What do you think?
Rate this book
Special Tracking Unit #2
Whispers of the Dead
A series of bizarre murders, the victims nearly unidentifiable, forces “Steps” Craig to match wits with the most cold-blooded killer he’s ever encountered.
A pair of severed feet, stored in a portable ice chest—a cooler—is found in the house of a Federal judge in El Paso. The victim is unknown and unidentifiable. The reason the killer went to such trouble—breaking into the judge’s house—and what message he intends to send are both mysteries.
Magnus “Steps” Craig is part of the elite three-man Special Tracking Unit of the FBI. Called in on special cases where his skills are especially indispensable, he works as a tracker. Steps is renowned for his incredible ability to find and follow trails over any surface better than anyone else. But there’s a secret to his success.
The Special Tracking Unit is called in to investigate, using Steps special skills to try and identify the victim and track down the killer. Steps has a kind of synesthesia, an ability that allows him to see whatever a person has touched in a unique color—what Steps calls ‘shine.’ His ability is known to only a few people—his father, the director of the FBI, and his partner, Special Agent Jimmy Donovan.
The Special Tracking Unit soon discovers another, earlier victim; again, only the feet were left behind in an icebox. With few clues besides the body parts left behind, Steps and his team find themselves enmeshed in the most difficult case of their careers. And The Icebox Killer has only just begun.
A pair of severed feet, stored in a portable ice chest—a cooler—is found in the house of a Federal judge in El Paso. The victim is unknown and unidentifiable. The reason the killer went to such trouble—breaking into the judge’s house—and what message he intends to send are both mysteries.
Magnus “Steps” Craig is part of the elite three-man Special Tracking Unit of the FBI. Called in on special cases where his skills are especially indispensable, he works as a tracker. Steps is renowned for his incredible ability to find and follow trails over any surface better than anyone else. But there’s a secret to his success.
The Special Tracking Unit is called in to investigate, using Steps special skills to try and identify the victim and track down the killer. Steps has a kind of synesthesia, an ability that allows him to see whatever a person has touched in a unique color—what Steps calls ‘shine.’ His ability is known to only a few people—his father, the director of the FBI, and his partner, Special Agent Jimmy Donovan.
The Special Tracking Unit soon discovers another, earlier victim; again, only the feet were left behind in an icebox. With few clues besides the body parts left behind, Steps and his team find themselves enmeshed in the most difficult case of their careers. And The Icebox Killer has only just begun.
325 pages, Hardcover
First published April 17, 2018
64 people are currently reading
1361 people want to read
About the author
Spencer Kope
11 books224 followersI started writing while serving in the Navy in the early 80s. I was a Russian linguist with the Naval Security Group at a time when the Cold War was still going strong. After my enlistment, I worked as an intelligence analyst and then a project manager for the Office of Naval Intelligence. You'd think this experience would have led me to write espionage novels, but it wasn't meant to be. Mind you I tried, but my heart wasn't in it.
Instead, I wrote horror stories and tales of a dystopian future. There were plenty of short stories, attempts at novels, and then novels. And while I've always had an incredible imagination, my early writing skills were pathetic.
It's been said that to become a master at anything, one need only practice that art for ten thousand hours. Well, it's taken three decades, but I've walked that road; I've done my ten thousand hours. I'm no longer afraid to share my work, and I find that my own words can make me smile, laugh, and even bring me to tears. Often, particularly when I'm supposed to be editing, I find myself being sucked into my own story.
I finally quit the intelligence business in 1999, and, beginning in 2004, started a new career as a crime analsyt. And while I still enjoy writing a variety of genres, particularly young adult, my career in law enforcement prompted me to write "Collecting the Dead," the first in a series about the fictional Special Tracking Unit.
Named by Kirkus Reviews as one of the Best Books of 2016, and nominated for a Barry Award for Best Thriller, "Collecting the Dead" launched the new series with a bang. Best of all, I love the characters and the premise of the series, and look forward to writing these books for years to come.
Instead, I wrote horror stories and tales of a dystopian future. There were plenty of short stories, attempts at novels, and then novels. And while I've always had an incredible imagination, my early writing skills were pathetic.
It's been said that to become a master at anything, one need only practice that art for ten thousand hours. Well, it's taken three decades, but I've walked that road; I've done my ten thousand hours. I'm no longer afraid to share my work, and I find that my own words can make me smile, laugh, and even bring me to tears. Often, particularly when I'm supposed to be editing, I find myself being sucked into my own story.
I finally quit the intelligence business in 1999, and, beginning in 2004, started a new career as a crime analsyt. And while I still enjoy writing a variety of genres, particularly young adult, my career in law enforcement prompted me to write "Collecting the Dead," the first in a series about the fictional Special Tracking Unit.
Named by Kirkus Reviews as one of the Best Books of 2016, and nominated for a Barry Award for Best Thriller, "Collecting the Dead" launched the new series with a bang. Best of all, I love the characters and the premise of the series, and look forward to writing these books for years to come.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
May 10, 2018
3.5 I read the summary of this, and was drawn to the unique talent Steps has, a rare form of synsthesia. He see, what he calls the shine, on people. Each person's unique color, not an aura but trAils on the ground or things they touch. He and Jimmy belong to a special tracking unit of the FBI, snd they are called into service after a pair of feet are found in a cooler at a judges house.
The first half of the book, as they investigate, trying to put the pieces together, were rather slow. Yet even though the pace was slower I was still entertained by the witty repartee between the partners. The pace really picks up in the second half, and it turned into a very good and suspenseful story.
I enjoyed this, the two lead characters, even the lesser characters were wonderful. Something a little different, and I will go back and read the first in series, this is the second. The epilogue is the beginning of their next case, and it sounds like a killer from the first is back in action.
ARC from Netgalley.
The first half of the book, as they investigate, trying to put the pieces together, were rather slow. Yet even though the pace was slower I was still entertained by the witty repartee between the partners. The pace really picks up in the second half, and it turned into a very good and suspenseful story.
I enjoyed this, the two lead characters, even the lesser characters were wonderful. Something a little different, and I will go back and read the first in series, this is the second. The epilogue is the beginning of their next case, and it sounds like a killer from the first is back in action.
ARC from Netgalley.
July 18, 2020
Returning for another novel in his new series, I sought to see if Spencer Kope could keep up the high quality of his series debut. Tackling crime fighting from the angle of a tracker, Kope’s protagonist pulls the reader into the middle of another wonderful thriller with a serial killer on the loose. Magnus “Steps” Craig is still busy with the FBI’s Special Tacking Unit (STU), a small collection of individuals tasked with locating missing persons, which can include discovering bodies in the most macabre situations. Steps continues to use a tool in her arsenal that sets him apart from others, called ‘shine’, which allows him to see the presence of someone through an aura that presents itself in detailed colours and other visual disturbances. When Steps and his partner, Special Agent Jimmy Donovan, are called down to El Paso, they discover the oddest crime scene they have seen in a while. In the living room of a judge sits a leg, contained in an ice box. The shine it gives off is quite unique, though Steps is not sure that he’s seen it before. There is another significant shine, apparently that of the killer. Steps and Donovan begin trying to piece things together, visiting a local prison in hopes that the judge may have angered the wrong person. Rather than locating a shine for the killer, it would seem the leg’s owner was once incarcerated here. After posting a ‘request for information’ nationwide, Steps and Donovan learn that there are more cases that could be tied into this, where bodies have turned up without legs, which helps them label this criminal as the Ice Box Killer. Steps senses more of the shine, but there is nothing yet that identifies the killer. As they try to piece things together, a new victim from an old case Steps knows all too well has surfaced, a decade after the original kill. Someone is placing the victim to resemble Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, a killer Steps dubs Leonardo. With two killers on the loose, Steps will have to work as best he can, hoping to catch them both and to limit the number of victims. However, the further the Ice Box Killer investigation progresses, the more it seems the victims were all people with despicable pasts. Might this be a vigilante serial killer who is trying to balance the scales where justice got it wrong? Another chilling and addictive read shows that Kope has what it takes. Recommended to those who read and enjoyed Kope’s debut, as well as the reader who prefers their crime thrillers told from unique perspectives.
After devouring the series debut, I knew I needed to get my hands on this one in short order. Spencer Kope pulls the reader in with his unique perspective more than the stand-alone nature of the crimes, as well as strong characters and a plot that does not stop developing. Magnus ‘Steps’ Craig offers a needed protagonist’s uniqueness through his abilities. Steps remains a talented tracker, known throughout the FBI, though his shine surely plays into his success. While Kope leaves much of the sine backstory in the opening novel, there are hints at Steps’ ongoing reliance on the power and desire not to share it too widely. As well, the crimes that he and Donovan seem to encounter are surely playing on the man’s ability to separate work from home life, something that Steps is trying to create after a long while. The inner struggle is there and not dissipating by any measure. There is much character development for Steps in this piece, as well as a loosening of the secrecy over his shine, but the debate surrounding sharing it seems to be one that is not easily resolved. Other characters who appear throughout help offer some added depth to the story, including Jimmy Donovan. These two work well together and have a great banter that keeps the story moving, even in its darkest points. Others continue to complement and flavour the narrative effectively and keep the reader wanting more. The story remains quite captivating because of the approach that has not been used in previous novels I’ve encountered. Kope strengthens this even more with numerous twists planted throughout the story. With a decent dose of humour, educational moments, and great plot pacing, this book makes its mark and will surely leave the reader wanting to explore more. I am happy to say I have a copy of the third novel and will be rushing to get it started, if only to learn more about where things left off in this chilling thriller.
Kudos, Mr. Kope, for another great piece. I am a fan and cannot wait for other to discover your work as well!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
After devouring the series debut, I knew I needed to get my hands on this one in short order. Spencer Kope pulls the reader in with his unique perspective more than the stand-alone nature of the crimes, as well as strong characters and a plot that does not stop developing. Magnus ‘Steps’ Craig offers a needed protagonist’s uniqueness through his abilities. Steps remains a talented tracker, known throughout the FBI, though his shine surely plays into his success. While Kope leaves much of the sine backstory in the opening novel, there are hints at Steps’ ongoing reliance on the power and desire not to share it too widely. As well, the crimes that he and Donovan seem to encounter are surely playing on the man’s ability to separate work from home life, something that Steps is trying to create after a long while. The inner struggle is there and not dissipating by any measure. There is much character development for Steps in this piece, as well as a loosening of the secrecy over his shine, but the debate surrounding sharing it seems to be one that is not easily resolved. Other characters who appear throughout help offer some added depth to the story, including Jimmy Donovan. These two work well together and have a great banter that keeps the story moving, even in its darkest points. Others continue to complement and flavour the narrative effectively and keep the reader wanting more. The story remains quite captivating because of the approach that has not been used in previous novels I’ve encountered. Kope strengthens this even more with numerous twists planted throughout the story. With a decent dose of humour, educational moments, and great plot pacing, this book makes its mark and will surely leave the reader wanting to explore more. I am happy to say I have a copy of the third novel and will be rushing to get it started, if only to learn more about where things left off in this chilling thriller.
Kudos, Mr. Kope, for another great piece. I am a fan and cannot wait for other to discover your work as well!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
May 19, 2018
A federal judge in Texas comes home to a strange cooler left in his house. The cooler contains a pair of severed feet. Magnus "Steps'' Craig and Jimmy Donovan are sent to investigate. They are members of a special FBI group, the Special Tracking Unit. Steps has an unusual gift. He sees people in varying colors, which allows him to see if victims have been killed by the same person because of traces of color left on the bodies. His gift has to be kept secret. And, although his gift helps them in investigations, it can't be used as evidence at a trial, so the tracking unit has to find concrete proof usable in court. More severed feet are found, so Steps and Jimmy are racing against time to identify the killer.
I have to admit the plot of this book is really strange. Severed feet in ice coolers. Creative and disturbing. If it had been in the least overdone, it would have come off as ridiculous....but this book is well-written and it was just dead on creepy and suspenseful. I liked how the two FBI agents work so well together. I also enjoyed how Steps' power comes with a cost -- blinding headaches and the need to keep it completely secret. Interesting concept for a crime series....I like it!
Whispers of the Dead is the 2nd book in the Special Tracking Unit series. I'm definitely going back to read book one! I jumped in at book 2 easily and was still able to understand the characters and the plot, but book one obviously contains more background on the unit and the main characters. It isn't necessary to read book one though. I still totally loved this story without reading the first book in the series.
**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
I have to admit the plot of this book is really strange. Severed feet in ice coolers. Creative and disturbing. If it had been in the least overdone, it would have come off as ridiculous....but this book is well-written and it was just dead on creepy and suspenseful. I liked how the two FBI agents work so well together. I also enjoyed how Steps' power comes with a cost -- blinding headaches and the need to keep it completely secret. Interesting concept for a crime series....I like it!
Whispers of the Dead is the 2nd book in the Special Tracking Unit series. I'm definitely going back to read book one! I jumped in at book 2 easily and was still able to understand the characters and the plot, but book one obviously contains more background on the unit and the main characters. It isn't necessary to read book one though. I still totally loved this story without reading the first book in the series.
**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
August 29, 2020
"Steps" Chase is a unique individual - he believes that sweating is something one should never do intentionally, he's a Hunger Games fan, his solidarity with a dieting friend finds its limit at a maple bar, he owns five hundred and eighty seven books, and holds John Wilkes Booth roughly level with Hitler.
Oh, and he sees "shine" - the signs of someone's passage through the world, in the colours and textures unique to them.
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of the criminal investigation genre, and these books just keep getting better (I'll reiterate my frustration that I discovered this series so early and don't get to dive headlong into a nice big back catalogue!). Spencer Kope clearly has a lot of knowledge around investigative techniques, and writes phenomenally well-rounded characters, with the kind of banter that immediately made me feel at home.
The central mystery is well done - the over arching mystery continues to tantalise. I'm a huge fan of these books and this author and I shall await the next in the series with bated breath.
Oh, and he sees "shine" - the signs of someone's passage through the world, in the colours and textures unique to them.
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of the criminal investigation genre, and these books just keep getting better (I'll reiterate my frustration that I discovered this series so early and don't get to dive headlong into a nice big back catalogue!). Spencer Kope clearly has a lot of knowledge around investigative techniques, and writes phenomenally well-rounded characters, with the kind of banter that immediately made me feel at home.
The central mystery is well done - the over arching mystery continues to tantalise. I'm a huge fan of these books and this author and I shall await the next in the series with bated breath.
October 31, 2017
I received a free electronic copy of Whispers of the Dead (Special Tracking Unit #2) by Spencer Kope from NetGalley for my honest review. This is the first book I have ever read by Spencer Kope. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Very quick read as you don't want to put it down. This is a story about a series of strange and gruesome murders in which the victims are almost unrecognizable. Magnus Craig (Steps) is called to track down the killer with his special skills. Spine tingling murder mystery that you can't put down.
dnf
June 8, 2018DNF at 25%
The main character, Magnus “Steps” Craig, uses his synesthesia to help solve crime. Being able to see what a person touched in a specific color comes in handy for his job in the FBI. However, I found all of the characters and dialogue extremely annoying and unfortunately couldn't get past those to finish the book.
The main character, Magnus “Steps” Craig, uses his synesthesia to help solve crime. Being able to see what a person touched in a specific color comes in handy for his job in the FBI. However, I found all of the characters and dialogue extremely annoying and unfortunately couldn't get past those to finish the book.
April 17, 2018
Book two in this series is another winner
FBI Operations Specialist Magnus "Steps" and his partner Special Agent Jimmy Donovan are in a special section of the FBI developed just for them - the FBIs Special Tracking Unit, based out of Bellingham, Washington. They have their own private jet they've named Betsy and they travel all over the U.S. looking for missing persons, bodies, and killers.
In this second book of the series (after COLLECTING THE DEAD) they head to Texas and New Mexico looking for a killer that cuts the feet off his victims and leaves the feet in unlikely places.
If you read the first book, you know that "Steps" has a unique talent. He sees a "shine" left behind after people. Neon bright and a different color and texture unique to each person, it makes tracking people a lot easier.
I liked this second book as much as the first. It's a different storyline than other thrillers out there and "Steps" is a very different person. Sometimes I wonder if he's on the autism spectrum because of the many quirks he has.
Anyway, both these books are very entertaining if you like stories about murders, serial killers, the FBI, and the paranormal.
I received this book from St. Martin's Press through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
FBI Operations Specialist Magnus "Steps" and his partner Special Agent Jimmy Donovan are in a special section of the FBI developed just for them - the FBIs Special Tracking Unit, based out of Bellingham, Washington. They have their own private jet they've named Betsy and they travel all over the U.S. looking for missing persons, bodies, and killers.
In this second book of the series (after COLLECTING THE DEAD) they head to Texas and New Mexico looking for a killer that cuts the feet off his victims and leaves the feet in unlikely places.
If you read the first book, you know that "Steps" has a unique talent. He sees a "shine" left behind after people. Neon bright and a different color and texture unique to each person, it makes tracking people a lot easier.
I liked this second book as much as the first. It's a different storyline than other thrillers out there and "Steps" is a very different person. Sometimes I wonder if he's on the autism spectrum because of the many quirks he has.
Anyway, both these books are very entertaining if you like stories about murders, serial killers, the FBI, and the paranormal.
I received this book from St. Martin's Press through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
December 4, 2017
A year ago, I discovered a thriller by a new author, Spencer Kope. The book was "Collecting the Dead" and was one of the best and most unique thrillers of the last 10 years. I considered myself fortunate due to the fact that I took a chance on a book that just sounded interesting. I have regular correspondence with Mr. Kope an he is also a very nice guy. So, imagine my happiness while searching NetGalley for some titles and there before my eyes was book #2 of the now titled, Special Tracking Unit series. "Whispers of the Dead by Spencer Kope. I have to say as well, lightning does strike twice.
Whispers is very much the equal of book 1. Probably because Kope's characters are so memorable that you can't wait to catch up with them again. FBI Special Agent James Donovan and Operations Specialist Magnus Craig are very good at what they do, which is solving crimes. But as explained in book one there is a catch or secret if you will. Magnus "Steps" Craig has a gift. A very special and specific gift. He can see the residue that is left behind by killers as well as those they come in contact with. He calls it "shine" and it is manifested in colors only Steps can see. Not only colors but textures as well. A person's shine is as unique as a person's DNA therefore everyone's is different. The only people that know of Steps gift are his partner and the Director of the FBI. Known as the human bloodhound, Steps not only helps those that can't help themselves but those who may be listed as well.
In Whispers, the STU is called to Albuquerque where a styrofoam cooler is left in a judges living room holding a pair of feet not attached to a body. The killer is dubbed the Ice Box Killer due to the cold ice blue shine that the killer leaves behind. After more coolers and more feet are found Steps must out his gift to work and catch a killer before it's to late.
Kope's thrillers are well written and the dialogue is witty and humorous at times. But it is the humanity of Steps and Jimmy that really make both books hum.
Whispers of the Dead will not be released until April 2018 from St. Martin's Minotaur. In the meantime, pick up book one and enjoy.
Whispers is very much the equal of book 1. Probably because Kope's characters are so memorable that you can't wait to catch up with them again. FBI Special Agent James Donovan and Operations Specialist Magnus Craig are very good at what they do, which is solving crimes. But as explained in book one there is a catch or secret if you will. Magnus "Steps" Craig has a gift. A very special and specific gift. He can see the residue that is left behind by killers as well as those they come in contact with. He calls it "shine" and it is manifested in colors only Steps can see. Not only colors but textures as well. A person's shine is as unique as a person's DNA therefore everyone's is different. The only people that know of Steps gift are his partner and the Director of the FBI. Known as the human bloodhound, Steps not only helps those that can't help themselves but those who may be listed as well.
In Whispers, the STU is called to Albuquerque where a styrofoam cooler is left in a judges living room holding a pair of feet not attached to a body. The killer is dubbed the Ice Box Killer due to the cold ice blue shine that the killer leaves behind. After more coolers and more feet are found Steps must out his gift to work and catch a killer before it's to late.
Kope's thrillers are well written and the dialogue is witty and humorous at times. But it is the humanity of Steps and Jimmy that really make both books hum.
Whispers of the Dead will not be released until April 2018 from St. Martin's Minotaur. In the meantime, pick up book one and enjoy.
June 20, 2018
After reading the first book in this series Collecting the Dead I was really looking forward to getting to book number 2 in the series.
The story itself is a 3-3.5 stars but I made it a 4 star rating for the "special tracking unit" cast of characters ! They are an amazing group of folks, funny and a bit on the quirky side, then you add humor, wit & dialogue and you have a great book about the FBI tracking down serial killers!
An enjoyable read
The story itself is a 3-3.5 stars but I made it a 4 star rating for the "special tracking unit" cast of characters ! They are an amazing group of folks, funny and a bit on the quirky side, then you add humor, wit & dialogue and you have a great book about the FBI tracking down serial killers!
An enjoyable read
April 21, 2018
There’s a serial killer at work, whose weird signature involves severed feet, delivered in iceboxes to defence lawyers. It’s a job for one of the FBI’s special units – a very special unit, one which comes with an extra-sensory twist. Steps, the lead character, is a tracker. But he doesn’t use forensics or personality profiling – instead he has a paranormal ability to see the unique aura which surrounds every person.
This is the second book in the series, but you don’t need to have read the first to enjoy this one. I felt it flowed more easily than the earlier episode, and Steps’ second-sight blended better into the storyline. The first book was more about the investigator himself: this one stands on the merits of the story, and it’s a solidly crafted investigation into a serial killer… one which raises plenty of questions about the morality of western legal systems, and of personal responsibility.
There is an intellectual puzzle here to be solved, and it’s a nifty mix of procedural and road trip, as they zigzag between crime sites across the southern States. And it’s made all the more entertaining by the combination of a paranormal ability with practical policing: Steps can’t reveal his ability to the world at large (or even some of his team, or his girlfriend), so there’s multiple layers of subtle subterfuge involved in bringing what Steps knows – but can’t prove — into the chain of evidence.
Throw in the usual cast of medical examiners, research team, hi-tech forensics and digital tracking, add a smattering of witness interviews and cold-case reviews, and you get a truly entertaining manhunt. It’s on the safe side of gruesome and not particularly explicit; tight with technical detail and agency acronyms; possibly a little long on buddy-buddy conversations during the investigation team’s travel time. The air-crew, for example, feel as if they’re just hanging around to lighten the mood. But the notion of Steps sending paper letters to his girlfriend by old-fashioned post is a nice commentary on the transient nature of modern communication.
Mostly, the story lopes along without bogging down and Spencer Kope has an unfussy style of writing which doesn’t clutter the narrative unnecessarily. This episode definitely feels more confident and polished than the first, and the author is able to bring some real gravitas to a complex situation. This isn’t simply a manhunt for a serial killer, which pitches law enforcers against someone entirely evil, but a story with a more complex moral conundrum at its core.
I enjoyed it more than I did the first book in the series – and am looking forward to the third.
8/10
There's a longer version of this review over at http://www.MurderMayhemandMore.net
This is the second book in the series, but you don’t need to have read the first to enjoy this one. I felt it flowed more easily than the earlier episode, and Steps’ second-sight blended better into the storyline. The first book was more about the investigator himself: this one stands on the merits of the story, and it’s a solidly crafted investigation into a serial killer… one which raises plenty of questions about the morality of western legal systems, and of personal responsibility.
There is an intellectual puzzle here to be solved, and it’s a nifty mix of procedural and road trip, as they zigzag between crime sites across the southern States. And it’s made all the more entertaining by the combination of a paranormal ability with practical policing: Steps can’t reveal his ability to the world at large (or even some of his team, or his girlfriend), so there’s multiple layers of subtle subterfuge involved in bringing what Steps knows – but can’t prove — into the chain of evidence.
Throw in the usual cast of medical examiners, research team, hi-tech forensics and digital tracking, add a smattering of witness interviews and cold-case reviews, and you get a truly entertaining manhunt. It’s on the safe side of gruesome and not particularly explicit; tight with technical detail and agency acronyms; possibly a little long on buddy-buddy conversations during the investigation team’s travel time. The air-crew, for example, feel as if they’re just hanging around to lighten the mood. But the notion of Steps sending paper letters to his girlfriend by old-fashioned post is a nice commentary on the transient nature of modern communication.
Mostly, the story lopes along without bogging down and Spencer Kope has an unfussy style of writing which doesn’t clutter the narrative unnecessarily. This episode definitely feels more confident and polished than the first, and the author is able to bring some real gravitas to a complex situation. This isn’t simply a manhunt for a serial killer, which pitches law enforcers against someone entirely evil, but a story with a more complex moral conundrum at its core.
I enjoyed it more than I did the first book in the series – and am looking forward to the third.
8/10
There's a longer version of this review over at http://www.MurderMayhemandMore.net
April 17, 2018
Police canines put their nose to the ground to lead them to the feet of their quest. Magnus Craig known as "STEPS" takes off his glasses to follow the neon color "Shine" that is left behind by everyone. All Individuals have their own signature color and texture making FBI Craig the perfect tracker of criminals at large. Kope has a vivid imagination and skill with characters that makes this a fascinating and quick read. Successful FBI team that are air lifted by their cute and humorous pilots Les and Marty add to the enjoyment. Paranormal Crime Thriller that can be read as a stand alone as I did but I will be picking up this author again. "A copy of this book was provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
October 14, 2020
This is such a fantastic series! The only thing I'm not happy about is having to wait, now, until the next book is written!
I love Steps's ability to see "shine", and Jimmy's ability to profile. They make a great team! I'm glad humor is thrown in here and there, or the series might be too dark and depressing.
Give this series a try. I don't think you'll be sorry. :)
I love Steps's ability to see "shine", and Jimmy's ability to profile. They make a great team! I'm glad humor is thrown in here and there, or the series might be too dark and depressing.
Give this series a try. I don't think you'll be sorry. :)
March 10, 2018
The latest case for Steps Craig and his partner Jimmy Donovan is a puzzler. They are called to El Paso because a Federal Judge has found a cooler with feet in it in his living room. Steps sees everyone in different colors which is very helpful in his investigations but needs to be kept secret. He can use his ability to see the shine of a killer and, by seeing the shine on multiple victims, know if the killer is a serial killer. However, his ability isn't evidence that can lead to a court conviction so he and his partner need to find conventional evidence too.
The first pair of feet leads to another pair of feet this time in the home of a defense attorney. Steps and Jimmy spend a lot of time on their Gulfstream jet traveling between crime sites. Their office assistant Diane holds down the fort at their home location in Washington State and is a computer guru who tracks down all sorts of evidence for them from State and Federal databases. Very few people know about Steps's special ability and Diane isn't one of them though she is getting suspicious.
Despite Steps's special ability which can only be muted by special lead crystal glasses and which causes massive headaches, Jimmy and Steps still need to do the ordinary police work of knocking on doors and traveling up and down I-10 from Texas to Albuquerque to follow the path of the killer they have nicknamed the Ice Box Killer.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the friendship between Steps and Jimmy and the way they work so well together. I also liked seeing Steps's relationship with journalist Heather growing. I thought the fact that he wrote her letters was romantic. I also liked that he felt that it was time to tell her about his special ability but couldn't quite bring himself to do it.
The writing was engaging as it was told by Steps who has a number of interesting personality quirks. The action was fast-paced. The mystery itself was nicely done with clues and motives gradually revealed. I recommend this series. Start with COLLECTING THE DEAD to get the whole story but this one does stand alone quite well.
The first pair of feet leads to another pair of feet this time in the home of a defense attorney. Steps and Jimmy spend a lot of time on their Gulfstream jet traveling between crime sites. Their office assistant Diane holds down the fort at their home location in Washington State and is a computer guru who tracks down all sorts of evidence for them from State and Federal databases. Very few people know about Steps's special ability and Diane isn't one of them though she is getting suspicious.
Despite Steps's special ability which can only be muted by special lead crystal glasses and which causes massive headaches, Jimmy and Steps still need to do the ordinary police work of knocking on doors and traveling up and down I-10 from Texas to Albuquerque to follow the path of the killer they have nicknamed the Ice Box Killer.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the friendship between Steps and Jimmy and the way they work so well together. I also liked seeing Steps's relationship with journalist Heather growing. I thought the fact that he wrote her letters was romantic. I also liked that he felt that it was time to tell her about his special ability but couldn't quite bring himself to do it.
The writing was engaging as it was told by Steps who has a number of interesting personality quirks. The action was fast-paced. The mystery itself was nicely done with clues and motives gradually revealed. I recommend this series. Start with COLLECTING THE DEAD to get the whole story but this one does stand alone quite well.
June 10, 2018
Whispers of the Dead is the second book in a fun series with a unique premise. While it can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend starting with Collecting the Dead, book 1.
Most of the story is written from Steps' perspective, in first person. I really enjoy his character. We get to know him on a personal level, so there is a lot of depth beyond the whodunit mystery. The banter between Steps and his partner Jimmy provides comic relief around the details of the series of grisly murders.
The killer's perspective is also included, written in third person, though without revealing the identity. I always appreciate a glimpse into the dark mind of the killer, and this is handled well.
The plot keeps us guessing until the very end, as we go along with Steps and the team, uncovering clues and putting the pieces together. The concept of Steps using "shine" to track the killer is intriguing, giving the story a totally different feel than the typical investigation style.
While the plot here is wrapped up at the end, there is a bit of a cliffhanger carried through from book 1.
*The publisher provided me with an ebook copy, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*
Most of the story is written from Steps' perspective, in first person. I really enjoy his character. We get to know him on a personal level, so there is a lot of depth beyond the whodunit mystery. The banter between Steps and his partner Jimmy provides comic relief around the details of the series of grisly murders.
The killer's perspective is also included, written in third person, though without revealing the identity. I always appreciate a glimpse into the dark mind of the killer, and this is handled well.
The plot keeps us guessing until the very end, as we go along with Steps and the team, uncovering clues and putting the pieces together. The concept of Steps using "shine" to track the killer is intriguing, giving the story a totally different feel than the typical investigation style.
While the plot here is wrapped up at the end, there is a bit of a cliffhanger carried through from book 1.
*The publisher provided me with an ebook copy, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*
June 25, 2018
I got a free copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book to be completely stupid. I have read other paranormal mystery type books before and this one was so unbelievable that I had to fight to complete it. I had no problem putting it down when I had to go back to work or to drive home. I didn't like the characters or the relationship between them.
I will not be looking for the other books in this series.
I found this book to be completely stupid. I have read other paranormal mystery type books before and this one was so unbelievable that I had to fight to complete it. I had no problem putting it down when I had to go back to work or to drive home. I didn't like the characters or the relationship between them.
I will not be looking for the other books in this series.
April 26, 2018
Whispers of the Dead is the 2nd book in the Special Tracking Unit series. I loved the first book, Collecting the Dead, so I was excited to read this book. This book did not disappoint. Such a unique plot with great characters. It pulled me in from the beginning and held my interest throughout the story.
Operations Specialist Magnus "Steps" Craig is a tracker with a special gift. He the ability that allows him to see whatever a person has touched in a unique color, what he calls ‘shine.’ Steps and his partner, FBI Special Agent Jimmy Donovan, are on a case where a pair of severed feet are found in a cooler in the house of a Federal judge in El Paso. The victim is unknown and unidentifiable. Soon another cooler with severed feet is found hundreds of miles away. Steps and FBI Donovan are on the hunt for The Icebox Killer.
I highly recommend reading both books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of Spencer Kope's "Whispers of the Dead" in exchange of an honest review.
Operations Specialist Magnus "Steps" Craig is a tracker with a special gift. He the ability that allows him to see whatever a person has touched in a unique color, what he calls ‘shine.’ Steps and his partner, FBI Special Agent Jimmy Donovan, are on a case where a pair of severed feet are found in a cooler in the house of a Federal judge in El Paso. The victim is unknown and unidentifiable. Soon another cooler with severed feet is found hundreds of miles away. Steps and FBI Donovan are on the hunt for The Icebox Killer.
I highly recommend reading both books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of Spencer Kope's "Whispers of the Dead" in exchange of an honest review.
November 16, 2017
I couldn’t put this book down once I started it. I’m truly impressed with this book. It was well written, well developed, and it easily brought someone into the story and world of Steps and Jimmy even if they hadn’t read the first book. It was super easy to follow, it kept me on edge and I constantly wanted more about what was going on with IBK. All of the stand-alone IBK scenes were so well-written and suspenseful that I didn’t want them to end, but wanted more of them.
I loved how well developed the characters were. They were relatable and I could clearly picture the conversations going on. This whole idea the Kope has about Steps having this “shine”-vision actually plays well into solving cases in an abstract way and something that takes it to another level. The cliffhanger at the end is genius because now I want more about the next case. I’m definitely hooked. It left me wanting more.
I loved how well developed the characters were. They were relatable and I could clearly picture the conversations going on. This whole idea the Kope has about Steps having this “shine”-vision actually plays well into solving cases in an abstract way and something that takes it to another level. The cliffhanger at the end is genius because now I want more about the next case. I’m definitely hooked. It left me wanting more.
October 25, 2017
series of bizarre murders, the victims nearly unidentifiable, forces “Steps” Craig to match wits with the most cold-blooded killer he’s ever encountered.
A pair of severed feet, stored in a portable ice chest—a cooler—is found in the house of a Federal judge in El Paso. The victim is unknown and unidentifiable. The reason the killer went to such trouble—breaking into the judge’s house—and what message he intends to send are both mysteries.
Magnus “Steps” Craig is part of the elite three-man Special Tracking Unit of the FBI. Called in on special cases where his skills are especially indispensable, he works as a tracker. Steps is renowned for his incredible ability to find and follow trails over any surface better than anyone else. But there’s a secret to his success.
The Special Tracking Unit is called in to investigate, using Steps special skills to try and identify the victim and track down the killer. Steps has a kind of synesthesia, an ability that allows him to see whatever a person has touched in a unique color—what Steps calls ‘shine.’ His ability is known to only a few people—his father, the director of the FBI, and his partner, Special Agent Jimmy Donovan.
The Special Tracking Unit soon discovers another, earlier victim; again, only the feet were left behind in an icebox. With few clues besides the body parts left behind, Steps and his team find themselves enmeshed in the most difficult case of their careers. And The Icebox Killer has only just begun.
My thoughts
5 stars all the way,
This is my first time reading a book by Spencer Kope and I have to say that after reading this one.i want more of this series, loved the 2 main characters as well as how well they worked together not only as a team but how they thought of each other as family, also loved how Creepy the story was , and how it pulled me into the story, so much so that I read it in one seating didn't want to stop reading . With that said I want to say thinks to NetGalley for giving me a chance at finding a new series that I want to read in change for my honest opinion.
A pair of severed feet, stored in a portable ice chest—a cooler—is found in the house of a Federal judge in El Paso. The victim is unknown and unidentifiable. The reason the killer went to such trouble—breaking into the judge’s house—and what message he intends to send are both mysteries.
Magnus “Steps” Craig is part of the elite three-man Special Tracking Unit of the FBI. Called in on special cases where his skills are especially indispensable, he works as a tracker. Steps is renowned for his incredible ability to find and follow trails over any surface better than anyone else. But there’s a secret to his success.
The Special Tracking Unit is called in to investigate, using Steps special skills to try and identify the victim and track down the killer. Steps has a kind of synesthesia, an ability that allows him to see whatever a person has touched in a unique color—what Steps calls ‘shine.’ His ability is known to only a few people—his father, the director of the FBI, and his partner, Special Agent Jimmy Donovan.
The Special Tracking Unit soon discovers another, earlier victim; again, only the feet were left behind in an icebox. With few clues besides the body parts left behind, Steps and his team find themselves enmeshed in the most difficult case of their careers. And The Icebox Killer has only just begun.
My thoughts
5 stars all the way,
This is my first time reading a book by Spencer Kope and I have to say that after reading this one.i want more of this series, loved the 2 main characters as well as how well they worked together not only as a team but how they thought of each other as family, also loved how Creepy the story was , and how it pulled me into the story, so much so that I read it in one seating didn't want to stop reading . With that said I want to say thinks to NetGalley for giving me a chance at finding a new series that I want to read in change for my honest opinion.
January 31, 2023
I’m absolutely loving this series. Steps is so unique. I also love the witty one liners and banter combined with the dark mystery thriller. It makes for a fast great read. The surrounding cast is also one of a kind.
I can’t get enough. Diving into book 3 now! I highly recommend this series for those who love dark crime thrillers with unique twist. I love a bit of paranormal with my mystery.
I can’t get enough. Diving into book 3 now! I highly recommend this series for those who love dark crime thrillers with unique twist. I love a bit of paranormal with my mystery.
December 15, 2020
"Whispers of the Dead" - written by Spencer Kope and published in 2018 by St Martin's Press. This thriller is the second in the STU, Special Tracking Unit, series and continues the difficult work of FBI agents Jimmy Donovan and Magnus "Steps" Craig. "Never underestimate the dark shadow that lies upon every human heart." This one is a serial killer case involving a gruesome calling card. Once again the investigation is exciting, especially using Steps' unique tracking ability. The ending was a bit over-the-top, but I'll be back for more - the third in the series is just out in August 2020.
November 2, 2017
I love the unusual concept of being able to see a killer and victim's aura, or "shine" as Magnus calls it to track a killer and bring him to justice.
In this case, as you learn the circumstances that turns a normal, caring person into a serial killer you may find yourself sympathizing with him and understanding why he did what he did.
The ending is a nail biter and I anxiously await the next one in this remarkable series.
Recommended!
In this case, as you learn the circumstances that turns a normal, caring person into a serial killer you may find yourself sympathizing with him and understanding why he did what he did.
The ending is a nail biter and I anxiously await the next one in this remarkable series.
Recommended!
April 28, 2018
Terrific read. Loved it and am eagerly awaiting the next installment in this great series.
May 10, 2018
I love when you find a new series that the characters just feel like old friends as soon as you begin. Such humor, wit & dialogue in stories that would otherwise be very grim make for an addictive read. SK is now on my list of “watch for new releases” author.
Thanks to Minotaur for this copy:)
Thanks to Minotaur for this copy:)
September 10, 2018
Another catch up review.
I just love the premise of these stories (Special Tracking Unit) - Magnus "Steps" Craig has a special form of synesthesia whereby he can 'see' the tracks of anyone who has been in the area as a unique colour and texture that he calls 'shine'. This is a closely guarded secret as he works in a special FBI tracking unit the chases down some of the country's most vicious and dangerous criminals. I think, and really hope, there will be another book as they are quirky and different and very entertaining.
I just love the premise of these stories (Special Tracking Unit) - Magnus "Steps" Craig has a special form of synesthesia whereby he can 'see' the tracks of anyone who has been in the area as a unique colour and texture that he calls 'shine'. This is a closely guarded secret as he works in a special FBI tracking unit the chases down some of the country's most vicious and dangerous criminals. I think, and really hope, there will be another book as they are quirky and different and very entertaining.
February 28, 2019
The Special Tracking Unit novels are always a good read. They take a procedural and spice it up. (Shine it up?) Between the something extra Steps' ability brings to the plots, the complications from keeping it secret, and the well formed characters this is a series that propels itself.
March 31, 2019
Brilliantly written suspense.
Even better than his first. Kope seamlessly weaves the storyline with explanations of investigative tactics. It’s a book you don’t want to end, but yet you can’t stop reading until you know **how** it ends.
Even better than his first. Kope seamlessly weaves the storyline with explanations of investigative tactics. It’s a book you don’t want to end, but yet you can’t stop reading until you know **how** it ends.
March 25, 2019
Exciting, with a whiff of superpowers.
June 19, 2019
This is such a great series with unexpected humor. I think the whole theme of 'shine' is so interesting and clever. Waiting for more Trackers.
July 16, 2019
I read this and the first one back to back this weekend.. Magnus and Jimmy work for the FBI as trackers and hunt serial killers. Magnus has a synesthesia - allows him to see the 'aura's or shine of people - he can track them anywhere and over time. His ability is a secret to most of his collegues and to the bureau.
So the first book's hunt for the serial killer was better than this one -probably because the killer was more dangerous. I wasn't as engaged in the second book's hunt. Overall my issue with the series is with the main character -Magnus (or Steps - his nickname). He is a man in his mid -late twenties and at times sounds and acts like a teenager -he is so immature at times that it was throw me out of the story. I just couldn't connect with him or even like him that much. I won't seek out more in this series.
So the first book's hunt for the serial killer was better than this one -probably because the killer was more dangerous. I wasn't as engaged in the second book's hunt. Overall my issue with the series is with the main character -Magnus (or Steps - his nickname). He is a man in his mid -late twenties and at times sounds and acts like a teenager -he is so immature at times that it was throw me out of the story. I just couldn't connect with him or even like him that much. I won't seek out more in this series.
April 17, 2018
4.5 stars.
Whispers of the Dead by Spencer Kope is an innovative mystery starring a protagonist with an unusual skill that is utilized while solving murders. This second installment in the Special Tracking Unit series can stand on its own, but I highly recommend Collecting the Dead as well.
Tracker Magnus "Steps" Craig and his partner Special Agent Jimmy Donovan are two members of the FBI's Special Tracking Unit. Steps has an unusual ability to "see" a person's "shine" (aura) and this allows him to track people associated with their cases. Of course, since no one would take these cases seriously based on Steps' findings, he and Jimmy work together to find the physical evidence to back up what the "shine" reveals to him. Helping them with research and other assorted administrative tasks is FBI Analyst Diane Parker, who remains in the dark about Steps' special skill.
Steps and Jimmy's current case begins with the discovery of a pair of frozen feet left in a judge's home in El Paso. Steps, of course, immediately zeros in on both the victim's and suspect's shine but who either of them are remains a huge mystery. Steps comes up with a clever way to narrow down the victim pool, but will he and Jimmy uncover his identity? When another pair of feet are left in a defense attorney's home in Tucson, the killer's shine is the same as the first scene. In this case, Jimmy and Steps have a much easier time identifying the victim. When the victims' corpses begin to turn up, Jimmy and Steps find themselves in Baton Rouge and various other places in Texas. The trail then leads the FBI agents to New Mexico where they are in a race against time to uncover the killer's identity and the (heartbreaking) motive for these gruesome murders.
Steps and Jimmy are partners on the job, but they also share a close friendship. They consider each other family and they are protective of one another even though they occasionally get on each other's nerves. The banter between them is absolutely hilarious and it is quite fun to picture them on their car trips.
Whispers of the Dead is a riveting mystery that is fast-paced and engaging. All of the characters are well-developed and multi-faceted with true to life traits. Steps' ability to see a person's "shine" is a clever addition to his sleuthing repertoire and it is very easy to visualize how the process works. Spencer Kope keeps the killer's identity and motive for the crimes tightly under wraps until the novel's exciting conclusion. The brief glimpses of the case that has haunted Steps for many years will leave readers anxiously awaiting the next installment in the the Special Tracking Unit series.
Whispers of the Dead by Spencer Kope is an innovative mystery starring a protagonist with an unusual skill that is utilized while solving murders. This second installment in the Special Tracking Unit series can stand on its own, but I highly recommend Collecting the Dead as well.
Tracker Magnus "Steps" Craig and his partner Special Agent Jimmy Donovan are two members of the FBI's Special Tracking Unit. Steps has an unusual ability to "see" a person's "shine" (aura) and this allows him to track people associated with their cases. Of course, since no one would take these cases seriously based on Steps' findings, he and Jimmy work together to find the physical evidence to back up what the "shine" reveals to him. Helping them with research and other assorted administrative tasks is FBI Analyst Diane Parker, who remains in the dark about Steps' special skill.
Steps and Jimmy's current case begins with the discovery of a pair of frozen feet left in a judge's home in El Paso. Steps, of course, immediately zeros in on both the victim's and suspect's shine but who either of them are remains a huge mystery. Steps comes up with a clever way to narrow down the victim pool, but will he and Jimmy uncover his identity? When another pair of feet are left in a defense attorney's home in Tucson, the killer's shine is the same as the first scene. In this case, Jimmy and Steps have a much easier time identifying the victim. When the victims' corpses begin to turn up, Jimmy and Steps find themselves in Baton Rouge and various other places in Texas. The trail then leads the FBI agents to New Mexico where they are in a race against time to uncover the killer's identity and the (heartbreaking) motive for these gruesome murders.
Steps and Jimmy are partners on the job, but they also share a close friendship. They consider each other family and they are protective of one another even though they occasionally get on each other's nerves. The banter between them is absolutely hilarious and it is quite fun to picture them on their car trips.
Whispers of the Dead is a riveting mystery that is fast-paced and engaging. All of the characters are well-developed and multi-faceted with true to life traits. Steps' ability to see a person's "shine" is a clever addition to his sleuthing repertoire and it is very easy to visualize how the process works. Spencer Kope keeps the killer's identity and motive for the crimes tightly under wraps until the novel's exciting conclusion. The brief glimpses of the case that has haunted Steps for many years will leave readers anxiously awaiting the next installment in the the Special Tracking Unit series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews