Thank you to Novel Suspects and Mulholland books for the early review copy of California Bear. This was a strong read for me, an intriguing plot focused on a range of themes that will resonate with many readers: justice/vigilante themes, shifting themes on innocence and guilt, examination of the at times problematic fascination (or at least wrong emphasis) associated with true crime, and interwoven themes on the pursuit of answers to a long lingering predator case. A delightful range of characters, a general sense of fun despite the dark topic, a great father/daughter team, and a sense of appreciation for some tropes in cold case type stories as well as a commentary on true crime and internet sleuths.

What worked for me were a lot of these themes, I really enjoyed the scope of the story and the goals Swierczynski has for readers with the plot and themes. It's a win in terms of potential for thoughtful book discussions! My one reservation is a style one, multiple short chapter POVs sometimes work for me and other times don't... this was a case of it working less for me because I am a reader who likes to get into a story/plot, to get to know characters and short chapters make it harder for me to get into a rhythm of a book like this. I stuck with it though for the themes and overall I got into the story and the characters, it turned out to be a surprise win for me!

This book is unique in some of the best of ways. The author takes the serial killer novel and turns it on its head. He gives you the suspenseful thriller you would expect while giving you hilariously and sometimes tragically flawed characters, dark humor, and plot twists that keep you on your toes. You may think you know what’s going to happen, but you’re probably wrong. Part thriller, touch of detective, and a good amount of dark humor is a great combo here. Definitely worth a read.

In Duane Swierczynski's heart-pounding thriller 'California Bear,' none of you are safe as an exonerated convict, a determined girl detective, a struggling genealogist, and a chilling serial killer converge in a deadly dance of justice, redemption, and revenge. Brace yourself for a relentless narrative where confessions lead to chaos, leukemia diagnosis fuels a teenage sleuth's pursuit of truth, and a long-dormant predator, the California Bear, emerges from the shadows. In a tale where innocence and guilt collide, Swierczynski delivers a gripping rollercoaster of suspense, family drama, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Hold tight; this is a ride you won't forget.

Thank you to Netgalley and Mulholland Books for this advanced copy

I've been a fan of Swierczynski’s work for some time — I’m more familiar with his comics work than his prose, but I was nevertheless very much looking forward to reading California Bear. The publisher was kind enough to send me an early DRC of the novel, and it was my final read of 2023. It’s an intriguing serial killer mystery with a difference, and I very much enjoyed it.

California Bear takes clear aim at the true crime industry, Hollywood, and the American justice system — critiquing each of these to paint a pretty bleak picture of human nature. That being said, though, the unusual cast of protagonists end up being a beacon of light in this otherwise askew world — each in their own way, they are heroes who battle against great odds to tease out just a bit of justice.

Jack “Killer” Queen has just been released from prison, sprung due to a technicality. He’s now tied to Cato Hightower, a retired LAPD detective who has decided to dedicate his life to seeking justice for those who somehow dodged it. While Jack, a former jazz pianist, is pretty levelheaded and sensible (aside from a little bit of a rage issue), Cato has quite a few screws loose, while simultaneously nurturing his alcoholism with gusto. Matilda “Girl Detective” Queen, Jack’s daughter, has just been diagnosed with leukaemia, and spends the whole novel at LA’s Children’s Hospital. Despite this, though, the precocious teenage (almost 15, as she’s keen to remind many) is integral to the story and plot as it develops. As it turns out, Matilda is quite the sleuth, and has been looking into her father’s case, convinced he did not do what he was incarcerated for. Matilda is also the best character in the novel, with some of the best lines (especially when she’s talking to Cato). Along the way, Jack and Cato pick up a couple of other allies, each of which adds nicely to the story. It’s clear quite quickly that Swierczynski has a gift for writing characters, and each of them feels well-rounded and realistic, while not devolving into clichés (Hightower could have been a disaster, but there’s some nuance and sympathy for him, too).

While the protagonists are trying to navigate their various trials and challenges, Swierczynski also gives readers a pretty sinister antagonist: the titular “California Bear”. But who is he? Why did he stop his predations decades ago? Is he a solo killer, or does he work with someone else? And why is there a sudden resurgence in interest in the case?

Like many crime/mystery novels today, California Bear has plenty to say about the contemporary popularity of true crime, and the strange relationship many people/fans have developed with it — especially the ghoulish fascination in the predators, and the centring of the killers as opposed to the victims. The author does a good job of not allowing this to distract from the story, and instead sprinkles some amusing asides and observations into the story at choice moments. Connected is the commentary on Hollywood and the way it exploits others for financial gain (often behind the fake smiles of producers who claim to have your interests at heart).

It took just a little while for me to get into the rhythm of the novel — there are many, very short chapters, which can certainly accelerate the pacing, but also meant it felt like it took longer than expected to get to know the characters. Nevertheless, this issue wasn’t long-lasting, and I found myself rooting for Jack, Cato and especially Matilda quite quickly. As the story progresses, there are a few interesting twists and red herrings, some good reveals, and the author keeps the mystery going quite nicely.

The ending suggests the possibility of a sequel, and I for one am keen to spend more time with these characters. If you’re a fan of serial killer fiction, and crime/mystery fiction in general, then I think you’ll find plenty to like in this quirky take on the genre.

Recommended.

I went into this book with zero expectations and ended up reading one of my favorite books of the year. California Bear by Duane Swierczynski follows four unlikely vigilantes who pit themselves against the villain behind California’s coldest case when they decide to take justice into their own hands. Right off the bat, in my opinion, the best thing about this book is the characters. Since the book is written in first person, you learn how each main character thinks and you get inside the brain and the crazed thinkings of a prolific serial killer, a conflicted father and ex-con, a teenage girl fighting the battle of her life and a older woman just trying to make sense of what her almost ex-husband has reluctantly gotten her into. The Girl Detective was a very lovable character and her calm and focused personality resonated in a story full of manic characters. Side note: read the afterword and you will appreciate her character and the father/daughter relationship on a whole other level. Overall, while the story could be quite lacking in some areas such as the convenient plot movers and literally unbelievable twists, the characters, relationships between them and the writing style really carried this story. Thank you to Net Galley, Mulholland Books as well as Duane Swierczynski for the ARC of this book. I will definitely be picking up a copy when it is released to add to my collection.

Thank you to the author Duane Swierczynski, publishers Mulholland Books and Little, Brown and Company, and NetGalley, for an advance digital copy of CALIFORNIA BEAR. All views are mine.

I don't like multiple perspectives unless they're executed smoothly and don't cause clarity issues. Unfortunately, I found four perspectives to be too many here, especially when considered with the numerous secondary characters. Style also interfered with the read; way too much narrative detail delivered in dialog, and dash phrases slowed things down. The plot unfolded too slowly and the storyline was burdened with unnecessary activity.

Honestly, this one is mostly a "me" thing. I didn't get along with the author's approach. But this one is worth the try, if it's your bag. Check out tropes below.

Rating: 💧💧.5 bitter tears
Recommend? Maybe
Finished: Dec 29 '23
Format: Digital arc, Kindle, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
🚔 true crime
🔍 amateur sleuth
🔪 serial killer stories
👥️ multiple POVs
🖋 experimental narrative form
🙃 satire

California bear captivated me with its intricate dance between Girl Detective and her father, Killer, as they navigate their complicated bond amidst a backdrop of crime and redemption. The narrative echoes the chilling "Golden Gate Killer" case, with the elusive Bear culprit resurfacing after four decades. As Girl Detective grapples with her father's wrongful past and her own detective work, the lines between truth and closure blur. This gripping tale will leave you questioning the depths of human complexity - and if it doesn't, perhaps it's time to examine your own heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mulholland Books Publishing for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book.

Special thanks to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

I really liked this book. It was my first time reading this author, but I have heard of him before. The heart of this story lies in the relationship between 15 yr old Girl Detective, and her father, Killer, who is fresh out of jail. Loosely based on "The Golden Gate Killer",there is a serial killer dubbed " Bear" which hasn't been caught and is a 40- year old case. And as a homework assignment, the Girl Detective has to do a report on her father's wrong imprisonment. She is also immersed in trying to solve this cold case, from 40 years ago, and after 40 yrs of hibernation, the "Bear" is back.

Good story, enjoyed the autobiographical notes and If this story ends and you feel nothing, well than you should really go.......and maybe get some type of therapy. Again, just my opinion. Just a suggestion. 4 stars!

It's honestly been a while since I've read a Duane Swierczynski novel. The first novels I've read from him were from the Charlie Hardie trilogy and I thoroughly enjoyed those books. When I saw that he had a new book coming out, I got excited. I read the description and I got even more excited. California Bear was a fantastic read. I don't want to give much away about it. It's honestly better to go into as blind as possible. It was such a fun and fast paced read. I took my time with it. I enjoyed all the characters and I was sad when I got to the final pages. I read this one in December 2023 but it's definitely going to be one of my favorite books that come out in 2024!

This review is provided courtesy of NetGalley. It's been a privilege to read the latest crime fiction thriller by Duane Swierczynski. When I read the summary of this book, I wasn't sure my review would be necessary to put out there into the world (it probably isn't). I'm doing it anyway because I noticed that the larger media outlets weren't being specific about why they loved California Bear. Mulholland Books has blurbs from James Patterson and Michael Connolly. It's not like they're looking for mine, the average reader. You can expect this review to be more than five targeted keywords for SEO.

Is California Bear "fresh, exciting, and brilliantly unpredictable" as James Patterson said? Hell yes, it sure is.

In this story, Swierczynski takes his cast of characters and gives them reunions, introductions, estrangement,  and expected and unexpected teaming up time. The heart of the story is The Girl Detective and that's how her point of view is referenced. She's Matilda, a nearly fifteen-year-old high school who is more worried about completing her English assignment than her cancer diagnosis. It's all because her assignment, rather than a standard book report or essay, is to prove her father's innocence since he's just been released from prison for murder. This impassioned young sleuth distracts herself from all the chemotherapy, needles, constant interruptions by nurses, and wanting to reject the pity of others. She dives into this case about the serial killer known as the California Bear alongside the cold case of the real estate tycoon who had been run over and subsequently killed.

The Father is Jack "Killer" Queen, a former jazz musician who only wants to get the City of Los Angeles settlement money so he can focus on his only daughter. Throughout "Killer's" point of view, readers get to experience how long and complicated the grieving process is. Does Jack have Complex PTSD? I'm not a doctor, but he probably does. Prison alone will do that do a person; and Jack has been through the loss of his wife, his career, his freedom, and now the tragedy of Matilda's leukemia. Here's a man with the nickname Killer who had attorneys dictate to him how and when to show emotions, then incarcerated where you should not show "weakness," and now he's paying the piper as the saying goes. There's dark poetry in how confused this hardened man feels the mental and physical repercussions of grief.

Any reader would want what Jack "Killer" Queen wants—to be reunited with his daughter and work his ass off trying to get out of the past. He simply never gets a break. You feel for him every single time his friend, an ex-cop and present alcoholic named Cato Hightower, ropes Jack into yet another mission to pay him back for getting him out of prison on a technicality.

Everyone begins to wonder, where was the California Bear this whole time he's been dormant? Can the new advent of forensic genealogy prove this prolific serial killer's identity? The genealogist (named Jeanie) is Hightower's wife and she believes she can link DNA through the family tree.

In walks the "gift" of true crime mania which has swept the entertainment industry. A streaming show is in the works which plans to reveal the identity of the California Bear and tastelessly create reenactments at the actual locations of his murders in a Blair Witch Project way where the actors playing the victims don't know when it's coming. The producer has everything in place including a well-known action star to don the bear mask and clawing glove. The unethical, profit-driven producer who obviously knows the serial killer's identity, is shown for what he is. Even when the plans for the show seem to be at a loss, he comes up with a twist to keep it alive.

That's not the only twist. There are many in California Bear. With four main perspectives narrating the story, there are more twists than Lombard Street. Who keeps killing like the Bear after the real Bear is dead? Is this part of the show? Is it a rabid fan or a family member? Who is the next target?

Summary:

There are going to be a barrage of questions after each section of the book which are broken into brief chapters with the changing perspectives. Keep guessing. Then second guess yourself. Then realize you've never had anything right throughout the mystery of the serial killer known as the California Bear.

Rating: 5 stars

The premise of the book harkens to The Golden State Killer case, which was an interesting take. The first half of the book kept me glued to the story. After that, I felt challenged. The chapters are short and sweet, which I enjoy, and I love multiple POV. But I think it was the "Girl Detective," "Killer", "Gene Jeannie" that just didn't work for me and I started to get frustrated with the style.

Good story, witty and intriguing, but wasn't a favorite in the genre.

California Bear is a fun send up of the true crime dramas that showcases a savvy and critically ill nearly 15 year old girl- The Girl Detective, her father The Killer, The Bear (the real Killer), and the genealogist, Gene Jeanie. There is a madcap adventure quality about this very serious topic of serial killers and victims.
Snappy and sarcastic dialogue, quick chapters, and funny scenarios propels the reader along this journey to find the serial killer that appears to be active again after a 40 year hiatus. Why is The Bear active again? And who would profit from his activities? All reasonable questions but when living in California and near Hollywood, specifically, there is always money to be made from someone's pain.

Reading the author's Afterword brings the whole book into perspective and my hats off to his being able to bring this tale to completion. I can see California Bear being adapted as a series on Netflix or HULU, a modern take on Get Shorty, if you will.

Thank you to Novel Suspects and Mulholland Books for an early copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this one. Such a good story and some great twists along the way. This is my first book by this author and I was very impressed!

Good book! This book had a bit of everything! It had suspense, Action, intrigue, mystery, murder, a great ending, great who done it, great plot twist, and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one! I definitely recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!