”…another irreverent, complex lawman.” —Library JournalWhen San Remo County Acting Sheriff Buddy Steel is deputized by the California Coastal Commission to investigate a reclusive Russian billionaire who has repeatedly violated state law by obstructing public access to his vast beachfront property, he makes a shocking discovery. And learns that the politicos, some with a history of corruption, … politicos, some with a history of corruption, some just chicken, will not back up enforcement.
This makes Buddy, a former LAPD cop dragged home by his Sheriff father’s ALS diagnosis to “temporarily” head the department, dig in his heels and face down the Russian’s imported goon squad. It can and will get uglier.
At the same time a string of random murders in the county’s normally sleepy town of Freedom, a wealthy enclave up the coast from Los Angeles, places the Sheriff’s Department on high alert as it seeks to apprehend a serial killer whose crimes are so perfectly executed they leave no forensic evidence.
Buddy enlists an old adversary in his war with the Russian. She’s a legal shark from L.A., a savvy negotiator—and former lover. He needs to carry this fight to court. And he needs more backup—from the Sheriff’s Department staff, not the Sheriff, who resists being sidelined. Nor Freedom’s mayor, Buddy’s stepmother.
Unconventional and meticulously obtuse in his methodology, wild card cynic Buddy Steel barrels his way through the myriad obstacles that defy him. He may not want the job but his quest for serving the law is relentless.
Wild Card is the third in the Buddy Steel series by Hollywood ace Michael Brandman who, among his other credits, has both written New York Times bestsellers in the Robert B. Parker Jesse Stone series and brought Jesse to the screen in nine films starring Tom Selleck.
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“Wild Card” by Michael Brandman is book three in the “Buddy Steel Mystery. Brandman shares background material with readers so even those new to the series will have any needed information within the context of the current book. The story opens with a shocking crime for a small California town. A woman’s body is found slumped over the steering wheel of a late-model Mercedes. A bullet fired through the driver’s side window results in splattered glass, bone, and matter throughout the interior. Freedom, California has a serial killer on the loose
This is a police procedure in a first person narrative, and the sheriff introduces himself. “I’m Buddy Steel, by the way. Actually, Burton Steel, Junior. But I prefer Buddy. I’m the nominal Sheriff of San Remo County, serving under my father, guarding the fort, so to speak, while he battles a serious illness.”
Buddy’s casual conversations set the tone of the book and allow readers to easily follow along as the plot advances. Readers hear what Buddy hears and see what he sees. “Traffic had been diverted away from the site which was causing backups and delays. I inched my way there with my finger on the siren trigger, sporadically blasting it as a signal to complacent drivers to move out of my way.” Buddy’s chatty style gives readers insight into his personality and sense of humor. “I’m hearing you have your hands full.” “You could say that, yes.” “What do you think?” “I think I’d rather not have my hands full.” His thoughts, strategies, and problem solving are revealed each step of the way. Buddy wants to oversee, guide, and maintain control of everything and everyone. While taking charge of some things can make him a target, in other cases, since he has “no skin in this game” he is “a wild card” and can maneuver more freely. After all, he says, “I’m a Sheriff. I know everything.”
Brandman paints a realistic picture of Buddy’s life including the small town’s comfortable state of mind along with the burden of its politics. “But it’s days like this… days when I wake up and realize that what I’m facing is the kind of mind-numbing tedium that inhibits ingenuity and saps energy.” Readers get the inside look at Buddy’s outlook on life, and his feel for his job. “My focus as an LAPD homicide detective was sharply defined, whereas that of a County Sheriff is all over the map.” Buddy has jurisdiction over everything from public beach access and coastal preservation to political corruption, drug running, bribery, and the unusual murders. Of course, Buddy must not forget about the Russians who think everyone is for sale. Brandman fully develops each story line and intertwines intrigue with everyday activities.
Brandman’s vivid descriptions bring out the character of the town and the land. “The lengthy shoreline was an erratic blend of small inlets, hidden coves, massive dunes, stretches of immaculate beachfront, and a mansion the size of a small country. It was reached by a palm tree-lined beachfront road that abutted the coast, separated from it by eight-foot-tall wrought iron fencing with barbed wire strung along the top.”
“Wild Card” was quick to read and very enjoyable. I was given a review copy of “Wild Card” by Michael Brandman, Poisoned Pen Press, and Ingram Publisher Services. I like this series it is not just a “formula” series. Brandman moves both friends and family along in the storyline. In the end, Buddy questions his past, his present, and his future, but finds no easy answers. “When I agreed to come here I had no idea what I was in for.” Will he return to San Remo County? “It’s likely. But not certain.” I cannot wait to see where the next chapter in Buddy’s life takes him.
An amazing third novel with Buddy Steel Jr. as “interim” Sheriff of Freedom in San Remo County. Buddy is assisting his father who is actually the Sheriff, but is suffering from ALS. Buddy is a no-nonsense cop who left his job with LAPD Homicide in order to assist his father. He has been ordered by the California Coastal Commission to reopen the beach land near a mansion owned by a wealthy Russian. The owner has fenced off the beach and has hired “thugs” to patrol the land. When Buddy decides to do something, he goes all out, is effective and doesn’t worry about making enemies in the process. A series of murders soon happen in Freedom, leaving no clues. Who could be targeting strangers in the middle of the day and in the town? When Buddy needs legal help, he brings in a friend of his, Jordyn Yates, a kick ass lawyer and his former lover. As Buddy and his small group of deputies work to solve the murders, Buddy learns more about the Russian’s dealings and takes action as only Buddy can. What a ride! I love Mr. Brandman’s style of writing…sarcasm, humor, brief dialog and action that will keep you cheering for Buddy as he solves things his way. Mr. Brandman has written some of the Robert B. Parker “Jesse Stone” novels and he is one of my all-time favorite authors. A fast action and thoroughly enjoyable mystery! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)