“Badal delivers a nice tight mystery and two wonderful female detectives you’ll be cheering for. Don’t miss ‘Borderline.’”
—Catherine Coulter, New York Times bestselling author of “Nemesis”
In “Borderline,” Joseph Badal delivers his first mystery novel with the same punch and non-stop action found in his acclaimed eight previous thrillers, including the 5-book Danforth Saga.
Barbara Lassiter …
Barbara Lassiter and Susan Martinez, two New Mexico homicide detectives, are assigned to investigate the murder of a wealthy Albuquerque socialite. They soon discover that the victim, a narcissistic borderline personality, played a lifetime game of destroying people’s lives. As a result, the list of suspects in her murder is extensive.
The detectives find themselves enmeshed in a helix of possible perpetrators with opportunity, means, and motive—and soon question giving their best efforts to solve the case the more they learn about the victim’s hideous past.
Their job gets tougher when the victim’s psychiatrist is murdered and DVDs turn up that show the doctor had serial sexual relationships with a large number of his female patients, including the murder victim.
“Borderline” presents a fascinating cast of characters, including two heroic female detective-protagonists and a diabolical villain; a rollercoaster ride of suspense; and an ending that will surprise and shock the reader.
“‘Borderline’ grabs the reader early and never lets up. Opening with the discovery of the murder victim, a wealthy horsewoman full of sexual energy, gorgeous—and universally hated—the mystery progresses to an amazing revelation. Author Joseph Badal fills the pages with solid police work, a handsome private eye, an out-of control teenager and secret X-rated videos. In the hands of this fine writer, the story carried me along every step of the way.”
—Anne Hillerman, Author of the New York Times bestsellers “Spider Woman’s Daughter” and “Rock with Wings”
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very enjoyable crime drama with wonderful characters starring women detectives, YAH
I read a lot, which becomes a problem because I can’t keep from guessing the end. I generally can solve the “Who Done It” long before the end. Not this book, This book was not predictable in any way. I loved the unforeseen solution to the two murders. I don’t want to spoil the great read by being to verbose but if you enjoy this genre, I would say this is a must read. I’m looking forward to more of the series.
3 stars
Detective Barbara Lassiter is slightly overweight and drinks too much. Her partner, Susan Martinez is a beautiful woman living with her abusive husband Manny. The reader has to wonder why she doesn’t get rid of him. Is this the author’s way of humanizing his characters?
Victoria “Vickie” Comstock is the victim. They are called to the scene and it is horrific. She was very wealthy – and very ill. She has Borderline Personality Disorder. This is a sometimes volatile personality disorder where the person can exhibit violent mood swings, sexual acting outparanoia and downright cruelty. Vickie loved to destroy other peoples’ lives. She was speared with an African spear and her face has been mutilated. Her husband Maxwell Comstock was out of town at the time. Or so he says. Will his alibi stand up? Her husband says she was a nightmare to live with, but he loved her anyway.
A young woman named Constance “Connie” Alban was also living in the house. She is missing. Marge Stanley, Connie’s mother tells Barbara about a private detective named Shawn Navarro that she had investigate Vickie. Barbara meets with Shawn and he gives her a copy of the report. She is astounded at what it contains. Showing it to her partner Susan the next day; Susan is also floored.
Susan and Barbara begin to interview Vickie’s former partners, husbands and friends. They are all consistent in their descriptions of their relationships with the woman.
When Dr. Stein, Vickie and Connie’s psychiatrist, is murdered, Susan and Barbara are at a loss. Tragedy befalls one of the women detectives.
The murderer of Vickie comes as a surprise – for me at least. The murderer of Stein – mmm, not so much.
This book is plotted well, and the writing is fairly good, but the story started out a little slow. First one woman flew off the handle at someone and then the other would. I wonder if the author noticed this. They seem like two volatile women who couldn’t act like real detectives. I didn’t particularly care for either woman or the men in the police department either. I want my police to pull together not bicker and backstab one another. The information about Borderline Personality Disorder seemed pretty on the mark. Mr. Badal must have done his research in that area.
I want to thank NetGalley and BookBuzzNet/Suspense Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read and review.
Joseph Badal writes action packed series that keep his readers up all night. This book was one of his first stand-alones and inspired by actual events. The characters and the plot engage the reader and, like his other books, won’t let you turn off the light until you’ve reached the end.
Good book, the characters were great.
Very good book, lots of varied characters and page turner, couldn’t put it down!
This book kept me up at night, once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. The action is non-stop and never lets up. The ending has a real twist. I highly recommend it.
Good read i enjoyed it
Good book wonderful characters!
Great plot!
Good book. Kept me interested and entertained.
Bought more from this author
This book was a page turner. Loved it. Could not put it diwn
I liked the two detectives enjoyed the book
A different crime solving book.
Looking forward to reading the next one in this series.
A really good read!
Enjoyed every minute. I look forward to each of Joe’s books.
This book has some jarring inconsistencies and incredible actions by the main characters (two women). The dialogue is pretty good.
Very fun with good twists