In “Dark Angel,” the second in the Lassiter/Martinez Case Files series, Detectives Barbara Lassiter and Susan Martinez pick up where they left off in “Borderline.” Assigned to a murder case, they discover that their suspect is much more than a one-off killer. In fact, the murderer appears to be a vigilante hell-bent on taking revenge against career criminals who the criminal justice system has … failed to punish.
But Lassiter and Martinez are soon caught up in the middle of an FBI investigation of a monstrous home invasion gang that has murdered dozens of innocent victims across the United States. When they discover a link between their vigilante killer and the home invasion crew, they come into conflict with powerful men in the FBI who are motivated more by career self-preservation than by bringing justice to innocent victims.
Award-Winning and best-selling author Joseph Badal presents another intricate, tension-filled mystery that puts readers on the edge of their seats from the first page to the last, and will have them demanding more Lassiter/Martinez stories.
“Relentless from start to finish. Badal just gets better and better.”
—David Morrell, New York Times Bestselling Author of “Murder As a Fine Art”
“Great characters, action and plotting. ‘Dark Angel’ is a real winner!”
—Paul Kemprecos, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of “The Minoan Cipher”
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Borderline #1 – This is my first read by this author that I can remember. I’ve read several of John Hillerman’s books and as much as I like JH, I think JB does a better job. Interesting. Well written. The story line keeps the reader involved and reading until the last page. The characters, which developed more as the story continued, are interesting, realistic and very human. I admit I got the killer wrong, but I was in the right ballpark. There are a few interesting twists and the dark side of humans plays heavily in the events of things. I like the two main detectives and their Lt. These two detectives are better and have more depth than the fluff Cagney and Lacey. I found this book on Booksprout and contacted the author since I already had his Dark Angel and Uncommon Assassins. 4*
Dark Angel #2 – I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in a few hours. This is my favorite genre and Mr. Badal does a wonderful job. The story line is fast paced, action packed and keeps the reader immersed in the pages. The characters are well developed and realistic, and their dialog is believable. His descriptions paint vivid pictures leaving nothing to the imagination; placing the reader in a variety of situations and locations. Many of the secondary characters blended in well and had their own contributions to the story. A substantial read that runs the gamut of emotions and there’s still room for the humor. The book is well edited.
I dislike reviews/praise for a eBook without a link to the first chapter to get past pages of this garbage. Place it at the end of the story so it’s out of my way! I bought the book, I don’t need opinions I don’t care about, much less want to read! 5*
Uncommon Assassins Anthology – A collection of short stories by twenty three authors. There’s a section that introduces all of the authors and many seem to be well published. I recognize many of the names and will be reading their contributions at a later date.
Joseph Badal, Fire & Ice – After reading Borderline and Dark Angel, I wanted to check out Mr. Badal’s contribution. This is a fast paced, action packed short with an interesting character I wouldn’t mind reading about again. Involved is an innocent girl whose life is ruined by two of her peers. Greed backed with drugs and modern technology keeps the girl chained to her new lifestyle. Her big brother comes home on leave and he does his best for her. 5*
One of the most action packed books I’ve read. A real good read!
A vigilante crosses paths with two female detectives while on the hunt for brutal killers. the vigilante is an interesting and resourceful character whose likability and intelligence bests that of the cops. The pacing was good and the villains are completely unsympathetic. The subplot about one of the female detective’s love life was unnecessary and unbelievable. Otherwise a good, suspenseful yarn.
This was one of those books where you were actually hoping the “bad guy” gets away. It kept my interest all the way thru.
Dark Angel
How do you feel about the justice system? This book will make you think about a different system of justice and would the police think it would be OK. I enjoyed the book very much and want to read more in this series. First book I have read that the leads are female detectives and they are left to wonder if the “villain” was wrong or not. The author did a great with character development of all the characters. He was also good in developing the reason that the person at the center of this is book was just in their actions in my opinion. I think a lot of people who got in this situation would do the same as the main character, especially if they had the funds to start this quest not only for those who wronged them but for others.
Excellent story from start to finish. Two county detectives Lassiter and her partner Sanchez working out of Albuquerque, New Mexico not only have to stop a string of murders but find and stop the vigilante who’s killing the killers. This case takes them out of state and the get the help of a FBI agent they’ve worked with before. Besides dealing with m a gang of murdering thieves they have to deal with the vigilante and a boss who is not very helpful. The action is swift and the trail gets worse before it gets better. The gruesome crime scenes just add to the confusion. It’s a fast read and will have you turning pages after you bedtime.
G
Barbara Lassiter and Susan Martinez are detective sergeants with the Albuquerque police dept. They are hunting for a “vengeance-crazed vigilante.” Software engineer Robert “Race” Thornton searches for the killer of his wife and two little girls in a home invasion. He teams with Eric Matus, another whose family was killed in like circumstances. They go after others who have escaped justice. A Russian mobster is involved by ordering coin thefts to sell to wealthy collectors around the world. Targets come from an insurance exec who’s company insures the collections. Detectives are always a step behind, but gaining in understanding of their quary, and “forcing them to question their idea of what is justice.”
Did. Not care for the way the book ended didn’t finish the story in the slightest
Really enjoyed the conundrum between justice and right.
It was an easy way to lull away pre-boarding & the 10 hour international flight.
Enjoyable read but a lot of strings are never tied up.
Really good read. Couldn’t put it down
Loved the book, loved the characters, loved the premise. Gives you a true view of the judicial system and its shortfalls.
Just the kind of book I enjoy, some suspense, good characters, entertaining without being too deep. I can set it down for a day or two and get right back into the story when I pick it up again.
Good subject.