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Detective Cooper Devereaux #1
False Positive
Alabama detective Cooper Devereaux makes no apologies for his luxe lifestyle or the way he does his job. Most cops haven’t lived the kind of life he has—starting out as an orphan, raised by a grizzled cop savior—and most don’t use his kind of high-risk tactics. But he may have met his match in fellow detective Jan Loflin, who’s fresh off a long undercover stint in Vice when they’re partnered on a case that will test them both beyond their direst nightmares.
A seven-year-old boy has disappeared from his home in the Birmingham suburbs. But the more Devereaux digs into the missing child’s background, the more he discovers about his own, eventually shaking loose a series of harrowing truths—about bloodlines, mass murder, obsession, and what two damaged detectives have in common with the innocent victim they’re so desperate to save.
A seven-year-old boy has disappeared from his home in the Birmingham suburbs. But the more Devereaux digs into the missing child’s background, the more he discovers about his own, eventually shaking loose a series of harrowing truths—about bloodlines, mass murder, obsession, and what two damaged detectives have in common with the innocent victim they’re so desperate to save.
330 pages, Hardcover
First published December 29, 2015
271 people are currently reading
1099 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Grant
13 books406 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Andrew Grant (born 1968, Birmingham, England) is the younger brother of bestselling thriller writer Lee Child. After graduating from the University of Sheffield, where he studied Drama and English Literature, Grant founded a theatre company that produced original material, culminating with a critically successful appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Grant remained in Sheffield after graduating from university but now lives with his wife, the novelist Tasha Alexander, on a nature preserve in Wyoming.
Series:
* David Trevellyan
Andrew Grant (born 1968, Birmingham, England) is the younger brother of bestselling thriller writer Lee Child. After graduating from the University of Sheffield, where he studied Drama and English Literature, Grant founded a theatre company that produced original material, culminating with a critically successful appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Grant remained in Sheffield after graduating from university but now lives with his wife, the novelist Tasha Alexander, on a nature preserve in Wyoming.
Series:
* David Trevellyan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
August 27, 2017
Detective Cooper Devereaux was called off a suspension to help find a missing 7 yr old boy. He’s a good detective who bends the rules to get the job done. His Lt. knows this and always tries to cover his back. When he arrives in his Lt.’s office he finds that he’s partnered with someone who he doesn’t seem to trust. He’s not quite sure why he’s stuck with her. She has a story of her own that’s pretty interesting.
He’ll stop at nothing to find this missing child, his tactics while trying to solve this case have landed him in hot water again. He’s also battling some old demons that have been brought to the forefront during this case.
I loved this book, it was very fast paced and the many sub-plots kept my interest through the whole book, Mr. Grant did a wonderful job creating this new detective. If you love this genre as much as I do then this is a series you don’t want to miss.
I would like to thank Ballantine Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this e-galley for my honest review.
He’ll stop at nothing to find this missing child, his tactics while trying to solve this case have landed him in hot water again. He’s also battling some old demons that have been brought to the forefront during this case.
I loved this book, it was very fast paced and the many sub-plots kept my interest through the whole book, Mr. Grant did a wonderful job creating this new detective. If you love this genre as much as I do then this is a series you don’t want to miss.
I would like to thank Ballantine Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this e-galley for my honest review.
January 29, 2020
I read somewhere that Lee Child was going to turn over his Jack Reacher character to his brother - Andrew Grant - to continue the stories. I've enjoyed the Jack Reacher books for years now and thought I'd check Andrew Grant out.... I selected False Positive as it takes place in Birmingham, AL, my hometown for over five and a half decades now. Andrew Grant's theater background shows in the story to the detriment of the novel. It hops from one dramatic event to another and doesn't really tie them together very well. While it was a fast read for me, it was just twist after twist after twist, each more improbable than the one before that just seemed to create a chaotic confusion for me. The action just felt way over the top for me. I didn't feel any real connection to the characters either. While they were presented in a somewhat sympathetic manner, they just didn't ring "real" to me.
On a real picky note (and I do understand the concept of literary license), some parts referring to the City of Birmingham were correct, there were so many geographic type errors I was repeatedly distracted throughout the read. At one point Devereaux was driving south on I-20..... an east/west interstate through the city. Not really possible. Maybe I should have chosen another story set elsewhere. I'm not saying that I wouldn't read a Jack Reacher book written by Andrew Grant, I probably will, but whether I pre-order it as I have done in the past, ???
On a real picky note (and I do understand the concept of literary license), some parts referring to the City of Birmingham were correct, there were so many geographic type errors I was repeatedly distracted throughout the read. At one point Devereaux was driving south on I-20..... an east/west interstate through the city. Not really possible. Maybe I should have chosen another story set elsewhere. I'm not saying that I wouldn't read a Jack Reacher book written by Andrew Grant, I probably will, but whether I pre-order it as I have done in the past, ???
April 28, 2022
This is the fourth volume I have read by Andrew Grant, actually it is the second by just him, I have read the two he wrote with his brother Lee Child, published under the name Andrew Child. I believe Grant has 9 books published under the name Andrew Grant, and two contributions to anthologies. He has also contributed to one anthology as Andrew Child. I picked a few of his books after reading Even. I have enjoyed both his offerings in the Reacher series, and also now enjoyed both of the books I have read in his own series.
I believe Grant has three series and a standalone novel. I have yet to decide if I will read each series in parallel, between the 2 Reacher novels and the first in Detective Cooper Devereaux Series and the first in the David Trevellyan Series I am certain I will read all the books he has published.
I stated in a previous review that I had not known that Andrew Grant was Andrew Child and had read this story, I would have stated that it reminded me a lot of the Reacher novels. Except this time David Trevellyan if still active duty for the Royal Navy and home office. But his style, panache, and focus are similar to Reacher’s. The same could be said for Detective Cooper Devereaux. And other that he is still actively a police officer even greater similarities.
The beginning of the description of this book states:
“Alabama detective Cooper Devereaux makes no apologies for his luxe lifestyle or the way he does his job. Most cops haven’t lived the kind of life he has—starting out as an orphan, raised by a grizzled cop savior—and most don’t use his kind of high-risk tactics. But he may have met his match in fellow detective Jan Loflin, who’s fresh off a long undercover stint in Vice when they’re partnered on a case that will test them both beyond their direst nightmares.
A seven-year-old boy has disappeared from his home in the Birmingham suburbs. But the more Devereaux digs into the missing child’s background, the more he discovers about his own, eventually shaking loose a series of harrowing truths—about bloodlines, mass murder, obsession, and what two damaged detectives have in common with the innocent victim they’re so desperate to save.”
Cooper does not always follow the rules. But he always seeks to get the bad guys and protect the innocent. He has a storied past, and in this story that past catches up to him and there are secretes unravelled in the case he is working, that reveal things from his own past. Things he was not aware of and some he was deceived about. He even reaches a point of questioning his own reason for being who he is. There are several cathartic moments in the story for both Cooper and for Loflin. But most important of all, there is a missing child to be rescued. But to find out what happens you will need to read this excellent story.
Many readers of this book would make comparisons to Reacher, especially if they are aware of the author’s legal name. But Cooper is a different character and the story told in a different manner. I appreciated that the chapters starting at nine have the day and number of hours the child has been missing. I greatly appreciated seeing into Devereaux’s mind, process and thought patterns.
This story was very hard to put down. I stayed up many hours later than I should have on a work night to finish the story. I devoured it over a single day in a few different sittings. It is an excellent read. If you love a good crime, suspense, thriller with great action this is a book for you. I am certain fans of Reacher, Bourne, Jack Ryan could all appreciate Cooper and how he gets the job done. It was a great second read from Grant’s pen!
I believe Grant has three series and a standalone novel. I have yet to decide if I will read each series in parallel, between the 2 Reacher novels and the first in Detective Cooper Devereaux Series and the first in the David Trevellyan Series I am certain I will read all the books he has published.
I stated in a previous review that I had not known that Andrew Grant was Andrew Child and had read this story, I would have stated that it reminded me a lot of the Reacher novels. Except this time David Trevellyan if still active duty for the Royal Navy and home office. But his style, panache, and focus are similar to Reacher’s. The same could be said for Detective Cooper Devereaux. And other that he is still actively a police officer even greater similarities.
The beginning of the description of this book states:
“Alabama detective Cooper Devereaux makes no apologies for his luxe lifestyle or the way he does his job. Most cops haven’t lived the kind of life he has—starting out as an orphan, raised by a grizzled cop savior—and most don’t use his kind of high-risk tactics. But he may have met his match in fellow detective Jan Loflin, who’s fresh off a long undercover stint in Vice when they’re partnered on a case that will test them both beyond their direst nightmares.
A seven-year-old boy has disappeared from his home in the Birmingham suburbs. But the more Devereaux digs into the missing child’s background, the more he discovers about his own, eventually shaking loose a series of harrowing truths—about bloodlines, mass murder, obsession, and what two damaged detectives have in common with the innocent victim they’re so desperate to save.”
Cooper does not always follow the rules. But he always seeks to get the bad guys and protect the innocent. He has a storied past, and in this story that past catches up to him and there are secretes unravelled in the case he is working, that reveal things from his own past. Things he was not aware of and some he was deceived about. He even reaches a point of questioning his own reason for being who he is. There are several cathartic moments in the story for both Cooper and for Loflin. But most important of all, there is a missing child to be rescued. But to find out what happens you will need to read this excellent story.
Many readers of this book would make comparisons to Reacher, especially if they are aware of the author’s legal name. But Cooper is a different character and the story told in a different manner. I appreciated that the chapters starting at nine have the day and number of hours the child has been missing. I greatly appreciated seeing into Devereaux’s mind, process and thought patterns.
This story was very hard to put down. I stayed up many hours later than I should have on a work night to finish the story. I devoured it over a single day in a few different sittings. It is an excellent read. If you love a good crime, suspense, thriller with great action this is a book for you. I am certain fans of Reacher, Bourne, Jack Ryan could all appreciate Cooper and how he gets the job done. It was a great second read from Grant’s pen!
August 20, 2018
Perhaps I have reached the point in my reading life where I have read too many thrillers. I found myself reading this book mostly to analyze the plot twists and the characters, but not really with enthusiasm. Perhaps I’ve become jaded.
I was halfway through this book when I went to a conference at which Andrew Grant was a guest of honor. I went to a session where each of the guests did a reading—and I found Mr. Grant to be a charming guy. All afternoon, it seemed that I kept accidentally catching his eye and he always smiled an amused smile. I became rather paranoid—“Does he know that I don’t love his work? Does he guess that I really prefer his wife’s novels?” Finally I calmed down and realized that he was just a friendly author mingling at a writers’ conference and I relaxed.
I returned to False Positive with greater sympathy and enjoyed the last half more than I had the first half. I was quite satisfied with the ending—until the last two pages. They made me want to pick up the next book in the series against my better judgement! Well played, Mr. Grant, well played.
I was halfway through this book when I went to a conference at which Andrew Grant was a guest of honor. I went to a session where each of the guests did a reading—and I found Mr. Grant to be a charming guy. All afternoon, it seemed that I kept accidentally catching his eye and he always smiled an amused smile. I became rather paranoid—“Does he know that I don’t love his work? Does he guess that I really prefer his wife’s novels?” Finally I calmed down and realized that he was just a friendly author mingling at a writers’ conference and I relaxed.
I returned to False Positive with greater sympathy and enjoyed the last half more than I had the first half. I was quite satisfied with the ending—until the last two pages. They made me want to pick up the next book in the series against my better judgement! Well played, Mr. Grant, well played.
June 23, 2025
I was LOVING this book for the first half to 3/4, and then it kind of went off the rails. Too many twists, an unnecessary and clumsy backstory for Deveraux, a really hard-to-swallow motive for the baddie, and a tacked-on plot element. Should have stuck with the path it was on - so suspenseful, brisk, and fun. I'm being generous with these four stars, but after the way I devoured the majority of this, I just couldn't bring myself to give it a 3.
December 16, 2016
This first in a new series by Andrew Grant introduces us to Birmingham, Alabama detective Cooper Devereaux. He is partnered with equally unconventional Jan Loflin, just coming off a long undercover stint in Vice, tasked with finding a seven-year-old boy who has disappeared from his suburban home. Devereaux himself has just recently been taken off suspension. Suffice it to say that he has an unconventional way of doing his job, which had ultimately caught up with him.
From the publisher: The more Devereaux digs into the missing child’s background, the more he discovers about his own, eventually shaking loose a series of harrowing truths - - about bloodlines, mass murder, obsession, and what two damaged detectives have in common with the innocent victim they’re so desperate to save. Complicating things even further is Devereaux’ discovery of the dead body of a woman at one point in his investigation.
It soon becomes apparent that the boy’s kidnapping is just the latest in a long list of kidnappings whose victims were all orphans. Devereaux, an orphan himself, becomes even more deeply emotionally involved than he had been. This is so much more than just a police procedural, filled as it is with unraveling truths dealing with bloodlines, mass murder, and obsession, much of that in Devereaux’ own background. Interspersed between many chapters are extracts from Police Files and Court records on Devereaux, calling into question just what is and is not true about him. As well, the reader doesn’t discover the identity of the kidnapper (till then just referred to as “the woman”) until quite late in the book, and the suspense abounds until, and even after, that point. And the meaning of the title, “False Positive,” doesn’t become apparent until just a bit earlier than that.
Devereaux’ father, also a cop, had been killed, or so he had always believed, in the line of duty, nearly 40 years ago. Just one of many things as to his own background which he discovers during the course of the investigation, to his shock and dismay. And the turn the novel takes as it nears its end is thoroughly unexpected. This suspenseful novel is recommended.
From the publisher: The more Devereaux digs into the missing child’s background, the more he discovers about his own, eventually shaking loose a series of harrowing truths - - about bloodlines, mass murder, obsession, and what two damaged detectives have in common with the innocent victim they’re so desperate to save. Complicating things even further is Devereaux’ discovery of the dead body of a woman at one point in his investigation.
It soon becomes apparent that the boy’s kidnapping is just the latest in a long list of kidnappings whose victims were all orphans. Devereaux, an orphan himself, becomes even more deeply emotionally involved than he had been. This is so much more than just a police procedural, filled as it is with unraveling truths dealing with bloodlines, mass murder, and obsession, much of that in Devereaux’ own background. Interspersed between many chapters are extracts from Police Files and Court records on Devereaux, calling into question just what is and is not true about him. As well, the reader doesn’t discover the identity of the kidnapper (till then just referred to as “the woman”) until quite late in the book, and the suspense abounds until, and even after, that point. And the meaning of the title, “False Positive,” doesn’t become apparent until just a bit earlier than that.
Devereaux’ father, also a cop, had been killed, or so he had always believed, in the line of duty, nearly 40 years ago. Just one of many things as to his own background which he discovers during the course of the investigation, to his shock and dismay. And the turn the novel takes as it nears its end is thoroughly unexpected. This suspenseful novel is recommended.
May 13, 2016
False positive follows up the first one of this series, Run, by Andrew Grant. Alabama detective Cooper Devereaux started life as an orphan, but has made a success of his life owning a luxe apartment in the renovated City Federal where he could see the Vulcan from his window. He has been suspended again, but gets a call that he has been reinstated. He finds out that a seven-year-old boy named Ethan Crane has been abducted and they need his help finding him. Cooper is shocked to learn that he had been foster care but been adopted by a nice family who hadn't been able to have children. After the adoption, the wife got pregnant and had a son. He is working with a female detective named Loflin who has a mother who plays a vital role in the novel.
The voice changes from Cooper to a woman driving a Mercedes with a sleeping child in the back seat. Of, course she has kidnapped him and it is Ethan and she has done this many times in the past. She is obviously deranged and has decided to eliminate all children born to fathers who were serial killers so they can't procreate. The crazy thing is that Cooper's father was one himself. One of the creepiest parts is when the reader finds out that the woman who takes the children sedates them and then kills them. She finds out heir favorite things and the sets up a room for them with their beloved toys around them. The novel hits a high note when Cooper finds out the latest victim is his daughter by a woman he had been seeing. This changes things and Cooper goes into overdrive to find her before she is hurt or killed. Most chapters are only two pages which keeps the action fast-paced and intriguing. This a great read with many noir twists and turns.
The voice changes from Cooper to a woman driving a Mercedes with a sleeping child in the back seat. Of, course she has kidnapped him and it is Ethan and she has done this many times in the past. She is obviously deranged and has decided to eliminate all children born to fathers who were serial killers so they can't procreate. The crazy thing is that Cooper's father was one himself. One of the creepiest parts is when the reader finds out that the woman who takes the children sedates them and then kills them. She finds out heir favorite things and the sets up a room for them with their beloved toys around them. The novel hits a high note when Cooper finds out the latest victim is his daughter by a woman he had been seeing. This changes things and Cooper goes into overdrive to find her before she is hurt or killed. Most chapters are only two pages which keeps the action fast-paced and intriguing. This a great read with many noir twists and turns.
August 22, 2015
A seven year old child has been kidnapped and Det. Cooper Devereaux, just returned from one of his many suspensions, is given the case. Though Devereaux doesn’t often play well with others, and isn’t a stickler for the rules he is a great detective and his boss – one of his only supporters – knows if anyone can find this child he can.
I really liked Devereaux even before his back story was slowly revealed. And by the end of the book he was truly a hero – flawed and vulnerable but full of the right stuff. As Devereaux dug farther and farther into things his intuition told him were connected to the kidnapping he discovered many truths about himself and others in his life -truths about mass murderers, bloodlines, mental illness and obsession. This twisty, totally unpredictable page turner is the beginning, I hope, of a long line of Det. Cooper Devereaux stories.
I really liked Devereaux even before his back story was slowly revealed. And by the end of the book he was truly a hero – flawed and vulnerable but full of the right stuff. As Devereaux dug farther and farther into things his intuition told him were connected to the kidnapping he discovered many truths about himself and others in his life -truths about mass murderers, bloodlines, mental illness and obsession. This twisty, totally unpredictable page turner is the beginning, I hope, of a long line of Det. Cooper Devereaux stories.
March 13, 2017
How much did I need another maverick superhero detective? Not much it seems. Cooper Devereaux does as he likes, ignores his superiors and all the rules, but of course he gets away with it because he is brilliant. Add that he is impervious to danger as every time there is any he feels this calmness that makes him super-humanly invincible. It's all been done before and better, and I found it all a bit tedious. The plot wasn't bad, but I couldn't get on with any of the characters, especially Devereaux. My rating nearly dropped to a single star for dragging it out too long, but did keep its other star in the end because of the final scene.
December 28, 2015
Quick, easy read. Two Birmingham PD detectives, male & female, both with baggage. Cooper Devereaux, the lead guy, comes from a checkered background but managed to pull himself up and become a cop. Now, just off suspension, he's tasked with finding a missing 7 y/o boy, and saddled with an unwanted partner Jan Loflin. The person who snatched the kid has a very unique motive, and it makes for a very specific timeline within which the cops can rescue him. It's well done. Not sure why three stars. Just how it felt.
March 25, 2017
Audio version
I thought the narrator did a great job but the overall plot was convoluted and was too hard to believe. The author threw in everything but the kitchen sink. I found my attention drifting off repeatedly and it took me forever to finish this.
I thought the narrator did a great job but the overall plot was convoluted and was too hard to believe. The author threw in everything but the kitchen sink. I found my attention drifting off repeatedly and it took me forever to finish this.
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January 23, 2018"Within the core of each of us is the child we once were. This child constitutes the foundation of what we have become, who we are, and what we will be."
This is the first in a police procedural series featuring Detective Cooper Devereaux and set in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. He's the archetype of maverick cops with unorthodox ways and a very sketchy history. The "child" in him is quite messed up and his background provides fodder for the development of the premise and main theme of the book -- is your future behavior predicted by your genetics, is it in your DNA? Or can you choose who you want to be?
In this outing, he's partnered with a cop on loan from vice, Jan Loflin -- another pretty messed up character with her own secrets and she and Devereaux have a lot in common though they don't really trust each other. The case that they are to work -- a 7-year-old boy, Ethan Crane -- has been abducted and is apparently the latest in a string of kidnappings spanning many years. Can they find him before it's too late?
This was well-written, fast-paced and full of twists with some interesting revelations as the characters are developed and the investigation proceeds. Although some of it was predictable given the genre, the narrative unfolds and is told in alternating points of view with a timeline progression. I really was into the story -- until the very end. The conclusion with its insinuation left me COLD and very unsettled. I'm not sure if I want to continue. I don't have the second at hand, but I do have the third, and I guess I must read it to find the answer I need to set my mind at ease -- or not.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the e-book ARC of this to read and review. This is the first book by this author that I have read.
This is the first in a police procedural series featuring Detective Cooper Devereaux and set in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. He's the archetype of maverick cops with unorthodox ways and a very sketchy history. The "child" in him is quite messed up and his background provides fodder for the development of the premise and main theme of the book -- is your future behavior predicted by your genetics, is it in your DNA? Or can you choose who you want to be?
In this outing, he's partnered with a cop on loan from vice, Jan Loflin -- another pretty messed up character with her own secrets and she and Devereaux have a lot in common though they don't really trust each other. The case that they are to work -- a 7-year-old boy, Ethan Crane -- has been abducted and is apparently the latest in a string of kidnappings spanning many years. Can they find him before it's too late?
This was well-written, fast-paced and full of twists with some interesting revelations as the characters are developed and the investigation proceeds. Although some of it was predictable given the genre, the narrative unfolds and is told in alternating points of view with a timeline progression. I really was into the story -- until the very end. The conclusion with its insinuation left me COLD and very unsettled. I'm not sure if I want to continue. I don't have the second at hand, but I do have the third, and I guess I must read it to find the answer I need to set my mind at ease -- or not.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the e-book ARC of this to read and review. This is the first book by this author that I have read.
May 3, 2020
False Positive is book one in the Detective Cooper Devereaux series by Andrew Grant. Alabama Detective Cooper Devereaux and his partner Detective Jan Loflin caught the case of the missing seven-year-old girl. However, for both detectives, this case will change their lives forever. The readers of False Positive will continue to follow the twists and turns in the investigation of Detective Cooper Devereaux and Detective Jan Loflin into finding the missing girl to find out what happens.
False Positive is an enjoyable book to read. However, not for me. I did not like Andrew Grant writing style; it did not engage me with the plot of this book. I like the portrayal of the characters by Andrew Grant and the way they intertwine with each other throughout the book. Andrew Grant excellently describes the settings of this book.
The readers of False Positive will learn about the problems that can affect law enforcement officers. Also, the readers of False Positive will start to understand the devastation that parents can do to a child.
I recommend this book.
False Positive is an enjoyable book to read. However, not for me. I did not like Andrew Grant writing style; it did not engage me with the plot of this book. I like the portrayal of the characters by Andrew Grant and the way they intertwine with each other throughout the book. Andrew Grant excellently describes the settings of this book.
The readers of False Positive will learn about the problems that can affect law enforcement officers. Also, the readers of False Positive will start to understand the devastation that parents can do to a child.
I recommend this book.
January 7, 2020
The classic who-dun-it mystery with some new twists and turns. This novel, by Andrew Grant, exemplifies and puts a new name to crime fiction. This novel speaks to the hardships of orphans, while also toying with ideas of trust, faith, and allegiance. Altogether a great novel, though the last turns seemed a bit slow.
December 27, 2025
Book 1 - False Positive - 11/24/25 - 4 stars
Book 2 - False Friend - 12/26/25 - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - False Witness - tbl
Book 2 - False Friend - 12/26/25 - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - False Witness - tbl
October 5, 2016
First Sentence: “I lied.”
Det. Cooper Devereaux has been called back from suspension to partner with relative newcomer Jan Loflin, investigating the disappearance of a 7-year-old boy. Did the parents murder the boy? If he was kidnapped, why have there been no ransom demands? While the case brings up events in Devereaux’s own past, Loflin seems to be investigating both the case, and her partner.
The book starts with very short chapters that jump between characters and file information on Devereaux, and include cliff-hanger chapter endings. This does improve as we get further into the story.
The characters are interesting; Devereaux who carries a lot of past around with him, Loflin whose motives are suspect. They are an interesting combination, but somewhat stereotypical. While Jan seems to be a “by-the-book” cop, Devereaux style is more “what book?”. However, Jan’s insecurity and gullibility does become a big tiresome until you understand what motivates it. Each develops and becomes both more complex, and more interesting, as they story progresses. One can appreciate who Devereaux’ PDST is woven thru the story.
Grant does have a good voice—“Devereaux had always thought of the fourth floor conference room as the place where enthusiasm went to die.” He does do a very good job of conveying the stress under which the parents of a missing child would be.
“False Positive” is an exciting read, full of wicked twists all the way to the end, although the final twist was rather predictable. Still, if you’re looking for an escapist read for a weekend, or airplane trip, here it is.
FALSE POSITIVE (Pol Proc-Det. Cooper Devereaux-Alabama-Cont) – G+
Grant, Andrew – 2nd in series
Ballantine Books – Jun 2016
Det. Cooper Devereaux has been called back from suspension to partner with relative newcomer Jan Loflin, investigating the disappearance of a 7-year-old boy. Did the parents murder the boy? If he was kidnapped, why have there been no ransom demands? While the case brings up events in Devereaux’s own past, Loflin seems to be investigating both the case, and her partner.
The book starts with very short chapters that jump between characters and file information on Devereaux, and include cliff-hanger chapter endings. This does improve as we get further into the story.
The characters are interesting; Devereaux who carries a lot of past around with him, Loflin whose motives are suspect. They are an interesting combination, but somewhat stereotypical. While Jan seems to be a “by-the-book” cop, Devereaux style is more “what book?”. However, Jan’s insecurity and gullibility does become a big tiresome until you understand what motivates it. Each develops and becomes both more complex, and more interesting, as they story progresses. One can appreciate who Devereaux’ PDST is woven thru the story.
Grant does have a good voice—“Devereaux had always thought of the fourth floor conference room as the place where enthusiasm went to die.” He does do a very good job of conveying the stress under which the parents of a missing child would be.
“False Positive” is an exciting read, full of wicked twists all the way to the end, although the final twist was rather predictable. Still, if you’re looking for an escapist read for a weekend, or airplane trip, here it is.
FALSE POSITIVE (Pol Proc-Det. Cooper Devereaux-Alabama-Cont) – G+
Grant, Andrew – 2nd in series
Ballantine Books – Jun 2016
January 25, 2016
Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Cooper Devereaux is called back to the job by Lieutenant Hale, after some unsubstantiated accusations against him were dropped. The case he has been given involves a missing 7 year old boy, but there is more to the disappearance than initially thought. With the help of Detective Jan Loflin, Cooper starts his investigation at the primary site of the kidnapping - the boy Ethan's bedroom. As the investigation heats up, Devereaux's past aggressive tactics and questionable actions provide a roadblock between him and his new partner. Will mistrust and omissions of the truth hinder the apprehension of the suspect and ensure that Ethan stays lost forever?
Fast paced with great descriptions of true detective work, False Positive is a well written police procedural novel. Main character Cooper Devereaux is complex, interesting, and has a side of humanity that he keeps carefully hidden. His questionable methods are due to the fact that he has an overwhelming need for justice, stemming from a childhood trauma. I am not a fan of Jan Loflin, although I do understand that the author wanted her as a foil for Cooper. For most of the book, I found Jan's character to be a little limiting. The explosive conclusion and ending plot twist helped carry the suspense all the way through. Readers who like police procedural novels, as well as suspense ones, will enjoy reading False Positive.
Detective Cooper Devereaux is called back to the job by Lieutenant Hale, after some unsubstantiated accusations against him were dropped. The case he has been given involves a missing 7 year old boy, but there is more to the disappearance than initially thought. With the help of Detective Jan Loflin, Cooper starts his investigation at the primary site of the kidnapping - the boy Ethan's bedroom. As the investigation heats up, Devereaux's past aggressive tactics and questionable actions provide a roadblock between him and his new partner. Will mistrust and omissions of the truth hinder the apprehension of the suspect and ensure that Ethan stays lost forever?
Fast paced with great descriptions of true detective work, False Positive is a well written police procedural novel. Main character Cooper Devereaux is complex, interesting, and has a side of humanity that he keeps carefully hidden. His questionable methods are due to the fact that he has an overwhelming need for justice, stemming from a childhood trauma. I am not a fan of Jan Loflin, although I do understand that the author wanted her as a foil for Cooper. For most of the book, I found Jan's character to be a little limiting. The explosive conclusion and ending plot twist helped carry the suspense all the way through. Readers who like police procedural novels, as well as suspense ones, will enjoy reading False Positive.
February 11, 2017
I love this story. Well plotted and written and a very fast read. Alabama Detective Cooper Deveraux is a wonderfully flawed hero who doesn’t back down—not even from his own dark past. His partner, Jan Loflin, has her own issues, and might not trust Cooper, but she and Cooper are thrust into the kidnapping of 7 year old Ethan Crane. But this is no ordinary kidnapping and the duo are quickly on the heels of a serial predator. Before justice is served, Cooper questions his own convoluted history.
DP Lyle, award-winning author of the Jake Longly, Samantha Cody, and Dub Walker thriller series
DP Lyle, award-winning author of the Jake Longly, Samantha Cody, and Dub Walker thriller series
August 22, 2016
Rating -- started off for first 2/3 as 4 stars, then last 1/3 as 2 star. Why might that be?
The book starts off as a page-turning police procedural (mostly) about a kidnapping of a seven year old boy in Birmingham Alabama. No love story in the background and it reads well, with each mini chapter a 'cliff hanger' making you want to read the next chapter.
But, about 2/3 of the way through the book, two preposterous plot turns ensue and I felt deflated. Without giving anything away, the analogy is roughly like this:
The author, Andrew Grant, writes a good police procedural and submits the first draft to his editor. The editor comes back and says - "not bad but you need something that appeals to modern audiences, so, how about adding in some zombies or space aliens?" And the author dutifully does.
Well, in the actual book there are no zombies or aliens but the plot twist is really unnecessary.
The book starts off as a page-turning police procedural (mostly) about a kidnapping of a seven year old boy in Birmingham Alabama. No love story in the background and it reads well, with each mini chapter a 'cliff hanger' making you want to read the next chapter.
But, about 2/3 of the way through the book, two preposterous plot turns ensue and I felt deflated. Without giving anything away, the analogy is roughly like this:
The author, Andrew Grant, writes a good police procedural and submits the first draft to his editor. The editor comes back and says - "not bad but you need something that appeals to modern audiences, so, how about adding in some zombies or space aliens?" And the author dutifully does.
Well, in the actual book there are no zombies or aliens but the plot twist is really unnecessary.
July 24, 2017
It took me over two weeks to get through this book. It started out good but then became impossibly boring. I had to keep putting it down and read other books. It also became very predictable, I knew what was going to happen before it occurred in a lot of instances. I will admit there were a few surprises and that is what got this work three stars . The book really did not get interesting until the last quarter of the book after it is revealed to Devereaux who the serial kidnapper is and their motive. I will not abandon this author and will read (at least give it a try) another of their works. This one started strong, flopped and then picked its self up at the end. The book centers around the disappearance of a seven year old boy in the Birmingham suburbs. Cooper Devereaux is partnered up with Jan Loflin, who is fresh off an undercover Vice operation. The case leads Deveareaux to a startling revelation about his own past.
December 20, 2020
This is a so-so mystery. There was too much running around, new clues, discarded clues, not much character depth, just a frantic rush to protect someone, or "get" the bad guy, good guys acting as bad guys, double agents. It was difficult to keep track of which side the protagonist was on. And some things were never clear. How did a detective get so much money for a penthouse, a cabin in the woods, fancy cars, etc. The story focus is a lost child. Or rather a child who was abducted. The hero often has to take time out to "think," and I viewed this as the author just trying to get the story tied together. And there are sudden bits of information at the end. Not a very satisfying mystery at this time when there are so many mystery authors. Thankfully, this author has joined with his brother, Lee Child, and become Andrew Child. Their new book is much better than this. Spend your mystery time there.
December 29, 2015
Birmingham Detective Cooper Devereaux uses unconventional tactics and makes no apologies for it. He is partnered with Jan Loflin who has just come off an undercover assignment. Something is going on with Jan and you are not sure what. When a young boy goes missing Cooper and Jan are part of the team tasked with finding him. The further into the case Cooper goes the more he finds out his past is not what he thought. He was orphaned at 6 and was told his father was a police officer who died a hero. There are all sorts of twists and turns in this book and there is a twist at the end that I dare anyone to see coming!
December 15, 2015
Thanks to the author and publisher for the Goodreads giveaway copy, provided in the exchange for an honest review.
Cooper Devereaux is interesting. Layered. A few steps from rogue. Controlled chaos. And the reason I'd try book two in the series.
Times marches. Lines twist. Corners are taken on two wheels, complete with smoking rubber and the metallic taste of a split lip. – i.e. The plethora of chapters in this book.
The ending went a little far for me. But I'm seeing it for what I interpret as a setup: Book one in a series.
Sexy reading,
Marsha
Cooper Devereaux is interesting. Layered. A few steps from rogue. Controlled chaos. And the reason I'd try book two in the series.
Times marches. Lines twist. Corners are taken on two wheels, complete with smoking rubber and the metallic taste of a split lip. – i.e. The plethora of chapters in this book.
The ending went a little far for me. But I'm seeing it for what I interpret as a setup: Book one in a series.
Sexy reading,
Marsha
February 3, 2017
It started a little slow but then picked up speed. After i got into it this story had more twists and turns than a spiral staircase. at the end it really had my attention. I will read his next book.
December 3, 2020
Well, I'll say it was better than RUN, but I didn't love it. OK is about as enthusiastic as I can get. How many smart, rich, detectives-with-bad-childhoods do we need? This was somewhat interesting, but I could have done without the descriptions of the dead children. And the end sort of led us to believe Cooper was falling for what's her name all over again. OK. And then, the twist of all twists. But read it to see what that is.
January 7, 2016
A sins-of-the-father themed thriller that kept me guessing about the good guys as much as the bad. The psychological complexity just kept building with every page, almost past the point of credibility, and I'm still a little unnerved by the ending. It left me wondering (and worried) about what's coming up next.
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways
April 6, 2020
Sometimes when a book is $1.99 AND has less than 50 reviews, you walk away, even if it is set in your city. I did like the city details that Grant included and that's why I'm giving it three stars; however, the details were loose and lots of scenes were clumsy and did not fit together. Let's say I won't be spending $9.99 to read his next book in the series. Yeah, NO!
February 7, 2017
I heard the author speak earlier this month - when I hear an author speak, it always affects how I read a book. I definitely think this book had some gaps...but I love the short chapters and the overall storyline was interesting.
December 19, 2018
Kind of a weird plot, and with scores of 1-4 page chapters, very irritating to read as well. Couldn't get into a flow. Not sure if I'm brave enough to read another in this series, but if I do, I will check ahead of time for the internal format, i.e. "real" chapters.
January 7, 2017
This is an adequate detective novel if you are into them but I found it rather formulaic. And I'm always irritated by a plot in which the detective is the target of the subterfuge.
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