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Double Takedown

By: Kevin G. Chapman
Publisher: First Legacy Publishing LLC
Publication Date: December 15, 2024
ISBN: 978-1-958339-22-0
Reviewed by: Lily Andrews
Review Date: August 30, 2024

Kevin G. Chapman's police procedural thriller Double Takedown (A Mike Stoneman Mystery) is an intriguing read that revolves on the dramatic investigation into a horrific murder shrouded in mystery which occurs at a charity ballet event at Lincoln Center.

After the poisoning of lead actor Alex Bishop, detectives Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson quickly gather evidence against the main suspect, Nathan Matthews. With the trial just around the corner, Matthews maintains his innocence and claims he was set up. However, the testimony of multiple witnesses suggests that Matthews had the opportunity and motivation to kill Bishop. His dissatisfaction supposedly stemmed from Bishop's leading part in a production he was the director of. He openly disregarded Bishop, terming him as a washed-up movie star and even said he wanted him to die so he could hire a different actor. The night before he died, Matthews had handed Bishop a drink at a function. His browser history also showed he had looked up the heart medicine Bishop was taking secretly.

Concerned that the real murderer may still be at large, an ex-policeman who is now a private investigator contacts Mike and Jason. He works for Matthews and is seeking a reopening of the case to establish his client's innocence prior to trial. His view of the case sends the two detectives seeking out a fake alibi recruited by an individual believed to have a deep-seated grudge against Bishop. However, witnesses begin to die mysteriously, as a well calculated series of falsehoods lead the authorities and prosecution further away from the truth.

This story delves deeply into drug abuse, premeditated murder, and extreme treachery. It eloquently conveys the complexities of friendship, professionalism, love gone sour, promiscuity, and jealousy. The protagonists are especially confronted with heartbreaking inadequacies that cast doubt on their sleuth skills and capacity to pursue justice in the face of fierce opposition. The plot twists and turns to a fascinating, unexpected, yet rewarding reveal as fresh information becomes accessible. The heroes are forced to act and think creatively, though, as a result of a supervisor brutally stifling the new evidence. With the introduction of their spouses, their familial values and strong work ethic add to the reading enjoyment. The high-stakes atmosphere of their work displays a red-hot zone where prompt decision making must be double-checked to prevent heart-stopping dilemmas from occurring.

As far as contemporary police procedurals go, this series is bound to stand the test of time and is unquestionably one of the best thrillers out there. Chapman's storytelling gifts are many and varied. Multifaceted character development, realistic and engaging conversation writing, and narrative development are all areas in which he thrives. Only after you peel back the layers of his writing do you realize you have not really figured out the plot, even if you thought you did.

Quill says: The sixth installment in the Mike Stoneman Mystery series, Double Takedown is a mind-blowing and perfect detective mystery read.

For more information on Double Takedown, please visit the author's website at: kevingchapman.com