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Unlucky Day
Length: 8 hrs and 1 min
NO ONE IS SAFE...
A mysterious sniper is killing random New York City citizens at the same time every day.
Detective Joe Bannon and his partner Hannah Trimble follow the breadcrumb trail of clues down repeated blind alleys. With citizens fearing to venture outside, the streets of Manhattan have become nearly deserted.
When the sniper begins escalating the profile of his targets, higher level government agencies are pulled in. But the shooter always seems to be one step ahead of the law and slips away whenever the authorities get close.
As copycat killings begin spreading to other cities across the U.S., the President hatches a dangerous plan to trap the killer. Can Joe and Hannah catch the assassin before he executes the most closely guarded man in history?
NO ONE IS SAFE...
A mysterious sniper is killing random New York City citizens at the same time every day.
Detective Joe Bannon and his partner Hannah Trimble follow the breadcrumb trail of clues down repeated blind alleys. With citizens fearing to venture outside, the streets of Manhattan have become nearly deserted.
When the sniper begins escalating the profile of his targets, higher level government agencies are pulled in. But the shooter always seems to be one step ahead of the law and slips away whenever the authorities get close.
As copycat killings begin spreading to other cities across the U.S., the President hatches a dangerous plan to trap the killer. Can Joe and Hannah catch the assassin before he executes the most closely guarded man in history?
Audible Audio
Published October 15, 2017
About the author
J.R. McLeay
5 books30 followersJ. R. McLeay is an Amazon top 100 author who writes standalone stories across multiple genres.
His first novel, The Cicada Prophecy, was a quarterfinalist for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award and was selected as the best science fiction book of 2015 by the review site Books, Books, and More Books.
His second novel, the crime thriller Unlucky Day, was picked up by Kindle Press within a few months of publication after ringing up off-the-charts endorsements and reviews.
He is currently working on his third book, a political thriller titled The Candidate, expected for release in late 2017.
J. R. is a graduate of the University of Toronto and lives in Vancouver, Canada with his wife and three rambunctious dogs. He loves to hear from his readers and personally responds to everyone who reaches out to share their impressions. Contact at mcleayjr@gmail.com or www.jrmcleay.com.
His first novel, The Cicada Prophecy, was a quarterfinalist for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award and was selected as the best science fiction book of 2015 by the review site Books, Books, and More Books.
His second novel, the crime thriller Unlucky Day, was picked up by Kindle Press within a few months of publication after ringing up off-the-charts endorsements and reviews.
He is currently working on his third book, a political thriller titled The Candidate, expected for release in late 2017.
J. R. is a graduate of the University of Toronto and lives in Vancouver, Canada with his wife and three rambunctious dogs. He loves to hear from his readers and personally responds to everyone who reaches out to share their impressions. Contact at mcleayjr@gmail.com or www.jrmcleay.com.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 22, 2018
Very good read.
Captivated me from the start, especially walked on those streets and parks made it impossible to put it down. Author carefully observed and wrote about the how real New Yorkers, compared to tourists behave and walk. We know who the serial killer is, but hunt for him was really exciting. NYPD, Secret service and magician looking for him. Was not prepared to shocking ending.
NYC had 114 mayors, first one was Thomas Willett.
Captivated me from the start, especially walked on those streets and parks made it impossible to put it down. Author carefully observed and wrote about the how real New Yorkers, compared to tourists behave and walk. We know who the serial killer is, but hunt for him was really exciting. NYPD, Secret service and magician looking for him. Was not prepared to shocking ending.
NYC had 114 mayors, first one was Thomas Willett.
May 8, 2018
Not quite 3 stars..
Ok, this just went on and on and on. One murder after another and Joe couldn’t catch a break. The killer managed to sneak away at every turn. It became monotonous and boring. This author could have ended this story at 70% and it would have been so much better. This did make the police look incompetent.
It was interesting, as long as you weren’t reading about Joe and Hannah screwing up every time they tried to close in on the killer. By the time it came to the 7th or 8th killing I was thinking I had had enough so I almost skimmed to the end, which I do when an author drags out a story just to add pages, whether it makes it more interesting or not. You can only surround buildings so many times and the guy gets away before it becomes too boring for words. Another story that did not have to be 350 pages.
However, I did like that the killer’s thoughts and feelings were in the first person narrative. It really showed how crazy he was and why.
It turned out to be good, during the last 40 pages. That’s how many pages it took to get the killer, chasing him on a bicycle through the streets and alleyways of Manhattan.
The F-bomb was used 10 times.
As to the narration: One reviewer said the narration was “overdone” but I beg to differ. Peter Berkrot’s narration was spot-on. The women need a little work but his males all had their own voices, including the killer who gave you the creeps every time he spoke. And his emotions when he read were wonderful. The narrator was much better than the book, I’m sad to say.
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July 30, 2017The premise of this book looked good, but as the old saying goes "never judge a book by it's...." It starts out fast and edgy than it quiets down in the middle and the banter is way too much between characters. Seriously one guy and 33,000 Police Officers get's by them, give me a break!!!
Fast read and good ending, bit of a twist.
Fast read and good ending, bit of a twist.
May 25, 2017
Quick Crime Read
I began reading this while on holiday in Mexico. It was a very quick read with a solid ending. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick page turner. 4/5 stars because I was expecting a little bit more of a twist at the end...
I began reading this while on holiday in Mexico. It was a very quick read with a solid ending. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick page turner. 4/5 stars because I was expecting a little bit more of a twist at the end...
February 5, 2017
Unlucky Day is a propulsive, edge-of-the-seat ride. The best thriller I have read in the past 12 months. I hope to make detective Joe Bannon's acquaintance again!
January 13, 2017
Awesomeness! Amazon recommended this book to me. How did I not discover this Author sooner? Thrilling, solid plot and characters. Realistic. I finished it in a few hours. I could not put it down.
July 7, 2017
I accidently gave this 4****, but meant to give it 3***! Somewhat suspenseful, but too repetitive in his getaway actions. Inconceivable that the FBI would assign one agent to this type of carnage. I thought the ending should have started winding up about 50% into the book as it started getting boring! Gee, all of a sudden POTUS decides to get in the act and they pull off a magician's trick .. and it then seems the author tries to outdo Ian Fleming's miraculous James Bond type ridiculous bicycle chase for the villain's ultimate escape to the Hudson River. But the detective hero never gets his final revenge as he gets upstaged by a citizen mob.
Ultimately-a disappointing ending!
Ultimately-a disappointing ending!
June 3, 2018
The writer had you engaged until the very end. Then when he brought bicycles into the story, he reverted back to Mark Twain and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. Too bad he couldn't have come up with an ending that fit the rest of the story.
There are also a couple of scenarios that just don't make sense. One is that a guy with a bullet in his leg can ride a bicycle all over New York City and not feel any pain, but when he tries to walk on the same leg, the pain is his downfall.
This book makes me want to avoid anything else by this author.
Three stars for the initial story. Only one star for the entire book because there's no zero star rating.
There are also a couple of scenarios that just don't make sense. One is that a guy with a bullet in his leg can ride a bicycle all over New York City and not feel any pain, but when he tries to walk on the same leg, the pain is his downfall.
This book makes me want to avoid anything else by this author.
Three stars for the initial story. Only one star for the entire book because there's no zero star rating.
August 14, 2017
A very interesting and fast-paced thriller, it had all the elements of a story that was rightfully and artfully stretched out towards its ending. All throughout the novel, there was what seemed to be the never ending chase to put down the sniper killing random New Yorkers. Only one thing I did not like very much: how the lead detective was very much affected personally; he really should be given a good break in life. Case solved, but a sequel should be in order, if only for a happier ending for Det. Bannon.
October 12, 2017
A fast-paced crime thriller. I really liked the pacing. It was a little unusual in that we don't get much of the antagonist's thinking and motivations. We only get that kind of second-hand from law enforcement profiling. There are a few VERY lucky police deductions and antagonist breaks. Also, a few weak plot points, if not holes. I'm pretty sure that the NYPD has pretty good contingency plans for dealing with a sniper. And I'm doubtful that there are many wannabe copycat snipers out in the world. But the fast action scenes and switching POV's are the real strengths of this story.
August 15, 2017
An interesting premise that sorts of bogs down at the end. A lone sniper terrorizes the streets of NYC, and a pair of detectives try to stop him. Aside from the fact that the FBI only assigns one agent to this case to assist, and I would think an entire task force would be assigned to hunt him, this is a rather enjoyable thriller. Just leave your brain at the start, and enjoy it for what it is.
April 5, 2019
A top notch chase and evade thriller.
Right off the bat I give kudos to the author Mr. McLeay. He has to have an imagination unparalleled by very few. I was increasingly drawn into the methods used by the sniper in a way that had me overlooking his coldblooded murder spree and had me marvelling the author's setting up the events. This story is about the how more than the why. This would make a great thriller movie. Edge of the seat action. Good job Mr. McLeay!
Right off the bat I give kudos to the author Mr. McLeay. He has to have an imagination unparalleled by very few. I was increasingly drawn into the methods used by the sniper in a way that had me overlooking his coldblooded murder spree and had me marvelling the author's setting up the events. This story is about the how more than the why. This would make a great thriller movie. Edge of the seat action. Good job Mr. McLeay!
August 19, 2017
Unlucky day
Written almost entirely in the minds of the protagonists this tale was exquisite in its telling and layout. It kept moving almost too fast in parts and offered a totally unexpected ending with the interplay between the detectives. Well done and worth a look at other of McLeay's work in the future.
Written almost entirely in the minds of the protagonists this tale was exquisite in its telling and layout. It kept moving almost too fast in parts and offered a totally unexpected ending with the interplay between the detectives. Well done and worth a look at other of McLeay's work in the future.
October 6, 2017
Lucky day I.found this book!
I love well written suspense novels. This is certainly a well written novel with interesting characters and a well developed plot. I had a hard time putting this book down. It was especially weird to be reading this book when the crazy guy shot so many in Las Vegas at a concert. I need to read more books by J.R. McLean.
I love well written suspense novels. This is certainly a well written novel with interesting characters and a well developed plot. I had a hard time putting this book down. It was especially weird to be reading this book when the crazy guy shot so many in Las Vegas at a concert. I need to read more books by J.R. McLean.
November 20, 2017
Fairly good weekend read. I found the villain's internal dialog a bit too smug and irritating, but the rest of the characters moved right along. A couple good twists, and one solid "didn't see that coming", and a clean ending. Sometimes you just want a good story without all the drama and exposition. This fit the bill.
July 16, 2018
Couldn’t put down
I was reading this and another book at the same time, one for business and one for pleasure, but as soon as I got about 1/4 of the way I couldn’t read the other one. This just kept going. Fast paced and new things in every chapter. Some good twists too. I really enjoyed it.
I was reading this and another book at the same time, one for business and one for pleasure, but as soon as I got about 1/4 of the way I couldn’t read the other one. This just kept going. Fast paced and new things in every chapter. Some good twists too. I really enjoyed it.
December 11, 2018
This book gets going right from the beginning and never stops. I say this because I usually become impatient around the 3/4 mark of any book I am reading. The story was exciting and gives a good visual imagery as the author describes the various attacks in New York City. Wondering about the killer's next move will keep your interest piqued. Although it doesn't take long to get to the next part. It has been a while since I've been that involved in reading fiction.
January 17, 2019
I almost gave this 4 stars... Probably like 3.5 starts. It was an engaging book, but the nemesis was almost too perfect. How does a hunter become an expert marksman shooting from a mile away? Does this really happen outside of expert training? But overall the book was engaging and had good pace and was worth the read.
April 22, 2019
Buena historia, se engancha al comienzo y presentan a un asesino bastante inteligente y detectives muy comprometidos pero se vuelve en unas partes del libro muy repetitivo tendiendo aburrir y terminando de forma muy floja esperando que la última sorpresa enganchara al lector. Tuvo muchos clichés en el camino, pero no deja de ser una lectura aceptable.
March 31, 2020
Boring!!!
Started out ok. Could of been a dec
About a third into the book it began to go down hill and got progressively worse through the remainder. Repetitive, illogical and overly drawn out. I skimmed the last half of the book just to finish it. Never got better. Could have been a decent book if ended much much earlier.
Started out ok. Could of been a dec
About a third into the book it began to go down hill and got progressively worse through the remainder. Repetitive, illogical and overly drawn out. I skimmed the last half of the book just to finish it. Never got better. Could have been a decent book if ended much much earlier.
July 11, 2017
A good book
This story will stop and make you think twice about what people will do. A good read it will make you think twice about what people will do. You will enjoy reading this book.
This story will stop and make you think twice about what people will do. A good read it will make you think twice about what people will do. You will enjoy reading this book.
May 23, 2018
Good read
I really enjoyed yourbook. Everything was moving so good and then the handgrenede popped up. Not plausible. Not on a bike with one hand, wounded, using a gun and weaving.
I really enjoyed yourbook. Everything was moving so good and then the handgrenede popped up. Not plausible. Not on a bike with one hand, wounded, using a gun and weaving.
June 1, 2018
Good story
Enjoyed this book. Good flavor of NYC, and a great protagonist and antagonist. Ended up really rooting for the good guy. And a really good twist towards the end. No typos or grammar errors that I could see, just a good read.
Enjoyed this book. Good flavor of NYC, and a great protagonist and antagonist. Ended up really rooting for the good guy. And a really good twist towards the end. No typos or grammar errors that I could see, just a good read.
August 2, 2018
Great thriller with a bang and fireworks ending. New author for me but looking forward to more. The storyline and characters mark this author as a wonderful writer. As a New “Yawker” I appreciated his authentic capture of my beloved city.
July 1, 2017
Suspenseful, but inherently unbelievable. Also, the plot becomes completely repetitive, and I found it difficult to find the motivation to finish.
July 14, 2017
Unlucky Day
Edge of your seat and not too difficult to follow plot. Also, author's grammar was good. . . . .
Edge of your seat and not too difficult to follow plot. Also, author's grammar was good. . . . .
July 16, 2017
That Sniper
Thought he could do it all. However once again the troops became one and the race was on. Especially a very good book to read. So what does Joe do next?
Thought he could do it all. However once again the troops became one and the race was on. Especially a very good book to read. So what does Joe do next?
August 1, 2017
Riveting!
Riveting and suspenseful! From start to finish this book will keep you enthralled! Action packed with twists and turns to keep you reading more. Definite must read book!
Riveting and suspenseful! From start to finish this book will keep you enthralled! Action packed with twists and turns to keep you reading more. Definite must read book!
February 24, 2018
Okay, book. Seemed a little drap. Also like the writer wrote himself into a corner for the ending
March 22, 2018
A true thriller!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews