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Dale Conley Action Thrillers #1
Stone Groove
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ISBN can be found here and here
An empty crime scene. A blood-spattered stone. And a 400-year-old mystery.
An entire colony disappeared off the face of the earth. It's America's greatest mystery, and it happened centuries ago. Now it's happened again.
Federal Agent Dale Conley specializes in the unusual, and he's seen it all. Except for this. An entire community has vanished overnight. One hundred forty-seven people. The only clue is the word ROANOKE chiseled into a blood-spattered stone.
Dale knows that in the 1930s a series of stones was discovered—stones with carved messages that allegedly told the fate of the Roanoke Colony. When Dale finds more stones with cryptic messages, it's clear he has a copycat criminal on his hands. Each of the stones lead Dale to a few more of the missing people, and he must solve the stones' riddles correctly—or the hostages are killed.
Dale soon realizes that the kidnapper knows the details of his past. Including his dark secrets. Now, as Dale races to find the stones, he must come head-on with his own demons to have a chance at saving the missing people.
The Dale Conley Historical Action Thriller Series
Stone Groove is the first book in the Dale Conley series of historical action thrillers.
An empty crime scene. A blood-spattered stone. And a 400-year-old mystery.
An entire colony disappeared off the face of the earth. It's America's greatest mystery, and it happened centuries ago. Now it's happened again.
Federal Agent Dale Conley specializes in the unusual, and he's seen it all. Except for this. An entire community has vanished overnight. One hundred forty-seven people. The only clue is the word ROANOKE chiseled into a blood-spattered stone.
Dale knows that in the 1930s a series of stones was discovered—stones with carved messages that allegedly told the fate of the Roanoke Colony. When Dale finds more stones with cryptic messages, it's clear he has a copycat criminal on his hands. Each of the stones lead Dale to a few more of the missing people, and he must solve the stones' riddles correctly—or the hostages are killed.
Dale soon realizes that the kidnapper knows the details of his past. Including his dark secrets. Now, as Dale races to find the stones, he must come head-on with his own demons to have a chance at saving the missing people.
The Dale Conley Historical Action Thriller Series
Stone Groove is the first book in the Dale Conley series of historical action thrillers.
338 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2017
1197 people are currently reading
1040 people want to read
About the author
Erik Carter
52 books88 followersErik Carter tells high-octane stories filled with action, suspense, and just the right amount of chaos.
His background is as eclectic as his stories—he’s a NASM-certified personal trainer, has taught college-level writing and film, worked for a history-based mobile app, co-hosted a TV show, and even created a top-ranked documentary on YouTube. He holds two master’s degrees—one in Telecommunications- Digital Storytelling and another in Public History—because one just wasn’t enough.
When he’s not writing, Erik is passionate about fitness, classic sports cars, movies, and books. He lives in sunny coastal Florida.
His background is as eclectic as his stories—he’s a NASM-certified personal trainer, has taught college-level writing and film, worked for a history-based mobile app, co-hosted a TV show, and even created a top-ranked documentary on YouTube. He holds two master’s degrees—one in Telecommunications- Digital Storytelling and another in Public History—because one just wasn’t enough.
When he’s not writing, Erik is passionate about fitness, classic sports cars, movies, and books. He lives in sunny coastal Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
July 14, 2017
Well you never know what you are going to get with a new series and a new author, well new to me anyway, to say that I wasn’t disappointed would be a gross under statement. What I got was a really likable bloke, even if he was rather fond of himself too, a special agent for the Bureau of Esoteric Investigation or BEI for short. Pretty cool eh? OK I hadn’t a clue what this was but from the first couple of chapters I knew that I was going to have fun finding out.
Special agent Dale Conley hadn’t been a special agent for many years but there again he hadn’t always been Dale Conley either. What made him darn good at his job was the experiences he had gone through as Brad Walker, a survivor of an horrific tragedy and total mad man and not forgetting of course his super intelligence too. He always has an eye for the ladies and a brilliant light humour just turned a great story into all round entertainment, no matter what the situation was that he was in.
Dale’s speciality is the unusual, the puzzles that are left behind after something that at first seems impossible to have happened actual happens. So the disappearance of 147 people more than fits the bill but it isn’t the first time, so is history repeating itself in some sort of mystic way or is a more sinister cause responsible? The past definitely knows how to raises its ugly head.
This really is a cracking start to this series and introduction to a team with boundless possibilities and hang ups! This book has quite a few garden paths that I was merrily lead up on this very pacey story. Hope to see the next book in this series soon.
I wish to thank the author for a copy of this book wish I have chosen to review in an honest and truthful way.
Special agent Dale Conley hadn’t been a special agent for many years but there again he hadn’t always been Dale Conley either. What made him darn good at his job was the experiences he had gone through as Brad Walker, a survivor of an horrific tragedy and total mad man and not forgetting of course his super intelligence too. He always has an eye for the ladies and a brilliant light humour just turned a great story into all round entertainment, no matter what the situation was that he was in.
Dale’s speciality is the unusual, the puzzles that are left behind after something that at first seems impossible to have happened actual happens. So the disappearance of 147 people more than fits the bill but it isn’t the first time, so is history repeating itself in some sort of mystic way or is a more sinister cause responsible? The past definitely knows how to raises its ugly head.
This really is a cracking start to this series and introduction to a team with boundless possibilities and hang ups! This book has quite a few garden paths that I was merrily lead up on this very pacey story. Hope to see the next book in this series soon.
I wish to thank the author for a copy of this book wish I have chosen to review in an honest and truthful way.
December 12, 2017
As soon as I read the blurb for Stone Groove my interest was piqued; described as a historical action thriller it didn’t sound like anything I had read before. I wasn’t wrong!!
Four hundred years ago in Roanoke 117 people simply disappeared without a trace and became known as the Lost Colony. In present day America the same thing has happened to a colony called The Marshallites, 147 people are missing and it is up to Dale Conley to solve the riddles left carved into stones before time runs out.
Dale works for the Bureau of Esoteric Investigations (BEI), a kind of X Files of the Department of Justice. He is often given copycat cases and ends up with the task of solving this mystery.
I really liked Dale; he is methodical but a rule breaker, a charmer with moral values and an all round nice guy.
The tension is really high and my nerves were wrecked following Dale trying to find the Man in Black who is pulling the strings and battling with ghosts from his past which threaten to unbalance him.
I enjoyed Stone Groove and hope there will be more books featuring Dale Conley.
Four hundred years ago in Roanoke 117 people simply disappeared without a trace and became known as the Lost Colony. In present day America the same thing has happened to a colony called The Marshallites, 147 people are missing and it is up to Dale Conley to solve the riddles left carved into stones before time runs out.
Dale works for the Bureau of Esoteric Investigations (BEI), a kind of X Files of the Department of Justice. He is often given copycat cases and ends up with the task of solving this mystery.
I really liked Dale; he is methodical but a rule breaker, a charmer with moral values and an all round nice guy.
The tension is really high and my nerves were wrecked following Dale trying to find the Man in Black who is pulling the strings and battling with ghosts from his past which threaten to unbalance him.
I enjoyed Stone Groove and hope there will be more books featuring Dale Conley.
June 4, 2017
STONE GROOVE by Erik Carter was an interesting novel that combines ancient mystery, sinister conspiracies, history, and cults to create a thrilling story. I like that Eric used the 70’s era to set his story in and his protagonist Federal Agent Dale Conley well developed with a sarcastic sense of humor. The story is face paced, with a swift narrative, and twists that made the read enjoyable. Also the little tidbits of history the author dropped here and there was a nice touch without taking away from the pace. It’s a great start to a new pulp thriller.
May 26, 2017
I won a copy of Stone Groove in a Goodreads giveaway thanks to the generosity of the author.
Simply said: I loved it!
Imagine James Bond mixed with Robert Langdon and you have Dale Conley, a federal agent in a mission to find a cultish colony of missing people.
The plot was well paced and the characterisation was suitable for an action thriller.
I did guess the mystery antagonist about a third of the way in, but this did not lesson my enjoyment of the book.
A definite must read for fans of action and mystery thrillers.
Simply said: I loved it!
Imagine James Bond mixed with Robert Langdon and you have Dale Conley, a federal agent in a mission to find a cultish colony of missing people.
The plot was well paced and the characterisation was suitable for an action thriller.
I did guess the mystery antagonist about a third of the way in, but this did not lesson my enjoyment of the book.
A definite must read for fans of action and mystery thrillers.
March 20, 2018
Great concept and i enjoyed the book but feel like more could have been done with the puzzles. That was why I was interested in this book to begin with.
June 20, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"Call me Father."
Before his life was re-invented some two years before, Dale Conley was first a reporter for his university friend's rag, the World Wide Weekly Report then left after an especially traumatizing investigation, to become briefly, a best selling author specializing in mystery stories in which the reader had to unravel cryptic puzzles before being able to continue with the book. Now he is a Special Agent working for the secret B.E.I. - Bureau of Esoteric Investigation - part of the Department of justice. So he was obviously the man to call in when, without any apparent reason, a whole village goes missing. No sign of violence or any outside influences and no sign of the 147 inhabitants. Just a blood covered stone with the single word, Roanoke, scratched into the surface. Where did everyone go?
Stone Groove is an intriguing, action packed mystery thriller which links to an historical disappearance of the Roanoke community when America was first being settled. Vividly written, there is a real feeling of presence in the various locations visited as Dale struggles to unravel clues to the locations of the missing people as well as finding out the why and the who of what was going on with some shocks along the way. Interesting little tidbits of history, too. Although not written in the first person, the reader is given clear insight into Sales thoughts, fears - and terror. The characterisation of the lead protagonist is excellent and other of the characters are also well developed.I
Dale is an easy going, sarcastic agent, "a mezs" according to certain of his more conventional bureau colleagues and narrator Adam Verner captures his personality beautifully in his excellent reading. His pleasant, melifluous voice is well cadenced, with a slowish delivery and a touch of whimsy, fitting the character of Dale, but which adjusts to the speed of the text. All the protagonists are distinctive and. individually voiced. A good performance.
This is one of those, 'can the reader unravel the clues first? ' type of thriller, with the occasional gasp out loud reaction to events unfolding. A deep word of thanks to the rights holder who, in response to my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me with a complimentary of of Stone Groov. It was exciting, enthralling and I loved it.
I sincerely hope that the next Dale Conley book, Dream On, will also appear in audio format soon. Highly recommended.
"Call me Father."
Before his life was re-invented some two years before, Dale Conley was first a reporter for his university friend's rag, the World Wide Weekly Report then left after an especially traumatizing investigation, to become briefly, a best selling author specializing in mystery stories in which the reader had to unravel cryptic puzzles before being able to continue with the book. Now he is a Special Agent working for the secret B.E.I. - Bureau of Esoteric Investigation - part of the Department of justice. So he was obviously the man to call in when, without any apparent reason, a whole village goes missing. No sign of violence or any outside influences and no sign of the 147 inhabitants. Just a blood covered stone with the single word, Roanoke, scratched into the surface. Where did everyone go?
Stone Groove is an intriguing, action packed mystery thriller which links to an historical disappearance of the Roanoke community when America was first being settled. Vividly written, there is a real feeling of presence in the various locations visited as Dale struggles to unravel clues to the locations of the missing people as well as finding out the why and the who of what was going on with some shocks along the way. Interesting little tidbits of history, too. Although not written in the first person, the reader is given clear insight into Sales thoughts, fears - and terror. The characterisation of the lead protagonist is excellent and other of the characters are also well developed.I
Dale is an easy going, sarcastic agent, "a mezs" according to certain of his more conventional bureau colleagues and narrator Adam Verner captures his personality beautifully in his excellent reading. His pleasant, melifluous voice is well cadenced, with a slowish delivery and a touch of whimsy, fitting the character of Dale, but which adjusts to the speed of the text. All the protagonists are distinctive and. individually voiced. A good performance.
This is one of those, 'can the reader unravel the clues first? ' type of thriller, with the occasional gasp out loud reaction to events unfolding. A deep word of thanks to the rights holder who, in response to my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me with a complimentary of of Stone Groov. It was exciting, enthralling and I loved it.
I sincerely hope that the next Dale Conley book, Dream On, will also appear in audio format soon. Highly recommended.
January 14, 2018
This isn't normally my first choice in types of books to read because I don't really like thrillers. However when I read the blurb and it talked about the whole village of 147 people disappearing overnight, it of course reminded me of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. When I read a sample and found out it was being compared to the Lost Colony, I decided to read it. Once I started the book I couldn't put it down and finished it in a few hours.
It was an amazing story of manipulation told in flashbacks as well as present time. The absolute shock of who was behind this whole disappearance and how everything was accomplished was unbelievable. The author did a wonderful job telling you just enough at each point in the book that you could form your own opinion about what was really happening and who was orchestrating the plan. Then out of the blue we would find out a new detail that would put us right back at the point of not knowing any of the key players.
I also liked the angle of an elite division of the DOJ (only 7 people in this group) that had their original identities expunged and the current ones totally untraceable. When the villain knows the hero's original identity, it becomes a little more obvious what is going on to him. The entire mystery of the lost villagers was meted out in riddles that the agent had to solve, often within seconds.
Exciting, well written, and unsure of the end result right down to the end of the book all worked together to make this a thriller that kept my attention to the last word. Tying history and a "modern" crime made for a great beginning of a series that you won't want to miss.
It was an amazing story of manipulation told in flashbacks as well as present time. The absolute shock of who was behind this whole disappearance and how everything was accomplished was unbelievable. The author did a wonderful job telling you just enough at each point in the book that you could form your own opinion about what was really happening and who was orchestrating the plan. Then out of the blue we would find out a new detail that would put us right back at the point of not knowing any of the key players.
I also liked the angle of an elite division of the DOJ (only 7 people in this group) that had their original identities expunged and the current ones totally untraceable. When the villain knows the hero's original identity, it becomes a little more obvious what is going on to him. The entire mystery of the lost villagers was meted out in riddles that the agent had to solve, often within seconds.
Exciting, well written, and unsure of the end result right down to the end of the book all worked together to make this a thriller that kept my attention to the last word. Tying history and a "modern" crime made for a great beginning of a series that you won't want to miss.
April 29, 2018
Full Disclosure – I was provided with a copy of this book by the author, however, have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
History Repeats
Over the course of a few days, an entire community goes missing. Over 100 men, women, and children vanish, with the only clue being a blood-spattered stone with the word “Roanoke” carved on it. BEI Special Agent Dale Conley must decipher the riddles left behind by the mysterious person known as “Father”, but the stakes are high and the price for failure is death. With each new riddle, a parallel begins to be drawn between the Marshallite community and Dale’s own past. What starts out as a routine BEI case has become personal and Conley must confront his own demons if he is going to make it out alive.
Stone Groove, is the first in the Dale Conley Action Thrillers series by Erik Carter, but it is not the first one that I have read. Having previously read Dream On, I was eager to delve into this title. I was not disappointed. While Stone Groove is the first in the series, I didn’t at all feel as if I was backtracking by reading this title out of order. As a separate stand-alone novel, Stone Groove works well to tell an intriguing story while introducing the reader to the major players of the overall series.
Set in the seventies, Carter takes us back to a time before cell phones and computers, maybe not a simpler time but a time where communication is not as immediate as it is today. As with Dream On, Carter has taken a historical event in the disappearance of the sixteenth century Roanoke Colony and has used it as the backdrop to tell the tale of his modern-day Marshallites. Using historical facts along with equally riddles designed to test Conley’s knowledge, “The Father” and “The Man in Black” keep one step ahead of almost to the very end.
For me, I really liked this story; how we get to see a bit of Dale’s past and how it comes back to haunt him, so to speak. And as with “Dream On”, “Stone Groove” also had me delving deeper into the story of Virginia Dare and the lost Roanoke colony, which is never a bad thing to learn something new as you’re indulging in a great story. Yet again, another great story that has left me looking forward to the next book.
History Repeats
Over the course of a few days, an entire community goes missing. Over 100 men, women, and children vanish, with the only clue being a blood-spattered stone with the word “Roanoke” carved on it. BEI Special Agent Dale Conley must decipher the riddles left behind by the mysterious person known as “Father”, but the stakes are high and the price for failure is death. With each new riddle, a parallel begins to be drawn between the Marshallite community and Dale’s own past. What starts out as a routine BEI case has become personal and Conley must confront his own demons if he is going to make it out alive.
Stone Groove, is the first in the Dale Conley Action Thrillers series by Erik Carter, but it is not the first one that I have read. Having previously read Dream On, I was eager to delve into this title. I was not disappointed. While Stone Groove is the first in the series, I didn’t at all feel as if I was backtracking by reading this title out of order. As a separate stand-alone novel, Stone Groove works well to tell an intriguing story while introducing the reader to the major players of the overall series.
Set in the seventies, Carter takes us back to a time before cell phones and computers, maybe not a simpler time but a time where communication is not as immediate as it is today. As with Dream On, Carter has taken a historical event in the disappearance of the sixteenth century Roanoke Colony and has used it as the backdrop to tell the tale of his modern-day Marshallites. Using historical facts along with equally riddles designed to test Conley’s knowledge, “The Father” and “The Man in Black” keep one step ahead of almost to the very end.
For me, I really liked this story; how we get to see a bit of Dale’s past and how it comes back to haunt him, so to speak. And as with “Dream On”, “Stone Groove” also had me delving deeper into the story of Virginia Dare and the lost Roanoke colony, which is never a bad thing to learn something new as you’re indulging in a great story. Yet again, another great story that has left me looking forward to the next book.
January 2, 2018
Special Agent Dale Conley is only a few years into his new role and starts the story chasing a suspect for his current case. That comes to an abrupt end and suddenly a new case is thrust upon him.
He is sent with Agent Cody Wilson to investigate the disappearance of 147 souls from the Marshallite village - a group with a leader and set in olden ways - there one day and all gone the next. The only clue left behind is linked to the loss of a whole group of colonists from England in the 1560’s, known as the Lost Colony of Roanoke.
What is the connection with this unsolved disappearance and what has happened now? Clues are being left which link the two and are sent to test Dales’ riddle solving abilities. The case brings up unwanted memories from his past and events that occurred which could have been his undoing.
I love the fact our Secret Agent is casually dressed and the complete opposite of what you think of for a ‘G-man’. He cracks jokes and make inappropriate comments at the wrong time and is a bit of a womaniser by the sounds of it. Nothing like you would expect.
Cults and strange goings on from the ‘70’s are brought to the fore and the influence one can have over others is truly shown in this book.
I have stayed up since going to bed to finish this in one session as I couldn’t put it down !!! Certainly an author I shall now be following and glad to have had the chance to read his first book in the series ..... can’t wait for some more !
He is sent with Agent Cody Wilson to investigate the disappearance of 147 souls from the Marshallite village - a group with a leader and set in olden ways - there one day and all gone the next. The only clue left behind is linked to the loss of a whole group of colonists from England in the 1560’s, known as the Lost Colony of Roanoke.
What is the connection with this unsolved disappearance and what has happened now? Clues are being left which link the two and are sent to test Dales’ riddle solving abilities. The case brings up unwanted memories from his past and events that occurred which could have been his undoing.
I love the fact our Secret Agent is casually dressed and the complete opposite of what you think of for a ‘G-man’. He cracks jokes and make inappropriate comments at the wrong time and is a bit of a womaniser by the sounds of it. Nothing like you would expect.
Cults and strange goings on from the ‘70’s are brought to the fore and the influence one can have over others is truly shown in this book.
I have stayed up since going to bed to finish this in one session as I couldn’t put it down !!! Certainly an author I shall now be following and glad to have had the chance to read his first book in the series ..... can’t wait for some more !
February 21, 2018
A real page-turner and a solid first installment in this series. Agent Dale Conley works for the BEI, a very small and very secret division of national law enforcement. He becomes involved in a Virginia case where an entire community has simply vanished overnight. Furthermore, someone (or something) is attempting to draw a parallel between this disappearance and the disappearance of the original settlers of the Jamestown colony. Can the two events really be related or is this the work of a very sick mind? It's up to Dale to find out.
The plot zips along with enough action to make you keep turning the pages. And, as someone old enough to have lived in the early 1970s, I loved the setting, complete with references to hippies, "Farrah" hair, and muscle cars. Our hero is not unlikeable (though not yet loveable), and it took me a while to figure out who the villain was (kudos to Mr. Carter). None of the secondary cast of characters grabbed me, but they have potential. And while I thought the final scene between hero and villain was a bit over the top, it did not lessen my overall enjoyment of the book. I look forward to reading about Agent Conley's next case, and I recommend you give this one a try.
The plot zips along with enough action to make you keep turning the pages. And, as someone old enough to have lived in the early 1970s, I loved the setting, complete with references to hippies, "Farrah" hair, and muscle cars. Our hero is not unlikeable (though not yet loveable), and it took me a while to figure out who the villain was (kudos to Mr. Carter). None of the secondary cast of characters grabbed me, but they have potential. And while I thought the final scene between hero and villain was a bit over the top, it did not lessen my overall enjoyment of the book. I look forward to reading about Agent Conley's next case, and I recommend you give this one a try.
February 19, 2018
I try to never include actual spoilers in my reviews. This is the kind of book I love to read. I did like parts of it. I thought it definitely needed work in character development. The protagonist, Dale, is sort of arrogant and flippant. I'm okay with that to a degree, but it didn't seem real to me. If it was supposed to be a cover for deep wounds from his past, I needed to read more evidence of the deep wounds. There was one thing in the book that knocked me down from a four to a three-star review, it was when the author brings a female character to Dale's hotel room. It was contrived and unbelievable. The ending did help take the edge of many of these things but didn't go far enough for me to think this is a great book. It is a good book, however. I definitely want to read more by this writer because this book reminds me of a first book published, where every clever thing the author wants to say is included. Remember what Stephen King says, "... you have to be able to kill your darlings." He's not talking characters in a book, he's talking clever prose that diminished the overall story. This book with an edit would be at least four stars or maybe five.
July 9, 2018
Disclaimer.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
This was an absolute entertainer, every minute of its runtime. It has a quite complicated plot that you need to pay close attention to. But that's part of the fun. This is a tightly action packed thrill ride that doesn't lose steam. Story moves at break-neck speed and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It was addictive and didn't wanna take a break from listening. (But I had to.) The tension kept building till the end. An awesome read.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Adam Verner did a fantastic job with the narration. It was like listening to a movie and I felt like I was in the middle of all the action.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
This was an absolute entertainer, every minute of its runtime. It has a quite complicated plot that you need to pay close attention to. But that's part of the fun. This is a tightly action packed thrill ride that doesn't lose steam. Story moves at break-neck speed and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It was addictive and didn't wanna take a break from listening. (But I had to.) The tension kept building till the end. An awesome read.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Adam Verner did a fantastic job with the narration. It was like listening to a movie and I felt like I was in the middle of all the action.
February 22, 2018
A very good mystery that kept me guessing until the bad guy was finally unmasked. Mixing in real history and various theories of what happened to the colony at Roanoke added a surprising amount of interest. I enjoyed the fact that the story was set in the pre-cellphone era of the 1970’s when investigators really had to investigate. I am somewhat familiar with all of the locations mentioned in the book and felt that the descriptions of them were really able to convey a true feel for the area. And anyone that has ever been to Staunton, VA will get a little chuckle out of the fact that the pronunciation of Staunton is explained.
June 26, 2018
Excitement Abounds
Deadly cults, twisted clues, clandestine government agents, and action galore...that is how I would sum up this book. I did figure out the bad guy a little more than halfway through the book, but the author does such a good job with the suspense and action sequences that it didn't matter.
Agent Dale Conley had another life before joining the Bureau of Esoteric Investigation at the Department of Justice. His latest case has him drawing on all of his puzzle-solving abilities as well as the most tragic part of his past to catch a killer and find the missing members of a cult. Oh, and he really (REALLY) loves his car.
Deadly cults, twisted clues, clandestine government agents, and action galore...that is how I would sum up this book. I did figure out the bad guy a little more than halfway through the book, but the author does such a good job with the suspense and action sequences that it didn't matter.
Agent Dale Conley had another life before joining the Bureau of Esoteric Investigation at the Department of Justice. His latest case has him drawing on all of his puzzle-solving abilities as well as the most tragic part of his past to catch a killer and find the missing members of a cult. Oh, and he really (REALLY) loves his car.
February 27, 2018
So I received a free copy of this book from Amazon. The historical fiction portion always piques my interest so I wanted to give this book a try.
I was happy with the content and writing with the book until the point of the final conflict. I just felt the realism was stretched up to that point and then it got very unrealistic for me which tarnished my overall view of the novel.
So I give this book 3 stars and I think the story was entertaining.
I will probably go ahead and read the second book just to see if my opinion changes.
I was happy with the content and writing with the book until the point of the final conflict. I just felt the realism was stretched up to that point and then it got very unrealistic for me which tarnished my overall view of the novel.
So I give this book 3 stars and I think the story was entertaining.
I will probably go ahead and read the second book just to see if my opinion changes.
March 3, 2018
Dale Conley is a member of a very secret federal agency, otherwise known as the BEI. The first half of the book was very good, but the riddles were starting to get a little old after a while. The whole plot was a little too much, but I continued reading until the end. Think too many riddles, a great sports car, agents, hypnotized members of a cult that will do anything for their leader, including disappear, stones with messages, a cute doctor, a cute server at a restaurant, gunfights, boat races, car races, races against time, and many other twists and turns. Enjoy.
June 10, 2018
Stone Grove. Erik Carter
BEI Special Agent Dale Conley handles unique cases that a BEI agent would be knowledgeable in. Agent Conley will decide. If he wants to investigate, or turn it over to a traditional FBI agent. Theirs nothing remotely traditional about him or his demeanor. He dances to his own beat. Over a hundred people have suddenly disappeared. Cult members. No signs of violence, motive. An incident in his civilian past has come back to haunt him. Extremely fast paced mystery thriller. Enjoyed immensely!
BEI Special Agent Dale Conley handles unique cases that a BEI agent would be knowledgeable in. Agent Conley will decide. If he wants to investigate, or turn it over to a traditional FBI agent. Theirs nothing remotely traditional about him or his demeanor. He dances to his own beat. Over a hundred people have suddenly disappeared. Cult members. No signs of violence, motive. An incident in his civilian past has come back to haunt him. Extremely fast paced mystery thriller. Enjoyed immensely!
May 10, 2017
More than expected
I have been re diving free and low cost books for quite a while. Unfortunately many are mediocre and often not read to the end. That is not true of this story. Superior characters and twisted plot. I appreciated the references to historical disappearance of the Roanoke colony. Even the additional referencing to racing cars and sports cars was fun . I am definitely going to watch for this author again.
I have been re diving free and low cost books for quite a while. Unfortunately many are mediocre and often not read to the end. That is not true of this story. Superior characters and twisted plot. I appreciated the references to historical disappearance of the Roanoke colony. Even the additional referencing to racing cars and sports cars was fun . I am definitely going to watch for this author again.
August 14, 2017
Before the first page was ended, I knew this was a one sitting read. I was caught and literally thrown from one new scene to another. I was so upset with Brad/Dale's stupid one liners but knew that's how he survived and moved ahead. The constant twists and turns of the clues left and his responses or solutions were a wild ride. The historical aspect was great. I will definitely be looking for the next one, Eric.
September 18, 2017
What makes a good book? a riveting story, believable; colorful characters; descriptive prose w/ a message - here's an example: "But in Dale’s experience, there was almost never an unsolvable problem. You just had to give it enough time. And it never hurts to have a pocketknife." A good book tells a story, has a moral; you cant put it down-> instead you have to keep reading even ignoring nature's call for bathroom, food , and sleep.
October 26, 2017
Stone Groove is a fun, fast paced read. I wouldn't really call it a "historical" novel though...more like historical adjacent. Either way, don't let it throw you or stop you from reading it. There is plenty of action and edge of your seat moments. The main character is very likable. His warped sense of humor and devil may care attitude hides a big old softy with a heart of gold. Good start to a new series.
For those who want to know: This one has some language and violence.
For those who want to know: This one has some language and violence.
November 5, 2017
A great fast paced read with all the ingredients of a typical thriller in the right quantities.
Dale Conley was a great character with a right amount of wit, charm, and vulnerability without being too in-your-face.
The ending did turn out to be a bit predictable because it became quite obvious midway through the novel that who was the main culprit, particularly because of the way it was presented but it doesn't take away from the overall interesting premise.
Dale Conley was a great character with a right amount of wit, charm, and vulnerability without being too in-your-face.
The ending did turn out to be a bit predictable because it became quite obvious midway through the novel that who was the main culprit, particularly because of the way it was presented but it doesn't take away from the overall interesting premise.
May 5, 2018
Pick the book and you can't keep it till finished
At first, it take a bit of time. But slowly the character of Dale Conley grows into you. And with that the creepy strong faceless villain starts making its image at the back of your mind only to be changed everytime, till the author reveals him. It would make you think about the power of hypnotist and mind control.
Absolutely amazing!
At first, it take a bit of time. But slowly the character of Dale Conley grows into you. And with that the creepy strong faceless villain starts making its image at the back of your mind only to be changed everytime, till the author reveals him. It would make you think about the power of hypnotist and mind control.
Absolutely amazing!
July 15, 2018
Wow, this was interesting. Very intense & creative plot & characters, very well done. Loved the narration also, really did a great job and brought the words to life. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, really great! I'd definitely recommend this one! And, would definitely be up for reading more in the series, fantastic job!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 5, 2019
This is an entertaining and intriguing read that ties in the famous disappearance of colonists from Roanoke as well as cults, cladestine investigation bureaus and some dark humour. The story seems to begin simply enough before taking turn after turn down a rabbit hole of riddles, coincidences and flashbacks all pulled together by Dale Conley, investigator with the BEI before a gripping finale that includes guns, bombs and boats. This is certainly a series I'll be carrying on with.
September 1, 2020
When a colony of cult followers disappears, it falls on agent Dale Conley to find out what happened to them. He had personal history in cults and was the logical choice to look into it. This is a pretty lame concept and it was executed okay, but not really believable at all. The writing was clumsy at times and the writer spent more time describing a car than he did the characters. I was not impressed.
February 14, 2018
Slow Start, Fast Ending
I started this book and immediately began to wonder if I should just move on to another book. I'm glad I didn't. The character, Dale Conley, Turkey is a character, but one that draws the reader into the plot. There were some surprising twists and turns with a surprise turn about at the end. Well worth the time to read.
I started this book and immediately began to wonder if I should just move on to another book. I'm glad I didn't. The character, Dale Conley, Turkey is a character, but one that draws the reader into the plot. There were some surprising twists and turns with a surprise turn about at the end. Well worth the time to read.
March 3, 2018
This is the first time I read this author. I truly enjoyed this story. I usually don’t enjoy books set in the past but this one was good and it kept your interest The main character is wisecracking and funny. Bringing in old legends gives the story an interesting touch. Give this book a try, you’ll like it.
April 24, 2018
Deal On The Job
Another great thriller. This is a very easy to read with a great storyline and exceptional characters. A great "who done it". This author took the time to draw a great picture the life of Dec. Conley. Great Read for mystery and our those whoop enjoy reading thrillers.
Another great thriller. This is a very easy to read with a great storyline and exceptional characters. A great "who done it". This author took the time to draw a great picture the life of Dec. Conley. Great Read for mystery and our those whoop enjoy reading thrillers.
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