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Julia Gooden Mystery #2
Duplicity
In Jane Haseldine's new novel of riveting suspense, Detroit newspaper reporter Julia Gooden is up against the city's most devious criminal--and her own painful past.
Julia Gooden knows how to juggle different lives. A successful crime reporter, she covers the grittiest stories in the city while raising her two young boys in the suburbs. But beneath that accomplished facade is another Julia, still consumed by a tragedy that unfolded thirty years ago when her nine-year-old brother disappeared without a trace.
Julia's marriage, too, is a balancing act, as she tries to rekindle her relationship with her husband, Assistant District Attorney David Tanner, while maintaining professional boundaries. David is about to bring Nick Rossi to trial for crimes that include drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and bribery. But the story becomes much more urgent when a courthouse bomb claims several victims--including the prosecution's key witness--and leaves David critically injured.
Though Julia is certain that Rossi orchestrated the attack, the case against him is collapsing, and his power and connections run high and wide. With the help of Detective Raymond Navarro of the Detroit PD, she starts following a trail of blackmail, payback, and political ambition, little imagining where it will lead. Julia has risked her career before, but this time innocent lives--including her children's--hang in the balance, and justice may come too late to save what truly matters...
"Haseldine has a gift for atmosphere, setting, and suspense, and the many twists and turns will keep readers guessing." --Library Journal
"Haseldine uses her experience as a crime reporter to bring authenticity to this exciting and gritty tale." --Kirkus Reviews
Praise for the first Julia Gooden Mystery
THE LAST TIME SHE SAW HIM
"A sharp, breathless thriller. From the opening scene to the last, The Last Time She Saw Him, kept me flipping the pages. I loved it! Jane Haseldine is one to watch!" --Lisa Jackson, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"So visually written and chilling, with such real, believable characters and twists that shocked. A gripping story that I read in one night--I could not put it down..." --Debbie Howells, author of The Bones of You
"Haseldine's first novel is a solid read that fans of Debbie Howells, Julia Dahl, and Laura Lippman will appreciate." --Library Journal
"Terrific! Suspenseful, poignant, and completely surprising. Jane Haseldine's riveting story of love, danger, paranoia, and family is powerfully and emotionally authentic--and deserves a standing ovation." --Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony, and Mary Higgins Clark award-winning author
Julia Gooden knows how to juggle different lives. A successful crime reporter, she covers the grittiest stories in the city while raising her two young boys in the suburbs. But beneath that accomplished facade is another Julia, still consumed by a tragedy that unfolded thirty years ago when her nine-year-old brother disappeared without a trace.
Julia's marriage, too, is a balancing act, as she tries to rekindle her relationship with her husband, Assistant District Attorney David Tanner, while maintaining professional boundaries. David is about to bring Nick Rossi to trial for crimes that include drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and bribery. But the story becomes much more urgent when a courthouse bomb claims several victims--including the prosecution's key witness--and leaves David critically injured.
Though Julia is certain that Rossi orchestrated the attack, the case against him is collapsing, and his power and connections run high and wide. With the help of Detective Raymond Navarro of the Detroit PD, she starts following a trail of blackmail, payback, and political ambition, little imagining where it will lead. Julia has risked her career before, but this time innocent lives--including her children's--hang in the balance, and justice may come too late to save what truly matters...
"Haseldine has a gift for atmosphere, setting, and suspense, and the many twists and turns will keep readers guessing." --Library Journal
"Haseldine uses her experience as a crime reporter to bring authenticity to this exciting and gritty tale." --Kirkus Reviews
Praise for the first Julia Gooden Mystery
THE LAST TIME SHE SAW HIM
"A sharp, breathless thriller. From the opening scene to the last, The Last Time She Saw Him, kept me flipping the pages. I loved it! Jane Haseldine is one to watch!" --Lisa Jackson, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"So visually written and chilling, with such real, believable characters and twists that shocked. A gripping story that I read in one night--I could not put it down..." --Debbie Howells, author of The Bones of You
"Haseldine's first novel is a solid read that fans of Debbie Howells, Julia Dahl, and Laura Lippman will appreciate." --Library Journal
"Terrific! Suspenseful, poignant, and completely surprising. Jane Haseldine's riveting story of love, danger, paranoia, and family is powerfully and emotionally authentic--and deserves a standing ovation." --Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony, and Mary Higgins Clark award-winning author
352 pages, Hardcover
First published March 28, 2017
40 people are currently reading
2638 people want to read
About the author
Jane Haseldine
6 books269 followersJane Haseldine writes the Julia Gooden mystery series for Kensington Publishing, including The Last Time She Saw Him, Duplicity, and Worth Killing For, which will be published in March 2018. Jane is a journalist, former crime reporter and also worked as a deputy director of communications for a governor. Jane lives in Southern California with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
April 17, 2017
Have you ever followed a high profile case on television and just known the defendant was guilty? Now, imagine you are actually being paid to report on the case; you're a competent journalist who is fully invested in seeing this scum bag go down, except the only witness set to testify is silenced in an explosion at the courthouse. Oh, and your estranged husband, who happens to be the Assistant District Attorney is injured as well. This is where our leading lady Julia Gooden finds herself when we begin reading. I don't know about you, but if my boss told me to back off from a case like this, with all I had involved, I don't think I could follow instructions either. The set up for this novel gives a completely different feel than the previous in the series, but more on that in a minute.
What is so attractive about this series is that you can read them in order and soak up all the characterization in The Last Time She Saw Him before moving on, or you can simply pick up Duplicity to read as a stand alone. The novels complement each other well and carry over continuing characters, but you could just as easily pick this book up on it's own and not feel confused. While the first book featuring Julia Gooden was a suspenseful mystery with a slow burning plot, this entry had a completely different feel of a high octane thriller! There was so much action packed into the story and the pacing had you wanting to blow through the book in a single sitting. I also feel the cover is a huge improvement to the last; the blue is striking and really draws the eye in.
I'll admit, I was able to connect more with Julia this go around than I did in the previous book, but in my humble opinion I feel that her ex-boyfriend, Detective Raymond Navarro, is truly a fan favorite. I immediately connected with him in the first novel and only grew to love him more in this one as well; I don't want to spoil anything but let's just say I'm interested to see where Haseldine choses to take his character on down the series. It was also highly enjoyable to read about a working mother with two small children; sometimes as women we need characters who don't feel all that different from us, and Julia is a working, semi-single mother who at the end of the day is fully human like the rest of us.
In retrospect, this was a great read and a wonderful addition to the series. I'm really pleased and quite impressed with the author's choosing to write Duplicity with a completely different feel than her first in the series; it was a risky move and one that paid off. Changing things up kept me on my toes and the characters, plot, and pacing were fresh, something I'm always grateful for. Whether you pick this up alone or go ahead and invest in both books, you'll be pleased with just how entertaining Haseldine's writing is. Recommended to fans of thrillers, mainly those in the sub-gene of investigative journalism with a heavy legal sense.
*Many thanks to the author and TLC Book Tours for providing my copy; it was a pleasure to participate in the blog tour.
What is so attractive about this series is that you can read them in order and soak up all the characterization in The Last Time She Saw Him before moving on, or you can simply pick up Duplicity to read as a stand alone. The novels complement each other well and carry over continuing characters, but you could just as easily pick this book up on it's own and not feel confused. While the first book featuring Julia Gooden was a suspenseful mystery with a slow burning plot, this entry had a completely different feel of a high octane thriller! There was so much action packed into the story and the pacing had you wanting to blow through the book in a single sitting. I also feel the cover is a huge improvement to the last; the blue is striking and really draws the eye in.
I'll admit, I was able to connect more with Julia this go around than I did in the previous book, but in my humble opinion I feel that her ex-boyfriend, Detective Raymond Navarro, is truly a fan favorite. I immediately connected with him in the first novel and only grew to love him more in this one as well; I don't want to spoil anything but let's just say I'm interested to see where Haseldine choses to take his character on down the series. It was also highly enjoyable to read about a working mother with two small children; sometimes as women we need characters who don't feel all that different from us, and Julia is a working, semi-single mother who at the end of the day is fully human like the rest of us.
In retrospect, this was a great read and a wonderful addition to the series. I'm really pleased and quite impressed with the author's choosing to write Duplicity with a completely different feel than her first in the series; it was a risky move and one that paid off. Changing things up kept me on my toes and the characters, plot, and pacing were fresh, something I'm always grateful for. Whether you pick this up alone or go ahead and invest in both books, you'll be pleased with just how entertaining Haseldine's writing is. Recommended to fans of thrillers, mainly those in the sub-gene of investigative journalism with a heavy legal sense.
*Many thanks to the author and TLC Book Tours for providing my copy; it was a pleasure to participate in the blog tour.
March 28, 2017
3.5 stars
Duplicity lives up to its title! This suspenseful mystery is filled with deceitful characters, tons of action, and some surprising twists and turns. No character is to be trusted and no one is safe.
When criminal reporter Julia Gooden is tasked with finding out the details of a case her husband, David, is prosecuting, things get a little too close for comfort. The couple, who has recently reconciled, doesn’t need a case coming between them. Little does either know that this case will change their lives in a rather dramatic fashion.
David is the prosecuting attorney for the trial of mobster Nick Rossi. When a bomb detonates at the courthouse as the same time a surprise witness in Rossi’s case is being brought in to testify, it appears that it was set off in retribution for the witnesses’ testimony. Numerous people, including David, are critically injured. Julia makes it her mission to prove that Rossi was behind the bombing.
This is book two in a promising new series that I think is going to get even better as Julia’s character develops more. The city of Detroit also plays a significant role. I will definitely be keeping up to see how things play out for Julia in the future.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Duplicity lives up to its title! This suspenseful mystery is filled with deceitful characters, tons of action, and some surprising twists and turns. No character is to be trusted and no one is safe.
When criminal reporter Julia Gooden is tasked with finding out the details of a case her husband, David, is prosecuting, things get a little too close for comfort. The couple, who has recently reconciled, doesn’t need a case coming between them. Little does either know that this case will change their lives in a rather dramatic fashion.
David is the prosecuting attorney for the trial of mobster Nick Rossi. When a bomb detonates at the courthouse as the same time a surprise witness in Rossi’s case is being brought in to testify, it appears that it was set off in retribution for the witnesses’ testimony. Numerous people, including David, are critically injured. Julia makes it her mission to prove that Rossi was behind the bombing.
This is book two in a promising new series that I think is going to get even better as Julia’s character develops more. The city of Detroit also plays a significant role. I will definitely be keeping up to see how things play out for Julia in the future.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2021
Duplicity by Jane Haseldine is a 2017 Kensington publication.
The trial for Nicky Rossi is about to start, and Assistant District Attorney David Tanner is prosecuting. This puts crime reporter, Julia Gooden, in between a rock and a hard place because she's been assigned to cover the trial. Her bosses want her to use all the sources at her disposal, meaning David, while David is telling her he can’t reveal any inside information to his wife.
All bets are off, though, when an explosion rocks the courthouse, injuring David and killing a key witness. Now Julia is teaming up with her old friend, Detective Raymond Navarro, to solve the crime. Along the way, Julia discovers a lightly woven web of revenge, lies, and corruption, some of which is painfully personal…
This is another solid installment in this series. I like the crime drama tone, which gives the story a richer texture. My impressions from the first book were validated, but I never expected things to turn out the way they did. These developments will change the course of the series, so I’m curious to see how things will progress from here.
The only thing lacking in this installment was the emotional pull that was so strong in book one. That said, the thread featuring the disappearance of Julia’s brother, promises to heat up in future installments, which is a strong incentive to get started on book three sooner, rather than later!
Overall, this was an absorbing, twist-y piece of crime fiction. I’m very interested in seeing how the series will progress from here!!
The trial for Nicky Rossi is about to start, and Assistant District Attorney David Tanner is prosecuting. This puts crime reporter, Julia Gooden, in between a rock and a hard place because she's been assigned to cover the trial. Her bosses want her to use all the sources at her disposal, meaning David, while David is telling her he can’t reveal any inside information to his wife.
All bets are off, though, when an explosion rocks the courthouse, injuring David and killing a key witness. Now Julia is teaming up with her old friend, Detective Raymond Navarro, to solve the crime. Along the way, Julia discovers a lightly woven web of revenge, lies, and corruption, some of which is painfully personal…
This is another solid installment in this series. I like the crime drama tone, which gives the story a richer texture. My impressions from the first book were validated, but I never expected things to turn out the way they did. These developments will change the course of the series, so I’m curious to see how things will progress from here.
The only thing lacking in this installment was the emotional pull that was so strong in book one. That said, the thread featuring the disappearance of Julia’s brother, promises to heat up in future installments, which is a strong incentive to get started on book three sooner, rather than later!
Overall, this was an absorbing, twist-y piece of crime fiction. I’m very interested in seeing how the series will progress from here!!
November 17, 2016
Firstly I would like to sincerely thank Jane Haseldine for sending me a proof copy of this book for me to read and review.
Duplicity is a excellent title for this gripping story,there are more lies and back stabbing going on than you will find in any political campaign in any country around the world.
After the heart pounding events that happened in The Last Time She Saw Him Detroit newspaper reporter Julia Gooden is trying to rekindle her relashionship with her husband Assistant District Attorney David Tanner.David is about to bring Nick Rossi a man with very powerful connections to trial for crimes including drug trafficking,illegal gambling and bribery.The trial has only just begun when a bomb explodes in the court house claiming many victims and leaving David critically wounded.Julia is certain that Rossi orchestrated the bombing and with the help of Detective Raymond Navarro she starts following a trail that will not only endanger her life but also the lives of everyone that she cares about.
Julia Gooden is a very complex character,she is very stubborn but also can be very emotional and vurnerable at times.She is still very overprotective of her two sons Wills and Logan but that is understandable considering the mysterious and still unsolved disappearance of her brother Ben thirty years ago.Julia and Navarro used to be in a relationship until Julia walked out and left him, despite this they are still very close but the events in this story will test the strength of their friendship and push it too breaking point.
The descriptions of the devastation and terror after the bonb blast are breath taking and shocking and there is also a couple of other action scenes that had me at the edge of my comfy reading chair totally gripped by the danger and heart pounding action that was unfolding in front of my eyes.
The characters are well thought out and believable,there is twists and shocking revelations and not one page comes across as unnecessary to the story.Although this is the second book of a series and despite the continuing mystery of Ben's disappearance the book can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone.It is a very well written and gripping thriller that I enjoyed just as much as The Last Time She Saw Him and I look forward to finding out what is going to happen in book 3.
Once again thanks so much to Jane Haseldine for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Duplicity is a excellent title for this gripping story,there are more lies and back stabbing going on than you will find in any political campaign in any country around the world.
After the heart pounding events that happened in The Last Time She Saw Him Detroit newspaper reporter Julia Gooden is trying to rekindle her relashionship with her husband Assistant District Attorney David Tanner.David is about to bring Nick Rossi a man with very powerful connections to trial for crimes including drug trafficking,illegal gambling and bribery.The trial has only just begun when a bomb explodes in the court house claiming many victims and leaving David critically wounded.Julia is certain that Rossi orchestrated the bombing and with the help of Detective Raymond Navarro she starts following a trail that will not only endanger her life but also the lives of everyone that she cares about.
Julia Gooden is a very complex character,she is very stubborn but also can be very emotional and vurnerable at times.She is still very overprotective of her two sons Wills and Logan but that is understandable considering the mysterious and still unsolved disappearance of her brother Ben thirty years ago.Julia and Navarro used to be in a relationship until Julia walked out and left him, despite this they are still very close but the events in this story will test the strength of their friendship and push it too breaking point.
The descriptions of the devastation and terror after the bonb blast are breath taking and shocking and there is also a couple of other action scenes that had me at the edge of my comfy reading chair totally gripped by the danger and heart pounding action that was unfolding in front of my eyes.
The characters are well thought out and believable,there is twists and shocking revelations and not one page comes across as unnecessary to the story.Although this is the second book of a series and despite the continuing mystery of Ben's disappearance the book can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone.It is a very well written and gripping thriller that I enjoyed just as much as The Last Time She Saw Him and I look forward to finding out what is going to happen in book 3.
Once again thanks so much to Jane Haseldine for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
February 24, 2017
As someone who was in the newspaper business for more than 16 years of my adult working life (and have continued since retirement on a freelance basis), any time I can get my hands on a story about someone else in the industry, I'll give it a serious look. Throw in a little mystery, a little murder, and by golly, bring it on. Such is the case here; lead character Julia Gooden is a successful crime reporter in Detroit, and murder makes headlines from the beginning.
Early on, I was reminded how much life in the Motor City mirrors that of Youngstown, Ohio, where, ironically, the newspaper for which I served as managing editor for 14 years is located. Youngstown, too, was decimated by steep declines in the steel and auto industries and continues to struggle to get back on its feet. Ah, I said - another "connection" to this book solidified.
This is the second in what I presume will be a continuing series (I also read and enjoyed the first, The Last Time She Saw Him). Here, Julia is separated from her husband, Assistant District Attorney David Tanner, but in part because they have two young sons, they're trying to get back together. Julia has been chasing a story about elusive gangster Nick Rossi, and now, he's finally going on trial in a case her husband is prosecuting. But as a key witness for the prosecution is escorted up the courthouse steps to testify, a bomb goes off - killing the witness as well as several innocent bystanders and putting David in the hospital.
After that incident, Julia's boss orders her off the case, but she vows to keep investigating on her own with help from Detroit Police Department Detective Raymond Navarro (not incidentally, her boyfriend prior to her husband). She turns to her sources and ferrets out information on Rossi - she's convinced he ordered the bombing - that lead her to dangerous places and people who would be happy to see her rubbed out of the picture. Along the way, there's plenty of action (some of which, IMHO, seemed a bit too tightly choreographed, almost to the point of unbelievability). A number of unexpected twists, though, kept things very interesting.
In hindsight, despite our career and Type A personality similarities, I realized I never totally warmed up to Julia herself. Mostly, I think, that's because she insisted on putting herself in situations any other person as intelligent as she is would have had sense enough to stay away from (especially when she's got young kids). On the other hand, there's her friend Navarro; without question, he's a keeper.
In all, the book is well written and entertaining, and I'll be watching for the next installment. My thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read an advance review copy.
Early on, I was reminded how much life in the Motor City mirrors that of Youngstown, Ohio, where, ironically, the newspaper for which I served as managing editor for 14 years is located. Youngstown, too, was decimated by steep declines in the steel and auto industries and continues to struggle to get back on its feet. Ah, I said - another "connection" to this book solidified.
This is the second in what I presume will be a continuing series (I also read and enjoyed the first, The Last Time She Saw Him). Here, Julia is separated from her husband, Assistant District Attorney David Tanner, but in part because they have two young sons, they're trying to get back together. Julia has been chasing a story about elusive gangster Nick Rossi, and now, he's finally going on trial in a case her husband is prosecuting. But as a key witness for the prosecution is escorted up the courthouse steps to testify, a bomb goes off - killing the witness as well as several innocent bystanders and putting David in the hospital.
After that incident, Julia's boss orders her off the case, but she vows to keep investigating on her own with help from Detroit Police Department Detective Raymond Navarro (not incidentally, her boyfriend prior to her husband). She turns to her sources and ferrets out information on Rossi - she's convinced he ordered the bombing - that lead her to dangerous places and people who would be happy to see her rubbed out of the picture. Along the way, there's plenty of action (some of which, IMHO, seemed a bit too tightly choreographed, almost to the point of unbelievability). A number of unexpected twists, though, kept things very interesting.
In hindsight, despite our career and Type A personality similarities, I realized I never totally warmed up to Julia herself. Mostly, I think, that's because she insisted on putting herself in situations any other person as intelligent as she is would have had sense enough to stay away from (especially when she's got young kids). On the other hand, there's her friend Navarro; without question, he's a keeper.
In all, the book is well written and entertaining, and I'll be watching for the next installment. My thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read an advance review copy.
February 23, 2020
I won a copy of
Duplicity
from a Goodreads Giveaway.
I had no expectations other than I was excited to win. I haven't read the first book nor anything written by Ms. Haseldine before so I just hoped for a good, or, at least, decent mystery.
That doesn't sound too difficult to want, right?
WRONG. Oh, when will I learn?
Where should I start on what went so wrong here that I feel the need to make a list? Let me count the ways:
1. The convoluted, improbable, almost laughable plot in which a John Gotti wannabe, Nick Rossi, is being tried for drug trafficking and eliminates anyone who pisses him off and/or gets in his way like his life is a knockoff of a Tarantino film without the catchy dialogue, unique and original characters and swagger and magnetic presence of Samuel L. Jackson.
2. The title refers to the double lives nearly all the characters are living, including Julia's two-timing adultering husband, the mayor's chief of staff, Rossi's ridiculous cliche wife straight out of a RHONJ episode.
I thought, oh, this is bad. It can't get worse, can it?
Sigh. Like I said, when will I learn?
3. Julia Gooden is an annoying and insufferable character, supposedly a tough ass reporter yet a doormat when it comes to her husband.
Despite him having cheated on her in the first book, she allows him back into her life (partly for the sake of her sons, understandable) and spends a good portion of the book mooning over him, about how moral and virtuous he is.
When she seeks to take Rossi down after her husband is grievously injured in a bombing, she doesn't come off as an avenging angel; she just sounds like a whiny brat whose milk got spilt.
4. The blatantly sexist and chauvinistic portrayal of women from the snarky reporter aptly named Tandy who wears cleavage baring outfits to Bianca, the restaurateur and girlfriend of Detective Navarro, Julia's ex-boyfriend, who is revealed to be a controlling, jealous, haughty woman dressed to the nines and Rossi's wife who uses her beauty and sexuality to get what she wants.
I didn't dislike everyone. I just hated them and not because they were hate-able. They were just corny, lame and poorly, terribly drawn.
5. The cornball Nancy Drew-esque antics Julia undertakes such as when she gets herself caught by Rossi's henchman in command.
She is locked in a cabin reserved for Rossi's wife and 'finds' a vital clue in the form of a DVD.
*See below.
6. The unbelievable (not believable) ways in which Julia discovers 'important' clues.
Here's a great example: when she discovers her husband's study is wrecked by an intruder, she looks under his desk and finds an envelope taped there with the information she needs.
How convenient! And lucky! Who ransacked the study in the first place? Spongebob?
7. The godawful, cringe-worthy and totally unnecessary romance between Navarro and Julia.
Maybe the heat and passion was in the first book and that's why I don't get it.
8. The tangled plot involves a snitch, a bombing, a sniper, sleazy politics, blackmail, murder, lack of ethics and morals, adultering, marital abuse, more murders, what constitutes family loyalty and a happily ever after for Navarro and Julia.
Whew. That's a mouthful.
Sure sounds exciting, no?
No, it was not.
Guess what? I'm not reading the next book in the series.
I had no expectations other than I was excited to win. I haven't read the first book nor anything written by Ms. Haseldine before so I just hoped for a good, or, at least, decent mystery.
That doesn't sound too difficult to want, right?
WRONG. Oh, when will I learn?
Where should I start on what went so wrong here that I feel the need to make a list? Let me count the ways:
1. The convoluted, improbable, almost laughable plot in which a John Gotti wannabe, Nick Rossi, is being tried for drug trafficking and eliminates anyone who pisses him off and/or gets in his way like his life is a knockoff of a Tarantino film without the catchy dialogue, unique and original characters and swagger and magnetic presence of Samuel L. Jackson.
2. The title refers to the double lives nearly all the characters are living, including Julia's two-timing adultering husband, the mayor's chief of staff, Rossi's ridiculous cliche wife straight out of a RHONJ episode.
I thought, oh, this is bad. It can't get worse, can it?
Sigh. Like I said, when will I learn?
3. Julia Gooden is an annoying and insufferable character, supposedly a tough ass reporter yet a doormat when it comes to her husband.
Despite him having cheated on her in the first book, she allows him back into her life (partly for the sake of her sons, understandable) and spends a good portion of the book mooning over him, about how moral and virtuous he is.
When she seeks to take Rossi down after her husband is grievously injured in a bombing, she doesn't come off as an avenging angel; she just sounds like a whiny brat whose milk got spilt.
4. The blatantly sexist and chauvinistic portrayal of women from the snarky reporter aptly named Tandy who wears cleavage baring outfits to Bianca, the restaurateur and girlfriend of Detective Navarro, Julia's ex-boyfriend, who is revealed to be a controlling, jealous, haughty woman dressed to the nines and Rossi's wife who uses her beauty and sexuality to get what she wants.
I didn't dislike everyone. I just hated them and not because they were hate-able. They were just corny, lame and poorly, terribly drawn.
5. The cornball Nancy Drew-esque antics Julia undertakes such as when she gets herself caught by Rossi's henchman in command.
She is locked in a cabin reserved for Rossi's wife and 'finds' a vital clue in the form of a DVD.
*See below.
6. The unbelievable (not believable) ways in which Julia discovers 'important' clues.
Here's a great example: when she discovers her husband's study is wrecked by an intruder, she looks under his desk and finds an envelope taped there with the information she needs.
How convenient! And lucky! Who ransacked the study in the first place? Spongebob?
7. The godawful, cringe-worthy and totally unnecessary romance between Navarro and Julia.
Maybe the heat and passion was in the first book and that's why I don't get it.
8. The tangled plot involves a snitch, a bombing, a sniper, sleazy politics, blackmail, murder, lack of ethics and morals, adultering, marital abuse, more murders, what constitutes family loyalty and a happily ever after for Navarro and Julia.
Whew. That's a mouthful.
Sure sounds exciting, no?
No, it was not.
Guess what? I'm not reading the next book in the series.
November 20, 2016
I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway.
This is an action packed mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.
"Duplicity", is a great way to describe this book. Nothing and nobody are what they seem to be. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, another twist is thrown your way, shattering your theories and leaving you guessing until (almost) the very end.
Julia is a great character, headstrong and fiercely independent. She has hidden layers to her personality that seem to make her come to life. Everyone she interacts with and who is featured in this novel were all amazingly written, they're all so believably "human", with hidden flaws and motivations it makes it really easy to get sucked into Julia's journey.
This is a great read for fans of mysteries, thrillers, or both.
This is an action packed mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.
"Duplicity", is a great way to describe this book. Nothing and nobody are what they seem to be. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, another twist is thrown your way, shattering your theories and leaving you guessing until (almost) the very end.
Julia is a great character, headstrong and fiercely independent. She has hidden layers to her personality that seem to make her come to life. Everyone she interacts with and who is featured in this novel were all amazingly written, they're all so believably "human", with hidden flaws and motivations it makes it really easy to get sucked into Julia's journey.
This is a great read for fans of mysteries, thrillers, or both.
March 28, 2017
Julia Gooden, one of Detroit’s top crime beat reporter’s life is a mess. She’s sort of, kind of separated from her husband and she can’t locate a much-needed source for a story. Of course it doesn’t help that paranoia has been nipping at her heels 24/7, for the last thirty-years, since her family was ripped apart when her 9-year old brother went missing.
In the second of Jane Haseldine’s, “Julia Gooden Mystery ” series, DUPLICITY (Kensington), Julia Gooden finds herself working on a story she hopes will help her get back with her husband, Assistant District Attorney, David Tanner. While she writes about the most gruesome crimes, she worries none stop about her little boys she’s raising in the suburbs.
Julia finds herself investigating a story about Detroit’s crime boss, Nick Rossi. He’s up on charges for drug trafficking, blackmail, illegal gambling and bribery. When a bomb goes off at the courthouse killing several people, including a key witness in his trial and critically injuring David, she’s determined to find out what happened. Julia know Rossi is behind the bombing, but the state’s case against him is crumbling. Julia’s determined to learn the truth. One heads up for readers, there’s a lot happening in DUPLICITY, so pay attention or you could end up lost.
I’ve read a few novels written by former news reporters recently, and having been one myself, I have to write, readers get an authentic insight to what happens in a newsroom, copshops and inside local politics. Jane Haseldine knows her stuff and DUPLICITY will have readers flipping pages from beginning to the end, as fast as they can read.
Jane Haseldine is a journalist, former crime reporter, columnist, newspaper editor, magazine writer, and deputy director of communications for a governor. Jane graduated from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications with a degree in journalism. She resides in Southern California with her husband and two sons, but previously lived in Boston, San Francisco, New York, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. You can find her at janehaseldine.com, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook.
In the second of Jane Haseldine’s, “Julia Gooden Mystery ” series, DUPLICITY (Kensington), Julia Gooden finds herself working on a story she hopes will help her get back with her husband, Assistant District Attorney, David Tanner. While she writes about the most gruesome crimes, she worries none stop about her little boys she’s raising in the suburbs.
Julia finds herself investigating a story about Detroit’s crime boss, Nick Rossi. He’s up on charges for drug trafficking, blackmail, illegal gambling and bribery. When a bomb goes off at the courthouse killing several people, including a key witness in his trial and critically injuring David, she’s determined to find out what happened. Julia know Rossi is behind the bombing, but the state’s case against him is crumbling. Julia’s determined to learn the truth. One heads up for readers, there’s a lot happening in DUPLICITY, so pay attention or you could end up lost.
I’ve read a few novels written by former news reporters recently, and having been one myself, I have to write, readers get an authentic insight to what happens in a newsroom, copshops and inside local politics. Jane Haseldine knows her stuff and DUPLICITY will have readers flipping pages from beginning to the end, as fast as they can read.
Jane Haseldine is a journalist, former crime reporter, columnist, newspaper editor, magazine writer, and deputy director of communications for a governor. Jane graduated from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications with a degree in journalism. She resides in Southern California with her husband and two sons, but previously lived in Boston, San Francisco, New York, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. You can find her at janehaseldine.com, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook.
March 28, 2017
This is the first book that I've read by Jane Haseldine. Even though you can read Duplicity as a stand alone, I enjoyed it so much that I want to go back and read book 1 and am already anxious for the next book in the series.
Julia Gooden is a reporter for one of the major newspapers in Detroit. She covers some of the worst stories in the city and lives in the suburbs with her two young sons. She still struggles with the memory of her brother that disappeared when he was eight years old and tries to overprotect her children because of that memory. She and her husband, David, are trying to reconcile their marriage despite the stress of him starting a big trial as lead attorney to try to convict Nick Rossi of a number of crimes. A bomb at the courthouse that critically wounds David, throws their lives and the criminal trial into chaos.
This is a wonderful page turner. On a personal note I loved it because I grew up in the Detroit area and recognized many of the places that the author wrote about in the book. From a reader's perspective, once I started this book, I couldn't put it down until I was finished. Just when I thought that everything was solved, there were more revelations still to come. This was a great story and I an anxious to see where the author takes Julia (and her readers) in her next book.
Julia Gooden is a reporter for one of the major newspapers in Detroit. She covers some of the worst stories in the city and lives in the suburbs with her two young sons. She still struggles with the memory of her brother that disappeared when he was eight years old and tries to overprotect her children because of that memory. She and her husband, David, are trying to reconcile their marriage despite the stress of him starting a big trial as lead attorney to try to convict Nick Rossi of a number of crimes. A bomb at the courthouse that critically wounds David, throws their lives and the criminal trial into chaos.
This is a wonderful page turner. On a personal note I loved it because I grew up in the Detroit area and recognized many of the places that the author wrote about in the book. From a reader's perspective, once I started this book, I couldn't put it down until I was finished. Just when I thought that everything was solved, there were more revelations still to come. This was a great story and I an anxious to see where the author takes Julia (and her readers) in her next book.
November 12, 2020
You have to have your wits about you when you read this novel. Contrary to what the rather gothic-toned cover would have you believe – this is a modern, action-packed thriller where the ‘good guys’ and the ‘bad guys’ are clearly defined.
The novel’s protagonist is thirty-seven year old Julia Gooden, a seasoned crime reporter in the crime-ridden city of Detroit, Michigan. The mother of two young boys, she is separated from her attorney husband, David Tanner, though at the beginning of this novel they are attempting a reconciliation. She is beautiful and very fit due to her passion for running. It is usual for Julia to run ten miles in the morning before leaving for work.
Nick Rossi is a kingpin in Detroit organized crime and now heads a vast and powerful illegal empire. He deals a lot of his ‘business’ at the lush Detroit MGM Grand Hotel. The local police and even the FBI have had him in their sights for years. Julia’s husband David is now in the process of prosecuting Rossi in a huge trial which has the power to make or break his career and his aspiration to be a District Attorney.
Navarro is a Detroit cop. Long ago he and Julia had a relationship and as far as Navarro is concerned she is the ‘one that got away‘. Though he cares for Julia still, he will not divulge the name of the surprise witness against Rossi. Knowing who this witness is could be a tremendous coup for her journalistic career.
Knowing that David and Navarro are unwilling to help her get her story, she uses her myriad other contacts that she has built up over her years in Detroit, however she is scooped by a rival journalist. The day that the mystery witness is brought to the courthouse, there is a tragic bombing which kills the witness as well as several bystanders and gravely injures the judge and Julia’s husband, David.
Believing Rossi to be responsible for the bombing, now Julia’s fight against Rossi and his minions is personal, and she will go to any lengths to bring him to justice.
Her investigations are aided by Navarro and the more they find out, the muddier the case seems to get – and the more dangerous it is to Julia and her young sons.
A fast-paced novel, “Duplicity” is well named. Duplicitous behavior is prevalent, making apprehending the guilty problematic. As well as duplicity, this is a novel of hard core corruption, lies, and betrayal. Thankfully, the ending rewards the reader by tying things up quite well. I enjoyed the read, though found some of the action scenes rather ‘over the top’. And the gangsters? Well, they were just SO evil with absolutely no humanity showing at all… Almost like caricatures of how criminals should be. Julia’s character was well rendered, but even she was just a little too ‘perfect’ to be quite believable. But then, this is fiction! “Duplicity” delivers a tension-filled roller coaster read for all who enjoy action-packed crime thrillers.
