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Jill Andersen #3
Behind the Badge
This is an alternate cover edition for B01F9KYY0M
For Jill Andersen, being part of the Baltimore Police Department has always been both a tremendous honor and a serious responsibility. Her father, before his fall from grace, had instilled in her a great respect for police and the work they do day-to-day. But when a teenage boy winds up dead on the outskirts of downtown Baltimore, Jill finds herself once again faced with those who would abuse their badges to fulfill personal agendas and uphold biases.
Jill still has a job to do, but she soon finds that not everyone is in her corner. For the first time in almost four years working Homicide, Jill finds herself at odds with people who claim to be on her side. From other cops to suits downtown all the way to the Mayor’s office, it becomes increasingly clear that Jill will need to rely on more than just her badge if she’s to solve this case.
But even if she finds justice, what’s the price?
Behind the Badge, the gripping, hard-hitting third novel in the Jill Andersen series (Bounty, Blood Ties), gives readers another taste of author J.D. Cunegan’s comic book-inspired brand of fast-paced prose, with chapters that fly by and plot twists that will leave readers constantly guessing and waiting for more.
For Jill Andersen, being part of the Baltimore Police Department has always been both a tremendous honor and a serious responsibility. Her father, before his fall from grace, had instilled in her a great respect for police and the work they do day-to-day. But when a teenage boy winds up dead on the outskirts of downtown Baltimore, Jill finds herself once again faced with those who would abuse their badges to fulfill personal agendas and uphold biases.
Jill still has a job to do, but she soon finds that not everyone is in her corner. For the first time in almost four years working Homicide, Jill finds herself at odds with people who claim to be on her side. From other cops to suits downtown all the way to the Mayor’s office, it becomes increasingly clear that Jill will need to rely on more than just her badge if she’s to solve this case.
But even if she finds justice, what’s the price?
Behind the Badge, the gripping, hard-hitting third novel in the Jill Andersen series (Bounty, Blood Ties), gives readers another taste of author J.D. Cunegan’s comic book-inspired brand of fast-paced prose, with chapters that fly by and plot twists that will leave readers constantly guessing and waiting for more.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Cunegan
16 books143 followersFiction is the weapon I wield against an unjust world I am powerless to change.
J.D. Cunegan has a unique writing style that introduces the reader to his comic book-inspired storytelling and fast-paced prose. A lifelong storyteller with a passion for writing, Cunegan has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, and marketing. Cunegan currently lives in Hampton, Virginia, with his cat, and next to stories, his big passion in life in auto racing. When not hunched in front of a keyboard or with his nose stuck in a book, Cunegan can be found at a racetrack or watching a race on TV.
DISCLAIMER
None of my work contains material or content originating from Generative AI. My novels, short stories, non-fiction books, and the covers representing them were created solely by human writers and artists, and I do not condone or consent to the use of my material, or the material of the cover artists with whom I’ve worked, in training any Generative AI program.
Email: jdcunegan@gmail.com
J.D. Cunegan has a unique writing style that introduces the reader to his comic book-inspired storytelling and fast-paced prose. A lifelong storyteller with a passion for writing, Cunegan has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, and marketing. Cunegan currently lives in Hampton, Virginia, with his cat, and next to stories, his big passion in life in auto racing. When not hunched in front of a keyboard or with his nose stuck in a book, Cunegan can be found at a racetrack or watching a race on TV.
DISCLAIMER
None of my work contains material or content originating from Generative AI. My novels, short stories, non-fiction books, and the covers representing them were created solely by human writers and artists, and I do not condone or consent to the use of my material, or the material of the cover artists with whom I’ve worked, in training any Generative AI program.
Email: jdcunegan@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 17, 2018
Brilliant, passionate, and irresistible! All the charm and thrills of the show that inspired it—but somehow SO MUCH MORE because Cunegan goes for the REAL issues, not just the POPULAR ones. His characters respond and interact logically and realistically, there is no “shoehorned agenda” thrust over them... and DAAAMN THAT CLIFFHANGER THO!! Love this series, love this character—Go TEAM BOUNTY!!!
August 7, 2016
Gosh, I'm a huge fan of Jill Andersen mysteries. It fills the hole in my heart that the cancellation of Castle left there. A brilliant, fast paced crime novel with an amazing, asexual lead? What more could I want? The bounty series continues to be one of the most diverse and dynamic detective series I have ever read.
I was wondering where the author would take us, after the storyline with Paul, Jill's father, wrapped up in Blood Ties. This time he tackles an issue that is very much ingrained in our day to day: police discrimination, black lives matter, and corruption. He does so in a way that is incredibly powerful, reminding us that there are so many different people playing in that equation, and that good cops will try to do their job no matter what.
Jill faces up against a powerful opponent: her own superiors. Her own colleagues. When she tries to do her job by the books, hurdles keep getting thrown in her way. Luckily for her, she doesn't always need to play by those books: her alter ego, Bounty, is used to taking justice into her own hands. And with her secret out to her closest friends, she's got support from every direction. So why is it still so hard to bring criminals to justice?
I loved how the author tackled current issues: this series still happens to be one of the most diverse ones I've ever read, with different PoCs, genders, and sexualities all coming into play - just like in real life. It's one of the reasons I love the Bounty series so much: it's one of the most down to earth crime series I've ever read, even if the main character is basically a superhero. All the sub plots are great, making me feel like I'm watching a TV show, giving me glimpses into the lives of the minor characters, who each lead very complex lives as well.
However, I feel like it might not have been as good as the other books in the series. The plot was a little more drawn out and there was a little less growth from the characters. Jill's own development was very impressive, but I didn't feel as attached as I did in the previous novels. Still, it was a great read which made my commute to and from work something I would look forward to.
All in all, a great new installment of the Bounty series. And I can't wait for more!
I was wondering where the author would take us, after the storyline with Paul, Jill's father, wrapped up in Blood Ties. This time he tackles an issue that is very much ingrained in our day to day: police discrimination, black lives matter, and corruption. He does so in a way that is incredibly powerful, reminding us that there are so many different people playing in that equation, and that good cops will try to do their job no matter what.
Jill faces up against a powerful opponent: her own superiors. Her own colleagues. When she tries to do her job by the books, hurdles keep getting thrown in her way. Luckily for her, she doesn't always need to play by those books: her alter ego, Bounty, is used to taking justice into her own hands. And with her secret out to her closest friends, she's got support from every direction. So why is it still so hard to bring criminals to justice?
I loved how the author tackled current issues: this series still happens to be one of the most diverse ones I've ever read, with different PoCs, genders, and sexualities all coming into play - just like in real life. It's one of the reasons I love the Bounty series so much: it's one of the most down to earth crime series I've ever read, even if the main character is basically a superhero. All the sub plots are great, making me feel like I'm watching a TV show, giving me glimpses into the lives of the minor characters, who each lead very complex lives as well.
However, I feel like it might not have been as good as the other books in the series. The plot was a little more drawn out and there was a little less growth from the characters. Jill's own development was very impressive, but I didn't feel as attached as I did in the previous novels. Still, it was a great read which made my commute to and from work something I would look forward to.
All in all, a great new installment of the Bounty series. And I can't wait for more!
June 12, 2016
I have mixed feelings about this book. It isn’t my usual fantasy focus, but I appreciate both the mystery/crime and the vigilante/superhero genres. There were a lot of scenes that really pulled me into the tale, the crime solving and deliberation over the evidence specifically. The premise is really interesting and I think it would serve well as a graphic novel, probably better than the novel format it was actually. It was well paced and built some interesting character development at the beginning. But that’s where it fell a little flat for me.
The characters didn’t seem to grow or progress as individuals. They were always true to their stock creation which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I felt like this novel had a lot of predictable elements, maybe that’s just my own writer’s mind though. I also felt sometimes it was trying to do too much. I am still sitting with the ending and am unsure how it actually makes me feel. It works for some superhero stories, not sure how it works for this one. It will be interesting to see what the author does in the next installment.
The characters didn’t seem to grow or progress as individuals. They were always true to their stock creation which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I felt like this novel had a lot of predictable elements, maybe that’s just my own writer’s mind though. I also felt sometimes it was trying to do too much. I am still sitting with the ending and am unsure how it actually makes me feel. It works for some superhero stories, not sure how it works for this one. It will be interesting to see what the author does in the next installment.
June 14, 2016
this book was so good okay
with unexpected turns that left me speechless
I think the subject that book was about was handled really well and the struggle Jill finds herself in seemed realistic to me and yeah
also Ramon is probably my favourite character. he is so wonderful and amazing and sweet and he cares so much
and I think I mentioned this before but the fact that I don't have to suffer through unneccessary romantic side-plots makes this book even more great
with unexpected turns that left me speechless
I think the subject that book was about was handled really well and the struggle Jill finds herself in seemed realistic to me and yeah
also Ramon is probably my favourite character. he is so wonderful and amazing and sweet and he cares so much
and I think I mentioned this before but the fact that I don't have to suffer through unneccessary romantic side-plots makes this book even more great
August 29, 2021
As always I enjoyed this series. Bounty (and her Baltimore PD “day job”) is a compelling character. My disappointment with this book is its ending. While in some ways it resolves a story, it felt more to me like a cliffhanger, leaving what I’m most interested in learning unresolved. But I’ll definitely be reading the next book to learn what comes next!
May 31, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this continuation of Jill’s story. Mr. Cunegan has found his voice in this novel, and it shows much more clearly. There are a few errors, but still a very enjoyable read.
June 4, 2016
As someone who thoroughly enjoyed Bounty and Blood Ties, I eagerly awaited the next installment in the Jill Andersen series, and I was not disappointed.
Behind the Badge was as riveting a read as the first two books in the series, but with a timely edge to it, exploring the topic of police brutality and racism that's so depressingly relevant right now. Jill's frustration is palpable as she's trying to find out who killed Devin Buckner, a black teenager, only to discover that she's not fighting a garden variety murderer on the streets, but those who carry the same badge that she does, and made the same vow that she did, to protect and serve the citizens of her city. Time and again she comes up against the "blue wall", and your anger and frustration builds as Jill's does.
The introduction of Mitch, a transgender youth, was nice to see, as was the further development of Ramon and Jorge's relationship, and how Mitch was able to fit into that, and afford us another view of the couple, and I look forward to seeing even more from them in the next book.
The strong bonds of friendship that were so prominent in the first two books are here as well, if not even stronger, and it's a nice reprieve, both for Jill, and for the reader.
The descriptions of the "rough rides" in the book are chilling and heartbreaking, especially the one that opens the book, and if you're sensitive to that kind of thing, I might recommend skipping over them.
Overall, Behind the Badge is another excellent book from J.D. Cunegan, and a wonderful addition to the Jill Andersen series, full of emotion and several twists and turns that will make it difficult to put down, and I eagerly await the next book in the series.
Behind the Badge was as riveting a read as the first two books in the series, but with a timely edge to it, exploring the topic of police brutality and racism that's so depressingly relevant right now. Jill's frustration is palpable as she's trying to find out who killed Devin Buckner, a black teenager, only to discover that she's not fighting a garden variety murderer on the streets, but those who carry the same badge that she does, and made the same vow that she did, to protect and serve the citizens of her city. Time and again she comes up against the "blue wall", and your anger and frustration builds as Jill's does.
The introduction of Mitch, a transgender youth, was nice to see, as was the further development of Ramon and Jorge's relationship, and how Mitch was able to fit into that, and afford us another view of the couple, and I look forward to seeing even more from them in the next book.
The strong bonds of friendship that were so prominent in the first two books are here as well, if not even stronger, and it's a nice reprieve, both for Jill, and for the reader.
The descriptions of the "rough rides" in the book are chilling and heartbreaking, especially the one that opens the book, and if you're sensitive to that kind of thing, I might recommend skipping over them.
Overall, Behind the Badge is another excellent book from J.D. Cunegan, and a wonderful addition to the Jill Andersen series, full of emotion and several twists and turns that will make it difficult to put down, and I eagerly await the next book in the series.
July 6, 2016
Behind the Badge by J.D. Cunegan is not your typical crime fighting novel. Jill Anderson, a detective with the Baltimore police department, has a secret identity. She has a superhero alter ego, Bounty. I will freely admit the storyline is far different from my typical reading material; with that being said, it was an enjoyable story. Bounty has a sense of honor, integrity, and justice. Jill Anderson may have created this alter ego, but she quickly realizes, the divide between her two personas is not as distinct as it once was. She wants to serve her hometown and protect all of the Baltimore citizens, but she is forced to fight against her fellow officers. Fighting crime is not what it once was; it's becoming harder to distinguish the good guys from the bad. This story alternates between time frames and allows the reader an opportunity to see how far back the corruption actually goes. At times, I wanted the story to move at a faster pace. I give this story three stars. I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the alter egos. I just wanted the story to pull me in more.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews