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The Jimmy McSwain Files #5
Forever Haunt
Fifteen years ago, NYPD officer Joseph McSwain, was gunned down while trying to stop a robbery. His murder was never solved. Until now.
For his son, Hell's Kitchen private detective Jimmy McSwain, his father's death has defined him, defied him, and denied him his chance at happiness. But the shooting death of a young officer named Denson Luke has re-ignited the investigation into the mysterious Blue Death conspiracy. Jimmy still must earn a living, so he cannot ignore a family in distress.
New neighbors Carmen Ramirez and her young son, Sonny are clearly running from danger. Overnight, their case becomes one involving a missing father, a Chinese crime syndicate, and an abduction which threatens to overwhelm Jimmy's mission of solving his father's case. His relationship status with Frank Frisano on and off again, Jimmy tries to do double duty, jeopardizing his own safety.
It's only when another murder occurs that Jimmy finally finds the path that has eluded him. His investigation finally leads him back home, where a devastating family secret overshadows all he's learned, and the cost to the McSwain family may never be repaid. Jimmy realizes the blood on his hands will forever haunt him.
For his son, Hell's Kitchen private detective Jimmy McSwain, his father's death has defined him, defied him, and denied him his chance at happiness. But the shooting death of a young officer named Denson Luke has re-ignited the investigation into the mysterious Blue Death conspiracy. Jimmy still must earn a living, so he cannot ignore a family in distress.
New neighbors Carmen Ramirez and her young son, Sonny are clearly running from danger. Overnight, their case becomes one involving a missing father, a Chinese crime syndicate, and an abduction which threatens to overwhelm Jimmy's mission of solving his father's case. His relationship status with Frank Frisano on and off again, Jimmy tries to do double duty, jeopardizing his own safety.
It's only when another murder occurs that Jimmy finally finds the path that has eluded him. His investigation finally leads him back home, where a devastating family secret overshadows all he's learned, and the cost to the McSwain family may never be repaid. Jimmy realizes the blood on his hands will forever haunt him.
316 pages, ebook
First published June 15, 2017
8 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Adam Carpenter
81 books99 followersADAM CARPENTER is the best-selling author of many titles of gay mystery, intrigue, romance, and erotica.
His series featuring P.I. Jimmy McSwain is, in order: HIDDEN IDENTITY, CRIME WAVE, STAGE FRIGHT. GUARDIAN ANGEL, FOREVER HAUNT, FRESH KILL, SECOND SHOT, FALSE JUSTICE and JERSEY SCORE, co-written with Joseph Pittman.
Jimmy McSwain's Early Files features SILVER SHIELD, HEART BEAT, DOUBLE EDGE, and the forthcoming BURIAL PLOT.
Adam's is also the author of the soapy drama, "The Cane's Inlet Mystery" trilogy: SCANDALOUS LIES, SINISTER MOTIVES, and SUSPICIOUS TRUTHS.
He is also the author of the "Edenwood Saga" trilogy, EDEN'S PAST, EDEN'S PRESENT, and EDEN'S FUTURE, now back-in-print.
The European Flings Quartet includes the short story, PASSPORT TO A FLING, PASSION IN PARIS, RAPTURE IN ROME, LUST IN LONDON, and NUPTIALS IN NICE, all to be reissued in 2025.
His series featuring P.I. Jimmy McSwain is, in order: HIDDEN IDENTITY, CRIME WAVE, STAGE FRIGHT. GUARDIAN ANGEL, FOREVER HAUNT, FRESH KILL, SECOND SHOT, FALSE JUSTICE and JERSEY SCORE, co-written with Joseph Pittman.
Jimmy McSwain's Early Files features SILVER SHIELD, HEART BEAT, DOUBLE EDGE, and the forthcoming BURIAL PLOT.
Adam's is also the author of the soapy drama, "The Cane's Inlet Mystery" trilogy: SCANDALOUS LIES, SINISTER MOTIVES, and SUSPICIOUS TRUTHS.
He is also the author of the "Edenwood Saga" trilogy, EDEN'S PAST, EDEN'S PRESENT, and EDEN'S FUTURE, now back-in-print.
The European Flings Quartet includes the short story, PASSPORT TO A FLING, PASSION IN PARIS, RAPTURE IN ROME, LUST IN LONDON, and NUPTIALS IN NICE, all to be reissued in 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 24, 2018
CASE FILE #101: THE FOREVER HAUNT
STATUS:
Whew! Finally... I've binge-read five books while ignoring a few ludicrous analogies for this moment. For the moment when the mystery of Jimmy's father's death would be solved and now that I know what's behind all this, the ending made me smile, but I'm also... sad. Because at what cost??? As if Jimmy hadn't suffered enough already, dammit! *sigh*
I'm happy to report, though, that a possible HEA between Jimmy and Frank is in the making, although knowing these two, there will probably be more barriers to break down... *double sigh*
The upside is.... yep, Jimmy McSwain will be back. Next year. *triple sigh*
Last but not least I have a favor to ask the author: I'm usually not picky about editing - or rather the lack of - and I won't let it influence my rating because I refuse to mourn money I spent years ago, but I would expect books that cost between $7 and $8 to have seen an editor, just sayin'. Having said that, I'm looking forward to reading Fresh Kill. Next year. ;-)
STATUS:
Whew! Finally... I've binge-read five books while ignoring a few ludicrous analogies for this moment. For the moment when the mystery of Jimmy's father's death would be solved and now that I know what's behind all this, the ending made me smile, but I'm also... sad. Because at what cost??? As if Jimmy hadn't suffered enough already, dammit! *sigh*
The world took, and it gave, and you never knew which direction it was going to go.
I'm happy to report, though, that a possible HEA between Jimmy and Frank is in the making, although knowing these two, there will probably be more barriers to break down... *double sigh*
The upside is.... yep, Jimmy McSwain will be back. Next year. *triple sigh*
Last but not least I have a favor to ask the author: I'm usually not picky about editing - or rather the lack of - and I won't let it influence my rating because I refuse to mourn money I spent years ago, but I would expect books that cost between $7 and $8 to have seen an editor, just sayin'. Having said that, I'm looking forward to reading Fresh Kill. Next year. ;-)
July 17, 2017
Review by The Blogger Girls.
Jimmy McSwain is back, and this time, he is connecting more dots that lead to the final clues about his father’s murder. He has a few side cases going on at the same time, but really, he is focused on solving the long-cold case of the Forever Haunt. The copycat execution-style murders of two more people and those connected with them (i.e. various police covering up) all start to paint a clearer picture for Jimmy. But, what will the answers end up costing him? Will he finally be happy when he does find out? Will his on-again, off-again relationship with Frisano survive? These are all things Jimmy must contemplate as he digs deeper.
Speaking of Frisano, Jimmy and Frank go through their usual routine of trying to have a relationship where their jobs continue to intervene. They cross paths on the job and not always going in the same direction. Add to that is Frank’s father putting on more pressure (especially once a family meeting finally occurs), and you have a pretty precarious path they are walking. And while they must continue to keep their relationship a secret (for the sake of Frank’s job), these two end up on a more solid footing than ever before. It was nice to see their relationship and feelings progressing significantly in this installment.
This series has some pretty colorful characters in it as well. From Jimmy’s “friend” Terry Cloth (who is is always a joy to visit with) to his father’s old partner whom Jimmy often confides, it is always fun when Jimmy stops in for visits.
This installment forced Jimmy to take a step back and really think about what it all means, from his relationship with his family, his father’s memory, what Frank means to him, etc. I have enjoyed tagging along with Jimmy as he traipses around NYC, and although he has finally solved the Forever Haunt, I’m excited to see him move on and see where he will take us next.
January 14, 2018
Forever Haunt (The Jimmy McSwain Files, #5)
By Adam Carpenter
MLR Press, 2017
Five stars
“You just have to always remember what’s most important…That before death, there’s such a thing called life.”
I don’t know how I missed this when it was released in June. I think I was on vacation, because I remember the author teasing us on Facebook, showing the cover, that it was going to be released soon…then by the time I got back from vacation the buzz had died down and I forgot.
So, I’m glad I noticed and bought it and read it. Finished it on the subway in New York this afternoon. I’m giving this an unusual five stars, in spite of some residual awkwardness in the writing, because I really love this series, and I love Jimmy McSwain. I think I even love Frankie Frisano. Maybe. We’ll see.
Let me quote myself from my review of the last McSwain file: “But it’s coming time for Jimmy to take his father’s place, for good, at the head of the McSwain family table. And who’s to say that the end of this series couldn’t spawn a whole new series with a happy Jimmy at the helm? New York will never be uncomplicated. Murder will out. There’s always work for a smart detective.”
Jimmy lives in a real New York City. One that the author knows well, and one that I know well, too, but from a bridge-and-tunnel perspective. The city lives in these books, as Chicago does in Marshall Thornton’s amazing Nick Nowak series. It is as much a character as any of the people. But Jimmy McSwain is not Nick Nowak; Jimmy’s a gay millennial who’s seen the world change. He’s out and proud, the private-eye son of a murdered Irish cop, the bridge between two generations. He loves his mom and his feisty sisters; but he also loves the closeted Francis Xavier Frisano, up-and-coming police captain, and son of a hugely influential officer at Police Plaza. Jimmy and Frank’s mutual passion is beautifully portrayed, as are the emotional and practical complications created by their relationship.
Jimmy’s haunted quest to solve his father’s murder has turned him into a compulsive hero. A gay boy with a savior complex. Two mysteries crop up to fill Jimmy’s days and echo his unfinished mission for justice for his father. A young policeman is killed, execution style, and a little Latino boy is kidnapped right in front of the building where Jimmy’s family still lives. To add even more distraction, his younger sister Meaghan is about to give birth, and his relationship with Frank Frisano seems to be developing in spite of the complications the two men bring to it.
As in all of these books, Joey McSwain’s murder is recapitulated, and becomes a visual centerpiece in the plot arc, as it is in Jimmy’s memory. It is a terrible image—a fourteen year old holding his dying father on the floor of a neighborhood deli. It is the defining moment of Jimmy’s young life, a moment—we all understand—that he must get past if he’s ever going to really live his life for himself.
There is a shocking twist here that startled me and knocked me back. I loved being shocked that way, because, as a reader, I felt the same punch to the gut that Jimmy felt at the exact same time. Carpenter draws us into Jimmy’s life and into his head (and heart). But he gives the reader the power to see where Jimmy is too wounded to see. We know where we want things to go, and we see where they appear to be going; but we are powerless to actually make Jimmy do what we want. The anxiety that drives our interest is not so much the solution of the crimes, but whether or not Jimmy will sabotage his own happiness in order to satisfy his obsession.
“But at what cost to you, Jimmy?”
This is not the last book; but whatever comes next will be very different. I so look forward to meeting this new Jimmy McSwain, now thirty years old, as he takes on the bad guys.
By Adam Carpenter
MLR Press, 2017
Five stars
“You just have to always remember what’s most important…That before death, there’s such a thing called life.”
I don’t know how I missed this when it was released in June. I think I was on vacation, because I remember the author teasing us on Facebook, showing the cover, that it was going to be released soon…then by the time I got back from vacation the buzz had died down and I forgot.
So, I’m glad I noticed and bought it and read it. Finished it on the subway in New York this afternoon. I’m giving this an unusual five stars, in spite of some residual awkwardness in the writing, because I really love this series, and I love Jimmy McSwain. I think I even love Frankie Frisano. Maybe. We’ll see.
Let me quote myself from my review of the last McSwain file: “But it’s coming time for Jimmy to take his father’s place, for good, at the head of the McSwain family table. And who’s to say that the end of this series couldn’t spawn a whole new series with a happy Jimmy at the helm? New York will never be uncomplicated. Murder will out. There’s always work for a smart detective.”
Jimmy lives in a real New York City. One that the author knows well, and one that I know well, too, but from a bridge-and-tunnel perspective. The city lives in these books, as Chicago does in Marshall Thornton’s amazing Nick Nowak series. It is as much a character as any of the people. But Jimmy McSwain is not Nick Nowak; Jimmy’s a gay millennial who’s seen the world change. He’s out and proud, the private-eye son of a murdered Irish cop, the bridge between two generations. He loves his mom and his feisty sisters; but he also loves the closeted Francis Xavier Frisano, up-and-coming police captain, and son of a hugely influential officer at Police Plaza. Jimmy and Frank’s mutual passion is beautifully portrayed, as are the emotional and practical complications created by their relationship.
Jimmy’s haunted quest to solve his father’s murder has turned him into a compulsive hero. A gay boy with a savior complex. Two mysteries crop up to fill Jimmy’s days and echo his unfinished mission for justice for his father. A young policeman is killed, execution style, and a little Latino boy is kidnapped right in front of the building where Jimmy’s family still lives. To add even more distraction, his younger sister Meaghan is about to give birth, and his relationship with Frank Frisano seems to be developing in spite of the complications the two men bring to it.
As in all of these books, Joey McSwain’s murder is recapitulated, and becomes a visual centerpiece in the plot arc, as it is in Jimmy’s memory. It is a terrible image—a fourteen year old holding his dying father on the floor of a neighborhood deli. It is the defining moment of Jimmy’s young life, a moment—we all understand—that he must get past if he’s ever going to really live his life for himself.
There is a shocking twist here that startled me and knocked me back. I loved being shocked that way, because, as a reader, I felt the same punch to the gut that Jimmy felt at the exact same time. Carpenter draws us into Jimmy’s life and into his head (and heart). But he gives the reader the power to see where Jimmy is too wounded to see. We know where we want things to go, and we see where they appear to be going; but we are powerless to actually make Jimmy do what we want. The anxiety that drives our interest is not so much the solution of the crimes, but whether or not Jimmy will sabotage his own happiness in order to satisfy his obsession.
“But at what cost to you, Jimmy?”
This is not the last book; but whatever comes next will be very different. I so look forward to meeting this new Jimmy McSwain, now thirty years old, as he takes on the bad guys.
January 4, 2018
PI Jimmy McSwain finds himself without any cases to solve—except for the one that consumes him, Forever Haunt. The case involves the murder of his father, Joseph McSwain, which Jimmy witnessed at the age of fourteen. It’s now rolling up on the fifteenth anniversary, and as clues get him closer to solving this mystery, there are still stumbling blocks along the way. What he learned from the criminal Mickey Dean, before his execution style murder, still plagues Jimmy, so he decides to investigate the deceased Joseph McSwain. Jimmy knows there’s one person that could possibly hold the answers he’s looking for—his mother, Maggie.
With Jimmy’s heartfelt belief that no child should be without a father, he gets sidetracked by a little boy’s kidnapping. The case takes him into dangerous territory belonging to Mr. Wu-Tin, of the Chinese mob, and Jimmy once again puts his life in danger.
Jimmy has family issues to deal with too. Meaghan, his younger sister, is expecting a baby soon, and Mallory is having boyfriend problems. He still has to finish the talk with his mother about his father and the haunting accusation against him involving a young girl. What Jimmy learns in the end is that no decision comes without a cost. Ralphie Henderson, a friend, mentor and father figure to Jimmy, also holds a secret that could help Jimmy in his quest to solve his father’s murder. What, if anything, does the Blue Death have to do with the NYPD and Lt. Lawrence Dean, Detective Roscoe Barone, Detective Tolliver, and Lt. Salvatore Frisano?
Frank Frisano and Jimmy are still seeing each other, but when another execution style murder of an officer occurs, they have a misunderstanding. With Jimmy being a PI, and Frank a cop and Captain of the 10th Precinct, their relationship has always been rocky, but they’ve been making progress at working out their miscommunications. Frank and Jimmy are keeping their relationship on the down-low, but Frank’s father still has his own agenda about his son and the relationship.
Adam Carpenter never fails to make the Jimmy McSwain series emotional on all levels. Family, friends, relationships, different clients and cases always leave me wanting more from this outstanding series. Mr. Carpenter also gives us a twisted plot with secrets revealed, suspense, danger, death, guilt, bigotry and suicide. He leaves me uncomfortable with and suspicious of the NYPD; I’m always wondering who Jimmy can really trust. Jimmy himself is so unique; he’s family driven, and he holds his head high and loves with his heart. He’s not a flashy PI, he never carries a gun, and he keeps New York alive by walking or riding the subway just about everywhere he goes.
I believe there may be one more installments in the Jimmy McSwain series, which I’m more than looking forward to. But I’m going to miss Ralphie, his relationship with Jimmy, and his never-ending question to Jimmy: “Still like boys?”
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
With Jimmy’s heartfelt belief that no child should be without a father, he gets sidetracked by a little boy’s kidnapping. The case takes him into dangerous territory belonging to Mr. Wu-Tin, of the Chinese mob, and Jimmy once again puts his life in danger.
Jimmy has family issues to deal with too. Meaghan, his younger sister, is expecting a baby soon, and Mallory is having boyfriend problems. He still has to finish the talk with his mother about his father and the haunting accusation against him involving a young girl. What Jimmy learns in the end is that no decision comes without a cost. Ralphie Henderson, a friend, mentor and father figure to Jimmy, also holds a secret that could help Jimmy in his quest to solve his father’s murder. What, if anything, does the Blue Death have to do with the NYPD and Lt. Lawrence Dean, Detective Roscoe Barone, Detective Tolliver, and Lt. Salvatore Frisano?
Frank Frisano and Jimmy are still seeing each other, but when another execution style murder of an officer occurs, they have a misunderstanding. With Jimmy being a PI, and Frank a cop and Captain of the 10th Precinct, their relationship has always been rocky, but they’ve been making progress at working out their miscommunications. Frank and Jimmy are keeping their relationship on the down-low, but Frank’s father still has his own agenda about his son and the relationship.
Adam Carpenter never fails to make the Jimmy McSwain series emotional on all levels. Family, friends, relationships, different clients and cases always leave me wanting more from this outstanding series. Mr. Carpenter also gives us a twisted plot with secrets revealed, suspense, danger, death, guilt, bigotry and suicide. He leaves me uncomfortable with and suspicious of the NYPD; I’m always wondering who Jimmy can really trust. Jimmy himself is so unique; he’s family driven, and he holds his head high and loves with his heart. He’s not a flashy PI, he never carries a gun, and he keeps New York alive by walking or riding the subway just about everywhere he goes.
I believe there may be one more installments in the Jimmy McSwain series, which I’m more than looking forward to. But I’m going to miss Ralphie, his relationship with Jimmy, and his never-ending question to Jimmy: “Still like boys?”
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
July 7, 2020
Audiobook reviewAdam Carpenter has created a great set of characters, a wonderful sense of place and a mystery you can sink your teeth in. I’m seriously addicted to this series and if I could I’d listen to all six books in one go, but sadly that’s not possible as the next two have yet to be released. Anyway Guardian Angel is the most complex of the books so far in terms of the plot. I’d also say that this book does not stand on its own because so far each book has built heavily on the events taking place in the previous ones and the Forever Haunt case is taking up more and more page time.
However, this story doesn’t start there, but with Jimmy acting as a bodyguard for a wealthy woman at a charity event, protecting her from an abusive ex-boyfriend. The case takes a turn for the unexpected when said boyfriend is found gruesomely murdered outside his client’s apartment soon after the event. He’s hired on to find out who did it, but at the same times the cops warn him to stay away. It’s only a matter of time before things get a bit dicey.
Then tragedy hits close to home when Jimmy’s cousin ends up in a lot of trouble. Trouble caused by a former family friend, one that now runs in the shadows and has no love lost for the McSwain family. He also might have some answers to questions Jimmy has been asking for the past fifteen years. His attention is split between the cases and judging by the number of people and cases that tugs on Jimmy for his attention it’s a wonder he hasn’t cracked under all the strain.
His love life is still very much a mess. He and Frisano are still dancing around each other, both having feelings for the other, but also knowing that now isn’t the time for them. Too many things are keeping them apart, things that for now are insurmountable. So Jimmy does what he does best, avoidance. He’s met a doctor and the two have been dating for a short while and I have to say I didn’t get great vibes from him. On the surface he might seem like a great guy but there is a bit of a creep factor there for me.
As always the mysteries are the main focus of the book and all the romance parts are only interludes every now and then. Carpenter balances them all in a good way and keeps you interested start to finish, ending up wanting more.
Joel Leslie is great at catching the moments, the good and the bad. He makes you feel Jimmy’s desperation for answers and how the loss of his father still cuts so deeply after all these years. I love his accents; they add a lot of flavor to this colorful set of characters. The old Lady was a hoot (can’t remember her name, but you’ll know it when she shows up). As always he made this book a treat to listen to.
I’m glad that Forever Haunt is only a few weeks away. In a way I think it’s the most anticipated book in the series and the one that will bring us answers to so many questions about what happened that night fifteen years ago. So until then I’ll be sitting right here, anxiously waiting for the book.
Highly recommended to all gay mystery lovers out there.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
June 18, 2017
I love this series, and I really liked this conclusion to the Forever Haunt story arc. I'm glad to see that the series isn't ending - Jimmy is a great character. He's been very obsessive about finding who killed his father and why - and we get the answers in this book - but he leads a pretty balanced life, between his job, his family, and his lover, Frank Frisano. There's a lot more he can do. Plus, the setting is so integral to the story, and I really enjoy that Jimmy moves around a lot, much of it by walking and Subway, as it keeps things interesting. I will happily keep reading this series for as long as it lasts.
December 21, 2022
2022 audio review
This was ok. I was expecting a MUCH BIGGER THING when it came to finally solving his father's death and THAT'S how it ends??? It was just too ridiculous to be believed. There needed to have been a much bigger conspiracy and to find out he was killed because of something so stupid? I did t like it. I am still going to keep with the series because I want to see how Jimmy and Frank play out.
3 stars story
4 stars narration
This was ok. I was expecting a MUCH BIGGER THING when it came to finally solving his father's death and THAT'S how it ends??? It was just too ridiculous to be believed. There needed to have been a much bigger conspiracy and to find out he was killed because of something so stupid? I did t like it. I am still going to keep with the series because I want to see how Jimmy and Frank play out.
3 stars story
4 stars narration
September 21, 2022
~ 4.5 stars ~
June 29, 2017
I am glad that the Forever Haunt case is solved; that Jimmy finally gets answer about who murdered his father. It is rather sad because
BUT, I feel like in this book Jimmy is again, too distracted with it. Jimmy has two cases on going, in addition to his quest of solving his father's murder. And this time there's a missing child involved. However, I couldn't feel an urgency in Jimmy to finish THAT case.
I also felt uncomfortable with the scene at the end -- that the McSwain family seem content --when in actuality, . That scene didn't sit well with me at all.
It says that Jimmy McSwain will return ... but I have to be honest that for the past five books, I don't think Jimmy owns a private investigator characteristics that make me root for him. Or that can keep my attention for the long run. So I think I'll stop in this book. I wish Jimmy and Frank well...
BUT, I feel like in this book Jimmy is again, too distracted with it. Jimmy has two cases on going, in addition to his quest of solving his father's murder. And this time there's a missing child involved. However, I couldn't feel an urgency in Jimmy to finish THAT case.
I also felt uncomfortable with the scene at the end -- that the McSwain family seem content --when in actuality, . That scene didn't sit well with me at all.
It says that Jimmy McSwain will return ... but I have to be honest that for the past five books, I don't think Jimmy owns a private investigator characteristics that make me root for him. Or that can keep my attention for the long run. So I think I'll stop in this book. I wish Jimmy and Frank well...
September 15, 2020
And finally! The Case File #101: The Forever Haunt has in its Status: SOLVED!
This was a deeply satisfying ending of the arc. There were a lot of secrets revealed, some of them expected, others completely shocking but none of them felt farfetched or tricky. The clues were there, and, with each revelation, some of my theories were smashed to bits but other ones held together.
As always, there are two cases here: Joseph McSwain's death and a missing child, the son of Jimmy's new neighbour, Carmen. And I'll only say that this second story is there mostly to get the initial kick to the next 'season' of Jimmy McSwain Files. And that it did it in a way that let me VERY angry at the end of the book.
That aside, in this book we also see progress in Jimmy & Frank relationship. In the sense that there is one :P It's a strange situation, Frank isn't out but apparently everybody and their cousins know that he's gay. Plausible deniability? *shrugs* I don't get it, but as long as it works for them, it's fine :P
I have really enjoyed this series. It has all that I love in them: a solid, well-constructed long term arc, realistic characters with flaws and strong points, a well-paced development and a satisfying ending. This was a wonderful ride, and I hope I'll enjoy the next one as much as I enjoyed this one.
So let's begin with the next!
This was a deeply satisfying ending of the arc. There were a lot of secrets revealed, some of them expected, others completely shocking but none of them felt farfetched or tricky. The clues were there, and, with each revelation, some of my theories were smashed to bits but other ones held together.
As always, there are two cases here: Joseph McSwain's death and a missing child, the son of Jimmy's new neighbour, Carmen. And I'll only say that this second story is there mostly to get the initial kick to the next 'season' of Jimmy McSwain Files. And that it did it in a way that let me VERY angry at the end of the book.
That aside, in this book we also see progress in Jimmy & Frank relationship. In the sense that there is one :P It's a strange situation, Frank isn't out but apparently everybody and their cousins know that he's gay. Plausible deniability? *shrugs* I don't get it, but as long as it works for them, it's fine :P
I have really enjoyed this series. It has all that I love in them: a solid, well-constructed long term arc, realistic characters with flaws and strong points, a well-paced development and a satisfying ending. This was a wonderful ride, and I hope I'll enjoy the next one as much as I enjoyed this one.
So let's begin with the next!
July 14, 2017
This was what I wanted from this installment - with its title, it had to tie up all the threads from the first four installments. And it delivered for me!
Definitely a series to be read in order as each book delivers a little bit more to Jimmy in his search for his father's killer. Each time we also get a separate solved mystery but it is that ongoing Forever Haunt case that gets you hooked.
So this time, the additional mystery of the Ramirez family is drawn to a conclusion but solved perhaps isn't the right description. Especially when events escalate at the end, and Jimmy talks to Barone.
The ongoing Forever Haunt case does get closer and the tension kept mounting. At one point I thought we were getting off with a soft ending but it all came back to a tense show down at the end.
And Jimmy and Frank - well, they are at a better place at the end of this one than some of the others.
I am glad to see Jimmy will be back even though Forevr Haunt is solved -
Definitely a series to be read in order as each book delivers a little bit more to Jimmy in his search for his father's killer. Each time we also get a separate solved mystery but it is that ongoing Forever Haunt case that gets you hooked.
So this time, the additional mystery of the Ramirez family is drawn to a conclusion but solved perhaps isn't the right description. Especially when events escalate at the end, and Jimmy talks to Barone.
The ongoing Forever Haunt case does get closer and the tension kept mounting. At one point I thought we were getting off with a soft ending but it all came back to a tense show down at the end.
And Jimmy and Frank - well, they are at a better place at the end of this one than some of the others.
I am glad to see Jimmy will be back even though Forevr Haunt is solved -
March 19, 2018
I absolutely devoured this book, not sure how or why I missed its' publication because Jimmy McSwain is probably my favourite fictional detective. This book focuses on the ongoing thread throughout the series of his father's murder when Jimmy was a 14 year old with a child abduction as a secondary case. Of course there is the developing relationship with Frank Frisano, the hunky police lieutenant who adds spice to the mix - so all in all my most enjoyable read of the year so far with a surprise and shocking denouement and on the last page a promise that Jimmy McSwain will return (Yippee!!). As always Adam Carpenter's writing (in the McSwain series) flows effortlessly and having established and developed the characters through the earlier books, it was like meeting up with old friends - if you haven't read this series then I highly recommend it.
A fabulous 5 Star read.
A fabulous 5 Star read.
June 8, 2023
NY PI Jimmy McSwain is forever haunted by the death of his father as he muddles his way through a child abduction case. It’s a bittersweet, melancholy story that finally brings together all the leads and infomation that Jimmy has gleaned from 16 years of chipping away at his father’s case. I liked this satisfying conclusion a lot because, like real life, it didn’t resolve neatly or necessarily fairly. For those interested in Jimmy’s on-again/off-again relationship with CAPT Frank X Frisano, there’s progress and the promise of light at the end of the tunnel. With two books to go in the series, it will be interesting to see where the relationship (and Jimmy) will head after this. Joel Leslie is excellent, deftly channeling multiple characters and accents in his audio narration.
May 23, 2024
Like the rest of the series, this book wraps up cases and introduces potential new ones. The pacing and development of the mystery were engaging enough to keep me listening with very few pauses.
I like the evolution of Jimmy's relationships, both romantic and with friends and family. The characters keep me interested even when I think I have the mystery solved. I do not like Salvatore. He is part of the problem in the realm of professional, personal, and social issues. I am worked up about a fictional character, so I would call that excellent character development.
The narration was nicely done and the various voices for the decent sized cast are performed well. The next book is already in my TBR list.
I like the evolution of Jimmy's relationships, both romantic and with friends and family. The characters keep me interested even when I think I have the mystery solved. I do not like Salvatore. He is part of the problem in the realm of professional, personal, and social issues. I am worked up about a fictional character, so I would call that excellent character development.
The narration was nicely done and the various voices for the decent sized cast are performed well. The next book is already in my TBR list.
September 12, 2020
Finally, Jimmy McSwain completed his first unsolved case. A case of NYPD officer Joseph McSwain murder. We got a lot sub-plots also developed in this book. Actually Jimmy was working on three cases simultaneously and at the end solved all. Ending was especially emotional, . I loved this book and enjoyed it in audible edition.
September 11, 2020
This would have been a 4 star read for me - it was often intense, Jimmy's conflicting emotions over his relationship with Frisano and the resolution of his investigation into his father's murder were well done, but I'm knocking off a brownie point for major editing issues.
5 stars for Joel Leslie's narration.
5 stars for Joel Leslie's narration.
August 2, 2017
Awesome!
Another fantastic book in the series. The characters, the nail biting story line and the back drop of New York City, combine to make a complete, and satisfying reading experience.
Another fantastic book in the series. The characters, the nail biting story line and the back drop of New York City, combine to make a complete, and satisfying reading experience.
March 30, 2022
The best of this book.. or even this series is, that you can skip whole chapters without missing something.
Bec there isnt anything NEW
How on earth can so many people give 5 Stars is out of my mind. Maybe.. a maybe.. they never have read other books?
Bec there isnt anything NEW
How on earth can so many people give 5 Stars is out of my mind. Maybe.. a maybe.. they never have read other books?
July 1, 2017
3.5 stars
July 9, 2017
I really enjoy Jimmy and hope to read more.
December 25, 2017
** 4.5 Stars **
I can't wait for the next book!
March 1, 2022
Finally Jimmy closed his father’s murder case.. but at what cost?
..and did the author allergic to happy ending?
I don’t need HEA.. HFN would be nice tho.. I’ve read 5 book for this? 😕
..and did the author allergic to happy ending?
I don’t need HEA.. HFN would be nice tho.. I’ve read 5 book for this? 😕
August 24, 2017
Finally posted my full review over on my website: http://anthonycardno.com/2017/08/book...
September 12, 2020
2. time read
Yey, Jimmy McSwain father can rest in peace.
1. time read
At last, we are giving the whole truth of how and why Jimmy McSwain father died.
Its great reading material.
Yey, Jimmy McSwain father can rest in peace.
1. time read
At last, we are giving the whole truth of how and why Jimmy McSwain father died.
Its great reading material.
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