Ocean Black
The Holdouts
Next of Kin
In LA's heart of darkness, murder is nowhere near the worst sin a man can commit.
In OCEAN BLACK, a killer records his murder of America’s Sweetheart, the Oscar-winning actress Kate Swann. The killer appears to be a terrorist, but appearances deceive everyone except former star NYPD detective Buddy Lock.
OCEAN BLACK
A Detective Buddy Lock Mystery
Near Kate Swann’s house in the wealthy Los Angeles enclave of Pacific Palisades, Buddy Lock lives in a house rented by his wealthy brother, Ward Mills. Once a child prodigy at the piano, Buddy earns money playing at a local restaurant. He’s working to recover not only his emotional equilibrium, but also his fiancée and adopted son who remain in New York.
Minutes after Kate Swann’s death, Buddy Lock sees his beautiful neighbor threatened by a man holding a strange and terrifying weapon. After saving her, he soon realizes that he’s fought Kate Swann’s killer. From that moment, he must keep his neighbor and her daughter safe despite the killer’s growing ruthlessness. Knowing he needs help, he calls Ward Mills, who brings his own skills and firepower.
As Buddy investigates and is himself under suspicion by the local police, he begins to wonder if he should trust his beautiful neighbor. Are the murders no more than a terrible smokescreen for something the killer must find?
Minutes after Kate Swann’s death, Buddy Lock sees his beautiful neighbor threatened by a man holding a strange and terrifying weapon. After saving her, he soon realizes that he’s fought Kate Swann’s killer. From that moment, he must keep his neighbor and her daughter safe despite the killer’s growing ruthlessness. Knowing he needs help, he calls Ward Mills, who brings his own skills and firepower.
As Buddy investigates and is himself under suspicion by the local police, he begins to wonder if he should trust his beautiful neighbor. Are the murders no more than a terrible smokescreen for something the killer must find?
Praise for James Tucker
“[I]mpressive first novel and series launch . . . Buddy’s battle of wits with the vicious killer keeps the excitement level high throughout. The surprise ending will leave readers impatiently awaiting Buddy’s next outing.”
—Publishers Weekly, [★ starred review]
“Direct and fast-paced, Tucker’s debut takes readers on an adventurous ride that extends from questions about custody of a young charge to an art deal that may have its roots in the exploitation of Jews in World War II.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Gripping from its opening lines, Next of Kin is a white-knuckle page-turner, where ruthless power, murder, and crimes hidden for generations create an intricate, utterly absorbing tale. The life of a vulnerable young boy hangs in the balance, and Detective Buddy Lock must find the killer before it’s too late. Simply a fantastic read.”
—Marya Hornbacher, Pulitzer Prize–nominated author of Wasted, The Center of Winter, and Madness
“Terrific plot! And Buddy Lock is a cop protagonist that’s a delightful departure from the norm. I’m wholeheartedly recommending Next of Kin.”
—Mike Lawson, author of the Joe DeMarco thrillers
“James Tucker crafts a story as complex as his characters. With nuanced attention to detail, unexpected twists and turns, and an unforgettable ending, Tucker’s latest Buddy Lock thriller is a tour de force.”
—Brian Andrews, WSJ bestselling coauthor of the TIER ONE series
“The Holdouts deftly weaves a story of secrets, corruption, and the captivating allure of power. Running beneath the thrilling mystery is the thread of family—and the sacrifices needed to keep them safe.”
—Brianna Labuskes, Amazon bestselling author of It Ends With Her
“The Holdouts keeps you on the edge of your seat from the very first page to the nail-biting finale. Buddy Lock is a hero to root for.”
—Marti Green, author of the #1 Amazon best-seller Unintended Consequences
He's not after money and power.
But they are after him.
Tucker keeps the tension high. Readers will look forward to Buddy’s next action-packed outing.
—Publishers Weekly
The Holdouts keeps you on the edge of your seat from the very first page to the nail-biting finale. Buddy Lock is a hero to root for.
—Marti Green, author of the #1 Amazon best-seller Unintended Consequences
A New York homicide cop stands between a small boy and a vengeful serial killer.
“In Tucker’s impressive first novel and series launch, NYPD Det. Buddy Lock… keeps the excitement level high throughout. The surprise ending will leave readers impatiently awaiting Buddy’s next outing.”
— Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
Direct and fast-paced, Tucker’s debut takes readers on an adventurous ride that extends from questions about custody of a young charge to an art deal that may have its roots in the exploitation of Jews in World War II.
— Kirkus
“Terrific plot! And Buddy Lock is a cop protagonist that’s a delightful departure from the norm. I’m whole-heartedly recommending NEXT OF KIN.”
— Mike Lawson, author of the Joe DeMarco thrillers
“Gripping from its opening lines, NEXT OF KIN is a white-knuckle page-turner, where ruthless power, murder, and crimes hidden for generations create an intricate, utterly absorbing tale. The life of a vulnerable young boy hangs in the balance, and Detective Buddy Lock must find the killer before it’s too late. Simply a fantastic read.”
— Marya Hornbacher,
Pulitzer Prize-nominated author of
Wasted, The Center of Winter, and Madness
Pulitzer Prize-nominated author of
Wasted, The Center of Winter, and Madness
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