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Detective Jackson Mystery #6
Liars, Cheaters, & Thieves
Outside a local bar, a man is drugged and slashed to death with a scalpel. Inside a local bank, a woman suffers a fatal heart attack after learning her life savings have been plundered. The crimes are as different as the night and day they occur. The vicious murder is a case for Eugene's Violent Crimes Division, but the more Detective Wade Jackson and his homicide team probe into the death of Rafel Mazari ? an Iraq War veteran with disturbing secrets ? the more it appears that one crime's victim may be the other's perpetrator. While there's damning evidence that Mazari died at the hands of his cheating wife, a phantom internet veterans? charity ? the same one that wiped out the heart attack victim's bank account ? keeps cropping up at every turn of Jackson's investigation. And when Mazari's best friend turns up murdered in identical fashion, Jackson suspects a motive that's deeper, darker, and more devastating than broken vows and love turned lethal.
306 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 2011
114 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Sellers
58 books477 followersI write the bestselling Detective Jackson mystery/thriller series—a four-time Readers Favorite award winner—as well as the Agent Dallas series, the Extractor thrillers, and provocative standalone thrillers. My 30 novels have been highly praised and have sold more than a million copies.
I reside in Eugene, Oregon where my many of my novels are set, and I'm also an award-winning journalist who earned the Grand Neal. When not plotting murders, I enjoy standup comedy, cycling, social networking, and attending mystery conferences. I've also been known to jump out of airplanes.
I reside in Eugene, Oregon where my many of my novels are set, and I'm also an award-winning journalist who earned the Grand Neal. When not plotting murders, I enjoy standup comedy, cycling, social networking, and attending mystery conferences. I've also been known to jump out of airplanes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 19, 2019
Detective Jackson and his team investigate two incidents that seem related.
An elderly woman has a heart attack when she finds out her life savings are gone to some phantom veteran charity.
The night before War Veteran Rafel, who confronted his wife about cheating, was found murdered in his car after he went to a bar with his childhood best friend, also a veteran, who lied about where he was at the time of the murder.
But the attractive widow stays the main suspect until the best friend is murdered in same fashion as Rafel why she's in custody.
And Rafels sister in law, not from his widow but his first wive, who died under suspicious circumstances is not too sad that he was murdered...
Another good mystery packed with action, interesting characters and cases that intertwine and kept me guessing until the end. Thrilling and fast paced as the previous books. And as always surprises are revealed throughout and the twist in the end again changes everything. Like before, I liked the storyline, the team, the cases and Jackson himself, though I do not support or understand all his decisions.
But his struggle is kind of relatable as he deals with his recovering alcoholic ex wife and her new boyfriend, being a single dad to his teenage daughter and good boyfriend to Kera, who has family drama of her own. It was just a question of time, when she'll be not that understanding of his lacking time management anymore.
It's not too much but just enough private drama, that keeps me intrigued and wanting more.
What kind of bugs me is that the author seems to forget issues she brought up in the previous books. I'd like some more information on some of the characters she never mentioned again or the kind of unsolved cases she brought up. Like I don't expect these to be the next big case everything revolves around but one or two sentences would be nice.
An elderly woman has a heart attack when she finds out her life savings are gone to some phantom veteran charity.
The night before War Veteran Rafel, who confronted his wife about cheating, was found murdered in his car after he went to a bar with his childhood best friend, also a veteran, who lied about where he was at the time of the murder.
But the attractive widow stays the main suspect until the best friend is murdered in same fashion as Rafel why she's in custody.
And Rafels sister in law, not from his widow but his first wive, who died under suspicious circumstances is not too sad that he was murdered...
Another good mystery packed with action, interesting characters and cases that intertwine and kept me guessing until the end. Thrilling and fast paced as the previous books. And as always surprises are revealed throughout and the twist in the end again changes everything. Like before, I liked the storyline, the team, the cases and Jackson himself, though I do not support or understand all his decisions.
But his struggle is kind of relatable as he deals with his recovering alcoholic ex wife and her new boyfriend, being a single dad to his teenage daughter and good boyfriend to Kera, who has family drama of her own. It was just a question of time, when she'll be not that understanding of his lacking time management anymore.
It's not too much but just enough private drama, that keeps me intrigued and wanting more.
What kind of bugs me is that the author seems to forget issues she brought up in the previous books. I'd like some more information on some of the characters she never mentioned again or the kind of unsolved cases she brought up. Like I don't expect these to be the next big case everything revolves around but one or two sentences would be nice.
January 4, 2018
Somehow the plot in this police procedural never really got enough momentum in the narrative and was not as strong as the earlier books in the Wade Jackson series. A disabled National Guard veteran from the conflict in Afghanistan gets murdered in a bar car park and an obvious suspect emerges, but it turns out to be not as simple as that.
May 24, 2012
The title says it all, really, for there is a full complement of each in this carefully-plotted tale: liars, cheaters and thieves. As the book opens, in quick succession two fatal events occur in the space of three pages, within thirteen hours of each other, and only several yards apart. Oddly, there would seem to be nothing else to connect these two deaths, the first the murder of a man sitting behind the wheel of a parked car, the second an elderly woman who died of a heart attack upon discovering she’d been the victim of cyber fraud that had wiped out her savings. Detective Wade Jackson, senior investigator with the violent crimes unit of the Eugene, Oregon Police Department, returns in the fifth and newest entry in the series, and is handling the investigation. Then in short order another murder takes place. Both male victims had been friends since childhood, had both served in the military, and had died forty-eight hours apart.
All the people in Lt. Jackson’s life who readers know from the earlier books in the series are present: investigative reporter Sophie Speranza; Jackson’s 15-year-old daughter and her boyfriend; his recovering alcoholic ex-wife and her new boyfriend; Lara Evans, his colleague; and his girlfriend, Kera Kollmorgan, plus her daughter-in-law and baby grandchild. His relationships with the females in his life seem to be in a state of flux, not always in a good way, and his life is changing in that after selling the house he’d lived in for thirteen years, he is moving back into the home in which he grew up. A good mystery, action-packed, with an unexpected solution, populated with interesting characters – what more could one ask?
Recommended.
All the people in Lt. Jackson’s life who readers know from the earlier books in the series are present: investigative reporter Sophie Speranza; Jackson’s 15-year-old daughter and her boyfriend; his recovering alcoholic ex-wife and her new boyfriend; Lara Evans, his colleague; and his girlfriend, Kera Kollmorgan, plus her daughter-in-law and baby grandchild. His relationships with the females in his life seem to be in a state of flux, not always in a good way, and his life is changing in that after selling the house he’d lived in for thirteen years, he is moving back into the home in which he grew up. A good mystery, action-packed, with an unexpected solution, populated with interesting characters – what more could one ask?
Recommended.
January 21, 2021
I received this book as a LibraryThing Member Giveaway.
Liars, Cheaters, Thieves is book 5 in a series featuring Detective Wade Jackson. First off, I must admit to not reading the previous stories. So this one had to stand alone. It held up pretty well. There were a few mentions of past relationships or cases, I assume to catch the new reader up or as small reminders for anyone familiar with the books.
Prez, a homeless man, witnesses a murder in a bar parking lot. Molly Pershings bank account is emptied of $7000. Det. Jackson and his crew are called in to the homicide. They run into a whole cast of suspects. When a friend of the first victim is also killed, they tie all 3 crimes together.
The case is pretty easy for the reader to follow. Although there is a surprise at the end that I never expected. (I won't tell, Don't want to spoil it for anyone who has yet to read it.)
There were a few grammar mistakes in my edition that need to be fixed. (Such as "He knocked door, but nobody answered.")
I found the story a little slow at times, but interesting none the less. The characters were well thought out, likable, and believable.
I will probably try to find the time to read the first 4 books in the series.
Liars, Cheaters, Thieves is book 5 in a series featuring Detective Wade Jackson. First off, I must admit to not reading the previous stories. So this one had to stand alone. It held up pretty well. There were a few mentions of past relationships or cases, I assume to catch the new reader up or as small reminders for anyone familiar with the books.
Prez, a homeless man, witnesses a murder in a bar parking lot. Molly Pershings bank account is emptied of $7000. Det. Jackson and his crew are called in to the homicide. They run into a whole cast of suspects. When a friend of the first victim is also killed, they tie all 3 crimes together.
The case is pretty easy for the reader to follow. Although there is a surprise at the end that I never expected. (I won't tell, Don't want to spoil it for anyone who has yet to read it.)
There were a few grammar mistakes in my edition that need to be fixed. (Such as "He knocked door, but nobody answered.")
I found the story a little slow at times, but interesting none the less. The characters were well thought out, likable, and believable.
I will probably try to find the time to read the first 4 books in the series.
February 19, 2012
LJ Sellars continues with her Jackson series in similar fashion to previous books, although it appears that this most recent entry delves a bit more into the romantic novel genre than previous writings. We see a different side of her lead character. The story line keeps moving well, weaving various scenarios to keep the reader guessing. While I was fairly certain of the identity of the bad guys fairly early in the novel, the mechanics of why remained obscured. All in all, a decent read. There were some grammatical errors in the Kindle edition, but not such that it distracted from the enjoyment of the read.
January 7, 2015
5 days of thrilling ride, in the streets of Eugene.
Jackson again trying to solve of veteran's death, but meantime neglecting his own life. Seems like unconnected deaths becomes connected, but how? Incredible story, read it and find out.
Jackson again trying to solve of veteran's death, but meantime neglecting his own life. Seems like unconnected deaths becomes connected, but how? Incredible story, read it and find out.
August 31, 2023
Okay, so I loved the first book, and don't get me wrong I'm not NOT enjoying these books.. but the troupe has played out now. It's neat that they can be stand alone and don't have to be read in order, but also, by this being a series, I'd enjoy it more if we didn't spend SO MUCH TIME revisiting how he met Kira, who his daughter is, his wife and her drinking, his illness, and when how, where and with whom all this happened.. it's frustrating by this point in the series I don't need a constant recap! I love the writing style, don't get me wrong, but either delve more into his personal life, or keep his personal life out of it totally. This bouncing on the edge is affecting the quality of the story line.
October 17, 2023
A fantastic thriller series
This was an intense, complex, and intriguing story with many unexpected twists that will hook you until the end. There were many heartbreaking situations throughout this story, but unfortunately they were even more tragic with the actions of themselves and others. It's certainly an interesting read.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and author.
Please refer to the front of the books for the correct reading order prior to beginning this series. The list on Amazon series page is incorrect for the first 5-6 books.
This was an intense, complex, and intriguing story with many unexpected twists that will hook you until the end. There were many heartbreaking situations throughout this story, but unfortunately they were even more tragic with the actions of themselves and others. It's certainly an interesting read.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and author.
Please refer to the front of the books for the correct reading order prior to beginning this series. The list on Amazon series page is incorrect for the first 5-6 books.
December 21, 2017
Readers will be on a roller coaster, while reading this. The plot is thick with suspects, and several cases, are they mixed together. For Jackson, the move into his old parents home, and daughter 15 has a boyfriend. Kara, his girlfriend, telling him no, she wants to be considered more. The team is working trying to find a motive. Excellent page turner
September 26, 2017
Another great story
Love a story that keeps me guessing. It's like watching a terrific film and anxiously waiting to see what happens. The bad part is when it's over. Just glad there's another in the series!!
Love a story that keeps me guessing. It's like watching a terrific film and anxiously waiting to see what happens. The bad part is when it's over. Just glad there's another in the series!!
June 9, 2021
This was my second read from this author. This book wasn't as good as the first one but it was still an excellent novel. The plot wasn't as captivating as the original book but over all, it was a good read.
February 12, 2025
I enjoyed this book. The first one I have read by this author and I liked that she lives in Eugene, Oregon since I live in Oregon and many of the streets and such were familiar. It was a good mystery, keep me engaged.
November 5, 2018
Love it
As always with this series a brilliant read from start to finish. I can't wait to start the next one
As always with this series a brilliant read from start to finish. I can't wait to start the next one
May 10, 2019
Always a good read. Ending kinda droned on but still good.
February 20, 2020
Well said, well said!
The characters in this book when grouped together made this an outstanding book. Reread the book and found I had missed so much.
The characters in this book when grouped together made this an outstanding book. Reread the book and found I had missed so much.
January 28, 2021
I enjoyed reading this and the title is totally what the book is about. Can't wait to read another detective Jackson mystery
December 29, 2024
This is yet another good police procedural that gets into the hearts and minds of the police, victims, perpetrators, and their families.
June 27, 2012
I received this book as a First-Reads through a Goodreads giveaway. The story follows Eugene, Oregon police detective Wade Jackson from the beginnings of a homicide investigation into the death of a military veteran. As Detective Jackson and his team begin working the case and developing leads, it becomes apparent that a seemingly unrelated death in a financial fraud case may be related to the homicide investigation. The additonal homicide of a person of interest in the investigation puts the pressure on to solve the crime before additional bodies turn up. The story gives a good picture of basic investigative police work and the sometimes unexpected turns an investigation can take. I especially enjoyed reading a good crime story that contained street names and places that I am familiar with. I look forward to reading other Detective Jackson stories and might even try other books by L. J. Sellers.
Read
February 1, 2014Liars, Cheaters and Thieves, by L. J. Sellers, b-plus, Narrated by Patrick Lawlor, Produced by Brilliance Audio, downloaded from audible.com.
Detective Wade Jackson and his policemen are called to the scene of a murder in the parking lot of a bar-a murder which is committed by slitting the throat of the victim. His best friend dies two days later, this time due to a bump on the head but someone seems to have made an attempt to cut his throat to make it appear that the same person murdered both of them. Then a bank official calls in the police because it appears that an elderly woman’s money was totally filched out of her account by a fake fund asserting itself to provide relief for veterans. She dies from the stress, and the bank and police consider it manslaughter, if they can prove who took the money out of her account. And all these cases turn out to be connected. Quite good.
Detective Wade Jackson and his policemen are called to the scene of a murder in the parking lot of a bar-a murder which is committed by slitting the throat of the victim. His best friend dies two days later, this time due to a bump on the head but someone seems to have made an attempt to cut his throat to make it appear that the same person murdered both of them. Then a bank official calls in the police because it appears that an elderly woman’s money was totally filched out of her account by a fake fund asserting itself to provide relief for veterans. She dies from the stress, and the bank and police consider it manslaughter, if they can prove who took the money out of her account. And all these cases turn out to be connected. Quite good.
March 14, 2013
This is number 5 in the bestselling Detective Jackson series, I think. Here again, while telling a great mystery-with-suspense police procedural with a surprise twist at the end, Sellers doesn't shy away from social issues. The effects of war on veterans, especially after they return home and are often faced with unemployment, is shown through two of the characters, as their inner turmoil and social problems are woven within the plot. I won't mention the other troublesome social issue here, as it's part of the surprise ending.
Detective Jackson fans will be glad to know that, once again, Sellers doesn't disappoint!
Detective Jackson fans will be glad to know that, once again, Sellers doesn't disappoint!
October 31, 2013
This is the second book I've read by Ms Sellers and I enjoyed the Eugene, OR setting (which is the home of my alma mater) and the plotting is tight although sometimes contrived and convenient. However the main character, Jackson, falls flat and feels one dimensional. She fills out the check sheet of flawed and vulnerable character, divorcee of an alcoholic, moody teenaged daughter he must share with wife and he is involved with a woman he can't seem to spend enough time with and that leads to them break up—at least for a while. I'll keep reading the series, but I hope I see more to what makes Jackson tick.
March 13, 2015
This is the 6th book in the Detective Jackson series. Although it was an excellent crime book with many of the usual characters I have grown accustomed to, this was my least favorite. The plot was a bit off and too much detail was given to characteristics of some of the suspects that didn't go anywhere and weren't pertinent to the story...even as red herrings. The ending was unrealistic, in my opinion, and was a bit hurried. I did like the fact that the author gave more insight and a bit of happiness to hunky Detective Jackson's personal life.
September 5, 2012
Didn't enjoy this book as much as I have the previous books in the Detective Jackson series. There were a lot of key players to keep track of and it seemed like a lot of the book was the detectives bouncing different theories back and forth which made it hard to follow at times. It just didn't have the same fast paced action that others have had. It was an okay story, however, and I hope we get to see more Detective Jackson books in the future.
September 11, 2013
L.J. Sellers has written another good police detective mystery. Liars, Cheaters and Thieves had an ending that I had not even thought of. Excellent surprise. Wade Jackson and his team try to uncover the murder of a veteran. Tied within the story are a variety of characters who may or may not have motive, but they all have something to do with the twisted case. Then there is another death and the motives become even murkier. Good Read
August 31, 2014
An enjoyable murder mystery, although fairly simplistic with little suspense and a few inconsistencies in the story.
This was my second L.J.Sellers book but my first in this, the Detective Jackson series, I didn't find that I missed anything by not reading the earlier books, there were some reminders of previous stories to help out anyway.
I will read more if I am after an easy non taxing but entertaining read.
This was my second L.J.Sellers book but my first in this, the Detective Jackson series, I didn't find that I missed anything by not reading the earlier books, there were some reminders of previous stories to help out anyway.
I will read more if I am after an easy non taxing but entertaining read.
December 27, 2014
This is the 6th book in the Detective Jackson thriller series. I didnt enjoy this one quite as much as the others hence 4 stars. I felt it lacked the thrill/suspense element that was a major plus n the previous books. This book is about war veterans who felt abandoned by society and took fraudulent steps to improve their lot i life. As is the norm in this series the killer isnt revealed until the very end and is always the least likely.
March 21, 2015
Another excellent, gritty crime story in the Wade Jackson detective series. I have grown to become a fan of L. J. Sellers' writing style and this novel is in keeping with its five predecessors. The plot is intricate with lots of moving parts (and characters) that kept Jackson and his crew busy in terms of piecing together the puzzle. Although I am not especially adept at solving murder mysteries, I was unable to figure out the ending twist prior to Sellers' revealing it.
August 21, 2016
Action-filled police procedural
First I have to apologize to Ms. Sellers for my taking so long to read this book. It's been on my Kindle for a while, and I enjoyed it so much that I'm sorry I waited.
This is a very good story. The plot has twists and turns, which kept me guessing until almost the end. Love the main character, Jackson, and want to know more about him. I plan to get morepp of L. J. Seller's books.
First I have to apologize to Ms. Sellers for my taking so long to read this book. It's been on my Kindle for a while, and I enjoyed it so much that I'm sorry I waited.
This is a very good story. The plot has twists and turns, which kept me guessing until almost the end. Love the main character, Jackson, and want to know more about him. I plan to get morepp of L. J. Seller's books.
December 8, 2016
Not so engaging.
I've read all of this series and loved them, but this book was a disappointment. The first 70% was too involved in crimes and nothing about their personal lives. Then the ending was too abrupt and too much was left hanging and unsolved. For one instance, whAt happened to the little 8 yr. old boy who was left without parents? I was just disappointed and hope the next book is more like the first ones.
I've read all of this series and loved them, but this book was a disappointment. The first 70% was too involved in crimes and nothing about their personal lives. Then the ending was too abrupt and too much was left hanging and unsolved. For one instance, whAt happened to the little 8 yr. old boy who was left without parents? I was just disappointed and hope the next book is more like the first ones.
May 27, 2013
I really like L.J. Sellers and have become addicted to her Jackson Mysteries. In my humble opinion, she is one of the best independent authors. If you have not yet read her, I would suggest that you start with the first book in the series: "The Sex Club". It is not necessary to read the series in sequence but it adds to the enjoyment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews