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Past Due
When a string of murders rocks the relatively quiet city of Bangor Maine, Detective Thomas Clipper must look to the pages of history to bring the killer to justice. What do all the victims have to do with the legend of the Edgewink gang, cut down in a bloody gunfight in 1937? Why did the FBI agent in charge of the Edgewink case disappear on a return trip to Bangor? Where is the stolen loot that Lester Edgewink supposedly hid away before his death?
And why do people keep turning up missing and dead?
The past is prologue, as they say. And as Bangor gears up for a Founders Day celebration, an old bill is about to come violently due.
And why do people keep turning up missing and dead?
The past is prologue, as they say. And as Bangor gears up for a Founders Day celebration, an old bill is about to come violently due.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2014
734 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 23, 2019
This is like two great thrillers in one, as the opening story from the past segues nicely into the present day. Well-written and great characters. I'll be diving into the second book this week, too!
March 29, 2022
Good historical sleuth story
Admittedly, the beginning was a bit hard to follow in terms of characters but the plot was interactions enough to get me going. I found the choices of characters names and time periods interruptions confusing at times. The idea was to start some time around 1937 and carry enough relevant elements through the generations to lead to a case in 2014. I got often lost in the characters relevance (or lack thereof) in the first 30% of the novel. However, once we reach 2014, we get back on solid grounds and the story unfolded nice and easy. Solid characters in Clipper and his police crew :-)
Admittedly, the beginning was a bit hard to follow in terms of characters but the plot was interactions enough to get me going. I found the choices of characters names and time periods interruptions confusing at times. The idea was to start some time around 1937 and carry enough relevant elements through the generations to lead to a case in 2014. I got often lost in the characters relevance (or lack thereof) in the first 30% of the novel. However, once we reach 2014, we get back on solid grounds and the story unfolded nice and easy. Solid characters in Clipper and his police crew :-)
May 13, 2020
I am going to start with the fact that I really liked the main character, Clipper, in this book! He is smart, a good guy, hard worker, dedicated and honest while being very skilled with a gun. I also really liked the “history” part of the story. The book is broken into two parts, the first is the background part of the story set in 1937, the second takes place today.
In the northeast, there is a notorious gang of criminals who have successfully robbed high dollar jewelry stories and escaped with millions of dollars worth of jewels. The Edgewink gang has evaded the police and FBI for a long time but when the FBI gets solid intel that the gang will be in Bangor Maine, they set up a plan to catch the members of the gang. Unfortunately, the whole thing becomes nothing but a shoot out and all the members are killed except the leader, Lester Edgewink. After taking several bullets and multiple surgeries, Lester is never quite the same and must spend the rest of his days in the State Hospital. But where are the jewels and all the money?
70 years later, Detective Clipper is called out to a murder scene where a local software developer is found dead at home. The man’s wife has recently left him, making her the most obvious suspect, but there is something about her story that Clipper believes. However, the proverbial thorn in your side demands that Clipper ‘s investigation must take a back seat to the Founder’s Day re-enactment of the Edgewink gang’s demise.
Stockford has written a tangled web of secrets that unfold with ease in this fascinating story.
In the northeast, there is a notorious gang of criminals who have successfully robbed high dollar jewelry stories and escaped with millions of dollars worth of jewels. The Edgewink gang has evaded the police and FBI for a long time but when the FBI gets solid intel that the gang will be in Bangor Maine, they set up a plan to catch the members of the gang. Unfortunately, the whole thing becomes nothing but a shoot out and all the members are killed except the leader, Lester Edgewink. After taking several bullets and multiple surgeries, Lester is never quite the same and must spend the rest of his days in the State Hospital. But where are the jewels and all the money?
70 years later, Detective Clipper is called out to a murder scene where a local software developer is found dead at home. The man’s wife has recently left him, making her the most obvious suspect, but there is something about her story that Clipper believes. However, the proverbial thorn in your side demands that Clipper ‘s investigation must take a back seat to the Founder’s Day re-enactment of the Edgewink gang’s demise.
Stockford has written a tangled web of secrets that unfold with ease in this fascinating story.
April 5, 2020
So, the first 33% of the book was spent on telling us about a prohibition era gang that met their end in Bangor and the follow-up with survivor. While this was interesting and useful background for the rest of the story, honestly, just way too long was spent on it. All the needed info could have been given in a much shorter time, leaving more time for the actual story.
For the remaining 2/3 of the story, it just fell flat. The bit that worked the best for me was the few chapters following Tom shooting a suspect in an unreleated case and all the fallout from that. There was no effort made to hid who the bad guy was, which led to just an absurd amount of frustration as the reader.
There was an attempt at a twist, but honestly it was too little too late for me. Overall not good enough to interest me in book two.
For the remaining 2/3 of the story, it just fell flat. The bit that worked the best for me was the few chapters following Tom shooting a suspect in an unreleated case and all the fallout from that. There was no effort made to hid who the bad guy was, which led to just an absurd amount of frustration as the reader.
There was an attempt at a twist, but honestly it was too little too late for me. Overall not good enough to interest me in book two.
March 16, 2020
Det. Thomas Clipper Mysteries Book 1
PAST DUE introduces us to an admirable protagonist in a new police procedural series set in New England. Set in a somewhat fictionalized Bangor, Maine (where the author was once Chief of Police), each novel cleverly interweaves a historical event in the community with present-day policing concerns, while giftedly delineating characterization and character evolution.
Here protagonist Bangor Detective Lieutenant Thomas Clipper is tasked to help prepare a reenactment of the multiply fatal 1937 shootout between local law enforcement and a Boston criminal trio. In the process, he also must confront a new series of murders, which ultimately prove to be linked to the 1937 shootout. The author balances the events of 1937 through post-World War II showing how Past is Prologue.
PAST DUE introduces us to an admirable protagonist in a new police procedural series set in New England. Set in a somewhat fictionalized Bangor, Maine (where the author was once Chief of Police), each novel cleverly interweaves a historical event in the community with present-day policing concerns, while giftedly delineating characterization and character evolution.
Here protagonist Bangor Detective Lieutenant Thomas Clipper is tasked to help prepare a reenactment of the multiply fatal 1937 shootout between local law enforcement and a Boston criminal trio. In the process, he also must confront a new series of murders, which ultimately prove to be linked to the 1937 shootout. The author balances the events of 1937 through post-World War II showing how Past is Prologue.
April 17, 2020
For fans of realistic crime fiction
Past Due by Richard Stockford was an interesting read. The story isn’t presented like a typical murder mystery with the first third of the book talking about a jewelry heist and gunfight that took place in Bangor, Maine, in 1937. However the rest of the book is set in the present and deals with a string of murders that are related to what happened in the first part of the book. The author brought great realism to the story since he’s the retired Chief of the Bangor Police Department. I really enjoyed the second part of the story and the unexpected twist at the end. I’ll definitely read other books by this author.
Past Due by Richard Stockford was an interesting read. The story isn’t presented like a typical murder mystery with the first third of the book talking about a jewelry heist and gunfight that took place in Bangor, Maine, in 1937. However the rest of the book is set in the present and deals with a string of murders that are related to what happened in the first part of the book. The author brought great realism to the story since he’s the retired Chief of the Bangor Police Department. I really enjoyed the second part of the story and the unexpected twist at the end. I’ll definitely read other books by this author.
March 29, 2020
The rating is really somewhere between a 3 - 4. The book is divided into two sections. The first is set in 1937, and the second part moves to the present. The 1937 section feels like less of a narrative and is more a recitation of facts than the second section. The part set in the present moves along at a better pace, and it's easier to get into the story; however, the ending is ruined by the "surprise" ending that comes after you thought everything was all wrapped up.
Still, I think I will give the second one a try.
Still, I think I will give the second one a try.
February 13, 2022
EB: Quick read that I downloaded because it is set in Bangor ME. Written by a former BPD Chief of Policeand very loosely based on the killing of the Brady gang in 1937 (when my grandfather was a Captain on the Bangor PD), the novel brings forward a supposed fortune hidden at the Bangor State Hospital and series of murders resulting from the search for it. Due credit is given to Stephen King and the Devil’s Half Acre down on Hancock Street (Granddad’s and my uncle’s old beat). I might read the next novel in the series.
November 28, 2020
Detective Clipper has been assigned to help city politicians recreate a famous shootout from a long time ago, where all of the gang was shot or captures, but lawmen had a much higher body count. Afterwards, the FBI. is called into help because the gang never spent any of the loot from their crimes. Now people start getting killed. Are these deaths related to the gang's loot from long ago?
June 14, 2024
A fun crime mystery in two parts
Very much enjoyed this story told in a history and a current day murder investigation. The threads of the past are woven into the present very well. Some great moments I could see playing out in a miniseries. Looking forward to checking out more by Richard Stockford!
Very much enjoyed this story told in a history and a current day murder investigation. The threads of the past are woven into the present very well. Some great moments I could see playing out in a miniseries. Looking forward to checking out more by Richard Stockford!
March 12, 2020
An Intriguing Mystery
This book had several generations of people involved in several robberies and jewelry store heists. The original robber died before he could claim the loot but left a note for future generations. After many years the money and jewelry was found.
This book had several generations of people involved in several robberies and jewelry store heists. The original robber died before he could claim the loot but left a note for future generations. After many years the money and jewelry was found.
March 16, 2020
Can the events from 1937 Bangor result in murders in the present day. Detective Lieutenant Thomas Clipper must invetigate the past to helphim find the murderer.
I thought Clipper was a bit slow in discovering the truth, but overall an enjoyable enough story
I thought Clipper was a bit slow in discovering the truth, but overall an enjoyable enough story
March 18, 2020
Past due
Well I tried but just can’t finish this book. For me, it’s just a boring book. I made it to 44% but found that I didn’t care enough about the characters or events to finish it.
Well I tried but just can’t finish this book. For me, it’s just a boring book. I made it to 44% but found that I didn’t care enough about the characters or events to finish it.
March 30, 2020
Good Read
Really enjoyed the detective work of Thomas Clipper. He is not doing the job for the glory or the publicity, he just wants to solve the mystery and get the bad guy. Will definitely be reading all the rest of Mr. Doctor's books.
Really enjoyed the detective work of Thomas Clipper. He is not doing the job for the glory or the publicity, he just wants to solve the mystery and get the bad guy. Will definitely be reading all the rest of Mr. Doctor's books.
April 3, 2020
Good thriller
I felt that the overall story was fairly good. However, it took to long to set up and I almost lost interest before the current story got going. It moved quickly after that and was full of action.
I felt that the overall story was fairly good. However, it took to long to set up and I almost lost interest before the current story got going. It moved quickly after that and was full of action.
April 21, 2020
Good history but...
It was a bit hard for me to keep track of all the characters, especially when it got to present day, I'm not sure why. The storyline is pretty good (even if a few parts were a tad unbelievable). Not terrible.
It was a bit hard for me to keep track of all the characters, especially when it got to present day, I'm not sure why. The storyline is pretty good (even if a few parts were a tad unbelievable). Not terrible.
May 23, 2020
Glad I finally read it.
I had Past Due on my Kindle shelf for quite awhile but just never felt it be a good read, but finally decide to try it and I’m glad I did. I won’t say more so as not to spoil it but worth the time it took me to read it.
I had Past Due on my Kindle shelf for quite awhile but just never felt it be a good read, but finally decide to try it and I’m glad I did. I won’t say more so as not to spoil it but worth the time it took me to read it.
May 27, 2020
Got better
I was not a fan of the beginning. Read too much like history lesson. I also found it rather predictable. I did not like how do much was give so early.the second half was better.
I was not a fan of the beginning. Read too much like history lesson. I also found it rather predictable. I did not like how do much was give so early.the second half was better.
July 9, 2020
A worthy read, indeed.
I am new to this author. I was very impressed with the storyline, the character development, and the thoughtful dialog. It was totally believable. I appreciated the history, and look forward to another Det. Clipper story.
I am new to this author. I was very impressed with the storyline, the character development, and the thoughtful dialog. It was totally believable. I appreciated the history, and look forward to another Det. Clipper story.
March 7, 2021
I really liked the story
This was a well written story with links to the past that really fit well in the present. I enjoyed the story and will definitely read more from this author.
This was a well written story with links to the past that really fit well in the present. I enjoyed the story and will definitely read more from this author.
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November 25, 2021Great police thriller
This book kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of suspense and action. Loved the twist at the end. Loved the main character Clip and can't wait to read the next book.
This book kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of suspense and action. Loved the twist at the end. Loved the main character Clip and can't wait to read the next book.
April 10, 2022
History and modern times blended
I like a mystery that develops the plot, characters, and setting. Bangor, Maine, and its history plays a role in this Time- spanning treasure hunt/ murder mystery.
I like a mystery that develops the plot, characters, and setting. Bangor, Maine, and its history plays a role in this Time- spanning treasure hunt/ murder mystery.
March 18, 2020
Good read
Suggested by my favourite author so how could I go wrong! Glad to see it's a series with same characters
Suggested by my favourite author so how could I go wrong! Glad to see it's a series with same characters
March 26, 2020
A great&quick read
Good story line - moves along quickly - great characters that you can really relate too !! Can't wait to start the next volume,see 👀you there!
Good story line - moves along quickly - great characters that you can really relate too !! Can't wait to start the next volume,see 👀you there!
March 27, 2020
Past Due
Very entertaining and interesting storyline about missing money and jewels from an old crime spree and the multiple new crimes committed in the search for the treasure.
Very entertaining and interesting storyline about missing money and jewels from an old crime spree and the multiple new crimes committed in the search for the treasure.
April 1, 2020
Easy, Fun Read
First time I’ve read this author. Enjoyed the references to Bangor and it’s New England quaintness. Recommend to readers of all ages.
First time I’ve read this author. Enjoyed the references to Bangor and it’s New England quaintness. Recommend to readers of all ages.
April 26, 2020
Great Story Well Told
This is a complete book not a typically cut short ebook. The story is well structured with well developed characters and a satisfying ending.
This is a complete book not a typically cut short ebook. The story is well structured with well developed characters and a satisfying ending.
May 1, 2020
The first part, the part about the robbers, was ever so much better than the second.
September 1, 2020
Twists and turns
Decent characters and an interesting setting, if you like history in interesting settings and crime novels this one is for you.
Decent characters and an interesting setting, if you like history in interesting settings and crime novels this one is for you.
July 22, 2021
This book is a quick read , hard to put down. A surprise ending just when you think you’ve got it figured out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews