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book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Book # 4 in the Tres Navarre mystery series starts when Tres learns that his brother, Garrett, has mortgaged the family ranch to fund a start-up software security company, and has missed the last four payments. When Tres goes to Austin to confront his brother he finds a financial and “with-friends-like-this-who-needs-enemies” mess. Things get worse when Garrett’s business partner, and perennial fuck-up Jim, is found dead. Add a ruthless business man, and a wealthy family intent on keeping family secrets buried and Tres has his work cut out for him in unraveling the disaster. As an added complication, Garrett’s attorney is Tres’s former love interest, Maia, who has flown in from San Francisco.
I like Tres as a character. He’s a PhD English professor, specializing in Middle English lit, a tai chi master, and a private investigator. He’s intense, has a sarcastic sense of humor, treats women well, does not suffer fools gladly, and loves his cat, Robert Johnson (who usually eats enchiladas). The books are full of Texas culture and locations that are familiar to natives. The plots are intricate with lots of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. This time around I didn’t ID the culprit until just a step ahead of the reveal. (Literally, a footstep is heard in that key scene and THAT’s when I realized who the culprit is.)
There are a couple of things that don’t quite make sense to me, but I can’t say more or I’d give away the plot.
I wish Riordan would go back to writing mysteries aimed at adults. He wrote this series before he started the Percy Jackson series (which really catapulted him to author famedom). I certainly understand why he continues to focus on that immensely popular (and lucrative) franchise, but I dread the day when I run out of Tres Navarre books (only 3 left in the series for me).
I like Tres as a character. He’s a PhD English professor, specializing in Middle English lit, a tai chi master, and a private investigator. He’s intense, has a sarcastic sense of humor, treats women well, does not suffer fools gladly, and loves his cat, Robert Johnson (who usually eats enchiladas). The books are full of Texas culture and locations that are familiar to natives. The plots are intricate with lots of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. This time around I didn’t ID the culprit until just a step ahead of the reveal. (Literally, a footstep is heard in that key scene and THAT’s when I realized who the culprit is.)
There are a couple of things that don’t quite make sense to me, but I can’t say more or I’d give away the plot.
I wish Riordan would go back to writing mysteries aimed at adults. He wrote this series before he started the Percy Jackson series (which really catapulted him to author famedom). I certainly understand why he continues to focus on that immensely popular (and lucrative) franchise, but I dread the day when I run out of Tres Navarre books (only 3 left in the series for me).
mamagames's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting characters with a few gripping action scenes... a decent summer read and a worthy part of my 5-books-for-a-dollar pile at the yard sales last weekend. I think I might have enjoyed it more if I didn't jump into the series at book #4 - I felt like there was a lot of background I was missing.
jrobles76's review against another edition
4.0
Now I know what the hype is about. Sure most people probably know Rick Riordan from Percy Jackson, but he started as a mystery writer, and a damned good one. Winner of the Edgar, Anthony, and Shamus awards, and from this book I can see why. As an Austinite it was fun to take a trip down memory lane and see how much Austin has changed. I was taking summer courses during the time the novel takes place. I am a background character in this novel. A great read with expertly done twists. Look forward to reading the whole series.
cannonlaurac's review against another edition
3.0
Slowing in the beginning but ended up being a good mystery.
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
An outstanding series and an outstanding book to listen to. Tres goes to Austin to teach a class and get away from PI work for a bit. He finds himself neck deep in a murder investigation and trying to keep his brother out of jail. Superb~
duckinggreyduck's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
book_nut's review against another edition
5.0
Oooooh, the twist in this one was delicious. And very well set up, too. Dang, when Riordan's on, he's on.
earlapvaldez's review against another edition
4.0
Looking for the Riordan of Percy Jackson, still not able to find it here. But hey, this has more action than I thought.
fanboyriot's review against another edition
3.0
A bit slow in the beginning, but overall a pretty good mystery.
claudiaswisher's review against another edition
4.0
Man, I do love Tres Navarre. I crack up when I read the classroom scenes. I love that Tres has such a great time teaching. Details of Garrett's past are revealed. He's in a heap of trouble, but his prickly relationship with Tres keeps him from asking for help.
Nicely layered mystery...just when I thought I'd worked it out, Riordan twists the story again.
Did I mention I love Tres Navarre?
Nicely layered mystery...just when I thought I'd worked it out, Riordan twists the story again.
Did I mention I love Tres Navarre?