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A Colton Parker Mystery #1
Original Sin
Colton Parker was just fired from the FBI, has a teenage daughter who blames him for her mother’s death, and now that he’s hung out his shingle as a P.I., his first paying client—Angie Howe—has enough money for only one day’s worth of investigating. But Angie looks like she could use a friend, so Colton has his first case. When the mystery is finally resolved, Colton is resigned to improve his parenting skills with his daughter—and while the pair still struggle with each other, hope finally gets a chance to grow. First in the Colton Parker, P.I. series, from Brandt Dodson—a compelling new author with a family history in law enforcement spanning several generations.
276 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2006
87 people want to read
About the author
Brandt Dodson
10 books23 followersBrandt was born and raised on the west side of Indianapolis and comes from a long line of police officers. He was formerly employed by the Indianapolis Field Office of the FBI before serving as a Lt. in the United States Naval Reserve.
He is a graduate of Ben Davis High School and Indiana Central University (now known as the University of Indianapolis) and received his doctorate in Chicago, Illinois.
Brandt is the creator of the Indianapolis-based Colton Parker series, the Chicago-based Sons of Jude series, as well as several short stories and stand-alone novels. He has had his play adapted by a dinner theatre and it opened in March of 2013.
Brandt lives in southern Indiana where he is at work on his next novel.
He is a graduate of Ben Davis High School and Indiana Central University (now known as the University of Indianapolis) and received his doctorate in Chicago, Illinois.
Brandt is the creator of the Indianapolis-based Colton Parker series, the Chicago-based Sons of Jude series, as well as several short stories and stand-alone novels. He has had his play adapted by a dinner theatre and it opened in March of 2013.
Brandt lives in southern Indiana where he is at work on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 25, 2013
A much-loved schoolteacher is murdered, and the prime suspect is her nephew, who is promptly arrested. Case closed.
Or not.
Former FBI agent Colton Parker, newly fired from the federal agency, takes on his first case as a private detective after being hired by Angie Howe, the prime suspect's girlfriend. She doesn't believe that Billy is capable of murdering Emma, since the two were very close.
Colton's investigation causes him to butt heads with local organized crime members to respected public officials. Colton's one resource is FBI agent and friend, Mary Christopher, whose influence may help Colton with his case--and with his life.
Colton also has issues with his teenage daughter, Callie, who is currently living with her grandparents. Colton's wife is deceased, and she is the white elephant in the room for both of them. Can Colton learn to trust God? Can he hope for better things in the future?
An excellent introduction to a reserved, tough character. I definitely want to read more of Dodson's books.
Or not.
Former FBI agent Colton Parker, newly fired from the federal agency, takes on his first case as a private detective after being hired by Angie Howe, the prime suspect's girlfriend. She doesn't believe that Billy is capable of murdering Emma, since the two were very close.
Colton's investigation causes him to butt heads with local organized crime members to respected public officials. Colton's one resource is FBI agent and friend, Mary Christopher, whose influence may help Colton with his case--and with his life.
Colton also has issues with his teenage daughter, Callie, who is currently living with her grandparents. Colton's wife is deceased, and she is the white elephant in the room for both of them. Can Colton learn to trust God? Can he hope for better things in the future?
An excellent introduction to a reserved, tough character. I definitely want to read more of Dodson's books.
August 16, 2016
I always get a kick from reading a book written from someone that I know. In this case, I was in my podiatrists office and noticed this book cover framed on his wall. Turns out he is an author, writing books about a private eye based in Indianapolis. Intrigued, I checked out the book, and was surprised to find the plot interesting and the main character believable. I enjoyed the references to places that I know in Indianapolis, too. Dodson told me that he comes from a long line of cops, and he uses many of the stories told around the dinner table in this series. Interestingly, the character is dealing with many personal issues, one of which is his relationship with God. This was the only part of the book that I found a bit stilted-it will be interesting to see if the author is able to smooth this out over the course of the series. I am already reading number 2.
September 7, 2013
A Quickie Review
Does adding in a few positive references to God and Jesus automatically make a book "Christian"? That's the question I asked myself after reading this. What seemed like a mere murder mystery spent much of its time talking about the porn industry. Granted, the author kept it tasteful, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it was merely a censored version of a trashy television show. Ephesians 5:12 says, "It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret" (NIV), and this book comes a little too close to that for my tastes. This is one case where I wished I hadn't shelled out the cash--okay, store credit--for more than one entry in the series at my local used bookstore.
Content Concerns: See above.
Score: 2.25/5
Does adding in a few positive references to God and Jesus automatically make a book "Christian"? That's the question I asked myself after reading this. What seemed like a mere murder mystery spent much of its time talking about the porn industry. Granted, the author kept it tasteful, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it was merely a censored version of a trashy television show. Ephesians 5:12 says, "It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret" (NIV), and this book comes a little too close to that for my tastes. This is one case where I wished I hadn't shelled out the cash--okay, store credit--for more than one entry in the series at my local used bookstore.
Content Concerns: See above.
Score: 2.25/5
September 13, 2017
A good crime thriller without all the language.
August 24, 2025
Wanted a different ending but it was a really good book!
July 13, 2015
“A woman is murdered her nephew is arrested Open and Shut case or is it?”
When FBI agent Colton Parker is fired from the force, his first job as a private detective begins with the tragic murder of Emma Caine - an upstanding high school guidance counselor found dead with all the evidence pointing to her nephew, Billy Caine. His girlfriend, Angie Howe, doesn't believe it. Colton has his doubts.
When the dust settles, Colton is satisfied that justice has been served and is ready to repair his relationship with Callie, his rebellious teenage daughter. And while they still struggle with issues of her mother's death. Colton has discovered what lies beneath the surface of every turbulent relationship hope.
I really liked this detective is a cross of Colombo/Humphrey Bogart. It was from a man's point of view and I liked it.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
When FBI agent Colton Parker is fired from the force, his first job as a private detective begins with the tragic murder of Emma Caine - an upstanding high school guidance counselor found dead with all the evidence pointing to her nephew, Billy Caine. His girlfriend, Angie Howe, doesn't believe it. Colton has his doubts.
When the dust settles, Colton is satisfied that justice has been served and is ready to repair his relationship with Callie, his rebellious teenage daughter. And while they still struggle with issues of her mother's death. Colton has discovered what lies beneath the surface of every turbulent relationship hope.
I really liked this detective is a cross of Colombo/Humphrey Bogart. It was from a man's point of view and I liked it.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
December 19, 2015
Beginning to Heal
Colton Parker's life was turned upside down six months ago when his wife was killed in a car accident. He quit the FBI and opened up shop as a Private Investigator. His work is dangerous and his grief left no room for his daughter Callie.; she was sent to live with her grandparents. Colton was mad at life and God for taking away his wife.
This is a solid story that shows how life can change in an instant. Colton blamed himself for the death of his wife. If he hadn't argued with Anna she would not have left the house. The characters are real and the writing conveys the depth of their feelings. By the end of the book we see Colton making an effort to be available to his daughter so they can deal with their loss together.
I liked this story enough to buy the second book in the series. It will be interesting to see what the characters have to deal with and if the growth shown will continue.
Colton Parker's life was turned upside down six months ago when his wife was killed in a car accident. He quit the FBI and opened up shop as a Private Investigator. His work is dangerous and his grief left no room for his daughter Callie.; she was sent to live with her grandparents. Colton was mad at life and God for taking away his wife.
This is a solid story that shows how life can change in an instant. Colton blamed himself for the death of his wife. If he hadn't argued with Anna she would not have left the house. The characters are real and the writing conveys the depth of their feelings. By the end of the book we see Colton making an effort to be available to his daughter so they can deal with their loss together.
I liked this story enough to buy the second book in the series. It will be interesting to see what the characters have to deal with and if the growth shown will continue.
April 10, 2009
Gave me food for thought as to wherer I believe in "original sin". Do we carry the sin of Adam and Eve with us throughout our lives?
Add to this a good mystery about the murder of a school teacher and her possible involvement in pornography and gambling. . .good read.
I also liked that it was set in Indianapolis, Indiana. Close to my home, so I recognized a lot of places and names.
Add to this a good mystery about the murder of a school teacher and her possible involvement in pornography and gambling. . .good read.
I also liked that it was set in Indianapolis, Indiana. Close to my home, so I recognized a lot of places and names.
April 30, 2011
This book was an easy, enjoyable read. Dodson reminds me of Stephen James, with a little Sara Paretsky thrown in. I read this book in three days, staying awake far later than I should have, and jumping out of bed early to 'get an extra few pages in'.
I look forward to reading the next installment.
I look forward to reading the next installment.
February 5, 2016
I know Dr. Dodson personally and he is one of the nicest people I've ever met. He is a podiatrist here in Southern Indiana and his books would be considered Christian fiction with a fairly "Jack Webb" protagonist.
November 7, 2008
I was not impressed with this mystery. Half the book was spent with Colton trying to come to terms with personal demons.
May 2, 2009
I really enjoyed the Colton Parker series. I am looking forward to reading them all!
Read
September 10, 2010Well written detective story with great character development and plot. Right up there with other detetive storys but the added subplot was extra bonus.
April 30, 2011
As a mystery, it was pretty good - not quite as good to me as Crais or Coben, but a reasonable read.
February 6, 2023
This book keeps you guessing from cover to cover.
Read
February 12, 2015Intriguing mystery...good story.
June 17, 2015
Good noir read following a believable character in a pretty sordid world.
December 23, 2015
I'm not a fan of the religious subplot. I believe that it hinders the book and it serves little purpose. It's not a bad book otherwise.
January 18, 2016
Pretty good for a first book. Looking forward to the next one.
February 5, 2016
Very formulaic and trite. Too many cliches for me.
December 10, 2013
It was a good story. Nice twist at end. Not too bad
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews