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Dead Pool: The Harry Starke Novels Book 21
Murder in Hilden Heights?
Was Hattie Baker the victim of a serial killer?
On a balmy, late summer morning in Hilden Heights Hattie Baker is found dead in her pool, and she wasn’t the first. A socialite and successful business owner, Hattie was an excellent swimmer. Even so, her death was ruled an accident. Her boyfriend, Mason Willis, however, doesn’t believe it was an accident. He thinks she was murdered and goes to Harry Starke for help. Thus begins an investigation that almost costs Harry his life.
Can Harry find the killer before they strike again?
Was Hattie Baker the victim of a serial killer?
On a balmy, late summer morning in Hilden Heights Hattie Baker is found dead in her pool, and she wasn’t the first. A socialite and successful business owner, Hattie was an excellent swimmer. Even so, her death was ruled an accident. Her boyfriend, Mason Willis, however, doesn’t believe it was an accident. He thinks she was murdered and goes to Harry Starke for help. Thus begins an investigation that almost costs Harry his life.
Can Harry find the killer before they strike again?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2023
118 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
293 books345 followersBlair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 16, 2023
A young man comes into Harry’s offices asking for help. He tells Jacque and Harry that his very rich fiancé was found dead in her swimming pool. An autopsy revealed some injuries that could have been caused by a fall and a very high blood alcohol level. He did not believe that she would drink enough to become that intoxicated. They agree to take the case. In going to her home, they enter a guarded and gated community where only the very, very wealthy live. The entire investigation was beyond frustrating because no one would cooperate with them. Then Harry is beaten almost to death and it becomes personal. This is one more exceptionally well written chapter of Harry Starke’s career and spends more time with his family than most of the previous novels. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC for an honest review.
November 19, 2023
I started this book.and continued reading till I finished it. It was an interesting plot and how all the team members along with Harry, Amanda and Kate were brought into the story. The Heights an ultra rich area and suicide or murder happened.
Nobody was willing to talk to them and they felt something was going on with these socialite people. To someone wanted to get rid of Harry, making them more determined to figure out what. Given arc for my voluntary review
Nobody was willing to talk to them and they felt something was going on with these socialite people. To someone wanted to get rid of Harry, making them more determined to figure out what. Given arc for my voluntary review
November 13, 2023
Oh Harry, you do get yourself into some scrapes.
Blair Howard has written his twenty first book in his brilliant Harry Starke series and it is just as powerful as all the previous books.
When a young man contacted Harry to investigate the accidental drowning of his girlfriend Harry was intrigued, it appeared that Hattie Baker, an excellent swimmer, had drowned in her own pool, Harry was even more intrigued when he realised that Hattie lived in the ultra luxurious gated community of Hidden Heights, a community made up of people who had more money than they could count.
When Harry discovered that Hattie wasn't the first person to drown in a pool at Hidden Heights, was this a coincidence ? Harry didn't think so, Harry and his brilliant team went into action, Harry soon found that entering Hidden Heights was like entering Fort Knox and interviewing the residents was like knitting fog, the snooty, arrogant residents looked down their noses at Harry and his team but Harry and his team are made of stronger stuff than that, a bunch of multi billionaires were no match for Harry .........or were they ?
No one was talking, no one knew anything, there were no clues but Harry didn't believe these deaths were accidental, he would plough on regardless.
Harry and his brilliant team were joined by Capt. Kate Gazarra of the Chattanooga PD, Harry's ex partner before he left to become a PI. Gradually the team unravelled the twists and turns and in true Harry style they get their man., this book has nail biting suspense, is action packed, I couldn't put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Blair Howard has written his twenty first book in his brilliant Harry Starke series and it is just as powerful as all the previous books.
When a young man contacted Harry to investigate the accidental drowning of his girlfriend Harry was intrigued, it appeared that Hattie Baker, an excellent swimmer, had drowned in her own pool, Harry was even more intrigued when he realised that Hattie lived in the ultra luxurious gated community of Hidden Heights, a community made up of people who had more money than they could count.
When Harry discovered that Hattie wasn't the first person to drown in a pool at Hidden Heights, was this a coincidence ? Harry didn't think so, Harry and his brilliant team went into action, Harry soon found that entering Hidden Heights was like entering Fort Knox and interviewing the residents was like knitting fog, the snooty, arrogant residents looked down their noses at Harry and his team but Harry and his team are made of stronger stuff than that, a bunch of multi billionaires were no match for Harry .........or were they ?
No one was talking, no one knew anything, there were no clues but Harry didn't believe these deaths were accidental, he would plough on regardless.
Harry and his brilliant team were joined by Capt. Kate Gazarra of the Chattanooga PD, Harry's ex partner before he left to become a PI. Gradually the team unravelled the twists and turns and in true Harry style they get their man., this book has nail biting suspense, is action packed, I couldn't put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
November 21, 2023
When Hattie Baker, a resident of one of Chattanooga's wealthiest gated communities Hilden Heights, was discovered drowned in her swimming pool one morning it was determined that it was an accidental death. Four weeks later, just as Harry Starke was getting ready to leave for home, Mason Willis, the boyfriend of Hattie, came to Harry's business to request that Harry look into the accident since he was insisting that it was a case of murder and not an accidental death.
At first Harry thought it was going to be a quick case where he could confirm it actually was an accident. When Harry first started to look into things, no one in “The Heights” seemed to know anything and was reluctant to even talk to someone who was not the “correct sort of person” that did not live in the community, that included Harry as well as Mason. Harry and crew did not think things were as they first appeared, especially after they learned that this was the second accidental death by a resident drowning in their pool in a short period of time. Things even became more suspicious when Harry was attacked while walking between houses in the “gated community”.
This is another great read by Blair Howard that keeps the reader guessing how things will turn out. We also learn more about Harry Starke and how his character has developed after becoming a husband and father. Just as you think you know Harry, as you would with someone you know in real life, he reflects on how his perspective of his role in life has become. With this self reflection Harry seems to be someone you would like to have in your own life.
At first Harry thought it was going to be a quick case where he could confirm it actually was an accident. When Harry first started to look into things, no one in “The Heights” seemed to know anything and was reluctant to even talk to someone who was not the “correct sort of person” that did not live in the community, that included Harry as well as Mason. Harry and crew did not think things were as they first appeared, especially after they learned that this was the second accidental death by a resident drowning in their pool in a short period of time. Things even became more suspicious when Harry was attacked while walking between houses in the “gated community”.
This is another great read by Blair Howard that keeps the reader guessing how things will turn out. We also learn more about Harry Starke and how his character has developed after becoming a husband and father. Just as you think you know Harry, as you would with someone you know in real life, he reflects on how his perspective of his role in life has become. With this self reflection Harry seems to be someone you would like to have in your own life.
November 15, 2023
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story has Harry and his team looking into a suspected suicide in a neighborhood of the ultra-rich. Harry is brought into the case aafter the deceased boyfriend believes that this was not a suicide.
Harry and Heather begin by visiting the home of Mason, the boyfriend, girlfriend's home. While there they examine the scene and try to determine who might have seen something and who the party is that called 911. After talking to Victoria, they didn't learn a lot. Harry then had his team begin talking to the residents. They didn't learn much that way either.
Harry decided then that he would along with Hearther and Tim try visiting the area once more and do it during the evening when most people would be home. While they were doing their visit, Harry was attacked and wound up in the hospital.
To find out who was responsible for having Harry attacked, what information was discovered later after Harry was able to return and whether the death was a suicide in addition to another one that also died earlier and was believed to be an accident. See how the team narrowed a suspect down and what role Kate played in the story.
This is another excellent story by Blair Howard and should be read.
This story has Harry and his team looking into a suspected suicide in a neighborhood of the ultra-rich. Harry is brought into the case aafter the deceased boyfriend believes that this was not a suicide.
Harry and Heather begin by visiting the home of Mason, the boyfriend, girlfriend's home. While there they examine the scene and try to determine who might have seen something and who the party is that called 911. After talking to Victoria, they didn't learn a lot. Harry then had his team begin talking to the residents. They didn't learn much that way either.
Harry decided then that he would along with Hearther and Tim try visiting the area once more and do it during the evening when most people would be home. While they were doing their visit, Harry was attacked and wound up in the hospital.
To find out who was responsible for having Harry attacked, what information was discovered later after Harry was able to return and whether the death was a suicide in addition to another one that also died earlier and was believed to be an accident. See how the team narrowed a suspect down and what role Kate played in the story.
This is another excellent story by Blair Howard and should be read.
November 18, 2023
Nothing is what it seems to be…
What I love about this series is the thought process and how each character sheds light as to what is real and what isn’t real. Every case appears to reflect something about society – how certain people act and think and often go beyond acceptable limits. If there is even a sliver of a chance that the truth is being hidden you can bet that Harry Stark and his team will sniff it out and risk getting caught in the cross hairs…and, indeed, Harry gets seriously caught from behind this time and needs time to recuperate.
This story is about the mystery of why a wealthy community gives the team the “creeps” when looking into the similar deaths of two women who had died in a swimming pool. It also conveys the close relationship that Harry has with his wife, family and work associates who truly are his friends. The writing draws you in and keeps you pondering, “what’s missing” in this investigation? It’s a page-turner in Blair Howard’s style – well-written, thought provoking and filled with the unexpected. A good read! I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
What I love about this series is the thought process and how each character sheds light as to what is real and what isn’t real. Every case appears to reflect something about society – how certain people act and think and often go beyond acceptable limits. If there is even a sliver of a chance that the truth is being hidden you can bet that Harry Stark and his team will sniff it out and risk getting caught in the cross hairs…and, indeed, Harry gets seriously caught from behind this time and needs time to recuperate.
This story is about the mystery of why a wealthy community gives the team the “creeps” when looking into the similar deaths of two women who had died in a swimming pool. It also conveys the close relationship that Harry has with his wife, family and work associates who truly are his friends. The writing draws you in and keeps you pondering, “what’s missing” in this investigation? It’s a page-turner in Blair Howard’s style – well-written, thought provoking and filled with the unexpected. A good read! I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
November 22, 2023
A young woman who lives in a high-end ritzy neighborhood is found floating face down in her swimming pool. Due to the tox screen indicating high levels of alcohol in her system, her death is ruled an accident. Her blue-collar boyfriend isn’t so sure, so he hires Harry Starke Investigations to look into her death. They discover that less than a year earlier another young girl woman, who lives in the same neighborhood, also drowned in her pool. Coincidence or something more sinister? As they start interviewing the neighbors, it seems like the neighbors know something, but nobody is willing to talk. Why?
Harry is trying to be more of a 9-5 family man to be a better husband to his beautiful wife Amanda and a better father to their precious daughter Jade. However, the demands of his job as a PI make that difficult. The only way that will happen is for him to lean on his team more and let them start to lead investigations. Circumstances in this story force him to do so. It’ll be interesting to see if this continues in future installments of the Harry Starke series. I highly recommend this intriguing story. Another great book in a series of great books by Blair Howard.
Harry is trying to be more of a 9-5 family man to be a better husband to his beautiful wife Amanda and a better father to their precious daughter Jade. However, the demands of his job as a PI make that difficult. The only way that will happen is for him to lean on his team more and let them start to lead investigations. Circumstances in this story force him to do so. It’ll be interesting to see if this continues in future installments of the Harry Starke series. I highly recommend this intriguing story. Another great book in a series of great books by Blair Howard.
November 22, 2024
I've been a fan of the Harry Starke books since I read book I. Blair Howard was with kindle unlimited and I thoroughly enjoyed this series, the intertwined Lieutenant (now Captain) Kate Gazzara series and the 8 books in the Genesis series that tells the story of How Harry left Chattanooga PD and set up his Private Investigation company. I have missed the last books but now that Mr Howard is now back with K U, I am delighted to be able to pick up the two series again. In this story, a young man comes to Harry with asking for help after the woman he loves, a very rich woman who drowned in her pool, supposedly drunk. She lived in The Hilden Heights, a place where the residents are all very rich and don't know how to pass their time. They look down on anyone they consider "not one of them". When Harry investigates, they treat him as though he isn't good enough to be there, not knowing that Harry is actually extremely rich himself. After he gets badly beaten, it becomes personal.
These books are tremendously entertaining and I love all of the characters around Harry and I'm moving straight on to the next one.
These books are tremendously entertaining and I love all of the characters around Harry and I'm moving straight on to the next one.
November 20, 2023
A wealthy young lady chose the gated, up-scale community of Hilden Heights for a quiet setting for her home office. One day, her dog called her attention to the neighbor’s house behind hers; she saw a body floating face down in their pool. The police reported it as an accidental drowning, likely a result of a high alcohol content. The lady’s boyfriend did not believe she drowned accidentally, and asked Harry to investigate. Their inquiries in the neighborhood were stonewalled - after getting very little information from the first few people who answered their door, it appeared the word was spreading quickly - nearly everyone else ignored them. The team’s efforts yielded meager results, until Harry was ambushed and severely beaten. That served to shame some people to go against the wishes of ‘their betters’. The story was well-written and had the usual twists and turns I’ve come to expect in a Blair Howard book. It kept me engrossed, trying to figure out whodunit right up to the end. I thoroughly enjoy these books, and am eager to read more of them.
November 13, 2023
A wealthy young woman lives in an exclusive, gated community. She selected the area so she could have a safe, pleasant home to quietly pursue her chosen career. Unfortunately, her dog exhibits an unusual interest in something beyond her back fence one morning and she discovers one of her neighbors floating face down in her pool. The police rule it an accidental drowning involving alcohol. Her boyfriend does not believe the results of the police investigation and hires Harry and his team to look into the matter. An intriguing tale unfolds as Harry's team runs into an extremely uncooperative neighborhood. Blair Howard has once again put together a great tale that will keep you engaged as the story unfolds.
November 20, 2023
Harry Starke is no stranger to wealth. His dad has made millions and lives a lifestyle to match. But Hilden Heights, the richest neighborhood in the area, seems to be similar to the movie "Stepford Wives" where things aren't what they appear to be. Two women have had similar "accidents" in their swimming pools and have lost their lives. When Harry is hired to investigate, he meets a hostile reception from the neighbors and almost loses his life.
The twists and turns create an intriguing story where Harry learns he needs the women in his life to help him through the challenges he faces. This was a great story - the kind I have come to expect from Blair Howard.
The twists and turns create an intriguing story where Harry learns he needs the women in his life to help him through the challenges he faces. This was a great story - the kind I have come to expect from Blair Howard.
November 21, 2023
I have read all of the Harry and Kate books and I just can’t get enough. I’m so glad that they just keep coming! If you haven’t read them you can start anywhere but I’d start from the beginning. Most of the team is ongoing in the series and you get to know them. It’s like coming back to an old friend. I appreciate that Blair Howard writes books that are clean without foul language or situations that I’d be uncomfortable with sharing with my friends. This newest book is no exception and it kept me interested from the first chapter. I just can’t put it down once I start. There are always twists and turns you don’t expect and it’s fun to try to guess “who-done-it”!
February 8, 2024
Dead Pool: The Harry Starke Novels Book 21, my fifty-sixth read from author Blair Howard. 298-pages of well-written and enjoyable, edge-of-your-seat detective fiction, thoroughly entertaining, as always! As Howard expands his writings over 4 primary characters it has improved all four. I always look forward to the next work from Howard. A Blair Howard book is like a visit from an old detective friend. I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Up next on my TBR list: Defector: Part 1: Imperator (Sovereign Stars Book 5). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 18, 2023
This could be my favourite Harry Starke book, though I never want any of them to end.
As always, I love the characters. They are a great team.
Despite beginning with no clues, the story is told at a dizzying pace and has lots of strands to the story which come together in a great way. I love that I can rarely pick "whodunit" and it's a mystery until almost the last page and this was no exception.
I still want to find out more about the mysterious TJ!
I received an advance review copy for free. This is my honest and voluntary review.
As always, I love the characters. They are a great team.
Despite beginning with no clues, the story is told at a dizzying pace and has lots of strands to the story which come together in a great way. I love that I can rarely pick "whodunit" and it's a mystery until almost the last page and this was no exception.
I still want to find out more about the mysterious TJ!
I received an advance review copy for free. This is my honest and voluntary review.
November 10, 2023
Whenever I receive a Harry Starke book it goes straight to the top of my reading pile, and I know that I won't be disappointed. This was no exception. This was a definite one session read for me, the only disappointment was that it ended.
This was such an interesting premise and I am amazed after 21 books the author is still coming up with new ideas to captive his audience and take the characters onto different journeys.
This was such an interesting premise and I am amazed after 21 books the author is still coming up with new ideas to captive his audience and take the characters onto different journeys.
November 11, 2023
Another fast paced excellent story! When Harry and his team are asked to look into what has been deemed an "accidental" death, they quickly find themselves in a case where not everything is what it appears to be. The Heights, an exclusive rich neighborhood, where the death occurred has many secrets. And many people who wish to keep those secrets amongst themselves. Full of action and intrigue, this story does not disappoint!
November 15, 2023
A high standard crime thriller with an exceptionally difficult case for Harry and his team. The 'Book Club' members know what happened, but no one is talking. Harry finds himself in a critical condition after an unexpected attack, but is still determined to unveil the truth regardless of possibly putting himself in further danger. Highly recommended. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 16, 2023
I devoured this book in one sitting. Every chapter had me saying, “just one more…” and before I knew it, I was finished! Harry Starke has to be one of my all-time favorite characters. He’s a dedicated private investigator who is like a dog with a bone. He’s not going to give up until he’s finished. He’s not invincible though, and this case could turn deadly for those doing the investigating.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
November 17, 2023
Powerful mystery.
An absolutely powerful and enthralling mystery that I could not put down. The characters are fascinating and the investigation into the potential murders kept me totally engaged and trying to identify the guilty party. I loved this book and will definitely continue to read books by Blair Howard.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
An absolutely powerful and enthralling mystery that I could not put down. The characters are fascinating and the investigation into the potential murders kept me totally engaged and trying to identify the guilty party. I loved this book and will definitely continue to read books by Blair Howard.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
November 18, 2023
Two dead young women in a wealthy, exclusive, gated community. Appears to be accidental deaths, but are they? The boyfriend of the 2nd dead woman hires Harry Starke and team to investigate the death and find out if it was an accident or something else. No one is talking making it hard to find out what happened. Kate and Samson have to be called in to help. These books just get better and better and never disappoint.
November 20, 2023
A great book! Blair Howard has done it again. I was pulled into the story by the first line and had trouble putting this book down. The story is well written and creative. Lots of action and a well plotted mystery kept this reader on the edge of her seat. I love the characters and always feel like I’m visiting old and dear friends. If you haven’t read anything from this series you need to get started!
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
November 21, 2023
I knew when I started reading this book I was going to be swept into the story and have a very hard time putting it down.
When a woman living in a gated community is found face down floating in her pool, her boyfriend hires Harry and his team to investigate. The police have called it an accidental drowning.
I love the characters. Harry’s team they are so good at what they do with such a difficult case.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
When a woman living in a gated community is found face down floating in her pool, her boyfriend hires Harry and his team to investigate. The police have called it an accidental drowning.
I love the characters. Harry’s team they are so good at what they do with such a difficult case.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
November 13, 2023
You are never disappointed when you read a book about Harry Starke, a well known private investigator. He is always committed to solving any case that he investigates, even those which seem impossible. The cases he takes on can sometimes puts him in danger and this one is no exception. Another great story line.
November 13, 2023
So, you think you want to live among the rich? Maybe not so much after reading this story. As the saying goes, money doesn't buy you happiness and that's certainly the case for some of the residents of Hidden Heights. I loved this latest Harry Starke story - it was full of suspense, danger, twisting storyline, and Harry's doggedness in solving the case along with his team and Kate.
November 19, 2023
a premier address in a gated community might be less than healthy a place to live
a tangled mess of haughtier than thou neighbors who seem like they might be less than neighborly, plenty of self reflection for Harry, and some cameos and action for several members of his team - including Kate and Sampson
action and mystery filled intrigue
a tangled mess of haughtier than thou neighbors who seem like they might be less than neighborly, plenty of self reflection for Harry, and some cameos and action for several members of his team - including Kate and Sampson
action and mystery filled intrigue
November 23, 2023
Harry takes on the Hilden Heights Housewives! A seemingly accidental death doesn't add up. When Harry is almost killed that's a sure sign he's on the right track ........ but at what cost? Roadblocks, twists, turns and danger abound all of which make this edge of your seat unputdownable. A great unsolvable whodunit! I received this ARC and this is my honest review.
November 24, 2023
Well, what can I say that hasn’t already been said. This is another well done book with a fantastic storyline and written by a cracking storyteller at the very top of his game. I started to read and carried on reading long into the night. Just couldn’t put it down til it was finished. I loved it. Eagerly anticipating book 22 that’s for sure. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2024
I have read all of the Harry Starke novels and enjoyed reading them all, however, this book was hard for me to get into as it moved so slowly. I kept waiting for it to get better but it really just didn't happen. Unlike his other novels this was ordinary. I'm still a fan and will buy the next Harry Starke novel.
November 14, 2023
Excellent Addition to the Harry Starke series of books ,story line takes you through aspects of a Private investigators job and how the process works. Interesting story line which builds slowly to its exciting and nail biting conclusion, well worth the read
November 15, 2023
Another well written Harry Starke novel with a well written storyline and a great cast of interesting characters. The secrets of Hidden Heights are revealed in this murder mystery. A page turning read with plenty of action and several twists. Very enjoyable read that I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews