Distant Relations

Finn O'Brien #5

by Rebecca Forster

Detective Finn O'Brien is devastated when a private plane explodes killing his uncle and childhood sweetheart. Coming to grips with the tragedy, Finn O'Brien puts the accident behind him until a misdirected insurance settlement, a federal investigation, and an arrogant ATF agent pique his curiosity and provoke his anger. Unable to find justice, Finn goes rogue and follows a deadly path that puts the lives of those he loves in the hands of a distant and deadly relation.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Fiction

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2022

About the author

Rebecca Forster began writing on a crazy dare and found her passion.

Now with over 40 books to her name, she is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling thriller author. Rebecca likes hands-on research and is a graduate of the DEA and ATF Citizens Academies. She is an avid court watcher, has taken numerous weapons courses, and even landed by tail hook on the USS Nimitz to make sure she has lived what she writes.

Rebecca is married to a Superior Court judge and is the mother of two grown sons. She resides in Southern California

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed several of the "Witness" series books by this fine author, I was interested to sample something from another of her series', so was thrilled to receive an Advance Reader Copy of "Distant Relations", her latest in the Finn O'Brien series.

The series documents the exploits of the inimitable Finn O'Brien, a disgraced detective with an unfortunate past, not really of his own making, shunned by most of his peers, and grappling to claw his way back into favour with his superiors.

I'm not in the habit of re-telling the story in my reviews, so there will be no spoilers here!

I was not disappointed!! This versatile author has a way of changing her style to suit the subject of the series under construction, and she nails it down perfectly, with clear, easy-flowing prose that adapts to the story being told, and requires minimal effort to absorb.

Characters are interesting and individual, without coming across unrealistic in any way, and are well-supported by snappy dialogue that further enhances and adds to their characterisations.

Descriptive work fits well with the style of the tale being told, and strikes a lovely balance, providing an easy-to-visualise setting, without detracting or diverting the reader's attention away from the goings on.

The plot is original, well thought out, and has just enough twists and unexpected developments to keep one engaged.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Distant Relations" and have no hesitation in recommending it, either as part of a series, or as a standalone novel.

[Bruce Raterink · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in the excellent Finn O'Brien Crime Novel series is the best one yet. This is a character driven, police procedural novel that will appeal to fans of John Sandford, Michael Connelly, Tess Gerritsen, etc. What sets Rebecca Forster books apart (especially this series and her Witness Series) is her wonderful attention to detail and character development. Even the tertiary characters are fully developed and her very visual writing style brings every scene to life. Although it can easily be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend the entire series.

[Evelyn Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm typically a Paranormal Fantasy reader but grabbed this book as the story line sounded like something i could get into. I was a little lost at first reading it because it seemed like it started in the middle of a long story. It wasn't until I was a quarter of the way in that I realized it was book 5 in a series. That being said, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! The characters are so relatable, and have depth. O'brien, Cori, Lowery, the Cain family, all very relatable and each character grabs your attention. The author writes with words and phrases that are very easy to understand, and especially with O'Brian being Irish, you get a lot of Irish shining through in his speech. I laughed, got mad and was a little sad in various parts of this story, and even wanted to shake some of the characters for their stupidity or for not seeing something so obvious. I'm not the type to give spoilers, but this book is a must read! Coming from someone who typically reads paranormal fantasy sci-fi, I can honestly say I felt drawn, continuously, to put household chores aside and read.

[Naomi Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Distant Relations by Rebecca Forster is book 5 in the Finn O'Brien crime thriller series. This tale features Finn O’Brien and Cori Anderson, detectives in Los Angeles, embroiled in another intriguing murder mystery. This time it’s personal, as Finn’s uncle is the victim of a deadly attack. However, this time, the Feds have taken over the case, steamrolling Finn. But our boy Finn refuses to stand down. Resourceful and clever, he doggedly pursues each lead in a fast paced adventure with plot twists that surprise you at every turn. Forster brings to life each character so well that you can see through their eyes and feel their pain. She masterfully weaves together each strand of the plot, bringing you closer and closer to the big picture, while keeping you guessing every step of the way. And whoa! I did not see that ending coming!!! I absolutely could not put it down. I hope this is not Finn’s last tale because I am greedy for more.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Rebecca's books since I met her at a book signing many years ago. Her writing will keep you glued to your seat and her characters come alive. Even when they are the unsavory ones, you don't want to say goodbye at the end.
From the moment I joined Finn and Cori in their latest adventure till I turned the last page I was totally involved, rooting for them with every twist and turn. I enjoyed meeting new characters and getting reacquainted with those I met in previous Finn O'Brien adventures.

This adventure started out differently than previous ones. Relationships were entangled and muddied to the point where I wondered if they would ever be sorted out. Can Finn and Cori sort out the good guys from the bad guys?

Read Distant Relations to see if Finn and Cori have sorted out the mess Finn created. He is Finn O'Brien after all...

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I haven't previously read any of the Finn O'Brien Crime Thrillers, this fifth installment provides enough background that I was comfortable with references to Finn's history. I was first drawn to the story by the promotional blurb. Something about Finn grabbed me. He's strong and determined with a protective streak a mile long. He'll do what he needs to be done to get to the truth no matter the personal cost. From the opening scene of this story, the twists and turns are abundant and emotions run high. Each turn of the page leads to more question. Like a carefully crafted jigsaw puzzle, the whole picture is slow to be revealed. Readers will find this a quick moving story that will keep them riveted until the explosive and unexpected conclusion. Those previous Finn O'Brien Crime Thillers now sit at the top of my TBR.

[Lisa Wetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Distant Relations by Rebecca Forster is the fifth book in her Finn O’Brien Crime Series. This is my first book by this intriguing author and I cannot wait to read more…..especially in this series. Even though I read this as a stand-alone, I had no problems following along. Ms. Forster is a very talented author, she pays great attention to detail and made this story come to life. This is a fast paced page turner that kept me guessing until the very end. Captivating and emotional, I was taken with every unexpected development. She kept me glued to my seat right up where I had to pick my jaw off the floor with her unforeseen ending. I highly recommend this book. Rebecca Forster definitely has made my favorite author list!

Thank you Rebecca Forster for an advanced copy of this truly engrossing book in exchange for my honest review. I am a fan forever.
#distantrelations. #rebeccaforster. #arc #indieauthor

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the fifth book in Rebecca Forster’s Finn O’Brien series there are a few things that every book has in common. Finn O’ Brien, his partner Cori Anderson, and an entertaining story that is never what you expect, with each one going somewhere totally unexpected. This one starts with a bang (quite literally), and involves Finn stepping on a few toes, digging into something that isn’t his job to investigate. Wondering who (if anyone) was responsible for the bad things that set Finn off and whether Finn or anyone else will be able to figure out who this was and bring them to justice kept me engaged and guessing to the very end.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Sue Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can usually figure out "who done it" before it's revealed but this one kept me guessing. This is my first Finn O'Brien book but I will definitely be reading the other books in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed the “Witness” series and was very disappointed when the series ended. For some reason I didn’t think Finn O’Brien would be appealing to me. Boy was I wrong! The author kept me interested throughout the entire book while Finn was trying to solve the mystery of the plane explosion. The characters were very real and well developed. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to Rebecca Forster’s next one.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Distant Relations is my first encounter with Finn O’Brian, a likable but frustrating hero who seems intent on causing himself trouble at every turn.

The author describes her characters with skill & detail, painting a vivid picture of people and places as she moves through the story.

Much time and energy go into plot development with unforeseen twists and turns that lead to a real page-turner at the end. The story starts with a bang, literally, and picks up momentum until the unexpected ending...

Distant Relations is a fast-paced read, perfect for a plane ride or a Saturday afternoon of “me time”.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Finn is back! The Author takes us on a fast paced journey, with twists and a plot which keeps you guessing to the end. While this is able to be read as a stand alone book, for those who have read the series, it is like welcoming an old friend (and his friends) back and the personal histories give the characters even more depth and rounding.
The realistic prose in keeping with culture and accents make the characters believable and brings them to life. If you are after an interesting and entertaining read, this is the perfect book to curl up with. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait too long to see the next chapter in Finn’s life!

[Marla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read both the Josie Bates (Witness) and Finn O’Brien (Relations) series and loved them. In each, my attention was grabbed right away and stayed that way throughout the book, leaving me anxious to read another. The character development by Forster brings them to life and makes me care about each one. Finn O’Brien is not perfect but he tries to do the right thing, against great odds at times. In this book, although he doesn’t want to believe it, he finds the problem, or answer, is closer to home than he realized. A great read!

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn O'Brien is meeting his mother's brother for the first time. But he saw him about three seconds when the plan blew up and killed Hugh. Little did anyone know that this 'accident' would lead to ties to Irland and Wolfhound Distillery owners. Many lives were changed due to the Cain Brothers, but were they really do good or was there something else going on? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book

[Sandra Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Finn O'Brien story I've read, even though it's the 5th book in the series. Nonetheless, I had no problem following the characters and it felt like a stand-alone book to me. The author pops around into different character's POV more than usual, but I like that just fine, and even find it interesting. I like Finn, even though he seemed to push the envelope sometimes. There were some unusual twists here and there and it was a good suspense novel.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Distant Relations. Great read! Finn O’Brien and Cory Anderson get better with each book!! And their interaction is always a delight!! As usual Rebecca never fails to give you a page turner that you won’t want to put down!! I don’t want to say anything else because if you like the Finn O’Brien series you need to read this one!! You won’t see it coming!!!
Linda G.
New Jersey

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Agent gets Finn curiosity and also his anger. Wanting answers and justice he goes rogue. and that’s only the beginning of what he uncovers, his loved ones now are involved. Excellent plot, Finn’s character is great, you feel his tension, and frustration as he tangles with the big guys companies.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

[Corine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Finn O’Brien series is simply the best! Rebecca Forster doesn’t miss a step and has quite the creative twists and turns in Distant Relations for her characters. Forster’s research and writing capture all you need to visualize the scenes and characters in this book. This book held me hostage until I finished reading. You won’t be disappointed!

[Tracy Allison Schiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Finn

Finn is everything I used to like about Jack Reached (which is now gone from recent books). Finn is a good guy on the side of truth and justice, never punching someone who doesn't deserve it. This plot isn't as good as others, but still enough to keep me reading. I like the character of Shauna and hope to see her again. Tis a worthy read.

[Julie A. Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joy ride for readers

I read every day and many books in a month, but must say this one was one of the best ones .

The author created likable, real characters that you quickly can believe in.

This book kept you turning page after page. I especially came to love the Iris stubbornness woven throughout the chapters.

I look forward to reading more of this author work.

[Dave Falls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was my first encounter with Finn O'Brien and author Rebecca Forster, and it has me ready to back up and read the other books in the series. I loved the plot, pacing, characters and ending, although everything was tied up in a bow almost too neatly-perhaps my only criticism.

[Karen Spiess · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Finn O'Brien and I really enjoyed it. Forster has the ability to describe places, vistas and person's features with exceptional clarity - she paints word pictures. The characters have depth and complexity and situations are realistic. Read it straight through one day!

[Rita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rounded up to 2.5 stars. A journeyman thriller/mystery that didn't prompt me to read others with the same characters. Possibly the constant grammatical and spelling errors - a brave woman isn't a heroin and the drug is not heroine - didn't help.

[Amber Corrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and engaging

The story has a good pace and it's believable. It kept me thinking trying to work out the details. The ending was a twist not completely expected. I could hear the accents in my head while reading. Well done. Not over-exaggerated.

[Gena Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good one

Good read, interesting plot, lots of twists, although some of the misdirection was never explained. Also lots of typos and grammar errors. Enough so that it actually became a little distracting.

[john cella · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the books in this series are fast moving and the characters very entertaining. Distant Relations is my favorite one.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

an intense crime thriller! Complex and interesting characters and a fast paced story make this a real page turner. Lots of twists and turns, mystery and intrigue! A must read!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, intriguing story that will hold your attention through to the satisfying and heartfelt conclusion. 4 stars..

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

This was a great book!!!
Loved it!!
I had a little trouble remembering who was who!
Hope the next book is as good as this one!!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/12/2022)! 🎁

[ann l collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

Kept me entertained. I liked the characters, did not realize it was the fifth in a series until the end . Will check out the rest.