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Angelhart Investigations #0.5
Into the Fire
Things are heating up in Arizona in this thrilling novella introducing a page-turning new series by New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan
Margo Angelhart was recently certified as a private investigator, but she isn’t convinced that it’s her calling. All of her cases have been minor, mostly for family and haven’t paid the bills. She’s more than happy to keep bartending and figure out her post-military career later. That is, until prosecutor Andy Flannigan walks into her bar and offers her a case she can’t turn down…
Nineteen-year-old Sergio Diaz has confessed to murder—except Andy doesn’t buy it. With his own job on the line, Andy asks Margo to work the case discreetly. The more she digs, the more she’s convinced an innocent kid is going to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Now she just needs to figure out why he’d confess. Can Margo prove Sergio’s innocence and help Andy find the real killer before anyone else dies?
Margo Angelhart was recently certified as a private investigator, but she isn’t convinced that it’s her calling. All of her cases have been minor, mostly for family and haven’t paid the bills. She’s more than happy to keep bartending and figure out her post-military career later. That is, until prosecutor Andy Flannigan walks into her bar and offers her a case she can’t turn down…
Nineteen-year-old Sergio Diaz has confessed to murder—except Andy doesn’t buy it. With his own job on the line, Andy asks Margo to work the case discreetly. The more she digs, the more she’s convinced an innocent kid is going to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Now she just needs to figure out why he’d confess. Can Margo prove Sergio’s innocence and help Andy find the real killer before anyone else dies?
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2024
370 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Allison Brennan
112 books5,254 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 20, 2024
Welcome, Margo... this is going to be a wonderful ride!
ALLISON BRENNAN rocks.....
I'm so looking forward to this series.
How is a murder and a string of robberies connected? Our P.I., Margo, tries to put the pieces together to prevent a family that's been shattered by life's curveballs to be completely broken!
Solid 4.5 stars
ALLISON BRENNAN rocks.....
I'm so looking forward to this series.
How is a murder and a string of robberies connected? Our P.I., Margo, tries to put the pieces together to prevent a family that's been shattered by life's curveballs to be completely broken!
Solid 4.5 stars
June 18, 2024
the setup…
Margo Angelhart comes from a family of high achievers. Unsure of her own path, she joined the Army after her graduation from high school to find her calling. It’s six years later and Margo, having left the service, has her PI license but is also bartending at a friend’s family’s bar to help pay the bills. That friend is Andy Flannigan, a prosecutor, who comes to her secretly with a case…his own. Sergio Diaz has confessed to an armed robbery murder but he believes the 19-year old is innocent. He obviously can’t pursue it and doesn’t want to put away an innocent man.
the heart of the story…
Margo is an interesting woman, still questioning if she’s got the skills to make it as a private investigator. If this case is an example, I think she does. Her instincts are excellent and, though she made some mistakes, she did all the right things in approaching and investigating Sergio’s circumstances. Margo was also respectful of law enforcement in the process and this almost reads like a police procedural, which I loved.
the bottom line…
It’s a great opening for this new series as I got a strong sense of not only who Margo is and what’s important to her (family), but lots of background on her family and friends. The case was extremely interesting and compelling as I was invested in Sergio’s outcome. I’m now primed and ready for the first full book in this series and it was wonderful being back in any Brennan world.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Margo Angelhart comes from a family of high achievers. Unsure of her own path, she joined the Army after her graduation from high school to find her calling. It’s six years later and Margo, having left the service, has her PI license but is also bartending at a friend’s family’s bar to help pay the bills. That friend is Andy Flannigan, a prosecutor, who comes to her secretly with a case…his own. Sergio Diaz has confessed to an armed robbery murder but he believes the 19-year old is innocent. He obviously can’t pursue it and doesn’t want to put away an innocent man.
the heart of the story…
Margo is an interesting woman, still questioning if she’s got the skills to make it as a private investigator. If this case is an example, I think she does. Her instincts are excellent and, though she made some mistakes, she did all the right things in approaching and investigating Sergio’s circumstances. Margo was also respectful of law enforcement in the process and this almost reads like a police procedural, which I loved.
the bottom line…
It’s a great opening for this new series as I got a strong sense of not only who Margo is and what’s important to her (family), but lots of background on her family and friends. The case was extremely interesting and compelling as I was invested in Sergio’s outcome. I’m now primed and ready for the first full book in this series and it was wonderful being back in any Brennan world.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
December 15, 2024
This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced, crime thriller novella. It has a likable, strong and intelligent female protagonist, mystery, intrigue, a supportive family, and a satisfying conclusion. This is an excellent start to Ms. Brennan's new Angelhart Investigations series.
