Shadow of Justice: The Fall and Rise

Shadow of Justice: The Rise and Fall is one of those crime novels where the danger is real, the emotions run high, and the police procedures make you pause, squint, and then laugh. The partner banter is easily the highlight, sharp, playful, and often more entertaining than the action taking place.

Yes, the investigation methods are creative. Highly questionable and funny without a doubt. But it works here, because the story moves fast, throws in enough twists to keep you hooked, and delivers solid suspense with a side of humor.

Not flawless procedural, but a good read with good laughs and plenty to keep your attention. Perfect if you like your justice served with a wink.

The story started to flow for me at around the 50-page mark. I really like the paranormal aspect—the dead cop back to solve his own murder—and the dynamic with his former partner, the only person who can now see him.

I won't drop any spoilers, but I was relieved by the longevity of this part of the story after the initial case was solved. I could see this book as a Netflix drama, as there's lots of police procedural crime scene aspects to keep up your interest. It's a well-thought-out storyline that shows a lot of background work has gone in on the authors behalf.

Dirty cops, cartels, escaped convicts, and good old-fashioned police work, as well as modern methods. I particularly enjoyed the tactical aspects of the storyline. I'm personally not a massive fan of cliffhangers, as I'm impatient. Even so, this was a damn good book, and I'd recommend it.