Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
"The son of Boston Police Chief Tom Ryan goes missing on a harbor cruise. As the suspicious circumstances around his disappearance take shape, Detective Michael Kelly soon finds this case has startling implications that hit home, both personally and professionally. With Barnes on administrative leave, Kelly is partnered with Homicide's newest member, Mark Cahill, a rising star coming off an impressive tour of duty with BPD's Narcotics Unit. The two face incredible odds as they set out to uncover the COLD HARD TRUTH."-- Back cover

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2022

1081 people are currently reading
137 people want to read

About the author

Brian Christopher Shea

52 books280 followers
Author also writes under Brian Shea

BRIAN CHRISTOPHER SHEA has spent most of his adult life in service to his country and local community. He honorably served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. In his civilian life, he reached the rank of Detective and accrued ten years of law enforcement experience between Texas and Connecticut. Somewhere in the mix he spent five years as a fifth-grade school teacher. Brian’s myriad of life experience is woven into the tapestry of each character’s design. He resides in New England and is blessed with an amazing wife and three beautiful daughters.

Writing has always been a dream, but life seemed to find a way of interrupting. It wasn’t until recently that he dedicated time to this passion. His first book, The Camel’s Back, gave him a much-needed mental break from his work investigating atrocities against children. He allotted time in the morning each day. Usually waking at 5 to bang away on his manuscript. The second round of daily writing would occur after his children were asleep. He proved that working full-time and raising a family were no longer valid excuses to putting off his novel.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,119 (64%)
4 stars
490 (28%)
3 stars
98 (5%)
2 stars
17 (<1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews498 followers
March 14, 2022
A Boston Detective Takes On A Case That Hits Close To Home

Detective Michael Kelly is back facing a murder that gives the police department and his own 'family' a gut check. The son of Boston Police Chief Tom Ryan goes missing when on a cruise celebrating his marriage, soon to be found dead and Kelly's 'brother', just released from prison, is believed to have something to do with it!! The investigation that follows tests Kelly's patience and abilities, soon finding himself in danger as he puts together pieces of the information he finds.
A suspenseful thriller that is impossible to put down as this author shares intriguing characters, scenes you feel yourself in and the real life working of a Boston Homicide Detective. I can't believe what Detective Kelly decides to do at the end of this case, and am now waiting impatiently for the next book in this sensational series!!
Profile Image for Lewis Weinstein.
Author 13 books613 followers
May 4, 2022
a strong read ... except that the perpetrator was known (to me) almost from the beginning but it took the cops much longer to make what I thought was an obvious connection
Profile Image for Andreas Tornberg.
177 reviews12 followers
January 25, 2022
The fifth installment in the Detective Kelly and the Boston Crime Thriller Series is fast paced, gritty and more personal than ever. People from Kelly's past affects him both personally and professionally.

Brian Shea is a master at giving true to life detective reads that are extremely well written and with interesting backstory of the characters involved. Every book in the series gets better and better and I can't wait to read what happens next. I highly recommend this book and series.

Thanks to the author, Severn River Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced copy.
Profile Image for Janeandjerry.
624 reviews21 followers
July 6, 2024
Cold Hard Truth

Mike really got himself into a mess this time looks like but can he get out if it or will he not only change his life but everyone else around him as well? Must read and find out....
Profile Image for Rick.
387 reviews12 followers
January 26, 2022
Cold Hard Truth is an action-packed detective novel where family means everything. Mike Kelly is a homicide detective who grew up on the southside of Boston and used boxing to escape the realities of a dysfunctional family. Cold Hard Truth is the 5th book in the Boston Crime Thriller series by bestselling and award-winning author Brian Shea.

Ethan Ryan is punching well above his weight by marrying into the Wexler family. He is only a low-level employee in the company. He and the bosses’ daughter are at their engagement party on a yacht when Ethan disappears with the help of two unknown assailants. What happened to him and why? Mike Kelly is the investigator on the case. He and his new assistant Cahill interview everyone on the boat but come up with little information. Kelly’s sharp eye and some video footage leads him to the two killers, but he is not convinced these guys are working alone. Unfortunately, further evidence leads to an old friend of Kelly’s and he must prove him either guilty or innocent. Against his better judgement and the orders from his superiors Kelly searches for evidence that has a tenuous link to a previous crime because it may help him trust his friend again. He finds something unexpected which changes his direction and the game is on.

The characters in the novel are compelling because they are all about family as much as they are about crime fighting. Mike Kelly is honest and hard-working but he comes from a background where he spends a lot of time in the gym developing his boxing skills. This crowd often lives on the dark side but they are his best friends and his second family. Kelly also has a little girl from a previous marriage who he tries to shield from his way of life. This leads to a variety of unusual characters in the novel.

The story is fast paced and thought-provoking. There are a lot of factors competing for attention. Mike has a friend who has been put in prison for a long time and he’s trying now to find evidence to prove he is innocent. Even though we know who the murderers are we quickly understand that there’s someone else pulling the strings and there are multiple choices of who it could be. There is a twist at the end of the story that takes the story away from Ethan’s murder and onto an old crime which has yet to be solved. The linkage between these two crimes expands the story to one overall story of corruption.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes a fast-paced murder mystery with an emotional side. I give the book at 4 and 5. I want to thank NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for providing me with a digital copy of this novel. I give this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for A.J. Blanc.
Author 4 books11 followers
April 21, 2023
It's been too long since I've visited the world of Michael Kelly. Cold Hard Truth (CHT) continues the fast-paced trek to find justice not just for the mysterious death of the Police Chief's son, but a murder from nearly two decades prior as well. Much like past entries of this series, the story moved at a consistent clip that was difficult to put down, and Mike had to navigate through even more roadblocks than usual this time around.

I very much enjoyed CHT, but I the main plot was a bit too obvious. I could've stopped reading after the first chapter and been mostly correct about assuming all the broad strokes of the storyline. I don't mention this because there's something wrong with obvious; far too many authors throw in twists and turns only to lead to an implausible and/or contrived conclusion. Brian Shea deftly sprinkles in alternative possibilities as he has Kelly follow the evidence to a logical close that while a bit predictable in parts, was still highly satisfying. Omitting a couple details in chapter one, to be revealed more naturally later, would've drastically aided in keeping me guessing.

Doing my best to avoid spoilers, there were a few things that took me out of the immersion. CHT may have benefitted from another look by an editor because there was a fair amount of redundant dialog, and even one or two instances of conflicting dialog. If this were earlier in the series it would be even less an issue as it is here, but by book five I don't feel we need to be reminded half a dozen times that Pop's Gym has been Mike's "second home" for most of his life, as just one example. I also think it was a little strange how quickly and easily people would question Kelly with only one massively out of character lapse.

I may rethink this upon further review, but CHT might be my favorite in the series so far. However, the series looks to be heading in another direction for the next installment or two with Mike going deep undercover. I was hoping he'd turn the offer down, considering how almost all his close relationships were already strained to the breaking point, but I do appreciate how it was set up leading to the end. Unfortunately, I'm not as big a fan of the genre we're about to get into, so I may give it a pass until Kelly returns to being a homicide detective. Cheers!
Profile Image for Liz.
118 reviews17 followers
February 28, 2022
Cold Hard Truth is a great action-packed detective novel.

I'm going to start this review off, by stating that I did not read any of the other books in this series. I don't feel that you need too.

The story starts off with Ethan Ryan. The fiancée, Cass, the daughter of the famous Alan Wexler of Wexler Pharma, goes missing during their engagement party on a yacht. No one knows what happened to him or even noticed he was gone until they got to the dock.

Detective Mike Kelly, a homicide detective who used to box as a child (This is important!), is put on the case. Mike Kelly and his new partner, Cahill, interview everyone on the boat but come up with little information. With some video footage, Kelly is lead to two killers, but he's not convinced these two are working alone. Unfortunately, further evidenced leads to an old friend, basically his brother, of Kelly's and he must prove whether he was involved or not. Kelly will now have to figure out if the case from his friend/brother, from years before, is linked to this current case.

I did enjoy the story and found Mike Kelly to be what you would expect from a dedicated detective - willing to risk his career and life for the right people to be held responsible. I understand that boxing plays a huge part in Mike's role, but some of the scenes just seemed strange - mostly when he went in to box himself.

ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review
695 reviews14 followers
June 25, 2022
This is the fifth of Brian Shea's Boston police procedure/crime series featuring Detective Michael Kelly. Having read and enjoyed them all so far, I don't know if I'd recommend as a standalone. It's always better to have the backstory and history of the characters. The book synopsis details the story well, so no need repeating. The Boston setting is one of my favorites and well described.
With Kelly's usual partner, Barnes, on desk duty he has a new partner, Mark Cahill, from the Narcotics division. This was an interesting new character addition. He was flawed, has secrets, a little rough around the edges and made for a good new twist. He's well developed and I hope he'll return in future installments.
Many previous characters reappear, such as Kelly's old friend Bobby McDonough and Pops, the gym owner who's been like a father to him. Pops needs Kelly's help and this could finally be a chance for Kelly to take down the mob.
There's murder to solve and the action is fast paced. An easy read as Kelly searches for the Cold Hard Truth. I'll be looking forward to the next from this author.
Profile Image for Maria.
198 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2022
Mike Kelly is a detective at Boston PD. He has a new partner, Mark Cahill, who transferred from Narcotics. When the son of Chief Ryan disappears from a boat, the two tackle a missing persons case that spirals into a web of money, deceit, and power.

Mark is a trainee in the new position and sometimes steps over the line. Although he annoys his partner, Mark brings a fresh aspect to solving murder cases. His methods may be unorthodox, but he's sharp and quick to the point.

Mike is an old-school, seasoned detective. He combs through this case just like any other. Years on the job have taught Mike one thing, though: to trust his instincts over the evidence. When his instincts tell him that something isn't right with this case, Mike continues his investigation and brings down the wrath of his superiors.

This is a well-written, fast-paced novel. As a fan of CSI and detective stories, I really enjoyed this. Unlike the typical "whodunnit," this novel kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat until the end.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,626 reviews36 followers
March 8, 2022
Another engaging read in the series. A recent crime is connected to a crime committed 19 years previously as the culprit for the first one has also been identified for the second murder. However, Mike doesn't believe the outcome is correct he keeps on investigating and discovers that everyone who kept digging about the first case has been found dead and he is also involved in suspicious circumstances that may end his career. He follows many dead-end leads, puts his life and his family at risk, but ends up solving both cases with a very unexpected ending that gives a hint about the next book in the series. Cold Hard Truth has a great plot, interesting characters, is very well written, and provides great entertainment for its readers!
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Beth.
2,910 reviews26 followers
May 16, 2023
Intriguing conspiracy case but too much TSTL

I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series, particularly as they seemed reflective of the author’s real life experience as a LEO. However, this book, even with its intriguing crime mystery, just has too many holes. There are too many TSTL moments, reactions by others are ridiculous, and the ending is completely unbelievable. I think we’ve jumped the shark.

The mystery itself is puzzling and entertaining and if it was in a different book I might have enjoyed reading it more. But because we have a history with Mike Kelly it just doesn’t jive with what’s come before. And the totally unbelievable ending is also highly problematic based on what we know about Kelly.

I doubt I’ll read the next book. It was a good series while it lasted.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
182 reviews5 followers
February 25, 2022
I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to pre-read this book. I found this author thru NetGalley and I have enjoyed each book. If you enjoy a good police procedural/detective book, this is the book for you (and the four books before this!).
Mike Kelly is the quintessential Boston cop, with friends from the mob, a priest, and a pseudo-father that owns a boxing gym. He is working on the case of the fiancé of a multi-million dollar pharmaceutical company owner. Ethan disappears at his engagement party on a yacht. As the case unfolds, old friends are brought into the mix. What do you do when a person who was raised as a brother, finds himself in the middle of your crime? You will have to read to find out! It is that good!! You need to read this!!!
204 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2022
I can’t say enough good about this newest Mike Kelly novel by Brian Shea! I have read all of the books in this series, and each one has delivered all the excitement, suspense, and intrigue I love in a book. It seems that author Shea just keeps getting better and better with each installment. Once again, our hero Mike Kelly is presented with a seemingly impossible mystery to solve, with few clues and suspects. I love his tenacity and his quest for the truth, many times at great personal cost. The ending left me wanting to jump into the next book as soon as it’s available. I received an advanced copy of this book from SRP Mystery and Thriller Books, and have given my voluntary and honest opinion.
203 reviews10 followers
January 23, 2023
I hadn't heard of this series or author previously but really enjoyed the book. A detective who grew up in Boston and had a tough childhood is asked to investigate a disappearance on a luxury yacht that happens to the fiancé of a major pharmaceutical family. A lengthy investigation ensues and the determination of a detective to uncover the truth leads to the climax of the book. A really good story that flew by. Some parts were maybe a little unbelievable but the main character was well written and the links to his childhood friend Sly and the boxing gym gave the story a but more balance. I anticipate more from this series and look forward to seeing what happens. A major cliffhanger ends the story which seemed crazy anyone would contemplate but makes for a good future story.
291 reviews5 followers
March 1, 2022
Shea never disappoints. Every character in this well written story leaps off the page. Although Ethan is the first victim you already know and like him to the point you are saying no, not Ethan. The plot is engaging and excellent but it is the writing that pulls you in. The reoccurring main character Kelly is faced with a complex case that merges family ties and a cold case with the murder of Ethan. How many more will die before he can unravel the twisted treads to get to the truth? Recommend the series and best to start with the first book and enjoy the ride. Looking forward to the next book.
984 reviews12 followers
March 2, 2022
A remorseless murderer

Sometimes the cold hard truth hits you in the gut, when you are faced with the cold hard evidence. Detective Kelly is in a turmoil. His friend who is like a brother to him is accused of murder and all the evidence points to his guilt. Kelly feels something is out of sync and the murder is connected with the unsolved homicide of Chief Ryan's son, twenty years ago. Who is the murderer and what is he trying to cover up. The truth is a shocker. This thriller is difficult to put down and the suspense is killing. The unexpected twists and the protagonist's unwavering tenacity are aptly portrayed.
Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,538 reviews24 followers
March 3, 2022
Brian Shea’s latest in the Boston Crime Thriller series will keep you wrapped up in the action as Mike Kelly attempts to solve a murder that hits close to home for the Boston PD. If you are a fan of Brian’s work, you owe it to yourself to grab a copy of this book and settle in for some quality tie with Mike Kelly and the BPD. Having previously read the four previous books in the series I was excited to read this episode, and when the publisher offered me a review copy of the audiobook, I had to accept. Listening to Corey Snow’s narration of this story really made it come alive with all the accents and various vocalizations.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,370 reviews12 followers
March 1, 2022
I enjoyed this crime thriller. Mike Kelly is a realistic character who embodies a true detective. He will stop a nothing to get to the truth. This is a well written story interspersed with the back story so that we learn what drives Mike. The characters are flawed but believable. The action and suspense kept me turning the pages. This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last. I would highly recommend it. I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Denise .
812 reviews9 followers
March 2, 2022
This is the fifth installment the Boston Crime series, but is the first book in the series that I have read. I don’t think it’s necessary to have read the previous books in order to enjoy reading this one - though after reading this book, I’ve purchased the first four books in the series. Now I just need to find the time to get them read!

This is a well written, action packed police procedural. There are prevailing themes of family, justice and the life lessons Mike has learned through boxing. There is more to come in this series and I’m looking forward to what happens next!
3,157 reviews47 followers
June 6, 2022
I love the narration of Corey M. Snow, his accent and story telling makes this a pleasure.


I am just getting my breath back , from the roll coaster ride I have just been on...

We have murder old and new. Are they contacted or will they take Mike on different leads and roads. We have righting wrongs and making new ones. My head is still spinning from the end never mind the middle of this book. I need the next one NOW.

I have loved each book in this series but this one beats them all .
Profile Image for Angela.
3,386 reviews33 followers
August 9, 2022
A fantastic story and series

This was a fantastic story with many unexpected and interesting twists and turns that will keep you hooked until the very end. It's definitely a must read book and series for those who love thrillers!
I'm really hoping that there's going to be another book coming out soon, as this story is certainly far from it's end. This is definitely an author that will be going on my favorites list!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
404 reviews2 followers
Read
March 21, 2022
Review of this book.

A fantastic read. Full of twists and turns. Lots of red herrings. I had a strong hunch, and I was right. But not all the way. At the end, there were a lot of mysteries solved. I will have to read the next book in the series. It hopefully will follow up on the end of this book. The other books in this series. That I have read have been absolute page turners. Thank you for writing such good books.
124 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2022
This is the 5th book in the Boston Crime Thriller series. Each book gets better and better. Michael Kelly, Detective as the main character continues to evolve in each book: his relationships, his values, his work ethic. This book, as all the others, is suspenseful right up to the end. However, this book had me crying at the end and I actually couldn’t believe the sacrifices Kelly has made in order to fight for Justice. I can’t wait for the series to continue!
Profile Image for Jerry.
415 reviews
May 10, 2022
Boston Crime #5. Boston homicide detective Mike Kelly investigates the murder of the police chief's son, which turns out to be part of a larger conspiracy.

A good crime book, with all the usual back stories in Kelly's personal life. One strange part: the victim falls into Boston Harbor but the body floats up on the banks of the Charles River. The harbor and river are actually separated by a dam.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,271 reviews98 followers
July 4, 2022
The son of the Police Chief is murdered during an engagement party on a boat no less, Detective Kelly is called in to investigate. It won't be easy since the fiancé, is the daughter of a very rich and powerful owner of a pharmacal company. The heat is on to solve this case and fast. But something isn't adding up for Kelly, even after they find the killers...or did they? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
242 reviews19 followers
October 12, 2022
Detective Michael Ryan's hardest case of his career is about family, maybe not blood, but family all the same. When Chief Ryan's son is murdered and a boxing buddy is indirectly charged after just being released from prison after nineteen years, Mike gives his all to the case. This book is amazing the story line the twists and turns the characters and the suspense is just great. I have not read books 1-4, but, you can be sure I am going to!!
Profile Image for Donald F. McSweegan.
8 reviews
April 22, 2022
Loved all five books by Brian Shea and enjoyed his character Mike Kelly. The stories move along with two or three possible solutions and then the last couple of chapters turns everything around. "Cold Hard Truth" left me wondering what's next for Mike Kelly. There must be book # 6 coming out. I'll keep my eyes open for it.
106 reviews
April 4, 2023
Cracking read

Another cracking read by Brian Shea I've now read all 5 of his Boston crime thriller series and they never disappoint neither does this one it's extremely well written with great characters and some good plot twists and a brilliantly well done ending that will leave you begging for the release of the next book in the series comes sooner rather than later.
Profile Image for Dcduffy24gmail.Com.
12 reviews
March 7, 2022
Great book, great series

The further you get in the book the more intense it gets. You can feel The city as you read. Love the characters and am looking forward to the next chapter in the series.
151 reviews
March 9, 2022
This is the 5th book in this great series. The action starts fast and keeps the reader guessing throughout the book. I don’t think that the reader will guess the ending and it will pull you into the next book when it’s released. I can’t wait for it to come out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.