Obey All Laws

by Cindy Goyette

When Phoenix probation officer Casey Carson goes to work, she expects naked people to answer doors, meth-addicted clients to hit on her, and angry judges to chew her out in court. After a routine home visit with a client, a Diablo gang member, goes horribly wrong, she knows she must watch her back. Even she must admit that a one-eyed, bad-ass, angry gangster and his crew gunning for her is a bit more than she was trained to handle.

Casey has even more reason to fear Diablo when her cousin Hope goes missing, and it looks like their handiwork. With women vanishing at an alarming rate in the area, police treat Hope’s disappearance as a priority. Still, Casey can’t sit on the sidelines, even with her ex-husband leading the investigation. After she receives information that proves her suspicions about Diablo right, the gang will do anything to keep her from sharing it with police, even if that means taking her on a one-way trip to the desert.

Genres: Mystery

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2024

Reviews

[Jennifer Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obey All Laws is a fun read. I found the story action packed and a quick read as you are wondering what is going to happen next. The main character, Casey is relatable, she could be me or you. The story is so authentic, could Cindy Goyette work in Law Enforcement? And Casey’s Ex, will they get back together. The intrigue and romance make this book a worthwhile read.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank NetGalley, Cindy Goyette and Level Best Books for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

3,5 ⭐ - I enjoyed reading this book. The book was face paced with a few twists in the plot.

The characters were likeable and the story was easy to follow.

[Hannah Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!
Finished in one sitting , well multiple sittings on one long Christmas Day!
Gripping, exciting, brilliant storyline.

[Deneen Bertucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting new writer Cindy Goyette pulls aside the curtain to expose the dark side of crime and the little known world of probation. True to life, this provocative new novel is the first of a series following Phoenix Probation Officer Casey Carson. A humorous yet realistic glimpse into the slightly bizarre and sometimes dangerous world of helping convicted felons get their lives back on track. Casey does her best to keep the mayhem in check while avoiding gang members with a grudge and searching for her missing cousin. This debut novel entertains and leaves you eager to accompany Casey on a ridealong for her next adventure.

Obey All Laws: A Probation Case Files Mystery

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A somewhat funny and dramatic, but realistic view on life as a PO when things don't go as planned. Still recovering from the recent loss of her mother, Casey is forced into a whirlwind situation one after another.

This debut novel was full of everything - drama, romance, excitement, thrilling chases, and so much more! I could not wait to get to the end and find out who was behind it all!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Fast paced probation mystery. Follows PO Casey Carson as she and her family members get entwined with a gang, Diablo, which also has her making risky decisions. There were times where I was internally yelling at Casey to listen to the advice she was given!! Like girl what are you thinking going off by yourself!! Had me invested in the first chapter. Definitely will recommend this read to friends!

[Paula M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this debut!! Casey Carson is my new favorite heroine. This is a great story. I love a believable plot, especially when it highlights a problem in our society. I read this book in one day, could not put it down! The writing is great, the characters well developed, and the suspense is palpable. I loved it and can't wait for Casey's next adventure.

[Leslie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read from the first chapter. The characters are well developed and the story well told. The author does a good job of pulling us in and making us believe in and want to know Casey and how she will get out of her next predicament. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Sandy Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Fast paced and filled with interesting characters you HAVE to know more about. Truly couldn't put it down. I am looking forward to more from this author and really hoping Casey & Betz show up in another mystery. Really fun read.

[Kit Loring · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg so good

Fast paced, interesting and totally believable. I highly recommend this book! And can’t wait for the next one. Enjoy it

[Amy ONeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in 12 hours. I just couldn’t put it down. The relationships between the characters were fantastic and the plot itself had me guessing the entire time. Absolutely loved it.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced thrilling debut you won't be able to put down!

[Cassie Guerin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads, NetGalley, and Cindy Goyette for a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. I enjoyed this book, it was a very quick read, the characters were enjoyable to read about, and the plot was fast paced. Looking forward to the next one!

[Tiffany Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible Goodreads Giveaway win, fast paced easy read, I don't read many probation/ detective type stories but this was anything but boring & will definitely be reading more from her

[C. M. Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good plot with a lovable main character. Gripping and exciting. I'll be looking for more from this author.

[Wanda McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery captured me from the first page. Love the characters and touches of humor. A good read that didn't disappoint.

[George Cramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful - Insightful

Goyette had me on the edge of my seat more times than I can count. Her characters were realistic and Goyette's use of simple everyday events helped build that realism.

I recommend Obey All Laws. Goyette's writing made me think of Michael Connelly and Donnell Bell..

[T Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is easy to read, entertaining and pretty fast. The plot is very good, with a few twists. The characters are realistic, including a main character that definitely isn't the smartest, but that's OK.

[Linda G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was well written with surprises at every turn of the page, I loved that about this book! I know the author and appreciate her sense of humor woven very intricately into the story, several times I just had to laugh out loud and think, that is Cindy ☺️! Also a PO, I appreciate her bringing the dark side of life to light, her depiction is very real with a dramatic edge, which is the whole point of the story! POs are the under appreciated part of the criminal justice system, thanks Cindy for writing this story. I feel like Casey is a new friend and can’t wait to see how this plays out!

[Kevintipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey Carson knew she was in trouble as soon as soon as Javier Ramirez opened the door in Obey All Laws: A Probation Case Files Mystery by Cindy Goyette. When she went out to his home to let him know that she was his new probation officer, she had no idea that he was at least six foot four, bulked out thanks to his recent stay in an Arizona Department of Corrections facility, or that was a member of one of the very dangerous Phoenix area gangs. He is most displeased to see her.


Among his issues, is that she is not her cousin, Hope Carson. Hope passed the case off to Casey and claimed something about she had a conflict of interest. She told Casey next to nothing and now she has an enraged Javier Ramirez on her hands. It isn’t long before he snaps and gets physical with her.


In the violent aftermath, and she was very lucky to survive, Hope promises to meet her and tell her some stuff. That never happens as soon she is missing. Casey, along with the help of Phoenix Detective, Barry Betz (Casey’s ex), try to find her and that increases the danger level for both of them.


At the same time, Casey also has other clients that she needs to find and work with as they navigate the system, questions about her mother’s recent suicide, and an attractive neighbor just moved in, and lots of other things are happening in Obey All Laws: A Probation Case Files Mystery by Cindy Goyette.


Billed as the first book of a series by the publisher, Level Best Books, the read is a very good one. A complex main character, as well as an extensive supporting cast with their own backstories and complexities, plenty of action, and a twisting and increasingly violent mystery make this one a fun read. If it had come out last year, it would have made my best of the year list.


Obey All Laws: A Probation Case Files Mystery by Cindy Goyette is a mighty good read and well worth your time.


My ARC digital reading copy came by way of the publisher, Level Best Books, and NetGalley.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2024

[Ivanka Fear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-written story about the adventures of a probation officer will appeal to fans of Janet Evanovich. When Casey Carson takes over her missing cousin’s case file, she becomes a magnet for trouble. Author Cindy Goyette draws from her own background in creating Casey’s world of law enforcement and criminal clients. The court scenes, police work, and dealings with probationers are realistically portrayed. A thrill-packed plot makes this a book you won’t want to put down. The first action-packed scene got my attention and the energy never let up.

I really enjoyed reading Obey All Laws, with a strong female PO who kicks butt. She does whatever it takes to protect those she cares about, bouncing back from physical assaults by her muscled and tattooed clients and their associates. Each time it looks like she’s defeated, she rebounds even stronger. When it comes to her personal life, Casey exposes a softer side to her personality. Her mother’s suicide, her divorce from Betz (the detective who remains her friend), and the growing distance between herself and her father make Casey a likeable and relatable character.

There’s never a dull moment in Casey’s life. As she questions who to trust and who to turn to, twists and turns in her search for cousin Hope lead down a dangerous path, both literally and figuratively. The mountains and desert of Arizona form a perfect backdrop for hiding missing persons and for body disposal.

There’s a bit of everything here—crime fiction, action, suspense, romance, humor—and it works well. Author Cindy Goyette had me worried and fearful one minute, then laughing and swooning the next. If you like your crime fiction fast-paced with a dash of fun, this book is for you.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

Casey Carson is a seasoned, savvy PO officer. She is also a main character you can identify with and she’s smart when it comes to her job.

The author has packed some very likable characters behind her engaging main character, including an ex-husband that you keep asking why “ex”?

"Detective Barry Betz that is, got out and walked toward me, shaking his head. He looked good. Damn it."

From the opening action-packed chapter through the sub-plot with Casey’s cousin, the well-plotted narrative doesn’t lag. When Hope’s sister Joy arrives to help—it doesn’t.

I love the dry sense of humor from first person POV and the twists and turns. I liked the ex. And the new neighbor adds tension, suspicion, and a little fun.

I love the unique aspect coming from that side of the law. I was fairly familiar with the area—and the heat—so descriptions gave it an atmospheric and comfortably recognizable quality.

A great start for a new series and one I’m looking forward to. I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through @NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts.

[Caitlin C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great start to a new series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am really looking forward to more. It's not often we get a book with a probation officer as the MC. I thought she did a great job talking about the process, and also outlining the dangers that PO's face.

Casey Carson is the MC. She and her cousin Hope are both probation officers in Pheonix. Hope goes missing and Casey is determined to find her. The characters are great. Casey is a bit closed off, which makes her a little less approachable, but it didn't detract from the story. It was fast paced and left me wanting to know more. There was an underlying mystery which only added to the story.

I am really hoping there are a lot more of these! Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts with Casey fighting with a guy that she was seeing for another P.O. and from there the book never lets up/ of course along the way she is dealing with the death of her mother, her cousin being missing, her other cousin being kidnapped an ex-husband who is a detective who is still trying to protect her but she won’t stay in one place long enough for that to happen. An excellent story fast paced with good characters and very much worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com

[Inga Hein Andree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was perfectly okay. It was not an American classic but it wasn't terrible, either. It was entertaining, easy to follow, and humorous at times. Admittedly, I am from Phoenix and thought knowing all the street names and locations mentioned was a bonus.

[Jeanne M. Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book! It hooked me from the first page. Fast paced and great character development. I really routed for Casey and there were many twists and turns throughout. Can't wait for the next book in the series. Definitely recommend!!

[Mallory Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. I found the book enjoyable. Really liked the main character but felt like the plot kind of fell flat at times. Didn’t keep me wanting to read more but at the same time, it read easily and quickly.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall very good. The author needs a better editor- there were still a lot of typos and other mistakes that should have been caught - and a lot of the dialogue felt weird and forced somehow. Otherwise I enjoyed the book and and headed off to read the next one.

[Marley Platterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty, tense, and easy to get pulled into. Casey Carson feels real tough, scared, and determined as a routine workday turns dangerous and personal. The story moves fast, the stakes keep rising, and the danger feels very real. A solid crime thriller with a strong lead and plenty of suspense.

[Julie Kleckner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started out slow and I almost quit. It started to get better around the 40% mark. I liked the main characters but Casey sure can make me frustrated with the things she does.