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Never Coming Home
It's the ten year anniversary of a murderer's first crime, and the memory of that kill reawakens a vicious lust in him. He accepts his true nature. He's a killer, and his passion needs to be sated. He begins to plan future murders, but discovers that someone out there is on his trail, digging up old, forgotten clues and interviewing people involved with the crime that police had all but forgotten. In order to continue with his new spree, the killer will have to eliminate the detective who's begun asking the right questions.Lincoln Pierce is an amateur private detective who took on a case that was close to his daughter's heart. Ten years ago, two of her school friends disappeared on their way home. The brother of one of the victims was charged with murder, but a lot of people believe he was falsely accused, including Lincoln's daughter. As Lincoln and his daughter work together to dig into the cold case, it becomes clear that there's more going on than they ever anticipated. Lincoln will discover that the real killer's still on the loose, and his next victim could be close to home.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2015
391 people are currently reading
600 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 25, 2020
Excellent story
The story deals with many issues like familial love, friendship, trust and how it is broken. The character development have to be specifically mentioned. Each one of them characters were etched to perfection and stayed in the minds for a long time. The emotions of the characters was portrayed so well that it was easy to understand their point of view. But despite that, the story always kept the readers on the edge. The story was unpredictable till the very end and kept me hooked. Loved it.
The story deals with many issues like familial love, friendship, trust and how it is broken. The character development have to be specifically mentioned. Each one of them characters were etched to perfection and stayed in the minds for a long time. The emotions of the characters was portrayed so well that it was easy to understand their point of view. But despite that, the story always kept the readers on the edge. The story was unpredictable till the very end and kept me hooked. Loved it.
September 7, 2015
Awesome! The author managed to combine realistic elements from child kidnapping/disappearance to divorce to terminal illness to denial and parental unconditional love and gave readers a book which is suspenseful, honest and intriguing. Real people with real issues who have real shitty luck, but try to make the best of things, make for an interesting read.
March 13, 2015
I have been a big fan of AR Wise for a few years now and have read all of his books and I have to say that Never Coming Home is the best story that this very talented author has written. Within the first few pages I was engrossed in a very chilling tale…one that is made more terrorizing because it could happen to anyone of us. This is a story of family, friendship, trust and betrayal. It’s a story that will have you hugging your loved ones and always kissing them good bye. This will take you into every parent’s worst nightmare of their child going missing.
Mr. Wise has a way of telling a story that not only makes you feel every emotion of the characters but also has you on the edge of your seat as you are reading. This is an emotion packed story that had me laughing in some parts and crying my eyes out in others! The characters are strongly written and all play an intricate part in the story. Some I loved and some I really came to hate. There were many twists to this story and just when I thought I had it figured out…Bam…another twist and I was guessing all over again at who the real “bad guy” was. This I believe was done on purpose by this amazing author to keep us guessing “who done it”! I kind of had it figured out but I will say this…you will be in for a big surprise if you think you have it figured out!
This is one book I can say without a doubt that I highly recommend! It is one that should be added to everyone’s library and enjoyed as one of the finest thrilling mysteries because it is that good! It is by far the finest…freakin’ best story ever!
Thank you Mr. Wise for a very entertaining…edge of my seat…emotionally charged story and I hope that this will be the beginning of a series to continue on with the lives of these characters. I absolutely loved it!
Mr. Wise has a way of telling a story that not only makes you feel every emotion of the characters but also has you on the edge of your seat as you are reading. This is an emotion packed story that had me laughing in some parts and crying my eyes out in others! The characters are strongly written and all play an intricate part in the story. Some I loved and some I really came to hate. There were many twists to this story and just when I thought I had it figured out…Bam…another twist and I was guessing all over again at who the real “bad guy” was. This I believe was done on purpose by this amazing author to keep us guessing “who done it”! I kind of had it figured out but I will say this…you will be in for a big surprise if you think you have it figured out!
This is one book I can say without a doubt that I highly recommend! It is one that should be added to everyone’s library and enjoyed as one of the finest thrilling mysteries because it is that good! It is by far the finest…freakin’ best story ever!
Thank you Mr. Wise for a very entertaining…edge of my seat…emotionally charged story and I hope that this will be the beginning of a series to continue on with the lives of these characters. I absolutely loved it!
August 18, 2015
Good story, but too graphic with the gory details of the murders. That's why 3 stars instead of 4.
September 1, 2020
Gory
I nearly stopped reading this book cause I found some scenes quite gory, but the story was what kept me going.....and that twist
I nearly stopped reading this book cause I found some scenes quite gory, but the story was what kept me going.....and that twist
September 9, 2020
Former motivational speaker turned entrepreneur and martini swilling lush Lincoln Pierce comes up with a crowdfunding scheme to help his mob connections launder money. The idea is to raise funds to investigate cases that are either cold or those with questionable results. the first involves the presumed murders an of two school mates, contemporaries of PIerce's daughter, Darcy. Darcy's precarious grip on health after a childhood cancer episode serves as LIncoln's excuse not to live. Enlisting the aid of Darcy and a mobster's grieving nephew, they make surprising headway in a case deemed over and done. but there are people who would rather let the dead rest and will do what it takes to stop Lincoln and his team.
This is an entertaining well-paced book. The twist at the end is satisfying and overall it is enjoyable. I wasn't crazy about Lincoln. He was too obvious, a good guy with serious flaws. But the other characters, especially Bentley, are engaging and interesting. Definitely worth a read.
This is an entertaining well-paced book. The twist at the end is satisfying and overall it is enjoyable. I wasn't crazy about Lincoln. He was too obvious, a good guy with serious flaws. But the other characters, especially Bentley, are engaging and interesting. Definitely worth a read.
May 4, 2017
Gruesome thriller
This was an exciting book. It wasn't a roller coaster, it was more like a runaway mine train full of twists, turns, bumps, and things that grab you in the dark.
It's the 10 year anniversary of a murderer's first crime. The local police quickly "found and convicted" a teenage boy and closed the case. But there are lots of people convinced the police got it wrong. Lincoln Pierce's daughter, Darcy, is one of those people. She wants her dad to become a PI and solve the case. Although the circumstances weren't Lincoln's choice, he ends up doing just that.
Reader Beware! You are in for one heck of a thrilling and frightening tale!
** NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH ALERT **
There's some pretty gruesome, detailed ..... ummm ... disposal methods in this book.
Recommended for anyone who likes murder mystery/serial killer books. If you are a children's fairytale type reader, close the book.
😂
This was an exciting book. It wasn't a roller coaster, it was more like a runaway mine train full of twists, turns, bumps, and things that grab you in the dark.
It's the 10 year anniversary of a murderer's first crime. The local police quickly "found and convicted" a teenage boy and closed the case. But there are lots of people convinced the police got it wrong. Lincoln Pierce's daughter, Darcy, is one of those people. She wants her dad to become a PI and solve the case. Although the circumstances weren't Lincoln's choice, he ends up doing just that.
Reader Beware! You are in for one heck of a thrilling and frightening tale!
** NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH ALERT **
There's some pretty gruesome, detailed ..... ummm ... disposal methods in this book.
Recommended for anyone who likes murder mystery/serial killer books. If you are a children's fairytale type reader, close the book.
😂
January 20, 2018
A very good mystery. While it seemed to start slow at first, once the reader learns more about the characters the book takes on a life of its own and the reader becomes invested in what will happen. This is going to be a good series because we want to know more about the lives of the main characters. This book has a great twisty-turny ending that was amazing and surprising. This looks to be a very good series!!
May 29, 2018
Riveting Mystery
This was certainly a riveting mystery with an unforgettable ending. Not your every day story but one with grit. Characters that are big as life with real life battles. If you read between the lines you will find even the good guys aren't perfect. A great combination which leaves you with so many possibilities where endings are beginnings and beginnings are endings.
This was certainly a riveting mystery with an unforgettable ending. Not your every day story but one with grit. Characters that are big as life with real life battles. If you read between the lines you will find even the good guys aren't perfect. A great combination which leaves you with so many possibilities where endings are beginnings and beginnings are endings.
June 5, 2021
Very well written book. There were slow parts that did nothing to advance the story, but for the most part, it held my interest. Good plot, character development. I read many of the negative comments and many of them cited gratuitous sex or extreme gore. I will admit, there were parts that made me cringe, but you can't please everyone and some people are REALLY into that kind of stuff. Really did not bother me, but like I said, I cringed lol. But I highly recommend.
March 28, 2021
Absolutely great story. The flow was similar to my favorite writers like Patricia Cornwell, but the background setting was way different. I really enjoyed all the characters and was nearly finished before I figured it out. A real page turner.
May 8, 2021
Dragged On a Bit
The book started out good then took a turn and started going in another direction but put it together at the end. Wasn’t as good as I expected it to be and the ending was disappointing. Wouldn’t recommend...
The book started out good then took a turn and started going in another direction but put it together at the end. Wasn’t as good as I expected it to be and the ending was disappointing. Wouldn’t recommend...
July 16, 2022
Great mystery
This story kept you on your toes until the end. A great mystery. Loved the main characters. It was pretty interesting on the backgrounds of the main characters. Can't wait to read the next book and see where Lincoln will go.
This story kept you on your toes until the end. A great mystery. Loved the main characters. It was pretty interesting on the backgrounds of the main characters. Can't wait to read the next book and see where Lincoln will go.
July 20, 2017
Loved the characters and the realistic thrilling murder mystery!
November 19, 2017
very good
April 3, 2018
Fantastic
Fantastic book. The suspense carried on through the entire book. I loved the characters and the way the author set up the chApters from different viewpoints
Fantastic book. The suspense carried on through the entire book. I loved the characters and the way the author set up the chApters from different viewpoints
October 28, 2020
The story really kept me going, however, I had a hard time with misspellings in the kindle version.
November 18, 2020
Must read
Another good book to read it took me longer to read, but not because of the story. Not having enough free time
Another good book to read it took me longer to read, but not because of the story. Not having enough free time
October 16, 2022
This was a good book. i am ready to read the 2nd.
September 5, 2022
3 stars
March 12, 2017
Excellent
This is a really good book. Excellent storyline and characters. The book is about a 10 year old case which has brought a father and daughter together to help solve the murders. There are a lot of twists and keeps you guessing although I did think I knew who it was then was shocked by the end to find out who it really was. Would definitely recommend this book
This is a really good book. Excellent storyline and characters. The book is about a 10 year old case which has brought a father and daughter together to help solve the murders. There are a lot of twists and keeps you guessing although I did think I knew who it was then was shocked by the end to find out who it really was. Would definitely recommend this book
March 1, 2017
I enjoyed the premise of this story, and I'm likely to read the second in the series, although I don't have that 'I want to read it right this minute' feeling about it.
I do enjoy a good murder mystery and A.R. Wise has set up an interesting storyline with the Lincoln Pierce character. He most certainly isn't perfect, and has 'real' problems, which I find integral to resonating with a character in a book. Lincoln Pierce, along with the other characters are quite well-rounded and I wanted to know which direction their story was headed.
My only complaints would be a few spelling and grammatical issues, which tend to annoy me more than some because I edit for a living. Also, there were a number of instances where the head-jumping was a little bit jarring - we were in one character's headspace, and for the briefest of instances, leapt into another person head to get their POV before immediately returning to the first. Not my favorite thing in a book, but overall, not unbearable.
The buildup of the story was a little slow in places, which meant I didn't want to sit down and read more than do anything else, but once it got into the swing of the storyline, the last half was quick paced and thoroughly entertaining. As always with a mystery, I thought I knew 'whodunit', but was proven wrong in the last few pages, in a clever twist I didn't see coming.
I do enjoy a good murder mystery and A.R. Wise has set up an interesting storyline with the Lincoln Pierce character. He most certainly isn't perfect, and has 'real' problems, which I find integral to resonating with a character in a book. Lincoln Pierce, along with the other characters are quite well-rounded and I wanted to know which direction their story was headed.
My only complaints would be a few spelling and grammatical issues, which tend to annoy me more than some because I edit for a living. Also, there were a number of instances where the head-jumping was a little bit jarring - we were in one character's headspace, and for the briefest of instances, leapt into another person head to get their POV before immediately returning to the first. Not my favorite thing in a book, but overall, not unbearable.
The buildup of the story was a little slow in places, which meant I didn't want to sit down and read more than do anything else, but once it got into the swing of the storyline, the last half was quick paced and thoroughly entertaining. As always with a mystery, I thought I knew 'whodunit', but was proven wrong in the last few pages, in a clever twist I didn't see coming.
September 21, 2015
Lincoln Pierce has an uncanny ability to make money, but he wants something more out of life. Close to his daughter, and still pining for his ex-wife, Lincoln is adrift. The ten-year anniversary of a crime that has obsessed his daughter gives him a chance to finally do something that matters. Unfortunately, that anniversary also awakens the killer’s desire to recreate his crimes – awakens a lust for killing that has always been there. If the killer is to be successful, though, he must remove the threat that Lincoln represents.
Never Coming Home by A. R. Wise is first-rate mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Wise very skillfully switches between the killer’s point of view and Lincoln’s, dropping subtle hints along the way that, if you’re a really skilled problem solver might—just might—enable you to come up with a solution about a sentence before the author drops it on you. As a long-time mystery fan, and a trained investigator, though, I’m willing to bet you’ll be just as surprised as I was.
Follow Lincoln as he darts down one blind alley after another, goes out on some pretty fragile limbs, and in a climax that will leave you dazed, comes to the end of a tangled string in a way you’d never expect.
An outstanding story!
Never Coming Home by A. R. Wise is first-rate mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Wise very skillfully switches between the killer’s point of view and Lincoln’s, dropping subtle hints along the way that, if you’re a really skilled problem solver might—just might—enable you to come up with a solution about a sentence before the author drops it on you. As a long-time mystery fan, and a trained investigator, though, I’m willing to bet you’ll be just as surprised as I was.
Follow Lincoln as he darts down one blind alley after another, goes out on some pretty fragile limbs, and in a climax that will leave you dazed, comes to the end of a tangled string in a way you’d never expect.
An outstanding story!
August 30, 2015
"First class thriller"
Incredible. Story telling of the very highest quality. Lincoln Pierce is a detective I want to read about again and again. He has flaws by the bucketful; his daughter has her own problems and yet their relationship is as solid as a rock. They investigate a cold case concerning the deaths of two schoolchildren a decade or so ago. All the supporting characters are perfectly drawn and the dialogue, the scenes of the action are so graphic you could be there and recognise each individual. Whether you understand early on how everything is going to play out, or whether it will creep up on you as the action speeds headlong to a terrific climax it doesn't matter. You'll be breathless; but wanting to read the next adventure with Lincoln Pierce.
Incredible. Story telling of the very highest quality. Lincoln Pierce is a detective I want to read about again and again. He has flaws by the bucketful; his daughter has her own problems and yet their relationship is as solid as a rock. They investigate a cold case concerning the deaths of two schoolchildren a decade or so ago. All the supporting characters are perfectly drawn and the dialogue, the scenes of the action are so graphic you could be there and recognise each individual. Whether you understand early on how everything is going to play out, or whether it will creep up on you as the action speeds headlong to a terrific climax it doesn't matter. You'll be breathless; but wanting to read the next adventure with Lincoln Pierce.
September 3, 2015
He hooked me again.
I wasn't too sure about this story since crime/mystery novels aren't my forte. Yet I gave it a shot because Wise has become my favorite author in recent years. As exciting as the murder mystery aspect was, it was the characters and relationships that kept me interested. I fell in love with Lincoln, Darcy, and Bentley so much after following along with them. They've earned their place among characters like Annie, Kim, Laura, Hero, Billy, and David. The reveal of the killer's identity left a few questions about his description earlier in the novel, but otherwise it's a satisfying reveal that keeps you guessing till the final chapters.
I wasn't too sure about this story since crime/mystery novels aren't my forte. Yet I gave it a shot because Wise has become my favorite author in recent years. As exciting as the murder mystery aspect was, it was the characters and relationships that kept me interested. I fell in love with Lincoln, Darcy, and Bentley so much after following along with them. They've earned their place among characters like Annie, Kim, Laura, Hero, Billy, and David. The reveal of the killer's identity left a few questions about his description earlier in the novel, but otherwise it's a satisfying reveal that keeps you guessing till the final chapters.
October 18, 2022
All of the technical elements of the writing are fine (plot, dialogue, pace, etc.), but I had several issues:
1. The book was unnecessarily, over-the-top, graphically violent, which caused me to either skim or skip entirely the sections narrated by Arthur.
2. There were overly gross parts where Lincoln was concerned, too.
3. Far less of a problem but also annoying was Lincoln continually sniffing his juniper-scented martinis.
4. Can you really choke someone while you are being repeatedly stabbed in the stomach?
5. Can you really choke someone when someone has stabbed you in your carotid artery?
All-in-all, not a reading experience I need to repeat.
1. The book was unnecessarily, over-the-top, graphically violent, which caused me to either skim or skip entirely the sections narrated by Arthur.
2. There were overly gross parts where Lincoln was concerned, too.
3. Far less of a problem but also annoying was Lincoln continually sniffing his juniper-scented martinis.
4. Can you really choke someone while you are being repeatedly stabbed in the stomach?
5. Can you really choke someone when someone has stabbed you in your carotid artery?
All-in-all, not a reading experience I need to repeat.
August 5, 2015
Never Coming Home
A really well-written murder mystery. A divorced alcoholic who is pressured by a questionable character who loaned him money to start a business when his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia , a daughter with cancer in remission, start-up of a new online business investigating unsolved crimes--enough situations to make your head spin. The story is so well-written it keeps your interest and leaves you saying, "I didn't see that coming!"
A really well-written murder mystery. A divorced alcoholic who is pressured by a questionable character who loaned him money to start a business when his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia , a daughter with cancer in remission, start-up of a new online business investigating unsolved crimes--enough situations to make your head spin. The story is so well-written it keeps your interest and leaves you saying, "I didn't see that coming!"
August 20, 2015
So, so good!!!!
Everything the author hoped to convey to the reader was accomplished and more. I absolutely loved all of the characters, their personalities and the story line and plot were spectacular not to mention the ending. I am so excited about getting into the next book. I am hooked on this author and you will be too if you take my advice and select this book for your next read.
Everything the author hoped to convey to the reader was accomplished and more. I absolutely loved all of the characters, their personalities and the story line and plot were spectacular not to mention the ending. I am so excited about getting into the next book. I am hooked on this author and you will be too if you take my advice and select this book for your next read.
August 15, 2015
i liked that the author resolved the crime, but gave readers a reason to pick up the next book in the series. The characters were interesting, the story OK, but the resolution seemed a bit too pat. Too many little things the reader had no way to know or guess about were thrown in at the last to neatly tie up a lot of loose ends.
August 12, 2015
Loved it!
It moves quickly without losing you. It was hard for me to put down, I was hooked from the first chapter. Defiantly didn't predict the killer! A.R. Wise is an amazing author, I have read all his work and every time I start a new series of his I get hooked! This is truly a good read!
It moves quickly without losing you. It was hard for me to put down, I was hooked from the first chapter. Defiantly didn't predict the killer! A.R. Wise is an amazing author, I have read all his work and every time I start a new series of his I get hooked! This is truly a good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews