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Buddy Steel #3
Wild Card
When San Remo County Acting Sheriff Buddy Steel is deputized by the California Coastal Commission to investigate a reclusive Russian billionaire who has repeatedly violated state law by obstructing public access to his vast beachfront property, he makes a shocking discovery. And learns that the politicos, some with a history of corruption, some just chicken, will not back up enforcement.
This makes Buddy, a former LAPD cop dragged home by his Sheriff father's ALS diagnosis to "temporarily" head the department, dig in his heels and face down the Russian's imported goon squad. It can and will get uglier.
At the same time a string of random murders in the county's normally sleepy town of Freedom, a wealthy enclave up the coast from Los Angeles, places the Sheriff's Department on high alert as it seeks to apprehend a serial killer whose crimes are so perfectly executed they leave no forensic evidence.
Buddy enlists an old adversary in his war with the Russian. She's a legal shark from L.A., a savvy negotiator—and former lover. He needs to carry this fight to court. And he needs more backup—from the Sheriff's Department staff, not the Sheriff, who resists being sidelined. Nor Freedom's mayor, Buddy's stepmother.
Unconventional and meticulously obtuse in his methodology, wild card cynic Buddy Steel barrels his way through the myriad obstacles that defy him. He may not want the job but his quest for serving the law is relentless.
This makes Buddy, a former LAPD cop dragged home by his Sheriff father's ALS diagnosis to "temporarily" head the department, dig in his heels and face down the Russian's imported goon squad. It can and will get uglier.
At the same time a string of random murders in the county's normally sleepy town of Freedom, a wealthy enclave up the coast from Los Angeles, places the Sheriff's Department on high alert as it seeks to apprehend a serial killer whose crimes are so perfectly executed they leave no forensic evidence.
Buddy enlists an old adversary in his war with the Russian. She's a legal shark from L.A., a savvy negotiator—and former lover. He needs to carry this fight to court. And he needs more backup—from the Sheriff's Department staff, not the Sheriff, who resists being sidelined. Nor Freedom's mayor, Buddy's stepmother.
Unconventional and meticulously obtuse in his methodology, wild card cynic Buddy Steel barrels his way through the myriad obstacles that defy him. He may not want the job but his quest for serving the law is relentless.
248 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2019
35 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Michael Brandman
16 books156 followersMichael Brandman is an acclaimed novelist, screenwriter, and motion picture & television producer.
His Jesse Stone novels, KILLING THE BLUES, FOOL ME TWICE, and DAMNED IF YOU DO, each based on characters created by the late Robert B. Parker, are all New York Times best sellers.
Together with Tom Selleck, he has written and produced nine Jesse Stone films for television, the tenth of which will premiere in the Spring of 2019.
His new series of Buddy Steel mystery novels debuted in 2017 with MISSING PERSONS. The second book in the series, ONE ON ONE, made its debut in August. WILD CARD, the third in the series, will be released in April, 2019.
He has produced more than forty motion pictures, including works by Tom Stoppard, Arthur Miller, Neil Simon, David Mamet, Elmore Leonard, Louis L'Amour, and Stephen Sondheim.
He lives in Los Angeles and is married to the award winning actress, Joanna Miles. He is the father of two sons.
(source: Amazon)
His Jesse Stone novels, KILLING THE BLUES, FOOL ME TWICE, and DAMNED IF YOU DO, each based on characters created by the late Robert B. Parker, are all New York Times best sellers.
Together with Tom Selleck, he has written and produced nine Jesse Stone films for television, the tenth of which will premiere in the Spring of 2019.
His new series of Buddy Steel mystery novels debuted in 2017 with MISSING PERSONS. The second book in the series, ONE ON ONE, made its debut in August. WILD CARD, the third in the series, will be released in April, 2019.
He has produced more than forty motion pictures, including works by Tom Stoppard, Arthur Miller, Neil Simon, David Mamet, Elmore Leonard, Louis L'Amour, and Stephen Sondheim.
He lives in Los Angeles and is married to the award winning actress, Joanna Miles. He is the father of two sons.
(source: Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 19, 2019
What a ride. Great story and fantastic storytelling by Michael Brandman. Thank you #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for this eARC of Wild Card the third book about Buddy Steel covering as sheriff for his ill father in Freedom. I have to get the other two books in this series, I don't know how I could miss them. I have read every single Jesse Stone Brandman has written. I love the language and humor in both series and I think that is why it appeals to me so much. Don't miss this author or his work.
April 19, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advance copy of Wild Card, the third novel to feature acting Sheriff Buddy Steel, set in the fictional Californian town of Freedom.
Buddy has been called home to Freedom to help his ill father, Sheriff Burton Steel, from his real job as an LAPD homicide detective. He doesn’t particularly enjoy it but he soon has his hands full hunting a serial killer and enforcing rights of way on behalf of the Californian Coastal Commission against a recalcitrant Russian oligarch.
I thoroughly enjoyed Wild Card which is a short, amusing tale of Buddy’s adventures. It is a straightforward telling of Buddy’s strategies to get a result, in that there are few twists or roadblocks. This could be interpreted as no depth but it would do Mr Brandman a disservice as the strategies are bold, almost outrageous and in the case of the Russian highly amusing. The point seems to be the unfairness of life for the well off who seem to assume that high priced lawyers and litigation will win at every turn. Being an avid consumer of Washington politics at the moment this assumption seems to me to be true so it’s great fun to see Buddy outmanoeuvre them, if less credible!
Buddy Steel is a great character and I always look forward to spending time with him. His banter is amusing, he’s smart and dedicated, if not downright obstinate, and highly moral. The events in this novel take a toll on him so I hope that he will overcome his angst and come back for more mayhem.
Wild Card is a slim, lighthearted read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Buddy has been called home to Freedom to help his ill father, Sheriff Burton Steel, from his real job as an LAPD homicide detective. He doesn’t particularly enjoy it but he soon has his hands full hunting a serial killer and enforcing rights of way on behalf of the Californian Coastal Commission against a recalcitrant Russian oligarch.
I thoroughly enjoyed Wild Card which is a short, amusing tale of Buddy’s adventures. It is a straightforward telling of Buddy’s strategies to get a result, in that there are few twists or roadblocks. This could be interpreted as no depth but it would do Mr Brandman a disservice as the strategies are bold, almost outrageous and in the case of the Russian highly amusing. The point seems to be the unfairness of life for the well off who seem to assume that high priced lawyers and litigation will win at every turn. Being an avid consumer of Washington politics at the moment this assumption seems to me to be true so it’s great fun to see Buddy outmanoeuvre them, if less credible!
Buddy Steel is a great character and I always look forward to spending time with him. His banter is amusing, he’s smart and dedicated, if not downright obstinate, and highly moral. The events in this novel take a toll on him so I hope that he will overcome his angst and come back for more mayhem.
Wild Card is a slim, lighthearted read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
June 25, 2020
Sheriff Buddy Steel does it his way
An hour long tv police drama similar to Magnum P.I. or Hawaii Five-O set in northern California.
A well told no nonsense book. Brandman’s style of writing is filled with sarcasm, humor, brief dialogue, and action that will keep you cheering for Buddy as he hunts one of Vladimir Putin's soldiers and a serial killer.
He solves things his way. Regrets, he's had a few but to few to mention. He did what he had to do and saw it through with an integrity that couldn't be compromised.
Once again comfort food made from scratch. Good fun with the boys.
An hour long tv police drama similar to Magnum P.I. or Hawaii Five-O set in northern California.
A well told no nonsense book. Brandman’s style of writing is filled with sarcasm, humor, brief dialogue, and action that will keep you cheering for Buddy as he hunts one of Vladimir Putin's soldiers and a serial killer.
He solves things his way. Regrets, he's had a few but to few to mention. He did what he had to do and saw it through with an integrity that couldn't be compromised.
Once again comfort food made from scratch. Good fun with the boys.
May 3, 2019
“Wild Card” by Michael Brandman is book three in the "Buddy Steel Mystery. Brandman shares background material with readers so even those new to the series will have any needed information within the context of the current book. The story opens with a shocking crime for a small California town. A woman’s body is found slumped over the steering wheel of a late-model Mercedes. A bullet fired through the driver’s side window results in splattered glass, bone, and matter throughout the interior. Freedom, California has a serial killer on the loose. This is a police procedure in a first person narrative, and the sheriff introduces himself.
Buddy’s casual conversations set the tone of the book and allow readers to easily follow along as the plot advances. Readers hear what Buddy hears and see what he sees. “Traffic had been diverted away from the site which was causing backups and delays. I inched my way there with my finger on the siren trigger, sporadically blasting it as a signal to complacent drivers to move out of my way.” Buddy’s chatty style gives readers insight into his personality and sense of humor. “I’m hearing you have your hands full.” “You could say that, yes.” “What do you think?” “I think I’d rather not have my hands full.” His thoughts, strategies, and problem solving are revealed each step of the way. Buddy wants to oversee, guide, and maintain control of everything and everyone. While taking charge of some things can make him a target, in other cases, since he has “no skin in this game” he is “a wild card” and can maneuver more freely. After all, he says, “I’m a Sheriff. I know everything.”
Brandman paints a realistic picture of Buddy’s life including the small town’s comfortable state of mind along with the burden of its politics. “But it’s days like this… days when I wake up and realize that what I’m facing is the kind of mind-numbing tedium that inhibits ingenuity and saps energy.” Readers get the inside look at Buddy’s outlook on life, and his feel for his job. “My focus as an LAPD homicide detective was sharply defined, whereas that of a County Sheriff is all over the map.” Buddy has jurisdiction over everything from public beach access and coastal preservation to political corruption, drug running, bribery, and the unusual murders. Of course, Buddy must not forget about the Russians who think everyone is for sale. Brandman fully develops each story line and intertwines intrigue with everyday activities.
Brandman’s vivid descriptions bring out the character of the town and the land.
“Wild Card” was quick to read and very enjoyable. I was given a review copy of “Wild Card” by Michael Brandman, Poisoned Pen Press, and Ingram Publisher Services. I like this series it is not just a “formula” series. Brandman moves both friends and family along in the storyline. In the end, Buddy questions his past, his present, and his future, but finds no easy answers. “When I agreed to come here I had no idea what I was in for.” Will he return to San Remo County? “It’s likely. But not certain.” I cannot wait to see where the next chapter in Buddy’s life takes him.
“I’m Buddy Steel, by the way. Actually, Burton Steel, Junior. But I prefer Buddy. I’m the nominal Sheriff of San Remo County, serving under my father, guarding the fort, so to speak, while he battles a serious illness.”
Buddy’s casual conversations set the tone of the book and allow readers to easily follow along as the plot advances. Readers hear what Buddy hears and see what he sees. “Traffic had been diverted away from the site which was causing backups and delays. I inched my way there with my finger on the siren trigger, sporadically blasting it as a signal to complacent drivers to move out of my way.” Buddy’s chatty style gives readers insight into his personality and sense of humor. “I’m hearing you have your hands full.” “You could say that, yes.” “What do you think?” “I think I’d rather not have my hands full.” His thoughts, strategies, and problem solving are revealed each step of the way. Buddy wants to oversee, guide, and maintain control of everything and everyone. While taking charge of some things can make him a target, in other cases, since he has “no skin in this game” he is “a wild card” and can maneuver more freely. After all, he says, “I’m a Sheriff. I know everything.”
Brandman paints a realistic picture of Buddy’s life including the small town’s comfortable state of mind along with the burden of its politics. “But it’s days like this… days when I wake up and realize that what I’m facing is the kind of mind-numbing tedium that inhibits ingenuity and saps energy.” Readers get the inside look at Buddy’s outlook on life, and his feel for his job. “My focus as an LAPD homicide detective was sharply defined, whereas that of a County Sheriff is all over the map.” Buddy has jurisdiction over everything from public beach access and coastal preservation to political corruption, drug running, bribery, and the unusual murders. Of course, Buddy must not forget about the Russians who think everyone is for sale. Brandman fully develops each story line and intertwines intrigue with everyday activities.
Brandman’s vivid descriptions bring out the character of the town and the land.
“The lengthy shoreline was an erratic blend of small inlets, hidden coves, massive dunes, stretches of immaculate beachfront, and a mansion the size of a small country. It was reached by a palm tree-lined beachfront road that abutted the coast, separated from it by eight-foot-tall wrought iron fencing with barbed wire strung along the top.”
“Wild Card” was quick to read and very enjoyable. I was given a review copy of “Wild Card” by Michael Brandman, Poisoned Pen Press, and Ingram Publisher Services. I like this series it is not just a “formula” series. Brandman moves both friends and family along in the storyline. In the end, Buddy questions his past, his present, and his future, but finds no easy answers. “When I agreed to come here I had no idea what I was in for.” Will he return to San Remo County? “It’s likely. But not certain.” I cannot wait to see where the next chapter in Buddy’s life takes him.
May 20, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable!
June 6, 2019
Wildcard – Michael Brandman
I was fortunate to receive this book as an Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an objective review.
It’s Monday, and Buddy Steel is trying to catch up on his reports when he receives a call from his dispatcher requesting his presence at a scene. Upon his arrival, he finds that a young woman has been shot while sitting in her car. No apparent motive can be ascertained.
Meanwhile, the California Coastal Commission is enlisting Buddy’s assistance with another matter. It seems that a reclusive Russian with reported film interests in Hollywood, also has an interest in privacy, to the detriment of public access points to the beach, which he has boarded up and guarded, despite a law to the contrary. The Russian, Boris Petrov, supposedly a pal of Putin, has a reputation for getting his way…but he’s never met the likes of Buddy…
Then a second woman is found murdered, shot to death like the first one, and shortly after that, a third. With a serial killer taking aim at Freedom, Buddy finds himself trying to head up both investigations…and enlists the aid of young attorney named Jordyn, a former lover, to take on Boris Petrov, as he looks for a remorseless killer – a killer who is much too close to home…
Filled with suspense, action, witty characters, and more than a few surprises, Buddy’s latest adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat, and then longing for more….
I cannot wait for the next Buddy Steel installment!!
I was fortunate to receive this book as an Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an objective review.
It’s Monday, and Buddy Steel is trying to catch up on his reports when he receives a call from his dispatcher requesting his presence at a scene. Upon his arrival, he finds that a young woman has been shot while sitting in her car. No apparent motive can be ascertained.
Meanwhile, the California Coastal Commission is enlisting Buddy’s assistance with another matter. It seems that a reclusive Russian with reported film interests in Hollywood, also has an interest in privacy, to the detriment of public access points to the beach, which he has boarded up and guarded, despite a law to the contrary. The Russian, Boris Petrov, supposedly a pal of Putin, has a reputation for getting his way…but he’s never met the likes of Buddy…
Then a second woman is found murdered, shot to death like the first one, and shortly after that, a third. With a serial killer taking aim at Freedom, Buddy finds himself trying to head up both investigations…and enlists the aid of young attorney named Jordyn, a former lover, to take on Boris Petrov, as he looks for a remorseless killer – a killer who is much too close to home…
Filled with suspense, action, witty characters, and more than a few surprises, Buddy’s latest adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat, and then longing for more….
I cannot wait for the next Buddy Steel installment!!
December 30, 2019
Very breezy read but not terribly interesting. Buddy Steel (whose name sounds like a parody of Jesse Stone, another character the book flap tells me the author writes) is a wish fulfillment character who easily bests any adversary. Women beg to sleep with him. He's a reluctant hero that doesn't have time for politics, blah blah blah.
This book has an A and B plot but neither takes any unexpected turns—or, really, any turns at all. Still, the chapters are short and the dialogue snappy so the book ends before you have time to mind.
This book has an A and B plot but neither takes any unexpected turns—or, really, any turns at all. Still, the chapters are short and the dialogue snappy so the book ends before you have time to mind.
May 14, 2019
An amazing third novel with Buddy Steel Jr. as “interim” Sheriff of Freedom in San Remo County. Buddy is assisting his father who is actually the Sheriff, but is suffering from ALS. Buddy is a no-nonsense cop who left his job with LAPD Homicide in order to assist his father. He has been ordered by the California Coastal Commission to reopen the beach land near a mansion owned by a wealthy Russian. The owner has fenced off the beach and has hired “thugs” to patrol the land. When Buddy decides to do something, he goes all out, is effective and doesn’t worry about making enemies in the process. A series of murders soon happen in Freedom, leaving no clues. Who could be targeting strangers in the middle of the day and in the town? When Buddy needs legal help, he brings in a friend of his, Jordyn Yates, a kick ass lawyer and his former lover. As Buddy and his small group of deputies work to solve the murders, Buddy learns more about the Russian’s dealings and takes action as only Buddy can. What a ride! I love Mr. Brandman’s style of writing…sarcasm, humor, brief dialog and action that will keep you cheering for Buddy as he solves things his way. Mr. Brandman has written some of the Robert B. Parker “Jesse Stone” novels and he is one of my all-time favorite authors. A fast action and thoroughly enjoyable mystery! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
May 31, 2019
Wild Card is the third in the Buddy Steel series by Hollywood writer Michael Brandman who, has written New York Times bestsellers in the Robert B. Parker Jesse Stone series and written the screen play for Jesse Stone films starring Tom Selleck. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My opinion is my own,. This is my first reading of the authors work. I was quite impressed with his multi layers of plot and ability to bring the charcters to life. I love the witty repartee, the moral integrity of Buddy Steel and his sarcasm.
The action starts in a small California town with a shocking murder and the action takes off from there.
Buddy has returned home to his hometown as a Sheriff to care for his ailing Father and he is not happy about his situation.
He battles a Russian who refuses to follow American laws without compromise and humor., He seeks out the killer with his sharp skills as the plot deepens. He soon has a serial killer case that is giving him headaches as the town demands answers. Many layers of personalities enter into his investigation and I enjoy the likable charcters this author creates. I will definitely be reading more of his work.
A good interesting read with humor, witty dialogue, and plenty of action . He does not suffer fools and does things with his own morals applied to each and every investigation. I love the charcter of Buddy and appreciate his realistic outlook on life. A fun read that I highly recommend.
The action starts in a small California town with a shocking murder and the action takes off from there.
Buddy has returned home to his hometown as a Sheriff to care for his ailing Father and he is not happy about his situation.
He battles a Russian who refuses to follow American laws without compromise and humor., He seeks out the killer with his sharp skills as the plot deepens. He soon has a serial killer case that is giving him headaches as the town demands answers. Many layers of personalities enter into his investigation and I enjoy the likable charcters this author creates. I will definitely be reading more of his work.
A good interesting read with humor, witty dialogue, and plenty of action . He does not suffer fools and does things with his own morals applied to each and every investigation. I love the charcter of Buddy and appreciate his realistic outlook on life. A fun read that I highly recommend.
June 12, 2019
Fun read. Brandman writes interesting books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2019
Good quick solid novel. Why do we run? When is it time to do things for yourself! Trying to take down a drug ring has never been so complicated- Russians paying you off or for inside information...Buddy Steel takes his role as Sheriff seriously - he's fine being the bad guy in town.
May 5, 2019
Buddy Steele is a big town cop come home to small town America to run the county Sheriff's department because his dad, the Sheriff, has ALS. A murder in Freedom, however, diverts him from his latest effort- investigating a Russian billionaire despoiling the area while denying access to the beach-and then there's another one. Brandman packs a lot of plot into a fairly slim novel but note that's partially because he has an economical style that gives you a lot for a little. Buddy, who narrates, is a hoot and a man of strong opinions. DOn't worry if you haven't read the earlier books- you'll be fine with this because you get enough background (but not too much for those who have). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to the next one.
July 12, 2019
Wild Card
By Michael Brandman
4 stars
Action thriller.
Buddy is an LAPD detective that has returned home to take on the sheriff's role while his father recovers from illness. He is suddenly hit with a serial killer on the loose as well as a Russian millionaire running a string of crimes. Things heap up as the Russian thugs get violent.
Buddy is a wild card, someone not looking for publicity and not able to bend to political pressure.
The story is well written and flows easily, although the outcomes are predictable, the story is enjoyable. Wild Card is the third book in the Buddy Steel series, however it reads fine as a stand-alone book. The background information is quickly and smoothly established.
It is fast paced with interesting. A great read.
This title has been reviewed by This title was provided by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an open and honest review.
#NetGalley
By Michael Brandman
4 stars
Action thriller.
Buddy is an LAPD detective that has returned home to take on the sheriff's role while his father recovers from illness. He is suddenly hit with a serial killer on the loose as well as a Russian millionaire running a string of crimes. Things heap up as the Russian thugs get violent.
Buddy is a wild card, someone not looking for publicity and not able to bend to political pressure.
The story is well written and flows easily, although the outcomes are predictable, the story is enjoyable. Wild Card is the third book in the Buddy Steel series, however it reads fine as a stand-alone book. The background information is quickly and smoothly established.
It is fast paced with interesting. A great read.
This title has been reviewed by This title was provided by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an open and honest review.
#NetGalley
November 17, 2019
This is my second Buddy Steel book and I enjoyed it.
Buddy is an ex-LA PD detective who has returned home to Freedom, CA, to take over as unofficial lead detective while his father, the police chief, deals with the onset of ALS. Buddy faces two dilemmas - first, a serial killer who commits random murders without leaving any clues and second, a Russian plutocrat and emigre and friend of Putin, who is using his money and influence in ways that irritate Buddy.
Overall, the book is good. The narration is first person, i.e. Buddy's voice, so we see what he sees - this is my favorite voice. The cast of characters is relatively small, so it's easy to keep track of who's doing what. The book length is only 230+ pages, which is just right. The narration is clear and moves quickly as the tension escalates and the clues falls into place. The dialogue is sharp and often funny. The supporting cast has clever and interesting things to say; Brandman does a good job of breathing life into his characters. All this makes for a good story and an easy read.
The only real critique is that there really isn't a lot of mystery to this book. Most of the novel is dedicated to Buddy's conflict with the Russian, which leads to Steele having to fight local, state, and federal offcials who, for various reasons, are aligned against him. The murderer is identified by essentially a few phone calls and one interview, which we don't even get to hear.
Recommended.
Buddy is an ex-LA PD detective who has returned home to Freedom, CA, to take over as unofficial lead detective while his father, the police chief, deals with the onset of ALS. Buddy faces two dilemmas - first, a serial killer who commits random murders without leaving any clues and second, a Russian plutocrat and emigre and friend of Putin, who is using his money and influence in ways that irritate Buddy.
Overall, the book is good. The narration is first person, i.e. Buddy's voice, so we see what he sees - this is my favorite voice. The cast of characters is relatively small, so it's easy to keep track of who's doing what. The book length is only 230+ pages, which is just right. The narration is clear and moves quickly as the tension escalates and the clues falls into place. The dialogue is sharp and often funny. The supporting cast has clever and interesting things to say; Brandman does a good job of breathing life into his characters. All this makes for a good story and an easy read.
The only real critique is that there really isn't a lot of mystery to this book. Most of the novel is dedicated to Buddy's conflict with the Russian, which leads to Steele having to fight local, state, and federal offcials who, for various reasons, are aligned against him. The murderer is identified by essentially a few phone calls and one interview, which we don't even get to hear.
Recommended.
April 16, 2019
I loved this mystery with it’s funky fun characters and setting. I’ll be reading more in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book
September 8, 2019
The new book in Brandman's series has Buddy Steel called on to assist the California coastal commission with the enforcement of its beach access rules.
A Russian oligarch has blocked several access paths that have crossed his estate for years and are protected by statute. The state doesn't have its own enforcement police and its commission is known for taking bribes.
So Buddy becomes the wild card in enforcing the regulations. The more he gets involved, the more he thinks something else might be going on at the Russian's estate.
And now he has a serial killer shooting people in downtown Freedom. I like the series but I hope Brandman is leaving himself enough time to continue the Jesse Stone series he is writing for the Robert B. Parker estate. Stone has more history and a better back story.
A Russian oligarch has blocked several access paths that have crossed his estate for years and are protected by statute. The state doesn't have its own enforcement police and its commission is known for taking bribes.
So Buddy becomes the wild card in enforcing the regulations. The more he gets involved, the more he thinks something else might be going on at the Russian's estate.
And now he has a serial killer shooting people in downtown Freedom. I like the series but I hope Brandman is leaving himself enough time to continue the Jesse Stone series he is writing for the Robert B. Parker estate. Stone has more history and a better back story.
April 10, 2019
Interesting, fun characters with wry sense of humor, 2 involved cases and a damaged bad guy. I loved this book and am happy to have an author new to me to watch for
April 8, 2019
Wild Card or Wild Ride? Either name would work well in this third book in the Buddy Steel series. Old friends, enemies, and lovers mix well with new troubles and political corruption to create a thrill ride of a novel.
April 7, 2020
What a fun, quick read. Loved the wit and humor of the main character Buddy Steele, a small town deputy sheriff. The book had two simultaneous plots--one involved a Russian drug lord who was manufacturing and distributing opioids and the other a serial killer who left no clues in his random murders. Definitely a nice change of pace. I had read the first book in this series a few years ago, and now want to read the second one as this was #3.
August 14, 2019
Loved the dialogue. It was crisp, witty, and sarcastic. Looking forward to reading the first two Buddy Steel books soon.
September 13, 2019
Fun read
January 12, 2020
If you love Jesse Stone and his "coply intuition," you will love Buddy Steel!
June 12, 2019
"Wild Card" is not as wild as I thought it was going to be. To me, this is just a passable read. Having read the first two books in the series, I found "Wild Card" is not as suspenseful as the two predecessors.
There are two simultaneous cases going on. One has to do with corruption/international interests/politics while the other one is more a psychological crime. There are no crimes or cases to solve so to speak because readers know for sure who are behind the crimes. The only interesting elements are the funny dialogues and the continuous development of Buddy's character. His growing intimacy with his ailing father who is also his mentor and his competency as a sheriff add depth to the series.
Regardless my slight disappointment in "Wild Card" but I am still looking for ward to the next installment. Towards the end of the book, Buddy wants to take a break and a respite as a sheriff working for his father. I'd still want to find out if Buddy will choose between his passion as a regular law enforcer or to continue his duty as a loving son. (Those who have read the book would know what I mean.)
There are two simultaneous cases going on. One has to do with corruption/international interests/politics while the other one is more a psychological crime. There are no crimes or cases to solve so to speak because readers know for sure who are behind the crimes. The only interesting elements are the funny dialogues and the continuous development of Buddy's character. His growing intimacy with his ailing father who is also his mentor and his competency as a sheriff add depth to the series.
Regardless my slight disappointment in "Wild Card" but I am still looking for ward to the next installment. Towards the end of the book, Buddy wants to take a break and a respite as a sheriff working for his father. I'd still want to find out if Buddy will choose between his passion as a regular law enforcer or to continue his duty as a loving son. (Those who have read the book would know what I mean.)
Read
April 14, 2025This is the second book I’ve read in Michael Brandman’s Buddy Steel series, and honestly, I was pretty much expecting a carbon copy of the first in the series. Imagine my surprise when, not only did the characters evolve, not only did the action follow a formalistic but distinctly different course, not only did Buddy Steel display a whole lot of common sense, but Michael Brandman managed to do all of this while continuing a well written fast paced book which was pleasurable to read.
This book was very enjoyable, but let me clarify, it is not deep and meaningful, it is not full of more twist and turns than an acrobat coming down too quick, and it is not full of politics which leave your mind reeling.
Wild Card is simply a pure action book, and it is a very enjoyable read. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a bit of escapism, without an accompanying headache.
This book was very enjoyable, but let me clarify, it is not deep and meaningful, it is not full of more twist and turns than an acrobat coming down too quick, and it is not full of politics which leave your mind reeling.
Wild Card is simply a pure action book, and it is a very enjoyable read. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a bit of escapism, without an accompanying headache.
July 2, 2022
Love this series!
What a great series this is! It has the flavor of Robert B.Parker, but it's a different place, a different law man and it's just wonderful! The story was definitely a page turner, with great twists and surprises. Since this is the 3rd book in this series, you know the main characters and you love them. So fun! Highly recommend this book, this series, this author!
What a great series this is! It has the flavor of Robert B.Parker, but it's a different place, a different law man and it's just wonderful! The story was definitely a page turner, with great twists and surprises. Since this is the 3rd book in this series, you know the main characters and you love them. So fun! Highly recommend this book, this series, this author!
January 26, 2021
A good Sheriff Buddy Steel adventure.
Buddy is filling in as Sheriff as his dad fights ALS.
Buddy has two problems in this one...A Russian, who won't open the beach area around his house, even though the law says he has to. And a Serial killer who is seemingly picking random targets.
Fast moving with plenty of action.
Buddy is filling in as Sheriff as his dad fights ALS.
Buddy has two problems in this one...A Russian, who won't open the beach area around his house, even though the law says he has to. And a Serial killer who is seemingly picking random targets.
Fast moving with plenty of action.
December 16, 2024
This book was given to me. I had not read the other books in the series. It was really thin so I tried to read it but IDK I didn't know any of the back story and I think that made the read unenjoyable
June 2, 2019
I love this series!
December 29, 2019
I love a well placed cliché. But a cliché on every page quickly becomes tiresome and irritating.
June 22, 2020
A good story with identifiable characters. Michael Brandman does not waste your time. I look forward to reading the next one in this series.
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