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Jeri Howard Mystery #3
Take a Number
"Intelligent and determined, Jeri holds her own among the ranks of impressive female detectives." Publishers Weekly
A Jeri Howard mystery by the author of "Till the Old Men Die."
In Alameda County, east of San Francisco, the all-American pastimes of adultery, divorce, and mindless violence prosper -- and Petty Officer First Class Sam Raynor, USN, fits right in. Private investigator Jeri Howard is working for Raynor's battered wife, who wants not only a divorce but half of everything Raynor's got. It turns out Raynor's hidden some big bucks from Uncle Sam.
And that's not all he's hidden. Barely concealed behind his blond and muscled good looks is a vicious psychopath, whose wife-battering episodes are only the tip of an ugly iceberg. It seems Petty Officer Raynor's been getting away with murder . . . or close to it. And now that Jeri is on his trail, can murder be far behind?
A Jeri Howard mystery by the author of "Till the Old Men Die."
In Alameda County, east of San Francisco, the all-American pastimes of adultery, divorce, and mindless violence prosper -- and Petty Officer First Class Sam Raynor, USN, fits right in. Private investigator Jeri Howard is working for Raynor's battered wife, who wants not only a divorce but half of everything Raynor's got. It turns out Raynor's hidden some big bucks from Uncle Sam.
And that's not all he's hidden. Barely concealed behind his blond and muscled good looks is a vicious psychopath, whose wife-battering episodes are only the tip of an ugly iceberg. It seems Petty Officer Raynor's been getting away with murder . . . or close to it. And now that Jeri is on his trail, can murder be far behind?
345 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
1082 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
Janet Dawson
65 books71 followersJanet Dawson is the author of The Sacrificial Daughter, first in a new series featuring geriatric care manager. She has also written thirteen novels featuring Oakland private investigator Jeri Howard. Her first, Kindred Crimes, won the St. Martin's Press/Private Eye Writers of America contest for best first private eye novel. The most recent book in the series is The Devil Close Behind.
Her Jill McLeod historical mystery series features a Zephyrette sleuthing aboard the long-distance train called the California Zephyr in the early 1950s. The first in that series is Death Rides the Zephyr.
In the past, Dawson was a newspaper reporter and a Navy journalist. She has worked in the legal field and on the staff of the University of California Berkeley. She is a long-time member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
Her Jill McLeod historical mystery series features a Zephyrette sleuthing aboard the long-distance train called the California Zephyr in the early 1950s. The first in that series is Death Rides the Zephyr.
In the past, Dawson was a newspaper reporter and a Navy journalist. She has worked in the legal field and on the staff of the University of California Berkeley. She is a long-time member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 8, 2019
Another good solid mystery with plenty of possible suspects and a bit of a surprise. No, I didn't have the right killer this time.
Dawson's Jeri Howard series does not disappoint - always an enjoyable read.
Recommended for readers who like capable, smart women protagonists and a plot that explores touches on social issues (in this case, spouse abuse and homelessness).
Dawson's Jeri Howard series does not disappoint - always an enjoyable read.
Recommended for readers who like capable, smart women protagonists and a plot that explores touches on social issues (in this case, spouse abuse and homelessness).
July 22, 2023
I enjoyed this much more than I expected to!! It had been on my Kindle for a long time. Easy & engaging read. I will back up to read the 1st two in this series!!
October 21, 2019
I am reluctant to give a mystery 5 stars unless it breaks some new ground in the genre. I am happy to give this book a solid 4 stars for a satisfying story with interesting characters. I admit it helps that I have spent a great deal of time in Oakland and Alameda and am able to visualize the streets and haunts.
Jeri Howard is strong, capable PI in the mold of Kinsey Milhone and Sharon McCone. She does not take unnecessary risks but does not hesitate to confront the witnesses necessary to solve her cases. In addition her day to day activities highlight the many boring aspects to investigating, particularly by oneself. The first three books that I have read also deal with the military and offer an interesting look at the itinerant life of service personnel.
Dawson's mysteries may not be great literature, but they are great examples of well-developed plots with interesting characters. I prefer that to too many POVs and too many jumps in the timeline. I am looking forward to reading all the books in this series.
Jeri Howard is strong, capable PI in the mold of Kinsey Milhone and Sharon McCone. She does not take unnecessary risks but does not hesitate to confront the witnesses necessary to solve her cases. In addition her day to day activities highlight the many boring aspects to investigating, particularly by oneself. The first three books that I have read also deal with the military and offer an interesting look at the itinerant life of service personnel.
Dawson's mysteries may not be great literature, but they are great examples of well-developed plots with interesting characters. I prefer that to too many POVs and too many jumps in the timeline. I am looking forward to reading all the books in this series.
August 25, 2018
This was a really good story. The only reason I gave it 3 stars is because it was so long, alot of unnecessary pages. The characters were interesting -all of them. There were alot of suspects, the murdered guy was a real piece of work. It ended perfectly.
July 19, 2018
Well plotted
Well written (barring a few errata here and there) and the characters are plausible as are their motivations. Well worth following to the next installment.
Well written (barring a few errata here and there) and the characters are plausible as are their motivations. Well worth following to the next installment.
December 13, 2018
Nice episode in series, still politics got a little preachy. Plot would’ve been ok without that but survived well.
May 18, 2020
book would have been more enjoyable if there wasn't a long description of every event or what person was doing -made the book drag on - will not be reading any more of this author's books
April 6, 2021
When Jeri Howard becomes involved in a divorce case, she takes on more than finding the missing $100,000 dollars that Sam has hidden from his wife. He’s a nasty piece of work with a history of brutalising women. Yet on the surface, he’s charming and credible, drawing women to him with consummate ease.
When he’s murdered, Jeri’s job changes to investigator as his wife, Ruth, becomes the prime suspect. It doesn’t take much digging for Jeri to find plenty more suspects, leading to a classic private eye murder mystery tale.
Jeri’s a determined investigator who’s not afraid to speak her mind and ruffle feathers. She burns a lot of shoe leather in this investigation, which becomes more complex by the chapter. While the descriptions of places and journeys often slow the place, the story’s never dull as Jeri’s an engaging character and the plot twists keep you guessing right to the end
When he’s murdered, Jeri’s job changes to investigator as his wife, Ruth, becomes the prime suspect. It doesn’t take much digging for Jeri to find plenty more suspects, leading to a classic private eye murder mystery tale.
Jeri’s a determined investigator who’s not afraid to speak her mind and ruffle feathers. She burns a lot of shoe leather in this investigation, which becomes more complex by the chapter. While the descriptions of places and journeys often slow the place, the story’s never dull as Jeri’s an engaging character and the plot twists keep you guessing right to the end
June 30, 2021
What I have discovered about this author is that she is tenacious with writing a solid story with many sidelines as she peels that onion to reveal each and every aspect of what happened, why it happened, and who did what. Not everybody can get away with what she does but I think she’s amazing!! I also love all the extra info she adds from her research, gives the story more depth and character. I have a notebook where I keep notes and write out the storyline as I’m reading it so I can keep up with who is who because there are more characters in her stories than are normal for a murder mystery. It’s too easy to forget who is who. Since I’m so determined to read her books I’m going to make it as easy for myself as possible and keep notes. I have to say I love this series and I love the characters. And I hope Joe finds a place in the next books!!
May 4, 2024
I was going to give this book 4 stars until I got to the point where she brought in "tiny bones". Aside from this I thought that the writing was pretty compelling. I also liked the way that new potential perpetrators kept popping up.
June 10, 2020
Really a 3.5
This book is a good read. The characters are believable and the plot deep and satisfying. Unfortunately, it's good points tend to get lost under the almost mind numbing details offered about just about everything. A trip to a particular location involves the names of every street, cross street and dead end. It is as if the author believes that the more details, the more realistic the story. But the story sometimes gets lost in the minutia. Judicious editing would make this book shine.
This book is a good read. The characters are believable and the plot deep and satisfying. Unfortunately, it's good points tend to get lost under the almost mind numbing details offered about just about everything. A trip to a particular location involves the names of every street, cross street and dead end. It is as if the author believes that the more details, the more realistic the story. But the story sometimes gets lost in the minutia. Judicious editing would make this book shine.
September 30, 2020
Mystery, Danger, Intrigue and Humor
Jeri Howard, private investigator, is always seemingly living a normal life, but she keeps her fingers in several interesting pies all the same. Her cases range from divorces to murder and have more strange twists than a pit of snakes. Her borderline relationships are a bit of an enigma, but not exactly tame or normal. This is probably attributed to her type of work and the unusual hours she keeps. There is an entertaining quality and a lot of humor in her stories.
Jeri Howard, private investigator, is always seemingly living a normal life, but she keeps her fingers in several interesting pies all the same. Her cases range from divorces to murder and have more strange twists than a pit of snakes. Her borderline relationships are a bit of an enigma, but not exactly tame or normal. This is probably attributed to her type of work and the unusual hours she keeps. There is an entertaining quality and a lot of humor in her stories.
May 12, 2021
Good Detective series. This book takes place in California, with a heavy background of the Navy.
Jeri is a educated single woman who lives with a feisty cat Abigail. Her family Dad a professor of History, a brother who teaches high school and a mother who owns a five star restaurant. Jeri gets herself in dangerous situations because she don’t take no for an answer and pushes till she gets results. This book was written before cell phones and internet so her results are from lots of leg work and phone calls.
Jeri is a educated single woman who lives with a feisty cat Abigail. Her family Dad a professor of History, a brother who teaches high school and a mother who owns a five star restaurant. Jeri gets herself in dangerous situations because she don’t take no for an answer and pushes till she gets results. This book was written before cell phones and internet so her results are from lots of leg work and phone calls.
October 26, 2023
boxed set ebooks 1-5
this is book 3
she was hired to find the money the wife beating military husband was hiding from his wife who was divorcing him . they have a 4 yr old girl he wasnt interested in till she wanted a divorce
he was found dead shot in the back outside his wifes apt
the wife was arrested but the pi doesnt think she did it
the husband had 2 girlfriends too
he was hiding the money so she wouldnt get it
she figured out how the money was hidden in different banks
she solved the case, and got them to drop the charges on the wife and arrest the man that did kill her husband. she moved back in with her parents and daughter
this is book 3
she was hired to find the money the wife beating military husband was hiding from his wife who was divorcing him . they have a 4 yr old girl he wasnt interested in till she wanted a divorce
he was found dead shot in the back outside his wifes apt
the wife was arrested but the pi doesnt think she did it
the husband had 2 girlfriends too
he was hiding the money so she wouldnt get it
she figured out how the money was hidden in different banks
she solved the case, and got them to drop the charges on the wife and arrest the man that did kill her husband. she moved back in with her parents and daughter
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2019
So So
I wish this author had a better talent for fleshing out a story making it more entertaining. The plot and characters were well done, but it was like reading travel brochure for California with a mystery tossed in as an afterthought. The writing did not stir up the imagination or make your heart pound with anticipation. More action and romance would greatly improve the reading.
I wish this author had a better talent for fleshing out a story making it more entertaining. The plot and characters were well done, but it was like reading travel brochure for California with a mystery tossed in as an afterthought. The writing did not stir up the imagination or make your heart pound with anticipation. More action and romance would greatly improve the reading.
May 13, 2019
A decent read. Jeri was a good PI. The mystery was interesting but ultimately kind of a let down.
Bonus it actually read like a story happening in Oakland. I hate it when I read a book set in a major city where everyone is white. Or worse, there are caricatures of "others".
Ditto to the descriptions of the city. So tired of books set in NYC or San Francisco that pay lip service to setting but could be happening anywhere.
Bonus it actually read like a story happening in Oakland. I hate it when I read a book set in a major city where everyone is white. Or worse, there are caricatures of "others".
Ditto to the descriptions of the city. So tired of books set in NYC or San Francisco that pay lip service to setting but could be happening anywhere.
May 21, 2020
Hard to put it down!
I liked Take a Number very much. It takes reading to the very last page to know who killed Sam Raynor. And by the last page I wouldn’t have minded killing him myself, he was that evil. The other characters are interesting; some good, some about as bad as Sam. Jeri, the private detective, is super nice and smart as the proverbial tack. She has a sort of boyfriend, but assures us it’s not serious. She definitely solves the crime.
I liked Take a Number very much. It takes reading to the very last page to know who killed Sam Raynor. And by the last page I wouldn’t have minded killing him myself, he was that evil. The other characters are interesting; some good, some about as bad as Sam. Jeri, the private detective, is super nice and smart as the proverbial tack. She has a sort of boyfriend, but assures us it’s not serious. She definitely solves the crime.
May 24, 2020
Outstanding
An absolutely outstanding book following in the wake of two former terrific novels join this series. Janet Dawson has the ability to draw you into the intensity and intrigue of the story by laying out a number of characters who whilst they are integral to the book, as a whole, are a huge distraction to the reader keeping you guessing who the major perpetrator is and the underlying reason for ťheir guilt.
An absolutely outstanding book following in the wake of two former terrific novels join this series. Janet Dawson has the ability to draw you into the intensity and intrigue of the story by laying out a number of characters who whilst they are integral to the book, as a whole, are a huge distraction to the reader keeping you guessing who the major perpetrator is and the underlying reason for ťheir guilt.
May 29, 2020
A Complicated Murder
Great insight into the edges of military life and those who choose it or often have it chosen for them.
Domestic violence is a difficult and often underrated in the military, resulting in tragedy and enduring trauma, especially when the key perpetrator has a screw loose.
This story gives one a glimpse of how many are involved over and over again, until a dreadful event brings on more trauma with many suspects are uncovered.
Keri is a unique female PI.
Great insight into the edges of military life and those who choose it or often have it chosen for them.
Domestic violence is a difficult and often underrated in the military, resulting in tragedy and enduring trauma, especially when the key perpetrator has a screw loose.
This story gives one a glimpse of how many are involved over and over again, until a dreadful event brings on more trauma with many suspects are uncovered.
Keri is a unique female PI.
June 2, 2020
Cleverly written detective novel
The book goes at a fast pace, nothing graphic or violent. Just good old fashioned detective on the ground work. The characters are well-defined and I could practically see them. I thought I figured out "whodunit" but I was wrong! There are some wordy parts, like laying out every street that PI Jeri drives on.That might be great for people that know the area. Otherwise, it was a great read.
The book goes at a fast pace, nothing graphic or violent. Just good old fashioned detective on the ground work. The characters are well-defined and I could practically see them. I thought I figured out "whodunit" but I was wrong! There are some wordy parts, like laying out every street that PI Jeri drives on.That might be great for people that know the area. Otherwise, it was a great read.
February 28, 2021
Parts of this one were a bit too predictable, but the number of suspects keeps the reader guessing. I liked how the author brought back secondary characters from an earlier novel to play larger roles in this one; it adds to the familiarity of the cast and allows for character development. hard to feel sorry for the murder victim, but we feel for several of the suspects, not just Jeri's client, as she follows the various threads through to a satisfying conclusion.
May 25, 2020
Well done!
Loved how the author drew pictures of every scene to the point I felt as if I were standing or sitting in each room, etc. Couldn't tell you if I succeeded in guessing the killer of simply made up my mind who I wanted it to be. Either way I did enjoy the odd characters as well as the regular ones. Good job
Loved how the author drew pictures of every scene to the point I felt as if I were standing or sitting in each room, etc. Couldn't tell you if I succeeded in guessing the killer of simply made up my mind who I wanted it to be. Either way I did enjoy the odd characters as well as the regular ones. Good job
September 19, 2025
Jeri walked into this one unwittingly! What started out as a divorce case, which she does not really care for, and hunt the money turns into a murder case. The person murdered is the one with hidden money. A somewhat disliked person, so there are many suspects.
Enjoyable read working with Jeri to find the culprit through all the twists and turns.
Enjoyable read working with Jeri to find the culprit through all the twists and turns.
August 6, 2019
Complex, well-developed mystery
Despite the formulaic nature of mystery series books, this series from Janet Dawson holds your interest and even delivers some surprises. Eagerly moving on to the next in the series. Characters are distinct and do not all have the same voice.
Despite the formulaic nature of mystery series books, this series from Janet Dawson holds your interest and even delivers some surprises. Eagerly moving on to the next in the series. Characters are distinct and do not all have the same voice.
May 19, 2020
"Not for me"
Too much detail on the settings and unnecessary extras. No wonder it took over four hundred pages to get the job done. When you strip away the padding the story line was interesting, bit never gripping and unmissable.
Too much detail on the settings and unnecessary extras. No wonder it took over four hundred pages to get the job done. When you strip away the padding the story line was interesting, bit never gripping and unmissable.
June 4, 2020
An intriguing character
I liked the character of Jeri Howard, the PI. She's an interesting character, Ann's believeable. She's not a super hardass, but she's tough enough. She's smarter than she is tough.
I liked the character of Jeri Howard, the PI. She's an interesting character, Ann's believeable. She's not a super hardass, but she's tough enough. She's smarter than she is tough.
June 12, 2020
This was a thrilling story, it had my attention from start to finish. It was hard to work out who the murderer was, but have to say that Sam got his just dessert. I enjoyed following Jeri Howard. looking forward to reading more of her adventures.
June 16, 2020
Another book that came up on my bookbub i am a sucker for private eyes and Jeri Howard is no exception its nice for the author to let the reader get under the skin of the main character. This book is nicely paces i will go back and read the first two books to bring myself up to date
September 20, 2020
Good read!
I enjoyed reading this book about a female PI. She is very committed to her job and has a good intuition about whether her client is guilty. The only thing I didn't like was there was a little too much filler. It made the book too long.
I enjoyed reading this book about a female PI. She is very committed to her job and has a good intuition about whether her client is guilty. The only thing I didn't like was there was a little too much filler. It made the book too long.
December 9, 2020
In this case, she gets involved with some military families. A woman is missing and her husband is the suspect. This takes you into the military background as you discover lots more going on in these families lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews