Silver Justice

by Russell Blake

Manhattan. A ruthless serial killer is butchering financial industry high rollers. FBI Special Agent Silver Cassidy, the head of a task force that's on a collision course with disaster, finds herself fighting impossible odds to stop the murderer before he can kill again.

Struggling to balance the hunt for a savage predator with the challenges of being a single parent, Silver finds herself thrust into a nightmare of brutality that will demand every ounce of determination she possesses to survive.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Action, Procedural, Serial Killer, Suspense

257 pages, ebook

First published July 1, 2012

Reviews

[R.S. Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a great story. I enjoy a writer whose prose serenades me. And even when reading fiction, I like to learn something REAL about the world we live in. I like writers who do their research and I LOVE writers who know a ton about something that I don't!

What I found in Mr. Blake is a guy who likes to teach the reader some serious life sh*t with his genre as the vehicle. Also being a big non-fiction reader, that resonates with me. Silver Justice left the jaw of my sensibilities lying on the ground; it left me terrified to further understand how bad things really are in the financial markets and the precipice upon which each and every one of us lives---against our will. Blake makes a case for a gun actually being pointed at our heads, we inexcusably unaware.

Don't misunderstand. This is also an exciting tale. Special Agent Silver Cassidy is one of the better characters I've come across lately: real, vulnerable, a tough cop when she needs to be. I love characters that are believable and much more than skin deep, and you get that in spades with Silver Justice. Following Cassidy as she leads the task force searching for a ruthless, intentionally brutal serial killer keeps the reader locked in. Blake is brilliant, conjuring us a serial killer with a message, ala Se7en--this is no simple vehicle; this killer has something he wants to say.

It's one thing to write a great mystery novel. It's quite another indeed to infuse said genre with enough real-world financial shock and awe that it leaves the reader wondering about the very present and future of this rock we call home and where it's heading. And here's the rub, dear readers: it's clear from the get-go that Blake knows from whence he speaks. The man's a cornucopia of information on financial markets and the intricacies behind, above, and most importantly beneath them.

Blake follows up the ending with a list of books to read if one would like to further examine and/or LEARN about the subject matter of the book. I will be getting those books. As a storyteller, Russell Blake is one of the better I've found---as an educator, using his profound storytelling and pure writing ability to teach you a thing or two about this world we live in, well, I've as yet to find his equal. The man's got a financial brain as big as Jupiter, so if you're like me and you love to exercise that little clump of gray matter between your ears, do yourself a favor and pick up Silver Justice (and the several books it recommends---important reading for the cogent mind).

You'll be damn glad you did. Don't pass him up. I've added all his books to my reading list.

[Yossi Gurvitz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waste of time. The author has a theory about what caused the collapse of the financial markets, and used this as a frame for a detective book. While I tend to agree with his theory, it would be much better to write an essay than pretend to weave an implausible fiction plot around it. Do not buy.

[Steven Konkoly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Justice showcases Russell Blake at his best. I’m not going to lie. When I heard that the protagonist for Blake’s newest release would be a divorced, single woman, juggling between duties as a senior investigative FBI agent and struggling mother…I was skeptical. I will never again doubt the literary capabilities of this prolific author.

Blake’s latest thriller combines all of the aspects he does best into one story. Fans of Blake’s conspiracy undertones will not be disappointed, however, Blake has matured in the way he injects his patented, research-based conspiracy theories into the story. Though the conspiracy weighs heavily, it propels the story from behind the scenes. Always present, but never overwhelming. In this story, the characters drive the drama…speeding along at breakneck pace. Silver Justice delivers plenty of action and suspense, but at its heart, this is a rock solid police procedural thriller.

Focused on tracking down a serial killer terrorizing Wall Street high rollers, Agent Silver Cassidy has her hands full. Her task force has no leads, a contract has been put out on her head, her slimy ex-husband has just filed for full custody of her daughter…and that same daughter isn’t making matters any easier on her. Add to all of this a subtle dimension of sexual discrimination/glass ceiling syndrome, and Agent Cassidy can barely keep her head above water. But she does….and Blake captures her essence masterfully. He kept me fully engaged in her character from start to finish.

Beside Silver Cassidy, there are several memorable supporting cast members: an intelligently humorous “consulting” agent, a sadistic biker gang leader, a nefariously wry Russian mafia boss, and my favorite, Agent Heron. I cheered every time he showed up. You’ll quickly understand why…if the FBI had one agent like this in every major city, crime would slow to a trickle within a week.

Blake clearly took his time with this one, shifting his focus and skills from the insanely paced, explosive Assassin series, to this thoughtful, exciting thriller.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Multiple storylines add a sense of verisimilitude to Russell Blake’s story of a dogged FBI agent, her troubling daughter, and a mysterious murderer killing top financiers. A touch of romance is added when Silver brings in a good-looking financial analyst to look for patterns in the crimes. And lots of touches of gentle wisdom arise from Silver’s relationships with others.

Of course, all the murders are connected. And, of course, once a good plan of action is made, the powers that be won’t want to implement it. (Actually, I had an entirely different idea of what the connection might be and was frustrated that no one mentioned it, but that’s just me.) Silver and her new colleague’s idea just might pan out, but danger strikes a little too close to home and things go awry.

The threads of various sub-plots tie together in the end offering a pleasing sense of completion. And the insights into the world of finance, while rather long and detailed, are certainly fascinating. Best is the dialog, well-timed and building into pleasing relationships. Silver, divorced single mom juggling money troubles, kid troubles, ex-husband troubles and a high-profile job, makes a well-drawn strong protagonist. Her rebellious daughter’s pleasingly real. Her colleagues offer a convincing blend of helpful and annoying. And the tie-in to recent events and financial disasters lends a pleasing, and somewhat concerning immediacy to the tale.



Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of this novel as a gift from the author.

[Doug Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those books that, afterwards, sent me to goggle for a few hours chasing data to verify several of the financial aspects within the book. Anytime that a book has me pondering over it after I've read it says a lot for that book. The story line was well plotted with colorful characters from start to finish. One of the things I thought was really great about the book is how it had a backdrop story within the story that worked it's way to the forefront of the book. It's not just a story about chasing a serial killer, but also a story from from the killers perspective that very intelligently unfolds along the way. The protagonist, Silver, has a few spots where she's a little over the top, but she's also an easy character to like. This is the third book that I've read by this author and so far each one was a great read, and I look forward to reading more of his books in the future.

[Joanie Bruce · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t like this book because of personal reasons. The author is skilled and proficient in his writing, and the plot is full of twists and turns, but my personal preferences kept me from enjoying the book as a whole.

What I liked: The characters are likable, and I enjoyed the bantering back and forth between them. Each character has his/her own personality and varied traits that make each one unique. I also enjoyed the plot and the building mystery and suspense, and I was impressed with the extensive research the author must have done into the financial system to build a strong plot on that subject.

What I didn’t like: The cursing and profanity which infiltrate many of the scenes. There is also an uncomfortable sensual scene between the two major characters which made me uncomfortable and I tried to skip without missing part of the story.

If you don’t mind a frequent curse word or descriptive physical scene, you would enjoy this book.

[Jim A · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like Russell Blake's work. This one just didn't do it for me.

[Janejellyroll · Rating 2 out of 5]

This author clearly came up with an elaborate criminal theory of what caused the 08 crash and then wrote a mystery to create a fictional framework to present his theory to the reader. There's no inherent problem with that (novelists have been doing similar things forever), but you have to have a compelling story and it just doesn't happen here.

Silver Cassidy is a mere framework of a character - I have no idea why the author made her a woman when he has no real idea of what makes a woman tick (her main emotional support is the chocolate she eats in multiple scenes, if that gives you an idea of the "Cathy" level of character crafting we're getting here). She is the head of a task force designed to find a serial killer who is targeting leaders in the financial community. There's also a puzzling subplot dealing with another set of killers that never really gets wrapped up fully. Silver is a divorced mother who is also dealing with a child custody battle with her ex -- it's one of those things that drives the plot fully in some chapters and is dropped for others (for example, there's a plot line where something really significant happens to her child and she doesn't even bother to clue her ex in on what is happening).

[Lynelle Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a freebie on Kindle, downloaded a very long time ago.

Glad I eventually got to the book. Great read with enough suspense to keep you turning the pages.
I liked the character of Silver, a no nonsense agent with enough emotional turmoil of her own to make this a believable story.
A book I can recommend to all readers.

[Vera M.]

I am putting no rating at this time because I DNF. I may try to come back to this one at some point but right now I just couldn't get into it. I just couldn't get into the characters and the dialogue was awkward to me.

[Stacy Derebery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver’s story is interesting and believable

I enjoyed Silver Justice and I am a believer. Single mom scored one!!! I wish we could read more related to Silver.

[Peggy Pancherz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Storyline continues to grow and develop . Characters are realistic and get better and better.

[Lee-sa Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would give 10 stars if I could

Highly recommend this book and in turn you should recommend to everyone you know who reads for knowledge and not just entertainment.

[Blood Rose Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

Manhattan is no stranger to murder, but it is usually the most vulnerable in life that are forced to face this fate, but Russell Blake takes this idea and turns it upside down in his first book in a new series:

In the city of Manhattan, there is a serial killer on the loose with your not your typical target, they are targeting the financial industry big wigs, people that the regular individuals are not even aware of. FBI agent Silver Cassidy is assigned to lead the task force and she has a sense there is more to these killing than normal, even though those around her doubt the theory. Silver is determined to see the killer brought to justice, but when they hit close to home, Silver struggles to keep a clear head in order to ensure that she and those she cares about come out alive.

I picked this book up as the premise had me intrigued, as it had a different twist on who the victims were going to be. It was something different than the typical woman victim(s) or those who are more vulnerable due to their lifestyle. It is interesting to see what happens when it is those who have power that are the target and it makes it that more difficult to figure out why. For this I really enjoyed Blake's creativity with the subject and idea.



If you are unable to tell by the premise this novel is also very much about financial crime and this is where Blake lost me a bit I felt that there was too much financial crime in the novel. There were times when the explanation of the financial crime aspect overtakes all the other premises with in the novel, including the murders, it becomes all about the numbers. In the end I think that Silver would have been able to deduce the connection between the victims without the financial information, but it was an interesting and different avenue for Blake to take and I commend him for trying something different.



You could tell that Blake had a personal opinion as to what caused the 2008 financial crash and his opinion as to what happened are blatant within the entire novel. I'm not going to lie when the financial explanation became too much and too constant I glazed over those parts of the novel skimmed the information that was being given. Yes, the financial crime was important to the serial killer and the why he was killing but I do not think that Blake needed to put that much information within the novel (it was almost like a class within a fiction novel). Those who have an interest in financial crime will enjoy this read and have a better understanding about what was being said, but for the average individual while at times the information was interesting, often there was just too much to process what Blake was saying.

On the other side of things I really liked Silver as a character as both an investigator and a mother. I was interested in her outside of the investigation as well as trying to balance running a task force. I think that being able to see Silver outside of her FBI role made her a more well rounded character as well as a more likeable one. I found that Silver had a very Smokey Barrett (Cody McFadyden series and one of my favorite authors) feeling to her but less a lot less dark.

Those who want a different twist on the typical investigation are going to like the avenue that Blake took within this novel. Although I found the financial aspect too much at times, I still appreciated Blake attempting something different but I also enjoyed is writing style. I would read another novel written by Blake, however, I do not know if it will be within Silver's series if all the books are financially based.

Enjoy!!!

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wealthy, well-connected hedge fund managers turn up murdered by an unknown killer who calls himself The Regulator. The last time most people heard much about hedge funds was during the financial collapse of 2008. And that economic meltdown provides a pointed frame to Russell Blake's intriguing crime thriller Silver Justice. The collapse almost becomes a character in it's own right, a malevolent vengeful spirit still eager for blood.
The Regulator in Silver Justice is not a mindless splatter fiend, however. This is a killer with an agenda. He's clever and seemingly always one step ahead of the FBI. Blake doesn't make it easy on his main character, FBI agent Silver Cassidy, who's the head of the FBI team tasked with taking down The Regulator. Cassidy is surrounded by challenges. She must get her team working together, deal with her devious ex-husband and somehow keep her wits as the case becomes increasingly personal and devastatingly close to home.
Blake further complicates Cassidy's life by introducing a budding love interest amidst the mayhem. While Agent Cassidy's personal issues can sometimes slow things down a bit, Silver Justice is more than rich enough with action and sophisticated investigative work as Cassidy and her team race to find The Regulator before he kills again.
The financial collapse might be just background color in some books, but in Silver Justice we learn some fascinating history about the financial doings of the 2008 disaster. Blake leads us to believe there are even more disturbing and shrouded reasons for the meltdown than we have been told by the media. He does this deftly, however, never allowing the big canvas to obscure the tense immediacy of the hunt for the murderer. Silver Justice comes highly recommended.

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Kick-Butt Crime Thriller"

From the prolific author Russell Blake comes another spellbinding crime thriller. So many of his novels portrait strong women in the field of law enforcement. In this novel it is Silver Cassidy, an Assistant Special FBI Agent in Charge. Intensely busy in her career, she is also a single mom of 10-year old Kennedy, who you will come to think of as more like an outspoken teenager. Silver's team is involved with hunting down a serial Killer on the West Side of New York City, where four victims have been murdered over just a few weeks. The last victim has just been beheaded. The killer calls himself "The Regulator" in notes he's left at each of the killing sites. Since all victims were connected with the financial business world, such as hedge fund management, FBI Agent Richard Gale of the Washington DC Financial Crimes Unit arrives to assist Silver's investigation. To further complicate and stress Silver is her ex-husband's threat that he is filing for custody of Kennedy. Oh, there's one more caution that Silver has to confront: someone has paid a hired killer to her out. Needless to say, this is one exciting page-turner story that delivers high action. It's more than a detective story in that the more serious aspect in this story deals with the real economic collapse of the American economy and gives very valid reasons as to why. This is another very worthy book from gifted Author Russell Blake.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good mystery. The motivation for the killer was different from most other books I've read, but it was very appropriate for the times that we live in. The characters were well written, with enough depth to be likeable, but enough left out to leave room for additional character development in future novels. I would actually like to read other novels with these characters, especially Silver and Richard. They make a good team.

The on thing that annoyed me was the side plot with the assassination attempt. I either missed a previous book that explained that plot line further, or it was a throw away. It was a small part of the book, but it really didn't figure into the overall plot of the novel.

Like I said, I would read more books in a series with these characters, and I would recommend this book to others.

[Kylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't a bad read, it just wasn't great.

Silver is a reasonably likeable lead character, and believable in her role. The 'Reglulator' is an interesting bad guy, especially with the digging to find what connects each death. As that is revealed, it is even more intriguing, as you do find yourself asking those 'what if I was him..' type questions.

I just found myself zoning out on the in depth financial stuff. Now normally I am fine with the specialised details that authors may include, like this, but this particular thing didn't do it for me. Perhaps as a non-American I just don't have the emotional investment in what happened?

Anyway, I see from the preview for another Blake novel that he likes to take actual events and basically tell his perspective or theory behind it in a fiction context, so maybe I will give another a go, as I did like his style.

[Jeannie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the fact that the protagonist in this well-woven story is a woman. Having been the protagonist in my own true crime story, I know how strong a person has to be to track down evil entities and do everything possible to bring down the antagonist. Silver Justice is an action packed suspense thriller. Agent Silver Cassidy has a hard task ahead of her with almost everything going against her, and at times it is hard for her to keep her head above water. Will she fall by the wayside or succeed? I hope you read this well-written novel with characters that are worth remembering because of their special and unusual characteristics.

Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is fairly forgetable, I know because I read it once and then forgot it. It tried to be exciting, but it missed the mark. I didn't feel that the main character acted in a natural way; I don't care if you are a seasoned FBI agent, you don't insist on getting up and going to work the morning after your daughter is kidnapped.

The other aspect of the novel, the cause of the financial meltdown of 2008, is probably more fact than fiction, but it is so complicated it would be hard to really understand unless you were a trained accountant. If the author really wanted to expose the corruption of the financial industry he probably should have chosen a different vehicle, because this isn't going to draw the attention of anybody.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written; extremely well edited (unheard of in a free book). It became a bit anti-climactic at the end, turned a little bit preachy. However, having said that, I have to give it five stars because the end is what the book was all about. The author set out to raise questions about the financial collapse of 2008 and what caused it, and succeeded quite well. I'm disturbed and know the book will stay with me for a long while - Crichton is the last fiction author to be able to do that to me.

Before you think the story sounds boring - it's about a single mother FBI agent in pursuit of a serial killer. A pretty good tale.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable serial killer tale with a financial slant. The anti banking/Wall St. analysis verges on the rant and is not as well-integrated into the rest of the tale as it might be. If the financial conspiracy exists (and it might well do if most of the afterword is to be believed) the villain's actions (name avoided to protect the killer's identity until you've read the book) are understandable, if not to be condoned.
Despite the long-winded economics discourse, this story flows along and Silver is the standard female plain clothes cop/agent - harassed, single mum, undervalued etc. and interesting enough to follow as she hunts the killer.

[Kim Cano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Russell Blake book. Every time I read a new one I can't decide which one is my favorite. I definitely like Silver best of all the female characters in his books. She's tough, but easy to identify with. Her problems are like most people's (work stress, single mom, annoying ex) but amplified many times over since she's an FBI agent.
The story itself has to do with the 2008 financial crises, and as Silver hunts the killer readers learn all the ugly details of what really went down.
A smaller character, Agent Heron, was a particular favorite. He shined in his few key scenes. I wish this were a movie just so I could see him deliver his lines.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. For me, it was like reading an episode of 'Criminal Minds.' The book addresses some very serious real-life issues (the financial industry) while carefully weaving the plot with a series of twisted and captivating sub-plots. There aren't many women who could handle a serial killer, 10-year-old child with adjustment issues, horrific ex-husband, difficult co-workers, and random hits on her life all at the same time. Thank goodness Blake weaved a little romance into the tale. Read this book!

[Will Decker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because I am a big fan of Russel Blake this is one of the hardest reviews I've ever written. I used to believe that Blake could turn a phone book into a best seller, but Silver Justice was written by someone whose heart just wasn't in it. There was a pat story line, but no depth to it. I wasn't drawn into it and I couldn't relate to the characters. They were flat, unemotional, and simply going through the motions. Even when Silver got shot, there wasn't any follow through. It read like it was scripted and not in a good way. Not your typical Russel Blake brilliance.

[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book because I felt badly about acquiring it over three years ago and taking such a long time to get around to reading it. It didn't take much time for me to get absorbed in the plot and before I knew it, I had trouble putting it down. I admire the character and her tenacity in both her professional and personal life; also her rapport with her fellow FBIers. Thank you, Mr. Blake, for another enjoyable (and informative) book; I look forward to your next one. I rate this one 4.5 stars.

[Ken Rossignol · Rating 5 out of 5]

In case you end up rooting for the serial killer you might feel guilty until you ponder the financial manipulation that has taken place in the last few years in such an astronomical fashion...then its okay if the crimes get solved and some really bad guys got what they deserved in the process. Russell Blake has another book, Geronimo Breach, which I have recently read and enjoyed. Great writer and prolific.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off really slow. At 25% I almost archived it because I just couldnt get into it. I stuck through it and finally finished it. If your not into financing and Wallstreet stuff, this is not the book for you. I had a hard time following along due to so much talk about hedgefunds and other complicated "money" issues. The middle to end did get better.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Justice is an awesome book. I loved this story immensely. A thriller that kept me glued to the pages. Well written. An array of characters whom are great. Even the bad guy is actually pretty cool. This story was a great story. And, based on the facts behind the 'perfect crime', this story will raise a lot of questions to all. Highly recommended!

[Christopher Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A definite page turner that grabs you from page one. Very intriguing plot with some fine twists and characters that the reader really can get invested in. One of the stories from a very imaginative author that writes in a way that makes the reader think about the characters long after the book is finished. Highly recommended