THE BODY OF DAVID HAYES
"The Body of David Hayes will further burnish Pearson's reputation as a master of both plot twist and technical detail…"
—Cornelia Read, epinions.com
"Pearson found a perfect groove early on for his much-acclaimed Lou Boldt-Daphne Matthews series, and it has been running flawlessly through eight installments. He changes focus this time, moving forensic psychologist Matthews to the background and elevating the wife of Seattle police Lieutenant Boldt to center stage. Give Pearson credit for turning away, albeit temporarily, from the edgy relationship between Boldt and Matthews and tackling instead a much trickier topic: the sinews that hold together a long-term marriage. No easy task for any writer, especially one who must simultaneously face the plot-driven demands of the high-octane thriller."
—Bill Ott, Booklist (all rights reserved)
"Pearson in The Body of David Hayes has once again worked his unique magic, creating a plausible high-tech tale that never gets bogged down in the minutiae of computer jargon while playing his characters' emotions off of each other. The ultimate effects on Lou and Liz Boldt of the events that take place in The Body of David Hayes are left ambiguous at the end of the novel and will undoubtedly unfold in later installments of this series, providing both an expectation for the future and a realistic touch upon the personal lives of the characters. One is left truly caring about what will happen to these people; the ability to instill this emotion in his readers is, perhaps, Pearson's greatest strength in his formidable literary arsenal."
—Joe Hartlaub, BookReporter.com (full review)
"Ridley Pearson once again proves he's the leader in the thriller business with the ninth novel in the wonderful Lou Boldt series, The Body of David Hayes. This is suspense as only a master can provide, a mystery that will not only keep you guessing, but with an emotional edge rarely seen in current genre fiction. Pearson makes us care about his characters, and their fates, while giving us a plot with enough twists and turns to keep you reading all through the night. The Body of David Hayes is Ridley at his best."
—J.A. Konrath, author of Whiskey Sour
"…The Body of David Hayes is an engrossing, richly rewarding read, one of the best novels Pearson has written. Though it does not as actively utilize the characters of John LaMoia and Daphne Matthews as previous books, it closely examines the dynamics of a marriage rife with fault lines, divisions that have never completely healed from a six-year-old betrayal. The novel is definitely a page-turner, which is the least we expect from Pearson. But he delivers so much more, all of it fabulous."
—Mark Terry, The Oakland Press (Michigan)
"…The Body of David Hayes is a terrific novel of suspense that will leave you putting finger grooves on the book's cover from holding it so tight…. it is a great book and probably the best of the series. It's been a while since reading has been so much fun."
—Angel L. Soto, ReviewingTheEvidence.com (full review)
"Centered on Seattle PD's Lieutenant Lou Boldt and his banker wife Liz, Hayes is an artful page-turner careening from high-tech embezzlement to cancer survival guilt, the Russian mob, child musical prodigies, "counterfeit" caviar, the nefarious uses to which traffic cams can be put, and the heart-rending repercussions of infidelity. And despite the technical razzle-dazzle—the quick costume changes, the layered nuance of the computer hacking, the wheels within wheels within wheels—what has stayed with me from this novel is the delicacy of Pearson's "portrait of a marriage." Down to the last scene, he nails this perfectly."
—Cornelia Read, epinions.com (full review)
"A word to the wise: Blank out some time, starting early, to finish it before you stop reading. It's a nail biter, and you won't want to lose your train of thought."
—Molly Weston, Meritorious Mysteries
"Pearson possesses an uncanny eye for picking subjects that seem to jump from his novels to the headlines, with the latest offering focusing on the white-collar crime of bank fraud…. Pearson… is a superb craftsman whose popular crime novels deserve even wider readership."
—John Marshall, seattlepi.com
"The Body of David Hayes [is] his tightest writing and most emotionally involving story in years… [and] has all the elements of classic Pearson: a complicated scheme involving cutting-edge technology but made understandable for the layman, Boldt matching wits with a truly scary criminal, an intricate nail-biter of a climax and the raw emotions that even old infidelities arouse in good people."
—David Forsmark, The Flint Journal (Michigan)
"It's Pearson's incredible sense of timing and pace that bring this non-stop action thriller to life. Racing from scenes of electrifying tension to scenes of marital intimacy and discord, Pearson presents a heady balance that makes the most of this rousing plot and these convincing characters. Now we just need to wait for the movie…"
—Stephanie Padilla, NewMysteryReader.com
"Pearson's new novel continues the story of Seattle police Lt. Lou Boldt. While it includes enough tension, action and inside techniques to satisfy the most hard-core mystery fan, it moves beyond genre fiction. Boldt and his relationship with his wife, Liz, and his colleagues provide a richly textured story of people, not just procedure… Pearson… is at the top of his form."
—Dale Singer, St. Louis Today
"With his usual ability to combine incredible story-telling with meticulous attention to the details of crime fighting, Pearson has brought us another exciting adventure that will grab our attention and imagination until the very last exciting page. Bringing to light new aspects of Boldt's personality and what makes him tick, this is his best book to date in this series."
—Kathy Thomason, Murder and Mayhem Bookclub
"If there is a theme for Pearson's new Lou Boldt mystery, The Body of David Hayes, it might be 'Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive.' This is Pearson at his best. Sit down, put your feet up, and enjoy the long and bumpy ride."
—Shirley Wetzel, OverMyDeadBody.com (full review)
"Pearson grabs the reader from page one in The Body of David Hayes, the ninth in the Lou Boldt/Daphne Matthews series. Forensic psychologist Matthews takes a back seat Boldt's wife, Liz in this installment. This brings to the mix the unexplored emotional complexity of Boldt's long-term marriage and the impact of an affair that nearly destroyed it. The scenes between the couple are fraught with tension and long buried hurt as they deal with the ramifications of an event neither has gotten over."
—Jennifer Jordan, MysteryOne.com
"Pearson shows his usual mastery of the intricacies of structure and the subtleties of suspenseful pacing. He is clearly fascinated by the kinds of ironies that keep character and situation connected even as events accelerate and the characters' understanding of those events seems always a day late and a dollar short. The situation he presents is pretty close to absolute misery for the Boldts, but this gripping thriller is a terrific diversion for Pearson's readers."
—Martin Kich, BookPage.com
"The action flows smoothly and keeps the reader guessing from page one. The research that must have gone into this book is awesome. The knowledge Pearson has of the computer world provides insights into what an extremely technical world it is in which we live. His meticulous rendering of police work reeks of realism. Pearson writes with the flow of a professional, the understanding of the relationship between a man and wife whose marriage is in jeopardy, with the expertise it takes to maintain the element of suspense throughout a whole book, and, I believe, with a love of his craft."
—Mary Ann Smyth, BookLoons.com (full review)
"Written in Pearson's typical fast-paced style, this mystery will pull readers in from the very first page…. the mystery is excellently constructed; the procedural details ring perfectly true; and the rest of the characters, good and bad, are all realistic. Be prepared to finish this exciting novel in one sitting."
—Deborah Hern, TheRomanceReadersConnection.com
"A gripping story with a complex and intricate plot this gives an intense picture of the conflicts and emotions with the pain of betrayal in Liz and Lou in their efforts to resolve their problems and save their marriage. The story is fast paced with the characters developed in depth with their conflicting priorities."
—Barbara Buhrer, MyShelf.com
"In addition to being an incredibly complex police procedural thriller, The Body of David Hayes turns a compelling spotlight on the complexities of a marriage when it is threatened from the outside and on the levels of trust that can exist between people both inside and outside that bond…. I'm ashamed to admit that this is my first Boldt novel. Now it seems I have an incredible backlist to read. While it could easily be read as a stand-alone, I for one will be looking to catch up with a very gifted writer and all of his series!"
—Vicki Ball, BooksNBytes.com (full review)
"Ridley Pearson has written a real thriller. This is a great police procedural book and at the same time it looks at the personal aspects of a marriage in trouble. This is a real page-turner – be prepared to stay up late. Ridley Pearson is a creative, talented writer. Be sure to add this one to your reading list!"
—Nancy Eaton, BestSellersWorld.com (full review)
"Conflict grips the reader from the first page of Ridley Pearson's latest novel, The Body of David Hayes…. I was riveted by this relentless page turner and complex police procedural well past my bedtime, anxious to discover how the respectable and charismatic Lou Boldt could untangle the web of deception around his wife. Ridley Pearson has written another captivating thriller."
—Debby Atkinson, author of Primitive Secrets
"Once again Ridley Pearson writes a wonderful crime thriller that is so mesmerizing the audience will read it in one sitting. The readers obtain an up front and personal look into the lives of the Boldts as they deal with guilty consciences and a crisis that could destroy their marriage. The Body of David Hayes is a tremendous tale that deserves best seller status."
—Harriet Klausner, allreaders.com (full review)
"Ridley Pearson presents us with one more spellbinder that taxes the heart and mind of Lou Boldt. A gripping tale from start to finish. "
—Gail Cooke, mystery-thriller.com
"I stayed up half the night trying to finish this page turner. The final scenes had me chewing my nails, and there's an interesting twist at the end. I'm ready anytime for the next Lou Boldt novel."
—Pat Browning, DorothyL
"This is a complex and very suspenseful book that puts Boldt and his family in grave danger and yet resolves some questions, from their past. I highly recommend this book as one of the top books for 2004!"
—Joan Huston, DorothyL
"Ridley Pearson does a masterful job of leading us into the lives of Liz and Lou Boldt as the bomb of David Hayes release, and Liz's long-ago infidelity, drops on their heads. Only if they work together can they hope to escape the fall out. From personal to professional crisis, both Boldts are stretched to their physical and emotional limits. This is nail-biting tension at it's best. Pearson's intricate plotting of smart moves and countermoves will keep you up all night. You don't want to miss this one!"
—Louise Crawford, Eppie finalist
"The Body of David Hayes reads like all Pearson books—fast paced, with plenty of action. Boldt is a familiar character to those who have read the series, and readers will be pleased to learn even more about Lou. Enough back story is given that readers new to the series won't be left behind. Two of my favorite characters, John LaMoia and Daphne Matthews are back, but not in as large as roles as in other books. I missed having them around more, but getting to know Boldt better made up for it. All in all, a very good book."
—Beth Tindall, Rec Arts Mystery
"Ridley Pearson is a consummate wordsmith, plotter, characterizer, and artist. I read suspense only now and then, but I must say that this book had my palms sweating…"
—Lynn Dielman, DorothyL
REAL COPS READ RIDLEY!
"The Body of David Hayes is a taut and intense thriller. The plot is intricate and compelling, driven by characters that seem to be made of flesh and blood. Ridley Pearson is at the top of his game."
—D C. Police Officer Quintin Peterson, author of Sin and The Wages of Sin
"Seldom are crime scenes more realistically portrayed, nor analyzed with a skilled investigators sixth sense. I'd partner with Boldt any time."
—Terry Gainer, U.S. Capitol Police Chief
"This is another of Ridley's spellbinders, keeping me anchored to it until I finished it in two sittings. The Body of David Hayes is one more bell ringer, most timely in today's computer-oriented world."
—Paul B. Kincade, diplomat in psychotherapy, detective, Washoe County Sheriff's Office
"If you are a first-time Pearson reader, start with The Body of David Hayes and you'll be hooked for life. Nobody combines gripping police drama and sensitive character development like Pearson. The Body of David Hayes enshrines the character of 'Lou Boldt' in the "Cop Hall of Fame."
—Jan Lane / Community Relations, San Diego Police Officers Association
"The latest Ridley Pearson book about Detective Lou Boldt is a fast-paced and exciting tale. Pearson has obviously done thorough and meticulous research into crime scenes and forensic science, creating a story any professional in the field would enjoy."
—Donna J. Meade, Forensic Scientist II, Idaho State Police Forensic Services
"The story in David Hayes is, as usual, complex and interesting and like all of Ridley's books leaves me in awe of his ability to keep the details straight and intertwine the complexities while still keeping it all able to be followed and understood."
—Officer Amy King, Olympia Police Dept., Olympia, WA
THE ART OF DECEPTION
"A one-sitting read that shows why Ridley Pearson is the grandmaster of the police procedural…."
—The Midwest Book Review
"The Art Of Deception is a terrific book. I've been a Ridley Pearson fan for a long time—in the field of crime fiction he always plows new ground. And this one has got to be his best yet."
—Michael Connelly
"Pearson's writing has never been more compelling…Pearson, already an excellent writer, continues to grow and to hone his sharp eye for description to an even finer edge."
—BookReporter.com (full review)
"The pages turn themselves, the sense of unease and the fear increases and the reader won't be able to set the book down. Ridley Pearson has done a masterful job of this book. The details, the atmosphere, and the three-dimensional characters all combine for a fabulous read. I'd not only recommend The Art Of Deception, I also recommend anything that Ridley Pearson writes. His books are gritty and real, and his name on the cover almost guarantees a fine read."
—ReviewingtheEvidence.com (full review)
"This book is a real psychological thriller and page-turner. It is a complex mystery with a great cast of characters. This has to be one of Ridley Pearson's best books, if not the best."
—Nancy Eaton, BestSellersWorld.com (full review)
"My first experience with the work of Ridley Pearson definitely won't be my last. The Art Of Deception is a true psychological thriller. I simply could not put the book down, which automatically puts Pearson on my short list of favorite suspense authors."
—Ann Coffin, Book Haven (full review)
"Unlike his normal trademark, Pearson does not place science or technology central to this novel's plot. We do benefit form Pearson's knack for in-depth investigation in the exploration of Seattle's Underground which is historically interesting…. The Art Of Deception is different than the previous novels in that it is more of a psychological thriller than a technological one."
—MostlyFiction.com (full review)
"The Art Of Deception is as good as Pearson gets. You get action and suspense, twist and turns, and a good excuse to sit down to enjoy his work."
—Angel L. Soto, ReviewingtheEvidence.com (full review)
"While Seattle's Underground has been the setting for several mysteries by other authors, Pearson makes the most of its creepy-crawly atmosphere in a gripping thriller whose solid plotting pulls all of Daphne's, LaMoia's, and Boldt's cases together. It also wisely reconfigures the personal relationships among the three central characters, which bodes well for their future adventures in this long-running series."
—Amazon.com
"The mystery is complex, intricate and totally absorbing, a one sitting read that shows why Ridley Pearson is the grandmaster of the police procedural."
—AllReaders.com
"The story of Daphne Matthews and the Seattle underground is one you won't soon forget. Characters and events that seem insignificant at the time play an intriguing role in the plot's progression."
—FictionAddiction.net
"I just LOVE your books! I've read every one at our public library, and want more. I just finished The Art of Deception. Please keep writing!!!"
—Joan Velde
MIDDLE OF NOWHERE
"Ridley knows cops, knows crime, and knows how to make the hair stand up on the back of your neck…"
—Dave Barry
"Middle of Nowhere is Ridley Pearson at his best, which is very good indeed—deft plot, smart talk, and real writing. Pure pleasure."
—Scott Turow
"In Middle of Nowhere, Ridley Pearson has combined a page-turning plot and wonderfully developed characters with efficient, stylish prose. The result is yet another high octane thriller from the master of the genre."
—Nicholas Sparks
"Compelling, convincing, and exciting, Pearson's Middle of Nowhere is a true thriller. Pearson is a master craftsman, putting each story element in perfect order. You have to like Boldt, the tarnished knight, on his lonely quest. There's no better everyman in crime fiction today."
—T. Jefferson Parker
"We jump from marvelously detailed micromoments of forensic discovery—using triangulation to track the location of a cell phone—to the high drama of a climactic shootout worthy of Peckinpah; from Boldt's ongoing multileveled marital crisis, in which a raised eyebrow or a ringing telephone carry Jamesian levels of meaning, to a spectacularly choreographed chase scene in which a suspect is tracked across Seattle, on and off buses, in and out of shopping malls. This bipolar narration works not only between scenes but almost simultaneously within the same scene."
—Bill Ott, Booklist
"Pearson rarely glamorizes or sensationalizes police work, and never has it looked as gritty and grim as it does in this novel, with officer pitted against officer and brass against rank-and-file…. Boldt spends so much of Middle of Nowhere exhausted, that when adrenaline-fueled heroics come at the story's end, they are all the more amazing and authentic. This book provides no rest for Boldt or for the reader—or for Pearson, for that matter, who is surely at work on the next installment of this red-hot series."
—Karen G. Anderson, JanuaryMagazine.com (full review)
"A fast paced thriller from page one, Middle of Nowhere doesn't let down for a minute. Ridley Pearson has done it again! Be prepared to lose some sleep until you finish…. I've anxiously awaited the release of this book and wanted to read it slowly so I could savor every word. Pearson, however, had other ideas for me! I couldn't put it down! Having already read all of Pearson's books I should have known as much."
—B.G. Hayes, iVillage.com
"…it had me in a grip until the last page. I was glad to be back in Boldt's blue Seattle, even with the flu."
—MostlyFiction.com
"The climax of this book takes place literally "in the Middle of Nowhere," and it will knock your socks off, and probably the whole outfit you're wearing as well…. Middle of Nowhere is another great book from an author whose thrillers are always highly satisfying."
—Dianne Day, BookReporter.com (full review)
"…Pearson is able to effortlessly intertwine several detailed plot lines while still keeping his story firmly robed in reality."
—New York Post
THE FIRST VICTIM
"Impeccably paced, beautifully observed and moving with a crescendo of suspense, this is another thoughtful and exciting Seattle-based police thriller from Pearson, whose skill at maintaining a balance between the narrative thrust of his plot and the personal lives of his characters makes him a top-notch practitioner of the genre…. Atmospheric descriptions of Seattle and some fascinating forensic evidence add texture to a riveting story."
—Publishers Weekly
"Pearson's Lou Boldt series continues to meld the small-scale, detail-driven precision of the best procedurals with the large-canvas, screw-tightening suspense of such high-concept thrillers as Silence of the Lambs…. As always, Pearson builds suspense incrementally, brilliantly amassing details until his plot reaches critical mass at just the right moment."
—Booklist
"The First Victim is more a thriller than a psychological mystery and as a thriller, it sure delivers the goods. I know that the next time I drive past the Seattle waterfront on a stormy night I'll shiver, wondering if somewhere out there a battered freighter has detoured from the shipping lanes to deliver a terrible cargo."
—Karen G. Anderson, JanuaryMagazine.com (full review)
"Once again, Pearson combines violent action with careful attention to detail and fascinating glimpses of cutting-edge forensic science to craft a story that moves from the dark territory of dockside gangs and casual violence to the domain of corruption in high places and the murderous significance of 'the first victim.'"
—Robert C. Jones, BookPage.com
"Ridley Pearson is a triple threat writer with a reputation for interesting, involving characters, in-depth background research and page-turning plots. He freely admits that the most enjoyable part of the process is the research, which not only lends authenticity to the project at hand, but frequently stirs his imagination for books to come…. Authentic locations, chases through rusting hulks in a flotilla of junked ships, and a ticking clock plot, propel the book to its exciting finale."
—Roz Shea, BookReporter.com (full review)
PIED PIPER
"Pearson proves once again that he can put together a big-scale big-time police manhunt better than anybody else in the business…"
—Kirkus Reviews
"It's twists like this that fuel the rest of the novel as Pearson tightens the screws on Boldt as he tries to find his daughter and prevent another kidnapping…. none of it confusing for first-timers, who may be tempted to pick up earlier novels to see whether they're all this good."
—Publishers Weekly
"The chilling center of this extraordinary suspense tale is a parent's worst nightmare. Ridley Pearson punches up the terror to new heights with this completely unforgettable thriller."
—Romantic Times
"I feel that this is the first of his books in which we see a glimpse of Ridley's bare soul, if that isn't too embarrassingly old-fashioned a notion, through the very professional gloss. In this story, one can clearly detect that overpowering urge to expression that is the first cause and final justification of all the arts. The reader's stomach will be duly churned by the crime plot that Mr. Pearson orchestrates so expertly; but the emotional impact of the character development is what ultimately gives this book its tremendous power."
—MysteryGuide.com
"The action charges from Seattle to Portland to New Orleans in a tightly-woven, roller coaster plot. Pearson, not content to simply weave a page-turning story, fleshes out his characters and makes them come alive."
—Roz Shea, BookReporter.com (full review)
BEYOND RECOGNITION
"For complex, intelligent plots, intense emotions and powerful thrills, no one does it better…"
—Jill Smith, Romantic Times
"Pearson's dazzling forensics will hook his usual fans. But it's the richness of incident and the control of pace that'll keep them dangling as he switches gears each time you think the story's got to be winding down in this exhilarating entertainment."
—Kirkus Reviews
"The best suspense writers never stop playing the reader's emotions, alternating the rhythm of hot and cold, taut and slack, to create a syncopated form of torture as painful as it is exquisite…. You have to be a bit of a masochist to give in to a Pearson plot, but when you do, it hurts so good."
—Bill Ott, Booklist
"Beyond Recognition graphically demonstrates why author Ridley Pearson can be considered one of the finest suspense writers of this generation. For complex, intelligent plots, intense emotions and powerful thrills, no one does it better."
—Jill M. Smith, Romantic Times Magazine
"Pearson writes such a believable detective. He is not just a "stud" or just a "hard-nose" or one dimensional in any way. He is the total package."
—ReviewsAndMore.com
NO WITNESSES
"If it is possible for a book to be both terrifying and sensible, this is it….Pearson is becoming one of the most consistent and competent writers in the business. He wraps his tales in a tight but believable tale of technology and cunning."
—Ocala Star Bulletin
"You like action—it's here. Romance—it's got it. Intriguing personalities, suspense, surprise ending. This is one of those books that every fan has to read."
—Don Buck
"We must fervently hope that this author keeps his criminal mind in the fictive realm, because he's the best I've ever seen at thinking up heinous ways to foil the police."
—MysteryGuide.com
"Tension is kept going all the way through. His research is thorough, including the software used to slow down the ATM machines to allow the police time to intercept the ransom withdrawals."
—Martin Spellman, CrimeTime.com
"The action never stops and the tension slowly build towards a spellbinding level, forcing readers to keep reading to learn what is really going on."
—Harriet Klausner
"Another fast paced, engrossing read from Ridley Pearson. I have added the remaining books of his that I have yet to read to my shopping cart. It involved staying up late, being scared, holding my breath…"
—ReviewsAndMore.com
THE ANGEL MAKER
"Exceptionally gripping and full of amazing forensic lore: a top-flight offering from an author who's clearly found his groove…"
—Kirkus Reviews
"Pearson's engaging forensic detail—he makes complicated, potentially disgusting facts almost entertaining—and brisk prose will have readers racing to the cliffhanger climax."
—Publishers Weekly
"Ridley Pearson scares me. He's the only writer I can think of who genuinely and regularly frightens the bejesus out of me, with his uncanny ability to winkle out the most terrifying potentialities of postmodern life."
—MysteryGuide.com
"Ridley Pearson never fails to entertain, and in this book, the second in the series he proves that he can drive a story like Kyle Petty drives cars."
—BooksnBytes.com (full review)
UNDERCURRENTS
The undercurrents in this vivid, conpulsively readable novel never stop swirling, just like the tides in Puget Sound…"
—Booklist Review
"Pearson here milks the police procedural for all it's worth, coming up with a read-through-the-night story that's a savory treat."
—Kirkus Reviews
"He has… an authentic feeling for police investigation and forensic medicine, and a remarkable insight and understanding of the motivations of the criminal mind."
—Publishers Weekly
"The novel…is far more than a lecture on police procedure; Pearson imbues his characters with a humanity that gives the story depth and tone."
—Booklist Reviews
"This is one of the best plots in the subgenre, crackling with the inventive energy of a writer finding his ideal groove for the first time; but readers should be warned that it can require considerable active intelligence to follow through its surprising twists, sudden splits, and painstaking changes of direction."
—MysteryGuide.com