Trigger (Frank Marr Book 3)

"Trigger" is the third book in the Frank Marr trilogy. I've read them all - The Second Girl, Crime Song, and now Trigger. When I tell you it may be the best modern crime, anti-hero series there is, I'm not exaggerating. The dialogue alone is superior to most any other novel you will read in its genre. The action and the story lines are top notch, with recent events as references throughout the series. They say every protagonist is a version, in some form or another, of its author. This holds true here. David Swinson is a former DC cop, and for a time worked as a promoter in the punk scene. You can see both sides of Mr. Swinson in Frank Marr. The writing is so good, it makes me wonder if Frank's life is a direct reflection of Mr. Swinson in other ways. Frank Marr is a flawed hero. As far as crime fiction goes, those are the most compelling characters. This series may be the best I've read in a long time in that regard. I waited over a year for this book, and Trigger didn't disappoint. Read this entire series, it's highly recommended. Easy 5 stars!!

First of all I don't understand why the author needs to tell the reader exactly what the character is thinking. His words should be enough. But no, he then has to tell us his thoughts, like we are too stupid to understand sarcasm or humor. The title character talks about how hard it is for him to be off cocaine, while he drinks alcohol constantly, smokes marijauna and takes super strong tranquilizers like Klonopin. I am tired of people that write characters that are addicted but don't seem to understand anything about addiction. Why do we have to know he is constantly using but is supposed to be doing better. I was so disappointed in this book. He is "so drunk" but is still able to take on two African American street kids with a switchblade? Come on! I read the first one and thought the second Frank Marr novel was better. But after this one David Swinson is definitely on my NO MORE list!!

David Swinson and anti-hero Frank Marr are fast climbing the pantheon ofthebest writers in this class Robert Crais, Michael Connelly, Don Winslow and James Lee Burke. Frank Marr some would say is not a good man and maybe a bad man. What seperates him is he lives by code it might be one that most people don’t but it works for him.Mr. Swinson’s character are flesh and blood an believable. His plotting is impeccable. Do yourself a favor and read his books.

"I bring the drink to Al. He takes a nice sip right away". It's not possible to read two pages of this book without encountering an equally uninspired description of alcohol consumption (with the brand of beverage always named-product placement, anyone?). A procedural, one hopes, will have an interesting plot, at least somewhat developed characters and competent if not inspired writing. To put it mildly, whatever scant plot drives "Trigger" is drowned in alcohol. Descriptions of drinking are not interesting. Drunks are not interesting. Stick figures are not interesting. The incessant drinking does nothing to advance the story line nor to make the characters plausible or sympathetic. Marilyn Stasio, what were you thinking of when you wrote your NYT review?

The protagonist is a cynical Washington DC ex-detective who turned PI. As the author is also an ex-DC detective, he offers some wonderful insight as to how the department, and the crime scene, is working there. With his excellent cynical humor, David Swinson weaves a fascinating tale. The story really keeps moving, and surely kept me entertained. I am really looking forward to a fourth book. Bravo!

Trigger puts you back in the middle of Frank Marr's crazy life. It's tense, funny, sad, and has a few great twists along the way.

This was a great read. I spent a lot of time in Washington, DC when I was younger and this captures the city. It also describes what it's like to be a police detective there. It was very entertaining and a fun read. I really enjoyed this book.

His description and thoughts put you right there. Really makes a visual in your mind.There’s something intriguing about Frank Marr, even more so than the story line. I read all 3 books and enjoyed them. I know trilogy’s are the big thing now, but i’d Like to read more books with the Frank Marr character!