A new breed of killer has hit Dallas. The victims? They bleed blue. And the brotherhood is calling in the cavalry: one Booker T. Adams, PI.
Excommunicated from the Dallas Police Department for refusing to overlook conduct unbefitting an officer, Booker has every reason to slam the door shut when the chief pleads for his assistance. But Booker can’t turn his back on the community he’s always felt drawn to protect, even if it means getting in bed with someone who tried to ruin his life.
As pandemonium floods the city from the inside out, Booker chases an invisible plague. He can’t stop what he can’t see. And then the unthinkable happens. Another killing…and this one guts him.
Driven by an eternal camaraderie he’d once shared with his long-time partner, Booker shifts into overdrive to end this sinister game, some sort of sick vigilante justice.
A vengeful fury of his own takes hold. And the damned can hear him coming.
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 three more stories. But it's hard to predict where my imagination will end.
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) BOOKER - No Más (Volume 5) BOOKER - Dead Heat (Volume 6)
BOOKER - Dead Heat eBook categories include: Private Investigator Series Private Investigator Thriller Series Private Investigator Thriller Novels Private Investigator Suspense Thriller Series Private Investigat
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.
Booker is back home, getting in a closer relationship with his PI investigation partner, Alisa, and doing his best to father his daughter, Samantha, who 6 going on 16! The characters in these books are so real, the author keeps you involved in everything that is going on, until you feel this is happening with your friends!! Booker has always kept to his morals, looking to do right by people in his community being hurt by those who take what they want...This morality resulted in him being removed from the police force, so he is extremely surprised to receive a call from the Chief of Police, then a meeting in which the Chief wants to hire Booker for a quiet investigation! Police officers are being murdered...A scary thought, and the Chief needs to keep it very hush, not wanting to have the whole force afraid and on the run... So Booker looks to do his thing, then a horrific murder makes the case personal...Now Booker is Coming for the Evil...And they better watch out!!! A fascinating crime thriller by an author who writes with his heart!!
I have read every book in this series thus far as such when the opportunity came for me to read Dead Heat, I could not resist. This is the sixth book in the series, and I can’t seem to get enough of Booker. The moment, I was introduced to him; I knew I would like him. Booker is a man of integrity, which is a characteristic any good cop should possess. He was not the type of person to look the other way when innocent people were being taken advantage of by his colleagues. It was this quality that led to him being ousted from the Dallas Police Department. Booker would not allow the actions of the department to bring him down, instead he put his investigative skills to good use by becoming a private investigator.
In this installment, cops are being murdered. Booker is secretly hired by the chief of police to uncover the mastermind behind the murders. One may have expected that he would not take the job, but as a former cop, he felt an affinity to his brothers in blue and was compelled to help to solve these murders. While investigating these murders, more occurred with one hitting close to home. Booker is now more than ever compelled to find the killer before he kills again. The question is, How are these murders related if at all? What is the motive, is it revenge or is it vigilante killings.
Like the previous books in the series, there is a lot going on, but everything is intricately woven together. I found this installment to be a bit emotional. Events took place that I wished had not, and it left me feeling sad. There was not a lot of action like I had come to expect. However, there were so many twists and turns its a wonder, I did not get whiplash. There was danger lurking everywhere and it was not easy to figure out who was next on the killer's list. The ending took me by surprise. Based on the ending, I figured fans can expect more from this series.
What I like about this series is that things are not always black and white. Mr. Mefford has a way of taking his readers out of their comfort zone, causing them to experience things they would not have, under normal circumstances. He pulls you into his stories and you become invested in his characters that you can't help but feel their pain, rejoice when they triumph and mourn when they leave.
Like the previous books in the series, Dead Heat can be read as a stand-alone. However, I would recommend that you begin reading from book one as you will be better able to appreciate the phases that the characters go through with each installment.
If you love mysteries/thrillers and want a new series to sink your teeth in, then Booker would be a great place to start. You will not regret it.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
Booker T. Adams, PI, is asked by the chief of Dallas Police Department for assistance in flushing out a new breed of killer that has hit Dallas: the victims are one of their own. Booker shifts into overdrive to end this sinister game.
My thoughts in a few words:
Even with all his good intentions, Booker is always dragged into seedy situations and following him is a real roller-coaster ride. Once again, Mr. Mefford combines a terrific story line with action out of movie scenes. The action is fast-paced and seems to never end. In “Dead Heat” we meet different people: Bolt. A lovable teenager, Henry, works for the DA’s office and of course Alisa, Booker’s crime-fighting partner. We also have a police chief whose motives are questionable, a dangerous mobster and an old friend not so friendly at all. You would think that “Dead Heat” had all the elements needed to make a gripping read. Some would say yes...Then why did I have trouble keeping my mind on this story and staying focused: simply too many uninteresting side bars that distracted me: such as parties and games even superfluous events that added little to the story. Good read, but not the author’s best work.
I read a lot of books from this author and I generally think there are great although the Booker series is not my favourite I still think all 6 books are well worth reading.
Have I mentioned that I love this series? While the Booker series does have its dark and twisted side, even the general crime drama reader will become hooked if read in order. The characters become real and you'll get attatched. You'll worry about them and occcasionally want to smack them for decisions and actions you, the reader, know will not turn out well. At parts, I also laughed out loud. (dumbass. a**wipe in the house!)
Booker was an honest cop. That sense of value got him black balled and unceremoniously TOSSED from the Dallas force. Fortunately, he still has a few trustworthy contacts from that life, or so he believes, but we are learning nothing is ever as simple or clear as it seems.
When the Chief of DPD secretly hires Booker to hunt down a cop killer, you know there are enemies and danger on all sides, from ALL directions. The deeper Booker gets into the case, the more complex it becomes and it hits very close to home. The entire force is stymied but Chief Ligon puts heat on Booker for immediate results. Soon it is not only cops being killed. Is this someone on a vendetta? There definitely seems to be a masterplan and a hitlist. (Although this killer doesn't always follow the plan.)
With an ending you won't see coming that leaves you asking what comes next?
I did receive this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Booker is hired by the Chief of Police Ligon following the brutal death of a police officer and the discovery that the suicide of a previous officer was actually another homicide. The Chief believes there may be a cop killer in Dallas and cannot have the city in a panic. Once Booker and his former colleague Henry are on the job 2 more deaths occur, one being a judge and the other a paralegal from the DA's office, a colleague of Henry's. The case, which was already complicated, becomes even more of a maze of bodies, dead ends, and emotions and requires looking into old cases to determine any connections that may exist. Damaged, physically and emotionally, Booker and his team work to wrap up this case and eliminate the fear of impeding deaths to those in authority in Dallas.
Another amazing book in the Booker Series and I am so glad I chose to read it. The characters in this book are super real, and pretty easy to feel what they're going through. I'm not sure if I would have been able to help the Dallas P.D. if they would have treated me like they treated Booker! I never knew what was going to happen next, and I was on the edge of my seat through out the whole book, which I absolutely LOVED. This book IS a part of a series, but it CAN be read as a stand alone book. I would recommend it!
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I would never recommend a book to someone if I didn't like it.
Booker is hired by the Dallas Police Chief to investigate two cop killings, along with his friend Assistant DA Henry Cho. A judge is then killed, leading Booker to believe they are retribution killings. As they study old case files for clues, they have no idea how close to home the killer will target next.
As usual, Booker is at the top of his game. I love following along on his cases. This one was no different. I was absorbing and processing every clue trying to figure out who-done-it ahead of him. I also like that we’re seeing more of the nurturing side of Booker.
Another great Booker adventure. I love this series and wait anxiously for each new book to arrive on my Kindle! As each book is available there's always something new to discover. Love the characters and getting to know them better, love the excitement and seeing how plots develop. Never a dull moment, completely engrossing and fun to read. Highly recommend this series; the books are stand alone, but you do get more out of them reading in order as the characters develop and life changes come along. Enjoyed every page, as always!
