Beneath the Depths: A Detective Byron Mystery (A John Byron Novel Book 2)
Beneath the Depths: A Detective Byron Mystery (A John Byron Novel Book 2) book cover

Beneath the Depths: A Detective Byron Mystery (A John Byron Novel Book 2)

Kindle Edition

Price
$12.49
Publisher
Witness Impulse
Publication Date

Description

In this latest gripping mystery from bestselling author Bruce Robert Coffin,Detective Sergeant John Byron is back--and ready to prove that no one on his beat is above the law.xa0When the body of prominent Portland attorney Paul Ramsey turns up in the bottom of Casco Bay, following his loss of a multimillion dollar civil trial, Byron knows it's no accidental drowning. Golden boy Ramsey had a dark side--and Byron believes the key to solving his murder lies in uncovering those secrets someone wanted buried along with him.xa0With the brilliant Detective Diane Joyner by his side, Byron takes on Ramsey's former employer, the powerhouse law firm of Newman, Branch & DeWitt. But delving further into the troubled waters of Ramsey's past only serves to lengthen the list of suspects--unleashing a perfect storm of corruption, betrayal, and murder that only Byron can stop. If he's not too late. “A great read. ... Coffin knows... police investigations from his days as a former detective for the Portland Police Department. He also knows how to craft a tightly spun tale.” -- Portland Press Herald“Terrific! Fast-talking, smart, and cinematic, this entertaining page-turner is so knowingly authenticxa0only a genuinexa0cop turned storyteller could have written it.” -- Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony, and Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning author“Reading Bruce Coffin is like going on a 300-page ride-along with some very tough and likeable cops. Beneath the Depths is one of the best police procedurals I’ve read in years—a road map of a city filled with good guys and bad guys, drawn painstakingly by an author who knows these streets as only an ex-cop can.” -- Gerry Boyle, author of Straw Man “This incredible mystery is as intricate as a finely woven tapestry. ... [Coffin] makes contemporary mystery writers like James Patterson and Tom Clancy seem slow and contrived.” -- Journal Tribune“When a lawyer who’s already antagonized half the people in Maine winds up dead, every pine tree in Portland seems chock-full of suspects. ... A sturdy, starchy police procedural.” -- Kirkus Reviews “Wonderful. ... I enjoyed Coffin’s first novel, Among the Shadows , and his new novel is even better.” -- George’s Outdoor News“[Coffin’s] clever police procedural mysteries ring true in color, atmosphere and authenticity. ... A talented mystery writer [who] knows just when to drop enticing but subtle clues for the reader. ... Detective Sergeant Byron is a complex character.” -- CentralMaine.com --This text refers to the paperback edition. Bruce Robert Coffin is a retired police detective sergeant and bestselling author of the Detective Byron Mysteries. He lives and writes in Maine. brucerobertcoffin.com --This text refers to the paperback edition. Read more

Features & Highlights

  • In this latest gripping mystery from bestselling author Bruce Robert Coffin, Detective Sergeant John Byron is back
  • and ready to prove that no one on his beat is above the law.
  • When the body of prominent Portland attorney Paul Ramsey turns up in the bottom of Casco Bay, following his loss of a multimillion dollar civil trial, Byron knows it's no accidental drowning. Golden boy Ramsey had a dark side—and Byron believes the key to solving his murder lies in uncovering those secrets someone wanted buried along with him.
  • With the brilliant Detective Diane Joyner by his side, Byron takes on Ramsey's former employer, the powerhouse law firm of Newman, Branch & DeWitt. But delving further into the troubled waters of Ramsey's past only serves to lengthen the list of suspects—unleashing a perfect storm of corruption, betrayal, and murder that only Byron can stop. If he's not too late.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
30%
(548)
★★★★
25%
(457)
★★★
15%
(274)
★★
7%
(128)
23%
(419)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Good Story Line, keeps you guessing

I like the story and living in the area I recognize several of the places mentioned in the book. I also read Bruce's first book and want to mention this book seems to have a lot more of the F word being used, which may be the way policemen may talk. Occasional use of this word is no problem but to me it's been used excessively and doubt if I buy the next Byron mystery.
15 people found this helpful
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Even better than the first Byron book!!

I can honestly say that the second John Byron book is a fast paced, well written crime extravaganza! Detective Sargent Byron is a wonderful character and the setting in Portland, Maine is a refreshing change of pace from the typical big city cop novel. I thoroughly enjoyed my read, didn't want to put it down, and can't wait for the third Byron story!
5 people found this helpful
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Good writing, good character development

Good writing, good character development, good who done it type police procedural. In my view the story suffered from the lack of any clear and present danger to the main characters and from the lack of physical confrontation. Good book though, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another by the same author.
4 people found this helpful
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This was a top notch thriller!

Another wonderful read by Bruce Coffin. Sgt. detective Byron is a flawed yet fascinating character whom I am starting to thoroughly enjoy. I live where this novel mainly takes place and his descriptions of the city and surrounding areas are spot on. Byron struggles with alcohol and romance yet remains steadfast in his pursuit of the suspects in this very professional, engaging police procedural/mystery well done!!
4 people found this helpful
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Bruce Robert Coffin

I am so glad I discovered Mr. Coffin' s work. Both of his books are excellent. Totally riveting! I anxiously wait for the next one!
4 people found this helpful
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Craziness prevails

I get tired of the cardboard cut-out detective: always right, handsome, macho&sexy, alcoholic, emotionally constipated and otherwise stereotyped... but a good conundrum goes a long way to making a good read anyway, inverosimilitude and all.
3 people found this helpful
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A solid detective story - Coffin's writing is substantially improved over his first effort

As a local, I looked first for how well he captured Portland. In his first book, it seemed that Coffin was simply throwing in place names and there was nothing of the heart or soul of Portland. But, in this sequel, one finally gets the flavor of the area. And, it's completely accurate.

As with the first novel, it's a solid, well written, satisfying novel, but Coffin's experience shows. His writing is more flowing. There is more life to the narration. The characters are varied, and feel as irrational and real as our own co-workers, and the police procedural aspects of the narrative ring true without being overbearing.

I suppose the fact that I've been at, and can easily picture, most of the locations in the book didn't hurt (no, I have not been inside the strip club, but I've driven by scores of times :D ). He's used real businesses, just changing the names. He's also used at least one real person. The police chief is clearly Portland's much reviled ex-chief Michael "Media Mike" Chitwood, now of Upper Darby PA.

Highly recommended (as my spouse just reminded me, I'm referring to the book, not Chitwood! )
2 people found this helpful
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Beneath the Depths

Book is ok but use of the word as-h—e constantly is very distracting and unnecessary. Certainly it takes away from my enjoyment.
2 people found this helpful
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Must Read Author for Me....

This author has joined the party with the best like Michael Connelly. Great police procedural mystery with a solid undercurrent of character development. His plot writing really displays his experience in the field which is why I his is now consider him a new release author for me meaning I watch for his new release dates and read shortly thereafter. This plot wasn't very difficult to figure out since the perp lists of most mystery/suspense books are limited to a handful of characters. Looking forward to book #3: Beyond the Truth!
2 people found this helpful
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Very good writting keeps you guessing right to the end.

The first time I was suprised with an ending, it left you to believe that there is more to come from these caricatures.
END
2 people found this helpful