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A Woman Found Dead in a Farmhouse
A woman found dead in a remote farmhouse begins a gripping series of fast-paced detective thrillers unravelling a dark conspiracy “Evil at the heart of government, a man and a woman determined to uncover a conspiracy that touches on everything they thought they knew.” Chris Child
For the first time ever, the three best-selling books in The Titan Trilogy are available in one edition.
Follow Detective Brendan Healy’s heart-stopping journey to uncover the truth. It all starts when he’s called in to investigate why a young woman called Rebecca Heilshorn was stabbed to death in her own home. All hell breaks loose when her brother bursts onto the crime scene. Rebecca turns out to have many secrets, and connections to a sordid network mixing politicians, wealth, and sex. Can Brendan solve the murder and how does it relate to his own tragic past?
In book two, we meet Special Prosecutor Jennifer Aiken who is investigating the exploitation of women and human trafficking. The trail will put both her and Brendan’s life in mortal danger, as well as introducing Healy to the fascinating young woman Sloane Dewan, who may hold the key to it all.
Finally in the concluding part of this compelling trilogy, Brendan and Jennifer work together to expose the corruption at the heart of the American government and the people attempting to control the economy, military, and police for their own ends. Can Brendan finally get justice for his wife and daughter and all the other victims of the dark forces subverting freedom?
If you like Stieg Larsson, Jo Nesbo, or Dennis Lehane novels you will be gripped by the compelling crime thriller trilogy
The three books take place in the United States, including many closely observed locales in New York State, somewhere the author knows very well from living there.
Detective Brendan Healy is a recovering addict, whose problems began with a terrible family tragedy. Trained in neuroscience, and supported by his friend Seamus Argon, he tries to kick-start his life by joining the Hawthorne police department.
Jennifer Aiken is a special prosecutor for the Department of Justice, Jennifer gets involved when her Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit takes an interest in the Rebecca Heilshorn murder. Her ordered career and life are torn apart by what she discovers.
ALL BOOKS WERE PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS HABIT, SURVIVORS, AND DAYBREAK (FORMING THE TITAN TRILOGY)
PRAISE FOR HABIT
"Habit explodes with gun battles, conspiracies, relapses and detours into the seedy world of internet porn...a hard-boiled mystery with a modern twist." - Margot Harrison, Seven Days
PRAISE FOR SURVIVORS
"T.J. Brearton has created interesting characters, including good villains, a convoluted plot and a thoughtful foundation. This is a fun read ... The conspiracy Brearton has created is reminiscent of some David Baldacci thrillers ... bad people are everywhere and in control, and that only a few - but enough to provide some hope - are fighting to save the little nobility and truth that hasn't been bought yet ... Some of the back story was provided in the first book of the trilogy, but Brearton is adept at bringing the reader up to speed on the connections among the various characters." - Jerry McGovern, The Adirondack Daily Enterprise
For the first time ever, the three best-selling books in The Titan Trilogy are available in one edition.
Follow Detective Brendan Healy’s heart-stopping journey to uncover the truth. It all starts when he’s called in to investigate why a young woman called Rebecca Heilshorn was stabbed to death in her own home. All hell breaks loose when her brother bursts onto the crime scene. Rebecca turns out to have many secrets, and connections to a sordid network mixing politicians, wealth, and sex. Can Brendan solve the murder and how does it relate to his own tragic past?
In book two, we meet Special Prosecutor Jennifer Aiken who is investigating the exploitation of women and human trafficking. The trail will put both her and Brendan’s life in mortal danger, as well as introducing Healy to the fascinating young woman Sloane Dewan, who may hold the key to it all.
Finally in the concluding part of this compelling trilogy, Brendan and Jennifer work together to expose the corruption at the heart of the American government and the people attempting to control the economy, military, and police for their own ends. Can Brendan finally get justice for his wife and daughter and all the other victims of the dark forces subverting freedom?
If you like Stieg Larsson, Jo Nesbo, or Dennis Lehane novels you will be gripped by the compelling crime thriller trilogy
The three books take place in the United States, including many closely observed locales in New York State, somewhere the author knows very well from living there.
Detective Brendan Healy is a recovering addict, whose problems began with a terrible family tragedy. Trained in neuroscience, and supported by his friend Seamus Argon, he tries to kick-start his life by joining the Hawthorne police department.
Jennifer Aiken is a special prosecutor for the Department of Justice, Jennifer gets involved when her Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit takes an interest in the Rebecca Heilshorn murder. Her ordered career and life are torn apart by what she discovers.
ALL BOOKS WERE PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS HABIT, SURVIVORS, AND DAYBREAK (FORMING THE TITAN TRILOGY)
PRAISE FOR HABIT
"Habit explodes with gun battles, conspiracies, relapses and detours into the seedy world of internet porn...a hard-boiled mystery with a modern twist." - Margot Harrison, Seven Days
PRAISE FOR SURVIVORS
"T.J. Brearton has created interesting characters, including good villains, a convoluted plot and a thoughtful foundation. This is a fun read ... The conspiracy Brearton has created is reminiscent of some David Baldacci thrillers ... bad people are everywhere and in control, and that only a few - but enough to provide some hope - are fighting to save the little nobility and truth that hasn't been bought yet ... Some of the back story was provided in the first book of the trilogy, but Brearton is adept at bringing the reader up to speed on the connections among the various characters." - Jerry McGovern, The Adirondack Daily Enterprise
769 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2015
66 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Brearton
46 books387 followersTimothy James Brearton lives in the Adirondack Mountains with his wife and three children. He's loved thrillers and police stories for most of his life. HABIT follows broken cop Brendan Healy down the rabbit hole of a human trafficking conspiracy. DEAD GONE delivers Florida cop Tom Lange into a criminal underworld and THE KILLING TIME introduces FBI agent Shannon Ames, a country girl in the big city.
http://tjbrearton.net/about
http://tjbrearton.net/about
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 11, 2016
A woman found dead in a farmhouse by the t j Brearton is a mystery and thriller and general fiction (adult) read.
Follow Detective Brendan Healy’s heart-stopping journey to uncover the truth. It all starts when he’s called in to investigate why a young woman called Rebecca Heilshorn was stabbed to death in her own home. All hell breaks loose when her brother bursts onto the crime scene. Rebecca turns out to have many secrets, and connections to a sordid network mixing politicians, wealth, and sex. Can Brendan solve the murder and how does it relate to his own tragic past?
An absolutely fantastic read. I loved all 3 books. The story and the characters. Highly recommended. 5*. Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
Follow Detective Brendan Healy’s heart-stopping journey to uncover the truth. It all starts when he’s called in to investigate why a young woman called Rebecca Heilshorn was stabbed to death in her own home. All hell breaks loose when her brother bursts onto the crime scene. Rebecca turns out to have many secrets, and connections to a sordid network mixing politicians, wealth, and sex. Can Brendan solve the murder and how does it relate to his own tragic past?
An absolutely fantastic read. I loved all 3 books. The story and the characters. Highly recommended. 5*. Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
July 12, 2017
Interesting
Believable. That's the sick part ... it's so farfetched, it actually rings true. Maybe because Brearton uses the same ploys within the narrative of the trilogy as does the fictional government! Half-truths, untrue statements, even doctored photos and videos, certainly do rule American society! And beyond! Its sickening to even imagine that world existing but how far off from that are we, REALLY?
Because this is just a novel I wanted a big exposé at the end! But really? How can a nation fail? Ask the French. The Russians. The Chinese. Americans are no better or worse. Wonder how long the existing US govt/global multinational method will be allowed to continue?
Believable. That's the sick part ... it's so farfetched, it actually rings true. Maybe because Brearton uses the same ploys within the narrative of the trilogy as does the fictional government! Half-truths, untrue statements, even doctored photos and videos, certainly do rule American society! And beyond! Its sickening to even imagine that world existing but how far off from that are we, REALLY?
Because this is just a novel I wanted a big exposé at the end! But really? How can a nation fail? Ask the French. The Russians. The Chinese. Americans are no better or worse. Wonder how long the existing US govt/global multinational method will be allowed to continue?
February 6, 2016
This was a marathon read - a trilogy in one book - it was a very entertaining read, compelling and very very believable which makes it all the more alarming because I can see what happened really happening at some point in the future and that's scary!!
Off to find more books by this author because this three were great!
Off to find more books by this author because this three were great!
November 18, 2015
Amazing book
This book was a book I didn't want to put down. It was outstanding. Looking forward to reading more like it.
This book was a book I didn't want to put down. It was outstanding. Looking forward to reading more like it.
January 1, 2025
Habit: More intense than I imagined. Gripping story with deep characters and a truly messed up reality. Not just a murder mystery but a puzzle with a million pieces.
Survivors: We’ve got a couple different points of view, Brendan and Jennifer. It’s been a couple years since the last book and he’s now a PI, brought back into the game for the funeral of his friend. She’s an agent working on the Titan case, actually knows as much as Brendan. I really wanted some answers and I got them along with more questions. There’s pages and pages of just internal monologue about government, politics, money, black markets, just everything. It’s difficult to follow and put the pieces together through the fog of conspiracy and such. I don’t like to skim words just in case I’ve something important, but I never would’ve finished if I hadn’t skimmed.
Daybreak: I couldn’t even start it, the first two drained my interest.
Survivors: We’ve got a couple different points of view, Brendan and Jennifer. It’s been a couple years since the last book and he’s now a PI, brought back into the game for the funeral of his friend. She’s an agent working on the Titan case, actually knows as much as Brendan. I really wanted some answers and I got them along with more questions. There’s pages and pages of just internal monologue about government, politics, money, black markets, just everything. It’s difficult to follow and put the pieces together through the fog of conspiracy and such. I don’t like to skim words just in case I’ve something important, but I never would’ve finished if I hadn’t skimmed.
Daybreak: I couldn’t even start it, the first two drained my interest.
d-n-f
May 2, 2016I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley from the publishers, Joffe Books, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
This is a series of three books published in one volume. I have to admit to reading only the first book in this volume and I'm afraid I have neither the inclination nor the interest to pursue it any further.
I liked the plot of the book, except for the ending which is messy, rambling and unfulfilling. But I found the writing style to be very erratic. The author likes to take the long way round with his writing - he is in many places extremely wordy to the detriment of the story. He describes everything down to the finest detail, as in this example: 'Brendan set his bag down inside the front door and walked into the kitchen. The room was off the dining area, a small galley kitchen, with white flooring, mirrored counter spaces, a sink and dishwasher on one side, cabinetry and refrigerator on the other. He opened the fridge and peered in. He found the grape juice and pulled it out. He took a glass down from one of the cabinets and filled it with ice from the refrigerator's ice machine. The machine labored and clunked and finally spat out four wedges of ice in a rush. He poured the grape juice, put the bottle back in the fridge and returned to the entrance hall where he picked up his bag. With the ice tinkling in his glass and holding the bag by its leather strap he walked into the back of the house where his darkened living room was.' And it just goes on.
I really don't care what the kitchen looks like unless it is relevant to the development of the plot. What is wrong with 'Brendan dropped his bag inside the front door and headed for the kitchen to pour himself an iced grape juice.'?
TJ Brearton also likes to hammer his points home....which all gets a bit wearing and repetitive. In the beginning we were all very much aware that Kevin was wearing a black leather jacket; then there was the scene where Brendan aimed too high when he took a shot (this is rammed home twice in one paragraph)...'his angle had been a little steeper than he would have liked', then two sentences later we have 'The bullet contacted higher than Brendan would have hoped.'
As I said the premise of the plot is great. We start with a young woman being found dead in a farmhouse, no surprises there given the title of the book. Detective Brendan Healy is called in to investigate the death of Rebecca Heilshorn, daughter of eminent parents. Rebecca turns out to have many secrets, and connections to a sordid network mixing politicians, child abduction, and sex. Matters are further complicated when Healy shoots Rebecca's brother dead. Of course Healy is a damaged soul with his own issues...he is a recovering addict.
With a strong editor this book could be a real cracker. I was tempted to give it only one star, but I have given it two because I can see potential here.
This is a series of three books published in one volume. I have to admit to reading only the first book in this volume and I'm afraid I have neither the inclination nor the interest to pursue it any further.
I liked the plot of the book, except for the ending which is messy, rambling and unfulfilling. But I found the writing style to be very erratic. The author likes to take the long way round with his writing - he is in many places extremely wordy to the detriment of the story. He describes everything down to the finest detail, as in this example: 'Brendan set his bag down inside the front door and walked into the kitchen. The room was off the dining area, a small galley kitchen, with white flooring, mirrored counter spaces, a sink and dishwasher on one side, cabinetry and refrigerator on the other. He opened the fridge and peered in. He found the grape juice and pulled it out. He took a glass down from one of the cabinets and filled it with ice from the refrigerator's ice machine. The machine labored and clunked and finally spat out four wedges of ice in a rush. He poured the grape juice, put the bottle back in the fridge and returned to the entrance hall where he picked up his bag. With the ice tinkling in his glass and holding the bag by its leather strap he walked into the back of the house where his darkened living room was.' And it just goes on.
I really don't care what the kitchen looks like unless it is relevant to the development of the plot. What is wrong with 'Brendan dropped his bag inside the front door and headed for the kitchen to pour himself an iced grape juice.'?
TJ Brearton also likes to hammer his points home....which all gets a bit wearing and repetitive. In the beginning we were all very much aware that Kevin was wearing a black leather jacket; then there was the scene where Brendan aimed too high when he took a shot (this is rammed home twice in one paragraph)...'his angle had been a little steeper than he would have liked', then two sentences later we have 'The bullet contacted higher than Brendan would have hoped.'
As I said the premise of the plot is great. We start with a young woman being found dead in a farmhouse, no surprises there given the title of the book. Detective Brendan Healy is called in to investigate the death of Rebecca Heilshorn, daughter of eminent parents. Rebecca turns out to have many secrets, and connections to a sordid network mixing politicians, child abduction, and sex. Matters are further complicated when Healy shoots Rebecca's brother dead. Of course Healy is a damaged soul with his own issues...he is a recovering addict.
With a strong editor this book could be a real cracker. I was tempted to give it only one star, but I have given it two because I can see potential here.
July 7, 2016
This set of novels in acceptable and, mostly, enjoyable thriller trilogy—as long as you can willingly suspend disbelief enough to swallow the grand conspiracy theory that drives the story. Oh, and if you're a tech. person, be prepared for some jarring notes here and there. (Three examples: treating "the Internet" and "the World Wide Web" as synonymous, a common misconception; an assertion that ICANN holds keys to "reboot the Internet", when the truth is significantly more nuanced; and, a vast oversimplification of the induced societal catastrophe that figures into the finale of the series.) But, non-geeks won't find those details quite so jarring; they're no worse, really, than what Hollywood does to the technology and science on a routine basis.
There are some typos here and there, but not as many as a lot of the books I've read through Kindle Unlimited, so Brearton has found a decent editor.
Though the villains are somewhat two-dimensional, the main protagonist is pretty well fleshed out, and he's refreshingly complex—a hero with many flaws. He survives some mayhem that, by all rights, would kill a real person, but, again, that's the stuff of thrillers, so it's not particularly out of place. I found myself wishing for some better developed female characters, though. Even the female Justice Department prosecutor, a secondary protagonist on which the author spends a significant amount of space, lacks the depth he manages to develop in the primary, male protagonist.
Overall, the trilogy was an enjoyable enough read.
There are some typos here and there, but not as many as a lot of the books I've read through Kindle Unlimited, so Brearton has found a decent editor.
Though the villains are somewhat two-dimensional, the main protagonist is pretty well fleshed out, and he's refreshingly complex—a hero with many flaws. He survives some mayhem that, by all rights, would kill a real person, but, again, that's the stuff of thrillers, so it's not particularly out of place. I found myself wishing for some better developed female characters, though. Even the female Justice Department prosecutor, a secondary protagonist on which the author spends a significant amount of space, lacks the depth he manages to develop in the primary, male protagonist.
Overall, the trilogy was an enjoyable enough read.
October 3, 2015
This book had 3 full-length novels. I found it to be very fast paced. The first book is "Habits" it started fast and kept going that way. I found I cared about the people in this book. If everything that happened to Brendan Healy, I'm not sure I could go on. Very intense story, and compelling story.
The second book is Survivors, which continued the story which I found interesting and as well-written as the first one. I could hardly wait to read the rest of the story.
The third book is Daybreak, as well-written as the first and second books. I couldn't always figure out who the "good guys" were. The ending was a big surprise. Most of the time I can figure out the ending, but not with these stories. I appreciate when I am surprised by the ending. I am hoping there will be a fourth one. I am looking forward to reading more of T.J. Brearton, I will recommend this book and author to anyone that likes a well-plotted thriller. I spent several enjoyable hours and days with these characters and would like to see more.
I would like to thank Netgalley, the publisher and the author for permitting me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
The second book is Survivors, which continued the story which I found interesting and as well-written as the first one. I could hardly wait to read the rest of the story.
The third book is Daybreak, as well-written as the first and second books. I couldn't always figure out who the "good guys" were. The ending was a big surprise. Most of the time I can figure out the ending, but not with these stories. I appreciate when I am surprised by the ending. I am hoping there will be a fourth one. I am looking forward to reading more of T.J. Brearton, I will recommend this book and author to anyone that likes a well-plotted thriller. I spent several enjoyable hours and days with these characters and would like to see more.
I would like to thank Netgalley, the publisher and the author for permitting me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 16, 2015
This is a great trilogy about one man´s fight against the powers that be, a struggle that he ultimately looses. The story is very realistic and starts when a detective finds the body of a murdered woman in a small town. It marks the beginning of the discovery of an enormous conspiracy where private companies and the US government are completely intertwined and the beginnings of a totalitarian regime are becoming visible. The final chapters of the book are more fictitious because they describe events that haven´t happened, but possibly could. I loved the books because the author uses very recent political dat to sketch the contours of his story and in doing so manages to create a very probable scenario - one that limits freedom and civil liberties - that could be our worst nightmare. Definately worth it!
dnf
March 1, 2016DNF at 20%, so I am unable to rate this mess, but based on what I read, it'd be lucky to get one star anyway. I can't stand this writer's style. Every move, every piece of every setting, every person is described in plodding, mundane detail. Every time the narrator moves his gaze, we're told about it. This is a prime case of telling, not showing, and every page seems interminable. No, thank you. I think I'll pass.
June 22, 2016
Recommended!
Intricately plotted, with well-drawn characters, The Titan Trilogy explores the dangerous nexus of government & the financial industry: the military-industrial complex Eisenhower warned us about. The abuse of technologies such as the internet to make possible an unregulated, black market of narcotics, human trafficking, etc -- all w the knowledge & support of a corrupt government is the profound msg of this trilogy.
Intricately plotted, with well-drawn characters, The Titan Trilogy explores the dangerous nexus of government & the financial industry: the military-industrial complex Eisenhower warned us about. The abuse of technologies such as the internet to make possible an unregulated, black market of narcotics, human trafficking, etc -- all w the knowledge & support of a corrupt government is the profound msg of this trilogy.
February 18, 2016
This book is 3 full length novels and I am sorry to say I didn't even make it to the end of book one.
It was just not for me I didn't like the main character and just could not connect with the book.
Thanks to the Publisher Netgalley and Author for a chance to read this book.
It was just not for me I didn't like the main character and just could not connect with the book.
Thanks to the Publisher Netgalley and Author for a chance to read this book.
November 28, 2015
A grand conspiracy
Then it got beyond believable, with way to many coincidences. Then it began to stretch the many schemes together, making it harder to believe. Some of the plots seemed familiar and could well true, however overall too much.
Then it got beyond believable, with way to many coincidences. Then it began to stretch the many schemes together, making it harder to believe. Some of the plots seemed familiar and could well true, however overall too much.
February 19, 2020
Still a Favorite Author!!!
This is another masterpiece of T.J.Brearton's! Suspense, thrills, surprises, and well-developed characters....what more could you want in a great novel? The more I read of this author's writings the more I want.
This is another masterpiece of T.J.Brearton's! Suspense, thrills, surprises, and well-developed characters....what more could you want in a great novel? The more I read of this author's writings the more I want.
May 6, 2016
This book was not what I expected when I started it. I stayed interested the whole way. I wouldn't have expected to like a book like this and am glad I came across it.
November 3, 2015
I read to about 18% through the first book and I had to stop reading, I just couldn't read any more of it.
The story wasn't very griping and I couldn't connect with the main character.
The story wasn't very griping and I couldn't connect with the main character.
September 16, 2017
So far I like it, but it is very convoluted and requires "work" to stay focused on it. Hence, I read it intermittently.
September 20, 2016
Good light entertainment. I look forward to reading the remainder of the trilogy
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews