What do you think?
Rate this book
Accidental Allies (Unde
Everybody’s experienced a rocky start to a new job, but few can top Minka Avery's return to Orlando PD.
After six years as a stay-at-home mom, Minka’s nervous but excited to sit at a detective’s desk again. Before she has a chance to break in her badge, however, her career resumes with a bang when someone bombs the county courthouse.
With many disillusioned with the justice system, several brow-raising suspects emerge right away. Minka and her new partner, Renee, follow several tips that lead to dead ends, until they zero in on the courthouse's former security guard. Their attempts to apprehend him send the city and police department into chaos. Meanwhile, Minka contends with the lingering suspicion of another party being involved. Could his accomplice be closer than she thinks?
After six years as a stay-at-home mom, Minka’s nervous but excited to sit at a detective’s desk again. Before she has a chance to break in her badge, however, her career resumes with a bang when someone bombs the county courthouse.
With many disillusioned with the justice system, several brow-raising suspects emerge right away. Minka and her new partner, Renee, follow several tips that lead to dead ends, until they zero in on the courthouse's former security guard. Their attempts to apprehend him send the city and police department into chaos. Meanwhile, Minka contends with the lingering suspicion of another party being involved. Could his accomplice be closer than she thinks?
240 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2023
About the author
Karina Bartow
11 books42 followersKarina Bartow hails from northern Ohio. Though born with Cerebral Palsy, she’s never allowed her disability to define her. Rather, she’s used her experiences to breathe life into characters who have physical limitations, but like her, are determined not to let them stand in the way of the life they want. She may only be able to type with one hand, but she writes with her whole heart!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 20, 2023
A bombing at the county courthouse has Det. Minka shifting through clues and evidence to uncover the culprit. This is my first book by Karina Bartow, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The mystery is well-plotted with expert foreshadowing, descriptive narration, and a cast of characters that kept me invested. The premise is well-executed. All in all, Accidental Allies is a mystery worth reading.
Let’s start with the characters. I connected with Minka right away. She’s juggling being a mom while returning to the workforce. Her turmoil is honest and realistic. Many moms will relate to her. Minka is also a very good detective. She’s got a nose for investigating. The more clues she discovers, the harder she works. The rest of the characters bring this mystery to life. The suspect list is large which I liked. Each character is individual and has their own personality.
The mystery itself is written with precision. The plot progression flows well. The investigation is well detailed. There are a few twists I didn’t see coming. The ending was a surprise.
As a voracious mystery reader, I enjoyed Accidental Allies. I look forward to reading more from Karina Bartow.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Let’s start with the characters. I connected with Minka right away. She’s juggling being a mom while returning to the workforce. Her turmoil is honest and realistic. Many moms will relate to her. Minka is also a very good detective. She’s got a nose for investigating. The more clues she discovers, the harder she works. The rest of the characters bring this mystery to life. The suspect list is large which I liked. Each character is individual and has their own personality.
The mystery itself is written with precision. The plot progression flows well. The investigation is well detailed. There are a few twists I didn’t see coming. The ending was a surprise.
As a voracious mystery reader, I enjoyed Accidental Allies. I look forward to reading more from Karina Bartow.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
January 31, 2024
Thoughts: This is a well-plotted mystery with good characters. I especially liked the main one, Detective Minka. She juggles returning to her job as a police detective after six years at home with her daughter. Like most moms who do this, she is often conflicted about doing this. I also like that she is a female detective—something that can be challenging by itself, but she also has a cochlear implant which makes many of the people she works with doubt her abilities. But she overcomes all her challenges and shows everyone what she is made of. I can honestly say I pretty much had the perp figured out early on, but the reasons why escaped me until the end—which was well done.
Recommendation: For a good mystery with interesting characters and a decent ending, pick this one up. Note though – this is not a “cozy” mystery. Minka is no amateur sleuth.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Recommendation: For a good mystery with interesting characters and a decent ending, pick this one up. Note though – this is not a “cozy” mystery. Minka is no amateur sleuth.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
November 21, 2023
After a six-year absence can she go back to the career she loves?
About the Book: Accidental Allies follows detective Minka Avery as she returns to the Orlando P.D. after a six-year hiatus. The decision to bring her back following such a lengthy absence wasn’t popular with some of the top brass, but when the courthouse is bombed, the investigation puts the entire department under the microscope. As the case takes several twists and turns, Minka proves her time away from ‘detecting’ hasn’t diminished her skills at all.
Our Review: The depth of research performed by author Bartow shows clear in this fast-paced police procedural based in sunny Orlando. It is the loyalty which flavors the varied personal relationships that bring a shine to this tale. While Minka owes her job to her immediate superior Gus Channing, it is her loyalty to him that not only saves his job but also solves the crimes underlying the mystery. Add to that mix a loving spouse and delightful child, as well as her charming rogue of a brother which makes this story so special.
Based on a scale of 1-5, Accidental Allies merits a 6.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors
About the Book: Accidental Allies follows detective Minka Avery as she returns to the Orlando P.D. after a six-year hiatus. The decision to bring her back following such a lengthy absence wasn’t popular with some of the top brass, but when the courthouse is bombed, the investigation puts the entire department under the microscope. As the case takes several twists and turns, Minka proves her time away from ‘detecting’ hasn’t diminished her skills at all.
Our Review: The depth of research performed by author Bartow shows clear in this fast-paced police procedural based in sunny Orlando. It is the loyalty which flavors the varied personal relationships that bring a shine to this tale. While Minka owes her job to her immediate superior Gus Channing, it is her loyalty to him that not only saves his job but also solves the crimes underlying the mystery. Add to that mix a loving spouse and delightful child, as well as her charming rogue of a brother which makes this story so special.
Based on a scale of 1-5, Accidental Allies merits a 6.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors
April 4, 2024
Second chances and good detective work
Minka took 6 years off to care for her young daughter. Just as she’s old enough to go to school, Minka’s boss offers her the chance to return as a detective at her old precinct.
Her first day back is a doozy, as she and her new partner are assigned to a terrorist bombing at the courthouse.
Minka is dogged and will not rest till the culprit is brought to justice. No matter what it takes. This book has plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings to keep you guessing, and the end will have you at the end of your seat.
Minka took 6 years off to care for her young daughter. Just as she’s old enough to go to school, Minka’s boss offers her the chance to return as a detective at her old precinct.
Her first day back is a doozy, as she and her new partner are assigned to a terrorist bombing at the courthouse.
Minka is dogged and will not rest till the culprit is brought to justice. No matter what it takes. This book has plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings to keep you guessing, and the end will have you at the end of your seat.
February 15, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The main character was refreshing and I was rooting for her from the first page. I always love a great mystery and detective story. This one kept me guessing. While the tension ran high and the mystery was intriguing, it was also a very heart-warming story about a determined woman who had to overcome a lot of challenges. Great story!
November 30, 2023
An intriguing mystery and good story
Surprised by the impelling story and full bodied characters. I enjoyed the book immensely! Getting close to the conclusion I couldn’t put it down,
Surprised by the impelling story and full bodied characters. I enjoyed the book immensely! Getting close to the conclusion I couldn’t put it down,
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews