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Marty Singer #5

The Wicked Flee

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A late-night knock on his door pulls retired DC homicide detective Marty Singer out of a sound sleep and drops him into a desperate hunt to find Lucy Rhee, the kidnapped sister of his friend, Chuck Rhee. With no clues, no leads, and almost no hope, they've only got guts and instinct to discover where The Wicked Flee—and save Lucy before she’s gone forever.

326 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2014

1100 people are currently reading
636 people want to read

About the author

Matthew Iden

34 books344 followers
I write fantasy, science fiction, horror, thrillers, crime fiction, and contemporary literary fiction with a psychological twist.

I’ve held jobs with the US Postal Service, international non-profit groups, a short stint with the Forest Service in Sitka, Alaska, and time with the globe-spanning Semester at Sea program. Trips to Iceland, Patagonia, and Antarctica added to the creative pot, as well, and I started to put all those experiences to good use about eight years ago--thinking, dreaming, and writing.

Please email me at matt.iden AT matthew-iden.com, Tweet @CrimeRighter, or find me on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/matthew.iden.

The Marty Singer detective series is:
A Reason to Live (Marty Singer #1)
Blueblood (Marty Singer #2)
One Right Thing (Marty Singer #3)
The Spike (Marty Singer #4)
The Wicked Flee (Marty Singer #5)

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5 stars
858 (49%)
4 stars
636 (36%)
3 stars
179 (10%)
2 stars
33 (1%)
1 star
22 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for James Thane.
Author 10 books7,071 followers
March 2, 2016
This is a taut, noirish novel in which the action plays out in only a few hours, albeit very long hours, for the characters who are caught up in the story. Marty Singer is a retired Washington, D.C. homicide detective who's awakened out of a sound sleep a little after 9:00 one night by Chuck Rhee, a detective on the Arlington, Virginia police force who specializes in the criminal gangs that work the area. Chuck's sixteen-year-old sister, Lucy, has failed to come home and Chuck instinctively knows that she's been kidnapped. Rhee understands that if he simply reports Lucy missing, it will be hours and more likely days before the police take any concrete steps to find her. By then she could be gone forever, and Chuck begs Marty to help him short-circuit the process and begin looking for her immediately.

Meanwhile, a rookie Maryland state trooper named Sarah Haynesworth has reason to believe that someone is coercing young girls into prostitution. She has the name of a suspect and of a potential victim, but she arrives at the suspect's home just as the man is dragging the body of the victim, who has overdosed, out his back door. One she arrests the man, Sarah has no authorization to pursue the investigation any further but she continues to do so on her own time. Thus, from two very different angles, Sarah on the one hand and Marty Singer and Chuck Rhee on the other begin to unravel a nightmare scenario in which very young women are being trafficked across several state lines.

The story is told from multiple viewpoints and proceeds at a frantic pace through the rest of that very long night. To say much more about the plot would be to give too much away, but Matthew Iden has written here one of those proverbial thrillers that grabs the reader by the throat and refuses to let go. Even the lesser characters are very finely drawn and the settings are very well done. The action takes place on a cold winter night and Iden has the reader shivering along with the characters at a good many points along the way.

It all builds to a strong climax that caps the story perfectly. This is a novel that will appeal to large numbers of crime fiction readers.
Profile Image for Michelle .
346 reviews25 followers
March 3, 2016
"But it was hard for my ex-cop's brain not to tick off each of the misdemeanors and felonies I was flirting with the moment I'd opened the gate behind the dump that was Tuck's house, trespassed through the yard, and tiptoed up the rear porch to try the back door.."... Marty


In the fifth book of this series, retired homicide detective Marty Singer is back doing what he does best. He's helping the people he loves and calls his friends with things that are out of their control. Chuck Rhee, a cop who works generally with trying to clean up the street gangs, helped Marty previously and is asking for him to return the favor. Chuck's sister, Lucy, has been kidnapped. Using what he always relies on, his instinct and his own good sense, he wants to help Chuck find out where she's gone. If its not too late that is. Using Lucy's friends information they start off in pursuit of where she may have been taken.

Meanwhile State Trooper Sarah Haynesworth has a run in with a suspect. He's trying to flee a scene carrying a dead girl through the snow. Sarah wants to investigate further because from what she can tell there is a connection with this suspect to other missing girls. She's told to drop it and that the case is being transferred to the Washington County Sheriff's office.

The disappearing girls and Lucy are all tied together perhaps? Is there a serial killer out there or are the girls part of a human trafficking ring? Some shocking and creepy parts as the people involved try to disappear. None of the cops involved here are about to give up on these girls and their paths finally intersect. Hopefully Sarah, Chuck and Marty can find out where "The Wicked Flee" in time to save Lucy and perhaps more girls.

This is a stand alone but also part of the "Marty Singer Mystery" series. Any of the books can be read in any order or together and make perfect sense. The writer has built a seamless body of work. However, that being said this series book was slightly different then the others. Rather than it all Marty all the time there was the introduction and crossing of characters. I believe the author was adding some layers to Marty's life. Marty travels along a pretty solid line. This change gave Marty a chance to branch out in other directions. The author has written Marty out of the box that he may have previously been written into. I think Marty can now go in more directions then where he may have been previously headed.

The final in the series of five books in the Marty Singer Mystery series. Or is it? Word had it directly from this author that there were more Marty Singer books in the works. I sure hope so. I'd hate to see this series end just yet. There is a short story that is also part of this series called "The Guardian." It can be obtained by signing up at Matthew Iden's website. If you are a fan of this series like I am, please be sure and visit Mr. Iden at: matthew-iden.com/download_the_guardian/.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas& Mercer Publisher for the ARC.
Profile Image for Tulay.
1,202 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2016
Good plot.

If you're going to read this book because you like Marty Singer character don't. He is not in this story much. Story is about human trafficking, he is just for the ride with his friend to find his kidnapped sister. Some animals, we call human use young innocent girls to satisfy themselves and make money. Being a cat lover, I was worried about Pierre, nobody was taking care of him.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,310 reviews
July 28, 2014
Very satisfying story in the Marty Singer series. Lucy definitely had gumption, and so did Sarah. The ending leaves everything and nothing to the imagination.
Profile Image for Ami.
6,239 reviews489 followers
June 4, 2016
I read Matthew Iden's explanation of The Wicked Flee and why he wrote it differently than the previous four books; to challenge himself as an author. The Wicked Flee only covered several hours as Marty and his friend Chuck Rhee try to track Rhee's missing younger sister, Lucy. It is also written in SEVERAL point of views from various characters (all using third person narrative) including Marty's (still in first person).

I appreciated Iden's attempt -- unfortunately, I thought the story lacks of Marty Singer himself. He's not in the book enough -- in my opinion -- and well, I guess I missed him, and his dry humor. I also missed his adopted daughter, Amanda. I liked that I finally knew more about Rhee, but I didn't exactly read the book for Rhee. The writing is good but this is (sadly) my least favorite book in Marty Singer's series.


The book is provided by Thomas & Mercer publishing via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Profile Image for Lynda Kelly.
2,205 reviews106 followers
December 16, 2015
Five stars for number 5 in the series from me. I read this almost in the one sitting on a lovely day in the garden !! It flowed well and was very exciting even though I didn't think Marty got as much of a look-in this time out. This has been a great series and numbers 2 and 5 are my favourites.
It was all set in a day as well so almost real-time reading for me.
I was, however, a tad disappointed at the silly mistakes. Ticks used instead of tics, balling and not bawling (which means something completely different), prefect and not perfect and retuning in place of returning !! Apostrophe errors here and there as well.
Aside from those (I thought) crashing errors it was really very good, though.
Profile Image for James.
117 reviews
July 19, 2014
This one isn't quite up to the standards of the first four, but it's still an excellent read. It seems a little rushed and not as well developed as its predecessors, but it did no serious damage to the fact that this series remains one of my current favorites in the police/mystery genre. I'm already looking forward to the next one.
10 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2014
Best of the series!

I've chewed up the entire series in less than a week and by far this is a good one. I'm looking forward to more.
Profile Image for K.
1,049 reviews34 followers
September 5, 2018
Th Wicked Flee is a little gem of a noir style crime novel. The plot races and you hold on for all you’re worth as the story unfolds. If Matt Iden’s other books are as good as this, I’ll be reading more from this author.

The story involves several protagonists, including a retired detective, his friend who works undercover with another police department, and a rookie female State Trooper who will eventually be a very good cop. This law enforcement triumvirate are on the trail of the undercover cop’s 16 year old sister who has been kidnapped for delivery to a rich and twisted pedophile.

Despite a few rather predictable plot twists, I still found myself becoming agitated when the kidnap victim is almost free only to be recaptured, her fate seemingly secured toward a very bleak future.

Overall, the story is satisfying and the ending is an appealing one, especially if you’re the kind that prefers seeing some just retribution in your yarns. A solid 4 Star book that I hope is representative of Mr. Iden’s other novels.
Profile Image for Julie.
937 reviews8 followers
November 19, 2017
This is a good police suspense series that I have been enjoying. I do recommend the series.
Profile Image for Christy.
229 reviews20 followers
October 25, 2015
I binge read books four and five in this series today, and felt that they were quite different in style. Whilst book four was more slow and cerebral, untangling a web of politics, corruption and deceit, The Wicked Flee had a much more simple action feel to it.

Detective Chuck Rhee comes to Marty for help after his sister doesn't show up to a meeting, and the entire book takes part over the next day as it becomes a race against time to get Lucy back before it's too late. There is no mystery over what's happened to her, as we switch between the perspective of Marty & Chuck as they chase down leads and merge with the path of Sarah, a young state trooper, the bad guys, and the victim. We know exactly who has her and what's going to happen to her - the question is, can Marty and Chuck pull it off and get her back? I enjoyed the fast paced non stop action of this book, and read it in one sitting - but I think I prefer it when Marty has a bit more thinking to do.

I did like the background story of Chuck a lot, but there was very little development for Marty in this book compared to the others. It was more a book about Chuck & Lucy if anything - and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked. I wouldn't mind a book that centred on Chuck and his life and work with gangs, as he's a very interesting character.

I really hope that there will be more Marty to follow and I'm sad that I've finished with this series for now. A solid 4.5 stars from me!

I'd like to thank Thomas & Mercer, in conjunction with NetGalley, for providing me with an advanced review copy of this title.
318 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2015
Received from Goodreads Give Away program.

Loved the book, even though I dislike the subject matter. Fast-paced from the very beginning. Didn't want to put the book down. Easy read.

Liked the good-guy characters. I'm going to have to go back and read the other Marty Singer series.

Have added Matthew Iden to my list of favorite authors.

Definitely recommend
72 reviews
August 2, 2014
Great book. Loved the fast pace and Marty's interaction with others. Can't wait for the next one Matt!
Profile Image for Connie Becerra.
839 reviews4 followers
August 4, 2014
Read on my Kindle. I am sad that the series ends here. Hope a new one comes out fast. Enjoyed all of them!
Profile Image for Linda.
757 reviews18 followers
October 8, 2021
I'm flabbergasted. Flabbergasted, I say! Who would have thought that a Marty Singer book that has less of my favorite character Marty Singer ended up being my favorite of all the Marty Singer books I've read so far in this series? And I love Marty Singer. LOVE. Wrap your head around THAT one. This is the first book of the series to earn 5-stars from me. YAY.

Our beloved Marty is more a side character this go around. And it should have bothered the crap out of me that he had to share the spotlight with several other characters in this book, most of which had their own chapters of narration told in 3rd-person format as opposed to Marty's 1st- person. But strangely, it really didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. I thought the blend, while admittedly a bit jarring, worked well for this entry.

Why did it work so well? I honestly want to say it's the thrilling nature of the plot, as well as the condensed form in which it's told. This entire story takes place in several hours for Marty, and several days for other characters, but all perspectives eventually combine and intermingle in a wonderful kaleidoscopic way to create one big web. You sorta need all the perspectives to truly flesh out the tension and thrills from more angles beyond Marty's. This entry takes a bit of a break from Marty's normal world and brings him into his cop friend, Chuck Rhee's world.

Now while the plot certainly isn't the most original I've read, it doesn't make it any less boring or tired or miniscule. And when told in fabulous writing style of author Matthew Iden, it's a very satisfying tale. This story starts out with an epilogue told from one of the many character's perspectives, but still jumps right in with Marty's chapter following it right up. Marty is awakened late in the night by his friend Chuck Rhee who is desperate with worry over his missing sister, who he fears has been abducted. Marty needs no encouraging from his buddy, and immediately joins him on his search to find the young girl.

As I mentioned earlier, this book has multiple character perspectives, some only having a single chapter, others having multiple. If memory serves, including Marty's, there are I believe six different storytellers here, with Marty's being the only one told in 1st-person. Iden does a fine job of keeping it all together though, not letting any single perspective overshadow the others. Our usual star isn't the dominant, but he certainly isn't absent either. The pacing of this thing still worked splendidly and kept me VERY invested. I appreciated getting into more people's heads to learn their motivations, fears, etc. I love the dynamic between Marty and Chuck, as well as Marty and random side characters. He's such a well-written dude.

Super solid read in the Marty Singer saga, as long as you can accept that Marty has company this go around. I was happy to rate this thing 5-stars and I hope it won't be the last time.
Profile Image for L.
1,529 reviews31 followers
August 5, 2017
It wasn't until I read James Thane's review and saw this: "This is a taut, noirish novel in which the action plays out in only a few hours, albeit very long hours, for the characters who are caught up in the story," that I realized the story covers only a few hours! These few hours do seem very long, indeed! So much happens! This tale is dark. It is also one of those "grab you by the throat" novels. I couldn't put it down.

I love the Marty Singer series (another thank you to Thane!) and this one, despite a plot that struck me as sort of contrived around or exploitative of a current social issue (I don't want to, and can't, believe it's as bad as what Singer uncovered), I have to say I really enjoyed it (well, perhaps "enjoyed" is not the right word).
17 reviews
October 26, 2022
I like this series and enjoyed books 1-4 and the main characters. But I had to quit reading this about 1/4 through. As a woman I have no interest in reading about kidnapping, torturing and raping women. I'm sure there is a message in the book about human trafficking, but I don't find it entertaining. I hope book 6 is much better and gets back on track with a entertaining story line and characters. Highly disappointed.
Profile Image for Theweebarrell.
386 reviews9 followers
June 8, 2017
I chose to read an ARC of this book thanks to Netgalley for making it possible
this was a good all round thriller it had plenty going on it to keep me reading. It was well written and realistic although singer didnt appear very much in it
10 reviews
March 7, 2018
Throughly absorbing!

Marty Singer is a character. After reading five books, I know and enjoy him quite a bit. You know he will “get” his man, but enjoy the journey each time. I particularly liked the brother/ sister duo in this book.
19 reviews
January 1, 2019
The Wicked Flee (5)

Another great read about Marty Singer's " retirement "! My same belief is to keep busy, stay off the couch,, out of the big chair,,,,i doubt he even owns either !!
96 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2019
Suspenseful! The drama felt real, the characters believable, loved every page.

Throughout the story you hope for the best, but you know real life isn't a fairytale. This is a rollercoaster ride out of control.
237 reviews
May 31, 2020
Fast paced and entertaining.

This was yet another fabulous read by Iden. I stumbled across the first book in this series and gave him a try and am so glad I did. He has a wonderful way of writing that helps you visualize each scene and connect with the characters. Well done.
5 reviews
June 10, 2017
Marty Singer

I have become a Marty Singer fan. This was not my favorite but it kept me reading to find out what the outcome would be.
5 reviews
August 8, 2017
Marty Singer book 5

Just like the other four books this one will not disappoint. I missed having Amanda in this book. Hopefully she will be included in the next one.
1,668 reviews5 followers
July 28, 2021
This was quite a good book, but WHERE WAS MARTY SINGER? He played an insignificant part in the book's narrative and as such could be any other person.
Profile Image for Sue.
156 reviews7 followers
January 17, 2022
I couldn't put it down. I read it in a day and a half.
Profile Image for Gail Brink.
9 reviews8 followers
March 17, 2024
Another solid read. Love this series. Was so good, I finished it in one sitting.
Profile Image for Russ Leavitt.
1,442 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed the Marty Singer character.

Have read all the Singer books and this may have been the best. Will miss this
character when I read the last book in the series.
Profile Image for Ben.
1,114 reviews
September 22, 2014
Note: I received a free copy of the book from the author to read and review. That did not affect my review.

I did receive a free copy of the book from Mr. iden, and I am happy that I did. THE WICKED FLEE is exciting, fast-paced and well- written. It's 310 pages flew by.
I am also concurrently reading a rather heavyweight non- fiction book and I turned to THE WICKED FLEE to relax, to wind down a bit into the evening. Well, I certainly relaxed, reading through the pages as fast as I could from one "now what is coming up" moment to the next.
The plot is simple enough: a teen aged girl is Taken, snatched from the street to be sold to a perv who wants a pure, unsullied, unmarked, " clean" girl to have, to hold and to dispose of when he is sated. The Seller is a pimp who has decided to sell rather than rent his girls, selling choice "items" to discerning buyers with deep pockets.
The teen is the sister of a D.C. Cop who calls on his old friend Msrty Singer fro help outside the limits of the law. From then on it is a wild ride to the end.
One of the interesting things about the book is that the story is not told only from Singer's viewpoint; the victim, the " Taker", even the "Buyer" are part of the story. Very good character portrayal, good localalities, great finish.
I had read the first Marty Singer novel which I thought was ok. This is the fifth one in the series and rates as excellent. Mr. Iden has certainly " found his voice" I plan to read all the books in this series and put the author on my to- do list.
Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,399 reviews140 followers
June 20, 2017
The wicked flee by Mathew Iden is a mystery and thriller and general fiction (adult) read.
A late-night knock on his door pulls retired DC homicide detective Marty Singer out of a sound sleep and drops him into a desperate hunt to find Lucy Rhee, the kidnapped sister of his friend, Chuck Rhee.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the story and the characters. 4*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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