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The Card Counter
Note: This is an alternate cover for the edition with ASIN B00H39Y6ZQ.
Jake Walker has pressures coming at him from all sides. A long-time homicide detective for the city, he’s also a divorced father of three kids. With the kind of work he does, family life often takes a back seat. This is certainly the case when the bodies of the most outstanding players on the State University football team start being discovered brutally murdered.
Why would anyone want to murder these guys? Detective Walker has to put family and everything else aside to solve these crimes before anybody else falls victim to this vicious killer who the press is now calling “The Card Counter”.
As each victim turns up, the case becomes more traumatic and bizarre. The killer clearly has a point to make, and will continue to make people pay with their lives . . . until Walker and the rest of the city gets it! Find out who is murdered next, and follow Detective Walker until he uncovers the truth behind these killings, and the twisted motive for this murderous rampage.
*****
A summary of reader reviews of ‘The Card Counter’:
“…great romantic thriller with mystery and financial crimes with suspense, fraud and women sleuths...”
“…good mystery book and suspense thriller with romantic suspense…”
“...best mystery book, suspense thriller which is quite different from your typical thriller and mystery series and crime fiction new releases…”
“…suspense and mystery combine to make this a novel worthy of staying up late for...great for fans of mystery and thriller…”
“…a great suspense romance mystery and mystery series ….a great suspense thrillers and mysteries book…”
"…love the women sleuths role…a must read for any mystery lover…"
"…wonderful mystery thriller suspense…amongst the best thriller books…"
“…enjoyed this crime and punishment series from the mystery genre….”
“...the writing is true to formula for romantic thrillers, mystery romance novels...”
“…bought this best mystery book 2015 for my dad who is a great fan of murder mystery best sellers...”
“…one of the best and most suspenseful mystery thrillers and crime beat novels…”
“...riveting mystery and thrillers ...with romantic suspense and a web of deceit and fraud...”
“…great mystery series with romance and suspense...”
Jake Walker has pressures coming at him from all sides. A long-time homicide detective for the city, he’s also a divorced father of three kids. With the kind of work he does, family life often takes a back seat. This is certainly the case when the bodies of the most outstanding players on the State University football team start being discovered brutally murdered.
Why would anyone want to murder these guys? Detective Walker has to put family and everything else aside to solve these crimes before anybody else falls victim to this vicious killer who the press is now calling “The Card Counter”.
As each victim turns up, the case becomes more traumatic and bizarre. The killer clearly has a point to make, and will continue to make people pay with their lives . . . until Walker and the rest of the city gets it! Find out who is murdered next, and follow Detective Walker until he uncovers the truth behind these killings, and the twisted motive for this murderous rampage.
*****
A summary of reader reviews of ‘The Card Counter’:
“…great romantic thriller with mystery and financial crimes with suspense, fraud and women sleuths...”
“…good mystery book and suspense thriller with romantic suspense…”
“...best mystery book, suspense thriller which is quite different from your typical thriller and mystery series and crime fiction new releases…”
“…suspense and mystery combine to make this a novel worthy of staying up late for...great for fans of mystery and thriller…”
“…a great suspense romance mystery and mystery series ….a great suspense thrillers and mysteries book…”
"…love the women sleuths role…a must read for any mystery lover…"
"…wonderful mystery thriller suspense…amongst the best thriller books…"
“…enjoyed this crime and punishment series from the mystery genre….”
“...the writing is true to formula for romantic thrillers, mystery romance novels...”
“…bought this best mystery book 2015 for my dad who is a great fan of murder mystery best sellers...”
“…one of the best and most suspenseful mystery thrillers and crime beat novels…”
“...riveting mystery and thrillers ...with romantic suspense and a web of deceit and fraud...”
“…great mystery series with romance and suspense...”
151 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2013
250 people are currently reading
670 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 6, 2018
Awesome short and long silence in it
Awesome read short and not a lot of extra i would tell folks that it was worth the time reading
Awesome read short and not a lot of extra i would tell folks that it was worth the time reading
December 19, 2017
Engrossing story
Once I began reading this book, it was hard to stop. I wanted the killer brought to justice. Fantastic read!
Once I began reading this book, it was hard to stop. I wanted the killer brought to justice. Fantastic read!
August 25, 2022
Walker is a police detective on the trail of a serial killer who has targeted the state university football team and staff. He's also very full of himself. He hates his ex-wife and doesn't always speak well of his daughters either, he tells his boss what to do and begrudges his fellow officers anything he's not getting, and all around is unpleasant to be around. Which is unfortunate because he's who we're stuck with. The murder investigation is pretty standard, and solving it doesn't bring any surprises.
This book could use some heavy editing. Mixed up names, awkward conversations, and an unlikeable main character took me out of the story more than once. It definitely felt longer than it actually is. The version of the book I read is on Kindle, and was named Killed: A Murder Mystery (Mystery Thriller Suspense Standalone Collection Book 2), it no longer appears to be available on the platform.
This book could use some heavy editing. Mixed up names, awkward conversations, and an unlikeable main character took me out of the story more than once. It definitely felt longer than it actually is. The version of the book I read is on Kindle, and was named Killed: A Murder Mystery (Mystery Thriller Suspense Standalone Collection Book 2), it no longer appears to be available on the platform.
October 27, 2018
Very good book
I didn't like the title or the cover , so almost didn't read this book. And that would have been a real loss. It is good. The only character I did not like was the ex-wife of our hero. Her juvenile hostility and acting out is simply not that of someone I would want to spend time with. The plot is interesting and well done. Anyone knowing why the killings are being done would find them all too understandable. Narrowing down the precise killer and why the killings were done in such a manner is the essence of a very good book. I will read more of James Kipling.
I didn't like the title or the cover , so almost didn't read this book. And that would have been a real loss. It is good. The only character I did not like was the ex-wife of our hero. Her juvenile hostility and acting out is simply not that of someone I would want to spend time with. The plot is interesting and well done. Anyone knowing why the killings are being done would find them all too understandable. Narrowing down the precise killer and why the killings were done in such a manner is the essence of a very good book. I will read more of James Kipling.
October 22, 2018
Headline
Just finished an excellent read by authorJames Kipling. Excellent storyline with great characters and a surprise ending that I didn't see coming, and just a thoroughly enjoyable amount of time spent with this book. I will certainly be enjoying more of his works in coming days, weeks and months. When you have a good thing going, you go with it. Nuff said!
Just finished an excellent read by authorJames Kipling. Excellent storyline with great characters and a surprise ending that I didn't see coming, and just a thoroughly enjoyable amount of time spent with this book. I will certainly be enjoying more of his works in coming days, weeks and months. When you have a good thing going, you go with it. Nuff said!
May 29, 2020
Another great thriller from James Kipling
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this tightly knit story. The plot was good, the characters believable, and things moved along at a rapid pace. I felt like you couldn't even walk down a driveway without tripping over a body! Recommended for those who love suspense-filled thrillers.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this tightly knit story. The plot was good, the characters believable, and things moved along at a rapid pace. I felt like you couldn't even walk down a driveway without tripping over a body! Recommended for those who love suspense-filled thrillers.
January 10, 2021
This was a dreally great read with great characters a lots of twists and turns through to the very end. The detective is flawed, a workaholic and apparently seriously good at his job. He has relationships with the Fed to use. No spoilers!
March 9, 2018
A well written police story. An entertaining story that keeps your attention.
August 16, 2018
Engrossing thriller
I enjoyed this novel very much. The characters were well developed and believable, the plot and pacing were great, and the story line really kept my attention.
I enjoyed this novel very much. The characters were well developed and believable, the plot and pacing were great, and the story line really kept my attention.
January 27, 2019
Very good. Plot was great. Characters are real and showed true emotions. Would read this author again. Definitely a 10
May 26, 2019
Mediocre
There was no depth to the story. Very predictable turnout. With that in mind, I didn't think the "ending" was actually the true ending. It was too easy.
There was no depth to the story. Very predictable turnout. With that in mind, I didn't think the "ending" was actually the true ending. It was too easy.
September 20, 2020
Fast paced
Non stop action and a detective who is likeable. He has flaws but is a good detectives loves his daughters. I wasn't too surprised when the killer was revealed.
Non stop action and a detective who is likeable. He has flaws but is a good detectives loves his daughters. I wasn't too surprised when the killer was revealed.
March 21, 2022
Not recommended
So much to criticize here. Non sequiturs, overly dramatic, poor editing, really amateur presentation overall. Don't waste your time or money on this effort.
So much to criticize here. Non sequiturs, overly dramatic, poor editing, really amateur presentation overall. Don't waste your time or money on this effort.
Read
September 15, 2016The story moved fast, kept right on going so I didn't want to stop reading. If the story is true, I'm not surprised! So many things are covered up because of people's pride and status! It's sad tho that detectives have to see so much horrible stuff in their work...
January 29, 2014
I was a little surprised I'd enjoyed this book so much.I was on fence about downloading onto my Kindle. I kind of thought it would be a gambling type of mystery thriller. However, "The Card Counter" by James Kipling is a high energy quick reading who done it. Our protagonist is a rumpled and overworked Jake Walker. Walker is divorced and has 3 daughters that he gets to see every other weekend. Naturally on a weekend he's watching his daughters, Walker is pulled into a very nasty murder case. The star quarterback at the local college has been murdered, and left in a very compromising position. From there the bodies continue to drop. Walker along with his partner Flo bring in the FBI. With the fast pace of the story, the characters are left a little sketchy. Walker's character is the only one developed with some depth. Story was not bogged down by too many loose ends. It was difficult to put down when I began to read. The conclusion has nice and unexpected twist to be sure. I'm giving "The Card Counter" by James Kipling 5 stars out of 5. I'd highly recommend this if you're into who done its. So, do yourself a favor and give this a spin. It's a pretty good book to be sure.
November 11, 2014
Brilliant and riveting book! James Kipling has once again mastered his method of throwing the reader straight into this dark fantasy right from the start. An excellent detective story creatively wrapped into a mystery and suspense thriller. Extremely well written. Crime and Mystery fills the pages as dead bodies are found all over the place. An intellectual murder and mystery thriller as this detective does what he does best adding being a good father to this weird thought thrilling equation.
James Kipling has the book glued to your hands with his exciting writing style with crime and murder twists and turns. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy the Author's books but those enjoying a mystery and suspense thriller captivated in a dark fantasy. Yet again, Brilliant!
James Kipling has the book glued to your hands with his exciting writing style with crime and murder twists and turns. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy the Author's books but those enjoying a mystery and suspense thriller captivated in a dark fantasy. Yet again, Brilliant!
December 11, 2015
Surprise, surprise surprise.
This story is true but the names have been changed to protect the innocent (or so it should be). There is so much cover up these days it's unreal. Not just in politics s either all for the mighty dollar heck with integrity. This was a great cop story and when you think you have some sort of idea what is happening it seems to change. Both the police detectives and the FBI have their hands full with this serial killer crime as it takes place in different state's. So way so much fury in the murders and what is the motive?
Love can change a person and there is a very fine line between love and hate.
This was a well written story that kept me reading thru the day. It has a few mistakes but nothing to throw you of course. It ends very well.
This story is true but the names have been changed to protect the innocent (or so it should be). There is so much cover up these days it's unreal. Not just in politics s either all for the mighty dollar heck with integrity. This was a great cop story and when you think you have some sort of idea what is happening it seems to change. Both the police detectives and the FBI have their hands full with this serial killer crime as it takes place in different state's. So way so much fury in the murders and what is the motive?
Love can change a person and there is a very fine line between love and hate.
This was a well written story that kept me reading thru the day. It has a few mistakes but nothing to throw you of course. It ends very well.
July 22, 2015
An extremely light and quick read. Don't go in with much expectation cos then you'll be disappointed. This is a book you read when you want to take a break from any other intense or heavy book you're reading. Sort of like eating the salad or a relish during your rich main course. You're still eating something, but it clears your palate and you can dig back in to the main course again with appetite intact.
January 10, 2014
Great book.
My kind of writing style also. Had a good story and stuck to it without all the meaningless side stories or excessive dialogue.
Someone is killing college football players. for their safety they are sent to a hotel.
Lead detective has a daughter who is also dating a football player which makes him more anxious to find the killer and keep her safe.
My kind of writing style also. Had a good story and stuck to it without all the meaningless side stories or excessive dialogue.
Someone is killing college football players. for their safety they are sent to a hotel.
Lead detective has a daughter who is also dating a football player which makes him more anxious to find the killer and keep her safe.
January 7, 2014
Well was her name Jasmine or Jessica? Abbey, Sandy and Cassie were his daughters - so who the heck was Rose? Trivial silly errors just arent acceptable. The story was fast moving but only because it skimmed through the details, sorry, I bought it in error and decided to give it a read but wish I hadn't bothered.
March 23, 2014
I was very pleased with this book. It was a solid well-written police procedural. The lead detective was refreshingly a normal guy not carrying any major drama. The crimes were challenging and it was a fast-paced story. Don't let the name throw you. Stay with the story and you'll see how it fits in. Overall a solid story and something I'm glad to recommend.
January 2, 2014
Although not well edited, enjoyable read
Good detective story but would have been so much better without many necessary orrections that were overlooked, needed a proofreader something fierce !
Good detective story but would have been so much better without many necessary orrections that were overlooked, needed a proofreader something fierce !
January 9, 2014
Fast read with a good story line however review was significantly downgraded due to the many errors in the books. Yes, I downloaded this for free and I typically overlook minor errors but when character names are not correct it was just too much.
January 9, 2014
I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed watching Criminal Minds. Great read and fast-paced crime solving. I like how the author end each chapter with a suspense and makes me want to read more. Got this book for free on Amazon after I bought my kindle and surprised how good this book was.
January 25, 2014
This was a good read--definitely kept my interest, but I figured out the motive & killer fairly quickly. However I was hoping for a twist at the end when one of the characters said, "which daughter"...
Read
February 5, 2014Great suspense. Easy to read. I truly enjoyed the characters interactions.
I especially like reading on the Kindle. I hate wasting paper on books that people think it's ok to throw away when they're done.
I especially like reading on the Kindle. I hate wasting paper on books that people think it's ok to throw away when they're done.
September 13, 2014
1st James Kipling book
I enjoyed this book's plot and characters. I did not enjoy the language as I felt it detracted from the book. it keep the,suspense and moved along well. I liked it enough to read a 2nd book by this author depending on the use of the foul language.
I enjoyed this book's plot and characters. I did not enjoy the language as I felt it detracted from the book. it keep the,suspense and moved along well. I liked it enough to read a 2nd book by this author depending on the use of the foul language.
January 11, 2015
storyline is weak
Just so so. Main character is a stereotype. Too much repetition and story is predictable. There are some problems with believability -- events happening at the university and not known to the police?
Just so so. Main character is a stereotype. Too much repetition and story is predictable. There are some problems with believability -- events happening at the university and not known to the police?
Read
January 3, 2014To good to put down
This was a very good crime novel. Caused a few light nights, had trouble putting the book away. Just wanted to read the next chapter.
This was a very good crime novel. Caused a few light nights, had trouble putting the book away. Just wanted to read the next chapter.
January 5, 2014
It's very difficult for me to enjoy a book when it is badly edited.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews