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Tom Lange #3
Dead or Alive
A HEART-POUNDING CRIME THRILLER WITH A STUNNING TWIST
A HOME INVASION THAT TURNS INTO A DOUBLE MURDER AND KIDNAPPING
A hurricane is due to hit Florida hard. Two men take the opportunity to rob an expensive home. Surprised by neighbors, the burglars kill two people . . . and seven-year-old girl, Lemon Madras disappears.
IS THE LITTLE GIRL DEAD OR ALIVE?
Agent Tom Lange is taken off suspension and brought in to find her.
Selected for his street smarts and toughness, Tom gets a lead on a suspect and a possible location deep in the Florida Everglades.
ANOTHER HURRICANE IS COMING AND TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR TOM LANGE TO FIND THE KILLERS AND RESCUE THE LITTLE GIRL
But why was the home targeted in the first place and why does no one seem very concerned with the girl’s safety?
DISCOVER A TOTALLY ENTHRALLING THRILLER FULL OF TWISTS AND TURNS
Perfect for fans of Rachel Cain, Harlan Coben, or Julianne MacLean.
A HOME INVASION THAT TURNS INTO A DOUBLE MURDER AND KIDNAPPING
A hurricane is due to hit Florida hard. Two men take the opportunity to rob an expensive home. Surprised by neighbors, the burglars kill two people . . . and seven-year-old girl, Lemon Madras disappears.
IS THE LITTLE GIRL DEAD OR ALIVE?
Agent Tom Lange is taken off suspension and brought in to find her.
Selected for his street smarts and toughness, Tom gets a lead on a suspect and a possible location deep in the Florida Everglades.
ANOTHER HURRICANE IS COMING AND TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR TOM LANGE TO FIND THE KILLERS AND RESCUE THE LITTLE GIRL
But why was the home targeted in the first place and why does no one seem very concerned with the girl’s safety?
DISCOVER A TOTALLY ENTHRALLING THRILLER FULL OF TWISTS AND TURNS
Perfect for fans of Rachel Cain, Harlan Coben, or Julianne MacLean.
- GenresMystery
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2019
1123 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Brearton
46 books388 followersTimothy James Brearton lives in the Adirondack Mountains with his wife and three children. He's loved thrillers and police stories for most of his life. HABIT follows broken cop Brendan Healy down the rabbit hole of a human trafficking conspiracy. DEAD GONE delivers Florida cop Tom Lange into a criminal underworld and THE KILLING TIME introduces FBI agent Shannon Ames, a country girl in the big city.
http://tjbrearton.net/about
http://tjbrearton.net/about
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 26, 2019
It's hurricane season and the danger is coming from much more than that. Two men are waiting out the storm. Their plan is a home invasion, to rob a very expensive home while the power has been disrupted.
The next day, two people are found dead .. neither of them residents of the robbed home. A 7-year-old girl, daughter of the housekeeper, is now missing. Is the child dead, swept up by the hurricane? Did the robbers take her for ransom.... or some other nefarious reason?
FBI Agent Tom Lange, although still on suspension, is called in to help to investigate the child's disappearance. Tom might not paint inside the lines all the time .. but he is very good at what he does.
What he finds is much, much more than a missing child. Throw into the mix, an attorney under witness protection, warring drug lords, and assorted people who want vengeance upon one or the other for various reasons ,,, and Ton Lange has his hands full.
What he really wants to know is why the home was targeted in the first place and why does no one, especially law enforcement, seem concerned about the missing child?
This is a complex, action packed thriller, full of mostly menacing characters. Lange is a terrific character, devoted to his job yet not really a team player, dealing with personal issues, yet a good man at heart. The bad guys are really bad and the good guys may leave the reader wondering whose side they're on.
Although third in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. As always, I do recommend starting at the beginning.
Many thanks to the author / Books n All Book Promotions for the digital copy of this crime fiction, Read and reviewed voluntarily, the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
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December 13, 2019Definitely the weakest book in the trilogy by far, despite the promising start. My expectations were high after the previous two books, especially after the captivating opening chapters. Unfortunately, it's all downhill from quite early on. The story itself was fine but the convoluted busyness of it all killed it for me. It's all over the place with way too many characters in what seems to be an effort to aggrandize the plot. You're bombarded with law enforcement characters to keep track of, from county level to the FBI and even the Defence Dept, plus many more agencies. In addition there's a whole bunch of drug lords to keep track of. Every time the author developed a new theme more characters were thrown in to the mix. I was confused and lost but just hoped something would jog my memory as to who was who. In truth, I was past caring. I can't rate a book highly if I'm unable, when asked, to explain what's going on. The story line simply rambles on without any suspense or tension. Admittedly, there's very few dull moments but there's equally little significance to any of it. Half way through the book and I was reading simply to resist DNFing. The ending left me disappointed that the major sub plots the book discusses didn't seem to amount to anything.
In the acknowledgements the author states he had to resume writing of this book several times; it showed.
In the acknowledgements the author states he had to resume writing of this book several times; it showed.
July 22, 2019
I would like to thank Books n All Book Promotions and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Dead or Alive, the third thriller to feature Detective Tom Lange of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Two burglars take advantage of hurricane Hector to rob an upscale residence. Two days later when the cleanup starts a body is found. It would appear that the burglars are not leaving witnesses so two neighbours have been shot and their passenger, seven year old Lemon Madras is missing. Tom Lange is released from desk duty to find the little girl.
I enjoyed Dead or Alive which is an action packed thriller with a good twist at the end. The novel starts with a bang, literally, as it describes the shooting from the point of view of one of the unnamed burglars. It describes his edginess and stress without giving too much away and hooks the reader immediately. After that the novel is told from Tom Lange’s point of view. There are plenty of action scenes during Tom’s quest to find Lemon as he has a confrontational approach but it is not the pulse pounding, adrenaline filled read I thought it might be as there is a fair amount of hypothesising about motive and various characters’ roles. It’s probably because I was tired during the read but I found some of it confusing and difficult to get clear in mind. I did, however, really like the twist at the end, although a bit of spelled out comeuppance would have made it even more satisfying.
Tom Lange is a complicated character to come to grips with. He has an overwhelming need to solve his cases and do right by victims but his hours in therapy have led him to question his motives. As an abused child is he now trying to compensate for being unable to protect his mother? It adds another dimension to the novel.
Dead or Alive is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Two burglars take advantage of hurricane Hector to rob an upscale residence. Two days later when the cleanup starts a body is found. It would appear that the burglars are not leaving witnesses so two neighbours have been shot and their passenger, seven year old Lemon Madras is missing. Tom Lange is released from desk duty to find the little girl.
I enjoyed Dead or Alive which is an action packed thriller with a good twist at the end. The novel starts with a bang, literally, as it describes the shooting from the point of view of one of the unnamed burglars. It describes his edginess and stress without giving too much away and hooks the reader immediately. After that the novel is told from Tom Lange’s point of view. There are plenty of action scenes during Tom’s quest to find Lemon as he has a confrontational approach but it is not the pulse pounding, adrenaline filled read I thought it might be as there is a fair amount of hypothesising about motive and various characters’ roles. It’s probably because I was tired during the read but I found some of it confusing and difficult to get clear in mind. I did, however, really like the twist at the end, although a bit of spelled out comeuppance would have made it even more satisfying.
Tom Lange is a complicated character to come to grips with. He has an overwhelming need to solve his cases and do right by victims but his hours in therapy have led him to question his motives. As an abused child is he now trying to compensate for being unable to protect his mother? It adds another dimension to the novel.
Dead or Alive is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 2, 2019
Another book where I finally gave up and deleted it from my reader. Too many characters, too convoluted...eventually I just didn't care what happened...I just wanted it to end. I'm a practicing physician, so I'm used to reading complex things and remembering them, but this book was beyond the pale. It was just too much work to get through it. Certainly not my idea of an enjoyable read!
July 26, 2019
Having read and really enjoyed the previous book in this Tom Lange series, I was highly delighted when Joffe Books and Books n All Promotions sent me a copy to read and review. It certainly didn’t disappoint. The book opened with a huge bang – a raging hurricane, a burglary, a double murder and a missing girl all within the first 5 minutes. It completely dragged me from the very start and worked its magic, keeping me reading into the late hours not wanting to put it down. Tom Lange has a history of a traumatic childhood and a debilitating guilt about not being able to save his mother from being killed by his father. Add to that the extra guilt about the death of his brother, and you have a man who is determined to save as many innocents as he can and see justice meted out to the guilty. This is what drives the book from beginning to end and all the way through the reader is plunged from one scenario to another – each time in the hope that murders are found the girl is returned to her parents. The author is an expert at delivering the good news on one count followed immediately by the next crisis. The final few chapters are even faster paced than the rest of the story, ending with not one, but two twists that I didn’t see coming, and a conclusion that lines us up nicely for the next in the series. I gave the book 5 stars but I would have loved to have been able to give it 6!
I am certainly looking forward to finding out what decision Tom comes to and what he will be thrown into next.
I am certainly looking forward to finding out what decision Tom comes to and what he will be thrown into next.
July 26, 2019
Tom Lange is an FDLE cop but on suspension, he's tough streetwise and able to communicate to the underachieved if you like, he's taken off of suspension as there is a robbery during a hurricane, and hurricanes are the thieves best friend. During the robbery, a little Mexican girl was taken, but no ransom, what was the motive wrong place wrong time.? Tom also has issues as well as all to do with his past and can't seem to let go. Tom has issues with the robbery itself as not much was taken when you take into account 2 murders and a kidnapping. This is an incredible story as many things happen in a hurricane, and properties and assets are left as people run to safety, but these robberies do happen. The story has a good flow to it but clear, Tom has issues and is he in the right job. Good descriptive setting
like most of us, Brits know we are aware of the everglades and swamps, with the alligators' creepy stuff, the author has written a couple of novels so this is not his first and is a stand-alone as with the others but do have the same characters so to the reader you can read between the lines as to what went on before as the author put in little tidbits. Great read would recommend
like most of us, Brits know we are aware of the everglades and swamps, with the alligators' creepy stuff, the author has written a couple of novels so this is not his first and is a stand-alone as with the others but do have the same characters so to the reader you can read between the lines as to what went on before as the author put in little tidbits. Great read would recommend
August 2, 2019
I savoured this book. It was the first book by TJ Brearton I've ever read and it won't be the last. I'm going to look for his books now, he has a reader for life!
Tom Lange is not the usual cop hero type. He is an anti hero cop type who gets things done no matter what. No matter the pain he has to bear, physically and mentally, the job gets done.
He is very human. His relationships are in shambles, his bosses don't quite know what to do with him, and he attracts really weird people.
He is sure little Lemon Madras is alive when the other law enforcement people are giving up hope. If the hurricane didn't kill her, a bad human did. Tom though has a gut feeling. One of the burglars is a military veteran who has a daughter. He won't kill Lemon. So where is she?
Very well written and action on almost every page. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy, I will make sure I stay on this list! I review every book I read. Well, I try to...
Tom Lange is not the usual cop hero type. He is an anti hero cop type who gets things done no matter what. No matter the pain he has to bear, physically and mentally, the job gets done.
He is very human. His relationships are in shambles, his bosses don't quite know what to do with him, and he attracts really weird people.
He is sure little Lemon Madras is alive when the other law enforcement people are giving up hope. If the hurricane didn't kill her, a bad human did. Tom though has a gut feeling. One of the burglars is a military veteran who has a daughter. He won't kill Lemon. So where is she?
Very well written and action on almost every page. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy, I will make sure I stay on this list! I review every book I read. Well, I try to...
July 27, 2019
With a hurricane approaching, many are leaving their homes. When a couple check on someone in front of their neighbor's house, one man approaches their car and shoots them dead. In the car is a young girl that the robbers take with them. This leads to a massive search to save the little girl. The author takes you on an exciting journey.
September 2, 2019
The first chapter was awesome, and it immediately grabbed attention and I settled down, expecting an inspiring read. It wasn’t meant to be. I made it to 30%, but the constant cop dialog, street dialog, and just plain bad dialog, along with nothing significant happening in ages, well, I cried Uncle and moved onto a book that I could get into. Just not my thing.
November 4, 2019
This book is so convoluted that I wanted to scream. I found no suspense, no surprises, no twists and turns. Nothing to hold my interest and I had to force myself to finish this book. I kept hoping something exciting would happen, but no such luck. So many inconsequential characters. Not worth the read.
July 26, 2019
A great addition to the Tom Lange series. It kept me interested from the beginning. Full of twists and turns throughout. This is a very entertaining mystery/suspense thriller. Tom is a very interesting character. I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review
August 3, 2019
Dead or Alive
Excellent read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book. The plot was intense and the characters were very interesting. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Excellent read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book. The plot was intense and the characters were very interesting. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 26, 2019
Awful
I only read 30 % of this book , jumped to the back read last chapter .. the end is what assumed! Way to many off the wall names and job titles to keep track of . DISAPPOINTED
I only read 30 % of this book , jumped to the back read last chapter .. the end is what assumed! Way to many off the wall names and job titles to keep track of . DISAPPOINTED
August 9, 2019
Thriller
Definitely a page Turner, it kept me interested throughout the entire book. It makes me want to read more by this author.
Definitely a page Turner, it kept me interested throughout the entire book. It makes me want to read more by this author.
November 24, 2022
Finally.
I've had the toughest time with the Tom Lange character. This is the third book in his series, and I struggled through the first two because of this main character. You'd think I would have quit reading a series where the main character doesn't sit right with me. But Tom Lange is a likable guy who struggles to do the right thing. He just tends to go about it in ways that aren't... kosher. The stories have been good, and I was hoping to see growth in Tom's character that would make this series worth sticking with.
This book finally put all the pieces in place for me. I finally feel like I have a good grasp on this character, why he acts the way he does, and what makes him the kind of cop that's always butting heads with those in authority over him. I wish I could clarify this more, but it's not possible without spoilers. So, I'll have to settle for saying I found pure satisfaction in the outcome of this addition to the series, and I'm impressed that the author didn't take the easy way out with some of the plot twists.
Fans of thrillers, suspense reads, and police procedurals will enjoy this series.
I've had the toughest time with the Tom Lange character. This is the third book in his series, and I struggled through the first two because of this main character. You'd think I would have quit reading a series where the main character doesn't sit right with me. But Tom Lange is a likable guy who struggles to do the right thing. He just tends to go about it in ways that aren't... kosher. The stories have been good, and I was hoping to see growth in Tom's character that would make this series worth sticking with.
This book finally put all the pieces in place for me. I finally feel like I have a good grasp on this character, why he acts the way he does, and what makes him the kind of cop that's always butting heads with those in authority over him. I wish I could clarify this more, but it's not possible without spoilers. So, I'll have to settle for saying I found pure satisfaction in the outcome of this addition to the series, and I'm impressed that the author didn't take the easy way out with some of the plot twists.
Fans of thrillers, suspense reads, and police procedurals will enjoy this series.
June 25, 2023
Chilling book with a robbery that evolved into murder and a kidnapping. Agent Tom Lange is in dogged pursuit of the killers of two rich people fleeing the latest hurricane because they took a young girl who witnessed their criminal acts. The powers that be insist the little girl is probably dead BUT Tom has a gut feeling she’s alive. Lemon Madras is all that matters to Tom and it costs him his relationship and probably his job. Great set up for a new career path in the next book(s).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2023
Chilling book with a robbery that evolved into murder and a kidnapping. Agent Tom Lange is in dogged pursuit of the killers of two rich people fleeing the latest hurricane because they took a young girl who witnessed their criminal acts. The powers that be insist the little girl is probably dead BUT Tom has a gut feeling she’s alive. Lemon Madras is all that matters to Tom and it costs him his relationship and probably his job. Great set up for a new career path in the next book(s).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2020
Ending?
Poor abrupt ending. This had two plus says for following books to head. I thought I had inadvertently skipped forward a couple chapters when I started reading the last one. This doesn't match style of first two books in the series.
Poor abrupt ending. This had two plus says for following books to head. I thought I had inadvertently skipped forward a couple chapters when I started reading the last one. This doesn't match style of first two books in the series.
January 23, 2020
Good
This is one of those stories that are fication but have crimes that could have happened and it shows there are
This is one of those stories that are fication but have crimes that could have happened and it shows there are
June 10, 2020
First and last book I will read by this author. Thought it was boring. Read the first few chapters and then whizzed to the end to find out if he found the little girl.
September 26, 2021
I enjoyed this book and the characters
It was not the kind of story I thought it was going to be but it was a good read. Not as addictive as advertised.
It was not the kind of story I thought it was going to be but it was a good read. Not as addictive as advertised.
Read
June 12, 2023Hoping there will be additional Tom Lange books
February 15, 2024
Fast paced and fun read.
March 7, 2024
Dead or alive
It was a good book lot of police officers in it the name was good I don't know what I read it again no like I said it was a good book
It was a good book lot of police officers in it the name was good I don't know what I read it again no like I said it was a good book
November 24, 2019
Very good
I like the hero. He is flawed, but a good person and compassionate. I would recommend the series and the author
I like the hero. He is flawed, but a good person and compassionate. I would recommend the series and the author
November 17, 2019
Good Book!
I love this writer. This book was so realistic. The plot was evenly flowing never dragging . I highly recommend reading this book and cannot wait for the next one.
I love this writer. This book was so realistic. The plot was evenly flowing never dragging . I highly recommend reading this book and cannot wait for the next one.
July 29, 2019
This is a complex story, with flawed characters. I really enjoyed the story - it was intense - the bad guys were numerous. The book starts out that this guys are going to burglarize a house during a hurricane - a neighbor stops to see what's going on and that decision is deadly. The neighbor may or may not have picked up a child - is the child dead or alive? There are many more characters in this thriller. I really enjoyed this book - it gave me goose bumps just reading it.
July 25, 2019
Tom Lange is one of those really flawed people who happens to be an excellent investigator/cop. Tis book is action packed and filled with as many twists and turns as a great roller coaster. I'm looking forward to reading more by T.J. Brearton. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.
July 26, 2019
DEAD OR ALIVE'S chilling suspense captures your attention from the start. A rollercoaster ride of mounting tension, riveting intrigue and emotional turmoil keeps you turning pages long into the night, until you've finished.
DEAD OR ALIVE IS A KEEPER!!
DEAD OR ALIVE IS A KEEPER!!
August 28, 2019
EXCELLENT
T.J. GREAT IN is one of my favorite authors. This book was extremely well written and thoroughly enjoyed. I truly could not put it down 😳 and was reading far into the night until I was finished.
T.J. GREAT IN is one of my favorite authors. This book was extremely well written and thoroughly enjoyed. I truly could not put it down 😳 and was reading far into the night until I was finished.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews