Fatal Distraction

Jess Kimball Thriller #1

by Diane Capri

Jess Kimball's Impossible Mission: Protect Crime Victims

Relentless victims' rights advocate Jess Kimball and Jack Reacher both deliver justice when the legal system fails. Reacher waits until trouble finds him and then he does whatever it takes. But Jess pursues legal justice and draws lines she will not cross. How can she win against killers who refuse to follow the rules?

Three years ago, beloved Florida Governor Helen Sullivan’s world shattered when her only son died in a senseless car crash, killing his best friend, too. Helen quickly discovered Eric’s crash was no accident and lured the killer to her son’s funeral to be caught. When the shooting ceased in the small country church, Helen believed her nightmare was over. Instead, she’d unwittingly escalated her duel with a cunning and patient assassin.

Now, investigative journalist Jess Kimball is driven to find the horrifying truth. Is the Central Florida Child Killer guilty? Or is the real killer still out there?

Helen and Jess together face the determined killer in a pitched battle of wit and nerve while Helen's husband struggles to live.

Who will survive?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Crime

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2012

About the author

Bestselling author Diane Capri is a recovering lawyer. She’s a snowbird who divides her time between Florida and Michigan. An active member of Mystery Writers of America, Author’s Guild, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime, she loves to hear from readers and is hard at work on her next novel.

Connect with her online:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/@DianeCapri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-...

Here’s the Long version, if you’re looking for more info:

#1 Amazon Bestselling Author Diane Capri’s work is what the #1 worldwide publishing phenomenon Lee Child calls “Full of thrills and tension, but smart and human, too.” Margaret Maron, Edgar, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity Award-winning MWA Past President, says: “Expertise shines on every page.” And Library Journal raves: “….offers tense legal drama with courtroom overtones, twisty plots, and loads of atmosphere. Recommended.”

Diane’s new Jess Kimball series kicked off with Fatal Distraction, opening as the #3 Bestselling Legal Thriller, behind John Grisham. Diane’s new Hunt for Jack Reacher series began with Don’t Know Jack, which garnered #1 Bestseller spots on Mystery, Hard-boiled Mystery, Police Procedural, Women Sleuths, and Legal Thriller lists both in the U.S. and U.K. Don’t Know Jack was followed by two bestselling short stories in the Hunt for Jack Reacher series, Jack in a Box and Jack and Kill. Diane’s Judge Wilhelmina Carson mysteries were praised by Romantic Times and garnered the coveted “Top Pick.” Diane’s savvy, spunky character, attorney Jennifer Lane, stars in her own romantic suspense series, which kicks off with Annabelle’s Attack.

Diane is the past Executive Vice President of International Thriller Writers, past member of the Board of the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, and active in Sisters in Crime and other writing organizations. She comes to writing after a successful legal career and is married to her college sweetheart. She loves her nomadic snowbird existence preferring perpetual summer migrating from Florida to Michigan each year.

Diane says she writes mystery and suspense for the same reason she reads: to find out what happens, why people do what they do, and how to bring justice to an unjust world.Her books are translated in twenty territories. Diane loves to hear from readers. Contact her at: DianeCapri.com/Contact to receive notice of new releases, subscribe to Diane’s blog, or simply connect with her.

Reviews

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 4 out of 5]

To my mind this is one of Diane Capri's best. I love the character of Jess Kimball, although the star of this story is the governor, Helen Sullivan. Action-packed with real heart, this novel is not one I will soon forget. Not your typical murder mystery with a whodunit, because the author spoils it early on, but even so getting from here to there is an absolute thrill-ride.

The governor is stalked by someone already in her circle, and they are trying to cause her pain by diminishing others in her circle. It's all about the cattiness. Jess Kimble is interviewing the governor to discern if Governor Sullivan will consider granting a stay of execution to a known child-killer when the governor’s mansion is attacked, and Jess Kimble is caught up in the subsequent firestorm. This is a real thriller with distinct plots happening simultaneously and concurrently.

[Tahera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fatal Distraction is the first book in the Jess Kimball series. The written version of the book was released in 2013 but I listened to the audiobook version which has recently been released by OrangeSky Audio. Listening to thrillers as audiobooks can be pretty tricky since I have to be extra vigilant in order to not miss out on anything. With this one I can say I had no trouble keeping up with the pace and narration and enjoyed listening to it. The story/plotline is good, the pace is fast with strong, well etched characters and the narration by Natalie Naudus is really good. She is clear and keeps up with the pace of the book. This series has a lot of books already published in written form. I do hope that the audiobook producers will continue with the series as well.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher OrangeSky Audio and the author Diane Capri for the audio ARC of the book.

[Andrea Corley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Fatal Distraction
Author: Diane Capri
Length: 360 pages
Publisher: Stonegate, Inc.
Published: December 5, 2013
Genres: Legal Thriller/Mystery

Rating: ✮✮✮✮

Description:
Relentless victims’ rights advocate Jess Kimball and Jack Reacher both deliver justice when the legal system fails. Reacher waits until trouble finds him and then he does whatever it takes. But Jess pursues legal justice and draws lines she will not cross. How can she win against killers who refuse to follow the rules?

Three years ago, beloved Florida Governor Helen Sullivan’s world shattered when her only son died in a senseless car crash, killing his best friend, too. Helen quickly discovered Eric’s crash was no accident and lured the killer to her son’s funeral to be caught.

When the shooting ceased in the small country church, Helen believed her nightmare was over. Instead, she’d unwittingly escalated her duel with a cunning and patient assassin.

Now, investigative journalist Jess Kimball is driven to find the horrifying truth. Is the Central Florida Child Killer guilty? Or is the real killer still out there?

Helen and Jess together face the determined killer in a pitched battle of wit and nerve. Who will survive?

Review:
This was a page-turning fast-paced thriller that I just couldn't get enough of! One more chapter was just not enough! Diane Capri chooses to use different writing methods for her mystery that I think were excellent! Rather than writing the mystery as a who done it, you figured out the who pretty early on, leaving you to sit and ponder why in the world would this person be possessed to do the things that he/she is doing! It was a great strategy for an interesting twist!

I really admired the characters in this book, and maybe that is what drew me to the book even more, because the two main characters are two strong, independent, intelligent women. They are both the epitome of outstanding lead characters. All of the characters blended nicely together and provided an interesting array of personalities.

The story was very engaging and fulfilling and quite easy to just get lost in what is going on. It will take a reader on his/her own, very unique, roller coaster ride, leaving you saying, shew! at the end!

Overall, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great, twisty ride! This is the first read from this author and certainly won't be my last! I look forward to see more of Jess Kimball and Helen Sullivan in the future!

Disclaimer:
This book was provided to me by the author, Diane Capri, in return for an honest/unbiased review.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

This exciting thriller follows Florida Governor Helen Sullivan's mission to find who killed her son and severely injured her husband and journalist Jess Kimball in her attempt to advocate for the rights of the victims over those of the killers.

This book was intense, fast paced and all around great. I found the characters to all be incredibly well written and exciting to read and I loved that the two main characters were strong female leads that were great characters in their own right. It didn't feel like the same person written twice to try and reach a more female audience which was great to see and the characters worked really well together, not just the female leads but the whole cast. The plot had plenty of twists and turns but never in a way that felt cheap or as if the author was trying to one up the reader which made the entire read truly enjoyable.

4/5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this copy to review.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Diane capri novel and will most certainly not be my last. I must highly recommend "Fatal Distration" by Diane Capri.
"Fatal Distraction" by Diane Capri is a suspenseful novel that held me enthralled from start to finish. At first, I was a little disappointed when the killer was revealed so early in the story. I quickly realized, however, that by revealing the killer, Capri provides the reader with a sense of intrigue about the killer's motives. Throughout the story, I was on the edge of my seat seeking answers as to why the killer is committing such crimes. This clever tactic by Capri takes the reader to a whole new level in crime thrillers.
I was also impressed by the characters in "Fatal Distraction." It was refreshing to read about two strong female characters that work together so seamlessly dispite differing opinions. Although the plot centers around capital punishment, it doesn't follow the time-worn debates that have become customary regarding the issue. Instead, it provides a new perspective on capital punishment and victims' rights that I had not considered.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced page turner and I will be seeking more novels by Diane Capri.
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: None
Reviewed by: Molly Waters
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Lin Perrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the audio copy. The first in the Jess Kimball series. Jess is a investigative reporter when she meets Governor Helen Sullivan. Helen's son died in a car accident three years ago and she discovers it wasn't an accident. But who can she trust? Helen and Jess set out to find the truth with a explosive ending.

[Caren ~ the misfit geek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced, suspenseful thriller that kept me engrossed start to finish. I was immediately pulled into the story and literally didn’t want to stop reading. Although the identity of the killer is revealed early in the book, it does not detract from the overall plot. It was an interesting strategy and it worked very well.

What I truly loved about this book were the characters. The plot centers around two strong, intelligent women. Jess Kimball is an investigative journalist on a crusade for victims rights. Governor Helen Sullivan has strong moral values and a belief in the law. I particularly enjoyed the respect these two women had for each other and how well they worked together.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller with plenty of twists. This was by no means a who-done-it but a very engaging tale to say the least. It is a most worthy read.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Distraction: (The Jess Kimball Thrillers Series) - a review by Rosemary Kenny

How much bad luck can one woman have? That's the question Governor of Florida Helen Sullivan must surely wonder in the middle of the night when she can't sleep, in Queen of Mystery and Suspense Diane Capri's wonderful psychological thriller, Fatal Distraction.Helen's husband Oliver had an accident that resulted in a stroke, their son Eric was killed alongside his friend in an unexpected RTA and that was just the start. About to end her term as Governor to run for Senator, former prosecution lawyer Helen's duty means she has to uphold the execution of a serial killer, even though there are protests from 'do-gooders' who believe in the prisoner's innocence. Jess Kimball, an investigative journalist, is granted an interview with Governor Sullivan and the two quickly discover they have something in common, as Jess' son Peter was kidnapped ten years earlier and remains undiscovered, leaving her similarly distraught and at times, distracted.When further terrible and terrifying events take place, what will Jess and Helen face - either separately or together?Who or what is the common link that creates a sprung-steel web of tension and connects both victims and survivors of a vicious revenge plot?
Diane Capri's elegantly thrilling psychological murder-mystery, starring Jess Kimball, in A Jess Kimball Mystery series' Book 1, will lure you deeper into mystery, intrigue, lies and secrets, where the innocent bystander and the intended targets dare not relax their vigilance for a moment.
Grab your copy today!

[Mella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeez, this was intense. I loved every minute of it. As I said in my review of Fatal Enemy, this series reminds me a lot of Furious. I loved Furious, so it comes as no real surprise that I loved this.

Fatal Distraction has two really strong leads in Jess and Helen. I really liked Jess and her dedication to the innocent. Her compassion and resilience was inspiring. I'll definitely be picking up the rest of her adventures. I loved Helen. I particularly loved that she was the hero of the story, rescuing everyone at the end. Oliver and Helen were so good together and it was nice to see such a supportive and loving couple represented in print for a change. The mystery itself was riveting and while it wasn't particularly surprising, I still really enjoyed how they got there. And Mike was hilarious all energy and just low key knowing everyone.

It was really well written as well and I can't wait to read more of this series. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

[Jill Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

An arsonist set Governor Helen Sullivan’s country horse stable on fire killing four horses including her dead son’s favorite horse, Jake. Concurrently, Tommy Taylor (child killer) is scheduled to die on death row and there are groups of people protesting against it. One of Tommy’s victim’s families has evidence to clear Tommy of one particular killing, but does not come forward to exonerate him for this murder because they want him to die for their own son’s murder which he went free for. The arsonist and killer of some of these kids was Ben Fleming, a grief counselor and the doctor to all these victims’ families. I never “got” why Ben was so full of hate towards Helen and her husband, Oliver, who was also his patient. It seemed disconnected and unexplained. I really like the Willa Carson books much better. This is the 2nd Jess Kimball book I read that has also not been as good. 6 Stars (11.24 to 12.13.18)

[Pegeen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Adequate plot but pedestrian at best writing : (“you are really in there, honey!” , “ she had no proof, but …”, “If anyone deserved to die it was …” ) TRIGGER horse barn burning which is unnecessarily drawn out, rather than focusing on and drawing out interactions between the characters.
Those character interactions that do exist are repetitive, reminding the reader of the same “emotional motivations“ of that character. Over and over .
TRIGGER stroke victim in too many major ways treated completely melodramatically and medically unrealistically.
No character development. Side characters are pawns, when I thought they had real potential for interest. Ok , I could go on, but ultimately plot became obvious too.

[Naznin Azeez · Rating 5 out of 5]

No wonder Diane gets such amazing reviews for her books. This is my first time reading one of her books and I have to say am a hardcore fan now.

There is so much justice and rightful decisions in this story. Jess Kimball stands for justice even when the legal systems had failed her. She is an investigative reporter. The story has so many surprising twists and turns. Helen Sullivan, a governor & one of the main protagonists of this story is strength personified. I can only wish for that kind of strength and steadfastness. I read it in one sitting. It's unputdownable. I will look out for more of Jess Kimball's stories.

[Lisa Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written book with strong female leads! I really enjoyed the characters of Jess and Helen. There were some heartfelt moments when they bonded over their losses. The secondary characters were ok but I didn't feel like a lot of them were as well developed as Jess and Helen. I thought naming the killer so early in the book was an odd choice, but I think it actually worked out really well. I spent the rest of the book trying to figure out the motivation. I thought that made an interesting twist.

I listened to the audiobook version and really enjoyed the narrator. I would definitely listen to more of her narrations.

[Gary Sedivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pacing in the book is fast. The character development is okay, but some the dialogue, or thought balloons are not as well executed. The action in the last couple of climax chapters lacked credibility.
Three stories in one! (Three! Three stories! - courtesy of 'The Count' on Sesame Street). O.K. You got your main character looking for her kidnapped son. You second main character presiding over an execution of a convicted killer. And then the there's the 'Munchausen syndrome by proxy' bad guy killing people. Add in a tepid debate on the death penalty.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent start to a new series. I know for most readers this has been around for a while. I was able to listen to it on audio and enjoyed the story with two strong females. Jess Kimball is an investigative reporter for victims rights and Governor Helen Sullivan has a strong belief in the law.

I enjoyed the story as it unfolded. The killer’s perspective was an interesting touch to the story. The narrator did an excellent job.

I received an audio copy from Netgalley and these are my opinions of the story.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Fatal Distraction” (Jess Kimball Book 2) by Diane Capri

An explosive and fast paced novel that grips the reader from word one to the last word of the novel.

With strong, relatable, and dynamic characters and a plot that is multi-faceted and enthralling, Diane Capri takes the reader on a roller coaster ride from beginning to end.

Jess Kimball is a character you will root for, fall in love with, and be inspired by.

Rating: 4.7
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Andrea A · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Net Galley for this audio to review.

Reporter jess Kimballs son was kidnapped years ago. Governor Helen Sullivan's son was murdered in a car crash and a horrific event occurred to distract her from trying to find out who killed her son. These 2 women come together to help each other solve this respective tragedies.

Interesting characters, fast paced, intelligently written with engaging narration.

[Runeda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started out so promising. I loved the action and the buildup and the characters were very well thought out however, in the end I was left feeling let down. The killers motive was the biggest let down. I was expecting more of a twist due to the high build up of tension and the action leading up to the reveal. It was just.. blah like no real thought really went into what drove the killer. I enjoyed everything else about the book except that.

[Nimalee Ravi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to listen to the audio book version and absolutely loved it. This is definitely a well written book with fantastic strong female leads. I was very surprised when the author revealed the killer so early but once reading on, I thought it worked very well. The plot definitely had some good twists and turns. This book was fast paced and intense. I hope there will be more from the author.

[Martin Pingree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an awesome action packed fun read. Jess is a journalist who’s been looking for a son since he disappeared years ago. She strives to help parents who are dealing with losses of their children. As the story develops she becomes involved in a huge mystery. Great cast of characters with a great story line makes this a can’t put down book.

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good suspense to allow me to step out of my world and get caught up in searching for the bad guy along with a governor and an investigative journalist. In this story, someone is out to destroy the governors life. Once she teams up with Jess the investigative journalist, can the 2 of them identify the murderer before they takes them out. Kept me guessing and on edge of my seat

[Tasnim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for the advanced copy of the audiobook of Fatal Distraction, the first book the Jess Kimball series.
I was eager to read this book. It was fast paced and kept me on edge. But as cliche as it may seem, I did got constantly distracted while listening to this.
A good book for lovers of thrilling stories.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the first book in a series that I am reading for Chirpbook's book club. I enjoyed this book about a young journalist whose son was kidnapped 10 years ago. She is always looking for him and is always searching for the truth, no matter where it takes her. Good book and I would be interested in reading the rest of the series!

[Laura Prindable · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away. This is the giddy in a series, originally published in 2012. Which means there are more in the series now! Yay! I'm deconstruct going to continue this series. I loved the characters so much!

Many thanks to OrangeSky Publishing and Net Galley for an audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Hope Gerhardstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has wo strong female protagonists. Good story line that reveals the killer fairly early in the book but then we are learning why he is committing the crimes. Likeable characters. I look forward to reading more of Diane Capri’s books.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded upto 4*

I enjoyed the fact that the story is led by two strong female leads, but at times feel the story was too rushed, and could have been expanded on, especially the ending of the book seemed inadequate to the story overall. Should it have been better detailed ending I would have increased the rating.

[Robert Poats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters!

Jess Kimball, Helen & Oliver Sullivan's lives are intertwined in this suspenseful read. Who killed a number of people, why & how the mystery is solved. Read the book to find out.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast Interesting Read

I found the book fast paced and the characters interesting. The killer"s identity became clear early so it was fun to see both sides of the story unfold. I will continue reading the series

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good mystery. I didn't like that the bad guys got away with so much, but I did like that the heroine saved the day and was some screaming dumb blonde. Also that she had a male "sidekick".

[RALPH BURDICK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost a Dr. Kimble rerun

Well written with a story that keeps the pages turning. Being a Florida native, I could almost put the names of the locations in this one. Looking to read the next one, Fatal Distractions!