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Detective Shannon Rourke #1
Chicago Blood
You can’t bury the dead without digging up the past.
What was another murder in Chicago?
A dead man clutching a pint of whiskey on the Ashland Avenue sidewalk wasn’t new. It shouldn’t have been enough to keep troubled Detective Shannon Rourke and her brother from making their escape to Sweden.
Shannon’s plan to put half a world between herself and her checkered past in Chicago is already rolling when she arrives at the crime scene, ready to pass the case off to another detective.
But she didn’t expect the victim to be her brother’s best friend.
When her ex-mobster brother hears about it, he gives her an ultimatum: stay and solve the case or he will. Now, Shannon is determined to leash her inner demons and finish the job, but if she fails, her brother will be the one to pay the price.
What was another murder in Chicago?
A dead man clutching a pint of whiskey on the Ashland Avenue sidewalk wasn’t new. It shouldn’t have been enough to keep troubled Detective Shannon Rourke and her brother from making their escape to Sweden.
Shannon’s plan to put half a world between herself and her checkered past in Chicago is already rolling when she arrives at the crime scene, ready to pass the case off to another detective.
But she didn’t expect the victim to be her brother’s best friend.
When her ex-mobster brother hears about it, he gives her an ultimatum: stay and solve the case or he will. Now, Shannon is determined to leash her inner demons and finish the job, but if she fails, her brother will be the one to pay the price.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
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November 14, 2017FREE on Amazon today (11/14/2017)!
July 22, 2018
Good start to a new series
I chose this book because (1) it had a woman protagonist, and (2) it was set in Chicago and NW Indiana where I live. It's always good to discover a new author and I found one in Stewart Matthews. I enjoyed the book and the character of Detective Shannon Rourke and have already read the second book in the series for which I will write review. (There were a few references to streets, interstate designations and such that were incorrect and that irked me as I tried following along in my mind the routes that the characters were taking. And just to clear up any confusion, it is Lake St. Clair, not St. Clair River. And it's the Detroit River that you cross going from Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, by either the Detroit/Windsor Tunnel or the Ambassador Bridge. Sorry, but I grew up in Detroit so I also know the geography of that city, too.) I certainly don't want to deter anyone from reading this book. Quite the contrary. In fact, I've already bought the third book in the series and am looking forward to reading it as well.
I chose this book because (1) it had a woman protagonist, and (2) it was set in Chicago and NW Indiana where I live. It's always good to discover a new author and I found one in Stewart Matthews. I enjoyed the book and the character of Detective Shannon Rourke and have already read the second book in the series for which I will write review. (There were a few references to streets, interstate designations and such that were incorrect and that irked me as I tried following along in my mind the routes that the characters were taking. And just to clear up any confusion, it is Lake St. Clair, not St. Clair River. And it's the Detroit River that you cross going from Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, by either the Detroit/Windsor Tunnel or the Ambassador Bridge. Sorry, but I grew up in Detroit so I also know the geography of that city, too.) I certainly don't want to deter anyone from reading this book. Quite the contrary. In fact, I've already bought the third book in the series and am looking forward to reading it as well.
December 2, 2017
All the Elements—Five Stars!
A strong female protagonist with history, a twisty plot, three-dimensional characters, great dialogue, and sexual tension with her CPD partner—all the elements are there, and they’re woven together skillfully.
My only complaints are some minor grammatical errors, and the banter between the partners, were it not mutually desired, would cross the line to sexual harassment. Of course, it *is* very much desired by the protagonist, but if her partner were a disgusting fat guy, instead of an attractive, handsome guy, the same words and behavior would come across quite differently. Just sayin’.
A strong female protagonist with history, a twisty plot, three-dimensional characters, great dialogue, and sexual tension with her CPD partner—all the elements are there, and they’re woven together skillfully.
My only complaints are some minor grammatical errors, and the banter between the partners, were it not mutually desired, would cross the line to sexual harassment. Of course, it *is* very much desired by the protagonist, but if her partner were a disgusting fat guy, instead of an attractive, handsome guy, the same words and behavior would come across quite differently. Just sayin’.
April 2, 2018
I had hopes for this to be a modern V.I. Warshofsky, but this fall well short of the mark. When I saw that the author was a guy I gave him a break on the female characterizations - a lot of male authors fail to create believable female protagonists in my opinion..... but even the male characters were one dimensional cartoonish people. Literally "unbelievable" actions and reactions throughout. I still gave this a 3 because it had a reasonable first 1/3, .....and since I had already bought the sequel read that too - but I am rating that a #2. I will not read #3.
November 13, 2018
Although I had a lot of problems with this story, I still enjoyed it. The characters could use some help, the editing isn't half bad, and the ending felt very contrived and forced. Yet, I grew to like Shannon, even though I have no idea what she looks like. Her partner is a built black man, I think. The pace of the story wasn't fast, but it was steady. The suspense ebbed and flowed, and whatever happened to her brother? Is he still in Chicago or not? I guess you need to keep reading to find out. At least it isn't a cliff hanger.
June 15, 2019
You can work out 'whodunnit' a bit early on for my taste but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Would be nice if more than 2 characters had some depth. will probably read more in the series. Found some of the extra and missing words annoying: does nobody proof read these kindle books? Didn't bother reporting the mistakes as I get fed up with it: pay someone to do it and get it right! It ruins my enjoyment to break off and report them.
November 27, 2019
Good read
I enjoyed reading this novel and it is the first book I have read by this author. Great story line and captured the life of a Chicago detective and how She was driven to solve a case involving a childhood friend. The novel has a few twists and turns as we learn more about the detectives personal life as a child of a monster and how that became entangled in her investigation.
I enjoyed reading this novel and it is the first book I have read by this author. Great story line and captured the life of a Chicago detective and how She was driven to solve a case involving a childhood friend. The novel has a few twists and turns as we learn more about the detectives personal life as a child of a monster and how that became entangled in her investigation.
July 27, 2017
A quick read, but not very compelling. The characters are somewhat one dimensional and the story somewhat predictable. The title character, Shannon Rourke, works as a detective in Chicago. She stereotypically deals with drugs and the mob in her efforts to solve a murder. The back story does not become clear until midway through the book.
April 2, 2018
An interesting book with interesting characters.
Shannon Rourke and her partner Derick and her dog Frank have to battle for clues in an old fashioned murder, robbery mystery. This book has a very slow middle of the story that makes it drag a little and lets the reader lose interest a little bit. I am going to read the next book to see if the writing gets better.
Shannon Rourke and her partner Derick and her dog Frank have to battle for clues in an old fashioned murder, robbery mystery. This book has a very slow middle of the story that makes it drag a little and lets the reader lose interest a little bit. I am going to read the next book to see if the writing gets better.
May 4, 2018
This was a very good book. This detective has a lot going on in her life. Now she is trying to find out who killed one of her childhood best friend. She is planning a move to Denmark, is in love with her partner, her brother is a recovering addict, and Frank loves her completely. What more could she ask for? A day off!
December 15, 2018
Windy City Tale
A detective story set in Chicago. I really like detective stories and this is no exception. Mr. Matthews has artfully crafted an intriguing tale including both professional & personal facets of our heroine. A good read one that will keep your interest to the end & leave you wanting more. Fortunately there are additional book in the series.
A detective story set in Chicago. I really like detective stories and this is no exception. Mr. Matthews has artfully crafted an intriguing tale including both professional & personal facets of our heroine. A good read one that will keep your interest to the end & leave you wanting more. Fortunately there are additional book in the series.
November 5, 2016
Good
Reminded me of another book I read recently which was disappointing. Lots of hints about previous relationships and situations that could be developed in future books. Not as suspenseful as I like but a nice way to spend a Friday afternoon.
Reminded me of another book I read recently which was disappointing. Lots of hints about previous relationships and situations that could be developed in future books. Not as suspenseful as I like but a nice way to spend a Friday afternoon.
November 21, 2017
I loved Chicago Blood
I thought this book was a great book. The main character's were thought out well described and complimented each other well. Starting out with a murder and a chase of the bad guys and gals. I love to read and I couldn't put this book down!
I thought this book was a great book. The main character's were thought out well described and complimented each other well. Starting out with a murder and a chase of the bad guys and gals. I love to read and I couldn't put this book down!
November 24, 2017
Kept me interested.
Easy read. 4.5 stars. Great mix of character and plot. Effective protagonist in role of detective, thou could have done without obvious romantic interest in her partner
Easy read. 4.5 stars. Great mix of character and plot. Effective protagonist in role of detective, thou could have done without obvious romantic interest in her partner
January 16, 2018
Chicago Blood is the first book in the series. It can be read as a standalone. There is violence, the main character is a homicide detective after all. Interesting mix of characters. This book is well written and I want to read the rest of the series now.
March 4, 2018
Chicago Blood
Very good mystery with lots of suspense and a storyline that keeps the reader's interest while remaining totally believable. Gangsters and cops, all with personal lives and problems that they must deal with while someone is committing murder.
Very good mystery with lots of suspense and a storyline that keeps the reader's interest while remaining totally believable. Gangsters and cops, all with personal lives and problems that they must deal with while someone is committing murder.
April 25, 2018
Chicago Blood
This is the first book in this series. I really enjoyed the mystery and the suspense. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I recommend this book.
This is the first book in this series. I really enjoyed the mystery and the suspense. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I recommend this book.
June 21, 2023
Not bad
This isn't a bad read but it's not great I found it a bit predictable and not very engaging but it was fairly well written and was set at a good pace so if you like police thrillers and you have an afternoon to spare give this one a go.
This isn't a bad read but it's not great I found it a bit predictable and not very engaging but it was fairly well written and was set at a good pace so if you like police thrillers and you have an afternoon to spare give this one a go.
November 23, 2017
Good, fast paced, comprehensive storie
A lot of spelling mistakes. However its brisk, fast paced book with just enough on the characters to make you want more. Good ending!
A lot of spelling mistakes. However its brisk, fast paced book with just enough on the characters to make you want more. Good ending!
November 27, 2017
Slow start
Thought the story line dragged a bit at the beginning, but progressed to a great ending. Enjoyed the story, nice ending.
Thought the story line dragged a bit at the beginning, but progressed to a great ending. Enjoyed the story, nice ending.
December 16, 2017
very good
December 31, 2017
Very well written book.
Very interesting topic, this book slept me going for several hours. It was a good story about how the CPD kept going about some young getting killed.
Very interesting topic, this book slept me going for several hours. It was a good story about how the CPD kept going about some young getting killed.
February 9, 2018
well I'm a sticker for mysteries. I liked this one. kept me guessing which I like. there wasn't language which is better but dang it now I have more in this series to read:)
July 24, 2018
Good book.
Very good book holds your attention thru the whole story.
I would recommend it to anyone who likes police story.
Very good book holds your attention thru the whole story.
I would recommend it to anyone who likes police story.
September 8, 2018
Good
Good read from start to finish. Looking forward to reading the next in the set by Stewart Matthews. Five stars.
Good read from start to finish. Looking forward to reading the next in the set by Stewart Matthews. Five stars.
November 6, 2018
Liked it
Love mysteries. Great read. Going to find more by Stewart Matthews. Have at least 2 on here now. Thank you
Love mysteries. Great read. Going to find more by Stewart Matthews. Have at least 2 on here now. Thank you
February 2, 2019
Good
I liked the storyline and the characters were interesting. I would have liked to know more of Shannon and Michael’s backgrounds. It would have add to the story.
I liked the storyline and the characters were interesting. I would have liked to know more of Shannon and Michael’s backgrounds. It would have add to the story.
October 22, 2019
Love the characters.
The story moved along at a good pace. Easy, enjoyable, well-written book. Can't wait to read #2 in the series.
The story moved along at a good pace. Easy, enjoyable, well-written book. Can't wait to read #2 in the series.
July 25, 2020
Chicago not my kin of town
Weak characters plot weak. No mystery no twist and turns. Nothing about story line grabs you. At least it is a quick read and over quickly.
Weak characters plot weak. No mystery no twist and turns. Nothing about story line grabs you. At least it is a quick read and over quickly.
April 10, 2022
I was surprised that I enjoyed this book. Read the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews