Shakedown

Jack Davis Mystery #1

by Joel Goldman

If you like the knockout suspense of Michael Connelly and the gritty "who done its" by Linda Fairstein, you'll love award-winning, bestselling author Joel Goldman's Shakedown!

“Goldman tells a story at a breakneck pace..." Kansas City Star

“A killer identified via a fleeting facial expression and behavioral clues turns a middle-aged FBI agent dealing with a disruptive disability into an unexpected hero in Goldman's latest terrific thriller." Publisher's Weekly

When FBI Agent Jack Davis investigates a mass murder, a leak of crucial information and his imploding personal life throw him into the ultimate danger zone - where truth lies at the heart of betrayal.

Need a thrill pill? Take Shakedown and stay up all night!

“Shakedown is a really fine novel. Joel Goldman has got it locked and loaded and full of the blood of character and the gritty details that make up the truth. Page for page, I loved it." Michael Connelly, NYT Bestselling Author of the Harry Bosch series.

“Shakedown is a chillingly realistic crime novel - it's fast-paced, smartly plotted, and a gripping read to the very last page. Joel Goldman explores - with an insider's eye - a dark tale of murder and betrayal." Linda Fairstein, NYT Bestselling Author

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Ebooks

397 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2011

About the author

Joel Goldman is the Edgar and Shamus nominated author of four thriller series.

His first series features Lou Mason, a trial lawyer willing to dive into the dark water to save his clients.

Joel's second series introduces former FBI Special Agent Jack Davis who has a movement disorder that makes him shake when he should shoot.Joel has a unique perspective on Jack's condition since he lives with the same disorder.

Alex Stone headlines Joel's third series. She's a public defender who applies her own code of justice when the system gets it wrong.

Joel's fourth series goes international with Cassie Ireland and Jake Carter. She's a modern day Robin Hood and he's a professional poker player. They join forces to bring down the rich and powerful.

Joel lives with his wife and two dogs in Leawood, KS, a suburb of Kansas City, MO.

Series:
* Lou Mason Mystery
* Jack Davis Mystery
* Alex Stone Mystery

Reviews

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read from this author, not my last !

A middle-aged FBI agent dealing with a disruptive disability turns into an unexpected hero in JoelGoldman's latest terrific thriller.

After the brutal murder of Marcellus Pearson, a notorious Kansas City drug dealer, the collateral damage includes his cronies; his young son, Jalise, Jalise's mother (and Pearson's girlfriend); and an older woman who witnesses the killer fleeing the crime scene. The shooter is Pearson's mild-mannered neighbor, Latrell Kelly, a tormented character with more than a few dark secrets behind his soft-spoken ways. FBI Special Agent Jack Davis understands secrets—he has seizures he's been able to hide until the Pearson crime scene makes him erupt into visible tremors.

Jack Davis must take medical leave, but conducts a private investigation that connects to another chilling puzzler involving his missing daughter, Wendy. Is her significant other, Colby Hudson, an undercover and possibly corrupt FBI agent, responsible? Davis's new girlfriend, jury consultant Kate Scranton, helps him deal with both cases by teaching him how to read faces using the Facial Action Coding System.

Joel Goldman's strength is the characters, the main character Joel Davis is great, not some super hero, an FBI agent with many of his own problems including his health and this book allows time to get to know him, a powerful strong story with a wide variety of great complex characters, hard to guess the guilty parties, so well plotted in this compelling and gripping thriller.

I ask the question, how much of Joel Goldman is in the Jack Davis character ?

A highly recommended author and book, and have number two on my kindle ready to read, and also the others two characters he writes.

Members of my group " A Good Thriller" on goodreads.com, will love this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an unusual main character, an FBI agent with some kind of medical condition that caused him to get booted at least temporarily. It’s typical that he didn’t walk away from the case that was bothering him. It was quite a twisted tale with most characters being very human having good and bad sides. I thought it was well written and I didn’t see the last twist at the end. I enjoyed it. Oh what tangled webs we weave….

[Kemper · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I reviewed Gillian Flynn’s Dark Places a few months back, I did more than my fair share of bitching about how my hometown Kansas City (and the Midwest in general) rarely has any fiction set here. So I felt kind of stupid when I was browsing a mystery book store a few weeks back and saw a table for local authors and several books by Joel Goldman that were set in KC.

As I was looking them over, one of the clerks told me that Goldman was a local attorney who had written several legal thrillers, then started a new series with an FBI agent. One of his books had been nominated for an Edgar Award, and his newer books had blurbs from some of the top dogs of the crime thriller world like Michael Connelly, Linda Fairstein and Jeffery Deaver. The police procedural is not my favorite style of crime book, but that was enough to get me interested.

The main character didn’t grab me at first. Jack Davis is an FBI agent running an operation trying to roll up several of Kansas City’s major drug dealers. Like almost all of these types of heroes, Jack is a very good guy that is haunted by a personal tragedy that he unnecessarily blames himself for. Years before, his son was abducted and killed by a pedophile neighbor. Now his marriage has finally collapsed, and his daughter spent years with substance abuse problems although she’s finally clean.

