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Leopold Blake Thriller #0.5
Paydown
ASIN moved from less recent edition
Greed can be murder...
When a high-flying Wall Street investment banker is found brutally killed, what started out as a simple fraud case turns into expert criminologist Leopold Blake's first ever murder investigation.
Now, with the financial world at the brink of collapse, Blake must put aside his differences and work with NYPD Detective Mary Jordan to find and stop the killer before it's too late. As the glamor of Wall Street is stripped away by a series of catastrophic discoveries, Leopold will have to decide how much he is prepared to risk in order to uncover the truth - and whether it's a price he's willing to pay.
Greed can be murder...
When a high-flying Wall Street investment banker is found brutally killed, what started out as a simple fraud case turns into expert criminologist Leopold Blake's first ever murder investigation.
Now, with the financial world at the brink of collapse, Blake must put aside his differences and work with NYPD Detective Mary Jordan to find and stop the killer before it's too late. As the glamor of Wall Street is stripped away by a series of catastrophic discoveries, Leopold will have to decide how much he is prepared to risk in order to uncover the truth - and whether it's a price he's willing to pay.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2013
93 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
About the author
Nick Stephenson
19 books203 followersNick Stephenson was born and raised in Cambridgeshire, England and will now refer to himself in the first person. My approach to writing is to hit hard, hit fast, and leave as few spelling errors as possible. I write thrillers, suspense novels, and the occasional witty postcard, all of which are designed to get your pulse pounding. Don’t let my headshot fool you – I’m actually full colour, on most days.
My books are a mixture of mystery, action, and humour. If you’re looking for a good place to start, take a look at my Leopold Blake series of thrillers, available now at www.noorosha.com/books and out soon on Amazon, Sony, Barnes & Noble, and the iTunes store.
My books are a mixture of mystery, action, and humour. If you’re looking for a good place to start, take a look at my Leopold Blake series of thrillers, available now at www.noorosha.com/books and out soon on Amazon, Sony, Barnes & Noble, and the iTunes store.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
December 4, 2013
***FROM THE AUTHOR*** The events in this story take place several years before Panic, the first novel in the Leopold Blake series of thrillers, and are loosely based around the financial crisis that hit the world in 2007.
Paydown is a novella of 25,000 words (roughly 95 print pages) and is a classic prequel to the other books in the series, which can be read and enjoyed in any order. I've made sure not to include spoilers (for those of you who are new to the characters) and any existing fans of Leopold's escapades will still find plenty of fresh action and mystery, as well as a little background detail on some of the major players in the Leopold Blake universe. All in all, there's something for everyone.
I had an absolute blast writing this book - I hope you have a blast reading it too.
Paydown is a novella of 25,000 words (roughly 95 print pages) and is a classic prequel to the other books in the series, which can be read and enjoyed in any order. I've made sure not to include spoilers (for those of you who are new to the characters) and any existing fans of Leopold's escapades will still find plenty of fresh action and mystery, as well as a little background detail on some of the major players in the Leopold Blake universe. All in all, there's something for everyone.
I had an absolute blast writing this book - I hope you have a blast reading it too.
January 12, 2015
My first exposure to Stephenson's protagonist, Leopold Blake. Overall, okay, but the mc's characterization seemed a little thin throughout - he's rich, drinks too much, is a smart aleck, doesn't follow protocol, etc - standard fare for a thriller protag. But I never got to know him or his motivation and thus never really sympathized with him. So I skimmed a bit, but in general liked the story-telling enough to put another Leopold Blake novel in my TBR file for down the road. (Look for them, you can pick one up for free every now and then.)
As for Paydown, it's a fast-paced, plot-driven story about a criminal element formulated during the precursor to the financial crisis in 2007 and set in NYC. That was fine, but some of the details and action sequences were a bit unbelievable at points. For instance, Blake's partner, Mary the cop, threatens the suspect with the death penalty near the end of the story. Well, the death penalty in NY was eliminated in 2004. Things like that. But again, pretty solid story-telling. A bit of vulgar language and brutality. Some over the top dialog and action, but that's maybe par for the course for these kind of empty calorie thrillers. Fun at the moment, but like a movie you'll forget after a week or so.
As for Paydown, it's a fast-paced, plot-driven story about a criminal element formulated during the precursor to the financial crisis in 2007 and set in NYC. That was fine, but some of the details and action sequences were a bit unbelievable at points. For instance, Blake's partner, Mary the cop, threatens the suspect with the death penalty near the end of the story. Well, the death penalty in NY was eliminated in 2004. Things like that. But again, pretty solid story-telling. A bit of vulgar language and brutality. Some over the top dialog and action, but that's maybe par for the course for these kind of empty calorie thrillers. Fun at the moment, but like a movie you'll forget after a week or so.
January 8, 2019
This lacked the intensity of Stephenson's Wanted but was a solid thriller, albeit too short.
June 13, 2016
This is part of a box-set deal titled ‘Eight the hard way’. I prefer to list each story separately.
This is a prequel for the Leopold Blake series. I have read book 1.
Leopold Blake is a mega-rich playboy who enjoys dipping his big toe into investigations to keep his mind busy.
Here, he’s in New York with Mary Jordan, his favourite NY detective. A finance guy they are following is found - once they get the room unlocked - with stab wounds. What did he know? And who is trying to cover it up?
***
I know it’s just a short story. Mary is not smart enough to be a NY detective; a female one at that, which means she has to be ten times better than her colleagues to get the promotion. Leopold breaks police protocol in almost every scene. We don’t have a warrant… no problem, we’ll just ask if we can come in. Sure, but then anything you find while you’re sneaking around inside is not admissible in a court of law. Poison fruit of the tree etcetera. I know Nick did a law degree, so there’s no excuse for this.
As a prequel, it kind of fails. Mary and Leopold already work together as is obvious from here.
2 stars
This is a prequel for the Leopold Blake series. I have read book 1.
Leopold Blake is a mega-rich playboy who enjoys dipping his big toe into investigations to keep his mind busy.
Here, he’s in New York with Mary Jordan, his favourite NY detective. A finance guy they are following is found - once they get the room unlocked - with stab wounds. What did he know? And who is trying to cover it up?
***
I know it’s just a short story. Mary is not smart enough to be a NY detective; a female one at that, which means she has to be ten times better than her colleagues to get the promotion. Leopold breaks police protocol in almost every scene. We don’t have a warrant… no problem, we’ll just ask if we can come in. Sure, but then anything you find while you’re sneaking around inside is not admissible in a court of law. Poison fruit of the tree etcetera. I know Nick did a law degree, so there’s no excuse for this.
As a prequel, it kind of fails. Mary and Leopold already work together as is obvious from here.
2 stars
January 13, 2015
Another freebie and another new author that I will definitely read more of.
Leopold Blake is a very rich criminologist. He gets partnered with detective Mary Jordan from the NYPD to help investigate the murder of a Wall Street investment banker. They start to uncover a trail of corruption and murder that has the potential to bring the country to it's knees. Will they discover the truth on time and stop the mastermind behind the fraud? Will the country's economy survive? The answers will be down to some of the hardest decisions Blake has ever had to make.
Loved this. A thriller with a difference combining the master mind of a criminologist with the dedication of a Detective, neither of whom really want to work with each other. The story moves at 100MPH form the very first page and it is difficult to put down. You feel very comfortable with the characters from very early on in the story with a lot of humour keeping the story going as well. This would be well suited for people who enjoy a fast thrilling read that is difficult to put down. This is the first in a series and I will definitely be getting more.
5 stars.
Leopold Blake is a very rich criminologist. He gets partnered with detective Mary Jordan from the NYPD to help investigate the murder of a Wall Street investment banker. They start to uncover a trail of corruption and murder that has the potential to bring the country to it's knees. Will they discover the truth on time and stop the mastermind behind the fraud? Will the country's economy survive? The answers will be down to some of the hardest decisions Blake has ever had to make.
Loved this. A thriller with a difference combining the master mind of a criminologist with the dedication of a Detective, neither of whom really want to work with each other. The story moves at 100MPH form the very first page and it is difficult to put down. You feel very comfortable with the characters from very early on in the story with a lot of humour keeping the story going as well. This would be well suited for people who enjoy a fast thrilling read that is difficult to put down. This is the first in a series and I will definitely be getting more.
5 stars.
June 3, 2014
I have been meaning to get back into the mystery genre and this short little piece really got me hooked.
The writing style was very direct and dialogue heavy. This helped move the plot along and despite the length, made the story a lot more developed than I expected.
The plot was developed enough to keep up the pace while making the case believable and engaging. Also, the ties to the crash of 2008 was very smoothly inserted, making the fictional story relate to real life, which was a pleasant surprise.
I really liked Blake's character. He was sarcastic and funny even in the most dire of situations. His banter with Mary Jordan was witty and kept the plot from becoming too serious and dramatic.
Overall, this novella was very direct and had memorable characters, making it the perfect introduction to the Leopold Blake series, a series that I now can't wait to get my hands on. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a short but engaging mystery to read. I also wouldn't hesitate to encourage readers who are new to the mystery genre to take a peek as well.
The writing style was very direct and dialogue heavy. This helped move the plot along and despite the length, made the story a lot more developed than I expected.
The plot was developed enough to keep up the pace while making the case believable and engaging. Also, the ties to the crash of 2008 was very smoothly inserted, making the fictional story relate to real life, which was a pleasant surprise.
I really liked Blake's character. He was sarcastic and funny even in the most dire of situations. His banter with Mary Jordan was witty and kept the plot from becoming too serious and dramatic.
Overall, this novella was very direct and had memorable characters, making it the perfect introduction to the Leopold Blake series, a series that I now can't wait to get my hands on. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a short but engaging mystery to read. I also wouldn't hesitate to encourage readers who are new to the mystery genre to take a peek as well.
September 1, 2014
'Paydown' is a fast paced quick read. I liked the storyline. It was full of action and quite a thriller. I've enjoyed all the books that involve Leopold Blake, this one as well. His character is great. I love his attitude and his ability to rub people wrong. And Jerome is always a force to be reckoned with. Well written. A great add to your tbr list. Nick Stephenson is a talented author that I definitely recommend.
January 24, 2015
I liked this book. Even though its short, it was worth reading. Leopold, I can tell is going to be a hoot to read. Can hardly wait to read the rest of the series!
December 9, 2016
love the characters! good plit! lots of action!
August 30, 2019
Gordon is under surveillance and ends up murdered. I can't remember why he was being followed by Mary and Leopold.
They are now hunting a murderer and the reason why. We know, of course, money is the root of all evil.
Mary are following the clues as if they are large breadcrumbs or Leopold is that smart and isn't worried about legalities. As they get closer to the truth more people get killed.
They are now hunting a murderer and the reason why. We know, of course, money is the root of all evil.
Mary are following the clues as if they are large breadcrumbs or Leopold is that smart and isn't worried about legalities. As they get closer to the truth more people get killed.
July 2, 2018
Follow the money!
Entertaining. A new refreshing kind of detective, Leopold Blake is "Watson" to his counterpart, Detective Mary Jordan. Protected by his loyal bodyguard, Jerome, they form an uncanny triad as they follow the clues to a suspicious murder in the financial world.
Entertaining. A new refreshing kind of detective, Leopold Blake is "Watson" to his counterpart, Detective Mary Jordan. Protected by his loyal bodyguard, Jerome, they form an uncanny triad as they follow the clues to a suspicious murder in the financial world.
May 17, 2018
good quick read
March 28, 2019
Good book
You people should just read this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley Ma
You people should just read this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley Ma
October 22, 2019
Short But Enjoyabke
A 'Bus Journey' book, short and easy to read but enjoyable nonetheless. As a prequel it gives nothing away of what is to come but introduces Mary Jordan.
A 'Bus Journey' book, short and easy to read but enjoyable nonetheless. As a prequel it gives nothing away of what is to come but introduces Mary Jordan.
April 16, 2020
Okay
This is not a book I would recommend. It was an easy read but not enough suspense to keep my attention.
This is not a book I would recommend. It was an easy read but not enough suspense to keep my attention.
January 24, 2021
What starts as surveillance quickly turns into a murder investigation. Leopold is soon neck deep. This is more of a short story and as such feels quite rushed but I enjoyed the plotline.
March 26, 2021
An interesting little story. Hoping the rest of the books in the series is good.
February 12, 2017
Paydown is book 0 in the Leopold Blake Series of thrillers. The events in this story take place before the book Wanted, which is the first book in the series. I had really enjoyed reading Wanted and was curious how the characters had originally come together. This book did an excellent job of relating the back story of the series but I was a little bit disappointed. I had expected more in the way of action thrills, as I had enjoyed in Wanted, and there wasn’t as much of that. However, this book is really more the length of a novella, so there wasn’t room for much more. Again, I really liked the repartee between Blake and Mary Jordan. I think the author has been very clever in creating these two in that they constantly get on each other’s nerves but there is a respect between them that enables them to work well together. I’m still sold on this series and will definitely read more installments as the opportunity arises.
October 30, 2014
"Paydown" is a prequel novel that explains Leopold Blake's first case, and how he met up with NYPD Detective Mary Jordan. Taking place in 2007 we find Teddy Gordon a shady wall St. investment banker found stabbed to death. Leopold Blake and his bodyguard Jerome, start to investigate the case. NYPD Captain Oakes assigns the case to Mary Jordan. Mary at the outset is not thrilled with Leopold investigating a case she is charge of. It's Leopold who finds the key clue hidden within a fancy ink pen. It's a USB filled with incriminating evidence against Teddy. Needham Brothers, is the company Teddy had been working for. It seems Needham Brothers was very shady itself. Teddy's boss Senior Vice President Mr. Creed is knee deep himself. The company had been manipulating the stock market to create fraud. The story line it's self was somewhat interesting. We get to find out pretty early Leopold is quite a character and Mary clearly is worried about what he does. The superb dialog adds dimension to the characters. The interactions between Leopold and Mary clearly make it obvious this is going to a be a love/ hate relationship throughout future books. I really did enjoy reading this book. I'd highly recommend it to those who are following author Nick Stephenson's Leopold Blake series. It didn't seem to matter that I'd already a couple books in this series before reading "Paydown". If you haven't caught onto Nick Stephenson's Leopold Blake series, do your self a favor and jump right in. They are pretty enjoyable books to read. Leopold and Jerome are quirky characters. Poor Mary has her hands full with the both of them especially when trying to solve the crime.
February 13, 2015
Book #0.5 in the Leopold Blake Series
There is nothing better than to tease new readers and reward your long-time fans by offering them a freebie. This series have been going on for some time now and writing a novella, the classic style prequel to introduce your next installment is the rage of many authors these days. Nothing wrong with this “Paydown” is a good introduction to Leopold Blake and an excellent mean to get hooked.
In a direct style, this fast-paced and plot driven story is your standard crime thriller and very easy to follow. Leopold is an expert criminologist who teams up with NYPD Detective Mary Jordan in his first fraud and murder case of a high-flying Wall Street investment banker just has the financial world is at the brink of collapse.
The story with a bit of humour moves fluently, no lingo language to make things difficult. The characterization is not original, quite déjà vu in fact, what comes to mind are a couple of popular TV shows playing these days (“Castle” and “The Mentalist”) where the consultant is far more knowledgeable than his sidekick…Here I found Mary to be the most dim witted person I have ever seen. This partnership is far from being harmonious and since “Paydown” is my introduction I am wondering if the annoying squabbling would last all through the series. Having said this, I nevertheless liked it. The drama is very captivating and the suspense was such that it never slowed down.
For a short story “Paydown” is interested enough to see how this series develops.
There is nothing better than to tease new readers and reward your long-time fans by offering them a freebie. This series have been going on for some time now and writing a novella, the classic style prequel to introduce your next installment is the rage of many authors these days. Nothing wrong with this “Paydown” is a good introduction to Leopold Blake and an excellent mean to get hooked.
In a direct style, this fast-paced and plot driven story is your standard crime thriller and very easy to follow. Leopold is an expert criminologist who teams up with NYPD Detective Mary Jordan in his first fraud and murder case of a high-flying Wall Street investment banker just has the financial world is at the brink of collapse.
The story with a bit of humour moves fluently, no lingo language to make things difficult. The characterization is not original, quite déjà vu in fact, what comes to mind are a couple of popular TV shows playing these days (“Castle” and “The Mentalist”) where the consultant is far more knowledgeable than his sidekick…Here I found Mary to be the most dim witted person I have ever seen. This partnership is far from being harmonious and since “Paydown” is my introduction I am wondering if the annoying squabbling would last all through the series. Having said this, I nevertheless liked it. The drama is very captivating and the suspense was such that it never slowed down.
For a short story “Paydown” is interested enough to see how this series develops.
August 6, 2015
I enjoyed this quick read, although it was a bit confusing for me to understand exactly what kind of consultant Leopold Blake was to the police department. I am assuming financial crimes like extortion or embezzlement.
He is on a stakeout for Detective Jordan at a hotel when he sees their 'mark' enter. So he summons her to the bar of the hotel from her home. She chastises him for drinking more than he should while on the job. I loved his response: 'Even with half my brain, I am still smarter than everyone else in the room.' He has a wry sense of humor and good instincts.
What follows is a story of murder, intrigue and and up and down trail to find the murderer all enmeshed in a financial fraud scheme which the victim could have been at the center of but nothing is clear or it is as clear as mud as the saying goes.
This book was provided to me by the author for review purposes.
He is on a stakeout for Detective Jordan at a hotel when he sees their 'mark' enter. So he summons her to the bar of the hotel from her home. She chastises him for drinking more than he should while on the job. I loved his response: 'Even with half my brain, I am still smarter than everyone else in the room.' He has a wry sense of humor and good instincts.
What follows is a story of murder, intrigue and and up and down trail to find the murderer all enmeshed in a financial fraud scheme which the victim could have been at the center of but nothing is clear or it is as clear as mud as the saying goes.
This book was provided to me by the author for review purposes.
September 8, 2014
Paydown, Nick Stephenson's latest addition to his popular Leopold Blake series, serves as the prequel to Wanted. After the murder of a very successful Wall Street investment banker, NYPD Officer Mary Jordan turns to criminologist Leopold Blake. The two of them join forces and slowly unravel a crisis far greater than the death of a single man.
For the most part, Paydown is your standard crime thriller: it contains a conspiracy, a crafty protagonist, and near constant action. However, don't let that discourage you from picking up this book. Due to the fluidity of the writing and the intense narrative urgency, this novella belongs...
You can find the rest of the review here, at Literary Video Games. (www.literaryvideogames.com)
For the most part, Paydown is your standard crime thriller: it contains a conspiracy, a crafty protagonist, and near constant action. However, don't let that discourage you from picking up this book. Due to the fluidity of the writing and the intense narrative urgency, this novella belongs...
You can find the rest of the review here, at Literary Video Games. (www.literaryvideogames.com)
January 27, 2015
Greed is Never Good
Ok, I'm hooked. Paydown was one of the first books that I have read since I have started reading again and have a kindle now. After reading this book I found the genre I like the most.
Paydown is a pre book into the Leopold Blake series, where Leopold meets up with Mary Jordan, an NYPD detective to investigate the murder of Wall Street Investment banker and then later find themselves in a predicament. Will they figure it out in time?
I kept my eyes in this book and kept turning the pages, hardly sleeping until I was done reading it because it has everything: humor, mystery, murder, and suspense.
Another thing, Nick Stephenson's interest is more for entertaining people than greed, as he has given me some very good offers to help entertain me.
Anyway, Paydown was very well written, very professional, and a very good book all together.
Ok, I'm hooked. Paydown was one of the first books that I have read since I have started reading again and have a kindle now. After reading this book I found the genre I like the most.
Paydown is a pre book into the Leopold Blake series, where Leopold meets up with Mary Jordan, an NYPD detective to investigate the murder of Wall Street Investment banker and then later find themselves in a predicament. Will they figure it out in time?
I kept my eyes in this book and kept turning the pages, hardly sleeping until I was done reading it because it has everything: humor, mystery, murder, and suspense.
Another thing, Nick Stephenson's interest is more for entertaining people than greed, as he has given me some very good offers to help entertain me.
Anyway, Paydown was very well written, very professional, and a very good book all together.
February 17, 2015
Enjoyable, but frightening, quick read!
This book brings to light the possibilities and explanations of market volatility and how it can be manipulated, as well as how it is affected by every purchase you and I make, or don't make, and the continuous risks of future market crashes. It describes in layman's terms how this impacts even those who believe their funds are not in in stocks and bonds, and therefore not impacted by market fluctuations. Add to this the mystery of murder, a rough effed lady cop with a brusque boss, and Leopold, the rich armature detective with his Mercedes driven by chauffeur, come body guard, come associate....and you get a rollicking tale that still leaves you wondering if you need to head to your investment banker on Monday and pull everything out, re-stuffing your mattress with your bounty..... A very good quick read.
This book brings to light the possibilities and explanations of market volatility and how it can be manipulated, as well as how it is affected by every purchase you and I make, or don't make, and the continuous risks of future market crashes. It describes in layman's terms how this impacts even those who believe their funds are not in in stocks and bonds, and therefore not impacted by market fluctuations. Add to this the mystery of murder, a rough effed lady cop with a brusque boss, and Leopold, the rich armature detective with his Mercedes driven by chauffeur, come body guard, come associate....and you get a rollicking tale that still leaves you wondering if you need to head to your investment banker on Monday and pull everything out, re-stuffing your mattress with your bounty..... A very good quick read.
January 7, 2015
discovered the Leopold Blake series awhile ago and have been enjoying them very much, but I got a special value out of two of them recently.
Heading home after the biopsy, wondering and worrying if the tests would reveal the big "C". I knew I'd go crazy if I didn't have a very good distraction and luckily I had two Leopold stories in my reading queue. I was able to immerse myself in Leopold's world and distract my mind from crippling worry while waiting to hear the results. (The answer was yes, but very early stage and very treatable.)
I enjoyed Ms Kato and will be looking for more of her adventures.
AND I look forward to reading many more years of good reads from Nick Stephenson. Thank you again, Nick.
Heading home after the biopsy, wondering and worrying if the tests would reveal the big "C". I knew I'd go crazy if I didn't have a very good distraction and luckily I had two Leopold stories in my reading queue. I was able to immerse myself in Leopold's world and distract my mind from crippling worry while waiting to hear the results. (The answer was yes, but very early stage and very treatable.)
I enjoyed Ms Kato and will be looking for more of her adventures.
AND I look forward to reading many more years of good reads from Nick Stephenson. Thank you again, Nick.
August 30, 2015
I picked up this novella as a taster to the Leopold Blake series. To begin with the character came across as both a cold and bored individual – certainly NYPD Det Mary Jordan gives him well-deserved short shrift, even if his bodyguard, Jerome, is the epitome of laconic loyalty.
Leopold has been brought in to consult on a complicated case of fraud, but as soon as it turns into murder he ups a gear, and the snarkiness between him and Mary Jordan lights into the start of an interesting working relationship that I am sure will be carried into further novels.
Author Nick Stephenson has a deft touch where the conveying of complicated financial information is concerned, enabling readers to be both intrigued and informed. A very good opening story, and well worth the read.
Leopold has been brought in to consult on a complicated case of fraud, but as soon as it turns into murder he ups a gear, and the snarkiness between him and Mary Jordan lights into the start of an interesting working relationship that I am sure will be carried into further novels.
Author Nick Stephenson has a deft touch where the conveying of complicated financial information is concerned, enabling readers to be both intrigued and informed. A very good opening story, and well worth the read.
August 30, 2015
Financial Disaster
Leopold Blake was working as a consultant with the NYPD on the murder of an Wall Street investment banker, and he was assigned with his Detective friend, Mary to work the fraud case, now classified as a murder.
Leopold, an expert criminologist investigates several of the prime suspects, and then a series of deaths began. They get involved in some unauthorized searches and it leads them to their capture.
Suspense, thrills, and action keep you mesmerized. Great mystery.
Leopold Blake was working as a consultant with the NYPD on the murder of an Wall Street investment banker, and he was assigned with his Detective friend, Mary to work the fraud case, now classified as a murder.
Leopold, an expert criminologist investigates several of the prime suspects, and then a series of deaths began. They get involved in some unauthorized searches and it leads them to their capture.
Suspense, thrills, and action keep you mesmerized. Great mystery.
December 26, 2013
Pay down review
This novella was pretty good. I like the character of Leopold, and I like the juxtaposition between his attitude towards investigating cases and the more protocol based investigating that Mary does. I gave the four stars because I was drawn into the story and the pace of it. The overall villain of the story was kind of shaky,but I didn't focus too much on that. A good novella to read to pass time.
This novella was pretty good. I like the character of Leopold, and I like the juxtaposition between his attitude towards investigating cases and the more protocol based investigating that Mary does. I gave the four stars because I was drawn into the story and the pace of it. The overall villain of the story was kind of shaky,but I didn't focus too much on that. A good novella to read to pass time.
September 2, 2016
It was free, so I probably liked it more than if I'd paid for it :) It was too short to be really good though. I hadn't read any of the Leopold Blake series before, and this was supposed to be a prequel. I wonder if I should have read it after I had already read the others. The next book in the series is also free on Amazon, so I'll probably read it. Leopold is kinda snarky, so he might become a fun character.
January 9, 2015
Paydown by Nick Stephenson was a real page turner! I loved the relationship between Leopold Blake and Jerome, his bodyguard, as well as Blake's repartee with Mary Jordan, an NYPD detective. I had already read several of the other books in the Leopold Blake Thriller series, so it was interesting to read this prequel where Blake's connection with Jordan was just beginning. If you haven't read any other books in this series, I encourage you to read them soon!
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