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Greene and Kennicott #5
Heart of the City
In the latest thrilling crime novel from bestselling author Robert Rotenberg, Homicide Detective Ari Greene discovers the bludgeoned body of Toronto’s most reviled developer behind his controversial new construction site.
When Detective Ari Greene was charged with the murder of the woman he loved, he stopped at nothing to clear his name and uncover the real killer. After his acquittal, Greene fled to London to get away from it all, but now he’s back. And he’s not alone—with Greene is his twenty-year-old daughter, Alison. The child he never knew he had.
Determined to leave his life as a cop behind him, Greene gets a job on a construction site for one of Toronto’s many new condos. It seems he has finally found peace as he settles into a new career and new role as a father, helping Alison adjust to life in Canada.
But when Greene stumbles upon the corpse of hated developer Livingston Fox, he is plunged back into the life he tried so hard to leave behind. As the body count rises, Greene is forced into a reluctant reconciliation with his former protégé, Daniel Kennicott. The pair must delve into the tight-knit world of downtown development, navigating tangled loyalties, unexpected corruption, and family secrets, some of which are closer to home than Greene could have ever imagined.
In a world where the stakes are high and the profits are even higher, Greene and Kennicott race against the clock as they follow the trail of blood and money to its shocking end.
When Detective Ari Greene was charged with the murder of the woman he loved, he stopped at nothing to clear his name and uncover the real killer. After his acquittal, Greene fled to London to get away from it all, but now he’s back. And he’s not alone—with Greene is his twenty-year-old daughter, Alison. The child he never knew he had.
Determined to leave his life as a cop behind him, Greene gets a job on a construction site for one of Toronto’s many new condos. It seems he has finally found peace as he settles into a new career and new role as a father, helping Alison adjust to life in Canada.
But when Greene stumbles upon the corpse of hated developer Livingston Fox, he is plunged back into the life he tried so hard to leave behind. As the body count rises, Greene is forced into a reluctant reconciliation with his former protégé, Daniel Kennicott. The pair must delve into the tight-knit world of downtown development, navigating tangled loyalties, unexpected corruption, and family secrets, some of which are closer to home than Greene could have ever imagined.
In a world where the stakes are high and the profits are even higher, Greene and Kennicott race against the clock as they follow the trail of blood and money to its shocking end.
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2017
27 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Robert Rotenberg
23 books206 followersAfter graduating from law school in Toronto, Robert Rotenberg became the managing editor of Passion, the English-speaking magazine of Paris. He then returned to Canada to publish and edit his own magazine, T.O. The Magazine of Toronto. In 1991, he opened his own law practice and is today one of Toronto’s top criminal lawyers, defending, as he likes to say “everything from murder to shoplifting.” Rotenberg lives in Toronto and has three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
August 13, 2017
This book is number 5 in an established series featuring Ari Greene, once a detective with the Toronto Police, he was accused of murder and on the heels of his acquittal relocated to London, England. Now he is back in Toronto with his newly found 20 year old daughter in tow.
Determined to leave his days with the police force behind Ari has taken a job with a construction firm developing high end condo’s in Kensington Market. And it is here on the job site that Ari discovers the murdered corpse of the condo developer Livingston Fox.
Once again Ari’s investigative instincts kick in and he finds himself mired in the middle of a homicide investigation, being led by his one time former partner.
Even though this is book number 5 in the series I had no difficulty identifying with the principal characters, especially Ari, or understanding enough of their background and history to appreciate their inner turmoil's and subsequent perspectives.
I love that the backdrop of this story is Toronto, a city rich in cultural diversity and historic neighbourhoods. A city with which I am wonderfully familiar. Heart of the City is a mystery , set in the real life, high stakes game of real estate development in the heart of a vibrant, beautiful city and even though I would not describe it as thrilling per se, it is compelling and addictive. It was fun watching the investigation unfold, seeing things from a number of perspectives. I was right there to the final word. Most enjoyable.
My thanks to Simon & Schuster, Robert Rotenberg and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
3.5 stars.
Determined to leave his days with the police force behind Ari has taken a job with a construction firm developing high end condo’s in Kensington Market. And it is here on the job site that Ari discovers the murdered corpse of the condo developer Livingston Fox.
Once again Ari’s investigative instincts kick in and he finds himself mired in the middle of a homicide investigation, being led by his one time former partner.
Even though this is book number 5 in the series I had no difficulty identifying with the principal characters, especially Ari, or understanding enough of their background and history to appreciate their inner turmoil's and subsequent perspectives.
I love that the backdrop of this story is Toronto, a city rich in cultural diversity and historic neighbourhoods. A city with which I am wonderfully familiar. Heart of the City is a mystery , set in the real life, high stakes game of real estate development in the heart of a vibrant, beautiful city and even though I would not describe it as thrilling per se, it is compelling and addictive. It was fun watching the investigation unfold, seeing things from a number of perspectives. I was right there to the final word. Most enjoyable.
My thanks to Simon & Schuster, Robert Rotenberg and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
3.5 stars.
July 8, 2017
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Rotenberg, and Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
After much anticipation, Robert Rotenberg is back with his fifth novel in the Ari Greene series. Jam-packed with action, this crime thriller will have the reader flying through the pages with ease as the search for another killer commences. Forced to reinvent himself, Ari Greene is back in Toronto and working on a construction site. When he discovers the body of real estate magnate, Livingston Fox, Greene’s former detective senses kick into high gear. Detective Daniel Kennicott now heads up the Homicide team investigating the case and is the first to acknowledge that his former mentor seems unable to shake the skill of discovering dead bodies. As Kennicott begins his investigation, it becomes apparent that Fox was anything but much-loved in the community. Numerous people had motives to see him taken out, including a community activist who had butted heads with the man over many of his recent projects. Lurking behind the scenes is Alison Gilroy, a anonymous blogger and British transplant who is the child that Green never knew he had until his recent trip across the Pond. Alison’s work and sleuthing has put her in a precarious position, one that she is even hiding from her father. While Kennicott peels back the onion to discover the contrasting life Fox had in comparison to the rest of his family, the detective discovers that there might have been a secret in the works for an upcoming low-income housing complex. Could Fox have been turning over a new leaf in order to give back? Might Alison know more than she is telling everyone? Will Ari Greene be able to shed the past skirmishes he had with Kennicott and the Homicide Division too bring a killer to justice? All is revealed in this stunning piece that Rotenberg crafts with precision. Perfect for those who love a good Canadian crime drama set in the heart of the country’s largest metropolis.
I have long been a fan of Rotenberg and his work, so it pained me to wait so long between novels. However, the wait was worth it, as I found myself fully committed to the book and all the developments found therein. Rotenberg was faced with some significant decisions after Ari Greene was railroaded in the last novel. Having him return with Alison allowed for significant character growth, as well as tapping into that strong parent-child bond that is sure to develop. This offshoot, as well as Greene’s new post-Homicide life, fuel the narrative throughout and allow Daniel Kennicott to assume a more independent role, where he can lead the case in his own direction. The supporting cast of characters also present strong avenues to propel the narrative in numerous directions and are varied enough to keep the story interesting. The murder plot itself is intriguing, presenting the contrast between lucrative real estate deals and the needed housing complexes that the ‘common person’ can afford. Rotenberg’s development of this premise keeps the reader hooked and forging ahead in a story that offers little time for rest. Short chapters help to keep the pace alongside a wonderfully crafted Canadian feel to the narrative, while not getting too emotional or syrupy. Rotenberg is a master at his craft and while I understand he is otherwise employed during the day, I can only hope he has more story ideas that he can quickly get to paper for his adoring fans.
Kudos, Mr. Rotenberg for another wonderful piece. I have been keeping an eye out for your work and praying that you’ll show that Canada has a place in the crime thriller genre. You have outdone yourself here!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After much anticipation, Robert Rotenberg is back with his fifth novel in the Ari Greene series. Jam-packed with action, this crime thriller will have the reader flying through the pages with ease as the search for another killer commences. Forced to reinvent himself, Ari Greene is back in Toronto and working on a construction site. When he discovers the body of real estate magnate, Livingston Fox, Greene’s former detective senses kick into high gear. Detective Daniel Kennicott now heads up the Homicide team investigating the case and is the first to acknowledge that his former mentor seems unable to shake the skill of discovering dead bodies. As Kennicott begins his investigation, it becomes apparent that Fox was anything but much-loved in the community. Numerous people had motives to see him taken out, including a community activist who had butted heads with the man over many of his recent projects. Lurking behind the scenes is Alison Gilroy, a anonymous blogger and British transplant who is the child that Green never knew he had until his recent trip across the Pond. Alison’s work and sleuthing has put her in a precarious position, one that she is even hiding from her father. While Kennicott peels back the onion to discover the contrasting life Fox had in comparison to the rest of his family, the detective discovers that there might have been a secret in the works for an upcoming low-income housing complex. Could Fox have been turning over a new leaf in order to give back? Might Alison know more than she is telling everyone? Will Ari Greene be able to shed the past skirmishes he had with Kennicott and the Homicide Division too bring a killer to justice? All is revealed in this stunning piece that Rotenberg crafts with precision. Perfect for those who love a good Canadian crime drama set in the heart of the country’s largest metropolis.
I have long been a fan of Rotenberg and his work, so it pained me to wait so long between novels. However, the wait was worth it, as I found myself fully committed to the book and all the developments found therein. Rotenberg was faced with some significant decisions after Ari Greene was railroaded in the last novel. Having him return with Alison allowed for significant character growth, as well as tapping into that strong parent-child bond that is sure to develop. This offshoot, as well as Greene’s new post-Homicide life, fuel the narrative throughout and allow Daniel Kennicott to assume a more independent role, where he can lead the case in his own direction. The supporting cast of characters also present strong avenues to propel the narrative in numerous directions and are varied enough to keep the story interesting. The murder plot itself is intriguing, presenting the contrast between lucrative real estate deals and the needed housing complexes that the ‘common person’ can afford. Rotenberg’s development of this premise keeps the reader hooked and forging ahead in a story that offers little time for rest. Short chapters help to keep the pace alongside a wonderfully crafted Canadian feel to the narrative, while not getting too emotional or syrupy. Rotenberg is a master at his craft and while I understand he is otherwise employed during the day, I can only hope he has more story ideas that he can quickly get to paper for his adoring fans.
Kudos, Mr. Rotenberg for another wonderful piece. I have been keeping an eye out for your work and praying that you’ll show that Canada has a place in the crime thriller genre. You have outdone yourself here!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
July 24, 2017
An enthusiastic high 4 stars! I love this series. I don't know if Rotenberg has developed much of an audience outside of Canada, or even outside of Toronto, but he certainly deserves it. Like Rotenberg's previous mysteries, Heart of the City is set in Toronto's downtown core. Through the story, Rotenberg takes on one of Toronto's ongoing urban issues -- the impact of expanding real estate development on the urban core and access to low cost housing. While I love this series because it takes on familiar issues and takes place right in my stomping grounds, I especially like it because Rotenberg has created smart complex characters and great plots. The lead investigator is Ari Green, who is currently on the outs with the Toronto police department and has recently discovered a 20 year old daughter. He is doing construction work on a worksite in Kensington market, when the developer of the project is found dead. Green finds a way to become involved in the investigation even though he's not working as a detective. In the tradition of Bosch, Green is far from perfect but he has a strong moral compass and uncanny instincts. This wasn't my favourite in the series -- the last one was -- but it was close. I'm not sure the end quite worked for me, but I loved everything leading up to the end. I hope Rotenberg doesn't take as long to write his next book. As you can tell, I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes character and plot driven mysteries, even if you have no connection to Toronto. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
August 3, 2017
3.5 Heart of the City is the fifth entry in Robert Rotenberg's Homicide Detective Ari Greene series.
Greene is no longer a detective, having left the force after the events of the last book. Personally, he's learning how to be a father to Alison, the daughter he never knew he had. Professionally he's taken a job as a construction worker. But death still seems to find Greene. Controversial developer Livingstone Fox is found dead on his much contested latest project. And it just happens to be the site Ari is working on - and he finds the body. Old instincts die hard and Greene finds himself drawn into the case - just not as a Homicide Detective this time. And what he doesn't yet know is that his personal life is going to play a big part in this case.
I've always enjoyed Ari Greene as a lead character. He's smart, intuitive, dogged - and human. He makes mistakes, but it only has made him more realistic. His personal storyline is just as engaging as the main plots. I've always enjoyed his father's scenes. I imagine that Alison will be found in future books, but I'm still not sure how I feel about her. We'll see how she develops from here. Greens' former protege Daniel Kennicott has moved up in the department with Greene's leaving. This makes for a very different dynamic this time 'round. I am torn on Kennicott - I'm not as firmly in his camp - he makes quicker decisions and acts too rashly at times. But, on the other hand, this works well for plotting.
Rotenberg has taken inspiration for this latest novel from current news. The development in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) is seemingly never ending and always controversial. Fox's developments are pretty much the truth. What I do like - and without revealing anything pertinent - is the proposed alteration to that growth.
I just love the Canadian setting - the descriptions of streets, stores and neighbourhoods that I recognize and have visited. It really brings the novel to life. Rotenberg himself is a criminal lawyer in Toronto and has based his series in the same city.
As for the whodunit, there are many available suspects and Rotenberg keeps us guessing until the end. I'm not sure I completely bought the final resolution (the killer's motivation was a bit of a stretch for me) but I really enjoyed the journey there. I'll be looking for the next entry in this series.
Greene is no longer a detective, having left the force after the events of the last book. Personally, he's learning how to be a father to Alison, the daughter he never knew he had. Professionally he's taken a job as a construction worker. But death still seems to find Greene. Controversial developer Livingstone Fox is found dead on his much contested latest project. And it just happens to be the site Ari is working on - and he finds the body. Old instincts die hard and Greene finds himself drawn into the case - just not as a Homicide Detective this time. And what he doesn't yet know is that his personal life is going to play a big part in this case.
I've always enjoyed Ari Greene as a lead character. He's smart, intuitive, dogged - and human. He makes mistakes, but it only has made him more realistic. His personal storyline is just as engaging as the main plots. I've always enjoyed his father's scenes. I imagine that Alison will be found in future books, but I'm still not sure how I feel about her. We'll see how she develops from here. Greens' former protege Daniel Kennicott has moved up in the department with Greene's leaving. This makes for a very different dynamic this time 'round. I am torn on Kennicott - I'm not as firmly in his camp - he makes quicker decisions and acts too rashly at times. But, on the other hand, this works well for plotting.
Rotenberg has taken inspiration for this latest novel from current news. The development in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) is seemingly never ending and always controversial. Fox's developments are pretty much the truth. What I do like - and without revealing anything pertinent - is the proposed alteration to that growth.
I just love the Canadian setting - the descriptions of streets, stores and neighbourhoods that I recognize and have visited. It really brings the novel to life. Rotenberg himself is a criminal lawyer in Toronto and has based his series in the same city.
As for the whodunit, there are many available suspects and Rotenberg keeps us guessing until the end. I'm not sure I completely bought the final resolution (the killer's motivation was a bit of a stretch for me) but I really enjoyed the journey there. I'll be looking for the next entry in this series.
July 20, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Touchstone for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
This is my fifth Robert Rotenberg book and they just keep getting better all the time. Since he writes about Toronto, and I am a Torontonian, I find it comforting to read about the places where I actually "walk" and his truly "Canadian Speak" voice.
Ari Greene is back after an extended visit to England and he has brought back a surprise. He is finished with the police detective business and has a job on a construction site. But that seems about to change when he discovers the body of the project owner who has been murdered on the job site.
It looks like Ari is back on the job and I suspect that he will be partnering with Kennicott again. Now I am looking forward to the next in the series and I am still hoping that the killer of Kennicott's brother will be discovered, or at least we get some information on the killer's identity.
A great read and Mr. Rotenberg has become my favourite crime author.
This is my fifth Robert Rotenberg book and they just keep getting better all the time. Since he writes about Toronto, and I am a Torontonian, I find it comforting to read about the places where I actually "walk" and his truly "Canadian Speak" voice.
Ari Greene is back after an extended visit to England and he has brought back a surprise. He is finished with the police detective business and has a job on a construction site. But that seems about to change when he discovers the body of the project owner who has been murdered on the job site.
It looks like Ari is back on the job and I suspect that he will be partnering with Kennicott again. Now I am looking forward to the next in the series and I am still hoping that the killer of Kennicott's brother will be discovered, or at least we get some information on the killer's identity.
A great read and Mr. Rotenberg has become my favourite crime author.
June 30, 2017
Another enjoyable mystery by Toronto's own Robert Rotenberg.
August 14, 2017
Another great book by Robert Rotenberg. I read the acknowledgements and understand that there are lots more books to come. The new dynamic of Greene/Kennicott was good but I hope that Ari Greene returns to the police department and some great who dunnits will follow.
August 16, 2017
Love this series written by Rotenberg I'm a mystery fan and love that this series in set in Toronto. Loved the mention of Parry Sound - was born here ! Was glad that Ari was back after a year away and love the added element of his daughter. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 9, 2017
First off, thanks to no one but myself for getting this book to me. That's right, I buy all my own books.
That being said, this book was only worth the purchase (as in bought to be kept in my personal library) as it is part of an ongoing series. By itself, the story is a pretty basic mystery. No great clues spread throughout, and no great reveals. The characters are, again, pretty basic.
Taking the book as part of the whole series... wtf? We left Ari Greene at the end of Stranglehold (the preceding book) having been exonerated of the murder of his lover. This one? Hey, Ari's back, but with a grown daughter he never knew he had!!! Hey, Ari won't go back to being a homicide detective, but still takes part in solving the mystery!!! His involvement and the murder, and that of his daughter, could have been that of almost any other character. I find myself neither liking Ari any more, nor any less to be fair. His daughter? Meh. Nothing special there either.
And missing is the LEGAL story footwork that seems to be the forte of Mr. Rotenberg. Given that two of the five blurbs on the back of the jacket reference this, I find odd and disappointing that he has opted not to include it in this story...
I read in the Acknowledgments section that Mr. Rotenberg has told his publisher that he is committed to 20 books in this series. I waited three years for this one to come out. I won't be anticipating the next book, but will probably pick it up to see if the author can redeem this series and his main character.
Don't be fooled by the jacket blurb. Mr. Rotenberg is not "Canada's John Grisham", but he is a readable author. This is the weakest book in the series, but it is still a quick read, suited for the beach or dock where no emotional investment or high expectations are required...
That being said, this book was only worth the purchase (as in bought to be kept in my personal library) as it is part of an ongoing series. By itself, the story is a pretty basic mystery. No great clues spread throughout, and no great reveals. The characters are, again, pretty basic.
Taking the book as part of the whole series... wtf? We left Ari Greene at the end of Stranglehold (the preceding book) having been exonerated of the murder of his lover. This one? Hey, Ari's back, but with a grown daughter he never knew he had!!! Hey, Ari won't go back to being a homicide detective, but still takes part in solving the mystery!!! His involvement and the murder, and that of his daughter, could have been that of almost any other character. I find myself neither liking Ari any more, nor any less to be fair. His daughter? Meh. Nothing special there either.
And missing is the LEGAL story footwork that seems to be the forte of Mr. Rotenberg. Given that two of the five blurbs on the back of the jacket reference this, I find odd and disappointing that he has opted not to include it in this story...
I read in the Acknowledgments section that Mr. Rotenberg has told his publisher that he is committed to 20 books in this series. I waited three years for this one to come out. I won't be anticipating the next book, but will probably pick it up to see if the author can redeem this series and his main character.
Don't be fooled by the jacket blurb. Mr. Rotenberg is not "Canada's John Grisham", but he is a readable author. This is the weakest book in the series, but it is still a quick read, suited for the beach or dock where no emotional investment or high expectations are required...
February 9, 2017
Good mystery - looking forward to reading others in the series.
October 29, 2017
this last book was very anticipated and was very disappointing to me. From the beginning I recalled Stanislavsky's words for bad acting: I don't believe... \liked 4 previous books though.
July 13, 2017
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
3.5* rounded down. I read the first three instalments of this series a while ago (although I have only vague memories of them), but have not read the fourth book, where Detective Ari Greene is apparently accused but then absolved of murdering his married lover. This is referenced a lot and has led to him quitting the police. Nevertheless, he gets very involved when he discovers the body of a prominent Toronto developer on a construction site.
There were lots of things to like about this story; it was a quick read with vivid characters and the plot moved quickly. There was a nice array of potential suspects with plausible motives, who were gradually eliminated from suspicion.
However, I was thrown off by the opening scene, which failed to convince me - maybe the author has knowledge I lack of immigration procedures, but the balance of power in that exchange seemed wrong. Then there was Ari's involvement with the defence of the prime suspect, despite the fact that he was a witness in the case and also failing to stop himself investigating as if he were still on the police force. Conflict of interest alarms were going off in my head and again, maybe this was all acceptable legally, but it made me mistrust Ari. Allison was a character I could have done without; she was also drawn in a slightly morally ambiguous way and I think we were supposed to feel sympathy for her, but I couldn't really get on board with her blogging ambitions.
Finally there was the ending, with the perpetrator descending into madness before our very eyes. I struggled with the motivation of the murderer and "madness" didn't wholly convince me. I think I'd borrow this one from the library, but not buy it myself.
3.5* rounded down. I read the first three instalments of this series a while ago (although I have only vague memories of them), but have not read the fourth book, where Detective Ari Greene is apparently accused but then absolved of murdering his married lover. This is referenced a lot and has led to him quitting the police. Nevertheless, he gets very involved when he discovers the body of a prominent Toronto developer on a construction site.
There were lots of things to like about this story; it was a quick read with vivid characters and the plot moved quickly. There was a nice array of potential suspects with plausible motives, who were gradually eliminated from suspicion.
However, I was thrown off by the opening scene, which failed to convince me - maybe the author has knowledge I lack of immigration procedures, but the balance of power in that exchange seemed wrong. Then there was Ari's involvement with the defence of the prime suspect, despite the fact that he was a witness in the case and also failing to stop himself investigating as if he were still on the police force. Conflict of interest alarms were going off in my head and again, maybe this was all acceptable legally, but it made me mistrust Ari. Allison was a character I could have done without; she was also drawn in a slightly morally ambiguous way and I think we were supposed to feel sympathy for her, but I couldn't really get on board with her blogging ambitions.
Finally there was the ending, with the perpetrator descending into madness before our very eyes. I struggled with the motivation of the murderer and "madness" didn't wholly convince me. I think I'd borrow this one from the library, but not buy it myself.
August 3, 2017
I absolutely love this mystery series. I was introduced to them a few years ago, and I quickly read them all because I was fascinated with how Canadian centered they were. Not only did we get to see how Canadian homicide detectives handled cases, we also got a healthy dose of courtroom drama centered around the Canadian legal system. The author, Robert Rotenberg, is a criminal lawyer based in Toronto, so I assume that he knows of what he speaks.
I liked this story, but not as much as previous novels. I just didn’t think the plot was as strong, and a lot of my favourite characters weren’t present in this novel. The new character introduced, Ari’s daughter, Alison, was a good character, but I didn’t see the point of introducing a random daughter into his life. It just seemed so out of the blue and highly…unnecessary? Daniel Kennicott was also not as interesting to read about this time around.
The mystery was really well done, and once again, I had no idea who the murderer was until the very end. It was a satisfying plot and a meaty mystery, but it felt a little rushed at times and there were a lot of threads that were left open. I assume they will be further fleshed out in future novels, but it was a little dissatisfying at the end of this book. There were also no courtroom scenes, which are my favourite scenes in the book.
Of course, I will continue to follow this series until the very end, but I hope the next book has the same magic the first four books in the series had.
I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This has affected my review in no way.
I liked this story, but not as much as previous novels. I just didn’t think the plot was as strong, and a lot of my favourite characters weren’t present in this novel. The new character introduced, Ari’s daughter, Alison, was a good character, but I didn’t see the point of introducing a random daughter into his life. It just seemed so out of the blue and highly…unnecessary? Daniel Kennicott was also not as interesting to read about this time around.
The mystery was really well done, and once again, I had no idea who the murderer was until the very end. It was a satisfying plot and a meaty mystery, but it felt a little rushed at times and there were a lot of threads that were left open. I assume they will be further fleshed out in future novels, but it was a little dissatisfying at the end of this book. There were also no courtroom scenes, which are my favourite scenes in the book.
Of course, I will continue to follow this series until the very end, but I hope the next book has the same magic the first four books in the series had.
I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This has affected my review in no way.
August 23, 2017
Another terrific installment in this series!
August 8, 2017
Former Homicide Detetctive Ari Greene has returned from an extended visit to the UK, bringing with him a very unexpected surprise… the daughter he never knew he had. Instead of returning to Homicide, Ari is working in the construction field. Desirous of nothing more than to make a life that is both comfortable and happy for his daughter, Ari has gone to work for an old high school friend on a downtown development site. It is a day like any other day, until he discovers the body of the site’s developer, the man the city loves to hate, Livingston Fox. Then things start to get a little crazy.
The last time Ari had found a body, he had fled the scene and was subsequently arrested for the murder. He had cleared his name and found the real killer, then left for England. This time Ari was going to make certain there was no such mistake. Unfortunately the discovery will force him right back into a life he wanted to leave far behind, as well as a reconciliation with Daniel Kennicott, his former partner and protégé.
The world of downtown development is far more corrupt than Ari would have thought. It is a world of high stakes and huge gambles, but the pay off can be immense. The web of corruption is utterly amazing to the uninitiated, leaving Ari and Kennicott to battle the deceptive double-dealing industry powers. Fox was reviled by almost everyone in the industry, and there are even shadows of intrigue and mystery surrounding his family. The list of suspects is certainly not difficult to put together.
The plot writhes about like a living thing, taking unexpected turn after unexpected turn. Shadows and secrets abound, both expected and not. While ‘Heart of the City’ isn't what I'd call a heart stopping race for the finish, it is a solid read that must be seen through once it has begun.
Glimpses of Toronto are fruitful throughout the novel, adding a depth of wonderful realism to a fictional work. Rotenberg is one of Toronto’s top criminal lawyers, and while his experience gives him the fodder for some excellent stories, his talent allows him to create some fantastic characters, believable and appealing. The same can be said for the plot line, it is solid and very well paced, reaching a wonderful and not quite expected crescendo at the end.
This is title #5 in the Ari Greene series, however it is a great standalone novel.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC
The last time Ari had found a body, he had fled the scene and was subsequently arrested for the murder. He had cleared his name and found the real killer, then left for England. This time Ari was going to make certain there was no such mistake. Unfortunately the discovery will force him right back into a life he wanted to leave far behind, as well as a reconciliation with Daniel Kennicott, his former partner and protégé.
The world of downtown development is far more corrupt than Ari would have thought. It is a world of high stakes and huge gambles, but the pay off can be immense. The web of corruption is utterly amazing to the uninitiated, leaving Ari and Kennicott to battle the deceptive double-dealing industry powers. Fox was reviled by almost everyone in the industry, and there are even shadows of intrigue and mystery surrounding his family. The list of suspects is certainly not difficult to put together.
The plot writhes about like a living thing, taking unexpected turn after unexpected turn. Shadows and secrets abound, both expected and not. While ‘Heart of the City’ isn't what I'd call a heart stopping race for the finish, it is a solid read that must be seen through once it has begun.
Glimpses of Toronto are fruitful throughout the novel, adding a depth of wonderful realism to a fictional work. Rotenberg is one of Toronto’s top criminal lawyers, and while his experience gives him the fodder for some excellent stories, his talent allows him to create some fantastic characters, believable and appealing. The same can be said for the plot line, it is solid and very well paced, reaching a wonderful and not quite expected crescendo at the end.
This is title #5 in the Ari Greene series, however it is a great standalone novel.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC
September 13, 2017
Heart of the City is the fifth Detective Greene crime thriller from Robert Rotenberg. Like the other books in the series, the novel is set in Toronto and makes clever use of the familiar setting and actual city streets and landmarks to ground the action. When the body of the controversial young real-estate mogul Livingston Fox is found on the construction site of his most recent project, a high-rise next to Kensington Market, the case lands on the desk of Daniel Kennicott, former protégé of Detective Ari Greene. Having been charged with murder, Greene has left the force. And though he was exonerated, he did not return to police work and is instead working in construction—as it happens, at the site of the murder: and in fact, it is Ari who discovers the body. With Kennicott’s participation in the charges brought against Greene (this happened in Stranglehold, the previous novel in the series) the reunion of young detective Kennicott with his mentor is not a comfortable one, though with a murder to solve they both know they have to put personal feelings aside and get on with the job. The big difference this time around is that Ari Greene is a witness rather than an investigator, but this does not prevent him from becoming closely involved and deeply invested in the case. The story Rotenberg tells proceeds at a blistering pace. The reader is given few opportunities between significant incidents and plot twists to catch his breath. Family and the past are at the forefront of the story, and not only when it comes to unravelling the mystery: Ari Greene’s daughter Alison, an aspiring journalist, has a huge role to play, in Ari’s life and in solving the crime. Rotenberg’s prose has a plain-spoken, informal quality. Descriptive passages are brief, literary flourishes virtually absent, and characterization accomplished with a few quick strokes. This helps move the story along, but it also means that some of the central characters never really come into focus, making it difficult for us to care about them as much as the author would like us to. It also means the novel lacks the kind of atmosphere that would make it memorable. But Rotenberg does not seem concerned with writing fiction that carries moral or intellectual heft or gets under the reader’s skin. Heart of the City is intended as a breezy entertainment, a quick read for a rainy Sunday afternoon. And in this it succeeds admirably.
March 31, 2021
This is the first of Rotenberg's books I have read, it being #5 would signify there are four others in the series. The book can be read and understood as a stand alone because some back ground information is provided on the main characters. Ari Greene, a former homicide Toronto detective, had relocated to England after being exonerated for murdering his spouse. He just wanted to put detective work in his rearview mirror, but he returned to Toronto at the request of Allison, a daughter in England, whom he never knew existed. Alison Gilroy-Greene is twenty-years- old.
Greene took up construction work and was plunged back into an unofficial role of detective, after Livingston Fox, a wealthy owner of the construction project and other entrepreneurial endeavors, was murdered. It seemed that everyone despised Fox. Greene initially investigated the murder alone, but later reconnected with the Toronto detective that had wrongfully arrested him. They had to work on the friction that had existed between them. There were a number of suspects, including Fox's dad. The story moves along at a good pace with pieces of family secrets being unfolded, secret deals planned between Fox and a woman who demonstrated against every construction project Fox was pursuing, and having the reader guessing who the killer might be.
Alison got caught up in the murder scene, as she had taken a shot of the dead's man body and posted it on social media, unbeknownst to her father.
There were lies and deception, all part of the story.
Who murdered Livingston Fox and Greene's friend, Claudio Bassante? Someone I had least expected. Greene said the murderer's motive was greed, and just being deranged and crazy. I was caught up in reading the story, but the ending was disappointing. It seemed that after all the other suspects had convincing alibis, Rotenberg just blindly picked the murderer to be the murderer. There was nothing in the story to have that person as being the murderer, and then saying the person was crazy. There was no previous indication of a mental health issue. The murderer was too attached to Livingston, in a caring manner, to murder him in such a grotesque way.
Greene took up construction work and was plunged back into an unofficial role of detective, after Livingston Fox, a wealthy owner of the construction project and other entrepreneurial endeavors, was murdered. It seemed that everyone despised Fox. Greene initially investigated the murder alone, but later reconnected with the Toronto detective that had wrongfully arrested him. They had to work on the friction that had existed between them. There were a number of suspects, including Fox's dad. The story moves along at a good pace with pieces of family secrets being unfolded, secret deals planned between Fox and a woman who demonstrated against every construction project Fox was pursuing, and having the reader guessing who the killer might be.
Alison got caught up in the murder scene, as she had taken a shot of the dead's man body and posted it on social media, unbeknownst to her father.
There were lies and deception, all part of the story.
Who murdered Livingston Fox and Greene's friend, Claudio Bassante? Someone I had least expected. Greene said the murderer's motive was greed, and just being deranged and crazy. I was caught up in reading the story, but the ending was disappointing. It seemed that after all the other suspects had convincing alibis, Rotenberg just blindly picked the murderer to be the murderer. There was nothing in the story to have that person as being the murderer, and then saying the person was crazy. There was no previous indication of a mental health issue. The murderer was too attached to Livingston, in a caring manner, to murder him in such a grotesque way.
August 31, 2017
Readers who have enjoyed the adventures of Robert Rotenberg's Toronto detective, Ari Greene, will find his latest work, Heart of the City, an absorbing read. It may not feature the intricate plot diversions and suspenseful moments as, for instance, Rotenberg's first work, Old City Hall, but Heart of the City will nonetheless nonetheless maintain this author's high ranking with mystery aficionados.
Two years have passed since Greene left the force after being wrongly accused in the death of his lover, former Crown attorney Jennifer Raglan. Acquitted, he has gone to England to seek out the daughter he never knew, born twenty years ago, after Ari's separation from his wife. She returns with Ari to Toronto, thus setting herself up to be a possible suspect in a new and shocking murder -- that of boy wonder developer Livingston Fox.
The fact Ari is working as a laborer at Fox's new upscale condo project in Kensington Market puts him ideally at the centre of the crime. But Ari his no idea that his daughter Alison, who has become a popular blogger writing as Kensington Confidential, has come into possession of facts about Fox's murder.
Rotenberg's focus on online plot diversions suggests he may have just invented a new fiction genre. Let's call it "Social Media Mystery." Also, as any good author, Rotenberg offers a host of interesting characters. One has to ask, however, Have any two people with the eccentricities of Fox's parents every really existed?
The great English novelist, W. Somerset Maugham, observed that the writer should seek his reward in the pleasure of his work and be indifferent to praise or censure, failure or success. Rotenberg has obviously drawn much pleasure from writing Heart of the City, and deserves ample reward for its success.
My thanks to Simon & Schuster, Robert Rotenberg and NetGalley for an advance copy.
Two years have passed since Greene left the force after being wrongly accused in the death of his lover, former Crown attorney Jennifer Raglan. Acquitted, he has gone to England to seek out the daughter he never knew, born twenty years ago, after Ari's separation from his wife. She returns with Ari to Toronto, thus setting herself up to be a possible suspect in a new and shocking murder -- that of boy wonder developer Livingston Fox.
The fact Ari is working as a laborer at Fox's new upscale condo project in Kensington Market puts him ideally at the centre of the crime. But Ari his no idea that his daughter Alison, who has become a popular blogger writing as Kensington Confidential, has come into possession of facts about Fox's murder.
Rotenberg's focus on online plot diversions suggests he may have just invented a new fiction genre. Let's call it "Social Media Mystery." Also, as any good author, Rotenberg offers a host of interesting characters. One has to ask, however, Have any two people with the eccentricities of Fox's parents every really existed?
The great English novelist, W. Somerset Maugham, observed that the writer should seek his reward in the pleasure of his work and be indifferent to praise or censure, failure or success. Rotenberg has obviously drawn much pleasure from writing Heart of the City, and deserves ample reward for its success.
My thanks to Simon & Schuster, Robert Rotenberg and NetGalley for an advance copy.
July 28, 2017
Ari Greene was a cop in Toronto. He fled to England last year to take some time away after he'd been charged and acquitted of killing the love of his life. While in England, he discovered he had a twenty-year-old daughter named Alison from a relationship he'd had with an Englishwoman years ago. When he returns to Toronto with Alison, he gets a job on a construction site as a labourer. When the developer of the site is found murdered on there, Ari can't help but get involved (the lead detective is Daniel, who Ari had mentored). The developer wasn't well-liked so it could have been many who wanted him dead.
This the fifth book by Rotenberg I've read and I enjoyed it. Though it's the fifth in a series, it works as a stand alone because there is enough background information provided. It is written in third person perspective with the focus on wherever the action is. I like the writing style and it moves at a good pace. I didn't really buy the "whodunnit" and the why but I went with it. As a head's up, there is swearing.
I like that this series is set in Toronto. The author is quite specific about the locations so I know exactly where the action is taking place and I have been to a lot of these places. The construction site was in the Kensington Market area, for example, as were protests. I think I was recently at the bakery on Dundas Street where Ari and Daniel meet. I've had lunch at the Fresh on Spadina, south of Queen where the developer had supper with his dad.
I look forward to the next book in the series!
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2017/07...
This the fifth book by Rotenberg I've read and I enjoyed it. Though it's the fifth in a series, it works as a stand alone because there is enough background information provided. It is written in third person perspective with the focus on wherever the action is. I like the writing style and it moves at a good pace. I didn't really buy the "whodunnit" and the why but I went with it. As a head's up, there is swearing.
I like that this series is set in Toronto. The author is quite specific about the locations so I know exactly where the action is taking place and I have been to a lot of these places. The construction site was in the Kensington Market area, for example, as were protests. I think I was recently at the bakery on Dundas Street where Ari and Daniel meet. I've had lunch at the Fresh on Spadina, south of Queen where the developer had supper with his dad.
I look forward to the next book in the series!
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2017/07...
July 27, 2017
First, a thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Robert Rotenberg for providing me with a copy of this novel.
This is the fifth novel in the Ari Greene series. After returning from an extended, Greene is trying to reinvent himself by leaving the police department and working on a construction site and settling into the new role of father, helping his 20 year old daughter adjust to her new life in Canada. Greene find the body of the developer of the condo construction job he is working on, and his detective skills kick in and once again, he is back into the life he tried so hard to leave behind, butting heads with his former college, Daniel Kennictott.
The novel is a quick read. An interesting murder plot reflecting the contrast between lucrative real estate transactions and the strong need for housing complexes for lower income families. The supporting cast was very strong and leads the story into different and interesting plots, which kept me guessing who the actual killer might be. The story moved quickly, with the help of short chapters.
It could be read as a stand-alone if you have not read any of the other series, though the other storylines are mentioned frequently throughout this novel.
It wasn’t my favourite police procedural novel, though being Canadian, it is refreshing to read a novel set in Toronto.
This is the fifth novel in the Ari Greene series. After returning from an extended, Greene is trying to reinvent himself by leaving the police department and working on a construction site and settling into the new role of father, helping his 20 year old daughter adjust to her new life in Canada. Greene find the body of the developer of the condo construction job he is working on, and his detective skills kick in and once again, he is back into the life he tried so hard to leave behind, butting heads with his former college, Daniel Kennictott.
The novel is a quick read. An interesting murder plot reflecting the contrast between lucrative real estate transactions and the strong need for housing complexes for lower income families. The supporting cast was very strong and leads the story into different and interesting plots, which kept me guessing who the actual killer might be. The story moved quickly, with the help of short chapters.
It could be read as a stand-alone if you have not read any of the other series, though the other storylines are mentioned frequently throughout this novel.
It wasn’t my favourite police procedural novel, though being Canadian, it is refreshing to read a novel set in Toronto.
September 8, 2017
About 8 years ago, I read my first Rotenberg book, and totally enjoyed the story, characters, and OMG the setting! He captures Toronto in a way that makes you FEEL the city, whether you have only visited a few times (like me) or are extremely familiar with the city.
Throughout what I think of as “The Toronto Series,” I've always enjoyed Ari Greene as a lead character. He's very smart, has good intuition, and is persistent. There is his own personal storyline, but this latest book can easily be read as a standalone (although some of the plot points in earlier books will be revealed). In this latest story, Ari has left the Police Department and his former mentee Daniel Kennicott has been promoted. Ari has moved back to Toronto, bringing his daughter from her childhood home in London
The storyline in this book revolves around the development taking place in downtown Toronto, and the controversy is brings. Because Rotenberg is a criminal attorney in Toronto, he knows his subject well, and he has a good story that kept me guessing til the end (although I am not great at figuring out the who in whodunits).
I’m a bit on the fence about the resolution of the mystery, but am totally sure I will eagerly continue to read whatever Mr. Rotenberg publishes! Four and a half stars.
September 28, 2017
I am a fan, and have read and reviewed all the books in this series. Reason one is that I love books with a sense of place, and I especially love Toronto. Robert Rotenberg has the feel and taste of Toronto nailed down, and his latest book includes timely info on current controversies in the condo/construction industry.
On revisiting the characters; we find that Ari Greene is no longer a detective, and Daniel Kennicott has picked up the slack. In fact, after being away from Toronto for a year - and returning with a surprising companion - Green is working construction for Condo magnate, Livingston Fox. When a body is discovered on one of his construction sites everyone is drawn in to the investigation. Ari Greene is still capable of wielding his detective chops but Kennicott is no longer the acolyte; now he is flying on his own.
Heart of the City over relies on some dodgy coincidences early on but quickly engages the reader. This story itself is more a traditional who-done-it than his previous novels, which weaved their plots through the entire criminal justice system. In the end it is none the worse for it. Rotenberg has promised more in the series and will doubtless explore many possibilities with his city and characters.
Highly recommended sitting in a downtown cafe with a bagel and a latte.
On revisiting the characters; we find that Ari Greene is no longer a detective, and Daniel Kennicott has picked up the slack. In fact, after being away from Toronto for a year - and returning with a surprising companion - Green is working construction for Condo magnate, Livingston Fox. When a body is discovered on one of his construction sites everyone is drawn in to the investigation. Ari Greene is still capable of wielding his detective chops but Kennicott is no longer the acolyte; now he is flying on his own.
Heart of the City over relies on some dodgy coincidences early on but quickly engages the reader. This story itself is more a traditional who-done-it than his previous novels, which weaved their plots through the entire criminal justice system. In the end it is none the worse for it. Rotenberg has promised more in the series and will doubtless explore many possibilities with his city and characters.
Highly recommended sitting in a downtown cafe with a bagel and a latte.
September 5, 2017
Heart of the City is the fifth book in a mystery series by Robert Rotenberg, which follows the life of former Toronto homicide detective Ari Greene. Having not read any others in the series, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but that didn’t detract at all from the fact that I could not put this one down.
The mystery is set in Toronto’s downtown core and centers on the fact that Toronto is becoming condo central and quite unaffordable for many residents. Near the beginning we learn that Greene is now working on a construction site for a controversial new condo in Kensington Market, a project led by real estate hot shot Livingston Fox. When Greene finds Fox’s body on the site, the detective in him begins to piece together what happened. We learn that Fox had made many enemies and we left wondering which of them it might have been; the ending sure came as a surprise to me!
Despite this being the fifth in a series with already developed characters; I found it very easy to pick up on their backgrounds and personalities. The plot was certainly fast-paced, well thought out and easy to follow. Plus, as a Toronto resident, the setting put things easily into perspective and made the whole story that much easier to visualize.
From the first few pages learning about Greene, through to the final chapter and solving the mystery, this book was engrossing and kept me guessing. It was a fun read and I can’t wait to check out others in the series.
The mystery is set in Toronto’s downtown core and centers on the fact that Toronto is becoming condo central and quite unaffordable for many residents. Near the beginning we learn that Greene is now working on a construction site for a controversial new condo in Kensington Market, a project led by real estate hot shot Livingston Fox. When Greene finds Fox’s body on the site, the detective in him begins to piece together what happened. We learn that Fox had made many enemies and we left wondering which of them it might have been; the ending sure came as a surprise to me!
Despite this being the fifth in a series with already developed characters; I found it very easy to pick up on their backgrounds and personalities. The plot was certainly fast-paced, well thought out and easy to follow. Plus, as a Toronto resident, the setting put things easily into perspective and made the whole story that much easier to visualize.
From the first few pages learning about Greene, through to the final chapter and solving the mystery, this book was engrossing and kept me guessing. It was a fun read and I can’t wait to check out others in the series.
October 13, 2017
Princess Fuzzypants here:
I do enjoy my cozies but sometimes I just want a really good suspenseful mystery that is gritty and realistic. Heart of the City is one such book. It literally oozes with atmosphere. I think Ari Greene is a most compelling hero. Once a Toronto homocide detective until he is arrested by his colleagues for the murder of his lover. He might have been convicted had he not discovered the real culprit. But it was an awkward situation and from which he needed both time and space.
When he learns he has a 20 year old daughter in England of whom he knew nothing, the two meet and she returns with him to Toronto where they try to build a life together. He is working on a construction site and she is supposedly going to college. He is unaware of the double life she is leading until the murder of the developer for whom he is working propels both of them into a maelstrom. They approach the murder from different directions but arrive at the conclusion together.
Ari, Alison, his daughter and all the other characters are three dimensional and very human. Toronto is well drawn warts and all. The reader is pulled into the mystery and there is no let up until the end.
I give this five purrs and two paws up.
I do enjoy my cozies but sometimes I just want a really good suspenseful mystery that is gritty and realistic. Heart of the City is one such book. It literally oozes with atmosphere. I think Ari Greene is a most compelling hero. Once a Toronto homocide detective until he is arrested by his colleagues for the murder of his lover. He might have been convicted had he not discovered the real culprit. But it was an awkward situation and from which he needed both time and space.
When he learns he has a 20 year old daughter in England of whom he knew nothing, the two meet and she returns with him to Toronto where they try to build a life together. He is working on a construction site and she is supposedly going to college. He is unaware of the double life she is leading until the murder of the developer for whom he is working propels both of them into a maelstrom. They approach the murder from different directions but arrive at the conclusion together.
Ari, Alison, his daughter and all the other characters are three dimensional and very human. Toronto is well drawn warts and all. The reader is pulled into the mystery and there is no let up until the end.
I give this five purrs and two paws up.
August 10, 2017
Ari Greene was a detective in Toronto until he was charged with murder. When they eventually cleared his name, he went to England and met the daughter he never knew existed. Now he is working at a construction site in Kensington markets. His daughter, Alison, is supposed to be in journalism school, but she dropped out to start the blog, Kensington Confidential. She writes about the controversies in that neighbourhood, including the condos being built by Livingston Fox. When Livingston Fox is murdered, Greene finds his body. Greene goes back to working alongside his former coworker Kennicott so solve this murder.
This story was fast paced and thrilling. I read it in just a couple of hours.
Being from Toronto, I loved all the references to the city. I could picture where everything was happening, including most of the stores that were mentioned. I felt a close connection to this story.
I haven’t read any other books in the series, but it was easy to pick up. Things in their past were explained quickly, so the story could move forward. At the same time, I learned enough about the characters to understand them.
This was a great read, especially for Toronto residents!
This story was fast paced and thrilling. I read it in just a couple of hours.
Being from Toronto, I loved all the references to the city. I could picture where everything was happening, including most of the stores that were mentioned. I felt a close connection to this story.
I haven’t read any other books in the series, but it was easy to pick up. Things in their past were explained quickly, so the story could move forward. At the same time, I learned enough about the characters to understand them.
This was a great read, especially for Toronto residents!
September 14, 2017
My favorite male Canadian author....what a story teller. Rotenberg had me guessing who the killer was right up until the end. I keep wanting more from this series and all the characters that go along with it. Ari Green and his new 20 year old daughter are back in Toronto after his year long stint in England. Daniel Kennicott is the lead detective on the latest murder in the big city, but his confidence has been shaken from arresting the wrong guy and his mentor just over a year earlier (by the way Mr. Rotenberg we still need to know who killed Daniel's brother). Ari is dragged back into a homicide investigation and into an unspoken alliance with Kennicott, neither sure on how to work with each other anymore. There are some new and interesting characters that we are introduced to in this novel one of which is Alison, Ari's surprise daughter and Casandra Albright quirky, cool hippie-sort who is happy to be angry, lawyer turned activist and one of the prime suspect.....future books could also go further with this character because she is neat!!
In the words of the famous Oliver Twist...Please Sir, may I have some more
In the words of the famous Oliver Twist...Please Sir, may I have some more
July 24, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this new book.
The impending release of "Heart of the City" by Robert Rotenberg came as a surprise to me = a pleasant one.
Heart of the City - like the previous books 'Old City Hall', 'Guilty Plea', 'Stray Bullets' and 'Stranglehold' - features Ari Greene and Daniel Kennicott and is set in Toronto (my current hometown); most specifically Kensington Market and environs.
Ari Greene, after being exonerated for murder in the previous book, is back in Toronto after spending time in England (and meeting a relative he never new). He's left the police force to work for an old friend. But as luck would have it, he becomes embroiled in a murder that hits close to home.
All in all, I would certainly recommend this book to people who have read the prior novels - but it's not imperative (although the history between the two main characters has progressed throughout the series).
The ending did come as a surprise - which is refreshing in police procedurals.
The impending release of "Heart of the City" by Robert Rotenberg came as a surprise to me = a pleasant one.
Heart of the City - like the previous books 'Old City Hall', 'Guilty Plea', 'Stray Bullets' and 'Stranglehold' - features Ari Greene and Daniel Kennicott and is set in Toronto (my current hometown); most specifically Kensington Market and environs.
Ari Greene, after being exonerated for murder in the previous book, is back in Toronto after spending time in England (and meeting a relative he never new). He's left the police force to work for an old friend. But as luck would have it, he becomes embroiled in a murder that hits close to home.
All in all, I would certainly recommend this book to people who have read the prior novels - but it's not imperative (although the history between the two main characters has progressed throughout the series).
The ending did come as a surprise - which is refreshing in police procedurals.
October 9, 2017
This is a good police procedural murder mystery story. It's set in contemporary Toronto and reflects some of the city's problems, e.g. expensive housing, greedy developers and so on.
The storytelling is fast-paced and shows the insight of an insider to the police investigation of a homicide. It includes lots of local colour about Toronto. (There's a few minor nits but nothing that significantly detracts from the story.)
Many of the characters are carryovers from the author's previous books. There's not a lot of character development. The main protagonist gains a daughter from a long ago relationship, who then plays a role in a sidebar to the main story. She will probably continue into subsequent additions to the series.
There's a large cast of potential suspects, which narrows down to one prime suspect as the story progresses. It comes to an exciting ending, with a car chase resulting in the capture of the murderer.
Recommended reading for crime fiction fans.
The storytelling is fast-paced and shows the insight of an insider to the police investigation of a homicide. It includes lots of local colour about Toronto. (There's a few minor nits but nothing that significantly detracts from the story.)
Many of the characters are carryovers from the author's previous books. There's not a lot of character development. The main protagonist gains a daughter from a long ago relationship, who then plays a role in a sidebar to the main story. She will probably continue into subsequent additions to the series.
There's a large cast of potential suspects, which narrows down to one prime suspect as the story progresses. It comes to an exciting ending, with a car chase resulting in the capture of the murderer.
Recommended reading for crime fiction fans.
August 1, 2017
Detective Ari Greene returns home to Toronto after spending time abroad following his acquittal for the murder of his lover. Attempting to avoid the world of homicide for a while, he takes a job on a construction site only to stumble across another corpse. The victim is Livingstone Fox, a successful developer whose projects have raised protests among local community activists.
While not the most memorable of mystery novels, this was an enjoyable light read, well-written with interesting characters and an unpredictable ending. As always Rotenberg gets bonus points from this Torontonian for his very recognizable settings and topical themes. It's always a treat to walk well-known streets with characters who could easily have stepped forth from a CityPulse24 newscast.
[With thanks to NetGalley for providing an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.}
While not the most memorable of mystery novels, this was an enjoyable light read, well-written with interesting characters and an unpredictable ending. As always Rotenberg gets bonus points from this Torontonian for his very recognizable settings and topical themes. It's always a treat to walk well-known streets with characters who could easily have stepped forth from a CityPulse24 newscast.
[With thanks to NetGalley for providing an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.}
July 13, 2017
This is the 5th in this great series set in Toronto and after waiting 3 years for the author to return to this wonderful cast of characters, the results are in and the wait was worth it. Detective turned construction worker Ari Greene stumbles across the murdered body of a young, hot shot urban developer.......a man with enough enemies to start a small country. Greene's protégé, Detective Daniel Kennicott leads a tight police procedural as the authorities investigate the many suspects. Along with these 2 stalwart leads, Rotenberg pens a very strong supporting cast of compelling characters and a tightly woven plot that unfolds at a perfect pace. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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