Jack also has another problem. He’s started getting tremors that are increasingly frequent and violent. It's like he's pissing on an electric fence when in the grips of one of these attacks. He’s trying to just hang on long enough to wrap up his case before seeking medical help, but a mentally disturbed man with a grudge against drug dealers shoots and kills one of Jack’s surveillance targets along with several other people. There’s also reason to think that one of the FBI has turned dirty, and Jack suspects a burnt-out undercover agent who has been dating his daughter against his wishes. Even worse, Jack has a shaking fit at the crime scene in front of everyone, and this instantly gets him put on medical leave.

But Jack can’t let it go, and he’s soon got a Kansas City police detective helping him along with his new love interest, Kate. Kate is one of the people working on the new science of using micro facial expressions to tell when someone is lying. (The book Blink discusses this concept, and Fox’s TV series Lie to Me is based on it, also.) Jack’s health problems, his messy personal life and the case are about to get all mixed together.

The story took enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. Along with a hero who is liable to start shaking at any moment, there was enough to make this one stand out a bit from he usual crime thrillers of this type. And I absolutely loved all the details that Goldman sprinkled in regarding Kansas City. He manages to work in a bit of interesting history that I didn’t know, and his depiction of the city as a mishmash of urban centers and suburban townships scattered across two states was spot on. It was nice reading something by a guy who knows the difference between Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri.

But frankly, Jack is kind of a typical dull good guy lead in a thriller without much personality aside from his shaking, and there are a few too many coincidences in the plot for my taste. Still, it was good enough that I’ll probably read at least another one by Goldman.

Sadly, it took me about 100 pages to realize that the title was related to Jack's condition and not just crime jargon. I'm not very bright...

[Josy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun! Sometimes a bit OTT but it kept me guessing and I had to continue listening because I needed to know what would happen next. Some things remain unresolved but this is an ongoing series and I'm hoping that they will be addressed in the next book.

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard Joel Goldman touted as the next John Grisham, and although I don't agree with that, I really enjoyed this book. It had enough mystery, action and suspense to keep me reading well past my bedtime on a couple of nights. The Kansas City area setting with the many references to locations with which I'm quite familiar added a lot of enjoyment for me, since there aren't a lot of books set here. I had already read and enjoyed the second book in the Jack Davis series, so this one filled in some blanks as well. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Tulay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book second time.

Read this author's books long ago, it was all three of them in a bundle. If I like the book and author's style, I turn around and buy it to have it in my library. This time to help him to write more books, bought this single version, even I knew the ending read and enjoyed it more. Read all his books you'll love it too.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kansas City and the FBI---is where this book takes us. There are drugs and murder with one agent having the shakes. There are some positives--the orphaned dog adopted by the agent for one. Otherwise it is rather bleak.

[Robert Montminy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I enjoyed learning about Jack Davis and look forward to reading the latest due out in 2010. Goldman is a shoe-in!

[Von Glitschka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joel handles this genre well. Fun read. Enjoyed it for what it is, but I still prefer his law thriller novels best.

[Marshall Emm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shakedown is a bit over-written in places, especially if the reader knows the territory. For example,"Overland Park was one of the biggest, cramming farmland down its throat and regurgitating rooftops so fast that it wouldn't be long until Denver was just down the street." Well, I live in Denver and we joke about our "new" airport, DIA, being half-way to KS, or taxiing half-way to KS before taking off. It does seem that way sometimes, but once we get to the KS state line we still have 500 miles to go before we see Kansas City.

Some of the plot elements are a bit far fetched-- the divulgence of relevant history at a dinner party just in time to save the day, a 12 story ladder down a vertical shaft when a ten foot ladder to a sloping shaft would have made so much more sense.... Most of all, one man, with the support of his "ex" wife and a little dog, is able to do what the FBI with all its resources can't, all while subject to serious "shakes" at random times which he childishly suffers through without getting the medical or psychiatric attention he needs. NB some of that is explained in an "afterword" but (a) Goldman is NOT a serving FBI agent and (b) the seizures that Jack has are indeed life-threatening.

Shakedown reads like a first effort from a talented writer-- perhaps "later" or other series are better. There was enough story there to keep me entertained, but not enough to make me immediately want more.

[Jonathan Pettit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great solid detective mystery. Lots of action and the "just one more chapter" draw. Jack Davis is an FBI agent working on a drug-related case in Kansas City when he develops a medical condition that causes him to shake uncontrollably and at unpredictable times. He's put on medical leave when the current case gets personal. I enjoy the character of Jack Davis, though some of his decisions about who to tell or not sometimes bothered me, still could fit with his character. Joy and Kate both were good, along with other supporting characters. This is the first novel I've read written by Joel Goodman. I'll be adding him to my list of "to read" other books. Very good narration by Kevin Foley, audible edition.

Ok, so one thing bothered me. Jack gave the murderer his business card with another agents phone number on the back. The suspect called her to ask for Jack's number and she refused to give it out. The suspect had Jack's card already, assuming with the phone number already on it.

[Michael Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual Hero, Unusual Circumstances, Compelling Drama

I was not surprised that this is an excellent novel because I have previously read Joel Goldman's fantastic "Lou Mason" series of five books, and they are the best legal thrillers that I have read. In this case, Goldman introduces us to a 50 year old FBI agent who develops periodic episodes of convulsions. Definitely damaged goods long before this, the FBI agent's 8 year old son had been kidnapped and murdered by a neighbor more than twenty years ago. The resulting feelings of powerlessness and guilt slowly eroded the family until nothing was left. His wife filed for divorce and found her solace in bottles. His daughter has been in and out of recovery from abuse of alcohol and drugs. The FBI agent, like many, just buried his frustration, guilt and pain in his work. Finally, he can no longer hide from himself. And then things go quickly to hell...
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good things about this book. It is a top notch crime thriller novel that stands with the best of its genre. Jack Davis is an FBI agent who is newly divorced and suffering from a rare movement disorder that causes him to violently shake at the worst times. During
the investigation of a mass murder in a drug infested neighborhood, Davis is at odds with his agency. Nevertheless, he doggedly pursues justice using his own leads and his own intuition. This is a book that captures your attention from page one and never lets go. I give this one the highest possible recommendation.

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable, with a very likable FBI agent as the protagonist. It held my attention, but I was constantly interrupted because of things that needed to be done. The story takes place in Kansas City, Kansas - or should I say stories? There are several, not the least of which is the main character's own personal story. This is a story about drug deals, murder and bent officers of the law. I will admit that I had the main culprit pinned chapters before the end. That said, I would like to read more of Mr. Goldman's novels.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Davis is an FBI agent with a neurological disorder but that's not his only problem. He's in the process of being divorced, loves his grown daughter but hates her boyfriend, and feels guilty that he couldn't save his son who was kidnapped and murdered.

This is the first book in a series but I don't plan to read the others because I couldn't relate to the characters. The blurb about the story was more interesting than the book itself.

No graphic sex or violence

[Chris Birdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lincoln Rimes solves crimes from his wheelchair, and Jack Davis solves them with a neurological condition causing him to shake. The story was difficult to get into with a sick FBI agent who doesn't have a particularly satisfying life: divorced, somewhat estranged from his daughter, and unhappy with with his co-workers. As the story develops, it picks up the pace and moves along faster and faster until you've made a crash landing and didn't even know you were near the ground.

[chelepissbcglobal.net · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT.

This book was absolutely great. I loved the characters and I loved the story. I must admit that I was completely shocked a few times which I loved because I hate figuring things out too soon. I especially loved the conclusion and I absolutely recommend that you read this book. You won't be disappointed.

[Anthony Boland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of twists and turns

Enjoyed the story. Unlike other reviewers, I wasn't familiar with Kansas City either state. That being said geography being correct wasn't important. Also, I thought the story ended well. I would read another of Joel Goldman's books.

[NELL C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery

There is lots to love in this novel. There are realistic, interesting characters. There is a very good plot with all the twists and turns a reader could want. There is even an excellent travelogue of Kansas City.

[David A. Rosow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced at times

Started fast and strong, then went slow until the middle and finally the pace increased with an ending hard to believe. Just like Ben Porter in his Kindle Unlimited series.

[David Ludwig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much time spent reading the repetitive thoughts of our main character’s personal problems. There is a lot going on and the book ends with the bad guy confessing just before the main character is able to disarm the bad guy and escape.

[daisy riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping!

Well I had the wrong bad cop nailed from early on! Exactly as the author planned no doubt, great police/drug drama.

[Linda Look · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Davis, a great detective, is investigating drug deals and murders when he suddenly begins having seizures. He suspects another cop is leaking details. Surprise ending. I rate this a 4.6

[Roblee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A darn good detective novel. Well written, good characters, intriguing plot.

[John Karlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, series to follow.

Good story line, good writing, Nobel approach to plug in authors medical condition.. Recommend, start of a series. Enjoy it - worth your time.

[Julie Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and I enjoyed the story. It was interesting to have a main character with an obvious disability, yet who was still so passionate about pursuing the case. I thought the pace of the story was excellent, and the character development was great. I definitely plan on looking for more stories by the author, I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was spot-on.

[Marcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this Writer

This is the second Goldman book and I read it in one day...I couldn't out it down. Well-crafted;interesting complex characters. A terrific read.

[Brian Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unlikely hero in an entertaining thriller with many a twist

[Corrie C.K. v R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joel Goldman is a writer of very good stories with twists and turns. A very good page turning late reading book.

[J S Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Marks!

Well written with complex plot and three dimensional characters. Brings to mind Connelly and Grisham. I look forward to more Jack Davis thrillers