What do you think?
Rate this book
Broken Vows Mystery #3
In Sickness and In Death
Jolene Parker isn't sure what to think when her police deputy husband, Ray, unexpectedly brings home a new foster child. The impulsive son of a jailed car thief, twelve-year-old Danny has talents that include picking locks and hotwiring cars. Following Danny's brief joyride in the car that he says is his dad's, a horrific surprise turns up in the a woman's arm. While Ray hunts down the victim's identity, Jolene tries to determine whether Danny's father did the deed. And it drives her straight into the killer's sights.
278 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Bork
7 books126 followersLisa Bork is the author of seven contemporary novels. Her most recent release is Missed. Lisa is also the author of Counting on You and Discovering Nowhere as well as the Broken Vows mystery series. Her debut novel, For Better, For Murder, was a 2009 Agatha Award finalist for Best First Novel. The second book in the series, For Richer, For Danger, was released in September 2010 and In Sickness and In Death hit the shelves September 2011. The fourth book in the series, To Love and To Perish was released in December 2012.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 10, 2011
I won this book in first reads giveaway. I truly like this book. It is a very entertaining read. It is very easy to be caught up in the characters and the action of the book. Even though this book is a part of a series it is very easy to get caught up with the characters . I loved that Jolene the main protagonist was so real and not perfect but some one you that you root for. The other characters are also interesting and fun to read about. the author will suck you into this book and it will be hard to put it down. It is a fun read! I would recommend this book and I will be looking into the other books in this series.
April 30, 2017
Third in the Broken Vows mystery series revolving around Jolene Asdale Parker, the owner of a business specializing in high-end luxury autos in Wachobe, New York in the Finger Lakes district.
My Take
I must give Bork credit for her imagination! She keeps things hopping with the foster son, Erica's antics, and the farm twins with all their complications. And I would enjoy it if Jolene weren't such an ass. She's whiny and stupid. As the wife of a cop and with at least two previous experiences with murderers and danger, you'd think that Jo would consider informing her husband, Cory, or the cops that she's heading into dangerous territory. But no-o-o-o, what would be the fun in that!
One of the reasons her marriage broke up (see For Better, For Murder ) is Jo's obsession with taking care of her sister Erica. So, what does Jo do? She loves being back with Ray. She's worried he'll want to leave her. So, after ignoring everyone for months and now wallowing in the guilt of "abandoning" her sister all that time, she takes her sister in and puts her in bed with her, forcing Ray to sleep on the "too-short couch". Um...what's wrong with the sister getting the couch? Then when Maury is calling Jo because Erica is having all these issues, why doesn't Jo just tell Maury to come get Erica's medication instead of making demands of the poor guy??
That whining aside, Bork has created a homey series with a few staunch friends and as much as Jo irritates me, her heart is in the right place.
I think the Parkers' experience with Danny has made Ray re-think his stance on children! And Jo is finally realizing that she no longer has to be responsible for her sister...she has a new kind of help now!
The Story
Ray is fed up with Jo's depression and hands her an ultimatum — clean up and get re-involved or he's calling the shrink! Then, in true Ray fashion, he decides that taking in a foster child will help Jo cope with losing Noelle.
Jo then learns that Erica has gone off the rails so now Jo has two children to handle — Erica and Danny. It's when Jo is taking Erica to Dr. Albert that Danny's knee-jerk response ends up in the discovery of a woman's arm in a cooler in the trunk of the car he steals. An arm that sets up a whole slew of complications when Jo insists on pushing to discover the arm's owner's identity, how Danny's dad could be involved, helping Leslie achieve her greatest desire, and the whereabouts of her sister.
The Characters
Jolene Asdale Parker is incredibly depressed right now; the state took baby Noelle back (see For Richer For Danger ), and it's tearing her apart. She also fancies herself as a detective. She and her county deputy sheriff husband, Ray Parker, got back together to adopt Noelle after being separated for three years. Erica is Jo's bipolar sister who seems to be having a lucid period right now.
Cory Kempe is Jo's best friend and the mechanic on the maintenance side of her high-end garage. Brennan Rowe is a hunk of a contractor who has done quite well for himself. Well enough that he has a nice garage full of even nicer cars. And, he's dating Cory.
Danny is a 12-year-old in need of a home while his dad is in jail for grand theft auto and possible murder.
Maury Boor was a classmate of Erica's in high school with a mad passion for her, even though she turned him down every time. Now he's got a rep for stalking. Leslie Flynn and her twin brother Peter run a farm selling eggs, milk, and plants.
Gumby is one of Ray's coworkers, and he's married to Briana, a stripper at The Cat's Meow. Celeste Martin works at Talbott's, a clothing store across the street from Jo's garage. The town gossip, she rarely has anything good to say to Jo.
The Cover and Title
This cover is the first one without a butcher's knife or a wedding theme. Initially this cover made me think of a picnic but after reading the story, I think it's simply a reference to a design used on old fashioned ice coolers. Appropriate since the arm laden with rubies and zircons is found in a cooler. I do like the use of the old-fashioned green metal cooler on the cover.
The title certainly reflects the story since Jo is caught up in the throes of depression following the Parkers having to give Noelle back — the Parkers are definitely dealing In Sickness and In Death.
My Take
I must give Bork credit for her imagination! She keeps things hopping with the foster son, Erica's antics, and the farm twins with all their complications. And I would enjoy it if Jolene weren't such an ass. She's whiny and stupid. As the wife of a cop and with at least two previous experiences with murderers and danger, you'd think that Jo would consider informing her husband, Cory, or the cops that she's heading into dangerous territory. But no-o-o-o, what would be the fun in that!
One of the reasons her marriage broke up (see For Better, For Murder ) is Jo's obsession with taking care of her sister Erica. So, what does Jo do? She loves being back with Ray. She's worried he'll want to leave her. So, after ignoring everyone for months and now wallowing in the guilt of "abandoning" her sister all that time, she takes her sister in and puts her in bed with her, forcing Ray to sleep on the "too-short couch". Um...what's wrong with the sister getting the couch? Then when Maury is calling Jo because Erica is having all these issues, why doesn't Jo just tell Maury to come get Erica's medication instead of making demands of the poor guy??
That whining aside, Bork has created a homey series with a few staunch friends and as much as Jo irritates me, her heart is in the right place.
I think the Parkers' experience with Danny has made Ray re-think his stance on children! And Jo is finally realizing that she no longer has to be responsible for her sister...she has a new kind of help now!
The Story
Ray is fed up with Jo's depression and hands her an ultimatum — clean up and get re-involved or he's calling the shrink! Then, in true Ray fashion, he decides that taking in a foster child will help Jo cope with losing Noelle.
Jo then learns that Erica has gone off the rails so now Jo has two children to handle — Erica and Danny. It's when Jo is taking Erica to Dr. Albert that Danny's knee-jerk response ends up in the discovery of a woman's arm in a cooler in the trunk of the car he steals. An arm that sets up a whole slew of complications when Jo insists on pushing to discover the arm's owner's identity, how Danny's dad could be involved, helping Leslie achieve her greatest desire, and the whereabouts of her sister.
The Characters
Jolene Asdale Parker is incredibly depressed right now; the state took baby Noelle back (see For Richer For Danger ), and it's tearing her apart. She also fancies herself as a detective. She and her county deputy sheriff husband, Ray Parker, got back together to adopt Noelle after being separated for three years. Erica is Jo's bipolar sister who seems to be having a lucid period right now.
Cory Kempe is Jo's best friend and the mechanic on the maintenance side of her high-end garage. Brennan Rowe is a hunk of a contractor who has done quite well for himself. Well enough that he has a nice garage full of even nicer cars. And, he's dating Cory.
Danny is a 12-year-old in need of a home while his dad is in jail for grand theft auto and possible murder.
Maury Boor was a classmate of Erica's in high school with a mad passion for her, even though she turned him down every time. Now he's got a rep for stalking. Leslie Flynn and her twin brother Peter run a farm selling eggs, milk, and plants.
Gumby is one of Ray's coworkers, and he's married to Briana, a stripper at The Cat's Meow. Celeste Martin works at Talbott's, a clothing store across the street from Jo's garage. The town gossip, she rarely has anything good to say to Jo.
The Cover and Title
This cover is the first one without a butcher's knife or a wedding theme. Initially this cover made me think of a picnic but after reading the story, I think it's simply a reference to a design used on old fashioned ice coolers. Appropriate since the arm laden with rubies and zircons is found in a cooler. I do like the use of the old-fashioned green metal cooler on the cover.
The title certainly reflects the story since Jo is caught up in the throes of depression following the Parkers having to give Noelle back — the Parkers are definitely dealing In Sickness and In Death.
November 20, 2011
Another fun read by Lisa Bork. "In Sickness and in Death" brings us back to the Finger Lake region of New York. Bork's description of the area makes the reader want to visit and experience the charm of the area - just don't try to find featured character Jolene Parker if you don't want to be in the midst of another murder investigation, that is.
Just as Jolene is trying to put herself back together after being denied the opportunity to adopt baby Noelle, her husband brings home a 12-year-old boy (Danny) - a new foster child with his own baggage. Danny's dad is already in jail for suspected auto theft. Now it seems Danny and his dad are somehow involved in the murder of a woman.
As if this isn't enough for Jolene, her sister has disappeared and is off her meds to control her bipolar condition. A call from her sister makes it sound as if she's been kidnapped.
Murder, auto theft, a missing sister - what else can happen? How about a client who wants a very special car so she can get the attention of the man she's attracted to? Jolene decides a make-over is more in line, but why does this client seem to be adding to the unanswered questions in her life?
I have enjoyed this series and eagerly awaited this next installment in the series. While I liked the book, I felt the story was a little disjointed and rushed. Some of the connections between the characters seem a little forced. Given her track record, I'm sure this is a minor blip.
Overall, I recommend this series and this book.
Just as Jolene is trying to put herself back together after being denied the opportunity to adopt baby Noelle, her husband brings home a 12-year-old boy (Danny) - a new foster child with his own baggage. Danny's dad is already in jail for suspected auto theft. Now it seems Danny and his dad are somehow involved in the murder of a woman.
As if this isn't enough for Jolene, her sister has disappeared and is off her meds to control her bipolar condition. A call from her sister makes it sound as if she's been kidnapped.
Murder, auto theft, a missing sister - what else can happen? How about a client who wants a very special car so she can get the attention of the man she's attracted to? Jolene decides a make-over is more in line, but why does this client seem to be adding to the unanswered questions in her life?
I have enjoyed this series and eagerly awaited this next installment in the series. While I liked the book, I felt the story was a little disjointed and rushed. Some of the connections between the characters seem a little forced. Given her track record, I'm sure this is a minor blip.
Overall, I recommend this series and this book.
March 30, 2014
Jolene Parker's deputy sheriff husband brings home a surly 12-year-old foster child (without asking Jolene). Jolene is severely depressed from a loss at the end of book 2 (no spoilers here) and Ray thinks she needs somebody to love. Maybe he does too.
The boy takes a joyride in a stolen car and in sorting that mess out, they find jewelry-wearing arm packed in ice in a cooler in the trunk. While Jolene is solving the murder, she has to cope with her crazy sister's elopement and repairing relationships damaged by the events in book 2. I could not put this down.
I actually started book 3 before this one and realized the story had gone some place I wasn't expecting, so had to - right there on the treadmill at the gym - find this one and buy it so I could get caught up. It's that good.
The boy takes a joyride in a stolen car and in sorting that mess out, they find jewelry-wearing arm packed in ice in a cooler in the trunk. While Jolene is solving the murder, she has to cope with her crazy sister's elopement and repairing relationships damaged by the events in book 2. I could not put this down.
I actually started book 3 before this one and realized the story had gone some place I wasn't expecting, so had to - right there on the treadmill at the gym - find this one and buy it so I could get caught up. It's that good.
September 8, 2011
I received this book in the mail and finished it two days later. I found myself totally immersed in the characters, and the story, but what stands out for me are the relationships. Ms. Bork does not shy away from difficult subjects, or the difficulties that real people have. Jolene is so human and so sympathetically written, that I can just see her in her dealership, frantically trying to sell a car. If you enjoy small town events, with not so small town events, a good plot, and a good deal of humor, read this book. This is not a cosy. It's fun and moving.
June 27, 2014
Jolene Parker and her husband Ray have reconciled to the fact that they cannot have children of their own. They have lost the baby that they tried to adopt when its birth mother decided she wanted her back. Ray brings home Danny, a twelve year old boy whose father is in jail for car theft and possibly the murder of a woman. Jolene is torn between trying to help Danny and staying aloof because she knows she will have to stay goodbye to him and can't stand the loss. This was an okay mystery. It had its issues but it was better than the first one of this series that I read.
September 8, 2011
Good story telling. Writing flows, No chokes or awkward segue's and well fleshed out characters.
I enjoyed that she doesn't have trouble writing in a married couple. (people who can't let their characters get married and continue on with their lives in writing annoy the heck out of me) I do think that we have different definitions of the word geek, OR there are some really nice things about EMB we just don't know yet.
MissBHavens, geek at large
I enjoyed that she doesn't have trouble writing in a married couple. (people who can't let their characters get married and continue on with their lives in writing annoy the heck out of me) I do think that we have different definitions of the word geek, OR there are some really nice things about EMB we just don't know yet.
MissBHavens, geek at large
October 20, 2011
Jolene is coping with depression and unaware that her sister Erica is off her meds again. The last thing she needs is a rebellious pre-teen foster child, but that's what her husband, deputy Ray, brings home just before Thanksgiving. Danny's father is in jail for auto theft, and someone has to look after the boy. Fortunately for car-crazed Danny, Jolene runs a shop that sells classic sports cars. But when a woman's severed arm is found in the trunk of a car, Danny's father becomes a suspect.
March 24, 2012
I think this one was an improvement over the second in the series and I enjoyed it as much as I did the first book. I feel like the characters have grown and we get glimpses into their inner selves more in this book. I also got caught up in who had murdered who and when. I liked the way it kept me guessing. Good characters, good story, and a good book to read.
September 16, 2012
A nice fast read. Nothing too complicated to have to think about between readings.The 12 year old wasn't an out of control brat. He's what Jolene needed. Now se wants to find out why the boy's father is in jail and maybe he's innocent. There's this arm found in an ice chest of a car the dad was driving.
October 4, 2011
This book was close to home in many ways. Chiefly, it explores the relationships of an enabler who is realizing that she needs kindness, attention, and strokes just as much as those around her. The author does a good job in her treatment of the mentally ill and people who have identity problems no matter what those problems might entail.
June 24, 2013
Well done mystery that dealt with some sensitive issues - foster care, adoption, mental health, depression, sexual orientation and gender. The author handles the topics well and they fell like an integrated, "normal", part of the story and not something you are being lectured about or beaten over the head with a message.
October 3, 2011
This cozy series continues with the main character and her husband involved with some more very interesting characters. One of them is a 12 year old foster child. I do like the way the couple keeps on working on understanding each other. Everything is not perfect, but certainly cozy.
February 19, 2012
I love this book!! Its been a long time since I read a mystery but this one def captivated me...read it in one day :) Unfortunately, this is the 3rd of the series and I haven't read the first two...wondering if their just as good?
August 7, 2015
I didn't like the story line as much as the previous two books. Also the mystery plot in this third book of the series seemed to get lost in the background with the character development and other story lines. Overall a good read but somewhat lacking in comparison to the Others in the series.
May 3, 2011
I loved this story. If you can keep me turning the pages after the first chapter you have me. I loved it.
September 11, 2011
I really liked the book! I'm enjoying the progression of growth and depth of the main characters. I wonder how Erica and Maury will develop...
November 5, 2011
I won this book in a first reads giveaway. This was a great read. The writing flowed and I enjoyed every word and character. I will definitely be reading more from this series and author!
October 14, 2011
Excellent as always, great family dynamics along with the mystery
March 1, 2017
I liked this series. I especially liked reading about the fancy cars.
June 4, 2012
and they go faster and faster. These can be read in a few hours and are such fun. Love the characters. Just bugged because I now have to wait for the next book. sigh
March 15, 2013
I love this series, can't wait to read the next one. The characters have so much depth, those who are recurring feel like friends or family.
May 26, 2020
It's been a while since I had read a mystery but it was very good! I did not see it coming!
December 12, 2011
Great read!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews