Collecting the Dead

A Novel

By: Spencer Kope

Narrated by: P. J. Ochlan

Magnus "Steps" Craig is part of the elite three-man Special Tracking Unit of the FBI. Called in on special cases where his skills are particularly needed, he works as a tracker. The media dubs him "The Human Bloodhound", since Steps is renowned for his incredible ability to find and follow trails over any surface better than anyone else. But there's a secret to his success. Steps has a special ability - a kind of synesthesia - where he can see the "essence" of a person, something he calls "shine", on everything they've touched. His ability is known to only a few people - his father, the director of the FBI, and his partner, Special Agent Jimmy Donovan.

When the remains of a murdered woman are found, Steps recognizes the shine left by the murderer from another crime scene with a physically similar victim. And he uncovers the signature at both scenes - the mark of a sad face. At the same time, another killer, one Steps has dubbed Leonardo and has been trying to track for over 10 years, appears again, taunting Steps. But while Steps tries to find a clue that will lead him to Leonardo, the case of the Sad Face Killer heats up. The team uncovers 11 possible victims: missing women who fit the same pattern. Using his skill and the resources of the bureau, it is a race against time to find the killer before it's too late.

©2016 Spencer Kope (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

Amaranth and Rust

3.5 rounded to 4

A sometimes amusing, sometimes gory thriller/mystery. The lead character (attached to the FBI and nicknamed "Steps") has an unusual attribute that helps him solve crimes along with his FBI buddy, Jimmy. The concept is different, the characters nicely drawn and I look forward to seeing (or hearing) more of this author's work. The narrator was fine though not exceptional.

Waiting with baited breath for more

I listened to this book on a road trip of six hours and it was the fastest trip I'd made, despite the rain and slow traffic. Cannot wait for more from the series.

Wow!!

This is a great story and even better narration! There were only a couple of things I felt were a little over the top, but otherwise it was a fantastic book! I can't wait for the next one!

Interesting concept, room to improve

3.5 stars.

Very entertaining. FBI procedural with a twist - one half of the "Special Tracking Unit" masquerades as a man tracker but actually has something of a paranormal power to track people by their unique "shine" (an aura or essence that is particular to each individual). The mystery of and chase to apprehend a serial killer is solidly done, there is enough character building to make the protagonists a bit fuller than two dimensional, and Kope mixes enough gravity with humor to make the whole thing move quickly. Still, the dialog can be a bit too cute, and the emotion sometimes feels shallow and undeveloped. Still, promising first entry in what is meant to be a series.

Excellent !!

Looking forward to reading/listening to the next book in this series!! Definitely worth listening to.

Excellant, could not stop listening

Long time since I was so captured by a story. The narration only added to the impact. An Excellant book.

wow...

Great! storytelling. Narrator was fantastic 👏. storyline was great. made me cry. ........just wow.

Intense and not for the faint

overall a mix of emotion and intense descriptions of the scenes that I had to stop then a bit of humor but picks up towards the end. A true chase of a serial killer with emotional of Steps that will keep you awake at night.

His Shine shines brilliantly

Spencer Kope writes directly to his readers. In this case, we are able to hear his story come to life through a brilliant and well performed reading. The story it’s fascinating and I found myself searching for any opportunity to listen even for a few moments. This is audible version of not being able to put a book down. There is intermittent, Almost playful good humor that breaks the tension. I found myself truly liking the characters and feeling your struggles. The fact that Mr. Kope chose to set his amazing story in the Pacific Northwest, my home, was an added treat. I’ve already ordered the rest in the series and look forward to solving more crimes with Magnus.

This one holds your attention!!

I’m a bit of a picky reader/listener. And I commend Spencer Kope as he has my attention and he is now one my favorite author list!!!