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Rick Cahill #3
Dark Fissures
Private Investigator Rick Cahill fears the next knock on his door will be a cop holding a warrant for his arrest. For murder. La Jolla Chief of Police Tony Moretti is convinced Rick killed a missing person. No body has been found, but the evidence that s piling up says murder and it all points to Rick. With Moretti on his tail and the bank about to foreclose on his house, Rick takes a paying case that will stave off the bank, but pits him against Moretti and the La Jolla Police Department.
Brianne Colton, a beautiful country singer, is convinced her estranged husband s suicide was really murder. Rick is unconvinced, but the mortgage has to be paid. Each new piece of evidence convinces him she s right. He breaks his number one rule and falls for Brianne even, as he begins to question her motives.
As Moretti cinches the vise tighter, with Rick unable to trust the FBI, evil forces emerge from the shadows who will do anything, including torture and murder, to stop Rick from uncovering the truth."
Brianne Colton, a beautiful country singer, is convinced her estranged husband s suicide was really murder. Rick is unconvinced, but the mortgage has to be paid. Each new piece of evidence convinces him she s right. He breaks his number one rule and falls for Brianne even, as he begins to question her motives.
As Moretti cinches the vise tighter, with Rick unable to trust the FBI, evil forces emerge from the shadows who will do anything, including torture and murder, to stop Rick from uncovering the truth."
343 pages, Hardcover
First published December 6, 2016
137 people are currently reading
935 people want to read
About the author
Matt Coyle
20 books318 followersMatt Coyle is the bestselling author of the Rick Cahill crime series. His books have won the Anthony, Shamus, Lefty, Ben Franklin Silver, Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Silver, and San Diego Book Awards, and have accrued nominations for the Macavity, Anthony, Shamus, Lefty, WRONG LIGHT, his latest novel and came out in December and has been nominated for the Lefty Award and been named a Bookreporter.com Top Pick for 2018. Matt lives in San Diego with his yellow Lab, Angus, where he is writing the sixth Rick Cahill novel. You can find him online at: www.mattcoylebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
November 12, 2018
This is another dark, gritty entry in Matt Coyle's series featuring San Diego P.I., Rick Cahill. The opening of the story finds Cahill in all sorts of trouble: He's going broke and the bank is about to foreclose on his house. As if that weren't bad enough, the corrupt chief of police in La Jolla, a guy named Moretti, is attempting to frame Cahill for a murder, and Coyle fears that Moretti may show up to arrest him at any moment.
In the midst of all of this, Cahill takes a case on behalf of an aspiring country singer named Brianne Colton. Colton was separated from her husband, Jim, when he apparently committed suicide. The couple's son found his father, an ex-Navy Seal, hanged in the garage of the family home. Colton did not leave a note, but several people told the La Jolla police that Colton had been depressed, especially over the breakup of his marriage, and, not surprisingly, the death was ruled a suicide.
Brianne has already hired one P.I., who basically took her money and did little or nothing to investigate her husband's death. Now she turns to Cahill who is initially reluctant, but finally agrees to pursue the case. The main obstacle in his path, of course, is his toxic relationship with the La Jolla P.D., which initially had charge of the case. Cahill will have to work around them, and his attempt to do so will only make matters worse for his relationship with Chief Moretti.
Coyle writes extremely well and clearly knows the landscape. This is a very atmospheric novel full of fog and evil and dangerous characters. Rick Cahill is a very sympathetic protagonist and it's a lot of fun watching him grapple with all of the problems he's forced to confront here. It's a book that will appeal to readers who like their crime fiction on the hard boiled side, and I'm anxious to see where Coyle will take the character from here.
In the midst of all of this, Cahill takes a case on behalf of an aspiring country singer named Brianne Colton. Colton was separated from her husband, Jim, when he apparently committed suicide. The couple's son found his father, an ex-Navy Seal, hanged in the garage of the family home. Colton did not leave a note, but several people told the La Jolla police that Colton had been depressed, especially over the breakup of his marriage, and, not surprisingly, the death was ruled a suicide.
Brianne has already hired one P.I., who basically took her money and did little or nothing to investigate her husband's death. Now she turns to Cahill who is initially reluctant, but finally agrees to pursue the case. The main obstacle in his path, of course, is his toxic relationship with the La Jolla P.D., which initially had charge of the case. Cahill will have to work around them, and his attempt to do so will only make matters worse for his relationship with Chief Moretti.
Coyle writes extremely well and clearly knows the landscape. This is a very atmospheric novel full of fog and evil and dangerous characters. Rick Cahill is a very sympathetic protagonist and it's a lot of fun watching him grapple with all of the problems he's forced to confront here. It's a book that will appeal to readers who like their crime fiction on the hard boiled side, and I'm anxious to see where Coyle will take the character from here.
May 5, 2017
Okay story.
Another book for male readers. Rick Cahill is La Jolla private investigator, at the beginning he's house about to be foreclosed. Brian Colton beautiful country western singer, she wants him to prove her estranged husband didn't commit suicide. Middle of very tense day all they can do is take their clothes off. Skip chapter 30. Half a dozen times to answer or not to answer unknown number and his guns, was tiring. Can't believe I bought this book
Another book for male readers. Rick Cahill is La Jolla private investigator, at the beginning he's house about to be foreclosed. Brian Colton beautiful country western singer, she wants him to prove her estranged husband didn't commit suicide. Middle of very tense day all they can do is take their clothes off. Skip chapter 30. Half a dozen times to answer or not to answer unknown number and his guns, was tiring. Can't believe I bought this book
August 24, 2021
Great read, great series not one to miss.
![Profile Image for Terence M [on a brief semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1712357414i%2F6658001._UY200_CR4%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 3, 2022
4-Stars - "I Really Liked It!"
Dark Fissures (Rick Cahill, #3) - Author Matt Coyle
Audiobook 09:48 Hours - narrated by: Travis Baldree
From my Reading Activity:
February 23, 2022 – Finished
"An excellent, quick 'n easy to read, PI crime novel."
GR friend Barry has written an excellent review of this high-energy novel: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) and as a consequence of reading his review, I bought the Audible audiobook, downloaded it immediately and started listening to it as soon as I had finished my then current book.
I don't think I have ever used the hackneyed phrase "unputdownable" in a review, but there has to be a first time, so here it is: "Unputdownable"!
Dark Fissures (Rick Cahill, #3) - Author Matt Coyle
Audiobook 09:48 Hours - narrated by: Travis Baldree
From my Reading Activity:
February 23, 2022 – Finished
"An excellent, quick 'n easy to read, PI crime novel."
GR friend Barry has written an excellent review of this high-energy novel: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) and as a consequence of reading his review, I bought the Audible audiobook, downloaded it immediately and started listening to it as soon as I had finished my then current book.
I don't think I have ever used the hackneyed phrase "unputdownable" in a review, but there has to be a first time, so here it is: "Unputdownable"!
Want to read
June 6, 2018This hardcover edition is signed by Matt Coyle.
November 27, 2016
La Jolla Chief of Police, Toni Moretti, is convinced that Private Investigator Rick Cahill killed a missing. Even though no body has been found, the evidence that's gathered points the finger at Rick.
With the bank about to foreclose on his home Rick takes on a new case. Brianne Cotton's convinced her estranged husbands suicide was really murder. With each new piece of evidence Rick is beginning to think Brianne might be right.
This is a fast paced, action packed page turner.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing and the author Matt Coyle for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
With the bank about to foreclose on his home Rick takes on a new case. Brianne Cotton's convinced her estranged husbands suicide was really murder. With each new piece of evidence Rick is beginning to think Brianne might be right.
This is a fast paced, action packed page turner.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing and the author Matt Coyle for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 10, 2022
I didn´t have a huge amount of hope for this one but, it was about 1:00 am, my wife was asleep next to me so I couldn´t turn on the light and had to quickly find something in the books I had stored on my iPad. What a great choice this was! I hadn´t read the first two Rick Cahill books but that made little difference.
Cahill is one of those guys who´s been down so long, it looks like up to him (Can´t remember who I stole that from). He is suspected of killing his wife (hmmph, so that´s illegal?). He is the prime suspect for another killing. He has been tossed off the La Jolla PD (as was his father) and every cop there hates him and the Chief wants to charge him with murder for which he may have the evidence to do so. Cahill is now a completely broke PI who has no idea where his next mortgage payment will come from nor how to feed either himself or his black lab, Midnight.
A gorgeous, 40ish country/western singer contacts him and asks Cahill to prove that her husband's hanging death was not a suicide as it has been ruled but rather that he was murdered. He had been a Navy Seal and, at the time of his death was working for a special branch of the LJPD. Cahill, being a man of honor, even though completely broke, is reluctant to take the case because the evidence all points to suicide. Eventually, she convinces him that he should, indeed, take the case.
What follows is a fast-paced, action-packed investigation with more blind alleys, twists and turns than one can imagine. The characters are realistic, for the most part, and most are quite well developed although Coyle could have gotten more out of a couple, in my not very humble opinion. The plot was just plain fun, completely engaging this reader and built up quite a lot of suspense. Dark Fissures (whose name I cannot relate to the book) is a fun, relatively quick read
Coyle is now on my list of good authors whose books I would unhesitatingly read. That´s not a long list as some have gotten old and stopped writing, particularly those who have died. There seems to have been a fair amount of back story in the first two Cahill books but I have learned too much about them to go back so I will next read #4. This book stood on its own but you may wish to start earlier in the series.
If you like fast-paced stories about beleaguered PIs, this book is for you!
Over and out
Cahill is one of those guys who´s been down so long, it looks like up to him (Can´t remember who I stole that from). He is suspected of killing his wife (hmmph, so that´s illegal?). He is the prime suspect for another killing. He has been tossed off the La Jolla PD (as was his father) and every cop there hates him and the Chief wants to charge him with murder for which he may have the evidence to do so. Cahill is now a completely broke PI who has no idea where his next mortgage payment will come from nor how to feed either himself or his black lab, Midnight.
A gorgeous, 40ish country/western singer contacts him and asks Cahill to prove that her husband's hanging death was not a suicide as it has been ruled but rather that he was murdered. He had been a Navy Seal and, at the time of his death was working for a special branch of the LJPD. Cahill, being a man of honor, even though completely broke, is reluctant to take the case because the evidence all points to suicide. Eventually, she convinces him that he should, indeed, take the case.
What follows is a fast-paced, action-packed investigation with more blind alleys, twists and turns than one can imagine. The characters are realistic, for the most part, and most are quite well developed although Coyle could have gotten more out of a couple, in my not very humble opinion. The plot was just plain fun, completely engaging this reader and built up quite a lot of suspense. Dark Fissures (whose name I cannot relate to the book) is a fun, relatively quick read
Coyle is now on my list of good authors whose books I would unhesitatingly read. That´s not a long list as some have gotten old and stopped writing, particularly those who have died. There seems to have been a fair amount of back story in the first two Cahill books but I have learned too much about them to go back so I will next read #4. This book stood on its own but you may wish to start earlier in the series.
If you like fast-paced stories about beleaguered PIs, this book is for you!
Over and out
December 6, 2016
PI Rick Cahill is still struggling with his demons in Matt Coyle’s latest gritty, character- driven complex crime series-DARK FISSURES. (Cover love)!
From Yesterday’s Echo #1 and Night Tremors, #2--- Cahill learns decisions have consequences, no matter how small. How long will he be haunted and will he ever escape the past?
Rick Cahill has suffered many tragedies in his life. He had been unlucky in love. He had been shot and a couple of times and survived. He had bones broken and bent. However, he could still walk. His dog had been poisoned and shot at; fortunately, he is still his faithful friend and remains by his side (love this dog). He has a job and a home (for now). Plus after this book, he has a country song about him.
Will the past ever stay buried? Will he ever be free? He is always under the radar.
La Jolla Chief of Police Tony Moretti is still out for him. He knows why. He knew the weight of the badge. How it could find a crack in your character and chip away at it until a dark fissure ran through your soul. He had been stripped of his badge long ago. He had lost his friends, his job. He had found the truth.
“Sometimes the truth is what everyone thinks it is.”
He had worked for a large agency in LaJolla. Now he worked on his own. He always looked over his shoulder for a knock on his door from a cop holding a warrant for his arrest-Murder.
He had to keep going in order to pay his mortgage. His office now is Muldoon’s Steak House in LaJolla. He had spent seven years as its manager and now it got him a table in the bar or dining room whenever he had to meet with a client.
His new client is Brianne Colton , a beautiful country singer. She is convinced her estranged husband’s suicide was really murder. She wants the truth. The worst- Jim was a cop!
She reminded him of his own wife being murdered eleven years ago and getting away with it. He was her last hope. His problems could land him in jail for the rest of his life. Everyone had problems. Her instincts about Moretti were good.
He had already caught him in a coverup once. Now Brianne says Jim never trusted corrupt, Chief Moretti. Why would someone kill her husband and stage it as a suicide?
He had been a Navy SEAL. They do not quit. He would only quit if he was asked to do something dishonorable or his superior was behaving dishonorably and Jim could not stop him.
Rick knew SEAL’s were the best. The toughest. Mentally and physically. Jim had led the Crime Impact Team. (CIT) He was an independent contractor for the CIA. Five days before Jim died, on his phone bill was the number to the FBI office. Why?
Was Moretti corrupt enough to murder someone to keep things quiet? Maybe Jim Colton had found the leverage Rick needed to keep Moretti away from his front door.
The missing phone. The call to the FBI. Moretti. He takes the case. Each new piece of evidence convinces him she’s right. He breaks his number one rule and falls for Brianne, even as he begins to question her motives.
Hi-adrenaline, fast paced, a series with non-stop danger and action and a troubled PI, to love. What an adventure! You put yourself in Rick’s place and sympathize with his situation. A nice balance between character and action. They compliment one another, as Cahill’s character shines through.
“Sometimes you have to do what’s right, even when the law says it’s wrong.”
As I have mentioned from the first book, Coyle is a talented author to follow! Powerful plot planning, and rich character development. Cahill loves to live on the edge and push the limits.
For fans of Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch), David Baldacci, and J. Carson Black (Cyril Landry) will enjoy this well-written series. Highly recommend reading all the books in the series, for the full background of the highly entertaining Rick Cahill. Can't wait for the next ride.
A special thank you to Oceanview and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
From Yesterday’s Echo #1 and Night Tremors, #2--- Cahill learns decisions have consequences, no matter how small. How long will he be haunted and will he ever escape the past?
Rick Cahill has suffered many tragedies in his life. He had been unlucky in love. He had been shot and a couple of times and survived. He had bones broken and bent. However, he could still walk. His dog had been poisoned and shot at; fortunately, he is still his faithful friend and remains by his side (love this dog). He has a job and a home (for now). Plus after this book, he has a country song about him.
Will the past ever stay buried? Will he ever be free? He is always under the radar.
La Jolla Chief of Police Tony Moretti is still out for him. He knows why. He knew the weight of the badge. How it could find a crack in your character and chip away at it until a dark fissure ran through your soul. He had been stripped of his badge long ago. He had lost his friends, his job. He had found the truth.
“Sometimes the truth is what everyone thinks it is.”
He had worked for a large agency in LaJolla. Now he worked on his own. He always looked over his shoulder for a knock on his door from a cop holding a warrant for his arrest-Murder.
He had to keep going in order to pay his mortgage. His office now is Muldoon’s Steak House in LaJolla. He had spent seven years as its manager and now it got him a table in the bar or dining room whenever he had to meet with a client.
His new client is Brianne Colton , a beautiful country singer. She is convinced her estranged husband’s suicide was really murder. She wants the truth. The worst- Jim was a cop!
She reminded him of his own wife being murdered eleven years ago and getting away with it. He was her last hope. His problems could land him in jail for the rest of his life. Everyone had problems. Her instincts about Moretti were good.
He had already caught him in a coverup once. Now Brianne says Jim never trusted corrupt, Chief Moretti. Why would someone kill her husband and stage it as a suicide?
He had been a Navy SEAL. They do not quit. He would only quit if he was asked to do something dishonorable or his superior was behaving dishonorably and Jim could not stop him.
Rick knew SEAL’s were the best. The toughest. Mentally and physically. Jim had led the Crime Impact Team. (CIT) He was an independent contractor for the CIA. Five days before Jim died, on his phone bill was the number to the FBI office. Why?
Was Moretti corrupt enough to murder someone to keep things quiet? Maybe Jim Colton had found the leverage Rick needed to keep Moretti away from his front door.
The missing phone. The call to the FBI. Moretti. He takes the case. Each new piece of evidence convinces him she’s right. He breaks his number one rule and falls for Brianne, even as he begins to question her motives.
Hi-adrenaline, fast paced, a series with non-stop danger and action and a troubled PI, to love. What an adventure! You put yourself in Rick’s place and sympathize with his situation. A nice balance between character and action. They compliment one another, as Cahill’s character shines through.
“Sometimes you have to do what’s right, even when the law says it’s wrong.”
As I have mentioned from the first book, Coyle is a talented author to follow! Powerful plot planning, and rich character development. Cahill loves to live on the edge and push the limits.
For fans of Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch), David Baldacci, and J. Carson Black (Cyril Landry) will enjoy this well-written series. Highly recommend reading all the books in the series, for the full background of the highly entertaining Rick Cahill. Can't wait for the next ride.
A special thank you to Oceanview and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
November 25, 2017
Set in the rich atmosphere of California, Rick Cahill is a down-on-his-luck Private Investigator. Barely able to keep his head up, he takes on a job that will have him second guessing everyone around him.
Brianne Colton is absolutely sure that her husband did not kill himself by hanging. She is convinced that he was murdered and she wants Rick to prove it. Unfortunately this is in the jurisdiction of the La Jolla Police, who really want to nail Rick for a missing person, possible homicide.
Upon investigating, he finds himself at odds with the police, the FBI, former SEALs and they all want something from him... like an invite to his funeral.
This is a rip-roaring, rapid paced, gritty crime thriller complete with memorable characters and surprising twists and turns from the start. Rick has a history with the police ... he used to be one of them. There is a terrific backstory, and although the 3rd in a series, it does well as a stand alone. Be warned ... you will definitely be chomping at the bit to get those first two books to find out why he is the way he is and why he does what he does.
Many thanks to the author / Oceanview Publishing / Edelweiss for the digital copy of this riveting novel. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Brianne Colton is absolutely sure that her husband did not kill himself by hanging. She is convinced that he was murdered and she wants Rick to prove it. Unfortunately this is in the jurisdiction of the La Jolla Police, who really want to nail Rick for a missing person, possible homicide.
Upon investigating, he finds himself at odds with the police, the FBI, former SEALs and they all want something from him... like an invite to his funeral.
This is a rip-roaring, rapid paced, gritty crime thriller complete with memorable characters and surprising twists and turns from the start. Rick has a history with the police ... he used to be one of them. There is a terrific backstory, and although the 3rd in a series, it does well as a stand alone. Be warned ... you will definitely be chomping at the bit to get those first two books to find out why he is the way he is and why he does what he does.
Many thanks to the author / Oceanview Publishing / Edelweiss for the digital copy of this riveting novel. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 14, 2016
I have a weak spot for PIs in need like Rick Cahill. Once a successful investigator who worked for a big agency without financial problems, he is currently in a difficult situation: a one man-firm owner without clients and as a result- without money to pay the mortgage.
However, the worst thing of all, is that a chief of the La Jolla Police Department is convinced that Rick committed murder of a missing person some years ago. He squeezes Rick where he could and threatens with a new emerged evidence he got that seems serious enough to re-open the case and to bring Rick behind bars. An every knock on the door can mean for our MC a warrant for his arrest.
Not the best conditions to run into trouble with LJPD.
It is why when a widow of Jim Colton, a cop of LJPD, contacts him to find the TRUTH about her husband's death, from whom she from whom she lived separated, his first reaction is to turn away and run.
BUT:
Rick needs money and clients don’t stay in line for his services.
So yes, Rick Chill will take the case and his instincts won’t disappoint him.
Of course I don’t have a weak spot for PIs like Rick because they are miserable and unsuccessful and need a lot of hugs to survive, but because they have principles, they are fair, loyal, honest and ready to risk their lives in the name of justice. They are just good guys that make our planet better. Even if sometimes they don’t get all respect and attention they deserve.
I really enjoyed this quick paced mystery and the characters. Alone the fact that I needed only 3 days for an over 400 pages-long novel speaks for itself, I’m normally not a slow readers, but unfortunately I don’t have too much times for reading currently.
I did not know that it was part of the series, but you can read it as a stand-alone.
If you can accept that some details from the previous life of our MC will be mentioned but won’t be explained completely, and you have just to believe that Rick tells truth.
I didn’t have any problem with it.
He is a wonderful strong (and sexy) character.
The writing is very good, solid and convincing. It looks like Matt Coyle (a new for me author) knows the genre pretty well and knows exactly how to delivers a thrilling plot, that will keep you on the edge of your seat up to the VERY END of the story. I mean, literally, at 99% I still was like this:
There is a romance in it, but I won't qualify it as a romance novel, it is in the first place a well-done mystery.
**Copy provided by the Publischer via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
May 8, 2018
Dark Fissures is number three in Coyle's Rick Cahill series which is set in modern-day San Diego and features a ex police officer private eye who has past baggage, a father who had a tarnished badge, a wife whose death he blames himself for, and a police chief who has it in for him in terms of a murder charge if evidence ever materializes. Cahill is not loved by the La Jolla Police. He's behind on his mortgage. He's called in his chips with just about everyone and is down to using a table in a bar as his impromptu office. Shades of the classic down on his luck Private eye who has an awkward relationship with the local authorities. This series, however, is head and shoulders above most modern PI series. It's gritty. It's dark. It's action-packed. Nothing about it feels fake or contrived. And, most important of all, it tells one fine story that keeps you turning the pages.
October 11, 2020
Southern California PI, Rick Cahill, is a dog loving, gun-toting punching bag of a fella. I read reviews by men I follow on this site and thought their praises enough for me to buy 3 of these books on sale yesterday. So...at 1.99 a pop I don't suppose I have much to complain about. Not sure I am going to be able to read the other two, but I do like hearing all the California landmarks I am familiar with. I noticed my brother was one of the people awarding high stars for this book, so maybe I can loan the others to him. Or...one day I may dip my foot gingerly into another book of mishaps.
The men who like these books probably would not like my favorite Regency author, Georgette Heyer. I get it. But....women and sales, oh my.
Kindle Purchase
The men who like these books probably would not like my favorite Regency author, Georgette Heyer. I get it. But....women and sales, oh my.
Kindle Purchase
June 6, 2018
This is the 3rd in this series and this story was just as good as the first 2! I would recommend you starting off with book number 1 in this series - If you like police procedure / PI type books, then for sure you will like the Rick Cahill series!! Well worth the read!
May 2, 2018
Novel received courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaway
I discovered another awesome writer of cop/private investigator drama! Wow!! Matt Coyle is the real deal! His main character, Rick Cahill, a former cop is hired to find the truth behind a cop's death. It was ruled a suicide but his wife knows it was really murder. Even though this is the third in the series, Coyle gave the reader plenty in background information. I found Rick Cahill to be a flawed yet sympathetic character. He has no friends and his life has pretty much fallen apart. The bank is ready to foreclose on his house so he takes the case to stave off the bank for one more month. While investigating the "suicide" Cahill is pulled into a far-reaching crime that he didn't expect.
The writing was so realistic, I could "see" the novel as I read it. I found the characters and setting to be gritty and believable. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more "Rick Cahill" books by Matt Coyle!
I discovered another awesome writer of cop/private investigator drama! Wow!! Matt Coyle is the real deal! His main character, Rick Cahill, a former cop is hired to find the truth behind a cop's death. It was ruled a suicide but his wife knows it was really murder. Even though this is the third in the series, Coyle gave the reader plenty in background information. I found Rick Cahill to be a flawed yet sympathetic character. He has no friends and his life has pretty much fallen apart. The bank is ready to foreclose on his house so he takes the case to stave off the bank for one more month. While investigating the "suicide" Cahill is pulled into a far-reaching crime that he didn't expect.
The writing was so realistic, I could "see" the novel as I read it. I found the characters and setting to be gritty and believable. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more "Rick Cahill" books by Matt Coyle!
October 3, 2016
Dark Fissures
Matt Coyle
Coyle’s latest Rick Cahill novel is a gripping fast-paced, page-turner that will hook readers from page one and not let go until the end. The protagonist is a noir-ish, dark hero who’s a loner, a cynic yet a surprising romantic at heart. The to the point, decisive 1st person narrative works well with the star’s curious, suspicious nature. Plus the author being a native of the area brings an intimate feel to every scene. This keeper shelf must read will appeal to both sexes and all fans of engaging plot driven thrillers. Fans of Michael Connelly and Nelson DeMille will love this!
Ex cop, PI Rick Cahill needs a new client to keep the wolves from the door but when that perspective client is the widow of a La Jolla cop who believes her husband’s death was a murder not suicide, he wants to send her packing because his relationship with the La Jolla PD is toxic. Then she tells him more details of her husband, his mistrust of the LJPD chief and his past and he realizes the part of him that demands justice over all has no option but to take her case and the possibility of getting more dirt on La Jolla police chief Tony Moretti is a BIG bonus.
Matt Coyle
Coyle’s latest Rick Cahill novel is a gripping fast-paced, page-turner that will hook readers from page one and not let go until the end. The protagonist is a noir-ish, dark hero who’s a loner, a cynic yet a surprising romantic at heart. The to the point, decisive 1st person narrative works well with the star’s curious, suspicious nature. Plus the author being a native of the area brings an intimate feel to every scene. This keeper shelf must read will appeal to both sexes and all fans of engaging plot driven thrillers. Fans of Michael Connelly and Nelson DeMille will love this!
Ex cop, PI Rick Cahill needs a new client to keep the wolves from the door but when that perspective client is the widow of a La Jolla cop who believes her husband’s death was a murder not suicide, he wants to send her packing because his relationship with the La Jolla PD is toxic. Then she tells him more details of her husband, his mistrust of the LJPD chief and his past and he realizes the part of him that demands justice over all has no option but to take her case and the possibility of getting more dirt on La Jolla police chief Tony Moretti is a BIG bonus.
March 10, 2018
Matt,
Great job on this one. Several times while reading this, a smile stretched across my face, I raised an eyebrow, and I thought, “This guy knows how to write!” It is obvious you enjoy writing and have practiced your craft. Thanks for the great read. All the best!
David McCaleb
Great job on this one. Several times while reading this, a smile stretched across my face, I raised an eyebrow, and I thought, “This guy knows how to write!” It is obvious you enjoy writing and have practiced your craft. Thanks for the great read. All the best!
David McCaleb
August 8, 2019
It's getting a little more difficult for me to put my need for logic on a shelf as I read this series, and the books are starting to feel too similar to me. Tortured hero, unjustly accused of murdering his wife? CHECK! Beautiful, sexy woman who is gone by the end of the book? CHECK! Rick getting the crap beaten out of him? CHECK! Multiple times? CHECK! The entire police force in La Jolla being against Rick? CHECK! Rick not attempting to find out who actually murdered his wife? CHECK!
Sorry if this is too harsh. I guess it's time to move on to a new series. 😜
Sorry if this is too harsh. I guess it's time to move on to a new series. 😜
May 8, 2017
“Dark Fissures” is part of Matt Coyle’s Rick Cahill series. While it is not necessary to have read the previous two books in this series, it would be beneficial because prior events and people are an integral part of this novel. The author does provide information about previous events and relationships when needed throughout the book. This helps new readers fill in relevant background, but it really takes the whole book to fit the previous events into the context of the current story.
Rick Cahill, former police officer and current persona non grata is in debt. He takes on a “client” to get money or his mortgage payment, and his situation continues to go downhill from there. The action is fast-paced with the beach, cars, guns, and bad people at every turn. The characters are believable but distinctive, and the supporting cast is well developed. The problem for Rick Cahill is that there is no clear delineation between the good guys and the bad guys, and his friends and enemies constantly jump back and forth between the two extremes.
When it comes right down to it, every action in the past has consequences in the present that must be settled or controlled. Sometimes the result is good, and sometimes not so good.
I met Matt Coyle at a book signing, and I loved this book. I have read others in the series, and I admit that once I find a series or author that I like, I read everything from that author and eagerly anticipate the next in the series. This book was no exception; Rick’s story is not finished by a long shot.
Rick Cahill, former police officer and current persona non grata is in debt. He takes on a “client” to get money or his mortgage payment, and his situation continues to go downhill from there. The action is fast-paced with the beach, cars, guns, and bad people at every turn. The characters are believable but distinctive, and the supporting cast is well developed. The problem for Rick Cahill is that there is no clear delineation between the good guys and the bad guys, and his friends and enemies constantly jump back and forth between the two extremes.
When it comes right down to it, every action in the past has consequences in the present that must be settled or controlled. Sometimes the result is good, and sometimes not so good.
I met Matt Coyle at a book signing, and I loved this book. I have read others in the series, and I admit that once I find a series or author that I like, I read everything from that author and eagerly anticipate the next in the series. This book was no exception; Rick’s story is not finished by a long shot.
August 18, 2016
The first thing that caught my eye was the setting of Dark Fissures, beautiful La Jolla, San Deigo having visited friends there I could visualise the area so easily. Rick Cahill is going through a tough time, finance's are not good, so when Briana Colton asks him to investigate her ex husbands death, he agree's to take on the job. The La Jolla Chief of Police believes the death to be suicide, and isn't happy that Rick is about to mess up what should be a straightforward case of suicide, he is also determined to nail Rick for a different murder, even though no body has ever been found to prove anything. Jim Colton worked for a company contracted to the CIA, he saw things when working in Bengazi, and since returning is a very unsettled man, what make's an ex Navy Seal become a scared man? , as Rick delves deeper he find's himself pulled into a dangerous game. Where is Jim's mobile phone?, what does Brianna really know?, and what involvement do the FBI have?. This is a great storyline, the plot kept me eagerly following the somewhat dodgy character's as the scenes came together, at the same time it kept me on the ball trying to guess the out come, who the heck can you trust?, the action just kept rolling on with the suspense building up to what was a very good solid end . This was the first book I have read from Matt Coyle and would definitely recommend it. Thank you to Netgalley and Oceanview Publishers, this is my honest review.
May 18, 2017
Private Investigator Rick Cahill has his flaws but murder isn't one of them. When he is framed for the murder of a missing person, what follows is a fast-paced mystery with wonderful dialogue and plot twists. The plot and narration were both excellent. I found Dark Fissures to be very entertaining and I would recommend it.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator. This review is my honest opinion.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator. This review is my honest opinion.
July 6, 2020
It takes a while for this mystery to get rolling, but once it takes off, prepare to be transfixed. Once again, Matt Coyle captures the soul of that magical strip of coast line running from Del Mar to San Diego. The plot in "Dark Fissures" is more complex than those in his two earlier novels, which is a real positive. A first-rate beach read.
August 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Matt Coyle has done a fabulous job with this very interesting and well put together story. The plot is elaborate and suspenseful, with a diverse range of characters. Private Investigator Rick Cahill hasn’t had a good time of it lately. Now that he’s working for himself and has no clients, he’s three months behind in his mortgage repayments. Plus the La Jolla Chief of Police Tony Moretti has him in his sights, and has his officers making Rick’s life difficult. So when Brianne Colton turns up asking Rick to investigate her ex-husbands supposed suicide, he’s happy to receive the work. Brianne believes that Jim her ex-husband was murdered, and there’s no way he would have killed himself. However with the La Jolla Police Department deeming it suicide, and what they think of Rick, he’s going to have his work cut out for him. It seems a bit unreal that an ex-Navy Seal like Jim Colton would allow himself to be murdered. Five days before he died Jim was on the phone to the FBI for 17 minutes, and his mobile phone seems to have disappeared. Then there’s Jim’s previous job to consider when he worked for the “Global Response Staff” who were contracted to the CIA. Jim was working in the Middle East in Benghazi when some important people were killed, and ever since then he hasn’t been himself. The more Rick investigates the more dangerous things become. I really enjoyed that this book as it kept me guessing. The story moves along at a good pace, with plenty of things happening, all the way through to a great ending. Well worth a read.
December 6, 2016
Dark Fissures By Matt Coyle is a mystery and thriller read.
Private Investigator Rick Cahill fears the next knock on his door will be a cop holding a warrant for his arrest. For murder. La Jolla Chief of Police Tony Moretti is convinced Rick killed a missing person. No body has been found, but the evidence that’s piling up says murder and it all points to Rick. With Moretti on his tail and the bank about to foreclose on his house, Rick takes a paying case that will stave off the bank, but pits him against Moretti and the La Jolla Police Department.
Brianne Colton, a beautiful country singer, is convinced her estranged husband’s suicide was really murder. Rick is unconvinced, but the mortgage has to be paid. Each new piece of evidence convinces him she’s right. He breaks his number one rule and falls for Brianne even, as he begins to question her motives.
As Moretti cinches the vise tighter, with Rick unable to trust the FBI, evil forces emerge from the shadows who will do anything, including torture and murder, to stop Rick from uncovering the truth.
An absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. This one did have me thinking. Full of twists and plots. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
Private Investigator Rick Cahill fears the next knock on his door will be a cop holding a warrant for his arrest. For murder. La Jolla Chief of Police Tony Moretti is convinced Rick killed a missing person. No body has been found, but the evidence that’s piling up says murder and it all points to Rick. With Moretti on his tail and the bank about to foreclose on his house, Rick takes a paying case that will stave off the bank, but pits him against Moretti and the La Jolla Police Department.
Brianne Colton, a beautiful country singer, is convinced her estranged husband’s suicide was really murder. Rick is unconvinced, but the mortgage has to be paid. Each new piece of evidence convinces him she’s right. He breaks his number one rule and falls for Brianne even, as he begins to question her motives.
As Moretti cinches the vise tighter, with Rick unable to trust the FBI, evil forces emerge from the shadows who will do anything, including torture and murder, to stop Rick from uncovering the truth.
An absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. This one did have me thinking. Full of twists and plots. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
February 13, 2017
Things are not going well for La Jolla PI Rick Cahill. He fears losing his house to a bank foreclosure and the town’s police chief, Tony Moretti, is preparing to arrest Rick for murder in a case involving missing person Eddington as soon as he gets enough evidence. Meanwhile, country singer Brianne Colton believes her estranged husband Jim's suicide was really murder. Rick is unconvinced, but the mortgage has to be paid and agrees to investigate. Colton worked for the La Jolla police which puts Cahill in a tough position. But each new piece of evidence convinces Cahill that Brianne is right. The trail goes from a mysterious phone call Colton made to the FBI, and to Colton's former SEAL team members. Cahill also breaks his number one rule and falls for Brianne even, as he begins to question her true motives. This book had a thrilling, unpredictable plot with lots of action and intriguing characters and is highly recommended.
I obtained an E-ARC from NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I obtained an E-ARC from NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2016
A topnotch hardboiled crime novel set in the wealthy enclaves of La Jolla, Del Mar, and Coronado where greed and desperation lurk just underneath the jeweled surfaces. This is the third installment of the P.I. Rick Cahill series as he takes on Brianne Colton’s case despite his misgivings about it. Brianne is convinced her police officer husband, Jim Colton, didn’t kill himself but was murdered. The case pits Rick against a familiar enemy, La Jolla Police Chief Tony Moretti, who is convinced Rick is involved in a missing persons case. The P.I. knows it’s only a matter of time before Moretti shows up at his door with an arrest warrant. As Cahill digs further into Colton’s suicide, he comes up against FBI agents, ex-SEALs, and a sleazy criminal lawyer from his past. The story carries the reader along at breakneck speed, yet still manages to take a few breaths for softer moments.
March 11, 2017
And thus endeth, one hopes, the dreary series of tales involving a sad sack, rock stupid "detective," whose primary skill is walking alone into traps so obvious that you are groaning ahead of time. They books are more or less readable, though I had way too much fun with phrases such as, "Nothing personal, Buckley. I want it to just be me and Randall face-to-face between the glass" with its mammogramatical echoes, and "Even though she was the only woman onstage, I would have recognized her from behind." Seems to me that would be fairly easy.
ANYWAY -- if you're stuck for a read on a plane or looking to find some deliciously clumsy writing, try to ignore the sad sack's keening about his hard luck and enjoy the plottiness.
ANYWAY -- if you're stuck for a read on a plane or looking to find some deliciously clumsy writing, try to ignore the sad sack's keening about his hard luck and enjoy the plottiness.
December 8, 2016
This is one of the better books I have read. The plot twists and turns all the way to the end. The characters are very true to life,, and come across as real people. No one is perfect, but several characters present honor and morality to a fine degree. I got so involved, I had to delay my day so I could finish this book. Rick Cahill has just enough rough edges to make him a strong anti-hero. The area of Southern California where the action takes place is beautifully portrayed and provides strong support for the story. The story carries so many different dimensions it is hard to pull a single thread. I can't wait to read it again.
November 1, 2016
Without a doubt, Matt Coyle has captured the essence of Raymond Chandler and the noir fiction thriller. The dialog and prose throughout
Dark Fissures
captured my attention from the first page. Rick Cahill, Coyle's protagonist, from his Anthony, Ben Franklin, and San Diego Book Award-winning thriller series, self-deprecating wit, intelligence, and a guarded vulnerability. Highly recommended, without reservation!
March 7, 2017
Thank you NetGallery for the opportunity to read Dark Fissures. This is my first novel by Matt Coyle. This book reminded me of a Phillip Marlowe mystery. It is dark and is a police thriller. Sometimes predictable, but mostly enjoyable. Good Reading..
February 4, 2017
This series just gets better and better!!
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