What people are saying about Betrayal in Blue…
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review
A deftly crafted and impressively reader involving narrative storytelling style made an inherently fascinating novel that vividly tells the complex and roller-coaster of a ride story of how those 'brave men and women in blue' ultimately solved the problem of departmental leaks that wreaked havoc on their station and their lives. "Betrayal In Blue" is the stuff from which block-buster movies are made, and unreservedly recommended for community library Police Procedural Mystery/Suspense collections.
Jeanne C. Stein, New York Times Best-selling Author
Fans of Sue Grafton will enjoy C. R. Downing’s Betrayal in Blue. This police/PI procedural takes place when detectives had to rely on their wits and instincts more than gadgets. It’s a roller coaster ride that will keep you guessing to the end.
K. Newman, Former Homicide Detective
Betrayal in Blue grabs the reader’s attention from the opening pages and never lets go. Downing spins a web of relationships and develops characters and events that leave one wondering what is behind the next door. If you love a great mystery, Betrayal in Blue will not disappoint!
P. Tschida – Retired Sheriff
Betrayal in Blue is definitely a book I would buy and read and recommend to someone else to read. It held my interest throughout. It flows in a very natural sense. Sometimes when a person authors a book similar to this one, the author goes all wild and crazy with scenarios that just really in real life and aren’t going to happen. That’s not the case here. I started my career in law enforcement in1975 when the drug problem was as bad or worse than it is now. The scenarios in the book are realistic—unfortunately. Despite his best efforts, Mamba did not catch the big guy. Or maybe that’s the message that we rarely do catch the big guy, and that is another very true statement.
C. Gaughan: Master’s Degree in Forensic Science
Betrayal in Blue is absorbing and suspenseful with a well thought out story and complex characters revolving around the treacherous drug trade, law enforcement efforts to fight the drug war and the dangers they face not only from the outside, but from within. As a fan of thriller/mystery books and having an advanced degree in Forensic Science, I appreciate the care taken to portray accurate and realistic police procedures and situations in this exciting thriller. An excellent addition to my library!
Renee Bautista, Avid Reader
A well detailed crime mystery with characters you’ll want to root for, and a few you’ll love to hate. Phil Mamba is an ex-cop turned private investigator with friends on the force and on the streets. Set in the 1980’s the references to times and places made the settings easy to picture in the mind’s eye. I enjoyed how the personalities played off each other, a good mix of humor with the darker aspects of crime.
K9Mom
I tend to judge a book, not by its cover, but by how quickly it pulls me into the story and whether it keeps me there. From the very first chapter, the reader is privy to the complexity of the web of deceit and treachery, a fly on the wall, if you will. The writing makes you feel like you’re an accomplice, knowing who the bad guys are, and cheering on the detectives as they work their way to the truth. The characters are rich and relatable, and their lives intertwined so beautifully. I found myself disappointed if I didn’t have time to read before bed each night and haven’t been so eager to get back to a story as I have with Betrayal in Blue.
J.L. Rizzo, Avid Reader
Typically, I would not be interested in a crime novel with the backdrop of the drug trade. Oftentimes, there is graphic or gratuitous violence and a sensationalistic “seedy” undercurrent that are not inviting to me. This novel is different. There are a number of characters introduced that become the focus of the storyline and together they reveal the complex dynamic and effects of human emotions and choices [betrayal, suspicion, greed, integrity, justice, truth-seeking]. This novel does leave you with unanswered questions and a desire to know “what happens next” with key characters.
Joe Balleweg, Public School Educator – Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Amidst a backdrop of drug trafficking deceit and deeply rooted corruption, C.R. Downing introduces private investigator Philip Mamba, and shows us that betrayal is no match for the powerful bonds that are forged through integrity, friendship, & love.
The twists and turns of the narrative pulled me through the story wondering which of the contrasting powers, corruption & betrayal or integrity & love, would win the day. But in the end, it was the character of Philip Mamba that kept me coming back for more. The private investigator from another time, embroiled in a life and death struggle, perhaps highlights what matters most in an all too brutal and fast moving world. He loves his wife; he values his friends; he honors his commitments; and he protects the weak. And for all of these things he made me feel as though everything is going to be just fine.
Miss H. Downing, Teacher and Book Aficionado
Betrayal in Blue is a fascinating fictional story inspired by an actual police task force situation. I enjoyed the mystery, the pace, and the unforgettable characters. The clues dropped throughout the story and the interesting web of intrigue kept me guessing and enthralled until the end. I was drawn into a world of private detectives, underground cartels, innocent victims, and internal moles.
Cody Jelsovsky, Passionate Reader
The men and women in blue… to protect and serve… but what happens when they don’t adhere to the motto? What happens when they do, but not for the public good? What happens when they protect the criminals? When they serve their own interests? Betrayal in Blue! The book is more than imagination, more than elaboration, it’s a story taken from real events involving real people. It’s a story of people who forget their oath and the officers who won’t give up until they have stopped those people. The story takes the reader into the world of backstreet characters and underworld deals. A great crime story that kept me on edge, hoping for redemption and finding the honor we expect from those who wear the uniform.
Bayda Julihn, Avid Reader
This book had me hooked from the first page. The characters are skillfully interwoven with each other in a storyline full of surprises. The suspenseful plot kept me engaged and wanting to find out how the story was going to end.
Cindy Anderson: Avid Reader
Betrayal in Blue is an action-packed novel about law enforcement and the dangerous drug cartel. You’ll be introduced to characters you’ll think about long after you’ve finished reading. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way to the end!
D. Jones
What I love about reading is finding great characters that I can follow as they develop over a book or a series of books. Of course a good mystery doesn’t hurt either. Betrayal In Blue has both of those qualities. I was also excited to see that the next book is coming soon. I love finding great characters I can follow as they develop. A good mystery doesn’t hurt either. Betrayal In Blue has both.
Debbie Ray, English Teacher
Betrayal in Blue detailed accounts of police intervention in the stopping of violent crimes. The reader feels like a ride-along in the backseats of the vehicles of both a PI and Manzanita Police Department officers. The fast paced action gives the reader the adrenaline rush of a wide-eyed observer. At the same time, C.R. Downing tugs on the reader’s heart strings as he weaves the lives of men and women together dedicated to the safety and well-being of others as well as a family of law enforcers. The heart of the story revolves around the destruction of betrayal and the commitment to exposing the truth.
Kim Kahler
Interesting and enjoyable read. Encourages you to read on to find out what happens next. References to other books in the series compels you to read them also.
Marnie Rogers, High School Teacher
Phil Mamba and his wife are truly the heart of this story. They have a relationship that feels like a real marriage and is believable. They both have characteristics that make me wish I was friends with them while, at the same time, not wanting to be mixed up in the craziness they live through. The story flows well, with a great cast of characters of all types. I found myself cheering on Mamba as he figures out what is going on and searches for the source of the problem. His sense of integrity and desire to find the actual truth make him a great hero for this story.
Name: Jordan Eagles, Editor Author
Betrayal in Blue deals with drug trafficking while the police force and private detectives try to locate the drugs and the people associated with them. This gives the story many themes that I enjoy including trust, good versus evil, and a bit of a mystery. Although a longer book, the pace and writing style made it seem like a quick read. One of my favorite aspects of Betrayal in Blue was the characters. I fell in love with them. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Downing’s Betrayal in Blue and would encourage other readers to pick the book up.
Dr. Cynthia Purviance, murder mystery aficionado
This story takes off right from the beginning and pulls the reader in immediately. The characters are fully developed and you feel as if you really get to know them. There are delicate layers of stories upon stories woven into this book that keep you going deeper throughout the entire book. You cannot miss a minute – cannot put the book down once you start. Highly entertaining and enjoyable read.
Nicole Schultz, writer
Based on a true story, Betrayal in Blue gives an inside look on the world of private investigating. Phil Mamba is a gritty, intelligent character who faces a challenging case.