Five Star First Edition Mystery - Cracks In The Rainbow [Hardcover]

Mark Bouton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 5, 2005 | Series: Five Star First Edition Mystery

While driving to warn his partner Rick Dover of a lethal group, Stretch's Bronco erupts in a fireball and plunges into a canyon. Stretch's wife tells Dover the group had a computer connection, so Dover takes Stretch's PC to investigate. Dover and his new partner Falcon find hidden FBI files on Stretch's computer. They uncover a plot that is more dangerous and widespread than either of them can believe. Unsure they can trust anyone, the two cops find the stakes rising with every new twist and turn. Before it is all over, gangbangers, cops, and Dover and Falcon collide in a furious free-for-all which none of them may survive. Non-stop action that is sure to please!

Father of four sons, Mark Bouton lives in Kansas, where he writes novels, lifts weights and practices yoga, and often contemplates the universe.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Jackhammer dialogue and breakneck pacing highlight this action-packed L.A. thriller. Fans who like their heroes hard-fisted and soft-hearted will find a treasure here."
-- William Kent Krueger, award-winning author

". . . explosive! His books are unputdownable."
- Joe Konrath, author of Whiskey Sour and Bloody Mary

". . . a winner . . . dialogue crackles . . . plot moves like lightning. Once you start reading, you'll never want to stop."
- William Bernhardt, New York Times bestselling author

". . . Bouton comes out with all guns blazing! Crisp dialogue and credible police procedure . . ."
- Libby Fischer Hellmann, author of the Ellie Foreman mystery-thrillers

Product Details

• Hardcover: 342 pages
• Publisher: Five Star; 1 edition (August 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594143498
• ISBN-13: 978-1594143496
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,157,578 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I earned degrees in sociology and law, and then entered the FBI, where I served in Alabama, New York, Chicago, Puerto Rico, Texas, and Kansas for 30 years. I nabbed killers, kidnappers, and bank robbers, and I also played a key role in solving the Oklahoma City bombing. I've been writing mystery/suspense novels for over 20 years. I really enjoy telling readers what law enforcement people do, and also relating what colorful criminals and laypeople do in response to crime situations.

In some of my books I discuss cosmology (the study of the Universe) in relation to solving crimes. In others, movie lore and the idiosyncrasies of people in Los Angeles form part of the story. There's lots of action and fun in both series. I enjoy telling people what I've learned about life and the way individuals act in stressful and comic situations. As Oscar Wilde said, "Life is too important to be taken seriously." But we can examine it, laugh and learn, and then just shake our heads.

I've also written a non-fiction book entitled How to Spot Lies Like the FBI which my agent is shopping now. I'm working on another novel at present (almost finished--yea!)and have another novel begun.

I also like to read, lift weights, go for walks, play my electric guitar, contemplate the universe and talk to groups about my writing projects. I live in Kansas on a horse ranch, and I love the outdoors. My website is http://www.markbouton.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Disregard reviews, November 25, 2011

By 

James A. Jackson (Santa Cruz,Ca. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Five Star First Edition Mystery - Cracks In The Rainbow (Hardcover)

Were it not for the daffy reviews of this trifle, I would have been still.

How anyone can call this a police procedural is beyond me. Showing up in a squad room on occasion hardly makes it one. In fact it is the antithesis of a police procedural since the cops are part of a giant conspiracy which cuts our hero off from the normal cop procedures.

One reviewer can't figure out who dun it,but it is early on apparent that everyone did it and that's the problem.Another nation wide conspiracy to do something unpleasant to non whites just doesn't sell.

Just what will happen to almost half the population is never spelled out, but that's only a loose end.Not a particularly good book.

5.0 out of 5 stars POWERFUL AND GRIPPING - DON'T MISS THIS ONE!, July 9, 2006

By 

Dennis E. Smirl (Topeka, KS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Five Star First Edition Mystery - Cracks In The Rainbow (Hardcover)

L.A. Homicide detective Rick Dover steps into a bigger mess than he ever thought possible when his partner, Stretch, is murdered with a car bomb. At first, Dover thinks it was a horrible one-car accident. Still, as he looks deeper into the mystery, he realizes that it could only be murder. But who would murder his partner? What cases were they working on that might drive someone to plant a bomb in Stretch's car? As he follows the trails of evidence and intuition, he learns that his partner's death is a result of something far more nefarious, frightening, and ...... deadly!

Dover's quest for justice is shared by his new partner, Falcon, and by Stretch's widow, Terri. All three characters will see their lives changed by their brush with evil, as their struggles for justice - and survival - grow ever more harrowing.

This is an excellent first novel in what promises to be an exciting and intriguing series. I can't wait for the next installment!

5.0 out of 5 stars Cracks In The Rainbow, December 27, 2005

By 

Barbara A. Brady (Topeka, KS) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Five Star First Edition Mystery - Cracks In The Rainbow (Hardcover)

Rick Dover, a homicide detective, is determined to find the killers when his friend and partner is killed in a mysterious car wreck. He begins his chase with the confusing clue BLACKFLASH, a word taped to a card on his partner's computer. As he discovers dangerous evidence, Rick Dover must use his wits and police savvy to unravel the complicated mystery. The author, Mark Bouton, has a knack for compelling suspense and a fast pace that will keep readers turning the pages. Readers will appreciate the references to old-time movies and the use of delightful metaphors. This 5 star whodunit is a thrill ride for all mystery fans.