How well do we ever know anyone?
Even someone we might be falling in love with... On a rainy October morning, Mallory Petersen, private detective and martial artist, discovers the corpse of her boyfriend, Bobby Furillo, in front of her office in Des Moines, Iowa. Bucking police authority, and continually attacked by unknown adversaries, Mallory uncovers Bobby’s devastating secrets. Each new revelation puts Mallory in deeper peril from powerful and dangerous people. And just what are those enigmatic RSVP cards that keep showing up in Mallory’s mail?
“In Alpha, author Brayton treats us to another puzzling adventure when Mallory Petersen, his kick-ass heroine, finds her boyfriend, Bobby Furrillo murdered. Mallory follows the police investigation that leads to one shocking development after another. Anyone who loves a strong heroine in a clever mystery with intriguing characters should read Alpha.” —F. M. Meredith, author of No Bells
“Fourth-degree black belt and private eye Mallory Petersen kicks major butt in this medium-boiled mystery. The investigation of a murdered boyfriend draws Mallory into a dark pit of drug dealers, dirty cops and danger. The action doesn’t let up for this sensitive and caring yet feisty martial artist when she’s hot on the trail. Buckle your seat belt for a thrilling ride!” —Sally Carpenter, author of The Baffled Beatlemaniac Caper Eureka! Award finalist.
Even someone we might be falling in love with... On a rainy October morning, Mallory Petersen, private detective and martial artist, discovers the corpse of her boyfriend, Bobby Furillo, in front of her office in Des Moines, Iowa. Bucking police authority, and continually attacked by unknown adversaries, Mallory uncovers Bobby’s devastating secrets. Each new revelation puts Mallory in deeper peril from powerful and dangerous people. And just what are those enigmatic RSVP cards that keep showing up in Mallory’s mail?
“In Alpha, author Brayton treats us to another puzzling adventure when Mallory Petersen, his kick-ass heroine, finds her boyfriend, Bobby Furrillo murdered. Mallory follows the police investigation that leads to one shocking development after another. Anyone who loves a strong heroine in a clever mystery with intriguing characters should read Alpha.” —F. M. Meredith, author of No Bells
“Fourth-degree black belt and private eye Mallory Petersen kicks major butt in this medium-boiled mystery. The investigation of a murdered boyfriend draws Mallory into a dark pit of drug dealers, dirty cops and danger. The action doesn’t let up for this sensitive and caring yet feisty martial artist when she’s hot on the trail. Buckle your seat belt for a thrilling ride!” —Sally Carpenter, author of The Baffled Beatlemaniac Caper Eureka! Award finalist.
Reviews
Thomas Mann
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well-drawn characters and a great storyline with a twist ending!
February 18, 2018 Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I'm normally not a fan of private-eye novels but thought I'd give this one a try. The storyline--about a woman investigating the death of her former lover--seemed bland, but a perusal of the book suggested I'd be in for an entertaining read. The main character I should mention is a taekwondo instructor, which I found interested, and the further I got into the book, the more I found myself drawn into the character's lives and what secrets lurked behind the scenes--the ending caught me totally by surprise. The book is written in alternating chapters of present and past, which took me some time for me to get used to but once you do it's an easy read, with a rhythm that is even lyrical. I enjoyed this book and think you will too.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well-drawn characters and a great storyline with a twist ending!
February 18, 2018 Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I'm normally not a fan of private-eye novels but thought I'd give this one a try. The storyline--about a woman investigating the death of her former lover--seemed bland, but a perusal of the book suggested I'd be in for an entertaining read. The main character I should mention is a taekwondo instructor, which I found interested, and the further I got into the book, the more I found myself drawn into the character's lives and what secrets lurked behind the scenes--the ending caught me totally by surprise. The book is written in alternating chapters of present and past, which took me some time for me to get used to but once you do it's an easy read, with a rhythm that is even lyrical. I enjoyed this book and think you will too.
Kathryn D
5.0 out of 5 starsAlpha by Stephen L. Brayton
December 1, 2012 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
"Alpha" is Stephen L. Brayton's second novel with heroine Mallory Petersen. Her story feels reminiscent of Robert B Parker's character private eye extraordinaire Spencer. Like P.I. Spencer, Miss Petersen sees things black, white and gray. The reader observes the right way and the Petersen way in which she resolves her cases.
Mr. Brayton's format of Now. . . and Then. . . in the "Alpha" story gives the reader an opportunity to catch their breath between action scenes.
"Alpha" introduces the reader to many characters we want to follow in more Mallory Petersen and "Night Shadows" novels.
We want more Mallory, Lawrence, Darren, and Harry Reznik. PLEASE.
5.0 out of 5 starsAlpha by Stephen L. Brayton
December 1, 2012 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
"Alpha" is Stephen L. Brayton's second novel with heroine Mallory Petersen. Her story feels reminiscent of Robert B Parker's character private eye extraordinaire Spencer. Like P.I. Spencer, Miss Petersen sees things black, white and gray. The reader observes the right way and the Petersen way in which she resolves her cases.
Mr. Brayton's format of Now. . . and Then. . . in the "Alpha" story gives the reader an opportunity to catch their breath between action scenes.
"Alpha" introduces the reader to many characters we want to follow in more Mallory Petersen and "Night Shadows" novels.
We want more Mallory, Lawrence, Darren, and Harry Reznik. PLEASE.
