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John Corbin #2
The Redemption: Sequel to A Thin Line
It has been four years since the case of serial killer Silas Alvah shook the town of Seattle to its core. Retired Detective John Corbin has settled into his life of husband, father, and restaurant owner; Detective work, however, is embedded in his heart and soul and the pull has never left him. When a disturbed and twisted killer rises to the surface of Northwestern Washington, it is soon apparent his intention is to draw John Corbin back into the horrors of detective work that has already left him scarred. Will John risk everything to be drawn into the killer's twisted game of using human beings as pawns? Will he follow his ingrained instincts and attempt to save the innocent from evil? ‘The Redemption’ is a twisting, turning labyrinth that will take you on a thrill ride unlike anything you have experienced before as each life is measured by our most unforgiving enemy… Time.
203 pages, Hardcover
Published March 14, 2022
17 people want to read
About the author
David Boiani
7 books36 followersDavid Boiani is an American author living in Coventry, RI. He writes Psychological thrillers mixed with a touch of horror. He recently released a collection of short stories called "Dark Musings". He also plans to start "The redemption", the sequel to his debut novel, "A Thin Line", later this year. Visit his website here...
http://www.authordavidboiani.com/
http://www.authordavidboiani.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 30, 2018
In this crime thriller, retired Detective John Corbin, husband, father, turned restaurant owner, is drawn back into detective life when a twisted killer uses his name after committing horrific crimes.
It seemed clear that the killer had a personal issue with John and after discussing the matter with his wife John returned to the police force to save the innocent victims.
Time is of the essence and every minute counts in the killer’s twisted game.
Readers will be taken for a thrill ride in this novel written by author David Bolani who knows how to keep readers at the edge of their seats with tension and suspense.
It seemed clear that the killer had a personal issue with John and after discussing the matter with his wife John returned to the police force to save the innocent victims.
Time is of the essence and every minute counts in the killer’s twisted game.
Readers will be taken for a thrill ride in this novel written by author David Bolani who knows how to keep readers at the edge of their seats with tension and suspense.
January 17, 2023
In Boiani’s (The John Corbin Series) plot-driven, punctuative stand-alone sequel, “time” itself is a central theme. There are flashbacks, countdowns, and tightly sequenced series of events. A serial killer is menacing Seattle and has called out John Corbin by name to work the case. As a retired detective, John exclaims in Michael Corleone’s words, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” Each time an untraceable email is received at headquarters, they are given 24 hours to unravel the cryptic clues to save the victim. As events intensify John with his equally driven rookie partner, Rick, stands in the crosshairs where his decisions impact and may damage his family and personal life, endangering everyone and everything he holds dear... continue reading (https://new-book-info.blogspot.com/20...)
June 21, 2018
Like Boiani's first two books I found this read refreshingly different and engaging.
The genre is crime thriller with a sizeable dollop of horror.
The writing style is distinctive. While the author is economical with words he tells an exciting, thought-provoking story.
Although the book is a follow-on it works perfectly well as a stand-alone.
John Corbin returns to the police force when a serial killer asks for him by name. The abductions and murders are gruesome and the police chase in each case is nail-biting as they are given 24 hours to save the victim. When the victims are closer to home the tension and suspense escalate as the countdown begins.
Great read.
The genre is crime thriller with a sizeable dollop of horror.
The writing style is distinctive. While the author is economical with words he tells an exciting, thought-provoking story.
Although the book is a follow-on it works perfectly well as a stand-alone.
John Corbin returns to the police force when a serial killer asks for him by name. The abductions and murders are gruesome and the police chase in each case is nail-biting as they are given 24 hours to save the victim. When the victims are closer to home the tension and suspense escalate as the countdown begins.
Great read.
June 6, 2018
A really delightful Surprise. The author David Boiani really brought to light the human aspect to policing along with a page-turning, exciting plot. The good guys are good and conflicted, the bad guy is evil to the core, and there is just the right sprinkling of collateral damage too. Being the thriller aficionado that I am, I really enjoyed this book.
May 19, 2018
I thought it was a great story. Much different than his others. Everything David writes has been good but this was even better. It hooked me from the beginning and kept me reading. The characters came alive and brought the entire story to another level of entertainment, keeping me on the edge of my chair as well. I was sad when it ended. I really got attached to the characters this time and hated to say goodbye.
September 25, 2018
Recommended for crime thriller fans
This is a crime thriller sequel and I can't believe it is almost two years since I read the previous book, 'A Thin Line'. I liked that one, and happily this one is also a great read. Time has also moved on for John Corbin. Still in Seattle, but now retired and enjoying family life and a new business as a restaurateur. But murder doesn't retire, so the former detective is pulled back into a new case against the best wishes of his wife and therapist. There are more characters to keep tabs on and more background to absorb but the pace does move along steadily. There are nice touches of humour here and there that I liked but the suspense and the tension doesn't waver too much. Recommended for crime thriller fans.
This is a crime thriller sequel and I can't believe it is almost two years since I read the previous book, 'A Thin Line'. I liked that one, and happily this one is also a great read. Time has also moved on for John Corbin. Still in Seattle, but now retired and enjoying family life and a new business as a restaurateur. But murder doesn't retire, so the former detective is pulled back into a new case against the best wishes of his wife and therapist. There are more characters to keep tabs on and more background to absorb but the pace does move along steadily. There are nice touches of humour here and there that I liked but the suspense and the tension doesn't waver too much. Recommended for crime thriller fans.
February 3, 2019
This novel is the second in a series about Detective John Corbin. I have not read the first novel, and, while this book functions well as a stand-alone, I suspect I may have had a different perspective on it had I read the initial offering first.
As far as the novel goes, it's a fairly typical offering the in the crime thriller/police procedural genre, featuring a seasoned detective facing off against a serial killer who tortures his victims and taunts law enforcement. The premise and plot have good bones.
Unfortunately, the execution left a lot to be desired for me. I think several more editing passes would have been beneficial to this book. On the surface, there are problems with: plural possessive form, words outright misused, homonym mix-ups, and a lot of redundancies.
There are also deeper problems for me. I think the author should have done more research to avoid factual errors in the following: police procedures, police ranks and responsibilities, superior-subordinate relationships, effects of long-term alcoholism, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and post traumatic stress disorder (how it manifests as well as treatment options and effects). I was also highly skeptical of police officers taking an evening (followed by a day or two off!) to celebrate while a serial killer was still on the loose.
I found the character development to be lacking. I found most of them to be rather hollow and lacking the complexity to feel human - especially the female characters. I also can't recall a physical description of the main character (and several other major players). Including physical descriptions may have given the characters additional individuality (I found many of them were faceless and interchangeable).
There was a lot of extraneous material that really should have been cut to tighten the plot. For example, all the sections written from the serial killer's perspective didn't belong. (We didn't learn anything of significance about the killer, protagonists, or victims, nor did these sections further the action along). There's also a lot of preaching and philosophising that really bogged down the story. A lot of these mini-sermons conveyed attitudes that were easily inferred by the reader based on the actions the characters chose, so these digressions felt like being smashed over the head with a two-by-four.
Some minor formatting adjustments would have been helpful. In the edition I read, there are no spaces between sections when the perspective shifts to a new character. The extra spacing would have helped convey a potential shift - whether it was skipped days in the timeline or a change of character perspective.
Finally, I really didn't have a good understanding of how much time was passing. I didn't feel the author did a good job of showing the seasons changing, or talking about the killer's schedule. At one point, I was shocked to read that six months had passed. (I thought it was about one month - maybe two).
The basic idea for the story is a good one and I believe it did deserve a book treatment. I think this particular book just needs some more work in order to reach its fullest potential.
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
As far as the novel goes, it's a fairly typical offering the in the crime thriller/police procedural genre, featuring a seasoned detective facing off against a serial killer who tortures his victims and taunts law enforcement. The premise and plot have good bones.
Unfortunately, the execution left a lot to be desired for me. I think several more editing passes would have been beneficial to this book. On the surface, there are problems with: plural possessive form, words outright misused, homonym mix-ups, and a lot of redundancies.
There are also deeper problems for me. I think the author should have done more research to avoid factual errors in the following: police procedures, police ranks and responsibilities, superior-subordinate relationships, effects of long-term alcoholism, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and post traumatic stress disorder (how it manifests as well as treatment options and effects). I was also highly skeptical of police officers taking an evening (followed by a day or two off!) to celebrate while a serial killer was still on the loose.
I found the character development to be lacking. I found most of them to be rather hollow and lacking the complexity to feel human - especially the female characters. I also can't recall a physical description of the main character (and several other major players). Including physical descriptions may have given the characters additional individuality (I found many of them were faceless and interchangeable).
There was a lot of extraneous material that really should have been cut to tighten the plot. For example, all the sections written from the serial killer's perspective didn't belong. (We didn't learn anything of significance about the killer, protagonists, or victims, nor did these sections further the action along). There's also a lot of preaching and philosophising that really bogged down the story. A lot of these mini-sermons conveyed attitudes that were easily inferred by the reader based on the actions the characters chose, so these digressions felt like being smashed over the head with a two-by-four.
Some minor formatting adjustments would have been helpful. In the edition I read, there are no spaces between sections when the perspective shifts to a new character. The extra spacing would have helped convey a potential shift - whether it was skipped days in the timeline or a change of character perspective.
Finally, I really didn't have a good understanding of how much time was passing. I didn't feel the author did a good job of showing the seasons changing, or talking about the killer's schedule. At one point, I was shocked to read that six months had passed. (I thought it was about one month - maybe two).
The basic idea for the story is a good one and I believe it did deserve a book treatment. I think this particular book just needs some more work in order to reach its fullest potential.
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
November 4, 2018
Retired detective, John Corbin, lives a pretty happy life in Seattle with his wife and kids. He runs a successful bar/restaurant with a good friend yet he can't quite shake the trauma of an incident that occurred while investigating serial killer, Silas Alvah, a number of years before. But when a new serial killer torments the Seattle area, he makes it apparent he wants John back on the job. Drawn back into a life the thought he'd left behind for good, John Corbin must face his inner demons to stop the killing.
I would have liked to give this story a 3.5, as it has a great premise and the second half rocked, but the first half lacked urgency and the cops and Feds (as portrayed) are not particularly bright. Quite literally the clock is ticking on someone's life and the police are doing a lot of talking, eating, and very little investigating until they receive a clue twelve hours before the victim will be killed. Then they actually do something. When they receive a series of numbers as a clue, they claim the Feds can't help them decipher it. (Sorry, but they aren't that stupid.) Where is the profiler? Why aren't they paying more attention to the fact the killer mentions John by name? A lot of time is spent discussing feelings and taking time off. I'd have liked to seen more show (and police work) and less tell.
The story begins with a great hook and lands us in the heart of the action. There are some nice sub-plots and I can tell that the author is trying to show us more of the personal lives of the detectives, which is great, but it needs to be better balanced with actual investigating to make them believable.
This is the second book in a series, but easily stands on it's own.
I would have liked to give this story a 3.5, as it has a great premise and the second half rocked, but the first half lacked urgency and the cops and Feds (as portrayed) are not particularly bright. Quite literally the clock is ticking on someone's life and the police are doing a lot of talking, eating, and very little investigating until they receive a clue twelve hours before the victim will be killed. Then they actually do something. When they receive a series of numbers as a clue, they claim the Feds can't help them decipher it. (Sorry, but they aren't that stupid.) Where is the profiler? Why aren't they paying more attention to the fact the killer mentions John by name? A lot of time is spent discussing feelings and taking time off. I'd have liked to seen more show (and police work) and less tell.
The story begins with a great hook and lands us in the heart of the action. There are some nice sub-plots and I can tell that the author is trying to show us more of the personal lives of the detectives, which is great, but it needs to be better balanced with actual investigating to make them believable.
This is the second book in a series, but easily stands on it's own.
December 20, 2018
Actually a very good old fashioned serial killer page turner. It will keep you speedily reading along, totally engaged, if you can get past the somewhat “preachy” diversions. I’m just not one for life lessons from a thriller – I expect them to give me horrific imagery and mild nightmares, if they are novel in their approach, and this writer certainly does fulfill those expectations, but with digressions that have the potential to detract from his otherwise very fluid, fast paced style. Definitely a worthwhile read from an author who has a graphic imagination to die for! Though at first, a small picky point that has nothing to do with his obvious grace as a storyteller, it did bother me to see how many times the names John and Johnson appeared on the same page, page after page, for a bit there. You quickly get past the repetition, however, and lose yourself in the plot. Quite the storyteller – would pick up his other work in a heartbeat! Was very happy to have had this chance to read Boiani from Voracious Readers Only.
May 21, 2018
I loved “A Thin Line” not only because of the thrilling plot and intriguing characters but because of the important moral questions it posed for the reader. Naturally, I just had to grab the sequel - “The Redemption” - as soon as it came out, and it certainly didn’t disappoint! The tension was palpable throughout the story as John Corbin, a retired detective, comes face to face with a new serial killer on the prowl, but this time it’s personal.
There wasn’t a dull moment in the entire narration, and new characters came together seamlessly with the old ones. A twisted game of cat and mouse with a deranged maniac was also fascinating to follow, and soon I couldn’t turn pages fast enough to find out if John would outsmart the killer after all, or lose everything trying.
I won’t give away anything else so you can enjoy the story for yourselves but let me tell you, it was great! If you love thrillers and dark reads, this one is definitely for you. Highly recommended!
There wasn’t a dull moment in the entire narration, and new characters came together seamlessly with the old ones. A twisted game of cat and mouse with a deranged maniac was also fascinating to follow, and soon I couldn’t turn pages fast enough to find out if John would outsmart the killer after all, or lose everything trying.
I won’t give away anything else so you can enjoy the story for yourselves but let me tell you, it was great! If you love thrillers and dark reads, this one is definitely for you. Highly recommended!
February 17, 2019
Received a complimentary copy of this novel through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
Although this is a sequel to “A Thin Line” it can be read as a stand alone novel.
A very enjoyable, readable cat and mouse thriller of a story in which the main character, a retired police detective gets drawn back into the force by a serial killer with one particular victim in mind. I hadn’t read the first in the series but the writer,unlike others when writing a sequel, touches only very briefly on the back story so as not to spoil the enjoyment of that novel.
John Corbin, a very likeable character now running a bar, cannot escape his need to protect those around him even when everything he holds dear is threatened.
Throughly enjoyed this plot line with all its twists and turns and will be downloading it’s prequel.
Although this is a sequel to “A Thin Line” it can be read as a stand alone novel.
A very enjoyable, readable cat and mouse thriller of a story in which the main character, a retired police detective gets drawn back into the force by a serial killer with one particular victim in mind. I hadn’t read the first in the series but the writer,unlike others when writing a sequel, touches only very briefly on the back story so as not to spoil the enjoyment of that novel.
John Corbin, a very likeable character now running a bar, cannot escape his need to protect those around him even when everything he holds dear is threatened.
Throughly enjoyed this plot line with all its twists and turns and will be downloading it’s prequel.
June 1, 2019
I loved the first book in this series so I had great expectations for this one. I am glad to say I wasn’t disappointed; this one is just as good. Having read the first one, I was expecting a huge twist and was very pleased with myself when I figured out what is was about half way through. Unfortunately I was completely wrong. Given how book 1 ended, I didn’t see how the author could write a follow-up and I’m delighted to say that he has done a great job of it. It makes sense and flows on well.
This book is thrilling. It had me so close to the edge of my seat I almost fell off. This is a truly great read. The only downside is that I have to wait for the author to finish writing another book before I can read more.
I cannot stress how much I recommend this author.
This book is thrilling. It had me so close to the edge of my seat I almost fell off. This is a truly great read. The only downside is that I have to wait for the author to finish writing another book before I can read more.
I cannot stress how much I recommend this author.
March 30, 2019
A retired detective is forced to jump back into a crime-fighting life when a serial killer decides to toy with him and law enforcement. It's literally a race against the clock! The methods used by the killer are particularly gruesome and stressful, and it was one of the high points of this engrossing thrillers. I found that at first, the police work was a bit light, that more details could have been shown. As a result, we feel like skipping over what is often one of the most interesting aspects of a crime story.
Nevertheless, I had a great time reading this book and I will check the first one in this series!
Nevertheless, I had a great time reading this book and I will check the first one in this series!
August 6, 2018
Using the tick-tock, countdown method of time only added to the already present thrill and suspense in this fast-paced story. Believable characters and unexpected twists and turns keep the pages flipping. Get ready to remain "on the edge of your seat" as you follow the gripping journey retired detective, John Corbin, finds himself taking. There is a great balance of heart-warming friendships, humor, and realism, but the tension remains throughout all the while. I highly recommend this high-voltage thriller. It was a great read.
December 19, 2018
This book is by far the most riveting story I’ve read in a long time. I like crime scenes and all the gruesome stuff that goes along with being a cop. Cops don’t get all the glory they deserve for the dregs of life they are thrown into on a daily basis. This story gets right to the heart of a policeman that spends his days and nights trying to bring justice back to his home town. I totally recommend this book to everyone. I think every person should have the opportunity to read the story behind the headlines.
December 15, 2021
Psychopaths are not normal, but this one actually teases John Corbin into a chase. Does Silas Alvah want to be caught, or delight in knowing the best of the best can’t snare him? The detective, retired from the Seattle police force on health grounds, cannot resist the challenge, and returns to duty. His wife is against it... his therapist disapproves... his family are endangered... and he has a bar to run, or who will?
A well-written, well-rounded story about people so real they step off the page. Loved it.
Sarah Stuart – Readers’ Favorite Reviewer
A well-written, well-rounded story about people so real they step off the page. Loved it.
Sarah Stuart – Readers’ Favorite Reviewer
July 8, 2018
Wow! "The Redemption" was a frighteningly good novel. It definitely gave me the creeps, in a good way. David Boiani intrigued me on the first page and held me captive throughout. The characters were well developed, especially John Corbin, with his flaws. I love the developing deadly puzzles and the terrifying tick of the clock. I recommend every mystery/thriller reader to take a look at this novel. You won't be disappointed.
February 18, 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only and the author.
This book was a grip you by the heart, high action and heart stopping book. I could not put it down. I had to find out who was doing the abductions and whether each person who was abducted would be saved. I loved John's character and will have to find the first book, "The Thin Line", so I can see what caused him to retire in the first place. I hope that there are more novels to come.
This book was a grip you by the heart, high action and heart stopping book. I could not put it down. I had to find out who was doing the abductions and whether each person who was abducted would be saved. I loved John's character and will have to find the first book, "The Thin Line", so I can see what caused him to retire in the first place. I hope that there are more novels to come.
June 16, 2022
Book 2 of the Thin Line Series.
John is running a successful restaurant with his partner Red but gets dragged out of retirement to resume his former detective job with the police. He has a new rookie hot shot partner. The serial killer in this case sets up elaborate execution scenes that are streamed online from a camera. John is mentioned and is taunted. John’s wife, Julie is a nurse. His return to policing places a severe strain on their marriage.
John is running a successful restaurant with his partner Red but gets dragged out of retirement to resume his former detective job with the police. He has a new rookie hot shot partner. The serial killer in this case sets up elaborate execution scenes that are streamed online from a camera. John is mentioned and is taunted. John’s wife, Julie is a nurse. His return to policing places a severe strain on their marriage.
August 30, 2018
Seattle Sounds
John Corbin cannot resist the challenge of finding a serial killer, but when his family gets involved, life turns into a nightmare. Should he stop or should he carry on? A nail-biting story of a psychopath who loves to taunt, and a cop who just will not give up. Recommended.
September 12, 2018
I loved the fast pace throughout this book, the tense story that never waned. I loved the investigation part with the character, Corbin, and his methods. I enjoyed the Seattle background and the way the backdrop became part of the storyline.
Great writing with an edge of the seat feel.
5 stars. Recommended.
December 6, 2020
I know this is a thriller, but I was happily surprised at how the story kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through.
Detective Corbin returns after being lured back into action by a perp. That's only the beginning of his interest in the cases as things turn personal quickly.
A real nail bitter - seriously mine are shorter than ever before!
Detective Corbin returns after being lured back into action by a perp. That's only the beginning of his interest in the cases as things turn personal quickly.
A real nail bitter - seriously mine are shorter than ever before!
May 25, 2018
Great novel. If you like shows like NCIS or Castle, you'll love this book! The villain is horrid, twisting the mc up into knots as he leads him on a game of cat and mouse. The writing, plot, and character development is all excellent.
July 12, 2018
Well-written and Cleverly Plotted
So often sequels are disappointing, but this one holds its own against past books by this author. This is a dark story of unspeakable crime, but it is balanced with lighter fare found in family relationships and friendship. I recommend this book highly.
So often sequels are disappointing, but this one holds its own against past books by this author. This is a dark story of unspeakable crime, but it is balanced with lighter fare found in family relationships and friendship. I recommend this book highly.
December 24, 2018
Loved it. The storyline is simple enough to easily follow yet totally original as well. Twists and turns to leave you guessing but quick. It flows from scene to scene and I am a fan of small to the point chapters. An author to follow and a book to recommend to all thriller fans. I love the characters and the raw truth that they display throughout. I won’t forget this one in a hurry.
December 25, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Voracious Readers in return for my honest review
This was certainly a page turner from the off you were pulled into the storyline. Good characters and a very good storyline. Will look out for more in the series
This was certainly a page turner from the off you were pulled into the storyline. Good characters and a very good storyline. Will look out for more in the series
January 5, 2019
I didnt realise this was part of a series when i first started to read it but it does fine as a standalone book. I really liked this story. Twisty and action to boot 😁.
Book given free by author vua voraciousreadersonly.
Book given free by author vua voraciousreadersonly.
January 20, 2019
A ticking-clock nail biter.
A burned-out detective suffering from PTSD is pulled back on the job when a serial killer draws him into to his terrifying game. I was terrified to read what came next and I couldn’t put it down. This is a very chilling crime thriller. Great read.
A burned-out detective suffering from PTSD is pulled back on the job when a serial killer draws him into to his terrifying game. I was terrified to read what came next and I couldn’t put it down. This is a very chilling crime thriller. Great read.
February 18, 2019
Captivating from the very start. A total thriller leaving you hanging till the very end. Great read.
May 3, 2019
I loved it. A fast paced action thriller. David Boiani has done a wonderful job of keeping the story interesting with captivating twists. A must read for anyone, but not for the weak.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews