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Darcy Lynch #1
Justification for Murder
How far would you go to get something you desperately need?
Detective Darcy Lynch licks his wounds as a desk jockey after an undercover case gone bad. He’s handed a hit-and-run that quickly reveals itself as a brazen attempted murder—exactly the kind of case he was trying to avoid. Why would anyone want Saffron Meadows dead? An unexpected desire to protect her forces Lynch to stick with the case.
Meanwhile, seasoned Detective Erik Sorensen and his intern work a string of bizarre suicides with too much in common to be a mere coincidence. What could drive these people to carve their own flesh out?
As mysterious murders and suspicious suicides stack up in Silicon Valley, Lynch and his colleagues must connect the dots between the cases before more people die and panic spreads. Could all this be part of a cover-up? Is this just a hit man crossing names off of a list, or has one Valley startup gone too far?
Could there ever be a justification for murder?
Detective Darcy Lynch licks his wounds as a desk jockey after an undercover case gone bad. He’s handed a hit-and-run that quickly reveals itself as a brazen attempted murder—exactly the kind of case he was trying to avoid. Why would anyone want Saffron Meadows dead? An unexpected desire to protect her forces Lynch to stick with the case.
Meanwhile, seasoned Detective Erik Sorensen and his intern work a string of bizarre suicides with too much in common to be a mere coincidence. What could drive these people to carve their own flesh out?
As mysterious murders and suspicious suicides stack up in Silicon Valley, Lynch and his colleagues must connect the dots between the cases before more people die and panic spreads. Could all this be part of a cover-up? Is this just a hit man crossing names off of a list, or has one Valley startup gone too far?
Could there ever be a justification for murder?
Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2013
272 people are currently reading
1240 people want to read
About the author
Elin Barnes
6 books51 followersElin Barnes grew up in Spain. Her father is a film director and her mother a Swedish author (with a past life as an actress).
After graduating HS, Elin pursued her dream of becoming an airline pilot. When her eyesight impeded her to fly passenger aircrafts, she switched gears and obtained a BA in Philosophy. After a short stint working for a criminal appeals lawyer, Elin returned to Spain to get her MA in International Commerce.
For the last decade she’s worked in technology for companies like, AT&T, T-Mobile, Google, Microsoft, TiVo, and Samsung.
Her passions for law, technology, and thrillers inspired Elin to write a thriller set in Silicon Valley, where innovation is always brewing.
After graduating HS, Elin pursued her dream of becoming an airline pilot. When her eyesight impeded her to fly passenger aircrafts, she switched gears and obtained a BA in Philosophy. After a short stint working for a criminal appeals lawyer, Elin returned to Spain to get her MA in International Commerce.
For the last decade she’s worked in technology for companies like, AT&T, T-Mobile, Google, Microsoft, TiVo, and Samsung.
Her passions for law, technology, and thrillers inspired Elin to write a thriller set in Silicon Valley, where innovation is always brewing.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 26, 2019
3.5 stars
My kindle clear-out continues. This is a debut police procedural with an interesting MC who has transferred from Seattle to California. He ends up with some cases that are real head scratchers & linked to medical start-ups in Silicon Valley. Solid beginning to the series.
My kindle clear-out continues. This is a debut police procedural with an interesting MC who has transferred from Seattle to California. He ends up with some cases that are real head scratchers & linked to medical start-ups in Silicon Valley. Solid beginning to the series.
March 15, 2014
This is a wonderful debut novel. I like the plot, the stakes, and the characters. Each are well-considered and different from norm even for thrillers, many of which tend to be well-researched and thoughtfully written.
The Silicon Valley location was what first interested me. I found the two main characters sympathetic and well-drawn. Even the antagonist had an originally-empathetic motive.
A couple of points--the name Virago for the police chief is heavy-handed and not really a fit with the character as portrayed. There was some random mention of George Bush--I didn't get the point of dropping his name in, unless it is to cause the book to come up in searches about George Bush. And finally, the picture of the research chief with bangs in her eyes is an obvious yet good metaphor for what that character was unwilling to see or deal with.
I recommend Justification for Murder for its pace, length, setting, and characterization. I hope to read more books from Elin Barnes.
The Silicon Valley location was what first interested me. I found the two main characters sympathetic and well-drawn. Even the antagonist had an originally-empathetic motive.
A couple of points--the name Virago for the police chief is heavy-handed and not really a fit with the character as portrayed. There was some random mention of George Bush--I didn't get the point of dropping his name in, unless it is to cause the book to come up in searches about George Bush. And finally, the picture of the research chief with bangs in her eyes is an obvious yet good metaphor for what that character was unwilling to see or deal with.
I recommend Justification for Murder for its pace, length, setting, and characterization. I hope to read more books from Elin Barnes.
July 13, 2014
Is it permissible to want to finish a bad book? Though the plot is rife with cliches, grammatical and spelling errors are abundant, and some of the characters are simply cardboard, can a person still be absorbed with the action and plow through to the resolutions? Would you judge such a person? Would you only pity them?
I'm asking for a friend.
I'm asking for a friend.
May 1, 2015
We are proud to announce that JUSTIFICATION FOR MURDER by Elin Barnes is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
May 4, 2018
A bit unlikely a few times but I liked the characters.
November 14, 2013
I could not put this down. Great thriller!
April 5, 2019
So, the intruder opens a window to get out (presumably by fire escape as they took the elevator up to her place), the cop and the lady sit down to talk and have coffee, nobody closes and locks the window. Safety first in my mind.
She wished Ranjan had told her [his] uncle about them. I’m finding several editing errors a final proofreading would have caught, not bad but enough to disrupt the flow of the story.
Despite these issues, I gave the book four stars because it held my interest to the end and the characters were well developed, realistic, and likable. There were a lot of tense moments and the action seemed pretty believable.
She wished Ranjan had told her [his] uncle about them. I’m finding several editing errors a final proofreading would have caught, not bad but enough to disrupt the flow of the story.
Despite these issues, I gave the book four stars because it held my interest to the end and the characters were well developed, realistic, and likable. There were a lot of tense moments and the action seemed pretty believable.
February 22, 2018
Good reading
Really like the character Darcy Lynch. The story started off kind of slow and too much detail. There were a few chapters I wondered why they were in the story. Despite the rocky beginning, I warmed up to plot and didn't want to stop reading until the mystery of why the bad guy was doing his evil deeds. Look forward to reading the next in the series.
Really like the character Darcy Lynch. The story started off kind of slow and too much detail. There were a few chapters I wondered why they were in the story. Despite the rocky beginning, I warmed up to plot and didn't want to stop reading until the mystery of why the bad guy was doing his evil deeds. Look forward to reading the next in the series.
June 4, 2017
Good Read
Very good story.. Superhuman characters are a bit much but still intriguing.. Looking forward to reading more about Darcy Lynch and his compatriots.. Would be even better without graphic sex..
Very good story.. Superhuman characters are a bit much but still intriguing.. Looking forward to reading more about Darcy Lynch and his compatriots.. Would be even better without graphic sex..
December 14, 2017
It didn't hold my interest xxxx xxxxxx xxx xxxx xx nnnnn ooo we he juk,xr.
Now is the time for all good men to come to the. Now is the time for Akkad now is the time for all food men
Now is the time for all good men to come to the. Now is the time for Akkad now is the time for all food men
May 7, 2018
A fast exciting read.
It kept me interested until the very end.
I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery.
It makes you wonder if these kind of things go on in real medical testing.
It kept me interested until the very end.
I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery.
It makes you wonder if these kind of things go on in real medical testing.
November 4, 2019
Ready, Set, You’re Dead
Great Mystery story with cops, detectives, suicides & victims of all ages tied together by a corporation that does cancer research who think they have a cure ...
Great Mystery story with cops, detectives, suicides & victims of all ages tied together by a corporation that does cancer research who think they have a cure ...
June 22, 2021
Entertaining storyline!
Great storyline about people who are used in a cancer treatment, without their knowledge. First book by this author, well written and storyline was intriguing.
Great storyline about people who are used in a cancer treatment, without their knowledge. First book by this author, well written and storyline was intriguing.
February 17, 2017
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery
February 11, 2018
A well written detective story
February 17, 2018
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA
February 20, 2018
Love the interaction between all the players. Interesting concept........
June 3, 2018
Intriguing
Great intriguing story with lots of twists and turns. good character development. Will read all the books with Darcy Lynch
Great intriguing story with lots of twists and turns. good character development. Will read all the books with Darcy Lynch
July 15, 2018
Good storyline, fast-paced, likeable characters. I rate it 4.5 stars.
July 27, 2019
Too predictable
While the author is a good writer and keeps the story moving, the outcome of the story was way too predictable.
While the author is a good writer and keeps the story moving, the outcome of the story was way too predictable.
October 26, 2019
I loved it!
This book kept me coming back for more! When I should have been sleeping I kept on reading because I couldn’t put it down! Thank you. It. Was a great read!
This book kept me coming back for more! When I should have been sleeping I kept on reading because I couldn’t put it down! Thank you. It. Was a great read!
February 12, 2020
Wonderful
Great cast of characters. Plot moved along at good clip. Was ready for it to end so I can move on to the next book.
Great cast of characters. Plot moved along at good clip. Was ready for it to end so I can move on to the next book.
July 6, 2020
Something different and absorbing; I tore through this murder mystery, which was intriguing, unusual and interesting all the way through.
July 12, 2021
One of those "hard to put down" books, that certainly kept me riveted. Regretfully, from my personal perspective, it was too liberally laced with blasphemy - and that auotmatically loses stars!
June 18, 2022
Too much description, not enough action. Read 19 chapters (93 pp) and couldn't force myself to go on.
March 20, 2023
Really good read
Good and creepy mystery that kept me reading til late. Liked the two cops and now I need to know the rest of the story
Good and creepy mystery that kept me reading til late. Liked the two cops and now I need to know the rest of the story
July 9, 2017
Before I talk about the actual story I just have to say I was impressed with this book and author. Typically you can spot a self-published book at 20 paces. A general issue with overall editing is the prime giveaway. Sometimes I wonder if the friends who read the book for the writer even cares about their friend or just not wanting to hurt their feelings. You want me to read something, I'm gonna hand you back something with suggestions and errors highlighted all over the place. I'm not perfect, things slip through, and such is the case with this book but whole different level. There were some instances of missing words, wrong tenses and even just words mixed up. But they were so minimal I just decided to mention them because a. one was in the credits and b. I needed something to nitpick on. I mean the story line, the plausibility of it all was just that good for self pub.
If you have read many of my review you know that I frequent the mystery section. I frequent them all really a good mystery is a fallback of mine. And if you have read many of my review, or just get books in general, you know there's a basic formula that they follow and that books that follow too tightly don't play well for me. If I get the whole whodunit too soon I lose respect for the book. I may still like it but it takes it down a notch for me. This book hit the right notes at the right time and kept a pace that was overall enjoyable and kept me engaged right to the end. I figured a few things out as it went, but I was meant to. I was waiting for the author to drop the shoe I had already found. That to me makes a great mystery. Their was more than one storyline that all connected to the main storyline. The one drawback, for me, was that I felt like the reveal for the 'murders' was almost anticlimatic. The attention was so focused on the suicides and how they tied to the murders that something that could have been given more attention was dropped a bit to the wayside. That and I wanted to smack Darcy a time or too. He was a little too self-involved.
My favorite character was actually more a supporting role but he just stood out to me. Sorensen was just an overall likeable goof. He had a personality that was a good fit for his role in the book. He supported without taking the limelight but I would definitely hope to see more of him in future books. He was well developed enough to know that there was oh so much more to know about him. He felt like a typical guy, partly overgrown adolescent and partly solid family man. There are already three more books in this series so here's hoping that his role grows in those; since it's too late to get my bid in before they are published.
A solid 4 (if only half stars were an option) that takes something that could happen, mixes it with greed and self-interest, and turns it into a story that draws you in, educates you, and leaves you wanting just a little bit more.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.blogspot.c....
If you have read many of my review you know that I frequent the mystery section. I frequent them all really a good mystery is a fallback of mine. And if you have read many of my review, or just get books in general, you know there's a basic formula that they follow and that books that follow too tightly don't play well for me. If I get the whole whodunit too soon I lose respect for the book. I may still like it but it takes it down a notch for me. This book hit the right notes at the right time and kept a pace that was overall enjoyable and kept me engaged right to the end. I figured a few things out as it went, but I was meant to. I was waiting for the author to drop the shoe I had already found. That to me makes a great mystery. Their was more than one storyline that all connected to the main storyline. The one drawback, for me, was that I felt like the reveal for the 'murders' was almost anticlimatic. The attention was so focused on the suicides and how they tied to the murders that something that could have been given more attention was dropped a bit to the wayside. That and I wanted to smack Darcy a time or too. He was a little too self-involved.
My favorite character was actually more a supporting role but he just stood out to me. Sorensen was just an overall likeable goof. He had a personality that was a good fit for his role in the book. He supported without taking the limelight but I would definitely hope to see more of him in future books. He was well developed enough to know that there was oh so much more to know about him. He felt like a typical guy, partly overgrown adolescent and partly solid family man. There are already three more books in this series so here's hoping that his role grows in those; since it's too late to get my bid in before they are published.
A solid 4 (if only half stars were an option) that takes something that could happen, mixes it with greed and self-interest, and turns it into a story that draws you in, educates you, and leaves you wanting just a little bit more.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.blogspot.c....
February 21, 2017
Very engaging with a pretty good mystery at the center. Too bad it ended in the cliché 'I'm caught so I'll spill the reason why ' and a very out of place epilogue, but all in all a good read for the detective lovers among is.
Some of the 'action' was a bit brutal, but it did fit the narrative.
The main character is fairly likeable and I might read the next one in the series.
Some of the 'action' was a bit brutal, but it did fit the narrative.
The main character is fairly likeable and I might read the next one in the series.
December 30, 2015
After an undercover operation gone bad left him with one eye, former Seattle cop, Darcy Lynch took a desk job in a quiet town—or so he thought. Happy to answer the phone and deal with hit-and-run accidents, he’s nonplussed when a hit-and-run call turns into an attempted murder. He wants off the case, but his boss won’t pull him off, and he develops a personal interest in the intended victim.
Detective Erik Sorensen is assigned to a couple of weird suicides, and is running into nothing but dead ends, until he and Lynch find out that their cases overlap in a bizarre way.
Justification for Murder by Elin Barnes is a well-done mystery that has elements of police procedural and cozy entwined with lots of wry humor. While Lynch is the main protagonist, Sorensen, as his sidekick, plays a significant role. The two together make a sort of male Cagney and Lacy cop team that works in a dysfunctional kind of way.
Punchy dialogue and taut action, with more information about dogs than you’ll probably ever need to know—it doesn’t add too much to solving the mystery, but helps give a deeper understanding of the character. After all, who doesn’t like a person who likes and understands dogs?
Read this book in one day—a rainy day, at that. Couldn’t put it down until I was finished.
Detective Erik Sorensen is assigned to a couple of weird suicides, and is running into nothing but dead ends, until he and Lynch find out that their cases overlap in a bizarre way.
Justification for Murder by Elin Barnes is a well-done mystery that has elements of police procedural and cozy entwined with lots of wry humor. While Lynch is the main protagonist, Sorensen, as his sidekick, plays a significant role. The two together make a sort of male Cagney and Lacy cop team that works in a dysfunctional kind of way.
Punchy dialogue and taut action, with more information about dogs than you’ll probably ever need to know—it doesn’t add too much to solving the mystery, but helps give a deeper understanding of the character. After all, who doesn’t like a person who likes and understands dogs?
Read this book in one day—a rainy day, at that. Couldn’t put it down until I was finished.
December 26, 2014
This was an OK book. It took me ages to read purely because it was on my kindle cloud reader on my laptop, so it wasn't portable. It was an easy book to dip in and out of. I liked the Darcy Lynch character and for that reason alone I would probably read the next in the series but it wasn't blow me backwards astounding.
Maybe it's due to the fact that I read a lot of mystery and crime books but I did find this to be a run of the mill crime story with unexplained suicides from recovering cancer patients which is all perfectly understandable at the end as well as the inevitable "cop falls for crime victim" story line which I found boringly predictable. Maybe I'm just becoming a seasoned crime reader who needs something a little more to get my juices flowing but in terms of having something to read at the click of a button it filled a space. Not brilliant but not bad enough for me to pass out from boredom either. An average book.
Maybe it's due to the fact that I read a lot of mystery and crime books but I did find this to be a run of the mill crime story with unexplained suicides from recovering cancer patients which is all perfectly understandable at the end as well as the inevitable "cop falls for crime victim" story line which I found boringly predictable. Maybe I'm just becoming a seasoned crime reader who needs something a little more to get my juices flowing but in terms of having something to read at the click of a button it filled a space. Not brilliant but not bad enough for me to pass out from boredom either. An average book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews