All These Ashes

Russell Avery #2

by James Queally

Russell Avery needs a story to tell.
The laid-off reporter turned private investigator is almost out of clients after he stood up against the Newark police officers whose problems he used to fix for a paycheck, exposing a scandal that left him on the wrong side of one of those thin blue lines. Desperate for work, Russell is as elated as he is skeptical when a detective shows up on his doorstep, asking him to look into one of the Brick City's most haunting The Twilight Four killings.

The detective tells Russell a story almost too good to be true, but maybe good enough to save his otherwise doomed journalism career if it is true. Supposedly, the wrong man was convicted in the brutal arson-murders that claimed four teenagers' lives, and if Russell finds the right one, he'll have the inside track on the kind of story that most reporters stake their careers on.

But things worth knowing don't make themselves easy to find. As Russell starts untangling the complications of a decades-old murder that never even had a crime scene to start from, he runs into opposition from City Hall and finds himself drug into the middle of a contentious Mayoral race that could impact Newark for generations to come, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the real Twilight Four killer, who wouldn't mind reducing Russell to ash.

In the sequel to the critically acclaimed LINE OF SIGHT, Russell Avery must once again try to figure out the definition of justice in a city where that term rarely applies to those who live below the poverty line.

291 pages, Hardcover

Published October 12, 2021

About the author

James Queally is an award-winning crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times. Throughout his career, Queally has covered hundreds of homicides, as well as national use-of-force controversies and the Black Lives Matter Movement. His short stories have appeared in Thuglit, Crime Syndicate Magazine, Shotgun Honey and more.

(source: Amazon)

Reviews

[Andreas Tornberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this sequel to Line of Sight, Russell Avery is now a laid-off reporter working as a private investigator. Desperate for work Russell is asked to look into one of Newark's most haunting mysteries, The Twilight Four killings. Once again he is thrown into the battle between good and evil, bad cops and good cops and right and wrong.

I loved the first book in the series. It was a very timely, relevant and thrilling book so my expectations on the sequel was very high. Now that I have finished it, I can really say that it exceeded all my expectations. It's a fantastic gritty crime novel with non-stop action and witty dialogue. It's well-written, fast-paced and very intelligent with well developed characters, especially the protagonist Russell Avery. The moral quandaries he constantly is facing feels so real and relevant and it's quite obvious that James Queally knows his stuff. His writing feels very authentic and his knowledge about media, politics and police procedures is really an asset here. He reminds me a lot of Michael Connelly, one of my all-time favorite authors. I really hope there will be more books about Russell Avery.

I highly recommend this book. It works as a standalone book, but to really appreciate it you should start with the first book. Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced copy.

[Timothy M. Gorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was pretty good. I do have to point out that bleach is not flammable (or inflammable for you purists). Liquor will not ignite unless it is at least 100 proof.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Politics, good. cops, bad cops, and a protagonist who fights diligently no matter the cost are the ingredients for a good story.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd novel by a very talented author who is also a crime reporter for the LA Times. It is a gritty story of crime, secrets, and politics in Newark, NJ, especially in the Portuguese neighborhoods.
A guilty conscience leads to a Newark cop to ask a former newspaper reporter to help him prove that a dying man who was found guilty of murdering 4 young people years before is actually innocent.
The story, told mostly in the 1st person by Russell Avery, the reporter, delves into this long ago police and politician cover-up.
It is a compelling story written by an author who has lived this life. In ALL THESE ASHES Russell Avery investigates the many circumstances surrounding the murders of the 4 young folks, including the many affected by the tragic event. Among these are a Portuguese family led by a respected restaurant owner, his lesbian daughter running for mayor of Newark, and is wayward son who is shunned by the father.
I have not read a lot of novels involving police and inner city politics....but ALL THESE ASHES is a spellbinding read.

[M. O'Gannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

All These Ashes – A Russell Avery Mystery/Thriller – 2021 - **** - How to describe the protagonist? Avery is an ex-journalist turned unsuccessful and unwilling private investigator who is still an obnoxious busy body, snooping reporter that has the knack of finding trouble. It was refreshing to read about a not so successful individual who isn’t rich or famous or handsome or brilliant but through perseverance can still track down a story. To prove he is none of the above, Avery certainly does some unintelligent moves. The book becomes slow in spots due to minimal sub plots. Also, Avery needs a Captain Hastings sidekick for rehashing the possible villains. The book was an enjoyable read and entertaining, both qualities I like in my reading. I will read another Queally novel.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, compelling read! I loved picking back up with Russell and seeing him through another exciting case. I was immediately drawn back into his world and didn’t want to put the book down. There was no slow, drawn out build up here- great pacing through out. The characters, especially the recurring ones, are well developed enough to have you really care about their stories and future. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Vindex · Rating 5 out of 5]

No sophomore jinx here. Queally's second novel is terrific. Once again, he hits a home run and touches all the bases. Realistic, topical, and gripping with plenty of plot twists and clever turns of phrases. I particularly enjoy how he weaves in the many ethical dilemmas that reporters face. Can't wait for the next installment.

[Myles D · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a former newspaper reporter, this made me miss newspapers and at the same time not miss newspapers. Enjoyed the twists and turns and the hyperreal look at the bad and the ugly of journalism and policing.

[Julie Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. I'm loving Russell Avery and hope to read more of him. Speaks to my Jersey girl roots!

Thanks to the folks at NetGalley for a chance to read an advanced reader's copy.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading this author and this series--I thought it was solid, with the ending not coming out of nowhere, and fitting with the overall story. The protagonist is an ex-reporter, looking to get back in the game with a big free lance story, and works on looking in to an old crime that he was involved with.

[Al Menaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite good. Out of work reporter investigates an old crime. Well paced, thrilling, superbly written.