After a life filled with destruction of others and himself, and his body ravaged by disease, there's only one thing left for Javier Calero to do. Leave a legacy that will finally bring meaning to his life—and to the death of an American president more than fifty years ago.
The CEO of a green energy company is murdered behind his million-dollar estate, his neck nearly severed in two. Recruited to aid the widow and find a savage killer, Booker finds himself in the middle of a family train wreck.
Days later, thrust into the crossfire of a deadly sniper, Booker eludes sure death with the uncanny arrival of a young woman who only wants to save her father from harm. But she can't do it without Booker's help.
Joining forces with a Latin spitfire, Booker and his new sidekick, Maggie, embark on a twenty-four-hour quest to hunt down a killer determined to make an indelible mark on history—just like the one that struck down John F. Kennedy a half-century earlier, which launched a cascade of assassination investigations and theories.
BOOKER - Hate City weaves a historic tale of thrills and suspense, examining the justifications of the unjustifiable.
Fans of Alex Cross and Jack Reacher will enjoy this private investigator thriller novel full of suspense, action, and crime.
Q&A with author John W. Mefford:
Q: What made you want to write a private investigator series?
JWM: I've always had strong desire to write private investigator thriller novels. When I was young, I was drawn to books, TV shows, and movies that featured a private detective with a little bit of attitude, a rebellious streak so to speak, a determined, gritty soul who used every gift they possessed to solve the case, but for a higher purpose than just paying the rent. I enjoy private detective novels that know how to create and build suspense...and then deliver a mind-splitting thriller with plenty of crackling action.
Q: What can we expect out of the BOOKER Private Investigator Thriller Series of Crime and Suspense?
JWM: To put it simply -- a roller-coaster ride brimming with action and suspense. The characters are tested to their limits, Booker in particular, which adds all sorts of interesting layers to his evolution. There's always a bit of humor mixed in, along with a healthy dose of pulse-pounding thrills. Born in South Dallas, Booker is driven to do anything in his power to protect the mixed bag of people living in his city. But even with the best intentions, Booker is dragged into seedy situations, slammed into obstacles that seem insurmountable. The man's got substance, though, which make his thriller moments even more powerful.
Q: How many books are you planning to publish in the BOOKER Private Investigator Thriller Series of Crime and Suspense?
JWM: Six and a half. Sort of. Six full BOOKER private investigator thriller novels are planned for release in 2015 and I recently published a novella (considered Volume 2.5). After that, there could be more. I can envision at least two more stories.
Q: What's the recommended order to read the BOOKER Series?
JWM: The novels can be read as stand-alone, but I'd recommend reading them in the following order: BOOKER – Streets of Mayhem (Volume 1) BOOKER – Tap That (Volume 2) BOILERMAKER – A Lt. Jack Daniels / Booker Mystery (Volume 2.5) BOOKER – Hate City (Volume 3) BOOKER – Blood Ring (Volume 4) – Coming soon
BOOKER Private Investigator Thriller Series of Crime and Suspense eBook categories include: Private Investigator Series Private Investigator Th
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author, #2 bestselling author on Barnes and Noble, and a Readers' Favorite Gold Medal winner.
John W. Mefford has been writing his debut novel since he first entered the work force almost thirty years ago, although he never put words on paper until 2009. Once he started writing, however, he couldn't stop. Many readers ask John from where he gets his ideas. Well, he's a veteran of the corporate rat-race, a former journalist, and he's always been an astute observer of human and social behavior. On top of that, he's really good at embellishing.
A member of International Thriller Writers, John writes novels full of electrifying suspense -- the same types of books he has loved to read since before he could shave.
This is a fascinating story, as history is rolled into some people's thoughts, acting on things that happened years ago! Booker is getting pretty busy with his Private Investigation Service, taking on many who are lost in the police investigations with no results...He finds himself involved in an intriguing mystery when he meets a woman while doing a job for his old 'friend' in organized crime... He is trying to stop an old mobster from being murdered while this woman jumps into the scene, afraid her own father has something to do with it!! Her Dad has a brain tumor, and not long to live, but feels he needs to 'finish things'...He wants to make His mark in history...Like when President Kennedy was shot over a half-century ago...And he will Not be stopped... Booker just so happens to be looking into 'missing items' in a museum...At the JFK exhibit!! Can Booker and this Magdalena find her Dad...And stop a 'new' case for the history books from happening?! A thrilling read with my favorite PI, just trying to do his part in keeping everyone safe... I received an ARC from the author and offer you my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
Booker Hate City is the third book in the Booker series and can be read as a standalone. I must admit I was a bit wary about continuing the series as I did not enjoy the second book as I was hoping I would. However, I am glad I overcame my scepticism as after completion of this installment my faith in the series as been renewed.
Booker was working on a case that involved the theft of JFK assassination memorabilia when he was presented with another case. This case involved the murder of the CEO of Evergreen Energy company. Now when a second murder was committed, Booker is forced to utilize all his resources to determine if the murders are somehow connected. In trying to solve the case he joined forces with Maggie Calero, a former DEA agent turned private investigator. They met when she prevented him from shooting a sniper. Her reasons for being involved in the investigation was more of a personal nature than a professional one. What followed is a story of explosive proportions.
As usual the characters were well developed and easy to relate to. The story was action filled and very suspenseful. The story was filled with so many twists and turns your head would spin. It kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. They were some humorous events that had me laughing out quite a few times . There are several cases taking place at once, however, as you get deeper into the story you realise the significance of this. It appears that the cases are connected but to find out how, you will need to get a copy of Booker Hate City.
This was a fascinating and exciting read. Fans of mystery, suspense and thrillers would enjoy this tale. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Booker works two investigations in parallel: the murder of the CEO of a green energy company behind his million dollar estate and days later when thrust into the crossfire of a deadly sniper at the site of the JFK assassination.
Once again, Booker is dragged into seedy situations, slammed into obstacles that seem insurmountable.
This thriller juggles too many balls at once and points out another theory behind JFK assassination. For a large part things do not seem related and it takes way too long to come together although it does by the end, of course there is drama and suspense but much of it makes little sense. Weaving a historic tale of thrills and examining the justification of the unjustifiable is a hard task.
Am I getting bored with Booker or simply being too critical? I had a hard time getting into this book and remember what I was reading. The story was all over the place, too many characters and too long to come together. The pace is slow and keeps that way from start to finish. Some pages could have been omitted ex: a child’s soccer game very distracting...who cares and the JFK theory.... well one more.
Well maybe I am a fuddy-duddy sorry Mr. Mefford this story did not gel ...read and forgotten. I need a break from this series in order to enjoy the sequels later on.
BOOKER - Hate City (A Private Investigator Thriller Series of Crime and Suspense) by John W. Mefford is in interesting Suspense/Thriller. #3 in "A Private Investigator Thriller series of Crime and Suspense" series, but can be read as a stand alone. Although, I would suggest readers read the others in this interesting series as well.
This case involves a JFK assassination memorabilia murder, and another seemingly simpler murder, where either seem connected. This case spans decades of mystery. The historical facts on the different scenarios of the JFK assassination was a plus, to me. As well as theft, mystery, crime, suspense, and a blossoming romance makes for an exciting Crime Thriller. Well written, with an intriguing storyline, and some amazing characters. Of course, you find those you don't particularly like, but that's the way of life. Another gripping tale from Mr. Mefford! Fans of Crime Thrillers, Suspense, Mystery, and Historical elements, with a touch of romance, are sure to enjoy "BOOKER: HATE CITY". I look forward to the next installment of this impressive series. A Fast paced Crime Thriller. Enjoyable and satisfying read!
"I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own."
**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction and More dot com**
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
As I have said on my other reviews for the books in this series, I am absolutely in love! I am a huge Alex Cross fan by James Patterson. I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would find anything that would compare to the suspense and feelings that I got from those books, but John Mefford has stolen my heart.
Booker is now working on a case that involves JFK assassination memorabilia. He then gets offered the case of a murder. The person murdered is very well known and when a SECOND murder occurs is when Booker uses his wit and smarts to connect the two of them. Enter Maggie Calero, a private investigator. There will be no more victims on Booker’s watch. He always is so swift with his cases and manages to have a life outside of them. John Mefford makes Maggie super likeable and as an author he won my heart strings even more when he referenced Melissa Foster, another author addiction.
This book and the series are absolutely amazing and addicting. I am so happy that there are going to be six (and a half) novels in this series because I can’t get enough!
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Booker T. Adams is at it again with another engrossing mystery. Someone has murdered Albert Yates, CEO of Evergreen and everything leads to a dead end. Then a librarian turns up dead, killed in the same manner as Albert Yates. While helping out mob boss Scampiani, he's caught in the cross hairs of a gun fight, that opens his case wide open. The story takes us back to the Kennedy assassination and all of the rumors linked to it.
This was a great read and an interesting look at the Kennedy assassination. I could feel Magdalena's pain as she realized that her father had turned into a killer. I also love the chemistry between Alisa and Booker, I wonder if they will ever realize that they would make a great team outside of Booker and Associates. I was shocked that Justin was thinking about selling the bar considering all of the hard work he invested from book two. All in all, this was an amazing novel filled with unexpected twists you won't see coming!
While Booker works on a new case involving irreplaceable JFK assassination memorabilia, he is offered another case, concerning the murder of a prominent figure. When a second murder occurs, he utilizes all his resources to connect the two murders. He then meets Maggie Calero, also a private investigator, who stopped him from shooting a sniper, who in turn was shooting at a mobster with ties to the JFK assassination. As clues start to fall into place, Booker discovers that his two cases are intertwined, putting him in high gear to catch the killer before there is another victim.
Booker always gets such interesting cases. I loved Samantha’s soccer game fiasco. I could actually see it play out in my mind. Maggie was such an interesting and totally likeable character. With that personality, she reminded me so much of Jane Rizzoli, if you’re familiar with the show Rizzoli and Isles. And it was so cool that the author mentioned a book by Melissa Foster, another of my favorite authors.
This is another wonderful story in the Booker series. With a crime series based in Dallas, it was only a matter of time before Booker found himself involved in something that tied to the Kennedy assassination. And it's not just one case, it's THREE. You'll get sucked in from the first page, and want to keep reading to learn how they are all resolved, and how they all tie together.
We also get a look inside Booker's personal life again this time. We see him interacting with his daughter, her mother and her mother's new boyfriend. We're also introduced to some new characters, and hopefully we'll learn more about them in future installments.
As always, the tense mood of the cases is broken by occasional spots of humor. The author does a great job of making the major characters realistic and people we actually care about.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
I don't much like the mix up of real persons--especially if they are subjects of conspiracy theories. What difference does it make whether or not Lee Harvey Oswald lived in Russia? Why is he even in this book? Why introduce a new villain and a new method of murder? As I conclude this review, my opinion is that it makes even less sense than I thought.
Again Booker has so many balls up in the air. They all seems not related, but you'll see like in the other books they will come together. Reliving those days was painful, I do remember where I was when President Kennedy was assassinated. Please read the first and second book before this.
( Format : ebook ) "Don't worry, it gets easier." With Justin busy with his new project, the Fajita Rita's food truck, and thinking to expand, leaving Alisa to cope almost single handed in the Jewel, P.I.Booker Adams has only just started to look into the theft of artifacts from the museum located in the notorious Dallas Book Depository, when he is called to the murder of a wealthy C.E.O. and then is asked to protect an elderly crime boss from assassination. As cases seem to intersect, the killing of Kennedy fifth years before seems to become a focus for his investigations.
As with all of the books in this series, Mr.Mefford not only lays out a fascinating story but also gives the reader characters who come alive and situations that can be both memorable and amusing. Plenty of fast fighting action, too. An easy but satisfying read for thriller fans and also historical conspiracy theory buffs. These books just keep getting better.
This book, the third in the 'Booker Thrillers' series is the best yet in my opinion. Booker is getting lots of business for his PI business and in this book he manages to juggle several separate cases, but are they really separate? or are they all connected? Of course, there are the incredible action passages that this author does so well, and there is also a very clever storyline, but there is also a lot of humour bought into this book to provide contrast with the life and death situations. John Mefford manages to create truly memorable characters and Booker is one of those, I love his morals and his determination, and the way that will do anything to help a friend, truly a person that you would want to have on your side. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I did receive an advance copy of this book, but this honest review is voluntarily written.
Booker is hired to find missing artifacts from the Sixth Floor Museum. Granville Hoguin is the ED there and doesn't want the public to know about the missing pieces, and he doesn't want the police involved either. Before Booker can even get started on this case, he is called the estate of Albert Yates, CEO, chairman of the Board of Evergreen Energy. He lives in a very, very rich neighborhood and was killed right on his property. The wife hires Booker to find the killer. Then a librarian is killed in the same way as Yates. What could be the connection? Booker gets some help from an unlikely source, a former DEA agent who has a personal stake in this. Can they find the killer, the connection, and the missing artifacts? Just what did Booker get himself into? Better question -- can he get out of it alive? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This is the 3rd book in “The Booker Thriller Series” by John Mefford. Mr. Mefford doesn’t let you down. This is one of the most thrilling investigations that Booker and Alisha have had so far. The more you think you figured things out the farther you are away from that happening. I should know by now that Mefford’s thrillers can never be figured out because he comes up with the most fascinating twists and turns that are not even considered in your minds eye! This book is no exception. Mefford”s books can convolute the simplest story and keep you turning pages way longer that you intended too. I loved this book and was glued to the story until I finished it. You will be also. I highly recommend this series. You will be glued to it until you finish it. Grab it today!
Fast paced and hard to put down. There are a few different story lines that you are trying to figure out if they will intersect or run parallel. I love the way it plays off the American love of conspiracy theories. A modern day setting that ties back to the assassination of JFK. Will Booker and his friends stop the killer before he kills again? I recommend this series of you want a good mystery that is not too heavy. I can't wait for the next installment.
I was lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this book from the author. I am volunteering to leave this review. Fantastic book plenty of twist and turns and a surprise ending. Also my favorite kind of book I learned interesting things about JFK shooting.
An excellent crime thriller with a great storyline and outstanding realistic characters. Contains plenty of action, suspense, mystery, some romance, and historical elements. An exciting page turner that was quite enjoyable. A private investigation series that I highly recommend. Bring on the next adventure in the Booker Thrillers.
Excellent next installment in this new series. While Book #2 was extremely fast paced and stressful, this book gives the reader lots of excitement but also a bit of a rest and considerable humor. As before, the crimes are horrendous, and Booker and Alisa become involved when requested by the family of the first victim to assist the police. As Booker and Alisa become deeply involved in the dynamics of the crime, another similar murder occurs, which is just as baser as the first one. As Booker and Alisa are working the facts of both of these cases and if there could possibly be a connection, Booker is contacted by his favorite Chicago mobster who dispatches him to save his mobster friend from immediate assassination in a pizza place. In the middle of the gunfight and imminent death to all parties, into the scene crashes Kayla, another PI who believes the assassin is her long lost father who is seeking revenge for the Kennedy assassination. Booker is distracted just enough to allow the shooter to escape. In the middle of all the serious drama, the lighter aspects of the characters also crash together. Justin begins spending all his time with David running a food truck business, Rita’s Fajitas. This leaves Alisa pretty much all alone to run the bar business on her own. Of course, Booker tries to assist Alisa when she gets overwhelmed for an evening and the results are hilarious. Also, Booker runs into the middle of a totally dysfunctional family when he interviews the family of the first murder victim. Finally, when Booker is hired to find Kennedy assassination artifacts stolen from a museum, he and Alisa are mired in zany museum employees and cybersleuthing with Josh, a white hat hacker on probation. Josh turns out to be Alisa’s heart’s desire and the story goes from there. Of course, in the middle of all this, into the bar waltz Cindy and Harry whose escapades are always an hilarious addition to any situation. Can Booker and Alisa actually connect all of these crimes together? Are people really being murdered because of a 60 year old crime? You are never disappointed when you read this very talented author’s stories. Although I received an advance copy, this review is totally my own since I really enjoyed the book.
Complicated, dark and twisted. Booker has no idea what he has gotten himself into this time. You will appreciate this best if you have read the previous books in the series (all 5 star reads) but there is enough disclosed that you will follow along if you pay attention. WOW - is there some deep stuff to focus on! When Booker gave up his cop job and opened a P.I. business he didn't expect it to be more dangerous than laying his life on the line daily. He pictured boring stake outs, stale coffee and occasional paperwork. There is never getting away from the paperwork. For that he has the lovely assistant, partner, what-is-her-role Alisa whose talents and skills seem to grow in each novel.
This book has a number of different cases, seemingly with nothing in common, that actually do, in a twisted sort of way, tie back decades to the President Kennedy assassination. As you read you will also find mentions of books, tv shows and events that will spark your memories. Very very complex but oh so good! I appreciated that we get an inside look into the killer's mind and a look at a way of life that I never want to experience first hand. It was scary enough being there in my mind with this book!
We also see the personal side of Booker, with scenes featuring his daughter, her mother, her mother's new boyfriend... you get the idea. New characters are introduced that I hope we spend more time with in future books in this series. It is not for the feint of heart but well worth the dangerous time invested. A great twist on the conspiracy theories surrounding JFK's assassination, and leaves enough unanswered questions that you won't want to miss what comes next.
I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. I hope I am included for an early look at future books.
I lived through when all the background history in this novel was taking place--The Bay of Pigs, the assassination of John F Kennedy and many others I might add. What I didn't know was that Dallas, Texas (where that fatal shot hit President Kennedy) was known as the Hate City for a while. Obviously it is not anymore. This was the period in time when Castro over threw the prior Cuban government and that country was in total chaos. People were being imprisoned for no apparent reason other then they did not like Castro or his regime-children were sent (without their parents on occasion) to the US for safety-usually Miami. This is the possible story of one such child and how his life devolved. And all to avenge the shooting of our President JFK.
Booker is asked to try and find out who is stealing artifacts from a Dallas Museum by the curator. This takes a back seat to the murder of a rich CEO--then a librarian? It does get kind of complicated but comes together smoothly in the end. Someone even tries to kill a mob boss-----Meanwhile his assistant is really getting her game on--and his "landlord" who he does not have to pay rent--is branching out with Dax--that guy who pilfered money from wealthy widowers!!
I really am enjoying this series--definite laughter in between some deadly games-add in some psychological mayhem and sit back and enjoy!! Booker: Hate City
I've been hooked since book one and let me tell you, book three - Hate City - doesn't disappoint! I love a good, suspenseful book that keeps me on my toes. As I stated in my review of book two, go back and start the series from the beginning. You'll get some background information about what makes Booker tick. You'll appreciate his character on a deeper level.
I love the development of the new characters in this book and love (even more!!) that some of the older characters are growing in their roles of the story line. The number of cases in this book exceeds the usual in the first two books but when you reach a certain milestone in the book, you're light bulb will come on and you'll start connecting dots with Booker ....or will you? Does everything really connect or is it just coincidence?
Booker's personal life crosses path with his professional life again...his ex-wife has a new boyfriend and he's trying to take this into account since he has a daughter who is in the middle of it all. Can he separate the two like he needs to with all of the cases he has at hand or is life really one big twisted web? Start the series and find out!
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
Let's set the scene...Dallas 1963: Kennedy has just been shot, the city is in chaos. Fast forward to today, still in Dallas at the Kennedy Center museum and the city is heating up again. Mefford seamlessly melds the past with the present and makes the reader forget their everyday troubles as they attempt to figure out the culprit.
History abounds in this novel. The snippets of the past made me want to crack a history book and find out all about the Kennedy assassination. That right there is the sign of a great author. One that makes you need to know more about everything they write.
If you've read any of the Booker PI novels before, you will see some familiar faces. But, if you haven't read the others, don't fret because this is a 100% stand alone novel. Booker is a love able character who makes me excited for his next adventures.
This review will be short and sweet as John W Mefford does it again with the 3rd installment of his Booker series. After reviewing the previous two books in the Booker series I don't want to repeat myself but if you loved the first one, you'll love this one. If you love crime and mystery, you'll love Hate City. A great escape from the hum drum of every day life I highly recommend Mefford as an author.
This case sees Booker working a case that involves a JFK assassination memorabilia murder merging the fictional world of Booker with the historical truth this is a great mystery
This book can be read as a stand alone book so don't by put off by thinking you would have to catch up with the series.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
Once again, Booker gets himself involved and keeps the reader turning the pages. A great story in the Booker Thriller series and as in all of the books, great action, mystery and suspense is always there. Booker and his partner’s PI business seems to be going well and were hired to try to find stolen items from where JFK was shot, the Dallas Book Depository Museum. As they are trying to solve this mystery they get hired to find a killer of a CEO millionaire. Juggling two things just keeps Booker on target to get to the bottom of the cases. The book has a lot of different things happen which makes you want to keep reading. It will hold your attention! Great read!
This time Booker, while investigating both the theft of historical items from the Texas Book Depository Museum in Dallas and the savage murder of a green energy CEO, receives a tip from a Chicago mob boss on a possible upcoming murder. This novel brings back many memories of the days following the Kennedy assassination and the many conspiracy theories surrounding it. I highly recommend this action thriller that has given me plenty to think about.
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2021 Booker really gets into it with this adventure, the mob , history, murder, and figuring out where he will be working from all rolled into a compelling mystery. The action keeps rolling, the characters keep evolving, and the new cases keep everyone on edge. A story that moves and adds a touch more mystery to an old conspiracy theory in history. Unique twists show up and add to the interest. Liked this Booker novel.
Second book read by John Mefford - The characters are developing a little more each with this book. A new person was introduced into the Booker team and we will see where that leads next. It intertwined characters from Book two into this one and although it can stand a lone it makes a better read understanding Book 2. Looking forward to Blood Ring.
An excellent crime thriller with a great storyline and outstanding realistic characters. Contains plenty of action, suspense, mystery, some romance, and historical elements. An exciting page turner that was quite enjoyable. A private investigation series that I highly recommend. Bring on the next adventure in the Booker Thrillers.
Booker is at again. He is working a case when he picks up another job. This one evokes the time of the Kennedy assassination. But how are the murders connected and why is the perp killing relatively innocent people? A thrilling story with a twist at the end you won't see coming.
Once again John Mefford has drawn me into the life of Booker Adam's P.I.. A exciting story of different cases, but are they? The characters so well developed and flow of the story so smooth it keeps you guessing. Can't wait for the next addition.