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L.A. #4
L.A. Bytes
Malicious hackers break into Ste. Anne's hospital and alter records, resulting in a patient's death. Chris Bellamere is hired to track them down. It soon becomes obvious this cracker is only starting. Can Chris stop him before he brings a cyber Armageddon down on the city of Angels?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2010
4 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
P.A. Brown
35 books127 followersPat Brown, writing as P.A. Brown, is the author of the Chris and David police procedural novels featuring LAPD homicide detective David Eric Laine and his lover, computer network engineer Christopher Bellamere. In L. A. Heat the first in the series, David is an uptight, in the closet cop living a life of denial and dark secrets he will protect at all costs. Then his life becomes entwined with Chris who is a suspect in the brutal slayings of young gay men. Neither of them ever expected to find love. L.A. Heat was followed by L.A. Mischief which follow Chris and David as they try to reconcile their vast differences and forge their relationship into one of true love. In L.A. Boneyard, a dark thriller that moves from the bright streets of West Hollywood to the gang ridden streets of East L.A. All the while David faces the temptation of his sexy new partner, Jairo Hernandez.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
dnf
March 23, 2014I just wanted to read this book, yes I already bought it. And what is there, on one of the first pages of the book? The following:
2013 Edition - Revised, Re-edited, and Redesigned (Previously published under the title L.A. Bytes)
Yes, I already read that book, when it was released a few years back. I'm not amused that this wasn't mentioned anywhere when I bought this book. I feel ripped off!
Not a happy camper right now, nope.
ETA: Yes, you can say it's my own damn fault not to realize the similarity between both blurbs, but sorry! I read lots of books and somehow stuff just gets lost. *pats myself on the head*
2013 Edition - Revised, Re-edited, and Redesigned (Previously published under the title L.A. Bytes)
Yes, I already read that book, when it was released a few years back. I'm not amused that this wasn't mentioned anywhere when I bought this book. I feel ripped off!
Not a happy camper right now, nope.
ETA: Yes, you can say it's my own damn fault not to realize the similarity between both blurbs, but sorry! I read lots of books and somehow stuff just gets lost. *pats myself on the head*
March 2, 2010
I totally fall in love with Chris and David, so I look forward to reading this 4th book. I very much welcome the spotlight on Chris. From the previous books, I feel that it is more on David. He IS the cop and I already know how he is when he wants to protect Chris. But in this book (they are now married for 18 months), I love how I learn more about Chris's expertise. Though most of the times I have no idea what he is talking about when he talks computer technical *g*. But I can see how smart he is and how determine he is when he feels the threat is on to David. It's a nice change.
In addition to that, I think the mystery is very good, even if the culprit is revealed not in the last chapter but I totally enjoy how they closing on him. I'm a bit annoyed with the Muslim being a terrorist (again, *sigh*) but having fun with my country (Indonesia) being mentioned a couple of times as the coffee that Chris likes to drink. Also enjoy Martinez back as David's partner. Still don't know how P.A. Brown is going with on-again-off-again Des and Trevor.
I LOVE this series and can't wait for the next one. Don't know when it will be, but I think there'll be a 5th book in the near future
In addition to that, I think the mystery is very good, even if the culprit is revealed not in the last chapter but I totally enjoy how they closing on him. I'm a bit annoyed with the Muslim being a terrorist (again, *sigh*) but having fun with my country (Indonesia) being mentioned a couple of times as the coffee that Chris likes to drink. Also enjoy Martinez back as David's partner. Still don't know how P.A. Brown is going with on-again-off-again Des and Trevor.
I LOVE this series and can't wait for the next one. Don't know when it will be, but I think there'll be a 5th book in the near future
August 17, 2010
3.5 stars
The 3rd novel in the series focuses more on Chris than cop David. Although there is a murder mystery and a homeland security threat, the source is computer orientated so Chris is right in the mix. Well researched and detailed, almost too much included which may make some readers’ eyes glaze over, the action is quick paced and intricate. This isn’t a whodunit so much as a story in how to catch the bad guy without getting yourself killed along the way. The characters are always fun to revisit and their relationship is nicely set up for a ride into the sunset. Not all of the action makes sense and the characters, Chris especially, take huge leaps that don’t follow logic or character but these are minor and fans of the series will enjoy the newest offering.
The plot, as always with Brown’s police procedurals, is tightly written with a lot of detail. The story centers on what is essentially a terrorist attack but with a more sophisticated style, using computers this time. As David struggles to find the connection between his own personal stalker and a murder he’s investigating, Chris is trying to get to the bottom of a hacker problem at the nearby hospital. Although the events seem unconnected, the threads soon come together to show a bigger, more sinister picture. Clearly well researched, the story isn’t afraid to throw in technical computer jargon and a lot of it. There is definitely too much in some scenes and the story could have swept by without the side track conversations in a seeming foreign language. However the fast pace and good action helps carry the story through these slower, plodding details. The city of LA is once again detailed gloriously and a real character in the novel.
The characters of David and Chris are well known to fans of the series but any important background information is nicely worked in so newcomers can pick this up easily without getting lost. Their relationship doesn’t necessarily grow or mature in this offering but it’s depicted well and shows how happy and in love the two are. The focus on Chris instead of David is a nice change of pace and helps readers see the worry and stress the partners of cops go through. There are no graphic sex scenes, the few mentions are fade to black, and this works to keep the focus on the plot and procedural aspects. I find Brown succeeds very well with this format and keeps the interest and flow moving nicely.
Although the plot is rather intricate, the story sometimes made leaps in knowledge or action that didn’t exactly follow true to the characters or action. Chris especially makes some choices that advance the plot well but are contrary to his personality. His actions towards the end of the book, from sneaking out of the hospital and on, read opposite to what he’s portrayed for the majority of the book. Without giving away spoilers, I’ll just say this later part of the story, while very interesting and the climax of the chase, took liberties with characters and action to simply move everything along and wrap it up. Not in a bad way per se but noticeable and I wish the plot could have been advanced in another, more natural and logical way.
Other than these few stumbles, the story is engrossing and interesting. It plays on a few well known stereotypes, such as the Muslim terrorist, but there is at least an attempt to give some depth and reasoning. The quick pace and detailed writing that I’ve come to expect from this series delivers once again with just a splash of flair and humor that keeps readers guessing what’s next. For fans of the series, this is a good edition and those new can easily pick this up if they’re looking for a police procedural and enjoy the computer terrorist angle.
The 3rd novel in the series focuses more on Chris than cop David. Although there is a murder mystery and a homeland security threat, the source is computer orientated so Chris is right in the mix. Well researched and detailed, almost too much included which may make some readers’ eyes glaze over, the action is quick paced and intricate. This isn’t a whodunit so much as a story in how to catch the bad guy without getting yourself killed along the way. The characters are always fun to revisit and their relationship is nicely set up for a ride into the sunset. Not all of the action makes sense and the characters, Chris especially, take huge leaps that don’t follow logic or character but these are minor and fans of the series will enjoy the newest offering.
The plot, as always with Brown’s police procedurals, is tightly written with a lot of detail. The story centers on what is essentially a terrorist attack but with a more sophisticated style, using computers this time. As David struggles to find the connection between his own personal stalker and a murder he’s investigating, Chris is trying to get to the bottom of a hacker problem at the nearby hospital. Although the events seem unconnected, the threads soon come together to show a bigger, more sinister picture. Clearly well researched, the story isn’t afraid to throw in technical computer jargon and a lot of it. There is definitely too much in some scenes and the story could have swept by without the side track conversations in a seeming foreign language. However the fast pace and good action helps carry the story through these slower, plodding details. The city of LA is once again detailed gloriously and a real character in the novel.
The characters of David and Chris are well known to fans of the series but any important background information is nicely worked in so newcomers can pick this up easily without getting lost. Their relationship doesn’t necessarily grow or mature in this offering but it’s depicted well and shows how happy and in love the two are. The focus on Chris instead of David is a nice change of pace and helps readers see the worry and stress the partners of cops go through. There are no graphic sex scenes, the few mentions are fade to black, and this works to keep the focus on the plot and procedural aspects. I find Brown succeeds very well with this format and keeps the interest and flow moving nicely.
Although the plot is rather intricate, the story sometimes made leaps in knowledge or action that didn’t exactly follow true to the characters or action. Chris especially makes some choices that advance the plot well but are contrary to his personality. His actions towards the end of the book, from sneaking out of the hospital and on, read opposite to what he’s portrayed for the majority of the book. Without giving away spoilers, I’ll just say this later part of the story, while very interesting and the climax of the chase, took liberties with characters and action to simply move everything along and wrap it up. Not in a bad way per se but noticeable and I wish the plot could have been advanced in another, more natural and logical way.
Other than these few stumbles, the story is engrossing and interesting. It plays on a few well known stereotypes, such as the Muslim terrorist, but there is at least an attempt to give some depth and reasoning. The quick pace and detailed writing that I’ve come to expect from this series delivers once again with just a splash of flair and humor that keeps readers guessing what’s next. For fans of the series, this is a good edition and those new can easily pick this up if they’re looking for a police procedural and enjoy the computer terrorist angle.
March 25, 2014
4.5 Stars
NOTE: This is NOT a new book in the L.A. series. This is book four (previously L.A. Bytes) reissued under a new title.
In this installment, Chris and David are still together. Their work lives coincide, however, when Chris sets out to uncover a computer hack with some serious skills and David is on another murderer's trail.
I love this series. I love that the characters are imperfect. I love that despite their flaws and past mistakes, Chris and David are truly devoted to one another. I love that P.A. Brown can write some thrilling mystery. And, I love that I have enough brain cells to somewhat follow along.
Bottom line: another winner! Highly recommend.
NOTE: This is NOT a new book in the L.A. series. This is book four (previously L.A. Bytes) reissued under a new title.
In this installment, Chris and David are still together. Their work lives coincide, however, when Chris sets out to uncover a computer hack with some serious skills and David is on another murderer's trail.
I love this series. I love that the characters are imperfect. I love that despite their flaws and past mistakes, Chris and David are truly devoted to one another. I love that P.A. Brown can write some thrilling mystery. And, I love that I have enough brain cells to somewhat follow along.
Bottom line: another winner! Highly recommend.
May 13, 2010
What a surprise read..an actual mystery where the main characters just happen to be gay. For once, David an d Chris don't get one single graphic scene, but a lot of dramatic injuries along a twisted, suspenseful and very gripping plot. David's and Chris's relationship, since it is settled and secured, doesn't play a major role here. They appear like any married couple who happens to get tangled into a crime case, with the exception that Chris arises funny looke every times he talks about David as his husband.
Still, I secretly hope this is going to be the last instalment in the series. As much as I enjoyed it, David and Chris are quite done. I won't disturb them any longer.
As usual, the author is a little too proud of all the research work she's done - non-geeks don't necessarily need half a page of script gibberish to get into the groove, and I don't need a detailed listing of twenty kinds of sushi they're having for dinner. But the skillful writing makes up for that.
An entertaining read and something to think about - the threat is real, after all, and I'm going to think about my habits of using the internet from now on, that's for sure.
Recommended for fans of the author and the series and for everyone who likes good suspense/ mystery and doesn't mind gay heroes.
Still, I secretly hope this is going to be the last instalment in the series. As much as I enjoyed it, David and Chris are quite done. I won't disturb them any longer.
As usual, the author is a little too proud of all the research work she's done - non-geeks don't necessarily need half a page of script gibberish to get into the groove, and I don't need a detailed listing of twenty kinds of sushi they're having for dinner. But the skillful writing makes up for that.
An entertaining read and something to think about - the threat is real, after all, and I'm going to think about my habits of using the internet from now on, that's for sure.
Recommended for fans of the author and the series and for everyone who likes good suspense/ mystery and doesn't mind gay heroes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2010
From bombs to kidnapping and mass pile ups - there is definitely a lot of action in LA Bytes and in this aspect the story delivered.
But what I felt was missing a bit were the relationship aspects.
The fact that there seems to be little communication between David and Chris leads to some of the (almost literally) to-stupid-to-live moments of LA Bytes. Comparing notes at one point would have probably saved David and Chris a lot of grief.
And while I am airing my grievances - I am also getting a little bit tired of authors dumbing down their allegedly intelligent protagonists for the sake of the plot e.g.having them go after a criminal without back up, which always tends to get not only them but everybody else in danger.
So while LA Bytes was a quick and quite engrossing read on some levels, it left me wanting on others.
But what I felt was missing a bit were the relationship aspects.
The fact that there seems to be little communication between David and Chris leads to some of the (almost literally) to-stupid-to-live moments of LA Bytes. Comparing notes at one point would have probably saved David and Chris a lot of grief.
And while I am airing my grievances - I am also getting a little bit tired of authors dumbing down their allegedly intelligent protagonists for the sake of the plot e.g.having them go after a criminal without back up, which always tends to get not only them but everybody else in danger.
So while LA Bytes was a quick and quite engrossing read on some levels, it left me wanting on others.
March 8, 2010
This one is an ambitious instalment from PA Brown's "LA series". The crime and mystery is complex and engrossing to read, top-notch plotting and execution. The romance between David and Chris is maturing, they are very much in love and facing the still-exist obstacles together, this time, their problems come from external factors.
I'd say it's primarily a mystery book, but it doesn't hurt that it has two main characters that readers would root for. But if you are looking for scorching hot erotica, it's not it.
And I am quite curious about the return of the character Trevor... I wonder if he would play a role in future book and I do hope PA Brown will continue the series!
Highly recommended - for the whole series.
I'd say it's primarily a mystery book, but it doesn't hurt that it has two main characters that readers would root for. But if you are looking for scorching hot erotica, it's not it.
And I am quite curious about the return of the character Trevor... I wonder if he would play a role in future book and I do hope PA Brown will continue the series!
Highly recommended - for the whole series.
January 7, 2012
I was disappointed in this book. Part of the issue for me is that I prefer character driven stories and this was very plot driven. There wasn't a lot of interaction between the main characters and what little there was, mostly took place over a hospital bed. While the technical details were well researched, I never did really understand why the protagonist was doing what he was doing. The plot was all over the place and never gelled for me. As I got closer to the end of the book, expecting things to be explained and wrapped up in a neat, little bow, I was left still wondering why certain events occurred and who exactly the protagonists target was.
June 11, 2010
This book mostly centers around Chris with the actions. It's a great change of pace from all its predecessors. The details are amazing and I'm willing to say fantastic. The story is unique since I can't recall reading one quite like this one with the technical info that blew my mind.
In a nutshell this story, this series is out of this world. It will literally take you there.
In a nutshell this story, this series is out of this world. It will literally take you there.
March 25, 2014
Well, I read this story's 1st edition to compare it to the revised/renamed edition, LA Storm. Although I think this version had a clearer story depicted, I did like some of the new tidbits added to the revised version. All in all, I would've liked a much more cohesive fusion of LA Bytes and LA Storm. Still a good read, no matter the edition.
January 18, 2018
I love this series and this is a great addition. So much excitement, really kept me involved. And I love the relationship between Chris and David. Wonderful.
May 10, 2010
Picture
L.A. Bytes is another fabulous read by P.A. Brown! Well researched and phenomenally written! You won't be able to put it down!
When Chris Bellamere gets called in to find who's been hacking into Ste. Anne's Medical Center, he ends up finding more than a bunch of codes on a computer. As he digs further, threats start coming in via email to hurt his husband, Detective David Eric Laine.
In the meantime, David is at the Doctors office for an allergy shot. Chris, who happens to be in the same hospital, arrives to assist David and give moral support, as David hates needles. After suffering an allergic reaction to the allergy shot, Chris is determined more than ever to find out what happened, especially since he will have access to the hospitals mainframe due to his new contract to find the hacker.
David is forced to take time off of a murder case he is currently working on much to his dismay. A few days in the hospital, he is still encouraged to rest upon arriving home.
David is not one to leave work behind though. Against his partners, and Chris's pleas to stay in bed, David forges on to solve his latest murder case.
As Chris and David fight to solve their cases, they don't realize they will end up helping each other to solve these crimes.
Brown did a stupendous job with this fourth installment to the L.A. series. Exactly what you would expect from Brown, giving suspense and thrills from beginning to end.
I give L.A. Bytes ******1/2 (5.5) Stars, BK Walker, Author of "Near Suicide" and "Dares And Dreams". http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com
L.A. Bytes is another fabulous read by P.A. Brown! Well researched and phenomenally written! You won't be able to put it down!
When Chris Bellamere gets called in to find who's been hacking into Ste. Anne's Medical Center, he ends up finding more than a bunch of codes on a computer. As he digs further, threats start coming in via email to hurt his husband, Detective David Eric Laine.
In the meantime, David is at the Doctors office for an allergy shot. Chris, who happens to be in the same hospital, arrives to assist David and give moral support, as David hates needles. After suffering an allergic reaction to the allergy shot, Chris is determined more than ever to find out what happened, especially since he will have access to the hospitals mainframe due to his new contract to find the hacker.
David is forced to take time off of a murder case he is currently working on much to his dismay. A few days in the hospital, he is still encouraged to rest upon arriving home.
David is not one to leave work behind though. Against his partners, and Chris's pleas to stay in bed, David forges on to solve his latest murder case.
As Chris and David fight to solve their cases, they don't realize they will end up helping each other to solve these crimes.
Brown did a stupendous job with this fourth installment to the L.A. series. Exactly what you would expect from Brown, giving suspense and thrills from beginning to end.
I give L.A. Bytes ******1/2 (5.5) Stars, BK Walker, Author of "Near Suicide" and "Dares And Dreams". http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com
October 24, 2010
Certainly the most outlandish mystery of the four stories in the series, and the least believable. The suspension and tension could have been created just as well if the whodunit hadn't targeted Chris and David, or even if he had just targeted Chris as a potential counter-hacker threat to his operations. Even if it had just been a threat to the city and David had brought Chris in as a forensic analyst, or David and Chris discovered that their two cases converged, it would have been more believable than this massively overblown story.
It's a shame, too, because again the forensics are really strong in this book and the programming/network terminology was accurate as well. But how many times does Chris get entangled with a case and end up in hospital? How many times will he be a target for a homicidal maniac? I mean, I watch Grey's Anatomy, I'm not exactly incapable of the suspense of disbelief, but once again some sound editorial notes and some emotional exposition would have taken a mediocre book into a quite good one.
It's a shame, too, because again the forensics are really strong in this book and the programming/network terminology was accurate as well. But how many times does Chris get entangled with a case and end up in hospital? How many times will he be a target for a homicidal maniac? I mean, I watch Grey's Anatomy, I'm not exactly incapable of the suspense of disbelief, but once again some sound editorial notes and some emotional exposition would have taken a mediocre book into a quite good one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2014
Please note that this is a reworking of 'L.A. Bytes' which was published a few years ago. I read that book then so I was a bit hesitant about reading this new version. I'm glad that I got over this and gave the book a go. I only remembered a little of the story and so I have thoroughly enjoyed reintroducing myself to David and Chris, two characters I have grown to be very fond of.
The start of the book was familiar but, by the end, I was convinced that I was reading a different story . The end of the story had me sitting on the edge of my seat. And Des' fairytale ending was just lovely.
If you haven't read any of Ms. Brown's books I would recommend them. I have a feeling that before long I will be revisiting the series from book 1.
The start of the book was familiar but, by the end, I was convinced that I was reading a different story . The end of the story had me sitting on the edge of my seat. And Des' fairytale ending was just lovely.
If you haven't read any of Ms. Brown's books I would recommend them. I have a feeling that before long I will be revisiting the series from book 1.
June 30, 2013
I have to admit that although I liked this book there were times I felt like I was reading parts of Die Hard 2.0 the only thing missing was John Maclain and a a certain catchphrase. Don't get me wrong It kept me interested right to the end but I felt like it was predictable at times and a little on under thought out. The books before this were really well researched and the police procedure felt realistic this just felt like parts were pure make believe. This didn't diminish my enjoyment and |I will be reading the next book.
September 22, 2011
I think P.A. Brown gets better as she writes and this is an enjoyable read (if one can say enjoyable when your husband is both stalked and kidnapped by a cyber-nut, a French terrorist blows up a hospital, not to mention planning to take down the LA electronic infrastructure for maximum panic and nastiness ...). Quite good.
December 3, 2013
I just finished re-reading the entire L.A. series in readiness for the new 'coming soon' title.
I have to say that although I love them all, L.A. Bytes is my least favourite. Too much IT jargon for me, to the point that I found it hard to concentrate.
Other than that, I love anything David & Chris so I can't really grumble :)
I have to say that although I love them all, L.A. Bytes is my least favourite. Too much IT jargon for me, to the point that I found it hard to concentrate.
Other than that, I love anything David & Chris so I can't really grumble :)
May 24, 2011
Another adventure with David and Chris, this time focusing more on Chris' technology skills in solving a crime involving a high-scale hacker. An interesting plot, using the author's knowledge of the cyber world and computer technology, kept me fascinated.
June 2, 2012
So here's the thing, I've grown really fond of David and Chris as a couple, but in this book they're hardly ever on the same page (literally and figuratively) and so I really could't see the point. Here's hoping that the next one is more couple-friendly.
October 25, 2015
2010 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
August 1, 2012
Very good gay mystery with a titch of romance. In this one, Chris is trying to track down a hacker who nearly kills both he and David.
March 7, 2013
2,5 stars
April 30, 2013
3.5 stars.
December 26, 2011
Very good romantic suspense although something was too obvious.
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