This is a solid mystery told in a dual timeline. Police Chief Jeep Mullane investigating the death of his friend Johnny Chambliss in the present, with looks to the past to tell the story of their friendship. The dual timeline format allows for a nice build of character development, while showing Jeep's place in Johnny's world of privilege.

I couldn’t get into this one. I didn’t like how the (obviously male) author wrote about the female characters, then combined with the narrators voice for female characters, and I just had to stop listening. This one should be marketed more towards men.

JOHNNY CARELESS by Kevin Wade
Publication: January 28, 2025 by Celadon Books
Page Count: 240



Highly cohesive and impactful debut police procedural novel from veteran playwright, and screenwriter Kevin Wade. Featured is the main protagonist police chief “Jeep” Mullane ( born: Gerald Paul ), who has given up his detective shield from NYPD after burning out from multiple heart breaking cases. He has returned to the same area of Long Island’s North Shore where he grew up and will face memories and secrets from the past. He can never forget the responsibilities of being the son of a decorated NYPD cop. The mystery begins immediately as the faceless body of a corpse is washed a shore on the beach of Bayville , New York. Early on the scene, Jeep arrives and recognizes a tattoo on the ankle of the corpse. He quickly realizes that the corpse belongs to his high school friend, John Chambliss . His lacrosse buddy was the scion of a powerful, and wealthy family. The privileged friend from his past was actually known as “Johnny Careless” due to his reckless and feckless antics that marked his youth. Initially the authorities assumed this was an accidental death, which Jeep actually did not agree. Due to unexplained marks on his back, he suspected a homicide.
Wade expertly weaves multiple timelines to develop his multidimensional characters that justifies their motivational actions. The flashbacks progress to the present, while yielding valuable background information. The tightly plotted procedural progressives escalates tension and mystery as the themes of political conflict and social class issues are explored. The complexities and like ability of Jeep’s character begs for a continuation of this series. Brought into the mix will be a haunting relationship with Johnny’s ex wife, as well as a high end car theft ring.
Thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.

Good police novel with a poignant family/friend storyline and wholly authentic setting. The narrator's tone was spot on, and his voice kept me engaged throughout.

Johnny Careless by Kevin Wade is a gripping and atmospheric mystery that combines a compelling protagonist with a richly layered setting. The story follows Police Chief Jeep Mullane, a man who has returned to his hometown on Long Island’s North Shore, where his career as a former NYPD detective and personal tragedy have both shaped his present. His past is brought crashing back into focus when the body of his childhood friend, Johnny Chambliss—known as "Johnny Careless" for his reckless and privileged lifestyle—is discovered in the local waters.

As Jeep dives into the investigation, he finds himself navigating a world of wealth, power, and deep-rooted secrets, where Johnny's affluent family and his enigmatic ex-wife hold crucial pieces to the mystery. The case uncovers a web of corruption, old grudges, and hidden truths, while Jeep also grapples with the emotional weight of his personal connection to the victim.

Wade crafts a tense and immersive narrative, drawing readers into Jeep's world of moral ambiguity, where loyalty and grief intersect. The sharp contrast between Jeep's down-to-earth, working-class perspective and the elite world of Johnny’s family creates a gripping dynamic, making the investigation not just a quest for justice but a journey through personal history and unresolved emotions.

Johnny Careless is an engaging mystery that explores themes of friendship, loss, and the clash between different social worlds. With its intricate plot, complex characters, and vivid setting, it's a must-read for fans of hard-hitting crime fiction and psychological drama.

"Johnny has a guy for everything."

"I can't sleep. I can't find the cool side of the pillow "

"All the good you do, you can still be judged by your worst day."

The first quote tells us everything we need to know about Johnny "Careless" Chambliss. He's got connections. Some powerful, but some, maybe, it's better you don't know about them. The next quote tells us this writer knows people. He knows when we're restless and just need that cool spot on the pillow to settle our minds. Now the last quote, well that gives us a bit about our protagonist, Police Chief Jeep Mullane, who knows all too well that people always remember the worst about you and rarely remember the good.

Johnny Careless, by renowned screenwriter and showrunner for the long running TV show Blue Bloods, Kevin Wade, is a sharp witted and very cool crime drama thriller with a twisty end.

Jeep has been relegated back to his stomping grounds on the north shore of Long Island after a tough NYPD case leaves him burnt out. With the title of police chief, he expects routine crimes like burglary and drug dealing. He's devastated when the body of his childhood friend Johnny is found in the Bayville waters. He's told it's an accidental death. But the scratches on Johnny and other signs leave Jeep with the gut feeling that Johnny's death is a murder...and Jeep always trusts his gut.

I live on Long Island and knowing all the places Jeep and Johnny visit was so much fun.

I am thrilled one of my favorite voice actors John Pirhalla performs this smart crime thriller. Between his acting and the author's sleek writing this is more than a police procedural. It's the story of lost childhood innocence, of retribution, and the place we keep in our hearts for those friends who we lose along the way.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Audio for a fair and honest review. Opinions are my own.

“All the good you might do, you can still be judged by your worst day.”

The screen writer and showrunner of Blue Bloods (which I will admit I have never seen) authors this police procedural. In his debut novel we are introduced to Jeep Mullane, the son of an NYPD cop and a police officer himself. When the body of his childhood friend surfaces, past collides with present and Jeep is trust back into a tangled web of wealth, secrets, and deceit.

3.5 stars! This book started off quite slow for me. I was expecting to be thrust right into the drama but that came later. Once that ball got rolling though WOAH. I was flipping those pages trying to get to the bottom of this crazy case right alongside Jeep.

The audiobook is narrated by John Pirhalla and he does a great job of harnessing the emotions of these characters. Some of them are quite bad ass and others are much more vulnerable and he captures both extremes well. I feel like I rarely listen to a fully male narrated book but it definitely fit for this one.

“Why beat yourself up, the world does it for you.”

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, Celadon Books, and the author for the ALC and ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Johnny Careless was an enjoyable read exploring the story of Police Chief Jeep Mullane, that is investigating the suspicious death of this life long friend, Johnny. Johnny has a reputation of being unreliable and a bit careless, hence the title of the book. During his investigation, secrets are revealed, underlying threats exist and finally the truth is revealed. An overall worthwhile read. The narration was amazing for the audiobook.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

WOW!!!!
This one was phenomenal!!!
It's a debut novel from Kevin Wade (one of the writers/producers from the show, Blue Bloods...which I loved!)

AND...it's all taking place on the North Shore of Long Island...where I live!!! So, I feel like the whole thing is practically going on in my backyard!! (Well, except for the part about the mansions...and the acres of land...and the homes on the water... Don't get me wrong, water is close by, but I am NOT in one of those multimillion dollar homes... just a regular one! 😉👍🏼

That being said...if you are from Nassau County, NY...you may want to add this one to your TBR list!!! They talk about Bayville, Glen Cove, Brookville, Locust Valley, Sea Cliff, Oyster Bay, Mineola, Manhasset...and so on....

So, we open up with a dead body in the water in Bayville. The Police Chief (Jeep Mullane) comes to the scene, and lo and behold, it's his best friend (from growing up in the neighborhood). So, right from the beginning we have a bit of heartache....

Now Jeep (nickname) has a history. His Dad was NYPD, and he recently transferred from the city after a heartbreaking case. He decided to come back to his roots. BUT...here on LI, he now has to deal with all the big wigs with money... Politicians, Lawyers, Police Commissioners, etc, etc. as well as the crime in the area.

And, now that his best friend has turned up dead, he STILL needs to have his head in the game to deal with all else that is going on. And, the big thing now is CAR THEFT! There seems to be a huge amount of them going on right in his backyard... and all the big guys want the culprits found!! As well as their cars!!

And so we bounce back and forth between current day, and Johnny and Jeep growing up... and all the antics they had between them... and their friends, girlfriends, families, etc.
And we learn about each of them…

Mind you, as I mentioned, Jeep was from a regular family. Dad's a NYC Cop. They have a regular house and bills that are paid monthly.
His friend Johnny Chambliss though, he's from a family with big money. For his 18th birthday Mom and Dad gave him a new Porsche 911! His father golfs DAILY and goes to the Country Club just as often... Like many others in their small circle of friends, but Jeep was always the outcast...but that never mattered, because he and Johnny were the best of friends.

So, he vows to find out exactly what happened to Johnny...and he will.

This one is full speed ahead from page 1 and it doesn't stop until the epilogue! Like a free-falling roller coaster!!! Terrific story! Terrific characters! Terrific buildup, and terrific ending!!
I never saw it coming!!! I'm really hoping that this will be the start of a new series!!

#JohnnyCareless by #KevinWade and narrated beautifully by #JohnPirhalla.

5+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫💫💫💫💫✨✨✨✨✨ for me!!!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which will be released in a few days!! So, LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON 1/28/25!!!

As for me… You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads.
Insta: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

This was a fast and fun read. I liked that Jeep did what he needed to solve Johnny's death. This was my 1st book by Kevin Wade but it will not be my last. I can't wait to see what he puts out next.

Kevin Wade’s Johnny Careless delivers a compelling mystery that strikes a balance between hard-hitting crime fiction and personal drama. At its center is Jeep, a rugged yet relatable “cool guy” cop navigating the gritty world of law enforcement while facing a deeply personal case. The victim in this story isn’t just another name on a police report—it’s Jeep’s childhood friend, adding layers of emotional depth to an already gripping narrative.

The strength of Johnny Careless lies in Wade’s ability to blend a classic mystery structure with complex, humanized stakes. Jeep is portrayed as more than just a detective chasing justice; he’s a man wrestling with the ghosts of his past while trying to stay true to his principles. The story unfolds with a steady rhythm, keeping readers engaged as Jeep unravels the truth behind his friend’s death, all the while grappling with the weight of loyalty, morality, and duty.

The writing is sharp, and the pacing is well-crafted, pulling readers into a web of suspense that never lets up. Wade skillfully layers clues and red herrings, ensuring that the mystery remains engaging and unpredictable. What makes this book particularly enjoyable is how it captures the essence of the genre—dark, moody settings, a protagonist with just the right amount of moral complexity, and a satisfying resolution that ties everything together.

Fans of crime thrillers will appreciate the mix of action, suspense, and emotional resonance. The characters are well-drawn, and the narrative keeps you invested from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned mystery reader or new to the genre, Johnny Careless is a satisfying pick that delivers exactly what it promises: a fun, well-executed mystery with heart.

4.5 rounded up for this story about the son of a police officer who ends up back in his home town as Sheriff. This isn’t Anyplace, USA but the North Shore of Long Island, NY Nassau County, still close enough to commute into the city but a world away from the cramped high rises. “Jeep” is the Sheriff who grew up palling around with the preppy set, including his best friend, John. They played Lacrosse together and Jeep covered for John when it counted. Years later, John is found dead on the beach. The case is taken out of Jeep’s hands, but he still needs to get to the bottom of what happened and why.
The story alternates between the past (narrated by Jeep) and the present (3rd person narration). Jeep is from a working-class policing family whereas John is a trust fund baby. The fast-moving story tests loyalties, digs up secrets, and emphasizes the importance of connections. Since there are some loose ends (not to the mystery itself, fortunately), I can see this becoming a series. If so, I look forward to reading more.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @MacmillanAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #JohnnyCareless for review purposes. Publication date: Jan. 28, 2025.

Kevin Wade, the well-known producer of Blue Bloods, is also a screenwriter with credits including Working Girl, True Colors and other popular films. My expectations were high for Johnny Careless, his debut novel. The audiobook was read by John Pirhalla. Though not someone I initially recognized by name, I was pleased to find that he had narrated two of my favorite books from last year, The Last One at the Wedding and If Something Happens to Me.

“Johnny Careless” is a less than flattering nickname given by his youth lacrosse coach to Johnny Chambliss, an upper-class kid with all the associated privileges that comes with money but no concern about supporting others through the fulfillment of his responsibilities. The discovery of his corpse washed ashore sets the story in motion. His childhood best friend Jeep Mullane, now the local Chief of Police, searches for answers and discovers hidden secrets all along the way. The story moves along quickly, alternating between the current investigation and past events which provide clues as to what might have happened. Throughout the story there is also an ongoing investigation into theft of the sports cars of the area’s most prominent families, seemingly by a highly skilled crime syndicate. The failure to solve those cases keeps Chief Mallone and his police department under fire.

I loved the pacing of this story and the depiction of the personalities of the lead characters, who all felt relatable. While there’s a thought presented that good people can be judged by their worst days, I thought it also true that the story demonstrates that bad people can be judged by their best days.

The one thing that left me mildly disappointed was the ending. It felt rushed and was different than what I had hoped for. Having said that, it was believable and, if I were to read the book again, I’m sure I would be more accepting.

The audiobook narration was perfect, with unique voices presented for all the main characters. None seemed subpar. If this book were ultimately to become a series, I would recommend that the same narrator be used.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to listen to this excellent audiobook. The above opinions are my own.

Thanks to MacMillan Audio & NetGalley for providing an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was fine, but nothing special. It's not that the plot is weak, it's actually reasonable clever; it's just that it feels very TV show-like, and I guess that's because the author is a TV screenwriter. Gerard P. "Jeep" Mullaney was a NYC cop who moved back to his hometown to be police chief after some missteps in the city. That backstory is pretty interesting and I would've been keen to read more of that, but here we are in the Hamptons instead.

Jeep's BFF from childhood, Johnny Chambliss, is found dead on the beach, apparently the victim of a run-in with a jet ski. I feel like this would've been death by misadventure anywhere else but this book, but whatever. Johnny is a rich kid, and his friendship with Jeep is seen through that lens: Johnny's dad values the friendship bc Jeep can be counted on the do favors for Johnny and keep his mouth shut. Johnny is a ne'er do well, and for better or worse, he knows it, so this death is not entirely a shock. Johnny's ex-wife, who has a weird rich person name I cannot remember, keeps showing up at Jeep's house at night while he snarfs pizza and beer at the end of his long days of NOT investigating the death because he knew the deceased, so you know something's going to happen there.

The whole thing ends up tying together with a car theft ring from Chile, and there's an extra layer of coincidence on top of that. The town fathers are all straight out of central casting, {as are Johnny's parents and Jeep's dad}, and behave the way you might expect rich assholes to do (badly, in other words). There's a nice thread of class issues running through the whole thing.

Again, it was OK, but it's not the sort of book you're going to remember in 6 months.
Voice acting was capable and done well on female voices in particular.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was amazing! The storyline was a little slow to get into for me, it was interesting but I wasn’t sure where it was going for awhile. However, I did greatly enjoy the different back stories of the characters and seeing the character development. I would definitely read more by this author and I highly recommend this one.

Kevin Wade, screenwriter for the police procedural television show, Blue Bloods, debuets his first novel, Johnny Careless. When former NYPD detective Jeep Mullane returns home to become police chief of a small police department in Long Island, he never thought he would be investigating the death of his childhood friend, Johnny Chambliss.

Known locally as Johnny Careless, because of his wild antics growing up, Jeep must navigate the wealthy confines of Long Island, Johnny’s beautiful ex-wife, corrupt citizens, and a slew of car thefts occuring in his town. Although, I would have liked more character background of Jeep’s life as a NYPD detective, the chapters containing Jeep and Johnny’s life growing up made up for it and allowed for a captivating read.

With Kevin Wade’s fast-paced plot, interesting characters, and Jeep’s heartbreaking grief, he shows how to use his screenwriting background to write a beautiful novel that gives the same feeling as though you are watching the critically acclaimed Blue Bloods.

Thank you Netgally for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook for my honest review. 4.75⭐️

This was a good read. It was kinda slow, in my honest opinion, but is well written and I liked the character and plot development. I feel as if reading a hardcopy would've been better (for me) than listening to the audiobook as I found myself losing interest at times. The narrator wasn't bad, he just wasn't keeping my attention. I will try more from this author though, just maybe not audiobook form.
#JohnnyCareless #NetGalley

JOHNNY CARELESS is gritty crime fiction with a literary vibe.

The story is told via past and present timelines, with a slow unfolding of events. The focus is mostly on the characters’ relationships and histories together. This is how we learn about the various pieces of the case being investigated.

The characters were well developed, complex people, and the dialogue felt authentic, which made the story immersive and believable.

I alternated between my ebook copy and the audiobook. John Pirhalla did a great job with the audiobook narration.

*I received a free audiobook download from Macmillan Audio, and a free eARC from Celadon Books, provided via NetGalley.*

When Police Chief Jeep Mullane's lifelong friend, Johnny Chambliss, washes up on the beach, a long history unravels. He was nicknamed Johnny Careless as a kid, because as a rich kid, he seemingly did what he wanted, regardless of consequences. As Johnny's life is exposed, you see it is not exactly what it looked like on the surface.

This was kind of meh for me. I liked the characters. The setting was alive. The plot... not so great. It wasn't all that excited and was a let down. There is potential in the writing, but this one just missed the mark.

John Pirhalla narrates the audiobook. John Pirhalla is a very reliable narrator- his performances are always consistent. Always clear and well paced.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

A very well told crime novel. A body has washed up on the beach. Police chief Jeep Mullane immediately recognizes the tattoo on the body as one that matches his own. His longtime friend is dead. He must unravel all the tangles involved.  Jeep has always cleaned up Johnny's mess ups. Their relationship is told through flashbacks interwoven throughout the story. I really enjoyed this book. Its very well written and moves along very quickly. 

Kevin Wade has worked on multiple TV shows, an his writing is very evident of that. This crime novel worked like a well oiled machine. 

4 stars