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Brady Coyne #20
A Fine Line
Walt Duffy was a world-renowned ornithologist, outdoorsman, and nature photographer who spent his life traveling and taking some of the most highly regarded photographs of birds in their natural habitats. Until, that is, over a year ago, when a climbing accident left him paraplegic. Now he spends his time in the backyard of his brownstone in Boston, with only his dog and his teen-aged son Ethan for company.
Brady Coyne, Walt's long-time friend and attorney, handles his routine legal affairs and is asked by Walt to deliver a set of Meriweather Lewis letters to a rare book dealer for authentication. Shortly after, responding to a call from Duffy, Coyne stops by after work only to find Walt dead - murdered - in his backyard. Robbery is dismissed as a motive when the only thing that turns up missing is Walt's laptop. Equally disturbing is the fact that Ethan, Walt's son, is missing without a trace, any sign of struggle, or any clue to where he may have gone. There is also evidence that Walt was somehow involved in a notorious eco-terrorist group that is currently taking deadly action around the Boston area.
With the FBI and the Boston police watching him closely, the eco-terrorists escalating dramatically, and Ethan still missing, Brady finds himself in the center of an increasingly dangerous plot. With the death toll mounting, Brady realizes he has to find the missing Ethan and unravel the complex puzzle before either of them becomes the latest victim.
Brady Coyne, Walt's long-time friend and attorney, handles his routine legal affairs and is asked by Walt to deliver a set of Meriweather Lewis letters to a rare book dealer for authentication. Shortly after, responding to a call from Duffy, Coyne stops by after work only to find Walt dead - murdered - in his backyard. Robbery is dismissed as a motive when the only thing that turns up missing is Walt's laptop. Equally disturbing is the fact that Ethan, Walt's son, is missing without a trace, any sign of struggle, or any clue to where he may have gone. There is also evidence that Walt was somehow involved in a notorious eco-terrorist group that is currently taking deadly action around the Boston area.
With the FBI and the Boston police watching him closely, the eco-terrorists escalating dramatically, and Ethan still missing, Brady finds himself in the center of an increasingly dangerous plot. With the death toll mounting, Brady realizes he has to find the missing Ethan and unravel the complex puzzle before either of them becomes the latest victim.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
10 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
William G. Tapply
79 books88 followersWilliam G. Tapply (1940–2009) was an American author best known for writing legal thrillers. A lifelong New Englander, he graduated from Amherst and Harvard before going on to teach social studies at Lexington High School. He published his first novel, Death at Charity’s Point, in 1984. A story of death and betrayal among Boston Brahmins, it introduced crusading lawyer Brady Coyne, a fishing enthusiast whom Tapply would follow through twenty-five more novels, including Follow the Sharks, The Vulgar Boatman, and the posthumously published Outwitting Trolls.
Besides writing regular columns for Field and Stream, Gray’s Sporting Journal, and American Angler, Tapply wrote numerous books on fishing, hunting, and life in the outdoors. He was also the author of The Elements of Mystery Fiction, a writer’s guide. He died in 2009, at his home in Hancock, New Hampshire.
Besides writing regular columns for Field and Stream, Gray’s Sporting Journal, and American Angler, Tapply wrote numerous books on fishing, hunting, and life in the outdoors. He was also the author of The Elements of Mystery Fiction, a writer’s guide. He died in 2009, at his home in Hancock, New Hampshire.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 14, 2018
The twentieth novel in the Brady Coyne series falls somewhere in the middle of the pack, quality wise--better than some, but not as good as others in the series. The story begins when Brady gets a call from one of his clients, Walt Duffy. Duffy is an internationally-renowned birder and has traveled the world photographing birds of every description. But then he had an accident which left him unable to walk, and for the last two years he's been confined to his home in Boston and to the bird sanctuary that he created in his backyard.
Duffy also collects rare books and manuscripts relating to birds, and one afternoon he asks Brady to stop by. Duffy has some letters purported to have been written by Meriwether Lewis to a famed ornithologist of his day, describing the birds that Lewis saw while exploring the Far West for President Thomas Jefferson. If the letters are authentic, they would be worth a fortune. Duffy wants Brady to take the letters to a colleague who will appraise them. Brady agrees, but shortly thereafter, Walt Duffy is murdered and his son, Ethan, who lived with him, disappears. Brady discovers the body and so naturally finds himself in the middle of the investigation and the search for Ethan.
So far, so good, and we have the setup for what could be a pretty intriguing novel. But the book then takes a turn in a direction that was, at least for me, much less interesting and exciting than the early pages of the book would have suggested. Bad things continue to happen; Brady Coyne increasingly gets sucked deeper into the vortex and pretty soon, his life may be on the line. Along the way, his relationship with his new girlfriend, Evie Banyon continues to develop and it gives nothing away to reveal that there's a pretty interesting sex scene that take place in the middle of a thunderstorm. Oh, the symbolism!
This is certainly not a bad book, and I enjoyed reading it. But after the opening pages I had high hopes for it that were not entirely born out. A solid three stars for me, but no more than that.
Duffy also collects rare books and manuscripts relating to birds, and one afternoon he asks Brady to stop by. Duffy has some letters purported to have been written by Meriwether Lewis to a famed ornithologist of his day, describing the birds that Lewis saw while exploring the Far West for President Thomas Jefferson. If the letters are authentic, they would be worth a fortune. Duffy wants Brady to take the letters to a colleague who will appraise them. Brady agrees, but shortly thereafter, Walt Duffy is murdered and his son, Ethan, who lived with him, disappears. Brady discovers the body and so naturally finds himself in the middle of the investigation and the search for Ethan.
So far, so good, and we have the setup for what could be a pretty intriguing novel. But the book then takes a turn in a direction that was, at least for me, much less interesting and exciting than the early pages of the book would have suggested. Bad things continue to happen; Brady Coyne increasingly gets sucked deeper into the vortex and pretty soon, his life may be on the line. Along the way, his relationship with his new girlfriend, Evie Banyon continues to develop and it gives nothing away to reveal that there's a pretty interesting sex scene that take place in the middle of a thunderstorm. Oh, the symbolism!
This is certainly not a bad book, and I enjoyed reading it. But after the opening pages I had high hopes for it that were not entirely born out. A solid three stars for me, but no more than that.
November 6, 2022
Another enjoyable Brady Coyne story as our Boston lawyer gets drawn into a series of murders after he discovers the body of one of his clients
July 3, 2025
Not intellectually challenging but a solid entertaining read with nice easy flow. Good beach book that can be enjoyed without much thought.
November 4, 2017
Having read Tapply's fine work, "Outwitting Trolls" as my first brush with this author and series, I have only a small sample to compare. I found "A Fine Line" to be slightly less well written, with a feeling of things being forced to move the plot along. It picks up nicely over the last quarter of the book, however I felt that the ending and "the reveal" of the bad guy and his motive was artificial, rather than having grown organically from the storyline that the author had established.
Still an enjoyable book, but my expectations for future Brady Coyne novels have been adjusted downward somewhat.
Still an enjoyable book, but my expectations for future Brady Coyne novels have been adjusted downward somewhat.
March 20, 2011
Walt Duffy, famous bird photographer who had lost the use of his legs, asks Coyne, his lawyer, to take some valuable letters of Merriwether Lewis to be appraised. The next day, Coyne finds Duffy on the brick floor of his birdhouse, his head bleeding profusely, crutches by his side and Ethan, Duffy’s son who lived with him has gone missing.
The plot becomes thicker as Coyne finds himself manipulated by a killer with links to a secret environmentalist organization. The killer seems to know Coyne’s every move and Coyne is not sure what move to make to save lives.
Sounds thin, but I’m trying to avoid spoilers. All you need to know is that Tapply writes well, always tells an engaging story, sprinkled with humor, and provides a few hours of solid entertainment.
The plot becomes thicker as Coyne finds himself manipulated by a killer with links to a secret environmentalist organization. The killer seems to know Coyne’s every move and Coyne is not sure what move to make to save lives.
Sounds thin, but I’m trying to avoid spoilers. All you need to know is that Tapply writes well, always tells an engaging story, sprinkled with humor, and provides a few hours of solid entertainment.
October 8, 2015
#19 in the Brady Coyne series. Goodreads has this as #20, but I treat the Brady Coyne / JW Jackson novels as a separate series.
Boston attorney Brady Coyne finds his client, Walt Duffy, dying when he arrives for a meeting. Walt's son, Ethan, is the suspect but Brady doesn't believe it. Ultimately, Brady offers to buy Walt's Beacon Hill home and adopt his Brittany, Henry, if lover Evie will move in with him.
Boston attorney Brady Coyne finds his client, Walt Duffy, dying when he arrives for a meeting. Walt's son, Ethan, is the suspect but Brady doesn't believe it. Ultimately, Brady offers to buy Walt's Beacon Hill home and adopt his Brittany, Henry, if lover Evie will move in with him.
July 13, 2016
William Tapply is my new favorite author
Tapply's Brady Coyne is funny, interesting, not your usual lawyer, he would rather fish than work, his secretary rules the office with sharpness but she is a romantic who lets Brady off the hook to court his lady friends. Brady can't help but get involved in situations leading him into danger to help his clients who are usually long time friends.
Tapply's Brady Coyne is funny, interesting, not your usual lawyer, he would rather fish than work, his secretary rules the office with sharpness but she is a romantic who lets Brady off the hook to court his lady friends. Brady can't help but get involved in situations leading him into danger to help his clients who are usually long time friends.
January 22, 2014
I know I've read this one before.
I kept reading even when I knew I'd read it at least 2 years ago.
I recommend it all over again.
x
"Walt Duffy was a world-renowned ornithologist, outdoorsman, and nature photographer who spent his life traveling and taking some of the most highly regarded photographs of birds in their natural habitats.
I kept reading even when I knew I'd read it at least 2 years ago.
I recommend it all over again.
x
"Walt Duffy was a world-renowned ornithologist, outdoorsman, and nature photographer who spent his life traveling and taking some of the most highly regarded photographs of birds in their natural habitats.
August 16, 2009
Very Good; Continuing character: Brady Coyne; when a birder friend/client is killed and it appears eco-terrorists are involved, Coyne goes looking for his friend's missing son, while trying to decide whether to move in with his girlfriend
January 17, 2008
Excellent read. Starts right in and keeps on going. Love Brady Coyne!
August 25, 2009
William Tapply just recently died. The crime novels in his Brady Coyne series could always be counted on to provide a good read.
Read
August 18, 2011Good book light, fast read.
March 23, 2015
Exciting story. I didn't see the end coming in this one. Missed the clue. Love that Brady Coyne!
December 12, 2016
3 and a half stars. The Brady Coyne series is consistently good (at least the six or seven I've read). Solid effort.
October 24, 2017
Similar to the Hastings series, but better. Great lead character, simple read.
May 7, 2022
We’ve been reading Tapply’s once-popular Brady Coyne series (published now mostly 20-40 years ago) in order, finding “Fine Line”, this 20th in the 25-book set, quite pleasing. Most of these tales find Brady, who we would now call a concierge attorney to the Boston-area wealthy, solving almost classic mystery puzzles surrounding his clients. But like the earlier novel “Scar Tissue”, this one is almost a thriller, full of suspense and dangerous elements throughout – marred only by an ending many might find a tad predictable.
The plot finds Brady taking possession of some very valuable old letters of Meriwether Lewis from a house-bound famous ornithologist with now ties to a turbulent environmental group. The client is murdered and soon a number of arsons appear linked to the matter, after which Brady starts getting calls probably from the likely perpetrator; and then later gets deeply involved in the status of the letters and other crimes. That the client’s son is missing throughout raises suspicions and problems to boot. Brady’s cop friend of late Horowitz becomes quite the helper before it’s all over.
All-in-all, great fun. We’re having a little trouble finding these later books in the set, but on to number 21 (“Shadow of Death”) shortly!
The plot finds Brady taking possession of some very valuable old letters of Meriwether Lewis from a house-bound famous ornithologist with now ties to a turbulent environmental group. The client is murdered and soon a number of arsons appear linked to the matter, after which Brady starts getting calls probably from the likely perpetrator; and then later gets deeply involved in the status of the letters and other crimes. That the client’s son is missing throughout raises suspicions and problems to boot. Brady’s cop friend of late Horowitz becomes quite the helper before it’s all over.
All-in-all, great fun. We’re having a little trouble finding these later books in the set, but on to number 21 (“Shadow of Death”) shortly!
December 31, 2025
Imagine my surprise to find that Robert Parker's Spencer has a less buff, slightly more tailored brother!! Tapply's Brady Coyne uses both his names and is a lawyer and Parker never let on what Spencer's name was and of course he's a PI. But Coyne has a Susan named Evie, a Pearl named Henry and a Belson named Horowitz. Unfortunately, Coyne doesn't have a Hawk or friends in the criminal underworld, he smokes way too much and shies away from fisticuffs. But both Coyne and Spencer can cook, drink coffee by the quart, like to drink and have a gun and, since they both have offices in the same area of Boston, they must pass each other 50 times a week so I wonder why they've never run into one another. This was a decent read abt the deaths of a world-renowned, now paraplegic, ornithologist; his friend, an authority on bird-related antiquities; and a strange fellow who owns a record store and briefly employed the ornithologist's son who gets kidnapped. Coyne starts getting strange warning phone calls, has an unexpected meeting with the FBI, and makes new friends in homicide before it's all wrapped up.
August 19, 2022
(2 1/2). It is so sad that I am coming towards the end of my beloved Brady Coyne books. They always make for an enjoyable afternoon or evening (once in a while, both) of reading. This one is more complicated than many of its predecessors, and that makes the twists and turns at the end even more fun. Brady is still Brady (a very good thing) but he is more attached to Evie than in any of the prior books. As always, a very enjoyable experience. Good stuff.
May 1, 2025
This was a really good addition to the Brady Coyne series. The story kept you involved from beginning to end. The end was a surprise.
January 16, 2025
Even many years later a book by Tapply is better than so many others. I'm sorry there won't be any more new ones but since I enjoy reading his older ones - I have forgotten most of the details so they seem almost new - I'll continue being satisfied.
July 16, 2011
It was the first book I have read. I think I should read some of the earlier books in the series. It was a good start and then by the end I was just reading the dialogue because i was bored.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews