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Remi Laurent FBI Suspense Thriller #1
The Death Code
THE DEATH CODE (A Remi Laurent FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 1) is the debut novel in a new series by mystery and suspense author Ava Strong.
A serial killer is targeting victims in obscure historic settings—the Cloisters in New York City, the Glencairn in Philadelphia. What is the connection? Is there a message to the murders?
FBI Special Agent Daniel Walker, 40, known for his ability to hunt killers, his street-smarts, and his disobedience, is singled out from the Behavioral Analysis Unit and assigned to the FBI’s new Antiquities unit. The unit, formed to hunt down priceless relics in the global world of antiquities, has no idea how to enter the mind of a murderer.
Remi Laurent, 34, brilliant history professor at Georgetown, is the world’s leading expert in obscure historic artifacts. Shocked when the FBI asks for her help to find a killer, she finds herself reluctantly partnered with this rude American FBI agent. Special Agent Walker and Remi Laurent are an unlikely duo, with his ability to enter killers’ minds and her unparalleled scholarship, the only thing they have in common, their determination to decode the clues and stop a killer.
An unputdownable crime thriller featuring an unlikely partnership between a jaded FBI agent and a brilliant historian, the REMI LAURENT series is a riveting mystery, grounded in history, and packed with suspense and revelations that will leave you continuously in shock, and flipping pages late into the night.
A serial killer is targeting victims in obscure historic settings—the Cloisters in New York City, the Glencairn in Philadelphia. What is the connection? Is there a message to the murders?
FBI Special Agent Daniel Walker, 40, known for his ability to hunt killers, his street-smarts, and his disobedience, is singled out from the Behavioral Analysis Unit and assigned to the FBI’s new Antiquities unit. The unit, formed to hunt down priceless relics in the global world of antiquities, has no idea how to enter the mind of a murderer.
Remi Laurent, 34, brilliant history professor at Georgetown, is the world’s leading expert in obscure historic artifacts. Shocked when the FBI asks for her help to find a killer, she finds herself reluctantly partnered with this rude American FBI agent. Special Agent Walker and Remi Laurent are an unlikely duo, with his ability to enter killers’ minds and her unparalleled scholarship, the only thing they have in common, their determination to decode the clues and stop a killer.
An unputdownable crime thriller featuring an unlikely partnership between a jaded FBI agent and a brilliant historian, the REMI LAURENT series is a riveting mystery, grounded in history, and packed with suspense and revelations that will leave you continuously in shock, and flipping pages late into the night.
Audiobook
First published October 15, 2021
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About the author
Ava Strong
118 books215 followersAva Strong is author of the REMI LAURENT mystery series, comprising six books (and counting); of the ILSE BECK mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting); of the STELLA FALL psychological suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the DAKOTA STEELE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the LILY DAWN suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); and of the MEGAN YORK suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting).
An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Ava loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit her website.
An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Ava loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
September 3, 2024
Antiken-Einheit
Der Name dieser neuen Einheit klingt etwas harmloser als die Arbeit ist. Detective Daniel Walker ist wegen seiner rauen Art des Zupackens von einer Abteilung, die Serienmörder Jagd, in eben diese neue Einheit versetzt worden. Strafversetzt, wenn man ihn fragt. Man fragt ihn aber nicht, sondern schickt ihm zu einem Tatort, an dem ein religiöses Artefakt zerstört wurde und ein Museumswärter getötet wurde. Nun wird Walker doch neugierig. Gestohlen wurde eigenartigerweise nichts, obwohl einige Ausstellungsstücke einen großen Wert haben. Was wollte der Täter? Walker bekommt die Möglichkeit die Historikerin Remi Laurent als Beraterin der Polizei zu gewinnen. Ihr Spezialgebiet könnte genau zu dem seltsamen Fall passen.
Man wieder ein erster Band einer Reihe, in dem FBI Ermittler Daniel Walker und die Historikerin Remi Laurent als Team zusammenfinden. Dabei hat Walker mit einigen privaten Problemen zu kämpfen, die ihn gleichzeitig befähigen und einschränken. Remi Laurent hat vorher in Frankreich gelehrt und sie nimmt die Gelegenheit, ihren desinteressierten Studenten für ein Weilchen zu entfliehen, gerne wahr.. Dass bei ihrer neuen Beschäftigung nicht immer alle Regeln beachtet, macht es für Walker nicht gerade einfach. Allerdings müsste er ja wissen, wie es ist, die Regeln eher weit auszulegen.
Ein spannendes Setting mit einem ungewöhnlichen Team, dass es normalerweise in der Form, dass eine Beraterin aktiv eingreift, wohl nicht möglich wäre. Zivilisten sollten doch weder in Gefahr gebracht werden, sich sich in diese begeben. Remi Laurent ist jedoch sehr forsch und hat in ihrer Eigenschaft als Historikerin ein großes Interesse an den Artefakten, die der Täter offensichtlich sucht. Walker muss zum einen zusehen, dass er nicht zu energische Befragungen durchführt und gleichzeitig zusehen, dass seine Beraterin nicht über die Stränge schlägt. Wobei zwischenzeitlich ein Verdacht entsteht, der etwas eigenartig wirkt und auch die Auflösung und die Bestrebung des Täters bleiben etwas unklar. Dennoch macht die Jagd nach den Artefakten Spaß und falls das, was in diesem ersten Band ein wenig in der Luft hängt, in den folgenden Bänden doch noch geklärt wird, würde so ein Interesse an den Nachfolgebänden geweckt. Schauen wir mal.
3,5 Sterne
Der Name dieser neuen Einheit klingt etwas harmloser als die Arbeit ist. Detective Daniel Walker ist wegen seiner rauen Art des Zupackens von einer Abteilung, die Serienmörder Jagd, in eben diese neue Einheit versetzt worden. Strafversetzt, wenn man ihn fragt. Man fragt ihn aber nicht, sondern schickt ihm zu einem Tatort, an dem ein religiöses Artefakt zerstört wurde und ein Museumswärter getötet wurde. Nun wird Walker doch neugierig. Gestohlen wurde eigenartigerweise nichts, obwohl einige Ausstellungsstücke einen großen Wert haben. Was wollte der Täter? Walker bekommt die Möglichkeit die Historikerin Remi Laurent als Beraterin der Polizei zu gewinnen. Ihr Spezialgebiet könnte genau zu dem seltsamen Fall passen.
Man wieder ein erster Band einer Reihe, in dem FBI Ermittler Daniel Walker und die Historikerin Remi Laurent als Team zusammenfinden. Dabei hat Walker mit einigen privaten Problemen zu kämpfen, die ihn gleichzeitig befähigen und einschränken. Remi Laurent hat vorher in Frankreich gelehrt und sie nimmt die Gelegenheit, ihren desinteressierten Studenten für ein Weilchen zu entfliehen, gerne wahr.. Dass bei ihrer neuen Beschäftigung nicht immer alle Regeln beachtet, macht es für Walker nicht gerade einfach. Allerdings müsste er ja wissen, wie es ist, die Regeln eher weit auszulegen.
Ein spannendes Setting mit einem ungewöhnlichen Team, dass es normalerweise in der Form, dass eine Beraterin aktiv eingreift, wohl nicht möglich wäre. Zivilisten sollten doch weder in Gefahr gebracht werden, sich sich in diese begeben. Remi Laurent ist jedoch sehr forsch und hat in ihrer Eigenschaft als Historikerin ein großes Interesse an den Artefakten, die der Täter offensichtlich sucht. Walker muss zum einen zusehen, dass er nicht zu energische Befragungen durchführt und gleichzeitig zusehen, dass seine Beraterin nicht über die Stränge schlägt. Wobei zwischenzeitlich ein Verdacht entsteht, der etwas eigenartig wirkt und auch die Auflösung und die Bestrebung des Täters bleiben etwas unklar. Dennoch macht die Jagd nach den Artefakten Spaß und falls das, was in diesem ersten Band ein wenig in der Luft hängt, in den folgenden Bänden doch noch geklärt wird, würde so ein Interesse an den Nachfolgebänden geweckt. Schauen wir mal.
3,5 Sterne
December 28, 2021
So, I won "The Death Code" through Goodreads' giveaways a bit ago and was just now able to finish it. The killer was well designed. The plot was decent. But there were missteps throughout. I feel like this is a gender swap with Dan Brown's Novels featuring Robert Langdon. With that being stated, Remi Laurent's character seemed dimwitted in a few parts. Here you have this brilliant and highly educated person who seems to randomly be guessing at museums holding artifacts. Daniel Walker's character I enjoyed but seemed to fit a certain degree of what some people feel an agent of the FBI is supposed to be. Tough, mean, gruff individual, but I enjoyed the fact that he is educated( which the FBI requires for most field agents), so he is able to follow along better with Laurent's historical knowledge. The ending irked me because you are never told who the "Chosen One" really is, leaving the reader to guess his origins. I kind of live for those, because I want to know more about the "villian". What is their backstory, what made them snap. This was missing, but there is some allusion to who it might be. But not clearly stated. While not a favorite, if someone would like a mystery novel to read who is starting out this might be one I would add to a growing pile, but not in my top 10.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2022
What a crazy, page turner thriller - mixed with historical fiction and unexpected twists, you’re in for a wild read !
November 12, 2023
2.5 Stars
*A sloppy knock-off Da Vinci Code that didn’t deliver*
It was obvious from the description that The Death Code was a knockoff of the The Da Vinci Code. But I was hoping it would still be an engaging story. Sadly, it seems that Strong is one of those writers that goes for quantity over quality, churning out half-baked novellas that need a lot more time in the oven.
The story is about a gruff FBI agent who doesn't follow the rules and French history professor trying to track down a serial killer breaking into museums. I never liked either character. They both seemed like exaggerated caricatures. FBI Special Agent Daniel Walker was the rough and tough agent passing his prime who was above the rules. Remi Laurent was the history professor from France whose obsession with the cryptex mystery often put her into TSTL territory. By the end, the lack of competency of these characters was rather astounding.
The narrator for the audiobook certainly did not help things. I have no idea why they used an English narrator for a story set in America with all American characters other than one French character. And he absolutely could not do an American Southern accent to save his life.
The writing was also sloppy and lacked editing. Aside from the overall lack of depth regarding the historical research, it was notably messy. There were two instance where Strong accidentally call the “Behavioral Analysis Unit” the “Behavioral Affairs Units.” It is so amateurish to forget the name of the agency your main character works for.
Even though this was only a novella, I was so disinterested that it took me a couple of weeks to finish it. This was all-around disappointing.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 3 Stars
Writing Style: 2 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 2 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 2 Stars
Originality: 1 Star
*A sloppy knock-off Da Vinci Code that didn’t deliver*
It was obvious from the description that The Death Code was a knockoff of the The Da Vinci Code. But I was hoping it would still be an engaging story. Sadly, it seems that Strong is one of those writers that goes for quantity over quality, churning out half-baked novellas that need a lot more time in the oven.
The story is about a gruff FBI agent who doesn't follow the rules and French history professor trying to track down a serial killer breaking into museums. I never liked either character. They both seemed like exaggerated caricatures. FBI Special Agent Daniel Walker was the rough and tough agent passing his prime who was above the rules. Remi Laurent was the history professor from France whose obsession with the cryptex mystery often put her into TSTL territory. By the end, the lack of competency of these characters was rather astounding.
The narrator for the audiobook certainly did not help things. I have no idea why they used an English narrator for a story set in America with all American characters other than one French character. And he absolutely could not do an American Southern accent to save his life.
The writing was also sloppy and lacked editing. Aside from the overall lack of depth regarding the historical research, it was notably messy. There were two instance where Strong accidentally call the “Behavioral Analysis Unit” the “Behavioral Affairs Units.” It is so amateurish to forget the name of the agency your main character works for.
Even though this was only a novella, I was so disinterested that it took me a couple of weeks to finish it. This was all-around disappointing.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 3 Stars
Writing Style: 2 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 2 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 2 Stars
Originality: 1 Star
January 28, 2022
wow this one was rough. the characters were so dumb and unlikable. the ending wasn't satisfying either so the whole reading experience was just a let down
Read
May 29, 2022DNF @ 23% not my thing.
January 15, 2024
Conspiracy theory historical mystery with an obsessive killer and professor. Female lead was very irritating and unrelatable for me- Remi. Male lead- Daniel was interesting for me; the writing style was decent apart from the typos and editing I didn't skim too often, but it did take me some time to finish this, even though it was a novella. The whole story was just unbelievable and the professor was guessing at museums and the fact he just trust her and goes with it really irritated me. Wanted to get more back story or updates on the killer at ending but nothing, just caught bad guy and that's that! This is apparently a series which I will NOT be following, but looking forward to reading more from this author 😀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2022
En ce moment paraissent plusieurs séries en même temps, en français, de petits thrillers, qui disons-le franchement, n'ont rien de génial. En fait, si vous avez un voyage de trois heures en train, c'est idéal. Vous lisez ce thriller ésotérique, sans ennui, sans aucune aspérité, sans nuance. Certes, l'ensemble est sympathique, avec cette professeur d'université française venue s'exiler aux USA qui parle avec nostalgie du campus de la Sorbonne (moi-même je le cherche encore !) qui se confronte à cet agent du FBI, en instance de divorce, qui après avoir dérapé sérieusement, se retrouve dans cette nouvelle section chargée des antiquités.
Il n'y a aucun style, c'est juste de l'efficacité, comme je l'ai dit, on s'y intéresse, avec le serial killer illuminé qui sème les cadavres dans les musées. Je pense l'oublier très rapidement, mais je lirai les suivants, attrapée par le fait que plusieurs portes ont été ouvertes dans cette première enquête, nos deux héros ont encore beaucoup à se raconter...
Il n'y a aucun style, c'est juste de l'efficacité, comme je l'ai dit, on s'y intéresse, avec le serial killer illuminé qui sème les cadavres dans les musées. Je pense l'oublier très rapidement, mais je lirai les suivants, attrapée par le fait que plusieurs portes ont été ouvertes dans cette première enquête, nos deux héros ont encore beaucoup à se raconter...
April 28, 2022
THE FBI ARE DEPICTED IN A VERY BAD LIGHT IN MANY SHOWS AND MOVIES. WELL, THE TWO CHARACTERS TOOK THEIR BAD BEHAVIOR TO A WHOLE 'NOTHER LEVEL. THEY WERE LIKE TWO LOOSE CANNONS; I HAD A HARD TIME LIKING THEM. THIS WAS LIKE A CORNY VERSION OF "THE DA VINCI CODE" AND SO CONFUSING AT TIMES. THE MAIN CHARACTERS WERE ANNOYING AND SO WAS THE VILLIAN AND THE ENDING NOT BELIEVABLE. ;<
January 22, 2022
Fans of DaVinci Code will love this creepy, delicious puzzle! Even better, it’s a series!
August 6, 2024
Finished reading: August 6th 2024
"Si no tiene Dios, la corregiré. Si es piadosa, la haré mi esposa. Ella me dará muchos hijos que pondré en el camino correcto."
REVIEW
WARNING: it seems it is time for another unpopular opinion!!
June 5, 2022
Not bad for a freebie. I finished it in one day. The 2 main characters are, on the surface, polar opposites. One is a bit of a loose cannon in the FBI’s BAU and has been reassigned to the antiquities division. The other is a French professor currently in the US. The FBI goes to the professor for help on a case involving a serial killer who is also grabbing artwork. Lots of interesting twists and turns and we get glimpses into the backstories of the two. The next book in the series is also free. If you like Da Vinci Code, you might enjoy this as well.
February 12, 2024
No me ha gustado mucho este libro. Empieza interesante, luego se vuelve lento y predecible hasta casi el final y el desenlace se produce rapidísimo. Los personajes son tópicos con patas y para ser una historia de cazar asesinos y perseguir pistas, me ha resultado soporífera a ratos.
November 29, 2023
La trama básica del gran secreto de la.iglesia.
June 30, 2022
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
I chose to do a theme for this month's meme of books with an FBI agent as a main character. Books in this category are mainly mystery police procedural or romantic suspense.
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on May 22, 2022 (currently free at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post)
The Death Code has for its main characters an FBI agent who has a lot of knowledge of history and worked in the BAU along with a history professor. Daniel has been recently moved to the Antiquities Division as there is new string of thefts with murder on nearly a daily basis. He enlists the help of Remi who is French but teaching in the US and knowledgeable about the items the killer seeks.
The case is like other serial killer cases in that the deaths are sad and horrific and also fast-paced. The reasoning is not quite rational and has a religious fervor in it. The killer is smart and skilled but warped. Obviously. He knows who Remi is and has decided she will become his wife and have several children for him.
I thought the police procedures used to investigate were ok but the execution was rather poor. Daniel was on his own to arrange local police or museum security at the last minute. Remi was helpful in determining where the killer might strike and what items but otherwise TSTL (too stupid to live). She wanted to examine the items herself, and even talk to the killer! Each of them seemed a bit immature for their age.
There is the start of the back history on Daniel and Remi's personal relationships and family / childhood backgrounds. I do appreciate that layer of character building. There could be a connection between them but they are currently already in relationships which are going poorly. I'm ambivalent about that, not shipping them although they could be a good fit, certainly better than their current ones.
I chose to do a theme for this month's meme of books with an FBI agent as a main character. Books in this category are mainly mystery police procedural or romantic suspense.
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on May 22, 2022 (currently free at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post)
The Death Code has for its main characters an FBI agent who has a lot of knowledge of history and worked in the BAU along with a history professor. Daniel has been recently moved to the Antiquities Division as there is new string of thefts with murder on nearly a daily basis. He enlists the help of Remi who is French but teaching in the US and knowledgeable about the items the killer seeks.
The case is like other serial killer cases in that the deaths are sad and horrific and also fast-paced. The reasoning is not quite rational and has a religious fervor in it. The killer is smart and skilled but warped. Obviously. He knows who Remi is and has decided she will become his wife and have several children for him.
I thought the police procedures used to investigate were ok but the execution was rather poor. Daniel was on his own to arrange local police or museum security at the last minute. Remi was helpful in determining where the killer might strike and what items but otherwise TSTL (too stupid to live). She wanted to examine the items herself, and even talk to the killer! Each of them seemed a bit immature for their age.
There is the start of the back history on Daniel and Remi's personal relationships and family / childhood backgrounds. I do appreciate that layer of character building. There could be a connection between them but they are currently already in relationships which are going poorly. I'm ambivalent about that, not shipping them although they could be a good fit, certainly better than their current ones.
May 2, 2022
Where to start? I don't even know how this book got published. The female protagonist, supposedly a brilliant academician, is nevertheless breathlessly idiotic in her behavior. Think old B Horror movies - the heroine hears a noise up the stairs, behind the door, in the hallway, and immediately goes out to investigate - never mind there is a killer lurking somewhere waiting to strike. All the old clichés come into play - wrong person identified as killer, lights go out at opportune moment, our hero races out to get lights on and never sees our moron heroine slip out the door? Please. This book needed a really good editor to tell the author to find another profession. I will not be reading anymore of this series.
October 19, 2022
A history professor and FBI agent team up to solve clues to track down a serial killer thief. A decent premise, but two fairly unlikable characters. I was tempted to put the book down when it fell into the age old trope of the female lead absolutely having to risk her life to satisfy her curiosity while suspending all good judgement to explore the dangerous thing. I managed to get through because there were sparks in the journey but I found the characters just not to my liking.
January 9, 2022
I didn’t care for the narrator on this audiobook so I think that created a disconnect from the story for me. I just couldn’t get into it.
March 13, 2024
Audiobook. Predictable
December 9, 2023
I normally don't go for novels like this; something about following a police officer/detective/FBI agent or whatever solving cases around different locations hasn't always appealed to me for some reason. I recently got hooked into the Castle TV series and my love for that show translated into my interest in this book series. The premise of an FBI agent working with a history professor to solve antiquities related crimes just sounds really cool to me and one thing that also clicked for me was the idea of a law official working with a civilian professional instead of another law official. For Castle it was a mystery novelist working for the police and here it follows a sort of similar concept.
The audiobook version of this novel was narrated excellently, the narrator managed to create the perfect level of suspense and anticipation in the way he read the story that it made me anxious and nervous for the characters in the book, including the random inconsequential side characters. The serial killer's POV was very chilling; his perspective was deranged, psychotic and despite that, he had a clear goal, motive and reasoning for why he did what he did and that just made me dislike him even more in a good way.
The strongest aspect of this story is the relationship between Daniel Walker and Remi Laurent, probably the cutest and most interesting pairing I've seen in a novel of this caliber. His general coldness, aggressive impatience and hidden side for historical interest really complements her eagerness, knowledge and resourceful wits. I also think giving us an insight into the serial killer's mind was the most haunting aspect of this story, just hearing him talk about certain things and how he'd interact with the world around him, it just gave me goosebumps.
For the first time, a book has given me heart palpitations and made me scared for characters' lives even if I know that they will survive for the next book and that really shows a good writer's ability to capture your attention. Even the intrigue into the religious artifacts they were hunting down was just enticing to a former religious kid like myself.
I think the reason why I can't give this a perfect rating is because the story is very simple, which is not a bad thing, but it just ends so abruptly once they capture the serial killer. I'm sure the next book follows up on this, but it just feels so lazy as if the author wanted to get this book out before her deadline. They don't find out who this deranged killer is really, he doesn't explain himself to them, they just cut it short with the epilogue, the FBI carries on and doesn't even explain to us what happened to him.
Aside from that, this book is chilling, spellbinding and unique, I highly recommend. it.
The audiobook version of this novel was narrated excellently, the narrator managed to create the perfect level of suspense and anticipation in the way he read the story that it made me anxious and nervous for the characters in the book, including the random inconsequential side characters. The serial killer's POV was very chilling; his perspective was deranged, psychotic and despite that, he had a clear goal, motive and reasoning for why he did what he did and that just made me dislike him even more in a good way.
The strongest aspect of this story is the relationship between Daniel Walker and Remi Laurent, probably the cutest and most interesting pairing I've seen in a novel of this caliber. His general coldness, aggressive impatience and hidden side for historical interest really complements her eagerness, knowledge and resourceful wits. I also think giving us an insight into the serial killer's mind was the most haunting aspect of this story, just hearing him talk about certain things and how he'd interact with the world around him, it just gave me goosebumps.
For the first time, a book has given me heart palpitations and made me scared for characters' lives even if I know that they will survive for the next book and that really shows a good writer's ability to capture your attention. Even the intrigue into the religious artifacts they were hunting down was just enticing to a former religious kid like myself.
I think the reason why I can't give this a perfect rating is because the story is very simple, which is not a bad thing, but it just ends so abruptly once they capture the serial killer. I'm sure the next book follows up on this, but it just feels so lazy as if the author wanted to get this book out before her deadline. They don't find out who this deranged killer is really, he doesn't explain himself to them, they just cut it short with the epilogue, the FBI carries on and doesn't even explain to us what happened to him.
Aside from that, this book is chilling, spellbinding and unique, I highly recommend. it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2022
Very good book and was free!
The killer was an absolute psycho especially with that weird doll good little trick as it almost bated Agent Daniel Walker into becoming Sheesh kebab.
Kinda want to know what happend at the chosen ones Bible camp unless it's like the American pie band camp joke.
Remi the French professor (not to be confused with Remy the French rat from ratatouille) was a bit of a cheeky little associate and although she knew her stuff was a bit of a fool going to the wrong place several times and was incredibly foolish trying to confront the killer and if he wasn't simping over her would've turned her into a lamb donnor kebab. Surprised she didn't do the classic French move and just surrender
Agent Daniel Walker was your classic FBI American cop and is the reason why America is the greatest country in the world
Cheeseburger for breakfast ✅
Trigger happy and loves almost killing suspects ✅
Terrible husband✅
Jock in highschool ✅
Pedo uncle✅
Nevertheless he knew his stuff and was a big old history buff himself. Shame he's a little clueless in the women department as still thinks he can win Veronica the wife over even if she has given him the divorce papers 3 times even when he was on a job and pretty much impossible to find. And although thought her and Remi could've had a romantic relationship I reckon leave that for the next few books
Very sad backstory though so who can blame him but kind of weird he didn't tell anyone but I kinda get why he didn't was a bit of weird kink from Ray loving to molest children in places of historical significance almost like he started sprouting fun facts halfway through doing the deed.
Only nit pick is feel like the Italian burgler was one false suspect too many as they came close to catching him way too many times. And this being a series does make me want to read the others
Kind like national treasure a solid 8.5/10
Would like to thank Bell for the recommendation
The killer was an absolute psycho especially with that weird doll good little trick as it almost bated Agent Daniel Walker into becoming Sheesh kebab.
Kinda want to know what happend at the chosen ones Bible camp unless it's like the American pie band camp joke.
Remi the French professor (not to be confused with Remy the French rat from ratatouille) was a bit of a cheeky little associate and although she knew her stuff was a bit of a fool going to the wrong place several times and was incredibly foolish trying to confront the killer and if he wasn't simping over her would've turned her into a lamb donnor kebab. Surprised she didn't do the classic French move and just surrender
Agent Daniel Walker was your classic FBI American cop and is the reason why America is the greatest country in the world
Cheeseburger for breakfast ✅
Trigger happy and loves almost killing suspects ✅
Terrible husband✅
Jock in highschool ✅
Pedo uncle✅
Nevertheless he knew his stuff and was a big old history buff himself. Shame he's a little clueless in the women department as still thinks he can win Veronica the wife over even if she has given him the divorce papers 3 times even when he was on a job and pretty much impossible to find. And although thought her and Remi could've had a romantic relationship I reckon leave that for the next few books
Very sad backstory though so who can blame him but kind of weird he didn't tell anyone but I kinda get why he didn't was a bit of weird kink from Ray loving to molest children in places of historical significance almost like he started sprouting fun facts halfway through doing the deed.
Only nit pick is feel like the Italian burgler was one false suspect too many as they came close to catching him way too many times. And this being a series does make me want to read the others
Kind like national treasure a solid 8.5/10
Would like to thank Bell for the recommendation
November 19, 2024
Reseña de "El código de la muerte" de Ava Strong
Remi Laurent es una profesora universitaria especializada en historia medieval y lleva toda su carrera intentando demostrar la existencia de un extraño artefacto llamado códex.
Por otro lado, un conflictivo detective con un pasión oculta por la historia se ve degradado a una nueva división. Él, que está acostumbrado a perseguir asesinos en serie, no está demasiado contento con el cambio. Sin embargo, su percepción cambia cuando empiezan a sucederse los asesinatos en museos. Será entonces cuando los caminos de Remi y el detective se crucen. ¿Conseguirán cazar al asesino? ¿Porqué actúa en museos?
🏛️ El hecho de que se mencionara la historia y a secretos ocultos me atrajo de forma irremediable a esta novela. Sin embargo, siento que no se ha explicado suficientemente extensamente qué es el códex y qué interés puede tener en el desarrollo del argumento. Aunque tiene un papel protagonista, siento que no he entendido el alcance del mismo.
🌙 Uno de los grandes logros de la novela es la capacidad de transmitir la sensación de urgencia y gravedad en la investigación. La manera de narrar de los protagonistas junto al ritmo rápido de las intervenciones hacen que sientas que el relato va a todo tren. Esto, lejos de ser un impedimento, suma a la obra y hace que sientas la desesperación e impaciencia que sienten las personas implicadas en la trama.
🫂 Aunque los personajes me han parecido interesantes y me han caído bien, no he conectado emocionalmente con sus historias a excepción de en momentos puntuales. Puede que el ritmo veloz de la narración haya pasado factura en este aspecto.
Remi Laurent es una profesora universitaria especializada en historia medieval y lleva toda su carrera intentando demostrar la existencia de un extraño artefacto llamado códex.
Por otro lado, un conflictivo detective con un pasión oculta por la historia se ve degradado a una nueva división. Él, que está acostumbrado a perseguir asesinos en serie, no está demasiado contento con el cambio. Sin embargo, su percepción cambia cuando empiezan a sucederse los asesinatos en museos. Será entonces cuando los caminos de Remi y el detective se crucen. ¿Conseguirán cazar al asesino? ¿Porqué actúa en museos?
🏛️ El hecho de que se mencionara la historia y a secretos ocultos me atrajo de forma irremediable a esta novela. Sin embargo, siento que no se ha explicado suficientemente extensamente qué es el códex y qué interés puede tener en el desarrollo del argumento. Aunque tiene un papel protagonista, siento que no he entendido el alcance del mismo.
🌙 Uno de los grandes logros de la novela es la capacidad de transmitir la sensación de urgencia y gravedad en la investigación. La manera de narrar de los protagonistas junto al ritmo rápido de las intervenciones hacen que sientas que el relato va a todo tren. Esto, lejos de ser un impedimento, suma a la obra y hace que sientas la desesperación e impaciencia que sienten las personas implicadas en la trama.
🫂 Aunque los personajes me han parecido interesantes y me han caído bien, no he conectado emocionalmente con sus historias a excepción de en momentos puntuales. Puede que el ritmo veloz de la narración haya pasado factura en este aspecto.
April 11, 2025
This is the start of of a new Ava Strong book series and I was able to purchase the first four books as a special rate from Chirp.
The plot and story line moves along quite quickly. Perhaps a bit too quickly for believability, but good for those readers who want a high speed story. With the speed comes one drawback, we don't get too much of the character development and only a few bits and pieces of backstory. This shallow depth does not help the reader really care for the characters. For example, the art historian makes a stupid move and almost gets killed and the reader feels like that's sad - but okay as the FBI could find another art historian to help solve the case. And that feeling is unfortunate as the series is named after the art historian, Remi Laurent. We are supposed to care about her !
Kevin Green does a very good job of narration of the audiobook and provides good character inflection and accent to the various characters of the story. However, it does take a bit of getting used to his feminine character voices, as his natural voice is a moderate baritone.
I was interested enough in the plot and conclusion of this first book to immediately begin the second book. Perhaps there will be a little more character development as the story arc moves along.
The plot and story line moves along quite quickly. Perhaps a bit too quickly for believability, but good for those readers who want a high speed story. With the speed comes one drawback, we don't get too much of the character development and only a few bits and pieces of backstory. This shallow depth does not help the reader really care for the characters. For example, the art historian makes a stupid move and almost gets killed and the reader feels like that's sad - but okay as the FBI could find another art historian to help solve the case. And that feeling is unfortunate as the series is named after the art historian, Remi Laurent. We are supposed to care about her !
Kevin Green does a very good job of narration of the audiobook and provides good character inflection and accent to the various characters of the story. However, it does take a bit of getting used to his feminine character voices, as his natural voice is a moderate baritone.
I was interested enough in the plot and conclusion of this first book to immediately begin the second book. Perhaps there will be a little more character development as the story arc moves along.
September 28, 2024
What a terrible book
Honestly, this is probably one of the worst books I've ever read. The MMC was an arrogant, incompetent, jerk. High handed but not in a good way. Total crap show on procedure and professionalism. FMC was an obsessive idiot that was TSTL for being a professor. The author clearly hates the US, religion, and common sense. Remi acts like she's never heard of the most basic terms. Daniel is an out of shape, egotistical, too that thinks no one is better than he is anywhere and that he singlehandedly is saving every life out there with his enormous talent. I can see why his wife is divorcing him. Remi is completely unlikeable, barging in and insisting she has to be involved in a serial killer case and almost costs people their lives because of her obsession. Neither of these people was in the last little bit appealing, interesting, I kinda hoped the killer, Remi, and Daniel would all be killed in some sort of crossfire situation if just to put us all out of their misery. I almost DNF'd, which is rare for me but I just skimmed instead- never landing on anything that made me think I'd ever want to read the next book in this series. And they aren't on KU so glad I had gotten the first one for free, because I would be big mad if I had spent any money on this book.
Honestly, this is probably one of the worst books I've ever read. The MMC was an arrogant, incompetent, jerk. High handed but not in a good way. Total crap show on procedure and professionalism. FMC was an obsessive idiot that was TSTL for being a professor. The author clearly hates the US, religion, and common sense. Remi acts like she's never heard of the most basic terms. Daniel is an out of shape, egotistical, too that thinks no one is better than he is anywhere and that he singlehandedly is saving every life out there with his enormous talent. I can see why his wife is divorcing him. Remi is completely unlikeable, barging in and insisting she has to be involved in a serial killer case and almost costs people their lives because of her obsession. Neither of these people was in the last little bit appealing, interesting, I kinda hoped the killer, Remi, and Daniel would all be killed in some sort of crossfire situation if just to put us all out of their misery. I almost DNF'd, which is rare for me but I just skimmed instead- never landing on anything that made me think I'd ever want to read the next book in this series. And they aren't on KU so glad I had gotten the first one for free, because I would be big mad if I had spent any money on this book.
August 28, 2023
Free audiobook on AppleBooks.
Remi, foreign professor at a university in the United States, is called on to help the police in a new department for the Antiquities.
A “man of interest” is breaking in, stealing, and killing on site guards in historical buildings and museums to get ancient artifacts. The police are stumped and don’t know when or where he will hit again as he doesn’t have the typical serial killer moves of spreading out deaths.
Remi must think one step ahead of the killer thief in order to catch him before he kills another guard and before he steals the last part of the ancient artifact. Can she do it?
Daniel Walker is pulled off his case in homicide and tasked to lead the new department’s Antiquities force. He is NOT happy and let’s everyone know it. Pair that with the papers he was served by his wife and he is not a happy man, but lo and behold, he finds that he LIKES being around Remi.
Book was decent enough. Was not a fan of the “voice” the narrator used with the ventriloquist’s child voice. Made me want to throw my phone…especially when they called the singing “angelic.”
Remi, foreign professor at a university in the United States, is called on to help the police in a new department for the Antiquities.
A “man of interest” is breaking in, stealing, and killing on site guards in historical buildings and museums to get ancient artifacts. The police are stumped and don’t know when or where he will hit again as he doesn’t have the typical serial killer moves of spreading out deaths.
Remi must think one step ahead of the killer thief in order to catch him before he kills another guard and before he steals the last part of the ancient artifact. Can she do it?
Daniel Walker is pulled off his case in homicide and tasked to lead the new department’s Antiquities force. He is NOT happy and let’s everyone know it. Pair that with the papers he was served by his wife and he is not a happy man, but lo and behold, he finds that he LIKES being around Remi.
Book was decent enough. Was not a fan of the “voice” the narrator used with the ventriloquist’s child voice. Made me want to throw my phone…especially when they called the singing “angelic.”
February 27, 2025
Thrillers aren't my usual genre, but I enjoy stories that involve history and art and I got this audiobook for free, so I thought I'd give it a try. It's a brief novel, and I'm impressed with what the author was able to accomplish in a short time. The pace is quick. The bad guy is creepy (referred to as The Chosen One in his POV, which I thought worked well), and the audiobook narrator's little boy voice for him especially so. I'm scratching my head over the supposed heroes, however. Heroine Remi conceals evidence because she wants answers to the mystery the killer is uncovering. A fascinating choice for a standalone, but for a first in series? I'm also uncertain if I'm supposed to like the male FBI agent, who does a lot of (interior) complaining about his soon-to-be-ex-wife and his new boss. I didn't like him at all. Give me flawed characters, sure, but I'd much prefer there be something admirable about them as well. I should have guessed there would be a through-line mystery not concluded in this book. I may continue. P.S. The author doesn't know how JSTOR works. Yes you can access it from home.
May 20, 2024
FBI Agent Daniel Walker is just transferred, against his will, from BAU to the brand new Antiquities unit. Three museums have suffered back-to-back break-ins leaving a smashed antiquity and dead security guard. Hoping to find an expert in the field, Agent Walker invites Professor Remi Laurent to help him understand vital clues. The professor is highly knowledgeable about the cryptex, a centuries old object hidden behind many clues stashed in museum pieces around the world. She is intensely interested in the cryptex, and is more than willing to aid the search for the serial killer by naming the next museum she believes will be targeted. When that guess fails, she and Daniel intensify efforts. But even more, Remi wants to find and understand the cryptex even more than catching the killer. The suspense builds and readers wait to see what Remi’s actions will be. The story was interesting, but the characters could have been a little more finely drawn. Even so, it will be interesting to read further in the series to see what new adventures will arise.
January 19, 2025
En auto-édition, et pourtant, j'ai pensé tout au long de ma lecture qu'il avait été publié par une ME . J'ai beaucoup aimé l'écriture de ce livre, l'intrigue et ce couple d'enquêteurs atypique, si différent l'un de l'autre.
L'histoire m'a fait penser au Da Vinci Code de Dan Brown, mais l'on reste accroché aux pages, désireux de connaître la suite. Malgré les trois points de vue, on ne se perd pas, ce qui est rare. L'autrice a su maintenir un rythme suffisamment espacé à mon goût, évitant que les changements de perspective ne soient trop brusques.
Ava Strong a réussi à créer une atmosphère de danger et d'urgence, et les descriptions détaillées des scènes d'action permettent au lecteur de ressentir l'intensité de chaque moment. Elle a également su créer des personnages auxquels on s'attache.
Ce premier tome aurait peut-être mérité une meilleure note si je n'avais pas été en pleine panne de lecture, atteignant 65% de ma lecture (en même temps que Puzzle de Thilliez). Mais, dans tous les cas, ce tome donne envie de découvrir la suite des aventures de Daniel et Rémi !
L'histoire m'a fait penser au Da Vinci Code de Dan Brown, mais l'on reste accroché aux pages, désireux de connaître la suite. Malgré les trois points de vue, on ne se perd pas, ce qui est rare. L'autrice a su maintenir un rythme suffisamment espacé à mon goût, évitant que les changements de perspective ne soient trop brusques.
Ava Strong a réussi à créer une atmosphère de danger et d'urgence, et les descriptions détaillées des scènes d'action permettent au lecteur de ressentir l'intensité de chaque moment. Elle a également su créer des personnages auxquels on s'attache.
Ce premier tome aurait peut-être mérité une meilleure note si je n'avais pas été en pleine panne de lecture, atteignant 65% de ma lecture (en même temps que Puzzle de Thilliez). Mais, dans tous les cas, ce tome donne envie de découvrir la suite des aventures de Daniel et Rémi !
December 18, 2023
"THE DEATH CODE" by Ava Strong ventures into familiar territory, reminiscent of "The Da Vinci Code." While the narrative lacks the gripping allure of Dan Brown's masterpiece and the characters feel somewhat flat, there's an undeniable charm to Strong's approach.
The storyline, centered around a series of murders in historic settings, echoes elements of the classic code-breaking mystery. However, the execution falls short in creating the same level of intrigue and complexity. The characters, though not particularly dynamic, manage to maintain a certain likability.
In essence, "THE DEATH CODE" may be perceived as a less captivating rendition of a familiar formula. Despite its shortcomings, there's a modest appeal that might resonate with readers seeking a lighter take on the genre. It's not groundbreaking, but there's a certain charm that makes it a passable and somewhat enjoyable read. I will certainly read the second book of the series, just out of curiosity.
The storyline, centered around a series of murders in historic settings, echoes elements of the classic code-breaking mystery. However, the execution falls short in creating the same level of intrigue and complexity. The characters, though not particularly dynamic, manage to maintain a certain likability.
In essence, "THE DEATH CODE" may be perceived as a less captivating rendition of a familiar formula. Despite its shortcomings, there's a modest appeal that might resonate with readers seeking a lighter take on the genre. It's not groundbreaking, but there's a certain charm that makes it a passable and somewhat enjoyable read. I will certainly read the second book of the series, just out of curiosity.
January 4, 2024
A serial killer targets victims in obscure historical settings: the Cloisters in New York City, the Glencairn in Philadelphia; museums where the killer believes hidden artifacts have clues to a great discovery; so this killer known as "The Chosen One" has successfully retrieved three clues while killing three victims as a sacrifice offering to his God; he is religious fanatic and he is adamant in what he is doing until he is caught by FBI agent Walker and Remi Laurent in a museum where he had found his final clue—
What is the connection? Is there a message to the murders? The connection to these killings is that when the killer locates a clue in a museum, he must offer a sacrifice to God by killing some person; slashing their throats--this sacrifice is his thanks to the lord for helping him find his way. As for the message that the killer wishes for others to understand; I am unsure what that is because it does not make sense. In the end, the killer is caught and jailed and FBI Agent Walker continues to work in the Antiquities division Remi Laurent returns to work at the university; with neither one seeing the other anytime soon, yet they would love to speak again. In due time, I imagine that they will.
What is the connection? Is there a message to the murders? The connection to these killings is that when the killer locates a clue in a museum, he must offer a sacrifice to God by killing some person; slashing their throats--this sacrifice is his thanks to the lord for helping him find his way. As for the message that the killer wishes for others to understand; I am unsure what that is because it does not make sense. In the end, the killer is caught and jailed and FBI Agent Walker continues to work in the Antiquities division Remi Laurent returns to work at the university; with neither one seeing the other anytime soon, yet they would love to speak again. In due time, I imagine that they will.
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