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Frank Corso #3
Hakkotsu
The rules never mattered much to Frank Corso, rogue reporter, successful true crime writer, and honorable loner with a dangerous edge. The fact that two Texas troopers have a warrant with his name on it means nothing to him -- except run -- which he does in the company of photojournalist Meg Dougherty, his former lover and perhaps one true friend. But the running stops when a furious Midwestern blizzard sends their car crashing to the bottom of an icy hill, and they are forced to seek an escape from the storm in an abandoned Wisconsin house of horrors. In a shed outside their temporary shelter a shocking discovery awaits Meg and human bones -- a lot of them -- the grisly remains of Eldred Holmes and his family. A hideous crime undetected for fifteen years is about to become a top priority for the understaffed local law, who want Corso to investigate. His first move will be to somehow locate the one family member who escaped the carnage, Eldred's wife, Sissy, whose skeleton is not among the others ... and whose face has been neatly scissored from every picture in the Holmes family album. With only eight days to solve a multiple homicide, Corso begins a hunt that will carry him halfway across the country and through a chilling history of violence, terror, and bloodshed that spreads from the small town of Avalon, Wisconsin, to the remote farmlands of New York State. And his single-minded pursuit will make Corso a marked man -- the target of a rage- driven maniac, a master of cunning reinvention -- as he draws closer to the shocking truth that's hidden away in an isolated mountain community, where no law protects the innocent.
451 pages, Paperback Bunko
First published July 1, 2003
102 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
G.M. Ford
34 books219 followersGerald M. Ford was the author of the widely praised Frank Corso novels, Fury, Black River, A Blind Eye, Red Tide, No Man's Land, and Blown Away; six highly acclaimed mysteries, featuring Seattle private investigator Leo Waterman; and the stand-alone thriller Nameless Night. A former creative writing teacher in western Washington, Ford lived in San Diego.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 27, 2018
I was on my way to deciding that I was a big fan of G. M. Ford’s novels after I read The Deader The Better, and I liked the two earlier Frank Corso novels I read quite a bit. However, the trend for me has been to like each subsequent book I have read a little less. This, the third book in the Frank Corso series was, for me, less satisfying than the earlier offerings. Ford has written a more gruesome and violent tale with a psychotic killer one can truly despise. However, sadly, it is a tale similar to the earlier two, involving crappy, corrupt local law enforcement and the misunderstood, always-in-trouble, taciturn Corso, his photographer (sometime) girlfriend and their super sleuthing. I am disappointed because Ford is a very capable writer.
June 26, 2020
A shockingly grim thriller with thrills only at the end, since the major source of fear is off-stage for most of the book. The usual excellent descriptions--I live in Minnesota, and the book starts with the best description of trying to drive through a blizzard that I have ever read--mostly believable characters, and terse dialogue. But the plot is just barely believable, and the whole affair was just a bit too far over the edge of violence for me.
November 22, 2023
Frank Corsi is actually on the run from the law. Seems that a grand jury wants him for a statement he made regarding the whereabouts of a person of interest. Before the officials can get a hand on him, he discovers another gruesome scene and is intent on solving the mystery
I continue to enjoy the authors story’s
I continue to enjoy the authors story’s
June 27, 2020
The action and dialogue...which were better? Dead heat here. A tale of good intensions and bad.
November 15, 2021
I really liked this one; honestly, probably more than it deserved. It's just a quick fast-paced suspense novel that doesn't have a bunch of set-up or exposition. There are plot holes you could drive a truck through but if you just go along for the ride you'll have a good time. There are some really fun twists and a few surprises.
Frank Corso, a disreputable writer and journalist with a shady history, gets caught in a blizzard with his former lover Meg Dougherty while fleeing an arrest warrant. Just when it seems like things can't get any worse they stumble into the middle of a long ago murder case and somehow find themselves on a cross country investigation while STILL trying to avoid an arrest warrant (like I said, just go with it).
This is book #3 in the Frank Corso series, I've not read any of the others (I am a fan of G.M. Ford's Leo Waterman series of mysteries). It works fine as a standalone. I didn't have much trouble keeping up with things, there are some obscure references to past events but it works within the story so it wasn't an issue.
There is some coarse language and disturbing imagery so sensitive readers be forewarned, though it's more darkly suggestive than graphic description.
***sidenote: I have no idea why this is listed on Goodreads as a Leo Waterman Mystery because it's NOT.
Frank Corso, a disreputable writer and journalist with a shady history, gets caught in a blizzard with his former lover Meg Dougherty while fleeing an arrest warrant. Just when it seems like things can't get any worse they stumble into the middle of a long ago murder case and somehow find themselves on a cross country investigation while STILL trying to avoid an arrest warrant (like I said, just go with it).
This is book #3 in the Frank Corso series, I've not read any of the others (I am a fan of G.M. Ford's Leo Waterman series of mysteries). It works fine as a standalone. I didn't have much trouble keeping up with things, there are some obscure references to past events but it works within the story so it wasn't an issue.
There is some coarse language and disturbing imagery so sensitive readers be forewarned, though it's more darkly suggestive than graphic description.
***sidenote: I have no idea why this is listed on Goodreads as a Leo Waterman Mystery because it's NOT.
February 27, 2012
I had very much enjoyed the first two offerings in the Corso series, but this one is strange. Just all over the place.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when a writer or filmmaker sets a scene in a city and then inaccurately portrays that city. Ford's references to Allentown, PA aren't at all correct. If you're not going to get it right, then just create a non-existent city.
I'll probably give #4 a shot, but with a very short leash.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when a writer or filmmaker sets a scene in a city and then inaccurately portrays that city. Ford's references to Allentown, PA aren't at all correct. If you're not going to get it right, then just create a non-existent city.
I'll probably give #4 a shot, but with a very short leash.
July 4, 2021
It had a good build up but somewhere along the middle I lost my interest. The multiple and often graphic character deaths felt to me was just thrown in without adding much substance to the drama. Though with a killer ending that hints at the future horrors to come as an indirect result of Corso's failures.
May 13, 2018
The first two books were much better IMO (5 stars). Although basically a good story, it did not engage me like the first two. It was very disjointed and hard to follow at times because of very poor transition between scenes. There was no break at all. All of a sudden I'm reading about Corso and Meg in the motel room and then it's about someone else, somewhere else. Lots of instances of this. Most writers put a LITTLE white space to indicate a change of scene. I don't remember it being a problem with the first two books, but it sure was in this one. It happened a lot and was very confusing.
The ending was an example that even smart people do stupid things.
The ending was an example that even smart people do stupid things.
July 24, 2024
Oggi vi parlo di un thriller un poco datato, ma che vale la pena leggere; è un autore di cui si sente poco parlare, sto parlando di G. M. Ford con il suo libro “La casa dei corpi”.
Questo libro parte con il protagonista, Frank Corso, che scappa inseguito dalla polizia del Texas. L’intero libro si muove su una linea piena d’azione e un’indagine ad alta percentuale di adrenalina.
Ci sono cadaveri, ricerche, sparatorie e analisi di personaggi che si muovono indietro di anni.
Devo ammettere che sono mesi che ho questo titolo in biblioteca, ma non so il perché volevo leggerlo ma non volevo farlo, beh, signori miei, se vi capita tra le mani e adorate l’azione prendetelo!
Frank è uno di quei personaggi che non si può non amare, è fuori dagli schemi, è geniale e molto intelligente.
So che ce ne sono altri di libri su questo protagonista, ma sono abbastanza difficili da trovare, ma cercherò di recuperarli!
Questo libro parte con il protagonista, Frank Corso, che scappa inseguito dalla polizia del Texas. L’intero libro si muove su una linea piena d’azione e un’indagine ad alta percentuale di adrenalina.
Ci sono cadaveri, ricerche, sparatorie e analisi di personaggi che si muovono indietro di anni.
Devo ammettere che sono mesi che ho questo titolo in biblioteca, ma non so il perché volevo leggerlo ma non volevo farlo, beh, signori miei, se vi capita tra le mani e adorate l’azione prendetelo!
Frank è uno di quei personaggi che non si può non amare, è fuori dagli schemi, è geniale e molto intelligente.
So che ce ne sono altri di libri su questo protagonista, ma sono abbastanza difficili da trovare, ma cercherò di recuperarli!
April 3, 2018
When the Texan police issue a warrant with his name on it Corso, unsurprisingly, does a bunk. Conning Meg Dougherty into going with him, the pair find themselves in a furious blizzard. Trapped by the storm the pair take shelter in an abandoned house & end up discovering the grisly remains of the Holmes family. The local sheriff cuts a deal with Frank - he won't be handed over to Texas if he investigates the murders. Is he likely to refuse? Of course not!
This was another good read featuring this likeable duo (I still go *ouch* whenever Meg's tattoos are mentioned!) A female serial killer doesn't crop up that often & this one does have a hint of Gretchen Lowell about her. I loved the way Frank's thoughts at the end of the last chapter sequed nicely into the final passage...the sort of ending that makes me smile.
This was another good read featuring this likeable duo (I still go *ouch* whenever Meg's tattoos are mentioned!) A female serial killer doesn't crop up that often & this one does have a hint of Gretchen Lowell about her. I loved the way Frank's thoughts at the end of the last chapter sequed nicely into the final passage...the sort of ending that makes me smile.
November 9, 2016
3.5 stars.
Another murder is uncovered by Frank and Meg. While taking cover from a vicious snow storm, Frank finds bones wrapped up under the floor of an old barn.
Of course, nothing goes smoothly for Frank and Meg. They are chased, captured, have close encounters with the law and the bad guys.
In this third book of this series, we learn a little more about the background of Frank and Meg.
A great story.
I read e book version. At the end of the book, in the about the author, the write up was about a Peter Robinson, a zbritish crime writer. A bit confusing.
Another murder is uncovered by Frank and Meg. While taking cover from a vicious snow storm, Frank finds bones wrapped up under the floor of an old barn.
Of course, nothing goes smoothly for Frank and Meg. They are chased, captured, have close encounters with the law and the bad guys.
In this third book of this series, we learn a little more about the background of Frank and Meg.
A great story.
I read e book version. At the end of the book, in the about the author, the write up was about a Peter Robinson, a zbritish crime writer. A bit confusing.
September 19, 2017
Since I didnt read the previous books of the series was a bit hard for me to get in the story. Around page 100 everything started to be clear and I enjoyed a good original thriller/crime story.
Nrext time I ll read the first one first lol
Nrext time I ll read the first one first lol
August 5, 2019
I enjoyed the first two Corso books, but this one seemed disjointed and very violent. The author increased the violence level in subsequent books in the Leo Waterman series. I like more plot than mystery.
August 17, 2017
I really have no further interest to follow Frank Corso on his journeys; one introduction to him was sufficient.
June 17, 2019
T3 CORSO & MEG
November 16, 2021
Not a great fan but a good read
Read
June 12, 2023Not literature by any means but a fast-paced yarn full of implausible characters, plot turns and action. I really enjoyed this one by simply switching off my brain and going along for the ride.
January 12, 2025
A complex story for Investigative crime writer Frank Corso, good pace throughout
April 6, 2021
Good story. First time reading this author. Hope to read more.
352 pages
352 pages
May 7, 2016
Writer Frank Corso, a writer of true crime amongst other genre not noted clearly. He had been fired from the new Yorks Times due to writing an unstantiated story. And now the Texans via a grand jury want him a material witness as he named a source in his book but the person can not be found and the information is now looking suspect so the position taken of knoiwng now no longer applies so Frank is outer state and in hiding. Two texan police officers are on his trial with a interstate extratition warrant Rules never much mattered to rogue reporter Frank Corso. So when the Texas police release a warrant with his name on it, he runs. Accompanied by Meg Dougherty, his former lover, Corso heads straight into a furious blizzard and the pair are forced to seek shelter in an abandoned house.
But in their isolated retreat, Corso and Meg make a horrific discovery - the grisly remains of Eldred Holmes and his young family. With the police firmly on his tail, Corso begins a murder-hunt that will carry him through a chilling history of terror and bloodshed, and make him the target of a rage-driven master of reinvention . . .
But in their isolated retreat, Corso and Meg make a horrific discovery - the grisly remains of Eldred Holmes and his young family. With the police firmly on his tail, Corso begins a murder-hunt that will carry him through a chilling history of terror and bloodshed, and make him the target of a rage-driven master of reinvention . . .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2007
A BLIND EYE – Ex
G.M. Ford – 3rd in series
Rogue reporter Frank Corso, caught in a blizzard with photojournalist Meg Dougherty, end up in an abandoned Wisconsin house after a traffic accident. As he scavengers firewood, Frank uncovers bodies of a family of four, but it seems one person survived. Frank and Meg follow the trail to the East Coast and back following a history of violence.
Ford really knows how to tell a story, including the history of an area in New Jersey which, in spite of having grown up there, was unknown to me. Meg is fast becoming one of my favorite “sidekicks,” although you’d never say that to her face (were she real). This was a definite “don’t interrupt me, I’m reading” book with a very haunting ending.
G.M. Ford – 3rd in series
Rogue reporter Frank Corso, caught in a blizzard with photojournalist Meg Dougherty, end up in an abandoned Wisconsin house after a traffic accident. As he scavengers firewood, Frank uncovers bodies of a family of four, but it seems one person survived. Frank and Meg follow the trail to the East Coast and back following a history of violence.
Ford really knows how to tell a story, including the history of an area in New Jersey which, in spite of having grown up there, was unknown to me. Meg is fast becoming one of my favorite “sidekicks,” although you’d never say that to her face (were she real). This was a definite “don’t interrupt me, I’m reading” book with a very haunting ending.
October 25, 2008
Frank Corso already survived a defrocking by The New York Times, following his alleged fabrication of a major crime story. Having since re-created himself as a true-crime writer, he can ill afford to have his credibility questioned again.
So when, in G.M. Ford's A Blind Eye, he is subpoenaed to back up his book-selling boast about a Texas high-society murder, Corso disappears into the upper Midwest with his photographer (and former lover), Meg Dougherty--only to stumble onto one of the most horrific stories of his career.
Great writing - interesting characters, sharp but believable dialog, detailed settings and swift pacing makes this a "can't put it down" book.
So when, in G.M. Ford's A Blind Eye, he is subpoenaed to back up his book-selling boast about a Texas high-society murder, Corso disappears into the upper Midwest with his photographer (and former lover), Meg Dougherty--only to stumble onto one of the most horrific stories of his career.
Great writing - interesting characters, sharp but believable dialog, detailed settings and swift pacing makes this a "can't put it down" book.
June 19, 2015
#3 in the Frank Corso series. Finalist 2005 Steel Dagger Award. Frank Corso, disgraced ex-reporter, is now a best selling author.
Frank Corso and Meg Daugherty are in Wisconsin while Frank tries to avoid a TX warrant as a material witness. Escaping from a blizzard they stumble across a family of corpses hidden 15 years earlier. Frank enters into a deal with the sheriff to unofficially investigate the murders; traces the missing wife's origins to the Jackson Whites in NJ and is accused of murder.
Frank Corso and Meg Daugherty are in Wisconsin while Frank tries to avoid a TX warrant as a material witness. Escaping from a blizzard they stumble across a family of corpses hidden 15 years earlier. Frank enters into a deal with the sheriff to unofficially investigate the murders; traces the missing wife's origins to the Jackson Whites in NJ and is accused of murder.
June 15, 2008
Glad I didn't pay for this - a friend left it at the house. It's really flat and one-dimensional, although the research into the NJ hillbillies was obviously a labour of love.
It was a good page turner though - just don't expect too much in terms of convincing plot or characterisation.
OK for filling a boring journey
It was a good page turner though - just don't expect too much in terms of convincing plot or characterisation.
OK for filling a boring journey
June 6, 2014
One of the best of GM Ford. Great characters, solid plot and a goodly amount of tension. Perhaps some of the law enforcement characters were a bit stereotypical (but there are a lot of real stereotypes in that profession, unfortunately).
Gun tech? meh. Ford needs a hardware consultant. Way too many novels with gun tech mistakes.
Gun tech? meh. Ford needs a hardware consultant. Way too many novels with gun tech mistakes.
March 4, 2009
Interesting storyline with some fascinating characters. I think the story would have come together better in my mind if I'd read earlier books as some of the histories of the characters and their relationships ended up getting a bit lost.
July 6, 2012
Solid. More Meg in this one and no Seattle, lots of travelling instead. Great characters making interesting choices (the sheriff, the FBI agents, the villain, etc). Nice historical angle too. Best of all, no neat bow, definitely a few mysteries left to ponder.
April 8, 2015
Pretty average entry into the Frank Corso series. I would have given this 3 1/2 stars if I could. Frank is on the trail of a female serial killer but has to enlist the FBI to extricate himself. This is fast-paced and the story is interesting, although, not always believable. Recommended.
January 24, 2008
started off good but got too gory at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews