Always nice to hear...
What a great book! I love a good mystery and Lucas has done that while creating an interesting character in Willam Johnson, P.I. The book reminds me Lawrence Sanders' "Archy McNally series" and a touch of James Patterson's "Detective Alex Cross". The book was easy to read and keeps you guessing.
I love fast moving mysteries and this one fit the bill. I was able to finish it quickly. I liked the characters, I liked their personalities and how they interacted with each other. Growing up here in South Florida I could relate well to the setting. I certainly enjoyed the read very much and would recommend it highly.
Liked the plot...loved the characters. Hurry with the next book.
My only regret in reading this book is starting it right before bedtime. I lost many hours of sleep because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. This is a true mystery lovers book. My favorite part was the sweet husband and wife love story woven throughout the contrasting sex and gore. Keep writing, Gary Lucas, I'll sleep later.
I found myself gasping out-loud at the many surpises this book offers. Filled with twists and turns that you don't expect, this book keeps you on the edge of your seat. It doesn't take long to absolutely HATE the villain and love the heros. Lucas captures the spirits of South Florida and Asheville as only a native of both could. I loved all of the references to Asheville's gems- the gorgeous (I40) route through the mountains, the Grove Park Inn, the orchard communities... as well as descriptions of the exciting, beautiful key waters. But don't let that fool you- this book is also disturbing, upsetting, exciting and unpredictable.
Willam (no i) and his wife Kathy are as real as they get. I couldn't put the book down once I started reading. The reader can't help but be drawn into the lives of the husband wife team. He is a bigger than life PI, and she is the strength that guides him in times of need. They work great together in a normal and refreshing adventure. It has been awhile since anyone has written such a fun and exciting novel. The plot is great with a real setting that makes you feel as though you are a part of the story. You can see the scenes as Willam moves from place to place and talks to other characters. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves to read mysteries. Mr. Lucas has a winner with the characters and I hope he has many more fine stories like this on the way.
A great Sunday afternoon read!!! Sex, intrigue, suspense and a good guy pulling it all off. Can't wait for the next book from this gifted author.Rumor has it that this author has many books in process, sequels plus an insider's expose on the temporary help business. Send them quick or Sunday afternoons will again be NAP time.
Gary Lucas has given mystery lovers a private investigator to like. The novelist, a Florida Keys native, introduces readers to former cop Willam (no "i") Johnson, a Vietnam vet with a permit to carry a handgun which he has to search for when the time comes to use it. In a good read entitled Rotten at the Core, the smart and witty P.I. travels from an apple orchard in mountainous North Carolina to the mangrove forests of the Florida Keys to unravel a mystery of infidelity, incest, and multiple murders. With the support of his ad executive wife, Kathy, and the help of a very good small town police chief, Willam sees the formidable villain run a life or death gamut during a boat chase between mangrove-lined islands in tropical Key Largo. You'll hope to see more of Willam Johnson, P.I., in future novels. I give author Lucas five stars for a good book.
This is one of the finest books I have read in a very long time. Gary Lucas is a writer that keeps you interested until the very last page of his book. I could not put it down and when I did complete it, I wanted more. Hope he will continue writing and being published again and again. Move over Patterson and Grisham, you have some competition here.
I picked this book up at a book signing and I wasn't disappointed! Willam reminds me of a Travis McGee type PI, kind of bumbles around but always gets his man - he and his wife are very endearing. And I loved reading a book with some South FL settings. If you're not from this area, you'll envision that you are!
This was a very nicely written and suspensefull detective story. The characters have a lot of depth to them, and the story leads you through a whirlwind of interesting and surprising turns. This is the 2nd book that I've read from this author, and I look forward to reading his sequels, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good "can't put it down book"
This is the third in a series that I have read by Lucas and his PI Willam Johnson and they keep getting better. I really enjoy how he keeps adding a little something that throws you off in trying to solve the case. If you haven't read any of the series you'll love the way Lucas writes.
Lucas has created a great character in P.I. Willam Johnson. I love how he creates the supporting characters and the plot and how they all come to. I have read all four of the Johnson character books and put him in the same category as Lee Child's Reacher, Patterson's Cross and Stuart Wood's Barrington. Can't wait to read Preying Hands! (Note: reviewer knows the title of the next novel).
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