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Flash Drive
Every Sunday afternoon for almost a year she strolls into the parking lot where you work and drives away in a car share. Every Sunday evening she brings it back. Until one day, when the car comes back, but she doesn’t. A stranger wearing cargo pants and an attitude shows up in her place. After he leaves, you find her bag and all her possessions in the trunk. You realize that wherever she is, she has nothing but the clothes on her back.
What do you do? You don’t know her well, but you know she disappeared. You’re afraid she’s been harmed, but no-one believes you. You think you know who’s responsible, but then that guy turns up dead. And when the cops open an investigation, you are their prime suspect in the murder.
Erstwhile taxi driver Alex Ryan is the guy in the parking lot. Sexy bank executive Chantal Dorval is the mystery woman. Who kidnapped her? Is she alive or dead? Who killed Cargo Pants? And why? Ryan sets out to answer these questions, to find Chantal and exonerate himself. But the more he learns about her life, the more disturbing secrets he discovers, and the more suspects he turns up. And the more the police are convinced he’s guilty.
Flash Drive is action-packed and sexually-charged. It deals with contemporary themes such as substance abuse, alternate lifestyles, and social media privacy issues. It will appeal to readers of the work of Gillian Flynn, Robert Galbraith (JKR), or Harlan Coben.
What do you do? You don’t know her well, but you know she disappeared. You’re afraid she’s been harmed, but no-one believes you. You think you know who’s responsible, but then that guy turns up dead. And when the cops open an investigation, you are their prime suspect in the murder.
Erstwhile taxi driver Alex Ryan is the guy in the parking lot. Sexy bank executive Chantal Dorval is the mystery woman. Who kidnapped her? Is she alive or dead? Who killed Cargo Pants? And why? Ryan sets out to answer these questions, to find Chantal and exonerate himself. But the more he learns about her life, the more disturbing secrets he discovers, and the more suspects he turns up. And the more the police are convinced he’s guilty.
Flash Drive is action-packed and sexually-charged. It deals with contemporary themes such as substance abuse, alternate lifestyles, and social media privacy issues. It will appeal to readers of the work of Gillian Flynn, Robert Galbraith (JKR), or Harlan Coben.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2018
669 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Peter C. Foster
3 books9 followersPeter C. Foster is a Montreal author, writer and erstwhile taximan. Semi-retired, he lives a quiet life in the Deep East End of the city, sipping quality wine at the Café Chabot and grilling Portuguese chicken on the barbecue.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 10, 2025
You never know what someone is going to do…
Overall, I liked this book. It gripped me in the very beginning. Then it slowed down a little bit 2/3 of the way through. It did keep me guessing until the very end.
Overall, I liked this book. It gripped me in the very beginning. Then it slowed down a little bit 2/3 of the way through. It did keep me guessing until the very end.
July 15, 2023
As a notorious people watcher and general nosey cow, this was one frightening situation I could really see myself becoming involved with. Alex works at a taxi firm, and every Sunday sees a beautiful woman pick up a car share, and he tends to wait in anticipation of seeing her return later that night. One night she doesn’t return, and we’re whisked along a road of mysteries, complexities, and at times utter carnage, by Foster.
I was completely swept up by this. Foster constantly throws information, leaving us to make sense of things as he suggests sparse links or drops red herrings. The mystery is intricate and messy, and although it feels it may never be solved, Alex’s brutal determination has us chasing people and leads with the same hellbent frustration.
Foster’s characters were gorgeous; mostly all flawed in their own ways, many cognisant of this and attempting reparations. Although no one was entirely likable, everyone’s motivations and histories were made clear, allowing us to understand them better.
Although difficult to review without giving away any of the plot points - and there are a lot of them - this is a wonderful thriller which grabs hold of you without letting go. I’m keen to seek out some more of Foster’s work as I had a great time with this one.
I was completely swept up by this. Foster constantly throws information, leaving us to make sense of things as he suggests sparse links or drops red herrings. The mystery is intricate and messy, and although it feels it may never be solved, Alex’s brutal determination has us chasing people and leads with the same hellbent frustration.
Foster’s characters were gorgeous; mostly all flawed in their own ways, many cognisant of this and attempting reparations. Although no one was entirely likable, everyone’s motivations and histories were made clear, allowing us to understand them better.
Although difficult to review without giving away any of the plot points - and there are a lot of them - this is a wonderful thriller which grabs hold of you without letting go. I’m keen to seek out some more of Foster’s work as I had a great time with this one.
June 25, 2019
You have to know her story to understand her
Alex Ryan sits on the bench each break having a smoke, every Sunday?like clockwork Chantel arrives to collect a hire car Ryan is still there when she comes back. Then one Sunday she didn't come back so Ryan makes it his duty to find her. Ricky her son through adopted gets involved and together they are both recovering alcoholics as is Chantel. At this point it was going zigzag he had everyone down as a suspect. Then the first murder happened and Ryan becomes suspect number 1 how the police even come to that conclusion I don't have a clue but I prodded on. The rest of the story although bleak is like a comedy and where was the ending of yes day on the be bench having a smoke. Ok I have it 3 stars because it got my interest in short bursts sorry Peter
Alex Ryan sits on the bench each break having a smoke, every Sunday?like clockwork Chantel arrives to collect a hire car Ryan is still there when she comes back. Then one Sunday she didn't come back so Ryan makes it his duty to find her. Ricky her son through adopted gets involved and together they are both recovering alcoholics as is Chantel. At this point it was going zigzag he had everyone down as a suspect. Then the first murder happened and Ryan becomes suspect number 1 how the police even come to that conclusion I don't have a clue but I prodded on. The rest of the story although bleak is like a comedy and where was the ending of yes day on the be bench having a smoke. Ok I have it 3 stars because it got my interest in short bursts sorry Peter
May 24, 2020
Good book with a cliche ending
The story centers on Ryan, a guy that works for a timeshare in Montreal. He has become obsessed and enamored of one of the customers Anne. Turns out, her real name is Chantal Dorval, and she and Ryan share many of the same problems. Both are recovering alcoholics, both are divorced, and both are trying to build relationships with their grown children. Chantal is kidnapped, and Ryan suspects the worse. Of course, the police suspect Ryan. Who really is behind Chantal's disappearance? Is it her psychiatrist? Is it a former disgruntled co-worker? Is it the maintenance guy at the nursing home where her mother lives? Is it her drug addict son? Is it her son's possessive adoptive mother? Who would wish to harm Chantal? The story is a good, albeit, typical mystery with a kind of sappy ending, but it is still worth reading.
The story centers on Ryan, a guy that works for a timeshare in Montreal. He has become obsessed and enamored of one of the customers Anne. Turns out, her real name is Chantal Dorval, and she and Ryan share many of the same problems. Both are recovering alcoholics, both are divorced, and both are trying to build relationships with their grown children. Chantal is kidnapped, and Ryan suspects the worse. Of course, the police suspect Ryan. Who really is behind Chantal's disappearance? Is it her psychiatrist? Is it a former disgruntled co-worker? Is it the maintenance guy at the nursing home where her mother lives? Is it her drug addict son? Is it her son's possessive adoptive mother? Who would wish to harm Chantal? The story is a good, albeit, typical mystery with a kind of sappy ending, but it is still worth reading.
June 25, 2018
Flash Drive was an AWESOME read!!
Flash Drive, from start to finish was a can't put down read!
Ryan works at a taxi company and works the afternoon/night shift. He takes a few breaks at night, smoking his cigarettes and watching the parking area. One night he needs Chantal, as she leaves her share car in the lot. One night, Chantal's car is returned, but not by her. Ryan takes it upon himself, to find out what happened to her. Mayhem abouts all around him, in his search for her.
If you like mystery stories, this one is a first class act!!
Flash Drive, from start to finish was a can't put down read!
Ryan works at a taxi company and works the afternoon/night shift. He takes a few breaks at night, smoking his cigarettes and watching the parking area. One night he needs Chantal, as she leaves her share car in the lot. One night, Chantal's car is returned, but not by her. Ryan takes it upon himself, to find out what happened to her. Mayhem abouts all around him, in his search for her.
If you like mystery stories, this one is a first class act!!
May 20, 2018
Interesting book
This book starts out slow. You read a wonder what this is about and where it is going. Ryan works at a taxi service as a dispatcher supervisor. Every Sunday he sets on a bench outside the office smoking. This woman comes by every Sunday the same thing every Sunday. One Sunday she does not return like normal. Ray starts looking for her. He is the only one who is looking for her. You read on to see if he finds her and why she disappeared. Slow but good.
This book starts out slow. You read a wonder what this is about and where it is going. Ryan works at a taxi service as a dispatcher supervisor. Every Sunday he sets on a bench outside the office smoking. This woman comes by every Sunday the same thing every Sunday. One Sunday she does not return like normal. Ray starts looking for her. He is the only one who is looking for her. You read on to see if he finds her and why she disappeared. Slow but good.
January 15, 2019
A fun novel to read. As with Foster's other works, the reader can sit back and enjoy the ride as he paints the picture and draws the plot. This novel is fast-paced and action-packed, without compromising character development or verisimilitude. The reader will be kept guessing until the very end, and will be satisfied when all the loose ends are tied up, and all the questions are resolved - and there's a happy ending to boot!
February 25, 2019
Loser or lover.
Ryan gets pulled into a strange convoluted search for the beautiful woman he sees on his work breaks. Except one day she doesn't show up. The author is wonderfully creative in telling this tale and I was hooked after the first few chapters. The characters are fascinating and the twists and turns many . I liked everything except how hard Ryan was on,himself. I recommend the book to every mystery lover.
Ryan gets pulled into a strange convoluted search for the beautiful woman he sees on his work breaks. Except one day she doesn't show up. The author is wonderfully creative in telling this tale and I was hooked after the first few chapters. The characters are fascinating and the twists and turns many . I liked everything except how hard Ryan was on,himself. I recommend the book to every mystery lover.
April 22, 2018
Don't bother
Messed up woman with lots of "fu@k buddies", the authors words, not mine, goes missing. Main character tasks it upon himself to find and rescue her. In the meantime we're treated to reading het diary. Boeing. I think the author has some issues better left unexplored. This book is so bad I deleting it off my device.
Messed up woman with lots of "fu@k buddies", the authors words, not mine, goes missing. Main character tasks it upon himself to find and rescue her. In the meantime we're treated to reading het diary. Boeing. I think the author has some issues better left unexplored. This book is so bad I deleting it off my device.
November 18, 2018
When Alex Ryan sees an attractive woman return a rental car to a car park each Sunday for a year, -- same time - and one week she doesn't show up, but the car does, he begins to worry about her. They have only spoken a few words in that year, but he feels an attachment to her and begins to search for her.
December 9, 2018
every Sunday, Ryan watches her leave the share car . He works at a taxi company and wants to get to know her better. Then one day a strange man drops the car off. No one believes that she is missing.
Ryan is able to find out her real name and other things. In the end things work out well, although Ryan, the mystery lady, and Ryan's friend, Lucy are almost killed.
Ryan is able to find out her real name and other things. In the end things work out well, although Ryan, the mystery lady, and Ryan's friend, Lucy are almost killed.
December 14, 2018
Great Read
Enjoyed the interesting and novel approach of this story. An amateur beats the police detective trying to stick him with th h as murder he did not commit while investigating the disappearance of his friend. Good pace and character development make for an exciting book.
Enjoyed the interesting and novel approach of this story. An amateur beats the police detective trying to stick him with th h as murder he did not commit while investigating the disappearance of his friend. Good pace and character development make for an exciting book.
January 15, 2019
Not my usual type of read, but it was damn good. As a commuter, I can relate to the protagonist’s intrigue, somewhat. Seeing the same people everyday. Inventing a life for them; guessing, at least.
~ Alex Ryan saw her everyday. They made eye contact until one day, they introduced themselves. Anne, is her name. Or so she said. She arrived everyday at the same time. Until the day she didn’t.
~ Alex Ryan saw her everyday. They made eye contact until one day, they introduced themselves. Anne, is her name. Or so she said. She arrived everyday at the same time. Until the day she didn’t.
November 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy book to read that kept me interested throughout the book. The plot was unique.The author wrote in a way that was remarkable. I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other. The ending was unexpected and interesting. I do want to read much more from this author.
February 11, 2021
Most pleasant read
I was most pleasantly pulled into the story as it unfolds . The main male character is an older recovering alcoholic who bit by bit uncovers a mysterious disappearance of a mysterious woman. I love his talking about his life and how he pieces it together. An unexpected good read!
I was most pleasantly pulled into the story as it unfolds . The main male character is an older recovering alcoholic who bit by bit uncovers a mysterious disappearance of a mysterious woman. I love his talking about his life and how he pieces it together. An unexpected good read!
November 9, 2018
An unforgettable tale
This book has it all; a down to earth hero, a wide assortment of characters you'll really care about and a great ending. The ending is something that will shock and surprise you. I can't wait to read more from this author.
This book has it all; a down to earth hero, a wide assortment of characters you'll really care about and a great ending. The ending is something that will shock and surprise you. I can't wait to read more from this author.
November 14, 2018
Did not even get through one fourth of this book. Anyone with crap for brains would have called the police before doing anything this idiot did. One more book on the shelf about very unlikeable people. I’m just glad it was free.
November 18, 2018
Good story
An interesting tale with lots of adventure and just about the right amount of human interest. The title really has nothing much to do with the story and any allusion it makes to the content is minor but apart from that it is a decent way to spend an afternoon.
An interesting tale with lots of adventure and just about the right amount of human interest. The title really has nothing much to do with the story and any allusion it makes to the content is minor but apart from that it is a decent way to spend an afternoon.
December 4, 2018
A really good tale - captivating!
First time in a while that I found a novel novel.
Not a retread but a NEW story. Very well written. Written such that the writing never distracts from the tale.
A very enjoyable book. Thank you.
First time in a while that I found a novel novel.
Not a retread but a NEW story. Very well written. Written such that the writing never distracts from the tale.
A very enjoyable book. Thank you.
December 19, 2018
Entertaining read.
I enjoyed the story, the characters, and pace of the writing. I was a little disappointed with the ending but not enough to detract from my overall enjoyment. I gave it 5 stars. While not perfect, it was heads above other books I’ve read recently.
I enjoyed the story, the characters, and pace of the writing. I was a little disappointed with the ending but not enough to detract from my overall enjoyment. I gave it 5 stars. While not perfect, it was heads above other books I’ve read recently.
December 26, 2018
This is a great Canadian thriller
I liked everything about this book. The characters, setting, plot and action. They were all believable. It was a joy to read. I'll be looking for more from this author!
I liked everything about this book. The characters, setting, plot and action. They were all believable. It was a joy to read. I'll be looking for more from this author!
March 23, 2019
Vond het wel een aardig verhaal; had wat moeite om op gang te komen en gaandeweg wil je weten hoe een en ander afloopt. Wel een beetje ver gezocht allemaal, maar komen toch veel zaken aan de orde: alcoholisten, verslaafden, hoe reageert politie op dit soort zaken, familierelaties etc.
August 20, 2019
Great Story
I give very few 5 star ratings. This book deserves it without any doubt in my mind. The characters are great and the story is very believable. Somebody should write a screenplay for it.
I give very few 5 star ratings. This book deserves it without any doubt in my mind. The characters are great and the story is very believable. Somebody should write a screenplay for it.
August 21, 2019
Think Elmore Leonard, Foster does it well. This is with out a doubt the best mystery I have read this year. It is a compeling mystery so I will not say anything about the story. That is for you to find. I hope you will find it as engrossing as I did.
November 27, 2019
Enjoyable read
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
I would have given it five stars but I found the last few chapters a bit silly and I didnt like the way it inexplicably changed from 3rd person to 1st.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
I would have given it five stars but I found the last few chapters a bit silly and I didnt like the way it inexplicably changed from 3rd person to 1st.
January 20, 2020
Lost
An interesting story of how one person could and would take it on himself to search for a woman whom he is sure has disappeared although he really knows nothing.about her. When no one believes him, he still won't quit.
An interesting story of how one person could and would take it on himself to search for a woman whom he is sure has disappeared although he really knows nothing.about her. When no one believes him, he still won't quit.
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February 26, 2023Chance encounter
Everyone thinks Ryan is a lost cause. He struggles through with his alcoholism to maintain his relationship with his daughter. His chance encounter with a stranger leads him to become obsessed when he believes she's been kidnapped.
Everyone thinks Ryan is a lost cause. He struggles through with his alcoholism to maintain his relationship with his daughter. His chance encounter with a stranger leads him to become obsessed when he believes she's been kidnapped.
April 12, 2018
A veritable mystery
One of the best mystery stories I have read in a Long time. Excellent character development. Memorable plot. I highly recommend this book.
One of the best mystery stories I have read in a Long time. Excellent character development. Memorable plot. I highly recommend this book.
May 5, 2018
Worse read
This was the worst read of my life! Very Amateurish. Kept repeating lines! Very poorly put together! Glad it was free!
This was the worst read of my life! Very Amateurish. Kept repeating lines! Very poorly put together! Glad it was free!
May 6, 2018
Had me guessing until the end.
Great story, not too heavy with likeable and unlikable characters. Good edgy fun from star to finish. Well worth a read.
Great story, not too heavy with likeable and unlikable characters. Good edgy fun from star to finish. Well worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews