Book: The Apostle by J.A Kerley

Strange religious murders and an ailing Preacher are the focus of the latest Carson Ryder novel which sees the welcome return of his old partner, Harry Nautilis.

Newly retired Nautilis is employed as a driver / bodyguard by an up-and-coming tv preacher who is soon summoned to stand in for the sickly veteran. This takes Harry to Miami where he soon teams up with his old buddy Ryder as they compare notes and attempt to solve the latest series of grisly murders. 

Jack Kerley took a chance when he decided to relocate his novel series from Alabama to Miami. Uprooting the main character and surrounding him with new faces was a test for even the most loyal fan.

For the most part it has worked as the Miami novels have been fresh but the absence of Nautilis has been noticeable and his re-introduction brings a much needed grounding to the Ryder series v.2. The promotion of Carson’s enigmatic brother Jeremy to a regular character is also welcome.

12 books in and these books remain as intriguing and entertaining as ever but I wouldn’t recommend The Apostle as either a starting point or a stand alone novel. Start right back to the beginning with The Hundredth Man or join the Miami series with The Death Box to get the most from The Apostle.

Visit www.jackkerley.com for more information on the author and his books.

Ric’s Rating: Highly Recommended  

Book: The Death Box by J.A Kerley

In the 10th book of JA (Jack) Kerley’s Carson Ryder series the author decides to take a chance and relocate the main character to Miami, leaving behind his previous life and friends in Alabama.

After an unenthusiastic welcome from his new colleagues Ryder is called to an alarming discovery. Numerous bodies have been buried in a cistern type box which has then been filled with concrete.

The investigation leads the dogged Detective to a despicable people trafficking organisation headed up by some truly awful individuals.

Kerley has a knack for bringing characters in for one book but never returning to them. Some are perhaps worthy of spin- off novels. However, this new setting for Ryder feels like a whole new beginning and I have the feeling that several of the new supporting cast will turn up again. Old favourite Harry Nautilus is gone (forever?) but the brilliant Jeremy (Ryder’s fugitive Brother) does appear with a vague promise of more future interaction.

Kerley’s story-telling and ability to present well-rounded characters ensure that this series easily survives the bold move and fans should embrace this change rather that be sceptical of it. The Death Box also works very well for anyone new to the books.

Easily one of the best ongoing detective novel series around.

Ric’s Rating: Essential

Book: Buried Alive by J.A Kerley

The latest in Jack (J.A) Kerley's Carson Ryder series is another cracker.

Carson heads off, with his dog Mr Mix-Up, to a cabin in the mountains for a well deserved holiday and finds himself drawn into a murder investigation. The victims have been horribly tortured and Carson has to use his expertise to help the locals as the FBI threaten to take over.

This installment marks a welcome return for Carson's criminal genius brother Jeremy who has been living in the sanctuary of the mountains, he adds his unique perspective to the mix.

This series boasts a fine array of recurring and guest characters, many of which (especially Jeremy and Sandhill) could have their own spin off books. The cast here includes a cool Forest Ranger, a pro fighter, a cute local cop and a sneering FBI Agent, all of whom add great depth and colour to the story.

I highly recommend the entire series, starting with The Hundredth Man, but this is great on it's own too.

Ric's Rating: 85%

Book: Little Girls Lost by Jack (J.A) Kerley

This sixth book in the Carson Ryder series was originally scheduled to
be the fourth but its release was postponed due to it's similarity to real life events at the time. Fans of the series will notice hastily edited details, like a very brief mention of Carson's dog, Mr Mix Up, who first appeared in the previous book, In The Blood (see review elsewhere here).

Young Black girls are being abducted and Carson must investigate the case without his partner Harry Nautilus who is in hospital, the victim of a vicious late night mugging.

Enter The Gumbo King, Conner Sandhill, a former cop who is called in as a consultant and teams up with Carson to examine the case and hopefully make connections that others have missed.

While the pair investigate the abductions Ryder looks into Sandhill's reasons for leaving the force and opens up a whole new can of worms.

This is the best in the series so far, Sandhill is an excellent addition and I didn't even mind that Jeremy (Ryder's psychotic Brother) didn't appear.

It features a host of excellent characters: Squill the weasely police chief and his sidekicks, The Desmond Brothers and Mr Mattoon all spring to mind each bringing their own vitally important presence to the story.

Ryder takes a bit of a co-starring role in this one (it's the first he doesn't narrate) as it's Sandhill's show this time around, I just hope he features again or even gets his own spin off series.

Tension, terror, unpredictable twists and turns a plenty. What more could you ask for.

Outstanding.

Ric's Rating: 92%

Book: In The Blood by Jack Kerley

Carson Ryder returns and this time investigates the case of a baby stranded on a boat and a dead tv preacher.

Lacking the tension and twists of Blood Brother (see review elsewhere here) this is run of the mill stuff and I didn't particularly enjoy Carson's company in this book (there are reasons for him being unpleasant) and not for the first time in this series I found myself wishing that his partner Harry Nautilus would become the main character.

Race tension rears it's head here too but there is nothing gripping or exciting and I can only recommend this one to anyone who wants to read the complete series.

Ric's Rating: 42%

Top Books read in 2009

1. THE LOCH BY STEVE ALTEN

Murder mystery set against the legend and magnificent backdrop of Loch Ness.

2. STILL BLEEDING BY STEVE MOSBY

Disturbing tale takes you on a journey to the dark side of the internet and into the world of murder and suicide memorabilia. Mosby is one of the most original authors on the scene today and I highly recommend his books, but be warned, they are not for the faint of heart.

3. WICKED PREY BY JOHN SANDFORD

The long running Lucas Davenport series still delivers the goods but you'd need to start way back at the beginning with Rules Of Prey to get the best from this one.

4. BLOOD BROTHER BY JACK KERLEY

Carson Ryder tracking his serial killer brother in this top notch thriller.

5. INFECTED BY SCOTT SIGLER

Join "Scary" Perry Dawsey as he tries to stop "The Triangles" taking over his body. This book is far more than you'd expect. Highly recommended.

Book: Blood Brother by Jack Kerley

Fourth and best book so far in the Carson Ryder series.

This installment takes Ryder out of his usual Alabama juristiction after his brother Jeremy escapes the mental institution he has been in since murdering five women.

Ryder does not dominate the book and in fact Jeremy and Ryder's partner, the ever loyal Harry Nautilus , steal the show.

This is a serial killer novel that provides gruesome killings, believable characters and even a couple of twists that a veteran of these type of novels like me didn't see coming.

There is no need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one but they will add a decent amount of background, especially to the relationship between Carson and Jeremy.

Highly recommended for fans of the genre.

Jack Kerley's website sates that the decision to go with J.A instead of Jack was a marketing one. Go figure.

Rick's Rating: 80%