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Derek Cole #6
Deathly Reminders
Jessica Gracers sits in a jail cell. Accused of murdering her husband; a crime she insists she is innocent of. Having heard of Derek Cole and his investigative skills, Jessica hires Derek and requests he begin the investigation immediately. But when Derek Cole and Nikkie Armani arrive in the Tampa, Florida area, they learn their client has refused to give an alibi.
Forced to work with Jessica’s lawyer, a woman with a past and present filled with secrets, Derek and Nikkie must first convince their client to give her alibi before they can begin their investigation. And when Jessica’s alibi is given, their entire case is sent spinning out of control.
Forced to work with Jessica’s lawyer, a woman with a past and present filled with secrets, Derek and Nikkie must first convince their client to give her alibi before they can begin their investigation. And when Jessica’s alibi is given, their entire case is sent spinning out of control.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2016
405 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
T. Patrick Phelps
15 books31 followersOn average, every 4.8 minutes, someone in the world downloads a book authored by T Patrick Phelps.
A fan of sandwiches, single malt scotch and books with the unique ability to steal sleep, Phelps has been writing professionally for over two decades. Phelps is the author of the Derek Cole Suspense Thriller Series, which includes "Heartless," "Those of the Margin," "The Observer." ,"The Devil's Snare," "Still Heartless," and the most recent novel in the series, "Deathly Reminders."
When not creating worlds and sending characters through misery and death, Phelps is an interior fire fighter for his local volunteer fire department. The author lives in Central New York with his wife, two kids and two dogs.
A fan of sandwiches, single malt scotch and books with the unique ability to steal sleep, Phelps has been writing professionally for over two decades. Phelps is the author of the Derek Cole Suspense Thriller Series, which includes "Heartless," "Those of the Margin," "The Observer." ,"The Devil's Snare," "Still Heartless," and the most recent novel in the series, "Deathly Reminders."
When not creating worlds and sending characters through misery and death, Phelps is an interior fire fighter for his local volunteer fire department. The author lives in Central New York with his wife, two kids and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 22, 2018
Editing is very bad.
Plot was interesting, but many typos, misspelling took away from truly enjoying this book. Amount of money couldn't be kept straight, 2 million or two hundred million. English isn't even my main language, and I was irritated by all the mistakes. 2.5 stars.
Plot was interesting, but many typos, misspelling took away from truly enjoying this book. Amount of money couldn't be kept straight, 2 million or two hundred million. English isn't even my main language, and I was irritated by all the mistakes. 2.5 stars.
November 26, 2016
This is my introduction to Derek Cole and I plan to find the previous works in the series and catch up on this very interesting private detective. In this volume Derek and his partner Nikkie have been hired by Jessica Gracers who has been accused of killing her husband. Once Jessica reveals her alibi to her attorney and Derek and Nikkie the problems seem to multiply for the investigators. As Nikkie states they have to decide which "rabbit holes" to track down to get the answers they need. There seems to be someone or something acting the puppet master in the whole case and it is extremely hard to determine who or what it is.
Throw into this mix an attorney who is fighting an illness that is killing her. A district attorney who has her eye on higher political office and the has the backing she needs. Add also Derek's strong feelings for his dead wife and the growing feelings he is struggling with for his partner, Nikkie, it makes one wonder if the case will ever be solved. But Derek keeps slogging away at it and keeps going and chasing down all of the various rabbits trying to make sense of all of the relationships that are tangled together.
The book will keep the reader shaking their head and wondering where the story line is going next. An excellent and enjoyable read.
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May 24, 2017Excellent Private Investigator Mystery
I couldn't put the book down. It is written so well that you get little hints as too who the bad guys are but with so many twists and turns you can never quiet put your finger on the right person. It was so good I had to read it all in one day. I love the characters and hope to read more stories about them in the future. I did receive an ARC of this book for an honest review an I would recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries well written books.
I couldn't put the book down. It is written so well that you get little hints as too who the bad guys are but with so many twists and turns you can never quiet put your finger on the right person. It was so good I had to read it all in one day. I love the characters and hope to read more stories about them in the future. I did receive an ARC of this book for an honest review an I would recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries well written books.
April 30, 2018
Needs work
Though the plot was well constructed and kept me guessing all the way to the end, there are just too many elementary errors scattered throughout the book. The amount of money at stake constantly vacillates between two million and two hundred million. There’s quite a bit of difference in those amounts?
For instance:
“FJ mentioned I was letting Jessica walk away with close to two million. Hundred and eighty-five is close enough.” Hmmmmm...
Misuse of common words is another big mistake. “Foul hunters” instead of “fowl hunters”. Someone “pealed” an orange, rather than “peeled” it.
The biggest booboo of all is last time I looked, Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Island were still on the west coast of Florida, yet the author constantly makes reference to where the Bay and the Atlantic come together. If the Atlantic ever reaches Tampa Bay.... don’t want to think about that! I do believe the Gulf of Mexico is that big old body of water you’re looking at down there?
Overall it’s good writing, but the author definitely needs to hire a good editor. Now, I’ll carefully proofread my review, because usually when I give somebody a bad one, I look back and find I’ve made some typographical errors of my own! Nobody’s perfect.
Though the plot was well constructed and kept me guessing all the way to the end, there are just too many elementary errors scattered throughout the book. The amount of money at stake constantly vacillates between two million and two hundred million. There’s quite a bit of difference in those amounts?
For instance:
“FJ mentioned I was letting Jessica walk away with close to two million. Hundred and eighty-five is close enough.” Hmmmmm...
Misuse of common words is another big mistake. “Foul hunters” instead of “fowl hunters”. Someone “pealed” an orange, rather than “peeled” it.
The biggest booboo of all is last time I looked, Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Island were still on the west coast of Florida, yet the author constantly makes reference to where the Bay and the Atlantic come together. If the Atlantic ever reaches Tampa Bay.... don’t want to think about that! I do believe the Gulf of Mexico is that big old body of water you’re looking at down there?
Overall it’s good writing, but the author definitely needs to hire a good editor. Now, I’ll carefully proofread my review, because usually when I give somebody a bad one, I look back and find I’ve made some typographical errors of my own! Nobody’s perfect.
April 29, 2022
Great author ... liked that there was no cursing in this book. That is so rare these days. Seems writers can't write realistically without swearing. I liked the characters and got to know them throughout the story.
April 1, 2018
I am still reeling from this book.
What can I say? I read this in 1day and I am still shaking from the tension. Omg, trite but covers it. Talk about a 1-2 punch. Great writing, fabulous characters, tense story line starting from the gut wrenching opening. Again loved the Lee Child and Jack Reached references. You must read this but please read other volumes first for real understanding.
What can I say? I read this in 1day and I am still shaking from the tension. Omg, trite but covers it. Talk about a 1-2 punch. Great writing, fabulous characters, tense story line starting from the gut wrenching opening. Again loved the Lee Child and Jack Reached references. You must read this but please read other volumes first for real understanding.
May 3, 2018
On the plus side, much of the writing is excellent. The plot well-laid-out, intricate, with constant twists that build on each other and keep the reader guessing till the end. The characters are well-developed. I was especially intrigued by the POV of Maryanne Jenkins, who has recently learned she is suffering from ALS.
Sadly, there are several downsides that made reading this book a chore, some of which stopped me in my tracks. One of my pet peeves is misuse of the semicolon, which happens a lot here. Another pet peeve is drifting in and out of several POVs, even in the same paragraph. This confuses the reader, and is just plain bad writing. The book is riddled with all kinds of errors: typos, misused words, inconsistencies, and mistaken facts. Other reviewers have mentioned several of these so I won’t repeat them. One thing that threw me is Nikkie is described as having long, black hair. I like to picture characters in my mind as I read, and I had pictured her as a tawny-skinned white woman. Then more than 2/3 of the way through the book we find out she is a black woman. “Your assistant, that black bitch with the nice tight ass.” This is the ONLY time we’re clued in that Nikkie is black. The day after Nikkie dies, while she is laying in the morgue, “The bartender put Nikkie’s drink in front of her.” Really?
This is a good book, but it needs the touch of a competent editor before it can be considered professional quality.
Sadly, there are several downsides that made reading this book a chore, some of which stopped me in my tracks. One of my pet peeves is misuse of the semicolon, which happens a lot here. Another pet peeve is drifting in and out of several POVs, even in the same paragraph. This confuses the reader, and is just plain bad writing. The book is riddled with all kinds of errors: typos, misused words, inconsistencies, and mistaken facts. Other reviewers have mentioned several of these so I won’t repeat them. One thing that threw me is Nikkie is described as having long, black hair. I like to picture characters in my mind as I read, and I had pictured her as a tawny-skinned white woman. Then more than 2/3 of the way through the book we find out she is a black woman. “Your assistant, that black bitch with the nice tight ass.” This is the ONLY time we’re clued in that Nikkie is black. The day after Nikkie dies, while she is laying in the morgue, “The bartender put Nikkie’s drink in front of her.” Really?
This is a good book, but it needs the touch of a competent editor before it can be considered professional quality.
May 2, 2018
I've been using Goodreads reviews for quite a while and I have never understood the ratings people submit, especially ratings of 5.
While I actually thought "Deathly Reminders" was a decent story (4, not 5), the writing was terrible. Focusing on just one issue, how does a novel with so many grammatical errors possibly deserve a 5 rating? The examples below are just a few of them. I feel I was generous giving a 3 rating.
The author used Maggie's name when it should have been Nickie.
“If Sam was a partner with FJ before Sam...” “Sam puts some pressure on Sam…”
Sam was a partner before himself and Sam put pressure on himself?
Once is bad enough, but twice?
“…and was soon had line of sight of the lodge.”
what's "was" doing here
“Their laughter, though it only last a minute…”
Wrong tense 1: "last " should be "lasted".
“When I found out you were bring a forensic specialist…”
Wrong tense 2: "bring" should be "bringing"
“hiring a private eye to found out if Brian”
Wrong tense 3: "found" should be find"
“Tried a true.”
Tried a true what? oh, I get it: the "a" should be "and"
“Rachel’s eyes darted back and forth to the Derek, to the package, back again.”
What's a Derek?
And so much more. And I can't blame the editor.
While I actually thought "Deathly Reminders" was a decent story (4, not 5), the writing was terrible. Focusing on just one issue, how does a novel with so many grammatical errors possibly deserve a 5 rating? The examples below are just a few of them. I feel I was generous giving a 3 rating.
The author used Maggie's name when it should have been Nickie.
“If Sam was a partner with FJ before Sam...” “Sam puts some pressure on Sam…”
Sam was a partner before himself and Sam put pressure on himself?
Once is bad enough, but twice?
“…and was soon had line of sight of the lodge.”
what's "was" doing here
“Their laughter, though it only last a minute…”
Wrong tense 1: "last " should be "lasted".
“When I found out you were bring a forensic specialist…”
Wrong tense 2: "bring" should be "bringing"
“hiring a private eye to found out if Brian”
Wrong tense 3: "found" should be find"
“Tried a true.”
Tried a true what? oh, I get it: the "a" should be "and"
“Rachel’s eyes darted back and forth to the Derek, to the package, back again.”
What's a Derek?
And so much more. And I can't blame the editor.
June 24, 2018
Just couldn't get into it
I normally love this genre but I seriously could not get into this book. First of all, and this is not a spoiler (because I HATE those!), the author tells you in the beginning of the book that one of his characters will die! Really?!?! So I was disappointed from the beginning. Yes, the book does have a plot but it is a book from a series... I bought it on Kindle not knowing that. Can I pick it up and run with a series? Sure, but this one had so many references back to the first one or other books that it was getting a little annoying. It did have a pretty good plot but like I said every time I thought I was 'getting into' the book something would drag or completely turn me off. I think for the most part it was waiting for one of the main characters to die. That was why I am only giving it three stars :(
I normally love this genre but I seriously could not get into this book. First of all, and this is not a spoiler (because I HATE those!), the author tells you in the beginning of the book that one of his characters will die! Really?!?! So I was disappointed from the beginning. Yes, the book does have a plot but it is a book from a series... I bought it on Kindle not knowing that. Can I pick it up and run with a series? Sure, but this one had so many references back to the first one or other books that it was getting a little annoying. It did have a pretty good plot but like I said every time I thought I was 'getting into' the book something would drag or completely turn me off. I think for the most part it was waiting for one of the main characters to die. That was why I am only giving it three stars :(
May 22, 2018
First time reading
This was my first book I ever read by this author! It was a very slow start for me but it was enough to keep me going, so I can't complain much! But I did find the twist and turns rather enjoyable. I figured it out pretty early on but I always do that! But even though I figured it out I still continued to read and the book still had me hanging on! So I have to give credit to this author! I found his writing pretty good and as I've said it kept me guessing always in some regard and that is what I like! So if you are looking for book to keep you guessing and stuff then this is it!!! I will definitely be reading more from this author and I am very impressed!!!
This was my first book I ever read by this author! It was a very slow start for me but it was enough to keep me going, so I can't complain much! But I did find the twist and turns rather enjoyable. I figured it out pretty early on but I always do that! But even though I figured it out I still continued to read and the book still had me hanging on! So I have to give credit to this author! I found his writing pretty good and as I've said it kept me guessing always in some regard and that is what I like! So if you are looking for book to keep you guessing and stuff then this is it!!! I will definitely be reading more from this author and I am very impressed!!!
April 27, 2018
Kobo version - 9781612939299 - with this date and publisher listed. Cover is this kindle one.
An enjoyably different mystery - former cop, now PI called in to investigate a murder. More twists and turns than a twisty/turny thing, to mangle a Blackadderism. I didn't see the guilty party until we were told (though by that point we were rapidly running out of suspects... ) and one or two of the methods for keeping us in the dark were a tad convoluted. However, enjoyable, as I said - and there are others in the series, of which this isn't the first - and the taster opening of the next book is both a direct continuation (though this one is completely wrapped up) and refers back to previous events. Well worth searching out others - a few minor quibbles about word usage but surprisingly few for such a long book.
An enjoyably different mystery - former cop, now PI called in to investigate a murder. More twists and turns than a twisty/turny thing, to mangle a Blackadderism. I didn't see the guilty party until we were told (though by that point we were rapidly running out of suspects... ) and one or two of the methods for keeping us in the dark were a tad convoluted. However, enjoyable, as I said - and there are others in the series, of which this isn't the first - and the taster opening of the next book is both a direct continuation (though this one is completely wrapped up) and refers back to previous events. Well worth searching out others - a few minor quibbles about word usage but surprisingly few for such a long book.
June 21, 2018
Jessica Gracers is arrested as a prime suspect to the murder of her husband. Money isn’t an object for her and her demands are plenty. Hiring Derek Cole and Nikki, PIs in their own firm is step one. Asking them to find her husband’s killer is important. Although, keeping her out of prison is her priority. Considering her financial situation, it seems odd that she hired a one-person law office and attorney, Maryanne Jenkins. Soon her husband’s business associates are in question and ties start unraveling. There’s more than meets the eye.
May 10, 2018
More twists and turns than a corkscrew.
This Is a captivating Mystery. Lots of red herrings that keep you on the edge of your seat. I do think the author needs a good atlas since he apparently thinks the Tampa Bay flows into the Atlantic Ocean instead of the Gulf of Mexico. He certainly left it open for a follow-up story. I'll have to see if there is one out yet. If so I will definitely get it and read it.
This Is a captivating Mystery. Lots of red herrings that keep you on the edge of your seat. I do think the author needs a good atlas since he apparently thinks the Tampa Bay flows into the Atlantic Ocean instead of the Gulf of Mexico. He certainly left it open for a follow-up story. I'll have to see if there is one out yet. If so I will definitely get it and read it.
June 15, 2018
Deathly Reminders
Excellent story of a murder investigation involving multiple suspects, several subplots and intriguing entertainment. A widowed private investigator and his female partner agree to try to solve the first murder and get their client removed from suspicion but it proves to be very difficult. The only thing that is clear is that the more questions they ask the more suspicious several people seem to be.
Excellent story of a murder investigation involving multiple suspects, several subplots and intriguing entertainment. A widowed private investigator and his female partner agree to try to solve the first murder and get their client removed from suspicion but it proves to be very difficult. The only thing that is clear is that the more questions they ask the more suspicious several people seem to be.
November 28, 2018
I did not finish this book. Could not. There were so many mistakes - was a professional editor used? Typos, factual errors, incorrect characters in scenes. I got to chapter 8 and I felt like I had given enough of my time to this book, so didn’t bother going any further. Checked on Amazon what the cost of the printed version costs, and am thankful I got it on Kindle for free as I would not spend money on this.
July 29, 2023
I did not expect this, and I say that is a very positive way. The book is full of surprises even though it stars at the end. Somehow, the more you read, the more you forget what is going to happen, which is really good. You get suck into the story quickly while you get to fall in love with some characters and hate others until you learn you were wrong about a lot. Anyway, it can only be described as an adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2018
Do not read this as a stand alone.
No emotional connection to any characters made this hard to get through and very melodramatic.
A few errors in the writing that should have been caught by an editor. For example, a bar tender puts a drink down for someone who is already dead instead of who he is sitting with.
No emotional connection to any characters made this hard to get through and very melodramatic.
A few errors in the writing that should have been caught by an editor. For example, a bar tender puts a drink down for someone who is already dead instead of who he is sitting with.
May 7, 2018
U wasn't expecting that!!
This was the first book I read by Mr. Phelps , i will be reading more books by this author. I loved the writing style. I loved that it grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it till the end. If you love thrillers with a twist you won't believe. This book us so good i won't/can't give any spoilers. Trust me you will not be disappointed.
This was the first book I read by Mr. Phelps , i will be reading more books by this author. I loved the writing style. I loved that it grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it till the end. If you love thrillers with a twist you won't believe. This book us so good i won't/can't give any spoilers. Trust me you will not be disappointed.
June 5, 2018
I don't understand why this is rated so highly. The mystery starts of well and it grabbed my attention. However as it all gets wrapped up it is highly disappointing. The female characters have zero development and seem to exist just to serve the interests of the protagonist, who appears to be a terrible detective if this book is anything to go by.
July 4, 2018
Jessica Gracers is in jail for murdering her husband. She insists she is innocent and in spite of her lawyers objection, she calls on Derek Cole to investigate the crime. He agrees to look into it along with his partner Nikki. Red flags go up at every turn and the mystery deepens with each page. I liked the book until the end because nothing was solved - only more questions to be asked.
August 4, 2018
Excellent read
Great storytelling, great plot, solid characters. What's, not to like about this book. A completely absorbing tale that leaves the reader slightly unsatisfied.........got to get the next book! Reminiscent of the writing of Lee Child, who is referred to in the book. An author to follow. Well done. Six stars!
Great storytelling, great plot, solid characters. What's, not to like about this book. A completely absorbing tale that leaves the reader slightly unsatisfied.........got to get the next book! Reminiscent of the writing of Lee Child, who is referred to in the book. An author to follow. Well done. Six stars!
August 18, 2018
Interesting story development
I chose three stars because of the disappointing ending. The book was well written but the editing was not great. At least five errors which is mildly annoying. There were some unexpected twists and turns that kept me wanting to finish only to be letdown at the end
I chose three stars because of the disappointing ending. The book was well written but the editing was not great. At least five errors which is mildly annoying. There were some unexpected twists and turns that kept me wanting to finish only to be letdown at the end
February 16, 2019
This book really kept me hooked and I couldn’t guess anything easily which is always good!
A good book for those who love modern murder mysteries!
There is a few discrepancies where characters names are mixed up which was slightly confusing and money amounts but easily overlooked and continuing on was worth it.
A good book for those who love modern murder mysteries!
There is a few discrepancies where characters names are mixed up which was slightly confusing and money amounts but easily overlooked and continuing on was worth it.
January 11, 2020
😊
Accused of her husband's murder Jessica Gracers is in jail. She hires a renowned private detective to find the truth. But what is the truth? Is Jessica really telling the truth or is this just an elaborate web of lies concocted to get away with murder?
Good investigative thriller with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing 😊.
Accused of her husband's murder Jessica Gracers is in jail. She hires a renowned private detective to find the truth. But what is the truth? Is Jessica really telling the truth or is this just an elaborate web of lies concocted to get away with murder?
Good investigative thriller with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing 😊.
October 7, 2020
Plenty of twists and turns and ‘oh, no’ moments. And when you think it’s over, it is not. I do agree that the editing could have been tighter. It is irksome when I have to read a sentence over and over to get the correct meaning the author intended. Not sure if this is an e-reader issue or if the same errors are in the hard copy, too. Still, I would recommend the book.
May 1, 2018
Great Book.
I loved this book. One of the best I have read. Lots of charters. I just love it. I plan to buy the rest of his book. The writing demi re me of when James Patterson book first come gout. Great author. Thumbs Up for me.
I loved this book. One of the best I have read. Lots of charters. I just love it. I plan to buy the rest of his book. The writing demi re me of when James Patterson book first come gout. Great author. Thumbs Up for me.
May 22, 2018
Good book with an unusual plot. Fast-paced, likeable characters, just wish I'd known that this is #6 in the series so I could have read them in order. I do plan to read #1 next. I rate this one 4.7 stars.
June 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this until I reached the end and realized the killer got away with murder. Disappointing. There were also a lot of grammatical errors, but the book was good enough to rate it a four.
June 8, 2018
Outstanding Murder Mystery
An outstanding murder mystery with a lot of twists and turns. Page by page you'll think you've figured it out and another fast ball will leave you wondering. Great characters and plot. Well worth the time to read.
An outstanding murder mystery with a lot of twists and turns. Page by page you'll think you've figured it out and another fast ball will leave you wondering. Great characters and plot. Well worth the time to read.
July 6, 2018
Good mystery
Although this book had a lot of twists and at times could be confusing it kept me interested which is hard to do something. I will definitely be reading another Derek Cole book!
Although this book had a lot of twists and at times could be confusing it kept me interested which is hard to do something. I will definitely be reading another Derek Cole book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews