDER:
--Frank Pavlicek Series--
A WITNESS ABOVE
A KILLING SKY
A COLD QUARRY
A NIGHT FALCONER
FLIGHTFALL
THE K STREET HUNTING SOCIETY
--Jesus Spares Series
SPLIT CITY
--Suspense/Thrillers--
RECORD OF WRONGS
THE BLUE HALLELUJAH
DRAGONFLIES
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 29, 2015
This is only the second of this series I've read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. No cozy mystery this one; as Frank tries to track down the elusive falconer who may be responsible for the missing pets, he finds there's far more darkness than he expected. Expect a good mystery and unique characters with a touch of humor to keep you glued to the pages, and a few nuggets of falconry and New York history to provide authenticity.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2020
I read the first 3 books in this series back when they were first published in the early 2000s. Book 4 (this one) came out about 6 years after book 3, A Cold Quarry. Kitty Hitter is one of the books that has been sitting on my bookshelf for years, and that I'm finally getting around to, now that libraries are closed. On checking Amazon, I noticed that this now has a new title, A Night Falconer. Maybe potential readers were afraid it was about a serial killer of cats!
Anyway, this is a good PI series, that I was happy to rediscover. They aren't cozies, but they are free of excess violence and crude language. I found books 5 and 6 in the series and have ordered them for my Kindle.
Anyway, this is a good PI series, that I was happy to rediscover. They aren't cozies, but they are free of excess violence and crude language. I found books 5 and 6 in the series and have ordered them for my Kindle.
August 28, 2015
Another good book in this excellent series. The bird of prey here is the long-eared eagle owl. which ranges across North America but is rarer in the UK - though I have seen them at falconry displays. They are quite large and impressive birds.
We also have a link to the Underground Slave Railway of the late 19th Century and then Prohibition too... both of which helped create tunnels and underground passages in the city especially New York.
As with all these books the style is easy to read and we learn history and falconry along with our mysteries without heavy facts but in a way that helps the story along.
We also have a link to the Underground Slave Railway of the late 19th Century and then Prohibition too... both of which helped create tunnels and underground passages in the city especially New York.
As with all these books the style is easy to read and we learn history and falconry along with our mysteries without heavy facts but in a way that helps the story along.
October 4, 2017
Record of Wrongs by Andy Straka is the 4th in a series. As the title suggests, a wrong has been committed with the wrongful incarceration of Quentin Price for the murder of a young woman. The story opens with his release from prison and the rest of the story follows his journey to clear his name and find the real perpetrator. The mystery is engaging and the reader will be satisfied with the ending.
October 12, 2017
Another absorbing mystery
I wondered how far the falconry tales would last before I tired of them. It hasn't happened yet. While it is an essential part of each book, the characters and the story lines are so good, so real, it doesn't stretch one's imagination. Pavlicek is a great detective, with or without the birds of prey, but it adds a dimension I have found more and more interesting.
I wondered how far the falconry tales would last before I tired of them. It hasn't happened yet. While it is an essential part of each book, the characters and the story lines are so good, so real, it doesn't stretch one's imagination. Pavlicek is a great detective, with or without the birds of prey, but it adds a dimension I have found more and more interesting.
September 30, 2017
Started slow but sped up
The author was unfamiliar to me but as I continue to read, the book grew more interesting. The eclectic cast of characters and descriptions of New York provided an urban ambience. The action took off and didn’t slow until the unexpected conclusion. This book is an easy read and a perfect companion for a short flight or a rainy afternoon.
The author was unfamiliar to me but as I continue to read, the book grew more interesting. The eclectic cast of characters and descriptions of New York provided an urban ambience. The action took off and didn’t slow until the unexpected conclusion. This book is an easy read and a perfect companion for a short flight or a rainy afternoon.
December 13, 2017
This was a chore. I actually skimmed the last fifth of the book. I felt I had so much invested that I didn't want to put the book away without knowing how the author was going to wrap up this extremely implausible narrative. I should have laid it down much sooner. The plot itself was absurd, the writing just so-so.
October 10, 2017
Consistently readable
I’ve been dipping into this series for a while. It’s a crowded genre, filled with lots of variations of the tough-guy-with-a-heart theme but Andy Straka does it well. If you like crime thrillers and you haven’t read his stuff, its time to!
I’ve been dipping into this series for a while. It’s a crowded genre, filled with lots of variations of the tough-guy-with-a-heart theme but Andy Straka does it well. If you like crime thrillers and you haven’t read his stuff, its time to!
November 1, 2017
Fantastic book. I read it in one evening. I couldn't put it down.
May 15, 2021
Book Worth Your Time
This detective book is unique and engrossing. An excellent read about birds of prey wrapped up in detective fiction with great characters. You will like it!
This detective book is unique and engrossing. An excellent read about birds of prey wrapped up in detective fiction with great characters. You will like it!
August 6, 2021
Best one yet
Liked this one the best so far. I still am Enjoying learning about birds of prey. Very interesting information given.
Liked this one the best so far. I still am Enjoying learning about birds of prey. Very interesting information given.
September 22, 2016
Pleasant read enriched by truly interesting (and useful even for sleuthing) facts about the falconry!
This is a part of the series, but can be read as a standalone novel (as I did).
Father-daughter PI team Frank and Nicole Pavlicek are contacted by a New York-residing friend and colleague Darla to help her solve a mystery of missing pets, possibly killed by a big owl. Say what? But the situation is no child play and just a rich people immature crying game, as the missing pets are just the small pieces in the mosaic of the crimes, including the people trafficking.
I like this solid mystery with the almost peaceful flair - hey, there is (some) thrill, don´t be mistaken! But there is certain stability and healthy self-value reflected in the writing - maybe this is the benefit of the author being a falconer himself, as I believe that the one working with the animals (and birds of prey even more) needs to have this certain type of personality. Anyway, Frank Pavlicek is also like that - no macho, but a wise middle-aged man who is both funny and sensitive, strong in his values and yet just a father reacting sensitively on any (possible) danger thrown into his daughter´s way. I like to see the glimpses of his own romance (and it is done very tastefully).
The mystery itself could be more interesting, sometimes the motives and solutions felt like being somehow randomly thrown into the plot.
But I liked that the PI´s work could really look like that, no Rambo-like actions and Sherlock-like deductions, but solid knowledge and friendly interactions with the police.
I liked the falconry information, very interesting!
And a personal point - residing in the Central Europe, I was glad to catch the names what might come from my part of the world - Straka and Pavlicek. Mam radost :)
This is a part of the series, but can be read as a standalone novel (as I did).
Father-daughter PI team Frank and Nicole Pavlicek are contacted by a New York-residing friend and colleague Darla to help her solve a mystery of missing pets, possibly killed by a big owl. Say what? But the situation is no child play and just a rich people immature crying game, as the missing pets are just the small pieces in the mosaic of the crimes, including the people trafficking.
I like this solid mystery with the almost peaceful flair - hey, there is (some) thrill, don´t be mistaken! But there is certain stability and healthy self-value reflected in the writing - maybe this is the benefit of the author being a falconer himself, as I believe that the one working with the animals (and birds of prey even more) needs to have this certain type of personality. Anyway, Frank Pavlicek is also like that - no macho, but a wise middle-aged man who is both funny and sensitive, strong in his values and yet just a father reacting sensitively on any (possible) danger thrown into his daughter´s way. I like to see the glimpses of his own romance (and it is done very tastefully).
The mystery itself could be more interesting, sometimes the motives and solutions felt like being somehow randomly thrown into the plot.
But I liked that the PI´s work could really look like that, no Rambo-like actions and Sherlock-like deductions, but solid knowledge and friendly interactions with the police.
I liked the falconry information, very interesting!
And a personal point - residing in the Central Europe, I was glad to catch the names what might come from my part of the world - Straka and Pavlicek. Mam radost :)
November 12, 2013
Quite an enjoyable crime thriller involving an ex-policeman-turned-private detective.
A paediatric oncologist’s (Dr Lonigan) cat goes missing. So do other pets in her apartment block. She enlists the help of New York PI, Darla Barnes. When Lonigan suspects the pets are being preyed upon by an owl, to order, Darla enlists the help of PI Frank Pavlicek, who also happens to be a falconer. The case of the missing cat is more complex than either Frank or Darla could possibly have imagined. The oncologist is an animal rights activist; the residents of her apartment block are involved in a bitter dispute with its developer, who is very elusive about certain aspects of his other ‘activities’. Knives, guns, murders…all because of a missing cat and puppy? This is quite a case for Frank and his daughter, who is following in his PI footsteps. And when her life is threatened, it becomes seriously personal.
I did like this thriller, but the plot was rather complex, hurried in places, and ‘told’ rather than ‘showed'. It could have done with some extra room in which to manoeuvre—I did get a little lost and confused—and the ending was rather frantic. All threads were neatly tied up, but rather over-economically in more a less a sentence or two!
That said, it did hold my attention, it had some snappy, intelligent dialogue, and a good cast of contrasting and intriguing characters. The complexity of the plot left little room to get to know the main characters a little better, which was a shame, as I could feel a likeability for Frank and his daughter and would have welcomed a little more of their personal life and relationship to better appreciate their professional partnership.
Worth a read, nonetheless, despite many very annoying, avoidable, proofreading oversights.
A paediatric oncologist’s (Dr Lonigan) cat goes missing. So do other pets in her apartment block. She enlists the help of New York PI, Darla Barnes. When Lonigan suspects the pets are being preyed upon by an owl, to order, Darla enlists the help of PI Frank Pavlicek, who also happens to be a falconer. The case of the missing cat is more complex than either Frank or Darla could possibly have imagined. The oncologist is an animal rights activist; the residents of her apartment block are involved in a bitter dispute with its developer, who is very elusive about certain aspects of his other ‘activities’. Knives, guns, murders…all because of a missing cat and puppy? This is quite a case for Frank and his daughter, who is following in his PI footsteps. And when her life is threatened, it becomes seriously personal.
I did like this thriller, but the plot was rather complex, hurried in places, and ‘told’ rather than ‘showed'. It could have done with some extra room in which to manoeuvre—I did get a little lost and confused—and the ending was rather frantic. All threads were neatly tied up, but rather over-economically in more a less a sentence or two!
That said, it did hold my attention, it had some snappy, intelligent dialogue, and a good cast of contrasting and intriguing characters. The complexity of the plot left little room to get to know the main characters a little better, which was a shame, as I could feel a likeability for Frank and his daughter and would have welcomed a little more of their personal life and relationship to better appreciate their professional partnership.
Worth a read, nonetheless, despite many very annoying, avoidable, proofreading oversights.
January 20, 2010
Nominated for the Anthony and Agatha awards and winner of the Shamus award, Straka moves away from his series featuring Frank Pavlicek, private investigator in Charlottesville, Va. This book features former campus security officer, Quentin Price, who has just been released from prison following his wrongful conviction for the rape and murder of Gwen Crawford ten years ago. At the gates of the prison, Quentin is met by the mother of the victim, Ruth Crawford, who now knows he did not commit the crime and wants him to help her find the real culprit. Meanwhile the New York State Attorney General drafts Garnell Harris, a veteran NYPD detective to investigate the crime and see where the police went wrong ten years ago. Price and Harris are stymied at every turn by the two police investigators from Binghamton, NY who were responsible for the original conviction and who see no reason to change their minds now, as well as Jake Crawford, the father of the victim, who is now a private investigator. DNA evidence has exonerated Price, and Harris finds DNA evidence from another, similar crime, that points to a serial murderer. But, what did Gwen Crawford give Price ten years ago and why did he hide this evidence from the police all those years ago? Who is following Price and sending Gwen’s mother birthday cards? I admit I figured out who the murderer was rather early on, but that did not distract from the thrill ride of an ending.
August 8, 2015
The books just get better as we go along. Frank & Nicole take on a new case but it takes a turn for the worse. A simple pet napping turns into a bad situation quickly. Frank will need to use his falconery skills for this one. But can someone be running around with an owl?
Frank thinks he has a handle on the case but there is s much that makes no sense. Who is the person with the owl and why are their killing people's pets. The more he digs the more the case makes no sense.
Everyone is hiding something and what he is about to find will put his daughter Nicole in harm's way. Will he be able to find her before it is too late?
This book has many twists & turns and what seemed like a simple story became something very different. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
Frank thinks he has a handle on the case but there is s much that makes no sense. Who is the person with the owl and why are their killing people's pets. The more he digs the more the case makes no sense.
Everyone is hiding something and what he is about to find will put his daughter Nicole in harm's way. Will he be able to find her before it is too late?
This book has many twists & turns and what seemed like a simple story became something very different. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
August 31, 2015
Frank and his daughter, Nicole are private investigators. An old friend of Frank's, Darla from his days in the NYPD asks him to help her on a case of missing pets. A great horned owl has been seen working with a girl. Since Frank is a falconer, she figures he can be a help to her and her case. Frank and Nicole will discover that it is much more than a missing pet case.
There are secrets with surprising twists and turns in this action packed mystery. The author does an excellent job of writing a great mystery. I have definitely becom a fan of his. He is an author that I will put on my worth reading list. Don't miss this novel!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
There are secrets with surprising twists and turns in this action packed mystery. The author does an excellent job of writing a great mystery. I have definitely becom a fan of his. He is an author that I will put on my worth reading list. Don't miss this novel!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
May 18, 2011
If you love great mysteries with a twist, you'll enjoy the Frank Pavlicek mystery series. Frank is on the case of a missing cat, when their client believes someone put a hit on the cat to kill them. He's a falconer and a private investigator. So he brings his daughter, Nicole, who's also a PI too. And things gets heated up, when they believe it has to do the owner of Grayland Towers. Things gets messy at a hearing, and when bullets sent flying at them. Nonetheless, they talk to everyone, when they discover the hidden secret of a sex slave ring of Arabic girls, and Nicole gets kidnapped. Frank does everything to save his daughter and find out the truth to this situation. A great new mystery series to enjoy!
April 21, 2013
I haven't read any of the previous Frank Pavlicek mysteries, but that was not a hindrance to enjoying this one. Frank is an interesting guy, and I plan to read the earlier books to help with the character depth. The secondary characters were also fun to get to know. The New York City setting, especially Central Park, added much to the mystery. And the plot moved quickly while keeping me guessing. All in all, The Night Falconer was a good way to wile away some hours. I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
August 7, 2015
Each Pavlicek novel stands on its own, and it is impossible to find one better than another. In this story, Frank is called back to New York City to help an old friend on a case that may involve a falconer hunting at night with a large owl. The descriptions are perfect, creating great mental images without becoming intrusive. The plot has suspense, deceptive turns and drives to a satisfying conclusion. It is a great read
August 31, 2015
Frank Pavlicek and his daughter, Nicole, travel to New York from Virginia at the behest of his friend.
Darla wants Frank to figure out if the pets of a brand new apartment building are being carried off by a Great Horned Owl. Frank discovers the real estate mogul who built the apartment building may be hiding more than a penchant for real estate. And who could be using a Great Horned Owl as a hunting companion? Interesting series with a lot of information regarding falconry.
Darla wants Frank to figure out if the pets of a brand new apartment building are being carried off by a Great Horned Owl. Frank discovers the real estate mogul who built the apartment building may be hiding more than a penchant for real estate. And who could be using a Great Horned Owl as a hunting companion? Interesting series with a lot of information regarding falconry.
October 10, 2015
Frank Pavlicek gets himself in more trouble, this time involving missing cats, birds of prey, historic books, human trafficking, the author delivers another thrilling story, with plenty twists and turns to get you gripped throughout. I cannot say this was my favourite of his because I would be lying if I did, but still a great read nevertheless. I am getting to like Jake Toronto more and more, maybe he will make a great story of his own soon.
August 21, 2015
Frank and his daughter Nicole come to N.Y. to consult on a petnapping case in Central Park. Everyone has an agenda except them. There has also been a hunter who is using a Horned Owl at night to hunt down prey in the park. At times the story runs slowly, but generally it will capture and hold the reader's interest. All in all good reading.
July 31, 2015
A unique plot that makes for a fun, entertaining read. This was a fast read, full of twist and interesting characters that will keep you entertained through out the book. If your looking for a change of pace besides the usual murder mystery, than look no future this is the book to read.
October 23, 2015
Another multi-faceted story by Andy Straka which had several surprising twists and turns. Again there were well described characters which were easy to imagine. I liked the interesting background on falconry. The ending was again was really surprising and developed very quickly. Great read.
February 2, 2012
Just love this series!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews