I couldn't really get into this book as much as I wanted to. "The Holdouts" is a rather lackluster sequel to a book I enjoyed far more. I definitely hope any future books in the series is more interesting.

I very much enjoyed Tucker's first book, Next of Kin, so I was happy to be back in Buddy's world again. I was initially a bit surprised because I erroneously assumed that this would be more of a continuation from Next of Kin (i.e. dealing with aftermath of the events in Next of Kin and Ben's situation) but it's more stand-alone. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as book #1, partly because I felt like I could see the puppeteer's strings a bit more in the actions/choices/reactions of characters versus it feeling more organic. It's still a very solid book, though, and I'm looking forward to the next book.

This police procedural which takes place in Manhattan was intriguing. The villains are many, and the mastermind hidden until well into the last quarter of the novel. Detective Buddy Lock is an excellent and unique character with a warm humanity that colors his actions and responses. I found him quite admirable as are his fiancee Mei and young Ben. James Tucker is an author to watch for.

I received a free electronic copy of this modern novel from Netgalley, James Tucker, and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.

If you like a lot of action, this is a book for you. I also like short and easy to read chapters, but this author is taking it a little too far.
A thing I don't like reading about is smart characters doing stupid things to get the action going, like some instances in this book.
Otherwise, it's a well written novel with good characters (and even a very good car; the Tesla Model 3).

I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of The Holdouts, the second novel to feature NYPD detective Buddy Lock.

Buddy is on a mandatory suspension following an officer related shooting (see Next of Kin) when he is asked to investigate the deaths of an elderly Asian couple found 32 miles out at sea by a fishing crew. As he investigates Buddy is hampered at every turn by his department and men with guns.

I was really looking forward to The Holdouts after ready Next of Kin but it failed to ignite my enthusiasm until the final chapters. Don't get me wrong, it is action packed with both Buddy and his fiancée Mei barely escaping death several times but somehow it becomes routine rather than exciting. I think that the root problem is the credibility of the plot which pushes corruption and some old fashioned practices too far for me to believe it. In fact the plot seems to come second to the action scenes. I did, however, enjoy the ending which produces a major twist.

Buddy Lock is a man on a mission to solve his case regardless of the cost. In this novel he is frozen out by his department and works with his half brother, Ward. They are both resourceful and determined but the cost is high so we may see a re-invented Buddy in the next novel.

The Holdouts is a fast paced, solid read.