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Lassiter/Martinez Case Files #2
Dark Angel
“Relentless from start to finish. Badal just gets better and better.” —David Morrell, New York Times Bestselling Author of “Murder As a Fine Art” In “Dark Angel,” the second in the Lassiter/Martinez Case Files series, Detectives Barbara Lassiter and Susan Martinez pick up where they left off in “Borderline.” Assigned to a murder case, they discover that their suspect is much more than a one-off killer. In fact, the murderer appears to be a vigilante hell-bent on taking revenge against career criminals who the criminal justice system has failed to punish. But Lassiter and Martinez are soon caught up in the middle of an FBI investigation of a monstrous home invasion gang that has murdered dozens of innocent victims across the United States. When they discover a link between their vigilante killer and the home invasion crew, they come into conflict with powerful men in the FBI who are motivated more by career self-preservation than by bringing justice to innocent victims. Award-Winning and best-selling author Joseph Badal presents another intricate, tension-filled mystery that puts readers on the edge of their seats from the first page to the last, and will have them demanding more Lassiter/Martinez stories. “Great characters, action and plotting. ‘Dark Angel’ is a real winner!” —Paul Kemprecos, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of “The Minoan Cipher”
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2017
733 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Badal
31 books135 followers"Joe Badal has had a varied and successful career. After 6 years as a decorated commissioned Army officer, having served in Vietnam and Greece, he had a long banking and finance career. He has had 18 suspense novels published: 4 stand-alones (The Pythagorean Solution, Shell Game, Ultimate Betrayal, and Payback); 7 books in the Danforth Saga (Evil Deeds, Terror Cell, The Nostradamus Secret,The Lone Wolf Agenda, Death Ship, Sins of the Fathers, and The Carnevale Conspiracy); 4 books in the Lassiter/Martinez Case Files (Borderline, Dark Angel, Natural Causes, and Everything To Lose); and 3 books in the Curtis Chronicles (The Motive, Obsessed, and Justice).
He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author and has received numerous awards, including being recognized as "One of The 50 Best Writers You Should Be Reading." He is a two-time winner of the Tony Hillerman Award for Best Fiction Book of the Year and has received multiple Gold Medals from the Military Writers Society of America. He was named Write of the year by the Military Writers Society of America in 2021. His books have received Finalist honors in the International Book Awards contest and in the Eric Hoffer Awards.
He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in International Finance and Business Administration, is a graduate of the Stanford University Law School's Director College, and of the Defense Language Institute, West Coast.
Joe has also written dozens of articles that have been published in a variety of business magazines and trade journals, and is a frequent speaker at business and writers’ events. His blog, Everyday Heroes, highlights individuals just like you who are confronted with a challenge and rise to the occasion."
He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author and has received numerous awards, including being recognized as "One of The 50 Best Writers You Should Be Reading." He is a two-time winner of the Tony Hillerman Award for Best Fiction Book of the Year and has received multiple Gold Medals from the Military Writers Society of America. He was named Write of the year by the Military Writers Society of America in 2021. His books have received Finalist honors in the International Book Awards contest and in the Eric Hoffer Awards.
He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in International Finance and Business Administration, is a graduate of the Stanford University Law School's Director College, and of the Defense Language Institute, West Coast.
Joe has also written dozens of articles that have been published in a variety of business magazines and trade journals, and is a frequent speaker at business and writers’ events. His blog, Everyday Heroes, highlights individuals just like you who are confronted with a challenge and rise to the occasion."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 27, 2018
Borderline #1 - This is my first read by this author that I can remember. I've read several of John Hillerman's books and as much as I like JH, I think JB does a better job. Interesting. Well written. The story line keeps the reader involved and reading until the last page. The characters, which developed more as the story continued, are interesting, realistic and very human. I admit I got the killer wrong, but I was in the right ballpark. There are a few interesting twists and the dark side of humans plays heavily in the events of things. I like the two main detectives and their Lt. These two detectives are better and have more depth than the fluff Cagney and Lacey. I found this book on Booksprout and contacted the author since I already had his Dark Angel and Uncommon Assassins. 4*
Dark Angel #2 - I couldn't put this book down and finished it in a few hours. This is my favorite genre and Mr. Badal does a wonderful job. The story line is fast paced, action packed and keeps the reader immersed in the pages. The characters are well developed and realistic, and their dialog is believable. His descriptions paint vivid pictures leaving nothing to the imagination; placing the reader in a variety of situations and locations. Many of the secondary characters blended in well and had their own contributions to the story. A substantial read that runs the gamut of emotions and there's still room for the humor. The book is well edited.
I dislike reviews/praise for a eBook without a link to the first chapter to get past pages of this garbage. Place it at the end of the story so it's out of my way! I bought the book, I don't need opinions I don't care about, much less want to read! 5*
Uncommon Assassins Anthology - A collection of short stories by twenty three authors. There's a section that introduces all of the authors and many seem to be well published. I recognize many of the names and will be reading their contributions at a later date.
Joseph Badal, Fire & Ice - After reading Borderline and Dark Angel, I wanted to check out Mr. Badal's contribution. This is a fast paced, action packed short with an interesting character I wouldn't mind reading about again. Involved is an innocent girl whose life is ruined by two of her peers. Greed backed with drugs and modern technology keeps the girl chained to her new lifestyle. Her big brother comes home on leave and he does his best for her. 5*
Dark Angel #2 - I couldn't put this book down and finished it in a few hours. This is my favorite genre and Mr. Badal does a wonderful job. The story line is fast paced, action packed and keeps the reader immersed in the pages. The characters are well developed and realistic, and their dialog is believable. His descriptions paint vivid pictures leaving nothing to the imagination; placing the reader in a variety of situations and locations. Many of the secondary characters blended in well and had their own contributions to the story. A substantial read that runs the gamut of emotions and there's still room for the humor. The book is well edited.
I dislike reviews/praise for a eBook without a link to the first chapter to get past pages of this garbage. Place it at the end of the story so it's out of my way! I bought the book, I don't need opinions I don't care about, much less want to read! 5*
Uncommon Assassins Anthology - A collection of short stories by twenty three authors. There's a section that introduces all of the authors and many seem to be well published. I recognize many of the names and will be reading their contributions at a later date.
Joseph Badal, Fire & Ice - After reading Borderline and Dark Angel, I wanted to check out Mr. Badal's contribution. This is a fast paced, action packed short with an interesting character I wouldn't mind reading about again. Involved is an innocent girl whose life is ruined by two of her peers. Greed backed with drugs and modern technology keeps the girl chained to her new lifestyle. Her big brother comes home on leave and he does his best for her. 5*
May 20, 2017
This is the 2nd in the series about Detectives Barbara Lassiter and Susan Martinez. If you read the first book, you know these two are always finding ways to get in trouble with their boss, but they seem to always solve the cases!
This case that they are on now, involves a vigilant killer. What would you do if you entire family was killed and tortured and the killers were still getting away with it. That is the premise of this book. The man seeking vengeance is also helping others that have never got justice in their case..From a family that son was killed by a drunken driver and nothing was done to others that have suffered because the guilty have never been prosecuted or just let go.
He is killing to help others, so emotions are torn about seeing him captured and punished for these vigilant cases. The problem also is that the families do not want anything done to him, so they keep he secrets.
This one moved along and I love the interaction between these two Detectives. Good read.
This case that they are on now, involves a vigilant killer. What would you do if you entire family was killed and tortured and the killers were still getting away with it. That is the premise of this book. The man seeking vengeance is also helping others that have never got justice in their case..From a family that son was killed by a drunken driver and nothing was done to others that have suffered because the guilty have never been prosecuted or just let go.
He is killing to help others, so emotions are torn about seeing him captured and punished for these vigilant cases. The problem also is that the families do not want anything done to him, so they keep he secrets.
This one moved along and I love the interaction between these two Detectives. Good read.
September 11, 2017
I enjoyed the book very much and had to read as fast as I could. Going back and fourth with the two detectives and the man successfully avenged the killing of his wife and two daughters. Despite the man avenging the death of his family he showed great intellect in solving what happened to them. This man had likeable side and made the reader to want him to succeed. A psychological thriller.
May 14, 2017
Dark Angel
A wonderful thriller full of twists and turns as it follows the avenging dark Angel as he finds and kills the murderer of innocents. As he nears the end of his quest he discovers many layers of corruption, a difficult to put down read. I'll be searching for more from Joseph Nadal.
A wonderful thriller full of twists and turns as it follows the avenging dark Angel as he finds and kills the murderer of innocents. As he nears the end of his quest he discovers many layers of corruption, a difficult to put down read. I'll be searching for more from Joseph Nadal.
October 2, 2018
I liked it a lot. I was raised in Albuquerque, so the many familiar accurate references added substantially to the book for me. The two female detectives who always seemed to be in trouble with their Lieutenant added some familiar relief of co-workers who enjoyed razzing their boss but getting away with (for the most part) because of their skills. Dark Angel was well worth the read.
June 1, 2017
Starts slow, picks up fast. Rollercoaster of vengeance, violence, venality...there's a vigilante seeking both vengeance and justice....even the FBI colluded in covering up the mayhem and murder of the vigilante 's family and those of many others...
June 4, 2017
Albuquerque Antics
Thank you for Detectives Lassiter and Martinez. Well plotted series. Very entertaining. Certainly hope to enjoy more of Barbara and Susan soon. Very well done. Enjoyed both books immensely.
Thank you for Detectives Lassiter and Martinez. Well plotted series. Very entertaining. Certainly hope to enjoy more of Barbara and Susan soon. Very well done. Enjoyed both books immensely.
June 10, 2017
Action packed beginning to end
Anyone who enjoyed the Bourne series will enjoy this book. I wanted to read faster the pace of the book is fantastic!
The characters good, bad, or neutral come to life and leap off the page.
Excellent book for summer!
Anyone who enjoyed the Bourne series will enjoy this book. I wanted to read faster the pace of the book is fantastic!
The characters good, bad, or neutral come to life and leap off the page.
Excellent book for summer!
July 11, 2017
This is the 2nd of the series I've read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The plot moved along quickly and the protagonists (two female detective partners) are likeable and competent. I liked this book and I'm looking forward to reading more books by Joseph Badal.
January 8, 2018
If you like stories like Thelma and Louise, Cagney and Lacey the characters in this book are for you. A quick read that kept me engaged. Like the easy going style and just enough details to make the story realistic for a murder/police investigation. Liked the plot and the ending.
June 26, 2019
Twists and Surprises keep coming.
Dark Angel moved in so many interesting directions I never knew what was coming next. Non-stop twists and turns with Lassiter/Martinez relentlessly pursuing and overcoming obstacles thrown their way by bosses FBI and unknown politics. Enjoy!!
Dark Angel moved in so many interesting directions I never knew what was coming next. Non-stop twists and turns with Lassiter/Martinez relentlessly pursuing and overcoming obstacles thrown their way by bosses FBI and unknown politics. Enjoy!!
August 4, 2019
Outstanding! The second book in the Lassiter/Martinez Case Files by Joseph Badal is a non-stop thriller. Like Joe's other books, the characters are clearly developed, the stories original and addictive! Highly recommended!
May 9, 2017
very good, enjoyed the characters
May 12, 2017
Better than the first!
Love the female detectives. Great characters and great story. I miss the gals and New Mexico already. Hope there are more stories.
Love the female detectives. Great characters and great story. I miss the gals and New Mexico already. Hope there are more stories.
May 15, 2017
Great read, wonderful characters and a brilliant storyline.
June 12, 2017
Dark Angel
Excellent story of a vigilante that the reader does not want to be caught and the police and federal agents who pursue him. Very realistically portrayed by this author.
Excellent story of a vigilante that the reader does not want to be caught and the police and federal agents who pursue him. Very realistically portrayed by this author.
June 28, 2017
Very Engrossing story!
As usual Joseph Badal has another winner here. His stories are never boring and can't wait to read more of his stories.
As usual Joseph Badal has another winner here. His stories are never boring and can't wait to read more of his stories.
July 31, 2017
Dark Angel a satisfying read
Well written, good construction, and nicely woven story-line. Ending is satisfying. I intend to read more books by this author.
Well written, good construction, and nicely woven story-line. Ending is satisfying. I intend to read more books by this author.
September 11, 2017
Good riveting storyline
Excellent characters, intriguing plots and outcomes. Good triumphs over evil
Interesting characters bound together for good and bad till the end
Excellent characters, intriguing plots and outcomes. Good triumphs over evil
Interesting characters bound together for good and bad till the end
January 30, 2018
Another gripping thriller!
As usual, another thoroughly enjoyable, beautifully written, and gripping to the very last page. Thank you yet again Mr Badal!
As usual, another thoroughly enjoyable, beautifully written, and gripping to the very last page. Thank you yet again Mr Badal!
March 1, 2019
Excellent
Very fast paced and well relaunched. Could not put it down cost me some lost sleep before I finished the story. I highly recommend this book to all. E
Very fast paced and well relaunched. Could not put it down cost me some lost sleep before I finished the story. I highly recommend this book to all. E
July 29, 2018
Another great read from Mr. Badal
Hard to put down. Didn't want it to end. Another great read from Mr. Badal. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Hard to put down. Didn't want it to end. Another great read from Mr. Badal. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
August 31, 2018
Great story
Some parts were a little unbelievable so only 4 stars. It was fast moving and enjoyable. I would read more by this author.
Some parts were a little unbelievable so only 4 stars. It was fast moving and enjoyable. I would read more by this author.
April 8, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. Did think the Dectectives were a bit of floss. Great story
September 3, 2019
This was an exciting and compelling story. The characters were intelligent and likeable. I rate this one 5 stars.
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June 17, 2020MWSA Review
The dynamic duo returns in Dark Angel, Joseph Badal’s latest book in his Lassiter/Martinez Case Files series, and they do not disappoint.
Barbara Lassiter and Susan Martinez, having been promoted to detective sergeant rank in the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department of Violent Crimes/Homicide Squad, are handed a mysterious murder case. A child killer with a long record, released because of a corrupted chain of evidence, is discovered dead—stripped naked with a 14-inch tent peg embedded in his chest. No fingerprints, no body fluids, no hair, no evidence of the assailant are found at the crime scene, and to make circumstances more unusual, the cause of death was not the tent peg. And, so it begins.
Lassiter and Martinez follow the breadcrumbs, and the trail leads to similar unsolved cases. Soon, they realize that a vigilante-style serial killer is on the loose—the victims all outsmarted the legal system and avoided punishment. The plot becomes more complicated when they stumble onto an active FBI investigation.
Badal’s tale has all the essentials: suspense, tension, and excitement. The language is colorful and details vivid. His memorable characters are well developed, sympathetic, complex, and credible.
Dark Angel will keep readers “on the edge of their seats,” devouring page after page until the end.
Review by Sandi Cathcart (June 2020)
The dynamic duo returns in Dark Angel, Joseph Badal’s latest book in his Lassiter/Martinez Case Files series, and they do not disappoint.
Barbara Lassiter and Susan Martinez, having been promoted to detective sergeant rank in the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department of Violent Crimes/Homicide Squad, are handed a mysterious murder case. A child killer with a long record, released because of a corrupted chain of evidence, is discovered dead—stripped naked with a 14-inch tent peg embedded in his chest. No fingerprints, no body fluids, no hair, no evidence of the assailant are found at the crime scene, and to make circumstances more unusual, the cause of death was not the tent peg. And, so it begins.
Lassiter and Martinez follow the breadcrumbs, and the trail leads to similar unsolved cases. Soon, they realize that a vigilante-style serial killer is on the loose—the victims all outsmarted the legal system and avoided punishment. The plot becomes more complicated when they stumble onto an active FBI investigation.
Badal’s tale has all the essentials: suspense, tension, and excitement. The language is colorful and details vivid. His memorable characters are well developed, sympathetic, complex, and credible.
Dark Angel will keep readers “on the edge of their seats,” devouring page after page until the end.
Review by Sandi Cathcart (June 2020)
May 15, 2017
Where di I start . The first novel in the series I gave it 4 stars. This one was not close to being as good. The two detective were hard in the first third of the novel. I hate it when we hear too much form the bad guy or how is thining. it made that character more often than not to appear as a carton character. That is what happen in this novel. The second half started to get better that it went down hill very fast from a solid 3 star to a sad 2 star. Things happen in the second half of the novel that were beyond belief and some added non needed filler also was thrown . I might read the next novel in the series based on the first one but I would have to see the reviews-disappointed in this one.
June 22, 2022
Page Turner
This is the first book I've read by Joseph Badal and definitely not the only one I want to read. I was rooting for Robert throughout the story and hoped he didn't get caught or killed. The way he finally got his revenge for the brutal murders of his wife and daughters was surprisingly not what I expected. It was sad his good friend and partner died the way he did but that's what happens when you get greedy! Kudoes to Barbara and Susan for following through on the info Robert gave them and kudoes to them for not pursuing trying to find Robert once they realized he was the Dark Angel and talking their FBI buddy out of trying to find him. I liked the way this ended with Robert going back to pursue a relationship with the one he bought the truck from.
This is the first book I've read by Joseph Badal and definitely not the only one I want to read. I was rooting for Robert throughout the story and hoped he didn't get caught or killed. The way he finally got his revenge for the brutal murders of his wife and daughters was surprisingly not what I expected. It was sad his good friend and partner died the way he did but that's what happens when you get greedy! Kudoes to Barbara and Susan for following through on the info Robert gave them and kudoes to them for not pursuing trying to find Robert once they realized he was the Dark Angel and talking their FBI buddy out of trying to find him. I liked the way this ended with Robert going back to pursue a relationship with the one he bought the truck from.
June 9, 2017
Predictably implausible plot. Comic-book characters, cliche relationships at both personal and organizational levels, real strain on my ability to suspend disbelief. Lassiter/Martinez are poorly differentiated, but seem to be written for a light TV cop series. That aside, it was a reasonable time-waster, and the three stars represent what I see as pretty average for the genre lately. Going in I didn't have great expectations, and I wasn't disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews