Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Little, Brown and Company (2020), 416 pages
Description
"Veteran reporter Jack McEvoy has taken down killers before, but when a woman he had a one-night stand with is murdered in a particularly brutal way, McEvoy realizes he might be facing a criminal mind unlike any he's ever encountered. McEvoy investigates--against the warnings of the police and his own editor--and makes a shocking discovery that connects the crime to other mysterious deaths across the country. But his inquiry hits a snag when he himself becomes a suspect. As he races to clear his name, McEvoy's findings point to a serial killer working under the radar of law enforcement for years, and using personal data shared by the victims themselves to select and hunt his targets"--
User reviews
LibraryThing member breic
A standard action/mystery novel, based on an implausible DNA privacy hook. Not Connelly's strongest; he seems to be struggling with making McEvoy a compelling character, and the writing is fairly bland. Still, it has a high-speed action scene on the 101 freeway in LA.
LibraryThing member bjkelley
Great book, enjoyed it as much as the Bosh books. 3rd in the series and I can't remember (what happens when you get old) if I've read the first two, so guess I'll backtrack and get copies of The Poet and The Scarecrow.
LibraryThing member Eyejaybee
Over the last few years, I have probably read more different books by Michael Connelly than any other writer, having worked my way through the whole canon. I have reached the stage where I am now eagerly awaiting the next one. In all too many ways, I have failed to grow out of certain childish
This book proved to be yet another instance of that failing. Having bought it on the day it was published, I had originally planned to leave it for a little while, thinking it would be nice to have something to look forward to. I genuinely intended to put it to one side for a while … and I did … for at least three hours after it was delivered. Then, however, temptation got the better of me (not a concept I have been unfamiliar with over the last fifty odd years) and I simply plunged in.
I do worry when an author I like brings out a new book – there is always the fear that the weight of expectation might prove too great, and the book won’t live up to them. After all, an author as prolific as Connelly might be expected to waver every now and again. Fortunately, however, he hasn’t wavered here.
The ageing Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch is given a rest (perhaps he is on furlough), and the protagonist this time around is the journalist, Jack McEvoy, I would be interested to know to what extent McEvoy is grounded on Connelly himself, as I know the author started out as a journalist covering the crime beat in L
Show More
traits, one of which is a frequent failure to defer gratification.This book proved to be yet another instance of that failing. Having bought it on the day it was published, I had originally planned to leave it for a little while, thinking it would be nice to have something to look forward to. I genuinely intended to put it to one side for a while … and I did … for at least three hours after it was delivered. Then, however, temptation got the better of me (not a concept I have been unfamiliar with over the last fifty odd years) and I simply plunged in.
I do worry when an author I like brings out a new book – there is always the fear that the weight of expectation might prove too great, and the book won’t live up to them. After all, an author as prolific as Connelly might be expected to waver every now and again. Fortunately, however, he hasn’t wavered here.
The ageing Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch is given a rest (perhaps he is on furlough), and the protagonist this time around is the journalist, Jack McEvoy, I would be interested to know to what extent McEvoy is grounded on Connelly himself, as I know the author started out as a journalist covering the crime beat in L
Show Less
LibraryThing member Twink
I've read every book Michael Connelly has written and loved them all. I was really happy to see that Connelly was bringing reporter Jack McEvoy back for a tale of his own in the newly released Fair Warning. If you haven't read Jack's first two cases, The Poet and The Scarecrow, you're missing two
Jack is now working for an online consumer protection news site. But murder has found Jack again. When a woman he had a one night stand with a year ago is found killed (in a most unusual way), Jack finds himself on the suspect list. And he can't help it - he begins to investigate the case on his own, against the advice of his editor and the police. For single-minded Jack, it's all about the story, the heck with the danger he brings to his doorstep - or that of others.
The who, what, where and whys behind the killer's methods and motives are current and so very disturbing. The dark web, genetics and extreme misogyny. All seen in current newspaper stories. I think this reality is what makes this plot so frightening.
Connelly's writing is just so good. Engaging and entertaining. His work just flows. I was drawn into the book from the first pages. Easy to do when there's such a great premise - and lead character. Jack is impulsive, driven and dedicated. He's not always right but you can't help but admire his tenacity. I appreciated that his personal storyline was continued, bringing back Rachael, the FBI agent (and love interest) who was in the last book.
The reader won't be able to predict the course of the book. I had predicted one twist that never came to fruition. And the ending wasn't what I had expected either. I really enjoy being kept on my toes.
A fantastic read and most definitely recommended. And one more cool fact - Fair Warning is real. Myron Levin is in the book as the editor of Fair Warning - a job he holds in real life. And Connelly is on the board of directors.
Show More
great reads.Jack is now working for an online consumer protection news site. But murder has found Jack again. When a woman he had a one night stand with a year ago is found killed (in a most unusual way), Jack finds himself on the suspect list. And he can't help it - he begins to investigate the case on his own, against the advice of his editor and the police. For single-minded Jack, it's all about the story, the heck with the danger he brings to his doorstep - or that of others.
The who, what, where and whys behind the killer's methods and motives are current and so very disturbing. The dark web, genetics and extreme misogyny. All seen in current newspaper stories. I think this reality is what makes this plot so frightening.
Connelly's writing is just so good. Engaging and entertaining. His work just flows. I was drawn into the book from the first pages. Easy to do when there's such a great premise - and lead character. Jack is impulsive, driven and dedicated. He's not always right but you can't help but admire his tenacity. I appreciated that his personal storyline was continued, bringing back Rachael, the FBI agent (and love interest) who was in the last book.
The reader won't be able to predict the course of the book. I had predicted one twist that never came to fruition. And the ending wasn't what I had expected either. I really enjoy being kept on my toes.
A fantastic read and most definitely recommended. And one more cool fact - Fair Warning is real. Myron Levin is in the book as the editor of Fair Warning - a job he holds in real life. And Connelly is on the board of directors.
Show Less
LibraryThing member zhoud2005
It seems there are quite a few subtle tributes to other writer's popular series.
LibraryThing member brangwinn
The third book in the Jack McVoy has him investigating from the first page when detectives informed him that he’s a person of interest in a murder. Eventually McVoy finds his investigation leading him to DNA research and the dark web. Lots of creepy stuff and readers will be satisfied with the
Show More
end. Show Less
LibraryThing member waldhaus1
Jack MacEvoy is named as a possible murder suspect prompting him to start investigating the murder himself. He gets back together with Rachel Walling dieing the course of his investigation.
As always the story is filled with clever twists and turns. If you enjoy Connelly's books you will enjoy this
As always the story is filled with clever twists and turns. If you enjoy Connelly's books you will enjoy this
Show More
one. Show Less
LibraryThing member norinrad10
As much as I like Bosch books, Jack McEvoy may be my favorite Connelly protagonist. Jack McEvoy is the dogged reporter constantly wrecking havoc on his life by constantly putting the story before all else. Past entries the Scarecrow and the Poet are among Connelly's best and the latest doesn't
This time out McEvoy is no longer a newspaper man but rather a reporter for an online news magazine specializing in consumer protections. When the cops come calling about the murder of a former one night stand, McEvoy is suddenly knee deep in a case involving technology and the growing field of DNA identification.
For the most part the book is a thrill a minute, and the reader is swept up in the kind of novel that'll keep them up reading well after midnight. Unfortunately, it's ending is a little disappointing but on the plus side, it sets things up for us to re-visit of the obsessive reporter in the very near future.
Show More
disappoint.This time out McEvoy is no longer a newspaper man but rather a reporter for an online news magazine specializing in consumer protections. When the cops come calling about the murder of a former one night stand, McEvoy is suddenly knee deep in a case involving technology and the growing field of DNA identification.
For the most part the book is a thrill a minute, and the reader is swept up in the kind of novel that'll keep them up reading well after midnight. Unfortunately, it's ending is a little disappointing but on the plus side, it sets things up for us to re-visit of the obsessive reporter in the very near future.
Show Less
LibraryThing member runner56
Wow….just finished, and what a fantastic read and possibly one of the best books written by Mr Connelly. Jack McEvoy, you Connelly devotees will remember him from The Poet when he was a crime reporter and his brother died in an apparent suicide, and what an andreniline ride that was. Now Jack a
After some 25 years as one of the leaders in American crime fiction, Michael Connelly shows no signs of waning, the writing is taut, fresh, no wasted words or descriptions, simply great storytelling….if you only read one crime novel this year, this is it...many many thanks to the good people at netgalley for a gratis copy in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written….Highly, highly recommended.
Show More
man in his 50’s and working for an online “defender of consumer rights” site called Fair Warning, is back and hot on the heels of a killer who uses a bizarre, brutally painful, and unusual way to destroy his victims….atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) This is a form of internal decapitation where the spine is separated from the skull. When the body of Christina Portrero is discovered, and Jack’s DNA is identified he becomes a suspect. Now I’m not going to destroy the plot by telling you that Jack did not of course commit the murder, but as he does a little digging he soon discovers that there are a number of similar deaths that appear to be related…..yep the word that we crime readers adore...wait for it….a “serial killer” is on the loose! Hold on for the ride, and I can honestly tell you that this book moves with an unrelenting pace, forget everything...put the cat out, cancel the milkman, switch off the telly, unplug that bloody phone, and just do what we all do naturally….read. We enter the world of DNA, supply and demand, seller and purchaser and of course shady trading on the darknet. Jack once again finds himself working alongside ex FBI agent Rachel Walling, hoping to ignite that old flame of passion, and entice the delectable Rachel back to his lonely single man flat!. There are false leads, a super (nasty villain) and a well researched intelligent story, just waiting to be consumed by MC’s hungry and adoring fans!After some 25 years as one of the leaders in American crime fiction, Michael Connelly shows no signs of waning, the writing is taut, fresh, no wasted words or descriptions, simply great storytelling….if you only read one crime novel this year, this is it...many many thanks to the good people at netgalley for a gratis copy in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written….Highly, highly recommended.
Show Less
LibraryThing member lostinalibrary
Reporter Jack McElvoy is working for FairWarning, a consumer advocacy blog site when he becomes a suspect in the murder of a woman he once had a one night stand with. Despite warnings from both the police and his editor to leave it alone and let them handle it, he starts investigating on his own.
Fair Warning is the third entry in the Jack McElvoy series by author Michael Connelly and it shows why Connolly is considered one of the best because it's one hell of a thrill ride. The writing is tight and the plot is both electrifying and scary - Connelly takes the reader through the unregulated area of DNA testing and, if you ever considered getting your DNA tested, trust me, this will put paid to that idea. Like pretty much all of Connelly's novels, once started, it's unputdownable. In fact, it cost me a night of sleep but it was so worth it.
Although there are references to the events of earlier books as well as the return of an old love, even if you haven't read the others, this works well as a standalone. But, really, if this is your first in the McElvoy series, I recommend reading them all - you'll thank me later.
Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
Show More
He quickly discovers more victims with only one thing in common besides the method of killing - they all sent their DNA to the same cheap testing site. McElvoy soon finds himself entangled not only in the realities of the unregulated DNA testing market but also deep in the dark web and the misogynistic cult of incels.Fair Warning is the third entry in the Jack McElvoy series by author Michael Connelly and it shows why Connolly is considered one of the best because it's one hell of a thrill ride. The writing is tight and the plot is both electrifying and scary - Connelly takes the reader through the unregulated area of DNA testing and, if you ever considered getting your DNA tested, trust me, this will put paid to that idea. Like pretty much all of Connelly's novels, once started, it's unputdownable. In fact, it cost me a night of sleep but it was so worth it.
Although there are references to the events of earlier books as well as the return of an old love, even if you haven't read the others, this works well as a standalone. But, really, if this is your first in the McElvoy series, I recommend reading them all - you'll thank me later.
Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
Show Less
LibraryThing member shazjhb
I do not mind the Harry Bosch preachy attitude but in this book save me. What is it with endings. This was the worst ending I have read this year and that is saying something.
LibraryThing member Judiex
Jack McEvoy has covered many stories as a reporter. In FAIR WARNING, he feels that he must ignore the opposition of both the police and his editor as he pursues the background and connections in the death of a woman with whom he had had a one-night stand a year previously. Her body had just been
After McEvoy was released, following a stay in lockup, he decided to investigate the case to see if there was a story worth investigating. His editor was not enthusiastic because it didn’t seem likely to appeal to his public but allowed him a very short period of time to check it out. His editor then brought in Emily Atwater to help with the research, against McEvoy’s wishes.
After checking the autopsy report, Jack realized that the victim had been strangled in a very unusual manner. He and Emily began looking for similar deaths and were able to locate a few, most of which were labeled either suicides or accidents.
The main part of the plot deals with people who have had a genetic test and who have a marker on a specific gene, DRD4.
Large DNA analysis began in the 1990s by small group of Stanford University professors as a way to help smaller police departments test results of DNA tests. As time went on, the uses expanded to include, among other things, studies and research on aging, obesity, addiction, and “causes of human maladies and developing drug and behavioral therapies to treat or cure them.”
What happens with the results of these tests, especially with lax federal oversight, is the question behind the plot.
The story is fast-paced as Jack, Emily, and Rachel (Jack’s ex-coworker and significant other) try to find a killer and prevent more deaths. It raises questions about the anticipated use of private information by the wrong people.
Show More
found in her apartment and Jack’s name was listed among her contacts. One of the two police detectives was angry about a previous case in which McEvoy had been involved, decided that he was the killer, and arrested him.After McEvoy was released, following a stay in lockup, he decided to investigate the case to see if there was a story worth investigating. His editor was not enthusiastic because it didn’t seem likely to appeal to his public but allowed him a very short period of time to check it out. His editor then brought in Emily Atwater to help with the research, against McEvoy’s wishes.
After checking the autopsy report, Jack realized that the victim had been strangled in a very unusual manner. He and Emily began looking for similar deaths and were able to locate a few, most of which were labeled either suicides or accidents.
The main part of the plot deals with people who have had a genetic test and who have a marker on a specific gene, DRD4.
Large DNA analysis began in the 1990s by small group of Stanford University professors as a way to help smaller police departments test results of DNA tests. As time went on, the uses expanded to include, among other things, studies and research on aging, obesity, addiction, and “causes of human maladies and developing drug and behavioral therapies to treat or cure them.”
What happens with the results of these tests, especially with lax federal oversight, is the question behind the plot.
The story is fast-paced as Jack, Emily, and Rachel (Jack’s ex-coworker and significant other) try to find a killer and prevent more deaths. It raises questions about the anticipated use of private information by the wrong people.
Show Less
LibraryThing member lbswiener
Fair Warning another good story following the escapades of the fictional newspaper writer, Jack McEvoy. Jack joins, Fair Warning, a consumer watchdog news outlet. He gets himself involved in a terrible situation with a brutal serial killer. The book is gory. The book is scary. The story is alarming
Show More
and true to the watchdog news outlet, educational. One will be spell bound from the beginning of the book to the end true to Michael Connelly's abilities. The book received four stars in this review. Show Less
LibraryThing member delta61
A crime story that has us believing that and old reporter is a seasoned member
of the information highway. The book has great flow and holds us from beginning
to end. It leaves us with the belief that there are more stories to come.
of the information highway. The book has great flow and holds us from beginning
to end. It leaves us with the belief that there are more stories to come.
LibraryThing member edwardsgt
The author has used all his journalistic experience to write an excellent thriller which examines the growing popularity of consumer genetic or DNA testing, coupled with an almost total absence of regulation, at least in the US. Jack McEvoy is a journalist working for Fair Warning who decides to
Show More
investigate the DNA testing sector when he falls under suspicion of the death of a woman who used such a service. It is revealed at the end of the book that Fair Warning is a real organisation and the author is on the board, so writes with even more inside knowledge than I thought! Show Less
LibraryThing member zmagic69
This would be a 4 or maybe even a 5 star book from a first time author but for the author of the Bosch series, the Mickey Haller series and now the Renée Ballard series this was terribly subpar. Did Michael Connelly even write this book?
Great idea for a story but oh my the telling of it was
Great idea for a story but oh my the telling of it was
Show More
boring, no single character seemed real. And what a boring ending. It was as if the author had one more book he needed to write to fulfill a contract obligation. Show Less
LibraryThing member infjsarah
Enjoyable. Connelly knows how to write a crime drama which takes hold and you want to keep reading. This is no different.
LibraryThing member tbrown3131949
I found Fair Warning to be a compelling read, but not as engaging as I wanted or expected. I have read both The Poet and The Scarecrow and remember loving the books. But in this one, I find Jack McEvoy to be an irritating asshole and this detracts from the book for me. It is difficult to read a
Still, the story, revolving around genetic analysis, and the involvement of Rachel Walling drew me in and I had to keep reading.
Particularly in the first part of the novel, I felt that Connelly's handling of the details of the story were not as strong as I have seen in the Harry Bosch novels. At times, I almost felt like this was an old novel, written years ago when he was still learning how to write police procedurals.
Show More
story where the main character is less than sympathetic, and McEvoy, in this book, is.Still, the story, revolving around genetic analysis, and the involvement of Rachel Walling drew me in and I had to keep reading.
Particularly in the first part of the novel, I felt that Connelly's handling of the details of the story were not as strong as I have seen in the Harry Bosch novels. At times, I almost felt like this was an old novel, written years ago when he was still learning how to write police procedurals.
Show Less
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — Mystery — 2021)
Original language
English
Physical description
1.11 inches
ISBN
0316539422 / 9780316539425
Similar in this library
Win by Harlan Coben