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David Lloyd Investigations
Destination Unknown
Tracking down the whereabouts of a girl last seen on a cruise ship takes David Lloyd far from the streets of Toronto and thrusts him into the seedy world of human trafficking.
Last seen departing a cruise ship in Newport, Curacao, Piper Falco is never heard from again. Though no body was found it seemed likely the brilliant Canadian university student had met a violent end. Her father asks David to look into the case when the investigation by the local authorities, and even the RCMP and Interpol, turns cold. What David finds opens his eyes to a world far from his comfortable life in urban Toronto, a world where young girls are subjected to sexual degradation, and human lives are nothing more than currency!
Last seen departing a cruise ship in Newport, Curacao, Piper Falco is never heard from again. Though no body was found it seemed likely the brilliant Canadian university student had met a violent end. Her father asks David to look into the case when the investigation by the local authorities, and even the RCMP and Interpol, turns cold. What David finds opens his eyes to a world far from his comfortable life in urban Toronto, a world where young girls are subjected to sexual degradation, and human lives are nothing more than currency!
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 6, 2014
David is hired by the father of a young woman, Piper Falco, who disappeared in Curaçao after disembarking from the cruise ship she worked for. The case puts him in the Caribbean as he tries to assemble clues to find Piper who seems to have just vanished.
David and his partner, Jamie, are also working together for the first time and have opened a joint office. Their relationship is shifting to one that is fully committed, requiring David to exercise more caution and care for his physical safety.
The procedural aspect of the story was interesting as it led David and Jamie into the seedier side of Curaçao, exposing the underbelly where sex trafficking was on the rise. There were several exciting and harrowing situations that kept me on edge, all the while not knowing if Piper was dead or alive.
I enjoyed seeing David and Jamie settle into their relationship and learn how to be a couple. They're thriving as a couple and have a strong family network. It's not the central aspect of the story but is certainly an important foundation.
This was an interesting case that went in unexpected directions. I'm looking forward to the next book as there are several budding romances in David and Jamie's world, as well as a shift in David's perspective. I love this series and enjoyed this story.
(I received an ARC from the author)
David and his partner, Jamie, are also working together for the first time and have opened a joint office. Their relationship is shifting to one that is fully committed, requiring David to exercise more caution and care for his physical safety.
The procedural aspect of the story was interesting as it led David and Jamie into the seedier side of Curaçao, exposing the underbelly where sex trafficking was on the rise. There were several exciting and harrowing situations that kept me on edge, all the while not knowing if Piper was dead or alive.
I enjoyed seeing David and Jamie settle into their relationship and learn how to be a couple. They're thriving as a couple and have a strong family network. It's not the central aspect of the story but is certainly an important foundation.
This was an interesting case that went in unexpected directions. I'm looking forward to the next book as there are several budding romances in David and Jamie's world, as well as a shift in David's perspective. I love this series and enjoyed this story.
(I received an ARC from the author)
July 3, 2023
3.5 stars
Very good, with some sad stuff and some hope, I choose to believe this is a HEA, not for the MCs but in general ('cause I want more of the MCs before they get their HEA). Although, David needs to work on those anger issues first...
Also, having grown up with 7th days adventists on one side and inner mission on the other, not parents though, I feel with Piper and Marigold.
Very good, with some sad stuff and some hope, I choose to believe this is a HEA, not for the MCs but in general ('cause I want more of the MCs before they get their HEA). Although, David needs to work on those anger issues first...
Also, having grown up with 7th days adventists on one side and inner mission on the other, not parents though, I feel with Piper and Marigold.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2014
3.5 stars
This is the third book of the David Lloyd Investigation series after Missing Daughter, Shattered Family and A Fresh Set of Eyes.
Timeline set in 2001, David gets a case to track down a missing girl who is last seen on a cruise ship. He brings along his partner Jamie because as a lawyer, Jamie will be able to help with the international law side of things.
I feel that this is a 'flying under the radar series based on the fact that there are not many people who have read it. Maybe because it focuses on the mystery rather than the romance (it is NOT a romantic mystery, people). I do love it though, I’m a fan of mystery, and I prefer to start with mystery rather than romance. So having a good mystery book with minimum romance substance is fine with me.
Unfortunately, although I really liked it, I wasn’t in love with it. The case being about a missing girl, I felt that it was a little bit boring. David went around asking people but he didn’t really get any helpful clues. Yes, there was a sense of urgency, because this girl might fall into something sinister. But because how the investigation was moving, I ended up feeling frustrated (although I could definitely feel what David was feeling, for sure!). In addition, when I read the blurb, I was sort of hoping for something intense related to the human trafficking issue, but I never really got it.
Luckily, the last several chapters made up for it, when David finally caught a break. It elevated the action and twists and danger that David (and Jamie) had to face, and that was when the story picked up for me. I did love David and Jamie – I loved their relationship and the fact that they had been together for several years. Although a fair warning, this doesn’t really have on-page sex scenes. So if you are looking for that, forget it. It’s MYSTERY not romance, people! *grin*
So yes, it is still a good mystery book and I definitely will be there for the next adventure in David and Jamie’s life.
This is the third book of the David Lloyd Investigation series after Missing Daughter, Shattered Family and A Fresh Set of Eyes.
Timeline set in 2001, David gets a case to track down a missing girl who is last seen on a cruise ship. He brings along his partner Jamie because as a lawyer, Jamie will be able to help with the international law side of things.
I feel that this is a 'flying under the radar series based on the fact that there are not many people who have read it. Maybe because it focuses on the mystery rather than the romance (it is NOT a romantic mystery, people). I do love it though, I’m a fan of mystery, and I prefer to start with mystery rather than romance. So having a good mystery book with minimum romance substance is fine with me.
Unfortunately, although I really liked it, I wasn’t in love with it. The case being about a missing girl, I felt that it was a little bit boring. David went around asking people but he didn’t really get any helpful clues. Yes, there was a sense of urgency, because this girl might fall into something sinister. But because how the investigation was moving, I ended up feeling frustrated (although I could definitely feel what David was feeling, for sure!). In addition, when I read the blurb, I was sort of hoping for something intense related to the human trafficking issue, but I never really got it.
Luckily, the last several chapters made up for it, when David finally caught a break. It elevated the action and twists and danger that David (and Jamie) had to face, and that was when the story picked up for me. I did love David and Jamie – I loved their relationship and the fact that they had been together for several years. Although a fair warning, this doesn’t really have on-page sex scenes. So if you are looking for that, forget it. It’s MYSTERY not romance, people! *grin*
So yes, it is still a good mystery book and I definitely will be there for the next adventure in David and Jamie’s life.
March 6, 2014
This series gives us a fresh story every time. I've been a fan of Liz Strange - I like that she thinks out of the stereotypes and I like that her characters feel real. David and Jamie are making their way and things won't always be perfect, but perfect is overrated. David is one hell of a PI but he has to remember that he's got a family that doesn't want to lose him in the danger. And this book had a lot of dangerous points. I love that Strange keeps you enthralled in the mystery from the moment you open the book. In this book, we have a couple of twists throughout. Strange doesn't try to follow what other authors are doing and lately it seems there are so many authors trying to do just that. I can't wait for the next one in this series.
March 1, 2014
4.5 stars
I really love this series. This was a very good addition and I couldn't put it down. Yes, I had a hunch where it was heading and yes, David's hands-on approach got a bit too much - really, you would guess at some time he would learn from his experiences.
Anyway, I liked the progression of his private life, all the supportive characters fit well into the storyline.
Overall, it was an entertaining, engaging read and I can't wait for the next installment.
I really love this series. This was a very good addition and I couldn't put it down. Yes, I had a hunch where it was heading and yes, David's hands-on approach got a bit too much - really, you would guess at some time he would learn from his experiences.
Anyway, I liked the progression of his private life, all the supportive characters fit well into the storyline.
Overall, it was an entertaining, engaging read and I can't wait for the next installment.
March 18, 2014
Once again Ms. Strange delivers another good book in the David Lloyd series. I really like the two main characters, David and his partner Jamie, and there sidekick Jenny. While the author doesn't delve to deeply into her characters, I like the pace she sets (although she could have taken a little more time with David's family in this book).
It was a good read and my only complaint is that the stories seem to come every two years.
It was a good read and my only complaint is that the stories seem to come every two years.
July 13, 2021
Having read only the first installment in the David Lloyd Investigation series, I found myself comparing the two stories, which probably isn't a good thing. On its own, Destination Unknown is a decent story. Is it as strong as the one in Missing Daughter, Shattered Family? No. Therein lies the danger of writing a series, people are going to compare installments with one another.
Liz's conversational-style narrative flows well. This was a comfortable read and had a cozy feel, as though the author were settling down into David's universe and exploring a bit more, except the emphasis on David's social life seemed a little drawn out and anyone who might read Destination Unknown as their introduction to the series, might feel a little lost with all the characters introduced in the first three chapters.
The story was a little slow getting started for me, and I'm wondering if the story could have benefited from being told in a less linear way.
As usual, Liz is spot on with characterizations; her action scenes are focused and easy to visualize. She does write some excellent metaphors, such as describing April's weather as "schizophrenic". There are some very tense moments in the story, an unexpected twist, and again I found myself caring about the welfare of the person David Lloyd is hired to find.
Overall, the story lacked tension. Like I said, it was a comfortable read. I'd still recommend this book to people who like cozier mysteries. Personally, this installment isn't as strong or as complex as the Missing Daughter, Shattered Family.
Liz's conversational-style narrative flows well. This was a comfortable read and had a cozy feel, as though the author were settling down into David's universe and exploring a bit more, except the emphasis on David's social life seemed a little drawn out and anyone who might read Destination Unknown as their introduction to the series, might feel a little lost with all the characters introduced in the first three chapters.
The story was a little slow getting started for me, and I'm wondering if the story could have benefited from being told in a less linear way.
As usual, Liz is spot on with characterizations; her action scenes are focused and easy to visualize. She does write some excellent metaphors, such as describing April's weather as "schizophrenic". There are some very tense moments in the story, an unexpected twist, and again I found myself caring about the welfare of the person David Lloyd is hired to find.
Overall, the story lacked tension. Like I said, it was a comfortable read. I'd still recommend this book to people who like cozier mysteries. Personally, this installment isn't as strong or as complex as the Missing Daughter, Shattered Family.
October 28, 2016
Another good investigation for David and Jamie.
I like how they are maturing as a couple and that David has finally come to realise he can't be so gungho about his safety any more.
The disappearance of Piper is quite a dead end and initially it seems there are no leads. But eventually a break happens and whilst Piper's story is resolved, the additional trafficking story continues on for other people as these things are huge, so it would have been too unrealistic for David to solve that as well.
We have to forgive him his TSTL moment where he doesn't call the Curaçao police when he gets his tip off and there are a few odd word combo's that needed a bit of thought over but I enjoyed this one
I like how they are maturing as a couple and that David has finally come to realise he can't be so gungho about his safety any more.
The disappearance of Piper is quite a dead end and initially it seems there are no leads. But eventually a break happens and whilst Piper's story is resolved, the additional trafficking story continues on for other people as these things are huge, so it would have been too unrealistic for David to solve that as well.
We have to forgive him his TSTL moment where he doesn't call the Curaçao police when he gets his tip off and there are a few odd word combo's that needed a bit of thought over but I enjoyed this one
July 24, 2015
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
Strange offered us well thought out and intricate mysteries in each installment. Each story was unique and address an important and somewhat dark concept with maturity, respect, and delicacy. Some readers may be sensitive to some of the themes uncovered throughout the investigations, but I hope that Strange's responsible handling of the topics will alleviate your concerns. Also most of the crimes, and certainly the darkest of them, take place off page.For full review see http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
October 18, 2014
....on to #4!
The blurb describes it well. David and Jamie's relationship continues to mature and there are now partners. New characters are introduced that I hope to see in #4, even if just fleetingly as #3 is somewhat of a cliff hanger.
If you like the series, continue on!
The blurb describes it well. David and Jamie's relationship continues to mature and there are now partners. New characters are introduced that I hope to see in #4, even if just fleetingly as #3 is somewhat of a cliff hanger.
If you like the series, continue on!
August 4, 2019
3.75 stars
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews