Watching the Bodies: 1 (The Jake Boulder Thrillers)

It was a real nice crime thriller but yes ending seems a bit stretched...

Just like any thriller books, you can't stop reading this book once you have read the first few lines. A serial killer, a detective and a nail-biting 'catch me if you can' sequence, this book has all the required features that should be present in a great suspense novel. But, you can't call it a 100% suspense novel, because we, the readers, already know who is the killer way before the detective finds out. And, the never ending cat and mouse sequence between the detective and the killer in the last three chapters too bores you to death! For me, it's a one time read.

I can honestly say that this is one of the best books I read throughout the entire year. I'm retired and, being a voracious reader, it's not uncommon for me to read two to three books a week. One of my criteria for determining what books I'm going to read is that it has to capture my attention within the first few pages before I will spend a large block of time to see if it holds my attention. I have to give this book a high rating because it accomplished every thing you can ask for in a good read; it captured my attention quickly and held it throughout the book. The plot was typical of the books in this genre but was atypical in the sense that the characters were believable and well developed, the story was told from the viewpoint of both the hero and the villain (something if not done well can be disastrous), and the ending was believable, which is much easier said than done.The main character, Jake, had a lot of the same problems many of us do; fear of commitment in his romantic relationships, a mother whose biological clock for grand-children is running out of time, a job which allows him to be able to give in to his somewhat violent nature (he's a bouncer in the local bar), and a friend who is a tech savvy guy who is allowed to help out the beleaguered Sheriff in their small town. All of these ingredients are pretty much standard fare in such books but the author, like a good cook, mixes them all together to make for a very tasty main course.This is the first installment in the Jake Boulder series and I, for one, am looking forward to the next installment. It is no small feat for an author to stand out in an extremely crowded field, but Mr. Smith has already begun to set himself apart from the rest of the pack. I don't think we've heard the last of Jake Boulder, or Graham Smith for that matter. If you appreciate a good book with interesting, believable characters, a strong plot line, and an ending that doesn't defy logic like so many others of it's kind, spend a little time with Jake Boulder-you'll be glad you did.

UN giallo non "giallo", che dire, amo la roba forte. Non mi ha lasciato alcuna sensazione.

Jake boulder is now one of my favourite what I call anti heroes. He has a sense of honour that harkens back to traditional martial arts.Who wouldn't want to have Jake on your side when you need help. Whole he is violent he also has compassion and an ability to really make a difference in all he does.

This is the first book in the Jake Boulder series.What a fantastic start! I was engrossed from page 1. The only time I put it down was when I went to bed.Jake works with his friend Alphonso as a part-time PI. The interaction between them shows what good friends they are. They trade more insults than compliments.Jake also has a complicated relationship with his mother. He obviously loves her as he puts up with her constantly berating him for one thing or another.I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the release of book 2 in September.

Happy Publication Day, Graham Smith!!The excitement I feel at this very moment in time is absolutely unexplainable! I have been a massive fan of Graham Smith right from the very start, the #LeaderOfHisCheer, so when I got my hands on this badboy...OMFG...I could not wait for it to be published! If I am feeling this way, I can only imagine how the author feels - but Mr Smith, I don't think you have anything to worry about as this is one superb, kick-ass series that I think will go from strength to strength!Set in Casperton, Utah this book is filled with such things as fear, loss, regret, revenge, abandonment, a power over others - the hunter and the hunted. Eeeeek! The pages were dripping with this almost eery, paranoia feel - the constant fear of having to look over your shoulder, hoping and praying that you don't stumble across something you shouldn't and wondering which of the characters could be next! LOVED it!!This was a fast paced plot with punch-in-the-gut action around every corner. We know, in a sense, from the start who the killer is and we look through his eyes at the victims he litters across Casperton. The reader is left gasping...yes GASPING for breath as they turn each page - who is The Watcher's next victim? Why is he doing this? Needless to say, the #Killerhook lured me in and drove me through this book at a pace that left my mind reeling! What a bloody rush!Hang on tight peeps, as now I am going to talk about the characters - something Mr Smith has mastered in my honest opinion! And who better to start with than my #FictionalBoyfriend - oh yes....Jake Boulder! *Swoon*. This guy is DELICIOUS! Finally unleashed into the fictional world, Jake Boulder is a bouncer/doorman in a bar called The Joshua Tree and from the get go, you know that he can handle himself. The ultimate #badboy with a likeable cockiness that immediately draws you to him. Intelligent, fit, ready for action - god this guy is #Boulderlicious! What I loved about him is that fact that he is loyal, introspective, oozes courage under pressure and is determined. I could go on....but I may forget I am writing a review!Alfonse is another character that drew me in. He is effectively Boulder's BFF- having known him for years. Alfonse is the brains while Boulder is the brawn (though Boulder is no dummy!). As a private investigator, Alfonse uses his IT/skills to assist Boulder in the hunt for The Watcher. I love the banter between Boulder and Alfonse - their friendship is clear from the start. And in tough times, you just KNOW that Alfonse has got his back. Adore him!Ms Rosenberg- This lady rocks!! There is definitely more to this woman than meets the eye. She is bold, brash and will do what it takes to expose a story! Persistent, confident and totally in your face - Ms Rosenberg says it how she sees it and I absolutely thought she was fantastic!Chief Watson, Dr Edwards and Boulder's mother are also characters that got under my skin - each for different reasons but all positive! Chief Watson knows his team of police are...well...probably not the brightest bunch. Recognising Boulder's skills, a mutual respect exists between this pair and I can see a firm friendship in the making. Dr Edwards is brilliant! I totally love him and could spend hours reading chapters where he psychoanalyses people. Quid pro quo - He is clever but not an arse and really helps to show the reader a different side to Boulder. One where the total tough guy image is stripped back and we learn more about who Boulder is whilst also seeing how the case progresses. I could go on about this character, but where is the fun in that! Read about him yourself when you buy this book..... #JustSaying - Finally, Boulder's mother. What a character she is! I love the dynamics between her and Boulder. She is so narcissitic but Boulder really loves her and despite her overbearing ways- she utterly loves him too. Awwww....The last character I am going to talk about (promise...though there are so many more!) is The Watcher. WTAF is going on with this guy!? He has strict guidelines in terms of his MO and he will not stray from these. He is focussed on the end result and seems to relish the destruction he is reaping on others. Calculating, cunning and totally conniving- you just had better hope you are not his next victim! Friggin loved it!!!Damn! My review has turned into a novella, so I will just say this! If you are looking for a high octane, action packed, crime thriller that will leave you begging...yes BEGGING for more - then look no further! A massive HELL FRIGGIN YEAH recommendation from me...click the book below and join #TeamBoulder!! *High Five* Mr Smith, you have totally nailed this! #BOOM! Another #TopRead2017