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New York Confidential #3
A Dangerous Game
TROUBLE ALWAYS FINDS HER…
Wrapping up a normal day at the office, criminal psychologist Kieran Finnegan is accosted by a desperate woman who shoves an infant into her arms and then flees, only to be murdered minutes later on a busy Manhattan street.
Who was the woman? Where did the baby come from? Kieran can’t stop thinking about the child and the victim, so her boyfriend, Craig Frasier, does what any good special agent boyfriend would do—he gets the FBI involved. And asks Kieran to keep out of it.
But the Finnegans have a knack for getting into trouble, and Kieran won’t sit idle when a lead surfaces through her family’s pub. Investigating on her own, she uncovers a dangerous group that plays fast and loose with human lives and will stop at nothing to keep their secrets—and they plan to silence Kieran before she can expose their deadly enterprise.
Wrapping up a normal day at the office, criminal psychologist Kieran Finnegan is accosted by a desperate woman who shoves an infant into her arms and then flees, only to be murdered minutes later on a busy Manhattan street.
Who was the woman? Where did the baby come from? Kieran can’t stop thinking about the child and the victim, so her boyfriend, Craig Frasier, does what any good special agent boyfriend would do—he gets the FBI involved. And asks Kieran to keep out of it.
But the Finnegans have a knack for getting into trouble, and Kieran won’t sit idle when a lead surfaces through her family’s pub. Investigating on her own, she uncovers a dangerous group that plays fast and loose with human lives and will stop at nothing to keep their secrets—and they plan to silence Kieran before she can expose their deadly enterprise.
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First published March 13, 2018
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About the author
Heather Graham
583 books6,879 followersAlso published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
March 14, 2018
My Rating:
3.5
Favorite Quotes:
Babies tended to be adorable— and this baby was especially so. In fact, Kieran wasn’t sure she’d ever seen an ugly baby, but she had been assured by friends that they did exist.
“Don’t dillydally,” Sister Teresa said, and for a moment, she felt as if she was dealing with Mary Poppins— had Mary Poppins decided to join a convent.
Kieran truly worked for the nicest people in the world. They were, in fact, so nice, that she almost felt she worked with magnanimous puppets that might have been created at a Jim Henson fabrication facility.
We check out tons of nothing. That’s the only way you ever get to something…
My Review:
I can’t quite put my finger on it… it wasn’t bad, but it just wasn’t… as engaging as I desired. The story was complicated yet intriguing, and the mystery was not one I could have solved, as there were far too many characters to keep track of and remember; at least too many for my poor pea brain, I fear it was singed by the effort. The main character of Kieran was well-meaning but a danger magnet and tended to pull others into her troublesome vortex. I enjoyed the welcome hits of humor and banter but they were too few and far between. My favorite character was the old lady who was a biter, she bit the cable man… I know, I’m a rebel… what can I say? I’ve wanted to bite a cable man or three…
3.5
Favorite Quotes:
Babies tended to be adorable— and this baby was especially so. In fact, Kieran wasn’t sure she’d ever seen an ugly baby, but she had been assured by friends that they did exist.
“Don’t dillydally,” Sister Teresa said, and for a moment, she felt as if she was dealing with Mary Poppins— had Mary Poppins decided to join a convent.
Kieran truly worked for the nicest people in the world. They were, in fact, so nice, that she almost felt she worked with magnanimous puppets that might have been created at a Jim Henson fabrication facility.
We check out tons of nothing. That’s the only way you ever get to something…
My Review:
I can’t quite put my finger on it… it wasn’t bad, but it just wasn’t… as engaging as I desired. The story was complicated yet intriguing, and the mystery was not one I could have solved, as there were far too many characters to keep track of and remember; at least too many for my poor pea brain, I fear it was singed by the effort. The main character of Kieran was well-meaning but a danger magnet and tended to pull others into her troublesome vortex. I enjoyed the welcome hits of humor and banter but they were too few and far between. My favorite character was the old lady who was a biter, she bit the cable man… I know, I’m a rebel… what can I say? I’ve wanted to bite a cable man or three…
March 18, 2018
I really liked the first two books in the New York Confidential series, along with all the Finnegan family members. However, in this book where Kieran Finnegan is a principal player, she annoyed me to no end. I do not recall her being so reckless, self-centered or selfish as she was in this book. Kieran was constantly putting herself, and others, in serious danger by going off on her own. Oh yes, she knew it was stupid, but she did it anyway. Yep, annoyed the crap out of me. I actually had to put the book down, twice, and read something else in between. I was determined to finish the book, however, because I am such a big fan of Heather Graham and I did.
I give major kudos to the author, Heather Graham who, oh so subtly, highlighted our country's history of diversity and how it has made us the country that we are. With so much hate mongering and division so carelessly being practiced, it was a nice reminder for everyone. The author also shined a frightening light on human trafficking. These are serious, explosive issues with horrific consequences for all. Very timely.
I give major kudos to the author, Heather Graham who, oh so subtly, highlighted our country's history of diversity and how it has made us the country that we are. With so much hate mongering and division so carelessly being practiced, it was a nice reminder for everyone. The author also shined a frightening light on human trafficking. These are serious, explosive issues with horrific consequences for all. Very timely.
December 21, 2024
A Dangerous Game by Heather Graham
New York Confidential series #3. Romantic suspense, thriller. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series as the two main characters are the same leads in all three stories. Spinoff from the Finnegan series and others.
Kieran Finnegan is a criminal psychologist. She’s just about done for the day in the office when a woman comes in and ask for her by name. Kieran confirms and she’s handed a crying baby and the woman flees. Before Kieran can catch up, the woman is killed by a knife on the busy streets of New York and no one noticed. After calling the police and her FBI boyfriend, Craig Frasier, Child protective services picks up the baby. Kieran can’t let it go. There’s a reason she was sought out, if only because she had been in the news recently. Craig gets the FBI involved but Kieran can’t sit idle, in particular when the case is talked about in Finnegan’s, the family pub. There is a human trafficking problem and now that Kieran is on their list,, the cops and FBI need to track down the King and Queen before there are multiple deaths as collateral.
Fast moving action and suspense around the immigrant issues in New York and the degenerates that take advantage of them. One woman, long in NY, basically called it paying her dues as a fact of life. How sad. Glad the FBI and Kieran were able to shut this one down.
I wish real life was as easy as fiction sometimes. It will be interesting to see what’s next for Craig and Kieran as this series continues.
New York Confidential series #3. Romantic suspense, thriller. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series as the two main characters are the same leads in all three stories. Spinoff from the Finnegan series and others.
Kieran Finnegan is a criminal psychologist. She’s just about done for the day in the office when a woman comes in and ask for her by name. Kieran confirms and she’s handed a crying baby and the woman flees. Before Kieran can catch up, the woman is killed by a knife on the busy streets of New York and no one noticed. After calling the police and her FBI boyfriend, Craig Frasier, Child protective services picks up the baby. Kieran can’t let it go. There’s a reason she was sought out, if only because she had been in the news recently. Craig gets the FBI involved but Kieran can’t sit idle, in particular when the case is talked about in Finnegan’s, the family pub. There is a human trafficking problem and now that Kieran is on their list,, the cops and FBI need to track down the King and Queen before there are multiple deaths as collateral.
Fast moving action and suspense around the immigrant issues in New York and the degenerates that take advantage of them. One woman, long in NY, basically called it paying her dues as a fact of life. How sad. Glad the FBI and Kieran were able to shut this one down.
I wish real life was as easy as fiction sometimes. It will be interesting to see what’s next for Craig and Kieran as this series continues.
January 24, 2018
As mild mysteries go, this one is about average. The main characters, Kieran Finnegan, and Craig Frasier are respectively a criminal psychologist and an FBI agent.
The problem with the book is that I did not care for the character of Kieran. Two points annoyed me: first that she was an outright liar to those close to her and those who cared about her. She would lie when asked 'where are you going?' Instead of either - bravely telling the truth, or declining to answer, she would say she was going to X, when in fact she was going to Y. She defended this in her own mind by thinking, I will go to X after I go to Y. Of course, she rarely managed to get to Y because she never should have been going to X to begin with.
Which brings me to her second annoying point: this criminal psychologist excused her exercise of poor judgment on her love and care for her FBI agent boyfriend. When he was not with her, that is, when he was doing his FBI job, she worried about him and wanted to know whether he was in danger, and thus went to dangerous areas where she thought he might be. What idiot without any law enforcement training, nor weapon training, nor any training for dangerous situations, would - on more than one occasion - basically put herself in situations that could prevent her boyfriend from doing his job by getting in his way? Maybe this makes for good stories, but all it did was make me really dislike her.
I would not read any other stories with Kieran, but the author is capable of writing well, and has written many other books which I believe are great. Just not ones apparently with Kieran, unless she gets a brain.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
The problem with the book is that I did not care for the character of Kieran. Two points annoyed me: first that she was an outright liar to those close to her and those who cared about her. She would lie when asked 'where are you going?' Instead of either - bravely telling the truth, or declining to answer, she would say she was going to X, when in fact she was going to Y. She defended this in her own mind by thinking, I will go to X after I go to Y. Of course, she rarely managed to get to Y because she never should have been going to X to begin with.
Which brings me to her second annoying point: this criminal psychologist excused her exercise of poor judgment on her love and care for her FBI agent boyfriend. When he was not with her, that is, when he was doing his FBI job, she worried about him and wanted to know whether he was in danger, and thus went to dangerous areas where she thought he might be. What idiot without any law enforcement training, nor weapon training, nor any training for dangerous situations, would - on more than one occasion - basically put herself in situations that could prevent her boyfriend from doing his job by getting in his way? Maybe this makes for good stories, but all it did was make me really dislike her.
I would not read any other stories with Kieran, but the author is capable of writing well, and has written many other books which I believe are great. Just not ones apparently with Kieran, unless she gets a brain.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
May 10, 2021
Known as a do-gooder who saves others - lands Kieran into a mystery. A baby is thrust into her hands right before the woman who leaves the baby is killed right in front of her. This latest book in Kieran and Craig's suspense exposes the underbelly of human trafficking and black market babies.
Kieran seems to be the new Mrs. Jessica Fletcher from a much beloved TV series, "Murder She Wrote". Whilst Kieran's job lends her to work with law enforcement, specifically the FBI, being an amateur sleuth who finds herself in trouble quite frequently is starting to wear thin. I like Kieran. For the most part, she is good with figuring out the mystery. My only question is why must she make such poor decisions which gets either her or Craig kidnapped or shot? She is trouble waiting to happen. Is it because she's Irish and has a fiery temper to match her colouring? Does this lead to her impatience to go alone when she is better served with back up? Perhaps. And as always, Craig's gut feeling that something has gone wrong with Kieran is correct. Usually it is a tad too late to prevent her from making a mistake.
What I do find interesting is the way Ms. Graham writes the characters so that I can hear them speak with their accents in my head. There were quite a few people of different ethnicity in this story and they were all portrayed in a distinct manner. Their interactions came across realistic and brings to light an ignored horror in America. Whilst this is a fictional story, there is a human trafficking problem that goes on in the States. There are also "indentured" servants brought to the States and treated as slaves. It is a cruel practice which dehumanizes people into purchasable commodities. Forcing women to have babies and then selling them takes it to another level of inhumanity. Ms. Graham does an excellent job of highlight how it can happen, how to possibly notice when something fishy is going on and why this would happen.
For some readers, it may come as a surprise who the villains are in this novel. For me, based on reading several of Ms. Graham's books, I caught on pretty early and only hoped I was wrong. When the truth comes out, I am not surprised and I am disappointed. Disappointed in the characters, not in the writing. Disappointed that people who can make a difference for the good will instead heinously take advantage of the vulnerable.
This romantic suspense is recommended to readers who are unafraid to face the cruelties of human nature.
*provided by NetGalley
Kieran seems to be the new Mrs. Jessica Fletcher from a much beloved TV series, "Murder She Wrote". Whilst Kieran's job lends her to work with law enforcement, specifically the FBI, being an amateur sleuth who finds herself in trouble quite frequently is starting to wear thin. I like Kieran. For the most part, she is good with figuring out the mystery. My only question is why must she make such poor decisions which gets either her or Craig kidnapped or shot? She is trouble waiting to happen. Is it because she's Irish and has a fiery temper to match her colouring? Does this lead to her impatience to go alone when she is better served with back up? Perhaps. And as always, Craig's gut feeling that something has gone wrong with Kieran is correct. Usually it is a tad too late to prevent her from making a mistake.
What I do find interesting is the way Ms. Graham writes the characters so that I can hear them speak with their accents in my head. There were quite a few people of different ethnicity in this story and they were all portrayed in a distinct manner. Their interactions came across realistic and brings to light an ignored horror in America. Whilst this is a fictional story, there is a human trafficking problem that goes on in the States. There are also "indentured" servants brought to the States and treated as slaves. It is a cruel practice which dehumanizes people into purchasable commodities. Forcing women to have babies and then selling them takes it to another level of inhumanity. Ms. Graham does an excellent job of highlight how it can happen, how to possibly notice when something fishy is going on and why this would happen.
For some readers, it may come as a surprise who the villains are in this novel. For me, based on reading several of Ms. Graham's books, I caught on pretty early and only hoped I was wrong. When the truth comes out, I am not surprised and I am disappointed. Disappointed in the characters, not in the writing. Disappointed that people who can make a difference for the good will instead heinously take advantage of the vulnerable.
This romantic suspense is recommended to readers who are unafraid to face the cruelties of human nature.
*provided by NetGalley
November 10, 2025
Read as a Stand Alone - no problem following the characters - romantic mystery - murder - suspense - interesting to the end with a good ending.
March 14, 2018
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
I have to admit to you I wasn't sure why I choose this book to review. I'm saying this not because I thought it wouldn't be a good story, I happened to love Heather Graham so that's not the issue. It was because I hadn't read the first two books in the series and usually don't read out of order.
This time I did. Since I'm a little behind on her I really didn't know at first it was out of order. In fact when the tour came up I didn't even read what the book was about. I knew I enjoyed her books so I jumped right in.
Silly me!
The good thing about this is that even though the characters are the same for each book the plot is different. This isn't a continual story, it just has the same characters for each new book.
This made it much easier on me to read. I really liked both Kieran and Craig. You can really feel the affection between these two and they work so well together solving this mystery. I really felt this was more of a mystery then a romantic suspense. I didn't think it was heavy on the romance. Of course that could be because their romance began in the first book so by now it's old hat to them.
The fact that it wasn't heavy on romance didn't stop me from enjoying the story. It's well written and the charcters are very enjoyable. You'll find that you can get lost in the mystery of what's going on and want to know where it's going. This is a wonderful book that can be read by either straight fiction readers or those of enjoy romantic suspense.
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ARC received for a honest review
I have to admit to you I wasn't sure why I choose this book to review. I'm saying this not because I thought it wouldn't be a good story, I happened to love Heather Graham so that's not the issue. It was because I hadn't read the first two books in the series and usually don't read out of order.
This time I did. Since I'm a little behind on her I really didn't know at first it was out of order. In fact when the tour came up I didn't even read what the book was about. I knew I enjoyed her books so I jumped right in.
Silly me!
The good thing about this is that even though the characters are the same for each book the plot is different. This isn't a continual story, it just has the same characters for each new book.
This made it much easier on me to read. I really liked both Kieran and Craig. You can really feel the affection between these two and they work so well together solving this mystery. I really felt this was more of a mystery then a romantic suspense. I didn't think it was heavy on the romance. Of course that could be because their romance began in the first book so by now it's old hat to them.
The fact that it wasn't heavy on romance didn't stop me from enjoying the story. It's well written and the charcters are very enjoyable. You'll find that you can get lost in the mystery of what's going on and want to know where it's going. This is a wonderful book that can be read by either straight fiction readers or those of enjoy romantic suspense.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for a honest review
May 17, 2018
I'm not sure what's happening. I have loved Heather Graham's books for years, but the last few I have read I had to claw my way through to finish them. What was with Kieran? Is she so used to getting her way that she now tells the FBI which cases to investigate without regard for jurisdiction? How about calling your FBI agent boyfriends boss for updates daily? Really? I realize she was involved in the case, but I just couldn't get past that along with her running around like she is an agent and causing mayhem for others to clean up. I think I have to stop reading these books now. I like Kieran and Craig and their relationship through these books but I don't think it is enough any longer. Kudos to Ms. Graham on her mysteries in all of her books as they are always good, but Kieran kind of ruined this series for me. I will go back to Krewe. Would like to see Cafferty/Quinn books again, but all I can find are novellas now.
March 20, 2018
The story was ok but it wasn't as detailed as it could be a few things that could have been wrapped either weren't or I didn't notice, I've gone back to re-read things just to make sure and I don't think they were and it would've made the plot tighter. Also the main character kept flopping around trying to help out, she's smart enough to know better but ultimately she made the really questionable choices anyways. It's like watching an old horror movies and screaming at the screen for the pretty girl not to go into the basement/anywhere alone with the same effects, it keeps happening over and over. Not sure if there will be another book with these characters but if there is I probably won't be reading it.
January 13, 2022
A Dangerous Game was an enjoyable read featuring an intriguing mystery that uncovers a criminal empire in NYC.
After a long day at the office, Kieran Finnegan is ready to head home but on her way out a woman shows up, shoves a baby in Kieran's arms, and flees. As Kieran gives chase, the woman is murdered on the street. Kieran can't stop thinking about the woman and how she asked for her by name before giving her the baby so she asks her boyfriend Craig Frasier, an FBI agent, to look into the case. But Kieran has never been one to sit on the sidelines and she begins investigating on her own putting her in the sights of a dangerous criminal empire.
The death of the young woman greatly affects Kieran as she's left to wonder why the woman specifically sought her out. No one knows who the woman was or who the baby is, so the assumption is that the woman saw Kieran is the news after a previous case where Kieran saved a young girl's life. During the investigation, Craig and the joint task force he's working with connect the case to a large crime syndicate operating in NYC. With crimes ranging from human trafficking to illegal adoptions to drugs to murder, the group has eyes and ears everywhere in the city. The mystery in this book was very well done and I was surprised by the reveal of who was behind everything. The ending was suspenseful and I enjoyed how the case was wrapped up.
Kieran and Craig's relationship is much more established in this installment with the pair living together, moving between their two apartments. I was happy with the way their relationship progressed throughout the book and where they ended up by the end of the book. However, like the previous books, their working relationship is where their romance falls apart for me a bit. Kieran isn't law enforcement in the traditional sense as she's a criminal psychologist. At times Craig gets annoyed with Kieran for being involved with the case despite the fact the victim sought her out. Both Kieran and Craig keep things from each other about the case that at times puts them in dangerous situations. There's definitely room for improvement in how the two work together which I'm hoping improves in the next book.
Overall A Dangerous Game has a better mystery than it does a romance but I still enjoyed the book. I will be picking up the next book, A Lethal Legacy, sometime in the future.
After a long day at the office, Kieran Finnegan is ready to head home but on her way out a woman shows up, shoves a baby in Kieran's arms, and flees. As Kieran gives chase, the woman is murdered on the street. Kieran can't stop thinking about the woman and how she asked for her by name before giving her the baby so she asks her boyfriend Craig Frasier, an FBI agent, to look into the case. But Kieran has never been one to sit on the sidelines and she begins investigating on her own putting her in the sights of a dangerous criminal empire.
The death of the young woman greatly affects Kieran as she's left to wonder why the woman specifically sought her out. No one knows who the woman was or who the baby is, so the assumption is that the woman saw Kieran is the news after a previous case where Kieran saved a young girl's life. During the investigation, Craig and the joint task force he's working with connect the case to a large crime syndicate operating in NYC. With crimes ranging from human trafficking to illegal adoptions to drugs to murder, the group has eyes and ears everywhere in the city. The mystery in this book was very well done and I was surprised by the reveal of who was behind everything. The ending was suspenseful and I enjoyed how the case was wrapped up.
Kieran and Craig's relationship is much more established in this installment with the pair living together, moving between their two apartments. I was happy with the way their relationship progressed throughout the book and where they ended up by the end of the book. However, like the previous books, their working relationship is where their romance falls apart for me a bit. Kieran isn't law enforcement in the traditional sense as she's a criminal psychologist. At times Craig gets annoyed with Kieran for being involved with the case despite the fact the victim sought her out. Both Kieran and Craig keep things from each other about the case that at times puts them in dangerous situations. There's definitely room for improvement in how the two work together which I'm hoping improves in the next book.
Overall A Dangerous Game has a better mystery than it does a romance but I still enjoyed the book. I will be picking up the next book, A Lethal Legacy, sometime in the future.
January 29, 2018
It has been a while since I have read a book from this author. Yet, the best part is that no matter how much time has passed away, you can still pick up a book and read it. Which was the factor in my case. It was like I had known the Finnegans very well. Also, Kieran and Craig seemed like a good match. Although, I thought that Craig was the more dominant one in regards to jobs. Kieran didn't show as strong a street smarts. Another reader mentioned that she was turned off by Kieran's wishy washy attitude when it came to worrying about Craig. I agree that Kieran knew what type of relationship she had with Craig and he proved to be capable of taking care of himself, so she should have trusted him. I mean, she trusted him to help her solve the case.
There was predictably in the storyline. Yet, this is still a good read. Once that I finished. Also, there was plenty of action and the intensity was good. It kept the story from becoming stale. Overall, a nice read. I am curious to get to knew more about Kieran and see if she is stronger in the prior novels.
There was predictably in the storyline. Yet, this is still a good read. Once that I finished. Also, there was plenty of action and the intensity was good. It kept the story from becoming stale. Overall, a nice read. I am curious to get to knew more about Kieran and see if she is stronger in the prior novels.
November 17, 2019
A fast paced book..loved it
March 26, 2018
2.5 stars A Dangerous Game is the third book in the "New York Confidential" series. In this one, Kieran is approached by a strange woman who hands her a baby and vanishes. Minutes later, Kiernan finds the woman dying of a stab wound. The case gets her and her FBI agent boyfriend, Craig, involved in an illegal human trafficking case.
This series seems to be a hot or miss for me. The first book, Flawless, was just OK. While, the second book, A Perfect Obsession, was really good and had me hooked from the start. I wanted to love this one too, however, this one just didn't hook me in and I found myself pushing to finish it. Other than the identity of the mother, I wasn't really interested in the mystery. It just kind of dragged.
I did love Craig and Kieran together. They make a great couple and it was fun to see their relationship get stronger. But, to be honest, Kieran was kind of annoying in the book and that was a first. I couldn't understand why she kept making dumb decisions. Craig was working the case, but she kept having to stick her nose in and put herself in danger. I think fans of the series will like this one. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't as exciting as I would have liked.
This series seems to be a hot or miss for me. The first book, Flawless, was just OK. While, the second book, A Perfect Obsession, was really good and had me hooked from the start. I wanted to love this one too, however, this one just didn't hook me in and I found myself pushing to finish it. Other than the identity of the mother, I wasn't really interested in the mystery. It just kind of dragged.
I did love Craig and Kieran together. They make a great couple and it was fun to see their relationship get stronger. But, to be honest, Kieran was kind of annoying in the book and that was a first. I couldn't understand why she kept making dumb decisions. Craig was working the case, but she kept having to stick her nose in and put herself in danger. I think fans of the series will like this one. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't as exciting as I would have liked.
July 11, 2019
Criminal psychologist Kieran Finnegan and the Finnegan family are back again, drawn into a dangerous effort against a gang of highly skilled and murderous criminals. Kieran is there at the start when a lady comes into her office asking for her by name, thrusts a baby into her arms and runs away. Kieran follows her, long enough to see her get murdered on the busy streets of New York.
The NYPD and Kieran's FBI agent boy friend are drawn into the action, Kieran knows she should stay out of it and let the law handle it, but instead keeps butting in, keeping after her boyfriend so it's a wonder he can get any work done, putting herself in danger and causing more problems in the midst of an already highly complex case.
I've liked Kieran in previous books, but in this one she's a total pain in the rear, gets in everybody's way, and winds up making the problem much larger than it was to begin with. I really don't like her and her thoughtlessness here, couldn't wait for the case to be solved and done in spite of her.
I really can't recommend this one, the read was a long drag to the end with a character who was totally a hindrance throughout.
The NYPD and Kieran's FBI agent boy friend are drawn into the action, Kieran knows she should stay out of it and let the law handle it, but instead keeps butting in, keeping after her boyfriend so it's a wonder he can get any work done, putting herself in danger and causing more problems in the midst of an already highly complex case.
I've liked Kieran in previous books, but in this one she's a total pain in the rear, gets in everybody's way, and winds up making the problem much larger than it was to begin with. I really don't like her and her thoughtlessness here, couldn't wait for the case to be solved and done in spite of her.
I really can't recommend this one, the read was a long drag to the end with a character who was totally a hindrance throughout.
March 17, 2019
As psychologist Kieran Finnegan prepares to leave her office for the day, an Eastern European woman calls Kieran by name and thrusts a baby into her arms. As the lady runs away, she is stabbed in the back right in front of Kieran by an unknown assailant. As Kieran and her boyfriend FBI agent Craig Frasier try to unravel the puzzle, they enter the world of soup kitchens, illegal immigrants, human trafficking and the sale of babies.
It was nice to see Keiran and her three brothers running their pub in New York. The book got better as the action picked up toward the end but for some reason I wasn't feeling the story as much as I should have.
It was nice to see Keiran and her three brothers running their pub in New York. The book got better as the action picked up toward the end but for some reason I wasn't feeling the story as much as I should have.
August 24, 2018
a 4 1/2!!
March 26, 2018
A nice change of pace not to have the paranormal. Enjoy Kieran and Craig as characters.
April 3, 2018
The newest installment to the series of adventurous and dangerous life Kieran Finnegan and Craig Frasier live is an intense investigation of the human trafficking amongst the vulnerable illegal immigrates.
The case itself is troubling and heartbreaking, bringing light to the many difficult aspects of immigration to the States. The social issues are well embedded into the tale, yet are educational and enlightening.
The many clues, some that seem insignificant, all are part of the bigger picture, and once again Kieran is in the middle of a deadly, dangerous, and even cruel crime spree, with culprits who have no respect to human life or rights. The culprits that seem to have connections everywhere, being able to stay just one step ahead of the investigation no matter where and how the task force is receiving information. The many twists in the plot and the hints of the outcome kept my interest high, and my eyes glued to the pages. To find the culprits was a run against the clock, and I got invested in the outcome, felt for the victims, and cheered for the good guys to find the criminals, to find the King and Queen, to find the connections they had to the law enforcement that fed them information.
I think this might have been my favorite book in the series when it comes to Kieran and Craig's relationship developing. The bond between them has always been tight, the attraction and the feelings they have for each other are a strong force in the stories. But in this story, their vulnerability is highlighted in several different situations, giving the tale another level of depth.
I usually do prefer the excitement of a new couple finding love in a middle of the drama and danger in my romantic suspense, but there are spark and energy in the stories written by Heather Graham that keep me coming back for more no matter in what form the story and series are written.
Vigorous and intense investigation of fatal and sinister crimes amongst the most vulnerable people that once again put Kieran and Craig in the middle of dire situations, making them evaluate their own lives and their future. From tedious combing of clues to aggressive action the story kept me on my toes until the volatile and violent conclusion.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
The case itself is troubling and heartbreaking, bringing light to the many difficult aspects of immigration to the States. The social issues are well embedded into the tale, yet are educational and enlightening.
The many clues, some that seem insignificant, all are part of the bigger picture, and once again Kieran is in the middle of a deadly, dangerous, and even cruel crime spree, with culprits who have no respect to human life or rights. The culprits that seem to have connections everywhere, being able to stay just one step ahead of the investigation no matter where and how the task force is receiving information. The many twists in the plot and the hints of the outcome kept my interest high, and my eyes glued to the pages. To find the culprits was a run against the clock, and I got invested in the outcome, felt for the victims, and cheered for the good guys to find the criminals, to find the King and Queen, to find the connections they had to the law enforcement that fed them information.
I think this might have been my favorite book in the series when it comes to Kieran and Craig's relationship developing. The bond between them has always been tight, the attraction and the feelings they have for each other are a strong force in the stories. But in this story, their vulnerability is highlighted in several different situations, giving the tale another level of depth.
I usually do prefer the excitement of a new couple finding love in a middle of the drama and danger in my romantic suspense, but there are spark and energy in the stories written by Heather Graham that keep me coming back for more no matter in what form the story and series are written.
Vigorous and intense investigation of fatal and sinister crimes amongst the most vulnerable people that once again put Kieran and Craig in the middle of dire situations, making them evaluate their own lives and their future. From tedious combing of clues to aggressive action the story kept me on my toes until the volatile and violent conclusion.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
February 16, 2019
Stars: 3 / 5
Recommendation: Cop Drama Series mixed with Psychology, Romance, Irish History, Family Matters and of course the crazy killers - all elements perfect for a Heather Graham mystery with the infamous law & order type theme; but for one frustrating element.
A Dangerous Game is the third book in the New York Confidential series by Heather Graham published in March of 2018. The series revolves around the Finnegan family, specially Kieran Finnegan, a psychologist working with law enforcement as needed, and her boyfriend FBI Special Agent Craig Frasier who work together to solve some gruesome crimes. This plot is set approximtely a year after the previous book, A Perfect Obsession (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...)
In this installment of the series, Heather sets a plot that practically lands into the hands of Kieran Finnegan, literally and figuratively. A woman thrusts a baby into Kieran's hands and rushes off only to be stabbed to death on the streets in broad daylight, soon after. Now Kieran is obsessed with the baby and the murder of that woman. FBI Special Agent Craig Frasier has no other choice but to be part of the investigation lest Kieran takes upon herself to pursue on. But little do either know that the case takes on a sinister turn, stops being just a murder and becomes a giant beast that keeps growing and the terrors mounting.
A book in a series usually has characters and story-lines floating, so naturally we do see the same happening here - references to crimes and scenes from past two books, supporting characters from those books as well the primary characters. That is good for readers, but sometimes that causes repeat para-phrasing as over and over scenes and situations are mentioned.
A seriously sinister case, that is plaguing the world currently involving human crimes and dark underbelly of the world that these crimes are committed. It is deplorable how one human being can treat another in such a way. However, Heather managed to make it less gorier and grittier, keeping those elements just on the tip of the iceberg for the readers. A commendable approach.
However, I am a bit frustrated by our heroine, Kieran, this time. Granted that she works with the law enforcement as part of her job and that her boyfriend is an FBI Special Agent and that she has a knack to find details that most cops or agents fail to get from victims, suspects or witnesses. However, the first thing that kind of irritated me was about the element of trust that I expect to be shown in a relationship. As much as she expects Craig to tell her every move he is taking on the case, no matter how much she may not be entitled to be known being a civilian, doesn’t that apply the same. She keeps things from Craig, doesn’t tell him where she goes off on herself and only reveals stuff when pressed. Isn’t that double standards of our heroine?
Another that that made me frustrated with Kieran I felt was that no matter how much Craig Frasier tries to convince her that he is on top of the case, he will find the truth and bring justice; Kieran seems to go off on her own several times. She is not a cop, doesn’t have a gun and yet she rams into situations that could potentially turn danger. It’s as if she is this obsessed, crazy person, which did not bode well with me.
I was getting to like her mid-way through the book and then again she goes off on her own into danger without informing Craig or any other agents. Although she has her brother Danny tagging her once in a while. Uff…so frustrating. And yet, Craig loves her so much. Doesn’t make sense to me at all. When will Heather's heroines learn to trust and depend on their partners too from the get-go. They don’t have do everything by themselves, it shows the character's ego rather than ability.
I don’t remember if I felt the same about Kieran from the first two books, but this book, she was under my skin through the entire plot. I couldn’t wait to complete it and put it aside. Phew! Oh and the errors, though minimal, does need a good editing for her books.
Apart from those frustrating bits of things about our heroine, the rest of the plot is really well executed by Heather Graham. She does touch upon one of the ever-growing crimes with regards to atrocities done to fellow humans. They make one chill to bone. Yet at the same time with its soft undertones of romance and family affairs keeps the chillness to a notch slightly lower.
A successful murder mystery with weird psychology of the crazy killers that springs surprise after surprise at every turn keeping the readers glued to the book, but for the frustrating part about the heroine. So I am very biased and confused as to what rating to give this book. Rarely I get stumped. Oh, well! You might find it a better read.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. I had wondered in past two books, if the Finnegans or the FBI agents ever sing at the Karoake bar below Kieran's apartment. We get to see that happening with Kieran in this episode. I want to see Craig do the same too.
b. At the end of this plot, Kieran and Craig decide to get married.
2. Sub-Plots:
a. Finnegan's Irish Pub is co-owned by four siblings - Declan, Kevin, Kieran and Daniel "Danny". However, Declan kind of runs the show. Kevin and Kieran are twins, while Danny is the youngest of them.
b. Declan Finnegan is engaged to be married to Mary Kathleen O'Shaunnessy.
c. Finnegan siblings long time childhood friend, Julie Benton, is now divorced from her ex-husband Gary Benton. And the youngest of the Finnegans, Danny, is in love with her. Will be curious to see how Heather Graham will play this angle in her future books in the series.
d. Mike Dalton is Craig Frasier's partner. Richard Eagan is their assistant director. Marty Kim is their go to tech guy at the bureau.
e. Dr. Allison Miro and Dr. Bentley Fuller are the two psychiatrists, in whose office Kieran Finnegan, also works as a psychologist. Together they aid NYPD and FBI in profiling the criminals.
f. Kieran Finnegan's apartment is above a Japanese restaurant and karaoke bar. Every time Heather spins a scene around the Karoake Bar, we get to hear patrons singing on to some pretty good hit songs.
i. Picture by Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow. One of my favorite songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKFx0...
ii. Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDK9Q...
3. Grammatical / Historical / Location / Character Errors:
a. On Pg. 32, Line 7, it perhaps should be "…up with one another with…"
b. On Pg. 46, Line 14, it should be "…All of them had come…"
c. Heather introduces a 6' 2" bald man with dark-hair on Pg. 56, about whom Kieran feels suspicious. Yet, Heather doesn’t connect that character anywhere later in the book.
Recommendation: Cop Drama Series mixed with Psychology, Romance, Irish History, Family Matters and of course the crazy killers - all elements perfect for a Heather Graham mystery with the infamous law & order type theme; but for one frustrating element.
A Dangerous Game is the third book in the New York Confidential series by Heather Graham published in March of 2018. The series revolves around the Finnegan family, specially Kieran Finnegan, a psychologist working with law enforcement as needed, and her boyfriend FBI Special Agent Craig Frasier who work together to solve some gruesome crimes. This plot is set approximtely a year after the previous book, A Perfect Obsession (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...)
In this installment of the series, Heather sets a plot that practically lands into the hands of Kieran Finnegan, literally and figuratively. A woman thrusts a baby into Kieran's hands and rushes off only to be stabbed to death on the streets in broad daylight, soon after. Now Kieran is obsessed with the baby and the murder of that woman. FBI Special Agent Craig Frasier has no other choice but to be part of the investigation lest Kieran takes upon herself to pursue on. But little do either know that the case takes on a sinister turn, stops being just a murder and becomes a giant beast that keeps growing and the terrors mounting.
A book in a series usually has characters and story-lines floating, so naturally we do see the same happening here - references to crimes and scenes from past two books, supporting characters from those books as well the primary characters. That is good for readers, but sometimes that causes repeat para-phrasing as over and over scenes and situations are mentioned.
A seriously sinister case, that is plaguing the world currently involving human crimes and dark underbelly of the world that these crimes are committed. It is deplorable how one human being can treat another in such a way. However, Heather managed to make it less gorier and grittier, keeping those elements just on the tip of the iceberg for the readers. A commendable approach.
However, I am a bit frustrated by our heroine, Kieran, this time. Granted that she works with the law enforcement as part of her job and that her boyfriend is an FBI Special Agent and that she has a knack to find details that most cops or agents fail to get from victims, suspects or witnesses. However, the first thing that kind of irritated me was about the element of trust that I expect to be shown in a relationship. As much as she expects Craig to tell her every move he is taking on the case, no matter how much she may not be entitled to be known being a civilian, doesn’t that apply the same. She keeps things from Craig, doesn’t tell him where she goes off on herself and only reveals stuff when pressed. Isn’t that double standards of our heroine?
Another that that made me frustrated with Kieran I felt was that no matter how much Craig Frasier tries to convince her that he is on top of the case, he will find the truth and bring justice; Kieran seems to go off on her own several times. She is not a cop, doesn’t have a gun and yet she rams into situations that could potentially turn danger. It’s as if she is this obsessed, crazy person, which did not bode well with me.
I was getting to like her mid-way through the book and then again she goes off on her own into danger without informing Craig or any other agents. Although she has her brother Danny tagging her once in a while. Uff…so frustrating. And yet, Craig loves her so much. Doesn’t make sense to me at all. When will Heather's heroines learn to trust and depend on their partners too from the get-go. They don’t have do everything by themselves, it shows the character's ego rather than ability.
I don’t remember if I felt the same about Kieran from the first two books, but this book, she was under my skin through the entire plot. I couldn’t wait to complete it and put it aside. Phew! Oh and the errors, though minimal, does need a good editing for her books.
Apart from those frustrating bits of things about our heroine, the rest of the plot is really well executed by Heather Graham. She does touch upon one of the ever-growing crimes with regards to atrocities done to fellow humans. They make one chill to bone. Yet at the same time with its soft undertones of romance and family affairs keeps the chillness to a notch slightly lower.
A successful murder mystery with weird psychology of the crazy killers that springs surprise after surprise at every turn keeping the readers glued to the book, but for the frustrating part about the heroine. So I am very biased and confused as to what rating to give this book. Rarely I get stumped. Oh, well! You might find it a better read.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. I had wondered in past two books, if the Finnegans or the FBI agents ever sing at the Karoake bar below Kieran's apartment. We get to see that happening with Kieran in this episode. I want to see Craig do the same too.
b. At the end of this plot, Kieran and Craig decide to get married.
2. Sub-Plots:
a. Finnegan's Irish Pub is co-owned by four siblings - Declan, Kevin, Kieran and Daniel "Danny". However, Declan kind of runs the show. Kevin and Kieran are twins, while Danny is the youngest of them.
b. Declan Finnegan is engaged to be married to Mary Kathleen O'Shaunnessy.
c. Finnegan siblings long time childhood friend, Julie Benton, is now divorced from her ex-husband Gary Benton. And the youngest of the Finnegans, Danny, is in love with her. Will be curious to see how Heather Graham will play this angle in her future books in the series.
d. Mike Dalton is Craig Frasier's partner. Richard Eagan is their assistant director. Marty Kim is their go to tech guy at the bureau.
e. Dr. Allison Miro and Dr. Bentley Fuller are the two psychiatrists, in whose office Kieran Finnegan, also works as a psychologist. Together they aid NYPD and FBI in profiling the criminals.
f. Kieran Finnegan's apartment is above a Japanese restaurant and karaoke bar. Every time Heather spins a scene around the Karoake Bar, we get to hear patrons singing on to some pretty good hit songs.
i. Picture by Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow. One of my favorite songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKFx0...
ii. Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDK9Q...
3. Grammatical / Historical / Location / Character Errors:
a. On Pg. 32, Line 7, it perhaps should be "…up with one another with…"
b. On Pg. 46, Line 14, it should be "…All of them had come…"
c. Heather introduces a 6' 2" bald man with dark-hair on Pg. 56, about whom Kieran feels suspicious. Yet, Heather doesn’t connect that character anywhere later in the book.
June 29, 2021
I'm reading the series without reading the first book. How weird it can be from here? I don't wanna go back and I don't feel it necessary.
April 16, 2018
I think that I liked this book the best of the New York Confidential books. I do agree that Kieran was not thinking about her actions in this book and she seemed a little reckless. Craig and his partner seemed to have to do more because of Kieran. However, I did like the plot. The ending was a surprise. I would recommend this book but I think the first 2 books in the series should be read first.
April 2, 2018
In the third “New York Confidential” series, “A Dangerous Game” a frantic woman shoves an infant into the arms of psychologist Kieran Finnegan only to be murdered minutes later on the street. With the city in turmoil and the investigation drawing in several government agencies including the FBI, Special Agent Craig Frasier soon discovers that the unidentified woman was not the baby’s mother and that dental work suggests she was of Eastern European extraction.
Concerned that the woman targeted Kieran to hand off the baby to, and that her curiosity and desire to find the real mother will put her danger, Frasier promises to keep her abreast of any new details in the case. But Kieran a magnet for trouble while helping her brother’s fiancé at a local church outreach centre discovers two women who not only know the murdered victim but reveal a link to a human trafficking ring dealing in prostitution and the selling of babies. As the death count rises, the agents seemingly one step behind the killers Frasier’s anxiety runs high as he tries to curb Kieran’s curiosity and subtle investigation.
Set in Manhattan events unfold that quickly engulf the Finnegan family, owners of the historic bar run by the eldest brother Declan; especially Kieran whose subtle investigation sweeps her brother Danny into danger. Fast-paced and action-packed intensity and suspense heat up with the discovery of a racket that lures in vulnerable immigrant women; a mole in the agencies’ ranks; an explosion and a severely burned man in a warehouse. Woven into the intensive search for the “king and queen’ running the operation Heather Graham skilfully weaves Frasier and Kieran’s ongoing steamy romance, an immigrant woman accused of biting a repair man, and a nun who has key information. The thrills never stop as Frasier tries to stem Kieran’s impulsive involvement only to have the head of the ring target her. And when you think you have all the answers Heather Graham springs a surprise on the reader at the end.
Bringing the story to life are compelling characters like smart, intuitive curious and reckless Kieran Finnegan; the confident, authoritative and tough Craig Frasier, his partner the honest and direct Mike Dalton; the young, sweet and candid Tanya Petrofskya; and the irascible, hot-tempered but humorous Bea Goga.
I liked “A Dangerous Game” a romantic- suspense with a captivating plot and convincing charaters.
Concerned that the woman targeted Kieran to hand off the baby to, and that her curiosity and desire to find the real mother will put her danger, Frasier promises to keep her abreast of any new details in the case. But Kieran a magnet for trouble while helping her brother’s fiancé at a local church outreach centre discovers two women who not only know the murdered victim but reveal a link to a human trafficking ring dealing in prostitution and the selling of babies. As the death count rises, the agents seemingly one step behind the killers Frasier’s anxiety runs high as he tries to curb Kieran’s curiosity and subtle investigation.
Set in Manhattan events unfold that quickly engulf the Finnegan family, owners of the historic bar run by the eldest brother Declan; especially Kieran whose subtle investigation sweeps her brother Danny into danger. Fast-paced and action-packed intensity and suspense heat up with the discovery of a racket that lures in vulnerable immigrant women; a mole in the agencies’ ranks; an explosion and a severely burned man in a warehouse. Woven into the intensive search for the “king and queen’ running the operation Heather Graham skilfully weaves Frasier and Kieran’s ongoing steamy romance, an immigrant woman accused of biting a repair man, and a nun who has key information. The thrills never stop as Frasier tries to stem Kieran’s impulsive involvement only to have the head of the ring target her. And when you think you have all the answers Heather Graham springs a surprise on the reader at the end.
Bringing the story to life are compelling characters like smart, intuitive curious and reckless Kieran Finnegan; the confident, authoritative and tough Craig Frasier, his partner the honest and direct Mike Dalton; the young, sweet and candid Tanya Petrofskya; and the irascible, hot-tempered but humorous Bea Goga.
I liked “A Dangerous Game” a romantic- suspense with a captivating plot and convincing charaters.
March 22, 2018
An intriguing plot with a fun, flirty crime-fighting pair that is better at solving crimes than most seasoned detectives.
Kieran Finnegan has just finished up what she thought was going to be a normal day at the office. Being a criminal psychologist, she sees and hears things on a daily basis that most don’t. However, upon leaving the office, she hears a lady yelling her name who then thrust a small infant into her arms, which is by no means an ordinary end to her day. The woman runs off and is killed on the streets in front of Kieran moments later. Kieran has never met this woman and has no idea why she would bring this child to her. Kieran’s boyfriend, Craig Frasier works for the FBI and gets himself involved in the case to make sure Kieran stays safe. Even though he tells her to stay out of the case, she can’t help but look into what is going on and find out what it has to do with her.
The first thing to note is that this is the third in a series. The second thing to say is for me that didn’t seem to be a problem. I really enjoyed the story and the characters and didn’t feel that having not read the first two in the series deterred from that in any way. With many elements to the complicated plot, it takes careful attention by the reader to make sure they follow along until the very end to see how things wrap up, which they do quite nicely. Even though it can be classified as a romantic suspense, the romance didn’t over shadow the suspense. The story can be a little intense with the content included, between the stolen baby and other aspects it isn’t recommended for a young audience at all. I thought the story flowed at a very enjoyable pace and the characters meshed well with each other. Graham did a great job showing the different aspects between Craig being with the FBI and Kieran not but also wanting to help solve the case. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this to fans of Graham’s writing and readers that enjoy a good suspense thriller with twists and turns throughout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Kieran Finnegan has just finished up what she thought was going to be a normal day at the office. Being a criminal psychologist, she sees and hears things on a daily basis that most don’t. However, upon leaving the office, she hears a lady yelling her name who then thrust a small infant into her arms, which is by no means an ordinary end to her day. The woman runs off and is killed on the streets in front of Kieran moments later. Kieran has never met this woman and has no idea why she would bring this child to her. Kieran’s boyfriend, Craig Frasier works for the FBI and gets himself involved in the case to make sure Kieran stays safe. Even though he tells her to stay out of the case, she can’t help but look into what is going on and find out what it has to do with her.
The first thing to note is that this is the third in a series. The second thing to say is for me that didn’t seem to be a problem. I really enjoyed the story and the characters and didn’t feel that having not read the first two in the series deterred from that in any way. With many elements to the complicated plot, it takes careful attention by the reader to make sure they follow along until the very end to see how things wrap up, which they do quite nicely. Even though it can be classified as a romantic suspense, the romance didn’t over shadow the suspense. The story can be a little intense with the content included, between the stolen baby and other aspects it isn’t recommended for a young audience at all. I thought the story flowed at a very enjoyable pace and the characters meshed well with each other. Graham did a great job showing the different aspects between Craig being with the FBI and Kieran not but also wanting to help solve the case. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this to fans of Graham’s writing and readers that enjoy a good suspense thriller with twists and turns throughout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
March 30, 2018
When I found out that this novel was, in fact, the third book in the New York Confidential series, I wasn’t sure whether or not it was a good idea to read this one as a standalone. However, once I read the synopsis, I couldn’t pass it up! Human trafficking, danger and a romantically linked team, A Dangerous Game seemed to have everything that I would want in a read! From what I understand, the novels are written using the same characters throughout but are independent stories, which makes it easy to read them as a standalone. This was absolutely true! I had no issue following the story or latching on to the main characters. After the first few pages, I was hooked.
Usually, when I read romantic suspense, I expect to have a novel that is heavy on the romance with a little bit of mystery mixed in. But, for this novel, I was pleasantly surprised to find the opposite to be true! I found that A Dangerous Game had plenty of action and a few twists and turns with the romantic element taking more of a backseat. And, although I did find the general plot quite predictable, I did really find myself enjoying Graham’s writing style. I liked the banter between the characters and the “to the point” prose.
One thing that I struggled with was that A Dangerous Game had a plethora of characters, some easier to keep track of than others, and I found this to be a little bit distracting as I read. Now, as mentioned, I have not read the other books in the series so I am not sure if this was an issue related to that or if it truly was a large number of new characters introduced. Either way, I felt like I could easily have plucked ten characters out of the story immediately and not have missed them.
Overall, I felt like this was an excellent lighter crime read and would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice crime read for the beach; I know I always reach for a romantic suspense when the weather gets warmer!
Usually, when I read romantic suspense, I expect to have a novel that is heavy on the romance with a little bit of mystery mixed in. But, for this novel, I was pleasantly surprised to find the opposite to be true! I found that A Dangerous Game had plenty of action and a few twists and turns with the romantic element taking more of a backseat. And, although I did find the general plot quite predictable, I did really find myself enjoying Graham’s writing style. I liked the banter between the characters and the “to the point” prose.
One thing that I struggled with was that A Dangerous Game had a plethora of characters, some easier to keep track of than others, and I found this to be a little bit distracting as I read. Now, as mentioned, I have not read the other books in the series so I am not sure if this was an issue related to that or if it truly was a large number of new characters introduced. Either way, I felt like I could easily have plucked ten characters out of the story immediately and not have missed them.
Overall, I felt like this was an excellent lighter crime read and would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice crime read for the beach; I know I always reach for a romantic suspense when the weather gets warmer!
March 19, 2018
3 1/2 STARS!
Delectably enticing! From the first page, we are thrust into the middle of a complex crime and taken for a ride throughout New York, various crime scenes, various law enforcement agencies and multiple possible scenarios! The basis of the plot is good, but there are so many secondary characters brought into the mix that it dilutes the plot a lot. The main couple are intriguing, but spend the majority of the story chasing leads without showing their connection a great deal. Perhaps it was shown stronger earlier in the series, as this is the third book surrounding this family, but only the first that I'm reading. For me, it had promise, but was missing some substance. An okay read.
To say that she's a magnet for trouble might be putting it mildly as Kieran Finnegan finds herself once again thrust smack dab in the middle of a crime! She truly was just minding her own business wrapping up a normal day of business as a criminal psychologist when a woman approaches her by name and thrusts a baby into her arms. Attempting to catch up with her as she flees down the street, Keiran is shocked to see that she has been murdered practically in front of her!
With a heartfelt connection to this innocent baby, she sets out to try to find out what in the world is going on in this city and brings in her boyfriend, FBI Special Agent Craig Frasier to help her out. He agrees something is fishy and goes about investigating ... but attempting to keep Kieran safely on the sidelines doesn't work out that well.
Delectably enticing! From the first page, we are thrust into the middle of a complex crime and taken for a ride throughout New York, various crime scenes, various law enforcement agencies and multiple possible scenarios! The basis of the plot is good, but there are so many secondary characters brought into the mix that it dilutes the plot a lot. The main couple are intriguing, but spend the majority of the story chasing leads without showing their connection a great deal. Perhaps it was shown stronger earlier in the series, as this is the third book surrounding this family, but only the first that I'm reading. For me, it had promise, but was missing some substance. An okay read.
To say that she's a magnet for trouble might be putting it mildly as Kieran Finnegan finds herself once again thrust smack dab in the middle of a crime! She truly was just minding her own business wrapping up a normal day of business as a criminal psychologist when a woman approaches her by name and thrusts a baby into her arms. Attempting to catch up with her as she flees down the street, Keiran is shocked to see that she has been murdered practically in front of her!
With a heartfelt connection to this innocent baby, she sets out to try to find out what in the world is going on in this city and brings in her boyfriend, FBI Special Agent Craig Frasier to help her out. He agrees something is fishy and goes about investigating ... but attempting to keep Kieran safely on the sidelines doesn't work out that well.
June 6, 2018
The newest installment to the series staring Kieran Finnegan and Craig Frasier lives relates to investigation of the human trafficking of illegal immigrates.
The case is very timely albit unsettling at the same time, it brings to light the problems that many encounter as they try to immigrate to the United States.
The story starts with Kieran, who is approached by a woman in her office in obvious distress, who then thrusts a bundle towards her and quickly retreats to the street, where she is killed in daylight on a busy street. As always there are subtle clues, that relate to bigger picture, and as Kieran compels Craig to become involved in the investigation the culprits seem to have connections inside the investigation since they are able to stay just one step ahead of the investigation no matter how the information is received. Again they are running against the clock to help reunite the mother with the child and to stop the dangerous ring of criminals.
This wasn't my favorite book in the series when it comes to Kieran and Craig, although their relationship is developing. Their bond is growing and forming into something more permanent,w e do get a bit more information on the others in the Finnigan clan too.
There were points where I wasn't a fan of Kieran but over all the story line is good and it does hit on some very important points and sheds light on some very horrible experiences. I appreciate Heather Graham being willing to work with such a tough topic that doesn't get the attention that it deserves.
The case is very timely albit unsettling at the same time, it brings to light the problems that many encounter as they try to immigrate to the United States.
The story starts with Kieran, who is approached by a woman in her office in obvious distress, who then thrusts a bundle towards her and quickly retreats to the street, where she is killed in daylight on a busy street. As always there are subtle clues, that relate to bigger picture, and as Kieran compels Craig to become involved in the investigation the culprits seem to have connections inside the investigation since they are able to stay just one step ahead of the investigation no matter how the information is received. Again they are running against the clock to help reunite the mother with the child and to stop the dangerous ring of criminals.
This wasn't my favorite book in the series when it comes to Kieran and Craig, although their relationship is developing. Their bond is growing and forming into something more permanent,w e do get a bit more information on the others in the Finnigan clan too.
There were points where I wasn't a fan of Kieran but over all the story line is good and it does hit on some very important points and sheds light on some very horrible experiences. I appreciate Heather Graham being willing to work with such a tough topic that doesn't get the attention that it deserves.
April 11, 2018
I always enjoy Heather Graham’s work, and A Dangerous Game is no exception. It’s the third installment in her “New York Confidential” series, but even though I haven’t read the first two books in this trilogy, I had no problem following the backstories of the existing characters. In fact, one of the things I really liked was that when Graham writes intimate scenes between protagonist Kieran Finnegan and her boyfriend Craig Fraiser, they really show the comfort of an established relationship without feeling boring or stale.
Graham is equally deft at writing intricate, fast-paced plots and vivid characters. The joy of reading something that’s part of a series is that the world you enter is rich and layered without the need for a ton of setup. The heart of the novel – the pub owned by Kieran and her brothers – was so well drawn that I found my mouth watering for shepherd’s pie, and I could hear the clanging of silverware and the driving beat of Irish rock music.
This isn’t ‘just’ a romance novel, however, it’s also a mystery, and that part of the book is never forgotten, nor is plot sacrificed for character moments that wouldn’t make sense.
Graham has given us another novel to devour – that’s really the way her books are best enjoyed – and, as always, I find that the experience was both entertaining and incredibly satisfying.
Goes well with Irish stew served with brown bread and a glass of hard cider.
Graham is equally deft at writing intricate, fast-paced plots and vivid characters. The joy of reading something that’s part of a series is that the world you enter is rich and layered without the need for a ton of setup. The heart of the novel – the pub owned by Kieran and her brothers – was so well drawn that I found my mouth watering for shepherd’s pie, and I could hear the clanging of silverware and the driving beat of Irish rock music.
This isn’t ‘just’ a romance novel, however, it’s also a mystery, and that part of the book is never forgotten, nor is plot sacrificed for character moments that wouldn’t make sense.
Graham has given us another novel to devour – that’s really the way her books are best enjoyed – and, as always, I find that the experience was both entertaining and incredibly satisfying.
Goes well with Irish stew served with brown bread and a glass of hard cider.
March 2, 2018
A DANGEROUS GAME takes us back into the New York Finnegan's world. It is action packed, frightening and with a number of twists that only author Heather Graham can come up with. This is a storyline right out of the newspapers of today where evil takes advantage of the innocent for profit. I love the Finnegan family as they are there for each other in everything they do, they might not agree with what the other is doing, but they will back them. I also have felt a little sorry for Craig, because Kieran is one of those who sees trouble and instead of running, she is ready to face the mystery and find the truth. Their romance does manage to keep going and get stronger ... even a little talk of living together and marriage comes out between the danger and bad things happening.
I have always enjoyed Ms. Graham's way of sending her readers on little rides one way only to give a sudden turn, and we find something completely different in front of us. She keeps us guessing, and in this one, I was completely thrown by who the bad guys were. But I did get a chuckle when I read how the culprit was apprehended and you will have to read A DANGEROUS GAME to find out the answer to that one.
If you want danger, mystery, family, a sweet yet steamy romance then get your hands on A DANGEROUS GAME and enjoy the ride.
Full review may be found at: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...
I have always enjoyed Ms. Graham's way of sending her readers on little rides one way only to give a sudden turn, and we find something completely different in front of us. She keeps us guessing, and in this one, I was completely thrown by who the bad guys were. But I did get a chuckle when I read how the culprit was apprehended and you will have to read A DANGEROUS GAME to find out the answer to that one.
If you want danger, mystery, family, a sweet yet steamy romance then get your hands on A DANGEROUS GAME and enjoy the ride.
Full review may be found at: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...
April 17, 2018
4.5 Stars
I received a copy of this ARC from the Publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Human trafficking, self-proclaimed King and Queen of New York, bad cops, tight-knit families and lovers growing closer than ever all in one book. One crazy ride of a book which takes you all over the city of NY and the seedy underbelly of immigrents who come into the United States looking for a chance to better their situation. Unfortunately for too many, they find themselves at the mercy of people who do not give one iota about them as an individual.
Kieran Finnegan is not such a person. She cares deeply, perhaps too deeply and when a woman is murdered after leaving her office, she becomes the next target. Finance and FBI agent, Craig Fraiser is all too willing to help her out, but it is just when the fun begins. Once you start, you will NOT want to put this book down! Declan, Danny and the rest of her brother's are there ready to put the beat down on whomever is threatening their little sister. Content to let Craig take the lead, the brother's run the family bar until Kieran needs them. When she does, Watch out! Great suspenseful read.
I received a copy of this ARC from the Publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Human trafficking, self-proclaimed King and Queen of New York, bad cops, tight-knit families and lovers growing closer than ever all in one book. One crazy ride of a book which takes you all over the city of NY and the seedy underbelly of immigrents who come into the United States looking for a chance to better their situation. Unfortunately for too many, they find themselves at the mercy of people who do not give one iota about them as an individual.
Kieran Finnegan is not such a person. She cares deeply, perhaps too deeply and when a woman is murdered after leaving her office, she becomes the next target. Finance and FBI agent, Craig Fraiser is all too willing to help her out, but it is just when the fun begins. Once you start, you will NOT want to put this book down! Declan, Danny and the rest of her brother's are there ready to put the beat down on whomever is threatening their little sister. Content to let Craig take the lead, the brother's run the family bar until Kieran needs them. When she does, Watch out! Great suspenseful read.
August 18, 2021
Another fun caper with Kieran Finnegan and Special Agent Craig Frasier. It was definitely a slow burn for me, but once the story really got going, it really stepped up. There was less focus on the Finnegan family and pub in this book but there is still enough to make you feel like you're one of them. Heather Graham adds a bit of NY history to her stories, so you feel like you're learning things and are a true New Yorker. There was a lot of interaction between the various law enforcement groups, and early on I was very suspicious of one of them. I ended up being wrong, but that's what these books do...they keep you guessing until the very end. These books never fail to have twists and turns, red herrings, and puzzle pieces that don't go together until the last second.
All in all, a great addition to the NY Confidential series. Graham never disappoints. If you like a stubborn, does what she wants female protagonist who goes all-in no matter the consequences, along with suspense, murder, and romance, then you will enjoy this series. For fans of Christina Dodd or Karin Slaughter.
All in all, a great addition to the NY Confidential series. Graham never disappoints. If you like a stubborn, does what she wants female protagonist who goes all-in no matter the consequences, along with suspense, murder, and romance, then you will enjoy this series. For fans of Christina Dodd or Karin Slaughter.
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