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Frank Pavlicek Mysteries #1
A Witness Above
Ex-cop-turned-P.I. Frank Pavlicek leaves New York for Charlottesville, Virginia, where, while engaging in his passion for falconry, he stumbles upon the brutally murdered body of a teenage boy whose wallet contains the telephone number of Frank's own teenage daughter, Nicole, who quickly becomes the prime suspect in the crime. Original.
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
264 people are currently reading
1417 people want to read
About the author
Andy Straka
20 books150 followersThe first hint of Andy Straka's future as a mystery writer came at the age of four when he appeared at his small-town neighbor's back door carrying a butcher's knife. Thankfully, the neighbor called Andy's mother instead of social services.
Andy is a former college basketball player, a licensed falconer, and longtime husband and father. His novels include the recently released SPLIT CITY, the first in a new amateur sleuth mystery series; the #1 bestselling private eye novel A WITNESS ABOVE and the six book, Shamus Award-winning Frank Pavlicek series; the techno-thriller trilogy DRAGONFLIES; and the critically-acclaimed suspense thrillers RECORD OF WRONGS and THE BLUE HALLELUJAH. Featured by Publishers Weekly among a group of "rising stars" in crime fiction, Andy is a past finalist for the Agatha Award and the Anthony Award.
ANDY STRAKA BOOKS IN ORDER:
--Frank Pavlicek Series--
A WITNESS ABOVE
A KILLING SKY
A COLD QUARRY
A NIGHT FALCONER
FLIGHTFALL
THE K STREET HUNTING SOCIETY
--Jesus Spares Series
SPLIT CITY
--Suspense/Thrillers--
RECORD OF WRONGS
THE BLUE HALLELUJAH
DRAGONFLIES
Andy is a former college basketball player, a licensed falconer, and longtime husband and father. His novels include the recently released SPLIT CITY, the first in a new amateur sleuth mystery series; the #1 bestselling private eye novel A WITNESS ABOVE and the six book, Shamus Award-winning Frank Pavlicek series; the techno-thriller trilogy DRAGONFLIES; and the critically-acclaimed suspense thrillers RECORD OF WRONGS and THE BLUE HALLELUJAH. Featured by Publishers Weekly among a group of "rising stars" in crime fiction, Andy is a past finalist for the Agatha Award and the Anthony Award.
ANDY STRAKA BOOKS IN ORDER:
--Frank Pavlicek Series--
A WITNESS ABOVE
A KILLING SKY
A COLD QUARRY
A NIGHT FALCONER
FLIGHTFALL
THE K STREET HUNTING SOCIETY
--Jesus Spares Series
SPLIT CITY
--Suspense/Thrillers--
RECORD OF WRONGS
THE BLUE HALLELUJAH
DRAGONFLIES
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
February 17, 2017
An excellent murder mystery set in my home state of Virginia. The prologue gives you sufficient background on the main character, Frank Pavlivek, to understand his methods and techniques. The story progresses in an orderly fashion and will not leave the reader with any head scratching questions at the last page. I will put this author on my will read list.
I have rated this book 4.25 stars.
I obtained this book from Amazon in Kindle format.
I have rated this book 4.25 stars.
I obtained this book from Amazon in Kindle format.
July 3, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the Publishers via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
After reading a pre-release copy of A Killing Sky I fell in love with the Author's writing, his PI Frank Pavlicek is such a down to earth ex-detective who has a knack of getting involved in murder cases (old habits die hard I guess).
A Witness Above is another of the Frank Pavlicek stories, this one involves him stumbling across a dead body, and the dead man has in his wallet Frank's daughters telephone number. Of course, as you would imagine she is arrested and is under suspicion of murder. Frank sets out to find the culprit and get his daughter's name cleared.
You probably have read the other reviews which go into the story in a bit more detail, I won't do that as it's just repetitive so would bore you. I will, however, comment on the writer's mastery of written words. He somehow manages to grip you with his stories, as an ex-detective it makes for a great Private Investigator, which he certainly is. The story is very detailed, gripping and will keep you glued to the story, you will be unable to put it down.
Terrific work by the Author Andy Straka, I continue to watch for more of his books.
http://lilianflesher.blogspot.co.uk/2...
After reading a pre-release copy of A Killing Sky I fell in love with the Author's writing, his PI Frank Pavlicek is such a down to earth ex-detective who has a knack of getting involved in murder cases (old habits die hard I guess).
A Witness Above is another of the Frank Pavlicek stories, this one involves him stumbling across a dead body, and the dead man has in his wallet Frank's daughters telephone number. Of course, as you would imagine she is arrested and is under suspicion of murder. Frank sets out to find the culprit and get his daughter's name cleared.
You probably have read the other reviews which go into the story in a bit more detail, I won't do that as it's just repetitive so would bore you. I will, however, comment on the writer's mastery of written words. He somehow manages to grip you with his stories, as an ex-detective it makes for a great Private Investigator, which he certainly is. The story is very detailed, gripping and will keep you glued to the story, you will be unable to put it down.
Terrific work by the Author Andy Straka, I continue to watch for more of his books.
http://lilianflesher.blogspot.co.uk/2...
September 18, 2015
A Netgalley review
These books just keep getting better.
So unless you really need to read all the back story, I don’t suggest you start here with the very first novel in this series.
I didn’t. and I’m really glad, I guessed all that was necessary from what was written in the book I did read. However, don’t let me stop you reading these books in order - it is often the best tactic .
This is an author who has learnt his trade as he has written and published.
His main character is fairly stock - especially in this first novel but with one great unusual characteristic - he flies hawks - taken from the author’s own passion. And in A Witness Above, we don’t hear enough about the hawks - for me. Which is why I prefer the later book which I have already reviewed (A Killing Sky on the 20th August on my blog: Tiggerrenewing).
So just 3 stars for this early novel, but then I find that authors with series generally fall into two categories:
1. Those who start with a great bang and the subsequent books are more and more disappointing as they run out of storylines; or
2. Those who start more modestly and improve steadily with each book written - their skills as story-tellers increase and they learn more about the 5 stages of classical story-telling and fit their characters better into them. This author falls into this category - I think.
These books just keep getting better.
So unless you really need to read all the back story, I don’t suggest you start here with the very first novel in this series.
I didn’t. and I’m really glad, I guessed all that was necessary from what was written in the book I did read. However, don’t let me stop you reading these books in order - it is often the best tactic .
This is an author who has learnt his trade as he has written and published.
His main character is fairly stock - especially in this first novel but with one great unusual characteristic - he flies hawks - taken from the author’s own passion. And in A Witness Above, we don’t hear enough about the hawks - for me. Which is why I prefer the later book which I have already reviewed (A Killing Sky on the 20th August on my blog: Tiggerrenewing).
So just 3 stars for this early novel, but then I find that authors with series generally fall into two categories:
1. Those who start with a great bang and the subsequent books are more and more disappointing as they run out of storylines; or
2. Those who start more modestly and improve steadily with each book written - their skills as story-tellers increase and they learn more about the 5 stages of classical story-telling and fit their characters better into them. This author falls into this category - I think.
March 12, 2016
Fantastic!
I was mesmerized from the beginning with this book! Love the way falconry was interjected into the story and the glimpse into gang related activities. Will certainly be reading more of this author!
I was mesmerized from the beginning with this book! Love the way falconry was interjected into the story and the glimpse into gang related activities. Will certainly be reading more of this author!
January 24, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Thirteen years ago, NYPD Detective, Frank Pavlicek quit the force after a controversial shoot-out that left an unarmed African-American teenager dead. The divorced father of a teenage daughter, Pavlicek now works as a private investigator and hunts with a trained falcon. While hunting, he discovers the corpse of a black, teenage drug dealer with ties to his daughter. Unable to ignore the connections to his family or the shooting that cost his career, he goes after the killer to find the truth, save his daughter …and free himself from the shackles of his past.
This was a decent enough novel. There isn't very much new in the story (which, of course, gets harder to achieve with each passing year) but there was enough to keep me interested enough to finish it. And surely that has to be seen as a win.
The characters - apart from Frank himself - did feel a little one-dimensional for most of the story. The biggest surprise was the inclusion of a falcon. That did add a little variation to what could have been a very run-of-the-mill novel.
The biggest problem with this book was editing. Or lack thereof. Shifts in action and characters made this very confusing at times and really stopped me from enjoying what could have been a really good book.
I will definitely give the author one more go to see what improvements will come.
Paul
ARH
Thirteen years ago, NYPD Detective, Frank Pavlicek quit the force after a controversial shoot-out that left an unarmed African-American teenager dead. The divorced father of a teenage daughter, Pavlicek now works as a private investigator and hunts with a trained falcon. While hunting, he discovers the corpse of a black, teenage drug dealer with ties to his daughter. Unable to ignore the connections to his family or the shooting that cost his career, he goes after the killer to find the truth, save his daughter …and free himself from the shackles of his past.
This was a decent enough novel. There isn't very much new in the story (which, of course, gets harder to achieve with each passing year) but there was enough to keep me interested enough to finish it. And surely that has to be seen as a win.
The characters - apart from Frank himself - did feel a little one-dimensional for most of the story. The biggest surprise was the inclusion of a falcon. That did add a little variation to what could have been a very run-of-the-mill novel.
The biggest problem with this book was editing. Or lack thereof. Shifts in action and characters made this very confusing at times and really stopped me from enjoying what could have been a really good book.
I will definitely give the author one more go to see what improvements will come.
Paul
ARH
October 24, 2017
Disgraced NY cop, Frank Pavlicek now living in Virginia is a falconer; out hunting with this Red Tailed Hawk, Armistead, they come across the body of a dead former drug dealer. Pavlicek soon wonders if the dead man might have had something to do with his daughter, finding clues that seem to point to her.
Soon she is in jail, the local sheriff’s suspicious of Pavlicek and his former partner, Jake Toronto, who lives nearby, while Pavlicek tries to prove his daughter’s innocence. The county attorney, Toronto’s friend, joins them searching for answers. Meanwhile, the sheriff is trying to prove Pavlicek’s guilt.
Here is a well written tale of guilt, love, and integrity, complex, but not confusing, with the added pleasure of learning of the sport of kings, falconry.
More than a simple mystery, Straka builds suspense coupled with interesting and well drawn characters in a tale of absolution after crippling years of guilt.
Soon she is in jail, the local sheriff’s suspicious of Pavlicek and his former partner, Jake Toronto, who lives nearby, while Pavlicek tries to prove his daughter’s innocence. The county attorney, Toronto’s friend, joins them searching for answers. Meanwhile, the sheriff is trying to prove Pavlicek’s guilt.
Here is a well written tale of guilt, love, and integrity, complex, but not confusing, with the added pleasure of learning of the sport of kings, falconry.
More than a simple mystery, Straka builds suspense coupled with interesting and well drawn characters in a tale of absolution after crippling years of guilt.
April 13, 2017
Good book. I found the information on falconry fascinating. :) A common enough plot, but I did like the characters. They were well done. I would read more in this series.
June 14, 2022
#1 in the Frank Pavlicek mystery series
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a surprisingly pleasant read by a new-to-me author, with an appealing main character. That being said, this type of hard-boiled mystery isn't really in my comfort zone. The black/white racial thing didn't seem like a necessary part of the story, but I suppose it did add another dimension to the suspicion surrounding Jake and Frank. There also seemed to be a lot of secondary characters and far too many moving pieces, confusing me at times, but that could have just been me and my previously mentioned unfamiliarity with the genre. I found the prose to be occasionally stilted and the humor obscure, but overall, I enjoyed the mystery and will continue with this series. Frank is a likable character, doing his best to bring about justice as well as provide support for his daughter. He happens to be passionate about falconry. It was interesting to learn a bit about it, and it ended up playing a role in the beginning and end of the story. I liked that Frank didn't take too many chances, spending his time uncovering clues and following through to the natural conclusions. Secondary characters of Jake Toronto and Cat Cahill kept things interesting and provided some backstory. Ex-wife Camille and daughter Nicole were both awkward for Frank to deal with, but both relationships seemed realistic.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a surprisingly pleasant read by a new-to-me author, with an appealing main character. That being said, this type of hard-boiled mystery isn't really in my comfort zone. The black/white racial thing didn't seem like a necessary part of the story, but I suppose it did add another dimension to the suspicion surrounding Jake and Frank. There also seemed to be a lot of secondary characters and far too many moving pieces, confusing me at times, but that could have just been me and my previously mentioned unfamiliarity with the genre. I found the prose to be occasionally stilted and the humor obscure, but overall, I enjoyed the mystery and will continue with this series. Frank is a likable character, doing his best to bring about justice as well as provide support for his daughter. He happens to be passionate about falconry. It was interesting to learn a bit about it, and it ended up playing a role in the beginning and end of the story. I liked that Frank didn't take too many chances, spending his time uncovering clues and following through to the natural conclusions. Secondary characters of Jake Toronto and Cat Cahill kept things interesting and provided some backstory. Ex-wife Camille and daughter Nicole were both awkward for Frank to deal with, but both relationships seemed realistic.
July 12, 2014
Much enjoyed the interesting twist on the usual 'retired cop forced out of uniform' detective story. This one has taken up Falconry as a hobby and tells us just enough about it to be informative without dragging us through an inventory. He has more important pieces of story to tell, like his daughter and her mother (his ex) aren't getting along, and then his daughter is arrested for trying to outrun the local cops, and a kilo of drugs are found in the wheel well of the car she was driving. As a mystery it's excellent. The plot has enough twists and turns to keep me reading -- almost too many -- even good as they are. The final solution has an unexpected surprise because it is so logical. Anything more I say would be a spoiler.
June 18, 2014
This book definitely starts off with an intense start that leaves you with the interesting question if the cop decides to be honest or not. This is a really good crime story/mystery. The author has done a good job of weaving the past into the present so you get a good sense of what happened from the first chapter throughout the rest of the story. There is definitely a lot of misdirection, it will keep you guessing as to who the bad guy is. Interesting twist at the end. I definitely recommend this book 4.5/5
April 20, 2015
Although by no means a bad read it was rather predictable and .... a bit convuluted at times with too many characters in the mix.
I did however like the plot and writing well enough but the end was rushed and the author would have done himself a favour if he kept up with the pace he set in the latter half on the book instead of russhing ahead getting all the secrets out.
Will I recommend it? Yes, it is not bad it is simply not brilliant either.
WaAr
I did however like the plot and writing well enough but the end was rushed and the author would have done himself a favour if he kept up with the pace he set in the latter half on the book instead of russhing ahead getting all the secrets out.
Will I recommend it? Yes, it is not bad it is simply not brilliant either.
WaAr
October 1, 2020
~Good police story
~It is interesting to note, this book was originally published in 2001, and republished in 2015…I don’t remember when I downloaded it, but I’ve just now read it in 2020. That means I am reading it nineteen years after it was written. A lot has changed in that time period. Relationships between Black youth and Police officers and been strained. I had to keep the current issues in mind as I was reading this fictional book.
~I found it to be a fast-moving story, with ample plot twists. I did not guess all the secrets that the characters were hiding…but, a good number of them. This did not detract in any way from my enjoyment of the book. I liked the authors style of writing.
~Being that the story took place over a 13-year time period, we had lots of opportunity for back story and character development.
~This book has over 500 reviews…mostly all very good…so, there is not a lot new that I can add…‘cept add my 5-stars and recommendation to read it.
~It is interesting to note, this book was originally published in 2001, and republished in 2015…I don’t remember when I downloaded it, but I’ve just now read it in 2020. That means I am reading it nineteen years after it was written. A lot has changed in that time period. Relationships between Black youth and Police officers and been strained. I had to keep the current issues in mind as I was reading this fictional book.
~I found it to be a fast-moving story, with ample plot twists. I did not guess all the secrets that the characters were hiding…but, a good number of them. This did not detract in any way from my enjoyment of the book. I liked the authors style of writing.
~Being that the story took place over a 13-year time period, we had lots of opportunity for back story and character development.
~This book has over 500 reviews…mostly all very good…so, there is not a lot new that I can add…‘cept add my 5-stars and recommendation to read it.
November 29, 2017
Decent book
Overall, it was a decent book, but it was a bit slow to get interesting. Also, I noticed the last 1/3 of the book or so got a little difficult to read because there would be sudden scene changes without any indications, such as a page break or double-spacing, and there were quite a few words (mainly articles) and punctuation marks missing throughout. It was a decent quick read, but in need of some more editing and with that I’d happily give it more stars.
Overall, it was a decent book, but it was a bit slow to get interesting. Also, I noticed the last 1/3 of the book or so got a little difficult to read because there would be sudden scene changes without any indications, such as a page break or double-spacing, and there were quite a few words (mainly articles) and punctuation marks missing throughout. It was a decent quick read, but in need of some more editing and with that I’d happily give it more stars.
June 7, 2017
Wow! Riveting! Heart Warming!
Star's does a great job of creating one of the most enjoyable, easy reading, action-packed mysteries ever created. His characters seem real, as do his scenes, and touch the reader's emotions on several levels. Most definitely a highly recommended read!
Star's does a great job of creating one of the most enjoyable, easy reading, action-packed mysteries ever created. His characters seem real, as do his scenes, and touch the reader's emotions on several levels. Most definitely a highly recommended read!
May 10, 2021
As first in a series, not bad. The plot and storyline were a bit predictable. The main character was endearing, however, the secondary characters definitely could have used a little further development. While I wasn't wowed by any measure I certainly would read the next book to see if the plot and character development improve. Good quick read.
July 8, 2022
A Clean Thriller
Could not put the book down!! The writing was easy and flowed well. The characters were interesting and worked well with the story. The story wasn't crazy or overboard with action but was realistic and not boring. Most of all, no sex!!! Just a well-written book.
Could not put the book down!! The writing was easy and flowed well. The characters were interesting and worked well with the story. The story wasn't crazy or overboard with action but was realistic and not boring. Most of all, no sex!!! Just a well-written book.
February 13, 2017
Needs editing.
Too many errors. Abrupt shifts in the action occur without warning and without chapter or paragraph cutoffs so the reader can adjust. The whole book felt awkwardly written.
Too many errors. Abrupt shifts in the action occur without warning and without chapter or paragraph cutoffs so the reader can adjust. The whole book felt awkwardly written.
May 7, 2017
Quick read with surprise ending
Well-written story with believable, likable characters. The action moves along quickly and the murderer isn't who you think it is, so the ending is a shocker!
Well-written story with believable, likable characters. The action moves along quickly and the murderer isn't who you think it is, so the ending is a shocker!
September 30, 2017
Exactly as promised
This is my first novel by Andy Straka, and it lived up to the high praise by some of my favorite authors. I enjoyed it immensely and have the next Frank Pavlicek downloaded and waiting for me.
This is my first novel by Andy Straka, and it lived up to the high praise by some of my favorite authors. I enjoyed it immensely and have the next Frank Pavlicek downloaded and waiting for me.
October 7, 2017
This was a decent enough read about a P.I. who had been been forced out of the police force because of an incident where he shot dead a kid who he believed had a gun. He discovers a body while out hunting with his bird of prey and the book tells of the aftermath of his find
December 20, 2017
Good mystery with a twist at the end.
Enjoyed this book. Good character development without sterotypes. Recommend it. Looking forward to the next book. Fun to read a book situated in my backyard.
Enjoyed this book. Good character development without sterotypes. Recommend it. Looking forward to the next book. Fun to read a book situated in my backyard.
December 21, 2017
A good read with an interesting sub plot
Enjoyed this book very much. I found the information relating to raptors interesting as well as the story itself. Good strong characters. Definitely worth a read.
Enjoyed this book very much. I found the information relating to raptors interesting as well as the story itself. Good strong characters. Definitely worth a read.
December 15, 2019
When stories grab me from the first page of the book ,it tells me that I am in for a good read... A Witness Above is surely one of those.
I enjoyed this author & look forward to reading more of his work.
I enjoyed this author & look forward to reading more of his work.
April 2, 2022
Great book and author!
This is only the second book that I have read by Andy Straka and I am hooked! Great characters and good suspense. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
This is only the second book that I have read by Andy Straka and I am hooked! Great characters and good suspense. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
January 21, 2018
Really enjoyed this book
July 24, 2018
There are surprise twists
And then there are surprise twists. Not to reveal any spoilers but the twists and turns of the plot will keep you in your toes.
And then there are surprise twists. Not to reveal any spoilers but the twists and turns of the plot will keep you in your toes.
August 1, 2018
Barely ok. It took over 90% of the book to have a discernible story line. I did enjoy reading about the Charlottesville area, since we lived there MANY years ago.
December 28, 2018
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
July 9, 2020
I enjoyed this book immensely! Looking forward to more Frank P, PI!
July 13, 2021
Very good
I liked this book really a lot. I hate Being forced to Do reviews of a book before being able to exit.
I liked this book really a lot. I hate Being forced to Do reviews of a book before being able to exit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews