Perfect for fans of police procedurals in the style of Harry Bosch Cherry blossom season is Washington, D.C.’s most beautiful time of the year. But as tourists flock to the city, this year’s festivities are marred by the discovery of the naked body of a young woman floating in the Tidal Basin. Veteran homicide detective Brian (Brick) Kavanagh is assigned to the case. He’s shocked when he learns … shocked when he learns the victim is connected to another homicide which makes the investigation very personal for him. Brick’s efforts to solve the case are thwarted by departmental politics and a rush to judgment. Convinced that justice has not been served and the wrong person is in jail, Kavanagh risks all to relentlessly pursue the truth. Overlooked evidence ultimately leads to a devastating conclusion in a heartbreaking case.
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This is a major 5-star from a debut author who has captured the essence of a police procedural in every way. Brick Kavanagh can’t help remind readers of Harry Bosch. I consider that quite a feat! Great debut from an author with promise. And I note that RELENTLESS was reviewed in USA Today!
RELENTLESS by Shawn Wilson
This gripping debut mystery by Shawn Wilson introduces Brian ‘Brick’ Kavanagh, a relentless detective married to his job – until two haunting murders and an intriguing defense attorney turn his life upside down. Well-plotted and fast-paced, with rich, layered characters and authentic dialogue and settings, this one will have you at the first sentence and keep you guessing until the last.
submitted by Helaine Mario
Homicide Detective Brick Kavanagh and his partner, Detective Ron Hayes are assigned to investigate when a young woman is found floating in the Tidal Basin. Although no ID is found, Brick learns the victim was connected to another homicide. The case becomes very personal.
Ultimately a person of interest is arrested, but Brick is convinced that they have the wrong person. His attempts to find the real culprit is hampered by departmental policies and a rush to judgment by a senior officer not that interested in finding the truth and seems more worried about tourism.
The complex plot is intricately woven around many, and varied, characters. It was easy to get lost in trying to keep everyone straight in my mind. Add ICE, Park Police, several other detectives and the water is muddied. There are twists and turns that are interesting, I found the conclusion to be not-so-satisfying.
The author spent more than 30 years working for the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. RELENTLESS is her first novel. Because of her background I expected a more credible story line. That being said, I hope to have the opportunity to read Book 2 in this series.
Many thanks to the author / Oceanview Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction/mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
It was quite long but very good and kept the reader interested.
Wilson’s Relentless lives up to its title, and will keep you turning pages throughout the twisting mystery and final reveal. A gritty and engrossing tale that introduces Brick Kavanagh, a detective who’s as smart as he is battle worn, and who takes his place among the best detectives in fiction.
Shawn Wilson’s novel, [Relentless] brings a crafty, engaging new detective to the mean streets of Washington, D.C. A relentlessly entertaining debut!
An Enjoyable Quick Read
A floating body is discovered in Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. The main character, Metro Police Detective Brian Kavanagh and his partner Ron Hayes are on the east side of the basin with the Park Patrol. Kavanagh doesn’t want to wait for the harbor patrol and talks his partner into barrowing a paddle boat to have a closer look. It was a woman with a large port wine birthmark. Their Lieutenant is applying pressure to solve this case quickly because of the possible effect on tourism.
After 18 hours on duty, Detective Kavanagh visits his favorite Irish Pub for quick Guinness. He discovers that one of the workers, Jose, missed his shift and the owner could not contact him. Kavanagh offers to go with owner’s nephew for a well-being check on Jose’s residence. There is no answer so Kavanagh contacts the manager to gain entry. Once inside, he discovers Jose brutally killed in the bathtub. He finds a picture of a young woman with a prominent port wine birthmark. That probably was Jose’s sister who recently arrived from Guatemala. The novel proceeds from there.
The investigative process is complicated because their Lieutenant formed a task force that included Park Police, ICE, and Detectives Allen and Adkins, who caught the Jose murder, and Kavanagh and Hayes. As the investigation continues, there are many twists, turns, and misdirections. I was quickly caught up in the novel. The major criteria for a high star rating.
The B-storyline was rich and well-woven into the main storyline. Kavanagh’s relationship with Hayes, his favorite Irish Pub, his strained relationship with the other detectives and his lieutenant, a priest, another relationship developed during the novel, and his reaction to a very different life style provide a very good insight into the Kavanagh character. Also adding to the B-storyline is the background of Detective Hayes and his very pregnant wife.
There are a few F-bombs that including an Irish-accented version and some other lesser vulgar language, but not excessive to me so most readers probably will not have a problem. Also, there are not any graphic sex scenes. I did have two minor issues. Kavanagh is Irish and red-headed that lead to his nickname of Brick. This rubbed me the wrong way as I felt it was a little derogatory. There could be a more imaginative nickname. The other issue was Kavanagh’s breach of attorney-client privilege. The first issue was minor, and the second was needed to keep the novel moving forward. Lastly, I learned from this novel that the US Attorney General’s office prosecutes felonies in Washington, D.C. vice the District’s Attorney General’s office.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel. It was a quick and engrossing novel that kept my interest through the entire novel. Based upon all of the above, I rate this novel a good read, four stars. If you want a quick weekend read, this novel could meet your needs.
I have received a free kindle version of this novel through Edelweiss+ from Oceanview Publication with an expectation for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Oceanview Publication for the opportunity to read this novel early.