What do you think?
Rate this book
A Necessary Evil
In 1977, blood-brothers Frankie Cartwright and Kurt Jamison were inseparable. But when a shocking event touched someone they both loved, the boys handled the trauma differently… Kurt became a cop. Frankie grew up to be a notorious crime lord. Forty years later, when Frankie’s teenage granddaughter Mollie is kidnapped and Kurt is assigned to her case, the former best friends are forced to work together. However, Kurt wants to conduct the investigation within the confines of the legal system, while Frankie would rather use his less-than-legal resources to find her—and punish her abductor. With the cloud of a dark secret casting a shadow over each man’s endeavor to find Mollie, Kurt and Frankie exhaust every resource at their disposal in an effort to save her and serve up their own individual brand of justice.
276 pages, Paperback
Published December 11, 2017
6 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Christina Kaye
11 books56 followersChristina is the author of the award-winning suspense novel, LIKE FATHER LIKE DAUGHTER, as well as many other suspense titles. She lives in Kentucky with her two daughters.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 19, 2017
Kurt Jamison is a detective. Frankie Cartwright is a crime lord. Once upon a time they had been best friends, blood brothers. But a family trauma sent them in different directions.
Now 40 years later, Cartwright comes to see Jamison. Cartwright's grand-daughter, Mollie, has been kidnapped and he wants Jamison to find her. There have been 6 other disappearances over the last 2 years and the girls have never been found.
Once again they separate ... Jamison wants to find the kidnapper the legal way, Cartwright wants to find him and kill him.
Each man harbors a dark secret ....
This is a well-written crime thriller. The actual crime and how it's solved is only a part of the story. Half the book concentrates on the back story of the two men and how they got to where they are. The beginning is fast paced, the second half is slower, but doesn't take away the suspense. There are a few surprises along the way, but nothing like the surprise ending.
Many thanks to the author / Pelican Freak for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Now 40 years later, Cartwright comes to see Jamison. Cartwright's grand-daughter, Mollie, has been kidnapped and he wants Jamison to find her. There have been 6 other disappearances over the last 2 years and the girls have never been found.
Once again they separate ... Jamison wants to find the kidnapper the legal way, Cartwright wants to find him and kill him.
Each man harbors a dark secret ....
This is a well-written crime thriller. The actual crime and how it's solved is only a part of the story. Half the book concentrates on the back story of the two men and how they got to where they are. The beginning is fast paced, the second half is slower, but doesn't take away the suspense. There are a few surprises along the way, but nothing like the surprise ending.
Many thanks to the author / Pelican Freak for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 23, 2017
I was provided an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review
I am not a huge character study fan in thrillers but for those who enjoy a look at what happens after a mystery is solved and how revenge drives some to do what they feel is necessary, then you may enjoy this. However, it wasn't for me and had to bump it down from 3 stars as I forced myself to push through the ending.
We follow the POV of Kurt, Mollie, Collin and Frankie in Lexington, KY when Mollie gets abducted by a stranger after work one night. Kurt is the detective working the case and Frankie is her grandfather who wants to find his granddaughter.
Overall, the story was pretty interesting and I did not want to stop during the first half because I wanted to know what would happen. I won't spoil anything but I'll just say that the mystery and story are solved during the first few chapters, which made it awkward to continue.
But that was really all that I liked and I did not enjoy the book as much as I'd hoped.
The second half of the book revolved around the aftermath of the kidnapping and felt like a cringy Law and Order/Law Abiding Citizen episode. I did not enjoy the writing style at all and just don't think it was for me.
I am not a huge character study fan in thrillers but for those who enjoy a look at what happens after a mystery is solved and how revenge drives some to do what they feel is necessary, then you may enjoy this. However, it wasn't for me and had to bump it down from 3 stars as I forced myself to push through the ending.
We follow the POV of Kurt, Mollie, Collin and Frankie in Lexington, KY when Mollie gets abducted by a stranger after work one night. Kurt is the detective working the case and Frankie is her grandfather who wants to find his granddaughter.
Overall, the story was pretty interesting and I did not want to stop during the first half because I wanted to know what would happen. I won't spoil anything but I'll just say that the mystery and story are solved during the first few chapters, which made it awkward to continue.
But that was really all that I liked and I did not enjoy the book as much as I'd hoped.
The second half of the book revolved around the aftermath of the kidnapping and felt like a cringy Law and Order/Law Abiding Citizen episode. I did not enjoy the writing style at all and just don't think it was for me.
December 20, 2017
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I voluntarily reviewed it. Thank you Christina Kaye and Limitless Publishing!
This is why I like suspense. Kaye is a talented storyteller who will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. And oh man, that finish - I'm still recovering from it. The author manages to take everything we thought we knew and turn it upside down.
I really enjoyed the multiple POV narration. It really added to the story, and it helped us understand every character; see every one of their perspectives. It pushes us to see that not everything is black and white, but many shades of grey.
In addition, it poses the questions of how the justice system works. Is it punishing enough? Do lawyers help criminals have shorter sentences? Is prison even punishment? This book also brings up the issue of vigilantes, and people taking the law into their own hands. Do they have the right to do so? The lines in this book are blurred, which is what makes it so compelling.
Overall, a very satisfying read
This is why I like suspense. Kaye is a talented storyteller who will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. And oh man, that finish - I'm still recovering from it. The author manages to take everything we thought we knew and turn it upside down.
I really enjoyed the multiple POV narration. It really added to the story, and it helped us understand every character; see every one of their perspectives. It pushes us to see that not everything is black and white, but many shades of grey.
In addition, it poses the questions of how the justice system works. Is it punishing enough? Do lawyers help criminals have shorter sentences? Is prison even punishment? This book also brings up the issue of vigilantes, and people taking the law into their own hands. Do they have the right to do so? The lines in this book are blurred, which is what makes it so compelling.
Overall, a very satisfying read
December 17, 2017
I was hooked from the first sentence! Anyone who enjoys crime dramas will love this one. There were a couple of twists that fooled this avid reader!! A must read!!
Read
December 19, 2017A Book Lovers Emporium.
I loved reading this book, if you like crime thrillers like I do, then this is a book you must read. I loved the writing, the characters were a fascinating bunch to read about and it was so easy to immerse myself in their personalities and characters.
With his granddaughter missing crime lord Frankie Cartwright must liaise with his once best friend and cop Kurt Jamison in a bid to find her. Swallowing back his pride might be a hard thing to do for Frankie as both these men have unfinished business to deal with; both are passionate men who have a totally different outlook on life and the law. This ignites the flames of angst and the many feelings in this story that will have you glued to every page until the very end.
Tension, intrigue, with a couple of very clever twists near the end, made this a MUST read book which I enjoyed immensely and I literally could not put this down.
I loved reading this book, if you like crime thrillers like I do, then this is a book you must read. I loved the writing, the characters were a fascinating bunch to read about and it was so easy to immerse myself in their personalities and characters.
With his granddaughter missing crime lord Frankie Cartwright must liaise with his once best friend and cop Kurt Jamison in a bid to find her. Swallowing back his pride might be a hard thing to do for Frankie as both these men have unfinished business to deal with; both are passionate men who have a totally different outlook on life and the law. This ignites the flames of angst and the many feelings in this story that will have you glued to every page until the very end.
Tension, intrigue, with a couple of very clever twists near the end, made this a MUST read book which I enjoyed immensely and I literally could not put this down.
December 19, 2017
I loved reading this book, if you like crime thrillers like I do, then this is a book you must read. I loved the writing, the characters were a fascinating bunch to read about and it was so easy to immerse myself in their personalities and characters.
With his granddaughter missing crime lord Frankie Cartwright must liaise with his once best friend and cop Kurt Jamison in a bid to find her. Swallowing back his pride might be a hard thing to do for Frankie as both these men have unfinished business to deal with; both are passionate men who have a totally different outlook on life and the law. This ignites the flames of angst and the many feelings in this story that will have you glued to every page until the very end.
Tension, intrigue, with a couple of very clever twists near the end, made this a MUST read book which I enjoyed immensely and I literally could not put this down.
With his granddaughter missing crime lord Frankie Cartwright must liaise with his once best friend and cop Kurt Jamison in a bid to find her. Swallowing back his pride might be a hard thing to do for Frankie as both these men have unfinished business to deal with; both are passionate men who have a totally different outlook on life and the law. This ignites the flames of angst and the many feelings in this story that will have you glued to every page until the very end.
Tension, intrigue, with a couple of very clever twists near the end, made this a MUST read book which I enjoyed immensely and I literally could not put this down.
January 20, 2018
I am an avid suspense and crime book readers, some of my fav authors are James Patterson and John Sanford, so I know a good crime book or two, lol!
I was given this book as a ARC from the author and once reading the synopsis, I thought it would be a really great read! I love how the story started off it was fast paced very interesting and really drew me into the story line. I think the character development was a great, I felt like I knew Frankie and Kurt and the pain they both felt about their past and how it effected their lives. I know the book was focused on Kurt and Frankie, but I would have loved to know more about Kurt's partner, but after the ending I understand why she didn't do more development on him.
I really like the book, but I can't give it 5 stars because I didn't like how the book ended. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I feel like the ending was rushed and it seemed like it could have been great set-up for a sequel if done better.
Overall I gave it four stars and I want to thank Christina for giving an opportunity to read her work!
Keoshia
I was given this book as a ARC from the author and once reading the synopsis, I thought it would be a really great read! I love how the story started off it was fast paced very interesting and really drew me into the story line. I think the character development was a great, I felt like I knew Frankie and Kurt and the pain they both felt about their past and how it effected their lives. I know the book was focused on Kurt and Frankie, but I would have loved to know more about Kurt's partner, but after the ending I understand why she didn't do more development on him.
I really like the book, but I can't give it 5 stars because I didn't like how the book ended. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I feel like the ending was rushed and it seemed like it could have been great set-up for a sequel if done better.
Overall I gave it four stars and I want to thank Christina for giving an opportunity to read her work!
Keoshia
April 9, 2018
Title – A NECESSARY EVIL
Author – Christina Kaye
Genre – Suspense Thriller
277 Amazon Pages
Rating 3 stars out of 5 Posted 3/23/2018
No. 13 - 2018
My Impressions: Sociopaths and psychopaths, vague happenings, intense, surprise ending.
Main Characters:
Collin McAllister - Son of murdered psychopathic serial killer of young women.
Det. Kurt Jamison – 56 year old, known as Whiskey, ex-army.
Frankie Cartwright – Career criminal, runs crime in Lexington.
Mollie Cartwright - Victim of kidnapper, 19 years old, beautiful, Frankie's granddaughter.
The story takes place in Lexington, Kentucky.
Before Kurt joined the army, he and Frankie were best friends, blood brothers. When Kurt left the army, Frankie was a rising hoodlum in Lexington. Kurt graduated from the police academy and rose to the rank of detective. Before Kurt joined the army something happened to push Kurt and Frankie apart.
Six young women disappeared in the Lexington area over the past two years. Kurt headed the investigation of the missing women but has no leads and no suspects.
Mollie's grandfather asked for Kurt's help in finding his granddaughter then regrets it. Frankie uses his own considerable resources to learn the identify of Mollie's abductor and learns the kidnapper is tied to his past history and wants revenge for something Frankie did in his youth.
The story is full of overused clichés; there seemed to by one on at least every other page. Tired descriptions were used multiple times: eyes as big as saucers, bile rising in the throat, raised throbbing veins turning purple.
Frankie and Kurt are in their late fifties and were constantly referred to as "old men". Fifty-six is not old today.
The action scene at the end was too vague; why did Frankie's bodyguards standby when Frankie was losing a wrestling match with another man? How did another person enter the room and grab a gun without being stopped?
Thing like that just…'Happened.'
The ending was unrealistic.
The editing is good, almost perfect, except for past and present tense being mixed.
Sentence structure is disorganized and often takes rereading to comprehend.
The writing style is overly emotional and melodramatic and comes off as being fake.
Character development is good and in depth.
The plot is interesting but fell short of its potential.
Details are lacking, many actions just happen without preamble or justification.
Continuity is poor in the descriptions of a means of entering an underground room. It was called steps, stairs and finally, we learn it was a wood ladder with rungs.
This review was provided after the book was purchased by the reviewer.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Author – Christina Kaye
Genre – Suspense Thriller
277 Amazon Pages
Rating 3 stars out of 5 Posted 3/23/2018
No. 13 - 2018
My Impressions: Sociopaths and psychopaths, vague happenings, intense, surprise ending.
Main Characters:
Collin McAllister - Son of murdered psychopathic serial killer of young women.
Det. Kurt Jamison – 56 year old, known as Whiskey, ex-army.
Frankie Cartwright – Career criminal, runs crime in Lexington.
Mollie Cartwright - Victim of kidnapper, 19 years old, beautiful, Frankie's granddaughter.
The story takes place in Lexington, Kentucky.
Before Kurt joined the army, he and Frankie were best friends, blood brothers. When Kurt left the army, Frankie was a rising hoodlum in Lexington. Kurt graduated from the police academy and rose to the rank of detective. Before Kurt joined the army something happened to push Kurt and Frankie apart.
Six young women disappeared in the Lexington area over the past two years. Kurt headed the investigation of the missing women but has no leads and no suspects.
Mollie's grandfather asked for Kurt's help in finding his granddaughter then regrets it. Frankie uses his own considerable resources to learn the identify of Mollie's abductor and learns the kidnapper is tied to his past history and wants revenge for something Frankie did in his youth.
The story is full of overused clichés; there seemed to by one on at least every other page. Tired descriptions were used multiple times: eyes as big as saucers, bile rising in the throat, raised throbbing veins turning purple.
Frankie and Kurt are in their late fifties and were constantly referred to as "old men". Fifty-six is not old today.
The action scene at the end was too vague; why did Frankie's bodyguards standby when Frankie was losing a wrestling match with another man? How did another person enter the room and grab a gun without being stopped?
Thing like that just…'Happened.'
The ending was unrealistic.
The editing is good, almost perfect, except for past and present tense being mixed.
Sentence structure is disorganized and often takes rereading to comprehend.
The writing style is overly emotional and melodramatic and comes off as being fake.
Character development is good and in depth.
The plot is interesting but fell short of its potential.
Details are lacking, many actions just happen without preamble or justification.
Continuity is poor in the descriptions of a means of entering an underground room. It was called steps, stairs and finally, we learn it was a wood ladder with rungs.
This review was provided after the book was purchased by the reviewer.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
![Profile Image for Amanda [Novel Addiction].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1415744673i%2F4886503._UX200_CR0%2C36%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 10, 2018
I'm typically a romance reader, but sometimes other things catch my interest - and this definitely caught my attention. The story itself - two men, estranged since their teens, are trying to solve the same crime... from different sides of the law. Not only is that a darned good story line, but it's original. It's also a fast read. The pacing and plot pull the reader forward, making this a book you won't want to put down - I definitely didn't want to stop.
It's not perfect, there were a few moments of telling the reader something, rather than showing them, but it was so rare, and so small that it hardly detracts from the depth and suspense of the story.
This book just had so many fascinating levels. You have a definite good guy, and the for-sure bad guy. But what do you do when your other hero is also a bad guy? Everyone loves a good anti-hero, and Frankie will be your next favorite. I would love to see this as a movie - I think it would transfer well to screen. Be sure to get your copy today!
Cover Lovin': A fitting, eye-catching cover.
Recommendation: No prior knowledge necessary.
Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)! An excellent thriller, and well worth a read!
It's not perfect, there were a few moments of telling the reader something, rather than showing them, but it was so rare, and so small that it hardly detracts from the depth and suspense of the story.
This book just had so many fascinating levels. You have a definite good guy, and the for-sure bad guy. But what do you do when your other hero is also a bad guy? Everyone loves a good anti-hero, and Frankie will be your next favorite. I would love to see this as a movie - I think it would transfer well to screen. Be sure to get your copy today!
Cover Lovin': A fitting, eye-catching cover.
Recommendation: No prior knowledge necessary.
Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)! An excellent thriller, and well worth a read!
April 18, 2018
Christina Kaye writes with detail and depth, and A Necessary Evil had me on the edge of my seat. Kaye’s characters are easy to relate to and I felt glued to her work early on in the novel.
Crime versus legalities is one of my favorite conflicts in the literary world, and the clash between brothers Kurt and Frankie brought high stakes to the story. I loved the family conflict that Kaye presented, and how a kidnapping was the main crime involved. It made me ask the question, how far would you go to save someone you love?
In our current political climate, we are in conflict between legal and illegal practices and how they relate to justice. A Necessary Evil made me question what I would do if a loved one was kidnapped, and that personal connection made the story come to life.
A Necessary Evil is an excellent fiction novel that features heartbreaking drama and family ties. Sometimes the writing could be inconsistent in terms of long-winded sentences paired with sentence fragments, but I flew through the novel nonetheless. If you are a fan of crime action novels then A Necessary Evil won’t disappoint!
Crime versus legalities is one of my favorite conflicts in the literary world, and the clash between brothers Kurt and Frankie brought high stakes to the story. I loved the family conflict that Kaye presented, and how a kidnapping was the main crime involved. It made me ask the question, how far would you go to save someone you love?
In our current political climate, we are in conflict between legal and illegal practices and how they relate to justice. A Necessary Evil made me question what I would do if a loved one was kidnapped, and that personal connection made the story come to life.
A Necessary Evil is an excellent fiction novel that features heartbreaking drama and family ties. Sometimes the writing could be inconsistent in terms of long-winded sentences paired with sentence fragments, but I flew through the novel nonetheless. If you are a fan of crime action novels then A Necessary Evil won’t disappoint!
August 4, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had murder, mystery, suspense and a twist. The characters were so real to ones imagination. I was fascinated with how
the writers descriptions are so vivid and so detailed I can close my eyes and see exact what she is seeing and feeling. In the first book I read, I just couldn’t put my finger on why I was so drawn to the book and now books. Its the attention to detail. It’s fascinating and draws you in immediately. You will enjoy the plot of the book as it keeps you on edge throughout. I adore the detective Kurt and as you follow along the plot thickens and intensifies. I never dreamed the way the book ended......it’s a twist
the writers descriptions are so vivid and so detailed I can close my eyes and see exact what she is seeing and feeling. In the first book I read, I just couldn’t put my finger on why I was so drawn to the book and now books. Its the attention to detail. It’s fascinating and draws you in immediately. You will enjoy the plot of the book as it keeps you on edge throughout. I adore the detective Kurt and as you follow along the plot thickens and intensifies. I never dreamed the way the book ended......it’s a twist
March 22, 2021
3,5 stars
January 23, 2018
This is the first book of Christina's that I have read. I'm sure it won't be the last.
A Necessary Evil is the story surrounding the once friendship between 2 men on opposite sides of the law... Kurt Jamison; a detective & Frankie Cartwright; a crime lord.
When these two were younger they were best friends, blood brothers in fact. But then events happened & their friendship was torn apart.Frankie now turns to Kurt for help in finding his granddaughter, Mollie, who has gone missing.
Frankie's request doesn't exactly go as he would have liked though. Both men end up searching for Mollie. Kurt wants to find Mollie and her kidnapper the legal way, whilst Frankie wants to track them down and get revenge on whoever took her.
The race is on to see who will find Mollie first, or even if they will find her before it's too late!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The abduction happens right at the start then we receive information from each of the characters as the chapters continue. Each character tells their own thoughts surrounding the current events as well as history too. The majority of the history is from & surrounding Frankie & Kurt, it doesn't take long to realise why this information is so important.
I really liked how Christina has written a jigsaw puzzle, the information that each character gives are the puzzle pieces. The more you read the more pieces you collect. I found that I started to try & put the pieces together before I had them all... So just when I thought I'd worked out what was going on & what I thought was about to happen... WHAM!! It was all turned on its head.
The characters work extremely well together, the multiple POV really do work in this book, they help to give each character more depth as we can understand each one's thoughts & feelings surrounding the events. The chapters are clearly labelled with a character name so we know exactly whos POV we're reading.
Christina's writing style is really good. It's very informative but still manages to be suspenseful, keeping you guessing & turning the pages. The plot is good, Christina has taken a simple abduction plot and woven twists & turns into it to make her own.
I have enjoyed reading A Necessary Evil & I'm looking forward to reading more by this author
A Necessary Evil is the story surrounding the once friendship between 2 men on opposite sides of the law... Kurt Jamison; a detective & Frankie Cartwright; a crime lord.
When these two were younger they were best friends, blood brothers in fact. But then events happened & their friendship was torn apart.Frankie now turns to Kurt for help in finding his granddaughter, Mollie, who has gone missing.
Frankie's request doesn't exactly go as he would have liked though. Both men end up searching for Mollie. Kurt wants to find Mollie and her kidnapper the legal way, whilst Frankie wants to track them down and get revenge on whoever took her.
The race is on to see who will find Mollie first, or even if they will find her before it's too late!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The abduction happens right at the start then we receive information from each of the characters as the chapters continue. Each character tells their own thoughts surrounding the current events as well as history too. The majority of the history is from & surrounding Frankie & Kurt, it doesn't take long to realise why this information is so important.
I really liked how Christina has written a jigsaw puzzle, the information that each character gives are the puzzle pieces. The more you read the more pieces you collect. I found that I started to try & put the pieces together before I had them all... So just when I thought I'd worked out what was going on & what I thought was about to happen... WHAM!! It was all turned on its head.
The characters work extremely well together, the multiple POV really do work in this book, they help to give each character more depth as we can understand each one's thoughts & feelings surrounding the events. The chapters are clearly labelled with a character name so we know exactly whos POV we're reading.
Christina's writing style is really good. It's very informative but still manages to be suspenseful, keeping you guessing & turning the pages. The plot is good, Christina has taken a simple abduction plot and woven twists & turns into it to make her own.
I have enjoyed reading A Necessary Evil & I'm looking forward to reading more by this author
April 10, 2018
This is the first book by this author I have read and I must say I totally enjoyed this story of best friends that went in very different directions on life but are drawn together for the one cause to save a life. This book is very suspenseful, drama packed, crime thriller, kidnapping, and mystery. This is my honest and voluntary reive of this book that I received an ARC of.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews