We were first introduced to Kat and Lock in “In The Blink Of An Eye”-the author’s debut novel-a MUST READ if you enjoy Police Procedurals! See review:We were first introduced to Kat and Lock in “In The Blink Of An Eye”-the author’s debut novel-a MUST READ if you enjoy Police Procedurals! See review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
DCS Kat Frank is a widowed single mother who trusts her instincts. So, she has her doubts when she is chosen to lead a pilot program called the “Future Policing Unit”which will pair her with an AIDE called Lock (Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity).
The pair are initially assigned to “COLD CASES” and given a very small team to work with: DI Rayan Hassan, DI Debbie Browne and Lock’s creator, Professor Okonedo.
It (Lock) has been programmed with algorithms that are free from bias or prejudice of any kind-which will hopefully lead to more “evidence based” decision making during the investigation of a crime. It/He has been designed to be free from racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia or anything else which could influence the direction a case may take.
And, in minutes he can process data that would keep a “human team” busy for a week.
After successfully closing their first “COLD CASE” in book one, the Future Policing Unit is now tackling their first “LIVE” case- that of a man found crucified at the top of Mt. Judd.
It was fun to be reunited with the team, BUT I had a hard time becoming invested in book two.
The debut novel kept me fascinated with the technology of advanced AI, but I guess the novelty somewhat wore off in this sequel. The book followed the same formula as the last, and also included mixed media peppered throughout such as interview transcripts and social media posts.
It just didn’t feel as fresh and original the second time.
And, for some reason, in the first book, DIS Hassan and Browne were always referred to as such, but in this book they were sometimes referred to by title and sometimes by first name-the inconsistency was distracting.
It is definitely a UNIQUE police procedural which will have you pondering what the future may hold, and worth a read-but the sequel didn’t quite live up to the first in the series.
3.5/stars
A big thank you to a special friend who gifted me this signed copy, which I will always cherish. ...more
Detective Constable Becky Greene has just gathered up the mail that needs to be taken up to CID when she notices * A Seasonal Christmas Read for 2023*
Detective Constable Becky Greene has just gathered up the mail that needs to be taken up to CID when she notices the large square envelope addressed “To A Detective Who Knows What To Do”.
Curious, she slices open the envelope but when she finds an Advent Calendar inside, which contains actual crime scene photos behind each door-she knows it isn’t a prank.
Could a serial killer be announcing in no uncertain terms that he has literally gotten away with murder for the last twenty years? And, why now, at Christmas time?
With 4 doors missing photos, Detectives Carmine and Greene know that there is no time to waste, if they want to prevent more holiday heartache for celebrating families.
After recently reading and enjoying “The Party Season” and realizing that it was book two of the Detectives Carmine and Greene Christmas Police Procedural series, I knew I needed to backtrack and read this one, and it didn’t disappoint!
The author writes these stories in a way that purposefully keeps us as the reader, a step ahead of the detectives but at 55% there was suddenly a (WOW!!) moment that had my jaw dropping open!
And, the last 20% had some nail biting, heart thumping moments too!
The first two books set up a possible third, and I DO HOPE, I will be reading it next Christmas! (2024)
A fun buddy read with Ceecee and Susan-be sure to watch for their (always) amazing reviews to see if they enjoyed this one as much as I did!...more
One of the important rules of being a detective: ABC Assume nothing, Believe nothing, Challenge everything
That is-if you are a detective actually TRYIOne of the important rules of being a detective: ABC Assume nothing, Believe nothing, Challenge everything
That is-if you are a detective actually TRYING to solve a case.
But, what about if you are a detective faced with an impossible moral choice?
22-year-old Olivia has been missing for one day…and counting. She was last seen on CCTV, entering a dead-end alley and not coming back out again.
How could she have disappeared into thin air?
Julia, is the detective heading up the search for Olivia-but the criminal behind the disappearance has very persuasive weapon-he knows Julia’s biggest secret and her family's safety depends on one thing…
Julia must NOT find out what happened to Olivia -instead she must frame somebody else for Olivia’s murder.
Although NEVER bored, this began as a slower paced police procedural with excellent character development and an intricate, believable plot. It is mostly told from Julia’s POV, with a few others filling in some pieces of the puzzle as the story unfolds.
Just when you think you know where the story is heading-you will find out that you DON’T!
I loved all of the surprises and they don’t stop until the very LAST paragraph!
My only minor critique-the characters inner thoughts were often repeated three times in a row. It would make more sense if that were a personality quirk of one character-but they definitely would not all share that trait!
I am now looking forward to reading some of the author’s earlier titles that I missed!
This was a buddy read with Mary Beth! Be sure to watch for her terrific review to see if this was also a four ⭐️ read for her!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this title!...more
The icy waters of Mirror Lake (Llyn Drych) separate the English shores from the Welsh village of Cwm Coed. And, sometimes the lines are blurred on whiThe icy waters of Mirror Lake (Llyn Drych) separate the English shores from the Welsh village of Cwm Coed. And, sometimes the lines are blurred on which “side” should be in charge of investigating a crime.
That is how DC Ffion Morgan from the Welsh side ended up partnering with DC Leo Brady, from the English side in the first book of this series, “The Last Party”. And the pair have been reunited in book two.
Book #2 also introduces Ffion’s new partner, a transfer in named Georgina (George) who is tight lipped about her past, and Ffion’s new rescue dog, Dave who suffers from separation anxiety and flatulence. ...more
Leading Lady Nora Kemp loves TWO men, Actors Hugh and Trent Iverson, who just happen to be TWIN brothers.
But, Trent has just been found dead in his bLeading Lady Nora Kemp loves TWO men, Actors Hugh and Trent Iverson, who just happen to be TWIN brothers.
But, Trent has just been found dead in his brother’s guest house, with an unidentified woman, and a Murder-Suicide is suspected.
How does this tie in with a missing mother and her son?
A.R. Torre writes psychological thrillers that are moved straight to the top of my TBR when they get released-I don’t even read the synopsis. I LOVED “The Ghostwriter”, “Every Last Secret” and “The Good Lie”.
I wasn’t as enamored with “A Familiar Stranger” (her last book) and was hoping for a return to form with this one, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for me.
It seems like she is trying her hand at something different, this time, a police procedural.
Although it started out strong with short, snappy chapters from MANY alternating POVs-I lost interest at about the halfway point.
Of course, it didn’t help that the story featured TWINS, because this plot device is a HARD sell for me.
I can’t say that I was surprised by the twists at the end.
But, I will still be watching for whatever is next, and hoping it’s a five star psychological thriller the next time around.
2.5 stars ⭐️ rounded up for this buddy read-did it satisfy DeAnn and Mary Beth? Be sure to watch for their reviews…
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to Thomas and Mercer for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review....more
After a violent home invasion, Neve Maguire and her teenage daughter Ash, move to Black Lake, for 3.5 ⭐️
“CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES-THEY CHOSE WRONG”
After a violent home invasion, Neve Maguire and her teenage daughter Ash, move to Black Lake, for a fresh start. Haunted by the memories of that night, they need a place where they can feel safe.
But, when they wake up after their first morning in Dullahan House, they discover Emergency vehicles down by the lake behind their new home-a woman’s body has been found floating among the reeds.
Detective Jess Lambert is recently back at work after her own personal tragedy, the loss of her young daughter, Isla. Haunted by guilt and remorse, she is drinking too much, and she thinks she sees her daughter wherever she goes.
Is she really the best Detective to take the lead on this case?
The body will link the two women together in unexpected ways, as secrets from the past and present are revealed through the alternating narratives of Neve, Jess and “the killer”.
The mystery was good but I wasn’t enjoying the writing style as there was a lot of repetition and many passages were too descriptive for my personal taste, taking me out of the story. Example: “Birdsong and pale morning sunlight in shades of blushed pink and creamy corn silk stream through the open window.”
Who thinks or speaks like that?
But, just past the halfway point there was a reveal that caught my attention and surprised me, even though it is one that may divide readers!
I loved two out of the three books by Christina McDonald that I had read prior to this one-“ The Night Olivia Fell” and “Do No Harm” but this was just a three star read for me until THAT reveal.
I wasn’t sure if I would want to continue the Jess Lambert series, but I liked the direction the author took, and now I think that I will probably want to solve her next case with her after all..
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
I loved the 1990 TV mystery “Twin Peaks” so when I heard about this debut, I knew I had to read it!
We are dropped right into the action as Amy Lin, aI loved the 1990 TV mystery “Twin Peaks” so when I heard about this debut, I knew I had to read it!
We are dropped right into the action as Amy Lin, a teenager living in the (fictional) Alaskan town of Point Mettier is being interviewed after finding a severed hand and foot that has washed up on shore….
Though disturbing, the 205 residents aren’t overly concerned, as they ALL live in the same high rise building, the Dave-Co and everyone is accounted for.
But then, Cara Kennedy, a detective from Anchorage arrives-not sold on the theory that the body parts belong to someone who committed suicide…
She is investigating to see if there is a connection to another case from her neighboring city of Anchorage, and the residents ARE NOT happy that she is here. Especially when the tunnel, which is only way in and out of Point Mettier, becomes blocked by an avalanche and she has to move into the Dave-Co until it can be cleared.
The reason? Everyone who chooses to live in this “city under one roof” endures the sub zero temperatures of the eight month long Winter, not because it’s a great place to live-but because it’s a great place to hide from their secrets.
With the wind howling in the elevator shafts, and the rumor of ghosts, they are rarely forced to live beside an outsider-and they prefer it that way.
The residents are QUIRKY, and they look out for each other and for Moose Lady Lonnie. who watched her mother get killed by an abusive boyfriend when she was a child, and watched the mother of a young moose get killed by hunters. She hasn’t mentally been the same since.
Lonnie adopted the moose, named him Denny, and is dedicated to protecting him from all of the bad men out there. During tourist season, visitors like to pose for photos with Denny, and the town makes sure that the money earned from these photos provide Lonnie and Denny with everything that they need.
She uses words to try and make sense of the dangerous World around her-and I enjoyed having her viewpoint included. She knew the storm outside would bring trouble to her door….Storm-blast, gale, blizzard, gust, squall, and as far as she is concerned, that trouble is Detective Kennedy.
Cara must team up with local police officer Joe Barkowski, (J.B.) to solve the possible murder, and protect the residents from an outside force-and she may just get some closure of her own in the process.
This ATMOSPHERIC, CLAUSTROPHOBIC debut novel, from Iris Yamashita, the Academy Award nominated writer for the movie LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA , directed by Clint Eastwood will be hitting shelves soon, if you are craving something as unique as the great State of Alaska.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
NOW AVAILABLE
THANK YOU to Berkley for the gifted copy. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
“Memory is a dynamic thing, it’s constantly being updated” ….“ But, is it possible to forget that you’ve committed a murder?”
Manor Park’s graduating “Memory is a dynamic thing, it’s constantly being updated” ….“ But, is it possible to forget that you’ve committed a murder?”
Manor Park’s graduating class of ‘98 was quite distinguished. “The group” as they were known in school included seven members.
Isabelle Istar, a famous Actress, Kris Foster, a well known Pop star, and two Politicians with opposing views about Climate change-Garfield Rice and Henry Steep.
Anna Vance, now teaching English to students in Italy, was also a member, having dated Chris, as was Sonoma Davies, who is now the Headteacher at Manor Park.
Oh, don’t forget Cassie Fitzherbert, who is now a DS on DI Harbinder Kaur’s new “Murder Investigation Team”.
She killed fellow student David Moore, 21 years ago, and got away with it, as she will tell you in the prologue. And, ALL of “the group” was complicit in the crime.
Harbinder Kaur is back for the third installment of the series (The Stranger Diaries #1 and The Postscript Murders #2) but she is now sharing a flat in London with two other women, and heading her own team, graduating from DS to DI.
Her first major case…when one of “the group” is murdered at Manor Park’s 21st reunion, organized by Sonoma Davies.
Cassie who was in attendance has secured the guests in the library, but after overhearing a private conversation, she is afraid that one of the group has killed again to make sure that what they did to David Moore remains a secret from the past, so she tries to steer her new boss away from those at the reunion, suggesting an alternate motive instead.
But then another member of the group is found dead in the legendary Bleeding Heart Yard, a courtyard in Holborn named after the murder in the seventeenth century of Lady Elizabeth Hatton, second wife of Sir William Hatton- and the pressure to solve this case is ramped up!
Lady Elizabeth’s body was found, torn limb from limb, with her heart still beating blood.
And, a heart is found with this body too.
These books seem like a “modern” take on a cozy series to me- the stories aren’t “cute” and they touch on the relevant themes of Politics, Privilege, and Prejudice with a unique lead character, but as in cozies-all violence occurs off page.
Although “The Stranger Diaries” remains my favorite of the three, I enjoyed getting to see a more mature version of Kaur, as she confidently leads her team which includes new characters -Detective Sergeants Kim, Jake and Tory.
DS Kim Manning is a character I hope we will see more of.
And, now that Harbinder has finally moved out of her parents home, at the age of 38, will she also find the courage to introduce her traditional Sikh parents, to her first official girlfriend?
I look forward to seeing what happens next!
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up! A buddy read with Pat-be sure to check out her “always” amazing review!
NOW AVAILABLE in the U.K. AND the U.S.
Thank You to Mariner books who gifted me a copy through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
There is a “lot to like” about this debut from Terri Parlato!
Snow is falling outside, but inside it’s all warmth as a half dozen of Jay Bradley’s cloThere is a “lot to like” about this debut from Terri Parlato!
Snow is falling outside, but inside it’s all warmth as a half dozen of Jay Bradley’s closest friends gather to celebrate his 40th birthday party. The candles are lit, the wine is flowing and everyone seems to be having a wonderful time.
In attendance are his partner, Dr. Elise Westmore and her husband Scott, his hockey buddy Cal and his wife, Laken, and Molly’s best friend since second grade-Kim and her husband Josh.
His wife Molly retires to bed first, but Jay decides to get some work done on his new book before joining her upstairs. He is a psychologist and is writing about abnormal psychology, exploring some gruesome crimes.
But when she wakes up, his side of the bed is still cold, and she doesn’t smell the coffee that would normally be brewing by now. She finds him dead on the floor of his office, his throat slashed.
Could someone from his small circle of friends be guilty? Why was he preoccupied the week before his death? Could this have to do with his book? And, why was Molly crying just before the first guests arrived?!
Enter seasoned Detective Rita Myers from the Boston P.D. and her new partner, Chase Fuller, tasked with solving this crime.
Rita has 30 years of experience, and she likes to keep written notes in a notebook along with sketches of the suspects that she draws as she interviews them. Sometimes it puts them on edge, and makes them speak, and sometimes it helps her to make sense of things. Chase, is of a new generation-taking notes on his Smart phone.
But they work well together and work without egos getting in the way, inviting help from Lauren Broderick, who may be the smartest cop in the precinct, and collaborating with Sheriff Skinner from a nearby town, and with FBI Agents Joe Thorne and Allison Metz when the case suddenly becomes linked with a couple of crimes in the past.
This CHARACTER DRIVEN police procedural unfolds in short chapters which alternate between the POV’s of Rita, our main detective and Molly, the Victim’s wife, making it an easy “just one more chapter” before I turn out the lights, kind of book!
Descriptive writing brings this to life, making the characters and the suburb of Graybridge where they reside feel real.
Oh, and if that isn’t enough-there is a rescue dog named Sadie too!
I am not a regular reader of police procedural series-but this is one that I would DEFINITELY continue following if the author chooses to let us solve another case with Detective Myers.
But, I will be watching for whatever Terri Parlato writes next!
If you like to solve crimes and appreciate smart, capable female detectives-get acquainted with this book!
NOW AVAILABLE!
Thank You to Kensington Publishing for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
I guess I was expecting something just a little bit different..
The synopsis describes Ebbing as a small, sleepy seaside town, with the weekenders in tI guess I was expecting something just a little bit different..
The synopsis describes Ebbing as a small, sleepy seaside town, with the weekenders in their fancy clothes, renovating old bungalows into luxury homes, and the locals resentful of the changes. A town, divided.
But, it doesn’t read like a “neighborhood” story where you REALLY get to know the residents from BOTH sides in depth. In fact, we don’t meet many “weekenders” at all.
The synopsis also introduces us to Dee Eastwood, a cleaner who is an invisible presence in the homes, of both-weekenders and locals-privy to what goes on behind closed doors-seeing and hearing all.
But, although she may know-don’t expect this to read as “soapy” or “gossipy” either.
DI Elise King never expected to live in a place like Ebbing. But after a battle with Cancer, and a break-up, she settled here in the seaside town-unsure if she would ever return to work.
Fortunately, her neighbor Ronnie, loves to play “amateur detective” so when a local-the popular Charlie Perry, “goes missing” she recruits Elise to help her “interview” his wife, Pauline.
Nobody believes that Charlie would leave voluntarily as he is very devoted to his daughter, Birdie, who has cognitive challenges and lives in a care home full time. So, Ronnie is keen to figure out who would want to do Charlie harm.
Turns out, Charlie has upset more than one of his neighbors…
Initially the story almost reads like a “COZY” and, I kind of wish it had remained that way, as THIS part was really enjoyable! Ronnie was just the antidote that Elise needed to feel ready to OFFICIALLY “get back to work”.
At about the 50% point, it defines itself as “police procedural”-as Elise does just that.
As we move forward and backward in time, we are introduced to A LOT of characters, only getting to know the bare minimum about most of them as we try to piece together their relationships to one another, and to Charlie. This was, at times, a bit confusing and frustrating, as I prefer to get to know my characters in more depth.
There were also A LOT of sub-plots.
And, although I DO give the author credit for the intricate plotting-tying ALL of those sub-plots together takes time-and I found myself growing a bit BORED while waiting for her to do so.
The story just WASN’T holding my interest for some reason. But, it was a buddy read with NZLisaM and it checked all the boxes for her!!
Be sure to read her amazing review! It’s always fun to discuss a book while reading it-whether or not you feel the same way about it!
Perhaps, for me-LESS is MORE?
NOW AVAILABLE!
Thank You to Transworld Digital for my gifted copy. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
We left off in book two of the series, with FBI profiler, Reed Markham discovering new information about his birth mother, who was brutally stab3.5 ⭐️
We left off in book two of the series, with FBI profiler, Reed Markham discovering new information about his birth mother, who was brutally stabbed to death 40 years ago, while he lay in his crib, just steps away.
Ellery Hathaway, a young girl he rescued from a serial killer, years prior, and then wrote about in a book, has since become a friend, and the two have teamed up to solve a number of cases .
Since she is still suspended from the Police force, as they investigate a shooting she was involved in- and her own father, who left his family behind years prior, is trying to reconnect with her, much to her chagrin, nothing sounds better to her, than to assist Reed in Las Vegas as he tries to solve this very personal, very COLD CASE.
Just like in book ONE, I suspected the perpetrator early on, and I was correct BOTH times!
If I had started with book one in this series when it was new-I probably wouldn’t have continued but I am committed to reading the series through book 5, which releases in January. Partly because they have been a bit predictable and partly because I don’t care for the romance which is developing between Reed and Ellery-I find myself MUCH more partial to her new series, which begins with GONE FOR GOOD-Detective Annalisa Vega.
I can definitely see why so many of my Goodreads friends, really love this series though-there is no doubt that the stories are engaging and easy to read and I did enjoy one surprising revelation at the end of this installment.
I am buddy reading the series with DeAnn, who just may be one of those friends who are more enamored with these characters than I am….Be sure to check out her thoughts in her wonderful review!
In book two of this series, Annalisa Vega and her ex-husband and partner, Nick Carrelli are called to investigate the murder of Leo HamOUTLIER ALERT!
In book two of this series, Annalisa Vega and her ex-husband and partner, Nick Carrelli are called to investigate the murder of Leo Hammond.
Leo was a member of the “Fantastic Four” a unit of cops with an UNUSUALLY high rate of “solved” cases.
This was a unit of cops who seemed interchangeable to me among this LARGE cast of characters! I kept getting these men confused as the author sometimes referred to them by first name, and other times by last names-hopefully corrected by publication date.
Upon arrival on the scene, Leo’s wife, Kayla, claims that the suspect was wearing full scuba gear, when he entered their home.
He is dubbed, “The Frogman”.
When Moe Bocks, a fast talking used car salesman who most people believe got away with a murder years ago, becomes a suspect in this crime-Annalisa decides to try to solve that cold case as well-despite being told by her superior, in no uncertain terms-to leave it alone.
BUT- she can’t!!
Moe is now dating her former sister-in-law, Sassy, who is also a friend, and the mother to her two nieces!
So Annalisa is going to continue to investigate both cases, at any cost!
***
Joanna Schaffhausen has scores of fans, who will find this book satisfying!
But, I find that both series are too FORMULAIC for my tastes.
In the Ellery Reed series, we had Ellery who was brilliant but reckless-following leads on her own and leaving her partner out of the loop. Ellery often goes against her superior’s orders, and gets herself in trouble. And, she is constantly rescued by her love interest-Reed- a man she continually pushes away, despite her feelings for him.
In this series, we have Annalisa, who is brilliant but reckless-following leads on her own and leaving her partner out of the loop. Annalisa goes against her superior’s orders and gets in trouble. And, she is constantly rescued by her partner, Nick, who is also a love interest despite her constantly pushing him away despite some unresolved feelings for him.
Sure, the back stories which explain both of these complicated relationships are different, but all of the books follow a predictable path.
Many readers enjoy books like these! Look how many Stephanie Plum books there are, despite a predictable formula and continuing love triangle!! (Janet Evanovich’s wildly popular series is at #28 and counting? )
Nothing wrong with that at all! Many readers look forward to seeing these dynamics play out in each installment.
But, it just doesn’t work for me!
And, now that I can see that this series will probably follow a similar path to the Ellery Hathaway series, I will leave reviews for her future books to other reviewers, who enjoy her writing more.
Thank You to Minotaur books for the invitation to read this in exchange for a candid review!
Saved, by FBI profiler, Reed Markham, just in time, when she was just a young girl. Her story is told in “The VanisEllery Hathaway is a “final girl”.
Saved, by FBI profiler, Reed Markham, just in time, when she was just a young girl. Her story is told in “The Vanishing” and this book is #2 in the series.
Now, all grown up, she is a Police Officer, on involuntary leave because she shot a Murderer in cold blood, and isn’t showing remorse. She is ordered to attend counseling, before she can return to work.
Ellery is either, BRAVE or RECKLESS. She is either very IMMATURE, or SOCIALLY AWKWARD.
But, one thing she isn’t is “open to talking about her feelings”.
So, she manages to find not one, but TWO cases, amongst her fellow “group therapy” members, which need some attention, and she just so happens to have some free time.
What she doesn’t have is the “resources” she needs, so she calls up, the only man she trusts, Reed Markham, and reunites with him for the second time, since becoming a Cop, hoping to persuade him to help…again.
Reed has a soft spot for Ellery-the girl he feels he “rescued” but wasn’t able to “save”, so he arrives on the scene and together they will look for an elusive rapist, and investigate an Arson.
The story is fast paced, and engaging and my only issue with the series is that although my heart goes out to Ellery, and what she endured as a child-I wish she would find romance elsewhere. It seems like these two are destined to become a couple as the series continues, and it is off-putting to me.
3.5 ⭐️
A buddy read with DeAnn.so be sure to watch for her wonderful review! We have two more to read before we are caught up, and ready to read #5, “Last Seen Alive” publishing January 25, 2022.
A thank you to my local library for the loan of this title!...more
This is book #5 in the popular Ellery Hathaway series but you can easily read this one as a stand-alone. In fact, not only does it fill you in o3.5 ⭐️
This is book #5 in the popular Ellery Hathaway series but you can easily read this one as a stand-alone. In fact, not only does it fill you in on Ellery Hathaway’s history-it actually adds details as this story comes full circle from the first.
The quick “spoiler free” recap is that Ellery Hathaway was just 14 years old when she became victim #17 of the notorious serial killer, Francis Michael Coben- a murderer with a “hand fetish” -but she was the only girl who survived.
She was rescued by FBI profiler, Reed Markham, and she grew up to join the police force of Woodbury, MA. When she needed the resources of the FBI for a case, she called upon Reed Markham, who “owed her one” after he profited from writing a book about the case with his then wife, Sarit.
They team up to solve cases in books one through four and their relationship develops over time.
In book five, Coben has agreed to confess to the location of the remaining bodies-under one condition-an interview with Ellery. When a fresh body is discovered which seems linked to Coben, despite the fact that he is serving a life sentence, she reluctantly agrees.
Can she find closure of her own? And, what price will she have to pay to find it?
This book was the darkest in the five book series, and we finally get inside the head of Coben, during the “Hannibal Lecter” style interview between Coben and Ellery.
But, Ellery is no “Clarice”.
She is a a woman who continues to have good instincts but makes bad choices. And, Reed is still trying to save her.
I can understand why so many people enjoy “series”. When you pick up the next book, it’s like you are reuniting with old friends. And, this series has many fans, Unfortunately it has been a bit of a struggle for me as I don’t like romance mixed in with my police procedurals-especially not ones with “open door” scenes, and that is made worse by the fact, that the pairing of these two, is distasteful to me. And, Ellery seems “immature” and hasn’t grown since book one.
Still other readers don’t seem bothered by either fact, and most seem to be rooting for the two of them, so mine is just one opinion. In fact-buddy readers DeAnn and Marilyn may even feel differently….be sure to check out their TERRIFIC reviews for additional opinions!
I am not sure if there will be be a book six-but I am closing my door on these two, whether there is or isn’t.
I would like to thank Minotaur books for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
She was the 17th Victim of serial killer Francis Michael Coben, abducted on her 14th birthday.
She is now an officer3.5
Ellery Hathaway is a survivor.
She was the 17th Victim of serial killer Francis Michael Coben, abducted on her 14th birthday.
She is now an officer on the police force in Woodbury, MA, where domestic disputes and bicycle thefts are the usual crimes until people start to vanish, one per year, right around her birthday-at the same time that she receives an anonymous birthday card.
When her Chief, refuses to believe that the cases are connected, she calls the FBI agent who saved her, Reed Markham, and persuades him to help.
This is the FIRST book in this popular police procedural, and I had always wanted to read it, but felt like I fell behind, with four already released. So, when I was offered the opportunity to read book #1 in the author’s Annalisa Vega series, instead, I jumped at the chance and really enjoyed it. It’s a series that I plan to continue.
Then, I was offered book 5 of this series. ...more
Nicole has just finished sharing “sandwiches” with a friend on a deserted beach when she sees “it” approaching.
A shape, moving like an injured animal Nicole has just finished sharing “sandwiches” with a friend on a deserted beach when she sees “it” approaching.
A shape, moving like an injured animal, ashen white and glowing. A student, who had disappeared weeks ago, now shaved bald, and traumatized....
Widowed FBI agent, Lina Connerly and her teenage son, Rory are living in her father’s house, temporarily, leaving the ghost of her husband behind in NY. She gets pulled into the investigation when she learns that the boy found on the beach is a student at Rory’s new school-one with a strange curriculum. There are no classes-just seminars on subjects that will prepare them to ace a standardized test called “The Wonder Test”.
The town is obsessed with having their school score highest in the State, and in the Country! Their motto: “ Prepared for the test-prepared for life, every student counts!! “
Each chapter opens with a “Wonder Test” question such as :“Is artificial intelligence truly artificial? Is it intelligence? Give examples and discuss.
This book was a 3.5 ⭐️ for me, and and I can give examples and discuss why I could round it up, and why I could round it down!
Based on that synopsis, I requested expecting SUSPENSEFUL with a dose of FREAKY but, I could see where this one was going to go almost immediately- and I was right. Not suspenseful or freaky. Round down?
What this actually is-an FBI procedural with a LIKABLE and CAPABLE lead in Lina-and the set-up for this to possibly be book one in a series. A bit of a slow burn, (448 pages!) and about 75 pages too long-but well written. Round up?
I am going to round up with the ⚠️that this is recommended for readers who enjoy investigations-but maybe not for those like myself, who expected a creepy mystery...
Thank You to Atlantic Monthly Press for the ARC gifted to me through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review! Available July 6, 2021....more
Colleen Hayes (and her alter ego, Carol Aird) is back for more investigating-the old fashioned way!
Before cell phones and the internet, you had3.5 ⭐️
Colleen Hayes (and her alter ego, Carol Aird) is back for more investigating-the old fashioned way!
Before cell phones and the internet, you had pay phones and reading old newspaper articles on the library’s microfiche.
This time, she is hired by Steve Cook, who was a British teen idol on the rise back in 1966, until a 16 year old girl was found nude, and dead in his hotel room bed. Now, living in San Francisco, in 1978, he works construction and doesn’t have the money to pay the ransom when his eleven year old daughter is kidnapped!
His annoying ex wife, Lynda and her father have money but if they provide it, it comes at a price. Lynda is a perfect example of “money cannot buy class” with every other word out of her mouth being an expletive, or a threat of violence.
But, although Steve doesn’t have any money to pay Colleen yet either, she cannot say no to this former rock star who is now calling her “love” or allow his daughter to be held captive. The fact that he just may be flirting with her, doesn’t hurt either and they may or may not even share a Lady Gaga-Bradley Cooper “Shallow” like moment!
Colleen is fearless and savvy, and if you enjoyed book one, you will get more of the same in this installment along with more late 70’s nostalgia!
Waterbeds and Lava Lamps, anyone?
This can be read as a standalone or catch up now before book #3-(Bad Scene) is released in August 2021 and book 4 (Line of Darkness) is released in August 2022! ...more
I have been meaning to read something by Joanna Schaffhausen for quite some time, so when I saw that she was beginning a NEW mystery series, it seemedI have been meaning to read something by Joanna Schaffhausen for quite some time, so when I saw that she was beginning a NEW mystery series, it seemed like the perfect time to start, since I MUST read a series in order, and often don’t want to have to catch up on the SEVERAL installments that I have missed!
This series opens with Grace Harper who is a grocery store manager by day, and an ACTIVE member of “The Gravediggers” an amateur, online sleuthing group, at night.
Her current obsession is “The Lovelorn Killer” dubbed as such because after killing his Victims, in BTK fashion, he pens a “love letter” to each of the women, which he sends to a local newspaper.
He stopped killing twenty years ago, after #7, and the case has gone cold. But, Grace thinks she has spotted a link missed by the original investigators. And, she has kept meticulous notes, in a file labeled as GRACE NOTES.
Detective Annalisa Vega was just a teenager, when the last victim was found but she knows the case well as she was dating the final victim’s son, Colin, at the time of the murder.
And, now she has been called to the scene of a murder which is very reminiscent to those of the Lovelorn Killer-and partnered up with her ex husband, Nick.
The victim? Grace Harper.
The investigation was balanced nicely with the personal dynamics of Annalisa’s two exes, and the meddling from the members of “The Grave Diggers”. In addition, I liked how just enough details were given to enlighten us on the depravity of our killer-without getting too graphic!
Although I correctly guessed the killer about 3/4 of the way through-it didn’t detract from my enjoyment because that means that I am getting an ending I can believe-not one that comes out of left field.
Although I don’t generally gravitate towards police procedurals, or series, for that matter-this is one that I may have to continue following!
Thank You to Minotaur books for providing a gifted ARC via NetGalley! It was my pleasure to provide a candid review!
Nikki Hunt was a traumatized 16 year old whose testimony convicted a young man named Mark Todd, for the murder of both of her parents in the family’s Nikki Hunt was a traumatized 16 year old whose testimony convicted a young man named Mark Todd, for the murder of both of her parents in the family’s home.
She hasn’t been back to Stillwater, Minnesota since.
But, now she leads an FBI task force tracking a serial killer dubbed, “The Frost Killer” by the press.
Two murdered girls found in the snow in her hometown, could be his latest Victims, and Nikki will need to return to rule him out.
But when she arrives, she discovers that The Innocence Project is trying to free Mark Todd. Will her trained eye be able to see to that mistakes were made by the local Sheriff?
Will her past distract her from solving the case of the two teenagers? Or could there be a link between what happened then, and what is happening now?
This is a two book series, but NOT one that I will continue.
My issues with the book:
The author failed to convince me that Nikki is qualified to run her own task force.
Her success has been marginal and her choices, ESPECIALLY the one she made towards the end of the book-when her main suspect was on the run-questionable...AT BEST.
The poorly developed “supporting cast” including the members of her own task force, the reporter, and the Local Sheriff and his Sargent-Miller-who was playing a prominent role, until he all but disappeared by the end.
Lots of loose ends not tied up, one of which is probably to create a book 2, but most will likely NOT be revisited, unless we are told and not shown, what has transpired.
The “guilty party”? Implausible!
The possible “love interest “ for book 2 -another sub plot in this story which I also don’t find believable and cannot buy into!
It’s too bad-the writing WAS engaging and held my interest until it ALL fell apart for me in the end.
This was a fun buddy read with DeAnn, who enjoyed it a little bit more than I did! Check out her review for an a second opinion!
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