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Paul McGrath #2
Too Close to Home
His cover: courthouse janitor. His cause: justice. But when Paul McGrath uncovers a shocking connection to a file of missing evidence, he finds the truth sometimes hits a little too close to home.
An intelligence agent-turned-courthouse janitor, Paul McGrath notices everything and everyone—but no one notices him. It’s the perfect cover for the justice he seeks for both his father and the people who’ve been wronged by a corrupt system. Now he’s discovered a missing file on Alex Pardew—the man who defrauded and likely murdered McGrath’s father but avoided conviction, thanks in large part to the loss of this very file. And what lies behind its disappearance is even worse than McGrath had feared.
Meanwhile, at the courthouse, he stumbles on the case of Len Hendrie, a small businessman who’s been accused of torching a venture capitalist’s mansion. Though Hendrie admits starting the fire, McGrath learns how the VC has preyed on average Joes to benefit himself—and his extensive wine collection. McGrath can’t resist looking deeper into this financial predator and soon finds himself in a gray area between his avenging moral compass and the limits of the law.
Then, just as the Hendrie case is heating up, McGrath receives word of the death of his father’s former housekeeper, sending him back to his family home to confront unfinished business from his past. And he’s about to find some unwelcome truths about the mother he lost as a child—and the father who hid even more secrets than he realized.
An intelligence agent-turned-courthouse janitor, Paul McGrath notices everything and everyone—but no one notices him. It’s the perfect cover for the justice he seeks for both his father and the people who’ve been wronged by a corrupt system. Now he’s discovered a missing file on Alex Pardew—the man who defrauded and likely murdered McGrath’s father but avoided conviction, thanks in large part to the loss of this very file. And what lies behind its disappearance is even worse than McGrath had feared.
Meanwhile, at the courthouse, he stumbles on the case of Len Hendrie, a small businessman who’s been accused of torching a venture capitalist’s mansion. Though Hendrie admits starting the fire, McGrath learns how the VC has preyed on average Joes to benefit himself—and his extensive wine collection. McGrath can’t resist looking deeper into this financial predator and soon finds himself in a gray area between his avenging moral compass and the limits of the law.
Then, just as the Hendrie case is heating up, McGrath receives word of the death of his father’s former housekeeper, sending him back to his family home to confront unfinished business from his past. And he’s about to find some unwelcome truths about the mother he lost as a child—and the father who hid even more secrets than he realized.
319 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2020
151 people are currently reading
3491 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Grant
13 books404 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Andrew Grant (born 1968, Birmingham, England) is the younger brother of bestselling thriller writer Lee Child. After graduating from the University of Sheffield, where he studied Drama and English Literature, Grant founded a theatre company that produced original material, culminating with a critically successful appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Grant remained in Sheffield after graduating from university but now lives with his wife, the novelist Tasha Alexander, on a nature preserve in Wyoming.
Series:
* David Trevellyan
Andrew Grant (born 1968, Birmingham, England) is the younger brother of bestselling thriller writer Lee Child. After graduating from the University of Sheffield, where he studied Drama and English Literature, Grant founded a theatre company that produced original material, culminating with a critically successful appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Grant remained in Sheffield after graduating from university but now lives with his wife, the novelist Tasha Alexander, on a nature preserve in Wyoming.
Series:
* David Trevellyan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
October 24, 2019
What an exciting story with an outstanding new character,cops, lawyers and even judges playing a money making game!! A fabulous character in Paul McGrath, former military who has returned home, working as a janitor in a CourtHouse which gives him the ability to listen and find interesting information about legal happenings around town. And Boy does he find some fascinating info!! Even financial gurus join in this seedy game, with NO regard to how many people are hurt or financially ruined as a result of their 'game'...
This does Not sit well with Paul, who believes people Matter, and Nothing should be done in any business that is NOT morally just! Living with an ex-military pal, he takes matters into his own hands,investigating and listening to exactly what people have to say. I was slightly confused by a change in the middle of the story, even thought I was reading a different book! But then realized a history of folks involved, and the reading made sense!
An enjoyable read, it is fiction, so do Not look for things happening in a factual way! Just read and relax to a fun,action=packed adventure!
I received an ARC from NetGalley, who I thank for a great story, and I give You my honest and true thoughts and feelings in this review.
This does Not sit well with Paul, who believes people Matter, and Nothing should be done in any business that is NOT morally just! Living with an ex-military pal, he takes matters into his own hands,investigating and listening to exactly what people have to say. I was slightly confused by a change in the middle of the story, even thought I was reading a different book! But then realized a history of folks involved, and the reading made sense!
An enjoyable read, it is fiction, so do Not look for things happening in a factual way! Just read and relax to a fun,action=packed adventure!
I received an ARC from NetGalley, who I thank for a great story, and I give You my honest and true thoughts and feelings in this review.
December 19, 2019
Former military intelligence officer Paul McGrath is working as a janitor in a courthouse while investigating his father's murder. While there he meets a man who has committed arson and he and his roommate investigate his case as well.
This was a pretty fast paced read that I really enjoyed. The character development is fairly well done (this is action driven, not character driven) and the pacing is excellent. If you want a fast paced thriller, this is for you!
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, Ballentine Books, and Andrew Grant for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
This was a pretty fast paced read that I really enjoyed. The character development is fairly well done (this is action driven, not character driven) and the pacing is excellent. If you want a fast paced thriller, this is for you!
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, Ballentine Books, and Andrew Grant for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 13, 2019
As a rather prolific reader of books - for several years I've topped the 100 mark - it's not easy to find one that has a noticeably unusual plot or an unusually intriguing character. And since the lion's share of my reads are in the mystery/thriller genre, uniqueness is even more constrained. So it is that I'm delighted to find this series, of which this is the second installment.
Central character Paul McGrath is an interesting guy - a highly skilled former military guy who's back home in Albany, N.Y., working at the courthouse as a janitor and fancying himself a vigilante of sorts whose mission is to right society's wrongs. The case in point here involves his own father; McGrath believes he died as a result of a corrupt legal system that allowed the "murderer," a man named Alex Pardew, to go free. As McGrath pokes around in courtrooms to look for evidence that he's right - specifically a file that's gone missing - he meets a businessman who's been accused of arson. Yes, I did that, the man says, but emphasizes that it was because the man - a venture capitalist - is involved in shady deals, insider trading and otherwise bilking millions out of his clients.
Aha, McGrath says - right up my alley. So together with his former GI friend Robson - with whom he lives in his father's $40 million mansion - he sets out to investigate, with a priority on his father but the hope of seeing justice done in both cases. Along the way, he considers visiting the home in which he grew up, now inhabited by his father's former housekeeper. He hasn't purchased much furniture for the home he occupies with Robson, so perhaps, his friend suggests, he can take a few things from the other home. Just as he's about to agree, though, he learns that the housekeeper has died. Needless to say, that makes removal of any furniture much easier, but it raises other questions that may lead to answers McGrath isn't expecting to hear.
There are a few twists and surprises as the investigations proceed (complete with some awesome technology hacks by Robson and another computer-genius friend), but near the end come a frenzy of flashbacks that bring even more surprises for McGrath - and readers, of course. All in all a terrific (and, at 288 pages, quick) read and a great start to a new series. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
Central character Paul McGrath is an interesting guy - a highly skilled former military guy who's back home in Albany, N.Y., working at the courthouse as a janitor and fancying himself a vigilante of sorts whose mission is to right society's wrongs. The case in point here involves his own father; McGrath believes he died as a result of a corrupt legal system that allowed the "murderer," a man named Alex Pardew, to go free. As McGrath pokes around in courtrooms to look for evidence that he's right - specifically a file that's gone missing - he meets a businessman who's been accused of arson. Yes, I did that, the man says, but emphasizes that it was because the man - a venture capitalist - is involved in shady deals, insider trading and otherwise bilking millions out of his clients.
Aha, McGrath says - right up my alley. So together with his former GI friend Robson - with whom he lives in his father's $40 million mansion - he sets out to investigate, with a priority on his father but the hope of seeing justice done in both cases. Along the way, he considers visiting the home in which he grew up, now inhabited by his father's former housekeeper. He hasn't purchased much furniture for the home he occupies with Robson, so perhaps, his friend suggests, he can take a few things from the other home. Just as he's about to agree, though, he learns that the housekeeper has died. Needless to say, that makes removal of any furniture much easier, but it raises other questions that may lead to answers McGrath isn't expecting to hear.
There are a few twists and surprises as the investigations proceed (complete with some awesome technology hacks by Robson and another computer-genius friend), but near the end come a frenzy of flashbacks that bring even more surprises for McGrath - and readers, of course. All in all a terrific (and, at 288 pages, quick) read and a great start to a new series. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
January 18, 2020
I won this via goodreads giveaways in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own.
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Wouldn't read it again but it kept my interest. I did like the characters of Paul and Robson.
It was interesting but at the same time not.. if that makes sense.
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Wouldn't read it again but it kept my interest. I did like the characters of Paul and Robson.
It was interesting but at the same time not.. if that makes sense.
January 8, 2020
I received a free electronic copy of this ARC from Netgalley, Andrew Grant, and Random House Publishing - Ballantine. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I enjoyed the chase in Too Close to Home and the style of Andrew Grant. This is an author I will watch for.
This is a novel set in New York City present time and several other time periods, seen through the eyes of one protagonist - Paul McGrath. Paul is recently retired ex-military, serving in the 66th Military Intelligence Brigade for many years, and is currently a janitor at the New York County Courthouse. Where he cleans up several kinds of messes... Paul's father recently died and left him the house in Westchester that he grew up in, and a complete surprise, a big old place, long empty, a classic brownstone in Hell's Kitchen.
This was the second in a series but completely stand alone. I will be looking for more from Grant. He writes a tight mystery with personable protagonists and a clean trail of clues. Especially I enjoyed the fact that the majority of the story is told in the present, and the back story is told chronically at the end of the book. Much less confusing than some of the back and forth stories I have read lately. Also, it has about 300 pages with only 25 chapters - I don't think I realized how much these two factors have disappeared into a more muddled storyline.
Paul McGrath appears a simple man with few needs, a lifestyle he enjoyed in the service and has patterned his retirement around, as well. He has few acquaintances left from the old days and doesn't have much time to make new friends. Hopefully, that will all change - when he sorts out this latest series of clues to fill in the blanks of his father's history. And though his mother died when he was very young, there may be blanks that need filling there, as well......
pub date Jan 7, 2020
Random House Publishing - Ballantine
Reviewed on January 4, 2020 at Goodreads and Netgalley. Reviewed on January 7, 2020, at AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo and GooglePlay.
This is a novel set in New York City present time and several other time periods, seen through the eyes of one protagonist - Paul McGrath. Paul is recently retired ex-military, serving in the 66th Military Intelligence Brigade for many years, and is currently a janitor at the New York County Courthouse. Where he cleans up several kinds of messes... Paul's father recently died and left him the house in Westchester that he grew up in, and a complete surprise, a big old place, long empty, a classic brownstone in Hell's Kitchen.
This was the second in a series but completely stand alone. I will be looking for more from Grant. He writes a tight mystery with personable protagonists and a clean trail of clues. Especially I enjoyed the fact that the majority of the story is told in the present, and the back story is told chronically at the end of the book. Much less confusing than some of the back and forth stories I have read lately. Also, it has about 300 pages with only 25 chapters - I don't think I realized how much these two factors have disappeared into a more muddled storyline.
Paul McGrath appears a simple man with few needs, a lifestyle he enjoyed in the service and has patterned his retirement around, as well. He has few acquaintances left from the old days and doesn't have much time to make new friends. Hopefully, that will all change - when he sorts out this latest series of clues to fill in the blanks of his father's history. And though his mother died when he was very young, there may be blanks that need filling there, as well......
pub date Jan 7, 2020
Random House Publishing - Ballantine
Reviewed on January 4, 2020 at Goodreads and Netgalley. Reviewed on January 7, 2020, at AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo and GooglePlay.
October 4, 2019
I had the honor of reading an advance copy of this book and it was outstanding! I love the premise, the set-up, the story. Paul McGrath is a great character!
November 8, 2020
I won this book through a giveaway in exchange for an honest review...
Although it took me a minute to jive with this book, I’m glad I kept reading it! I ended up really enjoying it! Also, what an ending! I literally did not predict that at all! I usually get a good sense of what will happen in a book like this...or at least a close guess,..but this one really surprised me! Great read! I even gave it to my Dad to read when I was done and he read the whole thing! Thats saying something, because he’s super picky and has no problem dropping a book halfway through!
Although it took me a minute to jive with this book, I’m glad I kept reading it! I ended up really enjoying it! Also, what an ending! I literally did not predict that at all! I usually get a good sense of what will happen in a book like this...or at least a close guess,..but this one really surprised me! Great read! I even gave it to my Dad to read when I was done and he read the whole thing! Thats saying something, because he’s super picky and has no problem dropping a book halfway through!
November 22, 2019
Paul McGrath was previously a military intelligence office and now is working in a courthouse as a janitor as a disguise. He is actually seeking information about his father's murder. McGrath seems to get involved in doing the honorable thing and setting things right in bad situations. This was a complex mystery he had to unravel to find out what actually happened to his father. An interesting story. McGrath could be a new hero on the horizon.
I enjoyed the story and McGrath has potential for a series character if Grant decides to go that route. Thanks to Andrew Grant and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy.
I enjoyed the story and McGrath has potential for a series character if Grant decides to go that route. Thanks to Andrew Grant and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy.
January 7, 2020
“Too Close to Home” by Andrew Grant is a first person narrative by Paul McGrath. Grant skillfully pulls readers into the story with surprises, suspense, mystery, and hint of criminality. Paul McGrath professes to be just the janitor at the courthouse; he cleans up the messes people make, all kinds of messes, and some messes that go far beyond just sweeping up dust.
The book is filled with complex characters, some good, some innocent, some questionable, and some ordinary; readers are not always sure who is which. The events and the people all contribute to the biggest mystery in the book -- the narrator.
Readers may not know whether to like Paul McGrath, or to fear him, but they certainly know they do not want to be on his bad list. Details about him emerge little by little, but many are complicated and contradictory. He skates along the edge of the law, intimidating the innocent, but then rescuing the downtrodden. He talks about his training, business, and past assignments, but readers do not know for whom he worked and are afraid to even speculate why he is no longer “employed.” His main focus is “squaring things” with those whom he feels wrongly caused his father’s death. In the process he uncovers unscrupulous market traders, corrupt judges, and a complex organization of just generally nasty people.
“Too Close to Home” ends with chronological flashbacks that detail the pivotal events in the pasts of specific characters. Telling the other side of the story adds to the intrigue and mystery of the narrator and sets up the startling climax to McGrath’s search for justice for his father. I received a review copy of “Too Close to Home” from Andrew Grant, Random House Publishing Group, and Ballantine Books. I found Paul McGrath a suspicious yet charismatic character. His past is intriguing and his current adventure is both complex and gripping.
The book is filled with complex characters, some good, some innocent, some questionable, and some ordinary; readers are not always sure who is which. The events and the people all contribute to the biggest mystery in the book -- the narrator.
Readers may not know whether to like Paul McGrath, or to fear him, but they certainly know they do not want to be on his bad list. Details about him emerge little by little, but many are complicated and contradictory. He skates along the edge of the law, intimidating the innocent, but then rescuing the downtrodden. He talks about his training, business, and past assignments, but readers do not know for whom he worked and are afraid to even speculate why he is no longer “employed.” His main focus is “squaring things” with those whom he feels wrongly caused his father’s death. In the process he uncovers unscrupulous market traders, corrupt judges, and a complex organization of just generally nasty people.
“Too Close to Home” ends with chronological flashbacks that detail the pivotal events in the pasts of specific characters. Telling the other side of the story adds to the intrigue and mystery of the narrator and sets up the startling climax to McGrath’s search for justice for his father. I received a review copy of “Too Close to Home” from Andrew Grant, Random House Publishing Group, and Ballantine Books. I found Paul McGrath a suspicious yet charismatic character. His past is intriguing and his current adventure is both complex and gripping.
March 20, 2020
Too Close to Home is Book 2 of the Paul McGrath series by author Andrew Grant. I have not read the first book, but I believe this is a great stand alone as well as part of a wonderfully written series. Paul McGrath is working as a janitor for the courthouse so that he can get access to a specific file about the person who defrauded his dad and possibly even murdered him. This book takes off with a bang, as Paul discovers another wrong that needs to be corrected and he likes to take justice into his own hands.
I like that Paul clears his mind through cleaning and isn't embarrassed to work as a janitor. He recognizes the advantages that the position offers him in terms of access and anonymity. No one really notices him much, which helps him investigate this missing file and other cases that come up.
Why did I enjoy reading Too Close to Home? The action kept me engaged and entertained...and the team work between Paul and his partner was good too. A balance and respect seems to lay there and I would love to learn more about the duo. I really loved the ending, I was so intrigued with the back story and am eager to read the rest of the series and need to know when the next book will be released. I will go back and find the first book which is titled: Invisible: A Novel (Paul McGrath Book 1) which was published January 2019.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Andrew Grant and Random House Publishing Group- Ballatine for an advanced digital reader copy of Too Close to Home for me to read and enjoy. As always, my opinions are my own.
I like that Paul clears his mind through cleaning and isn't embarrassed to work as a janitor. He recognizes the advantages that the position offers him in terms of access and anonymity. No one really notices him much, which helps him investigate this missing file and other cases that come up.
Why did I enjoy reading Too Close to Home? The action kept me engaged and entertained...and the team work between Paul and his partner was good too. A balance and respect seems to lay there and I would love to learn more about the duo. I really loved the ending, I was so intrigued with the back story and am eager to read the rest of the series and need to know when the next book will be released. I will go back and find the first book which is titled: Invisible: A Novel (Paul McGrath Book 1) which was published January 2019.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Andrew Grant and Random House Publishing Group- Ballatine for an advanced digital reader copy of Too Close to Home for me to read and enjoy. As always, my opinions are my own.
June 26, 2022
I have now read nine volumes from Andrew Grant. The first two in each of his series, the stand alone novel Run, and the two he co-wrote with his brother, Lee Child, under the name Andrew Child. When I started reading his works I was not sure if I would read each series sequentially or in parallel. It has worked out that I am reading them in parallel. Currently this is the last volume in this series, but Grant has indicated he is likely to return to the character, which is a blessing to fans of these two books. I enjoyed each of his books that I have read, but to date this is my favourite. I believe Grant has 9 books published under the name Andrew Grant, and two contributions to anthologies. He has also contributed to one anthology as Andrew Child. I have picked all of his books and just have the two book 3 in two trilogies left to read. I have enjoyed his contributions to the two books in the Reacher series, but I greatly enjoy his solo works as well. He has not published any solo works since he began his collaboration on the Jack Reacher books with his brother. But he did respond on social media indicating a possibility of more stories in this series.
The description of this book is:
“n intelligence agent-turned-courthouse janitor, Paul McGrath notices everything and everyone—but no one notices him. It’s the perfect cover for the justice he seeks for both his father and the people who’ve been wronged by a corrupt system. Now he’s discovered a missing file on Alex Pardew—the man who defrauded and likely murdered McGrath’s father but avoided conviction, thanks in large part to the loss of this very file. And what lies behind its disappearance is even worse than McGrath had feared.
Meanwhile, at the courthouse, he stumbles on the case of Len Hendrie, a small businessman who’s been accused of torching a venture capitalist’s mansion. Though Hendrie admits starting the fire, McGrath learns how the VC has preyed on average Joes to benefit himself—and his extensive wine collection. McGrath can’t resist looking deeper into this financial predator and soon finds himself in a gray area between his avenging moral compass and the limits of the law.
Then, just as the Hendrie case is heating up, McGrath receives word of the death of his father’s former housekeeper, sending him back to his family home to confront unfinished business from his past. And he’s about to find some unwelcome truths about the mother he lost as a child—and the father who hid even more secrets than he realized.”
