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Long Beach Homicide #4
Come Twilight
For the first time in years, things are going well for Long Beach homicide detective Danny Beckett. He’s closing cases with his partner, Jennifer Tanaka, and keeping a spare suit at the condo of his girlfriend, Julia Rice. But Danny’s peace is shattered when he’s called to investigate an apparent suicide—one that quickly reveals itself to be murder.
Just as Danny begins to investigate, a bomb detonates in his car while it’s parked in a mechanic’s lot, sidelining him from both the murder case and the hunt for his own assassin. Placed in protective custody at the home of his partner, the headstrong investigator must resist the temptation to break protocol—and find the willpower to stop his own self-destructive behavior before it threatens his two most important relationships. But what happens when Danny must choose between following the rules and saving a life?
Just as Danny begins to investigate, a bomb detonates in his car while it’s parked in a mechanic’s lot, sidelining him from both the murder case and the hunt for his own assassin. Placed in protective custody at the home of his partner, the headstrong investigator must resist the temptation to break protocol—and find the willpower to stop his own self-destructive behavior before it threatens his two most important relationships. But what happens when Danny must choose between following the rules and saving a life?
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2016
170 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Tyler Dilts
10 books222 followersThe son of a policeman, Tyler Dilts grew up wanting to follow in his father's footsteps. Along the line, his career goals changed, but he never lost his interest in the daily work of homicide detectives. Now an instructor at California State University in Long Beach, his writing has appeared in "The Los Angeles Times," "The Chronicle of Higher Education," "The Best American Mystery Stories," and in numerous other publications. He is the author of the Long Beach Homicide series featuring Detective Danny Beckett, the most recent of which, "A Cold and Broken Hallelujah," is now available.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
September 1, 2016
I'd rate this 4.5 stars.
"I'm only really good at two things—investigating homicides and denial."
While a bit of an oversimplification, that statement describes Long Beach homicide detective Danny Beckett fairly well. He's excellent at his job, but his life has been plagued by tragedies and misfortune, not to mention a serious injury which causes him a great deal of pain from time to time.
A new relationship has suddenly brightened his outlook on life a bit, making him realize he's not quite as bitter and resistant to change as he thought he was. He finds himself enjoying new restaurants in Long Beach's hipster neighborhood, keeping a spare suit in his girlfriend's apartment, and even he is surprised to discover he likes watching Downton Abbey . All of this is tremendously gratifying to those who care about Beckett, especially his longtime partner, Jen Tanaka.
One night Danny and Jen get a call for what appears to be a suicide. But some quick detective work on Danny's part reveals that this was actually a murder, and the pair must identify the perpetrator. And while they seem to be on the right track, everything is derailed when one night, a bomb hidden in Danny's car detonates while it sits in a mechanic's shop. Suddenly there must be an investigation on who tried to kill Danny as well, and whether the two cases are related.
This new development leaves Danny paralyzed by fear, and eventually sidelines him from the murder investigation. Holed up in Jen's house for protection, he is at once both fearful and frustrated, wanting to solve the murder case while desperately trying to understand who would want him dead. His need for independence puts him in further danger and threatens to jeopardize his relationship with his colleagues, particularly Jen. But what happens when he has to decide between breaking the rules and saving a life, a life which might lead to answers?
I've commented before that Tyler Dilts really should be a household name. He's an excellent crime writer, but what makes his work stand out above so many others in this genre is his rich characterization and attention to plot, in addition to weaving mysteries Danny and Jen must solve. Come Twilight is the fourth book featuring Danny and Jen, and each time I read one of Dilts' books it feels like reuniting with old friends. (This being said, you don't have to read the books in order, although they do briefly mention things that happened in earlier books.)
I really enjoyed this book, and like Dilts' previous ones, I found myself emotionally invested in the plot and interested in seeing where things would lead. And if one major plot point wasn't a surprise to me, it didn't affect my enjoyment—if anything, the mystery is secondary to the plot and characters themselves.
If you like crime novels with complex, well-drawn characters, pick up Come Twilight or any of Dilts' three earlier books. Like me, you'll wonder why more people don't know who Tyler Dilts is, and perhaps you can help me figure out how we can change that.
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
"I'm only really good at two things—investigating homicides and denial."
While a bit of an oversimplification, that statement describes Long Beach homicide detective Danny Beckett fairly well. He's excellent at his job, but his life has been plagued by tragedies and misfortune, not to mention a serious injury which causes him a great deal of pain from time to time.
A new relationship has suddenly brightened his outlook on life a bit, making him realize he's not quite as bitter and resistant to change as he thought he was. He finds himself enjoying new restaurants in Long Beach's hipster neighborhood, keeping a spare suit in his girlfriend's apartment, and even he is surprised to discover he likes watching Downton Abbey . All of this is tremendously gratifying to those who care about Beckett, especially his longtime partner, Jen Tanaka.
One night Danny and Jen get a call for what appears to be a suicide. But some quick detective work on Danny's part reveals that this was actually a murder, and the pair must identify the perpetrator. And while they seem to be on the right track, everything is derailed when one night, a bomb hidden in Danny's car detonates while it sits in a mechanic's shop. Suddenly there must be an investigation on who tried to kill Danny as well, and whether the two cases are related.
This new development leaves Danny paralyzed by fear, and eventually sidelines him from the murder investigation. Holed up in Jen's house for protection, he is at once both fearful and frustrated, wanting to solve the murder case while desperately trying to understand who would want him dead. His need for independence puts him in further danger and threatens to jeopardize his relationship with his colleagues, particularly Jen. But what happens when he has to decide between breaking the rules and saving a life, a life which might lead to answers?
I've commented before that Tyler Dilts really should be a household name. He's an excellent crime writer, but what makes his work stand out above so many others in this genre is his rich characterization and attention to plot, in addition to weaving mysteries Danny and Jen must solve. Come Twilight is the fourth book featuring Danny and Jen, and each time I read one of Dilts' books it feels like reuniting with old friends. (This being said, you don't have to read the books in order, although they do briefly mention things that happened in earlier books.)
I really enjoyed this book, and like Dilts' previous ones, I found myself emotionally invested in the plot and interested in seeing where things would lead. And if one major plot point wasn't a surprise to me, it didn't affect my enjoyment—if anything, the mystery is secondary to the plot and characters themselves.
If you like crime novels with complex, well-drawn characters, pick up Come Twilight or any of Dilts' three earlier books. Like me, you'll wonder why more people don't know who Tyler Dilts is, and perhaps you can help me figure out how we can change that.
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
August 18, 2016
Homicide Detective Danny Beckett is having a good life. He and his partner, Detective Jennifer Tanaka are closing cases, and on a personal level, Danny has a new girlfriend, Julia Rice.
But then things seem to spiral out of control when he's called to investigate a probable suicide, which turns out to be murder.
Shortly after, a bomb is planted in his car and luckily, his car was sitting at the mechanic's and no one was hurt.
Danny is immediately taken off the murder case, and when the headstrong detective disobeys and takes off by himself, he winds up in the back of a van, hands handcuffed and a pillow case over his head. He is given a warning .. Stay Away From Her!
Her, who? The witness in his murder case? His partner? His girlfriend?
The story is well written with splashes of humor here and there. The characters are clearly defined. This is 4th in a series, but does quite well as a stand-alone. There are literally no references to previous books. It's a fast-paced read, a wonderful mix of personal and professional.
My thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
But then things seem to spiral out of control when he's called to investigate a probable suicide, which turns out to be murder.
Shortly after, a bomb is planted in his car and luckily, his car was sitting at the mechanic's and no one was hurt.
Danny is immediately taken off the murder case, and when the headstrong detective disobeys and takes off by himself, he winds up in the back of a van, hands handcuffed and a pillow case over his head. He is given a warning .. Stay Away From Her!
Her, who? The witness in his murder case? His partner? His girlfriend?
The story is well written with splashes of humor here and there. The characters are clearly defined. This is 4th in a series, but does quite well as a stand-alone. There are literally no references to previous books. It's a fast-paced read, a wonderful mix of personal and professional.
My thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
November 16, 2017
This is a really good police series featuring a homicide detective in Long Beach, CA.
April 19, 2017
Long Beach homicide detective Danny Beckett is in touch with his own mortality. Danny’s hand was nearly severed in a previous case. He came very close to bleeding to death. In the year following that incident, “hardly a day” passed when he didn’t contemplate his own mortality. Says Danny, “I learned what the muzzle of a gun tasted like and made a list of songs to play at my funeral.”
That list of tunes yields the chapter titles for "Come Twilight," from “Cadillac Ranch” to “Whither Must I Wander” to “Seat at the Table.” The idea of the list also generates the title of the novel (and it’s fairly slick how Dilts works that in.) Music informs and infuses Danny’s life and, therefore, many of the pages here. George Pelecanos (whose stories take place about 3,000 miles away) and Tyler Dilts would make for a fine pair of DJ’s at your next party. They both have a fondness for the occasional obscure track or artist, but both are such music champions that their stories, well, hum along. Literally.
Danny Beckett is prone to go off on thoughts about the music. He apparently had some different views on bands with his late wife. He ruminates quite a bit about the songs to be played at his funeral, which ideally would include every song Bruce Springsteen ever wrote. (If he ever dies, it’s going to be one long service). If that’s enough music to imbue this solid mystery, Danny Beckett is also learning banjo.
Danny Beckett is also focused on a puzzling murder investigation that appears to be a suicide but is not. And then Beckett’s worries about death are given a fresh jolt when a bomb turns his car into a “jagged mess of metal and plastic” while it’s at the repair shop. The moment makes Beckett realize that he could have been killed and also gives him a chance to think about what it’s like to be a victim. So Beckett is ordered to lay low while his would-be assassin is hunted down, hampering his style. Beckett doesn’t do well with limits of any kind. More misery awaits Beckett and, well, along come more opportunities to contemplate that list of tunes.
Dilts’ writing is so smooth you could skip a stone across its surface. “My eyes were locked on the water glass on the table in front of me. I should have told her about the bomb as soon as I found out. Instead, I’d kept it to myself, wanting to believe that if I pretended hard enough, I could make it go away. Or that it would turn out to be a false alarm or somehow easily resolved and I’d be able to laugh it off. The truth was that if I acknowledged the reality of the situation to her, I’d have to acknowledge it to myself, too.”
We are thoroughly grounded in Beckett’s three-dimensional world, both the case itself and the weight of his personal issues as he rebuilds a new life with Julia, an artsy photographer.
"Come Twilight" offers up solid clue-finding and plenty of Long Beach atmosphere, down to Beckett’s choice for various edibles from carne asada to omelets to calzones. (Getting hungry? Me, too.) There are pop culture references from “Downtown Abbey” to “Game of Thrones” and “The Bachelor.” There are podcasts, too, and the all the aforementioned music. The point is that Danny Beckett may be overly focused on the songs for his funeral but he is taking in the world and he is very much alive.
Danny Beckett may not know he’s enjoying life, because he’s so good at denial, but we do.
That list of tunes yields the chapter titles for "Come Twilight," from “Cadillac Ranch” to “Whither Must I Wander” to “Seat at the Table.” The idea of the list also generates the title of the novel (and it’s fairly slick how Dilts works that in.) Music informs and infuses Danny’s life and, therefore, many of the pages here. George Pelecanos (whose stories take place about 3,000 miles away) and Tyler Dilts would make for a fine pair of DJ’s at your next party. They both have a fondness for the occasional obscure track or artist, but both are such music champions that their stories, well, hum along. Literally.
Danny Beckett is prone to go off on thoughts about the music. He apparently had some different views on bands with his late wife. He ruminates quite a bit about the songs to be played at his funeral, which ideally would include every song Bruce Springsteen ever wrote. (If he ever dies, it’s going to be one long service). If that’s enough music to imbue this solid mystery, Danny Beckett is also learning banjo.
Danny Beckett is also focused on a puzzling murder investigation that appears to be a suicide but is not. And then Beckett’s worries about death are given a fresh jolt when a bomb turns his car into a “jagged mess of metal and plastic” while it’s at the repair shop. The moment makes Beckett realize that he could have been killed and also gives him a chance to think about what it’s like to be a victim. So Beckett is ordered to lay low while his would-be assassin is hunted down, hampering his style. Beckett doesn’t do well with limits of any kind. More misery awaits Beckett and, well, along come more opportunities to contemplate that list of tunes.
Dilts’ writing is so smooth you could skip a stone across its surface. “My eyes were locked on the water glass on the table in front of me. I should have told her about the bomb as soon as I found out. Instead, I’d kept it to myself, wanting to believe that if I pretended hard enough, I could make it go away. Or that it would turn out to be a false alarm or somehow easily resolved and I’d be able to laugh it off. The truth was that if I acknowledged the reality of the situation to her, I’d have to acknowledge it to myself, too.”
We are thoroughly grounded in Beckett’s three-dimensional world, both the case itself and the weight of his personal issues as he rebuilds a new life with Julia, an artsy photographer.
"Come Twilight" offers up solid clue-finding and plenty of Long Beach atmosphere, down to Beckett’s choice for various edibles from carne asada to omelets to calzones. (Getting hungry? Me, too.) There are pop culture references from “Downtown Abbey” to “Game of Thrones” and “The Bachelor.” There are podcasts, too, and the all the aforementioned music. The point is that Danny Beckett may be overly focused on the songs for his funeral but he is taking in the world and he is very much alive.
Danny Beckett may not know he’s enjoying life, because he’s so good at denial, but we do.
January 9, 2017
3.5 stars. Homicide detective Danny Beckett and his partner Jennifer Tanaka are called to the scene of an apparent suicide in an apartment building. The landlord is dead of a gunshot wound but Danny quickly realizes the gun is in the man's left hand and he's not left-handed. Soon after, a bomb blows up in Danny's car. He's put in protective custody at his partner's house and given desk duty which doesn't fit his investigative style at all. As they question neighbors about the landlord's murder, one of the renters is missing and his body is later found in a dumpster. They learn the landlord has loaned quite a bit of money to his son-in-law's failed restaurant. Are any of these incidents related to the murders or to the bomb?
I enjoyed the way the investigation led to clues about the murderer. The descriptions of Long Beach, California were very good. I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I enjoyed the way the investigation led to clues about the murderer. The descriptions of Long Beach, California were very good. I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
October 9, 2016
Long Beach PD detectives Becket and Tanaka experience a falling out of sorts when Danny is kidnapped and beaten while under police protection which sidelines him on a murder investigation. The unique chemistry between the partners gets frayed as Danny struggles to physically recover and remain somewhat relevant to the investigation. His forced inaction gives the author room to explore Danny's quite interesting views on life in Southern California from replacing his bomb destroyed Camry with a Subaru Legacy to Downton Abbey. It's character driven crime fiction that elevate this series above other police procedurals and keep you turning the pages. I recommend reading the previous three books in the series first for context and sincerely hope the series continues.
July 14, 2018
Aarrgghh! I enjoyed this book and the character developments to the main character, but didn’t enjoy one of the plot twists which a good detective wouldn’t have missed even if they had been distracted.... I found myself practically yelling at the book in frustration.
June 9, 2018
This is the fourth novel in the Long Beach Homicide series featuring Detective Danny Beckett, all of which I've now read in fairly quick succession. In this latest instalment, Danny catches an apparent suicide which may in fact be a murder and when a bomb is detonated in his car he is pulled off the case, with his boss fearing that the incidents may be connected. Danny still has his demons to contend with but his relationship with photographer Julia Rose, whom he met in the previous novel, is now blossoming. However his growing frustration at being sidelined from the case threatens to derail his partnership with long time colleague Jen Tanaka and also his relationship with Julia.
I felt this was a bit of a return to form following on from the third novel, which I thought was a bit weaker than the first two books in the series. Come Twilight explores Danny's feelings of frustration, guilt and depression and how his behaviour ultimately impacts on those closest too him. This is all done subtly within the context of a criminal investigation but by exploring these avenues Dilts offers us a richer, deeper story. There are the usual musical references and the dark humour, shared among the fellow cops that we've come to expect from the series and there are also the recurring characters too, which all add a feeling of familiarity to the novel. Another thoroughly enjoyable novel from Dilts and I hope there is more in the series to come in the future.
I felt this was a bit of a return to form following on from the third novel, which I thought was a bit weaker than the first two books in the series. Come Twilight explores Danny's feelings of frustration, guilt and depression and how his behaviour ultimately impacts on those closest too him. This is all done subtly within the context of a criminal investigation but by exploring these avenues Dilts offers us a richer, deeper story. There are the usual musical references and the dark humour, shared among the fellow cops that we've come to expect from the series and there are also the recurring characters too, which all add a feeling of familiarity to the novel. Another thoroughly enjoyable novel from Dilts and I hope there is more in the series to come in the future.
October 5, 2020
Read both as audio and e-book on KindleUnlimited.
Another winner from Tyler Dilts. This is book #4 in the Long Beach Homicide series featuring police detective Danny Beckett. In this book we find Danny still working on his banjo, in a romantic relationship that started in his last book and at the scene of an apparent suicide. Danny has doubts immediately about if the crime was staged and that’s where the investigation begins. But when Danny’s own life is threatened he’s forced to face his own morality, helplessness and unravel the truth about who wants him dead.
I enjoyed this one even more than the last two books. Danny was at his most relatable and I found the murder case and the threats against his own life intriguing. Heck, even his choice of podcasts (yes, I looked up each of them and added them to my library) and his trip car shopping was interesting to me. I continue to enjoy the authenticity that Dilts adds to each book by mentioning actual streets, neighborhoods and businesses.
I recommend this series to detective novel and police procedural fans.
Another winner from Tyler Dilts. This is book #4 in the Long Beach Homicide series featuring police detective Danny Beckett. In this book we find Danny still working on his banjo, in a romantic relationship that started in his last book and at the scene of an apparent suicide. Danny has doubts immediately about if the crime was staged and that’s where the investigation begins. But when Danny’s own life is threatened he’s forced to face his own morality, helplessness and unravel the truth about who wants him dead.
I enjoyed this one even more than the last two books. Danny was at his most relatable and I found the murder case and the threats against his own life intriguing. Heck, even his choice of podcasts (yes, I looked up each of them and added them to my library) and his trip car shopping was interesting to me. I continue to enjoy the authenticity that Dilts adds to each book by mentioning actual streets, neighborhoods and businesses.
I recommend this series to detective novel and police procedural fans.
August 30, 2016
Come Twilight is the fourth novel in Tyler Dilts's Long Beach Homicide Series. And, along with its predecessor, A Cold and Broken Hallelujah, it's the best. Homicide Detective Danny Beckett and his partner Jennifer Tanaka are, to my mind, probably the most interesting police procedural characters in the whole genre.
What looked at first to be a murder (it would have been taken as a suicide, except that left-handed victims don't shoot themselves with their right hand) turns out to be two unrelated cases. While the Long Beach police run themselves ragged trying to find all the connections, Danny himself almost becomes a victim of a car bombing and a kidnapping. At that point, he is taken off the case and looked after by his colleagues. This drives Beckett to the brink of distraction, but things come out all right in the end.
Ever since I went on an Arnaldur Indriðason binge several years ago, no mystery writer has engaged my attention to the same extent. I begin reading Dilts while on vacation in Cusco, Peru, and never looked back. I hope that Dilts has a long and fruitful career.
What looked at first to be a murder (it would have been taken as a suicide, except that left-handed victims don't shoot themselves with their right hand) turns out to be two unrelated cases. While the Long Beach police run themselves ragged trying to find all the connections, Danny himself almost becomes a victim of a car bombing and a kidnapping. At that point, he is taken off the case and looked after by his colleagues. This drives Beckett to the brink of distraction, but things come out all right in the end.
Ever since I went on an Arnaldur Indriðason binge several years ago, no mystery writer has engaged my attention to the same extent. I begin reading Dilts while on vacation in Cusco, Peru, and never looked back. I hope that Dilts has a long and fruitful career.
May 5, 2017
Really good series by author Tyler Dilts that I'm happy to have discovered. (Thank you, Book Carnival, for the recommendation.) This series features Danny Becket, a believable and flawed-but-likeable character who is good at his job as a Long Beach Homicide Detective while battling his own demons. Come Twilight is the fourth title in this series of four. The plot is strong and the writing solid. And, of course, the local setting is always fun to read. I hope we can expect a fifth Danny Becket book. I'd like to find out how Danny is faring these days.
October 19, 2016
I did not enjoy the fourth entry in this series as much as the first three, I thought the main character was not as well defined and that there were a couple of very obvious clues that went undetected by the detective.
July 20, 2017
Dilts has four books out now featuring Danny Beckett, a conscientious, if sometimes conflicted, homicide detective. Dilts's style reminds me of the late, great Robert B. Parker and his Spenser series, one of my favorites. Both authors tell simple but intriguing tales with just enough humor interspersed to lighten the tension and let the reader know their protagonist is a 'good guy.' I especially enjoy Dilts's periodic Long Beach (California) references as I and my husband lived there for years and have many fond memories of the place. I look forward to Tyler Dilts's next Danny Beckett who-done-it. They always keep me entertained.
January 12, 2018
I love the Long Beach Homicide series. The characters are vibrant, the place is an additional character, and some of the phrases come out of nowhere and make this an extra special book. Plus, Dilts started narrating his own books (I'm all audio all the time) and he's great!
This particular book allows Dilts to play with the unreliability of a narrator--but not in the usual way. In this case, it allows for the main character to feel and express new things, forming his ideas in new ways. It's pretty cool, frankly.
This particular book allows Dilts to play with the unreliability of a narrator--but not in the usual way. In this case, it allows for the main character to feel and express new things, forming his ideas in new ways. It's pretty cool, frankly.
April 4, 2023
Just about 4 stars, even though the lead character is very irritating and the mistake that causes them to miss the second case is blindingly obvious.
November 8, 2016
I like Tyler Dilts as a mystery writer and his character, Detective Danny Beckett, but this novel reads more like a short story that had been expanded and padded to novel length. Between descriptions of Long Beach restaurants and waxing poetic over his new Suburu there wasn't much actual problem solving. The central mystery was boring and rather stupid. A criminal who fakes a suicide by shooting the victim in the left temple when 90% of the population is right-handed and who leaves fingerprints on the bottle of Scotch does not leave an intricate trail to follow. The secondary mystery wasn't much brainier. There was a major clue that was left unfollowed and instead of saying what he really meant, the perpetrator makes some vague references that are open to misinterpretation. My final problem with this book is the snarky attitude of Danny's partner. She makes Danny's problem all about herself and refuses to bend at all. That is not my definition of a friend.
August 20, 2016
This is one of the better police procedural novels I have read. The detective is a real-life character, developed in depth, and the plot offers many wrinkles that make the reader think and want to understand more. The Long Beach area provides a good backdrop for the multiple cases of murder that comes together as Detective Beckett recognizes that an apparent suicide is actually a murder. He becomes a target himself as the investigation slowly reveals the motive behind the murder of a man who was well-liked by all who knew him. The action is realistic without being gory, and the style of writing is clear and direct. I want to read more in the Long Beach homicide series.
October 20, 2016
Another very good police procedural from Tyler Dilts. Not really a breath taking paced novel, but it moves right along without getting bogged down.
I don't normally compared authors as each has their own style. But to those who are not familiar with Dilts' work, he compares quite well with Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch), John Sandford (Lucas Davenport), or Robert Crais (Elvis Cole).
Because of the references to Danny's pain, new readers should really start the series at the beginning to build the foundation. You won't be disappointed, as the four books in the series are all very well written and quite good.
I don't normally compared authors as each has their own style. But to those who are not familiar with Dilts' work, he compares quite well with Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch), John Sandford (Lucas Davenport), or Robert Crais (Elvis Cole).
Because of the references to Danny's pain, new readers should really start the series at the beginning to build the foundation. You won't be disappointed, as the four books in the series are all very well written and quite good.
July 13, 2017
Least favorite so far
Some have compared him to Michael Connelly, but Dilts nor Danny come close to that in my mind. While I enjoyed his first three books, this one fell flat for me. The interplay between the characters made no sense and I felt Danny took too big a step back in his maturation. Of course he's flawed considering his line of work, but none of the cops came out looking too sharp to me--unless that was the point. Hope the next one is better.
Some have compared him to Michael Connelly, but Dilts nor Danny come close to that in my mind. While I enjoyed his first three books, this one fell flat for me. The interplay between the characters made no sense and I felt Danny took too big a step back in his maturation. Of course he's flawed considering his line of work, but none of the cops came out looking too sharp to me--unless that was the point. Hope the next one is better.
February 25, 2018
wow this was boring and the main character annoying.
February 18, 2022
This is a police procedural set in Long Beach, California, the fourth of a series featuring homicide detective Danny Beckett. This is the first one I've read, so I didn't have the back story from previous entries, which left Beckett with some physical injuries, some anger issues and a girlfriend who is trying to domesticate him. That's no problem; it's a stand-alone plot and we expect our heroes to have a little baggage. In this one, he catches an apparent suicide which he quickly spots as staged. On the heels of that, his car is bombed and the case gets complicated fast.
It's smoothly written, with enough inside dope on the workings of a police department to sound authentic, and the characters are three-dimensional and convincing. Beckett has a long-time female partner with whom he has a close but strictly professional relationship with no romantic angle, which is a nice, adult kind of element. It's definitely a character-driven story, with all the relationships nicely drawn.
So... I'm trying to figure out why I didn't like it more. Maybe it's the TMI element: I really don't care how Beckett likes his omelets or how hard it is for him to shop for a new car. Or maybe it's all the product placements: "In the bathroom I swished some Freshburst Listerine around in my mouth..." I think Dilts name-checks every restaurant in Long Beach. There's also a lot of detail about the podcasts Beckett listens to and a stream of song lyrics that I pretty much skipped over. In general, the tone is awfully chatty for a cop novel. Maybe that works for some readers; it didn't really do it for me.
It's smoothly written, with enough inside dope on the workings of a police department to sound authentic, and the characters are three-dimensional and convincing. Beckett has a long-time female partner with whom he has a close but strictly professional relationship with no romantic angle, which is a nice, adult kind of element. It's definitely a character-driven story, with all the relationships nicely drawn.
So... I'm trying to figure out why I didn't like it more. Maybe it's the TMI element: I really don't care how Beckett likes his omelets or how hard it is for him to shop for a new car. Or maybe it's all the product placements: "In the bathroom I swished some Freshburst Listerine around in my mouth..." I think Dilts name-checks every restaurant in Long Beach. There's also a lot of detail about the podcasts Beckett listens to and a stream of song lyrics that I pretty much skipped over. In general, the tone is awfully chatty for a cop novel. Maybe that works for some readers; it didn't really do it for me.
August 6, 2017
Things seem to be going pretty well in Detective Danny Beckett's life. That is, until the homicide detective is called away from his girlfriend's apartment to investigate a suicide/possible homicide. He drives his old beater of a car to the scene, which he quickly determines is a homicide.
He and his partner, Jen, work through the night putting together the pieces of the crime. The next afternoon, he remembers he needs to get his car to the repair shop, but also needs to get to the art gallery to support his girlfriend, Julia. Jen offers to call the tow truck and he takes an unmarked car to the gallery.
The next morning, he is called in by his boss, and informed that his car exploded at the shop. Someone had attached a bomb.
Thinking his life is in danger, his boss assigns someone to be with Detective Bennett at all times. But one evening, he managed to stop by his apartment for a quick shower and change of clothes. It was there, that he was kidnapped and brutally beaten, with a threat to 'stay away from her'. Not knowing who 'her'. He wakes up in the hospital, still not sure who 'her' is. So he decided to act as if nothing happened.
The story continues, but you'll have to read it to get all of the details and how the story ends. I will tell you this much - I read it in one sitting because I could not put the book down until the very end.
Very well written. Highly recommended.
He and his partner, Jen, work through the night putting together the pieces of the crime. The next afternoon, he remembers he needs to get his car to the repair shop, but also needs to get to the art gallery to support his girlfriend, Julia. Jen offers to call the tow truck and he takes an unmarked car to the gallery.
The next morning, he is called in by his boss, and informed that his car exploded at the shop. Someone had attached a bomb.
Thinking his life is in danger, his boss assigns someone to be with Detective Bennett at all times. But one evening, he managed to stop by his apartment for a quick shower and change of clothes. It was there, that he was kidnapped and brutally beaten, with a threat to 'stay away from her'. Not knowing who 'her'. He wakes up in the hospital, still not sure who 'her' is. So he decided to act as if nothing happened.
The story continues, but you'll have to read it to get all of the details and how the story ends. I will tell you this much - I read it in one sitting because I could not put the book down until the very end.
Very well written. Highly recommended.
July 26, 2018
I read most of this book in one sitting, which is very rare for me. Once I hit certain plot points, I just couldn't put it down. I had to know what happened next!
I won't cover the plot details, as others have already done so. I love the author's wry writing style, dark sense of humor, and in-depth characterization. I also really appreciate the details that the author has put into the setting. I feel like Long Beach itself is an important character in all of the books.
The interactions between the characters all feel genuine. The main character's constant soul-searching and attempts to interpret the actions of those around him hit close to home.
I won't cover the plot details, as others have already done so. I love the author's wry writing style, dark sense of humor, and in-depth characterization. I also really appreciate the details that the author has put into the setting. I feel like Long Beach itself is an important character in all of the books.
The interactions between the characters all feel genuine. The main character's constant soul-searching and attempts to interpret the actions of those around him hit close to home.
December 9, 2016
The author as the narrator...
The author as the narrator didn't work for me. He is a great Author and gets you to connect with the main character Danny Beckett. But his reading is almost flat.
I started this series with the last two books and I can say that because the author is so good I didn't need to go and read the first two. I gave this three stars because if the narration and THE ENDING..... I wish he would have went for another chapter so we would know if the detective was truly OK.
The author as the narrator didn't work for me. He is a great Author and gets you to connect with the main character Danny Beckett. But his reading is almost flat.
I started this series with the last two books and I can say that because the author is so good I didn't need to go and read the first two. I gave this three stars because if the narration and THE ENDING..... I wish he would have went for another chapter so we would know if the detective was truly OK.
August 17, 2018
Great Detective Story
Mature Audiences
Strong language - liberal use of F-bombs
No sex scenes
No spoilers:
Detective Danny Beckett's excellent observations turn an apparent open and shut case of suicide into a murder investigation. Then his car is bombed. Before long he is taken off the case because, for reasons none of them can figure out, he seems to be connected. Nevertheless, he is kept informed of progress.
Plenty of action. A few surprising plot twists.
Believable character relationships and interactions.
Recommended
Mature Audiences
Strong language - liberal use of F-bombs
No sex scenes
No spoilers:
Detective Danny Beckett's excellent observations turn an apparent open and shut case of suicide into a murder investigation. Then his car is bombed. Before long he is taken off the case because, for reasons none of them can figure out, he seems to be connected. Nevertheless, he is kept informed of progress.
Plenty of action. A few surprising plot twists.
Believable character relationships and interactions.
Recommended
May 13, 2019
I've got really mixed feelings about this book. I liked it but being that it was the last book of the series, I really expected more of bang up ending to the series. The ending was such a whimper!!! As for the story, I figured it out as soon as the kidnapper spoke. Once the ending started developing, I truly thought this was going to be the bang up ending I was expecting. Not even close.
Overall I still enjoyed the series as well as the authors work and have Mercy Dogs on my to read list.
Overall I still enjoyed the series as well as the authors work and have Mercy Dogs on my to read list.
November 20, 2019
Still a fan of Danny Beckett
This is the fourth book in the series. In some ways it is the one with the most difficult emotions. We see everyone in a different role and we want to find the danger, just as Danny does. But this story, while it may signal early there is an error in everyone’s thinking, doesn’t let us dwell on that. It moves ahead with the investigation as it must, and it moves ahead with Danny’s emotions and carries us with him. It was quieter enjoyable. Still hoping the author keeps the series going.
This is the fourth book in the series. In some ways it is the one with the most difficult emotions. We see everyone in a different role and we want to find the danger, just as Danny does. But this story, while it may signal early there is an error in everyone’s thinking, doesn’t let us dwell on that. It moves ahead with the investigation as it must, and it moves ahead with Danny’s emotions and carries us with him. It was quieter enjoyable. Still hoping the author keeps the series going.
August 11, 2017
The first three books in this series were excellent, but this one was disappointing. It was easy to figure out the mystery as soon as the attacker said "stay away from her", I figured he was talking about Julia otherwise there really was no suspense. None of the detectives in the story figured it out and the climax of the story was predictable. I hope if the author continues with these characters that his next installment is more like his first three.
September 8, 2017
Long Beach Homicide
Excellent! The interpersonal connections between the character's emotions and the psychological impact of their feelings and actions are what carried this novel to a quality above what is usually found in murder mysteries. Leads to deep introspection and thought on the part of the reader. Highly recommend this series to readers who like mysteries and psychology.
Excellent! The interpersonal connections between the character's emotions and the psychological impact of their feelings and actions are what carried this novel to a quality above what is usually found in murder mysteries. Leads to deep introspection and thought on the part of the reader. Highly recommend this series to readers who like mysteries and psychology.
October 22, 2018
Good Mystery
Tyler Dilts writes with love as he develops his characters. They feel real as they go about the business of living. I enjoy reading about the town where I grew up and it brings back fond memories of working as a dispatcher for LBPD. The mystery is good and had just enough surprises to keep me Interested right up to the end. His knowledge of police work helps the authenticity of the story. All this contributes to the five star rating.
Tyler Dilts writes with love as he develops his characters. They feel real as they go about the business of living. I enjoy reading about the town where I grew up and it brings back fond memories of working as a dispatcher for LBPD. The mystery is good and had just enough surprises to keep me Interested right up to the end. His knowledge of police work helps the authenticity of the story. All this contributes to the five star rating.
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