11 reviews for:

Hell Hole

Chris Grabenstein

3.93 AVERAGE

mountainrunner's review

3.0

I do so enjoy this mystery series! Grabenstein continues in the dark vein of his previous mystery, but there is plenty of amusement (haha, no pun intended) to be found in this fictionalized Jersey Shore town.
hopeful informative mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Love the amusement park setting of this series, which keeps me coming back.

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.

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 :)

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!

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.

Best so far. I love these characts!

It has been a while since I read this series but I found it to be a fun fast paced quick read.

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.