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Jake Longly #5
The OC
Thrill-a-minute crime fiction—infused with wry humor
Restaurant owner and former professional baseball player Jake Longly is hoping for a few weeks of fun with Nicole Jamison in the warm Orange County, CA sun—The OC, baby. After that, they’ll be on their way to LA for the filming of Nicole’s sure-to-be-a-hit screenplay.
On arrival, they discover that Nicole’s friend Megan Weatherly, a local TV reporter, has picked up an anonymous stalker. Megan downplays any real danger, but her new intern Abby, as well as Jake and Nicole, don’t agree. Bit by bit, as the harassment escalates and the shadowy man invades Megan’s world, Jake calls in the big guns from back home in Ray and Pancake. But will Ray’s military black ops experience and Pancake’s technical skills be enough to expose the predator in time?
The stalker is no fool and likely has a predatory history. He makes no mistakes and manages to cover his trail completely. So, how do you identify and locate the untraceable? How do you protect Megan from a potentially lethal phantom?
Suddenly the sunshine and safety of The OC seem more facade than reality. Jake and crew must punch through that facade and dig into the dark world of celebrity stalking. The clock is ticking.
Perfect for fans of Carl Hiaasen and Janet Evanovich
While all of the novels in the Jake Longly Thriller Series stand on their own and can be read in any order, the publication sequence
Deep Six
A-List
Sunshine State
Rigged
The OC
Restaurant owner and former professional baseball player Jake Longly is hoping for a few weeks of fun with Nicole Jamison in the warm Orange County, CA sun—The OC, baby. After that, they’ll be on their way to LA for the filming of Nicole’s sure-to-be-a-hit screenplay.
On arrival, they discover that Nicole’s friend Megan Weatherly, a local TV reporter, has picked up an anonymous stalker. Megan downplays any real danger, but her new intern Abby, as well as Jake and Nicole, don’t agree. Bit by bit, as the harassment escalates and the shadowy man invades Megan’s world, Jake calls in the big guns from back home in Ray and Pancake. But will Ray’s military black ops experience and Pancake’s technical skills be enough to expose the predator in time?
The stalker is no fool and likely has a predatory history. He makes no mistakes and manages to cover his trail completely. So, how do you identify and locate the untraceable? How do you protect Megan from a potentially lethal phantom?
Suddenly the sunshine and safety of The OC seem more facade than reality. Jake and crew must punch through that facade and dig into the dark world of celebrity stalking. The clock is ticking.
Perfect for fans of Carl Hiaasen and Janet Evanovich
While all of the novels in the Jake Longly Thriller Series stand on their own and can be read in any order, the publication sequence
Deep Six
A-List
Sunshine State
Rigged
The OC
304 pages, Hardcover
Published October 5, 2021
About the author
D.P. Lyle
35 books150 followersDP Lyle, MD is the Macavity and Benjamin Franklin Silver Award winning and Edgar, Agatha, Anthony, Scribe, Silver Falchion, and USA Best Book Award nominated author of many non-fiction books as well as numerous works of fiction.
He has worked with many novelists and with the writers of popular television shows such as Law & Order, CSI: Miami, Diagnosis Murder, Monk, House, Medium, and Pretty Little Liars and others
For the past 35 years, he has practiced Cardiology in Orange County, California. He is the co-host, along with Jan Burke, of Crime and Science Radio, a twice-monthly program on Suspense Radio.
He has worked with many novelists and with the writers of popular television shows such as Law & Order, CSI: Miami, Diagnosis Murder, Monk, House, Medium, and Pretty Little Liars and others
For the past 35 years, he has practiced Cardiology in Orange County, California. He is the co-host, along with Jan Burke, of Crime and Science Radio, a twice-monthly program on Suspense Radio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 13, 2021
“The OC” by D.P. Lyle is a story of power, personal relationships, and the price of stardom. It is part of the “Jake Longly” series, but everything a new reader needs to know about this unique group of characters is included in the first few paragraphs. The story unfolds in Jake’s first-person narrative with some alternating chapters from other perspectives. The plot is conversation-driven and full of casual exchanges and friendly banter, but it is also heavy on the attitude. Jake talks to readers as if he were talking to friends over dinner and drinks – lots of drinks! The fun and familiar people from the previous books return, and Jake and first-time filmmaker Nicole leave the Gulf Shores of Alabama to work in Sunny California.
Nicole’s rich and famous relatives and friends in the film industry provide the background as Nicole begins work on her first feature film, the action thriller “Murderwood.” The trip is also supposed to be a vacation of sorts -- work mixed with relaxation on sunny beaches, but the group soon finds that Orange County, California is filled not only with fun, sun, and sand, but also with treachery, intrigue, and danger. Celebrity certainly has its perks and privileges, but it can hold peril as well.
“The OC” moves at a deliberate pace with an undercurrent of peril balanced with lighthearted celebrations. The story is about the characters; they do not just drop into the story; they are the story. I was given a review copy of “The OC” BY D. P. Lyle and Oceanview Publishing. While the conflict and its resolution are important to readers, “The OC” is really just an excuse to spend time with this group of colorful and entertaining characters.
Nicole’s rich and famous relatives and friends in the film industry provide the background as Nicole begins work on her first feature film, the action thriller “Murderwood.” The trip is also supposed to be a vacation of sorts -- work mixed with relaxation on sunny beaches, but the group soon finds that Orange County, California is filled not only with fun, sun, and sand, but also with treachery, intrigue, and danger. Celebrity certainly has its perks and privileges, but it can hold peril as well.
“The OC” moves at a deliberate pace with an undercurrent of peril balanced with lighthearted celebrations. The story is about the characters; they do not just drop into the story; they are the story. I was given a review copy of “The OC” BY D. P. Lyle and Oceanview Publishing. While the conflict and its resolution are important to readers, “The OC” is really just an excuse to spend time with this group of colorful and entertaining characters.
October 3, 2021
The OC is a witty, charming, and exciting crime story that rockets to a blood-chilling climax. Make some popcorn, grab a cold drink, and settle in for a fast, single-sitting read
October 20, 2021
Great series
I'm a die hard fan of this series. All the usual characters are back and the adrenaline flows in this tense thriller about stalkers. A great read!
I'm a die hard fan of this series. All the usual characters are back and the adrenaline flows in this tense thriller about stalkers. A great read!
October 12, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
Jake and his girlfriend Nicole are visiting Orange County because Nicole has written a screenplay that is being made into a movie. They meet up with a friend of Nicole's, a TV reporter who is being stalked by someone very skilled at the art.
From there, Jake mostly stands around and watches everyone else work for most of the book.
Some of the stalking stuff is pretty creepy.
Jake and his girlfriend Nicole are visiting Orange County because Nicole has written a screenplay that is being made into a movie. They meet up with a friend of Nicole's, a TV reporter who is being stalked by someone very skilled at the art.
From there, Jake mostly stands around and watches everyone else work for most of the book.
Some of the stalking stuff is pretty creepy.
October 6, 2021
The OC: DP LYLE
Jake and Nicole are back hoping for a few weeks of fun in the sun. Orange County, CA, sun and then on their way to LA for the filming of Nicole’s screenplay. But, as usual nothing goes as planned as Nicole’s friend, Megan Weatherly, a local TV reporter is stalked by someone unknow the danger is real and the fear ever higher. Someone is sending her emails, strange.
Blindsided Megan falls prey to the stalker, and will the team get there in time? The final scenes are vividly depicted by author DP Lyle in his special and unique writing style. As we hear Jake narrate events and Nicole too we hear their innermost thoughts and strategies. Filled with suspense, humor, plenty of food for pancake and technology and skills everyone would love to be able to access, the OC lives up to the high standards of the Langley serious
Bringing it to the attention of the police helps but not totally and the team has to come up with a way to keep Megan safe and the stalker at bay. But things get tense as the person ups the threats and you begin to wonder if this person is not hiding in plain sight. Someone is planning the threats, the emails and someone else might be behind the reasons for what is happening. Lives are at stake and then they were able to connect with two of the other reporters who described what happened to them as exactly what was happening to Megan. Megan at times seems to fall apart and her actions led her to be taken by the killer. Fake identities, false personalities, lies, deceptions, and someone who was not what they appeared to be and the fact the no personal information could be found anywhere the mystery unfolds and the unsavory pasts come through and the hope that the killer is caught before it’s too late.
Things get tense and although Nicole and Jake are there to help Megan they need Pancake and ray her father to find out who is behind what his happening to her. With a new intern that appears out of nowhere and Nicole and jake at her side, who is doing this and how does this person know where she is every time she moves to another safe location. The stalker is smart and is always way ahead of them at first and uses burner phones that cannot be traced. Threats, fears, marriage proposals, and death threats all in emails and sometimes in phone calls just who is doing this and why?
There as some who kill for the sport and some for revenge. The reasons behind this you just will not believe as some kill just for the thrill of killing and torturing someone because they feel they can.
Deciding to stay with Nicole and yet understanding the dangers involved no matter where she is, this stalker is sending emails, death threats, flowers and more. It seems as if someone is hiding in plain sight and dares the team to catch whoever it is. Pancake and Ray come, and things escalate even when they decide to go to her Nicole’s fathers house to be away from Megan’s home and yet this person finds them. Her home is vandalized, graffiti and more and her newscasts begin to suffer as Megan is often distracted and needs to hide. This is someone close by but who? We get to hear the voice of the stalker and the justification behind the actions, and you realize that this person is doing it for the thrill of torturing the victim. The thrill of the kill and the fun of watching the victim suffer, scream and beg for her life. Each one alive must still watch front and behind her until this demented killer is stopped.
Blindsided Megan falls prey to the stalker, and will the team get there in time? The final scenes are vividly depicted by author DP Lyle in his special and unique writing style. As we hear Jake narrate events and Nicole too we hear their innermost thoughts and strategies. Filled with suspense, humor, plenty of food for pancake and technology and skills everyone would love to be able to access, the OC lives up to the high standards of the Langley serious. What started out to be fun in the sun turns out to be anything but as the characters once again team up and hopefully will stop the killer before the body count rises even more. Greed, deceptions, betrayals, hate, vengeance and even the power over others are just some of the issues the author brings out in this novel. Friendships are tested and trust is paramount but who can anyone trust at this point other than the members of the team. THE OC visit you never know what you might expect even more than the sun!
Fran Lewis just reviews
Jake and Nicole are back hoping for a few weeks of fun in the sun. Orange County, CA, sun and then on their way to LA for the filming of Nicole’s screenplay. But, as usual nothing goes as planned as Nicole’s friend, Megan Weatherly, a local TV reporter is stalked by someone unknow the danger is real and the fear ever higher. Someone is sending her emails, strange.
Blindsided Megan falls prey to the stalker, and will the team get there in time? The final scenes are vividly depicted by author DP Lyle in his special and unique writing style. As we hear Jake narrate events and Nicole too we hear their innermost thoughts and strategies. Filled with suspense, humor, plenty of food for pancake and technology and skills everyone would love to be able to access, the OC lives up to the high standards of the Langley serious
Bringing it to the attention of the police helps but not totally and the team has to come up with a way to keep Megan safe and the stalker at bay. But things get tense as the person ups the threats and you begin to wonder if this person is not hiding in plain sight. Someone is planning the threats, the emails and someone else might be behind the reasons for what is happening. Lives are at stake and then they were able to connect with two of the other reporters who described what happened to them as exactly what was happening to Megan. Megan at times seems to fall apart and her actions led her to be taken by the killer. Fake identities, false personalities, lies, deceptions, and someone who was not what they appeared to be and the fact the no personal information could be found anywhere the mystery unfolds and the unsavory pasts come through and the hope that the killer is caught before it’s too late.
Things get tense and although Nicole and Jake are there to help Megan they need Pancake and ray her father to find out who is behind what his happening to her. With a new intern that appears out of nowhere and Nicole and jake at her side, who is doing this and how does this person know where she is every time she moves to another safe location. The stalker is smart and is always way ahead of them at first and uses burner phones that cannot be traced. Threats, fears, marriage proposals, and death threats all in emails and sometimes in phone calls just who is doing this and why?
There as some who kill for the sport and some for revenge. The reasons behind this you just will not believe as some kill just for the thrill of killing and torturing someone because they feel they can.
Deciding to stay with Nicole and yet understanding the dangers involved no matter where she is, this stalker is sending emails, death threats, flowers and more. It seems as if someone is hiding in plain sight and dares the team to catch whoever it is. Pancake and Ray come, and things escalate even when they decide to go to her Nicole’s fathers house to be away from Megan’s home and yet this person finds them. Her home is vandalized, graffiti and more and her newscasts begin to suffer as Megan is often distracted and needs to hide. This is someone close by but who? We get to hear the voice of the stalker and the justification behind the actions, and you realize that this person is doing it for the thrill of torturing the victim. The thrill of the kill and the fun of watching the victim suffer, scream and beg for her life. Each one alive must still watch front and behind her until this demented killer is stopped.
Blindsided Megan falls prey to the stalker, and will the team get there in time? The final scenes are vividly depicted by author DP Lyle in his special and unique writing style. As we hear Jake narrate events and Nicole too we hear their innermost thoughts and strategies. Filled with suspense, humor, plenty of food for pancake and technology and skills everyone would love to be able to access, the OC lives up to the high standards of the Langley serious. What started out to be fun in the sun turns out to be anything but as the characters once again team up and hopefully will stop the killer before the body count rises even more. Greed, deceptions, betrayals, hate, vengeance and even the power over others are just some of the issues the author brings out in this novel. Friendships are tested and trust is paramount but who can anyone trust at this point other than the members of the team. THE OC visit you never know what you might expect even more than the sun!
Fran Lewis just reviews
October 11, 2021
The initials of D.P. Lyle’s latest book represent Orange County, California’s third most populous county, nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego counties. Combined, these three densely tenanted areas have about 17 million residents, more than a third of the state’s population. The OC’s landmarks include Disneyland and Huntington Beach, the shire of surf and sun. And, like neighboring LA, movie stars.
Following 2020’s RIGGED, self-deprecating Jake Longly is “an old, washed-up athlete,” a former pro-baseball star. He and screenplay writer gal-pal Nicole Jamison jet from coastal Alabama to the Left Coast. “Her new film [Murderwood] was teed up to begin shooting in three weeks.”
Nicole’s small-scale TV newshound friend, Megan Weatherly, has received increasingly disturbing emails. One that came “in a half hour ago, was definitely more aggressive.” Megan’s assistant, Abby, says, “That is major-league creepy.” Megan has a stalker.
At the TV station, Jake and Nicole read the anonymous messages and enlist Jake’s PI papa Ray and behemoth buddy Pancake Jeffers from Alabama for investigation and tech analysis. Pancake knew “his way into the dark corners of the cyber world.” As a private eye, though, he stands out like “a rhino running with a herd of gazelles.” Thus the need for nondescript Ray. Jake’s dad blends in like a shadow --- the perfect PI.
A few red-herring characters are tossed into the mix, but Lyle fans may note the telegraphed whodunit.
Perhaps because of the dark nature of celebrity stalking and innuendo of Nicole’s movie, Murderwood, this book lacks the humor found early in the series, excluding refrigerator-sized Pancake’s nonstop gorging and Jake’s alcohol consumption OCD. Still, the witty banter entices readers. THE OC dives into the thriller deep end, amid sharks of terror, torture and murder.
D.P. Lyle, MD has earned many awards, including Macavity, Benjamin Franklin Silver, Edgar, Shamus and Anthony awards. He has published 22 fiction and nonfiction books, and written for a score of TV shows, such as “Law & Order,” “CSI: Miami,” “Diagnosis: Murder” and “Women’s Murder Club.”
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
Following 2020’s RIGGED, self-deprecating Jake Longly is “an old, washed-up athlete,” a former pro-baseball star. He and screenplay writer gal-pal Nicole Jamison jet from coastal Alabama to the Left Coast. “Her new film [Murderwood] was teed up to begin shooting in three weeks.”
Nicole’s small-scale TV newshound friend, Megan Weatherly, has received increasingly disturbing emails. One that came “in a half hour ago, was definitely more aggressive.” Megan’s assistant, Abby, says, “That is major-league creepy.” Megan has a stalker.
At the TV station, Jake and Nicole read the anonymous messages and enlist Jake’s PI papa Ray and behemoth buddy Pancake Jeffers from Alabama for investigation and tech analysis. Pancake knew “his way into the dark corners of the cyber world.” As a private eye, though, he stands out like “a rhino running with a herd of gazelles.” Thus the need for nondescript Ray. Jake’s dad blends in like a shadow --- the perfect PI.
A few red-herring characters are tossed into the mix, but Lyle fans may note the telegraphed whodunit.
Perhaps because of the dark nature of celebrity stalking and innuendo of Nicole’s movie, Murderwood, this book lacks the humor found early in the series, excluding refrigerator-sized Pancake’s nonstop gorging and Jake’s alcohol consumption OCD. Still, the witty banter entices readers. THE OC dives into the thriller deep end, amid sharks of terror, torture and murder.
D.P. Lyle, MD has earned many awards, including Macavity, Benjamin Franklin Silver, Edgar, Shamus and Anthony awards. He has published 22 fiction and nonfiction books, and written for a score of TV shows, such as “Law & Order,” “CSI: Miami,” “Diagnosis: Murder” and “Women’s Murder Club.”
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
November 6, 2021
This novel starts out slowly and proceeds in a methodical way. Nothing suspenseful happens until near the end. Jake and Nicole are in California and a friend of Nicole's is experiencing a stalker. Megan, a popular television new personality receives emails, texts, and gifts. When they become more aggressive, frightening Megan, Jake gets involved. Pancake, the investigative whiz, flies out to help.
It was interesting to find out that the police could essentially do nothing until a direct threat was made. One minor character, a successful movie star, tells of the stalking and over the top fan actions he has experienced. This novel gave me a new appreciation for what easily recognized, well known people have to go through to protect their own well being.
Lyle is a master at creating snappy dialogue and come backs. I did feel there were too many suggestive comments between Jack and Nicole. It seemed to cheapen their relationship.
This novel is part of an ongoing series. While it read relatively well on its own, reading the earlier novels would help in receiving the full enjoyment of this one.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
It was interesting to find out that the police could essentially do nothing until a direct threat was made. One minor character, a successful movie star, tells of the stalking and over the top fan actions he has experienced. This novel gave me a new appreciation for what easily recognized, well known people have to go through to protect their own well being.
Lyle is a master at creating snappy dialogue and come backs. I did feel there were too many suggestive comments between Jack and Nicole. It seemed to cheapen their relationship.
This novel is part of an ongoing series. While it read relatively well on its own, reading the earlier novels would help in receiving the full enjoyment of this one.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 8, 2021
This book is hilarious, but I should have realized I'd read the first book in the series years ago as Jake seemed so familiar to me! This time he's helping his friend Megan keep her celebrity status without being stalked by a stranger with notes that become increasingly violent. He leaves no trace of his existence so he'll be hard to catch. Megan's intern worries for her but there seems to be nothing they can do. When things get dicey, we realize Jake's got his hands full but fortunately he's smart and witty so we know he'll get the job done! It's just a fun read that will appeal to anyone who loves a good stalker story!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Read
January 6, 2022This is the first one of this series that I have read so I don’t know if that affects how I related to this book. There were some funny parts but after a while, the banter tended to get repetitive and cheesy, particularly the constant suggestive comments between Jake and his girlfriend. Once or twice, it’s cute. Any more and it gets annoying. I figured out early on who the stalker was working with but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. This was a fast-paced thriller with well-developed characters and a gorgeous setting.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2021
The OC by D. P. Lyle
This is an unlikely crew of private detectives. Nicole, beautiful a talented writer and Jake a retired MLB pitcher are asked to help Megan, a TV reporter, with her stalker.
Nicole has had stalkers of her own so she and Jake go from Alabama to OC. They find that Megan’s stalker is accelerating and they call in their partners, Ray, ex-CIA maybe, and Pancake a very large, very physical computer gear head.
The stalking gets out of hand and the four PIs are pushed to their limits.
Jake is, again, given the opportunity to use his pitching skills in a surprising manner.
I enjoyed the book.
This is an unlikely crew of private detectives. Nicole, beautiful a talented writer and Jake a retired MLB pitcher are asked to help Megan, a TV reporter, with her stalker.
Nicole has had stalkers of her own so she and Jake go from Alabama to OC. They find that Megan’s stalker is accelerating and they call in their partners, Ray, ex-CIA maybe, and Pancake a very large, very physical computer gear head.
The stalking gets out of hand and the four PIs are pushed to their limits.
Jake is, again, given the opportunity to use his pitching skills in a surprising manner.
I enjoyed the book.
Read
October 11, 2021Reminiscent of Nelson DeMille’s former NYC homicide detective character John Corey, Jake Longly’s sardonic quips will make you laugh out loud. Who doesn’t love a handsome, snarky knight-in-shining-armor who can throw a mean fastball?
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/10/05/can-a...
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/10/05/can-a...
October 4, 2021
The OC by D. P. Lyle is a recommended investigative mystery and the fifth book in the Jake Longly series.
Jake Longly and Nicole Jamison are flying from Alabama to Orange County, CA for some relaxation before they go on to LA for the filming of Nicole's screen play. Once they arrive they find out that Nicole’s friend Megan Weatherly, a local TV reporter, has a stalker, which causes some concern for Jake and Nicole. After they arrive the behavior of the stalker escalates and Jake decides it's time to call his friend Pancake Jeffers, who works as a PI in Ray Longly's firm. What Pancake uncovers concerns him enough that he travels to CA to help Jake and Nicole protect Megan.
This is a snappy quick paced investigation that follows the actions of the stalker as the tone of the emails sent and the gifts quickly intensify the investigation for the perpetrator. The tension quickly rises in the plot which will keep you reading at a breakneck pace to see what happens next. There is no doubt that Jake, Nicole, Pancake, and Ray will find the stalker and justice will be served. The pleasure is found in reaching the climax of the investigation. This is the fifth book in the series but it seemed to work as a stand alone too. The other books in the series are Deep Six, A-List, Sunshine State, and Rigged.
What I enjoyed was the fast paced plot, the characters, and the well written, compelling investigation. I liked Pancake, Ray, and Jake and Nicole (when they were not bantering with each other). The playful dialogue between all the characters worked but what dampened a bit of my enthusiasm was all the over-the-top and continuous suggestive dialogue between Jake and Nicole. It just seemed a bit too much at times and it became a distraction. Some would be fine a fit right into the plot, but it went beyond that. I enjoyed the mystery and the conclusion, but I'm not sure these are the characters for me. I did like the flow of the plot enough to maybe give them another chance.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Oceanview Publishing.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2021/1...
Jake Longly and Nicole Jamison are flying from Alabama to Orange County, CA for some relaxation before they go on to LA for the filming of Nicole's screen play. Once they arrive they find out that Nicole’s friend Megan Weatherly, a local TV reporter, has a stalker, which causes some concern for Jake and Nicole. After they arrive the behavior of the stalker escalates and Jake decides it's time to call his friend Pancake Jeffers, who works as a PI in Ray Longly's firm. What Pancake uncovers concerns him enough that he travels to CA to help Jake and Nicole protect Megan.
This is a snappy quick paced investigation that follows the actions of the stalker as the tone of the emails sent and the gifts quickly intensify the investigation for the perpetrator. The tension quickly rises in the plot which will keep you reading at a breakneck pace to see what happens next. There is no doubt that Jake, Nicole, Pancake, and Ray will find the stalker and justice will be served. The pleasure is found in reaching the climax of the investigation. This is the fifth book in the series but it seemed to work as a stand alone too. The other books in the series are Deep Six, A-List, Sunshine State, and Rigged.
What I enjoyed was the fast paced plot, the characters, and the well written, compelling investigation. I liked Pancake, Ray, and Jake and Nicole (when they were not bantering with each other). The playful dialogue between all the characters worked but what dampened a bit of my enthusiasm was all the over-the-top and continuous suggestive dialogue between Jake and Nicole. It just seemed a bit too much at times and it became a distraction. Some would be fine a fit right into the plot, but it went beyond that. I enjoyed the mystery and the conclusion, but I'm not sure these are the characters for me. I did like the flow of the plot enough to maybe give them another chance.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Oceanview Publishing.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2021/1...
October 20, 2023
Title: "The OC" by D. P. Lyle - A Riveting Thriller with a Unique Twist
Rating: ★★★★☆
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of "The OC" by D. P. Lyle, and it proved to be an enthralling thriller with a unique and intriguing premise. Lyle skillfully blends elements of forensic science, mystery, and suspense, delivering a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The story centers around the enigmatic Dr. Samantha Cody, a forensic expert who is called in to investigate a series of mysterious deaths in the idyllic community of Rancho Santa Theresa. As the body count rises, Samantha's determination to uncover the truth is unwavering, despite facing numerous obstacles and hidden agendas. Lyle's writing is both informative and engaging, making complex forensic concepts accessible to readers while maintaining a brisk and suspenseful pace.
What sets "The OC" apart is its distinctive take on the genre. Samantha Cody is a compelling protagonist with a unique background, and her character brings a fresh perspective to the world of forensic investigation. The novel masterfully balances scientific details with character-driven storytelling, ensuring that readers become emotionally invested in the outcome of the case. While the book occasionally delves into extensive forensic explanations, it adds to the authenticity of the narrative, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
I extend my sincere appreciation to both NetGalley and the publisher for granting me the opportunity to explore this advanced reader copy. "The OC" is a four-star thriller that combines forensic intrigue with a strong female lead, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read. D. P. Lyle has crafted a story that keeps the reader guessing until the final page, and I look forward to more of Dr. Samantha Cody's investigative adventures.
Rating: ★★★★☆
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of "The OC" by D. P. Lyle, and it proved to be an enthralling thriller with a unique and intriguing premise. Lyle skillfully blends elements of forensic science, mystery, and suspense, delivering a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The story centers around the enigmatic Dr. Samantha Cody, a forensic expert who is called in to investigate a series of mysterious deaths in the idyllic community of Rancho Santa Theresa. As the body count rises, Samantha's determination to uncover the truth is unwavering, despite facing numerous obstacles and hidden agendas. Lyle's writing is both informative and engaging, making complex forensic concepts accessible to readers while maintaining a brisk and suspenseful pace.
What sets "The OC" apart is its distinctive take on the genre. Samantha Cody is a compelling protagonist with a unique background, and her character brings a fresh perspective to the world of forensic investigation. The novel masterfully balances scientific details with character-driven storytelling, ensuring that readers become emotionally invested in the outcome of the case. While the book occasionally delves into extensive forensic explanations, it adds to the authenticity of the narrative, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
I extend my sincere appreciation to both NetGalley and the publisher for granting me the opportunity to explore this advanced reader copy. "The OC" is a four-star thriller that combines forensic intrigue with a strong female lead, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read. D. P. Lyle has crafted a story that keeps the reader guessing until the final page, and I look forward to more of Dr. Samantha Cody's investigative adventures.
October 5, 2021
Jake Longly is in LA with his girlfriend, Nicole, to see her first screenplay get turned into a movie, but what they thought was just some fun in Sunny California turns into a whole lot of mystery and danger when a stalker starts threatening Nicole's friend and local TV reporter, Megan Weatherly. It quickly turns into a bit of a race against time and a battle of wits that could have deadly consequences.
Stalker stories always run the risk of either getting too dark or not taking it seriously enough. I like how Lyle manages to add some fun and lightheartedness to the story without taking away from the horror that a stalker inserts into their victim's life. It's in big part thanks to the fun cast of characters that inhabit the page. Their quirks and offside comments help keep things from getting too dark, and that's something that I really appreciate.
I am intrigued by the fact that the main character in the story is not the main participant in it. Jake Longly is more the observer that narrates all the action to readers as those around him delve into the mystery that is the scary stalker threatening his girlfriend's friend. It's an interesting twist that actually made me like him more.
This is the first book I've read in the series and I think that Lyle does a fantastic job of making it accessible to new readers by giving just enough info about each character to give new readers an idea of them without maybe being repetitive to long-time readers. You can just jump into the story and revel in the mystery of the case.
Overall, it's a pretty enjoyable mystery with characters you can relate to and a solid reveal at the end that ties it all up perfectly.
Many happy thanks to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for the entertaining early read!
Stalker stories always run the risk of either getting too dark or not taking it seriously enough. I like how Lyle manages to add some fun and lightheartedness to the story without taking away from the horror that a stalker inserts into their victim's life. It's in big part thanks to the fun cast of characters that inhabit the page. Their quirks and offside comments help keep things from getting too dark, and that's something that I really appreciate.
I am intrigued by the fact that the main character in the story is not the main participant in it. Jake Longly is more the observer that narrates all the action to readers as those around him delve into the mystery that is the scary stalker threatening his girlfriend's friend. It's an interesting twist that actually made me like him more.
This is the first book I've read in the series and I think that Lyle does a fantastic job of making it accessible to new readers by giving just enough info about each character to give new readers an idea of them without maybe being repetitive to long-time readers. You can just jump into the story and revel in the mystery of the case.
Overall, it's a pretty enjoyable mystery with characters you can relate to and a solid reveal at the end that ties it all up perfectly.
Many happy thanks to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for the entertaining early read!
August 29, 2021
Never Bring A Rock To A Gun Fight... Unless You're A Former MLB Starting Pitcher Turned Private Eye. Full confession here: These books have seemed interesting enough over the years, and they've been at the right price points often enough ($2.99 or less, and likely free) that I'd actually picked up the entire series before this book... and never read any of them. So even while I already had the previous four books in this series in my library, this was the first book in it - or from this author at all - that I had actually read. And it totally works as a standalone, as long as you don't mind commentary that references the previous stories in ways that absolutely spoils many of them.
So far as this book itself is concerned, it was a fun tale full of quite a bit of banter between Jake Longley and his friends and colleagues, with a bit of "oh, crap, our friend is in trouble in a way that we might be able to help with" thrown in. So even while many of the characters are PIs, this isn't a case they are getting paid for. And it is a stalker case, with only the last few chapters having any real, direct action. Which is actually where the title of this review comes in. Early in the book - possibly when Jake is first introduced, that early - it is mentioned that Jake often travels with baseballs both in case he runs across fans *and* to use as a weapon if the need arises. Well, in our finale... he doesn't have his baseballs with him. So he gets creative, in ways that even by that point in this book - even if it is your first book in this series - you've come to expect. Very much recommended.
So far as this book itself is concerned, it was a fun tale full of quite a bit of banter between Jake Longley and his friends and colleagues, with a bit of "oh, crap, our friend is in trouble in a way that we might be able to help with" thrown in. So even while many of the characters are PIs, this isn't a case they are getting paid for. And it is a stalker case, with only the last few chapters having any real, direct action. Which is actually where the title of this review comes in. Early in the book - possibly when Jake is first introduced, that early - it is mentioned that Jake often travels with baseballs both in case he runs across fans *and* to use as a weapon if the need arises. Well, in our finale... he doesn't have his baseballs with him. So he gets creative, in ways that even by that point in this book - even if it is your first book in this series - you've come to expect. Very much recommended.
August 9, 2022
Probably one of the worst books I've read in years.
Despite the praise this book gets for being humorous, it's not a funny book unless if you're into cheesy humor and can laugh easily. I think I smirked twice but that was it. The book is narrated through the main character Jake, which felt like reading a perspective of a horny middle schooler. On top of that the women in this book sometimes treat him like they're adoring a giddy 8 year old.
After reading the synopsis' for the other books in the series, the whole premise for our protagonist doesn't make sense. It seems like he doesn't really wants to do P.I. work but is reeled in by his father. So in other words he's just "in for the ride", which is his mindset throughout the book, he spends most of his time sitting around eating food and trying to make quips constantly while Pancake and Ray do most of the work, I don't know how that's entertaining for anybody to read.
I enjoyed the twist though, however the motives around the antagonists didn't make sense either, and the way how they were able to conduct themselves requires a heavy amount of suspension of disbelief.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend.
Despite the praise this book gets for being humorous, it's not a funny book unless if you're into cheesy humor and can laugh easily. I think I smirked twice but that was it. The book is narrated through the main character Jake, which felt like reading a perspective of a horny middle schooler. On top of that the women in this book sometimes treat him like they're adoring a giddy 8 year old.
After reading the synopsis' for the other books in the series, the whole premise for our protagonist doesn't make sense. It seems like he doesn't really wants to do P.I. work but is reeled in by his father. So in other words he's just "in for the ride", which is his mindset throughout the book, he spends most of his time sitting around eating food and trying to make quips constantly while Pancake and Ray do most of the work, I don't know how that's entertaining for anybody to read.
I enjoyed the twist though, however the motives around the antagonists didn't make sense either, and the way how they were able to conduct themselves requires a heavy amount of suspension of disbelief.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend.
December 21, 2021
This is the 5th book in a series and it was my first one I've read, but it's written in such a way that you shouldn't really be lost at all even if you haven't read the other books. It does well on its own as a standalone too.
This story is about Jake and his gf Nicole that are on a trip together for business with Nicole and her movie and they meet up with a friend of Nicole's that is being harassed and stalked by a crazed number one fan. Nicole has her friend talk with Jake and his friend, Pancake, who are P.I.s to see what they can figure out with this stalker and there are some twists in there too, but I did see who the crazy fan was quite a bit before they said it in the book so it was a bit predictable too. It was mostly a light, quick, and enjoyable mystery read. Thanks to Oceanview Publishing and Edelweiss for letting me read and review this book.
This story is about Jake and his gf Nicole that are on a trip together for business with Nicole and her movie and they meet up with a friend of Nicole's that is being harassed and stalked by a crazed number one fan. Nicole has her friend talk with Jake and his friend, Pancake, who are P.I.s to see what they can figure out with this stalker and there are some twists in there too, but I did see who the crazy fan was quite a bit before they said it in the book so it was a bit predictable too. It was mostly a light, quick, and enjoyable mystery read. Thanks to Oceanview Publishing and Edelweiss for letting me read and review this book.
September 21, 2021
Jake, a former MLB pitcher turned restauranteur (and son of a PI) and Nicole are in California for the filming of Nicole's screenplay (yay!). The trip should be all about Nicole but when her friend Megan confesses to having a stalker and asks for help, well, they have to step in. Jake's cohorts Pancake (a very large man) and Ray (of mystery) join them and then the game is afoot. While the issue- stalking- is serious, Lyle brings in humor, especially in the dialogue between the characters. I've enjoyed this series, which I've described as being sort of a cozy (but not), in the past and this is no exception. Know that it will also be fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fast entertaining read.
October 5, 2021
I love the Jake Longly books by D P Lyle. This is the fifth book in the series, and they are all good. Lyle writes fun and entertaining mysteries which keep the reader's interest.
"The O C" starts with Jake, an ex-MLB pitcher, and his girlfriend Nicole in southern California because Nicole has written a screenplay. Their friend Megan, a television reporter is being stalked, and they get mixed up in her problems. I am not giving spoilers when I say that they call in Jake's father Ray, and Pancake, who are private investigators. They make a formidable group.
Sometimes you don't want something deep and ponderous, but rather a book to read and enjoy. "The O C" is that book. You don't have to have read the other books, but after reading this one you are going to want to.
"The O C" starts with Jake, an ex-MLB pitcher, and his girlfriend Nicole in southern California because Nicole has written a screenplay. Their friend Megan, a television reporter is being stalked, and they get mixed up in her problems. I am not giving spoilers when I say that they call in Jake's father Ray, and Pancake, who are private investigators. They make a formidable group.
Sometimes you don't want something deep and ponderous, but rather a book to read and enjoy. "The O C" is that book. You don't have to have read the other books, but after reading this one you are going to want to.
October 10, 2021
This is the first book that I read by D.P. Lyle and I was positively impressed by the way he puts the story together and tells it. The language used is very colloquial and I felt like I was listening to my friends talking which I found rather different. The characters are also very different from those that average in other books and I loved Pancake, what a scene he can make! Hopefully, this story is only fiction and won't happen in real life, being stalked must be one of the worst feelings one may have in life. I really enjoyed reading this book, and it was entertaining, taught me some new words, made me wish I could be on a California beach!
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
April 25, 2022
Jake and his girlfriend, Nicole, travel to California where they become involved with a friend who is being stalked. When the stalker becomes increasingly hostile, Jake calls in his father and friend, who run a private investigation business. The best part of the book is that all the main characters are very amiable. The bad parts are numerous. Jake and his girlfriend , who are really the stars of book, do absolutely nothing. The dialogue is bland, repetitive, and sexist. The story moves at an incredibly slow pace and all the real progress is made through computer searches which, while efficient, are the least interesting way to solve a crime. Endless rehashing of the clues. The ending is just plain stupid, stupid, stupid.
August 17, 2021
This is book 5 in the Jake Longly series and it's another great murder mystery. Jake and Nicole are in California for the filming of her new screen play. When her friend Megan, a local tv reporter, is being terrorized by a stalker the PI group take on the case. The deeper they dig the more disturbing it becomes with 4 other stalking cases of reporters ending in death. Love the cast of characters and I can't wait for the next installment. This book can be read as a stand alone. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 12, 2022
I confess that I found the beginning of the novel, with its series of faux-casual glamour couple jokes rather irritating. Fortunately, I decided to go ahead anyway and found myself immersed in a fairly intriguing story, despite the over-the-top protagonists and, for some of them, the lack of psychological depth. In short, not a masterpiece, but an enjoyable book, which has the added merit of being a standalone read despite belonging to a series.
October 13, 2021
The Jake Longly series, I find a quick read in-between some more heavier thrillers or mysteries. Love Pancake and the quick banter between Jake and Nicole but I had the stalker pegged early in the book
It's not a book that requires a tremendous amount of concentration and sometimes that's just what we need
It's not a book that requires a tremendous amount of concentration and sometimes that's just what we need
November 8, 2021
The book is well written and I have no trouble getting into it. This is the first book of the series (this is book #5) that I have read and am looking forward to getting the first four and the sixth when it's out. I enjoyed the humor and the fast pace of the book. It's definitely on my must read and follow the author lists.
December 2, 2021
I can’t say enough about the Jay Longley series. I love Jake and Nicole and whole team. This time Jake and Nicole are trying for a few relaxing days in The O.C. when they get sidetracked by a celebrity stalker attached to their fried, a local TV reporter. The intricate plot, the crazy-funny banter keeps the pages turning nonstop. I still can’t help laughing aloud at a piece of random dialogue.
December 10, 2021
This is the second book in this series that I've read and I enjoyed it as much as the first. It's a light-hearted mystery that doesn't have a lot of complexity but it's populated with an attractive group of characters, has a bit of humor and is an easy, enjoyable read.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
March 13, 2023
This was an easy fast read. I particularly enjoyed the setting as I was familiar with the sites mentioned. Once again the repertoire between Nicole and Jake was mildly amusing. Not sure about the motives for the serial killings, but the plot held my interest. Even though it's #5 in the series, I didn't find it necessary to have read all the others (which I had) as book can stand alone.
September 12, 2021
I like this writing style; light and funny, but it gets a little over the top with all the food. What I don't like, is when the action is dependent on incredible stupidity. But this is an easy book to read, and very entertaining.
November 26, 2021
I enjoy the smart and laid back characters in this series and the snappy dialog. This one got a little too close to the thriller description for me though, involving a cruel serial killer. I finished it to know what happened! But I don't enjoy those little trips inside a serial killer's head.
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