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Lewis Cole #10

Storm Cell

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In award-winning author Brendan DuBois’ new mystery novel, defense analyst Lewis Cole must try to save a close friend from a death row murder conviction.


In his tenth outing, retired intelligence analyst Lewis Cole faces his most daunting challenge yet: Trying to save his friend Felix Tinios from being sent to death row after a conviction on first degree murder—but Felix refuses to accept Lewis’ assistance.



Felix is being charged for the brutal murder of a local businessman—witnesses place him at the location; the recovered murder weapon belonged to Felix; and his fingerprints are all over the crime scene. It seems to be the proverbial open-and-shut case, but Lewis refuses to believe his friend—even though Felix is a former enforcer for the Boston mob—was responsible.





As he engages in his one-man attempt to free his friend, two FBI agents come to him with disturbing news: they have word that unless Felix is freed from prison in just three days, he will be murdered while in custody. With time running out, the FBI nipping at his heels, and with Felix’s own lawyer refusing to help, Lewis is on his own as he desperately tries to clear his friend’s name before Felix departs prison . . . as a dead man.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2016

252 people are currently reading
541 people want to read

About the author

Brendan DuBois

188 books347 followers
Brendan DuBois of New Hampshire is the award-winning author of twenty novels and more than 150 short stories. His novel, "Resurrection Day," won the Sidewise Award for Best Alternative History Novel of the Year.

In addition to his thrillers, Brendan DuBois is the author of the Lewis Cole mystery series.

He is currently working on a number of writing projects with New York Times bestselling author James Patterson,

He is also a one-time "Jeopardy!" gameshow champion, and a co-winner of the trivia gameshow "The Chase."

His short fiction has appeared in Playboy, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Analog, and numerous other magazines and anthologies including “The Best American Mystery Stories of the Century,” published in 2000 by Houghton-Mifflin. Another one of his short stories appeared in in "The Year's Best Science Fiction 22nd Annual Collection" (St. Martin's Griffin, 2005) edited by Gardner Dozois

His short stories have twice won him the Shamus Award from the Private Eye Writers of America, and have also earned him three Edgar Allan Poe Award nominations from the Mystery Writers of America. Visit his website at www.BrendanDuBois.com.
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5 stars
257 (57%)
4 stars
146 (32%)
3 stars
40 (8%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Skip.
3,882 reviews584 followers
December 6, 2016
I'm a big fan of Brendan DuBois, but did not really care for this one (Book #10.) Felix Tinios is on trial for killing a local businessman. He will not speak to Lewis, his usual reliable lawyer is notably absent, and his replacement is doing a pitiful job defending Felix. Lewis is very frustrated, but begins to rattle cages, especially after the FBI asks him to help. Much of the success of this series is the supporting characters, who seemed out of sorts too: Diane still recovering from her near-death experience, Paula the intrepid local reporter, and Felix incommunicado in jail. Also, I thought that the ending was just too abrupt, especially the "get out of jail free" cards eventually played by counsel. How could such an obvious fact have been overlooked by the police and the court? And for Pete's sake, please send Lewis his long overdue insurance check.
Profile Image for LJ.
3,159 reviews305 followers
December 17, 2021
First Sentence: Testifying inside the third-floor courtroom at the Wentworth County Superior Courthouse was the state's deputy chief medical examiner, a plump balding man with a habit of taking a short intake of breath each time he paused between his sentences.

Lewis Cole’s friend Felix Tinios is one trial for first-degree murder. Rather than being represented by his usual, top-line attorney, he has a public defender, and he refuses to see Lewis. Felix often dances on the wrong side of the law, but this crime scene is way out of character. Things become even more strange when the FBI approach Cole and ask he help clear his friend before Felix is murdered in prison.

A good opening with a powerful hook is a beautiful thing, and this book has it; especially for those who follow the series. The book starts placidly enough, for the first few pages, but then it sucker punches you.

Literary quotes from an author, via a character, are always welcome as they tell us something about both—“Stalin once said ‘Death solves all problems. No man, no problem.”—and it’s fun to see how they’re worked into the story. Yes, there are portents, several of them, which are annoying. Yet, one lives in eternal hope that authors will grow past this unnecessary device one day.

Dubois’ ensemble of characters is interesting and diverse. Not only are they real and developed, but they grow and change through time. They encourage one to follow the series, partly to maintain a relationship with them. Felix is particularly interesting, in spite of everything. His description of the changes which occur in towns with the influx of casinos, and all that goes with them is well done and rather poignant.

DuBois as a very good story-telling voice and ability to combine sense of place with a touch of pathos—“A male jogger and then another male jogger went by, dressed in a nice colorful Spandex and both with white earbuds in their ears. It made me wonder what digital tunes or words were so compelling that they needed to drown out the sound of the crashing waves, the cry of the birds, and the whistling of the wind through the rocks.”

“Storm Cell” has very good characters, twists, suspense, and an exciting ending with a dramatic thread leading one to the next book.

STORM CELL (Lic Inv/Journ-Lewis Cole-Maine-Contemp) – G+
DuBois, Brendan -
Pegasus Crime – Nov 2016
200 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2024
First time reading this author . Very quick read. Characters were interesting. Would like to start the series from the beginning , but not necessary to enjoy the book.
Thanks NetGalley for advance copy.
231 reviews
November 22, 2016
Anytime one comes into the middle of a series without having read the earlier books there is always a risk that certain references will be confusing. That does not happen in "Storm Cell." This book could easily be read as a standalone, although it was so good that I am going to make it my business to read the preceding books.

"Storm Cell," set in New Hampshire is very evocative of that state. It starts out with the protagonist, Lewis Cole, as a spectator at the murder trial of a friend, and builds the tension from there. Cole cannot believe that his friend committed this murder because it was so sloppy and pointed so greatly at Felix, his friend. He is also unhappy with the job which Felix's lawyer is doing.

I don't like spoilers, so I will not say any more about the plot. This book is well worth reading, and I heartily recommend it to anyone who enjoys mysteries. There are interesting characters, an intriguing mystery, and plenty of action. Five enthusiastic stars.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Lori L (She Treads Softly) .
2,990 reviews120 followers
February 27, 2024
Storm Cell by Brendan DuBois finds Lewis Cole under pressure to prove Felix Tinos is innocent of murder charges. It is the very highly recommended 10th thriller in the Lewis Cole series.

Felix is on trial for the murder of Fletcher Moore and inexplicably is using a sub-par lawyer called Hollis Spinelli instead of his long time go-to Boston based attorney Raymond Drake. Since Lewis is not on Felix's visitor's list he can't talk to him about it. The evidence seems conclusive on the surface, but Lewis refuses to believe Felix is guilty. Things become more odd when two FBI agents approach Cole and tell him if he has to prove Felix is innocent or Felix will be murdered in prison. Then, when Lewis tries to talk to Spinelli about his defense of Felix, Spinelli sends a tough young man to convince Lewis to back off. If Lewis had questions before, this really raises his curiosity, and an inquisitive Lewis is a force to reckon with.

As expected, the quality of the writing is exceptional and the plot is compelling and intriguing. The investigation Lewis undertakes is engaging and the information he uncovers is intriguing. Part of the enjoyment is following the investigation and the clues and pieces of information Lewis uncovers. It's also good to see reoccurring characters from the series make an appearance in the narrative.
The Lewis Cole series is an excellent crime fiction thriller set in New Hampshire that just gets better with every book. The series is being re-released by Severn River Publishing. Most of them can be read as stand-alone novels, but your reading experience will be deeper and more engaging if you follow the series and have more information about all the characters. Thanks to Severn River Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/0...
Profile Image for Dale.
476 reviews10 followers
November 13, 2016
Book number 10 in the Lewis Cole mystery series!

My thanks to my contacts at Pegasus Books, Iris Blasi, Katie McGuire, and Maia Larson, for my advance reading copy of this book. You ladies rock!

As the book opens, Lewis Cole is a recently unemployed journalist who is attending the murder trial of his friend, Felix Tinos. Cole has returned to his home at Tyler Beach, NH. Due to the efforts of his friends, his home has been rebuilt following a destructive fire.

Cole is certain that Felix is innocent of the charges, even though circumstantial evidence is against his friend. A man named Fletcher Moore was found shot to death in an empty third floor apartment. The dead man was shot with a nine millimeter automatic, found beneath his body. The gun belonged to Moore, and his fingerprints are on the gun and in the apartment…

Moore has been in trouble before, and has a reputation of being a man who pushes the line between what is legal and what is not. He is usually represented by Boston lawyer Raymond Drake, but he is inexplicably absent. His current lawyer, Hollis Spinelli, seems unconcerned about getting his client released.

When Cole questions Hollis’ handling of the case; he finds himself threatened by a tough young man who threatens to burn his house down again. Two mysterious FBI Agents approach Cole, stating that he needs to keep Felix out of prison—or else!

The action moves smoothly and the various twists and turns show the difference between what seems to have happened and the truth of the matter. I liked the story a lot!

I give the book four stars!

Quoth the Raven…
1,777 reviews13 followers
March 1, 2024
I received an ARC through "Severn Publishing" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with Lewis in at a courtroom attending Felix's trial. Felix has been charged with murder and the evidence is quite compelling. To make matters worse, Felix has not put Lewis on his approved visitor's list in addition to the lawyer who is defending is different than who normally is Felix's lawyer. It even appears that this lawyer is doing very little to protect Felix.

Lewis is later visited by two individuals that claim to be FBI agents. They tell Lewis that he needs to do something, or else Felix will be killed in jail. Lewis then begins starting his own investigation by 1st looking at the crime scene. As he gets further along, he has tried to contact Felix's true lawyer, but has no luck. He decides to go to the lawyer's house to talk to him. Upon arriving, he is met by two individuals. Right away he knows something is wrong and notifies the FBI agent.

Lewis is contacted by one of the victim's daughters who asks him for help. With the information that he receives, he starts looking at this case differently. It seems that there is an envelope that is a key item. Lewis eventually learns what everything is all about and has to avoid obstacles that are created to keep him quiet.

To discover what evidence was shown that exonerated Felix, what a warrant article at the town meeting had to do with it and how everything played out in the end, then you need to read this book.

It is another great story in this series.
254 reviews
July 8, 2020
Lewis Cole series, 10th in series -- never good to start mid-way through. Set in Boston I liked. Crime thrillers not so much.
A couple of quotes I liked: while doing research online at the library: "...I got to work, first checking my e-mail account and then the news of the day--both depressing visits that caused me to quickly exit--and although then tempted to decompress by looking at videos of cats playing piano or dogs welcoming home their owners, who were returning after spending months overseas, I buckled down and got to work." page 142 Yup, that would be me, tho' I prefer the videos of abandoned dogs perilously rescued
and this quiet affirmation of his friendship with a lesbian co-worker, and his acceptance of her and her relationship: "...about how long Diane had kept her relationship with Kara a secret, how on some occasions I had gone along with Diane to certain functions to keep wagging tongues quiet, and ....now the truth was there for everyone to see [in the picture of Diane and Kara on Diane's desk], Diane and Kara were planning to get married in three months, and things had changed not only for my best friend and her partner, but also for my conservative, quirky little home state." page 149

Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,542 reviews24 followers
February 6, 2024
The best Lewis Cole story of the series.

When I read Dead Sand, the first Lewis Cole story, not quite a year ago I wouldn’t have guessed I would have now finished reding the tenth book in the series. What I really like about this series is that the stories never get stale or formulaic. While they have common elements, specifically the location, characters, Lewis Coles’ values and loyalty to his friends, each story is built around Lewis investigating something or trying to help a friend. Storm Cell is all about Lewis trying to figure out how to prove Felix innocent of the murder of a local elite. The lengths he goes to trying to accomplish his tasks are monumental and fraught with danger. Storm Cell is my favorite of the ten books I’ve read so far, the action is more intense, Lewis faces danger from multiple sources and potential betrayal at every turn. If you are a Lewis Cole fan you owe it to yourself to experience Storm Cell. If this might be your first Lewis Cole book it would be an excellent stand alone, but by not reading the previous books the character relationships would be lacking. I received an Advance Reader Copy of Storm Cell from the publisher and chose to provide my review.
312 reviews17 followers
February 17, 2024
Storm Cell is an intriguing novel replete with murders, conspiracies and a multitude of characters. The plot revolves around a trial of a man accused of murder with overwhelming evidence pointing to his guilt. Loyalty is a sub theme and a friend sets out to find the truth and help prove his friend’s innocence. Along the bumpy road there are the involvement of the FBI, an upcoming vote to allow the building of a casino, car chases and crashes, a missing lawyer and a budding romance to name a few. Everything is tied up in a surprising conclusion.
I thank NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
Profile Image for Denise .
834 reviews10 followers
March 6, 2024
Longtime readers of the Lewis Cole series will enjoy this latest installment in this interesting series. Each book can easily be read as a standalone. There is enough backstory given for new readers to enjoy each story. Brendan DuBois tells a good story with interesting storylines, an engaging cast of characters and enough action to keep the story moving along. In this installment Lewis’s friend Felix Tinios is on trial for murder. The evidence against him seems insurmountable and a guilty verdict seems inevitable. Lewis does not believe Felix is guilty, and with prodding from the FBI, sets out to prove it.
Profile Image for Sandy.
886 reviews15 followers
February 17, 2024
Another fabulous book! This time Felix is on trial for murder and the evidence seems to be stacked against him. But, Lewis, his faithful friend, is determined to find the real killer to save him. Murder, conspiracy, politics, gambling, and a smidgen of romance…this book has it all! The storytelling is exceptional and the characters are brilliantly developed. Very highly recommended! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
417 reviews3 followers
March 12, 2024
Lewis Cole’s, unlikely, friend Felix is in trouble. He is on trial for the murder of a local business person. The crime scene was sloppy, not like Felix at all. Lewis wants to help but Felix is not letting him visit, then Lewis gets a call from the FBI. The message is clear, get Felix out or he will be killed in prison.
As Lewis turns over rocks, a lot more comes to light then just murder.
As always Lewis Cole is a pleasure to read! Looking forward to the next one.
Lewis Cole’s, unlikely, friend Felix is in trouble.
267 reviews6 followers
March 27, 2024
Another great Lewis Cole novel. This is a fast paced, action packed story that follows Lewis as he tries to prove the innocence of his friend Felix. If this was not difficult enough, Lewis is unemployed, financially strapped, being threatened, receiving strange phone calls, and Felix refuses to see him.

Although part of a series, this can also be read as a stand alone story.

Thank you to Brendan DuBois, Severn River Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Profile Image for Lynn.
3,045 reviews86 followers
October 27, 2016
I basically stayed up all night to read this book! It has absolutely everything in it! Murder, mystery, adventure, government, city politics, court case, love, deep friendships, jail --- and is impossible to put down from the first page on! Once you get it finished, you immediately want the next one! So I’ll have to go back find all his books and read them all now, what a real treat! Happy Halloween!
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,684 reviews37 followers
March 10, 2024
This time Lewis is running against the clock as his friend Felix is being held responsible and on trial for killing Fletcher one of Tyler's prominent citizens. Lewis will be shot at, will suffer a few punches (and will give some), and will search each nook and cranny till he finds the lead that will unravel the whole case. A good storyline, Storm Cell is well-written and grabs the reader"s attention. It has a surprising ending!
I thank Mr. DuBois and his publisher for this ARC.
994 reviews12 followers
March 12, 2024
Framed and convicted

A renowned selectman is murdered. Felix is accused of the murder on the basis of his fingerprints and a surveillance tape. Lewis knows his friend, Felix is innocent but how can he prove it? Even Felix's trusted lawyer is unreachable. Lewis will go to any lengths to protect his friend even if his own life is in jeopardy. A page turner with jaw dropping suspense and surprising twists which was difficult to put down.
Profile Image for Denice Langley.
4,872 reviews49 followers
March 15, 2024
The Lewis Cole series is one of my favorites and by the size of his fan club and the number of recommendations on FB, Cole is a favorite of many readers. In STORM CELL, Cole must prove his friend's innocence while the clock is ticking down on Felix's life. Brendan DuBois keeps the story moving and the clues leading to some HUGE events that kept me reading long after the rest of the family was asleep.
12 reviews
March 23, 2024
Well crafted characters

I've been hooked into this series from the beginning. Very compelling characters and intricate plot twists, some I could see coming, others baffling. While the technique of foreshadowing can build suspense, it can be overused. Brendan really likes this and uses it a bit too frequently. A little surprise is a good thing. A thorough proofreading would be beneficial.





Profile Image for Zoe.
2,386 reviews337 followers
October 27, 2016
Clever, intriguing, and highly suspenseful!

This is a faced-paced thriller about greed, power, murder, and corruption that definitely brings to mind the idea that ‘money is the root of all evil’.

The characters, especially Lewis, are tenacious, resilient, entertaining, and charismatic. The story is well written. And the plot is a good mix of character-driven drama and multiple twists and turns that keep you thoroughly engaged and captivated from start to finish.

I have to say this was a really enjoyable, exciting read and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Pegasus Books, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
Profile Image for Cynthia.
29 reviews
November 16, 2016
Clever problem solving is what this writer needs to help out his friend out of a bad situation, one he would have never put himself in. Many angles of adversity climbing out of the woodwork in this uphill battle of creative sluthing leads the hero through the towns deviants, law enforsement and a new approach to an old flame. It's a real story of give and take that. Very good read.
Profile Image for Judy.
175 reviews
February 4, 2021
I really like reading the Lewis Cole series. He makes some rash judgments but somehow everything works out in the end. I plowed through this one in two evenings.

Felix Tinios, one of Lewis' friends, is just mysterious enough to make him very interesting.

I don't want to give everything away, but if you're looking for a new author or a new series, try this one out for size.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,700 reviews28 followers
March 16, 2024
Storm Cell (Lewis Cole Book 10), my tenth read from author Brendan DuBois. A 345-page who-done-it mystery, well-written, entertaining & enjoyable. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I'll be reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
1,256 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2017
10th in the series. Felix Tinios is on trial but won't see Lewis who knows he didn't commit the murder of a local real estate guy -- all over whether to build a casino on the beach. He investigates and turns up crooked lawyers and others all trying to profit on the deal.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
133 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2024
This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!
12.7k reviews190 followers
April 17, 2025
Lewis Cole once again has his work cut out for him. Unfortunately this time it’s a close friend on death row. Will he be able to find out the truth in time. Suspenseful and full of action. Loved it.
Profile Image for Stacy Bearse.
844 reviews10 followers
January 6, 2018
A quick read, and not up to the standards set by earlier books in this series. Otherwise, entertaining if you overlook some clumsy plot points and sloppy copy editing.
162 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2022
Reading this series out of order is not a problem. Each novel stands alone with just enough background to explain characters and situations.

Profile Image for Ganesh Subramanian.
230 reviews10 followers
March 30, 2024
Storm Cell is quite a riveting murder mystery. The accused is a friend of Lewis Cole, a former Defense Analyst, previously a reporter and currently unemployed., who is convinced that he has been wrongly implicated. However, he is not allowed to even talk to the accused and can only attend the trial and unravel the plot on his own with the help of a female reporter. The plot is quite interesting and keeps you engrossed till the very end. The story is all about how Lewis goes about finding the real killer and saving of one of his friends. A good read for the weekend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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