DOG DAY AFTERNOON is the twenty-ninth book in the Andy Carpenter series. For long time fans of the series, each book feels like a good old-fashion homDOG DAY AFTERNOON is the twenty-ninth book in the Andy Carpenter series. For long time fans of the series, each book feels like a good old-fashion homecoming with lots of hugs, laughter and catching up on the latest family gossip. Series regulars - Marcus, Corey, Laurie, Sam, Eddie, Eli, Hilda, and the dogs - appear in significant roles in each book, working together like a well-oiled machine. And yet, for new readers to the series, each book stands alone with just enough background included to welcome you into the fold where you’ll enjoy a remarkable story. Chances are, once you read one, you'll join the fan club and come back for more.
A mass shooting at a law firm leaves six dead with two eyewitnesses making reluctant accusations against a fellow, well-liked employee, Nick Winter. The fact that Nick disappeared for several days during the time of the murders adds fuel to the prosecutor’s case against him. Marcus is a mentor to Nick and firmly declares his innocence to Andy as he asks Andy to defend him. It's well known that Andy’s a wealthy retired lawyer trying, with little luck, to remain retired and that he finds it impossible to turn down requests to take on cases when he believes the person is falsely accused - and therein lies the problem with Nick's case. Andy doesn't believe he has a snowball chance in the down yonder of proving Nick's innocence, but unable to refuse Marcus, he caves and accepts the case. With a lack of evidence to exonerate his client, Andy knows the only way to prove his innocence is to find the real killer, so Andy calls in his team and with Nick's court date looming closer, they roll up their sleeves, put on their detective hats and go in search of the truth.
Author David Rosenfelt's ability to continuously render fresh, engaging plot lines with complex cases, engaging characters and hilarious dialogue in fast-paced whodunnit's is a testament to his amazing ability as a storyteller. DOG DAY AFTERNOON is a delightful addition to the series with a heavy dose of courtroom drama, fraud, conspiracy, laugh aloud banter, family and lovable dogs to fawn over. Andy's long walks and talks with one of his dogs, Tara, are not to be missed nor are his visits to the dog rescue organization he started, Tara's Foundation.
DOG DAY AFTERNOON is a riveting, engrossing mystery with an abundance of heart. While there's a big side of lighthearted fun and humor woven throughout, to mistake this book and series for anything less than a tautly plotted, beautifully written mystery with an intriguing, complex murder mystery to be solved would be a mistake. Being a huge fan of audiobooks, I jumped at the chance to listen to this one. As always, narrator Grover Gardner gives a killer performance as he lends his voice to this iconic cast. In my eyes and ears, he IS Andy Carpenter!
DOG DAY AFTERNOON is a highly addictive, immersive mystery that's impossible to put down once you begin. Fans of mysteries and courtroom dramas will enjoy this one. Many thanks to Minotaur Books & MacMillan Audio for an audiobook arc of this title. All opinions expressed are my own. This review first appeared in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is also available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews. ...more
Another explosive, action-packed book in the Alex Cross series! I honestly can't imagine experiencing these books in any other way than the audiobooksAnother explosive, action-packed book in the Alex Cross series! I honestly can't imagine experiencing these books in any other way than the audiobooks. They are excellent! I'm also shocked that I'm now within 2 series books of being caught up in this series. Onward, I go!...more
Author R. Barri Flowers’s expertise as an award-winning criminologist with unique knowledge of serial killers is evident in CAMPUS KILLER, book five iAuthor R. Barri Flowers’s expertise as an award-winning criminologist with unique knowledge of serial killers is evident in CAMPUS KILLER, book five in The Lynleys of Law Enforcement series. A gripping thriller, the story immediately draws readers in, never letting go.
Detective Paula Lynley answers a call to the scene of a college professor's murder in CAMPUS KILLER. When another professor’s body turns up days later, Lynley fears a serial killer is targeting female faculty members, and she vows to stop the killer before more women die. Needing all the knowledge she can gather; Det. Lynley asks visiting professor Special Agent Neil Ramirez to share his expertise in criminal profiling with investigators. As readers soon learn, Neil’s not only teaching a class on Criminology, he’s also the contact for an undercover agent working on a local case. Neil realizes it's imperative his cover story remains secret and yet, finding it difficult to refuse Paula's request, he jumps at the opportunity to get to know her personally. The attraction between Paula and Neil ignites quickly, but as the serial killer escalates his game, Paula and Neil must set aside personal desires to focus on identifying the killer before another woman dies.
CAMPUS KILLER is a complex thriller with equal parts mystery and romance. The familiar small-town college campus setting entices readers as many recall a special time and place in their lives while an escalating pace lends a sense of impending doom with time running out. An international flair is created by a unique support cast including multicultural characters as well as interracial romances. Author R. Barri Flowers’s intimate knowledge about violent offenders lends this story a vivid dose of reality seldom found in romance suspense fiction. Fans of romance suspense, especially police procedural style thrillers, will enjoy this one. 3.5 Stars Special thanks to the publisher Mills & Boon Intrigue, Author R. Barri Flowers and The Big Thrill for an arc of this title for review. All opinions expressed are my own. This review is available in The Big Thrill Magazine and is also available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
I'm enjoying the Highway Quartet series by C.J. Box. While it reminds me of the writing in the Joe Pickett series, it's different enough that I don't I'm enjoying the Highway Quartet series by C.J. Box. While it reminds me of the writing in the Joe Pickett series, it's different enough that I don't compare the two. Highly recommended to fans of this author's work!...more
Cross and Sampson head into the wilderness of Montana for some much needed R & R only to end up fighting for their lives. The ever lurking "M" has senCross and Sampson head into the wilderness of Montana for some much needed R & R only to end up fighting for their lives. The ever lurking "M" has sent men to take them out as have the Mexican cartel. If that's not enough, a massive grizzly bear is stalking around them. Once again, Patterson is putting his heroes through the wringer with a fast paced, action-packed thriller. Seems it never ends! Highly recommended!...more
Author Fiona Barton taps into the wildly popular world of online dating in her latest thriller, TALKING TO STRANGERS. Highly relevant in today's worldAuthor Fiona Barton taps into the wildly popular world of online dating in her latest thriller, TALKING TO STRANGERS. Highly relevant in today's world of online dating, this story highlights the potential danger associated with connecting with virtual strangers. In doing so, Barton also explores the social divide that exists between those who get off on victim blaming and those who remain focused on stopping the predators using the platforms to stalk unsuspecting victims as well as women's continuous struggle to overcome misogyny.
DI Elise King suspects a middle age murder victim's prolific online dating activity may have led to her death. Karen Simmons frequented the apps in hopes of finding a real connection that might lead to true love, but in letting down her guard, did she unwittingly invite a killer into her life? Half the town believes she reaped what she sowed while the other half protest violence against women. Kiki Nunn is a reporter in need of that one big story to catapult her back to the top of her field and having recently interviewed Simmons about the pros and cons of online dating, she's especially chagrined over her murder, pledging to unmask the killer at any cost. The story could potentially land her back on the front pages of major newspapers, but is it also putting her in the killer's crosshairs? As the story unfolds, readers also meet Anni, a mother still grieving the loss of her son whose body was discovered in the same area and manner as Karen's fifteen years prior. Are the cases connected? DI Elise King has her work cut out for her and despite suffering the continuing effects of chemotherapy for cancer, she’ll stop at nothing to bring these grieving families' closure.
TALKING WITH STRANGERS is delivered through the three engaging points of view of Elise, Kiki and Annie. The author does an excellent job portraying each woman's strength while allowing readers to feel their pain and vulnerability, their desire for a real connection with another loving human being. Barton doesn't shy away from highlighting prevalent issues including the world of online dating with its many potential dangers and cultural blaming via the points of view of these three women. While there are several potential red herrings with motive for characters and readers to sift through, savvy couch detectives will uncover the who and why early on, and yet the drama unfolding on the pages along with the need to see these three brave women get justice holds readers attention to the end.
Author Fiona Barton has rendered another highly atmospheric, entertaining police procedural in TALKING WITH STRANGERS. Both the characters and plot line command readers' attention while earning their empathy. The topic of online dating and its usage by our aging population looking for love in today's world is highly relevant and thought-provoking. While today’s society is painfully aware of the danger faced by unsupervised children using the internet, not enough attention is paid to lonely older adults who are also vulnerable to exploitation by online predators. Kudos to Barton for tackling relevant issues facing today's society with love and grace. With short concise chapters, shifting points of view and a tense, fast pace, fans of mysteries and police procedures will be engaged from beginning to end while reading TALKING WITH STRANGERS. Special thanks to Berkley Publishing for an arc of this title. All opinions expressed are my own. This title is scheduled for release Aug. 15, 2024. My review is available at Mystery & Suspense Magazine and also on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews. ...more
And just like that I'm up to current release!! How did this happen?? Okay...listening to one right after the other is how it happened, but what choiceAnd just like that I'm up to current release!! How did this happen?? Okay...listening to one right after the other is how it happened, but what choice is there when you're hopelessly addicted to the series?? Anyone understand?? Storm Watch is another outstanding book in the series. I can honestly say that from the first book, the next book in series is always better than the last. That's saying a lot because they're all good. Highly recommend the series to everyone....more
Another great Joe Pickett story! Feels like these books are getting more violent - or Joe is just getting himself into more dire situations. Bullets fAnother great Joe Pickett story! Feels like these books are getting more violent - or Joe is just getting himself into more dire situations. Bullets fly. Vehicles are destroyed. Near death experiences. And usually, his friend Nate steps in to help. I'm 2 books away from being current in the series. As mentioned before - go with the audiobooks if you have the chance. Narrator David Chandler is awesome....more