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Past Grief
"An action-packed thriller you won't be able to put down." –A.J. McCarthy, award-winning author of Cold Betrayal Kim Brady, third generation NYPD, returns to the job after her father's recent suicide and catches a career-making case–a mass shooting in Manhattan's Meatpacking District. There is one eyewitness, Leanne, but she can't come forward because she's transgender and she fears coming out. Kim resists her lieutenant's demands to force Leanne's cooperation for personal reasons. She's also being undermined by someone inside the department who is tampering with evidence, threatening the other witness, stalking Leanne. Kim's father died under a cloud and her feelings for him are complicated. And as Kim realizes that someone in the department is behind the shooting, her personal feelings clash with her professional mission. That tension stretches her relationship with her fiancé to its breaking point. The mastermind behind the attack presses Kim's soft spots to gaslight her. Unraveling the elaborate criminal conspiracy forces her to apply the lessons from her father's experiences.
361 pages, Paperback
First published March 17, 2021
170 people are currently reading
1785 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 15, 2021
Kim Brady, a NYPD cop, catches a mass-shooting case, that has her dealing with an evasive eyewitness, complicated feelings about her father and his recent death, and the possibility of someone within the department being behind the shooting.
This action-packed police procedural caught me in its claws right from the outset. The dialogue and the characters were realistic and compelling, making you feel like you were part of the action, and the plot moved at a fast pace. This novel would be a big on-screen hit. A definite must-read for crime readers!
This action-packed police procedural caught me in its claws right from the outset. The dialogue and the characters were realistic and compelling, making you feel like you were part of the action, and the plot moved at a fast pace. This novel would be a big on-screen hit. A definite must-read for crime readers!
April 28, 2021
Absolutely awesome reading. Not telling you anything. Go and read it. It is a thinking book so try not to get distracted.
April 18, 2021
First time I’ve Read a book from this Author ✍️ however I Really Enjoy this Book📖
April 10, 2021
Excellent!
I loved the characters, the locations and the story. It proceeds at break-neck speed with more twists and turns than a race track. Very well written. An absolute pleasure.
I loved the characters, the locations and the story. It proceeds at break-neck speed with more twists and turns than a race track. Very well written. An absolute pleasure.
April 10, 2021
Past Grief
Excellent storyline about police officers, the good, the bad and sometimes the evil. Every crooked cop makes it harder for good ones to do their jobs. No one hates a crooked crop more than good cops and the determination shown by the good cops in the story to uncover and weed out the bad ones is right on target.
Excellent storyline about police officers, the good, the bad and sometimes the evil. Every crooked cop makes it harder for good ones to do their jobs. No one hates a crooked crop more than good cops and the determination shown by the good cops in the story to uncover and weed out the bad ones is right on target.
May 19, 2021
If you’ve ever felt the urge to shout, “That’s not how it works!” while reading a novel (or watching a movie), you’ll understand how important it is to get a complex story right and how easy it is to write sloppy.
Edward Leahy’s exciting debut novel, PAST GRIEF is anything but sloppy. Leheay knows his stuff and that’s obvious throughout this police procedural in which detective Kim Brady investigates a mass shooting in a local restaurant.
Complicating her investigation are disappearing witnesses, dead suspects, crooked cops and her own struggle with guilt over the recent suicide of her father, who also was a cop. Kim meticulously solves each issue, as good cops are supposed to do, reconciles her feelings about her dad and follows the evidence to solve the case. Leahy reveals himself as a competent authority on the proper practices of police investigations and there-in lies the best part of the book—understanding how things are really done by police all over the country. His authenticity adds to the realism of his story and makes the reading much more enjoyable.
It’s refreshing to read an authentic police novel for a change.
Edward Leahy’s exciting debut novel, PAST GRIEF is anything but sloppy. Leheay knows his stuff and that’s obvious throughout this police procedural in which detective Kim Brady investigates a mass shooting in a local restaurant.
Complicating her investigation are disappearing witnesses, dead suspects, crooked cops and her own struggle with guilt over the recent suicide of her father, who also was a cop. Kim meticulously solves each issue, as good cops are supposed to do, reconciles her feelings about her dad and follows the evidence to solve the case. Leahy reveals himself as a competent authority on the proper practices of police investigations and there-in lies the best part of the book—understanding how things are really done by police all over the country. His authenticity adds to the realism of his story and makes the reading much more enjoyable.
It’s refreshing to read an authentic police novel for a change.
June 19, 2021
Fresh page turner
This police procedural traverses new ground with detective Kim Brady struggling to get over the scars of her dads’s death just as a brutal bar shooting lands in her lap. Even as the crime—bad as it is—hides something sinister, Kim sees through the muck and finds herself a star witness, with a very personal secret. The witness, and the way Kim sees her as a person with her own struggles, are unique and personable and stole my heart, even as the thrill of the chase and spot-on dialogue kept me hook. Congratulations, Ed, on a superb debut. It was even better this time around!! Looking forward to the publication of Book Two.
This police procedural traverses new ground with detective Kim Brady struggling to get over the scars of her dads’s death just as a brutal bar shooting lands in her lap. Even as the crime—bad as it is—hides something sinister, Kim sees through the muck and finds herself a star witness, with a very personal secret. The witness, and the way Kim sees her as a person with her own struggles, are unique and personable and stole my heart, even as the thrill of the chase and spot-on dialogue kept me hook. Congratulations, Ed, on a superb debut. It was even better this time around!! Looking forward to the publication of Book Two.
June 28, 2021
Omg! This is the best book ever! I absolutely loved it!
She’s a kickass cop! I really love her character into her storyline and really enjoyed it very much…
Can’t wait to read more book soon…
She’s a kickass cop! I really love her character into her storyline and really enjoyed it very much…
Can’t wait to read more book soon…
May 26, 2021
Overall Rating = 4.75
Storyline & Concept = 4.5
Writing & Delivery = 5
Editorial = 4.75
An NYPD police detective, Kim Brady, is given the lead on an important and complicated multiple-homicide case in Manhattan. Dealing with her father’s recent suicide, himself an ex-cop, Kim needs to put the ghosts of her past behind her to focus on the case. Yet, as the investigation progresses, those ghosts are pushed to the forefront and add an extra challenge to an already difficult and dangerous case.
Past Grief is a complex, police procedural that brings together a multitude of elements: a mass shooting; Kim’s relationships with her late father, her boyfriend, and her colleagues; a transgender character; and corruption within the police department that circles back to her feelings for her father. The author does an excellent job of capturing and creating the atmosphere, the lingo, and the relationships of a large-city police department, making it possible to imagine it on the big screen. The characters feel authentic and believable, especially Kim, who is a tough, smart cop, but her emotions simmer beneath the surface, adding an important layer to the story. This novel bursts out of the gate with a blast of action, and it keeps up the pace throughout. A highly recommended read.
Sublime line: “Past Grief is a high-action, cinematic ride through a big-city police department with well-drawn characters and an intricate, captivating plot.”
Storyline & Concept = 4.5
Writing & Delivery = 5
Editorial = 4.75
An NYPD police detective, Kim Brady, is given the lead on an important and complicated multiple-homicide case in Manhattan. Dealing with her father’s recent suicide, himself an ex-cop, Kim needs to put the ghosts of her past behind her to focus on the case. Yet, as the investigation progresses, those ghosts are pushed to the forefront and add an extra challenge to an already difficult and dangerous case.
Past Grief is a complex, police procedural that brings together a multitude of elements: a mass shooting; Kim’s relationships with her late father, her boyfriend, and her colleagues; a transgender character; and corruption within the police department that circles back to her feelings for her father. The author does an excellent job of capturing and creating the atmosphere, the lingo, and the relationships of a large-city police department, making it possible to imagine it on the big screen. The characters feel authentic and believable, especially Kim, who is a tough, smart cop, but her emotions simmer beneath the surface, adding an important layer to the story. This novel bursts out of the gate with a blast of action, and it keeps up the pace throughout. A highly recommended read.
Sublime line: “Past Grief is a high-action, cinematic ride through a big-city police department with well-drawn characters and an intricate, captivating plot.”
April 5, 2021
This is a tight, fast paced police procedure novel. NYPC Detective Kim Brady and partner Mike are assigned a mass shooting that appears drug related. As Kim follows leads she finds the only witness. But the witness is reluctant because she is transgender and not out at her work. Kim runs into other roadblocks too. Other officers are stonewalling her and official reports are seemingly changed. As a final blow her boyfriend is physically attacked and she is receiving anonymous threats.
The chapters are short and the action moves quickly. I like that Kim goes by the book and isn't rogue. She gets warrants, mirandizes suspects and calls in IAB when necessary. She also reports to her chain of command. The only thing I didn't care for is the personal threats. This is an often used trope but it never works. With so many murders, it seems strange to think she'd stop the investigation over threats of exposing how her father really died. But that is a minor quibble to a good police drama. Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
The chapters are short and the action moves quickly. I like that Kim goes by the book and isn't rogue. She gets warrants, mirandizes suspects and calls in IAB when necessary. She also reports to her chain of command. The only thing I didn't care for is the personal threats. This is an often used trope but it never works. With so many murders, it seems strange to think she'd stop the investigation over threats of exposing how her father really died. But that is a minor quibble to a good police drama. Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2024
"Past Grief: A Kim Brady Novel" by Edward J. Leahy is a gripping and emotionally charged mystery that delves into the complexities of personal and professional loyalty, grief, and the search for truth in the face of adversity.
Returning to duty with the NYPD after her father's tragic suicide, Detective Kim Brady finds herself thrust into a high-profile case: a mass shooting in Manhattan's Meatpacking District. With only one eyewitness, Leanne, who is transgender and fears coming forward, Kim faces pressure from her superiors to coerce Leanne's cooperation. However, Kim's personal reasons and a deep-seated commitment to justice compel her to resist these demands.
As Kim investigates the shooting, she discovers evidence of internal corruption within the department, with someone tampering with evidence and threatening witnesses. Leahy skillfully weaves a web of intrigue and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Kim navigates treacherous waters both within and outside the force.
The novel's strength lies in its richly drawn characters and their nuanced relationships. Kim's complex emotions surrounding her father's death and her fraught relationship with her fiancé add depth and dimension to her character, making her a compelling and relatable protagonist. As she grapples with personal demons and professional challenges, Kim's resilience and determination shine through, driving the narrative forward with intensity and suspense.
Leahy's writing is crisp and atmospheric, immersing readers in the gritty streets of New York City and the inner workings of the police department. The pacing is tight, with twists and turns that keep the plot moving at a brisk pace.
Overall, "Past Grief" is a masterfully crafted mystery that combines pulse-pounding suspense with poignant reflections on loss, identity, and the quest for justice. Edward J. Leahy has created a memorable protagonist in Kim Brady, and readers will eagerly anticipate her next thrilling adventure in the Kim Brady Mysteries series.
June 1, 2021
What a read
This has to be the most entertaining and consistent police crime mystery I have read.
The way Kim handles herself is spectacular, she is not a fictitious superhero. She is a diligent and also compassionate officer , you can see the way she handled Leanne's situation, taking into consideration her feelings above a possible personal glory .
This was an entertaining novel.
This has to be the most entertaining and consistent police crime mystery I have read.
The way Kim handles herself is spectacular, she is not a fictitious superhero. She is a diligent and also compassionate officer , you can see the way she handled Leanne's situation, taking into consideration her feelings above a possible personal glory .
This was an entertaining novel.
September 16, 2023
New York City Police Procedural
This book is amazing. It has many hard scenes but handles them all with grace. The book is not gory or graphic. But, it shows the ugly side of the crime world of innocents getting murdered, and a small indiscretion keeping you on the hook for the rest of your life. Dirty cops and interesting witnesses keep our hero on her toes while she strives to catch a killer and keep her romance going at the same time. Very Good Book!
This book is amazing. It has many hard scenes but handles them all with grace. The book is not gory or graphic. But, it shows the ugly side of the crime world of innocents getting murdered, and a small indiscretion keeping you on the hook for the rest of your life. Dirty cops and interesting witnesses keep our hero on her toes while she strives to catch a killer and keep her romance going at the same time. Very Good Book!
October 12, 2022
A great story well told with a lot of super characters to make it interesting.
Kim and her band of detectives did a great job in following up on information until they could put e everything together to solve the case.
Kim and her band of detectives did a great job in following up on information until they could put e everything together to solve the case.
March 31, 2023
Great police thriller
This story kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of action and suspense. Can't believe all the crooked cops involved. Glad for the happy ending with detective Brady!
This story kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of action and suspense. Can't believe all the crooked cops involved. Glad for the happy ending with detective Brady!
October 7, 2023
Good, But Too Many Characters
The story here is good. Lots of twists, although some are given away well in advance. The biggest problem is the large number of characters in the book. It got to the point that I could not keep track of who all of them are.
The story here is good. Lots of twists, although some are given away well in advance. The biggest problem is the large number of characters in the book. It got to the point that I could not keep track of who all of them are.
January 25, 2026
Good read! The many characters with similar names (Dobson, Dubinsky) and sometimes calling them by their last name, caused me to go back and reread who was who. But, eventually I didn’t have to. Glad to have read this book.
Read
April 30, 2021Good Read
July 5, 2021
Intense
Well written story about a lady cop who is trying to get over the suicide of he cop father by immersing herself in a case involving a group of bad cops. Great read
Well written story about a lady cop who is trying to get over the suicide of he cop father by immersing herself in a case involving a group of bad cops. Great read
August 30, 2021
Agreat murder mystery that keeps you keep turning the pages.
December 20, 2021
Great Read
I really enjoyed Past Grief by Edward J. Leahy. It's a quick read as well as an interesting one. Looking forward to the next one in this series.
I really enjoyed Past Grief by Edward J. Leahy. It's a quick read as well as an interesting one. Looking forward to the next one in this series.
June 7, 2023
It kept me on my toes.
Even though I received this book for free from Kindle, it would be worth it's price. I look forward to the next one No synopsis here!
Even though I received this book for free from Kindle, it would be worth it's price. I look forward to the next one No synopsis here!
June 27, 2021
This book is a slow starter, so much in fact that about 30% in, I wasn’t sure if I should finish it. But I’m stubborn and like to stick it out, so that’s what I did. I did take a little break and came back to it a few days later. When I picked it back up, I dove right in and a lot of the questions I had were answered and the story really picked up. I finished it that day!
Kim Brady is a third generation NYPS officer who gets a case of her career. A shooting outside a nightclub has left several dead and a witness is in the wind. After tracking down the female witness, Leanne, Brady finds the woman is transgender, which brings up conflicting memories for Brady. Fighting heat to bring Leanne in when she doesn’t want to – she isn’t out, puts Brady in a difficult position. Eventually with the support of a friend, and Brady Leanne decides to come forward and start her transition. Meanwhile, Brady uncovers huge police conspiracy – could this shooting be the result of dirty cops? How deep does this deception go?
This book is probably the first LGBTQ book I have read, and I will definitely be reading more. I fully support the LGBTQ community and this book helped give me a deeper understanding of the things they face every day, things I’d never even realized.
This book doesn’t have a ton of reviews, I think it’s a hidden gem. If you’re looking for a good cop thriller with ties to the LGBTQ community then give this book a shot! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Kim Brady is a third generation NYPS officer who gets a case of her career. A shooting outside a nightclub has left several dead and a witness is in the wind. After tracking down the female witness, Leanne, Brady finds the woman is transgender, which brings up conflicting memories for Brady. Fighting heat to bring Leanne in when she doesn’t want to – she isn’t out, puts Brady in a difficult position. Eventually with the support of a friend, and Brady Leanne decides to come forward and start her transition. Meanwhile, Brady uncovers huge police conspiracy – could this shooting be the result of dirty cops? How deep does this deception go?
This book is probably the first LGBTQ book I have read, and I will definitely be reading more. I fully support the LGBTQ community and this book helped give me a deeper understanding of the things they face every day, things I’d never even realized.
This book doesn’t have a ton of reviews, I think it’s a hidden gem. If you’re looking for a good cop thriller with ties to the LGBTQ community then give this book a shot! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews