Trust Misplaced: A Paul Dodge Novel

A Paul Dodge Novel #1

by Christopher Flory

Paul Dodge is no stranger to the dark side of crime. As a parole agent and a member of the local Sex Crimes Task Force, he knows what depravity lies in the shadows. But when an investigation into a local sexual predator leads him to a photo of a judge's daughter and another young girl ends up dead, Dodge quickly realizes he doesn't know who to trust. In the most dangerous case of his career, Dodge races to detangle a growing web of lies and corruption. His life and career are both on the line in this high-stakes case, and a single misstep could end them both.

250 pages, Paperback

Published August 17, 2021

About the author

Christopher (Chris) Flory was raised in Indiana and now lives in Northern Virginia. He spent ten years with various correctional departments as a probation and parole officer, specializing in the supervision of sexually based offenders and criminal street gang members. He is currently employed as a contractor for the federal government as an intelligence analyst. Trust Misplaced: A Paul Dodge Novel is Chris' first published novel, though he has been featured in academic journals and professional conference papers while attending undergraduate (BA Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne 00') and graduate school (MA Purdue University 15'). He is currently working on the second book in the Paul Dodge series and has ideas for several more installments. Chris enjoys spending time with his family, baking and outdoor activities.

Reviews

[Renee Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that will give even the most seasoned reader a serious book hangover. You will need time to take it all in before you can even think about picking up another read. Paul Dodge is a parole agent and a member of the Sex Crimes Task Force. The subject matter is intense and the storytelling is compelling. Christopher Flory has a brilliant talent for carefully layering the twisted plot, pulling the reader straight into the depths of the investigation, leaving you tasting the filth and finding it hard the shake off the grim. Every character is perfectly crafted to fit the gritty vibe. Dodge is hardened and weathered due to the nature of the job, but Flory brings out his heart and humanity, and you instantly find yourself emotionally attached to this unexpectedly endearing agent. Christopher Flory is an author to watch. I wait with great anticipation for the next tale of Paul Dodge.

[Courtney Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great detective fiction novel. Not my usual read but i was enthralled! The characters were relatable and real, the mystery held twists and i want to know what happens next for Paul Dodge!

[Jack Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trust Misplaced delves into the world of Parole Agent Paul Dodge, but that's not his only responsibility. He is a top-of-the-line investigator of sex crimes for the Police Dept. Dodge doesn't always follow police protocol, but he pursues justice with a passion. Flory takes us deep into the seedy underworld of sex crimes and unravels a sinister plan filled with corruption and lies. The book is filled with interesting characters and plot turns and twists. In the end, there's only one choice. Dodge must place his life on the line to save the innocent.

[Rebecca Mikkelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally read true crime, and I struggled a bit with the writing style (but that is a *me* problem, NOT an author problem) and it took me longer than usual to read the book. So if you're not normally a true crime person, you might also have the same problem.

I would absolutely binge-watch this as a show on Netflix.

So producers looking for new material once the writer's strike is over, look here.

[Bruce Retallack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well enough written and with a decent plotline, but I didn't care or any of the characters. More importantly, the whole thing was too dark and creepy for my personal taste, focusing on sex crimes and corruption and all-around seediness.

[Peta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this character Paul Dodge.. 👍

[Robert Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trust misplaced is a gritty fun wild ride of a mystery as parole officer Paul Dodge has to solve two crimes: the strange photos of underaged girls including a daughter of a judge and the murder of his current flame.
Paul Dodge is a hard boiled as no-nonsense as they come parole office who often gets tasked with helping police task forces due to his specific knowledge on heinous crimes. The reader can tell immediately this work has taken a toll on Dodge, effecting who he is and his relationship with everyone and everything. While his mental health may improve from a career change, it’s clear he is too good at his job and too valuable to stop.

Flory does a great job quickly introducing us to Dodge, letting us know who he is as a complex main character, and immersing us in his world. The various police characters and women of the night that Dodge associates himself with are great supporting characters to really learn more about our MC. Flory also did a good job with our two main villains, I won’t go into detail, but both are very believable flushed out sociopaths that the author doesn’t shy away from giving the book a fun eerie feel as you need a shower after scenes with either of them.

Then, the mystery itself was enthralling. I was invested early and loved the way Flory weaved the different cases and the side plots all into one. It gave a really good look into the frantic life of working multiple cases and a life moving at 100x. As things ramp up on his case, they ramp up at home and I found myself thinking of the other plot line whenever he alternated leaving me wanting to know more about both.

For fans of page turning mysteries who can’t get enough whodunit, I would highly recommend.

[Caroline Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fast-paced book, Trust Misplaced, which is the first book in the series by Christopher Flory. The main character, Paul Dodge, is very compelling as he uses his years of experience to try to solve a puzzling and perplexing case. The chapters flow together flawlessly as the reader is propelled through the story. I can't wait to read the second book in the series to find out what Paul Dodge gets himself into next! Easy 5 star rating.