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Detective Byron #2
Beneath the Depths
Maine Sunday Telegram #1 Bestseller
In this latest gripping mystery from bestselling author Bruce Robert Coffin, Detective Sergeant John Byron is back--and ready to prove that no one on his beat is above the law.
When the body of prominent Portland attorney Paul Ramsey turns up in the bottom of Casco Bay, following his loss of a multimillion dollar civil trial, Byron knows it's no accidental drowning. Golden boy Ramsey had a dark side--and Byron believes the key to solving his murder lies in uncovering those secrets someone wanted buried along with him.
With the brilliant Detective Diane Joyner by his side, Byron takes on Ramsey's former employer, the powerhouse law firm of Newman, Branch & DeWitt. But delving further into the troubled waters of Ramsey's past only serves to lengthen the list of suspects--unleashing a perfect storm of corruption, betrayal, and murder that only Byron can stop. If he's not too late.
In this latest gripping mystery from bestselling author Bruce Robert Coffin, Detective Sergeant John Byron is back--and ready to prove that no one on his beat is above the law.
When the body of prominent Portland attorney Paul Ramsey turns up in the bottom of Casco Bay, following his loss of a multimillion dollar civil trial, Byron knows it's no accidental drowning. Golden boy Ramsey had a dark side--and Byron believes the key to solving his murder lies in uncovering those secrets someone wanted buried along with him.
With the brilliant Detective Diane Joyner by his side, Byron takes on Ramsey's former employer, the powerhouse law firm of Newman, Branch & DeWitt. But delving further into the troubled waters of Ramsey's past only serves to lengthen the list of suspects--unleashing a perfect storm of corruption, betrayal, and murder that only Byron can stop. If he's not too late.
606 pages, Library Binding
First published August 8, 2017
344 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Robert Coffin
22 books258 followersBruce Robert Coffin is the award-winning author of the Detective Byron Mysteries. A former detective sergeant, he supervised all homicide and violent crime investigations for Maine's largest city. Following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, Bruce spent 4 years investigating counter-terrorism cases for the FBI, earning the Director's Award, the highest award a non-agent can receive.
His short fiction appears in a number of anthologies, including Best American Mystery Stories 2016.
www.brucerobertcoffin.com
His short fiction appears in a number of anthologies, including Best American Mystery Stories 2016.
www.brucerobertcoffin.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 8, 2018
Great book!
January 5, 2019
The second installment in this series picks up a few months after the last book, and delves into the murder of a prominent attorney in Portland, ME. The plotting in this book is excellent. I also appreciated how the lives of the supporting characters were explored even more.
September 18, 2017
I like a good police procedure novel and Coffin is one of my favorite authors in that genre. His nearly thirty years in law enforcement shows. This novel is a good combination of character development and investigative technique. There is also a good balance of action and scene description.
I like that his detectives come across as real people, flawed but dedicated to their work. Byron is a good lead character. Many of his thoughts about the case, his work, and his personal life are included. That helped give depth to his character. It also revealed his struggle to continue the investigation when it became politically incorrect. He had to battle superiors who gave greater importance to protecting benefactors than solving the case.
This novel journeys through the darker side of Portland, Maine. It reveals some of the nastiness of a high power legal firm in the city. We are taken to some of the strip joints too and get a glimpse of the lives of some of the women working in them.
I recommend this novel to those who like a good combination of character development, scene description, and police investigative procedure. Readers who like the Harry Bosch series, like I do, will enjoy this John Byron series.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I like that his detectives come across as real people, flawed but dedicated to their work. Byron is a good lead character. Many of his thoughts about the case, his work, and his personal life are included. That helped give depth to his character. It also revealed his struggle to continue the investigation when it became politically incorrect. He had to battle superiors who gave greater importance to protecting benefactors than solving the case.
This novel journeys through the darker side of Portland, Maine. It reveals some of the nastiness of a high power legal firm in the city. We are taken to some of the strip joints too and get a glimpse of the lives of some of the women working in them.
I recommend this novel to those who like a good combination of character development, scene description, and police investigative procedure. Readers who like the Harry Bosch series, like I do, will enjoy this John Byron series.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 18, 2020
A relentlessly aggressive lawyer loses a major eight-figure case for the first time, and doesn’t make it through the night. His body is found caught on something deep beneath the waves next to a lobster boat hauling traps in Casco Bay off the shores of Portland, Maine.
Nobody liked him, everybody hated him, and now he has a .380 bullet hole in his forehead. So many potential suspects!
The plot twists and snaps around like a flag in a rough sea wind as Byron sees new possible suspects and more bodies piling up day by day. Also, Byron’s partner, Detective Joyner, isn’t herself lately. Neither is Byron. Too many unsettling occurrences, not enough information.
This Detective Byron mystery kept me guessing until very nearly the end. His drive to reveal the truth is what powers him on, despite political and administrative factions that want to keep the status quo with regard to powerful generous benefactors, as well as public image of the Powers That Be.
I’d already read the third novel in this series, and now I want to go back and skim through that volume again with the understandings I’ve gleaned from this, the second Detective Byron mystery. I want to do a little investigation of my own. Fun!
Nobody liked him, everybody hated him, and now he has a .380 bullet hole in his forehead. So many potential suspects!
The plot twists and snaps around like a flag in a rough sea wind as Byron sees new possible suspects and more bodies piling up day by day. Also, Byron’s partner, Detective Joyner, isn’t herself lately. Neither is Byron. Too many unsettling occurrences, not enough information.
This Detective Byron mystery kept me guessing until very nearly the end. His drive to reveal the truth is what powers him on, despite political and administrative factions that want to keep the status quo with regard to powerful generous benefactors, as well as public image of the Powers That Be.
I’d already read the third novel in this series, and now I want to go back and skim through that volume again with the understandings I’ve gleaned from this, the second Detective Byron mystery. I want to do a little investigation of my own. Fun!
November 17, 2017
In the first chapter, attorney Paul Ramsey is having a bad day. He lost a huge court case where he expected to reap 10 million dollars. Then he went to a bar to drown his sorrows and picks a fight with a the wrong guy. Little does he know his night is going to be much worse.
Maine Detective Sergeant John Byron gets the case when Ramsey's dead body is fished out of the ocean. Byron and his crew begin investigating Ramsey's personal and professional life to ferret out his killer.
I'd never heard of the author or this series. I've since read that the author Bruce Robert Coffin is a retired detective. It's obvious he knows exactly what he's writing about. Not only can he write crime fiction well, he instills the investigation with a methodical and realistic feel. This book is a very good police procedural.
Maine Detective Sergeant John Byron gets the case when Ramsey's dead body is fished out of the ocean. Byron and his crew begin investigating Ramsey's personal and professional life to ferret out his killer.
I'd never heard of the author or this series. I've since read that the author Bruce Robert Coffin is a retired detective. It's obvious he knows exactly what he's writing about. Not only can he write crime fiction well, he instills the investigation with a methodical and realistic feel. This book is a very good police procedural.
June 3, 2020
It is late April 2016 when Beneath The Depths: A Detective Bryon Mystery by Bruce Robert Coffin opens and attorney Paul Ramsey is soon dead. The prominent local attorney, just hours after losing a very high profile multimillion dollar trial, has been fished out of Casco Bay after being found by a local lobsterman in the hours before dawn as he worked his traps. It is a cool morning in Portland, Maine, but the day will heat up fast in more ways than one.
Portland Police Detective Sergeant John Byron and his partner, Detective Diana Joyner, are first on the case. Sergeant Bryon has good cause not to care for the flamboyant attorney, but that no longer matters. With the man dead, he is a victim and deserves the full efforts of everyone on the case. It does not take long before it is clear that this was no accident and was, in fact, a murder. The suspect pool is massive and seems to grow larger by the hour.
Beneath The Depths: A Detective Bryon Mystery is the second book in the series that began so well in Among The Shadows. Numerous plotlines, several involving the personal lives of Bryon and members of his team, continue here and serve as background to the main plotline as noted above. This is a series that is not static. In this series, people age, situations and characters evolve, and time relentlessly moves forward. The foundation for the series was laid in the first book and here the building of what promises to be a complex and entertaining series continues.
Like Among The Shadows, this second book, Beneath The Depths: A Detective Bryon Mystery is a very good and strongly recommended. If it is not clear already, this is a series that needs to be read in order to be fully appreciated and enjoyed.
I recently received a print copy of this book, as well as the next two, from the author with no expectation of a review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2020
Portland Police Detective Sergeant John Byron and his partner, Detective Diana Joyner, are first on the case. Sergeant Bryon has good cause not to care for the flamboyant attorney, but that no longer matters. With the man dead, he is a victim and deserves the full efforts of everyone on the case. It does not take long before it is clear that this was no accident and was, in fact, a murder. The suspect pool is massive and seems to grow larger by the hour.
Beneath The Depths: A Detective Bryon Mystery is the second book in the series that began so well in Among The Shadows. Numerous plotlines, several involving the personal lives of Bryon and members of his team, continue here and serve as background to the main plotline as noted above. This is a series that is not static. In this series, people age, situations and characters evolve, and time relentlessly moves forward. The foundation for the series was laid in the first book and here the building of what promises to be a complex and entertaining series continues.
Like Among The Shadows, this second book, Beneath The Depths: A Detective Bryon Mystery is a very good and strongly recommended. If it is not clear already, this is a series that needs to be read in order to be fully appreciated and enjoyed.
I recently received a print copy of this book, as well as the next two, from the author with no expectation of a review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2020
March 28, 2020
Great story! Love to read authors from my own state of Maine.😊
October 5, 2020
It's a compliment to the author that I read this is two days. It's a good story which really held my interest. Coffin, of course, knows his stuff, and this is a meticulous and well-crafted police procedural. Nine people come under suspicion, nad each is checked out in a way which informs the reader how this process works. While I did not work out who the culprit was, when all was revealed, I was gratified that there indeed had been clues which I could have picked up on.
It helps to have read the first book in this series, because the main characters are all introduced there. They evolve a bit in this episode, especially Davis Billingslea, the newspaper guy. And if you know Portland as I do, the city is effectively depicted, which was fun for me.
My enthusiasm, though, was reined in a bit by the ending which did not seem organic to what had preceded it. It also should not have taken this many pages to tell the story. Sure, there are a lot of suspects, but there is also extraneous detail frequently, and something like forty characters. I did not need all of that.
It helps to have read the first book in this series, because the main characters are all introduced there. They evolve a bit in this episode, especially Davis Billingslea, the newspaper guy. And if you know Portland as I do, the city is effectively depicted, which was fun for me.
My enthusiasm, though, was reined in a bit by the ending which did not seem organic to what had preceded it. It also should not have taken this many pages to tell the story. Sure, there are a lot of suspects, but there is also extraneous detail frequently, and something like forty characters. I did not need all of that.
May 12, 2020
Bruce Robert Coffin is a retired Portland police detective. His descriptions of the city are so spot-on that my husband is tired of hearing me say, "This is where Detective Byron...." as we drive around town. I even wonder if I know some the characters.... surely not!.... I hope. This book is thoroughly authentic and engrossing. I'd like it even if the setting weren't so near my home. I will definitely read more about Detective Byron.
August 24, 2017
Look up the words "police procedural" in a dictionary and it will say: "See Bruce Robert Coffin." Excellent detective novel, I could not put it down
... already waiting for the next book in the series.
... already waiting for the next book in the series.
April 14, 2018
This novel is another no downer.
I chose the rating because the book is pleasing to read it opens my appetite for more, I woke up at nights to read, readers can clearly visualize the characters, and feel the frustration of Chief Le Royer
I liked how the story flows, it grabs the readers attention. The struggles of John Byron within himself and the new guy he is destined to become since his divorce is admirable, I like his strong will power and the way he fights to acquire truth. I disliked how at the beginning of the sentence you stopped, we like juice too.😊 which means you owe another novel. Which lets us know Diana's decision and if the two married...
I would recommend this to anyone who has a knack for mysteries, students doing psychology, criminology ect.
I chose the rating because the book is pleasing to read it opens my appetite for more, I woke up at nights to read, readers can clearly visualize the characters, and feel the frustration of Chief Le Royer
I liked how the story flows, it grabs the readers attention. The struggles of John Byron within himself and the new guy he is destined to become since his divorce is admirable, I like his strong will power and the way he fights to acquire truth. I disliked how at the beginning of the sentence you stopped, we like juice too.😊 which means you owe another novel. Which lets us know Diana's decision and if the two married...
I would recommend this to anyone who has a knack for mysteries, students doing psychology, criminology ect.
March 6, 2020
Having grown up in the Portland area it has been a delight to get acquainted with Detective Sargent John Byron and his dedicated team of detectives and police officers. I really enjoy that the author uses actual locations in Portland and provide accurate historical information about the city. My one quibble is with his use of the word "Attorney" as an honorific which is not grammatically correct. His writing is in the genre of two of my favorites Michael Connelly and George Pelecanos. I look forward to reading more in this enticing series.
December 18, 2017
This is Bruce Coffin's second Detective Sergeant Byron novel, set in Portland Maine where Bruce was a cop for nearly 30 years. He's a terrific writer and obviously knows how to write a really good crime/police procedural story. This one bogs down a time or two and is not quite as good as his first. Still, it certainly deserves five stars. I'm looking forward to his next.
March 16, 2023
Good Police Procedural set in Portland Maine. Detective John Byron seeks to solve the murder of local hotshot trial attorney who just list a multi-million dollar wrongful death suit and his most recent chance at partnership in his law firm. It’s a twisted tale of deceit, broken promises, and the reach for power.
February 13, 2018
Good book.
Good book, entertaining read, interesting people and plot. I have found another favorite detective to follow his career and personal life.
Looking forward to the next case!
Good book, entertaining read, interesting people and plot. I have found another favorite detective to follow his career and personal life.
Looking forward to the next case!
February 27, 2018
Another terrific mystery
I love this diverse and interesting cast of characters. I hope it won't be too long before the next book is out. Byron is a compelling hero. You won't be disappointed if you love good who-dun-its.
I love this diverse and interesting cast of characters. I hope it won't be too long before the next book is out. Byron is a compelling hero. You won't be disappointed if you love good who-dun-its.
March 8, 2021
Solid Series Grows Better
Having read these books out of order it’s easy to compare them. Each is top notch, but they improve from great to superior! They’re fast paced, well plotted with great characters—easily the best procedurals I’ve read in 30 years!
Having read these books out of order it’s easy to compare them. Each is top notch, but they improve from great to superior! They’re fast paced, well plotted with great characters—easily the best procedurals I’ve read in 30 years!
October 5, 2017
Riveting read.
Riveting read. Could not put it down. Recommend this book to mystery and suspense readers. I highly recommend the book.
Riveting read. Could not put it down. Recommend this book to mystery and suspense readers. I highly recommend the book.
December 20, 2017
Great read
Goes at a great pace. Lots of twist and a satisfying end. Looking forward to another. I really enjoyed the book front to back.
Goes at a great pace. Lots of twist and a satisfying end. Looking forward to another. I really enjoyed the book front to back.
February 7, 2018
Great
Great Story. Very authentic . Keeps you interested. Have read both books now and both are great. Looking forward to next.
Great Story. Very authentic . Keeps you interested. Have read both books now and both are great. Looking forward to next.
Read
February 21, 2018Love crime novels by local authors set in places I know well. Always fun.
March 28, 2019
Great read
Loved the plot which was a first rate mystery and enough twists and turns to satisfy any mystery buff. Great characters and I look forward to the next
Loved the plot which was a first rate mystery and enough twists and turns to satisfy any mystery buff. Great characters and I look forward to the next
June 17, 2021
Good plot but lots of personal problems for the detectives
November 18, 2021
Pretty good police procedural.
May 25, 2018
Another great novel by author Bruce Coffin. His experience as a police officer definitely shines through in his writing. It was a smooth read full of twists and turns. Highly recommend.
October 1, 2021
It takes a lot for me to read a book in one sitting anymore---just too much going on with work and family. But this is and the first Bruce Coffin book did that. Each one I read almost completely in a single sitting each.
Bruce writes believable and engaging characters and interesting mysteries combined with his inside knowledge and experience as a retired police officer. Hope to read more of Detective Sgt Byron's stories.
Bruce writes believable and engaging characters and interesting mysteries combined with his inside knowledge and experience as a retired police officer. Hope to read more of Detective Sgt Byron's stories.
June 25, 2019
This was a very good police procedural, and the 2nd in the series that I have enjoyed. The plot was well-laid out and the characters were interesting. I didn't know who the culprit was until quite late in the book. The main characters were very likable and I wanted them to prevail. All-in-all a very satisfying read! I will continue to seek out more by this author.
February 19, 2021
I read Among the Shadows by Bruce Robert Coffin six months ago, and I liked it well enough to dive into book #2 in the John Byron series. I was pleased with that decision, because I actually enjoyed the second installment more than the first. Sergeant Byron is surrounded by the same cast of characters as book one from the Portland, ME police department, and of course this includes unwanted pressure from the higher ups, who are faced with the public demand for quick resolution. The plot in Beneath the Depths revolves around an esteemed Portland, ME law firm and the discovery of the body of the firm's lead litigator. Bruce Robert Coffin was a detective sergeant himself with the Portland, ME police force, and he applies his history from that career to create an authentic crime investigation process. The characters are solid, and he planted the seeds for a twist in the developing relationship between John Byron and Diane Joyner. Two books remain in the series, and I will certainly be curious to see how the personal life of John and Diane evolves.
May 9, 2021
Great book
Really liked this book. Looking forward to reading the rest in this series. Good character development. Liked the characters and story line.
Really liked this book. Looking forward to reading the rest in this series. Good character development. Liked the characters and story line.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews