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"A fast paced, gritty, and compelling debut from a talented new voice in crime fiction." - Deborah Crombie, author of the award-winning Dreaming of the Bones |
"If you like the sort of thing James Patterson tries to write, then you'll love Steve Copling's book, "The Listener". Chilling. Esoteric and accurate. Makes you wish you never had to speak on a cell phone or cordless unit ever again. You can't put this one down. (I know, I tried.) Copling knows how to keep your heart in a vice, and your mind reeling from scene to scene. You are there, every step of the way, as Detectives Rush and Chinbroski are drawn into the strangest hi-tech gutter war you could never imagine was even possible, and you'll find yourself cheering them on--AND cheering for Leigh, a highly-motivated new kind of female savvy-survivor hero driven way past the edge of sanity and thrown into a dangerous world peopled with unique and memorable characters from serial killers to ex-CIA Operatives to Cornell Lawyers. "The landscape Copling works with is so rich in detail and strong with characters and relationships that I feel I know these people--and I want to see more of them and find out what happens to them next. "The Listener" promises to be just the first in a Rush/Chinbroski series, but I really want to know what's going to happen with Mallory and Nanci and the trio of experts over at that strange cinder block building at 10th and Vine called B&A Enterprises.... C'mon, Copling, tell us more!" - Mark Benedict, Colorado |
"I saw a review in the Dallas Morning News on this book and thought I would give it a try. This may be the best paced book I have read. The character development was fully implemented, and to the reader the characters were real people. The premise was totally new and the plot developed at a pace that made setting the book aside almost impossible. "I have recommended The Listener to everyone who will listen. I am looking forward to the next work from Mr. Copling." - Steve Hudnall, Plano, TX |
"I must commend you for your writing skills that you have already shown in your debut novel. The plot was well 'stitched' together, and the characters were not one-dimensional, but yet dynamic in their expression and development. "My wife knew that it was a good read for me due to the fact that I 'politely excused' myself from normal living/interactions while I 'consumed' the book in a few readings. "Although this is your first book, and it was well written, I will eagerly read your new publications in anticipation of your developing skills and style. "I commend your emotional and intellectual bravery to expose your creativity to the often critical reading public; it was a courageous choice that was not without benefit for the readers!" - Daniel Cisco, Waxahachie, TX |
"Great book! "This is one of those books where the phrases, "Riveting" and "A real page turner" would apply. It is a great mix of suspense, the detective process, and humor. The characters are believable and funny. The story itself is highly imaginative and rises above the norm for detective novels in it's originality. Once you discover what the title, "The Listener" is referring to, it will give you chills. "The author Steve Copling is an actual detective for a Texas police department. He knows his subject matter first hand, since he lives it every day. The story is set in an actual north Texas town using the actual names of the streets and businesses in that town. It makes it seem all the more real and believable to the reader. "This is the first novel by this author. If this book is any indication, he has a great future as a writer. I will anxiously be awaiting the release of his next book!" - Karin Christian, Texas |
"It's an awfully good book. The characterization was consistently good, the dialogue realistic, and the plot, of course, strong and well paced. I don't read a lot of police procedurals, but you had me hooked from the beginning and kept me reading straight through to the end. Congratulations on a fascinating story well told." - Claire Bocardo, member Greater Dallas Writer’s Association |
"This riveting police procedural was written by a Plano police officer and is set in Plano during a very cold winter. The story begins at Collin Creek Mall and the main characters, detectives Greg Rush and Rick Chinbroski, are often found in east Plano or zipping up and down Highway 75, giving local readers a special feeling of "being there" in the story... (Click here to read the rest of the review.) - Carole C. Deily, Plano, TX |
"The complex plot grabbed my attention from the first pages and I literally could not put the book down till I found out what happened. I also really enjoyed the relationship and humor between the main characters and look forward to the next Rush/Chinbroski novel! I'm recommending The Listener to all my friends who like a good mystery!" - Pat Evans, Mayor of Plano, TX |
"Loved it! The most realistic crime / mystery I have read. I didn't spend time thinking, "Oh, they would never do that" or "that isn't possible". Being in Police Work has given you an edge not many other authors have and what a benefit for your readers. The setting was perfect; as I read the book it played like a movie in my head. Extremely hard to put this book down! Can't wait for the next one!" - Pam Palmisano, Captain II, Collin County Sheriff's Office, McKinney, TX |
"I am not patronizing you when I tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Once I started to read it I had a hard time putting it down. I liked the fact that through out reading it there was not a time where I knew what was coming next. You didn’t tail off and kept my complete attention. I have a tendency to lose my intensity while reading if the author goes into long descriptive, meandering paragraphs. I wouldn’t hesitate to read another of your books." - Rich Cello, Chicago, IL |
"An absolute page turner! Well written and attention grabbing. You can't help but cheer for Leigh, and laugh at Chin's antics (not to mention deplorable attire). Rush, also once called "the ugly one" by Leigh, was a believable character, with a surprising depth to him. Can't wait for a sequel, and hopefully a more in depth look into Mallorys case. I can't wait to share this gem with my friends in the Department!" - Nicole "Coale" Kingston, Marlin, Texas |
"New Texas author Steve Copling introduces us to Detectives Greg Rush and Rick Chinbroski, and a crime scene too vivid to be fiction. The detectives have different styles, leading to the friction that often exists between partners. The killer, and the woman tracking him, will hold you spellbound with their obsessiveness, and the plot, with its stark realism, will keep you turning pages long past your bedtime. The Listener is an example of a realistic murder investigation, written by a real cop." - Jim Evans, Ft. Worth, TX |
"Wow!!! I picked it up and did not want to put it down! I hope you are going to write more and soon. You captured my attention at the beginning and never lost it! My Dad and I are both avid mystery readers, especially crime, and I was only too pleased to let him borrow this book!" - Lynn Woodall, Princeton, TX |
"It's already been said, but I could not (and did not) put this book down. The pacing was great, characters interesting & endearing, and the story was just plain captivating. I'm looking forward to the next book and wish you a ton of success with this one." - Tom Heintz, Mokane, MO |
"Even though this is not the type of book I usually choose, I was spellbound to the very end. No second guessing here. Steve puts you right there, on the scene, and you feel every emotion, every fear, every doubt experienced by these tough but human police detectives. A wonderful read!" - Delores Williams, Winter Springs, FL |
"Very good and I want to read the next one. How long before it is out and ready? I don’t know why you waited so long to start writing, because there is sure a place out there for you! I think you are another John Grisham, I enjoyed the book that much!" - Carl and Bobbie Hartwig, Plano, TX |
"Just finished! First, let me just tell you that I normally do not read murder/mystery novels. I am a huge fan of gorry, scary, crazy stuff.....(Anne Rice & Stephen King). Your book really surprised me. I can hardly wait for the next Rush/Chinbroski novel to hit the shelves. "I live in Garland and was a mail carrier in Plano before I became a clerk, so I am pretty familiar with the area. The Listener was even more exciting to read because I could really picture everything you were writing about! You have done a brilliant job of creating a real page-turner with just enough mystery, horror and wonder to leave readers hungry for the next twist in the plot!!!! Keep up the good work (in all aspects)! I will continue to recommend this book to all of my friends and co-workers! My husband is about to start reading it now! Thanks!" - Mela, Proud Mom of Jeremy & Kenzie |
"I am almost 40 years old and for the first time since childhood I had to run and jump in bed at night for fear that Enoch was under my bed!! The characters were written so well that they were alive for me. I can still see them in my mind. I loved the information and research that was included in this book. So many interesting facts kept me spellbound. I have 3 kids and read the book in only 3 sittings!! Hated to have to put it down at each sitting. I never read mysteries, especially with murder but....this was an intellectual account that hooked me in completely!! I would love to read the next one and am passing the book on to friends! Job well done!!" - Lorri, Plano, TX |
"Great read. New twist on a murder mystery; you know who did it, but why can't someone tell? Hmmmm. Descriptive enough to let the reader picture what's going on, but not so wordy as to make you want to speed-read through the details. The 2 dectective partners, Rush and Chinbroski, are so different, yet seem so compatible, they get the job done. You can tell the author has a law enforcement background. Great job for a first book! Can't wait for the others in this series." - Amy, Lonedell, MO |
"As an avid reader, I was thoroughly impressed by Steve's first published novel. Excitement, intrigue, suspense and a very well thought out plot presented one of those rare books that keeps the reader captivated from the first page." - Don Massie, Plano, TX |
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