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Echo Killers: A Dickie Floyd Detective Novel
Awarded Second Place in the 2019 Public Safety Writer's Association Contest Fort Hood, Texas, 2016. A vehicle carrying seven soldiers was swept away in a flash flood. Four were killed, three were never found. Los Angeles, 2018. A runaway boy claims to have witnessed a murder. The story seems farfetched, but Floyd takes the case. Unsure, he turns to his old partner for a second opinion.But Dickie has problems of his own. He has been assigned a new partner, a good cop but one with a checkered past. It’s the last thing Dickie needs, regardless of how sexy she happens to be. When the two are sent to investigate a murder in Compton, Dickie recognizes the similarities to Floyd’s new case.Army investigators descend on South Los Angeles in search of AWOL soldiers, while Dickie and Floyd close in on the killers. Are their paths set to collide? In an exciting, action-packed police drama replete with perilous twists and snaky turns, this murder mystery will drag you beyond the yellow tape and into the minds and souls of killers and those who hunt them."A fast-paced novel filled with colorful characters and dialogue reminiscent of vintage Elmore Leonard. Brimming with true-to-life details that can only come from the pen of an experienced homicide investigator, Echo Killers has an authenticity which is rare among murder mysteries." - Phil Jonas"To say that I thoroughly enjoyed the book would be an understatement. Like his previous novels, this book was riveting for me. Hence the reason that I was determined to finish it in one sitting. It had me on the edge of my seat a couple of times so I just had to keep turning pages." - Moon Mullen"I am also a Michael Connelly fan and read all of his books. Connelly has a book out called Dark Sacred Night, which is currently number 2 in the best-selling list. Echo Killers is far superior." - Bud Johnson"Although I love the dynamics of the Dickie Floyd duo, I really liked the introduction of Dickie’s newest partner, Josie, who possesses both brains and beauty. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Dickie Floyd Detective Novel series, and I must admit this one is my favorite so far." - Michele C.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2021
290 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Danny R. Smith
17 books109 followersDanny R. Smith spent 21 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the last seven as a homicide detective. He now lives in Idaho where he works as a private investigator and consultant. He is blessed with a beautiful family and surrounded by an assortment of furry critters whom he counts among his friends.
Danny is the author of the Dickie Floyd Detective Novel series and the Rich Farris Detective series. He writes about true crime and other topics in his blog, The Murder Memo.
He has appeared as an expert on numerous podcasts and shows including True Crime Daily and the STARZ channel’s WRONG MAN series, and is the host of Unsolved Murders with Danny Smith on the Dr. Carlos Crime Network podcast.
Danny is a member of the Idaho Writers Guild and the Public Safety Writers Association.
Be sure to follow Danny on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/danny...
Danny is the author of the Dickie Floyd Detective Novel series and the Rich Farris Detective series. He writes about true crime and other topics in his blog, The Murder Memo.
He has appeared as an expert on numerous podcasts and shows including True Crime Daily and the STARZ channel’s WRONG MAN series, and is the host of Unsolved Murders with Danny Smith on the Dr. Carlos Crime Network podcast.
Danny is a member of the Idaho Writers Guild and the Public Safety Writers Association.
Be sure to follow Danny on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/danny...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 6, 2019
Another great installment in the Dickie Floyd series! Danny Smith is quickly becoming one of my favorite crime authors. His books are authentic and intense and you can tell that he spent many years "on the job" just by the dialogue alone. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
February 3, 2019
"Echo Killers" is the first of the detective Dickie Floyd novels I have read, and it was spectacularly good. I will read the backlist with the expectation of further fine entertainment.
Mr. Smith, the author, was a cop and it shows as he writes with feeling about the camaraderie of serving officers. Their the cynicism is one that hides deep emotions. The emotions are not only about those who place their lives in danger every day and night, but also for the civilians who bear the brunt of violence all around them in neighborhoods where sudden death tears open lives. he also knows how to write, without becoming maudlin, of the cost of standing in a hushed group at the edge of a pool of blood, thinking of the wife and children whose father / mother will never come home, or of useless life of a teen -age gang member who picked up a gun and died with it in his hand.
His character, Dickie Floyd, is one that fills the pages. Even though this is the third book in the series, I had no trouble in getting to know Floyd and his fellow cops, not to mention the county they defend from total chaos. He also brings us one of the bad guys, more correctly, a female to life as one who had escaped the ghetto, only to let it all come stealing back into her life because she wanted some excitement.
It is all a tragedy, sad and moving. Excitement- yes plenty of it as the Floyd and partners become involved in a city-wide chase and shoot-out with the thieves. Police methods and procedure? Oh, yes the author knows and depicts all the process of investigating a crime scene.
In my opinion, Mr. Floyd and his protagonist has stepped up into first place ahead of all others as the one who has the title of best of the bunch who write about the life of a police officer .
Highly recommended.
(Content notes: some mild sexual repartee; no graphic sex; crime scenes are what one should expect.
Mr. Smith, the author, was a cop and it shows as he writes with feeling about the camaraderie of serving officers. Their the cynicism is one that hides deep emotions. The emotions are not only about those who place their lives in danger every day and night, but also for the civilians who bear the brunt of violence all around them in neighborhoods where sudden death tears open lives. he also knows how to write, without becoming maudlin, of the cost of standing in a hushed group at the edge of a pool of blood, thinking of the wife and children whose father / mother will never come home, or of useless life of a teen -age gang member who picked up a gun and died with it in his hand.
His character, Dickie Floyd, is one that fills the pages. Even though this is the third book in the series, I had no trouble in getting to know Floyd and his fellow cops, not to mention the county they defend from total chaos. He also brings us one of the bad guys, more correctly, a female to life as one who had escaped the ghetto, only to let it all come stealing back into her life because she wanted some excitement.
It is all a tragedy, sad and moving. Excitement- yes plenty of it as the Floyd and partners become involved in a city-wide chase and shoot-out with the thieves. Police methods and procedure? Oh, yes the author knows and depicts all the process of investigating a crime scene.
In my opinion, Mr. Floyd and his protagonist has stepped up into first place ahead of all others as the one who has the title of best of the bunch who write about the life of a police officer .
Highly recommended.
(Content notes: some mild sexual repartee; no graphic sex; crime scenes are what one should expect.
June 3, 2025
Another great Novel by my favorite Detective/Cop Author Danny R Smith. I love the insight into the true workings of the police department and the detectives, although it did make dust get in my eyes more than a few times. The characters are great! I love that they are real people, not some marvel version of superhero. These are real life superheroes with strength, courage, fear, doubts … they have to work to find the truth about what has happened, but when they figure it out they take care of business the way it should be taken care of! Thanks again for another great read!
December 30, 2021
Highly recommend. Loved it!!
January 25, 2022
outstanding
It is very obvious as I work my pathway through Danny’s work that practice does make perfect. Captivating. Gut wrenching. Emotional. Keep up the great work.
It is very obvious as I work my pathway through Danny’s work that practice does make perfect. Captivating. Gut wrenching. Emotional. Keep up the great work.
November 20, 2019
In previous books in the Dickie Floyd series readers have some opportunities to relieve tension by.laughter over the detectives' wisecracks. This is a far more serious book. There may be a little banter, but only a little, certainly not laughing-out-loud humor Deeper issues about the lives of officers and those who love them are written underneath the action in this book. Danny R. Smith does a masterful job of raising the reader's awareness. I shed a tear or two while I read. From time to time we need to be reminded of what others do on our behalf.
January 17, 2020
Good evening, my fellow Book Dragons. It is once again Monday and this means a Mystery. Tonight’s Gem is red, clear, like semi-congealed blood. A spinel made of pain and death. Frightening in it’s aspect. Dealthly in it’s form. Hold it. Feel the vibrations of arrogant ignorance vibrating from it. The worst kind of ignorance. This is ‘The Echo Killers’ by Gem Maker Danny R. Smith.
Danny’s is a name you have read here before. A Gem Maker and Dragon Feeder he once again keeps us on the edge of our scales with this tale of two Army Soldiers going A.W.O.L. One a hard-edged girl of the L.A. ghetto and Latin gangs and the other an arrogant militant sadist who sees himself as the ultimate soldier and Soldier of Fortune. He knows all, has done it all. In reality, he’s done nothing, he knows nothing.
They are wanted by the Army for being A.W.O.L. and faking their own deaths. They have committed murder in another state. Dickie and his new partner, Sanchez (no Dickie still isn’t back with Floyd, but happily Floyd is still in the picture) want them for killing a ‘you couldn’t ask for a nicer guy’ local store owner and a harmless wino. Floyd suspects them of attempted murder in an attack on a store owner in his district, and a little kid named Cedric, with green eyes, saw the whole thing and told him so. Floyd isn’t the only one who knows about Cedric. So does our Arrogant Militant Sadist. And he wants him DEAD, with a capital D. He doesn’t care that he’s a little kid. He doesn’t care that is second victim who lived through the attack isn’t talking. He wants them both dead.
I loved this book. Once again, Danny R. Smith lives up to his own code on Noir and it’s fantastic. Dickie and his new partner deliver plenty. Everyone, especially Floyd, is betting they will end up in an affair because men and women can’t just work together without, well, you know. And Floyd is, well, still Floyd. Smart mouthed, on the prowl, and still street smart. It’s wonderful. Los Angeles and the world before political correctness ruined everything.
So do yourself a favor, grab your fedora, put your feet up on your desk, lean back in that office chair with your favorite cup of Joe and get busy finding out if Cedric lives and if the Echo Killers get away, die or go to jail. After all, you’ve got a murder to solve.
Something really wonderful about these books, if you buy them directly from Danny’s personal site, you get them autographed. How wonderful is that? .
Until tomorrow, I remain, your humble Book Dragon, Drakon T. Longwitten
I purchased this book for my collection.
Danny’s is a name you have read here before. A Gem Maker and Dragon Feeder he once again keeps us on the edge of our scales with this tale of two Army Soldiers going A.W.O.L. One a hard-edged girl of the L.A. ghetto and Latin gangs and the other an arrogant militant sadist who sees himself as the ultimate soldier and Soldier of Fortune. He knows all, has done it all. In reality, he’s done nothing, he knows nothing.
They are wanted by the Army for being A.W.O.L. and faking their own deaths. They have committed murder in another state. Dickie and his new partner, Sanchez (no Dickie still isn’t back with Floyd, but happily Floyd is still in the picture) want them for killing a ‘you couldn’t ask for a nicer guy’ local store owner and a harmless wino. Floyd suspects them of attempted murder in an attack on a store owner in his district, and a little kid named Cedric, with green eyes, saw the whole thing and told him so. Floyd isn’t the only one who knows about Cedric. So does our Arrogant Militant Sadist. And he wants him DEAD, with a capital D. He doesn’t care that he’s a little kid. He doesn’t care that is second victim who lived through the attack isn’t talking. He wants them both dead.
I loved this book. Once again, Danny R. Smith lives up to his own code on Noir and it’s fantastic. Dickie and his new partner deliver plenty. Everyone, especially Floyd, is betting they will end up in an affair because men and women can’t just work together without, well, you know. And Floyd is, well, still Floyd. Smart mouthed, on the prowl, and still street smart. It’s wonderful. Los Angeles and the world before political correctness ruined everything.
So do yourself a favor, grab your fedora, put your feet up on your desk, lean back in that office chair with your favorite cup of Joe and get busy finding out if Cedric lives and if the Echo Killers get away, die or go to jail. After all, you’ve got a murder to solve.
Something really wonderful about these books, if you buy them directly from Danny’s personal site, you get them autographed. How wonderful is that? .
Until tomorrow, I remain, your humble Book Dragon, Drakon T. Longwitten
I purchased this book for my collection.
February 25, 2019
Realistic, Compelling, Gritty, Action Filled,
From book one through book three the Dickie Floyd series is a roller coaster ride that grabs you and doesn’t let you go. This series has everything vivid characterizations, stories and a plot line that is so compelling that you can’t put it down. It shows you what police officers go through emotionally and allows to experience their innermost thoughts and toll it takes on them. I cannot recommend this series enough, read it and see for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
From book one through book three the Dickie Floyd series is a roller coaster ride that grabs you and doesn’t let you go. This series has everything vivid characterizations, stories and a plot line that is so compelling that you can’t put it down. It shows you what police officers go through emotionally and allows to experience their innermost thoughts and toll it takes on them. I cannot recommend this series enough, read it and see for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
Read
August 16, 2021He hit it out of the park again.
Danny Smith never lets you down. His books are realistic and are based on life like experiences.It's like you know must of his characters, maybe not personally but someone just like them. Danny weaves his stories with good guys, bad guys, bad good guys, and good bad guys. His characters are multifaceted and as real as it gets. Each book in his series could stand alone, but the stories fit together in sequence like hand in glove. You can't go wrong with Danny Smith novels.
Danny Smith never lets you down. His books are realistic and are based on life like experiences.It's like you know must of his characters, maybe not personally but someone just like them. Danny weaves his stories with good guys, bad guys, bad good guys, and good bad guys. His characters are multifaceted and as real as it gets. Each book in his series could stand alone, but the stories fit together in sequence like hand in glove. You can't go wrong with Danny Smith novels.
February 27, 2024
Death Takes It's Toll
This book is the Third in a series about LA Sheriff Department Homicide Detectives. This story has a great deal of death, more than usual in the Homicide Department. Young adults on a killing spree, gangsters and wanna-be's proving their worth, and low-lifes just killing because they can. It is a sad and haunting story. On the personal relationship side, there are new detectives in the unit and new partners for some. The light-hearted banter does not soften the sorrow at all.
This book is the Third in a series about LA Sheriff Department Homicide Detectives. This story has a great deal of death, more than usual in the Homicide Department. Young adults on a killing spree, gangsters and wanna-be's proving their worth, and low-lifes just killing because they can. It is a sad and haunting story. On the personal relationship side, there are new detectives in the unit and new partners for some. The light-hearted banter does not soften the sorrow at all.
May 28, 2021
Another excellent instalment
Dickie has a new partner, a hotshot female that just might keep him on his toes, but Floyd is never far away. Echo Killers has Dickie Floyd and Josie working on various homicides which may or may not be tied into an army case of two AWOL members. As always, the author delivers the usual blend of plot, police procedure and realism that offer the reader a glimpse into the lives of real homicide detectives. An excellent series.
Dickie has a new partner, a hotshot female that just might keep him on his toes, but Floyd is never far away. Echo Killers has Dickie Floyd and Josie working on various homicides which may or may not be tied into an army case of two AWOL members. As always, the author delivers the usual blend of plot, police procedure and realism that offer the reader a glimpse into the lives of real homicide detectives. An excellent series.
February 11, 2019
Really love the series. Am awaiting the next novel in series. Love the interplay between the characters as they solve the crime du jour. Only frustration is that sometime writer will come to a action they are preparing to do and the next page assumes it was done and he is going along with the story as if everyone else is right there with him.
July 31, 2019
This was a very detailed ploice procedural that moved along briskly. It is obvious the author is well versed in the daay to day details of police work. Beyond this he captures the interactions among those in law enforcement, includ8ng the humor and the darkness that makes thos work so challenging. The characters are well developed across the board, and the plot was gimmick free, and realistic.
January 14, 2020
A gritty and realistic police thriller!
I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting book! The writing was vivid and realistic and you can tell the author really WAS a homicide detective.
This was my first book by Danny R Smith but now I have to read them all...only I'll do it in order..
I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting book! The writing was vivid and realistic and you can tell the author really WAS a homicide detective.
This was my first book by Danny R Smith but now I have to read them all...only I'll do it in order..
April 28, 2020
Another great read
Dickie and Josie, Floyd, and Mongo are working different cases in South LA and after talking, start to think the cases might be related. The army CID gets involved as well. An entertaining story by a very good writer.
Dickie and Josie, Floyd, and Mongo are working different cases in South LA and after talking, start to think the cases might be related. The army CID gets involved as well. An entertaining story by a very good writer.
May 31, 2024
Outstanding! Smith has a huge advantage over other crime writers in that he's been there, done that, and it really shows in his writing. I look as forward to his books as I do to Connelly or as I used to to Wambaugh. Keep cranking out those novels, ese!
February 26, 2019
Another can't put down read from Danny R. Smith. The detectives friendship and crime fighting is so well written.
Keep them coming Danny!
Keep them coming Danny!
September 24, 2019
Love Dickie Floyd books, the various characters and the realistic banter and situations.
February 13, 2022
Another truly excellent Dickie Floyd novel. They get better and better.
August 24, 2025
Another Great Book By Danny R Smith
I really enjoy Smith's fast paced Dickie Floyd novels. The characters and dialogue drive a fast paced story. Great work Mr. Smith!
I really enjoy Smith's fast paced Dickie Floyd novels. The characters and dialogue drive a fast paced story. Great work Mr. Smith!
July 5, 2021
ECHO
Sorry, but this novel was not as enjoyable as the first two novels, but I'll read the next novel of Dickie Floyd.
Sorry, but this novel was not as enjoyable as the first two novels, but I'll read the next novel of Dickie Floyd.
January 8, 2019
I'm sorry, but this guy's knowledge of and experience with the denizens of LA County don't match at all with mine. If I heard him wax romantic about the "soft brown eyes" of one more "slender delicate" Mexican girl, I was going to figuratively burn the book. I grew up in LA County, right around the area about which he writes. I don't remember any Mexican girls except the ones in high school who (1) couldn't wait to get pregnant at 15 or (2) came to school with shaved eyebrows and with single-edged razors stuck in their ratted up hair...so they could fight another girl at the large junction of a side street and large alleyway, a block and a half from the school. This will definitely be the last book of his I'll read. Just plain stupid, much as I enjoyed the camaraderie between the two detectives. Too bad.
January 15, 2019
Wow
A great book! I love the Dickey Floyd novels. Super work Mr. Smith. Keep on writing these books. Love them.
A great book! I love the Dickey Floyd novels. Super work Mr. Smith. Keep on writing these books. Love them.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews