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The Arx
Ex-Homicide Detective Frank Langer is a broken man - but he's all that stands in the way of a deadly conspiracy.
Since a mental breakdown put him on medical leave from the squad he was once hand-picked to lead, Frank spends his days drinking and chain-smoking, and his nights waking up screaming from a horrific recurring nightmare.
Until one day, by chance, he stumbles on a monstrous plot to kidnap children.
When he shows up at the squad with the wild story, the guys pat him on the back and tell him to go home. But after the mother of one of the missing children commits suicide, he stamps down his demons and, together with the dead woman's sister Rebecca, plunges into the case.
The clues lead to a shadowy cabal lurking behind one of the richest and most powerful Pharma corporations on the planet. When Frank finally unravels the mystery, the truth is more bizarre and deadly than he ever imagined, and telling Rebecca would put her life in danger. Soon even she comes to question his sanity.
The world needs to be warned of the treacherous plot. But can Frank stay alive long enough to find someone to buy his story?
Since a mental breakdown put him on medical leave from the squad he was once hand-picked to lead, Frank spends his days drinking and chain-smoking, and his nights waking up screaming from a horrific recurring nightmare.
Until one day, by chance, he stumbles on a monstrous plot to kidnap children.
When he shows up at the squad with the wild story, the guys pat him on the back and tell him to go home. But after the mother of one of the missing children commits suicide, he stamps down his demons and, together with the dead woman's sister Rebecca, plunges into the case.
The clues lead to a shadowy cabal lurking behind one of the richest and most powerful Pharma corporations on the planet. When Frank finally unravels the mystery, the truth is more bizarre and deadly than he ever imagined, and telling Rebecca would put her life in danger. Soon even she comes to question his sanity.
The world needs to be warned of the treacherous plot. But can Frank stay alive long enough to find someone to buy his story?
441 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2015
554 people are currently reading
1311 people want to read
About the author
Jay Allan Storey
13 books112 followersJay Allan Storey has traveled the world, passing through many places in the news today, including Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and the Swat valley in Pakistan. He has worked at an amazing variety of jobs, from cab driver to land surveyor to accordion salesman to software developer.
Jay is the author of eight novels, two novellas, a number of short stories, and several screenplays. A new novel is set to be released in 2025. His stories always skirt close to the edge of believability (but hopefully never cross over). He is attracted to characters who are able to break out of their stereotypes and transform themselves.
He loves both reading and writing, both listening to and playing music, and working with animals. He's crazy for any activity relating to the water, including swimming, surfing, wind-surfing, sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Jay is married and lives in Vancouver, BC.
Jay is the author of eight novels, two novellas, a number of short stories, and several screenplays. A new novel is set to be released in 2025. His stories always skirt close to the edge of believability (but hopefully never cross over). He is attracted to characters who are able to break out of their stereotypes and transform themselves.
He loves both reading and writing, both listening to and playing music, and working with animals. He's crazy for any activity relating to the water, including swimming, surfing, wind-surfing, sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Jay is married and lives in Vancouver, BC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
July 28, 2024
Good read, as it started out as an interesting thriller which kept me engaged. Then, the surprise deviation from the "expected" trajectory kept me flipping pages to find out more. About three quarters of the way through, I was impressed with the new direction the author had moved in, because I didn't see it coming. Well done!
January 3, 2018
Frank Langer is a broken man. Once he was one of the best detectives on the Vancouver, BC, homicide squad. Today his life is one long continuous nightmare. By day, he is beset with guilt. By night, his sleep is wracked by such horrors he can't sleep more than two hours at a time. His only solace is found at the bottom of a bottle.
But Frank is still a damn good detective, and when he's asked to help a young mother find her kidnapped baby, he stumbles onto a plot that threatens to end humankind as we know. The problem is, in Frank's condition, no one believes him.
In The Arx, Canadian author Jay Allan Storey's third book, Frank Langer must confront his own demons in order to reveal to the world the true nature of the hidden threat that gives the book its name.
The Arx's Hitchcockian plot is part noir mystery, part sci-fi, part social commentary. Frank Langer is a classic noir character. Shattered and used up, he still has enough humanity to care for humankind in general and love one woman in particular. And he's willing to risk everything to save them.
But Frank is still a damn good detective, and when he's asked to help a young mother find her kidnapped baby, he stumbles onto a plot that threatens to end humankind as we know. The problem is, in Frank's condition, no one believes him.
In The Arx, Canadian author Jay Allan Storey's third book, Frank Langer must confront his own demons in order to reveal to the world the true nature of the hidden threat that gives the book its name.
The Arx's Hitchcockian plot is part noir mystery, part sci-fi, part social commentary. Frank Langer is a classic noir character. Shattered and used up, he still has enough humanity to care for humankind in general and love one woman in particular. And he's willing to risk everything to save them.
November 13, 2022
Incredible Story
The scenes about the main character’s panic attacks read as if the author has first-hand knowledge of them. The characters in the story are brought to life as they experience the actions that befall them. Despite the fantastic nature of the protagonists they made to seem real, as if they might truly exist.
The scenes about the main character’s panic attacks read as if the author has first-hand knowledge of them. The characters in the story are brought to life as they experience the actions that befall them. Despite the fantastic nature of the protagonists they made to seem real, as if they might truly exist.
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August 15, 2015
Arx - Latin for stronghold
Frank Langer was a detective on the Vancouver Homicide Squad - until a year ago. At that point Langer was chasing a serial killer and something so horrendous happened that Langer had a breakdown and has been on medical leave ever since.
So in between the drinking bouts, Langer comes across a totally wild conspiracy theory and if people didn't think he was crazy before, guess what they think of him now? Because this is the conspiracy theory to beat all theories and he's going to have a hard time getting anyone to believe it. He has a hard time believing it himself.
I enjoy author Storey's style of writing. I've read his other two books and enjoyed them very much - ELDORADO and CHOPPER MUSIC. While this book is totally different than the other two, it was written well, flowed smoothly, was exciting, and had great believable characters.
I would classify this book as science fiction with a touch of horror thrown in.
NOTE: I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Frank Langer was a detective on the Vancouver Homicide Squad - until a year ago. At that point Langer was chasing a serial killer and something so horrendous happened that Langer had a breakdown and has been on medical leave ever since.
So in between the drinking bouts, Langer comes across a totally wild conspiracy theory and if people didn't think he was crazy before, guess what they think of him now? Because this is the conspiracy theory to beat all theories and he's going to have a hard time getting anyone to believe it. He has a hard time believing it himself.
I enjoy author Storey's style of writing. I've read his other two books and enjoyed them very much - ELDORADO and CHOPPER MUSIC. While this book is totally different than the other two, it was written well, flowed smoothly, was exciting, and had great believable characters.
I would classify this book as science fiction with a touch of horror thrown in.
NOTE: I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
May 27, 2018
My rating is both a 3 and a 4. The story was interesting and compelling. I believed it. But the style was one that I find off putting.
Rather than have the story develop through the actions of characters, this author took a long time to narrate what happened. The Chapter titled Richard Carson was a narrative of the entire background of the story. For my taste I'd rather this information came out differently.
I enjoyed the story. But I didn't love the book.
Rather than have the story develop through the actions of characters, this author took a long time to narrate what happened. The Chapter titled Richard Carson was a narrative of the entire background of the story. For my taste I'd rather this information came out differently.
I enjoyed the story. But I didn't love the book.
December 6, 2018
Excellent read - hard to put down
Excellent story! Having it set in Vancouver was an added bonus - makes me want to drive around the city and see where some of these locations “might have been”. Especially the Stronghold. Rather scary though - can we trust Big Pharma???
I particularly liked the character development of Frank, the protagonist. Very realistic portrayal! And the ending leaves an opening for a sequel.....
Excellent story! Having it set in Vancouver was an added bonus - makes me want to drive around the city and see where some of these locations “might have been”. Especially the Stronghold. Rather scary though - can we trust Big Pharma???
I particularly liked the character development of Frank, the protagonist. Very realistic portrayal! And the ending leaves an opening for a sequel.....
Read
September 27, 2015I just completed this book having won it on Goodreads. I'm glad I won it. It's by an author named Jay Allen Storey ( not making that up.) It's a crime story with great narrative and pacing. I read a lot of James Lee Burke and Michael Connelly, and I believe he'll one day be in this company of writers. If you enjoy crime fiction, I think you'll like this book.
July 7, 2016
~3.5 stars~
This was a fast paced and suspenseful read. Upon closure, however, I was left wanting more. It ended on a HFN feel as if it were part of a series, but nothing in book description indicates that this book is anything other then a standalone. I'm still glad I read it and will check out more of this writers work. Also, pleased that it was offered as a kindleunlimited.
This was a fast paced and suspenseful read. Upon closure, however, I was left wanting more. It ended on a HFN feel as if it were part of a series, but nothing in book description indicates that this book is anything other then a standalone. I'm still glad I read it and will check out more of this writers work. Also, pleased that it was offered as a kindleunlimited.
May 27, 2019
Excellent read.
Frank Langer's condition and how he had fallen in the police ranks and his determination to find the missing child is excellently brought out.
The fact that he is right on track and still no one believes him is what brings out good real problem.
A mystery which takes a deep look at the society through the broken man's eyes.
Would definitely recommend it.
Frank Langer's condition and how he had fallen in the police ranks and his determination to find the missing child is excellently brought out.
The fact that he is right on track and still no one believes him is what brings out good real problem.
A mystery which takes a deep look at the society through the broken man's eyes.
Would definitely recommend it.
March 30, 2022
I received a review copy from Voracious Readers Only at my request and this is my honest opinion. I have to admit, I went into this book with some fairly skewed ideas of what I was getting into, and it took over half of the book to find out how wrong I was. And even finding out I had the totally wrong idea about the storyline, I was hooked enough that I had to see it through to the end. This story has twist, after twist, and even though I had a fairly good idea of where the tale about Frank's breakdown was going, the method by which Rebecca extracted the story without sending Frank into a full-blown meltdown was excellent. The story actually is a combination of two stories, in my opinion. It is the story of a broken cop trying to find his way back from the edge of the abyss with the help of an ex-therapist who happens to be the sister of a victim he is investigating. Then it is the story of Big Pharm doing anything to get more money and power; the best part of the book is when these two portions intersect to become one more excellent sci-fi/medical thriller.
One of the most impressive things about this book is that it is a thriller, there are policemen, bad guys, tension, suspense, atmosphere - all of it accomplished without the use of a single expletive. Now try and tell me that profanity is required. This book is proof that it isn't required if you have the necessary skills. The sci-fi thriller is not my usual genre, but I may have to step out of my comfort zone to try another of Mr. Storey's books. Also worthy of note - I assume Mr. Storey is an indie author since he is using Voracious Readers Only to gather reviews for his book. As such, this is one of the best edited/proofread books I've come across in quite a while. He is proof positive that it can be done.
One of the most impressive things about this book is that it is a thriller, there are policemen, bad guys, tension, suspense, atmosphere - all of it accomplished without the use of a single expletive. Now try and tell me that profanity is required. This book is proof that it isn't required if you have the necessary skills. The sci-fi thriller is not my usual genre, but I may have to step out of my comfort zone to try another of Mr. Storey's books. Also worthy of note - I assume Mr. Storey is an indie author since he is using Voracious Readers Only to gather reviews for his book. As such, this is one of the best edited/proofread books I've come across in quite a while. He is proof positive that it can be done.
June 14, 2021
This is a very good detective mystery with a speculative twist. Frank’s PTSD is superbly done – his past trauma dovetails well into the unfolding events, making him vulnerable but also giving him something extra to overcome. The investigation is easy to follow, but takes an unexpected turn in the second half that veers it into slightly creepy sci-fi territory. It works well, and doesn’t try for too much. The story remains intensely personal, as Frank develops a relationship with Rebecca, the victim’s sister, who’s a trained psychologist, and tries to protect her from the more horrific aspects of the case.
It’s a well-written tale, gritty and punchy, with solid dialogue and three-dimensional characters. Author Jay Allan Storey is adept at writing flawed, wounded protagonists and getting the reader to root for them. Frank is a basket case at times, but he’s always trying to do the right thing. We do get a strong sense that he’s in way over his head – that makes the chase scenes tense and keeps us invested in his plight. Even the cliched aspects of the story, like crooked Big Pharma, or a burnt-out cop, or the ever-growing paranoia, are given enough of a fresh spin to seem pretty plausible.
I found it a gripping, exciting read. Mr Storey has a fine eye for detail and good sense of tempo – dialogue scenes don’t go on too long, but reveal all we need to know, while the action scenes are sharp and well-paced. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys detective mysteries with a psychological edge. And if you’re also partial to offbeat speculative twists, you’ll definitely want to give The Arx a try.
It’s a well-written tale, gritty and punchy, with solid dialogue and three-dimensional characters. Author Jay Allan Storey is adept at writing flawed, wounded protagonists and getting the reader to root for them. Frank is a basket case at times, but he’s always trying to do the right thing. We do get a strong sense that he’s in way over his head – that makes the chase scenes tense and keeps us invested in his plight. Even the cliched aspects of the story, like crooked Big Pharma, or a burnt-out cop, or the ever-growing paranoia, are given enough of a fresh spin to seem pretty plausible.
I found it a gripping, exciting read. Mr Storey has a fine eye for detail and good sense of tempo – dialogue scenes don’t go on too long, but reveal all we need to know, while the action scenes are sharp and well-paced. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys detective mysteries with a psychological edge. And if you’re also partial to offbeat speculative twists, you’ll definitely want to give The Arx a try.
June 25, 2025
Conspiracy murder investigation
Frank is a washed up ex-detective who used to work in the homicide department and after a particularly traumatic experience had a breakdown and was invalided from the force. Chance connects him to a small child who seems to have been murdered and his mum Gloria seems to have committed suicide. Frank comes into contact with Gloria's sister, Rebecca and they investigate the questions which arise from these deaths.
Frank's mental turmoil and need for alcohol are clearly described as well as his desire to make a difference.
The conspiracy comes into view gradually and initially seems to be a crack pot's fantasy. Frank is himself seen as a crank by his ex-colleagues in the police.
The novel is a real page turner and kept my interest. I liked this novel.
Frank is a washed up ex-detective who used to work in the homicide department and after a particularly traumatic experience had a breakdown and was invalided from the force. Chance connects him to a small child who seems to have been murdered and his mum Gloria seems to have committed suicide. Frank comes into contact with Gloria's sister, Rebecca and they investigate the questions which arise from these deaths.
Frank's mental turmoil and need for alcohol are clearly described as well as his desire to make a difference.
The conspiracy comes into view gradually and initially seems to be a crack pot's fantasy. Frank is himself seen as a crank by his ex-colleagues in the police.
The novel is a real page turner and kept my interest. I liked this novel.
July 21, 2025
A baby with some strange characteristics is kidnapped and Frank, an ex-Homicide detective, out on leave, and whose life is a mess gets involved. Shortly after the mother commits suicide and a body, believed to be the baby is found burnt in her car. Frank and the lady's sister don't believe the mother killed her child or committed suicide. This leads to a long investigation which almost no one believes is worth pursuing, but leads to the discovery of a mutation in some humans making them smarter, stronger, but without any compassion, who are willing to kill to protect their secret. These people are the Arx and have a plan to take over humanity.
This wasn't the best science fiction story I've read and marginally in this genre. But it was compelling to read through it and an enjoyable and suspenseful story.
This wasn't the best science fiction story I've read and marginally in this genre. But it was compelling to read through it and an enjoyable and suspenseful story.
October 30, 2019
its Now or Never
An interesting diversion by an author into the research and development of new health programs and pharmaceutical products to improve the creation and stability of the human race,... But not all are beneficial which is the core of this author ,rewritten philosophy. It will retain the reader until the final conclusions of an interesting read. My only thoughts were that the symptoms and bodily functions after a,serious health conditions are too numerous in the core of the story that medical resolutions were anticipated but we're superfluous and never required never the less readers will overall enjoy this book with its descriptions and I would anticipate that future writing by this author will excellent with his further creations
An interesting diversion by an author into the research and development of new health programs and pharmaceutical products to improve the creation and stability of the human race,... But not all are beneficial which is the core of this author ,rewritten philosophy. It will retain the reader until the final conclusions of an interesting read. My only thoughts were that the symptoms and bodily functions after a,serious health conditions are too numerous in the core of the story that medical resolutions were anticipated but we're superfluous and never required never the less readers will overall enjoy this book with its descriptions and I would anticipate that future writing by this author will excellent with his further creations
March 6, 2024
Fast paced
This fast paced thriller/Scifi novel will hold your interest. An anti-nausea drug for women with severe morning sickness changes the fetus. It is hard to recognize the changes, but they can be recognized. Frank, a cop on leave following a traumatic confrontation, is suffering from PTSS. He drinks too much, can't sleep, has flashbacks, nightmares, and is just on the edge of discovering what truly happened during that confrontation. Rebecca, a therapist, is the sister of a woman who took Olmerol during pregnancy. Her sister dies and her nephew is kidnapped. Frank has agreed to help investigate and to participate in therapy. This is a believable story. It could be happening now!
This fast paced thriller/Scifi novel will hold your interest. An anti-nausea drug for women with severe morning sickness changes the fetus. It is hard to recognize the changes, but they can be recognized. Frank, a cop on leave following a traumatic confrontation, is suffering from PTSS. He drinks too much, can't sleep, has flashbacks, nightmares, and is just on the edge of discovering what truly happened during that confrontation. Rebecca, a therapist, is the sister of a woman who took Olmerol during pregnancy. Her sister dies and her nephew is kidnapped. Frank has agreed to help investigate and to participate in therapy. This is a believable story. It could be happening now!
April 17, 2024
Definitely loved almost everything about the story. The whole storyline the character. Frank, definitely I enjoyed this book so much Unputdownable! There is so much not to start from then there was the clues and then there was so much that had to happen to get everything into perspective the mystery. The only thing you could have kept out of this book was Rebecca. Sorry not sorry her character she was irrelevant. Nothing about her was important everything about her made me angry her naivety irked me. She was only important except to Frank himself but for Frank's purpose to the storyline,she wasn't relevant at all. Other than her annoying character the story was amazing!
June 1, 2019
Frank Langer is a broken cop. He reluctantly agrees to investigate when his sister asks him to help a friend locate her kidnapped child. The mystery deepens when the child is found dead and the mother, accused of the killing, commits suicide.
This was an exciting conspiracy thriller with several twists. The author writes in an easy-to-read style and keeps the plot moving along at a fast pace. An excellent read.
This was an exciting conspiracy thriller with several twists. The author writes in an easy-to-read style and keeps the plot moving along at a fast pace. An excellent read.
February 11, 2021
The only reason this book didn't warrant a five star rating in my opinion was the fact it went a fraction too far. Skating on the edge of the believability factor can go one way or the other. If the author had have toned it down just a notch or two, it would easily have earned him the coveted fifth star from me. Great characters, fast-paced storyline with some interesting twists. I enjoyed it immensely.
October 25, 2024
The Arx
A genre-bending science-fiction mystery.
An emotionally broken cop who is placed on indefinite leave, learns about some missing children. His fragile hold on reality is further shaken when he is confronted with a murdered infant. An infant he knows.
The author weaves incredible talent with psychology and police procedures to create a unique and amazing story.
Highly recommended.
A genre-bending science-fiction mystery.
An emotionally broken cop who is placed on indefinite leave, learns about some missing children. His fragile hold on reality is further shaken when he is confronted with a murdered infant. An infant he knows.
The author weaves incredible talent with psychology and police procedures to create a unique and amazing story.
Highly recommended.
June 25, 2025
Really grabbed me and kept me in my seat reading so I was reluctant to leave off to go to bed. Frank is like a flawed character who is thrust into the role of hero but who is completely unprepared for it. Rebecca is the only reason he carries on and she saves him from himself on his spiral downwards into despair. Is it sci-fi if the aliens are not really aliens ? Anyway it's a great concept and a completely gripping read.
June 28, 2019
This one is a real humdinger. I had fun working through the confusing life of a man who was presented with an extraordinary circumstance and fought to survive. The characterizations and plot unraveled like a tightly wound detective thriller, whose pay off was more Crichton-like. The Arx is one wild ride, well done.
October 13, 2020
I struggled with my rating, 2 or 3. Decided on a 3 because, for the first 1/2 of the book, I was interested in the Frank Langer character.
The Arx is 2 very different genres. Half is a crime novel with the second half being a science fiction novel. The connection between the 2 halves is tenuous.
Mr Storey has a talent for story telling but this just didn’t work for me.
The Arx is 2 very different genres. Half is a crime novel with the second half being a science fiction novel. The connection between the 2 halves is tenuous.
Mr Storey has a talent for story telling but this just didn’t work for me.
October 16, 2020
My first time reading a book by Jay Allan Storey. An ex detective suffering trauma from a horrific memory. A cult who believe they are the chosen ones. And a community of friends and ex co-workers who believe he is broken. How can he possibly stop the annihilation of the common man. Wow! A great story.
January 15, 2022
Enjoyed reading The Arx. Seeing a cop who was well loved and respected become a broken man with addiction and mental health issues suddenly involved in a huge conspiracy with kidnappings of babies and Frank then has to fight through his own struggles to solve a mystery that noone else believes. This was fast paced and exciting.
November 14, 2023
The Arx Accomplishes Great SciFi
The characters are far too dark for normalcy. It’s an effort to identify with them. But the the plot, the story, draws them together. The reader begins to care, to think about them. It does take time! But I could’ve watched this on old black and white television in the fifties. Good job!! Good book!!
The characters are far too dark for normalcy. It’s an effort to identify with them. But the the plot, the story, draws them together. The reader begins to care, to think about them. It does take time! But I could’ve watched this on old black and white television in the fifties. Good job!! Good book!!
November 20, 2023
Surprising twist to this cop story...
I knew it wS supposed to be sci-fi... but it started like a cop story & I was hooked into that & I thought I just had clicked on one of my other books instead of The Arx by Jay Allan Storey. While the story dipped into sci-fi mode one little step at a time, it still took me by surprise that it was a great sci-fi cop book!
I knew it wS supposed to be sci-fi... but it started like a cop story & I was hooked into that & I thought I just had clicked on one of my other books instead of The Arx by Jay Allan Storey. While the story dipped into sci-fi mode one little step at a time, it still took me by surprise that it was a great sci-fi cop book!
December 22, 2025
The ideas behind this story are good but the execution didn’t work for me. Some of the plot points are told as exposition by some of the characters and it really detracts from what could have been a good story.
I did find it difficult to finish.
It is a light read so if you just need something you don’t need to concentrate on too much then go ahead.
I did find it difficult to finish.
It is a light read so if you just need something you don’t need to concentrate on too much then go ahead.
September 24, 2017
I received a free copy of The Arx for review. I really didn’t know what to expect, based on the blurb.
Mr Storey’s writing grab me from the start, and has me looking forward to the rest of the series.
Mr Storey’s writing grab me from the start, and has me looking forward to the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews