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Brady Coyne #24
Out Cold
Brady Coyne is a Boston attorney, whose routine legal work and sedate lifestyle usually keep him far away from trouble. Unfortunately, one cold January morning, trouble comes to him. When Brady lets his dog out into the backyard of his Back Bay brownstone, he finds a girl buried under the snow in Brady's back yard. A teenager, maybe fifteen or sixteen, who had apparently crawled into the backyard, bleeding, in the middle of the night, only to die from hypothermia and blood loss. The singular clue to her identity is a small piece of paper with the brownstone's address scribbled on it.
Now Brady is determined to find out who the girl was, why she had his address, and what happened to her. But the mysterious girl's death is only the beginning - someone out there knows Brady is trying to find out what happened that night and is willing to do anything, or kill anyone, to keep the truth from coming out.
Now Brady is determined to find out who the girl was, why she had his address, and what happened to her. But the mysterious girl's death is only the beginning - someone out there knows Brady is trying to find out what happened that night and is willing to do anything, or kill anyone, to keep the truth from coming out.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2006
13 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
William G. Tapply
79 books89 followersWilliam G. Tapply (1940–2009) was an American author best known for writing legal thrillers. A lifelong New Englander, he graduated from Amherst and Harvard before going on to teach social studies at Lexington High School. He published his first novel, Death at Charity’s Point, in 1984. A story of death and betrayal among Boston Brahmins, it introduced crusading lawyer Brady Coyne, a fishing enthusiast whom Tapply would follow through twenty-five more novels, including Follow the Sharks, The Vulgar Boatman, and the posthumously published Outwitting Trolls.
Besides writing regular columns for Field and Stream, Gray’s Sporting Journal, and American Angler, Tapply wrote numerous books on fishing, hunting, and life in the outdoors. He was also the author of The Elements of Mystery Fiction, a writer’s guide. He died in 2009, at his home in Hancock, New Hampshire.
Besides writing regular columns for Field and Stream, Gray’s Sporting Journal, and American Angler, Tapply wrote numerous books on fishing, hunting, and life in the outdoors. He was also the author of The Elements of Mystery Fiction, a writer’s guide. He died in 2009, at his home in Hancock, New Hampshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 2, 2018
By my count, this is the twenty-fifth Brady Coyne novel, but this is another of those cases where compulsive readers disagree slightly. It opens in the middle of winter, when the Boston attorney opens his back door early one morning to discover a young girl dying in the snow in his yard. Brady brings the girl into the house and calls 911, but it's too late. The girl has had a miscarriage and dies.
The girl, who appears to be about fifteen, has no identification, but the police do find a piece of paper in her pocket with Brady's address. Clearly, she was looking for his house but died before she could get to the door. Brady is heartsick and, when the police prove to be not as interested in the case as he would like, he begins his own investigation in an attempt to determine who the girl was and why she might have been looking for him.
Brady gets a copy of the morgue photo and begins showing it around to anyone who will take a look at it. He also distributes a few copies to street people, thinking that the dead girl might have been on the streets and that someone in that milieu would recognize her. Then, a couple of days later, Brady's Significant Other, Evie, returns from a conference of hospital administrators. She recognizes the girl in the photo as the daughter of a woman who died at the hospital where Evie works. She had counseled the young woman and it now becomes clear that the dead girl was really looking for Evie and not for Brady.
Brady is still determined to find out what happened to the poor girl and then one of the street people who has been showing the girl's picture around for Brady suddenly turns up murdered. A coincidence???
Not hardly, of course, and now Brady feels a double obligation to see this case through to its conclusion. It will be a complicated, surprising and dangerous path to follow, but Brady Coyne is nothing if not determined and will follow his tenuous leads wherever they might take him. The result is another entertaining entry that will appeal particularly to those readers who are steeped in the series.
The girl, who appears to be about fifteen, has no identification, but the police do find a piece of paper in her pocket with Brady's address. Clearly, she was looking for his house but died before she could get to the door. Brady is heartsick and, when the police prove to be not as interested in the case as he would like, he begins his own investigation in an attempt to determine who the girl was and why she might have been looking for him.
Brady gets a copy of the morgue photo and begins showing it around to anyone who will take a look at it. He also distributes a few copies to street people, thinking that the dead girl might have been on the streets and that someone in that milieu would recognize her. Then, a couple of days later, Brady's Significant Other, Evie, returns from a conference of hospital administrators. She recognizes the girl in the photo as the daughter of a woman who died at the hospital where Evie works. She had counseled the young woman and it now becomes clear that the dead girl was really looking for Evie and not for Brady.
Brady is still determined to find out what happened to the poor girl and then one of the street people who has been showing the girl's picture around for Brady suddenly turns up murdered. A coincidence???
Not hardly, of course, and now Brady feels a double obligation to see this case through to its conclusion. It will be a complicated, surprising and dangerous path to follow, but Brady Coyne is nothing if not determined and will follow his tenuous leads wherever they might take him. The result is another entertaining entry that will appeal particularly to those readers who are steeped in the series.
April 12, 2018
Let me just toss in here that if you are sharing a house with someone and a criminal sneaks into your back yard and pins a bloody note to your dog's collar -- TELL HER. Jeesh! Sure, she'll worry. But on the other hand, aren't YOU a bit worried that the next note will be pinned to her collar?
April 9, 2023
The 24th book in this great series sees Boston lawyer Brady Coyne find the body of a fifteen year old girl in freezing weather in his back garden - he finds it impossible not to pursue the mystery of who she is and why she was there. Sad only 4 books left in the series for me to enjoy.
July 18, 2015
#22 in the Brady Coyne series ( I count the three Brady Coyne/J.W. Jackson mysteries as a separate series.). Brady is a fly-fishing Boston attorney who does not have a criminal practice but gets involved in crime nonetheless.
Brady Coyne discovers a young girl dying in the snow in his back yard. As he investigates her identity and past, others connected to his search die. There may be a connection with a truck with a bear logo and New Hampshire plates. Abrupt wrap-up.
Brady Coyne discovers a young girl dying in the snow in his back yard. As he investigates her identity and past, others connected to his search die. There may be a connection with a truck with a bear logo and New Hampshire plates. Abrupt wrap-up.
July 20, 2024
July 2024 tried again but I no longer want to read about the human condition as a morality play . No more dead teenagers in the backyard in chapter one.
Feb 2017 It feels like I read this book years ago but no Goodreads listing of mine. I like Tapply's style and banter but this ending was so abrupt it leaves the reader hanging. If it wasn't simply following a formula, there was a great opportunity to explore the potential redemption of an entire small community. Oh well....
Feb 2017 It feels like I read this book years ago but no Goodreads listing of mine. I like Tapply's style and banter but this ending was so abrupt it leaves the reader hanging. If it wasn't simply following a formula, there was a great opportunity to explore the potential redemption of an entire small community. Oh well....
July 11, 2022
We’ve noticed a subtle shift in the last few of Tapply’s Brady Coyne novels. The earlier books were classic mysteries that featured attorney Brady’s persistence and clever wits in solving puzzles posed by his wealthy Boston-area clientele. Lately, though, Brady’s investigative tactics and chilling endings remind us more of modern thrillers -- perhaps at the influence of the editors? Ironically, we don’t necessarily totally welcome that change, as in this 25th in the 28-book set, “Out Cold”, his almost ridiculous efforts and the convenient ending is just a little too fantastic. The plot per se was fine, with an unidentified teenager unfortunately found eventually dead in Brady’s own back yard. Guilty that he was unable to save her life, he pursues both her case, as well as a couple of new deaths, despite being warned off by all manner of law enforcement, including his state cop buddy Horowitz.
While we’re glad things are going well with his lovemate Evie, and while the book was entertaining and suspenseful, it didn’t rate as high on the plausibility scale as usual. Onward to the few tales that remain. {3.5}
While we’re glad things are going well with his lovemate Evie, and while the book was entertaining and suspenseful, it didn’t rate as high on the plausibility scale as usual. Onward to the few tales that remain. {3.5}
April 8, 2018
Disappointing. I jumped into this author's work with "Outwitting Trolls," which I found much more enjoyable and well written. Therefore, I was surprised by this one, which was just average in both plot and pacing.
The characters that Brady encounters are mostly two dimensional, and I was able to discern the plot's solution about 2/3 of the way into the story. In addition, the relationship between Brady and his girlfriend was just plain annoying. He seems obsequious with her and their interactions appear no more than a simple literary tool to throw in some domesticity (e.g., Brady preparing a lovely dinner for them) or some obligatory sex. Even the latter was mundane.
I hope that this installment in the Brady Coyne series is an aberration rather than representative of the majority of Tapply's work. I really enjoyed my first go-'round with this series, but this seemed to be an entire level down from that mark. I shall explore his work going forward, but with caution.
The characters that Brady encounters are mostly two dimensional, and I was able to discern the plot's solution about 2/3 of the way into the story. In addition, the relationship between Brady and his girlfriend was just plain annoying. He seems obsequious with her and their interactions appear no more than a simple literary tool to throw in some domesticity (e.g., Brady preparing a lovely dinner for them) or some obligatory sex. Even the latter was mundane.
I hope that this installment in the Brady Coyne series is an aberration rather than representative of the majority of Tapply's work. I really enjoyed my first go-'round with this series, but this seemed to be an entire level down from that mark. I shall explore his work going forward, but with caution.
December 25, 2023
(2 1/2). I am a little disturbed that one of the last books in this series comes off as one of the weaker ones I can recall, but then I think of all the enjoyment I get from just being involved with Brady for a few hours and all is good. Things are pretty calm in Brady-land, his relationship with Evie is super solid and all is mostly calm at the office, and then everything gets wonky. O f course, Brady is up to the task, no matter where it takes him (always in the extreme Boston area) and we meet some really interesting characters along the way. A relaxing weekend read. Mostly good stuff.
May 28, 2017
I was drawn to this book because of the setting and surrounding areas. Boston, close to my heart.
The book did not disappoint either, with a quickly moving story that kept me entertained and dying to find out the outcome. I would definitely look for other books in this series about Brady Coyne, lawyer. It appears the author has written quite a few.
The book did not disappoint either, with a quickly moving story that kept me entertained and dying to find out the outcome. I would definitely look for other books in this series about Brady Coyne, lawyer. It appears the author has written quite a few.
April 14, 2020
Not a bad mystery story. It kept my attention and I certainly didn't predict the ending. In fact the ending came up so fast and short that I would have liked more detail to really piece the story together.
September 22, 2021
Not a bad book but not one of my favorites either. I felt let down by the character. I think a couple of the supporting characters were more interesting than the main character. I guess the story line was ok but it felt flat. I just didn’t really enjoy it.
July 24, 2022
Amazing plotting and tension at the end. Realistic descriptions of homeless people and so very sad. Brady Coyne and his relationships are fun to read about--with his partner, his assistant, his dog. But no more murder mysteries for me for a while! Too evil, too sordid, too degrading.
April 16, 2025
A truly “can’t put down” book
This book was so exciting, I literally had trouble putting it down just to go to sleep at night. The writer was able to keep me on the edge of my seat as I read through till the end. Great ending!
This book was so exciting, I literally had trouble putting it down just to go to sleep at night. The writer was able to keep me on the edge of my seat as I read through till the end. Great ending!
August 2, 2017
Good solid story, a slower-paced mystery-thriller than what seems the norm today, but still compelling. And well-written.
October 1, 2017
Classic Brady Coyne.
February 4, 2018
A pretty good story and writing, but then it wrapped so quickly and unsatisfactorily. I enjoyed this book enough that I'd try another Tapply, though.
July 14, 2022
If you want a mystery set in snowy New England, this is the book for you.
I intend to read more of William Tapply
I intend to read more of William Tapply
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August 1, 2024Engaging writing. Enjoyed the characters.
May 9, 2025
Well done mystery that keeps you guessing from beginning to end.
August 11, 2007
OUT COLD (Unlicensed Investigator-New England-Cont) – G+
Tapply, William G. – 22nd in series
St. Martin’s Minotaur, 2007- US Hardcover – ISBN: 0312337469
*** Attorney Brady Coyne’s virtual spouse, Evie, is out of town so Brady and dog, Henry, are on their own. It’s a snowy day when Henry brings Brady’s attention to a person buried under the snow in their backyard. The young woman, discovered to have miscarried, dies and no one can identify her. Brady feels responsible and is determined to find out who she is and what happened. Others die and someone wants Brady to be one of the dead.
*** There are a lot of things I liked about this book and this series. The characters are great; from Brady to his more-than-just-a secretary July, to Evie, and on to Henry. The relationship with Evie is part of the character and the story but doesn’t take away from the mystery; in fact, it is integral to the story. The dialogue is natural and I love the setting, although I kept wondering who Brady got from Boylston to Newbury without going on a cross street but that’s being really picky. Tapply uses the setting well. I love that, although the protagonist is a lawyer, the book is not a legal thriller. There is good suspense, but motive that had me shaking my head and an ending that was so abrupt as to be startling. I criticize authors for not having tight stories, but I also don’t want to feel as though the author was running out of pages so he just decided to end it now. So, while I enjoyed the book overall, I don’t feel this is one of Tapply’s best books.
Tapply, William G. – 22nd in series
St. Martin’s Minotaur, 2007- US Hardcover – ISBN: 0312337469
*** Attorney Brady Coyne’s virtual spouse, Evie, is out of town so Brady and dog, Henry, are on their own. It’s a snowy day when Henry brings Brady’s attention to a person buried under the snow in their backyard. The young woman, discovered to have miscarried, dies and no one can identify her. Brady feels responsible and is determined to find out who she is and what happened. Others die and someone wants Brady to be one of the dead.
*** There are a lot of things I liked about this book and this series. The characters are great; from Brady to his more-than-just-a secretary July, to Evie, and on to Henry. The relationship with Evie is part of the character and the story but doesn’t take away from the mystery; in fact, it is integral to the story. The dialogue is natural and I love the setting, although I kept wondering who Brady got from Boylston to Newbury without going on a cross street but that’s being really picky. Tapply uses the setting well. I love that, although the protagonist is a lawyer, the book is not a legal thriller. There is good suspense, but motive that had me shaking my head and an ending that was so abrupt as to be startling. I criticize authors for not having tight stories, but I also don’t want to feel as though the author was running out of pages so he just decided to end it now. So, while I enjoyed the book overall, I don’t feel this is one of Tapply’s best books.
May 11, 2009
Brady Coyne is a lawyer, but he's not who or what people assume he should be. He is kind, caring, concerned and sometimes reckless.Tapply begins this novel with Brady's dog, Henry finding the body of a teen aged girl frozen in the snow in his back yard. No one seems to know who she is. Despite the warnings of the police not to get involved, Brady somehow feels responsible and must pursue her identity and cause of death. Prostitution, homelessness, murder and New England weather are the themes in this book. Most of the narrative is sharp, entertaining and engaging, but the central theme of this mystery becomes at least partially clear. After a suspenseful climax, the solution is somewhat
inconceivable. In spite of this, Tapply always provides a good read.
inconceivable. In spite of this, Tapply always provides a good read.
May 9, 2011
A female teenager is found by his dog under the snow in Brady Coyne's back yard on Beacon Hill. He carries her inside and calls 911, but she dies. A piece of paper with his address is found in her pocket. Brady feels responsible and begins trying to find out who she is and why she died in his yard. Brady is a lawyer usually working on divorces, wills and estates, but he also likes to sleuth. It turns out that his girlfriend Evie who was away when girl is found identifies her from her picture. Soon two more people are found dead, including a homeless woman who was carrying the picture of the dead girl and then a runaway teenager who was talking with Brady. Then, Brady himself is in danger.
December 6, 2010
I picked up this book for the usual reason - it was set in Boston. I think that I am still a wee bit obsessed with living in New England, but since I am freezing here in Nashville, I will have to make do with frequent visits.
This book was good, not great, not bad, just good. It was entertaining while I read it, but the premise turned out to be a bit far fetched. That being said, it seems to be one of a series, and I will look for others.
This book was good, not great, not bad, just good. It was entertaining while I read it, but the premise turned out to be a bit far fetched. That being said, it seems to be one of a series, and I will look for others.
November 30, 2013
Meh. A lawyer finds a teenager dead in the snow in his backyard. Why does she have his address in her pocket?? Let's find out! Other bodies turn up. Implausible mad scientist ending. On the plus side: It's a quick read.
August 11, 2007
A good mystery that kept my interest.
September 5, 2007
Good solid crime fiction. Recommended for all Parker "Spenser" fans, although the dialog is not nearly as crisp.
January 17, 2008
This was my first Brady Coyne mystery. Loved it! Great writing style & story line. I'm hooked, reading them all.
May 18, 2008
A Brady Coyne mystery, well paced
August 16, 2009
Excellent; Continuing character: Brady Coyne; after finding a dead girl in his yard, Cone sets out to determine who the girl is and what led her to bleed to death
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews