Reviews for the Duck Darley Series

“Casey Barrett swings for the fences in this jacked-up third outing for Lawrence “Duck” Darley, Jr, unlicensed PI. Scrape away the high drama and there’s a solid story underneath, with some sharp characterization, particularly of Duck himself … Mr. Barrett? You had me at ‘The beating felt good…’” - Mystery Scene Magazine

“A superbly crafted and original thriller from first page to last, “The Tower of Songs'“ showcases author Casey Barrett’s distinctive storytelling style, in a novel with more unexpected twists and turns than a Coney Island roller coaster.” - Midwest Book Reviews

“Pointed and polished… a tale that would make Hammett or Chandler proud. The Tower of Songs is hard-boiled crime writing par excellence cut from the cloth of Lawrence Block, Andrew Vachss, with just a touch of Walter Mosely tossed in for good measure. Superb in all respects.” - The Providence Journal

“An irreverent badass who admits he’s a screw-up… This thriller with a refreshing lineup of unlikely champions skirting the fringes of morality and darkness as they maneuver the underbelly of Manhattan is more fun than the temptations they’re trying to leave behind.” - Book Trib

“This one has sleeper-hit written all over it. Fast-paced and well-plotted, Barrett’s thriller is one of the most underrated books set to come out this month.” - The Real Book Spy

“A voice right out of hard-boiled classic noir, complete with existential ruminations on his self-destructive nature.” - Publishers Weekly

"A driving tale set in Manhattan, with nods to “shingled castles” in the Hamptons… timely references to increasing opioid addiction, Russian spy stuff including jabbing poison by way of umbrella, and a no-track way to avoid email detection, courtesy of General Petraeus and his lady love… The romp is on - including the Hamptons, “much like the English said of France: beautiful country, a pity about the people.” - The Independent (East Hampton, NY)

“Chilling… an adventure spaced around disquisitions on the decline of civilization (especially the American part), the miseries and pleasures of alcohol and oxy addiction, and the otherworldliness of the superrich.” - Booklist

“The city becomes a real character in the story as locales of shadowy Manhattan bars and street corners provide vivid texture and an edgy familiarity that we readily embrace. Against Nature is a well-crafted story with a strong and pleasing narrative style that deftly delivers on plot. A satisfying read, and not just for thriller aficionados.” -Booktrib

Private Eye Writers of America: 2018 Shamus Award Nominee - "Best First PI Novel" 

Toronto Star: 5 Olympic-Themed Reads That Deserve The Gold

"Here be the beginnings of a superb series. A novel that sparkles with wit, sass, and wonderful narrative style. Charles Willeford is rarely mentioned much these days yet his Hoke Moseley series is among the true classics of the genre. Casey is the rightful heir." — Ken Bruen, author of the Jack Taylor series

"An original, smart and sympathetic protagonist. A great debut novel!” — Adrian McKinty, author of The Chain and the Sean Duffy series

"Barrett's first-person narrative has a music of its own, and his alcoholic hero, just two drinks away from seeking his next fix, is appealingly vulnerable even if the improbable pile of unspeakable felonies here will mainly bring to mind your mother's admonition: don't go near the water." — Kirkus Reviews

"An expertly crafted mystery that introduces the antihero you can’t help but root for, Duck Darley is witty, crass and endearing and quickly became one of my all time favorite characters." — The Suspense is Thrilling Me, 4 Stars 

"It does for competitive swimming what Megan Abbott did for gymnastics, exposing the poison at the heart of a coach's and a family's need to win." — New York Times bestselling author Andrew Gross

"A sordid tale of murder and sport. It should be mandatory reading for all thriller aficionados.” — New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry

"Casey Barrett knows the world of swimming as well as almost anyone.  But who knew it could be the source of so much suspense?" — Bob Costas

"Duck Darley rivals any detective or PI out there today: a bourbon-drinking, fringe-living antihero you'll find yourself rooting for despite his many flaws." — Charlie Donlea

"It's noir-ish and quite old school, but also quite pacy! A seedy undertone throughout the narrative... One for fans of James Ellory maybe? Recommended for sure!" — Bibliophile Book Club

"Olympic swimmer Barrett dives into the disturbing side of competitive sport with his savage thriller debut." — Publishers Weekly

“Deliciously lascivious and violent... will keep readers captivated to the last page.” — Kyle Mills

"Duck is a protagonist you’ll love to hate, but his self-reflection, intelligence and tenacity to protect the weak make him an uncommon hero. The story is dark and gruesome at times, but its brash delivery makes it a totally engrossing mystery with a plethora of evil villains lurking in plain sight. This is a stunning debut filled with excesses, narcissism, greed, and evil delivered with some New York swagger.” — RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars