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Detective Damien Drake #1
Butterfly Kisses
His hands are bound behind him, a crude butterfly drawn in blood on his bare back. He isn’t the first.
When a drug addict finds the body of a man in the basement of an abandoned warehouse in NYC, Detective Damien Drake is called in to lead the murder investigation.
The victim was a philanthropist, father, doting husband, and wealthy junior partner in one of the cities most respected law firms; he seemed to have the perfect life.
Yet when Damien probes deeper, he realizes that this man isn’t the first. His investigation soon connects this murder with two other killings of wealthy professionals—one in Montreal, the other in Detroit—all of which were emblazoned with the same bloody butterfly.
What dark secrets is the NYC lawyer hiding? And what is the significance of the butterfly?
As Damien inches closer to uncovering the truth, the killer is closing in on him… and his family.
Damien’s last case cost him his wife and daughter. This case threatens not only his job, but his sanity, as well. And this time, the killer may even be smarter than he is.
One thing for certain is that if he doesn’t catch the killer soon, more people will die. The only question is, will the next victim be someone close to Detective Damien Drake?
Butterfly Kisses is a fast-paced thriller packed with twists and turns in the style of the movie Se7en. If you enjoy Angela Marsons, Karin Slaughter, and Rob Bryndza, discover Patrick Logan’s gritty new detective series today.
When a drug addict finds the body of a man in the basement of an abandoned warehouse in NYC, Detective Damien Drake is called in to lead the murder investigation.
The victim was a philanthropist, father, doting husband, and wealthy junior partner in one of the cities most respected law firms; he seemed to have the perfect life.
Yet when Damien probes deeper, he realizes that this man isn’t the first. His investigation soon connects this murder with two other killings of wealthy professionals—one in Montreal, the other in Detroit—all of which were emblazoned with the same bloody butterfly.
What dark secrets is the NYC lawyer hiding? And what is the significance of the butterfly?
As Damien inches closer to uncovering the truth, the killer is closing in on him… and his family.
Damien’s last case cost him his wife and daughter. This case threatens not only his job, but his sanity, as well. And this time, the killer may even be smarter than he is.
One thing for certain is that if he doesn’t catch the killer soon, more people will die. The only question is, will the next victim be someone close to Detective Damien Drake?
Butterfly Kisses is a fast-paced thriller packed with twists and turns in the style of the movie Se7en. If you enjoy Angela Marsons, Karin Slaughter, and Rob Bryndza, discover Patrick Logan’s gritty new detective series today.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2017
3083 people are currently reading
1471 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Logan
106 books450 followersTo download my FREE book, click here: www.ptlbooks.com/newsletter
True story: I used to cut up bodies. No, not for fun, you sickos–for work. After reaching the age of majority and fleeing the clutches of an overprotective mother, I went to university like a good boy.
More than a decade later and an alphabet soup of letters after my name, I found myself looking down the double-chamber of a microscope at an eyeball. Feeling ironically introspective, I decided that it was time for a change.
After seventy plus novels and more than a million copies sold, I’ve found my true calling, one that also includes a plethora of letters. Hopefully you see something in my catalog that you like, something to feast your eyes on.
I also have two spooky podcasts that are appropriate for ALL ages, so long as you like to be scared: P.T. Logan's Five Minutes of Terror and Camp Fear. Both are FREE and available on all podcast platforms. For MATURE audiences, I've created two fiction podcasts, Nightmare Residue and Bad Priest.
I'm on all socials! Just search for AuthorPatrickLogan.
True story: I used to cut up bodies. No, not for fun, you sickos–for work. After reaching the age of majority and fleeing the clutches of an overprotective mother, I went to university like a good boy.
More than a decade later and an alphabet soup of letters after my name, I found myself looking down the double-chamber of a microscope at an eyeball. Feeling ironically introspective, I decided that it was time for a change.
After seventy plus novels and more than a million copies sold, I’ve found my true calling, one that also includes a plethora of letters. Hopefully you see something in my catalog that you like, something to feast your eyes on.
I also have two spooky podcasts that are appropriate for ALL ages, so long as you like to be scared: P.T. Logan's Five Minutes of Terror and Camp Fear. Both are FREE and available on all podcast platforms. For MATURE audiences, I've created two fiction podcasts, Nightmare Residue and Bad Priest.
I'm on all socials! Just search for AuthorPatrickLogan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
August 12, 2017
Butterfly Kisses: A Thrilling Serial Killer Novel - Detective Damien Drake, Book 1
Written by: Patrick Logan
Narrated by: Michael Pauley
I requested this audible book and the review is voluntary. This book is sooo good and I was very entranced in the mystery, the life of the detective, the interactions with the main characters, and the unfolding of the story. Great characters, wonderful plot, good suspense, and loved the narrator! This was a well rounded mystery, suspense, detective, thriller book. Thankful for the free book and and the wonderful read!
Written by: Patrick Logan
Narrated by: Michael Pauley
I requested this audible book and the review is voluntary. This book is sooo good and I was very entranced in the mystery, the life of the detective, the interactions with the main characters, and the unfolding of the story. Great characters, wonderful plot, good suspense, and loved the narrator! This was a well rounded mystery, suspense, detective, thriller book. Thankful for the free book and and the wonderful read!
February 16, 2019
3.5 stars
Very twisted thriller with not very likable main characters. Sounds bizzare? But it was a page-turner!
Intriguing suspense, victims I didn't feel sorry for, well-deserved vengeance, a killer I pitied.
Damien Drake - one of the most atypical heroes I read. A troubled detective, who had huge alcohol problems, he even drove while being drunk. Who TF writes such male protagonist? This author 😉.
His female partner, Chase, wasn't a sweetheart either. But I will definitely read her series. They say she is a cold-hearted bitch... Yes, please! 😎
Not everything made sense, the characters were not always strong, implausible events, messy, but still a page-turner.
The victims were male and they weren't innocent. So many thrillers with female victims, it was refreshing to read a different trope.
Zero romance.
There were some typos, but it didn't bother me. The story kept me interested from the beginning till the end.
Up to the 2nd one.
Very twisted thriller with not very likable main characters. Sounds bizzare? But it was a page-turner!
Intriguing suspense, victims I didn't feel sorry for, well-deserved vengeance, a killer I pitied.
Damien Drake - one of the most atypical heroes I read. A troubled detective, who had huge alcohol problems, he even drove while being drunk. Who TF writes such male protagonist? This author 😉.
His female partner, Chase, wasn't a sweetheart either. But I will definitely read her series. They say she is a cold-hearted bitch... Yes, please! 😎
Not everything made sense, the characters were not always strong, implausible events, messy, but still a page-turner.
The victims were male and they weren't innocent. So many thrillers with female victims, it was refreshing to read a different trope.
Zero romance.
There were some typos, but it didn't bother me. The story kept me interested from the beginning till the end.
Up to the 2nd one.
April 22, 2019
Short Take: Decent paced page turner.
August 19, 2019
See how behind I am - I read this sooooo long ago. It was fair to middling. Readable but nothing out of the ordinary.
Want to read
January 14, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/14/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
His hands are bound behind him, a crude butterfly drawn in blood on his bare back. He isn’t the first.
When a drug addict finds the body of a man in the basement of an abandoned warehouse in NYC, Detective Damien Drake is called in to lead the murder investigation.
The victim was a philanthropist, father, doting husband, and wealthy junior partner in one of the cities most respected law firms; he seemed to have the perfect life.
Yet when Damien probes deeper, he realizes that this man isn’t the first. His investigation soon connects this murder with two other killings of wealthy professionals—one in Montreal, the other in Detroit—all of which were emblazoned with the same bloody butterfly.
What dark secrets is the NYC lawyer hiding? And what is the significance of the butterfly?
As Damien inches closer to uncovering the truth, the killer is closing in on him… and his family.
Damien’s last case cost him his wife and daughter. This case threatens not only his job, but his sanity, as well. And this time, the killer may even be smarter than he is.
One thing for certain is that if he doesn’t catch the killer soon, more people will die. The only question is, will the next victim be someone close to Detective Damien Drake?
Blurb:
His hands are bound behind him, a crude butterfly drawn in blood on his bare back. He isn’t the first.
When a drug addict finds the body of a man in the basement of an abandoned warehouse in NYC, Detective Damien Drake is called in to lead the murder investigation.
The victim was a philanthropist, father, doting husband, and wealthy junior partner in one of the cities most respected law firms; he seemed to have the perfect life.
Yet when Damien probes deeper, he realizes that this man isn’t the first. His investigation soon connects this murder with two other killings of wealthy professionals—one in Montreal, the other in Detroit—all of which were emblazoned with the same bloody butterfly.
What dark secrets is the NYC lawyer hiding? And what is the significance of the butterfly?
As Damien inches closer to uncovering the truth, the killer is closing in on him… and his family.
Damien’s last case cost him his wife and daughter. This case threatens not only his job, but his sanity, as well. And this time, the killer may even be smarter than he is.
One thing for certain is that if he doesn’t catch the killer soon, more people will die. The only question is, will the next victim be someone close to Detective Damien Drake?
April 8, 2022
I’m hooked!
I started reading the Chase Adams series first. I got to book four when I just had to see how everything went down in New York. This gives a peek of seeing her while she is still with her husband and son. It shows her determination in catching the killer. She doesn’t put up with crap. She has a bond with Drake.
Drake is a great detective that has fallen from grace because of his partner’s death. He has put the blame on himself. He has made bad decisions but for the right reasons. He is living with survivors guilt. I want to see him win his battle. I look forward to reading more of his story. I hope he takes them all down!!
I started reading the Chase Adams series first. I got to book four when I just had to see how everything went down in New York. This gives a peek of seeing her while she is still with her husband and son. It shows her determination in catching the killer. She doesn’t put up with crap. She has a bond with Drake.
Drake is a great detective that has fallen from grace because of his partner’s death. He has put the blame on himself. He has made bad decisions but for the right reasons. He is living with survivors guilt. I want to see him win his battle. I look forward to reading more of his story. I hope he takes them all down!!
January 4, 2018
First off, if this book had an editor, they probably need to be looking for a new job. There were so many mistakes, glaringly obvious ones that should have been caught at even a rough read through, that I was constantly tripping over problems and forced to go back and reread sentences to try and figure out what was actually being said. There was no way I was going to sink into this book with those problems. I hate to harp on edits because mistakes get made, even with good editors, but when it is as bad as this, it kills the story.
Both of the main cop characters were horrifically bad. Drake was the stereotypical bad, drunk cop that truly had nothing at all likeable about him. He broke just about every single rule with regards to investigation and interviewing, to the point there is zero chance a reader is going to buy him as a cop who still has his job. Chase’s character isn’t any better, different issues, but equally bad. The bumbling of both of them killed what was left for me after I waded through the errors.
The basic idea behind the story is decent, but the follow through falls flat.
Both of the main cop characters were horrifically bad. Drake was the stereotypical bad, drunk cop that truly had nothing at all likeable about him. He broke just about every single rule with regards to investigation and interviewing, to the point there is zero chance a reader is going to buy him as a cop who still has his job. Chase’s character isn’t any better, different issues, but equally bad. The bumbling of both of them killed what was left for me after I waded through the errors.
The basic idea behind the story is decent, but the follow through falls flat.
August 4, 2017
Error loaded...
The premise is interesting, some of the characters are interesting, some of the writing is interesting. However, there are so many errors in grammar, word choice, typing, etc., that it is difficult to read. When the characters are not interesting, they are trite and rather one dimensional stock figures, easily disregarded and discarded, yet they keep reappearing. They serve their purpose but could be better "drawn" than they are. The end was not satisfying...perhaps after some time has passed since reading this, that perception will change, but probably not. Don't know if I will read any more in this series.
The premise is interesting, some of the characters are interesting, some of the writing is interesting. However, there are so many errors in grammar, word choice, typing, etc., that it is difficult to read. When the characters are not interesting, they are trite and rather one dimensional stock figures, easily disregarded and discarded, yet they keep reappearing. They serve their purpose but could be better "drawn" than they are. The end was not satisfying...perhaps after some time has passed since reading this, that perception will change, but probably not. Don't know if I will read any more in this series.
March 31, 2018
Butterfly kisses.
Too many typos as well as spelling mistakes. Makes for really uncomfortable reading. The book needs someone who can actually edit.
Too many typos as well as spelling mistakes. Makes for really uncomfortable reading. The book needs someone who can actually edit.
January 31, 2019
I love a good serial killer book, and Butterfly Kisses didn’t disappoint. It has enough creepy crawly elements to make your skin crawl, but never crossed into full gross-out territory, which I appreciate. I love Detective Damien Drake and while you could argue that he’s a stereotype, this particular stereotype exists for a reason, unfortunately, and he rings very true to me.
There are some typos in the book, and they are distracting in that they briefly pull you out of the story, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is a good story and Patrick Logan is a good writer. I have every intention of reading more in this series and others by Logan, and I would definitely recommend the book.
There are some typos in the book, and they are distracting in that they briefly pull you out of the story, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is a good story and Patrick Logan is a good writer. I have every intention of reading more in this series and others by Logan, and I would definitely recommend the book.
mission-aborted
October 6, 2022DNF 6 OCTOBER 2022
Despite the glowing reviews, this didn't take and I didn't even last half a chapter. Will try again another day as I'm sure it's me, not the book, though I must say I didn't like Michael Pauley's performance. Perhaps I'm just used to him doing Romance (as Michael Dean as well as Michael Pauley).
Despite the glowing reviews, this didn't take and I didn't even last half a chapter. Will try again another day as I'm sure it's me, not the book, though I must say I didn't like Michael Pauley's performance. Perhaps I'm just used to him doing Romance (as Michael Dean as well as Michael Pauley).
October 20, 2018
When I finally got a chance to start on this book it was hard to put down. I love a good thriller and this one did not let me down. Got my attention from the very start and kept my interest up right to the end. Very well written with a believable and likable set a characters. I am planning to read the next book in this series. I really enjoyed book 1.
May 25, 2023
This is my first time reading Patrick Logan. In reading his bio I find it interesting that he used to be a pathologist and he's from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I'm from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada so with that I thought hey give this guy's books a shot being a fellow Canadian and all. I'm glad that I did. I really enjoyed this first book in the series. I love the m.ain characters - Drake, Chase and Beckett. (I also have Chase and Beckett's series to read). Drake is in his own league. He came across like a old time detective with his gruffness - his attitude overall. He is majorly flawed. Considering what he has been through its understandable. I also have a lot of experience with alcoholics and reading this book just broke my heart. Reading the beginning of the epilogue brought some hope but then by the end of it that was shattered. Anyways, regarding the book itself I like the story line, the flow. There were actually some lol moments for me. There's always that one character that grates me the wrong way and Drake and Chase's boss Rhodes was it for me. I also hated the way Drake was treated by his fellow detectives and cops. Moving on to the next one in series.
December 23, 2018
The enigmatic Patrick Logan, author of horror novel “Butterfly Kisses,” is hard to get a handle on. He has a website but there is little on it. This book isn’t even listed. But he exists, has written some seventeen mysteries that have sold over 100,000 copies and have largely been best sellers.
Logan is a former pathologist who spent his early years probing through dead bodies. These days he prefers writing about such gritty endeavors and, in “Kisses,” there is much made of autopsies and medical examiners. NYC detective Damien Drake, an alcoholic who is suspected of causing his partner’s death, is haunted by and lives in constant memory of the event. He is slowly killing himself by imbibing huge amounts of alcohol to dull the pain.
Drake is ignominiously replaced as lead investigator of a murder in which the body of a junior partner in a respected New York law firm is found in an abandoned warehouse with a butterfly painted with what appears to be blood on his nude back. Drake’s new leader is a young rookie detective, a woman without much experience, but who exhibits great promise. He reluctantly accepts the assignment, although he tends to freelance at will.
The case reveals other similar killings, including one in Montreal, that are perplexing to investigators and that threaten to accelerate if the serial murderer isn’t found. Many secrets, including the significance of the bloody butterfly insignia and live embryonic caterpillars found in the victims’ mouths, are dark and seemingly undecipherable. It soon becomes apparent that the killer is also closing in on the detective and those close to him.
Logan’s writing is excellent with strong dialogue, an extensive knowledge of police procedure, and the ability to weave realistic and horrific details into his story. I regretted the overuse of alcohol by his main character. The amounts and frequency did not add credibility to his ability to function with such a foggy mind and suffering body and brain. I didn’t see the significance of such a disability, a trait too frequently used in novels these days. I have to respect the author’s decision, however, because it’s his invention and story.
I liked the author’s ability to keep his characters straight in my mind. There are a lot of them but all are important to the story and don’t create a logjam that needs navigating to get over. The decision to use the beautiful and peaceful butterfly as an instrument of horror makes this intriguing story even better.
November 13, 2022
This story has a lot of background that keeps turning up. While this goes on all the way through, I don't think it detracts from the main story.
Some of the characters are just what I thought and others turned out to be anything but.
All in all, I enjoyed this and will be getting others from this author as time goes on.
Some of the characters are just what I thought and others turned out to be anything but.
All in all, I enjoyed this and will be getting others from this author as time goes on.
March 8, 2019
Ends at 93%
Different take but just as creepy. Quite twisty. I liked the new characters and the writing style. . . .
Different take but just as creepy. Quite twisty. I liked the new characters and the writing style. . . .
October 3, 2018
Well, because I really wasn't in the mood to read, I feel that I didn't enjoy the book at the beginning. It felt like pulling teeth. I'd start reading and then I'd stop. And then the "bug" hit me (finally) to read and I did enjoy the book. Sure, there were some grammatical errors, but they weren't that bad where I couldn't understand what the author was trying to convey. I've read worse! I didn't care for Damian and his constant drinking! His behavior seemed to alienate several people, most importantly his partner's daughter. If I'd been him and I'd been treated the way he was by his fellow officers, I would have walked off the job. Maybe that's what made him such a great character!
I really enjoy Patrick Logan's books and I'm willing to give Damian Drake another chance. There is redemption there! I definitely won't read his scary books because I'm a big chicken! So just enjoy the thrill! In the end, it's worth it!
I really enjoy Patrick Logan's books and I'm willing to give Damian Drake another chance. There is redemption there! I definitely won't read his scary books because I'm a big chicken! So just enjoy the thrill! In the end, it's worth it!
August 12, 2017
First time listening to an audio book or reviewing on one.
I liked the person that told the story. It had me smiling at some of the things in the story. The author words and the narrator voice really pulled me into listening more.
I thought the story had a steady pace to keep it moving along nicely. The story had enough action and things going on to make it a very nice story to listen to. I sat for 9 hours straight until the end. I didn’t want to stop it, my brain was like I need to know who was doing it.
I liked the characters. I was really shocked on who the killer was. I had couple of guesses and was off big time. I liked the two main characters. Hope to listen or read more from the author very good story.
Got ARC for an honest review.
Thank you for sharing your book with me.
I liked the person that told the story. It had me smiling at some of the things in the story. The author words and the narrator voice really pulled me into listening more.
I thought the story had a steady pace to keep it moving along nicely. The story had enough action and things going on to make it a very nice story to listen to. I sat for 9 hours straight until the end. I didn’t want to stop it, my brain was like I need to know who was doing it.
I liked the characters. I was really shocked on who the killer was. I had couple of guesses and was off big time. I liked the two main characters. Hope to listen or read more from the author very good story.
Got ARC for an honest review.
Thank you for sharing your book with me.
July 16, 2017
Pros: The book moved quickly and held my interest. It was nicely written. Character descriptions were well done, able to envision each character and their role in the story. Easy read.
Cons: I am getting tired of the premise of a disheveled, drunken lawman, with a foot in the past. The ebook version has many typos and missing words. The plot was predictable - I knew who the killer was the moment the character was introduced. Did not offer the thrilling twists and turns anticipated.
Sometimes, the summaries of the books we read on Goodreads and Bookbub, are better than the books themselves. Not sure if I will read the sequel or not.
Cons: I am getting tired of the premise of a disheveled, drunken lawman, with a foot in the past. The ebook version has many typos and missing words. The plot was predictable - I knew who the killer was the moment the character was introduced. Did not offer the thrilling twists and turns anticipated.
Sometimes, the summaries of the books we read on Goodreads and Bookbub, are better than the books themselves. Not sure if I will read the sequel or not.
October 7, 2017
I like this style of writing by the author much better than the grisly and graphic style in his previous books. I am more a fan of murder mystery stories than gross violence, so this book was more interesting to me. I like it when the author challenges me to "guess" ahead on the story, and thereby wanting more, rather than laying out a story full of carnage.
October 9, 2018
butterfly kisses
Interesting story line well written. This is first book I have read from Patrick Logan I am an avid reader of mystery thrillers. He has written a winner.
I will reader this series about Detective Decker. But I will stay away from the horror stories .
Interesting story line well written. This is first book I have read from Patrick Logan I am an avid reader of mystery thrillers. He has written a winner.
I will reader this series about Detective Decker. But I will stay away from the horror stories .
February 12, 2019
I got 20% in and deleted this. It has way too many mistakes and got just too distracting for me. A shame as I really liked the character of Chase a great deal, though I wasn't so keen on Drake himself. Too much drinking always makes me roll my eyes a bit......too much of a cop cliche !! The story was moving along nicely, too, but sadly the presentation spoilt it for me altogether.
We had this really odd analogy on only page 2 which left me a bit baffled, "....his heart jackhammering in his chest so hard that he thought it might burst from his ribcage and thrum across the concrete alley like a gnat on a steel drum....." To me that makes no sense at all !! Then another on page 8, "Unlike the sun, some things just weren't worth the effort or frustration !" This line meant nothing to me, either, "....oh, what is ten thousand, Alex"......I think it's maybe an American pop culture reference ? I Googled it but came up with no explanation.
A couple of times, his punctuation was wrong, using commas as opposed to fullstops, converse sneakers needed a capital C, there were apostrophe errors, too, for variation. He randomly capitalised Alligator at one mention then didn't at the next, used discrete and not discreet then case and point instead of case in point (more than once).
There was some very dodgy English as well...."....doesn't seem like they would make a dumb enough to leave their DNA" or "......see what I can find out if he wasn't the perfect citizen he appears to be."
I read this line, "They had shared more than a couple bottles of wine with together over the years" and gave up on it.
You have to bear in mind I'd only read 79 pages and happened upon this lot. Not a chance I was wading through around a further 300 !! Sorry, life's too short.
We had this really odd analogy on only page 2 which left me a bit baffled, "....his heart jackhammering in his chest so hard that he thought it might burst from his ribcage and thrum across the concrete alley like a gnat on a steel drum....." To me that makes no sense at all !! Then another on page 8, "Unlike the sun, some things just weren't worth the effort or frustration !" This line meant nothing to me, either, "....oh, what is ten thousand, Alex"......I think it's maybe an American pop culture reference ? I Googled it but came up with no explanation.
A couple of times, his punctuation was wrong, using commas as opposed to fullstops, converse sneakers needed a capital C, there were apostrophe errors, too, for variation. He randomly capitalised Alligator at one mention then didn't at the next, used discrete and not discreet then case and point instead of case in point (more than once).
There was some very dodgy English as well...."....doesn't seem like they would make a dumb enough to leave their DNA" or "......see what I can find out if he wasn't the perfect citizen he appears to be."
I read this line, "They had shared more than a couple bottles of wine with together over the years" and gave up on it.
You have to bear in mind I'd only read 79 pages and happened upon this lot. Not a chance I was wading through around a further 300 !! Sorry, life's too short.
July 26, 2020
So Damien is one complex character. He is dealing with the loss of things in his life and not in a good way. He needs his job and is good at it but he is also messing up because of his guilt and loss. Now he is being brought into a case that can have dangerous implications for all around him. Damien has so many that want to take him down. His boss especially and at times he adds fuel to that fire. That is what makes him more interesting. He is his own worst enemy.
A killer that is conniving, manipulative and evil. One that is years in the making and you can tell has no remorse over what he is doing. The butterfly touch is very Silence of the Lambs series feeling with that hidden meaning and undertones of the butterfly.
Our detective is like that butterfly-has hidden layers and undertones. He is amazing at getting into a killer’s view but horrible at social niceties. His new partner is not one he expected and one he respects but is pushing away as well. The officers on this case don’t trust him and don’t want to work with him but do know he is who will figure it out. He is a dichotomy. Not sure where he fits in but knows that stopping murders is what he belongs doing.
The story is full of danger, twists and turns and reveals you do not expect. The characters complex and how the author has you learn about them and has them unfold before your eyes is amazing. It is like you are beside them as an observer seeing them become or undo themselves in some cases. The mystery is complex and fascinating. YOu get to see some of the killer’s views without realizing it and that ending was just wow.
A killer that is conniving, manipulative and evil. One that is years in the making and you can tell has no remorse over what he is doing. The butterfly touch is very Silence of the Lambs series feeling with that hidden meaning and undertones of the butterfly.
Our detective is like that butterfly-has hidden layers and undertones. He is amazing at getting into a killer’s view but horrible at social niceties. His new partner is not one he expected and one he respects but is pushing away as well. The officers on this case don’t trust him and don’t want to work with him but do know he is who will figure it out. He is a dichotomy. Not sure where he fits in but knows that stopping murders is what he belongs doing.
The story is full of danger, twists and turns and reveals you do not expect. The characters complex and how the author has you learn about them and has them unfold before your eyes is amazing. It is like you are beside them as an observer seeing them become or undo themselves in some cases. The mystery is complex and fascinating. YOu get to see some of the killer’s views without realizing it and that ending was just wow.
