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Special Tracking Unit #4
Echoes of the Dead
A group of missing friends forces 'Steps' Craig to contend with the most twisted killer he's ever encountered in Spencer Kope's Echoes of the Dead.
Magnus “Steps” Craig is the best 'tracker' in the world, renowned for his ability to follow a person's trail anywhere - no matter the terrain or how old the trail. Steps utilizes his unique talent as part of the elite three-man Special Tracking Unit of the FBI, which is called in on cases that require his unparalleled skills. But there’s a secret to his success. Steps has a kind of synesthesia where he can see the ‘essence’ of a person―which appears to him as a unique color or pattern he calls "shine"―on everything they’ve touched. It's a secret Steps has shared with a rare few people and could, if revealed, endanger not only himself but the unit that he serves.
Steps and the Special Tracking Unit are called in on a new case where the local law enforcement is baffled. Four friends have vanished while on their annual fly-fishing trip―a congressman, a district attorney, a CEO of a major accounting firm, and a cofounder of a successful hedge fund. Now, Steps must search some of the most treacherous terrain, the Sierra Nevada range, as one by one time begins to run out for the missing men. Desperate to save whoever they can, Steps and his team discover that this is no simple missing persons case, but one with sinister motivations unlike any they've seen before.
Magnus “Steps” Craig is the best 'tracker' in the world, renowned for his ability to follow a person's trail anywhere - no matter the terrain or how old the trail. Steps utilizes his unique talent as part of the elite three-man Special Tracking Unit of the FBI, which is called in on cases that require his unparalleled skills. But there’s a secret to his success. Steps has a kind of synesthesia where he can see the ‘essence’ of a person―which appears to him as a unique color or pattern he calls "shine"―on everything they’ve touched. It's a secret Steps has shared with a rare few people and could, if revealed, endanger not only himself but the unit that he serves.
Steps and the Special Tracking Unit are called in on a new case where the local law enforcement is baffled. Four friends have vanished while on their annual fly-fishing trip―a congressman, a district attorney, a CEO of a major accounting firm, and a cofounder of a successful hedge fund. Now, Steps must search some of the most treacherous terrain, the Sierra Nevada range, as one by one time begins to run out for the missing men. Desperate to save whoever they can, Steps and his team discover that this is no simple missing persons case, but one with sinister motivations unlike any they've seen before.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2021
11 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Spencer Kope
11 books224 followersI started writing while serving in the Navy in the early 80s. I was a Russian linguist with the Naval Security Group at a time when the Cold War was still going strong. After my enlistment, I worked as an intelligence analyst and then a project manager for the Office of Naval Intelligence. You'd think this experience would have led me to write espionage novels, but it wasn't meant to be. Mind you I tried, but my heart wasn't in it.
Instead, I wrote horror stories and tales of a dystopian future. There were plenty of short stories, attempts at novels, and then novels. And while I've always had an incredible imagination, my early writing skills were pathetic.
It's been said that to become a master at anything, one need only practice that art for ten thousand hours. Well, it's taken three decades, but I've walked that road; I've done my ten thousand hours. I'm no longer afraid to share my work, and I find that my own words can make me smile, laugh, and even bring me to tears. Often, particularly when I'm supposed to be editing, I find myself being sucked into my own story.
I finally quit the intelligence business in 1999, and, beginning in 2004, started a new career as a crime analsyt. And while I still enjoy writing a variety of genres, particularly young adult, my career in law enforcement prompted me to write "Collecting the Dead," the first in a series about the fictional Special Tracking Unit.
Named by Kirkus Reviews as one of the Best Books of 2016, and nominated for a Barry Award for Best Thriller, "Collecting the Dead" launched the new series with a bang. Best of all, I love the characters and the premise of the series, and look forward to writing these books for years to come.
Instead, I wrote horror stories and tales of a dystopian future. There were plenty of short stories, attempts at novels, and then novels. And while I've always had an incredible imagination, my early writing skills were pathetic.
It's been said that to become a master at anything, one need only practice that art for ten thousand hours. Well, it's taken three decades, but I've walked that road; I've done my ten thousand hours. I'm no longer afraid to share my work, and I find that my own words can make me smile, laugh, and even bring me to tears. Often, particularly when I'm supposed to be editing, I find myself being sucked into my own story.
I finally quit the intelligence business in 1999, and, beginning in 2004, started a new career as a crime analsyt. And while I still enjoy writing a variety of genres, particularly young adult, my career in law enforcement prompted me to write "Collecting the Dead," the first in a series about the fictional Special Tracking Unit.
Named by Kirkus Reviews as one of the Best Books of 2016, and nominated for a Barry Award for Best Thriller, "Collecting the Dead" launched the new series with a bang. Best of all, I love the characters and the premise of the series, and look forward to writing these books for years to come.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 9, 2021
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Spencer Kope, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Spencer Kope returns with his fourth novel in this unique crime procedural series, using the abilities of two men to track people down using their own personal skills. The Special Tracking Unit is known around the country for their abilities, but it is the work of Magnus ‘Steps’ Craig, who can see ‘shine’ that adds new depth to the investigation. This may be the more harrowing case yet, with dead ends and a mysterious undertone that connects all those involved. Kope keeps getting better the more this series progresses.
Four men have been enjoying an annual fishing trip for the past two decades. It’s a way to escape their daily lives and enjoy a little camaraderie. When they don’t check in at the expected time, families worry and calls are made. Due to the notoriety of one man on the trip, Washington becomes involved, which means a call to the Special Tracking Unit.
Jimmy Donovan and Magnus ‘Steps’ Craig comprise the Unit, working together to locate those who have gone missing. Steps has a special ability, seeing each person’s unique ‘shine’ or glimmer they emit, which helps with tracking and forensic progression. However, it’s also a detriment, as has become apparent in cases past. Together, they travel to California and begin their investigation, only to land in the middle of something odd.
When one of the victims is apparently found on a park bench, things soon turn baffling. It’s not actually the victim, but a man who has recently died and been buried. This body, having been placed in a coffin, is now out and wearing one of the missing men’s clothes. As Steps and Donovan follow the local authorities, it’s revealed that this has been a body swap and someone was buried alive.
Unsure what to make of the killer or their antics, Steps and Donovan must continue working, trying to hone in on anything, including shine, to get answers. After a second body is discovered, it’s a race to learn the motive and rationale. What may be a political connection could also be something completely different, which only complicates the investigation. Time is running out and the body count keeps mounting.
I discovered Spencer Kope’s books and could not get enough of this unique take on the crime procedural genre. There is something refreshing about a unique take, while still keeping the reader completely attached to the story. Kope writes well and leaves the reader eager to see what awaits in this non-stop novels.
Steps and Donovan surely take centre stage in this piece, using their skills to track down not only the four missing men, but a killer with an axe to grind. While there is a little backstory when it comes to Steps, that is mostly a means of reminding readers what’s happened to him. Personal and professional growth is key in this novel, occurring throughout and keeping the series fan glued to what is to come. As the novels have progressed, I have become more attached to both men, eager to see what awaits and how they will progress.
Kope uses a strong writing style and sinister crime to lure readers into the middle of this piece. There’s nothing like a crime thriller to get the blood pumping, but it is the uniqueness of solving it that adds something special. A great narrative, with constant movement, helps catapult Kope to the top of the genre, while the story never loses focus on what’s important. One would not think that tracking the missing and those who have committed crimes could be so intriguing, though Spencer Kope has found a way, so much so that I cannot wait to see what he’s got coming in the future.
Kudos, Mr. Kope, for another winner. I can only hope that others will discover this series and find the same enjoyment .
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/ec...
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Spencer Kope returns with his fourth novel in this unique crime procedural series, using the abilities of two men to track people down using their own personal skills. The Special Tracking Unit is known around the country for their abilities, but it is the work of Magnus ‘Steps’ Craig, who can see ‘shine’ that adds new depth to the investigation. This may be the more harrowing case yet, with dead ends and a mysterious undertone that connects all those involved. Kope keeps getting better the more this series progresses.
Four men have been enjoying an annual fishing trip for the past two decades. It’s a way to escape their daily lives and enjoy a little camaraderie. When they don’t check in at the expected time, families worry and calls are made. Due to the notoriety of one man on the trip, Washington becomes involved, which means a call to the Special Tracking Unit.
