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A Fine Line
Listening Length: 6 hours, 40 minutes
A Fine Line is a story about Sebastian Drake, a struggling writer working out of a dilapidated apartment in the city and trying to come up with his next story idea. Drake receives an unexpected visit from a man interested in hiring him for a project and who thinks he has just the solution to Drake’s writing challenges. He also thinks that Drake’s past and secret life with a shadow government organization is a valuable asset.
His proposition to Drake is simple: become a hired agent to investigate a cold murder case involving one of Chicago’s most powerful political families. The job comes with a decent paycheck, all the support he might need, and the types of real life experiences that can form the basis for great fiction stories.
This is a story about a man with a new lease on life, a man who leads a dual existence. By day, he is an aspiring author. By night, he is a rogue undercover and unknown vigilante. His biggest challenge is keeping intact the fine line of reality and fiction.
A Fine Line is a story about Sebastian Drake, a struggling writer working out of a dilapidated apartment in the city and trying to come up with his next story idea. Drake receives an unexpected visit from a man interested in hiring him for a project and who thinks he has just the solution to Drake’s writing challenges. He also thinks that Drake’s past and secret life with a shadow government organization is a valuable asset.
His proposition to Drake is simple: become a hired agent to investigate a cold murder case involving one of Chicago’s most powerful political families. The job comes with a decent paycheck, all the support he might need, and the types of real life experiences that can form the basis for great fiction stories.
This is a story about a man with a new lease on life, a man who leads a dual existence. By day, he is an aspiring author. By night, he is a rogue undercover and unknown vigilante. His biggest challenge is keeping intact the fine line of reality and fiction.
7 pages, Audible Audio
Published November 21, 2017
1 person is currently reading
737 people want to read
About the author
Dan Burns
11 books68 followersDan Burns is the author of seven books, including the novels A Fine Line and Recalled to Life, and the short story collections Grace: Stories and a Novella and No Turning Back: Stories. He is also an award-winning writer of stories for the screen and stage. A Necessary Explosion: Collected Poems is his first poetry collection, fifteen years in the making.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 14, 2017
Spoilers. Torn about this review. I don't usually give three star reviews but 'liked it' is about as excited as I can get. Mr. Burns can write; he can keep the story moving and I see a lot of potential in his writing and even in this series. But. I think he needs a new editor. Plot wise there were one or two very jarring things that almost made me toss the book across the room: he's this amazing marksman with a secret military background but when his daughter is abducted he lies in bed for two hours unable to act? Come on. Even a regular joe would be frantic and out there doing something. He sleeps with a cop one night but moans on and on about how they had something special when she is killed? Nope.
But aside from those the plot was intricate enough to keep the reader going. I think Drake is not fully formed--he alternated between being a hardass and a indecisive wimp. FWIW, Mr Burns the hardass was much better reading...when Drake is questioning people, shooting people, that's all good. When he's sitting writing (and that story--ugh!) it was eye rolling dreadful. So yes, very torn. Loved bits, hated bits. Would definitely give Mr. Burns another read but might wait until book 3 or 4 to see how it polishes out.
But aside from those the plot was intricate enough to keep the reader going. I think Drake is not fully formed--he alternated between being a hardass and a indecisive wimp. FWIW, Mr Burns the hardass was much better reading...when Drake is questioning people, shooting people, that's all good. When he's sitting writing (and that story--ugh!) it was eye rolling dreadful. So yes, very torn. Loved bits, hated bits. Would definitely give Mr. Burns another read but might wait until book 3 or 4 to see how it polishes out.
September 22, 2017
Thank you Goodreads and Dan Burns for the win! The book was a fast and fascinating read. All the elements for a great read are here; a cold murder case, a powerful political family, and a wealthy philanthropist. This is the first book in the Sebastian Drake series by Mr. Burns. I loved Sebastian Drake! I especially enjoyed the twist at the end. I am looking forward to reading subsequent novels in this series.
June 23, 2017
I won this novel from Goodreads Giveaways.
There's just something about a well-written detective novel featuring a world-weary P.I. that's equal parts comforting and exhilarating. A Fine Line fits that mold nicely. Dan Burns has a clear writing style and the novel moves along with a refreshing crispness. The Chicago setting was used to good effect here as well. It lends a nice texture to the novel and grounded it firmly in a place without being overbearing. That shows a deft touch on Burns' part.
Aside from a little tremor here-and-there from my suspension of disbelief with some of the technology that comes into play in the later part the novel, my only real complaint was that our hero, Sabastian Drake, might be a little too good to be entirely compelling. He's like that guy in a job interview who when asked to describe his biggest weakness says that he's "too dedicated" or he's "too hard-working" and means it. Drake is so talented in so many areas, that it's hard for the reader to imagine him failing to solve the case or to worry that he's in mortal danger. Although Burns is a capable enough writer to maintain the tension throughout, that task may have been made easier by having Drake take some lumps early in the novel only to ratchet up his response as the stakes are raised.
That minor quibble aside, I found A Fine Line to be a compelling read and Drake to be an equally compelling character. Maybe the most engaging thing about him was the double life he lives throughout the novel. On one hand, he's a skilled detective attempting to solve a case long gone cold and on the other, he's a novelist struggling with writer's block and facing a looming deadline. I always appreciate the novel-in-a-novel device and this was no exception. I think it allows for unique insight into the character and allows the author to communicate information to the reader in a subtle way. All-in-all, this was a fine read and I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys detective fiction. Five stars.
There's just something about a well-written detective novel featuring a world-weary P.I. that's equal parts comforting and exhilarating. A Fine Line fits that mold nicely. Dan Burns has a clear writing style and the novel moves along with a refreshing crispness. The Chicago setting was used to good effect here as well. It lends a nice texture to the novel and grounded it firmly in a place without being overbearing. That shows a deft touch on Burns' part.
Aside from a little tremor here-and-there from my suspension of disbelief with some of the technology that comes into play in the later part the novel, my only real complaint was that our hero, Sabastian Drake, might be a little too good to be entirely compelling. He's like that guy in a job interview who when asked to describe his biggest weakness says that he's "too dedicated" or he's "too hard-working" and means it. Drake is so talented in so many areas, that it's hard for the reader to imagine him failing to solve the case or to worry that he's in mortal danger. Although Burns is a capable enough writer to maintain the tension throughout, that task may have been made easier by having Drake take some lumps early in the novel only to ratchet up his response as the stakes are raised.
That minor quibble aside, I found A Fine Line to be a compelling read and Drake to be an equally compelling character. Maybe the most engaging thing about him was the double life he lives throughout the novel. On one hand, he's a skilled detective attempting to solve a case long gone cold and on the other, he's a novelist struggling with writer's block and facing a looming deadline. I always appreciate the novel-in-a-novel device and this was no exception. I think it allows for unique insight into the character and allows the author to communicate information to the reader in a subtle way. All-in-all, this was a fine read and I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys detective fiction. Five stars.
June 7, 2017
The premise of Burns’s thrilling detective story grabbed my attention. Sure, Sebastian Drake is almost a Sam Spade pulp-alike, a forties-era anti-hero for today, but honestly, how can you not love the wounded but capable man-of-few-words detective with a soft spot for his family? Who’s also an author!
Drake’s initial success has not led to the subsequent best-seller notice he needed to survive in the authorial world. His agent dug deep and found a contract for a book he has yet to complete. Time’s running out and he’s desperate. Unlikely help comes through his former secret life. His shadowy employer knows things Drake would rather not remember, but Drake is fascinated by the request to dig back into a long-cold mystery.
Drake’s hefty financial reward for a little detective work isn’t necessarily the main attraction to get his hands dirty once again. He’ll hopefully reap the material he needs to finish his novel—if he survives. Combing his acquaintances for help and returning to the scene of the crime as well as revisiting the original police files is not quite like old home week. Enemies and friends are suspiciously hard to differentiate. Drake slowly peels off layers of dust as well as fresh scabs from wounds both professional and personal, until the answers are bared.
Told through Drake’s perspective, readers are pulled into a side of Chicago off the tourist trail. A Fine Line is a tale of winners and losers, and the chance to move forward and find both retribution and redemption. Those who enjoy detective adventures, particularly set in a familiar town, will find much to like about this novel.
Drake’s initial success has not led to the subsequent best-seller notice he needed to survive in the authorial world. His agent dug deep and found a contract for a book he has yet to complete. Time’s running out and he’s desperate. Unlikely help comes through his former secret life. His shadowy employer knows things Drake would rather not remember, but Drake is fascinated by the request to dig back into a long-cold mystery.
Drake’s hefty financial reward for a little detective work isn’t necessarily the main attraction to get his hands dirty once again. He’ll hopefully reap the material he needs to finish his novel—if he survives. Combing his acquaintances for help and returning to the scene of the crime as well as revisiting the original police files is not quite like old home week. Enemies and friends are suspiciously hard to differentiate. Drake slowly peels off layers of dust as well as fresh scabs from wounds both professional and personal, until the answers are bared.
Told through Drake’s perspective, readers are pulled into a side of Chicago off the tourist trail. A Fine Line is a tale of winners and losers, and the chance to move forward and find both retribution and redemption. Those who enjoy detective adventures, particularly set in a familiar town, will find much to like about this novel.
January 5, 2018
This story revolves around a writer name Sebastian Drake who has writer's block. He is an ex-journalist and also has a secret past which has been wiped from the records. His agent is breathing down his neck for the next book and Drake is making no progress. Then he gets a visit from a mysterious man offering him a job of investigating a 10-year-old cold case murder. Drake isn't really interested at first, but he's offered good money and when he learns more about the case, decides to take the job. The murdered young woman belonged to a wealthy and powerful family, and the only part of her body ever found was her hand which had been put on display in a prominent park.
As Drake's investigation continues, the stakes get higher and become personal to him.
At first I wasn't sure I liked Drake, he seemed very cold and to be honest, it was quite a while into the book before I got used to him. I wouldn't say I ended the book liking the main character, but I felt the story did delve into his past to explain why he acted the way he did.
The pace moved along fine. The investigation and characters were interesting, keeping the reader/listener motivated to find out what happened next and also as to whom the murderer would turn out to be.
I was listening to the audiobook and the narrator did a good job. The voice for Drake seemed to fit with the character. I did speed the audio up a little though as it seemed slow in places. I give this a solid 4 stars and would certainly read/listen to another title by this author.
As Drake's investigation continues, the stakes get higher and become personal to him.
At first I wasn't sure I liked Drake, he seemed very cold and to be honest, it was quite a while into the book before I got used to him. I wouldn't say I ended the book liking the main character, but I felt the story did delve into his past to explain why he acted the way he did.
The pace moved along fine. The investigation and characters were interesting, keeping the reader/listener motivated to find out what happened next and also as to whom the murderer would turn out to be.
I was listening to the audiobook and the narrator did a good job. The voice for Drake seemed to fit with the character. I did speed the audio up a little though as it seemed slow in places. I give this a solid 4 stars and would certainly read/listen to another title by this author.
August 11, 2017
I received this book via a goodreads giveaway.
Sabastian Drake, former employee of a shadow organization within the CIA, turned journalist and now writer is struggling with his next book idea when he receives a visit from a mysterious man who wants a cold case solved. The case concerns the murdered daughter of a former Senator and sister of a current alderman. The stranger offers Drake $5,000 per week plus expenses and guarantees that Drake’s writing block will disintegrate.
The closer Drake gets to the truth, the more dangerous things become, not only for him, but also his young daughters. Can Drake tunnel out the truth, save his daughter who had been kidnapped and get a book written before his next month deadline? After all, there is a fine line between fiction and reality.
Sabastian Drake, former employee of a shadow organization within the CIA, turned journalist and now writer is struggling with his next book idea when he receives a visit from a mysterious man who wants a cold case solved. The case concerns the murdered daughter of a former Senator and sister of a current alderman. The stranger offers Drake $5,000 per week plus expenses and guarantees that Drake’s writing block will disintegrate.
The closer Drake gets to the truth, the more dangerous things become, not only for him, but also his young daughters. Can Drake tunnel out the truth, save his daughter who had been kidnapped and get a book written before his next month deadline? After all, there is a fine line between fiction and reality.
August 22, 2017
Good pace
Oh enjoyed the story line, pace was excellent. Especially like that Dan keeps his local, Chicago/Illinois roots in his story line. I hadn't thought about Senator Percy in ages, assuming that the horrible situation he and his family experienced was part of this story. Thx for a good read Dan!
Oh enjoyed the story line, pace was excellent. Especially like that Dan keeps his local, Chicago/Illinois roots in his story line. I hadn't thought about Senator Percy in ages, assuming that the horrible situation he and his family experienced was part of this story. Thx for a good read Dan!
June 18, 2017
THIS IS A STORY ABOUT A COLD CASE OF MURDER. IT IS A MYSTERY THAT IS WELL WRITTEN AND WILL KEEP YOU GUESSING UNTIL THE VERY END
August 11, 2017
Absolutely loved this book!
August 20, 2017
An easy and quick read mystery with the main character a likeable but flawed writer. He is enlisted by a rich individual at a time when money is tight to engage in a search for a murderer in a cold case - ten years old. Sebastian Drake, the writer/investigator takes the case and defines the title - A Fine Line - as being between his fiction writing and the reality of the murder. Of course, the reader knows it is all fiction!
Enjoyable and not lengthy, fairly understandable plot solving the murder. Burns has written another novel which would probably be just as good. He has written stories for 'screen and stage' and I have found that these writers compose excellent tales.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Enjoyable and not lengthy, fairly understandable plot solving the murder. Burns has written another novel which would probably be just as good. He has written stories for 'screen and stage' and I have found that these writers compose excellent tales.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
August 8, 2017
A Fine Line (A Sebastian Drake Novel by Dan Burns focuses more action than character development. I missed knowing more about the main character. I also thought since this mystery was set in Chicago, virtual gold mine of historical detail was ignored. I haven't read a Dan Burns book before, I do like his straight forward style which made for easy reading. But missed the details about his past life and the reason he switched careers to become mystery writer. He was very skills in target practice and his marriage had collapsed. He did not see his daughters often. What was behind all that change?
He was now up against witter's block, He didn't know where to take his story. He also drank too much and smoked too much.
A man named Thomas Engel proposed some detective work. His son had been killed in combat duty and shortly after that the severed hand of his son's betrothed had been found but the case did not get resolved and had been closed as a cold case.
I kept wanting to know more about the characters all the way this book. I think I would recommend it more to people who loved action rather that fully developed characters.
I received a Finished Copy of this book as a win from FirstReads, but that in no way determined my thoughts or feelings in this review.
He was now up against witter's block, He didn't know where to take his story. He also drank too much and smoked too much.
A man named Thomas Engel proposed some detective work. His son had been killed in combat duty and shortly after that the severed hand of his son's betrothed had been found but the case did not get resolved and had been closed as a cold case.
I kept wanting to know more about the characters all the way this book. I think I would recommend it more to people who loved action rather that fully developed characters.
I received a Finished Copy of this book as a win from FirstReads, but that in no way determined my thoughts or feelings in this review.
October 19, 2017
I got this as a Goodreads Giveaway.
I don't know how to write about this book without says something about the things that I didn't really care about it. The story was slow, seemed to take forever for Drake to even get his act together to do anything. And when his daughter was kidnapped he didn't seem to really care at first. If my child had been kidnapped I sure would have taken the place apart to find her. It just was not a very interesting book. I don't think that I will be reading any more books in this series.
I don't know how to write about this book without says something about the things that I didn't really care about it. The story was slow, seemed to take forever for Drake to even get his act together to do anything. And when his daughter was kidnapped he didn't seem to really care at first. If my child had been kidnapped I sure would have taken the place apart to find her. It just was not a very interesting book. I don't think that I will be reading any more books in this series.
October 2, 2017
I have never read Dan Burns before but I don't think it will be my last. A Fine Line is fast and a fascinating read. I just couldn't put it down. It has all the makings of a good read; murder, politics, philanthropist, with an interesting writer/adventurist. I loved Drake and would like to read more of him.
June 23, 2017
Dan Burns has created an interested and layered character in Sebastian Drake, a writer and part time private eye based in Chicago. Drake is a bit of a throwback to the private detectives of the 40's and 50's; he drinks bourbon and smokes, he is a bit of a wise ass and comes across as not too serious, but he is highly trained, intelligent and not easily swayed from his mission.
Drake is also like the typical detective, divorced with a couple of daughters, living in a messy apartment and not doing too well with his writing career. But his luck changes when a mysterious man named Engel offers him money to help solve a long cold murder case-a woman whose hand was found on the grounds of Chicago's Lincoln Park Conservatory. Drake's pursuit of the case awakens some long held secrets, putting him and his family in danger, and also provides him with inspiration for his new book.
I enjoyed the mystery, the character of Drake, and the Chicago locations. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Drake is also like the typical detective, divorced with a couple of daughters, living in a messy apartment and not doing too well with his writing career. But his luck changes when a mysterious man named Engel offers him money to help solve a long cold murder case-a woman whose hand was found on the grounds of Chicago's Lincoln Park Conservatory. Drake's pursuit of the case awakens some long held secrets, putting him and his family in danger, and also provides him with inspiration for his new book.
I enjoyed the mystery, the character of Drake, and the Chicago locations. Looking forward to the next in the series.
June 23, 2017
Sebastian Drake - former journalist, struggling writer, crime solver, enigma. The book starts with two encounters that open the door to Drake's mysterious past; one with a wealthy, connected philanthropist who seems to know Drake's secrets and asks him to investigate the unsolved murder of Sarah Mitchell. Easy reading and fast-paced, as Drake follows the clues through Chicago, two mysteries are unraveled: Who Killed Sarah Mitchell, and Who is Sebastian Drake? The pace at which Drake follows the threads and pulls the pieces together results in a satisfying end to the Sarah Mitchell mystery and reveals much of Drake's past, but leaves the characters and relationships thinly developed. Separate, but integral highlights of the story are the author's vivid descriptions of Chicago's neighborhoods and architecture, which superbly enhance the imagery of the book's settings.
August 3, 2017
Thank you goodreads for introducing me to another fantastic author, Dan Burns. I could not put this book down and finished it in one day. Exciting, fast paced and has some unexpected twists.
August 2, 2017
I won this book on good reads giveaway. I was pleastently surprised and enjoyed the story about Sebastian Drake. I am looking forward to the next book in this series
July 11, 2017
The mystery in A Fine Line was good, especially the twist with the ending. I thought the writing style was a bit too scripted without much in the way of excitement for me. I had trouble getting a handle on who Sebastian Drake was, but after finishing the story I think Dan Burns intended that to be the case. I would read another Sebastian Drake novel to see if he and the author would grow on me. Not bad, but not great.
November 16, 2020
Dan Burns A Fine Line is engaging start to finish. Looking forward to reading more of the author's work.
December 15, 2017
Thank you Goodreads and Dan Burns for this book! I thoroughly enjoyed it! Hope to learn more about Sebastian Drake in the next novel.
January 30, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"It's getting so hard to find good staff nowadays."
Sebastian Drake is getting pretty close to rock bottom. An author of three good selling books, for months he's been unable to write anything beside, 'A novel, Title to be decided.' He is running out of money, owes rent on his dilapdated apartment and alimony to his recently divorced wife and daughters, and he drinks. A lot. All day.
Then a visitor calls, someone he doesn't know. He wants to offer Drake a job, using his past journalism experience to look into the ten years old unsolved murder of a young woman who was to have married the visitor's son who died just after whilst on active service. Reluctantly, Drake agrees - five thousand dollars a week is a lot of cash. Especially when you're broke.
Well written, this is a fast action story of a cold case investigation, old memories and new beginnings. The author even gets to write his book. The main protagonist are well characterized, given backgrounds as well as current appearances and personalities.
And this already great read is further enhanced by the narration. George Guidall has the slightly gruff voice perfect for the tale teller of this story. His pacing is good, intonation and expression excellent. He also voices each character individually and appropriately, breathing life into their dialogue. A fine performance.
So, interesting story, well written, good characterisation and excellent narration, this is a most enjoyable book which holds the listener to the end.
My thanks to the rights holder who gifted me a complimentary copy of, A Fine Line, at my request, via Audiobook Boom. It is a book I would recommend to anyone with a liking for mystery thrillers and quirky investigators. This one will not disappoint.
"It's getting so hard to find good staff nowadays."
Sebastian Drake is getting pretty close to rock bottom. An author of three good selling books, for months he's been unable to write anything beside, 'A novel, Title to be decided.' He is running out of money, owes rent on his dilapdated apartment and alimony to his recently divorced wife and daughters, and he drinks. A lot. All day.
Then a visitor calls, someone he doesn't know. He wants to offer Drake a job, using his past journalism experience to look into the ten years old unsolved murder of a young woman who was to have married the visitor's son who died just after whilst on active service. Reluctantly, Drake agrees - five thousand dollars a week is a lot of cash. Especially when you're broke.
Well written, this is a fast action story of a cold case investigation, old memories and new beginnings. The author even gets to write his book. The main protagonist are well characterized, given backgrounds as well as current appearances and personalities.
And this already great read is further enhanced by the narration. George Guidall has the slightly gruff voice perfect for the tale teller of this story. His pacing is good, intonation and expression excellent. He also voices each character individually and appropriately, breathing life into their dialogue. A fine performance.
So, interesting story, well written, good characterisation and excellent narration, this is a most enjoyable book which holds the listener to the end.
My thanks to the rights holder who gifted me a complimentary copy of, A Fine Line, at my request, via Audiobook Boom. It is a book I would recommend to anyone with a liking for mystery thrillers and quirky investigators. This one will not disappoint.
January 27, 2019
We meet Sebastian Drake, a man dealing with not just a writing challenge that many authors or aspiring writers can relate to, but an individual who also has a special set of skills that can be prove handy in a sticky situation.
Will he stay on the side of good and do what we can to try and bring justice as well as safety---or will he cross that line and become just as dark as those he is trying to bring to justice?
This was my first Sebastian Drake novel and I loved it. Now I need to listen to the rest in the series.
Will he stay on the side of good and do what we can to try and bring justice as well as safety---or will he cross that line and become just as dark as those he is trying to bring to justice?
This was my first Sebastian Drake novel and I loved it. Now I need to listen to the rest in the series.
December 23, 2017
One of my favorite reads of 2017.
October 16, 2017
Enjoyed this book! Will add him to list of authors I follow.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews