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Undone

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While on routine patrol in Southwest Detroit, Officer Roberta Hodgson happens upon a single-vehicle crash scene fatality. Although it appears to be a straightforward accident, the victim was a high profile rookie with the Detroit Tigers and media is on high alert.

Homicide Detective Finn Gaines is assigned to investigate and determine whether or not an actual crime was committed.

This uniquely written crime/mystery novel tells the story of a rookie Detroit Tigers infielder losing his life, from three perspectives:
- The officer who discovers the body, Roberta Hodgson
- Veteran Detroit Tigers infielder, Jimmy Greyson
- Homicide Detective Finn Gaines.

Read this page-turner whodunit to find out how their stories intertwine!

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2021

6 people are currently reading
65 people want to read

About the author

Phil Warner

2 books7 followers
Phil grew up in Windsor, Ontario, but moved to Sarnia, Ontario when he began his teaching career. He landed in Bright’s Grove where he began a family.

After a career in school board administration, he retired to travel, but the covid pandemic had different plans for him. Although he continues to teach online for an Ontario University part-time, he has had significant time on his hands and took up writing. Hence, his first novel UNDONE came to fruition.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for CarolG.
925 reviews554 followers
July 26, 2022
I was lured into reading this book by the Detroit location. Although I'm not a huge baseball fan, I did spend my teens and early 20s in Windsor and we were mostly all Detroit Tigers fans even if we didn't watch the games. This novel tells the story of a rookie Detroit Tigers infielder who dies in an automobile accident (not a spoiler-it's in the blurb) from the perspectives of Roberta Hodgson, the officer who discovers the accident, veteran Detroit Tigers infielder Jimmy Greyson, and Homicide Detective Finn Gaines.

This book was okay but I've been having a hard time writing a review. I was tickled by my familiarity with many of the places mentioned in Detroit, Windsor and even London Ontario where I now live. There's a lot of baseball narrative in it, more than I needed anyway, and my biggest complaint would be the way that the dialogue is written; there are very few contractions and it sounds so stilted and unnatural. For instance, "Like I said, it is not you. It is me." The whole tone of the book seems different from most of the books I read but maybe that's because the pov's were all first person which I don't see very often. There was a lot of superfluous information, not just about baseball but other things too, and at times I felt like I was on a guided tour of the day-to-day activities of the different narrators! What does Pink call it, "closed caption writing"?! I did chuckle a couple of times, mostly at the cheesy dialogue but also at Detective Gaines' Columbo imitation. I can't believe how often Columbo and/or his show have popped up in books recently. The plot was actually quite convoluted and was well executed. I kinda guessed where the book was headed but it was interesting to find out the how. I would probably read another book by this author because I think he has potential. I'm giving this book 3 stars but there are probably people who would enjoy it more than I did.

I've seen reviews of other books lately where product placement is mentioned but I don't recall running into it before this. The characters did quite the selling job for the Toyota Rav4 and Jimmy for Antonino's Pizza in Windsor (it's real) and some whiskey/whisky brands (apparently there's a difference when it's with an "e"!). So I learned something as well.

I'm always a little leery when I see so many 5-star reviews for a relatively unknown author. Clicking on some of the reviewers' GR profiles reveals mostly inactive accounts other than their review of this book which makes a person wonder ....., just sayin'.

I read this book for free with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
Profile Image for Lance.
1,675 reviews166 followers
August 6, 2021
When a promising young shortstop for the Detroit Tigers is found dead at the scene of a one vehicle auto accident, it didn't appear that foul play may have been involved. However, thanks to the inquisitive mind of the officer on the scene and the detective later assigned to the case, it does involve much more and the result is this terrific murder mystery with a baseball connection by author Phil Warner.

When Officer Roberta Hodges discovers the crash scene and realizes that the dead driver is Tigers rookie shortstop David Stone, something tells her that despite the appearance, there is more to the story than a tragic accident or a suicide. Told through three different narrators – Officer Hodges, long-time Tigers star Jimmy Grayson and Detective Finn Gaines – the story is riveting with just enough twists that keeps a reader captivated but not confused with too many turns and characters.
Baseball fans will love the plentiful amount of baseball in the story, especially during Grayson's dialogue as he talks about his play on the field, what he thinks of Stone's play, the coaching he does from watching televised games during his injury rehab and even brief talk about performance enhancing drugs. There isn't a lot of on-field action as the most text there is during a game is when Grayson suffers his injury during an intrasquad game when Stone lands on Grayson's leg when the latter was sliding to break up a double play.

If one is not into baseball, there is still plenty to enjoy about this book. For those who have not been to Detroit, there are many references to some of the city's landmarks and other attractions. For those that are familiar with the city, they will enjoy the hometown feeling. The pace of the story is excellent and the descriptions of the ongoing investigation is an excellent mix of the familiar (at least fans of police television shows, movies or stories) and the not-so-familiar. The dialogue is crisp and very believable and the ending does not disappoint. In short, this book has everything a good murder mystery story should have with plenty of baseball thrown in to attract fans of the sport, no matter their level of interest.

https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Vern Smith.
Author 9 books38 followers
October 14, 2021
Undone by Phil Warner is a complex mystery simply told, and that is among the many reasons it carries so well. Set in Detroit and Windsor, Warner’s debut novel is something of a police procedural following the investigation into the death of a Detroit Tigers shortstop. Hitting all the bars, restaurants, and pizzerias (yes, Windsor pizza is the best) you should know about in Windsor-Detroit, Undone is told from more than one perspective. While that presents a high-level of difficulty, the first-time author pulls it off – without requiring the reader to do additional work – and that’s a pretty neat trick in its own right.

The other neat trick is weaving through a mystery without giving the end away. Warner succeeds here, too, wrapping with a twist I never saw coming.

Undone is a terrific crime novel in its own right, but the denizens of Windsor-Detroit will be extra appreciative, as will readers of Troy Soos. Given the cross-border storyline, I suspect Canada-U.S. co-producers will eventually come sniffing around for a film option. And indeed, it would make for a great flick.
1 review1 follower
July 3, 2021
I just finished reading Undone. Loved it! I was born & raised in Detroit & am a lifelong Detroit Tiger fan. This book hit a home run with me. (pun intended!) It held my attention & I enjoyed all the references to well known places in Detroit. I could t put it down! I anxiously await his next book!
Job well done!
Profile Image for M P.
1 review1 follower
October 18, 2021
Before starting this review, I read some of the more recent ones. This Vern Smith person says it so well!!! Undone is a complex story, but it’s told in a way that is understandable!! Sometimes, I get confused in complex stories, but I did not in this novel!! I also love how the book reintroduces me to locations in downtown Detroit. Mr. Smith, great review, but I had to google some stuff you wrote. LOL
All in all, this is an excellent novel that will keep you engaged. I sincerely hope there is another one coming!

This is my first review. I hope it wasn’t too scattered!
Profile Image for JT.
3 reviews
June 21, 2021
Got the paperback from Amazon.com - arrived really fast and was professionally prepared.

Loved this book - being a ‘Roiter, I loved all the references to Downtown Detroit - I liked the baseball references even though I never played - gave me more appreciation for the game and maybe I’ll pick up a Tigers game now. I’ll be sure to hit Nemo’s before the game and maybe Xochimilco’s afterwards.

Thanks for highlighting the positive stuff in Detroit!!! And the mystery was well set and solved. Loved the characters too!

5-star and highly recommended to anyone who likes Detroit or a crime/detective book!

Profile Image for South Windsor.
1 review
June 22, 2021
Heard about this book that features Detroit - also Windsor style Pizza - in particular, Antonino’s
So I thought I would pick it up. It is really good and I love the connections to Windsor and Detroit - great bit in it about Bob Probert, too.

The crime and detective solving the crime is great, too.

I guess the author lives out of teh area now, so I am going to take my copy to Antoninos’ and see if I can get Joe the owner to sign it for me!!

Highly recommend it, especially for Motor City folks!
1 review
June 19, 2021
Got the hardcover version off of amazon.com / really impressed with the quality of book, front and back cover, and print. Took awhile to get to me though.

The story was awesome! Very engaging read / an easy read in a good way as someone else said.

Loved the characters and I can’t wait to see how a second novel will follow this one!!

Profile Image for Cynthia Kramer.
2 reviews
June 8, 2021
From start to finish, I couldn’t put this book down! Being a lifetime baseball fan myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the baseball scenarios. The intriguing story line, which was told from the various perspectives of several characters, kept the reader guessing about who had committed the initial crime. I really enjoyed the strong believable characters and the author’s sense of humour. I can’t wait to read the next book!
2 reviews
June 6, 2021
I loved this book. Had me guessing the whole time.
2 reviews
June 1, 2021
I love this book - everything about it!

Really cool cover that highlights the Detroit skyline. I like how the book is organized by parts and chapters. Each part is told by a different character, but they all intersect in the timeline. Neat approach!

I am not a sports fan, but the baseball references weren’t overwhelming. I enjoyed the mystery! My partner loves baseball and loved the book too so the baseball stuff must be believable.

Highly recommended!

I read the Apple Store version and it downloaded smoothly. Good product!
1 review1 follower
June 1, 2021
I was impressed by this novel. I love the references to Detroit and Windsor.

I would have given 4.5 stars, but it’s not an option. My one criticism is that I didn’t get the reference to Colombo - before my time. I did YouTube a scene and get the reference now. Maybe I am just being too hard on my ranking. Okay, I’ll stick with 5 stars.

I liked it and would recommend it to friends. I am ticked that there is now a hard cover version as I had bought the paperback. Would have got hard if i knew that was an option.
2 reviews
May 31, 2021
Before I started reading this book, I was thinking, “I think it’ll be pretty good for a first time author.” - You know, kinda like “The food at the resort is really good - for Cuba!”

However, I was thoroughly impressed - this novel is as good as anything James Patterson has ever put out. There is excellent character development, great storytelling, some humour interjected and it is a legitimate whodunnit!

I give this book a 5-star review - it is as good as anything by an established author.

1 review
June 2, 2021
Borrowed a paperback copy of this book from a friend and read it in 3 days...couldn’t put it down...awesome read!

I love mysteries and I love Tigers baseball so it was a natural fit!!

I am going to order the hard cover book for my dad who reads ferociously!

5-stars!
Profile Image for Jake Roberts.
1 review
October 20, 2021
Although I read a lot, I have never written a review before. The thing is I just read the best book that I’ve read in years! And it’s not from Grisham or Baldacci. It was written by a first-time author from Windsor, Ontario (my hometown). Since I finished reading it, I have made it my mission to let as many people as possible know how good the book is! It’s now my mission.

What makes it so good? It’s an easy read in a good way. Clear narration with sensible conversations. It’s really cool how it was written in 4 parts (three narrators and then a flip to third person to bring about the big finish). It has some baseball in it, but not an overwhelming amount. It’s a murder mystery first, with some baseball in it (hey, everyone needs to have a job). Being from Windsor, I love how Warner has the characters visit various restaurants/bars to highlight downtown Detroit and also a stop on the Windsor side of the border. All in all, this is a great mystery that was clearly well researched! Page-turner Whodunnit is the best description!!

Loved it, loved it, loved it!!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
3 reviews
September 14, 2021
Amazon is so stupid. I ordered this book off of Amazon, but it won’t let me write a review about it, because I haven’t spent enough money in the last year.

Oh well, good thing there is this site!!!

Anyway, I heard about the book on the radio and bought it. I really enjoyed UNDONE!! I grew up in Windsor with the author and I am totally shocked at how professional this book read. Who would have thunk it?? Had I not known that Phil wrote it, I would have sworn it was written by Grisham or Patterson.

I read the book in one weekend, because I could not put it down! The characters were really engaging and I really enjoyed the plot. I am not a baseball fan and that aspect of the book was overdone. I also loved all of the references to Detroit and a little bit of Windsor. Did Joe C pay to get his pizza place highlighted?

Highly recommend it for anyone who likes a crime or mystery novel.
1 review
October 9, 2021
I feel bad for not buying the book. A friend had bought the hard cover version and lent it to me. Anyway, I was very impressed by the book. It’s a great novel that flows very naturally. I read the book in 4 days (1 part per day) and that seemed ideal for me. You’ll know what I mean if you read it yourself.

Yes, there is some baseball in the book, but don’t let that detract you. If you like crime novels or murder mysteries, you will like this book (Ex. I am not a book collector, but I like Grisham’s Camino Island books).

Anyway, like I said, I feel bad having just borrowed the book, but to make up for it, I will buy a copy for my uncle who lives in Windsor and always brags about them having the “best pizza!” Again, if you read Undone, you’ll get the reference! South Detroit!!

5 Star Review from me!!
Profile Image for Paul Burgoyne.
Author 1 book18 followers
September 13, 2021
Undone is an excellent murder mystery featuring rookie and veteran players with the Detroit Tigers. The action, set in Detroit and South Detroit (aka Windsor, Ontario), is narrated from the perspectives of different characters and is surprisingly fast-paced. The novel moves quickly and becomes a page-turner and difficult to put down! (Finished it at 2 am last night.) The primary detective is a later-day clone of Peter Falk’s Columbo (for those who go back that far). But you don’t need to know Columbo to like and to cheer for him as he puts the pieces together to solve the crime. A really good read.
Profile Image for KR.
1 review
October 3, 2021
New to Goodreads, so sorry if this isn’t the right way to do this.

I got this book from the Sarnia Library as I heard about it through the local newspaper. This book was really well done. I loved it: great pacing, intricate plot, but I never got lost (not sure if that makes sense), also love the baseball references!

My partner also read it and she’s not a baseball fan, but she also loved it. I think it is because she is so much like the character named Jenny lol

Two 5-Star reviews here from us in Sarnia. Way to go Mr. Warner (he taught both of us many years ago - too many years LOL)
Profile Image for JP.
6 reviews
July 14, 2021
Really good book - as others have said, I had trouble putting it down - highly recommended.

My only critique would be about the title. After reading the book, I get the rationale, but it doesn’t give a hint to what the book is about.

Regardless, this is a really, really good book!
Profile Image for Tracey Nelson.
142 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2022
A must read especially if you are from Windsor or Detroit. Hope he writes more. Great job 👍 Phil. 🇨🇦
2 reviews
January 19, 2022
Great murder mystery with a baseball flare . Spot on with Detroit landmarks . Enjoyed the twist at the end and the author got me !
1 review
October 4, 2021
An old high school friend encouraged me to write a review, so like KR, I’m new to the Goodreads thing.

I borrowed a copy of the hard cover version of Undone. It was very, very professionally put together. Ha, but don’t judge the book by the cover. Lol The book was great! I was thoroughly impressed. Great job Mr. Warner! I never knew you could write. This was as good as any other novel I’ve read. Thanks for giving me a great weekend cuddled up on the backyard couch!
1 review
May 29, 2021
I borrowed the paperback from a friend and he told me to keep track of who I thought did it. Throughout the book, I changed my mind 5 times (6 if you count nobody). I don’t want to give anything away but I have to emphasize that this is a great whodunnit and the author plays with your mind, right until the very end! Skillfully written.

Like others have mentioned, I hope there is a second one in the works: Unraveled, Unfinished, Unfounded, Un-somethin’

My only criticism would be that I like the smaller style of paperback. I think this was 6 by 9 inches and felt more like a hard cover size. That’s being really picky though. Solid story and I am glad I read it!
1 review
May 29, 2021
Several friends have read the book and they suggested that I should as well. Well I read it and loved it.

I like how the first part set the stage for what was to come. I found myself anxious to see how things came into play. I really like how there were 4 parts that interconnected. Then, it left me wanting more!

I will for sure pass the book along to another friend.
1 review
June 14, 2021
Excellent book - ‘quick read’ in a good way - love the pacing! It really is a page-turning whodunit
1 review
May 27, 2021
I got this book and wasn’t sure what to expect. My one criticism would be that it should reveal a bit more on the back cover blurb.

Anyway, this is a really good book. Like some others have said, I had a hard time putting it down. It was very engaging. Really loved the character and relationship development - I actually found myself getting jealous at one point!

Excellent storytelling - I hope there is a second book in the works!!
1 review
May 28, 2021
Very engaging book - liked the detail of Detroit nightspots and the baseball depth of knowledge - my gf read it too and she does not like baseball, but she still really liked the story

I bought the book off of Apple. It is cheap, cheap!

A friend of mine got the paperback and it was reasonably priced. Might get it for my dad for Father’s Day.
1 review
May 27, 2021
I have fond memories of the city of Detroit so I thought I might like this book. I was not disappointed. I feel like I have done a tour of local establishments while solving a mystery - btw - I totally guessed wrong as to whodunnit.

I read it through Apple, but I think I will order a paperback or hard cover version for my dad for Fathers Day.
1 review
May 26, 2021
This book is so good.

I ordered it off of Amazon and it was delivered very quickly. The book looks and feels really good, but I would prefer a little smaller paperback version.

The content was spot on. I feel like I know Detroit better now and I loved the murder mystery. Every piece of evidence fits together like a really good puzzle. I was thoroughly impressed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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