Cover Image: Too Close to Home

Too Close to Home

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Member Reviews

This is the first book by the author that I have read. It is a solid book, but not what I call a page turner that the reader cannot put down. The premise is a janitor, who has an interesting history, who helps to solve crimes and right wrongs. Parts of the book are very good while others a little slow. Also, there seemed to be a rapid conclusion involving a number of flashbacks to fill out the story. Overall, not a bad read, but not an author I would go out of my way to read again.

I have also posted my review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.

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Too Close to Home is a great mystery. Andrew Grant has done a fine a job at constructing a plausible plot that draws you in

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I am lukewarm about this title. It presents an interesting story, just have a problem with its timeline and pacing -- too many events happen in flashbacks towards the end of the book, when all is revealed -- motivations, obscure plot points, and characters' histories. The two principle characters have a lot of fun banter but mystery fans will find it somewhat wanting.

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Good book. It keeps moving along at a good pace. There are a few story lines throughout the book. The hero is a kind of fixer of wrongs. Working as a janitor he runs into some gaps in the legal system and goes about setting them straight. Sometimes bending the rules a bit. He also has his own mystery to solve. I will look forward to a follow up book.

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This was the first book I've read by this author and it is a winner. Paul McGrath works as a custodian for the courthouse. For Paul, it's the perfect cover as he investigates the alleged murder of his father where the accused killer walked free. As his investigation progresses, things become more and more confusing and there are more questions than answers. All the questions are answered at the end but getting there is a thrill ride.
This book put me in mind of James Lee Burke's Robicheaux series. The characters may not be as richly developed but the drama and suspense is right up there with the best.
I highly recommend this book and I hope to read more from this author.

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I enjoyed this book... fast paced, interesting premise with just the right amount of humor. Recommended

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What an exciting story with a fabulous character in Paul McGrath, former military who has returned home, working as a janitor in a Courthouse in able to listen and find interesting information about the legal happenings around town. And Boy does he find some fascinating information, involving cops,judges,lawyers and even financial gurus all playing a seedy money-making game!! With no regard for how many people are hurt or financially ruined...
This does not sit well with Paul, who believes people matter, and nothing should be done in business that is Not morally just! Living with an ex-military pal, he takes matters into his own hands, investigating and listening to exactly what people have to say. I was slightly confused with a change in the middle of the story, even thought I was reading a different book! But then realized a history of folks involved, and the reading made sense!
An enjoyable read, it Is fiction, so do Not look for things happening in a Factual way! Just read and relax to a fun, action packed adventure!
I received an ARC from NetGalley, who I thank for a great story, and I give You my honest and true thoughts and feelings in this review.

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Paul McGrath, the "janitor," makes for an interesting protagonist. I enjoyed the various episodes where he took the lead in solving problems. The novel kept my interest throughout. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

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4.5 stars raised to a 5. Paul, former Army Intelligence, works as a janitor at the Courthouse in Manhattan. He is also employing his previous experience in attempting to locate the file of the man charged with killing his father. Because of misinformation and missing information, the criminal case was declared a mistrial. Paul wants to learn the truth and do what he can to assure it prevails. He is partnered with his former Army coworker and both are a major threat. It is very well written and goes into great detail with Paul’s investigations and activities. Did I find myself speculating about other killers...yes, but it didn’t matter. There is a flashback near the conclusion that successfully explains all. Thanks to Net Galley and Ballantine Books for an ARC for an honest review.

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I loved the first Paul McGrath novel, Invisible, and the second is even better. This former intelligence officer works as a janitor at the courthouse, someone totally invisible to most people around him. Which makes it the perfect cover for his investigations.
In the process of uncovering a ring of corruption, Paul is fated to learn the truth about his own life, and the father who hid more secrets than he could have imagined.
Andrew Grant skillfully juggles several story lines, keeping the reader guessing right up to the end. The reader will be left looking forward to more books in this series. Recommended for thriller lovers of all stripes.

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(2 1/2). I have read a couple of other Andrew Grant books and I feel this is one of the best ones yet. Paul McGrath is a strong protagonist, which is a good thing, because there are not many other characters worth noting in this story. A fun, out of position, take care of business guy, this one unfolds well except for a brief flashback sequence near the end that almost kills the whole rhythm of everything. Reasonable stuff.

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Review of uncorrected eBook

Paul McGrath, working in the federal courthouse, continues his quest to serve justice. “Hiding in plain sight" in his janitor’s coveralls, Paul wield a mop in his quest for justice denied to others. More a “righter of wrongs” than a true vigilante, Paul uses skills honed during his intelligence agent years in the military to correct wrongs caused by a corrupt system. A file of missing evidence leads to an unexpected discovery that will ultimately have him question everything he thought he knew about his family.

Following “Invisible,” Paul continues his quest for information about his father’s death and the man accused of murdering him. Interesting characters, an intriguing look at balancing right against the limits of the law, and an inventive premise all combine to create an entertaining quick read. Although things sometimes fall into place a bit too easily, some unexpected reveals take the story in surprising directions and keep the pages turning.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Random House Publishing Group --- Ballantine Books and NetGalley #TooCloseToHome #NetGalley

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This is a pop up story. Every time the reader thinks they understand the background something new pops up to throw an entirely different cast on things. The protagonist is basically a vigilante, acting to combat evil-doing, particularly when the justice system appears to fail. The story is imaginative and interesting, and the characters are unique. This book reaches a definite ending, but lays the groundwork for an intriguing series. I hope to see more from this author.

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Good thriller where the protagonist is a courthouse janitor. Lots of twists, definitely a page turner.

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I read the last book in this series and really enjoyed it and held high hopes for the next installment. Unfortunately I did not like this one nearly as much. Paul Mcgrath is a former military man turned courthouse janitor. Using his access to all things in the courthouse, he aims to right all wrongs. This books seemed a little implausible to me at times. I don't want to spoil any of the plot points for anyone but the author stretched a little too far with some ideas. His work with his partner working to uncovering proof of wrongdoing is probably the best parts of the book. It still was a fine book and the steps he took to help the downfall of the bad guys was interesting to me. Thank you Andrew Grant, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books and Netgalley for the ARC for my review.

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I'm usually a fan of this author, but Too Close To Home left me wondering why. The protagonist fancies himself a jankitor, cleaning up the messes unsavory people make, and in fact, that's what this former military intelligence officer is. Employed at the federal courthouse, he has access to miscarriages of justice and the means to remedy them. A self-described wandereing vigiliante, working with a former colleague who shares his mission, the Janitor stumbles on an incriminating file while tidying up a courtroom presided over by a corrupt judge that reveals the truth about a fraud perpetrated on his father - the reason he took his menial job in the first place., B y the time he's verified its contents, tracedi ts ownership, and deconstructed the criminality it proves, the plot has worn thin and the characters' lack of complexity have ground the actiopn to a halt; along with the lack of complexity in the chafracters, it makes this a less than compelling read..

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I am really into this character. Paul Mcgrath is a former special forces guy turned courthouse janitor. He started trying to solve his father death.and now he gets involved seeking justice in all manner of crimes. He is a janitor and nobody notices them...

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Paul McGrath was an Intelligence agent for the U.S. Army when he received word that his father had been murdered. Hurrying home he is in time to witness the trial of the suspected murderer and to see him go free when a file detailing the alleged crime goes missing. Paul than takes a job as a janitor in the courthouse in which the trial took place in order to look for the file and what happened to it. This action takes place in the first book detailing McGrath's taking the job. The current novel is the second book and takes up Paul Mcrath's continuing search.
A second situation comes up in which a man is going to trial for setting fire to another's house. He tells McGrath that he did it because the man that owned the house preys upon the people that he handles investments for in order to defraud them of some of the funds. The situation runs concurrently with the search for the missing file. Should be interesting with the disguise as janitor quite a novel idea. Unfortunately there is a shortage of action with a lot of conversation making up most of the story. That factor does detract from events depicted. There is a section of the book dedicated to the events bringing the characters to the present day and is interesting taken on it's own. But, if Mr Grant intends to continue with the character it might be more advantageous returning him to his job as an intelligence officer rather than keeping him confined to cleaning floors in the courthouse.

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Not all superheroes wear spandex, boots, and a cape. Sometimes a janitor’s coverall will do just fine. Working in a courthouse gives former intelligence officer Paul McGrath a perfect cover in addition to access to information.. Whether it’s looking for his father’s murderer, corrupt judges, or assorted other bad guys, our superhero has an easy manner in making sure that wrongs are addressed.

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