David Chill’s colorful and brilliant thriller captures both Raymond Chandler’s gritty vision and Robert B. Parker’s biting humor.
Money has been stolen from an elite Pasadena private school, and after bringing in P.I. Burnside to investigate, he uncovers far more. In addition to finding a tangled web of long-held secrets, a seemingly straightforward case of embezzlement suddenly evolves into a brutal series of murder. From seething rivalries to old resentments to sordid affairs, many suspects have a shady past to hide -- and a desperate reason to kill. And through it all, a sordid betrayal from Burnside's own past continues to haunt him, waiting for an opportune moment to materialize.
This well-crafted novel is the embodiment of the classic Southern California noir thriller, set against a late summer backdrop that is both sizzling hot and eerily quiet. The story leads readers down a trail of theft, murder and deceit, with sharply honed banter and strikingly original characters. It is a tightly written story that is loaded with both suspense and humor, as well as some jaw-dropping surprises!
David Chill is a USA TODAY Bestselling Author, and has written a total of fourteen works of fiction. These include the medical suspense novel, Curse Of The Afflicted. The first thirteen books are part of the Burnside Mystery Series: Post Pattern, Fade Route, Bubble Screen, Safety Valve, Corner Blitz, Nickel Package, Double Pass, Tampa Two, Flea Flicker, Swim Move, and Hard Count.
David Chill's debut novel, Post Pattern, was an award-winning book in the Private Eye Writers of America contest for new mystery authors. The Burnside Mystery Series has received much critical acclaim over the years and has spent time on numerous bestseller lists.
Born and raised in New York City, David received his undergraduate degree from SUNY-Oswego, before moving to Los Angeles where he earned a Master's degree from the University of Southern California. He presently lives in California.
If you would like to find out when new novels are published, please sign up for David Chill's mailing list. You can do so here: http://eepurl.com/PMvlP
Burnside still has a cheeky mouth that can get him in trouble, but he's less apt to resort to the physical. I think he's maturing now that he's a father. I'm a bit unclear why the man who engaged his services couldn't just ask to see bank statements regarding the fund-raising account, but without his curiosity, there wouldn't have been a story. I liked the side story that involved Burnside's former apartment neighbor. I was surprised by what happened there. Not keen on the way he knocks Notre Dame, lol.
I have read all the books in this series and I felt this was the weakest entry. The story didn't have any excitement, the interactions with the police were all snarky, and the secondary case was boring and anti-climatic. The book didn't feel authentic and the protagonist stumbled along until he had a eureka moment eating dinner with his family. I know that this author can write so I hope the next book will be more interesting. At least the football references in this book were easier to understand for an non fanatic.
As I said "love Burnside". I like the way David works his stories around football and Burnside's family life. I think the point David is making in this one is about the pressure put on the kids that are great athletes and I can see his point. Anyway that's how I see it. All David's book are and have been well done. I'm ready for the next one.
I've read all of the Burnside books and the last two have been my favorites. I'm not sure I've read any books written by men about men being great fathers. Burnside is married with a 3 year old son. The mystery part is always good in David Chill's books. There's also undercurrents in this book with what a good parent is.
I found the stream of football theme giving this book a feel of reality in that in life, all other things don't just stop and go away because you have some mystery to solve. This did not detract from the story, instead added to the feel of the book. Double Pass kept me interested with minimal descriptions of extra details and a continual movement in a forward direction, down 1 of 2 mysteries to solve. I liked the book.
this is the first book of this author that I read. The story narrated in this book is quite interesting with varied characters but the central one is PI Burnside and it centers around football in a religious high school where two murders take place. There are lots of twists and turns and a good interweaving of professional and personal life. I would be interested in the next book of this author.
An inspired ending with an interesting cast of characters
A newly envisioned private investigator with a sports background is hired out off the blue to investigate mission funds from A private school. During the investigation two murders occurred which maybe linked to the missing monies. Good ending with an unusually discovery.
Although it’s the 7th book in the Burnside mystery series, it’s the first I’ve read. It incorporates credible characters and a plot, with several unexpected twists. I don’t follow American football, but having worked in the USA, I appreciate the passion around it; although so many references to the game did detract from the story, for me, somewhat, but…..I did enjoy the double pass.
I'm a big fan of this series but something just seemed off with this book. I can't put my finger on it but I just didn't get the same satisfaction as I did with the other books. Still, it ended on a note that means I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
A major donor to a private school in Pasadena wants to know where all the money has gone. Burnside is hired to find out. They have a phenom QB whose home life is a mess. Staff members and parents have plenty to hide, so they aren't real forthcoming with helpful clues. A couple murders, during the investigation, adds to the mystery. Very good addition to the Ironside series.
Exceptionally well written Southern California noir mystery. The Pasadena locale was a nice twist, as was the focus on high school football. A light, enjoyable read full of interesting characters and crackling dialogue.
Being a woman & a pro football fan really helped me adore this book. I think of myself as just a fan, but loved reading about recruiting exceptional players even at the high school level. Having a couple of murders involved only increased my hype.
A treasury of woven ties with a well developed plot and easy to follow characters in an interesting sports setting as this PI works to unravel the layers of the mysterious goings on at St. Dismas High.
This was a good book with interesting characters and a good plot. It was especially interesting if you liked football and/ or had a child that played . I will definitely read another of this authors books
A very goog story of a very moral an. The story is developed well and the characters are all believable. Really had no idea of who the killer was,as there were many good candidates
From Burnside Series Book 1 to this one I remain thoroughly entertained. They hold your interest throughout and even make you smile every once in awhile. This series is well worth the read.
Even though I read the whole book, I can't say that I enjoyed it. With all you hear about what goes on behind the scenes in sports , it was quite easy to imagine this happening in the real world. I wanted to read this book for pleasure and enjoyment. I found neither.
Even though the book inecluded sex, infidelity, murder plus just about other transgression, it was not vulgar. It was part of the story and was used, not to attract crude minds but to complete the story.
Not great. An unbelievable protagonist who spills the beans all the time, two murders that add zero tension, and apart from some descriptions of settings, has nothing much going for it. Strange writing and editing too. Try this: “her ample breasts stood out surreptitiously “???
Good plot and variety of characters to make it enjoyable reading. Author has good football ties to keep readers interest.Reader like misdirection this book is for you.
This was a good mystery that was easy to read yet hard to solve. I gave it only two stars due to the foul Language. I would not read another book by this author.