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Evan Buckley #8
Sacrifice
What would you give in exchange for your soul?
WHEN PI Evan Buckley’s mentor, Elwood Crow, sends him down to the Florida Keys to check up on an old friend, neither of them are prepared for the litany of death and destruction that Evan unearths, taking them back fifty years to the jungles of South East Asia and the atrocities committed in the name of a war everyone wants to forget - everyone except for the nameless specter that Evan must go up against, a man who they said never came home.
Meanwhile Detective Kate Guillory battles with her own demons in her search for salvation, moving inexorably down the road to her personal Armageddon, to a place where justice and vengeance are without distinction, to a bloody confrontation with her nemesis, the deviant Joseph Liverman.
As their two paths converge and the secrets buried deep in Crow’s past come to light, each of them must make an impossible choice that stretches conscience and tests courage, and in the end demands sacrifice – what would you give to get what you want?
WHEN PI Evan Buckley’s mentor, Elwood Crow, sends him down to the Florida Keys to check up on an old friend, neither of them are prepared for the litany of death and destruction that Evan unearths, taking them back fifty years to the jungles of South East Asia and the atrocities committed in the name of a war everyone wants to forget - everyone except for the nameless specter that Evan must go up against, a man who they said never came home.
Meanwhile Detective Kate Guillory battles with her own demons in her search for salvation, moving inexorably down the road to her personal Armageddon, to a place where justice and vengeance are without distinction, to a bloody confrontation with her nemesis, the deviant Joseph Liverman.
As their two paths converge and the secrets buried deep in Crow’s past come to light, each of them must make an impossible choice that stretches conscience and tests courage, and in the end demands sacrifice – what would you give to get what you want?
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 14, 2024
Kindle Unlimited
There is plenty of graphic violence at times, but Sacrifice is still a fine read. We spend some time in this one in the Florida Keys, always a good trip whether by plane or library card. Evan and his elderly friend and co-P.I. Elwood Crow uncovers a new path in the search for Sarah. I enjoyed Elwood and of course Detective Kate Guillory. I have to admit Kate's police shop partner Ryder, better known as 'Donut', is growing on me, and on Evan as well. Evan has apparently developed a bit of tolerance when dealing with Kate's friend and partner, but he is deeply invested in his Florida search for clues to Sarah's disappearance and doesn't see Kate's problems beginning to gather in her soul. Fortunately, Ryder has her back. We have an introduction to another woman who is potentially a hazard to the cause, a woman seeking retaliation for the death of her brother. It will take all of our 'Good Guys' to sort out this mess. I am a desert dweller, but love Florida, and the boats. Here in New Mexico, our biggest lake is Elephant Butte, a damming of the Rio Grande River the appearance and maybe at times little larger in size than the rain-filled imprint of an elephant's behind planted briefly in the mud.
REVIEWED on August 14, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo or B&N.
There is plenty of graphic violence at times, but Sacrifice is still a fine read. We spend some time in this one in the Florida Keys, always a good trip whether by plane or library card. Evan and his elderly friend and co-P.I. Elwood Crow uncovers a new path in the search for Sarah. I enjoyed Elwood and of course Detective Kate Guillory. I have to admit Kate's police shop partner Ryder, better known as 'Donut', is growing on me, and on Evan as well. Evan has apparently developed a bit of tolerance when dealing with Kate's friend and partner, but he is deeply invested in his Florida search for clues to Sarah's disappearance and doesn't see Kate's problems beginning to gather in her soul. Fortunately, Ryder has her back. We have an introduction to another woman who is potentially a hazard to the cause, a woman seeking retaliation for the death of her brother. It will take all of our 'Good Guys' to sort out this mess. I am a desert dweller, but love Florida, and the boats. Here in New Mexico, our biggest lake is Elephant Butte, a damming of the Rio Grande River the appearance and maybe at times little larger in size than the rain-filled imprint of an elephant's behind planted briefly in the mud.
REVIEWED on August 14, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo or B&N.
August 10, 2021
Not to bad at all. Could have used a bit of proofreading to clean up a couple of minor syntax errors, and a bit of editing to tighten things up just a little.
Evan is sent to the Florida Keys on what at first seems to be a minor errand for Elwood Crow, but, with Crow, nothing is ever that simple. And, Evan has a real talent for stepping into a barrel of roses and coming out smelling like ... Well, you know.
While Evan is trying to untangle that mess, Detective Kate Guillory is still dealing with the aftermath from her ordeal of being kidnapped, tortured, and almost killed.
And, of course, by the end, the two things wind up connected. While some questions get answered, new and perhaps even more troubling questions arise.
This series is steadily becoming darker and deeper. Looking forward to the next one!
Evan is sent to the Florida Keys on what at first seems to be a minor errand for Elwood Crow, but, with Crow, nothing is ever that simple. And, Evan has a real talent for stepping into a barrel of roses and coming out smelling like ... Well, you know.
While Evan is trying to untangle that mess, Detective Kate Guillory is still dealing with the aftermath from her ordeal of being kidnapped, tortured, and almost killed.
And, of course, by the end, the two things wind up connected. While some questions get answered, new and perhaps even more troubling questions arise.
This series is steadily becoming darker and deeper. Looking forward to the next one!
April 5, 2024
confused dot com doesn’t play a part of it
Not sure why Crow wanted Buckley to go to Florida if he was in on it all the time.
I thought by reading more of this series it couldn’t get worse but I was wrong
I assume in some future book Buckley goes to the moon and finds it is made of green cheese, and his wife Sarah is running a brothel there.
This would have more credence than any of the previous plots.
Not sure why Crow wanted Buckley to go to Florida if he was in on it all the time.
I thought by reading more of this series it couldn’t get worse but I was wrong
I assume in some future book Buckley goes to the moon and finds it is made of green cheese, and his wife Sarah is running a brothel there.
This would have more credence than any of the previous plots.
June 13, 2020
Very interesting tie-in to the Vietnam War, a clandestine government organization, a nut case and our two heroes, Evan and Kate. I wish the two of them would get married or at least get into bed together. Darn good mystery, and you will not guess the murder.
February 22, 2021
Hardcore and Bone Chilling to the End
Harper used a very cold chilling set of events to have Buckley and Guillory thru. I don't believe a normal man could make the trip. And the end is so full of beginnings.
Harper used a very cold chilling set of events to have Buckley and Guillory thru. I don't believe a normal man could make the trip. And the end is so full of beginnings.
September 18, 2021
Absolutely stunned
The story line just keeps getting better! I was glue to this book and stunned! I was almost afraid to turn lights out at night! Cant wait to see what happens next!
The story line just keeps getting better! I was glue to this book and stunned! I was almost afraid to turn lights out at night! Cant wait to see what happens next!
December 1, 2021
Another great chapter in the Evan Buckley series.
Very clever writing, just keeps you gripped till the final chapter. Looking forward to book 9. Great work. Intriguing plots, full of suspense.
Very clever writing, just keeps you gripped till the final chapter. Looking forward to book 9. Great work. Intriguing plots, full of suspense.
December 5, 2021
Another excellent Evan Buckley thriller.
I am never disappointed when I read an Evan Buckley novel. I have read them in order and plan to continue until I have read them all. I will no doubt be sad to finish them so I hope James Harper can stay ahead of me .
I am never disappointed when I read an Evan Buckley novel. I have read them in order and plan to continue until I have read them all. I will no doubt be sad to finish them so I hope James Harper can stay ahead of me .
January 5, 2022
Action galore
This eighth book of the series answered a lot of questions, but left just as many after the last page was read. Evan is a mix between a real hero and a man who just can't stay out of trouble.
This eighth book of the series answered a lot of questions, but left just as many after the last page was read. Evan is a mix between a real hero and a man who just can't stay out of trouble.
April 9, 2020
More questions
It was great seeing what happened before, and getting some answers. Now there are new questions that need to be answered. Love the trouble Buckley gets into.
It was great seeing what happened before, and getting some answers. Now there are new questions that need to be answered. Love the trouble Buckley gets into.
September 12, 2020
A good read
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fast-paced and action-packed. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fast-paced and action-packed. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
May 14, 2021
Awesome
I love this series and I love Evan Buckley. I usually only read books by women authors but I am glad I decided to try the first in the series and now I'm hooked!
I love this series and I love Evan Buckley. I usually only read books by women authors but I am glad I decided to try the first in the series and now I'm hooked!
April 5, 2023
Great series!
I have been reading the series for a while. They are fast moving and exciting. I will definitely finish this series. GREAT SERIES FOR SURE
I have been reading the series for a while. They are fast moving and exciting. I will definitely finish this series. GREAT SERIES FOR SURE
December 15, 2019
Another excellent crime thriller
Sacrifice is another excellent crime thriller featuring PI Evan Buckley. Evan is asked by his mentor Mr. Crow to locate a friend who appears to be missing. This leads Evan down a long and twisting road filled with danger and intrigue. Highly recommended.
Sacrifice is another excellent crime thriller featuring PI Evan Buckley. Evan is asked by his mentor Mr. Crow to locate a friend who appears to be missing. This leads Evan down a long and twisting road filled with danger and intrigue. Highly recommended.
October 1, 2022
Crow asked Evan Buckley to go to the Florida Keys to find his friend. As usual Evan finds much more.
August 2, 2019
This storyline digs deep into the background of Elwood Crow, a mentor of sorts, who PI Evan Buckley has used in the past to get information he just can’t obtain. Whether that is from Crow’s vast list of contacts or information gathered over the years, sometimes he can obtain information that isn’t available to others. This time Crow has asked Evan for a favour. He asks him to go and check on his friend, who lives on a boat in the Florida Keys. Crow has to stay behind to look after his wife who has dementia, so can’t leave the house. Should have figured, with it being a favour for Crow that this wouldn’t be a simple job. He tries asking Detective Kate Guillory to come with him, but she is still battling her own demons regarding what happened to her recently and the memories this brought back, to the front of her memory, from her early childhood.
Evan reaches the boat to find no sign of anyone around, apart from a nosy neighbour on the boat next door. Crow gave him the keys to his friend’s boat, so he checks the interior and a simple clue leads him to further discoveries. These will lead to links to a supposedly dead man who never came back from the Vietnam War. A photograph of this man and another, during the war, doesn’t show the atrocities that they were responsible for, but Evan will be facing up against one of them. One murder leads to another and witnesses are falling like dominoes.
Kate is carrying out her own secret investigation, looking for the man nicknamed Liverman (or that may be his real name). A nasty deviant, who is linked to what happened to her in their last case. She can’t react with the outright violence she has recently shown, but she will find it hard to contain herself. These demons are all consuming and Kate must decide if she will sacrifice her career and her own sense of right and wrong to get revenge and confront her nemesis. Salvation is what she craves, but she may never get it. She is hiding a lot from Evan and her colleagues and can’t let herself reveal to him what she is struggling with and how this has affected her.
This is a hard hitting book and storyline for both Evan and Kate, but more-so for Kate, with her not having recovered from her latest injuries and the mental health issues it brought about. She is pushing Evan away and trying to distance herself from the actions she feels she needs to make. Another fantastic book with this oddly matched team, who just work so well together! I would recommend this book and the whole series to those who enjoy some real investigative work, with characters that are real to life and have many flaws that endear them to readers. I prefer to follow the series from the beginning, as you get to see the characters develop in their relationships toward each other. Each book can easily be read as a standalone book. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Evan reaches the boat to find no sign of anyone around, apart from a nosy neighbour on the boat next door. Crow gave him the keys to his friend’s boat, so he checks the interior and a simple clue leads him to further discoveries. These will lead to links to a supposedly dead man who never came back from the Vietnam War. A photograph of this man and another, during the war, doesn’t show the atrocities that they were responsible for, but Evan will be facing up against one of them. One murder leads to another and witnesses are falling like dominoes.
Kate is carrying out her own secret investigation, looking for the man nicknamed Liverman (or that may be his real name). A nasty deviant, who is linked to what happened to her in their last case. She can’t react with the outright violence she has recently shown, but she will find it hard to contain herself. These demons are all consuming and Kate must decide if she will sacrifice her career and her own sense of right and wrong to get revenge and confront her nemesis. Salvation is what she craves, but she may never get it. She is hiding a lot from Evan and her colleagues and can’t let herself reveal to him what she is struggling with and how this has affected her.
This is a hard hitting book and storyline for both Evan and Kate, but more-so for Kate, with her not having recovered from her latest injuries and the mental health issues it brought about. She is pushing Evan away and trying to distance herself from the actions she feels she needs to make. Another fantastic book with this oddly matched team, who just work so well together! I would recommend this book and the whole series to those who enjoy some real investigative work, with characters that are real to life and have many flaws that endear them to readers. I prefer to follow the series from the beginning, as you get to see the characters develop in their relationships toward each other. Each book can easily be read as a standalone book. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
August 2, 2019
“Action and suspense all the way!”
Another brilliant face paced Evan Buckley thriller continuing where he left off in his previous book The Road to Deliverance with Kate Guillory once again part of the main theme and also part of the flip side of the story.
Evan gets hired on what he thinks is a mundane job by friend and ex semi retired investigator Elwood Crow who has helped Elvin out numerous occasions to check out an old close buddy of his George Winter who had gone out of contact for couple of days. So starts a road trip to Florida Keys and a series of events that take their toll with bodies turning up. This ultimately having a impact on both Evan and Kate.
Meanwhile Kate has her own issues and problems being still very mixed up and in a bit of a state still following her near death experience and taught with tension and fear as her abductors remain free still and out there somewhere? Also in the thick of it is Liverman a monster and child abductor who is Kate’s nemesis who had abducted Kate in the previous book; Pentecost and his hunches and now Lydia Strange the sister a man called Garfield who believes either or both Evan or Kate killed him and wants just revenge and is completely insane... all mixed nicely to keep the excitement and pages turning. Then suddenly fate joins both cases and there is an ending not to be missed. Once again a gripping thriller and like the previous books this one gets better and better and just full of action, twists and turns death and alternate decisions for both Evan and Kate but especially for Evan.
A brilliant must read book and one of the best books read this year to date. Can’t wait for more and the next Evan thriller.
Another brilliant face paced Evan Buckley thriller continuing where he left off in his previous book The Road to Deliverance with Kate Guillory once again part of the main theme and also part of the flip side of the story.
Evan gets hired on what he thinks is a mundane job by friend and ex semi retired investigator Elwood Crow who has helped Elvin out numerous occasions to check out an old close buddy of his George Winter who had gone out of contact for couple of days. So starts a road trip to Florida Keys and a series of events that take their toll with bodies turning up. This ultimately having a impact on both Evan and Kate.
Meanwhile Kate has her own issues and problems being still very mixed up and in a bit of a state still following her near death experience and taught with tension and fear as her abductors remain free still and out there somewhere? Also in the thick of it is Liverman a monster and child abductor who is Kate’s nemesis who had abducted Kate in the previous book; Pentecost and his hunches and now Lydia Strange the sister a man called Garfield who believes either or both Evan or Kate killed him and wants just revenge and is completely insane... all mixed nicely to keep the excitement and pages turning. Then suddenly fate joins both cases and there is an ending not to be missed. Once again a gripping thriller and like the previous books this one gets better and better and just full of action, twists and turns death and alternate decisions for both Evan and Kate but especially for Evan.
A brilliant must read book and one of the best books read this year to date. Can’t wait for more and the next Evan thriller.
September 2, 2019
Although this book is part of a series, you can read this one perfectly well without reading the previous ones. Elements that are relevant to this story are pretty well explained in a non-tutorial tone. Evan travels to the Florida Keys to do his mate, Elwood Crow, a favour. When he finds the boat of George Winter, he also finds George's body underneath the boat, sunk with a divers belt. The local police handle it as a suicide, but Evan nor Elwood are convinced of this. At the same time, Evans friend, policewoman Kate Guillory, is still struggling with the aftermath of her kidnapping and torture by the minions of someone known as 'Liverman'. More than anything else she wants to get back at him. She thinks it best to start at the house of the paedophile with whom the nightmare started. But can she keep her cool, how far will she go, will she feel better after?
This is a hard-boiled action thriller (so they say it) with several fights and murders. It has flawed detectives that are just humans, after all. So you can feel sorry for them and feel their pain as well as wanting to knock them on the head for being so stupid when it comes to feelings and relationships.
I received a free ARC from this book and this is my honest review.
This is a hard-boiled action thriller (so they say it) with several fights and murders. It has flawed detectives that are just humans, after all. So you can feel sorry for them and feel their pain as well as wanting to knock them on the head for being so stupid when it comes to feelings and relationships.
I received a free ARC from this book and this is my honest review.
August 11, 2019
Two things first: No spoilers in my review and this book kept me up WAY past my bedtime! Although this book is the 8th in a series, it does just fine as a standalone, although it will completely make you want to go back and read the others (if you haven't already). Gripping, suspenseful, captivating, there just aren't enough words. I couldn't put down this book, with its super storyline and great, well-developed characters. The ending is a complete surprise, the setting of the story is amazing too. Get this book, you will not be disappointed! James Harper has delivered another winner of a book! I received an ARC of this book and am providing my honest, unbiased, unsolicited review.
August 3, 2019
If you like complex plots with lots of twists and turns you've come to the right place. Even if you haven't read previous books in this series dive in. The author does a fabulous job of bringing you up to date when necessary without a lot of boring, unnecessary details.
Like all of his books, the characters are realistic and have great interactions. You'll be hooked from page one to the very end. Only problem is waiting ~ for the next book.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Like all of his books, the characters are realistic and have great interactions. You'll be hooked from page one to the very end. Only problem is waiting ~ for the next book.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
August 5, 2019
Evan Buckley gets a call from his friend Elwood Crow. Crow asks him to go to the Florida Keys and check on a friend he has not been able to get in touch with. Evan goes to Florida and finds Crow's friend dead under his boat. A war in the Southeast that Crow and his group were involved in, a man that everyone thought was dead. Evan faces a number of challenges. His girlfriend and detective, Kate Guillory also faces demons from her being kidnapped. This series is one that when you begin reading, you want to keep reading.
September 3, 2019
When Evan is offered to go to the Florida Keys to have a look for his buddy Crow’s friend, he wants Kate to come along. But Kate has her own demons to settle that can’t be managed from Florida.
It’s not that easy, tho. Is it ever when it comes to Evan?
This latest thriller (is it EVER a thriller!!) by James Harper, Evan Buckley is on a mission he’ll never forget, and Kate on one she love to. This had me literally holding my breath waiting to find out what was going to happen next!! I can’t wait for the next installment of Evan Buckley! Bravo!!
It’s not that easy, tho. Is it ever when it comes to Evan?
This latest thriller (is it EVER a thriller!!) by James Harper, Evan Buckley is on a mission he’ll never forget, and Kate on one she love to. This had me literally holding my breath waiting to find out what was going to happen next!! I can’t wait for the next installment of Evan Buckley! Bravo!!
October 23, 2019
I really enjoyed reading another Evan Buckley novel. Unfortunately, I was reading the books out of order, and I want to read the other books in the series. Each book stands alone, so you don’t have to read them in order, but it is nice to see how the characters develop over time, rather than jumping in farther into the series. The characters were believable, and I became invested in seeing how they would make it through their problems. The ending did come as a surprise, too. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
August 2, 2019
If you haven't read any of the Evan Buckley thrillers, shame on you! You are missing out on some of the best intertwined, impressive stories that will leave you going..."WHAT?!" This story is not a disappointment. I have enjoyed every one of the series books I have read. The characters are great, the plot is unbelievably complex at times. You won't guess the ending in these books. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 2, 2019
The story kept my interest right to the end. Interesting to see interaction between Kate, Evan and Crow. Interesting to see how Evan was able to determine what happened in Florida and how the police were so quick to dismiss the true meaning of the deaths. Hopefully Kate is now able to snap back to her old self.
Good job on the book.
Good job on the book.
August 26, 2019
Sacrifice by James Harper is great thriller!! Although it is part of the Evan Buckley series, this easily read as a stand alone. Action packed and full of suspense, I found myself on the edge of my seat and just couldnt put it down!! And the twist ending that I didnt see coming - OMG!! I can't wait to dive into the next one!!
August 3, 2019
I won't spoil this for anyone, except to say if you've read The other Evan Buckley books. you're in for a treat. Truths come out, emotions are exposed and you are now left wondering. What can the next book bring? You know this is nowhere near the end. Whatever you do, don't miss this one.
August 4, 2019
A well-crafted PG15 suspense novel that takes about fifteen hours to read. I had an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
August 5, 2019
This book kept me guessing. A great twisty plot, and snippets on Crowe’s background, which answer some questions and open up many more. Don’t miss this one! Still waters run deep.
October 14, 2019
A very good book. I highly recommend it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews