What do you think?
John Lee Quarrels #2
The Gecko In The Corner
When the father he never knew shows up at his house in the middle of the night, beaten and his body mutilated, with only a vague explanation of what happened to him, Somerton County Deputy John Lee Quarrels suspects there's more to the story than he is being told. And when his father just as mysteriously disappears two days later, John Lee knows that there is trouble in store for him. It doesn't take long for it to show up. Soon he receives a late night visit by thugs from out of town, his home is burglarized, and he is being threatened by a mysterious caller who claims John Lee has something that belongs to him and he will do whatever it takes to get it back.
And those aren't his only problems! He is still dealing with his complicated personal life, what with his estranged wife dropping in for unannounced sleepovers and her oversexed sister coming by to tempt him, his pot smoking ponytailed grandfather, his Elvis obsessed grandmother, and being the target of Chief Deputy Flag Newton's animosity.
The mystery begins to unravel when the FBI comes calling, revealing just how deeply involved he has unwittingly become in his father's troubles. But there's a lot more in store for John Lee before this tale of intrigue reaches its dramatic conclusion.
And those aren't his only problems! He is still dealing with his complicated personal life, what with his estranged wife dropping in for unannounced sleepovers and her oversexed sister coming by to tempt him, his pot smoking ponytailed grandfather, his Elvis obsessed grandmother, and being the target of Chief Deputy Flag Newton's animosity.
The mystery begins to unravel when the FBI comes calling, revealing just how deeply involved he has unwittingly become in his father's troubles. But there's a lot more in store for John Lee before this tale of intrigue reaches its dramatic conclusion.
- GenresMystery
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2017
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 20, 2024
I really enjoy John Lee and his friends. His Paw Paw is pretty amazing too. Flag is a great nemesis to John Lee even though he is supposed to be on the side of the good. He hates John Lee the way some people hate Trump. And the drug lords at all levels were very evil. There were a lot of clashes between the good and the bad that kept this story moving right along. I will definitely continue this series.
July 29, 2023
I read the first novel in this collection and thought it was okay. I gave the next book a chance before forming my final opinion of the series. Unfortunately, I found this novel even more unpleasant than the first one. In fact, I am somewhat surprised that I even finished it. John Lee is not a likeable character to me. The way women seem to throw themselves at him is a man's fantasy, making John nothing more than a philanderer in my eyes. Additionally, his constaint feuding with Fig, a bombastic bully and an even more unlikeable character, got old pretty fast in the first novel and continues in this book. John's father, who was the main subject of the novel, was dull. Like John, I felt no connection with him at all, so I really didn't care what happened to him. The final shootout was just plain silly and unrealistic, in my opinion. I enjoy reading the parts that include Maddy, Mama Nell, Paw Paw and the medical examiner, but they are pretty much periphery characters. This is definitely the last book that I will read in this series.
October 19, 2018
Yes there really is a Gecko and it really is in the corner. Most of the fun stuff has to do with John Lee's persona life and to fully appreciate that, you might want to read Stillborn Armadillos first. Very briefly, Quarrels is a sheriff's deputy in a small Northern Florida town. His Father-in-law (DW) is the sheriff and his brother-in-law is (Flag) Chief deputy. John Lee was mostly raised by his grandparents because his father (Herb) took off shortly after he was born. Now he is back, obviously tortured and missing a finger. No sooner does he show up than he is gone again. John Lee is a a beat cop, so there are several minor incidences for him to attend to. The main story is with Herb, who is an accountant for a car company that launders Orlando drug money. When several million dollars goes missing, along with Herb, the cartel wants their money back. Another very good read by Nick Russell.
August 20, 2017
I’m a huge Nick Russell fan and I’m really enjoying this new series. In book 2, John Lee is faced with an estranged father, murderous thugs who are after his father, burglary, the FBI and if all that isn’t enough, an ongoing quarrel with a superior officer.
There’s a lot going on in this book, but as usual Russell’s writing is impeccable and its easy to follow this fast paced story.
Typically I receive books for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review, however this is a verified purchase.
See all our reviews at our Book Explosions page on Goodreads.
There’s a lot going on in this book, but as usual Russell’s writing is impeccable and its easy to follow this fast paced story.
Typically I receive books for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review, however this is a verified purchase.
See all our reviews at our Book Explosions page on Goodreads.
August 3, 2019
A NR Murder Mystery (TGITC) (JLQSB - 2)
NR had penned the secind novel in the JLQ series which has his father he didn't know showing up with people on his trail. Then his father disappears as fast as he arrives. JLQ just shook his head and proceeded with his current project. Then his house is broken into, thugs show up telling him he owes them something he knows nothing about. Then his ex wife, his half sister and the Sheriff are in his case until the FBI shows up that he realizes the poop had hit the fan.....This is an excellent read for the genre .....DEHS
NR had penned the secind novel in the JLQ series which has his father he didn't know showing up with people on his trail. Then his father disappears as fast as he arrives. JLQ just shook his head and proceeded with his current project. Then his house is broken into, thugs show up telling him he owes them something he knows nothing about. Then his ex wife, his half sister and the Sheriff are in his case until the FBI shows up that he realizes the poop had hit the fan.....This is an excellent read for the genre .....DEHS
March 6, 2019
John Lee second book
Character development is great . They are as memorable as Mr camps characters in his Prey novels. John Lee is folksy, smart dedicated just as Flowers is in the spin off books by Mr Camp. A memorable character that finds a warm place in your heart and mind. I bought my book from Amazon and I encourage others to do the same. Very good book.
Ward Amazon Reader.
Character development is great . They are as memorable as Mr camps characters in his Prey novels. John Lee is folksy, smart dedicated just as Flowers is in the spin off books by Mr Camp. A memorable character that finds a warm place in your heart and mind. I bought my book from Amazon and I encourage others to do the same. Very good book.
Ward Amazon Reader.
August 21, 2021
Thanks Saint Nick!
I’ve read all 20 of the Big Lake book series (highly recommend), and was a little board as I couldn’t find any new books I was interested in. So I decided to give John Lee Quarrels a try and read the first two books in three days with no TV. Same crime drama and humor as Big Lake but with new and interesting characters. My life is on hold at 5:30 a.m. as I start Book 3, who needs to sleep?
I’ve read all 20 of the Big Lake book series (highly recommend), and was a little board as I couldn’t find any new books I was interested in. So I decided to give John Lee Quarrels a try and read the first two books in three days with no TV. Same crime drama and humor as Big Lake but with new and interesting characters. My life is on hold at 5:30 a.m. as I start Book 3, who needs to sleep?
July 29, 2026
Great Action.....not a lot of Mystery...... but still Just Great Action !!!
Part of me didn't want it to end the way it did.....but I understand !!
With the "introduction" of several 'before unmentioned' characters, I was challenged to 'keep up' and needed to 'go back & re-read' a couple of times !! With that being said, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to 'all' !!
Thanks Again, Nick Russell for your writing style !!
Part of me didn't want it to end the way it did.....but I understand !!
With the "introduction" of several 'before unmentioned' characters, I was challenged to 'keep up' and needed to 'go back & re-read' a couple of times !! With that being said, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to 'all' !!
Thanks Again, Nick Russell for your writing style !!
May 19, 2017
Love all Nick Russel's books
I started out reading The Big Lake series but while waiting for a new one to come out, I found the John Lee Quarrels books. Since I live in Florida I enjoyed reading these. I love detective stories and Nick is a master at spinning so you never guess what's going to happen next. I would highly recommend all Nick Russell books. Enjoy!
I started out reading The Big Lake series but while waiting for a new one to come out, I found the John Lee Quarrels books. Since I live in Florida I enjoyed reading these. I love detective stories and Nick is a master at spinning so you never guess what's going to happen next. I would highly recommend all Nick Russell books. Enjoy!
June 27, 2018
In a corner
I think this book had as much intrigue, excitement and humor as the first one did. It was number two in the series, but I don't think skipping one would have been an option. Mr. Russell picked a good character and town to deal with. They are all thrilling! Can't wait to read the next one.
I think this book had as much intrigue, excitement and humor as the first one did. It was number two in the series, but I don't think skipping one would have been an option. Mr. Russell picked a good character and town to deal with. They are all thrilling! Can't wait to read the next one.
August 6, 2018
Wow. Awesome story...
This one had lots of suspense. Great suspenseful story, with great character development. There are some very sick twisted men, John Lee had to deal with. It was a little disturbing, but added to the stories suspense and drama ! I REALLY enjoyed book 2. Looking forward to book 3.
This one had lots of suspense. Great suspenseful story, with great character development. There are some very sick twisted men, John Lee had to deal with. It was a little disturbing, but added to the stories suspense and drama ! I REALLY enjoyed book 2. Looking forward to book 3.
November 12, 2021
Time to Get a New Gecko
A little slow to start , hang on , it gets complicated. When you are indebted to the mob it gets complicated.It all wraps up with some beautiful twist. Nick Russell does he usual time job of writing a unique plot with atypical endings and a dash of love.
A little slow to start , hang on , it gets complicated. When you are indebted to the mob it gets complicated.It all wraps up with some beautiful twist. Nick Russell does he usual time job of writing a unique plot with atypical endings and a dash of love.
March 17, 2022
NUMBER ONE POLICE STOREY
I personally love detective and police stories whether true or fiction and Nick Russell is one of the best I’ve ever read! He combines work, family, and love all together. I recommend this book to all my friends who love to read like l do. Especially my son Duane Alan Clark. I shave to give a 5 because I can’t stop reading till I’m done.
I personally love detective and police stories whether true or fiction and Nick Russell is one of the best I’ve ever read! He combines work, family, and love all together. I recommend this book to all my friends who love to read like l do. Especially my son Duane Alan Clark. I shave to give a 5 because I can’t stop reading till I’m done.
August 27, 2025
The gecko in the corner
Better by quite a bit than the first book in the series, perhaps because all of the characters had been introduced and it was no longer necessary to use sex alone to encourage reading. The thugs were just a little too stereotyped for my tastes, but that doesn't dilute the story.
Better by quite a bit than the first book in the series, perhaps because all of the characters had been introduced and it was no longer necessary to use sex alone to encourage reading. The thugs were just a little too stereotyped for my tastes, but that doesn't dilute the story.
May 6, 2017
Absolutely funny and deadly serious
Author Nick Rurhas a way with words he can make a serious sentence then funny in a word. He also can make a light drug money story turn deadly serious in one page.
Author Nick Rurhas a way with words he can make a serious sentence then funny in a word. He also can make a light drug money story turn deadly serious in one page.
May 24, 2017
One of Nick Russell's Best
The Gecko in The Corner matches Nick Russell's best book, Dog's Run. It's fast paced with great characters and plot. Thoroughly enjoyable. I have read all of Mr. Russell's fiction and this one ranks in the top two.
The Gecko in The Corner matches Nick Russell's best book, Dog's Run. It's fast paced with great characters and plot. Thoroughly enjoyable. I have read all of Mr. Russell's fiction and this one ranks in the top two.
June 11, 2017
Fun Read
While this may not be a prize winning literary fiction novel, it's a fun read with interesting characters. This is the second book in this series I've read and I do intend to read the next.
While this may not be a prize winning literary fiction novel, it's a fun read with interesting characters. This is the second book in this series I've read and I do intend to read the next.
September 10, 2017
ANOTHER GREAT READ
Well you've done it again, another great read! I'm just waiting for the next one to see what kind of trouble John Lee gets into this time. Thanks for all the entertainment.
Well you've done it again, another great read! I'm just waiting for the next one to see what kind of trouble John Lee gets into this time. Thanks for all the entertainment.
November 20, 2017
Liked this one
Just a little bit less using the same words to reintroduce the characters and I would have hit five. I love a good series but I hate to see a whole paragraph almost identical to the description in the last one. Still loving the characters.
Just a little bit less using the same words to reintroduce the characters and I would have hit five. I love a good series but I hate to see a whole paragraph almost identical to the description in the last one. Still loving the characters.
February 7, 2019
Read and enjoy.....
Of you are looking for a just plain fun crime story, read anything by Nick Russell. The town's they are set in whether Big Lake or Sommerton have fun and quirky residents, and great heroes and smart pretty heroines.
Of you are looking for a just plain fun crime story, read anything by Nick Russell. The town's they are set in whether Big Lake or Sommerton have fun and quirky residents, and great heroes and smart pretty heroines.
June 20, 2019
Pretty darn good 👍
Writing and storyline was fast as curious with colorful characters but John Lee was a stand out star. Entertaining, believable but not even slightly corny. It gave me lots of smiles and mystery all mixed perfectly. Great READ👍📖💃
Writing and storyline was fast as curious with colorful characters but John Lee was a stand out star. Entertaining, believable but not even slightly corny. It gave me lots of smiles and mystery all mixed perfectly. Great READ👍📖💃
April 6, 2020
I think I liked this second in the series more then the first. The characters are interesting and funny. We get to meet John Lee Quarrels dad who he didn't even know. This story is so intense that even the FBI get involved. I can't wait to get my hands on book 3.
February 14, 2024
The Gecko in the Corner by Nick Russell
Interesting storyline with lots of action involving FBI involvement as well. John Lee with lots of help from Maddy and his grandfather Paw Paw manages to solve the problem.
Interesting storyline with lots of action involving FBI involvement as well. John Lee with lots of help from Maddy and his grandfather Paw Paw manages to solve the problem.
March 13, 2024
Picking up speed
The first book in the series took several chapters to get into. This one flowed better. John Lee Quarrels leads an interesting life. Looking forward to the next book.
The first book in the series took several chapters to get into. This one flowed better. John Lee Quarrels leads an interesting life. Looking forward to the next book.
May 10, 2024
delightful read
John Lee is the perfect deputy and the relationships between him and the many other characters in the book make for an engrossing tale that is impossible to put down. Kudos to Nick Russell who has done a wonderful series.
John Lee is the perfect deputy and the relationships between him and the many other characters in the book make for an engrossing tale that is impossible to put down. Kudos to Nick Russell who has done a wonderful series.
May 27, 2024
drugs, laundered money and a long lost dad…
Lots of action in this story. John Lee’s estranged father shows up, running from a drug dealer. Can John Lee survive the wrath of a drug dealer searching for his money? Another fantastic story in this series.
Lots of action in this story. John Lee’s estranged father shows up, running from a drug dealer. Can John Lee survive the wrath of a drug dealer searching for his money? Another fantastic story in this series.
February 19, 2025
trouble finds John Lee
Long lost dad or girlfriends. It doesn’t matter. It will find a way to make John Lee’s life a little harder.
You will enjoy page after page of excitement! I know I sure did!!
Long lost dad or girlfriends. It doesn’t matter. It will find a way to make John Lee’s life a little harder.
You will enjoy page after page of excitement! I know I sure did!!
May 30, 2017
Great story
Getting better with each book, and was good to start with. Looking forward to the next installment of John Lee's adventures.
Getting better with each book, and was good to start with. Looking forward to the next installment of John Lee's adventures.
February 17, 2018
An abundance of lizards
Once again, Nick Russel has produced a very satisfying tale of good guys and bad guys and their comeuppance on the Florida panhandle.
Once again, Nick Russel has produced a very satisfying tale of good guys and bad guys and their comeuppance on the Florida panhandle.
December 16, 2018
还是，没有啥探案，就是乡下烂事儿。男主角是万花丛中一点绿一堆女人睡他包括他跑去跟别的女人同居的老婆，然后这个人还不算讨厌，挺神叨的。男主亲爹是真烦，害人害己
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews