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Joe Court #6
The Man in the Park
Detective Mary Joe Court returns in a twisted story of murder and lost identity in the sixth novel of New York Times’ bestselling author Chris Culver’s Joe Court series.
Joe was on a date when she got the call. A man’s body was found beside the picnic tables in a local park. He has abrasions on his knuckles and several cuts on his palms and forearms. The victim defended himself, but his opponent brought a gun to a fistfight.
At first, it looks like a simple case, but as Joe quickly discovers, it’s not.
The victim lives almost a thousand miles away. His wife says he’s in town to fish and camp, but he didn’t bring fishing tackle or a tent.
He came for an altogether different purpose.
As Joe investigates, she finds herself drawn into a dangerous world steeped in lies and deception. With every insight she gains and every clue she finds, she comes closer to solving her case. But with every second that passes, the people she’s hunting draw closer to their prey.
It’s a race with innocent victims as the prize. If Joe wins, she saves the day. If she loses, many will die…including her.
The Man in the Park is a gripping thriller with twists and turns galore. If you like Michael Connelly, James Patterson, or Lisa Gardener, you’re going to love Chris Culver’s Joe Court series. Check it out!
Joe was on a date when she got the call. A man’s body was found beside the picnic tables in a local park. He has abrasions on his knuckles and several cuts on his palms and forearms. The victim defended himself, but his opponent brought a gun to a fistfight.
At first, it looks like a simple case, but as Joe quickly discovers, it’s not.
The victim lives almost a thousand miles away. His wife says he’s in town to fish and camp, but he didn’t bring fishing tackle or a tent.
He came for an altogether different purpose.
As Joe investigates, she finds herself drawn into a dangerous world steeped in lies and deception. With every insight she gains and every clue she finds, she comes closer to solving her case. But with every second that passes, the people she’s hunting draw closer to their prey.
It’s a race with innocent victims as the prize. If Joe wins, she saves the day. If she loses, many will die…including her.
The Man in the Park is a gripping thriller with twists and turns galore. If you like Michael Connelly, James Patterson, or Lisa Gardener, you’re going to love Chris Culver’s Joe Court series. Check it out!
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2019
908 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Chris Culver
38 books232 followersChris Culver is the New York Times bestselling author of the Ash Rashid series of mysteries. After graduate school, Chris taught courses in ethics and comparative religion at a small liberal arts university in southern Arkansas. While there and when he really should have been grading exams, he wrote The Abbey, which spent sixteen weeks on the New York Times bestseller's list and introduced the world to Detective Ash Rashid.
Chris has been a storyteller since he was a kid, but he decided to write crime fiction after picking up a dog-eared, coffee-stained paperback copy of Mickey Spillane's I, the Jury in a library book sale. Many years later, his wife, despite considerable effort, still can't stop him from bringing more orphan books home. The two of them, along with a labrador retriever named Roy, reside near St. Louis where Chris is hard at work on his next novel.
Chris has been a storyteller since he was a kid, but he decided to write crime fiction after picking up a dog-eared, coffee-stained paperback copy of Mickey Spillane's I, the Jury in a library book sale. Many years later, his wife, despite considerable effort, still can't stop him from bringing more orphan books home. The two of them, along with a labrador retriever named Roy, reside near St. Louis where Chris is hard at work on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 24, 2022
The usual characters, but not the usual suspects. Two cases, both involving the Federal government, both involving Detective Mary Joe Court. Hard work and cooperation bring both cases to a close. Twist at the end would make Harlan Coben proud. Never saw it coming.
July 31, 2024
He got me.....again!
I've read all 6 of the Joe Court novels so far, and I was growing weary of this detective. Don't get me wrong, the characters are interesting, and the cases keep your attention with plenty of suspense and surprises.
What I don't love is (1) the repetition. I understand that it is sometimes necessary for those who aren't reading the books in order or to refresh the memory of someone who takes more time between books. However, it's a little too much for me. (2) "Good luck"! Everyone in these books says this way too much. I just don't believe it's realistic that everyone ends their conversations this way. (3) The last 3 books have been total setups for the next, so you must get the next one to finish some part of the story in the current one. It's sorta like click-bait and I'm beginning to resent it.
There are 11 books in this series. I've read 6 in a row. I'm going to read #7 now because the main character has taken a turn that had to happen, and I want to know what's next.
However, after that I'm taking a break from Joe's life. Just Like her, I need a break!
I've read all 6 of the Joe Court novels so far, and I was growing weary of this detective. Don't get me wrong, the characters are interesting, and the cases keep your attention with plenty of suspense and surprises.
What I don't love is (1) the repetition. I understand that it is sometimes necessary for those who aren't reading the books in order or to refresh the memory of someone who takes more time between books. However, it's a little too much for me. (2) "Good luck"! Everyone in these books says this way too much. I just don't believe it's realistic that everyone ends their conversations this way. (3) The last 3 books have been total setups for the next, so you must get the next one to finish some part of the story in the current one. It's sorta like click-bait and I'm beginning to resent it.
There are 11 books in this series. I've read 6 in a row. I'm going to read #7 now because the main character has taken a turn that had to happen, and I want to know what's next.
However, after that I'm taking a break from Joe's life. Just Like her, I need a break!
October 9, 2020
I have truly been enjoying the Detective Joe Court Series. The Man in the Park definitely had some twists and turns that I was not expecting.
Joe's character has certainly evolved throughout the series, but in this book, there are events that may have her turning back into herself. We'll see.
I am a little sad that Joe ended up leaving St. Augustine, but I am also not surprised. It was bound to happen sooner or later. I am kind of hoping she will return though.
Great series! I've already bought the next one.
Joe's character has certainly evolved throughout the series, but in this book, there are events that may have her turning back into herself. We'll see.
I am a little sad that Joe ended up leaving St. Augustine, but I am also not surprised. It was bound to happen sooner or later. I am kind of hoping she will return though.
Great series! I've already bought the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2022
New Twists and a lot of turns.
Detective Joe Court is definitely put through the wringer in this book. The background story is constantly in flux and very fast paced per usual of this series. This is by far one of the most compelling series I have read, in any genre. The author has gone to great pains to give us a female MC that is worthy of this praise, she has overcome huge personal life challenges from a very young age. Each book just adds to the character and integrity that you expect to see in a person in her life's work. These books also show snippets of the pov of children in the foster care system, which is definitely an overworked, underpaid and underappreciated vocation, my salutes to them. In the daily course of her duties Joe Court interacts with some wonderful characters as well as some not so nice ones, but each part is written with dignity and I would have no issues recommending this book, especially with the unique family dynamics at play here. The action is plentiful, critical thinking is exquisite and the language is minimal.
Detective Joe Court is definitely put through the wringer in this book. The background story is constantly in flux and very fast paced per usual of this series. This is by far one of the most compelling series I have read, in any genre. The author has gone to great pains to give us a female MC that is worthy of this praise, she has overcome huge personal life challenges from a very young age. Each book just adds to the character and integrity that you expect to see in a person in her life's work. These books also show snippets of the pov of children in the foster care system, which is definitely an overworked, underpaid and underappreciated vocation, my salutes to them. In the daily course of her duties Joe Court interacts with some wonderful characters as well as some not so nice ones, but each part is written with dignity and I would have no issues recommending this book, especially with the unique family dynamics at play here. The action is plentiful, critical thinking is exquisite and the language is minimal.
December 19, 2023
I finally warmed up to Joe.
It took me 5 books to really start liking her. She is a troubled young woman who has every right to be difficult. Delgado has no excuse for being an ass, but he is anyway.
The storyline was complex and convoluted, but intriguing. Following the multiple cases was a fun challenge for a reader, but not fun for Joe. Too many characters who should have been good guys who weren't.
I look forward to following Joe's new adventures.
It took me 5 books to really start liking her. She is a troubled young woman who has every right to be difficult. Delgado has no excuse for being an ass, but he is anyway.
The storyline was complex and convoluted, but intriguing. Following the multiple cases was a fun challenge for a reader, but not fun for Joe. Too many characters who should have been good guys who weren't.
I look forward to following Joe's new adventures.
July 13, 2020
Chris Culver is an amazing author
I just finished the sixth book in the Joe Court Series. Each book kept me so involved that it was hard to stop reading. I was so impressed with Joe Court's knowledge, intelligence, determination, and strength. I was also so impressed with the twists and turns in each book. I've found a fabulous author. Thank you, Chris Culver.
I just finished the sixth book in the Joe Court Series. Each book kept me so involved that it was hard to stop reading. I was so impressed with Joe Court's knowledge, intelligence, determination, and strength. I was also so impressed with the twists and turns in each book. I've found a fabulous author. Thank you, Chris Culver.
February 4, 2021
OMG!!
This is by far the very best Detective Mary Joe Court novel to date. Edge of your seat, nonstop mystery and drama to the very last page! You've hear reviews that say " I couldn't put this one down " Well this is one of those! Up until the wee hours of the morning to finish reading.. Thanks Chris!
This is by far the very best Detective Mary Joe Court novel to date. Edge of your seat, nonstop mystery and drama to the very last page! You've hear reviews that say " I couldn't put this one down " Well this is one of those! Up until the wee hours of the morning to finish reading.. Thanks Chris!
March 25, 2023
RE: Love Joe and her stories
I enjoyed this plot, and as always, how Culver reveals the truths of the story. I loathe the female FBI agent, as I am supposed to. And I am anxious to see what is next. The pace is good, the details specific enough to paint a picture without readers wondering how much longer they’ll last. Great series…❤️
I enjoyed this plot, and as always, how Culver reveals the truths of the story. I loathe the female FBI agent, as I am supposed to. And I am anxious to see what is next. The pace is good, the details specific enough to paint a picture without readers wondering how much longer they’ll last. Great series…❤️
March 2, 2025
I liked it, but too much going on. The 2 boys traveling, not enough about them being looked for. I enjoyed it and couldn't put it down, but this one seemed a lil hurried, and .missed a few plots. Lil unrealistic with the boys. Joe Court is always good, but losing everyone again🥴 I feel bad, hopefully next she is better!
June 30, 2020
You would think after completing the sixth installment of the Joe Court saga, I would know not to assume I might know what will happen next. Every assumption I made about the dog, the boy friend and the job was totally wrong. Chris Culver, you still keep me guessing and I am always surprised!
October 7, 2020
What an ending!
Didn't see that coming! That was fantastic. I have numerous books sitting in my Amazon account waiting to be read, but you got me so engrossed in Joe's story that I have to go on to the next!
Didn't see that coming! That was fantastic. I have numerous books sitting in my Amazon account waiting to be read, but you got me so engrossed in Joe's story that I have to go on to the next!
April 5, 2021
Another great read
Usually I get bored when reading a series. This one is thrilling, suspenseful, and had me from the first chapter. Once I started reading, I had trouble putting it down. Finished it in two evenings.
Usually I get bored when reading a series. This one is thrilling, suspenseful, and had me from the first chapter. Once I started reading, I had trouble putting it down. Finished it in two evenings.
August 31, 2021
This is the first book I have read by Chris Culver. It was a great read. I like how he developed the multiple characters, I hope it doesn’t matter if the books are read out of order because I can’t wait to read more.
July 4, 2024
Nice Twists
Joe Court is a complex character who is a great cop and a genuine human being who has both quirks and flaws. However, Mary Joe Court is also a kind, caring, and intuitive person. She loves her dog, and he loves her. That is really all you need to know.
Joe Court is a complex character who is a great cop and a genuine human being who has both quirks and flaws. However, Mary Joe Court is also a kind, caring, and intuitive person. She loves her dog, and he loves her. That is really all you need to know.
October 1, 2024
Chris Culver's the bomb!!!! I'm tearing through these books like there's no tomorrow!!! I bought the 1st 5 and am now on 7. I am VERY picky about what I read, and these definitely pass the test!🤩🤩🤩
July 11, 2020
The best in a superb series (so far)!
July 17, 2020
Time destroyer
Not quite so good as others ,lost me momentarily,but I have read these 6 books in a week and neglected many things .
A bit many stories going but still interested.
Not quite so good as others ,lost me momentarily,but I have read these 6 books in a week and neglected many things .
A bit many stories going but still interested.
December 3, 2020
Wonderful book
So far I have loved each book about Joe and her adventures she is quite a woman and she is a great public servant.
So far I have loved each book about Joe and her adventures she is quite a woman and she is a great public servant.
December 8, 2020
OK, upped my star rating to 5 on this one. The story broke new ground and reignited my interest in what comes next. Ready to see where life takes Joe Court next!!
March 17, 2022
I never expected the ending to this novel. Now to read book 7.
April 9, 2022
Excellent! This series is so good! Each book better than the last.
May 28, 2023
Great book. Story lines were believable which is very important to me. Could Joe be any more headstrong?
November 22, 2023
Detective Joe is targeted by a murderer who.seems to be a complete sociopath. Things get very dicy for a while. I certainly didn't expect story to end the way it did.
December 22, 2023
Can't get enough of Joe Court
Love the book!
Love the series
Can't get enough of Joe court.
I hope she finds herself and allows herself to.be happy.
Love the book!
Love the series
Can't get enough of Joe court.
I hope she finds herself and allows herself to.be happy.
Read
July 15, 2024I love Detective Joe Court and can't wait to read the next book!!!
September 23, 2024
Warning! Kleenex needed during final chapters!
February 9, 2025
Wow so good I stayed awake till I read whole book
This was the best one yet I kept putting it down only to start reading a few minutes never saw it ending like it did
This was the best one yet I kept putting it down only to start reading a few minutes never saw it ending like it did
June 18, 2025
Love this series
July 25, 2025
So many twists. Really keeps you engaged.
August 6, 2025
Another good book on this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews