Latency: A Sample of Reviews

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It clocks in at 435 pages but it's so readable that I finished it in two days!
Set in LA it's a police procedural but with a supernatural/paranormal horror element to some of the crimes.
Monsters are real in every sense, from the depraved & horrific acts of people to the powerful monsters & satanic devils.
It's a combination that could be a disaster but Chris wisely keeps the paranormal in the background for much of the book concentrating on the detectives & their work on some intriguing cold cases. I suppose as a starting point you could compare it to X-Files.
Mason Darby has been off the force for a year after, falsely accused & ostracized by his colleagues. When his name is cleared they're reluctant to have him back but he's one of the best detectives there is so he's teamed up with new detective Teri Grey (against her wishes) and assigned to look into some unsolved murders, partly to keep him out of the way but also with the hope that he's got the ability to do something about them.
The back stories for Mason & Teri are believable with enough detail for us to quickly get to know the characters, there's a good supporting cast & plenty of banter adding a much needed lightness to compensate for the murders being investigated.
LA is completely brought to life. It feels like you're driving the streets with them taking in everything from the restaurants, the swanky Hollywood homes, down to the hordes of homeless on the streets.
Discovering a common thread between unsolved murders then being called into help with a new killing the detectives are soon in the middle of the most dangerous & bizarre case of their careers.
I also liked the way the characters are fleshed out naturally with the use of sub plots rather than any information dumps & the sub plots featuring a coyote and an illegal renter have satisfying conclusions as does the whole book.

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Chris Coppel's 'Latency' is high-caliber entertainment, a super cool horror-thriller type of story, brimming with subtle humor, police banter, and deeply unsettling scenes of urban horror. The author portrays the Los Angeles area realistically, mentioning local details in a manner that shows both love and exasperation for the place; he's equally adept in bringing out the best in his characters, even when they don't deserve it - dropping brief episodes of urban daily life, from ultra-rich Beverly Hills to less fortunate neighborhoods. In fact, the inclusion of a couple of plotlines only tangentially related to the main story (the so sad coyote episode, the so satisfyingly resolved bad renter tale), brought so much authenticity to the book, I started wondering if it' s based on a true story police detectives have been telling each other. In any case, Coppel's storytelling flows effortlessly, the characters keep you interested thoughout, and the abundance of tiny details are always enjoyable, never tiresome. I should emphasize that the characters are really, really well drawn, far better than any police procedural I've read that combines detective work with supernatural horror. Wish I could give it more than 5 stars!

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Latency - A brilliant read
Detective Mason Darby and Detective Teri Grey have been put together as a team to work the unsolved murder of Cynthia Harter which has been unsolved since 2007 and various cops have investigated it. Usually to no avail. This time they have linked two other murders to the original case and looked over two of the houses. They have looked at the guest lists and seen that one person was not questioned at all three crime scenes, how did that happen? This is a terrific read and a brilliant story to peruse, I thoroughly recommend it. I loved it. The tension builds up slowly and the cops that investigate it do so brilliantly. The writing is terrific and the plotting is superb. The storyline is tremendous and it’s a fantastic plot in its own right, never read a plot like it. I like how the author has used his imagination in this story.
Up until now, the only monsters the LAPD had ever seen were of the human variety…
When two down-on-their-luck detectives are forced to work together on a series of cold cases, they slowly begin to uncover a common thread thaT may hold the key to solving some of their town’s grizzliest unsolved murders.
Little do they know that the same key will unlock secrets from a different dimension; one filled with monstrous creatures that should never be disturbed…

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Coppel nails it

Chris Coppel masterfully handles the eerie and unsettling in Latency. As a writer of dark fiction myself, I was captivated by his ability to weave psychological tension with subtle supernatural elements. The way he balances atmosphere and pacing makes every chapter build on a growing sense of dread, with characters that linger long after you've finished reading. It's an intense exploration of fear and guilt, and Coppel nails it.

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A Thrilling, Gripping Read!

This was an incredible recent read of mine that had me completely captivated by its unique blend of crime and supernatural horror. The story follows two detectives who, while working on a series of cold cases, stumble upon a common thread that not only solves some of the town's most gruesome murders but also unveils secrets from a different dimension filled with monstrous creatures. I found myself on the edge of my seat as the plot delved into dark and otherworldly horrors. The character development was impressive, and I appreciated how the detectives' evolving relationship added depth to the chilling narrative. The author's writing style is incredibly engaging, with vivid descriptions that make the eerie settings and terrifying scenes come to life. I loved how the suspense was maintained throughout the book, making it impossible to put down. If you're a fan of crime thrillers and supernatural horror, I highly recommend giving this book a read; it’s a gripping one that kept me hooked from start to finish.

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Two detectives team up to work on a series of cold cases. What they don't know is that what they're about to uncover will lead to a whirlwind of danger. The monsters are from a different dimension and were better left alone.
This has to be the best crime novel I've ready in a long time! The author's writing made this story impossible to put down! The banter between the detectives was highly enjoyable. I loved how they developed as the story progressed. Latency is perfect for readers who enjoy crime, mystery, suspense, and lots of supernatural aspects!

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Gripping Mystery Novel with Elements of Fright and Horror

"Latency" by Chris Coppel is a gripping mystery novel with surprising twists that keep you engaged. The story follows two dedicated detectives in Los Angeles as they tackle a series of unexplained deaths at high-society parties. This supernatural procedural blends horror and detective genres seamlessly making it appealing even to those who usually avoid horror. The character development is exceptional and the depiction of Los Angeles is vivid and authentic. The intertwined cases filled with frightening elements and a lack of clues make it a compelling read.
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Unpredictable and incredibly enjoyable

I read the premise for this book and found it so fascinating, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m the combination of genres between crime and horror was so thrilling. When it veers into uncharted territory, as to a different dimension teeming with monstrous creatures, I couldn’t stop reading.
The gradual discovery of these secrets is so well-paced, maintaining suspense and intrigue. The tension builds throughout the story and made me feel so tense. As characters, Darby and Gray felt very real in such paranormal setting. Even the location of LA had its own emphasis.
Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. It's a must-read for fans of both detective stories and supernatural thrillers, offering a unique and suspenseful experience.

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A riveting blend of crime and supernatural horror!

"Latency" by Chris Coppel is a riveting blend of crime and supernatural horror that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Coppel's engaging writing style and skillful storytelling weave a gripping narrative. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is filled with suspense and unexpected twists. This book is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers and supernatural mysteries, offering a unique and thrilling journey into the darker corners of human nature and beyond.

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