Archives For police procedural

Retro Review: The First Cut by Dianne Emley

April 12, 2012 — 2 Comments

I lost track of Dianne Emley. I read her debut novel, The First Cut (2006) several years ago and thought it was very good but violent but not gratuitously so. Still reads well today after a quick re-read. Engaging voice with an immediate hook into the story about a vice cop lured to the dark side and then goes missing.

This is a police procedural set in California that follows Pasadena PD officer, Nanette Vining. She returns to work after a year’s absence. She survived a brutal assault on the job where she flat-lined for two minutes and then “jolted awake.” The experience left her with panic attacks and gave her the added, unwelcome psychic ability to hear the dead speak. The author uses those scenes sparingly and managed to make it creepy. Continue Reading…

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Badwater, by Clinton McKinzie

August 26, 2011 — 2 Comments

Badwater (2005; 384 pages) is the last and final book in the series featuring Special Agent, Antonio “Anton” Burns with Wyoming’s Division of Criminal Investigation. You can say that this series, that started with The Edge of Justice in 2002 was different from your usual thriller fare at the time. Why was it different? Well, for one, the author’s background as a deputy district attorney in Wyoming brings forth a unique perspective and experience to add authenticity to his stories. He created fictional cases that addressed law and ethics that I found enlightening. Throughout the entire series, the author has spotlighted the weaknesses of the justice system from the first person pov of a disillusioned cop with no faith in the system. Another thing that is mentioned a lot is the methamphetamine problem in the state and the critical commentary about the lack of government resources to battle the issue. Also, how many books have you read where cops are mountain climbers? Where mountain climbing is a significant part of the story? Continue Reading…

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Sun Storm, By: Åsa Larsson (trans by Marlaine Delargy )

April 25, 2011 — 5 Comments

Sun Storm (2006, 310 pages) by Åsa Larsson with translation by Marlaine Delargy is the first book in a series set in Stockholm. The other title(s) for this book: Solstorm in Sweden and The Savage Altar in the UK. I love good drama and this book delivered. Overall thoughts: gripping, page-turning. I raced to the end.

A religious leader is slain in a church that he helped build and the community shuts down and refuses to cooperate with the police. The only way to crack the case is by a disgraced former member of that community. Cast of characters include the cold, distant, uncooperative pastors/elders whose lips are shut tight. Then there’s the victim’s fragile sister, mother of two little girls. Continue Reading…

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