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Luis Chavez #2
City of Strangers
When a priest is brutally gunned down in front of St. Jerome’s Chinese-American Catholic Church, Father Luis Chavez is asked by the archdiocese to lead an inquiry. With the confessed killer already in custody, it looks like an open-and-shut case. That is, until Father Chavez digs deeper.
As the killer’s confession unravels, Father Chavez teams up with Deputy District Attorney Michael Story to get to the bottom of it. Together, they discover a conspiracy leading back to one of the world’s oldest criminal organizations.
But just as the team is about to break the case, a mysterious virus sweeps through Los Angeles, sending the city into a spiral of panic—and Father Chavez into the heart of a mystery that could rock the City of Angels to its core.
As the killer’s confession unravels, Father Chavez teams up with Deputy District Attorney Michael Story to get to the bottom of it. Together, they discover a conspiracy leading back to one of the world’s oldest criminal organizations.
But just as the team is about to break the case, a mysterious virus sweeps through Los Angeles, sending the city into a spiral of panic—and Father Chavez into the heart of a mystery that could rock the City of Angels to its core.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2016
70 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 25, 2016
The second book in the Luis Chavez series lives up to the first. The story picks up a few months after the end of the previous book (Fields of Wrath), and Father Luis Chavez gets pulled into another far-reaching mystery that he has to help solve when a fellow pastor is murdered outside his church.
While Fields of Wrath centers around migrant workers in Southern California, the storyline for City of Strangers focuses on "birth tourism" and a deadly disease seems to have no patient zero.
Mark Wheaton weaves another excellent story that dives into religion, political ambition, and organized crime Ina way that makes you just want to keep reading.
Disclosure: I did receive an advance copy of this book through NetGalley, but I really loved the story (I gave Fields of Wrath 5 stars when I read it 7 months ago) and just wanted to leave an honest review.
While Fields of Wrath centers around migrant workers in Southern California, the storyline for City of Strangers focuses on "birth tourism" and a deadly disease seems to have no patient zero.
Mark Wheaton weaves another excellent story that dives into religion, political ambition, and organized crime Ina way that makes you just want to keep reading.
Disclosure: I did receive an advance copy of this book through NetGalley, but I really loved the story (I gave Fields of Wrath 5 stars when I read it 7 months ago) and just wanted to leave an honest review.
August 12, 2016
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun thriller. The ending was bittersweet- while the day was saved there were quite some sad endings. I actually felt bad for some of the characters who didn't quite get a happy ending .
I live in SoCal about an hour from LA so it definitely had the gritty feeling of the cities here.
I will have to read more of this series.
This was a fun thriller. The ending was bittersweet- while the day was saved there were quite some sad endings. I actually felt bad for some of the characters who didn't quite get a happy ending .
I live in SoCal about an hour from LA so it definitely had the gritty feeling of the cities here.
I will have to read more of this series.
September 30, 2016
I received this arc from Netgalley.
Outstanding read! This book does not disappoint. Starts strong and goes the distance until the last page. Lots of action and will keep you guessing. Definitely recommended.
Outstanding read! This book does not disappoint. Starts strong and goes the distance until the last page. Lots of action and will keep you guessing. Definitely recommended.
September 9, 2016
City of strangers by Mark Wheaton is a mystery and thriller and general fiction read.
When a priest is brutally gunned down in front of St. Jerome’s Chinese-American Catholic Church, Father Luis Chavez is asked by the archdiocese to lead an inquiry. With the confessed killer already in custody, it looks like an open-and-shut case. That is, until Father Chavez digs deeper.
As the killer’s confession unravels, Father Chavez teams up with Deputy District Attorney Michael Story to get to the bottom of it. Together, they discover a conspiracy leading back to one of the world’s oldest criminal organizations.
But just as the team is about to break the case, a mysterious virus sweeps through Los Angeles, sending the city into a spiral of panic—and Father Chavez into the heart of a mystery that could rock the City of Angels to its core.
This was a absolutely fantastic read. I loved the story and the characters.
A very gripping read full of twists and plots. Highly recommended. 5*. Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
When a priest is brutally gunned down in front of St. Jerome’s Chinese-American Catholic Church, Father Luis Chavez is asked by the archdiocese to lead an inquiry. With the confessed killer already in custody, it looks like an open-and-shut case. That is, until Father Chavez digs deeper.
As the killer’s confession unravels, Father Chavez teams up with Deputy District Attorney Michael Story to get to the bottom of it. Together, they discover a conspiracy leading back to one of the world’s oldest criminal organizations.
But just as the team is about to break the case, a mysterious virus sweeps through Los Angeles, sending the city into a spiral of panic—and Father Chavez into the heart of a mystery that could rock the City of Angels to its core.
This was a absolutely fantastic read. I loved the story and the characters.
A very gripping read full of twists and plots. Highly recommended. 5*. Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
September 19, 2016
I really enjoy the Father Chavez mysteries, Mark Wheaton has a unique way of spinning a story into a direction you don't see coming, I enjoy the spiritual aspect of his writings as well as the mystery, I think Father Chavez although going against the traditional idea of a priest seems to have a very personal relationship with God and I love that although he is a priest he still seems to have a "realness" to him that makes him down to earth and available to the less fortunate. I feel like the book left it in a way that there is room for the next book in the series and I'll surely be reading it to find out what God leads Father Chavez to next. The only thing I had trouble with in this book was that there were quite a few characters to keep up with and I found myself having to stop and try to remember who and I why this person was important few times. All in all though I loved the book and will continue to read this series. Thank you NetGalley for a chance to read this book for an honest review.
September 26, 2016
Mark Wheaton has come up with an interesting Detective in Father Luis. It started out with a bang and ended with a can't wait for the next one.
This venture has about 6 stories melted into 1 and he did a fantastic job. Characters were developed along the way and even changed point of view along the way also. Bad became good and good became bad. This leaves it wide open for the next in the series.
Would recommend this to everyone. Be sure not to have anything else planned for the day.
This book was given to me by the author for an honest review.
This venture has about 6 stories melted into 1 and he did a fantastic job. Characters were developed along the way and even changed point of view along the way also. Bad became good and good became bad. This leaves it wide open for the next in the series.
Would recommend this to everyone. Be sure not to have anything else planned for the day.
This book was given to me by the author for an honest review.
August 16, 2016
A modern take on the Father Dowling Mysteries - just without Richie's Dad from Happy Days!
Well written with interesting characters, and for the second in the series easy to follow but not a book full of repetition of the previous books plot.
Quite religious - but with the main character being a priest that should be the case, but if the church offends I would avoid.
The characters have legs and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next instalment.
Well written with interesting characters, and for the second in the series easy to follow but not a book full of repetition of the previous books plot.
Quite religious - but with the main character being a priest that should be the case, but if the church offends I would avoid.
The characters have legs and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next instalment.
December 5, 2016
Father Chavez and Michael Story make a good team in this topical thriller. I liked that Wheaton made this more complex than it could have been by weaving in multiple threads- kept me guessing, which is always a positive in my book! The characters are good- well rounded and thoughtfully created- but this is really a plot driven novel. THanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Try this one for travel or for an entertaining read anytime.
May 26, 2017
This was a better read than book one for me.
I like the protagonist and am familiar with the Los Angeles area.
Instead of illegal aliens from across the southern border, this focuses on Asian triads. I have no first hand knowledge of them, so it was all very interesting to me.
I won a free copy of this ebook on Goodreads. I bought the first ebook because I like to see how the characters began.
I am interested in reading more about Father Luis.
I like the protagonist and am familiar with the Los Angeles area.
Instead of illegal aliens from across the southern border, this focuses on Asian triads. I have no first hand knowledge of them, so it was all very interesting to me.
I won a free copy of this ebook on Goodreads. I bought the first ebook because I like to see how the characters began.
I am interested in reading more about Father Luis.
September 18, 2016
I am a fan of Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch, so this new series by Mark Wheaton is perfect for me. It has interesting characters, great visual details about the landscape of L.A., and enough complexity to keep me guessing. My only wish is that I could have been reading this book from a balcony with "jetliner" views. An engaging read and very well written.
February 1, 2017
I didn't realize this was part of a series until I had started reading it. I will go back and check out the first book! The story kept me interested and I was intrigued by the characters and the backstory I missed on the main two. A good ride the whole time. Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2016
I could not put this book down. Mark Wheaton has a background in screenwriting, and that's clear from the cinematic scope of this book and the pacing. The characters were well-drawn and the situation timely and fascinating. Loved it!
November 12, 2016
Luis Chavez -- Book 2: Nail biting thiller
I loved the twists and turns in this novel. Some of the characters from book 1 are in this book. The author writing style is excellent.
Every time I thought I knew what going to happen next, it didn't. Can't wait for book 3!
I loved the twists and turns in this novel. Some of the characters from book 1 are in this book. The author writing style is excellent.
Every time I thought I knew what going to happen next, it didn't. Can't wait for book 3!
December 13, 2016
There was nothing wrong with this book but it wasn't a book I rushed back to and couldn't put down. It moved along, had an interesting storyline and was well written. It just didn't really grab my attention.
September 13, 2016
This is an excellent choice.
I truly enjoyed the book. I'm looking forward to the next book about father Chavez.
I highly recommend this series.
I truly enjoyed the book. I'm looking forward to the next book about father Chavez.
I highly recommend this series.
October 7, 2016
Chavez rocks again
Well plotted. Great characters and dialogue. Good sense of place. I really like this series and look forward to the next book.
Well plotted. Great characters and dialogue. Good sense of place. I really like this series and look forward to the next book.
October 1, 2016
Strong, complex mystery and great characters. Looking forward to the next one!
April 28, 2019
A priest is killed, with the killer citing the paedophile accusations. Easily believable about the Catholic priest these days, right?
But Father Luis, brought in by the archbishop himself, can not find the background for this accusation. But it might very well be the cover for another, mighty heavy crimes. And then people start to die and Father Luis, his politico frenemy Michael story and young doctor Susan might have their hands fuller than they could imagine in their wildest dreams.
Mixed feelings at the least. On the one hand - this is fast-paced read, moving around with the speed of the last thriller movie (no wonder that the author has the screenwriter experience under his belt). The plot is full of the attractive motives - corrupted politicos, Chinese triads, the unusual hero winningly fighting the unsolveable case agains the powerful figures, truth and faith and - and love, real even when unrequited or being not your standard love story. Yes, this is the very attractive and very readable mix, going on the full speed.
Yet - when out of it, you feel exactly like when leaving the cinema, for all of its good and bad characteristics. For me personally this feels a bit shallow, a bit full of set-up answers.
Even if the answers come in the form of modern, attractive hints at the "welcome" (meaning: welcome by the author) changes within the Catholic church. Particularly the hidden and the less hidden jabs are against the Church-perceived and/or promoted racism and not supporting the "non-regular" forms of love, against playing with the powerful figures and against not fighting the evil of our times enough. While I personally can accept the part of the criticism (the exception here are the "non-regular relationships" - ever heard of sin?), I honestly say I don´t like these hints much. For one they are of generalized nature and the author conveniently forgets to speak about all of the Church good deeds here. Also - all the good Church characters are the "nonformal guys" like Father Luis, Father Whillans or Father Chang - while the "regular" characters presented like pompous or narrow-minded.
Yes, I know that this is a fiction. But I also know what is to be Catholic, so I argue as one here, as one who speaks from the "expertise of being Catholic" here. And as this is a book about Catholic priest, I feel the need to comment about this.
And yet - I must honestly say that there are pearls of wisdom and real, raw faith present here, too. To me, this is the saving grace for this series. I feel enriched by them.
So, this is not a book I would recommend. But I acknowledge the good parts of it.
But Father Luis, brought in by the archbishop himself, can not find the background for this accusation. But it might very well be the cover for another, mighty heavy crimes. And then people start to die and Father Luis, his politico frenemy Michael story and young doctor Susan might have their hands fuller than they could imagine in their wildest dreams.
Mixed feelings at the least. On the one hand - this is fast-paced read, moving around with the speed of the last thriller movie (no wonder that the author has the screenwriter experience under his belt). The plot is full of the attractive motives - corrupted politicos, Chinese triads, the unusual hero winningly fighting the unsolveable case agains the powerful figures, truth and faith and - and love, real even when unrequited or being not your standard love story. Yes, this is the very attractive and very readable mix, going on the full speed.
Yet - when out of it, you feel exactly like when leaving the cinema, for all of its good and bad characteristics. For me personally this feels a bit shallow, a bit full of set-up answers.
Even if the answers come in the form of modern, attractive hints at the "welcome" (meaning: welcome by the author) changes within the Catholic church. Particularly the hidden and the less hidden jabs are against the Church-perceived and/or promoted racism and not supporting the "non-regular" forms of love, against playing with the powerful figures and against not fighting the evil of our times enough. While I personally can accept the part of the criticism (the exception here are the "non-regular relationships" - ever heard of sin?), I honestly say I don´t like these hints much. For one they are of generalized nature and the author conveniently forgets to speak about all of the Church good deeds here. Also - all the good Church characters are the "nonformal guys" like Father Luis, Father Whillans or Father Chang - while the "regular" characters presented like pompous or narrow-minded.
Yes, I know that this is a fiction. But I also know what is to be Catholic, so I argue as one here, as one who speaks from the "expertise of being Catholic" here. And as this is a book about Catholic priest, I feel the need to comment about this.
And yet - I must honestly say that there are pearls of wisdom and real, raw faith present here, too. To me, this is the saving grace for this series. I feel enriched by them.
So, this is not a book I would recommend. But I acknowledge the good parts of it.
February 28, 2018
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. This is my introduction to Luis Chavez and Michael Story. A Catholic Priest is gunned down on the sidewalk in front of his church. The gunman's confession is so suspect, that it sets off alarms, and as one thing leads to another and people are dying all over the city, Luis and Michael are again investigating. This is a fast paced thriller, with Luis questioning outcomes, when finally the lightbulb goes off and he knows who the guilty party is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2017
Good
Good read have read the first book which was free but you can read these as a stand alone and do not carry on where the last one finishes, as its about a priest Father Chavez and he's exploits. There is a 3rd book in the series and will read that at some point as these are decent reads.
Good read have read the first book which was free but you can read these as a stand alone and do not carry on where the last one finishes, as its about a priest Father Chavez and he's exploits. There is a 3rd book in the series and will read that at some point as these are decent reads.
September 7, 2017
Great story And a great hero
Or I should say a simple Pastor with a beautiful spirit and an inquisitive nature. Luis makes himself a part of his parishioners lives enough to see when things are wrong and tries to solve them. He always prays and then takes action rather than pray and hand the problem to someone else. This leads to places Priests don't normally find themselves!
Or I should say a simple Pastor with a beautiful spirit and an inquisitive nature. Luis makes himself a part of his parishioners lives enough to see when things are wrong and tries to solve them. He always prays and then takes action rather than pray and hand the problem to someone else. This leads to places Priests don't normally find themselves!
October 23, 2017
An interesting protagonist who serves in a less well known part of Los Angeles County, Father Chavez is a reluctant detective. The book combines religious intention with pithy characters and a somewhat convoluted plot. The two books I have read introduce stories from the forgotten part of town with some seedy actors who are rarely exposed. I am looking forward to book number three.
April 11, 2018
Love the characters. Plot lacking
All the characters are great to follow and how their stories tie together is nice, but this ones plot "twists" were subtle or predictable. The main characters are great though and will continue to read series.
All the characters are great to follow and how their stories tie together is nice, but this ones plot "twists" were subtle or predictable. The main characters are great though and will continue to read series.
January 7, 2022
Ok
The story was good overall. Got lost several times trying to keep up with all of the characters in the story.
The story was good overall. Got lost several times trying to keep up with all of the characters in the story.
October 4, 2016
I received this book for free to read in exchange for an honest review. I actually liked this book. I liked the Authors writing style and the story line. I look forward to reading more from this author.
November 29, 2016
City of Strangers
By Mark Wheaton
This is the second novel featuring priest come detective Luis Chavez.
I found the book well written and engaging. The character development was believable, and allowed the reader to follow the story.
Chavez is reluctantly dragged in to investigate the life and death of a priest gunned down in front of the church. As he digs he finds connections to the Chinese lords running shadowy operations in Los Angeles.
Deputy District Attorney Michael Story returns, with his own political agenda interfering with the investigation.
As the story develops it appears that everyone is after something and no-one is safe from the mafia.
A well written read.
Reviewed by Heath Henwood
http://books-reviewed.weebly.com/
By Mark Wheaton
This is the second novel featuring priest come detective Luis Chavez.
I found the book well written and engaging. The character development was believable, and allowed the reader to follow the story.
Chavez is reluctantly dragged in to investigate the life and death of a priest gunned down in front of the church. As he digs he finds connections to the Chinese lords running shadowy operations in Los Angeles.
Deputy District Attorney Michael Story returns, with his own political agenda interfering with the investigation.
As the story develops it appears that everyone is after something and no-one is safe from the mafia.
A well written read.
Reviewed by Heath Henwood
http://books-reviewed.weebly.com/
January 31, 2017
Pop Sugar’s 2016 Reading Challenge - A murder mystery
*I received an electronic ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
*I received an electronic ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
September 21, 2016
This thriller is very well written, with action from the beginning to the end. The plot is not predictable, and you get surprised even by its ending. I would recommend.
October 1, 2016
哎，还挺聪明的，然而一言难尽
October 10, 2016
Enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews