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Falling Immortality
(Casey Holden, Private Investigator #1)
by
Debut, hard-boiled mystery fiction for men. Stephen King’s son describes a fitting genre as MANfiction (the opposite of Chick lit).
Casey Holden, former cop, current PI in Virginia Beach, VA, screens his clients the way he screens his women, based on whichever drop-dead gorgeous woman happens to waltz through his door first and manages to hold his attention. So when Felici ...more
Casey Holden, former cop, current PI in Virginia Beach, VA, screens his clients the way he screens his women, based on whichever drop-dead gorgeous woman happens to waltz through his door first and manages to hold his attention. So when Felici ...more
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Paperback, 231 pages
Published
August 1st 2011
by Rainbow Books, Inc.
(first published July 28th 2011)
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Showing 1-30
Start your review of Falling Immortality (Casey Holden, Private Investigator #1)
I received this book as a giveaway in Goodreads First Reads program. Spoiler alert - do not read further if you don't want anything given away please.
I've been thinking on how I would frame the review for this book for a while. It took me over a month to read this book that usually would take me an afternoon.
Casey Holden is a private investigator living off a trust fund, so basically he does the P.I. thing for kicks, after he left the police force. He gets hired by some hot girl to look into the ...more
I've been thinking on how I would frame the review for this book for a while. It took me over a month to read this book that usually would take me an afternoon.
Casey Holden is a private investigator living off a trust fund, so basically he does the P.I. thing for kicks, after he left the police force. He gets hired by some hot girl to look into the ...more
Feb 17, 2012
Sandra
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
folks who like whodunits and wise-cracking MCs
Shelves:
whodunit,
review-requested
This book about a wise-cracking, irreverent, sort of monogamous PI trying to solve a cold case murder had me grinning on occasion, but also wanting some kind of action and a bit more forward movement. It's an interesting book, to be sure, but oh, my goodness, Casey just doesn't ever shut up. Not that it's a bad thing, but his never-serious manner got a wee bit on my nerves about half-way through. I stuck with it, and the ending, while perhaps predictable, was satisfying.
Not exactly my book, but ...more
Not exactly my book, but ...more
Casey Holden is a P.I. who women like,he is a little immoral, unorthodox in his methods and a very confident man. I liked his persistence in solving his cases. Now he has met the Dragon Lady, a women perhaps the first woman not to succumb to his charms. I really think as a first novel by Robert Downs it is wonderful. I can't wait for the next one. I really can't wait to see what happens with the Dragon Lady.
...more
Casey Holden was a Private Investigator. His office was located in a warehouse in Norfolk, Virginia. His parents had died and left him wealthy, so money was never an object for him. He played as hard as he worked and took jobs by referral only.
Casey was sitting in his office when Felicity, the femme fatale, walked in. She said her husband died two years ago and the police had never found the murderer. She told me it was a freak thing, of course it was. Artis Farren, her husband, was at his local ...more
Casey was sitting in his office when Felicity, the femme fatale, walked in. She said her husband died two years ago and the police had never found the murderer. She told me it was a freak thing, of course it was. Artis Farren, her husband, was at his local ...more
Before you gasp in horror from the unusually low rating I've given, let me put a few things straight: Robert Downs is not necessarily a bad writer and Falling Immortality is not a bad book. Remember my philosophy? There's no such thing as a bad book. However, this book has set off some bombs inside of me that should have been left alone; when a book annoys me that much, I will take it personally, and I will write a review to reflect those feelings. This review may sound highly tempered and sligh
...more
Kindle version free via author for honest review
I must say, if there is a mystery series written for men, this is very much it! I read bits and pieces to my hubby while I was reading it while he was home and he said that it was a book he may have to read himself. Now my hubby is not a book reading kind of guy, but this book definitely peaked even his interest from the parts he heard me read to him.
Casey Holden is a private investigator in Virginia and an ex cop. He also is very much a ladies ma ...more
I must say, if there is a mystery series written for men, this is very much it! I read bits and pieces to my hubby while I was reading it while he was home and he said that it was a book he may have to read himself. Now my hubby is not a book reading kind of guy, but this book definitely peaked even his interest from the parts he heard me read to him.
Casey Holden is a private investigator in Virginia and an ex cop. He also is very much a ladies ma ...more
For any crime aficionado, I can honestly tell you that you are about to receive a brand new “Stone Barrington” to get involved with over the next few years. Why is that? Because when it comes to Casey Golden, he has all the aspects that Stuart Woods made a fortune on when he introduced his character, Stone Barrington, to the masses.
When readers meet this new P.I., they soon find out that Casey is actually retired from the police force, and he certainly doesn’t need a great deal of money to live ...more
When readers meet this new P.I., they soon find out that Casey is actually retired from the police force, and he certainly doesn’t need a great deal of money to live ...more
Jan 29, 2012
Reading Reindeer 2021 On Proxima Centauri
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
mystery, hard-boiled, thriller
Review of Falling Immortality by Robert Downs
I sense in this novel, an ebullience, a buoyancy, which is not present in the 1930’s-1950’s hardboiled detective fiction which it at first resembles. Gone is the dark cloud of cynicism predicting trouble on the horizon of Ross McDonald’s Lew Archer, and other famous fictional investigators. I think Humphrey Bogart, so excellent as Sam Spade in “The Maltese Falcon,” might find it difficult trying to portray Casey Holden, the private investigator protag ...more
I sense in this novel, an ebullience, a buoyancy, which is not present in the 1930’s-1950’s hardboiled detective fiction which it at first resembles. Gone is the dark cloud of cynicism predicting trouble on the horizon of Ross McDonald’s Lew Archer, and other famous fictional investigators. I think Humphrey Bogart, so excellent as Sam Spade in “The Maltese Falcon,” might find it difficult trying to portray Casey Holden, the private investigator protag ...more
The author sent me a copy of this book, along with a request for review.
When I read the description, I was hoping for something along the lines of Lawrence Sanders' McNally. The description outstrips the reality, unfortunately.
If you like a detective who is immature, shallow and narcissistic, you'll love Casey Holden. If you like reading paragraph after paragraph of dialogue and description that have no apparent connection to the story, you'll love this book. If you're looking for a well-develop ...more
When I read the description, I was hoping for something along the lines of Lawrence Sanders' McNally. The description outstrips the reality, unfortunately.
If you like a detective who is immature, shallow and narcissistic, you'll love Casey Holden. If you like reading paragraph after paragraph of dialogue and description that have no apparent connection to the story, you'll love this book. If you're looking for a well-develop ...more
Falling Immortality:
Casey Holden, Private Investigator
By Robert Downs
Former cop Casey Holden now works as a PI in Virginia Beach where he makes his own hours and takes on only the cases he wants. When a gorgeous chain smoking woman walks through his door and requests that he solve a two year old murder Casey begins to dig. What he uncovers is buried under one lie after another; will he be able to solve a case that the police department wasn’t able to?
Casey Holden is a “Man’s Man” fast car and ...more
Casey Holden, Private Investigator
By Robert Downs
Former cop Casey Holden now works as a PI in Virginia Beach where he makes his own hours and takes on only the cases he wants. When a gorgeous chain smoking woman walks through his door and requests that he solve a two year old murder Casey begins to dig. What he uncovers is buried under one lie after another; will he be able to solve a case that the police department wasn’t able to?
Casey Holden is a “Man’s Man” fast car and ...more
Former cop, PI Casey holden is investigating a two year old Murder.
This was by far the most annoying protagonist i ever met, god hè never shuts up! His inner dialogues, were not that funny but obnoxious....too bad coz the mystery wasn't that bad eventhough it left me with me more questions.
It was rally hard to keep my mind from wndering away, i was struggling with his big ego, god he was narcissitic and shallow, so from time to time i started skipping through the dialogues, to get some action an ...more
This was by far the most annoying protagonist i ever met, god hè never shuts up! His inner dialogues, were not that funny but obnoxious....too bad coz the mystery wasn't that bad eventhough it left me with me more questions.
It was rally hard to keep my mind from wndering away, i was struggling with his big ego, god he was narcissitic and shallow, so from time to time i started skipping through the dialogues, to get some action an ...more
Ok, I really hate doing this, but I did not like this book at all.
I hope that making Casey so unlikable was the author's intent. It took all I had to actually finish this book. Casey was a pig, for lack of a better word.
The plot itself may have been alright, but Casey and his constant inner dialog with himself about women was too distracting. His treatment of women, and pretty much everyone around him was horrible. I just couldn't get past my dislike of Casey to even try to enjoy this book.
I c ...more
I hope that making Casey so unlikable was the author's intent. It took all I had to actually finish this book. Casey was a pig, for lack of a better word.
The plot itself may have been alright, but Casey and his constant inner dialog with himself about women was too distracting. His treatment of women, and pretty much everyone around him was horrible. I just couldn't get past my dislike of Casey to even try to enjoy this book.
I c ...more
Aug 02, 2011
Betsy
added it
This is a new author to watch! Manfiction that's a good, fast read. I want more of Casey Holden.
...more
‘I’m not really sure where to begin.’ ‘The beginning’s always a good place.’
West Virginia author Robert Downs has worked for the government as a budget analyst and now writes mysteries, thrillers and novels about terrorism. He has lived in many places – Massachusetts, California, New Mexico, Virginia, Colorado – but always refers to himself as a West Virginian. He has published eight books to date.
FALLING IMMORTALITY is actually Robert Downs’ initial novel, though the cover has changed and the b ...more
West Virginia author Robert Downs has worked for the government as a budget analyst and now writes mysteries, thrillers and novels about terrorism. He has lived in many places – Massachusetts, California, New Mexico, Virginia, Colorado – but always refers to himself as a West Virginian. He has published eight books to date.
FALLING IMMORTALITY is actually Robert Downs’ initial novel, though the cover has changed and the b ...more
The main character is an ex-cop and now Private Detective, Casey Holden, who spends as much time as possible on holiday, and as little time working as he can manage. He doesn’t advertise his office or his work number and usually only gets new clients who have been recommended by previous clients he has worked for. Just after his return, he gets a walk-in at the office, a Felicity Farren. She wants to hire him to investigate her husband’s murder, some two years previously. The police have given u
...more
I am torn about this book. At one hand, it knows what it wants to be and does that well. On the other hand, that thing it wants to be is not really for me so it is hard to give it an objective grade and opinion. But I can try. This is basically a detective novel, murder mystery. Main character is, of course, a private detective who takes a case of a beautiful widow who wants him to solve a murder. It is all very familiar and already seen, but it is not necessarily bad because of that. The plot l
...more
I found it interesting. I liked the atmosphere of unpredictability and intrigue. I love detectives, I
like riddles that are revealed at the end. In the book, the reader meets the main characters - this is
Casey Holden and Felicity. These two characters seemed interesting to me, especially their
personalities. Casey is a policeman who likes difficult situations, so he immediately came to the
aid of Felicity, who wanted to find out the murderer of her husband, though after a long time.
The author did a ...more
like riddles that are revealed at the end. In the book, the reader meets the main characters - this is
Casey Holden and Felicity. These two characters seemed interesting to me, especially their
personalities. Casey is a policeman who likes difficult situations, so he immediately came to the
aid of Felicity, who wanted to find out the murderer of her husband, though after a long time.
The author did a ...more
Hmmm, Falling Immortality by Robert Downs is a tricky one to review. For those who love an old school detective mystery novel, it will probably be a great fit. For those who are more accustomed to murder mysteries and thrillers that are more popular today, may want to pass on it. Here’s why – this is a classic old school detective murder mystery complete with a detective who has some sort of James Bond vibe. It lacks great characters and the plot is not suspenseful. Instead, it has a clear myste
...more
As a big fan of detective stories, Falling Immortality popped up several times on the list of recommended readings before I decided to buy it. Although this is your traditional detective with a saviour complex, filled with the beautiful widow cliché, I enjoyed reading it.
Don’t expect to read something completely original: this was a safe bet from Robert Downs. The story follows a successful formula and it takes pride in it. The plotline is basic but it works perfectly. I always say that there is ...more
Don’t expect to read something completely original: this was a safe bet from Robert Downs. The story follows a successful formula and it takes pride in it. The plotline is basic but it works perfectly. I always say that there is ...more
Casey Holden has just returned from a vacation when Felicity Farren enters his life. She is a beautiful widow who is looking for answers and justice for her deceased husband. The police ran out of leads, so it is now a cold case and Felicity wants Casey to find out who did this to her husband and why. Casey thinks it will be a quick simple case, but if only that was true. The more he digs into the husband's case, the more complicated things get. Can he sort it all out or will he too end up like
...more
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Casey Holden is a former cop turned private eye. He is a smart mouthed playboy type and too full of himself. This is not a character that I really want to read more of as I found him annoying.
The plot was fine. He is hired by the widow to find out who killed her husband two years earlier. He does some legwork and interviews but his constant commentary about things not related to the actual case and his smart mouthed comments detract from th ...more
Casey Holden is a former cop turned private eye. He is a smart mouthed playboy type and too full of himself. This is not a character that I really want to read more of as I found him annoying.
The plot was fine. He is hired by the widow to find out who killed her husband two years earlier. He does some legwork and interviews but his constant commentary about things not related to the actual case and his smart mouthed comments detract from th ...more
I won this book from Goodreads and I always appreciate the opportunity to win a book.
But this book was really not my idea of a good murder mystery. I do not appreciate the humor that the character made of everything. He was never serious. A rich playboy pretending to be a P.I. What a disgraceful attitude.
This book just had no substance worth reading. It is not at all the style of writing I like and reminds me of another author who I won't name who is very popular, has the humor, but writes a bet ...more
But this book was really not my idea of a good murder mystery. I do not appreciate the humor that the character made of everything. He was never serious. A rich playboy pretending to be a P.I. What a disgraceful attitude.
This book just had no substance worth reading. It is not at all the style of writing I like and reminds me of another author who I won't name who is very popular, has the humor, but writes a bet ...more
Take out the innuendo, gratuitous sex and irrelevant women and this book becomes a very short story with not much of a plot.
And the unanswered question remains.....why did Felicity hire Casey to investigate her husband's murder?
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. ...more
And the unanswered question remains.....why did Felicity hire Casey to investigate her husband's murder?
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. ...more
Falling Immortality is a good mystery. Casey Holden is an interesting character with determination throughout the soul. I enjoyed the story and thank Goodreads First Reads for a copy of the book. I look forward to reading more novels by Robert Downs.
A delightfully entertaining book due to the witty repartee of private detective Casey Holden. Not overly suspenseful...but full of laughs. Fun to read.
Jul 08, 2019
KarnagesMistress
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
giveaways,
2019-wcpl-reading-challenge
The spiritual successor of The Maltese Falcon, Falling Immortality and Casey Holden are promising new entries to the world of detective fiction. The dialogue pops and cracks like a pack of fireworks going off on Independence Day. Casey's a bit of Thomas Magnum, too, what with the flashy car, penchant for fitness, and long-suffering friends willing to lend a hand. I'll recommend the book without reservation to fans of the genre. We need to give Robert Downs a reason to keep on writing! This book
...more
FALLING IMMORTALITY is a PI (private investigator) tale, and my rating for it is really 3.5. By the very nature of its genre, the novel's scope has to be somewhat limited, its focus more precictable, its unfolding plot moving toward one goal --- solving the case, and the expectancies of the protagonist usually set beforehand.
In any event, I liked the story: it has well-crafted characters, its own originality, is well-written, has an easy to read style, and I suspect PI buffs will become quite en ...more
In any event, I liked the story: it has well-crafted characters, its own originality, is well-written, has an easy to read style, and I suspect PI buffs will become quite en ...more
Casey Holden is sarcastic, rubs a person the wrong way - and doesn’t care. Except for in matters between the sheets; then he’s all sorts of the right way. He’s a former cop, and in-between vacations he’s a Dodge Viper driving PI. Life is easy, and that’s the way he likes it. But then Felicity Farren walks into his office, seeking help to solve the two-year old, unsolved case of her husband’s murder. Felicity comes and goes like the wind, drawing more questions than answers; but Casey likes a puz
...more
Casey is a private eye who will do whatever it takes to solve the case. When Felicity enters his office and talks about her dead husband, Casey is intrigued. When Felicity runs out of the office in the middle of their conversation he decides to get to work.
The novel follows Casey as he pumps Ian, his best friend the cop, for information on an old case. When he doesn't get the information he needs there he goes to the witnesses. Even when they aren't willing to talk he somehow manages to see th ...more
The novel follows Casey as he pumps Ian, his best friend the cop, for information on an old case. When he doesn't get the information he needs there he goes to the witnesses. Even when they aren't willing to talk he somehow manages to see th ...more
Have you ever wondered how James Bond can walk away from so many disasters with hardly a scratch? It’s a talent shared by Casey Holden, the protagonist of Robert Downs’ Falling Immortality. But Holden’s not immortal, and the women won’t quite always fall for him. He’s a surfer – of internet and waves. He’s an ex-cop with money. And he’d really rather not tax himself with too much work. But he’s quickly drawn into the mystery of who killed his client’s husband. After all, she’s a beautiful client
...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Making Connections: # 22 - Robert Downs - FALLING IMMORTALITY: Casey Holden, Private Investigator (Nov 1st to Nov 10th) | 7 | 81 | Nov 08, 2012 10:43AM | |
| Shut Up & Read: {Read It & Reap85}-Falling Immortality by Robert Downs | 25 | 201 | Sep 22, 2012 07:18PM | |
| Free Books, .99, ...: Falling Immortality by Robert Downs | 1 | 11 | Sep 03, 2012 06:55PM | |
| Self Promo for Bl...: Goodreads Giveaway - MANfiction Debut Novel | 1 | 5 | May 10, 2012 10:01AM | |
| Mystery Lovers!: Goodreads Giveaway - MANfiction Debut Novel | 1 | 19 | Apr 27, 2012 11:43AM | |
| Writers and Readers : Goodreads Giveaway - MANfiction Debut Novel | 1 | 6 | Apr 27, 2012 11:37AM | |
| Advanced Copies f...: MANfiction Debut Novel Giveaway on Goodreads | 1 | 4 | Apr 25, 2012 08:36AM |
Readers also enjoyed
Robert Downs aspired to be a writer before he realized how difficult the writing process was. Fortunately, he'd already fallen in love with the craft, otherwise his tales might never have seen print. Originally from West Virginia, he has lived in Virginia, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and now resides in California. When he’s not writing, Downs can be found reading, reviewing, traveling, or smiling.
...more
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Casey Holden, Private Investigator
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“That's where your definition of attachment comes in. I'm in a monogamous relationship with two people.”
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“I got out of my car, locked it tight as a virgin, and entered his back seat, where a Milky Way wrapper greeted me on the floor, a burnt cigarette mark greeted me on the seat, and the overpowering scent of upholstery cleaner nearly did me in.”
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