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Ice Fire: A Thriller (Jock Boucher #1)

by David Lyons (Goodreads Author)

3.67 of 5 stars 3.67 · rating details · 80 ratings · 38 reviews

In this explosive debut thriller, a judge from the Louisiana bayou goes up against a company on the verge of causing an ecological disaster. Cajun-born Jock Boucher has overcome modest beginnings to assume the prestigious position of U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana. One of his first cases on the bench involves a scientist who has been hiding in mo...more

Hardcover, 304 pages

Published May 1st 2012 by Atria/Emily Bestler Books

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May 21, 2012 Patrice Hoffman rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: giveaways

I won this book through an ARC Giveaway. Initially I was so excited to be winning a thriller since that's what I love reading. I didn't get this book until a while after I'd won it. But it isn't the publishers fault. The blame is better given to the United States Postal Service who happens to give me my mail once a week. I decided to begin this book on a Monday so that I could give it the fairest shake possible. I do my best reading on Monday. (lol)

I would like to say one positive thing about th...more I won this book through an ARC Giveaway. Initially I was so excited to be winning a thriller since that's what I love reading. I didn't get this book until a while after I'd won it. But it isn't the publishers fault. The blame is better given to the United States Postal Service who happens to give me my mail once a week. I decided to begin this book on a Monday so that I could give it the fairest shake possible. I do my best reading on Monday. (lol)

I would like to say one positive thing about this book before I go into what was wrong with it. That one positive thing is that it was free. Was that too harsh? I'm sure I definitely won't be winning anymore Goodread Firstreads giveaways now... sad. Ice Fire isn't a totally helpless book though. I've read some pretty helpless books that I couldn't believe I wasted even an hour on.

The biggest problem I had with this book is that it's labeled as a thriller but there's really no thrill, no suspense, no build-up, and no girth. The charachters are one-demensional at best. I don't like excessive descriptions, but this one had none. I was unable to picture any of the charachters besides basic traits such as old, fat, young, thin, or physically fit. There were hardly any descriptions that mapped out a face for these charachters. I found the protagonist to be an honorable guy but there was hardly any reason why. Why did he help with Hurricane Katrina cleanup and what kind of lawyer was he before he became and judge?

The characters descriptions were not all that fell short. The action scenes fell short for me too. It's like Boucher (protag) was some sort of super human... a very dull, boring super hero that was able to get out of any situation that required his physical strength. There wasn't enough suspense like he toyed with something and you're thinking to your self "ooh he's gonna get caught." There was just: he did it and it was a success. No sweat.

One other thing I didn't like about this book (or any other book with this problem for that matter) is that one moment characters would be in their houses and the next the paragraph they appeared at their destination. No break... no car ride... no teleporter... nothing. I'm in the kitchen. Now I'm in the office with my coworkers- type stuff...

All is not lost for this novel. Hard to believe huh? It's a quick read. I got through it in a few hours and was not bored with it (most of the time at least). I understand this is David Lyons first novel and that's great. He's got some good bones here if this guy Jock Boucher is going to be a recurring character in his future novels. I would like to see where this character can go. I urge the author (as if he'd ever read this) to flush out the characters more. Give the reader a reason to give a crap about where the story leads. Savor the moments when he's in distress. That's what thrillers are all about. Making the audience want to turn the page and keep going. Not every moment has to be so abrupt.

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Feb 18, 2013 Claire Wyckoff rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you want a fast read for a weekend - it's really great; if you're sitting in the doctor's office waiting your turn, you'll be so absorbed you might not hear your name called! There's so many more reasons for reading this book besides being captivated by Jock Boucher and staying at the edge of your seat. I learned about methane hydrate as an energy source and the book brought up some points that made me look into this fascinating subject. Also, having never been to New Orleans myself, I felt a...more

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Jun 16, 2012 Shomeret rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-thriller, my-reviews

This was a good read and a satisfying thriller. The central character was no more realistic than James Bond which makes him a wonderful thriller hero. I'd love to see more of Judge Jock Boucher. He has all the traits thriller readers like to see plus he's Cajun, lives in New Orleans and loves it.

The main reason why this book doesn't get more stars is because of my environmental concerns. This involves spoilers. (view spoiler)...more

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Mar 23, 2012 Doreen rated it 1 of 5 stars

I received a free advance uncorrected proof of this book through Goodreads First Reads.

Reading and finishing this book was very frustrating. There were so many problems with it that I just couldn't get into it. The plot is very simple: A U.S. District Judge, Jock Boucher, becomes involved with Bob Palmetto, a scientist who claims that an energy company tried to steal his intellectual property, a way of mining methane hydrate. The two set out to prove Palmetto's claim against the company.

First...more I received a free advance uncorrected proof of this book through Goodreads First Reads.

Reading and finishing this book was very frustrating. There were so many problems with it that I just couldn't get into it. The plot is very simple: A U.S. District Judge, Jock Boucher, becomes involved with Bob Palmetto, a scientist who claims that an energy company tried to steal his intellectual property, a way of mining methane hydrate. The two set out to prove Palmetto's claim against the company.

First of all, the book is poorly written. Phrases are repeated: "It looked to be about the size of a volleyball. . . . The clump was bigger than a volleyball" (131). When describing a woman's eyes, the author writes, "They were haunting, not unlike those of a wolf . . ." (199) and then, just a few pages later, two men are "holed up in Perry's office like wolves in a cave . . . " (207). Using the same animal imagery for two dissimilar situations suggests a lack of imagination. Characters often repeat the same thing for no reason. For example, Palmetto refuses to enter Judge Boucher's home and, for some reason, gives his refusal twice: "'No, sir, I'd rather not'" (12) and "'I don't want to go inside your house'" (13). Later, when describing his research concerning methane hydrate, he says, "'. . . I invented a way to exploit it safely'" (13) and then, after three short sentences, repeats, "'I invented a way to get the gas up to the surface safely'" (13). Like needless redundancies, cliches like "scratched his eyes out" (232, 233) and "needle in a haystack" (215) abound. When describing the consequences of improperly extracting the new energy source, vague phrases such as "cataclysmic consequences" (113) and "a cataclysm beyond our worst nightmare" (252) and "unbelievable damage" (261) keep being used.

The tone is often pedantic. The novel is set in New Orleans and environs, and the author often gives excessively detailed descriptions of architecture and antiques (180, 235). He's an expert on great bartenders (181), great restaurants (199), and owners of fine antiques (254).

The characters are unrealistic or stereotypical. Judge Boucher is supposed to be an admirable character: besides being a judge, he's an expert on New Orleans, antiques, and architecture, and a reader of "rare manuscripts" (244). He is also very physically fit, handily defeating anyone who confronts him. Ironically, he doesn't possess the most important abilities he should have: he says stupid things (21), is forgetful (259) and isn't able to decipher an obvious clue (229). Palmetto has an usual set of skills; he's a scientist who can pick locks expertly (264) and believes in spirits (270). Virtually all the police, the FBI, and the justices are corrupt. For instance, the FBI gives a report investigating a judge to that very judge (15)! One character claims, "'You guys in that Federal Building are one big fucking cabal'" (44) yet she trusts the information she acquires after calling the district court (43). If law enforcement members aren't corrupt, they're stupid; the police, for example, don't know enough to secure the perimeter of a building when providing security (245).

The greatest weakness in the novel is that characters do not behave logically and events are not realistic. An FBI agent was not involved in a twenty-year-old case but knows a great deal about it (29)? A man dies around 4 a.m. but, by the beginning of that work day, colleagues already know the exact cause of death (37)? A woman has information to prove corruption but declines to give it to the judge: "'You'll know when the time is right'" (47). Two hours later she has placed the information in his truck (48), although he conveniently forgets about it until the very end (255 - 256). And she's not the only person to say something so obviously contrived; another woman, later in the novel, says, "'There's something important I want to tell you, . . . Not now, but in my own time'" (207). Whether a person is right- or left-handed is determined by how he/she shakes hands (72, 209)? A murder victim is found in the judge's driveway, but how her body was discovered is never explained and neither is the placement of the body. A government agency has been letting someone visit for years, and "he'd never even been asked his name" ( 100)? A research vessel, a "'priceless scientific tool'" (113) complete with a mini-sub, is sent on a mission only if there is "'the strongest scientific justification'" (114) but Palmetto convinces a communications officer (?) to authorize an expedition using the argument that the Americans must "'Beat the Russians'" (114)! Then we learn that the vessel regularly takes passengers: "the passenger list frequently included guests from all walks of life" (125). A character infiltrates company headquarters (needlessly) and actually steals a file he knows to be empty (264, 267)? The judge and Palmetto concoct a bizarre scheme which includes getting John Perry, the owner of the energy company, to give the judge an office in his building (158). Only later does Perry realize, "'I don't want some damn judge hanging around here . . . '" (191)?! And don't get me started on the closing scene (274)! Let's not forget the almost magical tools which are sent to the judge. He receives, among other things, "a box with bits and pieces of plastic" (171), but they are never mentioned again until much later (241). It can't possibly be a surprise that these are used almost immediately afterwards (246)! He is also given an enhanced cell phone (171-172); at times, it works even when it shouldn't (184), but of course it doesn't work at crucial times (224). And these are just some of the examples of illogical, unrealistic incidents!

Then there are the errors, inconsistencies, and contradictions. A character with a physical disability is teased about being in training for the Special Olympics (102)? The judge meets a character on Thursday; Friday evening he says that he'd met her "'several evenings ago'" (68). A character tells the judge, "'I've put in a good word for you, and I have influence there'" (186) but shortly after suggests, "'I think my days at Rexcon are numbered'" (201).

This book is described as a thriller, but there is very little suspense and it is entirely predictable. A character's dying words (229)aren't understood until days later (262) even though there is absolutely nothing cryptic about those words, especially since they have been so carefully explained earlier, in a very contrived scene (202).

This book will appeal to people who like to read without thinking about what they're reading. Personally, I prefer my reading to meet basic requirements of logic and style. (I understand that I read an uncorrected proof, but I can't imagine that all of these issues I've raised will be addressed.)

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May 01, 2012 Paul Pessolano rated it 3 of 5 stars

“Ice Fire” by David Lyons, published by Emily Bestler Books.

Category – Mystery/Thriller

What better place to find corruption than New Orleans. Jock Boucher has been elevated to the position of District Judge. One of his first cases is Bob Palmetto who is brought in on a warrant that is over 20 years old. Boucher dismisses the case and sets Palmetto free.

Palmetto, who finds trust in Boucher, tells him why he has been in hiding for 20 years. He claims that he has discovered a way to successfully an...more

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Feb 19, 2012 John rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've read a few of David's books and this is by far his best and in my opinion will be very well received by those that love a great thriller as well as learn something new at the same time. I was fortunate enough to get a pre-release of this book and enjoyed reading it over the Christmas Holidays and it kept me engaged all the way through. The release is timely, with energy a global concern, the story is based upon a potential alternative source of energy (methyl hydrate), which I'm sure you'll...more

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Dec 08, 2012 Roger rated it 3 of 5 stars

2.5 stars

The first book in a series apparently, and it's a very weak start. The federal judge, Jock Boucher, gets involved in some crooked dealings his method of dealing with them are laughable. The plot is pedestrian and hard to believe (a federal judge openly solicits a bribe, right...). The characters are thin and predictable. But the worst part for me is the New Orleans setting... Clearly the author has only frequented Bourbon St. And clearly he doesn't know that very few locals ever go near...more

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Mar 13, 2012 Sue rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: suspense-thriller-mystery

I received "Ice Fire" by David Lyons through the Goodreads Giveaway.

The main character,Jock Boucher, was raised on the Louisiana bayou, and just recently has assumed the powerful position of U.S. District Judge of the Eastern District of Louisiana.

One of his first cases on the bench involves Bob Palmetto, a geophysicist,just apprehended, who has been hiding from authorities for twenty years. Palmetto had invented a process that could double the world's available fossil fuel deposits by withdrawi...more

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Aug 19, 2012 →kelly♥[: rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, cute-cover, r-a-s

Obtained: Through Goodreads First Reads

When I first won and received Ice Fire: A Thriller from a goodreads First Reads giveaway, I couldn't help but marvel at the cover. It has a cute grain-like cover, one of those covers that always feels like their are some dust on it. The title tiles also matched the words; "Ice" is covered with ice while "Fire" has flames inside the word tile. However, to my disappointment, the cover greatly outmatched the inside material.

I don't know how Ice Fire: A Thri...more

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Jul 07, 2012 Maddy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads

PROTAGONIST: Jock Boucher, federal judge
SETTING: New Orleans
SERIES: #1
RATING: 3.5
WHY: Jock Boucher is a newly appointed federal judge whose first case involves a fugitive named Bob Palmetto who has been on the lam for 20 years. Palmetto is a scientist who developed a process for harnessing methane hydrate ("ice fire") which could be very lucrative in providing an alternative energy source. It appears the former judge was bribed, and an energy company is attempting to steal the process. Excellen...more

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May 22, 2012 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Adults

Recommended to Emily by: First Reads/Giveaway

Shelves: first-reads, mystery-thriller, crime-fiction, romance

4.5 stars

First Reads

I won a copy of this book in a Giveaway

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although some elements seemed to be a little far-fetched, I think those particular elements gave the book its 007 effect.

It was a quick and easy read with a little bit of everything: tall,dark, and handsome male lead; quirky but brilliant scientist; dark and malicious villain; the mad scientist/hit man; a couple of romantic flings; and a good bit of action-packed/death defying stunts.

I especially liked the...more

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Aug 08, 2012 Theda rated it 5 of 5 stars

I purchased and read the hardcover version of this book just after it was released for sale on the recommendation of a friend who reads every thriller novel that’s published, and also because I noticed that the reviews it has received were by-in-large positive and from a wide variety of sources. I will say that I absolutely loved this book and returned to my bookstore to buy several as gifts for my friends!

I started it early one morning and had to force myself to stop a few hours later, resolvin...more

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Dec 09, 2012 Kai rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

Ice Fire is a suspense thriller. Jock Boucher is a newly appointed federal judge who accidentally get pulled into a twenty years old crime when Bob Palmetto showed up for his arraignment in court. Ice Fire is a story of bribery, conspiracy, and murder and political corruption. It is about a corrupt company using the law to steal someone's invention and to destroy the environment with dangerous consequences.

Jock, Bob Palmetto, and Detective Fitch teamed up to stop John Perry and his corporation,...more

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Mar 23, 2012 Alexandrea Hills rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I received an advance uncorrected proof of this book through Goodreads Giveaways.

The characters in the book are likeable and somewhat believable. I don't think that a federal judge would break as many laws as Jock Boucher did in this book. The descriptions of New Orleans where the story is set are very well written. It made me want to travel there just to see the architecture and eat the food.

A quick read, something you can finish in a few days without much thought. It is not a complex storylin...more

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Feb 20, 2012 Pvabogada rated it 5 of 5 stars

I don't read much fiction but I read this on a recommendation from a friend and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The main character Jock Boucher is likable, realistic and one really cares what happens to him - I believe this will be a recurring character which would definitely encourage me to read more in this series. The descriptions of New Orleans where the story is set are also very well done and made me want to book a ticket right away.

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Feb 21, 2012 David V. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Received as an ARC from the publisher. Started it on 2-19-12. Finished it on 2-21-12. Fast-paced; could've read it in one sitting if I didn't have to go to work. Don't you hate when that happens?!Main character is a newly-appointed Federal judge in New Orleans who becomes involved in investigating a 20-year old murder, techno-espionage, and the world's energy crisis. A lot on the plate for one judge! Will make one heck of a movie.

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Sep 07, 2012 Catherine Woodman rated it 3 of 5 stars

Ok, this is a bit improbable in terms of a federal district court judge who is willing to give it all up when he discovers that it is not exactly the clean and above board position that he had been hoping for--he also gets the opposition to sleep with him, which might or might not be realistic...in any case, this is set in New orleans, always a plus, and the main character is likeable, there is a conspiracy involving energy and the oil companies--that could certainly happen! Big money to be made...more

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Feb 18, 2012 Claire Ahriana rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!
It kept me enthralled from the first page to the last,
I couldn't put it down! I loved the principle character,
the background setting of New Orleans, and it's realistic
scenario introducing an alternative energy source that was new to me!!

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Feb 18, 2012 Shaun rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended by a friend. Exciting with subtle knowledge of a new energy made
it all the more realistic! My husband is reading it now and he can't put it
down either!! Great discussion book after a great read! Loved Jock Boucher...

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Jan 03, 2013 Peggy Sinden rated it 4 of 5 stars

My first book of 2013. This book lives up to the title:a thriller. It also deals with a concept of mass produced energy by burning ice from the ocean flour. Who knows it might be possible in the future. Ideas have to come from somewhere...... Worth reading.

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Aug 17, 2012 Georgiann Hennelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

I won this book on Goodreads first reads Giveaways.This is a fast paced thriller. Jack Boucheris a newely appointed Federal Judge he is asked to take over some cases for another judge who has had a heart attack. Suddenly he is thrown into a twenty year old murder and property case. The eccentric inventor who created the idea worth killing for tries to get Jack to help him . Soon there's a fresh corpse in the Judge's driveway. The inventor and Jack start working together along with a police det t...more

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Aug 06, 2012 Deb Blackbourn rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved Ice Fire by David Lyons! I can't wait until I can read another book by him! The book kept my attention to the point that riding in the vehicle just to the grocery store I would take the book along - I would take it anywhere I could possibly have a few minutes to read! My husband and I had just returned from a trip to New Orleans and so I enjoyed that the story took place there. David Lyons described the scenes so well I could almost imagine myself there - and some of the point...more

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Jul 29, 2012 Susan Jo Grassi rated it 5 of 5 stars

I won this book at Goodreads and, have to say, I am glad I did. First it was, basically, set in New Orleans, one of my favorite places. Second, it was a well researched, fast paced first novel by David Lyons. The characters were fully developed and believable, both good and bad, and so was the action. The story never drug along, although, I did recognize some clues and had to wait for a couple of pages for the characters to catch up with me. This book is definitely worth reading and I certain ho...more

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Jan 28, 2013 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Really liked this one. What an amazing first novel. I cannot wait for the next one to come out. It is full of suspense and very well written.

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Jul 07, 2012 Diane A rated it 4 of 5 stars

I won a copy of this from Goodreads Giveaways. This book is a thriller, with taut writing and a fast paced story. Cajun Federal judge Jacques Boucher takes over for another judge who's ailing, and is suddenly thrown into a twenty year old murder and intellectual property case. Soon there's a fresh corpse, in the Judge's driveway, followed by two more. The eccentric inventor who created the ideas worth killing for tries to enlist Jacques' help to find out who is doing the killing...before they ar...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Michael rated it 3 of 5 stars

I won this book from goodreads giveaway; thank you!! I enjoyed the book and the story. The Judge is a strong character and could see this as a series of books; I do think that Fitch would need to be part of the story as well. New Orleans seems fitting for the story and I enjoyed reading about places that I have visited on previous occasions. I'd give another 1/2 star if I could and if another Judge Boucher book comes out I'll certainly read it.

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Oct 14, 2012 Kristin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Some of the environmental jargon was a little hard to follow. But this was a good 1st novel.

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Apr 27, 2012 Brittany marked it as to-read

Shelves: books-owned, books-won

I received this book through the First Reads giveaway program on Goodreads. Review to follow!

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Apr 27, 2012 Rena marked it as to-read

I won this book from First Reads Giveaway. Waiting to read it when I receive it. Thanks.

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Feb 21, 2013 Edb rated it 4 of 5 stars

A very good story about alternative energy and corporate espionage.

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Ice Fire: A Thriller (Jock Boucher #1)

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