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Scarlet Siege (Gary Celdom Case Journals Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.4 out of 5 stars 5 ratings

Gary Celdom is a veteran detective with over 25 years experience. However, when he decides to attend a fan convention, it turns into a hostage situation. With the help of his partner, a friend from a previous case, and the spiritual guidance of his former fiancée, can Detective Celdom apprehend the captors and enjoy his weekend off? Warning: Contains coarse language and violence.

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There are 5 books in this series.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Douglas J. McLeod is an aspiring writer who lives in Ontario, Canada. He is an avid sports fan, and professes to being an aficionado of a certain Canadian-based chain of coffee and bake shops.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00AY1JI76
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Douglas McLeod
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 8, 2013
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 6th
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 221 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Gary Celdom Case Journals
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 5 ratings

About the author

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Douglas J. McLeod
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Douglas J. McLeod (1971-present) was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He has since relocated to Florida where he lives with his wife, and "fur babies": a Yorkshire terrier and a Pomeranian. His debut novel, "Scarlet Siege," was penned during a writing challenge in 2011. Since then, he has released four other books in his "Gary Celdom Case Journals" series, and three books in the spin-off "Phil Bennett Mysteries" series. He has also particpated in four anthology projects, and has attempted to write episodic stories on the Kindle Vella platform.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
5 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2013
    This is a simple, light read of a fast paced theme. I would recommend this book for teens adults as it is a good read, but also a well rounded hint at romance, hint at drama type book. In the book, the main character, Gary, battles with some inner demons, crushes on a girl, all while working on a case he never intended to partake in. All the characters feel real, none are left inferior or forgotten. The reader could find themselves in any character's shoes easily. I very much enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the second one!
    *Of note, I purchased the book with this bright red cover. I just want to state that I like the second edition's version of the cover even more. The cover is particularly striking!!
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2012
    Scarlet Siege

    "Scarlet Siege" is the first novel by young writer Douglas J. McLeod. Like "50 Shades of Grey" it is a novel that originated in fandom and has been rewritten for a general audience. Unlike "50 Shades of Grey", it is articulate, emotionally resonant, and has a dry sense of self-awareness of having come from a fan base.

    In "Scarlet Siege" a fan convention goes terribly awry, when disgruntled fans turn terrorists. Police officer Gary Celdom, an attendee at the convention, is forced by circumstance to become a de facto go between. The premise seems a bit far-fetched, but it is with a wink and a nod to the reader. McLeod is having a bit of fun at the expense of over-zealous fans and their unrealistic demands on their screen idols. And in this well-thought-out novel it works. For those folks lucky enough to catch the fan references, it is an absolute gem. For those folks who don't know the references, the relationships between the characters, the attention to detail about living in Toronto, the clear, clean prose that moves quickly, will carry them through without need to recourse to Google.

    What I found most touching and charming about this novel was the honest discussions about relationships between men and women that interweave throughout the narrative. I felt that I understood men better -- good, kind, decent men better -- after having read this novel. The protagonist struggles with the death of a first love, and the budding romance with a co-worker. His friends, and fellow hostages at the convention, likewise confide in him as the time wears on. Unusually for a novel, men discuss their relationships with their girlfriends with each other, and real insight is gained. Likewise, the women in this novel struggle with their feelings and how best to express them--or even whether or not to express them at all.

    Men are not the "enemy" in this novel. I really enjoyed this book where for once the nice guys finished first. Women are portrayed with a similar uncanny insight. No gender is "the enemy". We all stumble and fumble towards love, and this is the core theme of the book.

    Relationships are difficult and messy, and not in a clichéd way: the truth of the human heart and its mysteries are explored between the characters. In fact, this novel is a stronger, more Checkovian study of how people interact with each other, than it is a Chandler-esque detective novel. I would like to see this writer spread his wings and write a novel about relationships: friendships, passions, crushes, lovers, new and old friends.

    I highly recommend Scarlet Siege to anyone who would like insight into how good men think and behave; how women have reasons behind their seeming capriciousness; and, for folks who like zany tales of crazed fan conventions åla "Night of the Living Trekkies".

    By the final page "Scarlet Siege" will lay claim to your heart. I look forward to reading more from Douglas McLeod. He is an observant writer with courage and talent--especially his tremendous insight into what makes the human heart tick, tock, and even skip a beat now and then.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2023
    Format: Kindle
    This is the author's first book and for a first effort, it is fabulous.  It is so relevant for those of us to attend fan events and even if the reader has not they will enjoy it and the goings on.  The story is so well-written and captivates us with thrilling and dangerous excitement, and sweet romance even though there is a tragedy the story remains light-hearted.  I loved how well thought out the characters are,  Having not had the opportunity to visit Canada I love all the details the author shared about the location.  The author brilliantly has a bit of fun with the overzealous fans and their bizarre behavior and unrealistic requests.  Police Detective Gary Celdom is taking the weekend off to relax and attend a fan convention which turns into something else entirely.  He meets a friend from another case, and with the help of his partner who remains at the station, and the spirit of his ex-fiancee will he be able to save the day and enjoy his weekend.  I love the character of the ex-fiancee who is really a hoot and how Gary really listens to and respects her opinions and boy does she have them.   This story is really uplifting and exciting with twists and turns you do not see coming.  I highly recommend this amazing story.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2018
    Format: Kindle
    Finished with book one. Kinda slow going. Not sure it fits my reading style, but I’m going to try the second book and see how it goes.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2013
    I just finished reading Doug's first novel. It's quite interesting, and leaves the reader wanting more. The characters are like friends I have known, and they feel like people I'd like to meet.
    The murders happen unexpectedly, with plot twists and turns throughout the story. It's also great to read about Toronto and the details of the city in this murder mystery. It makes a great setting for the characters lives!
    I would certainly recommend this book to anyone looking for some light winter escapist reading! And the great thing about the end of the story is.. There's another book available by Doug, too! If you order both his books like I did, you can just keep reading all week!
    I think adults and teens alike would enjoy this novel.

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