Rating: 
Summary: decent story, but not as good as some of the others
Review: Griffin's books always have a good deal of excitement, and so does _The Investigators_. However, this one begins to strain credibility in some ways. Just when we think Matt Payne (supposedly a very, very intelligent man) can't possibly do anything dumber, he does just that. Is the Philadelphia Police Department really so paternalistic that such an officer would remain on the force despite seven bookfuls of bungling? I sure hope not.The strength of the book, and the series, is some of the characters. The toady Czernich (or however Griffin has elected to spell his name this book; he never spells it the same way twice), the protective Lowenstein, the genteel Savarese, and the fiery Carlucci are always entertaining. Peter Wohl strains credibility a little but is an interesting fellow. Recommended but could have been better.
Rating:
Summary: decent story, but not as good as some of the others
Review: Griffin's books always have a good deal of excitement, and so does _The Investigators_. However, this one begins to strain credibility in some ways. Just when we think Matt Payne (supposedly a very, very intelligent man) can't possibly do anything dumber, he does just that. Is the Philadelphia Police Department really so paternalistic that such an officer would remain on the force despite seven bookfuls of bungling? I sure hope not. The strength of the book, and the series, is some of the characters. The toady Czernich (or however Griffin has elected to spell his name this book; he never spells it the same way twice), the protective Lowenstein, the genteel Savarese, and the fiery Carlucci are always entertaining. Peter Wohl strains credibility a little but is an interesting fellow. Recommended but could have been better.
Rating: 
Summary: More of the same for those who can never get enough!
Review: Griffin's books are (if the reader from Texas would take the time to figure out anything from the "simple" context he/she whines about) not of this era, set in the late sixties/early seventies. They are reminiscent of a time when things were shiny and the cliches of today were being invented. His books have mini-bios for the poor readers that are picking up their first Griffin novel, so they won't be lost- a fair amount of concern for the reader, I think. The stories are similar, but classic, a feel-good tale of a wealthy young hero and his friends (wouldn't we all like to be wealthy young, heroic, and popular?) that struggle but succeed. There is a vast amount of realism, and the anecdotes and descriptions of Philadelphia and its surroundings ring extraordinarily true. The world is obviously made up of two people- those who appreciate Griffin's work for what it is, and those who look to Griffin to write prose and Shakespeare, and other high-falutin' stuff. 'Nuff said!
Rating:
Summary: Life in the City of Brotherly Love
Review: Having read almost all of Griffin's books, I was excited to find out that he had a new one out there. Having lived here, myself, for the past ten years, Griffin's descriptions of Philadelphia and the surrounding areas as well as the nature of Philadelphia politics and Society have always been right on the money; and I have to say, he's done it again. I've always found it most interesting in Griffin's novels to be able to precisely place the action based on the landmarks that the author provides; however, this time, Griffin's landmarks were a little bit on the old side since many of the locations he mentions have be gone for a number of years. While the places may have changed, and the names of the people might be far different, the nature of corruption and the presence of "underground" business management is more of a reality than ever. Griffin's book only served to remind me how much stranger truth can be than fiction.
Rating:
Summary: Good pulp fiction police procedural
Review: I actually read this book first, grabbed it in the airport, and pretty much read most of it in the plane. Thought it was a great read, an interestingly tale of Philly cops. I didn't, somehow, catch that it was set in the 70s. The earlier books make that much more obvious. Which then gets confusing, as the latest book has time warped to the present day. These books are not keepers for me...they'll head back to the used book store. But for an entertaining read, one that is difficult to put down at times, these books are good. But they also tend to be much the same thing, and I'm finding that this rehash doesn't sit with me as well as other series, like Spenser, for instance. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Good pulp fiction police procedural
Review: I actually read this book first, grabbed it in the airport, and pretty much read most of it in the plane. Thought it was a great read, an interestingly tale of Philly cops. I didn't, somehow, catch that it was set in the 70s. The earlier books make that much more obvious. Which then gets confusing, as the latest book has time warped to the present day. These books are not keepers for me...they'll head back to the used book store. But for an entertaining read, one that is difficult to put down at times, these books are good. But they also tend to be much the same thing, and I'm finding that this rehash doesn't sit with me as well as other series, like Spenser, for instance. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: "as usual" an intricate well told story
Review: I differ with those that want to make web griffins work "politically correct" it smacks of "revisionist history". the movies do it so why not? no, never! Having lived thru the 50's 60's and 70's I can see things in these novels that are the way they used to be. To ask that the author revise the story details comments and events to match current mores? and attitudes would be an insult to history. WEB, keep on doing your thing!. occasionally, I see a small technical glitch, a bit of technology out of time context, but this doesn't detract from the fasination I have for his work. Maybe I am grossly predudiced in favor of these years, but whenever i see a "period" detective story from the 30's, 40's or 50's (or even a little later) i either tape it or drop other things and watch it. Everything is too "smooth" today and modern style authors either put in technobabble or skip the details. BUT , WEB Griffin, you always do it right!! Just don't leave me hanging for months or years to find out things. Who killed the young policeman in "the murderers" Does Cletus Frade ever marry his princess? Does the "killer" ever marry his gal?
Rating:
Summary: Once again Griffin has outdone himself!!!!!!
Review: I have been waiting for this book to come out...I really enjoy the Badge of Honor novels....and again I am thrilled, excited and left wanting more. The characters are maturing but they still have that fresh outlook. I want more.....
Rating:
Summary: good reading for griffen fans
Review: I just finnished this book. I like the way it starts with a party, to reintroduce you to all the main characters. Two story lines running at the same time. I just wish Mr. Griffen would finish a series like he did in Brotherhood of war, before starting another.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: I thought Investgators was great. It was entertaining and fairly fast paced. I just wonder if anything good will ever happen in young Matt Payne's life. He has suffered enough tragedy to go around the bend - twice!!
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