BOOK REVIEW: Jailed by Robert P. French

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Jailed by Robert P. French

Canadian author Robert P. French served as the Chief Technology Officer for a major company, turned to acting, and now writes mystery novels – the Cal Rogan Mystery series of seven books – JUNKIE, OBOE, LOCKSTEP, THREE, CABAL, CAPTIVE, and now JAILED. Of note, Robert has done extensive research into the impact of drugs from the medical, historical, legal, and legislative standpoints, and that depth of knowledge makes his novels that address addicts and cartels cogent credible. As he has stated, ‘Currently, drug gangs have teenage dealers in schools. It is easier today for a kid to buy illegal drugs in school than it is to buy alcohol or tobacco.’

For readers new to Robert’s Cal Rogan Mysteries, an overview of the principle character assists: Cal Rogan is a former detective who fell into a deep hole after leaving the Vancouver Police Department. He had become a heroin addict and then lost everything including family and career and then made a living on the streets. Eventually he rejoined Vancouver Police Department, and then joined Stammo as his wheelchair-bound partner.

Given that background, JAILED opens, significantly, with a prison scene as we meet Micha Weston: ‘ His stare cuts into me. The eyes look dead. They give no clue as to what’s going on behind them; except that it’s bad. It’s worse than just bad. I can feel the fear turning my stomach to mush but I can’t look away. Not just yet. Prison protocol. Not too submissive, not too aggressive. He stands up and stretches his menacing, six-foot-six frame, never taking his eyes off me. Beside me, a voice says, “Don’t let the Giant bother you, kid.” The importance of this scene is key to this volume.

The essence of the plot is presented by the author – ‘How do you get an innocent kid out of jail, when the evidence against him is overwhelming? Just when Cal Rogan thought he had left behind his former life as a private investigator, a student begs him to help her brother who has been jailed for a murder he didn’t commit. As Cal tries to unearth the real killer, he uncovers a plot that could destroy not just him but also the people he loves.’

With technically appropriate settings and gut-infused dialogue, this seventh episode of Cal Rogan’s experiences soars. Rogan has been serving in a university level teaching assignment until, naturally, his role as a detective emerges out of necessity and the transition is credible – and engaging. Reading this novel encourages sniffing out the other volumes in this successful mystery series. Recommended.

Grady Harp Reviews.

ABOUT THE BOOK

How do you get an innocent kid out of jail, when the evidence against him is overwhelming?

Just when Cal Rogan thought he had left behind his former life as a private investigator, a student begs him to help her brother who has been jailed for a murder he didn’t commit. As Cal tries to unearth the real killer, he uncovers a plot that could destroy not just him but also the people he loves.

Get Jailed now for a non-stop thrill ride that will keep you guessing right up to the very end.