Official Review: Betrayal in Blue by Mark M. Bello

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Samy Lax
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Official Review: Betrayal in Blue by Mark M. Bello

Post by Samy Lax »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Betrayal in Blue" by Mark M. Bello.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Betrayal in Blue is a fictional thriller written by Mark M. Bello. It begins by introducing us to the Dearborn Police Department (PD) that has just managed to retrieve a piece of information on the dark web about the possible plotting of a terror mission directed at Dearborn, its cops, and Muslims. This is their first clue as to the existence of a revenge plot for the murder of another terrorist. This is the clue that will get the cops of the PD on their feet―one in particular― and take them on a serious ride of action and adventure.

Jack Dylan is a veteran of the Dearborn PD, and his team’s key members include Andy Toller―forensic criminologist, Noah Thompson―cybercrime expert, and Shaheed Ali―Muslim affairs expert. The team is more like a friendship forged over many years. They work together like a big family and have each other’s back through thick and thin. And when it’s a Sarin gas attack on the books? That just gets them working on the double.

Jonathan Stone is no stranger to witnessing suffering. He knows that being exposed to Sarin gas is a terrible way to die. Though he belongs to a terror gang, he believes a line is to be drawn somewhere and using Sarin crosses that line. In contrast, Bart Breitner―the gang’s head, believes that if a “few” civilians have to lose their lives for his cause, it isn’t that big a deal. All it takes is a conscientious Stone to reveal Breitner’s plans to Jack in return for immunity. What ensues is an unexpected murder trial and mystery that hits us out of the blue and makes sure it leaves an impression.

Since I hadn’t read the last two instalments in the series, it took me a while to get into this story. For the first few chapters, you are introduced to a number of different characters who seem to have mostly been part of the previous books in the series. The first few chapters also outline the involvement of the FBI in the investigation and the love-hate relationship that the Dearborn PD develops with them, which plays deep into story. A few chapters later, a “murder” happens and that’s when the story begins.

The story takes place in a time where racism is still quite alive and violence and attacks against minorities are a prominent feature of the society. There is also a lot of legal drama in the story, which―to me―was the highlight of the book. The author’s (who’s also a Michigan attorney―no surprise there) grasp on legal trials and the fine nuances of criminal investigations shines through the entire book. Zachary Blake―the attorney who is the main character the book revolves around―is THE person you want on your side whenever you are in any kind of legal trouble. The author uses his experience to write about the finer aspects of his characters, show the equation between police departments and the FBI, and brings to light the kind of work that goes into providing immunity and protection to key witnesses.

I cannot claim much knowledge about police departments, legal cases, or anything related to them; however, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. The book was well-written and the storyline was interesting, and kept me reading till the end. I am rating this book a full 4 out of 4 stars. I would recommend it to those readers who are interested in legal thrillers, especially those that deal with the very real issue of white supremacy existent today.

******
Betrayal in Blue
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Post by kandscreeley »

It sounds like the story was well-researched and quite realistic. It also sounds like it was able to keep your attention which I always appreciate in a fiction story. I still don't really want to start in the middle of a series, so I'd have to look at the first book before this one. Thanks for the review.
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Post by Cecilia_L »

I enjoyed your review and think I would also enjoy this book. It sounds believable and suspenseful. Great review!
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Post by kfwilson6 »

I've been wanting to read the previous installments in this series as I love legal thrillers. I'm so glad to see the author maintains his momentum in this third book in the Blake series. Wonderful review.
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Post by Amy+++ »

Sounds like something I would read. Might take me a while to get into it, but I would give it a try. Great review.
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Post by topdan30 »

Great review and i enjoyed reading it. Will sure have a go at this book. Thanks for a lovely review.
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Post by Samy Lax »

kandscreeley wrote: 17 Aug 2018, 07:20 It sounds like the story was well-researched and quite realistic. It also sounds like it was able to keep your attention which I always appreciate in a fiction story. I still don't really want to start in the middle of a series, so I'd have to look at the first book before this one. Thanks for the review.
That's a good point you raise. I see that the previous books in the series are must-reads too. So, maybe I would do the same next.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! :romance-heartbeating:
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Post by Samy Lax »

Cecilia_L wrote: 17 Aug 2018, 14:42 I enjoyed your review and think I would also enjoy this book. It sounds believable and suspenseful. Great review!
It is truly enjoyable. I am sure you would like it too.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! :romance-heartbeating:
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Post by Connie Otwani »

I have really enjoyed reading your review. The legal thrill, wit, action, adventure and satin had (whatever it is!), makes the book so appealing. It's unfortunate I have to hunt down the prequels in order to have a smooth transition into this book. Great review!
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Post by Fu Zaila »

It's disgruntling to hear I have to read the prequels before reading this book because you make it sound so interesting! And sarin is a fictional gas? That's an interesting concept. Loved reading your review.
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Post by Bonnie Shelby »

This sounds like an awesome thriller! Thanks for your review :)
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Post by Rosemary Khathibe »

I'm surprised white supremacy still exists. Since I'm a thriller lover, I will read the book to learn more. Thanks for your intriguing review.
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Post by Jackie Holycross »

It sounds like a well-paced episode of Law and Order. I loved that show.
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Post by Samy Lax »

kfwilson6 wrote: 17 Aug 2018, 20:51 I've been wanting to read the previous installments in this series as I love legal thrillers. I'm so glad to see the author maintains his momentum in this third book in the Blake series. Wonderful review.
I am glad you liked the review. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! :romance-heartbeating:
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Post by jcoad »

Sounds like an interesting story and some strong characters. I think I would read the first two books before I jump into this one as I'm guessing some background wouldn't hurt. It is good to know this book can stand on it's own and keeps the pages turning as that bodes well for the earlier books. Thank you for the thorough review and honest opinion!
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