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Going Under
While investigating three unexplained deaths, Inspector Bill Roberts finds himself in the middle of a retaliation, after a biker gang moves in on mafia territory. With few leads and increased scrutiny by the Chief of Police and the Mayor of Toronto, he tries to track down whoever is responsible, making himself a target in the process.
Bill Roberts, an Inspector with the Toronto police, has decided today was the day to drag himself back to the gym, for the first time since a recent arrest attempt left him with a broken leg. A mishap on his first day back sets the tone for the next twenty hours. When he gets called to the scene of a murder, he finds a wife has shot her loving husband, for no apparent reason. He and his team of detectives investigate, finding bizarre connections to a local biker gang, the mafia, and the Mayor's office, throwing themselves in the middle of a much larger scandal.
With few leads, Inspector Bill Roberts must connect three strange deaths and find the person responsible. When he suspects the connection is a psychiatrist, Dr. Barry Nelson, the Inspector's priority becomes finding him before he leaves the city, onto his next job. What he doesn't realize is the doctor has one more job to finish... to eliminate Bill Roberts.
This is a thriller laced with humour. It will keep you intrigued and on the edge of your seat to the last sentence, while giving you a few laughs along the way. If you like the books of J.A. Konrath, Blake Crouch, Jude Hardin, or Tracy Sharp, this book is for you.
Bill Roberts, an Inspector with the Toronto police, has decided today was the day to drag himself back to the gym, for the first time since a recent arrest attempt left him with a broken leg. A mishap on his first day back sets the tone for the next twenty hours. When he gets called to the scene of a murder, he finds a wife has shot her loving husband, for no apparent reason. He and his team of detectives investigate, finding bizarre connections to a local biker gang, the mafia, and the Mayor's office, throwing themselves in the middle of a much larger scandal.
With few leads, Inspector Bill Roberts must connect three strange deaths and find the person responsible. When he suspects the connection is a psychiatrist, Dr. Barry Nelson, the Inspector's priority becomes finding him before he leaves the city, onto his next job. What he doesn't realize is the doctor has one more job to finish... to eliminate Bill Roberts.
This is a thriller laced with humour. It will keep you intrigued and on the edge of your seat to the last sentence, while giving you a few laughs along the way. If you like the books of J.A. Konrath, Blake Crouch, Jude Hardin, or Tracy Sharp, this book is for you.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2015
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30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 23, 2015
This book just screams COOL, doesn't it? From the stylistic artwork, top title, and super cool author name I was intrigued by this intelligent looking thriller. Chapter One opens with a fantastic Law & Order: Criminal Intent type scene that utterly grips the reader.
The writing is superb, as is the characterisation. Bill Roberts is an interesting protagonist, as his detective is a smart cookie, and far from the worn out representations I have seen in some other books, even by authors I absolutely adore.
Going Under follows a murder trail that seems an open and shut case, but as the story unfolds, and is unveiled through different characters (there are many in this story apart from Bill), and I liked the author's engaging and irreverent style.
This is only a minor gripe, but I felt the main character Bill was the one I wanted throughout the story - when other characters fronted the chapter, I felt less engaged. Perhaps that is because Bill towers over everyone else in my view as the most interesting character.
Going Under is well paced, brilliantly plotted and virtually unputdownable. For a debut novel, it packs a hell of a punch, with wit and style that will make you grin.
How does it all end? Through the many jumps, hoops, swings and roundabouts this tale puts you through, you will want to know.
Some detective thrillers take themselves way too seriously, or are high on the ick factor. Fortunately this is a story that is taut, smartly told, and should be high on your read list.
Go for it, you won't be disappointed.
The writing is superb, as is the characterisation. Bill Roberts is an interesting protagonist, as his detective is a smart cookie, and far from the worn out representations I have seen in some other books, even by authors I absolutely adore.
Going Under follows a murder trail that seems an open and shut case, but as the story unfolds, and is unveiled through different characters (there are many in this story apart from Bill), and I liked the author's engaging and irreverent style.
This is only a minor gripe, but I felt the main character Bill was the one I wanted throughout the story - when other characters fronted the chapter, I felt less engaged. Perhaps that is because Bill towers over everyone else in my view as the most interesting character.
Going Under is well paced, brilliantly plotted and virtually unputdownable. For a debut novel, it packs a hell of a punch, with wit and style that will make you grin.
How does it all end? Through the many jumps, hoops, swings and roundabouts this tale puts you through, you will want to know.
Some detective thrillers take themselves way too seriously, or are high on the ick factor. Fortunately this is a story that is taut, smartly told, and should be high on your read list.
Go for it, you won't be disappointed.
August 28, 2015
I found this such an easy and pleasurable novel to read. I don’t mean it was in any way facile – my attention is really only held by good writing. But it flows so seamlessly from its intriguing beginning right to the very last page and its brilliant denouement, leaving this reader, for one, ready for the next Bill Roberts mystery. Please reassure me, Silas Payton, that there will be one! The story begins with an apparently motiveless murder, and unfolds with a series of similarly perplexing deaths that somehow seem connected to the Mafia and/or a gang of bikers. And who is the dodgy doctor who practices drugged up hypnosis? What does he have to do with it all? From the first chapter onwards we are one step ahead or behind of the wonderful Bill Roberts, the endearing detective who is still grieving the loss of his wife and who seems to be an accident waiting to happen. Regardless of all setbacks and injuries he stumbles on towards solving the several cases that clearly have some arcane connection with one another – but what? Our hero, Bill Roberts, is determined to find out. The switch from one point of view to another is skilfully achieved by this author, and helps to keep the pace at a brisk trot – so brisk that I read the entire novel over several days, eagerly returning to it after each break. At times there is humour, but not so much that it turns the story into a farce, and the writing is faultless, all of the characters brought vividly to life with believable dialogue. I highly recommend this, whether or not this kind of fiction is in the genre you would usually choose.
July 2, 2015
From the get go, Inspector Bill Roberts engaged me with his sarcastic humour and run of misfortunes.
Starting with a woman shooting her husband dead, this clear-cut homicide should be a slam dunk case for the Toronto police. Add mafia, bikies, other twists and turns into the mix, and it becomes much more complicated than first thought.
I really enjoyed this, and for the first 30% of the book, I didn't want to put it down. After this point, (and this is my one and only complaint of the whole thing) some scenes became a bit repetitive as it is written in third person omniscient, meaning we see some of the same scenes, but through numerous points of view. But I was still engrossed enough to want to find out what happens.
My one and only complaint aside (which I guess is more of a preferential thing than a complaint), the book is well-written, the characters are entertaining (particularly Bill...I really just wanted to reach into the book and give him a hug and a pat on the head with an 'oh, honey' attached), and the storyline was incredibly intriguing, refreshing, and original.
A great start to what I'm sure will turn into a great series.
Starting with a woman shooting her husband dead, this clear-cut homicide should be a slam dunk case for the Toronto police. Add mafia, bikies, other twists and turns into the mix, and it becomes much more complicated than first thought.
I really enjoyed this, and for the first 30% of the book, I didn't want to put it down. After this point, (and this is my one and only complaint of the whole thing) some scenes became a bit repetitive as it is written in third person omniscient, meaning we see some of the same scenes, but through numerous points of view. But I was still engrossed enough to want to find out what happens.
My one and only complaint aside (which I guess is more of a preferential thing than a complaint), the book is well-written, the characters are entertaining (particularly Bill...I really just wanted to reach into the book and give him a hug and a pat on the head with an 'oh, honey' attached), and the storyline was incredibly intriguing, refreshing, and original.
A great start to what I'm sure will turn into a great series.
February 28, 2015
This book certainly lives up to its Bill Roberts THRILLER subtitle. If it was the premier to a new TV series, I'd have the DVR programed to make sure I don't miss an episode. It is written much like a screenplay -- you see the thoughts and action from the viewpoint of the primary character in the scene, identified by naming them as the chapter title. We can know Bill Roberts is the protagonist, but he spends a lot of time in the background while others lead the stage (as I've see in many good films).
The switching viewpoint style was a little hard to follow in the early chapters because I didn't expect it. Even so, it was interesting to see other character's perspective and the way it helped move the story forward. I was disappointed only once -- when I got to the chapter featuring what I thought was the 'evil villain' antagonist way too early. Fortunately for me, I continued reading and found out I was completely wrong (and I won't say why, because that would be a spoiler).
Bottom line, it's a good mystery story for the reader, fully believable characters and settings, and I'd love to see more.
The switching viewpoint style was a little hard to follow in the early chapters because I didn't expect it. Even so, it was interesting to see other character's perspective and the way it helped move the story forward. I was disappointed only once -- when I got to the chapter featuring what I thought was the 'evil villain' antagonist way too early. Fortunately for me, I continued reading and found out I was completely wrong (and I won't say why, because that would be a spoiler).
Bottom line, it's a good mystery story for the reader, fully believable characters and settings, and I'd love to see more.
July 1, 2015
Wow... what a read! I read this in one sitting and the pages just flew by. This is the perfect balance of narration, dialogue, and action to keep my attention. Even better, the sarcasm gripped me from the very, very beginning. I absolutely fell in love with Bill Roberts and his wit, and can't wait to read more about him. His thoughts were absolutely priceless. After getting into the story, the book starts changing view points and at one point I felt a bit of de je vue. However, it really opened up the reader's ability to get the full picture and everyone's perspective to form a complete tale. One point I loved, Bill thinks "This is BS! Change of Tactics Required". Its a story about murder that had me laughing all the way through, which caused me to become more endearing toward the characters.
I'm shocked this is Mr. Payton's first novel, but I know readers everywhere will be privileged to read more and more from him over the years. What a wonderful start. Now, Mr. Author, get started on that next Bill book, cause I'm hooked!
I'm shocked this is Mr. Payton's first novel, but I know readers everywhere will be privileged to read more and more from him over the years. What a wonderful start. Now, Mr. Author, get started on that next Bill book, cause I'm hooked!
March 8, 2015
Not my usual choice of genre but I was hooked from the first page. Murder, suicide, Mafia, hypnosis...all with a twist.The characters were believable and real, the plot different and intriguing.I loved the way that the author allowed us to see each incident from different points of view. It bothered me slightly that an emergency room doctor would simply suture a gunshot wound, but i'm being picky! The action was pacey and there was enough back story for us to want to know more about Bill Roberts and his colleagues. This was a free download for me but If this is Mr Payton's first novel, I can't wait to read the next one...and pay for it.
October 12, 2015
Quick good old fashioned witty sharp book with just the right amount of action and intrigue. This is the type of book that makes it look easy. I know its not but Silas Payton writes effortlessly with a quality that leaves me as a reader feeling like I am in the hands of an expert. There is nothing off balance here. The book opens with and bang, rolls along on a smooth exciting train and gave me just about everything I needed. In truth I have eclectic tastes but this I think is one of those every man (woman) books that pretty much anyone will like. Hats off for making it look easy. Very enjoyable and 5 stars for this one.
February 2, 2016
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end, and there is a strong hint of a sequel, for which I’ll be watching. This is Silas Payton’s debut novel, so he will only get better, which is a treat for any who enjoy his writing style as much as I did.
There are several twists, and I believe with hindsight, experience and a fair wind, this author will create more depth in his next story. This is not a negative comment, because I believe the first attempt at this type of tale acts as a trial or warm-up, for the author and readers. I have a feeling Silas will look back at this outing and feel there was room for more development. What it did for me was demonstrate he can tell a tale, and write.
Inspector Bill Roberts is not only believable in his routines - he is a stubborn, forthright character who rates results and justice as greater priorities than procedure. He is also a target who falls when hit, which impressed me. His modus operandi proves unfortunate for him and his superiors, but makes the character more realistic for the reader.
Even the supporting cast are well drawn, as are the plot, and the individual situations. At first when 70 chapters are spotted the book might look daunting, but those chapters are short, sharp, and create insights into the various aspects of the action and ongoing investigation.
I liked the tight writing style used throughout, and even with this in mind, there were some neat displays of attention to detail, so I was impressed. The tale is well-paced and believable, and for my money, it is highly entertaining. You have a new fan Mr. Payton.
There are several twists, and I believe with hindsight, experience and a fair wind, this author will create more depth in his next story. This is not a negative comment, because I believe the first attempt at this type of tale acts as a trial or warm-up, for the author and readers. I have a feeling Silas will look back at this outing and feel there was room for more development. What it did for me was demonstrate he can tell a tale, and write.
Inspector Bill Roberts is not only believable in his routines - he is a stubborn, forthright character who rates results and justice as greater priorities than procedure. He is also a target who falls when hit, which impressed me. His modus operandi proves unfortunate for him and his superiors, but makes the character more realistic for the reader.
Even the supporting cast are well drawn, as are the plot, and the individual situations. At first when 70 chapters are spotted the book might look daunting, but those chapters are short, sharp, and create insights into the various aspects of the action and ongoing investigation.
I liked the tight writing style used throughout, and even with this in mind, there were some neat displays of attention to detail, so I was impressed. The tale is well-paced and believable, and for my money, it is highly entertaining. You have a new fan Mr. Payton.
November 30, 2015
I have never read many detective thrillers. Mostly due to not having had much exposure to the genre to begin with. What I can say from my experiences as a story connoisseur (fancy way of saying someone who likes to read I suppose) was that I was hooked almost immediately. I was filled with an overwhelming need to know more with each chapter that progressed. All teeming with wit, humor and the right amount of suspense, I didn’t want to put it down. I won’t even get into the plot twist. Not to mention the novel takes place in Toronto, a city I have become very familiar with over the years as a native of the Scarborough area. I could at times quite literally picture the streets on which the action occurred.
The author also does a fantastic job of introducing a cast of well fleshed out characters, which really allowed me to become acquainted with them. Complete with their own sets of quirks and personalities, they were a pleasure to read about and I dare say I would have loved to grab a beer with them all after a days work.
I really enjoyed Going Under and I await the next installment with anticipation.
The author also does a fantastic job of introducing a cast of well fleshed out characters, which really allowed me to become acquainted with them. Complete with their own sets of quirks and personalities, they were a pleasure to read about and I dare say I would have loved to grab a beer with them all after a days work.
I really enjoyed Going Under and I await the next installment with anticipation.
June 30, 2015
A Different Story Line
This was a pleasant change of pace from most police mystery/thrillers I read. Manipulating innocents to take out people who were causing problems made for a good story. I will read more from this author.
This was a pleasant change of pace from most police mystery/thrillers I read. Manipulating innocents to take out people who were causing problems made for a good story. I will read more from this author.
December 28, 2017
A classic detective story with an original take.
This fast paced tale kept me glued to my new Kindle screen and although I have had this book in my library for quite a while, I read it just two days, which light-speed for me.
There was strength in character and just enough action to bolster the detective work, and a sense that this old school copper series could run and run. My only criticism would be a slight lack of scene detail and description, but that’s just me, I like a little more colour where other readers do not. A touch more depth to Bill Roberts would have also been welcomed, on reflection I couldn’t even recall what he looked like.
But over all, a fine read for a fledgling novel and well worth delving into, I fully recommend it.
This fast paced tale kept me glued to my new Kindle screen and although I have had this book in my library for quite a while, I read it just two days, which light-speed for me.
There was strength in character and just enough action to bolster the detective work, and a sense that this old school copper series could run and run. My only criticism would be a slight lack of scene detail and description, but that’s just me, I like a little more colour where other readers do not. A touch more depth to Bill Roberts would have also been welcomed, on reflection I couldn’t even recall what he looked like.
But over all, a fine read for a fledgling novel and well worth delving into, I fully recommend it.
August 26, 2015
There are many crime thrillers out there and some are of a very high standard, so does this book hold its own and does it bring something new to the genre? I say a resounding yes to both. The story moves at a fast pace and has a good plot, that I found believable and held my attention. It is well written and contains a good mixture of action, dialogue and humour.
So what’s different? It is set in Toronto, Canada and makes a nice change from the mean streets of LA or New York. Then there is Bill Roberts himself, he’s not the hard drinking world weary type we read too much of. Bill is a dedicated detective who lost his wife two years earlier. He regrets not spending more time with her before she died, but his work has always been his life. He has a good relationship with his colleagues, Bill Roberts wit and the banter between them provides much of the comedy. I liked that Bill is not perfect. In one instance he falls of a treadmill as he needs to get back into shape. There is also a French speaking biker gang involved, and here is maybe an opportunity missed; the dual language must make things complicated for the police in Canada as I know not everyone is bilingual. This might be a snippet for the follow up, which I certainly look forwards too. I recommend this breath of fresh Canadian air.
So what’s different? It is set in Toronto, Canada and makes a nice change from the mean streets of LA or New York. Then there is Bill Roberts himself, he’s not the hard drinking world weary type we read too much of. Bill is a dedicated detective who lost his wife two years earlier. He regrets not spending more time with her before she died, but his work has always been his life. He has a good relationship with his colleagues, Bill Roberts wit and the banter between them provides much of the comedy. I liked that Bill is not perfect. In one instance he falls of a treadmill as he needs to get back into shape. There is also a French speaking biker gang involved, and here is maybe an opportunity missed; the dual language must make things complicated for the police in Canada as I know not everyone is bilingual. This might be a snippet for the follow up, which I certainly look forwards too. I recommend this breath of fresh Canadian air.
May 15, 2015
Going Under : A Bill Roberts Thriller by Silas Payton
Bill Roberts, A Toronto Police Inspector is back to work after breaking his leg on the job. The first case back, a wife kills her husband for no reason at all. Then a few more murders occur. Soon he is faced with a tough case trying to piece it all together.What is the connection connection to the three murders? Also is there a chance that a motorcycle gang, the Mafia and the Mayors office has something to do with this as well.? Add a very "Shady" psychiatrist , Dr Barry Nelson. He seems to be number one on Bill's list. Things heat up when Bill Roberts life is in danger.
A well written fast paced thriller. I liked Bill Roberts, he is overcoming physical and personal problem, that makes him real. The characters are all well developed, they play a role in this interesting case. The plot is original, the writing style as well. I love the alternating points of view. You really get a feel of what each person is thinking and feeling. I liked that in this story.
Silas Payton knows how to grab the readers attention with the perfect mix of suspense, thrills and a dash of humor making this a true five star read. I highly recommend Going Under, to those who love a great thriller/murder/suspense story.
Bill Roberts, A Toronto Police Inspector is back to work after breaking his leg on the job. The first case back, a wife kills her husband for no reason at all. Then a few more murders occur. Soon he is faced with a tough case trying to piece it all together.What is the connection connection to the three murders? Also is there a chance that a motorcycle gang, the Mafia and the Mayors office has something to do with this as well.? Add a very "Shady" psychiatrist , Dr Barry Nelson. He seems to be number one on Bill's list. Things heat up when Bill Roberts life is in danger.
A well written fast paced thriller. I liked Bill Roberts, he is overcoming physical and personal problem, that makes him real. The characters are all well developed, they play a role in this interesting case. The plot is original, the writing style as well. I love the alternating points of view. You really get a feel of what each person is thinking and feeling. I liked that in this story.
Silas Payton knows how to grab the readers attention with the perfect mix of suspense, thrills and a dash of humor making this a true five star read. I highly recommend Going Under, to those who love a great thriller/murder/suspense story.
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March 8, 2016I enjoyed this action packed novel from its humorous start to its intriguing end. I quickly got into the characters and found Inspector Bill Roberts to be endearing and totally believable. I thought the chapter switch between character points of view worked well in this book, keeping the pace flowing quickly and maintaining the reader's interest. I did like Roberts' chapters best but the switches just served to build the suspense and fill in important background information. It made the tale seem more believable. In real life, cases aren't just solved by one superhuman detective and this showed how the rest of the team slotted into the investigation.
While this wasn't specifically a humorous book, there is a hint of humour and camaraderie between the characters that runs through the story. It made me smile on a number of occasions and added more depth to the characters, especially Roberts. The dialogue is witty and believable bringing the characters to life.
While this had an intricate plot, the faultless writing style made it easy to follow. I read slowly at the beginning but as I became immersed in the story it became unputdownable. I loved the ending and look forward to reading the sequel. Please let there be a sequel, I need to know what happens next.
While this wasn't specifically a humorous book, there is a hint of humour and camaraderie between the characters that runs through the story. It made me smile on a number of occasions and added more depth to the characters, especially Roberts. The dialogue is witty and believable bringing the characters to life.
While this had an intricate plot, the faultless writing style made it easy to follow. I read slowly at the beginning but as I became immersed in the story it became unputdownable. I loved the ending and look forward to reading the sequel. Please let there be a sequel, I need to know what happens next.
November 24, 2015
A well written thriller with an excellent plot.
Detective Bill Roberts is a great main character, from the moment he tries to get back in shape at the gym onwards there is always great humour about him, although some character depth and a tricky past as well.
A puzzling series of murders in Toronto set off his investigation; what follows is great action and clever detecting. This is an enjoyable and fast read, you won't know how the time goes by. The story has a few twists and surprises for you right up until the last chapter and for that really stands out from other, more predictable novels.
Top crime fiction.
Detective Bill Roberts is a great main character, from the moment he tries to get back in shape at the gym onwards there is always great humour about him, although some character depth and a tricky past as well.
A puzzling series of murders in Toronto set off his investigation; what follows is great action and clever detecting. This is an enjoyable and fast read, you won't know how the time goes by. The story has a few twists and surprises for you right up until the last chapter and for that really stands out from other, more predictable novels.
Top crime fiction.
December 23, 2015
What a great debut for Bill Roberts' detective novels. I read it in two sitting, I just couldn't put it down. This novel has it all - biker gangs, Mafia hit men, corruption of politicians, a believable shoot out, witty shop talk - dialogue, unusual murders, a suicide and an unlikely but great ending.
Add to the above a seasoned Inspector with the Toronto Police who would put Dirty Harry to shame. He's one tough cookie.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Add to the above a seasoned Inspector with the Toronto Police who would put Dirty Harry to shame. He's one tough cookie.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
November 14, 2015
Really good read. I enjoyed it very much. I loved the characters and it kept me turning pages. The plot twists were great.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews