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Paddy Durr #1
Shot to Pieces
SHOT TO PIECES is the story of NYPD 1st Grade Detective Padraig Joseph Durr. Durr is tasked with solving a particularly grisly gang related homicide in Brooklyn. When Paddy catches the squeal, he is also on the verge of an emotional and psychological breakdown. Because of his penchant for self-destruction, fueled by a childhood of abuse and sexual exploitation, coupled with an ingrained sense of worthlessness and abandonment, Durr has brought his entire life to the brink of ruin. Can he hold it together long enough to solve this murder? Can he fix himself enough to be re-united with the one true love of his life and his family? Or will he implode, irrevocably destroying his career, his family and himself?
412 pages, Hardcover
Published July 12, 2016
41 people are currently reading
1380 people want to read
About the author
Michael O'Keefe
8 books26 followersMichael O’Keefe is a retired 1st Grade Detective from the NYPD. He worked in the toughest neighborhoods in New York for twenty-four-years, investigating Homicides and other violent crime. Born and raised on the mean streets described in his fiction, his characters and settings are drawn from the people he encountered there—on both sides of the law. Shot to Pieces is his first novel, first published July of 2016. The book was adopted into the curriculum by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Saint John’s University’s Criminal Justice Department. Shot to Pieces is now recommended reading for all criminal justice majors at both colleges. He is presently near completion on two follow-up novels, and a collection of short fiction entitled, 13 Stories-Fractured, Twisted, & Put Away Wet, due to be published in May of 2019. Michael lives on Long Island with his family, where he writes a little, and practices the ancient martial arts of lawn and swimming pool maintenance—when he is not coaching football.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 30, 2018
{Live 60-second review here: http://bit.ly/ShotToPieces }
Not bad, not great. That’s how I initially felt during the first few chapters of “Shot to Pieces.”
At times, the writing style and choice of words made me feel like I got punched between the eyes. Detective Paddy Durr possesses a greater command of the English language than most people I know. Today’s detective stories rarely have the main character drop an f-bomb and the word “miscreant” in the same sentence. Never having traveled through the corridors of a New York police station, I gave author Michael O’Keefe the benefit of a doubt and kept on reading.
And something magical began to happen, as the author (or, maybe it was me) seemed to focus less on the actual writing and more on the story. This is not a plot that moves from A to B to C. What you get are the raw experiences of an experienced policeman bubbling up through the pages and constantly catching you off guard. The underbelly of New York police work is exposed in a way that is more revealing than if Mr. O’Keefe had chosen to write an autobiography. This is the daily life of Paddy Durr, a cop who radiates professionalism yet would downplay the sentiment if he heard himself referred to as such.
Mr. O’Keefe’s short bio reveals that some of his ideas are taken from real life adventures. Not knowing much about life in New York for the police, I have no idea where the reality leaves off and the fiction begins. I do know that “Shot To Pieces” is wrapped in thick layers of realism, and makes for compelling reading. The author regularly jumps from the current time to the past, providing a clear understanding of Patty Durr and the demons that pursue him. Those with gentler sensibilities will probably become cross-eyed while reading Paddy’s thoughts and spoken words. I found his choice of words appropriate for the character, chosen for realism rather than shock value.
Don’t come to Michael O’Keefe’s novel “Shot to Pieces” and expect a mealy-mouthed hero who saves cats in his off-time. Do read it if you are looking for a solid characterization that pulls no punches. Four-and-a-half stars.
Not bad, not great. That’s how I initially felt during the first few chapters of “Shot to Pieces.”
At times, the writing style and choice of words made me feel like I got punched between the eyes. Detective Paddy Durr possesses a greater command of the English language than most people I know. Today’s detective stories rarely have the main character drop an f-bomb and the word “miscreant” in the same sentence. Never having traveled through the corridors of a New York police station, I gave author Michael O’Keefe the benefit of a doubt and kept on reading.
And something magical began to happen, as the author (or, maybe it was me) seemed to focus less on the actual writing and more on the story. This is not a plot that moves from A to B to C. What you get are the raw experiences of an experienced policeman bubbling up through the pages and constantly catching you off guard. The underbelly of New York police work is exposed in a way that is more revealing than if Mr. O’Keefe had chosen to write an autobiography. This is the daily life of Paddy Durr, a cop who radiates professionalism yet would downplay the sentiment if he heard himself referred to as such.
Mr. O’Keefe’s short bio reveals that some of his ideas are taken from real life adventures. Not knowing much about life in New York for the police, I have no idea where the reality leaves off and the fiction begins. I do know that “Shot To Pieces” is wrapped in thick layers of realism, and makes for compelling reading. The author regularly jumps from the current time to the past, providing a clear understanding of Patty Durr and the demons that pursue him. Those with gentler sensibilities will probably become cross-eyed while reading Paddy’s thoughts and spoken words. I found his choice of words appropriate for the character, chosen for realism rather than shock value.
Don’t come to Michael O’Keefe’s novel “Shot to Pieces” and expect a mealy-mouthed hero who saves cats in his off-time. Do read it if you are looking for a solid characterization that pulls no punches. Four-and-a-half stars.
February 23, 2019
A story about the journey from Padraig Joseph Durr to Detective Paddy.
This read more like an autobiography than a police procedural.
We learn about Paddy while he tries to solve the murder of drug dealer.
A good book especially for a first time author. Clear crisp writing with a story that slams you emotionally.
Good pacing but at times slowed down by background stories on every character that comes in contact with Paddy. I enjoyed my time with Paddy.
Thanks to NetGalley for the download
This read more like an autobiography than a police procedural.
We learn about Paddy while he tries to solve the murder of drug dealer.
A good book especially for a first time author. Clear crisp writing with a story that slams you emotionally.
Good pacing but at times slowed down by background stories on every character that comes in contact with Paddy. I enjoyed my time with Paddy.
Thanks to NetGalley for the download
December 11, 2018
Wow, what a fabulous story. I really enjoyed this one. Paddy Durr is such a great character, especially since he isn’t perfect. Michael O’Keefe has done an exceptional job with not only an interesting plot, but with all the characters as well. I like the background he has put into each character, and for me this is one of the standouts of the story.
Detective Paddy Durr is the sort of cop that would do anything he could to help people out. However, if you did something so far outside the law like murder, then he would hunt you down relentlessly. A lot people liked and respected Paddy as he was not only a good cop but was a good man as well. Too bad he didn’t believe in himself so much, because if he did then his marriage to Mairead wouldn’t be in so much trouble. Paddy had well and truly messed up in that area of his life, but it did allow him to spend a lot of his time tracking down the criminals in his precinct, and there were plenty of those in Brooklyn. Hands down this is a book worth reading, and I would love to see more of Paddy Durr in the future. 5/5 Star Rating.
Detective Paddy Durr is the sort of cop that would do anything he could to help people out. However, if you did something so far outside the law like murder, then he would hunt you down relentlessly. A lot people liked and respected Paddy as he was not only a good cop but was a good man as well. Too bad he didn’t believe in himself so much, because if he did then his marriage to Mairead wouldn’t be in so much trouble. Paddy had well and truly messed up in that area of his life, but it did allow him to spend a lot of his time tracking down the criminals in his precinct, and there were plenty of those in Brooklyn. Hands down this is a book worth reading, and I would love to see more of Paddy Durr in the future. 5/5 Star Rating.
November 7, 2018
This was a hard book to get through. I felt there were so many characters to keep track of and too much unnecessary detail. I was hoping it would keep my attention, but unfortunately it fell short.
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October 24, 2021Excellent book it's a must read!!! I felt like I knew the characters intimately and couldn't wait to know what would happen next!
March 2, 2019
3.5 Stars
Highly interesting read, loaded with NYPD anecdotes, a love story and a punishing betrayal.
Would have earned 4+ stars, were it not for its many faults, among them the characters are stereotyped: good guys are almost exclusively Irish, the bad cops and DAs are mostly Jewish or Italian. Criminals are Dominican or Puerto Rican, and the main character is simplistic, comic-book heroic with overdone self-flagellation, the broad brush painting of nearly all administrators in NYPD as incompetent , self-serving wimps.
Highly interesting read, loaded with NYPD anecdotes, a love story and a punishing betrayal.
Would have earned 4+ stars, were it not for its many faults, among them the characters are stereotyped: good guys are almost exclusively Irish, the bad cops and DAs are mostly Jewish or Italian. Criminals are Dominican or Puerto Rican, and the main character is simplistic, comic-book heroic with overdone self-flagellation, the broad brush painting of nearly all administrators in NYPD as incompetent , self-serving wimps.
November 26, 2018
Shot to Pieces by Michael O’Keefe is a 414-page police procedural fiction novel I purchased on Amazon after I received an author alert about its availability. As a former law enforcement type, I like novels written by former cops such as O’Keefe. His career was much longer than mine and covered many parts of the job that I only heard about. That was only one difference. My experience was in California, he was in New York. Unless making observations at the federal level, which O’Keefe does, there is not a standardized set of terminology and procedures throughout the United States. There is a standard of training, known as POST (Police Officer’s Standards and Training) that is a goal of police academies but upon graduation, rookies are assigned to training officers where academy training is tweaked to the demands of municipalities and regions. All of this is to note that I learned things from this book.
Paddy Durr is a highly decorated veteran cop when the reader first reads of him in chapter one. He is already a hero and has been through many shootouts. He is in a marriage but it is ending and he knows it is all his fault. Paddy would like to stay married. He is still in love with his wife, Mairead, but has come to the conclusion that out of his respect and love for her, he should let her move on. They have grown children, some still in university, and they can also not accept the way Paddy has acted. Mairead and Paddy have been to marriage counseling; they have tried to work their way to acceptance and forgiveness. Every time they think they might be making progress, the video shows up and reminds all of them of what Paddy did. And for how long. And how many times. Even the kids have seen the videos. Of course they have. It is the age of the internet and the internet is made for (to complete this sentence check out some cool YouTube music videos made by WoW).
This novel is all about Paddy and his lengthy career. The story will shift back and forth in time both with Paddy’s career as a cop and his personal life with Mairead. In his personal life there will be the intense relationship of early love, the settling love relationship that included raising the children, and the disastrous infidelity that dominated the later, diminished loving relationship. This low point contrasts with a high point in his police career. His advancement in law enforcement has survived political attacks by corrupt public officials as well as the physical attacks by criminals. As the story opens we meet the Paddy as an acknowledged police hero at the zenith of his accomplishments and a crushed emotional person at his lowest possible point facing divorce.
The two stories will be told in the context of a third story, the public shooting of a well-known criminal. Paddy may feel that the shooting of one lowlife by another is OK but his sense of duty, solve the crime, takes precedence over his feeling that justice might have been served. Besides, there was an eyewitness to the crime who may be in possession of the weapon used in the crime so there is a chance to arrest even more bad guys. This is a no-brainer course of action so Paddy and his special Anti-Crime Force mobilize to solve the crime before it gets too old.
It is when Paddy and the team go into action that this story becomes a police procedural which should interest any reader with an interest in cops and crime. Because Paddy is almost at the retirement stage, he knows everybody at all levels of his agency and adjacent agencies. They have worked together for years and it seems everyone owes Paddy favors, just as he is willing to do favors for others. Paddy is able to go around channels and get things done quickly. The reader will learn forensic facts and procedures, investigative techniques, interrogation methods, and innovative court procedures that can be used to keep bad guys in custody for longer than what one would think is standard. Outside of the investigation of this crime and while learning Paddy’s history, I learned things about Grand Jury proceedings.
The only weakness in the novel I found, one acknowledged by the author in his notes after the story, is that Paddy seems to have led an impossibly active life. We hear on many TV cop shows that some police officers go their whole career without drawing their weapon. Paddy seems to shoot people on at least a weekly basis. And yes, this is an exaggeration purposefully made by the author so he can bring in many stories illustrating the complexity of life as a cop. Paddy may be the story of fifteen to twenty police officers. Or more. Or less.
This is a linear story with few surprises. The entertainment of the novel comes from the processes that O’Keefe describes. This is a four-star Amazon read. O’Keefe has written a short story, Not Buried Deep Enough, which I will read soon.
Paddy Durr is a highly decorated veteran cop when the reader first reads of him in chapter one. He is already a hero and has been through many shootouts. He is in a marriage but it is ending and he knows it is all his fault. Paddy would like to stay married. He is still in love with his wife, Mairead, but has come to the conclusion that out of his respect and love for her, he should let her move on. They have grown children, some still in university, and they can also not accept the way Paddy has acted. Mairead and Paddy have been to marriage counseling; they have tried to work their way to acceptance and forgiveness. Every time they think they might be making progress, the video shows up and reminds all of them of what Paddy did. And for how long. And how many times. Even the kids have seen the videos. Of course they have. It is the age of the internet and the internet is made for (to complete this sentence check out some cool YouTube music videos made by WoW).
This novel is all about Paddy and his lengthy career. The story will shift back and forth in time both with Paddy’s career as a cop and his personal life with Mairead. In his personal life there will be the intense relationship of early love, the settling love relationship that included raising the children, and the disastrous infidelity that dominated the later, diminished loving relationship. This low point contrasts with a high point in his police career. His advancement in law enforcement has survived political attacks by corrupt public officials as well as the physical attacks by criminals. As the story opens we meet the Paddy as an acknowledged police hero at the zenith of his accomplishments and a crushed emotional person at his lowest possible point facing divorce.
The two stories will be told in the context of a third story, the public shooting of a well-known criminal. Paddy may feel that the shooting of one lowlife by another is OK but his sense of duty, solve the crime, takes precedence over his feeling that justice might have been served. Besides, there was an eyewitness to the crime who may be in possession of the weapon used in the crime so there is a chance to arrest even more bad guys. This is a no-brainer course of action so Paddy and his special Anti-Crime Force mobilize to solve the crime before it gets too old.
It is when Paddy and the team go into action that this story becomes a police procedural which should interest any reader with an interest in cops and crime. Because Paddy is almost at the retirement stage, he knows everybody at all levels of his agency and adjacent agencies. They have worked together for years and it seems everyone owes Paddy favors, just as he is willing to do favors for others. Paddy is able to go around channels and get things done quickly. The reader will learn forensic facts and procedures, investigative techniques, interrogation methods, and innovative court procedures that can be used to keep bad guys in custody for longer than what one would think is standard. Outside of the investigation of this crime and while learning Paddy’s history, I learned things about Grand Jury proceedings.
The only weakness in the novel I found, one acknowledged by the author in his notes after the story, is that Paddy seems to have led an impossibly active life. We hear on many TV cop shows that some police officers go their whole career without drawing their weapon. Paddy seems to shoot people on at least a weekly basis. And yes, this is an exaggeration purposefully made by the author so he can bring in many stories illustrating the complexity of life as a cop. Paddy may be the story of fifteen to twenty police officers. Or more. Or less.
This is a linear story with few surprises. The entertainment of the novel comes from the processes that O’Keefe describes. This is a four-star Amazon read. O’Keefe has written a short story, Not Buried Deep Enough, which I will read soon.
November 27, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were written very well. They stand out. More than once I found myself wishing I could just sit with some of these people and talk about the police force while having some coffee. I like that the main character Paddy is not perfect. His marriage has troubled times and good times. I love that this book has some backstory added in so you can really get to know these people. I enjoyed learning about the politics that we all suspect goes on in the police department because the mayor wants more votes. As a New Yorker I loved hearing about neighborhoods and places I have been to. 5 stars, must read, not disappointed.
August 24, 2018
I have just started reading this book, and already I am intrigued. The first chapter paints a clear and very gritty picture of the story I am about to read, and I like its brevity. Chapter 2 is similarly captivating. We will see what happens with the rest of the book.
I shall report back when I am done reading.
Well, I am done. This is an excellently written book. I will not spoil the plot for those who have not yet read it. I enjoyed it immensely, even though it is not by usual choice of topic. I was just so busy I never did post my completed review on Goodreads. But one must follow through, and so here it is.
I shall report back when I am done reading.
Well, I am done. This is an excellently written book. I will not spoil the plot for those who have not yet read it. I enjoyed it immensely, even though it is not by usual choice of topic. I was just so busy I never did post my completed review on Goodreads. But one must follow through, and so here it is.
May 12, 2019
Real, raw and worth the read
Having known and coached with Mike as a younger man I’ll admit I really didn’t know what to expect when I started. After reading it and barely being able to put it down my only regret is that I didn’t realize the quality of man and cop I’d had the privilege to know at the time. Men like Det. O’Keefe and those he includes in the book are the reason I became a cop. If you’re in law enforcement it’s a must read and if you’re just an interested outsider skip the Law and Order marathon and give this a read instead.
Having known and coached with Mike as a younger man I’ll admit I really didn’t know what to expect when I started. After reading it and barely being able to put it down my only regret is that I didn’t realize the quality of man and cop I’d had the privilege to know at the time. Men like Det. O’Keefe and those he includes in the book are the reason I became a cop. If you’re in law enforcement it’s a must read and if you’re just an interested outsider skip the Law and Order marathon and give this a read instead.
December 29, 2016
A compelling debut novel. Paddy Durr is Brooklyn’s answer to Edinburgh’s John Rebus. The reader follows Durr on his path towards self- destruction through a landscape peppered with iconic characters familiar to those who have lived in Brooklyn and Queens and makes those who haven’t, wish they had. Will Paddy Durr find the murderer and his path of redemption? I am anxiously waiting what lies in in store for Paddy Durr in future novels…… A must read for crime-genre fans and fans of the NYPD.
October 17, 2018
Outstanding book. Clear crisp writing with a story that slams you emotionally as well as provides thrills and chills along the way. The fact that Michael O'Keefe is a retired detective lends a verisimilitude that is often lacking in procedurals. You can tell by what he writes that he is reliving much of his own past, as well as creating a world for Paddy Durr. It hits home and it's worth reading!
November 26, 2018
Wowza! Now this was one helluva intense read. Lots going on in this one peeps, and I got a bit bogged down by it all at times, and felt overwhelmed by the details. Definitely need those details but at certain times I think that less is definitely more. Nonetheless, this was a ride like no other.
Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
April 29, 2019
This was a well written book. From the moment I started this book i couldn't set it down.
I would recommend this to any person who enjoy a well written book. I am hoping he writes some more like this.g
I would recommend this to any person who enjoy a well written book. I am hoping he writes some more like this.g
October 30, 2018
Detective Padraig (Paddy for short) Joseph Durr is a true crime-fighter. He works for the New York Police Department and he does not shy away from all the blood and guts that someone who started out as a policeman and later get promoted to detective face on a daily basis.. The main plot of the book involves Latin gangs there in New York City who shoot each other when one crosses the line of another and of course Paddy and the rest of NYPD who work hard to decrease crime rates in the city. Mixed in with this storyline are Paddy’s memories of his beginnings and what he endured throughout his life to get to where he is now. He has a family whose members are his wife Mairead and his two daughters and son (who is the eldest). One would conclude that Paddy and Mairead have done a great job of raising their children. They also have done well in their lives considering their success with their careers which I must observe are well-respected by society. There are moments of bloodshed caused by gunfire, there is also a glimpse into Paddy’s weakness, and then there are the previews of the normal everyday goings-on in New York’s law enforcement world that I have concluded I will never be a part of. Haha. True!
I rewarded myself for finishing this incredibly masculine book in just four days (could have been more but I fought on) while having to suppress my nausea and my squeamish reactions to the violence that NYPD experienced author Michael O’Keefe generously narrated in this book. I got stomach cramps when the book mentioned the shooting down of a police friend of Paddy’s who died later on at the hospital. But straying away from that stuff, I do have to say that I felt compassion towards Paddy whose own weaknesses are those that men are often portrayed in the media as having. He cheats on his wife but he owns up to this mistake. He fears divorcing his wife and wants to patch things up with her. He adores his children so very much who the book describes as college-aged and very active in sports. He is respected by his mother in law because she understands his shortcomings. I felt like crying when he was brought to the test by the devil in the form of his daughter’s soccer coach. I began this novel with a fearful and squeamish stance but in the end I felt for this character as he has his flaws and therefore it makes him human. I conclude this review with the assumption that this book’s author Michael O’Keefe is indeed Padraig Joseph Durr and that somehow this book is based on him and his adventures, trials, and triumphs while working as a first grade detective for the NYPD. I think the names of the characters in his book here are changed up to ensure their privacy.
I recommend this book to all those with a preference for the law enforcement field and for mysteries too. I think those who were in the military and/or in the police departments in their areas across the world will endear this book and applaud this main character because they would understand his issues and his actions. I also think this book will ease up the tension and anxiety some people will have regarding policemen and women because this book provides a softened image of them towards the end. And I truly enjoyed this book for the following reasons: 1) I finished it even though I am someone who is easily intimidated by guns and blood and foul language; and 2) the ending just makes it worth my while. So what are you waiting for? Get this book now for yourself to read while we countdown to Halloween. Peace!
