Send off for a Snitch - K M Rockwood

Another shift ends at the steel factory and Jesse, ex-con trying to do good, makes his way back to the tiny basement apartment he luckily calls home. Rain pelts down making the distinctive red and black checked coat he wears, wet. As he approaches the stairwell there's a young boy sitting there wearing a bright orange fluffy vest with purple stars.

Turns out that young boy is Aaron's younger brother. Aaron the jumpy, high on meth co worker who Jesse is convinced is a police informant. From the moment he asks why the child is there on the steps to his home, Jesse knows he's going to get caught up in something ominous.

With the nonstop rain turning the streets into mini rivers and worse flooding his meager apartment, Jesse seeks refuge with his sometimes girlfriend Kelly. But that doesn't go quite according to plan. But before he can make his way there, he finds himself becoming a local hero when he rescues a mom and her baby trapped in a car with a torrent of water surrounding them.

Being a hero doesn't stop him from worrying about the fact that Aaron turns up dead near his home. How long will it be before the dynamic duo of Detectives Montgomery and Belkins come knocking at his door? And when they do, will Jesse become implicated in the death of Aaron? With quiet determination, the ex-con tries to discover how the meth addict died as well as juggle the rocky relationship with Kelly.

Another exciting episode in the life of Jesse. Still trying to keep out of trouble but somehow it finds him. His relationship with Kelly is still fraught with misunderstanding and alcohol fueling disgruntlement. As Jesse tries to clear his name from another entanglement that would see him back in prison it seems that Detective Montgomery is yet again his savior.

The third installment of this series moves the story along of this lovable rogue. The author still manages to capture the harsh realities of being on parole and coupled with moments of (black) humor makes it an engaging read. It's a pleasure to meet all the old characters and a few new ones, adding more depth to a well thought out plot. Is is possible that the police can embroil him in Aaron's death? And will the incessant rain that causes a heap of problems finally stop Kelly from drinking?

I've read all the books in the series and I felt that there was a repetition of what happened in the previous stories which diminished the impact of this current episode and therefore became a little dull in some parts. Having said that, I do understand that there are those who haven't read any of Rockwood's crime novels and the author does need to explain certain things so perhaps it's a moot point. Regardless, if you're a fan of well written crime novels, the Jesse Damon series is a must read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Buried Biker ( A Jesse Damon Crime Novel) - K M Rockwood

Jesse Damon, ex-con trying to get on with life on the outside. That means, head down, work, occasional visit to the library and keeping far away from trouble. Unfortunately, trouble finds him all to easily.

When Detectives Montgomery and Belkins apprehend and bring him in for questioning, Jesse goes along with it, no questions just a 'yes sir, no sir'. But he's in for a shock when he's the told the reason for his 'arrest'. His girlfriend (and colleague from work) Kelly, has been raped and badly beaten. She's in hospital but people around her are saying it was Jesse that did it.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Jesse needs to know what happened. Aware that Kelly's biker dad - someone he met whilst inside - is on release, Jesse kept away from Kelly's home. Hanging around known felons is a violation of his parole and the last thing he wants to do is go back inside.

Hounded by the two detectives, a reporter hell bent on getting a major scoop and striving to stay clear of Kelly's dad and his biker chums makes it very difficult to find out what exactly happened. How could she possibly think he had anything to do with the heinous crime and who's taking care of her two children?

The next episode after Fostering Death, Jesse finds himself, yet again in the thick of things. It seems no matter what this likable ex-con does he can't stop being accused of something. With the added problem of the reporter, a biker gang and avoiding get-rich-quick schemes from Aaron it doesn't take long for him to see the inside of jail. How can he stay off the radar?

Another gripping and brilliant chapter in the life story of Jesse Damon. Rockwood's gutsy, realistic story of an ex-jailbird continues to be engaging and absorbing. The style remains the same - easy to read with few yet distinctive descriptions of the environment that Jesse lives in; and the characters personalities continue to build and deepen. With an ending that leaves you wanting more, I can't wait to see what happens next. A highly recommended read for all crime genre fans.

Fostering Death (A Jesse Damon Crime Novel) - K M Rockwood

Hounded out of the funeral home after trying to pay his last respects to his foster mother, Jesse is devastated at her passing and not being able to explain that he didn't actually commit any crime that sent him to prison for nearly twenty years. He heads home fighting back tears only to be confronted by detectives Belkins and Montgomery.

The epitome of good cop/bad cop, Jesse knows the routine when stopped by them or any law enforcement officer; turn and face the wall, hide the wince as the handcuffs are clamped tightly around his wrists, wait to be frisked. And then answer the relentless questions, knowing the answers given won't be heard let alone believed.

From the questions and the error of not keeping his mouth shut, Jesse learns that his foster mother may have been murdered and he's the prime suspect. Disbelief that someone could have killed a woman dedicated to looking after 'lost' children, Jesse tries not get involved. The only problem is that someone wearing the same black and red plaid jacket was seen in the neighborhood of his foster parents. So naturally he's a suspect.

With only a few days to go before his probation is up at work which means he's with the union and has health insurance, Jesse needs to keep his head down. Unfortunately, with drug induced Aaron popping up where he lives making trouble, the odd goings on with the newly opened Tabernacle and its cat goddess plus his possible girlfriend a drunk and overreacting to a change in work procedures, Jesse is itching to 'investigate' the death but can he do so with out misfortune getting in the way?

Continuing on from Steeled For Murder, Jesse is still struggling with getting back on track. With detectives determined to find him guilty of something and the threat of going back to being monitored, he is even more on tenterhooks about what he does and where he goes. The main characters are met again - Kelly, Aaron - as well as a few new ones such as Issac. Convinced he's a target, the likable convict finds himself tangled in web of mistrust, bad judgement and misunderstanding.

Another brilliant, gripping outing for Jesse. It's a fairly quick read but so absorbing and delivers a punch. I found myself wishing Jesse could catch a break. Despite staying out of trouble somehow it finds him; he has essentially a good heart and looks out for other people, even if it may mean getting into trouble himself. A riveting, engaging crime novel with a surprising ending. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.