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Harper and Lane #1
Hope's Peak
Beyond the shores of Hope’s Peak, North Carolina, evil waits as his next victim approaches. He’ll make her a princess like the others… Detective Jane Harper can’t shake the image of the young woman discovered in a field―eyes closed, a crown of woven vines on her head. She expects macabre murders like this in her native San Francisco, not here. Jane and her partner, Stu, vow to catch the killer, but in this town, that’s easier said than done. The police department is in the grips of a wide-reaching scandal that could topple the entire force, and Jane and Stu face a series of dead ends. Until they meet Ida Lane. Ida knows too well the evil that lurks in the cornfields. Tortured by her mother’s murder years before, Ida is paralyzed by the fear that she could be next. As the killer grows bolder, Jane must persuade Ida to use her remarkable gifts to help in the investigation. It?’ a decision that brings them closer to the killer…maybe too close.
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First published January 1, 2017
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About the author
Tony Healey
120 books83 followersTony Healey is the author of the bestselling Harper & Lane Series, consisting of Hope’s Peak, Storm’s Edge, published by Thomas and Mercer, and Blue Ruin, published independently. He is also the author of westerns in the Ralph Compton Western Series, including The Devil’s Snare, Blood On The Prairie, Die Trying and The Guns of Wrath. He self-published the crime novel Not For Us.
His work has been praised by the likes of Publisher’s Weekly, Blake Crouch, Mark Edwards and Mark Wheaton.
Tony Healey lives and works in Brighton, on the Sussex coast. He is married, has four daughters and a chorkie called Freddie. Tony is represented by his agent, Sharon Pelletier of Dystel, Goderich & Bourrett LLC.
The Harper & Lane Series: https://amzn.to/3hCmqoJ
Ralph Compton Westerns: Tony Healey | Penguin Random House
Not For Us: https://amzn.to/3hEimo0
His work has been praised by the likes of Publisher’s Weekly, Blake Crouch, Mark Edwards and Mark Wheaton.
Tony Healey lives and works in Brighton, on the Sussex coast. He is married, has four daughters and a chorkie called Freddie. Tony is represented by his agent, Sharon Pelletier of Dystel, Goderich & Bourrett LLC.
The Harper & Lane Series: https://amzn.to/3hCmqoJ
Ralph Compton Westerns: Tony Healey | Penguin Random House
Not For Us: https://amzn.to/3hEimo0
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews
December 3, 2016
“Hope’s Peak” sounded promising from the ad blurbs, but unfortunately, it did not live up to its billing. Here’s the good and the not-so-good, without spoilers:
THE WRITING – The author has chosen to write this book in present tense, third person. Writing in present tense can be tricky, but the author does an admirable job. However, while the book stays in the chosen style, it is a strange choice, and makes the characters feel cold and impersonal. Usually an author will tell the story in first person when using present tense, and it is confusing why the author made the choice he did.
THE DIALOGUE – There are many conversations that don’t seem real. In one chapter there is a shooting and a death, and the people involved begin bantering with each other within seconds after it was over. This would not happen immediately after a stressful situation has occurred. It appears this is the first crime novel by this author, and unfamiliarity with American police jargon and culture possibly caused a negative impact in this area. The one-dimensional characterizations also played a part in how everyone talked to each other. Reality is provided through vulgarities and f-bombs, which is rarely effective.
THE PLOT – The author would have us believe that there have been multiple murders over three decades by the same serial killer, yet every police captain has stymied the detectives working on the case because admitting the town had a serial killer would affect tourism. As the author states, “Every captain who comes in is sworn to secrecy.” In other words, families and the town’s population were oblivious to the deaths, which were covered up by the police…which means more people knew the truth but no one would talk about it for fear of repercussions. At some point, it becomes difficult to suspend belief, and as the entire story is based around this scenario, the story fails.
THE DETAILS – To write a realistic crime novel, thorough knowledge of police procedures must be reflected in the story. There were many procedural and informational errors in this story, the most glaring in the area of forensics. For instance, DNA results were reported back within one to two hours. Reality is that it would take (working 24 hours a day) two to three DAYS.
Having a psychic as a main character can introduce a powerful element to the plot. Using the psychic as a convenience to fill in all the blanks is a plot device that cheapens the story.
Other small items reared their heads throughout the story, such as the man in a locked retirement home somehow in possession of a betting slip…or the damaging information that sits waiting in a file room rather than someone simply removing and shredding it.
THE CHARACTERS – Many opportunities were missed to develop these characters further, resulting in a cast of bland people who proceeded predictably through the pages of this novel.
THE OTHER STUFF – As stated above, there are vulgarities throughout the book. There are also sexual scenes involving the killer. I don’t remove stars in these areas, just letting you know what’s in the book.
OVERALL -- The author certainly has talent, as demonstrated by his use of a difficult style (which may have been a poor choice for this book). Unfortunately, this tale is dragged down by what I have described above as well as some of the other plot devices I don’t mention for fear of giving away too much of the plot. Hopefully, his next offering in this series will smooth over the rough spots. Two stars.
THE WRITING – The author has chosen to write this book in present tense, third person. Writing in present tense can be tricky, but the author does an admirable job. However, while the book stays in the chosen style, it is a strange choice, and makes the characters feel cold and impersonal. Usually an author will tell the story in first person when using present tense, and it is confusing why the author made the choice he did.
THE DIALOGUE – There are many conversations that don’t seem real. In one chapter there is a shooting and a death, and the people involved begin bantering with each other within seconds after it was over. This would not happen immediately after a stressful situation has occurred. It appears this is the first crime novel by this author, and unfamiliarity with American police jargon and culture possibly caused a negative impact in this area. The one-dimensional characterizations also played a part in how everyone talked to each other. Reality is provided through vulgarities and f-bombs, which is rarely effective.
THE PLOT – The author would have us believe that there have been multiple murders over three decades by the same serial killer, yet every police captain has stymied the detectives working on the case because admitting the town had a serial killer would affect tourism. As the author states, “Every captain who comes in is sworn to secrecy.” In other words, families and the town’s population were oblivious to the deaths, which were covered up by the police…which means more people knew the truth but no one would talk about it for fear of repercussions. At some point, it becomes difficult to suspend belief, and as the entire story is based around this scenario, the story fails.
THE DETAILS – To write a realistic crime novel, thorough knowledge of police procedures must be reflected in the story. There were many procedural and informational errors in this story, the most glaring in the area of forensics. For instance, DNA results were reported back within one to two hours. Reality is that it would take (working 24 hours a day) two to three DAYS.
Having a psychic as a main character can introduce a powerful element to the plot. Using the psychic as a convenience to fill in all the blanks is a plot device that cheapens the story.
Other small items reared their heads throughout the story, such as the man in a locked retirement home somehow in possession of a betting slip…or the damaging information that sits waiting in a file room rather than someone simply removing and shredding it.
THE CHARACTERS – Many opportunities were missed to develop these characters further, resulting in a cast of bland people who proceeded predictably through the pages of this novel.
THE OTHER STUFF – As stated above, there are vulgarities throughout the book. There are also sexual scenes involving the killer. I don’t remove stars in these areas, just letting you know what’s in the book.
OVERALL -- The author certainly has talent, as demonstrated by his use of a difficult style (which may have been a poor choice for this book). Unfortunately, this tale is dragged down by what I have described above as well as some of the other plot devices I don’t mention for fear of giving away too much of the plot. Hopefully, his next offering in this series will smooth over the rough spots. Two stars.
February 5, 2017
Hope's Peak is a small North Carolina town.... too small to have a serial killer, but this one has gone undetected for years.... until recently. Pairing up with Detective Stu Raley, Detective Jane Harper learns that small towns sometimes have the darkest secrets.
Young black girls go missing, only their bodies show up days later, brutally beaten and raped, strangled and left to be found with a crown of twigs. They are left with DNA, but unless they can find a suspect to compare it to, they are facing a lot of dead ends.
Their investigation leads them to a scandal that could conceivably turn the police department inside out and upside down. This killer has been at his craft for many years ... and the town powers that be turned a blind eye.
Going back to the very beginning, Jane and Stu find the daughter of the very first victim, 30 years ago. What they find astounds them!
This book started out as "just another serial killer". I was not expecting the bumps in the road, the feeling of being on a roller coaster, the twists and turns that the author has so cleverly crafted. I enjoyed the little bit of paranormal ... came as a surprise, but added a lot of substance to the book.
WARNING: There are graphic scenes of rape, violence. There are also explicit moments of intimacy between Jane and Stu.
The ending is satisfactory but there is a bit of cliffhanger and I'm hoping the next book, STORM'S EDGE, will address what happens 'after'.
I wish to thank the author / Thomas & Mercer / Netgalley who provided a digital copy. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
Young black girls go missing, only their bodies show up days later, brutally beaten and raped, strangled and left to be found with a crown of twigs. They are left with DNA, but unless they can find a suspect to compare it to, they are facing a lot of dead ends.
Their investigation leads them to a scandal that could conceivably turn the police department inside out and upside down. This killer has been at his craft for many years ... and the town powers that be turned a blind eye.
Going back to the very beginning, Jane and Stu find the daughter of the very first victim, 30 years ago. What they find astounds them!
This book started out as "just another serial killer". I was not expecting the bumps in the road, the feeling of being on a roller coaster, the twists and turns that the author has so cleverly crafted. I enjoyed the little bit of paranormal ... came as a surprise, but added a lot of substance to the book.
WARNING: There are graphic scenes of rape, violence. There are also explicit moments of intimacy between Jane and Stu.
The ending is satisfactory but there is a bit of cliffhanger and I'm hoping the next book, STORM'S EDGE, will address what happens 'after'.
I wish to thank the author / Thomas & Mercer / Netgalley who provided a digital copy. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
December 8, 2016
Bloody...
This book was free with my Kindle Unlimited subscription, made a bad choice to read this one. Serial killer raping and killing young girls. Hope's Peak, North Carolina kept this undercover for thirty years, police didn't want vacationers to know about these murders. Detectives Stu Daley and Jane Harper investigating recent murders, but they have their personal problems too. Bloody and sexual. Will be published next month, Steven King readers might enjoy this book.
This book was free with my Kindle Unlimited subscription, made a bad choice to read this one. Serial killer raping and killing young girls. Hope's Peak, North Carolina kept this undercover for thirty years, police didn't want vacationers to know about these murders. Detectives Stu Daley and Jane Harper investigating recent murders, but they have their personal problems too. Bloody and sexual. Will be published next month, Steven King readers might enjoy this book.
February 7, 2017
3.5 stars. Former San Francisco cop Jane Harper is now a detective with the Hope's Peak, North Carolina police department. She's been with Hope's Peak PD for over a year now and she's very dedicated to her job. Her partner Detective Stu Raley has a relationship with her off the job too. The two detectives are called to the scene of a dead body in a cornfield. A young black girl has been raped and strangled with a crown of twisted vines placed atop her head. This is the second body found in the last 3 months. This time, an eyewitness saw a naked man with a white pillowcase over his head at the scene. Immediately, the detectives wonder about a KKK connection.
As the investigation continues, Jane's captain gives her a file from 30 years ago of a similar crime. The detectives go to a local nursing home to interview the investigating officer from that time and uncover a huge coverup over many years to keep tourism dollars flowing into the town. This apparent serial killer has savagely murdered at least 10 other girls and Jane is determined to find him and bring him to justice. She receives help from the daughter of the first victim who has some psychic abilities.
The book deals with a very dark topic involving racism, the KKK, a massive police coverup, and murders of black girls for no reason other than the color of their skin. The story kept me wondering how it would all end.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
As the investigation continues, Jane's captain gives her a file from 30 years ago of a similar crime. The detectives go to a local nursing home to interview the investigating officer from that time and uncover a huge coverup over many years to keep tourism dollars flowing into the town. This apparent serial killer has savagely murdered at least 10 other girls and Jane is determined to find him and bring him to justice. She receives help from the daughter of the first victim who has some psychic abilities.
The book deals with a very dark topic involving racism, the KKK, a massive police coverup, and murders of black girls for no reason other than the color of their skin. The story kept me wondering how it would all end.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
December 4, 2016
Couldn't put it down!!
This is one of the best books I've read in a while. I felt like I was transported there. It's an interesting detective story and it's immerses you in the story like you know the people there. My attention never wavered because it reels you in the first chapters you read. It's not one of those books that takes time to get in too. I absolutely loved this book. I didn't even put it down to get a drink that's how hooked I was in the story. I was almost done before I realized it. There were times I got cold chills. I'm afraid of saying anything because I don't want to give the story away. It really takes an interesting story to hold my complete attention for 2 hours. I hope it does the same for you. I can't wait to read another book by Tony Healey. I hope he continues the story of Detective Jane Harper.
This is one of the best books I've read in a while. I felt like I was transported there. It's an interesting detective story and it's immerses you in the story like you know the people there. My attention never wavered because it reels you in the first chapters you read. It's not one of those books that takes time to get in too. I absolutely loved this book. I didn't even put it down to get a drink that's how hooked I was in the story. I was almost done before I realized it. There were times I got cold chills. I'm afraid of saying anything because I don't want to give the story away. It really takes an interesting story to hold my complete attention for 2 hours. I hope it does the same for you. I can't wait to read another book by Tony Healey. I hope he continues the story of Detective Jane Harper.
October 31, 2016
MY THOUGHTS
Detective Jane Harper, from San Francisco expects sinister murders back there, but not in Hope's Peak, North Carolina. The author gives you vivid images of the murders, such as a young woman found with a crown of vines on her head, like a princess. Once you get that image in your mind, you can't let go. Like a princess, murdered and left in a field. Was the murderer treating his victims as princesses by crowning them or was it a sinister way of saying, you think you're a princess but look at you now. The author gives you the thrill, suspense and edge of your seat tension such of Stephen King. You just can't let this go. You find yourself trying to play detective and figure out these murders.
Just about the time you think you have it figured out the author leads you to nowhere. You wonder what's going on with the police department and the scandal that has a hold on them.
Just when you think it can't be solved, Ida Lane is introduced. She knows about the evil that lurks in the Hope's Peak corn fields. Ida has personal experience with the killer and is afraid she may be next if she helps in the murder.
Could getting Ida to help possibly get them all killed? The author keeps you reading at a steady pace so you can think through the happenings. You wonder what started these murders and what made the murderer start murdering?
Is it possible the murderer is one of Hope's Peak's residents, or is he or she an outsider?
The author gives you so many questions and let's you come up with the possible answers.
If you are a lover of suspense, thrillers, mysteries and detective stories then this book gives you all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Night Owl Reviews in exchange for my unbiased review.
Detective Jane Harper, from San Francisco expects sinister murders back there, but not in Hope's Peak, North Carolina. The author gives you vivid images of the murders, such as a young woman found with a crown of vines on her head, like a princess. Once you get that image in your mind, you can't let go. Like a princess, murdered and left in a field. Was the murderer treating his victims as princesses by crowning them or was it a sinister way of saying, you think you're a princess but look at you now. The author gives you the thrill, suspense and edge of your seat tension such of Stephen King. You just can't let this go. You find yourself trying to play detective and figure out these murders.
Just about the time you think you have it figured out the author leads you to nowhere. You wonder what's going on with the police department and the scandal that has a hold on them.
Just when you think it can't be solved, Ida Lane is introduced. She knows about the evil that lurks in the Hope's Peak corn fields. Ida has personal experience with the killer and is afraid she may be next if she helps in the murder.
Could getting Ida to help possibly get them all killed? The author keeps you reading at a steady pace so you can think through the happenings. You wonder what started these murders and what made the murderer start murdering?
Is it possible the murderer is one of Hope's Peak's residents, or is he or she an outsider?
The author gives you so many questions and let's you come up with the possible answers.
If you are a lover of suspense, thrillers, mysteries and detective stories then this book gives you all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Night Owl Reviews in exchange for my unbiased review.
February 7, 2017
https://anaslair.wordpress.com/2017/0...
The first book of Hope's Peak was quite thrilling at times but it left me wanting on several aspects.
First of all, I never even got a clear image of how the detectives look or who they were really. They seemed bland.
Many things did not feel realistic, much like the dialogues. Even the way the detectives addressed each other, particularly Stu calling Harper 'kiddo' when they were sleeping together, irked me.
The procedural aspect felt lacking as well.
The scenes where the killer is described are what kept the book up for me and, consequently, the rating. He was a truly wicked fellow.
Hope's Peak had its highlights but I would not say it shines amongst other of the genre. It is still an exciting read, for the most part.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The first book of Hope's Peak was quite thrilling at times but it left me wanting on several aspects.
First of all, I never even got a clear image of how the detectives look or who they were really. They seemed bland.
Many things did not feel realistic, much like the dialogues. Even the way the detectives addressed each other, particularly Stu calling Harper 'kiddo' when they were sleeping together, irked me.
The procedural aspect felt lacking as well.
The scenes where the killer is described are what kept the book up for me and, consequently, the rating. He was a truly wicked fellow.
Hope's Peak had its highlights but I would not say it shines amongst other of the genre. It is still an exciting read, for the most part.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 6, 2017
Hopes's Peak rates as one of the best books that I have read for some time in this genre. Although I have heard of Tony Healey, it's the first time that I have read one of his books. I received this book via Netgalley and this is my honest review.
I was gripped from the beginning, which doesn't happen that often. Parts made me cringe at the thoughts and in my head I was trying to will the story to take another direction. You know the feeling when you know something bad is going to happen and you don't want it to. I rarely write what a story is about for fear of spoiling for others, but do recommend if you enjoy this genre. I hope to read more books by this author.
I was gripped from the beginning, which doesn't happen that often. Parts made me cringe at the thoughts and in my head I was trying to will the story to take another direction. You know the feeling when you know something bad is going to happen and you don't want it to. I rarely write what a story is about for fear of spoiling for others, but do recommend if you enjoy this genre. I hope to read more books by this author.
August 20, 2018
3.5
*Book source ~ Kindle First
Detective Jane Harper of Hope’s Peak, North Carolina has a serial killer on her hands and jack all clues to find him. With a huge scandal about to rock the police department, Jane and her partner Stu need to find the killer and fast because he’s escalating. As a mother of all long shots, Jane decides to visit the daughter of the first woman murdered in the hope that maybe Ida Lane can recall something, anything, of her mother’s murder. What Ida brings to the table is no small thing, but it’s up to Jane and Stu to believe her. With lives at risk, they don’t have much choice.
While this book has problems it did keep me reading. The writing leaves much to be desired and the characters aren’t very well-rounded. The plot is a bit simplistic and don’t count on any CSI quality to the investigation. Dialogue also lacks snappiness. However, the need to read on was there for me. I’m not exactly sure why. I’ve read much better murder mysteries about serial killers, but this one, as lackluster as it is in most areas of writing, kept me interested until the end. Also, that end? Who does that? Quite an unusual way to end a book 1, but I’m game for book 2. Some day.
*Book source ~ Kindle First
Detective Jane Harper of Hope’s Peak, North Carolina has a serial killer on her hands and jack all clues to find him. With a huge scandal about to rock the police department, Jane and her partner Stu need to find the killer and fast because he’s escalating. As a mother of all long shots, Jane decides to visit the daughter of the first woman murdered in the hope that maybe Ida Lane can recall something, anything, of her mother’s murder. What Ida brings to the table is no small thing, but it’s up to Jane and Stu to believe her. With lives at risk, they don’t have much choice.
While this book has problems it did keep me reading. The writing leaves much to be desired and the characters aren’t very well-rounded. The plot is a bit simplistic and don’t count on any CSI quality to the investigation. Dialogue also lacks snappiness. However, the need to read on was there for me. I’m not exactly sure why. I’ve read much better murder mysteries about serial killers, but this one, as lackluster as it is in most areas of writing, kept me interested until the end. Also, that end? Who does that? Quite an unusual way to end a book 1, but I’m game for book 2. Some day.
December 4, 2016
Well written. Interesting case.
This is not my usual kind of detective novel. I like to work out who the killer is, but that is revealed around 40 percent of the way into the story when it becomes a thriller. I still enjoyed it and read it in one evening.
Well worth a read. The characters lives are woven together well and the tale is interesting and has just the right amount of tension to keep the pages turning.
This is not my usual kind of detective novel. I like to work out who the killer is, but that is revealed around 40 percent of the way into the story when it becomes a thriller. I still enjoyed it and read it in one evening.
Well worth a read. The characters lives are woven together well and the tale is interesting and has just the right amount of tension to keep the pages turning.
February 19, 2017
A quick read which will keep you turning the pages with its sometimes gory but quite compelling storyline. Set in North Carolina young teenage girls are found raped and murdered, sparking a hunt for a serial killer in the quiet, idyllic setting of Hope's Peak. It is the first of the Hope's Peak series and with a second in the writing I would like to carry on reading.
February 6, 2021
I think the only thing that I like about Hope's Peak was how quick it was to devour. Other than that, the mystery was kind of interesting but I wasn't really connecting with the characters. Doesn't mean that I didn't try, because I definitely did. I just think I've read a lot of murder mystery books so far that I'm just kind of strung out right now? It sometimes works and other times - well, I'm bored.
December 5, 2016
A real time killer
Started reading this novel and got lost in time. The storyline has been well thought out and expertly crafted into what I can only describe as a masterpiece.
The story is not one of those that has so many different twists and turns that will keep you guessing throughout the story, but is mixes both new and well explored plots. It is a genuine page Turner that guarantee to bring both pleasure and entertainment. Will definitely be looking forward to the next book in this series.
Started reading this novel and got lost in time. The storyline has been well thought out and expertly crafted into what I can only describe as a masterpiece.
The story is not one of those that has so many different twists and turns that will keep you guessing throughout the story, but is mixes both new and well explored plots. It is a genuine page Turner that guarantee to bring both pleasure and entertainment. Will definitely be looking forward to the next book in this series.
December 15, 2016
Enjoyable read but lacking suspense
Really enjoyed the characters particularly Ida and the storyline has a nice flow to it. There's no real twists in the storyline which is were I think the book is lacking. I would definitely read another Detective Harper novel. The book has adequately long chapters, which is nice if you like to read a little before bed. The murderer is a gruesome individual well described. Using the character Ida was a clever move by the author as it gave depth and feeling to the story. (No spoilers)
Really enjoyed the characters particularly Ida and the storyline has a nice flow to it. There's no real twists in the storyline which is were I think the book is lacking. I would definitely read another Detective Harper novel. The book has adequately long chapters, which is nice if you like to read a little before bed. The murderer is a gruesome individual well described. Using the character Ida was a clever move by the author as it gave depth and feeling to the story. (No spoilers)
December 9, 2016
Slow to start
Poor character development. Disgusting, unnecessary sexual scenes, I had to skip over. I didn't like the view point of the murders from the murderers stand point, creeped me out.
Poor character development. Disgusting, unnecessary sexual scenes, I had to skip over. I didn't like the view point of the murders from the murderers stand point, creeped me out.
December 14, 2016
I had never read anything by Tony Healey and was glad I decided to pick this book up just on a whim. It was well written and kept you rooting for the good guys. I will definitely be picking up the second in it's series when it's released.
December 5, 2016
Book has some unexpected twists and turns so that it kept my interest until the very end. Good descriptions and attention to detail.
December 9, 2016
Well done thriller!
February 17, 2017
I won this book on Goodreads.
I'm going to be honest. I didn't like this book. I gave it 3 stars because I'm sure some people would like it. It had too much vulgar language and sex scenes for me. I don't like books written in present tense either. I live in the south and parts of the story made me cringe.
I hope people will read other reviews and make your own decision whether or not to read.
I'm going to be honest. I didn't like this book. I gave it 3 stars because I'm sure some people would like it. It had too much vulgar language and sex scenes for me. I don't like books written in present tense either. I live in the south and parts of the story made me cringe.
I hope people will read other reviews and make your own decision whether or not to read.
March 29, 2017
(I read this book for free as part of the Amazon Prime Kindle First program.)
*1.5 stars rounded up to 2.0 stars*
This book is riddled with problems:
- one-dimensional, flat characters
- plot that is full of holes and unimaginative
- prosaic prose
- the dialogue...completely unrealistic and forced
- lack of attention to details as relates to law enforcement
- bland villain
- underdeveloped premise as relates to the killer's motive; the entire premise is implausible, IMO.
I hate to say this but I was surprised to learn this book was traditionally published, as in the author has literary agent representation and said book was allegedly reviewed and polished by a team of editors. The opening is confusing to say the least--it's rather disjointed--and didn't draw me in. I found myself re-reading passages for clarity and even then, the first 50 or so pages read like excerpts from different books jammed together like ill-fitting puzzle pieces. Halfway through the first chapter, I considered putting this one down and that feeling never quite went away. (I make every effort to finish every book I start so I slogged through this one.)
The dialogue and character development: the former tripped me up pretty much every time a character opened his/her mouth and the latter was non-existent. I felt no investment in these characters and didn't particularly like any of them with the exception of Ida. An even bigger issue, the LEO characters lacked authenticity and their dialogue did nothing to alter this opinion. In fact, I wasn't able to take any of them seriously. The author should have spent a day or two or three with a detective squad to learn how they really talk to one another and to bone up on police procedure. I understand he's a Brit but that's no excuse. IMO, if you're going to write a mystery/thriller/detective novel with detectives as your MCs, you better sound the part. (I found the Captain particularly laughable.)
The writing style didn't resonate with me at all. I found it bland and unpolished and borderline unreadable. This almost read like a rough second draft that's still undergoing the editing process--everything from structure, to plot, to character development, to pacing need work. Pretty much all of the characters need to be fleshed out, most of the dialogue needs an overhaul, plot holes need filling, pacing needs work, and the premise needs a reality check. Furthermore, the style/voice didn't convey "detective novel/police procedural" or related at all and that was problematic from the start.
Oh, and the villain and the premise surrounding his killing spree fell flat for me too. It wasn't developed enough to be taken seriously resulting in a somewhat cookie cutter serial killer. If you're going to go the (overused) route the author chose, at least try to pepper the killer's back story with some originality and reconsider your timeline and the "cover up" angle so it's believable.
I doubt I'll read anything else by this author.
*1.5 stars rounded up to 2.0 stars*
This book is riddled with problems:
- one-dimensional, flat characters
- plot that is full of holes and unimaginative
- prosaic prose
- the dialogue...completely unrealistic and forced
- lack of attention to details as relates to law enforcement
- bland villain
- underdeveloped premise as relates to the killer's motive; the entire premise is implausible, IMO.
I hate to say this but I was surprised to learn this book was traditionally published, as in the author has literary agent representation and said book was allegedly reviewed and polished by a team of editors. The opening is confusing to say the least--it's rather disjointed--and didn't draw me in. I found myself re-reading passages for clarity and even then, the first 50 or so pages read like excerpts from different books jammed together like ill-fitting puzzle pieces. Halfway through the first chapter, I considered putting this one down and that feeling never quite went away. (I make every effort to finish every book I start so I slogged through this one.)
The dialogue and character development: the former tripped me up pretty much every time a character opened his/her mouth and the latter was non-existent. I felt no investment in these characters and didn't particularly like any of them with the exception of Ida. An even bigger issue, the LEO characters lacked authenticity and their dialogue did nothing to alter this opinion. In fact, I wasn't able to take any of them seriously. The author should have spent a day or two or three with a detective squad to learn how they really talk to one another and to bone up on police procedure. I understand he's a Brit but that's no excuse. IMO, if you're going to write a mystery/thriller/detective novel with detectives as your MCs, you better sound the part. (I found the Captain particularly laughable.)
The writing style didn't resonate with me at all. I found it bland and unpolished and borderline unreadable. This almost read like a rough second draft that's still undergoing the editing process--everything from structure, to plot, to character development, to pacing need work. Pretty much all of the characters need to be fleshed out, most of the dialogue needs an overhaul, plot holes need filling, pacing needs work, and the premise needs a reality check. Furthermore, the style/voice didn't convey "detective novel/police procedural" or related at all and that was problematic from the start.
Oh, and the villain and the premise surrounding his killing spree fell flat for me too. It wasn't developed enough to be taken seriously resulting in a somewhat cookie cutter serial killer. If you're going to go the (overused) route the author chose, at least try to pepper the killer's back story with some originality and reconsider your timeline and the "cover up" angle so it's believable.
I doubt I'll read anything else by this author.
March 6, 2017
Once again, a free book for Amazon Prime members proves you get what you pay for. Unimaginative plotting, unconvincing dialogue, generic characterization (bordering on offensive when it comes to a "magical" African-American character).
There was just enough forward momentum to keep me reading, hoping it might improve and surprise me, which is what keeps this from being a one star review. But the more I consider this one, the less I think of it.
There was just enough forward momentum to keep me reading, hoping it might improve and surprise me, which is what keeps this from being a one star review. But the more I consider this one, the less I think of it.
August 27, 2017
This book has so much promise, but I don't feel like it delivers on all of those promises. Let's dig in because there is a lot of ground to cover.
Here's the basic gist: Jane Harper is a detective at Hope's Peak, NC police department. It's a sleepy little (coastal....? i believe?) tourist town that relies on vacationers to power most of the city for the year. Understandable. However, being coastal is literally only mentioned in the very beginning of Chapter 2; afterwards, no one ever mentions that they are a coastal town. Doesn't that seem...odd? Important?
The city has been haunted by the murders of black girls for years, only it's been covered up by the police department itself. (We will....get to that.) After two more bodies are discovered, Jane Harper, is on the case. Jane is a transplant from San Francisco, having left a broken marriage approximately 18 months before. She shacked up briefly with her partner, Stu, but is kind of wishy-washy on that front. Together, her and Stu work to break the case after their captain tells them the truth about the cover up.
Let's get into a few finicky points of the book that bother me.
1. It's written in present tense first person. Another review mentions this and says it works, but I absolutely disagree. Present tense is a horrible tense to write a novel in, because it can very quickly go bad and several times it does. Present tense makes it difficult to break into flashbacks or thoughts. So throughout the book, we often don't have any kind of narration from Harper herself; we don't really know what she's thinking. We just get dialogue and a little bit extra.
2. The way the dialogue, as well as what little narration there is, is written is quick and choppy. I'm all about sentence fragments personally, but they have to be used correctly. Occasionally, dialogue will be written in such a way that we are supposed to read something into it that is difficult to get without context. For example, when Harper visits the neighboring towns PD, she immediately is like, "why are you giving me the runaround, punk!?" to the detective she meets; and all he said was, like, we can't give you information on a private citizen without knowing why. We are supposed to get some kind of context, but because the random detective isn't described, there isn't any tone given to his comment, there isn't any body language described...it just seems like Harper is kind of weird and maybe a bitch.
3. There is a lot of misogyny throughout this book. Please see the entire Stu's ex-wife Karen subplot. Dear Tony Healey, be better.
4. No one gets described. We get vague descriptions of the ultimate bad guy (Lester), but that only includes his cleft lip; if you asked me his hair color or other defining characteristics, I would shrug. He is tall (?) and slim, but that's about it. I cannot tell you what Harper looks like, or Stu for that matter. I thought Harper was a man for a significant part of the beginning because she didn't get a proper description.
5. It's hard to differentiate between all the detectives because they are barely given personalities. Eventually, I was able to get that Albie is young and childish and knew to put a completely waterlogged cell phone in a bowl of rice (this is absolute bull, but ok); Dudley is a guy who wanted to bang Harper because who knows and now he's pissy because she's shtupping her partner and not him. Any other character morphed into a general blob that was every other character.
6. I don't buy the reason for why the murders were cover up. I AM SORRY but 11 black girls being murdered in a southern town? I'm sorry, they don't even need to stage a damn cover up! They don't need to hide files! You ever heard of the Phantom Killer? He murdered teenage girls in the Washington DC area and often had them call their parents to talk to them before he killed them. Oh, you haven't heard of him? That's because literally no one cares; there was literally NO media coverage on it. The serial murders of black women, black trans people, women in the sex industry, etc. are already covered up by the fact that police literally don't care to investigate them and the media doesn't report of them. This is a larger issue without the framework of our society, but this plot line about the intentional cover up felt so tone deaf. It would have been more meaningful if the entire office knew about this string of murders, but just kept it in boxes and were like, "well, we don't have funding sooooOOOoooo". The cover up storyline was not needed and kind of left me with a nasty taste in my mouth, personally.
7. The most interesting character in the entire book, the only one that felt read, was Ida. Write a book about Ida. Harper is boring af.
8. Let's talk about police work in this book. Is it portrayed accurately? No. Absolutely not. DNA results in 2-3 hours? Let's talk 2-3 YEARS. YEARS, dude. Y E A R S. So, like, I don't buy it. And Harper and Stu having a relationship? I'm sorry, that's extremely unprofessional and most PDs have anti-fraternization policies. I have to write about this in almost every review I do of a procedural book, but seriously, there are lines in police work and this is crossing it. I'm astounded that I have to write this in a book review in 2017 when most PD policy handbooks are available online.
9. I hinted at this earlier, but Hope's Peak is such an anonymous town. It doesn't get described. It's coastal, but Harper is always bitching about how hot it is, which maybe, but by the ocean, it would be cooler for sure. There is no character to the town, no nothing. It's just so anonymous. Because no one gets a full description, they all see so anonymous amongst each other. It's so dull.
Siiiiigh. I wanted to really love this book because it has everything I like: police work, murders, psychics, small town life. But it really left me wanting more and was very lack luster. I give it 2.5 stars, but I rounded up for this because, you know what, I'm nice like that.
Here's the basic gist: Jane Harper is a detective at Hope's Peak, NC police department. It's a sleepy little (coastal....? i believe?) tourist town that relies on vacationers to power most of the city for the year. Understandable. However, being coastal is literally only mentioned in the very beginning of Chapter 2; afterwards, no one ever mentions that they are a coastal town. Doesn't that seem...odd? Important?
The city has been haunted by the murders of black girls for years, only it's been covered up by the police department itself. (We will....get to that.) After two more bodies are discovered, Jane Harper, is on the case. Jane is a transplant from San Francisco, having left a broken marriage approximately 18 months before. She shacked up briefly with her partner, Stu, but is kind of wishy-washy on that front. Together, her and Stu work to break the case after their captain tells them the truth about the cover up.
Let's get into a few finicky points of the book that bother me.
1. It's written in present tense first person. Another review mentions this and says it works, but I absolutely disagree. Present tense is a horrible tense to write a novel in, because it can very quickly go bad and several times it does. Present tense makes it difficult to break into flashbacks or thoughts. So throughout the book, we often don't have any kind of narration from Harper herself; we don't really know what she's thinking. We just get dialogue and a little bit extra.
2. The way the dialogue, as well as what little narration there is, is written is quick and choppy. I'm all about sentence fragments personally, but they have to be used correctly. Occasionally, dialogue will be written in such a way that we are supposed to read something into it that is difficult to get without context. For example, when Harper visits the neighboring towns PD, she immediately is like, "why are you giving me the runaround, punk!?" to the detective she meets; and all he said was, like, we can't give you information on a private citizen without knowing why. We are supposed to get some kind of context, but because the random detective isn't described, there isn't any tone given to his comment, there isn't any body language described...it just seems like Harper is kind of weird and maybe a bitch.
3. There is a lot of misogyny throughout this book. Please see the entire Stu's ex-wife Karen subplot. Dear Tony Healey, be better.
4. No one gets described. We get vague descriptions of the ultimate bad guy (Lester), but that only includes his cleft lip; if you asked me his hair color or other defining characteristics, I would shrug. He is tall (?) and slim, but that's about it. I cannot tell you what Harper looks like, or Stu for that matter. I thought Harper was a man for a significant part of the beginning because she didn't get a proper description.
5. It's hard to differentiate between all the detectives because they are barely given personalities. Eventually, I was able to get that Albie is young and childish and knew to put a completely waterlogged cell phone in a bowl of rice (this is absolute bull, but ok); Dudley is a guy who wanted to bang Harper because who knows and now he's pissy because she's shtupping her partner and not him. Any other character morphed into a general blob that was every other character.
6. I don't buy the reason for why the murders were cover up. I AM SORRY but 11 black girls being murdered in a southern town? I'm sorry, they don't even need to stage a damn cover up! They don't need to hide files! You ever heard of the Phantom Killer? He murdered teenage girls in the Washington DC area and often had them call their parents to talk to them before he killed them. Oh, you haven't heard of him? That's because literally no one cares; there was literally NO media coverage on it. The serial murders of black women, black trans people, women in the sex industry, etc. are already covered up by the fact that police literally don't care to investigate them and the media doesn't report of them. This is a larger issue without the framework of our society, but this plot line about the intentional cover up felt so tone deaf. It would have been more meaningful if the entire office knew about this string of murders, but just kept it in boxes and were like, "well, we don't have funding sooooOOOoooo". The cover up storyline was not needed and kind of left me with a nasty taste in my mouth, personally.
7. The most interesting character in the entire book, the only one that felt read, was Ida. Write a book about Ida. Harper is boring af.
8. Let's talk about police work in this book. Is it portrayed accurately? No. Absolutely not. DNA results in 2-3 hours? Let's talk 2-3 YEARS. YEARS, dude. Y E A R S. So, like, I don't buy it. And Harper and Stu having a relationship? I'm sorry, that's extremely unprofessional and most PDs have anti-fraternization policies. I have to write about this in almost every review I do of a procedural book, but seriously, there are lines in police work and this is crossing it. I'm astounded that I have to write this in a book review in 2017 when most PD policy handbooks are available online.
9. I hinted at this earlier, but Hope's Peak is such an anonymous town. It doesn't get described. It's coastal, but Harper is always bitching about how hot it is, which maybe, but by the ocean, it would be cooler for sure. There is no character to the town, no nothing. It's just so anonymous. Because no one gets a full description, they all see so anonymous amongst each other. It's so dull.
Siiiiigh. I wanted to really love this book because it has everything I like: police work, murders, psychics, small town life. But it really left me wanting more and was very lack luster. I give it 2.5 stars, but I rounded up for this because, you know what, I'm nice like that.
December 18, 2016
Not So Good
Consider yourself warned: this book is very dark and does not have a happy ending. If you are strictly looking for a murder mystery that puts you in the killer's mind, then you will like this book; however, if you are looking for any romance or a happy ending, do not read this book. The heroine is runs hot and cold toward our hero. She drags him along throughout the novel until its miserable end. He is fine to carry on with, but not someone who is worth devoting any time of feelings for. The Hero is a genuine, kind man who doesn't deserve the lot he is given in this book. I will not read another offering from Mr. Healy.
Consider yourself warned: this book is very dark and does not have a happy ending. If you are strictly looking for a murder mystery that puts you in the killer's mind, then you will like this book; however, if you are looking for any romance or a happy ending, do not read this book. The heroine is runs hot and cold toward our hero. She drags him along throughout the novel until its miserable end. He is fine to carry on with, but not someone who is worth devoting any time of feelings for. The Hero is a genuine, kind man who doesn't deserve the lot he is given in this book. I will not read another offering from Mr. Healy.
February 8, 2017
Overall an uninspiring mystery/detective novel. The characters aren't compelling, and the mystery itself is less than original. Most of the characters' motivations are superficial and the relationships between the characters suffers from a lack of meaningful backstory. Even by "quick read" stands this book leaves a lot to be desired. There is a weird attention paid to the sexual aspects of the crimes, and there is no real payoff for the grossly disgusting detail. In addition, there is a lot of setup for a reveal of corruption beyond the conclusion of the case that goes nowhere.
December 2, 2016
HOPE'S PEAK
Another Kindle First, this one I did not like at all. I wish I read science fiction, that Kindle First has a lot of 5 star reviews.
Back to Hope's Peak, I couldn't get past the cover-up of many murders because it's a tourist area. Incoming police chiefs being sworn to secrecy doesn't even seem plausible. I did enjoy the character of Ida, otherwise the characters seemed rather shallow and cardboard.
Another Kindle First, this one I did not like at all. I wish I read science fiction, that Kindle First has a lot of 5 star reviews.
Back to Hope's Peak, I couldn't get past the cover-up of many murders because it's a tourist area. Incoming police chiefs being sworn to secrecy doesn't even seem plausible. I did enjoy the character of Ida, otherwise the characters seemed rather shallow and cardboard.
December 16, 2016
Glad I got this as a FREE book from Kindle First and that I didn't have to pay money for it. It may have been a good plot in another writers hands. However the writing is poor and the characters are never developed. You know who the murderer is halfway thru the book as it is revealed. Don't waste your time or money on this one. Also violence and sexual explicit...I can do without this in a book.
February 4, 2017
Regrettably, this didn't cut it for me. It would have benefited from a strong editing to tighten things up, fix some of the dialogue, and basically help it. These were not strong characters, which is often the saving grace of a weak plot. Sorry to Netgalley which granted me an ARC but I can't really recommend it.
October 18, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
December 5, 2016
Great read!
First time I've read this author books. Story was enticing and I read it all at one time. Can't wait to read another book by him!
First time I've read this author books. Story was enticing and I read it all at one time. Can't wait to read another book by him!
December 5, 2016
A good mystery, liked Jane Harper. Was a bit surprised how it ended and felt a few things were left unclear/unsaid. I'm wondering if second book will be a followup of this one.
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