Reaper

A Lucky Dey Thriller

By: Doug Richardson

Narrated by: Tim DeKay

Reap what you sow, especially if it’s murder....

L.A. cop Lucky Dey knows better than anyone that in some corners of the city no lives matter. Fed up with how the system tends to neglect society’s broken and defeated, Lucky ignores policy to hunt down the gangbangers who murdered an eccentric homeless vet. But the more he uncovers about the crime, the more Lucky realizes that his enemies are closer and more politically connected than he could imagine. Suddenly, Lucky can't trust anyone - not even the ambitious rookie he’s been assigned to train.

©2016 Doug Richardson (P)2019 Doug Richardson

This series is getting even better

Reaper is the third book in the Lucky Dey Series of dark Mystery Thrillers by Doug Richardson and it was released in audiobook format this July, about three years after its original publication.

The story follows Lucky Dey, a deputy with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department as he tries to find out who has killed a defenseless, harmless homeless vet. As his investigation in the murder picks up speed, Lucky discovers a series of clues that will put him and his new partner in harm’s way.
We all know that Lucky seems to be a bastard at times, but under his hard exterior it is hidden a soft heart that will push him to do the right thing, no matter the consequences. There are chases, hit and runs, ghetto’s ready to explode at the first spark and nobody is who they pretend to be. Filled with a variety of criminals, gangbangers, corrupt officials and dark secrets, Reaper is another entertaining entry in the Lucky Dey Series.

Renowned actor Tim DeKay, turned exclusive narrator for the Lucky Dey Series of audiobooks, returns for a third time and brings to life with talent and dedication the lively and colorful characters created by Doug Richardson. With another great performance reminiscent of those delivered by the amazing, now retired, Dick Hill, Mr. DeKay infuses the story with urgency and emotion, delivering a completely immersive narrative experience, set in the iconic City of Angels.

Tim DeKay reads the story, acts the parts, lives the action. I am glad that this series is performed by such a great narrator, because that makes all the difference, between a good audiobook and one made better by the man or woman who brings it to life in the listener’s mind.

Reaper is another well written, immersive and highly entertaining novel from an author I enjoy more and more with every new story of his that I have the pleasure to listen to and I highly recommend it to all of you who are looking for another Mystery Thriller in the style of Michael Connelly or Robert Crais.

I can’t wait to see what Lucky is up to in the next books, but the good news is that there are set to release in audiobook format this Fall.

Better 'n Disneyland

Reaper is a fun story.

Probably my favorite of the whole series. They are all excellent don’t get me wrong, but this one for some reason I just almost can’t get enough of the interaction between Lucky and his trainee Shia. Especially in the amidst of all of the unfolding and pulse pumping on-goings these two go through while on patrol.

I think this satisfaction comes from Doug Richardson’s ability to create just the right amount of tension between people or between a person and his situation that draws me in for a never-ending want for more. The author hits that perfect temperance every time.

Over and over we see this captivating tug and pull or banter between those at odds with each other in Richardson's writing with such satisfaction. And Reaper is thankfully no different. How they react. How they respond. Pure enjoyment.

There are parts I could read a dozen times and be just as entertained as when I read it the first time around.

And with the voice of Tim DeKay narrating, the scenes come alive and become spectacular to imagine.

Take Mush Man for starters, the homeless military veteran with Tourette’s syndrome. DeKay's rendition of Mush Man is impressive despite the hard on the ears vocabulary of this mentally broken soul. You can almost see this performance played out right before you.

Another is the big ambush in the heart of one of Compton's most unfriendly Projects or the deadly diner scene with Lucky and his nemesis. DeKay voices these scenes with perfection that leaves me with burning impatience for the day Lucky gets to take the next step and finally leap into the silver screen.

Revisiting Richardson’s Reaper novel in the audio version while vacating in La La Land was just rich. Somewhere early on in the story I had hit play while sitting down on a park bench in the South Bay. My precious kiddos were swinging and playing on the colorful playground equipment. Ear buds plugged in listening to DeKay, I look up and around, and guess what hits me?

Luckyland in the flesh!

It was like staring at Richardson's iconic book covers designed by his talented wife.

Setting sun. Glorious colors of pinks, reds and oranges lighting up the vibrant blue sky. Palm trees overlaid against the heavenly expanse above. Power lines sliced the air with a nearly urban, but I suppose still technically suburban, layout of stucco homes and businesses cramped next to one another underneath. It was as if the whole view was auditioning for the next Lucky Dey cover.

Okay, I admit it. I’m a gushing fan of the series. I may even have to join Sycophants Anonymous. Hi, my name is ... but I'm only so because I’m such a fan of good storytelling. And being where I was in Southern California it was like some theme park experience with DeKay as the tour guide closing out my day with a smile. It was too cool.

Speaking of coming to a close. You still here and haven’t launched the Reaper ride?

I’m telling you. It’s better 'n Disneyland.

(and cheaper too)