Taking Candy

An interesting approach to presenting true crime in novel format. The perspective of the reporter added an extra angle and kept the pace strong.

Taking Candy is a true crime mystery. Detective Scappini has spent many years on the force, dedicating his career to putting criminals away. When a local Judge is gunned down in cold blood he is put on the case. He is hot on the trail of Lester who has a record of killing in cold blood not to leave anyone behind who can identify him. Murders are happening left and right in Toronto and all leads point to Lester, a hired gunman who has zero problem doing the job he is hired to do, but his biggest mistake all starts with his now girlfriend Chrissy.

Detective Scappini hooks up with Detective Hall and Detective Brill who are partners in another department to help see if the break in and murders that they are investigating have anything to do with his Judge case. Time and time again the crime scene is the same, again leading to Lester. When the three detectives decide that they are sick of the senseless killings and have nothing but gut instincts to go on they take matters into their own hands. But do they have the right killer?

I really enjoyed this story, the flow of the characters were great, the detail of the events spot on, the in-between happenings to lead up to all the events worked great and right up until the last chapter I could not put this book down and binge read it. However it is the last chapter that throws me for a loop. I want to know more, I want some more information as to how the story came to this end. That is my reasoning for the 4 stars. I am looking forward to more books from Robert Lalonde.

I was given an ARC of Taking Candy for my honest review.

Taking Candy
by Robert Lalonde
WOW!! I loved this book. Full of serious tense, and a real jaw-dropper. Two detectives worked on two cases and then compared their cases. The ending tied this book up into an amazingly great ending.

Whilst I did really enjoy this one and found it a refreshing change of pace from other police procedurals, it also felt a bit slower and maybe more detailed orientated than I'd like. I'm too used to TV crime shows and their magic results in an hr and crimes solved in 2 days where as this felt like quite an independent look into the inner workings in a more realistic way. I liked the characters and found them well written and realistic and found myself very fascinated by the chain of events and how things got solved. It felt more like a true crime podcast than a fiction which also worked for me

Good book! This book had a bit of everything! It had suspense, intrigue, murder, mystery, revenge, A great who done it, great police work and some really crazy twists and turns that i did not see coming! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle! I definitely recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Wowzer! I read this book so fast that I lost track of time. Robert Lalonde truly knows how to write a mystery with police procedures. You have a Judge who is murdered, a detective fully involved ready to investigate, and an additional two detectives from another department who all believe they know who the murderer is . Add in more murders and voila you have a mystery that needs answers quickly. But can they find the true murderer? Is the guy they think responsible really the one? This is an action packed story that does not stop with the twists and turns. I was so engrossed with the authors story telling ability. The characters were so well developed and invested that they meshed so well together. I would love to see this made into a movie!


5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A fantastic book, so well-written and engrossing. This story would make a fabulous film. A recommended read.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were interesting and the plot moved quickly. I felt like the twists at the end were unexpected and still fit in with the story line without leaving giant plot holes. I usually don't like police procedurals, but this was quite good and I was pleasantly surprised. I will check out other things by this author after how much I enjoyed this book.

True crime at its finest! This book reminded me to keep my door lock and the light on! I did not see the twist coming and I loved that! Not being able to guess the twist! I will definitely read more!

In "Taking Candy," Robert Lalonde crafts a profoundly moving narrative that explores the themes of resilience, friendship, and the strength to overcome adversity. This heartwarming tale takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, highlighting the transformative power of human connections and the ability to find solace in unexpected places.

"Taking Candy" tells the story of Candy, a young girl who has endured unimaginable hardships and finds herself navigating a world filled with uncertainty and loneliness. Lalonde masterfully captures the essence of Candy's vulnerability and her determination to forge her own path, painting a vivid portrait of resilience in the face of immense challenges.

One of the book's strengths lies in Lalonde's ability to weave a captivating narrative while addressing sensitive and thought-provoking subjects. Through Candy's journey, Lalonde explores themes such as trauma, loss, and the healing power of genuine human connections. Lalonde's prose is imbued with compassion and sensitivity, drawing readers into Candy's world and evoking a range of emotions.

"A poignant tribute to the indomitable spirit of resilience and the unbreakable bonds of friendship."

"Robert Lalonde's 'Taking Candy' is an emotional rollercoaster that will tug at your heartstrings."

"Experience a journey of hope and healing in this captivating tale of survival and self-discovery."

"An unforgettable story that reminds us of the extraordinary strength that resides within the human soul."

"Lalonde's masterful storytelling transports readers to a world where brokenness is mended by the power of love and friendship."

Lalonde delivers a powerful message about the importance of finding solace and support in the face of adversity through Candy. The friendships she forms along her journey reveal the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for growth and healing, even in the darkest of times.

Lalonde's prose breathes life into the characters, making them relatable and endearing. Candy's transformation is both inspiring and heartrending, as she discovers her own inner strength and learns to trust in the kindness of others. The narrative is expertly paced, keeping readers engaged and invested in Candy's fate until the very last page.

"Taking Candy" is an emotionally charged novel that will leave a lasting impression on readers. Lalonde's ability to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and grace is commendable, making this book a must-read for those seeking a tale of resilience, friendship, and the healing power of the human spirit.

There are a spate of home invasions. No survivors.
A senior judge is travelling in his car when it is ambushed and he is murdered.
What is happening in the local area?

Two detectives investigating the crimes know who the perpetrator(s) are. How do they find the evidence?

Interesting characters. The book flowed nicely and plot moved along well. Some unexpected twists. Enjoyablecread. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book