Really enjoyed this series, but this one just didn't seem to have as much action in it. So I am giving it 3 1/2 stars I would highly recommend the Booker series to any one who enjoys a good mystery/PI story mixed with some humor to check this series out. Will be interesting to see what new series the author comes up with.
Intense final novel in the Booker series. Someone is murdering law enforcement officials and Booker is hired to find out who is responsible. The violence this time involves people near and dear to him. Intriguing plot and interesting characters as always. Highly recommended.
This final book (or is it?) in this great series is a fitting end for a wonderful six-book long story. PI Booker is back from his trip to the Dominican Republic bringing with him not only fantastic results for his most recent clients, but several big surprises for himself and his family. Only home in Dallas for a short time, Booker is called into a meeting with his former boss, the Chief of Police. Booker is hired to immediately begin an “off the book” investigation into a horrible murder and mutulation, immediately followed by a second murder, and then by a third. The Chief’s explanation for choosing an outsider from the police force is that the murder victims are members of law enforcement and the legal profession, and the Chief is concerned that a full-blown panic may erupt among his officers if they get involved into possibly investigating their own. Who will be the next target? Everyone is vulnerable. Booker and his associates are on the hunt with all hands on deck when, all of sudden, the investigation becomes very, very personal. As always with this really talented author, this exciting thriller is interwoven with the continuation of the heart-warming story of Booker, his business partner Alisa, his beautiful daughter Samantha, and all of his many, many former co-workers, family and friends. Of course, while complete on its own, it does help to be able to know the characters and their relationships already since they continually evolve. You are never disappointed when you read these stories.
Well “Dead Heat” is the final book in “The Booker Thrillers” by John Mefford! I can’t believe this is the end of the series. Although this book does tie all the lose ends up as Booker rushes to find a cop killer. I couldn’t put this book down. It’s definitely a page turner. As he and his team search for the killer they always seem to be just a tad too late to prevent it. As the killings mount they get closer and closer to Booker’s heart and close friends. You don’t want to miss this one or actually any of these great thrillers. I highly recommend this series and this author. You’ll love them all. The action, twists, and turns are non-stop! Grab something today!
I hope this is not the end of this series because I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting this character and following his life and trials, thanks to the imagination of Mr. Medford. Gave it a 4 Star, which is excellent in my book. I save the 5’s for unimaginable masterpieces. Hopefully you will enjoy this book too.
Booker is hired by the Chief of Police to find a cop-killer. The same police force that fired him. Talk about conflict! The tricky thing is he has to do this 'undercover'. It's not going to be easy to find out who is doing this without ruffling the feathers of the police force. Then someone close to him is killed, and it is definitely game on now! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Another great read. Is this really the end of the series. How sad, I hope it is not true. I really love these characters. There is great character development and tonnes of action in Mr Meffords books. Booker is hired by the chief of police to find a cop killer. Of course it wont be so simple because life never is. The twists and turns keep you turning the pages until well past bed time!
Have read all the book but the greed series,I finish one series and think it was great then go on to the next,etc. I honestly don't have fav,they are all excellent,please keep up great writing,loved the way things tied in from one book to another,I'm a fan for life
Booker Dead Heat is the latest and 6th, book in the P.I. Series by John. W. Mefford. A great mystery, suspenseful crime read that still leaves you guessing nearly to the last page, such a page turner! You can read each book alone, but they just get better with each new book so I highly recommend picking the first few up and enjoying them! There’s intense depth within the books, characters are so well written you get a great feel of them each. Mefford does an amazing job setting the scene and it can be chilling at times. If you enjoy great crime books, this is a really great series you need to keep a look out for !
Dead Heat –
Someone is targeting and killing off police in Dallas, and everyone’s looking at each other for answers. With no real end in sight to these violent killings , and the Chief of Police turns to former cop turned P.I. Booker for help. Booker has plenty of reasons not too, but as always he’s pulled to help and protect. He’s not out for personal gain, or even recognition, he is drawn to protect and for that he really can’t turn his back on anyone in need even if he doesn’t trust half of them.
Danger and trouble seem to be Bookers middle names, as no matter where he turns danger is lurking and there’s no moment of action he seems to miss. With his eyes and ears open Booker takes on the case knowing it won’t be easy in anyway, but that never stopped him before and certainly won’t now. Why are cops being targeted? There had to be a reason, was it the police force in general someone was against or were they trying to target certain ones over a case that didn’t go their way? If a case, among the hundreds that it could be what is this murderer after? With each small lead Booker seems to follow, the more complex and chilling the case gets and even hits way too close to home. Will he be able to figure out who’s targeting his former cop community or will cops keep showing up dead keeping Dallas in fear and in constant worry ? You’ll have to read the latest installment of the Booker series to find out! Enjoy a great suspense read full of darkening twists that leave you on the edge of your seat!
Immediately, I dove into this book because I love the way Booker thinks, feels, acts......everything. He had the gut instinct that every good protector should have, book smarts to put two and two together and the street smarts to make it all work. He's not afraid to stand up for what is right and what is wrong. Sadly, that is what caused him to be removed from the Dallas Police Department. Now that a killer is hitting too close to home, the Chief wants Booker back. I'm not sure that I could my pride to the side and do what Booker did after they way they decommissioned him in the past. I love how intense this series is - it puts a fear in you....makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck but you can't stop reading! You feel like you're sitting right there with Booker and feel, see, taste, etc. everything that he experiences. It never fails that I get a laugh or two but this book had me holding onto my e-reader one minute and ready to throw it next because I wasn't sure I wanted to know what came next. The mixture of the professional life and personal life make it a perfect blend so you get to see Booker from all angles. With the way this book ended, I am so twisted in the story that I was literally biting my lip and screamed in anticipation as to what may come next! If you haven't started this story from book one, I HIGHLY recommend it. You'll love Booker's dynamics!
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
I love sleep. Seriously. But there is nothing I hated more this past week than sleep. I did not want to put this book down and there was more than one night that hubby came into bed and had to remove the book from my sleeping person. I just couldn’t put it down on my own!
I am a huge fan of John Mefford’s writing and I love all of the books in the Booker series. Dead Heat was no exception.
Dead Heat is part of the series, but I felt that of any of them; this one could definitely be read as a stand alone without being completely lost.
I love how all of the Booker books are suspenseful and mysterious. I have never figured out who the killer was before the book reveals it and the story lines just get better. I am crossing my fingers for another book because there was a loose end that didn’t get tied up. I of course have my ideas, but I’m sure they will be wrong if another book comes out. Like I said, I can never figure it out before the end!
If you enjoy mystery, suspense or any previous Mefford books; you will absolutely want to read Booker: Dead Heat.
This series of novels just keeps getting better and better. I am always looking forward to the next one but this time I really hope he tells us who that last dirty cop was----I have a love/hate relationship with cliff hangers----At any rate lots of fast paced action in this one as Booker and his assistant and his long time friends attempt to find who is killing cops and officers of the court. There is a bit of comedy involved and parental angst as well. This entire series should be put on your next to read list! Booker: Dead Heat
I have to confess this is the first I have read in the Booker series but I don’t think that has hindered my enjoyment in any way. I happily read it as a stand-alone.
Good all round character, he has some balls but also displays a softer side. We are investigating deaths of a fairly gruesome nature & the writing is descriptive .. this pulls you in emotionally, willing Booker to prevent any more high profile cases. Great mystery with moments of humour that will keep you guessing .. I’m keen now to read the previous titles in the series!
Once Again Mr. Mefford has written a good one. I felt drawn in from the get-go, like I was there actually watching it unfold. I'm glad that I have had the privilege to read this series and most certainly look forward to more good reading
When does a cry for justice turn into vigalanteism? When does that morph into murderous intent? And when that intent to astray? That is the crux of this book. Is the intent pure or twisted? And, can Booker find the truth before it is too late.
Intense final story in the Booker series. Wish it could go on and on. Most emotional book in the series. Excellent writing and characters who you want to be friends with.
I was lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this book from the author. I am volunteering to leave this review. Great book plenty of twist and turns that will keep you guessing.