I rewarded myself for finishing this incredibly masculine book in just four days (could have been more but I fought on) while having to suppress my nausea and my squeamish reactions to the violence that NYPD experienced author Michael O’Keefe generously narrated in this book. I got stomach cramps when the book mentioned the shooting down of a police friend of Paddy’s who died later on at the hospital. But straying away from that stuff, I do have to say that I felt compassion towards Paddy whose own weaknesses are those that men are often portrayed in the media as having. He cheats on his wife but he owns up to this mistake. He fears divorcing his wife and wants to patch things up with her. He adores his children so very much who the book describes as college-aged and very active in sports. He is respected by his mother in law because she understands his shortcomings. I felt like crying when he was brought to the test by the devil in the form of his daughter’s soccer coach. I began this novel with a fearful and squeamish stance but in the end I felt for this character as he has his flaws and therefore it makes him human. I conclude this review with the assumption that this book’s author Michael O’Keefe is indeed Padraig Joseph Durr and that somehow this book is based on him and his adventures, trials, and triumphs while working as a first grade detective for the NYPD. I think the names of the characters in his book here are changed up to ensure their privacy.
I recommend this book to all those with a preference for the law enforcement field and for mysteries too. I think those who were in the military and/or in the police departments in their areas across the world will endear this book and applaud this main character because they would understand his issues and his actions. I also think this book will ease up the tension and anxiety some people will have regarding policemen and women because this book provides a softened image of them towards the end. And I truly enjoyed this book for the following reasons: 1) I finished it even though I am someone who is easily intimidated by guns and blood and foul language; and 2) the ending just makes it worth my while. So what are you waiting for? Get this book now for yourself to read while we countdown to Halloween. Peace!
November 28, 2018
“Shot to Pieces” is Michael O’Keefe’s first novel and it’s noteworthy for its grittiness and honesty, sort of like the author himself. A look at O’Keefe’s photo reveals a burly man with an impressive tattoo on one arm and an angelic face that is comforting at first glance. I’m sure some evildoer facing him across an interrogation table would be struck by a disarming combination of gentle soul and fiendish crime (and face) buster.
His story is about a contemporary murder investigation, drugs in NYC, courtroom doings, and intense love. It’s not often I’ve read about all four subjects and been impressed with consistent writing that brings about intense portraits of them all.
Padraig “Paddy” Durr, a brilliant and intense detective, catches a brutal drug-fueled murder and finds himself at odds with the city and his department, neither of which want a highly visible effort at solving. That’s not Durr’s style and he forges ahead, getting himself increasingly involved in what becomes downright denial of his superiors’ wishes. Now he becomes a pariah on top of not being a well man, suffering from childhood abuse, recurring visions of bloody violence, and a marriage reversal caused by his own selfish betrayal. All these factors are chewing at his delicate mind while he’s attempting to solve a difficult crime.
So let’s talk about the writing both of and in the book. It’s autobiographical, according to the author, based on his own life and experiences, with the addition of just enough whimsy to enlarge the idea into an appealing novel. It seems to me to be mostly true. The language is gritty and the dialogue is realistic enough to bring the reader directly into the squad and courtroom where O’Keefe actually makes the scenes come alive. What’s even more amazing is the author’s ability to create a realistic love story in the midst of all the clamor, making Paddy’s betrayal of his beloved wife a heart-choking backdrop to the other realities he must face. Not being the sentimental type, I sometimes find it difficult to stay with this type of mushy stuff. But here, O’Keefe has the touch to actually kindle tears.
I am always impressed when a writer can make me feel the story. In this case, O’Keefe seems to be getting into the gamey part of everyone’s life, rummaging through, as it were, one’s underwear drawer. There’s something here for everyone who has regretted some action that has occurred in his or her life. There are also some practical lessons in how to let them go.
I really like this book and recommend that you don’t miss it. Many good detective stories get lost in the immense pile of books that shows up every year. O’Keefe sent me an ARC to promote a review and I’m glad he did. I plan on reading more of his impressive stuff.
June 9, 2017
I just finished a thoroughly well written and entertaining novel called SHOT TO PIECES by Michael O'keefe. Mr. O’keefe is a retired first grade detective with the N.Y.P.D. Believe me, Det. O'keefe knows of what he writes. I could help becoming thoroughly engrossed in the lives of the of the detectives and the officers of which he writes so eloquently. Mr. O’keefe is a tremendous writer who has a brilliant talent for retelling of what no doubt are true stories. He leaves the reader feeling like he has just finished a 4 to 1 o’clock tour. Simply put, I loved this book. As soon as I finish this review I'm going to send an email to Mr. O'Keefe requesting that I be one of his early readers for the sequel that I am sure is to come. The arrival of the sequel will be a day that I will relish with the intensity that he wrote when he composed this brilliant police procedural. I have read and reviewed countless police procedurals. SHOT TO PIECES compares favorably with the likes of Michael Connelly, Peter Blauner and Don Winslow. If you say has Mr. O'Keefe placed himself in the same class as those tremendous authors, I would say no, not yet. I would also say that Mr. O’Keefe’s time will come when he is considered a truly outstanding writer of commercial fiction specializing in police procedurals. Buy this book forthwith.
February 23, 2019
I just finished a thoroughly well written and entertaining novel called SHOT TO PIECES by Michael O’Keefe. O’Keefe is a retired first grade detective with the N.Y.P.D. Believe me, Det. O’Keefe knows of what he writes. I could not help becoming thoroughly engrossed in the lives of the of the detectives and the officers of which he writes so eloquently. Mr. O’keefe is a tremendous writer who has a brilliant talent for retelling of what no doubt are true stories. He leaves the reader feeling like he has just finished a 4 to 1 o’clock tour. Simply put, I loved this book. As soon as I finish this review, I'm going to send an email to Mr. O'Keefe requesting that I be one of his early readers for the sequel that I am sure is to come. The arrival of the sequel will be a day that I will relish with the intensity that he wrote when he composed this brilliant police procedural. I have read and reviewed countless police procedurals. SHOT TO PIECES compares favorably with the likes of Michael Connelly, Peter Blauner and Don Winslow. If you say has Mr.O'Keefe placed himself in the same class as those tremendous authors, I would say no, not yet. I would also say that Mr. O’Keefe’s time will come when he is considered a truly outstanding writer of commercial fiction specializing in police procedurals. Buy this book forthwith.
October 2, 2018
Shot to Pieces by Michael O'Keefe is a great book, written in an authentic manner by a former NYPD police officer. This authentic touch shows in the writing, the scene setting, the character development, and the pace of the plot. You feel as though you are there as the action builds around real life events. Joseph Durr is the main character, and as a former police detective himself, the author manages to imbue Durr with the most realistic touches from his personal to professional life, as he is on the edge of a breakdown. If you like hard-hitting detective work, a gritty atmosphere, a New York setting, and an emotional roller coaster, this book has it all and will keep you entertained until the very end. Much more than a simple police procedural or mystery, this book is highly recommended.
October 22, 2018
I can’t help but assume that O’Keefe pulled a lot of inspiration from real-life events he (or his colleagues) have gone through while working in the police force. These situations, some time a bit grisly, are very realistic and the author does a great job of painting Durr (our main character) in such a way that I might as well have met the guy myself.
The turmoil, not just the plot but the character’s transformation throughout the story, really makes the character real. Durr really goes through a gauntlet of emotion as he fights himself as well as the stress of the job.
The writing itself is solid, and I’d gladly read another story by this author. The plot moves quickly, it certainly didn’t seem like a 400+ page book going through it. This book is definitely worth the read, as many other reviews have mentioned: O’Keefe did a great job with this book.
The turmoil, not just the plot but the character’s transformation throughout the story, really makes the character real. Durr really goes through a gauntlet of emotion as he fights himself as well as the stress of the job.
The writing itself is solid, and I’d gladly read another story by this author. The plot moves quickly, it certainly didn’t seem like a 400+ page book going through it. This book is definitely worth the read, as many other reviews have mentioned: O’Keefe did a great job with this book.
September 30, 2023
Shot to Pieces by Michael O'Keefe.
NYPD 1st Grade Detective Padraig Joseph Durr. Durr is tasked with solving a particularly grisly gang-related homicide in Brooklyn. When Paddy catches the squeal, he is also on the verge of an emotional and psychological breakdown. Because of his penchant for self-destruction, fueled by a childhood of abuse and sexual exploitation, coupled with an ingrained sense of worthlessness and abandonment, Durr has brought his entire life to the brink of ruin. Can he hold it together long enough to solve this murder? Can he fix himself enough to be reunited with the one true love of his life and his family? Or will he implode, irrevocably destroying his career, his family and himself?
A brilliant read. Read in one sitting. 5*.
NYPD 1st Grade Detective Padraig Joseph Durr. Durr is tasked with solving a particularly grisly gang-related homicide in Brooklyn. When Paddy catches the squeal, he is also on the verge of an emotional and psychological breakdown. Because of his penchant for self-destruction, fueled by a childhood of abuse and sexual exploitation, coupled with an ingrained sense of worthlessness and abandonment, Durr has brought his entire life to the brink of ruin. Can he hold it together long enough to solve this murder? Can he fix himself enough to be reunited with the one true love of his life and his family? Or will he implode, irrevocably destroying his career, his family and himself?
A brilliant read. Read in one sitting. 5*.
July 23, 2019
Michael O'Keefe introduces readers to Paddy Durr. Shot to Pieces is the first of what will probably be many Paddy Durr novels. This series introduction is most heavily focused on the complex, layered, and flawed, character that is Paddy. That made the suspense/police procedural aspect seem a little light. Paddy Durr is a character on the lines of Connolly's Harry Bosch, and I think Mr O'Keefe 's series will get stronger as he adds more suspense and tightly woven mystery. This looks like a series worth investing in, and I look forward to book 2. 3.5
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.
May 18, 2018
A good story, solid writing and a down to earth novel with heroism and feelings and doubt. O'Keefe clearly writes from experience in the books darker more personal moments as he explores the weight that I can only imagine every police officer may have to carry when they take another's life. The story itself is taut and moves with pace without stretching the plot or leaving glaring or niggly gaps, especially given it tells a story that unravels over thirty years. Surprising it is his first novel given the overall quality. If you liked Don Winslow's 'The Force' I think you'll enjoy this too
March 12, 2019
there are always more victims in the event of a murder. friends, families, investigators - many lives irrevocably changed.
Paddy Durr was a good cop, if a damaged man. his efforts to disassemble a ring of thieves, murderers and corrupt otherwise involved folks cost him what remained of his marriage and most of his sanity.
redeemable? maybe, with some understanding from his son and his wife.
harsh, bloody, and full of pain.
a moving saga.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Paddy Durr was a good cop, if a damaged man. his efforts to disassemble a ring of thieves, murderers and corrupt otherwise involved folks cost him what remained of his marriage and most of his sanity.
redeemable? maybe, with some understanding from his son and his wife.
harsh, bloody, and full of pain.
a moving saga.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2019
This author is well-qualified to write this book. I thank him for his service. In addition, he supplies us with a book that gives us a peek into that world that he lived in and survived. I loved being a part of this book, reading and living through the eyes of the author. Great book, awesome story, wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2019
The first 100 t0 150 pages set this book to be very high rated. Towards the middle, it began to fall apart for me. So much "before" stuff that I found myself just wanting to be over. Was it really necessary for all the "bad" guys to be either Mexican or from the Dominican Republic and all the "good" guys to be white? A little disconcerting for me. I did enjoy the judge's admonishment of the prosecutor.
March 15, 2019
This story was well executed in the way it was written. The characters, the situations, everything was done with great feeling. It also lets people know what a job can do to a person's mind. I thought it was a wonderful story. I would like to thank Booksprout for a copy of this book. I voluntarily left a review of it.
March 13, 2019
Highly recommended. A novel based on the author’s life with the names changed, but with a gripping realism, salty language, bad decisions, attitude, and politics still included. It describes a life definitely not for the faint of heart. I’m giving this one 5 stars.
February 4, 2018
Keep putting it down and coming back. Didn't keep my interest.
February 12, 2018
Authentic
Brought me right back to my career which also started in Bushwick. Transformed me back 20 years, authentic read, nicely done.
Brought me right back to my career which also started in Bushwick. Transformed me back 20 years, authentic read, nicely done.
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