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Unbalanced
By-the-book Detective Asante Royo can only clean up Fall River’s filth for so long without getting dirty. When he’s called to an apparent suicide at an apartment complex notorious for its prostitution and drug trade, he doesn’t shed a tear for the life wasted. Yet something about the scene haunts him, and when his investigation gets swept under the rug, he has a hard time living with the stain.
Jaden Sanders is an unstable loner who lives across the hall from the crime scene. When three men break into his apartment, Jaden is ready for a fight. He kills two of his attackers in self-defense then stalks and stabs the third in the back. Jaden is soon arrested for murder.
With no clear motives for the home invasion or Jaden’s violent response, Royo must uncover the true story before more people get hurt. His only leads are derived from the version of events extracted from a truly unbalanced mind. Is Jaden a victim being steamrolled by cold justice or a murderer capable of killing again?
Jaden Sanders is an unstable loner who lives across the hall from the crime scene. When three men break into his apartment, Jaden is ready for a fight. He kills two of his attackers in self-defense then stalks and stabs the third in the back. Jaden is soon arrested for murder.
With no clear motives for the home invasion or Jaden’s violent response, Royo must uncover the true story before more people get hurt. His only leads are derived from the version of events extracted from a truly unbalanced mind. Is Jaden a victim being steamrolled by cold justice or a murderer capable of killing again?
1 pages, Audio CD
First published April 4, 2022
17 people are currently reading
2277 people want to read
About the author
Jason Parent
50 books690 followersIn his head, Jason Parent lives in many places, but in the real world, he calls New England his home. The region offers an abundance of settings for his writing and many wonderful places in which to write them. He currently resides in Southeastern Massachusetts with his cuddly corgi named Calypso.
In a prior life, Jason spent most of his time in front of a judge . . . as a civil litigator. When he finally tired of Latin phrases no one knew how to pronounce and explaining to people that real lawsuits are not started, tried and finalized within the 60-minute timeframe they see on TV (it's harassing the witness; no one throws vicious woodland creatures at them), he traded in his cheap suits for flip flops and designer stubble. The flops got repossessed the next day, and he's back in the legal field . . . sorta. But that's another story.
When he's not working, Jason likes to kayak, catch a movie, travel any place that will let him enter, and play just about any sport (except that ball tied to the pole thing where you basically just whack the ball until it twists into a knot or takes somebody's head off - he misses the appeal). And read and write, of course. He does that too sometimes.
Please visit the author on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJasonP..., on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AuthorJasParent, or at his website, http://authorjasonparent.com/, for information regarding upcoming events or releases, or if you have any questions or comments for him.
In a prior life, Jason spent most of his time in front of a judge . . . as a civil litigator. When he finally tired of Latin phrases no one knew how to pronounce and explaining to people that real lawsuits are not started, tried and finalized within the 60-minute timeframe they see on TV (it's harassing the witness; no one throws vicious woodland creatures at them), he traded in his cheap suits for flip flops and designer stubble. The flops got repossessed the next day, and he's back in the legal field . . . sorta. But that's another story.
When he's not working, Jason likes to kayak, catch a movie, travel any place that will let him enter, and play just about any sport (except that ball tied to the pole thing where you basically just whack the ball until it twists into a knot or takes somebody's head off - he misses the appeal). And read and write, of course. He does that too sometimes.
Please visit the author on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJasonP..., on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AuthorJasParent, or at his website, http://authorjasonparent.com/, for information regarding upcoming events or releases, or if you have any questions or comments for him.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 11, 2022
UNBALANCED is one hell of a mystery/police procedural with a bit of mental illness issues, drug dealing, and a home invasion thrown in for good measure!
Detective Royo is investigating a supposed suicide in an apartment building. He notes a few inconsistencies but because the case was ruled a suicide, he put his doubts in his back pocket and moved on. Not too long after that, Jaden, the neighbor across the hall from the suicide, experiences a home invasion in which he got the upper hand. Detective Royo is back, with a rookie partner, to investigate what happened at Jaden's home and why. Will Detective Royo unravel the mystery of the suicide? Will Jaden be held responsible for the injuries to the home invaders? You'll have to read this to find out!
Due to Jason Parent's writing style, I virtually flew through this book. With each chapter ending on such a note that the reader is motivated to just keep reading. One more chapter, one more chapter... and before you know it it's midnight!
I particularly liked Royo and Jaden. Royo because I pictured him as that hound dog that just won't let go of a scent. He didn't forget those inconsistencies and he never would. I liked Jaden because he was such a sympathetic character. With mental health issues which had previously caused him to be hospitalized, (and abused while hospitalized), I couldn't help but root for the guy.
Jason Parent is an author I've read before and no matter the genre in which he is writing, I always know the story will be good. I think the writing of his characters has improved quite a lot over the years, creating a bond between the reader and them. Once that bond has been created, he then puts these people through the wringer. Jason? Take a bow!
It is my feeling that this is Jason's best book so far, at least out of the ones I've read, and it is also my feeling that one day Jason Parent will be a household name!
Highly recommended!
*Thank you to the author for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
Detective Royo is investigating a supposed suicide in an apartment building. He notes a few inconsistencies but because the case was ruled a suicide, he put his doubts in his back pocket and moved on. Not too long after that, Jaden, the neighbor across the hall from the suicide, experiences a home invasion in which he got the upper hand. Detective Royo is back, with a rookie partner, to investigate what happened at Jaden's home and why. Will Detective Royo unravel the mystery of the suicide? Will Jaden be held responsible for the injuries to the home invaders? You'll have to read this to find out!
Due to Jason Parent's writing style, I virtually flew through this book. With each chapter ending on such a note that the reader is motivated to just keep reading. One more chapter, one more chapter... and before you know it it's midnight!
I particularly liked Royo and Jaden. Royo because I pictured him as that hound dog that just won't let go of a scent. He didn't forget those inconsistencies and he never would. I liked Jaden because he was such a sympathetic character. With mental health issues which had previously caused him to be hospitalized, (and abused while hospitalized), I couldn't help but root for the guy.
Jason Parent is an author I've read before and no matter the genre in which he is writing, I always know the story will be good. I think the writing of his characters has improved quite a lot over the years, creating a bond between the reader and them. Once that bond has been created, he then puts these people through the wringer. Jason? Take a bow!
It is my feeling that this is Jason's best book so far, at least out of the ones I've read, and it is also my feeling that one day Jason Parent will be a household name!
Highly recommended!
*Thank you to the author for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
May 15, 2022
The story opens in the aftermath of a possible suicide when Detective Royo notices a few things about the scene that seem suspicious. From there we plunge into a mystery/thriller when Jaden Sanders, the victim's boyfriend who lives across the hall becomes a victim of a home invasion. Jaden manages to kill his attackers but is later charged with murder.
Jaden was a fascinating character and I was more interested in his story line than I was in the detective work. He had suffered a breakdown after the death of his girlfriend and was still not very stable after his release from the psych hospital.
As a rule you probably know by now I do not generally read detective stories, but as a fan of several of this author's previous works I was more than happy to dive into this novel. I also confess to having watched more than a few trials on court tv so the courtroom aspects of this novel were kind of a guilty pleasure for me.
The mystery of what, if anything the break in had to do with the death of Jaden's girlfriend kept me guessing at whether Jaden was the bad guy or the target.
This is the fifth title I have read by this author and although my preference is for his horror stories I enjoyed this twisty thriller.
My thanks to Jason Parent for the finished paperback.
Jaden was a fascinating character and I was more interested in his story line than I was in the detective work. He had suffered a breakdown after the death of his girlfriend and was still not very stable after his release from the psych hospital.
As a rule you probably know by now I do not generally read detective stories, but as a fan of several of this author's previous works I was more than happy to dive into this novel. I also confess to having watched more than a few trials on court tv so the courtroom aspects of this novel were kind of a guilty pleasure for me.
The mystery of what, if anything the break in had to do with the death of Jaden's girlfriend kept me guessing at whether Jaden was the bad guy or the target.
This is the fifth title I have read by this author and although my preference is for his horror stories I enjoyed this twisty thriller.
My thanks to Jason Parent for the finished paperback.
May 26, 2022
I love the character of Royo, and his life partner, Rickie, who is a bit flamboyant. I read about his purple Lycra pants and smiled at the picture that formed in my head. It reminds me of a couple of gay friends I had when I lived in Michigan. I have been reading about more diverse characters in the past year and am glad I have expanded my reading genres. Royo is incorruptible and loves nothing more than putting the pieces of a crime together, like a jigsaw puzzle.
Jaden lives across the hall from the dead woman. There is so much to Jaden’s story that I am not even going to try and tell it. I will tell you, my heart aches for him. His sister is his sole support system, since the death of his girlfriend. The more I read, the more I fear for his sanity. He is Unbalanced, but I do not see him being the cause of her death…but ya never know. Does he take his medication? Is it helping or harming him? I am so suspicious of the doctor, but I won’t tell you why. You will have to find out for yourself, and I do recommend doing so.
Prosecutor Heather Laughton is out to make a name for herself and is throwing Jaden to the wolves, when he kills the men who invaded his home. I felt disgusted and angry.
As more is revealed, I bounce back and forth about Jaden. Something wicked is going on and I need more pieces of the puzzle. My heart was in my throat through most of the book. The suspense, pacing and my need to know drove me on, searching for answers, wanting to protect him and take down those who wished him harm.
I read so many great books it’s hard for me to get so riled. I am only halfway through and I am so poed for him. I cannot imagine what I would do in Jayden’s place, but I doubt I could keep from standing up and losing it in front of one and all.
At times I felt Royo was like Columbo, bumbling and tenacious, like a dog with a bone. He won’t stop until he has the answers. I felt he was on Jayden’s side, but why doesn’t he follow the questions he has? What’s taking him so long to open his eyes, see their importance? I feel Jason Parent is torturing me…and Jaden. LOL He sure knows how to get my blood pumping, my heart pounding. Even when I had doubts, I felt Jason Parent was leading me where he wanted me to go.
Officer Megan Costa is a new recruit who Royo remembers from the a class he taught at the Academy. She is bright, diligent, not afraid to share her opinion. I would love to see more of her. Royo, I liked even more at the end. I know Jason Parent does stand alone novels and I have only seen him do one series, the Cycle Of Evil, but…
What do you think Jason? Could there be another story for Royo and Costa?
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Unbalanced by Jason Parent.
Jaden lives across the hall from the dead woman. There is so much to Jaden’s story that I am not even going to try and tell it. I will tell you, my heart aches for him. His sister is his sole support system, since the death of his girlfriend. The more I read, the more I fear for his sanity. He is Unbalanced, but I do not see him being the cause of her death…but ya never know. Does he take his medication? Is it helping or harming him? I am so suspicious of the doctor, but I won’t tell you why. You will have to find out for yourself, and I do recommend doing so.
Prosecutor Heather Laughton is out to make a name for herself and is throwing Jaden to the wolves, when he kills the men who invaded his home. I felt disgusted and angry.
As more is revealed, I bounce back and forth about Jaden. Something wicked is going on and I need more pieces of the puzzle. My heart was in my throat through most of the book. The suspense, pacing and my need to know drove me on, searching for answers, wanting to protect him and take down those who wished him harm.
I read so many great books it’s hard for me to get so riled. I am only halfway through and I am so poed for him. I cannot imagine what I would do in Jayden’s place, but I doubt I could keep from standing up and losing it in front of one and all.
At times I felt Royo was like Columbo, bumbling and tenacious, like a dog with a bone. He won’t stop until he has the answers. I felt he was on Jayden’s side, but why doesn’t he follow the questions he has? What’s taking him so long to open his eyes, see their importance? I feel Jason Parent is torturing me…and Jaden. LOL He sure knows how to get my blood pumping, my heart pounding. Even when I had doubts, I felt Jason Parent was leading me where he wanted me to go.
