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Jake Travis #8
A Different Way to Die
Twenty years ago, Christopher Callaghan perished when his boat went up in flames on the West Coast of Florida. His death was ruled an accident.
Now, Christopher’s uncle, Yankee Conrad, a CIA operative, receives a medallion belonging to Christopher, along with a ransom note demanding payment in exchange for the truth of what really happened that night. Yankee asks Jake Travis to investigate.
Following a trail of clues and lines of questioning, Jake tracks down two women, both guarding deep secrets, and holding pledges born in the past, and honored in the present. The further he digs, the more he discovers chilling, twisted details about a group of CIA operatives overseeing Russian sleeper agents, known as The Network. Jake suspects that Yankee has motives beyond just discovering who sent the medallion.
As the secrets of The Network and the past collide, the shocking truth about Christopher Callaghan is exposed, and Jake and his partner Garrett are caught in a violent vortex, battling to save the lives of those who trust them—as well as their own.
Now, Christopher’s uncle, Yankee Conrad, a CIA operative, receives a medallion belonging to Christopher, along with a ransom note demanding payment in exchange for the truth of what really happened that night. Yankee asks Jake Travis to investigate.
Following a trail of clues and lines of questioning, Jake tracks down two women, both guarding deep secrets, and holding pledges born in the past, and honored in the present. The further he digs, the more he discovers chilling, twisted details about a group of CIA operatives overseeing Russian sleeper agents, known as The Network. Jake suspects that Yankee has motives beyond just discovering who sent the medallion.
As the secrets of The Network and the past collide, the shocking truth about Christopher Callaghan is exposed, and Jake and his partner Garrett are caught in a violent vortex, battling to save the lives of those who trust them—as well as their own.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2021
94 people are currently reading
2242 people want to read
About the author
Robert Lane
13 books196 followersRobert Lane is the author of the critically acclaimed Jake Travis novels. His debut novel, "The Second Letter" was the Independent Book Publishers Association 2015 Gold Medal Winner for Best New Voice: Fiction.
Florida Weekly states: “Jake Travis is one of the best leading men to take the thriller-fiction stage in recent years. Lane has created a winning hero who is super-skilled, super-fit, oddly bookish, and funny as a stiletto. Lane mixes confidence and doubt, steadiness and recklessness, and toughness and sensitivity in engaging proportions.”
Foreword Clarion Reviews adds: "Lane’s writing is sharp, evocative, and gripping. Travis distinguishes himself from other dynamic PI’s in the genre via his pure zest for life which is often presented with a sensual edge.”
“Razor-sharp wit.” Midwest Book Review
“The prose is confident and clever, the pacing smooth and compelling…consistently entertaining crime thrillers.” Kirkus Reviews
“Entertaining and enjoyable.” SceneSarasota
“Witty dialogue, and page-turning drama.” BlueInk Reviews
Lane resides on the west coast of Florida.
Florida Weekly states: “Jake Travis is one of the best leading men to take the thriller-fiction stage in recent years. Lane has created a winning hero who is super-skilled, super-fit, oddly bookish, and funny as a stiletto. Lane mixes confidence and doubt, steadiness and recklessness, and toughness and sensitivity in engaging proportions.”
Foreword Clarion Reviews adds: "Lane’s writing is sharp, evocative, and gripping. Travis distinguishes himself from other dynamic PI’s in the genre via his pure zest for life which is often presented with a sensual edge.”
“Razor-sharp wit.” Midwest Book Review
“The prose is confident and clever, the pacing smooth and compelling…consistently entertaining crime thrillers.” Kirkus Reviews
“Entertaining and enjoyable.” SceneSarasota
“Witty dialogue, and page-turning drama.” BlueInk Reviews
Lane resides on the west coast of Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 2, 2021
Ooo, what a Fantastic action-adventure this is!! Twenty years ago a young man perished when his boat went up in flames...Leaving Nothing...No crime scene, no evidence, no sign of the man ever found...Just the cold, lonely sea...A man calls upon Jake Travis to investigate, Now, with the event locked away in the history books...He is Yankee Conrad, uncle of the young man...But he seems to have many secrets himself! Someone sent a medallion that belonged to the young man, Christopher, and is seeking payment or he tells what Really happened...So Jake takes on the mission, in his usual questioning way...But meets people who seem determined to keep things from him...Oh, the CIA seems to be involved...Great...Thankfully Jake has some excellent friends willing to assist him on the path to the truth!!
A story with amazing descriptions, beautiful words that clash with some wild events...I received an ARC from the author and offer you my honest thoughts and feelings in this review!!
A story with amazing descriptions, beautiful words that clash with some wild events...I received an ARC from the author and offer you my honest thoughts and feelings in this review!!
July 27, 2021
What really happened to Christopher, that’s what his uncle wants to know. Loads of action, intrigue and suspense to keep your attention.
August 13, 2021
I’ve read all of Robert Lane’s books and have gotten lost in the very best way in each and every one. A Different Way to Die is no exception.
Mr. Lane’s writing is very poetic and reflects an introspective approach to life that results in a little voice encouraging me to hi-light way to many sentences.
Jake Travis is one of my favorite main characters. He’s intelligent, resourceful and has a very sharp wit that is always present. He’s persistent and seems to have unlimited confidence. I know . . . he sounds too good to be true.
The story takes place in Pass-a-Grille, Florida and we learn about the town and the area in each of the Jake Travis books. Jake, his wife, Kathleen and their infant daughter, Joy, live on the Gulf in that area. Jake’s good friend, Morgan, lives next door and is really part of Jake’s family.
Since leaving the military Jake and his friend, Garrett Demarcus, occasionally contracted with a former commanding officer to investigate and catch people whose careers involved illegal activities of sufficient seriousness to catch the government’s attention. Because those adventures weren’t particularly good for their health, they’ve recently been working on their own area projects.
An acquaintance, Yankee Conrad, has asked Jake to track down a nephew who supposedly died in a boat fire twenty years before. Because the nephew's body was never found, there was no closure for the family. A Different Way to Die is the well-put-together story of this investigation and resolution.
Mr. Lane’s descriptions always take me right to the scene. I can hear the boats as they go by Jake’s dock and all the other sounds you’d expect in that scenario, including feeling the heat and humidity.
There are many authors with vivid imaginations coupled with the necessary writing skills to put complicated stories into words that enrich the lives of readers. Robert Lane is, in my opinion, among the best of this group.
Every time I read a Jake Travis novel, I’m riveted all over again. I’m now not so patiently waiting for Jake Travis book number 9.
Mr. Lane’s writing is very poetic and reflects an introspective approach to life that results in a little voice encouraging me to hi-light way to many sentences.
Jake Travis is one of my favorite main characters. He’s intelligent, resourceful and has a very sharp wit that is always present. He’s persistent and seems to have unlimited confidence. I know . . . he sounds too good to be true.
The story takes place in Pass-a-Grille, Florida and we learn about the town and the area in each of the Jake Travis books. Jake, his wife, Kathleen and their infant daughter, Joy, live on the Gulf in that area. Jake’s good friend, Morgan, lives next door and is really part of Jake’s family.
Since leaving the military Jake and his friend, Garrett Demarcus, occasionally contracted with a former commanding officer to investigate and catch people whose careers involved illegal activities of sufficient seriousness to catch the government’s attention. Because those adventures weren’t particularly good for their health, they’ve recently been working on their own area projects.
An acquaintance, Yankee Conrad, has asked Jake to track down a nephew who supposedly died in a boat fire twenty years before. Because the nephew's body was never found, there was no closure for the family. A Different Way to Die is the well-put-together story of this investigation and resolution.
Mr. Lane’s descriptions always take me right to the scene. I can hear the boats as they go by Jake’s dock and all the other sounds you’d expect in that scenario, including feeling the heat and humidity.
There are many authors with vivid imaginations coupled with the necessary writing skills to put complicated stories into words that enrich the lives of readers. Robert Lane is, in my opinion, among the best of this group.
Every time I read a Jake Travis novel, I’m riveted all over again. I’m now not so patiently waiting for Jake Travis book number 9.
July 24, 2021
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. I must admit to a slight feeling of trepidation as I approached this book. This is only the second of the Jake Travis books that I have read and the last one was not really my cup of tea. I am so glad that I overcame my misgivings and read it. It is an awesome book. I especially love the characters of Jake and Morgan. They are authentic, unique, always ready to reach out to anyone who needs help, and real-to-life; just as the majority of the characters are here. There are a couple who are a bit over the top. Yankee Conrad immediately comes to mind, but even he is not a caricature, just a bit larger than life. The only downside to this book is that once I started reading I didn't want to put it down and I really needed to at times. There were more twists and turns than you could shake a stick at. I must admit that the ending caught me totally off-guard and I love when that happens.
Mr. Lane has a very flowery, descriptive style of writing, and in the previous book I read it put me off; maybe because the subject was lost love and it had a Shakespearean feel to it. That's why I wasn't sure that I wanted to read this one, but, as I said, I'm very glad I did. Mr. Lane's style is still a bit flowery and definitely descriptive, but here it fit and created a very smooth flowing story.
If you haven't read the Jake Travis Mysteries, you need to. I will definitely be going back and reading the ones I've missed.
Mr. Lane has a very flowery, descriptive style of writing, and in the previous book I read it put me off; maybe because the subject was lost love and it had a Shakespearean feel to it. That's why I wasn't sure that I wanted to read this one, but, as I said, I'm very glad I did. Mr. Lane's style is still a bit flowery and definitely descriptive, but here it fit and created a very smooth flowing story.
If you haven't read the Jake Travis Mysteries, you need to. I will definitely be going back and reading the ones I've missed.
December 14, 2021
Jake Travis was not expecting a difficult case when Yankee Conrad approached him, asking him to check into the death of his nephew, Christopher Callaghan, who was burned to death on his boat twenty years earlier. Christopher’s mother, Elaine, was out of her mind with worry over her son, and Yankee wanted to put his sister’s mind at ease. As Jake digs more deeply into Christopher’s death, he comes across traces of CIA involvement, and though he was well aware Yankee was an operative, he never expected to become as deeply mired in the case as he does, discovering several murders and covert operations that make the assignment dangerous and difficult.
Though Robert Lane has written an entire series featuring Jake Travis, this book read very well as a stand-alone. I enjoyed the many twists and turns, and the excitement of figuring out what actually happened to Christopher, since it was not at all what I had expected. This is a fascinating read, that easily captured my interest, and I definitely plan to read more about Jake Travis in the future.
My thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher and author for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2021
Cloak and dagger spy games gone awry
An unpredictable outcome makes for a great read. Packed with intrigue and suspense. Jake is brought on board to investigate one thing and it spirals beyond his imagination. I love Jake’s character, he is bold, determined and is an honorable person. He has his own style of investigation, determined and persistent, he has an open mindedness, remembering the small details and the ability of putting it together. The multilayered plot kept twisting, just when I thought it was going one way it went another. There were surprises at every turn.
The writing is engaging, descriptive and flows well, it is so easy to feel like a part of the story, and getting a feel of the Florida landscape.
I thought the book was a thought-provoking read right from the start, I did not want to put the book down I felt compelled to keep reading to see where this was going. Well done and I highly recommend. This is definitely a book for the re-read shelf. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
An unpredictable outcome makes for a great read. Packed with intrigue and suspense. Jake is brought on board to investigate one thing and it spirals beyond his imagination. I love Jake’s character, he is bold, determined and is an honorable person. He has his own style of investigation, determined and persistent, he has an open mindedness, remembering the small details and the ability of putting it together. The multilayered plot kept twisting, just when I thought it was going one way it went another. There were surprises at every turn.
The writing is engaging, descriptive and flows well, it is so easy to feel like a part of the story, and getting a feel of the Florida landscape.
I thought the book was a thought-provoking read right from the start, I did not want to put the book down I felt compelled to keep reading to see where this was going. Well done and I highly recommend. This is definitely a book for the re-read shelf. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
June 30, 2021
The 8th book of the "Jake Travis Series", and it is a "most excellent read". I begins with a bit of backstory, and it finished with a "BANG"!
I found this one to be almost hypnotic, and simply couldn't stop reading it once I started, (and yes I read it as a member of the author's ARC Team, however the fact that I did receive it without cost that does not, and never will, influence my review).
I HIGHLY Recommend this book, and yes it does work as a "standalone read", but as always with any series, by any author, I always recommend beginning with the first book, and reading your way through (especially if the book is available in the Kindle Unlimited Program (that's not a plug of KU, it's just a point of information)).
Moving on I believe this thought which passed through my mind as I finished the book, and it pretty much sums up my feelings about it:
"When one chooses to live a lie,
One just chooses Another Way To Die!"
Thank you, Mr. Robert Lane, for this latest addition to this great series.
I found this one to be almost hypnotic, and simply couldn't stop reading it once I started, (and yes I read it as a member of the author's ARC Team, however the fact that I did receive it without cost that does not, and never will, influence my review).
I HIGHLY Recommend this book, and yes it does work as a "standalone read", but as always with any series, by any author, I always recommend beginning with the first book, and reading your way through (especially if the book is available in the Kindle Unlimited Program (that's not a plug of KU, it's just a point of information)).
Moving on I believe this thought which passed through my mind as I finished the book, and it pretty much sums up my feelings about it:
"When one chooses to live a lie,
One just chooses Another Way To Die!"
Thank you, Mr. Robert Lane, for this latest addition to this great series.
July 1, 2021
This is the first Robert Lane book I have read. I loved it. Jake Travis is approached by Yankee Conrad and asked to find out what actually happened to his nephew 24 years ago when his boat burned. Is his nephew (Chris) really dead? Someone has sent Yankee Chris's medalion and asked for a large sum of money to tell him the truth. Jakes search leads him into a place he never expected. His life in danger, but he finds the truth. The characters in this book are well developed and most are likable. This is a good story and keeps you wondering where it is going for quite a while, but as it unfolds you are really sucked in and don't want to put it down. If I have to say one negative thing about it, it would be that sometimes there is too much description in the writing, like what the sky looked like. Otherwise, great book.
Read
September 8, 2021A different way to die is a mystery novel with a lot of good surprises and plot twists. Overall the entire book was filled with details. This was my first Jake Travis book and the book did not skip a beat. I didn't feel left out. I was expecting some places with the mention of wife or daughter might throw me off but the book explained very well
The book starts off with a crime scene, a missing person and no clues. The whole book leads you in a way. I liked the minor characters and their behaviour traits which was captured in the book. The detailed description of events happening around Jake was truly amazing and helped set the scene. Sometimes it could get overbearing but it was still nice. The starting was a little abrupt and out of the way, but when it was stitched together in the end was marvelous. Overall a solid read and worth the time.
The book starts off with a crime scene, a missing person and no clues. The whole book leads you in a way. I liked the minor characters and their behaviour traits which was captured in the book. The detailed description of events happening around Jake was truly amazing and helped set the scene. Sometimes it could get overbearing but it was still nice. The starting was a little abrupt and out of the way, but when it was stitched together in the end was marvelous. Overall a solid read and worth the time.
September 21, 2021
Thank you Mason Alley Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Small town mysteries are always a fun read and this Robert Lane series is engaging. The author does a great job developing the main characters in the series as well as those needed for each book in the series. The story is told from the perspective of the lead character, private investigator Jake Travis. He is hired to find out if the nephew of his client truly died in a boat fire 20 years earlier. At times he is annoying in his dialogue but you really like and root for his success. So many secrets to uncover from the past and the present. Who to trust? Who to believe? What really happened then and what game is underway now?
Loved this story which kept me turning pages more eagerly with every chapter. If you love mysteries, you will love this book.
Loved this story which kept me turning pages more eagerly with every chapter. If you love mysteries, you will love this book.
June 23, 2021
Midnight Cove, Florida, a young man Christopher Callaghan twenty two and gone and the older detective Hendren. wanting answers, and no clues.
Now 24 years later a request by an uncle upon receiving a package and monetary demands, wants answers, the body was never found. Asking
Mr Travis, to use discretion and wind the case up.
Talking with Hendren, it was a case not solved, no scene to investigate, as though a perfect crime, one.he didn’t forget about.
I liked how with ease you’ve been introduced to the plot, the characters.
You puzzle over the information along with Mr Travis, can it be closed, and who is behind the package now given to an uncle.
Enjoyed and recommend reading this clean mystery.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Now 24 years later a request by an uncle upon receiving a package and monetary demands, wants answers, the body was never found. Asking
Mr Travis, to use discretion and wind the case up.
Talking with Hendren, it was a case not solved, no scene to investigate, as though a perfect crime, one.he didn’t forget about.
I liked how with ease you’ve been introduced to the plot, the characters.
You puzzle over the information along with Mr Travis, can it be closed, and who is behind the package now given to an uncle.
Enjoyed and recommend reading this clean mystery.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
August 26, 2021
A different way to die is a mystery novel with a lot of good surprises and plot twists. Overall the entire book was filled with details. This was my first Jake Travis book and the book for not skip a beat. I didn't feel left out. I was expecting some places with the mention of wife or daughter might throw me off but the book explained very well
The book starts off with a crime scene, a missing person and no clues. The whole book leads you in a way. I liked the minor characters and their behaviour traits which was captured in the book. Overall a solid read and worth the time.
The book starts off with a crime scene, a missing person and no clues. The whole book leads you in a way. I liked the minor characters and their behaviour traits which was captured in the book. Overall a solid read and worth the time.
September 27, 2021
An interesting story.
It starts with a simple mission trying to solve an old cold case. Did a young man die in a boat fire? Was it murder, suicide or is he still alive? The story develops in a mystery with little clues on the way filled with lies and twists. I have to admit I didn't expect the final twist.
I would suggest this book to anyone who likes crime mysteries. It's an easy read and pleasurable adventure.
It starts with a simple mission trying to solve an old cold case. Did a young man die in a boat fire? Was it murder, suicide or is he still alive? The story develops in a mystery with little clues on the way filled with lies and twists. I have to admit I didn't expect the final twist.
I would suggest this book to anyone who likes crime mysteries. It's an easy read and pleasurable adventure.
June 29, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 30, 2021
I received this novel as an ARC for an honest review. A man dies on his boat, and twenty some years later, his uncle wants the truth of what happened. Very well plotted out, great character development, fast paced, and choked full of twists. Highly recommend this book, its a stand alone in a series, but so well done. Enjoy!
Read
July 16, 2021Twists
This is my first Robert Lane book, but the story could have been a standalone. I enjoyed the characters, especially Travis. The first-person narration moved the story along nicely. The plot had plenty of twists and kept me guessing. I was pleased to see this is part of a series, and I expect to read more of the adventures. I won this book from Goodreads.
This is my first Robert Lane book, but the story could have been a standalone. I enjoyed the characters, especially Travis. The first-person narration moved the story along nicely. The plot had plenty of twists and kept me guessing. I was pleased to see this is part of a series, and I expect to read more of the adventures. I won this book from Goodreads.
November 24, 2021
I was given this book for an honest review.
Loved this book. You have a detective sent out to find someone who supposedly died years ago and now his mother wants to find him. Lots of great characters who were well developed for this crazy ride to find out what is happening now and what happened then.
Loved this book. You have a detective sent out to find someone who supposedly died years ago and now his mother wants to find him. Lots of great characters who were well developed for this crazy ride to find out what is happening now and what happened then.
November 9, 2022
A Different Way to Die is an intriguing mystery, full of action, and twists and turns that grab the attention right at the beginning. A cold case is the main propulsor of everything that happens in the plot, which is well-written, fast-paced, and left me wondering why haven't I read this author before!
November 27, 2023
Book #8 in the Jake Travis series and Robert Lane shows no sign of slowing down the action, tension or great story lines he started in 2015. This story finds Jake and his friends investigating a 20 yr old death that may not have been as accidental as it was ruled. Following the clues will lead them into some murky waters where they will meet those who want the story to stay closed.
June 30, 2021
A very captivating story line. A boat accident 20 years ago was ruled an accident. Yankee Conrad's nephew was the victim. He receives a ransom letter for money to find out the truth about his nephew's death. He hires Jake Travis to investigate. A page turner with a surprise ending.
July 3, 2021
So many twists and turns!
I wanted to prolong reading this much awaited book- but no way, I stayed up to the wee hours to finish it. A great read, a complicated story line, complex characters and a new beginning for Jake.
I wanted to prolong reading this much awaited book- but no way, I stayed up to the wee hours to finish it. A great read, a complicated story line, complex characters and a new beginning for Jake.
July 12, 2021
What a great book!
What a great book. It is a lot different than the previous ones and does not disappoint. It was a little slow at the beginning for me but that’s just my opinion. Highly recommended!
What a great book. It is a lot different than the previous ones and does not disappoint. It was a little slow at the beginning for me but that’s just my opinion. Highly recommended!
July 24, 2021
A 20-yr-old death comes to the forefront when the uncle suddenly receives a ransom note. The premise is great and is what caused me to request this book from Net Galley, but it did move a little slowly to me. Otherwise, it was a great story!
November 29, 2021
Thanks #netgallery for this book in exchange for an honest review. This started a little slow with almost too many characters. But after the first third of the book, the author was able to keep my interest. Great ending and twist. Perfect title
January 7, 2022
I had the pleasure of catching up with the latest Jake book. I admit I am a fan of the author and the series. I like the characters and the cloak and dagger feel of the book. The twists and turns had me looking forward to the next twist, never guessing where it would go. I liked the story.
June 9, 2021
"A Different Way to Die" by ROBERT LANE is a novel packed with everything. It is laugh out loud funny at times; yet a crime story that keeps you guessing at the same time. I loved this novel.
June 28, 2021
A well written story that I couldn't put down. Full of action from start to finish with a mixed cast of characters. It kept me engrossed from start to finish, I real page turner.
July 28, 2021
always enjoy a good mystery!
August 24, 2021
Another Robert Lane winner
I have read all of the Jake Travis novels to date and anxiously await the series to continue and give me many more pleasant hours of reading.
I have read all of the Jake Travis novels to date and anxiously await the series to continue and give me many more pleasant hours of reading.
January 31, 2022
A Different Way to Die
Good story, interesting characters. A mystery with a lot of action makes for an enjoyable read. May have to find another Jake Travis adventure.
Good story, interesting characters. A mystery with a lot of action makes for an enjoyable read. May have to find another Jake Travis adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews