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Carter Ross Mystery #1
Faces of the Gone
Four bodies, each with a single bullet wound in the back of the head, stacked like cord-wood in a weed-choked vacant lot: That's the front-page news facing Carter Ross, investigative reporter with the Newark Eagle-Examiner. Immediately dispatched to the scene, Carter learns that the four victims an exotic dancer, a drug dealer, a hustler, and a mama's boy came from different parts of the city and didn't seem to know one another.
The police, eager to calm jittery residents, leak a theory that the murders are revenge for a bar stickup, and Carter's paper, hungry for a scoop, hastily prints it. Carter doesn't come from the streets, but he understands a thing or two about Newark's neighborhoods. And he knows there are no quick answers when dealing with a crime like this.
Determined to uncover the true story, he enlists the aide of Tina Thompson, the paper's smoking-hot city editor, to run interference at the office; Tommy Hernandez, the paper's gay Cuban intern, to help him with legwork on the streets; and Tynesha Dales, a local stripper, to take him to Newark's underside. It turns out that the four victims have one connection after all, and this knowledge will put Carter on the path of one very ambitious killer.
Faces of the Gone won the Shamus Award for Best First Novel and the Nero Award for Best American Mystery--it is the first book to receive both awards. The book was named to lists of the year's best mystery debuts by the Chicago Sun-Times and South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published December 8, 2009
About the author
Brad Parks
26 books784 followersInternational bestseller author Brad Parks is the only writer to have won the Shamus, Nero, and Lefty Awards, three of American crime fiction's most prestigious prizes. His books have been translated into 16 languages and have earned starred reviews from every major pre-publication journal.
A father of two terrific kids, Brad runs slowly, is bad at yoga, and occasionally performs as a very semi-professional singer. He's grateful for his readers, because otherwise he'd just be a guy who has a lot of conversations with himself in his own head.
For more information -- or to sign up for the newsletter written by his impertinent interns -- visit his website at www.bradparksbooks.com.
To find Brad on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BradParksBooks
A father of two terrific kids, Brad runs slowly, is bad at yoga, and occasionally performs as a very semi-professional singer. He's grateful for his readers, because otherwise he'd just be a guy who has a lot of conversations with himself in his own head.
For more information -- or to sign up for the newsletter written by his impertinent interns -- visit his website at www.bradparksbooks.com.
To find Brad on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BradParksBooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
June 28, 2013
I read some of the non-positive reviews here. Few of the major critics are: Carter is not a convincing as investigative reporter (you probably think he is indeed incompetent if you read his process of writing an article!), that he is acting clueless and stupid (the people he interviews die or put in a coma), and there are "blatant sexism" and "juvenile humor" (I quoted this from one of the 1-star reviews). And the stereotyping!! Man, oh, man.
I admit all that, really. In my head, I already know some of my friends will HATE this book for being so -- especially the stereotyping of gay guy, black women, and women who zeroes in a guy to have their sperm. On top of that, Carter Ross is white -- but because of he is nice and all, he can make people trust him in a snap of his fingers. I mean, Carter becomes an honorary member of a gang simply by willing to smoke marijuana with them.
The mystery is just decent; not one of those gripping-the-edge of your seat intense. Sure, Carter is able to find out that all of the four victims are linked by drug called The Stuff, but he also lacks that suspicious attitude when it comes to deducing who is behind the killing (I, as a reader, sometimes want to knock him in the head and shout, "Damn it, Carter, that man is worth looking into!!"). In fact, how Carter survives the threat to his life, especially the ending part, is more because of stroke of luck rather than his own wit.
So why do I still give it a 4-stars, despite all those problems I mention above?
Because this book manages to do something that no other mystery/thriller stories I've read in the past few years are able to: it makes me laugh and giddy with such delight!
I enjoy this book because it entertains me. I can't remember laughing so loud (and long) when reading a mystery for the past year or so, like I do when I read how Carter gets stoned and babbling answers to his Chief of Editor. It is so, SO funny, I have tears of mirth. I also like Carter for his enthusiastic appreciation of journalism; he still believes that journalists have significant role -- and this is lovely to read.
I know that I cannot give this book an award for its mystery. I'm not even going to say that this has the most captivating writing ever. But sometimes, all I need from a book is the entertainment factor -- mindless entertainment as it is -- and that is what "Faces of the Gone" gives me in the end. Nothing more. Nothing less. But, for me, it's enough.
I admit all that, really. In my head, I already know some of my friends will HATE this book for being so -- especially the stereotyping of gay guy, black women, and women who zeroes in a guy to have their sperm. On top of that, Carter Ross is white -- but because of he is nice and all, he can make people trust him in a snap of his fingers. I mean, Carter becomes an honorary member of a gang simply by willing to smoke marijuana with them.
The mystery is just decent; not one of those gripping-the-edge of your seat intense. Sure, Carter is able to find out that all of the four victims are linked by drug called The Stuff, but he also lacks that suspicious attitude when it comes to deducing who is behind the killing (I, as a reader, sometimes want to knock him in the head and shout, "Damn it, Carter, that man is worth looking into!!"). In fact, how Carter survives the threat to his life, especially the ending part, is more because of stroke of luck rather than his own wit.
So why do I still give it a 4-stars, despite all those problems I mention above?
Because this book manages to do something that no other mystery/thriller stories I've read in the past few years are able to: it makes me laugh and giddy with such delight!
I enjoy this book because it entertains me. I can't remember laughing so loud (and long) when reading a mystery for the past year or so, like I do when I read how Carter gets stoned and babbling answers to his Chief of Editor. It is so, SO funny, I have tears of mirth. I also like Carter for his enthusiastic appreciation of journalism; he still believes that journalists have significant role -- and this is lovely to read.
I know that I cannot give this book an award for its mystery. I'm not even going to say that this has the most captivating writing ever. But sometimes, all I need from a book is the entertainment factor -- mindless entertainment as it is -- and that is what "Faces of the Gone" gives me in the end. Nothing more. Nothing less. But, for me, it's enough.
February 22, 2016
This was another of my Dominican Vacation reads. As I read many books that week, I am doing some simplified reviews so I can catch up.
As Good as any in the Genre - 4.5 Stars
There is something about that nosy, ethics driven, ignore common sense and the police investigative journalist (IJ) that intrigues me. Carter Ross is that guy. I like the IJ crime mysteries. They can go places the police can't, speak to witnesses who would avoid the police and are not dragged down by this little concept of "Human Rights" (at least as far as in how they investigate).
The Good
Very few books get me laughing. Someone told me that Carl Hiaasen was funny so I picked up one of his books. Sure, I could see why people thought it was funny but it didn't make me laugh. Carter Ross made me laugh. Honestly, I found him funny and I often laughed out loud while reading. I have to say there is one scene involving a gang informants, the ultra WASPy Carter Ross and a big joint that kept me laughing every time it was mentioned.
While many crime writers like the gruesome murders and the serial killers, I enjoy the IJ sub genre as they are often looking at broader issues or issues that are not on the police radar. In this novel, Carter Ross is investigating the connection that the murders of several drug dealers has with a specific brand of heroin that has been released on the streets. Throughout the investigation, Ross meets a wide variety of colorful characters ranging from an exotic dancer - escort, a street gang with an entrepreneurial spirit, a feisty grandma caring for her grandkids to an editor sizing Ross up to be a potential sperm donor. While the cast of characters is entertaining and often funny, the story never loses focus of the serious nature of the crimes and the investigation.
The Bad
The voice of the bad guy was a bit strained. Many chapters would begin inside the head of the unknown criminal mastermind. After a while, his scheming got the point of cartoonish and near the end when he spoke to his sidekick I was expecting his to say "Pinky, are you thinking what I`m thinking!" While I found the investigation and the crimes to be very believable, the ultimate reveal was less impressive. I had difficulty believing that the bad guy honestly thought he would get away with what he was doing.
Regardless of my issues, the book was a very enjoyable read. With the exception of Providence Rag: A Liam Mulligan Novel, it is the best IJ crime novel I have read in a long time. If enjoy this subgenre, I urge you to pick it up and give this series a try.
As Good as any in the Genre - 4.5 Stars
There is something about that nosy, ethics driven, ignore common sense and the police investigative journalist (IJ) that intrigues me. Carter Ross is that guy. I like the IJ crime mysteries. They can go places the police can't, speak to witnesses who would avoid the police and are not dragged down by this little concept of "Human Rights" (at least as far as in how they investigate).
The Good
Very few books get me laughing. Someone told me that Carl Hiaasen was funny so I picked up one of his books. Sure, I could see why people thought it was funny but it didn't make me laugh. Carter Ross made me laugh. Honestly, I found him funny and I often laughed out loud while reading. I have to say there is one scene involving a gang informants, the ultra WASPy Carter Ross and a big joint that kept me laughing every time it was mentioned.
While many crime writers like the gruesome murders and the serial killers, I enjoy the IJ sub genre as they are often looking at broader issues or issues that are not on the police radar. In this novel, Carter Ross is investigating the connection that the murders of several drug dealers has with a specific brand of heroin that has been released on the streets. Throughout the investigation, Ross meets a wide variety of colorful characters ranging from an exotic dancer - escort, a street gang with an entrepreneurial spirit, a feisty grandma caring for her grandkids to an editor sizing Ross up to be a potential sperm donor. While the cast of characters is entertaining and often funny, the story never loses focus of the serious nature of the crimes and the investigation.
The Bad
The voice of the bad guy was a bit strained. Many chapters would begin inside the head of the unknown criminal mastermind. After a while, his scheming got the point of cartoonish and near the end when he spoke to his sidekick I was expecting his to say "Pinky, are you thinking what I`m thinking!" While I found the investigation and the crimes to be very believable, the ultimate reveal was less impressive. I had difficulty believing that the bad guy honestly thought he would get away with what he was doing.
Regardless of my issues, the book was a very enjoyable read. With the exception of Providence Rag: A Liam Mulligan Novel, it is the best IJ crime novel I have read in a long time. If enjoy this subgenre, I urge you to pick it up and give this series a try.
January 6, 2014
Reading over half of a novel while hyped up on cough drops and missing a night’s sleep because you’ve been traveling for approximately 20 hours, as you fly into and out of Chicago (in the middle of a winter storm) and out of Boston (before the big one hits) and you end up being stuck on parked planes for a total of three hours (added up from two occasions) and add a Las Vegas redeye to your traveling regime may not have been the best course of action for my retention ability, but FACES OF THE GONE managed to help me keep my sanity, prevented me from screaming at gate agents and flight attendants and fellow travelers and relentless chatterboxes and unhappy babies and also kept me from hurling myself out of a plate glass window and onto the tarmac in front of a 737. So it has that going for it.
Carter Ross may suck at relationships and cry in front of female companions with virtually no provocation, but he still manages to have a certain charm and debonair nature, even if he has trouble getting laid from a woman who wears a biological clock around her left wrist. And he may not always know where the story is going, but he can expertly run in place or skip a meal or two if it gets him a little closer to the prized front page. He may not always have the best way of communicating either, along with a few of his companions and colleagues, but at the end of the day he’s still the best man for the job.
Even if he manages to get himself in the middle of some serious shit, he’s not about to back up or back down. He injects a bit of wit in Newark, instead of the current drug of choice, and he finds himself amidst a cast of characters that need little introduction. If I ever find myself on the streets of Newark, I’ll barrel through stoplights and intersections in an armored vehicle with bulletproof glass and an MK47 riding shotgun.
The story didn’t click for me right away, but once I shoved my hand in The Stuff, I managed to find my high just fine and even found myself enjoying the ride, despite the traveling situation that had developed between Massachusetts and New Mexico. Stuffing your carryon full of books helps ease this pain tremendously.
Cross-posted at Robert's Reads
Carter Ross may suck at relationships and cry in front of female companions with virtually no provocation, but he still manages to have a certain charm and debonair nature, even if he has trouble getting laid from a woman who wears a biological clock around her left wrist. And he may not always know where the story is going, but he can expertly run in place or skip a meal or two if it gets him a little closer to the prized front page. He may not always have the best way of communicating either, along with a few of his companions and colleagues, but at the end of the day he’s still the best man for the job.
Even if he manages to get himself in the middle of some serious shit, he’s not about to back up or back down. He injects a bit of wit in Newark, instead of the current drug of choice, and he finds himself amidst a cast of characters that need little introduction. If I ever find myself on the streets of Newark, I’ll barrel through stoplights and intersections in an armored vehicle with bulletproof glass and an MK47 riding shotgun.
The story didn’t click for me right away, but once I shoved my hand in The Stuff, I managed to find my high just fine and even found myself enjoying the ride, despite the traveling situation that had developed between Massachusetts and New Mexico. Stuffing your carryon full of books helps ease this pain tremendously.
Cross-posted at Robert's Reads
January 3, 2019
This was a highly enjoyable read, but certainly not without its flaws.
Firstly, the good: it was fast-paced, well-written, comedic yet stark, and filled with excellent characters.
The lame/bad: The antagonist/villain was a bit too cheesy. Parks made up an entire federal agency for no reason whatsoever. That was lame. The jokes, while mostly funny and well-placed, sometimes were just lame. The storyline was majorly telegraphed, the main twists were too foreshadowed and aboveboard for my liking. And the last nitpicking I'll do is point out that some things aren't very socially conscious... granted this was written a decade ago, but nonetheless it annoyed me a little that I could tell Parks thought he was safe in that regard but toed the line.
The ending was nice, a little Hollywoody and clean, but really enjoyed. My favorite parts were the pithy comments and dialogue and the characters. I'll definitely be following Carter Ross Mysteries.
Firstly, the good: it was fast-paced, well-written, comedic yet stark, and filled with excellent characters.
The lame/bad: The antagonist/villain was a bit too cheesy. Parks made up an entire federal agency for no reason whatsoever. That was lame. The jokes, while mostly funny and well-placed, sometimes were just lame. The storyline was majorly telegraphed, the main twists were too foreshadowed and aboveboard for my liking. And the last nitpicking I'll do is point out that some things aren't very socially conscious... granted this was written a decade ago, but nonetheless it annoyed me a little that I could tell Parks thought he was safe in that regard but toed the line.
The ending was nice, a little Hollywoody and clean, but really enjoyed. My favorite parts were the pithy comments and dialogue and the characters. I'll definitely be following Carter Ross Mysteries.
April 22, 2014
I begin this book with some trepidation, not sure why. Some folks compere the author the Michael Connelly that's why I am giving it a go.
Now that I'm finished with the book I can say that the trepidation I felt in the beginning were unfounded. The book is good escapist reading with quite a bit of humor to recommend it.
In fact I enjoyed this book enough to order the sequel. Mr. Parks is much funnier than Michael Connelly, but not silly. An entertaining read.
Now that I'm finished with the book I can say that the trepidation I felt in the beginning were unfounded. The book is good escapist reading with quite a bit of humor to recommend it.
In fact I enjoyed this book enough to order the sequel. Mr. Parks is much funnier than Michael Connelly, but not silly. An entertaining read.
March 12, 2026
DNF!! So while what I read of this book was easy to get through, I just couldn't deal with the author's use of labels. Multiple times they called people: white boy, poor black boy, gay boy this and gay man that. I have no problem with the characters themselves, I just couldn't stand reading all that so many times! It distracted me enough that I didn't care about who the victims were let alone who killed them!!
I got to page 75 and stopped.
I got to page 75 and stopped.
December 19, 2015
PROTAGONIST: Carter Ross, investigative reporter
SETTING: Newark, NJ
SERIES: #1 of 2
RATING: 4.5
It takes a lot for a murder to make an impact on the news communities of New Jersey and New York; the cold-blooded killing of four alleged drug dealers in a vacant lot in Newark, New Jersey, really captures the attention of the media. Local investigative reporter Carter Ross goes into the dangerous streets to determine exactly what happened. At first, there seems to be no connection between the victims, other than the fact that they all dealt drugs. But they weren’t in competition with each other, and the area where they were murdered wasn’t any of their turf.
As part of his investigation, Ross makes contact with a local gang to learn about the word on the street. It’s not easy for a preppy white guy to earn their trust. He does so by smoking pot with the group and getting massively high, to hilarious effect. He takes a hooker out on a date, interviews local citizens and finds that he has placed himself and the people with whom he has talked in danger. Finally, he uncovers a link—each of the victims was a dealer of a very pure form of heroin known as “The Stuff”. Why would selling The Stuff make them targets? The answer to that question is quite unexpected and leads to an interesting depiction of the drug lord who is running things almost like a corporate manager, complete with corporate type memos to his dealers.
FACES OF THE GONE is an excellent debut. Although the subject matter is dark, there are a lot of humorous moments in the book, including Ross’s relationship with his city editor, who is on a quest to become pregnant. Ross is a wonderful character. Skilled at his job, he exhibits a lot of compassion when chasing down leads. But in his personal life, he is pretty clueless about relationships.
Parks presents an authentic view of the streets of Newark, exhibiting a deep understanding of its culture and people. The other aspect of this book that was very well done was the newsroom setting. There has been a glut of crime fiction books published recently; I believe that Parks has done the best job of presenting the world of journalism, both from the perspective of the individuals involved in it and the industry and its challenges.
SETTING: Newark, NJ
SERIES: #1 of 2
RATING: 4.5
It takes a lot for a murder to make an impact on the news communities of New Jersey and New York; the cold-blooded killing of four alleged drug dealers in a vacant lot in Newark, New Jersey, really captures the attention of the media. Local investigative reporter Carter Ross goes into the dangerous streets to determine exactly what happened. At first, there seems to be no connection between the victims, other than the fact that they all dealt drugs. But they weren’t in competition with each other, and the area where they were murdered wasn’t any of their turf.
As part of his investigation, Ross makes contact with a local gang to learn about the word on the street. It’s not easy for a preppy white guy to earn their trust. He does so by smoking pot with the group and getting massively high, to hilarious effect. He takes a hooker out on a date, interviews local citizens and finds that he has placed himself and the people with whom he has talked in danger. Finally, he uncovers a link—each of the victims was a dealer of a very pure form of heroin known as “The Stuff”. Why would selling The Stuff make them targets? The answer to that question is quite unexpected and leads to an interesting depiction of the drug lord who is running things almost like a corporate manager, complete with corporate type memos to his dealers.
FACES OF THE GONE is an excellent debut. Although the subject matter is dark, there are a lot of humorous moments in the book, including Ross’s relationship with his city editor, who is on a quest to become pregnant. Ross is a wonderful character. Skilled at his job, he exhibits a lot of compassion when chasing down leads. But in his personal life, he is pretty clueless about relationships.
Parks presents an authentic view of the streets of Newark, exhibiting a deep understanding of its culture and people. The other aspect of this book that was very well done was the newsroom setting. There has been a glut of crime fiction books published recently; I believe that Parks has done the best job of presenting the world of journalism, both from the perspective of the individuals involved in it and the industry and its challenges.
January 5, 2011
I was suckered into buying and (worse) reading this book by its Amazon reviews: Faces of the Gone by Brad Parks.
It set my teeth on edge and quivered my skin in repugnance. It was even more distressing to learn his debut novel garnered such excellent reader reviews on here on Amazon.
This mystery features as protagonist Carter Ross, a gormless generally self-satisfied sort from a prep-school and almost-ivy background who is semi-aware of his privileged background and that is, presumably, part of the, er, fun since Ross now is an investigative reporter for a Newark, NJ, daily newspaper which means, of course, he often is blundering about in the projects.
The plot involves drug-dealing -- four black drug dealers who were skimming are executed, their bloodied bodies left as a warning to their brethren not to cheat the boss who is a figure of mystery and at the heart of Ross' investigation. Standard stuff, no surprises, nothing new or even interesting.
So, what is new about this debut? The white upper-class reporter is an ignoramus in the real world and is astonishingly, criminally clueless as to cause and effect. So much so that he actually manages, during his investigation, to cause the deaths of three community members who give him information. Another is left dying in hospital but the reader never learns what her fate since she's just the mother of one of the victims and of no account therefore, apparently. Yet the reporter's cat, Deadline (so cute), which had been thought to have been incinerated in a house explosion turns up in good shape in the last paragraph.
It seems the "humor" cast in the book revolves around this white reporter twit trying to investigate a case in a black community project. Oh, hah-hah, ain't that funny ... NOT.
I cannot fathom the enthusiasm for this egregiously opprobrious mystery novel. If the content didn't repulse then the writing should have given pause.
It set my teeth on edge and quivered my skin in repugnance. It was even more distressing to learn his debut novel garnered such excellent reader reviews on here on Amazon.
This mystery features as protagonist Carter Ross, a gormless generally self-satisfied sort from a prep-school and almost-ivy background who is semi-aware of his privileged background and that is, presumably, part of the, er, fun since Ross now is an investigative reporter for a Newark, NJ, daily newspaper which means, of course, he often is blundering about in the projects.
The plot involves drug-dealing -- four black drug dealers who were skimming are executed, their bloodied bodies left as a warning to their brethren not to cheat the boss who is a figure of mystery and at the heart of Ross' investigation. Standard stuff, no surprises, nothing new or even interesting.
So, what is new about this debut? The white upper-class reporter is an ignoramus in the real world and is astonishingly, criminally clueless as to cause and effect. So much so that he actually manages, during his investigation, to cause the deaths of three community members who give him information. Another is left dying in hospital but the reader never learns what her fate since she's just the mother of one of the victims and of no account therefore, apparently. Yet the reporter's cat, Deadline (so cute), which had been thought to have been incinerated in a house explosion turns up in good shape in the last paragraph.
It seems the "humor" cast in the book revolves around this white reporter twit trying to investigate a case in a black community project. Oh, hah-hah, ain't that funny ... NOT.
I cannot fathom the enthusiasm for this egregiously opprobrious mystery novel. If the content didn't repulse then the writing should have given pause.
December 23, 2009
A dead body in Newark, New Jersey isn’t very news worthy. Unless you are talking about the discovery of four dead bodies left in a vacant lot…now that is front page news.
Carter Ross is an investigative reporter for the Newark Eagle Examiner. When this story lands on Carter’s lap, he figures he will just write the story and be done. Once Carter starts digging, he realizes that there is something bigger then four dead bodies. Besides…what does an exotic dancer, a drug dealer, a hustler, and a momma’ boy all have in common? This is the million dollar question; Carter must find the answer too. Carter will be joined be a unique cast of characters that include…the gay Cuban side kick, the city editor, and the stripper
Faces of the Gone is Mr. Brad Parks’s debut novel. He is currently working on Eyes of the Innocent, the next Carter Ross novel.
I thought it was bold that Mr. Parks quit his job before getting a book contract. Luckily for him, it paid off as I enjoyed this book. It is going to be a best seller. You could tell Mr. Parks’s brought his knowledge and experience of journalism to the character, Carter. It helped make the story more realistic. I instantly fell for Carter and his big heart. He is a fighter of justice. The wide range of other characters helped keep the story interesting. Plus they were not one dimensional. You knew from the beginning why the people were killed but don’t let that fool you as there were some twists thrown in the mix. Can’t wait to check out Eye of the Innocent.
Carter Ross is an investigative reporter for the Newark Eagle Examiner. When this story lands on Carter’s lap, he figures he will just write the story and be done. Once Carter starts digging, he realizes that there is something bigger then four dead bodies. Besides…what does an exotic dancer, a drug dealer, a hustler, and a momma’ boy all have in common? This is the million dollar question; Carter must find the answer too. Carter will be joined be a unique cast of characters that include…the gay Cuban side kick, the city editor, and the stripper
Faces of the Gone is Mr. Brad Parks’s debut novel. He is currently working on Eyes of the Innocent, the next Carter Ross novel.
I thought it was bold that Mr. Parks quit his job before getting a book contract. Luckily for him, it paid off as I enjoyed this book. It is going to be a best seller. You could tell Mr. Parks’s brought his knowledge and experience of journalism to the character, Carter. It helped make the story more realistic. I instantly fell for Carter and his big heart. He is a fighter of justice. The wide range of other characters helped keep the story interesting. Plus they were not one dimensional. You knew from the beginning why the people were killed but don’t let that fool you as there were some twists thrown in the mix. Can’t wait to check out Eye of the Innocent.
August 8, 2011
This was a lot of fun. Don't expect it to be a mystery exactly - what's going to happen in the plot is telegraphed so clearly that it's not a surprise; rather any suspense is more in watching how the main character figures it out, and in wondering how much trouble he's going to get into when he does something that the reader can see is obviously going to get him in trouble. But you can't exactly call it a thriller or suspense unless there's such a thing as a cozy thriller: Even though the guy's house gets blown to smithereens at one point, you're never really afraid anything bad will happen to him, and the newsroom setting is interesting and kind of comfortable, and it's not laugh out loud hysterical but it's definitely amusing, with characters that have a much wittier turn of phrase than anyone does in real life.
I would say about this book exactly what Kirkus said about mine: "predictable and formulaic, but far more amusing than you'd expect." I was really happy with that review, and I was happy with this book. Sometimes that's exactly what you're looking for in a book, and this one was a totally satisfactory way to spend a summer weekend.
I would say about this book exactly what Kirkus said about mine: "predictable and formulaic, but far more amusing than you'd expect." I was really happy with that review, and I was happy with this book. Sometimes that's exactly what you're looking for in a book, and this one was a totally satisfactory way to spend a summer weekend.
November 5, 2012
Brad Parks's debut novel "Faces of the Gone" introduces us to the charming, wise-cracking unlikely heroic newspaper reporter/detective, Carter Ross. Ross is the stereotypical journalist: messy, living alone (unless you count his indifferent cat named Deadline), borderline alcoholic, and always two seconds away from getting fired by his editor. He's also a hell of a newshound, when he's sniffed out a good story. When four people are found murdered, execution-style, in an alleyway, the police write it off as just another drug-related and/or gang war killing, but Ross has a gut feeling that something bigger went down. When he begins to snoop around (against the advice of his editor, co-workers, and the police), he inevitably uncovers a huge heroin trade operation, which may have links to the largest drug cartels in Colombia. Of course, he realizes he's in way over his head when the killer blows up his house and his cat. Now, Ross is running scared, but he's unwilling to give up on the story... Parks tells a suspenseful story with a biting sense of humor. Fans of Harlan Coben and Janet Evanovich will enjoy.
October 9, 2019
I like this series. I like the Carter Ross character. I think it’s an easy read but not quite a cozy.
I’ve been doing this one out of order so I’ve now circled back to the first one.
A good first book in a series. Lots of humor in some of Carters sarcastic remarks & his experiences while investigating the story.
Even though I read the last one (book #6) & know what happens w/characters, this was a good way to introduce those characters.
The story (mystery) moves along slowly but it picks up in the middle when some stuff happens, then the pace (suspense) picks up. I figured out quite a bit of it but still enjoyed the story.While it had a good ending, I would of like a little more detailed closure w/some of the characters. (the ones from the story carter worked on)
Had I read this first, I would have continued w/the series. (instead of doing it backwards)
I’ve been doing this one out of order so I’ve now circled back to the first one.
A good first book in a series. Lots of humor in some of Carters sarcastic remarks & his experiences while investigating the story.
Even though I read the last one (book #6) & know what happens w/characters, this was a good way to introduce those characters.
The story (mystery) moves along slowly but it picks up in the middle when some stuff happens, then the pace (suspense) picks up. I figured out quite a bit of it but still enjoyed the story.While it had a good ending, I would of like a little more detailed closure w/some of the characters. (the ones from the story carter worked on)
Had I read this first, I would have continued w/the series. (instead of doing it backwards)
March 2, 2019
With the snappy dialogue and memorable supporting characters, it felt like a bit of a throwback detective novel - I told my daughter it felt a bit like a Mike Hammer story. Really enjoyed it, and will be putting more Brad Parks books on my list.
October 10, 2011
A recommendation from Colorado Springs GAZETTE column. (P.S. I'd actually give this book 3 1/2 stars, if I could figure out how to give a half star. Anyone?)
Don’t you hate it when an author kills off one of your favorite characters? Me, too.
I was halfway through Brad Parks’ “Faces of the Gone,” when a character I loved went missing and was presumed dead. There were just hours left until this column’s deadline and I’d intended on recommending “Faces,” because the reading was going so well. But with one of my favorite characters dead, I was torn. I told my family that if the character wasn’t alive by the end, I might not recommend the book. I was that upset. Well, guess who showed up alive on the very last page: the previously-missing character. And guess who is a big fan of Brad Parks: me.
“Faces” is a mystery starring thirty-something investigative newspaper reporter Carter Ross. Ross is a self-described WASP covering a quadruple murder in downtown Newark. Ross uses charm, humor, and tenacity to work his way into the community. He discovers the murders are drug related and reports his findings in an article. The murderers think Ross is getting too close and turn on him.
Ross manages to stay just one step ahead of the bad guys. He has help from an endearing cast, including one editor who regularly drops vowels from his speech (“Crrttrr Rsss”), and another editor who’s after Carter’s sperm (the editor’s biological clock is ticking).
In “Faces,” Parks writes about the serious issues of gangs, drugs, violence and homelessness. He manages to do so in a gritty manner that still gives dignity to the people who are consumed by these issues. He allows his characters to explain how they ended up living the lives they lead.
Yet, even with serious issues included, the book is funny. Here is one of my favorite passages: “My baby,” Miss B said, smothering Tynesha with a motherly hug. Not many women would have been big enough to envelop Tynesha that way. But Miss B was living on the bottom right corner of the panty hose size chart.
In the above excerpt, Parks takes what could’ve been a very boring meeting scene and makes it interesting and funny. Parks works this kind of magic throughout “Faces” and the end result is an entertaining book that makes readers crave more Carter Ross. Fortunately, a series is planned. The second book, “Eyes of the Innocent” is due out next year. I’m hoping Parks keeps my favorite character alive.
Don’t you hate it when an author kills off one of your favorite characters? Me, too.
I was halfway through Brad Parks’ “Faces of the Gone,” when a character I loved went missing and was presumed dead. There were just hours left until this column’s deadline and I’d intended on recommending “Faces,” because the reading was going so well. But with one of my favorite characters dead, I was torn. I told my family that if the character wasn’t alive by the end, I might not recommend the book. I was that upset. Well, guess who showed up alive on the very last page: the previously-missing character. And guess who is a big fan of Brad Parks: me.
“Faces” is a mystery starring thirty-something investigative newspaper reporter Carter Ross. Ross is a self-described WASP covering a quadruple murder in downtown Newark. Ross uses charm, humor, and tenacity to work his way into the community. He discovers the murders are drug related and reports his findings in an article. The murderers think Ross is getting too close and turn on him.
Ross manages to stay just one step ahead of the bad guys. He has help from an endearing cast, including one editor who regularly drops vowels from his speech (“Crrttrr Rsss”), and another editor who’s after Carter’s sperm (the editor’s biological clock is ticking).
In “Faces,” Parks writes about the serious issues of gangs, drugs, violence and homelessness. He manages to do so in a gritty manner that still gives dignity to the people who are consumed by these issues. He allows his characters to explain how they ended up living the lives they lead.
Yet, even with serious issues included, the book is funny. Here is one of my favorite passages: “My baby,” Miss B said, smothering Tynesha with a motherly hug. Not many women would have been big enough to envelop Tynesha that way. But Miss B was living on the bottom right corner of the panty hose size chart.
In the above excerpt, Parks takes what could’ve been a very boring meeting scene and makes it interesting and funny. Parks works this kind of magic throughout “Faces” and the end result is an entertaining book that makes readers crave more Carter Ross. Fortunately, a series is planned. The second book, “Eyes of the Innocent” is due out next year. I’m hoping Parks keeps my favorite character alive.
March 9, 2016
Carter Ross is an investigator reporter for the Newark Eagle Examiner newspaper. Four bodies are found shot in a empty lot in Newark. The police believe it is tied to a bar burglary. Carter Ross instincts tell him this is the wrong but his bosses want him to write a newspaper article giving this as the reason for the deaths. He does investigating on his own to find the link between all four victims who are from different parts of the city. Carter cares about the victims and wants their story told. He starts stepping on some one toes as he starts to unravel the case with his investigation. It leads off to a series of events that cause destruction and danger to the people who he talked to. The danger is real to him too as someone tried to kill him with a home explosion.
The essence of the book for me was the character and the humor of Carter Ross. He relates to the underdog and is just darn funny in his dealings with his co-workers and people he meets on the street. I enjoyed the book and will read the next book. I do not know the author Brad Parks but from reading this book I like him. I just know he is an entertaining person from reading his work.
The essence of the book for me was the character and the humor of Carter Ross. He relates to the underdog and is just darn funny in his dealings with his co-workers and people he meets on the street. I enjoyed the book and will read the next book. I do not know the author Brad Parks but from reading this book I like him. I just know he is an entertaining person from reading his work.
April 9, 2010
Parks shows promise with an often witty style and a decent mystery. A first book, it suffers from common problems, mainly obviousness regarding characters. The gay assistant can't just be gay, he has to be flamboyant. The hot editrix isn't just lusty, she wants a sperm donor for a baby (biological clock ladies, tick, tick, you better reproduce or you aren't a real woman). The stripper/hooker who decides to help the goofy white boy because he somehow wins her trust. C'mon.
Also, the story takes place in a predominantly black area of Newark so we have the obligatory gang members, drug sellers, dirty tenements, and, as mentioned, the no-nonsense stripper. The racial stereotypes are merely confirmed, here, as is the racism that produces them. My point isn't that there aren't gangs, drug dealers or what have you in real life, but that in stories like these that's all black people get to be--racist stereotypes instead of well-drawn characters.
Also, the story takes place in a predominantly black area of Newark so we have the obligatory gang members, drug sellers, dirty tenements, and, as mentioned, the no-nonsense stripper. The racial stereotypes are merely confirmed, here, as is the racism that produces them. My point isn't that there aren't gangs, drug dealers or what have you in real life, but that in stories like these that's all black people get to be--racist stereotypes instead of well-drawn characters.
June 13, 2024
The Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale had a book signing a few years ago and it was there that I met Brad Parks along with Glen Erik Hamilton.
In truth, Hamilton was my motivating factor and I was a little annoyed they’d have a second author simultaneously as I’d be compelled to buy his book too. It only took a few minutes of hearing Parks speak to win me over. I also purchased his book, loved it, and have since picked up several more, some read and some TBR.
Parks has a background as a newspaper reporter, so it’s no surprise he created a likable, funny, intelligent character like Carter Ross as his protagonist. In some ways I imagine Parks and his character probably share some similar traits.
This story had the “who done it” angle, action, insight into the character’s mindset, some office co-worker attraction tension, and lots of humor. Oh, and Ross’s cat is named Deadline. Gotta love it.
In truth, Hamilton was my motivating factor and I was a little annoyed they’d have a second author simultaneously as I’d be compelled to buy his book too. It only took a few minutes of hearing Parks speak to win me over. I also purchased his book, loved it, and have since picked up several more, some read and some TBR.
Parks has a background as a newspaper reporter, so it’s no surprise he created a likable, funny, intelligent character like Carter Ross as his protagonist. In some ways I imagine Parks and his character probably share some similar traits.
This story had the “who done it” angle, action, insight into the character’s mindset, some office co-worker attraction tension, and lots of humor. Oh, and Ross’s cat is named Deadline. Gotta love it.
September 24, 2013
In this story, Carter Ross is an investigative reporter looking into the bizarre murder of 4 drug dealers. The book has interesting characters, a good story, plenty of humor, and not too much romance (which is how I like it). Good book.
August 29, 2015
Excellent reading! I finished in two days. The plot was built up with thrills and the characters were very interesting. This author has a way of creating a page turner that will leave you wanting to read his next book!
September 1, 2018
All the way through this book, I had the feeling I had read it before -- well, if I had, I neither checked it on Goodreads or reviewed it, so who knows? I have read all of Brad Parks' books and really enjoyed them. This one was no exception -- although I could not imagine any reporter getting themselves in so much trouble, it kept my attention the entire time. I did worry about Deadline, but on the last page it was resolved. A gritty story with a lot of drug dealers and users and murders and very very bad people. The backstory of Carter and Tina was annoying at times, but I feel sure there will be more in later books.
February 28, 2021
I enjoyed this but it was really dated. I don't mean it was written in 2009 kind of dated, I mean it probably felt dated IN 2009. You have a sassy, Z-snapping gay sidekick, a ball-busting Not Like Other Girls love interest and a hapless but good-natured white guy as the lead. It was kind of like if the cast of a late 90s sitcom solved a murder.
Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars.
Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars.
May 7, 2023
Liked the book Carter Ross is an interesting character. A reporter who is tenacious with a funny response to circumstances that arise. I am enjoying Brad Parks writing
January 26, 2018
Good first novel. Lots of humor in the middle of a sad story about murders in the ghetto area of Newark. Looking forward to the next in this series.
March 9, 2017
Library Journal described this book as "the most hilariously funny and deadly serious mystery debut since Janet Evanovich's One for the Money." All I can say is whoever wrote that has never read "One for the Money". This is a decent thriller about a decent journalist investigating the execution of four people, their bodies "stacked like cordwood" in a vacant lot in Newark, New Jersey. Seemingly, Parks actually wrote about a similar event while on assignment for The Star-Ledger in 2004. Back to the book and the cops are saying this execution was revenge for a local bar hold up, but investigative reporter, Carter Ross uncovers a completely different story.
I wasn't convinced by the character of Carter Ross. He's far too prissy for a newspaper reporter - he'd far more likely be writing features instead of working a crime beat. And the other characters in the book - a sexy female journalist, a gay Cuban journalist and a local stripper/hooker are pretty stereotypical. Throw in Carter Ross' juvenile humour and the story tends to get a bit wearing.
The basic plot, however, is based on a good idea and makes me want to check out other Brad Parks to see if his stories have improved. Overall, I'd have given it 3 stars if the dialogue - and Carter Ross' dress sense - had been a bit snappier.
I wasn't convinced by the character of Carter Ross. He's far too prissy for a newspaper reporter - he'd far more likely be writing features instead of working a crime beat. And the other characters in the book - a sexy female journalist, a gay Cuban journalist and a local stripper/hooker are pretty stereotypical. Throw in Carter Ross' juvenile humour and the story tends to get a bit wearing.
The basic plot, however, is based on a good idea and makes me want to check out other Brad Parks to see if his stories have improved. Overall, I'd have given it 3 stars if the dialogue - and Carter Ross' dress sense - had been a bit snappier.
August 10, 2010
FACES OF THE GONE by Brad Parks was considered for an Edgar Award as best first novel. This book is set in Newark, NJ, certainly one of the least salubrious locations I can think of. Parks does not try to make the city something other than it is so Newark, with all its poverty and crime, is a character in the story.
The story opens with the execution style murders of four drug dealers who are killed at one of the many vacant lots in the city. The bodies are left in the open so they will be found quickly. “Because punishing the four dealers – all of whom had strayed and broken a vital clause in their contract- wasn’t enough. It had to be made clear to the others in the organization, especially those who might consider straying themselves, that this was the price for disobedience.”
The “Director” wanted maximum publicity and he knew leaving four bodies together would attract the attention of the media whereas one or two might escape notice. Carter Ross, the investigative journalist of the Newark Eagle -Examiner disagrees with the senior reporter and the editor of his paper. They are convinced that the four were involved in the robbery of a nearby bar but Carter thinks that is too simple an explanation. The four had all been in prison and, upon leaving, had begun careers as heroin dealers. But they worked in distinctly different areas of the city. There didn’t seem to be anything to connect them.
As Carter investigates and becomes involved with the families of the dead, he learns about lives that never got started and a life that had promise but got badly derailed. Events take a decidedly frightening turn when Carter’s house is blown up and the homes of the people who gave him information for his article are torched. In that the nearly simultaneous incidents take place within a couple of hours of the story hitting the street, Carter realizes that he has made an enemy of someone who has a clear channel to the newspaper.
Carter Ross might as well be a man from another planet in the neighborhoods of Newark. The product of prep school and Amherst College, the street life is foreign to him but Carter is a man who likes his job and likes getting the stories of people who are victims out to the reading public. Carter believes in the power of the press as an instrument of good and works the story no matter where it takes him.
The relationships between the characters make for a good story especially Carter’s relationship with his editor, Tina, who views Carter as the perfect father for the baby she is desperate to have.
The book is funny especially when the story centers on Carter’s meeting with the Brown Gang who have given up dealing drugs in favor of bootleg movies .
Parks is working on the second book of the series and I look forward to reading it.
August 21, 2016
Even in notorious drug infested cities such as Newark, NJ four bodies, killed gang-land style and stacked like cordwood, still pulls headlines for the local press. Carter Ross, investigative journalist for the Newark Eagle-Examiner catches a break when he feels that the local police have drawn a hasty conclusion to the reason for the killing and his leads take him to the dark under-belly of the city.
Making a connection with all four dead gang members through a special kind of heroin, almost pure and the best on the street, leads to dire consequences for not only the families and friends of the people he interviewed to get the story correct, but for himself too. A lucky rendezvous with a horny editor finds Carter not sleeping in his home when it is blown to smithereens.
Rather than be warned off, Carter takes aim with both barrels while being helped by his gay, Cuban side-kick intern, a plucky local stripper with nothing to lose. With a nudge from local gang members wanting to help keep their name out of the police blotter for being involved with selling drugs, manages to outwit the Federal Drug Bureau and the local police by getting to the source to get the real story on the front page as an exclusive.
Parks, drawing on his experience as a journalist, takes us on a page-turning, stomach-churning race across Newark. The humor dispersed through the sarcastic vein that Ross expels had me chuckling aloud and reading paragraphs to whoever would listen within the first three or four pages, and continues throughout in rich fashion. This debut novel has a plot that is solid and well developed. For lack of a better word, the story rocks! A page turner that I finished the same day I started, I just couldn't put it down.
Making a connection with all four dead gang members through a special kind of heroin, almost pure and the best on the street, leads to dire consequences for not only the families and friends of the people he interviewed to get the story correct, but for himself too. A lucky rendezvous with a horny editor finds Carter not sleeping in his home when it is blown to smithereens.
Rather than be warned off, Carter takes aim with both barrels while being helped by his gay, Cuban side-kick intern, a plucky local stripper with nothing to lose. With a nudge from local gang members wanting to help keep their name out of the police blotter for being involved with selling drugs, manages to outwit the Federal Drug Bureau and the local police by getting to the source to get the real story on the front page as an exclusive.
Parks, drawing on his experience as a journalist, takes us on a page-turning, stomach-churning race across Newark. The humor dispersed through the sarcastic vein that Ross expels had me chuckling aloud and reading paragraphs to whoever would listen within the first three or four pages, and continues throughout in rich fashion. This debut novel has a plot that is solid and well developed. For lack of a better word, the story rocks! A page turner that I finished the same day I started, I just couldn't put it down.
June 19, 2020
The person who wrote this has a) never met a gay person before and b) never met a woman before.
The main character was all too thrilled to point out that his coworker, Tommy, was gay and proceeded to make the worst gay “jokes” I’ve ever read. Tommy also constantly commented on everyone’s poor fashion choices and said things like, “My fantasies involving football teams are much different than yours.” You know, like every gay man. 🙄
The only female character that the author thought to flesh out in the whole story, Tina, was also poorly written. She was only concerned with her ovulation and trying to slow down her biological clock. She is also ~*~*so hot*~*~ and the main character never lets you forget it. The other two female characters are extremely forgettable.
The only redeeming quality in this book was that the story was nicely paced. Everything else was very lame. I HATED the main character. What a butthole. Recommended for people who like easy mysteries and opportunities to be annoyed.
The main character was all too thrilled to point out that his coworker, Tommy, was gay and proceeded to make the worst gay “jokes” I’ve ever read. Tommy also constantly commented on everyone’s poor fashion choices and said things like, “My fantasies involving football teams are much different than yours.” You know, like every gay man. 🙄
The only female character that the author thought to flesh out in the whole story, Tina, was also poorly written. She was only concerned with her ovulation and trying to slow down her biological clock. She is also ~*~*so hot*~*~ and the main character never lets you forget it. The other two female characters are extremely forgettable.
The only redeeming quality in this book was that the story was nicely paced. Everything else was very lame. I HATED the main character. What a butthole. Recommended for people who like easy mysteries and opportunities to be annoyed.
July 30, 2015
I came to Brad Parks' Carter Ross series by reading the third book first. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately got my hands on the first two books and have also purchased books four and five. It just took me way too long to get back to reading this series, which is a perfect blend of humor and deadly seriousness.
That perfect blend begins with Carter Ross himself. He's a man with good instincts for the telling detail. It also doesn't hurt that he's compassionate and a five-star smart aleck. (Insert a different-- four-letter-- "a" word for the aleck.) He's also surrounded by a wonderful supporting cast: Szanto, the boss that only speaks in consonants (much to the befuddlement of us all); Tommy the gay Cuban intern; city editor Tina Thompson, whose biological clock is ticking so loudly it will deafen you. And these three are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the supporting cast.
I knew I was firmly in Carter's corner when he automatically did something that the media and so many others weren't doing: he humanized the deceased. This guy isn't just doing a job; he truly cares. Not only can Brad Parks fascinate you with the inner workings of a newsroom, he can make you laugh out loud with what Carter does to get information from a dangerous gang, and then he goes and tugs on your heartstrings. No wonder Faces of the Gone won multiple awards.
It better not be another three years before I read the second book in this series. I enjoy Parks' writing too much!
That perfect blend begins with Carter Ross himself. He's a man with good instincts for the telling detail. It also doesn't hurt that he's compassionate and a five-star smart aleck. (Insert a different-- four-letter-- "a" word for the aleck.) He's also surrounded by a wonderful supporting cast: Szanto, the boss that only speaks in consonants (much to the befuddlement of us all); Tommy the gay Cuban intern; city editor Tina Thompson, whose biological clock is ticking so loudly it will deafen you. And these three are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the supporting cast.
I knew I was firmly in Carter's corner when he automatically did something that the media and so many others weren't doing: he humanized the deceased. This guy isn't just doing a job; he truly cares. Not only can Brad Parks fascinate you with the inner workings of a newsroom, he can make you laugh out loud with what Carter does to get information from a dangerous gang, and then he goes and tugs on your heartstrings. No wonder Faces of the Gone won multiple awards.
It better not be another three years before I read the second book in this series. I enjoy Parks' writing too much!
March 28, 2014
Discovering a promising new writer is one of the real joys of reading. Brad Parks was recommended to me and lives in Virginia. There's no need to worry with author Brad Parks, however, as he's delivered a first-rate crime thriller.
Although FACES OF THE GONE is Parks' first novel, his prior career as a journalist well prepared him for this engaging story of Carter Ross, a reporter for the (fictional) Newark Eagle-Examiner. A quadruple homicide is front page news even in crime-ridden Newark, and Ross is determined to pursue the story no matter the cost.
FACES OF THE GONE is gritty and hard boiled, but with a sly sense of humor. Parks was (2010) a bright new talent whom readers will hopefully be able to enjoy for years to come.
Although FACES OF THE GONE is Parks' first novel, his prior career as a journalist well prepared him for this engaging story of Carter Ross, a reporter for the (fictional) Newark Eagle-Examiner. A quadruple homicide is front page news even in crime-ridden Newark, and Ross is determined to pursue the story no matter the cost.
FACES OF THE GONE is gritty and hard boiled, but with a sly sense of humor. Parks was (2010) a bright new talent whom readers will hopefully be able to enjoy for years to come.
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