Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

The first book in a new series!!! I love finding great series at book one, then it's so much easier to follow the author and characters as both grow into their stride. I've read Michael Brandman books before.....specifically the Jesse Stone books he wrote after Robert B Parker's death and admired his work then too. He's most definitely a skilled writer that knows exactly what his readers want. I'm looking forward to reading more Buddy Steel.

The book was average and an easy read but I felt like it was more of something that might be on a tv show as I felt the book was written to end too quickly when a lot of the storyline didn’t have enough content. Some of the writing appears to try to be like Robert Parker’s books but it just don’t fit that mold completely either. I actually almost didn’t finish reading this one and hopefully his next book will add the depth that would make this type of story more compelling to read.

Missing Persons
by Michael Brandman
4 Stars

Engaging from the first page. Missing Persons moves quickly. The story line is engaging, and it is easy to read.

The author Brandman has done an excellent job in crafting a fluent cohesive read that draws the reader in.

This is the first of a series featuring LAPD homicide detective Buddy Steel, as he fills in for his sick father, Sheriff Burton Steel. When he begins investigating the possible disappearance of a famous local televangelist's wife, he is met with outright antagonism. The more he pokes and prods, the more he realizes that the Bible-thumping family and their television empire may be an elaborate cover for a less-than-holy enterprise.

An easy and engaging read.

This title has been reviewed by www.books-reviewed.weebly.com

This title was provided by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an open and honest review.

#MissingPerson #NetGalley

“Missing Persons” by Michael Brandman is set in San Remo County on the Southern California Coast. Burton Steel, Junior, a ranking LAPD homicide detective, returned to his childhood home after his father, Sherriff Burton Steel, Senior became ill. However, all is not well in the idyllic town of Freedom, California, high in the hills above Highway 101. The nanny who is employed by a prominent family is concerned. Catharine Long, the mother of the boy she cares for has disappeared. “I think they killed her.”

The book is a procedure-based first person narrative voiced by Burton Steel, Junior, or Buddy as his dad calls him. We see the people, the action, the dialogue and the interpretation through his eyes. We learn through his narrative that he is a no-nonsense, procedure-driven officer. His conversations match his personality, quick, short, abrupt, and snappy. However, his shallow, superficial attitude cannot disguise his dedication.

In spite of obstacles, he is determined to find out what happened to Mrs. Long. Money, drugs, religion, fraud, and financial impropriety rip apart the quiet town of Freedom, Ca. and nothing will ever be the same. Secrets are revealed, and it seems that everyone has more than one. Along the way, Buddy makes countless enemies and a friend or two.

I received a copy of “Missing Persons” from Poisoned Pen Press, Michael Brandman, and NetGalley. It is very much in the tone of classic “Dragnet,” focused, straightforward, direct, with Steel being the quintessential Joe Friday kind of guy – “Just the facts, mam.” I enjoyed reading it, and highly recommend it.

Perfect for fans of Jesse Stone. The sarcastic main character will hook you from the start and keep you reading long into the night.
4.5 stars

Buddy Steel is an LAPD homicide detective who is called back to his hometown of Freedom where his father is the sheriff. Diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, he asks Buddy to join his team of deputies. Although reluctant, Buddy agrees to help and settles back into Freedom. All is quiet until he receives a report that the young wife of a local and famous evangelist is missing. As Buddy investigates he discovers a number of issues, including fraud and murder, and all the while dealing with small town politics.

Missing Persons was first published in 2017 and is the first of four Buddy Steel mysteries. It is an easy read, with snappy dialogue and humor. Most of the characters are…well, characters, with lots of stereotypes thrown in for good measure. The plot/mystery is interesting and well-done and, all in all, I found it to be a quick read. My only observation/complaint is that the latter half of the book seemed to have less of the dialogue I enjoyed. There also seemed to be much less humor or witty responses and that was a bit of a letdown. However, I'm still looking forward to reading the next Buddy Steel mystery.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

Buddy Steele an LAPD Homicide Detective has returned to Freedom the town he wanted to get away from and did, to take over as deputy. His father has been the sheriff for years is now ill and needs looking after. While reluctantly agreeing he is then looking into a missing person’s case.
What should be an easy open and shut case is not anything like that. The televangelist wife who is the person missing is not being helpful and neither is his staff. The more he digs and prods for answers the more he does not like what is happening with the case. This story will catch you by surprise and I feel is sneaky good. I like the Buddy Steele character and the overall feel of the story that keeps you going from page to page. Very much worth the read.

Buddy Steele is working homicide at LAPD, enjoying single life and working out.
HIs father is the renowned Sheriff Burton Steele of Freedom, California, a small coastal community.
When his father is diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, he asks Buddy to come back home to replace him as his health worsens.
Though he feels stifled in the tiny town, Buddy agrees to help his father out.
As soon as he arrives back in town, his first case occurs. The missing wife of preacher Barry Long Jr., head of the successful local television ministry.
It seems Catherine has disappeared, but the family says she is just taking a break from the mental strains of her busy life.
As Buddy investigates, he uncovers some financial problems in the group, and some connections to a drug cartel.
He puts himself in danger as he seeks answers to the corrupt dealings he is about to expose.
This police procedural/mystery was an amusing and interesting read. Buddy is a witty, irreverent character, with a bit too much swagger at times.
The beginning of a fun series.
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for the gifted copy of the new editon paperback and the e-ARC via NetGalley.

Even if it's well written the story didn't keep my attention and it feel flat.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Missing Persons by Michael Brandman shows how a good writer can invigorate a cliche-ridden plot and turn it into something fresh.

You've seen this story dozens of times... Possibly hundreds. The estranged son returns to his small hometown to reconnect with his ailing father. The father is the longtime sheriff, gruff but respected, the son is an irreverent character who gives up a promising career in the big city to help out and try to reconnect with his dad. Throw in a sassy female side-kick of a certain age and pit them against a large evangelical church with questionable business practices and it's almost a sub-genre unto itself.

The father is Barton Steel, Senior, recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). The son, Barton "Buddy" Steel, Junior, gave up a career as an LAPD homicide detective to become his father's Chief Deputy in the township of Freedom located in a small coastal county North of Santa Barbara. Senior is technically in charge but Buddy serves as his surrogate out in the public eye.

When a reluctant witness comes forward with a report that the wife of a powerful evangelical leader has disappeared Chief Deputy Buddy Steel charges into the case like a bull in a China shop. There are some decent plot twists, a few unexpected turns, and an overall satisfying story. I enjoyed this one. It's not great but it's still pretty good.

This is the first book in a series. I will likely read more of them.

***I received a free digital copy of this title from NetGalley.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

2.5 Hearts This was so not what I hoped it would be. I could never find myself liking Steel at all. He is just so rude and brash and everything else you imagine a LAPD officer is (especially in this day and age). This seemed to put every stereotypical attitude that we are hearing about nowadays. Maybe it was because of all the tensions the country is going through in real life but I found myself pissed at the author for perpetuating the stereotype. Not all cops are rude and uncaring.

The suspense part was ok but I think I was already beyond caring by the time we were supposed to care.

Just not for me.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

A well written mystery. Good plot and character development. This is a new author to me and I look forward to reading more books in this series. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

Missing Persons by Michael Brandman is the 1st book in the Buddy Steel mystery series, and my first book by this author. Buddy is taking over as Sheriff in Freedom, where his father has to step down due to his health. Buddy has been working homicide in LA. I enjoyed this book, but didn't love it. I am not sure if I like Buddy to be honest. I will try at least one more book in this series to see if I want to continue. Read this book for yourself, and decide.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Michael Brandman is a new-to-me author and he captured my attention with this story right away and kept me glued to the page till the end. Set in a small town on the coast of California, I instantly felt at home. Also, if you've been around for a while, you know I have a particular interest in stories with a cult connection.

Buddy Steel had me a little flummoxed at first because he is so conflicted about his new role as Sheriff. He did grow on me quickly though. I really enjoyed the interplay between him and his deputies. The author did a great job of incorporating Buddy's personal conflicts into the story so that you can relate to him as a complete person not just a stereotype.

The story itself was original and had some great twists before the end. I enjoyed the author's direct writing style which gave the narrative an added punch. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this first in a series book and will definitely pick up more books in this series.

This is the first book in what is currently a three book series- and it's a great introduction to Buddy Steel, an LAPD officer who has come home to Freedom (what a name for. a town!) because his father, the Sheriff, has ALS. He didn't;'t expect much would happen and surely didn't expect that Catherine Long, the wife of a prominent televangelist would go missing. Her disappears leads to the unraveling of Barry Long's empire. There's corruption, there's secrets, there's lies. What I most enjoyed, however, was the relationship between Buddy and his father. They are both men of strong opinions. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Buddy Steel, who has relocated from LA to the small town of Freedom to take over the Sheriff reins from his father - who has been recently diagnosed with ALS -finds himself investigating the apparent disappearance of the wife of a well known and well liked local preacher of a megachurch.

This is listed as "Buddy Steel #1", and is the first in a series for Brandman, who some people may know picked up Robert Parker's Jesse Stone novels after Parker died, and who has also written some of the Jesse Stone movies.

Unfortunately, Buddy Steel reminds me a ton of Jesse Stone (for those who have not read those books, Stone relocates from LA to the small town of Paradise, although on the other side of the coast, has loads of sarcastic dialogue, doesn't like wearing his uniform, beds the local ladies, etc.). Steel is sardonic, doesn't like wearing his uniform, doesn't waste time falling into bed with a woman with whom he comes into contact due to an investigation, and so on.

In Steel's case, the woman part of that equation is the sister of the preacher - and Brandman has tried a bit too hard to make the woman quirky (she has a quirky blog, wears quirky clothes, etc.). He wears civilian clothes and often does not identify himself as he wanders in and out of areas like the living quarters of the family at their megachurch location. The dialogue is also trying to hard to make Buddy seem sarcastic and/or humorous, and it sometimes misses the mark.

The story is fairly straightforward, although in some cases stretches the limits of suspension of disbelief. The housekeeper for the Long family reports Catharine Long as missing, and further says Preacher Long is acting oddly about it. She's in fear for her life, because of course the Longs run everything in town, so she reports it to Steel, then vanishes, never to be heard from again.

Steel doesn't care where he has to go or who he might offend, and starts poking around. Various people declare that Catherine is fine, the Long family attorneys threaten to sue, there's a subplot involving another Long brother of being in cahoots with a local gang, as well as a Ponzi scheme, and the entire thing reads like an episode of American Greed, as if various elements were pulled out, tossed together, and this is what the end result is.

It's a very fast read, but reads more like something written for TV than something written for a novel. In some places, descriptions are scarce. In others, it's hard to track who is saying what in the dialogue - even though I am a firm believer in using as few dialogue tags as possible, I think there needs to be *something* in place every so often so the reader doesn't have to backtrack to match up dialogue. This is made particularly difficult when it's anyone but Steel and the quirky sister talking (although I counted one 19-exchange instance between the two of them that had no attribution beyond Steel beginning the exchange) as everyone in the department seems to have the same sardonic tone and is trying to be funny. This sort of thing is fine for TV, since there will be bother visual cues and the actors' voices won't be the same, but can make for some difficult novel reading.

The book (originally released in 2018) sets itself up well for further books in the series, as evidenced by the three books that followed this one. In a rare twist for me and ARCs, this is the first book I've read in a series new to me, versus the nth. I'm not quite sure if I'll read the books that follow (although who am I kidding, I have some weird compulsion to read all the books in a series).

Overall, a fast read with a decent enough mystery at its heart.

Three stars out of five.

Thanks to Poisoned Penn Press an NetGalley for the review copy.

This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship .. that of reader and Buddy Steel. Buddy has moved from LAPD to a small podunk town .... the town where he was raised and where his father still lives. Sheriff Burton Steel has been diagnosed with Lou Gerig's Disease and he has asked his son to come home and prepare to take over when he dies. The only reason Buddy agrees to come back is because he realizes how important family is.

He no sooner is sworn in as Deputy Sheriff than a woman reports that her boss' wife has gone missing. She is fearful of her boss and thinks that maybe he had her killed.

The woman is married to well-known Televangelist. A visit to the woman's home sets off a string of events that lead to murder, corruption, drugs. And then there's the woman that turns Buddy's head.

This is an excellent, well-written crime thriller. It has everything a mystery buff wants ... lots of action with a dead body here and there and characters that aren't easily forgotten. It's a fast paced ride with short staccato-like speech filled with humor or sarcasm, sometimes both. But don't take his attitude too seriously ... he's not a man who will let things go.

I enjoyed the interaction between Buddy and his father. Even though their early years together drove them apart on most issues, it's quite apparent that with age has come some forgiveness and accepting of each other's lives. And if you look close enough, you will see a little bit of mutual pride show through on both sides.

This is one of those books that grabbed me at the very beginning and just didn't let go. I look forward to meeting up with Buddy again soon.

Many thanks to the author / Poisoned Pen Press / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
4.5 Stars

This has been out for a few years, and has a number of helpful reviews. I'll simply recommend it to mystery fans. It's solid tale.

I really appreciate the ARC for review!!

I think this is one of the best and most different of all small town police series I am reading. Buddy Steele is not your typical sheriff. He is most reluctant but does the job to help his father who has Lou Gehrig's disease. Michael Brandman has written a wonderful book and this is a serie I strongly recommend that you try. Thanks to #PoisonedPenPress and #Netgalley for giving this to me.