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The Night Man Chronicles #2
Insidious
That way, the voice says.
It’s such a simple request that Nate doesn’t think twice about turning down the path Liz suggests. But when he finds the body, he realizes he should have known better. Liz has the habit of pointing him toward those who need his help, even if they are no longer living.
His deceased girlfriend isn’t the only one pushing him to solve the dead woman’s murder. After his best friend Jar discovers the woman’s true identity, she insists they need to investigate. Nate is not as sure. The police are on the case, after all, and if he and Jar intervene, they would only get in the way.
But when more dead bodies begin stacking up, it becomes clear Nate and Jar are the only ones who can unravel the devious plot behind the young woman’s murder, and the trail of death meant to cover it up.
It’s such a simple request that Nate doesn’t think twice about turning down the path Liz suggests. But when he finds the body, he realizes he should have known better. Liz has the habit of pointing him toward those who need his help, even if they are no longer living.
His deceased girlfriend isn’t the only one pushing him to solve the dead woman’s murder. After his best friend Jar discovers the woman’s true identity, she insists they need to investigate. Nate is not as sure. The police are on the case, after all, and if he and Jar intervene, they would only get in the way.
But when more dead bodies begin stacking up, it becomes clear Nate and Jar are the only ones who can unravel the devious plot behind the young woman’s murder, and the trail of death meant to cover it up.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2020
460 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Brett Battles
90 books1,058 followersBrett Battles is a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling and Barry Award-winning author of forty novels, including the Jonathan Quinn series and its Excoms spinoff, the Project Eden series, and the time bending Rewinder series. He’s also the coauthor, with Robert Gregory Browne, of the Alexandra Poe series. He is one of the founding members of Killer Year, and is a member of Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. He lives and writes in Ventura County, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
February 28, 2022
A decent story in this series with some interest throughout. 7 of 10 stars
May 12, 2020
The 2nd book in this author's 'Night Man' series grabs you by the hand and takes you immediately to a 'Hobby' Nate is involved in. A quick case he does by himself with a friend or two to set some wrong he has seen right! He still hears his dead girlfriend, Liz, in his ear, pushing him which way to go or what step to take, but feels himself becoming closer to one person who works with him, the quiet Jar, who keeps everything close to her so no one knows much about her. As she assists him finishing with his 'hobby', he spots a body off a cliff. This leads to an investigation by Jar, who finds many facts about the woman and becomes personally involved. Nate attempts to dissuade her, but now Liz is pushing him to do what Jar wants, and as he realizes how much it means to Jar he lets himself join her.
The adventure they take has so many moments of action, fear, deep emotion as the victim, Naomi, has her story uncovered, and when Jar shares personal information with Nate he understands why this case has become to mean so much to her...
All the thrilling sights, sounds and moments we love in action thrillers, with a deeper, more emotional side that let's us see the characters in their own lives, as friends or people who live next door. An outstanding story that I highly recommend!!!
I received an ARC from the author and I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
The adventure they take has so many moments of action, fear, deep emotion as the victim, Naomi, has her story uncovered, and when Jar shares personal information with Nate he understands why this case has become to mean so much to her...
All the thrilling sights, sounds and moments we love in action thrillers, with a deeper, more emotional side that let's us see the characters in their own lives, as friends or people who live next door. An outstanding story that I highly recommend!!!
I received an ARC from the author and I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
October 8, 2020
Detective story.
Nate and his partner Jar have a sideline of investigating and gathering evidence against the real scumbags that have gotten away with their crimes. A young women's murder is the tip of the iceberg.
She has been pushed off the trail down into a ravine in Griffith Park in Los Angeles.
Nate spots her while running early in the morning and calls the police.
He doesn't want to get involved in the investigation.
However, his partner feels that the police have given up without finding the real people responsible.
So Nate and Jar are on the case and find a very tangled web of lies, connections and many guilty parties. The kind of thing you hope would happen more in real life.
Nate and his partner Jar have a sideline of investigating and gathering evidence against the real scumbags that have gotten away with their crimes. A young women's murder is the tip of the iceberg.
She has been pushed off the trail down into a ravine in Griffith Park in Los Angeles.
Nate spots her while running early in the morning and calls the police.
He doesn't want to get involved in the investigation.
However, his partner feels that the police have given up without finding the real people responsible.
So Nate and Jar are on the case and find a very tangled web of lies, connections and many guilty parties. The kind of thing you hope would happen more in real life.
February 22, 2021
I have read Insidious by Brett Battles, it's the second book in the Night Man series. If you like me enjoy the Jonathan Quinn series you should read these books as well they are really good. We get to follow Nate while he tends to his new hobby helping people. So far we also get a lot more Jar. I think this is a brilliant way to expand a series. This time Nate stumbles upon a dead women and it turns out to be a murder which Liz his dead ex girlfriend tells him to solve. It is a rather complex story and although I had an inkling early on I was not sure about the solution. I really didn't like Nate in the original series but he grows on me and here he develops into a really great character. Highly recommended.
September 29, 2020
Very good book and narration by Zach Villa (audible review).
This was such a good book. I really am enjoying this Jonathan Quinn spin off of Nate.
The addition of Jar is fantastic. I love her! She is always so logical. LOL
Nate and Jar make a great team and the dynamics between these two is great. Seems Liz may be fading away, I am okay with that.
The story line and plot was great, Didn't see some of what happened and why coming, which always makes a story even better.
The narration was very good. I really enjoyed it. Zach Villa did a great job on all the voices. He has a nice reading voice and reads with emotion. (He does sound kind of familiar).
This was such a good book. I really am enjoying this Jonathan Quinn spin off of Nate.
The addition of Jar is fantastic. I love her! She is always so logical. LOL
Nate and Jar make a great team and the dynamics between these two is great. Seems Liz may be fading away, I am okay with that.
The story line and plot was great, Didn't see some of what happened and why coming, which always makes a story even better.
The narration was very good. I really enjoyed it. Zach Villa did a great job on all the voices. He has a nice reading voice and reads with emotion. (He does sound kind of familiar).
May 22, 2020
Another wow!!! I have read all of Brett Battles’ books and this is my favorite! What an amazing story! Right from the beginning I was captivated with the rich description of the two main characters. Their personalities drew me in and the book was hard to put down. But then the plot grabbed my attention! It was like being on a lengthy roller coaster that would twist and turn upside down. And as it turned out the ending was a complete surprise and not at all what was expected. This well written book is a great read from start to finish! 👍🏼
May 12, 2020
Wow. This machinegun of a book is terrific. By machinegun I mean tat, tat, tat, the action starts with the first page and never lets up. I got to 79% on my kindle before I looked up. The Jonathan Quinn books usually move fast, but this one flew by.
This book is about two members of Jonathan Quinn’s team, Nate and Jar, so this is a spinoff from the main series. I love Nate, of course, he is the protagonist, but I adore Jar. I have always enjoyed her in the main series, but I especially enjoyed her in “Insidious.” Her intensity, her brains, and her literalness make her a most attractive character. I don’t like spoilers, so I am not going to give any. Suffice it to say that the plot is excellent, and I didn’t see the ending coming.
Brett Battles is an excellent writer and his books are always fun. “Insidious” is one of the best thrillers I have read in the last few months, and reading is my superpower. Do yourself a favor and pick up your copy, you will be glad you did.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. The opinions are my own.
This book is about two members of Jonathan Quinn’s team, Nate and Jar, so this is a spinoff from the main series. I love Nate, of course, he is the protagonist, but I adore Jar. I have always enjoyed her in the main series, but I especially enjoyed her in “Insidious.” Her intensity, her brains, and her literalness make her a most attractive character. I don’t like spoilers, so I am not going to give any. Suffice it to say that the plot is excellent, and I didn’t see the ending coming.
Brett Battles is an excellent writer and his books are always fun. “Insidious” is one of the best thrillers I have read in the last few months, and reading is my superpower. Do yourself a favor and pick up your copy, you will be glad you did.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. The opinions are my own.
May 10, 2020
I think another hit with this novel, Nate who is a cleaner by trade, (ie.clearing up dead bodies after assassinations, etc) but this one takes Nate on a day off and decide to go on a ramble and went trekking up near the planetarium and just where the path divides and he is just about to go one way when he hears Liz voice telling him to go an take the other path which he does without question. Liz is was his girlfriend she got killed and it's taking its toll on Nate and he hears her voice and odd occasions have seen her, but he is careful to keep quiet, as it does look like he's talking to himself, and he does not want to look like an idiot. As he is enjoying the warm day he spots something and goes to take a look, mistake! and that makes him look over the cliff to see a body there, he immediately gets another person to ring 911, while he clambers down to see if the young girl is still alive, but alas not he now knows why he took that path now and when at home Liz tells him he needs to get to the bottom of how this young girl died. Jar a colleague of Nate from far east who works a lot with Nate in the past is actually in town and looks Nate up and when Nate tells her about the girl Jar also wants to investigate, Jar is sort of strange in a way but quite outspoken and when the truth comes out the dead girl and Jar have had very similar experiences but for Jar, many years ago which she will never forget. It's a good powerful novel full of twists and turns and a great page-turner, I've been lucky to have been given a copy to read and this is an honest personal review.
May 12, 2020
Wow. This machinegun of a book is terrific. By machinegun I mean tat, tat, tat, the action starts with the first page and never lets up. I got to 79% on my kindle before I looked up. The Jonathan Quinn books usually move fast, but this one flew by.
This book is about two members of Jonathan Quinn’s team, Nate and Jar, so this is a spinoff from the main series. I love Nate, of course, he is the protagonist, but I adore Jar. I have always enjoyed her in the main series, but I especially enjoyed her in “Insidious.” Her intensity, her brains, and her literalness make her a most attractive character. I don’t like spoilers, so I am not going to give any. Suffice it to say that the plot is excellent, and I didn’t see the ending coming.
Brett Battles is an excellent writer and his books are always fun. “Insidious” is one of the best thrillers I have read in the last few months, and reading is my superpower. Do yourself a favor and pick up your copy, you will be glad you did.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. The opinions are my own.
This book is about two members of Jonathan Quinn’s team, Nate and Jar, so this is a spinoff from the main series. I love Nate, of course, he is the protagonist, but I adore Jar. I have always enjoyed her in the main series, but I especially enjoyed her in “Insidious.” Her intensity, her brains, and her literalness make her a most attractive character. I don’t like spoilers, so I am not going to give any. Suffice it to say that the plot is excellent, and I didn’t see the ending coming.
Brett Battles is an excellent writer and his books are always fun. “Insidious” is one of the best thrillers I have read in the last few months, and reading is my superpower. Do yourself a favor and pick up your copy, you will be glad you did.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. The opinions are my own.
May 29, 2020
Great read
It just pulled me in and wouldn’t let me out until I finished it. Great characters and interesting story. The dialogue is great, very realistic without unnecessary profanity. He writes well enough to not need it to set the tone.
I highly recommend the book and the series. It’s so nice to have characters you can like and root for.
It just pulled me in and wouldn’t let me out until I finished it. Great characters and interesting story. The dialogue is great, very realistic without unnecessary profanity. He writes well enough to not need it to set the tone.
I highly recommend the book and the series. It’s so nice to have characters you can like and root for.
May 9, 2020
Brett Battles has written another thrilling and twisty story of revenge and mystery with the newest Night Man installment, Insidious. What I liked best about this book was learning some of Jar's backstory. I really enjoy character development, especially when the characters are those I already love. It's also wonderful to see Jar's deepening friendship with Nate as they continue to build trust and Nate teaches her how to be more human, less "robot".
Insidious by Brett Battles earns a solid 6 stars on a 5 point scale! I eagerly await the next book by one of my favorite authors!
I was provided with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Insidious by Brett Battles earns a solid 6 stars on a 5 point scale! I eagerly await the next book by one of my favorite authors!
I was provided with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 8, 2020
This is the second book in a spin-off of the Quinn series, featuring Quinn's ex-apprentice Nate. It also showcases Jar, a Thai computer wizard who is one of the most engaging characters in the Quinn-verse.
It's an outstanding book: well plotted, good character portraits, a witty storyteller in Nate, and exciting action scenes. Brett Battles continues to be one of the most dependable writers in the thriller genre. The book is a fine introduction to Nate and Jar, although it deepens the pleasure to have some background in the characters.
Highly recommended.
It's an outstanding book: well plotted, good character portraits, a witty storyteller in Nate, and exciting action scenes. Brett Battles continues to be one of the most dependable writers in the thriller genre. The book is a fine introduction to Nate and Jar, although it deepens the pleasure to have some background in the characters.
Highly recommended.
May 9, 2020
I was very kindly given a copy of this for an unbiased review.
I have always enjoyed Brett Battles book, Quinn ad Nate are my favourite characters. This spin off series of Nate with his sidekick of sometimes Liz’s voice and Jar’s company are brilliant. Nate has a small sideline of getting the bad guys the authority’s can’t. This story hits home harder once he hears more of Jar’s history and the two of them slowly uncover the reason a man had a girl killed.
Great story, love all the geeky bits.
Thanks Brett, can’t wait for the next one.
I have always enjoyed Brett Battles book, Quinn ad Nate are my favourite characters. This spin off series of Nate with his sidekick of sometimes Liz’s voice and Jar’s company are brilliant. Nate has a small sideline of getting the bad guys the authority’s can’t. This story hits home harder once he hears more of Jar’s history and the two of them slowly uncover the reason a man had a girl killed.
Great story, love all the geeky bits.
Thanks Brett, can’t wait for the next one.
October 16, 2020
This is the one where the author loses his critical thinking skills while trying to appear woke. Really dumb ending after a pretty good buildup.
Not Recommended
Not Recommended
May 13, 2020
This is another great effort by Brett Battles. It will be enjoyed by any new readers of his books as well as all existing fans of his terrific Jonathan Quinn series….
Brett Battles has never disappointed me with his writing, and this newest book, “Insidious”, is yet again another gem. “Insidious” is the second in a new series of books (a follow up to “Night Man” ). This new series is based on the intriguing character of Nate, Jonathan Quinn’s associate. Nate has been a constant in the Jonathan Quinn series of books almost from the very beginning, first as a protégé and then as a partner.
So, for existing fans of both Quinn and Nate, this is an opportunity to learn more about Nate and how he is trying to move on from the death of his girlfriend, Liz (Quinn’s sister), including Liz's frequent “visits” to talk with him. We also learn more about Nate’s evolving relationship with his assistant, Jar, who is also a very intriguing character. In this new book Nate (and us...the readers) learn some startling revelations about Jar’s past.
The book begins with another example of Nate’s “side work”, or perhaps it should be called his “hobby” as a vigilante. His vigilante efforts are (or should be) legendary. Nate can be described as an extremely creative, intelligent, resourceful and very compassionate vigilante.
Then, as Nate is out jogging, he finds a body. The fascinating story that follows leads Nate and Jar on a wild adventure. Very intricate plot with many twists and turns and a couple of “I did not see that coming” moments. I found this book exciting and hard to put down.
I have enjoyed every one of Brett’s books, starting with the Jonathan Quinn series, and continuing thru the Project Eden series, the Excoms series and many, many others. I highly recommend every one of his more than 30 great books.
As a fan of science fiction in my teen years, I was very happy to see Brett create an intriguing series about time travel with his 3-book “Rewinder” series. Great stuff!
You cannot go wrong with any Brett Battles book. Trust me on this…
Brett Battles has never disappointed me with his writing, and this newest book, “Insidious”, is yet again another gem. “Insidious” is the second in a new series of books (a follow up to “Night Man” ). This new series is based on the intriguing character of Nate, Jonathan Quinn’s associate. Nate has been a constant in the Jonathan Quinn series of books almost from the very beginning, first as a protégé and then as a partner.
So, for existing fans of both Quinn and Nate, this is an opportunity to learn more about Nate and how he is trying to move on from the death of his girlfriend, Liz (Quinn’s sister), including Liz's frequent “visits” to talk with him. We also learn more about Nate’s evolving relationship with his assistant, Jar, who is also a very intriguing character. In this new book Nate (and us...the readers) learn some startling revelations about Jar’s past.
The book begins with another example of Nate’s “side work”, or perhaps it should be called his “hobby” as a vigilante. His vigilante efforts are (or should be) legendary. Nate can be described as an extremely creative, intelligent, resourceful and very compassionate vigilante.
Then, as Nate is out jogging, he finds a body. The fascinating story that follows leads Nate and Jar on a wild adventure. Very intricate plot with many twists and turns and a couple of “I did not see that coming” moments. I found this book exciting and hard to put down.
I have enjoyed every one of Brett’s books, starting with the Jonathan Quinn series, and continuing thru the Project Eden series, the Excoms series and many, many others. I highly recommend every one of his more than 30 great books.
As a fan of science fiction in my teen years, I was very happy to see Brett create an intriguing series about time travel with his 3-book “Rewinder” series. Great stuff!
You cannot go wrong with any Brett Battles book. Trust me on this…
May 15, 2020
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. This was a terrific story and I have to say, out of all the Brett Battles books I have read, it is my favorite..so far. In typical Battles fashion, there is plenty of action, twists, turns, and unexpected surprises, but like the majority of Mr. Battles' work, this one is also character-driven. Having become familiar with Nate and Jar from the Jonathan Quinn series, reading the Night Man Chronicles is like visiting with old friends in a new bar; the friends you know and love are there, but the scenery is different. This provides a new perspective on a comfortable scene.
My favorite part of this series is the slowly developing relationship between Nate and Jar. Things that had previously been unknown about Jar's past have been revealed, she is slowly learning how to trust, and Nate is beginning to think that maybe it's ok for him to live after all. This relationship is as fragile as glass and Mr. Battles is handling it quite well. He best not mess it up.
Now, don't let the above make you think this is anything other than a top-notch action thriller. As I said, there is plenty of action, covert operations, cool gadgetry, bad guys you love to hate, and surprises coming around every other corner. I found myself pulling the old "just one more chapter" knowing good and well it wasn't going to be just one more chapter. I finally had to make myself stop and go to bed or I would have read the book in one day. I can't think of a better compliment. If you haven't read The Night Work Chronicles, make sure you do. They are some of the best!
My favorite part of this series is the slowly developing relationship between Nate and Jar. Things that had previously been unknown about Jar's past have been revealed, she is slowly learning how to trust, and Nate is beginning to think that maybe it's ok for him to live after all. This relationship is as fragile as glass and Mr. Battles is handling it quite well. He best not mess it up.
Now, don't let the above make you think this is anything other than a top-notch action thriller. As I said, there is plenty of action, covert operations, cool gadgetry, bad guys you love to hate, and surprises coming around every other corner. I found myself pulling the old "just one more chapter" knowing good and well it wasn't going to be just one more chapter. I finally had to make myself stop and go to bed or I would have read the book in one day. I can't think of a better compliment. If you haven't read The Night Work Chronicles, make sure you do. They are some of the best!
June 13, 2025
Better than book 1
I didn't buy into Nate's character too much in book one, mainly because his relationship with Liz in the Quinn books was a foot note in the books in which they were discussed. Then Liz was killed off and a whole stink took place between Nate and Quinn. When this took place in the Quinn series. It felt forced and disconnected. Then Brett released Night Man that dealt with the trauma of losing a short-term lover and I just didn't get it.
Well, book 2 turned out to be slightly different, in a good way. The trauma is still there, but Nate is not moping around all sad. Liz is still haunting him, but it makes sense since Nate see it as his subconscious dealing with it. Jar is in the book, and a huge chuck of her backstory is revealed. Together Nate and Jar face the demons of the past as they deal with the demons of today. I could follow this story arc, and thought Brett did a good job at weaving the different plot points. That said, more attention was given to Nate and Jar's issue, and little to the victim of the day. The reason behind her kidnapping and eventually death felt force into the narrative. Brett was building up to something, but when it was finally revealed, I felt unwarranted.
I still enjoyed the book, but dinged it a star for the half baked story resolution we were given in the last handful of short chapters.
I didn't buy into Nate's character too much in book one, mainly because his relationship with Liz in the Quinn books was a foot note in the books in which they were discussed. Then Liz was killed off and a whole stink took place between Nate and Quinn. When this took place in the Quinn series. It felt forced and disconnected. Then Brett released Night Man that dealt with the trauma of losing a short-term lover and I just didn't get it.
Well, book 2 turned out to be slightly different, in a good way. The trauma is still there, but Nate is not moping around all sad. Liz is still haunting him, but it makes sense since Nate see it as his subconscious dealing with it. Jar is in the book, and a huge chuck of her backstory is revealed. Together Nate and Jar face the demons of the past as they deal with the demons of today. I could follow this story arc, and thought Brett did a good job at weaving the different plot points. That said, more attention was given to Nate and Jar's issue, and little to the victim of the day. The reason behind her kidnapping and eventually death felt force into the narrative. Brett was building up to something, but when it was finally revealed, I felt unwarranted.
I still enjoyed the book, but dinged it a star for the half baked story resolution we were given in the last handful of short chapters.
January 28, 2021
Insidious follows on the heels of Night Man, with Nate wrapping up another "hobby" case. Shortly thereafter, he goes on a long morning jog and finds a woman's body. "Liz" nudges him to investigate, but when he gets Jar's help, she uncovers a huge secret that has her hopping on a plane to assist.
The book gives the reader a peek into Jar's past and the circumstances that made her who she is. The author does an excellent job of tying Jar's story to the woman Nate found while keeping their experiences and the reasons behind the actions leading to them completely separate. While I found the explanation behind the woman's death to less than satisfactory, it doesn't take away from the rest of the story being really good. Jar and Nate get some character development. The action and the wit are entertaining.
This is not family friendly due to themes. The profanity is minimal but it is there, as is the expected violence of this genre. Fans of this series and the Quinn series will enjoy it. If you like a thrilling adventure, give this one a try.
The book gives the reader a peek into Jar's past and the circumstances that made her who she is. The author does an excellent job of tying Jar's story to the woman Nate found while keeping their experiences and the reasons behind the actions leading to them completely separate. While I found the explanation behind the woman's death to less than satisfactory, it doesn't take away from the rest of the story being really good. Jar and Nate get some character development. The action and the wit are entertaining.
This is not family friendly due to themes. The profanity is minimal but it is there, as is the expected violence of this genre. Fans of this series and the Quinn series will enjoy it. If you like a thrilling adventure, give this one a try.
May 12, 2020
Insidious is possibly one of Brett Battles’ best books yet.
There is something magical about reading a Brett Battles book. He transports you into the characters’ world and you are in his mind’s eye.
I have been a huge Quinn fan which was the first series that introduced me to Battles, but Nate is quickly becoming my new favorite.
Battles has such a gift for creating characters that you begin to fall in love with them, quirks, faults and all. His characters are truly multi-dimensional and the stories are incredibly poignant, exciting and captivating. Insidious is no different.
Insidious is dark, funny, heartbreaking and exciting. You are taken on so many twists and turns that you feel the butterflies in your stomach. It’s truly exhilarating.
I enjoyed getting to know Jar and seeing deeper into Nate’s world without the rest of the team. There where times I laughed out loud, and times I cried while reading this book.
You don’t need to start at the beginning of the Quinn series to follow along. I highly recommend Insidious. I could not put it down...but then again, I can’t put down any of Battles’ books. Enjoy!
There is something magical about reading a Brett Battles book. He transports you into the characters’ world and you are in his mind’s eye.
I have been a huge Quinn fan which was the first series that introduced me to Battles, but Nate is quickly becoming my new favorite.
Battles has such a gift for creating characters that you begin to fall in love with them, quirks, faults and all. His characters are truly multi-dimensional and the stories are incredibly poignant, exciting and captivating. Insidious is no different.
Insidious is dark, funny, heartbreaking and exciting. You are taken on so many twists and turns that you feel the butterflies in your stomach. It’s truly exhilarating.
I enjoyed getting to know Jar and seeing deeper into Nate’s world without the rest of the team. There where times I laughed out loud, and times I cried while reading this book.
You don’t need to start at the beginning of the Quinn series to follow along. I highly recommend Insidious. I could not put it down...but then again, I can’t put down any of Battles’ books. Enjoy!
July 12, 2020
Brett Battles takes another step in his Quinn universe franchise, continuing to write about Quinn's partner, Nate, and his "hobby" of bringing justice in cases that regular law enforcement has been unable or perhaps even unwilling to solve.
In Insidious, Nate makes the tragic discovery of a woman's body while hiking one morning. Although he usually avoids the police he risks exposure by using one of his false identities to report the death. He thinks that may be the end of it, although the voice in his head that he identifies with Liz, his late girlfriend, is a lot less settled about that idea than he is, and as it turns out there is more to the death and to the deceased herself than it first seemed. Nate's friend Jar, a Thai computer hacker, is also disturbed by the case because of its resonance with her own past and insists that they do their own investigation. The announcement by police that their primary suspect was found dead makes Nate wonder if he's overlooked something.
Insidious is the second of Battles' "Night Man" series focusing on Nate. These stories are told from Nate's point of view and in first person, which often adds a smart-aleck sense of humor less apparent in the main sequence novels about Quinn and his team. Nick is wry and quick-witted, which makes for an engaging narrator and an easy read. Battles also does well at exploring the way Nate and Jar's friendship is developing -- hinting at the possibility of a romantic dimension down the road. But as he demonstrates, both characters have enough damage to them that any journey along those lines needs to be a slow and very careful one. His work in this book with Nate and Jar is probably some of the best character development Battles has done as an author.
But Insidious earns a down check because of the Lifetime-movie qualities of its narrative engine. In its early stages, when Nate and Jar work to uncover clues and solve a mystery, the open questions engage readers and keep their interest. But the resolution of that plot and the mystery the pair uncover is melodramatic at best and maybe better described as just silly. Insidious could also use some tighter editing; there are at least a couple of occasions when characters who are supposed to be wearing full face coverings mouth words to each other to coordinate their actions.
There's not much deep or lasting about the Night Man series, but it'd be easy to find suspense reads much less well done and without the solid handling of character development Insidious provides. It's a read that passes the time without deadening the brain.
Original available here.
In Insidious, Nate makes the tragic discovery of a woman's body while hiking one morning. Although he usually avoids the police he risks exposure by using one of his false identities to report the death. He thinks that may be the end of it, although the voice in his head that he identifies with Liz, his late girlfriend, is a lot less settled about that idea than he is, and as it turns out there is more to the death and to the deceased herself than it first seemed. Nate's friend Jar, a Thai computer hacker, is also disturbed by the case because of its resonance with her own past and insists that they do their own investigation. The announcement by police that their primary suspect was found dead makes Nate wonder if he's overlooked something.
Insidious is the second of Battles' "Night Man" series focusing on Nate. These stories are told from Nate's point of view and in first person, which often adds a smart-aleck sense of humor less apparent in the main sequence novels about Quinn and his team. Nick is wry and quick-witted, which makes for an engaging narrator and an easy read. Battles also does well at exploring the way Nate and Jar's friendship is developing -- hinting at the possibility of a romantic dimension down the road. But as he demonstrates, both characters have enough damage to them that any journey along those lines needs to be a slow and very careful one. His work in this book with Nate and Jar is probably some of the best character development Battles has done as an author.
But Insidious earns a down check because of the Lifetime-movie qualities of its narrative engine. In its early stages, when Nate and Jar work to uncover clues and solve a mystery, the open questions engage readers and keep their interest. But the resolution of that plot and the mystery the pair uncover is melodramatic at best and maybe better described as just silly. Insidious could also use some tighter editing; there are at least a couple of occasions when characters who are supposed to be wearing full face coverings mouth words to each other to coordinate their actions.
There's not much deep or lasting about the Night Man series, but it'd be easy to find suspense reads much less well done and without the solid handling of character development Insidious provides. It's a read that passes the time without deadening the brain.
Original available here.
May 16, 2020
This is the second book in the Night Man Chronicles, a spin-off series from the Johnathan Quinn thriller series. I've enjoyed everything I've read by Brett Battles so far, but I'm really enjoying this series focusing on Nate, Quinn's sidekick. I love the developing relationship with Jar. The series continues to surprise, but these books can also be read as standalone novels.
In this latest novel, Nate continues to be haunted by the woman he loved, yet he's developing complex emotions for Jar, the Thai woman who often lends her computer expertise to his projects. When he goes for a hike, he finds the body of a woman who was pushed off a cliff. As they investigate, they discover complex connections. The story line is suspenseful with lots of action and fun gadgets. The search for answers takes the couple from California to Arizona to Oregon and finally to Idaho. Great settings, descriptions and dialogue, and a good story arc.
In this latest novel, Nate continues to be haunted by the woman he loved, yet he's developing complex emotions for Jar, the Thai woman who often lends her computer expertise to his projects. When he goes for a hike, he finds the body of a woman who was pushed off a cliff. As they investigate, they discover complex connections. The story line is suspenseful with lots of action and fun gadgets. The search for answers takes the couple from California to Arizona to Oregon and finally to Idaho. Great settings, descriptions and dialogue, and a good story arc.
August 19, 2020
Let's start with the narrator! Zach Villa made the book better with his awesome narration. His emotions when he read were some of the best I've ever heard. His whispers, yells, anger, frustration, all his feelings were spot on. I'd listen to him again and again.
This story let you see a lot more of Jar, so you couldn't help but like her even more than you did in Night Man. It turns out that she had a really rough childhood, which she escaped from at age eight and a half. It had to have been a nightmare but she came out of it great.
This story was about a murdered girl that Jar could identify with and wanted Nate's help finding the killer. And, oddly enough, I don't remember anyone being killed. All the guns used were to put the bad guys to sleep, while Nate and Jar set up things to get a confession.
No romance and the F-bomb was used 1 time.
As to the narration? I already told you. (I'm sorry it ended.)
This story let you see a lot more of Jar, so you couldn't help but like her even more than you did in Night Man. It turns out that she had a really rough childhood, which she escaped from at age eight and a half. It had to have been a nightmare but she came out of it great.
This story was about a murdered girl that Jar could identify with and wanted Nate's help finding the killer. And, oddly enough, I don't remember anyone being killed. All the guns used were to put the bad guys to sleep, while Nate and Jar set up things to get a confession.
No romance and the F-bomb was used 1 time.
As to the narration? I already told you. (I'm sorry it ended.)
November 18, 2022
This book gives some backstory on Jar which made the first part of the book interesting. The last half of the book was slower than the Quinn series and the first Night Man Chronicles book. There was less action and more dialogue.
As in the other books with Jar, her computer skills are stretched beyond belief but that keeps the story moving without having to explain a lot. If you are willing to overlook that things just happen without knowing how, then the book is a fun read. If you want to nick pick about reality, then you might not enjoy this book.
The author may be phasing Liz out which is probably a good thing. I'm not sure how much of Liz (his subconscious) talking to Nate the readers will tolerate. Jar will play a key role in Liz's fading away. Like the first book, it is written from a first person POV with the occasional humorous comment to the reader. I think this works for Nate and this series.
As in the other books with Jar, her computer skills are stretched beyond belief but that keeps the story moving without having to explain a lot. If you are willing to overlook that things just happen without knowing how, then the book is a fun read. If you want to nick pick about reality, then you might not enjoy this book.
The author may be phasing Liz out which is probably a good thing. I'm not sure how much of Liz (his subconscious) talking to Nate the readers will tolerate. Jar will play a key role in Liz's fading away. Like the first book, it is written from a first person POV with the occasional humorous comment to the reader. I think this works for Nate and this series.
January 3, 2023
This series ("The Night Man Chronicles") is a spin off of the "Jonathan Quinn" series, one of my favorites. I like Battles style of story telling...it is detailed, but not too much so and he does a good job of making his characters unique and giving them depth.
The series protagonist is Nate, who was introduced originally as Quinn's apprentice and overtime graduates to full partner. After a falling out with Quinn due to the death of Quinn's sister who was Nate's lover, Nate and Quinn have a falling out. During that period Nate begins to take on other jobs using individuals on Quinn's larger team. Eventually the fracture is healed, but as one result, Nate begins to hear & see Liz in his mind. She brings him situations that she would like resolved that usually involve a victim(s) who were killed unfairly by evil perpetrators. These cases become Nate's "Night Man Chronicles."
I'll be reading #3 soon.
The series protagonist is Nate, who was introduced originally as Quinn's apprentice and overtime graduates to full partner. After a falling out with Quinn due to the death of Quinn's sister who was Nate's lover, Nate and Quinn have a falling out. During that period Nate begins to take on other jobs using individuals on Quinn's larger team. Eventually the fracture is healed, but as one result, Nate begins to hear & see Liz in his mind. She brings him situations that she would like resolved that usually involve a victim(s) who were killed unfairly by evil perpetrators. These cases become Nate's "Night Man Chronicles."
I'll be reading #3 soon.
June 30, 2020
Another ripping story from a Brett Battles!
Good pace, interesting locations, and lots of character development bring this story to life, playing out a thoughtful plot. I had some inkling of where this might be going, but was pleasantly surprised that I did t see how it all tied in together. My only criticism is regarding Jar.... I’m just going to come out and say it....I can’t stand her. Her actions and mannerisms are always having to be explained, almost apologized for, and her presence in the story feels forced. I enjoyed the back story explaining her past, but still feel that she would be better utilized as a supporting character, rather than one of the main characters.
Good pace, interesting locations, and lots of character development bring this story to life, playing out a thoughtful plot. I had some inkling of where this might be going, but was pleasantly surprised that I did t see how it all tied in together. My only criticism is regarding Jar.... I’m just going to come out and say it....I can’t stand her. Her actions and mannerisms are always having to be explained, almost apologized for, and her presence in the story feels forced. I enjoyed the back story explaining her past, but still feel that she would be better utilized as a supporting character, rather than one of the main characters.
August 6, 2020
Pretty good, tighter than some of the others in this and the Quinn series. The plot is of the onion variety: a seemingly random murder leads to uncovering a series of crimes that eventually leads back to the original sin. Well plotted and heavy on the tech, none of which ever fails. Just once I’d like the operatives NOT get a WiFi signal or unlock a door remotely. The problem is that the cause of all the subsequent crimes and murders isn’t quite bad enough to justify them. As always, if and when you do something that might cause you some or even major trouble don’t just start abducting and killing a lot of people.
Also: no police force anywhere is going to send a tech to fingerprint a car whose trunk is broken into in a motel parking lot and nothing of value taken.
Also: no police force anywhere is going to send a tech to fingerprint a car whose trunk is broken into in a motel parking lot and nothing of value taken.
November 30, 2020
Season 2? of the Night Man Chronicles
Partime Vigilante on the job again. Quinn's cleaning business must be slow, since his sometimes partner Nate is continuing to take on partime investigating work for his only client Liz. His dead girl friend.
This time the case is related to a corpse of college student Nate comes across hiking on Griffith Observatory grounds.
Jar, the Thai information technology wizard, also just happens to be in California with time on her hands.
Like the first of Nightman Chronicles this feels like a proposal for television series. There is enough in this story a first season. 😏
Partime Vigilante on the job again. Quinn's cleaning business must be slow, since his sometimes partner Nate is continuing to take on partime investigating work for his only client Liz. His dead girl friend.
This time the case is related to a corpse of college student Nate comes across hiking on Griffith Observatory grounds.
Jar, the Thai information technology wizard, also just happens to be in California with time on her hands.
Like the first of Nightman Chronicles this feels like a proposal for television series. There is enough in this story a first season. 😏
July 7, 2021
Aaah, so satisfying, another winner from Brett Battles. This one is in the Night Man series, the Quinn spin-off with Nate. It's been a little too long since I read one, I had to occasionally remind myself if it was Nate or Quinn here. (Surprisingly, no reference whatsoever to Nate's prosthetic leg, even when he had to scramble down a very steep slope early on.) Much enjoyed the development of Jar as a character, and also the supernatural promptings from Liz. Battles also did a good job of acknowledging the post-traumatic stress of abuse survivors. And once again, he is so good at coming up with really evil stuff, always keeps you turning pages.
October 16, 2023
Full disclosure, this was my second time reading this one. It is my favorite in this series so far. I really love the way Brett Battles is building a slow and natural feeling relationship between the two main characters based on common goals and mutual respect rather than simple romance. It has a more real feel to it. The The way the case is used to help Nate work through his feelings for Jarr and his grief over Liz is really well done. I love the way these characters help those who are overlooked or dismissed because of their lack of means. I am looking forward eagerly to more books in this series.
November 7, 2023
another great book from Brett Battles
Brett Battles is as good a thriller / crime story writer as there is. I love his books, they are all 5 star books you will enjoy them I’m sure. Nate and Jar are great characters, well developed and believable. The story plot is fantastic and engaging throughout. The action and results are satisfying. Don’t miss any of Battles books, they are all great. From this series to the Jericho Quinn books where we first meet Nate, they are all very good reads. Don’t miss these. I highly recommend them all.
Brett Battles is as good a thriller / crime story writer as there is. I love his books, they are all 5 star books you will enjoy them I’m sure. Nate and Jar are great characters, well developed and believable. The story plot is fantastic and engaging throughout. The action and results are satisfying. Don’t miss any of Battles books, they are all great. From this series to the Jericho Quinn books where we first meet Nate, they are all very good reads. Don’t miss these. I highly recommend them all.
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