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CASMIRC #2
The Piper
"A taut, suspenseful thriller." --Kirkus Reviews In Boston an assailant immobilizes a sleep-deprived young mother, blinds her with a black hood, and steals her infant son. When a second abduction occurs in an identical fashion, the media dubs this terrifying perpetrator “The Piper” after the Pied Piper of Northern European folk legend. Stumped by these mysterious kidnappings—with no witnesses, no leads, no ransom, and no sign of the missing babies—local authorities reach out to Special Agent Jackson Byrne and his FBI team specializing in child abduction. As Jack becomes embroiled in the child abduction case, he tries to prepare himself and his anxiety-riddled family for the trial of his most sensationalized criminal ever, the Playground Predator. Through themes of loss and grief, retribution and repentance, The Piper follows both the Playground Predator trial and the Piper’s infant abductions as each story fervently races to its unforgettable climax. "A piece that employs deep psychological intrigue and tension to power its saga of loss and survival... The Piper provides a compelling, absorbing story right up to its unexpected conclusion." --D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 7, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series but this one was even better. By the time the story climaxed I was sitting on the edge of my seat with butterflies in my stomach. Jackson Byrne and his family managed to survive the serial killer who almost destroyed them. His wife, Vicky, and young son are slowly recovering while Jackson is back at work. In his latest case someone is tasing young mothers and stealing their babies. He and his team begin doing what they do best but their leads are few and far between. Then one of the victims is murdered in broad daylight, in a parking lot, with no witnesses. Because the first two mothers were relatively unharmed, they can't help but wonder if there's more than one killer or if the two cases are even connected.
In the meantime, Jackson is visiting Dr. Randall Franklin, the serial killer he helped bring down from the first book, who is now in prison. It was part of a deal Jackson made in order to save his family. Randall's trial is getting ready to start which means Jackson and his wife will both have to testify so Jackson has the added stress of worrying how the trial will affect Vicky.
We also learn more about FBI agent, Heath O'Reilly and his girlfriend, Corinne, a reporter covering Randall's trial. I really liked Heath from the first book and was glad he played a major role in this one. There were times I felt like he deserved better than Corinne as she seemed to care more about her story than anything else and had developed a strange relationship with Randall.
I'm looking forward to the next book, watching the characters develope as they once again get caught up in another mystery.
In the meantime, Jackson is visiting Dr. Randall Franklin, the serial killer he helped bring down from the first book, who is now in prison. It was part of a deal Jackson made in order to save his family. Randall's trial is getting ready to start which means Jackson and his wife will both have to testify so Jackson has the added stress of worrying how the trial will affect Vicky.
We also learn more about FBI agent, Heath O'Reilly and his girlfriend, Corinne, a reporter covering Randall's trial. I really liked Heath from the first book and was glad he played a major role in this one. There were times I felt like he deserved better than Corinne as she seemed to care more about her story than anything else and had developed a strange relationship with Randall.
I'm looking forward to the next book, watching the characters develope as they once again get caught up in another mystery.
January 6, 2019
I am truly mixed about this book. It did keep me engaged. An FBI agent juggles a complex and troubled relationship with a serial killer lwho victimized his wife and son with a new case involving the abductions of infants from their single mothers. I did not read the first book in the series but had no problem keeping up to speed. that being said there were things that were serioiusly annoying. first their are way tooi many characters and the chapters alternate betweent ehm. The effect is choppy anhd at times you wonder who the specific character is. I found the visits to the accused killer and the reason for them unbelievable to the extent of impairing my enjoyment of the book. I didn't buy it or believe it. does every book really need a Hannibal Lector wanna be? I think not. I also found it incredible that supposedly trained law enforcement officers, a notoriously cagey bunch, would be so opoen about sharing the details of their investigations with the intrep[id girl report. So while the plot is interesting and the pace decent it is choppy and hampered by implausabilities that just can't be overlooked. 2.5 stars rounded up to three.
January 13, 2019
This is the second in the CASMIRC/Jackson Byrne series and in my opinion, it was better than the first. While it had some carry over from the first book, this one focused more on the current case and I didn't feel so overwhelmed. There is plenty of action and suspense here. Several times I thought I had it figured out, only to discover I was wrong. The revelation of the "bad guy" and subsequent threat to the "good guy" was handled really well. I sure hope there is a third book coming because there were unanswered questions (not a cliffhanger by any means, but not all wrapped up either) and I would hate to think things were going to be left as they were.
Once again, however, this book could have used the services of a good proofread or editor. There were entirely too many obvious typos and bad grammar that should have been caught when it was being edited. This is one of my pet peeves, but unfortunately, I don't see it changing any time soon.
Once again, however, this book could have used the services of a good proofread or editor. There were entirely too many obvious typos and bad grammar that should have been caught when it was being edited. This is one of my pet peeves, but unfortunately, I don't see it changing any time soon.
May 15, 2019
Definitely a novel worth reading.
I didn't give this book 5 stars, only because of the many characters involved, and especially, in the beginning, it was difficult to keep people straight.
But this is a good, adventurous read, that starts out a bit slow, but gains momentum as you move along with it.
You find yourself hooked, and trying to figure out just who is this mysterious bad guy they are after.
Something unclear to me throughout the entire book, was who exactly Dr. Franklin was, and exactly what v it was he did. That is somehow left to the reader's own interpretation.
I didn't give this book 5 stars, only because of the many characters involved, and especially, in the beginning, it was difficult to keep people straight.
But this is a good, adventurous read, that starts out a bit slow, but gains momentum as you move along with it.
You find yourself hooked, and trying to figure out just who is this mysterious bad guy they are after.
Something unclear to me throughout the entire book, was who exactly Dr. Franklin was, and exactly what v it was he did. That is somehow left to the reader's own interpretation.
January 5, 2019
Intense
Quite a plethora of characters who, at times, I had trouble keeping straight and remembering how they fit into the grand scheme. But overall, it was a good read with a surprise ending that I somewhat had figured out but had to read to the end to know exactly how it all came together. Subtle clues as well as red herrings throughout but just enough to tease your brain and keep you second guessing.
Quite a plethora of characters who, at times, I had trouble keeping straight and remembering how they fit into the grand scheme. But overall, it was a good read with a surprise ending that I somewhat had figured out but had to read to the end to know exactly how it all came together. Subtle clues as well as red herrings throughout but just enough to tease your brain and keep you second guessing.
March 11, 2019
At the start, it seemed that every chapter was introducing a new character. And there were already a lot of law enforcement personnel who were major players. The story was interesting enough, and really got more exciting toward the end, but trying to keep up with all the who’s-who damped my desire to finish.
January 3, 2019
Intense
From the first page to the last are many twists and turns. Well written with believable characters and intriguing plots. Would recommend this for anyone who loves a good mystery.
From the first page to the last are many twists and turns. Well written with believable characters and intriguing plots. Would recommend this for anyone who loves a good mystery.
January 6, 2019
A really well written book about kidnapping and murder. The depth OF The book
Is to be savored slowly. Each person has a different set of psychological problems . It must read slowly not a run through. Very interesting book
Is to be savored slowly. Each person has a different set of psychological problems . It must read slowly not a run through. Very interesting book
January 12, 2019
HARD BOOK TO PUT DOWN!
It's also a somewhat confusing book in the way it is written and the manner in which the characters are introduced in the book, or not! Still, a good book and very interesting.
It's also a somewhat confusing book in the way it is written and the manner in which the characters are introduced in the book, or not! Still, a good book and very interesting.
January 16, 2019
I couldn't finish this book. Less that 20% into the book and we have about 15 characters and their backstory. The story flops back and forth so much that it is confusing. I feel like the author suffers from ADHD. I can see where the story is heading, but the path that is chosen doesn't make sense.
August 30, 2017
Excellent read
Thoroughly enjoyed the book great book two anxiously look forward to more books by this author hope it is done soon
Thoroughly enjoyed the book great book two anxiously look forward to more books by this author hope it is done soon
October 2, 2018
Good second novel in the series.
January 5, 2019
Riveting
I found the characters in this book very interesting. They each had distinct personalities and kept the plot moving. All in all a great mystery.
I found the characters in this book very interesting. They each had distinct personalities and kept the plot moving. All in all a great mystery.
January 7, 2019
Highly recommend
This book really ramped up and pulled me in before I even knew it was happening. You'll be hooked. Enjoy!
This book really ramped up and pulled me in before I even knew it was happening. You'll be hooked. Enjoy!
January 7, 2019
Excellent!
I read his first book A Bustle in the Hedgerow and loved it, had to read the next. Really kept me reading and couldn't put it down. Waiting on the 3rd!
I read his first book A Bustle in the Hedgerow and loved it, had to read the next. Really kept me reading and couldn't put it down. Waiting on the 3rd!
January 8, 2019
Great Read
Fast paced, great book. Couldn’t put it down. Excellent character development, I don’t usually review books but this is one I truly recommend.
Fast paced, great book. Couldn’t put it down. Excellent character development, I don’t usually review books but this is one I truly recommend.
January 16, 2019
Great book!
Hard to put down....keeps you guessing until the end. I didnt see that coming!!
Can't wait to read the next one
Hard to put down....keeps you guessing until the end. I didnt see that coming!!
Can't wait to read the next one
January 18, 2019
Piper
Fast moving, a lot of twists, unsuspected ending. Very heart to put down. It would make a good movie. Well donee.
Fast moving, a lot of twists, unsuspected ending. Very heart to put down. It would make a good movie. Well donee.
January 30, 2019
,, ,,
I have enjoyed every chapter of this book. It has been a compelling read, it's been full of tension and I loved it.
I have enjoyed every chapter of this book. It has been a compelling read, it's been full of tension and I loved it.
February 16, 2019
Shocking
Fantastic tale of kidnapping, loss of family, murder, legal malfeasance. Totally enjoyable couldn’t stop reading til the end. Shocking end with unexpected murderer
Fantastic tale of kidnapping, loss of family, murder, legal malfeasance. Totally enjoyable couldn’t stop reading til the end. Shocking end with unexpected murderer
February 27, 2019
another good thriller in this series it's developing well.
April 4, 2020
This was a thrilling story with a number of unexpected twists and turns. The characters were well developed. It also was a great ending for the cumulative series as well
May 12, 2022
Good book
I really enjoyed this book. I found it very interesting and very riveting. The characters and their storylines were totally refreshing
I really enjoyed this book. I found it very interesting and very riveting. The characters and their storylines were totally refreshing
January 2, 2024
Enjoyable read. It's the second in the series. I will get the first so I can fill in some blanks I have.
December 7, 2024
I really wanted to like this book—the synopsis was so intriguing that I thought it would be a perfect read. Unfortunately, the story itself didn’t live up to its potential. I only made it about 18% of the way through before I had to stop. I couldn’t keep track of the characters or follow where the plot was headed—it felt scattered and unfocused.
Based on the synopsis, this seemed like a story I would enjoy without question, but the execution left a lot to be desired. I tried to push through, hoping it would improve, but I just couldn’t get past how confusing it was. I’m honestly surprised by all the glowing reviews, though I did notice a few others who felt similarly lost.
Based on the synopsis, this seemed like a story I would enjoy without question, but the execution left a lot to be desired. I tried to push through, hoping it would improve, but I just couldn’t get past how confusing it was. I’m honestly surprised by all the glowing reviews, though I did notice a few others who felt similarly lost.
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January 12, 2019I just couldn't finish this book. Far too many characters making it very confusing and slow moving in parts. I liked the author's first book in the series but I just couldn't get into this one. It may be me and because I didn't finish it, there is no star rating. Whatever the end result, I would've added one star for the author's use of my favorite word: "penultimate." Perhaps I'll try this book again some day.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews