Subterfuge

by Blair Howard

Harry, Kate, and Samson together again.

What happened to Gavin Glassdon?

A missing person, two murders, an enigmatic Irishman and a billion-dollar Ponzi scheme bring Harry Starke, Captain Kate Gazzara and her trusty K9 companion, Samson, together again in a bewildering detective thriller that takes them deep into the seedy side of New York City,

As usual, there’s a twist in the tale you won’t see coming.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2024

About the author

Blair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.

Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.

Reviews

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this may just be my favorite Harry Starke novel. It all starts when a young man confronts Harry as he is leaving his office. He tells Harry that his very wealthy and spoiled best friend has disappeared. He says it’s been two weeks since his friend and his friend’s plane have been seen. Harry sends him to the police and tells him to come back to see him the next day. Harry contacts Kate and that is the start of this procedural. It involves murder, Ponzi schemes, the Irish mob and, most of all, Harry, Kate and his team working at their best to figure out what has occurred and what is happening. Good reading! Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC for an honest review.

[Silver Surfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isn’t it funny how some people who review books think that a review should be a synopsis of the book, especially when the author specifically asked them not to give out any spoilers. Anyway I found this to be another fantastic read from an author at the top of their game and have been for a little while now. I loved it, I just could not put it down. The only thing wrong with this book is the time it takes waiting for the next one to arrive. Highly recommended.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the twenty second book in Blair Howard's "Harry Starke" series, each one a standalone and each one as gripping as the last.
When a young man, in working gear, approached him in the carpark of Starke Investigations, Harry was on high alert, what could a young, blue collar worker want with him and why approach him in the car park ? there was something about this young man that grabbed Harry's attention and when he heard Kyle Barton's story he was even more intrigued.
Harry had worked for the Chattanooga PD until he couldn't stand working with his hands tied any longer, he now ran a very successful PI agency. The agency was having a run of pretty mundane cases so Harry was eager to probe Kyle's story, needless to say, the rest of Harry's brilliant hand picked team were less enthusiastic.
Kyle's best friend was missing and no one, including his friend's ultra wealthy parents, were interested, Harry was his last chance.
Harry's legendary "gut feeling" was working overtime and the more he probed the more can's he rattled.
When a face from his past appears, a face that Harry hoped never to see again, Harry realised that danger was afoot and it was time to call in his ex partner, Captain Kate Gazarra of the Chattanooga PD.
It was good to see Harry and Kate working together again, I love that they are so comfortable with one another despite their past relationship, I love all the characters that the author has created, he makes them seem real, Harry's team all have their own stories, they probably wouldn't have got a job in any other agency but again, Harry's gut feelings came into play and the team works like a dream, I also love the way that the story ends with a promise of more to come and I can't wait.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with Harry leaving the office. He sees someone running towards him, Kyle the individual who was running wanted help from Harry. He told Harry that his friend Gavin had been missing for 11 days. Harry told Kyle to go to the police and then see him the next day. The next day Kyle returned and met with Harry and Jacquie. After their talk, Harry agreed to look into it. They went to the club which Gavin's father owned to talk with him. After leaving they talked to Gavin's mother. They seemed to get a different story than what they heard previously.

Later things took a major turn when a body was discovered. It made Harry want to go full charge in his search. Harry received a clue which he followed, ultimately ending up in NYC. While there he met an individual from the FBI to drop the case and go back home.

To learn more about Gavin, why the FBI wanted to have Harry drop the case and discover what happened in the end, then you need to read this book.

[Voracious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Subterfuge, Harry is approached by a young man wanting to hire him to find the friend he insists is missing. Harry tells him he should report this to the police as it is a matter for them. He responds that police won't look into it as the family insists that he is not missing. Ultimately Harry decides to take on the case as his initial look into it just finds something off about the whole situation. Thus begins this story in which the case just grows more and more puzzling.

I found this book to be a quick read as it compelled me to continue reading to find out what was happening. My mind churned back and forth as the evidence became more puzzling. If this man was not missing, where was he and why had he disappeared. The story contained enough surprising twists that kept my attention throughout the book. I look forward to seeing Harry's next case.

I did receive an ARC of this book. My opinion is voluntarily given.

[Steven T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blair Howard is a master storyteller. He never disappoints and this book is no exception. One evening as Harry is leaving his office, he is approached by a young man who says his rich friend is missing. The young man, being from a working class background, doesn’t have the money to pay Harry to investigate, but he can’t think of anywhere else to turn for help. Harry, always one to do the right thing, mulls it over and decides to look into it. What seems like a simple missing persons case is anything but. It reads like a roller coaster. A slow steady climb as Harry, his team, and his Chattanooga PD ex-partner Kate start to investigate. Things start getting more complicated and dangerous until you reach the peak and start racing towards the end with twists and turns along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and am looking forward to the next Harry Starke installment.

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story grabbed me from the very start. I always love a Blair Howard book, but this one might be my favorite so far. The book starts with a visit from a woman and her two “thugs” to David Scott who is a figurehead for a company called Ravern Solutions. From there it moves to Harry’s encounter with a young man who wants to hire him to find his best friend. As Harry moved through the pages, I kept trying to figure out the relationship between this case and what happened in the first chapter.
There were so many twists and turns that I felt like I was at the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. The reader will eventually find out the connection, and that only leads to more mysteries. Wonderful story! To top it off, bringing Kate into it as his partner and working with Samson, the wonder dog, adds additional aspects to the tale.

[BJayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry Starke is a gentleman, private investigator, and devoted family man. He also has a good heart and is willing to help out others who need his assistance. When a young man approaches Harry with a story about a missing friend, Harry agrees to look into it, even though it’s obvious he’s not going to get paid. Sometimes it’s important to just do what’s right.

But this case goes from a simple missing person to a complicated and twisted tale. Harry asks his old partner, Kate Gazzarra, for her thoughts, and it’s not long before both Harry’s employees and Kate’s team are working together to figure this mystery out. As the case progresses, so does the action and danger. Will Harry and Kate be able to solve it before anyone else dies or is hurt? This book will keep you turning page after page to find out what’s really going on. And as usual, Blair Howard does not disappoint.

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry finds himself right in the middle of a great big mess that doesn't make any sense! Walking out of work, Harry meets a young man that asks a favor, but who is this kid? Is he for real or just hopped up on drugs? It's been a while since I read about my friend Harry Starke, I love the way that Harry seems to have a second sense that leads him to ideas that don't always make sense until you read more. This Harry reminds me a lot of Harry Bosch books by Michael Connelly. They both see things that others don't, and they don't just give up! If they take a case, they close it! This is another great book from Mr. Blair! This time he does something a little different and leaves us with a few questions, so I can't wait to read the next book!

[Michael Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young working man approaches Harry, asking him to find his rich friend, a close childhood companion for twenty years, who did not show up for a planned trip and has been neither seen nor heard from for the last week. Starting with the first interview, Harry senses something is not quite adding up. Eventually, his entire staff, as well as Kate’s entire staff, are caught up in a web of lies, murder and gang-related criminal activity. This is another Blair Howard masterpiece: a roller coaster ride of twists, turns and constant danger that kept me turning pages right to the stunning finale. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eager to read more of this great author’s works.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love getting involved in the Harry Starke universe it is such a different world. The author writes in such an immersive way that you feel that you have been to the area. A special treat is Samson makes an appearance.

I am trying to work out how to write this without spoilers - this one was very complicated (not saying that the others aren't, this one just more so) you have to really concentrate and I loved that. It worked so well and the way it plays out is brilliant.

I would really recommend reading these in order as you get to be so involved in the backstories etc.

I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Subterfuge (The Harry Starke Novels Book 22), my fifty-fifth read from author Blair Howard. 274-pages of well-written and enjoyable, edge-of-your-seat detective fiction, thoroughly entertaining, as always! As Howard expands his writings over 4 primary characters it has improved all four. I always look forward to the next work from Howard, somehow I've missed Dead Pool: The Harry Starke Novels Book 21 so it's next on my TBR list. A Blair Howard book is like a visit from an old detective friend. I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[John Mahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young man, seemingly at his wits end, asks Harry to help find his missing friend. The situation seems both intriguing and a bit confusing. The young man is a blue collar worker with limited funds. His missing friend a member of one of the wealthiest families in Chattanooga whose personal jet also seems to be missing. Blair Howard has produced another interesting mystery that will keep you engaged as he and his team work to determine the truth of the matter in spite of conflicting evidence, suspicious characters, dead witnesses, and repeated attempts to get him to drop his inquiry.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This series just keeps getting better. I would like to thank the author for depriving me of sleep - I literally read all night because I couldn't stop until the end.
I really enjoy both the Harry and the Kate books, but best of all is when Kate and Samson work with Harry's team. I love getting little snippets of background of the characters in each book too.
I did not guess how this would end. The twists are great and really keep you intrigued.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Allison Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kyle approaches Harry to look into his friends Gavin's disappearance, little did he know what he's let himself and the team into.
Harry turns to his old police partner Captain Kate Gazzara for help into looking for the millionaire playboy.
But Gavin's father isn't concerned about his son's disappearance and told Harry that he has gone off to Alaska to 'find himself ' but his best friend Kyle and Gavin's mother aren't convinced at all.
In true Harry style he gets himself into some deep water, including upsetting the mob and the FBI to boot!
A fantastic action packed book.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying the Harry Stark series.   Fabulous plots and great character development make for a most enjoyable read.  Blair Howard does it again in this book.   Is it a case of a missing person like his friend says, or did Gavin go off to explore Alaska like his father said?  This is up to Harry and his team to figure out.  Be prepared, once you pick this one up you won't be able to put it down.  It is a gripping read.  The little teaser at the end has me anxiously waiting for the next installment.

[Robin Blanksguster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get this book and reserve time now to read because once you start you won’t stop until the end and even then…hmm. Harry takes a missing person case where only two people say a rich kid is missing. The twists, turns and red herrings are so intense that Harry utilizes Captain Kate Gazzara and Samson of the Chattanooga Police Department to help him with the case. Fast-paced action, multiple murders, being tailed and getting threats make this a roller coaster of a ride. Terrific ride. Can’t wait for next book!

Red Robin

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's nothing worse for Harry than when things are quiet and mundane. So his interest is piqued when a young guy asks for his help in finding his "rich" friend who has disappeared. Harry agrees to do make some inquiries and see if there's anything untoward. And thus begins Harry's latest case as nothing seems to add up. Kate and her team end up getting dragged into this case, and there's also a trip to New York City as they follow the clues. So many surprises along the way before the case is finally resolved. Another great Harry Starke novel.

[Hope Gerhardstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry & Kate team up to solve the case of a missing wealthy young man. The father claims he is living off the grid in Alaska. His mother and his best friend claim this is not his style. When a body is unexpectedly discovered, the duo decide to investigate further and travel to New York City to try and get some answers. A mysterious woman and the Irish mob makes an appearance and Harry is sent back home by the FBI. The ending came with a twist that I wasn’t expecting.

I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

a young working class man comes to Harry Starke looking for help locating a friend he thinks might be in trouble

a pro bono endeavor that encompasses activities in multiple states, various industries and conflicting and dubious loyalties and hidden connections

Harry Starke and those close to him might well have drawn some different and unwelcome and possibly worse than lethal attention

fast paced suspense, action and intrigue

[Pamela Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Harry Starke story along with Kate and Samson. A friend brings a missing person case to Harry and he thinks his team can solve this quickly. But, as dead bodies pile up and the case gets more and more complex nothing is as it seems. Can they find out what happened to the missing person and how everything ties in together? Always enjoy Harry Starke and team and how they work on their cases together. Highly recommend this next novel in the series.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book. Blair Howard grabs your interest from page one and keeps you reading with keen interest. It starts as a possible missing person case but quickly advances to a much more intriguing situation. Harry with his hand picked team work to pull at all the hidden bits and pieces to get to the real case/mystery. He has help from his friend Kate and her K9 partner, Samson. A most enjoyable book. A must read for Harry Starke fans.

[Jim Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent detective novel with a well written storyline and an outstanding cast of interesting realistic characters. Harry, Kate, and Samson make a great team to solve murder mysteries. This fast-paced story has plenty of action, suspense, intrigue, and several well-placed twists/turns. The lies abound in this page turning investigation. Very enjoyable read and highly recommended. Bring on the next investigation for Harry and Kate to solve.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isn’t it funny how some people who review books think that a review should be a synopsis of the book, especially when the author specifically asked them not to give out any spoilers. Anyway I found this to be another fantastic read from an author at the top of their game and have been for a little while now. I loved it, I just could not put it down. The only thing wrong with this book is the time it takes waiting for the next one to arrive. Highly recommended.

[Susan Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Harry is approached by a young man after leaving his office, he doesn't want to look into what happened to his friend. After talking with his partner, Jackie, he decides to go forward with it. The longer Harry tries to figure things out, the more the case doesn't make sense. Subterfuge is a great mystery that keeps you hooked to the very end. Another page turner in the great Harry Starke series!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you solve a missing persons case when family members can't agree whether or not the person is actually missing. This dilemma plagues Harry. When things just don't add up I think Harry works even harder to puzzle out the answers! Lots of twists, turns, dead ends, surprising motives and great work by his team. Another great read that you won't be able to put down. I received this ARC and this is my honest review.

[Terri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I’ve read all of the Harry and Kate series, I love coming back and seeing the team work together to solve the latest mystery. Sometimes complicated but Blair Howard weaves a convincing tale of intrigue and I couldn’t put it down. Surprise ending of course and again I’m so glad he is such a prolific author that I won’t have to wait long for the next book!

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A family one didn't want to mess with, Gavin was Kyle's best friend for twenty years, now missing.. You will not be disappointed in this story. It captured me from the beginning, with mystery and murder. The adventure of uncovering the truth was great to the last pages. Another winner, I highly recommend.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young man named Kyle comes to Harry Starke and tells him his best friend is missing. Kyle does not have money to pay Harry, but he takes the case after talking to Kate. A wealthy family and a Ponzi scheme. Harry and Kate go to New York City to follow a trail. The FBI tells them to go back to Tennesse. A conclusion that I did not see coming.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very frazzled young man approaches Harry outside his office. And so begins Subterfuge, the latest "adventure" for PI Harry Starke and his team. This story is full of twists and turns with an ending as interesting as the beginning. Great characters and a fantastic plot make for yet another great read!