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The death of Lake Williams, a former football player at Central Montana State, in his squalid tent in a homeless camp looks to Seagate and Miner like a routine heroin overdose. Soon, however, they discover that someone hired a courier to deliver the uncut heroin, knowing that Lake would shoot up and die instantly. When a second body turns up, and then a third, the evidence points to the head coach and the other leaders of the football program, who appear to be covering up a secret that would destroy the program. When a man comes forward, claiming to have committed numerous felonies on behalf of the program over many years, the detectives don’t know whether he is the killer or merely a decoy in an elaborate misdirection play. In a heart-pounding final confrontation, Seagate and Miner confront the killer--and realize they have walked right into the trap.
- GenresMystery
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2016
69 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Mike Markel
68 books54 followersI am the author of eight books in the Detectives Seagate and Miner Mystery series: Big Sick Heart, Deviations, The Broken Saint, Three-Ways, Fractures, The Reveal, Players, and Swerve. For more information, please visit my site: http://mikemarkel.com.
I'm looking forward to meeting people on Goodreads.
I'm looking forward to meeting people on Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 14, 2017
Detectives Seagate and Miner are on a puzzling, difficult case. A man has died in a homeless camp in a city park, apparently of an overdose--but this homeless man was Lake Williams, a former star football player for Central Montana University. His name was Lake Williams, and he was expected to go pro until a knee injury ended his career.
The OD that killed him was an injection of nearly pure heroin. Where would he have gotten it? When it becomes clear that a woman was paid to deliver the drug to him, paid by someone who knew Williams would inject it and die instantly, it doesn't become any clearer. Why would anyone want to kill a washed-up ex-college ball player?
When first a second body turns up, and then a third, evidence starts to point to dark secret inside the CMU football program, and a collection of community leaders committed to protecting the program and themselves, rather than the student players.
I liked Seagate, Miner, and their colleagues. It's not an improbably perfect police department, but it's not portrayed as corrupt and cynical, either. Seagate and Miner both have their strengths, and they listen to each other. Seagate in particular has her own demons haunting her, but it's made her a stronger and better cop, more insightful about both criminals and victims--and those who are both. It's an intriguing mystery, with good characters, and it has a tone which is serious without being cynical.
I very much enjoyed this one. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am reviewing it voluntarily.
The OD that killed him was an injection of nearly pure heroin. Where would he have gotten it? When it becomes clear that a woman was paid to deliver the drug to him, paid by someone who knew Williams would inject it and die instantly, it doesn't become any clearer. Why would anyone want to kill a washed-up ex-college ball player?
When first a second body turns up, and then a third, evidence starts to point to dark secret inside the CMU football program, and a collection of community leaders committed to protecting the program and themselves, rather than the student players.
I liked Seagate, Miner, and their colleagues. It's not an improbably perfect police department, but it's not portrayed as corrupt and cynical, either. Seagate and Miner both have their strengths, and they listen to each other. Seagate in particular has her own demons haunting her, but it's made her a stronger and better cop, more insightful about both criminals and victims--and those who are both. It's an intriguing mystery, with good characters, and it has a tone which is serious without being cynical.
I very much enjoyed this one. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am reviewing it voluntarily.
September 8, 2016
Must be read.
Author Mike Markel, either knew or research the plot he wrote about. Also this issue has been in the headlines too. Football players and the money they make for the university, while not getting good education and life treating injuries they suffer. While coaches make millions and have health insurance, NCAA not protecting the players. This is a fictional story about the one player's cry for help.
Author Mike Markel, either knew or research the plot he wrote about. Also this issue has been in the headlines too. Football players and the money they make for the university, while not getting good education and life treating injuries they suffer. While coaches make millions and have health insurance, NCAA not protecting the players. This is a fictional story about the one player's cry for help.
May 17, 2022
Players is the seventh book in author Mike Markel’s series featuring two police detectives in the fictional town of Rawlings, Montana. This is my first dive into the series, which I picked up because of the subject matter – a murder mystery inside a college football program. (The cover image for this book shares some elements of my own football-themed book, Fatal Infraction.) The story here was satisfyingly complex, well-written, and full of rich characters.
The main plot involves the overdose death of a former player on the Central Montana State football team (a fictional college). The overdose is not accidental, and the investigation into Lake Williams’ murder consumes detectives Seagate and Minor. Before long, two other people connected to the first murder end up dead. All the while, the two detectives follow a traditional pattern of a good police procedural; interviewing the witnesses, connecting the clues, and spinning out possible theories. There is a good amount of misdirection (appropriate for a football theme) and it’s hard to see who really has the ball. There are plenty of potential suspects, plenty of possible motives, and a deep backstory to unravel. The pace is good and the pages turn easily through to the surprising but well-spun conclusion. You don’t need to be a football fan (there are no football play sequences) and the author weaves in issues of the exploitation of college athletes, corrupt coaches, and CTE brain injuries, which add nice depth to the murder mystery.
There are a few places where the detectives make leaps of logic that may not be fully supported by the facts presented, there are a few summary and exposition sections that could have been trimmed, and some key facts come in very late. But these are minor issues that don’t detract significantly from this engaging story. I will certainly be checking out the earlier books in this series.
The main plot involves the overdose death of a former player on the Central Montana State football team (a fictional college). The overdose is not accidental, and the investigation into Lake Williams’ murder consumes detectives Seagate and Minor. Before long, two other people connected to the first murder end up dead. All the while, the two detectives follow a traditional pattern of a good police procedural; interviewing the witnesses, connecting the clues, and spinning out possible theories. There is a good amount of misdirection (appropriate for a football theme) and it’s hard to see who really has the ball. There are plenty of potential suspects, plenty of possible motives, and a deep backstory to unravel. The pace is good and the pages turn easily through to the surprising but well-spun conclusion. You don’t need to be a football fan (there are no football play sequences) and the author weaves in issues of the exploitation of college athletes, corrupt coaches, and CTE brain injuries, which add nice depth to the murder mystery.
There are a few places where the detectives make leaps of logic that may not be fully supported by the facts presented, there are a few summary and exposition sections that could have been trimmed, and some key facts come in very late. But these are minor issues that don’t detract significantly from this engaging story. I will certainly be checking out the earlier books in this series.
February 4, 2017
Unusual sports related mystery
Hey, I feel your pain. Most football stories are as believable as a Pop Warner referee. Ah, but this one has some soul. Great details and imperfect humans. Can't we all just get along? No, I guess not.
Hey, I feel your pain. Most football stories are as believable as a Pop Warner referee. Ah, but this one has some soul. Great details and imperfect humans. Can't we all just get along? No, I guess not.
May 19, 2019
A good book by Mike Markel. I enjoyed the interaction of the detectives, the story flowed pretty well but was a little slow going about the third quarter mark and picked up speed toward the end. I recommend this book and will buy more from this author.
October 24, 2019
Good read
Well thought out with believable characters and intriguing plots that keeps your attention until the surprise ending. Would recommend this for anyone who loves a good mystery.
Well thought out with believable characters and intriguing plots that keeps your attention until the surprise ending. Would recommend this for anyone who loves a good mystery.
January 22, 2017
This is the first in the series that I read and now I have to go back and read the others. Good character development and very good story line
November 9, 2017
Nicely written story about the murder of a homeless man. The author's prose flows smoothly and the plot moves along at a fast pace as the detectives investigate the case.
November 20, 2017
Kept me guessing
I really enjoyed this. First book I ever read from this author, plan to read more. Good plot, characters, interesting venue.
I really enjoyed this. First book I ever read from this author, plan to read more. Good plot, characters, interesting venue.
March 6, 2018
Great book
Mr. Merkel writes books that you hate to see end. He reminds me of the writing style of James Patterson
Mr. Merkel writes books that you hate to see end. He reminds me of the writing style of James Patterson
December 27, 2018
Karen is not your average detective and I thoroughly enjoyed her character. A good whodunit that kept me guessing until the end. Highly recommend!
October 10, 2016
Football, drugs and death what a combination!
The death of Lake Williams, a former football player at Central Montana State, in his squalid tent in a homeless camp looks to Seagate and Miner like a routine heroin overdose. Soon, however, they discover that someone hired a courier to deliver the uncut heroin, knowing that Lake would shoot up and die instantly. When a second body turns up and then a third; the evidence points to the head coach and the other leaders of the football program who appear to be covering up a secret that would destroy the program. When a man comes forward, claiming to have committed numerous felonies on behalf of the program over many years, the detectives don’t know whether he is the killer or merely a decoy in an elaborate misdirection play. In a heart-pounding final confrontation, Seagate and Miner confront the killer--and realize they have walked right into the trap.
What did I like? I have read every one of the books in this series and absolutely love the characters of Detectives Karen Seagate and Ryan Miner her partner. If you have read any of the books you know that Karen is a badass cop that has come a long way since the first book. The partnership that she has established with Miner and her new chief is exceptional. Of course she is my most favorite thing in the series and I love her attitude.
What are you going to like? As with any series they just keep getting better and better. This one is no exception except for one thing…. Karen just keeps growing and growing. All of the characters are well thought out and developed for their part in the book and you can relate to each of them. Ryan has also grown and the best of which is his sense of humor but also his initiative and experience with policing. The storyline in another part that I like because it takes place in the kind of town that I love and every story brings out things that I just fall in love with. The author does an awesome job on the research of every detail to his storyline; in this case the involvement of the college football program and drugs. I personally have never been much on any of sports… being an avid reader doesn’t leave much time for sports but recently my grandson moved in with me and believe it or not I am learning. Many of the details in the book are so spot on and I could not believe it, I actually knew what I was reading about. LOL I like the way that Mike does his descriptions because he just makes you feel like you are standing there right next to the characters watching it all take place in front of you. I would highly recommend this series to anyone that enjoys a great story and wants it to continue or at least to this latest book being number 7.
The death of Lake Williams, a former football player at Central Montana State, in his squalid tent in a homeless camp looks to Seagate and Miner like a routine heroin overdose. Soon, however, they discover that someone hired a courier to deliver the uncut heroin, knowing that Lake would shoot up and die instantly. When a second body turns up and then a third; the evidence points to the head coach and the other leaders of the football program who appear to be covering up a secret that would destroy the program. When a man comes forward, claiming to have committed numerous felonies on behalf of the program over many years, the detectives don’t know whether he is the killer or merely a decoy in an elaborate misdirection play. In a heart-pounding final confrontation, Seagate and Miner confront the killer--and realize they have walked right into the trap.
What did I like? I have read every one of the books in this series and absolutely love the characters of Detectives Karen Seagate and Ryan Miner her partner. If you have read any of the books you know that Karen is a badass cop that has come a long way since the first book. The partnership that she has established with Miner and her new chief is exceptional. Of course she is my most favorite thing in the series and I love her attitude.
What are you going to like? As with any series they just keep getting better and better. This one is no exception except for one thing…. Karen just keeps growing and growing. All of the characters are well thought out and developed for their part in the book and you can relate to each of them. Ryan has also grown and the best of which is his sense of humor but also his initiative and experience with policing. The storyline in another part that I like because it takes place in the kind of town that I love and every story brings out things that I just fall in love with. The author does an awesome job on the research of every detail to his storyline; in this case the involvement of the college football program and drugs. I personally have never been much on any of sports… being an avid reader doesn’t leave much time for sports but recently my grandson moved in with me and believe it or not I am learning. Many of the details in the book are so spot on and I could not believe it, I actually knew what I was reading about. LOL I like the way that Mike does his descriptions because he just makes you feel like you are standing there right next to the characters watching it all take place in front of you. I would highly recommend this series to anyone that enjoys a great story and wants it to continue or at least to this latest book being number 7.
September 20, 2016
Mike Markel Does it Again with Players
I will start by saying that "I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review." Few authors can match Dean Koontz in the ability to make books in a series (Odd Thomas) also act effectively as a standalone read. Mike Markel is one of those few. This is the seventh Detectives Seagate and Miner book and they continue to get better with each book.
The character development is complex, providing primary protagonists we can root for and secondary characters we get to know. Even though one of the primary characters is woefully damaged, we can see her continued growth from one book to the next. The strong characters, both primary and secondary, are developed well enough that we understand the motivations behind their actions. These characters provide realistic dialogue, accurately portraying police activities and procedures.
One problem of so many Indie writers is the failure to do much more than run their novel through Word’s Spell and Grammar Check. That is not the case here. The story is well written, with evidence of strong editing and diligent proofing. The story flows well, with fast-paced intrigue, filled with increasing peaks in the action, leading to the final climax, where all is revealed. If I were to try and find a flaw in the book, it would be that I had figured out the who in the who-dun-it much earlier in the story than I usually do. I would say that after reading six previous Seagate and Miner Mysteries, I am understand how Mike writes, thus figuring out the culprit has become easier.
The story is ripped from today’s sports headlines and tells a gripping story that could easily be true. This book, as with the rest of the series, is a solidly written, quick read that never takes itself too seriously. If you enjoy crime procedurals or police driven stories, with true to life dialogue and little need to suspend disbelief, The Seagate and Miner Mysteries are definitely one of my top recommendations.
I will start by saying that "I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review." Few authors can match Dean Koontz in the ability to make books in a series (Odd Thomas) also act effectively as a standalone read. Mike Markel is one of those few. This is the seventh Detectives Seagate and Miner book and they continue to get better with each book.
The character development is complex, providing primary protagonists we can root for and secondary characters we get to know. Even though one of the primary characters is woefully damaged, we can see her continued growth from one book to the next. The strong characters, both primary and secondary, are developed well enough that we understand the motivations behind their actions. These characters provide realistic dialogue, accurately portraying police activities and procedures.
One problem of so many Indie writers is the failure to do much more than run their novel through Word’s Spell and Grammar Check. That is not the case here. The story is well written, with evidence of strong editing and diligent proofing. The story flows well, with fast-paced intrigue, filled with increasing peaks in the action, leading to the final climax, where all is revealed. If I were to try and find a flaw in the book, it would be that I had figured out the who in the who-dun-it much earlier in the story than I usually do. I would say that after reading six previous Seagate and Miner Mysteries, I am understand how Mike writes, thus figuring out the culprit has become easier.
The story is ripped from today’s sports headlines and tells a gripping story that could easily be true. This book, as with the rest of the series, is a solidly written, quick read that never takes itself too seriously. If you enjoy crime procedurals or police driven stories, with true to life dialogue and little need to suspend disbelief, The Seagate and Miner Mysteries are definitely one of my top recommendations.
September 8, 2016
I just love this series and this might be my favorite book in it so far. The body of a man is found in a homeless camp with no ID. The man died from a drug overdose. It appears at first glance like it might be a suicide but the more they uncover it points to murder. The body is identified as Lake Williams who played football for Central Montana University. Detectives Seagate and Miner's investigation leads back to the college and turns toward several employees. Who would want Luke dead and why? When other murders occur the case becomes complicated. This story is very well written with an interesting plot and enjoyable characters. I found the book hard to put down and looked forward to when I could continue reading.
September 5, 2016
What a great book! I really enjoyed this story. One of the things that immediately caught my attention in this book as I read were the characters. They're intricately crafted, complex characters that are flawed and interesting, people whowant to know more about. This is the first book by this author that I've read, and I could sense the development of the characters as I read the story. The author does a great job of giving enough information so a new reader (such as myself) doesn't feel lost. This information is given in such a way as to blen effortless with the current story without bogging down the flow.
The story is a fast paced, well written book that quickly drew me in. I was kept captivated by the story, not wanting to put it down. I was kept guessing as to who the culprit was until the end. My personal preference is to read books in a series in order, I like to follow along with the characters on their journeys. This book could be easily read as a stand-alone, something I don't typically say.
This is the first book by this author that I've read and it certainly won't be my last.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The story is a fast paced, well written book that quickly drew me in. I was kept captivated by the story, not wanting to put it down. I was kept guessing as to who the culprit was until the end. My personal preference is to read books in a series in order, I like to follow along with the characters on their journeys. This book could be easily read as a stand-alone, something I don't typically say.
This is the first book by this author that I've read and it certainly won't be my last.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2016
“Our partnership works because of our opposite styles. Ryan is calm, rational, and thoughtful. I’m … not.”
The character Karen Seagate may have more than her share of imperfections, but lack of self-awareness isn't one of them. In that quote she gets to the heart of why her fictional partnership with Ryan Miner makes for such good stories, too. This is the seventh book of the series and as I've reviewed each I've raved about the characters of Seagate and Miner as well as the story. Consider this another rave.
The fictional town of Rawlings, Montana where all the books take place is another piece of Markel's solid foundation for the series. Many of the stories involve happenings at the university in Rawlings and in this installment that is especially true. Along with the story of Seagate and Miner investigating a murder you might also find yourself considering college sports and the price athletes sometimes pay to participate.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
The character Karen Seagate may have more than her share of imperfections, but lack of self-awareness isn't one of them. In that quote she gets to the heart of why her fictional partnership with Ryan Miner makes for such good stories, too. This is the seventh book of the series and as I've reviewed each I've raved about the characters of Seagate and Miner as well as the story. Consider this another rave.
The fictional town of Rawlings, Montana where all the books take place is another piece of Markel's solid foundation for the series. Many of the stories involve happenings at the university in Rawlings and in this installment that is especially true. Along with the story of Seagate and Miner investigating a murder you might also find yourself considering college sports and the price athletes sometimes pay to participate.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
September 7, 2016
Karen Seagate and Ryan Miner is called out to a homeless park for a possible OD. When they identify the victim they find out that is someone who used to play football at the university. While talking with the dean of students at the university, they find out that the victim had a complaint filed against him for rape while he was still playing, but it was handled in house and the charges were withdrawn. But he and his girlfriend had a son that the girl gave up for adoption soon after giving birth. I won't go into all the details because there are many things going on in this story. The characters are complex, but it gives an inside view of what goes on in the big money of college football. Seagate and Miner then find that it was not an OD, but murder. Now things really get interesting! Can Seagate and Miner find out who wanted this homeless, college drop out football player killed and why? How many people will die before things start coming into place? Read the story to find out.
September 4, 2016
I received a copy of this book for a honest and fair review and here it is. I loved it. I loved the fact that the main character, Detective Karen Seagate is not perfect, in fact the problems in her life make her a person I can get to know. She has grown in the series, so has her relationship with her partner Ryan Miner, who is Mormon and very strong in his faith, which I feel (even though Seagate won't admit it) has helped her. Their latest case involves a homeless man found dead of a heroin overdose, but the more the detectives look into the case they find out it is not that simple, What they find leads them to Central Montana State and its football program. I wasn't certain I would enjoy Players since I don't care for football, but the story change my mind on that. The dark side to college football was fascinating. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
September 24, 2016
"I received this book free for an honest review." I have been reading this series since the first one and I can honestly say they get better and better with every one. I love the characters and how they interact together. This one Seagate and Miner catch a case where a homeless guy is killed in his tent. When they finally find out who the homeless guy is, it turns out to be a former college football player, who is now a drug addicted and was murdered to look like a drug overdose. While looking into his past they find a alleged rape changed for him when he was in college, and a football program that isn't honest and a whole lot of corrupt things. This story keeps you turning the pages and trying to solve the crime right along with the
detectives. I can't wait till the next book to see what new interesting case Miner and Seagate get next.
detectives. I can't wait till the next book to see what new interesting case Miner and Seagate get next.
September 13, 2016
Ryan Miner and Karen Seagate are called out to a Homeless Park for a possible O.D they identify the victim and find out he used to play Foot ball at the University while talking to the Dean of Students they find out that the victim had a rape charge filed against him while he was playing. It was handled in house and the charges were with drawn. He had a son with his Girlfriend that was given up for adoption after his birth. The characters are complex and you get a good view of what goe son in big money college foot ball. Miner and Seagate soon find out it wasn't an o.d but murder! Now things get interesting! Who wanted this college dropout foot ball player killed and why? Will there be other victims? If so how many will die?
August 28, 2016
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. This author is new to me and he will be on my always read list for sure.
This was a well thought out book, with great characters and very intriguing plot. Its about college football, but don't let that stop you from picking the book up. I learned a lot about college ball in this book and it was just enough to give you a taste but not make just a bout football. I was sucked in by the second paragraph held on for a wild ride till the end of the book.
Winner, Winner.
This was a well thought out book, with great characters and very intriguing plot. Its about college football, but don't let that stop you from picking the book up. I learned a lot about college ball in this book and it was just enough to give you a taste but not make just a bout football. I was sucked in by the second paragraph held on for a wild ride till the end of the book.
Winner, Winner.
September 4, 2016
Don't miss a single book in this series!
I'm sure you've heard the saying, opposites attract. And that police partners trust each other with they're lives. In this series both are true. Karen Seagate and Ryan Miner can't be more different but they trust each other and that's what makes their partnership work. No spoilers here, but no matter how many wrong turns their investigation takes they get it right in the end.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I'm sure you've heard the saying, opposites attract. And that police partners trust each other with they're lives. In this series both are true. Karen Seagate and Ryan Miner can't be more different but they trust each other and that's what makes their partnership work. No spoilers here, but no matter how many wrong turns their investigation takes they get it right in the end.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
September 10, 2016
Football, corruption, and murder
A homeless man dies from a dose of pure heroin, a second victim is murdered. The investigation changes from an accidental overdose to homicide when the heroin is found to be pure. College football become the subject of the local police; to find the reason for the pure heroin overdose and the murder of the homeless woman. Many twists and turns take place in the search for the truth. For anyone who likes college football, and murder mysteries. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
A homeless man dies from a dose of pure heroin, a second victim is murdered. The investigation changes from an accidental overdose to homicide when the heroin is found to be pure. College football become the subject of the local police; to find the reason for the pure heroin overdose and the murder of the homeless woman. Many twists and turns take place in the search for the truth. For anyone who likes college football, and murder mysteries. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2016
Wow, brilliantly written gets you hooked from the first chapter, so you can't put it down
to the end, well worth a read. Sherley B.....
to the end, well worth a read. Sherley B.....
Read
December 22, 2018Why would anyone want Lake Williams dead. Homeless, a junkie and a former football player at Central Montana State. Initially Detectives Seagate and Miner believe it looks like a normal heroin overdose, but their investigation reveal otherwise.
Another enjoyable well-written story in the series
Another enjoyable well-written story in the series
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews