Try Darkness (Ty Buchanan Series, Book 2) (Hardcover)

by James Scott Bell (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
In Try Dying (2007), L.A. trial lawyer Ty Buchanan’s fianceé was killed, and Ty himself was brought up on murder charges. Now he’s trying to put that disastrous period in his life behind him. He’s living in a trailer on the grounds of a monastery, easing back into professional life, when a case involving a woman and her young daughter, who are being tossed out of their apartment by an unscrupulous building owner, draws him back into the dangerous world he thought he’d left behind. The case seems a simple enough matter, but soon after Ty makes it clear he will pursue his client’s rights, the woman is found dead, and now Ty must protect the little girl while trying to find out who’s behind her mother’s murder. Bell builds on the numerous strengths of the first novel, firmly positioning Buchanan as a strong series lead and once again telling a story that is equal parts crime drama and human emotion. A solid second installment in what should prove to be a popular series. --David Pitt

Review
"Bell, an attorney turned prolific novelist, has created in Buchanan an appealing and series-worthy protagonist, and the tale equally balances action and drama, motion and emotion. Readers who pride themselves on figuring out the answers before an author reveals them are in for a surprise, too: Bell is very good at keeping secrets. Fans of thrillers with lawyers as their central characters-Lescroart and Margolin, especially-will welcome this new addition to their must-read lists." (on Try Dying Booklist )

"Engaging whodunit series . . . Readers will enjoy Bell's talent for description and character development." (on Try Dying Publishers Weekly )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Center Street (July 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599956853
• ISBN-13: 978-1599956855
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #357,433 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another JSB Winner, July 23, 2008

By	Peggy Blann Phifer "Peg" (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews

James Scott Bell scores again. Ty Buchanan, defender of the defenseless, takes on the case of a man accused of robbery and murder. The man claims he didn't do it, but eye-witnesses ID him. Or is it a case of mistaken identity? Ty is determined to find out. Then, a secretive woman with a six year old daughter seeks his help, only to wind up dead, leaving the little girl, with no last name, orphaned. Ty takes the child under his wing and sets out to find her mother's killer.

But Ty is on his own now, with no trial experience in criminal law, armed only with his sense of justice, sharp mind, and a dogged determination to push through all obstacles to find the truth. We met Ty in Try Dying, Book 1 of the Ty Buchanan mystery/thriller series when his fiancée was killed and he learned it wasn't just a freak accident--it was out-and-out murder. He took some hard knocks, even accused of murder, but fought his way through to the truth.

His sometimes smart-aleck and confident attitude gets his bell rung a few times in Try Darkness, too, Book 2. And his temper threatens to be his undoing a number of times. But the wise counsel of his friends Sister Mary Veritas, a Benedictine nun, and Father Bob, a disgraced priest, try to help him stay on track. Ty's home and sanctuary is in a trailer situated on the grounds of St. Monica's due to the Benedictine rule of hospitality, Sister Mary and Father Bob his only 'family.

Try Darkness is fast moving and action packed, with snappy dialog. The pages practically turned themselves as I read--as I've come to expect from a James Scott Bell book. I love the unique layout of the chapters, all 191 of them! But not to worry, they're not long. Some are only a paragraph, some may appear two to a page, maybe even, with the book open, you'll see five chapters between the two pages. It's fun, and kept me turning the pages. AND, there's no place to find an easy break where you feel ready to set the book aside. Can't be done. I read Try Darkness in less than two days, waking up in the night to my husband taking my glasses off, setting the book aside and turning out the light.

Do I recommend this book? Oh, yeah!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly What We Want in a Sequel, October 22, 2008

By	Jake Chism "www.FictionAddict.com" (Krum, TX USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Ty Buchanan is certainly not your typical lawyer. After the tragic death of his fiancé, Ty moves into a trailer behind a convent and befriends a nun with a passion for hoops. Together they work to bring justice to the downtrodden that cross their path. Ty's latest case involves a young girl whose mother was brutally murdered before her eyes. As Ty and Sister Mary Veritas look further into the case, they uncover a conspiracy between a larger than life business mogul and Ty's old law firm. It will take every ounce of Ty's wit and Sister Mary's unwavering faith to bring justice and hope to the little girl that has stolen their hearts.

James Scott Bell has given us exactly what we want in a sequel: an even better story. I thoroughly enjoyed Try Dying, but this second installment really outweighs the first. Ty Buchanan is such an engaging character full of heart, flaws, and passion. His own personal search for truth and meaning is such a welcome addition to an already rich plot. Bell knows how to structure a plot (heck, he has written a book about it) and his talent is on full display here. Never does the story drag or cause you to wonder just how many more pages are left. This is truly one of the more engaging novels I've read in some time.

Let's not forget about the wonderfully strange cast of characters Bell treats us to. Sister Mary Veritas is a fun and complex counterpart to Ty and their relationship is wonderfully explored here. Father Bob and Pick McNitt are back and as entertaining as ever with their witty banter and unique perspectives. Bell also mixes in some new characters that are sure to become fan favorites.

Try Darkness holds it's own as a mystery and also works as a relevant exploration into faith. Ty and Sister Mary remind me of Dr. Brennan and Agent Booth on the TV show, Bones. Being a self proclaimed agnostic, Ty often butts heads with Sister Mary over issues of spirituality making for fascinating conversations between the two. Indeed, one of the most intriguing aspects of Ty Buchanan is his passion for helping and serving others despite his uncertainty about God.

James Scott Bell totally has me hooked and I am eagerly awaiting another installment in this impressive series.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Series!, March 12, 2009

By	Dineen A. Miller "Writer/Graphic Designer" (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Try Dying hooked me right from the start. Try Darkness was even better. I love the characters in these books--they are very real and quite flawed. (Love the nun!) Bell is one of the best writers of dialogue I've come across. I love a book that keeps me glued to the page with great suspense and storytelling and laughing at the quick and witty dialogue. I can't wait the read the the third book, Try Fear.