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carivinci's review against another edition
4.25
he spins a good mystery...l enjoyed the character developemtn of Jessie & Diana. Iwouldhave liked a bitmore explanation at the end...why is Diana killed?
jbarr5's review against another edition
4.0
Robert B. Parker's Debt to pay by Coleman_ Reed Farrel
Another tale from Jesse Stone chief of police of Paradise, MA and things are slow this time of year, all but somebody shooting tires out of random cars.
His ex wife Jen is about to be married and he's been invited to the wedding. His new love interest Diana wnats him to come with terms of their relationship and he needs to rid his mind of Jen.
Jesse proceeds to combine a lot of different crimes to just one man....
Story also follows Mr. peepers a contract killer. He is part of the mob was on the trail for revenge. He kept a low profile and has no problem with killing someone in a slow torturous manner.
Lots of travel and speculations as to who the culprit is as he brings his new love to meet his ex wife and she's about to be married....
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Another tale from Jesse Stone chief of police of Paradise, MA and things are slow this time of year, all but somebody shooting tires out of random cars.
His ex wife Jen is about to be married and he's been invited to the wedding. His new love interest Diana wnats him to come with terms of their relationship and he needs to rid his mind of Jen.
Jesse proceeds to combine a lot of different crimes to just one man....
Story also follows Mr. peepers a contract killer. He is part of the mob was on the trail for revenge. He kept a low profile and has no problem with killing someone in a slow torturous manner.
Lots of travel and speculations as to who the culprit is as he brings his new love to meet his ex wife and she's about to be married....
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
jrobles76's review against another edition
4.0
This book starts with an explosive death that got me. This book is great and can't reveal much without spoiling everything. Though when trying to remember which book I needed to read I accidentally spoiled this book's ending by looking at the next in the series. That said the ending still had a very emotional impact. Mr. Peepers is a scary villian. Look forward to the next book.
constantreader471's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars for a book that I couldn't put down, reading it in 24 hours. Reed Farrel Coleman has the writing style of Robert B. Parker down pat- short chapters, short sentences and a fast moving narrative. This is book 15 in the series and it builds on events in book 14, so it it does not work as a stand alone.
Jesse Stone is taunted by a psychotic contract killer, Mr. Peepers, who is out for revenge, because of events in book 14. He feels that there is a debt to pay. At the same time, Jesse is asked by Vinnie Morris, to avenge the death of Gino Fish, who aided Jesse in book 14 and incurred Mr. Peepers wrath.
Mr. Peepers plays a cat and mouse game with Jesse, taunting him with threats to his ex wife.
There is a shattering climax to this action packed book that I strongly recommend to Parker fans.
Jesse Stone is taunted by a psychotic contract killer, Mr. Peepers, who is out for revenge, because of events in book 14. He feels that there is a debt to pay. At the same time, Jesse is asked by Vinnie Morris, to avenge the death of Gino Fish, who aided Jesse in book 14 and incurred Mr. Peepers wrath.
Mr. Peepers plays a cat and mouse game with Jesse, taunting him with threats to his ex wife.
There is a shattering climax to this action packed book that I strongly recommend to Parker fans.
queenmeega's review against another edition
4.0
A nice return to the old Jesse Stone Days
It's been hard with the death of Robert Parker to keep up with the Jesse Stone books. I haven't liked all the writers who attempted to take up the franchise but I think I do like the voice Coleman brings. This Jesse is not as sad melancholy. There is more focus on him as a person and his relationships. Plus the dialogue is witty and funny. I now want to go d the other books Coleman wrote in the series
It's been hard with the death of Robert Parker to keep up with the Jesse Stone books. I haven't liked all the writers who attempted to take up the franchise but I think I do like the voice Coleman brings. This Jesse is not as sad melancholy. There is more focus on him as a person and his relationships. Plus the dialogue is witty and funny. I now want to go d the other books Coleman wrote in the series
steph1rothwell's review against another edition
4.0
When I first picked up this novel I hadn’t realized that it was the 15th in a series or that the author had taken over the series after Robert Parker had passed away. I was a little worried about not being able to follow the plotline but I didn’t need to be, this book works perfectly well as a standalone.
Jesse and his colleagues are faced with a head on collision with a face from the past who is determined to get revenge. Mr. Peepers has no compassion, no morals and will destroy anybody who crosses him. Jesse discovers that his ex wife is in danger and feels the need to attend her wedding. Neither him or his current partner want to go but feel they have no other option.
The people they have to spend time with in Dallas are all wealthy, all-powerful and not very likeable. Jesse is out of his depth and starts to drink again. Alcoholism has been an issue for him in the past but with the problems that Mr. Peepers is creating it makes life bearable. And it helps him cope with Jenn. Mr. Peepers is an evil and cruel man. One of the strongest parts of the novel was when he abducted a total stranger and made her suffer just so he could punish her. In some ways I think his character was the strongest one in the book. He was definitely one who was a mystery and he was the one who I would like to find out more about. The way he controlled everybody, even though he wasn’t always seen was chilling.
It’s not an easy book to review without giving away plot. There is a lot of action and danger. Not all of the focus is on Jesse, there are many others in the novel who are at risk and I found the ending unexpected.
I have read novels previously where an author has taken over an existing series. There will always be those who have concerns but I find it’s a way of introducing a series of books to a new audience. I enjoyed this book a lot and will read the earlier book in the series.
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received.
Jesse and his colleagues are faced with a head on collision with a face from the past who is determined to get revenge. Mr. Peepers has no compassion, no morals and will destroy anybody who crosses him. Jesse discovers that his ex wife is in danger and feels the need to attend her wedding. Neither him or his current partner want to go but feel they have no other option.
The people they have to spend time with in Dallas are all wealthy, all-powerful and not very likeable. Jesse is out of his depth and starts to drink again. Alcoholism has been an issue for him in the past but with the problems that Mr. Peepers is creating it makes life bearable. And it helps him cope with Jenn. Mr. Peepers is an evil and cruel man. One of the strongest parts of the novel was when he abducted a total stranger and made her suffer just so he could punish her. In some ways I think his character was the strongest one in the book. He was definitely one who was a mystery and he was the one who I would like to find out more about. The way he controlled everybody, even though he wasn’t always seen was chilling.
It’s not an easy book to review without giving away plot. There is a lot of action and danger. Not all of the focus is on Jesse, there are many others in the novel who are at risk and I found the ending unexpected.
I have read novels previously where an author has taken over an existing series. There will always be those who have concerns but I find it’s a way of introducing a series of books to a new audience. I enjoyed this book a lot and will read the earlier book in the series.
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received.
cabridges's review against another edition
2.0
Longtime fan of Parker's work and of Jesse Stone, particularly, and many of the novels written since his death have been fine contributions to the series.
This one didn't work for me.
Two main problems: constantly telling me how people thought about things, instead of showing it in their words and actions, and an ending that was telegraphed a mile away (not in specifics, but in results).
Parker's books were known primarily for their sparkling dialogue. Even in later years when the plots got lighter and the font size got bigger to hide it, his dialogue told you everything you needed to know.
Here we are told that Diane always did things like that, only to hear a few lines later Stone say "You always do things like that." (paraphrased) Chop out 3/4 of the narrator's lines and it might be pretty good.
This one didn't work for me.
Two main problems: constantly telling me how people thought about things, instead of showing it in their words and actions, and an ending that was telegraphed a mile away (not in specifics, but in results).
Parker's books were known primarily for their sparkling dialogue. Even in later years when the plots got lighter and the font size got bigger to hide it, his dialogue told you everything you needed to know.
Here we are told that Diane always did things like that, only to hear a few lines later Stone say "You always do things like that." (paraphrased) Chop out 3/4 of the narrator's lines and it might be pretty good.
nga's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
karlou's review against another edition
4.0
Many thanks to No Exit Press for my advance copy of Debt to Pay, received in return for my honest review. Originally written by Robert B. Parker, this is the fifteenth Jesse Stone book and the third to be penned by Reed Farrel Coleman. Although new to the series I was able to figure out the important details from Jesse's past - he is a former minor league baseball player, forced to quit through injury, who became a homicide detective in the LAPD but was asked to resign after his descent into alcoholism following his destructive marriage to Jenn. He has since become the well respected chief of police in the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts. When we join him in Debt to Pay he is sober and in a much healthier relationship with Diana, an ex-FBI agent.When he receives an invitation to Jenn's wedding to property tycoon, Hale Hunsicker in Dallas he is initially torn before making the decision to finally cut ties with his past, and tells Jenn he won't be coming.
However, a dangerous character from his past has other ideas. In a previous novel, Blind Spot, Jesse crossed paths with a notorious hitman known only as Mr Peepers, saving his would be victim. His deputy Luther 'Suitcase' Simpson managed to shoot the killer but was also shot, almost fatally. Now Mr Peepers is back, and he wants revenge. The subtle messages he's been sending to Jesse by shooting car tyres don't seem to have done the trick so he pays a visit to local mob boss Gino Fish. Gino helped Jesse in the previous case and after Mr Peepers' visit it appears that Gino has died in a murder suicide after first killing his secretary/lover Drew. However, Fish's former right hand man, Vinnie Morris believes the truth about what really happened involves the elusive hitman and takes the case to Stone, reminding him that the debt he owed Gino Fish didn't die with the man - Jesse still owes him and he intends to see the debt repaid. Jesse soon realises Vinnie is correct, Mr Peepers is back and with his twisted need to exact revenge he's targeting Jenn. If Stone is to protect his ex-wife he'll have to attend her wedding but what exactly does the psychotic assassin have planned?
This is really gripping cat and mouse stuff, as the action switches between Paradise and Dallas Jesse can't show his hand too quickly lest Mr Peepers goes back to ground and strikes at a time when they aren't expecting him to. This is a man who has been almost like a ghost to the authorities, torturing and killing scores of people yet only Jesse Stone has ever come close to capturing him. If Mr Peepers was able to take sadistic pleasure in his paid for work, what could he be capable of now it's personal? The tension brings a terrible personal toll to Jesse, forced into an uneasy alliance with Hale Hunsicker's security, struggling to keep those around him safe and all the while battling his own demons. As the book progresses it's obvious that the psychological affect on him is already devastating. Jesse isn't a man of fine words and quick wit but he inspires fierce loyalty from his friends and colleagues, although deeply troubled, he is also a man of principles who feels terrible guilt that his actions have led to others being in danger. As readers we occasionally get to hear Peeper's thoughts as the narration switches to the killer. However, like Jesse we have no idea as to his final plans, the twists he institutes are shocking and the book races to a breathtaking, explosive finale.
As my first Jesse Stone novel I'm unable to comment on how Reed Farrel Coleman's character compares to the man created by Robert B. Parker but what I can say is that this is fine writing. Debt to Pay is an exciting and fast paced hardboiled thriller, and I'm desperate to know what's next for Jesse Stone!
However, a dangerous character from his past has other ideas. In a previous novel, Blind Spot, Jesse crossed paths with a notorious hitman known only as Mr Peepers, saving his would be victim. His deputy Luther 'Suitcase' Simpson managed to shoot the killer but was also shot, almost fatally. Now Mr Peepers is back, and he wants revenge. The subtle messages he's been sending to Jesse by shooting car tyres don't seem to have done the trick so he pays a visit to local mob boss Gino Fish. Gino helped Jesse in the previous case and after Mr Peepers' visit it appears that Gino has died in a murder suicide after first killing his secretary/lover Drew. However, Fish's former right hand man, Vinnie Morris believes the truth about what really happened involves the elusive hitman and takes the case to Stone, reminding him that the debt he owed Gino Fish didn't die with the man - Jesse still owes him and he intends to see the debt repaid. Jesse soon realises Vinnie is correct, Mr Peepers is back and with his twisted need to exact revenge he's targeting Jenn. If Stone is to protect his ex-wife he'll have to attend her wedding but what exactly does the psychotic assassin have planned?
This is really gripping cat and mouse stuff, as the action switches between Paradise and Dallas Jesse can't show his hand too quickly lest Mr Peepers goes back to ground and strikes at a time when they aren't expecting him to. This is a man who has been almost like a ghost to the authorities, torturing and killing scores of people yet only Jesse Stone has ever come close to capturing him. If Mr Peepers was able to take sadistic pleasure in his paid for work, what could he be capable of now it's personal? The tension brings a terrible personal toll to Jesse, forced into an uneasy alliance with Hale Hunsicker's security, struggling to keep those around him safe and all the while battling his own demons. As the book progresses it's obvious that the psychological affect on him is already devastating. Jesse isn't a man of fine words and quick wit but he inspires fierce loyalty from his friends and colleagues, although deeply troubled, he is also a man of principles who feels terrible guilt that his actions have led to others being in danger. As readers we occasionally get to hear Peeper's thoughts as the narration switches to the killer. However, like Jesse we have no idea as to his final plans, the twists he institutes are shocking and the book races to a breathtaking, explosive finale.
As my first Jesse Stone novel I'm unable to comment on how Reed Farrel Coleman's character compares to the man created by Robert B. Parker but what I can say is that this is fine writing. Debt to Pay is an exciting and fast paced hardboiled thriller, and I'm desperate to know what's next for Jesse Stone!
brettt's review against another edition
1.0
Although he had worked closely with Robert B. Parker on the Jesse Stone television movies starring Tom Selleck, Michael Brandman's run with the characters following Parker's death was not well-received. Hopes lifted when Reed Farrell Coleman, a Shamus Award winner, was given the contract and published Blind Spot in 2014.
Unfortunately, Coleman was working with a character that Parker had not defined all that well, beginning the series just before his late-career doldrums set in, and not giving the Stone novels any boost as he did with his final Spenser books. So while the names of the people and the places were the same as they always had been, they resembled what came from Parker's hand not at all. Coleman added to his problems with a pair of mediocre stories that offered no other reason to enter the town of Paradise, Mass. Debt to Pay, Coleman's third Stone novel, does not solve these problems.
Mr. Peepers, the sadistic sociopathic assassin whom Jesse crossed in Blind Spot, is back to complete his plan for vengeance against those he believes wronged him. Jesse is not the only one on the list, but he's at the top, so when some other targets are found dead, he knows he will have to move to protect his ex-wife Jenn, since Peepers will try to get to Jesse through her. But Jenn is getting married in Dallas, and Jesse is in a serious stage of his relationship with Diana Evans. So moving to protect Jenn will be harder on him personally than he thought. Paradise patrolman Luther Simpson is also in danger, since he shot Peepers to save Jesse. With his attention divided between Dallas and Paradise and Jenn and Diane, Jesse may not be on top of his game, even though he will have to be in order to stop a possible bloodbath.
Coleman makes a number of mistakes -- he takes Jesse out of Paradise for much of the book, even though all of Parker's characters were creatures of their respective places more than anything else. They are much weaker in other locales. He makes the back-and-forth between Dallas and Paradise as confusing as possible. There's a scene in which Jesse and Jenn's new husband are in a bar fight with the ex-husband of the new husband's ex-lover that makes as much sense as it sounds like it would. Mr. Peepers abducts and terrorizes a young woman supposedly as a part of his plot but her role makes no sense. He develops his plans based on a supposed connection with Jenn that Coleman never clearly outlines.
Coleman is free and easy with Parker's characters, perhaps figuring on generating some interest based on George Martin's "Anyone can die at any time" schtick, but it's a flashy wax job on a rusty clunker. The main response Debt to Pay evokes from a reader is a strong desire to seek out Michael Brandman and apologize to him for criticizing what he did to the good and not-so-good folk of Paradise, Mass. Turns out he wasn't the worst thing to happen to them after all.
Original available here.
Unfortunately, Coleman was working with a character that Parker had not defined all that well, beginning the series just before his late-career doldrums set in, and not giving the Stone novels any boost as he did with his final Spenser books. So while the names of the people and the places were the same as they always had been, they resembled what came from Parker's hand not at all. Coleman added to his problems with a pair of mediocre stories that offered no other reason to enter the town of Paradise, Mass. Debt to Pay, Coleman's third Stone novel, does not solve these problems.
Mr. Peepers, the sadistic sociopathic assassin whom Jesse crossed in Blind Spot, is back to complete his plan for vengeance against those he believes wronged him. Jesse is not the only one on the list, but he's at the top, so when some other targets are found dead, he knows he will have to move to protect his ex-wife Jenn, since Peepers will try to get to Jesse through her. But Jenn is getting married in Dallas, and Jesse is in a serious stage of his relationship with Diana Evans. So moving to protect Jenn will be harder on him personally than he thought. Paradise patrolman Luther Simpson is also in danger, since he shot Peepers to save Jesse. With his attention divided between Dallas and Paradise and Jenn and Diane, Jesse may not be on top of his game, even though he will have to be in order to stop a possible bloodbath.
Coleman makes a number of mistakes -- he takes Jesse out of Paradise for much of the book, even though all of Parker's characters were creatures of their respective places more than anything else. They are much weaker in other locales. He makes the back-and-forth between Dallas and Paradise as confusing as possible. There's a scene in which Jesse and Jenn's new husband are in a bar fight with the ex-husband of the new husband's ex-lover that makes as much sense as it sounds like it would. Mr. Peepers abducts and terrorizes a young woman supposedly as a part of his plot but her role makes no sense. He develops his plans based on a supposed connection with Jenn that Coleman never clearly outlines.
Coleman is free and easy with Parker's characters, perhaps figuring on generating some interest based on George Martin's "Anyone can die at any time" schtick, but it's a flashy wax job on a rusty clunker. The main response Debt to Pay evokes from a reader is a strong desire to seek out Michael Brandman and apologize to him for criticizing what he did to the good and not-so-good folk of Paradise, Mass. Turns out he wasn't the worst thing to happen to them after all.
Original available here.
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