Final Fix

Rachel Ryder #8

by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

Detective Rachel Ryder stumbles upon a case that will force her to confront her past like never before.

At a local fair, Rachel unexpectedly crosses paths with Sean, a familiar face from her past. The encounter, laced with awkward tension, takes a harrowing turn when Sean sends her a cryptic message, begging to meet. When Rachel arrives, she’s met with a chilling scene—Sean, deceased from an apparent overdose. But the presence of his baby at the scene whispers a different tale, one Rachel is determined to uncover.

The investigation takes a sinister turn as she discovers Sean’s secret dealings. Heated confrontations, clandestine exchanges with ranch owners, and a rising body count point to a puzzle far more intricate than a straightforward overdose.

As Rachel and her team navigate a treacherous web of lies, they must outwit a ruthless adversary whose reach extends far beyond their city. The stakes rise when the lives of those closest to her hang in the balance, forcing Rachel to question just how far she's willing to go to unmask the truth and deliver justice.

Genres: Mystery

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 19, 2023

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.

Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com

Reviews

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Final Fix by Carolyn Ridder is the eighth in the Detective Rachel Ryder series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Severn River Publishing and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Series Background:   (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Detective Rachel Ryder left her 15 year career on the Chicago police force, and moved to Hamby Georgia, after the death of her husband Tommy. The people responsible are dead.   She still has a friend and father-figure in Chicago, and Lenny remains a true mentor.  She has fought both police corruption and the drug cartel since being in Hamby.  Her boss is Chief Jimmy Abernathy, and her partner is Rob Bishop, a veteran of 30 years.  Other members of the team are Detectives Justin Michels and Lauren Levy, as well as CSI Nikki and  IT Tech Bubba.  Rachel's best friend is Savannah, her boss's wife, and Rachel is dating DEA Agent Kyle Olsen.


My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
While at the local fair with her team, Rachel runs into Sean Higgins, an old friend.  Sean is acting weird, and he later texts her, asking for her to come to the ranch the next morning.   When she arrives, Rachel finds Sean dead from an apparent overdose,  and not far away, his daughter screaming from her bassinet.  Rachel is determined to find out what really happened, because she is sure that Sean would never have over-dosed.   Almost everyone she talks to agrees.

However, there is no denying the fact that something had been troubling Sean. Rachel thinks he discovered something sinister regarding fellow ranch owners.  Trying to replicate Sean's investigation leads Rachel and her team into dangerous territory.


My Opinions:
Another quick read in this series.

I wasn't as fond of the plot in this one -- topics of drug cartels are almost as bad as police corruption in my opinion.  But that's just me.  Thankfully, some of  the characters really appealed to me, and thus made the plot a little more palatable.  I continue to love Bishop, Savannah, and Jimmy.  As we get to know them, I am starting to like Levy, Michels and Bubba.  Unfortunately, Rachel continues to annoy me. I'm not even sure what it was in this book.  She comes across as a know-it-all, and only she can solve the case (any case, always).  A little too quick-tempered to be in the position she is in, and I can't believe Kyle sticks around.

That being said, the author is really good at writing dialogue, and it always feels natural.

So, although not my favorite in the series, it was still a fast and entertaining read.


For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping Rachel Ryder story to surpass the last! I don't know how the author does it, but she continues to create a world of big city crime in a small town outside of Atlanta for the determined detective who has moved to the area from Chicago and the rest of the police department to solve and arrest the villains. This time the murder is close to home when a friend is found dead after a run of suspicious equine deaths have happened. Is there one crime or two and who is the culprit. Lots of twists and turns in this gritty crime drama that will have you on the edge of your seat turning pages and cheering the police department on. The characters are extremely well designed to be realistic and likable. The plots are well written with clues peppered in and the crimes untwisted in a believable manner. For those that love action, there will be enough to keep you excited without it being too much for those who need a bit less. The balance is, as always, very well thought out. I love this series and this book is just another wonderful example of why! The most difficult thing about this series is waiting for the next Rachel Ryder mystery to be written!!

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book, fast moving, complex but interesting all the way through. The characters are well done, intricate. It only took me about 2 hours to read. I liked that the title is descriptive of the story. #FinalFix #NetGalley

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s me start by saying that I’m a huge fan of this series. And I was sad at the victim in this book. This book was fast paced and twisted. Rachel is such a great character. I hope there will be more in the series. I also love how her and her partners relationship has evolved.

I did think the ending was a bit rushed once we got there. But all in all another great addition to series.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Fix, by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson the eight book in the Rachel Ryder series, is well worth of a five-star rating. If you have read the prior books in the series and without giving away the plot you are in for an exciting new adventure! The characters are well defined, and the story line is definitely a page turner and will keep you on the edge of your chair. I am looking forward to the next installment in the series.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Fix by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is an exciting crime thriller book. Detective Rachel Ryder stumbles upon a case that will force her to confront her past like never before.

It was sad about the death that occurred at the story's beginning, but it sure set the stage for what was to come.

This book and the series have great characters. I really liked Detective Lauren Levy. Savannah was funny and sooo pregnant!! Every character is developed well and is realistic in their dialogue and mannerisms.

The characters' banter and humor/sarcasm with each other is hilarious and brings such realism to the characters and the scenes.

Final Fix is a very good mystery. I learned a bit about the horse-buying business, and I liked the cartel element. The story had good suspense, good twists, believable characters, and a good storyline that held my interest.

I would recommend this book, this series, and this author. I cannot wait for me to come!

#NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Fix by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
Rachel Ryder #8

Intense, tightly woven, intricately plotted story that grabbed me on page one and kept me reading till the wee hours of the morning…literally. I started reading around 10pm thinking that I would read till midnight and turn the light off BUT couldn’t stop reading then or even when the electricity was cut at 2am…kept reading till I finished a bit after 3am then had a bit of trouble getting to sleep. This is a wonderful addition to the series!

What I liked:
* Rachel: widow, detective, team player, determined, dedicated, intelligent, does what it takes, has a bit of a temper, in a relationship with DEA agent Kyle, takes this case personally
* Bishop: Detective, Rachel’s work partner, mature, professional, a good balance for Rachel’s personality, on a health regime and, in a relationship with Cathy unless she messes things up
* Kyle: Rachel’s significant other and has moved in with her, DEA agent, recovering from gunshot, assists with this case, really like him with and for Katie
* The team: Bubba (tech), Nikki (CSI), Michels & Levy (detectives), Jimmy (police chief), Dr. Barron (coroner) – all do their jobs professionally and work together well
* Tony Garcia: Ex-detective from Chicago now a PI, left his job due to corrupt cops, works undercover on this case, might show up again as he and Levy have some chemistry they are acting on
* The police procedural aspects of the story
* The plot, pacing, writing, twists, and turns
* That all of the threads of case were tied together by the end of the story and the bad guys caught
* Knowing that there will be another book to look forward to

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Knowing that there are evil people in the world as bad as or worse than the ones in this book – people who consider people and animals easily expendable.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to the BookSirens, NetGalley, and Severn River Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Teena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to drop my ratings for this book series with this installment. I was close to doing it with the 7th book in the series, but this one for sure resulted in a drop. Why? Because Connie, who was previously introduced as Sean's aunt in the first book, is now his sister. So it's either a really complicated family tree, or the author forgot (or thought readers would forget) the previous relationship description. There's absolutely no reason for Connie to be a sister now, instead of an aunt, so I really am annoyed by the change.
I previously thought about dropping the rating because the past relationship between Rachel and Sean began being described completely differently than it was originally presented. Again, annoying for a reader who remembers a storyline. Rachel and Sean dated casually, and he was totally into her, but then her handyman Andy was murdered in her house after he was mistaken for Sean, so Rachel backed off from her relationship with Sean, despite him coming around for three months to try to get her to see him. In the subsequent books, it's described as Sean deciding to end the relationship because he didn't want to be around HER after the handyman was murdered and he realized how risky a relationship with her could be. It makes no sense, again, to change it. The relationship was over, so keep the storyline intact on how it ended, please.
Thirdly, the situations in the book are becoming more and more unrealistic. In this one, a female police officer decides to infiltrate a Mexican cartel through a local veterinarian, and all it takes is her visiting him once, saying she knows what's going on and asking to join their team, and he is totally on board. Um, no. That is not how it would happen. and definitely not in three pages. Please. Willing suspension of disbelief is not happening here.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Severn Publishing" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Sean being killed. Sean is an individual who had dated Rachel previously. Rachel ran into Sean the previous night and she got the impression that he wanted to tell her something. Later Rachel received a call from Sean asking to meet her. When Rachel arrived, she found Sean dead by an injection. The initial feeling that Sean had killed himself. Rachel knew better and eventually convinced her boss to let her team look into it. AS they began their investigation, they weren't finding a lot of information. Rachel had an inclination that the dead horses' event had some sort of association to it. As they continued looking, their case eventually brought Tony, a former partner of Rachel who was now a PI, going undercover at the ranch where the horses died. As it seemed that Rachel and her team were getting closer, other actions arose that made them be cautious.

Finally, Rchel had a suspect in mind and started to put a plan into place. Because of what information, the DEA, came into the picture. A plan by the DEA was put together and everyone had their assignment. When the time came, all their planning exploded and it was all hands-on deck.

To learn why Sean was killed, who else also was targeted, why the DEA took over and how it all came together in the end, then you need to read this book.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It begins with using innocent horses for drug trafficking across the southern border. Under the pretense of buying and selling horses, a rancher is abusing horses for his own greed of hiding drugs. Unfortunately, those who have a love for horses can’t understand why horses are dying and start to figure out what is going on. But, for fear of retaliation, they don’t want to get involved. Sean, a rancher whom Rachel had prior interactions with, figures it out and leaves a cryptic message for Rachel to meet him. When she seeks Sean out, it is too late and thus the investigation begins. Rachel knows she needs to solve this but how far will she go to unmask the truth? No one is safe from the adversary she has to confront. Who will be left standing at the end?

Join Rachel and all those involved as they put the pieces together. This is a very well-written, intense story with a great plot line, fantastic characters and narrative of describing the scene and police procedures they followed to solve this crime.

I received this book via Severn River Publishing and this is my honest review.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tightly woven mystery for Detective Rachel Ryder. When Rachel is asked to visit her friend, Sean, she is shocked to find him dead with a syringe in his arm and his baby daughter crying in her crib. She calls for support and tends to the baby until help arrives. It is obvious to her that that this was meant to appear as a suicide, but she knows that he wouldn’t have killed himself. The clock is ticking as they must find evidence that he was murdered to keep his death from being closed and classified as a suicide. As they investigate, it seems that Sean had a disagreement with other local horse ranches which will lead them to question the owners and their staff. What is going on at the ranches that caused Sean to want to talk to her? At one ranch, there is a higher rate of horses dying from heart attacks. Was this something that Sean was concerned about? Rachel will not give up until she finds out who murdered her friend. Continuing characters add a family feeling to this series. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read Rachel Ryder story!
Over the past seven Rachel Ryder books I’ve come to expect a high level of action, plenty of personal interactions between characters and unforeseen occurrences that take the story in new directions. Final Fix, the eighth book in the Rachel Ryder series, has all of that and then some. Of all the books in this series Final Fix had the most impact on me on a personal level – not just the murder of Sean, but the drug running aspect and the method of transport. Each new book in this series becomes my favorite, and Final Fix is no different, along with the case and the action, the interaction between the characters and the inclusion of a new character made for a highly entertaining read. I received an advance reader copy of Final Fix from the publisher and chose to provide my review.

[Carole Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was hard to put down! An awesome addition to the Rachel Ryder series, Rachel while attending the local county fair sees an old friend, who seemed very nervous and paranoid. Later he contacted her wanting to meet to discuss an issue, but when Rachel went to his farm for the meeting the next morning she found him dead, set up to look like a drug overdose. But, his baby was in the room with him, and Rachel knew someone must have murdered him as it was unlike him to even consider doing drugs. This book was a suspenseful, gripping, on the edge of the seat page turner, involving the cartel and lots of action. Also, with the main setting being horse farms and the horse trade, as a Kentucky girl from horse country it was especially interesting to me from start to finish. Already looking forward to the next book!

[Sue Rae Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Fix is the 8th book in the Rachel Ryder series by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson where Rachel, Kyle, and their police friends were enjoying themselves at the Fall Festival when Rachel see a face from her past, Sean. Rachel and Kyle get to meet Sean, Jennifer and their daughter. Sean seems paranoia and askes Rachel to come see him the next day at the ranch. Unfortunately when Rachel gets there Seanis already dead from a supposedly drug overdose. Seems like thing aren't always as they seem! Rachel and Bishop are on the trail of the web of lies, horses being given meth, and the cartel.

Even with all their police work Kyle moved in with Rachel and Louie, the fish while Rob and Cathy are getting closer. So they are trying to have a normal life!

What a great book with lots of lies and deception! Thanks to Severn River Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rachel meets up with an old friend at the fair and he asks to meet with her the next day. He seems "off" and when she arrives at the farm the next morning, Sean is dead of an overdose. Rachael thinks it's murder and is determined to find the answer.

It brings her to a drug cartel operating on a local horse ranch. It's odd that she always seems to be able to find the answers other agencies cannot. It's all hands on deck at the Hamby PD where she fights to keep the investigation open instead of calling it an overdose.

When the DEA comes calling, she accuses boyfriend Kyle of stepping in when he promised he wouldn't. Rachel is abrasive, unable to trust and how Kyle puts up with it is surprising. She always feels she is the only one who can crack the case and it's a bit off putting.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Fix is the 8th book in the Rachel Ryder series.

When Rachel gets a text from a former boyfriend wanting to discuss something with her.
She gets to the meeting only to find his body with signs that he may have overdosed.
the only problem is Rachel, his friends, and his wife all did not believe Sean capable of doing drugs.
As the investigation continues Rachel and her team are dragged into a drug war involving one of the Mexican cartels.

There are developed characters, a solid plotline, and a bit more humor in this one which made for a more enjoyable read without distracting from the story itself.

I read this story as an Advanced Readers Copy and would like to thank Severn River Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read this novel.

[J Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant crime thriller!

A chance meeting with an ex-boyfriend puts Detective Rachel Ryder on alert that all may not be calm in their small town. When she finds him dead of an apparent overdose she is convinced. The Chief is ready to close the case until Rachel intervenes. With a short time-frame to find enough proof to support a case, Rachel and Bishop delve into the world of racehorses, cartels, drugs, and murder.

Carolyn Ridder Aspenson delivers another hard-hitting crime thriller in this series. It’s well-written with a superb storyline. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aspenson’s writing is always exciting and keeps you on the seat of your chair, reading to get to the finale! Detective Rachel Ryder gets suspicious when she runs into a friend from her past at the fair, acting paranoid and he asks to meet with her the next day. When she discovers him dead from a drug overdose, while knowing he’s not a user, she decides to find out who murdered him, and winds up in a very involved investigation she never imagined! Detectives Ryder and Bishop are great characters, with a history that becomes apparent during the story. Plenty of intrigue and another excellent book from Aspenson. I received a free copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Fix has a great storyline, is full of action, and describes how cruel drug traffickers can be to animals (and people) in order to move drugs from one place to the other. Rachel sees herself involved in the search for those responsible for the death of someone she knew and had a family and once had shared his life with her. Final Fix, although fictional, could well describe the reality of how crimes might happen nearer the border between the US and Mexico.
I thank Ms. Aspenson and her publisher for this ARC.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engrossing read! The storyline is well crafted and keeps you engaged from start to finish! The author doesn’t shy away from tackling the unpleasant aspects of drug trafficking in this installment. The characters in this series are very well developed, realistic and their relationships form a strong focal point within each storyline. Their ongoing relationships, interactions, teamwork and supportiveness add both realism and a bit of levity to the investigation. This is another excellent addition to this very well written series!

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Rachel Ryder and her friends attend the local fair and run into a man from Rachel's past. Sean is acting strange and wants to meet Rachel later. When she goes to meet Sean, Rachel finds him dead from what looks like an overdose, but Rachel and Sean's family insist he never did drugs. The investigation turns dangerous for all involved when the evidence points to a cartel running drugs from Mexico thru horse shipments. But Rachel and her team won't stop until they solve the case and prove Sean was murdered.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final Fix (Rachel Ryder Book 8), my twenty-sixth highly enjoyable read from author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson & the eighth in her Rachel Ryder Series, the best series she's written so far. Well-written & enjoyable, 340-pages of a more serious mystery. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more in this series & from this author with Dark Intent (Rachel Ryder Book 9) being my next read. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing story, a plot that flows with personal interaction with the characters, and. how the missing elements at the crime scene, showing it was murder.
The team had gone to a festival last night and Rachel sees an old friend.
Watching him, he seemed paranoid, nervous, he now had a wife and child.
A brief talk with him, he wanted her to come out to the ranch the next morning. Another favorite in this series that I enjoyed and how it was solved.
Given arc by SRP for my voluntary review

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brutal killing

A husband and father is found dead from a drug overdose, before he could disclose important information to Rachel. Did he overdose or were drugs injected into his body? Rachel and her partner Rob discover a sinister plan but they are dealing with an elusive and clever criminal. Another edge of the seat thriller with unprecedented twists in the Rachel Ryder series. A gripping page turner with interesting characters.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything this author writes and I definitely love this series. This 8th installment of the Rachel Rider series does not disappoint and has just as many twists and turns as the previous book did. Rachel left a heartbreaking situation in Chicago and moved to a small town outside of Atlanta thinking the small town life would be less hectic but boy was she wrong. This book is a gritty, twisty tale that will draw you in from the first page and take you on a wild ride.

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST for your TBR list! Fast-paced! Riveting! Exciting! Addictive! Not only is this a very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters, but the suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds. It was an artful melding of twisted psychological thrills and nail-biting suspense that kept me glued to my Kindle the whole way!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Battling The Big Guys!
This book is the 7th in a series that is best enjoyed when read in sequence. These are clean books with no foul language, no gore, minimal violence, and no open-door intimacy. This episode has more victims than most, but it is very well done. There are some unexpected twists in the story, but they get ironed out. Some new characters are added in this episode, who add much more depth to the story. I am going to start the next book in the series right now.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about gut-wrenching stories, this is one of the best. Realistic, as this type of using horses as mules has been going on for a long time. The characters are awesome. This story is unforgettable. Carolyn has out done herself and that's saying a lot. Highly Recommended.

I received this book via Severn River Publishing and this is my honest review.

[Ariel Brow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final Fix is the eighth book the Rachel Ryder series. You’re hooked right away with the first few pages. An old friend of Rachel’s ends up dead and Rachel is determined to find out who did it. Lots of fun banter between characters, action, and a bit of mystery. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Severn River Publishing and NetGalley for giving me an E-arc to give my honest opinion.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Fix is a great addition to the Rachel Ryder series. I have loved this series from the start. It is grittier than Carolyn’s other series. Rachel encounters an old boyfriend and soon finds him dead. There is also a lot of horse deaths suddenly. Are these tied together? Join Rachel in another great case.