Goodbye to the Dead (A Jonathan Stride Novel, 7) Paperback – February 7, 2017

Characters are well developed the plot ushers you along with many twists and turns. A very satisfying ending. I will certainly read more from this author

For longtime fans of Brian Freeman's mystery/thriller series featuring Jonathan Stride, this is the seventh installment and a good one at that. It is actually two stories in one that are inexplicably interwoven in a such a manner that over half the novel is told in flashback mode. Stride and his lover and partner, Serena Dial, are back together again along with Cat, the 17 year old troubled teen that they took into their home after their last adventure. Serena witnesses a especially brutal murder outside a bar in Duluth, and in the chase that follows, she recovers a gun that was used 8 years earlier in a murder case that almost came between Stride and his now deceased wife, Cindy. Finding that gun which was missing from a controversial murder scene years ago, rips a scab off not only the case but also off Stride's memories of his ex-wife.The gun Serena recovers forces Stride to reflect on one of his last cases before Cindy-a case in which he and Cindy differed strongly and thus initiates a 200 page reflection of the original case in which Cindy's best friend, Janine Snow, a successful surgeon but less successful marriage partner, is delivered home from a party by Cindy where she is disrespectfully met by her surly husband. Sometime in the next hour, when returning from a shower, Janine finds her husband shot dead and some of her valuable jewelry missing. In a sensational trial, Janine is found guilty and imprisoned even in the absence of a murder weapon much to Cindy's consternation and Stride's satisfaction.As Stride and Serena begin investigating a human trafficking ring run out of Duluth, the gun Serena found is tied to an organized crime syndicate and was used to kill Janine's husband 8 years earlier. Was Stride wrong 8 years ago when he sent Janine to prison? Was Cindy right after all and he sent the wrong person to prison for a crime she didn't commit? The latter third of the book focuses on Stride and Serena's investigation and how the discovery of the missing gun affects the almost decade-old case of Janine Snow. And as usual, readers can expect a twist and turn or two before the dust settles.As with all Freeman's books, I enjoyed "Goodbye To The Dead" and found it to be a mix of police procedural and mystery. The characterizations are spot on, particularly the troubled relationship between Serena and Maggie, Stride's former partner and brief lover. The plot is tight and believable with credible dialogue. I am still not a fan of Cat's addition to the Stride books and feel her character slows the action of the story and interactions among Stride/Serena/Maggie. Also, the long retelling of the earlier case was a little off-putting for me but all in all, another great effort by Brian Freeman and his superb characters.

Talk about twists and turns. This book has it all. Freeman at his very best. You will enjoy this book.

Goodbye to the Dead is the seventh (and last, to date) of the Jonathan Stride novels. It is also something of a prequel. The story begins with Stride’s second wife, Cindy, still very much alive. She has dropped off a doctor friend, Janine Snow, at her home. The doctor has an argument with her husband and goes off to take a shower. When she finishes her shower she finds her husband dead, shot through the forehead, and some of her expensive jewelry missing. The gun is missing as well, but the doctor is arrested and tried for second-degree murder. Stride thinks her guilty; his wife thinks that she is innocent.This story (including the trial) occupies approximately 60% of the story. From there we flash forward to present time. Stride has had his affair with Maggie and is now reunited with Serena. They are working a human trafficking case in Duluth. One woman has been murdered; another is missing. In the course of this investigation evidence is recovered that is linked to the Janine Snow murder/investigation/trial. The evidence may prove to be exculpatory, but since this is a Brian Freeman novel we must remain open to the possibility of a twist or two.The novel is rock solid. The plot, subplot and personal story plot are all integrated nicely and the time levels are mixed very smoothly. Even though there are some unattractive characteristics of one of the primary characters (Dr. Snow) we come to care about her and certainly want to learn of her guilt or innocence. The personal story plot has some additional elements now that Cat Mateo, the 17 year-old runaway who is living with Jonathan and Serena is advancing in her pregnancy. Maggie has come away from her marriage both (very) rich and unhappy. An old cop/adversary enters the picture as an adulterous lover of Dr. Snow. Bottom line: things are busy in Duluth.This is one of the best of the Stride novels and one hopes very much that it will not be the last.Advice: begin at the beginning and read the novels in order.

*SPOILER ALERT** The book starts out "Now" with Jonathan, Serena, & Cat coexisting so far when Serena is shot during a chase. The book changes and goes to "Then" heading back in time where Jonathan and Cindy were in their marriage before she was sick and died. An intriguing mystery about Cindy's best friend Janine and the murder of her husband. A body, no weapon recovered, and jewelry missing. Stride was the lead investigator taking down Janine in a seemingly cut and dried case. The intricacies of the investigation, the forming of his partnership with Maggie, his marriage with Cindy, and other key players are visited. "Now" there are girls being kidnapped and the long missing weapons comes to light. Did Stride arrest the wrong person, how does the weapon connect with Cat, and can he ever move on from the ghosts of his past? You're in for a ride to find out.

I've been waiting for another Jonathan Stride book to come out for ages having read the whole series so far and I wasn't disappointed. I love the descriptions of Duluth, the author has a way of making you feel as if you are actually there and also you feel as if you know the characters. Brilliant story switching back and forth over two different time periods, involving so many different characters and weaving intriguing connections which had me turning the pages way into the small hours. Really loved the way Cindy Stride is so prominent in this book as well, it helps the reader learn a little more about the enigmatic detective. Can't wait for the next one!

A great STORY of intrigue murder love and the most despicable of trades in the criminal world. So many people get hurt either physically or. Mentally scarred. Frightening book to read and absorb but so true of real-life.

A excellent read. Refreshingly different from the last book I read by this author. I could relate too all the characters. Enjoying the complication of their relationships. Some twists and turns I didn't see coming, which always for me makes a good read. Who should read this, anyone who enjoys the unexpected .

Stride is back with all the regulars in another spell binding read. Brian Freeman is fast becoming one of the most entertaining writers of thrillers and this book certainly doesn't disappoint.A fast paced thriller with so many twists that all come together in the end for a brilliant surprising conclusion.You won't put this book down until it's finished and then will be wanting more...........

It seemed an endless story that went on and on i read the entire book but was glad to finish it it was so drawn out and not even a positive ending.