Customer Reviews

Protector

5 star:		(58)
4 star:		(31)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(18)
1 star:		(17)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

Most of the less positive reviews for this novel have complained of the language, the constantly recurring "F+++ you" that is used in place of actual dialogue throughout the book. My main complaint lies in the inaccurate or imprecise use of the rest of the English language, interfering with the imagery that would support the creative plot and draw the reader further in. "Hairpin anger," rather than "hairtrigger", for example. "He touched her hand lovingly" intends to indicate compassion and support from Dan- but it's a first date. Gently, maybe? The sheriff and others are seen as "plodding across the meadow" although it's a life and death chase. And finally, the editor should have caught the repeated use of "Alright" rather than the correct "all right." The characters and their experiences have good substance, but need more definition; the difference between drunk and sober Jane is key, but is not clearly fleshed out. The plot moves quickly and the interactions between Jane and Emily are believable for the most part, but Emily is a bit too sweet- not consistent with a 10 year old just coming off a major trauma. The hardest part to swallow, for me, was the scene in the crime scene house- that would NEVER be allowed. I also wondered at the apparent ease with which Jane stops drinking, and how quickly her withdrawal symptoms seem to subside. Overall, I think this writer has potential, and tells a fairly good story. In my opinion, she would benefit from more careful choice of verbs/adverbs, and less use of expletives.

...Because as I first started reading this book, I did not think I would like it. I did not, at first, like Jane (the main character) at all. I do not want to get into the "whys" that I at first didn't like her, because I dislike any type of spoiler in a review. I think, now having read the book, the author may have made her "dislike-able" at first on purpose? I don't know. I did start warming to Jane, as the author started embroidering the plot and story around her. I am glad I did finish the book, and look forward to the next "Jane Perry" book.

I just downloaded this free book a couple of days ago & for some reason started reading it before others I intended to read first. I am so glad that I did. It is a really really really good book. It is well written & the characters are great. You don't want to put it down it is that good!

I see that some people have complained about the language. Get over yourselves, ignore the bad words if they offend you. Life isn't wrapped up in a pretty little box where we are all kind, loving, non-swearing people. It fits the story. The background of the main character should explain why Jane is like she is & does what she does. More like real life people. Could you imagine the story without her roughness? It wouldn't have made any sense if she was all lollipop & rainbows. That is what made her such a believable character.

I am just starting to read the next book & have pre-ordered the one coming out in March. I am so glad that we are offered free books because this is one author I probably would never have found. I can't wait for March 15th (at least I think that is when the third book will be coming out)!

I downloaded this as a freebie back in February 2011 and just got around to reading it...

I was very impressed this was a debut novel and as a person who is an avid reader, it takes something really special to grab me in and keep me there.

The characters were well developed, the plot had twists and turns. I felt myself really connecting to Jane and to Emily.

A few issues I did have with the graphic nature of the crime scenes, but to be fair, with the characters represented as they were, the reader should expect nothing less. Also the language is as graphic as the scenes, so be aware anyone who may be sensitive to this.

One scene I think the book could have done without is one with Jane and Emily where they are fighting. Folks who have read the book will know which scene I mean. That really bothered me as this little girl is nine for goodness sakes and had been through so much. I hated Jane for a bit after that scene.

Emily exhibited a super human type of strength...not sure a nine year old is capable of. I have a nine year old
and cannot imagine him handling the situations in any way, shape or form as she did.

Overall, I was impressed and will try her again!

I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. I could feel the emotions going on between Emily and Jane. The relationship between these two people was written brilliantly. The book had lots of suspense and a suprise ending. I couldn,t wait for the next book Redemption to come. By the way, it was worth the wait. Whatever book she puts out next I will purchase!

I read a lot of mysteries, but this was one of the most tedious reads I have suffered through in a long time. Gratutious violence toward children, a pretty much unlikeable lead character ... if the book hadn't been free on Kindle, I'd have definitely felt ripped off. As it is, I felt like my time was wasted.

The only positive thing I can say about this book is that I'm glad I didn't have to pay for it.

Although the character is supposed to be a veteran cop and an alcoholic, she somehow misses someone setting out a bomb in the first pages of the novel and then quits drinking at a drop of hat. If you have known anyone with a drinking problem, you know this just doesn't happen. At the very least going cold turkey like that would have meant serious medical consequences--she would have been sick as a dog. But there are so many parts that don't ring true here--I can hardly go into all of them. For those readers who live in small towns--don't even pick up this book since you will probably find her characterization of life there insulting.