Drifted

I want to get this out first: I just finished book #12 by this author. By that I mean I had read books 1-11 prior to the current read. Ten of those reads received what I considered high marks until I read book 11 (RAIN). As I said in my review of that book, I struggled with it to the point where I debated writing a review at all. But I did. I even told the writer of my feelings and he graciously replied that that was ok because he knew of my feelings for his talent as expressed in my reviews of the prior 10 books.
Now to book 12. In a word HURRAY. I gave the read 5 stars, i.e., I love it.
You have to understand that I do not like ascribing such a designation to an inanimate object. I love my wife, but I dont love a book and so I always feel awkward giving 5 stars to a review with that as the explanation for my grade. I have said in the past that I would much prefer some other title be accorded a 5 star rating. I think excellent or outstanding would better serve to complement the quality of the read.
Jeff Carson is an excellent writer. He knows that. I know that and have told him so. Its the mechanics of his writing that most appeals to me. I dont re tell story lines in my reviews, so whats important to me is the construction of the story: plot, character development, rising action, falling action, anti-climax (where applicable), and resolution. Those characteristics in a book are of major importance to me.
Plot dictates the flow of the story in a linear fashion from page one to page last. I measure good plot development by putting a book down for a time to see if I can recall what was going on when I return without having to re read pages for recollection. When I can, thats tight plot. No gaps. No filler wondering if the author ran out of ideas of where the story was to go next.
The plot flowed so well in this read, it was so linear, it so held me that I wouldnt even put the book down to test my theory. Thats to say, outstanding plot in my view.
Character development was equally well developed for all the protagonists from David Wolf on through all the other characters. I cant talk about antagonists without getting into a **Spoiler Alert*** so I wont go there.
The rising action was continuous to the point of leaving me exhausted in places. The narrative of the chase through the mountains was incredible.
The anti climax was, I thought, well constructed and added a neat explanation to better explain the overall story. Falling action and resolution were both very satisfying as well.
Theres no question, David Wolf is to Jeff Carson as Harry Bosch is to Michael Connelly. The Wolf series is the reason why I and the likes of others who have read the prior eleven books will continue to do so never mind how many other stories Carson intends putting out.

Lest we think heroes are perfect, David Wolf shows his human side in Drifted and has a breakdown after Lauren and Ella move away. Im still not over Lauren leaving him at the altar! Sucks big time! Wolf is a mess, drinking too much and not sleeping. He is barely doing his job as Chief Detective at Rocky Points, Colorado. Wolf is the best detective they have but how long will they put up with his destructive behavior? Forced to seek counseling or getting a tough case to work? What or who will pull him out of this dark moment?

This may be the best David Wolf story yet, which says a lot for the skill of the author, Jeff Carson. The characters remain fresh, interesting, and well developed. Surprises you wont see coming, and a complex who-done-it just add to the fun. Book 12 of this series does stand alone well, but you may want to start at the beginning of the series to fully enjoy the David Wolf experience. An engaging and entertaining read!

A great, well written book by an absolutely amazing writer. Mr. Carson you are my number one favorite author and David Wolf is the best character ever written. Detective Wolfs adventure, achievements and reputation through out the series is beyond compare, he is almost superhero-like, and yet in this book, we find him totally beaten, physically, mentally and most of all emotionally. I never thought I would ever see David Wolf on his knees and desperately losing a battle for survival. I felt his struggles, I felt his pain and anguish. I was with him through out his ordeal. I was there when my hero triumphed. A true testament to excellent writing! I believe this is THE BEST DAVID WOLF BOOK ever written so far, so Mr. Carson, you have to UP YOUR GAME for the next one, I dont know, I might suffer a heart attack if you do write a better story than DRIFTED, because God knows I need therapy after this one! Looking forward to the next David Wolf thriller. Thank you!

I left and came back to it over several days.. so not a gripping read at all. The lead character Wolf has severe mental/emotional issues that take up a large part of the book and I skimmed through those. Such things are better portrayed in a TV series by charismatic actors as most authors can’t articulate personal drama in an engaging way through their writing. Carson is no exception to this. The “action/detecting” parts were lukewarm at best. The character of Rachette — I kept thinking he was female — seemed to have some authentic comic potential. I am just surprised so many people gave this book five stars. My recommendation is that they read one or two books from Vince Flynn, Lee Child or Desmond Bagley. I bet they wouldn’t come back to stuff like this again.

5+ stars Compelling
Short review: read it.

Jeff Carson is a must buy, must read author. His David Wolf series are realistic stand-alones. No editing errors, gratuitous violence or drag-you-down drama.

Intriguing storyline with descriptive writing that draws one into each scene. Whatever the character is experiencing; glorious scenery, miserable weather, emotional turmoil or physical issues, you are there. Several twists throughout keep the reader guessing. Realistic procedures, actions and reactions.

Believable characters with distinct personalities. Thought-provoking, informative and occasionally snarky dialogue.

Have you ever heard of a samskara?
“No.
“The word has several meanings in Indian philosophy. I like to think of them as trapped energy stored in our hearts.

If anyone says a word to the media about whats going on with any of our fellow deputies, either with any current situation that may or may not be happening, or any future situations that might occur, I will personally shove my fist so far up their a@@ Ill be combing their hair through their nostrils. Thanks, Patty. He sat down.

I will re-read this story and always look forward to new works by this author.

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member