I have not read the description of any of Grant’s books before starting them. An author friend calls me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find authors I like I tend to read everything they publish. For example I read the first 23 Reacher novels in under a year, after reading my first. Grants writing is. When I started the first in this series, I assumed it was going to be a spy novel. Boy was I wrong. In Some ways it feels like The Equalizer, and others like Jack Reacher if he settled down in one place.
In this story Paul is still trying to track down the man he believes is responsible for his father’s death. He continues to work as a janitor at the court house. Here he encounters many people, some need his help and advice, and some need his judgement and punishment. He has several investigations on the go. And sometimes just does a job to help out a friend. He has a very strong sense of moral justice, what is right and wrong. And if someone abuses their power he has a knack for getting them back. But he always seems to give them a choice to do the right thing before facing consequences. He finds the work as a janitor contemplative, and uses the time doing the manual and sometimes menial labour to reflect and think, and work out the pieces he has put together. He cleans upo the trash at work. And in New York City he is cleaning us things a little bit here and there.
This second Paul McGrath book was a great read. I mentioned it has a bit of an Equalizer feel to it, but also a Spencer for Hire. I loved the Spencer TV series when I was young, watching it with my dad, and reading several of the Robert B. Parker books when in university. Reading this was a like a trip back to those days, reading just for the pure joy in the story and the characters. Paul McGrath is an excellent character and the stories are great. A fantastic read.
I have said it before, but I am certain fans of Reacher, Bourne, Jack Ryan could all appreciate McGrath and how he gets the job done. It is a great read from Grant’s pen a fun story on many levels! And I hope there will be more in this series, sooner rather than later.
The description of this book is:
“n intelligence agent-turned-courthouse janitor, Paul McGrath notices everything and everyone—but no one notices him. It’s the perfect cover for the justice he seeks for both his father and the people who’ve been wronged by a corrupt system. Now he’s discovered a missing file on Alex Pardew—the man who defrauded and likely murdered McGrath’s father but avoided conviction, thanks in large part to the loss of this very file. And what lies behind its disappearance is even worse than McGrath had feared.
Meanwhile, at the courthouse, he stumbles on the case of Len Hendrie, a small businessman who’s been accused of torching a venture capitalist’s mansion. Though Hendrie admits starting the fire, McGrath learns how the VC has preyed on average Joes to benefit himself—and his extensive wine collection. McGrath can’t resist looking deeper into this financial predator and soon finds himself in a gray area between his avenging moral compass and the limits of the law.
Then, just as the Hendrie case is heating up, McGrath receives word of the death of his father’s former housekeeper, sending him back to his family home to confront unfinished business from his past. And he’s about to find some unwelcome truths about the mother he lost as a child—and the father who hid even more secrets than he realized.”
I have not read the description of any of Grant’s books before starting them. An author friend calls me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find authors I like I tend to read everything they publish. For example I read the first 23 Reacher novels in under a year, after reading my first. Grants writing is. When I started the first in this series, I assumed it was going to be a spy novel. Boy was I wrong. In Some ways it feels like The Equalizer, and others like Jack Reacher if he settled down in one place.
In this story Paul is still trying to track down the man he believes is responsible for his father’s death. He continues to work as a janitor at the court house. Here he encounters many people, some need his help and advice, and some need his judgement and punishment. He has several investigations on the go. And sometimes just does a job to help out a friend. He has a very strong sense of moral justice, what is right and wrong. And if someone abuses their power he has a knack for getting them back. But he always seems to give them a choice to do the right thing before facing consequences. He finds the work as a janitor contemplative, and uses the time doing the manual and sometimes menial labour to reflect and think, and work out the pieces he has put together. He cleans upo the trash at work. And in New York City he is cleaning us things a little bit here and there.
This second Paul McGrath book was a great read. I mentioned it has a bit of an Equalizer feel to it, but also a Spencer for Hire. I loved the Spencer TV series when I was young, watching it with my dad, and reading several of the Robert B. Parker books when in university. Reading this was a like a trip back to those days, reading just for the pure joy in the story and the characters. Paul McGrath is an excellent character and the stories are great. A fantastic read.
I have said it before, but I am certain fans of Reacher, Bourne, Jack Ryan could all appreciate McGrath and how he gets the job done. It is a great read from Grant’s pen a fun story on many levels! And I hope there will be more in this series, sooner rather than later.
March 2, 2020
“My name’s not important,” McGrath says. “I’m just a janitor. Here to clean up the mess you made...one way or another.” These words set the flavor of the remainder of the book. I have read other books by this author and really enjoyed them. His style of writing is smooth and easy to read and his books are always interesting. The concept of the series is different...interesting...and very inventive... but it's not really much on the reality side. A different setting other than a busy courthouse would have made more sense. The character of McGrath is a extremely complex almost coming across as a modern day Robin Hood. At first, I thought he was a vigilante but soon found that he was so much more. This is the second book in the Paul McGrath series, but the first one I have read. It works perfectly well as a stand-alone book. As a matter of fact, I didn’t even know it was a series until I received this book as a part of the Early Reviews program. Andrew Grant became on of my favorite authors several years ago...so I'll be hunting down the first book in this series.
I received an advance copy of this book from Random House Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are entirely all my own.
I received an advance copy of this book from Random House Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are entirely all my own.
December 30, 2019
Too Close to Home is Book 2 of the Paul McGrath series by author Andrew Grant. I have not read the first book, but I believe this is a great stand alone as well as part of a wonderfully written series. Paul McGrath is working as a janitor for the courthouse so that he can get access to a specific file about the person who defrauded his dad and possibly even murdered him. This book takes off with a bang, as Paul discovers another wrong that needs to be corrected and he likes to take justice into his own hands.
I like that Paul clears his mind through cleaning and isn't embarrassed to work as a janitor. He recognizes the advantages that the position offers him in terms of access and anonymity. No one really notices him much, which helps him investigate this missing file and other cases that come up.
Why did I enjoy reading Too Close to Home? The action kept me engaged and entertained...and the team work between Paul and his partner was good too. A balance and respect seems to lay there and I would love to learn more about the duo. I really loved the ending, I was so intrigued with the back story and am eager to read the rest of the series and need to know when the next book will be released. I will go back and find the first book which is titled: Invisible: A Novel (Paul McGrath Book 1) which was published January 2019.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Andrew Grant and Random House Publishing Group- Ballatine for an advanced digital reader copy of Too Close to Home for me to read and enjoy. As always, my opinions are my own.
I like that Paul clears his mind through cleaning and isn't embarrassed to work as a janitor. He recognizes the advantages that the position offers him in terms of access and anonymity. No one really notices him much, which helps him investigate this missing file and other cases that come up.
Why did I enjoy reading Too Close to Home? The action kept me engaged and entertained...and the team work between Paul and his partner was good too. A balance and respect seems to lay there and I would love to learn more about the duo. I really loved the ending, I was so intrigued with the back story and am eager to read the rest of the series and need to know when the next book will be released. I will go back and find the first book which is titled: Invisible: A Novel (Paul McGrath Book 1) which was published January 2019.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Andrew Grant and Random House Publishing Group- Ballatine for an advanced digital reader copy of Too Close to Home for me to read and enjoy. As always, my opinions are my own.
January 27, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for allowing me access to an ARC in exchange for my unbiased review of Too Close to Home.
Too Close to Home starts out quickly paced. I did not read the first Paul McGrath book in the series, The Invisible, but I felt within the first chapter I was caught up and knew the main character. Paul McGrath is ex-military who works as a courthouse janitor. He is a little like Robin Hood where he defends the weak and takes on the rich and powerful. Within the first chapter I found myself really thinking this character would make a great main for a thriller tv show or movie. The book is full of action and McGrath uses a lot of MacGyver style spy techniques. McGrath is working on multiple cases at once including an insider trading scandal, as well as the misfiling of a file related to the death of his father.
For the first 3/4 of the book I was really intrigued; I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how all of the characters were involved and what clues McGrath and his cohort Robson would uncover next. However, the "twist" seemed to come completely out of left field for me. Characters, situations, and even time itself (like the 1970s and 80s) seemed to appear out of the blue so completely that I felt let down. If more of the last 20% of the book had been incorporated all along, I would have been very impressed by the outcome. Instead it felt a little bit jilted like I was reading a whole different book.
The book came together in the end, and I like the action and goal of the main character. Some of the conversation was a little cliche, but the book really held my attention until the end.
Too Close to Home starts out quickly paced. I did not read the first Paul McGrath book in the series, The Invisible, but I felt within the first chapter I was caught up and knew the main character. Paul McGrath is ex-military who works as a courthouse janitor. He is a little like Robin Hood where he defends the weak and takes on the rich and powerful. Within the first chapter I found myself really thinking this character would make a great main for a thriller tv show or movie. The book is full of action and McGrath uses a lot of MacGyver style spy techniques. McGrath is working on multiple cases at once including an insider trading scandal, as well as the misfiling of a file related to the death of his father.
For the first 3/4 of the book I was really intrigued; I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how all of the characters were involved and what clues McGrath and his cohort Robson would uncover next. However, the "twist" seemed to come completely out of left field for me. Characters, situations, and even time itself (like the 1970s and 80s) seemed to appear out of the blue so completely that I felt let down. If more of the last 20% of the book had been incorporated all along, I would have been very impressed by the outcome. Instead it felt a little bit jilted like I was reading a whole different book.
The book came together in the end, and I like the action and goal of the main character. Some of the conversation was a little cliche, but the book really held my attention until the end.
January 4, 2020
I really liked the characters, the plot, the twists and turns. I thought I knew where the story was going, but I was wrong. The author threw in some details later in the book that changed everything. I really like how Paul handled people. The good and the bad. His whole life he has been told one story and now he finds out that nothing is what he thought it to be. Even an old trusted friend wasn't the person he thought she was. I also liked how the different threads weaved together to make it an amazing story.
January 15, 2020
Mr. Grant has done it again. His books just keep getting stronger and stronger. This was the second in the Paul McGrath series, but it kind of felt like finale. Looking forward to seeing comes next.
December 29, 2019
First and foremost a huge thanks to Random House for an ARC of Too Close To Home for my unbiased opinion.
This book follows the story of Paul McGrath who is working as a courthouse janitor after leaving the army. He’s currently trying to find the man accused of murdering his father. There are a couple other things going on at the same time.
For the first 2/3 of the book I was enthralled and loving it. When we got to the section where we go back in time 42 years it lost momentum for me. I’m good with a backstory, in fact I love a good backstory, but I feel like the book itself should have started with a bit of this and maybe throw some in throughout. I felt like I was having to really focus to see what was going on.
I had a pretty good idea of the ending long before I got to the backstory part of the book and yep, I was right.
A decent book but I wouldn’t rate it higher than 3-3.5 stars. I’d try another book by Andrew Grant but wouldn’t add him to my favorite authors list.
This book follows the story of Paul McGrath who is working as a courthouse janitor after leaving the army. He’s currently trying to find the man accused of murdering his father. There are a couple other things going on at the same time.
For the first 2/3 of the book I was enthralled and loving it. When we got to the section where we go back in time 42 years it lost momentum for me. I’m good with a backstory, in fact I love a good backstory, but I feel like the book itself should have started with a bit of this and maybe throw some in throughout. I felt like I was having to really focus to see what was going on.
I had a pretty good idea of the ending long before I got to the backstory part of the book and yep, I was right.
A decent book but I wouldn’t rate it higher than 3-3.5 stars. I’d try another book by Andrew Grant but wouldn’t add him to my favorite authors list.
February 29, 2020
I'm really not enjoying this second outing with Paul McGrath as much as I did the first. Authors who write novels about white, male, vigilantes clearly have a bit of a problem these days: it's not very inclusive, is it? So to compensate, this author appears to have decided to make his ex-military intelligence soldier woke. The only trouble is, people who choose to read books about white, male, ex-soldier, kickass protagonists generally don't want them aiding illegal immigrants, ranting about the wealthy (whilst hypocritically inheriting a hundred million dollars from his father) and making politically based choices for who he helps at every turn (for f's sake, not all rich people are evil, not all poor people are saints!) Add to this, the book was weirdly overly complex again. I got thoroughly lost in the first one, but was quite enjoying the ride so stuck with it. This one is worse. So many threads, so many characters. My head is literally hurting and then we have a flashback to decades ago to introduce a ridiculous twist... Nah, I'm not buying it. My suspension of credibility got stretched too far.
Not sure I can be bothered to finish this. Will update if I do. Definitely wouldn't recommend this at the moment...
Update... gave up. My head began to spin like the girl in the Exorcist. Never a good look.
Not sure I can be bothered to finish this. Will update if I do. Definitely wouldn't recommend this at the moment...
Update... gave up. My head began to spin like the girl in the Exorcist. Never a good look.
January 17, 2021
PopSugar 2021 - a book with less than 1000 reviews on Goodreads
Solid 4 stars. You have to just go with the fact that Paul is ex army and can do anything, break into anything, hack anything - or knows someone who can. But beyond that, a good story that kept me reading.
Solid 4 stars. You have to just go with the fact that Paul is ex army and can do anything, break into anything, hack anything - or knows someone who can. But beyond that, a good story that kept me reading.
March 18, 2020
Too Close to Home by Andrew Grant is a highly recommended investigative novel of suspense. This is the second book in the Paul McGrath series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel.
Paul McGrath is a former intelligence agent who is currently working as a courthouse janitor. He is doing this, working undercover, in order to find who took a file that had missing evidence about Alex Pardew. Pardew is the man who defrauded and likely murdered McGrath’s father but he avoided conviction because the file was missing. McGrath discovers one person who had their hands on the file, but he needs to dig deeper and find out why and who else is involved.
While running his secret investigation in the courthouse, he encounters Len Hendrie, a man who is charged with arson. Hendrie admits he is guilty, but he did it because a venture capitalist he shared some inside information with, took the information and ruined Hendrie in a short-selling scheme. Hendrie wants to defend himself in court so he can tell the world why he burned down the one home owned by the man. McGrath decides to help Hendrie and investigate this too.
The complex plot moves quickly between the major plot thread and the minor plot involving Hendrie. There is a surprising twist at the end that I certainly didn't see coming. I haven't read the first novel, but felt that Too Close to Home can be read as a stand-alone novel. Grant provides enough background information to follow what happened in the first book and why he is looking into the file and the missing information. He also explains any information you need to understand the short-selling scheme in the subplot.
It's a smart move having McGrath work as a janitor. Much like any other person in retail or a service job wearing a uniform, they all certainly are an invisible person to many or looked down on as less intelligent. It's also nice to have McGrath like his job as cleaning is relaxing and helps him think. He's an interesting character, taciturn, but friendly to people to elicit information in a less than obvious way. He's helped by his friend Robson, who lives with him, and a few other contacts he has made over the years. I could see having McGrath pick up more cases in the future through his janitorial job.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Penguin Random House via Library Thing.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2020/0...
Paul McGrath is a former intelligence agent who is currently working as a courthouse janitor. He is doing this, working undercover, in order to find who took a file that had missing evidence about Alex Pardew. Pardew is the man who defrauded and likely murdered McGrath’s father but he avoided conviction because the file was missing. McGrath discovers one person who had their hands on the file, but he needs to dig deeper and find out why and who else is involved.
While running his secret investigation in the courthouse, he encounters Len Hendrie, a man who is charged with arson. Hendrie admits he is guilty, but he did it because a venture capitalist he shared some inside information with, took the information and ruined Hendrie in a short-selling scheme. Hendrie wants to defend himself in court so he can tell the world why he burned down the one home owned by the man. McGrath decides to help Hendrie and investigate this too.
The complex plot moves quickly between the major plot thread and the minor plot involving Hendrie. There is a surprising twist at the end that I certainly didn't see coming. I haven't read the first novel, but felt that Too Close to Home can be read as a stand-alone novel. Grant provides enough background information to follow what happened in the first book and why he is looking into the file and the missing information. He also explains any information you need to understand the short-selling scheme in the subplot.
It's a smart move having McGrath work as a janitor. Much like any other person in retail or a service job wearing a uniform, they all certainly are an invisible person to many or looked down on as less intelligent. It's also nice to have McGrath like his job as cleaning is relaxing and helps him think. He's an interesting character, taciturn, but friendly to people to elicit information in a less than obvious way. He's helped by his friend Robson, who lives with him, and a few other contacts he has made over the years. I could see having McGrath pick up more cases in the future through his janitorial job.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Penguin Random House via Library Thing.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2020/0...
March 13, 2020
Paul McGrath had a successful career as an intelligence agent. After his father was defrauded and killed, McGrath was determined to find justice for the man responsible. The man, Alex Pardew, had been his father’s business partner but the evidenced file disappeared and a mistrial was called. Pardew was a free man.
Eager to finish the job, McGrath left his job and began working as a janitor at the county courthouse realizing that he’d have access to a lot of information without being noticed. He was successful and did locate the file. His challenge became what evidence had been removed, by whom, and why, and led to a lot more financial and judicial corruption.
He learned that his father had been targeted by a financial predator shortly before his death. He soon met a man who has been accused of torching the mansion of a venture capitalist. The man planned to represent himself in court and admitted that he committed the arson. After listening to his story, McGrath told the man he should get a lawyer because he might not be convicted due to mitigating circumstances. He recommended a lawyer.
Ably assisted by John Robson, his old Army buddy, McGrath used his talents to investigate an array of contemptible government officials, including a lawyer, a judge, a clerk, and a retired detective, as well as track down Pardew and determine his culpability.
In a diverting subplot, a bankrupt businessman sought retribution against a ruthless venture capitalist for his losses. TOO CLOSE TO HOME provides a thorough yet comprehensible explanation of short-selling which plays an important part in the plot.
In flashbacks, we learn that McGrath’s mother died when he was a child. He was raised by housekeeper for whom he deeply cared. After his father’s death, the housekeeper had continued living in the home. When McGrrath went to see her he discovered she had moved. He was able to track her down only to learn she had recently died. McGrath had to go back to the family home where he is faced with lot of unexpected terrible truths about the past.
TOO CLOSE TO HOME was well-written. The sometimes complex plot was fast-moving and included a neat twist.
The dedication was an inspiration: For Gary Gutting, who made windows where there were once walls.
I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing Early Reviewers
Eager to finish the job, McGrath left his job and began working as a janitor at the county courthouse realizing that he’d have access to a lot of information without being noticed. He was successful and did locate the file. His challenge became what evidence had been removed, by whom, and why, and led to a lot more financial and judicial corruption.
He learned that his father had been targeted by a financial predator shortly before his death. He soon met a man who has been accused of torching the mansion of a venture capitalist. The man planned to represent himself in court and admitted that he committed the arson. After listening to his story, McGrath told the man he should get a lawyer because he might not be convicted due to mitigating circumstances. He recommended a lawyer.
Ably assisted by John Robson, his old Army buddy, McGrath used his talents to investigate an array of contemptible government officials, including a lawyer, a judge, a clerk, and a retired detective, as well as track down Pardew and determine his culpability.
In a diverting subplot, a bankrupt businessman sought retribution against a ruthless venture capitalist for his losses. TOO CLOSE TO HOME provides a thorough yet comprehensible explanation of short-selling which plays an important part in the plot.
In flashbacks, we learn that McGrath’s mother died when he was a child. He was raised by housekeeper for whom he deeply cared. After his father’s death, the housekeeper had continued living in the home. When McGrrath went to see her he discovered she had moved. He was able to track her down only to learn she had recently died. McGrath had to go back to the family home where he is faced with lot of unexpected terrible truths about the past.
TOO CLOSE TO HOME was well-written. The sometimes complex plot was fast-moving and included a neat twist.
The dedication was an inspiration: For Gary Gutting, who made windows where there were once walls.
I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing Early Reviewers
January 5, 2020
Working at the New York County Courthouse as a janitor, Paul McGrath is invisible to almost everyone he encounters. That is how he likes it. While doing his job, he is also on a personal mission. Formerly Military Intelligence, he is looking for justice for his father and along the way he cannot help but step in where he sees injustice, all the while focusing on his goal. Alex Pardew is walking the streets a free man. A file of key information went missing during his trial so Pardew, the man responsible for his father’s untimely death, has been released. Righting this wrong will allow McGrath to move on.
Hooking up with a former MI veteran John Robson was a good decision. They live together in the huge old brownstone left to McGrath by his father. This allows them to work the case day and night until they find the missing evidence that will provide them with the truth in his father’s case as well as a few others. But these cases are not simple. There is an underlying conspiracy that will have to be shattered before justice will prevail.
McGrath is a complex character. At first, I thought he was a vigilante, but he is so much more then the surface look provides. He and Robson get things done in unusual ways, oftentimes with a wink and a nod to laws. These modern-day Robin Hoods stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves and get the job done.
Too Close to Home is a fast-paced page turner. The mystery of McGrath’s father’s death is only one surprise for the reader. The plot is intriguing and is laced with beautiful bits of description, such as: “…we paused at the cross streets and then were pulled back into motion as if by the city’s own heartbeat”. Along with enjoying this solid story, take time to savor the words Grant has written.
This is the second book in the Paul McGrath series, but the first one I have read. It works perfectly as a stand-alone novel, as a matter of fact, I didn’t even know it was a series until I looked it up. Fans of Michael Connelly will love this book.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2020 Laura Hartman
Hooking up with a former MI veteran John Robson was a good decision. They live together in the huge old brownstone left to McGrath by his father. This allows them to work the case day and night until they find the missing evidence that will provide them with the truth in his father’s case as well as a few others. But these cases are not simple. There is an underlying conspiracy that will have to be shattered before justice will prevail.
McGrath is a complex character. At first, I thought he was a vigilante, but he is so much more then the surface look provides. He and Robson get things done in unusual ways, oftentimes with a wink and a nod to laws. These modern-day Robin Hoods stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves and get the job done.
Too Close to Home is a fast-paced page turner. The mystery of McGrath’s father’s death is only one surprise for the reader. The plot is intriguing and is laced with beautiful bits of description, such as: “…we paused at the cross streets and then were pulled back into motion as if by the city’s own heartbeat”. Along with enjoying this solid story, take time to savor the words Grant has written.
This is the second book in the Paul McGrath series, but the first one I have read. It works perfectly as a stand-alone novel, as a matter of fact, I didn’t even know it was a series until I looked it up. Fans of Michael Connelly will love this book.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2020 Laura Hartman
July 16, 2020
Andrew Grant’s “Too Close to Home” and I are not a good match. We got off on the wrong foot and every time I wanted to enjoy its company, it pushed me away.
Basic premise: Former intelligence officer Paul McGrath takes a job as a courthouse janitor (I wondered how he kept his job since he was seldom there) to find a file that could show a man (Alex Pardew) was guilty of causing his father’s death. Without that evidence the man walks away free. Paul McGrath with his buddy, John Robson (actually a cool character), pursue two separate matters, (that one about Alex Pardew and one about helping a man who intentionally burned down a rich slimeball’s house), jumping from one to the other for most of the book.
First problem, the story is not set up well initially. Alex Pardew is introduced to us as “the guy who defrauded my [McGrath’s] father and most likely caused his premature death.” There’s no explanation of how his father was defrauded or how his father died (Murder? Negligence? Driven to suicide?). It left me feeling empty.
I initially wrote four more paragraphs why the book kept putting me off, but it felt like I was beating a dead horse. Those four paragraphs have been deleted.
For full disclosure, statistics indicate two-thirds of readers rating “Too Close to Home” liked it (4 and 5 stars). A third for their own reasons were disappointed.
My rating: Three Stars
Basic premise: Former intelligence officer Paul McGrath takes a job as a courthouse janitor (I wondered how he kept his job since he was seldom there) to find a file that could show a man (Alex Pardew) was guilty of causing his father’s death. Without that evidence the man walks away free. Paul McGrath with his buddy, John Robson (actually a cool character), pursue two separate matters, (that one about Alex Pardew and one about helping a man who intentionally burned down a rich slimeball’s house), jumping from one to the other for most of the book.
First problem, the story is not set up well initially. Alex Pardew is introduced to us as “the guy who defrauded my [McGrath’s] father and most likely caused his premature death.” There’s no explanation of how his father was defrauded or how his father died (Murder? Negligence? Driven to suicide?). It left me feeling empty.
I initially wrote four more paragraphs why the book kept putting me off, but it felt like I was beating a dead horse. Those four paragraphs have been deleted.
For full disclosure, statistics indicate two-thirds of readers rating “Too Close to Home” liked it (4 and 5 stars). A third for their own reasons were disappointed.
My rating: Three Stars
October 19, 2019
Review of uncorrected eBook
Paul McGrath, working in the federal courthouse, continues his quest to serve justice. “Hiding in plain sight" in his janitor’s coveralls, Paul wield a mop in his quest for justice denied to others. More a “righter of wrongs” than a true vigilante, Paul uses skills honed during his intelligence agent years in the military to correct wrongs caused by a corrupt system. A file of missing evidence leads to an unexpected discovery that will ultimately have him question everything he thought he knew about his family.
Following “Invisible,” Paul continues his quest for information about his father’s death and the man accused of murdering him. Interesting characters, an intriguing look at balancing right against the limits of the law, and an inventive premise all combine to create an entertaining quick read. Although things sometimes fall into place a bit too easily, some unexpected reveals take the story in surprising directions and keep the pages turning.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Random House Publishing Group --- Ballantine Books and NetGalley
#TooCloseToHome #NetGalley
Paul McGrath, working in the federal courthouse, continues his quest to serve justice. “Hiding in plain sight" in his janitor’s coveralls, Paul wield a mop in his quest for justice denied to others. More a “righter of wrongs” than a true vigilante, Paul uses skills honed during his intelligence agent years in the military to correct wrongs caused by a corrupt system. A file of missing evidence leads to an unexpected discovery that will ultimately have him question everything he thought he knew about his family.
Following “Invisible,” Paul continues his quest for information about his father’s death and the man accused of murdering him. Interesting characters, an intriguing look at balancing right against the limits of the law, and an inventive premise all combine to create an entertaining quick read. Although things sometimes fall into place a bit too easily, some unexpected reveals take the story in surprising directions and keep the pages turning.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Random House Publishing Group --- Ballantine Books and NetGalley
#TooCloseToHome #NetGalley
April 19, 2020
Ballantine Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Too Close to Home. I voluntarily chose to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
Paul McGrath is back, working at the courthouse in a janitorial capacity to seek justice for his father. While digging into the corrupt system, Paul happens upon Len Hendrie, a small businessman who’s been accused of arson. The larger story behind Hendrie's alleged crime captures Paul's attention, but will his investigation lead to an entirely different direction than he expects? Will the truth of the past bring McGrath some clarity?
On the strength of the first book, I was excited to read Too Close to Home. Unfortunately, the book did not live up to my expectations. As Paul's character was already established in the first novel, I was hoping that the plot would be enough to propel the story forward. The story lacked excitement and the book lagged in the middle because of this. The ending was out of left field and just seemed to be there for shock value. For these reasons, I would be hesitant to recommend Too Close to Home to other readers.
Paul McGrath is back, working at the courthouse in a janitorial capacity to seek justice for his father. While digging into the corrupt system, Paul happens upon Len Hendrie, a small businessman who’s been accused of arson. The larger story behind Hendrie's alleged crime captures Paul's attention, but will his investigation lead to an entirely different direction than he expects? Will the truth of the past bring McGrath some clarity?
On the strength of the first book, I was excited to read Too Close to Home. Unfortunately, the book did not live up to my expectations. As Paul's character was already established in the first novel, I was hoping that the plot would be enough to propel the story forward. The story lacked excitement and the book lagged in the middle because of this. The ending was out of left field and just seemed to be there for shock value. For these reasons, I would be hesitant to recommend Too Close to Home to other readers.
September 29, 2020
Decent sequel, but I suggest reading Invisible first
The main reason I gave Too Close to Home only 3 stars is due to the fact that there seems to be so little background to the first book in this series, Invisible. Too Close to home begins with Paul McGrath "maybe" throwing someone off of a roof top, then straight into his janitorial gig. If I hadn't already read Invisible, I would have been completely lost as to what the heck the relationship was between the first chapter and the following chapters. McGrath's military background and subsequent actions were less defined in TCtH than in Invisible. And I would have not have understood his cause, or his moniker, "the Janitor" as easily or as readily. Even the background of his fathers murder and the Pardew connection wouldn't have been easily understood without reading the first book.
Overall, I did enjoy To Close to Home. I thought the new character Robson was wonderfully witty and a great side-kick (if you will). Hope Grant keeps him along for the ride in future McGrath novels. I also enjoyed the background story of Mrs. Vincent. Great twist!
The main reason I gave Too Close to Home only 3 stars is due to the fact that there seems to be so little background to the first book in this series, Invisible. Too Close to home begins with Paul McGrath "maybe" throwing someone off of a roof top, then straight into his janitorial gig. If I hadn't already read Invisible, I would have been completely lost as to what the heck the relationship was between the first chapter and the following chapters. McGrath's military background and subsequent actions were less defined in TCtH than in Invisible. And I would have not have understood his cause, or his moniker, "the Janitor" as easily or as readily. Even the background of his fathers murder and the Pardew connection wouldn't have been easily understood without reading the first book.
Overall, I did enjoy To Close to Home. I thought the new character Robson was wonderfully witty and a great side-kick (if you will). Hope Grant keeps him along for the ride in future McGrath novels. I also enjoyed the background story of Mrs. Vincent. Great twist!
October 11, 2019
I'm usually a fan of this author, but Too Close To Home left me wondering why. The protagonist fancies himself a jankitor, cleaning up the messes unsavory people make, and in fact, that's what this former military intelligence officer is. Employed at the federal courthouse, he has access to miscarriages of justice and the means to remedy them. A self-described wandereing vigiliante, working with a former colleague who shares his mission, the Janitor stumbles on an incriminating file while tidying up a courtroom presided over by a corrupt judge that reveals the truth about a fraud perpetrated on his father - the reason he took his menial job in the first place., B y the time he's verified its contents, tracedi ts ownership, and deconstructed the criminality it proves, the plot has worn thin and the characters' lack of complexity have ground the actiopn to a halt; along with the lack of complexity in the chafracters, it makes this a less than compelling read..
April 10, 2020
Andrew Grant's hero, Paul McGrath aka "the Janitor", wants to be Jack Reacher. Unfortunately, he is far from it, and Andrew Grant is no Lee Child. McGrath faces two cases: the first involves the man who allegedly killed his father, and the second with regard to financier involved with short selling. I have lots of grievances to air. First, McGrath talks way too much, and he is pompous, arrogant, and judgemental. Second, there are many scenes reminiscent of Mission Impossible, as McGrath and friend fake identities and sneak into secure buildings. Third, the book has a high school-level understanding of short-selling, and demonizes those who engage in this legal activity. The writing style is sometimes wordy, with a lot of attention to architectural details. The dialogue is adequate. Ultimately, the story is a somewhat confused at times but does a decent job of keeping up the tension.
February 9, 2021
No. Just, no.
Cliched actions, cliched responses by the characters, cliched drama and an overly complex plot that includes scores of decades-ago flashbacks near the end makes this one too close to discomfort. Our hero is a janitor, sweeping the courtrooms of the courthouse in lower Manhattan. That is, unless he's on the rooftop of an Albany building threatening to throw someone off or chasing down an elusive file that could lead to information on the death of his father.
The dialogue was really stilted and the action was pretty cliche. "Let's look at the computer files." "Hey, I've got a device that can download everything from someone's computer in a minute." "Why don't we look at land transactions."
Snore.
I guess I should not expect literary genius. Andrew Grant is the brother of Reacher author Lee Child who hasn't met a sentence fragment he hasn't used.
Cliched actions, cliched responses by the characters, cliched drama and an overly complex plot that includes scores of decades-ago flashbacks near the end makes this one too close to discomfort. Our hero is a janitor, sweeping the courtrooms of the courthouse in lower Manhattan. That is, unless he's on the rooftop of an Albany building threatening to throw someone off or chasing down an elusive file that could lead to information on the death of his father.
The dialogue was really stilted and the action was pretty cliche. "Let's look at the computer files." "Hey, I've got a device that can download everything from someone's computer in a minute." "Why don't we look at land transactions."
Snore.
I guess I should not expect literary genius. Andrew Grant is the brother of Reacher author Lee Child who hasn't met a sentence fragment he hasn't used.
October 26, 2019
This was the first book I've read by this author and it is a winner. Paul McGrath works as a custodian for the courthouse. For Paul, it's the perfect cover as he investigates the alleged murder of his father where the accused killer walked free. As his investigation progresses, things become more and more confusing and there are more questions than answers. All the questions are answered at the end but getting there is a thrill ride.
This book put me in mind of James Lee Burke's Robicheaux series. The characters may not be as richly developed but the drama and suspense is right up there with the best.
I highly recommend this book and I hope to read more from this author.
This book put me in mind of James Lee Burke's Robicheaux series. The characters may not be as richly developed but the drama and suspense is right up there with the best.
I highly recommend this book and I hope to read more from this author.
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