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Median Gray
SFPD Sgt. Adam Plantinga, author of 400 Things Cops Know and Police Craft. At a time when New York’s mean streets were their meanest, one NYPD detective at the end of his career takes one last chance to correct a 20-year-old injustice, and another cop at the beginning of his career tries to stop him before a police department already scarred by corruption investigations takes another hit.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2020
21 people are currently reading
8,976 people want to read
About the author
Bill Mesce Jr.
27books303followersBill Mesce, Jr. is an award-winning author and playwright, as well as a screenwriter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 25, 2020
This is a book about no-nonsense cops in 80's New York. The book is fast paced, gritty and corrupt. I was hooked from the beginning and loved the insight into this world which I saw in the other review is actually pretty accurate. The characters were great and very believable - tough and forceful. A very exciting book I couldn't put down.
September 11, 2020
3.5 Stars from me
I love New York and having stood beside the NYPD office in Times Square the setting for this story really resonated with me.
Median Gray is an old timey 1980s traditional cop thriller and it featured some fascinating insights into policing procedures that I know a lot of people will find captivating.
It's a slow burn, bear with the scene setting and character introductions and hold on for the main thrust of the story to kick in - it's worth it. The characters are well defined and I could almost smell the streets of NYC.
I love New York and having stood beside the NYPD office in Times Square the setting for this story really resonated with me.
Median Gray is an old timey 1980s traditional cop thriller and it featured some fascinating insights into policing procedures that I know a lot of people will find captivating.
It's a slow burn, bear with the scene setting and character introductions and hold on for the main thrust of the story to kick in - it's worth it. The characters are well defined and I could almost smell the streets of NYC.
September 14, 2020
Median Gray by Bill Mesce, Jr is an NYPD story showing the real grit and the extremes officers in New York go through with a compelling voice leading you to think you are there listening to Big Sid, Ronnie, and Captain Van Dyne as they work together to clean up the city streets and the corrupt station they belong to.
Ronnie is a rookie who has been paired up with Big Sid, a seasoned veteran of the NYPD. Under the leadership of Captain Victor Van Dyne, those officers who have not been involved in the scandal plaguing their precinct, work together to find out who is dirty, who is not and who they need to get off the streets. The story starts with a gripping view of Officer Meara when he was a rookie cop then jumps ahead to “now� when most of the precinct has been found to be corrupt. The story is believable and delivers a realistic depiction of true-life officers with the only confusion being that it is hard at the beginning to know who is on the good side and which precinct they belong to. Once the story starts moving it all seems to fall into place quickly.
I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars for a believable plot, relatable characters, and true-to-life New York City Police Department police officers. Fast-paced and engrossing you won’t want to put this book down until you find out how it all ends.
Ronnie is a rookie who has been paired up with Big Sid, a seasoned veteran of the NYPD. Under the leadership of Captain Victor Van Dyne, those officers who have not been involved in the scandal plaguing their precinct, work together to find out who is dirty, who is not and who they need to get off the streets. The story starts with a gripping view of Officer Meara when he was a rookie cop then jumps ahead to “now� when most of the precinct has been found to be corrupt. The story is believable and delivers a realistic depiction of true-life officers with the only confusion being that it is hard at the beginning to know who is on the good side and which precinct they belong to. Once the story starts moving it all seems to fall into place quickly.
I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars for a believable plot, relatable characters, and true-to-life New York City Police Department police officers. Fast-paced and engrossing you won’t want to put this book down until you find out how it all ends.
October 6, 2020
Median Gray by Bill Mesce Jr.
Starts with praise from others about the book .
Story starts NYC Aug 1963
He is a new beat cop and walks a lot getting to know all the shop owners along his path.
So real to life as he comes upon some really bad situations.
Really true to life scenes when he gets shot-so descriptive!
On the detective squad things are a bit safer years later.
Love the investigation into a dirty cop, so cool to find the clues along with them...
This would make an excellent movie because the script is already written and the scenes.
Like this book because it tells me a bit about my father's job when I was very young and what they go through.
Love the location, hidden gems, romance, sex, clues, mystery and how it all comes together.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Starts with praise from others about the book .
Story starts NYC Aug 1963
He is a new beat cop and walks a lot getting to know all the shop owners along his path.
So real to life as he comes upon some really bad situations.
Really true to life scenes when he gets shot-so descriptive!
On the detective squad things are a bit safer years later.
Love the investigation into a dirty cop, so cool to find the clues along with them...
This would make an excellent movie because the script is already written and the scenes.
Like this book because it tells me a bit about my father's job when I was very young and what they go through.
Love the location, hidden gems, romance, sex, clues, mystery and how it all comes together.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
October 8, 2020
Median Gray has a very authentic plot. The story is clever and suspenseful. The location grimy and dark with danger lurking around every corner. The characters are well developed and fit perfectly in their setting with complex and strained mentalities. I really enjoyed the tension and action that the book has is spades. Confidently recommend.
September 15, 2020
Median Gray is interesting. Mesce's writing style reminded me of something but I can't quite put my finger on it. The story was interesting, and the characters engaging. You get a bit wrapped up in the odd narration style and before you know it you're chapters deep and it's hours later. If you enjoy police procedurals, then this will be right up your alley. If you're more into straight thrillers this may not be your cup of tea.
October 5, 2020
Median Gray is an exciting book about corruption and brutality - focusing on one cop desperate to correct a 20 year injustice and get revenge that's been a long time coming. The author creates a very vivid picture of a dark and dirty New York City. This is an incredible crime novel with everything you would expect from a 1980's cop movie - the language, the violence, the grime. A great read.
September 30, 2020
‘They eat nice guys out there�
New Jersey author Bill Mesce, Jr. is also a screenwriter and playwright whose recognized works have been lauded by both his colleagues in the business and by audiences. He has been an adjunct instructor at multiple colleges and universities in New Jersey as well serving on the Creative Writing faculty of the University of Maine at Farmington. His books include academic studies (INSIDE THE RISE OF HBO, REEL CHANGE, THE RULES OF SCREENWRITING AND WHY YOU SHOULD BREAK THEM) and novels � THE WILD BUNCH, TIDES, FOUR DAYS TO TRINITY, THE ADVOCATE SERIES of three novels, and now MEDIAN GRAY.
Reading Mesce’s novel engenders the sense of viewing a screenplay: character building and developing scenic views seem immediately translatable into a film � and that is a very positive remark! The manner in which he writes is magnetizing, drawing the reader into the action with ease and with anticipation.
Appropriately to the thriller that will proceed, the story opens in New York in 1963 as we meet Jack Meara, a new cop, wandering into an incident that flashpoints the novel. Mesce grooms his character well: ‘Meara has a foot post, three blocks along 11th Avenue in the 40s. The old hair-bags tell him, You walk your beat, you keep your eyes open, you listen, you ‘own� your three blocks, the people who live and work there are ‘yours.� His uniform bought for his first beat, still stiff and uncomfortable after two months, sticks to him in the already hammering morning heat, chafe at his neck. His scalp bakes under the peaked cap, his feet are dying in the heavy, rubber-soled shoes. He complains to the old hair-bags, and they laugh and say, Hey, you wanted to be a cop? Welcome to being a cop�.� And the incident that triggers the rest of the story launches and the story that continues 20 years later!
Almost like a screen clip, Mesce gives us a glimpse of this thriller, just enough to whet the appetite � ‘At a time when New York’s mean streets were their meanest, one NYPD detective at the end of his career takes one last chance to correct a 20-year-old injustice, and another cop at the beginning of his career tries to stop him before a police department already scarred by corruption investigations takes another hit.�
Follow along this crime novel in the steps of a group of characters well cast. The story is solid and could easily transpose onto the screen�.hint! Recommended for all who enjoy a fine crime novel.
New Jersey author Bill Mesce, Jr. is also a screenwriter and playwright whose recognized works have been lauded by both his colleagues in the business and by audiences. He has been an adjunct instructor at multiple colleges and universities in New Jersey as well serving on the Creative Writing faculty of the University of Maine at Farmington. His books include academic studies (INSIDE THE RISE OF HBO, REEL CHANGE, THE RULES OF SCREENWRITING AND WHY YOU SHOULD BREAK THEM) and novels � THE WILD BUNCH, TIDES, FOUR DAYS TO TRINITY, THE ADVOCATE SERIES of three novels, and now MEDIAN GRAY.
Reading Mesce’s novel engenders the sense of viewing a screenplay: character building and developing scenic views seem immediately translatable into a film � and that is a very positive remark! The manner in which he writes is magnetizing, drawing the reader into the action with ease and with anticipation.
Appropriately to the thriller that will proceed, the story opens in New York in 1963 as we meet Jack Meara, a new cop, wandering into an incident that flashpoints the novel. Mesce grooms his character well: ‘Meara has a foot post, three blocks along 11th Avenue in the 40s. The old hair-bags tell him, You walk your beat, you keep your eyes open, you listen, you ‘own� your three blocks, the people who live and work there are ‘yours.� His uniform bought for his first beat, still stiff and uncomfortable after two months, sticks to him in the already hammering morning heat, chafe at his neck. His scalp bakes under the peaked cap, his feet are dying in the heavy, rubber-soled shoes. He complains to the old hair-bags, and they laugh and say, Hey, you wanted to be a cop? Welcome to being a cop�.� And the incident that triggers the rest of the story launches and the story that continues 20 years later!
Almost like a screen clip, Mesce gives us a glimpse of this thriller, just enough to whet the appetite � ‘At a time when New York’s mean streets were their meanest, one NYPD detective at the end of his career takes one last chance to correct a 20-year-old injustice, and another cop at the beginning of his career tries to stop him before a police department already scarred by corruption investigations takes another hit.�
Follow along this crime novel in the steps of a group of characters well cast. The story is solid and could easily transpose onto the screen�.hint! Recommended for all who enjoy a fine crime novel.
November 14, 2020
This was a nostalgic trip in time to 1980s crime and policing. I really liked the writing style, which suited the fast paced, hard nosed characters and plot. There was enough technical detail to make the book very plausible. Highly recommend for crime readers.
October 22, 2020
Bill Mesce Jr is a very talented writer, he is easily able to draw in the reader and grip them from the start. I was so impressed with this book that could easily be an 80's cop/gangster movie. The characters are remarkable and I can't recommend this book highly enough. A very enjoyable read.
November 2, 2020
Grim, gritty, thrilling, and completely engrossing 'Median Gray' by Bill Mesce throws your right into the mean streets of New York in the 1980s. Corruption is rife in the New York Police department, but there is a detective that is determined to right an injustice before he retires - the mob killing of a rookie cop 20 years earlier. But there are many that would stand in his way, not least of all those in his own department.
There is something so believable about the characters and the plot, that it drew me in right from the first few chapters. A lot of police/cop novels are a little cliche and predictable, but not this one. It was pacey, exciting, and twisting!
There is something so believable about the characters and the plot, that it drew me in right from the first few chapters. A lot of police/cop novels are a little cliche and predictable, but not this one. It was pacey, exciting, and twisting!
November 2, 2020
Bill Mesce Jr. writes this book like he’s writing a script. A whole lot of description and action, and not a whole lot of telling. That’s a beautiful thing. I found myself deep in the book before I knew it. Mesce has a way to keep you captivated with his words as he sets the stage and calls on his cast to perform…and they do perform. The best part of Mesce’s writing is not how “visual� it can be, but it’s how believable it is.
Something about this book, despite being set decades ago, speaks to me in the current climate. Police are often seen as a club, so a book about a couple of cops going after one that’s dirty is just thrilling, and that’s how this story goes. It opens with a cop, Jack Meara, and ties into the familiarity with his beat in what feels like authentic NYC blocks. It doesn’t take long before action fires off and before you know it, you’re in the good ole 80s with Ronnie and Big Sid.
I’m not sure why this book isn’t more popular, it’s written well. It’s paced well, isn’t too lengthy, and reads as if you’re watching a film. Mesce did a great job here.
Something about this book, despite being set decades ago, speaks to me in the current climate. Police are often seen as a club, so a book about a couple of cops going after one that’s dirty is just thrilling, and that’s how this story goes. It opens with a cop, Jack Meara, and ties into the familiarity with his beat in what feels like authentic NYC blocks. It doesn’t take long before action fires off and before you know it, you’re in the good ole 80s with Ronnie and Big Sid.
I’m not sure why this book isn’t more popular, it’s written well. It’s paced well, isn’t too lengthy, and reads as if you’re watching a film. Mesce did a great job here.
October 27, 2020
Median Gray by Bill Mesce Jr. is the kind of crime thriller that allows you to see into the lives of the men in blue that are sworn to protect us. Some police get tired of facing the same ridicule while putting their life on the line and watching criminals make more money and are respected more. Bitterness that has been simmering for 20 years has finally found an avenue for revenge, when one cop decides to avenge the death of a fellow police officer. Will his colleagues be able to help him in time?
I found Bill Mesce Jr. an author that doesn’t hold much back in the lives of crime and how it really is on the streets. Median Gray is another book that compliments the author’s writing ability along with his hard-core characters. With precision, Mesce applies all the elements of a great crime mystery: a compelling plot, characters that rule the page, and the gritty mess police officers have to deal with. I really enjoyed the intense chase, but their realistic personalities made me annoyed with some of them. All brilliant authors make you feel something when you finish their book.
I found Bill Mesce Jr. an author that doesn’t hold much back in the lives of crime and how it really is on the streets. Median Gray is another book that compliments the author’s writing ability along with his hard-core characters. With precision, Mesce applies all the elements of a great crime mystery: a compelling plot, characters that rule the page, and the gritty mess police officers have to deal with. I really enjoyed the intense chase, but their realistic personalities made me annoyed with some of them. All brilliant authors make you feel something when you finish their book.
November 24, 2020
Median Gray by Bill Mesce Jr. is as rough and gritty as it gets when detailing the streets of New York in the 1980s and a quest for revenge. The story begins however in 1963 with a rookie cop walking his beat, who comes upon a messed up situation, only to get shot himself. This incident begins the rest of the story 20 years later, and what a story it is. Gritty, realistic, fully capturing the essence of New York City in the most corrupt and dismal of times. The dialogue is perfect, rough and tumble, characters so real, you can almost touch them. With rampant corruption, it's sometimes hard to know who is the good guy or bad guy here as the author sets the stage, slowly and carefully. Nonetheless, the pace picks up, the plot gives you a few twists and turns, and the characters themselves, Ronnie, Big Sid, and more are so realistically described, so authentic. Great story, a bit grim at times, but full of intrigue and excitement. This police thriller definitely packs a punch. Highly recommend.
December 18, 2020
A cop thriller that will make you want to devour in one sitting; this book takes place in 1980, New York. One cop is trying to fix an injustice committed so many years ago, but the dark side of the NYPD is making things difficult and there is a lot of lies, and mystery at every turn.
The writing is excellent, the plot and the characters develop in such way that it truly reflects the reality of the police back then and maybe in some ways the present. The attention to details is really good and the description of every situation, makes this a great book to be made into a movie.
The writing is excellent, the plot and the characters develop in such way that it truly reflects the reality of the police back then and maybe in some ways the present. The attention to details is really good and the description of every situation, makes this a great book to be made into a movie.
December 16, 2020
This is a brilliant cop thriller when it gets going. The beginning of the book is really just character building and scene setting but well worth the effort when you get to the main plot of the story. I really liked the realness of the book and found it to be quite reflective of the notorious 80's NYPD and New York in general. A really entertaining crime novel.
January 11, 2021
[English review + Reseña en español]
Median Gray by Bill Mesce, Jr.
Willow River Press. 2020
282 press
Fiction: Hard-boiled, thriller, crime, detectives.
The year is 1982, crime is all around the corner in New York City. An investigation leads Sergeant "Big Sid" Leland and his partner, rookie Ronnie Valerio, led by 12th Precinct Captain Victor Van Dyne, to search for the elusive line connecting a crime committed almost two decades ago against one of the their colleagues with a series of recent murders of members of the Italian mafia. The crimes have been, presumably, the work of another colleague from the same body of guardians of the order to which Leland and Valerio belong.
The story unfolds so quickly that this novel feels much shorter than it is. It has a narrative style that seems cinematic to me (not in vain the author also writes plays and screenplays), and the intelligent, funny, natural, authentic dialogues carry the plot almost entirely. The setting feels definitely eighties, the language totally American detectivesque, and I guess the plot could well be brought to the screen without much changing. A small note against: I wish the characters had had more dimension so that their lives had mattered a little more to me.
Recommended if you like literature around unsolved crimes, police investigation, and if you have no qualms about "listening" to the characters speak exactly as they would on the street.
-------
Median Gray de Bill Mesce, Jr.
Willow River Press. 2020
282 páginas
Ficción / Hard-boiled, suspenso, detectives, crimen
Corre el año de 1982, el crimen ronda a la vuelta de la esquina en la Ciudad de Nueva York. Una investigación lleva al Sargento "Big Sid" Leland y su compañero, el novato Ronnie Valerio, comandados por el Capitán Victor Van Dyne, del 12� precinto, a buscar la elusiva línea que conecta un crimen cometido casi dos décadas atrás en contra de uno de sus compañeros con una serie de recientes asesinatos de miembros de la mafia italiana. Los crímenes han sido, presumiblemente, obra de otro compañero de la misma corporación de guardianes del orden a la que pertenecen Leland y Valerio.
La historia se desenvuelve de manera tan rápida, que esta novela se siente mucho más corta de lo que es. Tiene un estilo narrativo que me parece cinematográfico (no en vano el autor escribe también obras de teatro y guiones), y los diálogos inteligentes, divertidos, naturales, auténticos, llevan la trama casi en su totalidad. La ambientación se siente definitivamente ochentera, el lenguaje se percibe totalmente policíaco americano y la trama bien podría ser llevada a la pantalla sin cambiarle mucho. Una pequeña nota en contra: me hubiera gustado que los personajes tuvieran más dimensión y que sus vidas me hubieran importado un poco más.
Recomendable si te gusta la literatura en torno a crímenes por resolver, la investigación policíaca, y si no tienes reparo en “escuchar� a los personajes hablar como lo harían en la calle.
Median Gray by Bill Mesce, Jr.
Willow River Press. 2020
282 press
Fiction: Hard-boiled, thriller, crime, detectives.
The year is 1982, crime is all around the corner in New York City. An investigation leads Sergeant "Big Sid" Leland and his partner, rookie Ronnie Valerio, led by 12th Precinct Captain Victor Van Dyne, to search for the elusive line connecting a crime committed almost two decades ago against one of the their colleagues with a series of recent murders of members of the Italian mafia. The crimes have been, presumably, the work of another colleague from the same body of guardians of the order to which Leland and Valerio belong.
The story unfolds so quickly that this novel feels much shorter than it is. It has a narrative style that seems cinematic to me (not in vain the author also writes plays and screenplays), and the intelligent, funny, natural, authentic dialogues carry the plot almost entirely. The setting feels definitely eighties, the language totally American detectivesque, and I guess the plot could well be brought to the screen without much changing. A small note against: I wish the characters had had more dimension so that their lives had mattered a little more to me.
Recommended if you like literature around unsolved crimes, police investigation, and if you have no qualms about "listening" to the characters speak exactly as they would on the street.
-------
Median Gray de Bill Mesce, Jr.
Willow River Press. 2020
282 páginas
Ficción / Hard-boiled, suspenso, detectives, crimen
Corre el año de 1982, el crimen ronda a la vuelta de la esquina en la Ciudad de Nueva York. Una investigación lleva al Sargento "Big Sid" Leland y su compañero, el novato Ronnie Valerio, comandados por el Capitán Victor Van Dyne, del 12� precinto, a buscar la elusiva línea que conecta un crimen cometido casi dos décadas atrás en contra de uno de sus compañeros con una serie de recientes asesinatos de miembros de la mafia italiana. Los crímenes han sido, presumiblemente, obra de otro compañero de la misma corporación de guardianes del orden a la que pertenecen Leland y Valerio.
La historia se desenvuelve de manera tan rápida, que esta novela se siente mucho más corta de lo que es. Tiene un estilo narrativo que me parece cinematográfico (no en vano el autor escribe también obras de teatro y guiones), y los diálogos inteligentes, divertidos, naturales, auténticos, llevan la trama casi en su totalidad. La ambientación se siente definitivamente ochentera, el lenguaje se percibe totalmente policíaco americano y la trama bien podría ser llevada a la pantalla sin cambiarle mucho. Una pequeña nota en contra: me hubiera gustado que los personajes tuvieran más dimensión y que sus vidas me hubieran importado un poco más.
Recomendable si te gusta la literatura en torno a crímenes por resolver, la investigación policíaca, y si no tienes reparo en “escuchar� a los personajes hablar como lo harían en la calle.
January 13, 2021
I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.
The book takes place in New York City beginning in 1963 with a rookie beat cop. This was back when they still had them walking the beat as they say. Taking you through his first days and months on the job meeting the people, shop owners and then when trouble happens not having a radio but going to a call box calling in for assistance. Told to wait he does not.
You are then taken through the rest of the story through time and different characters that only add to the story. Along with the officers some waiting to make a difference and some dirty. The author gives you a look into the life of the �80s and much of what it was like in New York and not the glitz side either. This is what makes this story tick along with the characters which only add to this story. This will keep you wanting you to turn to the next page until the end. A very good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at
The book takes place in New York City beginning in 1963 with a rookie beat cop. This was back when they still had them walking the beat as they say. Taking you through his first days and months on the job meeting the people, shop owners and then when trouble happens not having a radio but going to a call box calling in for assistance. Told to wait he does not.
You are then taken through the rest of the story through time and different characters that only add to the story. Along with the officers some waiting to make a difference and some dirty. The author gives you a look into the life of the �80s and much of what it was like in New York and not the glitz side either. This is what makes this story tick along with the characters which only add to this story. This will keep you wanting you to turn to the next page until the end. A very good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at
December 21, 2020
Bill Mesce Jr.’s novel follows NYC cops in the 1980s. With danger, corruption, and mystery, this book is a thrilling read. The book opens in the 1960s with a rookie cop doing his rounds when a fellow officer is killed. This moment is the crux of the novel, causing the rest of the novel to unfold from it. From the very beginning, this book does a wonderful job of setting up both scene and character. In the prologue, we see a young rookie who is learning to care deeply for those in his precinct, from fellow officers to those he is sworn to protect. After the time jump, we are introduced to more and more characters, and each one is very distinct and full of their own intrigue. I particularly liked the banter between characters, the witty dialogue and the use of 1980s cop vernacular set the scene well while also making it a fun read. The story is enticing, gritty, and thrilling from beginning to end. If you are a fan of cop fiction, I would definitely recommend this book.
September 2, 2020
Synopsis
An NYPD cop has gone rogue taking vengeance for a 20 yr old crime. A local precinct is under investigation after a number of their detectives are found to be on the take. The local Mob boss has just been conveniently acquitted. And then there’s Ronnie
Ronnie is the new kid on the block. He is green, naive, and eager. Sid his new partner is the exact opposite.
Together they need to untangle a mess, find a killer, and avoid getting killed themselves.
Review
A traditional cops and robbers mystery. The author is obviously experienced in writing about police process, regulations, how an investigation is conducted.
I found the start to be slow..... maybe intentional, setting the background, giving depth to characters, but it felt too slow for me.
Once the story picked up I was glued. I knew where I was being led by the author, I followed the breadcrumbs he so graciously pointedly left in my path and that was ok. I was not expecting twists and turns and surprise endings, what I expected, what I wanted, was a cop story.
The characters have longevity, I can picture future stories with Sid and Ronnie. I would read more about these people, learn about their lives, other cases...but the ending kinda left me wanting. A lot of loose ends, but perhaps intentional? Perhaps the author is setting the stage for more?
Overall a good read
Recommended for people who enjoy cop series
An NYPD cop has gone rogue taking vengeance for a 20 yr old crime. A local precinct is under investigation after a number of their detectives are found to be on the take. The local Mob boss has just been conveniently acquitted. And then there’s Ronnie
Ronnie is the new kid on the block. He is green, naive, and eager. Sid his new partner is the exact opposite.
Together they need to untangle a mess, find a killer, and avoid getting killed themselves.
Review
A traditional cops and robbers mystery. The author is obviously experienced in writing about police process, regulations, how an investigation is conducted.
I found the start to be slow..... maybe intentional, setting the background, giving depth to characters, but it felt too slow for me.
Once the story picked up I was glued. I knew where I was being led by the author, I followed the breadcrumbs he so graciously pointedly left in my path and that was ok. I was not expecting twists and turns and surprise endings, what I expected, what I wanted, was a cop story.
The characters have longevity, I can picture future stories with Sid and Ronnie. I would read more about these people, learn about their lives, other cases...but the ending kinda left me wanting. A lot of loose ends, but perhaps intentional? Perhaps the author is setting the stage for more?
Overall a good read
Recommended for people who enjoy cop series
September 6, 2020
Tries Hard In Many Ways To Be Good But Didn’t Succeed For Me!
Without going into detail about Bill Mesce Jr’s latest book, I’ll just say that Median Gray takes place in the early 1980’s and essentially is about one NYPD detective at the end of his career planning to take one last chance to correct a 20-year injustice, and another cop at the beginning of his career who is intent on stopping him.
In Median Gray, Mesce not only attempts to tell an interesting mystery, he tries to do this by providing insights into how police investigations proceed, by creating well-developed “real life� characters, by portraying a sense of what the gritty, mean streets of NYC were like and in having his characters speak in hard-boiled prose.
While I give the author credit for trying hard, the book did not create a very positive reading experience for me; and, thus, Median Gray is not a book I can recommend. I found Median Gray to be too slow-moving, thus at times causing me to skim through certain sections. Further, I found the characters to not being developed well enough and the dialog to not being realistic enough; resulting in my not caring much about what happens to them. Finally, by the time Median Gray generated some excitement, it was a case of “too little, too late� for me.
Without going into detail about Bill Mesce Jr’s latest book, I’ll just say that Median Gray takes place in the early 1980’s and essentially is about one NYPD detective at the end of his career planning to take one last chance to correct a 20-year injustice, and another cop at the beginning of his career who is intent on stopping him.
In Median Gray, Mesce not only attempts to tell an interesting mystery, he tries to do this by providing insights into how police investigations proceed, by creating well-developed “real life� characters, by portraying a sense of what the gritty, mean streets of NYC were like and in having his characters speak in hard-boiled prose.
While I give the author credit for trying hard, the book did not create a very positive reading experience for me; and, thus, Median Gray is not a book I can recommend. I found Median Gray to be too slow-moving, thus at times causing me to skim through certain sections. Further, I found the characters to not being developed well enough and the dialog to not being realistic enough; resulting in my not caring much about what happens to them. Finally, by the time Median Gray generated some excitement, it was a case of “too little, too late� for me.
March 15, 2022
Oh my, such black humor of the ending. I don't regret the read, even some parts were a bit too much real-life-like. The plotline moved fast and some scenes were portrayed really nicely.
This book reminds me of the Wire: with more focus on entertainment and personal conflict, yes; but still, all the light-hearted moments or exciting cop business scenes were there to screw the characters (and readers) further. Although, more on my part, I don't feel invested as much in any of the characters to be as upset as I did with the TV show.
This book reminds me of the Wire: with more focus on entertainment and personal conflict, yes; but still, all the light-hearted moments or exciting cop business scenes were there to screw the characters (and readers) further. Although, more on my part, I don't feel invested as much in any of the characters to be as upset as I did with the TV show.
October 29, 2020
THREE STARS: I thought I was going to really enjoy this book as the outline is one that I generally really enjoy. A good cop book with a bit of an edge. Honestly, I must admit that I was overall disappointed. The book started out great but then just seemed to drag on.
Set on the eve of Christmas 1982, Median Gray also reaches beyond the story of two cops at opposite ends of their career arcs. It is an attempt to capture a never-before-never-since time and place: New York City toward the tail end of a two-decade era in which the Big Apple came to be seen worldwide as a symbol of urban collapse, fading greatness, big-city craziness, and moral decay.
Set on the eve of Christmas 1982, Median Gray also reaches beyond the story of two cops at opposite ends of their career arcs. It is an attempt to capture a never-before-never-since time and place: New York City toward the tail end of a two-decade era in which the Big Apple came to be seen worldwide as a symbol of urban collapse, fading greatness, big-city craziness, and moral decay.
February 13, 2021
Median Gray was quite the ride... mixing police, corruption, the mob, and revenge! It's well written and fast-paced with believable characters created to feel like they're real people with entertaining dialogue, characteristics, and actions. This book reads quickly and will have you entertained the whole time! I definitely recommend this book!
February 16, 2021
Breathlessly thrilling and chilling.
February 16, 2021
A wonderful book.
February 17, 2021
Exciting novel, wonderful characters.
February 17, 2021
Utterly beautiful book.
February 17, 2021
Book for a cold winter’s day.
February 17, 2021
Fantastic writing.
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