Hell's Kitchen Homicide: A Conor Bard Mystery

by Charles Kipps

A fast-paced debut thriller “with great characters and hot action” says Stuart Woods—from an award-winning television writer and producer whose credits include the crime drama hits Law and Order and Columbo. When a corpse is discovered at the edge of the Hudson River, homicide detective Conor Bard is called to the scene. The victim turns out to be Walter Lawton, a hugely successful criminal defense attorney, with rumored ties to the Mafia. Among the prime suspects is Lawton’s chic, sexy wife who stands to inherit two hundred million dollars and was having an affair with one of her husband’s most dangerous clients. Did Lawton’s ruthless wife kill him with the help of her Mafioso lover? Or the elusive Albanian gunman? Or was it one of Lawton’s bitter clients who murdered him? And how does Monica, the intriguing young Albanian woman Conor becomes involved with, fit into the picture? Conor Bard soon becomes enmeshed in a web of secrets, lies, and seduction.And his own life may be in jeopardy. Set on the streets of New York City, this tantalizing blend of authentic fast-paced action, crossing plot-lines, and complex, multi-faceted characters marks the start of an exciting new mystery series.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction

307 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Stephane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that the timing of which I read the book made me rate it higher but nonetheless a 4 stars without question. It was an easy read with a good plot that keeps you hook thought out and the story moves along quite well without that dreaded feeling that the author is just staling to fill up the pages. The book as a little bit of everything, suspense, action, drama and even sarcastic humour between two long time partners (cops). Good story, believable character what more can I say....a must read for those looking to be entertained.

[Mitzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read but somewhat a bit too easy to anticipate the twists

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story that moves well - keeps the reader entertained; the characters are pretty one-dimensional with the main character being of interest to a lot of women and his partner always wanting to eat. While the novel is enjoyable, it isn't hard to figure out who "did it." I wasn't pleased with the ending but it fit Conor's character.
Despite Conor's many women "friends" there isn't explicit sex or extreme profanity - which gave this an additional star.

[Mike Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written. I like fairly short chapters and Mr. Kipps obliged.

I found the book intriguing and easy to keep track of the characters. The ending was not what I was expecting but was surprising and one I felt was right for this particular story.

Mr. Kipps is a wonderful author for sure.

[Mark Giordano · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was simply an entertaining book. Enjoyed the story line, liked the characters and the author's writing style. First I've read by Kipps but I'll be interested in reading more.

[Rogue Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed the city - the protag walks to his precinct and to restaurants and interesting insight into the Albanian takeover of Italian restaurants. A little too pat though, all wrapped up in the end.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost a 5-star but for the ending, which was a big disappointment for this reader.

[Benjamin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh I thought it was lame. Seemed like a 12 year old kid's attempt at writing a detective novel.

[Janice Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! Started out slow then got to where I didn't want to put it down. Liked the plot and characters.

[Raven M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good mystery book, I really enjoyed reading this simply because of how the crime scenes is described.

[AmyKatherine1974 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was to me a mediocre detective crime drama book. The plot was the book's shining point and even though it was fairly predictable it was still fairly entertaining.

What I didn't like about the book was the voice and viewpoint from which it was told. To me it read more like a really poorly crafted film noir. I was not surprised when I read that the author has worked in law and order: criminal intent. I found the dialogue that came out of the mouths of the characters to be totally stereotypical...like something you would see on bad crime drama tv. I will not read anything else by this author- it's way to kitchy and stereotypical for me.

[Shiela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite enjoyed this run of the mill mystery by an author who writes scripts for Law and Order and CSI (I think). Characters well developed and plot moves along at a nice pace. The twist at the end was forseeable but not predictable (the identity of the murderer) which I enjoyed. The decision Detective Conor Bard had to make in the end was bittersweet but I think I admire and respect him more for it. Hopefully, this will be the first book of a series because I would love to know what happens to some of the characters.

[Cory Furtado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally, I think this is a very underrated novel. The writing is good, though not spectacular, but it's the story that I believe makes this book truly great. For the most part, it is your standard police procedural. You have a detective with some sort of quirk, in this case a wannabe rock star, with a wisecracking partner. The dialogue is fun and playful, and the mystery is spectacular. The book has its share of predictable moments, but it is truly worth the journey.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lawyer famous for defending murderers and mafia figures is shot to death with a .22 caliber handgun. His beautiful and unfaithful wife becomes a suspect and puts the moves on Detective Conor Bard. Bard also meets a pretty Albanian woman who appears to captivate him. His part-time musical career goes on hold as more bodies pile up. An enjoyable story with out explicit sex or extreme profanity.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Criminal defense Lawyer is shot down, his wife and her lover are prime suspects. Detective Bard is on the case along with his partner Ralph, the 2 must find out who shot the lawyer, there are many road blocks in their path including a lovely Albanian woman who just happens to cross paths with Bard and craftily woo's the detective.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very impressed with Hell's Kitchen homicide. I had never read this author before and thought he is an excellent mystery writer. Most of the plot was a bit predictable but was surprised with the end. I would read another of his books.

[Hrn1947 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ny cop book. the fact that the cop wants to be a rock & roll star is a good hook. the ending has a good twist. i'm a sucker for a happy ending. the girl is hot too.

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read...Conor was a great character...In true Law and Order fashion, the book takes you by surprise just as you think you have it figured out.

[Jannewyork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting look at the current scene in mid-town Manhattan. The restaurants are real as is the growing Albanian population in the New York area. Kipps knows how to tell a story.

[Jerald Hoskelis · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of his better books. Agent Stone