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Thursday, August 15, 2019

Tin Badges by Lorenzo Carcaterra

Sometimes I find myself drawn into a book because of a certain combination of characters, and Tin Badges has this in spades. "As one of the NYPD’s most trusted “tin badges”—retired detectives brought in to solve cases that are beyond the reach of the everyday force—Tommy (Tank) Rizzo, retired from the police force because of an injury, is given cold cases in a sort of freelance manner.  

He and his former partner Pearl, who is now confined to a wheelchair,  have assembled a team of various misfit experts whose operations have not always been legal.  Their most recent case is a vicious attack on two women and a connection to a brutal drug lord

Then Tank gets a call that his brother and sister-in-law have been killed in a car accident.  The brothers have had no contact for years, and Tank finds himself guardian of an almost fifteen-year-old nephew that he doesn't even know.  

Devastated by the death of both parents, angry that an uncle who has had no contact with his family is now his only choice for a home, young Chris is bitter, but curious about the case Tank and his unorthodox team are involved in.  With outstanding computer skills and an interest in crime solving, Chris wants to work his way into the investigation.  Chris also believes his parents were murdered and needs Tank to believe him.

Fast-paced and full of action and suspense, Tin Badges may not pass the reality test, but it will suck you in as you fear for the (relatively) good guys and despise the evil-doers.   

The next one in this new series is definitely on my list as I want to find out more about the situation that occurred when Tank and his brother were young and about how he and Chris are going to solve the murders that are intimately connected to them both.

Read in May; blog review scheduled for Aug. 15, 2019.

NetGalley/Random House/Ballantine
Crime/Suspense.  Aug. 27, 2019.  Print length:  304 pages.  

16 comments:

  1. I love intense police procedurals but never heard of this one. It does sound at first glance like something I would like. You have the best taste in books :)

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    1. I was a little surprised at how involved I got with this one since I don't usually like drug/drug dealer plots, but this one certainly kept me engrossed!

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  2. I like the idea of a cast of retired detectives and various misfit experts working together to solve cases. I don't think I've read anything like this and I find it very interesting. I'll have to check this out. :)

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    1. It is a little unusual, and probably not at all realistic, but I enjoyed the action, suspense, and characters!

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  3. It's that whole guardian to a nephew he doesn't really know thing that makes me want to read this one. :)

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    1. Yep, it makes for an interesting situation. Chris is angry and grieving, and Tank is not willing to explain the problems between the brothers. Chris believes his parents were murdered, and he needs Tank, even though he is angry at him.

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  4. I think this premise would make a fantastic TV show! They can bend the rules some (keep it interesting) with the band of misfits angle. :D

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    1. It would make a good show! There are so many interesting characters and a lot of action. :)

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  5. The words "misfit experts" is the trigger that gets my attention. Although it's Chris's situation that makes me want to read this more so. It sounds like a series worth checking out. I am glad you enjoyed this o ne, Jenclair.

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    1. We do tend to like misfits in books, don't we? I am eager to see how Chris and Tank proceed. :)

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  6. Intriguing cast of characters, sounds like a good summer read--wait, can summer be almost over?

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    1. I include September in "summer" now. After retirement, the length of summer is associated with temperatures. :)

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  7. I remember reading Sleepers way back and found it fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. I actually didn't realize he has so many other books out and a series now!

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    1. I haven't read Sleepers, but if it kept you on the egde of your seat, I'm going to look for it!

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  8. I'm with Iliana -- I read Sleepers and it was intense. This sounds just the same and brilliant -- great pick!

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    1. OK--I'm going to have to get a copy of Sleepers!

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