August 22, 2017
His hands are bound behind him, a crude butterfly drawn in blood on his bare back. He isn't the first. When a drug addict finds the body of a man in the basement of an abandoned warehouse in New York City, Detective Damien Drake is called in to lead the murder investigation. The victim was a philanthropist, father, doting husband, and wealthy junior partner in one of the cities most respected law firms. He seemed to have the perfect life. Yet when Damien probes deeper, he realizes that this man isn't the first. His investigation soon connects this murder with another in Montreal, both of which were emblazoned with the same bloody butterfly. What dark secrets is the NYC lawyer hiding? And what is the significance of the butterfly? As Damien inches closer to uncovering the truth, the killer is closing in on him... and those close to him. Damien's last case cost him his partner's life. This case threatens not only his job, but his sanity, as well. And this time, the killer may even be smarter than he is. One thing for certain is that if he doesn't catch the killer soon, more people will die. The only question is, will the next victim be someone close to Detective Damien Drake? Butterfly Kisses is a fast-paced thriller packed with twists and turns in the style of the movie Se7en.
Notes: I actually listened to the audio book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Going to start on the next book with Drake and other characters.
Notes: I actually listened to the audio book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Going to start on the next book with Drake and other characters.
March 2, 2020
The premise is great - a man is found dead with his arms and legs tied behind him. Upon examination a larvae is found in the victim’s mouth. Who is this peculiar killer and why is he killing seemingly unrelated people? Burnt out cop Detective Damian Drake is part of the team looking into this killer. Drake lost his partner during the apprehension of a killer. Drake and most of the NYPD feel that the officer’s death could have been prevented. Drake did kill the person responsible for his partner’s death but nightmares linger. Drake has become an alcoholic drinking on the job. He hopes that the frenzy of a new investigation will stop his drinking and redeem himself.
Drake’s new partner is appointed lead detective on the case. While she is aware of Drake’s drinking and depression, she doesn’t seem to care. She warns him about not messing her career up but fails to really connect with him.
Unfortunately far too much time is spent on Detective Drake’s alcoholism. It should not continue throughout the book as the primary story. He is a broken man and we understand it. If the focus of the story shifted and more emphasis was on the killings, the story would flow. Several of the events seem forced and some of the dialogue unrealistic.
There some excellent ideas and characters in this story but I believe there is a need to stick with the main story and lessen the background information.
Drake’s new partner is appointed lead detective on the case. While she is aware of Drake’s drinking and depression, she doesn’t seem to care. She warns him about not messing her career up but fails to really connect with him.
Unfortunately far too much time is spent on Detective Drake’s alcoholism. It should not continue throughout the book as the primary story. He is a broken man and we understand it. If the focus of the story shifted and more emphasis was on the killings, the story would flow. Several of the events seem forced and some of the dialogue unrealistic.
There some excellent ideas and characters in this story but I believe there is a need to stick with the main story and lessen the background information.
March 27, 2023
The starting point of this story is not very original, there's a corpse with butterfly wings draw with blood on its back and a monarch larvae stuck on his mouth (Silence of the Lambs, hello?). The case goes to detective Damien Drake, one of the best of NYPD, but unfortunately fallen in disgrace and drowned in booze after a massive failure some months ago... nobody in that precinct wants to be his partner so the newcomer Chase Adams from Seattle will have to cope with his unorthodox ways, specially because there's another body, and another... the press is getting insane with this "Butterfly Killer" and somehow they Drake and Chase can become the next target!
Patrick Logan is a very talented writer - I've already read the full Beckett Campbell series a couple years ago (awesome stuff, will re-read it one day!) - his thrillers are very dark with disturbed characters and here and there a splash of twisted humor... I recommend this one and definitely want to read more of this series.
The only thing I didn't enjoy in this book was the constant references to Drake's last case and the traumatic death of his partner by the infamous Skeleton King killer - if this is the #1 of the series, the story should begin with that case or at least the author could give only some hints and release a prequel afterwards... it was really annoying for me and that's why I don't give 5 stars to this great thriller.
Patrick Logan is a very talented writer - I've already read the full Beckett Campbell series a couple years ago (awesome stuff, will re-read it one day!) - his thrillers are very dark with disturbed characters and here and there a splash of twisted humor... I recommend this one and definitely want to read more of this series.
The only thing I didn't enjoy in this book was the constant references to Drake's last case and the traumatic death of his partner by the infamous Skeleton King killer - if this is the #1 of the series, the story should begin with that case or at least the author could give only some hints and release a prequel afterwards... it was really annoying for me and that's why I don't give 5 stars to this great thriller.
February 29, 2020
On the whole, I liked it. I'm reading the next book.
I'm torn between the compelling narrative and annoying structure of this author.
This series starts off with the classic "traumatized, returned-from-a-leave unwelcome detective with an attitude and a drinking problem who walks on thin ice that makes a monster come back by solving a hard meaningful case while swimming through colleagues that hate him with just that one guy that is on his side" which seems to be a go-to theme among sensationalist mystery novels. Editing errors sprinkle the pages here and there (all grammatical and punctuation related in this book thankfully unlike god awful inconsistency mistakes of other editor-less books) and procedures are very loose to say the least, although not 'unresearched' by any means. The plot moves perhaps a bit too quickly, bordering on cursory, for example, how an unpublished article is miraculously retrieved 'by pulling some strings', no how why or who. This is the second novel from this author and now it seems like this style is his trait. In spite of all these, the plot was original and unique and scenes were interesting enough to propel me at full speed to the end. Annoying as the style is, I'm somewhat surprised to find myself wanting another, and another story from this author. I forecast I'll soon have read every single novel by him.
I'm torn between the compelling narrative and annoying structure of this author.
This series starts off with the classic "traumatized, returned-from-a-leave unwelcome detective with an attitude and a drinking problem who walks on thin ice that makes a monster come back by solving a hard meaningful case while swimming through colleagues that hate him with just that one guy that is on his side" which seems to be a go-to theme among sensationalist mystery novels. Editing errors sprinkle the pages here and there (all grammatical and punctuation related in this book thankfully unlike god awful inconsistency mistakes of other editor-less books) and procedures are very loose to say the least, although not 'unresearched' by any means. The plot moves perhaps a bit too quickly, bordering on cursory, for example, how an unpublished article is miraculously retrieved 'by pulling some strings', no how why or who. This is the second novel from this author and now it seems like this style is his trait. In spite of all these, the plot was original and unique and scenes were interesting enough to propel me at full speed to the end. Annoying as the style is, I'm somewhat surprised to find myself wanting another, and another story from this author. I forecast I'll soon have read every single novel by him.
June 15, 2019
Wow! I have found a new love. Patrick Logan used to be a pathologist and it shows in his writing. I love medical mystery novels and this one had just the right amount of both! Imagine being called to a crime scene and finding a victim with a butterfly cut into their backs! And then to later discover it wasn't the victim's blood around the "artwork". So many wonderful characters in this book. An older disillusioned detective who is trying to put the death of his dead partner behind him. And then we meet the coroner who is unique in his own way. The three of them tease us to not only reach the end of the book but also to wonder if they will catch the murderer. Butterflies symbolize a new "awakening" but these victims never awake again. The one star less than perfect is due to the editing mistakes. But as I have learned as a reviewer the printed books are edited more fully but often the ebooks are not. So depending on how bad grammar, spelling, and mistakes bother you perhaps the print copy would suit you better.
February 17, 2023
This book was pretty decent and kept my attention. Although as soon as the murderer was introduced I knew who it was. I have read so many mysteries that this happens frequently. There is a lot of gore which didn’t bother me so much. Some of the story seemed a little bit of a stretch, but not so much that the book wasn’t enjoyable. I liked it a lot better than the first Chase Adams book. Also I can’t remember if there was a disclaimer about “the characters being fictional etc.” but I can say with an amount of educated certainty, that the author has wrote himself into the books. The cool medical examiner with the tattoos and the spiked hair that loves meatball pizza in Montreal? Patrick Logan alias Dr. Beckett Campbell. Tell me I’m wrong, and I won’t believe you sir. I’m glad I have kindle unlimited so I can read the next book. Damian irks me at times, but I’m cheering for him and I want to see what happens in the story.
January 18, 2019
The amount of drinking Detective Drake does on and off the job is excessive makes me wonder how effective he really is. Somehow, he manages to think outside the box and finds clues that others missed. It took him a long time to figure out the identity of the Butterfly Killer and in doing so almost lost another partner. There are many factors at play in this story: grief, power and wealth leading to corruption ... things that cast long shadows over areas that shouldn't have gone dark but did. Detectives Logan and Adams sift through a veritable minefield as they seek answers to their questions that will satisfy the powers-that-be. Certain people don't want these answers exposed and will stop at nothing to keep them from being made known. This is my first time reading something by this author but it won't be my last because I'd like to know what happens to various characters.
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