Zero Hero

Kate Huntington Mysteries #6

by Kassandra Lamb

On the 10th anniversary of 9/11 the media replays the videos of that day’s devastation, and a national hero’s life begins to unravel.

When the first responder, already struggling with delayed PTSD and addiction, is accused of murdering his former drug dealer, psychotherapist Kate Huntington finds herself going above and beyond to help him. As she and her P.I. husband set out to clear him of the charges, they are thrust into a deadly world of drugs, prostitutes and hired killers, and end up questioning who they are and what it means to be brave.

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2013

About the author

Psychology and writing (or writing and psychology) have always vied for the number one spot on my list of greatest passions. I am now a retired psychotherapist and can afford to spend as much time as I want on my writing.

I am in Heaven! (Well, actually I live in Florida now.)

Some people have asked me if my protagonist, psychotherapist Kate Huntington, is me. I wish! She's much more consistently kind and compassionate than I am.

I was born and raised in Maryland and lived there most of my adult life. In addition to my psychotherapy practice, I also taught at Towson University for a decade. It was my favorite job of my entire lifetime, so I decided to base my first series, the Kate Huntington mysteries, in Towson, Maryland. My newer series, about a service dog trainer, is set in central Florida near where I live now, the Marcia Banks and Buddy cozy mysteries.

I blog about psychological topics, or anything else that strikes my fancy, about twice a month at www.misteriopress.com.

Reviews

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 9/11 first responder, a victim of his circumstances, is accused of murder. An interesting look into how our heroes may see themselves and the impacts of inadequate support. Kate and group need to protect him from underworld crime groups, the police and himself. I especially enjoy that Kassandra writes these books in a way that each stands alone but also continues the story of our favourite characters.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Huntington-Canfield 1st husband Eddie Ed Huntington was killed. They had a daughter together Edie (7). Kate has been married to her 2nd husband Skip Canfield for 6 yrs. He is a private detective. Kate & Skip have a son together Billy (5). Maria is their live-in nanny/housekeeper.

Kate Huntington (psychotherapist) was using an in vivo intervention on Pete Jamison (Baltimore County firefighter). He suffers from PTSD & a past drug user. He was in NYC on vacation & ended up as a 1st responder, WTC on 9/11/2001. Rob Franklin her BMF referred him.

Later Kate got a call from Rob (defense attorney) & Pete was in jail not for drugs but 1st degree murder of Jimmy Matthews (Pete HS friend, drug dealer, pimp).

Bail is set at $150,000. The judge had a heart he lowered it to $100,000.

Mac & Skip were doing a little investigation & went to talk with Frederico Gonzales (1/2 AA/Hispanic, drug dealer, pimp) Jimmy’s main rival/competition at Santiago’s.

The 2 were about to leave & a shot rang out. Mathias Mac McKenzie Reilly was hit, rushed to the Baltimore Medical Center & is in ICU. Rose Hernandez (Kate cousin, Mac 3rd wife, former PI) was in the waiting room.

Kate manages to raise the 10% ($15,000) bail.

Detective Judith Anderson was going to put Pete in a safe house.

What will Roxie (prostitute) reveal?

Will the team find out who really killed Jimmy Matthews?

Or will Pete Jamison be convicted?

& who really shot Mac Reilly, will he recover? & will the team find that assailant?

I read a lot about psychotherapist but I have not met 1 yet.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written psychological who dun it murder crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great crime thriller movie, or mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free ARC PDF book (Author)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Sue Pilski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of reading an ARC of Zero Hero.
This isn't just a story revolved around the 10 year anniversary of 9/11, but of compassion and friendship. Zero Hero will take you through a mystery of intrigue, temptation and honesty. No spoilers here, but prepared for another terrific Kate Huntington Mystery!
This may just be Kass's best one yet!
Highly recommend with *****+ stars!

[Eileen Gernet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get your tissues ready

I cried twice during this book. I remember 9/11 vividly heading up the UK turnpike only to get off and turn around. We are now in a pandemic with that helpless feeling all over again. This book is poignant during this time and should be read with a certain amount of reverence for those no longer with is.

[Judith m cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

5 Stars Ms. Lambs books just get better and better. Can't wait to start the next one. Likable characters and good storylines. Highly recommended.

[Randall Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Kate Huntington Mystery, and the first thing I noticed was that the narrative is rock solid and moves well, so I knew right away the story was in the hands of a pro.
Kate Huntington herself is a psychologist who works with addicts and has a tight-knit family as well as an equally tight-knit extended family. Add all those to the lawyers, bodyguards, and others, and it was a lot of characters to keep straight. Regular Kate Huntington readers are probably familiar with them all, and they all bring something to the table, but for first-time readers, it takes a while to keep them sorted out. But when you do, you can relate to them all.
The caper involves a 9/11 first-responder with a lot of demons who is arrested for murder but insists on his innocence. At a friend’s request, Kate takes the first-responder as a patient to keep him clean but ends up enlisting her entire entourage of family and friends to come to the guy’s rescue.
The story kept me engaged and as it progressed, I suspected a traitor was in the mix or the first-responder was a cunning manipulator. I won’t say what happens, but suffice it to say there are plenty of plot twists, red herrings, and unexpected revelations to keep the story a step ahead of the reader.
I liked that the story reveals a lot about the Kate Huntington character as well as her husband’s - their fears, their doubts, their limitations – because it serves to humanize them and make it easy for the reader to relate. It is also fascinating to go behind the scenes of police work to see how vital a psychologist can be to criminal justice.
All in all, a gritty and intriguing page-turner that moves well and keeps the reader guessing.

[Dawn Whidden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my very first Kassandra Lamb novel and I can guarantee it will not be my last. This is the story of a man who was deemed a hero after running back into the WT CENTER and rescuing men and women in the burning and collapsing building. Never feeling quite comfortable with the title of hero: Peter Jamison feels unworthy after harboring the guilt of not being able to save more: especially a little girl who’s limp body he carried away last. Peter falls into despair and depression and is diagnosed with PTSD, but cannot get the care he needs due to technical and uncaring health care insurers. But persistence and his own personal strength finds him on the right track to his recovery when the track takes a turn ten years later and the black cloud that follows him bursts and he gets accused of a homicide. This is a story of friendship and compassion of a group of attorneys, doctors and detectives who come together to help save a man who considers him self not deserving of the title of hero. Kassandra Lamb does an excellent job of involving the reader with her characters, so much so that I found myself having to put the book down because certain parts of the book brought back so many memories of that historic day and the losses this country sustained plus my own personal loss of a childhood friend who was on the plane that hit the pentagon. Bravo Kassandra Lamb. I am looking forward to reading the rest of your Kate Huntington series.

[Christa Nardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pete doesn't view himself as a hero; he was just doing what he was trained to do even though he wasn't on duty, and he still couldn't save everyone. He holds it together but then the flashbacks and memories take hold. He turns to alcohol and drugs and is put on administrative leave. He is making his way back, he's clean, and dealing with his PTSD. Then he's framed for his friend's murder, or so he says.

There's something about Pete, his actions on 9/11, and although Kate isn't an addiction counselor, at Rob's request, they both get involved. Are they crossing their professional boundaries, getting too involved with a client? Then Skip gets pulled in as well. But Skip isn't so sure this case is a great idea as he is faced with his own fears and weaknesses. Not to mention, the case takes on some definite twists and turns as Kate and her friends work to exonerate Pete while keeping him on the road to recovery. Kate and her group of conspirators are likable, but complex characters with depth and surprises. This is a fast paced read that will keep you reading and keep you guessing. Better plan for an early start and a late night!

[Jill D Coffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it six stars I would

I don't think I've ever read a series where the writer came so far between each book . They have all been great but each has been that much better than the one before it .

Kassandra Lamb does not just right wonderful mysteries or tell great stories . Her ideas are fresh and original . Some perhaps even a bit controversial .

As I've read, I've gotten to know and enjoy each of her well-crafted characters . For me, it is essential that I care about and believe the characters or I can't immerse myself in the story . And I think the Lamb has a secret to her character creation which adds to the books realism and relevance . The protagonists are a therapist , a lawyer , a private detective , ex cops , ex-military and a few people that are pretty good with computers . Each approaches a case with their own set of skills and frame of reference . This means the reader can have a psychological thriller , a legal thriller and a police procedural, all in one story. Makes for a satisfying read .

[Sybil Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. Travel into the world of prostitution, addiction, fear, and of course love as the author ties them all together in a realistic and heartwarming story. Each character has their own distinct strengths and weaknesses as they work together to help one 9/11 hero. Imagine the frustration and surprise when they realize that there is more than meets the eye. As they begin to dig into the circumstances of a murder, they find themselves confronted with pimps, prostitutes, old and new murders, addiction, and attempts on some of their own lives. I was touched to see how a multitude of people pulled together to help one man because of the sincere belief that he deserved a chance. I love that the book brought to remembrance the events of 9/11 and the fact that so many more suffered than we could possibly imagine. I have not read the previous Kate novels, but I certainly will now! Don’t miss this exciting story.

[Pernette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pete is a Maryland firefighter that is in NYC on 9/11 2001. Ten years later he is dealing with delayed post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Kate Huntington and her friend Rob try to help Pete with his PTSD, drug addiction and his legal problems. They become personally involved and lose their professional perspective. Kate even gets her husband Skip and his partner Rosa and their private detective agency involved with Pete when he is charged with murder. Lots of twist and turns and soul searching by most of the characters. Most readers will be able to identify with this book on certain levels. I would highly recommend this book to anyone but most importantly first responders, fire fighters, police, counselors and anyone that felt helpless as they watched the horror of 9/11 unfold.

[Lavada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What can I say about Kass' s new Kate Huntington book! She has a way of grabbing you from the very beginning and leaving you on wanting the next book ASAP! I was on pins and needles during the whole book. The 9/11 aspect of a firefighter dealing with PTSD was so realistic that you wanted to do anything to help Pete!
All the characters are so alive you can actually see them! It is a stand alone book in the series as most of them are, but take it from me, once you read one one, you will have to read another one! Keep up the great work Kass! I can't wait until Fatal Forty-Eight comes our!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zero Hero by Kassandra Lamb is a stark reminder of those who survive the 911 attacks. In this story, I became as caught up in Pete’s plight as Kate and Rob did. It is the most emotional of the Kate novels that I have read. It is also the most though provoking of the books; it stuck with me long after I had finished reading it. There is still the mystery and intrigue along with the supporting characters. It is now one of my favorites by Kassandra Lamb.

[Valerie Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted this copy in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book & the ONLY bad thing about it is that I haven't read all the previous ones :( There is a lot of backstory with some of the main characters that are referenced, but that I haven't read. I would recommend reading this whole series as it IS really good.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The Romantic/Suspense/Mystery really had me from the start. The characters are intriguing and come across as very human and mostly enjoyable. The plot is very feasible and had me guessing until the end. Kassandra Lamb's books are going to keep me reading for a long time!

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great mystery dealing with a difficult subject - PTSD from 9/11. The author did a fantastic job of presenting the complications of stress, all the while delivering a solid mystery. Very enjoyable. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a definite five star

I read a lot and I really get weary being asked to leave reviews. If you like to read well written thrillers and crime novels you'll enjoy this book and Ms. Lamb's others also as I do

[Vinnie Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zero Hero features likable characters and a twisty, action-packed plot. Main character Kate Huntington, a psychologist, is a compassionate, complex human being with a "Kickass Kate" side as well.