Masters

Man Down #2

by Dale Mayer

Masters has joined Jasper’s investigation team, when they realize another investigator went missing four months ago, yet his case is on hold. Part of the issue is that Masters needs to figure out who on the existing team is trustworthy. He reaches out to the missing investigator’s sister, looking for answers.

Elizabeth has been seeking answers over her brother’s disappearance ever since the last time she spoke to him. With no leads, no tips, and no sign of him, the case ran cold. To her, it seemed no one cared. Having Masters show up at her door, asking questions all over again, sparks anger and hope in her.

Maybe this time they can find out what happened to the only family Elizabeth has left …

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Mystery

215 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2024

About the author

Dale Mayer is a USA Today bestselling author best known for her Psychic Visions and Family Blood Ties series. Her contemporary romances are raw and full of passion and emotion (Second Chances, SKIN), her thrillers will keep you guessing (By Death series), and her romantic comedies will keep you giggling (It's a Dog's Life and Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy series).

She honors the stories that come to her - and some of them are crazy and break all the rules and cross multiple genres!

To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series. All her books are available in print and ebook format.

To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com. Or connect with her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author. If you like Dale Mayer's books and are interested in joining her street team, sign up here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/40238...

Books by Dale Mayer

Psychic Vision Series
Tuesday's Child
Hide'n Go Seek
Maddy's Floor
Garden of Sorrow
Knock, Knock...
Rare Find
Eyes to the Soul - fall/winter 2014

By Death Series
Touched by Death - Part 1 - Free
Touched by Death - Part 2
Touched by Death - Full book
Haunted by Death
Chilled by Death - fall/winter 2014

Second Chances...at Love Series
Second Chances - Part 1
Second Chances - Part 2
Second Chances - Full book

Novellas
It's a Dog's Life- romantic comedy

Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy
Broken Protocols #1
Broken Protocols #2
Broken Protocols #3

New adult/adul crossover Books
In Cassie's Corner
Gem Stone (a Gemma Stone mystery)

Design Series
Dangerous Designs
Deadly Designs
Darkest Designs

Family Blood Ties Series
Vampire in Denial
Vampire in Distress
Vampire in Design
Vampire in Deceit
Vampire in Defiance

Non-Fiction Books
Career Essentials: The Resume
Career Essentials: The Cover Letter
Career Essentials: The Interview
Career Essentials: 3 in 1

Reviews

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prologue of this book shows Masters at Jasper's desk doing research, while Jasper gets some well-deserved rest. He's interrupted by Sam one of the team members who apparently has a problem with Jasper. Master's discovers the man is drunk and takes his keycard and car keys telling him contact him to meet off base to determine his sobriety before he can return.

It's the key card that opens a whole new can of worms, since it's not Sam's, but Nicholas Woodrow's. No relation to Masters.

It's determined that Nicholas went missing a few weeks ago and Mason's case took precedence. However now that Masters and Jasper know about it, they begin to research it. What they find is very little, and they decide to pursue it.

Elizabeth Woodrow has tried everything to get information about the investigation into her brother's disappearance. She's gone so far as to hire lawyers to take on the Navy. That being the case Masters decides a visit would fare better than a phone call.

Elizabeth is surprised when Masters shows up. He explains that he's going back to the beginning on the investigation into her brother's disappearance. She takes him to her brother's home, and he does a walk through, finding a window open that she says should not be. Although nothing else seems out of place. He leaves her with much to think about and his contact information.

It doesn't take long before Elizabeth decides to take a closer look at her brother's home. What she finds surprises her and also scares her leading her to contact Masters.

Things escalate from here and connections are not obvious, but Masters and Jasper feel something is there.

The attraction between Masters and Elizabeth is subtle for the most part but definitely there. I love when they both finally admit it.

With each clue that comes to light the mystery of the attempt on Mason's life becomes a bit more convoluted and I find myself wanting more even as the book ends.

I really can't wait for the next one.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series follows on seamlessly from Dale Mayer's brilliant Shadow Recon series with many of the same much loved characters.
Masters Woodrow had joined Jasper to find out who shot Mason, Mason is the much revered team leader and is still lying in an induced coma, Jasper had taken over the team but the team didn't trust him and he didn't trust them, this wasn't how a team was supposed to work, he was so glad to have Masters by his side.
Jasper was incensed when he found that a team member had been missing for four months and that no one seemed to be doing anything to find him, the only person who seemed to care was the missing man's sister, Elizabeth. Elizabeth had caused waves, she had confronted the military, she had contacted the police, she wouldn't believe that he was dead without seeing proof.
Masters looked into the file on Nicholas Woodrow and was furious to find very little had been done to find him.
Masters was on a mission, he would help Elizabeth, although he thought that Nicholas was probably dead he couldn't shake his sisters hope, could his disappearance have anything to do with Mason's attempted murder ?
This story is a page turner, it is action packed, full of suspense, discounted theories and of course a gentle blossoming romance between Elizabeth and Masters. I love the characters, I love that the story has an ending but there is a core story running through the series, I can't wait to read Gideon's story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masters has joined Jasper’s investigation team, when they realize another investigator went missing four months ago, yet his case is on hold. Part of the issue is that Masters needs to figure out who on the existing team is trustworthy. He reaches out to the missing investigator’s sister, looking for answer. Elizabeth has been seeking answers over her brother’s disappearance ever since the last time she spoke to him. With no leads, no tips, and no sign of him, the case ran cold. To her, it seemed no one cared. Having Masters show up at her door, asking questions all over again, sparks anger and hope in her. Maybe this time they can find out what happened to the only family Elizabeth has left.

This was a great mystery which may or may not be connected to Mason's attack. I loved how steady Masters was but also told everyone exactly how it was. Everything was easy to read and understand. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masters joins the investigation to who shot Mason and finds out that a previous team member, Nicholas, has been missing for months and no one has followed up on the disappearance. He learns that he has a sister, Elizabeth and decides to meet her as her brother’s disappearance may be linked to the shooting. Elizabeth is stunned to find out that Masters is looking into Nicholas’s disappearance, as no one has followed up or seems to care. She can’t get her hopes up but Masters seems to be invested and wants to help. The more they dig, the more strange occurrences happen and Elizabeth is caught in the middle…can Masters find her brother alive or is it too late.
A good read with some suspense and more questions as the case gets a bit more complicated and the mystery deepens on who did it and why? Masters and Elizabeth do get their HEA for now and some clues to figuring out who wants Mason out of the picture.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masters by Dale Mayer
Man Down Series Book Two
Masters Woodrow is working with Jasper on the investigative team to figure out who shot Mason and why. They don’t trust the other guys they’re working with. Meanwhile, he uncovers that one of the team disappeared four months ago, and they didn’t do much to search for him. He immediately digs into it to see if it’s connected…and is determined to figure out how to help out the missing man’s sister.
Elizabeth Woodrow is frustrated. The military has done nothing to find out what happened to Nicholas. She realized no one cared, and she was blocked from doing anything. And then came Masters, someone who believed her and was willing to help find her brother. Dead or alive.
Another exciting series. The main thread is who shot Mason, but each book has other storylines. Well-written stories that I enjoy.
**Sexual content and language
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can see this becoming as twisted and intriguing as Shadow Recon Series, I really want Mason awake for Tesla's sake. Now we have 2 men down. Love the mystery of these stories and how each take on their own life in many ways with an odd clue here and there, like a jigsaw puzzle fitting bits and pieces together to solve it. More wonderful characters some you trust and others to doubt, Elizabeth is very strong and independent, has kept her faith her brother is alive and pushed for answers now finally someone is listening. Masters is a protector but also a very competent investigator, his instinct saying there is more going on. Fortunately Jasper agrees. Held me and interested me, kept me curious and my brain fully active but also gave me the escape that I love with reading. Some excitement made the heart pound and a bit of romance to soothe my soul.

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in this brilliant series. In the last book we had Jasper who was leading the investigation into Mason being gunned down. Being cautious of Masters. Masters wants in to find out why his friend was shot. On his investigation he learns another investigator has been missing for some months and that the higher ups have dropped it.

Elizabeth is surprised and shocked when a man asks questions about her brother. Between her job and trying to find him she is trying be u see the radar and come out at the end.

Things hit the fan and the heat is turned up as people wind up dead and Elizabeth gets attacked in her own home. A great read all round with lots of action going on and angst. Love the chemistry and bantering between Elizabeth and Masters. Couldn’t get enough and I can’t wait for Gideon’s book.

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masters & Elizabeth
This story gets emotional from the very beginning as Elizabeth has done everything she can think of and her brother remains missing.
I love the determination of Jasper and Masters trying to find who ever shot Mason and even more so when they dig into the disappearance of Elizabeth’s brother, Nicholas.
Things get exciting when the clues start appearing despite those same clues not giving them many answers.
I enjoyed the take charge attitude Jasper and Masters share with the investigative team and their doubts about how loyal and honest that group is. There’s something definitely hinky there, time will tell.
This is a great story with updates on Mason’s condition and Tesla’s assistance. Full of action, mystery, and suspense as well as some romance to sweeten the pot! And – never turn your back on a woman who knows how to use a frying pan!

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of Man down and about the search for Mason's attacker in an assassination attempt while Mason remains in an induced coma. Jasper is leading the investigation and now Masters joins the team to find answers.
Each of these books in this series will go on this theme however each book will also have an story to tell about how this investigation goes on. This tale is about Masters following a lead about an missing investigator which may be connected to the mystery. To do this he contacts the missing man's sister Elizabeth and this is their story. Wonderful characters, suspense wondering if Elizabeth's brother could be found alive after months of being missing and just a page turner that will keep you guessing. Great book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing mystery that kept me on my toes. I enjoyed Masters' straightforward way of communicating with everyone. Out of the people on the investigating team, it initially seems as though Masters and Jasper are the only ones to completely trust.

I thought it was interesting the way Masters and Elizabeth connected. There was a pinch more heat than I expected, and it felt more like an insta-love scenario. I questioned some of the moves Elizabeth made when it was an obviously unsafe situation.

I will admit to having moments of confusion. Could Nicholas' disappearance be attributed to the crime against Mason, or was something else going on? I was truly invested in if or how these crimes intermingled. Well, don't expect to find the answers in this book. I expect the mystery of what happened to Mason and why it happened to slowly unfold in future books.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great addition to this series. I was sold on the series when Mason was shot. I mean, come on, Mason is integral to so many stories how can you not want to know what is happening. In this story, Jasper and Masters discover that a member of the investigative team has been missing for four months. And the more they look into it, it seems that not much of an investigation was conducted at the time. Or was it? Masters reaches out to the missing guy's sister, Elizabeth, and it's not long before she starts receiving threats.

I loved this story - the intrigue, danger, romance, and so much more. It's looking like someone higher up is throwing up walls to stall the investigation. But who? And why? I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Masters . This is the second book in the series . It's interesting and Suspenseful . While Mason is fighting for his life with his wife by his side . Jasper brings Masters in to help investigate . Masters finds that one of the investigators on base had disappeared four months ago and it doesn't appear that the investigation team has been working on his disappearance . Masters seeks out the man's sister Elizabeth for any helpful information she may have . As they search for answers they find themselves in serious danger . As danger escalates so does the attraction between Masters and Elizabeth . This story is action packed and intense . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5) Masters name is appropriate. He is indeed a Master at his job. As he steps up to help with the investigation into Mason's shooting he realizes a previous investigator has been missing for months. There is alot happening in book 2, as we traverse the underlying story thread that will carry through out each book. Elizabeth and Masters are great characters that become closer as they search for answers. Questions are raised about competency and trustworthiness with existing investigators and the perps are about causing havoc. Thank you for an early copy! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #Masters #ManDown #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishing #Booksprout

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Elizbeth’s brother has been missing for months but no one is looking for him until Masters learns about the missing investigator when he joins the team investigating Mason’s shooting. Elizabeth is glad to have someone finally listening to her about her brother. Mason cannot believe that no one has been looking for the missing man and is determined to find him and protect Elizabeth at the same time. His interest in Elizabeth is seen immediately by others but she doesn’t see it at first. The characters have great chemistry together.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger, deception and cover ups

Masters thought he was brought in to investigate Mason's shooting, but he quickly realises there are other investigations that have slipped through the net.....
Investigations that bring Elizabeth into his life, she's smart, determined and everything he never expected! As they are drawn deeper into the investigation it becomes more and more obvious that there are cover ups....how high does the deception and the lies go? We may not get the answers to Mason's shooting or even how high the deceit has risen, but we do gain some valuable puzzle pieces to add to the bigger picture and we will get all the answers.... eventually.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book and I absolutely loved it.

This is the second book in the Man Down series and I do suggest reading them in order, Masters is the newest member to the investigation to find out who orchestrated the attempted murder of Mason, while investigation possible leads he stumbles upon a missing investigator who's case was wrapped up. He meets Elizabeth, the missing man's sister and when trouble follows her, he decides he won't let any danger come to her.
A well-written and intriguing storyline, wonderful characters. Both Masters and Elizabeth are great, good Story. Definitely recommend.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Masters joins the team, he is expecting to investigate what happened to Mason however when they find out that Nicholas, another member of the team, is missing his mandate changes as he tries to confirm if the two are related which brings Elizabeth into his life.

Elizabeth has been frustrated by the way her brother’s disappearance has been handled so when she is approached by Masters she has mixed feelings between hope that he hasn’t been forgotten and anger about the time that has been lost.

The suspense keeps you on edge as clues are revealed one by one as Masters and Elizabeth search for the truth and find love along the way.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Elizabeth and Masters together and how we now had two cases Jasper and Masters were looking into, but we didn't know if they were connected or not or what had happened to Elizabeth's brother.
I'm still undecided on who I trust out of the original investigation team as neither seem to be eager to help or hinder what Jasper and Masters are doing so I look forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masters

Jasper brings Masters in to work on his team so he had a man he can trust. As they start to poke around, they face resistance from existing members in the office and the missing Investigator becomes the main focus when Masters talks to the missing man's sister Elizabeth. Things are not solved completely in this book, some things are closer ( like Masters and Elizabeth) but there is so much more to put together of the puzzle that seems to grow bigger not smaller.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is looking like it will be another series to get hooked on.
Masters Woodrow is helping Jasper and encounters Elizabeth. Her brother is the missing investigator in the story. She's a feisty gal, refusing to let her brother's disappearance turn into a cold case. Mason is still in a coma, and Masters is wondering if the missing investigator is connected to Mason being shot. What a great read! I can't wait to see what comes next in the series.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

in the wake of the shooting of a lead investigator, evidence linked to the prior disappearance of another investigator brings suspicion and various lethal and dangerous forces to bear

is the missing man dead or aluve? what cover up ir misdirection are going on, linked to whom, and why?

distressing stuff is in play, and weird connections nowhere near an end.

loving the suspense and action packed drama and some steam.

[WB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masters: Man Down, Book 2 by Dale Mayer is another captivating story in this new series. Whilst investigating Mason’s case another is brought to light & throws a few twists & surprising revelations trying to figure out if the cases are related. Absolutely brilliant reading that I didn’t want to put down.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much suspense as we read to see what happens next. I love how the main characters are honorable, respectful, and you can count on them. You cannot always find that on the real world. Does what happened to Nicholas have a connection to Mason? If so what is the connection?

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[janelle beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason is still in a coma and now Master's has learned an investigator on the team has been missing for a while and no one seems to know where he is, or they don't care. When he goes to Elisabeth the sister of the missing man things start to heat up. Could this case be connected to Mason? There's plenty of twists and turns, danger and action.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The drama is picking up in this series already. A member of the team went missing months ago and it appears that details are missing. His sister is determined to get answers. Masters is on this mission and people are determined to stop him. More pieces of this puzzle continue to drop as the author weaves her magic on this mystery.

[Shyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masters has joined Jasper’s investigation team. Jasper and Masters discover that a member of the investigative team has been missing for four months. Elizabeth has been seeking answers over her brother’s disappearance. Prepare for many twists and turns while continuing mysteries are going to keep you guessing. An amazing read that will captivate you.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so much…I absolutely loved that I do not know where to start. This book was just PERFECTION!!! I loved it so, so much! So if you like suspense romances, then this is one you shouldn’t miss! That’s all I can say. Grab your copy today and fall in love with this book and series. Happy reading

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Man Down series just keeps getting more exciting with twists and suspense. Masters has been brought into the navy investigation of Masons shooting and another unsolved case is found. Elizabeth’s brother Nicholas went missing and four months later nothing has been done. That is until Masters arrives and he and Elizabeth shake up the hornets nest!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are still working on Mason's case, but something else has come up with a missing investigator and that has their focus, in case it's connected. I imagine this is going to be par for the course until the last book. There's danger at every turn in this story.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason is down and now an investigator has been missing for far too long. Co-incidence or another step toward the solution. Prepare for many twists and turns and difficulty putting the book down. Another great story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.