Crime fiction loves playing in the shadows cast by all the glitz and spotlights shining around Hollywood. Deception. Filth. Murder. All elements that compete with the celebrity. The fashion. The dreamy escapism being sold. Police procedurals lead the pack in exposing these shadows. Yet, once in a while, a new direction is shown on that well-beaten path. Joseph Schneider’s hip debut, One Day You’ll Burn, provides such a bearing.

Tully Jarsdel – mockingly known as the Professor – is not a typical detective and his first leading case follows suit as a completely cooked body is dumped outside a Thai pagoda. Hollywood is known for its weird side; this case is no different. Jarsdel and his partner, Morales, look for clues within that weirdness while also having to deal with a unique sort of serial killer – a sicko killing dogs on their owners’ wedding days. Yup, weird, which gives this book feeling.

Jarsdel has his own complications, namely his passion, or lack thereof, of his career. He refreshingly questions, non-stop, if being a cop is his true role in life. He looks to provide a karmic balance, if such a thing is possible in the morally bankrupt City of Angels, all while he and Morales attempt to find both killers.

Schneider’s style is easy and fun. He avoids the cliché procedurals with real-world names (who the hell names a star detective Tully Jarsdel?) and beautifully-scripted dialogue. With the story set in Hollywood, Schneider makes good use of the locale and drops in plenty of movie trivia for cinema geeks while even working in the profession itself as the impetus, and possible cause, of the a-story murder.

One Day You’ll Burn proves that there is originality in the town that has seen it all. Detective Jarsdel is not a hard-boiled copycat who pounds away at both villainy and Scotch but a hip cat who fights LA traffic and sips rosé. He questions his role with the LAPD, his family, and his life, knowing full well that everything will work out right. Hey, this is Hollywood, after all.


Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced read. Looking forward to more.

This is a good debut, but like all debuts, the backstory takes a bit of space. Detective Tully Jarsdel's background is complex and it took a fair bit of narrative (not all of which is consistent or believable) to set the stage. We learn about his interesting biological family, his foray into mainstream academics, his disenchantment with the prospect of an academic life (which he has known since childhood as his parents are academics so why did it shock him?), trying teaching as an alternate career, then fulfilling his secret dream by joining the police instead. We learn too of his jarring propensity to lecture when he should keep his mouth shut. It's this last that I don't buy. He could not have been a good teacher if he were not sensitive to the responses of his listeners.

The grisly murder is a strange puzzle. The victim is a guy who is so colorless that he should not have enemies. The solution is not easy to guess which is a big plus in mystery books. After finishing this first in the series, my guess is that, now that the backstory is in place, the next installment will be better.

When I first read the premise of Joseph Schneider’s debut novel, “One Day You’ll Burn,” I was excited to delve between the pages of what promised to be a unique and intriguing detective story. However, this raw and gritty depiction of modern-day LA, was short on action and long on historical facts, which slowed the pace considerably, detracting from my overall enjoyment. And while the characters themselves were distinctive and quirky, I didn’t find any of them particularly appealing. So, while the bones of the story pulled me in, unfortunately, the execution made it difficult for me to remain engaged.

One Day You'll Burn gave me some Instinct by James Patterson Vibes. I love police procedurals though so I kept on reading. Overall I enjoyed the story and thought it was a well written debut by the author. Some parts were grittier than I expected but that didn't take away from anything. I loved that Detective Tully had an educational background and thought it helped in his solving process. I look forward to reading more of Detective Tully's adventures! Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book. My review will be on Netgalley shortly and on Amazon on release day!

This debut novel from author Joseph Schneider is a gritty telling of two detectives in LA who are part of an elite new homicide squad which pairs a newer officer who demonstrates some superior intellect with an older, more experienced detective. The squad has shown some success with this new plan, but there are inherent problems and resentments that this brings. Some of these include the difficulty of the two main partners to create a positive working attitude because of the disparity in terms of how long it took each of them to achieve the status of detective. The other problem mentioned is more political in nature and is reflected in the attitude of supervisors. While these issues are referred to in the book, the tension that might be developed because of them is limited as little attention is given to this situation.
In this novel, the two main detectives are tasked with finding the murderer of a particularly gruesome murder that begins with the roasted corpse of the victim being dumped on the street in front of a Thai monument. Details of the murder, the description of the body, the method of the murder and the experience of dying in this way are all included at various parts of the book. In addition, there is another on-going investigation trying to uncover the identity of whoever is killing the pet dog of people on their wedding day. There is limited time spent on investigating this crime, and rather than being integrated in the investigator's activities throughout the book, is a puzzle that is presented with the solution intuited by one of the investigators. The identity of this criminal and solution of the dog murders follows the solution of the main murder and appears almost as an added appendix to the main story.
There were a number of issues that made this book a difficult one for me to read and enjoy. The primary characters were difficult to like with the intellectual detective being insecure and emotionally stunted, the older detective being resentful and resistant to developing a positive relationship with his partner. In addition, there was no one on the upper management level who showed any support for the two detectives or for the department, setting up the entire book to be read through the lens of adversarial relationships. This continued in the resentment the intellectual detective’s decision to become a police officer is that is displayed by his two gay dads.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, the people encountered during the investigation were also less than likeable. They were portrayed as scheming and/or fanatical people who were making a living by displaying the more bizarre aspects of Hollywood from wax museum chamber of horrors to a specialty film house that focused on showing graphic vintage horror movies.
This book may appeal to readers who prefer a grittier experience in their reading with some physical danger to the detectives added to create a more action oriented ending. My thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me an Advanced Digital Read copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book starts out on fire -- both literally and figuratively -- and crackles with suspense all the way through. I love it when fictional partners aren't always a good match, as the disharmony adds to the tension. A wicked plot, well-told, that moves at a smooth clip from start to finish. Loved it; highly recommended.

*Thanks to both the publisher and the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book free of charge, in exchange only for an honest review."

"One day you'll burn" is Joseph Schneider's debut novel and a pretty interesting one. At first glance it looks like a modern day police procedural, but while reading it I couldn't help be reminded of classic noir fiction, maybe because one of its themes is Hollywood Golden Age.

Every time I read a police procedural by a new author I pray to the gods for the detective not to be an alcoholic, secret addict, battling inner demons or have a dysfunctional family, cause there are times that all the detectives out there look the same. On this subject, "One day you'll burn" was quite refreshing, as here we have a history professor turned police detective, with two gay dads that doesn't approve his career change and a Mexican partner who's not so sure about his new partner.

The murder mystery was also quite interesting specially because the manner 0f death was such an unusual one. The investigation was well done and the plot moved steadily, reaching a satisfying ending.

While the murder investigation kept me completely engrossed, I found most unappealing the long philosophical discussions, which just served to slow down the rhythm, taking me out of the story every time. Also, in my opinion, the second plot line (the dogs poisonings) was just an excuse to introduce the main character love interest, and not needed seeing as it didn't relate at all with the main plot line.

Overall, I enjoyed it pretty much so will definitely come back for book two if this turns into a series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

What kind of individual would slow bake an adversary in an oven ... like a Thanksgiving turkey?
Joseph Schneider's debut novel is more than a police procedural ... shrouded in a noir atmosphere of a decadent Hollywood he portrays a cinematic narrative laced with multiple quirky and eclectic characters. .... this is a modern-day commentary on the nature of humankind. Naturally there are those who are innately evil and their darkness and mayhem is all pervasive. But, there are others, like our main protagonist, Detective Tully Jarsdel, whose goal is to seek out sanity and justice. He espouses a Zoroaster quote: "To be among those who renew the world .. to make the world progress toward perfection" .. as his purpose in life.
Tully is not your usual macho hero ... no way could he be mistaken for James Bond, MacGiver or even Harry Bosch ... but, he is sensitive and somewhat charming in an unobtrusive manner. As described by his reluctant partner, Morales: "He's six foot two, unimpressive, lanky and soft, with a schoolboy haircut and rose-pink cheeks, like he's just had his first kiss". Jarsdel is part of new elite Homicide Unit ... rising young stars fresh from earning their detective shield who are partnered with street-wise veterans. There is distrust and envy among the troops ... and not only behind his back but to his face there is disdain. Tully's backstory is unique ... he has two dads ... a product of the marriage of two gay Professors. He is told he looks like both ... and actually the result of sperm from Robert and the egg from Darius' sister. His fathers are heartbroken when Tully abandons his academia .. on the threshold of receiving his Ph.D. in history he quits to join the police academy. His fathers never miss an opportunity to point out their dissatisfaction. His police contemporaries continually chide him, even to his face ... based upon jealousy and envy , he is referred to as "the professor".
Tully along with his partner, Morales, are called to a grisly scene ... a "cooked" corpse was dumped at the foot of a Thai statue ... representing the Hindu god: Brahma ... and posed in ritualistic fashion ... which Tully feels is intentional and sending a warning to someone. Schneider weaves a refreshing noir narrative replete with colorful prose .. at times witty ... and steaming with eclectic characters. The adventure is twisted and culminates in an unexpected and heated denouement. I certainly look forward to the continued exploits of unassuming Tully Jarsdel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review. (readersremains.com)

Overall,, a decent read. I agree with many other readers that some sections became tedious and could've been left out all together. I felt like LA and Hollywood were well captured and the Jarsdel was not like detectives you normally find in procedurals.

Joseph Schneider, in his novel, “One Day You’ll Burn,” took me on a ride I’d compare to being inside a washing machine, swishing back and forth, and not particularly enjoying the ride. The main police detective in the story is not particularly likeable. He’s prone to being somewhat sissified, neither aggressive nor powerful, and periodically given to poetic spouting of historical events and philosophy. That sort of personality would grate on me, as it did in the book.

The story revolves around a guy found literally baked to death and ritually discarded in the middle of the street, outside a religious shrine. The various bodily disintegrations due to the type of death he suffered are graphically detailed and seem to be a focus. I would have preferred a little more discretion here. I’m not squeamish but neither do I lust over these kinds of details. Are the descriptions of a baked liver and assorted other organs physiologically correct? I assume so but I would have accepted their poor condition without pages of lurid description. The baking alive of humans continues throughout the story.

I didn’t find any of the characters to be likeable; in fact I abhorred most of them. So where are we? We’ve got a Dudley Do-right investigating a grisly death, alongside a grumpy, crippled-up old partner, being overseen by officials too absorbed in their own interests, and an overdone plot that eventually brings in another story about a dog poisoner that also could have been left out. Oh, and there’s a female character that’s also very annoying with her frightened psyche. She doesn’t add anything to the story except something else to be adverse to.

It sounds as though I didn’t like the book and, for the most part, I didn’t. The writing was fairly competent, the plotline was different, and some parts of the dialogue were interesting. But too much reliance on the shock factor mixed with poetic musings got old and I would rather have been someplace else.

What a great debut novel and the beginning of what will surely become a very popular series. A former history professor who changed career to LAPD, then gets promoted ahead of other long term applicants because of his education and insight. Sort of the Rookie meets LA Confidential. While he is struggling to gain credibility among his fellow detectives, his parents are trying to convince him to return to academia, he takes the lead on a gruesome murder case in Hollywood. Highly recommended

Well done sir. I liked the way the characters developed further & further, as opposed to overwhelming preambles. Not your average whodunit!

In One Day You’ll Burn, Tully Jarsdel is working the case of a dead body found badly burned, a burn that appears to be a slow roasting. The other case he has is that of dogs being poisoned on their owner’s wedding day.

The pros of this book are:
-- I liked detective Jarsdel – not your typical detective – and his approach to police work.
-- The two cases came together effectively.
-- Los Angeles and Hollywood are accurately depicted.

What I wasn’t crazy about were the lengthy diversions from the storyline. Reading sometimes got tedious due to so many mundane conversations that drone on, along with less-than-interesting facts and their explanations. For example, did I really need to learn about the 18 therbigs of a given task.

This was a good first book, although I hope the author can tone down the overuse of factual diversions in his next project. Overall I enjoyed One Day You’ll Burn.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

One Day You'll Burn is an extraordinary crime novel from debut author Joseph Schneider. LAPD Homicide Detective Tully Jarsdel is a refreshingly original character whose academic background (an historian who never quite finished his PhD. to the chagrin of his academic gay dads) has propelled him to an early detective shield. Needless to say, this sort of cerebral affirmative action does nothing for his popularity among his fellow cops. He's a man who embarrasses himself often, whether by flailing on the firing range or by uncontrollably spewing esoteric philosophy on a first date.

The primary crime at the core of this story is not for the faint of heart, but noir and hard-boiled fans will love it. The style is surprisingly assured for a first-timer, and despite the steady and highly entertaining digressions, the pace is swift and thrilling. I strongly recommend.

I was supplied an advance reader's copy of this book by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

One Day You'll Burn introduces an interesting and complex character. Tully Jarsdel was headed for a career in academia when he changed courses and joined the Los Angeles Police Department. His background as a candidate for a PhD in history works well when the story focuses on investigating the two crimes. It is less appealing when Tully is allowed to get into long discussions on philosophical issues. I thought the investigation of both crimes was well done and the plot moved steadily. The story is not for the faint of heart as several of the scenes are quite graphic. This book will be compared to Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series, and although the writing is not as polished, the comparison should be favorable.

Actual rating 3.5 out of 5 stars

Based on the story itself, I would give this book a four-star rating. It was a good mystery. However with a rather abrupt, flat ending. Based on the overall writing style, I would give the book a one-star rating. The book was filled with a massive amount of irrelevant ramblings. In addition, the parallel storylines did not make sense. Using the top homocide detectives to work the case of a person who kills a dog a year. Not too believable as well as being irrelevant to the main storyline.

This is the first book of a new series and although I’m not a huge police procedural fan the synopsis had me intrigued and I wanted to give it a go.

California is sadly already known for its wildfires and now there’s a killer out there who literally cooked a person. Detective Tully Jarsdel is assigned to the morbid case. Can he figure out the murderer and their motive or will he become another body charred to the crisp laid ritualistically like an offering to the burning sun?

This was a refreshing take on a crime novel. Usually with cop novels the protagonist is a take charge, tough guy who eats tobacco for breakfast and clears his sinuses with whiskey. Detective Jarsdel is the antithesis. He's sensitive, charming, and logical. He used to be a Professor and is mixed race, the son of two gay dads.

This is beyond the scope of refreshing. There were some parts of the read that were hard to read but mostly this was an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to reading more.

Thanks very much to Netgalley, Sourcebooks, and the publisher for this copy of my ARC. All opinions are my own.

KA detective Tunny Jarsdel is part of a pilot program that pushed him to the front of the line, bypassing others who have worked their way up through the ranks. That doesn’t exactly sit well with the man assigned to be his partner or with many of his other coworkers. And for his part Jarsdel can’t seem to stop himself from spouting off bits of trivia that may, or more likely may not, be associated with the case. And what a case it is!

The body of a man who was literally baked to death has been left on an LA sidewalk. And in the meantime Jarsdel’s team has also been assigned a cold case dealing with dogs poisoned on their owners’ wedding days. Of course the two cases collide and lead them on quite the hunt.

One Day You’ll Burn is well written but can be more than a bit wordy at times. But the storyline is original and it’s an enjoyable read.

Tully Jarsdal is a young LAPD detective investigating homicides. His partner, Morales, is very experienced and somewhat iffy about Jarsdal. Jarsdal has a very interesting background and was well on his way to a PhD in History before becoming a Police Officer. His fathers, both academics, want him to return to academia and to leave the threats and dangers of the Police force. He and Morales are presently working two cases, the first is a man whose body was found in Hollywood and appeared to have been baked to death. The second is a serial dog killer whose MO was to poison dogs belonging to couples on their wedding days. The novel is fast moving and will grab tHe reader’s interest from the outset. It is a procedural but way more challenging than most. This was particularly remarkable since it is the author’s first publication. Thanks to Net Galley and Poisoned Pen Press for an ARC for an honest review.

Review by 2shay……….🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟…..

Well, Folks, this book is a different take on a police procedural. Detective Tully Jarsdel is not cut from the same cloth as any hard core, ex-military bad-ass, sharp-shooting cop I’ve ever read. He’s a former academic with a tendency to spout off random historical tidbits at odd times, making his partner, Detective Morales, grit his teeth, their pairing an effort to partner veteran detectives with very smart rookies.

Jarsdel and Morales are called to the scene of a brutal murder, a man literally cooked to death and posed by a religious statue in the Thai Town section of Hollywood. In chasing the clues about this shocking crime, the author introduces an eclectic group of characters, old movie fanatics, museum owners, other crime victims, costumed cosplayers, Jarsdel’s gay parents and his very strange love interest, Aleena Andreotti. Aleena is the only character that I truly didn’t like, which is fine. All good authors put their protagonist in situations that make a reader cringe. It adds to the interest about what might happen later.

I enjoyed this book a great deal. This is a new author, and I like the way he thinks. I hope to read more that he has to say about Tully. Grab a copy now and…

Enjoy! ARC graciously provided by Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for an honest and voluntary review.