kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
In Dead Man's Bridge by Robert J. Mrazek, disgraced Army veteran and St. Andrews College campus security officer Jake Cantrell is certain the hanging death of college alum Dennis Wheatley is murder but his boss Captain Janet Morgo declares it a suicide.
Jake left the Army under a cloud due a mission gone horribly wrong and he still shoulders a great deal of guilt for the loss of several men under his command. Virtually unemployable in the aftermath, his longtime friend and college president Jordan Langford secures a position for Cantrell as campus security officer. Captain Morgo might not have a choice in hiring Jake, but this does not mean she likes him nor does she trust his judgment. Jake immediately clashes with Morgo over their differing viewpoints on the death but when Dennis's wife demands Cantrell be put in charge of the investigation, Janet has no choice but to acquiesce to the request. With another victim and a hurricane induced storm bearing down on the college, Jake is soon in a race against time to catch the killer before it is too late.
Despite his somewhat checkered past, Jake is an immensely appealing protagonist who is incredibly compassionate and caring. His tenderness when caring for his ailing dog, Bug, shows the type of man he is as does his loyalty to his longtime friend Jordan. Despite their somewhat complicated past, Jake does not hesitate to agree to look into a very delicate situation that jeopardizes Jordan's career at the college. In addition to looking into Jordan's problem, Jake is also willing to risk both his job and his life in order to uncover the truth about Wheatley's untimely death.
Robert J. Mrazek's Jake Cantrell Mystery series is off to a very strong beginning with Dead Man's Bridge. Jake is an intrepid sleuth who is willing to buck authority when necessary but it is his endearing loyalty that will win readers' hearts. The mystery surrounding Dennis Wheatley's death is quite intriguing as is the story arc dealing with Jordan's embarrassing predicament. The novel comes to an action-paced and adrenaline laced conclusion that completely wraps up the various storylines. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this exciting first installment in what promises to be an outstanding mystery series.
In Dead Man's Bridge by Robert J. Mrazek, disgraced Army veteran and St. Andrews College campus security officer Jake Cantrell is certain the hanging death of college alum Dennis Wheatley is murder but his boss Captain Janet Morgo declares it a suicide.
Jake left the Army under a cloud due a mission gone horribly wrong and he still shoulders a great deal of guilt for the loss of several men under his command. Virtually unemployable in the aftermath, his longtime friend and college president Jordan Langford secures a position for Cantrell as campus security officer. Captain Morgo might not have a choice in hiring Jake, but this does not mean she likes him nor does she trust his judgment. Jake immediately clashes with Morgo over their differing viewpoints on the death but when Dennis's wife demands Cantrell be put in charge of the investigation, Janet has no choice but to acquiesce to the request. With another victim and a hurricane induced storm bearing down on the college, Jake is soon in a race against time to catch the killer before it is too late.
Despite his somewhat checkered past, Jake is an immensely appealing protagonist who is incredibly compassionate and caring. His tenderness when caring for his ailing dog, Bug, shows the type of man he is as does his loyalty to his longtime friend Jordan. Despite their somewhat complicated past, Jake does not hesitate to agree to look into a very delicate situation that jeopardizes Jordan's career at the college. In addition to looking into Jordan's problem, Jake is also willing to risk both his job and his life in order to uncover the truth about Wheatley's untimely death.
Robert J. Mrazek's Jake Cantrell Mystery series is off to a very strong beginning with Dead Man's Bridge. Jake is an intrepid sleuth who is willing to buck authority when necessary but it is his endearing loyalty that will win readers' hearts. The mystery surrounding Dennis Wheatley's death is quite intriguing as is the story arc dealing with Jordan's embarrassing predicament. The novel comes to an action-paced and adrenaline laced conclusion that completely wraps up the various storylines. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this exciting first installment in what promises to be an outstanding mystery series.
meegzreads's review against another edition
3.0
*3 Stars*
Copy kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting mystery with an ending that I didn't see coming. I didn't really connect with any of the characters and I felt that Jake's Army background could have had a little more explaining. I felt that I was expecting Bug to be a bit more a central character. Otherwise though this was an intriguing book that was worth giving a go. There seemed to be many facets to the story and there are other characters that would be worth exploring more as well.
I would possibly be interested in reading more about this character if the series continues.
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Copy kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting mystery with an ending that I didn't see coming. I didn't really connect with any of the characters and I felt that Jake's Army background could have had a little more explaining. I felt that I was expecting Bug to be a bit more a central character. Otherwise though this was an intriguing book that was worth giving a go. There seemed to be many facets to the story and there are other characters that would be worth exploring more as well.
I would possibly be interested in reading more about this character if the series continues.
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eloisebell's review against another edition
4.0
The story follows ex army Jake as he starts working as campus security. When someone is found hanged on campus know one believes Jake and his suspicions that this was murder. Faced with a race against time Jake struggles to solve the mystery before it’s too late.
I loved the fact that this book didn’t involve a email main character who was overcoming her past or a down and our cop in a struggling marriage. It was a brilliant refreshing change from a lot of thrillers out at the moment.
This was a fast paces plot with a great developing story, not your usual ‘whodunit’, it involved twists and turns, multiple murder and high stakes blackmail. Even better this is the first in a new series, and I love discovering a new series at the beginning.
I liked Jake and how rough around the edges he was, I mean there is nothing more attractive than an alcoholic, severely troubles ex army guy, am I right?
Although at times he was a tad indestructible and unbelievable at times, I’m definitely interested in seeing where JAke goes in the series.
And the highlight he has an aging dog as his best friend. I am there for that!! Dog companionship couldn’t be more up my street.
I loved the fact that this book didn’t involve a email main character who was overcoming her past or a down and our cop in a struggling marriage. It was a brilliant refreshing change from a lot of thrillers out at the moment.
This was a fast paces plot with a great developing story, not your usual ‘whodunit’, it involved twists and turns, multiple murder and high stakes blackmail. Even better this is the first in a new series, and I love discovering a new series at the beginning.
I liked Jake and how rough around the edges he was, I mean there is nothing more attractive than an alcoholic, severely troubles ex army guy, am I right?
Although at times he was a tad indestructible and unbelievable at times, I’m definitely interested in seeing where JAke goes in the series.
And the highlight he has an aging dog as his best friend. I am there for that!! Dog companionship couldn’t be more up my street.
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