Quantum Murder

Quantum Cop #2

by Lesley L. Smith

Can Quantum Mechanics kill?
When someone's murdered, seemingly via her discovery, physicist Madison Martin knows it's her responsibility to bring the killer to justice.
Madison resumes her quantum cop role to help the local cops and the F. B. I. investigate everything from quantum panty raids to impossible heists and increasingly bizarre murders. As the q-crimes increase, she worries that reality itself is a goner.
When Madison's nearly obliterated in a quantum duel she realizes she can't handle it by herself. But this leads to another problem: does her overworked task force include the very criminal she's trying to catch? And if so, can she take him down before it's too late?

Genres: Science Fiction

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2017

Reviews

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quantum murder by Lesley l Smith.
Can Quantum Mechanics kill?

When someone's murdered, seemingly via her discovery, physicist Madison Martin knows it's her responsibility to bring the killer to justice.

Madison resumes her quantum cop role to help the local cops and the F. B. I. investigate everything from quantum panty raids to impossible heists and increasingly bizarre murders. As the q-crimes increase, she worries that reality itself is a goner.

When Madison's nearly obliterated in a quantum duel she realizes she can't handle it by herself. But this leads to another problem: does her overworked task force include the very criminal she's trying to catch? And if so, can she take him down before it's too late?

A very interesting read with brilliant characters. I had no idea who it was. I was stumped all the way through. 5*. Netgalley and bookbuzz.net.

[Sweetpea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quantum Murder is Book 2 in the Quantum Cop Series. Before delving into Book 2, I recommend listening to Book 1 first. The concept for the series is both interesting and original - the manipulation of reality through the application of quantum physics. When quantum crimes start up again, it's up to Madison to find the culprit.

Although I really enjoyed Quantum Murder, there were a couple of things that I found irritating. Madison's constant forgetfulness and ditzy behavior belied the fact that she was an intelligent quantum physics professor. Her boyfriend of one year was all lovey dovey one moment and rudely throwing her out of his home the next. The story itself was more complex and imaginative than its predecessor. I thought that it was obvious who the bad guy was - until I discovered that I was wrong! Don't you just love when that happens? The plot twists, combined with the wonderful narration of Meghan Kelly, created a very satisfying listening experience for me. So far, this is a really fun series and I would recommend Quantum Murder.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This review is my honest opinion.

[Linda Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved this book! It's a different and very smart mystery that hooked me from the very first page. I loved the characters - especially Madison and how she approached the various challenges. She's a physics professor that discovered how to q-lapse (a way to shift reality) and thus became the quantum cop, investigating criminals using q-lapsing. I know that's a mouthful, but the author is obviously an expert in physics and created the concept of q-lapsing, based on actual physics.

This is a very intelligent mystery that fans of the genre will love. I particularly appreciated that the heroine is an expert in a male dominated field. While this is part of a series, this is a stand alone novel. I've added the author to my must read authors' list.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

This was a good mystery read.
Unfortunately it was also very confusing.
At least for me, which did spoil it somewhat.

[Rebekaneongirlyahoo.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

The basic plot of this novel was easy to follow and the protagonist, Madison, was likable enough. The science aspect was explained in passing and again in depth at the end of the book, but it still might be hard for some readers to understand. I also thought her boyfriend Andro wasn’t a particularly likable character, even when he wasn’t being impersonated. Her cousin Ryan’s actions in sending his wife and kid away from the line of fire at one point were understandable. But I didn’t like him because he came across as being a coward. He’s a police officer, trained to protect himself and others. Yet he’s afraid to have his supposedly beloved cousin around because some idiot is stalking her? Wow. However, I did get the sense that something fairly traumatic had happened to him in the first book that was never described in detail in the second one so there is that.

Although it’s a sequel, readers could still follow along without having read the first book. But, if you do read these novels out of order, this story gives away who the villain is in the first one. Then the mystery aspect there is lost. I’m also not sure if this tale really qualifies as a “mystery” since the reader isn’t provided with much information on the possible murderer’s identity and, aside from waylaying the department secretary for information, Madison doesn’t really do a whole lot to figure out who the culprit really is. She spends most of the novel making misguided attempts to protect those around her and withholding ultimately irrelevant information from the detectives, which causes them to distrust her. It nonetheless fits the chick lit/mystery lite novel vibe that you get from a lot popular mystery series these days. You know: intrepid girl detective who has two cute guys roaming around the periphery of her life, a dead body shows up, and there’s ultimately a mystery to solve….

Quantum Murder is a light, easy read that I personally enjoyed. But it’s probably not what you’re looking for if you’re seeking something with more depth.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Quantum Murder - The Quantum Cop Book 2
Author: Leslie L Smith
Publisher: Quarky Media
Published: 6-11-2016
Pages: 319
Genre: Science Fiction
Sub-Genre: Fantasy; Action & Adventure; Crime Drama
ISBN: 9780986135040
ASIN: B01GZ8YDPS
Reviewed For NetGalley and Quarky Media
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 stars

Filled with suspense and adventure "Quantum Murder" runs the gauntlet of emotions. From humor to suspenseful terror. You will find yourself glued to the story waiting for the next scene to unfold. I recommend reading book 1, "Quantum Cop" to better understand the mechanics of traveling through time and the dangers involved.

Madison Martin finds out a there those who are using her discovery to commit crimes, from panty raids to murder. Now she and her team must find and stop them before the past is in total chaos and beyond repair. Then she wonders if the killer might be a member of her own team. Danger comes closer and Madison is worried that her life may be forfeited. With no one to trust can she stop a killer and repair time?

Soon you will believe you just might be able to Quantum Travel and wonder where you would go; what you might risk everyone and everything to change a moment in time.

Fast moving with heart stopping action, Quantum Murder is an on the edge of your seat story that keeps your attention fixed on the characters and the events as they evolve. My rating is 4.75 out of 5 stars. I hope you will enjoy the story as much as I did.

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GZ8YDPS/...

Barnes and Noble Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/quan...

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

The Reading Room: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...

[Anita Lock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing from The Quantum Cop, Professor Madison Martin (aka the Quantum Cop) has discovered q-lapsing, the term she coined to explain how quantum mechanics is used to shape reality. Unfortunately, any attempts to convince the scientific community about her findings garner very little support. To add injury to insult, Madison is under investigation for the horrifically bizarre murder of an unfamiliar physics professor. She later learns that the Boulder PD wants to take the case, which her cop cousin, Ryan is not too happy about since his Chief-of-University-Police position would be on the line if he didn’t solve the case. Ryan asks Madison for her help in finding the real killer. But gathering clues get really muddled, especially when someone impersonating her boyfriend, Andro, attacks her.

Smith’s sequel has plenty of twists and turns to keep her fans spellbound from beginning to end. As with The Quantum Cop, this complementary novel is liberally sprinkled with physics lingo (including hilarious puns) amid a flurry of situations involving Madison, her principal character. Of course, there is more going on in Madison’s frenzied life than work and this mysterious murder case. While tension brews between her and Andro, Ben—the police officer from the first book—takes a liking to Madison. Punctuated with Madison’s quirkiness and snarky remarks, The Quantum Murder closes with enough of a cliffhanger to indicate that more sequels may arise in the near future.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not kindle unlimited, actually got this one free through a book review place, buzz or some sort of name; don't tend to remember because doesn't matter to me if a book place or freebie day or even writer gives me a book, because review everything I read and don't get any other compensation for doing it, just the satisfaction {or regret in a few cases lol} of having read the book, so own free will and all that.

Evidently this one is #2 of 2 so far, bit of a bummer, wouldn't mind reading #1, as huge Dr Who, time travel, etcetera fan. The good part for me is that below the 2 is 2 others which have as well by the same writer, one of which already read and one coming after this one. In this one, the physicist has discovered q-lapsing {shifting reality}, and sleuthing skills, and a murder that has brought her to the FBI's attention, possibly as someone who could help them with the case and partly because she just might be a suspect. As usual it's always someone you don't suspect; or is it?

The Quantum Cop
Quantum Murder (The Quantum Cop Book 2)

Temporal Dreams
A Jack By Any Other Name (The Space Operetta Series)

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quantum Murder is an incredible improvement on the first book of the series. I started reading this with relatively low expectations, and I was blown away by the change.

Where I may have described the writing of Quantum Cop as relatively difficult to get into, this novel is transformed - the writing style is almost flawless throughout, constantly engaging and encouraging the reader.

What's more, the mystery element of the novel is brilliantly done - Smith has taken a great concept (the scientific basis of this series) and managed to draw out a genuinely intriguing storyline that surpasses the premise. Far from predictable, this book had me curious and wanting more until the very last page. I would highly recommend it - it even makes me glad to have read the previous book, so it's well worth persevering with the series!

[Christine Liwag Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Quantum Murder” is the second installment in "The Quantum Cop” series. Physics professor Madison Martin once again finds herself involved in a “q-lapse” crime spree — one in which she is the prime suspect. Madison’s character can be a big flighty; at times, she sounds more like a hormonal teenager than a respected physicist who is facing the possibility of prison. Despite the gravity of her situation, Madison’s thoughts are often distracted by attractive men. A burgeoning love triangle and relationship problems sometimes make “Quantum Murder” read less like a science fiction novel and more like a romance, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The balance between the two is well-struck. Overall, “Quantum Murder” is a lighthearted read and a solid continuation of the story begun in “The Quantum Cop.”

[Lynn Zagrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this audiobook free for an honest review. I really enjoyed this second book as well as the first. The concept is very interesting. Whether the information provided is actually physics, I have no idea. Not a science person. However, the story line was great. Trying to guess who the bad guys were was difficult. Figuring out what Madison was going to do next was difficult, which made this a great book. Although Meghan Kelly is not my favorite narrator, she did a good job with this book. Maybe it was the story that really interested me and not the delivery. Lesley L. Smith creates a great story that keeps your attention from beginning to the end.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing is clear in Lesley Smith’s writing: she has a love for Quantum Physics and the Rocky Mountains. She also has the ability to spin a good yarn, and Quantum Murder is just that. The sequel to Quantum Cop, Quantum Murder is just as entertaining and as exciting as the first book. The book moves quickly with the opening chapter introducing the possibility that the main character, Madison Mason, could be a murderer. Of course, she isn’t, but her relationship with her boyfriend, Andro, is also put to the test as Madison reprises her role as the Quantum Cop to help the police and FBI solve a new case. A nice read that is well-paced and perfect for a young-adult.

[Ditrie Bowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thrilling and imaginative read. Professor Madison Martin has a knack for getting into trouble, partly because she discovered how to manipulate reality via quantum mechanics. When someone frames her for murder, Professor Martin isn't sure who she can trust. I love a good whodunit mystery, and this book serves up plot twists I never saw coming. And wrapped up in all of that is a will-they/won't-they love triangle.

The writing is clean, the pacing is perfect, and the characters are vibrant and realistic. I definitely recommend this.

[Candi Cooper-Towler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun exciting read.
In this second book of the series, Dr. Madison is accused of murder, and has to choose between her increasingly suspicious-looking professor boyfriend and a new arrival on the scene who just happens to be a cop working the murder investigation.

[Viga Boland · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a way to discover the thinking behind, and the possibilities of quantum physics! The last thing I expected was to find myself thoroughly enjoying Quantum Murder, but the murder/mystery fan in me decided to give it a chance. So glad I did.

The story opens with Madison Martin, a quantum physics expert, being arrested for a murder she didn't commit. But without enough evidence to hold her, in a frantic rush to exonerate herself and find the true killer, Madison assists police and the FBI in their investigation. What follows is a surprisingly delightful romp in and out of the concrete reality of the world we all know.

Quantum Murder is a combination of science fiction, mystery, suspense, romance and humour. And it's the humour that kept this otherwise non science-fiction fan turning the pages, laughing at Madison's chaotic analytical thinking interrupted by her attractions to, and confusion about the men in her life.

By the time Madison and readers finally discover the identity of the killer...and the author makes sure she keeps us turning those pages till we do...you can't help but wonder what it would be like to be able to "q-lapse" ie. to suddenly dissolve, as it were, out of our offices and a few seconds later find ourselves diving into a warm pool on a magnificent, secluded estate. That's the ability Madison and a handful of the characters in Quantum Murder have. And it's that ability that makes it darn hard to locate and incarcerate murderers and thieves. As nice as that possibility sounds, perhaps the world would be better off if we never become capable of telling ourselves "Beam me up, Scotty!"

Reviewed by Viga Boland, author and book reviewer
No Tears for My Father: A true story of incest
Don't Write Your MEmoir without ME!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A great addition to a series. This book was just as enjoyable as the first book in the series. It's a interesting, creative, humorous, fun and very entertaining story with a little mystery, intrigue and murder.

You really need to listen to the series in order to understand everything. It's worth it though. Even though there is a scientific explanation given for the "ability" it didn't matter to me, once again I just let go of all reality, sat back and enjoyed the story.

Since the discovery of Q-lapsing Madison's whole life has been turned upside down. Now she's being framed/accused of murder. She's the logical suspect. Once again to save her own skin it's going to take all her detective skills and a little help from her friends and colleagues to clear her name.

Great cast of characters. Both likable and unlikable. Madison is of coarse a great character. For someone brilliant she is a scatter brain and has no common sense at times. She's a little ADHD. That actually makes her more relatable and likable. Although this time around she seemed more scatter brain and it almost got to the point of being ridiculous. Andro is also a great character.

Meghan Kelly once again does a really good job with the narration. She has a very distinct voice that is easily recognizable. Pleasant voice that is easy to listen to for long periods of time. It's also one that people either really enjoy or completely dislike. I fall in the former category. I enjoy her narration. Clearly spoken with a nice even pace. Good character voices. Both male and female. Her voice fits the lead character Madison perfectly. She brought the story and characters to life. Very enjoyable.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily provided this review.

[Janet S]

Anybody who thinks reading about science is just dry facts and dull formulae hasn’t met Lesley J. Smith. Her “Quantum Cop” Madison Martin may be late, messy, broke, disorganized, socially inept and sometimes way too impulsive, but this Boulder CO physics professor isn’t boring! Readers may sometimes wish she’d slow down, neaten up and explain what she’s doing a little more clearly, but clearly so do the other characters inhabiting QUANTUM MURDER. Madison’s admitted “super-skill” is something she calls “q-lapsing,” which involves using theoretical quantum mechanics to defy the limits of space and time, moving from place to place just by thinking about it. The villains she chases know how to do it, and she teaches it to friends and colleagues ranging from students to F.B.I. officers. A barista’s dream, she relies on huge quantities of coffee to keep her skills sharp. Madison leaves a lively trail of coffee-cups, violence and romantic chaos in her wake. You may not learn a lot about physics but it’s a fun idea.

[Amanda Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Physics professor Madison Martin is back in this second installment of the Quantum Cop series, and she's even more loveable, intelligent, scatterbrained, and snarky. Murder, bank robberies, a prison break, and possible impersonation draw Madison back into an investigation with twists, turns, and high stakes. The romantic elements in the story are still the least believable , maybe because Andro just falls flat for me. That minor criticism aside, it was a great fast, fun read. I'd hand this book off to fans of Janet Evanovich, or anyone who enjoys a good fast-paced mystery with plenty of sarcastic humor.

[Veronica Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quantum Murder is a great sequel to the Quantum Cop books. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who the killers were and how they were doing what they were doing. Even the Quantum Cop herself, Madison Martin, couldn't figure it out. There were ups and downs and twists and turns that kept me guessing and wanting more.
Lesley Smith has a way with words that actually get you interested in physics, if you weren't already. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.

[Ron Capshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Smith does breathe new life into the "reality control" genre by pitting a scientist altering reality to save her life against a frat boy rewriting history for hedonistic purposes, the net effect is sometimes redundant. It is clear that the author knows her physics and how to write well, but her theme of evil unleashed by humans playing at being God will leave readers with the feeling that this theme has been done to death.
Nevertheless Smith does have a gift for generating suspense.

[Marcela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this audiobook at my request and voluntarily reviewed.

The narrator was very good.

I loved this book. I highly recommend it.