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Brodie Farrell ##7
Flawed
"You can waste a lot of time looking . . . or you can pay me to find it for you." So goes the slogan of Brodie Farrell's one-woman detective agency. Although Brodie has made some surprising---and dangerous---discoveries while working as a modern-day treasure hunter, none of them has turned her life upside down in quite the way that her unexpected pregnancy does.
The timing is particularly awkward because Brodie has recently separated from her partner, the prickly Detective Superintendent Jack Deacon. To complicate matters further, Detective Inspector Alix Hyde has set her sights on Deacon while simultaneously trailing a mysterious criminal---and one-time friend of Deacon's---Terry Walsh, who has a habit of springing surprises of his own.
As ever, Brodie's best friend, Daniel Hood, will do anything to help her---even taking a leave from his beloved teaching job so that he can look after her business while she takes care of the baby. But soon Daniel is preoccupied with the well-being of young Noah Selkirk, who seems to be collecting more bruises than is reasonable even for a twelve-year-old boy, and is strangely linked to the Walsh case as well. . . .
As their entanglements weave together in complex patterns, all of the parties have to face the consequences of their own mistakes. But it's the flaws that make all of us human---and perhaps that ultimately make us stronger.
The timing is particularly awkward because Brodie has recently separated from her partner, the prickly Detective Superintendent Jack Deacon. To complicate matters further, Detective Inspector Alix Hyde has set her sights on Deacon while simultaneously trailing a mysterious criminal---and one-time friend of Deacon's---Terry Walsh, who has a habit of springing surprises of his own.
As ever, Brodie's best friend, Daniel Hood, will do anything to help her---even taking a leave from his beloved teaching job so that he can look after her business while she takes care of the baby. But soon Daniel is preoccupied with the well-being of young Noah Selkirk, who seems to be collecting more bruises than is reasonable even for a twelve-year-old boy, and is strangely linked to the Walsh case as well. . . .
As their entanglements weave together in complex patterns, all of the parties have to face the consequences of their own mistakes. But it's the flaws that make all of us human---and perhaps that ultimately make us stronger.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
About the author
Jo Bannister
79 books95 followersJo Bannister lives in Northern Ireland, where she worked as a journalist and editor on local newspapers. Since giving up the day job, her books have been shortlisted for a number of awards. Most of her spare time is spent with her horse and dog, or clambering over archaeological sites. She is currently working on a new series of psychological crime/thrillers.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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September 15, 2008FLAWED is the seventh in the Brodie Farrell, Daniel Hood and Jack Deacon books, although the blurb doesn't mention Daniel. As I've never read any of this series before, I was a little confused at the start as Daniel (who at that stage was a total unknown as far as I was concerned) takes centre stage in FLAWED, Jack Deacon is bit of a background character, and Brodie Farrell doesn't really get much focus until way later in the book. To add to the slight feeling of discombobulation, there was then a pretty steep learning curve to get to know who these three are and how they all fit together.
Alongside the getting to know the main characters there's a multi-threaded story. Daniel is a teacher, to whom something dreadful has happened in the past - not sure what. Despite starting out attempting to return to teaching, he ends up working at Brodie's "treasure hunting" or private enquiry agency when she discovers she's pregnant to her now ex-partner Jack. Jack is preoccupied with DI Alix Hyde - but not in any romantic way. She's in town investigating a local elusive crim (and childhood friend of Jack's), who Jack has also tried to catch in the past. His preoccupation seems mostly to involve keeping information back from Alix's investigation and then justifying that by claiming he was never asked.
There's a lot of concentration on some minor points, there's an investigation to a major local criminal that seems to blunder along with very little insider information from the man in the know; there's a child abuse concern that Daniel is following up - that has a misdirection element that was so transparent it wasn't funny - and there's a very very very loose connection between the two investigations.
I kind of liked Jack - despite the fact that he's so purposely obtuse and borderline obnoxious. Daniel seems like an amiable sort of a character - maybe knowing his full back story would help. Brodie had some good points, but unfortunately she started out pretty annoying, and whilst she did get a bit involved in Daniel's investigation later in the book - by that time the personal life and a slight feeling of whinging martyr had got to me and I was struggling to care about her much at all.
FLAWED was a very odd reading experience for me. I think I can see how the trio of characters is supposed to work off each other, and I'll definitely give another book in the series a go, but it might have been better to start earlier on, to know what the various back stories are.
Alongside the getting to know the main characters there's a multi-threaded story. Daniel is a teacher, to whom something dreadful has happened in the past - not sure what. Despite starting out attempting to return to teaching, he ends up working at Brodie's "treasure hunting" or private enquiry agency when she discovers she's pregnant to her now ex-partner Jack. Jack is preoccupied with DI Alix Hyde - but not in any romantic way. She's in town investigating a local elusive crim (and childhood friend of Jack's), who Jack has also tried to catch in the past. His preoccupation seems mostly to involve keeping information back from Alix's investigation and then justifying that by claiming he was never asked.
There's a lot of concentration on some minor points, there's an investigation to a major local criminal that seems to blunder along with very little insider information from the man in the know; there's a child abuse concern that Daniel is following up - that has a misdirection element that was so transparent it wasn't funny - and there's a very very very loose connection between the two investigations.
I kind of liked Jack - despite the fact that he's so purposely obtuse and borderline obnoxious. Daniel seems like an amiable sort of a character - maybe knowing his full back story would help. Brodie had some good points, but unfortunately she started out pretty annoying, and whilst she did get a bit involved in Daniel's investigation later in the book - by that time the personal life and a slight feeling of whinging martyr had got to me and I was struggling to care about her much at all.
FLAWED was a very odd reading experience for me. I think I can see how the trio of characters is supposed to work off each other, and I'll definitely give another book in the series a go, but it might have been better to start earlier on, to know what the various back stories are.
May 9, 2011
"You can't carry the whole world, Daniel. Hell, you've trouble carrying your own shopping."
Brodie Farrell, entrepreneurial detective, finds herself single and pregnant. Her best friend Daniel volunteers to help with the legwork, but has his own mystery - twelve-year-old Noah has come to him, showing all the signs of domestic abuse. Meanwhile, Jack Deacon is investigating an old friend, Terry Walsh, who is accused of smuggling drugs. When witnesses report seeing Walsh take a rival crook on his boat and, two days later, the man’s bullet riddled body is found, suspicions grow even higher. But, Walsh has an alibi…from his solicitor, nonetheless, a man who happens to be Noah’s father.
Small town intrigue, police procedurals and private investigators. Three of my favourite things. The tiny town of Dimmock is a wonderful setting - on the south coast so there's mystery at sea, near London, a little town with a town hall clock that runs a quarter of an hour out...
The characters are all spectacular although all slightly too good. Brodie is too capable - she's a single mother and pregnant again, as well as an entrepreneur and constantly in romantic conflict, but always professionally right. Daniel is tiny and has no fear and does the right thing by his friend even though it's not in his best interests. Jack is a bit better - a big growly bear of a policeman.
The intertwined plots are skilfully handled; I was much more interested in the domestic abuse case than the serious crime case, and in Brodie and Daniel rather than the power games between the police staff. But I suppose there's lots for everyone in this mystery.
"The expansiveness of Selkirk's welcome had frozen on him like wet clothes on a winter washing line."
" 'Where the hell did all these metaphors come from?' 'A metaphor shower?' "
(think about it)
I'm looking forward to reading more of these Brodie Farrell mysteries because I want to get to know the characters better!
Brodie Farrell, entrepreneurial detective, finds herself single and pregnant. Her best friend Daniel volunteers to help with the legwork, but has his own mystery - twelve-year-old Noah has come to him, showing all the signs of domestic abuse. Meanwhile, Jack Deacon is investigating an old friend, Terry Walsh, who is accused of smuggling drugs. When witnesses report seeing Walsh take a rival crook on his boat and, two days later, the man’s bullet riddled body is found, suspicions grow even higher. But, Walsh has an alibi…from his solicitor, nonetheless, a man who happens to be Noah’s father.
Small town intrigue, police procedurals and private investigators. Three of my favourite things. The tiny town of Dimmock is a wonderful setting - on the south coast so there's mystery at sea, near London, a little town with a town hall clock that runs a quarter of an hour out...
The characters are all spectacular although all slightly too good. Brodie is too capable - she's a single mother and pregnant again, as well as an entrepreneur and constantly in romantic conflict, but always professionally right. Daniel is tiny and has no fear and does the right thing by his friend even though it's not in his best interests. Jack is a bit better - a big growly bear of a policeman.
The intertwined plots are skilfully handled; I was much more interested in the domestic abuse case than the serious crime case, and in Brodie and Daniel rather than the power games between the police staff. But I suppose there's lots for everyone in this mystery.
"The expansiveness of Selkirk's welcome had frozen on him like wet clothes on a winter washing line."
" 'Where the hell did all these metaphors come from?' 'A metaphor shower?' "
(think about it)
I'm looking forward to reading more of these Brodie Farrell mysteries because I want to get to know the characters better!
May 3, 2024
Relationships--Brodie Farrell's unplanned pregnancy, her relationship with Detective Superintendent Jack Deacon, her best friend Daniel Hood, and their entanglements-- dominate a mystery focussed on an organized crime boss, and domestic violence. Teasing out the truth and responsibility in these issues tests the characters of the characters, and highlights Detective Seargeant Charlie Voss and police politics. Good for moving the series forward, but not the best mystery.
"When Daniel Hood smiled, suddenly you realized his fairy godmother hadn't after all been on a sloe gin blinder behind the Christening cake." p. 11
"'A baby, that's right. You know, a little person? Bald, pink, no sense of responsibility at either end?'" -Brodie p. 30
"It's a fallacy, that _There but for the Grace of God_ thing, dreamt up by the terminally empathic. Lots of people have bad luck in their lives. Most people don't respond to it with the sort of actions that get you sent to prison." p. 135
"Of course, Voss was a young man. Perhaps he still thought that law and justice and good were all facets of the same jewel. Perhaps he had yet to realize that the one thing worse than a man without a creed is one who'll do anything for the one he has." p. 315
"When Daniel Hood smiled, suddenly you realized his fairy godmother hadn't after all been on a sloe gin blinder behind the Christening cake." p. 11
"'A baby, that's right. You know, a little person? Bald, pink, no sense of responsibility at either end?'" -Brodie p. 30
"It's a fallacy, that _There but for the Grace of God_ thing, dreamt up by the terminally empathic. Lots of people have bad luck in their lives. Most people don't respond to it with the sort of actions that get you sent to prison." p. 135
"Of course, Voss was a young man. Perhaps he still thought that law and justice and good were all facets of the same jewel. Perhaps he had yet to realize that the one thing worse than a man without a creed is one who'll do anything for the one he has." p. 315
August 3, 2018
Not my first Jo Bannister book but my first Bridge Farrell story. It was difficult to come into the series not knowing the relationship between the lead characters but it was an engaging read.
Brodie is pregnant with Jack’s child. They have had a falling out so are no longer a couple. She realizes that she will not be able to continue running her company, Looking For Something?”. Daniel, for whatever reason, hasn’t been working as a teacher, but is now ready to return to work. However, when he realizes that Brodie needs his help, he puts his own needs aside and agrees to look after her business when she is off on maternity leave.
A couple of plot lines. One, a detective from SOCA, D I Hyde, comes to town determined to take down one of the local big criminals. The second involves a 12 year old boy who comes to Daniel for help. Daniel realizes the boy is being abused and is determined to help.
There are a few times when the police do really stupid things; and where Daniel makes the wrong assumptions.
Not a bad read, but not one that will stick with me. I preferred her other series.
Brodie is pregnant with Jack’s child. They have had a falling out so are no longer a couple. She realizes that she will not be able to continue running her company, Looking For Something?”. Daniel, for whatever reason, hasn’t been working as a teacher, but is now ready to return to work. However, when he realizes that Brodie needs his help, he puts his own needs aside and agrees to look after her business when she is off on maternity leave.
A couple of plot lines. One, a detective from SOCA, D I Hyde, comes to town determined to take down one of the local big criminals. The second involves a 12 year old boy who comes to Daniel for help. Daniel realizes the boy is being abused and is determined to help.
There are a few times when the police do really stupid things; and where Daniel makes the wrong assumptions.
Not a bad read, but not one that will stick with me. I preferred her other series.
May 16, 2019
Two stars because I (sort of) finished it. I didn't love:
• all the angst and hand-wringing (the 3 main characters)
• the book started with too many threads going at the same time (but after a while the author chose to settle into a more focused narrative)
• there were fairly long "commentaries" thrown in, interrupting dialogs or action, sometimes running to several pages. I can't tell you what they were about because I chose to skip them.
• all the angst and hand-wringing (the 3 main characters)
• the book started with too many threads going at the same time (but after a while the author chose to settle into a more focused narrative)
• there were fairly long "commentaries" thrown in, interrupting dialogs or action, sometimes running to several pages. I can't tell you what they were about because I chose to skip them.
September 19, 2020
I have read some of the reviews, and agree that this book is disjointed. This is the first I have read by this author. The "crime" story was the disjointed part. I did enjoy the story of Brodie and Daniel.
That story was more like a Maeve Binchy novel, and I love her works.
That story was more like a Maeve Binchy novel, and I love her works.
November 7, 2012
Jo Bannister weaves plots and sub-plots with great skill. Her characters in this novel are alive; they emote; they are believable; they are likeable. My difficulty is that if Brodie Farrell is supposed to be the protagonist, then something is missing. Brodie appears too infrequently and she is not the principal agent of solution. There are two mysteries going on: who beat the child Noah, and is there a way to nail crim Terry? Daniel Hood, a teacher who has gone through some personal crisis and is not teaching, works with Brodie–-his best friend and, if it were his choice, her mate. But Brodie is pregnant by a guy she broke up with, Jack, a police inspector. Her emotional ups and downs are portrayed well. Regrettably, however, she is absent from the book much of the time; Daniel is more center stage. And Voss, another policeman, figures large as well. Brodie does supply a keen psychological insight which points in the right direction about Noah. But the case involving crim Terry is left to others. Brodie reappears at the end with Jack to deal with the baby issue, and by then, to me, it felt tacked on; yes, it resolved a sub-plot issue. All in all, given the glowing review in Booklist, I was disappointed.
March 11, 2008
I love the way Jo Bannister writes. It's very compelling and shows you the characters rather than telling you about the characters.
I like her Castlemere series much better than the ones with Brodie Farrell. Still, the saving grace for that series is Daniel Hood. In fact, if it were up to me, she could leave Brodie and her lover Jack Deacon out and just focus on Daniel and the trouble he seems to attract and I'd be a happy reader.
In this one, instead of going back to teaching, he's helping Brodie run her agency when it turns out that she's pregnant with Jack's child. While doing this, he comes across a boy whom he believes is being abused. He takes action, and as usual with Daniel, good deeds tend to snowball and turn into a crisis.
I like her Castlemere series much better than the ones with Brodie Farrell. Still, the saving grace for that series is Daniel Hood. In fact, if it were up to me, she could leave Brodie and her lover Jack Deacon out and just focus on Daniel and the trouble he seems to attract and I'd be a happy reader.
In this one, instead of going back to teaching, he's helping Brodie run her agency when it turns out that she's pregnant with Jack's child. While doing this, he comes across a boy whom he believes is being abused. He takes action, and as usual with Daniel, good deeds tend to snowball and turn into a crisis.
October 21, 2015
Brodie is pregnant with Jack's child. Daniel decides he strong enough now to go back to teaching and gets a job at the school he was previously teaching at. Brodie is having nervous thoughts about how she is going to handle her business during her pregnancy. Daniel puts his job offer on hold to work with Brodie. Daniel befriends a 12-year-old boy, Noah, and gets involved with Noah's entire family. Brodie is also working a case which overlaps with Daniel's involvement with Noah. Not sure where the author is taking this mystery next, but it's getting a bit tired some in that the characters need some help in moving along with their lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2010
There's a lot going on in Brodie Farrell's life. Her relationship with the difficult Detective Superintendent Jack Deacon is on the fritz just as she's discovered that she's pregnant. To keep her one woman detective agency (Looking For Something?) afloat, Brodie takes her best and platonic friend Daniel Hood into the business. One of Daniel's new clients is ten year old Noah who may be beomg abused by his influential lawyer father. And visiting Inspector Alix Hyde is trying to bring down local criminal Terry Walsh, a childhood friend of Deacon's. Amusing.
January 31, 2016
Brodie & Daniel are at it again. Brodie has accepted the fact that she's pregnant with Deacon's child & he wants nothing to do with any of it. Daniel meanwhile has begun taking baby steps back into his old life as a Maths teacher. But soon enough he's sidetracked into helping Brodie with her business while she's preparing for the impending birth of her 2nd child. A former student of Daniel's gets him involved in his family drama but with unexpected results. There's also a side story about an outside DI who wants to take down a former friend of Deacon's. Not a stellar outing but sufficient.
April 7, 2015
An absorbing mystery which kept me hooked through all its twists and turns! Brodie Farrell, a detective, finds herself single and pregnant as she works her present case. She is joined by her good friend Daniel in her investigation. When Daniel, a teacher, becomes concerned about a student he feels is being abused by his father(who happens to be a well-regarded and prominent London attorney) things get sticky. They become unexpectedly enmeshed in a situation involving Brodie's former love, Detective Superintendent Jack Deacon; with a surprise ending awaiting the reader.
October 24, 2015
This series has undergone a number of transitions. At first, the focus was on Brodie's business, Looking for Something? Then it became more of a conventional mystery. Finally this book is all about the relationships between the characters with the business aspect completely absent and the mystery elements in the background. I think it is a shame that the author abandoned her original focus as it made this series different than the rest.
October 11, 2009
I am not sure if I am a fan of the way Jo Bannister writes. Its the way Jo has so many characters and their own story lines all running at once. And its not till the last few chapters does it make sense at all. A friend gave it to me to read. We will see.
May 16, 2011
More of a general fiction than a mystery, which is why I didn't finish it. Yes, I'm interested in the private lives of cops and investigators and the like, but I don't that want that to overshadow the mystery.
April 21, 2012
I enjoyed reading this book; it holds plenty of action and has a big, if sad, twist at the end. I had a little trouble keeping everything going on with the criminal Terry Walsh straight, but I did like how Bannister put a new angle on the unfortunate reality that is child abuse.
September 22, 2014
Let me start by saying I didn't start the series with the right book, so I have no idea of their back story. But I don't like the characters they are all whiny and very hard to like. I might in the future get the first in the series and see if I like them any better.
September 15, 2011
O.K. British mystery. Couldn't really relate to the characters. Not sure I really understood all the machinations.
April 14, 2012
Maybe the best
October 4, 2012
Trying some mysteries for a change. Not my favorite genre, but I enjoy how it makes me think.
March 13, 2013
Boring, not suspenseful at all.
July 27, 2014
The subject matter was so difficult for me that I didn't enjoy the book...had to push myself to finish it.
February 12, 2016
slow read by Irish author will not pursue other reads
May 31, 2010
Part of a series. Unraveling the crime was still enjoyable but the characters are feeling stale.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews