Charlie-316

Black and blue describes this fast-paced novel the best both for its bruising non-stop action, but also for the story of race relations and the police force. Starting with a routine traffic stop, the story escalates into an ambush situation and progresses into police corruption, city politics, police brutality, illegal drugs, conspiracy theories, and murder. Sorting out the black and white of good and bad leads to many shades of gray.

Tyler Garrett is a model SWAT officer whose good looks, education and familial status add to that image. The fact that he is a black man in the predominately white Spokane Police Department only adds to the city administration’s pride in one of their own. He’s often pointed to as an example of the department’s best and brightest—a young man on the rise.

One summer evening, Garrett stops a reckless driver. It’s something he’s done a thousand times except this time, gunfire erupts from a nearby house. As Garrett dives for cover, the driver turns and begins shooting as well. Garrett survives the ambush by killing the driver and chasing off the additional shooter.

The legend of Tyler Garrett grows and the community rallies around him.

Until the initial investigation determines the driver was shot in the back and his gun has somehow disappeared. Suddenly, the police department, city hall, and even the national news media are wondering just what happened that night? In a nation where police brutality dominates the headlines, Garrett’s case has suddenly become a flashpoint.

Now, Officer Tyler Garrett must take matters into his own hands. Time is quickly running out for him to find the second shooter and to clear his name.

This book has authenticity and ripped-from-the-headlines of the times. A VERY tense look behind the thin blue line.
Thank you, NetGalley for the advance copy.

Charlie-316 is the second gritty, topical thriller that Mr Conway and Mr Zafiro have teamed up for and its complex, multilayered plot gave me a few hours of complete literary joy. The story begins with Tyler Garrett getting caught up in an officer-involved shooting — an emotionally-charged and divisive issue currently across the United States. From then it explores other worthy topics — race relations in America, murder, conspiracy theories, illegal drugs, wider police brutality, corruption and policing decisions made through a political lens, to name a few. Moving along at a good clip there is never a dull moment and we are treated to a well-rounded story. Not only does it feature nonstop action but it touches on many prevalent real-world issues too; the best of both worlds.

There is a rare air of authenticity about some of the happenings and I feel this is due to the fact that both authors have years of experience in the Spokane (Washington) Police Department. It's tension-filled, thoroughly entertaining and rather illuminating as I am sure some of this genuinely happens given I'm the sceptical type. Intriguing tidbit for anyone wondering (as I was) about where the title of the book came from; it was apparently Colin's call sign during one of his patrol assignments, and he liked the sound of it so much that he put it aside to be used in a story someday, and here we are! There is so much breadth and depth in this thriller it's astonishing. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Down & Out for an ARC.

This is not what I was expecting. It is a twisted tale of not knowing who to trust. It involves dirty politics and corrupt cops. There are several sociopathic liars and manipulators who twist stories and events to benefit their own purpose. It is fast paced, with a lot of action and moving parts. You will not expect the ending.

First impressions can be dangerous.  From the very first chapter, this story grips you by the throat and doesn't let go.  Officer Garrett is such a likable guy, upstanding citizen, a model police officer, and family man.  When a traffic stop goes bad the reader joins the main character and shares the emotions throughout the ambush, chase and ultimate officer-involved shooting.  Relief is the overwhelming emotion with Tyler escapes unharmed.

As the cast of characters is introduced, almost every one elicits some sort of strong emotion.  I couldn't stop to cook dinner, leaving my family to fend for themselves, so engaged with this drama.  The story, like real life, is complicated by race, politics, perceptions, the news cycle, bad guys who appear to be good and good guys who aren't necessarily well liked.

This story will keep you guessing and most of the time, your guesses will be wrong.  I can't recommend this tense, moving drama enough.