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Future Imperfect #1
Crucifying Angel
A serial killer with an unholy mission is unleashed on deteriorating sin city Las Vegas and LVPD Homicide Detectives Payce Halligan and her new partner, British ex-Deputy Chief Inspector begin a deadly cat and mouse game as each must deal with their own traumatic past and their evolving attraction.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2009
13 people want to read
About the author
P.I. Barrington
8 books86 followersAfter a detour through the entertainment industry, P.I. Barrington has returned her original choice of careers—novelist!
TITLE: The Brede Chronicles
SERIES: Book One
GENRE: Science Fiction Romance/Adventure
PUBLISHER: First Realm Publishing
BUY LINKS: http://www.firstrealmpublishing.com/
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L8FM978
Sci-Fi Romance/Adventure:
Half-human Alekzander Brede is a law unto himself…or so he thinks. Elektra Tate, the street orphan who loves him has other ideas. When she betrays him for no apparent reason, he vows to punish her. Taking the one thing she treasures most—their son—begins a cat-and-mouse relationship spanning two planets and costing possibly his life. Elektra will stop at nothing to save her son but can she overcome Brede’s twisted idea of vengeance?
Who I'd cast as my characters:
Alekzander Brede : Vin Diesel w/box braids
Elektra Tate : Radha Mitchell (or the girl on my cover)
Colin Factor: Jason Momoa
TITLE: The Brede Chronicles
SERIES: Book One
GENRE: Science Fiction Romance/Adventure
PUBLISHER: First Realm Publishing
BUY LINKS: http://www.firstrealmpublishing.com/
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L8FM978
Sci-Fi Romance/Adventure:
Half-human Alekzander Brede is a law unto himself…or so he thinks. Elektra Tate, the street orphan who loves him has other ideas. When she betrays him for no apparent reason, he vows to punish her. Taking the one thing she treasures most—their son—begins a cat-and-mouse relationship spanning two planets and costing possibly his life. Elektra will stop at nothing to save her son but can she overcome Brede’s twisted idea of vengeance?
Who I'd cast as my characters:
Alekzander Brede : Vin Diesel w/box braids
Elektra Tate : Radha Mitchell (or the girl on my cover)
Colin Factor: Jason Momoa
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 14, 2010
Crucifying Angel
A frequent reader of suspense and mayhem, the cover of Crucifying Angel has caught my attention on more than one occasion. When I picked it up for review, I wondered if I could get into the futuristic setting that did not fit into my slim sci-fi experience. Boy, did I.
From the opening pages, CRUCIFYING ANGEL’s smoldering desert landscape cast a riveting image. A hardnosed heroine throwing murder scenes in my face hooked me from the get-go. I was a literal trout, gobbling down author P.I. Barrington’s bait. With a hotshot detective from across the pond (sans James Bond), brilliant and believable futuristic forensic science detail, a nutcase serial killer with some serious God issues, and the eternal city of lights and sin, Las Vegas, this psychological thriller is a smart, high-tech thrill ride that “reeled” me in. I loved every twist and turn down the Strip, the three-dimensional scenery coloring the pages, and the experience of riding shotgun with dry humored heroes running on empty. Without spoiling the party, I must commend the originality of this story’s wild desert climax.
Barrington’s brave attempt to use a real locale and take it into the future is a stroke of genius, because she does what many cannot: she does it well. It grounded the story in a Carnival Madhouse way, opening doors for imagination to run amuck. There is a subtle balance of vulnerability in her gritty characters that makes them real against unreal odds. She puts the “psych” in psycho. She reads easily, and can spin a satisfying plot that keeps the pages turning.
I found Crucifying Angel to be top-notch entertainment, definitely my favorite suspense read in months. It is a perfect score with only one flaw--be warned, Barrington will leave you hanging…but the sequel appears to be forthcoming. I’ve already added it to my list.
A frequent reader of suspense and mayhem, the cover of Crucifying Angel has caught my attention on more than one occasion. When I picked it up for review, I wondered if I could get into the futuristic setting that did not fit into my slim sci-fi experience. Boy, did I.
From the opening pages, CRUCIFYING ANGEL’s smoldering desert landscape cast a riveting image. A hardnosed heroine throwing murder scenes in my face hooked me from the get-go. I was a literal trout, gobbling down author P.I. Barrington’s bait. With a hotshot detective from across the pond (sans James Bond), brilliant and believable futuristic forensic science detail, a nutcase serial killer with some serious God issues, and the eternal city of lights and sin, Las Vegas, this psychological thriller is a smart, high-tech thrill ride that “reeled” me in. I loved every twist and turn down the Strip, the three-dimensional scenery coloring the pages, and the experience of riding shotgun with dry humored heroes running on empty. Without spoiling the party, I must commend the originality of this story’s wild desert climax.
Barrington’s brave attempt to use a real locale and take it into the future is a stroke of genius, because she does what many cannot: she does it well. It grounded the story in a Carnival Madhouse way, opening doors for imagination to run amuck. There is a subtle balance of vulnerability in her gritty characters that makes them real against unreal odds. She puts the “psych” in psycho. She reads easily, and can spin a satisfying plot that keeps the pages turning.
I found Crucifying Angel to be top-notch entertainment, definitely my favorite suspense read in months. It is a perfect score with only one flaw--be warned, Barrington will leave you hanging…but the sequel appears to be forthcoming. I’ve already added it to my list.
January 8, 2013
From the first page this story is gripping with a strong heroine, a psycho serial killer and a British accent. The plot was full of twists and turns around every corner keeping the reader enthralled in the mystery and anticipation of catching the killer. For a serial killer mystery this author is able to present a unique and entertaining take.
The characters of Payce and Gavin are flawed giving them a plausible background story making them believable. Their hardheaded dedication is a trait to be admired and it makes them inspired even more to catch the killer.
I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all conclusions are my own responsibility.
The characters of Payce and Gavin are flawed giving them a plausible background story making them believable. Their hardheaded dedication is a trait to be admired and it makes them inspired even more to catch the killer.
I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all conclusions are my own responsibility.
February 27, 2011
Originally posted at Once Upon a Chapter
It would truly be a 3.5.
I struggled with this book for awhile and in several parts. There were just a few things that threw me off in this book and while it was a struggle to read it is clear that the author has great potential. I know for a fact that one of the issues I had is on a personal level and may not affect all readers the way it did me. There will be some major spoilers in this review. I’ve made them come across as white font so you must highlight with your mouse to read it. There will be a notation before any spoilers. Read at your own risk!
Payce Halligan must get used to having a partner again. After the terrible incident with her last partner Payce would have been happy to never have another partner again. She must learn to work with Gavin McAllister. Gavin also has ghosts that he is battling.
It’s not long before Payce and Gavin are thrown into the midst of a really big case. Someone is killing women and leaving their bodies in very public locations. They have been crucified and are left to hang upside down. It’s a race against time for Payce and Gavin to stop the person behind the murders. It’s a tough case to break until Payce is taken and her life is in danger.
The story line is a good one and is certainly engaging. It is fairly obvious in the beginning what group is behind the crimes but never entirely clear who the actual puppeteer is. The killer is truly horrifying and disgusting but I felt that understanding just how vile came at much too high a cost. Without revealing too much I can say that there is a rape scene. If this is something that can ruin a book for you by just containing it, please do not pick up this book.
SPOILER*************One of the major issues that I had with the book is the rape scene. The villain is punished his entire life for his mother’s death. She died while delivering him. To vindicate justice over his grandmother he rapes her multiple times and then kills her. The rape doesn’t go into great detail but it is told from the rapist’s point of view and made my skin crawl and my stomach churn. I don’t always look for this in books but I can deal with it if it doesn’t go into much detail and I feel really adds to the story.
After we learn about the villain the book really picks up its pace. The book is set in the future and it highlights our current technology as outdated and archaic. It’s actually a novelty to read the characters reaction to it. Payce and a civilian who has also been kidnapped try to outrace the man known as the Crucifying Angel. Gavin also ended up with the help of a civilian and without him, Gavin would never have gotten as far as he did. This leads me to the second big issue I had with the book.
MAJOR SPOILER****************When Payce and Edana are captured by the Crucifying Angel he starts the sacrifice and cuts Edana’s carotid artery. A cut like this will kill you if not immediately taken care of. Between the time her artery is cut Payce is saved by Gavin and James, Edana is clearly dead. James even mourns her but they must move on before the others catch them. Several things occur and it seems as if at least an hour goes by. At the end of the book Edana has gotten herself off the upside down cross and caught up with everyone in time to kill the bad guy at the end. Now how the hell did she do that? It’s never really explained.
I understand it’s a work of fiction and I should go with the flow but it really ruined the ending for me. I didn’t feel like it was a good resolution. The cliffhanger ending has me wanting to read the second one. As I mentioned at the beginning of the review, the author shows a great potential! Look for the next review shortly!
It would truly be a 3.5.
I struggled with this book for awhile and in several parts. There were just a few things that threw me off in this book and while it was a struggle to read it is clear that the author has great potential. I know for a fact that one of the issues I had is on a personal level and may not affect all readers the way it did me. There will be some major spoilers in this review. I’ve made them come across as white font so you must highlight with your mouse to read it. There will be a notation before any spoilers. Read at your own risk!
Payce Halligan must get used to having a partner again. After the terrible incident with her last partner Payce would have been happy to never have another partner again. She must learn to work with Gavin McAllister. Gavin also has ghosts that he is battling.
It’s not long before Payce and Gavin are thrown into the midst of a really big case. Someone is killing women and leaving their bodies in very public locations. They have been crucified and are left to hang upside down. It’s a race against time for Payce and Gavin to stop the person behind the murders. It’s a tough case to break until Payce is taken and her life is in danger.
The story line is a good one and is certainly engaging. It is fairly obvious in the beginning what group is behind the crimes but never entirely clear who the actual puppeteer is. The killer is truly horrifying and disgusting but I felt that understanding just how vile came at much too high a cost. Without revealing too much I can say that there is a rape scene. If this is something that can ruin a book for you by just containing it, please do not pick up this book.
SPOILER*************One of the major issues that I had with the book is the rape scene. The villain is punished his entire life for his mother’s death. She died while delivering him. To vindicate justice over his grandmother he rapes her multiple times and then kills her. The rape doesn’t go into great detail but it is told from the rapist’s point of view and made my skin crawl and my stomach churn. I don’t always look for this in books but I can deal with it if it doesn’t go into much detail and I feel really adds to the story.
After we learn about the villain the book really picks up its pace. The book is set in the future and it highlights our current technology as outdated and archaic. It’s actually a novelty to read the characters reaction to it. Payce and a civilian who has also been kidnapped try to outrace the man known as the Crucifying Angel. Gavin also ended up with the help of a civilian and without him, Gavin would never have gotten as far as he did. This leads me to the second big issue I had with the book.
MAJOR SPOILER****************When Payce and Edana are captured by the Crucifying Angel he starts the sacrifice and cuts Edana’s carotid artery. A cut like this will kill you if not immediately taken care of. Between the time her artery is cut Payce is saved by Gavin and James, Edana is clearly dead. James even mourns her but they must move on before the others catch them. Several things occur and it seems as if at least an hour goes by. At the end of the book Edana has gotten herself off the upside down cross and caught up with everyone in time to kill the bad guy at the end. Now how the hell did she do that? It’s never really explained.
I understand it’s a work of fiction and I should go with the flow but it really ruined the ending for me. I didn’t feel like it was a good resolution. The cliffhanger ending has me wanting to read the second one. As I mentioned at the beginning of the review, the author shows a great potential! Look for the next review shortly!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2010
Set in futuristic Vegas, we find that "Sin City" has lost none of its debauchery and in fact has only added to the reputation that anything goes. When Payce Halligan is assigned a new partner she is understandably horrified, working alone has created a bubble where she is not responsible for the life or death of someone close in her work. After being responsible for the death of her prior partner and love she has hardened her heart and does not plan on changing that any time soon. However, since she does answer to the head of the
Las Vegas Police Department she gets no choice in the matter.
Her newly assigned partner Gavin McAllister is a good looking trainee with a faint British accent. He is an addition to her work she is not sure she is ready for.
When they are called out to three separate crime scenes, all with the same M.O. they find themselves on the path of a fanatical serial killer. Each of the victims is a young woman, hung upside down and crucified, left to bleed out and with initials carved into their bodies. The ritualistic killing makes Payce think of the Amazon Casino where Costumes are still used so this is where their investigation begins. Little do Payce and Gavin know that they are about to become the hunted in this bizarre fantasy being followed by a madman.
PI Barrington brings to life a very real future. Her characters are very likable and have a great sense of humor even in the dire situations that they find themselves. The story is fast paced and hard to put down, move over J.D Robb, here comes another look at the future. A gritty Las Vegas is an exceptional setting and P.I Barrington has a knack of making you feel like you are there. This is a great book to ad to your library, you will love the interplay. I can't wait for the second installment.
This Review is based off a book obtained from the author. I am not receiving any compensation and all opinions are my own based of my independent reading of this material.
Las Vegas Police Department she gets no choice in the matter.
Her newly assigned partner Gavin McAllister is a good looking trainee with a faint British accent. He is an addition to her work she is not sure she is ready for.
When they are called out to three separate crime scenes, all with the same M.O. they find themselves on the path of a fanatical serial killer. Each of the victims is a young woman, hung upside down and crucified, left to bleed out and with initials carved into their bodies. The ritualistic killing makes Payce think of the Amazon Casino where Costumes are still used so this is where their investigation begins. Little do Payce and Gavin know that they are about to become the hunted in this bizarre fantasy being followed by a madman.
PI Barrington brings to life a very real future. Her characters are very likable and have a great sense of humor even in the dire situations that they find themselves. The story is fast paced and hard to put down, move over J.D Robb, here comes another look at the future. A gritty Las Vegas is an exceptional setting and P.I Barrington has a knack of making you feel like you are there. This is a great book to ad to your library, you will love the interplay. I can't wait for the second installment.
This Review is based off a book obtained from the author. I am not receiving any compensation and all opinions are my own based of my independent reading of this material.
May 8, 2010
Barrington creates a futuristic world full of heart pounding suspense with "Crucifying Angel." Set in Las Vegas in the not so distant future, detectives Payce Halligan and Gavin McAlister must solve a series of bizarre crimes before the murderer strikes again.
Barrington moves from thrill to thrill with ease. Her writing is crisp and the pace flows well. She uses a good economy of words to describe her futuristic world, painting a vivid setting for the reader.
Both Gavin and Payce are interesting characters, and come to the story with scared backgrounds. Payce accidently shot her last partner during a confrontation and is now finding her emotional scars healing. Gavin, who is British, had to witness the death of his family. His emotional scars still haunt him. How Payce and Gavin grow and deal with their pain is a joy for the reader to discover. Their courage and dedication are traits to be admired. Ralphie K. Teon as the "Crucifying Angel" is the perfect villain. Instead of taking his tragedic past and using it to inspire him to be better, he twists it into a morbid cause.
"Crucifying Angel" is a suspense that will take the reader on a pulse-pounding thrill ride and give them an ending that begs for a sequel.
Barrington moves from thrill to thrill with ease. Her writing is crisp and the pace flows well. She uses a good economy of words to describe her futuristic world, painting a vivid setting for the reader.
Both Gavin and Payce are interesting characters, and come to the story with scared backgrounds. Payce accidently shot her last partner during a confrontation and is now finding her emotional scars healing. Gavin, who is British, had to witness the death of his family. His emotional scars still haunt him. How Payce and Gavin grow and deal with their pain is a joy for the reader to discover. Their courage and dedication are traits to be admired. Ralphie K. Teon as the "Crucifying Angel" is the perfect villain. Instead of taking his tragedic past and using it to inspire him to be better, he twists it into a morbid cause.
"Crucifying Angel" is a suspense that will take the reader on a pulse-pounding thrill ride and give them an ending that begs for a sequel.
May 17, 2011
In 2032, Las Vegas, Nevada,Payce Halligan and her new British partner, ex-Deputy Chief Inspector, Gavin McAllister. are hot on the trail of a serial killer that stabs young women and crucifies them on a cross upside down and carves his initial into them.
Payce is used to working alone ever since her previous partner got killed. So this new situation is very awkward for her, but she's doing what her boss ordered. Working with a new partner is very hard for her.
Through following this madman, they are about to find out that what they'll find is bigger that anything else. The initials on the victims is CA: could mean anything, but they come up with "Crucifying Angel".
Payce will find out that working in pairs does have its benefits.
I loved this book very much, it had great action and never slowed down.
It read itself on it's own.
Payce is used to working alone ever since her previous partner got killed. So this new situation is very awkward for her, but she's doing what her boss ordered. Working with a new partner is very hard for her.
Through following this madman, they are about to find out that what they'll find is bigger that anything else. The initials on the victims is CA: could mean anything, but they come up with "Crucifying Angel".
Payce will find out that working in pairs does have its benefits.
I loved this book very much, it had great action and never slowed down.
It read itself on it's own.
July 11, 2013
I really injured this book and I also really recommend it. It was a really good murder mystery book with well developed characters and a well developed setting. I give props to the author for leaving an amazing cliffhanger at the end that leaves you wanting more. When I get the chance I will definitely check out the second book. Loved it!
January 25, 2011
Spine tingling thriller!
Merged review:
Love this first book in the series. Great depiction of a futuristic Las Vegas!
Merged review:
Love this first book in the series. Great depiction of a futuristic Las Vegas!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews