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Rebecca Watson #1
Stone Cold
Detective Rebecca Watson is tracking a vicious serial killer in Eugene Falls, Florida. As a distraction, she's dragged back into court for the retrial of a man convicted of murdering his girlfriend five years earlier. His defense attorney will use any means to get his client freed, including uncovering old wounds from Watson's past. As the case takes a few hard turns, nothing can prepare her for the world she's about to encounter, the past that haunts her, and the truth behind the serial killer's motive.
- GenresMystery
274 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2018
6 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
James Glass
64 books27 followersJames Glass retired from the United States Navy. After retiring, he exchanged his rifle for a pen. He and his family moved back to the Florida Panhandle. He’s married and has two children. James is also the President of the Panhandle Writer's Group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 17, 2018
Starting a book by an author with whom I'm not familiar always makes me nervous. Will it make me eager to read another or want to toss it in the garbage? In this case, knowing I'd promised the author to write a review when I finished added another layer of distress; goodness knows, the last thing I want to do is hurt anyone's feelings. But I'm happy to say that within the first couple of chapters, my worries went out the window. Not only did I enjoy it thoroughly, I've found a new series that hit the ground running.
While she and partner Tony Francisco are trying to track down a particularly nasty serial killer in and around Eugene Falls, Florida, Detective Rebecca Watson gets called into court as a witness for the prosecution. A man convicted of murdering his girlfriend five years ago gets that original trial thrown out on a technicality and is granted a retrial. Watson's former partner was killed in an accident on his way to deliver evidence from the crime scene back then, and now the defense is determined to prove that the evidence was tainted by either the partner or Rebecca herself.
Early on, readers learn that Rebecca has a contentious relationship with her mother. And surprise: that same mother now has a relationship with the defendant, occupying a prominent seat behind him while Rebecca tries to focus on her testimony. Worse, mommy dearest may have provided fodder to the defense attorney that he can use to discredit her daughter.
As an aside, after years of reading books in the mystery/thriller genre, I've concluded that somewhere it must be written that female lead characters must have lurid backgrounds; just once, I'd love to find one who had a relatively normal childhood like my own. My most "awful" memory, in fact, is the scent of cow manure wafting over the fields as I waited at the end of our farmhouse lane for the school bus to pick me up each morning. On the other hand, messy childhoods do make for more intrigue (not to mention plot twists), so I concede that if I were a fiction writer, I'd want my heroines to have endured something more soul-scarring than animal odors. To that end, Rebecca doesn't lack in that department; in addition to the aforementioned estranged mother, she's got a former husband who broke her heart plus years of dealing with far more psyche-damaging experiences - all of which jump to the forefront when she least wants them to.
It is the search for the serial killer, though, that occupies center stage throughout most of the book. Victims keep turning up with indications of particularly gruesome torture - but what fails to turn up is any connection among them. Rebecca is frustrated that the trial is making her miss out on some of the investigation, although her hunky partner, together with Jerry Carrubba of NCIS, seem to have that situation well in hand (amid a bit of levity provided by Rebecca's two "aunties" and her sweet dog). Finally, a link to the victims is unearthed, Rebecca's trial comes to an end (you really don't expect me to tell you how, do you)? From that point on, the case begins to pick up speed and, from the reader's perspective, edge-of-seat excitement.
Clearly, this series is off to a great start. To the author, thank you - and please, sir, may I have some more?
While she and partner Tony Francisco are trying to track down a particularly nasty serial killer in and around Eugene Falls, Florida, Detective Rebecca Watson gets called into court as a witness for the prosecution. A man convicted of murdering his girlfriend five years ago gets that original trial thrown out on a technicality and is granted a retrial. Watson's former partner was killed in an accident on his way to deliver evidence from the crime scene back then, and now the defense is determined to prove that the evidence was tainted by either the partner or Rebecca herself.
Early on, readers learn that Rebecca has a contentious relationship with her mother. And surprise: that same mother now has a relationship with the defendant, occupying a prominent seat behind him while Rebecca tries to focus on her testimony. Worse, mommy dearest may have provided fodder to the defense attorney that he can use to discredit her daughter.
As an aside, after years of reading books in the mystery/thriller genre, I've concluded that somewhere it must be written that female lead characters must have lurid backgrounds; just once, I'd love to find one who had a relatively normal childhood like my own. My most "awful" memory, in fact, is the scent of cow manure wafting over the fields as I waited at the end of our farmhouse lane for the school bus to pick me up each morning. On the other hand, messy childhoods do make for more intrigue (not to mention plot twists), so I concede that if I were a fiction writer, I'd want my heroines to have endured something more soul-scarring than animal odors. To that end, Rebecca doesn't lack in that department; in addition to the aforementioned estranged mother, she's got a former husband who broke her heart plus years of dealing with far more psyche-damaging experiences - all of which jump to the forefront when she least wants them to.
It is the search for the serial killer, though, that occupies center stage throughout most of the book. Victims keep turning up with indications of particularly gruesome torture - but what fails to turn up is any connection among them. Rebecca is frustrated that the trial is making her miss out on some of the investigation, although her hunky partner, together with Jerry Carrubba of NCIS, seem to have that situation well in hand (amid a bit of levity provided by Rebecca's two "aunties" and her sweet dog). Finally, a link to the victims is unearthed, Rebecca's trial comes to an end (you really don't expect me to tell you how, do you)? From that point on, the case begins to pick up speed and, from the reader's perspective, edge-of-seat excitement.
Clearly, this series is off to a great start. To the author, thank you - and please, sir, may I have some more?
December 2, 2019
Detective Rebecca Watson has her hands full. She and her partner are looking for a particularly vicious serial killer who cuts out the tongues of his victims before killing them. He's also leaving bible verses at each scene.
If that wasn't enough to keep her busy, she's having to testify at the re-trial of a man convicted of murdering his girlfriend five years previous. His defense attorney will try to do whatever he can to get his client off ..... even trying to discredit Rebecca.
With a serial killer on the loose, she's having to find a connection among the victims ...and when they discover what the link is ... they have to follow a whole new trail. When they get close to the killer, he turns his eyes on her and she becomes the next target.
This is the first I've read of this author ...and I was disappointed at all. It's well-written with terrific characters. This one concentrates mostly on Rebecca ... her past plays a big part in this story. I'm hoping the next book will feature her partner ... I really look forward to learning more about the ladies man.
Because of the author's personal background, he brings a lot of credibility to his story telling. The courtroom scenes are not only credible, but entertaining, as well.
Many thanks to the author / Wild Rose Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
If that wasn't enough to keep her busy, she's having to testify at the re-trial of a man convicted of murdering his girlfriend five years previous. His defense attorney will try to do whatever he can to get his client off ..... even trying to discredit Rebecca.
With a serial killer on the loose, she's having to find a connection among the victims ...and when they discover what the link is ... they have to follow a whole new trail. When they get close to the killer, he turns his eyes on her and she becomes the next target.
This is the first I've read of this author ...and I was disappointed at all. It's well-written with terrific characters. This one concentrates mostly on Rebecca ... her past plays a big part in this story. I'm hoping the next book will feature her partner ... I really look forward to learning more about the ladies man.
Because of the author's personal background, he brings a lot of credibility to his story telling. The courtroom scenes are not only credible, but entertaining, as well.
Many thanks to the author / Wild Rose Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 26, 2018
have read a detective series with a female lead after a long time and I was not disappointed . Though it is not a edge of the seat thriller but still is a very good read. The backstory of the lead detective is not a hindrance to the story but rather builds it up. Here the hero detectives are not cold fearless robots perfect with no flaws but very human with emotions flaws and fears with anxiety issues.
The best thing I liked about this book was that it not lengthy with long descriptions but short crisp and nicely paced. Waiting more for Rebecca Watson?
The best thing I liked about this book was that it not lengthy with long descriptions but short crisp and nicely paced. Waiting more for Rebecca Watson?
October 25, 2018
An interesting (or beginning of an interesting) stories of Rebecca Watson. Her personality is real with heroic traits as well as flaws.
I admire the detailed scenes that keeps the reader right in the middle of the story.
This is a well written book that takes the reader to different journeys along with the protagonist and her surroundings. It’s a story of crime, love, humanity, and human insecurities and fears like real life.
I enjoyed reading it as an advanced reader and congratulate James Glass for his accomplishment and wish him luck for the rest of this series.
I admire the detailed scenes that keeps the reader right in the middle of the story.
This is a well written book that takes the reader to different journeys along with the protagonist and her surroundings. It’s a story of crime, love, humanity, and human insecurities and fears like real life.
I enjoyed reading it as an advanced reader and congratulate James Glass for his accomplishment and wish him luck for the rest of this series.
November 26, 2018
The thing that stands out in this novel, Stone Cold, by James glass is how the author has crafted the main character, Detective Rebecca Watson. We first find her in court dealing with a hostile defence attorney whose only chance to save his client is to make Rebecca look incompetent.
Next, she is seeking a serial killer with her physically attractive partner Tony Francisco. The killer has left a trail of dead bodies after being released from Guantanamo Bay seeking revenge from the corrupt officials who put him there.
Someone murdered Detective Watson’s father when she was a child. She started an investigation into the cold case and is shocked at the result.
The novel uses mostly first-person narration which gives the plot an immediacy and the reader finds themselves feeling every twist and turn as Rebecca finds trouble and every thought as she tries to extradite herself.
The plot is a standard crime/thriller with villains causing havoc until brought to bear by clever detective work.
However, the stand out in this story is the #Lisbeth Salander type character of Detective Rebecca Watson. A great read highly recommended.
Next, she is seeking a serial killer with her physically attractive partner Tony Francisco. The killer has left a trail of dead bodies after being released from Guantanamo Bay seeking revenge from the corrupt officials who put him there.
Someone murdered Detective Watson’s father when she was a child. She started an investigation into the cold case and is shocked at the result.
The novel uses mostly first-person narration which gives the plot an immediacy and the reader finds themselves feeling every twist and turn as Rebecca finds trouble and every thought as she tries to extradite herself.
The plot is a standard crime/thriller with villains causing havoc until brought to bear by clever detective work.
However, the stand out in this story is the #Lisbeth Salander type character of Detective Rebecca Watson. A great read highly recommended.
November 15, 2018
This is a well-written novel with interesting characters and plenty of drama inside and outside the courtroom. There are two murders to resolve; one is a re-trail of a man who is presumed guilty by the protagonist, Rebecca Watson. Meanwhile, a serial killer is on the loose. I can't resist saying the situations give new meaning to the cliche, "tongue in cheek". The story is written in first person from Rebecca's POV, which gives deep insight to her character, along with personal issues she faces when a situation threatens to reveal a painful secret in her past. I like the characters in the story. Besides Victoria, the lawyer Rebecca works with, there is her loser of a mother, and her two colorful aunts who helped raise her. For fans of the mystery/thriller genre, I recommend this suspenseful novel.
October 31, 2018
Rebecca Watson is now up there with my favorite detectives, right along with Alex Cross and Harry Bosch. Detective Rebecca Watson is tracking a vicious serial killer in Eugene Falls, Florida. If that wasn't enough excitement for the reader, she's also dragged back into court for the retrial of a man convicted of murdering his girlfriend five years earlier. His defense attorney will use any means to get his client freed, including using dirty tactics and uncovering old wounds from Watson's past.
As the case takes a few hard turns, nothing can prepare her for the world she's about to encounter, the past that haunts her, and the truth behind the serial killer's motive. The detail in Stone Cold by the author James Glass left me with no questions left unanswered. Loved the book, and could not put it down!
As the case takes a few hard turns, nothing can prepare her for the world she's about to encounter, the past that haunts her, and the truth behind the serial killer's motive. The detail in Stone Cold by the author James Glass left me with no questions left unanswered. Loved the book, and could not put it down!
October 20, 2018
From the very first page I realized that I was in for a sleepless week. I couldn't put Stone Cold down and couldn't wait to get back to it every chance I could. Now I can't wait to read more. Rebecca is my new favorite detective. Rebecca's past is brutal and she has to face up to it in the most public way. She's my hero. Stone Cold is a fast paced chase to find a serial killer that will keep you turning the pages. An excellent and frightening read. I'm ready for the next book in the series now, Mr. Glass.
October 21, 2018
I just spent an entire night and day devouring this book! I received an ARC copy and finally sat down on a rainy evening to read. From page one I was hooked! I blew off my entire day today to finish since I couldn’t put it down. The characters are engaging, the writing fantastic, the storyline had me flipping faster and faster, desperate to find out what happens next. Normally a reader of romance, it always shocks me when I find a book in a different genre that can capture me the way this one did. Loved every page and look forward to reading more from this author.
December 14, 2018
I grabbed this book off Amazon because I happened to really like the cover. Normally I don't pick a book based on its cover, but I wanted to know more. Also the tagline If the past holds you prisoner, will justice set you free. Again, this sparked my interest. Then I read the first paragraph and never looked back.
I thought James Glass did a wonderful job weaving a great plot, combined with a strong story, and followed up with awesome characters.
Detective Rebecca Watson is tracking a vicious serial killer in Eugene Falls, Florida. As a distraction, she’s dragged back into court for the retrial of a man convicted of murdering his girlfriend five years earlier. His defense attorney will use any means to get his client freed, including uncovering old wounds from Watson’s past.
What a great read. I hope you enjoy it as much as did.
I thought James Glass did a wonderful job weaving a great plot, combined with a strong story, and followed up with awesome characters.
Detective Rebecca Watson is tracking a vicious serial killer in Eugene Falls, Florida. As a distraction, she’s dragged back into court for the retrial of a man convicted of murdering his girlfriend five years earlier. His defense attorney will use any means to get his client freed, including uncovering old wounds from Watson’s past.
What a great read. I hope you enjoy it as much as did.
December 6, 2018
I'm always on the lookout for a new author, but always hesitate to read someone new on the fact I could be wasting my time. Stone Cold was no waste of time. In fact, the only thing I didn't like is the fact that the book came to an end and now I have to wait until the next in the series comes out. Rebecca Watson is a genuinely great character readers love. She's a no-nonsense detective on the outside but is vulnerable on the inside. I love antagonists who are real and James Glass nailed his character. The first two paragraphs hooked me. The worst part about waiting to testify is I spend the entire time terrified the lawyers will uncover some huge mistake that screams how lazy and incompetent I am. I tell myself a hundred different ways that I always do the best I can…but I don't really listen.
After so many appearances in court you’d think I’d have no problem when it comes time to testify. But it never fails. Every time the bailiff comes to get me from this small waiting room, the cycle begins.
And I love Rebecca's aunt Marti and Tess. They are a hoot. Anyone looking for a new author or a great crime thriller, give Stone Cold a read. You won't be disappointed.
After so many appearances in court you’d think I’d have no problem when it comes time to testify. But it never fails. Every time the bailiff comes to get me from this small waiting room, the cycle begins.
And I love Rebecca's aunt Marti and Tess. They are a hoot. Anyone looking for a new author or a great crime thriller, give Stone Cold a read. You won't be disappointed.
December 10, 2018
Wow! Rebecca Watson is bad-ass. I really loved her character and her aunties were hilarious. They reminded me a lot of the girls from Designing Women. The serial killer is this book freaked me out. The way he killed his victims gave me nightmares for a week. Great story and i absolutely loved the ending.
December 7, 2018
An Assertive Novel
A courtroom drama ― a criminal investigation. A tortured criminal investigator forced by her circumstances to come to terms with childhood trauma. An ambitious novel from the hands of J Glass.
A courtroom drama ― a criminal investigation. A tortured criminal investigator forced by her circumstances to come to terms with childhood trauma. An ambitious novel from the hands of J Glass.
December 13, 2018
I really, really, really like Rebecca Watson. She's the kind of character I love to read about. I first met her in Things Left Behind where she worked alongside LT Mark Wheeler of the South Carolina, PD. I found her witticism and sarcasm refreshing in that story. In Stone Cold I learned more about her inner demons she struggles with on a daily basis. In this crime thriller, we find Watson dueling against a defense lawyer who pulls no punches to try and get his client found not guilty of a murder he's currently incarcerated with. If that's not enough excitement, she's also working a serial kilter case. James Glass is a master storyteller and I love his characters. Hr aunties Marti and Tess are hysterical and I found myself laughing so hard it constituted a workout. I'd recommend this great story to anyone who reads. Period. It's that good. I can't wait to read the next Rebecca Watson novel.
October 28, 2018
Wow!
Stone Cold kept me up at night until I could finish it. I really sympathized with Detective Rebecca Watson. It's an edge-of-your-seat, the-suspense-is-killing-me kind of read that had me turning the pages long after I should have gone to bed. Excellent writing, wonderful characters and a story that will keep you guessing. I couldn't ask for more!
Stone Cold kept me up at night until I could finish it. I really sympathized with Detective Rebecca Watson. It's an edge-of-your-seat, the-suspense-is-killing-me kind of read that had me turning the pages long after I should have gone to bed. Excellent writing, wonderful characters and a story that will keep you guessing. I couldn't ask for more!
December 23, 2018
Stone Cold is a crime thriller and apparently the first in a series with recurring character, Detective Rebecca Watson. While she is tracking a serial killer, she’s also testifying in the retrial of a killer convicted several years ago and dealing with her own traumatic past and distracting new feelings for her partner.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I like crime dramas and the complexity of the plot kept my interest. Rebecca is a well-developed, realistic character that I could often relate to, and I would read more books with her in them. I’d like to see how she evolves. That said, I wish the author could have developed suspense a bit more deeply throughout the book. It’s a short book with a lot going on and it seemed as though even tense moments wrapped up before I had time to get fully invested in them.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I like crime dramas and the complexity of the plot kept my interest. Rebecca is a well-developed, realistic character that I could often relate to, and I would read more books with her in them. I’d like to see how she evolves. That said, I wish the author could have developed suspense a bit more deeply throughout the book. It’s a short book with a lot going on and it seemed as though even tense moments wrapped up before I had time to get fully invested in them.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 13, 2018
I found Rebecca Watson to be an original character. I liked the idea she struggled with her upbringing:her father being murdered, he step-father molesting her and her mother abandoning her all before the age of 12. What a tragic life. Instead of giving up she grew up to be a homicide detective who is very good at her job. I also liked the relationship she had wit her two aunts. If not for them, she may have ended her life long ago.
December 12, 2018
This crime thriller had me hooked from the first page right up until the last page. I don't normally like new authors but James Glass is a fresh drink of water. I really connected wit the main character, Rebecca Watson. She struggles with her internal demons yet still finds the strength to do her job--finding bad guys. Her aunties are hysterical, her partner s a hunk, and the DA is one bad-ass chic. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
December 6, 2018
Stone Cold is a story about Detective Rebecca Watson is Eugene Falls, Florida who at the moment is tracking a vicious serial killer in Eugene Falls, Florida. As a distraction, she's dragged back into court for the retrial of a man convicted of murdering his girlfriend five years earlier. His defense attorney will use any means to get his client freed, including uncovering old wounds from Watson's past.She's beautiful, smart, and knows how to work a case.
James Glass has really spun a great story with lots of characters. Some of them are very comical while others make you want to stab them in the eye. I really enjoyed the plot as well. I actually bought this book on Halloween and read it after the ids went to bed. This has probably been the best book I've read all year.
James Glass has really spun a great story with lots of characters. Some of them are very comical while others make you want to stab them in the eye. I really enjoyed the plot as well. I actually bought this book on Halloween and read it after the ids went to bed. This has probably been the best book I've read all year.
October 2, 2020
Stone Cold is the first book by American author James Glass. As an aside, this is the 4th book I've read in PDF format this year and I've also listened to an audio book as well. So you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Anyway, this is the 1st book in his planned (I presume?) Detective Rebecca Watson mystery series. Rebecca is a cop on the Eugene Falls, Florida police force. There are a few things going on in Rebecca's life. She is in court testifying on an old case; a retrial of a murder case; she is involved in a new murder case, a possible serial killer; and rehashing traumatic incidents from her childhood. A lot is packed into this first story, trial tension, gruesome murders, even some sexual tension.
The writing style is somewhat sparse, but then again, I've often bemoaned authors who, as they gain in popularity, seem to feel that necessity of 'being paid by the word'. There is sufficient description to give you a nice picture of Eugene Falls, of the main characters, even the graphic nature of the murders. The trial is fascinating, a case I haven't read in previous mysteries. The defence attorney is one of those sleazy, confident types that gets under your skin very early on.
The police are an interesting mix. Rebecca is smart, with some confidence issues (totally understandable when you get to know more about her). Her partner, ex football player, Francisco, is an excellent partner, a nice sense of humor and there is a developing sexual tension between the two. Even the boss, with his colorful clothing sense, is interesting and supportive. I also liked Rebecca's two aunties; independent, funny and so supportive of their niece.
There is tension. There are the normal mystery thrillers... When the character feels threatened why do they always decide not to phone for backup. But overall, it was an enjoyable first story, a favorable introduction to Rebecca Watson. I hope James Glass is already working on his second story. (4 stars)
Anyway, this is the 1st book in his planned (I presume?) Detective Rebecca Watson mystery series. Rebecca is a cop on the Eugene Falls, Florida police force. There are a few things going on in Rebecca's life. She is in court testifying on an old case; a retrial of a murder case; she is involved in a new murder case, a possible serial killer; and rehashing traumatic incidents from her childhood. A lot is packed into this first story, trial tension, gruesome murders, even some sexual tension.
The writing style is somewhat sparse, but then again, I've often bemoaned authors who, as they gain in popularity, seem to feel that necessity of 'being paid by the word'. There is sufficient description to give you a nice picture of Eugene Falls, of the main characters, even the graphic nature of the murders. The trial is fascinating, a case I haven't read in previous mysteries. The defence attorney is one of those sleazy, confident types that gets under your skin very early on.
The police are an interesting mix. Rebecca is smart, with some confidence issues (totally understandable when you get to know more about her). Her partner, ex football player, Francisco, is an excellent partner, a nice sense of humor and there is a developing sexual tension between the two. Even the boss, with his colorful clothing sense, is interesting and supportive. I also liked Rebecca's two aunties; independent, funny and so supportive of their niece.
There is tension. There are the normal mystery thrillers... When the character feels threatened why do they always decide not to phone for backup. But overall, it was an enjoyable first story, a favorable introduction to Rebecca Watson. I hope James Glass is already working on his second story. (4 stars)
January 25, 2019
I think can rightfully assume that author James Glass plans to make a series out of Detective Rebecca Watson's very interesting cases. It's just great when an author can pull off a current case that's unrelated to anything to do with the protagonist--she's just doing her job--and a past case that reveals something about the protagonist's background that could have a significant impact on another case. The author held two points of conflict in sharp contention, which kept me turning the pages.
Kudos on realistic, well-done dialogue that kept the book moving along at just the right pace. And the romantic in me is looking forward to the next book to see where things go with Rebecca and Francisco. Their relationship was yet another plot line in the book that was interesting, with just the right amount of attention given to it so that it did not interfere with or overshadow the overall crime suspense theme. It's nice to anticipate the next book in a new series.
Kudos on realistic, well-done dialogue that kept the book moving along at just the right pace. And the romantic in me is looking forward to the next book to see where things go with Rebecca and Francisco. Their relationship was yet another plot line in the book that was interesting, with just the right amount of attention given to it so that it did not interfere with or overshadow the overall crime suspense theme. It's nice to anticipate the next book in a new series.
June 6, 2019
A very good police procedural with a main character who edges are rough enough for the cynical world of being a homocide police detective. There are enough peripheral characters that give this book more depth than straight up murder mystery. The backstory is a bit rough and I prefer to not give spoilers—so will stick with sexual assault. The murder mystery at the core of the story is well written.
The Narrator did a very job between a lot of dialogue and variety of characters.
There were some disconcerting sounds at the beginning of some chapters that would shock me especially if I was using headphones. I said “what the heck?” More than once.
I will definitely read other books in this series.
**I was given a free copy of this book in lieu of an honest review.
The Narrator did a very job between a lot of dialogue and variety of characters.
There were some disconcerting sounds at the beginning of some chapters that would shock me especially if I was using headphones. I said “what the heck?” More than once.
I will definitely read other books in this series.
**I was given a free copy of this book in lieu of an honest review.
May 30, 2019
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Stone Cold was gripping from start to finish and grip I did where I could not put it down finishing in less than 24 hours. Wonderful to see a strong female lead in Detective Rebecca Watson reminiscent of Kate Beckett on Castle. Both haunted by a parent's murder and a traumatic childhood that did not kill them but made them stronger in the pursuit of justice in the world. Her past resurfaces in every aspect of this mystery from the current case she is working on, the court case she is testifying on, and the past that still needs closure.
Stone Cold was gripping from start to finish and grip I did where I could not put it down finishing in less than 24 hours. Wonderful to see a strong female lead in Detective Rebecca Watson reminiscent of Kate Beckett on Castle. Both haunted by a parent's murder and a traumatic childhood that did not kill them but made them stronger in the pursuit of justice in the world. Her past resurfaces in every aspect of this mystery from the current case she is working on, the court case she is testifying on, and the past that still needs closure.
May 20, 2022
Be prepared for some gritty content, also to visit places in the tarnished past where you might not really want to go. A female detective is the main character, and somehow she manages to be her own worst enemy, overthinking an attraction to a nice and interested fellow cop - because rules forbid a relationship. To start, though, the story focuses on a courtroom, which slows matters down, so I don't think that's ideal except for those who really want courtroom drama. Much of the later story occurs outside the court, so keep reading.
A serial killer with a motive of revenge is causing chaos, and these scenes are not for the tender. Our detective has a personal backstory that's equally hard to live with, which perhaps is why she can't bring herself to start an equal relationship and have a chance of happiness. Good attention to detail and plenty of tension, with a sprinkling of interesting characters, including female ones on both sides. I would be interested to read more of the series.
I bought this Kindle book in the normal way. This is an unbiased review.
A serial killer with a motive of revenge is causing chaos, and these scenes are not for the tender. Our detective has a personal backstory that's equally hard to live with, which perhaps is why she can't bring herself to start an equal relationship and have a chance of happiness. Good attention to detail and plenty of tension, with a sprinkling of interesting characters, including female ones on both sides. I would be interested to read more of the series.
I bought this Kindle book in the normal way. This is an unbiased review.
September 29, 2020
I am super excited because I just found a new mystery series to enjoy! I received a copy of 'Stone Cold' by James Glass to read and I loved it. I enjoyed Glass' writing style, the plot, and the main character, Rebecca Watson. 'Stone Cold' was enjoyable from start to finish.
Rebecca Watson is a detective who is in the midst of testifying as an expert witness in a court case while trying to solve a serial murder case. Glass brings Rebecca's character to life and makes her relatable. She isn't perfect, her family isn't perfect, and she isn't always the 'tough, hard-nosed cop' you often see in murder mysteries, but she works hard and sticks to her values as she solves both the murder mystery and other problems she encounters. I will also say I adored Rebecca's aunties, they added all the needed humour to the book.
If you are looking for a new murder mystery series I would definitely recommend 'Stone Cold', and I can not wait to see Book 2 in the Rebecca Watson series!
Rebecca Watson is a detective who is in the midst of testifying as an expert witness in a court case while trying to solve a serial murder case. Glass brings Rebecca's character to life and makes her relatable. She isn't perfect, her family isn't perfect, and she isn't always the 'tough, hard-nosed cop' you often see in murder mysteries, but she works hard and sticks to her values as she solves both the murder mystery and other problems she encounters. I will also say I adored Rebecca's aunties, they added all the needed humour to the book.
If you are looking for a new murder mystery series I would definitely recommend 'Stone Cold', and I can not wait to see Book 2 in the Rebecca Watson series!
September 24, 2020
Brilliant book.
I have read in slightly over twenty four hours. The story is about Rebecca Watson, a detective who is testifying on a murder as an expert witness while also investigating a series of murders.
The author has done a brilliant job in the smoothness of the conversations.
I particularly enjoyed the conversations with her aunties and the questioning during the court proceedings.
There is very good knowledge of matters such as investigative procedures and court procedures
It's a good read. Simple and yet very informative, it's flow is incredible and the characters are so interesting.
I would recommend this book to anyone
It reminds me of Criminal Minds and CSI. Imagine a crossover of that...
Amazing work.
I have read in slightly over twenty four hours. The story is about Rebecca Watson, a detective who is testifying on a murder as an expert witness while also investigating a series of murders.
The author has done a brilliant job in the smoothness of the conversations.
I particularly enjoyed the conversations with her aunties and the questioning during the court proceedings.
There is very good knowledge of matters such as investigative procedures and court procedures
It's a good read. Simple and yet very informative, it's flow is incredible and the characters are so interesting.
I would recommend this book to anyone
It reminds me of Criminal Minds and CSI. Imagine a crossover of that...
Amazing work.
December 12, 2024
Detective Rebecca Watson is working on a case trying to find a serial killer who’s targeted victims who have military backgrounds. She is also having to be in court to testify in the retrial of a man who was convicted of killed his girlfriend five years earlier. Her appearance at court dredge up unpleasant memories of her childhood.
May 30, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"For good men to do nothing ..."
Detective Rebecca Watson is in court, giving evidence in the retrial of a man who, five years previously, had been convicted of brutally killing his girlfriend. It was a case which brought back sad memories as her partner had died at that time, but she was unprepared for her troubled childhood to also come unexpectedly to haunt her. Meanwhile, the mutilated bodies of several men had been found in the area: looks like there is a serial killer at large
Told from the point of view of Rebecca herself, the reader has immediate knowledge of her thoughts and fears, as well as of the action. Her past, her relationship to her mother and her aunts, her sexual insecurities are all slowly revealed as the story unfolds:: she is both very human And yet frustratingly annoying: a bit too raw to be real. Little effort is made by the author to breath personality into the other protagonists but all feel substantial in their own right with the exception of the serial killer himself. Although central to much of the story, and obviously closely investigated by e number of the other characters he manages to remain shadowy. Narration by Kendra Murray is very good, further bringing life to both Rebecca and the other cast members, all of their voices well differentiated and her reading both well paced, clear and intoned. A good performance which is partially ruined by poor editting, especially in the latter half of the book, with sentences badly spliced together with slightly different speeds or sound levels, severed words and in particular some strange mechanical rumbling which preceded many of the chapters. Was this supposed to form part of a soundtrack? No idea; but whatever it was, it was a mistake.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced,, and intriguing in it's switch between courtroom and field work, so my deep thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy of Stone Cold, via Audiobook Boom. It could have lost the gratuitous sex scene without any damage at all to the story (along with the sniffing of cologne scents of which she must have been aware for months before - save this stuff for later in the series) and some of the court scenes seemed just too contrived, but it carried me along in a wave of pleasurable listening so that I would recommend it to all who enjoy feisty yet vulnerable female detectives keeping the world safe from the bad guys.
"For good men to do nothing ..."
Detective Rebecca Watson is in court, giving evidence in the retrial of a man who, five years previously, had been convicted of brutally killing his girlfriend. It was a case which brought back sad memories as her partner had died at that time, but she was unprepared for her troubled childhood to also come unexpectedly to haunt her. Meanwhile, the mutilated bodies of several men had been found in the area: looks like there is a serial killer at large
Told from the point of view of Rebecca herself, the reader has immediate knowledge of her thoughts and fears, as well as of the action. Her past, her relationship to her mother and her aunts, her sexual insecurities are all slowly revealed as the story unfolds:: she is both very human And yet frustratingly annoying: a bit too raw to be real. Little effort is made by the author to breath personality into the other protagonists but all feel substantial in their own right with the exception of the serial killer himself. Although central to much of the story, and obviously closely investigated by e number of the other characters he manages to remain shadowy. Narration by Kendra Murray is very good, further bringing life to both Rebecca and the other cast members, all of their voices well differentiated and her reading both well paced, clear and intoned. A good performance which is partially ruined by poor editting, especially in the latter half of the book, with sentences badly spliced together with slightly different speeds or sound levels, severed words and in particular some strange mechanical rumbling which preceded many of the chapters. Was this supposed to form part of a soundtrack? No idea; but whatever it was, it was a mistake.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced,, and intriguing in it's switch between courtroom and field work, so my deep thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy of Stone Cold, via Audiobook Boom. It could have lost the gratuitous sex scene without any damage at all to the story (along with the sniffing of cologne scents of which she must have been aware for months before - save this stuff for later in the series) and some of the court scenes seemed just too contrived, but it carried me along in a wave of pleasurable listening so that I would recommend it to all who enjoy feisty yet vulnerable female detectives keeping the world safe from the bad guys.
July 24, 2019
I loved the short chapters! This book is fast moving, each chapter a date and time, giving the reader the idea that time is limited, which it is. Awaiting the retrial of a convicted killer in which she is the star witness, taking on a new killing to solve while the retrial is not in session, finding out her estranged mother is the girlfriend of the convicted killer, dreading the sordid past at the hands of her stepfather may be dragged into the retrial, and contemplating the attraction she has with her newer partner. No wonder Rebecca Watson can not sleep at nights! And not sleeping adds it's own complications to her already life.
Rebecca picks up a murder to solve in two days before she has to go back to court but that doesn't happen. Her first day of the retrial puts her face to face with her estranged mother, the convicts girlfriend of all things. A mother who did not stop her stepfather from molesting her time after time. A mother who actually watched and took pleasure in the pain in her daughters face during these encounters. And what are these feelings she gets everytime she's with her partner?
The fast paced short chapters make it hard to put this book down, as do the ups and downs of the read. Can the murder be solved, will the retrial set a killer free, can two people working so closely together have a personal relationship as well, will emotions overtake sensibility. These are all questions that, in due time and proper order need to be resolved.
What a great little book with a lot of problems to solve! I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
Rebecca picks up a murder to solve in two days before she has to go back to court but that doesn't happen. Her first day of the retrial puts her face to face with her estranged mother, the convicts girlfriend of all things. A mother who did not stop her stepfather from molesting her time after time. A mother who actually watched and took pleasure in the pain in her daughters face during these encounters. And what are these feelings she gets everytime she's with her partner?
The fast paced short chapters make it hard to put this book down, as do the ups and downs of the read. Can the murder be solved, will the retrial set a killer free, can two people working so closely together have a personal relationship as well, will emotions overtake sensibility. These are all questions that, in due time and proper order need to be resolved.
What a great little book with a lot of problems to solve! I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
February 15, 2020
I'd like to thank Booktasters and James Glass for the opportunity in reading and reviewing this thrilling story. From start to finish, Stone Cold was a page-turner that had me glued to my seat to its nailbiting and satisfying conclusion. Stone Cold begins with detective Rebecca Watson testifying at a murder trial. Due to a technicality, the murder case had to be retried. With detailed description and prose that Mr. Glass provides, you sense the dread and anxiety that Rebecca feels when the defense attorney uses dirty tactics to make her look like an unreliable and deceptive witness. Not only does she have to deal with the stress of the retrial, but there is also a serial killer, known as The Silencer, killing people he had a vendetta against for going to jail for a crime that he didn't commit. On top of that, there is also the matter of the unsolved cold case regarding the murder of her father.
Rebecca isn't perfect by any means. She's flawed but real. You can relate to her feelings as she searches for the serial killer, navigates a growing attraction to her partner, Francisco, and the feelings of anger she felt towards her mother for not protecting her from the sexual abuse of her stepfather. When I finished Stone Cold, I immediately wanted to read it all over again. If you are looking for a thrilling story with action, mystery, and well-written dialogue, I recommend this story.
Rebecca isn't perfect by any means. She's flawed but real. You can relate to her feelings as she searches for the serial killer, navigates a growing attraction to her partner, Francisco, and the feelings of anger she felt towards her mother for not protecting her from the sexual abuse of her stepfather. When I finished Stone Cold, I immediately wanted to read it all over again. If you are looking for a thrilling story with action, mystery, and well-written dialogue, I recommend this story.
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