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What He Saw

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Two cases with unreliable witnesses. One cold case in a sleepy college town. The other the victims have a strange carving on their backs.

Eyewitness testimony is often unreliable. PI Riley Sullivan knows this and when she’s asked to investigate the case of her murdered college roommate and the only witness is the man convicted of the crime, she doesn’t have a lot to go on. She is drawn back to her college days and must for the first time confront the murder and all the people she once called friends. Along the way, she wonders if she knew them at all. Can she uncover long-buried secrets to find the killer?

Meanwhile, Det. Luke Morgan and Riley’s partner, Cooper Deagnan, are faced with challenging cases of their own. Cooper witnesses what he believes is a murder and the cops are hard-pressed to take him seriously – at first. Once the body is found, what Cooper witnessed conflicts with the evidence at hand. When a cryptic carving on the victim’s back ties to another case, it’s apparent something sinister is lurking. The pair must confront the seedy underbelly of the city to find and stop a killer.

If you like riveting crime fiction, you’ll love What He Saw. Read as a standalone or as Book #9 in the PI Riley Sullivan Mystery series.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2023

105 people are currently reading
33 people want to read

About the author

Stacy M. Jones

45 books146 followers
Stacy M. Jones is a criminologist turned crime novelist whose thrillers pulse with a realism that only decades working with law enforcement can bring. That firsthand experience fuels her fiction, stories rooted in authentic criminal psychology, human complexity, and high-stakes emotion.

Since 2018, Stacy has written four series, ranging from gritty FBI thrillers and hard-boiled private eye mysteries to her lighter paranormal cozy series. Her series include the completed cozy paranormal Harper & Hattie Magical Mystery Series, the completed hard-boiled PI Riley Sullivan Mystery Series, the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller Series and the new Connor Fitzgerald Thriller series.

Stacy holds master’s degrees in forensic psychology and journalism and for now calls Little Rock, Arkansas home,though her storytelling always carries a trace of her upstate New York roots.

To join Stacy's Mystery Readers Club & access her Starter Library, which includes three novellas - "Harper's Folly", "The 1922 Club Murder" and "The Curators" - hit subscribe at http://www.stacymjones.com/

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5 stars
270 (71%)
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90 (23%)
3 stars
15 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
1,749 reviews13 followers
April 15, 2023
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is a tale of two separate cases that Luke and Riley are involved with. Riley's case relates to the murder of Riley's roommate Alex while she was in college. She has been requested by the convicted murderer who was released to find out who the real killer was. Riley wound up going back to the location where the killing happened. While there she followed up talking to individuals who had involvement with Alex. Through her discussions, she discovered that she really didn't know Alex or her friends. As she did her investigation, she eventually received something that had her rethinking about her ideas of what the real reason for the killing.

In Luke's case, he wound up with the murder of three individuals that seemed to be unassociated with each killing. As it turned out, Cooper, who was recuperating from an injury brought the murder of the second individual to Luke's attention. Shortly after the third killing occurred. It was at that time that a connection between the 3 appeared. In Luke's hunt for answers, he was coming up empty. He eventually learned a little from one of the members of a victim's family. The biggest break was what new information Cooper provided.

To discover why Riley's roommate was killed, who the killer was and how Tim, the convicted murderer, made out as well what was behind the killings that Luke was investing and what Cooper's contribution was, then you need to read this book. It is definitely worth your time.
1,484 reviews25 followers
April 15, 2023
This is another great instalment in the Riley Sullivan series. This time Riley is determined to get to the bottom of a cold case where her old college roommate was murdered. It is clear that her old acquaintances are hiding something.

At the same time, we have a version of Read Window where Cooper, who is laid up recovering, witnesses what he thinks is a murder in an apartment across from his building. When the police arrive, there is no body.

Both threads are riveting and I was gripped all the way through. I love cold case mysteries and the difficulty in trying to figure things out so long after the event. The second thread with Cooper and Luke is also intriguing with both trying to figure out what secrets the neighbour was hiding. A thoroughly enjoyable read overall and one you won't want to put down.
Profile Image for Denise .
818 reviews9 followers
April 15, 2023
Whenever you pick up a book by Stacy M. Jones you are guaranteed an engrossing read! Each of her series are unique, but all are equally interesting and entertaining. The Riley Sullivan Mystery series is well written with plot-lines that pull you into the story and keep you riveted until the end. In this installment Riley has gone home to New York to re-examine the death of her college roommate when the accused murderer is released from prison on appeal and has asked Riley for her help. Meanwhile back in Little Rock, Luke is immersed in his own investigation into some bizarre murders. Each investigation is well crafted and really holds your interest. The only downside for me to this installment - and it should be noted that it’s an extremely minor downside - I missed the team of Riley, Luke, Cooper and Adele working together. I highly recommend this series!
20 reviews
October 22, 2023
I received this book as a gift but my review is not colored by this fact.
I'm full of awe over the fact that Ms. Jones manages to keep writing captivating stories!
This one first features three unlinked murders but they quickly merge to two; a cold case from Riley’s youth and a present case for Luke to handle.
Ms. Jones masters the art of closing a chapter on a high to lure the reader to read on. Which was what I did with great joy!
Not wanting to reveal the plots I can only say one thing: READ IT!
You will not regret it. There is no foul words or dirty scenes; there is even a dog albeit only as a guest star a Riley’s mothers’ home.

Profile Image for Bev.
3,272 reviews98 followers
April 15, 2023
Riley is back at college, sort of. She is trying the help her friend Tim, who was released from prison on appeal to find the killer of his girlfriend and Riley's housemate Alex. So far Riley only knows for sure that the stories are not adding up as she questions people from that time. Meanwhile, Cooper is neck-deep in a couple of murder cases with Luke and Tyler. The only thing they have is a Latin word carved in their backs. The more they dig into the cases, the more complex they become. Can the killers be brought to justice? I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Roxx Tarantini.
574 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2023
Several story-lines going in this one . . . and each one of them is riveting!

Jones never disappoints with any of her series, but Riley Sullivan is an exemplary series, and this volume leaves you breathless! The characters are always engaging, the plots keep you on the edge of your seat.

Don't miss this one, you'll love it!

[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
153 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2023
It's hard to believe that we are 9 books into the Riley series and I'm still excited when a new book comes out. This book sees riley back in her old stomping grounds, New York. She's working a case of the murder of her old roommate where one of her old friends was convicted of the crime even though he didn't do it. Cooper is still in recovery from his stabbing and going stir crazy. Even people watching he can get in trouble and drug into a criminal case. Hard to put down and always a fresh new story.
6 reviews
Read
September 14, 2025
Intense

Solving a cold case is difficult. People lie about things to protect themselves. Stacy, I feel I know her through books and can call her that, does a more than credible job in this book.
She is a very talented story crafter. I like how the chapters are devoted to each person investigating and all blend together at the conclusion. I love the confidence and savvy of Riley. I am sure isn't as large as she makes herself appear. Wasn't Marilyn Monroe a size 14. And big butts are the rage now.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,784 reviews71 followers
April 15, 2023
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review
Profile Image for Sara Schultz.
43 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2023
This whole series is phenomenal! This book also packs the same addictive intrigue and suspense as the others. Riley heads to her home state of New York to confront the past. She’s desperate to solve her college roommate’s murder in order to free an innocent man. Or is he? Meanwhile, Luke and Cooper are intermingled in a series of murders in Little Rock. The tension escalates quickly and you won’t put this book down until the final word is written!
11 reviews
August 27, 2023
Excellent writer characters come to life!

This author manages to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, with twists and turns you'd never expect! She died all of this without having to use constant F words or cursing God's name. In fact, her writing is better than any I've read that do. Her character and story feel like family now and I can't wait to continue to follow their investigations.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
131 reviews
April 15, 2023
This book is great value with two parallel investigations unravelling the truth behind what, in each case, was seen. Or, was it really seen? Reality can be interpreted in so many different ways. So many possibilities! Finding the truth took Riley, Luke ,Cooper (and me) down a thrilling and mind bending journey.
179 reviews
May 24, 2023
Great Stories

Two unrelated stories in one book. Riley’s is a throwback to her time in college and the murder of her roommate. The wrong man went to prison and the conviction has been overturned. Can Riley find the real killer? Meanwhile Luke has his own strange seemingly unrelated cases to solve. Good book. Read it straight through.
17 reviews
June 23, 2023
Amazing how we do or do not misinterpet what we see. Even as a trained professional one can sometimes misunderstand but give one too much idle time and well let's just say you must read the latest Riley Sullivan book to take the roller coaster ride and see. I was enthralled from beginning to end. Stacy Jones ever disapoints.
Profile Image for Lynne Reglein.
39 reviews
April 15, 2023
I just loved every moment of this book. Stacy manages to keep all the balls in the air while you're waiting for one to drop. So many stories within the story. Uou think you may have one story figured out then something else happens. Surprises galore.
Profile Image for E.
1,883 reviews
April 16, 2023
WOW!

Another absolutely awesome book. Two mystery cases going on in two different cities. Riley in NY & Luke in AR. The author did a fantastic job guiding the reader through both cases. Both had a fantastic ending. Set up for the next book was great Bo look forward to more.
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,405 reviews30 followers
April 16, 2023
There are two separate cases happening in this addition to the Riley Sullivan series. Lots of mystery and suspense involved. Lots of twists and surprises. As always, with this author’s stories, it’s a must-read. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*
1,834 reviews12 followers
April 17, 2023
Ms. Jones has a fantastic, creative mind! I am so amazed by this story. Riveting is an understatement as I could not read fast enough to find out the outcome of the 2 crimes. I really enjoy all her books. Each one seems to get better as a mystery.
45 reviews
April 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this book in this series. Great characters, interesting plot and so many twists and turns I never did have it figured out. Very hard to put down. I always look forward to the next by this author!
716 reviews5 followers
May 5, 2023
Fantastic storytelling!

This is a well crafted story, as is the entire series. Full of suspense, twisted characters and some wry humor. I am looking forward to what's next from this amazing writer.
2,443 reviews13 followers
April 16, 2023
Another great book from Stacy M Jones.

2 murders - one current and one from 20 years ago. Riley and Luke are investigating separately with Cooper providing some information to each of them.
Profile Image for Kathy Beaver.
312 reviews16 followers
April 16, 2023
another exciting Riley sullivan adventure There is so much going on with all the characters u won’t b able to put it down
4,417 reviews43 followers
April 17, 2023
Who killed Alex and why??? And the others??? Luke will help figure things out though, won't he??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
Profile Image for Barbara.
516 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2023
Loved the two parallel storylines in this book. Stacy Jones NEVER disappoints!!!! I love this series!!!!
Profile Image for Sharon Thomas.
660 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2023
Two heavy cases

Riley is on new York and Luke and Cooper are in Little Rock. Both are big stories. Some new characters added. Great story and well told. Ready for book 10
21 reviews
August 15, 2023
Great read!

Another great Riley Sullivan story. Always keeps me enthralled. Cannot wait for the next book in the series! Thank you. Stacy Jones
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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