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Red Zone: A Calvin Watters & Charlene Taylor Mystery
The prodigal son…
Calvin Watters hasn't been back to USC since the day his scholarship and humility were stripped from the former running back. Calvin had cut all ties to the school, but now finds himself pulled back, when a woman's dead body is found on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum football field.
…returns home
Detective Charlene Taylor's new homicide case, a freshman cheerleader’s murder at USC, is complicated. Charlene knows that the USC football team is a close knit family, and getting inside the trusted circle, as a cop, is unlikely.
Calvin Watters is a game-changer…
When Calvin and Charlene meet up on the Coliseum turf, Charlene sees an opportunity to use Calvin to penetrate the Trojan family circle. Little does the detective know, Calvin is now an outsider at USC, no longer welcomed—with many who will go a long way to see the former football star fail.
Can Calvin and Charlene work together to uncover the truth, or will their egos interfere with what could be a powerful partnership?
REVIEW BLURB FOR RED ZONE
"Luke Murphy ramps up the thrill factor with RED ZONE—an awesome, gotta-know-what-happens-next novel. Murphy knows how to entertain. I tore through RED ZONE in a single sitting, and didn’t want the book to end. This should be on your Do-Not-Miss list to read this fall."—Linda Castillo, NYT & USA Today bestselling author of the Kate Burkholder series
"Well-drawn characters and an interesting premise—Luke Murphy is a mystery writer to watch."—DV Berkom, USA Today bestselling author of the Leine Basso series
"Red Zone is another winner for Murphy! Thrilling...riveting...a stay-up-all-night-read."--Kim Cresswell, bestselling author of Deadly Shadow
“Luke Murphy creates a gritty and compelling murder mystery with ‘Red Zone’. Calvin Watters and Charlene Taylor are the complex and real characters we search for in our stories, and their lives add the perfect amount of seasoning to the soup. Watching them move through the mystery is just as entertaining as trying to figure out who did the heinous deed…which you won’t, but it’s fun to try. Great story and I hope to see more from this talented author.”—S.L. Shelton, bestselling author of the Scott Wolfe series
"In The Red Zone, Luke Murphy gives us a thoroughly enjoyable read. As authoritative about forensics, college football, cheerleaders and murder in LA as he is in creating richly developed characters, snappy dialogue, and a plot to keep the reader guessing, he takes this story into the end zone for a touchdown."--Peter Clement, bestselling author of the Earl Garnet Series
Calvin Watters hasn't been back to USC since the day his scholarship and humility were stripped from the former running back. Calvin had cut all ties to the school, but now finds himself pulled back, when a woman's dead body is found on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum football field.
…returns home
Detective Charlene Taylor's new homicide case, a freshman cheerleader’s murder at USC, is complicated. Charlene knows that the USC football team is a close knit family, and getting inside the trusted circle, as a cop, is unlikely.
Calvin Watters is a game-changer…
When Calvin and Charlene meet up on the Coliseum turf, Charlene sees an opportunity to use Calvin to penetrate the Trojan family circle. Little does the detective know, Calvin is now an outsider at USC, no longer welcomed—with many who will go a long way to see the former football star fail.
Can Calvin and Charlene work together to uncover the truth, or will their egos interfere with what could be a powerful partnership?
REVIEW BLURB FOR RED ZONE
"Luke Murphy ramps up the thrill factor with RED ZONE—an awesome, gotta-know-what-happens-next novel. Murphy knows how to entertain. I tore through RED ZONE in a single sitting, and didn’t want the book to end. This should be on your Do-Not-Miss list to read this fall."—Linda Castillo, NYT & USA Today bestselling author of the Kate Burkholder series
"Well-drawn characters and an interesting premise—Luke Murphy is a mystery writer to watch."—DV Berkom, USA Today bestselling author of the Leine Basso series
"Red Zone is another winner for Murphy! Thrilling...riveting...a stay-up-all-night-read."--Kim Cresswell, bestselling author of Deadly Shadow
“Luke Murphy creates a gritty and compelling murder mystery with ‘Red Zone’. Calvin Watters and Charlene Taylor are the complex and real characters we search for in our stories, and their lives add the perfect amount of seasoning to the soup. Watching them move through the mystery is just as entertaining as trying to figure out who did the heinous deed…which you won’t, but it’s fun to try. Great story and I hope to see more from this talented author.”—S.L. Shelton, bestselling author of the Scott Wolfe series
"In The Red Zone, Luke Murphy gives us a thoroughly enjoyable read. As authoritative about forensics, college football, cheerleaders and murder in LA as he is in creating richly developed characters, snappy dialogue, and a plot to keep the reader guessing, he takes this story into the end zone for a touchdown."--Peter Clement, bestselling author of the Earl Garnet Series
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2020
9 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 26, 2020
I loved this book. I like the fact that the authors two characters from his different series have come together in this one book and despite there differences or hang up they work well together. Don't worry if you haven't read or listed to the previous books because the author does a very good job of giving you a little bit of back ground but not going into to much detail that those who all ready know get board. I like both of them as individual characters as both are strong and independent but at the same time loyal and slightly damaged, they feel like real humans and are like able.The mystery was good and with a number of suspects and even motives it kept you guessing until the end. There was also a lot of twist that you don't expect, so it keeps you on your toes and the story just flew by. The story might be set around a college football field but you don't need to understand football to enjoy because the story is focused on the investigation. The author has also set it up for this next book (not really a cliff hanger because the story does have an ending) so he prepared to want to get the next book. The author knows how to craft a good mystery that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat and I can't wait for more.
When a cheerleaders body is found on the playing field, Calvin Waters an ex superstar of the team turned private investigator is called in. The problem is an injury put an end to his playing career and he didn't leave on the best of terms. Can be put old grudges behind him and get the job done? Charlene Taylor is a homicide detective and the dead girl his her case but she gets stone walled by the college at every turn. Then a kid confesses and the higher ups want to wrap up the case, despite her gut feeling that it isn't right. The P.I and the detective might just have to work together to solve the case because it is a case of not what you know but who and the killer knows them.
I liked the fact that the author got both of the narrator's from the two series together for this one. It worked well and I liked there style because you always knew who the main focus of the chapter was, as the two characters ran there own investigations.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When a cheerleaders body is found on the playing field, Calvin Waters an ex superstar of the team turned private investigator is called in. The problem is an injury put an end to his playing career and he didn't leave on the best of terms. Can be put old grudges behind him and get the job done? Charlene Taylor is a homicide detective and the dead girl his her case but she gets stone walled by the college at every turn. Then a kid confesses and the higher ups want to wrap up the case, despite her gut feeling that it isn't right. The P.I and the detective might just have to work together to solve the case because it is a case of not what you know but who and the killer knows them.
I liked the fact that the author got both of the narrator's from the two series together for this one. It worked well and I liked there style because you always knew who the main focus of the chapter was, as the two characters ran there own investigations.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 6, 2020
( Format n: Audiobook )
"The signs of concussion can be subtle."
The murder of a cheerleader at Calvin Watters's old football stadium has him flying into L.A. to join forces with Detective Charlene Taylor and her partner Larry in the investigation. This time, Calvin brings along his girlfriend Rachel as well as reuniting with old friends and his brother.Sent
As with previous stories in the Calvin Watters series, this is a mystery thriller full of intrigue and twists, the characters flawed and as important to the story as the plot itself. Mostly well written, despite occasional trite phrases such as 'a tough shell. She would be a hard nut to crack', almost from chapter one the book becomes intriguing and un-put-downable. There is a lot about American football, though.
Red Zone brings together two series, both of two volumes, that of the one time football star whose knee injury ended his sporting career, now turned P.I., and the second built around Charlene, the feisty detective. Whilst this reader had read both of the Watters previous books, this was my first encounter with Charlene. Interestingly, both narrators from each series, Connor Goff and Sharon Huff, have been employed to narrate those sections of this book pertaining to the characters from their previous novels. and it works well although the constant change of voice can be a little disconcerting. It is well performed by both, although the editing could have been improved, with some repeated phrases not removed and audible clicks from sp!icing points.
My thanks to the rights holder of Red Zone, who, at my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy.
"The signs of concussion can be subtle."
The murder of a cheerleader at Calvin Watters's old football stadium has him flying into L.A. to join forces with Detective Charlene Taylor and her partner Larry in the investigation. This time, Calvin brings along his girlfriend Rachel as well as reuniting with old friends and his brother.Sent
As with previous stories in the Calvin Watters series, this is a mystery thriller full of intrigue and twists, the characters flawed and as important to the story as the plot itself. Mostly well written, despite occasional trite phrases such as 'a tough shell. She would be a hard nut to crack', almost from chapter one the book becomes intriguing and un-put-downable. There is a lot about American football, though.
Red Zone brings together two series, both of two volumes, that of the one time football star whose knee injury ended his sporting career, now turned P.I., and the second built around Charlene, the feisty detective. Whilst this reader had read both of the Watters previous books, this was my first encounter with Charlene. Interestingly, both narrators from each series, Connor Goff and Sharon Huff, have been employed to narrate those sections of this book pertaining to the characters from their previous novels. and it works well although the constant change of voice can be a little disconcerting. It is well performed by both, although the editing could have been improved, with some repeated phrases not removed and audible clicks from sp!icing points.
My thanks to the rights holder of Red Zone, who, at my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy.
June 13, 2022
Book 3 in the Charlene Taylor series. I highly recommend reading this series in order to get a sense of Charlene and Larry and their partnership as detectives, but it’s not necessary as these books are able to be read as standalones. In this tale, Charlene and Larry are called to the scene of the USC Trojans playing field, the “red zone,” to investigate the death of a college student, Samantha. In this tale, we are also introduced to a new character, Calvin Watters, a PI, and readers know how Charlene feels about PIs, but Calvin is different. Calvin gets under her skin, so to speak, and she is able to work with him to solve this case. It also helps that Calvin has an “in” at USC, but some folks don’t want him poking around. Yes, there’s a backstory there as to the why. Sometimes that “in” is tested. As well, Calvin comes into contact to some of his old acquaintances at USC, some welcoming and some not so much which lends to Calvin’s backstory.
It is going to be interesting to read the Calvin Watters series by Mr. Murphy. He has a writing style that is, I suspect, only going to get better as the years go by. If you like whodunits that have backstories that are interwoven, give Mr. Murphy a try. If his Calvin Watters series holds true like his Charlene Taylor series, I suspect readers are in for some good books and some intriguing characters whose lives will intersect and with some interesting backstories that tie together.
Kiss & Tell and Rock-A-Bye Baby are books 1 and 2.
It is going to be interesting to read the Calvin Watters series by Mr. Murphy. He has a writing style that is, I suspect, only going to get better as the years go by. If you like whodunits that have backstories that are interwoven, give Mr. Murphy a try. If his Calvin Watters series holds true like his Charlene Taylor series, I suspect readers are in for some good books and some intriguing characters whose lives will intersect and with some interesting backstories that tie together.
Kiss & Tell and Rock-A-Bye Baby are books 1 and 2.
September 3, 2020
Book review:
Red Zone
by Luke Murphy
4 stars - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You two working together. You both have the same style—straight ahead, through a concrete wall if need be.”
Calvin Watters, former USC football player turned PI, teams up with Detective Charlene Taylor to solve the murder of a freshman cheerleader whose body is found on the football field at Calvin’s alma mater.
I love new to me authors!!
Luke Murphy is definitely a talented suspense writer. This book kept me guessing up until the very end. I enjoyed the story, which is told from both Calvin and Charlene’s prospective. The beginning was a little slow for me ... I felt like there were a lot of unnecessary side characters and sometimes things were overly described and explained. However, the mystery was intriguing, the pace picked up and I was hooked.
If you enjoy procedural crime thrillers, this is a great read.
Red Zone
by Luke Murphy
4 stars - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You two working together. You both have the same style—straight ahead, through a concrete wall if need be.”
Calvin Watters, former USC football player turned PI, teams up with Detective Charlene Taylor to solve the murder of a freshman cheerleader whose body is found on the football field at Calvin’s alma mater.
I love new to me authors!!
Luke Murphy is definitely a talented suspense writer. This book kept me guessing up until the very end. I enjoyed the story, which is told from both Calvin and Charlene’s prospective. The beginning was a little slow for me ... I felt like there were a lot of unnecessary side characters and sometimes things were overly described and explained. However, the mystery was intriguing, the pace picked up and I was hooked.
If you enjoy procedural crime thrillers, this is a great read.
July 30, 2020
I have read Luke Murphy's other books, 2 with Charlene Taylor and 2 with Calvin Watters as the main characters, so could not wait to read Red Zone featuring both the LAPD detective and the former debt collector now turned PI. This book got my attention right from the beginning (as Mr. Murphy's books always do) and kept moving right to the end. When a cheerleader is found murdered on the campus of USC, Charlene and Calvin team up delving into college life from athletics to sororities and fraternities to find her killer. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the plot would take another turn and blow my theory. While I have loved all of Luke Murphy's books, Red Zone ranks as one of my favorites, one of those books you don't want to see end. And as always, Luke ends this book with a cliffhanger---so I'll be anxiously awaiting his next novel.
December 1, 2020
This story bordered on triteness and cliché, but I like these characters and the suspense kept me listening.
Sharon Huff and Conner Goff performed well, but there were several technical issues such as the end of some words being truncated and some duplicated texts where the narrator repeated or started over. These were obvious and briefly interrupted the flow of the story, but nothing severe enough to cause confusion.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Sharon Huff and Conner Goff performed well, but there were several technical issues such as the end of some words being truncated and some duplicated texts where the narrator repeated or started over. These were obvious and briefly interrupted the flow of the story, but nothing severe enough to cause confusion.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 26, 2020
This story brings together the two characters, detective Charlene Taylor and Calvin Watters, from Murphy’s first two novels in a creative way. You don’t need to have read the first two books n order to understand what is happening.
The story line is real, but the ending seemed rushed and predictable. I felt the emotions of college age kids, and cared for the characters.
The story line is real, but the ending seemed rushed and predictable. I felt the emotions of college age kids, and cared for the characters.
December 26, 2020
Just finished reading Red Zone - outstanding read, well developed characters and one of those books that once you start it is very hard to put the book down. Look forward to more books by Luke Murphy.
January 6, 2021
Amazing
Loved this book. I have read both series ahead of this and loved both. But Calvin and Charlene together is more than I expected. Can't wait for whatever Luke Murphy has in store next.
Loved this book. I have read both series ahead of this and loved both. But Calvin and Charlene together is more than I expected. Can't wait for whatever Luke Murphy has in store next.
July 15, 2020
Another great book from Murphy!
Murphy has given another great book to hold his audience captive until the last word. This book is full of mystery and drama. Great summer read!
Murphy has given another great book to hold his audience captive until the last word. This book is full of mystery and drama. Great summer read!
Want to read
July 24, 2020Author's guest post at my blog:
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2020/07...
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2020/07...
August 3, 2020
Amazing
Wonderful book. Perfectly written. Gritty in depth and twists. A real who did it read. I honestly couldn't put it down. Fantastic. More please luke and fast!!
Wonderful book. Perfectly written. Gritty in depth and twists. A real who did it read. I honestly couldn't put it down. Fantastic. More please luke and fast!!
August 15, 2020
A good mystery
A good and quick read. Sucks you in almost instantly and keeps you hooked. The character of Charlene becomes more likable with each new book.
A good and quick read. Sucks you in almost instantly and keeps you hooked. The character of Charlene becomes more likable with each new book.
August 19, 2020
Awesome book!
The series r great! Engages the reader and makes u impatient for the next one!! Red Zone started a little slow but then it picked up!!
The series r great! Engages the reader and makes u impatient for the next one!! Red Zone started a little slow but then it picked up!!
October 25, 2020
Brilliant book. Two tough, hard headed characters working together.
No spoilers but I will say I was gripped from the first page to the last.
More please Luke?
No spoilers but I will say I was gripped from the first page to the last.
More please Luke?
November 17, 2020
Page-Turner! The story kept getting more thrilling with each page. Teaming up Charlene and Calvin was a great idea!
August 15, 2021
A fast read cuz you don’t want to put it down. Calvin Watters ….a great character so many sides to him. I loved it. Especially the ending….. I’m not gonna tell. READ IT
April 26, 2021
Another great read from Luke Murphy. He never disappoints on delivering an entertaining story. I enjoyed the collaboration of his two main protagonists from his previous books. Charlene and Calvin are both independent, sharp, tough and dedicated to their jobs. They have a lot in common but at the same time are very different from one another. Differences aside , they come together to solve the murder of a freshman USC cheerleader. Deceit, jealousy and new revelations come to light throughout the investigation. The suspense and needing to know what really went down kept me guessing and turning the page until the end. You will get closure when it comes to the case. But for a Murphy fan who knows the characters so well, the ending leaves you with another "Oh...wait..WHAT!?" moment(more profane but I'll keep it clean). Definitely an opening for the next book to say the least. How can one paragraph get you so hype at the very end? I'll be non-patiently waiting for the new release.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews