Chill Factor

Dixie Flannigan #3

by Chris Rogers

Former prosecutor Dixie Flannigan is fearless when it comes to facing down lowlifes and bail jumpers—but her checkbook is another story. Determined to straighten out a big hole in her account, Dixie heads for the bank...only to find herself in the middle of a holdup, watching in disbelief as sweet, middle-aged Edna Pine, the neighbor she loves like family, makes off with three bags of loot. When Edna dies in a violent shoot-out with cops, she's branded the latest in a string of "granny bandits." Wracked by guilt for not trying to stop her, Dixie digs for the truth, and soon she's on the trail of a master manipulator who has set in motion a devastating plot. Now Dixie's about to discover that a smile
is the most chilling weapon of all....

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Chris Rogers was born in Texas and raised in the days of EC Comics and “B” horror flicks that could chill you down to your funny bones. She resides in a small community within commute of the four major Texas metropolises, where she ghostwrites business books and memoirs while turning out her own novels and short stories. Chris has taught mystery writing at the Rice University School of Continuing Studies, the University of Houston and in private master classes. Her students have received numerous awards and acknowledgements for their works. After a career in graphic design, Chris became a writer the easy way: She read voraciously and filled blank pages with drivel until her fingers cramped and her brain defected. Eventually, she learned to craft a decipherable sentence. Author of the Dixie Flannigan series, Bitch Factor, Rage Factor, Chill Factor and Slice of Life, Chris has published stories and essays in, among others, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine and Writer’s Digest.

Reviews

[Jody Hamilton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the previous 2 Dixie Flanagan books and enjoyed them, but this one seemed flat and uninteresting. I made it to the end, but not my favorite books at all. I don't think the author wrote any more in the series.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rarely do I quit a book without finishing but I gave up about 66% through this one. For me just not an engaging read.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series by Chris Rogers speaks to me; I have enjoyed each story for different reasons. The main characters are engaging; the relationship problems between Dixie and Parker are fascinating.

I believe Rogers has created a believable situation - a woman struggling with her past and her fear of letting a significant male (Parker) get close to her. Dixie carries some serious wounds from emotional abuse via her birth mother. Dixie tried to get her mother to protect her from her "boyfriends" - instead, her mother ignored her. Dixie tried to avoid the boyfriends on her own; however, Mom often colluded with the men to allow Dixie to be used. When the significant person in a child's life does not protect, that child learns not to trust.

This series seems to be a study in Dixie's learning to trust herself and others. Dixie and Parker love each other but Dixie carries some very heavy baggage from her years with her birth mother. Bless Parker for giving her the room and time to work on herself.

Dixie has made significant changes in this book. It shows in her reaction to the psychologist - she rejects the doctor's pseudo-science, numerology and astrology. However, Dixie hears the messages about her behavior and how it isn't getting her what she wants.

The plot in this book is rather complicated but includes "Granny Bandits," revenge murders and mind control. The only reason I didn't give this a 5 stars is that it dragged a bit at times.

If you will look at the series list below, you may notice that it took 12 years to get the final book in the series printed. That is because Rogers has published it herself. I've already ordered the final installment; otherwise, it is hard to find. 4.5 stars

Dixie Flanagan
1. Bitch Factor (1998)
2. Rage Factor (1999)
3. Chill Factor (2000)
4. Slice of Life (2012)

[Lissy · Rating 2 out of 5]

the first two were a lot better. this one kind of fell flat. it didn't get interesting until the very end and then it was just over. I would probably read more if the series continued because the first two were top notch!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yowzah! This one was a humdingah of a story, very gritty and grim. The police were ready to call it with the 'granny bandits', but Dixie needed to know the root cause after witnessing the robbery committed by her neighbor, someone she thought she knew.
There are flashbacks throughout the book as Dixie reminisces about her relationship with Edna and Edna's son, Marty. Marty is shell-shocked to say the least and asks Dixie to look into the case to clear his mother's name.
There's a lot of duplicity going on and I was thrown for a loop several times as I listened to this suspense mystery. My jaw dropped towards the end...completely did not see the ending when it hit.
I can highly recommend this story and this series either as a handheld book and definitely as an audiobook. Peggity Price is perfect for this story.
Five edge of my seat beans.....

[Judy King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series of three books starring a former Texas D. A. Dixie Flannigan. This installment takes a slightly different tone -- here Dixie is much more serious, and is unraveling a much more more diabolical murder mystery -- It was well done, but I think I liked the lighter more frivolous Dixie in the earlier books a bit better.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dixie Flanagan was a prosecutor now she is a bounty hunter with strong ties to several law enforcements in Texas police departments. I also like stories that take place in Texas being a native myself.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this 3.5 stars if I could. It was an enjoyable read and I loved the heroine. I will check out the other 2 books in this series at some point.