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Ron Ketchum Mystery #1
Nailed
Ron Ketchum saw his share of the dark side of life as a cop in Los Angeles. Then he left L.A. to become the chief of police in the Sierra Nevada resort town of Goldstrike. One sunny morning in the mountains, though, he comes upon a crime unlike anything he’s ever seen before.
He finds the body of an African American man nailed to a tree.
The victim is a highly respected minister, and his father is the nationally known televangelist Jimmy Thunder. Ron, on the other hand, has described himself in court as a recovering bigot.
Goldstrike’s mayor for life and movie icon, Clay Steadman, wants Ron to catch the killer fast. Adding to the pressure, the victim’s grandmother comes to town. She tells the media mob that has descended on Goldstrike that God will curse the town until the killer is caught.
That’s when a rogue mountain lion begins attacking people. At first, the attacks happen on the wilderness outskirts of Goldstrike. Then the predator moves into town, leaping a fence into a family’s backyard. Finally, it turns the tables on one of the hunters sent out to bring it down.
Looking for a killer, hunting a lion and defending his own integrity — makes being a cop in L.A. seem like the good old days.
He finds the body of an African American man nailed to a tree.
The victim is a highly respected minister, and his father is the nationally known televangelist Jimmy Thunder. Ron, on the other hand, has described himself in court as a recovering bigot.
Goldstrike’s mayor for life and movie icon, Clay Steadman, wants Ron to catch the killer fast. Adding to the pressure, the victim’s grandmother comes to town. She tells the media mob that has descended on Goldstrike that God will curse the town until the killer is caught.
That’s when a rogue mountain lion begins attacking people. At first, the attacks happen on the wilderness outskirts of Goldstrike. Then the predator moves into town, leaping a fence into a family’s backyard. Finally, it turns the tables on one of the hunters sent out to bring it down.
Looking for a killer, hunting a lion and defending his own integrity — makes being a cop in L.A. seem like the good old days.
418 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2010
478 people are currently reading
1295 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Flynn
70 books198 followersJoseph Flynn has been published both traditionally — Signet Books, Bantam Books and Variance Publishing — and through his own imprint, Stray Dog Press, Inc. Both major media reviews and reader reviews have praised his work. Booklist said, “Flynn is an excellent storyteller.” The Chicago Tribune said, “Flynn [is] a master of high-octane plotting.” The most repeated reader comment is: Write faster, we want more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
May 24, 2013
This one really surprised me...and in a good way. The first in a projected series, it's a nice police procedural/mystery story that introduced me to some nicely fleshed out characters. For me, the characters make all the difference. I've read so many mystery/thriller novels that I need something more than just a new setting or new time period, etc. This novel, happily, combines great characters with a nicely developed plot. And the mystery itself ain't bad either.
Ron Ketchum, formerly an LA cop, has left that hectic life and is now the chief of police in a small resort town in the Sierra Nevadas, called Goldstrike. The town is full of celebrities of all sorts, the mayor is a film star and Ron Ketchum, himself, is a self described "recovering racist". So when the body of a black man is found nailed to a dead tree, the hunt is on. And about the same time, a rogue mountain lion is on the prowl, claiming human victims. Lots of rich material here.
I was happy to see this was not just a superficial mystery novel that seem prevalent on the bookstore shelves (or e-shelves) these days. Sure there are lots of red herrings, and we do get the big reveal of whodunit at the end. But it also delves deeper into some tough issues, namely racism. There is one particular lengthy scene of a town hall meeting where the mayor displays great leadership when confronting the serious situations facing the small town. Racial attitudes play a large role in how various characters react and the mayor's response makes one yearn for just such a mayor for every town in America.
The only bad news with this book is that now I have another author to add to my "definitely read" list. I look forward to more in this series as well as trying his Jim McGill series.
Ron Ketchum, formerly an LA cop, has left that hectic life and is now the chief of police in a small resort town in the Sierra Nevadas, called Goldstrike. The town is full of celebrities of all sorts, the mayor is a film star and Ron Ketchum, himself, is a self described "recovering racist". So when the body of a black man is found nailed to a dead tree, the hunt is on. And about the same time, a rogue mountain lion is on the prowl, claiming human victims. Lots of rich material here.
I was happy to see this was not just a superficial mystery novel that seem prevalent on the bookstore shelves (or e-shelves) these days. Sure there are lots of red herrings, and we do get the big reveal of whodunit at the end. But it also delves deeper into some tough issues, namely racism. There is one particular lengthy scene of a town hall meeting where the mayor displays great leadership when confronting the serious situations facing the small town. Racial attitudes play a large role in how various characters react and the mayor's response makes one yearn for just such a mayor for every town in America.
The only bad news with this book is that now I have another author to add to my "definitely read" list. I look forward to more in this series as well as trying his Jim McGill series.
October 17, 2013
You wanna know how good this book was? I lost my precious 'work sleep' so that I could stay up and finish the ending. I never lose my good sleep, when I have to get up so early in the morning for work, but that's just how damn good this book actually is!
It's been a very long time coming that I've read a story that was so coming-of-age and poignant! What an amazing story this was! Joseph Flynn did an outstanding job in bringing to light so many social issues we deal with today, as well as in our historical background. And what makes this story so unique is that he took a subject matter, that is rather unpleasant, kept the integrity of it and was so tastefully done, that the reader cannot help but to come away feeling better for having read it.
This novel holds two stories in one. The first being an African-American male is nailed to a dead tree. When Ron Ketchum and his partner, Oliver, stumble across the scene, all hell literally breaks loose! And if nailing black men to trees wasn't bad enough, there was another predator of the four-legged variety seeking prey to keep his fire burning--a mountain lion. Let me just tell you now, before anyone asks, that may sound like the strangest combination ever to read in a book, but I'm telling you these stories work and are outstanding, awesome, nail-biting, heart thumping great reads.
What the reader learns along the way as a murderer is walking free among the good citizens of Goldstrike, is indeed a life's lesson one is not likely to ever forget! Well, well done! I absolutely hated this book came to an end.
It's been a very long time coming that I've read a story that was so coming-of-age and poignant! What an amazing story this was! Joseph Flynn did an outstanding job in bringing to light so many social issues we deal with today, as well as in our historical background. And what makes this story so unique is that he took a subject matter, that is rather unpleasant, kept the integrity of it and was so tastefully done, that the reader cannot help but to come away feeling better for having read it.
This novel holds two stories in one. The first being an African-American male is nailed to a dead tree. When Ron Ketchum and his partner, Oliver, stumble across the scene, all hell literally breaks loose! And if nailing black men to trees wasn't bad enough, there was another predator of the four-legged variety seeking prey to keep his fire burning--a mountain lion. Let me just tell you now, before anyone asks, that may sound like the strangest combination ever to read in a book, but I'm telling you these stories work and are outstanding, awesome, nail-biting, heart thumping great reads.
What the reader learns along the way as a murderer is walking free among the good citizens of Goldstrike, is indeed a life's lesson one is not likely to ever forget! Well, well done! I absolutely hated this book came to an end.
October 18, 2013
HOLY CRAP! WHAT A G.R.E.A.T. BOOK! TOLD SO WELL IT HAD ME ON THE FIRST PAGE, WHAT A FREAKIN' GOOD STORY. I SET UP WAAY PAST MY BED TIME, I HAD TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED, ALSO PROUD I FIGURED OUT WHO THE KILLER WAS WHEN FIRST INTRODUCED IN THE STORY. I THOUGHT, WOW I KNOW WHO DID IT, OH F-BOMBS! YIKES! THIS STORYLINE IS NOT JUST A PLAIN OLD WHO-DONE-IT, BECAUSE IT HAS A TRUE RING TO IT. IT'S WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE REAL WORLD RIGHT-DAMN-NOW BIG TIME. THEN INTERWOVEN INTO THE REAL STORY IS A MURDER AND A KILLER BEAST. I LOVED HOW THE AUTHOR DID THAT, MADE ME WONDER JUST WHICH WAS THE MAIN STORY AND WHICH WAS HE UNDERLYING ONE. FU*KIN' BRILLIANT, I GIVE THIS BOOK 95* MORE STARS. HOT DANG-IT I LOVED IT! GOLLY-GEEZ! WHAT A RUSH, NOW HOW IN THE HELL AM I GONNA MAKE MYSELF GO TO SLEEP NOW? ;D
April 2, 2013
A well written, fast moving thriller. Joseph Flynn did a great job of developing his characters and the story. There were plenty of red herrings and sub-plots to hold your interest, in fact it is a book that is hard to put down after you start reading.
May 1, 2024
After enjoying another series by Joseph Flynn, I needed to find more to whet my appetite. This shorter collection by Flynn is less political and more crime-based, but just as impactful with its action. A small California community has a police force to match, just what Chief Ron Ketchum wants at this point in his career. When a man has been found crucified on the outskirts of town, Cheif Ketchum is shocked, both at the brutality don the apparent racial nature of the crime. While he tries to get this investigation in order, a prowling mountain lion has also begun to cause havoc, forcing Chief Ketchum to call on the services of some outside help. With a killer on the loose and this animal looking for prey, there will be no down time for anyone around town. Flynn does a masterful job with this piece and has me eager to continue the series.
Ron Ketchum spent a great deal of time handling crime and the darker side of humankind while working for the LAPD. Now, wanting something a little quieter, he took the role as Chief of Police for the small California community of Goldstrike, where people live in relative harmony. That bucolic nature is shattered when the body of an African American man is found crucified to a tree on the outskirts of town. The victim is a local preacher, who happens to be the son of a nationally televised minister, Jimmy Thunder. While the case has the markings of a racial crime, there are too many factors too brand it as such.
While the town’s mayor, Clay Steadman, wants things solved soon, Chief Ketchum has a number of things working against him, namely the lack of compassion many felt about the man and how his race played into this. The victim’s family begins speaking of how God will place a curse on the town until the killer is found, which sends waves through the community. After a rogue mountain lion has begun attacking the population of Goldstrike, many feel it aligns with the aforementioned curse, a troubling sentiment that can only get worse. This is another fire that Chief Ketchum and his department could do without during their tense investigation.
After calling in some outside assistance to handle the mountain lion attacks, Cheif Ketchum tries to get back on task and grind a killer. He digs deep and discovers that there is more to the story than meets the eye. Suspects pop up, from all walks of life around Goldstrike, and leave the options wide open for interpretation. With a jittery mayor and a family demanding answers, Chief Ron Ketchum has little time to rest on his laurels. A killer lurks in the shadows, and we’re not talking about the mountain lion. A brilliant series debut that has me wanting to read more and see how talented Joseph Flynn can be in another setting!
After a long and thoroughly enjoyable journey through a political thriller series by Joseph Flynn, I wanted more. Happy to see that he has a few other series, some of which tie-in with the Jim McGill collection, I could not wait to get started. This series debut is much different from the McGill work and is wholly crime-based. This gives the reader a different perspective, while keeping things on point. The narrative is strong and pulls the reader in from the opening pages, never letting things wane until all comes together. Ron Ketchum is a great cop and his character helps flavour things well. I am eager to learn more about him and the others who find themselves as secondary characters throughout the series. Flynn has been able to keep things fast-paced and on point throughout the opening novel, something that I hope continues.
As in the past, Flynn provides strong plot points throughout the story, which shapes the direction and intensity for the attentive reader. There is a great deal of mystery and some strong social issues that emerge throughout, keeping the reader forging ahead to discover the truths and commentary that surrounds some of the race matters. I was especially pleased to see how the two sub-plots merged in a way and left the reader enthralled with all that was taking place. I am looking forward to more in the series and new characters who can make strong connections with the reader. Flynn has the skills and is using them well with this series.
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for a great start to this series
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Ron Ketchum spent a great deal of time handling crime and the darker side of humankind while working for the LAPD. Now, wanting something a little quieter, he took the role as Chief of Police for the small California community of Goldstrike, where people live in relative harmony. That bucolic nature is shattered when the body of an African American man is found crucified to a tree on the outskirts of town. The victim is a local preacher, who happens to be the son of a nationally televised minister, Jimmy Thunder. While the case has the markings of a racial crime, there are too many factors too brand it as such.
While the town’s mayor, Clay Steadman, wants things solved soon, Chief Ketchum has a number of things working against him, namely the lack of compassion many felt about the man and how his race played into this. The victim’s family begins speaking of how God will place a curse on the town until the killer is found, which sends waves through the community. After a rogue mountain lion has begun attacking the population of Goldstrike, many feel it aligns with the aforementioned curse, a troubling sentiment that can only get worse. This is another fire that Chief Ketchum and his department could do without during their tense investigation.
After calling in some outside assistance to handle the mountain lion attacks, Cheif Ketchum tries to get back on task and grind a killer. He digs deep and discovers that there is more to the story than meets the eye. Suspects pop up, from all walks of life around Goldstrike, and leave the options wide open for interpretation. With a jittery mayor and a family demanding answers, Chief Ron Ketchum has little time to rest on his laurels. A killer lurks in the shadows, and we’re not talking about the mountain lion. A brilliant series debut that has me wanting to read more and see how talented Joseph Flynn can be in another setting!
After a long and thoroughly enjoyable journey through a political thriller series by Joseph Flynn, I wanted more. Happy to see that he has a few other series, some of which tie-in with the Jim McGill collection, I could not wait to get started. This series debut is much different from the McGill work and is wholly crime-based. This gives the reader a different perspective, while keeping things on point. The narrative is strong and pulls the reader in from the opening pages, never letting things wane until all comes together. Ron Ketchum is a great cop and his character helps flavour things well. I am eager to learn more about him and the others who find themselves as secondary characters throughout the series. Flynn has been able to keep things fast-paced and on point throughout the opening novel, something that I hope continues.
As in the past, Flynn provides strong plot points throughout the story, which shapes the direction and intensity for the attentive reader. There is a great deal of mystery and some strong social issues that emerge throughout, keeping the reader forging ahead to discover the truths and commentary that surrounds some of the race matters. I was especially pleased to see how the two sub-plots merged in a way and left the reader enthralled with all that was taking place. I am looking forward to more in the series and new characters who can make strong connections with the reader. Flynn has the skills and is using them well with this series.
Kudos, Mr. Flynn, for a great start to this series
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 23, 2011
i'm probably a bad reviewer - if there isn't something that just JUMPS out as crap, i'm usually pretty happy. i.e. i'm not too hung up on literary devices, unless its just too brutal to ignore.
are there elements in this book that could have been fleshed out better? fo'shizzle. but reality check: good is great when the storyline rocks. and this one does. loved the characters - from the slightly flawed protagonist (recovering bigots are generally flawed) to the mayor who is sometimes away from his town filming blockbusters. the bitter granny (who is an utter bitch. i like when granny's are mean) and there's little jewels sprinkled throughout. i.e. meeting our hero ron's father - didn't need it, but it really added to the history of some of the stuff that went down before ron hit goldstrike.
wham! there's a mountain lion! killing people! at the same time a murder is rocking the town?! what?!
it would make me a very happy broad if this became a series. and i think this town has a lot more to offer.
are there elements in this book that could have been fleshed out better? fo'shizzle. but reality check: good is great when the storyline rocks. and this one does. loved the characters - from the slightly flawed protagonist (recovering bigots are generally flawed) to the mayor who is sometimes away from his town filming blockbusters. the bitter granny (who is an utter bitch. i like when granny's are mean) and there's little jewels sprinkled throughout. i.e. meeting our hero ron's father - didn't need it, but it really added to the history of some of the stuff that went down before ron hit goldstrike.
wham! there's a mountain lion! killing people! at the same time a murder is rocking the town?! what?!
it would make me a very happy broad if this became a series. and i think this town has a lot more to offer.
March 15, 2023
Prch Amz October 9, 2013
Finished Reading
October 22, 2013
3.5 Stars
This is yet another 'Oops' for me.
I Thought it was an Adult book.
And the characters are Adult, BUT there is NO sex scenes.
Massive disappointment.
In fact, there is Barely any type of romance in it at all.
It is very well written and a decent Crime/Mystery story.
It could have been a lot better.
It needed more intensity IMHO and the 'Romantic Interest' needed to be more.
There were places that dragged just a bit.
Anyway, this is one of many lessons that took me awhile to learn.
Be VERY careful what you download.
Check the reviews using keywords and never trust Amazon.
This was advertised in a way I thought it was for me.
I love Crime, Mystery, Suspense and Action
BUT!
I need my Romantic Connection and it HAS to be MUTURE Sex scenes.
Not holding hands or just Hot Looks.
Was this the last time I made this mistake? Sadly, No.
If you want a decent crime story with NO mature content, go for it.
You'll like this one.
Finished Reading
October 22, 2013
3.5 Stars
This is yet another 'Oops' for me.
I Thought it was an Adult book.
And the characters are Adult, BUT there is NO sex scenes.
Massive disappointment.
In fact, there is Barely any type of romance in it at all.
It is very well written and a decent Crime/Mystery story.
It could have been a lot better.
It needed more intensity IMHO and the 'Romantic Interest' needed to be more.
There were places that dragged just a bit.
Anyway, this is one of many lessons that took me awhile to learn.
Be VERY careful what you download.
Check the reviews using keywords and never trust Amazon.
This was advertised in a way I thought it was for me.
I love Crime, Mystery, Suspense and Action
BUT!
I need my Romantic Connection and it HAS to be MUTURE Sex scenes.
Not holding hands or just Hot Looks.
Was this the last time I made this mistake? Sadly, No.
If you want a decent crime story with NO mature content, go for it.
You'll like this one.
March 3, 2015
Vengeance.
First of all this book should be read by every student starting at the middle school level and up. But some southern states won't like it to be in their school libraries. Very good dialogue and stories about equal rights and bigotry. Televangelist, they hunger to make money, mountain lion and very good characters, I sure will be reading more about Ron Ketchum.
First of all this book should be read by every student starting at the middle school level and up. But some southern states won't like it to be in their school libraries. Very good dialogue and stories about equal rights and bigotry. Televangelist, they hunger to make money, mountain lion and very good characters, I sure will be reading more about Ron Ketchum.
August 22, 2021
As I’ve stated on several reviews, I read fiction for the escape and to feel better when I put the book down than when I picked it up. Mr. Flynn has yet to let me down.
My favorite series of his, to date, has been the John Tall Wolf series. Ron Ketchum is running a mighty close, photo-finish second. (And I see where the next Ron Ketchum book features John Tall Wolf in it! It will be loaded on my reader before this review is posted. Honest. Trust me.)
This book has a mountain lion out hunting humans, a racist killer nailing a black minister to a black, charred tree. A town mayor “for life” who is a high-rolling movie star. Killers, scammers, and down-home boys trying to do their jobs and maintain the peace.
The only think about this book I didn’t like was it was too short, and I reached the end. Fortunately, (and I just checked my reader) Defiled is downloaded and ready to read. Alas, it will be my carrot. When chores are finished, I have a date with John Tall Wolf AND Ron Ketchum.
My favorite series of his, to date, has been the John Tall Wolf series. Ron Ketchum is running a mighty close, photo-finish second. (And I see where the next Ron Ketchum book features John Tall Wolf in it! It will be loaded on my reader before this review is posted. Honest. Trust me.)
This book has a mountain lion out hunting humans, a racist killer nailing a black minister to a black, charred tree. A town mayor “for life” who is a high-rolling movie star. Killers, scammers, and down-home boys trying to do their jobs and maintain the peace.
The only think about this book I didn’t like was it was too short, and I reached the end. Fortunately, (and I just checked my reader) Defiled is downloaded and ready to read. Alas, it will be my carrot. When chores are finished, I have a date with John Tall Wolf AND Ron Ketchum.
February 2, 2013
In some respects, Nailed is a classic who-done-it. The plot is complex, the suspects plentiful, and, although the author withholds some information as the book nears the end, there are enough clues that this reader didn’t feel cheated. The unusual wrinkle was the sub-plot of the murderous mountain lion. All in all, Nailed was a very enjoyable mystery.
October 27, 2013
Very complete story and pretty good characters. I liked how Flynn fleshed things out. The town of Goldstrike becomes real with a back story. So do many of the characters.
The characters themselves are fairly standard, but it works.
Once again, I didn't guess the killer.
The characters themselves are fairly standard, but it works.
Once again, I didn't guess the killer.
October 16, 2013
Free kindle book. Good story plot. Many twists and turns for a "who done it" mystery!
October 19, 2013
I really liked this book. I enjoy his writing style and characters.
May 15, 2018
Wow! "Flynn is an excellent storyteller!" The parts about the mountain lion had me looking around my yard and in the trees before I got out of my car! Highly recommend!
February 13, 2019
The book is very entertaining and story well written. It wasn’t predictable and had surprises until the story ended. I didn’t give it five stars because the author (Joseph Flynn) didn’t do well portraying the deputy chief’s character as a Black man. He also spent too much time focusing on racial subjects at the expense of Black Americans....though he did redeem himself at times during the story. I believe the lead character depicted how he himself feels about Black Americans. I will read some of his other books to see if that point of view continues in his other works. There were a lot more typos then I am accustomed to in a published work...but he truly is an excellent story teller. I enjoyed the story and all of its different elements and how he tied it all together. Definite a Good Read.
November 27, 2013
A very exciting story. I really enjoyed the dual story lines of the search for the killer of Isaac Cardwell, and the search for a rogue mountain lion that is stalking the ski resort town of Goldstrike CA. Well plotted, very believable characters. I stayed up way later than I should have trying to finish this book!
This story also takes an unflinching look at racism. Ron Ketchum is a "recovering" racist and his deputy chief of police is a black, former police officer from LA. The two are close friends who have each earned the respect of the other by laying it on the line for the other when it counted. Now working together in a predominantly white, wealthy, resort town in the Sierra Nevada mountains, they must search for a killer and hunt down a mountain lion that is stalking the towns people.
The deceased is a black man who was nailed to a tree in a sick parody of a crucifixion. The specter of racism is soon raised and a curse called down upon the town by the victims grandmother. It is soon very evident that there are many "closet" racists in the seemingly peaceful and accepting little town.
The parallel story lines come to gripping conclusion with a surprise ending on both counts.
This is probably one of the best "free" Kindle books I have found so far. Most of the time they are just so so, but I will definitely look for more books by Joseph Flynn and the "Ron Ketchum" mysteries.
This story also takes an unflinching look at racism. Ron Ketchum is a "recovering" racist and his deputy chief of police is a black, former police officer from LA. The two are close friends who have each earned the respect of the other by laying it on the line for the other when it counted. Now working together in a predominantly white, wealthy, resort town in the Sierra Nevada mountains, they must search for a killer and hunt down a mountain lion that is stalking the towns people.
The deceased is a black man who was nailed to a tree in a sick parody of a crucifixion. The specter of racism is soon raised and a curse called down upon the town by the victims grandmother. It is soon very evident that there are many "closet" racists in the seemingly peaceful and accepting little town.
The parallel story lines come to gripping conclusion with a surprise ending on both counts.
This is probably one of the best "free" Kindle books I have found so far. Most of the time they are just so so, but I will definitely look for more books by Joseph Flynn and the "Ron Ketchum" mysteries.
September 5, 2011
I enjoyed Joseph Flynn's thriller but hesitated to give it a five star rating, simply because there were a couple of 'sloppy' get outs in the story. By this I mean when one of the characters is in trouble and the writer uses an 'old hat' formula for extricating the characater from the predicament he or she is in. Apart from that, I found the book extremely well written and a pleasure to read. I wasn't gripped in the way that some thrillers can grab you, but felt compelled to read towards the end because it was such a well written and well told story. No doubt fans of Joseph Flynn will buy this book. He told me that this is his best seller to date.
September 26, 2012
There are two main stories…hunt for a human killer and hunt for a killing mountain lion. It is not a book that I would have read in one day but had enough happening to keep my interest. I found that in parts the story seemed to lean more in the hunt for the mountain lion then in the human killer. This is the first time I have read a book by this author and I found that I like his writing style enough to look into reading more of his book.
October 17, 2013
Great story about relationships. Chief Ron Ketchum is a recovering bigot who had a terrible childhood. A murder (nailed to a cross) of a black minister in a small town brings out the best and worst of the citizens. Entangled in all this is a rogue mountain lion attacking humans and animals. Is this the result of the curse placed upon the town by the mother of the murdered minister? Very fast reading and interesting, well written book. I rate it a 4.9.
May 6, 2013
Very good read! Enjoyed from amazon lending library with Prime. I'm sure I will read more of his work.
September 20, 2013
4.9 stars. Really enjoy his books...this one especially
October 16, 2013
Focused way too much on racism. Otherwise, a good read.
October 31, 2013
I was an enjoyable read. The main characters were well developed and interesting. There was tension and suspense with a surprise ending.
November 12, 2013
loved,loved,loved the book ,the character's,the plotline ,everything ,just sorry to finish it ,looking forward to more .
November 15, 2013
I had never read anything by Joseph Flynn. After this book I am off to find more of his books. Really good mystery writer.
July 21, 2016
Decent story but preachy
October 25, 2015
Ok but nothing special
It was an enjoyable read but kind of just another generic mass produced action story with a less than exciting hero.
It was an enjoyable read but kind of just another generic mass produced action story with a less than exciting hero.
October 22, 2013
Improbable but imaginative!
December 7, 2020
Recommended.
I can see why a lot of folks enjoy this author. The characters are well developed, especially the mayor and police chief, but others are given their due. As the story moved along I become more invested and there were a few moments of true suspense when I actually caught myself with the realization of, "I'm in suspense!".
Upon finishing I do what I always do with authors who have garnered my attention; I look into their other works. Although I was tempted to purchase the next in the series (and still might) I hesitate to spend more than .99 cents for a book that has less than 200 pages. The same with another series of his beginning with "Tall Man in Ray Bans" (however I seem to have the first - probably got it free through Bookbub).
I did purchase "Digger" which he apparently published under a pseudonym. It won't be the next book I read, but I'll get to it.
Surprisingly, for such a seemingly polished author, there were some glaring editing errors (syntax, pronoun confusion, grammar) which detracted from the flow of the work.
I can see why a lot of folks enjoy this author. The characters are well developed, especially the mayor and police chief, but others are given their due. As the story moved along I become more invested and there were a few moments of true suspense when I actually caught myself with the realization of, "I'm in suspense!".
Upon finishing I do what I always do with authors who have garnered my attention; I look into their other works. Although I was tempted to purchase the next in the series (and still might) I hesitate to spend more than .99 cents for a book that has less than 200 pages. The same with another series of his beginning with "Tall Man in Ray Bans" (however I seem to have the first - probably got it free through Bookbub).
I did purchase "Digger" which he apparently published under a pseudonym. It won't be the next book I read, but I'll get to it.
Surprisingly, for such a seemingly polished author, there were some glaring editing errors (syntax, pronoun confusion, grammar) which detracted from the flow of the work.
May 14, 2017
Ron Ketchum is the Chief of Police in Goldstrike California. He is a good cop, formerly of LAPD. Deputy Chief Oliver Gosden is also from the LAPD, a black cop whose life was once saved by Ron. Mayor for Life is Clay Steadman, an actor, recovering drug addict and very popular in Goldstrike. The 2 cops driving down the mountain and chance upon a black man nailed to a dead tree. While they start working the crime scene, another local is attacked by a mountain lion while jogging. Now we have the basics for this story and it's a good one. Very human characters, flaws and all. Some characters you love to hate and others you just can't help but cheer on. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Second book by this author and loved the other one too. There will be more books by Mr. Flynn in my future.
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