Member Reviews
My Mom has recently gotten me hooked on "Homicide Hunter" with Joe Kenda so when I saw he read a book I had to check it out. Of course my Mom says she will already know everything in the book because she has seen all the episodes, but as a more casual watcher I really liked to get the background on Joe and his family life and how trouble just seems to find him no matter where he goes. I found the book to be very interesting and really enjoyed learning more about Joe and finding out how some of these crime scenes and murders he solved has affected his life.
I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.
I love Joe Kenda, he has that face that you know you shouldn't mess with him, his eyes burn into you and he knows if you've been bad or good (kinda like a stern santa with a gun and badge).
When I saw this on NetGalley I knew I had to request it, I needed to read this because it's true crime and, like lots of the people who've reviewed this book, I love me all the true crime I can get my fat little fingers on, so imagine my delight and excitement when I was approved!
Jumping right in I read it in 2 days, trying to savour it, getting into the mind of Kenda as he recounts some of his cases and lets you see a little bit of his life behind the badge, getting to know him a bit better and see how his mind works regarding home vs work life.
I really got into this book and didn't want it to end, I know I will definitely be looking for more by Kenda, in the hope that he will write more and we can be in his world again.
*Huge thanks to Joe Kenda, Center Street and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
JOE KENDA. Anyone who isn't living under a rock has probably stumbled across Homicide Hunter on ID Channel and then knows the absolute perfection of Joe Kenda. If you've enjoyed the show, you will also enjoy the book. Knowing the actual Joe Kenda's mannerisms and voice allows the book to play in your head like an episode on ID....and My, My, My - it does not disappoint. While much like the series, the book gives a little extra detail and I'll take all the extra Kenda I can get! What a breath of fresh air to know there are still good guys out there fighting for us. With all the negative in the world, it makes me smile that while crime happens (unfortunately) there are men and women like Kenda who still believe and fight for justice. The world needs more Kenda's!!!!
A must-read for Homicide Hunter fans. I could hear Detective Kenda's voice in my head as I read the book. I have listened to some of the audio version of the book as well and it is fantastic. Some of the stories will be familiar if you've watched all episodes but he does provide a little more detail about those crimes in the book.
My second #NetGalley review. #TrueCrime stories retold by the famous #homicidehunter #JoeKenda . Really enjoyed reading this biography. Retellings of Detective Lt. Kenda's career and cases he worked on remind us of how far human insanity can go and that there are no limits. This man is an example to follow. Down to earth, genuine, honest and truthful.
I am completely addicted to Joe Kenda’s show and I have no clue why. I blame my mother. She’s the reason why I’m addicted to so so many different things, almost all of them harmless. Like books.
But sometimes you read books all night to finish them, because they amuse you and horrify you in turn, just like this one.
Joe Kenda is great at bringing dry wit and wry humour to even the worst of situations, which I imagine has to do with the horrific nature of the job. He never skirts the issues, talking bluntly about the nature of the beast, the beast in this case being humans.
The writing in it is never boring, and instead remains inventive, and to the point. I appreciated the little looks into how a job such as his could’ve hurt his home life. Although it doesn’t go too in depth with any of his cases I appreciated what was shared.
This is a good read for any true crime fan.
It's an okay read. Takes the CSI-glamor out of murder, making it a cold, plain - and dull - reality.
I liked this book. Lt. Joe Kenda has an amazing clearing record and he is a black & white guy. No bullsh**t. There were parts of the book that I heard his voice actually speaking so I think this book was a true reflection of himself. I didn't care for the fact that there were some repetitive parts and they were scattered through out the book. If you want to talk about your wife in a part and it deals with something you already spoke about, then put that piece there not later. I think this book was a small glimpse into what Lt. Kenda went through and he just wanted to understand how hard it is personally for anyone in law enforcement to see and deal with what he did.
I Will find you ,by Joe Kenda is a biography of his life as a homicide detective.
I am a fan of his TV show and as I read I could hear his voice.
This was an easy read , written well and even with the sad & traumatic parts it was definitely
worth reading!
If you enjoy crime stories and police procedurals this is a book for you.
I loved it!
Having watched Joe Kendras programme on TV I was looking forward to reading his book. Although the subject of homicide may not be everyone's cup of tea it is something I find interesting. Joe Kendras book does not disappoint and throughout his dry sense of humour shines through and lightens the stories a little. I admire the work Joe has done in his police career and also how he genuinely cares about the victims in these stories. A great book and we'll worth reading.
*5 stars*
As I love Homicide Hunter and Joe Kenda I was really excited to read this, and it sure as hell didn’t let me down. I loved how we could get a more detailed look into his personal life than in the show and still be unable to put it down. If he decides to write more books in the future, I will definitely read them.
I didn't know what i was getting into when i requested and received an e-copy of I Will Find You: Solving Killer Cases from My Life Fighting Crime. This book, by retired Lt. Detective Joe Kendra, is a no-holds-barred look at many of the brutal, horrific crimes he investigated over 23 years with the Colorado Springs Police Department. At first, his stories made me think about current events and accusations of police brutality, and honestly, I recoiled. Upon reflection, I realized that many officers and investigators meet violence with violence because that's what they have to do to stay alive and do their jobs. But this is not an easy book to read; it's gory and disturbing, and I skipped parts that dealt with crimes against children. This isn't a book about profiling criminals or using psychology to find them, so be sure you can handle descriptions of bloody, beaten faces slammed into metal napkin dispensers and the like before you dive in. But as Kenda says, he's a black-and-white-kinda guy, and who am I to judge how much force is warranted when you're fighting for your life--or someone else's? Well written, honest, and compelling--but not for sensitive readers (like me, who want police protection, appreciate it, and admire the men and women who provide it, but can't immerse themselves in the overwhelming violence and evil). Although I haven't seen it, I understand that the author is the star of the TV show, Homicide Hunter.
I Will Find You by Detective Lt. Joe Kenda is a fascinating memoir from the star of Investigation Discovery’s Homicide Hunter. In this book, Lt. Kenda delves deeper into the cases portrayed on his show—and shares details too real for TV. I Will Find You is a must-read for fans of Homicide Hunter.
Lt. Kenda served 23 years on the Colorado Springs Police Department—19 of those as a homicide detective. He held a case solution rate of 92 percent. Through the show and book, it’s obvious how much Lt. Kenda cares about each and every victim—as well as their families—and how he stopped at nothing to bring their killers to justice.
The book revisits familiar territory featured on the show, but digs deeper and brings added perspective not shown on TV. Additionally, Lt. Kenda shares moments from his personal life—including stories about his steadfast wife and children—and gives a glimpse into life after retirement from the police force.
Thanks to his show, Lt. Kenda is now widely known for his sharp wit, acute senses, and commitment to justice. I Will Find You reinforces that portrait and provides the reader with extra clarity into the keen mind of the Homicide Hunter. If you can, get your hands on the audio version, which is read by the author. Highly recommended.
This is a series of short chapters about the cases of Joe Kenda, the notorious, infamous? Homicide Hunter. His droll delivery on screen is more or less continued in this book. The sentences are short, as are the chapters.
It is a bit sad to read about the relentless nastiness and stupidity of people who think that killing others is a good solution to anything. But it is heartening to read about the equally relentless pursuit by Joe Kenda and his colleagues.
The constant sight of the worst human behavior must be wearing, but someone has to do this and I kinda wish Kenda was in my town.
I have watched the show homicide hunter on the channel investigation discovery...I was hoping for more details about the crimes he solved...but it was mostly his biography ...it was still a very good book...a very quick read...and interesting...kept my interest from start to finish but was still hoping for more of the show type of description...would still recommend it and hope that he would come out with a follow up book but this time ..more like an Ann Rule book...I was a very disappointed that at one point he pushed his own opinion on abortion using ...to me...false logic...he states that pro life people don't see the results of unwanted children...using the facts that children are abused ...horribly abused...and so taking the leap that these children are unwanted and seeming to say that any unwanted child will be treated this way...if that's the case it still wouldn't have made a difference as the parents he is thinking of had the ability to abort their child and didn't...so they weren't unwanted...and then assuming any parent who would feel compelled to have an abortion would be only for the reason the child is unwanted...doesn't think of pressure from parents...friends...the father....doesn't consider economics...just that they are unwanted...if this is how he uses his logic...then I am amazed he solved any crimes...so to me ..this was just propaganda for his own beliefs ...not cool and not needed in a book...but it is his book...just should plainly state ...he is for abortion...instead of trying to make a huge leap in logic to get his point in...
I absolutely loved this book. I've watched the show on the ID channel and the way Joe Kenda talked with his rough and tough voice that lets you know, he's all action, no pussyfooting around. I even heard his voice as I was reading this book. I think it even added to the enjoyment.
There were many instances when I smiled and few when I laughed out loud. He really is a very funny guy. I sped through this book and was thoroughly entertained. There were a few pages that I skipped when Joe Kenda was talking about his hobby. That would be dressing up like wild west cowboys and having a shooting competition. However, I know if you like the show, you will be thoroughly absorbed in this book. Getting his opinions on the cases and the people was very interesting.
Thanks to Center Street and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I have watched Mr Kenda on television and respected his ability to solve crimes. I have to say after reading this I respect even more his ability to deal with his emotions during his long career. The television program picks and chooses what cases to dramatize but a detective can't do that emotionally. Having to deal with traumatized children or women or finding a freshly severed head in a refrigerator crisper must do something to one's own head. Either you deal with it or you either break and leave the profession. No amount of counselling freely available would make a difference unless you have the mental fortitude to deal with it. In the later sections of the book he touches upon the mental anguish these cases deal upon his psyche. The only other reference I can come up with is Denis O'Leary in the early Rescue Me shows where the fireman is followed by the dead of the fires he attended. .
The book is well written and is an extended version of the television program of his cases. You get a vision of his home life and family that complements the tv show. Cases are mentioned that were on the show and get commentary on what was filmed and left out. All together and interesting book.
Fan of Joe Kenda; love that he finally wrote a book & continues telling his stories. Hearing about his family was an extra special treat :) Will definitely read anymore books he has in the future; if he chooses to.
This is a wonderful book! I watch the homicide hunter, I have the first 5 seasons, I read all I can about this man. I think that it is wonderful how real he makes this work. Not only that but we learn that police work is so much more than just a job!
In the introduction to I will Find You Joe Kenda quotes “if you don't think you can handle the darkest aspects of human nature, then you might want to put this book down, because it will get real in a hurry” and I have to agree, it's a true crime story at the end of the day, so yes at times it's both graphic and disturbing. This book offers a candid and personal reflection and recollection of some of Joe Kenda’s most gruesome and disturbing cases.
From the book description I really thought this book would be a difficult read, but strangely enough thanks to the author's dark humour, which he admits himself is a defence mechanism against the darkness he's experienced it
wasn't as gruesome or as horrifying as I expected. Don't get me wrong there are some seriously upsetting and tragic cases discussed in this book, so I'm not sure it's a book suited to the more faint hearted. I will Find You is broke up into sections motives for murder, drugs and depravity and catching Killers to name but a few, each section gives you an insight into the victims, the perpetrators and their motives which I found extremely interesting.
The author is honest and forthcoming as he describes the toll the job took on his marriage, family and his own wellbeing. Part memoir and part true crime, I Will Find You can't be described as a book I enjoyed but it certainly made for a fascinating read, as it gives the reader a revealing and gritty insight into police work, the good, the bad and the damn right ugly.
This review maybe altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog