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24 Hours
What do you do when your celebrity-DJ daughter is kidnapped and you have twenty-four hours until she’s killed? Forget the Swedish police. If you’re the wealthy von Mullers of Stockholm, you call PI Martin Brunner and his mouthy apprentice, Daniel Lakin.
As the desperate hours tick by, the hired detectives search for suspicious links in the missing woman’s web of fans, friends, and family. But this case is looking to be anything but a run-of-the-mill kidnapping. In a pulse-pounding pursuit across land and water, Martin and Daniel must not only face down Kylee’s brutal captors but also deal with deeply sinister revelations from some surprising sources.
Action-packed and unspooling family twists right up to the final pages, 24 Hours proves that time flies when this might be the last day of your life.
Ticktock, Martin. The clock . . . is ticking.
As the desperate hours tick by, the hired detectives search for suspicious links in the missing woman’s web of fans, friends, and family. But this case is looking to be anything but a run-of-the-mill kidnapping. In a pulse-pounding pursuit across land and water, Martin and Daniel must not only face down Kylee’s brutal captors but also deal with deeply sinister revelations from some surprising sources.
Action-packed and unspooling family twists right up to the final pages, 24 Hours proves that time flies when this might be the last day of your life.
Ticktock, Martin. The clock . . . is ticking.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2018
6 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 5, 2022
The clock is ticking; they only have 24 hours to do what the kidnappers say before Kylee is killed. As the parents hired a private investigator duo, they’re sure their daughter will be brought home soon. But under the pressure, other secrets come to life.
A wild group of absolutely unhinged characters make up this tense and quick crime thriller! Everyone was so different from the last character, and each have some issues and very unlikable quirks.
I unfortunately had a bit of trouble following this one as the storyline jumped around a bit and I kept getting characters mixed up. But still recommend crime thriller fans to check this one out!
A wild group of absolutely unhinged characters make up this tense and quick crime thriller! Everyone was so different from the last character, and each have some issues and very unlikable quirks.
I unfortunately had a bit of trouble following this one as the storyline jumped around a bit and I kept getting characters mixed up. But still recommend crime thriller fans to check this one out!
July 22, 2018
24 Hours chronicles the day of two PI’s, Martin Brunner and Daniel Lakin in charming Sweden, though the charm is not what had swept them all the way to Northern Europe, but rather the dregs of human morality manifested in one of the filthiest of acts… in only one day, Martin and Daniel try to figure out how to rescue the young celebrity-DJ Kylee von Muller, who was kidnapped in what would be her bachelorette party, before they’re a second too late.
In this amusing thriller, where every tick of the clock counts, and where the only narrative supposed to be coursing is the life of the kidnapped young woman, Kylee, I’m surprised to read many layers sewn together in this piece. For instance, in the early chapters of this novel, Strom injects life into the younger protagonist, David; his fears, which his hopeful disposition transform into his motivations, are revealed in his commentaries on the dysfunctional family ― the insufferable fate that befell his sister because of this drives Daniel to do great in his job, to help people in insufferable positions like her sister. Such a taxing profession, but, with a humble motivation allows many readers to forge a sense of familiarity with this character.
The confident, smart-mouthed Daniel is only one-half of our crime-fighting team. He is joined by the older Martin, a much experienced PI despite his unconvincing appearance of receding hairline and a graying beard. Martin, embodying a fatherly spirit, connects with youngsters; he connects with Daniel. Martin knows his junior partner a long way back. And while usually flashbacks interwoven with present-day events are forced and bland, the recollection of how protagonists Daniel and Martin met is very picturesque. Strom’s storytelling spell transported me to a chaotic time in a young Daniel’s household, graphically and perfectly portrayed by Strom.
The writing style of the novel is certainly the author’s greatest weapon. The descriptive words in the story are never superfluous; every word is a custom-fit block that completes this magnificent tetris tower of a tale; the suspense of this kidnapping only builds higher and higher.
The danger in the novel is made very real. It is not molded plastic, it’s organic, singe-in-your-mouth spice. Strom’s immersive style can turn the threat of a knife closely held against a throat, or ropes tightly bound to a couple of wrists into a rounded, sensual experience you would definitely want to dive in and feel for yourself.
Lastly, regards to presentation, the unfolding of events, or effects of events, like a person being knocked over because of a kick, is more towards unsuspecting. Sometimes I don’t even know that a person is on the floor receiving a god-awful beating until I reached the end of the paragraph.
The novel’s character choices and the author’s writing style definitely flesh out this fantastic thriller piece. Would recommend this.
In this amusing thriller, where every tick of the clock counts, and where the only narrative supposed to be coursing is the life of the kidnapped young woman, Kylee, I’m surprised to read many layers sewn together in this piece. For instance, in the early chapters of this novel, Strom injects life into the younger protagonist, David; his fears, which his hopeful disposition transform into his motivations, are revealed in his commentaries on the dysfunctional family ― the insufferable fate that befell his sister because of this drives Daniel to do great in his job, to help people in insufferable positions like her sister. Such a taxing profession, but, with a humble motivation allows many readers to forge a sense of familiarity with this character.
The confident, smart-mouthed Daniel is only one-half of our crime-fighting team. He is joined by the older Martin, a much experienced PI despite his unconvincing appearance of receding hairline and a graying beard. Martin, embodying a fatherly spirit, connects with youngsters; he connects with Daniel. Martin knows his junior partner a long way back. And while usually flashbacks interwoven with present-day events are forced and bland, the recollection of how protagonists Daniel and Martin met is very picturesque. Strom’s storytelling spell transported me to a chaotic time in a young Daniel’s household, graphically and perfectly portrayed by Strom.
The writing style of the novel is certainly the author’s greatest weapon. The descriptive words in the story are never superfluous; every word is a custom-fit block that completes this magnificent tetris tower of a tale; the suspense of this kidnapping only builds higher and higher.
The danger in the novel is made very real. It is not molded plastic, it’s organic, singe-in-your-mouth spice. Strom’s immersive style can turn the threat of a knife closely held against a throat, or ropes tightly bound to a couple of wrists into a rounded, sensual experience you would definitely want to dive in and feel for yourself.
Lastly, regards to presentation, the unfolding of events, or effects of events, like a person being knocked over because of a kick, is more towards unsuspecting. Sometimes I don’t even know that a person is on the floor receiving a god-awful beating until I reached the end of the paragraph.
The novel’s character choices and the author’s writing style definitely flesh out this fantastic thriller piece. Would recommend this.
July 13, 2018
Can Martin Brunner, a haunted and relentless private investigator, and his younger partner, the impetuous and irrepressible Daniel Lakin, rife with demons of his own, save celebrity DJ Kylee von Muller from a nefarious band of kidnappers within the given deadline of 24 Hours? That is the dilemma posed in this action packed, thrilling novel. If Swedish noir and action adventure had a brainchild, this novel would represent the newborn’s genre.
Time elapsing with the built-in clock counting down is the metronome that keeps things moving and the duo’s peripatetic efforts to beat the clock take them from trying to convince the skeptical, dysfunctional von Muller parents (a cross between the Royal Tenenbaums and the Adams family) that they can even do the job, to dealing with the abuse of a bunch of thugs, and eventually to the Archipelago in what becomes a romp including an AMC Gremlin, American Cigarette boats, helicopters, and inflatable boats alternatively full of thugs, partners, or reinforcements, depending upon the hour.
Nothing is as it seems in this book, and it becomes clear to the heroes that lying and backstabbing of all sorts is on display, among the victim’s family members who have hired them, or with Kylee’s devastated fiance, Douglas, or with her devoted best friend, Stacy. There’s much more than meets the eye going on in this family, and Martin and Daniel are on their back feet trying to process all of the hyjinx. Sporadic cryptic messages from the kidnappers keep them running to beat the clock. They arrive at a prearranged rendezvous and are separated by two brutes, and after Martin is thrown out of a car, he realizes that Daniel has now been taken by the kidnappers as well.
Martin Brunner is a man on a mission to save people, and particularly young people, an obsession fueled by a personal loss in his past. He is selflessly devoted to these missions, his dedication made manifest in Daniel, his protege, whom Martin has rescued from an abusive family situation, and whose dogged devotion to Martin reflects a similar passion for justice. Daniel has his own reasons for making the mission a success, and as a captive, proves more challenging to his unabashedly brutal captors than they can imagine. Ultimately it all goes down on one of the many Swedish islands, and we learn the truth of Martin’s statement to his adversary, “I don’t do this for the money.”
The reader who sticks with the first third of the book, after being dropped inside the situation resulting from the kidnapping, its wake of shock and grief, who becomes acquainted with the detective duo, and the cast of edgy hoodlums, will be well rewarded for the rest with open sea journeys and indomitable, plucky protagonists who hopefully are only getting started on more adventures.
Time elapsing with the built-in clock counting down is the metronome that keeps things moving and the duo’s peripatetic efforts to beat the clock take them from trying to convince the skeptical, dysfunctional von Muller parents (a cross between the Royal Tenenbaums and the Adams family) that they can even do the job, to dealing with the abuse of a bunch of thugs, and eventually to the Archipelago in what becomes a romp including an AMC Gremlin, American Cigarette boats, helicopters, and inflatable boats alternatively full of thugs, partners, or reinforcements, depending upon the hour.
Nothing is as it seems in this book, and it becomes clear to the heroes that lying and backstabbing of all sorts is on display, among the victim’s family members who have hired them, or with Kylee’s devastated fiance, Douglas, or with her devoted best friend, Stacy. There’s much more than meets the eye going on in this family, and Martin and Daniel are on their back feet trying to process all of the hyjinx. Sporadic cryptic messages from the kidnappers keep them running to beat the clock. They arrive at a prearranged rendezvous and are separated by two brutes, and after Martin is thrown out of a car, he realizes that Daniel has now been taken by the kidnappers as well.
Martin Brunner is a man on a mission to save people, and particularly young people, an obsession fueled by a personal loss in his past. He is selflessly devoted to these missions, his dedication made manifest in Daniel, his protege, whom Martin has rescued from an abusive family situation, and whose dogged devotion to Martin reflects a similar passion for justice. Daniel has his own reasons for making the mission a success, and as a captive, proves more challenging to his unabashedly brutal captors than they can imagine. Ultimately it all goes down on one of the many Swedish islands, and we learn the truth of Martin’s statement to his adversary, “I don’t do this for the money.”
The reader who sticks with the first third of the book, after being dropped inside the situation resulting from the kidnapping, its wake of shock and grief, who becomes acquainted with the detective duo, and the cast of edgy hoodlums, will be well rewarded for the rest with open sea journeys and indomitable, plucky protagonists who hopefully are only getting started on more adventures.
July 30, 2018
The story summary intrigued me – a looming deadline to a rescue a kidnapped victim with a rich family and a rescuer in an unassuming private investigator thrown in the mix will always catch attention to serious readers of this genre. Carl Strom’s “24 Hours” is an interesting cauldron of plots and subplots that kept me guessing what else would happen here. There were too many conflicts to the story that was interesting but resembled a loosely done crochet instead of a tightly woven blanket.
At the start of the story the main characters, private investigator Martin and Daniel, came out a bit lean on their dynamic as there is obviously a back story to both of them. There were some flashbacks midway but some events were severely downplayed. Sadly, I found the other characters more fleshed out than these two but it might be because I haven’t read any other book about them (if there are any). The other characters each contributed to the tension in this novel, with the kidnap victim, Kylee, loosely threading their stories together. Again, the controversies are numerous and some are really distracting to the pace in the story. By the sixth chapter, I’ve already deduced that the kidnapping is not what it seems and the readers would already have an idea of the conspiracy at this point. I even thought that it was not really a kidnapping but a murder disguised as one with the intent to just get the money and never return Kylee at all. It was interesting that a totally different arena seemed to have sprouted in the middle of the book other than the kidnapping. It gave the story more juice and it seems to be a slightly obvious foreshadowing to the next story in this series.
All in all, “24 Hours” may not be a fast-paced, read-till-you-drop kind of mystery thriller but it’s a curl-up-near-the-fire interesting read. It made me wish I have read all the Strom books so that I will know the story behind Martin and Daniel.
At the start of the story the main characters, private investigator Martin and Daniel, came out a bit lean on their dynamic as there is obviously a back story to both of them. There were some flashbacks midway but some events were severely downplayed. Sadly, I found the other characters more fleshed out than these two but it might be because I haven’t read any other book about them (if there are any). The other characters each contributed to the tension in this novel, with the kidnap victim, Kylee, loosely threading their stories together. Again, the controversies are numerous and some are really distracting to the pace in the story. By the sixth chapter, I’ve already deduced that the kidnapping is not what it seems and the readers would already have an idea of the conspiracy at this point. I even thought that it was not really a kidnapping but a murder disguised as one with the intent to just get the money and never return Kylee at all. It was interesting that a totally different arena seemed to have sprouted in the middle of the book other than the kidnapping. It gave the story more juice and it seems to be a slightly obvious foreshadowing to the next story in this series.
All in all, “24 Hours” may not be a fast-paced, read-till-you-drop kind of mystery thriller but it’s a curl-up-near-the-fire interesting read. It made me wish I have read all the Strom books so that I will know the story behind Martin and Daniel.
July 7, 2018
When I picked up the book I had no expectations. I knew nothing about the author or his style, all I had was the title. For some reason it caught my eye and immediately made me curious… and I was not disappointed. I found myself engrossed in the story right from the first pages.
The plot is straightforward, but solid and well fleshed out. Follow detective Martin Brunner and his young protégée Daniel Lakin as they try to unravel what seems to be a ransom-motivated kidnapping (which turns to be so much more).
There are a number of twists and reveals, as none of the characters are what they first appear to be. This is actually a strong point of the novel, finding out how everyone fits in and what are the unseen connections that link them.
The action is set in Sweden of today as the characters have smartphones, make skype conversation, and even insert references to Fifty Shades of Grey and Youtube celebrities. Beyond this, the book also touches on current issues like (fear and anger regarding) immigration, racism, the generation gap that seems to be getting more divisive.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that even without formal training, Carl was able to make use of a number of narratological devices quite seamlessly. You will be delighted to find flashback scenes that actually help paint a more complete picture about the protagonist’s psyche and background, and not just filler.
Complex characters, a strong plot and entertaining action scenes are what await you. All and all, this is an action packed modern reinterpretation of the classical PI novels and well worth a try!
The plot is straightforward, but solid and well fleshed out. Follow detective Martin Brunner and his young protégée Daniel Lakin as they try to unravel what seems to be a ransom-motivated kidnapping (which turns to be so much more).
There are a number of twists and reveals, as none of the characters are what they first appear to be. This is actually a strong point of the novel, finding out how everyone fits in and what are the unseen connections that link them.
The action is set in Sweden of today as the characters have smartphones, make skype conversation, and even insert references to Fifty Shades of Grey and Youtube celebrities. Beyond this, the book also touches on current issues like (fear and anger regarding) immigration, racism, the generation gap that seems to be getting more divisive.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that even without formal training, Carl was able to make use of a number of narratological devices quite seamlessly. You will be delighted to find flashback scenes that actually help paint a more complete picture about the protagonist’s psyche and background, and not just filler.
Complex characters, a strong plot and entertaining action scenes are what await you. All and all, this is an action packed modern reinterpretation of the classical PI novels and well worth a try!
July 12, 2018
** I received a free copy for an honest review.
ACTUAL RATING :4.3
This story is about two Private Investigators hired to rescue/locate an international DJ, Kylee, kidnapped in Stockholm. They have 24 hours starting from first contact with the kidnappers to fulfill the kidnappers commands to get Kylee home safe.
This book does not have the first hook, you know - the feeling of getting into the book just by the first page/chapter.
The first chapter was really tedious for me to read. It was dry and dull. Although the words were descriptive enough for me imagine what was happening it did not evoke any feeling at all. The protagonists, Daniel and Martin, came off as one dimensional characters. Daniel was all anger while Martin was devoid of emotion.
Then we move on to the next chapter, and the next, and the next.... Then it came better. From characters with no emotion... suddenly every one was intense. From the bipolar mom to the treacherous best friend, every one is intense and have their own quirks.
Starting from the second chapter, this book is quite a read. It is exciting and thrilling. Although the premise of the book is same as some of the books in the market, there were some twists in this book I had no idea was coming.
Although the backstory of Daniel was retold through out the book as well as the start of their partnership, I wish that Martin's back story was told as well or that some of his quirks be more explained... but if it means another book is in the works for me to get to know Martin... I am in!
Overall, if you are looking for an exciting quick read... I recommend this book, just power through the first chapter and you're golden.
ACTUAL RATING :4.3
This story is about two Private Investigators hired to rescue/locate an international DJ, Kylee, kidnapped in Stockholm. They have 24 hours starting from first contact with the kidnappers to fulfill the kidnappers commands to get Kylee home safe.
This book does not have the first hook, you know - the feeling of getting into the book just by the first page/chapter.
The first chapter was really tedious for me to read. It was dry and dull. Although the words were descriptive enough for me imagine what was happening it did not evoke any feeling at all. The protagonists, Daniel and Martin, came off as one dimensional characters. Daniel was all anger while Martin was devoid of emotion.
Then we move on to the next chapter, and the next, and the next.... Then it came better. From characters with no emotion... suddenly every one was intense. From the bipolar mom to the treacherous best friend, every one is intense and have their own quirks.
Starting from the second chapter, this book is quite a read. It is exciting and thrilling. Although the premise of the book is same as some of the books in the market, there were some twists in this book I had no idea was coming.
Although the backstory of Daniel was retold through out the book as well as the start of their partnership, I wish that Martin's back story was told as well or that some of his quirks be more explained... but if it means another book is in the works for me to get to know Martin... I am in!
Overall, if you are looking for an exciting quick read... I recommend this book, just power through the first chapter and you're golden.
July 31, 2018
"24 Hours by Carl Strom starts with a slap to the face and kicks it into high gear from start to finish. Don’t let a one hundred and sixteen page novella fool you. I was astonished at how much an author could pack into that amount of pages. Strom, the author, jumps right into the action of celebrity DJ Kylee’s kidnapping with the introduction of two main characters, Martin, a weathered PI and his new apprentice, Daniel, a cocky millennial who is asking for trouble. The two have been hired by Kylee’s father in Sweden to get her back. The question in the back of my mind right away was why did Christian, the father, hire these two? It quickly turns into a classic whodunit with wacky strung out characters in chapters that are counting down the 24 Hours.
Strom begins building the web of characters and scenes without it feeling rushed. I sat back about twenty pages in and wondered how this author could spend valuable word count on describing a car? That is his magic. There is no fluff in this novella, everything counts. Full of action and twists and twists again, Strom will keep you guessing and also shaking your head at the absurdity of the whole affair. Suffice it to say, I could have read this in one sitting but broke into several, enjoying each part. 24 Hours could quickly be turned into a movie or play or readers can take a few hours and let it play out for themselves. I can’t wait for the next one from Strom." TBR - TopBookReviewers
Strom begins building the web of characters and scenes without it feeling rushed. I sat back about twenty pages in and wondered how this author could spend valuable word count on describing a car? That is his magic. There is no fluff in this novella, everything counts. Full of action and twists and twists again, Strom will keep you guessing and also shaking your head at the absurdity of the whole affair. Suffice it to say, I could have read this in one sitting but broke into several, enjoying each part. 24 Hours could quickly be turned into a movie or play or readers can take a few hours and let it play out for themselves. I can’t wait for the next one from Strom." TBR - TopBookReviewers
July 7, 2018
24 Hours is an engaging and thrilling book to read! It opens placing the emphasis on time, immediately throwing the reader in the middle of the private investigator’s race against the clock to find Kylee Von Muller. Fueled by the promise of great financial reward the detectives must solve the case and find Kylee within 24 hours. They have to deal with emotional relatives, personal strife and lots of violence to solve this case. Speckled with secrets between the family members, the mystery surrounding Kylee’s disappearance thickens.
Written with detailed, often delicate description the book really appeals to the senses of the audience, placing them at the scene with smells, sounds, and strong visual imagery. There’s light humor throughout the book, offering relief from the otherwise tense and suspense-filled story. Set in Sweden the backdrop is typically Scandinavian, but this contrasts with the easy-going, chilled British nature of Daniel – whose speech is written colloquially.
With plenty of weapons, twists, violence, and turns, this book promises to keep the reader right in the thick of it. Will the Von Muller’s decision to disregard the police and employ private investigators pay off? Or will it be the biggest mistake they have ever made? This book is the first in a series which promises to keep audiences captivated.
Written with detailed, often delicate description the book really appeals to the senses of the audience, placing them at the scene with smells, sounds, and strong visual imagery. There’s light humor throughout the book, offering relief from the otherwise tense and suspense-filled story. Set in Sweden the backdrop is typically Scandinavian, but this contrasts with the easy-going, chilled British nature of Daniel – whose speech is written colloquially.
With plenty of weapons, twists, violence, and turns, this book promises to keep the reader right in the thick of it. Will the Von Muller’s decision to disregard the police and employ private investigators pay off? Or will it be the biggest mistake they have ever made? This book is the first in a series which promises to keep audiences captivated.
July 9, 2018
This book is a wild, enjoyable ride. It’s set in Sweden, revolving around two private investigators as they try to figure out what happened to Kylee. Kylee’s family and friends are all hiding something, or so it seems. I loved that this book keeps you guessing. It wasn’t obvious who was involved AND it makes you believe one thing before blindsiding you with a different twist. That’s a real treat to find. At any given time, you can suspect any of the people surrounding Kylee. Her sketchy fiancé, her emotional mother, her terse butler, her rich father, her unexplainable best friend. . . It’s never clear who is a friend and who is a foe.
This suspenseful PI novel follows Martin, an older PI who loves helping people. He’s like a father to his young partner, Daniel. Daniel is on a journey of redemption from his past and working hard to save someone close to him. The Martin-Daniel relationship is a key part of the novel and one of the most enjoyable aspects. They are true friends and care about each other. Their banter is hilarious, too.
I read this book SO fast. I liked the structure: that everything happened within 24 hours.
Can’t wait for the next installment and another dose of Daniel’s sass!
This suspenseful PI novel follows Martin, an older PI who loves helping people. He’s like a father to his young partner, Daniel. Daniel is on a journey of redemption from his past and working hard to save someone close to him. The Martin-Daniel relationship is a key part of the novel and one of the most enjoyable aspects. They are true friends and care about each other. Their banter is hilarious, too.
I read this book SO fast. I liked the structure: that everything happened within 24 hours.
Can’t wait for the next installment and another dose of Daniel’s sass!
July 31, 2018
The book is good. Not the best one that I’ve read out of this genre, but not the worst either. In some places there were similarities in style to Stieg Larsson’s Millennium, but this is also not a bad thing, I liked that series of books.
The story has some very nice descriptions, these were definitely well done, with a lot of details. I think that you could have left a bit more to the imagination of the reader in some places, but this is my personal opinion. Daniel and Martin are both interesting characters, but you could have included some more things about Martin’s past in the book. Also, I liked Daniel and I would have loved to see more scenes with him in the book.
There was a little bit that I didn’t fully understand: how Martin got back from the middle of nowhere to his car. Also, the chemical substances that were named in some places are maybe too technical for the readers and crack the fluidity of actions. At least this is my opinion.
All in all, the book is entertaining and long enough to keep you connected to the action and to want to see what happens next. There were some secondary characters that could be exploited more, but it might make it too heavy.
The story has some very nice descriptions, these were definitely well done, with a lot of details. I think that you could have left a bit more to the imagination of the reader in some places, but this is my personal opinion. Daniel and Martin are both interesting characters, but you could have included some more things about Martin’s past in the book. Also, I liked Daniel and I would have loved to see more scenes with him in the book.
There was a little bit that I didn’t fully understand: how Martin got back from the middle of nowhere to his car. Also, the chemical substances that were named in some places are maybe too technical for the readers and crack the fluidity of actions. At least this is my opinion.
All in all, the book is entertaining and long enough to keep you connected to the action and to want to see what happens next. There were some secondary characters that could be exploited more, but it might make it too heavy.
January 25, 2019
One of my favorite things about booktube is being able to discover new authors and read their books.
24 Hours
is a book that the author Carl Strom sent himself to me for review. And I would most describe it as a mix of noir, thriller, and action.
Right off the bat, the author's strengths are:
- Good characterization. Each character is, indeed, a character in themselves. And I love the depth at which we see Daniel & Martin, our main protagonists. There is lots to find out about them, and more to come.
- The prose is superb. It reminded me a little bit of Dennis Lehane, although it is its own style. It has a bite to it that compels you to keep reading.
I enjoyed this book, however, I wish it were longer and more pondering? While the plot is twisty and fun, and the characters are all lying/hiding something, I think the strength really lies in the PI's Daniel & Martin and their relationship. I think that comes down to more of my preference than anything, because Carl Strom is a talented writer and this series will only get better with time. Read this if you want something with a bite!
Right off the bat, the author's strengths are:
- Good characterization. Each character is, indeed, a character in themselves. And I love the depth at which we see Daniel & Martin, our main protagonists. There is lots to find out about them, and more to come.
- The prose is superb. It reminded me a little bit of Dennis Lehane, although it is its own style. It has a bite to it that compels you to keep reading.
I enjoyed this book, however, I wish it were longer and more pondering? While the plot is twisty and fun, and the characters are all lying/hiding something, I think the strength really lies in the PI's Daniel & Martin and their relationship. I think that comes down to more of my preference than anything, because Carl Strom is a talented writer and this series will only get better with time. Read this if you want something with a bite!
July 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It was very well written and full of surprises. There were a variety of twists and turns in the story that kept me on my toes. I never knew what was going to happen next. I like stories like that and it was appropriate for a mystery thriller which this is. I thought that the private investigators were great characters because they were so real and genuine. They experienced fear but demonstrated courage which allowed them to do what needed to be done. The book was a good length which was not too long and not too short. I think it is wonderful that it is the beginning of a series. I definitely want to read more of these books and would love to review them too. There are several interesting and unique characters. The time aspect of the story is part of what makes the story exciting. I recommend this story for anyone who is a fan of mysteries, thrillers, and a series of books.
July 6, 2018
24 Hours! That's the amount of time given to Martin Brunner and his sidekick Daniel who always seems to say the wrong things at the wrong time to the wrong people. This is a very fun read filled with suspense and drama. You put down the book for a second and you will hurry right back because its suspense is too much. One of the greatest thing I liked about the author is how he brings each character to like and describes in details the environment and its emotions. So if you're looking for some Spiky Mohawk, a questionable ransom and a beautiful girl at stake and Brunner to the rescue, this is the book to read!
July 10, 2018
How can I start? Let's see...
This was an epic thriller!
I loved the way the author leads you to believe one thing right from the start, but then in the middle things start to become messy and your mind starts to explore new possibilities because you don't know what to expect at the end - at least that was what happened to me.
I really love being surprised and this really did blow my mind at the end, because WOW... what a twist!
A real page-turner that's what this book is! I highly recommend it.
This was an epic thriller!
I loved the way the author leads you to believe one thing right from the start, but then in the middle things start to become messy and your mind starts to explore new possibilities because you don't know what to expect at the end - at least that was what happened to me.
I really love being surprised and this really did blow my mind at the end, because WOW... what a twist!
A real page-turner that's what this book is! I highly recommend it.
July 11, 2018
I adored this book. I went from page 30 or 40, to page 109, and didn't realise I'd read so far. The characters are believable. I felt like I was missing parts of their backstory in places, but most of that got filled in - and for the pieces that didn't, I can only assume that those will be filled in during a later installment.
Martin's a hard-as detective, Daniel's a newcomer with a criminal past, and together, I think they make for a very volatile team - which leads to all kinds of dangerous situations. Well done on the author making the reading fun, and engaging at the same time.
Martin's a hard-as detective, Daniel's a newcomer with a criminal past, and together, I think they make for a very volatile team - which leads to all kinds of dangerous situations. Well done on the author making the reading fun, and engaging at the same time.
July 9, 2018
In the beginning, I did not have very high expectations for the book. However, I must say that it made me very interested later on. I read the book in 2 sittings. There were many twists and turns and there is constant action.
The story is very engaging and fast-paced. Before you know it, the main character is kidnapped and there is an investigative team trying to save her.
Truly amazing book, would recommend it to anyone that likes mystery thrillers.
The story is very engaging and fast-paced. Before you know it, the main character is kidnapped and there is an investigative team trying to save her.
Truly amazing book, would recommend it to anyone that likes mystery thrillers.
July 10, 2018
Fans of detective thrillers will not be disappointed by this book. It's written in a compellingly classic style, mimicking the greatest detective novels of all time while still maintaining originality.
The story unfolds slowly and compellingly, adding to the characters step by step, and setting the book in Sweden gave it a distinct atmosphere.
If this is a genre you enjoy, you'll probably wish the rest of the series had already been published once you reach the end of this first book.
The story unfolds slowly and compellingly, adding to the characters step by step, and setting the book in Sweden gave it a distinct atmosphere.
If this is a genre you enjoy, you'll probably wish the rest of the series had already been published once you reach the end of this first book.
July 7, 2018
This book is a true thriller to it's core, a real page turner that once started you can't put down. The story line twists and leaves the reader guessing to the very end, a real edge of your seat thriller.
July 9, 2018
Really enjoyed this book. Read in one sitting and am looking forward to the rest of the series. I really liked the writing style .
February 2, 2019
Just very poorly written
What a waste of $4. Read it in an hour. Nothing to it. Little plot or character development. He’s got a long way to go.
What a waste of $4. Read it in an hour. Nothing to it. Little plot or character development. He’s got a long way to go.
August 1, 2018
This book was awesome, its a book that catch your attention and time.. when I started reading I get involved in the book and my reactions were like: "Oh my God what´s going to happen?? " "No, no no don´t do that" or "why did you do that??"
The book has strong characters and original ideas, even thought I don´t like this kind of books, I love this one.. In the past I tried to read this kind of genre and I wasn´t available to finish it, and I was afraid when I started to read because I hate to leave a book unfinish.. but this one was different. I had the desire to finish it.. was the same feeling when I read one of my favorite books.
With this book you never imagen what´s next, the only negative point and for this reason I´m going to give 4 of 5 stars is that at the beginning is a little bit confuse.. about who is talking and who is exactly each character but is just at the beginning after the second chapter everything is awesome and clear..
I love it..
The book has strong characters and original ideas, even thought I don´t like this kind of books, I love this one.. In the past I tried to read this kind of genre and I wasn´t available to finish it, and I was afraid when I started to read because I hate to leave a book unfinish.. but this one was different. I had the desire to finish it.. was the same feeling when I read one of my favorite books.
With this book you never imagen what´s next, the only negative point and for this reason I´m going to give 4 of 5 stars is that at the beginning is a little bit confuse.. about who is talking and who is exactly each character but is just at the beginning after the second chapter everything is awesome and clear..
I love it..
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