Thicker Than Water (Large Print) [Large Print] [Hardcover]

P. J. Parrish (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2005

Two decades ago Jack Cade was convicted of the murder of Kitty Jagger. Rather than go to trial and risk the Florida electric chair, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to twenty years. A few days after gaining his freedom, the police arrest Jack for the murder of his defense attorney Spencer Duvall. Unlicensed private investigator Louis Kincaid by Jack s son Ronnie to find evidence to clear his father. After gaining access to all the evidence, Louis is convinced that Jack Cade did not kill Duvall or Kitty Jagger. He vows to find Kitty s killer, and thereby clear Jack of both murder charges, even if it means breaking the laws he was once swore to uphold.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Thicker Than Water is as suspenseful and sharply written as any of those highly hyped hardbacks by household names such as Connelly and Patterson. --Chicago Tribune

Product Details

• Hardcover: 339 pages
• Publisher: The Large Print Book Company (February 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596880546
• ISBN-13: 978-1596880542
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,693,946 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

P.J. Parrish is actually two sisters, Kristy Montee and Kelly Nichols. Their books have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today best seller lists. The series has garnered 11 major crime-fiction awards, and an Edgar® nomination. Parrish has won two Shamus awards, one Anthony and one International Thriller competition. Her books have been published throughout Europe and Asia. Parrish's short stories have also appeared in many anthologies, including two published by Mystery Writers of America, edited by Harlan Coben and the late Stuart Kaminsky. Their stories have also appeared in Akashic Books acclaimed Detroit Noir, and in Ellery Queen Magazine. Most recently, they contributed an essay to a special edition of Edgar Allan Poe's works edited by Michael Connelly.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great New Series!, September 1, 2003

By 

Ms. Nancy F. Jones (Milwaukee, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thicker Than Water (Paperback)

I admit it--I do not usually like female mystery writers. I also do not usually like books written by committee (in this case a team of two sisters).

I picked up 'Thicker Than Water' on the basis of a recommendation I read on one of Amazon's lists. I am glad I did. Parrish's books, with the exception of the first, are published as paper back originals. If ever an author deserved hard cover treatment, this one does.

I am also wondering about the lack of professional reviews of the Parrish books on the Amazon site. I wonder why this author is not getting the attention she (they) truly deserve.

The series has a mixed race protagonist, Louis Kincaid, who, like the best of the fictional detectives, is conflicted about almost everything in his life. The books are set in the 1980s before DNA and widespread use of computer technology. Smart move.

'Thicker Than Water' is rich in character development and sense of time and place. It is as well plotted as anything currently on the mystery best seller lists.

In this book, the horrific 20 year old rape and murder of a beautiful young girl may be the key to solving a present day homicide. The man convicted of that murder, and recently released after serving his time, is the prime suspect in the current slaying.

Kincaid believes that the thoroughly unlikeable Jack Cade, the man convicted of the rape and murder, may in fact, be innocent. He forms a shaky alliance with Susan Outlaw, Cade's court appointed attorney.

This book is filled with fully developed characters. Even the bit players have been created with great care. The childhood friend of the murdered girl is one of the most touching characters in the book.

I think the Kincaid series has great potential.

Buy these books.

Read them.

Recommend them to your friends.

Talk them up to your local booksellers.

Kincaid deserves hardcovers and a publicity team working on his behalf.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved It!, April 16, 2003

By 

fjmcmm (Gardena, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thicker Than Water (Paperback)

P.J. Parrish has written another novel that glues you to every page. Once again, we get Louis Kincaid at his best. The story was intriguing and moved at an excellent pace. I don't recall reading a novel that had so many twist, which is one of the main reasons it holds your attention. Louis does an excellent job again and I think PI suits him well. I just love how his mind works and he puts all the puzzle pieces together. He may have come to the wrong conclusions at times, but he never stops seeking answers. I love that about him. Very sad when you learn Kitty's story, such an innocent. I really admired Louis' dogged determination to see justice done and allow her to rest in peace. Looking forward to reading what comes next, especially if it involves Louis, a true hero.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spellbinding, June 30, 2003

By 

nobizinfla "nobizinfla" (Windermere, Florida USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thicker Than Water (Paperback)

P.J. Parrishs Thicker Than Water is the fourth Louis Kincaid and second set on Floridas West Coast. It is terrific.

Louis Kincaid is a refreshing protagonist with a deep sense of honor, principal and integrity who looks for those traits in others.

Since the legal system may not always get it right, sometimes Louis Kincaid nudges justice a bit just to make certain.

Upon release after serving a twenty-year rape sentence, Jack Cade is accused of a murder that occurs shortly after his return.

Cade is a vile man, but Louis Kincaid picks him up as a client. It appears the two crimes are related---but Cade may have been set up for both of them.

Suspects abound---with twists that seem to absolve everyone you suspect

As the odds against Louis Kincaids quest mount he shows more determination in seeking the truth.

Wonderful pacing holds you to the final chapter before you realize whodunit.

Louis Kincaid continues to grow as a character, the supporting cast is robust and the Florida setting is appropriately steamy.