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Max Freeman #6
Midnight Guardians
Max is back, trawling the trailer parks and waterways of South Florida, where amid the gorgeous beaches and abundant foliage there lies a stunning range of brutality. After Max is hired to investigate a conspiracy involving fake claims to Medicare, he quickly realizes the scheme is much more dangerous than anyone assumed. And when the Brown Man, a former drug kingpin who once helped Max nab a serial killer, reappears in a slick new guise, Max must reclaim his street instincts to protect not just the citizens of South Florida, but also his girlfriend, Detective Sherry Richards—the one person he can’t afford to lose. This ebook features rare photos and never-before-seen documents from the author’s life.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
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175 people want to read
About the author
Jonathon King
14 books151 followersEdgar-award winning author Jonathon King is the creator of the Max Freeman crime series set in the Everglades and on the hard streets of urban South Florida. In his previous career as a journalist, he was a police and court reporter for 24 years with the Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale and the Philadelphia Daily News.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 25, 2013
First, a beef about e-books: this is the fifth Kindle book I've read and again noticed several grammar errors and missing or wrong words. I don't know if the problem lies with whoever is inputting the books to electronic format or something that happens when I download them. Although to be honest, the last couple paper-and-ink books I read had similar errors. Don't publshers employ line editors anymore?
I was disappointed when I reached the end of this, the sixth book in King’s Max Freeman series.
Not because of the quality of the writing or the story itself, but because it was the last one – unless Mr. King writes more, something I deeply hope he does.
I have loved this series from the moment I started reading The Blue Edge of Midnight, the first one. Sometimes, a reader connects with a character and author for no apparent reason. They just ‘click.’ That’s what happened to me with this series.
Max is a troubled ex-Philly cop who left the force after accidentally killing a twelve-year-old child and retreated to an isolated shack in the Everglades. But Max doesn’t hide out there ‘grinding the rocks in his head’ – one of the best descriptions of processing internal conflict I’ve ever read. Events conspire to force him to return to civilization and the series chronicles his slow return to a normal life.
Along the way, he connects with Detective Sherry Richards and a relationship grows between them over the course of the series – something that is all too rare in novels. Usually the main male and female characters meet in one chapter and are in bed three chapters later.
King’s description of the Everglades really brings them alive. I have never been there, but his prose makes me feel as if I am with Max as he paddles his canoe along the waterways. Much like John D. MacDonald’s Travis McGee, Max decries the damage done to this fragile ecosystem by greedy developers but without the strident tone MacDonald often adopted.
King also peoples this series with characters that are unique. Max’s best friend, Billy Manchester, is an attorney who stutters when speaking to people face-to-face. And many of the characters in the stories are Gladesmen, hard men and women who live by their own code, which includes an ingrained respect for their environment.
All I can say is read this series.
I wish I could find this and the previous book, Acts Of Nature, in paperback to complete the set.
I have an urge to dig out the other books in this series and reread them for the third time. Forget the urge. I’m going to do it.
I was disappointed when I reached the end of this, the sixth book in King’s Max Freeman series.
Not because of the quality of the writing or the story itself, but because it was the last one – unless Mr. King writes more, something I deeply hope he does.
I have loved this series from the moment I started reading The Blue Edge of Midnight, the first one. Sometimes, a reader connects with a character and author for no apparent reason. They just ‘click.’ That’s what happened to me with this series.
Max is a troubled ex-Philly cop who left the force after accidentally killing a twelve-year-old child and retreated to an isolated shack in the Everglades. But Max doesn’t hide out there ‘grinding the rocks in his head’ – one of the best descriptions of processing internal conflict I’ve ever read. Events conspire to force him to return to civilization and the series chronicles his slow return to a normal life.
Along the way, he connects with Detective Sherry Richards and a relationship grows between them over the course of the series – something that is all too rare in novels. Usually the main male and female characters meet in one chapter and are in bed three chapters later.
King’s description of the Everglades really brings them alive. I have never been there, but his prose makes me feel as if I am with Max as he paddles his canoe along the waterways. Much like John D. MacDonald’s Travis McGee, Max decries the damage done to this fragile ecosystem by greedy developers but without the strident tone MacDonald often adopted.
King also peoples this series with characters that are unique. Max’s best friend, Billy Manchester, is an attorney who stutters when speaking to people face-to-face. And many of the characters in the stories are Gladesmen, hard men and women who live by their own code, which includes an ingrained respect for their environment.
All I can say is read this series.
I wish I could find this and the previous book, Acts Of Nature, in paperback to complete the set.
I have an urge to dig out the other books in this series and reread them for the third time. Forget the urge. I’m going to do it.
April 3, 2016
It's been 3 years since the last Max Freeman book. While this is just okay as a stand-alone, I don't think a first time reader of this author's will enjoy it nearly as much as those of us who have read the entire series.
In short, Max is an ex-Philadelphia cop, now working as a Private Investigator for a friend / very influential attorney in Florida. When a whistle-blower contacts the attorney for help, Max is drawn into a case of Medicare fraud.
Max's investigation leads to a world of drugs and to a drug dealer from his own past.
The mystery/suspense part is kind of tame ... not the usual kind of work I've seen from this author.
Most of the book is centered around his relationship with Detective Sherry Richards .... who lost her leg in a previous book. She has now returned to work, but it takes a toll on them both because now she's stuck behind a desk, rather than working the streets.
Again, if you're a follower of the series, this relationship is very interesting. If you're a new reader --- not so much.
Max is a great character ... he has grown so much since 2002 when the series began. I strongly recommend starting at the beginning for an enjoyable reading experience.
4 Stars For The Series
In short, Max is an ex-Philadelphia cop, now working as a Private Investigator for a friend / very influential attorney in Florida. When a whistle-blower contacts the attorney for help, Max is drawn into a case of Medicare fraud.
Max's investigation leads to a world of drugs and to a drug dealer from his own past.
The mystery/suspense part is kind of tame ... not the usual kind of work I've seen from this author.
Most of the book is centered around his relationship with Detective Sherry Richards .... who lost her leg in a previous book. She has now returned to work, but it takes a toll on them both because now she's stuck behind a desk, rather than working the streets.
Again, if you're a follower of the series, this relationship is very interesting. If you're a new reader --- not so much.
Max is a great character ... he has grown so much since 2002 when the series began. I strongly recommend starting at the beginning for an enjoyable reading experience.
4 Stars For The Series
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June 19, 2012Midnight Guardian, by Jonathan King, a-minus, narrated by Mel Foster, produced by Brilliance Audio, downloaded from audible.com.
This is the fifth in the Max Freeman series, a former Philadelphia cop who gave up policing and moved to Florida and now works for a lawyer as a P.I. His girl friend, Sherry Richards, is a Florida cop who had one leg amputated in the last book as a result of a tragic accident. In this book, Billy has asked Max to help protect a young girl from Bolivia who is working in a hospital and is seeing Medicaid fraud occurring. Her brother has been pulled into the fraud as well, and there are connections to selling prescription drugs as well. The usual list of lovable characters are there with Max rescuing people right and left. Also, this book does spend some time trying to get Max and Sherry used to the changes in their relationship brought about by the fact that she now uses a wheelchair. Very good.
This is the fifth in the Max Freeman series, a former Philadelphia cop who gave up policing and moved to Florida and now works for a lawyer as a P.I. His girl friend, Sherry Richards, is a Florida cop who had one leg amputated in the last book as a result of a tragic accident. In this book, Billy has asked Max to help protect a young girl from Bolivia who is working in a hospital and is seeing Medicaid fraud occurring. Her brother has been pulled into the fraud as well, and there are connections to selling prescription drugs as well. The usual list of lovable characters are there with Max rescuing people right and left. Also, this book does spend some time trying to get Max and Sherry used to the changes in their relationship brought about by the fact that she now uses a wheelchair. Very good.
May 22, 2017
A good entry in the South Florida neo-noir Max Freeman series. The mystery is not one of the better ones in the series, but the characterizations are very good, especially the relationship of Sherry and Max following the aftermath of the previous book "Acts of Nature." A bit on the short side, but still an entertaining read provided you aren't making this your first novel. Start with "The Blue Edge of Midnight".
I found it interesting that this most recent Jonathon King book along with the most recent book of James W Hall (another Florida neo-noir author) both make occasional use of second person from a specific character's perspective.
I found it interesting that this most recent Jonathon King book along with the most recent book of James W Hall (another Florida neo-noir author) both make occasional use of second person from a specific character's perspective.
October 6, 2021
Great as were the others I have read in this series. I have sorta skipped a few because I haven’t been able to find them. Max and his friends take on a street gang and everyone knows what a bad idea that is. Max must also protect the whistle blower who soon regrets her involvement as it hits very close to home. There are also some very unfortunate kids involved and that makes it even more of a sad and dangerous situation. Great quick read.
June 15, 2012
Not as good as previous books in this series. The story was a bit contrived and the way the two plots came together was far too coincidental for me. Early books in this series were standout mysteries, but the last couple haven't been as strong.
April 23, 2011
King has another winner in his Max Freeman series. The mystery is good, but where King really shines is his character development and his wonderful way of making south Florida come alive.
January 14, 2013
I was very pleased to see the series renew with a new entry as it had been a few years since I had read the last book (Act of Nature). I had very much enjoyed the first five, all are 4 star reviews.
I'll admit there is one core element of the series that attracts me and that's the Everglades settings. Can't get enough. The descriptions of the rugged beauty, the joy that Max gets from guiding his canoe, the author's heartfelt statements inserted in the story about environmental stewardship and the mismanagement of the Everglades ... I like it all.
When Max ventures back into the city it provides the contrast and grit to his lifestyle and what he escaped from in his past. Unfortunately, as in this book, when Max spends 95% of the story in suburbia, the major asset of the series is diminished. There are a lot of books about crime in the city, it better be a very impressive plot with very well developed characters to rise above. Neither is true in this case.
That's the major drawback for me, not enough time in the Everglades, a setting one would think a variety of plots could be developed without rehashing the first five books. I also wish the character development was stronger. There are glimpses of the demons that haunt Max, Billy and Sherry from the past. But it's mostly descriptions of how they act, not the subtle nuances that would provide insight into what they are feeling. Billy and Sherry are nearly perfect humans in this latest book, full of a variety of extremely impressive character attributes with only dealing with obvious physical issues serving as an anchor. Some personal flaws are interesting and, more to the point, more realistic.
I hope the series continues. Be interesting to see Max grow in some new ways. A simple plot mostly set in the Glades with better character development .... easier said than done, but much of the foundation is there for another 4+ star entry.
I'll admit there is one core element of the series that attracts me and that's the Everglades settings. Can't get enough. The descriptions of the rugged beauty, the joy that Max gets from guiding his canoe, the author's heartfelt statements inserted in the story about environmental stewardship and the mismanagement of the Everglades ... I like it all.
When Max ventures back into the city it provides the contrast and grit to his lifestyle and what he escaped from in his past. Unfortunately, as in this book, when Max spends 95% of the story in suburbia, the major asset of the series is diminished. There are a lot of books about crime in the city, it better be a very impressive plot with very well developed characters to rise above. Neither is true in this case.
That's the major drawback for me, not enough time in the Everglades, a setting one would think a variety of plots could be developed without rehashing the first five books. I also wish the character development was stronger. There are glimpses of the demons that haunt Max, Billy and Sherry from the past. But it's mostly descriptions of how they act, not the subtle nuances that would provide insight into what they are feeling. Billy and Sherry are nearly perfect humans in this latest book, full of a variety of extremely impressive character attributes with only dealing with obvious physical issues serving as an anchor. Some personal flaws are interesting and, more to the point, more realistic.
I hope the series continues. Be interesting to see Max grow in some new ways. A simple plot mostly set in the Glades with better character development .... easier said than done, but much of the foundation is there for another 4+ star entry.
October 5, 2015
I do enjoy visiting with this series and these characters.
I took a long break between this book and the last one. I am glad to see them dealing realistically with the changes in their lives and that they are moving on successfully.
This series is often violent, but I don't see it as gratuitous. I am interested in following the police/private investigator steps toward a solution.
In this there is the uncovering of Medicare fraud, an all too real fact of life. Why stand on a street corner when you can find easier ways to make money?
It also deals with whistle-blowers and how vulnerable they can be.
I will definitely continue on in the series.
I borrowed this copy from the public library.
I took a long break between this book and the last one. I am glad to see them dealing realistically with the changes in their lives and that they are moving on successfully.
This series is often violent, but I don't see it as gratuitous. I am interested in following the police/private investigator steps toward a solution.
In this there is the uncovering of Medicare fraud, an all too real fact of life. Why stand on a street corner when you can find easier ways to make money?
It also deals with whistle-blowers and how vulnerable they can be.
I will definitely continue on in the series.
I borrowed this copy from the public library.
July 27, 2019
Max Freeman, Philadelphia cop-turned Florida private investigator, has put his life largely back together after shooting and being shot in a robbery gone bad. It's taken work, and solitude. (See the first five books.) He's lived on the edge of the glades and worked as an investigator for an interesting lawyer.Their investigation of a medicare scam sets up an ordinary enough book except for the solid characterization, and a subplot involving the recovery of his detective girlfriend from the loss of a leg. I like the books that are closer to the world of the everglades, but Freeman and his boss are consistently appealing.
January 24, 2018
Max Freeman is a former Philadelphia policeman who now lives in a shack in the Everglades, working as an investigator for his attorney/best friend.
The Buffalo library's annual book sale (I think this hardbound cost me a quarter) led me to start the series at book six. I liked it so much, I will be going back and catching up with Max from the start.
The Buffalo library's annual book sale (I think this hardbound cost me a quarter) led me to start the series at book six. I liked it so much, I will be going back and catching up with Max from the start.
November 27, 2018
Freeman suffers from amnesia, or is it King who does? Suddenly all the previously soulved cases are quite different from what they were at the time. Maybe it's because of all that beer he drinks, seems like he pops one open on every other page of the book, never mind the time of day.
Book 6 was overall rather annoying and left quite a few loose ends.
Book 6 was overall rather annoying and left quite a few loose ends.
June 9, 2021
Love the Max Freeman character and the plot lines in all of Kings novels. While this one wasn't one of my favorite Freeman novels it was a fun and enjoyable read. Fairly short novel where a simple whistle-blower case becomes much more.
September 24, 2025
Not quite as good as the first few in the series but still up there. Seemed, perhaps, a little to quick and convenient with the plot, though relatively realistic and entertaining all the way through. Good continued character development of Max individually and of his relationship with Sherry; other characters were interesting and, even when villainous, at least somewhat sympathetic. Already have the next one checked out of the e-library.
August 29, 2017
Of all the Max Freeman mysteries, I laboured through this one.
'twas not my favourite...but I wouldn't dismiss the subsequent book in the series :)
'twas not my favourite...but I wouldn't dismiss the subsequent book in the series :)
March 15, 2018
Overall, a pretty good book.
November 22, 2018
Although part of a series, King always gives you enough of the back story that you know what everyone is about. I love that he just tells a story, without extraneous blah blah blah.
March 8, 2022
Not up to par for me in the Max Freeman series. Nothing new, characters didn't grow. Story/crime/mystery was typical, writing seemed sloppy and forced.
September 17, 2022
I like these characters, although I did skip the one just prior to this one.
August 15, 2023
Ok so the author is into amputees. If that story line doesn’t upset you this Max Freeman mystery is an easy read or listen.
February 17, 2017
I read this book 2 years ago. Somehow I forgot to review it!
I don't really remember much about it, except it was the first book of the Max Freeman series that I saw, so I went and started the series from book 1 because of it.
I do still have a few notes on my Nook that I made while reading:
--The truck he was using was way too obvious. Should have rented something more low-key.
--He went back to the shack! I missed the shack! It was one of the things that I most enjoyed about the earlier books. Since Max started to hang out more in the city, he became less interesting.
--Going to the river house was pointless and the ending was sudden
I don't really remember much about it, except it was the first book of the Max Freeman series that I saw, so I went and started the series from book 1 because of it.
I do still have a few notes on my Nook that I made while reading:
--The truck he was using was way too obvious. Should have rented something more low-key.
--He went back to the shack! I missed the shack! It was one of the things that I most enjoyed about the earlier books. Since Max started to hang out more in the city, he became less interesting.
--Going to the river house was pointless and the ending was sudden
November 29, 2013
Is this the last Max Freeman novel? If it is, I was left wanting. Max is feeling guilty about his girlfriend, Sherry. She lost a leg because of Max; that's how he sees it. Another Sheriff Deputy has lost both of his legs in a freak accident while he was issuing a traffic citation. Sherry has been tapped to help the injured officer. Max is helping Billy Manchester on a Medicare/Medicaid billing fraud case. The client and her brother are in mortal danger.
The disabled cop may be part of the case as well as a former drug king pin that helped Freeman to bring down a serial murderer a few years back. What is the Brown Man up to. Medicare and Medicaid fraud with a dash of steroid and other prescription drugs thrown into the mix, it seems. Times are changing in the drug dealing world. But will Max, Sherry, and Billy survive this new world?
The novel starts strong, but the personal stuff between Max and Sherry seem to slow the action down somewhat. Does she really need to be a "wheelie?" I think not - her character in the past would demand that she be fitted for a prosthesis as soon as she could and return to the job under threat of a lawsuit. But that's just my opinion. I really did like this series. The characters were great and well developed. The story lines were good and filled with suspense. But if this was the last in the series, I feel cheated. But King left the door open for continuing the series. Midnight Guardians is likable, but not as wonderful as were the other 5 books in the series - the suspense level wasn't sustained and the story line suffered somewhat because of it.
The disabled cop may be part of the case as well as a former drug king pin that helped Freeman to bring down a serial murderer a few years back. What is the Brown Man up to. Medicare and Medicaid fraud with a dash of steroid and other prescription drugs thrown into the mix, it seems. Times are changing in the drug dealing world. But will Max, Sherry, and Billy survive this new world?
The novel starts strong, but the personal stuff between Max and Sherry seem to slow the action down somewhat. Does she really need to be a "wheelie?" I think not - her character in the past would demand that she be fitted for a prosthesis as soon as she could and return to the job under threat of a lawsuit. But that's just my opinion. I really did like this series. The characters were great and well developed. The story lines were good and filled with suspense. But if this was the last in the series, I feel cheated. But King left the door open for continuing the series. Midnight Guardians is likable, but not as wonderful as were the other 5 books in the series - the suspense level wasn't sustained and the story line suffered somewhat because of it.
October 30, 2010
Amazing book. Very cool to see Max Freeman return... took me two days to read this on my Kindle and I loved every page.
Not sure why this is only available as an eBook; I'm hoping it's some sort of Kindle-push promotion whereby the hardcover will be released later. But the likelihood is that King's publisher, Dutton (a Penguin imprint), is blind to his appeal and therefore pulled some of its support for his new book. If that's the case, Dutton's become a joke. They'll publish utter crap by Jenny McCarthy but not a tight, morally conscious thriller by King? No wonder print is dying.
If you haven't read the Freeman series, go get 'em all. The Blue Edge of Midnight won the Edgar Award in 2003 and the third book, Shadow Men, set a new standard for crime fiction. Definitely in my all-time mystery novel Top 10.
Not sure why this is only available as an eBook; I'm hoping it's some sort of Kindle-push promotion whereby the hardcover will be released later. But the likelihood is that King's publisher, Dutton (a Penguin imprint), is blind to his appeal and therefore pulled some of its support for his new book. If that's the case, Dutton's become a joke. They'll publish utter crap by Jenny McCarthy but not a tight, morally conscious thriller by King? No wonder print is dying.
If you haven't read the Freeman series, go get 'em all. The Blue Edge of Midnight won the Edgar Award in 2003 and the third book, Shadow Men, set a new standard for crime fiction. Definitely in my all-time mystery novel Top 10.
January 21, 2012
Short, fast read but King packs a lot into 200 taut pages.
It's been 3 or 4 years since the last in this series was published but this book picks up right after the aftermath of previous entry.
Max Freeman (ex-cop, PI) and Billy Manchester (ex-street kid, now elite attorney) team up again to (ostensibly) take on a medicare fraud case. Murder and mayhem ensue.
Max has opportunity to show his softer side too in sidebar story of Sherry's (Sheriff's Deputy/Girlfriend)recovery from injuries sustained in last adventure.
It's been 3 or 4 years since the last in this series was published but this book picks up right after the aftermath of previous entry.
Max Freeman (ex-cop, PI) and Billy Manchester (ex-street kid, now elite attorney) team up again to (ostensibly) take on a medicare fraud case. Murder and mayhem ensue.
Max has opportunity to show his softer side too in sidebar story of Sherry's (Sheriff's Deputy/Girlfriend)recovery from injuries sustained in last adventure.
January 6, 2020
Jonathan King knows cops, what they do and how they think. He knows how to develop characters and unfold a plot. He's a welcome change from the authors that dominate the suspense/thriller/detective genre. Give him a try!
July 6, 2012
I love all of Jonathan King books that feature Max Freeman.
September 14, 2011
Very Good; Continuing character: Max Freeman; a ring of thieves dealing prescription drugs and a cop who lost his legs when hit by a car are the attention of Max and his girlfriend Sherry
July 24, 2014
I am a big Jonathon King fan.
January 24, 2013
I really enjoy this series and I think I have read most of the books. I
October 29, 2015
A new author for me - discovered him in a book of short stories about Florida. Liked the Everglades influence and Florida locale. Liked Max and Sherry and will read the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews