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Frank Quinn #7
Pulse
2012 Pinnacle Books hardcover, John Lutz (Shadowtown). The killer's depravity is insatiable. What he does to his victims is unthinkable. The homicide detective turned P.I. Frank Quinn has seen this M.O. before. A demented ritual, it's the work of Daniel Danielle--a notorious serial killer who blurs the line between male and female, human and monster. Danielle disappeared ten years ago. Is a copy cat repeating the crimes? Or has Danielle made a deadly return? Either way, this time the killing won't stop. - Amazon
497 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
88 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
About the author
John Lutz
234 books300 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John Lutz has captivated suspense enthusiasts for over four decades. He has been one of the premier voices in contemporary hard-boiled fiction. His work includes political suspense, private eye novels, urban suspense, humor, occult, crime caper, police procedural, espionage, historical, futuristic, amateur detective, thriller; virtually every mystery sub-genre. John Lutz published his first short story in 1966 in Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine and has been publishing regularly ever since. He is the author of more than fifty novels and 250 short stories and articles.
His novels and short fiction have been translated into virtually every language and adapted for almost every medium. He is a past president of both Mystery Writers of America and Private Eye Writers of America. Among his awards are the MWA Edgar, the PWA Shamus, The Trophee 813 Award for best mystery short story collection translated into the French language, the PWA Life Achievement Award, and the Short Mystery Fiction Society's Golden Derringer Lifetime Achievement Award.
He is the author of two private eye series, the Nudger series, set in his home town of St. Louis, and the Carver series, set in Florida, as well as many non-series suspense novels. His SWF SEEKS SAME was made into the hit movie SINGLE WHITE FEMALE, starring Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh, and his novel THE EX was made into the HBO original movie of the same title, for which he co-authored the screenplay.
Lutz and his wife, Barbara, split their time between St. Louis and Sarasota, Florida.
John Lutz has captivated suspense enthusiasts for over four decades. He has been one of the premier voices in contemporary hard-boiled fiction. His work includes political suspense, private eye novels, urban suspense, humor, occult, crime caper, police procedural, espionage, historical, futuristic, amateur detective, thriller; virtually every mystery sub-genre. John Lutz published his first short story in 1966 in Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine and has been publishing regularly ever since. He is the author of more than fifty novels and 250 short stories and articles.
His novels and short fiction have been translated into virtually every language and adapted for almost every medium. He is a past president of both Mystery Writers of America and Private Eye Writers of America. Among his awards are the MWA Edgar, the PWA Shamus, The Trophee 813 Award for best mystery short story collection translated into the French language, the PWA Life Achievement Award, and the Short Mystery Fiction Society's Golden Derringer Lifetime Achievement Award.
He is the author of two private eye series, the Nudger series, set in his home town of St. Louis, and the Carver series, set in Florida, as well as many non-series suspense novels. His SWF SEEKS SAME was made into the hit movie SINGLE WHITE FEMALE, starring Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh, and his novel THE EX was made into the HBO original movie of the same title, for which he co-authored the screenplay.
Lutz and his wife, Barbara, split their time between St. Louis and Sarasota, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
April 12, 2013
I am having a hard time deciding how to review Pulse by John Lutz because even though there were so many things wrong with it, I had a hard time putting it down, simply because I kept hoping Lutz would redeem himself and pull everything together in a way that made sense. Sadly, he didn't.
Lutz has attempted an extremely complex plot involving an elite private college, a high powered law firm, an eminent domain case and a serial killer. Frank Quinn and the team at Quinn & Associates are called in to handle a case of serial murders that are eerily like those committed by a serial killer called Daniel Danielle, who was reported killed during Hurricane Sophia in Florida.The action jumps back and forth in time between the present, Wisconsin in 1986 and Florida in 2002. It is hard to keep up with the present time frame because there is no real frame of reference-- we know it is summer because the students from Waycliffe College are dispersed to summer internships, but other than that, I was not able to tell if a woman was being murdered every day, every week, or with every full moon.
The storyline occurring in the current timeline jumps around, is just impossible to follow, and a lot of it seems to have absolutely no relevance. For instance, why do we care about the Police Commissioner's high priced call girl and the undercover vice squad cop who is sort of blackmailing the Commissioner about it? I certainly don't.
So here are some of the things that really bugged me about this: First: The Medical Examiner and his constantly inappropriate comments about the bodies of the victims. Yes, I am sure this is an attempt to give him some character, but it is beyond belief that a medical examiner would be able to make such statements in this day and age in New York City.
Second: Where in all this was the media? The book occasionally referred to newspaper stories about the murders, but isn't there any kind of continuity to the newspaper stories? A heightened sense of urgency and political pressure to have these crimes solved? Criticism against the commissioner for bringing in a private detective firm to investigate instead of using New York's finest? These gruesome murders of beautiful young women are occurring on a pretty regular basis and there appears to be no media or public outcry at all.
Third: I really didn't need the blow by blow description of what each victim felt as she was being tortured and murdered. Perhaps these descriptions were aimed at a group of readers who might get their jollies from them, but I didn't. Once was enough. More than enough.
Fourth: While I love to have everything tied up at the end with a neat little blow, I do not like to have info dumping and the entire plot unraveled in three or four paragraphs because the author was not clever enough to dribble things out in bits and pieces. This book consisted of scene after scene of grotesque murders that were committed in the same way over and over again, with Quinn and Associates pulling their hair in despair because the killer was too clever to leave any kind of evidence behind so each murder left them no closer to discovering the culprit than the one before. Suddenly because of one completely impossible break, Quinn and Company are able to get a questionable warrant and sneak into a privately owned building and eavesdrop on a private conversation, and then pursue a fleeing suspect who does not have an operable firearm, and shoot at him to kill. Uh-huh.
Fifth: I was so shocked when I read about the encrypted emails that had been exchanged by the two teenagers from Wisconsin in 1986, that I had to re-read it to make sure I wasn't mistaken. Then I had to go to the internet to verify that while there were email systems in existence in 1986, it was highly unlikely that they would be in use by two teenagers in Wisconsin. That just pretty much blew what little validity the book had for me. The fact that this was what broke the entire case wide open made it even worse.
Sixth: I still, despite the quick attempt to explain things at the end, do not know what the stupid book was about or why the first victim was murdered. Okay, I get who was doing the remaining killings and why, but I just don't get the legal shenanigans and other stuff that was supposedly the motive for the first murder. But granted, by the time I got to the point at the end where it was all being explained, I was pretty tired of the whole thing.
I'm giving it 2 stars because I did finish reading it, and I was interested enough in the plot to keep reading to find out how it all tied together. Unfortunately, even though Lutz tried to tie things up with a neat little bow, the ending unravels under even the lowest level of scrutiny.
Lutz has attempted an extremely complex plot involving an elite private college, a high powered law firm, an eminent domain case and a serial killer. Frank Quinn and the team at Quinn & Associates are called in to handle a case of serial murders that are eerily like those committed by a serial killer called Daniel Danielle, who was reported killed during Hurricane Sophia in Florida.The action jumps back and forth in time between the present, Wisconsin in 1986 and Florida in 2002. It is hard to keep up with the present time frame because there is no real frame of reference-- we know it is summer because the students from Waycliffe College are dispersed to summer internships, but other than that, I was not able to tell if a woman was being murdered every day, every week, or with every full moon.
The storyline occurring in the current timeline jumps around, is just impossible to follow, and a lot of it seems to have absolutely no relevance. For instance, why do we care about the Police Commissioner's high priced call girl and the undercover vice squad cop who is sort of blackmailing the Commissioner about it? I certainly don't.
So here are some of the things that really bugged me about this: First: The Medical Examiner and his constantly inappropriate comments about the bodies of the victims. Yes, I am sure this is an attempt to give him some character, but it is beyond belief that a medical examiner would be able to make such statements in this day and age in New York City.
Second: Where in all this was the media? The book occasionally referred to newspaper stories about the murders, but isn't there any kind of continuity to the newspaper stories? A heightened sense of urgency and political pressure to have these crimes solved? Criticism against the commissioner for bringing in a private detective firm to investigate instead of using New York's finest? These gruesome murders of beautiful young women are occurring on a pretty regular basis and there appears to be no media or public outcry at all.
Third: I really didn't need the blow by blow description of what each victim felt as she was being tortured and murdered. Perhaps these descriptions were aimed at a group of readers who might get their jollies from them, but I didn't. Once was enough. More than enough.
Fourth: While I love to have everything tied up at the end with a neat little blow, I do not like to have info dumping and the entire plot unraveled in three or four paragraphs because the author was not clever enough to dribble things out in bits and pieces. This book consisted of scene after scene of grotesque murders that were committed in the same way over and over again, with Quinn and Associates pulling their hair in despair because the killer was too clever to leave any kind of evidence behind so each murder left them no closer to discovering the culprit than the one before. Suddenly because of one completely impossible break, Quinn and Company are able to get a questionable warrant and sneak into a privately owned building and eavesdrop on a private conversation, and then pursue a fleeing suspect who does not have an operable firearm, and shoot at him to kill. Uh-huh.
Fifth: I was so shocked when I read about the encrypted emails that had been exchanged by the two teenagers from Wisconsin in 1986, that I had to re-read it to make sure I wasn't mistaken. Then I had to go to the internet to verify that while there were email systems in existence in 1986, it was highly unlikely that they would be in use by two teenagers in Wisconsin. That just pretty much blew what little validity the book had for me. The fact that this was what broke the entire case wide open made it even worse.
Sixth: I still, despite the quick attempt to explain things at the end, do not know what the stupid book was about or why the first victim was murdered. Okay, I get who was doing the remaining killings and why, but I just don't get the legal shenanigans and other stuff that was supposedly the motive for the first murder. But granted, by the time I got to the point at the end where it was all being explained, I was pretty tired of the whole thing.
I'm giving it 2 stars because I did finish reading it, and I was interested enough in the plot to keep reading to find out how it all tied together. Unfortunately, even though Lutz tried to tie things up with a neat little bow, the ending unravels under even the lowest level of scrutiny.
July 7, 2012
I've been a fan of John Lutz for many years. This book, however, was not his best work and, for me, was a disappointment.
I'll start with the positives. The plot is multi-layered and intricate. The mystery kept me guessing until the end, and there were a few unexpected twists.
Now the negatives: The pace is slow. There are a lot of viewpoint characters, and, as a result of the overload, we don't really get to know any of them very well. We keep jumping back in time to 1986, where we follow a 14-year-old character we assume grew up to be the killer, though we don't really know. This jump back and forth, together with the excess of characters, can be difficult to follow.
The one thing that totally ruined the book for me came in the final 30 pages. I don't typically give spoilers, and I'll do my best not to here. But this was a vital issue for me. Back in 1986, two average 14-year-old teens in a small town did not send encrypted emails. Telling me that finding this information broke the case was so absurd that I read the passage three times to make sure I understood it correctly. To get to the end of all the intricately woven storylines, and find the answer came together because of a detail so absolutely out of place, left me grimacing and feeling like I'd wasted my time.
I'll start with the positives. The plot is multi-layered and intricate. The mystery kept me guessing until the end, and there were a few unexpected twists.
Now the negatives: The pace is slow. There are a lot of viewpoint characters, and, as a result of the overload, we don't really get to know any of them very well. We keep jumping back in time to 1986, where we follow a 14-year-old character we assume grew up to be the killer, though we don't really know. This jump back and forth, together with the excess of characters, can be difficult to follow.
The one thing that totally ruined the book for me came in the final 30 pages. I don't typically give spoilers, and I'll do my best not to here. But this was a vital issue for me. Back in 1986, two average 14-year-old teens in a small town did not send encrypted emails. Telling me that finding this information broke the case was so absurd that I read the passage three times to make sure I understood it correctly. To get to the end of all the intricately woven storylines, and find the answer came together because of a detail so absolutely out of place, left me grimacing and feeling like I'd wasted my time.
April 16, 2018
This was the first novel that I have read by Lutz and I really enjoyed it until close to the end. The novel was quite long (almost 500 pages) and everything ties together in the last 30 pages. Unfortunately the author seems to have made a few historical errors.
All in all it was an entertaining read and I would give Lutz another shot. I would have given the novel a higher star rating if it hadn't of had errors in it.
All in all it was an entertaining read and I would give Lutz another shot. I would have given the novel a higher star rating if it hadn't of had errors in it.
October 16, 2019
I agree with everybody's review. I have read 8 books of Frank Quinn Series, accidentally read one out of order... This book was so out of character of Frank Quinn Series, to the point I was ready to drop it...
July 4, 2012
On the way to maximum security, the serial killer Daniel Danielle encounters a hurricane that flips his transport. While the powers-that-be believe Daniel Danielle is dead, Quinn’s not so sure. Then the bodies begin to show up, using Danielle’s MO. Is he back or is this a copycat?
Lutz creates a double McGuffin – or is that a triple McGuffin – of thrills, horror and murder as Quinn returns to the hunt for Danielle or the copycat and finds there are mysteries inside mysteries in this novel. A new character, Jody, is introduced. She is Pearl’s daughter. Par for the course, the characters are clearly defined and sharp, the plot is terrifying, and the murders are graphically detailed in all their horror.
Personally, I did not enjoy this story as much as some of Lutz’s others. The constant change of time became distracting. Going from 2002 to present, back to 2002, to present to 1986… However, like Lutz’s other books, Pulse is a cornucopia of characters, twists, and betrayal. I look forward to his next book, Twist.
Goodreads Firstreads giveaway winner
Lutz creates a double McGuffin – or is that a triple McGuffin – of thrills, horror and murder as Quinn returns to the hunt for Danielle or the copycat and finds there are mysteries inside mysteries in this novel. A new character, Jody, is introduced. She is Pearl’s daughter. Par for the course, the characters are clearly defined and sharp, the plot is terrifying, and the murders are graphically detailed in all their horror.
Personally, I did not enjoy this story as much as some of Lutz’s others. The constant change of time became distracting. Going from 2002 to present, back to 2002, to present to 1986… However, like Lutz’s other books, Pulse is a cornucopia of characters, twists, and betrayal. I look forward to his next book, Twist.
Goodreads Firstreads giveaway winner
May 17, 2015
Serial killer Daniel Danielle escaped in the middle of a hurricane in 2002 while being transferred to another prison in Florida after killing three corrections officers. It was presumed that he perished in the storm. Now years later in New York a body is found that employs his sadistic techniques and trademarks. Private investigators Frank Quinn and his partner Pearl are called in to help solve the case.
February 2, 2017
This book was so scary that I couldn't read late at night, especially when I was home by myself. Reminds me of a Criminal Minds episode (which I like but have to record and watch during the daytime).
January 3, 2019
This one begins with what may be a copy-cat murder, imitating that of a killer called Daniel Danielle or Danielle Daniel--because he sometimes was disguised as a woman--who escaped from being transported to a secret maximum security prison during a Florida hurricane and supposedly died. (In one spot, this is said to be "decades" ago, in reality it was only 10 years before.) The key word here is "supposed," for the reader knows better, or thinks he does. A new cast member is added, in Pearl's illegitimate daughter whom she gave up for adoption. Jody has tracked down her mother and is now ensconced as a family member by Pearl and Quinn, and proves to be a pretty sharp cookie. There are several subplots, as might be expected in a John Lutz novel--of blackmailing the police commissioner, the effect on a teenager of witnessing one of Daniel's crimes, that of a corporations attempts to force out a tenant so they can tear down the building where she lives, and the machinations of the exclusive college where Jody is a student...almost too many subplots, one might say, to keep track of. Eventually they all come together, with the summation done in three very brief pages. There's also an ironic and chilling epilogue.
While being an exciting novel, the many subplots, seemingly having nothing to do with each other (though we know in the end, they'll all become tied together) detract somewhat from the main plot. It all seems too scattered and unrelated, and the fact that the reason the victims all bear a resemblance to Pearl is never really explained. Daniel Danielle deserves to have a novel all his own, though since this is Book 7 (and I haven't read the previous one) in the series, perhaps he did. There isn't as much interplay between Sal and Howard, and Fedderman's dissention with his wife over the dangers of his job seem merely thrown in for filler.
There are some graphic sections but not overly-so, and medical examiner Nift has some pretty ghoulish and callous lines. All in all, a good thriller, and one to make the reader look for the next.
This novel is owned by the reviewer and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.
While being an exciting novel, the many subplots, seemingly having nothing to do with each other (though we know in the end, they'll all become tied together) detract somewhat from the main plot. It all seems too scattered and unrelated, and the fact that the reason the victims all bear a resemblance to Pearl is never really explained. Daniel Danielle deserves to have a novel all his own, though since this is Book 7 (and I haven't read the previous one) in the series, perhaps he did. There isn't as much interplay between Sal and Howard, and Fedderman's dissention with his wife over the dangers of his job seem merely thrown in for filler.
There are some graphic sections but not overly-so, and medical examiner Nift has some pretty ghoulish and callous lines. All in all, a good thriller, and one to make the reader look for the next.
This novel is owned by the reviewer and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.
March 17, 2023
This was good. I was interested in it and found a little humour here and there. (Not referring to the ME's comments by Nift which were just beyond inappropriate most of the time. There is adding lightness to a dark job and then there's that....)
I think it was silly that other people knew about the murders and were okay with covering it up. I didn't think the reasoning was that good to associate with a killer.
And yes the original email encryption that is revealed towards the end of the book is pushing it with the time frame of reality. But then again it's just fiction and its a minor thing.
I enjoyed most of the main characters and wasn't that creeped out. Kinda done with reading about the crime scenes though. So good thing I finally finished this one.
Possible to be read as a stand-alone novel. It does build up another storyline which I didn't think much of and there are references to previous happenings. Mainly that Pearl is similar to the victims and you're missing the chase of the serial killer from the first time around. No big deal.
I'd probably read this author again.
I think it was silly that other people knew about the murders and were okay with covering it up. I didn't think the reasoning was that good to associate with a killer.
And yes the original email encryption that is revealed towards the end of the book is pushing it with the time frame of reality. But then again it's just fiction and its a minor thing.
I enjoyed most of the main characters and wasn't that creeped out. Kinda done with reading about the crime scenes though. So good thing I finally finished this one.
Possible to be read as a stand-alone novel. It does build up another storyline which I didn't think much of and there are references to previous happenings. Mainly that Pearl is similar to the victims and you're missing the chase of the serial killer from the first time around. No big deal.
I'd probably read this author again.
April 8, 2019
An otherwise plusgood (4 star) serial killer mystery/thriller, but marred by the following:
DOWNERS:
-- FAR too many unlikely coincidences = MINUS 3/4 star (1 plot-convenient coincidence per book is fine, 2 is stretching it, 3+ is ridiculous!)
-- POOR RESEARCH on computer/email/encryption/tech stuff & timelines = MINUS 1/2 star
(the average reader or non-geek may not notice or care)
-- DRAGGED a bit; seemed 25% too long, and the ending was wham-bam rushed (no deductions, I'll be nice).
UPPERS:
++ Clever serial killer (or copycat?) on the prowl
++ Some back and forth in time, so you can see
++ Mostly capable good guys (though they don't seem nearly wary/cautious enough)
++ Not a complete cliffhanger ending
++ A bit of gore, for those who like such (I've read far, far worse; it wasn't over-the-top here).
VERDICT: 2.75 stars (4 stars minus deductions above). Would've been 3+ if the glaring tech mistakes had been fixed and the # of coincidences had been at least semi-believable.
DOWNERS:
-- FAR too many unlikely coincidences = MINUS 3/4 star (1 plot-convenient coincidence per book is fine, 2 is stretching it, 3+ is ridiculous!)
-- POOR RESEARCH on computer/email/encryption/tech stuff & timelines = MINUS 1/2 star
(the average reader or non-geek may not notice or care)
-- DRAGGED a bit; seemed 25% too long, and the ending was wham-bam rushed (no deductions, I'll be nice).
UPPERS:
++ Clever serial killer (or copycat?) on the prowl
++ Some back and forth in time, so you can see
++ Mostly capable good guys (though they don't seem nearly wary/cautious enough)
++ Not a complete cliffhanger ending
++ A bit of gore, for those who like such (I've read far, far worse; it wasn't over-the-top here).
VERDICT: 2.75 stars (4 stars minus deductions above). Would've been 3+ if the glaring tech mistakes had been fixed and the # of coincidences had been at least semi-believable.
March 14, 2021
An action packed thriller from cover to cover. How could the MO of a serial killer be exactly the same as the serial killer who died years ago whilst being transported to another prison? Did he escape or is it a copycat - you can only find out by reading it. I couldn't put it down - it's well written so much so that you are watching your own back - waiting for someone to jump out at you.
January 8, 2018
Evil serial killer in NYC is quite fascinating--but too many side characters and slow-moving plot lines keep it from being his best.Quinn and Assocs are interesting and have developed well over the years, but book could have been shorter and better.
April 30, 2018
I do not understand how this book got such good reviews. The plot (or plots) was too involved with too many moving parts and people. I was not convinced that it came together very well either. I found that it was not a very interesting read. I would not recommend it.
August 26, 2019
As always a very entertaining book. All of the right people were in place most everything wraps up neatly, but there is something out there that may that may come back....who knows?
Okay John Lutz knows. :)
Okay John Lutz knows. :)
December 31, 2021
I really like this series. I like the writing style of John Lutz.
The author really writes about some psycho serial killers. He is a bit graphic so if you don’t like graphic at times this may not be for you. However I do totally recommend the series.
As for the aeration Scott Brick is fantastic.
The author really writes about some psycho serial killers. He is a bit graphic so if you don’t like graphic at times this may not be for you. However I do totally recommend the series.
As for the aeration Scott Brick is fantastic.
March 22, 2023
Great read
I thoroughly enjoyed Pulse and it was a very different story compared to previous Quinn books. Can’t wait to read the next instalment and see if Danielle Daniel continues to feature.
I thoroughly enjoyed Pulse and it was a very different story compared to previous Quinn books. Can’t wait to read the next instalment and see if Danielle Daniel continues to feature.
September 19, 2017
One story of the killer with too many other irrelevant threads that added nothing to the book. Usually like this series but bit too muddled
January 20, 2018
Not a book for the faint of heart. I'm not sure how anyone thinks up such horrible actions as of those of the killer.
June 4, 2018
Not a book for all readers. Very graphic in the violence to women.
August 8, 2018
Enjoyed the book
If you like mysteries, try this book. Fast paced, and with a lot of
Gore. I couldn’t put it down.
If you like mysteries, try this book. Fast paced, and with a lot of
Gore. I couldn’t put it down.
August 17, 2020
Excellent book. Gory and gruesome, but so intriguing. John Lutz never disappoints.
October 5, 2020
Round up to 3.5 stars.
December 29, 2021
A good solid read!
April 27, 2022
Awesome book I enjoyed every minute
January 27, 2017
Good and entertaining, worth your time if you like murder suspense crime investigation fiction...
October 17, 2016
I have a busy life that lately I do not have much time to read. But this book made me find that time. It was fun, tense and intriguing. This book seemed so predictable and it was most of my way through it... except for the end. I would never guess that it would turn out like this. And something that should have happened and I was so excitedly awaiting, never came. Amazing book though with not that typical happy ending (that makes me love it even more).
August 4, 2023
A brilliant read. Kept me on my toes throughout. Bit gorry at times.
March 28, 2015
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy.
Pulse is book 7 in the Frank Quinn series. It’s good but certainly not as good as the previous 6. John Lutz is certainly a master at creating horror and suspense. Once again Quinn and Associates are hired by the NYPD Police Commissioner to track down a serial killer. This time around the suspected killer was supposedly killed in a Florida hurricane in 2002, but his body was never found. Has he returned or is it a copycat? Either way the killings are frightening and gruesome, plus the killer has set his sights on Pearl, Frank’s partner and girlfriend. Lutz allows the reader to get acquainted with each victim before their terrifying deaths, yet the reader only knows what Quinn knows about the killer. Familiar characters return including Nift the distasteful M.E., frumpy Feds and his fearful new wife Penny, Sal and Harold, and Jerry Lido the drunken computer expert. A piece of Pearl’s past comes back and plays a big role regarding a huge law firm, eminent domain, and a well respected college. I thought much of the story was too bogged down with the money hungry law firm and their eminent domain case even though it’s all related in the end. I didn’t understand why the killer killed the way he did, although the reader learns how he got started, but a nice cliff hanger could answer part of that question in future Quinn novels.
Pulse is book 7 in the Frank Quinn series. It’s good but certainly not as good as the previous 6. John Lutz is certainly a master at creating horror and suspense. Once again Quinn and Associates are hired by the NYPD Police Commissioner to track down a serial killer. This time around the suspected killer was supposedly killed in a Florida hurricane in 2002, but his body was never found. Has he returned or is it a copycat? Either way the killings are frightening and gruesome, plus the killer has set his sights on Pearl, Frank’s partner and girlfriend. Lutz allows the reader to get acquainted with each victim before their terrifying deaths, yet the reader only knows what Quinn knows about the killer. Familiar characters return including Nift the distasteful M.E., frumpy Feds and his fearful new wife Penny, Sal and Harold, and Jerry Lido the drunken computer expert. A piece of Pearl’s past comes back and plays a big role regarding a huge law firm, eminent domain, and a well respected college. I thought much of the story was too bogged down with the money hungry law firm and their eminent domain case even though it’s all related in the end. I didn’t understand why the killer killed the way he did, although the reader learns how he got started, but a nice cliff hanger could answer part of that question in future Quinn novels.
July 3, 2012
In 2002 the serial killer Daniel Danielle disappears when the transport vehicle carrying him to a maximum security prison flips when it is caught in a hurricane. Everyone assumed Daniel died in the hurricane but know they aren’t so sure. Bodies are starting to show up in the same M.O. as the Daniel Danielle killings. Frank Quinn and his partner, Pearl, must figure out what is going on. When the Police Commissioner Renz calls, they know this is serious business.
Pearl’s long lost daughter, Jody Jason, makes her debut. Even though it felt too easy for her to infiltrate Pearl and Quinn’s life, her character finds its place. Jody’s internship with a law firm ends up tying together the loose ends that Pearl and Quinn are looking for. Add in the fact that in addition to having the same M.O., the killer is murdering women that look just like Pearl so to Quinn, this is personal.
The serial killer is a mystery. Is it Daniel Danielle or is this someone that was obsessed with him and wants to "bring" him back from the dead? The chapters that provide the insight into the killer's mind are intriguing because the monster doesn't truly believe that what he is doing is wrong.
Lutz knows how to write a suspenseful story that keeps a person glued to its pages. Non-stop action keeps the thrilling storyline rolling and the reader's pulse never has a chance to slow down. I highly recommend Pulse to all mystery/thriller lovers.
(Book was received from publisher for a honest review)
Pearl’s long lost daughter, Jody Jason, makes her debut. Even though it felt too easy for her to infiltrate Pearl and Quinn’s life, her character finds its place. Jody’s internship with a law firm ends up tying together the loose ends that Pearl and Quinn are looking for. Add in the fact that in addition to having the same M.O., the killer is murdering women that look just like Pearl so to Quinn, this is personal.
The serial killer is a mystery. Is it Daniel Danielle or is this someone that was obsessed with him and wants to "bring" him back from the dead? The chapters that provide the insight into the killer's mind are intriguing because the monster doesn't truly believe that what he is doing is wrong.
Lutz knows how to write a suspenseful story that keeps a person glued to its pages. Non-stop action keeps the thrilling storyline rolling and the reader's pulse never has a chance to slow down. I highly recommend Pulse to all mystery/thriller lovers.
(Book was received from publisher for a honest review)
January 2, 2013
I was pretty frustrated with this book. I still don't know what the title has to do with anything - maybe a hook to get a reader excited? Maybe the way your pulse is supposed to race during reading? I was excited to pick this up. It was described as "...a heart-pounding roller coaster of a tale." Not so much. In fact I was annoyed and bored pretty much the whole way through. The three main annoying elements? First of was the suspected serial killer's name. Daniel Danielle a.k.a. Danielle Daniel. Yeah. Try reading that three or four times in one paragraph without wanting to rip your eyes out. Nobody in their right mind would speak "Daniel Danielle a.k.a. Danielle Daniel" out loud more than once before finding something easier to say. Why not just go with D.D.? The second element was the fixation on breasts. I get it. Men like them. That doesn't mean every woman described in the book needs a full rundown on the perkiness and size of their boobs. Three: the medical examiner. There is no way that someone so sick and twisted would be allowed to work for the cops and get away with the way he talks and acts. There are laws, people. I can't believe I wasted time actually reading the whole thing. Blech!
* I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.
* I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.
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