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The Girl Who Would Be Sheriff #2
Knock Out
The year is 2007. The iPhone is introduced, No Country For Old Men dominates the Oscars, and America learns the name Rihanna.
Andie Stackhouse has been promoted to sergeant and given a squad of rookies to lead. She's inexperienced and they're hot-headed, a volcanic combination.
Late on a hot August night, one of her officers stops responding to his radio. Fearing the worst, Stackhouse drives to his last known location, and what she uncovers wakes up the entire police department. A cop killer is loose, and the culprit appears to be one of their own. Soon Stackhouse is embroiled in conspiracy and a homicide investigation that threatens her career. Her squad of patrol officers aren't what they seem, and heads need to roll, to salvage the reputations of her superiors.
If Stackhouse wants to survive, she'll need to outlast the corruption in her department and take down the killer, who has a knack for executing police officers...
Andie Stackhouse has been promoted to sergeant and given a squad of rookies to lead. She's inexperienced and they're hot-headed, a volcanic combination.
Late on a hot August night, one of her officers stops responding to his radio. Fearing the worst, Stackhouse drives to his last known location, and what she uncovers wakes up the entire police department. A cop killer is loose, and the culprit appears to be one of their own. Soon Stackhouse is embroiled in conspiracy and a homicide investigation that threatens her career. Her squad of patrol officers aren't what they seem, and heads need to roll, to salvage the reputations of her superiors.
If Stackhouse wants to survive, she'll need to outlast the corruption in her department and take down the killer, who has a knack for executing police officers...
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 29, 2024
470 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Alan Lee
34 books271 followersYour favorite mystery author for the next twenty years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 19, 2023
Ellen Lee’s Stackhouse series is, in my opinion, the best of his writing. That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy an action packed with MacKenzie and his friends. But Stackhouse has all of the great storytelling and plot twists, with a much more human and realistic feeling character. She struggles with insecurity. She’s smart and beautiful and worries that people won’t believe she’s both. If you want a great introduction to a man who says his goal is to be your favorite mystery writer, the Stackhouse series is a great place to begin.
December 24, 2023
A Rush Of A Book
This was an exciting book. I was up late reading and then up early to keep reading to the finish. While my sleep schedule suffered, the entertainment value more than made up for the lost sleep.
Alan Lee is one of my favorite authors and he has written another stellar book with Knock Out. Bravo!
This was an exciting book. I was up late reading and then up early to keep reading to the finish. While my sleep schedule suffered, the entertainment value more than made up for the lost sleep.
Alan Lee is one of my favorite authors and he has written another stellar book with Knock Out. Bravo!
December 16, 2023
Sweet Abraham Lincoln (you’ll get it if you read the book)
What a great read! Truly. I read it straight through, ignoring all of my housework and errands for the entire day. It was much more pleasurable. And, because my favorite author for the next twenty years included several chapters from Mackenzie’s book, I may just reread that series and simply ignore that Christmas is only ten days away.
Read the book. It’s that good.
What a great read! Truly. I read it straight through, ignoring all of my housework and errands for the entire day. It was much more pleasurable. And, because my favorite author for the next twenty years included several chapters from Mackenzie’s book, I may just reread that series and simply ignore that Christmas is only ten days away.
Read the book. It’s that good.
December 11, 2023
twists, turns, and a great plot!
I have read many of Alan Lee’s books and LOVE this series; this Stackhouse, August, and Manny series. They are great. The intertwine, the characters are amazing and he brings them to life on the page. I am hoping for one or two more of Stackhouse before she meets the MacKenzie duo/trio (if you count Kix). These are great to read anytime, traveling, in the evening, on the beach, curl up with a good book - one by Alan Lee.
I have read many of Alan Lee’s books and LOVE this series; this Stackhouse, August, and Manny series. They are great. The intertwine, the characters are amazing and he brings them to life on the page. I am hoping for one or two more of Stackhouse before she meets the MacKenzie duo/trio (if you count Kix). These are great to read anytime, traveling, in the evening, on the beach, curl up with a good book - one by Alan Lee.
December 12, 2023
another winner
I love Alan Lees books. They are exciting and have a good story to them. Whenever I see a new one out I have to get it and don’t put it down until I’ve finished it. I love the fact that same characters are written into a new book but the books could still stand alone to read if you preferred. This one was another winner.
I love Alan Lees books. They are exciting and have a good story to them. Whenever I see a new one out I have to get it and don’t put it down until I’ve finished it. I love the fact that same characters are written into a new book but the books could still stand alone to read if you preferred. This one was another winner.
December 11, 2023
Great book! Finding out how Stackhouse became Sheriff
Finding out the long and tough story as to what she went through makes the pages just fly by. Love her story and Alan Lee does not disappoint. Can’t wait for the next book continuing her story. She only has friends and friends become family.
Finding out the long and tough story as to what she went through makes the pages just fly by. Love her story and Alan Lee does not disappoint. Can’t wait for the next book continuing her story. She only has friends and friends become family.
February 25, 2024
The minute I read Alan Lee's first book, I was hooked. I have since read each of his series several times. I'm like that; I read so many books that I can re-read the best ones once a year and they're still fresh and scintillating--the good ones.
Alan Lee writes great ones. The hard part is waiting for the next one in the series. It is really hard.
Stackhouse is an intriguing, rather peripheral figure when we first meet her in the McKenzie August series. Now, with her own series begun, it's a joy to get to know her better.
I believe Alan Lee when he says he wants to become our favorite writer. He's on my short list of exceptionally enjoyable writers.
It's not just the brilliance, compassion and whimsy with which he creates the memorable characters; it's the astonishing plot twists and the surprising resolutions. I can't count how many times, in each of his books, it looks like he's written himself into a corner--I can't possibly imagine how he can turn this situation around. But this he does, with panache, prowess and perfection.
I won't give away the absolutely exquisite and oh-so-satisfying ending; suffice it to say it was glorious. And after the first read, I immediately started at the beginning again, needing to savor it more slowly, steep into Stackhouse's world.
One thing that I ponder: Alan Lee's heroines are often drop-dead gorgeous. This can be both a blessing and a curse, especially in male-dominated domains such as law enforcement. How he deals with that reality is well thought out and honest; how he knows how such a woman feels when subjected to sexism and the good ol' boy clubs, when one's looks create expectations in others and how one must thus navigate professional relationships w care... I'm impressed.
I have been completely enthralled & mesmerized by 2 incredible authors and their many books, who then passed away with multiple series unfinished, cliff hangers just killing me, wanting desperately to know what happens next!!!????
And this is why I am almost loathe to fall head over heels in love with yet another brilliant writer's work. But here I am. So, Mr. Lee, I beg of you, you really need to NOT leave this mortal coil until you've wrapped every series up with a bow!... in about 80 years. Please? :-)
Your fan in Vermont
Alan Lee writes great ones. The hard part is waiting for the next one in the series. It is really hard.
Stackhouse is an intriguing, rather peripheral figure when we first meet her in the McKenzie August series. Now, with her own series begun, it's a joy to get to know her better.
I believe Alan Lee when he says he wants to become our favorite writer. He's on my short list of exceptionally enjoyable writers.
It's not just the brilliance, compassion and whimsy with which he creates the memorable characters; it's the astonishing plot twists and the surprising resolutions. I can't count how many times, in each of his books, it looks like he's written himself into a corner--I can't possibly imagine how he can turn this situation around. But this he does, with panache, prowess and perfection.
I won't give away the absolutely exquisite and oh-so-satisfying ending; suffice it to say it was glorious. And after the first read, I immediately started at the beginning again, needing to savor it more slowly, steep into Stackhouse's world.
One thing that I ponder: Alan Lee's heroines are often drop-dead gorgeous. This can be both a blessing and a curse, especially in male-dominated domains such as law enforcement. How he deals with that reality is well thought out and honest; how he knows how such a woman feels when subjected to sexism and the good ol' boy clubs, when one's looks create expectations in others and how one must thus navigate professional relationships w care... I'm impressed.
I have been completely enthralled & mesmerized by 2 incredible authors and their many books, who then passed away with multiple series unfinished, cliff hangers just killing me, wanting desperately to know what happens next!!!????
And this is why I am almost loathe to fall head over heels in love with yet another brilliant writer's work. But here I am. So, Mr. Lee, I beg of you, you really need to NOT leave this mortal coil until you've wrapped every series up with a bow!... in about 80 years. Please? :-)
Your fan in Vermont
March 11, 2024
I am a huge fan of Mr. Lee's MacKenzie August and Sinatra series. They are witty with developed characters and good plots. I am not a all a fan of his Atlanta gone to hell series. One of the characters in the August series is Sheriff Stackhouse. Knowing that, I jumped into this series.
Not as good. These are prequels to the series. Andie is a newbie to the Roanoke police force. As we are told over and over she is juggling her police job, with law school, auditing at another law school and a legal internship. The plot in the first book was good. This one is also good, but there is such a reliance on graphic violence - like the Atlanta series - that it became too much and detracted from the plot - as did the redundancy. I'll go on to another Girl Who Would be Sheriff, but it will be with some trepidation.
Not as good. These are prequels to the series. Andie is a newbie to the Roanoke police force. As we are told over and over she is juggling her police job, with law school, auditing at another law school and a legal internship. The plot in the first book was good. This one is also good, but there is such a reliance on graphic violence - like the Atlanta series - that it became too much and detracted from the plot - as did the redundancy. I'll go on to another Girl Who Would be Sheriff, but it will be with some trepidation.
December 11, 2023
Knock Out was a knock out
Mr. Lee, I had my entire day planned out and was going to get a lot of work done. Then I was notified that KNOCK OUT was released and everything else came to a screeching halt. This was better than the first book of the series. Good plot and execution but the best part was watching Stackhouse grow and develop. After reading all the Mackenzie August books I know where she will end up. It’s a great pleasure seeing her getting there. While there’s plenty of action going on, it’s good to see character development is still very important. Highly recommended.
Mr. Lee, I had my entire day planned out and was going to get a lot of work done. Then I was notified that KNOCK OUT was released and everything else came to a screeching halt. This was better than the first book of the series. Good plot and execution but the best part was watching Stackhouse grow and develop. After reading all the Mackenzie August books I know where she will end up. It’s a great pleasure seeing her getting there. While there’s plenty of action going on, it’s good to see character development is still very important. Highly recommended.
February 27, 2024
What a great read!
Beyond being a terrific story with great characters and a tense and believable plot, this book was a pleasure to read. It is well written and carefully edited with a care to punctuation and grammar, and no typos! The author has been extremely careful to keep his facts straight so the reader can follow the complex story, and he doesn't use any of the usual formula gimmicks to fill up the pages. It's fast paced with no filler. As a reader, these things are just as important to me as the plot. Kudos to Mr. Lee.
Beyond being a terrific story with great characters and a tense and believable plot, this book was a pleasure to read. It is well written and carefully edited with a care to punctuation and grammar, and no typos! The author has been extremely careful to keep his facts straight so the reader can follow the complex story, and he doesn't use any of the usual formula gimmicks to fill up the pages. It's fast paced with no filler. As a reader, these things are just as important to me as the plot. Kudos to Mr. Lee.
April 17, 2024
Thank you, Alan Lee!
My gratitude to the author for making his books available on Kindle Unlimited. Holy Obama! These books are excellent. The pacing is perfect; it grabs you from the first sentence and does not let go until the last. I love the characters that are worthy and despise the ones who are not. In both books I overlooked evidence because it was cloaked in adrenaline-fueled scenes. Well done, Master Lee. P.S. I love that your alter ego is a strong, intelligent and beautiful woman.
My gratitude to the author for making his books available on Kindle Unlimited. Holy Obama! These books are excellent. The pacing is perfect; it grabs you from the first sentence and does not let go until the last. I love the characters that are worthy and despise the ones who are not. In both books I overlooked evidence because it was cloaked in adrenaline-fueled scenes. Well done, Master Lee. P.S. I love that your alter ego is a strong, intelligent and beautiful woman.
July 4, 2024
Stackhouse has been promoted to Sergeant much to the displeasure of Almond. One man under her command has died of a drug overdose while another has been assassinated by someone on a motorcycle. Stackhouse is busy with command, patrol, law school while also feeling the lack of men in her life. Alan Lee does a fine job of carrying the reader to a police Fight Club. Stackhouse faces several crises including lamenting the release of ne'er do well when no evidence exists collaborating his guilt.
Surprise and complex conclusion.
Surprise and complex conclusion.
December 16, 2023
Bring on more Stackhouse.
Alan Lee manages yet another stellar novel with an intricately layered mystery, page-turning plot, and a lead character you want to cheer for every step of the way. Knock Out rises above the average police procedural and delivers hard-boiled action with heart and charisma. Stackhouse is going places, and I’ll gladly follow wherever she leads. Ready to read the next book in the series and anything else Alan Lee wants to put on paper.
Alan Lee manages yet another stellar novel with an intricately layered mystery, page-turning plot, and a lead character you want to cheer for every step of the way. Knock Out rises above the average police procedural and delivers hard-boiled action with heart and charisma. Stackhouse is going places, and I’ll gladly follow wherever she leads. Ready to read the next book in the series and anything else Alan Lee wants to put on paper.
December 14, 2023
Alan Lee continues to deliver the goods in an ever growing body of work
Knock Out continues the development of Alan Lee’s family of characters, each with their own strands of novels, and each an entertaining read on its own. But as a complete body of work, Lee has created a universe that has been a source of joy to have entered.
Knock Out continues the development of Alan Lee’s family of characters, each with their own strands of novels, and each an entertaining read on its own. But as a complete body of work, Lee has created a universe that has been a source of joy to have entered.
December 29, 2023
I love it! I love Stackhouse! She’s just an absolute amazing character! I love that she’s hardcore but soft, and never ever afraid to get down and dirty to get the job done. “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” I always liked Stackhouse in the August and Sinatra series when she appears and thrilled she now has her own series!! Can’t wait for the next one!!
January 17, 2024
As long as you like strong women
A continuation of explaining and developing the Stackhouse character with a couple twists that I didn’t see coming. Setting this story when iPhones were new, flip phones and Blackberry are still a thing. I didn’t dig into this book when I first downloaded it. It once I had sometime I flew through it.
A continuation of explaining and developing the Stackhouse character with a couple twists that I didn’t see coming. Setting this story when iPhones were new, flip phones and Blackberry are still a thing. I didn’t dig into this book when I first downloaded it. It once I had sometime I flew through it.
January 19, 2024
Book 2 in the series
Stackhouse has several new deputies assigned to her for patrol duty and things start to go wrong quickly. One gets high and dies from a fall down the stairs. Another is shot and killed by the side of the road. There are very few clues but Andie won’t give up looking for the killer. Very well written. A great story.
Stackhouse has several new deputies assigned to her for patrol duty and things start to go wrong quickly. One gets high and dies from a fall down the stairs. Another is shot and killed by the side of the road. There are very few clues but Andie won’t give up looking for the killer. Very well written. A great story.
February 16, 2024
Outstanding Book Two
I thought the Sheriff was totally cool even when she was a secondary character in two different series. She is totally cool in the first two books of her own series.
Stackhouse puts up with a whole little deal in "Knock Out" and the ending left me in dumbfounded tears. Excellent job, Mr. Lee!
I thought the Sheriff was totally cool even when she was a secondary character in two different series. She is totally cool in the first two books of her own series.
Stackhouse puts up with a whole little deal in "Knock Out" and the ending left me in dumbfounded tears. Excellent job, Mr. Lee!
December 14, 2023
I would love to have a drink with Andie.
I love a good, fast paced mystery with a protaganist who is believable and impressive. Check and check. Knock Out is a rollicking good who done it, and Andie is fearless, strong, driven,
I love a good, fast paced mystery with a protaganist who is believable and impressive. Check and check. Knock Out is a rollicking good who done it, and Andie is fearless, strong, driven,
December 20, 2023
This author only gets better! This book further develops Sheriff Stackhouse’s “early” years in a knockout story that is full of twists and turns but most importantly it’s full of MORE Stackhouse!! A great read !
December 21, 2023
Alan Lee Rocks
Another great book by Alan Lee. I have read many of his books and this is one of the best!! I can’t wait for the next Andie Stackhouse adventure. Please write fast.
Another great book by Alan Lee. I have read many of his books and this is one of the best!! I can’t wait for the next Andie Stackhouse adventure. Please write fast.
January 3, 2024
As always with Alan Lee, a rattling good story. Stackhouse is a great heroine, though I winced at all of her injuries. The plot is complex and unravels at a swift pace sweeping you along with it. Recommended
February 21, 2024
STACKHOUSE'S EARLY DAYS SHOW JUST HOW MUCH IT TOOK FOR HER TO BE SUCCESSFUL. BOY, I TELL YA' ALAN LEE CAN WRITE SOME EXCITING STUFF. WOW! I LOVED STACKHOUSE WHEN I MET HER IN THE AUGUST MACKENZIE SERIES, SHE IS ONE BAAD BITC#. CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK #3. HURRY UP! ;D
February 28, 2024
Fabulous!
I'm so glad I discovered these books by Alan Lee! The words just flow so well. It is rare that I become emotional while reading but I've found myself laughing and crying (a couple of times). Read it. You can thank me later.
I'm so glad I discovered these books by Alan Lee! The words just flow so well. It is rare that I become emotional while reading but I've found myself laughing and crying (a couple of times). Read it. You can thank me later.
March 23, 2024
Excellent story.
I really enjoy Alan Lee books. Great stories and really great characters. The writing of the characters is so interesting that I got to know them very quickly. Looking forward to the next one
I really enjoy Alan Lee books. Great stories and really great characters. The writing of the characters is so interesting that I got to know them very quickly. Looking forward to the next one
May 9, 2024
Great
This book was, wait for it, a knock out! Really twisted plot, excellent writing and dialogue, and some extremely bad police officers. Who wouldn't like that ???
Highly recommend this story. And series. And the August and Manny series' also.
This book was, wait for it, a knock out! Really twisted plot, excellent writing and dialogue, and some extremely bad police officers. Who wouldn't like that ???
Highly recommend this story. And series. And the August and Manny series' also.
July 5, 2024
Great read!!
Knock Out was an exciting, interesting story. I adore Indie Stackhouse, a strong female police sergeant who tries unsuccessfully to conceal her vulnerability. When one of her officers is killed on duty, the squad comes together to discover why.
Knock Out was an exciting, interesting story. I adore Indie Stackhouse, a strong female police sergeant who tries unsuccessfully to conceal her vulnerability. When one of her officers is killed on duty, the squad comes together to discover why.
October 12, 2024
Best of the three (so far). Stackhouse is a wonderful character. Exciting story line. Villians a plenty and a woman in search of a life both personal and professional
I hope Mr Lee sends us more Sargent Stackhouse.
Please.
I hope Mr Lee sends us more Sargent Stackhouse.
Please.
June 24, 2025
Loving this series
Andie Stackhouse is at it again...saving people. A murdered cops reveals some horrible situations and even more murders. Some people that is thought to be good end up not being good and some of the people that are thought to be bad are the good guys.
Andie Stackhouse is at it again...saving people. A murdered cops reveals some horrible situations and even more murders. Some people that is thought to be good end up not being good and some of the people that are thought to be bad are the good guys.
October 3, 2025
Andie!
I’ve fallen down the Alan Lee rabbit hole! I love his multilayered characters. I started with the Sinatra series and have read all of his books so far. My only complaint is that I stay up too late unable to put his books down. Lots of sleep loss but worth it.
I’ve fallen down the Alan Lee rabbit hole! I love his multilayered characters. I started with the Sinatra series and have read all of his books so far. My only complaint is that I stay up too late unable to put his books down. Lots of sleep loss but worth it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews