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Pacific Homicide #3
The Second Goodbye
"Detective Davie Richards digs deeper in the cold case death of a woman whose past proves full of secrets and possible villians"--
Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2018
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About the author
Patricia Smiley
34 books80 followersPatricia Smiley is the author of four novels, featuring amateur sleuth Tucker Sinclair. PACIFIC HOMICIDE is the first in a new series about Los Angeles Police Department homicide detective Davie Richards and is based on her 15-year stint as a volunteer for the LAPD. The second book in the series OUTSIDE THE WIRE will debut on November 8, 2017.
Patty's short fiction has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and Two of the Deadliest, an anthology edited by Elizabeth George. She has taught writing classes at various conferences in the U.S. and Canada and served as the vice president of the Southern California chapter of Mystery Writers of America and as president of Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles. Patty lives in Los Angeles where she is working on the third book in the Pacific Homicide series.
Patty's short fiction has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and Two of the Deadliest, an anthology edited by Elizabeth George. She has taught writing classes at various conferences in the U.S. and Canada and served as the vice president of the Southern California chapter of Mystery Writers of America and as president of Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles. Patty lives in Los Angeles where she is working on the third book in the Pacific Homicide series.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 1, 2018
Happily, the Pacific Area of the LAPD has gone a few weeks without a new homicide case to investigate. Accordingly, the division's boss, Frank Giordano, has compiled a list of cold cases and assigned his detectives to work the cases until something fresh comes in.
Detective Davina "Davie" Richards draws two cases. The first involves the stabbing death two years earlier of a gangbanger named Javier Hernandez. The detectives who initially investigated the case concluded that Hernandez had been killed as the result of a drug dispute, but not surprisingly, none of Hernandez's neighbors or associates were willing or able to tell the police anything about the crime. Richards decides to re-interview some of the people close to Hernandez, most importantly, his girlfriend who was present on the day of his death, but she's not holding out a lot of hope about closing this one.
Richards finds the second case assigned her immediately more interesting. The potential victim was a thirty-four-year-old woman named Sara Montaine. Montaine walked into a gun store at a time when she was the only customer present. While the store owner was distracted, Montaine allegedly took a gun from a showcase and used it to kill herself. The initial investigation concluded that the death was a suicide, but there were inconsistencies in the evidence and so Davie's boss, tells her to take a fresh look at the case if she can find the time.
Of course she can.
Both Davie and the reader immediately understand that Montaine's apparent suicide will be a much more interesting case than that of a murdered drug dealer. In fairness, Richards will investigate both cases vigorously, but clearly the one that has hooked her is the Montaine case which will ultimately prove to be very complex.
Davie Richards is bright, determined, and virtually tireless. She makes a very appealing protagonist and the reader is immediately drawn into her world and into the cases she's pursuing. The Montaine case takes a lot of surprising twists and turns, while the gangbanger's murder investigation is a bit more straightforward. But as Richards works her way deeper into each of the cases, she will antagonize some very dangerous people who have no qualms about taking whatever steps are necessary to prevent her from closing these cases.
All in all, The Second Goodbye is a cleverly plotted and very entertaining novel that will keep a reader turning the pages quickly.
Detective Davina "Davie" Richards draws two cases. The first involves the stabbing death two years earlier of a gangbanger named Javier Hernandez. The detectives who initially investigated the case concluded that Hernandez had been killed as the result of a drug dispute, but not surprisingly, none of Hernandez's neighbors or associates were willing or able to tell the police anything about the crime. Richards decides to re-interview some of the people close to Hernandez, most importantly, his girlfriend who was present on the day of his death, but she's not holding out a lot of hope about closing this one.
Richards finds the second case assigned her immediately more interesting. The potential victim was a thirty-four-year-old woman named Sara Montaine. Montaine walked into a gun store at a time when she was the only customer present. While the store owner was distracted, Montaine allegedly took a gun from a showcase and used it to kill herself. The initial investigation concluded that the death was a suicide, but there were inconsistencies in the evidence and so Davie's boss, tells her to take a fresh look at the case if she can find the time.
Of course she can.
Both Davie and the reader immediately understand that Montaine's apparent suicide will be a much more interesting case than that of a murdered drug dealer. In fairness, Richards will investigate both cases vigorously, but clearly the one that has hooked her is the Montaine case which will ultimately prove to be very complex.
Davie Richards is bright, determined, and virtually tireless. She makes a very appealing protagonist and the reader is immediately drawn into her world and into the cases she's pursuing. The Montaine case takes a lot of surprising twists and turns, while the gangbanger's murder investigation is a bit more straightforward. But as Richards works her way deeper into each of the cases, she will antagonize some very dangerous people who have no qualms about taking whatever steps are necessary to prevent her from closing these cases.
All in all, The Second Goodbye is a cleverly plotted and very entertaining novel that will keep a reader turning the pages quickly.
January 4, 2020
This third book of the Pacific Beach Homicide series is well plotted and paced, establishing this female detective Davie Richards as one to follow. The books actually keep getting better with believable challenges that require dedication and smarts to work out.
Library Loan
Library Loan
November 18, 2019
This is the third in Patricia Smiley's Pacific Homicide series, and it does not disappoint. Her heroine remains feisty but vulnerable and her fellow officers hit all the right notes. The dialogue is witty and precise, the love interest is beautifully handled, the dangers intensify. and there is a satisfactory resolution to the complicated plot: suicide or murder? money laundering or extortion? gang killing or personal hit? The action takes place mostly in and around Los Angeles in best noir fashion, with an interlude in the Caribbean. I really liked the book (but I continue to hate having to use the damn stars to rate someone's work). If you like noir, police procedurals done by someone who knows police work inside and out, snappy dialogue, and quick pacing, you'll like this book.
October 13, 2018
I just finished The Second Goodbye by Patricia Smiley. It was an enjoyable read all the way around with engaging characters, good plotting and a satisfying conclusion. This is my first read and the third book in the Pacific Homicide series. The story is self-contained, with a few recurring characters. It is not necessary that you read the books in order, although in this one there is the beginning of a possible future relationship between Davie and one of the secondary character.
The pacing of this book is excellent, unfolding evenly, in a way that captures and maintains your interest throughout. While there are no big twists in the plot, it is enjoyable to read about good, solid detective work that “peels the onion” of a case. There is just enough tension in the book to add an extra dimension without derailing the primary focus of Davie’s investigations. While there are two concurrent investigations Davie is conducting, one is the central focus of the story while the other assists in adding depth to her character and increasing the reader’s understanding of what drives her.
This book will probably appeal to a broad range of readers. It has a strong female detective, and as such will intrigue fans of detectives such as Kinsey Millhone, protagonist in Sue Grafton’s alphabet series. It also is a strong police procedural, with emphasis on detective work and only modest amounts of blood, guts, and gore. This combination may make it more appealing to a larger audience than many hard-boiled detective series.
I’m putting this book high on a list of new novels to try. I don’t feel I missed anything by not reading the first two books in the series, but if you like reading in series, I expect you wouldn’t be disappointed starting at the first book and working your way through the series. My thanks to NetGalley and Midnight Ink Publishing for providing an advance digital copy in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed here are wholly my own.
The pacing of this book is excellent, unfolding evenly, in a way that captures and maintains your interest throughout. While there are no big twists in the plot, it is enjoyable to read about good, solid detective work that “peels the onion” of a case. There is just enough tension in the book to add an extra dimension without derailing the primary focus of Davie’s investigations. While there are two concurrent investigations Davie is conducting, one is the central focus of the story while the other assists in adding depth to her character and increasing the reader’s understanding of what drives her.
This book will probably appeal to a broad range of readers. It has a strong female detective, and as such will intrigue fans of detectives such as Kinsey Millhone, protagonist in Sue Grafton’s alphabet series. It also is a strong police procedural, with emphasis on detective work and only modest amounts of blood, guts, and gore. This combination may make it more appealing to a larger audience than many hard-boiled detective series.
I’m putting this book high on a list of new novels to try. I don’t feel I missed anything by not reading the first two books in the series, but if you like reading in series, I expect you wouldn’t be disappointed starting at the first book and working your way through the series. My thanks to NetGalley and Midnight Ink Publishing for providing an advance digital copy in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed here are wholly my own.
December 23, 2018
“The Second Goodbye” by Patricia Smiley is the third book in the Pacific Homicide series featuring Detective Davie Richards. The book stands on its own merits, and it is not necessary to have read the previous books to enjoy this one. Any background information about the characters is included seamlessly within the current narrative. The book opens with a crime, a murder, but an unusual one that grabs readers.
LAPD Homicide Detective Davie Richards was sifting through the division’s unsolved murders, and her boss directed her to a death in a gun store, but not a murder. The case had been closed as a suicide, but the coroner did not find any gunshot residue on the victim’s hands and ruled the death undetermined. Readers follow as Richards carefully and methodically reviews two unsolved cases, the gun store shooting, and a gang murder. These are cold cases with few cooperating witnesses, second hand evidence, and an increasing number of unanswered questions.
Smiley masterfully intertwines the two main story lines along with additional material that increases the richness of the novel. The pace is steady, purposeful, and not without surprising twists and turns. The characters are well developed, and each is distinctive and thought provoking. Richards is focused and strong, and the supporting characters are discrete and interesting, adding color and depth to the story. There is also a nice shout out to a long-standing event for California and Nevada law enforcement, the Baker to Las Vegas relay race.
“The Second Goodbye” is a captivating novel with a strong female central character and a plot that will hold a reader’s interest to the end. I received a copy of “The Second Goodbye” from Patricia Smiley, Midnight Ink, and NetGalley. I have enjoyed the previous books in the Pacific Homicide series, and this book was no exception. I recommend the entire series and eagerly await the next book in the series.
Knowing she would not pass a background check, Sara Montaine had never tried to buy a gun. Instead, she stole one. In the store, she asked to see a gun, and when the phone rang, she saw her chance. The storeowner stepped out to take the call; she slipped behind the counter and turned the key to unlock the gun case. She reached in and grasped the handle of the gun, a perfect fit. The gunshot jolted the owner. He returned to the showroom and saw the woman on the floor. He immediately called 911.
LAPD Homicide Detective Davie Richards was sifting through the division’s unsolved murders, and her boss directed her to a death in a gun store, but not a murder. The case had been closed as a suicide, but the coroner did not find any gunshot residue on the victim’s hands and ruled the death undetermined. Readers follow as Richards carefully and methodically reviews two unsolved cases, the gun store shooting, and a gang murder. These are cold cases with few cooperating witnesses, second hand evidence, and an increasing number of unanswered questions.
Smiley masterfully intertwines the two main story lines along with additional material that increases the richness of the novel. The pace is steady, purposeful, and not without surprising twists and turns. The characters are well developed, and each is distinctive and thought provoking. Richards is focused and strong, and the supporting characters are discrete and interesting, adding color and depth to the story. There is also a nice shout out to a long-standing event for California and Nevada law enforcement, the Baker to Las Vegas relay race.
“The Second Goodbye” is a captivating novel with a strong female central character and a plot that will hold a reader’s interest to the end. I received a copy of “The Second Goodbye” from Patricia Smiley, Midnight Ink, and NetGalley. I have enjoyed the previous books in the Pacific Homicide series, and this book was no exception. I recommend the entire series and eagerly await the next book in the series.
January 5, 2020
Patty Smiley's The Second Goodbye has everything you want in a cop mystery--a winning but flawed protagonist, deep knowledge of police procedures, rising dramatic tension, and a supporting cast that piques interest and propels the plot. Others have remarked that Smiley's books remind them of early books in the Harry Bosch series by Michael Connelly. That's high praise indeed. As Smokey Robinson once sang, "I second that emotion." Eight of those Bosch books were narrated on audio by Broadway star Len Cariou in a perfect match of an author's written words with a narrator's spoken ones. Sadly, Mr. Cariou is no longer doing the Bosch narrations. Happily, with The Second Goodbye I've found a pairing that equals the Connelly-Cariou partnership in Patricia Smiley and Harley Jane Kozak. Kozak, a veteran actor and novelist herself, captures every nuance of Smiley's words adding to the depth of characters and the drive of the story. She's so good that it tempts me to write a book with a female protagonist just to get Kozak to do the narration. The bottom line? A terrific crime novel made even better by the narration. Bravissima!
January 6, 2019
Book #3 in the series-but I never read the others...I love strong female characters, a “cold case”, a great opening in the book-really gets you into the read...enjoy.
April 25, 2019
Early May and California is burning in The Second Goodbye: A Pacific Homicide Novel by Patricia Smiley. Whether the wildfires are why there have not been any homicides in the last two weeks or something else is at work, Homicide Detective Davie Richards does not know though the lack of new murder cases is making her a bit nervous. She still has plenty to do. Her boss, Frank Giordano, has assigned each of detective two cold cases that have the highest potential to be solved.
One of her cases is the two year old murder case regarding Javi Hernandez. The gangbanger was stabbed fifteen times and left to die on a mattress at his Palms apartment. Since he allegedly sold drugs for the gang, C-Street, the focus of the prior investigation was the belief that the killing was in in some way over drug sales. Within days, the main suspect at the time was killed in a drive by shooting. One thing led to another and the case went cold.
There isn’t much to work with here at this point and her other cold case has even less. Because of all that, Giordano gives her a third case that never sat right with him. Technically it was classified a suicide, but Giordano always had his suspicions. The death of Sara Montaine, aged 34, is one of those cases that a detective knows isn’t what it appears and yet has nothing to point to as proof that it isn’t as it appears. It does not take Detective Richards’ long to realize that a lot more is going on than simple suicide.
The third book in the series, The Second Goodbye: A Pacific Homicide Novel is another strong read by Patricia Smiley. The author uses the ever increasing number of wildfires as well as the constant threat of a new murder case to drive the clock of solving the cases from the past. Those past cases are intriguing in their own ways as is Detective Richards tenuous relationship with Detective Striker. The result is a complex police procedural read full of nuance and depth that builds steadily along to a satisfying finish.
In short, The Second Goodbye: A Pacific Homicide Novel is good and well worth your time.
This is also another book and a series I would not have read if not for Lesa Holstine. Because of her review last December of this book, I put all three books on hold and started at the beginning with Pacific Homicide. While at the review, there is also a link to an interesting interview Lesa did with the author for the Poisoned Pen blog. Also well worth your time.
The Second Goodbye: A Pacific Homicide Novel
Patricia Smiley
http://www.patriciasmiley.com
Midnight Ink
http://www.midnightinkbooks.com
November 2018
ISBN# 978-0-7387-5236-5
Paperback (also available in eBook format)
$15.99
288 Pages
Material supplied by the good people of Dallas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2019
One of her cases is the two year old murder case regarding Javi Hernandez. The gangbanger was stabbed fifteen times and left to die on a mattress at his Palms apartment. Since he allegedly sold drugs for the gang, C-Street, the focus of the prior investigation was the belief that the killing was in in some way over drug sales. Within days, the main suspect at the time was killed in a drive by shooting. One thing led to another and the case went cold.
There isn’t much to work with here at this point and her other cold case has even less. Because of all that, Giordano gives her a third case that never sat right with him. Technically it was classified a suicide, but Giordano always had his suspicions. The death of Sara Montaine, aged 34, is one of those cases that a detective knows isn’t what it appears and yet has nothing to point to as proof that it isn’t as it appears. It does not take Detective Richards’ long to realize that a lot more is going on than simple suicide.
The third book in the series, The Second Goodbye: A Pacific Homicide Novel is another strong read by Patricia Smiley. The author uses the ever increasing number of wildfires as well as the constant threat of a new murder case to drive the clock of solving the cases from the past. Those past cases are intriguing in their own ways as is Detective Richards tenuous relationship with Detective Striker. The result is a complex police procedural read full of nuance and depth that builds steadily along to a satisfying finish.
In short, The Second Goodbye: A Pacific Homicide Novel is good and well worth your time.
This is also another book and a series I would not have read if not for Lesa Holstine. Because of her review last December of this book, I put all three books on hold and started at the beginning with Pacific Homicide. While at the review, there is also a link to an interesting interview Lesa did with the author for the Poisoned Pen blog. Also well worth your time.
The Second Goodbye: A Pacific Homicide Novel
Patricia Smiley
http://www.patriciasmiley.com
Midnight Ink
http://www.midnightinkbooks.com
November 2018
ISBN# 978-0-7387-5236-5
Paperback (also available in eBook format)
$15.99
288 Pages
Material supplied by the good people of Dallas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2019
December 20, 2018
A Captivating Novel Where Det. Richards Juggles Multiple Cold Cases
The Second Goodbye opens up with the heroine, Homicide Detective Davie Richards experiencing a lull of homicides, so her boss distributed some open cases to his detectives. Richards receives two. One was a five year old strangulation where the prime suspect recently committed suicide and crucial evidence was missing, and the second was a two-year old brutal murder of a gangbanger. Since the first case appeared to be a dead-end, her boss gave her another case. It was a woman shot to death in a gun store. It was ruled a suicide, but the medical examiner ruled it undetermined. This case caught her interest, as it did mine.
The gangbanger murder was challenging because, as would be expected, there were not many cooperating witnesses! The gun store death quickly unraveled with more questions that needed to be investigated. This storyline was very captivating and held my interest throughout the entire novel.
As a surprise, a third storyline pops up and starts with the word, “ENGAGEMENT.” Someone is following Detective Richards, but this storyline is not what I originally thought. The author really challenged me to figure out how this fit into the regular storyline.
The B-storyline brings back a previous character, Detective Joh Striker, from the Robbery Homicide Division. He is tall, handsome, and there is more than police work in his interaction with Richards. Also, the reader learns more about the person of her partner, Detective Jason Vaughn, and the relationship between him and Richards. There is even insight into her boss, Detective Frank Giordano. The author weaves all of this B-storyline material seamlessly into the main storylines so that they add to the richness of the story and enjoyment in reading this novel.
For readers who are sensitive to vulgar language and graphic sex scenes, there is only one sex scene and not that graphic, and only a few less offensive expletives. Also, if this is your first book of this series to read, not having read the previous novels should not be a problem as the author provides adequate background required for previous novels.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this novel. I now have read the last two novels in this series, but not the first. While writing this review, I purchased that first book and will be reading it in the future. As the multiple storylines captured my interest, and I wanted to keep reading, I rate this novel with five stars. Do give it a try if it sounds interesting. I believe you will enjoy reading it also.
I have received a free kindle version of this novel through NetGalley from Midnight Ink with a request for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Midnight Ink for the opportunity to read this novel early.
The Second Goodbye opens up with the heroine, Homicide Detective Davie Richards experiencing a lull of homicides, so her boss distributed some open cases to his detectives. Richards receives two. One was a five year old strangulation where the prime suspect recently committed suicide and crucial evidence was missing, and the second was a two-year old brutal murder of a gangbanger. Since the first case appeared to be a dead-end, her boss gave her another case. It was a woman shot to death in a gun store. It was ruled a suicide, but the medical examiner ruled it undetermined. This case caught her interest, as it did mine.
The gangbanger murder was challenging because, as would be expected, there were not many cooperating witnesses! The gun store death quickly unraveled with more questions that needed to be investigated. This storyline was very captivating and held my interest throughout the entire novel.
As a surprise, a third storyline pops up and starts with the word, “ENGAGEMENT.” Someone is following Detective Richards, but this storyline is not what I originally thought. The author really challenged me to figure out how this fit into the regular storyline.
The B-storyline brings back a previous character, Detective Joh Striker, from the Robbery Homicide Division. He is tall, handsome, and there is more than police work in his interaction with Richards. Also, the reader learns more about the person of her partner, Detective Jason Vaughn, and the relationship between him and Richards. There is even insight into her boss, Detective Frank Giordano. The author weaves all of this B-storyline material seamlessly into the main storylines so that they add to the richness of the story and enjoyment in reading this novel.
For readers who are sensitive to vulgar language and graphic sex scenes, there is only one sex scene and not that graphic, and only a few less offensive expletives. Also, if this is your first book of this series to read, not having read the previous novels should not be a problem as the author provides adequate background required for previous novels.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this novel. I now have read the last two novels in this series, but not the first. While writing this review, I purchased that first book and will be reading it in the future. As the multiple storylines captured my interest, and I wanted to keep reading, I rate this novel with five stars. Do give it a try if it sounds interesting. I believe you will enjoy reading it also.
I have received a free kindle version of this novel through NetGalley from Midnight Ink with a request for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Midnight Ink for the opportunity to read this novel early.
December 26, 2018
Third time’s the charm --- as in the third outing of Patricia Smiley’s phenomenal Pacific Homicide series.
Following 2017’s OUTSIDE THE WIRE, Los Angeles Homicide Detective Davina “Davie” Richards encounters a lull in murders, perhaps initiated by an early onset of area wildfires. She sifts through cold cases and is intrigued by the glossed-over death of Sara Montaine, age 34.
Sara had volunteered at Four Paws Cat Rescue, where a promotional photo depicts Sara autographing with her left hand. Her personal life, however, had taken a turn. She surreptitiously shopped for a gun, while the owner took a call in the back room leaving Sara alone. A cursory police investigation ascertained suicide, the Smith & Wesson near the victim’s right hand. “It’s unusual for a female to off herself with a gun,” Davie opines. Although much “had happened to Sara --- her husband’s illness, his death, and the bad relationship with her stepson. Maybe life finally came crashing down on her.” But a neighbor says, “Sara wasn’t depressed. She was scared.”
Davie’s mantra is: Assume Nothing; learn as much about the victim as the purported killer. She assimilates that Sara was married to a much older, wealthy man. Was Sara a gold-digger or selfless, in caring for her dying husband? Davie learns that before Sara’s marriage, she’d lived comfortably without obvious means of revenue. Nothing odd about that, other than being an orphan placed in foster care of those with limited income. “You think there was something hinky about the case?”
Meanwhile, Davie takes on another, “the brutal two-year-old murder of gangbanger Javier AKA Javi Hernandez.” Davie runs afoul of drug lord wannabes, and is bushwhacked by those involved with illicit drugs. “The only thing that pushed her forward was the commitment she’d made when she took this job --- to stand in the shoes of the victims, protecting their interests against all others.”
Davie learns that a hit man identified only as Mushroom Ears is following her, but which case instigated this? She tails the man tailing her, all the while picking up bits of evidence, like shells on a Pacific coast beach.
With the passing of Sue Grafton, the Queen of Alphabet Soup-titled mysteries, I’ve found a Kinsey Millhone doppelgänger in Davie Richards. A thoroughly satisfying and well-crafted police procedural, this is my first Patricia Smiley encounter. That will change. I’ll purchase all previous books to give myself the best Christmas gift ever.
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
Following 2017’s OUTSIDE THE WIRE, Los Angeles Homicide Detective Davina “Davie” Richards encounters a lull in murders, perhaps initiated by an early onset of area wildfires. She sifts through cold cases and is intrigued by the glossed-over death of Sara Montaine, age 34.
Sara had volunteered at Four Paws Cat Rescue, where a promotional photo depicts Sara autographing with her left hand. Her personal life, however, had taken a turn. She surreptitiously shopped for a gun, while the owner took a call in the back room leaving Sara alone. A cursory police investigation ascertained suicide, the Smith & Wesson near the victim’s right hand. “It’s unusual for a female to off herself with a gun,” Davie opines. Although much “had happened to Sara --- her husband’s illness, his death, and the bad relationship with her stepson. Maybe life finally came crashing down on her.” But a neighbor says, “Sara wasn’t depressed. She was scared.”
Davie’s mantra is: Assume Nothing; learn as much about the victim as the purported killer. She assimilates that Sara was married to a much older, wealthy man. Was Sara a gold-digger or selfless, in caring for her dying husband? Davie learns that before Sara’s marriage, she’d lived comfortably without obvious means of revenue. Nothing odd about that, other than being an orphan placed in foster care of those with limited income. “You think there was something hinky about the case?”
Meanwhile, Davie takes on another, “the brutal two-year-old murder of gangbanger Javier AKA Javi Hernandez.” Davie runs afoul of drug lord wannabes, and is bushwhacked by those involved with illicit drugs. “The only thing that pushed her forward was the commitment she’d made when she took this job --- to stand in the shoes of the victims, protecting their interests against all others.”
Davie learns that a hit man identified only as Mushroom Ears is following her, but which case instigated this? She tails the man tailing her, all the while picking up bits of evidence, like shells on a Pacific coast beach.
With the passing of Sue Grafton, the Queen of Alphabet Soup-titled mysteries, I’ve found a Kinsey Millhone doppelgänger in Davie Richards. A thoroughly satisfying and well-crafted police procedural, this is my first Patricia Smiley encounter. That will change. I’ll purchase all previous books to give myself the best Christmas gift ever.
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
December 8, 2018
I really enjoyed this third-police procedural in the Pacific Homicide series by Patricia Smiley. I have read all of her books and if you are looking for a strong female detective then this book and author is for you. Ms. Smiley will take you through the day to day hard work and process of gathering evidence and solving a mystery. Detective Davie Richards is assigned to work cold cases and receives the case of Sara Montaine, a suicide victim. The more she delves in to the case, the more questions arise. When fingerprint results reveal a startling fact about Sara, Davie knows that Sara’s death was not a suicide. She will have assistance from Detective Jon Striker from the Homicide Special Section of the elite Robbery Homicide Division. She has worked with him in the past and is glad she is not taken off the case when it is turned over to his department. As they work together, an attraction develops between Davie and Jon. This does not detract from the seriousness of their work, but adds a wonderful touch of warmth to the characters. As Davie follows new leads, you realize that someone is watching Davie and is determined to keep her from uncovering the truth. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
October 2, 2019
It's a competent police procedural alright.
But there isn't much more to it. It's a police officer investigating what... two and a half crimes? The protagonist doesn't have much of a personality and much of a life outside of her job. The case itself is cool. It's somewhat of a throwback to old Ross MacDonald novels with a victim living a double life, a shitty trust fund kid, an awesomely convoluted financial scam, etc. But there isn't much life around it. No major character arc or conflict. Nothing of the sort.
It's definitely a style. Some readers like their protagonist to be as translucid as possible, so they can project themselves on him/her and pretend they're the ones solving the cases. It's not my thing, though. Well done for what it is, but I don't know what is has over an episode of CSI, for example.
But there isn't much more to it. It's a police officer investigating what... two and a half crimes? The protagonist doesn't have much of a personality and much of a life outside of her job. The case itself is cool. It's somewhat of a throwback to old Ross MacDonald novels with a victim living a double life, a shitty trust fund kid, an awesomely convoluted financial scam, etc. But there isn't much life around it. No major character arc or conflict. Nothing of the sort.
It's definitely a style. Some readers like their protagonist to be as translucid as possible, so they can project themselves on him/her and pretend they're the ones solving the cases. It's not my thing, though. Well done for what it is, but I don't know what is has over an episode of CSI, for example.
December 11, 2018
An interesting and exciting police procedural. It is obvious the author has an intimate knowledge of police procedures and the Los Angeles area. The fires, the streets, etc., all made it seem so real. I look forward to reading the next one. Entertaining reading. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
February 1, 2019
Very good "police procedural" mystery. The major plot is a well told criminal mystery, with believable but surprising turns. The minor plots are good ones. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and its characters. I will read more in this series!
July 9, 2019
This book was well structured and paced. The plot was one of those where I could just almost taste the solution to the mystery—-but not quite! I liked the principal character & hope to read more from this author in the future!
January 25, 2020
One of the best books I’ve read recently. This well-paced, gripping mystery follows the book on police procedure without glossing over the danger factor. In addition to a solution that surprised me, Smiley created characters with depth and clarity.
April 10, 2019
Top-notch Crime Fiction with great characters and a nice twisty plot. 5 star read. This is a series to love and a writer to follow. #NetGalley
May 12, 2019
solid police procedural. could have done without the romance part but that was small.
May 20, 2019
They decided to be together at the end. Good story line.
January 18, 2020
I enjoy the details of gumshoe detective work in this series. Solid mystery writing.
August 12, 2020
I enjoyed this one and wish the series would continue- it's been a while
November 24, 2018
This was my first read by Patricia Smiley, although this is the third book in the series, I felt she gave enough background to read it as a standalone, although in saying that, I thrive on finding a good detective series so will definitely be adding this one to my list and going back to the start!
Detective Davie Richards is assigned two cold cases as her Boss is under pressure to close cases and there are too many still open, unsolved…. As there is a lull at the moment workwise, Davie can give these cases her all…. The first case is of a woman, Sara Montaine who died in a gun shop, apparently by suicide but her death has been ruled at the inquest as undetermined, the second case is of a gang banger who was stabbed to death at an apartment complex and as would often be the case, nobody is talking, no witnesses, no one saw anything!!!
The more Davie investigates Sara Montaine’s death, the more layers are found, more questions than answers, can you get enough evidence to get her case turned into a murder investigation as she believes it is? This is a police procedural based series and gives a great insight into the laborious task of uncovering evidence, getting to the truth, the red tape that has to be dealt with, Davie is a passionate detective, she lets her personal feelings get into each case, she has the hunger to solve at any cost. With the help of her partner Vaughn and Det Jon Striker, can they get to the truth?
As I said above, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and only too delighted to have found another series to sink my teeth into.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Midnight Ink for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Detective Davie Richards is assigned two cold cases as her Boss is under pressure to close cases and there are too many still open, unsolved…. As there is a lull at the moment workwise, Davie can give these cases her all…. The first case is of a woman, Sara Montaine who died in a gun shop, apparently by suicide but her death has been ruled at the inquest as undetermined, the second case is of a gang banger who was stabbed to death at an apartment complex and as would often be the case, nobody is talking, no witnesses, no one saw anything!!!
The more Davie investigates Sara Montaine’s death, the more layers are found, more questions than answers, can you get enough evidence to get her case turned into a murder investigation as she believes it is? This is a police procedural based series and gives a great insight into the laborious task of uncovering evidence, getting to the truth, the red tape that has to be dealt with, Davie is a passionate detective, she lets her personal feelings get into each case, she has the hunger to solve at any cost. With the help of her partner Vaughn and Det Jon Striker, can they get to the truth?
As I said above, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and only too delighted to have found another series to sink my teeth into.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Midnight Ink for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
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