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Raylan Givens #4
Raylan Goes to Detroit
After an altercation with his superiors in Harlan County, Kentucky, Deputy US Marshal, Raylan Givens is offered two choices. He can either retire or finish his career on the fugitive task force in the crime-ridden precincts of Detroit.
Acting on a tip, Raylan and his new partner, deputy marshal Bobby Torres arrest Jose Rindo, a destructive and violent criminal. Rindo is also being pursued by the FBI who arrive shortly after he is in custody. Raylan bumps heads with a beautiful FBI agent named Nora Sanchez, who wants Rindo for the murder of a one of their own.
When Rindo, escapes from the county jail and is arrested in Ohio, Raylan and FBI Special Agent Sanchez drive south to pick up the fugitive and bring him back to stand trial. Later, when Rindo escapes again, Raylan and Nora―still at odds―are reunited and follow the elusive fugitive's trail across Arizona to El Centro, California and into Mexico where they have no jurisdiction or authority. How are they going to bring Rindo, a Mexican citizen, across the border without anyone knowing?
Raylan Goes to Detroit is an exciting continuation of one of Elmore Leonard’s greatest heroes, an edge-of-your-seat, page-turner in the spirit of Elmore’s classic Raylan books.
Acting on a tip, Raylan and his new partner, deputy marshal Bobby Torres arrest Jose Rindo, a destructive and violent criminal. Rindo is also being pursued by the FBI who arrive shortly after he is in custody. Raylan bumps heads with a beautiful FBI agent named Nora Sanchez, who wants Rindo for the murder of a one of their own.
When Rindo, escapes from the county jail and is arrested in Ohio, Raylan and FBI Special Agent Sanchez drive south to pick up the fugitive and bring him back to stand trial. Later, when Rindo escapes again, Raylan and Nora―still at odds―are reunited and follow the elusive fugitive's trail across Arizona to El Centro, California and into Mexico where they have no jurisdiction or authority. How are they going to bring Rindo, a Mexican citizen, across the border without anyone knowing?
Raylan Goes to Detroit is an exciting continuation of one of Elmore Leonard’s greatest heroes, an edge-of-your-seat, page-turner in the spirit of Elmore’s classic Raylan books.
247 pages, Hardcover
First published September 18, 2018
92 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
Peter Leonard
50 books93 followersSon of Elmore Leonard.
Peter Leonard lives in Birmingham, Michigan with his wife and four children. He is a partner in the ad agency Leonard, Mayer & Tocco, Inc.
Peter Leonard lives in Birmingham, Michigan with his wife and four children. He is a partner in the ad agency Leonard, Mayer & Tocco, Inc.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 22, 2019
I read this with some trepidation since it's written by Elmore's son, Peter. In my experience, the children of authors rarely measure up to their parents (e.g., Zelazny, King, Herbert). It's also rare for another author to take over a character & do as well, so this had 2 strikes going in, but I have to say Peter came closer to the mark than most.
This wasn't a huge disappointment, but there was an edge lacking. Elmore was great at packing a lot of emotion & action into a very few words. He used a few well chosen words to evoke my imagination that made the scene quite rich, yet flow quickly. Peter doesn't quite do that. He kept the scenes short, but often at the expense of fully painting them properly.
The story dragged on a little too long, too. I know the slippery nature of the bad guy & Raylan's dogging him was part of the plot, but it happened once too often for me. It was good, but didn't provide the kick that Elmore managed to elicit.
Overall, close, but no cigar. Still, I'm glad I read it. At least Raylan didn't step out of character. It was also well narrated, so I don't mind recommending this to fans of 'Justified' or the other Raylan stories.
This wasn't a huge disappointment, but there was an edge lacking. Elmore was great at packing a lot of emotion & action into a very few words. He used a few well chosen words to evoke my imagination that made the scene quite rich, yet flow quickly. Peter doesn't quite do that. He kept the scenes short, but often at the expense of fully painting them properly.
The story dragged on a little too long, too. I know the slippery nature of the bad guy & Raylan's dogging him was part of the plot, but it happened once too often for me. It was good, but didn't provide the kick that Elmore managed to elicit.
Overall, close, but no cigar. Still, I'm glad I read it. At least Raylan didn't step out of character. It was also well narrated, so I don't mind recommending this to fans of 'Justified' or the other Raylan stories.
March 23, 2025
This was a good one! Fun and exciting all the way through. Peter Leonard writes just as well as his dad. Had I not known ahead of time this was written by Peter Leonard, I would have had no problem believing it was Elmore Leonard who wrote this. It was fun going through all the different locations in the story. Chasing bad guys from Detroit to Arizona to California to Mexico made for a wild ride with Raylan. I've enjoyed the character of Raylan throughout this entire series. I like that he always seems to keep his cool even in the hairiest of situations.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The entire series is awesome! Peter Leonard definitely did right by his dad with this one. I just might have to check out more of Peter's books going forward.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The entire series is awesome! Peter Leonard definitely did right by his dad with this one. I just might have to check out more of Peter's books going forward.
December 4, 2021
Raylan’s most thrilling adventure to date. The story serves as a handwritten love letter to the character, television show, and original novels. Fire in the Hole was a masterful short story that laid the groundwork for Justified, but Peter’s take on his father’s triumphed character is beyond impressive.
January 26, 2019
Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, hero of the "Justified" TV show and several Elmore Leonard stories and novels, lives on after his creator has passed. Elmore Leonard's son, Peter, continues Raylan's story in "Raylan Goes to Detroit." Not the most exciting title, I'll grant you. But the book itself is pretty good.
Exiled to Detroit after things got too hot to handle in Kentucky, Raylan is pitted against serial fugitive Jose Rindo. Rindo is a drug kingpin who keeps managing to escape custody--leaving bodies in his wake...and selfies all over social media. The lawmen Rindo can't bribe can expect visits from cartel assassins.
Raylan ends up partnered with an uptight young Latina FBI agent who has a personal grudge against Rindo. And some of the ne'er-do-well Crowe family get involved, however accidentally, in Raylan's struggle with Rindo and the cartel assassins.
I appreciated what I felt to be a more serious, no-nonsense tone to the younger Leonard's work, compared to his father's. For me, as a reader, Elmore Leonard sometimes veered off a little too far into the absurd. His son doesn't seem to have that inclination. I definitely approve. While the writing here is laconic to the point of terse at times, the material is still well-served by the hard-boiled and boiled-down prose.
While I would have enjoyed a bit more violence and a lot more sex--"Raylan Goes to Detroit" is a solid read and a treat for this "Justified" fan.
Exiled to Detroit after things got too hot to handle in Kentucky, Raylan is pitted against serial fugitive Jose Rindo. Rindo is a drug kingpin who keeps managing to escape custody--leaving bodies in his wake...and selfies all over social media. The lawmen Rindo can't bribe can expect visits from cartel assassins.
Raylan ends up partnered with an uptight young Latina FBI agent who has a personal grudge against Rindo. And some of the ne'er-do-well Crowe family get involved, however accidentally, in Raylan's struggle with Rindo and the cartel assassins.
I appreciated what I felt to be a more serious, no-nonsense tone to the younger Leonard's work, compared to his father's. For me, as a reader, Elmore Leonard sometimes veered off a little too far into the absurd. His son doesn't seem to have that inclination. I definitely approve. While the writing here is laconic to the point of terse at times, the material is still well-served by the hard-boiled and boiled-down prose.
While I would have enjoyed a bit more violence and a lot more sex--"Raylan Goes to Detroit" is a solid read and a treat for this "Justified" fan.
September 1, 2023
It doesn't feel like Elmore Leonard (a lot less humor), but Peter is a hell of a writer in his own right. I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I hope Peter decides to do more of these. The world could always use more Raylan Givens.
June 8, 2024
the way that this was just a 38 chapter raylan nora slow burn fanfic lmao but i loved it
April 16, 2025
I was worried this book would be bad since it’s written by the son but I was pleasantly surprised. It has a good villain and fits well into the Raylan Givens series.
May 8, 2019
fun plot but not as interesting or complex as Elmore's
October 7, 2024
I don’t know why publishers think the child can capture the work of parent as well. That is if the child even wrote it. I know of a few cases where they are in name only to help sell the next book. In this case it’s a close Raylan story but wasn’t as tight as Elmore original work. It’s worth a read if you like Raylan but he wasn’t quite Raylan.
February 23, 2020
I don't remember his dad being sexist and racist. Had to quit reading.
October 1, 2018
The character of Raylan Givens was a wonderful creation of Elmore Leonard - Elmore Leonard's work on the TV show, 'Justified' also brought the Raylan character to new heights. This book, by Elmore's son Peter Leonard doesn't really move the Raylan character anywhere - its a pretty standard police drama about Raylan bringing a fugitive to justice - Raylan is a Deputy U.S. Marshal and its his role to find fugitives - and that's what this book is about - finding a fugitive. I'm glad that Peter didn't try and copy his dad's writing style - and, it may be unfair to compare Peter Leonard's writing style to that of his father but, Elmore made the words dance - his descriptions of events and the character's speaking style were vivid and unmistakable. I'm afraid that this book is just 'ok' - -
March 1, 2019
I believe I've read every Elmore Leonard thriller and Peter's voice is identical to his father's. This is a stand alone story using Marshall Raylan Givens as the main character. Raylan behaves exactly as you would expect him to. This doesn't mean the story is predictable, it isn't. Like with any Leonard book, you don't really care where you're going, you're just glad to be along for the ride. Peter Leonard deserves more praise for his work. I've also read every one of his novels and he is a terrific writer. If you like thrillers, you'll love this novel.
December 10, 2022
No Elmore Leonard Raylon
Book lacked character development and any nuance to the storyline. It read more like something punched out fast.
Not something I recommend...especially to someone familiar with the Taylor nivels.
Book lacked character development and any nuance to the storyline. It read more like something punched out fast.
Not something I recommend...especially to someone familiar with the Taylor nivels.
March 6, 2022
A pale imitation of the originals. Played almost like a tribute to the better prior stories.
July 23, 2023
Raylan goes to Detroit, which is a good book overall. It has all the trappings of a good Elmore Leonard novel but none of the wry charm that was innate to Leonard. Peter Leonard does his best, but it reads more like skillful fan fiction than the real thing.
Raylan Givens is back on the hunt in this tale of the lawman chasing down a criminal who is good at escaping from jails he is put in. I am reminded of the bandit charm of Jack Foley from Out of Sight when I try to put a finger on what this tale lacks. In out of sight, you rooted for the criminals and the cops. Raylan goes to Detroit, and we don't root for the criminal Rindo. He's just heartless scum who we want to see get his. In RGtD, Rindo cuts a path of violence and death through Columbus, Detroit, Mexico City, and finally, Mexico. While the novel moves through set pieces and interesting experiences, it's hard not to feel like something is missing. The characters talk kind of like Leonard's slick dialog but miss the mark frequently. It felt more like a pale imitation than the real thing. The lawman sections are mostly plot exposition and lack the subtlety and wit of Elmores banter. Most of the dialog is forgettable.
I chalk my disappointment up to Peter Leonard being a younger author than his more seasoned father. While all of the Leonard hallmarks are here, you can stand this novel next to Elmores early stuff like 3:10 to Yuma and still see where the father outshines the son.
The girl Friday, Nora Sanchez, in the novel, is a hotshot FBI agent who lacks the charm of the typical Elmore flame. She is capable but forgettable overall. She is not nearly as fully drawn out as so many of the women in Elmore's cataloge. Peter even makes the mistake of knocking her out for the last few chapters, something his father usually avoided in favor of giving the women a bit more agency, or at least a shot at a good quip or two before they walk off into the sunset.
Overall, I can't say whether you should read this one or not. It's a decent time, but it's disappointing if you are expecting anything near a classic Elmore tale. Even the title doesn't feel like the Elmore I know. He would have called the book the Escapist, or something way cooler than "Raylan goes to Detroit," which feels like a committee named it to boost sales.
Raylan Givens is back on the hunt in this tale of the lawman chasing down a criminal who is good at escaping from jails he is put in. I am reminded of the bandit charm of Jack Foley from Out of Sight when I try to put a finger on what this tale lacks. In out of sight, you rooted for the criminals and the cops. Raylan goes to Detroit, and we don't root for the criminal Rindo. He's just heartless scum who we want to see get his. In RGtD, Rindo cuts a path of violence and death through Columbus, Detroit, Mexico City, and finally, Mexico. While the novel moves through set pieces and interesting experiences, it's hard not to feel like something is missing. The characters talk kind of like Leonard's slick dialog but miss the mark frequently. It felt more like a pale imitation than the real thing. The lawman sections are mostly plot exposition and lack the subtlety and wit of Elmores banter. Most of the dialog is forgettable.
I chalk my disappointment up to Peter Leonard being a younger author than his more seasoned father. While all of the Leonard hallmarks are here, you can stand this novel next to Elmores early stuff like 3:10 to Yuma and still see where the father outshines the son.
The girl Friday, Nora Sanchez, in the novel, is a hotshot FBI agent who lacks the charm of the typical Elmore flame. She is capable but forgettable overall. She is not nearly as fully drawn out as so many of the women in Elmore's cataloge. Peter even makes the mistake of knocking her out for the last few chapters, something his father usually avoided in favor of giving the women a bit more agency, or at least a shot at a good quip or two before they walk off into the sunset.
Overall, I can't say whether you should read this one or not. It's a decent time, but it's disappointing if you are expecting anything near a classic Elmore tale. Even the title doesn't feel like the Elmore I know. He would have called the book the Escapist, or something way cooler than "Raylan goes to Detroit," which feels like a committee named it to boost sales.
November 6, 2020
"Justified" is my favorite television series, and Raylan Givens is my favorite fictional character from the past decade. I've enjoyed "The Sopranos," and Walter White is a powerhouse figure, but "Justified" is the only televisions show I've rewatched in its entirety. Three times.
That being said, the Raylan on television isn't quite the Raylan on the page. Elmore Leonard brought him to life in a short story and a couple of books, but there were some differences. And as much as love Elmore, his last effort "Raylan," was just not good on any level.
But Elmore's son Peter has done something amazing and rare. He's improved upon the original and added to it. He's given fans of the character, the series, and his father something to really enjoy. There are too many examples when a different author takes on an established character and fails to pull it off . But that's not the case here.
This is a wonderful love letter to the criminal crawlspace where Elmore Leonard set so many of his stories. Raylan just doesn't go to Detroit. The chase for an escape artist fugitive takes him across the country and into Mexico. Wonderful hijinx ensue.
I highly recommend.
That being said, the Raylan on television isn't quite the Raylan on the page. Elmore Leonard brought him to life in a short story and a couple of books, but there were some differences. And as much as love Elmore, his last effort "Raylan," was just not good on any level.
But Elmore's son Peter has done something amazing and rare. He's improved upon the original and added to it. He's given fans of the character, the series, and his father something to really enjoy. There are too many examples when a different author takes on an established character and fails to pull it off . But that's not the case here.
This is a wonderful love letter to the criminal crawlspace where Elmore Leonard set so many of his stories. Raylan just doesn't go to Detroit. The chase for an escape artist fugitive takes him across the country and into Mexico. Wonderful hijinx ensue.
I highly recommend.
August 17, 2023
This book, despite its title, doesn't have much to do with Detroit. I'm a Raylan fan, having enjoyed his exploits in Justified and under Elmore Leonard's pen. Similar enjoyment prevails here. The initial hundred pages of the book are superb and lively. However, the subsequent content revolves around repetitive action set pieces. Raylan and Nora repeatedly catch up to Rindo, who commits further murders and eludes capture. This repetition becomes a recurring theme. The narrative is an easy read, but it feels as though it cycles endlessly. Had the focus been on Rindo's journey from Columbus to Detroit, the story would have been more satisfying. The portions set along the Mexican border feel disjointed from the overall narrative, almost like they belong to a separate book. I have a fondness for Raylan, but this story lacks focus. I'm hopeful that the forthcoming series adaptation will rectify this issue.
April 28, 2020
It was Raylan but it was an okay read.
This was the first Peter Leonard book I have picked up and I am a big fan of his dad. It's okay that he's not his dad and I kept reminding myself that it's not fair to expect him to write in the same way. He did well enough and was true to the character Raylan that his father created so Raylan fans will appreciate that.
I thought he did some research well and other things were just wrong (the Western Michigan Mustangs, really?) For an author that I'm trying out for the first time and for the tremendous sense of place that Elmore wrote with it was distracting. It was also distracting for me because I had a hard time with the legacy. The style was a little different, it doesn't make it a bad book by any means and for those who like Raylan you should enjoy a well paced read with a character that still wears the Stetson.
This was the first Peter Leonard book I have picked up and I am a big fan of his dad. It's okay that he's not his dad and I kept reminding myself that it's not fair to expect him to write in the same way. He did well enough and was true to the character Raylan that his father created so Raylan fans will appreciate that.
I thought he did some research well and other things were just wrong (the Western Michigan Mustangs, really?) For an author that I'm trying out for the first time and for the tremendous sense of place that Elmore wrote with it was distracting. It was also distracting for me because I had a hard time with the legacy. The style was a little different, it doesn't make it a bad book by any means and for those who like Raylan you should enjoy a well paced read with a character that still wears the Stetson.
May 10, 2022
I grabbed this from the Elmore Leonard shelf at our library and thought it was a Raylan book I had never read. I was so excited. But then I realized it was written by his son Peter, not Elmore. I was expecting to be disappointed. But surprisingly, I was not! This is a very good book with much of the feel of the original. The Raylan character seems a bit more laid back than the tense one Elmore writes about. And the relationship between the woman FBI agent and Raylan seems a little out of character, but overall I enjoyed it!
March 12, 2019
Justified Fans Rejoice
Peter Leonard hit this one out of the park. I’m a long time Elmore Leonard fan and have read all of his books at least once. I’ve been a Raylan Givens fan since I read Elmore’s short story “Fire in the hole”. I’ve also seen every episode of Justified (watch it on demand). Peter Leonard has captured Raylan Givens perfectly and his other characters are well developed as well. I really hope that this book leads to a renewal of Justified!!
Peter Leonard hit this one out of the park. I’m a long time Elmore Leonard fan and have read all of his books at least once. I’ve been a Raylan Givens fan since I read Elmore’s short story “Fire in the hole”. I’ve also seen every episode of Justified (watch it on demand). Peter Leonard has captured Raylan Givens perfectly and his other characters are well developed as well. I really hope that this book leads to a renewal of Justified!!
June 14, 2019
Deputy US Marshall Raylan B. Givens, as I live and breathe, is back. Peter Leonard carry’s on his Dad’s legacy in a can’t put down new Raylan story. I only gave it 4 Stars because the reader of the Audiobook almost but just didn’t quite nail the characters. Be that as it may, I devoured the book and immediately went looking for more Peter Leonard. I hope another Raylan is in the works. Enjoy, JSW.
April 22, 2021
It's a decent story, plenty of action and good pacing, but Peter Leonard has much to learn before he can step into his father's footsteps. The plot's fine and the characters are ok, but the Raylan in this book just doesn't measure up. The dialog is ok but not razor sharp as I was hoping, since that's a big part of the attraction to Elmore Leonard's books.
This is good enough to have hope so I will definitely read another if Peter writes one.
This is good enough to have hope so I will definitely read another if Peter writes one.
January 4, 2019
This was a very welcome addition to the Leonard library. I have read every book written by Elmore and Peter, and they are seamless in terms of plot, characters, and dialog. Also, having watched every episode of "Justified" (multiple times), made this novel come alive. I hope Peter is as prolific as his father was, and that we get to read more about Raylan!
May 29, 2020
I didn't realize until a couple of weeks ago that Peter Leonard picked up on his father's Raylan series and wrote this book. While it would be totally unfair to compare Peter's writing to his father's, he definitely shows that the apple did not fall far from the tree. I was happy to discover this book and really enjoyed it. I hope he continues writing this series.
October 19, 2018
A real treat for fans of the author's father, Elmore Leonard, and his creation of the straight-shooting U.S. Marshall. This time Raylan tracks down a drug dealer who has as many ways to escape as he does dopey criminal pals. The dialogue is crisp and the characters real. A fun read.
November 18, 2018
Raylan goes to Detroit ... then promptly leaves it in a cat and mouse chase through Ohio, Arizona, and Mexico. Pretty run-of-the-mill chase stuff. I prefer Elmore Leonard's sympathetic scoundrels to Peter's simple white hat chases down bad dude saga.
March 18, 2019
Vintage Raylan
Peter Leonard does a great job breathing life into his father's character. It's like discovering an Elmore Leonard novel I missed along the way. This may be the last we hear from Raylan.
Peter Leonard does a great job breathing life into his father's character. It's like discovering an Elmore Leonard novel I missed along the way. This may be the last we hear from Raylan.
October 13, 2019
Exhilarating
Blood pumping action and suspense. Raglan is clear and concise. He's effective and always has a plan. He won't pull his gun unless he plans to pull the trigger, this happens a lot. Great read!
Blood pumping action and suspense. Raglan is clear and concise. He's effective and always has a plan. He won't pull his gun unless he plans to pull the trigger, this happens a lot. Great read!
October 16, 2019
A great book for "Justified" fans and Elmore Leonard fans.
I truly enjoyed this "Raylan" novel. Peter Leonard is a wonderful writer, like his father, Elmore Leonard. His father would be proud of this story. Loved it!
I truly enjoyed this "Raylan" novel. Peter Leonard is a wonderful writer, like his father, Elmore Leonard. His father would be proud of this story. Loved it!
July 9, 2021
This is a solid Raylan story. Nothing magical, but it has the right tone and speed. Moves along, over in a couple hundred pages, good guys win. Justified was better than any of the books, but EL was great, and his son delivers just fine here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews