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Buddy Steel #2
One on One
When legendary Sheriff Burton Steel summoned his son Buddy home from LAPD Homicide, a reluctant Buddy agreed. Burton is debilitated by ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease. While Buddy is to cover his back, not an assignment he wants, the clincher is it's his last chance to connect with his proud, overbearing parent.
What Buddy didn't expect was to encounter crime in Freedom, a privileged coastal community a hundred miles north of Los Angeles, as vicious and challenging as that of the city.
One spring morning, the latest challenge erupts. The brutal murder of a prominent Freedom High School sports coach leads Buddy into a clandestine universe of sexual deception, play parties, unwitting athletes, over-privileged youths, treacherous bullies, and shocking malfeasance.
At the same time, a sudden scourge of graffiti is disfiguring both public and private property, despoiling the beauty and serenity of Freedom's unassuming landscape. Outraged, knowing he has few legal weapons to wield, Buddy is forced to find new and challenging ways to thwart the street artist, or artists, responsible. Irreverent and imaginative, not to say manipulative, Buddy is just the man for the job.
Buddy's plate is soon full and the stakes are enormous as he sets about bringing resolution to a glut of seemingly irresolute occurrences.
One on One follows Missing Persons, Buddy's first investigation in Freedom.
What Buddy didn't expect was to encounter crime in Freedom, a privileged coastal community a hundred miles north of Los Angeles, as vicious and challenging as that of the city.
One spring morning, the latest challenge erupts. The brutal murder of a prominent Freedom High School sports coach leads Buddy into a clandestine universe of sexual deception, play parties, unwitting athletes, over-privileged youths, treacherous bullies, and shocking malfeasance.
At the same time, a sudden scourge of graffiti is disfiguring both public and private property, despoiling the beauty and serenity of Freedom's unassuming landscape. Outraged, knowing he has few legal weapons to wield, Buddy is forced to find new and challenging ways to thwart the street artist, or artists, responsible. Irreverent and imaginative, not to say manipulative, Buddy is just the man for the job.
Buddy's plate is soon full and the stakes are enormous as he sets about bringing resolution to a glut of seemingly irresolute occurrences.
One on One follows Missing Persons, Buddy's first investigation in Freedom.
272 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2018
65 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Michael Brandman
16 books156 followersMichael Brandman is an acclaimed novelist, screenwriter, and motion picture & television producer.
His Jesse Stone novels, KILLING THE BLUES, FOOL ME TWICE, and DAMNED IF YOU DO, each based on characters created by the late Robert B. Parker, are all New York Times best sellers.
Together with Tom Selleck, he has written and produced nine Jesse Stone films for television, the tenth of which will premiere in the Spring of 2019.
His new series of Buddy Steel mystery novels debuted in 2017 with MISSING PERSONS. The second book in the series, ONE ON ONE, made its debut in August. WILD CARD, the third in the series, will be released in April, 2019.
He has produced more than forty motion pictures, including works by Tom Stoppard, Arthur Miller, Neil Simon, David Mamet, Elmore Leonard, Louis L'Amour, and Stephen Sondheim.
He lives in Los Angeles and is married to the award winning actress, Joanna Miles. He is the father of two sons.
(source: Amazon)
His Jesse Stone novels, KILLING THE BLUES, FOOL ME TWICE, and DAMNED IF YOU DO, each based on characters created by the late Robert B. Parker, are all New York Times best sellers.
Together with Tom Selleck, he has written and produced nine Jesse Stone films for television, the tenth of which will premiere in the Spring of 2019.
His new series of Buddy Steel mystery novels debuted in 2017 with MISSING PERSONS. The second book in the series, ONE ON ONE, made its debut in August. WILD CARD, the third in the series, will be released in April, 2019.
He has produced more than forty motion pictures, including works by Tom Stoppard, Arthur Miller, Neil Simon, David Mamet, Elmore Leonard, Louis L'Amour, and Stephen Sondheim.
He lives in Los Angeles and is married to the award winning actress, Joanna Miles. He is the father of two sons.
(source: Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 24, 2018
I received a copy of this book to read and review from the publisher through NetGalley.
ONE ON ONE by Michael Brandman is the second book in the Buddy Steel series, and the follow up to “Missing Persons”.
Buddy Steel is the son of Sheriff Burton Steel, a fixture in the community who is into his third term, only to be diagnosed with ALS aka Lou Gehrig’s disease after winning his recent election.
Burton is successful in convincing Buddy to leave his job as an L.A. detective to serve as deputy in
his place, although Buddy has serious reservations, and reluctantly takes on his father’s duties.
Freedom, the community where Buddy serves, is rocked by the murder of a teacher at the high school who was popular and apparently well liked, until further investigation reveals that there are those who weren’t exactly fans of his, and possible abuse has taken place by him and others at the school involving both the swim team and football players.
Buddy once again develops feelings for a woman involved in the case, this time around its the widow, and he makes a conscious effort to remain professional in spite of his attraction to her knowing she’s still a suspect, and she has already displayed somewhat erratic behavior in the wake of her husband’s death.
Investigation into the murder is Buddy’s main focus, although an unknown vandal has been defacing several buildings in the community with his “street art” much to the chagrin of business owners requiring an investigation into the criminal activity that Buddy considers a blight.
Michael Brandman has previously written books in the Jesse Stone series following the death of Robert B. Parker, as well as working on the made-for-TV movies based on books in the series starring Tom Selleck, who is a friend of the author.
Buddy Steel is a likeable character, and the first two books in the series are very enjoyable and remind me somewhat of a younger Sheriff Dan Rhodes in the series by the late Bill Crider, as they both seem comfortable in their own skin in the small communities where they serve.
I’ll be looking forward to the next book in this series, and recommend this book to all of my friends as a relaxed paced mystery that is very well written by author Brandman.
4 stars.
ONE ON ONE by Michael Brandman is the second book in the Buddy Steel series, and the follow up to “Missing Persons”.
Buddy Steel is the son of Sheriff Burton Steel, a fixture in the community who is into his third term, only to be diagnosed with ALS aka Lou Gehrig’s disease after winning his recent election.
Burton is successful in convincing Buddy to leave his job as an L.A. detective to serve as deputy in
his place, although Buddy has serious reservations, and reluctantly takes on his father’s duties.
Freedom, the community where Buddy serves, is rocked by the murder of a teacher at the high school who was popular and apparently well liked, until further investigation reveals that there are those who weren’t exactly fans of his, and possible abuse has taken place by him and others at the school involving both the swim team and football players.
Buddy once again develops feelings for a woman involved in the case, this time around its the widow, and he makes a conscious effort to remain professional in spite of his attraction to her knowing she’s still a suspect, and she has already displayed somewhat erratic behavior in the wake of her husband’s death.
Investigation into the murder is Buddy’s main focus, although an unknown vandal has been defacing several buildings in the community with his “street art” much to the chagrin of business owners requiring an investigation into the criminal activity that Buddy considers a blight.
Michael Brandman has previously written books in the Jesse Stone series following the death of Robert B. Parker, as well as working on the made-for-TV movies based on books in the series starring Tom Selleck, who is a friend of the author.
Buddy Steel is a likeable character, and the first two books in the series are very enjoyable and remind me somewhat of a younger Sheriff Dan Rhodes in the series by the late Bill Crider, as they both seem comfortable in their own skin in the small communities where they serve.
I’ll be looking forward to the next book in this series, and recommend this book to all of my friends as a relaxed paced mystery that is very well written by author Brandman.
4 stars.
August 2, 2018
Deputy Sheriff Buddy Steel is living and working in his small hometown, summoned by his father, the sheriff. Buddy left his job as a homicide detective and reluctantly moved back when his father was diagnosed with ALS.
What Buddy didn't expect was to have to solve another murder. The high school swimming coach is found stabbed to death. By all those questioned, the man was well liked by the other staff, as well as the students. When the man's wife leaves town without telling anyone, Buddy thinks she may have been involved.
But Buddy is finding things are worse ... much worse ... than anyone had thought.
At the same time, the town has been targeted by a tagger who leaves graffiti everywhere, leaving his signature. But who is he and how do they catch them?
And just who is challenging Buddy to a one-on-one basketball shoot?
It's a fast paced, action packed adventure. Buddy is a great character, sometimes humorous and in turn, sarcastic. But he is a great detective and doesn't willingly let anything go. I love the interaction between Buddy and his father. Even though their early years together drove them apart on most issues, it's quite apparent that with age has come some forgiveness and accepting of each other's lives. And if you look close enough, you will see a little bit of mutual pride show through on both sides.
This is the second book of the series. I highly recommend starting with MISSING PERSONS, although this one does quite well as a stand alone. I'm keeping fingers crossed I will see more adventures with these unforgettable characters.
Many thanks to the author / Poisoned Pen Press / Netgalley / Edelweiss for the advanced copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 4, 2018
“One on One “by Michael Brandman is the second book in the. Buddy Steel Series. This easily book stands on its own, and a few paragraphs of narrative by Buddy, brings readers up to date.
Brandman develops a strong sense of place right at the start with descriptions that paint pictures for readers.
The story is Buddy’s first person account with conversation driven action. The narrative style is short, no nonsense, and to the point, but at the same time provides clear, detailed explanations when appropriate. The drama begins immediately when Buddy gets a call from the local school.
Murder in this idyllic small town? Upsetting to say the least, but it was not just any murder but a specific, calculated, assassination.
Brandman balances the small town connections while adding drama to advance the plot. Big city problems are intruding and small town politics threaten friendships. Buddy strives to solve not only the murder but also the other disquieting crimes.
I enjoyed this book. It was quick to read and very enjoyable. I was given a review copy of” One on One” by Michael Brandman, Poisoned Pen Press, and Ingram Publisher Services, and I liked this book because it is not just a “formula” series. Brandman moved both friends and family along in the storyline. In the end, the question for Buddy remains “Where do you see yourself in ten years?” He had not a clue, but he was home, at least for now. I cannot wait to see where the next chapter in Buddy’s life takes him.
“Freedom, California, is a small, seaside community, located in San Remo County, halfway between Santa Barbara and San Francisco. It wasn’t the job that attracted me. It was the father/ son thing. We had never been close, Burton Steel, Senior, and me, B.S., Junior.”This is really all the history that new readers need.
Brandman develops a strong sense of place right at the start with descriptions that paint pictures for readers.
“The midday temperatures were in the low seventies. Feathery white clouds appeared and were quickly chased away by the insistent Diablo winds. A trio of young squirrels set up some kind of racket as they chased each other up and down the nearby trees. The air smelled of freshly cut wood.”
The story is Buddy’s first person account with conversation driven action. The narrative style is short, no nonsense, and to the point, but at the same time provides clear, detailed explanations when appropriate. The drama begins immediately when Buddy gets a call from the local school.
“The late summer sun was making its steady ascent into a cloudless morning sky when my cell phone rang.” “Henry Carson.” “Who’s Henry Carson?” “Assistant Principal.” “Where?” “Freedom High.” "What about him?” “Well, for one thing, he’s dead.” “And for another?” “It appears he was murdered.”
Murder in this idyllic small town? Upsetting to say the least, but it was not just any murder but a specific, calculated, assassination.
“Somebody took this guy out. In his office. Someone known to him. Premeditated violence like that doesn’t just happen. Somebody had a serious grievance. Let’s find out what it was and who it affected deeply enough to warrant murder.”
Brandman balances the small town connections while adding drama to advance the plot. Big city problems are intruding and small town politics threaten friendships. Buddy strives to solve not only the murder but also the other disquieting crimes.
I enjoyed this book. It was quick to read and very enjoyable. I was given a review copy of” One on One” by Michael Brandman, Poisoned Pen Press, and Ingram Publisher Services, and I liked this book because it is not just a “formula” series. Brandman moved both friends and family along in the storyline. In the end, the question for Buddy remains “Where do you see yourself in ten years?” He had not a clue, but he was home, at least for now. I cannot wait to see where the next chapter in Buddy’s life takes him.
May 19, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advance copy of One on One, the second novel to feature Deputy Sheriff Buddy Steel of the fictional Californian township Freedom.
Buddy Steel gave up a career as an LAPD homicide detective to return to Freedom and assist his father, the Sheriff, as he struggles with serious illness. It is not, however, plain sailing in Freedom and Buddy is feeling the pressure as he deals with the murder of Freedom High School's Assistant Principal, Henry Carson, found in his office with a steak knife in his neck, and a prolific outbreak of graffiti.
I thoroughly enjoyed One on One which is a good mystery narrated in a very readable style. The novel is quite cozy in tone with Buddy's first person narrative so Mr Brandman does not dwell on the detail but the subject matter of underage sex and exploitation makes for more difficult reading. What's worse is that it is a very plausible scenario.
The plotting is clever and well paced with Buddy wondering why anyone would want to murder such a well liked teacher but as the novel progresses a slow but gradual trickle of information allows him to reach a startling conclusion. It had me hooked from start to finish as Buddy plays his cards close to his chest and I had no idea of the perpetrator until the reveal.
Buddy is a likeable protagonist who injects some gentle humour into the novel. He is smart, both in thought and mouth, but still manages to act like an overgrown schoolboy on occasion. He has returned to Freedom to try and build bridges with his overbearing father which seems to be working, except on the subject of assisted suicide where his father wants Buddy's help when the time comes and Buddy doesn't want to break the law. It will be interesting to see how this hot topic scenario develops in future novels.
One on One is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Buddy Steel gave up a career as an LAPD homicide detective to return to Freedom and assist his father, the Sheriff, as he struggles with serious illness. It is not, however, plain sailing in Freedom and Buddy is feeling the pressure as he deals with the murder of Freedom High School's Assistant Principal, Henry Carson, found in his office with a steak knife in his neck, and a prolific outbreak of graffiti.
I thoroughly enjoyed One on One which is a good mystery narrated in a very readable style. The novel is quite cozy in tone with Buddy's first person narrative so Mr Brandman does not dwell on the detail but the subject matter of underage sex and exploitation makes for more difficult reading. What's worse is that it is a very plausible scenario.
The plotting is clever and well paced with Buddy wondering why anyone would want to murder such a well liked teacher but as the novel progresses a slow but gradual trickle of information allows him to reach a startling conclusion. It had me hooked from start to finish as Buddy plays his cards close to his chest and I had no idea of the perpetrator until the reveal.
Buddy is a likeable protagonist who injects some gentle humour into the novel. He is smart, both in thought and mouth, but still manages to act like an overgrown schoolboy on occasion. He has returned to Freedom to try and build bridges with his overbearing father which seems to be working, except on the subject of assisted suicide where his father wants Buddy's help when the time comes and Buddy doesn't want to break the law. It will be interesting to see how this hot topic scenario develops in future novels.
One on One is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 13, 2019
The late Mr. Carson was seated on a wooden armchair in front of his desk, facedown, a stainless-steel knife protruding from his neck.
I turned to Johnny "What do you think?"
"I think he's dead"
"That's very helpful Johnny"
This is what you're in for.
I call books like this comfort food made from scratch. Fast and fun.
Read book 1 to better understand Buddy Steel.
The sub plot about Buddy's father struggling with Lou Gehrig's disease(ALS) adds some depth to this book.
I turned to Johnny "What do you think?"
"I think he's dead"
"That's very helpful Johnny"
This is what you're in for.
I call books like this comfort food made from scratch. Fast and fun.
Read book 1 to better understand Buddy Steel.
The sub plot about Buddy's father struggling with Lou Gehrig's disease(ALS) adds some depth to this book.
August 5, 2019
Now I am up to date with Buddy Steel. This series really grows on me. I really like smalltown mysteries. I must say, read this series it's great fun.
January 13, 2019
I enjoyed the who done it aspect of this book, and was surprised by the ending. But the dialogue drove me crazy - who actually talks like that?
August 2, 2018
4.5 stars.
An amazing second book in the series. A pacey, well-plotted and exciting police investigation of a brutal murder of the assistant principal of a high school. A baffling case at the beginning but Sheriff Buddy Steel, the protagonist, exercises his "coply intuition" to solve the puzzle in no time. Unlike most mystery novels that only focus on one case, "One on One" has another independent minor case that Buddy has to work on as well.
The chapters are short but the author has the talent to capture the essence of the cases without being wordy. The second installment is, to me, a better sequel to the previous installment and I can't wait to read more about Buddy Steel. His character is distinctive and the rest of the recurring characters are as entertaining. The fact the author has background in entertainment industry probably helps to craft plots that are appealing and captivating. I totally could see the series turns into a TV show.
Fans of contemporary mysteries genre will find "One on One" a worthy read.
An amazing second book in the series. A pacey, well-plotted and exciting police investigation of a brutal murder of the assistant principal of a high school. A baffling case at the beginning but Sheriff Buddy Steel, the protagonist, exercises his "coply intuition" to solve the puzzle in no time. Unlike most mystery novels that only focus on one case, "One on One" has another independent minor case that Buddy has to work on as well.
The chapters are short but the author has the talent to capture the essence of the cases without being wordy. The second installment is, to me, a better sequel to the previous installment and I can't wait to read more about Buddy Steel. His character is distinctive and the rest of the recurring characters are as entertaining. The fact the author has background in entertainment industry probably helps to craft plots that are appealing and captivating. I totally could see the series turns into a TV show.
Fans of contemporary mysteries genre will find "One on One" a worthy read.
July 15, 2019
Fun reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2019
A really good, fast read; Brandman nails this one.
August 18, 2018
One On One – Michael Brandman
I was fortunate to receive this novel from Netgalley.com as an Advance Reader Copy, in exchange for an objective review.
Buddy Steel is a former LAPD Homicide Detective who has reluctantly returned home to San Romo County, to act as the Chief Deputy for his father, Sheriff Burton Steel. The Sheriff was recently diagnosed with an incurable and ultimately terminal illness and hopes that Buddy will take his place when the time is right. Both also hope to work through the difficulties of their contentious relationship while they can.
As the novel starts, Buddy is summoned to a murder scene at Freedom High School, where the Assistant Principal, Henry Carson, has been found murdered in his office – an apparent victim of a stabbing. As the investigation begins, Henry appears to be well loved by students and staff alike. Involved in student sports as well, no one has an unkind word to say about Carson. Meanwhile, his widow, Kimber has fled the state, giving Buddy a potential person of interest to assess.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Buddy inherits a second problem – a mystery graffiti artist has taken to Freedom to create some free-lance artwork –creating monstrous walls of spray painted ‘art’ on various buildings and the like, angering the town’s residents.
As the search continues for Carson’s killer, Buddy begins to find inconsistencies when he interviews students. It becomes apparent that Carson preferred the ‘pretty’ ones – both guys and girls - that he would spend extra time with, whether it be dinner, or weekend getaways. One student alludes to a ‘play party’, which sends the case in a completely different direction…
Meanwhile, some ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking, and some night time surveillance help to locate the Freedom artist, but can they apprehend him?
This is my first read by author Michael Brandman, but it will not be my last. My initial thoughts were that the book was a bit slow and mellow for a police procedural type novel – the murder scenes and forensics were described subtly, while the true focus was on the dynamics of relationships between the individuals of the story, Buddy and his father, students between their mentor, etc., but it quickly evolved into a very good read! I look forward to more of Buddy Steel, and his father as this series continues!
I was fortunate to receive this novel from Netgalley.com as an Advance Reader Copy, in exchange for an objective review.
Buddy Steel is a former LAPD Homicide Detective who has reluctantly returned home to San Romo County, to act as the Chief Deputy for his father, Sheriff Burton Steel. The Sheriff was recently diagnosed with an incurable and ultimately terminal illness and hopes that Buddy will take his place when the time is right. Both also hope to work through the difficulties of their contentious relationship while they can.
As the novel starts, Buddy is summoned to a murder scene at Freedom High School, where the Assistant Principal, Henry Carson, has been found murdered in his office – an apparent victim of a stabbing. As the investigation begins, Henry appears to be well loved by students and staff alike. Involved in student sports as well, no one has an unkind word to say about Carson. Meanwhile, his widow, Kimber has fled the state, giving Buddy a potential person of interest to assess.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Buddy inherits a second problem – a mystery graffiti artist has taken to Freedom to create some free-lance artwork –creating monstrous walls of spray painted ‘art’ on various buildings and the like, angering the town’s residents.
As the search continues for Carson’s killer, Buddy begins to find inconsistencies when he interviews students. It becomes apparent that Carson preferred the ‘pretty’ ones – both guys and girls - that he would spend extra time with, whether it be dinner, or weekend getaways. One student alludes to a ‘play party’, which sends the case in a completely different direction…
Meanwhile, some ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking, and some night time surveillance help to locate the Freedom artist, but can they apprehend him?
This is my first read by author Michael Brandman, but it will not be my last. My initial thoughts were that the book was a bit slow and mellow for a police procedural type novel – the murder scenes and forensics were described subtly, while the true focus was on the dynamics of relationships between the individuals of the story, Buddy and his father, students between their mentor, etc., but it quickly evolved into a very good read! I look forward to more of Buddy Steel, and his father as this series continues!
April 13, 2019
Enjoyed this second book in the Buddy Steel series
January 26, 2019
While no literary work of art, this was a well executed who-done-it. Well done characters, snappy repartee and funny lines make this a quick and enjoyable read. Read it easily in a day. I loved that there were no typos or glaring grammatical errors (which commonly litter this field.). Additionally, there were some nice literary references and vocabulary in the dialogue that kept my brain alive. I would classify this in with my cotton candy for the brain novels. Delicious but not good for daily consumption.
September 8, 2019
Michael Brandman continues his Buddy Steel series with the investigation of the murder of a high school assistant principal.
Buddy, Brandman's stay-at-home Jesse Stone, is still filling in as deputy sheriff to his ailing father. The sheriff has ALS and has called Buddy back from his fast-rising career as an LAPD homicide detective.
The assistant principal is stabbed in his office. But it appears he may have been having inappropriate contact with some of the athletes he coached.
It's an enjoyable, readable series that will keep me coming back for more.
Buddy, Brandman's stay-at-home Jesse Stone, is still filling in as deputy sheriff to his ailing father. The sheriff has ALS and has called Buddy back from his fast-rising career as an LAPD homicide detective.
The assistant principal is stabbed in his office. But it appears he may have been having inappropriate contact with some of the athletes he coached.
It's an enjoyable, readable series that will keep me coming back for more.
January 6, 2019
This book has all the things I like in a good mystery - decent plot, interesting characters, first-person narrative, snappy dialogue, crisp narrative. While not quite as Lee Child, Brandman has a good character in Buddy Steel and I expect that there will be a lot of high-quality sequels. I gave four stars because there is an unrealistic "niceness" to nearly everyone Buddy encounters, as they do the right thing whenever a moral choice is to be made. Well worth a read.
August 25, 2018
I loved Robert B Parker’s books, which led me to Michael Brandman, who continued the Jesse Stone series. This book is the second in a new series character. Buddy Steel, who is a bit irascible, not quite Spencer, but enjoyable nonetheless. I am looking forward to reading book one (at the library) and a future book three.
August 26, 2018
A quick, easy read and good plot.
September 24, 2021
Not Quite a Pageturner
A little plodding and not quite connecting all the dots. Really a wannabe Spenser book. Ok read on a long flight
A little plodding and not quite connecting all the dots. Really a wannabe Spenser book. Ok read on a long flight
August 7, 2018
An amazing sequel to “Missing Persons” the first Deputy Sheriff Buddy Steel novel. Buddy had left his job as a Detective with LAPD Homicide and returned to Freedom, California. His father, the current sheriff, has been diagnosed with ALS and asked Buddy to come home and have his back as he battles the disease. Theirs is a tenuous relationship and Buddy hoped that by coming home that things would improve between them. Buddy is called to the local high school where the Assistant Principal has been murdered. Everyone loved this man…or did they? At the same time the town is being attacked by a graffiti artist and no one has been able to find the “Robber Xmas” who is marking up the town. Buddy Steel is the kind of cop that you would want investigating your case. He has his issues but has an abundance of common sense and empathy for those in trouble. In my opinion, if you loved the wonderful mysteries written by Robert Parker, which I did, (Jesse Stone & Spencer) you will love the Buddy Steel series. While reading, I could forget that Mr. Parker left us far too soon as Mr. Brandman “gets it” and brings you in to the story and characters as if you are living in the town and enjoying the quick and witty dialog that belongs to characters who have known each other, flaws and all. I only wish that Mr. Brandman had continued to write the Jesse Stone series for Mr. Parker’s estate. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
August 1, 2018
If Henry Carson was such a terrific guy, why did he end up with a steak knife in his neck? Buddy has come home to Freedom because his dad Burton, the Sheriff, is dealing with ALS. You would think this small town would be calm for him after working as an homicide detective with the LAPD but noooo. Buddy is an amiable man who finds dealing with the quality of life crime of graffiti as important as finding out who murdered Carson. There's lots behind closed doors in this two which is filled with privilege and problems. I did not read the first book but don't think I missed anything. The relationship between Buddy and Burton is well done, there's a little love interest, and the plot has enough twists to keep you guessing. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. Nicely written and entertaining so I'm looking forward to the next one.
August 3, 2018
This story is about an over bearing parent and his son, both in law enforcement. Sheriff Burton Steel 'summons' his son, Buddy from the LAPD homicide department. Buddy answers his father's call reluctantly. His father has A.L.S. and this is the last time they might be able to connect to one another.
Then things seem to go to hell in Freedom, first a girl is murdered and then the town has, a sudden scourge of graffiti is disfiguring both public and private property. Buddy's plate is soon full and the stakes are enormous as he sets about bringing resolution to a glut of seemingly irresolute occurrences.
I would like to thank Net Galley for a copy of this book that I voluntarily read.
Then things seem to go to hell in Freedom, first a girl is murdered and then the town has, a sudden scourge of graffiti is disfiguring both public and private property. Buddy's plate is soon full and the stakes are enormous as he sets about bringing resolution to a glut of seemingly irresolute occurrences.
I would like to thank Net Galley for a copy of this book that I voluntarily read.
March 23, 2024
I won’t give this a 5 because of the crazy dialog style. In ebook format, it is 683 pages, but I read the whole thing, without any effort, in no time at all.
The subject matter of this novel should be very disturbing. I guess that’s the emphasis of the story. Kids are highly impressionable and what they’re subjected to needs to be very closely monitored. It is because of things as happened in this story that parents HAVE to have a voice in school board meetings. Heaven help us when we become complacent.
The subject matter of this novel should be very disturbing. I guess that’s the emphasis of the story. Kids are highly impressionable and what they’re subjected to needs to be very closely monitored. It is because of things as happened in this story that parents HAVE to have a voice in school board meetings. Heaven help us when we become complacent.
November 2, 2025
I rather enjoyed this book, a random pick of the shelf at the library. A bit different from the usual sheriff in "Westerns". I really appreciated his take on dealing with graffiti painters. This is the first book I've read by this author, and may explore others. He seems quite prolific, including more than one series. This book appears to be one of the early ones in this "Buddy Steel" series(#2).
July 25, 2020
The second in the Buddy Steel series.
A high school assistant principal (and swim team coach) is found murdered in his office. Knife in the neck.
Buddy has to solve this mystery as well as catch a graffiti artist.
A very quick read.
At times a bit unbelievable for me...but I did enjoy it.
A high school assistant principal (and swim team coach) is found murdered in his office. Knife in the neck.
Buddy has to solve this mystery as well as catch a graffiti artist.
A very quick read.
At times a bit unbelievable for me...but I did enjoy it.
September 26, 2025
You can tell this was written by a TV writer. The supposedly snappy dialogue between ALL the character was tiresome. The characters are paper thin. Wouldn't waste my time on another in this series.
November 16, 2018
Very fast read. Police procedural.
January 4, 2019
3 2-Buddy Steel-California-aced by a High school vice principal is stabbed to death and the town of Freedom is defaced by a street artist. Steel is a Jesse Stone clone.
May 10, 2020
A fun easy read much like the Spenser series.
August 10, 2020
A very fast read. I love Buddy!
July 13, 2021
I have one more to read, sad when I'm done. This author really holds your interest
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews