Netgalley have only provided a preview of this book. What I read was fine but I’ll leave a full review if you provide me with the full book.

Dead Safe pulls readers into a shadowy underworld where violence, deception, and law enforcement collide. With its atmospheric settings, complex characters, and sharp dialogue, this story promises to keep fans of gritty crime thrillers hooked.

The opening chapters effectively set the tone, introducing a cast of morally ambiguous characters like Ravian and Felan, whose actions ooze menace. The stark contrast between their calculated brutality and the chaos of their victims' lives underscores the stakes of the narrative. Similarly, Detective Casey Stafford provides a relatable anchor, offering a glimpse into the procedural side of the story. His blend of professionalism and personal struggles makes him a compelling character to follow.

However, the graphic nature of certain scenes, particularly the violence involving Lois and her family, might polarize readers. While these moments effectively convey the dangers and stakes, the explicitness may overwhelm some audiences. A touch more subtlety could make these scenes just as impactful without alienating sensitive readers.

The pacing, while slow in the beginning, builds tension and allows for detailed world-building. Yet, there’s room to streamline certain descriptions and move more quickly to key events. Doing so would heighten the suspense and better capture readers’ attention early on.

Despite relying on some familiar crime thriller tropes—corrupt business dealings, ruthless enforcers, and traumatized survivors—the narrative shows potential for twists that could set it apart. The inclusion of a private vault heist and its repercussions adds a unique layer of intrigue.

Overall, Dead Safe is a solid crime thriller that balances suspense, drama, and moral complexity. With tighter pacing, nuanced character development, and a touch more restraint in its graphic content, it has the makings of a standout read in its genre. Recommended for fans of dark, atmospheric stories that explore the blurred lines between justice and revenge.

Strengths:
Engaging Premise: The story dives into a gritty and tense world of organized crime, suspense, and law enforcement. It holds a strong appeal for fans of noir and crime thrillers.
Atmosphere and Tone: The writing successfully creates a dark, atmospheric tone. The vivid descriptions of settings—whether the soccer fields, the Santa Monica mountains, or the crime scenes—pull the reader into a visceral, shadowy world.
Dialogue and Character Dynamics: The dialogue between characters feels realistic, sharp, and engaging. It effectively reveals their personalities and builds tension.
Areas of Improvement:
Over-Descriptive: While detail can immerse readers, there are moments when descriptions feel overly elaborate, slowing down the narrative pace. For instance, the breakdown of cars, attire, or minor environmental observations could be trimmed without losing impact.
Pacing: The story's opening scenes establish suspense but move slower than expected for a thriller. The detailed setup with characters like Ravian and Urban Lenz could be condensed to reach pivotal moments faster.
Predictability in Tropes: While the crime thriller genre often leans into familiar tropes, elements such as organized crime dynamics, "dirty cops," and a traumatized survivor might come across as overly familiar without unique twists.
Graphic Content: The vivid portrayal of violence, particularly in scenes involving Lois and her family, is deeply unsettling. While impactful, it might alienate readers who prefer subtlety or less graphic content. Consider balancing the brutality with moments of introspection or hope.
Rating:
Plot: 8/10 – Intriguing and layered, but could benefit from a fresh twist to stand out in the genre.
Characters: 7/10 – Well-drawn but somewhat trope-heavy. More depth in their motivations and nuances could elevate them.
Writing Style: 7/10 – Atmospheric and descriptive but occasionally verbose. Tightening prose would enhance the story's impact.
Pacing: 6/10 – Slow start; faster progression to key events would hook readers more effectively.
Overall: 7/10
"Dead Safe" has the potential to be a gripping crime thriller. By focusing on tightening the pacing, adding unique twists to the genre, and balancing graphic content with nuanced storytelling, it could stand out as a memorable read.