The Body of David Hayes

Boldt & Matthews #9

by Ridley Pearson

Years ago, Lou Boldt's wife Liz had an affair with David Hayes, a young computer specialist at the bank where she is an executive. When Liz ended the relationship after reconciling with Lou, Hayes took part in a daring embezzlement scheme. Now, years later, Hayes is trying to retrieve the money he hid for the Russian mob, and contacts Liz to try and gain access to the bank's mainframe. Liz is torn between wanting to protect the bank and needing to protect her children, who are being threatened. Boldt, ripped apart by the discovery of his wife's possible blackmail, must skate a delicate line between determined detective and jealous husband, if he is to find the money while exposing and stopping Hayes.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Audiobook, Detective, Mystery Thriller

Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Ridley Pearson is the author of more than fifty novels, including the New York Times bestseller Killer Weekend; the Lou Boldt crime series; and many books for young readers, including the award-winning children's novels Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon, which he cowrote with Dave Barry. Pearson lives with his wife and two daughters, dividing their time between Missouri and Idaho.

Also writes Chris Klick mysteries as Wendell McCall.

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok read! little flaw in the writing but the depth of the storyline was satisfying enough (paperback!)

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars is actually a bit generous. Pearson is one of my favorite mystery/suspense authors and Boldt/Matthews one of my favorite series. But this entry, the sixth in the series, is just not successful. Boldt is dealing with a complicated embezzlement scheme perpetrated by his wife's former lover. When the embezzler is released from prison, he contacts Liz, seeking her help in retrieving the money he had stolen. Liz tells Boldt about the contact, resurrecting all the pain and havoc the affair had caused in their marriage.

From that basic premise, the plot explodes into a complicated mess. It was like peeling back the layers of an onion, only without the organic organized structure. Maybe there's a corrupt cop. Maybe there's a corrupt prosecutor. Maybe the Russian mob is involved. Maybe someone else at the bank is involved. Maybe some permutation of all of them. And then there's the mess of the marriage, whether Liz and Lou can ever learn to trust each other again.

Nothing was wrapped up to any satisfactory conclusion. It's fine to leave some details unresolved, especially with the personal relationships. This is a series after all, with continuing characters, each of whom has backstory and deals with balancing work and personal lives. But the resolution of the underlying mystery was very abrupt and strangely incomplete. It was almost as if Pearson had just gotten tired of the whole convoluted story and just did a penultimate chapter saying "X did this, Y did that, and Liz and Lou rode off into the sunset to figure stuff out."

This book really read like Pearson is more interested in his Walt Fleming series than Boldt, but felt obligated to get a Boldt book into print.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ridley Pearson is one of my favorite psychological/criminal suspense/thriller authors. Seriously, if you've read James Patterson, Janet Evanovich, Michael Connolly, Ed McBain, Stuart Woods, or others like that, you definitely should check out Ridley Pearson! He can for sure, write suspense that will have you biting your nails.
I HIGHLY recommend Ridley Pearson's Lou Boldt/Daphne Matthews series (be sure to start at the beginning for the sake of the great character development and storyline), as well as his novels.
I'll say it one more time for emphasis, if you like the mystery/suspense/thriller genre, you are missing so much if you haven't read anything by Ridley Pearson!

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is perhaps the best of this series to date. Pearson doesn't make the mistake (in my opinion) of letting us see the "bad guy's" behind the scene work-- but focuses on building the tension between Boldt and his wife, as well as where David Hayes, a central key figure, might be-- or even if Hayes is still alive. Now the tension builds through Boldt's bending of rules to protect his wife's reputation, avoiding conflict with Russian gangsters, and discovering on whether or not other law enforcement agents are crooked, or compromised by their own zeal.

Pearson builds the tension well, dropping plot developments that cause Boldt's plans to change, while Boldt plays his own people against the Russians in hopes of covering up the affair his wife had with David Hayes years ago. The characterization is presented quite well and the relationship between Boldt and his wife take center stage, making this a top notch story.

The best of this series that I've read.. and I admit I have only read a few.

[Chuck · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got on a Ridley Pearson kick back in the mid-90s, and I have to say that this is an author that I like. Although I'm a big fan of the hard-boiled detective genre, its heroes, male of female, take on a certain sameness--tough, wise cracking loners who don't shy from physical confrontation and are handy with their guns.

Pearson's Lou Boldt series plays against this type; here's a 'tough guy' detective who's married, has kids, has interests outside his job, and who is nonetheless seriously good at crime. Over the series, he's risen from a beginning detective to Lieutenant, and his characters have grown and developed, and they also make mistakes. Amidst solving crime, Boldt has to deal with many of the things I've had to deal with much of my adult life--balancing spouse, kids, and career, worrying about bills and having to make sure the kiddos get picked up on time. He, and Pearson, manage to pull this off believably without turning it into a comedy routine.

Plus Lou is a jazz pianist, and as a music lover myself this element adds a lot to my enjoyment of reading the series, much as the literary allusions in Robert Parker's Spenser series add--you don't miss anything important in the story if they don't mean anything to you, but if you get them, there's an added joy.

As I said, I realy like this series.

I did not, however, like this book. The plot is too complicated but not enough is explained at the end, and Pearson seems to be fighting a war between telling an intricate plot and doing deep character development, and ultimately, he fails at both. With a plot this complicated, he should have kept the characters' private lives a bit more simple, or with as much character developement as happened this book, the plot should have been less complicatged. Ultimately, he is unsuccessful at either.

I still heartily recommend the series, but recommend The Body of David Hayes to only the hard core Ridley Pearson fan or those so enamored of the series they HAVE to read every book. Every mystery series is uneven--writing twenty or more novels out of the same set of characters will occassionally yield an uneven work, but this is, by far, the least successful book in the Lou Boldt series.

[Kellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I will begin by saying I have always liked this series. I like the characters and the plots have been thrilling and suspenseful.
I am puzzled by a few things.
I feel like this book was like the final section of the 4th of July fireworks display. Pearson gave his all on this one.
The other thing I noticed is, this is the LAST book of this series and it was published in 2004.
The book was OK for me. Not excellent. There were a lot of parts to this plot and it was sometimes difficult to remember all of the pieces. And the “Ah Ha” moments were not really exciting.
The other thing that stands out to me is the revelation of all the cheating that went on in Lou and Liz’s marriage. And this seemed to be a “clear your conscience “ kind of book. It was almost like a finale.
Daphne is with John. Boldt has accepted that and seemed to be in love with his wife and has moved on from his feelings towards Daphne. And all the rawness of their infidelity, Boldt and Liz seem to want to figure it all out.

I guess in a nutshell, I can understand if this is the last book of the series. There seemed to be a finality after all of the drama. It’s sad, but I’ve accepted it. Especially since this wasn’t really a great read for me.

[Dollie]

I didn’t like this Lou Boldt story as much as I’ve enjoyed the others I’ve read. This one involved the Russian mafia – The Sturgeon General and $17 million that was hidden by a programmer at the bank where Liz is a bigwig. The programmer’s name is David Hayes and Liz had an affair with him. The Russians have a video of Liz and David in bed and Lou wants it. David is out of prison and wants to get the money. The Russians want the money too. So does the US federal government. And so does Lou. Lou wins. But all the subplots and all the different investigating squads made this very convoluted and confusing. I couldn’t keep track of all of them. The best thing is that their son is a musical prodigy like Mozart.

[Ralica Ignatovska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Всички книги от поредицата Болд/Матюс бяха доста интересни и увлекателни. Харесва ми стилът на писане на автора. Само в последната част ми липсваше това партньорство между двамата и екшъна.

[Albert Riehle · Rating 3 out of 5]

So. I love this series, but this is kind of a retread and it's a shame this one is the final one in the series...to date. I know that it's hard to give one cop a bunch of big cases and keep it fresh, but it's been done by other writers. In this one, Lou Boldt's family is in jeopardy again and he has to go against his own people, again, to save the day--even though he's a by-the-book kind of guy. Readers of the series will be SHOCKED that there might be a bad element in the police department--again.

It's not a bad book, on its own. It's actually pretty good. In the context of the series though, it's a bit of a phone-in effort.

I hope that after some time away and writing different series and genres that Pearson comes back this one to give a proper finale that's fresh and new though. I recommend it. I recommend the whole series, but this isn't one of the best.

[Donna Mcnab · Rating 4 out of 5]

When David Hayes is released from prison and contacts Liz, the situation threatens the marriage and reputation of Liz, a bank executive, and her husband Lou, a police lieutenant. Years ago, Liz had an office affair with David, a computer whiz with her bank. The affair, which is very much in the past as far as Liz is concerned, is now coming back to haunt Liz and Lou. The plot is intricate and the characters believable. This is an exciting and good read.

[Alex Lately · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Ridley Pearson read, and i enjoyed it alot. The characters seem very realistic and relatable for me, lots of mytery and twits to keep you interested and on the edge of your seat. If you love crime fiction and looking for a quick fix, than The Body of David Hayes is the book for you.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#9 in the Lou Boldt series.

Lt. Lou Boldt, Seattle PD looks into a police officer attacked and tortured. The case connects with the recently paroled David Hayes who had an affair with Liz Boldt 6 years earlier. There is also a videotape of the affair, a bank transfer of $17 million, and Russian mobsters involved.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fair read as far as the plot is concerned, however I found it to be repetitive and describing the character's emotions seemed to drag on forever. I usually like Ridley Pearson but I don't feel this is his best work.

[J. Ewbank · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read and typical of Pearson and Lou Bolt. It was well worth reading and it was enjoyable.
The mystery reader will enjoy it.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

[Mr.Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't believe I couldn't get through this. One of the greatest series I've ever read. These books hold a very special place in my heart, but this final installment just didn't do it for me. Maybe I will return one day.

2.5/5 Stars

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

i love ridley pearson. i hated this book. i read it because it's part of a series. it's seriously boring. and the matthews subplot that we're all dying to know about is completely avoided here. i'm bored with Liz. Bring back Daphne. yawn.

[Ginny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possibly my least favorite Ridley Pearson, but still a good read. Questions what a man will do to protect his family.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the last book in the Lou Boldt series. I have read them all and love Ridley Pearson's style. His books keep you on the edge of your seat. This one, however, was not my favorite.

[Glennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end of the Boldt series. Can't say it was my favorite but it was an ok read.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fair. For as long and involved as the book was, the resolution was too simply and unsatisfying.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had this book in our yard sale pile for years, assuming my late mother put it there, but since I've read others in the Boldt/Matthews series, it seemed silly to let go of it before reading it myself. Specifically, this book focuses on Lou Boldt's wife, Liz, a high ranking bank executive who, years ago, had an affair with David Hayes, a former I/T colleague who ended up in jail for embezzling $17 million from the bank. Because the money was never found, Hayes received a light prison sentence, and he is now out of jail and needs Liz's help to get the $17 million to its final destination before the people he was embezzling for catch up to him and cause him harm for not holding up his end of the deal. Obviously, this is illegal and Liz wants no part of it, especially with a detective for a husband, but once the people Hayes is working for realize Liz may be their only hope of getting their money, Liz, Lou, and their children may be at risk if she doesn't cooperate. Meanwhile, one of Lou's former colleagues is now a private investigator haunted by the fact that he couldn't find the money when he arrested Hayes years ago and sees the opportunity to finally close the case by keeping an eye on Hayes' activity, knowing that there has to be a reason Hayes didn't offer up the money and his client in exchange for a plea to avoid jail time.
All in all, this was a fast paced book, and it was hard to figure out at times who the good guys were vs. the bad guys. Obviously, we know Lou and Liz Boldt are good, but beyond that, it gets rather murky. Especially at the climax, there are multiple people from multiple organizations on the scene, each expecting things to go their way, but really, it all hinges on Liz and how she handles the instruction from all of the people around her, knowing that in her mind, the only thing that matters is keeping her family safe, both physically and emotionally.
Surprisingly, this appears to be the final book in the Boldt/Matthews series, and while I admit that it wasn't the best among them, I still felt there was potential for more, especially since Matthews played only a minor role in this one. Perhaps Pearson is just taking a break from the series and we can still hope for more books in the future.

[Stephen Brayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot

Years ago, Lou Boldt’s wife Liz had an affair with David Hayes, a young computer specialist at the bank where she is an executive. When Liz ended the relationship after reconciling with Lou, Hayes engaged in a daring embezzlement scheme. Now, years later, Hayes is trying to retrieve the money he hid for the Russian mob and contacts Liz to try to gain access to the bank’s mainframe. Liz is torn between wanting to protect the bank and needing to protect her family. Boldt, ripped apart by the discovery of his wife’s possible blackmail, must skate a delicate line between his incompatible roles as determined detective and jealous husband if he is to find the money while exposing and stopping Hayes.

My Analysis

Good mysteries have side stories about the main characters and others. This one pushes that side story almost to the forefront.

Boldt’s back into another tricky case involving computer hacking and a Russian mobster. Plus, he has to deal with his wife’s former affair—and his own indiscretion—and also maneuvering around the intricate politics of his own police force and federal authorities.

The tension throughout always stays at a good simmering with bits of boiling here and there.

The story has a nice in-depth perspective of Boldt, more, I think, than others I’ve read.

Some nice police procedural, diversions, tricks, and deceptions with a nice conclusion all around.

My rank:

Blue Belt

[Cheryle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, Lou Boldt's wife Liz had an affair with David Hayes, a young computer specialist at the bank where she is an executive. When Liz ended the relationship after reconciling with Lou, Hayes engaged in a daring embezzlement scheme. Now, years later, Hayes is trying to retrieve the money he hid for the Russian mob and contacts Liz to try to gain access to the bank's mainframe. Liz is torn between wanting to protect the bank and needing to protect her family. Boldt, ripped apart by the discovery of his wife's possible blackmail, must skate a delicate line between his incompatible roles as determined detective and jealous husband if he is to find the money while exposing and stopping Hayes. Intensely involving and revealing new aspects of Boldt's emotional makeup never before seen, The Body of David Hayes is Ridley's most gripping and engaging thriller yet

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes it’s good to read a book and know that it will end with the good guy winning. Also good to read a book that isn’t so full or brutality. I liked the way the thought processing was at the tip of the page but not revealed until the end.

[Amy Broome · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish. Found over 30 other more interesting reads. Found the last 30 pages just not worth it. Would not advise.

[L. Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is me writing with Ridley.

[Shaaron K Cypher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Lou Boldt. He and Harry Bosch should be brothers!! Can't believe I mi inissed this one when it came out.

[Christian J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another thrilling read by one of my favorites.

[Andy Plonka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though the set up for the plot demands your close attention it is worth the effort for the satisfaction of the ending.

[Bob Box · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in 2004. Solid mystery.