Good first novel from Joseph Schneider. This looks to be a series in the making. Tully Jarsdel is a cop who came from academia, when a badly burned body is found in the LA streets, he is the man for the job. First he has to work out differences with his partner.

First in a series and first for author Joseph Schneider, ONE DAY YOU’LL BURN, should have hit my sweet spot for LA-based police procedurals but missed, and I’ve been trying to figure out why. There’s and A and B plot, both of which rely upon LA-centric locations, specifics and lifestyles to draw the reader in but are heavy with gruesome details and pet deaths. The latter is an overused formula for ‘psychotic killer’ and heavy ugh-factor. The varied characters were interesting but really difficult to like and I’m not convinced that further exposure in a subsequent book will make them any more appealing. The protagonist hasn’t completed his PhD but everyone calls him professor and he acts as though he was a tenured prof with a beleaguered past in academia; his age and past defy this, so go figure. The characterization gets tiring. The mysteries themselves weren’t as intriguing as the synopsis. Maybe these will improve but this one made me doze off repeatedly, I’m embarrassed to say. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Fans of the procedural know that the character of the detective is key. Often the detective and or his/her partner is tortured, dealing with addiction issues, or some other dark thing. That's not the case here. Tully Jarsdel has a wonderful backstory- the son of two dads, he was working on his PhD in history when he took a turn and joined the police force. He brings a very different approach to solving crime than his older, more experienced partner Morales. The discovery of a body (well the remains of a body) that has been baked starts this off. Morales might occasionally lose patience with Tully as they work but Tully's approach proves important. Then there's the case of the poisoned dogs- dogs poisoned on their owners wedding days. This is not as well developed as the central mystery but it did open up a small (very small) romantic interest possibility for Tully. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A great debut with a character I'd like to see again.

This is a story of an academic turned detective investigating the death of an unknown individual burned in an unusual way. The story started with a good pace, the description of the scene, the investigation, the interviews. Then the author started describing the lead character’s thoughts and views on abstract topics which could have been shorter . Then the story reverts to the case in hand and picks up pace. Overall a good one and recommended book. If it is a start of a series then character building could be done through it.

An interesting and well plotted noir story that I found engrossing and enjoyable.
It's the good start of a new series and I hope to read another instalment soon.
I appreciated the well crafted plot, the atmosphere and the interesting cast of characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I loved this book! I liked all the quirky things that some other readers quibbled about: the bizarre people and astonishing, everyday deeds of Hollywood; the fish-out-of-water quality of a former academic trying to find his place among the macho police, and the masterful writing.

Tully Jersdel was a doctoral candidate in history who abandoned his pursuit of tenure to become a cop in the LAPD. When the new police chief implements the arguably hare-brained scheme of pairing seasoned detectives with fast-tracked "genius" newbie cops, it sets up an inevitable culture clash along with predictable resentments. (Teacher's pet, anyone?)

Tully is therefore, at first, mockingly called "professor" by his veteran partner. The story allows us to see his obnoxious nerdy side, but also to see him grow, along with his partner, into a mutual respect. They are faced with two seemingly unsolvable crimes, one involving a slow-roasted human and the other dogs who are poisoned on their owners' wedding day.

I appreciated Tully's complicated backstory, and it was fun to watch some of his dorky, didactic factoids evolve into actual crime-solving insight. He's very, very different from "the" fictional LA detective, Harry Bosch -- although I kept imagining Bosch as the senior partner teamed up with this wonky oddball. Indeed, the author acknowledges among his technical advisors two LAPD cops who have influenced Michael Connelly.

Looking forward to more of Tully. Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advance readers copy.

3 Stars
This was a Los Angeles location Murder Mystery worked on by an LAPD team of detectives who confront the unusual. They have no suspect or motive and when things get complicated...they end up knee-deep in trouble.

I want to start by saying that this turned out to be not my cup of tea. That being said, I felt like this book made little sense to me. For starters, the mystery/crime didn't feel like the main plot, but just something to give context to the story. The book delves a lot into the depiction and life of the main character, often giving a "slice-of-life" type of content that didn't correlate to the mystery whatsoever. I do believe this will be the first book in a series, so I kind of understand the need for using this as an introduction to a character that we will follow in the next books, but this strategy really hinders the overall effectiveness and poignancy of the book. To put it shortly, I got into this to get a mystery solved, and I honestly couldn't care less about the detective relationships with his parents or girlfriend. Every chapter that would focus on the personal life of the protagonist were so dispersive and anti-climactic, that I really could've done without, as they added nothing to the plot.

Character and plot aside, I found this book to be a little pretentious at times, often getting lost in mental and philosophical gymnastics that, again, didn't really add anything to the mystery. Through-out a lot of this book, I felt like the author was trying to show-off some depth and intellectual elasticity through his character that just came off it weird and unnecessary, often making the protagonist extremely snobbish and unlikable - now wonder the majority of the people around him constantly gave me shit anytime he opened his mouth, lol. I would've much rather the author had stuck to the mystery-plot a bit more, without attempting too much at the same time - but that might just be me.

Ultimately, the ending kind of ruined the whole mystery. I was expecting some twists and turns, or at that point, literally for anything to happen, but instead, we got a hasty resolution that made little to no sense. The whole investigation had been pretty bland by that time, but the ending really took the cake in terms of blandness. Sadly unimpressed with the whole debacle, don't think I'll pick the next books in the series.

This excellent debut novel reads like classic police procedural, and it reads as both meticulously researched and passionate about the genre. Los Angeles becomes a wonderful secondary character in this book- Detective Jarsdel is a native to the area, and can both wonder at a spectacular view and accept the gritty side of the city as well. It's been awhile since I read such a unusual and (though grotesque) set up as Jarsdel and his partner investigate a body that has been dumped, entirely, evenly burned, with very little evidence. The timeline in this story also seems very realistic, as weeks go by while waiting for DNA evidence and time lapses as they work on the investigation (unlike a television show with convenient "rushes" on evidence). This appears to be the first in a series, and I'm eager to read more.

Cinephiles, especially those steeped in fascination with old Hollywood, will find much to admire in this novel about crime in tinsel town, and those enamored of graceful writing, well-realized characters, and complex stories will like it too. But first they’ll have to get a feel for Tully Jarsdel, the cop who first sees the grotesquely tortured and mostly immolated body of an unidentified man arranged like a sacrifice at the foot of a religious statue in Thailand Plaza, one of Los Angeles’s ethnic enclaves. Tully is an interesting man, the son of two gay professionals who delight in telling his origin story and take his deviation from the path they set out for him , a life like theirs in academia to the police force he joined when his studies as an historian impelled him to do something more meaningful. And when he’s injured on the job, midway through the book, their dialogue is as unpersuasive to Tully as it was at the dinner party where he first met one of the men who would turn out to be central to the case. Tully’s self-consciousness is what makes his courtship of a woman he meets on another case interesting and its denouement an unfortunate coda to the case, but long before that, you’ll be hoping hes back in a sequel.

Interesting first novel written in the style and narrative of the noir classics. New homicide detective Tully Jarsdel and his seasoned and reluctant partner Oscar Morales are tasked with finding the murderer of a man who was killed in such a horrendous manner no one can imagine it to have been done in the way it was. Not an easy task, but the ultimately do.. And they also find the evil, less than human being who is a serial dog killer. Hoping this will become a series with several more books to it.

I felt many aspects of the book were reminiscent of Michael Connelly's Bosch series - Jarsdel's willingness to seek the truth and relenting ambition to get the victim the justice he/she deserved is what made this story by Joseph Scheneider quite enjoyable.

Tully Jarsdel is a former history professor turned LA Hollywood Homicide Detective - quite a change in careers some say. His partner Morales - a seasoned LA Veteran compared to Jarsdel - gives him some stick about Jarsdel's previous profession expecting a better result and pushing him to strive for better.

The two detectives are thrust in to a gruesome scene with a body badly burned in a cruel manner with little or no evidence to go on and with a questionable witness. Noting the uphill task - Morales volunteers Jarsdel to take the lead on the case. Jarsdel is all to aware of the political move Morales has thrust him in to - if he fails, his job will be thrown in to question along with the division of the newly created Hollywood 2 team.

The case leads them to all different venues across the city - and I quite enjoyed the movie aspects and trivia the author brought to the story. Jarsdel's two fathers in the story were quite annoying and felt their part sidetracked us from the main story. But all I can say is WHEN IS THE NEXT BOOK? 'Cause I really enjoyed this one :D

Jarsdel is not your average Detective. He has a PhD in History and taught at the college level before joining the LAPD. Paired with Morales, an older, slightly crippled up detective, the two are on the case of a badly burned unidentified victim. The story bogs down in places and is somewhat tedious with mundane diversions that add nothing to the story. Not to mention that it is also quite graphic in places. While I’m sure the romance was suppose to add to the story, it and the Dog Catcher case could have easily been left out without hurting the overall book. I felt that it was trying too hard to be like Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series, but it was not nearly as well developed and Morales and Jarsdel don’t hold a candle to Delaware and Sturgis. A good debut, but not great.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review*



I first came across this book and was able to read the first chapter and immediately wanted to read more! Overall this book was really good, I liked the story and characters, but not gonna lie I was NOT ready for the dog thing.... I love my dogs so much, have had the one since he was a month old and, im so happy I didn't read this book near when we got married or id have been a nervous wreck just from the thought!! I can handle what happened to the people, tho there was some really, really messed up stuff that happened to them, the dogs!!! :
;((( Just wish I would have known about that but it just made sure my dogs were inside when I read this lol

would recommend but with a warning about the dogs

When I first heard of this title and premise I was so excited to read the book. A morder mystery and the way of death isn’t your normal muerder I was all in.

As I started reading the book though the excitement slowly started to fade. The book started off strong with details of the victim being discovered and having no eye witnesses just a runner who may not be the best of witnesses.

Though as the book progressed it got a bit boring. Some parts were way to descriptive and I feel the secondary plot of the dog murderer was added as an afterthought even though that is he met his girlfriend. Which brings me to my next gripe. The relationships depicted were a bit off. The two police partners had a very rocky relationship but the interactions with other cops seemed almost too stereotypical police drama. The romantic relationship was rushed and almost unneeded.

The book did start to pick up around the halfway point or a little after with a nice twist and unveiling. Overall I liked the book but I feel it could of been a lot better

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy

This one got me fired up right at the start with the discovery of a once-human crispy critter under a Thai pagoda in Hollywood. Called in on the case are LAPD Detective Marcus Tullius ("Tully") Jarsdel and his partner Morales. An ID is next to impossible (as it will remain for some time after the body cools off), but signs suggest it wasn't your average body dump. Rather, someone deliberately picked both the modus operandi and disposal site. That brings out Tully's professorial side; the son of two gay fathers, he left the halls of academia for the police ranks (to the total and continuing dismay of both his dads).

Meantime, the two partners have been trying unsuccessfully to learn who's behind the killing of several dogs - each of which bit the dust after biting into poisoned meat on their owners' wedding day. As part of the investigation, the single Tully meets Aleesa, one of those who lost a dog a while back (long enough ago for her to have lost her husband as well). She's a bit on the kooky side - but then so is Tully, who's fond of expounding on history and philosophy at the drop of a page or two. Truth is, I found that characteristic enjoyable, educational and fitting with his character, but I'll also say that my sweet husband - who loves police procedurals perhaps more than I do - wouldn't appreciate Tully's lengthy pontifications nearly as much as I did.

At any rate, Tully and Aleesa hit it off from the git-go, adding a bit of romance to the plot. Before long, the over-baked body is identified; seems he was a huxter who once tried to sell jars of "Hollywood Dirt" to Hollywood looky-loos. Later, Tully also finds evidence that ties the victim to an unsolved case under investigation by a different LAPD department, ruffling feathers of those who are less than thrilled to have Tully and Morales digging around.

Tully tries to put his brain to work on a motive that prompted the human pot roast (leading, hopefully, to the killer's apprehension); but the closer he and Morales get to the flame, the greater the chance one or both will get burned. Making matters worse, yet another couple's official coupling day is spoiled by the killing of their precious pet, leading Tully, almost in desperation, to suggest setting up a sting operation.

It all leads up to a suspenseful, fiery ending that certainly kept me turning pages (well, okay, swiping my Kindle screen) to the very last word. This is the first in a series, and while I didn't totally warm up to Tully (pun intended), his quirkiness and background make me eager to read the next one. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for providing me with an advance copy of this one.

Dare I say well done?

Detective Tully Jarsdel is not your average cop--he's a history PhD fulfilling his dream to work with the LAPD. And when a body is discovered, so badly burned it's almost impossible to get an ID, Jarsdel's knowledge may be the only thing to crack the case...

I was really interested to read this book. I love the genre and was looking forward to a new series to get into. Unfortunately, and for reasons I can't quite put my finger on, I couldn't really get into it as easily as I could James Patterson's Alex Cross, Tess Gerritsen's Rizzoli and Isles or Karin Slaughter's Will Trent series. In those books, the mysteries are good, but it's the characters who really pulled the weight. And while I appreciated Tully Jarsdel's quirky academic nature (rather than the cliched grizzled cop veteran status), he was also a bit pretentious and condescending at times, which didn't allow me to connect to him in ways I wanted to.
So, while the writing was good and the mystery interesting, I found myself too easily putting this one down in favor of other titles to finish first. But I probably will check out the next in the next in the series, because nothing in here was a deal breaker for me.

On a content related note, some readers may find it a bit graphic. I think it's the nature of the genre--there are only so many ways crimes can be committed and solved. This didn't bother me, but other readers may want to be aware of it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this review copy.

This hardboiled mystery, the first in a new series, will appeal to fans of classic noir novels. "One Day You’ll Burn" is simultaneously an homage to classic movies and an interesting mystery. The juxtaposition of crime and academia is an interesting one, and makes for a fun, if gory, read.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I tried so hard to get into this book. I couldn't do it. I don't know if it was the odd last names that the characters had and were constantly referred as that turned me off or what, but I just couldn't get into this book. I'm sad to say I couldn't finish it. I'll try again in a few months.

Crime fiction loves playing in the shadows cast by all the glitz and spotlights shining around Hollywood. Deception. Filth. Murder. All elements that compete with the celebrity. The fashion. The dreamy escapism being sold. Police procedurals lead the pack in exposing these shadows. Yet, once in a while, a new direction is shown on that well-beaten path. Joseph Schneider’s hip debut, One Day You’ll Burn, provides such a bearing.

Tully Jarsdel – mockingly known as the Professor – is not a typical detective and his first leading case follows suit as a completely cooked body is dumped outside a Thai pagoda. Hollywood is known for its weird side; this case is no different. Jarsdel and his partner, Morales, look for clues within that weirdness while also having to deal with a unique sort of serial killer – a sicko killing dogs on their owners’ wedding days. Yup, weird, which gives this book feeling.

Jarsdel has his own complications, namely his passion, or lack thereof, of his career. He refreshingly questions, non-stop, if being a cop is his true role in life. He looks to provide a karmic balance, if such a thing is possible in the morally bankrupt City of Angels, all while he and Morales attempt to find both killers.

Schneider’s style is easy and fun. He avoids the cliché procedurals with real-world names (who the hell names a star detective Tully Jarsdel?) and beautifully-scripted dialogue. With the story set in Hollywood, Schneider makes good use of the locale and drops in plenty of movie trivia for cinema geeks while even working in the profession itself as the impetus, and possible cause, of the a-story murder.

One Day You’ll Burn proves that there is originality in the town that has seen it all. Detective Jarsdel is not a hard-boiled copycat who pounds away at both villainy and Scotch but a hip cat who fights LA traffic and sips rosé. He questions his role with the LAPD, his family, and his life, knowing full well that everything will work out right. Hey, this is Hollywood, after all.


Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced read. Looking forward to more.