Protector [Paperback]

Laurel Dewey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 2006

The Protector is a gritty, crime thriller with a paranormal edge; a character-driven thriller that captures the reader's attention from the first chapter and lingers on the psyche long after the last page is turned. Laurel Dewey s eagerly awaited debut fiction novel is a gritty, crime thriller with a paranormal edge. Detective Jane Perry has an almost psychic instinct for solving some of Denver, Colorado s most emotionally jarring homicides. Known as The Blue Sense by cops, Jane has learned to keep her intuitive gift low-key. But now that insight has taken on a new, more disturbing twist. Ever since the car bombing and murder of a family Jane and her partner were protecting, she has been plagued with disconnected images that predict events yet to happen. One of Jane s disturbing visions unexplainably leads to nine-year-old Emily Lawrence. The traumatized child is thought to have witnessed the brutal stabbing death of her parents but is unable to remember anything about that gruesome moment. Jane and Emily form a deep bond, unaware that they share a fateful connection. When the killer makes a bold attempt on Emily s life, Jane is chosen as the child s sole protector. However, Jane s frightening visions continue and seem to portend a tragic end to the child s life. In order to solve this horrific crime, Jane must come face-to-face with her greatest fear in order to save Emily.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is a first-rate suspense novel. Laurel Dewey is a fresh, exciting voice with a new perspective on the genre and a three-dimensional heroine who is flawed, infuriating, and utterly affecting. Protector is one of the most exciting and moving novels I ve read in years. --Lou Aronica, The Fiction Studio

Review

"A unique, entertaining, emotionally powerful, deftly crafted, highly recommended work that will leave the reader looking eagerly toward Laurel's next foray into the mystery/suspense genre." --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Safe Goods; 1st edition (December 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884820859
• ISBN-13: 978-1884820854
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (143 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,940,882 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

253 of 261 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding FIRST novel, February 25, 2007

By 

Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Protector (Paperback)

Laurel Dewey has crafted a memorable tale full of mystery and emotion in this debut novel.

Denver Homicide Detective Jane Perry is a hard-nosed, no-nonsense cop who is on the verge of a breakdown. She was physically abused by her father years ago, and the emotional turmoil from that abuse keeps rearing its ugly head. It has driven Jane to the bottle, and she has separated herself from everyone who tries to get close to her. When her latest case ends in the death of an innocent child, Jane doesn't know how much more she can take.

Suddenly Jane finds herself in the middle of another case where a young girl's life is in danger. Emily Lawrence's parents have been brutally murdered, and Emily is the only witness to the crime. As Jane and Emily draw closer together, they discover that they share an uncanny psychic connection that neither can explain.

As Jane takes on the role of Emily's personal protector, she begins to discover the ugly truth behind the murder of Emily's parents. Jane must now put her life on the line as Emily's protector while she finds a way to bring justice to the killer who wants Emily dead.

Laurel Dewey spins a fantastic suspense yarn, but this story is driven by the relationship of Jane and Emily. Jane finds hope and redemption through her connection to Emily, and Emily's character is captivating as she slowly chips away the wall that Jane has built around her emotions.

This is a story that will tug at your heartstrings, and Dewey reminds us of the importance of family and relationships.

Armchair Interviews says: This is an outstanding beginning to what is sure to be a successful writing career for Laurel Dewey.

89 of 98 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good read despite the language, February 23, 2011

By 

slb "sb" (New Mexico) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Protector (Jane Perry) (Kindle Edition)

It takes a chapter for the book to take hold, then it does become a good read. Jane is an alcoholic, stressed out detective and the only person that a young witness will speak to. The story has a good plot, and some twists and turns if you can get beyond all the language. While I'm sure that overworked detectives do use this language, there are so many 'f' words in the book, that it becomes tedious. A few strewn throughout the book in tense situations could have been a bit of 'shock' value, but an excess simply becomes overkill. Despite that, there's a decent story buried in here and a point where Jane's rough edges turn to points of compassion.

50 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Protector, March 7, 2007

By 

Linda L. Bankard "Bibliphile" (Simi Valley, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Protector (Paperback)

I do not want to give away the plot to this amazing book so all I will say is Laurel Dewey is a brand new author that will give Grisham, Stuart Woods and James Patterson a run for their money. I am a mystery fan and this is the best mystery I have read in years and years, perhaps ever!