The Guise of Another

Amid a corruption scandal, Detective Alexander Rupert has fallen from grace and finds himself hidden away in the Frauds Unit, spinning his wheels while his fellow officers ostracize him, until an identity theft case falls in his lap that turns out to be a great deal more involved than it would first appear—dragging Alexander into something much bigger than he’d ever imagined. The sole link between this book and the previous one by this author is the secondary character, Max Rupert (Alexander’s brother), who appears in a limited role in both stories. For the most part, this story is told from Alexander’s point-of-view as he moves through the investigation, struggling along the way with the possibility of his wife’s infidelity. Fast-paced, intricately woven mystery that keeps you guessing all the way through. I liked that some of the characters, Alexander included, had concealed motivations that weren’t revealed until near the end of the story. Great read, and I hope to see more stories featuring Detective Max Rupert!

I read the first Max Rupert book, The Life We Bury, some time ago, and really liked it. But in the business of life and SO MANY books (!) I forgot about it until I started reading reviews of this one, which is the second in the Max Rupert series. And it pulled me in from the beginning and didn't let go. It is part mystery, part thriller, part police procedural with the politics of the police department, part cat and mouse game - but all good. We discover very early that a man has been living his life under the identity of James Putnam, but is actually not James Putman. The case could have been closed early on, but the Minnesota detective that I thought was the main character, Max Rupert's brother, Alexander Rupert (we find out more later) cannot let it go. And so the chase and the intrigue begins, taking us to Iowa, New York City, and back to Minnesota. At the same time, a side plot has Alexander in trouble with the law, his career, his personal life, and his marriage. It is briskly paced, filled with greedy bad guys (some unexpected), and the aftermath of a huge secret. The ending blew me away. At a few points in the story I was just stunned. Some things I never saw coming! Eskens can really write...I will look for his books in the future.

This is a fantastic thriller and another great tale by new author Allen Eskens. A page turner from early on with some plot twists and good character development it's a fun enjoyable read that will leave you wanting more. I really enjoyed this book, as I did Eskens other book The Life We Bury and have recommended both to others with good success. This one compared to his previous title has a bit more gore and sexual content to it but is a great followup to the Life We Bury and certainly recommended from this reader!

While this book is surely not as good as his first, "The Life We Bury," it is certainly not a bad read. Eskens's debut book was phenomenal. It had everything I love and I'm sure many readers would agree. However, I don't think "The Guise Of Another" is a waste. I love a good mystery and this book did deliver on that aspect. It also had some twists and turns that I wasn't expecting, so that is always a plus. I understand why some readers have the complaints they do such as not identifying with the main character and being able to "like" Alexander. My thoughts on that are that most every book you read you are pulling for the main character. You hope for good things to happen to that character. You want everything to work out for that character in the end. This book was different and I LIKED THAT! When the story unwinds and you find out some things about Alexander, you're not sure how to feel. Eskens makes you think here. And the ending, wow! I liked that, too. It did not work out how I expected it to and that is good! A change is always good. Some readers said the book was predictable. Maybe in some spots, but not all the way through. And the comments that I'm seeing where people won't read anymore books by this author, I think are unfair. I think he has a lot to offer book lovers like myself. I loved his first book and will not stop reading him because of one book that wasn't a "hit." Many of my favorite authors have written books that I turned my nose up at, like James Patterson and Jodi Piccoult. I liked "The Guise Of Another" for its mystery, it's multiple storylines, its twists and turns, and its "out of the box" ending. I will surely read another book by Alen Eskens. I don't think he's done wowing us.

book for book club. story line was okay; delivery was on time; purchased used book at a reasonable price.

I loved the book. Different from his first book. To me this was pure noir. Loved the Rupert brothers, both detectives, one getting ready for a grand jury and the other one looking for a way to save his brother. That was just an under lying theme in the book, the major plot was who James Putnam was and how Alexander could figure out the case and be a hero again so the grand jury would overlook his mess he was tangled up in. Loved the twists and turns the characters went through. Liked the intro to Billie, wish things could have done worked out with her and max but that's the way it goes. This guy is writing some brilliant novels. I loved last years book and this one is no let down on the quality of writing, just a different kind of novel IMO. The last few pages really turned it from your everyday mystery/suspense novel to a really great noir book. Five stars is not good enough for me. Could have given it ten. This book was provided to me by the publisher for an honest review and I'm glad to give two great big thumbs up. Thank you

Just the right book for a cold winters day read. I highly recommend it. Can't wait to read another by this author

This is a brilliantly plotted novel about people living a double life. Detective Alexander Rupert has been reassigned to the Frauds Unit. This is quite a step down from his previously run in Narcotics where he worked undercover until rumours circulated about missing money from some of the major busts while he was on the task force . He now awaits a hearing in the basement of the precinct trying not to die of boredom in the mean time. One day a swarmy insurance agent by the name of Dogget, known as an ambulance chaser comes to Det. Rupert to report a crime. He was doing follow up work on an car accident, hoping to sue on behalf of living relatives of the deceased, and was unable to track down anyone related to the driver James Putnam. Tracing a lead through Putnam's girlfriend, he tracks down a brother incarcerated in Clinton Correctional Facility. The brother takes one look at Putnam's picture on his driver's license and denies that is his brother. He says his brother is dead. Now Det. Rupert begins his adventure to find out what happened to Putnam and discover the reason for his impersonator to switch his life for Putnam's. And in the process Det. Rupert discovers a whole lot about himself. This novel is very fast paced and exciting. It will keep you up nights trying to get the answers.

Once started, I could not stop and kept listening till the heartbreaking showdown. Now it is almost dawn and I feel shattered...

I so enjoy Allen Esken's writing; unpredictable and thrilling. Thank you for keeping me gripped! I have bought his next book and am looking forward to reading it.

Overall pretty good book, if you like a bit of suspense and twisted minds there's a couple rolling around in this book

I purchased this book second hand for $11.00. Great read and great value.