City of Stones (Detective Matt Jones Book 4)

Graphic violenceThis stand-alone is easy to follow and difficult to put down. No editing errors, gratuitous violence or drag-you-down drama.This storyline pulls the reader into complex murder cases and the politics of protecting important people. Descriptive, at times lyrical writing keeps the reader guessing. The paranormal, sixth sense of the main character adds depth to this novel. Flexible procedures, actions and reactions. Believable characters with distinct personalities. Thought-provoking and memorable dialogue.‘The Hollywood Freeway looked even worse. All he could see was a river of brake lights on their way to nowhere.‘No desire to re-read this story. I am always interested in works by this author.

Matt has definitely matured. This book was action packed with one extreme situation after another. This is the first book where Ellis had my anxiety level up so high that I had to stop reading at about Chapter 34. After that, I found I had to skip forward on numerous occasions to see if Matt got out of the jam (which I knew he would and yet...) and then went back and could slowly read.Mr. Ellis has stated that the series has been written in such a way that it makes no difference where you begin. If new readers want to, they can step into the series anywhere and still have a great time.I think re-reading the prior books solidifies the foundation so a reader could "get" more out of the later books. Otherwise, some references and nuances will be missed. .So, readers, take the challenge. Read “City of Stones.” Then go back and read the first three: “City of Echoes,” “The Love Killings” and “The Girl Buried in the Woods.” ( My reviews of those are dated September 7, 2015, August 11, 2016 and October 13, 2019). What is your vote? If you had to do it all over again, would you have read the first three before reading the fourth? I might very well go back and read the first four to finish in time to coincide with the fifth Matt Jones.

I discovered Robert Ellis when I asked my bookseller what's new and she handed me his second book, THE DEAD ROOM, telling me this guy's hot. I've been hooked ever since. What gets me is how every new book by this writer seems like it's better than the last. CITY OF STONES grabbed me in the first few pages and never let go. I love the way the story kept me guessing until the very end (almost the last page)! And just like the first three books in the Matt Jones series, kept me up all night with thrills and chills and all those wonderful characters popping off the page. Especially, Matt Jones. There's something special about this guy. I wish he was real. No doubt about it, CITY OF STONES by Robert Ellis is another bravo effort, and another 5 STAR read by a very gifted author!

I should have rated all 4 books, but I just wanted to read, read, read! Mr. Ellis pulls no punches, has no boundaries, and tells a great, really great, story. They start with action, no boring, long leadups. Straight to the good stuff!

I have read and enjoyed all of Robert Ellis' books and was thrilled to see book 4 in the Matt Jones series. I have to admit that I struggled to get through the very graphic descriptions of the crimes. However, Jones is such an intense character in a fast paced story, with cleverly intertwined characters, I found myself unable to put the book down. And what a surprise ending. I would like to see Lena Gamble in futures stories, too. Make sure that you don't have any plans when you begin City of Stones. You'll need to cancel them so you can finish the book.

I thought that this was a fairly good thriller. There was lots of action and the story moved quickly. A few times it was a bit too cliche but it redeemed itself by having a really strong finish.

I found this "City of Stones" Book to be fast paced - a page turner! I guess that is what happens if you take a good story, write it well - and just let it run on its own. I have enjoyed the character - Matt Jones, Dectective - before and he did not let me down in this exciting new adventure. Worth the Read

Great continuation of series. Not the best but pretty good. Keep them coming Mr. Elllis. Very talented author. Can't wait

I have just finished this book, and, as for all four books, I couldn’t put them down. Very chilling but a great read. I am about to see if there is a book five. Well worth the read.

I’ve read all of Robert Ellis’s books and have enjoyed everyone. Until this. The plot could have been good but went completely awry because of outrageous characterisation. It was almost infantile in parts as was a lot of the dialogue. I don’t want to give spoilers so will only mention the FBI agents as an example. Parts of the plot were totally unbelievable - Temps in the lab with the DNA - and also the Dr. May scenario are just two examples.I’m starting to wonder if Robert Ellis wrote any of this book at all.I will be reluctant to read another Matt Jones novel but will give the author another chance if his next book is a Lena Gamble story.