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Kirbi Mack #1
The RayBright Caper
In this series debut, two wily criminals have set out to heist a valuable item of high-tech from a San Diego defense contractor, RayBright Labs. They’re a volatile duo, but effective. And for a while, their plot plows forward undetected and meeting little resistance.
Enter smalltime security consultant Kirbi Mack. Young, female, and biracial, she’s used to being underestimated. Do so at your peril.
In a matter of hours she’s picked up the scent and begun tracking her formidable adversaries along a trail of greed and increasing violence. Told from the point of view of multiple characters, it’s a story filled with twists and turns and shocking betrayals. Kirbi will need to keep her head if she’s to survive. Let alone prevail.
Enter smalltime security consultant Kirbi Mack. Young, female, and biracial, she’s used to being underestimated. Do so at your peril.
In a matter of hours she’s picked up the scent and begun tracking her formidable adversaries along a trail of greed and increasing violence. Told from the point of view of multiple characters, it’s a story filled with twists and turns and shocking betrayals. Kirbi will need to keep her head if she’s to survive. Let alone prevail.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 11, 2014
Although the word "noirish" is used in the synopsis, I did not find this novel to have that tone at all. The story is okay, it kept my interest while reading, but did not lure me to get back to it right away. The writing is clean and simple, using short sentences. The young female security consultant was drawn well (and was hugely likeable), but the remainder of the characters could have been fleshed out a bit more. It would have made me feel more involved.
I do think this story will appeal more to those who do not favor the darker grittier reads. This was a first-reads giveaway, thank you.
I do think this story will appeal more to those who do not favor the darker grittier reads. This was a first-reads giveaway, thank you.
February 4, 2014
I won this book on Goodreads, so I had some reservations about reading it because, except for one by a nationally known author, the last few I’ve won have been dogs.
Going by the title, (The RayBright Caper), I expected this to be a fast read with lots of daring-do style action and some humor. It wasn’t. It started slow and a bit plodding at first as Teeter laid out the set-up for the plot (the theft of some top-secret hardware), but the action level did pick up later on. The humor never materialized but the story didn’t turn extremely dark or gory either. The novel didn’t waver either way at all, just rolled straight down the middle between all extremes.
A good novel in this genre makes your heart beat fast and your breath race. A great novel makes you break out in nervous sweat as you tear through it to find out, Will the bad guys pull it off or will the good guys stop them in time? Will the bad guys get away clean or will the good guys nab them in the end?. Sadly, that didn’t happen here – there was never any real tension generated – which made this book a rather bland read.
All of the characters had an incompleteness about them, as if Teeter didn’t quite have a full handle on them. They weren’t two-dimensional cardboard figures; nor were they fully three-dimensional. I especially couldn’t get a solid feel for Harvey, the main character. He was brave and intelligent, a thinker and a planner, and cool in a pinch, but we never learned how he got to be that way. We knew more about his associate, Mark.
The novel’s ending had a bit of incompleteness about it, too, in that the bad guys were identified but never punished for their crimes. In this genre, we either want to see the bad guys (if they are in reality the good guys) get away clean or we want to see them (if they are really the bad guys) caught and forced to pay for their crimes. Teeter didn’t deliver this either.
So while this was a better novel than the last few Goodreads First Reads I’ve won, it never really rose to the level of greatness that made me want to read more by this author.
Going by the title, (The RayBright Caper), I expected this to be a fast read with lots of daring-do style action and some humor. It wasn’t. It started slow and a bit plodding at first as Teeter laid out the set-up for the plot (the theft of some top-secret hardware), but the action level did pick up later on. The humor never materialized but the story didn’t turn extremely dark or gory either. The novel didn’t waver either way at all, just rolled straight down the middle between all extremes.
A good novel in this genre makes your heart beat fast and your breath race. A great novel makes you break out in nervous sweat as you tear through it to find out, Will the bad guys pull it off or will the good guys stop them in time? Will the bad guys get away clean or will the good guys nab them in the end?. Sadly, that didn’t happen here – there was never any real tension generated – which made this book a rather bland read.
All of the characters had an incompleteness about them, as if Teeter didn’t quite have a full handle on them. They weren’t two-dimensional cardboard figures; nor were they fully three-dimensional. I especially couldn’t get a solid feel for Harvey, the main character. He was brave and intelligent, a thinker and a planner, and cool in a pinch, but we never learned how he got to be that way. We knew more about his associate, Mark.
The novel’s ending had a bit of incompleteness about it, too, in that the bad guys were identified but never punished for their crimes. In this genre, we either want to see the bad guys (if they are in reality the good guys) get away clean or we want to see them (if they are really the bad guys) caught and forced to pay for their crimes. Teeter didn’t deliver this either.
So while this was a better novel than the last few Goodreads First Reads I’ve won, it never really rose to the level of greatness that made me want to read more by this author.
August 4, 2021
If you are looking to start a new modern detective series with a feminist twist, consider “The RayBright Caper” the debut novel of the “Kirby Mack Series.” The story revolves around the classic tale of thieves trying to pull off a heist and an underdog investigator trying to catch them. However, in B. B. Teeter’s version, this involves a secret military device as a prized possession, an unlikely band of two misfits, and an underappreciated female private security investigator.
Harvey, the man who came up with the grand plan, recruits an unlikely associate, a tech-genius kid named Mark. The start of their professional relationship is a particularly enchanting part of the novel. The tension between the two is palpable, as they each try to size up the other without giving too much away about themselves. Nevertheless, to obtain trust, one must first offer trust.
The two make a great team by complementing each other nicely. There are plenty of moments where they show complete trust in one another. What is more, they seem fully dedicated to the plan. However, throughout the pages, there is a lingering tension, which erupts occasionally.
As their carefully thought-out plan is set in motion, so is Kirby Mack, who is playing for the other side. She is hired by the targeted RayBright Labs, a San Diego Defense contractor. The founders of the company catch on to the fact that something is about to happen but that something seems to elude them.
Kirby proves to be far more resourceful and skilled than her employers thought. Her intelligence and deep knowledge of human psychology enable her to see things in a different light and generally obtain what she wants. In the end, it might even turn out that she was too good for the job.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is its triple narrative line. Chapters are alternatively dedicated to each of the three main characters, Harvey, Mark, and Kirby. This allows the reader a truly unique perspective on the unfolding events. It is truly fascinating to compare a singular event from multiple viewpoints as it brings into focus different details (which go unnoticed by the other participants). Therefore, the reader somehow rises above the events and has a wider view over and deeper understanding of the action.
“The RayBright Caper” promises to be a great read for adults who wish to go on a thrilling adventure. B. B. Teeter is masterful at giving the suspense momentum and also at keeping events unpredictable. These are just a few of the traits that make the book particularly hard to put down.
Harvey, the man who came up with the grand plan, recruits an unlikely associate, a tech-genius kid named Mark. The start of their professional relationship is a particularly enchanting part of the novel. The tension between the two is palpable, as they each try to size up the other without giving too much away about themselves. Nevertheless, to obtain trust, one must first offer trust.
The two make a great team by complementing each other nicely. There are plenty of moments where they show complete trust in one another. What is more, they seem fully dedicated to the plan. However, throughout the pages, there is a lingering tension, which erupts occasionally.
As their carefully thought-out plan is set in motion, so is Kirby Mack, who is playing for the other side. She is hired by the targeted RayBright Labs, a San Diego Defense contractor. The founders of the company catch on to the fact that something is about to happen but that something seems to elude them.
Kirby proves to be far more resourceful and skilled than her employers thought. Her intelligence and deep knowledge of human psychology enable her to see things in a different light and generally obtain what she wants. In the end, it might even turn out that she was too good for the job.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is its triple narrative line. Chapters are alternatively dedicated to each of the three main characters, Harvey, Mark, and Kirby. This allows the reader a truly unique perspective on the unfolding events. It is truly fascinating to compare a singular event from multiple viewpoints as it brings into focus different details (which go unnoticed by the other participants). Therefore, the reader somehow rises above the events and has a wider view over and deeper understanding of the action.
“The RayBright Caper” promises to be a great read for adults who wish to go on a thrilling adventure. B. B. Teeter is masterful at giving the suspense momentum and also at keeping events unpredictable. These are just a few of the traits that make the book particularly hard to put down.
June 15, 2022
I found this book slow-moving until about the last fourth of the story. It was very weird to me that the character for whom the series is named doesn't show up until 31% into the book (per my Kindle). I got much more background/character information about the "bad guys" than I did about Kirbi Mack. Once the story completely unfolded and all the characters were on the stage it was a very interesting and enjoyable story, even though it still moved a bit slower than I would have liked. Also, I felt the ending left a major question unanswered. We know the who and the how, but we never uncover the why. I, too, would have liked to know that answer. I did enjoy the book enough that I would read another in the series. I rounded my rating to a 3.5 stars.
I received a review copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
I received a review copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
July 31, 2021
I finished reading The RayBright Caper a few days back. This is a thoroughly enjoyable crime thriller. The characters are vividly alive, and the pace is expertly handled. I loved the fresh and fun dialogue. Usually I am tempted to flip to the last page and ‘get done with the mystery,’ but Teeter tells his story in such an immersive way that I felt as if the story was unfolding right before my eyes and every page was a true delight to read. Each time I put it down it called me back. This book is sure to keep you gripped until the very last page and I can without hesitation say that you will enjoy it.
February 22, 2022
At first I wasn't sure where this book was going and didn't think much of the bad guy protagonists. But then Kirbi Mack appeared. What a detective. What a story. A smart and sensitive-to-others investigator without a smart remark in sight. What an concept! I'm impressed and am curious about the other books in the series.
April 26, 2019
Having been raised in San Diego, I particularly enjoyed this story. Really - my only complaint about this book is the many missing and/or extra words throwing off my reading -- Especially since this copy is not an advance reader's copy!
Thanks again goodreads for introducing me to a new author!
Thanks again goodreads for introducing me to a new author!
May 19, 2019
I received this book through the Good Reads giveaway. I really like this book. It was an easy read with the way it was written. It kept me wanting to read another chapter to see what was going to happen. I will also like to read the next book.
May 22, 2019
I won this book in the giveaway! I was charmed and enjoyed the read.
April 1, 2014
Won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Intriguing title and intriguing story. A mild mannered, but street wise elderly man named Harvey strikes up a friendship with a druggie type kid named Mark Hatcher because he needs Mark to help him set up and pull off a theft from an area defense contractor,
Ray Bright. Even though Mark is usually high and pretty much out of it, he has good ideas and gets the info Harvey needs in order to complete the job. Unfortunately, for Harvey and Mark, Ray Bright hires a free lancing detective because they suspect somethings about to happen at their shop.Harvey and Mark pull off the theft but the detective, Kirbi is hot on their trail. there are several twists and turns
but in the end, Ray Bright gets their "equipment" back. 4 star rating
Ray Bright. Even though Mark is usually high and pretty much out of it, he has good ideas and gets the info Harvey needs in order to complete the job. Unfortunately, for Harvey and Mark, Ray Bright hires a free lancing detective because they suspect somethings about to happen at their shop.Harvey and Mark pull off the theft but the detective, Kirbi is hot on their trail. there are several twists and turns
but in the end, Ray Bright gets their "equipment" back. 4 star rating
January 14, 2014
I received a review copy of this book from GoodReads.
The RayBright Caper is a very exciting book. The criminals involved in the caper are introduced early and are well sketched out. They're interesting and engaging but have enough negative qualities to make them believable as villains. The hero of the story, by way of contrast, is introduced well into the narrative but Kirbi Mack stands out nevertheless. Kirbi is a diminutive young black woman who consults as a private detective and fixer of sorts. Her character isn't as well established as the criminals but she's very appealing even so. BB Teeter really has the groundwork laid here to have a great series. I found The RayBright Caper very difficult to put down and highly recommend it.
The RayBright Caper is a very exciting book. The criminals involved in the caper are introduced early and are well sketched out. They're interesting and engaging but have enough negative qualities to make them believable as villains. The hero of the story, by way of contrast, is introduced well into the narrative but Kirbi Mack stands out nevertheless. Kirbi is a diminutive young black woman who consults as a private detective and fixer of sorts. Her character isn't as well established as the criminals but she's very appealing even so. BB Teeter really has the groundwork laid here to have a great series. I found The RayBright Caper very difficult to put down and highly recommend it.
March 30, 2020
This is the first in the Kirbi Mack series I've read. I actually started in the middle of the series with Circling the Drain which gave me a taste for the way B.B. Teeter's writes with unexpected twists and turns.
The RayBright Caper offered the same unexpected twist and turns with a dash of turncoat.
Don't miss this caper as Kirbi Mack uncovers the plans of two wily but stumbling crooks.
The RayBright Caper offered the same unexpected twist and turns with a dash of turncoat.
Don't miss this caper as Kirbi Mack uncovers the plans of two wily but stumbling crooks.
January 16, 2014
An interesting and, uncomplicated read about 2 guys plotting a robbery of an item they don't even know what looks like. "The RayBright Caper" by B.B. Teeter is a quickly moving story of two thieves and an ambitious plot to steal "something". The two criminal protagonists, one somewhat old, and the other somewhat very young form a very odd team Complete with no honor among thieves, some gun play and chases it does not lack for some action. It's end, somewhat predictable was almost humorous. Dialog at times was snappy and added some flavor to the story. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars. It was a good read. Why not give it a shot ? You'll steal a good read out of this one.
July 3, 2015
This review is based on a copy of this book that was received though a Goodreads giveaway.
Overall, I enjoyed The RayBright Caper. The book starts out quite slow, but I stuck with it, and the pacing improved quite a bit by the middle. I found parts of the book predictable, but the book is written well enough that I remained interested in the storyline. There was nothing terriby innovative or exciting, but it is a quick, easy read...good for when you might want something light to read from the fictional crime genre. I will give this author and the series another try.
Overall, I enjoyed The RayBright Caper. The book starts out quite slow, but I stuck with it, and the pacing improved quite a bit by the middle. I found parts of the book predictable, but the book is written well enough that I remained interested in the storyline. There was nothing terriby innovative or exciting, but it is a quick, easy read...good for when you might want something light to read from the fictional crime genre. I will give this author and the series another try.
March 11, 2015
Thank you, Goodreads, for the opportunity to win this book.
When I began to read this book, I really liked it a lot. But, for some reason, it didn't continue to hold my interest to the point that I couldn't put it down. I think I expected more and never got it. The storyline and characters were ok, but not strong enough. There was something missing that I can't put my finger on. And I felt that the ending left me hanging.
For a new author, this book was very good and I'm sure this author will do well with a few tweaks.
When I began to read this book, I really liked it a lot. But, for some reason, it didn't continue to hold my interest to the point that I couldn't put it down. I think I expected more and never got it. The storyline and characters were ok, but not strong enough. There was something missing that I can't put my finger on. And I felt that the ending left me hanging.
For a new author, this book was very good and I'm sure this author will do well with a few tweaks.
January 17, 2014
I had some difficulty getting into the book - I wish it had a stronger opening - perhaps it's because the two characters we meet in the first section of the novel are not terribly likable. But once I did get into the swing of it I quite enjoyed it. Interesting plot and intriguing characters. The ending is rather abrupt and not entirely satisfying. I would try another book by the writer and I appreciate that first reads gives us a chance to try new authors!
February 14, 2014
I enjoyed the book very much. A little slow to start, but I understand the characters have to be developed. Once the action starts you get involved. A little different in that I liked all the characters, even those some have flaws. The twists and some of the actions by the characters, sometimes left me wondering if I would have done it the way they did. I would recommend the book as it is a
quick read and entertaining.
quick read and entertaining.
April 17, 2014
I won this book from Goodreads.
By page 100 I wasn't aware of WHAT was being stolen, WHO wanted it and WHY these 2 guys were involved, but BOY did the author have me hooked!
Harve and Mark were interesting, intriguing, smart & dumb, liked & disliked - depending on what page I was on!
I loved this book. Having the word "caper" in the title really fits with the whole story.
It was a thrilling caper & very, very well played.
I'm recommending it to my friends. 5 BIG OLE STARS!
By page 100 I wasn't aware of WHAT was being stolen, WHO wanted it and WHY these 2 guys were involved, but BOY did the author have me hooked!
Harve and Mark were interesting, intriguing, smart & dumb, liked & disliked - depending on what page I was on!
I loved this book. Having the word "caper" in the title really fits with the whole story.
It was a thrilling caper & very, very well played.
I'm recommending it to my friends. 5 BIG OLE STARS!
April 9, 2015
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. An interesting caper, with a twist at the end. I actually thought it might have been Eric behind the caper. It was well written, and fast moving. Harvey and Mark make great criminal characters, and I am surprised neither killed the other. Jane made a great case for her innocence, and I really like the character of Kirby. I'd like to see her in more...I enjoyed reading this book very much.
September 2, 2016
I won this book through the Goodreads giveaway program.
This book was an exciting read. The book is full of interesting characters that you end up liking and rooting for even if they aren't the best of people. The plot is fun and definitely kept me guessing to what was coming next. Well written and thought out plot/characters.
This book was an exciting read. The book is full of interesting characters that you end up liking and rooting for even if they aren't the best of people. The plot is fun and definitely kept me guessing to what was coming next. Well written and thought out plot/characters.
October 14, 2019
The RAY BRIGHT CAPER,by B.B.Teeter, is a classic robbery caper of crime involving a heist from a high-tech facillity. What makes this an interest read is the master mind, a very careful, conservitive criminal has taken a young dope taking accomplish into his plan. Will this work out as he had expected, or will he have to commit another crime to prevent the discovery of his original crime.
January 27, 2015
A great new voice in crime novels, with an interesting, smart and likeable detective, Kirby Mack. The plot is very well conceived, and the storytelling is style is refreshingly unique. I also just finished BB Teeter's second Kirby mack book, An Honest Mistake. Don't miss either one of these.
July 12, 2016
I enjoyed this book. It starts with the criminals planning a caper and you have no idea what they are stealing or why. It kept my interest all the way though. The book had some twists in it and at times I was routing for the bad guys without even knowing why.
January 13, 2014
A Goodreads really good read! And, another lesson in not what to do if you work for a company where security if important.
January 16, 2014
Thought it was a very good read. Loved the characters and the ending. Many stupid decisions on the part of the caper creator. It had humor and action. I would recommend it.
August 1, 2014
I enjoyed this book. The plot is simple with some unexpected twists. A good read.
March 20, 2020
Enjoyed the book very much. The twists and turns kept me reading more. It’s a good read!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews