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Detective Annalisa Vega #2
Long Gone
Chicago detective Annalisa Vega shattered her life, personally and professionally, when she turned in her ex-cop father for his role in a murder. Her family can’t forgive her. Her fellow officers no longer trust her. So when detective Leo Hammond turns up dead in a bizarre murder, Annalisa thinks she has nothing to lose by investigating whatever secrets he hid behind the thin blue line.
Annalisa quickly zeroes in on someone who had good reason to want Hammond dead: a wealthy, fast-talking car salesman who’d gotten away with murder once and wasn’t about to let Hammond take a second shot. Moe Bocks remains the number one suspect in his girlfriend’s brutal unsolved death, and now he’s got a new woman in his sights—Annalisa’s best friend.
Annalisa is desperate to protect her friend and force Bocks to pay, either for Hammond’s death or his earlier crime. But when no one else believes the connection, she takes increasingly risky chances to reveal the truth. Because both Hammond and Bocks had secrets to die for, and if she doesn’t untangle them soon, Annalisa will be next.
Annalisa quickly zeroes in on someone who had good reason to want Hammond dead: a wealthy, fast-talking car salesman who’d gotten away with murder once and wasn’t about to let Hammond take a second shot. Moe Bocks remains the number one suspect in his girlfriend’s brutal unsolved death, and now he’s got a new woman in his sights—Annalisa’s best friend.
Annalisa is desperate to protect her friend and force Bocks to pay, either for Hammond’s death or his earlier crime. But when no one else believes the connection, she takes increasingly risky chances to reveal the truth. Because both Hammond and Bocks had secrets to die for, and if she doesn’t untangle them soon, Annalisa will be next.
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First published August 9, 2022
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About the author
Joanna Schaffhausen
12 books1,219 followersJoanna Schaffhausen wields a mean scalpel, skills she developed in her years studying neuroscience. She has a doctorate in psychology, which reflects her long-standing interest in the brain―how it develops and the many ways it can go wrong. Previously, she worked as a scientific editor in the field of drug development. Prior to that, she was an editorial producer for ABC News, writing for programs such as World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and 20/20. She lives in the Boston area with her husband, daughter, and an obstreperous basset hound.
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July 23, 2023
Long Gone by Joanna Schaffhausen
(Detective Annalisa Vega #2)
Chicago detective Annalisa Vega has a botched up life. Her role in solving a long ago murder has ruined her relationships with her family, cops she has to work with, and a long ago boyfriend who might have been a part of her life again. What she does have is an ex husband detective partner, Nick, who wants back in her life in a more personal way, but that could lead to more hurt than Annalisa can handle at this point in her life.
Luckily there is a lot to keep Annalisa busy. Her best friend/former sister in law, is now dating a guy who was suspected of a murder, years ago. And an old timer, old school detective turns up dead, a guy who was famed or infamous for being part of the Fantastic Four, known for their high crime solve rate. Once Annalisa and Nick look deeper into the past of these four old timer cops, they don't look so fantastic anymore.
What we end up with is bodies, past and present, and too many characters for me to keep straight. I like a good mystery but I don't want to have to keep notes while I read a book. To call this mystery complicated would be an understatement. Add into the mystery that Annalisa puts herself into such dangerous situations, running headlong into places she should not go, especially alone, and I was getting pretty frustrated with the complications and Annalisa's judgement. But I do have a very good read on Annalisa now and won't expect her to ever sit by and not jump into the middle of whatever catches her attention. She is the last person to try to make a partner, boss, parent, or anyone else happy. She is always going to be stirring the pot, at risk of life and limb and career.
Pub Aug 9, 2022
Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, SMPInfluencers, and NetGalley for this ARC.
(Detective Annalisa Vega #2)
Chicago detective Annalisa Vega has a botched up life. Her role in solving a long ago murder has ruined her relationships with her family, cops she has to work with, and a long ago boyfriend who might have been a part of her life again. What she does have is an ex husband detective partner, Nick, who wants back in her life in a more personal way, but that could lead to more hurt than Annalisa can handle at this point in her life.
Luckily there is a lot to keep Annalisa busy. Her best friend/former sister in law, is now dating a guy who was suspected of a murder, years ago. And an old timer, old school detective turns up dead, a guy who was famed or infamous for being part of the Fantastic Four, known for their high crime solve rate. Once Annalisa and Nick look deeper into the past of these four old timer cops, they don't look so fantastic anymore.
What we end up with is bodies, past and present, and too many characters for me to keep straight. I like a good mystery but I don't want to have to keep notes while I read a book. To call this mystery complicated would be an understatement. Add into the mystery that Annalisa puts herself into such dangerous situations, running headlong into places she should not go, especially alone, and I was getting pretty frustrated with the complications and Annalisa's judgement. But I do have a very good read on Annalisa now and won't expect her to ever sit by and not jump into the middle of whatever catches her attention. She is the last person to try to make a partner, boss, parent, or anyone else happy. She is always going to be stirring the pot, at risk of life and limb and career.
Pub Aug 9, 2022
Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, SMPInfluencers, and NetGalley for this ARC.
May 24, 2022
Loving this series!
4.25 stars
Long Gone is a procedural/mystery about a killer targeting a group of cops connected to a cold case from over 20 years ago.
This is book #2 in the Detective Annalisa Vega series, and it is just as good as book #1. It can be read as a standalone, and while not a lot of time is spent rehashing the events of book #1, I think there is enough information for the reader to pick up on regarding Annalisa’s past to figure out the events of the present.
Told entirely from Anna’s perspective, I was immersed from the start. She is a strong, well-developed character. Some additional layers are added to her character in this installment, including her self-righteous confidence and her vulnerable side. Her overconfidence leads her into some compromising situations, which had me frustrated. Complicating manners is her relationship with her ex-husband, now partner, Nick Carrelli. I enjoyed their banter and how the two played off of each other. It will be interesting to see how their relationship plays out in the future.
Both mysteries are compelling. I got caught up in solving both and guessed the murder(s) correctly, but not until I hit the 75-80% mark.
What I like most about this book is Schauffhausen’s writing. She creates characters who are vivid, multilayered, flawed, and compelling. She doesn’t rely on over-the-top twists and turns as her plots are developed, intricate, and subtle. She also weaves in tension, suspense, and a lot of action. I am exctied to see what she has in store for Annalisa in book #3.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
4.25 stars
Long Gone is a procedural/mystery about a killer targeting a group of cops connected to a cold case from over 20 years ago.
This is book #2 in the Detective Annalisa Vega series, and it is just as good as book #1. It can be read as a standalone, and while not a lot of time is spent rehashing the events of book #1, I think there is enough information for the reader to pick up on regarding Annalisa’s past to figure out the events of the present.
Told entirely from Anna’s perspective, I was immersed from the start. She is a strong, well-developed character. Some additional layers are added to her character in this installment, including her self-righteous confidence and her vulnerable side. Her overconfidence leads her into some compromising situations, which had me frustrated. Complicating manners is her relationship with her ex-husband, now partner, Nick Carrelli. I enjoyed their banter and how the two played off of each other. It will be interesting to see how their relationship plays out in the future.
Both mysteries are compelling. I got caught up in solving both and guessed the murder(s) correctly, but not until I hit the 75-80% mark.
What I like most about this book is Schauffhausen’s writing. She creates characters who are vivid, multilayered, flawed, and compelling. She doesn’t rely on over-the-top twists and turns as her plots are developed, intricate, and subtle. She also weaves in tension, suspense, and a lot of action. I am exctied to see what she has in store for Annalisa in book #3.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2022
***NOW AVAILABLE***
As much as I enjoyed “Gone for Good” I thought this one was BETTER!!! Now that we have Annalisa Vega’s background story and many of the characters outlined in the first book, this one concentrated completely on the mystery, or I should say, mysteries!!
What I love about this author is that she portrays Annalisa as a very gifted detective, tough, honest, intelligent, etc, but she doesn’t give her any ridiculous “super power” scenes that are unbelievable. As a woman, and the daughter of a police officer, she has to work twice as hard to gain any respect. Especially since SHE TURNED IN HER OWN FATHER for a crime he committed!!
Briefly the plot:
After an opening which we won’t understand until the end; Leo Hammond, a police officer, has been found shot in his bed. His terrified wife, who was hiding in the bathroom, swears that it was a “frogman” who killed her husband. She is the one who called 911. No one believes her as her description of the killer is preposterous, or is it??
This is just the first in what will be a pile up of bodies as the book just keeps gaining speed. Annalisa and her partner and ex-husband Nick frantically search for clues and a connection between the killings.
While working on this case, a cold case is discovered which may or may not have something to do with the current murders.
There are so many possibilities – so many people could have wanted Leo dead, he committed many nefarious deeds throughout his career. He is the poster guy for BAD COP in so many ways!!
Just when I thought I had an idea of what was happening, another twist comes along and CHANGES EVERYTHING.
There is lots of action and Annalisa seldom listens to what her commander tells her to do, but her instincts are sharp and she does end up solving the crime – even at the expense of her own safety!!
In the sea of mediocre books that I’ve read lately this one was a stand out. The author is a psychologist and also worked as an editorial producer for TV news shows. Her understanding of the human psyche certainly shows in her writing.
This book will definitely keep you turning the pages until the satisfying end!!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
##Minotaur books ##SMPInfluencers
As much as I enjoyed “Gone for Good” I thought this one was BETTER!!! Now that we have Annalisa Vega’s background story and many of the characters outlined in the first book, this one concentrated completely on the mystery, or I should say, mysteries!!
What I love about this author is that she portrays Annalisa as a very gifted detective, tough, honest, intelligent, etc, but she doesn’t give her any ridiculous “super power” scenes that are unbelievable. As a woman, and the daughter of a police officer, she has to work twice as hard to gain any respect. Especially since SHE TURNED IN HER OWN FATHER for a crime he committed!!
Briefly the plot:
After an opening which we won’t understand until the end; Leo Hammond, a police officer, has been found shot in his bed. His terrified wife, who was hiding in the bathroom, swears that it was a “frogman” who killed her husband. She is the one who called 911. No one believes her as her description of the killer is preposterous, or is it??
This is just the first in what will be a pile up of bodies as the book just keeps gaining speed. Annalisa and her partner and ex-husband Nick frantically search for clues and a connection between the killings.
While working on this case, a cold case is discovered which may or may not have something to do with the current murders.
There are so many possibilities – so many people could have wanted Leo dead, he committed many nefarious deeds throughout his career. He is the poster guy for BAD COP in so many ways!!
Just when I thought I had an idea of what was happening, another twist comes along and CHANGES EVERYTHING.
There is lots of action and Annalisa seldom listens to what her commander tells her to do, but her instincts are sharp and she does end up solving the crime – even at the expense of her own safety!!
In the sea of mediocre books that I’ve read lately this one was a stand out. The author is a psychologist and also worked as an editorial producer for TV news shows. Her understanding of the human psyche certainly shows in her writing.
This book will definitely keep you turning the pages until the satisfying end!!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
##Minotaur books ##SMPInfluencers
August 10, 2022
Blue Wall of Silence/Blue Shield/Blue Code: These all refer to an informal unspoken code that says a police officer won’t speak up against a fellow officer if they become aware of his/her wrongdoing.
Headstrong Chicago detective Annalisa Vega is back and she’s feeling the repercussions of her actions in the first book of the series Gone for Good. For spoiler reasons I won’t go into detail, other than to say that the men in blue from the Chicago PD aren’t her biggest fans this time around due to her perceived breach of the above mentioned code, which has hurt her own family members most of all.
You know the old saying “Jumping from the frying pan into the fire”? That’s Annalisa. As if her current mess isn’t big enough, she decides to start digging into a cold case involving the murder of a young woman Josie Blanchard, in addition to her assigned investigation into the murder of long-time cop, Leo Hammond. They both have ties to the same suspect, if Annalisa can just prove it. The thing is, the three surviving members of the “Fantastic Four”, Leo’s fellow cops Tom Osborne, Frankie Vaughn and Paul Monk all have dark secrets from the past they'd like to stay hidden, and they don't need Annalisa shining the light on them.
When the death count starts to rise and the threat to Annalisa gets closer, can she and her ex-husband, fellow detective Nick Carelli, solve these cases before one or both of them become the next victims?
I’ll say this: Annalisa knows her own mind, and if she’s convinced of something - stay out of her way! She has a strong moral code and definitely doesn’t let pity guide her decisions. She really wants to do right by people, even if it comes at a personal cost to her, and I always admire her dogged determination, despite her overwhelming lack of common sense at times! Her complicated relationships with Nick, her family, her childhood love, Colin Duffy, and her best friend/sister-in-law, Sassy add nice depth to the story, and it’s a cast of characters that I’m coming to care about as the series progresses.
If you’re looking for a good, solid mystery thriller, with some police procedural tossed in, it’s a great next entry in this series. It can be read alone, but I think you’ll get far more enjoyment out of it if you’ve read the first book and get to know the characters and backstory. I read on my Kindle and listened to the audiobook narrated by Kelsey Navarro, who did a fabulous job with all the voicing, though initially it seemed all the male cop characters sounded the same - a bit like ‘40s gangsters. I adjusted and it was all good!
★★★★
Thanks to St. Martins Press, Dreamscape Media, NetGalley and author Joanna Schaffhausen for this ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest opinions. It’s due to be published August 9, 2022.
Headstrong Chicago detective Annalisa Vega is back and she’s feeling the repercussions of her actions in the first book of the series Gone for Good. For spoiler reasons I won’t go into detail, other than to say that the men in blue from the Chicago PD aren’t her biggest fans this time around due to her perceived breach of the above mentioned code, which has hurt her own family members most of all.
You know the old saying “Jumping from the frying pan into the fire”? That’s Annalisa. As if her current mess isn’t big enough, she decides to start digging into a cold case involving the murder of a young woman Josie Blanchard, in addition to her assigned investigation into the murder of long-time cop, Leo Hammond. They both have ties to the same suspect, if Annalisa can just prove it. The thing is, the three surviving members of the “Fantastic Four”, Leo’s fellow cops Tom Osborne, Frankie Vaughn and Paul Monk all have dark secrets from the past they'd like to stay hidden, and they don't need Annalisa shining the light on them.
When the death count starts to rise and the threat to Annalisa gets closer, can she and her ex-husband, fellow detective Nick Carelli, solve these cases before one or both of them become the next victims?
I’ll say this: Annalisa knows her own mind, and if she’s convinced of something - stay out of her way! She has a strong moral code and definitely doesn’t let pity guide her decisions. She really wants to do right by people, even if it comes at a personal cost to her, and I always admire her dogged determination, despite her overwhelming lack of common sense at times! Her complicated relationships with Nick, her family, her childhood love, Colin Duffy, and her best friend/sister-in-law, Sassy add nice depth to the story, and it’s a cast of characters that I’m coming to care about as the series progresses.
If you’re looking for a good, solid mystery thriller, with some police procedural tossed in, it’s a great next entry in this series. It can be read alone, but I think you’ll get far more enjoyment out of it if you’ve read the first book and get to know the characters and backstory. I read on my Kindle and listened to the audiobook narrated by Kelsey Navarro, who did a fabulous job with all the voicing, though initially it seemed all the male cop characters sounded the same - a bit like ‘40s gangsters. I adjusted and it was all good!
★★★★
Thanks to St. Martins Press, Dreamscape Media, NetGalley and author Joanna Schaffhausen for this ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest opinions. It’s due to be published August 9, 2022.
August 9, 2022
A terrific follow-up.
I really enjoy Schaffhausen's writing style. I see myself continuing with this fine police procedural detective series. I find there's enough suspense to keep me turning the pages, a mystery that I thought I figured out but didn't, and vivid realistic characters.
It's not easy to be a woman in the police force. It's especially hard for Annalisa Vega after she turned in her brother for murder and her ex-cop father with the cover-up. She's on a new case where the victim is a hero cop. Vega works with her partner/ex-husband Nick on the case.
This one has multilayer mystery and pulls in old cases. I especially like the characters and Vega's family issue, it feels real. However, there are a lot of characters that I find difficult to keep straight after a while, especially on audio. I rewind a lot and thought that made for less entertaining listening so I had to stop myself from constantly doing it. This is more 3.5⭐ but I enjoyed the narrator and the ending so I'm bumping it up to 4.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for this DRC.
Out today: August 9, 2022!
I really enjoy Schaffhausen's writing style. I see myself continuing with this fine police procedural detective series. I find there's enough suspense to keep me turning the pages, a mystery that I thought I figured out but didn't, and vivid realistic characters.
It's not easy to be a woman in the police force. It's especially hard for Annalisa Vega after she turned in her brother for murder and her ex-cop father with the cover-up. She's on a new case where the victim is a hero cop. Vega works with her partner/ex-husband Nick on the case.
This one has multilayer mystery and pulls in old cases. I especially like the characters and Vega's family issue, it feels real. However, there are a lot of characters that I find difficult to keep straight after a while, especially on audio. I rewind a lot and thought that made for less entertaining listening so I had to stop myself from constantly doing it. This is more 3.5⭐ but I enjoyed the narrator and the ending so I'm bumping it up to 4.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for this DRC.
Out today: August 9, 2022!
September 7, 2022
SOUND THE ALARM... IT'S A BANGER ALERT 🚨🚨🚨🚨
4.5 rounded UP
SYNOPSIS
Detective Annalisa Vega is back... this time she's called to a shocking murder of a fellow cop who was part of the Fantastic Four. The main suspect? Moe Bocks, who the Fantastic Four believe avoided a murder charge 20 yrs ago. As Vega begins to dig into the past to solve the current case, she realizes something more sinister is afoot...
MY OPINION
Surprise surprise, I HAVE read book #1...and this is WAAAYYY better. Unfortunately Gone for Good totally crumbled like a cardboard box in a tornado after the 50% mark. But because the first half was solid af, I wanted to give book #2 a whirl. And GUUUURLLL I'm so glad I did.
So maybe my rating is a wee inflated since I'm coming off of Hidden Shitshow aka Hidden Pictures, but still, this is a GOODT book if you love police procedurals. Although the crooked cop trope isn't my fave, the author put a special touch on this one but weaving together several threads for a satisfying ending. How creepy was the frogman!!! This would make an AMAZING Netflix series or movie.
Like book #1, this was funny. I love a police procedural with comic relief, it gives you a break from the murder and other traumatic events lol. Also... I'm #TeamNick. I know, I know, he was a trifling ass hoe in the past.... but THE HEART WANTS WHAT THE HEART WANTS!! Plus Annalisa is so stuck in the past with Colin, who knows if she'd really be vibing with his kumbaya ass now. Damn like she finally solved your mom's murder and you're like GOTTA JET with not so much as a thanks.
Yes, the ending was OTT and similar to book #1 there was A LOT crammed in the last 10%. But I'm Helen Keller to it. Sometimes it's just like that. Anyways... August 2023 better come quickly because my body is ready for book #3!!!!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: well-written, fast-paced (legit nonstop action), a lil bit of everything... romance, thrillz n chillz... funny af, unique
Cons: ending was doing a lot again
4.5 rounded UP
SYNOPSIS
Detective Annalisa Vega is back... this time she's called to a shocking murder of a fellow cop who was part of the Fantastic Four. The main suspect? Moe Bocks, who the Fantastic Four believe avoided a murder charge 20 yrs ago. As Vega begins to dig into the past to solve the current case, she realizes something more sinister is afoot...
MY OPINION
Surprise surprise, I HAVE read book #1...and this is WAAAYYY better. Unfortunately Gone for Good totally crumbled like a cardboard box in a tornado after the 50% mark. But because the first half was solid af, I wanted to give book #2 a whirl. And GUUUURLLL I'm so glad I did.
So maybe my rating is a wee inflated since I'm coming off of Hidden Shitshow aka Hidden Pictures, but still, this is a GOODT book if you love police procedurals. Although the crooked cop trope isn't my fave, the author put a special touch on this one but weaving together several threads for a satisfying ending. How creepy was the frogman!!! This would make an AMAZING Netflix series or movie.
Like book #1, this was funny. I love a police procedural with comic relief, it gives you a break from the murder and other traumatic events lol. Also... I'm #TeamNick. I know, I know, he was a trifling ass hoe in the past.... but THE HEART WANTS WHAT THE HEART WANTS!! Plus Annalisa is so stuck in the past with Colin, who knows if she'd really be vibing with his kumbaya ass now. Damn like she finally solved your mom's murder and you're like GOTTA JET with not so much as a thanks.
Yes, the ending was OTT and similar to book #1 there was A LOT crammed in the last 10%. But I'm Helen Keller to it. Sometimes it's just like that. Anyways... August 2023 better come quickly because my body is ready for book #3!!!!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: well-written, fast-paced (legit nonstop action), a lil bit of everything... romance, thrillz n chillz... funny af, unique
Cons: ending was doing a lot again
July 23, 2022
Joanna Schaffhausen provides readers with a police procedural full of danger, suspense, and grit in
Long Gone
, the second book in the Detective Annalisa Vega series set in Chicago, Illinois. Vega’s career and family life were deeply affected when she turned in her ex-cop father for his role in a murder. She’s ostracized from her family and many of her fellow officers don’t trust her. When Detective Leo Hammond turns up dead, Annalisa decides to investigate whatever secrets he had. After all, she thinks she has nothing left to lose. When she finds a connection to someone who was perceived to have gotten away with murder, she pursues both the current murder and the cold case relentlessly.
Annalisa is someone that people will root for and hope she succeeds or someone that readers will dislike. She has a strong sense of right versus wrong, as well as courage, resolve, and strength of character. However, she also takes risky chances. Crossing the blue line has resulted in a loneliness that makes her feel she has nothing left to lose. Detective Nick Carelli is her partner and ex-husband. There is a fun dynamic between them, and I look forward to seeing how it evolves during the series.
This book has a solid and deeply involved plot with great character depth. The plot is twisty, with exciting scenes that captivated me. The novel highlights family, friends, corruption, jealousy, and much more. The author is a great storyteller who kept me on the edge of my seat as I rapidly turned the pages. There are multiple believable suspects with realistic motives. Will you guess correctly?
Overall, this was a tense, emotional, and suspenseful novel that kept me engaged throughout. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Joanna Schaffhausen provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for August 9, 2022.
Annalisa is someone that people will root for and hope she succeeds or someone that readers will dislike. She has a strong sense of right versus wrong, as well as courage, resolve, and strength of character. However, she also takes risky chances. Crossing the blue line has resulted in a loneliness that makes her feel she has nothing left to lose. Detective Nick Carelli is her partner and ex-husband. There is a fun dynamic between them, and I look forward to seeing how it evolves during the series.
This book has a solid and deeply involved plot with great character depth. The plot is twisty, with exciting scenes that captivated me. The novel highlights family, friends, corruption, jealousy, and much more. The author is a great storyteller who kept me on the edge of my seat as I rapidly turned the pages. There are multiple believable suspects with realistic motives. Will you guess correctly?
Overall, this was a tense, emotional, and suspenseful novel that kept me engaged throughout. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Joanna Schaffhausen provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for August 9, 2022.
August 10, 2022
OUTLIER ALERT!
In book two of this series, Annalisa Vega and her ex-husband and partner, Nick Carrelli are called to investigate the murder of Leo Hammond.
Leo was a member of the “Fantastic Four” a unit of cops with an UNUSUALLY high rate of “solved” cases.
This was a unit of cops who seemed interchangeable to me among this LARGE cast of characters! I kept getting these men confused as the author sometimes referred to them by first name, and other times by last names-hopefully corrected by publication date.
Upon arrival on the scene, Leo’s wife, Kayla, claims that the suspect was wearing full scuba gear, when he entered their home.
He is dubbed, “The Frogman”.
When Moe Bocks, a fast talking used car salesman who most people believe got away with a murder years ago, becomes a suspect in this crime-Annalisa decides to try to solve that cold case as well-despite being told by her superior, in no uncertain terms-to leave it alone.
BUT- she can’t!!
Moe is now dating her former sister-in-law, Sassy, who is also a friend, and the mother to her two nieces!
So Annalisa is going to continue to investigate both cases, at any cost!
***
Joanna Schaffhausen has scores of fans, who will find this book satisfying!
But, I find that both series are too FORMULAIC for my tastes.
In the Ellery Reed series, we had Ellery who was brilliant but reckless-following leads on her own and leaving her partner out of the loop. Ellery often goes against her superior’s orders, and gets herself in trouble. And, she is constantly rescued by her love interest-Reed- a man she continually pushes away, despite her feelings for him.
In this series, we have Annalisa, who is brilliant but reckless-following leads on her own and leaving her partner out of the loop. Annalisa goes against her superior’s orders and gets in trouble. And, she is constantly rescued by her partner, Nick, who is also a love interest despite her constantly pushing him away despite some unresolved feelings for him.
Sure, the back stories which explain both of these complicated relationships are different, but all of the books follow a predictable path.
Many readers enjoy books like these! Look how many Stephanie Plum books there are, despite a predictable formula and continuing love triangle!! (Janet Evanovich’s wildly popular series is at #28 and counting? )
Nothing wrong with that at all!
Many readers look forward to seeing these dynamics play out in each installment.
But, it just doesn’t work for me!
And, now that I can see that this series will probably follow a similar path to the Ellery Hathaway series, I will leave reviews for her future books to other reviewers, who enjoy her writing more.
Thank You to Minotaur books for the invitation to read this in exchange for a candid review!
AVAILABLE NOW!
In book two of this series, Annalisa Vega and her ex-husband and partner, Nick Carrelli are called to investigate the murder of Leo Hammond.
Leo was a member of the “Fantastic Four” a unit of cops with an UNUSUALLY high rate of “solved” cases.
This was a unit of cops who seemed interchangeable to me among this LARGE cast of characters! I kept getting these men confused as the author sometimes referred to them by first name, and other times by last names-hopefully corrected by publication date.
Upon arrival on the scene, Leo’s wife, Kayla, claims that the suspect was wearing full scuba gear, when he entered their home.
He is dubbed, “The Frogman”.
When Moe Bocks, a fast talking used car salesman who most people believe got away with a murder years ago, becomes a suspect in this crime-Annalisa decides to try to solve that cold case as well-despite being told by her superior, in no uncertain terms-to leave it alone.
BUT- she can’t!!
Moe is now dating her former sister-in-law, Sassy, who is also a friend, and the mother to her two nieces!
So Annalisa is going to continue to investigate both cases, at any cost!
***
Joanna Schaffhausen has scores of fans, who will find this book satisfying!
But, I find that both series are too FORMULAIC for my tastes.
In the Ellery Reed series, we had Ellery who was brilliant but reckless-following leads on her own and leaving her partner out of the loop. Ellery often goes against her superior’s orders, and gets herself in trouble. And, she is constantly rescued by her love interest-Reed- a man she continually pushes away, despite her feelings for him.
In this series, we have Annalisa, who is brilliant but reckless-following leads on her own and leaving her partner out of the loop. Annalisa goes against her superior’s orders and gets in trouble. And, she is constantly rescued by her partner, Nick, who is also a love interest despite her constantly pushing him away despite some unresolved feelings for him.
Sure, the back stories which explain both of these complicated relationships are different, but all of the books follow a predictable path.
Many readers enjoy books like these! Look how many Stephanie Plum books there are, despite a predictable formula and continuing love triangle!! (Janet Evanovich’s wildly popular series is at #28 and counting? )
Nothing wrong with that at all!
Many readers look forward to seeing these dynamics play out in each installment.
But, it just doesn’t work for me!
And, now that I can see that this series will probably follow a similar path to the Ellery Hathaway series, I will leave reviews for her future books to other reviewers, who enjoy her writing more.
Thank You to Minotaur books for the invitation to read this in exchange for a candid review!
AVAILABLE NOW!
August 4, 2022
I enjoyed this second installment of the Annalisa Vega series. Although the mystery in this one stands alone, you'll miss a lot of the emotional impact and side storylines if you don't read Gone for Good first.
In this one, Vega and her ex-husband/partner Nick are called in to help investigate the murder of a fellow police officer, Leo Hammond. Leo was a part of a group of officers known as "The Fantastic Four", cops who got arrests and got the job done. Annalisa starts to investigate and discovers another unsolved case with a suspect who has good reason to want Leo dead--and that man happens to be dating Vega's ex-sister-in-law. As the pieces start to come together, there are more murders, more attacks, and Vega's life might be the one in the crosshairs.
Overall this is a very solid offering from Schaffhausen in this new series. The characters are fully fleshed out and have complex personalities and motivations. I really like Annalisa, and being able to root for her is what makes this series shine. She's tough, smart, and not afraid to do the right thing regardless of personal consequences. I'm a huge fan of police procedurals and this one is a fabulous example. My only problem is when characters I like are set up over and over and framed for things they don't do and everyone around them seems to believe the setup. As I said in an update, the wrongfully accused person is one of my least favorite tropes, so those parts in this book gave me anxiety and made me like the book a bit less. It's still a fabulous read and highly recommended.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator Kelsey Navarro does a stellar job giving voice to Annalisa. The entire book is from her point of view, so getting her personality and intonation is critical and Navarro does it well, as she did in Gone for Good.
If you're a fan of police procedural mysteries, do yourself a favor and read this series, you won't be disappointed!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
In this one, Vega and her ex-husband/partner Nick are called in to help investigate the murder of a fellow police officer, Leo Hammond. Leo was a part of a group of officers known as "The Fantastic Four", cops who got arrests and got the job done. Annalisa starts to investigate and discovers another unsolved case with a suspect who has good reason to want Leo dead--and that man happens to be dating Vega's ex-sister-in-law. As the pieces start to come together, there are more murders, more attacks, and Vega's life might be the one in the crosshairs.
Overall this is a very solid offering from Schaffhausen in this new series. The characters are fully fleshed out and have complex personalities and motivations. I really like Annalisa, and being able to root for her is what makes this series shine. She's tough, smart, and not afraid to do the right thing regardless of personal consequences. I'm a huge fan of police procedurals and this one is a fabulous example. My only problem is when characters I like are set up over and over and framed for things they don't do and everyone around them seems to believe the setup. As I said in an update, the wrongfully accused person is one of my least favorite tropes, so those parts in this book gave me anxiety and made me like the book a bit less. It's still a fabulous read and highly recommended.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator Kelsey Navarro does a stellar job giving voice to Annalisa. The entire book is from her point of view, so getting her personality and intonation is critical and Navarro does it well, as she did in Gone for Good.
If you're a fan of police procedural mysteries, do yourself a favor and read this series, you won't be disappointed!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
July 17, 2022
My thanks to Joanna Schauffhausen, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley.
I really just love this series, and the people.
This is my second Analisa book and she is fan freaking tastic. I'll be honest with you and state that I'm not even sure why I love this gal! But, I do. Her backstory is heartbreaking, but also something that I understand. I get her.
Yep. I often try to minimize my authors.
Joanna has pretty much said to me "watch me!"
Believe me.. I'm watching 👀,
I really just love this series, and the people.
This is my second Analisa book and she is fan freaking tastic. I'll be honest with you and state that I'm not even sure why I love this gal! But, I do. Her backstory is heartbreaking, but also something that I understand. I get her.
Yep. I often try to minimize my authors.
Joanna has pretty much said to me "watch me!"
Believe me.. I'm watching 👀,
September 27, 2022
The second book in the series.
Annalisa Vega and her partner (and ex-husband) Nick Carrelli are called in to investigate the murder of a fellow cop, Leo Hammond.
Leo and 3 other policemen, Tom Osborne, Frankie Vaughn, and Paul Monk were part of the Fantastic Four and together they had a reputation for solving crimes and busting drug dealers. However, Annalisa knows something is not adding up. Did the wife do it or someone he busted years ago? Was Leo dirty? And how about the wife claiming someone wearing a diving suit did it?
The more Annalisa investigates, the closer she puts her life in danger. Someone doesn't want her to find the truth. At the same time, she is trying to close a cold case with the suspect being too close for comfort.
Usually, reading the second book in a series after a year has passed, the tendency is to make the characters forgettable. I can tell you this was not the case with Long Gone. I knew who Annalisa and Nick were after just a few sentences without reading the blurb.
Annalisa is still too impulsive and still pinning for her first crush way more than she should. Give it up already, he is not worth it. In case you didn't realize it I'm team, Nick. He is there, supportive, wants a family, and color me surprised, I've forgiven him :)
Despite Annalisa's issues, what I like about Vega is that she won't rest until she finds the truth. You know she will. She is like my English Springer Spaniel once he knows the opossum is hiding in our tree.
I wonder what the next Gone book will bring to this detective.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, SMPInfluencers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Annalisa Vega and her partner (and ex-husband) Nick Carrelli are called in to investigate the murder of a fellow cop, Leo Hammond.
Leo and 3 other policemen, Tom Osborne, Frankie Vaughn, and Paul Monk were part of the Fantastic Four and together they had a reputation for solving crimes and busting drug dealers. However, Annalisa knows something is not adding up. Did the wife do it or someone he busted years ago? Was Leo dirty? And how about the wife claiming someone wearing a diving suit did it?
The more Annalisa investigates, the closer she puts her life in danger. Someone doesn't want her to find the truth. At the same time, she is trying to close a cold case with the suspect being too close for comfort.
Usually, reading the second book in a series after a year has passed, the tendency is to make the characters forgettable. I can tell you this was not the case with Long Gone. I knew who Annalisa and Nick were after just a few sentences without reading the blurb.
Annalisa is still too impulsive and still pinning for her first crush way more than she should. Give it up already, he is not worth it. In case you didn't realize it I'm team, Nick. He is there, supportive, wants a family, and color me surprised, I've forgiven him :)
Despite Annalisa's issues, what I like about Vega is that she won't rest until she finds the truth. You know she will. She is like my English Springer Spaniel once he knows the opossum is hiding in our tree.
I wonder what the next Gone book will bring to this detective.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, SMPInfluencers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
August 9, 2022
I dearly love summer. One of the main reasons is some of my favorite authors have book releases during the summer. Joanna Schaffhausen second series is released in August, just when I need a reminder of just why I love summer. Schaffhausen’s August treat for this year is Long Gone (Detective Annalisa Vega #2) a terrific book that lays to rest any doubt about Schaffhausen’s longevity as a master storyteller.
Reviewing Long Gone grabs you from the beginning and does not let you go until the very last drop. See, easy enough. Oh, wait, I guess I’m supposed to explain how the book works its magic.
In the first book of the Annalisa Vega series, Gone for Good, Chicago detective Annalisa Vega tears her family apart and guts the thin blue line of the Chicago Police Department over a murder that took place twenty years ago. Annalisa also lost the love of her life for the second time during all of the fallout.
Now, Annalisa is paying the price for her actions in solving the murder of a beloved neighbor. Everyone seems to forget she also solved the murder of a prolific serial killer. Annalisa’s only visible allies now are her supervisor and her ex-husband, now partner, Nick Carelli.
Annalisa and Nick are called to the palatial home of Chicago P.D. detective, Leo Hammond. He is a long-time member of The Fantastic Four. The Four are famous for their high solve rate, personal injury rate, and high body count. The remaining three detectives show up on the scene, beyond distraught, but still immediately objecting to Annalisa’s presence. Despite the animosity, the detectives do give Annalisa a viable suspect, Moe Bocks, since Bocks and Leo had a very unpleasant encounter recently.
Bocks was the only suspect in the murder of a girl he dated 20 years ago. The Fantastic Four, with good cause, zeroed in on Moe Bocks; they just couldn’t quite make a case. Annalisa’s hopes she might do better in solving both the old and new murders since forensics seem to improve every month.
Annalisa has extra motivation to solve both the twenty-year-old garroting of the girl and the shooting of Leo Hammond when she discovers Bocks is dating her former sister-in-law.
Unfortunately, Hammond’s trophy wife, Kayla, gives her own bizarre accounting of her husband’s murder including a frogman, “You know, a frogman. Like the diving people? He had a mask and flippers and everything.” Trophy wife, a win for originality. Kayla’s a witness and a suspect, so she can’t be totally discounted;
The book begins with a prologue. Of which Annalisa and Nick are totally unaware of. Soon Annalisa and Nick intuitively realize with the murder of Leo Hammond what’s “past is prologue” is certainly true in one way. There is no high school teacher or old lady reviewer pointing out The Shakespeare. However, there are several pasts they instinctively know to investigate to even figure out there is a prologue.
Most of us forget Shakespeare’s real meaning to the actual quote, it takes a while, but maybe Annalisa gets it, she can write her own future. Schaffhausen is subtle, she trusts the reader to understand the underpinnings of Annalisa’s occasional good decisions.
Schaffhausen writes wonderfully flawed characters, and those are usually the good guys. Annalisa consistently risks her life, her job, and her family. With Annalisa, her second greatest flaw is the pair of blinders she dons, refusing, just like the Fantastic Four, to deviate from the narrative they have independently constructed. A narrative that leads them all into blind alleys. Just like real police work.
Schaffhausen makes me feel the slush leaking into my run-down boots from the melting snow of a Chicago winter; the icy wind that seems almost permanent. I’m experiencing most everything the characters are experiencing. Yeah, thanks for that.
Annalisa stood for the dead in Gone for Good; and most everyone saw that as a betrayal. It was betrayal, the fact that she did the right thing provides cold comfort to anyone affected. Now most everything in her life is in shambles, it’s her fault, and may be impossible to mend.
The consequences continue through Long Gone as Annalisa’s family once again is affected by Annalisa’s investigation. There is one move Annalisa can make that might help rebuild her family, but she balks. She seems not to have heard Shakespeare’s “The Quality of Mercy monologue from The Merchant of Venice.
Annalisa cannot get beyond her tamped down rage, her greatest flaw. The rage is directed at most everything in her life including the greatest loss she will not admit to. The rage Annalisa keeps well hidden, especially from herself.
Schaffhausen doesn’t give her any easy outs, and few moments of grace. Her depiction of total anguish and painful conflict might require a few tissues
Long Gone, is not an easy read; it is intricate but not confusing. Again, just like life. It is also fascinating and original, and will stay with you for a long time. Chances are you will close the book thinking, ‘Now that’s a book.’
Long Gone, is at heart, an original police procedural with characters who will resonate for a long time. For those who are first discovering Annalisa Vega, you can read this exceptional book without missing any important plot points from Gone for Good. However, you will be doing yourself a great disservice if you don’t read it and the Ellery Hathaway series.
I was also been fortunate enough to receive the audiobook of Long Gone, from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, narrated by Kelsey Navarro. For the most part Navarro did a good job. A bit too much of the falling tone at the end of narrative sentences, after awhile I adjusted. Here’s the thing, Navarro did a great job of really bringing the personalities to life. I found myself having different opinions and reactions to characters and actions then I did when reading it. Certain scenes seemed creepier, while I found myself almost liking certain characters who did not deserve it. Talking about you, Kayla, Ms. Homewrecker, Druggie, Airhead of 2022.
Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books for an ARC for review purposes.
Reviewing Long Gone grabs you from the beginning and does not let you go until the very last drop. See, easy enough. Oh, wait, I guess I’m supposed to explain how the book works its magic.
In the first book of the Annalisa Vega series, Gone for Good, Chicago detective Annalisa Vega tears her family apart and guts the thin blue line of the Chicago Police Department over a murder that took place twenty years ago. Annalisa also lost the love of her life for the second time during all of the fallout.
Now, Annalisa is paying the price for her actions in solving the murder of a beloved neighbor. Everyone seems to forget she also solved the murder of a prolific serial killer. Annalisa’s only visible allies now are her supervisor and her ex-husband, now partner, Nick Carelli.
Annalisa and Nick are called to the palatial home of Chicago P.D. detective, Leo Hammond. He is a long-time member of The Fantastic Four. The Four are famous for their high solve rate, personal injury rate, and high body count. The remaining three detectives show up on the scene, beyond distraught, but still immediately objecting to Annalisa’s presence. Despite the animosity, the detectives do give Annalisa a viable suspect, Moe Bocks, since Bocks and Leo had a very unpleasant encounter recently.
Bocks was the only suspect in the murder of a girl he dated 20 years ago. The Fantastic Four, with good cause, zeroed in on Moe Bocks; they just couldn’t quite make a case. Annalisa’s hopes she might do better in solving both the old and new murders since forensics seem to improve every month.
Annalisa has extra motivation to solve both the twenty-year-old garroting of the girl and the shooting of Leo Hammond when she discovers Bocks is dating her former sister-in-law.
Unfortunately, Hammond’s trophy wife, Kayla, gives her own bizarre accounting of her husband’s murder including a frogman, “You know, a frogman. Like the diving people? He had a mask and flippers and everything.” Trophy wife, a win for originality. Kayla’s a witness and a suspect, so she can’t be totally discounted;
The book begins with a prologue. Of which Annalisa and Nick are totally unaware of. Soon Annalisa and Nick intuitively realize with the murder of Leo Hammond what’s “past is prologue” is certainly true in one way. There is no high school teacher or old lady reviewer pointing out The Shakespeare. However, there are several pasts they instinctively know to investigate to even figure out there is a prologue.
Most of us forget Shakespeare’s real meaning to the actual quote, it takes a while, but maybe Annalisa gets it, she can write her own future. Schaffhausen is subtle, she trusts the reader to understand the underpinnings of Annalisa’s occasional good decisions.
Schaffhausen writes wonderfully flawed characters, and those are usually the good guys. Annalisa consistently risks her life, her job, and her family. With Annalisa, her second greatest flaw is the pair of blinders she dons, refusing, just like the Fantastic Four, to deviate from the narrative they have independently constructed. A narrative that leads them all into blind alleys. Just like real police work.
Schaffhausen makes me feel the slush leaking into my run-down boots from the melting snow of a Chicago winter; the icy wind that seems almost permanent. I’m experiencing most everything the characters are experiencing. Yeah, thanks for that.
Annalisa stood for the dead in Gone for Good; and most everyone saw that as a betrayal. It was betrayal, the fact that she did the right thing provides cold comfort to anyone affected. Now most everything in her life is in shambles, it’s her fault, and may be impossible to mend.
The consequences continue through Long Gone as Annalisa’s family once again is affected by Annalisa’s investigation. There is one move Annalisa can make that might help rebuild her family, but she balks. She seems not to have heard Shakespeare’s “The Quality of Mercy monologue from The Merchant of Venice.
Annalisa cannot get beyond her tamped down rage, her greatest flaw. The rage is directed at most everything in her life including the greatest loss she will not admit to. The rage Annalisa keeps well hidden, especially from herself.
Schaffhausen doesn’t give her any easy outs, and few moments of grace. Her depiction of total anguish and painful conflict might require a few tissues
Long Gone, is not an easy read; it is intricate but not confusing. Again, just like life. It is also fascinating and original, and will stay with you for a long time. Chances are you will close the book thinking, ‘Now that’s a book.’
Long Gone, is at heart, an original police procedural with characters who will resonate for a long time. For those who are first discovering Annalisa Vega, you can read this exceptional book without missing any important plot points from Gone for Good. However, you will be doing yourself a great disservice if you don’t read it and the Ellery Hathaway series.
I was also been fortunate enough to receive the audiobook of Long Gone, from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, narrated by Kelsey Navarro. For the most part Navarro did a good job. A bit too much of the falling tone at the end of narrative sentences, after awhile I adjusted. Here’s the thing, Navarro did a great job of really bringing the personalities to life. I found myself having different opinions and reactions to characters and actions then I did when reading it. Certain scenes seemed creepier, while I found myself almost liking certain characters who did not deserve it. Talking about you, Kayla, Ms. Homewrecker, Druggie, Airhead of 2022.
Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books for an ARC for review purposes.
July 28, 2022
4.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an egalley in exchange for an honest review
The second book in the Detective Annalisa Vega series was so darn good! When the story begins, Annalisa and her ex-husband and police partner, Nick Caravelli, are called to the stylish Chicago home of a fellow police officer found dead with only his second wife as an eye-witness. The killer, it seems, has fled in scuba diving gear. If the life of the victim didn't already present its challenges, the investigation also leads Annalisa and Nick to look into an unsolved murder of a young woman, twenty years ago. But her fellow police officers are not to keen on Annalisa's involvement in the investigation and someone lurks in the shadows, ready to make sure that she stays silent.
Annalisa Vega is in a three way tie with Erika Foster and Lottie Parker for my affections. Yet, I don't believe these three could survive in the same procedural room. In addition to the investigation, Annalisa's family problems are just as intriguing to me as a reader and I loved that Joanna Schaffhausen continues to give us an eye into the Vega family. I feel empathy for Annalisa's situation and I was happy with a few outcomes of possible reconciliation with particular members of her family. Hopefully, this will also trickle down to the thin blue line.🤞
If you're a reader who enjoys your female detectives to be stubborn and quick to figure out crimes, then I highly recommend that this series might be perfect for you.
Expected publication date 09/08/22
Goodreads review published 06/07/22
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an egalley in exchange for an honest review
The second book in the Detective Annalisa Vega series was so darn good! When the story begins, Annalisa and her ex-husband and police partner, Nick Caravelli, are called to the stylish Chicago home of a fellow police officer found dead with only his second wife as an eye-witness. The killer, it seems, has fled in scuba diving gear. If the life of the victim didn't already present its challenges, the investigation also leads Annalisa and Nick to look into an unsolved murder of a young woman, twenty years ago. But her fellow police officers are not to keen on Annalisa's involvement in the investigation and someone lurks in the shadows, ready to make sure that she stays silent.
Annalisa Vega is in a three way tie with Erika Foster and Lottie Parker for my affections. Yet, I don't believe these three could survive in the same procedural room. In addition to the investigation, Annalisa's family problems are just as intriguing to me as a reader and I loved that Joanna Schaffhausen continues to give us an eye into the Vega family. I feel empathy for Annalisa's situation and I was happy with a few outcomes of possible reconciliation with particular members of her family. Hopefully, this will also trickle down to the thin blue line.🤞
If you're a reader who enjoys your female detectives to be stubborn and quick to figure out crimes, then I highly recommend that this series might be perfect for you.
Expected publication date 09/08/22
Goodreads review published 06/07/22
August 15, 2022
3.5 murder stars - now available
In book two of this series, we meet up again with Detective Annalisa Vega and her ex-husband/partner Nick. Annalisa is still reeling from turning her cop father and brother in for a long-ago crime.
This book opens with the death of Detective Leo Hammond, and Annalisa and Nick are on the case. Moe Bocks, a car salesman, is the prime suspect. Looking into Moe’s past, Annalisa and Nick are soon drawn into another unsolved mysterious murder.
Danger seems to follow Annalisa as she digs into the truth and other cops aren’t happy that she is digging around in their old cases. Can she solve the case before more dead bodies pile up?
This one had a lot of characters and murders to keep track of and I just wasn’t as drawn into it as I was with the first book. I do like police procedurals, but I just didn’t find the characters as likeable in this one.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the complimentary copy of this one to read and review.
In book two of this series, we meet up again with Detective Annalisa Vega and her ex-husband/partner Nick. Annalisa is still reeling from turning her cop father and brother in for a long-ago crime.
This book opens with the death of Detective Leo Hammond, and Annalisa and Nick are on the case. Moe Bocks, a car salesman, is the prime suspect. Looking into Moe’s past, Annalisa and Nick are soon drawn into another unsolved mysterious murder.
Danger seems to follow Annalisa as she digs into the truth and other cops aren’t happy that she is digging around in their old cases. Can she solve the case before more dead bodies pile up?
This one had a lot of characters and murders to keep track of and I just wasn’t as drawn into it as I was with the first book. I do like police procedurals, but I just didn’t find the characters as likeable in this one.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the complimentary copy of this one to read and review.
July 24, 2022
Chicago detective Annalisa Vega has had a rough go of it after she turned in her ex-cop father for his involvement in a murder. She has lost the trust of those in her life. With nothing left to lose, Annalisa decides to investigate the murder of detective Leo Hammond. But wait, her partner, Nick, is her ex-husband. Yeah, that makes things interesting!
There is a lot going on in the book and quite a few characters. There are those in this book who will do anything to protect their secrets and they do not want her sniffing around.
There is a boy’s club here and crossing that blue line, does not make Annalisa very popular. But she is strong and determined. She is not going to let anyone get in her way of solving the case, even if it means throwing caution to the wind. She doesn't give a hoot if she steps on some toes or hurts some feelings in the pursuit of justice.
This is the second book in the Detective Annalisa Vega series. This book would easily work as a stand-alone but as it is book #2, one could easily go back and read Gone for Good prior to using this book. I like how Schaffhausen has used "gone" in both book titles. I wonder if "gone" will be in book three?
I found this book to be well written and riveting. I had both the e-book and the audiobook and found both to be enjoyable. The narrator of the audiobook did a very good job. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Annalisa and Nick in future books.
#LongGone #NetGalley
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
There is a lot going on in the book and quite a few characters. There are those in this book who will do anything to protect their secrets and they do not want her sniffing around.
There is a boy’s club here and crossing that blue line, does not make Annalisa very popular. But she is strong and determined. She is not going to let anyone get in her way of solving the case, even if it means throwing caution to the wind. She doesn't give a hoot if she steps on some toes or hurts some feelings in the pursuit of justice.
This is the second book in the Detective Annalisa Vega series. This book would easily work as a stand-alone but as it is book #2, one could easily go back and read Gone for Good prior to using this book. I like how Schaffhausen has used "gone" in both book titles. I wonder if "gone" will be in book three?
I found this book to be well written and riveting. I had both the e-book and the audiobook and found both to be enjoyable. The narrator of the audiobook did a very good job. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Annalisa and Nick in future books.
#LongGone #NetGalley
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
August 14, 2022
Best Vega since Vincent…
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
⏰ 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫: Chicago detective Annalisa Vega is back! The black sheep of the family (and the force) for turning her own father and brother in, Vega is called in to work the murder of fellow officer Leo Hammond. Could Vega kick any more hornets’ nests? And at what cost will Vega finally find the truth?
💡𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: I am officially fan-girling Vega! (At just the right time when in my personal life I’m in a “let me get lost in a book” mode). Badass female protagonist with relatable vulnerability? Sign me up for the next 10 books! Vega is a female Harry Bosch (Michael Connelly character) in that everyone matters or no one matters - and that includes her own family. Love her strength of character but also the softness behind the shield.
Seeing the aftermath of Book 1 was unsettling (and necessary) to comprehend the whole family dynamic of the novel. Vega shines as the star - she’s tops at her job, takes calculated risks, maintains her wits and manages a personal life. Love the realness!
The story itself on this one was a bit of process of elimination and not as blind-siding as book 1, but the pacing and further character development of Vega make this a top pick of the summer for me!
𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆𝗠𝗮𝗴𝘀.𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
📚𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Mystery/Police Procedural
😍𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: Those who read the first book and enjoyed it (highly recommend reading the first before this!)
🙅♀️ 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: Long Gone is a gritty factor of 7/10 so probably not for the cozy mystery crowd
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my always-honest review and for allowing Vega back into my world for a few days (she needs to return!!)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
⏰ 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫: Chicago detective Annalisa Vega is back! The black sheep of the family (and the force) for turning her own father and brother in, Vega is called in to work the murder of fellow officer Leo Hammond. Could Vega kick any more hornets’ nests? And at what cost will Vega finally find the truth?
💡𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: I am officially fan-girling Vega! (At just the right time when in my personal life I’m in a “let me get lost in a book” mode). Badass female protagonist with relatable vulnerability? Sign me up for the next 10 books! Vega is a female Harry Bosch (Michael Connelly character) in that everyone matters or no one matters - and that includes her own family. Love her strength of character but also the softness behind the shield.
Seeing the aftermath of Book 1 was unsettling (and necessary) to comprehend the whole family dynamic of the novel. Vega shines as the star - she’s tops at her job, takes calculated risks, maintains her wits and manages a personal life. Love the realness!
The story itself on this one was a bit of process of elimination and not as blind-siding as book 1, but the pacing and further character development of Vega make this a top pick of the summer for me!
𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆𝗠𝗮𝗴𝘀.𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
📚𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Mystery/Police Procedural
😍𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: Those who read the first book and enjoyed it (highly recommend reading the first before this!)
🙅♀️ 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: Long Gone is a gritty factor of 7/10 so probably not for the cozy mystery crowd
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my always-honest review and for allowing Vega back into my world for a few days (she needs to return!!)
October 2, 2022
Long Gone by Joanna Schaffhausen was the second book in the Detective Annalisa Vega series. I really enjoyed the first book, Gone For Good, in this series but I may have enjoyed Long Gone even more! It was fast paced and kept me guessing throughout. Annalisa’s character has definitely won me over. She was portrayed as driven, determined, loyal, thorough and a bit impulsive when it came to her actions and investigative skills. It was hard for Annalisa to ask for help or depend on anyone else for something she knew she could do better herself. I listened to the audiobook of Long Gone that was narrated by Kelsey Navarro. I felt that she did a good job differentiating between the different characters and she captured my attention immediately.
Annalisa Vega was far from the most liked or revered person in her police precinct in Chicago these days. After all, it was common knowledge that Annalisa had turned in her own brother for committing a murder and her ex-police officer father for trying to cover it up. Annalisa knew she did the right thing so she put up with the cold shoulders and lack of conversations. One night, Annalisa got a call from her boss. It was the middle of the night so she knew it had to be something very big and important. Annalisa was asked to investigate a murder of a fellow police officer, Leo Hammond. It was reported that he had been murdered in his own home. Leo Hammond was part of the “Fantastic Four”. As Annalisa gathered information and evidence, she became increasingly suspicious of Moe Bocks, a well to do car dealer. Moe Bocks had been the number one suspect in a cold case murder that had been investigated almost twenty years ago by the “Fantastic Four”. Could Moe Bocks be the murderer in both cases? Annalisa was not willing to stop until she gathered enough evidence to correctly prove her theory. The more Annalisa dug for clues and gathered evidence the more she began to put her own life in jeopardy. Was someone trying to frame Annalisa for the murder? How far would they go to try and stop her investigation?
Long Gone by Joanna Schaffhausen was a very good mystery thriller. There were twists and turns throughout both murder investigations. Annalisa often acted impulsively without thinking of the dangers or consequences she might face while working on her cases. She took many chances that sometimes had me shaking my head in bewilderment or cheering her on. I am a big fan of this series and look forward to reading the next book. I highly recommend this book.
Annalisa Vega was far from the most liked or revered person in her police precinct in Chicago these days. After all, it was common knowledge that Annalisa had turned in her own brother for committing a murder and her ex-police officer father for trying to cover it up. Annalisa knew she did the right thing so she put up with the cold shoulders and lack of conversations. One night, Annalisa got a call from her boss. It was the middle of the night so she knew it had to be something very big and important. Annalisa was asked to investigate a murder of a fellow police officer, Leo Hammond. It was reported that he had been murdered in his own home. Leo Hammond was part of the “Fantastic Four”. As Annalisa gathered information and evidence, she became increasingly suspicious of Moe Bocks, a well to do car dealer. Moe Bocks had been the number one suspect in a cold case murder that had been investigated almost twenty years ago by the “Fantastic Four”. Could Moe Bocks be the murderer in both cases? Annalisa was not willing to stop until she gathered enough evidence to correctly prove her theory. The more Annalisa dug for clues and gathered evidence the more she began to put her own life in jeopardy. Was someone trying to frame Annalisa for the murder? How far would they go to try and stop her investigation?
Long Gone by Joanna Schaffhausen was a very good mystery thriller. There were twists and turns throughout both murder investigations. Annalisa often acted impulsively without thinking of the dangers or consequences she might face while working on her cases. She took many chances that sometimes had me shaking my head in bewilderment or cheering her on. I am a big fan of this series and look forward to reading the next book. I highly recommend this book.
September 23, 2023
This audiobook was enjoyable. Two mysteries in this story. One for the murder of a recognizable police officer and the other, a cold case from 20 years ago. Annalisa is well known in this book and it's not because she caught the serial killer but because.. well, you will have to read book one! But it's definitely a tough call on her part even though she made the decision easily and the consequences is ugly for her. In this book, other police don't take her serious because of what she did in book one. So she had to work extra hard. And worse for her when some people she suspected of murder ended up dead, the blame went to her. Made her job even harder.
I liked this book a bit more than the first one. There were views of the troublemakers and that makes some parts hard to put down. I wonder why some people married and divorced and married again to the same partner and this book give me enough reasons to understand why. I wonder why Annalisa is a night owl, always out in the night investigating. The outfit for murderer in this book was definitely unique! Well written story.
Thank you Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review! I listened to an audiobook via CL Library.
I liked this book a bit more than the first one. There were views of the troublemakers and that makes some parts hard to put down. I wonder why some people married and divorced and married again to the same partner and this book give me enough reasons to understand why. I wonder why Annalisa is a night owl, always out in the night investigating. The outfit for murderer in this book was definitely unique! Well written story.
Thank you Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review! I listened to an audiobook via CL Library.
Read
August 21, 2021It's Annalisa #2! Annalisa and Nick are called to the scene of a bizarre murder. A fellow cop has been shot to death in his home, his much younger wife strangely unharmed, and she claims a man in a diving suit is the shooter. Annalisa barely has time to parse this story before she learns that her best friend is dating the #1 suspect–and he may have killed before.
Meanwhile, someone anonymous is sending Annalisa flowers. Could it be Colin?
Can't wait for this one to hit the shelves. :)
Meanwhile, someone anonymous is sending Annalisa flowers. Could it be Colin?
Can't wait for this one to hit the shelves. :)
October 9, 2022
4.5 Stars
Long Gone was a fantastic follow-up to Gone for Good as Annalisa investigates the murder of a fellow cop.
Detective Annalisa Vega put a wrecking ball through her life when she turned in her brother and her ex-cop father for their role in a decades old murder. So when legendary detective Leo Hammond is killed, Annalisa figures she has nothing to lose by taking the case. Annalisa quickly discovers that Hammond was hiding a number of secrets, any one of which could have gotten him killed. When Annalisa discovers a connection to someone close to her, she becomes increasingly determined to uncover the truth even after it becomes clear someone wants her to stop digging.
The investigation into detective Leo Hammond's death proved to be quite interesting. Hammond was part of a group of four cops that have become legendary in the department for the number of busts they've been involved in over the course of several decades. With such a prolific career, Annalisa has her work cut out for her to find a suspect as anyone Hammond busted could be the killer. When Annalisa discovers a connection to a twenty-year-old murder that's still unsolved, she can't help but think solving one case will solve the other. She gets a lot of pushback from Hammond's cop buddies and it quickly becomes clear something more was going on with these guys. I liked that Annalisa didn't stop looking even after being warned off the case by her fellow cops and eventually even her own commander. Her tenacity is one of the things that makes her such a good cop and I liked that she kept digging. The author takes the investigation in a number of different directions and I was surprised by how everything ultimately played out.
Annalisa continues to be an excellent main character. She has a strong moral compass and I liked that she did the right thing even when there were personal consequences for her. A lot of people still blame Annalisa for turning in her own family and she definitely struggles with that even though she knows it was the right thing to do. I liked getting to see her work through that over the course of the book. Her relationship with Nick, her ex-husband and partner at work, has developed a lot. The pair work really well together, although Annalisa needs to get better about telling him what she's up to. I also liked the direction their personal relationship went and I'm definitely interested to see where things go between them in the next book.
Overall Long Gone was a very enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to picking up the next book, Dead and Gone, when it comes out next year.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Long Gone was a fantastic follow-up to Gone for Good as Annalisa investigates the murder of a fellow cop.
Detective Annalisa Vega put a wrecking ball through her life when she turned in her brother and her ex-cop father for their role in a decades old murder. So when legendary detective Leo Hammond is killed, Annalisa figures she has nothing to lose by taking the case. Annalisa quickly discovers that Hammond was hiding a number of secrets, any one of which could have gotten him killed. When Annalisa discovers a connection to someone close to her, she becomes increasingly determined to uncover the truth even after it becomes clear someone wants her to stop digging.
The investigation into detective Leo Hammond's death proved to be quite interesting. Hammond was part of a group of four cops that have become legendary in the department for the number of busts they've been involved in over the course of several decades. With such a prolific career, Annalisa has her work cut out for her to find a suspect as anyone Hammond busted could be the killer. When Annalisa discovers a connection to a twenty-year-old murder that's still unsolved, she can't help but think solving one case will solve the other. She gets a lot of pushback from Hammond's cop buddies and it quickly becomes clear something more was going on with these guys. I liked that Annalisa didn't stop looking even after being warned off the case by her fellow cops and eventually even her own commander. Her tenacity is one of the things that makes her such a good cop and I liked that she kept digging. The author takes the investigation in a number of different directions and I was surprised by how everything ultimately played out.
Annalisa continues to be an excellent main character. She has a strong moral compass and I liked that she did the right thing even when there were personal consequences for her. A lot of people still blame Annalisa for turning in her own family and she definitely struggles with that even though she knows it was the right thing to do. I liked getting to see her work through that over the course of the book. Her relationship with Nick, her ex-husband and partner at work, has developed a lot. The pair work really well together, although Annalisa needs to get better about telling him what she's up to. I also liked the direction their personal relationship went and I'm definitely interested to see where things go between them in the next book.
Overall Long Gone was a very enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to picking up the next book, Dead and Gone, when it comes out next year.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
August 20, 2022
Annalisa Vega is back investigating a cold case she isn’t assigned to and not permitted to look into as well as a present-day murder of a policeman.
She has a hunch that both cases are related, and the murderer is the same person.
There was not enough evidence to convict this person for the first murder twenty years ago, and it looks like there isn’t enough this time either.
Annalisa is determined to prove she is right when everyone is telling her she has it all wrong.
Things happen while she is digging up evidence, but it made someone angry, and now she might be a suspect.
I always enjoy Ms. Schaffhausen’s books. Her story lines keep you glued to the pages.
Fans of Annalisa will again be treated to her amazing detective work.
Even though it is Book #2, you can read LONG GONE as a standalone.
This one will have the most cunning sleuths guessing incorrectly. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review.
She has a hunch that both cases are related, and the murderer is the same person.
There was not enough evidence to convict this person for the first murder twenty years ago, and it looks like there isn’t enough this time either.
Annalisa is determined to prove she is right when everyone is telling her she has it all wrong.
Things happen while she is digging up evidence, but it made someone angry, and now she might be a suspect.
I always enjoy Ms. Schaffhausen’s books. Her story lines keep you glued to the pages.
Fans of Annalisa will again be treated to her amazing detective work.
Even though it is Book #2, you can read LONG GONE as a standalone.
This one will have the most cunning sleuths guessing incorrectly. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review.
November 18, 2022
Chicago Detective Vega is relentless in her search for the truth.
“Long Gone” is book three in the “Detective Annalisa Vega” series, but as a first-time reader, I had no trouble following along. Characters are introduced and background information is included as part of the narrative. The book opens with a brutal assault from long ago. For readers, the declaration that follows sets the tone of the novel. “I’m sure he still feels guilty about that. Wouldn’t you?”
Readers are introduced to Chicago Detective Annalisa Vega and her partner, Nick Carelli. They divorced fourteen prior but have settled into a workable professional relationship. Vega drives the plot; she is a strongminded, dedicated police officer. She is determined to find answers no matter how difficult, even if others do not want the answers found. She is a stalker with a badge, going after everybody, and sorting out the innocent from the guilty later.
Schaffhausen created characters with complicated pasts and complex secrets. Many make a lot of “questionable” choices in words, deeds, and companions. There is a cold case; a big case; a complicated case; one that takes on an ugly dimension. Vega investigates anyone and everyone. People have secrets they would die for, and if Vega does not untangle the mess, she will be next.
I received a review copy of “Long Gone” from Joanna Schaffhausen, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books. The action is nonstop; the clues lead in all directions, and Vega takes chances to reveal the truth.
“Long Gone” by Joanna Schaffhausen is now available in print, as an e-book, and on audio from independent bookstores, online booksellers, retail stores, public libraries and anywhere you get your books.
#BookReview #JoannaSchaffhausen #LongGone #DetectiveAnnalisaVega
“Long Gone” is book three in the “Detective Annalisa Vega” series, but as a first-time reader, I had no trouble following along. Characters are introduced and background information is included as part of the narrative. The book opens with a brutal assault from long ago. For readers, the declaration that follows sets the tone of the novel. “I’m sure he still feels guilty about that. Wouldn’t you?”
Readers are introduced to Chicago Detective Annalisa Vega and her partner, Nick Carelli. They divorced fourteen prior but have settled into a workable professional relationship. Vega drives the plot; she is a strongminded, dedicated police officer. She is determined to find answers no matter how difficult, even if others do not want the answers found. She is a stalker with a badge, going after everybody, and sorting out the innocent from the guilty later.
Schaffhausen created characters with complicated pasts and complex secrets. Many make a lot of “questionable” choices in words, deeds, and companions. There is a cold case; a big case; a complicated case; one that takes on an ugly dimension. Vega investigates anyone and everyone. People have secrets they would die for, and if Vega does not untangle the mess, she will be next.
I received a review copy of “Long Gone” from Joanna Schaffhausen, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books. The action is nonstop; the clues lead in all directions, and Vega takes chances to reveal the truth.
“Long Gone” by Joanna Schaffhausen is now available in print, as an e-book, and on audio from independent bookstores, online booksellers, retail stores, public libraries and anywhere you get your books.
#BookReview #JoannaSchaffhausen #LongGone #DetectiveAnnalisaVega
May 11, 2022
Thank you so much to Joanna Schaffhausen and Minotaur Books for my copy of Long Gone! I LOVED her last book, Gone for Good, so I was extra excited to receive this one. This book again follows detective Annalisa Vega, now devastated by turning in her own father for murder. Her family holds it against her and her fellow officers no longer trusts her. She decides to investigate the death of her fellow detective, Leo, in hopes she can get down to the bottom of what happened.
Thoughts: Another amazing police procedural. I love Annalisa again in this book and still enjoy Schaffhausen's writing. The characters are relatable and easy to imagine. They also have depth and complexity that make them interesting to read about. I also enjoyed that you knew where the story was going, just not how you got there and the details that led there.
There are so many twists and so much action that it keeps the reader on their toes the whole time! It's fast-paced, entertaining, believable, and well-written. In this case I do think it would be helpful to read Gone for Good first, as it explains many character dynamics and helps you understand the setup for this book as well. I enjoyed it- 4.5 stars!
Thoughts: Another amazing police procedural. I love Annalisa again in this book and still enjoy Schaffhausen's writing. The characters are relatable and easy to imagine. They also have depth and complexity that make them interesting to read about. I also enjoyed that you knew where the story was going, just not how you got there and the details that led there.
There are so many twists and so much action that it keeps the reader on their toes the whole time! It's fast-paced, entertaining, believable, and well-written. In this case I do think it would be helpful to read Gone for Good first, as it explains many character dynamics and helps you understand the setup for this book as well. I enjoyed it- 4.5 stars!
May 19, 2022
My thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, as well as to NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Long Gone.
Chicago detective Annalisa Vega shattered her life (personally and professionally) in the first book. Long Gone finds Annalisa dealing with the fall-out from the events that end the first book in the series. (I recommend reading Gone for Good first.) I've read both books in the series and have enjoyed them both!
When a police officer is found dead in his bed, Annalisa zeroes in on someone who had good reason to want Leo Hammond dead. Annalisa is intelligent, she's tough, and she has a knack for determining who the bad guys are. I like the relationship Annalisa shares with her ex-husband, who happens to be her partner, Nick.
Great series! I'm looking forward to reading #3!!
#GoneForGood, #JoannaSchaffhausen, #NetGalley
Chicago detective Annalisa Vega shattered her life (personally and professionally) in the first book. Long Gone finds Annalisa dealing with the fall-out from the events that end the first book in the series. (I recommend reading Gone for Good first.) I've read both books in the series and have enjoyed them both!
When a police officer is found dead in his bed, Annalisa zeroes in on someone who had good reason to want Leo Hammond dead. Annalisa is intelligent, she's tough, and she has a knack for determining who the bad guys are. I like the relationship Annalisa shares with her ex-husband, who happens to be her partner, Nick.
Great series! I'm looking forward to reading #3!!
#GoneForGood, #JoannaSchaffhausen, #NetGalley
August 10, 2022
Detective Annalisa Vega's life is in tatters after making a decision that tore her family apart. Without their support and with most of her fellow officers turned against her, Anna is basically on her own. So when a fellow cop, Leo Hammond, turns up murdered, Anna figures she has little to lose in investigating his murder. She quickly learns Leo had a recent altercation with wealthy Moe Bocks, whom he had long suspected in the murder of a young woman in a cold case. When Anna learns Moe is dating her (kinda, former) sister-in-law, she hones in on him in the way only Anna can, putting both her life and career in jeopardy.
Well, this was just as dark, excellent, and thought-provoking as all of Schaffhausen's books. I love her writing so much, and I'm now really loving the Annalisa Vega series (this is book #2), even if she frustrates me sometimes with her impulsive behavior. She also makes a lot of decisions that stress me out and, because I'm attached to her, make me worry about her! That's good writing, as I care about the character.
I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, because it's good, though this book does stand-alone. I won't go into much detail about what Anna did in book one, other than to say that her personal life with her once close-knit Chicago family is pretty much in shambles. She's partnered with her ex-husband Nick, a man who cheated on her while they were wed, but has her back now. When they find Leo Hammond dead, his new and much younger wife claims she saw a "frogman" in a wet-suit before he was killed. Is Kayla telling the truth or did she kill her husband for the insurance money? Why would anyone be running around the cold streets of Chicago in a diving suit?
"She'd blown up her whole life last year and Nick was the only one left standing in the ashes."
What follows is an excellent mystery coupled with a strong character-driven story. Anna becomes intensely fixated on the cold case related to Moe Bocks, who is suspected of strangling a young woman many years ago. All of this ties together with Leo and three fellow cops, Tom, Paulie, and Frankie. As Anna delves into Leo's death, she realizes these four cops may not be on the up-and-up, which certainly isn't going to get her any more love from the police department.
Schaffhausen offers us complicated and realistic characters, as always, starting with Anna, then Nick, and even our quartet of cops. She embraces the Chicago setting (there's a line about the Bulls and Michael Jordan going to the Wizards that is so Windy city and on point...) and brings it to life perfectly (this from someone with both parents from these Chicago suburbs).
If you love a strong and dark mystery populated with excellent characters, you'll love LONG GONE. 4.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in return for an unbiased review.
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Well, this was just as dark, excellent, and thought-provoking as all of Schaffhausen's books. I love her writing so much, and I'm now really loving the Annalisa Vega series (this is book #2), even if she frustrates me sometimes with her impulsive behavior. She also makes a lot of decisions that stress me out and, because I'm attached to her, make me worry about her! That's good writing, as I care about the character.
I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, because it's good, though this book does stand-alone. I won't go into much detail about what Anna did in book one, other than to say that her personal life with her once close-knit Chicago family is pretty much in shambles. She's partnered with her ex-husband Nick, a man who cheated on her while they were wed, but has her back now. When they find Leo Hammond dead, his new and much younger wife claims she saw a "frogman" in a wet-suit before he was killed. Is Kayla telling the truth or did she kill her husband for the insurance money? Why would anyone be running around the cold streets of Chicago in a diving suit?
"She'd blown up her whole life last year and Nick was the only one left standing in the ashes."
What follows is an excellent mystery coupled with a strong character-driven story. Anna becomes intensely fixated on the cold case related to Moe Bocks, who is suspected of strangling a young woman many years ago. All of this ties together with Leo and three fellow cops, Tom, Paulie, and Frankie. As Anna delves into Leo's death, she realizes these four cops may not be on the up-and-up, which certainly isn't going to get her any more love from the police department.
Schaffhausen offers us complicated and realistic characters, as always, starting with Anna, then Nick, and even our quartet of cops. She embraces the Chicago setting (there's a line about the Bulls and Michael Jordan going to the Wizards that is so Windy city and on point...) and brings it to life perfectly (this from someone with both parents from these Chicago suburbs).
If you love a strong and dark mystery populated with excellent characters, you'll love LONG GONE. 4.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in return for an unbiased review.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Smashbomb ~ Instagram
December 27, 2022
Joanna Schaffhausen returns following Gone for Good with her popular cop procedural and #2 Detective Annalisa Vega series set in Chicago with another gripping suspense mystery—LONG GONE.
Fans of kick-ass female investigators will be well satisfied.
Vega's career and family life were deeply affected when she turned in her ex-cop father for his role in a murder in the last book. She's estranged from her family, and many of her fellow officers don't trust her.
However, she is tenacious and unstoppable and often pushes away those she loves when obsessed with justice.
We also get more Nick, her ex-husband, and her partner. Love their witty banter and am a huge fan!
When a police officer is shot in his bed with his young wife present (the killer was dressed in a wet suit), with numerous suspects —it is the beginning of the unraveling of an earlier incident, exposure of corruption, and more murders.
Nick and Annalisa are called to the scene. Their investigation reveals multiple suspects, including the prime suspect in a 20-year-old murder that resonates with Vega in more ways than one, and she soon finds herself trying to solve both cases.
Leo, the police officer shot, was a member of the (Fantastic Four) four officers known for solving numerous crimes, drug busts, etc., with many complaints and controversy.
Moe (now a suspect-car dealer) and also suspect in an earlier woman's murder, against whom there was not enough evidence to convict—but this leads Annalisa to revisit the case when warned to stay out of it. Her best friend/former sister-in-law is now dating him, so she has skin in the game.
The other cops aren't happy she is digging around in their old cases. Can she solve the cases before more dead bodies pile up?
The second book in the series did not disappoint! You can read it as a standalone; however, you may want to go back and read the first in the series to learn the background.
I enjoy Detective Annalisa Vega's character. She is intelligent, quick on her feet, and takes no crap from anyone. Yes, she is flawed and goes out on her own— without backup and is impulsive sometimes, but she has excellent instincts.
She is involved in complex personal relationships, family secrets, and a romantic relationship with her ex-husband, Nick, and her partner. I like how the author keeps her human, integrating her life's personal and business side.
This series is fast-paced, intricately plotted, and character-driven. Full of tension, action, and suspense. Fans of Lisa Gardner will enjoy this series, and I cannot wait to see what comes next for Detective Annalisa Vega!
I had the pleasure of reading the digital copy and listening to the audiobook narrated by Kelsey Navarro for a highly entertaining listening experience.
A special thank you to #StMartinsPress #Minotaur Books #Netgalley #DreamscapeMedia for an audio (ALC) and e-book (DRC) to read, listen to, enjoy, and review. #SMPInfluencers #MinotaurInfluencers
Blog Review:
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 9, 2022
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Aug 2022 Must-Read Books
Fans of kick-ass female investigators will be well satisfied.
Vega's career and family life were deeply affected when she turned in her ex-cop father for his role in a murder in the last book. She's estranged from her family, and many of her fellow officers don't trust her.
However, she is tenacious and unstoppable and often pushes away those she loves when obsessed with justice.
We also get more Nick, her ex-husband, and her partner. Love their witty banter and am a huge fan!
When a police officer is shot in his bed with his young wife present (the killer was dressed in a wet suit), with numerous suspects —it is the beginning of the unraveling of an earlier incident, exposure of corruption, and more murders.
Nick and Annalisa are called to the scene. Their investigation reveals multiple suspects, including the prime suspect in a 20-year-old murder that resonates with Vega in more ways than one, and she soon finds herself trying to solve both cases.
Leo, the police officer shot, was a member of the (Fantastic Four) four officers known for solving numerous crimes, drug busts, etc., with many complaints and controversy.
Moe (now a suspect-car dealer) and also suspect in an earlier woman's murder, against whom there was not enough evidence to convict—but this leads Annalisa to revisit the case when warned to stay out of it. Her best friend/former sister-in-law is now dating him, so she has skin in the game.
The other cops aren't happy she is digging around in their old cases. Can she solve the cases before more dead bodies pile up?
The second book in the series did not disappoint! You can read it as a standalone; however, you may want to go back and read the first in the series to learn the background.
I enjoy Detective Annalisa Vega's character. She is intelligent, quick on her feet, and takes no crap from anyone. Yes, she is flawed and goes out on her own— without backup and is impulsive sometimes, but she has excellent instincts.
She is involved in complex personal relationships, family secrets, and a romantic relationship with her ex-husband, Nick, and her partner. I like how the author keeps her human, integrating her life's personal and business side.
This series is fast-paced, intricately plotted, and character-driven. Full of tension, action, and suspense. Fans of Lisa Gardner will enjoy this series, and I cannot wait to see what comes next for Detective Annalisa Vega!
I had the pleasure of reading the digital copy and listening to the audiobook narrated by Kelsey Navarro for a highly entertaining listening experience.
A special thank you to #StMartinsPress #Minotaur Books #Netgalley #DreamscapeMedia for an audio (ALC) and e-book (DRC) to read, listen to, enjoy, and review. #SMPInfluencers #MinotaurInfluencers
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www.JudithDCollins.com
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Pub Date: Aug 9, 2022
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Aug 2022 Must-Read Books
January 31, 2022
Last year, Joanna Schaffhausen introduced to a new heroine and a new series – Annalisa Vega, Chicago detective, honest, upright, and hardworking. Now in 2021, they’re back to bring us the next entry in the series – and if you love a mystery, Long Gone has got just the twisty intrigue for you.
Annalisa’s life was detonated in spectacular fashion at the end of the first book, and the fallout continues even as the shooting death of a veteran detective ignites a new case for our heroine and her partner and ex-husband, Nick Carelli. At first it appears the detective’s young second wife knows more than she’s telling, especially when she tells a wild story of an intruder in full diving gear shooting her husband – but it soon becomes apparent the dead man had plenty of secrets and people with reasons to want him dead. One thing’s for sure, and that’s that no-one – not even Detective Vega – could have predicted where this case would lead.
Joanna Schaffhausen has been on my radar for some time, and as much as I love her earlier books, she’s somehow getting better with every novel she releases. Long Gone has so much going on, but she makes it easy to follow multiple threads – it never gets messy or feels like too much. She’s also got a way of writing her characters that makes them feel so real; little moments of dialogue, or self-doubt, details that round a person out and cement them as an individual. Hers are not infallible investigative geniuses receiving implausible strokes of inspiration from nowhere – they’re hardworking, caring people putting in hard work and doing their best. The writing is easy to read and enjoyable, with a flow that made it feel like a much shorter book than it was.
As with Joanna Schaffhausen’s other novels, Long Gone is part of a series, though it could also be read as a standalone, and there’s no wrong place to jump into her novels. If you’re after a thriller that will deliver on the suspense, give you characters to cheer on, and wrap it all up with a thoroughly satisfying conclusion – look no further.
Annalisa’s life was detonated in spectacular fashion at the end of the first book, and the fallout continues even as the shooting death of a veteran detective ignites a new case for our heroine and her partner and ex-husband, Nick Carelli. At first it appears the detective’s young second wife knows more than she’s telling, especially when she tells a wild story of an intruder in full diving gear shooting her husband – but it soon becomes apparent the dead man had plenty of secrets and people with reasons to want him dead. One thing’s for sure, and that’s that no-one – not even Detective Vega – could have predicted where this case would lead.
Joanna Schaffhausen has been on my radar for some time, and as much as I love her earlier books, she’s somehow getting better with every novel she releases. Long Gone has so much going on, but she makes it easy to follow multiple threads – it never gets messy or feels like too much. She’s also got a way of writing her characters that makes them feel so real; little moments of dialogue, or self-doubt, details that round a person out and cement them as an individual. Hers are not infallible investigative geniuses receiving implausible strokes of inspiration from nowhere – they’re hardworking, caring people putting in hard work and doing their best. The writing is easy to read and enjoyable, with a flow that made it feel like a much shorter book than it was.
As with Joanna Schaffhausen’s other novels, Long Gone is part of a series, though it could also be read as a standalone, and there’s no wrong place to jump into her novels. If you’re after a thriller that will deliver on the suspense, give you characters to cheer on, and wrap it all up with a thoroughly satisfying conclusion – look no further.
June 23, 2022
Chicago Detective Annalisa Vega is not well liked among the fellow cops since she turned in her own ex-cop father for the crime he committed. Good thing Vega's partner is her ex-husband Nick. Maybe both of them wish he wasn't an ex. Vega and Nick are called to the scene of a cop's murder in his own bed. His widow swears he was killed by a frogman. So who wears diving gear to kill someone?
I like Vega. She is a good, honest cop who is as tenacious as a dog with a good bone. It's a fine police procedural all the way and the action picks up in the last quarter. The story contains some good twists.
I've read the first Vega book and enjoyed it so I was happy to win a ARC from a Goodreads giveaway and get this one before it publishes.
I like Vega. She is a good, honest cop who is as tenacious as a dog with a good bone. It's a fine police procedural all the way and the action picks up in the last quarter. The story contains some good twists.
I've read the first Vega book and enjoyed it so I was happy to win a ARC from a Goodreads giveaway and get this one before it publishes.
July 31, 2022
A Chicago police procedural starring Detective Annalisa Vega. She and her partner and ex-husband Nick Carelli are called to the scene of the murder of a fellow police officer, Leo Hammond, in his home. Leo was part of a decorated group of officers called the Fantastic Four because of having had the biggest gang-related busts years ago involving lots of guns and drugs.
They start looking into who might have had it in for Leo and discover he'd had a very public fight with a murder suspect named Moe Bocks recently. Annalisa zeroes in on him and the cold murder case he was accused of committing years ago instead of concentrating on her current case, much to her boss's anger.
Annalisa is dogged in her pursuit to prove Moe guilty. She has a high moral sense of right and wrong, which has given her a certain reputation amongst her fellow officers and set her at odds with even her own family. But will it be a career buster?
This was a very intriguing mystery set on some home turf for me which is fun but I'm not sure I'm liking Annalisa as much this time around. She's definitely smart, brave and tenacious but maybe she needs to learn to be more of a team player and listen to cooler heads on occasion.
I received an arc from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the
opinions expressed are my own.
They start looking into who might have had it in for Leo and discover he'd had a very public fight with a murder suspect named Moe Bocks recently. Annalisa zeroes in on him and the cold murder case he was accused of committing years ago instead of concentrating on her current case, much to her boss's anger.
Annalisa is dogged in her pursuit to prove Moe guilty. She has a high moral sense of right and wrong, which has given her a certain reputation amongst her fellow officers and set her at odds with even her own family. But will it be a career buster?
This was a very intriguing mystery set on some home turf for me which is fun but I'm not sure I'm liking Annalisa as much this time around. She's definitely smart, brave and tenacious but maybe she needs to learn to be more of a team player and listen to cooler heads on occasion.
I received an arc from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the
opinions expressed are my own.
July 8, 2022
Annalisa Vega is a police detective in Chicago. She is unpopular with many of her fellow officers because she turned in her father, an ex-cop, for covering up a crime committed by her brother. Her new case involves a cop who was murdered in his home, part of a group of "fantastic four" who were responsible for solving many cases. Could his young second wife be responsible? Or maybe the first wife he betrayed to marry again? Perhaps the murderer was the smarmy man he confronted in a bar a few days before his death? Annalisa is determined to solve this murder, and figure out why past cold cases seem relevant. I'm new to this author, but I look forward to reading more of her work. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
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