Nailed (A Ron Ketchum Mystery Book 1)

There were quite a few balls in the air with this story--a hunt for a killer, a hunt for a mountain lion, with racial tension thrown in from the get go. I enjoyed this story immensely, and the author's seamless construction of a many part tale was flawless. I liked the fact that Corrie Knox was not depicted as a hot chick who just happened to become a forest service employee. Instead, she was a plain, sensible, somewhat attractive woman. In fact, most of the characters were understated types, with the exception of the haters and the criminals.The racial strife I believed was depicted very well, although it did overwhelm the rest of the plot later in the book, and I found myself skimming, instead of reading thoroughly. I also felt the mountain lion's last hurrah was overwrought and not as easy to believe as if he had been taken down outside, or in his own habitat. Additionally, I don't believe a glib remark like telling the mountain lion that it may need an antacid to help digest the body of the person it had just killed is something that one would say after having witnessed the mauling death and having come so close to her own death, as was the case with the script writer.In all, this is a smooth, well written piece that I would recommend to others, and I will look for more of Flynn's books.

It isn't often that a book grabs you so quickly that you are totally immersed in the story before the first chapter is finished. Especially when the chapters are short and punchy as they are in Nailed.Full disclosure: I have read (and reviewed) other books by Joseph Flynn. Those reviews are also 5-stars. So I was fully prepared to like this one. But I was not expecting to get so enthralled as quickly as I did.I've said before that there are certain books and certain authors whose work is so good that they are put in a special place in the library to be read again and again. This one certainly fills the bill that way.Mr. Flynn does an amazing job of humanizing his book's characters. There's always a proper amount of admiration for the "good guys" and an equal amount of disdain for the other side. What always works well, and not too many authors are good at, is getting the dialogue between the characters to seem real. In Nailed, the conversations are really, really good and totally believable. Most of all, even the minor players in the story are right for what they are and for what they do and say.For me, a book review is something that speaks to the way a book is written rather than being another way (obviously much shorter) to tell the story. There are over 300 amazon reviews of this book, so another one retelling the story seems kind of pointless.The bottom line here is that Nailed is as good a crime thriller as you are likely ever to read. That should be enough reason for you to get this one. Don't miss it.

I was expecting this book to be another typical, who-done-it, detective story, although that wouldn’t have been an altogether bad thing, because I enjoy crime mysteries. Who doesn’t like to try to guess the guilty party and see justice prevail? However, by the time I was about a third of the way into the book, I realised there was nothing typical about this detective story at all. The author has taken an intriguing crime mystery, plus interwoven issues of racism and religious hypocrisy.It would be difficult not to like the protagonist, Ron Ketchum, despite the skeleton in his closet, which surfaces and threatens his investigation into the murder of an African American male, gruesomely nailed to a tree. It would be equally difficult not to admire the way he contends with the additional challenge of protecting the community from a wild and hungry mountain lion that seems to have acquired the taste of human flesh. Then, despite it all, he even has time for a little romance!The last part of the description sums it up very well – ‘Looking for a killer, hunting a lion, and defending his own integrity – makes being a (former) cop in L.A. seem like the good old days.’The author rounds off this series with ‘Defiled’ and ‘Impaled’, and after reading, ‘Nailed’, I imagine the next two books in the series will be as equally entertaining.~ Jan

What a fantastic read. You don't usually get good quality stuff for free, so I was pleasantly surprised when I picked this up. Thanks Joseph Flynn!The story's central theme was racism. The author raises many valid points and different POVs for the reader to digest. There's a slightly preachy undertone to it and it becomes a little repetitive after a while. However, there's murder, retribution, revenge, blood, FBI, people running about with guns and a freakin' MOUNTAIN LION eating rich folk. Are you sold?The back stories like the history of the town and the Chief's past were brilliant and added an extra dimension to the book. I also really liked how there were so many possible suspects; I couldn't guess who it was until very near the end. I dislike stories that are obvious and the baddie can be easily guessed, but very little chance with this!The characters were actually quite interesting, likeable and 90% believable. The romantic storyline wasn't obscenely "sexed-up" or squishy, lovey-dovey. The only person that I found slightly grating was Mayor Clay. Clay is your typical retired Hollywood A-Lister who makes his fortune and goes off to live the high-life out in the sticks near a beautiful lake. He ends up being the control freak of the town and molly coddling everyone! Man needs to keep his fingers out of all the pies.It wasn't love at first read though, as I found the start a little confusing. In the first chapter, the over use of the main characters' job descriptions was slightly jarring, especially when you're not familiar with who's who in terms of names and titles. I initially thought Ron was the Deputy Chief and Oliver was the Chief and ended up having to reread the first few paragraphs again.However, I loved the writing style and really enjoyed the story. I'll definitely get the next book - thanks Mr Flynn, you have a new fan!

A real "can't put it down" read. Very enjoyable. Rather shocked at the degree of racism it conveyed in the US - is this really true? (If it is that is more shocking than the story). Great twist at the end which I didn't see coming. Will definitely look out for more books from this author.

This is the first Joseph Flynn book I've read and after this one it won't be my last.With two distinct strands to the novel, a murder and a crazy mountain lion, this book raced along.Well done!And I hope that there will be more Chief Ketchum books!

This is a fast moving story and a real page turner! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the various characters and trying to guess the culprit. I failed to do so, much to my delight as I am often successful! Can highly recommend.

The always reliable Joseph Flynn has created another excellent novel with 2 separate storylines which intertwine towards the end - great characters / humour / romance / action / introspection and some deep discussions - a great novel.

Could not put it down! Must be one of the best American who-dun-its I have read in a long while. With one major plot and several sideline issues it maintains the interest throughout.

Enjoyed reading this book a lot. And as with many good books, the end seemed to come to quickly - not for the story itself but I wanted the enjoyment of reading it to continue.

A great story. Loved it, and will be reading the next in line a.s.a.p. The story was balanced and had me hooked.

Just a fantastic read , loved it .all characters were interesting , human and animals killing instinct no different except for animals it's to survive not for revenge

I enjoyed this read

really good read

Very good story, in fact two very good stories in one. really enjoyed.I will look out for more Ron Ketchum mysteries.

I really enjoyed this book, it is very well written, all the bits fall into the right place, reminds me why I enjoy being English a lion free zone. Nice ending.

pretty good

Good characterisation and a twisty plot with a side smattering of romance to keep you interested so it had everything.