A wealthy San Francisco socialite with a mean streak. A torch singer enmeshed in a sordid love triangle. A brother and sister with a strange bond. Nothing adds up until Max Plank starts snooping, slowly uncovering the secrets and lies, the rot at the heart of a prominent family's history.Max is trying to adjust to his new role as a co-parent to a twelve-year A wealthy San Francisco socialite with a mean streak. A torch singer enmeshed in a sordid love triangle. A brother and sister with a strange bond. Nothing adds up until Max Plank starts snooping, slowly uncovering the secrets and lies, the rot at the heart of a prominent family's history.Max is trying to adjust to his new role as a co-parent to a twelve-year-old girl when the matriarch of one of San Francisco’s most prominent families steps onto his boat. He normally steers clear of cases involving family affairs, but the old woman is desperate to prevent a femme fatale from taking advantage of her young son and a large fortune. With the help of a fat envelope stuffed with cash, Max agrees to at least give it a cursory examination. But once Max catches the scent of the mystey, his curiosity and need for justice take over. Soon it’s unclear whether he’s the pursuer or the pursued until he realizes that he’s put at risk the people he loves most in the world. As the dead bodies pile up, the twists and turns explode into a stunning climax where a monstrous secret is finally unmasked and innocent lives are forever ruined. The Ties That Bind is a blistering mystery thriller by the author of the highly praised Stray Cat Blues. Look for the next Max Plank Mystery, Devil’s Arcade, coming soon!
The Ties That Bind: A Mystery Crime Thriller (Max Plank Mystery Series Book 2)
A wealthy San Francisco socialite with a mean streak. A torch singer enmeshed in a sordid love triangle. A brother and sister with a strange bond. Nothing adds up until Max Plank starts snooping, slowly uncovering the secrets and lies, the rot at the heart of a prominent family's history.Max is trying to adjust to his new role as a co-parent to a twelve-year A wealthy San Francisco socialite with a mean streak. A torch singer enmeshed in a sordid love triangle. A brother and sister with a strange bond. Nothing adds up until Max Plank starts snooping, slowly uncovering the secrets and lies, the rot at the heart of a prominent family's history.Max is trying to adjust to his new role as a co-parent to a twelve-year-old girl when the matriarch of one of San Francisco’s most prominent families steps onto his boat. He normally steers clear of cases involving family affairs, but the old woman is desperate to prevent a femme fatale from taking advantage of her young son and a large fortune. With the help of a fat envelope stuffed with cash, Max agrees to at least give it a cursory examination. But once Max catches the scent of the mystey, his curiosity and need for justice take over. Soon it’s unclear whether he’s the pursuer or the pursued until he realizes that he’s put at risk the people he loves most in the world. As the dead bodies pile up, the twists and turns explode into a stunning climax where a monstrous secret is finally unmasked and innocent lives are forever ruined. The Ties That Bind is a blistering mystery thriller by the author of the highly praised Stray Cat Blues. Look for the next Max Plank Mystery, Devil’s Arcade, coming soon!
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30 review for The Ties That Bind: A Mystery Crime Thriller (Max Plank Mystery Series Book 2)
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Kathi Defranc –
This is a very enjoyable read, as I started looking at the story and was pulled right in to the action! Could not stop until I read the last word! The characters are great, with an excellent plot and continuing an awesome adventure with Max Plank, a kind of 'investigator' who is tough, good to his word and not afraid to mix it up with criminal types who are bothering his friends or clients. I have not read the first in this series but am going to remedy that soon! A wealthy client meets Max on This is a very enjoyable read, as I started looking at the story and was pulled right in to the action! Could not stop until I read the last word! The characters are great, with an excellent plot and continuing an awesome adventure with Max Plank, a kind of 'investigator' who is tough, good to his word and not afraid to mix it up with criminal types who are bothering his friends or clients. I have not read the first in this series but am going to remedy that soon! A wealthy client meets Max on his boat, asking him to check into the woman her son is dating. She gives little else to go on, but hands him $5,000 dollars in cash, so Max starts to find out what he can. Max has a very eclectic group of friends who work with him, finding out that the woman, Sarah, is singing at a bar in town. Max goes to see her, meets another musician who was on stage with her and before the singer comes out ....Boom..She is shot!! Max takes off after the suspect, running down alleys and checking every nook, but fails to locate the shooter. Now the story becomes intriguing as Max learns more about all involved and 'accidents' keep happening, with bodies dropping all over!! There are many twists, as we meet a child, Frankie, who Max is 'fathering' and see the family life of both him and those involved with his wealthy client. This is a very good thriller that keeps you guessing until the last word..I received this book from Hidden Gems and author Robert Bucchianeri, who I thank for an exciting read and I am able to give you my thoughts in this review
Bev –
Max Plank is trying to get used to being a co-parent to a twelve year old girl. Not all that easy to do at that age. Then the mother of one of San Franciso's wealthiest family steps on board his boat with an envelope full of cash, Max just can't refuse her. She is trying to stop a young girl from taking advantage of her young son and getting her hands on the family money. The more Max digs into this 'prominent' family the more unsavory things he finds out. Then the bodies start falling. Can Max Max Plank is trying to get used to being a co-parent to a twelve year old girl. Not all that easy to do at that age. Then the mother of one of San Franciso's wealthiest family steps on board his boat with an envelope full of cash, Max just can't refuse her. She is trying to stop a young girl from taking advantage of her young son and getting her hands on the family money. The more Max digs into this 'prominent' family the more unsavory things he finds out. Then the bodies start falling. Can Max solve this one, or will he be the fall guy? I voluntarily read a copy of this book from Hidden Gems. The review is my own opinion.
R.L. –
An updated version of Travis McGee. Travis has become Max. They're both PIs, but not-PIs. Travis' financial buddy Meyer has become Dao. Travis' houseboat, The Busted Flush, has become the Acapella Blues. Meyer's nearby yacht, the John Maynard Keynes, has become Dao's yacht, the Sweet and Sour. Let's assume that all of the parallels are coincidence or homage. Of course, there's some new stuff too. Max's larger-than-life buddy Marsh. His girlfriend and his semi-adopted daughter. All in all, good plot An updated version of Travis McGee. Travis has become Max. They're both PIs, but not-PIs. Travis' financial buddy Meyer has become Dao. Travis' houseboat, The Busted Flush, has become the Acapella Blues. Meyer's nearby yacht, the John Maynard Keynes, has become Dao's yacht, the Sweet and Sour. Let's assume that all of the parallels are coincidence or homage. Of course, there's some new stuff too. Max's larger-than-life buddy Marsh. His girlfriend and his semi-adopted daughter. All in all, good plot, very well written and another good read.
Curt –
Sometimes a Little Lie is Better 5 stars I thoroughly appreciate too many things about this author's ability to turn terrible insights into entertaining and engaging tales to go into it all right now. He deserves more than I have to offer at this time and yet I must say something. Plank, Max. This is how he identifies himself when he chooses to do so. Much more interesting than first name first. Cracks me up. Works for me every time, even though I know it's coming. Plank is not lacking in common s Sometimes a Little Lie is Better 5 stars I thoroughly appreciate too many things about this author's ability to turn terrible insights into entertaining and engaging tales to go into it all right now. He deserves more than I have to offer at this time and yet I must say something. Plank, Max. This is how he identifies himself when he chooses to do so. Much more interesting than first name first. Cracks me up. Works for me every time, even though I know it's coming. Plank is not lacking in common sense, and yet he doesn't let it dictate the course of his actions, investigations and loyalties. When he is making a stupid decision he gives his reader an expectation that it will all be worth it, to himself and to his clients, even those who have fired him. Like that rich b***h heiress Mrs. Wambaugh, who thought she had purchased a suitable red herring when she hired Plank. Instead, she had purchased a first class ticket to her own downfall. Max delivers the goods. But even though he brings her down, he plays a leading role in setting the captives free -- at least those who are still breathing when the smoke clears, like the poor little rich girl, Rachel, whose parents were both monsters and whose brother was the love of her life, until, well, until she wasn't. One more thing, or scene, rather, that was priceless. When Max decides to cook his gourmet Mac and cheese casserole for the little stinker who has claimed both his and Alexandra's (his lover's) heart, he is happy that the 13 year old girl liked it. But he's not really shocked when she asks him if, next time, he'll make it right out of the box. This is pretty close to the response that my mother got from my son when he asked her to make it the way grandpa used to make it, out of the box and according to the printed instructions. Thank you Mr. Bucchianeri for this tasty little morsel. As to the title of my review, you will have to read the novel to know what I mean. And you will. I promise. Or, well, I have many good reasons to hope.
Cath –
This is book two of the Max Plank series and sees him getting involved with one of San Francisco’s old, moneyed families. The other wants her son’s girlfriend investigated as she thinks the girl is just after her family name and a goldigger after the families money. He agrees to take the case, against his own thoughts and doubts. The case is not a simple investigation and Max isn’t actually a private investigator, he is just very good at finding out things and people, along with his friends and c This is book two of the Max Plank series and sees him getting involved with one of San Francisco’s old, moneyed families. The other wants her son’s girlfriend investigated as she thinks the girl is just after her family name and a goldigger after the families money. He agrees to take the case, against his own thoughts and doubts. The case is not a simple investigation and Max isn’t actually a private investigator, he is just very good at finding out things and people, along with his friends and contacts. The wealthy family, as per many old families, have more than one skeleton in their cupboards and more scandal than you could believe. A few red herrings abound in the tale. His enquiries put him and those he cares about, in danger and dead bodies start to pile up around him. A nice pace to the tale, with some seriously complex characters add to the action and mystery. A good read that was a pleasure to read. Max and his good friend Marsh are the most interesting in this story and his relationship with a young twelve year old girl called Frankie that he co-parents with his girlfriend. I loved reading this book. You would have to read the first book, Stray Cat Blues, to understand how Frankie became an important part of Max’s life and a part of his family and it is well worth getting for just that purpose. There will no doubt be plenty of stories that can come from this author in the Max Plank series and look forward to reading some more. I received an ARC copy of the book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
John –
I have found that few authors can paint as vivid a picture as Robert Bucchianeri does, whether it is describing in minute detail the background, location, or especially the characters. I have noticed I seem to be able to see clearer pictures in my mind as I continue reading this series of Max Plank highlighted by his absolutely delightful and enjoyable word combinations and prognostications. And, even though Plank is the main character, the book as well as him, would suffer greatly were it not f I have found that few authors can paint as vivid a picture as Robert Bucchianeri does, whether it is describing in minute detail the background, location, or especially the characters. I have noticed I seem to be able to see clearer pictures in my mind as I continue reading this series of Max Plank highlighted by his absolutely delightful and enjoyable word combinations and prognostications. And, even though Plank is the main character, the book as well as him, would suffer greatly were it not for the fascinating "associates" the author provides for the reader to also enjoy in this slightly dark, but realistic look at some members of society. Looking forward to reading any further books in this super enjoyable and delightful series. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.
Gerry –
Voluntary review of an ARC. Very good mystery if a little slow at times. It reminded me a little of Harlan Coban's Myron Bolitar series. Max is a sorta bumbling wise cracking detective and Marsh is his very dangerous friend. The plot is very interesting and full of twists, turns, and surprises. I would like to read more of this series. There is a little hint dropped in at the end that I would like to see followed. Voluntary review of an ARC. Very good mystery if a little slow at times. It reminded me a little of Harlan Coban's Myron Bolitar series. Max is a sorta bumbling wise cracking detective and Marsh is his very dangerous friend. The plot is very interesting and full of twists, turns, and surprises. I would like to read more of this series. There is a little hint dropped in at the end that I would like to see followed.
Dan Holt –
Move over, John MacDonald If you liked Travis McGee, you will definitely like these novels! Great story lines and cast of characters! Thanks, so much!
Alfred St –
Another good book I liked the plot, the characters, and the lead character, Max Plank. This was book two and I am well on the way to book three! Too much fun to miss!
Roger –
A good book, you might like.
Nelson Meaker –
3.5 really This’s didn’t grab me as quickly as the first in the series, perhaps not enough revealed in first two thirds and too much at the end. Well written though.
Jim –
Another great read Max is hired by a wealthy businesswoman to find out who shot her daughter. This story has lots of twists and turns to keep it interesting. Very enjoyable.
anna ball –
The Ties That Bind I love all the characters in this book and the story line. I think that Max and his friend Marsh works very well together.
Patty Aspinwall –
Desiree –
Susan Sutton –
William M. Turner –
David Evans –
Brian Greene –
Jane –
Robert Cashen –
Timothy Melvin –
Trish Shipley –
Suzanne Phillips –
Francois Malan –
Elisabeth Gentry –
Deborah K. Mowery –
Vicki Branham –
Ann L Leith –
Cheryl Gardner –