Customer Reviews

Thicker Than Water

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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.

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.

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.

This is the first of Parrish's books I've read, but I've already ordered two more.

First off, I loved her protagonist, Louis Kincaid. He's damaged, which makes him interesting, but he's also possesses a deep streak of morality, which makes him heroic. On top of that, the plot is well done and nicely layered. Then there's the Florida atmosphere, which is great. Being a Florida girl myself, I can't tell you how many authors get this wrong. But Parrish does a great job. As I said, I'm ready for the next one.

Patricia Lewin, Author of BLIND RUN, OUT OF REACH, & OUT OF TIME

Two decades ago Jack Cade was convicted of raping and murdering fifteen-year-old Kitty Jagger as his pick axe was the murder weapon and her bloody panties with his blood type were found on in his truck. Rather than go to trial and risk the Florida electric chair, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to twenty years in the state pen. He served his sentence and is released from prison.

A few days after gaining his freedom, the police arrest Jack for the murder of his defense attorney Spencer Duvall. Ronnie Cade hires unlicensed private investigator Louis Kincaid to find evidence to clear his father. After gaining access to all the evidence, Louis is convince that Jack Cade did not do the current homicide or kill Kitty Jagger. He embarks upon a quest to find Kitty's killer, one that if he's successful he believes will clear Jack on both murder charges. When Louis is able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together, he vows to see that justice occurs though it means breaking the laws he was once swore to uphold.

THICKER THAN WATER is a fast-paced crime thriller that starts out at hyperspeed and never eases off the throttle. The protagonist is an honorable person who believes that justice needs assistance because the law is not always right which is one of the reasons he no longer wears a badge. There are plenty of suspects for both crimes including Jack, but it isn't until the last chapter that the real killer is revealed. P.J. Parrish's novels will appeal to readers who like James Patterson and Michael Connelly.

Harriet Klausner

I loved this book -- Louis is my hero and I like the fact that the books take place before DNA fingerprinting - it makes it so much more of a mystery than just sending in a sample of DNA to the lab. These authors know how to mix atmoshpere and mystery - I can't wait to read their next book!!

This is absolutely Parrish's best work yet. My book club has read all of them, and this author just keeps getting better. This book takes you along for a slow ride into a tale of twists and turns and side-roads and a bizzarre set of charcters you don't know whether to love or hate. Except of course, Louis...Ya gotta love his style...as one character says. This is a great mystery, with a hint of nostalgia, and not alot of violence or blood-lust. Great read.

THICKER THAN WATER is a good private eye yarn with an interesting plot. Louis Kincaid, a former policeman turned private eye having finished a case is looking around for work when a young man comes to him for help in proving his father, Jack Cade, is innocent of a recent murder. The murder victim was the lawyer who his father feels sold him out twenty years ago. The only ones in town, including the sheriff and police, who don't think Jack Cade is guilty are his son and the public defender on his case. Kincaid investigates everything that comes his way on the case as well as the twenty year old murder and clashes with the lawyer as he digs at uncovering the truth about both murders. The characters are well drawn and seem real enough to sweat in the humid Florida setting. No one ever said you have to like the hero's client in a private eye case and in this one, you certainly don't. Kincaid's determination and the things he uncovers on both crimes keep you turning the pages right up to the emotional final scene in the cemetery. THICKER THAN WATER is the fourth in the Louis Kincaid series and if you haven't read them, will send you looking for those other three books.

Louis Kincaid is at it again. I enjoyed reading this book as well as the other three previous books in this series. What I like best is how you get inside of his mind and feel like you are with him all the way through the book. The plot kept me interested all the way through right up to the end. If you like reading James Patterson's books with Alex Cross then you will equally enjoy Louis Kincaid.

Love, love, love this book! PJ is one of my favorites new writers. Her characters are well thought out and you can't help feel for Louis. I'd love to see how the character of Susan Outlaw evolves. She brings a new element to the series and keeps Louis on his toes.