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The Fighting Detective #5
Drop Shot
Game. Set. Murder.
Temperamental tennis player Roderick McAdam stands on the threshold of claiming the world number one ranking. But days before McAdam is due to arrive in Melbourne for the Australian Open, his trussed-up body is found in a seedy hotel room.
Why had the victim accepted an invitation to play in a one-off competition in far North Queensland? And why was he murdered in such a bizarre way? With the public and tennis officials demanding answers, Detective Jack Lisbon and his team must peel back the layers of lies, violence and deception to uncover the shocking truth.
Temperamental tennis player Roderick McAdam stands on the threshold of claiming the world number one ranking. But days before McAdam is due to arrive in Melbourne for the Australian Open, his trussed-up body is found in a seedy hotel room.
Why had the victim accepted an invitation to play in a one-off competition in far North Queensland? And why was he murdered in such a bizarre way? With the public and tennis officials demanding answers, Detective Jack Lisbon and his team must peel back the layers of lies, violence and deception to uncover the shocking truth.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2022
371 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Blair Denholm
23 books225 followersBlair Denholm is a freelance writer and translator who has lived in Moscow, New York, Munich, Abu Dhabi and Australia. He has written content for commercial websites and done corporate voice-over work in English and Russian.
His first novel in the Gary Braswell series, SOLD, was released by Clan Destine Press in November 2017 and is getting rave reviews. He is also working on a murder mystery based on a real event that occurred in Moscow in the late 1980s.
Blair interpreted for the Reagan-Gorbachev summit in Moscow, translated for the Sochi Winter Olympics and voted in a foreign election despite having no eligibility to do so. He was also almost lost at sea on a dilapidated Russian fishing boat sailing from Hobart to New Zealand. He currently resides in the beautiful Southern Downs district in Queensland with his partner Sandra and two crazy canines.
His first novel in the Gary Braswell series, SOLD, was released by Clan Destine Press in November 2017 and is getting rave reviews. He is also working on a murder mystery based on a real event that occurred in Moscow in the late 1980s.
Blair interpreted for the Reagan-Gorbachev summit in Moscow, translated for the Sochi Winter Olympics and voted in a foreign election despite having no eligibility to do so. He was also almost lost at sea on a dilapidated Russian fishing boat sailing from Hobart to New Zealand. He currently resides in the beautiful Southern Downs district in Queensland with his partner Sandra and two crazy canines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 23, 2022
Drop shot is the fifth installment in the Jack Lisbon series. I always love getting my teeth stuck into these books.
When a tennis pro is found brutally murdered, Jack and Claudia are called in to catch the culprit. But why was the pro found in such a seedy hotel? Who hated them enough to do the unthinkable?
I love that each book in this series centres around a different sport. Tennis was the focus of this installment which I loved. It felt perfect for a summer read, and reminded me so much of my childhood! I’m not the sportiest person but that doesn’t make any difference to how much I enjoy these books. You don’t need an advanced technical knowledge and I actually love the unique concept. I found the reveals in this to be quiet clever, I really enjoyed seeing how the detectives made it to the suspect by connecting different dots. However, it is not possible to guess ‘who dunnit’ in this novel, which did detract some of my enjoyment.
With each new installment in this series Blair is able to create such wonderful character development for Jack. I have loved seeing how far he has come so far. The ending in particular had me smiling from ear to ear. Jack has almost become a long lost uncle for me, I truly feel like I know him in real life. I cannot wait to see what happens to Jack and his friends next.
I would recommend this series for fans of easy to read police procedurals. I want to thank Blair Denholm for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts.
When a tennis pro is found brutally murdered, Jack and Claudia are called in to catch the culprit. But why was the pro found in such a seedy hotel? Who hated them enough to do the unthinkable?
I love that each book in this series centres around a different sport. Tennis was the focus of this installment which I loved. It felt perfect for a summer read, and reminded me so much of my childhood! I’m not the sportiest person but that doesn’t make any difference to how much I enjoy these books. You don’t need an advanced technical knowledge and I actually love the unique concept. I found the reveals in this to be quiet clever, I really enjoyed seeing how the detectives made it to the suspect by connecting different dots. However, it is not possible to guess ‘who dunnit’ in this novel, which did detract some of my enjoyment.
With each new installment in this series Blair is able to create such wonderful character development for Jack. I have loved seeing how far he has come so far. The ending in particular had me smiling from ear to ear. Jack has almost become a long lost uncle for me, I truly feel like I know him in real life. I cannot wait to see what happens to Jack and his friends next.
I would recommend this series for fans of easy to read police procedurals. I want to thank Blair Denholm for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts.
July 28, 2022
First and foremost, a large thank you to Blair Denholm for providing me with a copy of this novel, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Happy to have the latest novel by Blair Denholm in hand, I eagerly devoured the book to see what Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon turned up. In a story that exemplifies not only Lisbon’s abilities, but also a great narrative surrounding a murder, Denholm captivates the reader from the outset and keeps the action high throughout this piece.
Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon has seen a great deal since he moved to Australia, but nothing has prepared him for the attitude that Roderick McAdam shows on the tennis court. A phenom who is tearing up the tennis world, McAdam makes short work of anyone who dares meet him on the court. However, after a particularly controversial win in a match Lisbon saw in person, many people begin to see the true side of McAdam.
The following day, McAdam is found murdered in a seedy hotel room, far from where he was staying. While his recent opponent is the prime suspect, DS Lisbon cannot help but wonder if there is more to it, particularly when McAdam was found in a compromising situation. Using the full force of the Yorkville Police, particularly forensics, DS Lisbon begins to peel back what truly happened to Roderick McAdam and who might be targeting him.
After travelling to the site of the upcoming Australian Open, DS LIsbon gets a clearer idea of McAdam as a player and person, as well as garnering some needed facts about who might have been holding a grudge against him. By the time he’s back in Yorkville, DS Lisbon has a clearer idea, but will need to work meticulously in order to properly target the potential killer. Denholm develops a wonderful mystery wrapped in some strong police procedural work to deliver a stellar new novel in the series.
Since first being contacted by Blair Denholm, I have been highly impressed with his Jack Lisbon series. Each novel offers a great look into the man and some of the cases he has come to face since fleeing the United Kingdom. Full of great character development and some strong narrative work, the story paces itself well until the final reveal. This is a great addition to a strong series and kept me flipping pages well into the night.
I enjoy police procedurals, particularly when there is a gritty cop at the helm. Blair Denholm has done well to develop Jack Lisbon throughout the series, offering insights into his personal life as well as progress working in Australia. The narrative proves strong in this piece and provides the reader with a great roadmap throughout the story. A number of great characters appear, some of the first time while others are repeats throughout the series. Plot twists abound and the reader is treated to something great without feeling as though they can predict things from the outset. While there is surely much to learn about Jack Lisbon, Blair Denholm continues to do well at adding depth and dimensions to his protagonist.
Kudos, Mr. Denholm, on another winner. I am excited to see what direction DS Lisbon may follow and the series progresses.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Happy to have the latest novel by Blair Denholm in hand, I eagerly devoured the book to see what Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon turned up. In a story that exemplifies not only Lisbon’s abilities, but also a great narrative surrounding a murder, Denholm captivates the reader from the outset and keeps the action high throughout this piece.
Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon has seen a great deal since he moved to Australia, but nothing has prepared him for the attitude that Roderick McAdam shows on the tennis court. A phenom who is tearing up the tennis world, McAdam makes short work of anyone who dares meet him on the court. However, after a particularly controversial win in a match Lisbon saw in person, many people begin to see the true side of McAdam.
The following day, McAdam is found murdered in a seedy hotel room, far from where he was staying. While his recent opponent is the prime suspect, DS Lisbon cannot help but wonder if there is more to it, particularly when McAdam was found in a compromising situation. Using the full force of the Yorkville Police, particularly forensics, DS Lisbon begins to peel back what truly happened to Roderick McAdam and who might be targeting him.
After travelling to the site of the upcoming Australian Open, DS LIsbon gets a clearer idea of McAdam as a player and person, as well as garnering some needed facts about who might have been holding a grudge against him. By the time he’s back in Yorkville, DS Lisbon has a clearer idea, but will need to work meticulously in order to properly target the potential killer. Denholm develops a wonderful mystery wrapped in some strong police procedural work to deliver a stellar new novel in the series.
Since first being contacted by Blair Denholm, I have been highly impressed with his Jack Lisbon series. Each novel offers a great look into the man and some of the cases he has come to face since fleeing the United Kingdom. Full of great character development and some strong narrative work, the story paces itself well until the final reveal. This is a great addition to a strong series and kept me flipping pages well into the night.
I enjoy police procedurals, particularly when there is a gritty cop at the helm. Blair Denholm has done well to develop Jack Lisbon throughout the series, offering insights into his personal life as well as progress working in Australia. The narrative proves strong in this piece and provides the reader with a great roadmap throughout the story. A number of great characters appear, some of the first time while others are repeats throughout the series. Plot twists abound and the reader is treated to something great without feeling as though they can predict things from the outset. While there is surely much to learn about Jack Lisbon, Blair Denholm continues to do well at adding depth and dimensions to his protagonist.
Kudos, Mr. Denholm, on another winner. I am excited to see what direction DS Lisbon may follow and the series progresses.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
July 12, 2022
I read the prequel a few days ago, but was able to jump right back in with book #5. The author includes some more modern-day IRL stuff like Annie Lennox (just HAD to play some Sweet Dreams a few times), Turkish Delight, Monty Python, The Eagles (which means another trip to YouTube).
He’s baaaack…
And bringing his sarcasm and love of puns with him:
‘You getting a video for Facebook?’
‘No. Evidence. In case it gets really nasty and someone gets hurt.’
‘There’s TV cameras everywhere getting it all on tape. The hired muscle seem to have it under control.’
‘Actually, you were right,’ she grinned, caught out on her little fib. ‘Almost. It’s for Instagram. Facebook is so yesterday.’
‘Is it now?’ Jack’s relationship with social media was like the one he had with his ex-wife. Infrequent and troublesome.
‘Have you been reading the great philosophers?’
‘Yeah, I have ‘n all.’
‘Which ones?’
‘Ah…Rembrandt I think it was.’
I mean, he’s not wrong…
‘There’s files going back all week, see? My bad, it’s for the month. But seeing it’s only the seventh of January today, a month’s as good as a week to a blind bat, eh?’
‘Your humour defies all logic, Lisbon.’
Even learned something new:
‘A team of Dutch scientists recently conducted a study and found that measuring potassium in the eye and analysing proteins in tissue can give a much more accurate result than standard temperature, rigor mortis and lividity parameters.’
I can use this line to explain to people why I wanted to become a coroner when I was 13. I still kinda do – I find the mystery-solving process absolutely fascinating.
I found this little side nugget regarding the region (Wiki):
Cairns is a base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which operates clinics and provides emergency evacuations in remote communities throughout the region.
DEFINITELY want to read more in this series.
He’s baaaack…
And bringing his sarcasm and love of puns with him:
‘You getting a video for Facebook?’
‘No. Evidence. In case it gets really nasty and someone gets hurt.’
‘There’s TV cameras everywhere getting it all on tape. The hired muscle seem to have it under control.’
‘Actually, you were right,’ she grinned, caught out on her little fib. ‘Almost. It’s for Instagram. Facebook is so yesterday.’
‘Is it now?’ Jack’s relationship with social media was like the one he had with his ex-wife. Infrequent and troublesome.
‘Have you been reading the great philosophers?’
‘Yeah, I have ‘n all.’
‘Which ones?’
‘Ah…Rembrandt I think it was.’
I mean, he’s not wrong…
‘There’s files going back all week, see? My bad, it’s for the month. But seeing it’s only the seventh of January today, a month’s as good as a week to a blind bat, eh?’
‘Your humour defies all logic, Lisbon.’
Even learned something new:
‘A team of Dutch scientists recently conducted a study and found that measuring potassium in the eye and analysing proteins in tissue can give a much more accurate result than standard temperature, rigor mortis and lividity parameters.’
I can use this line to explain to people why I wanted to become a coroner when I was 13. I still kinda do – I find the mystery-solving process absolutely fascinating.
I found this little side nugget regarding the region (Wiki):
Cairns is a base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which operates clinics and provides emergency evacuations in remote communities throughout the region.
DEFINITELY want to read more in this series.
July 22, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2022
What does a tennis pro and a reformed cop have in common, nothing, but once again Blair Denholm manages to mix them up.
Honestly when Blair first announced a book that revolved around tennis I thought "yawn, boring but at least its not golf". I'm a huge fan of his books but I thought , "that's it,hes been pottering around the garden too much" and then I read it. Boy was I Wrong !
Jack Lisbon, a police officer, an ex-boxer, an ex ( oops almost told, read his first book to find out ) attends a tennis match, but a match like no other, think 'Rocky' with a raquet instead of gloves and it builds from there.
A gruesome murder traps you in the story and after a few chapters you know who did it, or do you?, nope, you change your mind , again and again,nope , the subjects will bounce around your mind,well, like a tennis ball , oh heck, let Lisbon and Taylor solve it, taking you along for the ride.
Money, mystery,adventure, tennis and and great chemistry between the two make for a well written story, oh that and a murder that will string you along.
The book is part of a set but can be read as a stand alone ( but you will want to read the rest to find out what else Jack Lisbon is an 'ex' of.) I can't wait for the next Blair Denholm novel, maybe a certain Russian Detective can take a peak and let me know.
What does a tennis pro and a reformed cop have in common, nothing, but once again Blair Denholm manages to mix them up.
Honestly when Blair first announced a book that revolved around tennis I thought "yawn, boring but at least its not golf". I'm a huge fan of his books but I thought , "that's it,hes been pottering around the garden too much" and then I read it. Boy was I Wrong !
Jack Lisbon, a police officer, an ex-boxer, an ex ( oops almost told, read his first book to find out ) attends a tennis match, but a match like no other, think 'Rocky' with a raquet instead of gloves and it builds from there.
A gruesome murder traps you in the story and after a few chapters you know who did it, or do you?, nope, you change your mind , again and again,nope , the subjects will bounce around your mind,well, like a tennis ball , oh heck, let Lisbon and Taylor solve it, taking you along for the ride.
Money, mystery,adventure, tennis and and great chemistry between the two make for a well written story, oh that and a murder that will string you along.
The book is part of a set but can be read as a stand alone ( but you will want to read the rest to find out what else Jack Lisbon is an 'ex' of.) I can't wait for the next Blair Denholm novel, maybe a certain Russian Detective can take a peak and let me know.
July 9, 2022
This is an easy-to-use straightforward detective procedural story. It has less action than some of Mr. Denholm's previous novels but gives the reader excellent character development for familiar characters if the series plus new characters important to the development of the investigation. Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon is a complex man with a less than stellar background and an excellent record since he moved to Australia and joined law enforcement. While this story more fully develops his character the book is easily read as a standalone as the author explains any needed previous information in the series without assuming the reader already knows it. I highly recommend this book to detective procedural enthusiasts. I received an ARC and this is !y honest opinion of this novel.
July 5, 2022
Drop Shot is the 5th book of the Jack Lisbon series, and I devoured this book! Roderick McAdam is a temperamental tennis player (to say the least) who has a bright career in front of him. Tipped to be number one and an exciting Australian Open debut awaits Roderick. Unfortunately, death comes knocking, and he's found in a hotel room in far North Queensland. There are so many unanswered questions relating to Roderick's life. Leave it to DS Lisbon and his team to unearth what truly happened to this tennis player. Given this high-profile case, readers will find themselves teleporting between far North Queensland and Melbourne. The pacing of the Jack Lisbon series has been my favourite, and this book doesn't disappoint. The slow-burn chemistry between Lisbon and Taylor is the cherry on top. Blair does a great job of introducing and reintroducing memorable characters that drive the plot. A 4.5-star read! I can't wait for the next one!
I received an ARC from the author, and this honest review is left voluntarily.
I received an ARC from the author, and this honest review is left voluntarily.
July 10, 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable read, especially as Wimbledon has been on as I've been reading, so I'm in the tennis zone anyway. All the usual characters doing what they do best. Lisbon and Taylor a winning partnership but has that moved on to a relationship in this instalment, well you'll have to read it to find out. You can't put this book down once you start reading, one minute you thing you have the plot solved but then something else happens, could easily be a part two, I recommend you read as soon as you can, you won't be disappointed
July 18, 2022
Simply Splendid. I’ve really enjoyed every book I’ve read by Blair Denholm, and this book is no exception. He certainly knows how to write a story that captures your attention, with an interesting plot and a great group of characters. Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon is an absolute legend. A cop that doesn’t take an BS from anyone, and he gets the job done.
This is a memorable book and certainly well worth reading. 5/5 Star Rating.
This is a memorable book and certainly well worth reading. 5/5 Star Rating.
July 9, 2022
All right, so I'm not sure what to say here except Drop Shot is excellent! I’ve been following the Jack Lisbon series since the beginning (thank you very much Blair!) and every book has always kept me completely immersed from page one! Love his characters, love the plots, and love the way he is able to provide such wonderful detail without it being overbearing. Denholm really has a knack for pulling the reader in and placing them at the heart of each novel. Jack is a fantastic main and it’s been incredible to see his character development through the novels and can’t wait to see what his next case is!
Thank you Blair Denholm for my copy! All thoughts an opinions are my own.
Thank you Blair Denholm for my copy! All thoughts an opinions are my own.
July 16, 2022
Another exciting murder mystery in the style of a police procedural that I received from the author for being part of his ARC team.
This story takes place in small town Australia, Yorktown to be precise (I say small town because the author states that the town has only two detectives) where a local promoter is holding a pro-am tennis tournament where the local homegrown tennis professional is playing against other local unranked tennis players (players who never quite made it to the international tennis circuit). After a hard fought match against one of these tennis players, the tennis pro is found strangled with a pair of women's stockings in a seedy trick hotel in Yorktown, Australia.
As the local detective, Jack Lisbon, and his team do a battle of wits with the perpetrator and the other involved parties to uncover the truth behind the crime.
This novel would be a definite favorite of any police procedural afficiendo and would easily score four and a quarter stars out of five.
Aa with all reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
This story takes place in small town Australia, Yorktown to be precise (I say small town because the author states that the town has only two detectives) where a local promoter is holding a pro-am tennis tournament where the local homegrown tennis professional is playing against other local unranked tennis players (players who never quite made it to the international tennis circuit). After a hard fought match against one of these tennis players, the tennis pro is found strangled with a pair of women's stockings in a seedy trick hotel in Yorktown, Australia.
As the local detective, Jack Lisbon, and his team do a battle of wits with the perpetrator and the other involved parties to uncover the truth behind the crime.
This novel would be a definite favorite of any police procedural afficiendo and would easily score four and a quarter stars out of five.
Aa with all reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
July 14, 2022
This is another winner in this series, though Jack is definitely getting softer as the series goes on!. The potential romance with Claudia is adding a nice sideline to the main plot, which this time was focused on the world of professional tennis.
When a tennis player on the verge of becoming world number one is found dead in a seedy hotel room following a dodgy win in a promotional event, there are a number of potential suspects. However, the case takes a while to make a breakthrough, with Jack and Claudia travelling across Queensland in a bid to catch a killer.
I would recommend this book to anyone, and while it would work as a standalone, treat yourself by reading the others in the series first!
When a tennis player on the verge of becoming world number one is found dead in a seedy hotel room following a dodgy win in a promotional event, there are a number of potential suspects. However, the case takes a while to make a breakthrough, with Jack and Claudia travelling across Queensland in a bid to catch a killer.
I would recommend this book to anyone, and while it would work as a standalone, treat yourself by reading the others in the series first!
July 14, 2022
Drop Shot is a worthy addition to the saga of our love starved, hard hitting detective Lisbon. Don't let the first paragraph throw you off. The author fulfilled his need to wax lyrical and then we returned to the gritty, hot, growly detective and his beautiful partner. Will they eventually "hook" up? Maybe, but for now the tension keeps the patter going strong. Someone will eventually decide they've had enough of our hero and try a bit harder to take him out, but for now, we know with Jack on duty, the case is sure to be solved.
I received an advance review copy and leave this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy and leave this review voluntarily.
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July 14, 2022Drop Shot: A gripping international mystery (The Fighting Detective Book 5), my third read from author Blair Denholm, Longer at 260 pages than the other books I've read from him. Outstanding police/detective fiction set in Australia, well-written with characters & a plot you can buy into with unexpected twists & turns. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." So good I went out & purchased a copy. The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 5, 2024
I completed a binge read of the first seven books in the series plus the two prequels. Excellent storylines, great characters and settings. Strongly recommended for anyone who enjoys a police procedural with a difference.
July 22, 2022
I received an ARC of Drop Shot and I loved it. It is another great Jack Lisbon story. I love the way Jack and Claudia work together. They also have great chemistry and it is interesting watching it develop more and more with each story. This story keeps you guessing right until the end. I can't wait for the next story.
July 12, 2022
Another brilliant novel in the Jack Lisbon series of books this time venturing into the world of tennis, a high profile murder requiring a quick solution, twists and turns from one suspect to another keeps you guessing till the very end. A well written and enjoyable book well worth the modest expenditure, if still in doubt I would highly recommend it.
August 20, 2024
Books 1-5 read
Enjoyed them all - good pace and twists at the end. Nicely drawn characters, particularly the principle ones of Lisbon & Taylor.
Enjoyed them all - good pace and twists at the end. Nicely drawn characters, particularly the principle ones of Lisbon & Taylor.
July 12, 2022
An excellent story, full of action from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down. A real page turner.
October 26, 2024
Intriguing!
I love this series and never miss a book.
Lisbon & Taylor work well together, I hope this develops into more...
A complex, evil crime that doesn't easily produce any leads but Lisbon and his team relentlessly pursue every angle. The most mundane element produces a tenuous lead, which Taylor pulls at and Lisbon unravels. Marvellous police work from a likeable team.
I highly recommend this book and series. Looking forward to the next book!
I love this series and never miss a book.
Lisbon & Taylor work well together, I hope this develops into more...
A complex, evil crime that doesn't easily produce any leads but Lisbon and his team relentlessly pursue every angle. The most mundane element produces a tenuous lead, which Taylor pulls at and Lisbon unravels. Marvellous police work from a likeable team.
I highly recommend this book and series. Looking forward to the next book!
August 16, 2024
Good yarn. Top author
August 18, 2024
Love this series. He's a rascally likeable character.
January 31, 2023
Can old hatred win over game-set-match? In this great book it does.
There are so many twists and turns that when you get to the end, you feel like the ball from the tennis match.
Australia is not exempt from the same jealousy that you read about in the news when the leading upcoming star is murdered during a tournament being held.
There are enough suspects with motive that you can believe that any of them would be the one who commits the murder although the method is quite unique.
Cannot wait for the next book in this series.
There are so many twists and turns that when you get to the end, you feel like the ball from the tennis match.
Australia is not exempt from the same jealousy that you read about in the news when the leading upcoming star is murdered during a tournament being held.
There are enough suspects with motive that you can believe that any of them would be the one who commits the murder although the method is quite unique.
Cannot wait for the next book in this series.
July 8, 2022
‘You’ve got plenty of money. Get yourself a good lawyer.’ Intrigue on and off the court
Australian author Blair Denholm lives in Tasmania at present, but has lived and worked in New York, Moscow, Munich, Abu Dhabi in addition to Australia. He has published nine books – ESCAPE FROM PASSING WINDS, SOLD, SOLD TO THE DEVIL, FIGHTING DIRTY, KILL SHOT, SHOT CLOCK, TRICK SHOT, REVOLUTION DAY, SHOT TO THE HEART, and now DROP SHOT. Blair is also a translator, speaks fluent Russian (he interpreted for the Reagan-Gorbachev summit in Moscow and translated for the Sochi Winter Olympics Organizing Committee) as well as a traveler and has escaped situations and detainments in life much as he writes in his books! DROP SHOT is the fifth installment in his series – the Jack Lisbon The Fighting Detective Crime Thriller – centered on a tough, cynical, ex-boxer London cop, who has become a terrific character to follow.
Blair’s artistry with allows entry into his new story with grace: ‘The late afternoon sun shimmered like an incandescent disc against a vast lapis canvas. It beat down with a ferocity to match the effort of the two players, who sizzled tennis balls across the net while the spectators in the stands struggled to raise a cold drink to their lips. The punishing heat, even with nightfall less than a half an hour away, helped to create patches of sweat that bloomed on the athletes’ clothing…As a man who grew up in the cooler climes of Great Britain, ex-pat Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon of the Queensland Police Service was able to sympathize with them. The conditions on court were almost unbearable.’ From there Blair proceeds to unravel this excellent thriller, prepared for the crime that drives the story.
The story follows as summarized: ‘Temperamental tennis player Roderick McAdam stands on the threshold of claiming the world number one ranking. But days before McAdam is due to arrive in Melbourne for the Australian Open, his trussed-up body is found in a seedy hotel room. Why had the victim accepted an invitation to a play in a one-off competition in far North Queensland? And why was he murdered in such a bizarre way? With the public and tennis officials demanding answers, Detective Jack Lisbon and his team must peel back the layers of lies, violence and deception to uncover the shocking truth.’
Aside from being solid entertainment, DROP SHOT has some philosophical asides that focus on many of our current obsessions. Blair keeps us guessing (as reading detectives) while he places the spotlight on the fascinating Jack Lisbon. Blair Denholm has now fully created a superlative character to follow.
Australian author Blair Denholm lives in Tasmania at present, but has lived and worked in New York, Moscow, Munich, Abu Dhabi in addition to Australia. He has published nine books – ESCAPE FROM PASSING WINDS, SOLD, SOLD TO THE DEVIL, FIGHTING DIRTY, KILL SHOT, SHOT CLOCK, TRICK SHOT, REVOLUTION DAY, SHOT TO THE HEART, and now DROP SHOT. Blair is also a translator, speaks fluent Russian (he interpreted for the Reagan-Gorbachev summit in Moscow and translated for the Sochi Winter Olympics Organizing Committee) as well as a traveler and has escaped situations and detainments in life much as he writes in his books! DROP SHOT is the fifth installment in his series – the Jack Lisbon The Fighting Detective Crime Thriller – centered on a tough, cynical, ex-boxer London cop, who has become a terrific character to follow.
Blair’s artistry with allows entry into his new story with grace: ‘The late afternoon sun shimmered like an incandescent disc against a vast lapis canvas. It beat down with a ferocity to match the effort of the two players, who sizzled tennis balls across the net while the spectators in the stands struggled to raise a cold drink to their lips. The punishing heat, even with nightfall less than a half an hour away, helped to create patches of sweat that bloomed on the athletes’ clothing…As a man who grew up in the cooler climes of Great Britain, ex-pat Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon of the Queensland Police Service was able to sympathize with them. The conditions on court were almost unbearable.’ From there Blair proceeds to unravel this excellent thriller, prepared for the crime that drives the story.
The story follows as summarized: ‘Temperamental tennis player Roderick McAdam stands on the threshold of claiming the world number one ranking. But days before McAdam is due to arrive in Melbourne for the Australian Open, his trussed-up body is found in a seedy hotel room. Why had the victim accepted an invitation to a play in a one-off competition in far North Queensland? And why was he murdered in such a bizarre way? With the public and tennis officials demanding answers, Detective Jack Lisbon and his team must peel back the layers of lies, violence and deception to uncover the shocking truth.’
Aside from being solid entertainment, DROP SHOT has some philosophical asides that focus on many of our current obsessions. Blair keeps us guessing (as reading detectives) while he places the spotlight on the fascinating Jack Lisbon. Blair Denholm has now fully created a superlative character to follow.
April 13, 2023
Drop Shot, #5 - Interesting crime and after all that work, a simple solve. Takes place about a year after Shot to the Heart ends. Bit of move made on Taylor by Lisbon. 4*
Fighting Dirty - An interesting introduction to a new series describes how the life of an ex-fighter turned police detective is involuntarily uprooted from the UK to the Queensland Police Service in AU. 4*
Take Down - Takes place about six months after Fighting Dirty ends. Jack is in the wrong place at the wrong time. 4*
Kill Shot, #1 - Interesting but a bit wordy. The coppers are an interesting group of characters. Good story lines kept me immersed until the end. The story picks up four years after Take Down ends. Would highly recommend reading Fighting Dirty and Take Down first. 4*
Shot Clock, #2 - Another interesting read that picks up about a year after Fighting Dirty ends. Good blending of old and new story lines along with an interesting variety of characters made this a fast paced read. Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter denied Him, Blair. 4*
Trick Shot, #3 - Interesting read, although a bit wordy. Good story lines with a couple of bad characters, one of them, a top law enforcement officer. Jack is being himself, both the Limey and Aussie versions working together trying to solve the murder and get home to his daughter. Some humor here and there. 4*
Shot to the Heart, #4 - Story begins five years after Jack leaves London for AU and picks up where Trick Shot ends. Vacation in England is not what he expected when the past comes after him. 4*
Fighting Dirty - An interesting introduction to a new series describes how the life of an ex-fighter turned police detective is involuntarily uprooted from the UK to the Queensland Police Service in AU. 4*
Take Down - Takes place about six months after Fighting Dirty ends. Jack is in the wrong place at the wrong time. 4*
Kill Shot, #1 - Interesting but a bit wordy. The coppers are an interesting group of characters. Good story lines kept me immersed until the end. The story picks up four years after Take Down ends. Would highly recommend reading Fighting Dirty and Take Down first. 4*
Shot Clock, #2 - Another interesting read that picks up about a year after Fighting Dirty ends. Good blending of old and new story lines along with an interesting variety of characters made this a fast paced read. Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter denied Him, Blair. 4*
Trick Shot, #3 - Interesting read, although a bit wordy. Good story lines with a couple of bad characters, one of them, a top law enforcement officer. Jack is being himself, both the Limey and Aussie versions working together trying to solve the murder and get home to his daughter. Some humor here and there. 4*
Shot to the Heart, #4 - Story begins five years after Jack leaves London for AU and picks up where Trick Shot ends. Vacation in England is not what he expected when the past comes after him. 4*
January 5, 2024
Young tennis star is murdered in small Australian town - 4 stars
Jack Lisbon working as a police inspector in a small town has a sensational murder to solve. The murder was committed only the day after Jack saw the same tennis player, while very much alive, lose his temper after a bad call.
The police procedures were followed nearly perfectly as far as Jack was concerned. He did not rough up anyone unless you count threats that were not carried out. Stifling temperatures and high humidity make the story feel quite realistic.
In this story Jack loses his confidence as he can't bring himself to talk to his partner, Claudia Taylor, about their blossoming relationship; he is not tongue-tied when he talks to his superiors or potential suspects. Jack is still the heavy (bad guy) while Claudia is the sympathetic cop when the two of them pair off to interview suspects. Other police are called in to help investigate a crime that has captured international attention. Jack's relationships with his fellow officers make it seem that everyone has been working together for a long time, not just occasionally over the past few days.
The usual suspects are anything but usual. A speedy wrap-up accelerates the pace of the book.
Jack Lisbon working as a police inspector in a small town has a sensational murder to solve. The murder was committed only the day after Jack saw the same tennis player, while very much alive, lose his temper after a bad call.
The police procedures were followed nearly perfectly as far as Jack was concerned. He did not rough up anyone unless you count threats that were not carried out. Stifling temperatures and high humidity make the story feel quite realistic.
In this story Jack loses his confidence as he can't bring himself to talk to his partner, Claudia Taylor, about their blossoming relationship; he is not tongue-tied when he talks to his superiors or potential suspects. Jack is still the heavy (bad guy) while Claudia is the sympathetic cop when the two of them pair off to interview suspects. Other police are called in to help investigate a crime that has captured international attention. Jack's relationships with his fellow officers make it seem that everyone has been working together for a long time, not just occasionally over the past few days.
The usual suspects are anything but usual. A speedy wrap-up accelerates the pace of the book.
September 11, 2024
Jack and Claudia attend the match where the lead player is a jerk and won’t give match point to another player who’s an amateur. Later, the pro player is killed in a gruesome manner in a seedy hotel, and the detectives have not enough and too much data to sort through.
As they interview other players and family, it gets more difficult, as so many people hated the player and benefitted from his death. In the end, the killers were hired by someone with power, and everyone is caught.
I liked this story, in particular due to the tennis theme, and the characters were interesting as well. Not sure if I’ll read more yet, the style of the murder was a bit much for me.
As they interview other players and family, it gets more difficult, as so many people hated the player and benefitted from his death. In the end, the killers were hired by someone with power, and everyone is caught.
I liked this story, in particular due to the tennis theme, and the characters were interesting as well. Not sure if I’ll read more yet, the style of the murder was a bit much for me.
January 4, 2024
A great read
I started the series over Christmas and 5 books later... I laughed at the location names, clever. The main characters are developing nicely with a good supporting sub characters, some of which will no doubt get their limelight in future books. I saw, that Blair is self publishing, a few spell checker blunders over 5 books, that's pretty good; grammar and syntax tell me an editor wouldn't have to do a lot with his draft. Looking forward to the rest if this series and will be exploring Blair's other books.
I started the series over Christmas and 5 books later... I laughed at the location names, clever. The main characters are developing nicely with a good supporting sub characters, some of which will no doubt get their limelight in future books. I saw, that Blair is self publishing, a few spell checker blunders over 5 books, that's pretty good; grammar and syntax tell me an editor wouldn't have to do a lot with his draft. Looking forward to the rest if this series and will be exploring Blair's other books.
August 14, 2023
Majestic Take Downs!
I love a GOOD take down! When a mystery is as mysterious as this one, one would figure a great story, correct? Well, this is, and it has all the twists and turns involved in one. Plus, enough changing of plots to make your head spin! Brilliant job, hey?
I can't explain it as well as the author, so be prepared, Denholm has provided us a "better than all the rest" story here, and you will love it!
I love a GOOD take down! When a mystery is as mysterious as this one, one would figure a great story, correct? Well, this is, and it has all the twists and turns involved in one. Plus, enough changing of plots to make your head spin! Brilliant job, hey?
I can't explain it as well as the author, so be prepared, Denholm has provided us a "better than all the rest" story here, and you will love it!
April 16, 2023
Excellent Mystery
After cheating to win a tennis match the player is found dead in a seedy motel. With no camera this has to be solved the old fashioned way. Police doing interviews and much research. Who really committed this crime? I won't spoil it for you but you'll be scratching your head till the end.
After cheating to win a tennis match the player is found dead in a seedy motel. With no camera this has to be solved the old fashioned way. Police doing interviews and much research. Who really committed this crime? I won't spoil it for you but you'll be scratching your head till the end.
July 20, 2023
Suspenseful
At first glance you would have sympathy/empathy for the victim, but the deeper I got into this mesmerizing book I found it was raw karmic justice. The more you learn about the victim, the more you'll agree with me. This drew me in am kept me reading and guessing until the end. Great mystery.
At first glance you would have sympathy/empathy for the victim, but the deeper I got into this mesmerizing book I found it was raw karmic justice. The more you learn about the victim, the more you'll agree with me. This drew me in am kept me reading and guessing until the end. Great mystery.
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