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A Liz Boyle Mystery #1
The Flats
Detective Liz Boyle knows there is no crime more heinous than the murder of a child. When she and her partner, Tom Goran, are called to a new scene in an area of Cleveland known as The Flats, they find that a killer has taken that to new levels.
As the investigation takes them deeper into the city’s seedy underbelly, the case hits frighteningly close to home when someone Liz loves is added to the list of possible suspects. While fighting her personal demons, she must also pick her way around the department bureaucracy to avoid being pulled from the case.
Liz and Tom will need to solve the most mind-bending mystery of their careers, one in which their personal and professional allegiances—and maybe their sanity—will be tested. But Liz vows to bring the killer to justice at any cost.
As the investigation takes them deeper into the city’s seedy underbelly, the case hits frighteningly close to home when someone Liz loves is added to the list of possible suspects. While fighting her personal demons, she must also pick her way around the department bureaucracy to avoid being pulled from the case.
Liz and Tom will need to solve the most mind-bending mystery of their careers, one in which their personal and professional allegiances—and maybe their sanity—will be tested. But Liz vows to bring the killer to justice at any cost.
280 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2017
307 people are currently reading
830 people want to read
About the author
Kate Birdsall
4 books29 followersKate Birdsall was born in the heart of the Rust Belt and harbors a hesitant affinity for its grit. She’s an existentialist who writes both short and long fiction, and she plays a variety of loud instruments. Kate lives in Michigan’s capital city with her partner and at least one too many four-legged creatures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 21, 2020
Cleveland Homicide Detective, Liz Boyle, and her partner, Tom Goran, are charged with investigating the murder of a child. There are plenty of suspects and the even the key witness is a dodgy homeless man. Birdsall does an excellent job of ‘showing’, not just ‘telling’ as she moves the plot forward. The momentum is a bit slow at first, but gradually builds to a satisfying surprise ending. Birdsall’s Liz Boyle character is a bit of a hot-head and loves listening to heavy metal. Enjoy!
November 5, 2017
3.5 Stars
Detective Liz Boyle and her partner Detective Tom Goran are called to investigate the murder of a child. There is nothing so hard to see when a young life is snuffed out needlessly. And no parent can bear that kind of news.
The detectives work endlessly to solve this case. But it's only when someone close to Boyle is deemed a suspect. And then someone targets Boyle. What is her connection to this case? And why would someone take a life to get her attention? Then, another body is found.
This is the debut book of this author and the first of what I hope will be a continuing series. Boyle has issues ... and is seeing a therapist as a condition to keep working and not be tied to a desk. Tom is a great partner. He and his wife look at Boyle as a member of their family. He is always there for her .. and sometimes steps in front of her to keep her from crossing a line.
There are lots of suspects in this murder ... the grandparents, the parents, assorted people on the edges of their lives. Not until close to the ending did I pick up on some of the clues. The ending was quite a surprise.
I found it a little slow in places, a little repetitive, but overall a satisfying read. I look forward to see what this author does next.
Many thanks to the author / Red Adept Publishing / Netgalley for the advance digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Detective Liz Boyle and her partner Detective Tom Goran are called to investigate the murder of a child. There is nothing so hard to see when a young life is snuffed out needlessly. And no parent can bear that kind of news.
The detectives work endlessly to solve this case. But it's only when someone close to Boyle is deemed a suspect. And then someone targets Boyle. What is her connection to this case? And why would someone take a life to get her attention? Then, another body is found.
This is the debut book of this author and the first of what I hope will be a continuing series. Boyle has issues ... and is seeing a therapist as a condition to keep working and not be tied to a desk. Tom is a great partner. He and his wife look at Boyle as a member of their family. He is always there for her .. and sometimes steps in front of her to keep her from crossing a line.
There are lots of suspects in this murder ... the grandparents, the parents, assorted people on the edges of their lives. Not until close to the ending did I pick up on some of the clues. The ending was quite a surprise.
I found it a little slow in places, a little repetitive, but overall a satisfying read. I look forward to see what this author does next.
Many thanks to the author / Red Adept Publishing / Netgalley for the advance digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 2, 2020
I am on a little bit of a good roll. I just finished another good debut book. It is always nice when you take a chance on a unknown author and are rewarded by a good book. I was a little worried at first that the main character might be a little bit too much in your face but she was not she was a good main character and she felt like a homicide detective as well as her partner did. The story flowed good and never got bogged down and the dialogue was good. There was even a nod to the famous police character Harry Bosch in the book-hopefully you catch it if you know who he is lol. The victim was a child but it did not get to bogged down into that aspect which was good. I think she has a lot of talent as a writer. I will read the second book in the series and I hope she gets a little more well known-she deserves it. It was a solid police story . I say go ahead and give this story a spin.
November 13, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Red Adept Publishing for a review copy of The Flats, the first novel to feature Detective Liz Boyle of the Cleveland Police Department.
Liz is called out early in the morning to the body of a child found in The Flats, a rundown area of Cleveland. 5 year old Kevin Whittle has been hit with a shovel and his hand cut off. With few clues and no obvious motive Liz and her partner, Tom Goran, have their work cut out for them.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Flats and think it is a good start to a possible possible series with its twisty plot and damaged protagonist. I was glued to the pages from start to finish as it is just the kind of novel I like, a procedural with a slow unraveling of facts, secrets and lies.
The novel is told in the first person from Liz's point of view which is both good and bad. I like the fact that her reactions are visceral so the reader gets quite up close and personal with some of the scenes like finding the body and telling the parents. I think the descriptions of these scenes are very emotional and some of the best on that level that I have read. On the other hand Liz is on the edge with all the mental baggage she carries around and is much given to introspection and self analysis. It gets a bit wearing after a while and the novel would have been improved without most of it.
The plot is fairly convoluted with various suspects coming under investigation, yielding more information and being cleared. I didn't find the solution particularly convincing although it is pacy and action packed. I'm also convinced that I have read the scene that leads up to the dénouement in another novel or seen it on a true crime documentary as it is extremely familiar and I knew what was going to happen. I also like the emphasis on procedure to be able to bring a prosecutable case. It also gives Liz something to kick against when she decides that she knows best. Her self justification again can get a little tedious.
My jury is out on Liz as a protagonist as the novel has too much about her at the expense of the other characters and, sometimes, the investigation. I am, however, very interested in reading more about her and Goran as I would like to see them in a novel which concentrates more on the investigation. The plotting is interesting, the dialogue realistic, the pacing good and the procedure believable so there is much promise in this novel.
The Flats is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Liz is called out early in the morning to the body of a child found in The Flats, a rundown area of Cleveland. 5 year old Kevin Whittle has been hit with a shovel and his hand cut off. With few clues and no obvious motive Liz and her partner, Tom Goran, have their work cut out for them.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Flats and think it is a good start to a possible possible series with its twisty plot and damaged protagonist. I was glued to the pages from start to finish as it is just the kind of novel I like, a procedural with a slow unraveling of facts, secrets and lies.
The novel is told in the first person from Liz's point of view which is both good and bad. I like the fact that her reactions are visceral so the reader gets quite up close and personal with some of the scenes like finding the body and telling the parents. I think the descriptions of these scenes are very emotional and some of the best on that level that I have read. On the other hand Liz is on the edge with all the mental baggage she carries around and is much given to introspection and self analysis. It gets a bit wearing after a while and the novel would have been improved without most of it.
The plot is fairly convoluted with various suspects coming under investigation, yielding more information and being cleared. I didn't find the solution particularly convincing although it is pacy and action packed. I'm also convinced that I have read the scene that leads up to the dénouement in another novel or seen it on a true crime documentary as it is extremely familiar and I knew what was going to happen. I also like the emphasis on procedure to be able to bring a prosecutable case. It also gives Liz something to kick against when she decides that she knows best. Her self justification again can get a little tedious.
My jury is out on Liz as a protagonist as the novel has too much about her at the expense of the other characters and, sometimes, the investigation. I am, however, very interested in reading more about her and Goran as I would like to see them in a novel which concentrates more on the investigation. The plotting is interesting, the dialogue realistic, the pacing good and the procedure believable so there is much promise in this novel.
The Flats is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 24, 2019
4.5
Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.
Detectives Liz Boyle and Tom Goran work in the Special Homicides division of the Cleveland Police Department. They handle the cases where a child has been killed. Liz is on the edge after an officer involved shooting and she’s seeing a therapist (and making very little progress) when they get the case of a five-year-old boy found dead in The Flats. The Flats was never the greatest part of town, but it’s really gotten bad over the years. What was this boy doing down here and who killed him? As Liz and Tom keep digging they come up with very little, until they catch a break. Will they apprehend the killer or will the killer catch Liz?
First off, I want to state I picked this book solely on the fact it’s set in Cleveland, in the Flats. I’m originally from Ohio and I’d been to the Flats a few times, so I was curious as to how the author would portray it. I haven’t been there since the mid-90s when my favorite place was The Powerhouse and the arcade within. I stayed mostly on the West Bank though and the book’s murder takes place on the East, so it’s possible that the East Bank has not fared as well as the West which is a bummer. In any case…
It’s bad enough a five-year-old is murdered, but Liz and Tom have virtually no leads. Well, they have leads, but nothing they can take to a judge. Dammit! Why is police work so tedious and, and…lawful?! Ok, so yeah there needs to be laws to protect people, but damn, how do LEOs handle it? Don’t answer that. I’ve read the statistics. Anyway…
This is one hell of a good mystery! I was kept guessing until nearly the end. The end! I love when an author stumps me. I love the process of the investigation and all the twists, curveballs, and sudden left turns it can take. This story gives a pretty accurate description of what police work is like, but condensed because this isn’t real life. We gotta get to the end and catch the Big Bad, you know. Excellent writing, great characters, and an awesome mystery. My only complaint is about Liz. It’s probably not fair because she is a flawed character, but some of her actions just pissed me off. I can’t help it, so there it is. All-in-all this is a mystery lover’s dream.
Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.
Detectives Liz Boyle and Tom Goran work in the Special Homicides division of the Cleveland Police Department. They handle the cases where a child has been killed. Liz is on the edge after an officer involved shooting and she’s seeing a therapist (and making very little progress) when they get the case of a five-year-old boy found dead in The Flats. The Flats was never the greatest part of town, but it’s really gotten bad over the years. What was this boy doing down here and who killed him? As Liz and Tom keep digging they come up with very little, until they catch a break. Will they apprehend the killer or will the killer catch Liz?
First off, I want to state I picked this book solely on the fact it’s set in Cleveland, in the Flats. I’m originally from Ohio and I’d been to the Flats a few times, so I was curious as to how the author would portray it. I haven’t been there since the mid-90s when my favorite place was The Powerhouse and the arcade within. I stayed mostly on the West Bank though and the book’s murder takes place on the East, so it’s possible that the East Bank has not fared as well as the West which is a bummer. In any case…
It’s bad enough a five-year-old is murdered, but Liz and Tom have virtually no leads. Well, they have leads, but nothing they can take to a judge. Dammit! Why is police work so tedious and, and…lawful?! Ok, so yeah there needs to be laws to protect people, but damn, how do LEOs handle it? Don’t answer that. I’ve read the statistics. Anyway…
This is one hell of a good mystery! I was kept guessing until nearly the end. The end! I love when an author stumps me. I love the process of the investigation and all the twists, curveballs, and sudden left turns it can take. This story gives a pretty accurate description of what police work is like, but condensed because this isn’t real life. We gotta get to the end and catch the Big Bad, you know. Excellent writing, great characters, and an awesome mystery. My only complaint is about Liz. It’s probably not fair because she is a flawed character, but some of her actions just pissed me off. I can’t help it, so there it is. All-in-all this is a mystery lover’s dream.
Read
June 1, 2018I made it through with only one dream about getting my hand cut off for being left-handed
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November 17, 2017
4 and 1 / 2 stars
Detective Liz Boyle and her partner Detective Tom Goran respond to the call of a body found in downtown Cleveland. Sadly, it is the body of a young boy, perhaps five or six years old. He’s been bashed in the head mad mutilated. Finally the police get identification. The boy’s name is Kevin Whittle. He was five-years old.
Boyle and Goran go to the Whittle house to inform the parents. They are not suspects. Then they have a possible suspect. He was a witness who disappeared from the scene without giving his address or phone number. They locate four men with the name of Brian Little in the vicinity and decide to interview the first one – of the others: two are too short, one in the wrong color. They learn from a neighbor that the Brian Little they have come to see died some months ago. When they discover that they cannot contact their primary witness Sean Miller, Boyle and Goran are frustrated. Back to square one.
Boyle and Goran keep digging; keep investigating. The more the police look into the Whittle family, cracks begin to appear. There are secrets.
This is a very well written and plotted novel. The suspense begins immediately and continues throughout the story. I liked Detectives Boyle and Goran, and I appreciated the way they got along together. Liz Boyle is sassy and impulsive, while Tom Goran is more easy-going and slower to act. They complement one-another well. This is a step-by-step police procedural, with the police investigating and following every possible clue. Kate Birdsall is a new author to watch! I am anxiously looking forward to her next book.
I want to thank NetGalley and Red Adept Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read and enjoy.
Detective Liz Boyle and her partner Detective Tom Goran respond to the call of a body found in downtown Cleveland. Sadly, it is the body of a young boy, perhaps five or six years old. He’s been bashed in the head mad mutilated. Finally the police get identification. The boy’s name is Kevin Whittle. He was five-years old.
Boyle and Goran go to the Whittle house to inform the parents. They are not suspects. Then they have a possible suspect. He was a witness who disappeared from the scene without giving his address or phone number. They locate four men with the name of Brian Little in the vicinity and decide to interview the first one – of the others: two are too short, one in the wrong color. They learn from a neighbor that the Brian Little they have come to see died some months ago. When they discover that they cannot contact their primary witness Sean Miller, Boyle and Goran are frustrated. Back to square one.
Boyle and Goran keep digging; keep investigating. The more the police look into the Whittle family, cracks begin to appear. There are secrets.
This is a very well written and plotted novel. The suspense begins immediately and continues throughout the story. I liked Detectives Boyle and Goran, and I appreciated the way they got along together. Liz Boyle is sassy and impulsive, while Tom Goran is more easy-going and slower to act. They complement one-another well. This is a step-by-step police procedural, with the police investigating and following every possible clue. Kate Birdsall is a new author to watch! I am anxiously looking forward to her next book.
I want to thank NetGalley and Red Adept Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read and enjoy.
January 5, 2018
If you, like me, enjoy binge watching cop shows like Law and Order for hours on end, so long that Netflix deems to ask you if you’re still watching (which, yes, of course you are), you’re bound to enjoy this Cleveland-based detective story.
The Flats managed to surprise me, even though I read mystery/thrillers with an almost religious zeal. The well-executed ending ties in perfectly with the entirety of the book and gives a satisfying, “How did I not see that coming?,” feel. This crime novel is perfect for those who want a satisfying, yet quick, read with a mystery to untangle.
Many readers now demand more diversity in fiction. As a result, some authors can come across as though they are trying too hard to accommodate that audience. It’s almost as though they are checking off a box on a task list instead of crafting a realistic character. Often the result is a persona that reads as insincere, feels false, and is frequently over-characterized. So, it was refreshing to read a good book in which the diverse aspect of a character is simply made one cog in the complex machine of a strong individual to whom many could relate. That is, Liz Boyle. Detective.
My one small note is that it could be hard to keep track of potential suspects and various side characters. However, I think this minor complaint is negated by the fact that Birdsall does such a good job of examining and explaining the plot by the end of the novel.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This little Cleveland-based detective novel keeps the pages turning and your mind racing as you ceaselessly evaluate the suspect list. It also fits the bill for those readers seeking diversity in fiction done well.
The Flats managed to surprise me, even though I read mystery/thrillers with an almost religious zeal. The well-executed ending ties in perfectly with the entirety of the book and gives a satisfying, “How did I not see that coming?,” feel. This crime novel is perfect for those who want a satisfying, yet quick, read with a mystery to untangle.
Many readers now demand more diversity in fiction. As a result, some authors can come across as though they are trying too hard to accommodate that audience. It’s almost as though they are checking off a box on a task list instead of crafting a realistic character. Often the result is a persona that reads as insincere, feels false, and is frequently over-characterized. So, it was refreshing to read a good book in which the diverse aspect of a character is simply made one cog in the complex machine of a strong individual to whom many could relate. That is, Liz Boyle. Detective.
My one small note is that it could be hard to keep track of potential suspects and various side characters. However, I think this minor complaint is negated by the fact that Birdsall does such a good job of examining and explaining the plot by the end of the novel.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This little Cleveland-based detective novel keeps the pages turning and your mind racing as you ceaselessly evaluate the suspect list. It also fits the bill for those readers seeking diversity in fiction done well.
October 17, 2017
Detective Liz Boyle and her partner Goran are the kind of crime-fighting team I’d want on my side. The Flats is full of solid characters, but Boyle and Goran were by far my favorite duo. Birdsall’s tight writing style and classic cop narrative easily ushers readers into Boyle’s world of crime. There are few times when the narrative slows the action, but nine times out of ten Birdsall balances action and dialogue with narrative beautifully. She swings smoothly between Detective Boyle’s personal and professional life as the line between the two become increasingly blurred over the course of the book. The plot itself is self-propelling as Boyle’s investigation leads her down a sinister rabbit hole. I enjoyed the twists and turns that Birdsall sprinkles throughout the book, and the subtle clues that all lead up to a suspenseful climax and satisfactory ending. I recommend The Flats for lovers of mystery, detective dramas, and realistic fiction. And good news — if you like The Flats, it’s only the first book in the Detective Liz Boyle series!
December 31, 2017
*This ARC was received in exchange for an honest review*
This is the story of Detective Liz Boyle who is called to a crime scene with her partner Tom Goran, and this time it is a heinous one, a child has been murdered in Cleveland in a place called The Flats.
As the investigation goes further another body is found and it seems that the killer wants to get Boyles attention, also finding that someone who is close to Boyle could also be a suspect.
As the story moves on there are a lot more suspects but as the ending draws near there is a surprise twist to the plot.
I also liked how Boyles partner Tom Goran is always there for her and he and his wife treat her as part of the family.
There is some suspense and intrigue as you read through this and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series by Kate Birdsall
This is the story of Detective Liz Boyle who is called to a crime scene with her partner Tom Goran, and this time it is a heinous one, a child has been murdered in Cleveland in a place called The Flats.
As the investigation goes further another body is found and it seems that the killer wants to get Boyles attention, also finding that someone who is close to Boyle could also be a suspect.
As the story moves on there are a lot more suspects but as the ending draws near there is a surprise twist to the plot.
I also liked how Boyles partner Tom Goran is always there for her and he and his wife treat her as part of the family.
There is some suspense and intrigue as you read through this and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series by Kate Birdsall
November 15, 2017
As a debut novel I couldn't put this book down and can't wait to read more by author Kate Birdsall’s.
The Flats is a well paced and crafted suspense story that blends humor, murder and intrigue so perfectly readers will not be able to put the book down until the very last word is read.
Thank you to Netgelley and the publisher for a copy
The Flats is a well paced and crafted suspense story that blends humor, murder and intrigue so perfectly readers will not be able to put the book down until the very last word is read.
Thank you to Netgelley and the publisher for a copy
January 7, 2018
Despite the title, “The Flats” is not a story about a place. It’s a story about a person. Namely Detective Sergeant Liz Boyle, a wonderfully crafted, multi-dimensional character who develops and grows as the tale progresses.
The plot starts off with a gut-wrenching murder – that of a 5-year-old – and revolves around Boyle’s inability to deal with the murder of her own sister twenty years ago.
This seems to be the usual, “Will the Detective Go off the Rails?” murder mystery, and, except for the seeming lack of originality in that plotline, it’s a good one. We spend most of our time inside Boyle’s head as she tries to understand what is happening to her, and as she rationalizes her dubious actions with such skill that we are almost persuaded go along with them. She is sliding further and further off the rails, just as we expect. But just about the time I’m starting to think, “Oh, yeah, here we go again,” the plot (and the case) slips off in a different direction, and my interest stirs again as I scramble out of my preconceptions to try to keep up.
The plotline is the key, here, with the internal struggle of the detective mirrored in the external developments in the case. Don’t expect much shoot-‘em-up action until the final climax, because the best of the conflict mainly exists in the detective’s mind.
Highly recommended for fans of Murder Mystery and Police Procedural.
The plot starts off with a gut-wrenching murder – that of a 5-year-old – and revolves around Boyle’s inability to deal with the murder of her own sister twenty years ago.
This seems to be the usual, “Will the Detective Go off the Rails?” murder mystery, and, except for the seeming lack of originality in that plotline, it’s a good one. We spend most of our time inside Boyle’s head as she tries to understand what is happening to her, and as she rationalizes her dubious actions with such skill that we are almost persuaded go along with them. She is sliding further and further off the rails, just as we expect. But just about the time I’m starting to think, “Oh, yeah, here we go again,” the plot (and the case) slips off in a different direction, and my interest stirs again as I scramble out of my preconceptions to try to keep up.
The plotline is the key, here, with the internal struggle of the detective mirrored in the external developments in the case. Don’t expect much shoot-‘em-up action until the final climax, because the best of the conflict mainly exists in the detective’s mind.
Highly recommended for fans of Murder Mystery and Police Procedural.
November 21, 2017
This is the first book in I guess a series that has Detective Liz Boyle as the main character
Taking Liz Boyle first, I loved her, her good points, her flaws, her past problems, her current ones, her humanity, her anger and frustration, her thought processes, her love for her cat, her steely determination, her honesty and all rolled into one very intriguing personality
You were very quickly drawn into her mindset and her narration of the story was excellent
The story itself was fast paced, brutal, ( dealing with a child’s murder) and had plenty of twisty turny unexpected moments that ended surprisingly, I didn’t guess the killer until they were revealed
All the books other characters were easy to get to know, some likeable and some not so!!! I loved her boss, even though she was fearsome!!!
Some books that deal with Police etc procedures can be at times boring and long winded but this book kept these parts interesting and ‘simple’ enough for the reader to understand and be ‘involved with’
A really good read that I enjoyed and would definitely recommend and look forward to future books with Detective Liz Boyle
5 stars 9/10 and recommended
April 19, 2018
A police procedural and very well done. Set in Cleveland, our protagonist is a detective, gay and has herself a troubled past. She must find the killer of a small child who has had his left hand cut off. There are a number of clues for the reader but not the links so it makes for good reading until the final couple of chapters when it starts to link together. Terrific detail and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Read
February 4, 2018The flats by kate birdsall.
Detective elizabeth Boyle, and Detective tom Goran are on a case. A body of a child has been found. Who killed him and why? And will their be more before the can catch the killer?
A fantastic read with some great characters. I loved the story and the plot. I had no idea who it was. A must read. 5*.
Detective elizabeth Boyle, and Detective tom Goran are on a case. A body of a child has been found. Who killed him and why? And will their be more before the can catch the killer?
A fantastic read with some great characters. I loved the story and the plot. I had no idea who it was. A must read. 5*.
November 27, 2017
I received this book as a goodreads giveaway..
I enjoyed this book alot. It was a good read, with just the right amount of characters and back story. I could relate to the characters, and there was enough twists to keep my interest. Look forward to reading more by this author.
I enjoyed this book alot. It was a good read, with just the right amount of characters and back story. I could relate to the characters, and there was enough twists to keep my interest. Look forward to reading more by this author.
November 10, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy.
I really love this book and it was so good!! I couldn't put the book down😊...
Looking forward for another series of this book soon.
I really love this book and it was so good!! I couldn't put the book down😊...
Looking forward for another series of this book soon.
November 7, 2017
Detective Liz Boyle, and her partner Tom Goran, are called out at the discovery of a body of a five year old boy. While trying to cope with her own issues there are more problems with people close to her to deal with.
An interesting read and a good start to the series though I am hoping that Boyle's personal problems don't get in the way of future mysteries and that the stories can deal just with the investigation.
A NetGalley Book
An interesting read and a good start to the series though I am hoping that Boyle's personal problems don't get in the way of future mysteries and that the stories can deal just with the investigation.
A NetGalley Book
November 18, 2017
A good start to this series although my interest wavered a bit halfway through. Liz Boyle and her partner, Detective Tom Goran, are called out to investigate the murder of a child. Liz has her own problems to deal with and I felt they just intruded too much for me in this read. Both characters are opposites but they complement each other. A good police procedural with a convoluted plot and a great start to a new series. My thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
October 11, 2018
Liz Boyle is a detective in the Special Homicide department of the Cleveland police. A career she was possibly drawn to due to the events that happened in her early life. She has demons to fight and constant nightmares about her past, which make it difficult to get close to others, needing to keep some matters secret. Her partner, Tom Goran, has worked with her for a number of years and is used to her ways.
They catch a homicide of a child in the Flats area of Cleveland, an area of deprivation and decay. This is a very disturbing crime and has few witnesses or clues left behind. There are links to someone in Liz’s family as a suspect and this throws her life further into turmoil. She has only just returned to active work after a police shooting investigation and being chained to a desk, which she hated. This is not exactly a gentle break-in job to be called to!
Having her every move being watched by her superior, due to some erratic behaviour, and having messages being left for her, are making this very personal for Liz. Goran and Liz need to solve this case as soon as possible, as the pressure from above is rising. This is a high priority case and more detectives and help are brought in to solve the case. Liz’s focus is on bringing the killer to justice no matter what. Crimes against child are a particular trigger for Liz, due to her own past.
A great, convoluted mystery, with plenty of possible suspects by mid-way, though never quite the one that Liz’s gut believes is responsible. The characters of Liz and Goran are well developed and as flawed as Liz is with her personal traits in communicating and mixing with others, they work well together. Her flawed character is different from what you often see in other lead police detective characters.
You definitely don’t get the game given away in this book. The killer is someone you don’t expect and you won’t be able to guess right from the start – so it doesn’t ruin your read. A very complicated initial scene that expands to more crime scenes as the story develops. I can’t wait for another book in this series and look forward to reading some more books from this author.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
They catch a homicide of a child in the Flats area of Cleveland, an area of deprivation and decay. This is a very disturbing crime and has few witnesses or clues left behind. There are links to someone in Liz’s family as a suspect and this throws her life further into turmoil. She has only just returned to active work after a police shooting investigation and being chained to a desk, which she hated. This is not exactly a gentle break-in job to be called to!
Having her every move being watched by her superior, due to some erratic behaviour, and having messages being left for her, are making this very personal for Liz. Goran and Liz need to solve this case as soon as possible, as the pressure from above is rising. This is a high priority case and more detectives and help are brought in to solve the case. Liz’s focus is on bringing the killer to justice no matter what. Crimes against child are a particular trigger for Liz, due to her own past.
A great, convoluted mystery, with plenty of possible suspects by mid-way, though never quite the one that Liz’s gut believes is responsible. The characters of Liz and Goran are well developed and as flawed as Liz is with her personal traits in communicating and mixing with others, they work well together. Her flawed character is different from what you often see in other lead police detective characters.
You definitely don’t get the game given away in this book. The killer is someone you don’t expect and you won’t be able to guess right from the start – so it doesn’t ruin your read. A very complicated initial scene that expands to more crime scenes as the story develops. I can’t wait for another book in this series and look forward to reading some more books from this author.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
October 12, 2018
***I received a free copy of this book from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review***
This was my first ARC book and I was very pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed Kate Birdsall’s first novel and I look forward to more books in the Liz Boyle series.
What I liked:
I really liked the main character, Liz Boyle. She was believable and well developed. The author gave enough background that you got to know Boyle, but not so much that it bogged down the story. She had a lifetime of problems, going back to childhood, and while she talked about them, she wasn’t whiny and self-pitying about it. I could definitely identify with her avoidance of people in her life who were less that pleasant to be around!
I like how the author gradually introduced new suspects and evidence throughout the book, and didn’t overwhelm you with too much information at once; you had to stay on your toes and she really kept you guessing the entire time. The dialogue was very good, flowed and was well written. There were a few instances where it become a little redundant, but overall, the conversations sounded realistic.
What I didn’t like:
The last 40 pages. Without giving too much away, I just found the killer to be unbelievable and the evidence too plentiful. In a real murder, it would have been far more difficult to prove, especially with this particular suspect. The trail was far too easy to follow and I find it hard to believe that any killer would leave that much evidence so easy to find.
The romance. The romantic interests and surrounding drama didn’t add to the story, and in fact were really distracting and unnecessary. I would have preferred it if the author had just kept this a crime drama and not tried to make it somewhat of a romance novel.
I give this book a 3-1/2, rounded up to 4 and look forward to future books in the series.
This was my first ARC book and I was very pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed Kate Birdsall’s first novel and I look forward to more books in the Liz Boyle series.
What I liked:
I really liked the main character, Liz Boyle. She was believable and well developed. The author gave enough background that you got to know Boyle, but not so much that it bogged down the story. She had a lifetime of problems, going back to childhood, and while she talked about them, she wasn’t whiny and self-pitying about it. I could definitely identify with her avoidance of people in her life who were less that pleasant to be around!
I like how the author gradually introduced new suspects and evidence throughout the book, and didn’t overwhelm you with too much information at once; you had to stay on your toes and she really kept you guessing the entire time. The dialogue was very good, flowed and was well written. There were a few instances where it become a little redundant, but overall, the conversations sounded realistic.
What I didn’t like:
The last 40 pages. Without giving too much away, I just found the killer to be unbelievable and the evidence too plentiful. In a real murder, it would have been far more difficult to prove, especially with this particular suspect. The trail was far too easy to follow and I find it hard to believe that any killer would leave that much evidence so easy to find.
The romance. The romantic interests and surrounding drama didn’t add to the story, and in fact were really distracting and unnecessary. I would have preferred it if the author had just kept this a crime drama and not tried to make it somewhat of a romance novel.
I give this book a 3-1/2, rounded up to 4 and look forward to future books in the series.
June 24, 2020
Compelling, impeccably well-written thriller/mystery/police procedural story set in Cleveland about a woman detective with an elite unit within the police department. Liz Boyle is an intense personality, a bit of a loner, a driven personality and driven detective, with a complex and troubling backstory. When she and her partner, the calm counterpoint Tom Goren, begin to investigate the murder of a young child, things quickly become personal. As the plot develops, just how personal become more and more clear--and more frightening.
This is a police procedural/mystery with a strong female protagonist and as such it might draw comparisons to Michael Connelly’s Renee Ballard series, which also feature an intense female detective. I had just finished reading two of Connelly’s Renee Ballard books, back to back, when I read The Flats. Far from suffering in comparison, Kate Birdsall’s The Flats soars. I preferred her book because she develops her characters more fully, the family and personal dramas add a complex layer and richness to the stories, and the pacing and intensity are sharper. Not to say Connelly isn’t a great writer—he is—but to stress that Kate Birdsall’s book stands up to the best of them.
A fast-paced, powerful book, The Flats is the first in a series, with The Heights following. Both are gritty, realistic and filled with crisp, on-point writing. Hurry up Kate, and please write another Liz Boyle story.
This is a police procedural/mystery with a strong female protagonist and as such it might draw comparisons to Michael Connelly’s Renee Ballard series, which also feature an intense female detective. I had just finished reading two of Connelly’s Renee Ballard books, back to back, when I read The Flats. Far from suffering in comparison, Kate Birdsall’s The Flats soars. I preferred her book because she develops her characters more fully, the family and personal dramas add a complex layer and richness to the stories, and the pacing and intensity are sharper. Not to say Connelly isn’t a great writer—he is—but to stress that Kate Birdsall’s book stands up to the best of them.
A fast-paced, powerful book, The Flats is the first in a series, with The Heights following. Both are gritty, realistic and filled with crisp, on-point writing. Hurry up Kate, and please write another Liz Boyle story.
October 12, 2018
I very much enjoyed this first mystery by Kate Birdsall. Homicide Detective Liz Boyle is still seeing the therapist to discuss her last case. Liz had killed a suspect who was attempting to shoot her partner, Tom Goran. Now, she and her partner are assigned to a particularly disturbing case. A five-year old boy has been found murdered in an alley in The Flats, a popular area in Cleveland. The boy had been reported missing by his parents, although he was visiting his grandparents when he went missing. She and Tom will question the patrons of the bars in the area, looking for any clue as to who killed and left the boy in the alley. When the police believe that they have their suspect, Liz is not so sure as another murder takes place. There still seems to be some “threads” to the crime that don’t add up. Also, someone is sending her baffling text messages that make no sense. Liz will have to dig deep in to her past in order to catch the killer. I look forward to reading the next Det. Liz Boyle mystery. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
October 11, 2018
I received this ARC in exchange for reviewing it. This was a fantastic police procedural with a great story that kept me reading and guessing how it would end. This is the story of Liz Boyle, who is a detective with the Special Homicide Squad in Cleveland. When the book begins she is in consulting because of an officer involved shooting that recently happened. We learn about Liz’s past and how she is coping with quite a few issues.
The story starts with a heinous crime that she is called in to investigate. As Liz and her partner Tom Goran explore the situation around this child’s murder, and since the story is told from Liz’s perspective it also examines her life and problems. In both her professional and (little) personal life, Liz must deal with a lot from her past and conditions in her current position on the force. While investigating the case, the book keeps you guessing about the characters and who is telling the truth and how they will ever figure out who killed this child. It is great mystery and I am anxious to read the next Liz Boyle book!
The story starts with a heinous crime that she is called in to investigate. As Liz and her partner Tom Goran explore the situation around this child’s murder, and since the story is told from Liz’s perspective it also examines her life and problems. In both her professional and (little) personal life, Liz must deal with a lot from her past and conditions in her current position on the force. While investigating the case, the book keeps you guessing about the characters and who is telling the truth and how they will ever figure out who killed this child. It is great mystery and I am anxious to read the next Liz Boyle book!
June 29, 2020
Detective Liz Boyle knows there is no crime more heinous than the murder of a child. When she and her partner, Tom Goran, are called to a new scene in an area of Cleveland known as The Flats, they find that a killer has taken that to new levels.
Gee what a fantastic book that I somehow missed. Pretty close to a 5 star. Really glad that I had an opportunity to read it. Hey, female detective, plays loud guitar music and lives in Cleveland. Well that certainly gets my attention. Just a great story that focuses on a hard boiled yet introspective lead character in Liz Boyle. The character differences between the two partners could not be more different but they are compelling Actually, all the protagonists are well portrayed and interesting.
This was the first book in this series that was released in 2017 and it’s pretty close to being a 5* in my estimation. I am really looking forward to reading the second novel “The Heights” that was released earlier this year. Check this one out. Kate Birdsall is a force to be reckoned with.
Gee what a fantastic book that I somehow missed. Pretty close to a 5 star. Really glad that I had an opportunity to read it. Hey, female detective, plays loud guitar music and lives in Cleveland. Well that certainly gets my attention. Just a great story that focuses on a hard boiled yet introspective lead character in Liz Boyle. The character differences between the two partners could not be more different but they are compelling Actually, all the protagonists are well portrayed and interesting.
This was the first book in this series that was released in 2017 and it’s pretty close to being a 5* in my estimation. I am really looking forward to reading the second novel “The Heights” that was released earlier this year. Check this one out. Kate Birdsall is a force to be reckoned with.
May 18, 2022
Great read!
I almost didn’t read this book based on some reviews that warned of graphic descriptions of violence to animals. I once read a Stephen King short story that graphically described animal torture and I’m still not over it. But I’m so glad I gave this book a shot. It was a great read! And I honestly don’t know what the other reviewers considered to be so graphic.
This book is a little dark, a little gritty. But it didn’t seem over the top to me.
It started off a bit slowly. Typical of the first novel in a series, for background and character development. However after a few chapters I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
Looking forward to reading the next book!
I almost didn’t read this book based on some reviews that warned of graphic descriptions of violence to animals. I once read a Stephen King short story that graphically described animal torture and I’m still not over it. But I’m so glad I gave this book a shot. It was a great read! And I honestly don’t know what the other reviewers considered to be so graphic.
This book is a little dark, a little gritty. But it didn’t seem over the top to me.
It started off a bit slowly. Typical of the first novel in a series, for background and character development. However after a few chapters I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
Looking forward to reading the next book!
October 8, 2018
Yes I will admit I lived in Ohio City just above the Flats in Cleveland, so that turned me on for this book. I was not disappointed to find this is a good mystery, a detailed police procedural, and an introduction to some very interesting characters. The discovery of the maimed body of a five-year-old sets Liz off on the trail of the killer. Before she is done, she has her brother as a suspect, a potential new relationship, and eventually a finale to a truly strange story. The area of the Flats has gotten a little seedier, but beyond that, the book displays Cleveland in a reasonably favorable light. The local color is captured well, and the story is very suspenseful.
October 10, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy. Mystery books are my favorite genre. This gritty novel is what I categorize as crime fiction or a police procedural. Detective Liz Boyle is a deeply flawed individual, but a good cop. Her equally capable partner, Detective Tom Goran has to spend equal time working their cases and keeping Liz out of the hot seat with their lieutenant. And Liz seems at times, more than a little unstable. For me, it's a little bit of a stretch to give it four stars, but three seems way too low. It was action-packed and full of suspense. I definitely look forward to reading more in this series.
September 21, 2020
This is my favorite kind of mystery - one that offers not just a mystery, but complex and psychologically interesting characters. I thought the narrator's voice was strong and engaging. I immediately liked and sympathized with her. Her scenes in the therapist's office helped us see a more vulnerable (though still defensive) version of her and there was some nice growth through the book. When the plot started heating up, I had trouble putting the book down. This is a great read for a weekend binge.
October 11, 2018
Review: THE FLATS by Kate Birdsall
A gripping Rust-Belt Police Noir, THE FLATS engrossed me immediately and kept the pace, and the tension, ratcheted high. I was reminded strongly of Carol O'Connell's Detective Mallory, the orphaned abused child adopted by a city homicide detective and his wife, who grew up to become a talented, but off-the-wall homicide detective herself. So Detective Elizabeth Boyle resonates with me as a character, and the mystery is taut and seemingly inexplicable.
A gripping Rust-Belt Police Noir, THE FLATS engrossed me immediately and kept the pace, and the tension, ratcheted high. I was reminded strongly of Carol O'Connell's Detective Mallory, the orphaned abused child adopted by a city homicide detective and his wife, who grew up to become a talented, but off-the-wall homicide detective herself. So Detective Elizabeth Boyle resonates with me as a character, and the mystery is taut and seemingly inexplicable.
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