Hot Start

A Cordell Logan Mystery, Book 5

By: David Freed

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

The next fast-paced installment in the Cordell Logan series, Hot Start is an adrenaline-fueled, action-packed thrill ride.

One sweltering summer night, a notorious, international big-game hunter and his beautiful wife are shot dead—at long range—while swimming naked at their seaside estate in Rancho Bonita, California. The police are convinced the perpetrator is an outspoken animal-rights activist—who happens to have both military experience and a criminal record. The evidence seems overwhelming, but soon rumors start to surface that indicate there may be more than one person with the means and motive for murder.

The last thing Cordell Logan wants is to get involved in another police investigation. But he and the suspect have mutual friends, and Logan may be the only one able to discover what really happened. At first reluctant, he soon finds himself neck deep in a confounding conspiracy that orbits a congressman with close ties to the White House and a ruthless Czech crime boss who will stop at nothing to protect his operation. Finding the truth will take Logan to places he never expected to see—and expose him to dangers he may not survive.

©2016 David Freed (P)2016 Blackstone Publishing

Cordell has REALLY grown on me

Would you consider the audio edition of Hot Start to be better than the print version?

Haven't read the print version. And this is RAY PORTER. Common. RAY PORTER.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Obviously Cordell. I flat out like like him. He reminds me of Joe Ledger (without the team). I love his landlady and the stupid cat.

Which scene was your favorite?

I like the scenes where he explains the moves he uses to disable / kill / he's not as "verbose" as Joe, but he does a darn good job.

Who was the most memorable character of Hot Start and why?

I hope he gets back together with the reporter.

Any additional comments?

I'm sad there aren't any more books and probably won't be for a year.

Fresh Funny and Fun

It's not often you find an author with such a relaxed and easy way of writing. I was comfortable with David Freed's books from the start, no having to labor through the first few chapters to' get into the book'. I love his characters, all of them, and enjoy the stories. The narration is first class, perfect for this series. Not often enough a book (or book series) finds the perfect narrator, Ray Porter and the Cordell Logan Mysteries is a perfect match. I have a tough time waiting for the next book to come out....

Not the best but enjoyable! We love Logan!

The mystery here is overshadowed by the relationship between Logan and his landlady. She is a gem, and the center of the most touching parts of the story as she ends up in the hospital in critical condition.

The plot is a bit far-fetched--Logan's ex-wife's nephew is accused of the murder of a totally unlikable man and his generous, delightful wife. And Logan still refuses to accept ole ex-dad-in-law's money for his efforts, and he really should since he never has enough. And then there's Alicia, Logan's cop squeeze who lives 250 miles away. She's whining that Logan doesn't appreciate her, and doesn't want to see her badly enough. I thought she had had enough in the last book! And then the president sends Logan to make the congressman resign? I'm sorry, that was just too much. Love the Samoans though.

Nevertheless, the story is entertaining, and we get to spend time with Logan again. Ray Porter is always a pleasure to listen to, as he voices everyone perfectly, accents and all.

SOOOOOOOO good!!

Having reluctantly just finished "Hot Start," I have already begun to listen to the second in this really terrific series. Plot, characters, and writing style are quite skilled and paced from its "hot start" to hot finish. I particularly enjoyed how well the narrator meshed with the narrative..Cordell Logan has a very engaging sense of humor, and the narrator captures his sardonic sense of humor perfectly, in addition to voicing other characters and their ethnic accents beautifully. This is an exceptional book included with the membership and I really appreciate that!

Need more from David Freed

David must be my brother from another mother! I just identify with his style and wit. Starting to panic because I have no more Logan Adventures to dive into.

Fantastic series

Love this series. Could listen to 100 of them. I hope more come out.
Fantastic narrator, except the 2nd book.

another good one by the author

if you've enjoyed other books by this author this is on the same vein so no worries

Great story, and the plot kept me guessing. I am going right to the next book.

Ray Porter is the best narrator. He does great voices, and is more of an actor than the narrator.

I want more!

I have been thoroughly enjoying this series. The stories are engaging and Ray Porter is beyond excellent. I will listen to anything he narrates. Hope there are more in this series. I am going to keep reading David Freed.

An entertaining series

Interesting story and developments. Narration is great. I have read several books from this series and enjoyed all of them.