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The Life and Death of Rose Doucette
Dallas PI Dylan Fisher thought he was done with his ex-wife— but now he's solving her murder
Dallas private investigator Dylan Fisher hasn' t seen his ex-wife, Rose, in three years— which is why he' s surprised when she asks him to meet her at a hotel. Rose Doucette is a homicide detective, and she wants Dylan' s help with a murder investigation that she' s been asked to step back from but can' t seem to let go.
They review the details of the case and part ways— but as Rose is leaving the parking lot, Dylan sees a suspicious car begin to follow her. Feeling uneasy, he tails the car and tries to warn Rose, but he' s too late— the driver of the car shoots her, killing her instantly, before speeding away.
The police are determined to pin the murder on Dylan, so he' s left with no choice but to find the killer himself. Teaming up with Rose' s widower, a defense attorney named Tito, the pair dive into Rose' s past to figure out who could've wanted to kill the woman they both loved— and what they were trying to hide.
Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly and Robert Crais
Dallas private investigator Dylan Fisher hasn' t seen his ex-wife, Rose, in three years— which is why he' s surprised when she asks him to meet her at a hotel. Rose Doucette is a homicide detective, and she wants Dylan' s help with a murder investigation that she' s been asked to step back from but can' t seem to let go.
They review the details of the case and part ways— but as Rose is leaving the parking lot, Dylan sees a suspicious car begin to follow her. Feeling uneasy, he tails the car and tries to warn Rose, but he' s too late— the driver of the car shoots her, killing her instantly, before speeding away.
The police are determined to pin the murder on Dylan, so he' s left with no choice but to find the killer himself. Teaming up with Rose' s widower, a defense attorney named Tito, the pair dive into Rose' s past to figure out who could've wanted to kill the woman they both loved— and what they were trying to hide.
Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly and Robert Crais
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
44 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Harry Hunsicker
45 books132 followersHarry Hunsicker is the bestselling author of nine crime thrillers including The Life and Death of Rose Doucette, shortlisted for a 2025 Thriller Award, his second nomination. Hunsicker's work has been shortlisted for the Shamus Award. His story "West of Nowhere" (originally published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine) was selected to appear in The Best American Mystery Stories 2011, edited by Otto Penzler and Harlan Coben. Hunsicker lives in Dallas with his wife, Alison.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
October 22, 2024
A propulsive, action-packed rollercoaster ride of suspense, The Life and Death of Rose Doucette was the epitome of a crime thriller. From the motley investigative crew to the heart-rending topics, I quickly got pulled into the story as this fast-paced game of cat-and-mouse got underway. After all, the short chapters and complex storyline created an addictive quality that grabbed me right from the start and never let go. Plus, it didn’t hurt that each of the twists shocked me but good.
The strongest piece to this novel, however, were easily the characters. With glimpses into both Dylan and Rose’s pasts as well as plenty of palpable emotion, I could feel the urgency with which the former wanted to find the evil doer in the hopes of both exacting revenge and clearing his name. What I didn’t expect, though, was how much I seemed to get to know Rose, who was vividly brought to life. Often the victim is overlooked in just such a thriller, but that definitely wasn’t true here.
The only small issues that I could find related to the so-so descriptions and the out-of-the-blue finale. First off, while I was able to easily conjure up each and every scene, the renditions did come off as just a little bit flat. Despite this, however, the straight-shooting style still kept me fully intrigued. No, the bigger problem was the conclusion. Seeming almost as if it was tacked on for good measure, the epilogue felt out of place and with very little buildup to the scene. Nevertheless, it did leave a smile on my face, even if it didn’t feel all that complete.
Done and dusted, however, the compelling main characters, finely layered plot, and mind-boggler of a last twist made me inhale this book in no time at all. Needless to say, if Mr. Hunsicker decides to make this into book one of a series, I’m 100% game. After all, the characters—especially Dylan and Mia—would make for some truly brilliant returning personas. Intense, thrilling, suspenseful, and mysterious, this quick, easy read has officially made me a fan. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Dallas private investigator Dylan Fisher hasn’t seen his ex-wife, Rose, in three years—which is why he’s surprised when she asks him to meet her at a hotel. Rose Doucette is a homicide detective, and she wants Dylan’s help with a murder investigation that she’s been asked to step back from but can’t seem to let go.
They review the details of the case and part ways—but as Rose is leaving the parking lot, Dylan sees a suspicious car begin to follow her. Feeling uneasy, he tails the car and tries to warn Rose, but he’s too late—the driver of the car shoots her, killing her instantly, before speeding away.
The police are determined to pin the murder on Dylan, so he’s left with no choice but to find the killer himself. Teaming up with Rose’s widower, a defense attorney named Tito, the pair dive into Rose’s past to figure out who could’ve wanted to kill the woman they both loved—and what they were trying to hide.
Thank you to Harry Hunsicker and Oceanview Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 1, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: gun violence, police corruption, mention of: molestation
The strongest piece to this novel, however, were easily the characters. With glimpses into both Dylan and Rose’s pasts as well as plenty of palpable emotion, I could feel the urgency with which the former wanted to find the evil doer in the hopes of both exacting revenge and clearing his name. What I didn’t expect, though, was how much I seemed to get to know Rose, who was vividly brought to life. Often the victim is overlooked in just such a thriller, but that definitely wasn’t true here.
The only small issues that I could find related to the so-so descriptions and the out-of-the-blue finale. First off, while I was able to easily conjure up each and every scene, the renditions did come off as just a little bit flat. Despite this, however, the straight-shooting style still kept me fully intrigued. No, the bigger problem was the conclusion. Seeming almost as if it was tacked on for good measure, the epilogue felt out of place and with very little buildup to the scene. Nevertheless, it did leave a smile on my face, even if it didn’t feel all that complete.
Done and dusted, however, the compelling main characters, finely layered plot, and mind-boggler of a last twist made me inhale this book in no time at all. Needless to say, if Mr. Hunsicker decides to make this into book one of a series, I’m 100% game. After all, the characters—especially Dylan and Mia—would make for some truly brilliant returning personas. Intense, thrilling, suspenseful, and mysterious, this quick, easy read has officially made me a fan. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Dallas private investigator Dylan Fisher hasn’t seen his ex-wife, Rose, in three years—which is why he’s surprised when she asks him to meet her at a hotel. Rose Doucette is a homicide detective, and she wants Dylan’s help with a murder investigation that she’s been asked to step back from but can’t seem to let go.
They review the details of the case and part ways—but as Rose is leaving the parking lot, Dylan sees a suspicious car begin to follow her. Feeling uneasy, he tails the car and tries to warn Rose, but he’s too late—the driver of the car shoots her, killing her instantly, before speeding away.
The police are determined to pin the murder on Dylan, so he’s left with no choice but to find the killer himself. Teaming up with Rose’s widower, a defense attorney named Tito, the pair dive into Rose’s past to figure out who could’ve wanted to kill the woman they both loved—and what they were trying to hide.
Thank you to Harry Hunsicker and Oceanview Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 1, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: gun violence, police corruption, mention of: molestation
October 13, 2024
4.5★s
The Life and Death of Rose Doucette is a novel by American author, Harry Hunsicker. Former Dallas cop, now PI, Dylan Fisher is curious when the ex-wife he hasn’t seen for three years, Homicide Detective Sergeant Rose Doucette wants his input on a case that has been deemed suicide by her colleagues. She’s convinced that Josh Gannon, fresh out of prison, has been murdered.
But Dylan is shocked when someone from the grey Chevy Tahoe following her shoots her dead. Grief mix with frustration when a corrupt Dallas cop who bears Dylan a grudge, Detective Lutz tries to pin her murder on him. Luckily, he has a very competent lawyer on tap, and Mia Kapoor has him out on bail quick smart. But the judge’s warning that he refrain from investigating will be impossible for Dylan to obey.
Those investigations attract the attention of some nasty characters, ex-military types who are clearly in the employ of whoever wants to suppress the information that Rose had. These men demonstrate that they have no qualms about killing, and the body-count of those who might know something steadily rises.
An added complication is Rose’s second husband who is determined to see Dylan punished for killing his wife. When the danger threatens those he cares most about, Mia and her baby son Caleb, it crystallises Dylan’s resolve to uncover what is behind the killings. When her ex and her widower eventually join forces, they begin to understand how little they knew about Rose’s past, and the sort of power and influence they’re up against.
Hunsicker gives the reader believeable characters and a twisty plot with a hefty body count and an exciting climax. This is a gripping crime thriller and more of this cast would be welcome.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing.
The Life and Death of Rose Doucette is a novel by American author, Harry Hunsicker. Former Dallas cop, now PI, Dylan Fisher is curious when the ex-wife he hasn’t seen for three years, Homicide Detective Sergeant Rose Doucette wants his input on a case that has been deemed suicide by her colleagues. She’s convinced that Josh Gannon, fresh out of prison, has been murdered.
But Dylan is shocked when someone from the grey Chevy Tahoe following her shoots her dead. Grief mix with frustration when a corrupt Dallas cop who bears Dylan a grudge, Detective Lutz tries to pin her murder on him. Luckily, he has a very competent lawyer on tap, and Mia Kapoor has him out on bail quick smart. But the judge’s warning that he refrain from investigating will be impossible for Dylan to obey.
Those investigations attract the attention of some nasty characters, ex-military types who are clearly in the employ of whoever wants to suppress the information that Rose had. These men demonstrate that they have no qualms about killing, and the body-count of those who might know something steadily rises.
An added complication is Rose’s second husband who is determined to see Dylan punished for killing his wife. When the danger threatens those he cares most about, Mia and her baby son Caleb, it crystallises Dylan’s resolve to uncover what is behind the killings. When her ex and her widower eventually join forces, they begin to understand how little they knew about Rose’s past, and the sort of power and influence they’re up against.
Hunsicker gives the reader believeable characters and a twisty plot with a hefty body count and an exciting climax. This is a gripping crime thriller and more of this cast would be welcome.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing.
December 18, 2025
Dallas PI Dylan Fisher reluctantly meets with his ex-wife, Rose, to confidentially discuss a case her superiors have suggested she drop. Parting ways, Dylan observes a car tailing Rose from the hotel and he takes pursuit. Arriving too late to save her life, he holds Rose in his arms as she succumbs to a fatal gunshot wound. Now the primary suspect, Dylan vows to bring his beloved ex-wife’s killer to justice and, in doing so, get her department brethren off his back.
During his sluggish investigation, he discovers a sinister, decades-old skeleton in Rose’s closet. Collaborating with an unlikely assistant―Rose’s second husband, Dylan draws nearer to discovering the truth. The stakes escalate when he realizes he’s not only putting his new lover in the killer’s crosshairs but also her young son.
A well-written, leisurely-paced whodunit with familial antics, The Life and Death of Rose Doucette will satisfy most mystery and family-drama addicts. Those who prefer a more complex plot, dynamic characters, and a quicker tempo, may close the book only somewhat fulfilled. Thank you, NetGalley, Mr. Hunsicker, and Oceanview Publishing for the ARC.
December 27, 2025
I'm a fan of Dallas-set books and Hunsicker's DFW area scenes are always tone-perfect. This book features great plotting with plenty of suspense--some romantic, some action--along with chapter-ending cliffhangers that propel the reader forward.
Please note--there are elements of child jep in the book, for those who choose to avoid the topic.
Highly recommended!
Please note--there are elements of child jep in the book, for those who choose to avoid the topic.
Highly recommended!
July 24, 2024
It's been a while since Harry Hunsicker published a book but now he is back with a humdinger of a story. The Life and Death of Rose Doucette is one of the best detective stories I have read in quite a while. We have private investigator and ex cop Dylan Fisher being asked by his ex wife to solve a suspicous death, we also have her current husband interfering, Dylans friend who is an attorney and a powerful man seeking elected office, oh and some corrupt cops. It's hard to write about this book without spoiling it. It is fast paced and filled with twists. The mystery goes back in time and involves a number of people. I have not read much by this author but he is great at creating godd characters and he sure knows how to tell a story. Highly recommended. I must thank Oceanview Publishing and Netgalley for letting me read this advance copy.
February 7, 2024
3.75 rounded down. An intriguing murder mystery that becomes more and more complex as more murders occur.. It held my interest throughout! Characters are multi dimensional and interesting. Former police detective, now PI Dylan Fisher is tasked by his ex-wife Rose to investigate a supposed suicide of her old friend. Immediately afterwards, Rose is killed and Dylan witnesses the execution. There must have been bad blood between Dylan’s former colleagues in the police department because he was charged with her murder. Free on bond, he attempts to clear his name by finding the real killer. The tension builds as Dylan becomes a target as well, yet has little sympathy from the police. Rose’s present husband,Tito, comes into play. Although Dylan and Tito were rivals for Rose’s affection, the two make peace with one another and team up to work together to solve Rose’s murder and the mystery surrounding it, stemming from something that happened two decades earlier! Indeed, the plot is complex but not convoluted. There are many twists and the twist at the end was thoroughly unexpected and stunning! The climax was intense and exciting; the denouement very satisfying! This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I hope there is another with the same protagonist! I would read the sequel as this main character Dylan and Tito are dynamic!
My thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
My thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
May 8, 2025
Pretty solid for your run-of-the-mill police mystery. It’s clearly written by a man (the women characters have no depth), but I’ve read worse novels from male-centric voices.
January 12, 2024
This novel was a unexpected hit with me. I happened across it while browsing one afternoon and took a chance on it. Crime thrillers featuring an ex-cop investigator aren't my go-to novels, but this was unusually addictive. Dylan Fisher is a former police officer, now a private investigator, who is contacted by his ex-wife Rose Doucette about a case she is working on. He notices that Rose isn't like her typical self and is startled to realize that she is afraid of something or someone. As she leaves their meeting, Dylan observes a car following Rose and so he tails them. The driver closes in on Rose aggressively and pulls up next to her in a parking lot, shooting her dead and almost running Dylan down.
The lead police detective investigating Rose's murder is an old enemy of Dylan's and very happy to pin her murder on him. Dylan undertakes the investigation on his own, along with Rose's current husband Tito, all the while trying to evade a group of professional hitmen on his trail.
The Life and Death of Rose Doucette is a crime thriller with a lot of heart. Dylan Fisher is a likeable character, and Tito makes a perfect sidekick. The story is action-packed with a brisk pace, but also has overtones of sadness and regret in the unresolved issues between Dylan and Rose. While Dylan and Tito are left haunted by the dark secrets that Rose kept from them, the conclusion is satisfying and provides some surprises for the reader. Fans of Harry Bosch would appreciate Dylan Fisher, so let's hope there is more to come.
The lead police detective investigating Rose's murder is an old enemy of Dylan's and very happy to pin her murder on him. Dylan undertakes the investigation on his own, along with Rose's current husband Tito, all the while trying to evade a group of professional hitmen on his trail.
The Life and Death of Rose Doucette is a crime thriller with a lot of heart. Dylan Fisher is a likeable character, and Tito makes a perfect sidekick. The story is action-packed with a brisk pace, but also has overtones of sadness and regret in the unresolved issues between Dylan and Rose. While Dylan and Tito are left haunted by the dark secrets that Rose kept from them, the conclusion is satisfying and provides some surprises for the reader. Fans of Harry Bosch would appreciate Dylan Fisher, so let's hope there is more to come.
February 9, 2024
Just dove into my first NetGalley ARC, and it was such a pleasant surprise! This crime thriller/mystery is a breeze to read – super fast and easy. The plot is packed with twists and turns that kept me on my toes. I was genuinely surprised many times, and I can't get enough of Dylan and Tito. Overall, a fantastic story that's both gripping and enjoyable!!
January 28, 2024
This gripping mystery novel kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The intricate plot, filled with suspense, murder, and unexpected twists, had me guessing until the very end. The crazy conclusion left me speechless, making this a must-read for any fan of thrilling mysteries! Thank you NetGalley and Harry Hunsicker for allowing me to read this book early.
November 5, 2024
BOOK: The Life and Death of Rose Doucette
AUTHOR: Harry Hunsicker
PUB DATE: October 1, 2024, by Oceanview Publishing
PAGES: 320
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GENRE: Fiction/Crime Thriller
A BIG Thank You to @netgalley, @OceanPublishing, and the author for gifting me an advanced digital in exchange for my honest review!
GR SYNOPSIS: Dallas private investigator Dylan Fisher hasn't seen his ex-wife, Rose, in 3 years, which is why he' s surprised when she asks him to meet her at a hotel. Rose Doucette is a homicide detective, and she wants Dylan' s help with a murder investigation that she' s been asked to step back from but can' t seem to let go. They review the details of the case and part ways— but as Rose is leaving the parking lot, Dylan sees a suspicious car begin to follow her. Feeling uneasy, he tails the car and tries to warn Rose, but he' s too late— the driver of the car shoots her, killing her instantly, before speeding away. The police are determined to pin the murder on Dylan, so he' s left with no choice but to find the killer himself. Teaming up with Rose' s widower, a defense attorney named Tito, the pair dive into Rose' s past to figure out who could've wanted to kill the woman they both loved— and what they were trying to hide.
QUICK & SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: This was my first read by this author and I gobbled it up AND ate the crumbs! I really enjoyed his descriptive writing style and appreciated all the nods to various (and very real) Dallas destinations. He also brings to light some Dallas world events throughout, which only added depth to this story. This was a fast-paced suspense thriller with a twist ending, and I didn’t want to put it down. It’s said that this is perfect for fans of Michael Connelly & Robert Crais. I will absolutely be reading more by this author. Just excellent!
AUTHOR: Harry Hunsicker
PUB DATE: October 1, 2024, by Oceanview Publishing
PAGES: 320
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GENRE: Fiction/Crime Thriller
A BIG Thank You to @netgalley, @OceanPublishing, and the author for gifting me an advanced digital in exchange for my honest review!
GR SYNOPSIS: Dallas private investigator Dylan Fisher hasn't seen his ex-wife, Rose, in 3 years, which is why he' s surprised when she asks him to meet her at a hotel. Rose Doucette is a homicide detective, and she wants Dylan' s help with a murder investigation that she' s been asked to step back from but can' t seem to let go. They review the details of the case and part ways— but as Rose is leaving the parking lot, Dylan sees a suspicious car begin to follow her. Feeling uneasy, he tails the car and tries to warn Rose, but he' s too late— the driver of the car shoots her, killing her instantly, before speeding away. The police are determined to pin the murder on Dylan, so he' s left with no choice but to find the killer himself. Teaming up with Rose' s widower, a defense attorney named Tito, the pair dive into Rose' s past to figure out who could've wanted to kill the woman they both loved— and what they were trying to hide.
QUICK & SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: This was my first read by this author and I gobbled it up AND ate the crumbs! I really enjoyed his descriptive writing style and appreciated all the nods to various (and very real) Dallas destinations. He also brings to light some Dallas world events throughout, which only added depth to this story. This was a fast-paced suspense thriller with a twist ending, and I didn’t want to put it down. It’s said that this is perfect for fans of Michael Connelly & Robert Crais. I will absolutely be reading more by this author. Just excellent!
February 1, 2024
The Life and Death of Rose Doucette is a sharp, well written thriller. Dylan Fisher, former cop turned P.I, is contacted by his ex-wife Rose Doucette, also a cop, about a victim everyone bar Rose believes is a suicide. In fact, everyone is TELLING Rose this is a suicide. Clearly a troubled individual, Rose takes off and Dylan notices a car begin to follow her, and gives pursuit.
Once Rose stops, Dylan witnesses the chase car pull up and shoot her dead. After he fails to stop their escape, he is hit on the head and wakes up to find himself the chief suspect in her murder, with his prints over the murder weapon.
After making bail, thanks to his lawyer/friend Mia (we also get a little will they-won't they here, another nice element to the book), Dylan sets himself the task of finding who really killed his ex-wife. After some convincing, Rose's current husband, hotshot attorney Tito Mullins, does his fair share to aid Dylan where he can.
Here's what I loved about the book:
1) Despite being relatively short at less than 300 pages, Dylan, Mia and Tito are all very well-written and adequately explored, and I enjoyed the relationship between both Dylan and Mia and Dylan and Tito, with the latter seeing two men who clearly do not like each other coming together over a common objective: finding who killed the woman they loved.
2) Location location location: it feels like a lot of these types of books are set in LA, NYC, London. Dallas was refreshing, it felt like an unexplored world.
3) The author keeps the reader guessing, allowing them to piece the story together with Dylan, never leaving obvious clues that can spoil these type of books. This really keeps the reader on edge and makes you wish to find the next clue ASAP. That helps the book attain "unputdownable" status.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was poor Rose herself. She has her issues, revealed more in-depth as the book goes on. But after asking Dylan for help with the suicide, she doesn't exactly give him much to go on before she is murdered. And it turns out she kept Tito equally in the dark. Whilst I loved the story, and watching Dylan and Tito compare notes on Rose was equal parts fun and awkward, had Rose been just a little bit more open, things could have been solved with a lot less hassle. I found her quite unlikeable.
Additionally, for all Dylan is a great PI, the man himself is quite boring, with no obvious vices and a penchant for putting other people in danger. That aspect can make him come across as frustrating at times. Furthermore, there were a few minor characters caught up in the story that were not really covered in the end, so that slightly hampered my rating of the book, as it would have been nice to put a bow in the end of their stories too.
Great story, good amount of plot twists, plenty of dead bodies and three great characters, this book is certainly worth a read. I promise you'll be sucked in quickly. I'd be keen to read more from Harry Hunsicker, especially if he decided to write more around Dylan and Mia, Tito or even expanded a little more on Rose's time as a cop. Top read, thanks NetGalley and publisher!
Once Rose stops, Dylan witnesses the chase car pull up and shoot her dead. After he fails to stop their escape, he is hit on the head and wakes up to find himself the chief suspect in her murder, with his prints over the murder weapon.
After making bail, thanks to his lawyer/friend Mia (we also get a little will they-won't they here, another nice element to the book), Dylan sets himself the task of finding who really killed his ex-wife. After some convincing, Rose's current husband, hotshot attorney Tito Mullins, does his fair share to aid Dylan where he can.
Here's what I loved about the book:
1) Despite being relatively short at less than 300 pages, Dylan, Mia and Tito are all very well-written and adequately explored, and I enjoyed the relationship between both Dylan and Mia and Dylan and Tito, with the latter seeing two men who clearly do not like each other coming together over a common objective: finding who killed the woman they loved.
2) Location location location: it feels like a lot of these types of books are set in LA, NYC, London. Dallas was refreshing, it felt like an unexplored world.
3) The author keeps the reader guessing, allowing them to piece the story together with Dylan, never leaving obvious clues that can spoil these type of books. This really keeps the reader on edge and makes you wish to find the next clue ASAP. That helps the book attain "unputdownable" status.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was poor Rose herself. She has her issues, revealed more in-depth as the book goes on. But after asking Dylan for help with the suicide, she doesn't exactly give him much to go on before she is murdered. And it turns out she kept Tito equally in the dark. Whilst I loved the story, and watching Dylan and Tito compare notes on Rose was equal parts fun and awkward, had Rose been just a little bit more open, things could have been solved with a lot less hassle. I found her quite unlikeable.
Additionally, for all Dylan is a great PI, the man himself is quite boring, with no obvious vices and a penchant for putting other people in danger. That aspect can make him come across as frustrating at times. Furthermore, there were a few minor characters caught up in the story that were not really covered in the end, so that slightly hampered my rating of the book, as it would have been nice to put a bow in the end of their stories too.
Great story, good amount of plot twists, plenty of dead bodies and three great characters, this book is certainly worth a read. I promise you'll be sucked in quickly. I'd be keen to read more from Harry Hunsicker, especially if he decided to write more around Dylan and Mia, Tito or even expanded a little more on Rose's time as a cop. Top read, thanks NetGalley and publisher!
December 9, 2024
I would like to thank Oceanview Publishing and Harry Hunsicker for granting me a digital copy of this book.
3,5⭐ - This fast-paced book follows Dylan who's a PI and an ex cop, one day his ex-wife of 15 years Rose, reached out to him for a case she's working on. Soon after Rose gets executed in front of Dylan, who gets charged for murder. When he's out on bail, Dylan is determined to clear his name and find the person who killed his ex-wife.
I couldn't put this book down, as we follow Dylan who's eager to find out who killed Rose or why she was killed. Even after being married to Rose for 15 years, she also had secrets of her own Dylan never knew about. The story has likeable characters, loads of twists and turns.
3,5⭐ - This fast-paced book follows Dylan who's a PI and an ex cop, one day his ex-wife of 15 years Rose, reached out to him for a case she's working on. Soon after Rose gets executed in front of Dylan, who gets charged for murder. When he's out on bail, Dylan is determined to clear his name and find the person who killed his ex-wife.
I couldn't put this book down, as we follow Dylan who's eager to find out who killed Rose or why she was killed. Even after being married to Rose for 15 years, she also had secrets of her own Dylan never knew about. The story has likeable characters, loads of twists and turns.
March 23, 2024
After the death of his ex-wife, Dallas PI Dylan Fisher is brought into a world of mystery, deception and danger (more than normal) as he must find Rose's killer before he is falsely charged with the crime. This brilliant thriller becomes a rollercoaster of emotions, mystery and intrigue as Fisher sets out to discover the truth behind Rose's death, uncovering decades-old mysteries and seeing the world he once knew in a different light.
Overall, The Life and Death of Rose Doucette was a great whodunnit with interesting characters, a well-written plot and an atmosphere that will satisfy any crime/thriller/mystery fans.
Thank you, NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Overall, The Life and Death of Rose Doucette was a great whodunnit with interesting characters, a well-written plot and an atmosphere that will satisfy any crime/thriller/mystery fans.
Thank you, NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 4, 2024
Many thanks to @NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for the eARC to read and review!
This was a great crime thriller that I binged in a day! I loved the main character—Dylan—an ex-cop turned private investigator. (Hi, hello 👋🏻, not me over here swooning over a fictional character or anything…😍) His narrative, along with the short chapters, had a comfortable fluidity that kept me turning pages until the very end.
Somehow this happens to be my first of Hunsicker’s novels, but I’ll definitely be coming back for more—and I wouldn’t be sad if this ends up being book 1 of a new series either. 😉
Read if you love:
✨anything by Patterson, Connelly, or Coben
✨fast-paced, picture-able (is that even a word?) action
The Life and Death of Rose Doucette pubs October 1, 2024!
This was a great crime thriller that I binged in a day! I loved the main character—Dylan—an ex-cop turned private investigator. (Hi, hello 👋🏻, not me over here swooning over a fictional character or anything…😍) His narrative, along with the short chapters, had a comfortable fluidity that kept me turning pages until the very end.
Somehow this happens to be my first of Hunsicker’s novels, but I’ll definitely be coming back for more—and I wouldn’t be sad if this ends up being book 1 of a new series either. 😉
Read if you love:
✨anything by Patterson, Connelly, or Coben
✨fast-paced, picture-able (is that even a word?) action
The Life and Death of Rose Doucette pubs October 1, 2024!
August 26, 2025
A Well-Hidden Secret
Rose Doucette wants to hire Dylan Fisher, her ex-husband and a private investigator, to help her on a case. She is terrified. She tells Dylan that it will be easier to show him than to tell him. She takes him to the spot where John Gannon supposedly committed suicide. The site was on the grounds of a hotel where Gannon was staying. The hotel manager comes and asks her to leave as she can’t be here. Rose storms and walks to her car. Dylan follows her. As she pulls out, a car parked a few cars behind her and a few cars ahead of his car pulls out and follows her. He follows both of them. Rose drives some distance to a park. Dylan parks a little way away. He sees Rose arguing with the driver of the car that followed her. The driver shoots Rose and starts to drive away. As the car is approaching Dylan, he starts shooting. He has to jump out of the way, but he is still hit and knocked into a tree. When he regains his senses, all goes black. He wakes up near Rose’s dead body and is arrested for her murder. From this start, a gripping and complex novel starts.
The main storyline consists of two threads. The first is Dylan’s investigation into Rose’s murder. The second is his search for a missing Rye McFadden. Blaine Madden had hired him to find his brother. For Dylan, challenging difficulties are plenty. First and foremost, the arrangement judge’s condition for bail was not to investigate Rose’s murder. He said he understood. Most of his actions after bail are violations. The investigating officer is exceptionally aggressive during the interrogation of Dylan, which may have been for personal reasons. Soon after release, he is involved in another murder. The investigating officer is Rose’s partner. When Dylan was leaving his office, Rose’s widowed husband was at the front door, pointing a gun at him. The most dangerous threat is from a paramilitary group that is using violence, including murder, to foil Ryan’s efforts to investigate the Rose’s murder. The second thread has a scion of a powerful and influential family in the state who hires Dylan to find his brother, who was recently released from an institution and is now missing.
Dylan has a monumental task to find who killed Rose. Dylan has determined that the key is the events that occurred in the late 90s. His efforts are centered on finding someone who could shed light on those events. This journey has many twists and turns along the way. This main storyline quickly captured and held my attention to the end.
There is one B-storyline, Dylan’s relationship with his employer’s mother. Kia’s family is a very traditional family from India. She wants Kia to marry a good Indian man. Kia's use of artificial insemination upset her. She believes that Dylan is the father. She is polite, but the relationship is prickly. This thread is also a C-storyline, as the reader can observe the relationship change. With all the rest that is occurring, this shows how Dylan can work with these relationships.
Minimal aspects exist in this novel that can cause some readers to stop reading. There are no intimate scenes. There is minimal use of vulgar language, with a little more rude language. I did not find any impious language. Some violence as it occurs, but nothing that could not be shown on prime time TV. For those readers who do not like to jump late into a series, this novel appears to be a standalone.
I could not find any elements that rubbed me the wrong way. I definitely did enjoy how it took Dylan many attempts and different lines of inquiry to determine the antagonist’s identity. All the loose ends were tied up, and I was pretty pleased with the complexity of the relationships at the end compared to the beginning. I have read two previous novels from the same series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel as I did the two previous ones. I have upgraded this author from my Will-Read to Must-Read category. I am looking forward to reading further novels by the author. I rate this novel with five stars.
I purchased this novel, but inadvertently requested it from Oceanview Publishing, which provided me with a pre-publication version of this novel via Edelweiss Plus. I wish to thank Oveanview Publishing for providing that version of this novel. This review is based solely on reading the published novel.
Rose Doucette wants to hire Dylan Fisher, her ex-husband and a private investigator, to help her on a case. She is terrified. She tells Dylan that it will be easier to show him than to tell him. She takes him to the spot where John Gannon supposedly committed suicide. The site was on the grounds of a hotel where Gannon was staying. The hotel manager comes and asks her to leave as she can’t be here. Rose storms and walks to her car. Dylan follows her. As she pulls out, a car parked a few cars behind her and a few cars ahead of his car pulls out and follows her. He follows both of them. Rose drives some distance to a park. Dylan parks a little way away. He sees Rose arguing with the driver of the car that followed her. The driver shoots Rose and starts to drive away. As the car is approaching Dylan, he starts shooting. He has to jump out of the way, but he is still hit and knocked into a tree. When he regains his senses, all goes black. He wakes up near Rose’s dead body and is arrested for her murder. From this start, a gripping and complex novel starts.
The main storyline consists of two threads. The first is Dylan’s investigation into Rose’s murder. The second is his search for a missing Rye McFadden. Blaine Madden had hired him to find his brother. For Dylan, challenging difficulties are plenty. First and foremost, the arrangement judge’s condition for bail was not to investigate Rose’s murder. He said he understood. Most of his actions after bail are violations. The investigating officer is exceptionally aggressive during the interrogation of Dylan, which may have been for personal reasons. Soon after release, he is involved in another murder. The investigating officer is Rose’s partner. When Dylan was leaving his office, Rose’s widowed husband was at the front door, pointing a gun at him. The most dangerous threat is from a paramilitary group that is using violence, including murder, to foil Ryan’s efforts to investigate the Rose’s murder. The second thread has a scion of a powerful and influential family in the state who hires Dylan to find his brother, who was recently released from an institution and is now missing.
Dylan has a monumental task to find who killed Rose. Dylan has determined that the key is the events that occurred in the late 90s. His efforts are centered on finding someone who could shed light on those events. This journey has many twists and turns along the way. This main storyline quickly captured and held my attention to the end.
There is one B-storyline, Dylan’s relationship with his employer’s mother. Kia’s family is a very traditional family from India. She wants Kia to marry a good Indian man. Kia's use of artificial insemination upset her. She believes that Dylan is the father. She is polite, but the relationship is prickly. This thread is also a C-storyline, as the reader can observe the relationship change. With all the rest that is occurring, this shows how Dylan can work with these relationships.
Minimal aspects exist in this novel that can cause some readers to stop reading. There are no intimate scenes. There is minimal use of vulgar language, with a little more rude language. I did not find any impious language. Some violence as it occurs, but nothing that could not be shown on prime time TV. For those readers who do not like to jump late into a series, this novel appears to be a standalone.
I could not find any elements that rubbed me the wrong way. I definitely did enjoy how it took Dylan many attempts and different lines of inquiry to determine the antagonist’s identity. All the loose ends were tied up, and I was pretty pleased with the complexity of the relationships at the end compared to the beginning. I have read two previous novels from the same series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel as I did the two previous ones. I have upgraded this author from my Will-Read to Must-Read category. I am looking forward to reading further novels by the author. I rate this novel with five stars.
I purchased this novel, but inadvertently requested it from Oceanview Publishing, which provided me with a pre-publication version of this novel via Edelweiss Plus. I wish to thank Oveanview Publishing for providing that version of this novel. This review is based solely on reading the published novel.
July 14, 2025
The Life And Death Of rose Doucette by Harry Hunsicker, would Dylan met his ex-wife Rose Doucette at a local hotel bar the last thing he thought the day would end with would be his arrest for her murder and he and his loved ones life in danger. Dylan and Rose used to be Dallas police detectives but he now is a private investigator for his lawyer Mia Kapoor and is totally in love with her 10 month old baby Caleb. despite with Dylan saw happen with his own eyes the detective who was crooked as the day is long doesn’t believe him. after being released on bail thanks to Mia the judge tells him not to investigate the case at all and he at no time adheres to it. It’s a good thing he didn’t because it seems at every turn there’s killers in his midst they even show up at Mia‘s mom‘s house while he’s there at a party. Roses new husband Tito also shows up after he ran off the strangers latest break-in and Tito isn’t happy and wants to fight thinking Dylan really did kill Rose. they’re encounter is thick with suspicion and anger and part no better for it but their next encounter will end differently and it will cause the two men to hook up out of necessity and safety. It seems the further Dylan digs the more he gets to know the real rose and all she kept from him and Tito.. when Dylan is called back to Maya‘s office he is shocked to see one of the McFadden‘s there looking for his missing brother. He is struck by all the strange coincidences and knows someone is playing a chess game in which the moves aren’t something Dylan is pretty too. There’s lots of moving parts and when Dylan finally puts them all together it turns out he may have not known Rose at all. I love a book where someone ordinary turns out to be extraordinary and that is definitely this book with Dylan Fisher, he kicks ass while at the same time protecting those he loves. This is such an awesome book when I rate a book 5 stars it’s because I cannot think of one thing that is wrong with the story and although I was a little perturbed that the crooked detective didn’t get what was coming to him, after I finish the book it dawned on me that he probably will in the end because they had all the evidence. At the end of the book he gives book club questions in one of them was when did you realize who the culprit was in my answer is not until Dylan talk to the sister behind the aunts house�� So yeah I guess the answer truly is I didn’t. if you love great books where the bad gets whats coming to them then you will definitely love this book I certainly did and definitely recommend it.#NetGalley, #OceanViewPublishing, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #HarryHunziker, #TheLifeAndDeathOfroseDoucette,
January 5, 2024
Dallas private investigator Dylan Fisher hasn' t seen his ex-wife, Rose, in three years— which is why he' s surprised when she asks him to meet her at a hotel. Rose Doucette is a homicide detective, and she wants Dylan' s help with a murder investigation that she' s been asked to step back from but can' t seem to let go. They review the details of the case and part ways— but as Rose is leaving the parking lot, Dylan sees a suspicious car begin to follow her. Feeling uneasy, he tails the car and tries to warn Rose, but he' s too late— the driver of the car shoots her, killing her instantly, before speeding away. The police are determined to pin the murder on Dylan, so he' s left with no choice but to find the killer himself.
I have not read this author before but I will now look for more books by Harry Hunsicker as I really enjoyed this. book which grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it throughout. The chapters are short which I personally like and being presented like this it is a case of just reading one more chapter which generally means you read ten more if you are anything like me. I enjoyed meeting and getting to know Dylan and the supporting cast such as Tito all of whom create a great base for the plot which moves fast and keeps you engaged.
The book has a great storyline with many twists, turns, and surprises and provides the reader with all you need to make a great mystery. I hope that in the future we get to see Dylan at work again, I definitely will be looking out for more books that will allow me to get to know him even more. A very solid read.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own.
I have not read this author before but I will now look for more books by Harry Hunsicker as I really enjoyed this. book which grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it throughout. The chapters are short which I personally like and being presented like this it is a case of just reading one more chapter which generally means you read ten more if you are anything like me. I enjoyed meeting and getting to know Dylan and the supporting cast such as Tito all of whom create a great base for the plot which moves fast and keeps you engaged.
The book has a great storyline with many twists, turns, and surprises and provides the reader with all you need to make a great mystery. I hope that in the future we get to see Dylan at work again, I definitely will be looking out for more books that will allow me to get to know him even more. A very solid read.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own.
March 1, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the relationship between Dylan and Tito, two men who both loved Rose and are trying to solve her murder. It is a quick read and there are plenty of twists without being convoluted. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a thriller.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 15, 2024
What an engrossing and emotionally charged mystery this one turned out to be.
The story in a few words:
Dallas PI Dylan Fisher hasn’t seen his ex-wife, Rose in three years. Rose is a homicide detective wanting them to meet. She needed his help with a murder investigation she was working on. After leaving each other, Dylan felt uneasy when he noticed seeing someone tailing her car, he wanted to warn her…. but it was too late, the driver had shot her, killing her instantly. Then things turned seriously wrong when the police fast determined that Dylan had done the deed…..
My thoughts:
I love the PI genre a lot they are suspenseful and keep you on the edge of your seat. When Detective Lutz tries to pin Rose’s murder on Dylan Dylan’s lawyer Mia Kapoor had his back and out on bail pronto. Can Dylan stay idle? No way. Doing so brought us into a series of twisted events.
“The Life and Death of Rose Doucette” grabbed me from the get-go. The author’s writing style is so smooth that I found myself almost through the book so captivated by the going on that time had just passed by in a jiffy.
I like the Dylan’s character, a determined man wanting to clear his name while looking for answers. It is hard not to be rooting for him. Teaming with Rose new husband Tito, a defense attorney, was something else to read. As the investigation unfolds this story gives secrets and surprises and danger galore lurking in the darkness….No doubt, we are into one exciting mystery to follow.
Pleasantly, the narrative is very active and is said in the first person by Dylan. As for the supporting cast, they are varied and unique giving the perfect touch to this engrossing mystery.
This story is well-written and move smoothly at a leisurely-pace. Passing time reading this story was not wasted time.
I received a copy of this book from Oceanview Publishing
The story in a few words:
Dallas PI Dylan Fisher hasn’t seen his ex-wife, Rose in three years. Rose is a homicide detective wanting them to meet. She needed his help with a murder investigation she was working on. After leaving each other, Dylan felt uneasy when he noticed seeing someone tailing her car, he wanted to warn her…. but it was too late, the driver had shot her, killing her instantly. Then things turned seriously wrong when the police fast determined that Dylan had done the deed…..
My thoughts:
I love the PI genre a lot they are suspenseful and keep you on the edge of your seat. When Detective Lutz tries to pin Rose’s murder on Dylan Dylan’s lawyer Mia Kapoor had his back and out on bail pronto. Can Dylan stay idle? No way. Doing so brought us into a series of twisted events.
“The Life and Death of Rose Doucette” grabbed me from the get-go. The author’s writing style is so smooth that I found myself almost through the book so captivated by the going on that time had just passed by in a jiffy.
I like the Dylan’s character, a determined man wanting to clear his name while looking for answers. It is hard not to be rooting for him. Teaming with Rose new husband Tito, a defense attorney, was something else to read. As the investigation unfolds this story gives secrets and surprises and danger galore lurking in the darkness….No doubt, we are into one exciting mystery to follow.
Pleasantly, the narrative is very active and is said in the first person by Dylan. As for the supporting cast, they are varied and unique giving the perfect touch to this engrossing mystery.
This story is well-written and move smoothly at a leisurely-pace. Passing time reading this story was not wasted time.
I received a copy of this book from Oceanview Publishing
October 26, 2024
When a PI, Dylan Fisher hasn't seen his ex wife in several years and is suddenly being accused of her murder, you get hooked to the story.
Dylan finds himself accused of murdering his ex-wife and investigating what happened to save himself. This was a fun crime thriller that kept me busy all day reading till the very end. The twists caught me off guard as I wasn't expecting them. I really liked how Dylan ended up working alongside Tito. I have to admit, I may have laughed at their circumstances at times. I feel like the title was a great fit to the story as the story really does come full circle to the life and death of Rose Doucette.
If you enjoy reading PI, corruption, interesting characters, and twists, then add this one to your tbr.
A very special thanks to Kaye Publicity + Oceanview Publishing for the gifted book.
Dylan finds himself accused of murdering his ex-wife and investigating what happened to save himself. This was a fun crime thriller that kept me busy all day reading till the very end. The twists caught me off guard as I wasn't expecting them. I really liked how Dylan ended up working alongside Tito. I have to admit, I may have laughed at their circumstances at times. I feel like the title was a great fit to the story as the story really does come full circle to the life and death of Rose Doucette.
If you enjoy reading PI, corruption, interesting characters, and twists, then add this one to your tbr.
A very special thanks to Kaye Publicity + Oceanview Publishing for the gifted book.
February 17, 2024
Really enjoyed this book , so many twists and turns, you was on a real rollercoaster. Rawking good read. Brilliant thriller, you keep thinking you knew who the bad person was they the author pulled the rug. What a life Rose had!
March 24, 2025
This was such a great book!
I was sucked in from page 1 trying to figure out what happened to Rose. I could have never guessed the ending of this book. Really enjoyed!! I read this as an earc from NetGalley
I was sucked in from page 1 trying to figure out what happened to Rose. I could have never guessed the ending of this book. Really enjoyed!! I read this as an earc from NetGalley
April 2, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book! I was hooked from the very first page. So many twists and turns. I couldn’t put the book down. If you’re a fan of Law and Order or any police show, you’ll love this book.
December 10, 2024
I love that others loved this and I am an outlier. If you are curious by the synopsis and looking to enjoy this read - go check out those 4 and 5 star reviews.
This is purely personal - but I just did not connect with this story right from the start. Rose Doucette is gunned down in the road while with her ex-husband. Her ex-husband is not only struck by a car but he's also bashed over the head at the same time. When he regains consciousness, he rushes over to his ex-wife and begins lifesaving measures until the police arrive. He's an ex cop turned PI and was previously in Internal Affairs.
So the first thing the arriving officers do. . .is arrest him? I just struggled to believe this. And from there, the story went off the rails. When they were shocking him with a cattle prod, I just couldn't anymore. If there's one thing I believe, it's that the police would have at least backed their own and since he was an previous officer, I just couldn't believe all the police corruption to get to the point they were after him.
So, while I think the cover is so good, the story just wasn't for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
This is purely personal - but I just did not connect with this story right from the start. Rose Doucette is gunned down in the road while with her ex-husband. Her ex-husband is not only struck by a car but he's also bashed over the head at the same time. When he regains consciousness, he rushes over to his ex-wife and begins lifesaving measures until the police arrive. He's an ex cop turned PI and was previously in Internal Affairs.
So the first thing the arriving officers do. . .is arrest him? I just struggled to believe this. And from there, the story went off the rails. When they were shocking him with a cattle prod, I just couldn't anymore. If there's one thing I believe, it's that the police would have at least backed their own and since he was an previous officer, I just couldn't believe all the police corruption to get to the point they were after him.
So, while I think the cover is so good, the story just wasn't for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
January 3, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for this ARC.
The life and death of Rose Doucette is a fast paced mystery that got me hooked from the get to. The short chapters really made the hours fly when I picked it up!
The characters have depth, Dylan and Tito's relationship is built in a very realistic fashion, and the "bad guy" surprised me!
Harry Hunsicker really got the mystery going, adding piece by piece untill a cohesive puzzle shone through.
The only thing I did not appreciate were the side stories that once in a while crept up to justify who they were seeing and why. Also thought the epilogue very "rushed"? Did not get that vybe.
The life and death of Rose Doucette is a fast paced mystery that got me hooked from the get to. The short chapters really made the hours fly when I picked it up!
The characters have depth, Dylan and Tito's relationship is built in a very realistic fashion, and the "bad guy" surprised me!
Harry Hunsicker really got the mystery going, adding piece by piece untill a cohesive puzzle shone through.
The only thing I did not appreciate were the side stories that once in a while crept up to justify who they were seeing and why. Also thought the epilogue very "rushed"? Did not get that vybe.
May 29, 2025
This is the perfect summer read. It's an easy read with enough intrigue to keep die hard mystery buff satiated.
It's one of those rare novels that I would like to see Mr. Hunsicker make into a series.
Our protagonist, Dylan Fisher, a heart-broken PI still pinning for his ex-wife who happens to be a detective, is ripe for his own character driven sequel.
I would read it.
TD recommends.
It's one of those rare novels that I would like to see Mr. Hunsicker make into a series.
Our protagonist, Dylan Fisher, a heart-broken PI still pinning for his ex-wife who happens to be a detective, is ripe for his own character driven sequel.
I would read it.
TD recommends.
September 8, 2024
With a few tweaks here and there, I feel like this one has the potential to be even better. The bones of the story are solid - the ex-wife of a former cop turned private investigator reaches out to him for help solving a murder that she was told was a solid case of suicide. Before he can get more information from her, she storms off and ends up dead. And as the story unfolds, he finds out just what kind of secrets she kept buried all of these years.
See? Solid concept. Throw in a few corrupt cops, a current spouse with an axe to grind, an "untouchable" family and boy this should have been a 4 or 5 star read, so why wasn't it?
For starters, it bordered on the implausible a few times, for example how is it that Dylan finds out that an old friend of his wife's is staying nearby and then that person is almost immediately targeted while he is meeting with her? There is no explanation as to how this might have happened, especially since it was an acquaintance of his who even was able to gain access to where she was. Then we have Dylan being pulled over by one of the corrupt cops on the force (who leaves evidence), but once that interaction is over there is no more mention of this particular officer.
And I mean, on one hand I guess I get it, but I would have found the story a bit more interesting had Dylan pressed charges - how would the story shifted then? Even if the entire police force was crooked (spoiler alert they weren't), it would have been hard to explain what had happened in a way that his lawyer couldn't have argued against.
On the flip side of that, he had been ordered to stay away from investigating his ex-wife's death by the judge who had granted him bail. And while technically, he could argue he was looking into the death of the man who died prior to Rose, seeing him actually try to clear his name from inside of a jail cell would have been interesting, not to mention the fact that the powers that be would have had no trouble shutting him up from the inside, made me wonder why they didn't go that route. They didn't technically "need him" by that point as the other two people who were invested in what happened would have no doubt carried on their own investigations.
However, things progressed as they did, and there were just enough dead ends, curious leads, and suspicious characters to keep me invested in this story. I even enjoyed the slight twist at the end, which was something that I had been wondering about. Even though there was a lot going on, it was easy to follow although I still don't entirely understand the reasoning for two people being there as well who really had nothing to do with it.
Nevertheless, the epilogue in my opinion was entirely un-needed unless this author plans to turn this book into part one of a series (which I would whole-heartedly support). Otherwise it didn't make any sense to include, especially when the details seem to come out of the blue after what we learned throughout the novel about certain characters. I mean I suppose going through what they did together might have changed their minds, but I would have liked to see a bit more of that before the ending.
As it stands, I would read more from this author regardless of the characters, but I do think he might be on to something if he wants to make PI Dylan Fisher more than just a one-off character in a story.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
See? Solid concept. Throw in a few corrupt cops, a current spouse with an axe to grind, an "untouchable" family and boy this should have been a 4 or 5 star read, so why wasn't it?
For starters, it bordered on the implausible a few times, for example how is it that Dylan finds out that an old friend of his wife's is staying nearby and then that person is almost immediately targeted while he is meeting with her? There is no explanation as to how this might have happened, especially since it was an acquaintance of his who even was able to gain access to where she was. Then we have Dylan being pulled over by one of the corrupt cops on the force (who leaves evidence), but once that interaction is over there is no more mention of this particular officer.
And I mean, on one hand I guess I get it, but I would have found the story a bit more interesting had Dylan pressed charges - how would the story shifted then? Even if the entire police force was crooked (spoiler alert they weren't), it would have been hard to explain what had happened in a way that his lawyer couldn't have argued against.
On the flip side of that, he had been ordered to stay away from investigating his ex-wife's death by the judge who had granted him bail. And while technically, he could argue he was looking into the death of the man who died prior to Rose, seeing him actually try to clear his name from inside of a jail cell would have been interesting, not to mention the fact that the powers that be would have had no trouble shutting him up from the inside, made me wonder why they didn't go that route. They didn't technically "need him" by that point as the other two people who were invested in what happened would have no doubt carried on their own investigations.
However, things progressed as they did, and there were just enough dead ends, curious leads, and suspicious characters to keep me invested in this story. I even enjoyed the slight twist at the end, which was something that I had been wondering about. Even though there was a lot going on, it was easy to follow although I still don't entirely understand the reasoning for two people being there as well who really had nothing to do with it.
Nevertheless, the epilogue in my opinion was entirely un-needed unless this author plans to turn this book into part one of a series (which I would whole-heartedly support). Otherwise it didn't make any sense to include, especially when the details seem to come out of the blue after what we learned throughout the novel about certain characters. I mean I suppose going through what they did together might have changed their minds, but I would have liked to see a bit more of that before the ending.
As it stands, I would read more from this author regardless of the characters, but I do think he might be on to something if he wants to make PI Dylan Fisher more than just a one-off character in a story.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
September 23, 2024
The Life and Death of Rose Doucette by Harry Hunsicker is a very highly recommended PI novel with serious noir undertones. I enjoyed this novel a lot!
Dallas private investigator and former police detective Dylan Fisher hasn't seen Rose Doucette, his ex-wife and a homicide detective, for three years so he is surprised when she asks him to meet her at an exclusive hotel. Rose wants him to investigate a murder that happened at the hotel. Josh Gannon, a drug dealer fresh out of prison, was shot on the grounds a few days earlier. Now it's all cleaned up and Rose has been taken her off the case claiming it was a suicide. While talking on the grounds where the body was found the two are told to leave by hotel management.
As Rose leaves, Dylan notices a car following her, so he follows both cars while trying to text Rose to warn her. Once she parks, the driver of the car shoots Rose and sets up the evidence to implicate Dylan in the crime. Now Dylan is charged with murder. The lawyer he works for, Mia, gets him released and must find out who really killed Rose. Along the way Dylan teams up with Rose’s second husband, defense attorney Tito Mullins to solve the murder.
The Life and Death of Rose Doucette is a well-written, fast-paced, compelling investigative novel that is full of secrets and surprises as the progressively dangerous investigation unfolds. Since Rose's murder happens early in the novel, a sense of urgency and danger is immediately present and is followed by increasingly tense situations and twists. The underlying mystery that needs to be solved becomes more complex as the risks increase.
The narrative unfold through Dylan's first person account, which works quite well and helps create the noir atmosphere in the mystery. Dylan is a fully realized character with a great personality. The rest of the cast of characters are realistic, varied, and unique in the novel. As the narrative continues Rose's backstory brings her to life.
This is an engrossing mystery that held my complete attention right up to the surprising twist at the end. Thanks to Oceanview Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/0...
Dallas private investigator and former police detective Dylan Fisher hasn't seen Rose Doucette, his ex-wife and a homicide detective, for three years so he is surprised when she asks him to meet her at an exclusive hotel. Rose wants him to investigate a murder that happened at the hotel. Josh Gannon, a drug dealer fresh out of prison, was shot on the grounds a few days earlier. Now it's all cleaned up and Rose has been taken her off the case claiming it was a suicide. While talking on the grounds where the body was found the two are told to leave by hotel management.
As Rose leaves, Dylan notices a car following her, so he follows both cars while trying to text Rose to warn her. Once she parks, the driver of the car shoots Rose and sets up the evidence to implicate Dylan in the crime. Now Dylan is charged with murder. The lawyer he works for, Mia, gets him released and must find out who really killed Rose. Along the way Dylan teams up with Rose’s second husband, defense attorney Tito Mullins to solve the murder.
The Life and Death of Rose Doucette is a well-written, fast-paced, compelling investigative novel that is full of secrets and surprises as the progressively dangerous investigation unfolds. Since Rose's murder happens early in the novel, a sense of urgency and danger is immediately present and is followed by increasingly tense situations and twists. The underlying mystery that needs to be solved becomes more complex as the risks increase.
The narrative unfold through Dylan's first person account, which works quite well and helps create the noir atmosphere in the mystery. Dylan is a fully realized character with a great personality. The rest of the cast of characters are realistic, varied, and unique in the novel. As the narrative continues Rose's backstory brings her to life.
This is an engrossing mystery that held my complete attention right up to the surprising twist at the end. Thanks to Oceanview Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/0...
September 29, 2024
Dylan and Rose were married for awhile, enjoying life as decorated and respected cops. Three years ago, Rose decided she was ready to move on and left Dylan for a lawyer named Tito. Brokenhearted and bitter, Dylan avoids his ex as much as possible and settles into a new life as a PI. One day, out of the blue, Rose requests a meeting at a hotel with Dylan to discuss a case she is working on. She wants his help to prove that her victim was murdered and did not commit suicide as her chain of command is pushing her to do. Rose looks drained and seems flighty, and he is trying to get as much information as he can before they get kicked off the hotel property. As she leaves, Dylan notices a car following her, so her joins the chase. They make it to a secluded area in a park where he sees Rose gunned down. The assailant clobber's him over the head, dazing him. When the cops show up., Rose is dead with Dylan being the main suspect. Now he must prove his innocence. Can he do this without putting anyone else in danger?
This was a very fast paced, twisty book that I really enjoyed. There were a lot of layers of secrets revealed along the way, and it is easy to ask "how well do you really know someone, even the person you are married to". I liked how the layers were unfolded in a way that made me just want to read "one more chapter" to figure out what would happen next. I liked the progression of the relationship between Dylan and Tito, from mutual hatred to a deep understanding and respect. I felt so much sorrow for what Rose went through. Even though she was more of a "background" character as there wasn't much interaction with an alive her past the first couple chapters, it was still easy to emotionally connect with her. I do wish there was more information into Rose's brother Boyd, especially towards the end. I also wish there was more at the end around Dylan's relationship with Mia. One thing that made me uncomfortable about the book was the overt racism with some of the villain characters. I know it was used to make the reader dislike them even more, and unfortunately these things are happening in today's society.
Thank you to Harry Hunsicker, NetGalley, and Oceanview Publishing for the ARC!
This was a very fast paced, twisty book that I really enjoyed. There were a lot of layers of secrets revealed along the way, and it is easy to ask "how well do you really know someone, even the person you are married to". I liked how the layers were unfolded in a way that made me just want to read "one more chapter" to figure out what would happen next. I liked the progression of the relationship between Dylan and Tito, from mutual hatred to a deep understanding and respect. I felt so much sorrow for what Rose went through. Even though she was more of a "background" character as there wasn't much interaction with an alive her past the first couple chapters, it was still easy to emotionally connect with her. I do wish there was more information into Rose's brother Boyd, especially towards the end. I also wish there was more at the end around Dylan's relationship with Mia. One thing that made me uncomfortable about the book was the overt racism with some of the villain characters. I know it was used to make the reader dislike them even more, and unfortunately these things are happening in today's society.
Thank you to Harry Hunsicker, NetGalley, and Oceanview Publishing for the ARC!
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