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Evan Buckley #4
NO REST FOR THE WICKED
AN EVAN BUCKLEY THRILLER
An isolated getaway for two in the mountains.
Four desperate men on the run.
One shared moment of truth.
WHEN maverick P.I. Evan Buckley wins a free trip for two to an exclusive luxury hotel buried in the mountains of upstate New York, a well-earned rest should be guaranteed. After almost meeting his maker on his last case, he needs it. But when an armed gang on the run from a botched robbery that left a man dead invade the hotel and take Evan’s partner Gina hostage along with the other guests and their spirited seven-year-old daughter, Evan’s got his work cut out.
As the armed men become increasingly desperate and more violent, one of them develops an unhealthy obsession with Gina. Cut off from help, Evan will do anything to save her and the other hostages, but his daring plan could get them all killed if she fails to play her perilous and crucial role.
And as if that wasn’t enough, the old hotel has got a few shameful secrets of its own. Only one thing’s for sure – there ain’t no such thing as free.
ACCESSED VIA AUTHORS WEBSITE
An isolated getaway for two in the mountains.
Four desperate men on the run.
One shared moment of truth.
WHEN maverick P.I. Evan Buckley wins a free trip for two to an exclusive luxury hotel buried in the mountains of upstate New York, a well-earned rest should be guaranteed. After almost meeting his maker on his last case, he needs it. But when an armed gang on the run from a botched robbery that left a man dead invade the hotel and take Evan’s partner Gina hostage along with the other guests and their spirited seven-year-old daughter, Evan’s got his work cut out.
As the armed men become increasingly desperate and more violent, one of them develops an unhealthy obsession with Gina. Cut off from help, Evan will do anything to save her and the other hostages, but his daring plan could get them all killed if she fails to play her perilous and crucial role.
And as if that wasn’t enough, the old hotel has got a few shameful secrets of its own. Only one thing’s for sure – there ain’t no such thing as free.
ACCESSED VIA AUTHORS WEBSITE
Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2017
726 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 14, 2024
Series on KU
No Rest for the Wicked is #4 in the Evan Buckley series, a convoluted tale of four extremely bad guys. These four have nothing else left to lose. They have already killed the liquor store manager and kidnapped the clerk. Evan and his friend Gina have won a free pass to a limited upstate New York mountain resort's post-renovation re-opening in a snowy winter wonderland. Evan has a little help in this one, the chef and resort manager as well as the husband of a fellow guest are all on the side of the angels, though a young female hostage from the liquor store holdup and 6-year-old guest Emily certainly add to his problems.
With three women and a child to protect Evan has his hands full even with help. But the weather is on his side, and the tranquility of the lakeside resort can only be considered an asset. As the lack of any sort of telephone and internet service during this pre-opening weekend is a downside, however. But perhaps Evan can count on an assist from the ghost of Orenda who haunts the treetop suite he shares with Gina. And we get to enjoy thinking about the locale and the weather as August passes us by here in the SW desert. All that lovely cold snow. Plus, of course, a good revolving mystery. What a way to pass the day!
REVIEWED on Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo or B&N.
No Rest for the Wicked is #4 in the Evan Buckley series, a convoluted tale of four extremely bad guys. These four have nothing else left to lose. They have already killed the liquor store manager and kidnapped the clerk. Evan and his friend Gina have won a free pass to a limited upstate New York mountain resort's post-renovation re-opening in a snowy winter wonderland. Evan has a little help in this one, the chef and resort manager as well as the husband of a fellow guest are all on the side of the angels, though a young female hostage from the liquor store holdup and 6-year-old guest Emily certainly add to his problems.
With three women and a child to protect Evan has his hands full even with help. But the weather is on his side, and the tranquility of the lakeside resort can only be considered an asset. As the lack of any sort of telephone and internet service during this pre-opening weekend is a downside, however. But perhaps Evan can count on an assist from the ghost of Orenda who haunts the treetop suite he shares with Gina. And we get to enjoy thinking about the locale and the weather as August passes us by here in the SW desert. All that lovely cold snow. Plus, of course, a good revolving mystery. What a way to pass the day!
REVIEWED on Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo or B&N.
December 26, 2017
Review for “No Rest for the Wicked” by James Harper an Evan Buckley short story
Thriller Novel “No Rest for the Wicked” will reassure you with all recorded events and incidents with very intense level of suspense and action in the story. An Unpleasant buzz of apprehension ripples through everyone’s stomach as we proceed the book with cruelty, violence and suffering emotions as to stir up the interest for all to sense the thriller genres. Challenging your intellect through reading this suspense novel with enjoyable amount of interest invoked is sense for suspense genre book lovers.
Beginning the story with the terrible incident that states the course of the robbery in the liquor store where the liquor store manager is shot and killed and a female clerk kidnapped by gang for their getaway to escape from the crime scene. Todd Hollis, Sonny Day (Todd’s half-wit cousin), Mason King (Todd’s long- time partner) and Loyd are the reason for the many wild, electrifying and horrible episodes to fire up the narration.
Amazing details are captured around the hotel and the place where certainly a series of nerve-wracking moments, avalanche of humiliation and pain is expected by the one who proceeds. Stunning views of the forest, the lake and mountains around the hotel and tasteful description to visualize the expensive looking antiques placed in the hotel wrap’s up the mind with narrator’s attempt to place all the minutiae aspects to experience in the scene.
The Characterization of Evan and Gina, Scott Harris and Linda with their seven year old little daughter Emily, who are facing breathe taking and life-threatening incident with the Hotel manager Lucas Ebersold and the Hotel chef by the terrible group of men who are armed and threatening their life is main theme in plotting the suspense drama. Although, feeling the thriller and suspense is reflected as a main subject, still author has added the innocence and cuteness through introducing sweet little Emily’s character in the book.
Advancing story with series of sudden panic-fueled and a shiver of revulsion rippling is sensed for the most brutal, vicious and cruel gang. Evan losing himself for hours into his routine to practice Chinese activity Tai chi headed out into woods and his action upon hearing noise from Hotel to rescuing everyone including his girlfriend Gina is portrayed very capably. After all, Rachel’s role (female clerk kidnapped) to help figure out Evan the plan to rescue everyone takes us by surprise. Finally, Evan’s grim determination with action and knocking the men one by one and emerging in the situation with greater confidence gives reasonable and sensible explanation to draft the story skillfully.
Book has impacted me with all scared moments and extremely intensifying incidents to question, why and how would I face the situation in life? Why innocent lives is always in stake in such an inhuman act plotted by gang or terrorist? Shaping future generation with education and social awareness for reasoning and acting upon might be better solution for peace and togetherness to experience by us, I guess.
Aishwariya Jayakumar
Thriller Novel “No Rest for the Wicked” will reassure you with all recorded events and incidents with very intense level of suspense and action in the story. An Unpleasant buzz of apprehension ripples through everyone’s stomach as we proceed the book with cruelty, violence and suffering emotions as to stir up the interest for all to sense the thriller genres. Challenging your intellect through reading this suspense novel with enjoyable amount of interest invoked is sense for suspense genre book lovers.
Beginning the story with the terrible incident that states the course of the robbery in the liquor store where the liquor store manager is shot and killed and a female clerk kidnapped by gang for their getaway to escape from the crime scene. Todd Hollis, Sonny Day (Todd’s half-wit cousin), Mason King (Todd’s long- time partner) and Loyd are the reason for the many wild, electrifying and horrible episodes to fire up the narration.
Amazing details are captured around the hotel and the place where certainly a series of nerve-wracking moments, avalanche of humiliation and pain is expected by the one who proceeds. Stunning views of the forest, the lake and mountains around the hotel and tasteful description to visualize the expensive looking antiques placed in the hotel wrap’s up the mind with narrator’s attempt to place all the minutiae aspects to experience in the scene.
The Characterization of Evan and Gina, Scott Harris and Linda with their seven year old little daughter Emily, who are facing breathe taking and life-threatening incident with the Hotel manager Lucas Ebersold and the Hotel chef by the terrible group of men who are armed and threatening their life is main theme in plotting the suspense drama. Although, feeling the thriller and suspense is reflected as a main subject, still author has added the innocence and cuteness through introducing sweet little Emily’s character in the book.
Advancing story with series of sudden panic-fueled and a shiver of revulsion rippling is sensed for the most brutal, vicious and cruel gang. Evan losing himself for hours into his routine to practice Chinese activity Tai chi headed out into woods and his action upon hearing noise from Hotel to rescuing everyone including his girlfriend Gina is portrayed very capably. After all, Rachel’s role (female clerk kidnapped) to help figure out Evan the plan to rescue everyone takes us by surprise. Finally, Evan’s grim determination with action and knocking the men one by one and emerging in the situation with greater confidence gives reasonable and sensible explanation to draft the story skillfully.
Book has impacted me with all scared moments and extremely intensifying incidents to question, why and how would I face the situation in life? Why innocent lives is always in stake in such an inhuman act plotted by gang or terrorist? Shaping future generation with education and social awareness for reasoning and acting upon might be better solution for peace and togetherness to experience by us, I guess.
Aishwariya Jayakumar
June 6, 2018
Todd Hollis (thief), & Sonny Day (Todd’s cousin,) were going to knock off the Liquor Warehouse (Warrensburg).
Sonny shot the liquor store mgr.
Mason King (40+, Todd’s long-time partner) wanted to know what the H happened.
Todd blew the CCTV camera to smithereens.
Loyd (driver) took off with the female clerk & the 3 other gang members.
The Lodge (hotel). Treetop Suite. Luca Ebersold (Swiss, mgr.) greeted the 2 new arrivals: Evan Buckley (PI), & Gina (Evan’s PI partner).
Gina out/about had come across Emily Harris (7, daughter) who had been kidnapped.
It was Todd, Sonny, Mason & Loyd again.
When Evan got back from his exercise routine Scott Harris (husband/father) filled him in about his daughter.
Emily escaped but Linda Harris (wife/mother) was captured.
Scott had taken a bullet also.
Evan saw Emily was in dire need of medical attention.
Will the 4 hooligans get caught & face legal charges?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. Wow, a very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the Instafreebie; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
Sonny shot the liquor store mgr.
Mason King (40+, Todd’s long-time partner) wanted to know what the H happened.
Todd blew the CCTV camera to smithereens.
Loyd (driver) took off with the female clerk & the 3 other gang members.
The Lodge (hotel). Treetop Suite. Luca Ebersold (Swiss, mgr.) greeted the 2 new arrivals: Evan Buckley (PI), & Gina (Evan’s PI partner).
Gina out/about had come across Emily Harris (7, daughter) who had been kidnapped.
It was Todd, Sonny, Mason & Loyd again.
When Evan got back from his exercise routine Scott Harris (husband/father) filled him in about his daughter.
Emily escaped but Linda Harris (wife/mother) was captured.
Scott had taken a bullet also.
Evan saw Emily was in dire need of medical attention.
Will the 4 hooligans get caught & face legal charges?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. Wow, a very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the Instafreebie; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
April 27, 2018
This is the fourth book in the Evan Buckley P.I. series, although only a short one. After a very hard and dangerous recent case, Evan finds himself winning a weekend break at a newly refurbished hotel in the mountains and takes Gina along. Only three couples have been invited, so it should be a peaceful weekend. Unfortunately for Evan, a small group of criminals, on the run after a botched hold up, end up invading the hotel to escape the authorities.
Only one other couple have turned up, but brought their seven year old daughter with them. There are only a couple of staff on site, as this is just a tester weekend, before the grand re-opening of the hotel. The armed gang burst in and take the staff, Gina and the young girl captive. As the armed gang get more and more frustrated, desperate and out of control, one takes a fancy to Gina and it gets dangerous.
Evan must get his act in order, as there will be no other help coming, and the hostages are being threatened with violence. Bringing in his past experiences and training he has to make a plan and hope Gina understands her role and he isn’t too late to save her. People have already been killed and injured by the gang and they could all be next.
A good story with a swift pace that keeps the action moving. Evan is put in a difficult situation with Gina’s safety and that of the staff and other family all on his head. He has to use his experience to find the best solution and soon comes to realise that nothing is ever free!
I received an ARC copy of this novella and have thoroughly enjoyed reading another story about Evan (P.I.), his friends and some of the situations he gets into. I have freely given my own opinion of this book above.
Only one other couple have turned up, but brought their seven year old daughter with them. There are only a couple of staff on site, as this is just a tester weekend, before the grand re-opening of the hotel. The armed gang burst in and take the staff, Gina and the young girl captive. As the armed gang get more and more frustrated, desperate and out of control, one takes a fancy to Gina and it gets dangerous.
Evan must get his act in order, as there will be no other help coming, and the hostages are being threatened with violence. Bringing in his past experiences and training he has to make a plan and hope Gina understands her role and he isn’t too late to save her. People have already been killed and injured by the gang and they could all be next.
A good story with a swift pace that keeps the action moving. Evan is put in a difficult situation with Gina’s safety and that of the staff and other family all on his head. He has to use his experience to find the best solution and soon comes to realise that nothing is ever free!
I received an ARC copy of this novella and have thoroughly enjoyed reading another story about Evan (P.I.), his friends and some of the situations he gets into. I have freely given my own opinion of this book above.
April 27, 2018
NO REST FOR THE WICKED by James Harper. April 27
Hotel with invite for just two couples. As a police detective, you would think he’d question, with Gina his girlfriend. Evan out walking, while she goes into kitchen for breakfast. Meeting with a shotgun, she reacted, had the upper hand , when memories of just having been abducted took over. Hair raising plot, what will go on in that kitchen, with Gina and Emily, readers won’t want to miss. James has done a tense action filled story, that keeps you to the end. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Hotel with invite for just two couples. As a police detective, you would think he’d question, with Gina his girlfriend. Evan out walking, while she goes into kitchen for breakfast. Meeting with a shotgun, she reacted, had the upper hand , when memories of just having been abducted took over. Hair raising plot, what will go on in that kitchen, with Gina and Emily, readers won’t want to miss. James has done a tense action filled story, that keeps you to the end. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
April 27, 2018
When Evan gets a free trip to a very posh hotel in the mountains in upstate New York he is ready for some R&R! But that ain't gonna happen! A botched robbery with 4 men invading the hotel puts the brakes on that notion. But when they take Gina hostage, well that's going too far! Can Evan get Gina and the rest of the hostages back without any of them being harmed? Of course no self-respecting Evan Buckley story would be complete without some smart-ass lines and a good dose of sarcasm. Another wonderful action packed story from James Harper. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 27, 2018
Maybe it's just my kind of book but, if so, I am very lucky. I've read all the Evan Buckley books and shorts and haven't been disappointed yet. I love the interplay between Evan and Kate (there are none in this book). Bringing in a character from another book doesn't leave you scratching your head because James Harper's ability as a writer allows him to do this without giving away too much information on the previous book. I know there's so much more to come about Evan Buckley and I'm greatly looking forward to it. Thanks James Harper, now get to writing that next book, I'm waiting.
April 28, 2018
Remember when your mom used to tell you "If something seems too good to be true then it is"? Well, she was right :D
When Evan Buckley gets an invitation for a ‘free all-expense paid weekend” to a very posh mountain resort in upstate New York, you can bet he wasn't expecting to be held hostage for a bunch of men running after a butched robbery.
Action, suspense, and of course, lots of sarcasm make this a book worth your time.
I received an ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of the book and I'm so happy I did!
When Evan Buckley gets an invitation for a ‘free all-expense paid weekend” to a very posh mountain resort in upstate New York, you can bet he wasn't expecting to be held hostage for a bunch of men running after a butched robbery.
Action, suspense, and of course, lots of sarcasm make this a book worth your time.
I received an ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of the book and I'm so happy I did!
June 6, 2018
Not much in the way of thrills
Good guy with troubled past encounters dumb criminals; defeats them. Life goes on.
Okay, that's a little snarky, but the titled work is barely 75% of the book itself. The rest is a short story. For it to have been a successful introduction to this PI series more background would have worked - and likely been overkill for the readers of the three proceeding novels.
A quick read, entertaining, but insufficient mass and depth for me to want to invest in other words about the hero.
Good guy with troubled past encounters dumb criminals; defeats them. Life goes on.
Okay, that's a little snarky, but the titled work is barely 75% of the book itself. The rest is a short story. For it to have been a successful introduction to this PI series more background would have worked - and likely been overkill for the readers of the three proceeding novels.
A quick read, entertaining, but insufficient mass and depth for me to want to invest in other words about the hero.
June 2, 2018
Four men rob a liquor warehouse, killing the manager and taking a female store clerk hostage. After one of the men accidentally removes his mask in the store where there is a CCTV camera, they flee to the mountains to a hotel they think is deserted. When they arrive they find the hotel occupied and terrorize its inhabitants. Good fast-paced story. Read it in one sitting.
February 16, 2019
So good
I took a break between this book and #3 so I was a little worried about catching up. But Mr. Harper gave just enough background to remind me of the story. So much action in here, kept me riveted, again. All the characters were well thought out and fit their roles nicely. Loved it.
I took a break between this book and #3 so I was a little worried about catching up. But Mr. Harper gave just enough background to remind me of the story. So much action in here, kept me riveted, again. All the characters were well thought out and fit their roles nicely. Loved it.
February 10, 2021
Great but to SHORT
Harper can deliver a great Evan Buckley novel. The last book was much longer and I enjoyed. This is more like a short story...albeit good...but a short story. That saddens me I thought he had graduated to complete bpoks with the last one. This is a good quickie. I love the entire enchilada too.
Harper can deliver a great Evan Buckley novel. The last book was much longer and I enjoyed. This is more like a short story...albeit good...but a short story. That saddens me I thought he had graduated to complete bpoks with the last one. This is a good quickie. I love the entire enchilada too.
July 20, 2023
Book #4 of a set and not long enough to be a book. There may be 10 more of these. Harper does a credible job with action and violence and pacing and some entertaining dialogue but there is a sameness to the books. Can’t decide which rating, 3 or 4 stars, is more accurate. Maybe I should try one standalone work that doesn’t feature Evan Buckley.
April 27, 2018
It all goes to show you have to be careful what you ask for especially if it is free. Evan did not have any idea what this free trip to stay at a luxury hotel upstate NY was going to be like. Lots of action and on your seat suspense. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2018
It seems like nothing is ever really free, and some people draw trouble to them like ants to a picnic…even on vacation. Evan is at it again, and you too will get sucked into the action and not be able to put the book down.
August 2, 2018
Just when Evan thought he was going to get some well deserved time out and relax ....... A robbery gone wrong and the armed gang on the run, hostages taken ....... Not a chance!!
A great read, in fact I’ve read at least seven books by James Harper and they were all excellent.
A great read, in fact I’ve read at least seven books by James Harper and they were all excellent.
April 2, 2020
Crazy Good
The coming back of other characters is great. I hope Evan and Gina stay together. I'm glad Evan is portrayed as being human, unlike other books that I have read. Love this story.
The coming back of other characters is great. I hope Evan and Gina stay together. I'm glad Evan is portrayed as being human, unlike other books that I have read. Love this story.
April 8, 2020
Short Evan Buckley
As usual James writes with intensity and with great deliverance. I enjoyed this shorter book was a quick and easy read in my quest to catch up to where E.B is now. It's stand alone with references to last story lines. But a nice pick up if you want a quick read
As usual James writes with intensity and with great deliverance. I enjoyed this shorter book was a quick and easy read in my quest to catch up to where E.B is now. It's stand alone with references to last story lines. But a nice pick up if you want a quick read
August 27, 2020
Exciting
Fun and exciting read. A short book filled with excitement on every page. When Evan wins a weekend trip to a secluded retreat what could go wrong? Just about everything!
Fun and exciting read. A short book filled with excitement on every page. When Evan wins a weekend trip to a secluded retreat what could go wrong? Just about everything!
Read
January 21, 2021Evan can't get a break
One typo . He and Gina go to a hotel in the mountains as free guests . Unfortunately four robbers with murderous intent end up there also .
Very entertaining .
One typo . He and Gina go to a hotel in the mountains as free guests . Unfortunately four robbers with murderous intent end up there also .
Very entertaining .
July 12, 2021
Smallest book in the series thus far. Seemed like a pretty common re-written thriller story of Evan Buckley fighting the bad guys who stole from a liquor store. Not many twists and turns as the first three books but still good story telling to keep me hooked in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
As the title suggests even on vacation Evan manages to find trouble.
In this short story Evan is offered a free stay in a newly renovated hotel, what could possibly go wrong ......
As usual this author packs plenty of action in.
In this short story Evan is offered a free stay in a newly renovated hotel, what could possibly go wrong ......
As usual this author packs plenty of action in.
October 28, 2023
Reading this I just felt like I’d already read it, then realised I haven’t, it’s just so similar to another book He Can Fall by Melinda Leigh. As in the same story down to a seven year old girl being a guest at this remote location. Very strange.
June 10, 2025
Love Love Love me some Evan Buckley 💙
The storyline and characters wrap around each other in an exquisite dance, giving reference to the books that came before while intriguing the reader of what comes next. A must-read series that keeps you wanting more...
The storyline and characters wrap around each other in an exquisite dance, giving reference to the books that came before while intriguing the reader of what comes next. A must-read series that keeps you wanting more...
April 16, 2018
short story. PI Evan Buckley wins a free stay at a resort hotel. One of three guests while remodeling takes place, he has to deal with cruel robbers on the run.
August 24, 2018
A holiday that turns into a hostage situation; definitely something no-one could have foreseen. Action from page 1.
September 17, 2018
Thrillet
This is a new author for me. While it did not keep me on the edge of my seat, it was a good read. I will look for more on the series.
This is a new author for me. While it did not keep me on the edge of my seat, it was a good read. I will look for more on the series.
January 28, 2020
Great thrIller
Good short story.Loved the main character. Was fast paced and kept you on the edge. Read several books from this author and none ever disappointed.
Good short story.Loved the main character. Was fast paced and kept you on the edge. Read several books from this author and none ever disappointed.
June 16, 2020
Fast paced and easy read. Pretty basic story line with few twist or turns.
February 8, 2021
this was a novella which I'm not real fond of... the book/novella was ok
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews