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The Killing of Bobbi Lomax
Spectacular crime debut, for fans of Karin Slaughter and Stephen King
CANYON COUNTY, HALLOWEEN 1983
Bobbi Lomax was the first to die, the bomb killed the prom queen on her own front lawn.
Just moments later one of the nails from the city's second bomb forced its way into the brain of property investor Peter Gudsen, killing him almost instantly.
The third bomb didn't quite kill Clark Houseman. Hovering on the brink, the rare books dealer turns out to be Detectives Sinclair and Alvarez's best hope of finding out what linked these unlikely victims, and who wanted them dead and why. But can they find the bomber before he kills again?
Set deep in the religious heartlands of America, The Killing of Bobbi Lomax follows this troubled investigation as a narrative of deceit, corruption and forgery emerges, with an unlikely hero at its heart - a rare coins, books and manuscript dealer - who could either be a genius or the devil.
335 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2015
98 people are currently reading
1761 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 4, 2023
This book has sat on my kindle for years and I should have left it there.
Bobbi Lomax is early twenties, and her husband is almost thirty years her senior. When the first bomb goes off Bobbi is killed and from there the police investigation begins.
The plot looked promising, and it sounds exciting but then you throw in a religious group called the Faith and forged editions of Peter Pan and it all gets weird. I didn't feel like there was any logic to the characters.
I'm not sure what this book is trying to be. The pacing is wrong for a thriller, it's too slow. And while there are police, it didn't feel like a police procedural.
Something is off about this book; I can't put my finger on what that is but I didn't enjoy this reading experience.
Two stars.
Bobbi Lomax is early twenties, and her husband is almost thirty years her senior. When the first bomb goes off Bobbi is killed and from there the police investigation begins.
The plot looked promising, and it sounds exciting but then you throw in a religious group called the Faith and forged editions of Peter Pan and it all gets weird. I didn't feel like there was any logic to the characters.
I'm not sure what this book is trying to be. The pacing is wrong for a thriller, it's too slow. And while there are police, it didn't feel like a police procedural.
Something is off about this book; I can't put my finger on what that is but I didn't enjoy this reading experience.
Two stars.
May 11, 2015
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is a superb crime debut – multi layered, with absolutely fascinating characters, terrific descriptive prose and a really really intriguing tale. Set in “God” country in the 80’s Cal Moriarty manages to bring that time and place to vivid stunning life giving this novel a terrific atmosphere and telling a beautifully managed and addictive mystery story.
This is old school storytelling set in an old school world – the detectives having to go about things the old fashioned way, the age of super electronics and internet still years away – this gives such an added depth to the mystery element, an almost Christie-esque feel to it that is both wonderful and nostalgic.
Add to that some remarkably authentic and well drawn characters – I adored Clark Houseman, such an engaging and sometimes hilarious protagonist, I think his parts of the book were my favourite – also, rare book dealer – what else needs to be said? Our detectives are a superb duo – so beautifully normal and casting a wry eye over events as they try to unravel the various elements and track down a bomber before he can strike again.
Overall then a rich, diverse and gorgeously written page turner with some interesting themes set in a captivating time period with a riveting and highly stimulating story.
Highly Recommended
This is old school storytelling set in an old school world – the detectives having to go about things the old fashioned way, the age of super electronics and internet still years away – this gives such an added depth to the mystery element, an almost Christie-esque feel to it that is both wonderful and nostalgic.
Add to that some remarkably authentic and well drawn characters – I adored Clark Houseman, such an engaging and sometimes hilarious protagonist, I think his parts of the book were my favourite – also, rare book dealer – what else needs to be said? Our detectives are a superb duo – so beautifully normal and casting a wry eye over events as they try to unravel the various elements and track down a bomber before he can strike again.
Overall then a rich, diverse and gorgeously written page turner with some interesting themes set in a captivating time period with a riveting and highly stimulating story.
Highly Recommended
December 17, 2018
Thanks to everyone loving Bobbi Lomax! I'm currently working on Book 2, Ten of Swords, which can be read as a standalone or as a sequel that's a prequel! I can't wait to share it with you. There'll be an excerpt of it available online by the end of January 2019. I'll update the page as soon as it's available.
May 8, 2015
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax – Good Old Retribution
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is the debut crime thriller from new voice Cal Moriarty who has written a stunning thriller from the decade taste forgot. A trip back to 1983 does not harm this thriller but enhances it and being based in an American canyon where a particular church holds sway and the Federal Government is not welcome. This hits all the buttons if you like your thriller to include, murder, fraud, local politics, sinister church leaders, manipulation and the love of money!
Without revealing the spoilers of how people were murdered, all Marty Sinclair and his long term police partner Al Alvarez have to go on is about as much as I have revealed. Somehow they need to piece the picture of the who and the what together so that they can get to the why. We are with them every step of the way as they discover the answers even if a very creep church leadership seems to block them. The church leadership is supported by the local politics of the City which all gets in the way of their investigation.
It would be easy to say follow the money in this investigation but if you do that you will not get far, even if it does rear its ugly head at relevant points. Once the detectives have discovered the why, they then have to discover the evidence, and unlike many novels you cannot see the clues telegraphed to the evidence that will prove the who may be the culprit or culprits.
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is a wonderful debut thriller that you can enjoy; it was a pure pleasure to read even when reading about murder. There were no silly plot twists, plenty of reminders of the times when detectives had to work without computers and various other kit they have today.
Read the publishers blurb and enjoy a good old fashioned thriller where you too can become Hercule Poroit as the investigation evolves, and see if you can come up with the who, what and why before Marty and Al.
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is the debut crime thriller from new voice Cal Moriarty who has written a stunning thriller from the decade taste forgot. A trip back to 1983 does not harm this thriller but enhances it and being based in an American canyon where a particular church holds sway and the Federal Government is not welcome. This hits all the buttons if you like your thriller to include, murder, fraud, local politics, sinister church leaders, manipulation and the love of money!
Without revealing the spoilers of how people were murdered, all Marty Sinclair and his long term police partner Al Alvarez have to go on is about as much as I have revealed. Somehow they need to piece the picture of the who and the what together so that they can get to the why. We are with them every step of the way as they discover the answers even if a very creep church leadership seems to block them. The church leadership is supported by the local politics of the City which all gets in the way of their investigation.
It would be easy to say follow the money in this investigation but if you do that you will not get far, even if it does rear its ugly head at relevant points. Once the detectives have discovered the why, they then have to discover the evidence, and unlike many novels you cannot see the clues telegraphed to the evidence that will prove the who may be the culprit or culprits.
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is a wonderful debut thriller that you can enjoy; it was a pure pleasure to read even when reading about murder. There were no silly plot twists, plenty of reminders of the times when detectives had to work without computers and various other kit they have today.
Read the publishers blurb and enjoy a good old fashioned thriller where you too can become Hercule Poroit as the investigation evolves, and see if you can come up with the who, what and why before Marty and Al.
August 14, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, set in two time frames which come together at the end in a clever and interesting way. I found the plot intriguing and the characters believable and I always find the cast at the beginning of a book a big help. Would recommend this book to anyone.
July 10, 2016
If I were to embark on a life of crime, literary forgery would be my first choice (not that I would, but like, if I were hit on the head and some latent crimeloving brain synapses were activated). It seems cosy and satisfying, especially when combined with self-hypnosis and channeling Poe. The descriptions of the meticulously constructed forgeries were my favorite part of this book, but there is a lot more to like.
The setting was interesting: a somewhat isolated town in a canyon somewhere in America in the early 1980's, dominated by a cult-like church called The Faith (to their consternation, there's a competing church over in Reno called The Real Faith). Those brethren are pretty creepy, but not foaming-at-the-mouth crazy (there's something to be said about self-possessed religious leaders). The outsider detectives investigating the murders and attempted murders of a couple of their flock are sympathetic, though not exactly fleshed out (I'm expecting more backstory in the next installment). Clever plotting, brisk pacing and the right amount of quirks make this a hugely enjoyable read.
The publisher's breathless comparisons to Stephen King and Karin Slaughter though? Completely misleading. This is a terrific book in its own right, with its own voice and none of the verbosity of King or torture porn of Slaughter. It reminded me a little of Lou Berney's fantastic The Long And Far Away Gone, another gem with too few ratings on GR.
I'll definitely read the next in this series when it comes out.
The setting was interesting: a somewhat isolated town in a canyon somewhere in America in the early 1980's, dominated by a cult-like church called The Faith (to their consternation, there's a competing church over in Reno called The Real Faith). Those brethren are pretty creepy, but not foaming-at-the-mouth crazy (there's something to be said about self-possessed religious leaders). The outsider detectives investigating the murders and attempted murders of a couple of their flock are sympathetic, though not exactly fleshed out (I'm expecting more backstory in the next installment). Clever plotting, brisk pacing and the right amount of quirks make this a hugely enjoyable read.
The publisher's breathless comparisons to Stephen King and Karin Slaughter though? Completely misleading. This is a terrific book in its own right, with its own voice and none of the verbosity of King or torture porn of Slaughter. It reminded me a little of Lou Berney's fantastic The Long And Far Away Gone, another gem with too few ratings on GR.
I'll definitely read the next in this series when it comes out.
January 19, 2016
It took me a while to read this one because I was listening to it as an audiobook. My first audiobook ‘read’. And what a book to start with!
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is unlike most other crime books I’ve read. It was set up around the dealing of rare coins, books and manuscripts in the religious heartlands of America so there was a lot of talk about the faith that the people were involved with, a lot of talk about the books and how they were made, the provenance of them, but it wasn’t backstory or dumping, it was beautifully and perfectly woven in. It was the storyline. It was also fascinating.
The novel is told from two different viewpoints, one being the investigating cop and one the manuscript dealer and I just couldn’t get enough of the chapters that were from the viewpoint of the manuscript dealer. They were so vivid and alive. So utterly spellbinding. They tell the story of how he came to be where he was at the point of the bombing. So it’s a story of him as much as it is about solving the bombings. Two stories cleverly interwoven, seamlessly.
Moriarty has written such a clever and superb novel with The Killing of Bobbi Lomax that I’d tell everyone to read it. The plotting is tight, the characters are living off the page and the setting, the time and religious mindset just suck you right in.
I can’t give this book enough praise. If you want a different kind of crime novel then you really need to try this, you won’t be disappointed.
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is unlike most other crime books I’ve read. It was set up around the dealing of rare coins, books and manuscripts in the religious heartlands of America so there was a lot of talk about the faith that the people were involved with, a lot of talk about the books and how they were made, the provenance of them, but it wasn’t backstory or dumping, it was beautifully and perfectly woven in. It was the storyline. It was also fascinating.
The novel is told from two different viewpoints, one being the investigating cop and one the manuscript dealer and I just couldn’t get enough of the chapters that were from the viewpoint of the manuscript dealer. They were so vivid and alive. So utterly spellbinding. They tell the story of how he came to be where he was at the point of the bombing. So it’s a story of him as much as it is about solving the bombings. Two stories cleverly interwoven, seamlessly.
Moriarty has written such a clever and superb novel with The Killing of Bobbi Lomax that I’d tell everyone to read it. The plotting is tight, the characters are living off the page and the setting, the time and religious mindset just suck you right in.
I can’t give this book enough praise. If you want a different kind of crime novel then you really need to try this, you won’t be disappointed.
February 17, 2016
If I tell you that I just let my dinner go cold as I didn't want to put this book down so close to the end, that gives you an idea how much I liked it. It's hard to dissect what it was I liked so much, maybe just that it's a great story well told. I'm not normally keen on books that flip back and forward in time but once I settled into it I actually enjoyed the format. I'm definitely keen to read more from Cal Moriarty. Fabulous book.
March 18, 2015
2015 is certainly turning into a very good year for first time crime novelists. The huge success of The Girl on the Train should be followed by the rather excellent The Killing of Bobbi Lomax. However, this is not a twisting turning psychological read with a strong female protagonist, it is a cleverly constructed crime/thriller with multiple layers to it.
Set in America in the 1980's, a spate of bombings hits Abraham City, causing the death of Bobbi Lomax and Peter Gudsen whilst seriously injuring Clark Houseman. Why has this deeply religious area been targeted? Have the victims been deliberately targeted or is somebody trying to cause havoc in a City controlled by the manipulative, controlling religious sect that is The Faith?
Detective Marty Sinclair sets out to investigate and finds himself at odds with those who control the city and it's people, The Faith don't like scandal, they like to control the media, they want to hide their controversial past and their founders history, making Sinclair and his partner Alvarez's job so much more difficult.
With it's multiple layers. interesting characters and great plotline, The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is quite a read, it's intelligent, entertaining, engaging and most of all highly readable. I hope Cal Moriarty gets the recognition she so rightly deserves.
Set in America in the 1980's, a spate of bombings hits Abraham City, causing the death of Bobbi Lomax and Peter Gudsen whilst seriously injuring Clark Houseman. Why has this deeply religious area been targeted? Have the victims been deliberately targeted or is somebody trying to cause havoc in a City controlled by the manipulative, controlling religious sect that is The Faith?
Detective Marty Sinclair sets out to investigate and finds himself at odds with those who control the city and it's people, The Faith don't like scandal, they like to control the media, they want to hide their controversial past and their founders history, making Sinclair and his partner Alvarez's job so much more difficult.
With it's multiple layers. interesting characters and great plotline, The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is quite a read, it's intelligent, entertaining, engaging and most of all highly readable. I hope Cal Moriarty gets the recognition she so rightly deserves.
April 25, 2016
A crime fiction debut that makes an impression. Set in the early eighties, three bombings have left Bobbi Lomax and Peter Gudeson dead, and a rare books and coins dealer, Clark Houseman, in a critical condition. Two detectives, Sinclair and Alvarez, set out to find out exactly what is going on and who is behind these atrocities.
We are in small town, highly religious America. The church comes under scrutiny as it appears to be implicated during the investigation. The narrative focuses on the detectives as they endeavour to put the pieces together and the multifaceted character that is Clark Houseman, and his past activities and actions. The tenacity of the detectives, despite the obstacles put in their path, begins to pay off, leading to the denouement. Marty Sinclair, in particular, is a remarkable detective who has history with the influential Faith but is determined to find answers.
A well written, fast paced narrative keeps the reader engaged. The intrigue involving the church and other players makes for an exciting read. Great to have another distinct voice in the crime fiction genre.
We are in small town, highly religious America. The church comes under scrutiny as it appears to be implicated during the investigation. The narrative focuses on the detectives as they endeavour to put the pieces together and the multifaceted character that is Clark Houseman, and his past activities and actions. The tenacity of the detectives, despite the obstacles put in their path, begins to pay off, leading to the denouement. Marty Sinclair, in particular, is a remarkable detective who has history with the influential Faith but is determined to find answers.
A well written, fast paced narrative keeps the reader engaged. The intrigue involving the church and other players makes for an exciting read. Great to have another distinct voice in the crime fiction genre.
June 16, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel by Cal Moriarty which was set in the 1980's which meant that the detectives had no modern technology to use. The plot hits the ground running with three bombings the first kills Bobbi Lomax and the next victim is Peter Gudsen but the third isn't quite dead and has been rushed to hospital. Detective Marty Sinclair has to make sense of the three bombings but is struggling to find a common denominator. I loved the way the characters were so well described and how the different layers unfolded page by page. This is a book which as a debut is a brilliant read and I hope that there will be more to come.
I would like to thank TBC and Cal Moriarty for a copy of the book for an honest review.
I would like to thank TBC and Cal Moriarty for a copy of the book for an honest review.
January 31, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut from Cal Moriarty. A classic crime tale with a 'hard boiled' feel to it and dark humour throughout. Set during the eighties in the Bible Belt of America, I can only imagine the interesting research that went into this novel, and I loved the retro feel.
I didn't get 'who dunnit' and now I want to re-read it - always a sign of a great book in my opinion.
I'm so pleased to hear this is a series, especially that there will be a prequel, because I want to know more of Marty's story.
Great job, Cal!
I didn't get 'who dunnit' and now I want to re-read it - always a sign of a great book in my opinion.
I'm so pleased to hear this is a series, especially that there will be a prequel, because I want to know more of Marty's story.
Great job, Cal!
January 7, 2021
First review of the new year - first one ever, in fact!
So I’d had this novel sitting around for quite a while, after purchasing it on a whim from a bookshop-cum-pub in Cornwall. I don’t normally do crime fiction, but found The Killing of Bobbi Lomax to be a quick, enjoyable read. I liked how it wore its hokier elements on its sleeve, and the rarity/forgery elements at the heart of the plot were well introduced and developed. It hasn’t exactly changed the way I see the world, but seasoned readers will get through it in a day or two, and probably have a good time doing so.
So I’d had this novel sitting around for quite a while, after purchasing it on a whim from a bookshop-cum-pub in Cornwall. I don’t normally do crime fiction, but found The Killing of Bobbi Lomax to be a quick, enjoyable read. I liked how it wore its hokier elements on its sleeve, and the rarity/forgery elements at the heart of the plot were well introduced and developed. It hasn’t exactly changed the way I see the world, but seasoned readers will get through it in a day or two, and probably have a good time doing so.
May 24, 2015
Thriller set in small town America (keep The Faith…)
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is a brilliant debut novel by Cal Moriarty – an author of whom we will surely hear a great deal more. It is set in the fictional town of Abraham City in the Bible Belt of small town America. Great in TripFiction terms in that it really captures the atmosphere of such a place. The book is a very cleverly put together thriller with many layers. It is set in 1982 and 1983 – a time before mobile phones and the Internet… and that, in itself, is intriguing. We are taken back to the mysterious world of pay phones and pagers. It is a reminder of the great technological progress of the past 40 years.
There are two murders within a day – those of beauty queen and new bride (to a man 40 years her senior…) Bobbi Lomax, and of Peter Gudsen, a property developer. Each is killed by a bomb. And there is a third attempted bombing – this time of Clark Houseman, a rare books and coin dealer. But the bomb didn’t quite kill him – and his witness account is detectives Marty Sinclair and Al Alvarez’s best chance of solving the case. The detectives quickly find themselves clashing with those who control the town and its people. The Faith is an all pervasive religious cult desperate to protect its image and power. Its leaders are sinister and prone to secret dealings – anxious to preserve the mystique surrounding their founder, Robert Bright. Documents come to light which shed doubt on his propriety – he is said to have been a bigamist with three teenage wives. Did Robert leave a Will, and which son did he select to succeed him as leader of The Faith? These matters cannot get out into the public domain.
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is a story not just of murder, but also of trickery and of fraudulent property dealings. These, of course, all come together as the denouement approaches – and it is a surprising and well conceived denouement. It is a story that is written in a very well observed – and slightly quirky – manner. It feels real and possible – even down to the tramp who lives in a shelter insulated with books banned by The Faith, and the somewhat weird twin brothers – Rod and Ron Rook - who are coin collectors and dealers.
I have just two possible criticisms. First, I found the characters a little confusing and hard to identify – some of them seemed to blend into each other in my mind. And I just wonder whether this is why the author / the publisher included a list of characters at the beginning of the book? A device I found very useful, but one that I would have thought would not be necessary. It is not as if this was a Russian novel with three different names for everyone! Second, it took me a little while to work out how the timeline worked… The title for each chapter is a date and time – but that didn’t initially register. The murders occurred at Halloween 1983, but the story leading up to them starts in July 1982. So there are two parallel timelines – from Halloween 1983 as the detectives investigate, and from July 1982 as prior events build up. Pretty much alternate chapters chart the progress of each… Works well when one understands what is happening.
But these are just very minor niggles. Overall the book is a great success and puts Cal Moriarty very firmly on the map as a thriller writer to note. I look forward very much to her next work.
This review originally appeared on our blog. Plus author interview: http://www.tripfiction.com/thriller-s...
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is a brilliant debut novel by Cal Moriarty – an author of whom we will surely hear a great deal more. It is set in the fictional town of Abraham City in the Bible Belt of small town America. Great in TripFiction terms in that it really captures the atmosphere of such a place. The book is a very cleverly put together thriller with many layers. It is set in 1982 and 1983 – a time before mobile phones and the Internet… and that, in itself, is intriguing. We are taken back to the mysterious world of pay phones and pagers. It is a reminder of the great technological progress of the past 40 years.
There are two murders within a day – those of beauty queen and new bride (to a man 40 years her senior…) Bobbi Lomax, and of Peter Gudsen, a property developer. Each is killed by a bomb. And there is a third attempted bombing – this time of Clark Houseman, a rare books and coin dealer. But the bomb didn’t quite kill him – and his witness account is detectives Marty Sinclair and Al Alvarez’s best chance of solving the case. The detectives quickly find themselves clashing with those who control the town and its people. The Faith is an all pervasive religious cult desperate to protect its image and power. Its leaders are sinister and prone to secret dealings – anxious to preserve the mystique surrounding their founder, Robert Bright. Documents come to light which shed doubt on his propriety – he is said to have been a bigamist with three teenage wives. Did Robert leave a Will, and which son did he select to succeed him as leader of The Faith? These matters cannot get out into the public domain.
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is a story not just of murder, but also of trickery and of fraudulent property dealings. These, of course, all come together as the denouement approaches – and it is a surprising and well conceived denouement. It is a story that is written in a very well observed – and slightly quirky – manner. It feels real and possible – even down to the tramp who lives in a shelter insulated with books banned by The Faith, and the somewhat weird twin brothers – Rod and Ron Rook - who are coin collectors and dealers.
I have just two possible criticisms. First, I found the characters a little confusing and hard to identify – some of them seemed to blend into each other in my mind. And I just wonder whether this is why the author / the publisher included a list of characters at the beginning of the book? A device I found very useful, but one that I would have thought would not be necessary. It is not as if this was a Russian novel with three different names for everyone! Second, it took me a little while to work out how the timeline worked… The title for each chapter is a date and time – but that didn’t initially register. The murders occurred at Halloween 1983, but the story leading up to them starts in July 1982. So there are two parallel timelines – from Halloween 1983 as the detectives investigate, and from July 1982 as prior events build up. Pretty much alternate chapters chart the progress of each… Works well when one understands what is happening.
But these are just very minor niggles. Overall the book is a great success and puts Cal Moriarty very firmly on the map as a thriller writer to note. I look forward very much to her next work.
This review originally appeared on our blog. Plus author interview: http://www.tripfiction.com/thriller-s...
July 19, 2015
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax by Cal Moriarty was published by Faber on 7 May 2015. This is Cal Moriarty's debut novel, she is the first Faber Academy author to be signed by Faber.
I absolutely raced through this book. I have been tired, I have been busy at work, but I have been so caught up in the tension and thrills created in this novel, that I just could not leave it alone.
This is a proper crime story, it has a really retro feel to it and that's entirely down to the era in which it is set. It's my era; the early 1980s. The days when mobile phones and the internet were unheard of, and the police used notebooks, and pagers, and good old-fashioned detecting skills. That's not a criticism of modern-day crime novels at all by the way, it was just so interesting to realise just how quickly our world has moved on, in such a relatively short space of time.
People are being murdered in Abraham City, a small town in America, bang in the middle of the Bible Belt. Bobbi Lomax was first, and then Peter Gudsen. Clark Houseman was luckier, the bomb didn't kill him, he may hold the clues that Detective Sinclair and Detective Alvarez need so that they can work out just what is happening. This is not an easy case for the detectives as there are some pretty important people in town who are determined that their secrets will stay firmly covered up.
The beating heart of this story is religion. The Faith is a cult-like group that controls the town. Also featured is the world of book collecting and hypnosis. A strange combination you may think, but oh these themes are knitted together so well, so tightly, so perfectly.
I'd like to talk more about the plot, and the characters, but if I did then I'd spoil the novel for other readers, and I'm not a spoilsport! Be prepared for beautifully poetic writing that seems to be in absolute contrast to the genre, but yet again, is done so well that it adds more layers of greatness to this book.
Oh, and be prepared to fall for the guy who you really shouldn't!!
Exquisite, sophisticated and incredibly clever, this is a stunning debut novel.
http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox...
I absolutely raced through this book. I have been tired, I have been busy at work, but I have been so caught up in the tension and thrills created in this novel, that I just could not leave it alone.
This is a proper crime story, it has a really retro feel to it and that's entirely down to the era in which it is set. It's my era; the early 1980s. The days when mobile phones and the internet were unheard of, and the police used notebooks, and pagers, and good old-fashioned detecting skills. That's not a criticism of modern-day crime novels at all by the way, it was just so interesting to realise just how quickly our world has moved on, in such a relatively short space of time.
People are being murdered in Abraham City, a small town in America, bang in the middle of the Bible Belt. Bobbi Lomax was first, and then Peter Gudsen. Clark Houseman was luckier, the bomb didn't kill him, he may hold the clues that Detective Sinclair and Detective Alvarez need so that they can work out just what is happening. This is not an easy case for the detectives as there are some pretty important people in town who are determined that their secrets will stay firmly covered up.
The beating heart of this story is religion. The Faith is a cult-like group that controls the town. Also featured is the world of book collecting and hypnosis. A strange combination you may think, but oh these themes are knitted together so well, so tightly, so perfectly.
I'd like to talk more about the plot, and the characters, but if I did then I'd spoil the novel for other readers, and I'm not a spoilsport! Be prepared for beautifully poetic writing that seems to be in absolute contrast to the genre, but yet again, is done so well that it adds more layers of greatness to this book.
Oh, and be prepared to fall for the guy who you really shouldn't!!
Exquisite, sophisticated and incredibly clever, this is a stunning debut novel.
http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox...
December 16, 2015
Book Review
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax by Cal Moriarty
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is one of those novels that starts with a bang, and it doesn’t take its foot of the pedal until the end. It is Halloween, 1983 in Canyon County, and the first bomb has gone of, killing former Prom Queen Bobbi Lomax on her own lawn,property developer Peter Gudsen is killed by a nail bomb, whilst a third victim Clark Houseman is seriously injured, but as he hangs in between life and death, he is the only remaining clue that could link all three of the murders.
The detectives Sinclair and Alverez are the detectives charged with solving the case, that will take them into all types of dangerous situation, in a bible belt country, where religion, and faith hold more sway, and federal enforcers are eyed with either caution or hatred.
Setting the novel in the past, before the internet, a lot of research has gone into the book, looking at how things were done in 1983, which although only thirty two years ago, seems a completely different time. Sinclair and Alverez are dealing with a difficult case, whilst their own lives are falling apart, and as the case becomes ever more complex and convoluted, there are secrets that the town is reluctant to give up, involving the church, local politicians, and any number of underhand dealings. The final twist, when it happens fits the whole book, but it is still a surprise.
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is a very easy read, with a linear narrative, and enough characters, both sympathetic, and unpleasant to keep the reader guessing. The novel is Cal Moriarty first book, and if it is anything to go by, she has a good career ahead of her as a crime writer.
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax by Cal Moriarty
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is one of those novels that starts with a bang, and it doesn’t take its foot of the pedal until the end. It is Halloween, 1983 in Canyon County, and the first bomb has gone of, killing former Prom Queen Bobbi Lomax on her own lawn,property developer Peter Gudsen is killed by a nail bomb, whilst a third victim Clark Houseman is seriously injured, but as he hangs in between life and death, he is the only remaining clue that could link all three of the murders.
The detectives Sinclair and Alverez are the detectives charged with solving the case, that will take them into all types of dangerous situation, in a bible belt country, where religion, and faith hold more sway, and federal enforcers are eyed with either caution or hatred.
Setting the novel in the past, before the internet, a lot of research has gone into the book, looking at how things were done in 1983, which although only thirty two years ago, seems a completely different time. Sinclair and Alverez are dealing with a difficult case, whilst their own lives are falling apart, and as the case becomes ever more complex and convoluted, there are secrets that the town is reluctant to give up, involving the church, local politicians, and any number of underhand dealings. The final twist, when it happens fits the whole book, but it is still a surprise.
The Killing of Bobbi Lomax is a very easy read, with a linear narrative, and enough characters, both sympathetic, and unpleasant to keep the reader guessing. The novel is Cal Moriarty first book, and if it is anything to go by, she has a good career ahead of her as a crime writer.
June 30, 2015
My View:
Want. Want. Want. Over reason.
What a wonderful debut novel – clever, complex, multi layered; murders, scams, corruption, politics, religion and revenge and ego - this book has it all.
This is a very visual narrative – the settings – small town, “religious heartlands” USA, 1980’s - no mobiles, or computers, or internet, the policing is done the old fashioned way – interviews, hard work, assessing the crime scene evidence… and listening to “experts” in their field. In this narrative, the cops are the good guys, mostly, the main characters Marty and Al are likeable and there is just a hint of the past that influences their present space. I think we will hear more about them in ensuing reads from this talented author.
I love the phrase, Clark’s mantra “Want. Want, Want. Over reason.” How accurate does that sum up most of life lessons? “Want” wins every time, feeds the ego. The cynic in me long ago identified the “give them/tell them what they want to hear” approach to…quite a few things especially when dealing with bureaucracy. Clark however uses this approach to maximise his influence and feed his need for power and money. It is ironic that it also leads to his downfall.
This novel has a great rhythm and pace; you just sit back and let the narrative lead you to the conclusion. The narrative has control! A control you willing hand over. Relax, immerse and enjoy this read.
Want. Want. Want. Over reason.
What a wonderful debut novel – clever, complex, multi layered; murders, scams, corruption, politics, religion and revenge and ego - this book has it all.
This is a very visual narrative – the settings – small town, “religious heartlands” USA, 1980’s - no mobiles, or computers, or internet, the policing is done the old fashioned way – interviews, hard work, assessing the crime scene evidence… and listening to “experts” in their field. In this narrative, the cops are the good guys, mostly, the main characters Marty and Al are likeable and there is just a hint of the past that influences their present space. I think we will hear more about them in ensuing reads from this talented author.
I love the phrase, Clark’s mantra “Want. Want, Want. Over reason.” How accurate does that sum up most of life lessons? “Want” wins every time, feeds the ego. The cynic in me long ago identified the “give them/tell them what they want to hear” approach to…quite a few things especially when dealing with bureaucracy. Clark however uses this approach to maximise his influence and feed his need for power and money. It is ironic that it also leads to his downfall.
This novel has a great rhythm and pace; you just sit back and let the narrative lead you to the conclusion. The narrative has control! A control you willing hand over. Relax, immerse and enjoy this read.
June 6, 2016
I was lucky enough to be given a free copy of this book via Facebook's TBC in return for an honest review. I loved this book - read it in 2 days! Three bombs go off in Canyon County and the victims are Bobbi Lomax, Peter Gudsen and Clark Houseman. Bobbi is a Prom queen married to an older man, Peter is property investor and Clark is a dealer in rare books and coins. so what links them together? I won't spoil the story but the book jumps back and forth between the criminal investigation by Marty Sinclair and what happened to Clark before the bombs went off.
It's a great story that is well-told, full of suspense and well-rounded characters. The investigation is carried out by veteran detective Marty Sinclair and his partner Al Alvarez. Marty is a great character and a good cop and I really hope that more books follow with Marty in the starring role. The plot involves rare books and coins and those who deal in them and a religious sect called The Faith. I liked the way the plot developed and the way we followed Marty's investigation. Lots of twists and turns and a few red herrings this was a gripping tale, well-told.
The plot thickens as we learn more and more about Clark and his story. Ovreall I found this a convincing tale and an exciting read - more please!!!
It's a great story that is well-told, full of suspense and well-rounded characters. The investigation is carried out by veteran detective Marty Sinclair and his partner Al Alvarez. Marty is a great character and a good cop and I really hope that more books follow with Marty in the starring role. The plot involves rare books and coins and those who deal in them and a religious sect called The Faith. I liked the way the plot developed and the way we followed Marty's investigation. Lots of twists and turns and a few red herrings this was a gripping tale, well-told.
The plot thickens as we learn more and more about Clark and his story. Ovreall I found this a convincing tale and an exciting read - more please!!!
June 30, 2016
The first thing that struck me about this book was its cover. It is beautifully plain and simple. No need for dramatic graphics here! A spate of bombings leads to a crime investigation, which despite getting off to a slow start, rapidly turned into a real page turner. Despite it being a crime novel, there are some really hilarious moments, in the dark humour I love. Clark Houseman is a brilliant character, who really kept me engaged and wanting to read more. I'm looking forward to reading the next book. Thanks to Tracy Fenton and Helen Boyce at THE Book Club on Facebook, and Cal Moriarty for the opportunity to read this book in return for a review.
June 6, 2016
First off a big thanks to Cal for letting me review her book and secondly I LOVED IT! I was hooked throughout and enjoyed every minute of it. It was easy to read, contained short chapters and was very gripping. I particularly liked how each character at the end got summerised and there was no cliffhangers for a change, so thank you Cal! I would highly recommend this book to you all to read but especially for readers who enjoy a brilliant mystery and crime filled thriller.
Enjoy, I did! I loved it.
Enjoy, I did! I loved it.
June 12, 2016
I liked the characters, at first, I thought the pace a little slow, but toward the halfway mark I was drawn into the story, I like it when a book makes you part of it, I felt like i was there in the middle of the investigation. I began to admire the lead and got a very good idea just how hard it must be to investigate the events that the book covers (no spoilers here lol) I would definitely recommend to friends. Overall I found it a very entertaining read, a little slow to start for my taste which is the only reason it didn't get 5*s.
December 29, 2015
One of the best books I've read this year - perhaps in the last ten years. I've half a mind to start reading it again immediately. Great story, setting, characters and pitch perfect prose.
June 9, 2016
I'm so glad I got to read this before I went on holiday! A brilliantly written book which kept me captivated the whole way through
January 13, 2017
Sucked me in
Enjoyed the. Book. A few awkward phrases like "we were stood" and "they are sat". Will read any more by this author.
Enjoyed the. Book. A few awkward phrases like "we were stood" and "they are sat". Will read any more by this author.
March 11, 2015
OLD TESTAMENT MEETS HILL STREET BLUES
I’ve had the good fortune of reading an advance proof copy of The Killing of Bobbi Lomax (TKOBL) by Cal Moriarty.
Moriarty is the latest success story from the ever increasing stable of writers to come out of Faber Academy and takes her rightful place alongside such present day notables as SJ Watson, Colette McBeth, Rachel Joyce, Laline Paull, Antonia Honeywell and soon to be released Renee Knight.
I don’t believe in plot analysis, in case I give anything away, so I’ll just repeat the blurb:
A tale of deception, manipulation and murder, The Killing of Bobbi Lomax, takes us deep into the heart of a community of sinister church leaders, dangerous local politics and a whole heap of secret dealings.
CANYON COUNTY, HALLOWEEN 1983
Bobbi Lomax was the first to die, the bomb killed the prom queen on her own front lawn.
Just moments later one of the nails from the city’s second bomb forced its way into the brain of property investor Peter Gudsen, killing him almost instantly.
The third bomb didn’t quite kill Clark Houseman. Hovering on the brink, the rare books dealer turns out to be Detectives Sinclair and Alvarez’s best hope of finding out what linked these unlikely victims, and who wanted them dead and why. But can they find the bomber before he kills again?
Set deep in the religious heartlands of America, The Killing of Bobbi Lomax follows this troubled investigation as a narrative of deceit, corruption and forgery emerges, with an unlikely hero at its heart - a rare coins, books and manuscript dealer - who could either be a genius or the devil.
Set in two timelines 1983 & 1982 which are close enough that it demands a fairly rapid read, at least initially, until you hold the story and characters in your head. But the style is very readable and you don’t feel that the author is rushing you through the plot or character development.
So here’s the thing it’s set in the USA in some fictional bible belt small town, intriguing in itself, but in an era which just predates mobile phones, the internet and 9-11, when everything changed. Written in a time which is close enough to feel familiar but lacking the essentials of modern everyday life. Because of this ‘just before' setting as a reader you occasionally raise an eyebrow but Moriarty deftly reminds you of the era with judiciously placed signposts lest you wander.
I thoroughly enjoyed this crime novel in it’s refreshingly retro storytelling style at a time when authors are tripping over themselves trying to be as clever as possible, often failing, so that as readers we’re constantly extrapolating to anticipate the twist. With TKOBL you can sit back and enjoy the story and characters. It’s simply a bloody good read.
As bizarre as it sounds you’ll nod your head in agreement if you’re of a certain age and understand it truly is Old Testament meets Hill Street Blues, a strange and intriguing combination.
A refreshingly engaging debut to be published by Faber in May 2015, I recommend it and look forward to more from the UK’s latest crime-writing talent.
I’ve had the good fortune of reading an advance proof copy of The Killing of Bobbi Lomax (TKOBL) by Cal Moriarty.
Moriarty is the latest success story from the ever increasing stable of writers to come out of Faber Academy and takes her rightful place alongside such present day notables as SJ Watson, Colette McBeth, Rachel Joyce, Laline Paull, Antonia Honeywell and soon to be released Renee Knight.
I don’t believe in plot analysis, in case I give anything away, so I’ll just repeat the blurb:
A tale of deception, manipulation and murder, The Killing of Bobbi Lomax, takes us deep into the heart of a community of sinister church leaders, dangerous local politics and a whole heap of secret dealings.
CANYON COUNTY, HALLOWEEN 1983
Bobbi Lomax was the first to die, the bomb killed the prom queen on her own front lawn.
Just moments later one of the nails from the city’s second bomb forced its way into the brain of property investor Peter Gudsen, killing him almost instantly.
The third bomb didn’t quite kill Clark Houseman. Hovering on the brink, the rare books dealer turns out to be Detectives Sinclair and Alvarez’s best hope of finding out what linked these unlikely victims, and who wanted them dead and why. But can they find the bomber before he kills again?
Set deep in the religious heartlands of America, The Killing of Bobbi Lomax follows this troubled investigation as a narrative of deceit, corruption and forgery emerges, with an unlikely hero at its heart - a rare coins, books and manuscript dealer - who could either be a genius or the devil.
Set in two timelines 1983 & 1982 which are close enough that it demands a fairly rapid read, at least initially, until you hold the story and characters in your head. But the style is very readable and you don’t feel that the author is rushing you through the plot or character development.
So here’s the thing it’s set in the USA in some fictional bible belt small town, intriguing in itself, but in an era which just predates mobile phones, the internet and 9-11, when everything changed. Written in a time which is close enough to feel familiar but lacking the essentials of modern everyday life. Because of this ‘just before' setting as a reader you occasionally raise an eyebrow but Moriarty deftly reminds you of the era with judiciously placed signposts lest you wander.
I thoroughly enjoyed this crime novel in it’s refreshingly retro storytelling style at a time when authors are tripping over themselves trying to be as clever as possible, often failing, so that as readers we’re constantly extrapolating to anticipate the twist. With TKOBL you can sit back and enjoy the story and characters. It’s simply a bloody good read.
As bizarre as it sounds you’ll nod your head in agreement if you’re of a certain age and understand it truly is Old Testament meets Hill Street Blues, a strange and intriguing combination.
A refreshingly engaging debut to be published by Faber in May 2015, I recommend it and look forward to more from the UK’s latest crime-writing talent.
November 24, 2017
Intelligent deep fried crime novel, with religious cults, endearing detectives and a counterfeiting business gone wrong. Some of the best dialogue I've read in any novel. Very satisfying read.
May 17, 2015
Murder, religion and revenge, Cal Moriarty’s The Killing of Bobbi Lomax has it all. A thrilling suspense novel set in early 1980’s America, the book kicks off in the heart of the action with detectives Marty and Alvarez investigating a recent bombing – just one of three that have taken place so far in their usually quiet neighbourhood – but one that has left a survivor, rare books dealer Clark Houseman.
As the pair dive deeper into the mysteries surrounding the bombings, their killer’s motive becomes more entangled yet the real reason behind the bombings is even more incredible than you could ever imagine…
So I can’t put my finger on it but when I think about The Killing of Bobbi Lomax I think of Twin Peaks. There’s just something about the “atmosphere” of the book and the town in which most of the action takes place that reminds me of the show. ANYWAY, I found Bobbi Lomax easy to get sucked into because it feels like such an original story and the characters’ motives seem so genuine. I can’t say much about that point without giving too much of the book away but let’s just say that it’s very literature orientated and therefore right up my street!
I think Moriarty’s writing really comes into play in the way she depicts the desperation of rare-books dealer and most recent bomb victim Clark Houseman. His business is primarily funded by his counterfeit operations and as Houseman becomes bolder and more ingenious in his dealings the stakes only get higher, placing him in more risky situations. And the reader can merely look on helplessly as he starts to lose control…
Marty is also a fantastic character – he’s one of those stereotypical old-school disgruntled detectives who has to balance bureaucracy with the risks he needs to take in order to get the case solved. In fact he reminds me a little of Woody Harrelson in True Detective and is generally just such an entertaining character.
Tense, intriguing and at times wonderfully ridiculous, this is a fantastic debut novel from Cal Moriarty and perfectly showcases the reason why she walked away with a contract after attending a Faber Academy course. The perfect novel for crime and mystery fans (and with an added literary twist for us bibliophiles!).
As the pair dive deeper into the mysteries surrounding the bombings, their killer’s motive becomes more entangled yet the real reason behind the bombings is even more incredible than you could ever imagine…
So I can’t put my finger on it but when I think about The Killing of Bobbi Lomax I think of Twin Peaks. There’s just something about the “atmosphere” of the book and the town in which most of the action takes place that reminds me of the show. ANYWAY, I found Bobbi Lomax easy to get sucked into because it feels like such an original story and the characters’ motives seem so genuine. I can’t say much about that point without giving too much of the book away but let’s just say that it’s very literature orientated and therefore right up my street!
I think Moriarty’s writing really comes into play in the way she depicts the desperation of rare-books dealer and most recent bomb victim Clark Houseman. His business is primarily funded by his counterfeit operations and as Houseman becomes bolder and more ingenious in his dealings the stakes only get higher, placing him in more risky situations. And the reader can merely look on helplessly as he starts to lose control…
Marty is also a fantastic character – he’s one of those stereotypical old-school disgruntled detectives who has to balance bureaucracy with the risks he needs to take in order to get the case solved. In fact he reminds me a little of Woody Harrelson in True Detective and is generally just such an entertaining character.
Tense, intriguing and at times wonderfully ridiculous, this is a fantastic debut novel from Cal Moriarty and perfectly showcases the reason why she walked away with a contract after attending a Faber Academy course. The perfect novel for crime and mystery fans (and with an added literary twist for us bibliophiles!).
April 24, 2019
Very interesting crime novel set in the part of the USA where strange religious cults exercise quite an influence over the area - they even have a full-blown city, universities and even airline founded by them (and of course under fully control).
This is story of a revenge but until the very last pages you wont be sure who is bent on revenge.
I especially liked the way story was told - two parallel timelines, one involving police investigation in November 1983 and the other, which might be called background story, starting in 1982 and finally connecting with the November 1983 timeline.
Characters are also great - from the Old men of the cult to the police and especially shady businessman thriving in rather closed and very hush-hush world of rare collectibles where huge amounts of money circulate, where no-one is absolutely sure about the items they buy - are they genuine or not.
Highly recommended to all fans of thrillers and crime fiction.
This is story of a revenge but until the very last pages you wont be sure who is bent on revenge.
I especially liked the way story was told - two parallel timelines, one involving police investigation in November 1983 and the other, which might be called background story, starting in 1982 and finally connecting with the November 1983 timeline.
Characters are also great - from the Old men of the cult to the police and especially shady businessman thriving in rather closed and very hush-hush world of rare collectibles where huge amounts of money circulate, where no-one is absolutely sure about the items they buy - are they genuine or not.
Highly recommended to all fans of thrillers and crime fiction.
May 7, 2015
An accomplished debut which deals with forgery, faith and murder. This cleverly plotted crime thriller opens with a former prom queen found dead on her front lawn, the victim of a bomb attack. Within the next few days there's another death and another victim lies seriously injured. All this takes place in Abraham City, a predominantly religious city where the eyes and influence of the Faith are everywhere.
Set in the 1980s the book has a real feel for its time period. The two lead detectives have enough back story that you enjoy them as characters but they don't become over riddled with angst. The story switches back and forth between the detectives and Clark Houseman, a small time coin and book collector who's desperate to make a better life for himself and his family. There's betrayal and deception at play between the characters and it makes for a great read.
This feels like a good old detective novel. You can feel the hustle and bustle of the police department, all mounds of paperwork, wisecracks and frustratingly missed calls. Then there's the desperation of Clark Houseman as he spins himself a bigger and bigger web of deceit, yet just manages to hold his nerve under pressure. I love the crime novels where you know a ton of research as been done and this is the case here and it enriches the story rather than smothers it. I sincerely hope this is the start of a series, as it's one I'll certainly be following.
Set in the 1980s the book has a real feel for its time period. The two lead detectives have enough back story that you enjoy them as characters but they don't become over riddled with angst. The story switches back and forth between the detectives and Clark Houseman, a small time coin and book collector who's desperate to make a better life for himself and his family. There's betrayal and deception at play between the characters and it makes for a great read.
This feels like a good old detective novel. You can feel the hustle and bustle of the police department, all mounds of paperwork, wisecracks and frustratingly missed calls. Then there's the desperation of Clark Houseman as he spins himself a bigger and bigger web of deceit, yet just manages to hold his nerve under pressure. I love the crime novels where you know a ton of research as been done and this is the case here and it enriches the story rather than smothers it. I sincerely hope this is the start of a series, as it's one I'll certainly be following.
June 11, 2015
I received a free copy through Goodreads First Reads, which strangely makes me possibly more critical than usual.
I enjoyed reading about the Faith religious/business community with insights into document forgery. Unlike many murder/crime mysteries, this one focused more on explaining the why of the crime, not whodunnit or howdunnit. There wasn't much mystery and no twists at the end, just a gradual unfolding explanation of how it all came about. The dates in the chapter headings had to be read carefully to follow the plot.
I didn't really warm to the detectives and couldn't tell them apart, possibly because Clark Houseman was more the central character and more interesting, and because there was just too much dialogue between the detectives. The links between one detective and the highest realms of the Faith became increasingly unbelievable. And seemed to set up a sequel focusing on the detective's own personal problems.
The danger of over-hyping books before release is they don't quite live up to expectations. The blurb on the back calls this a "stunning debut novel" and a "compulsive novel". Not quite, but I would read more from this author.
I enjoyed reading about the Faith religious/business community with insights into document forgery. Unlike many murder/crime mysteries, this one focused more on explaining the why of the crime, not whodunnit or howdunnit. There wasn't much mystery and no twists at the end, just a gradual unfolding explanation of how it all came about. The dates in the chapter headings had to be read carefully to follow the plot.
I didn't really warm to the detectives and couldn't tell them apart, possibly because Clark Houseman was more the central character and more interesting, and because there was just too much dialogue between the detectives. The links between one detective and the highest realms of the Faith became increasingly unbelievable. And seemed to set up a sequel focusing on the detective's own personal problems.
The danger of over-hyping books before release is they don't quite live up to expectations. The blurb on the back calls this a "stunning debut novel" and a "compulsive novel". Not quite, but I would read more from this author.
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