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Casey Holden, Private Investigator #1
Falling Immortality
Debut, hard-boiled mystery fiction for men. Stephen King’s son describes a fitting genre as MANfiction (the opposite of Chick lit).
Casey Holden, former cop, current PI in Virginia Beach, VA, screens his clients the way he screens his women, based on whichever drop-dead gorgeous woman happens to waltz through his door first and manages to hold his attention. So when Felicity Farren, widow-at-large, struts into his office asking him to solve the two-year-old murder of her husband Artis, she intrigues him. When Casey starts digging, he learns the murder isn’t what it seems to be and he doesn’t have a big enough shovel to unearth the truth. And to top it all off, his former rival at the police department, Greg Gilman, is determined to disrupt his investigation. Casey's challenge is to learn what really happened to Artis, and why Gilman can’t seem to remove his head from his butt. And he’ll need all of his wits to complete the task.
Casey Holden, former cop, current PI in Virginia Beach, VA, screens his clients the way he screens his women, based on whichever drop-dead gorgeous woman happens to waltz through his door first and manages to hold his attention. So when Felicity Farren, widow-at-large, struts into his office asking him to solve the two-year-old murder of her husband Artis, she intrigues him. When Casey starts digging, he learns the murder isn’t what it seems to be and he doesn’t have a big enough shovel to unearth the truth. And to top it all off, his former rival at the police department, Greg Gilman, is determined to disrupt his investigation. Casey's challenge is to learn what really happened to Artis, and why Gilman can’t seem to remove his head from his butt. And he’ll need all of his wits to complete the task.
267 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2011
1967 people want to read
About the author
Robert Downs
11 books437 followersRobert Downs aspired to be a writer before he realized how difficult the writing process was. Fortunately, he'd already fallen in love with the craft, otherwise his tales might never have seen print. Originally from West Virginia, he has lived in Virginia, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and now resides in California. When he’s not writing, Downs can be found reading, reviewing, traveling, or smiling. To find out more about his latest projects, or to reach out to him on the Internet, visit the author’s website: http://www.RobertDowns.net. The Bridal Chase is his seventh book and second novella.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 11, 2012
I received this book as a giveaway in Goodreads First Reads program. Spoiler alert - do not read further if you don't want anything given away please.
I've been thinking on how I would frame the review for this book for a while. It took me over a month to read this book that usually would take me an afternoon.
Casey Holden is a private investigator living off a trust fund, so basically he does the P.I. thing for kicks, after he left the police force. He gets hired by some hot girl to look into the murder of her husband in a bar.
After this, Casey proceeds to horse around, visit the bar where the murder takes place, get beat up, have sex a bunch of times with other unmemorable girls, basically getting nowhere on this case while talking a mile a minute.
I have to honestly say that if I met Casey Holden in real life, I'd probably punch him in the face, which is how much I disliked his character. It only got worse for me as the book progressed, prompting me to put down the book several times since I couldn't tell Casey himself to just shut up.
When I got to the end, and one of the big clues was dropped, I just thought to myself, "If he had just done a background check on his client, I would've been saved 100 + pages of his non-stop chatter and ego, and personal aggravation."
I'm sure that there are people out there that will identify with this character and enjoy his misadventures. Writing a book and getting it published is no small feat, for which I congratulate Mr. Downs on. But this particularly cup of tea was just not for me.
I've been thinking on how I would frame the review for this book for a while. It took me over a month to read this book that usually would take me an afternoon.
Casey Holden is a private investigator living off a trust fund, so basically he does the P.I. thing for kicks, after he left the police force. He gets hired by some hot girl to look into the murder of her husband in a bar.
After this, Casey proceeds to horse around, visit the bar where the murder takes place, get beat up, have sex a bunch of times with other unmemorable girls, basically getting nowhere on this case while talking a mile a minute.
I have to honestly say that if I met Casey Holden in real life, I'd probably punch him in the face, which is how much I disliked his character. It only got worse for me as the book progressed, prompting me to put down the book several times since I couldn't tell Casey himself to just shut up.
When I got to the end, and one of the big clues was dropped, I just thought to myself, "If he had just done a background check on his client, I would've been saved 100 + pages of his non-stop chatter and ego, and personal aggravation."
I'm sure that there are people out there that will identify with this character and enjoy his misadventures. Writing a book and getting it published is no small feat, for which I congratulate Mr. Downs on. But this particularly cup of tea was just not for me.
May 30, 2012
This book about a wise-cracking, irreverent, sort of monogamous PI trying to solve a cold case murder had me grinning on occasion, but also wanting some kind of action and a bit more forward movement. It's an interesting book, to be sure, but oh, my goodness, Casey just doesn't ever shut up. Not that it's a bad thing, but his never-serious manner got a wee bit on my nerves about half-way through. I stuck with it, and the ending, while perhaps predictable, was satisfying.
Not exactly my book, but if you like a bit of a murder mystery coupled with a smart a$$ MC - this is the book for you.
3 solid stars.
I received a free e-copy of this book directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Not exactly my book, but if you like a bit of a murder mystery coupled with a smart a$$ MC - this is the book for you.
3 solid stars.
I received a free e-copy of this book directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2012
Casey Holden is a P.I. who women like,he is a little immoral, unorthodox in his methods and a very confident man. I liked his persistence in solving his cases. Now he has met the Dragon Lady, a women perhaps the first woman not to succumb to his charms. I really think as a first novel by Robert Downs it is wonderful. I can't wait for the next one. I really can't wait to see what happens with the Dragon Lady.
August 28, 2012
Casey Holden was a Private Investigator. His office was located in a warehouse in Norfolk, Virginia. His parents had died and left him wealthy, so money was never an object for him. He played as hard as he worked and took jobs by referral only.
Casey was sitting in his office when Felicity, the femme fatale, walked in. She said her husband died two years ago and the police had never found the murderer. She told me it was a freak thing, of course it was. Artis Farren, her husband, was at his local hangout when a guy walked in, shot him and walked back out. No one had seen anything. I could tell she was hiding something, but that usually goes without saying. She was chain smoking while she was telling me this, but all of sudden she abruptly got up and walked out without saying anything.
It had been two years and the police had gotten nowhere. I love cases that aren't supposed to be solved, so I picked up the phone and called Ian Jackard, my best friend who is a cop. As always, he's happy to hear from me. I had to smile to myself as I said that.
Ian called back and said it had been Greg Gilman's case, but I could come down and see the file. Me and Greg didn't get along so well. I punched him out once and he wouldn't forgive me for making him look like the fool that he is.
When Ian said I had more lives than a Siamese cat, I thought it was true, it had been the same for my parents.
I was in my office going over the file, what little there was. The autopsy report was missing which immediately raised questions in my mind.
I jumped in my car and headed over to the Hotspot to see if I could find out anything about Artis' murder. I struck out, but when I left someone was waiting to follow me. I figured Tiny Watson, who was the bar owner, had put them up to it. I knew he was doing more than just running the bar. There had been an incident 3 years ago when 2 college kids ended up in the hospital and 2 bouncers in jail. That doesn't sound like the type of place someone like Artis would hang out at.
I was going to check out the other witnesses, shake them up and see what happens. I had a pretty loose way of running an investigation. An investigation was like a puzzle, you put it together one piece at a time. I came up with zilch. I asked Ian to do a background check on Tiny Watson.
I had run into Gilman at the station when I went to pick up the file. I just couldn't leave well enough alone and had to pick at him. I should have known Gilman wouldn't take our run in at the station lying down. I was pretty sure the cop had been following me around for a while before he pulled me over and took me straight to Gilman's office. When I told him to hand over the autopsy report and I'd be gone, he told me I was messing with the wrong dead guy.
Felicity had called and wanted to meet for dinner. Maybe she was ready to give me some necessary information. She proceeded to tell me her husband was a greedy criminal in love with the almighty dollar. Even if he was a criminal, his murderer still needed to to pay. When she went to the restroom, she never came back.
I was awakened at 4am to a threatening phone call, telling me to back off or else. Or else what, was my question.
After my coffee and run, I showered and grabbed my gun on my way out the door. Best to be prepared. Something was wrong about this whole mess and I wasn't giving up until I had the answers.
3 STARS - Would recommend to Others
Won on Goodreads First Read Giveaway. I would like to thank Robert who was gracious enough to autograph my copy. I was first attracted to the cover, red always seems to catch my eye. Then the title, Falling Immortality, how could you not want to look a little further to find out what the book is about? The blurb made me immediately think of Tom Selleck as Magnum P.I. and Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade. The femme fatale genre. Light airy. Whimsical.
I love this kind of light mystery mixed with humor. Makes me laugh all the way through. I can just picture him as he walks into a world of hurt. The characters were what I expected and I was happy to visit with them.
I liked when he talked about internet surfing and Cox cable, I thought cool. I could really relate because I also surf the internet on Cox cable. How small a world is it?
2005 Dodge Viper SRT-10. Made me think of Magnum P.I. with his lackadaisical way of running his investigations and the juggling of all the luscious women all the while tooling around in a way hot car. I love cars with lots of power, who doesn't?
Falling Immortality: Casey Holden, Private Investigator Robert Downs
Casey was sitting in his office when Felicity, the femme fatale, walked in. She said her husband died two years ago and the police had never found the murderer. She told me it was a freak thing, of course it was. Artis Farren, her husband, was at his local hangout when a guy walked in, shot him and walked back out. No one had seen anything. I could tell she was hiding something, but that usually goes without saying. She was chain smoking while she was telling me this, but all of sudden she abruptly got up and walked out without saying anything.
It had been two years and the police had gotten nowhere. I love cases that aren't supposed to be solved, so I picked up the phone and called Ian Jackard, my best friend who is a cop. As always, he's happy to hear from me. I had to smile to myself as I said that.
Ian called back and said it had been Greg Gilman's case, but I could come down and see the file. Me and Greg didn't get along so well. I punched him out once and he wouldn't forgive me for making him look like the fool that he is.
When Ian said I had more lives than a Siamese cat, I thought it was true, it had been the same for my parents.
I was in my office going over the file, what little there was. The autopsy report was missing which immediately raised questions in my mind.
I jumped in my car and headed over to the Hotspot to see if I could find out anything about Artis' murder. I struck out, but when I left someone was waiting to follow me. I figured Tiny Watson, who was the bar owner, had put them up to it. I knew he was doing more than just running the bar. There had been an incident 3 years ago when 2 college kids ended up in the hospital and 2 bouncers in jail. That doesn't sound like the type of place someone like Artis would hang out at.
I was going to check out the other witnesses, shake them up and see what happens. I had a pretty loose way of running an investigation. An investigation was like a puzzle, you put it together one piece at a time. I came up with zilch. I asked Ian to do a background check on Tiny Watson.
I had run into Gilman at the station when I went to pick up the file. I just couldn't leave well enough alone and had to pick at him. I should have known Gilman wouldn't take our run in at the station lying down. I was pretty sure the cop had been following me around for a while before he pulled me over and took me straight to Gilman's office. When I told him to hand over the autopsy report and I'd be gone, he told me I was messing with the wrong dead guy.
Felicity had called and wanted to meet for dinner. Maybe she was ready to give me some necessary information. She proceeded to tell me her husband was a greedy criminal in love with the almighty dollar. Even if he was a criminal, his murderer still needed to to pay. When she went to the restroom, she never came back.
I was awakened at 4am to a threatening phone call, telling me to back off or else. Or else what, was my question.
After my coffee and run, I showered and grabbed my gun on my way out the door. Best to be prepared. Something was wrong about this whole mess and I wasn't giving up until I had the answers.
3 STARS - Would recommend to Others
Won on Goodreads First Read Giveaway. I would like to thank Robert who was gracious enough to autograph my copy. I was first attracted to the cover, red always seems to catch my eye. Then the title, Falling Immortality, how could you not want to look a little further to find out what the book is about? The blurb made me immediately think of Tom Selleck as Magnum P.I. and Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade. The femme fatale genre. Light airy. Whimsical.
I love this kind of light mystery mixed with humor. Makes me laugh all the way through. I can just picture him as he walks into a world of hurt. The characters were what I expected and I was happy to visit with them.
I liked when he talked about internet surfing and Cox cable, I thought cool. I could really relate because I also surf the internet on Cox cable. How small a world is it?
2005 Dodge Viper SRT-10. Made me think of Magnum P.I. with his lackadaisical way of running his investigations and the juggling of all the luscious women all the while tooling around in a way hot car. I love cars with lots of power, who doesn't?
Falling Immortality: Casey Holden, Private Investigator Robert Downs
January 16, 2013
Before you gasp in horror from the unusually low rating I've given, let me put a few things straight: Robert Downs is not necessarily a bad writer and Falling Immortality is not a bad book. Remember my philosophy? There's no such thing as a bad book. However, this book has set off some bombs inside of me that should have been left alone; when a book annoys me that much, I will take it personally, and I will write a review to reflect those feelings. This review may sound highly tempered and slightly pissy. You've been warned.
My biggest issue is that there is almost no substance to this story. I can tell you the entire plot in one sentence: Casey Holden, playboy extraordinaire, solves shady crime involving questionable widow, her impenetrable late husband, and her miserable past. In fact, had this sentence actually been in the pages of Falling Immortality, there would be nothing left to read; everything else is virtually fluff. With absolutely no connectable content and dreadful writing flow—no substance, nor style—this book was one I grit my teeth and rubbed my eyes through. I didn't like it at all.
The second biggest problem is Casey, our first-person narrator. He may be a private investigator, but ironically he just can't answer or think of anything straightforwardly. It's clear he knows his job, but has no social awareness, too much confidence, and an ill sense of humor he expects everyone to be amused by. He'll ask a question for the case, flirt and banter exhaustingly for four pages at a time, then come back to the question because, oh yeah, he was supposed to get an answer. There is so much unnecessary fluff, that Falling Immortality was close to an impossible read.
Also, in terms of personality, Casey is the about the last person from whom I'd want to hear a story; not only is he foolish, but he's also unreliable, extremely immature, and just can't get to the point! Half the time I wanted to smack a reason out of him, and the other, I wanted to duct tape his mouth shut. His "witty" ramblings are irritating and just too much. Downs should not be trying so hard to create a humorous personality, because Casey as a character fails miserably from making such a huge effort. Another off-key trait is Casey's supposed womanizing; apparently he is successful at it (but nothing from the author shows me how he scores so well... it all seems like ideal make-believe to me), but all he comes off as is highly annoying, smart-alecky, and frankly, pathetic. He has no charm nor wit whatsoever; the ladies' man characterization just doesn't fit. I can't imagine someone like him being so popular with women in real life; for the most part, he just seems like a jerk—a highly oblivious and outrageously aggravating one, at that. He thinks he's clever and gorgeous and charismatic, but is actually just comes off as plain lame.
The rest of the cast isn't much more impressive. The victims are shallow and unprobed, and even the antagonist isn't that bad—mostly, he's unmemorable and adds no suspense nor issues to the development of the story. This is supposed to be a work of detective fiction; where's my suspense and where's my crime??
Pros: The occasional funny, quirky line from Casey // Clean writing; well-edited
Cons: Poor flow // Difficult, dense writing // Dispensable diction // Every character is unlikable // Casey, who, unfortunately is our protagonist, is the most unlikable (and pathetic) out of all of them // Mystery is very weak // No suspense or speculation // Very inadequate in almost every aspect: story, style, characterization, structure, and technique
Love: I thought about dropping my head in my bowl of minestrone soup, but I had a feeling someone might notice, or in a big blow to my ego, they might not.
Verdict: My dislike for the protagonist (an immediate disadvantage towards my opinion any book), the thick, unnavigable writing style, and the lack of meaningful story structure throughout Falling Immortality make it an exasperating, unfulfilling read. This novel has a couple light chuckle-worthy moments, but is generally unpromising, and after reading, my patience had reached its lowest low. Highly insubstantial in content and wretchedly unsuccessful in style (and storytelling!), Downs's debut is not something I would recommend
Rating: 3/10—Not a fan; I don't recommend this book
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you!)
My biggest issue is that there is almost no substance to this story. I can tell you the entire plot in one sentence: Casey Holden, playboy extraordinaire, solves shady crime involving questionable widow, her impenetrable late husband, and her miserable past. In fact, had this sentence actually been in the pages of Falling Immortality, there would be nothing left to read; everything else is virtually fluff. With absolutely no connectable content and dreadful writing flow—no substance, nor style—this book was one I grit my teeth and rubbed my eyes through. I didn't like it at all.
The second biggest problem is Casey, our first-person narrator. He may be a private investigator, but ironically he just can't answer or think of anything straightforwardly. It's clear he knows his job, but has no social awareness, too much confidence, and an ill sense of humor he expects everyone to be amused by. He'll ask a question for the case, flirt and banter exhaustingly for four pages at a time, then come back to the question because, oh yeah, he was supposed to get an answer. There is so much unnecessary fluff, that Falling Immortality was close to an impossible read.
Also, in terms of personality, Casey is the about the last person from whom I'd want to hear a story; not only is he foolish, but he's also unreliable, extremely immature, and just can't get to the point! Half the time I wanted to smack a reason out of him, and the other, I wanted to duct tape his mouth shut. His "witty" ramblings are irritating and just too much. Downs should not be trying so hard to create a humorous personality, because Casey as a character fails miserably from making such a huge effort. Another off-key trait is Casey's supposed womanizing; apparently he is successful at it (but nothing from the author shows me how he scores so well... it all seems like ideal make-believe to me), but all he comes off as is highly annoying, smart-alecky, and frankly, pathetic. He has no charm nor wit whatsoever; the ladies' man characterization just doesn't fit. I can't imagine someone like him being so popular with women in real life; for the most part, he just seems like a jerk—a highly oblivious and outrageously aggravating one, at that. He thinks he's clever and gorgeous and charismatic, but is actually just comes off as plain lame.
The rest of the cast isn't much more impressive. The victims are shallow and unprobed, and even the antagonist isn't that bad—mostly, he's unmemorable and adds no suspense nor issues to the development of the story. This is supposed to be a work of detective fiction; where's my suspense and where's my crime??
Pros: The occasional funny, quirky line from Casey // Clean writing; well-edited
Cons: Poor flow // Difficult, dense writing // Dispensable diction // Every character is unlikable // Casey, who, unfortunately is our protagonist, is the most unlikable (and pathetic) out of all of them // Mystery is very weak // No suspense or speculation // Very inadequate in almost every aspect: story, style, characterization, structure, and technique
Love: I thought about dropping my head in my bowl of minestrone soup, but I had a feeling someone might notice, or in a big blow to my ego, they might not.
Verdict: My dislike for the protagonist (an immediate disadvantage towards my opinion any book), the thick, unnavigable writing style, and the lack of meaningful story structure throughout Falling Immortality make it an exasperating, unfulfilling read. This novel has a couple light chuckle-worthy moments, but is generally unpromising, and after reading, my patience had reached its lowest low. Highly insubstantial in content and wretchedly unsuccessful in style (and storytelling!), Downs's debut is not something I would recommend
Rating: 3/10—Not a fan; I don't recommend this book
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you!)
November 16, 2012
Kindle version free via author for honest review
I must say, if there is a mystery series written for men, this is very much it! I read bits and pieces to my hubby while I was reading it while he was home and he said that it was a book he may have to read himself. Now my hubby is not a book reading kind of guy, but this book definitely peaked even his interest from the parts he heard me read to him.
Casey Holden is a private investigator in Virginia and an ex cop. He also is very much a ladies man and knows it too. He is constantly on the lookout for a PI job and for a new woman to add to his "between the sheets" life. All of this is why Casey can't possibly turn away Felicity's request for him to find out who killed her husband, Artis, over two years ago. She never turned to any PI before because she thought the police were still looking into it somehow. Artis was in a bar, but mind you he never drank, and was shot and killed while there. The real mystery comes in when no one seems to have seen a thing or any suspects when Artis was killed. Casey is always up for a challenging case and to help a woman, so he takes on the case and starts digging. With the help of his friend and former co-worker he digs into the past files to see what the case entailed and what was investigated at the time it happened. Along the way to trying to find the answer though, Greg Gilman, his former enemy from the police force, is all about telling him to stop investigating his past case because he did his job and it just is unsolvable. Casey runs into lots of trouble when he ignores Greg's advice to let the case be. Before he knows it he has goons after him trying to force him to step away from the case and has put his life in a bit of a risky spot. Between the case, the mystery of the woman who asked him to look into the case, his two girlfriends, and his very colorful bedroom life Casey is a busy man with lots on his plate to deal with. The question comes of what kind of case is this really and will it cost Casey his much loved life? Can Casey really make any headway in a case when he can't tell what to make of it? And why is everyone he talks to about the case so determined to make him stop looking into the unsolved murder of Artis? If Artis never drank, what exactly was he doing in a bar anyway?
This book was very interesting and had a great plot and moved right along. I must say Casey is quite the investigator and quite the ladies man. He has a very exciting love life/bedroom life that most men would probably drool over and think him a God for. I enjoyed this book and found myself thinking through reading it how much more a man would probably love this book, even if they aren't a real reader. Lol. What's not to love in a book with murder, women, fast cars, mystery, and sex? Casey may have come off a bit cocky and shouvenistic, but I came to like his character anyway. He reminded me of a "typical" bachaleor who has no intention of ever getting married because he likes fun and women too much. The mystery and Casey's personal life are a great combo and make a great read. As far as the mystery part of the book, I found that I thought I had it in the bag so to speak for figuring it all out, but then discovered I may not have had it in the bag at all. This book is very well written and has a great pace to it that never makes you wonder if you should skim to get to the good part. Great book for anyone to read, but if you are a woman who is particularily sensitive to how Casey "plays the field" it may not be a book you want to pick up and read. I was open minded throughout this book and found Casey's way of thinking and lifestyle more amusing than offensive in any way. He just is a guy on a mission to have as much fun and women as he can while he can enjoy it all. Guys, this is VERY much a book for you to read! Casey will be a guy to be admired perhaps. :-) Must read book and a must gift kind of book to any guy friend you have or hubby/boyfriend.
5/5 Stars!
I must say, if there is a mystery series written for men, this is very much it! I read bits and pieces to my hubby while I was reading it while he was home and he said that it was a book he may have to read himself. Now my hubby is not a book reading kind of guy, but this book definitely peaked even his interest from the parts he heard me read to him.
Casey Holden is a private investigator in Virginia and an ex cop. He also is very much a ladies man and knows it too. He is constantly on the lookout for a PI job and for a new woman to add to his "between the sheets" life. All of this is why Casey can't possibly turn away Felicity's request for him to find out who killed her husband, Artis, over two years ago. She never turned to any PI before because she thought the police were still looking into it somehow. Artis was in a bar, but mind you he never drank, and was shot and killed while there. The real mystery comes in when no one seems to have seen a thing or any suspects when Artis was killed. Casey is always up for a challenging case and to help a woman, so he takes on the case and starts digging. With the help of his friend and former co-worker he digs into the past files to see what the case entailed and what was investigated at the time it happened. Along the way to trying to find the answer though, Greg Gilman, his former enemy from the police force, is all about telling him to stop investigating his past case because he did his job and it just is unsolvable. Casey runs into lots of trouble when he ignores Greg's advice to let the case be. Before he knows it he has goons after him trying to force him to step away from the case and has put his life in a bit of a risky spot. Between the case, the mystery of the woman who asked him to look into the case, his two girlfriends, and his very colorful bedroom life Casey is a busy man with lots on his plate to deal with. The question comes of what kind of case is this really and will it cost Casey his much loved life? Can Casey really make any headway in a case when he can't tell what to make of it? And why is everyone he talks to about the case so determined to make him stop looking into the unsolved murder of Artis? If Artis never drank, what exactly was he doing in a bar anyway?
This book was very interesting and had a great plot and moved right along. I must say Casey is quite the investigator and quite the ladies man. He has a very exciting love life/bedroom life that most men would probably drool over and think him a God for. I enjoyed this book and found myself thinking through reading it how much more a man would probably love this book, even if they aren't a real reader. Lol. What's not to love in a book with murder, women, fast cars, mystery, and sex? Casey may have come off a bit cocky and shouvenistic, but I came to like his character anyway. He reminded me of a "typical" bachaleor who has no intention of ever getting married because he likes fun and women too much. The mystery and Casey's personal life are a great combo and make a great read. As far as the mystery part of the book, I found that I thought I had it in the bag so to speak for figuring it all out, but then discovered I may not have had it in the bag at all. This book is very well written and has a great pace to it that never makes you wonder if you should skim to get to the good part. Great book for anyone to read, but if you are a woman who is particularily sensitive to how Casey "plays the field" it may not be a book you want to pick up and read. I was open minded throughout this book and found Casey's way of thinking and lifestyle more amusing than offensive in any way. He just is a guy on a mission to have as much fun and women as he can while he can enjoy it all. Guys, this is VERY much a book for you to read! Casey will be a guy to be admired perhaps. :-) Must read book and a must gift kind of book to any guy friend you have or hubby/boyfriend.
5/5 Stars!
February 26, 2012
For any crime aficionado, I can honestly tell you that you are about to receive a brand new “Stone Barrington” to get involved with over the next few years. Why is that? Because when it comes to Casey Golden, he has all the aspects that Stuart Woods made a fortune on when he introduced his character, Stone Barrington, to the masses.
When readers meet this new P.I., they soon find out that Casey is actually retired from the police force, and he certainly doesn’t need a great deal of money to live on. In fact, he supports himself with a trust fund that his parents left behind when they died in a boating accident at far too young of an age. The reason why Casey loves being a P.I. is simply because he likes to solve problems and see justice be done. It’s truly exciting for him, and when Felicity Farren walks into his office and hires him to find her husband’s killer because the police have made it a cold-case, Casey becomes extremely interested in what exactly happened to the man in the bar that night. Was it far more sinister than just a random shooting? Casey will find out!
Felicity visits every once in a while, playing a game of cat-and mouse with the detective, as she offers up ‘scraps of information here and there regarding her husband’s slightly-shady background. But with the help of Casey’s best friend, Detective Ian Jackard, Casey refuses to let the case go until it’s solved.
The dialogue between the characters is a back-and-forth banter that involves everything from seductive innuendos to ‘guy’ talk, to humor - showing readers that although Casey is determined and likes his job, he’s also a man who can’t seem to give 100% to anything but solving the crime. With two steady girlfriends, a Viper in mint condition, and an ego that may even put Stone Barrington’s to shame - Casey is a character that will soon grow on you…even if you don’t want him to. J
Readers will enjoy the sarcastic banter and, most especially, the friendship between Casey and Ian, that truly shows two men who know the absolute worst about each other that neither wants revealed to the world. A good beginning to what, I’m sure, will be a series that will go on for a good, long time.
Until Next Time, Everybody.
Amy
When readers meet this new P.I., they soon find out that Casey is actually retired from the police force, and he certainly doesn’t need a great deal of money to live on. In fact, he supports himself with a trust fund that his parents left behind when they died in a boating accident at far too young of an age. The reason why Casey loves being a P.I. is simply because he likes to solve problems and see justice be done. It’s truly exciting for him, and when Felicity Farren walks into his office and hires him to find her husband’s killer because the police have made it a cold-case, Casey becomes extremely interested in what exactly happened to the man in the bar that night. Was it far more sinister than just a random shooting? Casey will find out!
Felicity visits every once in a while, playing a game of cat-and mouse with the detective, as she offers up ‘scraps of information here and there regarding her husband’s slightly-shady background. But with the help of Casey’s best friend, Detective Ian Jackard, Casey refuses to let the case go until it’s solved.
The dialogue between the characters is a back-and-forth banter that involves everything from seductive innuendos to ‘guy’ talk, to humor - showing readers that although Casey is determined and likes his job, he’s also a man who can’t seem to give 100% to anything but solving the crime. With two steady girlfriends, a Viper in mint condition, and an ego that may even put Stone Barrington’s to shame - Casey is a character that will soon grow on you…even if you don’t want him to. J
Readers will enjoy the sarcastic banter and, most especially, the friendship between Casey and Ian, that truly shows two men who know the absolute worst about each other that neither wants revealed to the world. A good beginning to what, I’m sure, will be a series that will go on for a good, long time.
Until Next Time, Everybody.
Amy
January 30, 2012
Review of Falling Immortality by Robert Downs
I sense in this novel, an ebullience, a buoyancy, which is not present in the 1930’s-1950’s hardboiled detective fiction which it at first resembles. Gone is the dark cloud of cynicism predicting trouble on the horizon of Ross McDonald’s Lew Archer, and other famous fictional investigators. I think Humphrey Bogart, so excellent as Sam Spade in “The Maltese Falcon,” might find it difficult trying to portray Casey Holden, the private investigator protagonist of “Falling Immortality,” because Casey is just-irrepressibly buoyant! Instead of a hard-boiled egg, Casey is more like a hard-shelled egg with a chick embryo inside. He is light-hearted often (though he exhibits a dark side, as do we all-or most of us; he’s not immune to personal violence), his job devotion is intermittent, and he surfs! Yes, he’s a skirt-chaser, yes, he gets clients who are suspiciously secretive, yes, he has periods of utter dedication to a case; but that’s just one side of Casey-he has his soft-boiled side too.
That’s what I enjoy so much about this novel: what could have been simple mimicry of a long-standing tradition has instead been wrought into a fully-rounded, three-dimensional character, whom the author understands very clearly. Even the “characters in passing,” those who show up on the backstage or who are met and then depart, are rounded characters, and the author demonstrates surprising insight into their individuality as well.
There’s a light tongue-in-cheek thread of humour running through this private investigator novel, too, and perhaps Robert Downs has now spoiled me for the usual “hard-boiled” fiction, with its down-hearted, eyes on the ground, no hope ever, investigators and police detectives. I probably cannot recommend this novel highly enough; believe this reviewer, it is much more than meets the eye at first glance. Don’t miss it.
I sense in this novel, an ebullience, a buoyancy, which is not present in the 1930’s-1950’s hardboiled detective fiction which it at first resembles. Gone is the dark cloud of cynicism predicting trouble on the horizon of Ross McDonald’s Lew Archer, and other famous fictional investigators. I think Humphrey Bogart, so excellent as Sam Spade in “The Maltese Falcon,” might find it difficult trying to portray Casey Holden, the private investigator protagonist of “Falling Immortality,” because Casey is just-irrepressibly buoyant! Instead of a hard-boiled egg, Casey is more like a hard-shelled egg with a chick embryo inside. He is light-hearted often (though he exhibits a dark side, as do we all-or most of us; he’s not immune to personal violence), his job devotion is intermittent, and he surfs! Yes, he’s a skirt-chaser, yes, he gets clients who are suspiciously secretive, yes, he has periods of utter dedication to a case; but that’s just one side of Casey-he has his soft-boiled side too.
That’s what I enjoy so much about this novel: what could have been simple mimicry of a long-standing tradition has instead been wrought into a fully-rounded, three-dimensional character, whom the author understands very clearly. Even the “characters in passing,” those who show up on the backstage or who are met and then depart, are rounded characters, and the author demonstrates surprising insight into their individuality as well.
There’s a light tongue-in-cheek thread of humour running through this private investigator novel, too, and perhaps Robert Downs has now spoiled me for the usual “hard-boiled” fiction, with its down-hearted, eyes on the ground, no hope ever, investigators and police detectives. I probably cannot recommend this novel highly enough; believe this reviewer, it is much more than meets the eye at first glance. Don’t miss it.
June 30, 2012
The author sent me a copy of this book, along with a request for review.
When I read the description, I was hoping for something along the lines of Lawrence Sanders' McNally. The description outstrips the reality, unfortunately.
If you like a detective who is immature, shallow and narcissistic, you'll love Casey Holden. If you like reading paragraph after paragraph of dialogue and description that have no apparent connection to the story, you'll love this book. If you're looking for a well-developed character and a zippy plot, don't bother spending your money.
I was only 6% into the book the first time I checked to see if I'd read enough to say I'd given it a good effort. I checked several more times before finally giving up right about halfway through. I kept waiting for it to improve, but it didn't. The murder mystery wasn't interesting enough to entice me to slog through what the author thinks is witty repartee in order to find out who did it or how it was solved. I found the character of Casey Holden to be shallow and unlikeable. The story moves slowly because the author places more emphasis on showing the reader that Holden is a wise-cracking womanizer than actually moving the story along. Comparing this character to Mike Hammer or James Bond and the plot to one worthy of Mickey Spillane is more laughable than the alleged wise-cracking itself, but certainly in keeping with the narcissistic character of the book.
If this is what men want to read, then I despair for single women everywhere, while being grateful I'm not in the dating game.
This review is posted at my blog.
When I read the description, I was hoping for something along the lines of Lawrence Sanders' McNally. The description outstrips the reality, unfortunately.
If you like a detective who is immature, shallow and narcissistic, you'll love Casey Holden. If you like reading paragraph after paragraph of dialogue and description that have no apparent connection to the story, you'll love this book. If you're looking for a well-developed character and a zippy plot, don't bother spending your money.
I was only 6% into the book the first time I checked to see if I'd read enough to say I'd given it a good effort. I checked several more times before finally giving up right about halfway through. I kept waiting for it to improve, but it didn't. The murder mystery wasn't interesting enough to entice me to slog through what the author thinks is witty repartee in order to find out who did it or how it was solved. I found the character of Casey Holden to be shallow and unlikeable. The story moves slowly because the author places more emphasis on showing the reader that Holden is a wise-cracking womanizer than actually moving the story along. Comparing this character to Mike Hammer or James Bond and the plot to one worthy of Mickey Spillane is more laughable than the alleged wise-cracking itself, but certainly in keeping with the narcissistic character of the book.
If this is what men want to read, then I despair for single women everywhere, while being grateful I'm not in the dating game.
This review is posted at my blog.
November 9, 2012
Falling Immortality:
Casey Holden, Private Investigator
By Robert Downs
Former cop Casey Holden now works as a PI in Virginia Beach where he makes his own hours and takes on only the cases he wants. When a gorgeous chain smoking woman walks through his door and requests that he solve a two year old murder Casey begins to dig. What he uncovers is buried under one lie after another; will he be able to solve a case that the police department wasn’t able to?
Casey Holden is a “Man’s Man” fast car and even faster women make up the extent of his personal life. With sarcasm and wit he manages to unravel a mystery that is sure to surprise the reader. I had a lot of fun reading this one, I am a girly girl but Casey Holden is one of those characters you can’t help but like. Add in the case that Holden is working on and the author has created a truly fun book full of scandalous behavior and not just by his clients. I truly hope that Robert Downs has more in store for Holden and his escapades. I hate comparing authors but the main character reminds me of the Iron Druid series. Maybe that is just part of the “MANfiction” the author warned me about but either way I Love It!
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
Casey Holden, Private Investigator
By Robert Downs
Former cop Casey Holden now works as a PI in Virginia Beach where he makes his own hours and takes on only the cases he wants. When a gorgeous chain smoking woman walks through his door and requests that he solve a two year old murder Casey begins to dig. What he uncovers is buried under one lie after another; will he be able to solve a case that the police department wasn’t able to?
Casey Holden is a “Man’s Man” fast car and even faster women make up the extent of his personal life. With sarcasm and wit he manages to unravel a mystery that is sure to surprise the reader. I had a lot of fun reading this one, I am a girly girl but Casey Holden is one of those characters you can’t help but like. Add in the case that Holden is working on and the author has created a truly fun book full of scandalous behavior and not just by his clients. I truly hope that Robert Downs has more in store for Holden and his escapades. I hate comparing authors but the main character reminds me of the Iron Druid series. Maybe that is just part of the “MANfiction” the author warned me about but either way I Love It!
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
August 17, 2012
Former cop, PI Casey holden is investigating a two year old Murder.
This was by far the most annoying protagonist i ever met, god hè never shuts up! His inner dialogues, were not that funny but obnoxious....too bad coz the mystery wasn't that bad eventhough it left me with me more questions.
It was rally hard to keep my mind from wndering away, i was struggling with his big ego, god he was narcissitic and shallow, so from time to time i started skipping through the dialogues, to get some action and pace into the story... i was really hoping for some action and it just didn't come.
this book wasn't a satisfying read,maybe it was just not something for me...
conclusion: to much blah blah not enough action....
This was by far the most annoying protagonist i ever met, god hè never shuts up! His inner dialogues, were not that funny but obnoxious....too bad coz the mystery wasn't that bad eventhough it left me with me more questions.
It was rally hard to keep my mind from wndering away, i was struggling with his big ego, god he was narcissitic and shallow, so from time to time i started skipping through the dialogues, to get some action and pace into the story... i was really hoping for some action and it just didn't come.
this book wasn't a satisfying read,maybe it was just not something for me...
conclusion: to much blah blah not enough action....
August 19, 2012
Ok, I really hate doing this, but I did not like this book at all.
I hope that making Casey so unlikable was the author's intent. It took all I had to actually finish this book. Casey was a pig, for lack of a better word.
The plot itself may have been alright, but Casey and his constant inner dialog with himself about women was too distracting. His treatment of women, and pretty much everyone around him was horrible. I just couldn't get past my dislike of Casey to even try to enjoy this book.
I can usually finish a book like this in a day or two, but it actually took me close to a week to get through it.
I hope that making Casey so unlikable was the author's intent. It took all I had to actually finish this book. Casey was a pig, for lack of a better word.
The plot itself may have been alright, but Casey and his constant inner dialog with himself about women was too distracting. His treatment of women, and pretty much everyone around him was horrible. I just couldn't get past my dislike of Casey to even try to enjoy this book.
I can usually finish a book like this in a day or two, but it actually took me close to a week to get through it.
Read
August 2, 2011This is a new author to watch! Manfiction that's a good, fast read. I want more of Casey Holden.
June 4, 2019
‘I’m not really sure where to begin.’ ‘The beginning’s always a good place.’
West Virginia author Robert Downs has worked for the government as a budget analyst and now writes mysteries, thrillers and novels about terrorism. He has lived in many places – Massachusetts, California, New Mexico, Virginia, Colorado – but always refers to himself as a West Virginian. He has published eight books to date.
FALLING IMMORTALITY is actually Robert Downs’ initial novel, though the cover has changed and the book has been updated. The emergence of Robert’s very natural lead character – PI Casey Holden – served the author well as the key to entry into the arena of mystery/suspense thrillers. He has a unique personality – a ‘slick talking, macho, wise cracking sleuth’ – that makes his debut novel bounce to life.
Robert’s prose is straightforward and allows his characters to develop naturally. He opens with a pop: ‘”My husband des,” she said. She wiped her eyes, but she didn’t shed a tear. I was accustomed to serious – I’m a former cop – and I couldn’t give it up. “I’m sorry for your loss,” I told her. It seemed like an appropriate thing to say. There’s something to be said for effort. “I’d like to hire you.” I need more to go on. “What’s your husband’s name?” She paused as if she might be trying to remember. “Artis, Artis Farren. I’m Felicity, his wife. I hear you’re the best, Mr. Holden.” “Thank you,” I said. “I have an inquisitive mind.”… And so we’ve meet the PI and client – a promising duo, and the tone of the novel is set. Intrigue doused with a fine sense of humor.
Robert’s plot outline is inviting – ‘Private detective Casey Holden has just gotten back from a vacation of fun in the sun when he gets an unexpected visitor, Felicity Farren. Her husband Artis was killed two years ago, and the local cops have let the case run cold. She wants answers, as well as justice, and Casey appears to be the right man for the job. Since he’s intrigued by Felicity, and since he doesn’t have anyone else knocking on his door, Casey takes her case. But when he starts digging for the truth, he soon realizes this isn’t a simple crime, and he probably doesn’t have a big enough shovel...’ To offer more would reduce the tension and pleasure of reading the book.
Solid writing from a voice that knows the territory. A fine thriller.
West Virginia author Robert Downs has worked for the government as a budget analyst and now writes mysteries, thrillers and novels about terrorism. He has lived in many places – Massachusetts, California, New Mexico, Virginia, Colorado – but always refers to himself as a West Virginian. He has published eight books to date.
FALLING IMMORTALITY is actually Robert Downs’ initial novel, though the cover has changed and the book has been updated. The emergence of Robert’s very natural lead character – PI Casey Holden – served the author well as the key to entry into the arena of mystery/suspense thrillers. He has a unique personality – a ‘slick talking, macho, wise cracking sleuth’ – that makes his debut novel bounce to life.
Robert’s prose is straightforward and allows his characters to develop naturally. He opens with a pop: ‘”My husband des,” she said. She wiped her eyes, but she didn’t shed a tear. I was accustomed to serious – I’m a former cop – and I couldn’t give it up. “I’m sorry for your loss,” I told her. It seemed like an appropriate thing to say. There’s something to be said for effort. “I’d like to hire you.” I need more to go on. “What’s your husband’s name?” She paused as if she might be trying to remember. “Artis, Artis Farren. I’m Felicity, his wife. I hear you’re the best, Mr. Holden.” “Thank you,” I said. “I have an inquisitive mind.”… And so we’ve meet the PI and client – a promising duo, and the tone of the novel is set. Intrigue doused with a fine sense of humor.
Robert’s plot outline is inviting – ‘Private detective Casey Holden has just gotten back from a vacation of fun in the sun when he gets an unexpected visitor, Felicity Farren. Her husband Artis was killed two years ago, and the local cops have let the case run cold. She wants answers, as well as justice, and Casey appears to be the right man for the job. Since he’s intrigued by Felicity, and since he doesn’t have anyone else knocking on his door, Casey takes her case. But when he starts digging for the truth, he soon realizes this isn’t a simple crime, and he probably doesn’t have a big enough shovel...’ To offer more would reduce the tension and pleasure of reading the book.
Solid writing from a voice that knows the territory. A fine thriller.
June 15, 2019
The main character is an ex-cop and now Private Detective, Casey Holden, who spends as much time as possible on holiday, and as little time working as he can manage. He doesn’t advertise his office or his work number and usually only gets new clients who have been recommended by previous clients he has worked for. Just after his return, he gets a walk-in at the office, a Felicity Farren. She wants to hire him to investigate her husband’s murder, some two years previously. The police have given up and found no suspects, so she is now looking for extra eyes on the case.
She seems to be a rich widow, especially from the insurance payout she received, but says she is short of funds and had heard he did worked for free. He is somewhat intrigued by this woman and agrees to take the case, but finds her behaviour to be rather strange, often just disappearing suddenly and leaving him to pay for items! Felicity states she wants answers and justice for her husband, but seems to be holding back some secrets about the case and is very reluctant to release any information that Casey may need. He starts digging, but there seems to be more to her husband’s murder than she is telling him.
Asking questions of the supposed witnesses, all who saw nothing, even though it happened in a bar, are a dead end. What else might be going on in the bar leads him to put his foot into other criminal matters and into personal danger. What is shocking, is who he will find was behind the murder and who else is mixed up with the widow. It will tie into many facets of Casey’s life, both present and past, and even make him dig deeper to find the truth. Once he gets into a case, he doesn’t let go. Something others should have thought about before hiring him.
This was quite a good read, with a lazy P.I. who doesn’t have much of a work ethic, preferring to take holidays rather than work. He is only able to do this because of a lucky inheritance. A dogged reputation as a P.I. and the knowledge of an ex-cop. Only strange bit is how his old boss manages to get him pulled in, without any charges, not very realistic sounding. Driving a very noticeable car is not a very good method to inconspicuous, but that is what he uses, as per the book cover. Not a bad read overall. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
She seems to be a rich widow, especially from the insurance payout she received, but says she is short of funds and had heard he did worked for free. He is somewhat intrigued by this woman and agrees to take the case, but finds her behaviour to be rather strange, often just disappearing suddenly and leaving him to pay for items! Felicity states she wants answers and justice for her husband, but seems to be holding back some secrets about the case and is very reluctant to release any information that Casey may need. He starts digging, but there seems to be more to her husband’s murder than she is telling him.
Asking questions of the supposed witnesses, all who saw nothing, even though it happened in a bar, are a dead end. What else might be going on in the bar leads him to put his foot into other criminal matters and into personal danger. What is shocking, is who he will find was behind the murder and who else is mixed up with the widow. It will tie into many facets of Casey’s life, both present and past, and even make him dig deeper to find the truth. Once he gets into a case, he doesn’t let go. Something others should have thought about before hiring him.
This was quite a good read, with a lazy P.I. who doesn’t have much of a work ethic, preferring to take holidays rather than work. He is only able to do this because of a lucky inheritance. A dogged reputation as a P.I. and the knowledge of an ex-cop. Only strange bit is how his old boss manages to get him pulled in, without any charges, not very realistic sounding. Driving a very noticeable car is not a very good method to inconspicuous, but that is what he uses, as per the book cover. Not a bad read overall. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
June 1, 2019
I found it interesting. I liked the atmosphere of unpredictability and intrigue. I love detectives, I
like riddles that are revealed at the end. In the book, the reader meets the main characters - this is
Casey Holden and Felicity. These two characters seemed interesting to me, especially their
personalities. Casey is a policeman who likes difficult situations, so he immediately came to the
aid of Felicity, who wanted to find out the murderer of her husband, though after a long time.
The author did a good job, I enjoyed reading. In some places there were events that caught my
interest, although I would like more of them. The biggest mystery was Felicity, she surprised me
a little and it increased my interest. A series of events allows the reader from the very beginning
to plunge into the story and go along with the characters to the very end. In general, this is a
good book, a good detective, which will perfectly complement your reading list.
like riddles that are revealed at the end. In the book, the reader meets the main characters - this is
Casey Holden and Felicity. These two characters seemed interesting to me, especially their
personalities. Casey is a policeman who likes difficult situations, so he immediately came to the
aid of Felicity, who wanted to find out the murderer of her husband, though after a long time.
The author did a good job, I enjoyed reading. In some places there were events that caught my
interest, although I would like more of them. The biggest mystery was Felicity, she surprised me
a little and it increased my interest. A series of events allows the reader from the very beginning
to plunge into the story and go along with the characters to the very end. In general, this is a
good book, a good detective, which will perfectly complement your reading list.
June 21, 2019
As a big fan of detective stories, Falling Immortality popped up several times on the list of recommended readings before I decided to buy it. Although this is your traditional detective with a saviour complex, filled with the beautiful widow cliché, I enjoyed reading it.
Don’t expect to read something completely original: this was a safe bet from Robert Downs. The story follows a successful formula and it takes pride in it. The plotline is basic but it works perfectly. I always say that there is nothing wrong in sticking to a formula if you can make it work. Robert Downs delivers intense characters and a fast paced storyline that helps bring the story to life. It is fairly entertaining and the ending does not disapppoint. A nice book that you won’t regret reading it.
Don’t expect to read something completely original: this was a safe bet from Robert Downs. The story follows a successful formula and it takes pride in it. The plotline is basic but it works perfectly. I always say that there is nothing wrong in sticking to a formula if you can make it work. Robert Downs delivers intense characters and a fast paced storyline that helps bring the story to life. It is fairly entertaining and the ending does not disapppoint. A nice book that you won’t regret reading it.
June 15, 2019
Casey Holden has just returned from a vacation when Felicity Farren enters his life. She is a beautiful widow who is looking for answers and justice for her deceased husband. The police ran out of leads, so it is now a cold case and Felicity wants Casey to find out who did this to her husband and why. Casey thinks it will be a quick simple case, but if only that was true. The more he digs into the husband's case, the more complicated things get. Can he sort it all out or will he too end up like the husband? I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
July 30, 2019
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Casey Holden is a former cop turned private eye. He is a smart mouthed playboy type and too full of himself. This is not a character that I really want to read more of as I found him annoying.
The plot was fine. He is hired by the widow to find out who killed her husband two years earlier. He does some legwork and interviews but his constant commentary about things not related to the actual case and his smart mouthed comments detract from the story.
It was a good enough book just not one I personally would read again
Casey Holden is a former cop turned private eye. He is a smart mouthed playboy type and too full of himself. This is not a character that I really want to read more of as I found him annoying.
The plot was fine. He is hired by the widow to find out who killed her husband two years earlier. He does some legwork and interviews but his constant commentary about things not related to the actual case and his smart mouthed comments detract from the story.
It was a good enough book just not one I personally would read again
August 1, 2019
I won this book from Goodreads and I always appreciate the opportunity to win a book.
But this book was really not my idea of a good murder mystery. I do not appreciate the humor that the character made of everything. He was never serious. A rich playboy pretending to be a P.I. What a disgraceful attitude.
This book just had no substance worth reading. It is not at all the style of writing I like and reminds me of another author who I won't name who is very popular, has the humor, but writes a better story. I would not recommend this book.
But this book was really not my idea of a good murder mystery. I do not appreciate the humor that the character made of everything. He was never serious. A rich playboy pretending to be a P.I. What a disgraceful attitude.
This book just had no substance worth reading. It is not at all the style of writing I like and reminds me of another author who I won't name who is very popular, has the humor, but writes a better story. I would not recommend this book.
September 2, 2019
Take out the innuendo, gratuitous sex and irrelevant women and this book becomes a very short story with not much of a plot.
And the unanswered question remains.....why did Felicity hire Casey to investigate her husband's murder?
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
And the unanswered question remains.....why did Felicity hire Casey to investigate her husband's murder?
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
September 12, 2019
Falling Immortality is a good mystery. Casey Holden is an interesting character with determination throughout the soul. I enjoyed the story and thank Goodreads First Reads for a copy of the book. I look forward to reading more novels by Robert Downs.
July 8, 2019
A delightfully entertaining book due to the witty repartee of private detective Casey Holden. Not overly suspenseful...but full of laughs. Fun to read.
July 16, 2019
The spiritual successor of The Maltese Falcon, Falling Immortality and Casey Holden are promising new entries to the world of detective fiction. The dialogue pops and cracks like a pack of fireworks going off on Independence Day. Casey's a bit of Thomas Magnum, too, what with the flashy car, penchant for fitness, and long-suffering friends willing to lend a hand. I'll recommend the book without reservation to fans of the genre. We need to give Robert Downs a reason to keep on writing! This book will also satisfy the 2019 Watauga County Public Library Reading Challenge categories: A Book By An Author You've Never Heard of Before; The First Book In a Series. I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways on Monday, July 8, 2019.
March 6, 2012
FALLING IMMORTALITY is a PI (private investigator) tale, and my rating for it is really 3.5. By the very nature of its genre, the novel's scope has to be somewhat limited, its focus more precictable, its unfolding plot moving toward one goal --- solving the case, and the expectancies of the protagonist usually set beforehand.
In any event, I liked the story: it has well-crafted characters, its own originality, is well-written, has an easy to read style, and I suspect PI buffs will become quite engrossed in it. So my tip of the hat to Robert Downs, the book's author.
The problem is, not being a PI buff, I had difficulty rating the novel, concerned about doing it justice. But in the end I had to go with the book's overall impact compared to the scope and incredible stories of books I have read.
The protagonist, Casey Holden, a stubborn, beer-drinking PI with spunk and a short fuse, great physical shape, has the reputation of finding out the truth no matter what chaos it causes others, including himself. He operates on instinct, fueled by an overemphasized bravado about his own masculinity. Part of this perceived masculinity is his insatiable sexual appetite. Often fantasizing about beautiful young women in the nude, Casey regards women as a source of recreation. His non-commital affairs with his two closest lady friends --- when he's not on the investigative fly --- is reduced to the basic animal instinct of fulfilling raw sexual urges as a manner of sport. These two ladies love it, but are peeved at his otherwise emotionally distancing himself from them.
But on to the main story. Operating from a sparsely furnished office in an old warehouse, Casey takes on a case presented to him by a peculiar woman involving her dead husband. Two years past the widow's spouse was in a bar when out of nowhere pops an unknown assailant who promptly shoots her husband in the back of the head then quickly vanishes; the murder still unsolved. The client wants Casey to finally solve the murder, bringing her closure.
So far, simple enough, and not overly exciting. But you want to keep on reading; so easy to do so. As it is throughout the story, you're drawn in by the wit of Casey's thoughts and reflections, and his wise-cracking comments and snappy comebacks. But these can only carry a story so far --- except for PI buffs who supposedly eat this sort of stuff up right to the end. One thing affected is the dialogue. For the most part, the dialogue is effective and to the point, fitting the situation. But on occasion, too often, when the wit and wise-cracking and snappy comebacks wane and become thin, not working, the dialogue seems to deteriorate; becoming simplistic or trite, even silly; a drag on the characters resonating with the plot. At times, I asked myself: "In such a situation, would real people actually speak to each other like this?"
Whether they would or not, as the story moves on toward the end, the dialogue takes on strength; becoming more appropriate, with the added emphasis needed and required.
But back to Casey. With the help of his best male friend, a steady member of the local police department who regards Casey as having wild theories in his approach to solving this case, and while not losing a chance to size up every beautiful woman he happens to lay eyes upon, Casey sets out with misgivings to solve the baffling murder of his client's husband. But in spite of all his hectic and life-threatening efforts, Casey's quest ends up as a joke on himself. He is blindsided, wise-cracks and all.
The story's evolvement is so unusual that I will not dwell further into overview detail, not wishing to risk giving away the story's complex surprise ending. That I'll leave for you to discover.
Falling Immortality is a book worth reading. As with me, if you like an interesting, quick easy read, you should like this novel. If you're a PI buff, you should love it!
In any event, I liked the story: it has well-crafted characters, its own originality, is well-written, has an easy to read style, and I suspect PI buffs will become quite engrossed in it. So my tip of the hat to Robert Downs, the book's author.
The problem is, not being a PI buff, I had difficulty rating the novel, concerned about doing it justice. But in the end I had to go with the book's overall impact compared to the scope and incredible stories of books I have read.
The protagonist, Casey Holden, a stubborn, beer-drinking PI with spunk and a short fuse, great physical shape, has the reputation of finding out the truth no matter what chaos it causes others, including himself. He operates on instinct, fueled by an overemphasized bravado about his own masculinity. Part of this perceived masculinity is his insatiable sexual appetite. Often fantasizing about beautiful young women in the nude, Casey regards women as a source of recreation. His non-commital affairs with his two closest lady friends --- when he's not on the investigative fly --- is reduced to the basic animal instinct of fulfilling raw sexual urges as a manner of sport. These two ladies love it, but are peeved at his otherwise emotionally distancing himself from them.
But on to the main story. Operating from a sparsely furnished office in an old warehouse, Casey takes on a case presented to him by a peculiar woman involving her dead husband. Two years past the widow's spouse was in a bar when out of nowhere pops an unknown assailant who promptly shoots her husband in the back of the head then quickly vanishes; the murder still unsolved. The client wants Casey to finally solve the murder, bringing her closure.
So far, simple enough, and not overly exciting. But you want to keep on reading; so easy to do so. As it is throughout the story, you're drawn in by the wit of Casey's thoughts and reflections, and his wise-cracking comments and snappy comebacks. But these can only carry a story so far --- except for PI buffs who supposedly eat this sort of stuff up right to the end. One thing affected is the dialogue. For the most part, the dialogue is effective and to the point, fitting the situation. But on occasion, too often, when the wit and wise-cracking and snappy comebacks wane and become thin, not working, the dialogue seems to deteriorate; becoming simplistic or trite, even silly; a drag on the characters resonating with the plot. At times, I asked myself: "In such a situation, would real people actually speak to each other like this?"
Whether they would or not, as the story moves on toward the end, the dialogue takes on strength; becoming more appropriate, with the added emphasis needed and required.
But back to Casey. With the help of his best male friend, a steady member of the local police department who regards Casey as having wild theories in his approach to solving this case, and while not losing a chance to size up every beautiful woman he happens to lay eyes upon, Casey sets out with misgivings to solve the baffling murder of his client's husband. But in spite of all his hectic and life-threatening efforts, Casey's quest ends up as a joke on himself. He is blindsided, wise-cracks and all.
The story's evolvement is so unusual that I will not dwell further into overview detail, not wishing to risk giving away the story's complex surprise ending. That I'll leave for you to discover.
Falling Immortality is a book worth reading. As with me, if you like an interesting, quick easy read, you should like this novel. If you're a PI buff, you should love it!
April 20, 2012
Casey Holden is sarcastic, rubs a person the wrong way - and doesn’t care. Except for in matters between the sheets; then he’s all sorts of the right way. He’s a former cop, and in-between vacations he’s a Dodge Viper driving PI. Life is easy, and that’s the way he likes it. But then Felicity Farren walks into his office, seeking help to solve the two-year old, unsolved case of her husband’s murder. Felicity comes and goes like the wind, drawing more questions than answers; but Casey likes a puzzle, and he’s determined to solve this one – if of course, he doesn’t find himself a murder victim from poking his nose into where it doesn’t belong first.
Now I know what some of you women out there might be thinking – guy sounds like a womanizing jerk, why would I waste 220 pages reading that? And, well, he is. But, he’s witty, quick on his feet with a response to everything, and you really can’t help appreciating it. Casey Holden is like the bad boy we’re secretly drawn to, yet he has enough good boy in him to justify the unstated attraction. If I were a man, I’d be jealous of Mr. Holden.
Some of my favorite scenes were between Casey and his best friend, Ian (who is still on the police force). For every witty remark Casey blurts out, Ian has one to throw back at him. I couldn’t help chuckling as they went back and forth, tit for tat, trying to one-up the other. Yet throughout it all, you sense their deep friendship and that at the end of the day, they really would be lost without the other. And I think in his odd way of showing it, Casey knows this. But of course his ego is too big to let him verbalize it. I equate their conversations to the man-version of Friends, and I loved it. Without the banter between them, I think the book would have been missing something.
I’m a mystery/detective novel buff, so I jumped at the chance to read this, but with every read in this genre comes a grain of salt – you don’t have the flexibility with plot like you might with other genres. That being said, I was rather pleased with the plot twists in this book. Granted they all might not have surprised me, but that’s of no fault to the author, only the genre. The ride through the twists was enjoyable, the hovering mystery of who Felicity really is, and why (if she’s trying to solve her husband’s murder) is she so darn elusive! And this is where the author really shined, he pulls you into the puzzle – you suddenly become like House, on a mission to solve the mystery at any cost.
The ending was climactic enough for my taste, wrapping up the story, yet leaving a bit to the reader’s imagination. That aspect, I thought, was done very well. The author did a fine job at resolving it to satisfaction, but giving the reader room to still ponder, still have a hint of mystery to solve – which only makes us want to jump on board for the next adventure. Which I would do.
Overall this was a decent read for me, and I would give it two thumbs up. I can see how Casey’s character might not be for all women, but I enjoy sarcasm, I enjoy ‘hangin with the boys’, and I think most women are entirely too complicated to try and figure out. But, I'm a girly girl too, a chic flick lover at heart, I cry, like sappy stuff, and probably entirely too complicated myself. So bravo to the author for that, being able to take your average woman, and make her relate to this kind of character on all levels. But not just relate, he made me like this character. I loved all the characters actually, major and minor, the plot pace was spot on, and the twists enough to keep me reading. I would add this to my list of recommended books to fans of mystery/detective novels.
**My review copied from my blog, http://crazyladywithapen.blogspot.com/
Now I know what some of you women out there might be thinking – guy sounds like a womanizing jerk, why would I waste 220 pages reading that? And, well, he is. But, he’s witty, quick on his feet with a response to everything, and you really can’t help appreciating it. Casey Holden is like the bad boy we’re secretly drawn to, yet he has enough good boy in him to justify the unstated attraction. If I were a man, I’d be jealous of Mr. Holden.
Some of my favorite scenes were between Casey and his best friend, Ian (who is still on the police force). For every witty remark Casey blurts out, Ian has one to throw back at him. I couldn’t help chuckling as they went back and forth, tit for tat, trying to one-up the other. Yet throughout it all, you sense their deep friendship and that at the end of the day, they really would be lost without the other. And I think in his odd way of showing it, Casey knows this. But of course his ego is too big to let him verbalize it. I equate their conversations to the man-version of Friends, and I loved it. Without the banter between them, I think the book would have been missing something.
I’m a mystery/detective novel buff, so I jumped at the chance to read this, but with every read in this genre comes a grain of salt – you don’t have the flexibility with plot like you might with other genres. That being said, I was rather pleased with the plot twists in this book. Granted they all might not have surprised me, but that’s of no fault to the author, only the genre. The ride through the twists was enjoyable, the hovering mystery of who Felicity really is, and why (if she’s trying to solve her husband’s murder) is she so darn elusive! And this is where the author really shined, he pulls you into the puzzle – you suddenly become like House, on a mission to solve the mystery at any cost.
The ending was climactic enough for my taste, wrapping up the story, yet leaving a bit to the reader’s imagination. That aspect, I thought, was done very well. The author did a fine job at resolving it to satisfaction, but giving the reader room to still ponder, still have a hint of mystery to solve – which only makes us want to jump on board for the next adventure. Which I would do.
Overall this was a decent read for me, and I would give it two thumbs up. I can see how Casey’s character might not be for all women, but I enjoy sarcasm, I enjoy ‘hangin with the boys’, and I think most women are entirely too complicated to try and figure out. But, I'm a girly girl too, a chic flick lover at heart, I cry, like sappy stuff, and probably entirely too complicated myself. So bravo to the author for that, being able to take your average woman, and make her relate to this kind of character on all levels. But not just relate, he made me like this character. I loved all the characters actually, major and minor, the plot pace was spot on, and the twists enough to keep me reading. I would add this to my list of recommended books to fans of mystery/detective novels.
**My review copied from my blog, http://crazyladywithapen.blogspot.com/
November 9, 2012
Casey is a private eye who will do whatever it takes to solve the case. When Felicity enters his office and talks about her dead husband, Casey is intrigued. When Felicity runs out of the office in the middle of their conversation he decides to get to work.
The novel follows Casey as he pumps Ian, his best friend the cop, for information on an old case. When he doesn't get the information he needs there he goes to the witnesses. Even when they aren't willing to talk he somehow manages to see them and get some more details about the murder. When he starts asking questions about Tiny, the owner of a bar, he ends up on top of a roof in a fight for his life.
I found Casey to be egotistical and a bit annoying. He never shuts up throughout the entire book and often talks about how great he is. He has two girlfriends but apparently that isn't enough because he gets some action from a few of the witnesses as well. He has a flashy Dodge Viper which he also likes to talk about.
I had some difficulty keeping track of the secondary characters in the book. They were brought up multiple times but in different situations which made it confusing for me.
The story itself and the mystery were interesting. There are a lot of clues, information on the murder, and twists in the story you are never really sure who murdered Felicity's husband. While there is some action in the book, the conclusion leaves something to be desired.
I give this book 2 out of 5 stars.
The novel follows Casey as he pumps Ian, his best friend the cop, for information on an old case. When he doesn't get the information he needs there he goes to the witnesses. Even when they aren't willing to talk he somehow manages to see them and get some more details about the murder. When he starts asking questions about Tiny, the owner of a bar, he ends up on top of a roof in a fight for his life.
I found Casey to be egotistical and a bit annoying. He never shuts up throughout the entire book and often talks about how great he is. He has two girlfriends but apparently that isn't enough because he gets some action from a few of the witnesses as well. He has a flashy Dodge Viper which he also likes to talk about.
I had some difficulty keeping track of the secondary characters in the book. They were brought up multiple times but in different situations which made it confusing for me.
The story itself and the mystery were interesting. There are a lot of clues, information on the murder, and twists in the story you are never really sure who murdered Felicity's husband. While there is some action in the book, the conclusion leaves something to be desired.
I give this book 2 out of 5 stars.
October 30, 2015
Have you ever wondered how James Bond can walk away from so many disasters with hardly a scratch? It’s a talent shared by Casey Holden, the protagonist of Robert Downs’ Falling Immortality. But Holden’s not immortal, and the women won’t quite always fall for him. He’s a surfer – of internet and waves. He’s an ex-cop with money. And he’d really rather not tax himself with too much work. But he’s quickly drawn into the mystery of who killed his client’s husband. After all, she’s a beautiful client, and surely she won’t resist his charms.
Convincing dialog fills the scenes where Holden and his cop friend tease each other while teasing the truth out of details. They’re long scenes, filled with plenty of good-humored male banter, their leisurely pace nicely balanced with fast-action car-chases and more.
The first-person narration remains convincing throughout this novel – a little grating to female readers perhaps, as Holden repeats his attraction to women and his preference for ones who are willing to remove their clothes. Neither character nor plot are as classy or classic as James Bond. But the tongue-in-cheek survival of all dire straits echoes the title pleasingly. Long on dialog and digression, it’s a novel to pick up and put down as the day progresses, with plenty of easy recapping of forgotten detail and no need for long deep thoughts.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.
Convincing dialog fills the scenes where Holden and his cop friend tease each other while teasing the truth out of details. They’re long scenes, filled with plenty of good-humored male banter, their leisurely pace nicely balanced with fast-action car-chases and more.
The first-person narration remains convincing throughout this novel – a little grating to female readers perhaps, as Holden repeats his attraction to women and his preference for ones who are willing to remove their clothes. Neither character nor plot are as classy or classic as James Bond. But the tongue-in-cheek survival of all dire straits echoes the title pleasingly. Long on dialog and digression, it’s a novel to pick up and put down as the day progresses, with plenty of easy recapping of forgotten detail and no need for long deep thoughts.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.
June 10, 2012
First and foremost I want to start off this summer of reviews with a new writer, Robert Downs. Downs writes outside of my genre, but his womanizing, old-school sarcastic PI, Casey Holden, had me turning the pages as quickly as they would go. I loved how this PI doesn't solve cases because of the money, but for more of the challenge of hunt. In "Falling Immortality" Holden gets one doosey of a case when Felicity Farren asks him to solve the cold case of who killed her husband. This enigmatic woman adds just the right flare to intrique our puzzle solving hero. Oh, also, watch out ladies, this hunk of a man isn't just your average Joe Friday, he has a bad-boy rep between the sheets to boot where not one girl is enough to satisfy.
I truly did enjoy this book, but not for my usual love of sarcasm or a good mystery/puzzle, but for the bro relationship betwwen Holden and Ian Jackard. These two banter back and forth with the like of Holmes and Watson!! They bring out the absolute worst in each other, but still can't live with out one another. i don't feel the book, nor the case would have been the same without Ian in it.
So start your summer off right with this quick read...one of many I'm sure are to come!!
Happy Reading
~Kiki
www.kiki-julesreview.blgspot.com
I truly did enjoy this book, but not for my usual love of sarcasm or a good mystery/puzzle, but for the bro relationship betwwen Holden and Ian Jackard. These two banter back and forth with the like of Holmes and Watson!! They bring out the absolute worst in each other, but still can't live with out one another. i don't feel the book, nor the case would have been the same without Ian in it.
So start your summer off right with this quick read...one of many I'm sure are to come!!
Happy Reading
~Kiki
www.kiki-julesreview.blgspot.com
November 3, 2012
3.5 stars
This book got me interested from the word 'go'. It started off with getting us to know the character of Casey Holden and my, my, what a character. You'll either love him or hate him. I did the former fortunately. However, if you want your detective to behave like one - be a man of few words, insightful and mature, you probably won't like Holden.
I adored him though, his light humor had me laughing throughout and don't you dare take him for stupid or a gone case, because he's not. He's just got a few screws loose, that's it. But he knows his job and does it damn well.
Coming over to the mystery/ thriller part, I had to jog my mind a lot of times thinking has this character already been introduced and later coming to know that he hasn't, it's his introduction that's going on. But otherwise, the mystery part was done really well though I couldn't get complete closure and the 'out in the open' thing could have used some more practicality.
Another thing I had major issues with were all the brainless, sex-fed woman in this book. Not a single strong, brainy one. *sigh* But well, you can't get everything, can you? And the women that he met were also decided by who Casey Holden is, so well.
All in all, I really liked the character of Casey Holden and how he solves his cases. So I'm going to look out for the next Casey Holden book.
This book got me interested from the word 'go'. It started off with getting us to know the character of Casey Holden and my, my, what a character. You'll either love him or hate him. I did the former fortunately. However, if you want your detective to behave like one - be a man of few words, insightful and mature, you probably won't like Holden.
I adored him though, his light humor had me laughing throughout and don't you dare take him for stupid or a gone case, because he's not. He's just got a few screws loose, that's it. But he knows his job and does it damn well.
Coming over to the mystery/ thriller part, I had to jog my mind a lot of times thinking has this character already been introduced and later coming to know that he hasn't, it's his introduction that's going on. But otherwise, the mystery part was done really well though I couldn't get complete closure and the 'out in the open' thing could have used some more practicality.
Another thing I had major issues with were all the brainless, sex-fed woman in this book. Not a single strong, brainy one. *sigh* But well, you can't get everything, can you? And the women that he met were also decided by who Casey Holden is, so well.
All in all, I really liked the character of Casey Holden and how he solves his cases. So I'm going to look out for the next Casey Holden book.
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