Jimmy Donovan and Magnus ‘Steps’ Craig comprise the Unit, working together to locate those who have gone missing. Steps has a special ability, seeing each person’s unique ‘shine’ or glimmer they emit, which helps with tracking and forensic progression. However, it’s also a detriment, as has become apparent in cases past. Together, they travel to California and begin their investigation, only to land in the middle of something odd.
When one of the victims is apparently found on a park bench, things soon turn baffling. It’s not actually the victim, but a man who has recently died and been buried. This body, having been placed in a coffin, is now out and wearing one of the missing men’s clothes. As Steps and Donovan follow the local authorities, it’s revealed that this has been a body swap and someone was buried alive.
Unsure what to make of the killer or their antics, Steps and Donovan must continue working, trying to hone in on anything, including shine, to get answers. After a second body is discovered, it’s a race to learn the motive and rationale. What may be a political connection could also be something completely different, which only complicates the investigation. Time is running out and the body count keeps mounting.
I discovered Spencer Kope’s books and could not get enough of this unique take on the crime procedural genre. There is something refreshing about a unique take, while still keeping the reader completely attached to the story. Kope writes well and leaves the reader eager to see what awaits in this non-stop novels.
Steps and Donovan surely take centre stage in this piece, using their skills to track down not only the four missing men, but a killer with an axe to grind. While there is a little backstory when it comes to Steps, that is mostly a means of reminding readers what’s happened to him. Personal and professional growth is key in this novel, occurring throughout and keeping the series fan glued to what is to come. As the novels have progressed, I have become more attached to both men, eager to see what awaits and how they will progress.
Kope uses a strong writing style and sinister crime to lure readers into the middle of this piece. There’s nothing like a crime thriller to get the blood pumping, but it is the uniqueness of solving it that adds something special. A great narrative, with constant movement, helps catapult Kope to the top of the genre, while the story never loses focus on what’s important. One would not think that tracking the missing and those who have committed crimes could be so intriguing, though Spencer Kope has found a way, so much so that I cannot wait to see what he’s got coming in the future.
Kudos, Mr. Kope, for another winner. I can only hope that others will discover this series and find the same enjoyment .
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/ec...
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
November 3, 2021
I have rules about cemeteries.
Well... now I have rules about cemeteries. I may have just made them up, but they still apply. The main rule, the most important rule, is that if someone starts to run, you follow. You don't pause to assess the situation; you don't worry about looking silly or scared, you just run. At a minimum, you need to run as fast as the person you're following; that way you don't get left behind. Getting left behind is bad.
If you can run faster, that's even better.
I've seen some odd things that I can't explain during my time with the Special Tracking Unit, things revealed by shine that convince me there's something beyond death. This should be comforting news, and it usually is, but not when I'm standing in a graveyard on the cusp of night.
There's a certain genre of book that really had it's peak around the 2000's - books like the Charlie Parker series, Nelson Demille's John Corey novels, the Carson Ryder books - my first real introduction to novels about serial killers and the men that chase them. Like YA, there's only a few authors of this genre I'll still read today - snarky male protagonists and diabolical genius killers get a little samey - and Spencer Kope has written a series that I'm absolutely hooked on.
We do have a snarky male protagonist, but Steps is unusual for more than just his ability to see shine - he's a little more thoughtful, and not afraid to be a civilian among the sea of law enforcement he usually finds himself in. The everyday considerations of his talent are also well done, not intrusive, but bring up some interesting points that made me really see the downside of being able to see every trace of human contact with your surroundings (motel rooms - need I say more?)
There was a bit of a lack of that ability having much bearing on the case this time, but I still found this a solid entry in the series. It's nice to have a set of books that reliably work for some crimey, bantery entertainment, so I'll definitely be back for the next.
Well... now I have rules about cemeteries. I may have just made them up, but they still apply. The main rule, the most important rule, is that if someone starts to run, you follow. You don't pause to assess the situation; you don't worry about looking silly or scared, you just run. At a minimum, you need to run as fast as the person you're following; that way you don't get left behind. Getting left behind is bad.
If you can run faster, that's even better.
I've seen some odd things that I can't explain during my time with the Special Tracking Unit, things revealed by shine that convince me there's something beyond death. This should be comforting news, and it usually is, but not when I'm standing in a graveyard on the cusp of night.
There's a certain genre of book that really had it's peak around the 2000's - books like the Charlie Parker series, Nelson Demille's John Corey novels, the Carson Ryder books - my first real introduction to novels about serial killers and the men that chase them. Like YA, there's only a few authors of this genre I'll still read today - snarky male protagonists and diabolical genius killers get a little samey - and Spencer Kope has written a series that I'm absolutely hooked on.
We do have a snarky male protagonist, but Steps is unusual for more than just his ability to see shine - he's a little more thoughtful, and not afraid to be a civilian among the sea of law enforcement he usually finds himself in. The everyday considerations of his talent are also well done, not intrusive, but bring up some interesting points that made me really see the downside of being able to see every trace of human contact with your surroundings (motel rooms - need I say more?)
There was a bit of a lack of that ability having much bearing on the case this time, but I still found this a solid entry in the series. It's nice to have a set of books that reliably work for some crimey, bantery entertainment, so I'll definitely be back for the next.
June 16, 2022
This book is #4 in the series and I previously read #3 a couple of years ago. To recap the basis for the stories, "Steps" Craig is a tracker for the FBI's Elite Special Tracking Unit. When Steps was 8 years old, he froze to death in a blizzard. Yes, he died. When he was revived, he came back with a special ability. He sees people's "shine" with each person's shine being unique. The only thing that stops him from seeing this all the time is lead crystal so he wears lead crystal eyeglasses except when at a crime scene. You can count on one hand the number of people who are aware he has this ability. Steps' partner is Special Agent Jimmy Donovan and Diane is the intelligence agent back at the office.
In this story, 4 college friends - a CEO accountant, a congressman, a deputy district attorney, and a hedge fund founder - reunite every year for their fishing event. They are all missing from the river in California where they always camp and fish. The tracking unit is called in because they are missing from an area where they couldn't possibly be missing. Something else must be going on here.
This book has been on my list to read in 2021 and, due to a lull in new books arriving at the library, I caught a break to finally read it. Characters I like, good mystery, good police work - all reasons I enjoyed this book. Be prepared for gruesome scenes and graphic autopsies. This killer is depraved. There's no way to figure out ahead of time who the killer is and that's something else I like in a story. By the way, Steps loves books!
In this story, 4 college friends - a CEO accountant, a congressman, a deputy district attorney, and a hedge fund founder - reunite every year for their fishing event. They are all missing from the river in California where they always camp and fish. The tracking unit is called in because they are missing from an area where they couldn't possibly be missing. Something else must be going on here.
This book has been on my list to read in 2021 and, due to a lull in new books arriving at the library, I caught a break to finally read it. Characters I like, good mystery, good police work - all reasons I enjoyed this book. Be prepared for gruesome scenes and graphic autopsies. This killer is depraved. There's no way to figure out ahead of time who the killer is and that's something else I like in a story. By the way, Steps loves books!
October 18, 2021
I have been hooked on this series from the first book! Steps and his synesthesia are utterly fascinating to me.
The premise of this book is: "Four friends have vanished while on their annual fly-fishing trip—a congressman, a district attorney, a CEO of a major accounting firm, and a co-founder of a successful hedge fund." The FBI's Special Tracking Unit, which is made up of Jimmy Donovan, Magnus “Steps” Craig, and aided by the brilliant Diane (who is able to find anything there is to be found on the internet) is called upon to determine where the missing men are. What begins as a missing persons case turns into a case that is as gruesome as the pacing is relentless! (I honestly don't remember the previous books as being quite as disturbing.)
Having said that, however, I still love this unique series and can't wait to see what's next!
The premise of this book is: "Four friends have vanished while on their annual fly-fishing trip—a congressman, a district attorney, a CEO of a major accounting firm, and a co-founder of a successful hedge fund." The FBI's Special Tracking Unit, which is made up of Jimmy Donovan, Magnus “Steps” Craig, and aided by the brilliant Diane (who is able to find anything there is to be found on the internet) is called upon to determine where the missing men are. What begins as a missing persons case turns into a case that is as gruesome as the pacing is relentless! (I honestly don't remember the previous books as being quite as disturbing.)
Having said that, however, I still love this unique series and can't wait to see what's next!
October 21, 2021
Walking the thin line between the natural and the supernatural can be very risky. Once again the author crossed the chasm successfully.
This was more of a police procedural. The 'Shine' was a sub plot.
Steps, Jimmy, and Diane make a great trio.
The ending. I have to wait a year for the next book? Oh, come on!
Read book one to better understand the 'Shine'
This was more of a police procedural. The 'Shine' was a sub plot.
Steps, Jimmy, and Diane make a great trio.
The ending. I have to wait a year for the next book? Oh, come on!
Read book one to better understand the 'Shine'
October 15, 2021
I love this series and this was an awesome addition to it! Many thanks to the publisher for this copy:)
October 5, 2021
Echoes of the Dead is the 4rth book in the Special Tracking Unit. This can be read as a stand-alone. I have been a fan of this series from the beginning. This book had it all. It was fast-paced with an interesting plot. The characters are well developed. Steps, is such a unique character, it is a refreshing addition to the crime genre. His portrayal of moments of emotion, fear, anger and witty banter makes him human.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Spencer Kope for a copy of "Echoes of the Dead" in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Spencer Kope for a copy of "Echoes of the Dead" in exchange of a fair and honest review.
January 23, 2023
"Echoes of the Dead" - written by Spencer Kope and published in 2021 by Minotaur Books, St Martin's Publishing Group. Magnus "Steps" Craig and his FBI pal Jimmy Donovan are on the case again as members of the FBI's Special Tracking Unit. Instead of using the keen skills of a dog, they use Steps' magical gift of seeing color shadows specific to each person that persist wherever they go, an interesting construct. This time they are looking into the disappearance of a quartet of fishing buddies who have failed to check in. It's a gory story, too much torture for me, but I do like the way Steps, Jimmy and their crack researcher Diane work together.
November 10, 2021
The writing is really good, and I love these characters. But I didn’t feel like Steps had to use “shine” much in this book, and that’s a disappointment! It’s the most interesting aspect of the series, and it really wasn’t needed here. I also thought this book was really gruesome, and I got a bit uncomfortable reading it towards the end.
October 14, 2021
This is the fourth book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. Spencer Kope offers a unique crime thriller with a hint of sci-fi. The storyline is fast-paced and intriguing as the “team” sets out to investigate a series of murders. Kope’s refreshing approach and main character’s peculiarity makes the narrative standout in an overcrowded genre. Love this series.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC of #EchoesofTheDead which was read and reviewed voluntarily.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC of #EchoesofTheDead which was read and reviewed voluntarily.
October 2, 2021
It's almost as if Spencer Kope read my mind. I've often wondered about killers who had someone in their childhoods treat them horribly... why couldn't they kill the persons who abused them instead of annihilating so many innocent people? In Echoes of the Dead, he takes this thought of mine, turns it on its head a bit, and runs with it.
Due to his synesthesia, Steps Craig is an old soul in a young man's body, and this fourth book in the Special Tracking Unit series finally shows readers that his personal life is taking some very important, and very beneficial, strides forward. I always enjoy reading how he and partner Jimmy Donovan (one of the few who know his secret) work together, and in this book, they get some first-rate help from a member of local law enforcement.
The violence in Echoes of the Dead seems to have been raised a notch or two, which will make it very uncomfortable for those readers who have a low tolerance for such things, but although I had a moment or two of unease, I am the type of reader who only becomes more determined to catch the killer when this happens. I also noticed something that will please readers who shun anything that has the slightest appearance of the paranormal. In this book, "shine"-- the colorful essence of the killer-- is no longer the primary way to identify the killer. Now "shine" is more of a "stamp of approval" that their leads have brought them to the right person. For me, "shine" works either way because I also like watching Jimmy and Steps try to find legal ways to prove what it's been telling them all along.
Was catching this killer satisfying? You betcha. Now I'm looking forward to the next book, especially because of the cliffhanger this one ended on. Bring it on!
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
Due to his synesthesia, Steps Craig is an old soul in a young man's body, and this fourth book in the Special Tracking Unit series finally shows readers that his personal life is taking some very important, and very beneficial, strides forward. I always enjoy reading how he and partner Jimmy Donovan (one of the few who know his secret) work together, and in this book, they get some first-rate help from a member of local law enforcement.
The violence in Echoes of the Dead seems to have been raised a notch or two, which will make it very uncomfortable for those readers who have a low tolerance for such things, but although I had a moment or two of unease, I am the type of reader who only becomes more determined to catch the killer when this happens. I also noticed something that will please readers who shun anything that has the slightest appearance of the paranormal. In this book, "shine"-- the colorful essence of the killer-- is no longer the primary way to identify the killer. Now "shine" is more of a "stamp of approval" that their leads have brought them to the right person. For me, "shine" works either way because I also like watching Jimmy and Steps try to find legal ways to prove what it's been telling them all along.
Was catching this killer satisfying? You betcha. Now I'm looking forward to the next book, especially because of the cliffhanger this one ended on. Bring it on!
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
October 11, 2021
There was very little actual tracking in this book. His ability to see shine was used more for verification than direction, so he couldn't really share it with anybody but his partner. Once they were no longer needed for tracking purposes, I don't understand why they were allowed to continue to be part of the team trying to solve the mystery. The brutality of the details got to me. I didn't enjoy this book as much as the previous ones, but it is still a good read. I hope in the next book they finally solve and bring an end to the Leonardo character. I'm not a fan of a long, drawn out subplot!
November 2, 2021
Gory in a gross way.
And, still handicapped by the premise behind the series:
1. Gruesome murder(s)
2. Steps sees unique shine
3. Steps natters on like a human wikipedia about boring off-topic subjects
4. Steps follows shine to killer
Read Wen Spencer's compelling Ukiah Oregon tracker novels instead.
And, still handicapped by the premise behind the series:
1. Gruesome murder(s)
2. Steps sees unique shine
3. Steps natters on like a human wikipedia about boring off-topic subjects
4. Steps follows shine to killer
Read Wen Spencer's compelling Ukiah Oregon tracker novels instead.
September 25, 2021
I was excited to learn that Spencer Kope’s Special Tracking Unit Novels now number four! Kope set up the fourth in the series so that it can be read as a standalone, but you will probably want to go back and read the rest.
Magnus “Steps” Craig is unique as a tracker because he alone can see the “shine” left behind by the killer—a special color that identifies the killer’s presence. Steps acquired the ability as a youngster after a traumatic event, and he tells only those who need to know, most specifically his FBI partner, Jimmy Donovan. Now he’s pondering whether to tell his fiancee.
In this high-tension thriller, the team is challenged by the disappearance of four high-profile men who have met annually for years to share a fly-fishing expedition. One is a congressman and medical doctor, one the LA district attorney of Major Crimes The other two are a San Jose accounting executive and the cofounder of a hedge fund. And when the first body is found, the race to save the rest is pushed to the limit.
Be forewarned that there are some disturbing scenes of gruesome violence. But the research and procedural decisions that keep the investigation moving, the backstories of the four potential victims, and the insights into a twisted killer’s mind and motivation are fascinating and memorable.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.
Magnus “Steps” Craig is unique as a tracker because he alone can see the “shine” left behind by the killer—a special color that identifies the killer’s presence. Steps acquired the ability as a youngster after a traumatic event, and he tells only those who need to know, most specifically his FBI partner, Jimmy Donovan. Now he’s pondering whether to tell his fiancee.
In this high-tension thriller, the team is challenged by the disappearance of four high-profile men who have met annually for years to share a fly-fishing expedition. One is a congressman and medical doctor, one the LA district attorney of Major Crimes The other two are a San Jose accounting executive and the cofounder of a hedge fund. And when the first body is found, the race to save the rest is pushed to the limit.
Be forewarned that there are some disturbing scenes of gruesome violence. But the research and procedural decisions that keep the investigation moving, the backstories of the four potential victims, and the insights into a twisted killer’s mind and motivation are fascinating and memorable.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.
October 2, 2021
Well. FBI SA "Steps" Craig has the unusual ability to see the aura of a killer (go with it) finds himself with a twisted and urgent case when he, along with his partner Jimmy Donovan, goes on an urgent search for four high profile men who have gone missing from a fishing trip. Make that three, because one of the men, accountant Jason Norris, is found murdered and posed. Who is left? Marco Perez is a Congressman, Wade Winchell is a deputy DA, and Noah Long is a hedge find manager. No spoilers from me as to why they were targeted. There's violence (it's gruesome in spots) that adds to the pacing of the novel. I'd not read this series, making this a standalone, and it was a good one. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. This would be a great travel book (it's a page turner).
September 26, 2021
Readers, get ready to come face to face with one of the most twisted, diabolical creature I have read about in a long time. Talk about convoluted revenge!
Magnus, “Steps” Craig and his Special Tracking Unit is on the hunt for four missing friends, including a Congressman. With his special ability to see the tracks of the perpetrator or “shine” as he dubs it, Steps follows this unique shine to an evil creature that will make your skin crawl. But will he be on time?
This book comes out next month and if the ending is any indication, we haven’t seen the last of the Special Tracking Unit.
Magnus, “Steps” Craig and his Special Tracking Unit is on the hunt for four missing friends, including a Congressman. With his special ability to see the tracks of the perpetrator or “shine” as he dubs it, Steps follows this unique shine to an evil creature that will make your skin crawl. But will he be on time?
This book comes out next month and if the ending is any indication, we haven’t seen the last of the Special Tracking Unit.
April 3, 2022
Started off at four stars for the first 30%. Excellent start with the personal stuff. By the halfway mark, i see a flaw. Witnesses weren't interviewed and it would have sped up information collection! Why??? We would have learned the identity much easier but it would not have provided the why. Big flaw for me. Seems like there's a genre of crime with solutions found by accident and not by investigation. This one is it. Quite saddened by it. Steps and Diana are underutilized. Such a waste. Hey, it's three stars because I'm invested in the characters. So it's biased. Hopefully the next one will be good.
Oh, shout out to the factoids included here:
1. Different types of twilight - civil, nautical and astronomical
2. Interview techniques - Reid technique and peace techniques, with "the true measure of an interviewer is results."
3. Special mention of walk in the clouds. Thumbs up for remembering this delightful old world movie.
Oh, shout out to the factoids included here:
1. Different types of twilight - civil, nautical and astronomical
2. Interview techniques - Reid technique and peace techniques, with "the true measure of an interviewer is results."
3. Special mention of walk in the clouds. Thumbs up for remembering this delightful old world movie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2022
A three person team of FBI man-hunters are assigned to the disappearance of a congressman and his three fishing buddies. When two of these friends show up dead, the urgency ratchets up. Magnus "Steps" Craig's expertise as a tracker is enhanced by a weird gift to see the colored residue left behind from footprints and handprints, with each person imparting a unique hue. The book is very exciting and there are lots of tense moments which are extremely well written. The main characters are all likeable and make intelligent decisions and well-reasoned deductions. The story is well-plotted, with some unexpected twists, and moves at a rapid pace. The book loses steam when it moves to the bad guy's perspective; like a lot of suspense books, the author has difficulty making the villain interesting. He is just really, really evil. There are also a couple of wild deductions that fortuitously pan out. That being said, the rest of the book is very good.
June 30, 2023
Barn burner is a term that means quite exciting. With Echoes of the Dead, that is an understatement.
Steps and Johnny are really well matched and, as Steps tells us in this book, somewhat like an old married couple who have to say little to converse. They do a lot of low level and non verbal communicating.
Exciting, suspenseful and at times quite poignant. Other times this book makes you smile. The ending made me late for dinner; I couldn't stop reading until the end. (The book was better than dinner - chicken Alfredo, a bit dry though tasty enough, and they've been out of 1,000 Island for my salad for over a week!)
This is a short review because the book is just so damned good it's beyond me to describe it well.
Leonardo
Leonardo
Leonardo
Read this book, and the previous one, Shadows of the Dead to see what that's all about.
Happy reading.
Steps and Johnny are really well matched and, as Steps tells us in this book, somewhat like an old married couple who have to say little to converse. They do a lot of low level and non verbal communicating.
Exciting, suspenseful and at times quite poignant. Other times this book makes you smile. The ending made me late for dinner; I couldn't stop reading until the end. (The book was better than dinner - chicken Alfredo, a bit dry though tasty enough, and they've been out of 1,000 Island for my salad for over a week!)
This is a short review because the book is just so damned good it's beyond me to describe it well.
Leonardo
Leonardo
Leonardo
Read this book, and the previous one, Shadows of the Dead to see what that's all about.
Happy reading.
November 23, 2021
Always a good visit with Steps and Jimmy from the FBI's Special Tracking Unit CHs well-developed and Steps URN is benign, self-aware, and humorous. Supporting cast great, crime procedure excellently detailed without being overwhelming. Quick pace with lots of dialogue and enough action, twisty plot as they follow their trail, and the places they visit (Bakersfield CA here) vibrantly described. Even the bad guys and they are an evil violent bunch in this series leap from the pages. For a change, Step's "gift" takes a bit of aback seat even if used to verify their thoughts on who the culprit is and if you need to ask what that gift is--read the first 3 in the series. Nice set-up at the end with the one serial killer who scares them the most--Leonardo--coming for them.
May 16, 2022
The 4th in the Special Tracking Unit series, finds FBI Magnus "Steps" Craig and the other investigators in a race against time to find a congressman and his 3 friends who have disappeared on a fishing trip. The excellent police procedural, as always, is made more interesting by Steps' peculiar form of synesthesia -- he actually sees the colors a person leaves behind when they have touched something. The crimes are a bit gruesome, but, they are offset by clever humor and repartee among the protagonists.
Fans might also like the Mark Lapslie mysteries by Nigel McGrery.
Fans might also like the Mark Lapslie mysteries by Nigel McGrery.
October 9, 2021
Once again Kope knocked it out of the park. So much going on, as it takes a little bizarre twist and turns. The gang has their hands full on this one. Seeing how they are all handling this one is funny and scary as hell.
Good old Stu, Marty, Ellis and Heather even get a good time in this one. My hero was Roller got to Steps, just like Heather did made Steps appreciate the smaller things you have.
Good old Stu, Marty, Ellis and Heather even get a good time in this one. My hero was Roller got to Steps, just like Heather did made Steps appreciate the smaller things you have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2022
Four friends mysteriously disappear and a tracking team is bought in to help solve the case. Brutal murders take place and a focus is placed on a human smuggler. Magnus Craig has some uncanny ability to notice 'shine' at crime scenes and everywhere he goes. It was helpful in this novel to count out a suspect. It is hard to believe that one person was behind the murders in the story. The motive behind the crime spree was chilling. There was some good news in the end.
October 29, 2022
I enjoyed this book. It’s interesting how Steps and Jimmy track a killer. However in this book they seem to get a few “lucky breaks”. I miss the relationships that make this series fun. The relationship between Steps and Jimmy, along with Diane and their pilots as well as how they connect with local law enforcement are endearing. It ends with making the reader believe that there will be at least one more case for the team to solve; this one close to home!!
December 28, 2021
I'm not as happy with this book as the ones before, Even though I love Steps, his humor, his life story and his job. The story was so good but it felt like they were all in a stupid state of mind, not following leads and Steps wasn't using his abilities were he could have. I enjoyed the charters that were in this book and hope to see them again. I feel a bit let down.
May 19, 2022
Stumbled across this in the "New Book" section of our local library. A well crafted thriller/FBI procedural. I found the concept of "shine" something I've never run into before in years of reading mysteries. Even though this was Book 4 in the series, I had no trouble following the main characters or their relationship to each other. I'm definitely going to start with Book 1 next.
June 25, 2022
This is my first book in this series, and while I was attracted to the tracking aspect of the main characters, the story itself carried a level of gratuitous violence (yes, I know, it is a murder mystery, so someone at least has to die by the hand of another, but this is next level, and if that is a feature of the series, it it not for me). Writing not bad, and interesting protagonists.
November 19, 2021
I “enjoy” reading this series. I very much like the characters and the way they solve the crimes. This crime was certainly elaborate, maybe a bit over the top, but interesting to solve. Another book well done.
January 14, 2022
A compelling story and well written. Just grittier than I'm comfortable with - had to skim a few sections. I enjoyed the humor, as well as the warm and loving relationships that redeem the dark plotline.
January 31, 2022
I read this book in 2 days. I couldnt put it down. I was in the back seat of the convertible the whole time going to the crime scences with them !! It was intense. So far this is MY best book of the year.
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