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Lawson Raines #2

Shooting Star

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Former FBI detective Lawson Raines moved to a new city for a fresh start. He doesn't understand how the seedy underbelly of Hollywood works, but after taking the wrong job, he'll lose everything if he doesn't figure it out--fast.

When a woman is shot on his property, Lawson is thrust into a mystery fit for the big screen. But this is no movie, and the danger presented by the people he becomes entangled with couldn't be more real.

Caught between powerhouse producers and cartel bosses, Lawson and his partner Cassie must decipher what is true, who wants what, and most importantly how to keep from taking the fall. With each clue they uncover, the mystery deepens, and the consequences of being wrong become deadlier by the second. One false move and the truth could bury them all.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 3, 2019

783 people are currently reading
74 people want to read

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Bradley Wright

34 books247 followers

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5 stars
693 (53%)
4 stars
426 (32%)
3 stars
140 (10%)
2 stars
25 (1%)
1 star
14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews499 followers
May 3, 2019
Lawson Raines has moved plenty, now hoping to lose any enemies and make a wonderful life for his daughter,who wants to act, and living in Hollywood. Starting a PI service with his old partner, Cassie, Lawson is ready for some order in his life. But the sudden sound of gunshots and a sobbing woman with blood dripping down her arm at his front door puts a halt to those dreams quickly!!
The story of a man trying do do the best he can for his family, but as an ex-FBI agent he still feels pressed to do the right thing for anyone he meets. Kidnappings, killings, and the seedy side of life as an actor trying to get the best roles are thrown into Lawson's life, threatening his daughter and Cassie.
Lawson must deal with all he encounters,from devious producers to high powered cartel bosses, with a little romance thrown in, to keep his life safe and record clean. An intriguing thriller with explosive action, this is a book you Can Not put down until the twisted end!!
I received an ARC from author Bradley Wright, who I thank for an enthralling read, and I give you my honest thoughts and feelings in this review. A FIVE Star story that will take you on a whirlwind ride!!!
15 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2024
Book was pretty good. Not as good as #1. Only real issue I had is that the author tried to get too fancy and weave more and more things into the plot which made it convoluted.
Profile Image for Lisa Malmquist.
775 reviews23 followers
October 17, 2019
Lawson Raines has taken a personal security job for a well known movie producer. The meeting goes badly and beats up a known Hollywood fixer, Clint Hues.
Clint is working for Sloan, another powerful Hollywood producer, with mob ties.
Clint is out for revenge against Lawson because his reputation is now gone as a tough guy fixer.
Meanwhile, a Hollywood star is shot on Lawson's property and left there, wounded.
Lawson has been pushed into the middle of a dangerous game.
If he doesn't figure out who is behind it all and who is actually telling the truth or not, he will end up in a world of trouble.
It will take all of his skills and resources to get out of this mess and get back to his life with his daughter. Many twists and turns I almost needed a scorecard to keep track of everything!
If you like fast paced detective stories with lots of action you might try this one.
Profile Image for Mike Nemeth.
683 reviews13 followers
August 12, 2019
I had a feeling Lawson Raines might be a one-off for author Bradley Wright. "When the Man Comes Around" was a romp about an ex-con who finds out who set him up, framing him for the brutal murder of his wife. But then comes "Shooting Star," the follow. Raines has a daughter who knows nothing of the man her father was. They're attempting to reconnect. It's tough. She'd lived with maternal grandparents who didn't much care for the man, an ex FBI agent. With this installment, Raines has moved to Southern California. He's doing a good job as a dad. But one can't be too careful. Somebody discovers his whereabouts. And then it just gets weird. A beautiful A List actress is shot near his home, and she needs assistance. Raines helps. And she appears to like him. But Wright doesn't pen romances. There's mystery involved in this book. And it's layered. Wright is one of the best in the thriller/mystery genre. Raines is grittier than his Xander King series, more of a noirish take on the old private eye. A modern Raymond Chandler. Once he sets the action into play, he doesn't let up. And motives of everybody around Raines must be questioned. Raines attracts bad luck like a magnet in a steel mill. I look forward to the next one.
2,670 reviews23 followers
October 29, 2020
Good Time Was Had!!

Once again we are pulled back in with Lawson Raines and we are loving every moment .We are pulled into a story that has so many twist and turns it makes you dizzy. The gives us a little more of Lawson and it is sweet like your favorite candy. The story moves at a pace that keeps the pulse racing and the actin is spot on. The more I here Caesar's character, the more I can can here Marisa Tomei talking.I mean that's just me. This is not only well written but it is done with the idea of the characters are alive. Just another really good read and so want more of Lawson and Cassie. Would love to see the both of them navigate dating and their pitfalls.
795 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2021
Another page turner

Trouble seems to follow Lawson. This time when a young actress Taylor gets shot in his front yard, he thinks he’s taking a case to protect her. Frank, an FBI agent who hates Lawson, but bails him out, hoping to ensnare Lawson in a struggle against drug kingpin and movie mongul Marty Sloan. The the plot thickens as several are kidnapped and the reader wonders just who the good guys are. It’s a page-turner to the end.
14 reviews
May 7, 2021
A constant race to stay with the action

This book barely begins before the action starts. This author grabs you from the start engaging you in non-stop action. His character Lawson is an over the top physical specimen, who prides himself in staying fit. He seems to attract people who want to use his talents for their own reasons, which usually causes problems that become evident when someone he cares for is involved.
5 reviews
May 3, 2019
Bradley Wright did it again! Shooting Star is the second book about Lawson Raines! It will keep you on the edge of your seat for the whole read! You will find it hard to put down, so if you love books with great twists and turns, and tons of action this is the book and author for you! Bradley’s books just keep getting better and better and he quickly has become my favorite writer!
1,477 reviews25 followers
May 13, 2019
Shooting Star. Bradley Wright

Lawson Raines is a magnet for trouble. He acts on instinct. But, sometimes that's a good thing. His best friend and former FBI partner Cassie has a a knack for second guessing his every move. This is an extremely well written, extremely fast paced thriller bursting with action. Enjoyed immensely!
4 reviews
June 16, 2019
As a fan of Reacher , discovering Lawson was a pure deli

re delight. Even though he's fictional having a hero in these times soothes the soul.I thoroughly enjoyed being thrown from one disaster to another. I began to envision it was me executing the thrilling fight maneuvers. Thank you for a satisfying triumph of good over evil.
682 reviews29 followers
July 3, 2019
Another great book in this series. I do not believe I have ever read a bad book by Mr. Wright. I am partial to the Xander series, but this is right up there. There is plenty of action and mystery for anyone. The writing is amazing, as usual. All I can say is keep up the great work and keep 'em coming!!
24 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2021
Extremely riveting. Too many twists and turns to allow you to pass on a word or sentence. I had to go back and re-read some paragraphs to make sure I was following what was happening. Looking forward to reading the following novels and the future Alexander King novels where I’m sure his services will be requested or appreciated.
9 reviews
May 3, 2019
Bradley Wright has another winner! Lawson Raines, ex FBI agent, father and friend is a man I like. When a woman is shot in his front yard, the mystery and adventure begin. It is a fast paced page turner that will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat until the last page is turned.
Profile Image for Adam Slavitt.
9 reviews
May 3, 2019
Really entertaining. Lawson Raines is a badass! This book is action packed.
Good characters, everytime you think you know whats going on, a twist and turn takes you in a different directions.
Highly recommend this book and all of Bradley Wright's books.
Profile Image for Marty Williams.
140 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2019
Love this character!

Had read the first one i this series but forgot that I had. So when I started reading this one it jogged my memory! Lots of action and drama I love the relationship between Lawson and Cassie snow Taylor is I the picture. Great read !
Profile Image for Kenn Goslin.
822 reviews7 followers
February 24, 2021
The cast of characters keeps coming and Raines, Lexi and Cassie.....

Hard charging action, an over protective dad, a famous actress getting shot in his driveway and a movie producer client getting kidnapped...the makings of a movie??? Wrong!!!
7 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2021
Good characters. Complex plot.

I read the book to the end but at times I almost didn't finish. The characters were real but the plot not believable. Too many bad guys plotting together against each other. Too many kidnappings.




Profile Image for Connie.
121 reviews
June 15, 2021
I really like Lawson Raines and Cassie. They are great characters and the book is very character driven which I love. Unfortunately this one got overcomplicated with the story line. I am going to keep reading the series because I love the characters!
Profile Image for Ken Robson.
342 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2019
Ride along with Lawson in this latest book. Be prepared for a rodeo ride. Lots of plot twists and turns.

I received a free copy of this book.
36 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2019
He is so fine

Thank you for giving us another Lawson story. So by the way of the ending, does that mean he and Taylor are going to enjoy each other? I so hope so
11 reviews
June 4, 2019
Mason Storm

I like these kind of books. Lots of action. It could be slightly cheesy at times, but the characters were likable.
15 reviews3 followers
Read
August 20, 2019
I like Lawson. . I like the setting of Hollywood because we all know how messed up it is so lots of stories with seedy characters. Fun read!
2 reviews
September 1, 2019
Great read

Fast paced with lots of action to keep you engaged page after page longing for more. Plenty of twists and surprises
19 reviews
February 6, 2020
Cannot wait for the next book in this series. (Speaking of which, this would make a pretty good movie or television series!)
4 reviews
March 10, 2020
Another awesome adventure by Bradley Wright


A great sequel for the Lawson Rained adventure series. Proves Brad is in an elite class as a writer. Great stuff!
72 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2020
Lawson Raines (Badass)

Looking forward to more adventures with Lawson, Cassie ,Lexi , and Taylor. Please don't stop writing about these charactors. Thoroughly Enjoyed the series.
Profile Image for Robert Peck.
57 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2020
High Speed Action

This book has very few quiet moments. The action continues non-stop the whole book. The heroics exceed belief, but are part of an exciting read.
630 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2020
Suspense

Nonstop action and a complicated plot as in the first novel in this series. Lawson is a great new action hero.
Profile Image for Nora Shore.
Author 8 books2 followers
July 28, 2021
Another Gem

I love Bradley Wright's writing , especially the protagonists. This one is a little complicated, but it is very exciting and filled with twists and turns.
Profile Image for Dan Herron.
8 reviews
August 16, 2021
Who's on first?

If you are familiar with the Abott and Costella routine, you will love this book. The story line will keep you guessing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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