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Nick Heller #2
Buried Secrets
Nick has returned to his old home town of Boston to set up his own shop. There he’s urgently summoned by an old family friend. Hedge fund titan Marshall Marcus desperately needs Nick’s help. His teenage daughter, Alexandra, has just been kidnapped.
Her abduction was clearly a sophisticated, professional job, done with extraordinary precision, leaving no trace evidence. Alexandra, whom Nick has known since she was an infant, is now buried alive, held prisoner in an underground crypt, a camera trained on her, her suffering streaming live over the internet for all to see. She’s been left with a limited supply of food and water and, if her father doesn’t meet the demands of her shadowy kidnappers, she’ll die.
And as Nick begins to probe, he discovers that his old friend Marshall Marcus seems to have been running a Ponzi scheme. His fund has collapsed, the FBI has arrested him, and now he’s become the most hated man in America. He has a lot of powerful enemies who may have the motivation to go after his daughter. But to find out who’s holding Alexandra Marcus hostage, Nick has to find out why. And once he does, he uncovers an astonishing conspiracy that reaches up to the highest levels of government.
If he’s going to find Alexandra, he has to flush out and confront some of the most deadly opponents ever…
Her abduction was clearly a sophisticated, professional job, done with extraordinary precision, leaving no trace evidence. Alexandra, whom Nick has known since she was an infant, is now buried alive, held prisoner in an underground crypt, a camera trained on her, her suffering streaming live over the internet for all to see. She’s been left with a limited supply of food and water and, if her father doesn’t meet the demands of her shadowy kidnappers, she’ll die.
And as Nick begins to probe, he discovers that his old friend Marshall Marcus seems to have been running a Ponzi scheme. His fund has collapsed, the FBI has arrested him, and now he’s become the most hated man in America. He has a lot of powerful enemies who may have the motivation to go after his daughter. But to find out who’s holding Alexandra Marcus hostage, Nick has to find out why. And once he does, he uncovers an astonishing conspiracy that reaches up to the highest levels of government.
If he’s going to find Alexandra, he has to flush out and confront some of the most deadly opponents ever…
390 pages, Hardcover
First published June 21, 2011
614 people are currently reading
3198 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Finder
70 books2,655 followersJoseph Finder is the author of the forthcoming novel JUDGMENT and fourteen other novels, many of them New York Times bestsellers, published in 35 countries around the world. His book HIGH CRIMES was adapted into a movie starring Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd; PARANOIA was made into the Harrison Ford/Gary Oldman film.
He was born in Chicago, lived in the Philippines, Afghanistan, Washington State, and upstate New York. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Strand Critics award, the Barry Award, and the International Thriller Writers’ Thriller Award for best novel. His first novel, THE MOSCOW CLUB, was named by Publishers Weekly as one of the 10 best spy novels of all time.
He lives with his wife in Boston and Cape Cod, where he roots for the Red Sox and mourns his Golden Retriever rescue dog, Mia. He’s currently trying to convince his wife to get another dog.
He was born in Chicago, lived in the Philippines, Afghanistan, Washington State, and upstate New York. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Strand Critics award, the Barry Award, and the International Thriller Writers’ Thriller Award for best novel. His first novel, THE MOSCOW CLUB, was named by Publishers Weekly as one of the 10 best spy novels of all time.
He lives with his wife in Boston and Cape Cod, where he roots for the Red Sox and mourns his Golden Retriever rescue dog, Mia. He’s currently trying to convince his wife to get another dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 721 reviews
April 21, 2020
“As the saying goes not every conspiracy is a theory.”
― Joseph Finder, Buried Secrets
I am a big Finder fan.And I remember reading the preview for this book and aching to read it. It looked great.
But I did not love it which is odd because I adore all Finder's books. He is king of the fast paced thriller. To date, this is the only one of his books, that I have read, that I did not care for.
The premise, of a girl buried alive while it is streamed online..bothered me but I could have got over that. I felt it seemed to go on forever. The pacing was not, for me, nearly as great as his other books that I have read. There were so many attempts to rescue the girl and I just felt the book was..or seemed..overly long.
I was also bothered by the end for some reason even though it wasn't that bad. But something was missing for me in this book, which I finished quickly. I had hoped it would be a love fest as it usually is for me and Finder books but this one left me flat. I did not take to it.
To be fair, if you are a Finder fan you should probably read it. There is not any one specific thing I can point to as to why it did not resonate with me so maybe others will have a more positive experience.
― Joseph Finder, Buried Secrets
I am a big Finder fan.And I remember reading the preview for this book and aching to read it. It looked great.
But I did not love it which is odd because I adore all Finder's books. He is king of the fast paced thriller. To date, this is the only one of his books, that I have read, that I did not care for.
The premise, of a girl buried alive while it is streamed online..bothered me but I could have got over that. I felt it seemed to go on forever. The pacing was not, for me, nearly as great as his other books that I have read. There were so many attempts to rescue the girl and I just felt the book was..or seemed..overly long.
I was also bothered by the end for some reason even though it wasn't that bad. But something was missing for me in this book, which I finished quickly. I had hoped it would be a love fest as it usually is for me and Finder books but this one left me flat. I did not take to it.
To be fair, if you are a Finder fan you should probably read it. There is not any one specific thing I can point to as to why it did not resonate with me so maybe others will have a more positive experience.
May 10, 2012
I started "Buried Secrets" by @JosephFinder the other day, this being my first book by him. The first thing that stuck me was the coolest dialogue, both internal and between the characters and the unique language of his author voice. Hip, not-run-of-the-mill bestseller structure at all. Take a look, peruse a few pages of this book at B&N or Target, and you'll see what I mean. The other things are Finder's slick execution of both the plot and how our hero Nick Heller navigates his way into and through a very complicated plot that involves the abduction of an unruly but beautiful teenage daughter of a shady, billionaire hedge-fund mogul. Also, how Heller very quickly finds out just how alone he is in his desperate mission to save this young girls life, when a 'live' stream feed of her appears on the internet, apparently dying in front of the whole world. Heller soon finds out he will get no help from the government, or anyone else. And, if that wasn't bad enough, he discovers that the girl's father has some very, very bad people highly upset with him for losing their investment money. A LOT of it. Finally, an old girlfriend, now with the FBI decides to help him at the risk of losing her job, and the game is most definitely on.
Finder sets a very sharp, hard edge right out of the gate in this very cool thriller. He keeps the enormous pressure on Heller building so well the reader can feel it, and, somehow, we gasp for air with the girl, Alexa Marcus, too. You'll see what I mean,(the scene where she realizes where she is, that she can barely move or breathe, and what will happen to her, is so remarkably real I felt claustrophobic reading it, and I'm not claustrophobic at all).
The plot twists roll out like pointed boulders one after the other but Heller, our hero keeps banging no matter what. Risking it all again and again beautifully set-up by Finder the tension builds until another major twist reveals the culprits and the intricate, vast conspiracy that this young girl was caught up in. Her Dad has a history, let's just say.
As a writer Joe Finder is a teacher, as a reader he's an entertainer. Fast paced thriller action with depth, back-story, sub-plots and character development told with great dialogue. Well defined and developed characters paint a picture of intrigue and terror with bright splashes of color.
I highly recommend this book.
Finder sets a very sharp, hard edge right out of the gate in this very cool thriller. He keeps the enormous pressure on Heller building so well the reader can feel it, and, somehow, we gasp for air with the girl, Alexa Marcus, too. You'll see what I mean,(the scene where she realizes where she is, that she can barely move or breathe, and what will happen to her, is so remarkably real I felt claustrophobic reading it, and I'm not claustrophobic at all).
The plot twists roll out like pointed boulders one after the other but Heller, our hero keeps banging no matter what. Risking it all again and again beautifully set-up by Finder the tension builds until another major twist reveals the culprits and the intricate, vast conspiracy that this young girl was caught up in. Her Dad has a history, let's just say.
As a writer Joe Finder is a teacher, as a reader he's an entertainer. Fast paced thriller action with depth, back-story, sub-plots and character development told with great dialogue. Well defined and developed characters paint a picture of intrigue and terror with bright splashes of color.
I highly recommend this book.
January 9, 2020
An exciting book where Nick is hired to find a kidnapped teenage daughter of a family friend. Time is against him while he uncovers multi-layers of conspiracies and secrets of those involved. All is good but could have been shorter. When I thought it could be "the end" it kept going...
June 25, 2017
So I finally got caught up with the second Nicolas Heller book which is a very well written thriller that is easy to read and feels like a fast reads, but that could be due to the short chapters [the same trick James Patterson did in his early work, can't really comment on his later stuff]. The book has his white knight, the endangered damsel and a conspiracy.
Nicolas Heller tries to track down the daughter of a friend of the family, she has been kidnapped and her father being a billionaire the reason would be quite clear. Enter the conspiracy and the FBI who wants daddy in jail. When the father receives a link to an internetsite he can see his daughter buried somewhere and there is the deadline of course. Of course nothing is as it seems and this installment is well enough written so you do not have to read any other installment to understand everything and read the book as a single volume.
A well written book that passes the time with a smile and delivers the content well enough. Why three stars, that is simple the books did not generate any excitement but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Nicolas Heller tries to track down the daughter of a friend of the family, she has been kidnapped and her father being a billionaire the reason would be quite clear. Enter the conspiracy and the FBI who wants daddy in jail. When the father receives a link to an internetsite he can see his daughter buried somewhere and there is the deadline of course. Of course nothing is as it seems and this installment is well enough written so you do not have to read any other installment to understand everything and read the book as a single volume.
A well written book that passes the time with a smile and delivers the content well enough. Why three stars, that is simple the books did not generate any excitement but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
November 8, 2016
The first half of this book- this was a 4 star read. After that, this book either dragged on and on and totally went of the rails.
I'd like to first say that as a character- I LOVE Nick Heller- and I'm so looking forward to more books. There are many 4 and 5 star reviews- so I guess you can take my review with a grain of salt-
Ok read- a bit of a disappointment as far as the story goes- but Nick Heller is a OK guy in my book-can only hope the next in this series is a good one !
I'd like to first say that as a character- I LOVE Nick Heller- and I'm so looking forward to more books. There are many 4 and 5 star reviews- so I guess you can take my review with a grain of salt-
Ok read- a bit of a disappointment as far as the story goes- but Nick Heller is a OK guy in my book-can only hope the next in this series is a good one !
March 29, 2018
A teenager is kidnapped, and her wealthy parents hire NIck Heller. Nick investigates, and plunges into a world of idiot teens, and those that prey on them.
Pretty good. Hard boiled and adventurous.
Pretty good. Hard boiled and adventurous.
February 3, 2018
This is a typical story about kidnapping with more nuances and personal connections that help solve what is going on. The good thing that I like about Joseph Finder's Buried Secrets is that he closes the loop on 99% of the problems and queries that you might have had or asked "well what about this"? I had his third book ready to read, but after this one, I think I'll shelve it for sometime later.
November 12, 2022
Three stars for the exciting nonstop action, but I'm taking off a star because of the author's obsession with women's bodies. Their "curves," how they look in their jeans, how beautiful a woman is "despite her age". So stale.
June 28, 2011
Wow. Just when you think thriller writer Joseph Finder can’t possibly top himself… he does just that. His latest masterpiece—and, like every single one of his novels, it is just that—a masterpiece—Buried Secrets doesn’t have a single wasted word and there’s not a single page that can be read leisurely. Finder is simply the best at creating and maintaining tension. I read it on my Kindle and discovered I hated their feature of posting at the bottom the percentage of the novel read to date. At ten percent, I was already experiencing a deep sadness that there was only ninety percent left. I wanted the experience Finder created to last forever and ever.
It’s kind of like that with all of his novels. Makes me wish he wrote Michener-length novels. And, that he wrote them faster.
I read an average of four and a half novels a week—primarily thrillers, but not exclusively—and if both are nominated—which I expect both to be—I predict a dead heat tie between Finder’s Buried Secretse and Steve Hamilton’s The Lock Artist for the Edgar Award. From what I’ve read this year—and I’ve read most of the best ones—they should end up A1 and A2 in the rankings. Although, I’m still waiting for Linwood Barclay’s next suspense novel, The Accident. Based on Barclay’s other novels, I won’t be a bit surprised if there isn’t a three-way tie for the top awards.
Buried Secrets fulfills the definition of what Emily Dickenson offered as the test of great writing—that it should “take the top of your head off.” That’s exactly what Finder’s novel does.
This is the single best year in my lifetime for thrillers. There are just dozens and dozens of great books being published this year. I nominate 2011 as “The Golden Year for Thrillers.”
Keep ‘em coming, folks!
It’s kind of like that with all of his novels. Makes me wish he wrote Michener-length novels. And, that he wrote them faster.
I read an average of four and a half novels a week—primarily thrillers, but not exclusively—and if both are nominated—which I expect both to be—I predict a dead heat tie between Finder’s Buried Secretse and Steve Hamilton’s The Lock Artist for the Edgar Award. From what I’ve read this year—and I’ve read most of the best ones—they should end up A1 and A2 in the rankings. Although, I’m still waiting for Linwood Barclay’s next suspense novel, The Accident. Based on Barclay’s other novels, I won’t be a bit surprised if there isn’t a three-way tie for the top awards.
Buried Secrets fulfills the definition of what Emily Dickenson offered as the test of great writing—that it should “take the top of your head off.” That’s exactly what Finder’s novel does.
This is the single best year in my lifetime for thrillers. There are just dozens and dozens of great books being published this year. I nominate 2011 as “The Golden Year for Thrillers.”
Keep ‘em coming, folks!
May 21, 2015
(same review for both books in the series, copied and pasted. because i'm lazy).
i came upon the nick heller series by accident, and am seriously resenting there being only TWO books! so damn good!
here's what you need to know:
- similar to jack reacher, but better. nick heller has a great sense of humour and is far more self-aware then dear jack.
- way smart - the story arcs, the characters, the dialogue
- leaves us with some questions throughout (nick doesn't tell us EVERYTHING) which actually makes for more interesting reading.
- he's not a spy, not a soldier, not a private investigator, not a killer. he falls under all those categories, but doesn't fit neatly into any single one.
the first book was better then the second, but only marginally. and that may be totally subjective - i enjoyed the family aspect of the first book (nick's family) which improved my vote.
would i recommend? hells yeah. hop to it. the only negative i have (and it actually almost stopped me from purchasing) is the high cost of these books. amazon kindle was the least expensive, but still more then i like paying for an ebook. and since they're SO dang good, i read straight through until finishing. which means i spent about $15 each for an afternoon. but frankly, after the crap i've been reading of late - worth the price.
i came upon the nick heller series by accident, and am seriously resenting there being only TWO books! so damn good!
here's what you need to know:
- similar to jack reacher, but better. nick heller has a great sense of humour and is far more self-aware then dear jack.
- way smart - the story arcs, the characters, the dialogue
- leaves us with some questions throughout (nick doesn't tell us EVERYTHING) which actually makes for more interesting reading.
- he's not a spy, not a soldier, not a private investigator, not a killer. he falls under all those categories, but doesn't fit neatly into any single one.
the first book was better then the second, but only marginally. and that may be totally subjective - i enjoyed the family aspect of the first book (nick's family) which improved my vote.
would i recommend? hells yeah. hop to it. the only negative i have (and it actually almost stopped me from purchasing) is the high cost of these books. amazon kindle was the least expensive, but still more then i like paying for an ebook. and since they're SO dang good, i read straight through until finishing. which means i spent about $15 each for an afternoon. but frankly, after the crap i've been reading of late - worth the price.
April 5, 2018
I thought the beginning of this book was very weak, but the conclusion rescued it from the trash heap. Most sadly, the story just wasn't very believable. I would only recommend this to true Nick Heller devotees.
October 11, 2011
i think Goodreads recommended this one and good they did. i listened to this audiobook to and from work and found myself parking and not leaving the car until the chapter was over. it was that good. The narrator did awesome and consistency in character voices and the accents were great!
As usual, i wasnt aware this was one of those returning character novels. Publishers dont care to make that stuff known upfront. But i didnt feel like i missed anything. This one read as a stand alone and once it got started, which was immediately, it kept it moving.
My only complaint, if it is a complaint, was the gruesome details the author described is what it would be like to be entombed. Buried alive and with air and water supply. Every time there was a chapter with that girl's POV i wanted to skip it. It haunted me, fiction or not. That would certainly be the ultimate nightmare and the author made that very clear. Towards the end i found myself reading faster just to get that girl out of that coffin in my head [shudders]!
anyway, i'll be back to Find Finder. This was just book 2 and i'm sure he has more to enjoy. Good read!
As usual, i wasnt aware this was one of those returning character novels. Publishers dont care to make that stuff known upfront. But i didnt feel like i missed anything. This one read as a stand alone and once it got started, which was immediately, it kept it moving.
My only complaint, if it is a complaint, was the gruesome details the author described is what it would be like to be entombed. Buried alive and with air and water supply. Every time there was a chapter with that girl's POV i wanted to skip it. It haunted me, fiction or not. That would certainly be the ultimate nightmare and the author made that very clear. Towards the end i found myself reading faster just to get that girl out of that coffin in my head [shudders]!
anyway, i'll be back to Find Finder. This was just book 2 and i'm sure he has more to enjoy. Good read!
September 18, 2017
AUDIO BOOK narrated very well by Holter Graham
The first 5 discs of the 8 total were flat and the story developed predictably. Maybe had I read this when first published I might have been enthralled by the technical introductions. Last part was exciting but Heller should have been killed.
The two stars is for Graham's performance so listen to it instead of reading the book.
The first 5 discs of the 8 total were flat and the story developed predictably. Maybe had I read this when first published I might have been enthralled by the technical introductions. Last part was exciting but Heller should have been killed.
The two stars is for Graham's performance so listen to it instead of reading the book.
Read
March 15, 2025progressing down my “self induced braindead state to dissociate from body feeling terrible” path. excellent thriller. fun boston setting. solid writing except that a secretary was named “Smoki Bacon” w/ no sense of irony.
October 11, 2011
What secret could be so important it might cost a girl’s life? In Finder’s latest mystery, ex-intelligent operative Nick Heller seeks to answer this question. With a cast of expected characters (the rich man in dire straits with a closet full of skeletons, the terrified innocent teenager, the ruthless bad guy and an array of contacts, each with his or her own specialty) “Buried Secrets” takes you down a path strewn with corruption, lies and mortal danger. Along the way, layer by layer, you discover revelations for which some people will kill.
Nick Heller is hired by billionaire Marcus Marshall to rescue his kidnapped seventeen-year-old daughter. Right away, Heller knows he isn’t being told the entire truth. Marshall, a friend of Heller’s family, has gotten into some bad dealings with some very nasty individuals and somebody wants a piece of highly important information apparently only Marshall can provide. With the assistance of computer gurus and a “sort of” ex-girlfriend working for the local branch of the FBI, Heller slowly tracks both the location of the girl and the individuals behind the kidnapping. The mystery deepens when Heller uncovers secrets nobody should have and a sociopath starts playing by his own rules.
This starts as your average kidnapping mystery and if it continued along the same vein with a few common surprises thrown in, I was going to be disappointed. Heller is not your typical detective. He’s also not the know-it-all. He’s had special-forces training, but possesses very little computer savvy. A little witty, dedicated and determined, he can think logically, but most of his knowledge is obtained from his many contacts. I hoped the story would rise up to the level warranting the intensity shown by the kidnappers. I hoped the story would give reasons for the tempering of the serious situations with bits of dry humor. If you’re a fan of Finder’s previous work, you’ll hope this one holds up to your standards. It does.
Reviewed by Stephen L. Brayton, author of “Beta” for Suspense Magazine
Nick Heller is hired by billionaire Marcus Marshall to rescue his kidnapped seventeen-year-old daughter. Right away, Heller knows he isn’t being told the entire truth. Marshall, a friend of Heller’s family, has gotten into some bad dealings with some very nasty individuals and somebody wants a piece of highly important information apparently only Marshall can provide. With the assistance of computer gurus and a “sort of” ex-girlfriend working for the local branch of the FBI, Heller slowly tracks both the location of the girl and the individuals behind the kidnapping. The mystery deepens when Heller uncovers secrets nobody should have and a sociopath starts playing by his own rules.
This starts as your average kidnapping mystery and if it continued along the same vein with a few common surprises thrown in, I was going to be disappointed. Heller is not your typical detective. He’s also not the know-it-all. He’s had special-forces training, but possesses very little computer savvy. A little witty, dedicated and determined, he can think logically, but most of his knowledge is obtained from his many contacts. I hoped the story would rise up to the level warranting the intensity shown by the kidnappers. I hoped the story would give reasons for the tempering of the serious situations with bits of dry humor. If you’re a fan of Finder’s previous work, you’ll hope this one holds up to your standards. It does.
Reviewed by Stephen L. Brayton, author of “Beta” for Suspense Magazine
January 5, 2012
It is a hard task to review such a well-written novel, peopled by interesting characters and with a well-drawn plot, yet have reservations because it seems to reverberate with clichés. There is Nick Heller, the second appearance by this former superspy turned Boston PI, who seems to be too good to be real. He knows everyone and seems to be smarter than them all; and some of the other characters seem like cardboard figures, especially some of the FBI personnel.
Yet the book is exciting, even riveting, despite the fact that as a major premise - - the loss of over a billion dollars by Marshall Marcus, an investment manager “who never had a losing quarter, unlike Warren Buffet” - - seems somewhat preposterous. As does the source of the funds he managed to “lose.” The plot revolves around the kidnapping of Marcus’ daughter in an effort to force him to reveal a secret document which would provide a Russian oligarch business leverage. Marcus enlists Heller’s aid in rescuing the girl, and the chase is on.
Finder’s eye for detail is impressive, and he moves the story forward daring the reader to put the book down. The action is at a pace almost too much to absorb, packed with all sorts of twists and turns. Despite the above reservations, this is a book to be read, and it is recommended.
Yet the book is exciting, even riveting, despite the fact that as a major premise - - the loss of over a billion dollars by Marshall Marcus, an investment manager “who never had a losing quarter, unlike Warren Buffet” - - seems somewhat preposterous. As does the source of the funds he managed to “lose.” The plot revolves around the kidnapping of Marcus’ daughter in an effort to force him to reveal a secret document which would provide a Russian oligarch business leverage. Marcus enlists Heller’s aid in rescuing the girl, and the chase is on.
Finder’s eye for detail is impressive, and he moves the story forward daring the reader to put the book down. The action is at a pace almost too much to absorb, packed with all sorts of twists and turns. Despite the above reservations, this is a book to be read, and it is recommended.
July 30, 2011
Joseph Finder is absolutely one of the best thriller writers.In his 2nd novel " Buried Secrets", you will find yourself racing from chapter to chapter to find out what happens next.This novel is Amazing!
Nick Heller is called to the home of billionaire financier Marshall Marcus, an old friend of the family who had employed Nick's mom, when his 17 year old daughter Alexa doesn't come home one night. Suspecting that she has been kidnapped for ransom, Nick sets his private investigation in motion using his own employees and calling in favors from all sorts of friends from his former experiences in the military and beyond. Who has taken Alexa? Where is she being held, and what will it take to bring her home alive? Although Nick moves at breakneck speed using all his resources, he's also suspicious that Marcus is keeping secrets from him that might prevent this from being a successful rescue. Will he be able to solve the mystery,and uncover the buried secrets in time?
To say that this was hard to put down is an understatement. The short chapters and change in point of view keep the narrative moving forward at a very rapid pace. I really enjoyed this novel and hope there's a third one in the works.
Nick Heller is called to the home of billionaire financier Marshall Marcus, an old friend of the family who had employed Nick's mom, when his 17 year old daughter Alexa doesn't come home one night. Suspecting that she has been kidnapped for ransom, Nick sets his private investigation in motion using his own employees and calling in favors from all sorts of friends from his former experiences in the military and beyond. Who has taken Alexa? Where is she being held, and what will it take to bring her home alive? Although Nick moves at breakneck speed using all his resources, he's also suspicious that Marcus is keeping secrets from him that might prevent this from being a successful rescue. Will he be able to solve the mystery,and uncover the buried secrets in time?
To say that this was hard to put down is an understatement. The short chapters and change in point of view keep the narrative moving forward at a very rapid pace. I really enjoyed this novel and hope there's a third one in the works.
July 2, 2012
I loved Buried Secrets, just as I have loved and devoured every Joseph Finder book since I discovered the absolutely brilliant Paranoia (my pick for best pop fiction work in the 2000s). This book is another high-octane thriller, with Finder's usual immaculate research into the worlds of technology, espionage, and high finance. It also represents Finder's continuing desire to modernize the dialogue and narration, with pop culture references galore.
In short, highly recommended, but I write to express my growing concern that Finder's books may be subtly drifting into James Patterson-land -- that horrific place where substance gives way to sugar cubes and fiction is little more than empty calories. Finder is too good for that, and the fact that a 380-page book has over 100 chapters screams out that the book is aiming low. I don't think it's quite as good as Vanished, and surely does not end as well; its over-arcing mystery can't compare. I still loved reading it, and will be there day one for the next Nick Heller novel, but I think it will be important for Finder to establish that he can still write with the protein of his early works--maybe there will even be, gasp, a chapter longer than five pages.
In short, highly recommended, but I write to express my growing concern that Finder's books may be subtly drifting into James Patterson-land -- that horrific place where substance gives way to sugar cubes and fiction is little more than empty calories. Finder is too good for that, and the fact that a 380-page book has over 100 chapters screams out that the book is aiming low. I don't think it's quite as good as Vanished, and surely does not end as well; its over-arcing mystery can't compare. I still loved reading it, and will be there day one for the next Nick Heller novel, but I think it will be important for Finder to establish that he can still write with the protein of his early works--maybe there will even be, gasp, a chapter longer than five pages.
July 28, 2011
Joseph FInder never ceases to amaze me with his tales of espionage and his detailed character development. BURIED SCRETS was no exception and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves sitting on the edge of their chair.
Nick Heller is a great character and mixes wonderful wit with a true taste of adventure. He delves into the depths of the issues and then leaves the reader wondering what he'll do next. The kidnapping of the daughter of a family friend brings Heller and his crew into the action from page one. I could never really tell what lay around the corner, which kept me reading, late into the night.
FInder's excellent use of the language and nuances left me amazed at the story, as though it were unfolding before me. Detail like Stephen King, dry wit like Nelson DeMille, and attention to character development like... Bryce Courtenay.
A real winner for your beach list this summer!
Nick Heller is a great character and mixes wonderful wit with a true taste of adventure. He delves into the depths of the issues and then leaves the reader wondering what he'll do next. The kidnapping of the daughter of a family friend brings Heller and his crew into the action from page one. I could never really tell what lay around the corner, which kept me reading, late into the night.
FInder's excellent use of the language and nuances left me amazed at the story, as though it were unfolding before me. Detail like Stephen King, dry wit like Nelson DeMille, and attention to character development like... Bryce Courtenay.
A real winner for your beach list this summer!
May 5, 2015
I didn't realize at first that this was book 2 in the Nick Heller series... but in no way did I feel like I missed out on any past information. This book was great! It was an exciting read as we uncovered the mystery right along with Nick Heller. Joseph Finder definitely has a way with words. I enjoyed reading how he described people through Nick's eyes; which made for some good laugh-out-loud moments! I also want to note that Finder used NO "bad words" in this entire novel, which is so rare now days. I will be reading more books by Joseph Finder in the future.
June 15, 2019
After the damn slog that was the second Locke Lamora book, this was a nice change. It's just as dumb as the first one. But once you get over the desire to shout "That's not how that works!" a few times and put your brain into hibernation you're ready to enjoy it. Things happen, they happen fast and it's best to just go with the flow instead of looking for realism. Heller has an endless source of favors and highly capable friends and acquaintances which allows him to save the day once more, of course. And sometimes that kind of book is just what I need.
February 5, 2013
This novel is too long and in dire need of a sharp editor. There are some good moments if you can get through the boring and the brutality. Its just not worth all the required effort. 3 of 10 stars
September 11, 2020
Our hero Nick Heller has just the right friends in high places to help him pull off some unbelievable stuff, but if you’re looking for believable, this is the wrong book for you, anyway. If you’re looking for a fast paced story focused on action with some international conspiracy elements thrown in, you’ll probably enjoy the read. While I found it a three star (“good”) book overall, I thought this one rated a solid four stars on the creep-o-meter and Is a definite “no” for anyone troubled by claustrophobia.
January 14, 2015
Oh God, Oh God Oh God Oh God. And Kevin Bacon
I’ve always believed that every author, no matter how talented they are, can have one ‘off” novel. For me, Joseph Finder’s “Buried Secrets” was his “off” novel.
I’ve read 3 others by him and have enjoyed them all very much. ‘Buried Secrets,’ without a doubt was, in my opinion, his weakest effort by far.
The story was somewhat interesting, though not entirely new or original. There was only 1 or 2 ‘surprises.’ Personally, I prefer more but that’s my opinion. My biggest issue with Buried Secrets was the writing style. Mr. Finder is a talented storyteller. But in this novel, the writing seemed ‘forced.’ If this was the first novel by a debut author, I’d say ‘Not bad.’ But for someone with many novels under his belt, the writing felt stunted. I cant help but feel that perhaps the author was running up against some deadline. Maybe even dealing with some personal issues in his life that distracted him. His writing seemed ‘off.’
POSITIVES:
The story was fast moving, quick and an easy read. I finished it in 3 days (385 pages.) At no point did the story drag. All in all it was mildly entertaining read, passed some time and really, isn’t that what a book is supposed to do?
NEGATIVES:
As I mentioned earlier, the writing seemed forced. The expression ‘Oh my God!’ must have been used—I’m not kidding—at least 40 times! And by many different characters. Anytime something unexpected or unforeseen happened, a character would cry out ‘Oh my God!’ How about some variety? How about a “Oh s**t,” “Oh cr*p,” “Hell no.” Something????
Here’s one example of overkill from page 345: “Then her tone changed abruptly, her voice wheedling, high-pitched. “Please, oh God, please, let me out of here, please oh God please oh God what do you want?”
After 385 pages of this I surely got in the mood to watch ‘Oh God’ with George Burns.
One thing was almost laughable is the fact that no matter what Nick Heller, the protagonist needs, he ALWAYS knows or comes across someone who can help him out. When he needs to know something going on in the Dept of Defense, he contacts an old friend who happens to work for DoD. When he needs to know something about the Russian Mafia, he contacts his old KGB buddy. When he needs to learn something about tattoos, luckily, as fate would have it, his secretary who he was going to terminate, happens to be an expert on tattoos. When he has to look into secret bank accounts in Belize, he tracks down an old pal who—yep, works in a bank in Belize. And, irony of all ironies, came at the end. He presents his girlfriend with a very rare very expensive bottle of perfume she adores, perfume that is not even manufactured anymore. $7000 per bottle!!! But have no fear, Nick Heller is here. Luckily, he knows a Jordanian Arms Dealer who knows someone who knows someone who gets the perfume.
Nick Heller: just 3 degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon.
The book moved along at a good clip. Fast, quick. Then, all of a sudden, it slowed down greatly at the end. It felt like Mr. Finder was short on wordcount and needed to expound a scene in too much detail. ***SPOILER***Near the end, Nick Heller crosses a field where he thinks a girl is being held, sneaks into the home, ultimately has an altercation with the antagonist. Simple, right? That took 32 pages!!! Almost 10 percent of the book. ***END SPOILER***
In another section, a few pages earlier, Nick goes into a strip club. Now, we all know what strip clubs look like. They’re not uncommon. Yet, for some reason, Mr. Finder felt a need to slow down pacing and spent 3 pages describing rails, poles, strobe lights, etc…
One other thing that while not really a negative but just ‘strange’ was the incredibly short length of chapters. This book was 385 pages—and 112 chapters. Well, do the math. I cant help but wonder if this was done on purpose. Ending and beginning chapters leave parts of pages empty, a half page here, a third there. If there were fewer chapters, this ‘385’ page book would probably be about 250 pages, a novella.
For example, one chapter ends with Nick walking into a hotel lobby. The next chapter is Nick riding up in an elevator, walking down a hall and knocking on a door. And the chapter ends! A page and a half. Many chapters in this book consisted of 3-4 paragraphs. Again, not a negative but just strange.
I will continue to read more Joseph Finder books. I’ve read 4, have enjoyed 3. If this was my first novel by him, I’d be 50-50 on giving him another shot. Hopefully, the next one I read will be better written, more believable, and features characters that have some depth. This book really deserves 2 stars but I’m giving it 3 solely based on the strength of his previous work.
I’ve always believed that every author, no matter how talented they are, can have one ‘off” novel. For me, Joseph Finder’s “Buried Secrets” was his “off” novel.
I’ve read 3 others by him and have enjoyed them all very much. ‘Buried Secrets,’ without a doubt was, in my opinion, his weakest effort by far.
The story was somewhat interesting, though not entirely new or original. There was only 1 or 2 ‘surprises.’ Personally, I prefer more but that’s my opinion. My biggest issue with Buried Secrets was the writing style. Mr. Finder is a talented storyteller. But in this novel, the writing seemed ‘forced.’ If this was the first novel by a debut author, I’d say ‘Not bad.’ But for someone with many novels under his belt, the writing felt stunted. I cant help but feel that perhaps the author was running up against some deadline. Maybe even dealing with some personal issues in his life that distracted him. His writing seemed ‘off.’
POSITIVES:
The story was fast moving, quick and an easy read. I finished it in 3 days (385 pages.) At no point did the story drag. All in all it was mildly entertaining read, passed some time and really, isn’t that what a book is supposed to do?
NEGATIVES:
As I mentioned earlier, the writing seemed forced. The expression ‘Oh my God!’ must have been used—I’m not kidding—at least 40 times! And by many different characters. Anytime something unexpected or unforeseen happened, a character would cry out ‘Oh my God!’ How about some variety? How about a “Oh s**t,” “Oh cr*p,” “Hell no.” Something????
Here’s one example of overkill from page 345: “Then her tone changed abruptly, her voice wheedling, high-pitched. “Please, oh God, please, let me out of here, please oh God please oh God what do you want?”
After 385 pages of this I surely got in the mood to watch ‘Oh God’ with George Burns.
One thing was almost laughable is the fact that no matter what Nick Heller, the protagonist needs, he ALWAYS knows or comes across someone who can help him out. When he needs to know something going on in the Dept of Defense, he contacts an old friend who happens to work for DoD. When he needs to know something about the Russian Mafia, he contacts his old KGB buddy. When he needs to learn something about tattoos, luckily, as fate would have it, his secretary who he was going to terminate, happens to be an expert on tattoos. When he has to look into secret bank accounts in Belize, he tracks down an old pal who—yep, works in a bank in Belize. And, irony of all ironies, came at the end. He presents his girlfriend with a very rare very expensive bottle of perfume she adores, perfume that is not even manufactured anymore. $7000 per bottle!!! But have no fear, Nick Heller is here. Luckily, he knows a Jordanian Arms Dealer who knows someone who knows someone who gets the perfume.
Nick Heller: just 3 degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon.
The book moved along at a good clip. Fast, quick. Then, all of a sudden, it slowed down greatly at the end. It felt like Mr. Finder was short on wordcount and needed to expound a scene in too much detail. ***SPOILER***Near the end, Nick Heller crosses a field where he thinks a girl is being held, sneaks into the home, ultimately has an altercation with the antagonist. Simple, right? That took 32 pages!!! Almost 10 percent of the book. ***END SPOILER***
In another section, a few pages earlier, Nick goes into a strip club. Now, we all know what strip clubs look like. They’re not uncommon. Yet, for some reason, Mr. Finder felt a need to slow down pacing and spent 3 pages describing rails, poles, strobe lights, etc…
One other thing that while not really a negative but just ‘strange’ was the incredibly short length of chapters. This book was 385 pages—and 112 chapters. Well, do the math. I cant help but wonder if this was done on purpose. Ending and beginning chapters leave parts of pages empty, a half page here, a third there. If there were fewer chapters, this ‘385’ page book would probably be about 250 pages, a novella.
For example, one chapter ends with Nick walking into a hotel lobby. The next chapter is Nick riding up in an elevator, walking down a hall and knocking on a door. And the chapter ends! A page and a half. Many chapters in this book consisted of 3-4 paragraphs. Again, not a negative but just strange.
I will continue to read more Joseph Finder books. I’ve read 4, have enjoyed 3. If this was my first novel by him, I’d be 50-50 on giving him another shot. Hopefully, the next one I read will be better written, more believable, and features characters that have some depth. This book really deserves 2 stars but I’m giving it 3 solely based on the strength of his previous work.
February 14, 2017
International investigator and ex-Special Forces Operative, Nick Heller was first introduced to us in Joseph Finder’s Vanished, the first book in the Nick Heller series, which I did a review on back in September of 2016. Here’s the link if you are interest in reading it: Book Haunt's Review of Vanished by Joseph Finder
In Buried Secrets, we rejoin Nick Heller a few months later and he has moved from Washington D.C. to Boston to open his own investigative agency. Nick has brought along his old work associate Dorothy, who is an ex-NSA employee and a digital forensics expert. He has also hired receptionist and office manager, Jillian Alperin.
When an old family friend comes to Nick for help, Nick can’t say no. Marshall Marcus is the richest guy in Boston. He was employed Nick’s mother when his father, Victor Heller, went to prison, and treated her and her sons like family. Now Marshall’s daughter Alexa has gone missing, and Nick agrees to try and locate her. The case also brings him into contact with an old flame, Diana Madigan, who works for Child Abduction Rapid Deployment.
The story switches back and forth from Nick’s POV to the POV of Marshall’s daughter, Alexa. Alexa is in the hands of a man she thinks of as “The Owl,” who is her only lifeline to the world. His power over her is absolute. He has buried her alive with very little food and water, and sends horrifying live video feeds to her family over the internet. Here the reader feels every moment of Alexa’s terror as if we were there with her. This kidnapper thrives on the fear he sows and as I read, I got chills down my spine.
Nick knows that he must find Alexa because her time is running out, but he soon begins to realize that Marshall has been sandbagging him. He has become involved with some very bad people and his reluctance to tell the truth may cost him his daughter’s life.
Nick Heller is a boldly drawn character and I have a feeling he’ll be around awhile. He’s one of those that you shout out loud rooting for. He never takes anything at face value, operating at full speed and he absolutely does not take any crap from anyone. But Nick isn’t just a hardcore macho man; he genuinely cares about people. We see this side in his relationship with his nephew Gabe, a surly teenager that Nick is especially fond of. Nick and Gabe have some typical adult/teenage banter with Nick constantly jibing him about his taste in music. Nick much prefers the twangy guitar licks of “The Titan of The Telecaster,” Bill Kirchen. Somehow in my book this makes him even more interesting. We also get a glimpse of Nick’s love life as we find out more about his former relationship with the new character, Diana. Most of us that read these series know that the heroes usually go through relationships like water. So far in the first two books, it’s hard to tell if that’s the case but I don’t mind reading more to find out. These are enjoyable, fast-paced reads.
In Buried Secrets, we rejoin Nick Heller a few months later and he has moved from Washington D.C. to Boston to open his own investigative agency. Nick has brought along his old work associate Dorothy, who is an ex-NSA employee and a digital forensics expert. He has also hired receptionist and office manager, Jillian Alperin.
When an old family friend comes to Nick for help, Nick can’t say no. Marshall Marcus is the richest guy in Boston. He was employed Nick’s mother when his father, Victor Heller, went to prison, and treated her and her sons like family. Now Marshall’s daughter Alexa has gone missing, and Nick agrees to try and locate her. The case also brings him into contact with an old flame, Diana Madigan, who works for Child Abduction Rapid Deployment.
The story switches back and forth from Nick’s POV to the POV of Marshall’s daughter, Alexa. Alexa is in the hands of a man she thinks of as “The Owl,” who is her only lifeline to the world. His power over her is absolute. He has buried her alive with very little food and water, and sends horrifying live video feeds to her family over the internet. Here the reader feels every moment of Alexa’s terror as if we were there with her. This kidnapper thrives on the fear he sows and as I read, I got chills down my spine.
Nick knows that he must find Alexa because her time is running out, but he soon begins to realize that Marshall has been sandbagging him. He has become involved with some very bad people and his reluctance to tell the truth may cost him his daughter’s life.
Nick Heller is a boldly drawn character and I have a feeling he’ll be around awhile. He’s one of those that you shout out loud rooting for. He never takes anything at face value, operating at full speed and he absolutely does not take any crap from anyone. But Nick isn’t just a hardcore macho man; he genuinely cares about people. We see this side in his relationship with his nephew Gabe, a surly teenager that Nick is especially fond of. Nick and Gabe have some typical adult/teenage banter with Nick constantly jibing him about his taste in music. Nick much prefers the twangy guitar licks of “The Titan of The Telecaster,” Bill Kirchen. Somehow in my book this makes him even more interesting. We also get a glimpse of Nick’s love life as we find out more about his former relationship with the new character, Diana. Most of us that read these series know that the heroes usually go through relationships like water. So far in the first two books, it’s hard to tell if that’s the case but I don’t mind reading more to find out. These are enjoyable, fast-paced reads.
May 12, 2011
Having read 3 of Joseph Finder's books before I was prepared for a taught and well written novel. I was not expecting just how good this book was.
His novels I had read before involved corporate life and corporate espionage and this book is the second book with the "private spy" Nick Heller. I had not read "Vanished" the first book introducing him, but was able to read this novel without needing the backstory from the 1st novel.
In this book a family friend contacts him after his daughter has gone missing and the plot starts to rapidly unfold as the circumstances involving the government and criminal organizations show how much danger the kidnapped girl is in. Nick Heller is an intricate character without some of the trappings of the roguish hero. He's not James Bond who can do anything, but he does have a friend with the tech skills of Q to help him out. Some of the bluffs with the villains were absolutely great as he was searching for information from people who would rather kill him than talk to him.
As the plot builds up to one crescendo as it resolves your are lead into even a greater crescendo and the final fight scene had a memorable realistic taste to it. This book is just full of taught suspense with a Clancey/Ludlum flavor to it and lead me to just burn through it as fast as I could.
Now I have to get the first novel in the series.
Update: Wow just saw the first book "Vanished" is only $2.99 on the Amazon Kindle store.
Caveat: I received this book via the Amazon Vine program.
His novels I had read before involved corporate life and corporate espionage and this book is the second book with the "private spy" Nick Heller. I had not read "Vanished" the first book introducing him, but was able to read this novel without needing the backstory from the 1st novel.
In this book a family friend contacts him after his daughter has gone missing and the plot starts to rapidly unfold as the circumstances involving the government and criminal organizations show how much danger the kidnapped girl is in. Nick Heller is an intricate character without some of the trappings of the roguish hero. He's not James Bond who can do anything, but he does have a friend with the tech skills of Q to help him out. Some of the bluffs with the villains were absolutely great as he was searching for information from people who would rather kill him than talk to him.
As the plot builds up to one crescendo as it resolves your are lead into even a greater crescendo and the final fight scene had a memorable realistic taste to it. This book is just full of taught suspense with a Clancey/Ludlum flavor to it and lead me to just burn through it as fast as I could.
Now I have to get the first novel in the series.
Update: Wow just saw the first book "Vanished" is only $2.99 on the Amazon Kindle store.
Caveat: I received this book via the Amazon Vine program.
May 13, 2011
I enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and kept me reading. I took longer then usual due to leaving it somewhere and then having to really look for it.
I would have given it a 5 star if the end of one character hadn't been so fast, he was a difficult person and then his demise was swift and why do the bad guys always feel the need to tell how they did everything and then end it? I did like that the real bad guy was extremely nasty, he made for someone you could really hate. My blood pumped harder at the end with not knowing who was going to come up on top. This story was exciting and scary as the author took the reader to many seedy places, and holes in Boston I would not want to venture into on purpose. Great descriptions of the area and having been to Boston recently I could really visualize the landscape.
Why are people the way they are and why are some of us so bad? Rich, poor, needy and scared, we all have more in common then we think and I like the way the author made everyone human in some way. To be super rich sounds great but then again a new set of problems emerges and so maybe not.
I like Nick and think he makes a great character for more books, Dorthy is also likable and unusual. This is a thriller with just a bit of romance added in the mix. Great story and I look forward to the next Nick Hiller story. I would suggest this to anyone who enjoys mystery/thrillers. Check out this book and his first in the series.
I would have given it a 5 star if the end of one character hadn't been so fast, he was a difficult person and then his demise was swift and why do the bad guys always feel the need to tell how they did everything and then end it? I did like that the real bad guy was extremely nasty, he made for someone you could really hate. My blood pumped harder at the end with not knowing who was going to come up on top. This story was exciting and scary as the author took the reader to many seedy places, and holes in Boston I would not want to venture into on purpose. Great descriptions of the area and having been to Boston recently I could really visualize the landscape.
Why are people the way they are and why are some of us so bad? Rich, poor, needy and scared, we all have more in common then we think and I like the way the author made everyone human in some way. To be super rich sounds great but then again a new set of problems emerges and so maybe not.
I like Nick and think he makes a great character for more books, Dorthy is also likable and unusual. This is a thriller with just a bit of romance added in the mix. Great story and I look forward to the next Nick Hiller story. I would suggest this to anyone who enjoys mystery/thrillers. Check out this book and his first in the series.
June 29, 2011
Nick Heller is back! I read Buried Secrets within a couple of weeks of finishing Vanished and I have to say that this second book in the Nick Heller series is much more intense. In this instalment, Nick Heller is searching for Alexa, the kidnapped daughter of billionaire and family friend Marshall Marcus. The reasons for the kidnapping are not clear and Nick is not getting the information he should from Alexa’s father.
Nick’s characteristic sense of humour (I got strange looks on the bus because I kept snickering as I read) is still present in this novel but the overall feeling of urgency makes you want to plow through the remaining pages to find out what happens. Alexa is being kept under some pretty horrific conditions which allows for some pretty gruesome scenes. In Buried Secrets, Nick Heller’s is conflicted as ever as he deals with some pretty nasty characters and a woman from his past and, like in Vanished, some of Nick’s investigative efforts lead him to uncover some questionable government deals.
Buried Secrets is another fast-paced, enjoyable thriller full of suspense from Joseph Finder. I’m looking forward to reading his other stand alone books.
Nick’s characteristic sense of humour (I got strange looks on the bus because I kept snickering as I read) is still present in this novel but the overall feeling of urgency makes you want to plow through the remaining pages to find out what happens. Alexa is being kept under some pretty horrific conditions which allows for some pretty gruesome scenes. In Buried Secrets, Nick Heller’s is conflicted as ever as he deals with some pretty nasty characters and a woman from his past and, like in Vanished, some of Nick’s investigative efforts lead him to uncover some questionable government deals.
Buried Secrets is another fast-paced, enjoyable thriller full of suspense from Joseph Finder. I’m looking forward to reading his other stand alone books.
Read
March 9, 2016Joseph Finder's sequel to Vanished is a fast-paced and enjoyable read. When Alexa Marcus, the spoiled daughter of Marshall Marcus, a wildly successful money manager, is kidnapped from a Boston club and buried alive in a coffin equipped with an air hose and a video camera, Marshall asks his old friend, Nick Heller, to find her. The search leads into an expanding world of "buried secrets," from Marshall's gold-digging trophy wife, Belinda, and his crumbling investment empire to allegations of government funding for covert operations and the Russian mafia. Heller is witty and engaging, though at times he seems impossibly adept at combat. That said, Buried Secrets' suspenseful, expertly paced plot will satisfy you right up to its conclusion.
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