The Burying Place (Jonathan Stride Book 5)

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From the very outset nothing seems clear and even the relentless interrogator that is Jonathan Stride becomes bewildered about the puzzling character of Rachel — arguably the most interesting, conflict-stricken damsel Brian Freeman has ever produced — that he has built up from the constantly conflicting accounts of the witnesses.

And none really help Jonathan move towards the truth. A barn near a dirt road not far from Duluth serves not only as a secret meeting place but is of great meaning to the plot, showcasing the youth and aspirations of some minor characters and serving as a ground for crucial pieces of evidence. Publishers Weekly cites a horrid line that shows the pitfalls of plot-driven writing: The Jonathan Stride series have been most successful, with Immoral collecting numerous awards for the best literary debut, including a Debut of the Year from the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

The character of Jonathan Stride was obviously too worthy to sack, spawning five more books and a single 15, word story or novella. The second book in a series seems to be the measure of things to come for most authors, so taking a look at the follow-up titled Stripped seems to be quite appropriate. In Stripped the action is once again takes the reader to Las Vegas where Jonathan Stride, together with his partner Serena Dial set to work on two seemingly unrelated cases — a hit-and-run of a young boy and a celebrity murdered while enjoying the services of an escort.

The vivid cast of characters are well-developed, and the descriptions of a year old murder takes the reader to the old days of Las Vegas, allowing readers to rejoice in perhaps the most colorful part of the book. The book puts Jonathan and Serena not only on a race for stopping a relentless serial killer, but at odds with their own feelings for each other, developed in a fashion that makes their heartfelt relationship contrast with the greedy, competitive and lustful background of the Sin City.

As they race against time to solve a murder before deadlines set by their superiors and the killer about to strike again, Jonathan and Serena experience a full set of emotions that the reader can relate to. Freeman is as careful as in Immoral not to strip his characters of their lifelike qualities and leads his readers diligently, weighing emotions like love, hate, desperation and the likes out like at a fruit market.

Among other nominations, Stripped was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award. His sixth Jonathan Stride novel is set to be released in April If you see one missing just send me an e-mail below. Scott Bolton is an indie author who after 14 years away, returned to his H.

Scott Bolton has a lot of plans for new books this year and the first book in the H. Fist series is free on the Kindle. Give it a Try. Brian Freeman Books In Order. Mitch Rapp is back! Kyle Mills takes Rapp on another outing inspired by real life tensions. The president of Russia, Maxim Krupin, has inoperable brain cancer and decides with nothing to lose he's going to start a war with the West. Maggie Bei is back of course and she draws the serial killer case. Stride is brought on by an old friend from the force for the child abduction and she's got her own personal reasons for doing so.

In the midst of all this, Kacey Kennedy, a relatively green cop on the force actually encounters the man who's been butchering Duluth women while she gets lost while driving home in a horrible fog.

Getting lost changes the course of her life forever. I don't want to give too much away about the book. That would be spoiling it for anybody who hasn't read it yet. Freeman's great at tackling multiple mysteries while still being able to handle drama on a personal level as well. Stride is collapsing more and more in on himself in teh wake of his near death experience and both his lover Serena and his long time partner and woman who harbors a love interest for him Maggie Bei, are both struggling to deal with it and help him out.

If you read Stride by now you know he's not one to burden other people with his problems and taking it all upon himself may prove to be his undoing. As usual, Freeman points the reader in all kinds of directions. Was it the narcistic surgeon who disappeared the child? Who's been killing women in the north farmlands for sport? Is Maggie really over her feelings for Stride? I will say that there were a couple of instances in the book that weren't that much of a surprise, but the ending was a BIG surprise. Freeman's great as leaving clues, and subtle ones at that.

When all is revealed at the end it's quite a surprise and a great twist but you'll realize that all the framework is there. The ending is satisfying but still leaves the door open for more which is fine by me. I enjoy all of his characters to a great extent and as long as he keeps writing them , I'll keep reading them! View all 6 comments. Number 5 in the Jonathan Stride series- and I'm still loving it!! Best to start this from the beginning of the series- for as you read the books- the characters are all developing - some for the good, some for the bad- I'll say it again- I'm NOT a fan of SERENA and I hope she goes away - sooner rather than later- having said that - so far all the books are very good - keeps your interest- and fast reading!!

Jun 15, Jan rated it it was amazing Shelves: Stride is still recovering from his injuries when he, Serena and Maggie are pulled into service in a small Minnesota town. An infant is missing and 3 women have been murdered. The suspense is palpable and what actually occurred will blow your mind. I think this is the first book where I am disappointed in Stride and hate Maggie a little, they both made a decision that has grave consequences. When this book starts we see Stride is in a bad place, still dealing with fall from the bridge that almost killed him in the last book.

He seems to pull back into himself causing him and Serena to become strangers to each others. Serena can see this happening and doesn't know what to do other than just be there, but every day things become more and mor I think this is the first book where I am disappointed in Stride and hate Maggie a little, they both made a decision that has grave consequences. Serena can see this happening and doesn't know what to do other than just be there, but every day things become more and more awkward.

The kidnapping of a child draws both of them back to work giving them something else to concentrate on. As the investigate they learn that these parents are not the picture perfect people their image projects. I find these parents to be selfish and am surprised that they can handle having a child around at all.

Brian Freeman - Book Series In Order

There are times when each of them get the verbal slap down from various people and in each case they deserve it. In Duluth, Maggie is running things while Stride is gone. She runs across a serial killer. The turns that her case takes is surprising. I am not sure if this is the last book in the series or not. But I am sad with the direction that Serena took at the end, she really got the shaft.

From the ratings given by other readers, I expected more from this book. Both plots, on one side the kidnapped baby, and on the other side the farmland killer, were drawn out without much progress in the investigation. It felt like the investigators were more preoccupied by their personal lives than their current caseload.

It's because the author didn't give him any colors or personality. So yes, I was disappointed, and not only by the behavior of the protagonists perpetrators and investigators alike but by the story-telling as well. Dec 11, Brenda rated it really liked it. This was a very good book that continued the Stride-Serena-Maggie saga. Brian Freeman puts his characters into dark places and then has them figure out where to go from there.

I loved their interactions and look forward to the next book. I have to admit Serena is not my favorite. Oh, and yes, there were crimes to be solved. They were scary, emotional, and resolved with a twist. What a page turner! It definitely was not who I thought it was!! Aug 11, Barb rated it really liked it Shelves: Good read, fast paced. Love that it was set in small town Minnesota. Will read more of this series. Aug 08, Fran rated it it was amazing. But, as a cop what could she do? The killer is haunting the visions of this woman and when they both come face to face with him what happens will envelop her in his deadly game.

But, what really happens when she is dared and takes that final shot still remains to be seen? But traveling along at night in the cold Minnesota Winter she sees a woman come up to her screaming at the top of her lungs. Our main character Jonathan Stride is recuperating from a major accident or fall. Plagued with panic attacks, reoccurring dreams about the fall he hides the truth about these attacks not only from his partner but also from his live in girlfriend Serena Dial.

Remembering the fall, the horrific pain he relives the impact and much more. But, these attacks are hampering him from getting back to work until he is summoned by his partner and someone else to get involved in the case of a mission infant and four missing women. Three women disappeared from their homes in Duluth without a trace. Violent deaths and now a fourth has been discovered. But, there is much more as Denise Sheridan the Deputy Sheriff requests his help in finding the young infant who just happens to be her niece. Sleeping soundly in her crib in her bedroom how did this child disappear with her father home, checking on her and no sign of a break-in.

Learning from Denise something about the father would send up red flags and make Stride look into his past, his actions that night and much more.

The Burying Place

Never leaving her daughter alone with her husband whose life was inconvenienced when his daughter was born, Valerie his wife usually hires a sitter. What happened that she did not? Delving more into the personality of Marcus Glenn we learn he is an orthopedic surgeon, self center, focused on his career and classifies people according to their economic stations or his own form of the caste system.

As Stride talks to him he notices one bit of evidence that might shed some light or cast a definite shadow on the father as a suspect. Fearful and afraid of what might have happened to her niece, Denise hands the case over to Stride and his partner hoping they can find Callie. One man whose primary concern is himself and his career and one man when described reminds you of Dorian Grey. As Serena looks into the disappearance of Callie, goes through the scene, along the property of her home Maggie is dealing with victim four Susan Krauss and her death. But, this time there is a body and maybe with the help of Kasey Kennedy that might catch a killer.

When questioned about the incident Kasey relates what she remembers but one specific action and one splatter might help identify him even though he managed to get away. So, why does she want to get involved in the case and why risk the wrath of the killer? Why would a young rookie cop want to deal with a homicidal killer?

Interviewing Valerie Glenn Serena hears first hand about their marriage, their relationship and you begin to wonder why she even stays. A crime so well orchestrated and well planned that no signs were left within the house or anywhere else as the author brilliantly leads us to the cemetery and we hear the voice of the person who took Callie and where she is now. Forward to Kasey Kennedy and the second case of the missing women and you wonder if both cases are not related.

Blair Rowe a reporter tries to blackmail Jonathan into telling her more than she is entitled to know. Gun hoe to make a name for herself she is relentless when asking her questions and going after what she wants. As we meet a new player in this investigation she is a news reporter for the Herald named Blair Rowe who is gun hoe to make a name for herself at any cost. This reporter thinks Micki Vega the sitter and Marcus Glenn committed the crime to make poor Callie disappear.

Meet Ellen Warner at nurse at St.

What she reveals you need to read for yourself and you begin to wonder just what kind of a hold does he have on his staff, would they lie for him, why are so many defending him and would he really take the life of his own child to free himself of the burden of taking care of her? Just who kidnapped this child and why?

When Kasey arrives home she is startled and realizes her privacy and home have been violated. The message she receives would change her life and her encounter with him would haunt her forever. As Serena meets with Regan Conrad one of the women the doctor had an affair with and yet when described you would wonder why.

Nick Garaldo enjoyed exploring a cave that he had all to himself but what he finds and what happens brings us closer to finding three bodies and the killer made sure he would be number four. Added into the mix is information shared by Regan Conrad with Serena about Micki that would shed more suspicion on her and her relationship with Marcus.

Author Brian Freeman once again has penned a novel that will make you think the next time you hire a sitter, decide to explore a cave, marry a doctor for convenience or status and have a relationship with a cop like Stride whose personality changes all too often and whose needs do not seem to always remain the same. But, things change as one report named Blair Rowe continues her hot pursuit of what really happened to Callie and is taking as many prisoners as possible on her own. As the plot begins to get more tangled and we meet Tom Sheridan married to Denise, learn more about Marcus and begin to see his cold and mean side even more we learn that Valerie is no shrinking violet but where is Callie?

Kasey has agreed to help with the investigation to find the killer who seems fixated on her and is taunting her with messages and invading her life. Able to leave messages, seen yet not caught could it be someone that is hiding in plain sight? Just who has Callie? Who is buried in the woods? What did Nick see and who killed him and why?

Are both cases connected? A killer so smart, clever and elusive you will never figure out who is behind the murders and who kidnapped Callie and why. When the spotlight shines on Marcus and the truth about Valerie comes out will their marriage hold together or will they fall apart? What happens when Serena learns the truth about Jonathan and will Maggie be the wedge that comes between them? An old school, an old armory, two cops caught in the crossfire, many lies, betrayals, deceits and distrust in a town where everyone knows everyone even the killer.

Who dies and who remains buried forever only author Brian Freeman can answer these questions and he prefers that you read the book and find out for yourself. Mar 10, Micky Cox rated it it was amazing.

Publication Order of Tess Drake Books

I rarely give series books a full five star rating as they often remain a good entertaining read, but become somewhat predictable over time. This book is the 5th in the series and is so far the absolute best. I totally didn't see the twist coming and upon reviewing the events in my mind realize I should have, but the hints were so subtle that I glossed over them.

I love the character development and the plotting as the characters have a realistic depth to them while the plots are multilayered. I I rarely give series books a full five star rating as they often remain a good entertaining read, but become somewhat predictable over time. I seriously recommend starting with book one and working your way up as that will help provide a lot of layered depth to the storyline, but this book is outstanding in the plotting department.

I actually have been listening to this series and the reader also helps bring the characters to life. I am anxious to see what happens in the next book. This author is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! Jun 14, Mike Kennedy rated it it was amazing Shelves: I listened to the audio version of this book, and I was not disappointed. Jonathan Stride is recovering from his injuries sustained in the previous novel, In The Dark.

He is staying in a cabin near Grand Rapids when the sheriff calls on him to investigate a kidnapping. She enlists a young cop who came across one of the murders while it was happening. As usual w I listened to the audio version of this book, and I was not disappointed. As usual with Mr. Freeman, he ties the two storylines seamlessly. He also throws in a couple of plot twists that keep you guessing. This is probably my favorite of the first five books in the series.

Il libro racconta due storie criminali che si muovono in parallelo, sembrano distanti tra loro, in comune hanno solo sangue e strazio, si incroceranno queste strade? E' un thriller che deve essere assolutamente letto da tutti gli amanti del genere. Suspence e mistero in ogni pagina, un finale mozzafiato che appassiona.

See a Problem?

Jonathan Stride is recovering since his ordeal that took place in the prior novel; In the Dark. The case is in regards to several women have gone missing in the past few months. Maggie has just found body number four. Denise Sheridan works as Deputy Sheriff for Itasca. She comes to pay Stride a visit. Rich, surgeon, Marcus Gl Lt.

Rich, surgeon, Marcus Glenn reported his eleven month old daughter, Callie missing. Marcus is her brother in law. Stride and Maggie will both be challenged in The Burying Place. They will have to watch their backs or they could be the next ones buried. Another fine read by Mr. I have read pretty much all of Mr. Which I still plan on reading.

I was blown away by Mr. I could tell that I had missing a little by not reading In the Dark, as there was some reference to why Stride was on leave and recovering but nothing that really took away from this book or the story line. Speaking of story lines, this one had some well placed twists and plenty of intensity.

All of the female leads in this book were strong, confident women. Plus they matched well with Stride. Start reading this book today. Jul 27, Jenn rated it really liked it. So far, I think this is my favorite Brian Freeman. I wondered if I was going to enjoy it as the cover has a bloody shovel partially buried in snow.

I tend to dislike books with snow as a major part of the plot. Maybe because winter here in Canada can be so cold and miserable sometimes and I don't want to relive it.

However, The Burying Place does not centre itself around snow, it's just a minor irritation in the background. Never judge a book by it's cover, they say. I usually do though. It's a So far, I think this is my favorite Brian Freeman. It's a good thing I'm drawn to a lot of covers!

Stride is still a grumpy Gus. He seems to be getting worse as now he is having some pretty vivid flashbacks accompanied by blacking out. And there's a massive strain on the relationship between him and Serena. But they are draw into a lost baby case together where their life together must take a backseat. And let's not forget the missing women and one murder that's running simultaneously. The missing baby's father, an egotistical surgeon, looks to be their prime suspect but appears squeaky clean. This is a fast paced thriller with the usual twists and turns. This was another good book in the Jonathan Stride series.

It held my attention all the way through but I did feel it was a little long. When Marcus is woke at 1am he finds that his daughter, Callie, is missing. And the search begins. So many irons in the fire, lies uncovered and truths to be This was another good book in the Jonathan Stride series. So many irons in the fire, lies uncovered and truths to be told that just when you think the author is going left, he turns right but that's what we all love isn't it? I'm sure the book can be read as a stand alone novel but there's a lot of backstory in this one that you wouldn't know about if you hadn't read the previous books in this series.

Not to mention, if you're a freak like me and it's series, it must be read in order. There is no other way. I would never, could never just pick book 5 in a series and read it as a stand alone. Feb 09, Mike rated it really liked it Recommended to Mike by:

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