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The Fighting Detective #6
Point Blank
A relaxing round of golf at the country club wasn’t supposed to turn into a bloodbath.
When barking gunfire shatters the tranquility of a sunny morning, off-duty Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon races to the source of the blasts. A man lies dead on the fairway, two neat bullet holes in his forehead; a second is bleeding to death; a woman unleashes piercing screams.
It’s quickly determined the shots came from a remotely fired handgun mounted on a drone. The only physical evidence at the crime scene – scattered shell casings and bullets lodged in the ground, the trees and the victims.
Can DS Lisbon find the killer among a long list of suspects? And does a tangled love triangle among the victims hold the key to the mystery? With a family emergency demanding Jack’s return to London, this case must be wrapped up fast.
Join the hunt for a calculating murderer in the steamy tropics of Northern Australia.
If you’re a fan of mysteries by American crime-writing legends James Patterson, David Baldacci and Michael Connelly, or British doyens of police procedurals Ian Rankin, Peter James and Val McDermid, this novel will be just what the detective ordered.
When barking gunfire shatters the tranquility of a sunny morning, off-duty Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon races to the source of the blasts. A man lies dead on the fairway, two neat bullet holes in his forehead; a second is bleeding to death; a woman unleashes piercing screams.
It’s quickly determined the shots came from a remotely fired handgun mounted on a drone. The only physical evidence at the crime scene – scattered shell casings and bullets lodged in the ground, the trees and the victims.
Can DS Lisbon find the killer among a long list of suspects? And does a tangled love triangle among the victims hold the key to the mystery? With a family emergency demanding Jack’s return to London, this case must be wrapped up fast.
Join the hunt for a calculating murderer in the steamy tropics of Northern Australia.
If you’re a fan of mysteries by American crime-writing legends James Patterson, David Baldacci and Michael Connelly, or British doyens of police procedurals Ian Rankin, Peter James and Val McDermid, this novel will be just what the detective ordered.
- GenresMystery
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2022
95 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Blair Denholm
23 books226 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 37 reviews
December 23, 2022
First and foremost, a large thank you to Blair Denholm for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always eager when Blair Denholm hands me an ARC of his newest book, I took it upon myself to devour this novel in short order. Denholm provides the readier with a decent piece of writing that is full of criminal goings-on, plot twists, and a bit of character development for DS Jack Lisbon. Much takes place in the book, as well as a chilling revelation that Lisbon will have to digest in his personal life. A quick read that complements the other books in this series.
Golf is a sport for patient men, as Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon has come to believe. While he is not very good at it, he enjoys the challenge of trying to get a ball into the hole, no matter how many swings it takes. When DS Lisbon and his companion on the links hear a gunshot, they immediately revert into police mode. Rushing over, DS Lisbon discovers that Paul Keenan has been shot and his golfing partner is clinging to life.
Once the golf course is secured, DS Lisbon and the team work tirelessly to find out what’s happened and secure any suspects before they are able to flee. Based on the account of witnesses, a drone flew in close at hand and shot both men in the head. Who would have the skills not only to fly the drone, but to aim with much accuracy as to leave bodies on the putting green?
As DS Lisbon tries to piece it all together he receives a disturbing call from his daughter in the UK. Forced the juggle personal and professional, DS Lisbon begins exploring all the options and how Paul Keenan may not have been as nice as he would like many to believe. This only expanded the susp[ect list and makes catching a killer all the more difficult. However, DS Jack Lisbon is up for a challenge. A great addition to the series that shows Blair Denholm has much to say on the topic of Jack Lisbon.
I have been a fan of the DS Jack Lisbon series since Blair Denholm reached out to me, asking that I read the first novel. Since then, whenever a new addition to the collection comes out, I am eager to get my hands on it to see what Denholm has done with his protagonist. Always advancing the personal plot, Denholm keeps the reader on their toes throughout each crime thriller, adding just enough humour to cut the tension down.
Denholm uses a strong narrative flow to keep the reader feeling as though there is constant momentum throughout the book. Key characters arrive to help add depth, but it is surely not Denholm’s key tool for success. Rather, it is the investigative prowess of DS Jack Lisbon, who always seems keen to get to the root of the issue even if it means taking a detour on occasion. With some personal strife peppered in throughout the story, series fans know that something is about to change drastically, which could shape how things progress from here.
Kudos, Mr. Denholm, for a great addition to the series. You have a great way with words and I am intrigued to see what direction things might go.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Always eager when Blair Denholm hands me an ARC of his newest book, I took it upon myself to devour this novel in short order. Denholm provides the readier with a decent piece of writing that is full of criminal goings-on, plot twists, and a bit of character development for DS Jack Lisbon. Much takes place in the book, as well as a chilling revelation that Lisbon will have to digest in his personal life. A quick read that complements the other books in this series.
Golf is a sport for patient men, as Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon has come to believe. While he is not very good at it, he enjoys the challenge of trying to get a ball into the hole, no matter how many swings it takes. When DS Lisbon and his companion on the links hear a gunshot, they immediately revert into police mode. Rushing over, DS Lisbon discovers that Paul Keenan has been shot and his golfing partner is clinging to life.
Once the golf course is secured, DS Lisbon and the team work tirelessly to find out what’s happened and secure any suspects before they are able to flee. Based on the account of witnesses, a drone flew in close at hand and shot both men in the head. Who would have the skills not only to fly the drone, but to aim with much accuracy as to leave bodies on the putting green?
As DS Lisbon tries to piece it all together he receives a disturbing call from his daughter in the UK. Forced the juggle personal and professional, DS Lisbon begins exploring all the options and how Paul Keenan may not have been as nice as he would like many to believe. This only expanded the susp[ect list and makes catching a killer all the more difficult. However, DS Jack Lisbon is up for a challenge. A great addition to the series that shows Blair Denholm has much to say on the topic of Jack Lisbon.
I have been a fan of the DS Jack Lisbon series since Blair Denholm reached out to me, asking that I read the first novel. Since then, whenever a new addition to the collection comes out, I am eager to get my hands on it to see what Denholm has done with his protagonist. Always advancing the personal plot, Denholm keeps the reader on their toes throughout each crime thriller, adding just enough humour to cut the tension down.
Denholm uses a strong narrative flow to keep the reader feeling as though there is constant momentum throughout the book. Key characters arrive to help add depth, but it is surely not Denholm’s key tool for success. Rather, it is the investigative prowess of DS Jack Lisbon, who always seems keen to get to the root of the issue even if it means taking a detour on occasion. With some personal strife peppered in throughout the story, series fans know that something is about to change drastically, which could shape how things progress from here.
Kudos, Mr. Denholm, for a great addition to the series. You have a great way with words and I am intrigued to see what direction things might go.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
January 7, 2023
It is always a great time with Jack Lisbon and the Yorkville Police. Point Blank is the sixth book in this series and I have thoroughly enjoyed each one!
Jack just wanted to do a little golfing, but of course, things are never that easy. Just as he and his colleague, Trevarthen, are settling into their game, gun shots ring out, and a murder has occurred on the same golf course. Immediately, Jack and Trevarthen spring into action and find Paul Keenan dead and his golfing partners, Lachlan and Dervla Morris badly injured. An investigation is quicky launched and Jack finds himself trying to find his way out of a nest of lies, betrayals and infidelity.
Seriously, every time I get a notice that there’s a new book in this series, I can’t help but get excited. Each addition is always carefully crafted with well fleshed-out characters and the plot is consistently intricate, but not confusing. I love seeing Jack evolve over the course of the series and (selfishly), I love the snippets of his ever-growing feelings for Claudia. I also quite appreciate that while there is this little hint of a romance, it does not detract from the plot in any way. Jack is a fantastic main and I can’t wait to see what his next case is!
Thank you StoryOrigin and Blair Denholm for my copy! I received an ARC of this novel and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jack just wanted to do a little golfing, but of course, things are never that easy. Just as he and his colleague, Trevarthen, are settling into their game, gun shots ring out, and a murder has occurred on the same golf course. Immediately, Jack and Trevarthen spring into action and find Paul Keenan dead and his golfing partners, Lachlan and Dervla Morris badly injured. An investigation is quicky launched and Jack finds himself trying to find his way out of a nest of lies, betrayals and infidelity.
Seriously, every time I get a notice that there’s a new book in this series, I can’t help but get excited. Each addition is always carefully crafted with well fleshed-out characters and the plot is consistently intricate, but not confusing. I love seeing Jack evolve over the course of the series and (selfishly), I love the snippets of his ever-growing feelings for Claudia. I also quite appreciate that while there is this little hint of a romance, it does not detract from the plot in any way. Jack is a fantastic main and I can’t wait to see what his next case is!
Thank you StoryOrigin and Blair Denholm for my copy! I received an ARC of this novel and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 18, 2023
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you
Well written with great characters in this thriller.
Murder on the golf course and nothing physical to solve the crime,a challenge for DS Lisbon and the team.
An entertaining read if you enjoy this genre
Well written with great characters in this thriller.
Murder on the golf course and nothing physical to solve the crime,a challenge for DS Lisbon and the team.
An entertaining read if you enjoy this genre
January 11, 2023
Point Blank: An Australian Crime Thriller (The Fighting Detective Book 6), my fourth read from author Blair Denholm, Outstanding police/detective fiction set in Australia that I read in a single setting, 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).
December 29, 2022
Jack and his crew do it again. Jack Lisbon is a British Detective that has moved to Australia and this is his 6th case since he has moved. I loved this book and found it impossible to put down. Jack, Claudia and Aden are 3 of my favourite Detective characters. I can't wait for book 7.
December 26, 2022
A great read!
Blair Denholm has done it again! His right and ready Fighting Detective Jack Lisbon is such a great character and always delivers the resolution to the story.
Totally recommended page turner !
Blair Denholm has done it again! His right and ready Fighting Detective Jack Lisbon is such a great character and always delivers the resolution to the story.
Totally recommended page turner !
December 18, 2022
One challenging and fascinating murder mystery for DS Jack Lisbon!
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 eleven books – ESCAPE FROM PASSING WINDS, SOLD, SOLD TO THE DEVIL, FIGHTING DIRTY, KILL SHOT, SHOT CLOCK, TRICK SHOT, REVOLUTION DAY, SHOT TO THE HEART, DROP SHOT, and now POINT BLANK. 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! POINT BLANK is the sixth 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.
Having established a strong character in Jack Lisbon, Blair opens this episode as follows: ‘The lie of the golf ball was perfect for the next shot. Never mind it took seven strokes to get here from the tee. Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon of the Yorkville police Central Investigation Bureau was sure he could put all the preceding muffed shots behind him and nail this next one. He was as rusty as an old barbed-wire fence when it came to golf, but at least he was doing better than his partner…’ For those new to this series, the image of Lisbon is clear, but that perception changes rapidly as the condensed plot shares: ‘A relaxing round of golf at the country club wasn’t supposed to turn into a bloodbath. When barking gunfire shatters the tranquility of a sunny morning, off-duty Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon races to the source of the blasts. A man lies dead on the fairway, two neat bullet holes in his forehead; a second is bleeding to death; a woman unleashes piercing screams. It’s quickly determined the shots came from a remotely fired handgun mounted on a drone. The only physical evidence at the crime scene – scattered shell casings and bullets lodged in the ground, the trees and the victims. Can DS Lisbon find the killer among a long list of suspects? And does a tangled love triangle among the victims hold the key to the mystery? With a family emergency demanding Jack’s return to London, this case must be wrapped up fast.’
POINT BLANK continues his solid writing of a suspense thriller with 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.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
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 eleven books – ESCAPE FROM PASSING WINDS, SOLD, SOLD TO THE DEVIL, FIGHTING DIRTY, KILL SHOT, SHOT CLOCK, TRICK SHOT, REVOLUTION DAY, SHOT TO THE HEART, DROP SHOT, and now POINT BLANK. 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! POINT BLANK is the sixth 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.
Having established a strong character in Jack Lisbon, Blair opens this episode as follows: ‘The lie of the golf ball was perfect for the next shot. Never mind it took seven strokes to get here from the tee. Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon of the Yorkville police Central Investigation Bureau was sure he could put all the preceding muffed shots behind him and nail this next one. He was as rusty as an old barbed-wire fence when it came to golf, but at least he was doing better than his partner…’ For those new to this series, the image of Lisbon is clear, but that perception changes rapidly as the condensed plot shares: ‘A relaxing round of golf at the country club wasn’t supposed to turn into a bloodbath. When barking gunfire shatters the tranquility of a sunny morning, off-duty Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon races to the source of the blasts. A man lies dead on the fairway, two neat bullet holes in his forehead; a second is bleeding to death; a woman unleashes piercing screams. It’s quickly determined the shots came from a remotely fired handgun mounted on a drone. The only physical evidence at the crime scene – scattered shell casings and bullets lodged in the ground, the trees and the victims. Can DS Lisbon find the killer among a long list of suspects? And does a tangled love triangle among the victims hold the key to the mystery? With a family emergency demanding Jack’s return to London, this case must be wrapped up fast.’
POINT BLANK continues his solid writing of a suspense thriller with 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.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
December 24, 2022
This book was provided to me by the author and the fine folks at storyoriginapp.com in return for an honest review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
POINT BLANK is the sixth 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.
Having previously established a strong character in Jack Lisbon, this new foray into the criminal investigation in North Queensland opens this chapter with the following: ‘The lie of the golf ball was perfect for the next shot. Never mind it took seven strokes to get here from the tee. Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon of the Yorkville police Central Investigation Bureau was sure he could put all the preceding muffed shots behind him and nail this next one. He was as rusty as an old barbed-wire fence when it came to golf, but at least he was doing better than his partner…’
For those new to this series, the image of Lisbon is clear, but that perception changes rapidly as the condensed plot shares: ‘A relaxing round of golf at the country club wasn’t supposed to turn into a bloodbath. When barking gunfire shatters the tranquility of a sunny morning, off-duty Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon races to the source of the blasts. A man lies dead on the fairway, two neat bullet holes in his forehead; a second is bleeding to death; a woman unleashes piercing screams. It’s quickly determined the shots came from a remotely fired handgun mounted on a drone. The only physical evidence at the crime scene – scattered shell casings and bullets lodged in the ground, the trees and the victims. Can DS Lisbon find the killer among a long list of suspects? And does a tangled love triangle among the victims hold the key to the mystery? With a family emergency demanding Jack’s return to London, this case must be wrapped up fast.’
This novel is bound to be a strong hit with fans of police procedurals and those who enjoy vivid storytelling (Denholm's ability to paint a mental picture is unsurpassed). The only issue that I had (and arguably continue to have) was some of the Australian vernacular and slang (which should not be surprising as I live in North America...lol) but as the book goes along, is something easily able to get used to.
As far as reviews go, this book is worthy of a solid four stars out of five and is a great binge-read.
As with all reviews, this is merely my five cents worth.
POINT BLANK is the sixth 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.
Having previously established a strong character in Jack Lisbon, this new foray into the criminal investigation in North Queensland opens this chapter with the following: ‘The lie of the golf ball was perfect for the next shot. Never mind it took seven strokes to get here from the tee. Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon of the Yorkville police Central Investigation Bureau was sure he could put all the preceding muffed shots behind him and nail this next one. He was as rusty as an old barbed-wire fence when it came to golf, but at least he was doing better than his partner…’
For those new to this series, the image of Lisbon is clear, but that perception changes rapidly as the condensed plot shares: ‘A relaxing round of golf at the country club wasn’t supposed to turn into a bloodbath. When barking gunfire shatters the tranquility of a sunny morning, off-duty Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon races to the source of the blasts. A man lies dead on the fairway, two neat bullet holes in his forehead; a second is bleeding to death; a woman unleashes piercing screams. It’s quickly determined the shots came from a remotely fired handgun mounted on a drone. The only physical evidence at the crime scene – scattered shell casings and bullets lodged in the ground, the trees and the victims. Can DS Lisbon find the killer among a long list of suspects? And does a tangled love triangle among the victims hold the key to the mystery? With a family emergency demanding Jack’s return to London, this case must be wrapped up fast.’
This novel is bound to be a strong hit with fans of police procedurals and those who enjoy vivid storytelling (Denholm's ability to paint a mental picture is unsurpassed). The only issue that I had (and arguably continue to have) was some of the Australian vernacular and slang (which should not be surprising as I live in North America...lol) but as the book goes along, is something easily able to get used to.
As far as reviews go, this book is worthy of a solid four stars out of five and is a great binge-read.
As with all reviews, this is merely my five cents worth.
January 26, 2023
Australian police work to solve a murder on a golf course by a remotely controlled drone - 4.5 stars
You might want to brush up on your British and Australian idioms or have a dictionary nearby for this murder mystery. On a private golf course, two policemen are buzzed by a drone and pay it no heed. A few minutes later, the sound of shots being fired changed the tranquil golf course into a crime scene.
Detective Sargent (DS) Jack Lisbon was one of the two golfers on the course just ahead of the targets of the drone attack. After stabilizing the victims, calling for emergency air transport, and trying to get all the other players off the course, the investigation started. Jack's partner, Detective Constable (DC) Claudia Taylor alternated bad-cop, good-cop to get witnesses and suspects to provide information necessary to solve the crime.
Lisbon and Taylor sifted through the rumors, tips, accusations, and denials credibly while trying to see if the killer left was careless. Finding drugs, sex, and financial irregularities brought raised eyebrows but did not seem directly related to the shooting.
One of the enjoyable scenes involved jumping a fence to get into a backyard to question a woman lounging in a swimming pool. Many sequences involved finding a partial truth and the techniques to encourage expanding on the details through subterfuge.
The mystery does get a credible solution very close to the last page -- well done.
You might want to brush up on your British and Australian idioms or have a dictionary nearby for this murder mystery. On a private golf course, two policemen are buzzed by a drone and pay it no heed. A few minutes later, the sound of shots being fired changed the tranquil golf course into a crime scene.
Detective Sargent (DS) Jack Lisbon was one of the two golfers on the course just ahead of the targets of the drone attack. After stabilizing the victims, calling for emergency air transport, and trying to get all the other players off the course, the investigation started. Jack's partner, Detective Constable (DC) Claudia Taylor alternated bad-cop, good-cop to get witnesses and suspects to provide information necessary to solve the crime.
Lisbon and Taylor sifted through the rumors, tips, accusations, and denials credibly while trying to see if the killer left was careless. Finding drugs, sex, and financial irregularities brought raised eyebrows but did not seem directly related to the shooting.
One of the enjoyable scenes involved jumping a fence to get into a backyard to question a woman lounging in a swimming pool. Many sequences involved finding a partial truth and the techniques to encourage expanding on the details through subterfuge.
The mystery does get a credible solution very close to the last page -- well done.
December 19, 2022
Point Blank is the sixth book of The Fighting Detective series. This story focuses on the murder of Paul Keenan, a much-loved member of the Yorkville Country Club. I was reeled into this action-driven plot from the get-go. I struggled to keep my iPad away as I formulated my list of potential suspects, questionable alibis, and motives. Twinged with humour, sarcasm and quick-witted banter, the dialogues between Lisbon and his team are delightful to read. While the murder is the central plot, I love the evolution of Jack Lisbon as a character. The underlying tension between Lisbon and Taylor is infused exceptionally well throughout the book and is not overdone. There is one sub-plot element that I didn't see coming, which was genuinely shocking but humanises the protagonist. I can't wait for the subsequent book and read how Jack navigates his challenges and silences his occasional demons.
Thank you to the author for giving me a free ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Thank you to the author for giving me a free ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
December 19, 2022
This was another really enjoyable book in the fighting detective series, although Jack is definitely mellowing ( getting softer?!) as the series progresses.
In this book, a game of golf is interrupted when a man is shot dead, and another one injured by a flying drone. With no obvious shooter to follow, and an array of possible suspects Jack and the team have a race against time to try and find the killer in case they strike again.
The plot moves along at a great pace, and several of the other characters play a bigger role this time which I enjoyed.
The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which already has me excited for the next in the series.
Well done Blair, another winner.
In this book, a game of golf is interrupted when a man is shot dead, and another one injured by a flying drone. With no obvious shooter to follow, and an array of possible suspects Jack and the team have a race against time to try and find the killer in case they strike again.
The plot moves along at a great pace, and several of the other characters play a bigger role this time which I enjoyed.
The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which already has me excited for the next in the series.
Well done Blair, another winner.
December 24, 2022
Once again Blair Den hook has given us a solid, down-to-earth story about the intrepid Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon and the overburdened Yorkville Police Investigation Bureau. Jack and crew are at their finest dealing with both underworld and high society suspects and victims. I really appreciate Mr. Denholm's craftsmanship in developing the characters that have been seen in previous novels in this series and the ones unique to this volume. While a part of a series, this book is an easy standalone read as well. I highly recommend this books for fans of mystery, detective action, and/or police procedural stories. I received an ARC and this is my honest appraisal of this novel.
January 11, 2023
Despite being advanced in the series, this definitely works as a stand alone. I haven’t read the previous books, but didn’t feel like I was missing a lot of info. It was an interesting murder mystery with an unusual method. The only issue is that it misses out on the style of having all the info fairly early. The ending felt a bit tacked on. Still, the other twists keep you guessing. I’d certainly be interested in reading more of the series.
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only and have provided an honest review.
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only and have provided an honest review.
December 15, 2022
Another gripping and enjoyable read in the on going DI LIsbon series of books. Full of humour and light hearted moments to break the on going slog that most police cases involve. Story line runs smoothly and characters blend in perfectly. I would highly recommend it .
December 17, 2022
A most enjoyable book, full of action, with a mixed cast of characters. I think this author’s stories get better with each book, even though the ones before this were very good, this one has something extra.
December 18, 2022
Family affairs are always so complex
Lisbon’s my new BFF and soulmate when it comes to tailgaters and the chance at some fisticuffs:
‘The closer they get, the slower I go.’
‘A murder case was a big deal, but a chance to knock a few hooligans’ heads together with the constables was a spot of fun he’d hate to miss.’
I’ve got some of the previous books to read before #7 gets released.
Lisbon’s my new BFF and soulmate when it comes to tailgaters and the chance at some fisticuffs:
‘The closer they get, the slower I go.’
‘A murder case was a big deal, but a chance to knock a few hooligans’ heads together with the constables was a spot of fun he’d hate to miss.’
I’ve got some of the previous books to read before #7 gets released.
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.
January 19, 2023
Revenge??? I love Jack's tenacity in his search for the truth-no stone is left unturned. His wiley methods of investigation had me laughing at times , smh, or scratching my head in wonder at other times. His motto seems to be "whatever it takes to get the job done ". I enjoyed watching the 'master ' at work. He's like a bloodhound ferreting out clues and piecing them together. The ending shows a softer side of Jack, and I empathized with him. Once again I was clueless until the reveal. Great pace and drama.
February 11, 2024
Jack Lisbon is such a complex character. Taking up a detective role in Australia after fleeing the UK following a murder, Jack brings a refreshing cockneyish likability to the land down under.
When a murder takes place on a golf course, Jack is plunged into a case involving the select members of the golf club.
Jack gets his man by diligent detective work and the author refrains from using coincidental happenstance to move the plot along.
Lisbon is one of those characters that is a delight to read about.
When a murder takes place on a golf course, Jack is plunged into a case involving the select members of the golf club.
Jack gets his man by diligent detective work and the author refrains from using coincidental happenstance to move the plot along.
Lisbon is one of those characters that is a delight to read about.
January 4, 2023
Ever inventive mystery maker Blair Denholm crafts a wonderfully twisting whodunnit with Point Blank! The green isn’t the only thing with holes in it as off duty detective Jack Lisbon rushes to the sound of gunshots on a country club golf course. Arriving on the scene, he finds multiple dead…shot by a remote piloted drone no less. It has been a lot of fun to see the Jack Lisbon series evolve over time, and I’m always surprised at how Denholm can surprise me with each installment. My favorite aspect of this one was how Denholm incorporated modern elements like the gun-mounted drone but still kept that sort of noir feel, especially with the intrigue surrounding a love triangle. If you love tough-talking detectives, sports, or murder mysteries, charge up that cart and take a swing at Point Blank!
January 31, 2023
This book keeps you guessing until the end as to who was the intended victim and who did the killing. I could not put the book down until I read from "cover" to "cover".
Was it someone in the family or someone bent on revenge?
Could any of the stories told to Jack be believed or was everyone telling lies?
You will have to find out for yourselves.
Was it someone in the family or someone bent on revenge?
Could any of the stories told to Jack be believed or was everyone telling lies?
You will have to find out for yourselves.
April 14, 2023
Point Blank, #6 - Interesting but the crime was solved by confession, not the best story of the six. Bad news hits Jack's family. 3*
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*
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*
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*
December 19, 2022
I have been anxiously waiting for this novel. I have read the past novels in this series, and each has been better than the last. Right let me say that each of the Jack Lisbon novels can be read of standalones. That said, Denholm's latest is an extraordinary fast-paced, well-perfected thriller with unending variety of twists and turns. The plot is a well-developed story line that no New York bookie would make odds. The character development is concise, and the police investigation appeared authentic. The authors was able to leak clues here and there keeping readers in the dark. I was absolutely sure that I had it solved until the huge revelation at the end. You are not going to want to put this novel on your TBR pile as it will begin calling your name. This is clearly a one-sitting nail-biter, as you will not be able to set it down. I received this novel from StoryOrigin. This is my true and honest review.
November 13, 2023
Point Blank (6)
What an interesting and amazing story! Its a little bit hard to stay focused on so many different aspects of these stories! When the ball starts rolling Into zone of figuring out the real story Detective Lisbon is a first class spinter! I love how he and his partner wind the bad guys around and around before placing the bad guys in jail! Getting them to face the bad guys under arrest and making them admit what they have done!! Lisbon is a very good finder of the truth!!!
What an interesting and amazing story! Its a little bit hard to stay focused on so many different aspects of these stories! When the ball starts rolling Into zone of figuring out the real story Detective Lisbon is a first class spinter! I love how he and his partner wind the bad guys around and around before placing the bad guys in jail! Getting them to face the bad guys under arrest and making them admit what they have done!! Lisbon is a very good finder of the truth!!!
March 13, 2023
This was a good book. I hadn't read any other of the books in the series, but that didn't take away from my reading experience. This book was action-packed and was a good read. I figured it out before the main character did, but it was fun to read on and see how he figured out what was going on around him.
I received a copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 31, 2023
I really enjoyed reading another great crime story by this author.This is a great mystery of who done . and keeps you guessing to the very end. Once I started reading I couldn't stop until the last page.I look forward to more from this author. received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review..
March 31, 2023
I really enjoyed reading another great crime story by this author.This is a great mystery of who done . and keeps you guessing to the very end. Once I started reading I couldn't stop until the last page.I look forward to more from this author.
received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review..
received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review..
January 17, 2023
Anytime the guilty party plays a very insignificant part in the plot and then breaks down and confesses in the last ten pages of the novel, the reader gets cheated. Very Perry Masonish!...Sorry, but I couldn't get attached to the lead protagonist or any of the characters.
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August 4, 2023They weren't blanks!
Jack has the most interesting cases with urgency at it's peak. Another suspenseful murder that keeps all the force extremely busy and, at times, puzzled. Denholm knows how to reel you in !
Jack has the most interesting cases with urgency at it's peak. Another suspenseful murder that keeps all the force extremely busy and, at times, puzzled. Denholm knows how to reel you in !
July 19, 2024
A good read
Despite arming the QPS with resources they actually dream of having, and the confession that comes out of the blue, this was a good story and held enough interest to be read in a day.
Despite arming the QPS with resources they actually dream of having, and the confession that comes out of the blue, this was a good story and held enough interest to be read in a day.
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