What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective McDaniel Thriller #2
The Easy Way Out
This is Book 2 in the Detective McDaniel Thriller series.
The series is best read in order. Please consider reading Book 1, Hold Back the Night, before enjoying The Easy Way Out.
Still reeling from his encounter with a depraved child killer and a professional hitman on the city’s waterfront, Homicide Detective Darren McDaniel is thrown back into the fray. A headless corpse washes up in a secluded cove near the industrial district. The body shows signs of extreme trauma – torture – prior to being tossed into the sea.
The brutal excess of violence disturbs McDaniel, pulling him into the investigation. But, with no head, no usable fingerprints, and advanced decomposition, the remains offer few clues to the identity of the victim, or the perpetrator.
McDaniel, and his partner, Brent Vanderwyk, begin investigating reports of missing persons, hoping to match an open case with their victim. A disturbing pattern soon emerges - multiple subjects on the fringes of society have disappeared over the past few years.
The case that started with a headless corpse on the beach quickly spins out of control, expanding to include at least five men, dead or missing. All of them are directly connected to a treacherously entangled trio – a petty drug-lord, a sheriff’s detective, and a bombshell femme fatale.
McDaniel and Vanderwyk slowly unravel the tangled mess of lies, deception, trickery, and murder. As the pieces fall into place, they learn that a sixth victim has been taken.
The detectives formulate a plan to capture the killer and save his latest victim before it’s too late. But as they race to the rescue, the mission quickly unravels, plunging the detectives into gunfights, car chases, mayhem on the high seas, and a nail-biting conclusion that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
The series is best read in order. Please consider reading Book 1, Hold Back the Night, before enjoying The Easy Way Out.
Still reeling from his encounter with a depraved child killer and a professional hitman on the city’s waterfront, Homicide Detective Darren McDaniel is thrown back into the fray. A headless corpse washes up in a secluded cove near the industrial district. The body shows signs of extreme trauma – torture – prior to being tossed into the sea.
The brutal excess of violence disturbs McDaniel, pulling him into the investigation. But, with no head, no usable fingerprints, and advanced decomposition, the remains offer few clues to the identity of the victim, or the perpetrator.
McDaniel, and his partner, Brent Vanderwyk, begin investigating reports of missing persons, hoping to match an open case with their victim. A disturbing pattern soon emerges - multiple subjects on the fringes of society have disappeared over the past few years.
The case that started with a headless corpse on the beach quickly spins out of control, expanding to include at least five men, dead or missing. All of them are directly connected to a treacherously entangled trio – a petty drug-lord, a sheriff’s detective, and a bombshell femme fatale.
McDaniel and Vanderwyk slowly unravel the tangled mess of lies, deception, trickery, and murder. As the pieces fall into place, they learn that a sixth victim has been taken.
The detectives formulate a plan to capture the killer and save his latest victim before it’s too late. But as they race to the rescue, the mission quickly unravels, plunging the detectives into gunfights, car chases, mayhem on the high seas, and a nail-biting conclusion that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2020
504 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 8, 2020
No easy way
Amidst all the darkness of the world these detectives work in it's easy to miss the humor between them. I stop and smile and then go back to trying to solve the murders before they do (hasn't happened yet). Darren's background explains so much about him and his desire to protect his family. He and his detective partner work so well together it's almost like their minds merge when they're researching evidence and working through clues. I love the setting, the characters, the suspense, and the well written stories of this series so I can highly recommend it to others. Start with book one as it's part of getting to know Darren, his family and work environment. Be ready for an emotionally challenging and satisfying adventure.
Amidst all the darkness of the world these detectives work in it's easy to miss the humor between them. I stop and smile and then go back to trying to solve the murders before they do (hasn't happened yet). Darren's background explains so much about him and his desire to protect his family. He and his detective partner work so well together it's almost like their minds merge when they're researching evidence and working through clues. I love the setting, the characters, the suspense, and the well written stories of this series so I can highly recommend it to others. Start with book one as it's part of getting to know Darren, his family and work environment. Be ready for an emotionally challenging and satisfying adventure.
July 12, 2021
The intricate strengths and weaknesses of the main character (along with the solid secondary ones) is what keeps me reading this series, and will lead me right into book 3 as soon as I'm finished with this review. Well-written, deep, action-packed and exciting.
February 12, 2021
I enjoyed Hold Back The Night, book 1. It was engaging. This one not so much.
January 14, 2020
*I was given a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
The Characters
We had the usual Detective McDaniel and Vanderwyk and I love this co-worker duo so much! I throughly enjoyed seeing (ahem I mean reading) more of Griggs and the background of how him and McDaniel met. I really enjoyed seeing the inner anguish that McDaniel was going through from the previous book and how he worked through it.
The Plot
Another great murder mystery case with enough spins to keep the reader guessing and right along there with Detective McDaniel, wondering who dun it?!? Loose ends always get tied up in the end with a satisfying message but of course there will always be murder so of course there's always going to be another until Detective McDaniel has filled his cup.
The Pacing
It has the same rich settings and descriptions as the first one that plunge the reader straight into the story. There was a bit of a lag in later middle part but nothing alarming or anything. The ending didn't feel too rushed either like most books tend to do, especially with series.
Like I've said with the first one, these books seemed to have been researched throughly. From the setting locations to police proceedings and teh like. Things aren't left in the blank for the reader to guess what in the heck is going on and there doesn't seem to be any far fetched guessings on what is what either.
Research
Like I've said with the first one, these books seemed to have been researched throughly. From the setting locations to police proceedings and teh like. Things aren't left in the blank for the reader to guess what in the heck is going on and there doesn't seem to be any far fetched guessings on what is what either.
The Publishing Side of Things
A clean cut genre-fitting cover much like the first one and they pair well together to keep a consistent genre theme going on. Absolutely no grammar problems whatsoever! So it's definitely one of the cleanest copies I've read in regards to that. All the plot and happenings seemed to fit and nothing seemed to stick out oddly.
Overall
Another fun and thrilling ride from a great and respectable author. Can't wait to keep digging in this sereis and discovering more of the adventures of Detective McDaniel.
I also can now understand the meaning behind the title and love it when they connect at the end!
The Characters
We had the usual Detective McDaniel and Vanderwyk and I love this co-worker duo so much! I throughly enjoyed seeing (ahem I mean reading) more of Griggs and the background of how him and McDaniel met. I really enjoyed seeing the inner anguish that McDaniel was going through from the previous book and how he worked through it.
The Plot
Another great murder mystery case with enough spins to keep the reader guessing and right along there with Detective McDaniel, wondering who dun it?!? Loose ends always get tied up in the end with a satisfying message but of course there will always be murder so of course there's always going to be another until Detective McDaniel has filled his cup.
The Pacing
It has the same rich settings and descriptions as the first one that plunge the reader straight into the story. There was a bit of a lag in later middle part but nothing alarming or anything. The ending didn't feel too rushed either like most books tend to do, especially with series.
Like I've said with the first one, these books seemed to have been researched throughly. From the setting locations to police proceedings and teh like. Things aren't left in the blank for the reader to guess what in the heck is going on and there doesn't seem to be any far fetched guessings on what is what either.
Research
Like I've said with the first one, these books seemed to have been researched throughly. From the setting locations to police proceedings and teh like. Things aren't left in the blank for the reader to guess what in the heck is going on and there doesn't seem to be any far fetched guessings on what is what either.
The Publishing Side of Things
A clean cut genre-fitting cover much like the first one and they pair well together to keep a consistent genre theme going on. Absolutely no grammar problems whatsoever! So it's definitely one of the cleanest copies I've read in regards to that. All the plot and happenings seemed to fit and nothing seemed to stick out oddly.
Overall
Another fun and thrilling ride from a great and respectable author. Can't wait to keep digging in this sereis and discovering more of the adventures of Detective McDaniel.
I also can now understand the meaning behind the title and love it when they connect at the end!
January 13, 2020
The easy way out is the second book in A detective McDaniels thriller series.. the first book had such a momentous ending that I was worried that book two would be back to business and not reflect what happens in hold back the night, as so many second books do. However Axel Blackwell wrote beautiful and respectfully the affects of PTSD and all that someone suffering from it goes through.. while maintaining a new gripping and intense story. It was an amazing mix of the two I felt like I was reading an inthralling new thriller, while still seeing what happened in the aftermath of a story and characters I fell in love with. The easy way out was fast pasted, unpredictable , had great investigations, while still maintained the humour and character growth, I love a thriller that makes me laugh and think hummm am I a psycho for finding that funny. As well as keeping me on the edge of my seat and The easy way out definitely did that.. brilliant book can’t wait for book 3
February 6, 2020
A bit darker than the first book; a good read for a snow day
McDaniel is mentally, physically, and emotionally scarred from the events in the first book. His character development is fascinating, as he carefully tries to prevent a descent into madness, while solving another difficult case.
I read it while curled up on a snow day, listening to ice, rain, and snow hit my windows...it was the perfect ambiance for this story.
McDaniel is mentally, physically, and emotionally scarred from the events in the first book. His character development is fascinating, as he carefully tries to prevent a descent into madness, while solving another difficult case.
I read it while curled up on a snow day, listening to ice, rain, and snow hit my windows...it was the perfect ambiance for this story.
July 19, 2020
Read all of three pages
I started reading ‘The Easy Way Out’ despite a less than appealing synopsis. But within the first three pages the f-word was used 8 times. If you get a jolly when you can read the f-word, you will probably love this book.
As for me, there are books a plenty on Kindle. I’ll
find something else.
Sorry Alex, I think I’ll stick with Evan in Still Water for now. Please, don’t think everyone gets jollies with the f-word and destroy Still Water.
I started reading ‘The Easy Way Out’ despite a less than appealing synopsis. But within the first three pages the f-word was used 8 times. If you get a jolly when you can read the f-word, you will probably love this book.
As for me, there are books a plenty on Kindle. I’ll
find something else.
Sorry Alex, I think I’ll stick with Evan in Still Water for now. Please, don’t think everyone gets jollies with the f-word and destroy Still Water.
February 24, 2020
Different, but in a good way.
This mystery had a wonderful set of flawed heros. The dark subject was off set by the wonderful storytelling. If you like a mystery, a great story, and fabulous characters get this book now!
This mystery had a wonderful set of flawed heros. The dark subject was off set by the wonderful storytelling. If you like a mystery, a great story, and fabulous characters get this book now!
February 28, 2020
A quick page turner!
Really enjoyed this read. Lots to contemplate, lots to look forward to. Getting a closer look inside Darren's past, waiting to see his next move. When it comes down to the finish, he is going to be there for his family and friends.
Really enjoyed this read. Lots to contemplate, lots to look forward to. Getting a closer look inside Darren's past, waiting to see his next move. When it comes down to the finish, he is going to be there for his family and friends.
March 15, 2020
Terrific!
Great police procedural with engaging main characters and a great murder investigation! Terrific successor to the first outstanding mystery. Very fast paced and heart pounding reading experience!
Great police procedural with engaging main characters and a great murder investigation! Terrific successor to the first outstanding mystery. Very fast paced and heart pounding reading experience!
March 20, 2020
Truly a great story
I will say this book was a really bestest of all reads as for me hard to stop reAding thru the night I will say looking forward to the next book ciao from costs Rica
I will say this book was a really bestest of all reads as for me hard to stop reAding thru the night I will say looking forward to the next book ciao from costs Rica
Read
May 2, 2020Darkness can pull you under
How does the past affect your future? This is a good story of finding your way to a clear future. The emotional baggage that Darren has been carrying is pulling him under. Circumstances that keep dragging up the past are finally met head on.
How does the past affect your future? This is a good story of finding your way to a clear future. The emotional baggage that Darren has been carrying is pulling him under. Circumstances that keep dragging up the past are finally met head on.
October 8, 2020
Not as good as the first
The main story in this didn’t have me hooked as much as the first one, but I like the characters I like development they continue to grow into realistic likeable people.
The main story in this didn’t have me hooked as much as the first one, but I like the characters I like development they continue to grow into realistic likeable people.
December 21, 2020
One that is hard to put down
Good story line about two fps that are also goof friends. The story goes along in just about each city in the nation. Some of these people could be your next door neighbors!
Good story line about two fps that are also goof friends. The story goes along in just about each city in the nation. Some of these people could be your next door neighbors!
February 3, 2021
A quick easy read
I’ve become emotionally attached to detective McDaniel. After picking the first book randomly from kindle plus I now need to know everything that happens. A very good, easy read
I’ve become emotionally attached to detective McDaniel. After picking the first book randomly from kindle plus I now need to know everything that happens. A very good, easy read
Read
April 15, 2021I was not a big fan of this story. Its okay, but it drags too much on small details, like coffee. The book could have been a lot smaller if you left out all of the unimportant stuff. There were too many pages of conversations that didn't really have anything to do with the story.
February 1, 2020
2nd in the Detective McDaniel series, great reading..
March 12, 2020
The Easy Way Out
This is a very good thriller. It has just enough suspense to keep you interested in the story. I recommend this book.
This is a very good thriller. It has just enough suspense to keep you interested in the story. I recommend this book.
July 20, 2020
A good read.
January 17, 2021
Amazing
Never a dull moment. Lots of characters and trauma. But a very well and interesting twists story. Police life is not easy especially for the family.
Never a dull moment. Lots of characters and trauma. But a very well and interesting twists story. Police life is not easy especially for the family.
January 24, 2021
Great book
great book, definitely start with book one so you understand some of wht is going on. Will definitely be reading book three!
great book, definitely start with book one so you understand some of wht is going on. Will definitely be reading book three!
January 31, 2021
Another great Detective McDaniel adventure. Sometimes difficult to follow his memories but in the end it works. Looking forward to book three.
February 4, 2021
Awesome
I love his books! Can't put them down! So descriptive, and I love his characters. So well written. I hope there are many more of this series.
I love his books! Can't put them down! So descriptive, and I love his characters. So well written. I hope there are many more of this series.
October 13, 2021
Great book.
I am really enjoying the characters and the action in this series of books. There's never a slow moment. The action is addictive. I couldn't put this one down.
I am really enjoying the characters and the action in this series of books. There's never a slow moment. The action is addictive. I couldn't put this one down.
February 22, 2022
Very well written, great thriller with a fast pace but with a truly empathic view of what suffering from PTSD can mean for an individual as well as their family who love them.
February 23, 2022
Another great book!!
April 24, 2022
Darker
This is a darker novel than the first book, harder to read. Didn't like it as much. Detective struggles with fear for hidefamily.
This is a darker novel than the first book, harder to read. Didn't like it as much. Detective struggles with fear for hidefamily.
Read
December 22, 2022Never read
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews