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Boston Crime Thriller #2
Bleeding Blue
With two street gangs on the brink of war, Detective Michael Kelly must solve a murder before the entire town goes up in flames.
THE SECOND NOVEL OF THE NEW BOSTON CRIME THRILLER SERIES BY FORMER DETECTIVE BRIAN SHEA.
Boston Homicide Detective Michael Kelly just took his latest case.
It seemed simple enough: a convenience store clerk gunned down in cold blood.
There’s just one catch...the store was under the protection of the Irish mob.
When all evidence points to an up-and-coming street gang, the mob closes in. But after a second shooting occurs, the city is set on a course for all-out war—unless the shooter can be brought to justice.
Kelly is in a race against time to solve the murders and prevent further bloodshed. But his investigation leads him down a dark path...and exposes a greater level of corruption than he ever thought possible.
______________________________
BRIAN SHEA has served as both a military officer and law enforcement Detective. His authentic crime fiction novels have been enjoyed by countless readers around the world. His books are recommended for readers who enjoy Michael Connolly’s Harry Bosch, David Baldacci’s John Puller, or James Patterson’s Alex Cross.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2020
3023 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Brian Christopher Shea
52 books279 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 91 reviews
May 26, 2024
This is the second book of a series. It can be read as a stand alone as the author does a commendable job of dropping new readers right into the thick of things. In this one a store clerk is killed and this starts off a gang war. There is more to it and Detective Kelly is in the middle of it.
This book and series takes place in my hometown of Boston and the author does an amazing job of capturing the essence of the city. That is where this book excels. The realism is amazing from the characters, the atmosphere, and the actual story. It is just so palpable and I love it so much. This book is a crime procedural novel but there is so much more to it. Like I previously said it shows the gritty and dark side of Boston. These books actually take place in a rough section of the city and it doesn't shy away from that aspect. The characters are amazing too as we get characters that are so believable and different from each other. I love that our protagonist is a normal down to earth cop who has morals and a lot on his plate. He has many issues he has to deal with and he struggles with them all like any normal human would. He is not a super human like other series display their hero of the story. Once again this just goes to how real this story and series is throughout.
I did think this one was a little bit of a step down from the first novel of the series. I believe the beginning was the cause of this. It was just the crime aspect and the immediate fall out from this incident. We were not in the meat of the story yet and the twists did not happen yet as it seemed too straight forward. I should have known better and I wasn't really impressed with it. But when the twists started to happen and the path that the story was going down I was so invested in the story. I think there were a couple of times I actually gasped as this book caught me totally by surprise. I look forward to the next book in this series. This is an excellent read and this is shaping up to be a terrific series.
This book and series takes place in my hometown of Boston and the author does an amazing job of capturing the essence of the city. That is where this book excels. The realism is amazing from the characters, the atmosphere, and the actual story. It is just so palpable and I love it so much. This book is a crime procedural novel but there is so much more to it. Like I previously said it shows the gritty and dark side of Boston. These books actually take place in a rough section of the city and it doesn't shy away from that aspect. The characters are amazing too as we get characters that are so believable and different from each other. I love that our protagonist is a normal down to earth cop who has morals and a lot on his plate. He has many issues he has to deal with and he struggles with them all like any normal human would. He is not a super human like other series display their hero of the story. Once again this just goes to how real this story and series is throughout.
I did think this one was a little bit of a step down from the first novel of the series. I believe the beginning was the cause of this. It was just the crime aspect and the immediate fall out from this incident. We were not in the meat of the story yet and the twists did not happen yet as it seemed too straight forward. I should have known better and I wasn't really impressed with it. But when the twists started to happen and the path that the story was going down I was so invested in the story. I think there were a couple of times I actually gasped as this book caught me totally by surprise. I look forward to the next book in this series. This is an excellent read and this is shaping up to be a terrific series.
September 7, 2022
I read the first book in this series, {Murder Board} and really liked the writing style of the author as well as the characters, so was anxious to read book 2. I liked that he brought a character from the first book back by hiring Kristen Barnes. She had partnered up with the character of Detective Mike Kelly in the first book. It didn't take as long to recognize and get into the bones of the plot as it did the first book and I have to say it was an exciting ride. It features and focuses more on organized crime in Boston than the first one did. I'm not a big fan of mafia stories but since reading the first book I was a fan of the character of Michael Kelly and his team of investigators. I probably will, at some point, read book #3. The only really "iffy" thing I can say about the story was the questionable planting of the undercover cop. It was a little unbelievable...but I won't go into the "why" to keep from giving too much away.
April 24, 2020
I just finished the second book of this series and it was a good book. I think this author is still a detective and it shows in the story . I liked the main characters and the secondary characters and the story moved at a good pace and it never bogged down. This is not a stand alone book you must read the first book or you will be lost with out a doubt. I give this book a slightly lower rating for a cou0ple of reasons. First I am not sure if a couple of the side stories were needed on the fence about that and secondly the last turn of the screw at the end of this book might have been over the top-very close. It is a complex story and moves at a good pace. I just hope romance does not get in the way in the next book too much or becomes sappy. One thing some people might not like just as in the first book there is no clear resolution you will have to read the next book which I think will end the series. All in all it is a very sound and a good book and I say give it a big spin. I will read the next book in the series.
February 6, 2020
A Police Effort To Take Over Boston Organized Crime Fails Horribly...
A fascinating crime thriller that lets you see behind the scenes and in the background of Police Officers in Boston,Massachusetts. Homicide Detective Mike Kelly takes to the streets with a strong creed of doing what is right. Born and raised in the area he has friends on all sides of the street, even his brother is an addict he's tried to help. With a young daughter at home, living with his Mom after a divorce, the author enables us to see the complete man, as we become involved in so many actions taking place. Fantastic characters who feel so real, and plots that play out smoothly enhance your adventure.
Sometimes the person you think is bad turns out to be the one who saves your life. As some cops turn on their teammates, Michael has to decide just who to trust as he tries to stop a frightening gang war. One that he has no idea exactly who started it! And then he receives a call, that no one wants to hear...' Your brother is headed to the ER, Cops found him on a street...' A 5 STAR story that picks up where 'Murder Board' left off, and takes you for a thrilling ride!! All who enjoy crime thrillers, Grab this story!!!
A fascinating crime thriller that lets you see behind the scenes and in the background of Police Officers in Boston,Massachusetts. Homicide Detective Mike Kelly takes to the streets with a strong creed of doing what is right. Born and raised in the area he has friends on all sides of the street, even his brother is an addict he's tried to help. With a young daughter at home, living with his Mom after a divorce, the author enables us to see the complete man, as we become involved in so many actions taking place. Fantastic characters who feel so real, and plots that play out smoothly enhance your adventure.
Sometimes the person you think is bad turns out to be the one who saves your life. As some cops turn on their teammates, Michael has to decide just who to trust as he tries to stop a frightening gang war. One that he has no idea exactly who started it! And then he receives a call, that no one wants to hear...' Your brother is headed to the ER, Cops found him on a street...' A 5 STAR story that picks up where 'Murder Board' left off, and takes you for a thrilling ride!! All who enjoy crime thrillers, Grab this story!!!
February 12, 2020
Bleeding Blue earns 5/5 Detective IDs...Engaging Drama!
Boston. Thriller. Police drama extraordinary. I enjoyed Brian Shea’s book one “Murder Board,” so it was a no-brainer that I’d check out this second book...another hit! As was true in book one, the crime that precipitates the initial drama is immediate, grabbing the reader immediately. What starts as a robbery gone bad, a convenience store clerk is shot and killed on purpose, the gunman appears to smile, and the witness preparing to be the second victim, is spared...for now. The violence continues making Detective Michael Kelly suspect a gang war may just have broken out in Boston. Add a rogue undercover cop, his brother’s addiction, corruption all around, and family secrets revealed, you have a great page-turner. Shea penned a well-written, complex third-person narrative with descriptive language illustrating well the city and the people. I greatly enjoyed the expressive dialogue realistically depicting emotions and personalities. Kelly is a good cop trying to do what’s right and bring closure, if not justice, to victim’s families, but he’s also dealing the family drama of a brother’s addiction struggle, an ex-wife, and his young daughter. Intense. Clever. Whew!
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Boston. Thriller. Police drama extraordinary. I enjoyed Brian Shea’s book one “Murder Board,” so it was a no-brainer that I’d check out this second book...another hit! As was true in book one, the crime that precipitates the initial drama is immediate, grabbing the reader immediately. What starts as a robbery gone bad, a convenience store clerk is shot and killed on purpose, the gunman appears to smile, and the witness preparing to be the second victim, is spared...for now. The violence continues making Detective Michael Kelly suspect a gang war may just have broken out in Boston. Add a rogue undercover cop, his brother’s addiction, corruption all around, and family secrets revealed, you have a great page-turner. Shea penned a well-written, complex third-person narrative with descriptive language illustrating well the city and the people. I greatly enjoyed the expressive dialogue realistically depicting emotions and personalities. Kelly is a good cop trying to do what’s right and bring closure, if not justice, to victim’s families, but he’s also dealing the family drama of a brother’s addiction struggle, an ex-wife, and his young daughter. Intense. Clever. Whew!
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
February 6, 2020
A Dorchester convenience store clerk is shot dead during a robbery. But the store is under the protection of the Irish mob led by Connor Walsh. Signs point towards the Corner Boys, an up-and-coming street gang, as the culprit. Then the sole witness to the murder is found strangled to death in her apartment. When another convenience store shooting occurs, it looks like a nasty gang war has started.
Boston Homicide Detective Mike Kelly is in a race to solve the murders and prevent further bloodshed. But Kelly does not expect to find his younger drug-addicted brother Brayden being used as a pawn by the Narcotics Squad, a deep undercover cop who has gone rogue and corruption deep within the police and the city. On the personal side, Kelly learns some family secrets about his past.
This was a gritty, thrilling enjoyable read in the Boston Crime Thriller series and is highly recommended.
I received an eARC from Severn River Publishing with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
Boston Homicide Detective Mike Kelly is in a race to solve the murders and prevent further bloodshed. But Kelly does not expect to find his younger drug-addicted brother Brayden being used as a pawn by the Narcotics Squad, a deep undercover cop who has gone rogue and corruption deep within the police and the city. On the personal side, Kelly learns some family secrets about his past.
This was a gritty, thrilling enjoyable read in the Boston Crime Thriller series and is highly recommended.
I received an eARC from Severn River Publishing with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
February 4, 2020
Thrilling action and suspense!
Homicide Detective Michael Kelly is on the hunt for a killer. Two brutal unsolved murders are threatening to start a turf war between gangs and the battle for control is pulling Kelly’s family into the mix. Evidence points one way but his instincts tell him that something deeper is going on.
This is another masterful Brian Shea crime thriller! He never disappoints!
Homicide Detective Michael Kelly is on the hunt for a killer. Two brutal unsolved murders are threatening to start a turf war between gangs and the battle for control is pulling Kelly’s family into the mix. Evidence points one way but his instincts tell him that something deeper is going on.
This is another masterful Brian Shea crime thriller! He never disappoints!
February 10, 2020
Loved It!
Great continuation to the first book, couldn't stop turning the pages and waiting for the end. Now I'm anxious for the 3rd installment! Anyone looking for a good cop book, this series is a great place to start!
Great continuation to the first book, couldn't stop turning the pages and waiting for the end. Now I'm anxious for the 3rd installment! Anyone looking for a good cop book, this series is a great place to start!
February 28, 2020
I love mystery/ thriller series and since these are set in my home city of Boston, I gave the first one a try...and loved it! Couldn’t wait until this one (#2) and it was everything I hoped for. The characters and plots are realistic. I sympathized with the victims and couldn’t wait for the villains to get what they deserved ( which may or may not happen, just like in the real world). Mike Kelly, the protagonist, is a born and bred Dorchester boy and a cop who “bleeds blue”, but who is also affected by loyalty to friends and family members who have chosen other paths in life. The author has done a great job developing Kelly’s character and the influences of his Boston neighborhood -Irish Catholic - family-first (not just blood family) upbringing. This book answered some questions that remained unanswered in book #1, but has left others to be explored in future books, of which I hope there will be many. I care about Mike Kelly, his family and his fellow officers and crime prevention personnel, so bring on book #3!
BTW... while waiting for this book in the Boston Crime Series, I tried the author’s Nick Lawrence Series. I ended up binging all the books in that series! Hope there might be more at some point. Give them a try too!
BTW... while waiting for this book in the Boston Crime Series, I tried the author’s Nick Lawrence Series. I ended up binging all the books in that series! Hope there might be more at some point. Give them a try too!
June 1, 2020
Bleeding Blue (Blue) was not as streamlined pacing-wise as his first entry, Murder Board, but Brian Shea made it just as easy to get invested in this one. While they didn't feel two-dimensional the first time around, the characterizations are expanded to encompass more people, and we are taken on a deep dive into most of their backgrounds, as well as the area of Boston known as "The Dot" in the book (and probably in real life too).
Blue focuses more on the organized crime groups in Boston, which Michael Kelly's beat of homicide is a byproduct of, and not normally my cup of tea in a crime drama. Having said that, the situations our character's are thrust into make it difficult for them to avoid that dangerous, and territorial, underbelly of most (if not all) major cities. Trusts are betrayed and causes are blurred on both sides of the thin blue line; everything one would want in a story like this.
My criticisms for the book were few and far between. As I said above, mafia stories are not ones I tend to lean towards. They're often so melodramatic and predictable that I just can't get into them, even many true crime stories. There was certainly drama in Blue, but just enough to keep the story grounded and hit all the intended emotional points. Also, something I mentioned when reviewing the first book was the perceived overly detailed descriptions regarding police procedure. Well, I'd say that's still the case here, and while I know authors have to write for a wider audience than their target, I like to think (and hope) the average reader can be trusted to understand what's going on than what a publisher (and movie producer) will give them credit for with a little less exposition. Maybe that's just too much optimism on my part though.
I am very much enjoying the Boston Crime series thus far, and I intend to preorder the next book once it becomes available on paperback. Whether we stay with the Irish Mob, or shift to other things a homicide detective can focus on, such as serial murder, I look forward to the next installment.
Blue focuses more on the organized crime groups in Boston, which Michael Kelly's beat of homicide is a byproduct of, and not normally my cup of tea in a crime drama. Having said that, the situations our character's are thrust into make it difficult for them to avoid that dangerous, and territorial, underbelly of most (if not all) major cities. Trusts are betrayed and causes are blurred on both sides of the thin blue line; everything one would want in a story like this.
My criticisms for the book were few and far between. As I said above, mafia stories are not ones I tend to lean towards. They're often so melodramatic and predictable that I just can't get into them, even many true crime stories. There was certainly drama in Blue, but just enough to keep the story grounded and hit all the intended emotional points. Also, something I mentioned when reviewing the first book was the perceived overly detailed descriptions regarding police procedure. Well, I'd say that's still the case here, and while I know authors have to write for a wider audience than their target, I like to think (and hope) the average reader can be trusted to understand what's going on than what a publisher (and movie producer) will give them credit for with a little less exposition. Maybe that's just too much optimism on my part though.
I am very much enjoying the Boston Crime series thus far, and I intend to preorder the next book once it becomes available on paperback. Whether we stay with the Irish Mob, or shift to other things a homicide detective can focus on, such as serial murder, I look forward to the next installment.
March 29, 2020
Good
A clerk in a neighborhood market was robbed and killed. Detective Michael Kelly is called to investigate. There is no evidence the shooter left, he policed his brass and dug the slug out of the wall behind the counter. The next day, the only witness is murdered.
Not to give anything away, prepare for surprises. Michael Kelly is a most interesting character, his nickname is Saint Michael.
A clerk in a neighborhood market was robbed and killed. Detective Michael Kelly is called to investigate. There is no evidence the shooter left, he policed his brass and dug the slug out of the wall behind the counter. The next day, the only witness is murdered.
Not to give anything away, prepare for surprises. Michael Kelly is a most interesting character, his nickname is Saint Michael.
July 12, 2020
Just finished reading !! Too bad that there are not more stars allowed as I would give this book a good solid 10.
I am now convinced that Brian C. Shea is an equal to Michael Connelly as a craft author. Both are quite capable to retelling police stories in book form. Their books have the quality where you just don't want to put the book down. The Michael Kelly stories should have a life of their own. I would like to see them up to or exceeding 20 stories.
My only regret is that I have to wait until August 20 to read #3 The Penitent One. Book #4 scheduled for June of 21. (It will be a very long wait until it arrives.)
Damn glad I found this author as I loved all five of the Nick Lawrence books as well.
I am now convinced that Brian C. Shea is an equal to Michael Connelly as a craft author. Both are quite capable to retelling police stories in book form. Their books have the quality where you just don't want to put the book down. The Michael Kelly stories should have a life of their own. I would like to see them up to or exceeding 20 stories.
My only regret is that I have to wait until August 20 to read #3 The Penitent One. Book #4 scheduled for June of 21. (It will be a very long wait until it arrives.)
Damn glad I found this author as I loved all five of the Nick Lawrence books as well.
May 12, 2020
Better and Better!!!
Great story and follow up to the first book in the series!!! As always, well developed story and characters! Loved the mother/son and brothers interactions! Lots of action, twists and turns, all in all great book! A must read series! Can't wait for the next book!
Great story and follow up to the first book in the series!!! As always, well developed story and characters! Loved the mother/son and brothers interactions! Lots of action, twists and turns, all in all great book! A must read series! Can't wait for the next book!
February 3, 2020
Brian Shea’s Boston Crime thriller series picks up where Murder Board left off. Through the use of very well-developed characters this story takes the reader on a very action filled journey filled with betrayal, strained friendships and a series of murders. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.
May 4, 2020
Book Two
Boston detective Michael Kelly, aka St. Michael, continues working in Homicide, this time it looks like a turf war is brewing between local gangs. A lot going on here, a few surprises. Well worth the read!
Boston detective Michael Kelly, aka St. Michael, continues working in Homicide, this time it looks like a turf war is brewing between local gangs. A lot going on here, a few surprises. Well worth the read!
February 24, 2020
Superb police procedural
This is such a wonderful story. Just loved it! The tempo of the writing was spot on. Brian Shea ...keep up the great work.
This is such a wonderful story. Just loved it! The tempo of the writing was spot on. Brian Shea ...keep up the great work.
March 22, 2020
Good story
This book was a good one right up to the "twist" at the end which felt more like a cliche to me. It kind of tainted the whole story for me.
This book was a good one right up to the "twist" at the end which felt more like a cliche to me. It kind of tainted the whole story for me.
April 18, 2020
Excellent read. Very surprising ending. Waiting with great expectation for the next book in the series.
May 10, 2020
A cop story
One that has the ring of authenticity running around and thru it to the end. It also described Irish Boston very well
One that has the ring of authenticity running around and thru it to the end. It also described Irish Boston very well
February 17, 2020
For me the first part of the book was hard to gasp. I didn’t realize that their were many different stories being told but together they told the whole story. I enjoyed the book from than on. It was a good story and book.
June 22, 2020
Crooked Cops and Bad Guys
Gritty, raw novel about the good guys, not so good guys and crooked, corrupt police. Action packed, with unexpected twists.
Gritty, raw novel about the good guys, not so good guys and crooked, corrupt police. Action packed, with unexpected twists.
December 6, 2020
This was better than the first book which is not often the case with a series. A lot of secrets come into the light for Mike Kelly.
May 4, 2022
When a convenience store clerk is murdered, and a witness lives to tell about the man, his tattoos, and behaviors; sparks begin to fly between clashing mobs. That store was under the protection of the Irish mob led by Connor Walsh. Not too long after, that same witness is found strangled to death as well.
Detective Mike Kelly is burdened with multiple cases, and is now racing against time to solve these murders to prevent a full on mob war. Other investigators also pursuing leads use Kelly's younger drug-addicted brother as an inside man, jeopardizing him in numerous situations. Adding to the complexity of the cases, an undercover cop who has gone rogue, is deep inside the mob. Top it all off with Kelly finding deep family secrets that will really get the reader turned around.
This was a decent read, but I personally did not like it as much as other books.
Detective Mike Kelly is burdened with multiple cases, and is now racing against time to solve these murders to prevent a full on mob war. Other investigators also pursuing leads use Kelly's younger drug-addicted brother as an inside man, jeopardizing him in numerous situations. Adding to the complexity of the cases, an undercover cop who has gone rogue, is deep inside the mob. Top it all off with Kelly finding deep family secrets that will really get the reader turned around.
This was a decent read, but I personally did not like it as much as other books.
Read
November 7, 2020With two street gangs on the brink of war, Detective Michael Kelly must solve a murder before the entire town goes up in flames.
THE SECOND NOVEL OF THE NEW BOSTON CRIME THRILLER SERIES BY FORMER DETECTIVE BRIAN SHEA.
Boston Homicide Detective Michael Kelly just took his latest case.
It seemed simple enough: a convenience store clerk gunned down in cold blood.
There’s just one catch...the store was under the protection of the Irish mob.
When all evidence points to an up-and-coming street gang, the mob closes in. But after a second shooting occurs, the city is set on a course for all-out war—unless the shooter can be brought to justice.
Kelly is in a race against time to solve the murders and prevent further bloodshed. But his investigation leads him down a dark path...and exposes a greater level of corruption than he ever thought possible.
Undercover cop goes rogue and kills people. Also, Kelly discovers he is the son of the Irish mob boss, Walsh.
Good.
______________________________
THE SECOND NOVEL OF THE NEW BOSTON CRIME THRILLER SERIES BY FORMER DETECTIVE BRIAN SHEA.
Boston Homicide Detective Michael Kelly just took his latest case.
It seemed simple enough: a convenience store clerk gunned down in cold blood.
There’s just one catch...the store was under the protection of the Irish mob.
When all evidence points to an up-and-coming street gang, the mob closes in. But after a second shooting occurs, the city is set on a course for all-out war—unless the shooter can be brought to justice.
Kelly is in a race against time to solve the murders and prevent further bloodshed. But his investigation leads him down a dark path...and exposes a greater level of corruption than he ever thought possible.
Undercover cop goes rogue and kills people. Also, Kelly discovers he is the son of the Irish mob boss, Walsh.
Good.
______________________________
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2020
Really enjoy these books for a change of pace. Probably closer to a 4 star. Fast paced police thriller.
October 15, 2020
Bleeding Blue
The 2and book in the Boston Crime Thiller was better than the first. Detective Kelly is assigned to a Case involving a Store Robbery that turned into murder. Unfortunately the Store was under the Protection of mob boss Connor Walsh. The killer was thought to belong to a Street Gang. So Walsh was under pressure to get even. The plot was great, the Political Interests of the Police Department and the Political Policies of the Boston Mob were on a collision course with Detective Kelly caught in between. Kelly has a family connection between the Mob and his brother. The Ending was awesome.
The 2and book in the Boston Crime Thiller was better than the first. Detective Kelly is assigned to a Case involving a Store Robbery that turned into murder. Unfortunately the Store was under the Protection of mob boss Connor Walsh. The killer was thought to belong to a Street Gang. So Walsh was under pressure to get even. The plot was great, the Political Interests of the Police Department and the Political Policies of the Boston Mob were on a collision course with Detective Kelly caught in between. Kelly has a family connection between the Mob and his brother. The Ending was awesome.
Read
October 23, 2020Love this series!
October 13, 2021
Decent, but bogged down by a lot of common genre tropes. The rogue undercover officer. The main hero with a connection to the bad guys. Mostly just a less interesting version of The Departed.
January 8, 2023
Exciting and riveting
Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down. I was annoyed when I had to sporadically put it down to “adult.” But even with those interruptions I stayed up until 4 in the morning to finish it in one sitting. It’s been a while since I read book one. I’m not sure why as I loved it and this series has BINGE written all over it. I’m pretty confident I’ll be remedying that grievous error this time around.
Since it had been a while it took a bit to get back up to speed and remember the connections and background of several of the characters. This story starts with the murder of a convenience store clerk and escalates. Lots of things don’t make sense to Mike and he’s sees more to what’s happening than what the perpetrator is trying to make them look like. The author does a great job making things realistic, not a surprise as he’s got a law enforcement background. The story arc moves well, lots of things happening at once but the way the author plots the story and his clear, sharp, and concise writing make transitions smooth and make the plot flow well. He does a good job dropping clues as well as red herrings. I had figured out some big plot points but it in no way interfered with my enjoyment of the book as I was curious how it was going to play out.
There are lots of secrets revealed, lots of plotting and double dealing. I’m still not sure what exactly is going on and who can or cannot be trusted. There’s clearly a bigger storyline at play here that I have to assume is going to be part of an overriding story arc.
There are also personal developments for Mike that will impact him in unknown ways, including on a professional level. The author does a fantastic job writing these scenes so the reader can feel his inner turmoil. The gut had lots of butterflies beating around in there during several scenes.
One would think reading this book that the author has some unresolved issues from his time as a cop. He clearly doesn’t have a lot of respect for those in supervisory roles. I’ve no doubt this is as a result of personal experiences. God knows if I wrote books set in public high schools after 34 years as a teacher virtually every level of administration would not be painted in a flattering way!
I’m downloading book three now and am looking forward to what Mike encounters next.
Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down. I was annoyed when I had to sporadically put it down to “adult.” But even with those interruptions I stayed up until 4 in the morning to finish it in one sitting. It’s been a while since I read book one. I’m not sure why as I loved it and this series has BINGE written all over it. I’m pretty confident I’ll be remedying that grievous error this time around.
Since it had been a while it took a bit to get back up to speed and remember the connections and background of several of the characters. This story starts with the murder of a convenience store clerk and escalates. Lots of things don’t make sense to Mike and he’s sees more to what’s happening than what the perpetrator is trying to make them look like. The author does a great job making things realistic, not a surprise as he’s got a law enforcement background. The story arc moves well, lots of things happening at once but the way the author plots the story and his clear, sharp, and concise writing make transitions smooth and make the plot flow well. He does a good job dropping clues as well as red herrings. I had figured out some big plot points but it in no way interfered with my enjoyment of the book as I was curious how it was going to play out.
There are lots of secrets revealed, lots of plotting and double dealing. I’m still not sure what exactly is going on and who can or cannot be trusted. There’s clearly a bigger storyline at play here that I have to assume is going to be part of an overriding story arc.
There are also personal developments for Mike that will impact him in unknown ways, including on a professional level. The author does a fantastic job writing these scenes so the reader can feel his inner turmoil. The gut had lots of butterflies beating around in there during several scenes.
One would think reading this book that the author has some unresolved issues from his time as a cop. He clearly doesn’t have a lot of respect for those in supervisory roles. I’ve no doubt this is as a result of personal experiences. God knows if I wrote books set in public high schools after 34 years as a teacher virtually every level of administration would not be painted in a flattering way!
I’m downloading book three now and am looking forward to what Mike encounters next.
November 10, 2024
The plot is predictable and I find it hard to believe any one reading this would not know: 1. What the secret is from book one and 2. Who his father is (hint: not Darth Vader but close). 3. That it was NOT in fact the Corner Boys who robbed the store. 4. That the gang division of the PD would not have photos of the "CB" members with documentation of their tattoos. The characters are undeveloped and making them box does not add a dimension. The idea the Boston PD would "run the mob from the inside" is ridunculous and stretches even the bounds of fiction. Something just seems missing and if I had not bought three books I would jump off now. Summary of the wooing/love story: Man: "I kiss you now because I feel something in loins." Woman: "I too feel loins tingling. Wait till case over." So romantic. There is also a lot of repetition. How many times do we need to hear the last ten seconds of a round is when boxers give it their all. Not something profound or that needs repeating (or even being said in the first place). Also repeated is the notion that picking up a shell casing is somehow the epitome of criminal mastermindery. I think any third grader will have seen enough shows or movies to know that is common sense. I guess it was the hit us over the head with the undercover cop's involvement? The physician at the autopsy gave measurements in inches (I cannot imagine they would use inches as opposed to cm/mm which is infinitely more accurate and used universally in sciences/medicine). Another officer would never have revealed the identity of the undercover cop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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