Officer Megan Costa is a new recruit who Royo remembers from the a class he taught at the Academy. She is bright, diligent, not afraid to share her opinion. I would love to see more of her. Royo, I liked even more at the end. I know Jason Parent does stand alone novels and I have only seen him do one series, the Cycle Of Evil, but…
What do you think Jason? Could there be another story for Royo and Costa?
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Unbalanced by Jason Parent.
April 27, 2022
The last two reads from Jason that I’ve read have been both really well done, but also completely different in totally different genres. ‘The Apocalypse Strain’ was straight up Sci-Fi Horror goodness and ‘Eight Cylinders’ was a rock ‘n rolling Cosmic Horror novella. Sure sure, both were ‘horror,’ at the end of the day, but they were so far removed from each other that it worked really well to showcase Parent’s versatility.
Which brings me to ‘Unbalanced,’ Parent’s newest and latest dark fiction piece. We go from Cosmic Horror chaos and Sci-Fi terror to a dark, gritty crime piece filled with confusing claustrophobic bits and a wholly unsettling environment.
When this was announced, I was so excited for it – which may sound weird as in the past I’ve discussed my difficulties with crime fiction/detective stories – but knowing Parent was firing on all (oh lord) cylinders (I’m so sorry for that), I knew he’d deliver.
What I liked: ‘Unbalanced’ starts off with an unsettling opening and rapidly progresses into a chaotic twisting and turning of events. Parent does a great job of keeping us guessing while also seemingly giving us everything we need on a silver platter (only to frequently slam the serving lid down).
The story focuses on two main characters, Detective Royo and Jaden Sanders. After, what appears to be, a random attempted home invasion at Sanders apartment, Royo begins to try and piece things together. It was interesting to see Sanders character bounce back and forth between with it and not with it and I’d suspect that maybe this was Parent’s toughest aspect to write.
The added developments really work to highlight the scattered plot that rolls along throughout the entire story. It’s a tough thing to really describe and stay spoiler free while also still saying – it’s one of the main reasons why you should dive into this novel.
What I didn’t like: Look, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I do struggle with crime fiction and especially the ‘years beaten down’ officer/detective trope. I did find Royo to be a fresh take on this, but there were still times when I groaned at some dialogue (not that it was bad, just expected), as there are always things you can expect to be said during interrogations etc.
Why you should buy this: Parent continues to show his versatility and his ability to craft truly memorable characters and plots. This one will stand out from the normal gritty-crime novels because of the way Parent attacks the characters and the intricately woven plotlines and themes that crisscross from page one until the very end.
Another outstanding release from Jason and one I hope you’ll all grab and immediately push to the top of your TBR.
Which brings me to ‘Unbalanced,’ Parent’s newest and latest dark fiction piece. We go from Cosmic Horror chaos and Sci-Fi terror to a dark, gritty crime piece filled with confusing claustrophobic bits and a wholly unsettling environment.
When this was announced, I was so excited for it – which may sound weird as in the past I’ve discussed my difficulties with crime fiction/detective stories – but knowing Parent was firing on all (oh lord) cylinders (I’m so sorry for that), I knew he’d deliver.
What I liked: ‘Unbalanced’ starts off with an unsettling opening and rapidly progresses into a chaotic twisting and turning of events. Parent does a great job of keeping us guessing while also seemingly giving us everything we need on a silver platter (only to frequently slam the serving lid down).
The story focuses on two main characters, Detective Royo and Jaden Sanders. After, what appears to be, a random attempted home invasion at Sanders apartment, Royo begins to try and piece things together. It was interesting to see Sanders character bounce back and forth between with it and not with it and I’d suspect that maybe this was Parent’s toughest aspect to write.
The added developments really work to highlight the scattered plot that rolls along throughout the entire story. It’s a tough thing to really describe and stay spoiler free while also still saying – it’s one of the main reasons why you should dive into this novel.
What I didn’t like: Look, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I do struggle with crime fiction and especially the ‘years beaten down’ officer/detective trope. I did find Royo to be a fresh take on this, but there were still times when I groaned at some dialogue (not that it was bad, just expected), as there are always things you can expect to be said during interrogations etc.
Why you should buy this: Parent continues to show his versatility and his ability to craft truly memorable characters and plots. This one will stand out from the normal gritty-crime novels because of the way Parent attacks the characters and the intricately woven plotlines and themes that crisscross from page one until the very end.
Another outstanding release from Jason and one I hope you’ll all grab and immediately push to the top of your TBR.
April 10, 2022
Story 3.5/
Narration 5/5
Narration 5/5
March 31, 2022
Full Disclosure – I was provided a copy of the book by the author or their representative, however, have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
Unbalanced is scheduled for an April 5 2022 release.
Through the eyes of an unstable mind
Detective Asante Royo has seen more than his share of crime scenes. Having worked with the Fall River PD for many years, he is no stranger to the troubles plaguing his city. When he and his partner are called to the scene of an apparent suicide in an apartment complex known for its seedy characters and even seedier deeds, something does not sit well with him. The scene is too clean, possibly staged but with the ME ruling the death as a suicide, the case is quickly closed, and life goes on. Fast forward 8 months later, and Royo and Costa are called to the same complex where the tenant across the hall has now killed three people in an apparent home invasion. Is Jaden Sanders a hero, or a murderer? Royo attempts to unravel the pieces but keeps getting called back to the case from eight months prior. While on the surface, the cases seem to be worlds apart, but the more the detective digs the more the pieces start to fall together. With Sanders showing signs of serious mental illness and with all evidence pointing to him as the perpetrator in not only his case, but the suicide case from almost a year earlier, Royo and Costa begin to see that this puzzle may have more pieces than they have ever imagined.
Unbalanced is the newest book by author Jason Parent and is the third title that I have read by this author. After having previously read and enjoyed They Feed, and The Apocalypse Strain I was eager to jump into another title by Parent. Unbalanced, is nothing like the other titles that I have read. Where They Feed had a classic horror, things that go bump . . cabin in the woods sort of feel, and Apocalypse Strain delving into a viral outbreak at a research center, Unbalanced can loosely be considered a “police procedural”. But even attempting to categorize Unbalanced into a genre it still takes that label and turns it inside out. While most police-type books focus mainly on the case, the suspects, and the act of sussing out and nabbing the bad guy no thought is ever given to the legal side of the process. Parent has included this as an almost seamless portion of the narrative and this approach was refreshing and enhanced the story. I found myself looking forward to the courtroom scenes almost as much if not more than Royo and Costa’s continued attempts to uncover the truth. For those who are looking for a fast-moving police thriller unlike anything you have ever read before, Unbalanced would be a great title for you. And with this third title by Jason Parent under my belt, I am looking forward to reading more that this diversely talented author has to offer.
Unbalanced is scheduled for an April 5 2022 release.
Through the eyes of an unstable mind
Detective Asante Royo has seen more than his share of crime scenes. Having worked with the Fall River PD for many years, he is no stranger to the troubles plaguing his city. When he and his partner are called to the scene of an apparent suicide in an apartment complex known for its seedy characters and even seedier deeds, something does not sit well with him. The scene is too clean, possibly staged but with the ME ruling the death as a suicide, the case is quickly closed, and life goes on. Fast forward 8 months later, and Royo and Costa are called to the same complex where the tenant across the hall has now killed three people in an apparent home invasion. Is Jaden Sanders a hero, or a murderer? Royo attempts to unravel the pieces but keeps getting called back to the case from eight months prior. While on the surface, the cases seem to be worlds apart, but the more the detective digs the more the pieces start to fall together. With Sanders showing signs of serious mental illness and with all evidence pointing to him as the perpetrator in not only his case, but the suicide case from almost a year earlier, Royo and Costa begin to see that this puzzle may have more pieces than they have ever imagined.
Unbalanced is the newest book by author Jason Parent and is the third title that I have read by this author. After having previously read and enjoyed They Feed, and The Apocalypse Strain I was eager to jump into another title by Parent. Unbalanced, is nothing like the other titles that I have read. Where They Feed had a classic horror, things that go bump . . cabin in the woods sort of feel, and Apocalypse Strain delving into a viral outbreak at a research center, Unbalanced can loosely be considered a “police procedural”. But even attempting to categorize Unbalanced into a genre it still takes that label and turns it inside out. While most police-type books focus mainly on the case, the suspects, and the act of sussing out and nabbing the bad guy no thought is ever given to the legal side of the process. Parent has included this as an almost seamless portion of the narrative and this approach was refreshing and enhanced the story. I found myself looking forward to the courtroom scenes almost as much if not more than Royo and Costa’s continued attempts to uncover the truth. For those who are looking for a fast-moving police thriller unlike anything you have ever read before, Unbalanced would be a great title for you. And with this third title by Jason Parent under my belt, I am looking forward to reading more that this diversely talented author has to offer.
April 9, 2022
As the description explains, there are four deaths and two different cases that detective Asante Royo is working on in this story. One of these is a case already closed as an apparent suicide, yet that resolution never sat quite right with Royo. Then this new one, borderline in some respects, but a case of three dead that he sees as a valid instance of self-defense, in spite of what the prosecutor says.
This was an intense story that kept me guessing, as I’d hope from this kind of tale. Even when I thought I knew who had actually done what, there was still a question as to whether the ending would be satisfying, which kept me engaged. But what set this book apart from many I’ve read was that those I perceived as the good guys (or gals) were much more flawed than the stereotypical good guy, sometimes crossing lines I wished they hadn’t. At times I found myself sympathizing with the bad guys (or those I perceived as fitting that category). At least a few of the characters kept me guessing as to which category they actually belonged in. Then the ending had a twist I’d have never predicted which brought us to a conclusion I by then expected although with no idea how we were going to get there. What a ride.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
This was an intense story that kept me guessing, as I’d hope from this kind of tale. Even when I thought I knew who had actually done what, there was still a question as to whether the ending would be satisfying, which kept me engaged. But what set this book apart from many I’ve read was that those I perceived as the good guys (or gals) were much more flawed than the stereotypical good guy, sometimes crossing lines I wished they hadn’t. At times I found myself sympathizing with the bad guys (or those I perceived as fitting that category). At least a few of the characters kept me guessing as to which category they actually belonged in. Then the ending had a twist I’d have never predicted which brought us to a conclusion I by then expected although with no idea how we were going to get there. What a ride.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
April 9, 2022
This one had me guessing until the end. A bit of a different book for Jason but I loved it all the same. Check it out!
August 1, 2022
All my reviews can be found at: http//www.jessicasreadingroom.com
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This review will appear on my site on August 10th, 2022.
~~~~
We have murders, an apparent suicide, and more in this police procedural/ thriller from Ja-son Parent. The novel starts fast and doesn’t ever really drop. First, we have a suicide and then months later in the apartment across the hall a home invasion where the victim killed his attackers. Or did they actually end up being victims themselves? We have Detective Royo who responded to both calls. We also have Jaden Sanders who lives in the apartment and defended himself... Or did he?
What seems as separate cases may actually not be and then we have a case of an unrelia-ble narrator. Once I realized that was the case I got nervous, since those types of books are hit or miss for me. Fortunately, this one was not a miss! I was intrigued the whole time and looked forward to what was going to happen next. I was intrigued with Jaden and did he defend himself, is it some kind of mental illness or was he actually a killer? I had differing opinions throughout the read. The courtroom scenes were great! I also liked Royo and would enjoy another book with him in it.
If you like thrillers, police procedurals, court cases, then you might want to check out Unbal-anced!
I was sent an audiobook copy to listen to and review from the author. Many thanks for the chance to introduce yourself to a new reader/listener!
~~~~
This review will appear on my site on August 10th, 2022.
~~~~
We have murders, an apparent suicide, and more in this police procedural/ thriller from Ja-son Parent. The novel starts fast and doesn’t ever really drop. First, we have a suicide and then months later in the apartment across the hall a home invasion where the victim killed his attackers. Or did they actually end up being victims themselves? We have Detective Royo who responded to both calls. We also have Jaden Sanders who lives in the apartment and defended himself... Or did he?
What seems as separate cases may actually not be and then we have a case of an unrelia-ble narrator. Once I realized that was the case I got nervous, since those types of books are hit or miss for me. Fortunately, this one was not a miss! I was intrigued the whole time and looked forward to what was going to happen next. I was intrigued with Jaden and did he defend himself, is it some kind of mental illness or was he actually a killer? I had differing opinions throughout the read. The courtroom scenes were great! I also liked Royo and would enjoy another book with him in it.
If you like thrillers, police procedurals, court cases, then you might want to check out Unbal-anced!
I was sent an audiobook copy to listen to and review from the author. Many thanks for the chance to introduce yourself to a new reader/listener!
June 11, 2023
This book had me hooked from the beginning! I really enjoyed the characters, especially Jaden and Detective Royo. Royo is clearly a great detective who is very thorough and looks well beyond any initial clues. Jaden's character is very well developed, and I appreciate the author giving so much detail of his life and his mental illness. The mystery unfolds well, and the inner dialogue of Jaden is at times comical, which was a nice change of pace. The dialogue within the courtroom scenes were very realistic and believable, which I really enjoyed. I really didn't see the ending coming, but appreciated how well the loose ends were tied up. This is a fast paced and intriguing read and I definitely recommend!
January 18, 2023
4.5
Book source ~ Won in Goodreads giveaway
Something weird and dangerous is going on in the apartment building where Jaden Sanders lives. When the woman across the hall from him commits suicide Detective Royo is assigned the case with a rookie police officer. The scene doesn’t look right, but they can’t place their finger on what’s wrong. So the coroner rules it a suicide and they all move on with their lives. Until three guys break into Jaden’s apartment forcing him to defend himself. Jaden’s mental health, always precarious, takes a horrible turn for the worse and now he’s being tried for murder. Royo doesn’t believe Jaden did anything wrong defending himself, but he feels as if something else is going on. It bugs him. So he starts digging. And what he uncovers surprises him.
Wow. This is one hell of a book. Poor Jaden. This is a guy who just can’t catch a break. Just when he’s getting a handle on his mental health something comes along to derail him. His struggles seem very real. I was beginning to doubt what was going on. It’s like dropping down a rabbit hole. I really like the characters, especially Detective Royo and his rookie officer, Megan Costa, who don’t take the easy road when it’s offered to them. This whole book upset me, especially the ending. WTF?! It’s disturbing and horrifying and a totally awesome read. I highly recommend it.
Book source ~ Won in Goodreads giveaway
Something weird and dangerous is going on in the apartment building where Jaden Sanders lives. When the woman across the hall from him commits suicide Detective Royo is assigned the case with a rookie police officer. The scene doesn’t look right, but they can’t place their finger on what’s wrong. So the coroner rules it a suicide and they all move on with their lives. Until three guys break into Jaden’s apartment forcing him to defend himself. Jaden’s mental health, always precarious, takes a horrible turn for the worse and now he’s being tried for murder. Royo doesn’t believe Jaden did anything wrong defending himself, but he feels as if something else is going on. It bugs him. So he starts digging. And what he uncovers surprises him.
Wow. This is one hell of a book. Poor Jaden. This is a guy who just can’t catch a break. Just when he’s getting a handle on his mental health something comes along to derail him. His struggles seem very real. I was beginning to doubt what was going on. It’s like dropping down a rabbit hole. I really like the characters, especially Detective Royo and his rookie officer, Megan Costa, who don’t take the easy road when it’s offered to them. This whole book upset me, especially the ending. WTF?! It’s disturbing and horrifying and a totally awesome read. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews