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Danny Logan Mystery #2
No Way to Die
Seattle mathematician Thomas Rasmussen had everything to live for. He had a beautiful, loving wife and two great kids. He was well known and respected in his field . His startup company – Applied Cryptographic Solutions recently finished building a revolutionary decryption device called The Starfire Protocol that was already attracting offers in the millions.
So with all that going for him, why would Thomas drive to Discovery Park at six-thirty on a dark, rainy morning, put a .357 magnum to his head and pull the trigger? The police say the evidence is conclusive – it was definitely a suicide. But that made no sense to his wife, Katherine. So she did what people in Seattle do when they need help on matters such as these. She turned to Danny Logan and the Logan Private Investigation Agency.
So with all that going for him, why would Thomas drive to Discovery Park at six-thirty on a dark, rainy morning, put a .357 magnum to his head and pull the trigger? The police say the evidence is conclusive – it was definitely a suicide. But that made no sense to his wife, Katherine. So she did what people in Seattle do when they need help on matters such as these. She turned to Danny Logan and the Logan Private Investigation Agency.
299 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2012
426 people are currently reading
1525 people want to read
About the author
M.D. Grayson
8 books40 followersM.D. Grayson is the author of the Danny Logan mystery series. He grew up in Las Vegas but now he lives on an island near Seattle with his wife Michelle and their three German shepherds.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Mr. Grayson worked in the construction industry, as an accountant for six l-o-n-g weeks (square peg—round hole), and as a piano player on the Las Vegas strip. When he's not writing, he loves zooming about on two wheels— bicycles and motorcycles alike. In addition, he's a pilot, a boater, and an accomplished musician who's always ready for a jam session!
Before becoming a full-time writer, Mr. Grayson worked in the construction industry, as an accountant for six l-o-n-g weeks (square peg—round hole), and as a piano player on the Las Vegas strip. When he's not writing, he loves zooming about on two wheels— bicycles and motorcycles alike. In addition, he's a pilot, a boater, and an accomplished musician who's always ready for a jam session!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
January 6, 2015
This is the second book in the Danny Logan Mystery series, but it is the fourth one I've read. It's good, but I think it the weakest of the ones I've read.
But first, a brief synopsis: Thomas Rasmussen dies from an apparent suicide, but his wife just doesn't buy it. She hires Logan Private Investigation Agency to look into the matter for her. Initially, they find nothing to disagree with the official police ruling of suicide, other than there being no apparent reason for him to kill himself. Then, things get interesting (and moving).
I liked the overall story. The applied math angle was of interest to me (I have a degree in computer science and math), and I liked finding out more of the agency characters.
But the characters are also where I have the problem. I know in a series the author has to find the voice of the characters, and that can take some time. And having read two of the later books, I know who the characters have become. In this book, however, there seems to be a wild detour from book 1 to book 4 as to how they are portrayed. The base is essentially the same, but the personas seem aberrant in comparison.
Except for Toni Blair. She is awesome as always.
Worth reading, I recommend with slight reservations. I'm glad this was not the first book I read in the series.
But first, a brief synopsis: Thomas Rasmussen dies from an apparent suicide, but his wife just doesn't buy it. She hires Logan Private Investigation Agency to look into the matter for her. Initially, they find nothing to disagree with the official police ruling of suicide, other than there being no apparent reason for him to kill himself. Then, things get interesting (and moving).
I liked the overall story. The applied math angle was of interest to me (I have a degree in computer science and math), and I liked finding out more of the agency characters.
But the characters are also where I have the problem. I know in a series the author has to find the voice of the characters, and that can take some time. And having read two of the later books, I know who the characters have become. In this book, however, there seems to be a wild detour from book 1 to book 4 as to how they are portrayed. The base is essentially the same, but the personas seem aberrant in comparison.
Except for Toni Blair. She is awesome as always.
Worth reading, I recommend with slight reservations. I'm glad this was not the first book I read in the series.
June 8, 2014
This second book in the Danny Logan series is much better than the first one, Angel Dance.
This time, Danny and his team investigate the death of a math genius the police have written off as a suicide. The case quickly spirals into a search for a man looking to obtain the decryption program the dead man has invented to sell to the highest bidder.
One of my beefs about that first book was that the main plotline was resolved way too early, leaving almost half of it to tie off loose ends. Grayson fixed that here, tossing Danny and his crew into one jam after another right up to climax. He also pared down backstory to essential items that related to the main storyline. But he still put odd breaks in the middle of some scenes where they weren’t needed.
This book was good enough to make me want to read more in this series (the first book left me ‘iffy’ on that) and I see Grayson has two more out. Great. They’re going on my TBR list.
This time, Danny and his team investigate the death of a math genius the police have written off as a suicide. The case quickly spirals into a search for a man looking to obtain the decryption program the dead man has invented to sell to the highest bidder.
One of my beefs about that first book was that the main plotline was resolved way too early, leaving almost half of it to tie off loose ends. Grayson fixed that here, tossing Danny and his crew into one jam after another right up to climax. He also pared down backstory to essential items that related to the main storyline. But he still put odd breaks in the middle of some scenes where they weren’t needed.
This book was good enough to make me want to read more in this series (the first book left me ‘iffy’ on that) and I see Grayson has two more out. Great. They’re going on my TBR list.
May 19, 2016
It should have been a 3.5... But I have th extra half star just for the awesome job on the technology... As I was reading the book, news came around that companies are actually making huge advancements in cryptography that are vastly similar to those in this book.
Add for this book, is my first outing with Danny and Toni, and it was fun for sure. Their dynamic is obviously one to watch out for and I can't wait to read others in the series. Doc is a super interesting character and so is Kenny... I hope they feature in the next few books as well.
Overall, a fun read.
Add for this book, is my first outing with Danny and Toni, and it was fun for sure. Their dynamic is obviously one to watch out for and I can't wait to read others in the series. Doc is a super interesting character and so is Kenny... I hope they feature in the next few books as well.
Overall, a fun read.
March 15, 2014
It was an okay book. Too much language for my taste.
December 20, 2014
Book three in the Danny Logan PI series, and second one I've read from author MD Grayson, spins a fine yarn that's very enjoyable to read. Taking place in the Seattle area, Danny's crew consists of Antoinette "Toni" Blair, Kenny Hale, Joachin "Doc" Kiahtel, and Richard Taylor. Taylor being the original owner of the business. In this book we find the Seattle Police Department called out to a probable suicide at Discovery Park. It seems Tom Rasmussen has shot himself in the head while in his parked car. The police quickly close the case. Rasmussen's widow comes to see Danny's father, a lawyer, about a month later. Katherine Rasmussen is not convinced her husband killed himself but was murdered. Tom signed his suicide note "Tom" but in life always insisted upon being called Thomas. Thomas was a math genius who invented some thing called a Starfire Protocol Box. This Starfire box in wrong hands would cause international problems of huge proportions. Thomas' trusted co-owner of his business was Holly Wentworth. Holly owned 10 % of Thomas' company "Ace". Logan and associates quickly determine Rasmussen was indeed murdered. A rival company- "MST" had been trying to buy the Starfire. Filled with some twists and turns that I didn't even see coming, this story line was a winner. It has a wonderful collection of characters. Danny and his office crew really do come to life jumping off of the pages. No shortage of action throughout this book to be sure. My only real problem with the book were the long passages of Techno-gobbledegook. I'm no Tech or firearm expert in the very least. I was forced to gloss over passages of details that were Greek to me. I understand things like these fancy details sometimes need to be there. (To a degree) However, in this yarn these excessive details weighted down the quality of the book. That's why I'm only going 4 stars out of a possible 5 stars. I plan on reading the remaining books in the series as well. I'd highly recommend this book and the entire series so far. It's very entertaining reading. Yes too many fancy guns and gadgets slowed me down while reading this one. I like a more direct route, or old fashioned mystery/ thriller going after the bad guys. Don't let me discourage you from going after this book. It's a pretty good read and series.
December 29, 2014
Another good mystery/thriller and you'll feel good at the end too.
Seattle genus mathematician killing/suicide. His company developed ultimate code breaking program called Stafford, that could break every code. Think about Target credit and debit card accident, but whole world under this kind of attack. But while reading there is many exciting mistakes, especially one is so big. They couldn't even correct; 9 continents, no it's 7, but if you count Europe and Asia as Eurasia, it's 6.
Seattle genus mathematician killing/suicide. His company developed ultimate code breaking program called Stafford, that could break every code. Think about Target credit and debit card accident, but whole world under this kind of attack. But while reading there is many exciting mistakes, especially one is so big. They couldn't even correct; 9 continents, no it's 7, but if you count Europe and Asia as Eurasia, it's 6.
December 27, 2016
Good enough mystery, and I like the cryptography element (which was pretty factual). The characters are drawn well enough to be engaging, but ultimately forgettable. The author went to such pains to make the death of the victim appear to be a suicide, that it wasn't entirely convincing when it's revealed that it was murder. And the motives of the killers don't seem sufficient to me to be motive for murder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2014
Got this book in a kindle deal. A murder mystery and a romance between the lead investigative pair.
A good amount of technical jargon and patriotism thrown in. Wasn't a waste of my time but am not picking up the next one!
A good amount of technical jargon and patriotism thrown in. Wasn't a waste of my time but am not picking up the next one!
April 22, 2018
Fictional private investigators tend to be two types, either the eccentric Sherlock Holmes-style genius who deduces the solution to highly complex crimes from the slightest clues, or the tough Philip Marlowe-style gumshoe, who solves cases by out toughing the bad guys. So, M.D. Grayson's No Way to Die, his second novel featuring Seattle PI Danny Logan, is a welcome change from both of those stereotypes. Logan is pretty smart, but he's no genius, and he's pretty tough, but he doesn't simply bullrush his way through a case. Instead, he runs a business and he uses the assets he has, his team of operatives, to help solve cases in a professional and quite interesting manner.
In No Way to Die, the case may or may not be a murder. The CEO of a startup high tech company is found dead in his car, an apparent suicide. But even though all the physical evidence points to suicide, the man’s widow is sure he was killed and hires Logan to help prove it. Logan soon discovers that the CEO’s company was on the verge of marketing a device that could revolutionize the cybersecurity industry but, which, in the wrong hands, could be a boon for terrorists or international criminals. And a pair of possibly very wrong hands belonging to a shady European businessman, have been trying to get that device with little success.
In one sense, there’s little real mystery in No Way to Die. Both the villains and the motive are pretty clear, although author Grayson provides a couple of good plot twists toward the end of the book to complicate things. But, like good police procedurals such as Ed McBain’s 87th Precinct novels, what is really interesting about Grayson’s book is the way in which Logan and his operatives go about solving the case. They get together frequently, have brainstorming sessions, come up with ideas and refine them, much the same way any business would. This type of storytelling would seem old hat, but it’s actually quite refreshing in a genre that sometimes seems in danger of being a total cliché.
Another refreshing aspect of No Way to Die is the relationship between Logan and the police. Unlike most fictional PI’s, Logan doesn’t view the cops as nuisances or straight men for his jokes (in fact there is relatively little humor in this book), but, rather, as fellow professionals working toward the same goal. It’s a give and take between them that proves beneficial for both parties, and later, when various federal agencies get involved, Logan stays on good terms with them as well.
Eventually, No Way to Die turns into more of a straightforward action book, with Logan tangling with the head villain who has placed the members of Logan’s firm in jeopardy. This is the one sequence in the book where the author’s tendency towards talkative characters lets readers down a bit. Although, the showdown ends on a very effective note, Grayson doesn’t really sparkle in action scenes that seem more a plot necessity than anything else.
Still, for the most part, No Way to Die is a refreshing twist on the private investigator novel. Danny Logan makes for an interesting protagonist trying to juggle his feelings about two different women involved in the case, and he has some colorful supporting characters as well. In addition, the book really captures the feel for Seattle, as I felt the author wasn’t simply dropping names but managed to leave distinct impressions with me every time a scene took place at an actual location. Fans of detective fiction will enjoy Danny Logan, author Grayson’s Seattle, and No Way to Die. This is definitely the way to write a book.
In No Way to Die, the case may or may not be a murder. The CEO of a startup high tech company is found dead in his car, an apparent suicide. But even though all the physical evidence points to suicide, the man’s widow is sure he was killed and hires Logan to help prove it. Logan soon discovers that the CEO’s company was on the verge of marketing a device that could revolutionize the cybersecurity industry but, which, in the wrong hands, could be a boon for terrorists or international criminals. And a pair of possibly very wrong hands belonging to a shady European businessman, have been trying to get that device with little success.
In one sense, there’s little real mystery in No Way to Die. Both the villains and the motive are pretty clear, although author Grayson provides a couple of good plot twists toward the end of the book to complicate things. But, like good police procedurals such as Ed McBain’s 87th Precinct novels, what is really interesting about Grayson’s book is the way in which Logan and his operatives go about solving the case. They get together frequently, have brainstorming sessions, come up with ideas and refine them, much the same way any business would. This type of storytelling would seem old hat, but it’s actually quite refreshing in a genre that sometimes seems in danger of being a total cliché.
Another refreshing aspect of No Way to Die is the relationship between Logan and the police. Unlike most fictional PI’s, Logan doesn’t view the cops as nuisances or straight men for his jokes (in fact there is relatively little humor in this book), but, rather, as fellow professionals working toward the same goal. It’s a give and take between them that proves beneficial for both parties, and later, when various federal agencies get involved, Logan stays on good terms with them as well.
Eventually, No Way to Die turns into more of a straightforward action book, with Logan tangling with the head villain who has placed the members of Logan’s firm in jeopardy. This is the one sequence in the book where the author’s tendency towards talkative characters lets readers down a bit. Although, the showdown ends on a very effective note, Grayson doesn’t really sparkle in action scenes that seem more a plot necessity than anything else.
Still, for the most part, No Way to Die is a refreshing twist on the private investigator novel. Danny Logan makes for an interesting protagonist trying to juggle his feelings about two different women involved in the case, and he has some colorful supporting characters as well. In addition, the book really captures the feel for Seattle, as I felt the author wasn’t simply dropping names but managed to leave distinct impressions with me every time a scene took place at an actual location. Fans of detective fiction will enjoy Danny Logan, author Grayson’s Seattle, and No Way to Die. This is definitely the way to write a book.
July 25, 2022
Man, so much potential but deteriorated.
Starting out this book grabs you. A man commits suicide. His widow doesn't believe it. It's almost the guy hung in a room with door locked scenario. Enter Danny Logan at. al. Time to figure out what happened. So far so good. In fact it was good until about 60% into the book. After that the language used seriously deteriorated. Apparently the F word is a favorite of this author. I stuck with the story to find our what happens but will not read another by Mr. Grayson. There are too many good writers out there who don't feel the need to reduce themselves to baser language. If it wasn't for the language this could easily have been a five star review.
Starting out this book grabs you. A man commits suicide. His widow doesn't believe it. It's almost the guy hung in a room with door locked scenario. Enter Danny Logan at. al. Time to figure out what happened. So far so good. In fact it was good until about 60% into the book. After that the language used seriously deteriorated. Apparently the F word is a favorite of this author. I stuck with the story to find our what happens but will not read another by Mr. Grayson. There are too many good writers out there who don't feel the need to reduce themselves to baser language. If it wasn't for the language this could easily have been a five star review.
April 22, 2024
Gotta love it….Danny Logan to the rescue. Jogger commits suicide or was it murder. Investigation opened. All coworkers, friends, and family cannot believe the victim could or even would commit suicide.
Victim just created a new tool that will break digital codes in record times. He already has lots of money (his young and beautiful wife is wealthy). He seems happily married.
So how could this happen. Danny is contacted by his father, a prominent attorney, and asked to take in the case of actually determining suicide vs murder. The police have already determined suicide and closed the case. And, will not re-open their decision unless someone gives them something more compelling.
Hold onto your hats readers. This is a fast-paced, intriguing, nail-bitting, totally engaging novel.
Victim just created a new tool that will break digital codes in record times. He already has lots of money (his young and beautiful wife is wealthy). He seems happily married.
So how could this happen. Danny is contacted by his father, a prominent attorney, and asked to take in the case of actually determining suicide vs murder. The police have already determined suicide and closed the case. And, will not re-open their decision unless someone gives them something more compelling.
Hold onto your hats readers. This is a fast-paced, intriguing, nail-bitting, totally engaging novel.
June 30, 2017
Too much fluff
Too much on the personal relations issues between main character and a couple of women. Also too much time spent driving around Seattle and providing the reader with street names and various restaurants menus. Definitely not enough action provided by the shaky "good guys" No weapons nor hand-to-hand combat action provided which leads to a silly boring read. The main villain seemed as threatening as an old shoe salesman.
Don't waste your time.
Too much on the personal relations issues between main character and a couple of women. Also too much time spent driving around Seattle and providing the reader with street names and various restaurants menus. Definitely not enough action provided by the shaky "good guys" No weapons nor hand-to-hand combat action provided which leads to a silly boring read. The main villain seemed as threatening as an old shoe salesman.
Don't waste your time.
October 8, 2017
This was an inexpensive Kindle special that I got either free or maybe for $1.99. Sometimes, you get what you pay for. It was mostly Meh. The characters were rather black and white (really, really good or really, really bad), the dialog was not terribly natural, and towards the end particularly, rather melodramatic. The plot was OK, and the pace not too bad. But it wasn't terribly convincing.
I'll not bother with any others from this author.
I'll not bother with any others from this author.
October 24, 2017
I'd give this book 3.5 stars but decided to round up to four. It's a good plot and the main characters are interesting. However, when the intensity of the plot starts to ramp up, the author seems to slow things down by introducing extra sidebars or details. This makes you want to "fast-forward" through these sections to get back to the main plot again.
December 27, 2018
This was a decent enough mystery story. Basic overall story angle with a man who seems to have it all suddenly commits suicide, or did he? His wife hires a private detective to prove he didn't. I liked the cryptography angle which was interesting. Overall though, nothing spectacular that made me seek out another sequel in the series.
August 17, 2023
No Way to Die -
I like this author's writing style. He tells a good story. That said, the problem I have with this series of books is the idea that a local PI can not only be the lead on a case involving the police and the FBI, but that he would be able to direct their actions. No way! Completely unrealistic.
I like this author's writing style. He tells a good story. That said, the problem I have with this series of books is the idea that a local PI can not only be the lead on a case involving the police and the FBI, but that he would be able to direct their actions. No way! Completely unrealistic.
January 31, 2024
The writing was almost exclusively narrated by Danny Logan. This book was my first introduction to him, 'tho it's book 2 in the series.
The story was fine, the writing shy of compelling. The writing is not of the caliber of a Michael Connelly, and that's why I gave it 2 stars and not 3. The book is adequate, and you can finish it but you're left feeling there's better works out there.
The story was fine, the writing shy of compelling. The writing is not of the caliber of a Michael Connelly, and that's why I gave it 2 stars and not 3. The book is adequate, and you can finish it but you're left feeling there's better works out there.
December 24, 2016
Five Stars Says it All
One of the best mystery/suspense books I've read in a while. Unique plot, crisp narrative, compelling characters , well edited, fast moving, and believable. Going to Amazon
to find the first book in the Danny Logan series.
One of the best mystery/suspense books I've read in a while. Unique plot, crisp narrative, compelling characters , well edited, fast moving, and believable. Going to Amazon
to find the first book in the Danny Logan series.
February 28, 2017
Read This Book
This is a book with just enough backstory to build characters; enough intrigue to keep me awake too late; a delightfully vengeful resolution; an enticing epilogue. I highly recommend the read.
This is a book with just enough backstory to build characters; enough intrigue to keep me awake too late; a delightfully vengeful resolution; an enticing epilogue. I highly recommend the read.
September 8, 2017
Great second novel in the Danny Logan series
I love the characters and the inherent goodness of the main protagonists. There are always unexpected twists and turns. I can't wait to read the next Danny Logan mystery!
I love the characters and the inherent goodness of the main protagonists. There are always unexpected twists and turns. I can't wait to read the next Danny Logan mystery!
December 5, 2017
Twists and turns abound
From the beginning there was always guesswork on the readers part. Lots of exciting action. Just when you knew the answers you were back at the beginning. Holds you tightly in it's grip!
From the beginning there was always guesswork on the readers part. Lots of exciting action. Just when you knew the answers you were back at the beginning. Holds you tightly in it's grip!
January 17, 2018
Danny Logan strikes again
Always enjoy the adventures of Danny and Toni. The various twists and turns their stories take, keep the reader wanting more. This story is no exception. Couldn't wait to get to the end of this thriller. And, an added bonus at the end!
Always enjoy the adventures of Danny and Toni. The various twists and turns their stories take, keep the reader wanting more. This story is no exception. Couldn't wait to get to the end of this thriller. And, an added bonus at the end!
January 18, 2019
I gave up at 30%. I found it utterly boring. Absolutely nothing that held my interest. I assume it gets better in the second half (due to the higher reviews) but I just can't hang in there any more when I have so many other books I want to read.
June 6, 2017
A very high 3 - good fun characters and plot - I was tired near the beginning of the book when every woman introduced seemed to have blue eyes and a tight butt...
November 25, 2017
Pretty good book. A little too technical in places but really a book that
kept me entertained. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
kept me entertained. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
April 29, 2018
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
July 22, 2018
Want more of this bunch
Interesting read. Interesting characters. I don't understand all the gun info, nor the mathematical/ scientific stuff, but am glad some people do.
Interesting read. Interesting characters. I don't understand all the gun info, nor the mathematical/ scientific stuff, but am glad some people do.
March 13, 2019
Good read, kept me interested and wanting to continue.
August 2, 2019
Fun Ride!
A few twists and turns, good folks and VERY bad folks. Intrigue among smart people and some love relationships, too.
A few twists and turns, good folks and VERY bad folks. Intrigue among smart people and some love relationships, too.
November 5, 2019
Page turner
Great plot and characters that draw you into the action and don't let you go. I've found a new author to follow!
Great plot and characters that draw you into the action and don't let you go. I've found a new author to follow!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews