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Jake Roberts #3
After the Goode
Jake and Caitland visit his best friend in Phoenix. Bobby Goode performs at the comedy club. Donald and Betty are on vacation. Donald’s employer terminates him after thirty years. Homicide Detectives Williams and Farina investigate a murder. Jake is asked to consult on the case. He suspects who committed the murder, so does Detective Williams.
- GenresThriller
Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2013
10 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Cary Allen Stone
35 books65 followersCary Allen Stone is a writer/producer of crime fiction, science fiction, political fiction, and true crime.
2022 Book Excellence Award
2021 New York City Book Award
2021 American Fiction Award
2021 Independent Press Award
2020 IAN Book of the Year Award
2020 New York City Book Award
2020 Book Excellence Award
2019 Reader’s Favorite
2017 Book Excellence Award
2017 IAN Book of the Year Award
2017 BookViral Millennium Book Award
2017 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award
2016 CLUE Award
2022 Book Excellence Award
2021 New York City Book Award
2021 American Fiction Award
2021 Independent Press Award
2020 IAN Book of the Year Award
2020 New York City Book Award
2020 Book Excellence Award
2019 Reader’s Favorite
2017 Book Excellence Award
2017 IAN Book of the Year Award
2017 BookViral Millennium Book Award
2017 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award
2016 CLUE Award
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January 24, 2022🎁The Complete Series is FREE on Amazon today (1/24/2022)! 🎁
February 17, 2017
A lot has changed for Jake Roberts since the last book. When Jake crossed lines to do whatever it takes to capture Jared, he was asked to retire as the easy way out. Since then Jake has moved to Los Angeles with his girlfriend and has taken to writing crime-novels. However, Jake being Jake, his life is never dull. He gets embroiled in a murder case while vacationing in Phoenix and is asked to consult on the case. But the murderer seemed a step ahead all along. Will Jake be able to do his magic again?
As I have come to expect from Jake Roberts Novels, this was not whodunit guessing mystery. The culprit is out in the open right from the beginning. Bobby Goode is a superstar standup comedian who ends up murdering a heckler who had stalked him after a show. Scared of what might happen if he was found out, Bobby befriended the lead detective on the case to keep tabs on the investigation. Wynter Williams on the other hand is an interesting character, and I would have loved to know about her.
The plot was interesting in itself and as the story progressed, it kept the readers on their edge. With a fast pace, the pages turned on its own accord and felt like ended too soon. The character of Jake Roberts developed further making him more likeable than ever. I however wish the story had more to offer on the side characters. A good follow up on the series. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next instalment in the series that I hear is in the works.
As I have come to expect from Jake Roberts Novels, this was not whodunit guessing mystery. The culprit is out in the open right from the beginning. Bobby Goode is a superstar standup comedian who ends up murdering a heckler who had stalked him after a show. Scared of what might happen if he was found out, Bobby befriended the lead detective on the case to keep tabs on the investigation. Wynter Williams on the other hand is an interesting character, and I would have loved to know about her.
The plot was interesting in itself and as the story progressed, it kept the readers on their edge. With a fast pace, the pages turned on its own accord and felt like ended too soon. The character of Jake Roberts developed further making him more likeable than ever. I however wish the story had more to offer on the side characters. A good follow up on the series. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next instalment in the series that I hear is in the works.
April 5, 2014
This is the third book The Jake Roberts series and in my opinion it is one of the best. We see that Roberts is forced to retire from his position or face criminal charges and again I feel that this fits in with what happens in real life as we often see police or people who are high up in the community step down rather than face criminal charges.
Jake’s expertise is soon needed and he is asked to consult on a case and this leads the thriller that we all expect from the Jake Roberts series!
This is a fast paced crime novel that once again mimics real life pretty closely.
I recommend the Jake Roberts series to all crime novel fans, you won’t be disappointed until you realize you have read through the whole book and need to get the next in the series. Author Cary Allen Stone may have his work cut out for him as readers demand more from this series.
Jake’s expertise is soon needed and he is asked to consult on a case and this leads the thriller that we all expect from the Jake Roberts series!
This is a fast paced crime novel that once again mimics real life pretty closely.
I recommend the Jake Roberts series to all crime novel fans, you won’t be disappointed until you realize you have read through the whole book and need to get the next in the series. Author Cary Allen Stone may have his work cut out for him as readers demand more from this series.
November 16, 2014
Another great novel by Cary Stone. this is the last book in this trilogy and us just as amazing as the others. Jake Roberts has ended up in Phoenix with girlfriend Caitland and good friend Fred and his wife Andrea. It seems wherever Jake goes trouble follows and in Phoenix it is another murder.This time it is a comedian, Bobby Goode who takes Jake on a wild chase that readers are going to love until the very end. All of the books in this series take the reader inside the investigation and Cary Stone does a great job with that. The characters are as amazing as the murder/ mystery they are in. I have read all three books in this series and each has been better than the last. Great job in all must read novels.
July 15, 2014
3.5/5.0
”After the Goode” is a spellbinding murder mystery, which will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
”After the Goode” is a spellbinding murder mystery, which will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.
August 7, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"Not everyone is what they appear to be."
Bobby Goode, famous and much loved comedian, was back, performing where he started, in his home town of Phoenix. Jake Roberts, former L.A.cop, now author, is also in Phoenix, visiting his lifelong pal, Fred, a pilot. With their partners, Caitlyn and Andrea, the two friends enjoy the show and get to know, and like, Bobby. Meanwhile, Jake gets involved in a local case where the body of a man had been found in a burnt out car and gets to meet Pablo, the local, much feared gangster. Good story with excellent characterisation, which flows naturally, easy to follow, and has a feeling of veracity. The only counter to this is the strange inclusion in section 3, of the story of two doctorate researchers on a brief scholarship to Broadmore Secure Psychiatric Hospital in England, in particular focusing on Mackenzie, and her study of sociopaths and serial killers. This interlude breaks the continuity of the book and the two protagonists do not reappear.
The author is also the narrator, often a mistake, but in this case his voice is well suited to the story.and Mr.Stone reads with reasonable fluency and definite emotion. It's a nice performance although the quality of the recording keys it down somewhat, with a hollowness to the background. But overall, there is an easy naturalness to the narration.
A very enjoyable book, which puts more emphasis on people and how they feel than on the more gory aspects of murder. Although fairly short, it is nevertheless substantial and solid, giving more value than the time would suggest. This is the first of the author's works that I have read but it will definitely not be my last: I am already looking forward to book tour in the Jake Roberts serkes. My thanks to the rights holder of After the Goode, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. Recommended to murder mystery fans.
"Not everyone is what they appear to be."
Bobby Goode, famous and much loved comedian, was back, performing where he started, in his home town of Phoenix. Jake Roberts, former L.A.cop, now author, is also in Phoenix, visiting his lifelong pal, Fred, a pilot. With their partners, Caitlyn and Andrea, the two friends enjoy the show and get to know, and like, Bobby. Meanwhile, Jake gets involved in a local case where the body of a man had been found in a burnt out car and gets to meet Pablo, the local, much feared gangster. Good story with excellent characterisation, which flows naturally, easy to follow, and has a feeling of veracity. The only counter to this is the strange inclusion in section 3, of the story of two doctorate researchers on a brief scholarship to Broadmore Secure Psychiatric Hospital in England, in particular focusing on Mackenzie, and her study of sociopaths and serial killers. This interlude breaks the continuity of the book and the two protagonists do not reappear.
The author is also the narrator, often a mistake, but in this case his voice is well suited to the story.and Mr.Stone reads with reasonable fluency and definite emotion. It's a nice performance although the quality of the recording keys it down somewhat, with a hollowness to the background. But overall, there is an easy naturalness to the narration.
A very enjoyable book, which puts more emphasis on people and how they feel than on the more gory aspects of murder. Although fairly short, it is nevertheless substantial and solid, giving more value than the time would suggest. This is the first of the author's works that I have read but it will definitely not be my last: I am already looking forward to book tour in the Jake Roberts serkes. My thanks to the rights holder of After the Goode, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. Recommended to murder mystery fans.
August 12, 2019
Audiobook has non-sequential chapters from two different books in the series. :(
December 12, 2020
I really enjoy this series so far I would enjoy more hearing about Jack Roberts backstory
December 14, 2014
This was my first introduction to the Jake Roberts character and I found it an enjoyable read. Roberts is a retired homicide detective that was given a choice by his superiors in the Atlanta police department. Either retire or face criminal prosecution for breaking the rules in capturing a serial killer. Jake now writes best-selling crime novels and considers himself retired from police work.
Jake discovers that once you have been a homicide detective, it never goes away, even after you retire. So when Jake travels to Phoenix, Arizona to meet with his BFF Fred, an airline pilot, he gets back in the game when there is a murder. Fred is black and Jake is white and they grew up together under very difficult circumstances, which created bonds that are like steel. Whenever they get together they engage in banter that flows freely and includes the women in their lives. Like many of the best cops, they barely avoided ending up in prison themselves when they were young.
Bobby Goode is a comedian that grew up in Phoenix and he has come back for some performances. He is now a star and carries a gun due to occasional harassment by fans and the threat of something even worse. When he heckles an older man on vacation with his wife that was suddenly fired after decades of work, that man seeks revenge later with a baseball bat, forcing Bobby to shoot him. More accurate than he thought possible, the wound proves fatal and Bobby panics, uncertain what to do. He attempts to hide the crime and act as if nothing happened in his life.
By chance, Jake encounters the crime scene and is recognized by a retired detective, the father of Wynter Williams, currently a homicide detective on the force. Jake is given the offer to view the crime scene and provide any insights that he may have.
This starts a two track thriller where on one side there is Bobby Goode trying to put the act of killing another behind him while he pursues career advancement and a love interest. The other track is Jake, the homicide detectives, Fred and his girl as well as Caitlin, Jake’s love. Caitlin is a Hollywood agent for entertainment figures and desperately wants Bobby to sign a contract to manage his career.
The complexity is tightly woven and intertwined, for friendships are formed that are destined to be destroyed. Jake proves his courage when he goes unarmed into the fortress home of one of the most powerful crime bosses in Phoenix, although he is commended for succeeding where others had failed before him.
There is a tragic ending in the classical and best sense of the word in dramatic stories, even though it is tragic, it is probably the best possible outcome given the situation. The climactic scene seems obvious a few pages before it happens and you find yourself knowing the likely outcome yet you wish that some unusual event occurs to prevent it. This is a solid crime story; Jake Roberts is a superb detective willing to do whatever it takes to solve a case, even if he risks his life. Furthermore, his descriptions of the anguish and nightmares that he continues to experience over having to shoot and kill someone resonate in your mind.
Jake discovers that once you have been a homicide detective, it never goes away, even after you retire. So when Jake travels to Phoenix, Arizona to meet with his BFF Fred, an airline pilot, he gets back in the game when there is a murder. Fred is black and Jake is white and they grew up together under very difficult circumstances, which created bonds that are like steel. Whenever they get together they engage in banter that flows freely and includes the women in their lives. Like many of the best cops, they barely avoided ending up in prison themselves when they were young.
Bobby Goode is a comedian that grew up in Phoenix and he has come back for some performances. He is now a star and carries a gun due to occasional harassment by fans and the threat of something even worse. When he heckles an older man on vacation with his wife that was suddenly fired after decades of work, that man seeks revenge later with a baseball bat, forcing Bobby to shoot him. More accurate than he thought possible, the wound proves fatal and Bobby panics, uncertain what to do. He attempts to hide the crime and act as if nothing happened in his life.
By chance, Jake encounters the crime scene and is recognized by a retired detective, the father of Wynter Williams, currently a homicide detective on the force. Jake is given the offer to view the crime scene and provide any insights that he may have.
This starts a two track thriller where on one side there is Bobby Goode trying to put the act of killing another behind him while he pursues career advancement and a love interest. The other track is Jake, the homicide detectives, Fred and his girl as well as Caitlin, Jake’s love. Caitlin is a Hollywood agent for entertainment figures and desperately wants Bobby to sign a contract to manage his career.
The complexity is tightly woven and intertwined, for friendships are formed that are destined to be destroyed. Jake proves his courage when he goes unarmed into the fortress home of one of the most powerful crime bosses in Phoenix, although he is commended for succeeding where others had failed before him.
There is a tragic ending in the classical and best sense of the word in dramatic stories, even though it is tragic, it is probably the best possible outcome given the situation. The climactic scene seems obvious a few pages before it happens and you find yourself knowing the likely outcome yet you wish that some unusual event occurs to prevent it. This is a solid crime story; Jake Roberts is a superb detective willing to do whatever it takes to solve a case, even if he risks his life. Furthermore, his descriptions of the anguish and nightmares that he continues to experience over having to shoot and kill someone resonate in your mind.
December 15, 2014
I was hooked as soon as opened the first page of this book. The story starts innocently enough when we are introduced to some poor guy down on his luck and a cocky comedian, Bobby Goode. After some innocent smart-aleck heckling things go very much off course and Bobby finds he’s murdered the guy.
Enter Jake Roberts – he’s back! This is his third foray into the world of literature, and this time we find him retired from police work and supposedly having a holiday in Phoenix. Roberts has decided to become an author of crime fiction (of course) and is living with his girlfriend, Caitland – a Hollywood star. Sounds perfect?
Well, when Roberts is invited to look into the case things end up becoming more and more exciting. We find that Roberts’ character is much more defined. I liked the fact that we are given more history about the characters. I didn’t find this got in the way of the story. It was quite the contrary. Their lives added to the richness of this tale.
This well written book is a must for anyone who is interested in crime / detective fiction. The characters seem so normal it’s like you know them. The author has deftly entwined the plot around the life of this bad-boy detective. This book is definitely a winner from start to finish. Although this is the third book in the Jake Roberts Series, you don’t have to have read the first two to follow this story but then, if you love this one – which I’m sure you will – why not read the others too?!
Enter Jake Roberts – he’s back! This is his third foray into the world of literature, and this time we find him retired from police work and supposedly having a holiday in Phoenix. Roberts has decided to become an author of crime fiction (of course) and is living with his girlfriend, Caitland – a Hollywood star. Sounds perfect?
Well, when Roberts is invited to look into the case things end up becoming more and more exciting. We find that Roberts’ character is much more defined. I liked the fact that we are given more history about the characters. I didn’t find this got in the way of the story. It was quite the contrary. Their lives added to the richness of this tale.
This well written book is a must for anyone who is interested in crime / detective fiction. The characters seem so normal it’s like you know them. The author has deftly entwined the plot around the life of this bad-boy detective. This book is definitely a winner from start to finish. Although this is the third book in the Jake Roberts Series, you don’t have to have read the first two to follow this story but then, if you love this one – which I’m sure you will – why not read the others too?!
June 9, 2016
AFTER THE GOODE
A Jake Roberts Novel Book No. 3
By Cary Allen Stone
Comedy and Murder
In this book of the series, Detective Jake Roberts, while once with law enforcement in Atlanta, retired intending to move to LA and live with his girlfriend Caitland. He was now an author writing established selling crime novels, using his many life experiences as the basis of the plots. Jake and Caitland go to Phoenix to visit his childhood friend, Fred. Fred and his girlfriend, Andrea, take them to an evening show featuring Bobby Goode, a comedian. During the show, Bobby is interrupted and humiliated by a heckler, who didn’t understand the showmanship of a comedian and became unusually upset and attacked Bobby later. The basis for the entire novel are the reactions of Bobby and the heckler. The novel also contains crime, suspense, romance, and mystery. The characters and scenes are well developed so it is almost like seeing a movie.
The weakness is that the beginning of the story lags and becomes boring, then suddenly gets into the action and moves right along thereafter. Also the writing needs some good editing. There are several times when it changes tenses in the same sentence, and even point of view, which is unusual for such an established author.
The other reviews reveal enough to take the mystery out of the plot, if the reviews are read before the actual book. I enjoyed this book and was given a complimentary copy for an honest review.
A Jake Roberts Novel Book No. 3
By Cary Allen Stone
Comedy and Murder
In this book of the series, Detective Jake Roberts, while once with law enforcement in Atlanta, retired intending to move to LA and live with his girlfriend Caitland. He was now an author writing established selling crime novels, using his many life experiences as the basis of the plots. Jake and Caitland go to Phoenix to visit his childhood friend, Fred. Fred and his girlfriend, Andrea, take them to an evening show featuring Bobby Goode, a comedian. During the show, Bobby is interrupted and humiliated by a heckler, who didn’t understand the showmanship of a comedian and became unusually upset and attacked Bobby later. The basis for the entire novel are the reactions of Bobby and the heckler. The novel also contains crime, suspense, romance, and mystery. The characters and scenes are well developed so it is almost like seeing a movie.
The weakness is that the beginning of the story lags and becomes boring, then suddenly gets into the action and moves right along thereafter. Also the writing needs some good editing. There are several times when it changes tenses in the same sentence, and even point of view, which is unusual for such an established author.
The other reviews reveal enough to take the mystery out of the plot, if the reviews are read before the actual book. I enjoyed this book and was given a complimentary copy for an honest review.
October 17, 2014
Vacation time and Jake sure can't wait. Time with old friends in Phoenix is just what he needs to break up his days. Living in Los Angeles now and writing books is how Jake Roberts spends his days. Still he gets the itch once in awhile to see what's happening in law enforcement.
While in Phoenix, a murder catches his eye and he decides to see what he can do to help. He never expects to get wrapped up in another case, but that's just what happens.
Just when you think you're gonna ease into an easy read, Jake strikes again. This one moves at a slower pace than the others but it's just as good. Characters are well defined and relatable. Well conceived and written, this is one to ad to the TBR pile. I felt we got to see another side of Jake Roberts in this book. It gave him a more well rounded personality. I love Jake Roberts books and you will too. Get all of them so you have a great view of Jake.
I found no issues with this one.
I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because the pace was slower than the others. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
While in Phoenix, a murder catches his eye and he decides to see what he can do to help. He never expects to get wrapped up in another case, but that's just what happens.
Just when you think you're gonna ease into an easy read, Jake strikes again. This one moves at a slower pace than the others but it's just as good. Characters are well defined and relatable. Well conceived and written, this is one to ad to the TBR pile. I felt we got to see another side of Jake Roberts in this book. It gave him a more well rounded personality. I love Jake Roberts books and you will too. Get all of them so you have a great view of Jake.
I found no issues with this one.
I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because the pace was slower than the others. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
January 21, 2015
After the Goode is a Jake Roberts detective novel, it follows on from "Mind Over Murder". Jake is now retired and taking a vacation in Phoenix, Arizona with girlfriend Caitland. They are staying with friends for a few days.
Bobby Goode is a comedian from Phoenix, he's made it to the big time and is back to do a few shows before heading off to New York. Betty and Donald O'Malley are at Bobby's comedy show, but Donald isn't in the mood for comedy, he's just been made redundant and Bobby's style of humour doesn't sit well on Donald.
When a burnt out car is found with a charred body, detective Wynter Williams and team are called in, but there are few leads and the case looks like it's going cold unless they can find the one clue to lead them to the killer.
This book has taken a turn away from the thriller style of the previous two Jake Robert's books that I've read, this one is more relaxed with just one case to solve. The whole book works around Bobby Goode's comedian theme with everyone joining in the banter. I would suggest that this will go down best with most American male readers of detective novels.
Bobby Goode is a comedian from Phoenix, he's made it to the big time and is back to do a few shows before heading off to New York. Betty and Donald O'Malley are at Bobby's comedy show, but Donald isn't in the mood for comedy, he's just been made redundant and Bobby's style of humour doesn't sit well on Donald.
When a burnt out car is found with a charred body, detective Wynter Williams and team are called in, but there are few leads and the case looks like it's going cold unless they can find the one clue to lead them to the killer.
This book has taken a turn away from the thriller style of the previous two Jake Robert's books that I've read, this one is more relaxed with just one case to solve. The whole book works around Bobby Goode's comedian theme with everyone joining in the banter. I would suggest that this will go down best with most American male readers of detective novels.
March 20, 2015
Welcome back to my new favourite detective Jake Roberts who has recently been forced to retire from the police force. On his vacation he is asked to consult on a murder case.
The excellent thing about this authors style of writing is that he keeps the text and language simple with exceptional character traits of the main characters. He cleverly let's the reader know who the killer is and an excellent game of cat and mouse ensues between killer and detective, which provides a wonderful page turning thriller. The writer shows a talent for how the night club show scene works and what traits and dedication to that particular lifestyle you need to be a success. As a reader you will find yourself totally engrossed in following Jake's new choice of lifestyle and will find out what he really wants to do.
The story keeps the reader totally enrapt till the last page and finishes on a real climax. The creation of Jake Roberts rates alongside James Patterson's Alex Cross and Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks, who all concentrate on the personal psyche and lives of the detectives.
The excellent thing about this authors style of writing is that he keeps the text and language simple with exceptional character traits of the main characters. He cleverly let's the reader know who the killer is and an excellent game of cat and mouse ensues between killer and detective, which provides a wonderful page turning thriller. The writer shows a talent for how the night club show scene works and what traits and dedication to that particular lifestyle you need to be a success. As a reader you will find yourself totally engrossed in following Jake's new choice of lifestyle and will find out what he really wants to do.
The story keeps the reader totally enrapt till the last page and finishes on a real climax. The creation of Jake Roberts rates alongside James Patterson's Alex Cross and Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks, who all concentrate on the personal psyche and lives of the detectives.
March 27, 2016
I love the Jake Roberts book. Mr. Stone knows how to write a good mystery. I would recommend it.
March 27, 2017
This is a totally different kind of murder story from the first two books but it gripping nevertheless. As I read through the series, it is my favorite book so far.
A quick decision and moment in time changes a life forever.
Bobby Goode is a celebrity comedian traveling around the US spreading his brand of humor in sold out shows. His life becomes intertwined with Jake Roberts and girl friend Caitland while all are in Phoenix. As usual Jake can't resist becoming involved in investigations when an unsolved murder happens.
The ending was a total surprise and I couldn't help shedding a few tears myself.
I'll stop right there so I don't spoil the story for anyone. Read it for yourself. I don't think you'll regret it.
A quick decision and moment in time changes a life forever.
Bobby Goode is a celebrity comedian traveling around the US spreading his brand of humor in sold out shows. His life becomes intertwined with Jake Roberts and girl friend Caitland while all are in Phoenix. As usual Jake can't resist becoming involved in investigations when an unsolved murder happens.
The ending was a total surprise and I couldn't help shedding a few tears myself.
I'll stop right there so I don't spoil the story for anyone. Read it for yourself. I don't think you'll regret it.
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