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The Past Never Ends
A simple task, Attorney Chester Morgan thinks. Get a copy of a public record for a young man whose only friend has died in an unexplained accidental death. Except...
The police file regarding the demise of sex worker Tanya Everly has been sealed by the order of the chief of police, and no one will talk. Warned to drop the matter, Attorney Morgan knows that if he doesn't speak for the dead young woman, no one will.
Haunted by his discovery of the body of a prominent local oilman, Morgan pursues a quest for justice that puts his reputation, career, and life at risk. A journey that takes him into the dark shadows of the sex-for-sale business, into the marble courtrooms of Oklahoma, and into the aching loneliness of his own soul.
Set in the American Southwest in the days before 9/11, The Past Never Ends is both a complex murder mystery and a meditation on the self-perpetuating nature of injustice and the ethereal nature of justice itself.
The police file regarding the demise of sex worker Tanya Everly has been sealed by the order of the chief of police, and no one will talk. Warned to drop the matter, Attorney Morgan knows that if he doesn't speak for the dead young woman, no one will.
Haunted by his discovery of the body of a prominent local oilman, Morgan pursues a quest for justice that puts his reputation, career, and life at risk. A journey that takes him into the dark shadows of the sex-for-sale business, into the marble courtrooms of Oklahoma, and into the aching loneliness of his own soul.
Set in the American Southwest in the days before 9/11, The Past Never Ends is both a complex murder mystery and a meditation on the self-perpetuating nature of injustice and the ethereal nature of justice itself.
274 pages, Paperback
First published July 29, 2012
About the author
Jackson Burnett
2 books86 followersJackson Burnett is the name used by a writer, lawyer, and amateur fiddle player who lives in a Southwest American city. He is a fan of the roller derby, Italian opera, and old-time country and roots music.
Besides mysteries, Burnett writes short literary fiction and essays.
https://www.amazon.com/author/jackson...
Besides mysteries, Burnett writes short literary fiction and essays.
https://www.amazon.com/author/jackson...
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 28, 2014
The Edgar Award
We GR readers are aware that the Edgar Awards, named after Edgar Allan Poe, are presented every year by the Mystery Writers of America. They honor the best in mystery fiction, non-fiction, television, film, and theater published or produced in the previous year. So I was keen to read Burnett’s mystery to determine whether he belonged among this illustrious literary company.BURNETT; Jackson.
Sits in-between BURKE; James Lee and
BURNS; Rex in my home library.
BURKE won the Edgar Award twice;
- Best Novel of the year in 1990
for Black Cherry Blues.
- Best Novel of the year in 1998
for Cimarron Rose.
BURNS won the Edgar Award in 1976;
- Best first novel, The Alvarez Journal.
BURNETT’s The Past Never Ends was
submitted for consideration
for the Edgar Award in 2012;
- Best first novel.
When I first saw the cover to this novel, it reminded me of the long-standing American daytime soap opera - "Like sands through the hourglass, so are the Days of Our Lives".
But that is by no means a slight! Days of Our Lives is one of the longest-running scripted television programs in the world, airing nearly every weekday since November 8, 1965. It has since been syndicated to many countries around the world. As drawn as millions of followers are to the show, I too found myself mesmerized by The Past Never Ends. And I have to confess, the book’s lead character, Chester Morgan, could equally be as compelling in a lead role in Days of Our Lives!
The program has had many high-profile fans. In 1976, TIME magazine reported that then-Justice of the Supreme Court, Thurgood Marshall, would call a recess around the 1 p.m. hour to watch Days of Our Lives. I too would gladly stop everything for an hour to watch Chester Morgan at work. Yes … *sigh*… I would surely do that! ☺
But I digress …
The Past Never Ends is set in the fictional city of Vivia which is situated on two sides of the Cottonwood River. The prosperous side of town was settled on land claimed in an Oklahoma land run, while on the other side of the river, the poorer side grew from a trading post after the resettlement of the Creek Nation and other tribes.
The Past Never Ends is a magnetising mystery/legal/crime noir that focuses on a case being handled by Chester Morgan. Morgan is a middle-aged, self-employed Attorney. He grew up in Southeastern Oklahoma, graduated from the University of Oklahoma Law School, and primarily represents individuals and small businesses. He has two capable assistants; Shawn, his receptionist/office assistant, and Marylin, his legal secretary.
Morgan has been troubled by the recent death of William Harrison, a 64 year old Oilman. Harrison died in the local YMCA pool early one morning and Morgan was on the premises at the time of Harrison's death. Harrison was a good swimmer and Morgan can't come to terms with his apparent drowning. The image of Harrison's dead body floating upside down in the water haunts him. Morgan very much admired Harrison, which is not surprising (to us, the readers), as the two men are alike in many respects; both had an ex-wife somewhere, both are kind, compassionate men, and both had an aura of loneliness about them.
“He lived by himself and sometimes even his shadow seemed solitary.”After another restless swim, Morgan arrives in his office one morning, ready to tackle the day's case load. A rather pathetic young man, Alan Kinman, turns up at the office, demanding that he see Morgan. Kinman appears distraught at the death of a childhood friend, Tanya Everly, a 24 year old dancer and sex worker, who died tragically at a motel two months prior. Kinman is convinced that there’s more to the death than the police are letting on. Morgan, at the encouragement of his legal secretary, decides to take on the case. Morgan soon learns that the police are not forthcoming with information about the death, and the more he investigates, the more he realises that Kinman may be right.
His investigation soon takes him to a dance establishment called Vixens, where the main attraction is women taking off their clothes. They collect $1 tips for their nudity. Tanya, whose stage name was Star, was one of the club's most popular girls.
Morgan soon learns that some of the dancers at Vixens are runaways; children in women's bodies. He learns too that Tanya was actually pimped by her mother, from an early age.
From here The Past Never Ends deftly unravels the mystery of Tanya's death, blending her personal story with a mirror image of reality.
"Is any life so isolated that it lives only in the past and not in the present and future, too?"The characterisation of Morgan was, in my view, superb. He was undoubtedly my favourite in the book because of our shared values. The man I came to know was a fierce and unwavering champion of society’s most vulnerable – a kind, compassionate and principled man who believed deeply in justice and tolerance - creating a level playing field for all.
Everything about Burnett's writing felt authentic. From the place setting, to the storyline and insights, a 'knowingness' was imparted, as if they'd come right out of Burnett's own experience. He is, himself, a practicing lawyer and this unique vantage point has undoubtedly assisted him in creating this real view of the world. I couldn't help but feel that he drew on his deepest resources to write a story with such intuitive awareness that I too was confronted by the essential traits that define me. As a reader my instincts were that Burnett was telling the truth and he drew me into the world that he wanted to show me.
As for the title The Past never Ends…what is it's significance? That's a toughy because Time has long been a major subject of study in religion, philosophy, and science. The past is generally seen as being immutably fixed, and the future as undefined and nebulous. As time passes, the moment that was once the present becomes part of the past; and part of the future, in turn, becomes the new present. In this way time is said to pass, with a distinct present moment "moving" forward into the future and leaving the past behind.
Whatever one's views are on this, from my own personal experience, as past life regressions can solve problems I am experiencing in the present and therefore change my present, progressions can also help me to modify my present in order to have a better future.
Your past has given you the strength and wisdom you have today, so celebrate it. Don't let it haunt you.
So does Burnett’s mystery belong among this illustrious literary company?
BURNETT; Jackson.
Sits in-between BURKE; James Lee and
BURNS; Rex in my home library.
FULLY DESERVED. IT'S AS IT SHOULD BE!
Postscript:
My additional thoughts on this novel, for those who have read it, are recorded at the following blogspot:
https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...
May 26, 2013
UPDATED REVIEW
26 March 2013
When browsing through some old reviews recently, I came across this review. I started reading the review and had to stop. I didn't read too far into the review because it sounded so stilted, not my style at all. I'm much more laid back than that. Not sure why I sounded so stilted, maybe I hadn't found 'my voice.' I have no excuse but it did tell the story and was an ok review when I did read it through. But I simply wasn't happy with it, that's all.
With that said, I decided to re-read The Past Never Ends and re-write my review. But instead, I'm just going to add to the review here and leave it below as I wrote it last year.
Here Goes My Added Second Thoughts
With the re-read I found it just as enjoyable as the first time I read it. But the first thing I noticed was there are fewer courtroom scenes that I may have alluded to in my review. I would not consider it a courtroom drama/thriller so my apology if I left that impression. It's a mystery, in my opinion.
Personally, I love courtroom scenes which is one reason I breezed through Michael Connelly's Mickey Haller series. There are a lot of courtroom scenes in those books which I just devoured, so I know a courtroom drama/thriller.
But Chesterfield (Chester) Morgan, spends little time in the courtroom. Some, but very little. Love his given name, so I used it but he's called Chester by most and sometimes Attorney Morgan out of respect, I'm sure. He's well known throughout the city.
Set in a relatively large oil town of Vivia, Oklahoma, Chester is the quintessential seeker of truth who would rather maintain his small law office, living a solitary life helping those common folks, to the point where he barters his services when some clients simply cannot pay him. Such a great, kind fellow who thinks of lawyering as a service to the public rather than a way to enrich his lot in life.
Speaking of Chester:
"Being an attorney was a matter of trust---not only to your client but to yourself and to that ephemeral goddess: justice."
In his employ are two very helpful, loyal and devoted employees, Marylin and Shawn. Shawn is the more risky of the two and is a real trip who never hesitates to speak her mind. I like them both but Shawn, she's gutsy and bold, too.
Wheat Fields of Oklahoma - Flickr - April_girl4
Artistically Speaking
Another thing I missed mentioning the first time around was the common artistic thread woven throughout the book with Chester's mother being a singer of note and from time to time he listens to her lovely voice on his CD player. And being a loner, it can make him melancholy. I just wanted to put my arms around him and tell him, "it will be ok, Chester, really. I promise." I felt his aloneness.
Speaking of Chester:
"He lived by himself and sometimes even his shadow seemed solitary."
Next, the dead young woman Tanya Everly, who was from across the RR tracks, literally, was also a promising singer. Tanya was going where her voice took her when she died. No one knows how she died (murdered?) since the newly appointed police chief won't release the police report. Looking suspicious pretty damn fast here.
Crossing the Railroad Tracks Can Mean the Difference Between Life and Death - Flickr Wade from Oklahoma
Lastly, Tanya's best friend, Maria, is a jewelry designer and, a big big here, a professional dancer. She and Tanya worked together and supported each other in their effort to better their lives with their talent; their talent other than professional dancing at which Tanya was the best at Vixen's. <-----The name of the establishment where they danced.
Still Musically Speaking
Further, Chester listens to Beethoven and Verdi operas, so I bet he has a Mozart, Bach and Yo-Yo Ma in his collection; Chester and I have more than just a few things in common besides our musical interests and the lack of knowledge of fushion cuisine.
Truth be known, I'm a frustrated attorney. (Along with geologist, archaeologist, et al.) Chester and I have a number of things in common, no doubt.
These characters are so well drawn and this is an indication of how Burnett has gone deep to describe their personal traits, who they are, for the reader.
Speaking of a character in the book
"She looked like a side-by-side refrigerator with both doors open." This was one of my favorite quotes being so very descriptive. She was one big girl, that one.
Speaking of Chester (and me, just another commonality)
"too young to feel old and too old to be young."
Definitely worth a second read.
*************
Jackson Burnett is a Goodreads author who reads and posts reviews. There are only a handful of authors participating as 'one of us' both readers and reviewers.
I receive his blog which I find so much fun to read, his last post being about using punctuation, specifically quotation marks. Writers, don't be lazy and make reading difficult for us readers. I agree.
Jackson's blog is here:
Jackson Burnett's Goodreads Blog
**************
First Review Still Standing
For a first novel, author Jackson Burnett did an exceptional job in all facets of writing a mystery. And a legal mystery at that.
Chester Morgan, the protagonist, is an attorney. An attorney who scorned the big law offices in favor of determining his own future by opening an office staffed with his two capable assistants one of which needs ‘reining in’ from time to time. His ethics and desire to help the downtrodden unfortunately doesn't always pay the bills, but he sleeps well at night.
That is until he saw a local businessman and philanthropist drowned in the ‘Y’ pool early one morning during Chester’s ritual early morning swims. Knowing the gentleman was a swimmer of note, he questioned as to whether the drowning was accidental or intentional somehow.
To muddy the waters a little more, a poor but kindly young man comes by the office asking Chester’s assistance in obtaining the police file of an old girlfriend who was recently found dead under unusual circumstances. It’s a public record, so what’s the big deal? It’s just a simple file from the local police department. So Chester thought.
Agreeing to look into obtaining the file, Chester finds obstacle after obstacle and becomes more intrigued as he’s told no, over and over. Before he knows it the lawyer is visiting the place of employment of the dead woman who was an exotic, excuse me, a professional dancer.
The storyline was quite interesting and gently unfolded while keeping my attention. At the same time I was trying to piece the puzzle together in my mind of any relationship between the dead swimmer and the dead dancer. OK, I’ve owned up to not being able to determine ‘who dunnit’ but usually I can piece together the clues before the end. Not here, although I did have some good guesses before the ending which was quickly wrapped.
Set in Oklahoma, Burnett’s description of the prairie scenery and the imaginary city where the action takes place was well done in that I could see the area easily in my mind.
And I enjoyed the courtroom scenes but I must admit that I enjoy courtroom action anyway. Burnett did a great job of explaining some of the intricacies of probate law which, not being a lawyer, I was totally unfamiliar with. I enjoy legal mysteries and courtroom scenes alot.
Chester was a great character with high moral standards which didn’t waiver. I like that he was an honorable man and an honorable lawyer true to his profession. However, I’m not sure of his choice in women. For some reason his love interest just didn’t interest me much, but that’s my take. She just seemed like a fake for some reason I really can’t put my finger on. And not liking her too much, I don’t really want to spend any time thinking about why I didn’t like her. Oh, I remember one reason is that she can’t say ‘you’, she says ‘ya’. And she had a hokey-ness to her that didn't appeal to me at all and I'm not sophisticated either. There are more reasons than those but holding back due to spoilers. Reasons enough for me anyway.
Good read though especially for a first time novelist. And a Goodreads author to boot. I would like to see more of Chester and watch his character grow and expand in future books.
26 March 2013
When browsing through some old reviews recently, I came across this review. I started reading the review and had to stop. I didn't read too far into the review because it sounded so stilted, not my style at all. I'm much more laid back than that. Not sure why I sounded so stilted, maybe I hadn't found 'my voice.' I have no excuse but it did tell the story and was an ok review when I did read it through. But I simply wasn't happy with it, that's all.
With that said, I decided to re-read The Past Never Ends and re-write my review. But instead, I'm just going to add to the review here and leave it below as I wrote it last year.
Here Goes My Added Second Thoughts
With the re-read I found it just as enjoyable as the first time I read it. But the first thing I noticed was there are fewer courtroom scenes that I may have alluded to in my review. I would not consider it a courtroom drama/thriller so my apology if I left that impression. It's a mystery, in my opinion.
Personally, I love courtroom scenes which is one reason I breezed through Michael Connelly's Mickey Haller series. There are a lot of courtroom scenes in those books which I just devoured, so I know a courtroom drama/thriller.
But Chesterfield (Chester) Morgan, spends little time in the courtroom. Some, but very little. Love his given name, so I used it but he's called Chester by most and sometimes Attorney Morgan out of respect, I'm sure. He's well known throughout the city.
Set in a relatively large oil town of Vivia, Oklahoma, Chester is the quintessential seeker of truth who would rather maintain his small law office, living a solitary life helping those common folks, to the point where he barters his services when some clients simply cannot pay him. Such a great, kind fellow who thinks of lawyering as a service to the public rather than a way to enrich his lot in life.
Speaking of Chester:
"Being an attorney was a matter of trust---not only to your client but to yourself and to that ephemeral goddess: justice."
In his employ are two very helpful, loyal and devoted employees, Marylin and Shawn. Shawn is the more risky of the two and is a real trip who never hesitates to speak her mind. I like them both but Shawn, she's gutsy and bold, too.
Wheat Fields of Oklahoma - Flickr - April_girl4
Artistically Speaking
Another thing I missed mentioning the first time around was the common artistic thread woven throughout the book with Chester's mother being a singer of note and from time to time he listens to her lovely voice on his CD player. And being a loner, it can make him melancholy. I just wanted to put my arms around him and tell him, "it will be ok, Chester, really. I promise." I felt his aloneness.
Speaking of Chester:
"He lived by himself and sometimes even his shadow seemed solitary."
Next, the dead young woman Tanya Everly, who was from across the RR tracks, literally, was also a promising singer. Tanya was going where her voice took her when she died. No one knows how she died (murdered?) since the newly appointed police chief won't release the police report. Looking suspicious pretty damn fast here.
Crossing the Railroad Tracks Can Mean the Difference Between Life and Death - Flickr Wade from Oklahoma
Lastly, Tanya's best friend, Maria, is a jewelry designer and, a big big here, a professional dancer. She and Tanya worked together and supported each other in their effort to better their lives with their talent; their talent other than professional dancing at which Tanya was the best at Vixen's. <-----The name of the establishment where they danced.
Still Musically Speaking
Further, Chester listens to Beethoven and Verdi operas, so I bet he has a Mozart, Bach and Yo-Yo Ma in his collection; Chester and I have more than just a few things in common besides our musical interests and the lack of knowledge of fushion cuisine.
Truth be known, I'm a frustrated attorney. (Along with geologist, archaeologist, et al.) Chester and I have a number of things in common, no doubt.
These characters are so well drawn and this is an indication of how Burnett has gone deep to describe their personal traits, who they are, for the reader.
Speaking of a character in the book
"She looked like a side-by-side refrigerator with both doors open." This was one of my favorite quotes being so very descriptive. She was one big girl, that one.
Speaking of Chester (and me, just another commonality)
"too young to feel old and too old to be young."
Definitely worth a second read.
*************
Jackson Burnett is a Goodreads author who reads and posts reviews. There are only a handful of authors participating as 'one of us' both readers and reviewers.
I receive his blog which I find so much fun to read, his last post being about using punctuation, specifically quotation marks. Writers, don't be lazy and make reading difficult for us readers. I agree.
Jackson's blog is here:
Jackson Burnett's Goodreads Blog
**************
First Review Still Standing
For a first novel, author Jackson Burnett did an exceptional job in all facets of writing a mystery. And a legal mystery at that.
Chester Morgan, the protagonist, is an attorney. An attorney who scorned the big law offices in favor of determining his own future by opening an office staffed with his two capable assistants one of which needs ‘reining in’ from time to time. His ethics and desire to help the downtrodden unfortunately doesn't always pay the bills, but he sleeps well at night.
That is until he saw a local businessman and philanthropist drowned in the ‘Y’ pool early one morning during Chester’s ritual early morning swims. Knowing the gentleman was a swimmer of note, he questioned as to whether the drowning was accidental or intentional somehow.
To muddy the waters a little more, a poor but kindly young man comes by the office asking Chester’s assistance in obtaining the police file of an old girlfriend who was recently found dead under unusual circumstances. It’s a public record, so what’s the big deal? It’s just a simple file from the local police department. So Chester thought.
Agreeing to look into obtaining the file, Chester finds obstacle after obstacle and becomes more intrigued as he’s told no, over and over. Before he knows it the lawyer is visiting the place of employment of the dead woman who was an exotic, excuse me, a professional dancer.
The storyline was quite interesting and gently unfolded while keeping my attention. At the same time I was trying to piece the puzzle together in my mind of any relationship between the dead swimmer and the dead dancer. OK, I’ve owned up to not being able to determine ‘who dunnit’ but usually I can piece together the clues before the end. Not here, although I did have some good guesses before the ending which was quickly wrapped.
Set in Oklahoma, Burnett’s description of the prairie scenery and the imaginary city where the action takes place was well done in that I could see the area easily in my mind.
And I enjoyed the courtroom scenes but I must admit that I enjoy courtroom action anyway. Burnett did a great job of explaining some of the intricacies of probate law which, not being a lawyer, I was totally unfamiliar with. I enjoy legal mysteries and courtroom scenes alot.
Chester was a great character with high moral standards which didn’t waiver. I like that he was an honorable man and an honorable lawyer true to his profession. However, I’m not sure of his choice in women. For some reason his love interest just didn’t interest me much, but that’s my take. She just seemed like a fake for some reason I really can’t put my finger on. And not liking her too much, I don’t really want to spend any time thinking about why I didn’t like her. Oh, I remember one reason is that she can’t say ‘you’, she says ‘ya’. And she had a hokey-ness to her that didn't appeal to me at all and I'm not sophisticated either. There are more reasons than those but holding back due to spoilers. Reasons enough for me anyway.
Good read though especially for a first time novelist. And a Goodreads author to boot. I would like to see more of Chester and watch his character grow and expand in future books.
January 13, 2014
When Attorney Chester Morgan is hired to investigate the death of a young stripper, he runs into a brick wall. First, the police file is sealed. Or lost. Or maybe both. No one will talk. Not the medical examiner or the dead girl's landlady. Even her mother/pimp has nothing to say.
It seems like this case may never be solved, but Morgan and his two plucky assistants are going to give it their all.
There are plenty of likable characters, loads of suspects and an honest gentleman who seeks the truth.
This book combines taut courtroom drama with a murder investigation and turns out to be a fine and absorbing mystery.
It seems like this case may never be solved, but Morgan and his two plucky assistants are going to give it their all.
There are plenty of likable characters, loads of suspects and an honest gentleman who seeks the truth.
This book combines taut courtroom drama with a murder investigation and turns out to be a fine and absorbing mystery.
October 19, 2017
From Nash Black's five star review at Amazon:
Jackson Burdett's legal whodoneit THE PAST NEVER ENDS with Chester Morgan in the office is a fine example of the family lawyer we remember, the one we paid with sweet corn when money was tight.
Chester has his problems forgetting his ex-wife, but not enough to become maudlin. He takes a case from Alan Kinman to obtain the death records of a stripper/hooker Tanya Everly, but those records though marked closed are no where to be found. Someone does not want the circumstances of Tanya's death to become known.Chester explores forgotten streets and allies in his search for answers.
Burdett's skilled pen creates a character from the law itself which keeps you reading long after it is time to turn out the light. His craftmanship has the reader wondering, more than once, "How does he do that?"
An excellent read for any traditional mystery fan.
Nash Black, author of SANDPRINTS OF DEATH
Jackson Burdett's legal whodoneit THE PAST NEVER ENDS with Chester Morgan in the office is a fine example of the family lawyer we remember, the one we paid with sweet corn when money was tight.
Chester has his problems forgetting his ex-wife, but not enough to become maudlin. He takes a case from Alan Kinman to obtain the death records of a stripper/hooker Tanya Everly, but those records though marked closed are no where to be found. Someone does not want the circumstances of Tanya's death to become known.Chester explores forgotten streets and allies in his search for answers.
Burdett's skilled pen creates a character from the law itself which keeps you reading long after it is time to turn out the light. His craftmanship has the reader wondering, more than once, "How does he do that?"
An excellent read for any traditional mystery fan.
Nash Black, author of SANDPRINTS OF DEATH
January 7, 2013
This is one of the most interesting books I have read this year. At first glance, Jack Burnett’s novel is crime fiction, no more, no less. However, it soon becomes apparent that this is so much more.
Does the law serve itself or justice? Burnett uses a seemingly unrelated sequence of events to answer this.
The plot is engaging and starts with a bang. Chester Morgan attorney-at-law, discovers the body of a wealthy philanthropist floating in the YMCA pool. The man presumably died of natural causes, so Chester – though saddened – is not perturbed, until probate is requested of the man’s Will. Something doesn’t add up…
Alan Kinman, a shy and awkward 24 year old man turns up at Chester’s office without an appointment, but with questions concerning the death of a friend. “Something is not quite right,” he insists. Apparently the girl died in an accident, but when Chester investigates, he discovers the horrific truth.
The characters are excellent. Chester Morgan is a delightful character, one of the nicest I have encountered for some time. A kind, principled man, not given to wild gestures or over-the-top acts, he has a private grief to overcome and over the course of this story this is resolved, bringing new hope to his lonely life. The story of how this happens is as unexpected as it is heart-warming.
I think the most extraordinary aspect of this story is the quiet confidence with which Jackson Burnett methodically unfolds his tale and how the original question is answered.
I congratulate the author on this novel and will be keeping it on my Kindle.
July 20, 2016
Simply put, I had a great time reading this novel.
Jackson Burnett has a truly enviable gift: He is a master storyteller. As I read, I could picture him sitting on his front porch, pipe in hand, spinning yarns about the locals and their scandals - and always, ending his stories with a point of wisdom.
The characters are colorful and authentic, and the dialogue is natural and very entertaining (some of it is laugh-out-loud funny); however, I'm a huge fan of the narrative - and this book contains some of the best I've read. I mean, you can't top descriptives such as, "Judge Powers, a brittle-bodied man with a soft library-and-office pallor, carried the faint twang of his Iowa boyhood in his voice." And you have got to love a guy (Morgan) who feels "... dated — too young to feel old and too old to be young."
You could base a Creative Writing course on just the first few paragraphs of Chapter Six. Talk about setting a scene. This is a five-star story, told in a unique and highly entertaining voice, and I'll be looking for more from this author.
September 3, 2012
From the opening scene to the closing sigh, the reader will be drawn into the intimate lives of charming as well as disturbing characters. This story while utilizing the theme of a legal mystery reveals the challenges of living authentically with a heart for justice and truth. I recommend that you read it like you would eat a box of chocolates; savor each life, each voice, each image, each interaction, each emotion, each fragrance, each tone. You may find yourself laughing, cringing, but mostly hopeful that justice might have its day!!!
October 5, 2013
Wonderfully crafted novel. The story is told slowly and eloquently. I loved the main character, Chester, and his staff, Marylin and Shawn. I could envision the people and places in each of the scenes. Maria was a great addition. Crooked cops and lawyers, a setting that reminds the reader of time past, but somehow current; this is a seriously good book!
September 9, 2012
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Lindsay
The main reason I like to read mystery books is to guess the ending and see if I’m right. A good mystery will prove you completely wrong at the end of the book. The Past Never Ends will keep you guessing up until the last page. Chester Morgan is an attorney in Vivia Oklahoma with a small practice that focuses on the clients. After losing his wife and finding a fellow lawyer and friend dead at the local YMCA pool, he falls into a bit of a rut. Until one day when Alan Kinman walks into Morgan’s office wanting to hire him to investigate a murder. Kinman’s friend, Tanya Everly, is found dead in a motel room in a seedy part of town. The police have ruled it an accident, however, Kinman believes she was murdered. When Morgan begins to investigate the police cover up, he is drawn into a world all its own. The more he digs for the truth the deeper he falls into the new world and soon he discovers that these two worlds have collided with deadly results.
Alan Kinman’s character is a mystery though the entire book. We never really know his identity or anything specific about him. Some readers may feel this leaves the book open ended and authors need to settle all loose ends by the last page. However, I think this adds an extra mysterious element to the book. I agree with Burnett’s decision to leave a major character a mystery. I liked how I was left wanting to know more about him. In contrast, Chester Morgan’s character goes through a growth and transformation throughout the book. As he investigates Tanya’s murder, we see how he goes from a person going through the motions of life to a person with a passion again. He becomes passionate about finding Tanya’s murderer but he also begins to feel real feelings again. I commend Burnett’s ability to use his characters to create a strong contrast in a book already coated in mystery. In my opinion, this element really took the book from an okay mystery to a well-written in depth story that leaves you wanting to read more about Chester Morgan.
During the course of his investigation, Morgan meets Tanya’s best friend, Maria. She takes him on a roller skating adventure that instantly became my favorite part of the book. It reminded me of roller skating in high school and had me laughing through the entire scene. The only difference is that I never claimed to be good at roller skating like Morgan. I like how Burnett was able to incorporate some humor into a serious story.
Even the best books have a storyline I don’t like or a character I don’t care for in there somewhere. Surprisingly, I just couldn’t find anything I didn’t like about this book. I thought the characters were unique and entertaining and the storyline kept me guessing. I really felt The Past Never Ends deserves five stars because of the creative characters Burnett created. This was a fast-paced read that pulls together into a surprising ending. This book will appeal to mystery lovers but also to readers who enjoy an emotional journey as well. I really recommend you give this book a read. It’s a good mystery that develops quickly and ends with a surprising twist.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
The main reason I like to read mystery books is to guess the ending and see if I’m right. A good mystery will prove you completely wrong at the end of the book. The Past Never Ends will keep you guessing up until the last page. Chester Morgan is an attorney in Vivia Oklahoma with a small practice that focuses on the clients. After losing his wife and finding a fellow lawyer and friend dead at the local YMCA pool, he falls into a bit of a rut. Until one day when Alan Kinman walks into Morgan’s office wanting to hire him to investigate a murder. Kinman’s friend, Tanya Everly, is found dead in a motel room in a seedy part of town. The police have ruled it an accident, however, Kinman believes she was murdered. When Morgan begins to investigate the police cover up, he is drawn into a world all its own. The more he digs for the truth the deeper he falls into the new world and soon he discovers that these two worlds have collided with deadly results.
Alan Kinman’s character is a mystery though the entire book. We never really know his identity or anything specific about him. Some readers may feel this leaves the book open ended and authors need to settle all loose ends by the last page. However, I think this adds an extra mysterious element to the book. I agree with Burnett’s decision to leave a major character a mystery. I liked how I was left wanting to know more about him. In contrast, Chester Morgan’s character goes through a growth and transformation throughout the book. As he investigates Tanya’s murder, we see how he goes from a person going through the motions of life to a person with a passion again. He becomes passionate about finding Tanya’s murderer but he also begins to feel real feelings again. I commend Burnett’s ability to use his characters to create a strong contrast in a book already coated in mystery. In my opinion, this element really took the book from an okay mystery to a well-written in depth story that leaves you wanting to read more about Chester Morgan.
During the course of his investigation, Morgan meets Tanya’s best friend, Maria. She takes him on a roller skating adventure that instantly became my favorite part of the book. It reminded me of roller skating in high school and had me laughing through the entire scene. The only difference is that I never claimed to be good at roller skating like Morgan. I like how Burnett was able to incorporate some humor into a serious story.
Even the best books have a storyline I don’t like or a character I don’t care for in there somewhere. Surprisingly, I just couldn’t find anything I didn’t like about this book. I thought the characters were unique and entertaining and the storyline kept me guessing. I really felt The Past Never Ends deserves five stars because of the creative characters Burnett created. This was a fast-paced read that pulls together into a surprising ending. This book will appeal to mystery lovers but also to readers who enjoy an emotional journey as well. I really recommend you give this book a read. It’s a good mystery that develops quickly and ends with a surprising twist.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
December 19, 2012
I read this riveting book in one night/overnight because I couldn't stop, and that is not my habit (I love my sleep).
Jackson Burnett has succeeded in capturing the smells, sights, sounds, dialogue and feelings of a great story. I felt as though I was living the mystery with each detail and character portrayal that emerged. He does an excellent job of presenting the many shades of grey within the plot, and with each new twist and turn, I was compelled to read on with rapt interest. How much better can a mystery get than that?
I highly recommend this book to lawyers, friends and family of lawyers and to anyone with an interest in Oklahoma. It's a perfect book to take on a vacation or to create a reading vacation while staying right where you may be.
I look forward to Jackson's next one (so get busy on that, Jackson!). I'm a fan. :)
Jackson Burnett has succeeded in capturing the smells, sights, sounds, dialogue and feelings of a great story. I felt as though I was living the mystery with each detail and character portrayal that emerged. He does an excellent job of presenting the many shades of grey within the plot, and with each new twist and turn, I was compelled to read on with rapt interest. How much better can a mystery get than that?
I highly recommend this book to lawyers, friends and family of lawyers and to anyone with an interest in Oklahoma. It's a perfect book to take on a vacation or to create a reading vacation while staying right where you may be.
I look forward to Jackson's next one (so get busy on that, Jackson!). I'm a fan. :)
October 9, 2012
It has been many years since I have delved into a good mystery, or the genre for that matter. The Past Never Ends had all the right ingredients, intrigue, suspense, a good premise and colourful, bawdy characters.
The prose could flow better perhaps by the culling of unnessary detail and descriptions, which caused me to jolt out of the story at times, but generally speaking a solid first novel by Goodreads author Jackson Burnett.
The prose could flow better perhaps by the culling of unnessary detail and descriptions, which caused me to jolt out of the story at times, but generally speaking a solid first novel by Goodreads author Jackson Burnett.
November 2, 2012
Excellent first book by Jackson Burnett! This is what a mystery novel should be, it will keep you guessing right until the end. Very realistic story and characters. I hope to see more from this author!
June 18, 2013
Loved it - check out my review http://fictionalfix.blogspot.com.au/2...
August 15, 2012
While investigating a curious case for his client, Attorney Chester Morgan encounters more than the usual moribund bureaucracies, missing documents, and stale interpretations of the law. His investigation leads him to explore the seamy underbelly of an Oklahoma town uncovering a complex tale of corruption, debasement, and conspiracy. Along the way Chester confronts his own darker side with charming, self-deprecating humor while gaining a deeper respect for the nature of justice and of living itself.
Jackson Burnett draws his very human characters with wit, honest humility, and dignity. He allows the subtle exchanges between attorney and judge in a routine probate hearing create its own, truer-to-life, courtroom drama. Burnett has a unique gift for uncovering the wonderful in the day-to-day existence. A very fun read!
Jackson Burnett draws his very human characters with wit, honest humility, and dignity. He allows the subtle exchanges between attorney and judge in a routine probate hearing create its own, truer-to-life, courtroom drama. Burnett has a unique gift for uncovering the wonderful in the day-to-day existence. A very fun read!
January 16, 2017
I would like to have given this more stars but, in the end of the day, I can truthfully say only that I liked it. Good points: tight writing, attractive characters, very authentic feel, some excellent description, an early hook. I would have liked to have seen more action; one killing apart, you need dark glasses to find much noir; and the ending disappointed me.
BUT this is an excellent first novel by someone who I am sure can do much, much better. If Jackson Burnett can become as good a story-teller as a writer, he could really make it in a couple of books' time.
BUT this is an excellent first novel by someone who I am sure can do much, much better. If Jackson Burnett can become as good a story-teller as a writer, he could really make it in a couple of books' time.
February 18, 2013
An excellent first novel. I will anxiously await his next. Great pacing and characterizations. The plot is intricate but not confusing. I would highly recommend. Bonus, this was a reduced price book available for my Nook, nothing beats getting a great read for a buck!
July 30, 2014
Fell in love with this book slowly and then could not put it down . The author has written a fabulous legal mystery , full of wonderfully believable characters . Would highly recommend ;-)
May 25, 2016
THE PAST NEVER ENDS
What a great story of true life. Not always the best way but things happen. I will certainly be buying more by this author. So glad I took a chance on one unfamiliar to me. Easy to read and understand.
What a great story of true life. Not always the best way but things happen. I will certainly be buying more by this author. So glad I took a chance on one unfamiliar to me. Easy to read and understand.
June 26, 2016
A very enjoyable book
This book was well written, with believable characters and the storyline was interesting. I really enjoyed the characters in the book.
This book was well written, with believable characters and the storyline was interesting. I really enjoyed the characters in the book.
July 20, 2013
An interesting story, but not very engaging.
The author, instead of referring to his main character, Chester Morgan, consistently by one name (like Chester or Morgan), used every tag he could come up with. He called him Chester, Chest, Morgan, the lawyer, and several other things. He did this with all his characters which made it a little hard to keep track of them. It also gave the book an ‘old time’ feel, as that was they style a long time ago (never call the character the same thing over and over). Several characters, too, had names beginning with the same letter – M primarily – that didn’t help.
At the end, the main plot and sub-plots were never definitely wrapped up. Once all the clues were in place, the author hinted at and talked about and implied (telling, not showing) how they were resolved, weakening the ending. This book didn’t end with a bang, but a whimper.
All too often in books, the main character devotes all his time to solving the issue that is the main plot of the story. Burnett had Chester distracted time and time again by other cases in his law practice, making him a more realistic character.
Burnett also had some beautifully descriptive passages that really brought the location to life, but some places, he spent a little too much time in Chester’s head, slowing the story pace down.
Burnett has a twist regarding the character who starts the ball rolling in the story. I suspected the twist coming, but Burnett developed it poorly and resolved it as he did everything in the book - half-heartedly.
Should any more Jackson Burnett books come my way, I’ll read them, but I won’t hunt them down.
The author, instead of referring to his main character, Chester Morgan, consistently by one name (like Chester or Morgan), used every tag he could come up with. He called him Chester, Chest, Morgan, the lawyer, and several other things. He did this with all his characters which made it a little hard to keep track of them. It also gave the book an ‘old time’ feel, as that was they style a long time ago (never call the character the same thing over and over). Several characters, too, had names beginning with the same letter – M primarily – that didn’t help.
At the end, the main plot and sub-plots were never definitely wrapped up. Once all the clues were in place, the author hinted at and talked about and implied (telling, not showing) how they were resolved, weakening the ending. This book didn’t end with a bang, but a whimper.
All too often in books, the main character devotes all his time to solving the issue that is the main plot of the story. Burnett had Chester distracted time and time again by other cases in his law practice, making him a more realistic character.
Burnett also had some beautifully descriptive passages that really brought the location to life, but some places, he spent a little too much time in Chester’s head, slowing the story pace down.
Burnett has a twist regarding the character who starts the ball rolling in the story. I suspected the twist coming, but Burnett developed it poorly and resolved it as he did everything in the book - half-heartedly.
Should any more Jackson Burnett books come my way, I’ll read them, but I won’t hunt them down.
April 15, 2020
Darn near perfect! Page turner and never lost interest. Author lets us get to know main character intimately. Lots of twists and turns that make you wonder if you're going down a rabbit hole but EVERYTHING you read actually means something and all ties together in the end. I would recommend. Hard to imagine this is the writer's first book!
May 24, 2013
The Past Never Ends and for me, neither did this book. Seriously. Someone will have to tell me how it ends.
Want to read
June 5, 2015
June 23, 2017
Disjointed
I found it hard to read this book. I found it disjointed with poor word choices making sentences hard to follow. It was very slow to build.
I found it hard to read this book. I found it disjointed with poor word choices making sentences hard to follow. It was very slow to build.
Read
June 5, 2016Interesting story that tries too hard
I liked quite a bit about this book, including the main storyline, but felt the author tried too hard to put in a lot of different subplots that ultimately bogged down the whole book. The main character's relationship with his ex-wife was not incorporated very well at all. My biggest complaint was the ending-I have no clue what the author really meant and it turned an okay/good book to a frustrating/poor book. I can't really recommend it.
I liked quite a bit about this book, including the main storyline, but felt the author tried too hard to put in a lot of different subplots that ultimately bogged down the whole book. The main character's relationship with his ex-wife was not incorporated very well at all. My biggest complaint was the ending-I have no clue what the author really meant and it turned an okay/good book to a frustrating/poor book. I can't really recommend it.
Want to read
October 6, 2018Synopsis: attorney Chester Morgan tries to obtain a court record and finds it has been sealed by the police.
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