Hard-edged, evocative, brilliantly paced, James Swain’s novels of crime and punishment in South Florida delve into a shadowy realm where crim...
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reviews
Jan 28, 2009
Vance
rated it: 
Greg - you've got to read this book along with Midnight Rambler. Really good.
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Feb 22, 2011
Paul
rated it: 
Jack Carpenter is an ex-South Florida cop who was instrumental in apprehending serial killer Abb Grimes. Abb is now just days away from being executed for the murder of eighteen women. Abb finds out that his grandson has been abducted from his home and has called upon Carpenter to find his grandson.
The problem becomes very sticky when everyone, except Carpenter, thinks that Sbb's son, Jed, is responsible for his sons disappearance. The situation becomes more involved when another y More...
The problem becomes very sticky when everyone, except Carpenter, thinks that Sbb's son, Jed, is responsible for his sons disappearance. The situation becomes more involved when another y More...
Nov 03, 2008
Becky
rated it: 
James Swain is listed on CardCheaters.com as "a skilled sleight-of-hand magician who specializes in gambling and cheating techniques. He is also an expert on cons and scams." Swain first parlayed this knowledge into a successful and highly entertaining series of thrillers starring Tony Valentine. Valentine is a retired Atlantic City cop, an expert in cons, scams, and grifts, who now freelances helping casinos to catch cheaters, card counters, and anyone else who figures out a way to
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Nov 10, 2010
Keri
rated it:
What can I say other than Jack is my hero. Jack finds missing kids and he never gives up. He has a gift for finding kids you might say. So when a death row inmate contacts Jack to find his missing grandson, Jacks takes on the assignment. The only request by Abb is that he find his grandson before he is executed in four days.
So begins the race to find a missing little boy. Along the way Jack encounters a few more things that tends to stalk one in the night. Dirty cops not withstanding, More...
So begins the race to find a missing little boy. Along the way Jack encounters a few more things that tends to stalk one in the night. Dirty cops not withstanding, More...
Aug 07, 2009
Skip
rated it:
I really like Jack Carpenter, the forcibly retired detective whose specialty is finding missing children. His dog is a hoot -- biting the bad guys and nuzzling the good guys. Like its predecessor, this is a rollercoaster . This time, Jack is asked by a death row inmate to find his kidnapped grandson, where the cops have already determined the child's father is guilty.
Jul 30, 2011
Tom
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What can I say about this book? Wow seems to sum it up. A wonderful mystery about missing children that keeps you thinking until the last page. James Swain remains one of my favourite writers. I am looking forward to reading about Tony Valentine as well in a new book. Highly recommended.
Jan 04, 2010
Annie
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I ended up picking this book from the library because of the quote from Lee Child on the cover...I love Jack Reacher, and so I figured this might be something I'd like. And I absolutely did. I even appreciated Buster the dog. So it looks like I'll be checking out more of Swain's books.
Jan 19, 2009
Yvonne
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Jack Carpenter is at it again along with his dog Buster. A retired cop who has issues of his own is trying to save women from being slaughtered. Jack fights his own demons as well as the demon he can't see.
This book is must read.
This book is must read.
Mar 08, 2010
Joe
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Very Good; Continuing character: Jack Carpenter; after getting a call fro a death row inmate whose grandson has been kidnapped, Carpenter finds himself caught between crimes past and present while trying to save the child
May 13, 2011
Hank
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Almost ready to set this one down. It's listed as a non-stop nail-biter. I guess if that means it never starts to begain with. Hope it picks up... It's very predictable...
This book is not worth the time. It's poorly writen.
This book is not worth the time. It's poorly writen.
Dec 09, 2008
Brian
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Very good thriller. Child abduction as the hook is tough with most readers, but the silver lining Swain delivers leaves you on an 'up' note.
I recommend all his titles.
I recommend all his titles.
May 29, 2009
Tona
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pretty good book, the main character is bit weird but entertaining overall
Oct 16, 2008
Steve
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This is a damn fine detective novel. The protagonist is a pretty-much routine P.I. along the standard lines (ex-cop, continues to work on a case even after being kicked-off, divorced, etc.) But the plot is tight and moves right along, and the writing is great when the author isn't attempting to describe the characteristics that set his P.I. apart from the crowd. I enjoyed it and would recommend snagging a paperback copy (when one is released).
Dec 03, 2010
Deb
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I liked this, but didn't find it nearly as engrossing as the first in the Carpenter series, Midnight Rambler. I'm having a hard time finding the words to explain why that is the case: too simplistic? too convenient? I'll try another and see if my opinion improves.
Nov 11, 2008
Gail
rated it:
Great thriller with the flawed ex-police detective as the main character. Better written than most detective procedurals.
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