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Ghosts and Shadows
Finalist in the Book Excellence Awards.
The oath Detective Cooter “Cadillac” Holland swore to defend his home against foreign and domestic enemies is put to the test when evil men from both sides of the border start a war on the eve of Mardi Gras, an election, and the first Super Bowl in Saints’ history. A shadowy government contractor has resurrected the blueprints for the classified operation that nearly got Detective Holland killed in Iraq, and doing so will threaten his life again. When Detective Holland’s friends and family are also put at risk, he is forced to call upon the skills and mind-set learned as a Special Forces and Intelligence operative to keep the peace between local heroin dealers and a violent Mexican drug cartel, outsmart a defense contractor, and take on a loose-cannon Federal official to avert a bloodbath when New Orleans can least afford it.
The oath Detective Cooter “Cadillac” Holland swore to defend his home against foreign and domestic enemies is put to the test when evil men from both sides of the border start a war on the eve of Mardi Gras, an election, and the first Super Bowl in Saints’ history. A shadowy government contractor has resurrected the blueprints for the classified operation that nearly got Detective Holland killed in Iraq, and doing so will threaten his life again. When Detective Holland’s friends and family are also put at risk, he is forced to call upon the skills and mind-set learned as a Special Forces and Intelligence operative to keep the peace between local heroin dealers and a violent Mexican drug cartel, outsmart a defense contractor, and take on a loose-cannon Federal official to avert a bloodbath when New Orleans can least afford it.
- GenresMystery
394 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2020
10 people want to read
About the author
H. Max Hiller
10 books24 followers My relationship with New Orleans began with a job cooking in a cafe on Bourbon Street at the age of seventeen. My foodservice resume now includes many of New Orleans’ iconic music and dining destinations. I no longer reside in New Orleans full time but I keep to the expat creed of “Be a New Orleanian wherever you are.”
A devoted reader of detective and crime novels, I have worked as a chef on a boat traveling the inland waterways since Hurricane Katrina and began thinking up stories about a detective living in post-Katrina New Orleans, which I now write in my spare time.
My life is divided between working on the water and preserving a Victorian-era home in Hannibal, Missouri that I share with my wife and our rescue pets, which include a neurotic wolfhound/terrier mix and too many cats.
A devoted reader of detective and crime novels, I have worked as a chef on a boat traveling the inland waterways since Hurricane Katrina and began thinking up stories about a detective living in post-Katrina New Orleans, which I now write in my spare time.
My life is divided between working on the water and preserving a Victorian-era home in Hannibal, Missouri that I share with my wife and our rescue pets, which include a neurotic wolfhound/terrier mix and too many cats.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 10, 2017
I will warn you before I even start with my thoughts on this book, I LOVE this series.
This is the 3rd in the series, (4th if you include the prequel), each of these books has a different feel to them. The previous have a little more content regarding living and social conditions after Hurricane Katrina, but this one does not contain as much. I assume this is because things are moving forward and people are starting to get back on track with their lives, but I may assume too much here!
Anyway, one of my favourite detectives is back in his not so subtle way. Cadillac is like the proverbial “bull in a china shop” as he comes across incidents that don’t quite add up. Also a blast from the past rolls into town, confirming his instincts that something is amiss, but why and what links random events is something that he and his business partner will have to work out. Cadillac owns part of a restaurant business with his friend Chef Tony, though Cadillac more has more of a silent partner role. They have known each other from their time in Iraq, the skills and techniques learnt there will hopefully keep their family, friends and people of New Orleans safe from the threat of a possible gang war. He steps on many toes, stopping for nothing and no one to get to the bottom of events.
As I mentioned this has a different feel, the main characters are still there, but this time alongside Cadillac, Tony joins him on the front seat. Tony has been in and around the previous books, but in this one he really pops out, because of this we are able to get information regarding the time he and Cadillac spent in Iraq, filling in some the details that have previously only been alluded to.
As this one doesn’t include as much social comment regarding Katrina, Hiller has instead incorporated one of his other passions into the story. That passion is food, now before you think this is an odd inclusion into a crime, mystery, thriller book, think again. It has been worked in very well and shows the diverse and multicultural aspects of the city’s inhabitants. Also as I have mentioned, Tony is a chef, he and Cadillac run a restaurant, so there is a basis for it being there.
Yes I love this book, as I have all the others each one is unique, with some very memorable characters that have been involved from the start of the series, and have become like old friends. The pacing for this book is faster and this is due to a time scale factor within the plot, the plot itself has many elements that included drug dealers, corruption, murder and cover-ups. Hiller’s style of writing keeps them clear, crisp, concise and not at all confusing, I think this is what I like so much, a no-nonsense approach that really makes sense, but also gives you something to think about.
So would I recommend this book ? Oh absolutely.
Do I want to read more by this author ? Most definitely.
Yes I am a big fan, and would recommend to readers who like crime and mystery genres, that also has social and cultural elements incorporated into the story. It does read well as a stand alone, but I would recommend reading the previous books, including the prequel to get the bigger picture. It will be time well spent. Don’t just take my word for it, go buy one of his book and you will see for yourself.
Again a huge thank you to the author for bringing these books to my attention. My views expressed are my own.
This is the 3rd in the series, (4th if you include the prequel), each of these books has a different feel to them. The previous have a little more content regarding living and social conditions after Hurricane Katrina, but this one does not contain as much. I assume this is because things are moving forward and people are starting to get back on track with their lives, but I may assume too much here!
Anyway, one of my favourite detectives is back in his not so subtle way. Cadillac is like the proverbial “bull in a china shop” as he comes across incidents that don’t quite add up. Also a blast from the past rolls into town, confirming his instincts that something is amiss, but why and what links random events is something that he and his business partner will have to work out. Cadillac owns part of a restaurant business with his friend Chef Tony, though Cadillac more has more of a silent partner role. They have known each other from their time in Iraq, the skills and techniques learnt there will hopefully keep their family, friends and people of New Orleans safe from the threat of a possible gang war. He steps on many toes, stopping for nothing and no one to get to the bottom of events.
As I mentioned this has a different feel, the main characters are still there, but this time alongside Cadillac, Tony joins him on the front seat. Tony has been in and around the previous books, but in this one he really pops out, because of this we are able to get information regarding the time he and Cadillac spent in Iraq, filling in some the details that have previously only been alluded to.
As this one doesn’t include as much social comment regarding Katrina, Hiller has instead incorporated one of his other passions into the story. That passion is food, now before you think this is an odd inclusion into a crime, mystery, thriller book, think again. It has been worked in very well and shows the diverse and multicultural aspects of the city’s inhabitants. Also as I have mentioned, Tony is a chef, he and Cadillac run a restaurant, so there is a basis for it being there.
Yes I love this book, as I have all the others each one is unique, with some very memorable characters that have been involved from the start of the series, and have become like old friends. The pacing for this book is faster and this is due to a time scale factor within the plot, the plot itself has many elements that included drug dealers, corruption, murder and cover-ups. Hiller’s style of writing keeps them clear, crisp, concise and not at all confusing, I think this is what I like so much, a no-nonsense approach that really makes sense, but also gives you something to think about.
So would I recommend this book ? Oh absolutely.
Do I want to read more by this author ? Most definitely.
Yes I am a big fan, and would recommend to readers who like crime and mystery genres, that also has social and cultural elements incorporated into the story. It does read well as a stand alone, but I would recommend reading the previous books, including the prequel to get the bigger picture. It will be time well spent. Don’t just take my word for it, go buy one of his book and you will see for yourself.
Again a huge thank you to the author for bringing these books to my attention. My views expressed are my own.
February 24, 2022
“Ghosts & Shadows” by H. Max Hiller is the fourth volume that continues Cooter’s detective work. State Police Captain Hammond asks Cooter to meet an arson investigator in New Orleans East, where a fire incident does not add up. The recent fires have destroyed houses belonging to members of the area’s drug cartels. The incidents are made to appear as a gang war between the El Camino and Piston Peetes drug cartels. Cooter is certain that Piston Peetes cannot stand up to the El Camino's brutal taste for revenge. This leads him to the suspicion that somebody is plotting a gang war between the two cartels.
While Cooter pursues his leads, Kinkaid, the Deputy Director of Homeland Security, arrives with Jill Bledsoe and asks him to suspend his investigation. Several years after the Iraqi operation, Cooter realizes that the atrocities of Operation Spotlight threaten to destroy his hometown, this time set to take his family members and girlfriend down with it. Determined to exhibit their efficiency, D-Tech Company will let no one stand in their way this time around. They have pulled massive strings and invested in surveillance methods to ensure Detective Cooter does not poke his nose into their affairs.
Chef Tony Vento worked with Cooter in Iraqi during Operation Spotlight before emigrating and joining Cooter in the US. He then opened up a restaurant, which he co-owns with Cooter. However, Cooter realizes he had not established where Tony got the funds to establish the restaurant. This controversial information opens up secrets that threaten to ruin the trust between Tony and Cooter. Tulip (Cooter’s sister and Tony’s girlfriend) and Katie (Cooter’s girlfriend) are confident that Tony and Cooter must be hiding crucial information from them. They will not hear about any non-disclosure agreements that the duo (Tony and Cooter) are party to. Will the secrets put a rift between the two couples? Why is Cooter’s operation in Iraqi haunting him several years after the ordeal that almost cost his life?
Told from the first-person point of view, “Ghosts & Shadows” employs excellent character development in the narration, an aspect that I truly found commendable. Max groomed his characters with authentic attributes, which furthered their roles in the storyline and made them vulnerable, like any other human being. He did not give the protagonists macho traits over the antagonists but gave the parties equal grounds to outdo each other. This style made the book suspenseful and further added tension to the storyline. My adrenaline rush was repeatedly triggered every time Cooter, my favorite character, appeared to have reached his dead end. He would then cleverly maneuver through the tight spots he found himself in, using his wits and techniques as a former Special Forces operative.
I enjoyed the pragmatic dialogues used by the author to advance the plot. There were no better ways of revealing the secrets than through dialogue. Cooter’s witty skills in abiding by the non-disclosure agreement he signed while keeping Katie in the loop of things were quite impressive. Max vividly described each scene and graphically recreated the scenes of action, which developed my empathy towards the victims in the story, who the villains often regarded as collateral damage. He graphically recreated the murder scenes, which enabled me to form mental pictures of the body mutilation and decapitation.
There is absolutely nothing that I liked least in this text. Exploring patriotism, vengeance, and megalomania, the novel is an accurate reflection of modern society, characterized by selfish ambitions at the expense of others. I happily award this book a rating of five out of five stars; this volume can be read as a stand-alone and recommend to lovers of thrillers and detective books.
While Cooter pursues his leads, Kinkaid, the Deputy Director of Homeland Security, arrives with Jill Bledsoe and asks him to suspend his investigation. Several years after the Iraqi operation, Cooter realizes that the atrocities of Operation Spotlight threaten to destroy his hometown, this time set to take his family members and girlfriend down with it. Determined to exhibit their efficiency, D-Tech Company will let no one stand in their way this time around. They have pulled massive strings and invested in surveillance methods to ensure Detective Cooter does not poke his nose into their affairs.
Chef Tony Vento worked with Cooter in Iraqi during Operation Spotlight before emigrating and joining Cooter in the US. He then opened up a restaurant, which he co-owns with Cooter. However, Cooter realizes he had not established where Tony got the funds to establish the restaurant. This controversial information opens up secrets that threaten to ruin the trust between Tony and Cooter. Tulip (Cooter’s sister and Tony’s girlfriend) and Katie (Cooter’s girlfriend) are confident that Tony and Cooter must be hiding crucial information from them. They will not hear about any non-disclosure agreements that the duo (Tony and Cooter) are party to. Will the secrets put a rift between the two couples? Why is Cooter’s operation in Iraqi haunting him several years after the ordeal that almost cost his life?
Told from the first-person point of view, “Ghosts & Shadows” employs excellent character development in the narration, an aspect that I truly found commendable. Max groomed his characters with authentic attributes, which furthered their roles in the storyline and made them vulnerable, like any other human being. He did not give the protagonists macho traits over the antagonists but gave the parties equal grounds to outdo each other. This style made the book suspenseful and further added tension to the storyline. My adrenaline rush was repeatedly triggered every time Cooter, my favorite character, appeared to have reached his dead end. He would then cleverly maneuver through the tight spots he found himself in, using his wits and techniques as a former Special Forces operative.
I enjoyed the pragmatic dialogues used by the author to advance the plot. There were no better ways of revealing the secrets than through dialogue. Cooter’s witty skills in abiding by the non-disclosure agreement he signed while keeping Katie in the loop of things were quite impressive. Max vividly described each scene and graphically recreated the scenes of action, which developed my empathy towards the victims in the story, who the villains often regarded as collateral damage. He graphically recreated the murder scenes, which enabled me to form mental pictures of the body mutilation and decapitation.
There is absolutely nothing that I liked least in this text. Exploring patriotism, vengeance, and megalomania, the novel is an accurate reflection of modern society, characterized by selfish ambitions at the expense of others. I happily award this book a rating of five out of five stars; this volume can be read as a stand-alone and recommend to lovers of thrillers and detective books.
August 28, 2017
Ghosts and Shadows, by H. Max Hiller, is a mystery about the arrogance of cultivating lambs to the slaughter, as well as the consequences of what happens when one lamb goes astray.
Cooter “Cadillac” Hooter is called to investigate a string of mysterious fires that have baffled police. After realizing that the fires are connected to a string of alleged gang activity, Cadillac is then called to meet the Deputy of Homeland Security. When he is warned to leave things alone, Cadillac ignores these orders and becomes embroiled in a scandalous nightmare where a monstrous bloodbath slowly begins to unfold before him. It’s a race against time as Cadillac endeavors to uncover the mystery behind these killings, and unveil the corruption that lies behind the facade of America’s finest.
I loved how Hiller incorporated historic events into the story, and showed just how complicated these conflicts are. From the combined efforts against the “War on Terror” and the “War on Drugs”, to the difficulties New Orleans was going through after Hurricane Katrina, it’s a wonderful amalgam of inevitabilities that allowed Hiller to masterfully tie this story together. I especially enjoyed reading about how Cadillac operated within this world. His instincts and protectiveness of his loved ones clearly take precedence despite his past, and while I can’t call him a traditional hero or detective, he nevertheless illustrates that in his eyes, justice always prevails. He seems to thrive where most other people have given up, and has gone where even other soldiers dare not tread.
But however noble these characteristics may be, Cadillac does show that sometimes, it’s better to just leave things alone. While the public may want to have access to this sort of information, the problem is the questions thereafter. Do we want to know the atrocities our soldiers have committed for the sake of our freedoms? Should we risk persecuting our heroes for the sake of learning the truth? Are we better off just not knowing? After all, I believe that the cruelest thing you can do is lie to someone. Then of course, I am just one person trying to live a simple life, so for the moment, my thoughts shouldn’t matter, at least in this regard.
One of the more prominent themes I’ve noticed in the book is how far someone is willing to go to have what they desire. Kinkaid was willing to kill, if only to bring an end to the cartels. Richard Franklin was going down a destructive chasm of mischief and madness, though whether to show off or care for his grandmother is debatable. Even Cadillac seemed to wonder about himself at times, putting himself in danger that may or may not benefit anyone. Hiller succeeds in trying to establish the murky boundaries between good and evil, and it’s this aspect of the story I thoroughly enjoyed.
Overall, I would give this book a 4.4 out of 5 stars. Hiller excels in crafting a dark mystery filled with corruption and forebodance. The fires, the bodies, and the lies play a part in shaping the horrifying justice we all “adore” today. Thus, I would recommend this book to fans of Flash Blood by Joseph Hirsch and Gastric Bypass by Paul Lesko.
Cooter “Cadillac” Hooter is called to investigate a string of mysterious fires that have baffled police. After realizing that the fires are connected to a string of alleged gang activity, Cadillac is then called to meet the Deputy of Homeland Security. When he is warned to leave things alone, Cadillac ignores these orders and becomes embroiled in a scandalous nightmare where a monstrous bloodbath slowly begins to unfold before him. It’s a race against time as Cadillac endeavors to uncover the mystery behind these killings, and unveil the corruption that lies behind the facade of America’s finest.
I loved how Hiller incorporated historic events into the story, and showed just how complicated these conflicts are. From the combined efforts against the “War on Terror” and the “War on Drugs”, to the difficulties New Orleans was going through after Hurricane Katrina, it’s a wonderful amalgam of inevitabilities that allowed Hiller to masterfully tie this story together. I especially enjoyed reading about how Cadillac operated within this world. His instincts and protectiveness of his loved ones clearly take precedence despite his past, and while I can’t call him a traditional hero or detective, he nevertheless illustrates that in his eyes, justice always prevails. He seems to thrive where most other people have given up, and has gone where even other soldiers dare not tread.
But however noble these characteristics may be, Cadillac does show that sometimes, it’s better to just leave things alone. While the public may want to have access to this sort of information, the problem is the questions thereafter. Do we want to know the atrocities our soldiers have committed for the sake of our freedoms? Should we risk persecuting our heroes for the sake of learning the truth? Are we better off just not knowing? After all, I believe that the cruelest thing you can do is lie to someone. Then of course, I am just one person trying to live a simple life, so for the moment, my thoughts shouldn’t matter, at least in this regard.
One of the more prominent themes I’ve noticed in the book is how far someone is willing to go to have what they desire. Kinkaid was willing to kill, if only to bring an end to the cartels. Richard Franklin was going down a destructive chasm of mischief and madness, though whether to show off or care for his grandmother is debatable. Even Cadillac seemed to wonder about himself at times, putting himself in danger that may or may not benefit anyone. Hiller succeeds in trying to establish the murky boundaries between good and evil, and it’s this aspect of the story I thoroughly enjoyed.
Overall, I would give this book a 4.4 out of 5 stars. Hiller excels in crafting a dark mystery filled with corruption and forebodance. The fires, the bodies, and the lies play a part in shaping the horrifying justice we all “adore” today. Thus, I would recommend this book to fans of Flash Blood by Joseph Hirsch and Gastric Bypass by Paul Lesko.
March 21, 2021
When detective Cooter ( Cadillac) Holland has sworn to uphold the law on home land and foreign soil. When he finds out there is a war brewing on both sides of the border . A shadow government is threatening his life yet again . He is forced to bring out his skills he learned from the special forces training and go after the ones starting the wars . Can New Orleans handle the onslaught that is about to happen or will it go down burning .
This story has some great characters to fall in love with .Cadillac Holland is a man who doesn't take no for an answer. He will do anything to keep his family and friends safe. We get to see him at his best and his worst as he fights the foes that are trying to take him down . He is trying to put the random things happening around him together . He is strong but also he is hiding something in his heart that is in his past . He is a great puzzle solver that will do what it takes to get the job done. We also get to meet his best friend Tony who Cadillac knew form Iraq. They are such a good team Tony helps keep the criminals at bay . Together these two are a great pair that can do almost anything to stop the wars that are brewing . There are so many other characters that you will fall in love with .
This is the first book of the series I have read from this author and I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are well written and complex and you can't help but caring for each and every one of them. The story is set in New Orleans which is a character all on its own . There is also a sup plot surrounding food . It plays a big part in this story . This is a long book but you can read it in a weekend . I had a bit of trouble at the beginning but after about 4 chapters I was hooked and couldn't put it down . So if you want a really good mystery with some great odd ball characters check it out . I promise you will like it .
This story has some great characters to fall in love with .Cadillac Holland is a man who doesn't take no for an answer. He will do anything to keep his family and friends safe. We get to see him at his best and his worst as he fights the foes that are trying to take him down . He is trying to put the random things happening around him together . He is strong but also he is hiding something in his heart that is in his past . He is a great puzzle solver that will do what it takes to get the job done. We also get to meet his best friend Tony who Cadillac knew form Iraq. They are such a good team Tony helps keep the criminals at bay . Together these two are a great pair that can do almost anything to stop the wars that are brewing . There are so many other characters that you will fall in love with .
This is the first book of the series I have read from this author and I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are well written and complex and you can't help but caring for each and every one of them. The story is set in New Orleans which is a character all on its own . There is also a sup plot surrounding food . It plays a big part in this story . This is a long book but you can read it in a weekend . I had a bit of trouble at the beginning but after about 4 chapters I was hooked and couldn't put it down . So if you want a really good mystery with some great odd ball characters check it out . I promise you will like it .
March 22, 2021
Cooter 'Cadillac' Holland is the kind of character that I really find quite intriguing. He has a shady past from his military background and now as a New Orleans Detective is trying to put all his skills to use to protect his city and state.
The book opens up with Detective Holland being called to a what should be a simple arson scene. However, things aren't adding up, especially when he's informed that there have been 3 other arson scenes like this one that have for some reason been approved to demolish the next day.
Things progress and soon he finds himself toeing a line between doing what is legal and keeping his job and reverting back to his days as a black ops to help defeat an old adversary that is now trying wage war on the New Orleans streets during Mardi Gras.
I really liked this book. Cooter is a guy who doesn't take no for an answer and will do whatever necessary to solve a mystery that is put before him. Including engaging in gun fights and trying to pit the real enemies against each other.
What I will say that stopped me from giving this 5 stars is the story itself is so wordy! There is so much detail going on in this book, most I feel isn't necessary. However, what I can tell from the way the author wrote this novel is his love for New Orleans. Yes there are tons of details that I feel don't adequately progress the story and just seem to stall out, but I feel the love that H. Max Hiller has and the devastation that was felt and still felt years after Hurricane Katrina ripped through Louisiana.
The book opens up with Detective Holland being called to a what should be a simple arson scene. However, things aren't adding up, especially when he's informed that there have been 3 other arson scenes like this one that have for some reason been approved to demolish the next day.
Things progress and soon he finds himself toeing a line between doing what is legal and keeping his job and reverting back to his days as a black ops to help defeat an old adversary that is now trying wage war on the New Orleans streets during Mardi Gras.
I really liked this book. Cooter is a guy who doesn't take no for an answer and will do whatever necessary to solve a mystery that is put before him. Including engaging in gun fights and trying to pit the real enemies against each other.
What I will say that stopped me from giving this 5 stars is the story itself is so wordy! There is so much detail going on in this book, most I feel isn't necessary. However, what I can tell from the way the author wrote this novel is his love for New Orleans. Yes there are tons of details that I feel don't adequately progress the story and just seem to stall out, but I feel the love that H. Max Hiller has and the devastation that was felt and still felt years after Hurricane Katrina ripped through Louisiana.
April 2, 2021
An intriguing detective story set in New Orleans. I have not read the previous 3 and wish I have. Although enough background is given the characters and their history with each other is an important part of the story. Cadillac Holland is my new favorite detective- gritty and will stop at nothing to keep his family and city safe. In this story he is trying to uncover who is behind the "strange going- ons" to mimic a gang war. I love that the corruption and the "seedy" side of the city are written honestly and compassionately. The city of New Orleans and it's food and unique atmosphere star in this story. However, it got tiresome to read about the Saints, the super bowl and references to Katrina. It became redundant and detracted from an otherwise fast-paced story. A great story with interesting characters that I recommend to those who love a great police drama.
March 31, 2021
Probably not where I should have started with this series. I havent read books 1-3 so I do wish I had done that so I got a better feel for everything. I had a unique opportunity to read this one and I am willing to go back and read the first at some point. I actually like Cadillac. He's a get in the dirt type and isn't necessarily swayed by "butt out" or "stop looking" warnings. He is somewhat a mystery though and thats to be expected from being a former intelligence operative in any capacity. I liked the mystery and it kept me intrigued through the book although I jumped into the deep end instead of starting at the shallow end haha. I recommend it but again suggest reading from the beginning.
December 29, 2022
another riveting and immersive mystery
I’ve been following H. Max Hiller’s Cadillac Holland Mysteries for a while now. Each one immerses me in the world of New Orleans post hurricane Katrina and the devastation it left. In this one a gang is on the loose and Holland has been ordered by a government agency to keep a tight lid on it. Only, that proves very difficult for the good detective to do especially when his loyalties are equally divided between the state police, the local police, and the people and city he lives. Working in the grey area, he manages to balance all three at the annoyance of chief of police Avery, his family, and his business partner.
I’ve been following H. Max Hiller’s Cadillac Holland Mysteries for a while now. Each one immerses me in the world of New Orleans post hurricane Katrina and the devastation it left. In this one a gang is on the loose and Holland has been ordered by a government agency to keep a tight lid on it. Only, that proves very difficult for the good detective to do especially when his loyalties are equally divided between the state police, the local police, and the people and city he lives. Working in the grey area, he manages to balance all three at the annoyance of chief of police Avery, his family, and his business partner.
October 30, 2017
You won't be disappointed
Even with the numerous errors this has been an enjoyable read. I hope the author takes the time to have a proper edit done to the series.
Even with the numerous errors this has been an enjoyable read. I hope the author takes the time to have a proper edit done to the series.
March 26, 2021
A thrilling suspense that drew me in from the first page. I loved how unpredictable and exciting the story was with so many twists and turns!
April 4, 2023
Very tense, very complicated. A little too much for me.
April 14, 2023
Interesting and complex plot. The main character has a lot of stories to juggle as he digs into a new arson case.
February 7, 2017
Ghosts and Shadows by H. Max Hiller is an exciting new read. This is the third novel in the detective series. I was able to easily follow along and understand the story. The plot was fast-paced, thrilling, and well-written. Immediately, the first page sucked me into it. I felt compelled to know more. The main character, Detective Coote, aka Cadillac, proved to be an interesting person. His background and current life hold promises that he can handle anything.
The plot took me into the heart of Louisiana. There, I found a mystery and several crimes that piqued my curiosity. Fires that have been saved as crime scenes were soon taken down...meaning the scenes were destroyed completely. Lost evidence and no investigation could take place. A fire bug who has the power to commit deadly crimes and get away with them, is the most creepy feeling of all. But it's just a theory or sothecharcaters think...Ghosts and Shadows is the perfect title to this suspenful yet intriguing book. I loved it. H. Max Hiller caught my attention and held it through every page. I can't wait to read more of his work. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to all.
The plot took me into the heart of Louisiana. There, I found a mystery and several crimes that piqued my curiosity. Fires that have been saved as crime scenes were soon taken down...meaning the scenes were destroyed completely. Lost evidence and no investigation could take place. A fire bug who has the power to commit deadly crimes and get away with them, is the most creepy feeling of all. But it's just a theory or sothecharcaters think...Ghosts and Shadows is the perfect title to this suspenful yet intriguing book. I loved it. H. Max Hiller caught my attention and held it through every page. I can't wait to read more of his work. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to all.
March 30, 2017
Be prepared for a thrilling ride. H. Max Hiller expertly weaves his way in storytelling, thrilling readers and immersing them in a complex web of mystery, then slowly uncovering each puzzle to set up a climactic ending.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read, despite it being a lengthy book. There was never a dull moment. I like how the author starts off with a simple arson crime, but slowly reveals that a much bigger plot is in the cards, played by people in much more powerful positions. Just when you think the case couldn't get much bigger, the author reveals another revelation that builds up the story further. Simply great writing.
I gathered this is the third book involving Detective Cooter Holland, but I did not feel lost at all. All characters were introduced properly and it wasn't difficult picking up the character backgrounds and where they stand in the story.
As for the characters, I'm really impressed with the lead character, for which the author has displayed his full expertise in the field of crime and investigation. Truthfully, I wouldn't mind a little more romantic spin in the story, whether for the lead characters or for a secondary character, to deflect the seriousness of the story a little bit. But since the 4 main leads already have respective pairs from the very beginning, it is understandable not to focus on this.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable, no-nonsense, action packed read. If you like police/detective investigation type of story, a complex plot and an explosive ending, get this one. You won't be disappointed for sure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read, despite it being a lengthy book. There was never a dull moment. I like how the author starts off with a simple arson crime, but slowly reveals that a much bigger plot is in the cards, played by people in much more powerful positions. Just when you think the case couldn't get much bigger, the author reveals another revelation that builds up the story further. Simply great writing.
I gathered this is the third book involving Detective Cooter Holland, but I did not feel lost at all. All characters were introduced properly and it wasn't difficult picking up the character backgrounds and where they stand in the story.
As for the characters, I'm really impressed with the lead character, for which the author has displayed his full expertise in the field of crime and investigation. Truthfully, I wouldn't mind a little more romantic spin in the story, whether for the lead characters or for a secondary character, to deflect the seriousness of the story a little bit. But since the 4 main leads already have respective pairs from the very beginning, it is understandable not to focus on this.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable, no-nonsense, action packed read. If you like police/detective investigation type of story, a complex plot and an explosive ending, get this one. You won't be disappointed for sure.
April 28, 2017
Title – Ghost and Shadows
Author – H. Max Hiller
Genre – Suspense, Mystery, Thriller,
Crime, Action Adventure
344 Amazon Pages
Rating 4 stars out of 5 Posted
23 - 2017
My Impressions: violent, good dialog, more special forces type characters, corrupt government agents, sometimes far fetched.
Main characters:
Cooter ‘Cadillac” Holland - age 42, ex Delta Force sniper with Dark Ops background, New Orleans Detective.
Chief Avery – New Orleans, LA Chief of Detectives.
Bradford Kinkaid – Deputy Director Homeland Security.
Tony Vento – Cooter’s best friend, chef in his and Cooter’s restaurant Strada Ammazarre, dark background in Afghanistan.
The story is told in Cooter’s first person point of view. The plot quickly breaks down to Det. Holland’s run in with Homeland Security and the involvement of two drug gangs. Cooter wants to avoid a gang war in New Orleans during Mardi Gras and the Saint’s football championship game. To accomplish this, he walks a fine line between doing his job and breaking the law. Finally, he and Tony revert to their black ops days to confront the bad guys. The action is frequent if sometimes far fetched. Cooter often injects himself into situations, like gunfights, and always walks away without a scratch.
As Cooter finds evidence of major criminal acts he is shut down by Dep. Director Kinkaid and tries to learn why. Eventually, he learns each group’s ulterior motives and figures out how to deal with all of the groups of vicious criminals involved.
Interaction with Cooter’s family and girlfriend add to the complexity of the plot and dilute the violent action.
The editing has issues with missing, misspelled, extra and wrong words used.
The story often lacks continuity with inconsistencies from one scene to another. Sentences in several scenes, especially near the end, are out of order and need to be reorganized. As is they weren’t sensible.
The writing style is good but wordy and repetitious.
I recommend this story if the reader can ignore the issues mentioned above.
This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Author – H. Max Hiller
Genre – Suspense, Mystery, Thriller,
Crime, Action Adventure
344 Amazon Pages
Rating 4 stars out of 5 Posted
23 - 2017
My Impressions: violent, good dialog, more special forces type characters, corrupt government agents, sometimes far fetched.
Main characters:
Cooter ‘Cadillac” Holland - age 42, ex Delta Force sniper with Dark Ops background, New Orleans Detective.
Chief Avery – New Orleans, LA Chief of Detectives.
Bradford Kinkaid – Deputy Director Homeland Security.
Tony Vento – Cooter’s best friend, chef in his and Cooter’s restaurant Strada Ammazarre, dark background in Afghanistan.
The story is told in Cooter’s first person point of view. The plot quickly breaks down to Det. Holland’s run in with Homeland Security and the involvement of two drug gangs. Cooter wants to avoid a gang war in New Orleans during Mardi Gras and the Saint’s football championship game. To accomplish this, he walks a fine line between doing his job and breaking the law. Finally, he and Tony revert to their black ops days to confront the bad guys. The action is frequent if sometimes far fetched. Cooter often injects himself into situations, like gunfights, and always walks away without a scratch.
As Cooter finds evidence of major criminal acts he is shut down by Dep. Director Kinkaid and tries to learn why. Eventually, he learns each group’s ulterior motives and figures out how to deal with all of the groups of vicious criminals involved.
Interaction with Cooter’s family and girlfriend add to the complexity of the plot and dilute the violent action.
The editing has issues with missing, misspelled, extra and wrong words used.
The story often lacks continuity with inconsistencies from one scene to another. Sentences in several scenes, especially near the end, are out of order and need to be reorganized. As is they weren’t sensible.
The writing style is good but wordy and repetitious.
I recommend this story if the reader can ignore the issues mentioned above.
This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews