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Monkeewrench #9
The Guilty Dead
Gregory Norwood, wealthy businessman and close friend of Minnesota's leading candidate for Governor, is found dead on the first anniversary of his son's drug overdose. It seems clear to Detectives Gino and Magozzi that grief drove him to suicide.
Until they find the second body.
As the seemingly open-and-shut case becomes a murder enquiry, the detectives begin to delve into the dark secrets of one of the city's most powerful families. It seems the murders are not the first in the Norwoods' tragic story - and they won't be the last...
Until they find the second body.
As the seemingly open-and-shut case becomes a murder enquiry, the detectives begin to delve into the dark secrets of one of the city's most powerful families. It seems the murders are not the first in the Norwoods' tragic story - and they won't be the last...
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 23, 2018
461 people are currently reading
2110 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Tracy
24 books1,774 followersPJ Tracy is the pseudonym of mother-daughter writing duo P.J. and Traci Lambrecht, winners of the Anthony, Barry, Gumshoe, and Minnesota Book Awards. Their ten novels in the Monkeewrench series, MONKEEWRENCH, LIVE BAIT, DEAD RUN, SNOW BLIND, SHOOT TO THRILL, OFF THE GRID, THE SIXTH IDEA, NOTHING STAYS BURIED, THE GUILTY DEAD, and ICE COLD HEART have become national and international bestsellers. PJ passed away in December 2016, and Traci started a new series set in Los Angeles, featuring Detective Margaret Nolan. DEEP INTO THE DARK, DESOLATION CANYON, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, and CITY OF SECRETS are available anywhere you buy your books!
THE DEEPEST CUT, the eleventh Monkeewrench novel will be released on September 9th, 2025.
Learn more about PJ Tracy at pjtracy.com
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PJTracyAuthor/
Look them up on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/pjtracy.com
THE DEEPEST CUT, the eleventh Monkeewrench novel will be released on September 9th, 2025.
Learn more about PJ Tracy at pjtracy.com
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PJTracyAuthor/
Look them up on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/pjtracy.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 528 reviews
August 28, 2018
This is book nine of the highly popular Monkeewrench series. Rarely, if ever, have I jumped into a series midway. But the opportunity presented itself and I was generously offered a copy by the publisher. Yes, it was an offer I couldn’t refuse!
Stepping midway into a series can present several challenges. With this book, the character development was highly developed. So jumping in mid-stream I missed some of the background that might have helped me have a clearer understanding of the characters. That said, at no time did I feel lost or unable to keep up. (I think that speaks highly of the author!)
There are two seemingly separate story-lines running simultaneously. First, a murder of a prominent Minnesota man followed by a possible terrorist threat to the metropolitan Minneapolis area.
It’s now up to Monkeewrench and the team of detectives to solve the crimes and discover any potential connections between the two.
There is so much going on and so many characters that of course were new to me. But I stayed on top of it throughout. If this is a series you’ve been reading for years you’re going to love this addition. However, if this is a new series for you don’t hesitate to jump in where I did. I am now a fan and will be looking forward to the next installment!
A buddy read with Susanne🌸
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley and P.J. Tracy for an ARC to review in exchange for an honest review
Stepping midway into a series can present several challenges. With this book, the character development was highly developed. So jumping in mid-stream I missed some of the background that might have helped me have a clearer understanding of the characters. That said, at no time did I feel lost or unable to keep up. (I think that speaks highly of the author!)
There are two seemingly separate story-lines running simultaneously. First, a murder of a prominent Minnesota man followed by a possible terrorist threat to the metropolitan Minneapolis area.
It’s now up to Monkeewrench and the team of detectives to solve the crimes and discover any potential connections between the two.
There is so much going on and so many characters that of course were new to me. But I stayed on top of it throughout. If this is a series you’ve been reading for years you’re going to love this addition. However, if this is a new series for you don’t hesitate to jump in where I did. I am now a fan and will be looking forward to the next installment!
A buddy read with Susanne🌸
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley and P.J. Tracy for an ARC to review in exchange for an honest review
August 15, 2018
Having read this Monkeewrench series from the beginning, I have a great deal of affection for it and I feel a great sense of comfort on approaching any addition to the series set in Minnesota. The diverse range of characters have become erstwhile friends that I look forward in great anticipation to meeting again. Minneapolis Detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth have an ease with each other born of their long relationship together, fuelling their often comedic banter with each other and other members of MPD. Magozzi has moved from the city to a remote rural home by the lake with the once paranoid but still ever alert Grace McBride, with the couple anxiously awaiting the upcoming birth of their first child. Grace is an integral part of Monkeewrench, the gifted offbeat IT experts that include Harley, Annie, a style icon and tall, but skeletal thin Roadrunner.
Monkeewrench have been working on a prototype program that will advance and speed up the monumental task of the FBI and other agencies, including local police departments to sift through big data to home in on real terror threats. A desperate and dishevelled Special Agent Dahl has requested a meeting with Harley where he informs them there is chatter online about a terror incident being planned for their city, and the FBI do not have the resources to identify who is behind it. Monkeewrench have the perfect opportunity to test their software, but will they be able to prevent a terrorist atrocity? Leo and Gino are called to the apparent suicide of Gregory Norwood at his home on the anniversary of the death of his son, Trey, from a heroin overdose. It all makes sense, except that Norwood is left handed and the gun is close to his right hand, plus there is a blood trail that suggests there was another casualty in the grounds of the property. In a story where connections between the search for terrorists emerge with MPDs murder investigation, there are numerous further murders and the repercussions of a long gone past in which the horrifying murder of 16 year old Clara Riskin took place, her parents used to work for the Norwoods.
The Monkeewrench team play a significantly more low key role than usual whilst Leo and Gino take centre stage. There is plenty of tension and suspense as our cops try to get to the bottom of the murder of Gregory Norwood who apparently had no enemies, a man with a long and close relationship with Robert Zeller, a prominent lawyer and now a candidate running for Governor. I particularly liked Rosalie Norwood, a brave and courageous woman despite her tragic family history. I am always going to love this series and can see it is in good hands for the future. A wonderfully twisted crime read that I adored. Many thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.
Monkeewrench have been working on a prototype program that will advance and speed up the monumental task of the FBI and other agencies, including local police departments to sift through big data to home in on real terror threats. A desperate and dishevelled Special Agent Dahl has requested a meeting with Harley where he informs them there is chatter online about a terror incident being planned for their city, and the FBI do not have the resources to identify who is behind it. Monkeewrench have the perfect opportunity to test their software, but will they be able to prevent a terrorist atrocity? Leo and Gino are called to the apparent suicide of Gregory Norwood at his home on the anniversary of the death of his son, Trey, from a heroin overdose. It all makes sense, except that Norwood is left handed and the gun is close to his right hand, plus there is a blood trail that suggests there was another casualty in the grounds of the property. In a story where connections between the search for terrorists emerge with MPDs murder investigation, there are numerous further murders and the repercussions of a long gone past in which the horrifying murder of 16 year old Clara Riskin took place, her parents used to work for the Norwoods.
The Monkeewrench team play a significantly more low key role than usual whilst Leo and Gino take centre stage. There is plenty of tension and suspense as our cops try to get to the bottom of the murder of Gregory Norwood who apparently had no enemies, a man with a long and close relationship with Robert Zeller, a prominent lawyer and now a candidate running for Governor. I particularly liked Rosalie Norwood, a brave and courageous woman despite her tragic family history. I am always going to love this series and can see it is in good hands for the future. A wonderfully twisted crime read that I adored. Many thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.
August 3, 2018
3.5 Magozzi and Gino are called to the scene of a suspected suicide of a well known businessman. The Monkey wrench crew is working on new software which will greatly aid police departmens and other agencies to find out where acts of terrorism are being planned. Grace and Magozzi anxiously await the birth of their child, Grace now eight months pregnant. Of course things are not as simple as they appear, and soon everyone is up to their eyeballs in mayhem and madness.
I enjoy this series, all the characters are unique, with their own ticks and different personalities. This book certainly moved quickly, but as I read I kept wishing the Monkey wrench crew was more in the forefront. The ending though was action packed, everyone involved, though for some things didn't turn out as they planned.
ARC from Netgalley.
I enjoy this series, all the characters are unique, with their own ticks and different personalities. This book certainly moved quickly, but as I read I kept wishing the Monkey wrench crew was more in the forefront. The ending though was action packed, everyone involved, though for some things didn't turn out as they planned.
ARC from Netgalley.
August 25, 2018
4 Stars.
Gregory Norwood’s body is found on his sprawling estate. Though it first appears as though Norwood took his own life and Detectives Magozzi and Rolseth investigate his death at the request of his wife and daughter. When Magozzi and Rolseth look into the allegations, they find that Gregory Norwood’s death links to another body at the scene. Norwood’s son Trey died a year prior of what everyone thought was a drug overdose, though his father never believed it.
Suspicion ensues and the path the investigation takes them down leads to Grace Macbride, Magozzi’s life partner and soon to be, mother of his child. Grace works for Monkeewrench, a software company who has developed a hacking program the FBI is testing out to track terrorists - and you guessed it there are connections. Unraveling them however, well, that is the hard part.
“The Guilty Dead” by P. J. Tracey is a crazy, heart stopping, intellectual, race to the finish. This is the ninth book in the Monkeewrench series, though it was the first book I’ve read. Though I missed out on earlier novels, I truly enjoyed this book and these characters immensely though I wish the author had given the readers a bit more background into them throughout the novel. This was so good I can’t wait to read yet another Monkeewrench novel!
This was a buddy read with Kaceey. It was so nice to discover a new series together!
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and P. J. Tracey for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 8.25.18.
Gregory Norwood’s body is found on his sprawling estate. Though it first appears as though Norwood took his own life and Detectives Magozzi and Rolseth investigate his death at the request of his wife and daughter. When Magozzi and Rolseth look into the allegations, they find that Gregory Norwood’s death links to another body at the scene. Norwood’s son Trey died a year prior of what everyone thought was a drug overdose, though his father never believed it.
Suspicion ensues and the path the investigation takes them down leads to Grace Macbride, Magozzi’s life partner and soon to be, mother of his child. Grace works for Monkeewrench, a software company who has developed a hacking program the FBI is testing out to track terrorists - and you guessed it there are connections. Unraveling them however, well, that is the hard part.
“The Guilty Dead” by P. J. Tracey is a crazy, heart stopping, intellectual, race to the finish. This is the ninth book in the Monkeewrench series, though it was the first book I’ve read. Though I missed out on earlier novels, I truly enjoyed this book and these characters immensely though I wish the author had given the readers a bit more background into them throughout the novel. This was so good I can’t wait to read yet another Monkeewrench novel!
This was a buddy read with Kaceey. It was so nice to discover a new series together!
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and P. J. Tracey for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 8.25.18.
September 5, 2018
In this ninth instalment of the Monkeewrench series, the focus is less on the Monkeewrench team and more on Detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth, as they investigate the apparent suicide of a wealthy businessman and philanthropist, Gregory Norwood. Although Norwood's death occurs on the anniversary of his son Trey's death from an overdose, his wife and daughter don't believe he would have committed sucicide and there are some things at the scene that don't make sense. Leo and Gino soon find themselves embroiled in solving several murders that link back to a tragic event many years before. In a parallel but subsequently intersecting thread, the Monkeewrench team have been working on a new super program to help the FBI detect terrorist threats early enough to intervene. When their beta test shows up a cluster of activity in their own city of Minnesota, alarm bells start ringing loudly.
This was a good, solid murder mystery and thriller, and an excellent addition to the series. Although the plot is full of suspense, it's the great characters that keep me coming back for more and while I would have enjoyed seeing more of the quirky Monkeewrench crew (can never get enough of them!), I also love the strong relationship and banter between Leo and Gino. If you haven't read any of this series before do start with book 1 to get to know all the personalities before reading any of the later books. 4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Crooked Lane Books for a digital ARC to read.
This was a good, solid murder mystery and thriller, and an excellent addition to the series. Although the plot is full of suspense, it's the great characters that keep me coming back for more and while I would have enjoyed seeing more of the quirky Monkeewrench crew (can never get enough of them!), I also love the strong relationship and banter between Leo and Gino. If you haven't read any of this series before do start with book 1 to get to know all the personalities before reading any of the later books. 4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Crooked Lane Books for a digital ARC to read.
September 9, 2018
Book nine in a series is never a good place to start. But I had heard so many great reviews for this series, that when I was offered this book through netgalley, how could I resist?
First impressions. Wow, can Tracy paint a picture! His descriptions really sucked me in. And there’s more than a wee bit of dry wit here, too.
It did take me a little time to figure out who everyone was. But Tracy does a good job of giving you the connections and a bit of backstory for each of the players.
The topic is very au courant. The Monkeewrench group is working on a software program to aid local law enforcement in surveying suspected terrorists, the ones not high enough to reach the federal level of vigilance. And while it may not be believable, I love the fairy tale idea of a group of hackers so amazing they can fight crime so easily.
Meanwhile, a rich man is thought to have committed suicide on the one year anniversary of his son’s overdose. And yes, I could figure out who the bad guy was, but it still didn’t dampen my enjoyment. Isn’t it funny how sometimes if the writing and the characters are good enough, you’re so much more willing to overlook the faults?
This is just what I didn’t need! Another series that I have to add to my list of ones not to miss. Because this book was just plain engaging. The hype is true. Now, how am I ever going to find the time to read the first eight books?
My thanks to netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance copy of this book.
July 24, 2018
First and foremost, a large thank you to P.J. Tracy and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
A much different P.J. Tracy continues to evolve in the series after the death of the elder in the mother-daughter duo. Those who are familiar with the series will notice a higher intensity to the writing and a plot that seeks to delve deeper into the mystery and police procedural genres. After the death of his son a year ago, socialite Gregory Norwood plans to honour him with a private memorial. However, before this takes place, the elder Norwood is found at his home, an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. This sends shock waves through the city and travels all the way to the top of the MPD pyramid, after current gubernatorial candidate—and best friend of Norwood—Robert Zeller, requests it be handled with discretion. Enter Homicide Detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth, who survey the crime scene at the request of their chief, only to discover something out of place that tips the scales towards murder. Meanwhile, Monkeewrench are approached by a member of the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office, hoping that they can create a specialised piece of software. It would seem that there have been murmurs of an attack within the Twin Cities, but nothing is surfacing with the usual suspects. The FBI has begun to wonder if those no longer on the radar might be developing new and covert means of communication through electronic channels, both legal and on the Dark Net. Members of the team rush to create something and run beta tests, unsure how long they might have before an attack. With the Norwoods mourning two loses in as many years and Minneapolis as a potential hotspot for the next big act of terror, Magozzi and Grace MacBride surely have no time to focus on the imminent arrival of their child. All that being said, babies follow no timetable or schedule, save their own. Tracy provides readers with a stellar exploration of terrorism, politics, and the ties that can bind a family together or tear it apart. A powerful new novel, which series fans will enjoy, even if it is with a heavy heart for the loss of part of this fantastic writing duo.
I am sad to say that I have reached the end of my summer reading binge of P.J. Tracy’s work. I must also offer my sincere condolences that the writing world lost a great member with the death of one half of the P.J. Tracy duo. The series has been well-crafted and thoroughly enjoyable, both in writing and audio formats, which helps solidify my admiration for the authors and books in this collection. This novel is again able to mix great mystery with strong characters and deliver a grounded story, one in which the reader will notice new depth and strong story development. The Magozzi/Rolseth banter remains strong, as always, as does the humour that offsets some of the more serious and morbid parts of the narrative. Tracy offers some interesting character development for Magozzi and Grace MacBride, both individually and as a unit, with impending parenthood. How this will change their lives and the characterisation of them has yet to be seen, but one can only hope that a tenth novel will answer some of the questions series fans will surely have on the tips of their proverbial tongues. The rest of the gang (both police and Monkeewrench) continue to dazzle and keep the reader on their toes for a variety of reasons. I was pleased to see a strong narrative and a few plots that developed throughout, keeping the reader guessing as to what might happen at any turn of the page. Using a constantly revolving group of characters, Tracy is able to push the narrative forward in interesting ways and never forces the reader to accept subpar writing or storytelling. I must wonder if the Magozzi/Rolseth storyline will change when they are both fathers and if, perhaps, Tracy will give readers a Rolseth-centred storyline (perhaps involving his family), which might help develop a stronger tie to those people who come up in Gino’s dialogue on occasion. These novels move away from the traditional police procedural and permit P.J. Tracy to entertain the reader with strong storylines, perfect for a vacation or summer binge. As noted above, there was a significant shift in the writing and story presentation, likely the influence of the solo writing that will continue going forward. Might the series take a heavier turn or will the lighter reads resume in subsequent publication?
Kudos, P.J. Tracy, for another wonderful piece. You continue to show how proud your mother can be in your efforts by keeping the story going. Write and think of her, always!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
A much different P.J. Tracy continues to evolve in the series after the death of the elder in the mother-daughter duo. Those who are familiar with the series will notice a higher intensity to the writing and a plot that seeks to delve deeper into the mystery and police procedural genres. After the death of his son a year ago, socialite Gregory Norwood plans to honour him with a private memorial. However, before this takes place, the elder Norwood is found at his home, an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. This sends shock waves through the city and travels all the way to the top of the MPD pyramid, after current gubernatorial candidate—and best friend of Norwood—Robert Zeller, requests it be handled with discretion. Enter Homicide Detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth, who survey the crime scene at the request of their chief, only to discover something out of place that tips the scales towards murder. Meanwhile, Monkeewrench are approached by a member of the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office, hoping that they can create a specialised piece of software. It would seem that there have been murmurs of an attack within the Twin Cities, but nothing is surfacing with the usual suspects. The FBI has begun to wonder if those no longer on the radar might be developing new and covert means of communication through electronic channels, both legal and on the Dark Net. Members of the team rush to create something and run beta tests, unsure how long they might have before an attack. With the Norwoods mourning two loses in as many years and Minneapolis as a potential hotspot for the next big act of terror, Magozzi and Grace MacBride surely have no time to focus on the imminent arrival of their child. All that being said, babies follow no timetable or schedule, save their own. Tracy provides readers with a stellar exploration of terrorism, politics, and the ties that can bind a family together or tear it apart. A powerful new novel, which series fans will enjoy, even if it is with a heavy heart for the loss of part of this fantastic writing duo.
I am sad to say that I have reached the end of my summer reading binge of P.J. Tracy’s work. I must also offer my sincere condolences that the writing world lost a great member with the death of one half of the P.J. Tracy duo. The series has been well-crafted and thoroughly enjoyable, both in writing and audio formats, which helps solidify my admiration for the authors and books in this collection. This novel is again able to mix great mystery with strong characters and deliver a grounded story, one in which the reader will notice new depth and strong story development. The Magozzi/Rolseth banter remains strong, as always, as does the humour that offsets some of the more serious and morbid parts of the narrative. Tracy offers some interesting character development for Magozzi and Grace MacBride, both individually and as a unit, with impending parenthood. How this will change their lives and the characterisation of them has yet to be seen, but one can only hope that a tenth novel will answer some of the questions series fans will surely have on the tips of their proverbial tongues. The rest of the gang (both police and Monkeewrench) continue to dazzle and keep the reader on their toes for a variety of reasons. I was pleased to see a strong narrative and a few plots that developed throughout, keeping the reader guessing as to what might happen at any turn of the page. Using a constantly revolving group of characters, Tracy is able to push the narrative forward in interesting ways and never forces the reader to accept subpar writing or storytelling. I must wonder if the Magozzi/Rolseth storyline will change when they are both fathers and if, perhaps, Tracy will give readers a Rolseth-centred storyline (perhaps involving his family), which might help develop a stronger tie to those people who come up in Gino’s dialogue on occasion. These novels move away from the traditional police procedural and permit P.J. Tracy to entertain the reader with strong storylines, perfect for a vacation or summer binge. As noted above, there was a significant shift in the writing and story presentation, likely the influence of the solo writing that will continue going forward. Might the series take a heavier turn or will the lighter reads resume in subsequent publication?
Kudos, P.J. Tracy, for another wonderful piece. You continue to show how proud your mother can be in your efforts by keeping the story going. Write and think of her, always!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
September 22, 2018
I will never lose my love for the Monkeewrench group of brilliant, paranoid-with good reason-computer maven misfits. I will never lose my admiration for Minneapolis homicide cops detective Leo Magozzi and Gino Roseth. So I am always delighted for a new book from P.J. Tracy,
The Guilty Dead is no exception.
Magozzi and Roseth have a suicide to investigate. Gregory Norwood has a number of excellent reasons to commit suicide; but since Norwood is a wealthy philanthropist who has been very generous to the MPD, all of the i’s must be crossed and the t’s dotted; or something like that. The i’s and t’s explode landing Magozzi and Roseth on one of their most intricate homicide investigations with ramifications far beyond the death of one man.
Meanwhile Monkeewrench has once again been applying their considerable talents to finding better software for predicting a terrorist attack, which fits in nicely with FBI S/A Dahl who contacts them, having recently formed the same concerns specifically for Minneapolis.
There has been tremendous growth over the course of the series. The most damaged member of Monkeewrench, Grace MacBride, has gone from super paranoid, trigger ready to expecting a child with Magozzi. Other characters have grown and opened their lives to possibilities. This continues in The Guilty Dead.
There are twists and turns aplenty, along with healthy doses of surprise and suspense.
This particular book is action-packed as are most Monkeewrench books, my only quibble is this book is canted more toward the detectives than Monkeewrench. Or as Christopher Walken would say "Needs more cowbell."
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange of a fair and honest review.
The Guilty Dead is no exception.
Magozzi and Roseth have a suicide to investigate. Gregory Norwood has a number of excellent reasons to commit suicide; but since Norwood is a wealthy philanthropist who has been very generous to the MPD, all of the i’s must be crossed and the t’s dotted; or something like that. The i’s and t’s explode landing Magozzi and Roseth on one of their most intricate homicide investigations with ramifications far beyond the death of one man.
Meanwhile Monkeewrench has once again been applying their considerable talents to finding better software for predicting a terrorist attack, which fits in nicely with FBI S/A Dahl who contacts them, having recently formed the same concerns specifically for Minneapolis.
There has been tremendous growth over the course of the series. The most damaged member of Monkeewrench, Grace MacBride, has gone from super paranoid, trigger ready to expecting a child with Magozzi. Other characters have grown and opened their lives to possibilities. This continues in The Guilty Dead.
There are twists and turns aplenty, along with healthy doses of surprise and suspense.
This particular book is action-packed as are most Monkeewrench books, my only quibble is this book is canted more toward the detectives than Monkeewrench. Or as Christopher Walken would say "Needs more cowbell."
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange of a fair and honest review.
June 17, 2018
I look forward to each new book in the Monkeewrench series - it is one of my most favourite crime series!
The Guilty Dead opens in a fairly complicated fashion with lots of characters popping up in apparently unrelated scenarios. Eventually of course it all comes together and leads to a massive and very tense climax which threatens the lives of some very important characters. The book was totally unputdownable at this stage.
There are many beautiful scenes between Maguzzi and Grace - I am sure they have been written especially to please long term readers of the series. We have been waiting a very long while for this, believe me.
A fantastic book but if you have not read any Monkeewrench before treat yourself by starting at book one.
The Guilty Dead opens in a fairly complicated fashion with lots of characters popping up in apparently unrelated scenarios. Eventually of course it all comes together and leads to a massive and very tense climax which threatens the lives of some very important characters. The book was totally unputdownable at this stage.
There are many beautiful scenes between Maguzzi and Grace - I am sure they have been written especially to please long term readers of the series. We have been waiting a very long while for this, believe me.
A fantastic book but if you have not read any Monkeewrench before treat yourself by starting at book one.
August 14, 2018
Monkeewrench #9
Gregory Norwood, wealthy businessman and a close friend of Minnesota's leading candidate for Governor, is found dead on the anniversary of his sons drug overdose. It's seems clear to Detectives Gino and Magozzi that grief drove him to suicide.
It looks like an open and shut case on first inspection by Detectives Gino and Magozzi, that is until they notice that the left handed Gregory Norwood used his right hand to pull the trigger. They call on Grace MacBride, Monkeewrench's Software founder and computer genius. MacBride and her partners unravel connections between Norwoods death and an even bigger plot. Will they catch whoever is responsible for the killings before even more lives are lost?
This is the first book I have read in this series and I'm now going to have to add the other eight to my ever increasing tbr list. I feel I have lost out on a lot of background information. There is a lot going on in the storyline but that's what keeps you turning the pages.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author P J Tracy for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Gregory Norwood, wealthy businessman and a close friend of Minnesota's leading candidate for Governor, is found dead on the anniversary of his sons drug overdose. It's seems clear to Detectives Gino and Magozzi that grief drove him to suicide.
It looks like an open and shut case on first inspection by Detectives Gino and Magozzi, that is until they notice that the left handed Gregory Norwood used his right hand to pull the trigger. They call on Grace MacBride, Monkeewrench's Software founder and computer genius. MacBride and her partners unravel connections between Norwoods death and an even bigger plot. Will they catch whoever is responsible for the killings before even more lives are lost?
This is the first book I have read in this series and I'm now going to have to add the other eight to my ever increasing tbr list. I feel I have lost out on a lot of background information. There is a lot going on in the storyline but that's what keeps you turning the pages.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author P J Tracy for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2018
4 stars
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for sending me this eARC through NetGalley. This book is a well done thriller with one criminal identified early on. As the story unfolds, the reader learns the others. Minneapolis detectives Magozzi and Gino piece together a series of murders with help from the FBI and Monkeewrench, a software company. Magozzi's wife works for Monkeewrench and is very pregnant. There is a bittersweet ending that ties up the plot very well. This is book 9 in the series, but I found it ok as a stand alone.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for sending me this eARC through NetGalley. This book is a well done thriller with one criminal identified early on. As the story unfolds, the reader learns the others. Minneapolis detectives Magozzi and Gino piece together a series of murders with help from the FBI and Monkeewrench, a software company. Magozzi's wife works for Monkeewrench and is very pregnant. There is a bittersweet ending that ties up the plot very well. This is book 9 in the series, but I found it ok as a stand alone.
August 19, 2018
P. J. Tracy’s “The Guilty Dead” almost reads like it was two different books, or maybe three. Before it settled down, I was half-tempted to stop reading (though in the end, I am glad I continued).
Some of the things that bothered me about the story were small, but ultimately, many small things do add up, beginning with why there were so many characters with names that start with the letter G? We have Grace, Gloria, Gus, Gregory, Gino, Gary, and Gerry. While the chances of reader confusion increases, the odds of this happening in real life must be astronomical.
Proper research should always be completed. If one wishes to write about weapons and is not familiar with them, information is not that hard to find. The authors (P. J. Tracy a pseudonym for writers Patricia Lambrecht and Traci Lambrecht) mistakenly called a magazine a clip, and merely checking to make sure a gun has ammunition in the magazine will not make it “hot” and ready to fire. Later on, a character references her “conceal-and-carry permit,” something that does not exist in the state of Minnesota (you can obtain a permit to carry). Small things like this make me wonder what other inaccuracies I may have missed.
What was most bothersome was the writing style employed, as it changed as I continued reading. The initial descriptions in early chapters read like someone had gone through with a thesaurus and substituting the largest word that could be found. While this is not a bad thing, the words began to disappear from the description and worked their way into the characters’ dialogue. It is jarring when all the people begin using words you don’t normally hear in everyday conversation. Somewhere near the middle of the book the style relaxed into normalcy. Why neither the authors nor editors questioned this is a mystery.
Which is too bad, because the storyline is a five-star element. The expected twist is not out of left field, the story makes sense and, in the end, everything ties up neatly. I flew through the last half of the book, completely lost in the story and working with the detectives to decipher the clues and find the truth. What the authors wrote in the later chapters almost made it worth slogging through the beginning ones.
Bottom line: It is worth your time to plow through the opening descriptions and dialogue as well as the research inconsistencies because the plot is good. Characterizations are okay, and we are given enough insight to identify with the main folks. Fans of this series will probably love the book, and for those of us new to the series, it is written as a standalone without references to any major storylines that have gone before. Three-and-a-half stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
Some of the things that bothered me about the story were small, but ultimately, many small things do add up, beginning with why there were so many characters with names that start with the letter G? We have Grace, Gloria, Gus, Gregory, Gino, Gary, and Gerry. While the chances of reader confusion increases, the odds of this happening in real life must be astronomical.
Proper research should always be completed. If one wishes to write about weapons and is not familiar with them, information is not that hard to find. The authors (P. J. Tracy a pseudonym for writers Patricia Lambrecht and Traci Lambrecht) mistakenly called a magazine a clip, and merely checking to make sure a gun has ammunition in the magazine will not make it “hot” and ready to fire. Later on, a character references her “conceal-and-carry permit,” something that does not exist in the state of Minnesota (you can obtain a permit to carry). Small things like this make me wonder what other inaccuracies I may have missed.
What was most bothersome was the writing style employed, as it changed as I continued reading. The initial descriptions in early chapters read like someone had gone through with a thesaurus and substituting the largest word that could be found. While this is not a bad thing, the words began to disappear from the description and worked their way into the characters’ dialogue. It is jarring when all the people begin using words you don’t normally hear in everyday conversation. Somewhere near the middle of the book the style relaxed into normalcy. Why neither the authors nor editors questioned this is a mystery.
Which is too bad, because the storyline is a five-star element. The expected twist is not out of left field, the story makes sense and, in the end, everything ties up neatly. I flew through the last half of the book, completely lost in the story and working with the detectives to decipher the clues and find the truth. What the authors wrote in the later chapters almost made it worth slogging through the beginning ones.
Bottom line: It is worth your time to plow through the opening descriptions and dialogue as well as the research inconsistencies because the plot is good. Characterizations are okay, and we are given enough insight to identify with the main folks. Fans of this series will probably love the book, and for those of us new to the series, it is written as a standalone without references to any major storylines that have gone before. Three-and-a-half stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
August 10, 2023
UPDATE 11/08/2023 - This series is the gift that keeps giving!
This was a twisty one guys! Loved it!
This was a twisty one guys! Loved it!
August 5, 2018
I am telling you right now ... if you have not read any of the Monkeewrench series, you need to go right his minute and start at the very beginning of this wonderful series.
Monkeewrench is the name given to the software company founded by Grace MacBride and a team of members you will never forget. They are all geniuses when it comes to computers. How this group got together and forged a bond closer than any family is in the first books of the series.
Homicide Detective Leo Magozzi and his partner Gino Rolseth are called to investigate the possible suicide of Gregory Norwood... a man who lost his own son to suicide a year earlier. Evidence points to this being a homicide ... not a suicide.
Meanwhile, Grace and her team are asked by the FBI to help them locate a band of terrorists. What they find is a link to the murder inquiry into Norwood. How are they connected? It's even more puzzling when everything points to the case of a 14-year-old girl murdered years before.
Norwood wasn’t the first, won’t be the last, and by the end, may be just one of many to die.
This is, as all the books in this series, well-written, action-packed, moving at the rate of an express train. The characters are all unique and unforgettable. The ending is a nail-biter.
Many thanks to the author / Crooked Lane Books / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Monkeewrench is the name given to the software company founded by Grace MacBride and a team of members you will never forget. They are all geniuses when it comes to computers. How this group got together and forged a bond closer than any family is in the first books of the series.
Homicide Detective Leo Magozzi and his partner Gino Rolseth are called to investigate the possible suicide of Gregory Norwood... a man who lost his own son to suicide a year earlier. Evidence points to this being a homicide ... not a suicide.
Meanwhile, Grace and her team are asked by the FBI to help them locate a band of terrorists. What they find is a link to the murder inquiry into Norwood. How are they connected? It's even more puzzling when everything points to the case of a 14-year-old girl murdered years before.
Norwood wasn’t the first, won’t be the last, and by the end, may be just one of many to die.
This is, as all the books in this series, well-written, action-packed, moving at the rate of an express train. The characters are all unique and unforgettable. The ending is a nail-biter.
Many thanks to the author / Crooked Lane Books / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 10, 2019
Re-read by audio July 9th 2019---Even better the 2nd time around because now I've read all the stories before this one! Can't wait for the next one! ----
Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth, homicide detectives of the Minnesota Police Department are called out for what they think is a routine sign-off on a suicide. The victim is Gregory Norwood a wealthy businessman on the one-year anniversary of his son’s overdose. The situation turns into anything but routine after reviewing the facts of the scene, and the discovery of another body. What they find is a tragic history and many twists.
At the same time the Monkeewrench team, a private cyber security/investigative company/expert hackers (from what I gather) are on high alert after their contact in the FBI enlists their help searching for terror suspects because the FBI knows something big is about to happen but can’t narrow down the suspects or target.
This is book nine in the series and I haven’t read the previous books, but it wasn’t necessary for the current mysteries. There were some personal relationships that I didn’t witness from the beginning, Grace (a Monkeewrench specialist) and Leo Magozzi’s (a Minnesota Homicide Det.) was featured prominently here, but still it was more of a side story than the main gig. And their scenes were very touching even without reading about them previously. I’d like to go back and find out how they came together. Grace seems to have issues from the past that makes it difficult to let people in, yet she’s with Leo and having his baby. Love more history!
This was very much a crime procedural, the homicide and terror cases being front and center, with bits of personal relationships featured. I’m a sucker for a good crime procedural, solving the crime right along with the detectives piecing things together. I had a character under suspicion early on which panned out, but I wasn’t sure of their motivations, so I had fun getting to the whys.
The Guilty Dead was a fast-paced page turner with danger, action, and revelations at every turn! Thrilling and entertaining! I’m interested in going back and reading from the beginning!
A copy was kindly provided by Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review.
Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth, homicide detectives of the Minnesota Police Department are called out for what they think is a routine sign-off on a suicide. The victim is Gregory Norwood a wealthy businessman on the one-year anniversary of his son’s overdose. The situation turns into anything but routine after reviewing the facts of the scene, and the discovery of another body. What they find is a tragic history and many twists.
At the same time the Monkeewrench team, a private cyber security/investigative company/expert hackers (from what I gather) are on high alert after their contact in the FBI enlists their help searching for terror suspects because the FBI knows something big is about to happen but can’t narrow down the suspects or target.
This is book nine in the series and I haven’t read the previous books, but it wasn’t necessary for the current mysteries. There were some personal relationships that I didn’t witness from the beginning, Grace (a Monkeewrench specialist) and Leo Magozzi’s (a Minnesota Homicide Det.) was featured prominently here, but still it was more of a side story than the main gig. And their scenes were very touching even without reading about them previously. I’d like to go back and find out how they came together. Grace seems to have issues from the past that makes it difficult to let people in, yet she’s with Leo and having his baby. Love more history!
This was very much a crime procedural, the homicide and terror cases being front and center, with bits of personal relationships featured. I’m a sucker for a good crime procedural, solving the crime right along with the detectives piecing things together. I had a character under suspicion early on which panned out, but I wasn’t sure of their motivations, so I had fun getting to the whys.
The Guilty Dead was a fast-paced page turner with danger, action, and revelations at every turn! Thrilling and entertaining! I’m interested in going back and reading from the beginning!
A copy was kindly provided by Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review.
Read
October 3, 2018I will never lose my love for the Monkeewrench group of brilliant, paranoid-with good reason-computer maven misfits. I will never lose my admiration for Minneapolis homicide cops detective Leo Magozzi and Gino Roseth. So I am always delighted for a new book from P.J. Tracy,
The Guilty Dead is no exception.
Magozzi and Roseth have a suicide to investigate. Gregory Norwood has a number of excellent reasons to commit suicide; but since Norwood is a wealthy philanthropist who has been very generous to the MPD, all of the i’s must be crossed and the t’s dotted; or something like that. The i’s and t’s explode landing Magozzi and Roseth on one of their most intricate homicide investigations with ramifications far beyond the death of one man.
Meanwhile Monkeewrench has once again been applying their considerable talents to finding better software for predicting a terrorist attack, which fits in nicely with FBI S/A Dahl who contacts them, having recently formed the same concerns specifically for Minneapolis.
There has been tremendous growth over the course of the series. The most damaged member of Monkeewrench, Grace MacBride, has gone from super paranoid, trigger ready to expecting a child with Magozzi. Other characters have grown and opened their lives to possibilities. This continues in The Guilty Dead.
There are twists and turns aplenty, along with healthy doses of surprise and suspense.
This particular book is action-packed as are most Monkeewrench books, my only quibble is this book is canted more toward the detectives than Monkeewrench. Or as Christopher Walken would say "Needs more cowbell."
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange of a fair and honest review. (less)
flag45 likes · 9 comments · see review
F 25x33 Paromjit Lovely review, Maureen.....am planning to read this soon! :)
Aug 10, 2018 01:48AM · delete
54932249 Maureen Carden Thank you! It works as a standalone, but is a long time favorite series.
Aug 10, 2018 07:29AM · delete
F 25x33 Paromjit Maureen wrote: "Thank you! It works as a standalone, but is a long time favorite series."
Maureen.... great series....have read every book!! xx
Aug 10, 2018 07:33AM · delete
54932249 Maureen Carden Paromjit wrote: "Maureen wrote: "Thank you! It works as a standalone, but is a long time favorite series."
Maureen.... great series....have read every ...more
Aug 10, 2018 08:11AM · delete
4159922 Diane S ☔ Awesome review, Maureen.
Aug 10, 2018 06:24PM · delete
28831526 Jean Another really good review, Maureen. Today's Minneapolis Star Tribune (Sunday, August 12, 2018) had an article about Traci Lambrecht, who lives in the ...more
updated Aug 12, 2018 03:36PM · delete
12116516 Pat Jean wrote: "Another really good review, Maureen. Today's Minneapolis Star Tribune (Sunday, August 12, 2018) had an article about Traci Lambrecht, who ...more
Aug 13, 2018 10:16PM · delete
U 25x33 Dawn Great review, Maureen!
Aug 22, 2018 02:06PM · delete
4514828 Susanne Strong Fab review Maureen!
Aug 25, 2018 09:55AM · delete
The Guilty Dead is no exception.
Magozzi and Roseth have a suicide to investigate. Gregory Norwood has a number of excellent reasons to commit suicide; but since Norwood is a wealthy philanthropist who has been very generous to the MPD, all of the i’s must be crossed and the t’s dotted; or something like that. The i’s and t’s explode landing Magozzi and Roseth on one of their most intricate homicide investigations with ramifications far beyond the death of one man.
Meanwhile Monkeewrench has once again been applying their considerable talents to finding better software for predicting a terrorist attack, which fits in nicely with FBI S/A Dahl who contacts them, having recently formed the same concerns specifically for Minneapolis.
There has been tremendous growth over the course of the series. The most damaged member of Monkeewrench, Grace MacBride, has gone from super paranoid, trigger ready to expecting a child with Magozzi. Other characters have grown and opened their lives to possibilities. This continues in The Guilty Dead.
There are twists and turns aplenty, along with healthy doses of surprise and suspense.
This particular book is action-packed as are most Monkeewrench books, my only quibble is this book is canted more toward the detectives than Monkeewrench. Or as Christopher Walken would say "Needs more cowbell."
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange of a fair and honest review. (less)
flag45 likes · 9 comments · see review
F 25x33 Paromjit Lovely review, Maureen.....am planning to read this soon! :)
Aug 10, 2018 01:48AM · delete
54932249 Maureen Carden Thank you! It works as a standalone, but is a long time favorite series.
Aug 10, 2018 07:29AM · delete
F 25x33 Paromjit Maureen wrote: "Thank you! It works as a standalone, but is a long time favorite series."
Maureen.... great series....have read every book!! xx
Aug 10, 2018 07:33AM · delete
54932249 Maureen Carden Paromjit wrote: "Maureen wrote: "Thank you! It works as a standalone, but is a long time favorite series."
Maureen.... great series....have read every ...more
Aug 10, 2018 08:11AM · delete
4159922 Diane S ☔ Awesome review, Maureen.
Aug 10, 2018 06:24PM · delete
28831526 Jean Another really good review, Maureen. Today's Minneapolis Star Tribune (Sunday, August 12, 2018) had an article about Traci Lambrecht, who lives in the ...more
updated Aug 12, 2018 03:36PM · delete
12116516 Pat Jean wrote: "Another really good review, Maureen. Today's Minneapolis Star Tribune (Sunday, August 12, 2018) had an article about Traci Lambrecht, who ...more
Aug 13, 2018 10:16PM · delete
U 25x33 Dawn Great review, Maureen!
Aug 22, 2018 02:06PM · delete
4514828 Susanne Strong Fab review Maureen!
Aug 25, 2018 09:55AM · delete
August 6, 2018
Book #9 in this series opens with a deadly prologue you just know is going to come back to haunt you. Fast forward 1 year & a wealthy local philanthropist dies in questionable circumstances. When Minneapolis cops Leo Magozzi & Gino Rolseth get involved, the past returns as they proceed to dig into the life of Gregory Norwood, his family & close friends.
Over at Monkeewrench HQ Harley is contacted by Dahl, a frustrated FBI agent. He’s heard mutterings of a possible terrorist attack & wants the crew to use their considerable tech skills to help narrow the search.
Their are several threads running in tandem, not the least of which is the impending birth of Leo & Grace’s baby. We spend a lot of time with them as they prepare….Grace calm, Leo on pins & needles.
The investigative side of the story is intricate & full of interesting characters. The villain is no surprise but the “why” will keep you guessing as the pace picks up for an action packed conclusion.
I’ve read all the books in this series & this is a solid entry. Leo & Gino’s case takes up the bulk of the story while the Monkeewrench crew take a back seat. I missed their presence here & the suspense that inevitably develops from their high tech antics. It’s a much more character driven book with less intrigue than previous outings. It’s purely a matter of taste & fans of the Leo/Grace story line will find much to enjoy here.
Over at Monkeewrench HQ Harley is contacted by Dahl, a frustrated FBI agent. He’s heard mutterings of a possible terrorist attack & wants the crew to use their considerable tech skills to help narrow the search.
Their are several threads running in tandem, not the least of which is the impending birth of Leo & Grace’s baby. We spend a lot of time with them as they prepare….Grace calm, Leo on pins & needles.
The investigative side of the story is intricate & full of interesting characters. The villain is no surprise but the “why” will keep you guessing as the pace picks up for an action packed conclusion.
I’ve read all the books in this series & this is a solid entry. Leo & Gino’s case takes up the bulk of the story while the Monkeewrench crew take a back seat. I missed their presence here & the suspense that inevitably develops from their high tech antics. It’s a much more character driven book with less intrigue than previous outings. It’s purely a matter of taste & fans of the Leo/Grace story line will find much to enjoy here.
October 5, 2018
The Guilty Dead is the 9th book in the Monkeewrench series. Gregory Norwood, a wealthy Minnesota businessman with political ties, is found dead of an apparent suicide on the one-year anniversary of his son's death by overdose. The police believe it's an open and shut case at first until they find another body at the scene. The case quickly escalates into a complex murder investigation. The local police are also dealing with terrorist threats related to tracking software being tested by the FBI. The software, developed by Monkeewrench, will enable law enforcement to track terrorists world-wide.
This book is complex with lots of action, intrigue, murder and mayhem. The characters are all well developed with their own individual strengths and weaknesses. This is the first book in the Monkeewrench series that I have read. I think I might have understood the characters, the software company and some of the nuances of the plot better if I had read more of the series. I enjoyed this story despite jumping into things on the 9th book. I'm going to backtrack and start at the beginning...then re-read this book when I through the first 8 of this series. I definitely liked the characters, the suspense and the premise of this book. I think I would enjoy it more a second time after learning more background on the characters and Monkeewrench. I already have book 1 on hold at my local library!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
This book is complex with lots of action, intrigue, murder and mayhem. The characters are all well developed with their own individual strengths and weaknesses. This is the first book in the Monkeewrench series that I have read. I think I might have understood the characters, the software company and some of the nuances of the plot better if I had read more of the series. I enjoyed this story despite jumping into things on the 9th book. I'm going to backtrack and start at the beginning...then re-read this book when I through the first 8 of this series. I definitely liked the characters, the suspense and the premise of this book. I think I would enjoy it more a second time after learning more background on the characters and Monkeewrench. I already have book 1 on hold at my local library!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
September 1, 2018
I don't want to be a Negative Nancy when it comes to books. However, this book just didn't turn out the be as good as I had hoped it to be. I have long wanted to read this series and with the latest published book, THE GUILTY DEAD did I finally take the plunge. I have this as a copy, but I decided to listen to the audioversion instead since then I could take the book with me to work...;)
I did think the book started off good, with murders looking like suicide. However, I had one big problem all through the book. One problem that made it hard for me to truly enjoy the book. The characters. I've listened to books before with a lot of characters to keep track on. And, usually, it's not a big problem. This time, I kept forgetting who was who ALL THE TIME. Yup, now and then I turned to the ecopy of the book I had to search for a name to find out who she/he was. I probably broke my name search record for one book. Now, there will obviously be those that will chide me telling me that it's a risk when you haven't read the previous books in a series. However, I will tell you that I seldom have this problem. Unless the characters are not memorable. Needer the main characters nor those new in this book made an impression on me.
So, how was the story? Well, not bad, but not overly engrossing. I will say this. The book worked fine when it came to listening to at work (when I was not confused about someone identity). The identity of the main culprit was hardly a surprise. Often it felt like I was one step ahead of the characters in the book, although I did enjoy the last part of the book when everything unraveled. I do want to read the first book in the series to see if that will work better for me.
THE GUILTY DEAD was just not my cup of tea. However, fans of this series will probably enjoy this book very much.
I did think the book started off good, with murders looking like suicide. However, I had one big problem all through the book. One problem that made it hard for me to truly enjoy the book. The characters. I've listened to books before with a lot of characters to keep track on. And, usually, it's not a big problem. This time, I kept forgetting who was who ALL THE TIME. Yup, now and then I turned to the ecopy of the book I had to search for a name to find out who she/he was. I probably broke my name search record for one book. Now, there will obviously be those that will chide me telling me that it's a risk when you haven't read the previous books in a series. However, I will tell you that I seldom have this problem. Unless the characters are not memorable. Needer the main characters nor those new in this book made an impression on me.
So, how was the story? Well, not bad, but not overly engrossing. I will say this. The book worked fine when it came to listening to at work (when I was not confused about someone identity). The identity of the main culprit was hardly a surprise. Often it felt like I was one step ahead of the characters in the book, although I did enjoy the last part of the book when everything unraveled. I do want to read the first book in the series to see if that will work better for me.
THE GUILTY DEAD was just not my cup of tea. However, fans of this series will probably enjoy this book very much.
December 26, 2019
One of the first thrillery series I got into, with the bonus of the found family feeling that gets me every time, the Monkeewrench series is one of my favourites, and one of about 4 that I just can't be rational about.
Reading these books genuinely feels like spending time with old friends, and just like old friends, you can see their flaws while still loving the hell out of them. Hands do tend to flutter to mouths, yes, and the writing isn't going to provoke flights of wonder, but damnit these books are reliable, and they've been there for me for years. I did feel that the Monkeewrench crew as a whole took a bit of a back seat this time around; I can see that there just wasn't an organic way to pull them in, but it doesn't stop me wanting to see more of that.
But on the whole, as a completely biased fan of this series, this is not the strongest entry, but still a good one.
Reading these books genuinely feels like spending time with old friends, and just like old friends, you can see their flaws while still loving the hell out of them. Hands do tend to flutter to mouths, yes, and the writing isn't going to provoke flights of wonder, but damnit these books are reliable, and they've been there for me for years. I did feel that the Monkeewrench crew as a whole took a bit of a back seat this time around; I can see that there just wasn't an organic way to pull them in, but it doesn't stop me wanting to see more of that.
But on the whole, as a completely biased fan of this series, this is not the strongest entry, but still a good one.
September 14, 2018
Book 9 of the Monkeewrench crime series, a series written by a mother-daughter writing duo and one I’ve been a huge fan of since book 1. This, however, was the first solo effort written by the daughter since the sad death of her mother back in 2016. All I can say is it’s just as fast-paced, gripping, suspenseful and tightly written as all its predecessors and it is indeed a fine and wonderful way to honor P.J
May 3, 2019
This is one of my favourite detective series. One of the things I love the most is the relationships of all the characters. They're so diverse and beautifully written and have evolved so much over the 9 books. It's always so easy to slip back into this world.
This time we have two plots that start off separate but as with all these things they ended up intertwining. There's a fair bit of foreshadowing of who the bad guy(s) may be in this one and some of it was revealed fairly early on so the story becomes a race instead to catch a killer and avoid various things being blown up. With this then it's a very fast paced book and information comes at you thick and fast.
And then Grace's pregnancy. Less was said about her and the others from Monkeewrench in this book but this story line reached it's logical conclusion and in typical dramatic fashion. There wasn't a great deal of happy ending in here with the conclusion of the murder story so this was a nice inclusion so everything could end with at least one happy note.
Overall then another great story in an otherwise fantastic series and can't wait for the next one.
This time we have two plots that start off separate but as with all these things they ended up intertwining. There's a fair bit of foreshadowing of who the bad guy(s) may be in this one and some of it was revealed fairly early on so the story becomes a race instead to catch a killer and avoid various things being blown up. With this then it's a very fast paced book and information comes at you thick and fast.
And then Grace's pregnancy. Less was said about her and the others from Monkeewrench in this book but this story line reached it's logical conclusion and in typical dramatic fashion. There wasn't a great deal of happy ending in here with the conclusion of the murder story so this was a nice inclusion so everything could end with at least one happy note.
Overall then another great story in an otherwise fantastic series and can't wait for the next one.
November 6, 2018
A year after the suicide of his troubled son, Gregory Norwood is found dead in his home of an apparent – but unlikely – suicide. While Detectives Gino and Magozzi investigate, the Monkeewrench team uses their latest technology to home in on suspected terrorist threats in the city. The investigation into Norwood’s death not only unravels family secrets but connects both family deaths to the tragedy the Monkeewrench team is working so hard to prevent.
Having started this series at book 7, I’m now three books in and wishing I had all the time in the world to go back and start at the beginning. At this point, I really enjoy the connection between the Monkeewrench team members, watching the relationship between Magozzi and Grace deepen, and more than anything, getting to be “present” for all of Grace’s personal growth. Unfortunately, this book focused much more heavily on Detectives Magozzi and Gino, and Grace and her team felt more like supporting actors than major players. While I appreciate getting to know Magozzi better, and the story was still very well written, I definitely felt Grace’s absence, and I missed the quirky comradery of the Monkeewrench gang.
If you are already in love with this series, you’ll want to read this. If you are new to the series, I’d start with an earlier installment, so that you come into this one loving them already. ;)
Note: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I pride myself on writing fair and honest reviews.
Having started this series at book 7, I’m now three books in and wishing I had all the time in the world to go back and start at the beginning. At this point, I really enjoy the connection between the Monkeewrench team members, watching the relationship between Magozzi and Grace deepen, and more than anything, getting to be “present” for all of Grace’s personal growth. Unfortunately, this book focused much more heavily on Detectives Magozzi and Gino, and Grace and her team felt more like supporting actors than major players. While I appreciate getting to know Magozzi better, and the story was still very well written, I definitely felt Grace’s absence, and I missed the quirky comradery of the Monkeewrench gang.
If you are already in love with this series, you’ll want to read this. If you are new to the series, I’d start with an earlier installment, so that you come into this one loving them already. ;)
Note: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I pride myself on writing fair and honest reviews.
August 6, 2018
4 stars
“The Guilty Dead” is Book #9 in the Monkeewrench series. When I first started reading this book, I felt I was revisiting old friends and catching up on what is going on in Minneapolis.
Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth are partners in the Homicide division of MPD. They are called to the scene of a suicide but this is no ordinary suicide. Gregory Norwood is a beloved Minneapolis philanthropist whose son died of an overdose and now seems to have committed suicide. But, the police want to investigate just to make sure they are getting it right.
Monkeewrench, a software developing company, features the return of Harley Davidson, Grace McBride, Annie and Roadrunner – all very unique personalities. Harley has the company headquarters in his Summit Ave. mansion that he has lovingly restored when FBI Agent Dahl comes to visit with a request to the group. The FBI has lots of data on possible terrorist activity located in the Midwest area but needs to have the data analyzed quickly to discover if there is the possibility of an impending attack.
This book moves along quickly with each group having alternating chapters until a very dramatic and intense ending. This is one of my favorite series and I look forward to the next edition. For those readers who have not tried the series, I think you can read this edition as a stand-alone. If a fan of the series, then be sure to catch up with everyone in the latest installment. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Crooked Lane books and Sarah for an advance reader’s edition in exchange for an honest review.
“The Guilty Dead” is Book #9 in the Monkeewrench series. When I first started reading this book, I felt I was revisiting old friends and catching up on what is going on in Minneapolis.
Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth are partners in the Homicide division of MPD. They are called to the scene of a suicide but this is no ordinary suicide. Gregory Norwood is a beloved Minneapolis philanthropist whose son died of an overdose and now seems to have committed suicide. But, the police want to investigate just to make sure they are getting it right.
Monkeewrench, a software developing company, features the return of Harley Davidson, Grace McBride, Annie and Roadrunner – all very unique personalities. Harley has the company headquarters in his Summit Ave. mansion that he has lovingly restored when FBI Agent Dahl comes to visit with a request to the group. The FBI has lots of data on possible terrorist activity located in the Midwest area but needs to have the data analyzed quickly to discover if there is the possibility of an impending attack.
This book moves along quickly with each group having alternating chapters until a very dramatic and intense ending. This is one of my favorite series and I look forward to the next edition. For those readers who have not tried the series, I think you can read this edition as a stand-alone. If a fan of the series, then be sure to catch up with everyone in the latest installment. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Crooked Lane books and Sarah for an advance reader’s edition in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this arc.
I've loved the Monkeewrench Gang from book 1 in this 9 books to-date series. The 8th book was somewhat disappointing for me as it seemed to be missing some of the edginess and pacing.. As it was the first book following the death of one of the co-authors of the series, understandable and forgivable.
Some of that missing edginess has returned with this book. The pacing of the story was full-speed ahead.....I could feel the increasing pressure of the minutes and hours slipping away. There were actually 2 different crimes but it all felt like one big Gordian knot. Are the bad guys really good guys? Are the good guys really bad? Is the FBI guy going "rogue"? Oh fun!
Except for the sappiness over Grace's pregnancy and delivery, the Gang is BACK!
4.5 stars rounded up.
I've loved the Monkeewrench Gang from book 1 in this 9 books to-date series. The 8th book was somewhat disappointing for me as it seemed to be missing some of the edginess and pacing.. As it was the first book following the death of one of the co-authors of the series, understandable and forgivable.
Some of that missing edginess has returned with this book. The pacing of the story was full-speed ahead.....I could feel the increasing pressure of the minutes and hours slipping away. There were actually 2 different crimes but it all felt like one big Gordian knot. Are the bad guys really good guys? Are the good guys really bad? Is the FBI guy going "rogue"? Oh fun!
Except for the sappiness over Grace's pregnancy and delivery, the Gang is BACK!
4.5 stars rounded up.
September 27, 2018
More like 10 stars for me. Tracy can find the nuggets of human joy and love in the most gruesome of tales. In many ways, this story hits many hot buttons but, at its heart, it is about the strength of friendship, honesty and love. I have always liked the gang at Monkeewrench but this has moved me way beyond like.
November 11, 2018
3.5 stars
The first part of the book was a little slow and I was slow to get vested. It picked up as it went along although the ending felt like a bit of a let down.
The first part of the book was a little slow and I was slow to get vested. It picked up as it went along although the ending felt like a bit of a let down.
October 8, 2018
The Guilty Dead – A Fast Paced Thriller
Who knew that Minnesota could be so interesting and exciting? Not often portrayed in crime thrillers but such a pleasant change from the usual places. The Guilty Dead is a fast- paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns and the occasional surprise. What I do like about female writers, there is always a decent body count.
Robert Norwood richer than God, business man, family man and close friend to a candidate for State Governor, is found dead. Apparently, a suicide, well it would be if dead men could wipe the gun clean after shooting himself. With more blood found by the pool outside something is certainly not right in paradise.
Gus is on a mission, one that will see revenge happen, and put right the things that had ripped his family apart many years ago. The anger clouds his judgement, even though he knows he holds all the cards, or does he?
Detectives Gino and Magozzi have got their work cut out, have they got one death or more? How far back to do they need to go to get a handle on what is happening? Magozzi as well as having a couple of homicides to investigate he is worried about his partner Grace, pregnant with his child.
The FBI are also running around the state searching for a terrorist especially as they believe an attack on the city of Minneapolis is imminent. All roads could lead to the same suspect, but nobody is sure if this is domestic terrorism or something else. Little did the police, or the FBI know they would need each other and even then, would they get the person or people and halt an attack.
This is a brilliant thriller, a proper page turner that keeps the reader engaged, with such an ingenious plot. The characters are well written and the dialogue brilliant, this is definitely a write who knows what she is doing.
Who knew that Minnesota could be so interesting and exciting? Not often portrayed in crime thrillers but such a pleasant change from the usual places. The Guilty Dead is a fast- paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns and the occasional surprise. What I do like about female writers, there is always a decent body count.
Robert Norwood richer than God, business man, family man and close friend to a candidate for State Governor, is found dead. Apparently, a suicide, well it would be if dead men could wipe the gun clean after shooting himself. With more blood found by the pool outside something is certainly not right in paradise.
Gus is on a mission, one that will see revenge happen, and put right the things that had ripped his family apart many years ago. The anger clouds his judgement, even though he knows he holds all the cards, or does he?
Detectives Gino and Magozzi have got their work cut out, have they got one death or more? How far back to do they need to go to get a handle on what is happening? Magozzi as well as having a couple of homicides to investigate he is worried about his partner Grace, pregnant with his child.
The FBI are also running around the state searching for a terrorist especially as they believe an attack on the city of Minneapolis is imminent. All roads could lead to the same suspect, but nobody is sure if this is domestic terrorism or something else. Little did the police, or the FBI know they would need each other and even then, would they get the person or people and halt an attack.
This is a brilliant thriller, a proper page turner that keeps the reader engaged, with such an ingenious plot. The characters are well written and the dialogue brilliant, this is definitely a write who knows what she is doing.
August 17, 2018
Minneapolis Detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth are called on a new case of Wealthy Businessman Gregory Norwood suspected suicide. He was found dead with a gun in his hand. It is the 1-year anniversary of his son’s Trey death from a Heroin overdose. Robert Zeller thinks that it was the guilt of what happened to Trey that killed him. But, when Magozzi and Rolseth start to investigate, they have found out that the gun was wiped clean, so it all adds up to murder.
The story also includes the Monkeewrench team. A team of computer programmers They are testing a new software program that keeps and searches for any new terror threats on the dark net. There is a new threat in town and they think new FBI building is its target. At the same time the team are anxious and waiting in anticipation of Grace MacBride giving birth.
I was excited to receive these as, I have read most of the series and thoroughly enjoyed them. It is actually the first crime series I have read. It made me feel like I’m back with an old friend. They were lots of different characters with their own story that all came together at the end. There were lots of twists and turns in this book. It was fast paced and entertained me though out. If you haven’t read any of this series I would highly recommended it.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for a copy of this book. The Guilty dead is the 9th in the Monkeewrench series and I have read and enjoyed most of them.
The story also includes the Monkeewrench team. A team of computer programmers They are testing a new software program that keeps and searches for any new terror threats on the dark net. There is a new threat in town and they think new FBI building is its target. At the same time the team are anxious and waiting in anticipation of Grace MacBride giving birth.
I was excited to receive these as, I have read most of the series and thoroughly enjoyed them. It is actually the first crime series I have read. It made me feel like I’m back with an old friend. They were lots of different characters with their own story that all came together at the end. There were lots of twists and turns in this book. It was fast paced and entertained me though out. If you haven’t read any of this series I would highly recommended it.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for a copy of this book. The Guilty dead is the 9th in the Monkeewrench series and I have read and enjoyed most of them.
August 3, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley, I don't have to wait for this book to be published. I delayed reading the previous book to make the wait shorter, but now, I got to read both that one and now this new one.
The Monkeewrench series has become one of my favorites, and this one did not disappoint. As usual, the people make up a large part of the story, but the plot was really strong, too. And there is the usual humor in the banter and thoughts of the characters that make it so much fun to read. It was sad that some good people had to die, but the humor made it much easier to handle. And as is often the case with their stories, the lines between good and bad people are somewhat blurred.
If you've never read any other books in this series, I advise you to start at the beginning. Get to know the characters, especially the Monkeewrench crew, and homicide detectives Gino (Gino Rolseth) and Magozzi (Leo Magozzi, but everyone calls him Magozzi). These characters are all featured in subsequent books.
Monkeewrench is a software company made up of mysterious but highly intelligent programmers who start out writing games, but are also very good at hacking into secure sites, writing custom security and facial recognition software, etc. that are useful to law enforcement. Nobody there is really what they seem. Harley looks like a Hells Angel, Grace carries a gun everywhere, Annie is fat and sexy, always wears high heels, makeup, fancy clothes, and Roadrunner is a tall, skinny vegetarian bicyclist. Somehow though, they all get along and work miracles on their computers.
It was nice to see so many people working together to solve the crimes in this case - Monkeewrench, the FBI, and the MPD all cooperating without egos getting in the way. It almost seems like everyone just wants to solve the case, not boost their egos.
Of course the highlight of the book is Grace's pregnancy. Who would have ever thought at the start of the series that this would ever happen, and that she would actually be happy and optimistic about this. Everyone is excited - Harley wanted her to stay in bed starting at about the 2nd month; Magozzi and Gino have a bet on when it will arrive. And when it does, Magozzi thought she "was without question the most beautiful child ever born." When it's time to pick a name, all he can think of is “Nothing’s good enough. Except maybe Grace Junior.” Poor Grace - her pedestal is so high she's probably going to be afraid to move lest she fall off. But it seems like Magozzi thinks anything she does is perfect even if it isn't, so it probably won't matter.
Well, until the next one comes out (hopefully), I guess it's time to catch up on some other series that have been on my back burner for a while.
The Monkeewrench series has become one of my favorites, and this one did not disappoint. As usual, the people make up a large part of the story, but the plot was really strong, too. And there is the usual humor in the banter and thoughts of the characters that make it so much fun to read. It was sad that some good people had to die, but the humor made it much easier to handle. And as is often the case with their stories, the lines between good and bad people are somewhat blurred.
If you've never read any other books in this series, I advise you to start at the beginning. Get to know the characters, especially the Monkeewrench crew, and homicide detectives Gino (Gino Rolseth) and Magozzi (Leo Magozzi, but everyone calls him Magozzi). These characters are all featured in subsequent books.
Monkeewrench is a software company made up of mysterious but highly intelligent programmers who start out writing games, but are also very good at hacking into secure sites, writing custom security and facial recognition software, etc. that are useful to law enforcement. Nobody there is really what they seem. Harley looks like a Hells Angel, Grace carries a gun everywhere, Annie is fat and sexy, always wears high heels, makeup, fancy clothes, and Roadrunner is a tall, skinny vegetarian bicyclist. Somehow though, they all get along and work miracles on their computers.
It was nice to see so many people working together to solve the crimes in this case - Monkeewrench, the FBI, and the MPD all cooperating without egos getting in the way. It almost seems like everyone just wants to solve the case, not boost their egos.
Of course the highlight of the book is Grace's pregnancy. Who would have ever thought at the start of the series that this would ever happen, and that she would actually be happy and optimistic about this. Everyone is excited - Harley wanted her to stay in bed starting at about the 2nd month; Magozzi and Gino have a bet on when it will arrive. And when it does, Magozzi thought she "was without question the most beautiful child ever born." When it's time to pick a name, all he can think of is “Nothing’s good enough. Except maybe Grace Junior.” Poor Grace - her pedestal is so high she's probably going to be afraid to move lest she fall off. But it seems like Magozzi thinks anything she does is perfect even if it isn't, so it probably won't matter.
Well, until the next one comes out (hopefully), I guess it's time to catch up on some other series that have been on my back burner for a while.
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