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Kate Morgan #9

Simon Says... Die

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Detective Kate Morgan arrives at a broken-down house, supposedly the site of a suspicious death, only to receive a screaming warning from Simon not to enter the building. Turns out, she had been given the wrong address but does find a dead body at the corrected address.

As Kate sorts out whether she has a Black Widow on her most recent case, Simon tries to help a homeless man, who ends up in the morgue—now one of Kate’s newest files because that poor man’s body had been found in the broken-down house. That’s nothing compared to what else she finds on the premises.

Kate’s investigations into these deaths confirms the two properties have connections, including linking Simon to the haunted history of the broken-down house.

When yet another homeless man is found dead at the broken-down house, Kate struggles to sort out the different threads, before the next man is killed—and this one might not be so homeless …

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2024

81 people are currently reading
61 people want to read

About the author

Dale Mayer

924 books1,647 followers
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

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,938 reviews29 followers
January 3, 2025
Book 9 and these two cases were were doozies, one more than the other. With everything from a 10 year old murder case, to the homeless being murdered, connected to a bigamist and suicide + two building, one of which Simon desperately wants, it’s up to Kate and the team to connect the dot. This was one of the better books IMO, but I do wish the relationship between Kate and Simon was further along. Oh well.
Profile Image for Dita.
1,132 reviews13 followers
October 11, 2024
There were two cases in this book. The first one is the suicide case and the second is the homeless murder case.
I really like both cases in this book and I love the ghosts, the haunted place and the paranormal stuff, it made this book creepier. There's also family drama that took really ugly and dark and disturbing turn at the end. Definitely like this book more than the previous one, the mystery is darker and more gruesome.
I really like the plot even though I don't like that it's kinda dragging and it's kinda repetitive for me and something just didn't make any sense and weird, but still both cases really entertaining and captivating nonetheless, I keep turning the page to find out what really happen and really want that bad person thrown into jail.
And Kate, oh my goodness, she's really annoying in this book, I understand her but hate her attitude towards Simon in this book, although she kinda redeemed herself in the end.

Overall it's a good mystery read, even though not much suspense.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
October 2, 2024
Kate has been enjoying her time off much more since Simon bought the Running Mate. The time spent on the boat is far more relaxing than any other activity. Now she's back to work and things are already heating up.

Kate and Rodney head out on a call, only when they get to the address Simon calls yelling at them not to go in the house. Ironically as they are discussing where the other cops are, they get a call from Reese, the department's analyst telling them they have the wrong address. After taking pictures of the wrong address, they head to the correct one.

The actual scene appears to be a suicide, complete with note. However, the interview with the wife has Kate wondering and the coroner Smidge's revelations lead to more.

In the meantime, Simon is off doing his thing and after his panicked call to Kate, he texts her to be sure all is well. With her reply he continues on with his day.

To his annoyance a realtor calls but he does become interested when he hears the property in question is The Paragon Building, neglected for years and on Simon's wish list. Now Simon is going to evaluate it.

Smidge discovers the wife in the case compromised the scene, leading Kate to talk with her again. Finding her with a new boyfriend, after the interview and then updating her partner Rodney Kate heads over to Simon's too tired to head all the way home.

Simon enjoys his walk through of the Paragon, already envisioning what it could be. He also meets a homeless man there who tells him about the ghosts who reside there. As he leaves the property, he tells said ghosts he's buying the place. Then he heads home.

That's all just the beginning as the homeless man Simon befriends turns up deceased at the first address Kate was given.

Things slowly begin to connect, in the strangest of ways. The suicide/not suicide, the wrong address to a house with a name and an unsolved mystery, and the Paragon Building.

As each small detail emerges, it makes Kate even more determined to put together the puzzle and solve it all.

There are many twists and lots of interesting insights into Kate's relationship with her team. Simon of course, is ever patient. Whether it be buying The Paragon or waiting for Kate to be ready for the next big step.

Suspense, intrigue, romance and that wonderful hint of sizzle.
1,251 reviews
October 4, 2024
I really love Dale Mayer's "Simon Says" series, the relationship between Kate and Simon shouldn't work but strangely it does.
"I don't know where you are or what you're up to but don't go into that house"Simon screamed down Kate's phone, Kate didn't understand Simon's psychic "gift" but she knew not to ignore it.
Detective Kate Morgan was a straight talking, shoot from the hip type of person, it had taken her a while to be accepted by her team but now they were a well tuned unit. Simon St. Laurant was a wealthy property developer, a developer who felt the soul of old buildings and could see the beauty beyond the dereliction. Simon also had a reluctant psychic gift, a gift that had saved Kate's life a few times, a gift that Kate didn't understand but appreciated.
This story covers two cases in Kate's unrelenting workload, a suicide of a young husband.......or was it ?Kate's gut feeling was telling her that something wasn't quite right with the manipulative, "not so grieving" widow and she had no qualms about letting her know.
When the body of a homeless man was found in a derelict building Simon was upset to find that it was Shawn, a man that Simon had befriended, the building had a tragic history and it was connected to a building that Simon desperately wanted to own, a building that Shawn had informed him was haunted, a fact that Simon instinctively knew, Simon could hear the voices.
This story of two houses had me gripped from the beginning, it covers murder, suicide, bigamy to name but a few, it had me guessing to the end, it was lovely to see Kate and Simon's romance developing and I can't wait to see where it goes.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mandy.
4,889 reviews46 followers
September 28, 2024
Detective Kate Morgan arrives at a broken-down house, supposedly the site of a suspicious death, only to receive a screaming warning from Simon not to enter the building. Turns out, she had been given the wrong address but does find a dead body at the corrected address. As Kate sorts out whether she has a Black Widow in her most recent case, Simon tries to help a homeless man, who ends up in the morgue which is now one of Kate’s newest files because that poor man’s body had been found in the broken-down house. That’s nothing compared to what else she finds on the premises. Kate’s investigations into these deaths confirm the two properties have connections, including linking Simon to the haunted history of the broken-down house. When yet another homeless man is found dead at the broken-down house, Kate struggles to sort out the different threads, before the next man is killed and this one might not be homeless.

Another complicated case for Kate with many threads and a link to a very old cold case. I loved the way that Simon and Kate were kind to the homeless which showed their personalities. Another sad case which referred back to a lot of bad history for one family but at least was solved and the living criminals were brought to justice. I hope Kate moves in properly with Simon in the next book. Easy to read, feel and understand.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,125 reviews52 followers
October 8, 2024
"....the truth isn't always the truth"

People will go to huge lengths to keep secrets buried, to maintain their lifestyle and to claim what they feel they are entitled to....removing anyone who may be in their way. Kate has two cases, neither is as it seems with witnesses lying, evidence being tampered with and the ghosts of the past whispering, calling, and finally shouting when nobody listens. Whilst she knows the first case has sinister circumstances, the second is a cold case tied to a new murder. The police may have failed to uncover the truth in the past, but Kate will not give up, will not stop digging, she collects new puzzle pieces, she chases ghosts, she questions every piece of evidence, she warily accepts Simon's woo woo visions and she finally uncovers those secrets.....and that is exactly why we like her so much.
They are a unique team and you would never imagine that they would work, but they do. She calms his crazy and helps him look from every angle, he is her safe place, her comfort, her heart.....even if she doesn't admit it to herself!
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,144 reviews
October 18, 2024
I think this is my favorite series from this author. Considering how prickly Kate is toward everyone, I am not sure why. She really gave Rodney the blues in this one.

I enjoyed the audiobook and what sounded like a stronger Canadian accent from Kate. It didn't sound as strong to me when voicing the other characters.

I was intrigued with Kate's relationship with Simon, who can also be prickly at times. She seems to be irritated, concerned, and loving toward him all in the same space of time. Of course, Simon is always worried about Kate and doing his best to take care of her.

There were 2 or maybe even 3 truly convoluted cases in this book depending on how you looked at it. One I felt dominated more than the other, but it didn't seem to start out that way. Simon proved once again to provide some of the direction in one of the cases.

There was a fair share of twisted behavior with both of the cases as Kate, Simon, and the team of detectives attempted to unravel the mess that started with an incorrect address.
Profile Image for Paula.
1,956 reviews6 followers
September 29, 2024
I really enjoyed Simon Says Die . This story is intriguing and keeps you guessing . I found myself pulled into the story . Simon and Kate are a fantastic couple . They navigate their relationship well while dealing with their jobs . We find Simon looking to purchase another building and it has a connection to Kate's latest case of course . Soon Simon is pulled into the cases because of his gift . Kate soon finds several cases are connected . there's so much going on I couldn't put it down it's one crazy ride to get everything solved . This story is outstanding . I highly recommend taking the time to read . Another amazing suspense .

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
222 reviews4 followers
October 21, 2024
Kate is about to enter a building to investigate a dead body when she receives a frantic call from Simon to stop her. Kate and her partner find out they are at the wrong address. When they get to the right address, Kate is tasked with finding out if the death was a suicide or murder. When Simon finds a homeless man in the property, he’s interested in buying, he finds a connection between the property and the first address. When the homeless man is found dead at the first house. Kate needs to unravel family secrets to solve the homeless man's murder and a cold case. Kate still is reluctant to go all in with her relationship with Simon, but she's getting closer. I love this series and can't wait for the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,275 reviews
November 8, 2024
Simon Says… Die by Dale Mayer
Kate Morgan Series Book Nine
Detective Kate Morgan has several cases going on in this book. The first case seems to be a suicide, but was it? Kate doesn’t hit it off well with the grieving wife and has a tough time on the case.
Simon is looking at a building on his list to buy. The Paragon. The old gal was something in her day, and the building speaks to him as the one to fix her up and return her to that glory. Meanwhile, more bodies are piling up, and an old case has risen as well. A case that seems to be connected to the Paragon.
I enjoy this series. The stories never seem to have any lag in them, just page-turning intrigue.
**Mild sexual content language
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
560 reviews4 followers
October 21, 2024
Kate is sent to a house to investigate a murder. Simon calls as she's about to walk up, and yells at her to not under any circumstances enter that house. Kate is still struggling at times with the woo woo stuff, but doesn't go in. Turns out the address she was given is the wrong one, anyways. Turns out the correct address is tied to the wrong address, and Kate has to unravel the secrets and mystery behind a decades old multiple murder. Simon just continues to be a fantastic character in the books. He is slowly helping Kate become a bit softer. I love this series, and look forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
195 reviews
September 22, 2024
I really love this series and this latest book was one of the best yet. Kate has two different cases, one of which involves a building Simon is looking to buy. In both cases things are not what they seem to be with all sorts of twists and turns that I did not see coming. It kept me engaged through the whole book. I also like the way Simon and Kate’s relationship is progressing as well as the way Kate is getting more comfortable with her team. I can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,882 reviews27 followers
October 2, 2024
This is one of my favorite series from Dale Mayer. I love the police/detective work combined with a little of the "whoo whoo" as Simon says :) . There are two plots here, both fascinating and the twisty ending I so did not see coming. What a fabulous page turning mystery with suspense. Simon and Kate provide some light hearted moments on the boat and I am rooting for them. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions. #SimonSays:Die #KateMorgan #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishing #Booksprout
Profile Image for Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart.
2,451 reviews26 followers
October 8, 2024
I love it when I just don't see it coming. Fantastic story watching the pieces come together, slowly not really giving away the story until those final pages.
Simon and Kate, we see a bit of their personal lives as well as where they overlap. Simon's gift plays an interesting role in helping Kate either solve her crimes or to keep her safe.
Two groups of murders, one crime from a decade ago and a current one, how are they connected?
Absolutely brilliant, I can't wait for the next story in this series.
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,894 reviews41 followers
September 22, 2024
What a twisted plot, gosh Kate certainly got lucky with this one or two or multi crime case, Simon caught up because he wanted a building. I think in the end I wasn't sure who to feel sorriest for but maybe those that died. Crazy ride of clues, danger and old buildings that need a bit of love, plus a body here and there all mixed up in an exciting psychological thriller. Phenomenal writing, I was captivated and invested throughout.
247 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2024
I so enjoy this unique couple. So different yet somewhat alike. Watching their relationship grow is part of the fun in this story as well as each of their contributions to solving the mysteries. The tale follows each in their own lives and their combined lives making it more interesting. Simon is still getting accustomed to his gift and Kate is still making her way. Can't wait for the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,715 reviews29 followers
October 10, 2024
I really enjoy the dynamic between Simon and Kate and that whilst appear to be chalk and cheese are the perfect pair. Them having their own stories intertwine was great especially and made for a great page turner not knowing what would be uncovered and where things would end up.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Paula.
798 reviews2 followers
September 28, 2024
So many surprises and twists throughout the story. As soon as you think you have something figured out something else comes up. Another great read by Dale Mayer.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,563 reviews7 followers
October 6, 2024
Wow what a intriguing addition to a phenomenal series. Simon and Kate navigate their relationship while dealing with their jobs. So many surprises and twists throughout the story. What a fabulous page turning mystery with suspense. Guaranteed to keep you hanging on to every page.
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews163 followers
October 8, 2024
This was an incredible read. Kate and Simon are back together again in another suspenseful thriller that had me glued to the pages and up way too late. Be prepared to cling to the edge of your seat, to have your nerves stretched to the breaking point and to be kept guessing right to the end.
Profile Image for Melissa Swafford.
746 reviews
October 24, 2024
Love Simon and Kate. Really inspiring when Simon befriends the homeless. I like how Kate's co-workers jump in to help along the way. HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
890 reviews6 followers
October 29, 2024
An old building and an even older murder, somehow the two seem to be connected and both Kate and her team and Simon working on solving these cases. Great read,
Profile Image for Kat Hall.
220 reviews8 followers
December 18, 2024
I love reading series books but now I have to wait until the next book comes out, next year.

Reading a series has you invested in the characters and I want to keep reading their story.
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,030 reviews23 followers
October 8, 2024
This was not one but two super complex murder mysteries. Kate and Simon have their hands full with ghosts and belligerent suspects. A old building that calls to Simon.
This series just seems to get better with every new story and I can’t wait to see what this brilliant author comes up with next.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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