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A review by ronilynnreads
Back on Murder by J. Mark Bertrand
4.0
A few general thoughts: This book was a satisfying read. I didn't get bored like I thought I would and I didn't dislike the main character despite his faults. And I didn't know this book was considered or listed as "Christian fiction" until after I finished the book and read some of the other reviews.
Roland March is a homicide detective who, several years ago, was at the top of his game and very well-respected among his peers. But over the years his skills diminished and he seemed to do 'just enough'. He was tired of getting the grunt work assignments and only wanted to be 'back on murder'. It was obvious early on that something tragic happened to him and his wife but we don't learn exactly what that was until at least 3/4 of the way through the book. However, one could guess what it was after several chapters and a few keenly placed thoughts.
Det. March sets out on a plan to gain back his rep and get back to doing what he did best. He was able to jump in on a murder case of a local drug guy. But March was directed to play second fiddle to a younger up and comer. After a young teenage daughter of a popular mega-church minister goes missing, March think the drug murder and the missing teenager was connected. Everyone thought he was crazy and while trying to connect the cases and solve them he inadvertently uncovers a few dirty cops who set out to make his life hell. Following the dirty cop storyline was a bit tiresome in some places, but Betrand figured out how to get back on track eventually.
I thought that I would tire of March's whining and string of bad decisions. But Bertrand somehow made me care about him and feel bad for him all while cussing him out for doing stupid stuff. Although there were a LOT of characters to keep up with and they seemed to be randomly placed, eventually their roles connected, minus one or two stray detectives and cops.
There was one particular event that wasn't clearly explained and that event was a major turning point. That was the only loose end. Otherwise, Betrand did an excellent job of answering all of the questions and solving the cases in a tidy manner. The end was a minor letdown but we at least know who did what and why. And maybe I was sad to see the story end. It didnt move fast and there weren't a lot of surprises, nor was it a quick page-turner, but I was interested and was never bored except for a few places where he meandered (mainly about geography of the city). Good first effort and I actually care enough about March to want to continue reading more books in the series.
One more random thought...I liked the fact that Betrand wrote March in such a way that you couldn't tell his race...you can assume, but he never comes right out and says it. To me, it doesn't matter and I like that Betrand didn't feel the need to tell us. If he did tell us, I missed it and that's a good thing.
Roland March is a homicide detective who, several years ago, was at the top of his game and very well-respected among his peers. But over the years his skills diminished and he seemed to do 'just enough'. He was tired of getting the grunt work assignments and only wanted to be 'back on murder'. It was obvious early on that something tragic happened to him and his wife but we don't learn exactly what that was until at least 3/4 of the way through the book. However, one could guess what it was after several chapters and a few keenly placed thoughts.
Det. March sets out on a plan to gain back his rep and get back to doing what he did best. He was able to jump in on a murder case of a local drug guy. But March was directed to play second fiddle to a younger up and comer. After a young teenage daughter of a popular mega-church minister goes missing, March think the drug murder and the missing teenager was connected. Everyone thought he was crazy and while trying to connect the cases and solve them he inadvertently uncovers a few dirty cops who set out to make his life hell. Following the dirty cop storyline was a bit tiresome in some places, but Betrand figured out how to get back on track eventually.
I thought that I would tire of March's whining and string of bad decisions. But Bertrand somehow made me care about him and feel bad for him all while cussing him out for doing stupid stuff. Although there were a LOT of characters to keep up with and they seemed to be randomly placed, eventually their roles connected, minus one or two stray detectives and cops.
There was one particular event that wasn't clearly explained and that event was a major turning point. That was the only loose end. Otherwise, Betrand did an excellent job of answering all of the questions and solving the cases in a tidy manner. The end was a minor letdown but we at least know who did what and why. And maybe I was sad to see the story end. It didnt move fast and there weren't a lot of surprises, nor was it a quick page-turner, but I was interested and was never bored except for a few places where he meandered (mainly about geography of the city). Good first effort and I actually care enough about March to want to continue reading more books in the series.
One more random thought...I liked the fact that Betrand wrote March in such a way that you couldn't tell his race...you can assume, but he never comes right out and says it. To me, it doesn't matter and I like that Betrand didn't feel the need to tell us. If he did tell us, I missed it and that's a good thing.