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Buddy Steel #1
Missing Persons
Steel... smart, aggressive, ironic, spare and cynical... has been content working homicide at the LAPD until his father, the legendary Sheriff Burton Steel, falls ill with Lou Gehrig's disease. Sheriff Steel is headquartered in Freedom, a privileged coastal community located a hundred miles north of Los Angeles. His health failing, he asks his son Buddy to come home to cover his back and to groom him to be his successor.
Buddy reluctantly agrees. He returns to Freedom despite having outgrown its small town limits, wary of his father's authoritarianism.
No sooner does he hit town than Buddy learns the wife of the high-flying star of a Freedom based world-renowned television ministry has gone missing. A visit to the woman's home leads to a hostile confrontation with her husband's family and Buddy's realization that something greater than simply a missing person is at stake.
Allegiance between father and son provides the backdrop for Buddy's complex investigation of twisted families, avaricious con artists, violent gangs, drugs, corruption, and murder. And added to the mix is an enigmatic femme fatale who succeeds in upending Buddy's tenets regarding contemporary relationships.
Buddy reluctantly agrees. He returns to Freedom despite having outgrown its small town limits, wary of his father's authoritarianism.
No sooner does he hit town than Buddy learns the wife of the high-flying star of a Freedom based world-renowned television ministry has gone missing. A visit to the woman's home leads to a hostile confrontation with her husband's family and Buddy's realization that something greater than simply a missing person is at stake.
Allegiance between father and son provides the backdrop for Buddy's complex investigation of twisted families, avaricious con artists, violent gangs, drugs, corruption, and murder. And added to the mix is an enigmatic femme fatale who succeeds in upending Buddy's tenets regarding contemporary relationships.
261 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2017
143 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Michael Brandman
16 books155 followersMichael Brandman is an acclaimed novelist, screenwriter, and motion picture & television producer.
His Jesse Stone novels, KILLING THE BLUES, FOOL ME TWICE, and DAMNED IF YOU DO, each based on characters created by the late Robert B. Parker, are all New York Times best sellers.
Together with Tom Selleck, he has written and produced nine Jesse Stone films for television, the tenth of which will premiere in the Spring of 2019.
His new series of Buddy Steel mystery novels debuted in 2017 with MISSING PERSONS. The second book in the series, ONE ON ONE, made its debut in August. WILD CARD, the third in the series, will be released in April, 2019.
He has produced more than forty motion pictures, including works by Tom Stoppard, Arthur Miller, Neil Simon, David Mamet, Elmore Leonard, Louis L'Amour, and Stephen Sondheim.
He lives in Los Angeles and is married to the award winning actress, Joanna Miles. He is the father of two sons.
(source: Amazon)
His Jesse Stone novels, KILLING THE BLUES, FOOL ME TWICE, and DAMNED IF YOU DO, each based on characters created by the late Robert B. Parker, are all New York Times best sellers.
Together with Tom Selleck, he has written and produced nine Jesse Stone films for television, the tenth of which will premiere in the Spring of 2019.
His new series of Buddy Steel mystery novels debuted in 2017 with MISSING PERSONS. The second book in the series, ONE ON ONE, made its debut in August. WILD CARD, the third in the series, will be released in April, 2019.
He has produced more than forty motion pictures, including works by Tom Stoppard, Arthur Miller, Neil Simon, David Mamet, Elmore Leonard, Louis L'Amour, and Stephen Sondheim.
He lives in Los Angeles and is married to the award winning actress, Joanna Miles. He is the father of two sons.
(source: Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
October 27, 2017
4.5 stars
This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship .. that of reader and Buddy Steel. Buddy has moved from LAPD to a small podunk town .... the town where he was raised and where his father still lives. Sheriff Burton Steel has been diagnosed with Lou Gerig's Disease and he has asked his son to come home and prepare to take over when he dies. The only reason Buddy agrees to come back is because he realizes how important family is.
He no sooner is sworn in as Deputy Sheriff than a woman reports that her boss' wife has gone missing. She is fearful of her boss and thinks that maybe he had her killed.
The woman is married to well-known Televangelist. A visit to the woman's home sets off a string of events that lead to murder, corruption, drugs. And then there's the woman that turns Buddy's head.
This is an excellent, well-written crime thriller. It has everything a mystery buff wants ... lots of action with a dead body here and there and characters that aren't easily forgotten. It's a fast paced ride with short staccato-like speech filled with humor or sarcasm, sometimes both. But don't take his attitude too seriously ... he's not a man who will let things go.
I enjoyed the interaction between Buddy and his father. Even though their early years together drove them apart on most issues, it's quite apparent that with age has come some forgiveness and accepting of each other's lives. And if you look close enough, you will see a little bit of mutual pride show through on both sides.
This is one of those books that grabbed me at the very beginning and just didn't let go. I look forward to meeting up with Buddy again soon.
Many thanks to the author / Poisoned Pen Press / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship .. that of reader and Buddy Steel. Buddy has moved from LAPD to a small podunk town .... the town where he was raised and where his father still lives. Sheriff Burton Steel has been diagnosed with Lou Gerig's Disease and he has asked his son to come home and prepare to take over when he dies. The only reason Buddy agrees to come back is because he realizes how important family is.
He no sooner is sworn in as Deputy Sheriff than a woman reports that her boss' wife has gone missing. She is fearful of her boss and thinks that maybe he had her killed.
The woman is married to well-known Televangelist. A visit to the woman's home sets off a string of events that lead to murder, corruption, drugs. And then there's the woman that turns Buddy's head.
This is an excellent, well-written crime thriller. It has everything a mystery buff wants ... lots of action with a dead body here and there and characters that aren't easily forgotten. It's a fast paced ride with short staccato-like speech filled with humor or sarcasm, sometimes both. But don't take his attitude too seriously ... he's not a man who will let things go.
I enjoyed the interaction between Buddy and his father. Even though their early years together drove them apart on most issues, it's quite apparent that with age has come some forgiveness and accepting of each other's lives. And if you look close enough, you will see a little bit of mutual pride show through on both sides.
This is one of those books that grabbed me at the very beginning and just didn't let go. I look forward to meeting up with Buddy again soon.
Many thanks to the author / Poisoned Pen Press / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 25, 2017
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley to read and review.
MISSING PERSONS by Michael Brandman is the first novel he's written since the three books he penned for the Jesse Stone series after the death of Robert B. Parker, and his involvement in the Jesse Stone made-for-TV movies starring Tom Selleck (whom he names as friend and partner in the acknowledgements).
Buddy Steel, son of the legendary sheriff Burton Steel of Freedom in CA., returns at the behest of his father who's been stricken with ALS (aka Lou Gerig’s disease) in the wake of his successful reelection.
Burton puts son Buddy on the spot requesting that he step in as chief deputy and fill his father's shoes.
Reluctantly Buddy agrees and takes leave of his current employment in L.A. law enforcement and immediately becomes embroiled in a missing person case involving a local preacher and his ministry that is well known both nationally and internationally.
Barry Long, “Junior” is the face of the ministry along with his now missing wife Catherine and son “Three” aka Barry Long III. Behind the scenes but very much in control are Barry Long Senior and brother Hickman Long. Buddy immediately becomes suspicious as the family stonewalls his efforts to locate Catherine after a former maid at the mansion of the family fears that she may have been possibly murdered.
Buddy proceeds in an attempt to locate Catherine while digging up information regarding the family and the ministry that sheds some light on the less than spiritual activities of the family, specifically Hickman and “Senior”. Undaunted even in the face of thinly veiled threats and warnings of both the family and local VIP’s including his step mother and Mayor, Regina Goodnow.
“Heart of Our Savior Celebration” is an annual event that funnels huge amounts of cash into the ministry, and is about to take place at the time of Catherine’s mysterious disappearance that doesn't get any clearer regardless of Buddy and the department’s attempts to locate her. Buddy’s communication with father Burton produces results with their combined efforts, and their relationship as father and son is strengthened as a result.
Will Buddy be able to solve the disappearance of Catherine and find the truth regarding the financial and possible criminal activities within the family ministry before the upcoming event, or will his efforts be unsuccessful as the result of political influence and public opinion?
Michael Brandman has written a very enjoyable book, and Buddy as the lead character is cynical enough to piss off almost everyone in the book at one time or another, yet his humor and lack of fear and disrespect for political concerns help to make him effective in the face of seemingly impossible odds.
Hopefully this is the first book in the “Buddy Steel Series” with more to follow.
4 stars.
MISSING PERSONS by Michael Brandman is the first novel he's written since the three books he penned for the Jesse Stone series after the death of Robert B. Parker, and his involvement in the Jesse Stone made-for-TV movies starring Tom Selleck (whom he names as friend and partner in the acknowledgements).
Buddy Steel, son of the legendary sheriff Burton Steel of Freedom in CA., returns at the behest of his father who's been stricken with ALS (aka Lou Gerig’s disease) in the wake of his successful reelection.
Burton puts son Buddy on the spot requesting that he step in as chief deputy and fill his father's shoes.
Reluctantly Buddy agrees and takes leave of his current employment in L.A. law enforcement and immediately becomes embroiled in a missing person case involving a local preacher and his ministry that is well known both nationally and internationally.
Barry Long, “Junior” is the face of the ministry along with his now missing wife Catherine and son “Three” aka Barry Long III. Behind the scenes but very much in control are Barry Long Senior and brother Hickman Long. Buddy immediately becomes suspicious as the family stonewalls his efforts to locate Catherine after a former maid at the mansion of the family fears that she may have been possibly murdered.
Buddy proceeds in an attempt to locate Catherine while digging up information regarding the family and the ministry that sheds some light on the less than spiritual activities of the family, specifically Hickman and “Senior”. Undaunted even in the face of thinly veiled threats and warnings of both the family and local VIP’s including his step mother and Mayor, Regina Goodnow.
“Heart of Our Savior Celebration” is an annual event that funnels huge amounts of cash into the ministry, and is about to take place at the time of Catherine’s mysterious disappearance that doesn't get any clearer regardless of Buddy and the department’s attempts to locate her. Buddy’s communication with father Burton produces results with their combined efforts, and their relationship as father and son is strengthened as a result.
Will Buddy be able to solve the disappearance of Catherine and find the truth regarding the financial and possible criminal activities within the family ministry before the upcoming event, or will his efforts be unsuccessful as the result of political influence and public opinion?
Michael Brandman has written a very enjoyable book, and Buddy as the lead character is cynical enough to piss off almost everyone in the book at one time or another, yet his humor and lack of fear and disrespect for political concerns help to make him effective in the face of seemingly impossible odds.
Hopefully this is the first book in the “Buddy Steel Series” with more to follow.
4 stars.
August 18, 2017
“Missing Persons” by Michael Brandman is set in San Remo County on the Southern California Coast. Burton Steel, Junior, a ranking LAPD homicide detective, returned to his childhood home after his father, Sherriff Burton Steel, Senior became ill. However, all is not well in the idyllic town of Freedom, California, high in the hills above Highway 101. The nanny who is employed by a prominent family is concerned. Catharine Long, the mother of the boy she cares for has disappeared. “I think they killed her.”
The book is a procedure-based first person narrative voiced by Burton Steel, Junior, or Buddy as his dad calls him. We see the people, the action, the dialogue and the interpretation through his eyes. We learn through his narrative that he is a no-nonsense, procedure-driven officer. His conversations match his personality, quick, short, abrupt, and snappy. However, his shallow, superficial attitude cannot disguise his dedication.
In spite of obstacles, he is determined to find out what happened to Mrs. Long. Money, drugs, religion, fraud, and financial impropriety rip apart the quiet town of Freedom, Ca. and nothing will ever be the same. Secrets are revealed, and it seems that everyone has more than one. Along the way, Buddy makes countless enemies and a friend or two.
I received a copy of “Missing Persons” from Poisoned Pen Press, Michael Brandman, and NetGalley. It is very much in the tone of classic “Dragnet,” focused, straightforward, direct, with Steel being the quintessential Joe Friday kind of guy – “Just the facts, mam.” I enjoyed reading it, and highly recommend it. I am anxious to see how Buddy manages his job, his family, and his personal life in the next book.
The book is a procedure-based first person narrative voiced by Burton Steel, Junior, or Buddy as his dad calls him. We see the people, the action, the dialogue and the interpretation through his eyes. We learn through his narrative that he is a no-nonsense, procedure-driven officer. His conversations match his personality, quick, short, abrupt, and snappy. However, his shallow, superficial attitude cannot disguise his dedication.
In spite of obstacles, he is determined to find out what happened to Mrs. Long. Money, drugs, religion, fraud, and financial impropriety rip apart the quiet town of Freedom, Ca. and nothing will ever be the same. Secrets are revealed, and it seems that everyone has more than one. Along the way, Buddy makes countless enemies and a friend or two.
I received a copy of “Missing Persons” from Poisoned Pen Press, Michael Brandman, and NetGalley. It is very much in the tone of classic “Dragnet,” focused, straightforward, direct, with Steel being the quintessential Joe Friday kind of guy – “Just the facts, mam.” I enjoyed reading it, and highly recommend it. I am anxious to see how Buddy manages his job, his family, and his personal life in the next book.
June 17, 2017
MISSING PERSONS is the first book in the Buddy Steel series, and it is a very good start! I will look forward reading more about Buddy Steel! It is a good mystery with good characterization of the protagonist. The plot was interesting, and I could not put the book down! However, although the plot was well paced, it did lag a bit around the 65% mark. Additionally, there were some questions left unanswered and issues unresolved.
I want to thank NetGalley and Poison Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I want to thank NetGalley and Poison Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 17, 2020
I think this is one of the best and most different of all small town police series I am reading. Buddy Steele is not your typical sheriff. He is most reluctant but does the job to help his father who has Lou Gehrig's disease. Michael Brandman has written a wonderful book and this is a serie I strongly recommend that you try. Thanks to #PoisonedPenPress and #Netgalley for giving this to me.
September 14, 2018
This was a quick read. I will read the second in the series to see what Brandman does with Sheriff Buddy Steel.
September 13, 2020
Buddy Steel, who has relocated from LA to the small town of Freedom to take over the Sheriff reins from his father - who has been recently diagnosed with ALS -finds himself investigating the apparent disappearance of the wife of a well known and well liked local preacher of a megachurch.
This is listed as "Buddy Steel #1", and is the first in a series for Brandman, who some people may know picked up Robert Parker's Jesse Stone novels after Parker died, and who has also written some of the Jesse Stone movies.
Unfortunately, Buddy Steel reminds me a ton of Jesse Stone (for those who have not read those books, Stone relocates from LA to the small town of Paradise, although on the other side of the coast, has loads of sarcastic dialogue, doesn't like wearing his uniform, beds the local ladies, etc.). Steel is sardonic, doesn't like wearing his uniform, doesn't waste time falling into bed with a woman with whom he comes into contact due to an investigation, and so on.
In Steel's case, the woman part of that equation is the sister of the preacher - and Brandman has tried a bit too hard to make the woman quirky (she has a quirky blog, wears quirky clothes, etc.). He wears civilian clothes and often does not identify himself as he wanders in and out of areas like the living quarters of the family at their megachurch location. The dialogue is also trying to hard to make Buddy seem sarcastic and/or humorous, and it sometimes misses the mark.
The story is fairly straightforward, although in some cases stretches the limits of suspension of disbelief. The housekeeper for the Long family reports Catharine Long as missing, and further says Preacher Long is acting oddly about it. She's in fear for her life, because of course the Longs run everything in town, so she reports it to Steel, then vanishes, never to be heard from again.
Steel doesn't care where he has to go or who he might offend, and starts poking around. Various people declare that Catherine is fine, the Long family attorneys threaten to sue, there's a subplot involving another Long brother of being in cahoots with a local gang, as well as a Ponzi scheme, and the entire thing reads like an episode of American Greed, as if various elements were pulled out, tossed together, and this is what the end result is.
It's a very fast read, but reads more like something written for TV than something written for a novel. In some places, descriptions are scarce. In others, it's hard to track who is saying what in the dialogue - even though I am a firm believer in using as few dialogue tags as possible, I think there needs to be *something* in place every so often so the reader doesn't have to backtrack to match up dialogue. This is made particularly difficult when it's anyone but Steel and the quirky sister talking (although I counted one 19-exchange instance between the two of them that had no attribution beyond Steel beginning the exchange) as everyone in the department seems to have the same sardonic tone and is trying to be funny. This sort of thing is fine for TV, since there will be bother visual cues and the actors' voices won't be the same, but can make for some difficult novel reading.
The book (originally released in 2018) sets itself up well for further books in the series, as evidenced by the three books that followed this one. In a rare twist for me and ARCs, this is the first book I've read in a series new to me, versus the nth. I'm not quite sure if I'll read the books that follow (although who am I kidding, I have some weird compulsion to read all the books in a series).
Overall, a fast read with a decent enough mystery at its heart.
Three stars out of five.
Thanks to Poisoned Penn Press an NetGalley for the review copy.
This is listed as "Buddy Steel #1", and is the first in a series for Brandman, who some people may know picked up Robert Parker's Jesse Stone novels after Parker died, and who has also written some of the Jesse Stone movies.
Unfortunately, Buddy Steel reminds me a ton of Jesse Stone (for those who have not read those books, Stone relocates from LA to the small town of Paradise, although on the other side of the coast, has loads of sarcastic dialogue, doesn't like wearing his uniform, beds the local ladies, etc.). Steel is sardonic, doesn't like wearing his uniform, doesn't waste time falling into bed with a woman with whom he comes into contact due to an investigation, and so on.
In Steel's case, the woman part of that equation is the sister of the preacher - and Brandman has tried a bit too hard to make the woman quirky (she has a quirky blog, wears quirky clothes, etc.). He wears civilian clothes and often does not identify himself as he wanders in and out of areas like the living quarters of the family at their megachurch location. The dialogue is also trying to hard to make Buddy seem sarcastic and/or humorous, and it sometimes misses the mark.
The story is fairly straightforward, although in some cases stretches the limits of suspension of disbelief. The housekeeper for the Long family reports Catharine Long as missing, and further says Preacher Long is acting oddly about it. She's in fear for her life, because of course the Longs run everything in town, so she reports it to Steel, then vanishes, never to be heard from again.
Steel doesn't care where he has to go or who he might offend, and starts poking around. Various people declare that Catherine is fine, the Long family attorneys threaten to sue, there's a subplot involving another Long brother of being in cahoots with a local gang, as well as a Ponzi scheme, and the entire thing reads like an episode of American Greed, as if various elements were pulled out, tossed together, and this is what the end result is.
It's a very fast read, but reads more like something written for TV than something written for a novel. In some places, descriptions are scarce. In others, it's hard to track who is saying what in the dialogue - even though I am a firm believer in using as few dialogue tags as possible, I think there needs to be *something* in place every so often so the reader doesn't have to backtrack to match up dialogue. This is made particularly difficult when it's anyone but Steel and the quirky sister talking (although I counted one 19-exchange instance between the two of them that had no attribution beyond Steel beginning the exchange) as everyone in the department seems to have the same sardonic tone and is trying to be funny. This sort of thing is fine for TV, since there will be bother visual cues and the actors' voices won't be the same, but can make for some difficult novel reading.
The book (originally released in 2018) sets itself up well for further books in the series, as evidenced by the three books that followed this one. In a rare twist for me and ARCs, this is the first book I've read in a series new to me, versus the nth. I'm not quite sure if I'll read the books that follow (although who am I kidding, I have some weird compulsion to read all the books in a series).
Overall, a fast read with a decent enough mystery at its heart.
Three stars out of five.
Thanks to Poisoned Penn Press an NetGalley for the review copy.
October 26, 2020
Buddy Steele an LAPD Homicide Detective has returned to Freedom the town he wanted to get away from and did, to take over as deputy. His father has been the sheriff for years is now ill and needs looking after. While reluctantly agreeing he is then looking into a missing person’s case.
What should be an easy open and shut case is not anything like that. The televangelist wife who is the person missing is not being helpful and neither is his staff. The more he digs and prods for answers the more he does not like what is happening with the case. This story will catch you by surprise and I feel is sneaky good. I like the Buddy Steele character and the overall feel of the story that keeps you going from page to page. Very much worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
What should be an easy open and shut case is not anything like that. The televangelist wife who is the person missing is not being helpful and neither is his staff. The more he digs and prods for answers the more he does not like what is happening with the case. This story will catch you by surprise and I feel is sneaky good. I like the Buddy Steele character and the overall feel of the story that keeps you going from page to page. Very much worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
September 16, 2017
Missing Persons by Michael brandman.
Steel... smart, aggressive, ironic, spare and cynical... has been content working homicide at the LAPD until his father, the legendary Sheriff Burton Steel, falls ill with Lou Gehrig's disease. Sheriff Steel is headquartered in Freedom, a privileged coastal community located a hundred miles north of Los Angeles. His health failing, he asks his son Buddy to come home to cover his back and to groom him to be his successor.Buddy reluctantly agrees. He returns to Freedom despite having outgrown its small town limits, wary of his father's authoritarianism.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. Couldn't put it down. It really had me thinking. 5*. Netgalley and poisoned pen press.
Steel... smart, aggressive, ironic, spare and cynical... has been content working homicide at the LAPD until his father, the legendary Sheriff Burton Steel, falls ill with Lou Gehrig's disease. Sheriff Steel is headquartered in Freedom, a privileged coastal community located a hundred miles north of Los Angeles. His health failing, he asks his son Buddy to come home to cover his back and to groom him to be his successor.Buddy reluctantly agrees. He returns to Freedom despite having outgrown its small town limits, wary of his father's authoritarianism.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. Couldn't put it down. It really had me thinking. 5*. Netgalley and poisoned pen press.
September 22, 2020
Missing Persons by Michael Brandman is the 1st book in the Buddy Steel mystery series, and my first book by this author. Buddy is taking over as Sheriff in Freedom, where his father has to step down due to his health. Buddy has been working homicide in LA. I enjoyed this book, but didn't love it. I am not sure if I like Buddy to be honest. I will try at least one more book in this series to see if I want to continue. Read this book for yourself, and decide.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 6, 2025
It's a good book, a pretty straightforward plot. The characters are good, not great, and there's really no suspense to the story.
August 12, 2020
Enjoyable, quick read. I did enjoy the dialogue between the characters and found it flowed very well. Very reminiscient of Robert Parker. I enjoyed the story line and the characters. This is a series I will probably continue to read.
Thank you #netgalley and #poisonedpenpress for the eARC.
Thank you #netgalley and #poisonedpenpress for the eARC.
August 10, 2020
An enjoyable and easy read with a good narrative. What starts as a missing person enquiry progresses to financial irregularities and multiple deaths. More of an action thriller with a straight plot.
August 2, 2020
Excellent! A very fast read. I hope there are more!
May 31, 2018
Buddy Steel is an independent bachelor; aggressive, smart, and has been working homicide at the LAPD, on track for advancement and content with his life. His father, a sheriff in Freedom (a small upscale coastal community north of Los Angeles) discovers his health is going south and asks his son to come home prepared to step into his shoes. Buddy grudgingly agrees, after argument with himself, not happy to return under his father's counsel. He shortly lands in the middle of a missing persons case, the wife of a world-renowned television minister.
I had a little problem identifying with the protagonist. Independent is okay, but he can also be grating, cryptic, and rude. He's a big boy and can push his 6'3" frame around. (I've learned that unless it's a woman, all male protagonists are over 6'.) He's brought that LAPD attitude with him, often offensive, to small coastal town Freedom, California. While there, he is reacquainted with the people he grew up with, as well as the adults who watched him grow and are familiar with his father-son dynamic.
His father has taken on a deputy, Buddy's peer, and groomed him to the office, but will apparently not leave the office to his protégé, opting for his son as he has an ulterior motive for his son returning. Buddy has been brought in, not yet elected, but he likes to correct everyone with the title "Sheriff." Of course, it's difficult to know he's any law enforcement officer as he only wears civvies, but does drive a police cruiser.
Buddy drives back to LA to speak to an estranged female member of the missing person's family and slobbers all over himself with the hots for her almost immediately; apparently she feels the same. So much for the romantic interest.
I would consider this a mystery more than a police procedural. As he gets deeper into the investigation, everything gets thrown into the pot; Ponzi schemes, drugs, cartels, and murder. Nothing is simple--that's the rule.
The missing persons family become the antagonists, characters are fleshed out enough to be obnoxious. I did appreciate the dialogue style, the author assuming you know who is speaking at any given point, foregoing the "he said/she said." And the description of the fictional Pacific coastal town sounded lovely and very inviting. There is some language. The plot moves along from the beginning; doesn't generally lag.
I received this novel from Mr. Brandman, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley and appreciate the opportunity to read and review. Recommend for a fast read of a mystery, not really police procedural. See more reviews at Rosepoint Publishing. http://rosepointpublishing.com
I had a little problem identifying with the protagonist. Independent is okay, but he can also be grating, cryptic, and rude. He's a big boy and can push his 6'3" frame around. (I've learned that unless it's a woman, all male protagonists are over 6'.) He's brought that LAPD attitude with him, often offensive, to small coastal town Freedom, California. While there, he is reacquainted with the people he grew up with, as well as the adults who watched him grow and are familiar with his father-son dynamic.
His father has taken on a deputy, Buddy's peer, and groomed him to the office, but will apparently not leave the office to his protégé, opting for his son as he has an ulterior motive for his son returning. Buddy has been brought in, not yet elected, but he likes to correct everyone with the title "Sheriff." Of course, it's difficult to know he's any law enforcement officer as he only wears civvies, but does drive a police cruiser.
Buddy drives back to LA to speak to an estranged female member of the missing person's family and slobbers all over himself with the hots for her almost immediately; apparently she feels the same. So much for the romantic interest.
I would consider this a mystery more than a police procedural. As he gets deeper into the investigation, everything gets thrown into the pot; Ponzi schemes, drugs, cartels, and murder. Nothing is simple--that's the rule.
The missing persons family become the antagonists, characters are fleshed out enough to be obnoxious. I did appreciate the dialogue style, the author assuming you know who is speaking at any given point, foregoing the "he said/she said." And the description of the fictional Pacific coastal town sounded lovely and very inviting. There is some language. The plot moves along from the beginning; doesn't generally lag.
I received this novel from Mr. Brandman, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley and appreciate the opportunity to read and review. Recommend for a fast read of a mystery, not really police procedural. See more reviews at Rosepoint Publishing. http://rosepointpublishing.com
June 27, 2018
How can anyone go wrong when this author is a partner with Tom Selleck? Michael Brandman's writing style is similar to how Robert B. Parker wrote. Great characters and a fantastic genre thriller! I enjoyed this enough to wait patiently the next book, "One on One".
June 1, 2018
Very good
I've discovered a new author! He writes a good story. I look forward to reading more of his books. I would highly recommend him if you enjoy thrillers.
I've discovered a new author! He writes a good story. I look forward to reading more of his books. I would highly recommend him if you enjoy thrillers.
June 19, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advance copy of Missing Persons the first in a projected series of police procedurals featuring Buddy Steel of the fictional Freedom, California's Sheriff's department.
Buddy has returned to Freedom from a successful career as a homicide detective with LAPD at his ailing father's behest but isn't particularly enjoying it so when Rosalita Gonzalez visits with the tale of a missing woman he is immediately interested. Catharine Long, wife of revivalist preacher Barry Long Junior, has gone missing but no one has reported it. Barry claims she is with his sister but Buddy can't verify this.
I thoroughly enjoyed Missing Persons. It is not a long novel but it has a twisted plot and some good wisecracks so it is entertaining. The plot is maybe not the most realistic I have ever read but it's fun and it flows well.
I first came across Mr Brandman's writing when he continued the late Robert B. Parker's Jesse Stone series. It's fair to say that Buddy Steel is not dissimilar to the Jesse Stone portrayed in those novels so if you enjoyed them as I did you will enjoy Missing Persons as Buddy has the same attitudes, a wise cracking indifference to both threats and authority, a twisted ability to cause mayhem in his pursuit of justice and a fairly disastrous love life.
Missing Persons is a fun read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Buddy has returned to Freedom from a successful career as a homicide detective with LAPD at his ailing father's behest but isn't particularly enjoying it so when Rosalita Gonzalez visits with the tale of a missing woman he is immediately interested. Catharine Long, wife of revivalist preacher Barry Long Junior, has gone missing but no one has reported it. Barry claims she is with his sister but Buddy can't verify this.
I thoroughly enjoyed Missing Persons. It is not a long novel but it has a twisted plot and some good wisecracks so it is entertaining. The plot is maybe not the most realistic I have ever read but it's fun and it flows well.
I first came across Mr Brandman's writing when he continued the late Robert B. Parker's Jesse Stone series. It's fair to say that Buddy Steel is not dissimilar to the Jesse Stone portrayed in those novels so if you enjoyed them as I did you will enjoy Missing Persons as Buddy has the same attitudes, a wise cracking indifference to both threats and authority, a twisted ability to cause mayhem in his pursuit of justice and a fairly disastrous love life.
Missing Persons is a fun read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
June 21, 2017
4 and 1 / 2 stars
Buddy Steel, late of the LAPD’s Homicide Division, is back in Freedom. His father is the sheriff there and has just discovered that he has Lou Gerig’s Disease. Failing fast, he asks Buddy to return to Freedom to become his Deputy Sheriff. Reluctantly, Buddy goes along with it.
When a woman enters his office and reports Catharine Long wife of Barry Long, Junior has gone missing. She goes even further to say that she believes Mrs. Long may be dead. The Reverend Long, Junior is a televangelist who is getting ready for a big hoo hah production and reunion of sorts. He, his brother and their bodyguards get very combative when Buddy and two other officers show up at their house. They give him false information about the true whereabouts of Catharine.
As Buddy and his team set about investigating, they run into all sorts of n’er-do-wells, from drug dealers to murderers.
This is a very well written and plotted novel. It grabs the reader from the start and doesn’t let go. I’ve enjoyed Michael Brandman’s other “Jesse Stone” books, and I sure like this new series as well. One can’t help drawing parallels between his Jesse Stone character and Buddy Steel, but that’s more than okay in my book. Bring on the next in the series Mr. Brandman!
I want to thank Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read.
Buddy Steel, late of the LAPD’s Homicide Division, is back in Freedom. His father is the sheriff there and has just discovered that he has Lou Gerig’s Disease. Failing fast, he asks Buddy to return to Freedom to become his Deputy Sheriff. Reluctantly, Buddy goes along with it.
When a woman enters his office and reports Catharine Long wife of Barry Long, Junior has gone missing. She goes even further to say that she believes Mrs. Long may be dead. The Reverend Long, Junior is a televangelist who is getting ready for a big hoo hah production and reunion of sorts. He, his brother and their bodyguards get very combative when Buddy and two other officers show up at their house. They give him false information about the true whereabouts of Catharine.
As Buddy and his team set about investigating, they run into all sorts of n’er-do-wells, from drug dealers to murderers.
This is a very well written and plotted novel. It grabs the reader from the start and doesn’t let go. I’ve enjoyed Michael Brandman’s other “Jesse Stone” books, and I sure like this new series as well. One can’t help drawing parallels between his Jesse Stone character and Buddy Steel, but that’s more than okay in my book. Bring on the next in the series Mr. Brandman!
I want to thank Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read.
July 23, 2018
3.5 star
A well-paced and interesting case to follow, and a promising beginning to a new series. I love the chapters are short yet enough details to keep the plot engaging. Entertaining enough, but definitely lacking the distinctive voice of the author to make this installment unique among the many other mystery works available.
Worth to note there are some mild swearing, but nothing too intimidating or offensive.
The author's background in show business definitely helps his writing to retain my attention and curiosity throughout. I mostly will consider to follow any subsequent installments in the future.
A well-paced and interesting case to follow, and a promising beginning to a new series. I love the chapters are short yet enough details to keep the plot engaging. Entertaining enough, but definitely lacking the distinctive voice of the author to make this installment unique among the many other mystery works available.
Worth to note there are some mild swearing, but nothing too intimidating or offensive.
The author's background in show business definitely helps his writing to retain my attention and curiosity throughout. I mostly will consider to follow any subsequent installments in the future.
September 13, 2017
A Better Screenplay Than a Book
The author's television background shows in the writing. The story is mainly dialogue of the kind you'd hear on a TV show. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, except it's not why I read books. This doesn't have the depth or intricacy of, say, Michael Connolly or James Lee Burke. Comparisons to Parker are superficial at best. The characters are not that fleshed out, so it didn't hold my interest.
The author's television background shows in the writing. The story is mainly dialogue of the kind you'd hear on a TV show. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, except it's not why I read books. This doesn't have the depth or intricacy of, say, Michael Connolly or James Lee Burke. Comparisons to Parker are superficial at best. The characters are not that fleshed out, so it didn't hold my interest.
October 5, 2017
this was a good book.
this is his first novel written with his own characters and story. The plot and
main character, Buddy was very similar to Jesse Stone and his world, which the author is writing now that Robert Parker is gone.
I did like it, But like Robert Parker's books there is not much depth .
this is his first novel written with his own characters and story. The plot and
main character, Buddy was very similar to Jesse Stone and his world, which the author is writing now that Robert Parker is gone.
I did like it, But like Robert Parker's books there is not much depth .
September 11, 2017
aka. SherleyB
I must say when you get started with this book, I did find it a compelling read,
Loved the character Sheriff Buddy Steel,
Looking forward to reading more stories from the character Sheriff Steel....
I must say when you get started with this book, I did find it a compelling read,
Loved the character Sheriff Buddy Steel,
Looking forward to reading more stories from the character Sheriff Steel....
December 15, 2017
I like this story of a city detective coming back to his small home town to take over as sheriff for his father. The story revolves around an evangelical mister and his missing wife. I like the character of Buddy Steel and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 3, 2018
I liked this book a little better than the second book in the series. Buddy steel is an interesting character, flawed, humorous but with a sense of right and wrong. I look forward to the third in the series.
October 28, 2017
Really enjoyed this light, fast read. Well-paced with a nice touch of sardonic humor in dialogue. Hope there are more Buddy Steel mysteries to follow!
February 23, 2018
Super quick read, I really loved it! A great read for any Robert B. Parker fan. Can't wait for Buddy Steel #2, coming out this summer (love when authors comment on your social media posts #geek).
March 4, 2018
Simple, easy read. Not enough to it for four stars but if you want a low stress novel this will satisfy.
September 29, 2020
Missing Persons by Michael Brandman shows how a good writer can invigorate a cliche-ridden plot and turn it into something fresh.
You've seen this story dozens of times... Possibly hundreds. The estranged son returns to his small hometown to reconnect with his ailing father. The father is the longtime sheriff, gruff but respected, the son is an irreverent character who gives up a promising career in the big city to help out and try to reconnect with his dad. Throw in a sassy female side-kick of a certain age and pit them against a large evangelical church with questionable business practices and it's almost a sub-genre unto itself.
The father is Barton Steel, Senior, recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). The son, Barton "Buddy" Steel, Junior, gave up a career as an LAPD homicide detective to become his father's Chief Deputy in the township of Freedom located in a small coastal county North of Santa Barbara. Senior is technically in charge but Buddy serves as his surrogate out in the public eye.
When a reluctant witness comes forward with a report that the wife of a powerful evangelical leader has disappeared Chief Deputy Buddy Steel charges into the case like a bull in a China shop. There are some decent plot twists, a few unexpected turns, and an overall satisfying story. I enjoyed this one. It's not great but it's still pretty good.
This is the first book in a series. I will likely read more of them.
***I received a free digital copy of this title from NetGalley.
You've seen this story dozens of times... Possibly hundreds. The estranged son returns to his small hometown to reconnect with his ailing father. The father is the longtime sheriff, gruff but respected, the son is an irreverent character who gives up a promising career in the big city to help out and try to reconnect with his dad. Throw in a sassy female side-kick of a certain age and pit them against a large evangelical church with questionable business practices and it's almost a sub-genre unto itself.
The father is Barton Steel, Senior, recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). The son, Barton "Buddy" Steel, Junior, gave up a career as an LAPD homicide detective to become his father's Chief Deputy in the township of Freedom located in a small coastal county North of Santa Barbara. Senior is technically in charge but Buddy serves as his surrogate out in the public eye.
When a reluctant witness comes forward with a report that the wife of a powerful evangelical leader has disappeared Chief Deputy Buddy Steel charges into the case like a bull in a China shop. There are some decent plot twists, a few unexpected turns, and an overall satisfying story. I enjoyed this one. It's not great but it's still pretty good.
This is the first book in a series. I will likely read more of them.
***I received a free digital copy of this title from NetGalley.
November 4, 2020
Buddy Steel is an LAPD homicide detective who is called back to his hometown of Freedom where his father is the sheriff. Diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, he asks Buddy to join his team of deputies. Although reluctant, Buddy agrees to help and settles back into Freedom. All is quiet until he receives a report that the young wife of a local and famous evangelist is missing. As Buddy investigates he discovers a number of issues, including fraud and murder, and all the while dealing with small town politics.
Missing Persons was first published in 2017 and is the first of four Buddy Steel mysteries. It is an easy read, with snappy dialogue and humor. Most of the characters are…well, characters, with lots of stereotypes thrown in for good measure. The plot/mystery is interesting and well-done and, all in all, I found it to be a quick read. My only observation/complaint is that the latter half of the book seemed to have less of the dialogue I enjoyed. There also seemed to be much less humor or witty responses and that was a bit of a letdown. However, I'm still looking forward to reading the next Buddy Steel mystery.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.
Missing Persons was first published in 2017 and is the first of four Buddy Steel mysteries. It is an easy read, with snappy dialogue and humor. Most of the characters are…well, characters, with lots of stereotypes thrown in for good measure. The plot/mystery is interesting and well-done and, all in all, I found it to be a quick read. My only observation/complaint is that the latter half of the book seemed to have less of the dialogue I enjoyed. There also seemed to be much less humor or witty responses and that was a bit of a letdown. However, I'm still looking forward to reading the next Buddy Steel mystery.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.
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