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With enough suspects to fill a stadium, Detective Jack Lisbon must race against time to find a cold and calculated killer.

A popular sports coach lies shattered on the road. The brazen hit-and-run murder sends shock waves through Yorkville.

After years of waiting, the struggling Scorpions basketball franchise is finally knocking on the door of its first ever championship title. The community of Yorkville is united behind the home team, spirits are high.

But with the playoffs in sight, their coach Dale Collins is mowed down in broad daylight. The killers leave no trace – no DNA, no prints, no clues, nothing. 

Ex-boxer DS Jack Lisbon and his partner DC Claudia Taylor must unravel dark secrets and long-standing grudges to peel back the layers of this baffling mystery. If those obstacles aren't enough, Jack has to battle his own personal demons that threaten to cripple him at every turn.

With the long list of suspects all harboring a motive, Detectives Lisbon and Taylor pull no punches to find the killers.

Justice served with a side order of vengeance.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2021

366 people are currently reading
168 people want to read

About the author

Blair Denholm

23 books225 followers
Blair Denholm is a freelance writer and translator who has lived in Moscow, New York, Munich, Abu Dhabi and Australia. He has written content for commercial websites and done corporate voice-over work in English and Russian.

His first novel in the Gary Braswell series, SOLD, was released by Clan Destine Press in November 2017 and is getting rave reviews. He is also working on a murder mystery based on a real event that occurred in Moscow in the late 1980s.

Blair interpreted for the Reagan-Gorbachev summit in Moscow, translated for the Sochi Winter Olympics and voted in a foreign election despite having no eligibility to do so. He was also almost lost at sea on a dilapidated Russian fishing boat sailing from Hobart to New Zealand. He currently resides in the beautiful Southern Downs district in Queensland with his partner Sandra and two crazy canines.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Matt.
4,838 reviews13.1k followers
April 13, 2022
Continuing my exploration of Blair Denholm’s DS Jack Lisbon series, I turned to the second full-length novel. This one was just as impactful as the series debut, with a similar dose of grit and suspense. When a man is struck by a passing vehicle, he is seriously injured and soon dies. What could have been an accident is soon ruled to be something more nefarious, as witnesses see the driver flee on foot to avoid being caught. Enter DS Jack Lisbon and his team, who soon realise that the man had ties to a local professional basketball league. Could someone have wanted him dead, or was this all a freak one-off by someone who is too scared to admit their mistake? Denholm piles on the mystery as he adds depth to the series throughout.

Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon has settled into Australia quite nicely, though there are times he still misses life back at the London Met. He’s adjusting well and making a name for himself amongst the moments of his team, but there is nothing like home around the holidays season. Such is the plight of a man who had to start afresh after some troubles on the home front.

When DS Lisbon and others are called to the scene of a hit and run, where the victim was a pedestrian who was apparently targeted by a driver, things do not look good. Witnesses say that the driver not only appeared to target the victim, but also fled on foot once everything went down. Lisbon cannot help but wonder if there’s more to the story than a panicked driver who made one fatal mistake.

The victim has ties to the professional basketball league in Australia, which is not only full of talent, but also full of those who are keen to place wagers on various games. DS Lisbon cannot help but wonder if there might be something to that, where betting and high-stakes gambling could play a sinister role in causing the death of someone. Revenge has never been far from Lisbon’s mind, but there could also be an easier explanation, though it will take more investigating and searching for clues before anything deemed a ‘slam dunk’. Blair Denholm does a wonderful job with this second novel in the series, attracting the attention of many readers with ease.

I enjoy discovering new authors and was pleased when Blair Denholm crossed my radar. Having been recommended to me by another great author, I took the leap without much hesitation. Denholm cannot only write a wonderful novel, but he does so with apparent ease, keeping the reader entertained throughout as he spins a tale full of intrigue and just enough grit to keep the reader on their toes. I am eager to keep pushing ahead, as I cannot get enough of these novels and their protagonist, DS Jack Lisbon.

There is a great deal going on for DS Jack Lisbon, particularly as he tries to acclimate himself to life in Australia. Having left behind many dangers in the United Kiingdom—described in detail for those who read the two prequel novellas—Lisbon has put all his eggs into this basket, hoping for a fresh start on the other side of the world. I can only hope that Denholm will soon take the time to explore the connection between Lisbon and his daughter a little more, rather than simply using small parts of a chapter or two to acknowledge her presence in the United Kingdom and use that as an emotional thorn for the protagonist to remember. Surely, there could be something worthwhile by expanding on this, even if it is only a sub-plot throughout one of the upcoming novels.

Blair Denholm knows his craft and utilises all the tools at his disposal to develop a strong story worth the reader’s time. The narrative sets the momentum in the early chapters and this does not wane at any point thereafter. Denholm creates some memorable characters, who complement Lisbon in his protagonist role and serve to bridge the story through its various twists. A straightforward plot did the job and permitted the reader to forge onwards without getting too confused. Denholm shows that the series is well on its way to working effectively and I have enjoyed everything that has been published to date. Let’s see what else is in store for the reader with the coming novels, including the ARC, which led me on this journey.

Kudos, Mr. Denholm, for developing such an easy to reader series. Let’s see what else is to come.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Ellie Spencer (catching up from hiatus).
280 reviews395 followers
May 1, 2021
Another great addition to the Jack Lisbon series!

Shot Clock follows Lisbon and Taylor as they fight to find the killers of a local football coach. The murder was meticulously planned and there seems to be little evidence to go on.

I love the way that Blair Denholm writes. I find it easy to read and it never feels like an effort or a chore. I just want to devour this series. I also love the character of Jack, he is so deeply complex. He is by no means the perfectly angelic hero cop. He has a dark side and he is fully aware of it. I love the relationship/companionship that he shares with Taylor and I’m hoping that we might get to see more of this in future books!

I am an avid thriller fan. It is my go to genre. What I love about these novels is the incorporation of different sports. I’ve never been a particularly sporty person, but these books open my eyes to a world I’ve been missing. I’ve learnt a lot of new things that I did not know about the world of fighting and basketball and I can’t wait to learn more about new sports in the future books!

I would recommend these books to anyone that enjoys a murder mystery/detective thriller, with a slice of something different! I am so grateful to have been given a review copy of this book so that I could give my personal opinion.
Profile Image for Todd Simpson.
832 reviews35 followers
March 31, 2021
Another fabulous book from this talented Author. I’m so glad that I discovered this series, Jack Lisbon is a legend. He has his own style of policing, and he’s always on the verge of saying or doing the wrong thing. However, he’s relentless and brilliant at what he does. Blair Denholm has put together a great group of characters, along with a very entertaining plot. Loved it.
It didn’t take detective Jack Lisbon long to work out that the hit and run he been called out to was definitely no accident. Clearly someone had every intention of harming coach Dale Collins. The coach had no chance after getting hit by a car at high speed. Unfortunately for Jack and his partner DC Claudia Taylor, the possible suspect list grew very quickly. Not that it sounded like the coach had any obvious enemies, there were just a lot of current and ex-players to investigate. Jack is also trying very hard to stay away from drinking, he knows it not going to help him catch a killer, let alone cope with everything else going on in his life. This is a great book from start to finish, and it’s certainly worth a read. 5/5 Star rating

Verified Purchase - Amazon Australia
Profile Image for Sue Gerhardt Griffiths.
1,232 reviews82 followers
November 15, 2025
4.5 ⭐️s


Another brilliant and fast paced crime thriller and the second instalment in the Jack Lisbon series.

The setting is awesome. I love the FNQ atmosphere. Its unique mix of coast, rainforests, and outback is stunning.

The book has an intriguing premise with surprising developments and a large cast of suspects to keep the reader engaged and guessing. Great storytelling.
267 reviews9 followers
March 2, 2021
I received an advance review copy of this book. I really like Blair Denholm's work and enjoyed this one as much as I did any of the others. The only thing that bothered me, and it was in the other books, but more in this one, is that many of the transitions are like running into a brick wall or a glass door maybe. You are rolling along, into the action or the emotion of the scene and suddenly you are somewhere else.
I'm sure this is a technique but there were a couple of these transitions that left me suffering whiplash. What rescues it all is the strength of the author's prose. Quick shake of the head and you are back to running with the detectives.
Hoping one of the future installments of this series gives us more on Claudia. I like her nearly as much as Jack, just not the same way.
678 reviews11 followers
March 15, 2021
Shot clock is a super good straight up Mystery. The characters are well fleshed out and you remember them. There is little shooting involved but a lot of mystery which is what I got the book for. The ending is good and not who you would have thought it would be.. I very much enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Joshua Grant.
Author 22 books277 followers
April 6, 2021
Blair Denholm puts gritty tough-talking detective Jack Lisbon back on the case in this exciting new addition to the series, Shot Clock! Basketball playoffs are derailed when a popular coach is killed in a hit and run. But contrary to how things look, this hit was no accident and it’s up to Lisbon to call foul. Denholm always does a great job of blending the fun of sports with the best parts of vigilante detective thrillers! Lisbon is always such a great character, but this addition really adds a new shade of depth to his character that really drew me in. If you love gritty crime mysteries or sports, come dribble your way to the truth with Shot Clock!
Profile Image for Nebulous.
343 reviews8 followers
March 13, 2021
Yorkville's basketball team, the Scorpians, have a chance of securing their first NBL title. However, their coach Dale Collins is the victim of a hit and run in broad daylight. Blair Denholm's "Shot Clock" is a page-turner. His skill in describing in action on the court is exceptional and ignites a scene of anticipation and excitement associated while watching basketball. The banter between the DS Jack Lisbon and his partner DC Claudia Taylor is well done. The suspect list was enough to fill a stadium, and each character introduced complemented the fast-paced and engaging plot. A minor issue for me was the sudden change in the point of view where I felt I was unexpectedly thrown off a cliff. But in true Blair Denholm style, his ability to draw you in a scene paraglides you to safety. The ending was not what I expected, and I look forward to Jack's next adventure. A 4.5 star read.

A thank you to Blair Denholm for giving me an ARC of this book. This honest review is left voluntarily.
194 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2021
Ex-boxer DS Jack Lisbon and his partner DC Claudia Taylor team up for another homicide investigation when the coach of the local basketball team is deliberately run over by a hit-and-run driver in a stolen car. No trace evidence is found at the crime scene, and there are multiple suspects…
Fortunately, you don’t need to know anything about basketball to enjoy this story! It has great lead characters (although I would like to know more about Claudia Taylor), lots of action and a surprise ending. But I admit I had to google the title: “The 'shot clock' refers to the timing device that displays a countdown of the time within which the team possessing the ball must attempt a field goal". Learned something new again :-).
I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,629 reviews36 followers
April 1, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book. It has been a long time since I read a mystery/thriller story with a detective with as many flaws and as many traits as any human being. Lisbon displays a lot of debauchery, is good/acid-humored, has a problematic past, and at the same time totally melts when he talks to or about his daughter. The plot is well construtcted, the situations described could have happened anywhere, the story is fast-paced and keeps the reader´s attention till the end. The fact that I had not read the previous book in the series did not impact in understanding this story. Really entertaining and I´ll be looking forward to reading other books by Blair Denholm.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author. The story begins with a hit and run on a local basketball team coach who dies in the incident. The whys and wherefores of this act means that everyone from the grieving widow to all ex-players come under suspicion. With the usual twists and turns you expect from this author, the story unfolds until you find out exactly what has gone on. With an insight to the intricacies of basketball and the excitement it generates, this book has lots of good points. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
684 reviews9 followers
February 20, 2021
Another excellent story from Blair Denholm. Not about boxing this time but basketball.
Looking forward to reading this author’s next book.
Profile Image for Aparna J.
430 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2021
Wow

It's an absolutely brilliant thriller. The story was super awesome as the identities of the culprit were not revealed until the end. DS Lisbon and Claudia Taylor do a wonderful job.
Profile Image for Laurie Robertson.
878 reviews19 followers
March 5, 2024
I completed a binge read of the first seven books in the series plus the two prequels. Excellent storylines, great characters and settings. Strongly recommended for anyone who enjoys a police procedural with a difference.
10 reviews
February 4, 2024
Good read

Easy read without too much complexity in the story. Good link to prior book in the series and sets up for the next book.
Profile Image for alana crane.
5 reviews
May 4, 2024
a great read

Clever and didn’t go for the obvious plots and twists
I enjoy the Australianess of these books and especially the FNQ
462 reviews12 followers
March 7, 2021
Really enjoyed this book, my favourite in the series so far. The plot moved along at a good pace, and although references were made to earlier books, I think this could work perfectly well as a stand alone if people hadn't read the earlier ones. The sporting aspects are still strong, and add extra depth to the story.
Jack is becoming a more rounded, likeable character, and his relationships with others are really good.
I look forward to more in the series.
Profile Image for Christie.
1,228 reviews12 followers
March 24, 2021
I received an ARC of this novel from the author. It is another amazing novel in this series. I like how Jack's rough and tough personality is complimented by his partner's nice and gentle personality. I think this team works so great together. I loved the imagery in this line "A tantrum worthy of John McEnroe in his prime." as I remember watching a few of McEnroe's tantrums on the tennis courts. The storyline is so well written that it is impossible to put down. I just had to see what Jack did next to solve the case. I can't wait to read about Jack's next case.
182 reviews
April 1, 2024
Good read

I normally don't care for books set out of the US but this one was pretty good. I liked both the characters and the plot
Profile Image for karin whitehead.
1,016 reviews8 followers
December 31, 2022
Fast paced, gritty, and realistic. Great character development,. Always a thrilling read. Blair Denholm writes like a champ, cop, and with honesty.
223 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2021
Shot clock

Jack is again up to his antics and has a sidekick to keep him in check.

Author keeps the reader interested and then drops the suspect neatly in your lap.

Well written and keeps reader involved
Profile Image for Mc Chanster.
536 reviews
January 8, 2022
Ooo, Blair Denholm, you write a mean cop thriller. Shot Clock is the second installment in the Jack Lisbon series and I am definitely a fan of the surly detective.

When popular basketball coach Dale Collins is run down and killed, DS Jack Lisbon and DC Claudia Taylor are sent to investigate. What started out as a hit-and-run turns into something much darker and murder is looking more and more likely. But who is responsible? As Lisbon and Taylor delve deeper into Dale Collins’ world, secrets are exposed and the truth to his death is slowly revealed.

Yeah, I definitely like Jack Lisbon. Often grumpy, sometimes hungover and very much aware of his own shortcomings, the detective sergeant is surprisingly charming despite his flaws. The partnership between himself and Taylor is really well done – I loved their banter and how they worked together, and I very much appreciate that even though Lisbon is attracted to her, he doesn’t let this get in the way of their job. The plot moved at a great pace and I was eagerly reading, trying to see if I could figure out who the killer was before the end (I did not). There were a few moments when the transition to another point of view was a little jarring, but overall, an excellent read!

Thank you Blair Denholm for my copy!
8 reviews
October 17, 2023
Another great read by Blair & the continuing saga of detective Jack & his unrealised love interest detective Taylor. I’m really starting to like these characters & love the setting in Yorkville QLD Aust. Another in-depth murder mystery & will Jack & Taylor find the killer twisted throughout the local basketball team? I didn’t guess the killer can you? The character development in this series is excellent. I can’t wait to continue.
Profile Image for S McK.
291 reviews8 followers
April 27, 2021
Thrilling!

Jack needs to find a killer, he is determined to catch the right person, in a sea of potential suspects and he won't give up.

Great book with a great character. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to Jack's next investigation!
Profile Image for Roger.
5,637 reviews28 followers
January 31, 2023
Shot Clock: an Australian crime thriller (The Fighting Detective Book 2), my sixth read from author Blair Denholm, Outstanding, entertaining police/detective fiction set in Australia, well-written with characters & a plot you can buy into with unexpected twists & turns. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." So good I went out & purchased a copy. The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Sue.
14 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2024
Blair Denholm, what can I say? Once you start, you can't stop. Unputdownable reading. DS Jack Lisbon is a truly likeable character, trying to find his feet in Aus, after leaving Britain. Good Aussie banter, descriptive procedures. Awesome all round.
Profile Image for Ted Tayler.
Author 79 books299 followers
April 11, 2021
"Slam dunk"

Another ripping yarn featuring Jack Lisbon. If you like action-packed, page-turning thrillers with an irreverent twist, then thus will be right up your street.
11 reviews
March 22, 2025
Great book. A series that is really interesting and intriguing. Keeps you guessing.
Profile Image for Jerry Walch.
667 reviews16 followers
July 28, 2024
In many ways Blair Denholm style of writing and this series of books reminds me of Mickie Spillane and his Mike Hammer series. There were 26 books in that classic noir series, and I still have those books in my library today. I have read all of them so many times that the pages are falling out of them, and I could see the same faith befalling the books in The Fighting Detective Series if they weren’t digital. Both Denholm’s Jack Lisbon and Spillane’s Mike Hammer are two fisted detectives who aren’t afraid to bend the rules to get the job done. The only differences being that Mike Hammer was an American private detective and Denholm’s Jack Lisbon is a detective Seargent with the Australian CIB.

Shot Clock, like all the books in The Fighting Detective series is an adrenaline-fueled, rollercoaster thrill ride that hooks the reader on the first page and keeps the reader burning through the pages until the end. Denholm will have you missing meals, so eat a hearty meal before you start reading this thriller.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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