They thought they could get away with murder…Six months into his stint as police chief of Forks, WA, Brandon Mattson has already solved a double-homicide, stabilized his fledgling department, and helped his daughter settle into a new high school. But there’s one unsolved case that has haunted the former Seattle PD detective for over a year: his brother’s murder.Until now…His search for the … murder.
Until now…
His search for the killers leads him to an underground network of thieves and drug dealers ensconced deep inside the dark and isolated forests of the Olympic Mountains. His obsession with the investigation draws the ire of the local sheriff and he’s ordered off the case. But he’s too close to the truth.
So close that those protecting the killers are willing to do anything to stop him…
When a suspect is critically injured during police pursuit, the family blames Brandon. The close-knit network of criminals seeks revenge. But they aren’t after Brandon: they’re targeting his daughter.
Willing to protect his family at any cost, Brandon soon learns there’s a fine line between justice…and vengeance.
Praise for the Brandon Mattson series:
“Twists and turns to keep you guessing.”
“Small-town intrigue at its best.”
“If you’re a sucker for mysteries/detective stories, I highly recommend you read Dead by Sunrise.”
“Dead by Sunrise tops my charts for suspense, easy immersion, and great characters. It was a delight to read.” –David Brown, Darling Axe senior editor.
“Interesting, entertaining, well-written. I hope there are more to come in this series.”
“Great clues, good characters and interesting relationships. There is a complexity to the story, a weaving of personal issues, town issues and the mystery that kept me engaged and curious.”
“When you think you figured it out something happens and you are lost again.”
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DARK FOREST (BRANDON MATTSON, BK 2) by R L RYKER
Formerly published as Brother’s Keeper by RICHARD RYKER
Chief of Police Brandon Mattson is back in his hometown. It’s a small sleepy town .. except when it isn’t.
An elderly woman is found dead in her home. If this is a murder, who would want this woman dead. By all accounts, she was friendly, and fostered stray cats.
Mattson finds an underground network of drug dealers who are also poaching valuable trees. When Mattson learns who’s responsible and where he is staying, he is warned off by the local sheriff.
The man responsible may also be the man he’s been looking for in relation to the killing of his office brother, who was shot to death when he pulled a car over for speeding. Another crime unsolved .. another case he is warned away from.
But Brandon is too close to the truth to give up now. So close that the hidden powers shielding the killers from justice are willing to do anything to stop him…
Book Blurb: When a key suspect is critically injured during a police pursuit, the family blames Brandon. The close-knit network of criminals is out for revenge. But they aren’t after Brandon—they’re targeting his daughter.
Second in an intriguing series, this is easily read as a stand alone, but I recommend reading them in order to better understand the characters and family relationships. Action is foremost from start to finish. A few surprises await the reader that lead to an explosive conclusion. The characters are deftly drawn and I enjoyed how Mattson and his crew get along. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Many thanks to the author / Booksirens for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Brother’s Keeper is the second book is Richard Ryker’s A Chief Mattson Mystery series and just like with the first one, I really liked this book too.
I like that this is a solid read, you can always count on Brandon Mattson to solve a case no matter what. He is even willing to bend the law, just a little but still. He is determined, obsessed and a kind, good man.
Emma is your typical teenage girl, one of the responsible ones.
Brandon’s dad is a badass.
There was one thing that bothered me though I know it probably is an honest mistake, one of the character’s name keeps changing. Alisa, Alison or Alissa…it disrupted my enjoyment a little.
I will read the next book if there will be any.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Chief of Police Brandon has been searching for years to find the killers who murdered his brother. He’s found the suspects but he needs is solid evidence in order to arrest them. As he gets closer to the truth his family is threatened. His job is in jeopardy when he realizes he’s dealing with corrupt politicians and other law enforcements who want him to stop investigating his brother’s killers.
Brandon’s under pressure to solve another murder not pertaining to his brother.
As pieces of the puzzle start to fall in place Brandon’s father does the unthinkable. Not only putting their lives in danger but jeopardizing the case.
Thank you BookSirens and the author for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion.