Scan barcode
sandin954's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the characters (especially learning more about Ceepak) and the Jersey Shore setting but the plot was a bit of a convoluted mess. The narration on the audio versions of this series by Jeff Woodman really elevates the material which I don't think I could get through if I was actually reading it.
elinacre's review against another edition
4.0
love this series! the main characters, the setting, the recurring minor characters - - it all works together to create a realistic world to slip in to when reading. one thing that ruins the vibe for me: danny's repeated "geeze-o, man"s. i don't even get that. he's no prude; not that it even needs to be a swear word coming out instead, but GEEZE-O?! could we come up with something less lame?
seriously though. great mystery, although a bit gory, that gets all wrapped up at the end... after a twist or three :)
seriously though. great mystery, although a bit gory, that gets all wrapped up at the end... after a twist or three :)
laneylegz's review against another edition
4.0
Ceepak & Boyle are in deep trying to solve a suicide or murder of a corporal involving an Army platoon. Ceepak lives by the code & is having a hard time with the active military guys that are either lying, covering up or blaming others for the death. Enter in politicians, Ceepak's horrible father, a new partner for Boyle, & pirate thieves & drugs. There's a load of mystery, mayhem, and red herrings. We get a little more information on Ceepak's past and family. Can't wait till next book!
appalonia's review against another edition
4.0
If you’ve read any of the John Ceepak series, you already know the setup. If you haven’t read any of the series, what are you waiting for?
The book opens with Danny and another officer investigating a noise complaint. When they arrive, they find some soldiers celebrating a bit too zealously. While there, a phone call comes in that one of their troop has been found dead in the bathroom at a rest stop nearby, an apparent suicide. Danny offers to drive the soldier to the rest stop to identify the body. While observing the scene of the crime, something about it bothers Danny and he takes the opportunity to take a picture using his cell phone. The next day Danny shows the picture to his partner, Officer John Ceepak. The two officers proceed to launch their own investigation and quickly determine the soldier did not die of suicide but from murder.
I was relieved to find that John Ceepak is still a man who does the “right thing”, someone you can rely on and admire. And the secrets of Ceepak’s past are being slowly revealed with each book. Danny is slowly growing as an officer and a man, but retains the “golly gee” enthusiasm that makes him such an appealing character. And I’m glad he seems to have finally found a girlfriend. The setting of the book, a New Jersey resort town called “Sea Haven”, is just fun to read about. I look forward to the next book, which I’m now assuming will be set mostly in Ohio. I can’t wait.
The book opens with Danny and another officer investigating a noise complaint. When they arrive, they find some soldiers celebrating a bit too zealously. While there, a phone call comes in that one of their troop has been found dead in the bathroom at a rest stop nearby, an apparent suicide. Danny offers to drive the soldier to the rest stop to identify the body. While observing the scene of the crime, something about it bothers Danny and he takes the opportunity to take a picture using his cell phone. The next day Danny shows the picture to his partner, Officer John Ceepak. The two officers proceed to launch their own investigation and quickly determine the soldier did not die of suicide but from murder.
I was relieved to find that John Ceepak is still a man who does the “right thing”, someone you can rely on and admire. And the secrets of Ceepak’s past are being slowly revealed with each book. Danny is slowly growing as an officer and a man, but retains the “golly gee” enthusiasm that makes him such an appealing character. And I’m glad he seems to have finally found a girlfriend. The setting of the book, a New Jersey resort town called “Sea Haven”, is just fun to read about. I look forward to the next book, which I’m now assuming will be set mostly in Ohio. I can’t wait.
amypitts's review against another edition
4.0
It has been a while since I read this series but I found it to be a fun fast paced quick read.
lizdesole's review against another edition
4.0
The mysteries themselves are average. Not bad, not great. However, the descriptions of the Jersey Shore are so evocative. They make me want to sit overlooking the beach, eat fried food and drink beer. And I don't even really like fried food. Excellent summer books
vkemp's review
5.0
Another excellent book. This may be the last if St. Martin's doesn't sell more. Buy them, read them, trade them with your friends. They are great.
ld2's review
4.0
First, let me put a disclaimer out there that I'm active duty in the military and suicide is not something that I take lightly. Last year we recently loss one of our members to suicide after she separated from active duty due to PTSD. So listening to this was really hard. I found myself getting mad and upset at how Grabenstein was portraying the soldiers: the alcohol abuse, the disrespect, the drug abuse, and all the fraternization that was going on (seriously, an ARMY lieutenant going on vacation with his enlisted command? Taking ORDERS from the sergeant? Especially out of a combat zone?? No, just no.)
I had to detach myself from own emotions and reactions. Grabenstein is a former comedian and advertiser executive--and that's how he writes. Grabenstein is not about deep characterization. He creates caricatures that are easy to relate to but hold no real depth or complexities. The only two characters that have any real semblance of three-dimensional character growth are Ceepak and Boyle and it's taken nearly four books to even get some of that. Therefore, to stop thinking of the soldiers that Grabenstein was describing as real people but a collaboration of the worst characteristics that can be found in men. People being in the military does not make the saints, they are as human and fallible as anyone else, and I think Grabenstein was trying to make that point. That in extreme circumstances extreme misconduct and extreme evil can be created and carried out. History has shown this both in the Iraq War, the Vietnam War, and all other wars. The saving point was that although Grabenstein showed the extreme end of evil that sometimes appears in the military, he also contrasted it with the integrity and honor that is prevalent in the armed forces.
So, despite the gruesome and horrific crimes that are described in this novel (and the very liberal politics in regards to the war) I can't hate the novel. Grabenstein stays true to the characterizations of Boyle and Ceepak. He grows them even more and stares unflinching at an issue that makes me sick to my stomach. This book did not leave me with the good feeling that the other books gave me, but it hasn't turned me off of the Ceepak series for good either. I just need a little break before giving Boyle and Ceepak another go.
More...