It has been described by the publisher as #2 in the Julia Gooden mystery series. I’d say it is more of a thriller than a mystery, but that is just my opinion. Although Navarro and his coworkers are police, this is not really a police procedural either. Most of the time Navarro has little contact with his superiors – almost as if he is calling the shots… If anyone is interested in reading the first Julia Gooden novel, the title is “The last time she saw him“.
Don’t let the fact that it is the second book in a series deter you from reading it. I have not read the first novel in the series and I can attest that it works very well as a stand-alone. It is a curious mixture of political thriller, romantic suspense, and gangster story. A page-turner for sure, with SO much action and adrenaline inducing scenes that you’ll feel as though you’ve just watched a “Die Hard” movie. For that reason I think this novel will have a strong appeal for audiences of both sexes.
The novel’s protagonist is thirty-seven year old Julia Gooden, a seasoned crime reporter in the crime-ridden city of Detroit, Michigan. The mother of two young boys, she is separated from her attorney husband, David Tanner, though at the beginning of this novel they are attempting a reconciliation. She is beautiful and very fit due to her passion for running. It is usual for Julia to run ten miles in the morning before leaving for work.
Nick Rossi is a kingpin in Detroit organized crime and now heads a vast and powerful illegal empire. He deals a lot of his ‘business’ at the lush Detroit MGM Grand Hotel. The local police and even the FBI have had him in their sights for years. Julia’s husband David is now in the process of prosecuting Rossi in a huge trial which has the power to make or break his career and his aspiration to be a District Attorney.
Navarro is a Detroit cop. Long ago he and Julia had a relationship and as far as Navarro is concerned she is the ‘one that got away‘. Though he cares for Julia still, he will not divulge the name of the surprise witness against Rossi. Knowing who this witness is could be a tremendous coup for her journalistic career.
Knowing that David and Navarro are unwilling to help her get her story, she uses her myriad other contacts that she has built up over her years in Detroit, however she is scooped by a rival journalist. The day that the mystery witness is brought to the courthouse, there is a tragic bombing which kills the witness as well as several bystanders and gravely injures the judge and Julia’s husband, David.
Believing Rossi to be responsible for the bombing, now Julia’s fight against Rossi and his minions is personal, and she will go to any lengths to bring him to justice.
Her investigations are aided by Navarro and the more they find out, the muddier the case seems to get – and the more dangerous it is to Julia and her young sons.
A fast-paced novel, “Duplicity” is well named. Duplicitous behavior is prevalent, making apprehending the guilty problematic. As well as duplicity, this is a novel of hard core corruption, lies, and betrayal. Thankfully, the ending rewards the reader by tying things up quite well. I enjoyed the read, though found some of the action scenes rather ‘over the top’. And the gangsters? Well, they were just SO evil with absolutely no humanity showing at all… Almost like caricatures of how criminals should be. Julia’s character was well rendered, but even she was just a little too ‘perfect’ to be quite believable. But then, this is fiction! “Duplicity” delivers a tension-filled roller coaster read for all who enjoy action-packed crime thrillers.
It has been described by the publisher as #2 in the Julia Gooden mystery series. I’d say it is more of a thriller than a mystery, but that is just my opinion. Although Navarro and his coworkers are police, this is not really a police procedural either. Most of the time Navarro has little contact with his superiors – almost as if he is calling the shots… If anyone is interested in reading the first Julia Gooden novel, the title is “The last time she saw him“.
Don’t let the fact that it is the second book in a series deter you from reading it. I have not read the first novel in the series and I can attest that it works very well as a stand-alone. It is a curious mixture of political thriller, romantic suspense, and gangster story. A page-turner for sure, with SO much action and adrenaline inducing scenes that you’ll feel as though you’ve just watched a “Die Hard” movie. For that reason I think this novel will have a strong appeal for audiences of both sexes.
December 4, 2016
I was so excited when Jane Haseldine contacted me to review her 2nd book in the Julia Gooden series. I had absolutely loved The Last Time She Saw Him and hoped that Duplicity would be just as good. Well, I wasn’t disappointed.
The book starts off a few months after The Last Time She Saw Him ended. Julia and David are working very hard on repairing their marriage. David had flaked out during the last book and moved out when things got really tough for Julia. Plus, which was even more unforgivable, he had an affair with a fellow lawyer. Julia, on the other hand, is working on getting her trust back in David, which is understandable, and is going to therapy to help get over the guilt she carried over her brother Ben’s disappearance when she was 7. So each of them have a lot to overcome.
Julia is working on a story about Nick Rossi, who is on trial for a number of charges and is being tried by her husband, David. Which, to me and her editor, seems like a conflict of interest but she claims it isn’t. The same day that she is going to be in court, following the trail, her son, Logan is going on a field trip to the courthouse. She promises Logan that she will be there for the field trip.
While reading a newspaper, she finds out that the identity of the key witness was leaked to press. Which means that Rossi knows who he is and there is a legit concern that he will try to take him out. She tries to call David to warn her, but he isn’t answering his phone. So she heads towards the courthouse…..when the bomb goes off. The bomb kills 13 people and injures many more, including David and the Judge presiding over the case. Luckily Logan’s bus got caught up in traffic and never made it to the courthouse.
I loved the whodunit about the bomb because the author genuinely kept it under wraps and threw out red herrings left and right. Just when I thought I knew who set it, bam, it goes in a different direction. So when it was revealed who was the bomber at the end of the book, I was very surprised. Probably as surprised as Julia.
I will say that David did have my sympathy during after he got hurt during the bombing. But what came to light afterwards, well let’s just say that I wouldn’t have been as nice as Julia. I probably would have beaten him in the hospital bed. Just saying.
The end of the book, well starting with when Navarro and Julia were in California and going on from there, was awesome. Full of action and surprises, I was kept in suspense until the very end.
**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**
The book starts off a few months after The Last Time She Saw Him ended. Julia and David are working very hard on repairing their marriage. David had flaked out during the last book and moved out when things got really tough for Julia. Plus, which was even more unforgivable, he had an affair with a fellow lawyer. Julia, on the other hand, is working on getting her trust back in David, which is understandable, and is going to therapy to help get over the guilt she carried over her brother Ben’s disappearance when she was 7. So each of them have a lot to overcome.
Julia is working on a story about Nick Rossi, who is on trial for a number of charges and is being tried by her husband, David. Which, to me and her editor, seems like a conflict of interest but she claims it isn’t. The same day that she is going to be in court, following the trail, her son, Logan is going on a field trip to the courthouse. She promises Logan that she will be there for the field trip.
While reading a newspaper, she finds out that the identity of the key witness was leaked to press. Which means that Rossi knows who he is and there is a legit concern that he will try to take him out. She tries to call David to warn her, but he isn’t answering his phone. So she heads towards the courthouse…..when the bomb goes off. The bomb kills 13 people and injures many more, including David and the Judge presiding over the case. Luckily Logan’s bus got caught up in traffic and never made it to the courthouse.
I loved the whodunit about the bomb because the author genuinely kept it under wraps and threw out red herrings left and right. Just when I thought I knew who set it, bam, it goes in a different direction. So when it was revealed who was the bomber at the end of the book, I was very surprised. Probably as surprised as Julia.
I will say that David did have my sympathy during after he got hurt during the bombing. But what came to light afterwards, well let’s just say that I wouldn’t have been as nice as Julia. I probably would have beaten him in the hospital bed. Just saying.
The end of the book, well starting with when Navarro and Julia were in California and going on from there, was awesome. Full of action and surprises, I was kept in suspense until the very end.
**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**
March 27, 2017
I did enjoy the first book in the series, and I'm glad I stuck with it because this one is even better. At this rate, the next will be a 5 star! Action packed and intense. A couple of things I wished would have happened in the first book happened in this one, I'm happy with it. Julia is again a ridiculously brave risk-taker, throwing herself in precarious situations over and over. I would have liked a little more about her kids and home life, but the first book did have more of that. A very likeable character and absorbing story.
Julia is still trying to repair her fractured relationship with her assistant district attorney husband. She's determined to work things out if it ends up being what's best for their two young children. Things between them are going very well. They're soon thrown together in their professional lives as well as she covers a major trial that David is the prosecutor for. He firmly resists her attempts to get inside info on the major player on trial, but he's not her only source... the story is coming along when tragedy strikes. A bomb at the court house explodes, killing several adults and children. By chance, Julia wasn't there, but her husband David was. He lays in the hospital unconscious while Julia works on figuring out who is responsible and how it may relate to the initial case. This is the beginning of a wild and dangerous ride... for Julia, and others close to her. She thinks career criminal Rossi is behind it, and won't stop until she helps bring whoever is responsible to justice.
I received an ARC of this novel from Net Galley and Kensington Books, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Julia is still trying to repair her fractured relationship with her assistant district attorney husband. She's determined to work things out if it ends up being what's best for their two young children. Things between them are going very well. They're soon thrown together in their professional lives as well as she covers a major trial that David is the prosecutor for. He firmly resists her attempts to get inside info on the major player on trial, but he's not her only source... the story is coming along when tragedy strikes. A bomb at the court house explodes, killing several adults and children. By chance, Julia wasn't there, but her husband David was. He lays in the hospital unconscious while Julia works on figuring out who is responsible and how it may relate to the initial case. This is the beginning of a wild and dangerous ride... for Julia, and others close to her. She thinks career criminal Rossi is behind it, and won't stop until she helps bring whoever is responsible to justice.
I received an ARC of this novel from Net Galley and Kensington Books, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
October 23, 2017
This is another book where I have to say that although I liked it, Book 1 was -for me- much better, but I do look forward to book 3 in the series.
We find Julia Gooden, trying to save her marriage, while working and taking care of her 2 sons. Her husband, a lawyer, is working on a high profile case against a big mobster.
When a bomb explodes in the courthouse, severely hurting David, Julia's husband, she is convinced Rossi, the criminal is responsible for it.
Julia, with Navarro faithfully helping her, will search for answers that put both her and her family in danger.
I still can't imagine why a mother of two young boys can put herself in so much danger, which is probably why I didn't like this book as much as the first one. Julia does silly things in that book also, but her main concern is her boy's safety, in light of what happened to her brother years before. But, we do get an insight into Julia and Navarro's past relationship, which I did feel was needed.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We find Julia Gooden, trying to save her marriage, while working and taking care of her 2 sons. Her husband, a lawyer, is working on a high profile case against a big mobster.
When a bomb explodes in the courthouse, severely hurting David, Julia's husband, she is convinced Rossi, the criminal is responsible for it.
Julia, with Navarro faithfully helping her, will search for answers that put both her and her family in danger.
I still can't imagine why a mother of two young boys can put herself in so much danger, which is probably why I didn't like this book as much as the first one. Julia does silly things in that book also, but her main concern is her boy's safety, in light of what happened to her brother years before. But, we do get an insight into Julia and Navarro's past relationship, which I did feel was needed.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2017
A who done it read along with a who else done it? Jane Haseldine again pairs Julia Gooden with an investigation that is right in her own backyard. Fast paced mystery murder mixed with politics, betrayal, and loyalty. In the first book of this series Julia is challenged with finding her missing child and in this one she searches to uncover her husbands secrets. Julia a journalist along with her police friends move through personal danger to uncover the events of a courthouse bombing. Julia is like Richard Castle supplying insight to the police to arrive at the truth. Love that show and this book. Copy received from Kensington Books and author via Netgalley. Review freely given.
February 21, 2017
I so wanted to enjoy this but I knew I was in trouble when I had read 20% and was day dreaming, nodding off. JANE HASELDINE's first novel THE LAST TIME SHE SAW HIM was much better developed. I cared more for the characters.
Duplicity felt forced and used shock and destruction to tell the story. I just found myself feeling lack of sympathy for the characters here.
Duplicity felt forced and used shock and destruction to tell the story. I just found myself feeling lack of sympathy for the characters here.
April 15, 2017
Looking for a new mystery series? This was a fast paced read featuring - and written by - an intrepid journalist that accelerated so much towards the end I could barely keep up with the plot twists. Here is a link to my review:
http://perfectretort.blogspot.com/201...
http://perfectretort.blogspot.com/201...
April 22, 2019
This second book in the Julia Gooden Mystery series, ratchets up a notch with crime, suspense and edge of your seat action. Julia is still trying to repair her relationship with her husband, recently working as District Attorney. She wants to work things out for the sake of her children as well as still loving her husband. Still working as a reporter, they get thrown together due to a major trial that David is prosecuting. As she tries to get some information about a surprise witness in the upcoming trial when tragedy strikes. With a bombing in the courthouse, the witness is dead and David is severely killed. Julia was outside the courthouse when it exploded and she wants to find out who was responsible, sure it was Rossi, the man on trial. This is the beginning of dangerous investigation for Julia and many others. Julia, however, is not willing to give up until she brings Rossi to justice.
Julia is a huge risk-taker, which is unsettling for me as a reader. She is the mother of two young boys who she is extremely overprotective of, yet takes many chances with her own life. Having said that, she is smart and able to put things together very well. Navarro, her ex-boyfriend and detective, is once again there to protect her and help her put the pieces together. I really like him in this role. He does not push her into anything, yet has her back when she jumps into dangerous situations. David, her husband, was not the man everyone thought he was and we see his true colours in this book. The story is very fast-paced and had me using every spare moment I had to listen to this story. The plotline seemed to be typical gang/drug/Italian family type story, but there were lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing. The ending was very satisfying and I will definitely continue with the Julia Gooden series. I listened to the audiobook of this story. The narrator, Kate Rudd, again does a great job narrating this story. She puts just the right emphasis where needed and assists in building the suspense in the story.
Julia is a huge risk-taker, which is unsettling for me as a reader. She is the mother of two young boys who she is extremely overprotective of, yet takes many chances with her own life. Having said that, she is smart and able to put things together very well. Navarro, her ex-boyfriend and detective, is once again there to protect her and help her put the pieces together. I really like him in this role. He does not push her into anything, yet has her back when she jumps into dangerous situations. David, her husband, was not the man everyone thought he was and we see his true colours in this book. The story is very fast-paced and had me using every spare moment I had to listen to this story. The plotline seemed to be typical gang/drug/Italian family type story, but there were lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing. The ending was very satisfying and I will definitely continue with the Julia Gooden series. I listened to the audiobook of this story. The narrator, Kate Rudd, again does a great job narrating this story. She puts just the right emphasis where needed and assists in building the suspense in the story.
March 5, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this great book!
This is the second in this series of mysteries involving Julia Gooden, a crime beat journalist in Detroit. The first book, The Last Time She Saw Him, was a great story and highly recommended that you start with that book to get the background of these characters and the story. However, it would read well as a stand-alone novel also.
In this story, Julia's husband, David, an Assistant District Attorney in Detroit, is starting a new trial against a crime mob boss, Nick Rossi, accused of drug trafficking, bribery, among other crimes. Just as the trial begins, David has a surprise witness that is set to turn on Rossi and make the case against him stick.
Julia and David are still walking a tightrope in their marriage but things are looking promising that he will return home to Julia and their two sons. Then the unthinkable happens, a bomb goes off at the courthouse just as the surprise witness is being brought in as well as Julia's son, there on a class field trip.
After the dust settles, Julia is intent on proving that Rossi was behind the bombing and she throws caution to the wind to investigate on her own. Returning characters of police detectives Navarro and Russell are back to investigate all the goings-on. In addition, Julia's brother, Ben, who has been missing since he was a child and has had such an impact on her life, is never far from her mind.
This is a high-action mystery with interesting, well-developed characters, realistic action, and great gritty setting in Detroit - wonderful follow up to the first in the series and I can't wait to read the next book!
This is the second in this series of mysteries involving Julia Gooden, a crime beat journalist in Detroit. The first book, The Last Time She Saw Him, was a great story and highly recommended that you start with that book to get the background of these characters and the story. However, it would read well as a stand-alone novel also.
In this story, Julia's husband, David, an Assistant District Attorney in Detroit, is starting a new trial against a crime mob boss, Nick Rossi, accused of drug trafficking, bribery, among other crimes. Just as the trial begins, David has a surprise witness that is set to turn on Rossi and make the case against him stick.
Julia and David are still walking a tightrope in their marriage but things are looking promising that he will return home to Julia and their two sons. Then the unthinkable happens, a bomb goes off at the courthouse just as the surprise witness is being brought in as well as Julia's son, there on a class field trip.
After the dust settles, Julia is intent on proving that Rossi was behind the bombing and she throws caution to the wind to investigate on her own. Returning characters of police detectives Navarro and Russell are back to investigate all the goings-on. In addition, Julia's brother, Ben, who has been missing since he was a child and has had such an impact on her life, is never far from her mind.
This is a high-action mystery with interesting, well-developed characters, realistic action, and great gritty setting in Detroit - wonderful follow up to the first in the series and I can't wait to read the next book!
March 9, 2017
Julia Gooden is a journalist who has the connections to write the biggest story of her life and she can't write a word about it. The story involves her husband, the Assistant District Attorney who is prosecuting Nick Rossi a major gangster for crimes including drug trafficking, gambling and bribery. Of course, this is killing Julia, but she must stand by her husband and hold back on her career.
Meanwhile, during the trial, a secret surprise witness is coming forth to testify against the gangster. Rossi has received word who it is and is ready. He has made arrangements for a sniper to take the witness out as he walks up the courthouse steps. At the same time, Julia's husband is meeting the witness. Also, Julia's son's class is taking a field trip to see justice in action. They will also be at the courthouse at the same time. Julia will also be at the courthouse to as a room mother to help chaperone the students. Out of nowhere a bomb explodes. . .
This was such a great read. Finding out who perpetrated the bomb and everything that happened behind the scenes was extremely rewarding as a reader. There are absolutely no spoilers above. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Once I started reading the book and the burning clues started melting that iceberg, the bottom was slushy and absolutely polar bear enjoyable. This was my first book by Jane Haseldine and it won't be my last.
Huge thanks to Kensington Books for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
Meanwhile, during the trial, a secret surprise witness is coming forth to testify against the gangster. Rossi has received word who it is and is ready. He has made arrangements for a sniper to take the witness out as he walks up the courthouse steps. At the same time, Julia's husband is meeting the witness. Also, Julia's son's class is taking a field trip to see justice in action. They will also be at the courthouse at the same time. Julia will also be at the courthouse to as a room mother to help chaperone the students. Out of nowhere a bomb explodes. . .
This was such a great read. Finding out who perpetrated the bomb and everything that happened behind the scenes was extremely rewarding as a reader. There are absolutely no spoilers above. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Once I started reading the book and the burning clues started melting that iceberg, the bottom was slushy and absolutely polar bear enjoyable. This was my first book by Jane Haseldine and it won't be my last.
Huge thanks to Kensington Books for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2017
I received an advance copy of Duplicity from Goodreads giveaways and from author Jane Haseldine. I was pretty excited when I received this book in mail as it was sealed in a hand written package!! Who does that? Not many authors I know, so Thank you Jane Haseldine for making me feel pretty special.
Anyway, this book had me right away. I was hooked after chapter 1. I like a story that starts out with a mystery then comes back to it late in the book. I found myself towards the end of the book going back to chapter 1 when it comes to light who the businessman and blonde were. I did find that at points I was losing interest just because of all the names I was trying to keep straight and how fast the story was moving. But once it got past all the details of all the characters and things started happening, I couldn't put it down. I am a person that has to read the series from book one and I have yet to read the first in the Gooden mystery series but was able to follow along so this book is just as good as a first read. Now that I'm hooked I look forward to finding the first book!
Anyway, this book had me right away. I was hooked after chapter 1. I like a story that starts out with a mystery then comes back to it late in the book. I found myself towards the end of the book going back to chapter 1 when it comes to light who the businessman and blonde were. I did find that at points I was losing interest just because of all the names I was trying to keep straight and how fast the story was moving. But once it got past all the details of all the characters and things started happening, I couldn't put it down. I am a person that has to read the series from book one and I have yet to read the first in the Gooden mystery series but was able to follow along so this book is just as good as a first read. Now that I'm hooked I look forward to finding the first book!
July 8, 2019
Reporter Julie Gooden has covered the crime beat at the newspaper for 12 years. She and estranged husband David are ready to give their marriage a second try. David is prosecuting a huge drug kingpin and Julie is working all her sources to find out the name of a secret witness who will take Rossi down. On the day the witness is set to testify, the courthouse is bombed. The crucial witness and many others are killed. David is in critical condition. Julia's editor says she is off the story but Julia swears she will bring Rossi to justice.
I liked the first book in this series, The Last Time I Saw Him, in 2016 and this is a good sequel. My favorite character is Julia's old flame Detective Raymond Navarro. He doesn't press Julia but he is always there for her. I can see a future for them in the next book. Also, the disappearance of Julia's brother is brought up again so I strongly suspect that will be a future storyline too.
I liked the first book in this series, The Last Time I Saw Him, in 2016 and this is a good sequel. My favorite character is Julia's old flame Detective Raymond Navarro. He doesn't press Julia but he is always there for her. I can see a future for them in the next book. Also, the disappearance of Julia's brother is brought up again so I strongly suspect that will be a future storyline too.
June 24, 2017
This is the first book I have read from this author. Wow, I instantly, found myself kept awake reading this book. I was already half way done before I put the book down. Despite, having not read the first book, I connected with the characters. Some of the dynamics and complexity of the relationships I gather happened in the first book.
The author's background of being a reporter was very useful. It showed in Julia. Ms. Haseldine shaped Julia into a character with great depth. Fans of crime mystery novels will enjoy this book. Yes, the bodies do stack up but nothing gruesome. Additionally, the tone of the storyline was good as it did not stall and kept moving. I can't wait to see more of Julia in action.
The author's background of being a reporter was very useful. It showed in Julia. Ms. Haseldine shaped Julia into a character with great depth. Fans of crime mystery novels will enjoy this book. Yes, the bodies do stack up but nothing gruesome. Additionally, the tone of the storyline was good as it did not stall and kept moving. I can't wait to see more of Julia in action.
January 8, 2017
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway, thanks to the author Jane Haseldine and Goodreads for the opportunity. As I noted in my review of the first book in this series, which was also part of the giveaway, there is nothing I like more than a good mystery, except a good mystery that is also a series! In book two Julia Gooden is back on the beat and in the middle of all the action with her job, her husband's job, her police friends, and her two boys. There were a lot of twists and turns towards which kept me guessing again all the way to the end. I can't wait for the third book to see where Julia is heading next!
March 9, 2017
This was a fascinating study of corruption, murder, and gangsters, with a small amount of good people thrown in. It was fast moving and grabbed the reader's interest from the onset. This was the first of Ms Haseldine's books that I've read. It won't be the last. Thanks to Net Galley and Kensington for an ARC for an honest review.
May 19, 2017
This is book 2 in the Julia Gooden Mystery series but it can be read as a stand alone.
I was hooked from page 2 and just sorry it took me so long to get to it....
This book is a real page turner that becomes better and better as the book goes along.
A very fast paced thriller.
Excellent read.
Thank you Netgalley the Publisher and Author for a chance to read this book
I was hooked from page 2 and just sorry it took me so long to get to it....
This book is a real page turner that becomes better and better as the book goes along.
A very fast paced thriller.
Excellent read.
Thank you Netgalley the Publisher and Author for a chance to read this book
July 4, 2018
Julia Gooden is a successful crime reporter with two young sons, currently working on restoring her 10-year-old marriage; but everything Julia does and everything she is has become shadowed by a tragic 30-year-old event, the disappearance of her brother.
Her estranged husband, ADA David Tanner is about to prosecute the city’s most dangerous criminal for drug trafficking, illegal gambling & bribery, he even has a surprise witness that another newspaper has scooped Julia on. Her new boss is relentless; thinking Julia has become complacent since her husband is prosecuting the case; but allows Julia one more chance; until a bomb explodes at the court house taking out the key witness and killing and injuring several others, including David.
With the case against Rossi hanging in the balance; Julia will learn of and follow a trail of blackmail, payback and political ambition while attempting to keep innocent lives free from fallback. The question is: can she do it?
More of a thriller than a normal mystery; I loved it!
Her estranged husband, ADA David Tanner is about to prosecute the city’s most dangerous criminal for drug trafficking, illegal gambling & bribery, he even has a surprise witness that another newspaper has scooped Julia on. Her new boss is relentless; thinking Julia has become complacent since her husband is prosecuting the case; but allows Julia one more chance; until a bomb explodes at the court house taking out the key witness and killing and injuring several others, including David.
With the case against Rossi hanging in the balance; Julia will learn of and follow a trail of blackmail, payback and political ambition while attempting to keep innocent lives free from fallback. The question is: can she do it?
More of a thriller than a normal mystery; I loved it!
February 25, 2018
This is the second in the Julia Gooden series. I did not read her debut, The Last Time She Saw Him, but this one could stand on its own. If you like murder mysteries, hot reporters, mayhem with a few twists and turns, then this easy read is right up your alley.
I received this book from LibraryThing Giveaway. Thank You! 3.2 stars
I received this book from LibraryThing Giveaway. Thank You! 3.2 stars
March 20, 2017
Julia Gooden is back, this time reporting on the trial of a local Detroit crime lord, Nick Rossi, who has been caught bribing officials to cover up his criminal empire focused on drug trafficking and gambling in the greater Detroit area. She is hampered by a possible conflict of interest in that her estranged husband, David Tanner is the ADA trying the prosecution’s case again Rossi. Gooden and Tanner are working on renewing their relationship but Julia is moving slowly on a possible reconciliation. When a bomb blows up on the steps of the courthouse killing David’s best witness and injuring David, Julia is pulled off the story by her newspaper. There are many underworld elements at play and Julia, with the help of Detective Ray Navarro attempts to track down who is responsible for the bombing and prove that the slippery Rossi is guilty of the crimes for which he has been charged. She knows she is getting close to finding answers when it becomes clear that her investigation is endangering her husband, herself and her children.
This story takes a while to get going. Once Julia begins to sniff around the right bad guys and use her many unnamed sources to stay ahead of the police investigation there is lots of action, some generated by Julia herself. My biggest beef with the book is manufactured danger thanks to the risk taking actions of our cub reporter. I recognize that thrillers, to be successful need to ooze tension. Tension created because the heroine repeatedly puts herself in harm’s way only to be rescued at the last moment loses its intended punch. There were times when I wished she didn’t have children knowing how reckless and single focused she was at obtaining the truth. She was busy unmasking the duplicitous nature of those she thought she knew, racing off to prove her suspicions while her kids were left at home with a caregiver. At the hospital, even though she sees some shifty character in the hallway outside her husband’s room she worries about his safety for a millisecond and then abandons him to track down another clue. It’s hard to buy in to a story when the main character is someone you struggle to admire.
Duplicity has lots of action, layers of intrigue and unexpected twists that keep you interested in who did what to whom. It is unfortunate that the star of the series appears to be oblivious to those around her and the potential consequences of her actions.
eARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
This story takes a while to get going. Once Julia begins to sniff around the right bad guys and use her many unnamed sources to stay ahead of the police investigation there is lots of action, some generated by Julia herself. My biggest beef with the book is manufactured danger thanks to the risk taking actions of our cub reporter. I recognize that thrillers, to be successful need to ooze tension. Tension created because the heroine repeatedly puts herself in harm’s way only to be rescued at the last moment loses its intended punch. There were times when I wished she didn’t have children knowing how reckless and single focused she was at obtaining the truth. She was busy unmasking the duplicitous nature of those she thought she knew, racing off to prove her suspicions while her kids were left at home with a caregiver. At the hospital, even though she sees some shifty character in the hallway outside her husband’s room she worries about his safety for a millisecond and then abandons him to track down another clue. It’s hard to buy in to a story when the main character is someone you struggle to admire.
Duplicity has lots of action, layers of intrigue and unexpected twists that keep you interested in who did what to whom. It is unfortunate that the star of the series appears to be oblivious to those around her and the potential consequences of her actions.
eARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
February 23, 2017
An enjoyable fast paced thriller featuring a new feisty heroine: Julia Gooden is a reporter on a Detroit newspaper and she is covering the trial of Nick Rossi, a local gangster. Howver there is a slight problem as her estranged husband David is the prosecutor which leads to some conflict of interest as Julia tries to get inside information.
Julia has two young children and is helped at home by Helen her Polish housekeeper. David is trying to encourage her to have him back but Julia is still unsure after he walked out on her.
She is friends with two cops, Navarro and Russell who are investigating Rossi and give Julia insights into the case. It transpires that Navarro and Julia have had a relationship in the past and there is still a lot of romantic tension between them as the story moves along.
This is a fast moving plot with lots of action. Things get even more tense when David is injured in a courthouse bomb and Julia is desparate to investigate.However nobody in the book is as they seem- duplicity is the word and the title resonates as the novel progresses.
The characters are well drawn and likeable. Julia is a great heroine and not a shrinking violet. She likes to be where the action is!
I am a big fan of Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone series and Julia Gooden reminded me of her a lot.
The book was compelling with a lot happening so I read it vey quickly over the course of a couple of days. In fact I realised after a few chapters it was the second book in a series and I am now keen to read the first novel so I can fill in the blanks on Julia's background.
It seems she suffered a tragic childhood with an alcoholic mother and an older brother who went missing when he was only nine years old This has had a major effect on her life and she is constantly on edge in case something happens to her own children. I loved the way she switched from action woman to soft and maternal!
A great five star read. Perfect for fans of Laura Lippman, Sue Grafton and Sarah Paretsky!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Julia has two young children and is helped at home by Helen her Polish housekeeper. David is trying to encourage her to have him back but Julia is still unsure after he walked out on her.
She is friends with two cops, Navarro and Russell who are investigating Rossi and give Julia insights into the case. It transpires that Navarro and Julia have had a relationship in the past and there is still a lot of romantic tension between them as the story moves along.
This is a fast moving plot with lots of action. Things get even more tense when David is injured in a courthouse bomb and Julia is desparate to investigate.However nobody in the book is as they seem- duplicity is the word and the title resonates as the novel progresses.
The characters are well drawn and likeable. Julia is a great heroine and not a shrinking violet. She likes to be where the action is!
I am a big fan of Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone series and Julia Gooden reminded me of her a lot.
The book was compelling with a lot happening so I read it vey quickly over the course of a couple of days. In fact I realised after a few chapters it was the second book in a series and I am now keen to read the first novel so I can fill in the blanks on Julia's background.
It seems she suffered a tragic childhood with an alcoholic mother and an older brother who went missing when he was only nine years old This has had a major effect on her life and she is constantly on edge in case something happens to her own children. I loved the way she switched from action woman to soft and maternal!
A great five star read. Perfect for fans of Laura Lippman, Sue Grafton and Sarah Paretsky!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2017
Jane Haseldine's new novel of riveting suspense, Detroit newspaper reporter Julia Gooden is up against the city's most devious criminal--and her own painful past.
Julia Gooden knows how to juggle different lives. A successful crime reporter, she covers the grittiest stories in the city while raising her two young boys in the suburbs. But beneath that accomplished facade is another Julia, still consumed by a tragedy that unfolded thirty years ago when her nine-year-old brother disappeared without a trace.
Julia's marriage, too, is a balancing act, as she tries to rekindle her relationship with her husband, Assistant District Attorney David Tanner, while maintaining professional boundaries. David is about to bring Nick Rossi to trial for crimes that include drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and bribery. But the story becomes much more urgent when a courthouse bomb claims several victims--including the prosecution's key witness--and leaves David critically injured.
Though Julia is certain that Rossi orchestrated the attack, the case against him is collapsing, and his power and connections run high and wide. With the help of Detective Raymond Navarro of the Detroit PD, she starts following a trail of blackmail, payback, and political ambition, little imagining where it will lead. Julia has risked her career before, but this time innocent lives--including her children's--hang in the balance, and justice may come too late to save what truly matters...
What did I think of it:
Unlike the the first book in this series it took me awhile to get into the story, but the more I read, the more I needed to see what was going to happen next . Will definitely be picking up a copy of this and of book one when I can. With that said I would love to say thinks to NetGalley for giving me the chance at reading and reviewing Duplicity I'm change for my honest opinion.
Julia Gooden knows how to juggle different lives. A successful crime reporter, she covers the grittiest stories in the city while raising her two young boys in the suburbs. But beneath that accomplished facade is another Julia, still consumed by a tragedy that unfolded thirty years ago when her nine-year-old brother disappeared without a trace.
Julia's marriage, too, is a balancing act, as she tries to rekindle her relationship with her husband, Assistant District Attorney David Tanner, while maintaining professional boundaries. David is about to bring Nick Rossi to trial for crimes that include drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and bribery. But the story becomes much more urgent when a courthouse bomb claims several victims--including the prosecution's key witness--and leaves David critically injured.
Though Julia is certain that Rossi orchestrated the attack, the case against him is collapsing, and his power and connections run high and wide. With the help of Detective Raymond Navarro of the Detroit PD, she starts following a trail of blackmail, payback, and political ambition, little imagining where it will lead. Julia has risked her career before, but this time innocent lives--including her children's--hang in the balance, and justice may come too late to save what truly matters...
What did I think of it:
Unlike the the first book in this series it took me awhile to get into the story, but the more I read, the more I needed to see what was going to happen next . Will definitely be picking up a copy of this and of book one when I can. With that said I would love to say thinks to NetGalley for giving me the chance at reading and reviewing Duplicity I'm change for my honest opinion.
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