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Nick Lawrence #5
Murder 8
A powerful new drug has hit the streets of Massachusetts, and overdoses are skyrocketing to epidemic proportions.
Nick Lawrence and the Valhalla Group are tasked with taking down the distribution network, and must partner with Boston’s elite Tactical Narcotics Team to get the job done.
But as tensions between the units mount and the drug ring comes within reach, Nick begins to realize the true extent of the corruption…
MURDER 8 is a hard-hitting timely thriller encapsulating our country’s battle with opioid addiction. Shea’s experience as a former narcotics detective shines through in this bold story. You’ll get an up close and gritty look at the drug trade, but with the stylistic flare and relentless pacing of his previous works. This thriller will have you burning the midnight oil.
Nick Lawrence and the Valhalla Group are tasked with taking down the distribution network, and must partner with Boston’s elite Tactical Narcotics Team to get the job done.
But as tensions between the units mount and the drug ring comes within reach, Nick begins to realize the true extent of the corruption…
MURDER 8 is a hard-hitting timely thriller encapsulating our country’s battle with opioid addiction. Shea’s experience as a former narcotics detective shines through in this bold story. You’ll get an up close and gritty look at the drug trade, but with the stylistic flare and relentless pacing of his previous works. This thriller will have you burning the midnight oil.
- GenresCrime
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2019
1823 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Brian Christopher Shea
52 books280 followersAuthor also writes under Brian Shea
BRIAN CHRISTOPHER SHEA has spent most of his adult life in service to his country and local community. He honorably served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. In his civilian life, he reached the rank of Detective and accrued ten years of law enforcement experience between Texas and Connecticut. Somewhere in the mix he spent five years as a fifth-grade school teacher. Brian’s myriad of life experience is woven into the tapestry of each character’s design. He resides in New England and is blessed with an amazing wife and three beautiful daughters.
Writing has always been a dream, but life seemed to find a way of interrupting. It wasn’t until recently that he dedicated time to this passion. His first book, The Camel’s Back, gave him a much-needed mental break from his work investigating atrocities against children. He allotted time in the morning each day. Usually waking at 5 to bang away on his manuscript. The second round of daily writing would occur after his children were asleep. He proved that working full-time and raising a family were no longer valid excuses to putting off his novel.
BRIAN CHRISTOPHER SHEA has spent most of his adult life in service to his country and local community. He honorably served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. In his civilian life, he reached the rank of Detective and accrued ten years of law enforcement experience between Texas and Connecticut. Somewhere in the mix he spent five years as a fifth-grade school teacher. Brian’s myriad of life experience is woven into the tapestry of each character’s design. He resides in New England and is blessed with an amazing wife and three beautiful daughters.
Writing has always been a dream, but life seemed to find a way of interrupting. It wasn’t until recently that he dedicated time to this passion. His first book, The Camel’s Back, gave him a much-needed mental break from his work investigating atrocities against children. He allotted time in the morning each day. Usually waking at 5 to bang away on his manuscript. The second round of daily writing would occur after his children were asleep. He proved that working full-time and raising a family were no longer valid excuses to putting off his novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 19, 2020
A very good story with a great look at the opioid fight from the political side and through the drug units that battle the results daily! Full review shortly 4/17/2020 Ok just read this story again after reading the first four that come before it and what a fantastic and surprising ending to characters I have come to love reading about!!
Nick Lawrence and the Valhalla group are working in Boston Mass, partnering with the Elite Narcotics Task Force after the overdose death of a Senator's daughter. This Senator is making a big push on his own drug campaign, hoping good results can push him toward the White House. But not everything is as it seems in this gritty depiction that puts You on the streets, seeing exactly what happens when imbibing in your drug of choice takes more than you expected- your job, friends. family and eventually, your life..
While Nick works his investigation, the young lady he saved years ago, Mouse, has joined the Team. And she is looking for more for herself and Nick..A fitting ending of a series I have lived through with amazing characters, intriguing investigations, and plots taken from life today!!
A 5 STAR story I recommend to you All...
Nick Lawrence and the Valhalla group are working in Boston Mass, partnering with the Elite Narcotics Task Force after the overdose death of a Senator's daughter. This Senator is making a big push on his own drug campaign, hoping good results can push him toward the White House. But not everything is as it seems in this gritty depiction that puts You on the streets, seeing exactly what happens when imbibing in your drug of choice takes more than you expected- your job, friends. family and eventually, your life..
While Nick works his investigation, the young lady he saved years ago, Mouse, has joined the Team. And she is looking for more for herself and Nick..A fitting ending of a series I have lived through with amazing characters, intriguing investigations, and plots taken from life today!!
A 5 STAR story I recommend to you All...
October 31, 2019
Great read
If you like mysteries this is a great story. I love a story that has me thinking about who may be the antagonist but not making it easy. This story did a good job.
If you like mysteries this is a great story. I love a story that has me thinking about who may be the antagonist but not making it easy. This story did a good job.
June 21, 2024
Nick Lawrence #5
This book has an awesome story filled of action, suspense and is quite entertaining. Mr. Shea gave us a great story very relevant in today’s age.....opioids and the dangers of fentanyl. In addition to following the law enforcement coming down hard on the rampant drug rings that is plaguing the streets of Massachusetts the author gives us a captivating spin into the corruption that is rampant everywhere.
Nick Lawrence and the Valhalla Groups are tasks with taking down the distribution network but when they were about to make a bust, things go south. The drama started when the daughter of Senator Buzz Litchfield overdosed and he wanted revenge....tension galore from then on. The plot is good and moves along at a steady pace, I also like the characterisation: Declan, Nick, Mouse and Jay are depicted with care, although without having read the previous books it was harder to relate to them. It may be recommended to start with the previous books first.
Who doesn’t love crooked politicians? And what a joy when they get what they deserve.
This novel is not taxing, it is short and sweet and is one to zipped through it in no time.
“Murder 8” is a pretty good read I enjoyed passing time with.
This book has an awesome story filled of action, suspense and is quite entertaining. Mr. Shea gave us a great story very relevant in today’s age.....opioids and the dangers of fentanyl. In addition to following the law enforcement coming down hard on the rampant drug rings that is plaguing the streets of Massachusetts the author gives us a captivating spin into the corruption that is rampant everywhere.
Nick Lawrence and the Valhalla Groups are tasks with taking down the distribution network but when they were about to make a bust, things go south. The drama started when the daughter of Senator Buzz Litchfield overdosed and he wanted revenge....tension galore from then on. The plot is good and moves along at a steady pace, I also like the characterisation: Declan, Nick, Mouse and Jay are depicted with care, although without having read the previous books it was harder to relate to them. It may be recommended to start with the previous books first.
Who doesn’t love crooked politicians? And what a joy when they get what they deserve.
This novel is not taxing, it is short and sweet and is one to zipped through it in no time.
“Murder 8” is a pretty good read I enjoyed passing time with.
November 7, 2019
Great book! Love this series and it had such a great ending
July 19, 2019
“MURDER 8” by Brian Shea, released June 10, 2019, from Severn River Publishing.
Don’t start this book at bedtime. A former narcotics detective, Shea has spun a driving, ripped-from-the-headlines story you won’t be able to put down.
"A powerful new drug has hit the streets of Massachusetts, and overdoses are skyrocketing to epidemic proportions. Senator Buzz Litchfield’s daughter is the latest opioid death, and he wants justice. Law enforcement is told to take the gloves off and to come down hard on the rampant drug rings that have plagued the area."
Shea’s fifth installment of the Agent Nick Lawrence series introduces readers to the myriad of personalities, motives, and perspectives involved in the dangerous underbelly of real-life narcotics sales and trafficking. He used his personal involvement in New England’s fentanyl and heroin overdose scourge to pen a frighteningly realistic portrayal of the multifaceted dilemmas facing law enforcement, the public, and grieving families left to deal with the aftermath of addiction and overdose deaths.
The primary character, former FBI Agent Nick Lawrence, has a complicated and dark past. Despite having not read the previous four installments, Shea penned MURDER 8 so well that I didn’t feel I missed any information. He did, however, offer just enough mysterious morsels of the man’s past that I now want to go back and read through the series.
Nick’s surrounded by a cast of characters that might be well at home on the Island of Misfit Toys, if its occupants were tactically proficient secret operatives hellbent on justice and willing to bend the rules necessary to bring the worst among us to their much-deserved justice. As with Nick, his sidekicks have just enough backstory to be relatable, visible, and three-dimensional. Where Shea didn’t offer exact details, he beautifully offered just enough information to allow the readers to fill in the gaps with their imaginations and personal experiences.
While the story draws heavily from Shea’s incredible breadth of knowledge, training, and personal experience, he never bogged readers down with process, procedure, and trivial minutia, which is often the tendency with crime authors. His tactical background allowed him to write characters who don’t need to tell you they’re a badass, their actions and lack extraneous self-promotion demonstrate it. As a recently established author, Shea’s hitting way above his weight class. He’s a writer you’ll want to start reading now before he’s a household name.
During my recent interview, Shea expounded on the experiences, realities, and craft study that led him to write about the overdose epidemic. Based on my own experience in that same area, I second his assertion that this is an important topic and, by extension, I offer this is an important work of reality-based-fiction that will help guide communities to meaningful civic action to aid addiction recovery and hold accountable those who deal in misery and suffering. The narcotics scenes, slang, and behaviors, I assure you, are absolutely accurate.
Shea’s next effort, which begins a new series into Boston PD Detective Michael Kelly, “a good Irish lad,” releases sometime this fall. Keep a watchful eye out for that one.
Don’t start this book at bedtime. A former narcotics detective, Shea has spun a driving, ripped-from-the-headlines story you won’t be able to put down.
"A powerful new drug has hit the streets of Massachusetts, and overdoses are skyrocketing to epidemic proportions. Senator Buzz Litchfield’s daughter is the latest opioid death, and he wants justice. Law enforcement is told to take the gloves off and to come down hard on the rampant drug rings that have plagued the area."
Shea’s fifth installment of the Agent Nick Lawrence series introduces readers to the myriad of personalities, motives, and perspectives involved in the dangerous underbelly of real-life narcotics sales and trafficking. He used his personal involvement in New England’s fentanyl and heroin overdose scourge to pen a frighteningly realistic portrayal of the multifaceted dilemmas facing law enforcement, the public, and grieving families left to deal with the aftermath of addiction and overdose deaths.
The primary character, former FBI Agent Nick Lawrence, has a complicated and dark past. Despite having not read the previous four installments, Shea penned MURDER 8 so well that I didn’t feel I missed any information. He did, however, offer just enough mysterious morsels of the man’s past that I now want to go back and read through the series.
Nick’s surrounded by a cast of characters that might be well at home on the Island of Misfit Toys, if its occupants were tactically proficient secret operatives hellbent on justice and willing to bend the rules necessary to bring the worst among us to their much-deserved justice. As with Nick, his sidekicks have just enough backstory to be relatable, visible, and three-dimensional. Where Shea didn’t offer exact details, he beautifully offered just enough information to allow the readers to fill in the gaps with their imaginations and personal experiences.
While the story draws heavily from Shea’s incredible breadth of knowledge, training, and personal experience, he never bogged readers down with process, procedure, and trivial minutia, which is often the tendency with crime authors. His tactical background allowed him to write characters who don’t need to tell you they’re a badass, their actions and lack extraneous self-promotion demonstrate it. As a recently established author, Shea’s hitting way above his weight class. He’s a writer you’ll want to start reading now before he’s a household name.
During my recent interview, Shea expounded on the experiences, realities, and craft study that led him to write about the overdose epidemic. Based on my own experience in that same area, I second his assertion that this is an important topic and, by extension, I offer this is an important work of reality-based-fiction that will help guide communities to meaningful civic action to aid addiction recovery and hold accountable those who deal in misery and suffering. The narcotics scenes, slang, and behaviors, I assure you, are absolutely accurate.
Shea’s next effort, which begins a new series into Boston PD Detective Michael Kelly, “a good Irish lad,” releases sometime this fall. Keep a watchful eye out for that one.
June 9, 2019
I was asked to read an ARC and then post a review. Usually this happens with new authors. I was very surprised to be dropped into the middle of a series.
Titled Murder 8, which is the street name given a drug, heroin and fentanyl combination, it’s the story of tracking down the sellers and distributors of this drug. A little bit of incentive for law enforcement, the original victim in the story was the daughter of a senator with presidential aspirations. Those readers who are familiar with police procedurals will know what kind of political pressure is brought to bear to solve this rapidly.
Not knowing the back story of Nick Lawrence, the protagonist, made following parts of the book difficult. Apparently he’s an ex FBI agent who for some reason or another was sent to prison. Then his death was faked to allow him to operate with a quasi government agency chasing the real bad guys. The group uses high tech methods to accomplish their mission. “Go to sleep” trans dermal patches to knock the bad guys out while being transported to “The Vault” for interrogation and such.
It really is a fun read even without the background information needed. However, I think the author gave away too much information when writing the synopsis.
Don’t read anything into my Four Star rating. I very seldom give Five Stars to action thrillers.
June 24, 2019
I highly recommend that you read Kill List first. You won’t be disappointed. It introduces many of the players. There is a new drug in Boston and it is deadly. The first victim was Senator Buzz Litchfield’s daughter, who was basically coerced into going to a party she didn’t want to go to and the coerced in to trying the new drug that nobody had tested yet. The results were a fast but torturous death. There were witnesses for the two people who disposed of the body, though and Sargent Daniel Sorenson, leader of the elite Tactical Narcotics team has no trouble moving up the ladder to who sold the drugs. No sooner do they apprehend the suspects then Nick Lawrence and his team from the FBI Valhalla task force, move in and borrow them for an interrogation. The FBI does not share information well and this leads to some friction with the Boston PD. Between them, though, they climb to the top of the ladder and shut down the distribution of this deadly drug.
June 19, 2019
I received an ARC of Murder 8 which is the first book by Brian Shea I have read and chose to provide this review. While this is the latest in the Nick Lawrence series and I didn’t have Nick’s full backstory, it was an easy story to get hooked by and easy to follow. After the first page I found myself needing to keep reading to see how this story was going to play out. I’ll leave it to other reviewers to retell the story, what I hope to convey to anyone reading this , if you’ve never read one of the previous Nick Lawrence books, hey grab this and give it a shot, its pretty easy to accept Nick has a past and a little of it is disclosed in this book. As I said before this my first book by Brian Shea, but it’s not going to be my last.
September 3, 2019
This is my first exposure to this author and it definitely will not be my last! This book is a real page turner. A wonderfully crafted action-packed story with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat right to the last page. The author’s insightful look into the opioid crisis is timely and on point. The end had a satisfying, realistic conclusion; there is no magic bullet to create a drug-free society, but enough justice for everyone. Perhaps it is time that our justice system adopts Mr. Shea’s precept and start prosecuting drug dealers for murder.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
June 25, 2019
This book kept me reading throughout and had an enjoyable conclusion. I particularly liked that the story was told from multiple points of view. This is the first book I've read by this author and although it left me interested in learning more about character backstories I did not feel that my enjoyment of this book was hampered by jumping in this late in the series. I think hard-boiled mystery readers will enjoy this book.
I read an ARC copy. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
I read an ARC copy. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
June 28, 2019
"Murder 8" earns 5/5 Addictive Thrills...Engaging and Intense!
I ventured out beyond my "comfort zone" with cozy mysteries, and into a crime thriller novel, "Murder 8" by Brian Shea. With a compelling theme illustrating contemporary issues with illegal drugs, Murder 8 is a lethal drug combination of heroin and fentanyl that has caused the recent spike in drug-related deaths including the daughter of a senator touting anti-drug reform. Although not my favorite perspective, Shea did well putting the drama in the center and all the characters on an equal footing with a third-person narrative. The journey is an intense page-turner starting right off with the tragic high profile death that seems to be the catalyst for a major investigation by elite law enforcement groups. The lead character Nick Lawrence and the Valhalla group team up with Boston's narcotics squad to uncover the supplier and their network, but sharing isn't in their nature causing additional conflicts. Shea's writing style is very entertaining and "addictive," keeping the adrenaline up with vivid descriptions and dialogue that did well to illustrate tone, emotion, and personalities. The end had a satisfying, realistic conclusion; no magic bullet to create a drug-free society, but enough justice for everyone. I was very pleased to enter Brian Shea's thriller world, and although I would have liked a bit more insight into Nick Lawrence, there are more books I am eager to read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
I ventured out beyond my "comfort zone" with cozy mysteries, and into a crime thriller novel, "Murder 8" by Brian Shea. With a compelling theme illustrating contemporary issues with illegal drugs, Murder 8 is a lethal drug combination of heroin and fentanyl that has caused the recent spike in drug-related deaths including the daughter of a senator touting anti-drug reform. Although not my favorite perspective, Shea did well putting the drama in the center and all the characters on an equal footing with a third-person narrative. The journey is an intense page-turner starting right off with the tragic high profile death that seems to be the catalyst for a major investigation by elite law enforcement groups. The lead character Nick Lawrence and the Valhalla group team up with Boston's narcotics squad to uncover the supplier and their network, but sharing isn't in their nature causing additional conflicts. Shea's writing style is very entertaining and "addictive," keeping the adrenaline up with vivid descriptions and dialogue that did well to illustrate tone, emotion, and personalities. The end had a satisfying, realistic conclusion; no magic bullet to create a drug-free society, but enough justice for everyone. I was very pleased to enter Brian Shea's thriller world, and although I would have liked a bit more insight into Nick Lawrence, there are more books I am eager to read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
August 9, 2019
The last book in the series which had me turning pages at every opportunity. I liked that Mouse played a larger role in this story and the ending provided closure for all the characters. I've thoroughly enjoyed this series.
March 26, 2020
Nick goes to prison for the killing of human trafficking scum but is there life after prison? Apparently there is. He joins a elite off the books group to do what law enforcement can’t. No warrants, no miranda rights, no phone calls to lawyers.
December 26, 2019
Happy family
A terrific story of sacrifice . Murder . Love and Family. Highly recommend this book and Author Brian Shea. Plenty of action and so well written
A terrific story of sacrifice . Murder . Love and Family. Highly recommend this book and Author Brian Shea. Plenty of action and so well written
April 25, 2020
You will never figure out the plot of this award winning master crime thriller author Brian Christopher Shea, but when you get to the end it will make perfect sense. See my review is a puzzle! 😉
August 16, 2019
Murder 8
A well written story,but it left a lot hanging. The plot was good and characters were well described. The author left the future of the group totally lost. Maybe he will find a way to bring it back and use Declan, Nick and Mouse as part of a rotating group and get Nick’s friend from supermax involved.
A well written story,but it left a lot hanging. The plot was good and characters were well described. The author left the future of the group totally lost. Maybe he will find a way to bring it back and use Declan, Nick and Mouse as part of a rotating group and get Nick’s friend from supermax involved.
August 17, 2019
Fantastic read
Brian Shea gives one a very good sense of what an excellent writer can say about the effects that drugs are having on our society. Hats off to such a terrific writer!!!
Brian Shea gives one a very good sense of what an excellent writer can say about the effects that drugs are having on our society. Hats off to such a terrific writer!!!
July 6, 2019
This was so much fun to read ! A behind the scenes FBI team tackle a drug overdose of a highly respected Senators daughter. Great cast of characters, non stop action and a terrific story line make this one hard to put down !
July 13, 2019
Another great book
Like your previous books you keep the reader suspended to the last. The classic detective mystery thriller. I see so much of your personal life in your books. From Donkin coffee to the 3 girls of your characters.
Like your previous books you keep the reader suspended to the last. The classic detective mystery thriller. I see so much of your personal life in your books. From Donkin coffee to the 3 girls of your characters.
April 9, 2020
Whew! Brian Shea’s Nick Lawrence series is burning hot! C J Cooper vs Brian Shea in Cooper’s “Flash Fiction Battle” had me re-reading Kill List. That’s all it took to read the entire Nick Lawrence series! There is no other way to read the twist, turns, action packed adventure unless you read one after the other. REAL thrillers, solid characters and more action per page then any movie you could watch,
July 20, 2021
A terrific series. I am hoping it is not the end of it but we'll see. I enjoyed all five books and I am hoping for more in the life of Nick Lawrence. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the thrilled ride and I wanted to know more about the Valhalla Group and to see more character development between them. What I did not like is seeing two members killed off between the two books before getting to know them and their stories. Sure, in that line of work, we know that there's always that risk and possibility, but still, I'd rather such tragedies to happen LATER than sooner. In addition to Nick Lawrence's stories, the Valhalla Group would be a great spinoff. Overall, great series and highly recommended.
August 6, 2022
A must read series
This was an intense, suspenseful, and complex story that will capture you from the beginning. Although this is a fictional story, it definitely has a real world truth to it as well, maybe more than anyone knows. It's definitely an interesting and intriguing story, and a terrific ending to this series.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was an intense, suspenseful, and complex story that will capture you from the beginning. Although this is a fictional story, it definitely has a real world truth to it as well, maybe more than anyone knows. It's definitely an interesting and intriguing story, and a terrific ending to this series.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
June 5, 2020
Great Series!!!
Another Must Read on the Nick Lawrence series! Well developed story and characters as always. Good action throughout the book. One of the things I have truly enjoyed is the bond between Nick and Declan! Great strong believable characters!
Mr. Shea you are one heck of a writer, keep them coming!!!
Another Must Read on the Nick Lawrence series! Well developed story and characters as always. Good action throughout the book. One of the things I have truly enjoyed is the bond between Nick and Declan! Great strong believable characters!
Mr. Shea you are one heck of a writer, keep them coming!!!
February 28, 2020
Wow. Great end to a fantastic series. Gotta love a book series that has a warm and fuzzy ending in the end of the first book and the end of the last book. I especially like that the plots teeter between realistic and over the top.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
Saved the best for last.
Murder 8 had a lot of twists and turns. Who doesn't love it when crooked politicians, and that's most of them, get what they deserve? And the good guys got their priorities straight. All good.
Murder 8 had a lot of twists and turns. Who doesn't love it when crooked politicians, and that's most of them, get what they deserve? And the good guys got their priorities straight. All good.
July 30, 2023
whew. whirlwind
The book is much better developed for the first 85% than the last 15%. Pretty rushed at the end. At the end things don’t evolve, they are just stated. Great story lines that are barely completed. But I’ll read the next one
The book is much better developed for the first 85% than the last 15%. Pretty rushed at the end. At the end things don’t evolve, they are just stated. Great story lines that are barely completed. But I’ll read the next one
June 7, 2020
Murder 8 was a fantastic final installment of a riveting series. Brian Shea always manages to incorporate twists that the reader doesn’t anticipate. I couldn’t put it down.
November 14, 2020
New author I am enjoying
I read a lot, every day as a matter of fact. This book kept me interested that I read the whole book in one day....
I read a lot, every day as a matter of fact. This book kept me interested that I read the whole book in one day....
February 14, 2021
Nick is finally home
I don't know if there is a future chapter in nick's or Declan' s life but if there is, I will be there to read about it.
I don't know if there is a future chapter in nick's or Declan' s life but if there is, I will be there to read about it.
March 1, 2021
Last in a 5 book series starring Nick Lawrence. I felt each book grew increasingly less interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews