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Gavin Nolan’s Biography #2
Derrick
In Hyde Park, a movie theater erupts in flames on a bitterly cold November evening.
It seems like a job for the fire department, but under Captain Creighton’s direct orders, Detective Gavin Nolan and his partner, Derrick Williamson, must investigate. Arriving on the chaotic scene, they find multiple fatalities—but one of the victims is most peculiar…
Gavin soon discovers that this fire wasn’t the first of its kind. The arsonist has set ablaze other buildings around Chicago, and more female victims left in the same gruesome state have been discovered.
Gavin and Derrick determine that the arsonist is not an arsonist at all—but a sinister serial killer with an agenda.
Juggling the unexpected events in his personal life, Gavin digs into the locations of the explosions. At the same time, Derrick probes into the victims’ lives, searching for any possible connection.
However, when the next explosion occurs, the killer leaves behind a significant object, and Derrick becomes noticeably reserved. Gavin soon uncovers an enigmatic link, one that points to Derrick’s military past. A time that his partner had wished to forget. Yet, to catch the vicious maniac, Derrick must tell Gavin everything.
In a suspenseful, gripping ride to the end, it is up to Gavin to rescue his partner from the clutches of a killer. But will he make it in time?
WARNING: This book contains graphic scenes, explicit language, and violent sexual situations.
It seems like a job for the fire department, but under Captain Creighton’s direct orders, Detective Gavin Nolan and his partner, Derrick Williamson, must investigate. Arriving on the chaotic scene, they find multiple fatalities—but one of the victims is most peculiar…
Gavin soon discovers that this fire wasn’t the first of its kind. The arsonist has set ablaze other buildings around Chicago, and more female victims left in the same gruesome state have been discovered.
Gavin and Derrick determine that the arsonist is not an arsonist at all—but a sinister serial killer with an agenda.
Juggling the unexpected events in his personal life, Gavin digs into the locations of the explosions. At the same time, Derrick probes into the victims’ lives, searching for any possible connection.
However, when the next explosion occurs, the killer leaves behind a significant object, and Derrick becomes noticeably reserved. Gavin soon uncovers an enigmatic link, one that points to Derrick’s military past. A time that his partner had wished to forget. Yet, to catch the vicious maniac, Derrick must tell Gavin everything.
In a suspenseful, gripping ride to the end, it is up to Gavin to rescue his partner from the clutches of a killer. But will he make it in time?
WARNING: This book contains graphic scenes, explicit language, and violent sexual situations.
493 pages, Paperback
Published November 27, 2018
6 people want to read
About the author
Russell .
4 books62 followersFor nearly two decades, Russell was an Executive Chef in the Restaurant Industry, in which he created succulent entrees and managed various types of kitchen operations. In the last seven years, he began to teach future culinarians achieve their professional goals in hands-on classroom and lecture settings. With his recent graduate work in the field of Sociology, his interests centered on organizational behaviorism, social theory and food insecurity. Russell has been writing for the majority of his life. Last year, he published a Second Edition on his freshman novel, The Tale of Old Man Fischer. Slipping into alternative universes allows Russell to enjoy the process of creativity from the novel’s conception to its final draft. Most importantly, inspiration is a continuous piece of his work and results from the world around him. Currently, he lives in Up State New York with two children and several cats.
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February 17, 2019DNF at 70%
I really tried, and even after it was already clear to me that the second book wouldn't be nearly as good as the first book, I still kept on reading. But I can't anymore. I played even with the idea to re-read Gavin in order to understand what happened here. I rated the first book with 4 stars and I really enjoyed it! Could I be THAT wrong?!
Derrick needs urgently a good editor. It has at least 200 pages too much, full of unnecessary information and unimportant dialogues. All characters -with a tiny exception - speak the same vulgar language like they all have been cloned in the same lab.
The plot has no sense at all.
And when it turned into THIS ridiculous direction, I knew I had enough.
ARC kindly provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
I really tried, and even after it was already clear to me that the second book wouldn't be nearly as good as the first book, I still kept on reading. But I can't anymore. I played even with the idea to re-read Gavin in order to understand what happened here. I rated the first book with 4 stars and I really enjoyed it! Could I be THAT wrong?!
Derrick needs urgently a good editor. It has at least 200 pages too much, full of unnecessary information and unimportant dialogues. All characters -with a tiny exception - speak the same vulgar language like they all have been cloned in the same lab.
The plot has no sense at all.
And when it turned into THIS ridiculous direction, I knew I had enough.
ARC kindly provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
January 30, 2019
This is a story about Detective Derrick; He finds himself in a building with dead victims the scene is horrific his partner looking for evidence in the building of Chicago. The characters are vivid with serial killers, sex scenes, explosion, and unexpected plots suspenseful twist and much more. Russell did an excellent job writing this story. I recommend this captivating book
August 26, 2021
I am almost speechless. I finished this yesterday, but had to let it all sit and sink in fully so I could give it the review it deserves. I will not go in to the specifics or spoilers since so many of the other reviews already tell more than they should.
What I will say is this book is an EXCELLENT 2nd installment to the series. It was everything the first book had and more. Wonderfully colorful characters, that you really get to know and become invested in. Gavin and Derrick are the main focus, yet in this one we see more of Evelyn as they assist on her case. The mystery of the case is enthralling and I love how the clues are dripped out slowly so as the reader you get to try to figure it all out on your own. There are several sub-plots as well that are equally interesting and add another level of intrigue and mystery. I found myself hooked and unable to put it down, reading until 3 am. Gavin has captured my heart. He is a loyal partner, a great detective, yet lost in terms of relationships and family. Followed in his dead fathers footsteps with police work, and loves his mother so much but is pained by her ever worsening mental state. He is complicated and deep. Derrick takes on the limelight in this book, his military past is tied into their current case so we really get to know more about him.
I was shocked and stunned by all the twists and turns. I was elated with some wonderful moments then completely destroyed with others. I didn't see the end coming. My heart was in my throat and I was holding my breath! I cannot wait to read Quinn to see how some of the ongoing story line plays out and see how life ends up for Gavin once and for all.
What I will say is this book is an EXCELLENT 2nd installment to the series. It was everything the first book had and more. Wonderfully colorful characters, that you really get to know and become invested in. Gavin and Derrick are the main focus, yet in this one we see more of Evelyn as they assist on her case. The mystery of the case is enthralling and I love how the clues are dripped out slowly so as the reader you get to try to figure it all out on your own. There are several sub-plots as well that are equally interesting and add another level of intrigue and mystery. I found myself hooked and unable to put it down, reading until 3 am. Gavin has captured my heart. He is a loyal partner, a great detective, yet lost in terms of relationships and family. Followed in his dead fathers footsteps with police work, and loves his mother so much but is pained by her ever worsening mental state. He is complicated and deep. Derrick takes on the limelight in this book, his military past is tied into their current case so we really get to know more about him.
I was shocked and stunned by all the twists and turns. I was elated with some wonderful moments then completely destroyed with others. I didn't see the end coming. My heart was in my throat and I was holding my breath! I cannot wait to read Quinn to see how some of the ongoing story line plays out and see how life ends up for Gavin once and for all.
March 12, 2019
Well.....straight into the action - love it! Although it did make me uncomfortable....but what's a good crime mystery without a bit of discomfort?
I've enjoyed being drawn into this story, trying to work things out before Gavin and Derrick (the cops).
Full of twists, turns, dead ends and surprises, there's plenty to keep you hooked.
This isn't a one day read to be rushed through, this is a few days to get lost in a dark world......a world with m/m relationships and sex, twisted games, deception, heartache and loss.
I like Gavin, I might not agree with some of his choices but essentially he's a decent bloke.
I've struggled to warm to Derrick. Perhaps it's just a difference in personality or his attitude. I don't dislike him though.
This is definitely an adult read.
I've enjoyed being drawn into this story, trying to work things out before Gavin and Derrick (the cops).
Full of twists, turns, dead ends and surprises, there's plenty to keep you hooked.
This isn't a one day read to be rushed through, this is a few days to get lost in a dark world......a world with m/m relationships and sex, twisted games, deception, heartache and loss.
I like Gavin, I might not agree with some of his choices but essentially he's a decent bloke.
I've struggled to warm to Derrick. Perhaps it's just a difference in personality or his attitude. I don't dislike him though.
This is definitely an adult read.
December 31, 2019
Dark secrets abound in the 2nd installment of Author Russell’s Gavin Nolin Biography series. A sadistic serial killer arsonist is on the loose, terrorizing the city of Chicago with brutal fatalities and catastrophic destruction. Detective Gavin Nolan and his partner Derrick Williamson are called in to investigate with colleague Evelyn Lopez, rattling the political chains of the CPD as they expose organizational incompetence and corruption, while coming face to face with professional and personal demons.
As the killer arsonist grows bolder, tensions flare between Gavin and his captain, Colin Creighton, laying bare a darker set of secrets Gavin must contend with, juggling the demands of this horrific investigation and his feelings for his new found love. Derrick’s military past is revealed, exposing the monstrosities that can fester when power is perverted. As the hideous details and clues emerge, they close in on the killer, but will they be too late?
This is a page turning read that shows the many dark sides of human nature, and the struggles to survive mentally and physically when boundaries are crossed. As with the first book, I thought Author Russell did an exceptional job in this story, exposing the rawest of emotions in the characters as they deal with their personal and professional dilemmas, and how they ultimately face the consequences of the hands fate deals to them. Be forewarned, this is a suspense filled storyline with graphic violence and sexual situations. I can’t wait for the next installment—highly recommended!
As the killer arsonist grows bolder, tensions flare between Gavin and his captain, Colin Creighton, laying bare a darker set of secrets Gavin must contend with, juggling the demands of this horrific investigation and his feelings for his new found love. Derrick’s military past is revealed, exposing the monstrosities that can fester when power is perverted. As the hideous details and clues emerge, they close in on the killer, but will they be too late?
This is a page turning read that shows the many dark sides of human nature, and the struggles to survive mentally and physically when boundaries are crossed. As with the first book, I thought Author Russell did an exceptional job in this story, exposing the rawest of emotions in the characters as they deal with their personal and professional dilemmas, and how they ultimately face the consequences of the hands fate deals to them. Be forewarned, this is a suspense filled storyline with graphic violence and sexual situations. I can’t wait for the next installment—highly recommended!
May 22, 2020
A magnificent story. DERRICK knocks it out of the park.
I found Russell’s first book, GAVIN, to be gripping and shocking, an emotion jolter, a masterfully sculpted, synergistic opus—and this second novel in the series had all of that, and more! DERRICK was two novels in one, with an ending that’ll have you brimming with payback smiles, as well as shedding tears. I relate this book to watching a great movie, and can imagine it as one. Most movies give you zilch. Really, you forget them almost instantly. But DERRICK grips you as if your emotions were balled up in your throat, and then it squeezes.
And it squeezes. It gets you like that emotional movie that has your eyes wide, anxiety piqued, tears a waterfall.
The story begins with new investigations of ghastly crimes, Gavin and Derrick on the job (plus, introduce a third member to their team, a sexy and intelligent female detective: Evelyn). And the pressure steadily builds. Then, near the middle the story, change gears. Dive into Derrick’s experiences as a soldier in the Middle East. It gets rough, brutal, and something’s not right. There’s scandals, rape and torture, and plenty of action and mystery.
DERRICK has an explosive ending. And then an epilogue that’ll pop your top. Yes, it keeps getting better, deeper (in more ways than one, pun intended). I NEVER expected THIS—nor did Gavin! And after all that—as though two, or several novels had been compacted into one, their details intertwining like Gordian Knot greatness—there’s the sneak-peak finale: a chapter from the final novel in the series! This short but pithy extra will (hint:) give the movie Hostel a run for its money. But with the insanely deep character development in THIS series, one that has you ACTUALLY caring, you can take your Hostel DVD and toss it in the trash. I’m sure to read the final book! Because DERRICK rocked my world in so many ways. It’s my favorite book of 2019.
One star for the sheer amount of work that had to have gone into something like this, making every one of the hundreds of details in this novel come together as though Beethoven had just finished destroying a piano with his magnum opus; the ending is reversed time, piano pieces snapping back to perfection. Clever, very! Beethoven raises his clenched fist and lightning strikes it!
Another star for descriptive prose that had you smack in the action: be it in the Middle East, at one gruesome crime scene after another, interviewing suspects, or in the bedroom, taking it up the… Well, I better stop before this review gets too HOT!!!
Better than many bestsellers I’ve read. DERRICK gets its third star for some of the deepest character development I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing; I shed more than one tear during the course of the story. (Smiled quite a few times too, eyes wide or not, red-faced or not).
A fourth star for the way in which Derrick was focused on more and more. His depth of character was a crescendoing flood of genius that could fill the Grand Canyon. (I also LOVED Evelyn, and Maria and her family, and even Chad—and the antagonists were BRUTAL). All of the characters! Masterfully the author kept me engaged in the story and wanting more.
A fifth star for how Derrick reacted to Gavin’s exposé, the two of them as good friends and a great team, Thanksgiving dinner, and especially, for what Derrick told Gavin during much time at his apartment (several chapters—the “gear change”), and, for what he shockingly hit Gavin with at the end of the novel! Wow!
I liked EVERYTHING about this novel. I liked it more than the first book in the series. I loved the ending, which had more than just one punch (one in particular sent my heart to my stomach). I loved the epilogue. And I loved the engaging, albeit gruesome, enigmatic sneak-peek chapter. That said, six stars out of five. The sixth because a genius must have written this. Russell, you are an ingenious author. DERRICK knocked it out of the park.
I found Russell’s first book, GAVIN, to be gripping and shocking, an emotion jolter, a masterfully sculpted, synergistic opus—and this second novel in the series had all of that, and more! DERRICK was two novels in one, with an ending that’ll have you brimming with payback smiles, as well as shedding tears. I relate this book to watching a great movie, and can imagine it as one. Most movies give you zilch. Really, you forget them almost instantly. But DERRICK grips you as if your emotions were balled up in your throat, and then it squeezes.
And it squeezes. It gets you like that emotional movie that has your eyes wide, anxiety piqued, tears a waterfall.
The story begins with new investigations of ghastly crimes, Gavin and Derrick on the job (plus, introduce a third member to their team, a sexy and intelligent female detective: Evelyn). And the pressure steadily builds. Then, near the middle the story, change gears. Dive into Derrick’s experiences as a soldier in the Middle East. It gets rough, brutal, and something’s not right. There’s scandals, rape and torture, and plenty of action and mystery.
DERRICK has an explosive ending. And then an epilogue that’ll pop your top. Yes, it keeps getting better, deeper (in more ways than one, pun intended). I NEVER expected THIS—nor did Gavin! And after all that—as though two, or several novels had been compacted into one, their details intertwining like Gordian Knot greatness—there’s the sneak-peak finale: a chapter from the final novel in the series! This short but pithy extra will (hint:) give the movie Hostel a run for its money. But with the insanely deep character development in THIS series, one that has you ACTUALLY caring, you can take your Hostel DVD and toss it in the trash. I’m sure to read the final book! Because DERRICK rocked my world in so many ways. It’s my favorite book of 2019.
One star for the sheer amount of work that had to have gone into something like this, making every one of the hundreds of details in this novel come together as though Beethoven had just finished destroying a piano with his magnum opus; the ending is reversed time, piano pieces snapping back to perfection. Clever, very! Beethoven raises his clenched fist and lightning strikes it!
Another star for descriptive prose that had you smack in the action: be it in the Middle East, at one gruesome crime scene after another, interviewing suspects, or in the bedroom, taking it up the… Well, I better stop before this review gets too HOT!!!
Better than many bestsellers I’ve read. DERRICK gets its third star for some of the deepest character development I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing; I shed more than one tear during the course of the story. (Smiled quite a few times too, eyes wide or not, red-faced or not).
A fourth star for the way in which Derrick was focused on more and more. His depth of character was a crescendoing flood of genius that could fill the Grand Canyon. (I also LOVED Evelyn, and Maria and her family, and even Chad—and the antagonists were BRUTAL). All of the characters! Masterfully the author kept me engaged in the story and wanting more.
A fifth star for how Derrick reacted to Gavin’s exposé, the two of them as good friends and a great team, Thanksgiving dinner, and especially, for what Derrick told Gavin during much time at his apartment (several chapters—the “gear change”), and, for what he shockingly hit Gavin with at the end of the novel! Wow!
I liked EVERYTHING about this novel. I liked it more than the first book in the series. I loved the ending, which had more than just one punch (one in particular sent my heart to my stomach). I loved the epilogue. And I loved the engaging, albeit gruesome, enigmatic sneak-peek chapter. That said, six stars out of five. The sixth because a genius must have written this. Russell, you are an ingenious author. DERRICK knocked it out of the park.
March 28, 2019
Someone in the Chicago area is killing women in a horrific manner. In an attempt to obfuscate what has been done, the bodies become part of an arson scene, probably to throw the police off the track. Detective Gavin Nolan has only recently come to terms with his sexuality, and isn’t open with his friends, family, and co-workers yet. On the other hand, his partner, Chad, has introduced him to friends and family, who have accepted Gavin with open arms. While on a date with Chad, Gavin receives a call from his partner, Derrick, to come to the Opus Theater, where a fire has occurred. When Gavin protests that they don’t do fires, Derrick snorts and tells him these are their boss, Quinn Creighton’s, orders, so they have no choice. Arriving on the scene, they try to figure out why they are there. Looking around among the victims of the fire they come across the body of a woman. Something seems different about this one. The medical examiner thinks there is residual evidence of rope on the wrists, which has bonded with her flesh. And she appears to be nude.
The detectives don’t realize it, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Working this case will involve digging into the past, as well as taking a good hard look at who they are, and how they got where they are now.
Derrick is the second book in a trilogy, which I didn’t realize when I agreed to review it. I was able to read this book despite that, although there were probably nuances I would have understood better had I read the first book. If you’re interested in reading this, I would suggest starting from the beginning, with Gavin.
This book is very long and complex, especially for a mystery. There are a lot of different characters, some of whom I suspect were introduced in the first book, especially Gavin’s superior, Quinn Creighton, with whom he has some kind of past history. I am guessing we meet Chad in the first book, and that their relationship was more front and center, while in this book, it’s relegated more to the sidelines. Gavin’s relationship with his partner, Derrick, is more central. The two end up on the murder case at the theater, and are working with a female detective named Evelyn, who is actually under another jurisdiction but whose presence has been requested. Apparently her partner hasn’t bothered to train her very well, and her superior is a dick.
The author, who uses the single name Russell, is not without talent, and he creates memorable characters. The plot is interesting, even if the resolution is somewhat simplistic. What the book suffers from is a lack of good editing, however, including everything from simple word errors to stilted dialogue, which detracts from the enjoyment of the book. These are not major problems, and they could have been easily handled in the editing phase, but they weren’t. This book was obviously self-published, which doesn’t automatically mean it’s bad, but self-published authors are often notorious for either not having editing or having poor editing.
Another problem, at least for me, was when the story changed from being Gavin’s story, completely told in third person narrative, to his partner Derrick’s story, which is done in a first person POV, and goes on for some chapters. And pretty well sets up the ending, including the who-done-it. The only question is how will this play out and who will survive?
It’s an enjoyable story, and if things like the ones I mentioned don’t bother you, then go for it. There is another book left in the series, but I’m afraid it will probably suffer from the same poor editing. I don’t think I’ll be reviewing that one.
The detectives don’t realize it, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Working this case will involve digging into the past, as well as taking a good hard look at who they are, and how they got where they are now.
Derrick is the second book in a trilogy, which I didn’t realize when I agreed to review it. I was able to read this book despite that, although there were probably nuances I would have understood better had I read the first book. If you’re interested in reading this, I would suggest starting from the beginning, with Gavin.
This book is very long and complex, especially for a mystery. There are a lot of different characters, some of whom I suspect were introduced in the first book, especially Gavin’s superior, Quinn Creighton, with whom he has some kind of past history. I am guessing we meet Chad in the first book, and that their relationship was more front and center, while in this book, it’s relegated more to the sidelines. Gavin’s relationship with his partner, Derrick, is more central. The two end up on the murder case at the theater, and are working with a female detective named Evelyn, who is actually under another jurisdiction but whose presence has been requested. Apparently her partner hasn’t bothered to train her very well, and her superior is a dick.
The author, who uses the single name Russell, is not without talent, and he creates memorable characters. The plot is interesting, even if the resolution is somewhat simplistic. What the book suffers from is a lack of good editing, however, including everything from simple word errors to stilted dialogue, which detracts from the enjoyment of the book. These are not major problems, and they could have been easily handled in the editing phase, but they weren’t. This book was obviously self-published, which doesn’t automatically mean it’s bad, but self-published authors are often notorious for either not having editing or having poor editing.
Another problem, at least for me, was when the story changed from being Gavin’s story, completely told in third person narrative, to his partner Derrick’s story, which is done in a first person POV, and goes on for some chapters. And pretty well sets up the ending, including the who-done-it. The only question is how will this play out and who will survive?
It’s an enjoyable story, and if things like the ones I mentioned don’t bother you, then go for it. There is another book left in the series, but I’m afraid it will probably suffer from the same poor editing. I don’t think I’ll be reviewing that one.
April 23, 2019
Secrets and lies lead to multiple murders in “Derrick” the second installment in the Gavin Nolan biography series.
Detective Gavin Nolan and his partner Derrick Williamson are joined by rookie detective Evelyn Lopez, who we first met in “Gavin” book 1, to solve a string of murders by an arsonist who tortures his victim first then drags the barely alive body to a building in the Chicago area which he then sets on fire. A single clue is left on the victim’s body, leaving a digital footprint in the form a CD which has Gavin employing the resources of IT whiz, Mylo.
As the case unfolds, we soon learn more about Detective Williamson’s past and his troubled military days under the command of a lunatic. The question I had was: why didn’t Williamson dive deeper into what he had discovered about this wicked man and other men in his unit so many years ago? Did fear, retaliation or ambivalence hold him back? I had to find out why. Kudos for keeping me turning the pages!
The author does an excellent job of continually drawing you into the lives of the characters and the secrets they keep along with pacing the plot to an intense end. The story reaches a pulse-pounding, action-filled conclusion with a final heart wrenching twist you won’t see coming until justice is served. And then when you think it’s over another shocking blow is dealt in the final chapter.
Fans of dark, gritty crime fiction will found this a satisfying read but reader be warned the book contains graphic and violent content and adult situations.
Detective Gavin Nolan and his partner Derrick Williamson are joined by rookie detective Evelyn Lopez, who we first met in “Gavin” book 1, to solve a string of murders by an arsonist who tortures his victim first then drags the barely alive body to a building in the Chicago area which he then sets on fire. A single clue is left on the victim’s body, leaving a digital footprint in the form a CD which has Gavin employing the resources of IT whiz, Mylo.
As the case unfolds, we soon learn more about Detective Williamson’s past and his troubled military days under the command of a lunatic. The question I had was: why didn’t Williamson dive deeper into what he had discovered about this wicked man and other men in his unit so many years ago? Did fear, retaliation or ambivalence hold him back? I had to find out why. Kudos for keeping me turning the pages!
The author does an excellent job of continually drawing you into the lives of the characters and the secrets they keep along with pacing the plot to an intense end. The story reaches a pulse-pounding, action-filled conclusion with a final heart wrenching twist you won’t see coming until justice is served. And then when you think it’s over another shocking blow is dealt in the final chapter.
Fans of dark, gritty crime fiction will found this a satisfying read but reader be warned the book contains graphic and violent content and adult situations.
July 14, 2020
Suspenseful, Horrifying, Mesmerizing
I (belatedly) read an advance review copy of this book for NetGalley. There were some editing problems that I assume have been corrected, but the quality and scope of the story was good enough that I kept reading. I'm (sort of) glad I did! I say sort of because there were scenes of graphic sexual violence that I doubt I'll be able to forget.
This book was more graphic than my usual reading choice. I'd never read a book with a homosexual male lead character, either. I tend to avoid books with explicit sex scenes in them, and there was a lot of that. I found myself skipping over paragraphs that were too descriptive for my comfort, though I read enough to know that they are well-written.
But, despite my squeamishness, the story hooked me. The main characters were good, heroic, but flawed people. They had tainted grittiness in their pasts, the sense of near hopelessness while trying to escape the circumstances stacked against them.
I suspected certain characters were involved with the crimes at different points and thought I could guess what would happen next, but I was still surprised (and shocked) by the ending.
This is the second book in a series, but despite allusions made about the first book within the text, it's a complete stand alone novel.
I (belatedly) read an advance review copy of this book for NetGalley. There were some editing problems that I assume have been corrected, but the quality and scope of the story was good enough that I kept reading. I'm (sort of) glad I did! I say sort of because there were scenes of graphic sexual violence that I doubt I'll be able to forget.
This book was more graphic than my usual reading choice. I'd never read a book with a homosexual male lead character, either. I tend to avoid books with explicit sex scenes in them, and there was a lot of that. I found myself skipping over paragraphs that were too descriptive for my comfort, though I read enough to know that they are well-written.
But, despite my squeamishness, the story hooked me. The main characters were good, heroic, but flawed people. They had tainted grittiness in their pasts, the sense of near hopelessness while trying to escape the circumstances stacked against them.
I suspected certain characters were involved with the crimes at different points and thought I could guess what would happen next, but I was still surprised (and shocked) by the ending.
This is the second book in a series, but despite allusions made about the first book within the text, it's a complete stand alone novel.
May 8, 2019
I enjoyed this book. There was plenty of action and definitely moments of very graphic intense scenes. This was my first book by Russell, and I liked getting to know Gavin and his team. Twists as you go, kept me wanting to read more.
I received a copy through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
August 26, 2020
I might be lost for words after finishing this book and i may also have developed a twitch. This book is DARK, definitely not for the faint hearted, very gruesome, explicit sex scenes, rapes, torture, yes it's got everything. BUT, it's worth remembering there is a brilliant story behind the gore. If you like Alex Cross, Jack Reacher, this is a disturbing version of those books.
Extremely well written, flows easily, the story follows detectives Gavin & Derrick while they try to solve the gruesome murders and fires in Chicago. This time their is the addition of the new blood, Evelyn who adds a good balance to the team, throw Chad and Maria into the family, the book works really well between the violence and family life.
I loved the mini story in the middle of the book, Derrick's back story about his time in Afghanistan. This follows his team as they perform army missions and experience disturbing behaviours.
I liked the way the two stories tied up neatly and led into the next story about their boss Quinn.
If you enjoy dark thrillers, then I highly recommend this series by Russell, a much talented writer. Bravo!
Extremely well written, flows easily, the story follows detectives Gavin & Derrick while they try to solve the gruesome murders and fires in Chicago. This time their is the addition of the new blood, Evelyn who adds a good balance to the team, throw Chad and Maria into the family, the book works really well between the violence and family life.
I loved the mini story in the middle of the book, Derrick's back story about his time in Afghanistan. This follows his team as they perform army missions and experience disturbing behaviours.
I liked the way the two stories tied up neatly and led into the next story about their boss Quinn.
If you enjoy dark thrillers, then I highly recommend this series by Russell, a much talented writer. Bravo!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews