The Laura Cardinal Novels

Laura Cardinal #1-3

by J. Carson Black

For the first time in one volume, the three novels that introduced J. Carson Black's remarkable Arizona DPS investigator, Laura Cardinal, a New York Times and USA Today best seller. Laura Packs a SIG Sauer P226 9mm. Investigates homicides in small towns that have limited resources. Brings justice to murder victims--and to their killers. Laura’s job Criminal Investigator with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. But maybe it should just say “Troubleshooter.” DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN, Book 1 “A superb debut…Welcome to a strong new voice in American Crime Fiction” —T. Jefferson Parker, author of THE BORDER LORDS Used to be kids played outdoors until time for dinner, now social media’s the new game in town. These days, they play on their smartphones. But with more freedom comes greater danger. Mobile devices and computers are a conduit into a child’s life, not just for friends but for those who intend harm. This is the message of J. Carson Black’s Daphne du Maurier Award-nominated thriller, DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN. When Laura investigates the murder of a fourteen-year-old girl left in a town’s park band shell, she knows immediately what she’s up a cunning sexual predator. But why is she plagued by the abduction of a schoolmate eighteen years earlier? In a runaway case that propels Laura from a lavish Tucson estate to the secretive heart of a north Florida town, she must confront the ghosts of her own past. Then another child goes missing—and Laura must race the clock to find her. “A dark, brilliantly-plotted police procedural.” —Midwest Book Review DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, Book 2 When a young couple on their honeymoon is found shot to death in a campground in Williams, Arizona, the consequences go far beyond a simple murder investigation. As the investigation unfolds, Laura uncovers a chilling portrait of the dark side of love. And when she learns of one victim’s ties to an underground organization called the Earth Warriors, she is plunged into a high-stakes conspiracy played out against the unforgiving backdrop of the Mojave Desert—where there are no second chances. "Dark Side of the Moon takes you on a perilous descent into a shadowy underworld where light cannot reach, trust can be fatal, and the deepest truth is only another lie. Once again J. Carson Black delivers a harrowing nonstop thrill ride that will eclipse every other suspense novel you read this year!” —New York Times bestselling author Michael Prescott “Black never lets up the pace for an instant.” —SF Site THE DEVIL’S HOUR, Book 3 “J. Carson Black's THE DEVIL'S HOUR is a superior mystery novel in all respects. Fine prose, terrific suspense, believable characters, and one of the most unexpected and satisfying conclusions I've read in a long time. Highly recommended." —John Lescroart, New York Times bestselling author of DAMAGE In 1997, the disappearance of three young girls rocked the city of Tucson, Arizona. Eleven years later, one of those girls—Micaela Brashear—comes home, alive. Detective Laura Cardinal worked homicide for Arizona DPS, but now she's been moved to the Open-Unsolved Unit. With a new job and a new partner who questions her every move, Laura pieces together Micaela's fragmented memories in the hope she will learn the whereabouts of the other two children.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks

972 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2011

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun ready with a fairly interesting main character. Sometimes the author goes a bit out of the way to keep things unanticipated, which means you start anticipating the plot twists early on. Quite enjoyable and a good summer read.

[Pamela A. Schmeckpeper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written, unique mystery series.

Four stars for the perfect grammar, use of words and realistic dialogues. Good plots. The main character was tough and not written warmly or with humor, which is unusual. Docked one star for the boring stretches.

[Debbie Mcnally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome series

This is a great bundle of books. Plenty of Action and suspense. Love reading a story based in Tucson when I lived here.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

YES! I finally finished the 2148 pages of the three novels. Laura is a good main character. For most of the cases, she is not involved with anyone, so there is not much sex going on. She and Tom call it quits. She is based in Arizona, so there is a lot of description of the surroundings there. It sounds interesting and beautiful. Most of the cases involve murder, though there are some missing persons, etc. In one, a newly married young couple are slaughtered in their tent without the murderer even looking at them. Some young girls are mistreated in another. Laura faces danger, and luckily for her, and the readers, survives. Page wise, this was a nook bargain.

[Laz the Sailor · Rating 4 out of 5]

These three novels were packaged together, which made them easy to buy. And I'm glad I did. The stories are all structured similarly, with a main plot, one or two sub-plots, and one or two character side-stories. The endings always have a clever twist, only one of which I anticipated.

These books start and finish very strong, but the middle usually lags a bit, as the various plotlines ferment and you forget who did what to whom.

Also, the first book names all of the characters (except Cardinal) after musicians. Clever and not too distracting.

[Beth Erwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the plots were interesting, and the writing flowed well, for the most part. However, in tow of the three stories, there was a part toward the middle of each were I got bogged down and had to push myself to keep reading. It was almost as though the writing got a little bogged down with the main character, and these are definitely books where the character is just fleshed out enough to add to the story, but no more than that.

[Bernadette Mcgoldrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC

If I could've, I'd have given these books a six... I was completely engrossed in each book, I found it hard to put them down at night and looked forward to the opportunity to return to them. Each book is action packed and I loved the fact I couldn't always guess what was going to happen next (this is a really big deal for me)!.

[Laureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

J. Carson is an excellent author/ writer... you must red all her series of The Laura Cardinal Novels.. you won't be able to put them down.. you will be hooked and will become a fan of her writings.

[Carrie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good and engaging, but not phenomenal. I definitely recommend it. All 3 books seem to loose steam in the middle and then pick back up. I do wish one plot line that showed up randomly had been truly resolved. :/

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the character of Laura Cardinal. Thought the different stories were fast paced and kept me glued to my reader. Definitely recommend this series.

[Kitty Ward · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, well written, recommend.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Laura Cardinal Novels review

The Laura Cardinal Novels is a three book collection written by author J. Carson Black. All of the stories are excellent with intricate plots.

[Geraldine Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

[Arlette · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an all right series. I guess I was just expecting too much.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already owned book one when I saw this collection, but I bought it anyway.

[Mac McDonald]

Interesting & intriguing stories