Hoping Freeman won’t make his fans wait so long…

…for the next book in this series.
I’ve been a fan of this series ever since picking up IMMORAL, the first of the Jonathan Stride books. This is the 11th book in the series and each can be listened to as a standalone however I would suggest listening to this series in order. The characters and relationships have really developed and changed over the years. I think so much is lost if you begin at the end and the series is worth the time and credits. Please don’t let me talk anyone out of purchasing this book, if you choose not to listen to the entire series that’s fine, this book stands on it’s own merits and again, completely credit worthy.
This book begins with the kidnapping of an attorney’s wife. He’s had a run of bad fortune followed by a windfall in the wake of his sister’s death. He becomes the prime suspect and every lead points to him.
In the meanwhile Serena Stride’s mother is found dead on a park bench. Serena has very mixed feelings regarding her. It’s her mother. Her mother abused her and allowed men to abuse her for her own profits as well. Serena breaks 18 year of not drinking alcoholic beverages.
There are a few other backstories going on at the same time. I’m sorry the story of the dog wasn’t resolved or maybe it was but still feels open to me anyway.
Joe Barrett does a superb job narrating. I wish he would do more in this genre. He’s a favorite that doesn’t do enough.
This book has my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
If you found this review helpful please indicate so.
Thank You.

19 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Interpersonal Drama Won…Crime Solving didn’t bother to show up

actually looked forward to the book, downloaded with anticipation similar to taking a great steak off the grill, but instead of steak I got liver…. I listened to about 3 hours of it before I couldn’t stand it. if the world is depressing enough for you watching the conflict in Serena lead to her drinking at bar put me over the edge. I have known plenty of real life people that struggle with substance abuse and I know their struggle. In one sense Serena’s struggle is melodramatic hooey, in another sense it is real. If you like watching train wrecks, read this. I held on thinking the mystery would return to center stage. The only mystery to me several hours in is why this isn’t Serena Stride #1 but rather Jonathan Stride #11. I get the title now, and hopefully Serena turns it around. but if I want to be in the head of people throwing away 8 yrs of effort - I don’t need fiction. Reading for me is enjoyment, not self flagellation.

5 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Only one really bad thing…

I read reviews of this book before reading it and I expected not to like it as a result. Wrong. If you like the Stride books this is more of the same and continues the saga. Possible spoiler alert— I question Serena confronting a suspect with a young witness with no backup. But I suppose I can suspend disbelief for the sake of the story. However I am disturbed that the author didn’t research onion toxicity in dogs when he nearly had Serena share onion rings with one. How many readers will not know any better and try the same thing because they saw it in a book? Someone along the path from pen to publication should have suggested a change to French fries — the salt and high fat still bad but at least not toxic! Onion and chocolate are two top things that land fur-children in emergency rooms.

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Mixed feelings

SPOILER ALERT! Initially I had given this book 1 star. My reason was the back story of the border collie. Having just lost my border collie I believed and still do that it was manipulative and unnecessary. I almost stopped listening so many times because I read another review saying the border collie part was never resolved. I had to wait until the end to see that it was but for days I was unhappy about this until I knew all way OK.
So that said, I enjoyed the book, the mystery part very much. A little too much with the Serena angst and I will admit to hitting skip ahead when I heard the name Samantha. Overall I would recommend it, but with less Samantha and leaving the dog out of the story completely I would have given in 5 stars.
So Mr. Freeman, I have read every Stride book and will continue to do so, but if I read a sad dog theme ever again that will be my last of your books. I will forgive you this time. :-)

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Loved it

This is the best book I’ve read in a long time. I am glad that Serena had a good part and more of her story is being told. I can’t wait for the next book in the Stride collection. Let’s keep it going

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Stride and crew rock!

Just finished listening to the Stride series again. So so so good. Each character has such rich depth. Can’t wait for the next installment 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼!

Loved it! Never Disappoints!

I've loved listening to all of the Jonathan Stride novels! I'm hooked, lol, and I'm hoping for Book 12!!!!! :) :) :)

Great Stride Novel!

Great read, lots of twists and emotion! Highly recommend these books by Brian Freeman, great novelist.

A Perfect Ending

I got a little bored and even mad in the middle 3rd of the book. I turned it off for a while then started listening where I left off. I was thinking what a disappointment! I loved all the books in this series and I really love Joe Barrett so Im just puzzled but determined to listen til the end. I am so glad I did!!
Other readers may enjoy the part I didn’t like. It just went on too long for me. Don’t miss this one.
It’s my favorite in the series and so worth a credit.

Really good

Excellent character development complex plot but not contrived. Definitely above average. Great series and great author.