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Det. Annie Avants #1
Cause of Death
A Serial Killer. Black widow spiders. A race to catch the perp before he strikes again.
Amazon Best-Selling author, Renee Benzaim, writes about the ultimate female detective fighting against time to catch a serial killer in Bakersfield, CA before he strikes again.
Meet Robbery/Homicide Detective Annie Avants and her partner, Detective Tom Weston of the Kern County Sheriff's Office.
In this dusty farm community, someone is abducting and killing young Hispanic females. His weapon of choice - black widow spiders.
Can these two dedicated Detectives catch him with the help of their peers and friends, Deputy District Attorney Jesse Greyeyes and Technical Investigations Chief Laine DelMonte.
Cause of Death is a spine-chilling thriller that keeps you guessing right up to the last minute - and makes you wonder about the "normal" people in YOUR daily life.
Amazon Best-Selling author, Renee Benzaim, writes about the ultimate female detective fighting against time to catch a serial killer in Bakersfield, CA before he strikes again.
Meet Robbery/Homicide Detective Annie Avants and her partner, Detective Tom Weston of the Kern County Sheriff's Office.
In this dusty farm community, someone is abducting and killing young Hispanic females. His weapon of choice - black widow spiders.
Can these two dedicated Detectives catch him with the help of their peers and friends, Deputy District Attorney Jesse Greyeyes and Technical Investigations Chief Laine DelMonte.
Cause of Death is a spine-chilling thriller that keeps you guessing right up to the last minute - and makes you wonder about the "normal" people in YOUR daily life.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2013
13 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Renee Benzaim
15 books26 followersRenee Benzaim was born in Wenatchee, Washington, but grew up in California. She attended college in Modesto and Turlock while living in California, and in Dover, Delaware.
While living in Hawaii, she had the pleasure of working with the top Hawaiian Chefs at two of the beautiful resort hotels on the Big Island.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel were her first experiences working with Executive Chefs Corey A. Waite and Goran V. Streng. Her job, as their Administrative Assistant, exposed her to all of the recipes and techniques these excellent chefs used to create their culinary masterpieces.
After two years at the resorts, she went to work for Master Chef Sam Choy - Hawaii's Ambassador to the World according to then Governor Benjamin Cayetano - as his Executive Assistant. While there, she assisted Chef Choy in writing two excellent cookbooks as part of his series of cookbooks based on Hawaiian and Pacific Rim cuisine.
During her last 18 months in Hawaii, she took her Paralegal training and then returned to California after an absence of 10 years. She then worked for several years as a Paralegal in California's Central Valley.
She now lives with her husband, Aziz, and their ever-changing collection of stray cats and kittens and is a full-time writer.
CONTACTING RENEE
Renee's Blog| Renee's twitter | Renee's Facebook Page |
Renee's Email: renee@reneebenzaim.com
While living in Hawaii, she had the pleasure of working with the top Hawaiian Chefs at two of the beautiful resort hotels on the Big Island.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel were her first experiences working with Executive Chefs Corey A. Waite and Goran V. Streng. Her job, as their Administrative Assistant, exposed her to all of the recipes and techniques these excellent chefs used to create their culinary masterpieces.
After two years at the resorts, she went to work for Master Chef Sam Choy - Hawaii's Ambassador to the World according to then Governor Benjamin Cayetano - as his Executive Assistant. While there, she assisted Chef Choy in writing two excellent cookbooks as part of his series of cookbooks based on Hawaiian and Pacific Rim cuisine.
During her last 18 months in Hawaii, she took her Paralegal training and then returned to California after an absence of 10 years. She then worked for several years as a Paralegal in California's Central Valley.
She now lives with her husband, Aziz, and their ever-changing collection of stray cats and kittens and is a full-time writer.
CONTACTING RENEE
Renee's Blog| Renee's twitter | Renee's Facebook Page |
Renee's Email: renee@reneebenzaim.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 13, 2017
"Cause of Death" is book one of the Det. Annie Avants series. The Cause of Death follows Det. Annie Avants investigation to find a serial killer who killed young girls using Black Widow Spiders. I enjoy reading Cause of Death once I forgot about the spiders and got involved with the story I like it. I learnt about the different law enforcement in California and their roles in the communities. Renee Benzaim portrayal of her characters and the way they entwine together throughout the book I found fascinating and allow me to forget about the spiders.
The readers of Cause of Death will enjoy the twist and turns with the murder investigation and the romantic interludes between characters. At the end of Cause of Death, readers can find copies of the recipes that are mention in the book so that you can try them yourself. I also learnt about Black Widow Spiders and how their venom works when they bite you. I recommend this book.
The readers of Cause of Death will enjoy the twist and turns with the murder investigation and the romantic interludes between characters. At the end of Cause of Death, readers can find copies of the recipes that are mention in the book so that you can try them yourself. I also learnt about Black Widow Spiders and how their venom works when they bite you. I recommend this book.
February 28, 2015
Check out my complete review at Cause of Death (Det. Annie Avants #1) > Review
Cause of Death is the first in the series of Annie Avants Mysteries. A serial killler is on the loose who kills Hispanic women with black widow bites - a very painful way to die. Detective Annie Avants along with her partner Detective Tom Weston team up with Deputy District Attorney Jesse Greyeyes and Technical Investigations Chief Laine DelMonte to figure out who the killer is before another woman gets killed.
The mystery is really interesting and almost fast paced. The psychological aspect of the serial killer is shown only at the end. Till then, the reader is left wondering who is the killer and what is his motivation. There are some dead ends on the way but the route diverts soon and the race goes on. Annie Avants is a nice female detective with the right elements of feminine traits with a nice strong blend of courage and bravery.
Annie Avants is here to stay and so is Renee Benzaim.
Cause of Death is the first in the series of Annie Avants Mysteries. A serial killler is on the loose who kills Hispanic women with black widow bites - a very painful way to die. Detective Annie Avants along with her partner Detective Tom Weston team up with Deputy District Attorney Jesse Greyeyes and Technical Investigations Chief Laine DelMonte to figure out who the killer is before another woman gets killed.
The mystery is really interesting and almost fast paced. The psychological aspect of the serial killer is shown only at the end. Till then, the reader is left wondering who is the killer and what is his motivation. There are some dead ends on the way but the route diverts soon and the race goes on. Annie Avants is a nice female detective with the right elements of feminine traits with a nice strong blend of courage and bravery.
Annie Avants is here to stay and so is Renee Benzaim.
August 5, 2013
In Cause of Death, Detectives Avant and Weston are out to find a serial killer who tortures victims with black widow spiders prior to their deaths. There are also a few side stories which add to character and plot development as well as hinting at potential upcoming romances in future volumes.
Aside from a few typos and spacing issues, which could be due to the fact I was reading an ARC, the text and story line flows very well with exhilarating action.
There were a couple of details that seemed to switch or get confused at one point, but as they were minor details they weren't distracting to the story line.
The characters were very authentic and true to life. The villain was not one dimensional which I greatly appreciated. The details for the investigations, scenery, and story in general were vivid and imaginable.
Overall, an enjoyable read!
Aside from a few typos and spacing issues, which could be due to the fact I was reading an ARC, the text and story line flows very well with exhilarating action.
There were a couple of details that seemed to switch or get confused at one point, but as they were minor details they weren't distracting to the story line.
The characters were very authentic and true to life. The villain was not one dimensional which I greatly appreciated. The details for the investigations, scenery, and story in general were vivid and imaginable.
Overall, an enjoyable read!
May 11, 2013
I was so fortunate to receive a free download of "Cause of Death(Det. Annie Avants #1) by Renee Benzaim, in exchange for an honest review. This is one of the best serial killer murder/mystery thrillers that I have read in a long time.This book was AMAZING...and it definitely gave you the creeps!
The novel centers around a serial killer, his Black Widow Spider PETS and a race in time to catch the perp before he strikes again. This is about a serial killer that keeps tokens from his victims.
Annie Avants and Tom Weston had worked as partners for almost three years, assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit in Bakersfield, California. Ambitious Annie started her career as a Deputy Sheriff, but within three years she made detective. Now at age thirty three she was one of the top detectives in the Robbery/Homicide Unit.
Someone is abducting and killing young Hispanic females, by infecting them with the venom of black widow spiders. All the victims had thirteen bites on their lower extremities. After the first victim dies the perp moves on to his next victim to satisfy his pets.
It is a race against time for Annie to catch this serial killer!
The writing is dark and gritty. Renee Benzaim pulls you into the story as Annie and Tom work frantically to capture a serial killer. As the action escalates, you are there with the players as the action unfolds, and the twisted mind of the killer spirals out of control.
This novel had me guessing right until the bitter end.What an ending!I wish I could have rated this novel as a 10 Star, because it was so amazing.I can't wait for her next novel. I will be watching for it.If you love reading mystery, suspense thrillers, don't miss out on this one.You won't be wasting your time.I will be thinking about this novel and the Black Widow Spiders for many days to come.
PS.Many thanks for the delicious recipes that this author supplied at the end of the novel. Will definitely try them.
The novel centers around a serial killer, his Black Widow Spider PETS and a race in time to catch the perp before he strikes again. This is about a serial killer that keeps tokens from his victims.
Annie Avants and Tom Weston had worked as partners for almost three years, assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit in Bakersfield, California. Ambitious Annie started her career as a Deputy Sheriff, but within three years she made detective. Now at age thirty three she was one of the top detectives in the Robbery/Homicide Unit.
Someone is abducting and killing young Hispanic females, by infecting them with the venom of black widow spiders. All the victims had thirteen bites on their lower extremities. After the first victim dies the perp moves on to his next victim to satisfy his pets.
It is a race against time for Annie to catch this serial killer!
The writing is dark and gritty. Renee Benzaim pulls you into the story as Annie and Tom work frantically to capture a serial killer. As the action escalates, you are there with the players as the action unfolds, and the twisted mind of the killer spirals out of control.
This novel had me guessing right until the bitter end.What an ending!I wish I could have rated this novel as a 10 Star, because it was so amazing.I can't wait for her next novel. I will be watching for it.If you love reading mystery, suspense thrillers, don't miss out on this one.You won't be wasting your time.I will be thinking about this novel and the Black Widow Spiders for many days to come.
PS.Many thanks for the delicious recipes that this author supplied at the end of the novel. Will definitely try them.
May 27, 2017
Did I read the same book as everyone else?
This could have been a great story. It had me at 'death by black widow spiders'. I thought it would be a nice creepy read but...
The execution was awful, I can't put it any other way. The writing was incredibly stilted and flat. There was no emotion, no sense of dread, no sorrow or any joy. It was just flat - this happened and then they did that and she said and they talked and they ate this... The food, all the characters were obsessed with food. It detracted from the story. The conversations and descriptions of things were overly detailed. I don't need or want a page of writing about why people are going to XYZ restaurant, exactly where to find it, what they ate last time they were there and what so-and-so's mother's favourite dish is. That was just boring unnecessary filler.
Contrary to another review, I thought the killer was TOTALLY one-dimensional. He just popped up pretty late in the book. He hardly interacted with the victims so we get no sense of why or who this person is. And then -BAM, suddenly the book just ends. No doubt some of the seemingly irrelevant sub-plots from this book will be fleshed out in the sequels but I'm not going to be reading any of them. There was absolutely no suspense - NONE! In fact I nearly gave up many times. So one star for the writing and one star for a plot that could have been great.
This could have been a great story. It had me at 'death by black widow spiders'. I thought it would be a nice creepy read but...
The execution was awful, I can't put it any other way. The writing was incredibly stilted and flat. There was no emotion, no sense of dread, no sorrow or any joy. It was just flat - this happened and then they did that and she said and they talked and they ate this... The food, all the characters were obsessed with food. It detracted from the story. The conversations and descriptions of things were overly detailed. I don't need or want a page of writing about why people are going to XYZ restaurant, exactly where to find it, what they ate last time they were there and what so-and-so's mother's favourite dish is. That was just boring unnecessary filler.
Contrary to another review, I thought the killer was TOTALLY one-dimensional. He just popped up pretty late in the book. He hardly interacted with the victims so we get no sense of why or who this person is. And then -BAM, suddenly the book just ends. No doubt some of the seemingly irrelevant sub-plots from this book will be fleshed out in the sequels but I'm not going to be reading any of them. There was absolutely no suspense - NONE! In fact I nearly gave up many times. So one star for the writing and one star for a plot that could have been great.
August 28, 2019
Who-dun-it involving black widow spiders as murder weapons.
January 5, 2020
The author should decide whether she wanted to write a book about crime fiction, a romance or a good food guide. This odd mix of subjects spoils what could have been a decent story.
May 27, 2013
My Review:
I wanted something to read over the weekend. I have quite a few ARC copies to read and review, but I wanted something quick. This book features only 198 pages, so I figured what the heck… I could knock it out in two days. As soon as I picked it up, I could not put it down. I found myself driving my fiance’ crazy reading well into the wee hours of the morning (he’s forever bothered by the light from my ereader… too bad, a bookaholic has to get a fix every now and then.)
Serial Killer… check.
Detective Team… check.
Well written and captivating, for the most part… check.
I enjoyed the characters. I enjoyed the character development. I absolutely loved the investigation side of the novel. It was well researched and presented in an alluring way.
CREEPY CREEPY Ingenious way of killing victims! I have read many serial killer books, and I have to say black widow spiders… Ew!!!! Very, very creatively creepy. It’s the main thing that kept me reading. I really wish I could have read more about the killer.
Negatives:
Too many subplots… not enough of the serial killer’s view point.
I really feel the author could either cut out some of the subplots or expand on the killer’s viewpoint and make a longer novel. I found my self frustrated and skipping through pages when it came to the love triangles in the book;
Annie & Jessie.
Tom & Laine.
Then to add in the weird gang related character development of a Noura, Tito and courts? Really took away from story itself. I would rather have read something along the view points of the killer.
In example, at the end of the book we find out the killer had a journal he kept during his “experimentation process.” I WOULD LOVED TO HAVE SEEN “PAGES” of his book. The author was so quick to describe how and when the killer decided to start kidnapping Hispanic women. It was so brief. She really could have expanded this section and made the book a bit more suspenseful and entertaining.
Overall Feeling:
This was the perfect book to read on a rainy 3 day weekend. I am thankful a review copy was sent my way. I think it could be a bit more engaging with some reworking around the killer’s view point. I also think it needs less of the love triangle/personal conflicts of the characters; especially revolving around Tito/Noura.
I wanted something to read over the weekend. I have quite a few ARC copies to read and review, but I wanted something quick. This book features only 198 pages, so I figured what the heck… I could knock it out in two days. As soon as I picked it up, I could not put it down. I found myself driving my fiance’ crazy reading well into the wee hours of the morning (he’s forever bothered by the light from my ereader… too bad, a bookaholic has to get a fix every now and then.)
Serial Killer… check.
Detective Team… check.
Well written and captivating, for the most part… check.
I enjoyed the characters. I enjoyed the character development. I absolutely loved the investigation side of the novel. It was well researched and presented in an alluring way.
CREEPY CREEPY Ingenious way of killing victims! I have read many serial killer books, and I have to say black widow spiders… Ew!!!! Very, very creatively creepy. It’s the main thing that kept me reading. I really wish I could have read more about the killer.
Negatives:
Too many subplots… not enough of the serial killer’s view point.
I really feel the author could either cut out some of the subplots or expand on the killer’s viewpoint and make a longer novel. I found my self frustrated and skipping through pages when it came to the love triangles in the book;
Annie & Jessie.
Tom & Laine.
Then to add in the weird gang related character development of a Noura, Tito and courts? Really took away from story itself. I would rather have read something along the view points of the killer.
In example, at the end of the book we find out the killer had a journal he kept during his “experimentation process.” I WOULD LOVED TO HAVE SEEN “PAGES” of his book. The author was so quick to describe how and when the killer decided to start kidnapping Hispanic women. It was so brief. She really could have expanded this section and made the book a bit more suspenseful and entertaining.
Overall Feeling:
This was the perfect book to read on a rainy 3 day weekend. I am thankful a review copy was sent my way. I think it could be a bit more engaging with some reworking around the killer’s view point. I also think it needs less of the love triangle/personal conflicts of the characters; especially revolving around Tito/Noura.
October 12, 2014
Police procedural Cause of Death is the first mystery / thriller for author Renee Benzaim, and the first entry in the Det. Annie Avants series.
This exciting book is fast-paced, easy to follow, with engaging characters and a highly suspenseful storyline. I couldn't put it down. I didn't put it down, and read it straight through in a day. I just had to find out whodunit!
The story is told from alternating points of view of different characters, including Annie, the victims, and even the perpetrator. The reader knows, from the beginning, how the murders are committed, but not why or by whom. The reader is with each victim, as she is nabbed by the perp. The reader is with the detectives, as they pursue their leads and hit dead-ends. The author includes several red herrings to mislead the reader, and a dead goldfish, so beware.
As one would expect in the first book in the Det. Annie Avants series, Annie is the main character, and a very likable one at that. Annie's part is well written, with enough back-story for the reader to really get to know her. The relationships between Annie and her friends / co-workers are complex and interesting, due to the back-stories the author reveals about the other characters.
I look forward to reading more about Annie and company in future books in the series. The eBook edition of Damage Control, the second book in the series, is expected to be published by 8/30/13, and the paperback edition by 9/15/13. I rated Cause of Death five stars. I give it my highest recommendation, for anyone who enjoys police procedural mysteries or suspense / thrillers.
This exciting book is fast-paced, easy to follow, with engaging characters and a highly suspenseful storyline. I couldn't put it down. I didn't put it down, and read it straight through in a day. I just had to find out whodunit!
The story is told from alternating points of view of different characters, including Annie, the victims, and even the perpetrator. The reader knows, from the beginning, how the murders are committed, but not why or by whom. The reader is with each victim, as she is nabbed by the perp. The reader is with the detectives, as they pursue their leads and hit dead-ends. The author includes several red herrings to mislead the reader, and a dead goldfish, so beware.
As one would expect in the first book in the Det. Annie Avants series, Annie is the main character, and a very likable one at that. Annie's part is well written, with enough back-story for the reader to really get to know her. The relationships between Annie and her friends / co-workers are complex and interesting, due to the back-stories the author reveals about the other characters.
I look forward to reading more about Annie and company in future books in the series. The eBook edition of Damage Control, the second book in the series, is expected to be published by 8/30/13, and the paperback edition by 9/15/13. I rated Cause of Death five stars. I give it my highest recommendation, for anyone who enjoys police procedural mysteries or suspense / thrillers.
May 23, 2013
A hispanic female had been found dead lying in a vineyard along South Fairfax road in California. The body did not have any cuts or scrapes, but there had been signs of her being bound and held for a period of time. On a closer inspection of the body, there were thirteen insect bites found on her abdominal and legs. They had considered the bites may have been due to vineyard but there was something peculiar about them, they were bites of the same species but happened at different time or days. instead all at once. They had known that pesticides had been used to prevent infestations and the fact there was only thirteen bites found in a particular area of the body just doesn't add up.
Another body found murdered in a similar fashion. The female again was from the same ethnic group and within the age of 20-30 years of age. Seems to be a serial killer on the loose and it's up to Detective Avants and her partner Detective Weston to act fast and catch this monster before there are anymore victims.
It was a great story! The author had a very creative idea for the story, very different. She introduced the characters and provided descriptive detail that brought the characters to life.
As a bonus, the author provides some scrumptious recipes at the end of the book :)
Highly recommended.
Another body found murdered in a similar fashion. The female again was from the same ethnic group and within the age of 20-30 years of age. Seems to be a serial killer on the loose and it's up to Detective Avants and her partner Detective Weston to act fast and catch this monster before there are anymore victims.
It was a great story! The author had a very creative idea for the story, very different. She introduced the characters and provided descriptive detail that brought the characters to life.
As a bonus, the author provides some scrumptious recipes at the end of the book :)
Highly recommended.
February 3, 2014
Renee Benzaim, I don't know you, but I think you should write cookbooks or a restaurant guide. Your book is full of eating, mostly mexican and Detectives going home for dinner while a serial killer is out and around. You even let the witness decide WHEN he wants to take the time to meet with the sketch artist. Even checking leads are not so important as to get lunch or do some pottery with the new girlfriends daughter. oh and by the way, I don't think, even in Bakersfield, a SWAT Team will be ready in a few minutes and they will definitly not wait while detective TOM is calling the serial killer in his basement to come out and give up. Not to forget that he could have killed his partner ............stupid !
For your next book, if you write another one, please check with proffessionals about the procedure or give me a call .........will be glade to help you !
For your next book, if you write another one, please check with proffessionals about the procedure or give me a call .........will be glade to help you !
April 21, 2014
I feel like I need to reason out why I've given such a low rating.
This book had some great moments. Twists & turns in the plot that no one would see coming definitely made it worthwhile reading. Unfortunately we also got a whole lot of side plots that just felt unnecessary (Tito being my main bone of contention).
Another issue is that the book just ends. Literally stops dead. There is this huge build up, you can feel the hairs on your neck rising because this is the moment you've been waiting for the entire book, then...NOTHING.
In conclusion, this book COULD have been incredible & I feel like it was dangled right in front of my nose then snatched away!
This book had some great moments. Twists & turns in the plot that no one would see coming definitely made it worthwhile reading. Unfortunately we also got a whole lot of side plots that just felt unnecessary (Tito being my main bone of contention).
Another issue is that the book just ends. Literally stops dead. There is this huge build up, you can feel the hairs on your neck rising because this is the moment you've been waiting for the entire book, then...NOTHING.
In conclusion, this book COULD have been incredible & I feel like it was dangled right in front of my nose then snatched away!
January 15, 2014
I just really didn't like the book. I didn't get into the story or like any of the charters.
November 18, 2013
An interesting police procedural with good characters and a fascinating tale. I will definitely read the second in this series.
December 9, 2013
didn't care for the characters or the plot.
January 30, 2014
This is a book based in Bakersfield, California where the detective is on the search for a serial killer who targets young hispanic girls. The book is readable and enjoyable.
February 7, 2014
excellent, couldn't put it down, looking forward to the next instalment with Annie
February 20, 2014
Found this on amazon and though it be the kind of book I like.
And I Loved it - great detective series so then went and read the 2nd
Definately read if you like detective/crime novels
And I Loved it - great detective series so then went and read the 2nd
Definately read if you like detective/crime novels
August 25, 2015
I was so glad that I read this book. I couldn't put it down. Read it in one session. It drew me right in, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Cant wait to read no 2 now. thanks
November 23, 2014
The ending was a little disappointing .. Won't spoil it for others. Make your own mind up
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews