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John Rockne #3
Cold Jade
Grosse Pointe private investigator John Rockne his hired to find a missing girl. What he finds instead is a mystery that only gets darker and more dangerous with every twist and turn.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2015
1111 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Dan Ames
218 books489 followersDan Ames is an international bestselling author and winner of the Independent Book Award for Crime Fiction. He is the author of The JACK REACHER Cases. You can learn more about him at authordanames.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 10, 2023
Cold Jade is the third book in the John Rockne Mystery series by Dan Ames. I read the first two books last year and enjoyed them. Here in this novel the storyline has distinctly changed from an origin story to a continuing narrative of P.I. mystery cases, as it should. Rockne is asked to find a missing person, 18-year-old young lady. There are invariable plot twists that keep the narrative flowing with important exposition conveyed succinctly in first person. This was a very quick read, in comparison with the first two novels, but there is sufficient story and red herrings to keep any mystery fan guessing. The writing is mostly first person which is both a strength and a weakness. There are some few parts told in third person meant to show the killer in action. This is the weakest part, because the writer / first person point of view is sufficiently glib and witty that I actually laughed out loud a few times, whereas the third person always keeps the reader and the killer apart. In my Grey Geek scale, this is a strong 4 Grey Geeks or for Goodreads 4 stars.
December 31, 2017
Some what entertained.
Missing eighteen years old girl. John is hired by the father, as always does everything to find this troubled girl. Fast read.
Missing eighteen years old girl. John is hired by the father, as always does everything to find this troubled girl. Fast read.
January 25, 2018
This book was entertaining and kept my interest.. There were several plot twists I really did not see coming which blended well with the parts that I predicted. There are several reasons I gave this book a 5 star rating.... One is the way the author, Dan Ames, portrays the differences between the nice middle and upper class parts of town and a gritty side of Detroit where violence is the norm. Secondly, this book reads fast...very fast, I could not believe how quickly I read this book! Finally, I like the main character as he is realistic...rather than some larger than life hero, he is simply a normal man with a great sense of humor. The normal man, working as a Private Investigator entertains and surprises as he plods his way through a missing person's case. Dan Ames weaves the world of sex, violence, and politics throughout this quick mystery novel with PI John in the center of the action.
PROS:
John's wit, the interaction between John, Anne (John's wife) as well as between John and Nate, the well connected and knowledgeable sidekick. The humor is entertaining but being inside John Rocke's head is the best!
CONS:
The mysterious secret was not revealed to the reader as obvious as I would like... It felt like it appeared to John magically without clues to the reader...perhaps I should read slower...
PROS:
John's wit, the interaction between John, Anne (John's wife) as well as between John and Nate, the well connected and knowledgeable sidekick. The humor is entertaining but being inside John Rocke's head is the best!
CONS:
The mysterious secret was not revealed to the reader as obvious as I would like... It felt like it appeared to John magically without clues to the reader...perhaps I should read slower...
January 21, 2020
A private investigator in this yawner of a novella was hired to find a missing girl. Some readers mentioned a surprise ending in their reviews but there was none. The author’s insertion of a transsexual at the 79% mark had all the coherence of a non-sequitur. Of the five books by Mr. Ames I’ve read, I only enjoyed two of them and Cold Jade was not one of them. The girl in the story was not the only thing missing. The story itself was missing cohesion, suspense, and in many parts, sense.
UPDATE: Apparently Cold Jade is the third in a series which Dan Ames calls Grosse Pointe Pulp (the first two books are titled Dead Wood and Hard Rock). On June 30, 2018, Kindle offered me all three for free, but I declined the offer. My mother always taught me never to decline anything for free, but she also never read a Dan Ames book.
UPDATE: Apparently Cold Jade is the third in a series which Dan Ames calls Grosse Pointe Pulp (the first two books are titled Dead Wood and Hard Rock). On June 30, 2018, Kindle offered me all three for free, but I declined the offer. My mother always taught me never to decline anything for free, but she also never read a Dan Ames book.
April 11, 2017
This is a satisfying installment in an appealing detective series. The protagonist is funny without being slapstick.
May 11, 2018
Fast-paced with often violent action, the book was a good read. Rockne is humorous, quick-witted and self-deprecating. Not really a mystery, the story fits more in the thriller category as it seems more interested in the setting and the action than in any mystery. My kindle version of this book is subtitled "A Hardboiled Private Investigator Mystery Series," and it is probably the expectation of a hardboiled private investigator that I find objectionable. Rockne doesn't carry a weapon and nowhere in this story is he responsible for any of the violence that sets the stage for his investigation. All in all he seems like kind of a soft-hearted good guy. This is my first John Rockne mystery and I don't feel that I lost any context by stepping into his world in the third book. Recommended.
December 31, 2017
Surprised me!
Absolutely loved this book. Main character humorous, honest, bright sometimes, lost at times, but very human. The end caught me by surprise, didn't see it coming. READ IT!
Absolutely loved this book. Main character humorous, honest, bright sometimes, lost at times, but very human. The end caught me by surprise, didn't see it coming. READ IT!
January 7, 2018
Cold Jade - a review by Rosemary Kenny
'Innocent' (according to her parents), young Kierra Cotton is missing - and the police aren't really interested, assuming she's just reacting to the fight she had with her parents the night before she left. Into this scenario comes John Rockne, a somewhat cynical PI who agrees to take on the case - to find Kierra and persuade her to return home - for a hefty fee from Kierra's rich father.
Using Kierra's social media account, Rockne soon discovers that Kierra (aka Jade), is about as far from being a blushing, untouched maiden as possible...in fact she's been accumulating quite a bankroll by hiring herself out as a stripper, an escort and even as a hooker.
What is the secret Kierra's family hides from John? How does it affect what is happening to the people who last saw/talked to 'Jade'?
Who is Nix and what is his influence on Jade's life?
Who is Clay? What is he hired to do - and by whom?
Why are the Vaughans involved in the case - and what is their relationship to Jade?
The topics of Dan Ames' diamond-sharp book are definitely realistic possibilities in the 21st century world we live in, where the person on the street is only ever a few metres away from a whole different world and one where crime pays and the innocent are soon fleeced - or worse! Its fast paced action and psychological drama quickly engage the reader and keep them tingling with anticipation - and the hope that John is not too late to save Jade's life - or his own. You'll love it!
'Innocent' (according to her parents), young Kierra Cotton is missing - and the police aren't really interested, assuming she's just reacting to the fight she had with her parents the night before she left. Into this scenario comes John Rockne, a somewhat cynical PI who agrees to take on the case - to find Kierra and persuade her to return home - for a hefty fee from Kierra's rich father.
Using Kierra's social media account, Rockne soon discovers that Kierra (aka Jade), is about as far from being a blushing, untouched maiden as possible...in fact she's been accumulating quite a bankroll by hiring herself out as a stripper, an escort and even as a hooker.
What is the secret Kierra's family hides from John? How does it affect what is happening to the people who last saw/talked to 'Jade'?
Who is Nix and what is his influence on Jade's life?
Who is Clay? What is he hired to do - and by whom?
Why are the Vaughans involved in the case - and what is their relationship to Jade?
The topics of Dan Ames' diamond-sharp book are definitely realistic possibilities in the 21st century world we live in, where the person on the street is only ever a few metres away from a whole different world and one where crime pays and the innocent are soon fleeced - or worse! Its fast paced action and psychological drama quickly engage the reader and keep them tingling with anticipation - and the hope that John is not too late to save Jade's life - or his own. You'll love it!
July 20, 2018
Like the first two John Rockne books, I enjoyed this one for the most part. I must admit, I didn't have quite as many editing issues as I did in the first two, but this one felt more thrown together. I almost got the impression that Mr Ames had a story he wanted to tell and he had a great beginning and a great ending. He just wasn't sure how to get the middle worked out. I really like the character of John Rockne and the little bit we see of his relationship with his wife Anna. I would like to see her more fully developed, but I'm not sure it will happen. The one thing I really have to give Mr Ames credit for is the ability to write characters that I REALLY don't like. The Spook in books 1 & 2 was bad but Clay Hitchfield is a whole other animal. I have most of the John Rockne stories and I'm hoping they will improve as far as editing and character development. I'd really like to be able to give one of them a 5 star rating. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to yet, but I'm holding on to hope.
October 16, 2021
This is the third John Rockne mystery that I've read. I like Rockne okay. His self-deprecating humour is the best part of the books. The plots, however, are pretty repetitive and full of holes.
Rockne never outwits the villain. The villain, even the dumb one in this book, always gets the drop on Rockne. Rockne is about to die but gets conveniently rescued. This happens in all three books. It's lazy plotting. Rockne can't figure a way out of his dilemma and nor can the author, other than having someone else turn up at the last second.
There is also an amazing number of descriptions of Rockne getting in his car, driving along various streets and parking.
As for the plot holes, I think they're pretty obvious and I don't want to include any spoilers.
Rockne never outwits the villain. The villain, even the dumb one in this book, always gets the drop on Rockne. Rockne is about to die but gets conveniently rescued. This happens in all three books. It's lazy plotting. Rockne can't figure a way out of his dilemma and nor can the author, other than having someone else turn up at the last second.
There is also an amazing number of descriptions of Rockne getting in his car, driving along various streets and parking.
As for the plot holes, I think they're pretty obvious and I don't want to include any spoilers.
January 20, 2018
Great romp!
I really liked this story!! A good plot, an interesting private investigator with a sweet family, had me worrying about them!! He is hired to find a missing girl, and there are lots of twists and turns. I have been reading mysteries for a long time, and this one had me guessing, I really enjoy a book that I don't figure out in the first few chapters!
Keep up the good writing, Mr. Ames, I'm a fan! Thank you, I will be reading more of your books! Sincerely, GRH
I really liked this story!! A good plot, an interesting private investigator with a sweet family, had me worrying about them!! He is hired to find a missing girl, and there are lots of twists and turns. I have been reading mysteries for a long time, and this one had me guessing, I really enjoy a book that I don't figure out in the first few chapters!
Keep up the good writing, Mr. Ames, I'm a fan! Thank you, I will be reading more of your books! Sincerely, GRH
April 4, 2020
I enjoy this series mainly for two reasons: the main character and the setting.
It's refreshing to have a family man as a risk-taking private investigator. I enjoy the quirky tongue-in-cheek sense of humor the author infuses in him, even in life-threatening situations. Love secondary characters of his friend Nate, the reporter (and inside informant) and his chief of police sister.
This is an interesting approach to the city of Detroit. Having never been there, I did not realize how some of it had devolved.
Wrap this around a well-plotted mystery and you've got an enjoyable read.
It's refreshing to have a family man as a risk-taking private investigator. I enjoy the quirky tongue-in-cheek sense of humor the author infuses in him, even in life-threatening situations. Love secondary characters of his friend Nate, the reporter (and inside informant) and his chief of police sister.
This is an interesting approach to the city of Detroit. Having never been there, I did not realize how some of it had devolved.
Wrap this around a well-plotted mystery and you've got an enjoyable read.
May 13, 2018
To much profanity
All in all a well written novel with a very intense story. However, I must say this book covers a lot of ground that I felt was way to racist in its literary content.
I found myself asking why an author with this high of a level of writing skills felt the need to use socially responsible verbage throughout this book, I found the language to be very offensive.
This is going to be the last time I'll be reading anything written by Dan Ames.
All in all a well written novel with a very intense story. However, I must say this book covers a lot of ground that I felt was way to racist in its literary content.
I found myself asking why an author with this high of a level of writing skills felt the need to use socially responsible verbage throughout this book, I found the language to be very offensive.
This is going to be the last time I'll be reading anything written by Dan Ames.
September 8, 2018
There's probably a good story here, but it bored me to no end. The MC was boring, the pace was slow, and the ending was downright forced and unbelievable. Nothing the detective did brought a conclusion to the mystery(?), it all happened on its own and would have happened even without the clueless detective. The background characters were little more than cardboard cutouts and the editing could use some work. Bleh!
December 23, 2018
“He was cut in a hundred places and Clay thought he had bled out.” Several paragraphs later: “He took off his leather jacket and set it on the back of a chair, well away from the action. He didn’t want any blood to get on it.” Now he’s worried about getting blood on the jacket?
As usual, Rockne is rescued in the nick of time. Although he does a lot of questioning and following leads, he really doesn’t solve much. This story just unfolds and Rockne follows it where it goes.
As usual, Rockne is rescued in the nick of time. Although he does a lot of questioning and following leads, he really doesn’t solve much. This story just unfolds and Rockne follows it where it goes.
September 1, 2019
Cold Jade. Dan Ames
John Rockne, private investigator is actually quite good at what he does. He acts spontaneously, spur of the moment. Without thinking about the consequences of his actions. Remarkably, this works quite well for him, as well as solving his cases. A young girl, Jade has grown missing. The more involved Rockne gets into the case, the more mysterious it becomes. This is another classic whodunit mystery. Enjoyed immensely!
John Rockne, private investigator is actually quite good at what he does. He acts spontaneously, spur of the moment. Without thinking about the consequences of his actions. Remarkably, this works quite well for him, as well as solving his cases. A young girl, Jade has grown missing. The more involved Rockne gets into the case, the more mysterious it becomes. This is another classic whodunit mystery. Enjoyed immensely!
January 22, 2021
Meh. The ‘humor’ could have been funny if the author respected his readers enough to not explain his joke. But, what bugged me the most about this book was how stereo-typed most of the characters were. The tattooed psychopath, the gorgeous misunderstood daughter, the angry wife, etc. Like some other readers noted, it moved along, it entertained. I really doubt I’ll read any more of this series.
January 11, 2018
The story and writing were ok at best up until the last few chapters, and then stuff started happening inexplicably out of the blue, with a largely unbelievable and unexplained ending.
Would have given it 2 stars for 85% of the book, the last 15% or so dropped it to a 1 star.
Won't be reading any more by this author.
Would have given it 2 stars for 85% of the book, the last 15% or so dropped it to a 1 star.
Won't be reading any more by this author.
February 1, 2018
Not quite hardboiled.
I rated this a 4 because as hard as as "hardbroiled" goes I have read much better in terms of character, charisma and action. The opening is so misleading to the storyline that I was actually looking through the whole story to see when it would get back on track. Overall a disappointment
I rated this a 4 because as hard as as "hardbroiled" goes I have read much better in terms of character, charisma and action. The opening is so misleading to the storyline that I was actually looking through the whole story to see when it would get back on track. Overall a disappointment
July 28, 2019
Rockne is still an idiot, one would normally learn and get smarter but not this idiotic PI, come on Ames. He still never carries his gun. By all rights his character would have died but Ames keeps saving him, not likely. It is an ok book as I like Ames writing style but not one I highly endorse.4
January 29, 2020
I love the John Rockne series. That being said, I did not care for the subject matter of Cold Jade. I’m not going to say what it was about because I don’t want to stop anyone from reading it. Every book by every author will not appeal to everyone, but once I find an author I like , I’ll stick with it. Give it a try, you may like it.
March 26, 2021
Complex mix - Father hires John Rockne to fine his missing daughter, Mother tries to stop the search, somebody hires a criminal to find the daughter. The daughter has been living a secret life which leaves Rockne digging into underground behaviours.
The story has intriguing twists at the end. Terrific.
The story has intriguing twists at the end. Terrific.
January 18, 2018
Hidden lives
A daughter disappears. Why doesn't the mother want to look for her. Who was this girl really? How is the mayor connected to a 18 year old? More questions than answers and more dangerously with each answer.
A daughter disappears. Why doesn't the mother want to look for her. Who was this girl really? How is the mayor connected to a 18 year old? More questions than answers and more dangerously with each answer.
January 27, 2018
Good Read
Good, quick read. Entertaining. My first Ames novel and I enjoyed the twists of plot. Enough so that I will be picking up another very soon. If you like short detective novels you will like this one.
Good, quick read. Entertaining. My first Ames novel and I enjoyed the twists of plot. Enough so that I will be picking up another very soon. If you like short detective novels you will like this one.
January 28, 2018
Easy read
I liked how quickly this book read and the bits of humor mixed in with the mystery. I would happily read more of this series. A perfect weekend book that delivers a decent story.
I liked how quickly this book read and the bits of humor mixed in with the mystery. I would happily read more of this series. A perfect weekend book that delivers a decent story.
March 12, 2019
Good
I liked the characters and the story, especially the twist at the end. I would like to know more of why the main character isn’t a cop anymore. I will have to read the first two books in the series, to find out.
I liked the characters and the story, especially the twist at the end. I would like to know more of why the main character isn’t a cop anymore. I will have to read the first two books in the series, to find out.
July 25, 2019
Seems like a big chunk of info was missing. The opening crime and the terror on the part of the victim just disappeared....she turns up later with no explanation whatsoever on how she ended up where she did. Not a satisfactory resolution in this one.
April 11, 2020
This John Rockne Mysteries just gets better and better.
In this book there is more to Cold Jade than meets the eye---nice twists.
John seems to get deeper and deeper into trouble and this time I thought he finally got into something that he was not going to be able to get out of.
In this book there is more to Cold Jade than meets the eye---nice twists.
John seems to get deeper and deeper into trouble and this time I thought he finally got into something that he was not going to be able to get out of.
August 14, 2017
John is at it again, persistent similar to a bulldog. He will not let go, even if the wife tells him to drop it. I think you will want to read this new mystery.
December 30, 2017
Cold Jade
A fast-moving who-done-it with enough twists and turns to keeep it interesting. I look forward to more books by Dan Ames.
A fast-moving who-done-it with enough twists and turns to keeep it interesting. I look forward to more books by Dan Ames.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews