Cover Image: Black and Blue

Black and Blue

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Member Reviews

I thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book. This author was new to me and I was not let down. It was a great story and very well written. The characters were easy to relate to and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend this to everyone!!

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The third book in the series and it is still really good. The characters are well engaged and they are so fun to follow. The story keeps moving and you just want to know what happens next. The banter between the two partners is soo funny. Can't wait for the next one.

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Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read "Black and Blue" by David Rosenfelt, in return for a fair and honest review.

We were introduced to Homicide Detective Doug Brock, his partner Nate, his off-again-on-again girlfriend/fiancee (and fellow cop) Jessie and boss Captain Bradley in the previous books of the series "Blackout" and "Fade To Black" (both of which I enjoyed immensely).

The backstory in a nutshell: in "Blackout", Doug Brock is recovering from having been shot while working a case on his own - after breaking off his engagement to Jessie, and taking time off from a (unnamed at the beginning of the story) personal tragedy, When he awakes, he has no memory - of the last 10 years! But, he sets out to figure out what happened to him and what relation it might have to cases he was working on at the time. Which he does - with the help of Nate (his large, perpetually dieting (but not really) partner and Jessie, who reluctantly sees that Doug is a changed person (new Doug as opposed to old Doug) after the shooting.

In "Black and Blue" the group are forced to revisit a cold case when another victim shows up, murdered the exact same way, and all signs point to a suspect in the original case who was discounted. Soon, more bodies are piling up and the killer is communicating directly with Doug (I know, I know, but it's a tried-and-true plot convenience) - and promising that there are 'more pieces on the wall to fall' (ref. 99 bottles of beer on the wall).

There are a lot of twists and turns to this story (like in the previous ones), and ultimately they put all of the pieces together. Just in time to save a lot of people. Recommended.

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Black and Blue is David Rosenfelt’s third book in the Doug Brock series. And, once again, he’s written a winner. Doug Brock suffers from amnesia, after being shot while in the line of duty. It’s been a long road back but he’s had the help of his girlfriend, Jessie, and his partner, Nate. However, when you’re a detective, amnesia can be a problem. And, this time Brock is re-investigating an 18-month-old case that he can’t remember.

This is David Rosenfelt at his finest. I love the interaction and humor between the characters. The mystery is well-written and fast-paced, with enough twists to keep the reader more than engaged. It’s definitely a book you’ll want to make time for.

I heartily recommend Black and Blue. Mr Rosenfelt, please keep writing. Your stories are great!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

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This was an excellent addition to the Doug Brock books. Not quite as amusing as the Andy Carpenter series, the amnesia component of the series makes for an interesting plot twist. Although it moved slowly in parts, the characters were interesting enough to make you want to finish it.

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BLACK & BLUE (PolProc-Doug Brock-New Jersey-Contemp) - VG
Rosenfelt, David – 3rd in series
Minotaur Books, March 2019
First Sentence: I feel like a jerk.
A single shot to the heart from a high-powered distance made from a distance killed Walter Brookings 18 months ago. The case, investigated by Doug Brock, remained unsolved and went cold. Now, there's a second murder; same M.O. and even the forensics match. The difference is that Brock suffers partial amnesia from a gunshot to the head. He survived, but not all of his memory did. With the help of his partner, and girlfriend Jessica, who is also on the force, Brock is not only investigating the new case, but digging back into the previous case as well.
Partial amnesia is always an interesting subject and an excellent hook for a protagonist. However, it takes more than that for a book to be compelling, and Rosenfelt delivers.
A very nice cross-over into Rosenlfelt's Carpenter series is done in the character of police Captain Pete Stanton, as well as attorney Andy Carpenter and Vince Sanders, editor of the local paper. There is an arrogance to Brock which can be annoying, but it's nicely balanced by self-doubt—"…the two guys that I shot were apparently total scumbags who had themselves committed murder. But even so, I took their lives, and it somehow seems weirdly disrespectful that I have no recollection of doing so."
Multiple points of view can be awkward, but Rosenfelt makes them work. However, one of his greatest skills is the ever-escalating level of suspense and that he keeps one guessing with lots of twists along the way.
"Black and Blue" has a cleverly done plot that makes sense once it's all put together. Rosenfelt takes the suspense right down to the wire and gives one a captivating, gripping read.

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You can't go wrong with David Rosenfelt. He consistently writes good books. As much as I love Andy Carpenter, I can still make room for Doug Brock as a new favorite of mine. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy to read, rate and enjoy.

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Doug Brock realizes he will never regain the memories lost during his amnesia but he's back at work partnered with his old friend and partner Nate. He is also delighted to be back with his old fiancee Jesse. The three police officers make a big team approach in this 3rd book of the Brock series, investigating the serial murder deaths of seemingly unconnected individuals. Then it appears Doug will once again connect the murders to someone he put behind bars, but he can't remember the case. Even if he has amnesia Doug's mind is a marvelous thing looking at all the possibilities for what is looking to be a very dangerous case. With their usual humor and support for each other Doug, Nate and Jesse speed ahead. They will take many twists and turns to the final surprising conclusion.

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This was the first book in the Doug Brock series that I have read. Homicide detective Doug Brock is back on the job after recovering from amnesia from an old accident in an old case. Now he's called to a new case that really was a case from a past perp, although Brock can't recall much in the detail. People are dying of a bullet to the heart, coincidence or is it connected? As the victims fall and the detectives dig deeper, they think it all leads back to the same guy, but is it a set up? As the story unfolds, there's no shortage of red herrings. And the cross over cameos of one Andy Carpenter are cute as well. The book has its endearments in the form of Bobo and Jessie and Page 166 was one of my favorites.

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I have read every book that I can find written by David Rosenfelt. Whether in a series or a stand alone, he writes a really good mystery that is also full of humor and entertainment. The characters from one series are frequently found in another, as Andy Carpenter and Pete Stanford make appearances in this Doug Brock story. Doug Brock is a New Jersey State policeman who was injured on duty and lost a huge section of his memories. This makes for some very interesting interviews with criminals who knew him when plus leaves him guessing on what he was thinking when a prior case rears it's ugly head. But with the help of his friends and his dog, Doug figures out the mystery and saves the day, again!
I have truthfully given David Rosenfelt books as gifts and recommended them to every one I know. I'll keep reading them as long as he keeps writing them.

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I love David Rosenfelt's books and this was no exception. Doug Brock is back and there's yet another case that he should know the details too, but they aren't there. Even though I'd figured out "who done it" relatively early on I kept second guessing myself. I did really appreciate the cameo of Patterson's favorite defense attorney and friends! Can't wait to see what happens next with Doug, Jessie and Nate!

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5 stars
Black and Blue
This is the third installment of David Rosenfelt’s Doug Brock series. It just happens to be the first in this series I have read and I loved it. I appreciate the way Rosenfelt writes his series books; as he does so in such a way that any one of them may be picked up and read without missing vital backstory on characters. I, also love the carryover of characters from his Andy Carpenter series.
I read this book in a day! I instantly became caught up in the plot. I never expected the ending either. I love it when an author keeps me guessing. I loved BoBo the dog and Doug’s partner Nate. The main character Doug has a sarcastic bent which just makes him even more lovable. This is just a fun, fast-paced read with a few twists thrown in. I loved it and highly recommend it! David Rosenfelt has quickly become my favorite author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #BlackandBlue #NetGalley

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Detective Doug Brock was shot in the line of duty, which ultimately left him with retrograde amnesia. Trying to deal with lost memories is bad enough but now he and his partner, Nate, are tasked with 2 murder cases.

Both successful men, both shot with one bullet through the heart. Because of this, an old case of Doug's has come out of obscurity and Doug has to retrace what he did when he was investigating. This victim was also shot through the heart.

More bodies will fall .... with no rhyme or reason.. Men, women, rich, poor ... no one is safe.

What Doug and Nate uncover is far worse than anyone could imagine.

The story premise is good, well-written. But what stands out for me is the relationship of the three main characters.... Doug, Nate, and Jesse (Doug's girlfriend). There's love, respect, loyalty and mainly humor .. lots of humor ... among them. Some of it is sarcastic humor and not everyone might appreciate the fact that most police I know personally develop the humor to live with what they see and deal with every day.

Another plus for me .... Attorney Andy Carpenter makes several appearances in this story. For those of you who are fans, this is a bonus. If you haven't read his Andy Carpenter series ..take a look. It's a real treat.

Although 3rd in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. There's just enough background so the reader does not feel lost but yet whets the appetite to start at the beginning.

Many thanks to the author / St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

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The author wrote a thriller that started with a bang and just kept going! The twists kept coming, so I couldn't put it down. I cannot wait to read more from this author!

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Doug Brock a cop is getting his life back together after being shot and losing most of his memory. Doug and his partner Nate embark on a cold case with a man that Doug eliminated as a suspect. With several unsolved murders each person shot in the heart from a distance Doug is wondering if he let a killer go.. This is the third book in this series.

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Doug Brock is a state police officer suffering from amnesia after being shot ... he can't remember anything from the last ten years. He is back to work, partnered again with Nate, and living with his former fiancée, Jessie, who is also a police officer.

A fairly well-to-do lawyer is fatally shot in the chest. This is similar to the murder of a man who was shot 18 months ago. Doing some research, Jessie determines a potential suspect is a man named Danny Phelan ... he was a sharp shooter in the army and has just gotten out of prison after spending about 18 months there on drug charges. The murdered lawyer was Phelan's ex-wife's lawyer. Then other people connected to Phelan in one way or another start getting murdered and Phelan seems to be on the run. Doug and Nate don't think it's a coincidence.

I liked the writing style as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing at times. It was written in first person perspective in Doug's voice but switches over to third person perspective when Doug isn't part of the action. I liked Doug, Nate and Jessie and their humorous interactions with each other.

This is the third in the Doug Brock series and you don't have to have read the first ones as it works as a stand alone. The author also writes a series featuring lawyer Andy Carpenter ... I've read and enjoyed all in that series. It was fun to have Andy cross over into this book ... he is Phelan's lawyer and believes his client is innocent.

I look forward to more in this series.

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Whether it’s Andy or Doug taking the lead, you’ll never go wrong with a Rosenfelt novel. This entry includes the author’s trademarked humor along with an excellent plot to keep the reader entertained.

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Black and Blue by David Rosenfelt. 5 stars

Hooray, the newest Doug Brock is here. Our favorite amnesiac is in a new mystery and the best part is that Andy Carpenter has a small appearance as the attorney that represents one of the ""persons of interest". A mystery sniper is seemingly killing unrelated individuals. Doug Brock, his partner Nate and Jessie, the cyber expert is hot on the trail. Misdirection and red herrings abound. I throughly enjoyed this book. I eagerly await the next Andy Carpenter- Bark of Night.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins / Minatour for this ARC

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I loved everything about this book from the format, to the characters, to the twists and turns.

I am a big fan of David Rosenfelt so I can't believe I have not read the first 2 books in the Doug Brock series. You can read Black and Blue as a stand alone.

Doug Brock is quite the character and it would be Nate and himself that I would want on my side if needed.

Loved all the characters, twists and turns.

You will look all around you when you go out from now on and you will vary routine after reading Black and Blue.

Can't wait for more Doug Brock !! ( off to read the first two)

Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and get lost in another David Rosenfelt novel.

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Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read Black and Blue by David Rosenfelt. David Rosenfelt's new book is one of his best. Detective Doug Brock is center stage, and the best part is that Andy Carprenter makes a cameo - love it.
A man is killed - shot directly in the heart. This murder resembles a murder that Doug was in charge of before his accident (This is a series book and although it can be a stand alone, I recommend starting this series because it is very good). Doug and his partner Nate investigate this new murder. There was a main suspect before and they decide to reinvestigate this man because there are connections that seem apparent.
The bodies start to add up and Doug and his team start a manhunt to find their suspect who has disappeared somewhere in New Jersey. The suspense keeps up till the surprise ending - WOW.
5 stars - Rosenfelt just doesn't disappoint. Fans are going to love this one - RECOMMEND.

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