June 23, 2024
This is a wonderful introduction novella to the new mystery series by Allison Brennan. She set it several years before the first book of the series is set and introduces her new character, Margo Angelhart and gives us insight into her she is and why she chose to be a private investigator.
Margo Angelhart is a former Army MP. She is back home in Phoenix bartending to make ends meet and taking a few PI cases, but she is having serious doubts about going all in on the PI thing. When friend and county prosecutor, Andy Flannigan, hires her to look into the case of a nineteen-year-old who confessed to murder, Margo is intrigued.
Sergio Diaz is just trying to gain custody of his young brother and sister. He is a hard worker and keeps his head down. He is the last person Margo your think would have committed cold blooded murder, especially after she talks to the people who know him. The picture that emerges for Margo is not that of a murderer. Now, Margo has to find out why Sergio confessed to a murder he didn't do.
Margo Angelhart is a former Army MP. She is back home in Phoenix bartending to make ends meet and taking a few PI cases, but she is having serious doubts about going all in on the PI thing. When friend and county prosecutor, Andy Flannigan, hires her to look into the case of a nineteen-year-old who confessed to murder, Margo is intrigued.
Sergio Diaz is just trying to gain custody of his young brother and sister. He is a hard worker and keeps his head down. He is the last person Margo your think would have committed cold blooded murder, especially after she talks to the people who know him. The picture that emerges for Margo is not that of a murderer. Now, Margo has to find out why Sergio confessed to a murder he didn't do.
August 21, 2024
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
INTO THE FIRE (Angelhart Investigations Book #0.5) by Allison Brennan is an introductory novella to a new P.I. series from a favorite author. Margo Angelhart is from a large extended family and is bartending after returning from the Army while getting her P.I. license on the side. This is a quick novella that introduces Margo a few years before the start of the series and demonstrates her tenacity and thinking outside of the box on her first case as a P.I.
Prosecutor Andy Flannigan is a regular customer and stops into the bar while Margo Angelhart is bartending. He has a case with a young man, Sergio Diaz, who has confessed to murder, but Andy does not believe him. Margo is willing to help and take a second look. The more she investigates, the more Margo believes in Sergio innocence, and she must discover why he is willing to go to prison for a crime he did not commit.
I enjoyed getting to know Margo and her family. Ms. Brennan’s writing brings all the characters to life and makes them believable. The crime plot is interesting even in this shorter novella format. I feel the main purpose of this novella, besides being an introduction to the characters, is to show Margo finally believing in herself and her path as a private investigator. I am looking forward to starting the first full length book in this series!
INTO THE FIRE (Angelhart Investigations Book #0.5) by Allison Brennan is an introductory novella to a new P.I. series from a favorite author. Margo Angelhart is from a large extended family and is bartending after returning from the Army while getting her P.I. license on the side. This is a quick novella that introduces Margo a few years before the start of the series and demonstrates her tenacity and thinking outside of the box on her first case as a P.I.
Prosecutor Andy Flannigan is a regular customer and stops into the bar while Margo Angelhart is bartending. He has a case with a young man, Sergio Diaz, who has confessed to murder, but Andy does not believe him. Margo is willing to help and take a second look. The more she investigates, the more Margo believes in Sergio innocence, and she must discover why he is willing to go to prison for a crime he did not commit.
I enjoyed getting to know Margo and her family. Ms. Brennan’s writing brings all the characters to life and makes them believable. The crime plot is interesting even in this shorter novella format. I feel the main purpose of this novella, besides being an introduction to the characters, is to show Margo finally believing in herself and her path as a private investigator. I am looking forward to starting the first full length book in this series!
June 11, 2024
I'm excited to start book one now!
May 30, 2024
This book seems to be a good introduction to a new series from this author. I really like Margo, like her relationship with her family and how she's trying to find her place in the world. She's iffy about being a PI at the start, but as she works the case, figures out what is going on and helps people that desperately need it, she finds her footing. To the point that at the end of the book she is looking forward to what her new job brings her next. It will be fun to find out what in the next book.
June 12, 2024
25 year old Margo Angelheart, is not long out of the army and living back in her hometown in Arizona. A newly minted part-time PI and part time bartender, she is asked by a family friend, a local prosecutor, to help solve a murder that ostensibly has already been solved. Will she be successful in her first serious case as a PI and exonerate the man who has already confessed to the crime?
There isn’t much “wrong” with this prequel to Brennan’s new series but there are also no major twists and the plot unfolds as expected.
My only critique is that it takes longer for Margo to realize his motive for confessing than the reader although we have the same info and the answer could not be more obvious.
Where the book is at its strongest is not in its mystery but in Margo’s growth from feeling like an outcast in her very succesful family to gaining self assurance and realizing her path as a PI.
There isn’t much “wrong” with this prequel to Brennan’s new series but there are also no major twists and the plot unfolds as expected.
My only critique is that it takes longer for Margo to realize his motive for confessing than the reader although we have the same info and the answer could not be more obvious.
Where the book is at its strongest is not in its mystery but in Margo’s growth from feeling like an outcast in her very succesful family to gaining self assurance and realizing her path as a PI.
June 9, 2024
Great start for a series
Margo Angelhart. What a name and what a start to a series! Margo is a bartender and recently licensed PI. The case she takes on is intriguing from the start because of how she got the case and who the client is. The story moves fast with a lot of details and great development of the town, community and family. Full of emotion and danger I could not put this down and am excited to read the first/next case when it comes out!
Margo Angelhart. What a name and what a start to a series! Margo is a bartender and recently licensed PI. The case she takes on is intriguing from the start because of how she got the case and who the client is. The story moves fast with a lot of details and great development of the town, community and family. Full of emotion and danger I could not put this down and am excited to read the first/next case when it comes out!
November 11, 2024
I LOVED this! What a fantastic start to a series. This was fast paced, great characters and unputdowable. I had to finish. I’m so excited to dive into the next book. Margo Angelhart is such a great heroine. I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes.
June 11, 2024
What a great start to a new series!
Fans of Allison Brennan will be excited to learn that a new mystery and suspense series is coming soon. Into the Fire is the prequel novella of a series about Margo Angelhart, a private investigator. Angelhart Investigations, the series title, will feature Margo as well as her large family in Arizona.
Into the Fire gives us the reason Margo decided that private investigator will be her calling in life. A young man is accused and confesses to a violent crime but the prosecutor thinks he’s innocent. In secret, the prosecutor contacts Margo to look into the case. After speaking with the young man,
Margo knows he’s protecting someone. Can Margo unravel the mystery and keep this innocent man out of prison? Read this novella to find out!
I’m very excited about this new series and cast of characters from Allison Brennan. Into the Fire gave me a good idea of what Margo is like, her values and family connections. I can’t wait until the first book in the series is released on June 25, 2024.
Fans of Allison Brennan will be excited to learn that a new mystery and suspense series is coming soon. Into the Fire is the prequel novella of a series about Margo Angelhart, a private investigator. Angelhart Investigations, the series title, will feature Margo as well as her large family in Arizona.
Into the Fire gives us the reason Margo decided that private investigator will be her calling in life. A young man is accused and confesses to a violent crime but the prosecutor thinks he’s innocent. In secret, the prosecutor contacts Margo to look into the case. After speaking with the young man,
Margo knows he’s protecting someone. Can Margo unravel the mystery and keep this innocent man out of prison? Read this novella to find out!
I’m very excited about this new series and cast of characters from Allison Brennan. Into the Fire gave me a good idea of what Margo is like, her values and family connections. I can’t wait until the first book in the series is released on June 25, 2024.
June 7, 2024
4.5+
This is the prequel to an exciting new series by this author. I have read every story written by Ms.Brennan and can already tell that this new series and its cast of characters will also be a big success.
This is the prequel to an exciting new series by this author. I have read every story written by Ms.Brennan and can already tell that this new series and its cast of characters will also be a big success.
August 22, 2025
This novella written by Allison Brennan introduced a new series based on Private Investigator Margo Angelhart. Margo was a newbie to the field and found herself looking for cases. *****More to follow when I can keep my eyes open.
February 22, 2025
I liked it.
I wanted to read this one before I started her series, and it was a nice read.
So far, I like Margo, I like her family, mainly her siblings.
Honestly seeing her find her path, hit me. I've been lost on what I want to do, so it was interesting to read about someone unsure on what they want. Now here's hoping I find my path like her lol
can't wait to start the next book now.
I wanted to read this one before I started her series, and it was a nice read.
So far, I like Margo, I like her family, mainly her siblings.
Honestly seeing her find her path, hit me. I've been lost on what I want to do, so it was interesting to read about someone unsure on what they want. Now here's hoping I find my path like her lol
can't wait to start the next book now.
September 14, 2025
Quick short read, a good start to the series. Very interesting and suspenseful.
October 15, 2024
Short and sweet. I read this series out of order. But this was just a novella to characters I am already familiar with. Can't wait for more of the Angelharts.
July 24, 2024
Great prequel!
June 22, 2024
I love a good Allison Brennan book, and I love it even more when it’s the start of a new series!
Margo Angelhart is a newly-minted Private Investigator. She’s just beginning to take some small jobs when a family friend asks her to help a man who may be innocent.
This is a short prequel novella to Book #1 in a new series! I will be starting that next. If you are a fan of Allison Brennan’s books, you know that she writes terrific crime fiction. If you have never read her books, start now - you will not be disappointed!
Margo Angelhart is a newly-minted Private Investigator. She’s just beginning to take some small jobs when a family friend asks her to help a man who may be innocent.
This is a short prequel novella to Book #1 in a new series! I will be starting that next. If you are a fan of Allison Brennan’s books, you know that she writes terrific crime fiction. If you have never read her books, start now - you will not be disappointed!
June 14, 2024
I normally steer clear of novellas. I don't know why; probably a flawed notion that the story can't possibly be long enough to get fully invested in the characters etc.
This novella, from one of my very favorite authors, was very fast paced and interesting. It left me wanting more, and I'm glad it's only a week or so before the first Angelhart novel comes out!
This novella, from one of my very favorite authors, was very fast paced and interesting. It left me wanting more, and I'm glad it's only a week or so before the first Angelhart novel comes out!
October 2, 2024
Fans of Allison Brennan will be excited to learn that a new mystery and suspense series is coming soon. Into the Fire is the prequel novella of a series about Margo Angelhart, a private investigator. Angelhart Investigations, the series title, will feature Margo as well as her large family in Arizona.
Into the Fire gives us the reason Margo decided that private investigator will be her calling in life. A young man is accused and confesses to a violent crime but the prosecutor thinks he’s innocent. In secret, the prosecutor contacts Margo to look into the case. After speaking with the young man, Margo knows he’s protecting someone. Can Margo unravel the mystery and keep this innocent man out of prison? Read this novella to find out!
I’m very excited about this new series and cast of characters from Allison Brennan. Into the Fire gave me a good idea of what Margo is like, her values and family connections.
At this time, Into the Fire is available on cloudLibrary in eBook format only. The print version will likely be released at a later date according to the author. Happy Reading!
- Dione, Area Librarian
Into the Fire gives us the reason Margo decided that private investigator will be her calling in life. A young man is accused and confesses to a violent crime but the prosecutor thinks he’s innocent. In secret, the prosecutor contacts Margo to look into the case. After speaking with the young man, Margo knows he’s protecting someone. Can Margo unravel the mystery and keep this innocent man out of prison? Read this novella to find out!
I’m very excited about this new series and cast of characters from Allison Brennan. Into the Fire gave me a good idea of what Margo is like, her values and family connections.
At this time, Into the Fire is available on cloudLibrary in eBook format only. The print version will likely be released at a later date according to the author. Happy Reading!
- Dione, Area Librarian
September 9, 2025
In this short story / novella, the author introduces a new heroine for crime drama readers. Margo Angelhart isn't quite sure she wants to be a private investigator, although she has all the necessary credentials. She's tending bar in the gap, and ends up with a case of mistaken killer, even though the innocent party has confessed. It's a thorny case and she has to be very careful about what resources she uses, as she has family members who are in the crime fighting business as well.
I liked Margo. She's feisty and doesn't give up. Once she gets involved with the case, she's all-in and that just makes it more interesting. The case here isn't really complicated -- the confessed killer is protecting someone -- but it's more about how Margo reacts and acts that allows the reader to get invested in this new Angelhart Investigations series.
Bring it on! I'm ready for more! I'm glad there are some already published so I can binge read the series to date!
I liked Margo. She's feisty and doesn't give up. Once she gets involved with the case, she's all-in and that just makes it more interesting. The case here isn't really complicated -- the confessed killer is protecting someone -- but it's more about how Margo reacts and acts that allows the reader to get invested in this new Angelhart Investigations series.
Bring it on! I'm ready for more! I'm glad there are some already published so I can binge read the series to date!
May 30, 2024
A novella introducing Margo Angelhart, a newly minted Pi based in Phoenix. Her large family consists of ex-DA Mom, Doc Dad, Cop-brother, Foresnic Tech- brother, law school Sis and youngest just graduating high school with many choices.
Margo, ex-Army, now bartender and fledgling PI is asked by a friend in the DA's office to quietly look into a killing where someone confessed but he feels is innocent. She comes across two groups of burglaries that are similar but there were no killings and sets out to get the truth whether the confessor wants it or not.
Not sure about the series yet but the first book is supposed to be 7 years later. Maybe Margo will have gotten some experience by then
Margo, ex-Army, now bartender and fledgling PI is asked by a friend in the DA's office to quietly look into a killing where someone confessed but he feels is innocent. She comes across two groups of burglaries that are similar but there were no killings and sets out to get the truth whether the confessor wants it or not.
Not sure about the series yet but the first book is supposed to be 7 years later. Maybe Margo will have gotten some experience by then
June 2, 2024
The book is first person, which I detest. The blurb for the book on Amazon does not let it be known that the book is first person. I have been reading Allison Brennan for years and have read and enjoyed all of her books. This is the first one that is first person and therefore I did not suspect that it would be. She does throw in a few chapters that are not first person. I wish the whole book had been written that way.
I started reading the book because it was Allison Brennan. But I soon realized that I did not like the book. In order to finish it I did a lot of skimming.
I had already pre-ordered the next book in the series. I was able to cancel that order. I will not be reading anymore of this series. The books are not worth $10 and my time.
I started reading the book because it was Allison Brennan. But I soon realized that I did not like the book. In order to finish it I did a lot of skimming.
I had already pre-ordered the next book in the series. I was able to cancel that order. I will not be reading anymore of this series. The books are not worth $10 and my time.
May 29, 2025
While this isn’t a bad novella, it’s just not quite for me. There are things that I can and did appreciate: The multi-generational Mexican-American family, with a female protagonist was refreshing. That they were a close knit, functional family, and the protagonist wasn’t a “hard-boiled” alcoholic, or estranged from their spouse, was also refreshing. It was also fairly clean, which is a rarity.
Probably the biggest dissonance for me was that I didn’t really believe that this kid would be willing to go to prison for most of his life, to protect his siblings. It just felt like there was an easier way out to me.
But to each their own.
Probably the biggest dissonance for me was that I didn’t really believe that this kid would be willing to go to prison for most of his life, to protect his siblings. It just felt like there was an easier way out to me.
But to each their own.
September 26, 2024
I'm not sure how a prequel of a brand new series is a thing. I am biased though, as I don't think I've ever read a prequel I l iked. This is no exception. The story itself is fine, there is no mystery to it, it's just basically a character intro. My issue is it's a character intro of characters that are completely different people in the next book - like, everything is different. None of what happens in this story relates in any way to that book and the story it tells here doesn't include the "major things" that made them all different people by the next book.
June 5, 2024
Allison Brennan is the master of the novel AND the novella! I don't know how she manages to cram a fully developed plot and get me so invested in characters in less than 200 pages but she sure does it well.
Really looking forward to this new series! I already can tell the Angelhart family has so many of the characteristics I loved about the RCK family from the Lucy Kincaid series but is different enough to feel fresh and unique. Excited to see this series develop through a PI lens!
Really looking forward to this new series! I already can tell the Angelhart family has so many of the characteristics I loved about the RCK family from the Lucy Kincaid series but is different enough to feel fresh and unique. Excited to see this series develop through a PI lens!
July 18, 2024
I really enjoyed the start to this series. I enjoy books that include large close families like the Angelharts. Margo Angelhart recently got her PI license. She currently works as a bartender as well. She is asked by a friend to prove that a young man who confessed to a robbery/murder is not guilty. She has a tight time frame to get it done. I enjoyed everything about this book. The characters were developed and the plot was tight. I would highly recommend this series.
August 18, 2025
Outstanding Story!
This novella is good. I was hooked immediately reading INTO THE FIRE.
I love the quick pacing of the story, and I did like the main character. She had grit and she meant business! I also love how the author constructed the storyline. Outstanding storytelling!
I highly recommend people to add this to your Kindle and/or physical library NOW!
This novella is good. I was hooked immediately reading INTO THE FIRE.
I love the quick pacing of the story, and I did like the main character. She had grit and she meant business! I also love how the author constructed the storyline. Outstanding storytelling!
I highly recommend people to add this to your Kindle and/or physical library NOW!
December 2, 2025
This was a short installment, but it was a nice addition to the series. It gives just enough insight into the characters to feel meaningful without overstaying its welcome. There isn't a ton of plot, which is expected for something this brief. It did still add some connective tissue for the longer books in the series. If you're reading the series, it is a quick and worthwhile book.
July 31, 2024
I'm so happy to have this story of how Margo got more fully into work as a private investigator. I like how she is always helping people. I read this after the first book mainly because I had to wait for my turn at the library but I would rather have read it before the first book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews