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Goddess Of Justice
One of you will die! The Vigilante Killer... or you?
A series of seemingly unrelated deaths occur around the city. When one is an obvious homicide, Detective Brad Coulter gets the case.
Coulter has barely started investigating when more murders occur. The killer not only understands Crime Scene Unit protocols but also has special forces
skills—or training in a Tactical Unit.
Coulter realizes he has a connection to some victims. Then the Crime Scene Unit discovers evidence that points to Coulter as the murderer.
Now hunted by his own police service, he has to clear his name.
But the killer has other plans.
A series of seemingly unrelated deaths occur around the city. When one is an obvious homicide, Detective Brad Coulter gets the case.
Coulter has barely started investigating when more murders occur. The killer not only understands Crime Scene Unit protocols but also has special forces
skills—or training in a Tactical Unit.
Coulter realizes he has a connection to some victims. Then the Crime Scene Unit discovers evidence that points to Coulter as the murderer.
Now hunted by his own police service, he has to clear his name.
But the killer has other plans.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2021
About the author
Dwayne Clayden
14 books29 followersDwayne Clayden combines his knowledge and experience as a police officer and paramedic to write realistic crime thrillers.
Crisis Point, Dwayne’s first novel, was a finalist for the 2015 Crime Writers of Canada, Arthur Ellis Awards.
OutlawMC, Wolfman is Back, and 13 Days of Terror are the next novels in the Brad Coulter Thriller Series, which continued in 2021 with Goddess of Justice.
In August 2020 Dwayne released the first novel in a new western crime thriller series, Speargrass-Opioid. The second in the series, Speargrass-Vengeance, will launch in Spring 2022.
His short story, Hell Hath No Fury, was published in AB Negative, an anthology of short stories from Alberta Crime Writers and On The Run (a Coulter Prequel) was published in May 2021 in Last Shot, an anthology from Western Canada Crime Writers.
In his 42 year career, Dwayne served as a police officer, paramedic, tactical paramedic, firefighter, emergency medical services (EMS) chief, educator, and academic chair.
The co-author of four paramedic textbooks, he has spoken internationally at EMS conferences for the past three decades.
Dwayne is a past member of the boards of the Crime Writers of Canada, and Alexandra Writers Centre Society and leads the Calgary Crime Writers.
Dwayne is a popular speaker with writing groups and writing conference attendees.
To learn more, visit him at: www.dwayneclayden.com
“Clayden’s writing is crisp and his characters jump from the pages. His novels allow me to delve into the depths of the villain’s mind but experience the goodness of Brad Coulter.”
JJ Reichenbach.
Crisis Point, Dwayne’s first novel, was a finalist for the 2015 Crime Writers of Canada, Arthur Ellis Awards.
OutlawMC, Wolfman is Back, and 13 Days of Terror are the next novels in the Brad Coulter Thriller Series, which continued in 2021 with Goddess of Justice.
In August 2020 Dwayne released the first novel in a new western crime thriller series, Speargrass-Opioid. The second in the series, Speargrass-Vengeance, will launch in Spring 2022.
His short story, Hell Hath No Fury, was published in AB Negative, an anthology of short stories from Alberta Crime Writers and On The Run (a Coulter Prequel) was published in May 2021 in Last Shot, an anthology from Western Canada Crime Writers.
In his 42 year career, Dwayne served as a police officer, paramedic, tactical paramedic, firefighter, emergency medical services (EMS) chief, educator, and academic chair.
The co-author of four paramedic textbooks, he has spoken internationally at EMS conferences for the past three decades.
Dwayne is a past member of the boards of the Crime Writers of Canada, and Alexandra Writers Centre Society and leads the Calgary Crime Writers.
Dwayne is a popular speaker with writing groups and writing conference attendees.
To learn more, visit him at: www.dwayneclayden.com
“Clayden’s writing is crisp and his characters jump from the pages. His novels allow me to delve into the depths of the villain’s mind but experience the goodness of Brad Coulter.”
JJ Reichenbach.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 6, 2021
‘No one deserved to die like this’ – More terrific action from Brad Coulter!
Canadian author Dwayne Clayden is a champion thriller writer, having introduced that talent with his first fiction novel – CRISIS POINT - a wealth of experience that made his excellent opening of his series - the Brad Coulter novels - completely credible. Now he embellishes that talent with Book 5 of that series – GODDESS OF JUSTICE. He has a depth of experience as a police officer, paramedic, tactical paramedic, firefighter, emergency medical services chief, and educator. His conferences on realistic police, medical and paramedical procedures are highly regarded and attended. Dwayne has co-written non-fiction books – PREHOSPITAL EMERGENCY PHARMACOLOGY (2 editions), ESSENTIALS OF PARAMEDIC CARE, and ALS (Advanced Life Support) PROVIDERS – with Dr Bryan Bledsoe. And now he is a novelist of significance
In electing to succeed with an ongoing series of novels, the primary hurdle is to create a chief character who is able to sustain interest and suggest imagination for episodes beyond the initial story. Dwayne has achieved this brilliantly in his wholly credible Brad Coulter – a Canadian cop whose acumen in performing his duties is spot on, as is his irresistible personality.
Dwayne knows how to set an enticing scene to lure the reader into his mystery: ‘A streetlamp flickered, illuminating the road for a moment, then plunging it into darkness. The drug dealer, in his early twenties, leaned against one of the broken streetlights. His cigarette glowed intermittently, giving away his location. Cigarette in mouth, he rubbed his hands together, then wrapped his arms around his thin body. Dealing on a cold November Saturday night required dedication, or maybe, desperation. He had product to sell and junkies willing to venture out to get their fix….’
Having established a dark mood, the thriller begins, and is well outlined by the author: ‘A series of seemingly unrelated deaths have occurred around the city. When one is an obvious homicide, Detective Brad Coulter gets the case. Coulter has barely started investigating when more murders take place. It is clear that the killer not only understands Crime Scene Unit protocols but also has special forces military skills - or training in some sort of Tactical Unit. During the investigation, Detective Coulter realizes he has a connection to some of the victims. Then the Crime Scene Unit discovers evidence that points to Coulter as the murderer. Now hunted by his own police service, he has to clear his name. But the killer has other plans.’
Dwayne’s writing style is so attuned to the multiple aspects of this fine story, a fusion of skills, danger, and yes, humor, that the novel speeds by like a bullet. Read one volume and an addiction results: bring on the next! GODDESS OF JUSTICE in one fine novel by a man who knows the arena! Highly recommended.
Canadian author Dwayne Clayden is a champion thriller writer, having introduced that talent with his first fiction novel – CRISIS POINT - a wealth of experience that made his excellent opening of his series - the Brad Coulter novels - completely credible. Now he embellishes that talent with Book 5 of that series – GODDESS OF JUSTICE. He has a depth of experience as a police officer, paramedic, tactical paramedic, firefighter, emergency medical services chief, and educator. His conferences on realistic police, medical and paramedical procedures are highly regarded and attended. Dwayne has co-written non-fiction books – PREHOSPITAL EMERGENCY PHARMACOLOGY (2 editions), ESSENTIALS OF PARAMEDIC CARE, and ALS (Advanced Life Support) PROVIDERS – with Dr Bryan Bledsoe. And now he is a novelist of significance
In electing to succeed with an ongoing series of novels, the primary hurdle is to create a chief character who is able to sustain interest and suggest imagination for episodes beyond the initial story. Dwayne has achieved this brilliantly in his wholly credible Brad Coulter – a Canadian cop whose acumen in performing his duties is spot on, as is his irresistible personality.
Dwayne knows how to set an enticing scene to lure the reader into his mystery: ‘A streetlamp flickered, illuminating the road for a moment, then plunging it into darkness. The drug dealer, in his early twenties, leaned against one of the broken streetlights. His cigarette glowed intermittently, giving away his location. Cigarette in mouth, he rubbed his hands together, then wrapped his arms around his thin body. Dealing on a cold November Saturday night required dedication, or maybe, desperation. He had product to sell and junkies willing to venture out to get their fix….’
Having established a dark mood, the thriller begins, and is well outlined by the author: ‘A series of seemingly unrelated deaths have occurred around the city. When one is an obvious homicide, Detective Brad Coulter gets the case. Coulter has barely started investigating when more murders take place. It is clear that the killer not only understands Crime Scene Unit protocols but also has special forces military skills - or training in some sort of Tactical Unit. During the investigation, Detective Coulter realizes he has a connection to some of the victims. Then the Crime Scene Unit discovers evidence that points to Coulter as the murderer. Now hunted by his own police service, he has to clear his name. But the killer has other plans.’
Dwayne’s writing style is so attuned to the multiple aspects of this fine story, a fusion of skills, danger, and yes, humor, that the novel speeds by like a bullet. Read one volume and an addiction results: bring on the next! GODDESS OF JUSTICE in one fine novel by a man who knows the arena! Highly recommended.
March 10, 2021
Thank you for sharing this book with me and bringing to life the character: Brad Coulter. An easy read that kept drawing me in - from beginning to end.
Well developed and believable characters had me feeling like I had met these folks in my former careers.
Laughing out loud at the sarcastic Sadie and Brad Coulter’s best friends who simply cannot help harassing him during every interaction. As well as being repulsed by a few characters who felt like those I could not trust when I wore a uniform.
Early on, I found myself silently urging Brad to mind his wilful blindness and realize who had the best opportunity to frame him. Kudos to a great writer who let the audience (reader) put the breadcrumbs together before the protagonist. Not an easy strategy, but one that paid off in this book.
Coulter is a character who always seems to find himself in the middle of something before he even has a chance to realize he has a problem. I like that. His vulnerabilities invariably become his strengths.
I enjoyed the way the author wove in real places that I could picture in my mind. All places I was familiar with during my time living in the area. Felt a bit like a homecoming of sorts.
I have read all the Brad Coulter books so far and am looking forward to the next release. Will Sadie become a major love interest….I hope so. These two strong personalities would make for a fabulous pairing. One that would keep Brad Coulter on his toes!
If you are a fan of crime thrillers, do not hesitate to grab this series and steal some time away from your day to consume them.
Well developed and believable characters had me feeling like I had met these folks in my former careers.
Laughing out loud at the sarcastic Sadie and Brad Coulter’s best friends who simply cannot help harassing him during every interaction. As well as being repulsed by a few characters who felt like those I could not trust when I wore a uniform.
Early on, I found myself silently urging Brad to mind his wilful blindness and realize who had the best opportunity to frame him. Kudos to a great writer who let the audience (reader) put the breadcrumbs together before the protagonist. Not an easy strategy, but one that paid off in this book.
Coulter is a character who always seems to find himself in the middle of something before he even has a chance to realize he has a problem. I like that. His vulnerabilities invariably become his strengths.
I enjoyed the way the author wove in real places that I could picture in my mind. All places I was familiar with during my time living in the area. Felt a bit like a homecoming of sorts.
I have read all the Brad Coulter books so far and am looking forward to the next release. Will Sadie become a major love interest….I hope so. These two strong personalities would make for a fabulous pairing. One that would keep Brad Coulter on his toes!
If you are a fan of crime thrillers, do not hesitate to grab this series and steal some time away from your day to consume them.
March 20, 2021
The 5th Brad Coulter novel and possibly the best so far. The crimes in this story, and there are many, are gripping, leaving Coulter in deeper trouble than ever before. The subject matter is also one of my favourites and one we don't see often enough, though I can't say more about it without spoilers. If you enjoy character-driven, realistic crime fiction, this is a series you need to read. As a retired law enforcement officer and paramedic, the author knows his stuff. As a writer, he delivers it.
Read
March 8, 2021Loved, loved, LOVED this book! As I have every one so far in the Coulter series. I read it in two sittings (only because my eyes got tired when I was reading it in bed, so picked it up the next day and finished the whole book). I just really enjoy Dwayne's writing style and, of course, it helps that it's set in my home town so all the names and places are familiar. Seriously, every time I finish a book in this series, I'm counting the days 'til the next one comes out. Please don't EVER stop writing this series. I'd suffer serious withdrawal!
March 15, 2021
Wow. I have read all of Dwayne's books, including his pharmacology text. This book is by far my favorite. This crime mystery is a must read but be prepared to have to finish it within a couple of days. You will not want to put it down until you find out what happens.
The characters are well developed and references to them in previous books help set the scene and let you understand their motivation. Having said that, they are so well written you do not need to have read the other books - but you should as they are very good as well.
The story is very well developed and easy to follow. Caution though, there are some plot twists that will shock you. The thing I like best about this book is that you see one of these and ask where did that come from, but when you sit back and re-think what you have read, you realize everything makes perfect sense. Then you question why you never saw it coming.
The scenes and action are so well written they form images in your mind and it becomes like you are watching a movie - you can vividly imagine the exact scene and this makes the book so entertaining.
Dwayne's strength as an author comes from his life experiences as a police officer and paramedic. I often lose interest in books because of their inaccuracies related to medical care and emergency services procedures. He absolutely nails the medical care, and his descriptions of the inner workings of the Police department are rock solid. He gives you a complete sense of the old boys club, discrimination and the negative influence of politics. You develop a keen sense of understanding and admiration for the characters as they attempt to protect the public under these conditions.
This book had me emotionally involved from start to finish and I just couldn't put it down. This is a must read.
The characters are well developed and references to them in previous books help set the scene and let you understand their motivation. Having said that, they are so well written you do not need to have read the other books - but you should as they are very good as well.
The story is very well developed and easy to follow. Caution though, there are some plot twists that will shock you. The thing I like best about this book is that you see one of these and ask where did that come from, but when you sit back and re-think what you have read, you realize everything makes perfect sense. Then you question why you never saw it coming.
The scenes and action are so well written they form images in your mind and it becomes like you are watching a movie - you can vividly imagine the exact scene and this makes the book so entertaining.
Dwayne's strength as an author comes from his life experiences as a police officer and paramedic. I often lose interest in books because of their inaccuracies related to medical care and emergency services procedures. He absolutely nails the medical care, and his descriptions of the inner workings of the Police department are rock solid. He gives you a complete sense of the old boys club, discrimination and the negative influence of politics. You develop a keen sense of understanding and admiration for the characters as they attempt to protect the public under these conditions.
This book had me emotionally involved from start to finish and I just couldn't put it down. This is a must read.
March 15, 2021
Goddess of Justice is the fifth book in the Brad Coulter Detective/Crime Fiction series. Always hard for me to say which book is my favourite in any series, but this one is a close contender. I love the setup and the strong plot.
We start with Brad still dealing with some of the fallout from his role in 13 Days of Terror, so he has essentially been benched. But of course, this is Brad, so trouble follows him no matter what! He starts investigating a series of seemingly unrelated crimes, crimes that would otherwise be considered not worth investigating--like drug dealers getting stabbed on the street. As the plot progresses, we start to see that some of the MOs of the murder overlap, even though they are each very different. The real clincher is the victimology here--even though the vics are from all walks of life, they have one core feature in common, which gives Brad enough incentive to start connecting the cases.
We also get to see the crimes through the POV of the killer, which is something I love in a book as I find it ramps the tension and suspense up nicely--I love some dramatic irony. We follow the regular cast of core characters through the book, and get to spend more time with Sadie, more recently introduced. Each of the characters has a strong personality that makes them likable in their own way. Brad especially has seen a ton of character development over the course of the series, and we get to see more of that here.
An exciting, well-plotted thrill ride of a book! Would highly recommend to anyone who loves detective/crime fiction and thrillers.
We start with Brad still dealing with some of the fallout from his role in 13 Days of Terror, so he has essentially been benched. But of course, this is Brad, so trouble follows him no matter what! He starts investigating a series of seemingly unrelated crimes, crimes that would otherwise be considered not worth investigating--like drug dealers getting stabbed on the street. As the plot progresses, we start to see that some of the MOs of the murder overlap, even though they are each very different. The real clincher is the victimology here--even though the vics are from all walks of life, they have one core feature in common, which gives Brad enough incentive to start connecting the cases.
We also get to see the crimes through the POV of the killer, which is something I love in a book as I find it ramps the tension and suspense up nicely--I love some dramatic irony. We follow the regular cast of core characters through the book, and get to spend more time with Sadie, more recently introduced. Each of the characters has a strong personality that makes them likable in their own way. Brad especially has seen a ton of character development over the course of the series, and we get to see more of that here.
An exciting, well-plotted thrill ride of a book! Would highly recommend to anyone who loves detective/crime fiction and thrillers.
March 14, 2021
I'm writing two reviews for the new novel
by Dwayne Clayden, 'Goddess of Justice'.
Scheduled for release in a month on April 22,
I received an advance copy to read and review.
This first review won't have any spoilers,
although I desperately want to tell you
about all of my favorite parts of this great story!
If you've read the first 4 Brad Coulter novels,
you'll know these stories are fast paced thrillers
with plenty of Police/Paramedic insight and action!
'Goddess of Justice' blows them all away.
Set in Calgary around the early '80's,
it weaves its way through familiar surroundings.
YOU WILL NOT guess what's going to happen next!
There are also enough flashbacks that anyone
can pick up and read this book as 'first in series'.
This is a masterful, tightly crafted tale showing
the real world consequences for choosing a
career in Emergency Services. I give it 5/5 stars!
Pre-order your copy today on Kindle for $4.99.
by Dwayne Clayden, 'Goddess of Justice'.
Scheduled for release in a month on April 22,
I received an advance copy to read and review.
This first review won't have any spoilers,
although I desperately want to tell you
about all of my favorite parts of this great story!
If you've read the first 4 Brad Coulter novels,
you'll know these stories are fast paced thrillers
with plenty of Police/Paramedic insight and action!
'Goddess of Justice' blows them all away.
Set in Calgary around the early '80's,
it weaves its way through familiar surroundings.
YOU WILL NOT guess what's going to happen next!
There are also enough flashbacks that anyone
can pick up and read this book as 'first in series'.
This is a masterful, tightly crafted tale showing
the real world consequences for choosing a
career in Emergency Services. I give it 5/5 stars!
Pre-order your copy today on Kindle for $4.99.
March 10, 2021
Goddess of Justice, the fifth book in the Brad Coulter series is amazing! It takes you through an action packed thrill ride as Brad and his team go on a quest to solve a rash of murders. Dwayne Clayden’s brilliance as a writer, brings forth his experience with the police force and emergency services to make me feel like I was involved in the story. A riveting, dramatic read!
March 29, 2021
The Review
Another powerful entry in the Brad Coulter series, author Dwayne Clayden has expertly crafted a perfect thriller. Combining classic whodunnit style storytelling with intriguing character growth and a brilliantly suspenseful narrative, the novel takes readers through so many twists and turns that the big reveal will take some readers by surprise.
The author perfectly balances the action and mystery elements of the narrative with the important character development and drama that comes with Brad’s framing for crimes he hasn’t committed. The heart of this story is Brad of course and the relationships he’s built with his amazing cast of supporting characters. Readers will be shocked to discover who has Brad’s back when he is framed, and who turns on him when the evidence begins to pile up.
The Verdict
Entertaining, mysterious, and action-driven, author Dwayne Clayden’s “Goddess of Justice” is a must-read thriller. The author’s own expertise in the field is evident in every chapter, bringing that special authenticity most thrillers are hard-pressed to find. The writing is brilliantly done, drawing the reader in with steady pacing and fantastic characters, including a shocking new killer. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Another powerful entry in the Brad Coulter series, author Dwayne Clayden has expertly crafted a perfect thriller. Combining classic whodunnit style storytelling with intriguing character growth and a brilliantly suspenseful narrative, the novel takes readers through so many twists and turns that the big reveal will take some readers by surprise.
The author perfectly balances the action and mystery elements of the narrative with the important character development and drama that comes with Brad’s framing for crimes he hasn’t committed. The heart of this story is Brad of course and the relationships he’s built with his amazing cast of supporting characters. Readers will be shocked to discover who has Brad’s back when he is framed, and who turns on him when the evidence begins to pile up.
The Verdict
Entertaining, mysterious, and action-driven, author Dwayne Clayden’s “Goddess of Justice” is a must-read thriller. The author’s own expertise in the field is evident in every chapter, bringing that special authenticity most thrillers are hard-pressed to find. The writing is brilliantly done, drawing the reader in with steady pacing and fantastic characters, including a shocking new killer. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
March 27, 2021
Another great thriller from Dwayne Clayden! In this next novel in the Brad Coulter series, Clayden takes us on a rollercoaster ride of tension through the gritty back streets of Calgary. It's a beautifully-written example of a thriller wrapped in a who-dun-it, backed by accurate police and paramedic knowledge. When the pursuer becomes the pursued, Goddess of Justice races to a thrilling climax. Well done, Dwayne!
May 13, 2021
that brad he is just a lone wolf
he is like tv show murder she wrote - wherever angela was there was mayhem LOL
loved the book - look forward to next series!
he is like tv show murder she wrote - wherever angela was there was mayhem LOL
loved the book - look forward to next series!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews