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California Corwin P.I. #1
Loose Ends
When a young girl is kidnapped, street-smart but damaged San Francisco ex-cop California "Cal" Corwin is engaged to find and rescue her before murder raises the stakes. As a straightforward case takes unexpected twists, Cal must quell a growing fear that an anguished mother may never see her child again. With a shadowy crime lord lurking behind every unexpected clue, Cal struggles to tie up loose ends before evil claims its next victim.
Loose Ends is the first book in the Cal Corwin P. I. mystery series from D. D. VanDyke, though the books can be read in any order. Set against the rich backdrop of the San Francisco Bay Area, Cal Corwin novels brim with intrigue and fully fleshed characters from cops and criminals to hit men, oddball family and unexpected allies.
The California Corwin P. I. Mystery Series:
- Loose Ends
- In A Bind
- Off The Leash - A Cal Corwin short story
More to come!
Loose Ends is the first book in the Cal Corwin P. I. mystery series from D. D. VanDyke, though the books can be read in any order. Set against the rich backdrop of the San Francisco Bay Area, Cal Corwin novels brim with intrigue and fully fleshed characters from cops and criminals to hit men, oddball family and unexpected allies.
The California Corwin P. I. Mystery Series:
- Loose Ends
- In A Bind
- Off The Leash - A Cal Corwin short story
More to come!
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First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
April 30, 2016
Lots of mistakes here.
1/ A PharmD. degree is not a medical degree. It is a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. It is a bit more than a Bachelor’s and not quite a Masters and is the minimum degree for anyone wishing to practice pharmacy in most states.
2/ Oxy (oxycodone) is called a Schedule 1 drug. Schedule 1 drugs are drugs that have no approved medical use and an extremely high potential for abuse – such as heroin, LSD, Mescaline (Peyote), GHB, and Ecstasy. Drugs like that would not be stored in a pharmaceutical warehouse. Oxy is a Schedule 2 narcotic, having an approved medical use but with a high potential for abuse.
3/ Detectives in San Francisco are called Inspector, not Detective.
4/ Superchargers on car engines cannot be switched on and off (like they are in the Mad Max movies).
These all could have been avoided with a few minute’s research. They also make me wonder how much else the author(s) got wrong.
Cal Corwin solves the case she’s investigating but there is no true resolution. We the readers, like Cal, are left with too many unanswered questions.
So 2 stars only because I can’t rate it 1½ stars – disappointing. And that means I won’t be back for more.
1/ A PharmD. degree is not a medical degree. It is a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. It is a bit more than a Bachelor’s and not quite a Masters and is the minimum degree for anyone wishing to practice pharmacy in most states.
2/ Oxy (oxycodone) is called a Schedule 1 drug. Schedule 1 drugs are drugs that have no approved medical use and an extremely high potential for abuse – such as heroin, LSD, Mescaline (Peyote), GHB, and Ecstasy. Drugs like that would not be stored in a pharmaceutical warehouse. Oxy is a Schedule 2 narcotic, having an approved medical use but with a high potential for abuse.
3/ Detectives in San Francisco are called Inspector, not Detective.
4/ Superchargers on car engines cannot be switched on and off (like they are in the Mad Max movies).
These all could have been avoided with a few minute’s research. They also make me wonder how much else the author(s) got wrong.
Cal Corwin solves the case she’s investigating but there is no true resolution. We the readers, like Cal, are left with too many unanswered questions.
So 2 stars only because I can’t rate it 1½ stars – disappointing. And that means I won’t be back for more.
July 15, 2015
Well, it started off quite promising, dragged on a bit in the middle and has probably the worst most disappointing ending to a book I've ever read. One star is extremely generous of me. I'm obviously in a good mood. Perhaps it's the school summer holidays that's looming and I have six weeks off. I can't be too sure but one thing I do know is I'm not looking to read the sequel .
May 6, 2015
This is one of my favorite reads so far this year. What a nice change: interesting, well-developed characters, an engaging setting (San Francisco), satisfyingly complex plot and some realistically touching moments. This is obviously a very skilled author who engages you on page one and doesn't let up nor loads the book with a bunch of filler. I immediately grabbed the second book in the series and gobbled it up not realizing that that was all there was (to date). I wanted more! Still do. I honestly didn't know the D. D. VanDyke wasn't a woman. He wrote California's POV so well I just figured he had to be female. Now that takes skill, fooling me :-) By the end of the book I felt like California and I could be BFF's. But since I grew up in her mother's era, I'd settle for being their neighbor and keeping Starlight out of California's hair.
March 28, 2015
Well written, plot moves along with lots of twists, almost feels modern day noir with very well developed characters. Main character (female PI) is an adrenaline junky with a passion for road racing, that pretty much sums it up. Her sidekick/computer geek, every PI novel seems to need one these days, is typical in that he lives online with poor hygiene and poorer eating habits. I really enjoyed the interaction of the characters, especially the British contractor at the end who takes a liking to the female PI. Lots of innuendos in the sex and violence department with nothing real ever happening. Over all, a good read that I would recommend to Mystery/PI buffs.
September 17, 2015
I received this e-book free from BookBub. I will confess that before I downloaded it, I had never heard of the author or the book, but a few chapters in, I was hooked. I enjoy the writing style, and even though I generally don't like kidnapping plots, I enjoyed this book. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series!
August 6, 2016
If, like me, you enjoy the voice of a gumshoe doing the deeds that must be done and battling the conscience after the fact, then you will enjoy this quick read. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
March 15, 2017
The title is very fitting for this book. A lot of loose ends.
March 28, 2018
I sincerely enjoyed this free book, featuring Cal Corwin, a sassy and unshakable female P.I. working in San Francisco. She had to quit the SFPD, a few years ago, getting injured in a bombing, but that story of her leaving the force has more to it, and explains why she could set up her P.I. firm.
Here we find Cal looking into the kidnapping of a 10-year old girl, held for leverage by a heist crew. The plot wasn't as clear cut and it wasn't as tied up neatly, but I guess that's how it goes with private investigating; you don't always get closure.
I honestly liked the overall ambiance of San Francisco, quite well rendered here by author D.D. VanDyke, which I had never heard of before. I like his writing style and I thought the dialogues were quite authentic.
Here we find Cal looking into the kidnapping of a 10-year old girl, held for leverage by a heist crew. The plot wasn't as clear cut and it wasn't as tied up neatly, but I guess that's how it goes with private investigating; you don't always get closure.
I honestly liked the overall ambiance of San Francisco, quite well rendered here by author D.D. VanDyke, which I had never heard of before. I like his writing style and I thought the dialogues were quite authentic.
September 27, 2015
A female biracial detective is bound to be interesting specially one that's out to break all stereotypes. Not only our protagonist different from other fictional sleuth's she isn't the type to extract justice.
She is curious but efficient, does her work without unnecessary meddling. Her backstory reminds me a bit of Cormoran Strike (by Robert Galbraith)
The begining of the story is promising but it does seem to drag towards the middle. However, I do like how the mystery is resolved.
In the end we find ourselves at the start of another (Unsolved) mystery. Kudos for that! An excellent marketing strategy.
She is curious but efficient, does her work without unnecessary meddling. Her backstory reminds me a bit of Cormoran Strike (by Robert Galbraith)
The begining of the story is promising but it does seem to drag towards the middle. However, I do like how the mystery is resolved.
In the end we find ourselves at the start of another (Unsolved) mystery. Kudos for that! An excellent marketing strategy.
December 21, 2014
Cal (California) Corwin is an ex-cop due to a bombing that left her scarred, nerve damage to her hand and the loss of hearing in one ear. She is now a street wise P.I. and is asked to find a kidnapped girl. With the help of her computer guru-Mickey and her Subaru car called "Molly", the race is one. Prepare yourself for a fantastic ride. This story has mystery, action, hairy car chases, some nasty characters and twists and turns to keep you engrossed.
This isn't the usual genre I read but I'm so glad I did and so will you. I will definitely read more books by this author.
This isn't the usual genre I read but I'm so glad I did and so will you. I will definitely read more books by this author.
February 14, 2015
Fast Paced and Well Written
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cal Corwin, P.I. is hired to rescue the kidnapped child of a high priced pharmacists who manages a drug distributing company. The story rapidly progresses as Cal uses her brain, prior experience as a cop, and street smarts to follow the trail of drug thieves who have taken the child to ensure the pharmacist's cooperation in the heist. But, things aren't always what they seem and Cal discovers there's a lot more to the story.
I look forward to more works by this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cal Corwin, P.I. is hired to rescue the kidnapped child of a high priced pharmacists who manages a drug distributing company. The story rapidly progresses as Cal uses her brain, prior experience as a cop, and street smarts to follow the trail of drug thieves who have taken the child to ensure the pharmacist's cooperation in the heist. But, things aren't always what they seem and Cal discovers there's a lot more to the story.
I look forward to more works by this author.
February 19, 2015
One of the better whodunit I have read in a long time
Rich characters with tantalizing character developments along the way. Not too much info so the characters have a long way to go before they become tiresome. The plot was well developed and had a classic twist at the end. I am a softy for hopeful love stories with very human characters and this story line surpassed every expectation. I would rank this with Mickey Spillane or Dashiell Hammett. DON'T MISS THIS ONE!!!
Rich characters with tantalizing character developments along the way. Not too much info so the characters have a long way to go before they become tiresome. The plot was well developed and had a classic twist at the end. I am a softy for hopeful love stories with very human characters and this story line surpassed every expectation. I would rank this with Mickey Spillane or Dashiell Hammett. DON'T MISS THIS ONE!!!
February 23, 2015
I loved this book. There is a believability in the characters,(I could imagine her sidekick's mess and stink).
Talk of Molly and the other cars made me smile.
The book answers most of the questions it throws up, but still leaves you wanting to know more about Cal and her elusive reporter friend.
I have no problem recommending this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
Talk of Molly and the other cars made me smile.
The book answers most of the questions it throws up, but still leaves you wanting to know more about Cal and her elusive reporter friend.
I have no problem recommending this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
January 22, 2016
This was a good mystery by Vandyke. The lead chracter was interesting and the plot certainly found many twists and turns to keep you totall involved. This was a good job and any myster buff should enjoy it.
J. Robert Ewbank author 'John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" "To Whom It May Concern" and " Tell Me About the United Methodist Church"
J. Robert Ewbank author 'John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" "To Whom It May Concern" and " Tell Me About the United Methodist Church"
March 22, 2015
Quick read
Enjoyable tale with an interesting protagonist. Cal Corwin is unlike any previous female P.I. I have ever encountered. She would play well in movies or on TV, especially in the pursuit sequences.
Enjoyable tale with an interesting protagonist. Cal Corwin is unlike any previous female P.I. I have ever encountered. She would play well in movies or on TV, especially in the pursuit sequences.
September 13, 2015
very fast moving. from the ex-cop turned P.I. to the computer whiz in her employ, the strangest cases seem to find her. I had a great time reading this, didn't want it to end! I have to read any others, hope this will be a series.
September 24, 2015
An enjoyable gunshots tale with twists.
If you like detective novels then this one should delight you. A girl cursed obsessed with the name, California, uses all her wit and police experience to solve a crime, but gets asked out by criminals instead. A good,, fun read.
If you like detective novels then this one should delight you. A girl cursed obsessed with the name, California, uses all her wit and police experience to solve a crime, but gets asked out by criminals instead. A good,, fun read.
October 8, 2015
Another strong female lead. Good read.
Liked the, not perfect, description of heroine and her morals. A little too off the wall action, but that why we read fiction, let's our mind work.
Liked the, not perfect, description of heroine and her morals. A little too off the wall action, but that why we read fiction, let's our mind work.
March 26, 2019
Nice
Nice and easy to read. You can put it down and come right back without missing a beat. Very good plots. I'll check out some more of this writer's work.
Nice and easy to read. You can put it down and come right back without missing a beat. Very good plots. I'll check out some more of this writer's work.
April 11, 2022
This is a well-woven mystery featuring a former San Francisco police officer turned private detective. Hired to find a kidnapped child, the case begins its twists and turns as she and her tech-savvy sidekick research the principals in the case. The oddities they find seem unconnected until the very end, which turns out to be a bit of a cliffhanger that leaves you wondering if she will pursue the case further in the next book.
I found the chase scenes somewhat unrealistic, getting a bit of a feeling that the author wishes to have the book turned into a thrilling screenplay. It could perhaps make a good movie.
I found the chase scenes somewhat unrealistic, getting a bit of a feeling that the author wishes to have the book turned into a thrilling screenplay. It could perhaps make a good movie.
December 27, 2017
Many twists and turns. The turns were not sharp, kept me guessing throughout the book. Looking forward to the next one in the series. Worth reading.
January 13, 2019
This was a fast read although the stereotypes were annoying.
March 13, 2018
Fairly entertaining short crime story, for Sai Book Group
September 30, 2015
I enjoyed this book. I was introduced to the character in a short story in the book "Eight the Hard Way." This book has a strong, flawed heroine who seeks truth and justice. Cal Corwin has her own detective agency and her own way of seeking the truth. I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it to my friends who enjoy detective mysteries.
September 5, 2015
I enjoyed this one. I'm looking forward to Cole Sage and Cal possibly teaming up in future books. This is my first VanDyke book; I've read four of Micheal Maxwell's, so I think the mix might be enjoyable. I rate this one 4.5 stars.
September 30, 2016
Fun read. I completed this in one cross country plane trip. Cal, a former SFPD turned Private Investigator is asked to help out in a kidnapping case. She digs into this and pulls at enough threads to find and rescue the victim, but there are still lots of questions unanswered.
May 11, 2017
A quick read detective or private investigator story...intriguing enough for me to download the next book in the series right after finishing the first on my vacation. I'm curious if one of the characters from the first book in the series will return...
February 11, 2015
Interest-keeping plot, like the cast. Some cussing, no gore or sex. Christian references were kindly. TTS-enabled eBook ©2014 Recommended.
May 14, 2015
did not finish. dragged on. did not hold my attention. free book from book bub
Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews