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Greene and Kennicott #3
Stray Bullets
In The Guilty Plea and Old City Hall, critically-acclaimed Canadian author Robert Rotenberg created gripping page-turners that captured audiences in Canada and around the world.
Rotenberg’s bestsellers do for Toronto what Ian Rankin has done for Edinburgh and Michael Connolly for Los Angeles.
In Stray Bullets, Rotenberg takes the reader to a snowy November night. Outside a busy downtown doughnut shop, gunshots ring out and a young boy is critically hurt. Soon Detective Ari Greene is on scene. How many shots were fired? How many guns? How many witnesses?
With grieving parents and a city hungry for justice, the pressure is on to convict the man accused of this horrible crime. Against this tidal-wave of indignation, defence counsel Nancy Parish finds herself defending her oldest, and most difficult, client.
But does anyone know the whole story?
Stray Bullets is Robert Rotenberg’s third intricate mystery set on the streets and, in the courtrooms, of Toronto.
Rotenberg’s bestsellers do for Toronto what Ian Rankin has done for Edinburgh and Michael Connolly for Los Angeles.
In Stray Bullets, Rotenberg takes the reader to a snowy November night. Outside a busy downtown doughnut shop, gunshots ring out and a young boy is critically hurt. Soon Detective Ari Greene is on scene. How many shots were fired? How many guns? How many witnesses?
With grieving parents and a city hungry for justice, the pressure is on to convict the man accused of this horrible crime. Against this tidal-wave of indignation, defence counsel Nancy Parish finds herself defending her oldest, and most difficult, client.
But does anyone know the whole story?
Stray Bullets is Robert Rotenberg’s third intricate mystery set on the streets and, in the courtrooms, of Toronto.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published May 1, 2012
20 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Robert Rotenberg
23 books206 followersAfter graduating from law school in Toronto, Robert Rotenberg became the managing editor of Passion, the English-speaking magazine of Paris. He then returned to Canada to publish and edit his own magazine, T.O. The Magazine of Toronto. In 1991, he opened his own law practice and is today one of Toronto’s top criminal lawyers, defending, as he likes to say “everything from murder to shoplifting.” Rotenberg lives in Toronto and has three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
June 28, 2022
This was one of those books I had trouble putting down. I've read the previous books in the series and liked them, although I didn't remember the characters when I read this one. Perhaps I will for the next book, but I don't think it really matters much, and I believe this book could be read by itself. I liked Greene and Kennicott, the cops, but they were not really the most important characters. There were several really interesting characters in the story, which is what makes this such a good book. But looking back at my review of the first book, I see this one features a character from that book, a lawyer by the name of Nancy Parish.
At various points in the story, it was hard to decide who was good and who was bad, as many were both at different times. Some of them were like actors playing a part and doing what they believed was expected of them. In fact, one, the judge, was an actual actor. The defendant, a young man who got a bad start in life and was often on the wrong side of the law, seemed to often be acting out the part of a tough criminal but wasn't real good at it. At times he seemed to be basically good, then later seemed to be spoiled bad boy. Sometimes, with other characters, we just don't know when they are telling the truth.
I liked reading about the Canadian judicial system, with their robes and all. And the cold weather they were having was nice to imagine during our 90+ degree days we've been having in my neck of the woods.
At various points in the story, it was hard to decide who was good and who was bad, as many were both at different times. Some of them were like actors playing a part and doing what they believed was expected of them. In fact, one, the judge, was an actual actor. The defendant, a young man who got a bad start in life and was often on the wrong side of the law, seemed to often be acting out the part of a tough criminal but wasn't real good at it. At times he seemed to be basically good, then later seemed to be spoiled bad boy. Sometimes, with other characters, we just don't know when they are telling the truth.
I liked reading about the Canadian judicial system, with their robes and all. And the cold weather they were having was nice to imagine during our 90+ degree days we've been having in my neck of the woods.
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September 11, 2018did not hold my attention
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2012
Stray Bullets is Toronto lawyer Robert Rotenberg's third novel and it releases today. I have to say - Rotenberg keeps getting better and better. This is my favourite so far.
Cedric Wilkinson and his four year old son Kyle stop by a Toronto Tim Hortons for a quick donut one November evening. It's the first time Kyle has seen snow. And sadly it's his last - Kyle is struck by a bullet meant for someone else. Only one witness knows exactly what went down and he runs - he's in the country illegally.
Recurring characters Homicide Detective Ari Greene, Officer Daniel Kennicott and lawyer Nancy Parish return. It doesn't take long for those involved to be arrested, but who really did the killing? While head Crown Attorney and local philanthropist Ralph Armitage makes a quick deal to close the case, Greene isn't convinced it's the right play. He continues to investigate, despite Armitage's assurances that they've got the killer cold. Parish doesn't think so either - for once, she believes her long time client Larkin St. Clair when he says he's innocent. The wild card? The missing witness....
Rotenberg uses his own knowledge of the Canadian legal system to great advantage. The details, settings, dialogue and situations all ring true. The plotting was excellent, nicely leading the actual whodunit to a grand finale in the final chapters. Sadly the premise of this case is not too far from recent newspaper headlines. It's so enjoyable to read a book set in Canada, even more so when I'm familiar with Toronto and the locations Rotenberg describes. (One small peeve - Uncle Tom's Cabin is in Dresden, not Chatham)
I quite enjoy the characters and the window into their personal lives outside of the cases. Greene is a likable protagonist and I'm quite taken with Nancy Parish . I liked the addition of Sikh Constable Darvesh and hope he makes it to future books. The stage has been set for book number four and this reader will have it on my must read list. (And I want to know what's in Green's father's envelope!)
Those looking for an excellent legal thriller series will find it here.
Cedric Wilkinson and his four year old son Kyle stop by a Toronto Tim Hortons for a quick donut one November evening. It's the first time Kyle has seen snow. And sadly it's his last - Kyle is struck by a bullet meant for someone else. Only one witness knows exactly what went down and he runs - he's in the country illegally.
Recurring characters Homicide Detective Ari Greene, Officer Daniel Kennicott and lawyer Nancy Parish return. It doesn't take long for those involved to be arrested, but who really did the killing? While head Crown Attorney and local philanthropist Ralph Armitage makes a quick deal to close the case, Greene isn't convinced it's the right play. He continues to investigate, despite Armitage's assurances that they've got the killer cold. Parish doesn't think so either - for once, she believes her long time client Larkin St. Clair when he says he's innocent. The wild card? The missing witness....
Rotenberg uses his own knowledge of the Canadian legal system to great advantage. The details, settings, dialogue and situations all ring true. The plotting was excellent, nicely leading the actual whodunit to a grand finale in the final chapters. Sadly the premise of this case is not too far from recent newspaper headlines. It's so enjoyable to read a book set in Canada, even more so when I'm familiar with Toronto and the locations Rotenberg describes. (One small peeve - Uncle Tom's Cabin is in Dresden, not Chatham)
I quite enjoy the characters and the window into their personal lives outside of the cases. Greene is a likable protagonist and I'm quite taken with Nancy Parish . I liked the addition of Sikh Constable Darvesh and hope he makes it to future books. The stage has been set for book number four and this reader will have it on my must read list. (And I want to know what's in Green's father's envelope!)
Those looking for an excellent legal thriller series will find it here.
May 5, 2012
Every author needs their niche. Rotenberg has found his, writing legal dramas (with courtroom trial), much like some of the better work of Grisham and Michael Connelly. What sets Rotenberg apart is his use of Canada (Toronto specifically) to really bring the stories home for me. While I sit through much of the US courtroom drama in many a book, or description of US or European cities, Rotenberg makes us Canadians proud by setting his books in Canada and using its Canadiana (Timmy's, the double double, 'eh', and even the victory-plagued Toronto Maple Leafs) to bring the story alive. He adds in the small nuances that show the differences between the Canadian and American systems of law and courtroom etiquette. This does help brighten the story and its plot, but set in any city, Rotenberg would have a hit on his hands.
The story follow his usual framework, advancing through the months of the investigation and pushing its way into the courtroom, where a full-on trial decides what will come of the evidence. Many of the characters pursue their own personal lives as they do their duties, sometimes intertwining with one another, but they never lose sight of the task at hand. I feel that some authors use their books (particularly ones with a legal angle) to push their opinions on a certain aspect of the law. Rotenberg appears not to do this, choosing instead to let the actors go through their motions and see what floats to the top.
I have always enjoyed Rotenberg's books and will keep doing so for as long as he publishes them. His use of Toronto does bring the story home and I do chuckle as he has to explain terms (double double) to those who may not be ensconced in the lingo.
Kudos Mr. Rotenberg. A fabulous book with a great story!
The story follow his usual framework, advancing through the months of the investigation and pushing its way into the courtroom, where a full-on trial decides what will come of the evidence. Many of the characters pursue their own personal lives as they do their duties, sometimes intertwining with one another, but they never lose sight of the task at hand. I feel that some authors use their books (particularly ones with a legal angle) to push their opinions on a certain aspect of the law. Rotenberg appears not to do this, choosing instead to let the actors go through their motions and see what floats to the top.
I have always enjoyed Rotenberg's books and will keep doing so for as long as he publishes them. His use of Toronto does bring the story home and I do chuckle as he has to explain terms (double double) to those who may not be ensconced in the lingo.
Kudos Mr. Rotenberg. A fabulous book with a great story!
February 26, 2018
Very enjoyable court procedural set in Toronto.
January 30, 2015
In just a split-second an event can take place which impacts myriad lives. Not a profound premise perhaps, but all too true nonetheless. The novel “Stray Bullets” exemplifies this premise with a case that draws the reader to know more.
It is a frosty November day in Toronto… An ex-con is jealous of his former girlfriend’s new partner. He hangs around her workplace hoping to confront his successor… Shots are fired in the parking lot of a Tim Horton’s restaurant. A father and his young four-year-old son are innocently going into the Tim’s to buy a doughnut. A stray bullet enters the young boy’s skull.
This tragic, horrific event is the catalyst for Robert Rotenberg’s latest legal thriller. Written with the consummate skill and sound knowledge of an author who ‘writes what he knows’, “Stray Bullets” is genre fiction at its finest. The author, a criminal attorney practicing in Toronto has an insider’s knowledge of the legal system and all those characters who contribute to the workings of a criminal case and the pressure by the media and citizenry to see justice done.
It is hard to pinpoint a protagonist for this novel because the many memorable and colorful characters are written with such understanding and with such insight that the reader gets to ‘know’ them all. If this novel were to be made into a movie, it would be one with an ensemble cast. The reader knows enough of the characters to invest in them. Whether it be the lawyers, the police, the victims, or the witnesses – all are given the respect and background that make the reader invest in them equally.
Rotenberg aptly describes the pain and anguish of the victims. The desperation and fear of the accused. The diligence – and sometimes lack thereof – of the police. The frustration and long arduous hours in the working life of a criminal lawyer who must play the system to glean facts from often murky testimony.
Nothing is ever as clear as one would wish. What seems to be damning evidence can sometimes be read two or more ways. ‘Obvious’ guilt is subjective to the witnesses memory of the event.
We meet Daniel Kennicott, the former lawyer turned police officer, who was first on the scene. Ari Green, the homicide detective on the case. Nancy Parish, the workaholic defense attorney. Her client, the accused Larkin St. Clair. The crown’s prosecuting attorney, Ralph Armitage. Witnesses both willing and unwilling. Players moral and immoral. And let’s not forget another major character in this novel – the city of Toronto itself. With a keen sense of place the author describes Toronto’s climate, it’s diversity and it’s social sensibilities.
A legal thriller that rivals (or to my mind surpasses) anything written by Grisham. A page turner, with the reader wondering which of the tiny details mentioned could be the one that makes or breaks the case – which one will make or break the reputation or even the career track of those involved.
I guess you should read it and see…
It is a frosty November day in Toronto… An ex-con is jealous of his former girlfriend’s new partner. He hangs around her workplace hoping to confront his successor… Shots are fired in the parking lot of a Tim Horton’s restaurant. A father and his young four-year-old son are innocently going into the Tim’s to buy a doughnut. A stray bullet enters the young boy’s skull.
This tragic, horrific event is the catalyst for Robert Rotenberg’s latest legal thriller. Written with the consummate skill and sound knowledge of an author who ‘writes what he knows’, “Stray Bullets” is genre fiction at its finest. The author, a criminal attorney practicing in Toronto has an insider’s knowledge of the legal system and all those characters who contribute to the workings of a criminal case and the pressure by the media and citizenry to see justice done.
It is hard to pinpoint a protagonist for this novel because the many memorable and colorful characters are written with such understanding and with such insight that the reader gets to ‘know’ them all. If this novel were to be made into a movie, it would be one with an ensemble cast. The reader knows enough of the characters to invest in them. Whether it be the lawyers, the police, the victims, or the witnesses – all are given the respect and background that make the reader invest in them equally.
Rotenberg aptly describes the pain and anguish of the victims. The desperation and fear of the accused. The diligence – and sometimes lack thereof – of the police. The frustration and long arduous hours in the working life of a criminal lawyer who must play the system to glean facts from often murky testimony.
Nothing is ever as clear as one would wish. What seems to be damning evidence can sometimes be read two or more ways. ‘Obvious’ guilt is subjective to the witnesses memory of the event.
We meet Daniel Kennicott, the former lawyer turned police officer, who was first on the scene. Ari Green, the homicide detective on the case. Nancy Parish, the workaholic defense attorney. Her client, the accused Larkin St. Clair. The crown’s prosecuting attorney, Ralph Armitage. Witnesses both willing and unwilling. Players moral and immoral. And let’s not forget another major character in this novel – the city of Toronto itself. With a keen sense of place the author describes Toronto’s climate, it’s diversity and it’s social sensibilities.
A legal thriller that rivals (or to my mind surpasses) anything written by Grisham. A page turner, with the reader wondering which of the tiny details mentioned could be the one that makes or breaks the case – which one will make or break the reputation or even the career track of those involved.
I guess you should read it and see…
August 12, 2012
This book reminded me precisely why I hate lawyers. Conniving, self serving and lying little ******.
But believe me this book is about so much more. It is a very thorough look into the legal, police and bureaucratic systems in Toronto. But don't be alarmed by this, the book isn't even one bit dull. This book might not to be a thriller but the utterly beautiful writing by author Robert Rotenberg makes even routine courtroom drama feel breathtakingly suspenseful.
This book also offers an insight into the psychology that goes into every case in the courtroom. You feel like the author has summed up his entire experience as a practicing criminal lawyer into 300 pages. The jury are people and they can be manipulated like all normal people and the mind games that go into convincing the jury of your own view are mind boggling. There is a reason it takes lawyers so much time to learn the ways of the legal system.
Torontonians will instantly connect with the atmosphere presented in this book. Unfortunately due to recent high profile shootings you might connect with this book more than any citizen might like to.
But believe me this book is about so much more. It is a very thorough look into the legal, police and bureaucratic systems in Toronto. But don't be alarmed by this, the book isn't even one bit dull. This book might not to be a thriller but the utterly beautiful writing by author Robert Rotenberg makes even routine courtroom drama feel breathtakingly suspenseful.
This book also offers an insight into the psychology that goes into every case in the courtroom. You feel like the author has summed up his entire experience as a practicing criminal lawyer into 300 pages. The jury are people and they can be manipulated like all normal people and the mind games that go into convincing the jury of your own view are mind boggling. There is a reason it takes lawyers so much time to learn the ways of the legal system.
Torontonians will instantly connect with the atmosphere presented in this book. Unfortunately due to recent high profile shootings you might connect with this book more than any citizen might like to.
October 16, 2015
This was a straight forward police procedure combined with courtroom drama story. The biggest “twist” is that it is very Canadian. The story is set in Toronto, Ontario, with locals sure to recognize scenery. The story clears shows the way the Canadian law and court systems work, with their subtle differences from US systems.
I loved the sense of familiarity this book had. I find court-based stories to be rather relaxing as there is a definite pattern and expectation to the plot. Reading them is like wearing comfortable pyjamas, and to experience that with a Canadian version makes them flannel pjs.
This is the third in a series, yet is still very much a stand alone story. There are characters from previous installments, as well as some new faces. It was nice to catch up with everyone as they investigated a rather tragic situation.
Overall, this was a great read. It fit all my expectations for this type of story, with the added bonus of a familiar setting.
I loved the sense of familiarity this book had. I find court-based stories to be rather relaxing as there is a definite pattern and expectation to the plot. Reading them is like wearing comfortable pyjamas, and to experience that with a Canadian version makes them flannel pjs.
This is the third in a series, yet is still very much a stand alone story. There are characters from previous installments, as well as some new faces. It was nice to catch up with everyone as they investigated a rather tragic situation.
Overall, this was a great read. It fit all my expectations for this type of story, with the added bonus of a familiar setting.
August 15, 2013
4-1/2 Stars.
Mr Rotenberg has a new fan!
Characters so human in a thoroughly compelling, frighteningly realistic, story.
And you may actually feel a rush when justice finally rips off her blindfold. I certainly did.
Mr Rotenberg has a new fan!
Characters so human in a thoroughly compelling, frighteningly realistic, story.
And you may actually feel a rush when justice finally rips off her blindfold. I certainly did.
March 28, 2024
It's official. I'm addicted to Robert Rotenberg's Greene & Kennicott legal mystery series. I love the way he creates real characters with real lives and real faults. There's also a wittiness to his writing that keeps it from being a dull legal or police procedural. And while the subject matter here is dark (a child killed by a stray bullet), there's compassion and empathy and so many layers of storytelling. My fave of the series so far (LOVED the ending). Onto book 4.
November 20, 2017
I thoroughly enjoy reading this crime novel set in Toronto. This is my second Ari Greene's detective story and I find myself getting attached to the characters, knowing them a little better each time.
It is fast paced (enough for me anyway), well written, well reasoned, plausible and best of all, it has the hallmark of a Canadian book in terms of human qualities, reactions, dispositions. There are evil and good people in Canada as well, but mostly good people who do evil deeds in moments of weaknesses or for self agrandisement.
Here Chief Crown counsel Ralph Armitage of the famously rich Armitage family makes an ill-advised deal with Cutter, lawyer for one of the prospective accused in a child murder case, protecting his client Dewey Booth from prosecution. Armitage's motive to get on the deal was the promised of locating the murder weapon which would incriminate the accused Larkin St-clair, already in police custody. Hard to refuse, and one can see that the desire to prosecute and win with its attendant glory, would sway a a crown attorney. However, from here, things get worse for Armitage.
Greene remains the cool headed, perseverant, hard working detective along with Kennicott, his side kick whose brother's murder remains Greene only unsolved case, years after it occurred and like a thorn on his side, keeps bugging him.
It surprises me that I am enjoying these novels but I cannot wait to read the next one.
It is fast paced (enough for me anyway), well written, well reasoned, plausible and best of all, it has the hallmark of a Canadian book in terms of human qualities, reactions, dispositions. There are evil and good people in Canada as well, but mostly good people who do evil deeds in moments of weaknesses or for self agrandisement.
Here Chief Crown counsel Ralph Armitage of the famously rich Armitage family makes an ill-advised deal with Cutter, lawyer for one of the prospective accused in a child murder case, protecting his client Dewey Booth from prosecution. Armitage's motive to get on the deal was the promised of locating the murder weapon which would incriminate the accused Larkin St-clair, already in police custody. Hard to refuse, and one can see that the desire to prosecute and win with its attendant glory, would sway a a crown attorney. However, from here, things get worse for Armitage.
Greene remains the cool headed, perseverant, hard working detective along with Kennicott, his side kick whose brother's murder remains Greene only unsolved case, years after it occurred and like a thorn on his side, keeps bugging him.
It surprises me that I am enjoying these novels but I cannot wait to read the next one.
April 8, 2018
A man is walking across the parking lot of a coffee shop with his young son when shooting started and the boy is killed. Larkin St. Clair is accused, and Nancy Parish has been representing him. He was with his friend Dewey, who has just gotten out of prison. Suzanne, Dewey's girlfriend until a year and a half after he was in jail works in the coffee shop. She has been talking with a cook, an illegal alien when her new boyfriend comes to pick her up. The only person who saw everything happen is the illegal alien. Possible suspects are Larkin, Dewey, or Jet, Suzanne's new boyfriend. Others near by saw Larkin put a gun in his belt, and Dewey meets with the prosecutor and tells him the gun is hidden at Larkin's aunt's house. Nancy does a great job trying to defend Larken and Ari Green and Kennicot are working hard on the case, but can't find the illegal person who saw the shooting. Things get very exciting in the last chapter.
December 4, 2017
At Tim Horton’s a young child is caught in gunfire and when he dies, the police’s job is intensified. We see the return of lawyer Nancy Parish to defend an old client from first-degree charges. He refuses to defend himself, in fact he refuses to talk about the incident at all. The Crown Prosecutor, Ralph Armitage makes an ill-advised deal with the accused’s companion. It seems like a slam-dunk, to Armitage that is.
Detective Ari Green and Daniel Kennicott know the Crown has made a huge mistake and continue their investigation regardless of the ensuing trial. There are so many variables in this case, a quick trial is not the solution.
Detective Ari Green and Daniel Kennicott know the Crown has made a huge mistake and continue their investigation regardless of the ensuing trial. There are so many variables in this case, a quick trial is not the solution.
May 18, 2013
I won this book through the First Reads contest.
Very much a straight forward police/legal procedural. No real surprises, twists or turns. But it's well written and the various Canadian references were fun to read (although a bit tiresome at times - such as we don't really need to know where a secondary character buys their clothes).
Very much a straight forward police/legal procedural. No real surprises, twists or turns. But it's well written and the various Canadian references were fun to read (although a bit tiresome at times - such as we don't really need to know where a secondary character buys their clothes).
December 18, 2017
On a snowy evening in November a young boy is critically injured. Detective Ari Greene is on the case in the 3rd book in this series. The courtroom scenes are very compelling.
June 23, 2012
This guy moves words around like a pro. LOVE the characters. Esp. Nancy.
June 4, 2021
This one stayed away from the quality of the previous novels. The characters which were so vivid only a book ago are becoming cliches and flat. The once exciting plots are now falling into formulaic territory. The only part I found interesting and kept my attention was the trial. The police work was boring and repetitive (if I read about one more detective not able to sleep a wink during the first few days I'll lose it). And the character relationships are starting to go into that annoying pattern of "will they, won't they", because how else are we going to sell future novels? The city of Toronto, once a fully fleshed character in past novels was bland and cold. As was the victim's family. The father seemed so unemotional that I honestly thought he had paid someone to kill his son. There was no clear body language, no heartwrenching animalistic grief. Not even from the mother. We're asked to belive this was a shocking case, but nobody acts like they're in genuine pain. It's all cold. Unemotional. Short. Bland.
Yeah, I'm a bit disappointed with this one
Yeah, I'm a bit disappointed with this one
May 6, 2020
I am a big fan of this series. I enjoy a local mystery (I worked in Toronto for many years) and as the author is a practising criminal lawyer, he does the police and lawyer roles very well. I thought this book captured a immense pressure that falls on all aspect of a prosecution - from investigation to trial - when a murder captures the public attention with what some might cynically refer to an innocent victim. What I am getting at is that is far too often if the victim is a street person or a sex worker there is almost never much sense of urgency a month the general public. Anyway, I also like the fact that neither the Crown (prosecutor) or defence counsel characters are drawn in the almost cartoonish way one sees on TV. The main criminal justice system participants show up in several of the books so reading them in order avoids unintended spoilers. I hope this series continues.
January 21, 2024
This is a book that really stays with you. Rotenberg pulls humanity into a brutal random incident and leaves the reader asking, Could this not have been prevented? How could such a thing happen? Here? Why? An innocent lost and a father crushed with grief and guilt.
The success of the book is in the empathy for the characters. Rotenberg does not go for the easy answers but paints a fuller picture with shifting perspectives.
This is a book that transcends its brief story and left me with lingering thoughts of casual evil in this world. I will find more of Greene and Kennicott and in fact I have read two other Rotenberg novels since this one.
A welcome light in the wasteland of a long Toronto Public Library ransomeware attack, that holds more celebrated bestsellers in boxes, until the computers are back.
So glad I found theses Robert Rotenberg written Gems!
The success of the book is in the empathy for the characters. Rotenberg does not go for the easy answers but paints a fuller picture with shifting perspectives.
This is a book that transcends its brief story and left me with lingering thoughts of casual evil in this world. I will find more of Greene and Kennicott and in fact I have read two other Rotenberg novels since this one.
A welcome light in the wasteland of a long Toronto Public Library ransomeware attack, that holds more celebrated bestsellers in boxes, until the computers are back.
So glad I found theses Robert Rotenberg written Gems!
October 10, 2017
Robert Rotenberg, along with Philip Slayton have written two of the best Toronto based legal thrillers I have read. Stray Bullets begins with tragedy and weaves story lines together, involving criminals, police, Judges, lawyers and witnesses. A little boy is killed in the crossfire of an ugly conflict between young criminals and Officers Kennicott and Greene are among the first on the scene. Sorting out what actually happened is complicated and sets in motion a struggle involving a psychopath, a missing witness, a venal Crown Attorney and a committed Defense Attorney trying to navigate her not quite innocent client through the system. If you love the Toronto backdrop and tense procedural crime dramas you will love this book. Highly recommended.
May 29, 2025
Another solid entry in this very engaging police procedural/courtroom drama series set in Toronto. The author, Robert Rotenberg, is a Toronto lawyer and his knowledge of all the legal details adds a lot of authenticity to the story. This is the third book that I have read in Rotenberg's series and there is a bit of a narrative formula going on. However, I was unable to figure out who the perpetrator was so it still worked. I am also enjoying the back stories of the main characters very much and I definitely plan to continue with the series which so far consists of four novels.
April 11, 2021
This is the 3rd book by Toronto Criminal Lawyer Robert Rotenberg and his writing style is very compelling, drawing the reader into the world of detectives, criminal lawyers, judges and crown attorneys. It makes it interesting that the stories take place in downtown Toronto, a city I know very well. It is the author's writing, though, that pulls the reader into starting the next chapter after one chapter has finished.
October 9, 2017
Mr. Rotenberg can really tell a tale. Read the series in order. His books have a certain "Law & Order"theme to them. Detective Greene starts the investigation and then turns it over to the lawyers and then returns at the end.
In his novel the shooting death of a child causes an uproar throughout Canada. You will learn a lot about the Canadian legal system as the plot twists and turns.
In his novel the shooting death of a child causes an uproar throughout Canada. You will learn a lot about the Canadian legal system as the plot twists and turns.
November 4, 2019
Good solid mystery and I enjoy the references to downtown Toronto. A little boy is shot by accident in front of a downtown donut shop. Again, the truye story doesn't come out to the very end...people put their own slant on circumstances in their statements to police.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2020
It was an easy read, but that's exactly what I was looking for at the time. I liked the Canadian setting and many of the characters were well written, too. It is the first Rotenberg book I've read, but it won't be my last.
May 2, 2021
Another interesting read following the characters created by Rotenberg. Detective Greene zeros in on a Crown Attorney who craves a win over ethics at the cost of a stray bullet that results in a young child's death.
May 24, 2021
2021 - #14. Audiobook. Interesting is that it takes place in Toronto - always neat to read about various facets of Toronto. A pretty simple story with a couple of plot twists but all in all not really exciting reading
September 30, 2021
This one had more courtroom drama than previous books I’ve read in this series and I enjoyed that aspect. Also the local colour including the long line-ups at Timmy’s (typical!) and Daniel’s trip Pelee Island.
September 26, 2025
This was a quick read and I continue to be a fan of Rotenberg. His depictions of Toronto and the multicultural people working in policing and the legal system are fascinating and well rounded. You can't get much more Canadian with a Timmy's murder either.
November 19, 2025
Love the pace of this series, the fact they are based in Toronto and Canadian law is showcased. As usual with this series heightened anticipation as the plot unfolds.
Each book in the series moves the characters forward as a little more of their backstories unfold.
Highly recommend.
Each book in the series moves the characters forward as a little more of their backstories unfold.
Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews