Synopsis/blurb….
Los Angeles cop John "Tidal Wave" McGrave is an
unstoppable force of nature who always gets his man...even if it means laying
waste to everything around him, including his own career...which is exactly
what happens in his pursuit of Sebastian Richter, the ruthless leader of an
international gang of violent thieves.
When Richter flees to Berlin, McGrave chases after
him...even though the cop doesn't know the language, the laws, or the culture.
But McGrave doesn't care...he speaks the universal language of knee in the
groin and fist in the face...and he won't let anything get in his way.
Hold on tight for a wild, rollicking, action-adventure
novella that captures all of the fun, excitement and pure escapist pleasure of
the "Dirty Harry," "Lethal Weapon" and "Die Hard"
movies...with the humor, sharp dialogue and inventiveness that you've come to
expect from Lee Goldberg, #1 New York Times bestselling author of "The
Walk," "Watch Me Die," fifteen hilarious Adrian Monk mysteries and
the globally bestselling Fox & O'Hare novels co-written with Janet
Evanovich.
"McGrave" is guaranteed to leave you
breathless...and with a big smile on your face.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
LEE GOLDBERG
"Can books be better than TV? You bet they can -- when
Lee Goldberg's writing them. Get aboard now for a thrill ride," Lee Child,
#1 New York Times bestselling author
"Goldberg has a knack for combining just the right amount
of humor and realism [...]Goldberg is the real deal and should be on everyone's
must read list." Crimespree Magazine
"Lee Goldberg is known for his cleverness and sense of
humor. He shows how a masterful plotter can take a character in a comic
situation and lead him into unexpected danger in an eye-blink," - Thomas
Perry, New York Times bestselling author
Read a month or two back as a filler when I was in between longer books.
At 80-odd pages long this was a fast entertaining read.
Realistic, plausible, believable? No, no and no.
Enjoyable escapism and a decent way of spending a couple of hours reading time? Yes and yes.
McGrave interrupts a high value antiquities robbery and happily shoots through the security guard being held by gang leader Sebastian Richter. That the body shielding Richter is his ex-partner who is currently getting down and dirty with McGrave's ex-wife is a happy bonus. Richter escapes but not before McGrave totals a BMW and manages to shut down Mulholland Drive on a Saturday night, much to the chagrin of his boss.
At 80-odd pages long this was a fast entertaining read.
Realistic, plausible, believable? No, no and no.
Enjoyable escapism and a decent way of spending a couple of hours reading time? Yes and yes.
McGrave interrupts a high value antiquities robbery and happily shoots through the security guard being held by gang leader Sebastian Richter. That the body shielding Richter is his ex-partner who is currently getting down and dirty with McGrave's ex-wife is a happy bonus. Richter escapes but not before McGrave totals a BMW and manages to shut down Mulholland Drive on a Saturday night, much to the chagrin of his boss.
His boss, Thackery is more interested in pursuing a career in TV writing than working for the LAPD.
At the scene of the robbery, McGrave enquires after another casualty of the heist......
McGrave nods. “Is the phony cable guy talking?”
“Only to St. Peter.”
The instant Thackery says it, he knows it’s a good line, one they’d love on the show. But he doesn’t want to reach for his notebook, because that would be so fucking obvious.
“Go ahead, write it down,” McGrave says.
“Fuck you,” Thackery says, but he takes out his pad and makes the note anyway, deciding as he does that he ought to start carrying a little digital recorder around to capture his gems of authentic cop
talk.
At the scene of the robbery, McGrave enquires after another casualty of the heist......
McGrave nods. “Is the phony cable guy talking?”
“Only to St. Peter.”
The instant Thackery says it, he knows it’s a good line, one they’d love on the show. But he doesn’t want to reach for his notebook, because that would be so fucking obvious.
“Go ahead, write it down,” McGrave says.
“Fuck you,” Thackery says, but he takes out his pad and makes the note anyway, deciding as he does that he ought to start carrying a little digital recorder around to capture his gems of authentic cop
talk.
By page 16, McGrave is fired, on page 18 - he gets a phone call from Richter from his own house. Richter' slits his dog's throat and warns him he'll be back for his family later.
Page 19 and McGrave exits Berlin Airport - job or no-job - his pursuit of Richter has gotten extremely personal.
I was thinking Die Hard and Bruce as I was reading this and I don't think it suffers by the comparison. Goldberg blends violence expertly with humour and the end result is a slightly exaggerated thrill-fest.
Interesting settings - LA and Berlin, crazy mad-cap main man, a decent cast of supporting characters, plenty of action, laced with humour throughout - what's not to like?
4 from 5
I've read and enjoyed Lee Goldberg before in tandem with Janet Evanovich - I've tried a few of their Fox and O'Hare co-written books in the past year or two. I have more than a few of his Mr Monk books waiting to be read also.
McGrave was obtained at Lee Goldberg's website here.
It's also available at Amazon.
Read in April, 2016.
Page 19 and McGrave exits Berlin Airport - job or no-job - his pursuit of Richter has gotten extremely personal.
I was thinking Die Hard and Bruce as I was reading this and I don't think it suffers by the comparison. Goldberg blends violence expertly with humour and the end result is a slightly exaggerated thrill-fest.
Interesting settings - LA and Berlin, crazy mad-cap main man, a decent cast of supporting characters, plenty of action, laced with humour throughout - what's not to like?4 from 5
I've read and enjoyed Lee Goldberg before in tandem with Janet Evanovich - I've tried a few of their Fox and O'Hare co-written books in the past year or two. I have more than a few of his Mr Monk books waiting to be read also.
McGrave was obtained at Lee Goldberg's website here.
It's also available at Amazon.
Read in April, 2016.
Funny you'd mention Die Hard, Col. I was thinking along those lines when I read the blurb. Not one for me, I'm afraid. But I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I can see it being adapted for screen.
ReplyDeleteMargot fair enough, not everything will appeal to everyone. Worked out well for me though!
DeleteI don't think this one is for me either, Col, but I would like to try one of his Monk series books, even though I have never watched the TV show.
ReplyDeleteI'm tempted to try Mr Monk soon, but other stuff keeps getting in the way.
DeleteCol, I have not read Lee Child but I detect shades of Jack Reacher in John McGrave's character, and perhaps writing too.
ReplyDeletePossibly, I've not read enough of either to really compare. Goldberg perhaps has a lighter touch with his writing.
DeleteI'm all for the light touch and humour...but maybe a touch too violent for me.
ReplyDeleteI actually think the comedy elements kind of serve to defuse the violence - sort of adds a cartoonish element - which may or may not have been the intention.
Delete