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Coyote #3
Cornered Coyote
A Gripping tale that is as Sweet as a Ballerina and as Pugnacious as a Pitbull!
The silver bird gleamed in the blue sky, as the early morning sun bathed it in soft golden hues. Flight 714 was on the last leg of its journey, having burned close to fifty thousand gallons of jet fuel on its trans-Atlantic flight from Paris to Los Angeles.
Dianne Harman’s third and final book in the Coyote series, Cornered Coyote, is a throbbing tale of love, courage and passion. The frailties of human nature are deftly brought into the spotlight, as insecurity, jealousy, hatred, contempt and xenophobia rear their ugly head from time to time.
Follow the loveable yet eccentric private investigator, Slade Kelly, (a readers' favorite), as he tries to save Maria's sweet ass from seemingly insurmountable odds.
The story moves at a rapid pace, from the ghettos of Chicago to the beaches of Florida, from the streets of Los Angeles to the lush gardens of New York city. Each twist and turn comes with its own cast of colorful characters, from sleazy men in the mafia to hot, desperate women, who will do anything to make it big, in a world that is always trying to keep them small.
The silver bird gleamed in the blue sky, as the early morning sun bathed it in soft golden hues. Flight 714 was on the last leg of its journey, having burned close to fifty thousand gallons of jet fuel on its trans-Atlantic flight from Paris to Los Angeles.
Dianne Harman’s third and final book in the Coyote series, Cornered Coyote, is a throbbing tale of love, courage and passion. The frailties of human nature are deftly brought into the spotlight, as insecurity, jealousy, hatred, contempt and xenophobia rear their ugly head from time to time.
Follow the loveable yet eccentric private investigator, Slade Kelly, (a readers' favorite), as he tries to save Maria's sweet ass from seemingly insurmountable odds.
The story moves at a rapid pace, from the ghettos of Chicago to the beaches of Florida, from the streets of Los Angeles to the lush gardens of New York city. Each twist and turn comes with its own cast of colorful characters, from sleazy men in the mafia to hot, desperate women, who will do anything to make it big, in a world that is always trying to keep them small.
210 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2014
90 people are currently reading
1551 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 11, 2014
Cornered Coyote (Coyote, #3) by Dianne Harman is quite simply the best in the series so far. Not that I'm knocking books #1 and #2 that are so brilliantly written, but book #3 has it all in spades and then some. How this wonderful author could improve on two previous gems is beyond me, but she has with some serious aplomb.
Our heroine, Maria Brooks risks it all and returns to the States as advised by the new love in her life, Detective Jordan Kramer. Big mistake! She ends up in prison charged with the murder of her husband Jeffrey Brooks. Her terror of prison and especially rape is handled superbly by the author who elicits every drop of emotion from her character.
The wheels of justice start rolling but they come up against Slade Kelly, PI who uses every source at his disposal to keep Maria from going down hard. Add to the turmoil an assortment of wonderfully flawed characters and you have a courtroom drama worthy of the big screen. This reader adored Slade Kelly who really shines in this third book of what is becoming the great series of 2014.
So without further ado, I highly recommend downloading this FIVE STAR crime drama/thriller/courtroom novel before a Big 6 snaps it up.
Our heroine, Maria Brooks risks it all and returns to the States as advised by the new love in her life, Detective Jordan Kramer. Big mistake! She ends up in prison charged with the murder of her husband Jeffrey Brooks. Her terror of prison and especially rape is handled superbly by the author who elicits every drop of emotion from her character.
The wheels of justice start rolling but they come up against Slade Kelly, PI who uses every source at his disposal to keep Maria from going down hard. Add to the turmoil an assortment of wonderfully flawed characters and you have a courtroom drama worthy of the big screen. This reader adored Slade Kelly who really shines in this third book of what is becoming the great series of 2014.
So without further ado, I highly recommend downloading this FIVE STAR crime drama/thriller/courtroom novel before a Big 6 snaps it up.
September 4, 2014
I read Coyote in Provence and Cornered Coyote in just 2 days. I flat out could not put these books down and they consumed my life for the full 2 days. Just when I thought I'd we'd see Jordan and Elena (aka Maria) happily married off we get a plot twist and WHAMMY! What a plot twist....Never saw that one coming. Enter another few characters to fall in love with. I've gotta say...these sexy detectives are gonna be the death of me! Suave, sweet talkin' Slade Kelly converges on us and boy does he have a secret to share. This book just kept coming with new turns. I experienced probably every emotion.. I teared up when Elena/Maria came back to the States only to run up against a brick wall. My heart ached for her; she gave in and followed her heart trusting that she would be safe. You'll have to read the book to see how that plays out. We also meet Darya, a beautiful cosmetics executive who has more than the cosmetics business in her color palate. This emotional roller coaster will take you places you would never think of. You'll literally fall head over heels in love with this book. I did not want the book to end. It is without a doubt an INCREDIBLE read. Kudos again Diane Harman. You've nailed it!
July 8, 2014
This book is something like a cross between a Lifetime movie, and a 19 century romance. All the protagonists are oppressed and beautiful, and all of the antagonists are ugly, evil, and have bad things happen to them at the end.
A beautiful millionaire chef flies into the US to spend time with her glamourous cop lover, and gets arrested for the murder of her husband. Various contacts try to help her. Of course, they all have tragic backstories.
On the whole, entertaining, but way over the top.
A beautiful millionaire chef flies into the US to spend time with her glamourous cop lover, and gets arrested for the murder of her husband. Various contacts try to help her. Of course, they all have tragic backstories.
On the whole, entertaining, but way over the top.
June 14, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in Dianne Harman's Coyote series, Blue Coyote Motel and Coyote in Provence. In the third book, Cornered Coyote, Ms. Harman has done something quite impressive. She has stepped up her game. Her high velocity pacing, Rubik's cube plotting, and crackling dialogue makes you feel like you're catching a fast ball at the World Series. Better have your mitt ready.
This time, indefatigable gumshoe Slade Kelly takes center stage. He's got a damsel in distress to save: Maria, the star of the previous two books. She's been arrested for killing her deranged husband, a charge she readily admits, but claims self defense. The fact that she fled the country immediately afterwards makes the case against her seemingly ironclad and the vicious prosecuting attorney is after blood. Nothing less than a conviction is acceptable or she'll lose her job.
To say that Slade's methods are somewhat unorthodox is like saying it tends to get a little wet under Niagara Falls. In the process, his relationship with dizzyingly gorgeous and mindbogglingly rich Darya threatens to set off the sprinklers over their bed. But his long-standing mob connections result in a literally explosive intrusion into any hopes of them living happily ever after.
The courtroom drama that propels the story to it's surprising climax is reminiscent of Grisham and Gardner. We find ourselves squirming in our seats right along with those on the stand. I could hear the Perry Mason theme playing in my head.
In Coyote Cornered Ms. Harman chooses a different palette to paint with and does so with aplomb and unrestrained zeal. This is not only a well told tale, it is a delightful, often breathtaking romp. Highly recommended.
This time, indefatigable gumshoe Slade Kelly takes center stage. He's got a damsel in distress to save: Maria, the star of the previous two books. She's been arrested for killing her deranged husband, a charge she readily admits, but claims self defense. The fact that she fled the country immediately afterwards makes the case against her seemingly ironclad and the vicious prosecuting attorney is after blood. Nothing less than a conviction is acceptable or she'll lose her job.
To say that Slade's methods are somewhat unorthodox is like saying it tends to get a little wet under Niagara Falls. In the process, his relationship with dizzyingly gorgeous and mindbogglingly rich Darya threatens to set off the sprinklers over their bed. But his long-standing mob connections result in a literally explosive intrusion into any hopes of them living happily ever after.
The courtroom drama that propels the story to it's surprising climax is reminiscent of Grisham and Gardner. We find ourselves squirming in our seats right along with those on the stand. I could hear the Perry Mason theme playing in my head.
In Coyote Cornered Ms. Harman chooses a different palette to paint with and does so with aplomb and unrestrained zeal. This is not only a well told tale, it is a delightful, often breathtaking romp. Highly recommended.
July 8, 2014
After seeing the rave reviews of this book on Amazon I was anxious to read it. When it was offered to me to review, I was thrilled to do so. But I am very disappointed to not be able to give it a five star review. I really could not connect with most of the characters.
Slade Kelly, the detective who sounds like he is from the 30's, is a very interesting character and I enjoyed reading about him and his exploits. His scenes were the only ones that came alive for me. The two women leads, Maria and Darya did not quite ring true but I could overlook that if it were just them and Kelly. However the character of Jordan seemed very stiff and suspicious. He did not seem realistic at all. I expected him to be exposed as the murderer because he just seemed so false all the way through the book.
The book did not seem to flow and lacked emotion. I could not really care about the characters of Maria and Jordan the way it seemed I should. I was mildly interested to see what happened next but more to see what Kelly would do next than any of the other characters.
I also found the court scenes too dispassionate. It was like reading a trial transcript. I was not hanging on the words of any of the witnesses.
It is far from the worst book I ever read and I could pick it up as a light read but I am sorry to say I could not get excited by it.
Slade Kelly, the detective who sounds like he is from the 30's, is a very interesting character and I enjoyed reading about him and his exploits. His scenes were the only ones that came alive for me. The two women leads, Maria and Darya did not quite ring true but I could overlook that if it were just them and Kelly. However the character of Jordan seemed very stiff and suspicious. He did not seem realistic at all. I expected him to be exposed as the murderer because he just seemed so false all the way through the book.
The book did not seem to flow and lacked emotion. I could not really care about the characters of Maria and Jordan the way it seemed I should. I was mildly interested to see what happened next but more to see what Kelly would do next than any of the other characters.
I also found the court scenes too dispassionate. It was like reading a trial transcript. I was not hanging on the words of any of the witnesses.
It is far from the worst book I ever read and I could pick it up as a light read but I am sorry to say I could not get excited by it.
June 29, 2014
Grisham and Connelly watch out, ‘cause there’s a new kid on the block. Dianne Harman makes her mark in a highly competitive suspense-thriller niche. Read the book in two short sittings and couldn’t put it down. The final chapter ends happily with some last minute manoeuvring to keep you turning pages right to the close.
Cornered Coyote has it all. A beautiful protagonist trapped in a political power play, lost orphans rescued from uncertain death and woman’s issues addressed with aplomb. Let's not forget the steamy, tastefully written erotica boiling behind the scenes and creating sincere love interests.
Ms Harman’s newest book in the Coyote Series reads smoothly and all of her character’s conflicts are carefully weaved into the plot with skillful talent. For this reader, the dialogues shined, balanced by descriptions that put an unforgettable picture in your mind’s eye. Pick it up before a big six publisher takes it away and makes it into a TV series.
Cornered Coyote has it all. A beautiful protagonist trapped in a political power play, lost orphans rescued from uncertain death and woman’s issues addressed with aplomb. Let's not forget the steamy, tastefully written erotica boiling behind the scenes and creating sincere love interests.
Ms Harman’s newest book in the Coyote Series reads smoothly and all of her character’s conflicts are carefully weaved into the plot with skillful talent. For this reader, the dialogues shined, balanced by descriptions that put an unforgettable picture in your mind’s eye. Pick it up before a big six publisher takes it away and makes it into a TV series.
May 19, 2014
One of the things I like about Ms. Harman's books is that they don't fit easily into one genre, and her latest, 'Cornered Coyote', continues this tradition. This is the third book in the 'Coyote' series which began with 'Blue Coyote Motel'.
Part romance, part courtroom drama, with a top sprinkling of film noir for good measure, this is a fun read. For those who have not read any of the 'Coyote' books, don't worry. The backstory is covered in sufficient detail not to cause confusion.
Good characters - some familiar already, some not - and a few plot twists and turns, will keep you reading.
Well done, Ms. Harman. Now for the next one ...
Part romance, part courtroom drama, with a top sprinkling of film noir for good measure, this is a fun read. For those who have not read any of the 'Coyote' books, don't worry. The backstory is covered in sufficient detail not to cause confusion.
Good characters - some familiar already, some not - and a few plot twists and turns, will keep you reading.
Well done, Ms. Harman. Now for the next one ...
January 26, 2015
I was contacted by the author and received a free ecopy of Cornered Coyote (Coyote #3) by Dianne Harman in exchange for an honest review. Started reading it ages ago, but I just never got around to finishing it. So I gave it another go today and have finished it. These are just my honest thoughts and I hope that I don't offend anyone. Though I haven't read others in the series, and know little about them, the author gave us information as was necessary and I felt that the plot was easy to follow. Rather than thinking of it as a final book in a trilogy, I chose to think of it as some sort of standalone book and felt like the author provided enough information for me to do that.
We begin the book with a plane arriving in the United States. Maria Brooks, a main character is on that plane. It doesn't explain too much to begin with, but we find that she left the country to escape. For some reason, she's returned and, though she'd been assured it was safe for her to return to the United States, she has immediately been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Jeffrey Brooks, her husband. It had been Jordan Kramer, her lover, to convince her to return. Though, I still don't quite understand for what reason he thought it would be safe for her to come back without being arrested. Darya Rahimi, a sort of sometimes business partner of Maria's was also eager for her return. When she finds out that Maria has been arrested, she hires Slade Kelly, a private investigator. She wants him to try and help Maria. He does everything possible, including hiring Brian Meeks, a lawyer. The book goes through portions of Maria's suffering and then even the trial.
Maria Brooks is kind of a Mary Sue character. She's often describe as very good looking, to quote: "a stunningly beautiful woman". In the opening few chapters, we find that everyone stares at her. Many times, the author stops the plot just to explain how beautiful she is at each period in time. I can't help but think of her as kind of nasty. Though everyone thinks she's good looking, she looks at other people and can't help but notice how ugly everyone else is. Continually, from her perspective, she notices the poor features of other people. From the ferret-faced woman at the security podium in France, to the surly fat immigration officer was seated behind the counter in America, and then the police officer who has to adjust his large belly so it fit under the steering wheel. Wherever she goes, she seems to look down upon everyone. The author keeps on making points that everyone else is so much worse looking than Maria. Even later on in the court room, "Even though she’d dressed conservatively, at Brian’s request, she was still dazzling. She looked about as out of place in the austere courtroom as a rare orchid in the desert." The author compares other women to Maria and even mocks the prosecutor for not being good looking. The other thing about Maria is that she's kind of needy and over-dramatic, "She looked around the cell as tears began rolling down her cheeks. Her bodily needs might be met in this sterile, stark environment, but she was certain her soul would die here." Sure, prison isn't where I would like to be either, but surely she expected this type of treatment when returning to America. I just don't understand why anyone thought it would be a good idea for her to do it. Through her life, many tragic things have happened to her and she has a long sob story. Being a child within a large family, she helped raise several of her siblings. When she was only twelve, she was gangraped by people in her own neighbourhood. Her husband was (allegedly) crazy and, through an event of (alleged) self-preservation, she killed him in self-defense. So, now she's in prison, awaiting her trial. Overall, her story is kind of convoluted. I can't get behind Maria's cause. I tried, but nothing she says really seems genuine to me. She's kind of written in a dull tone and I think that it's something about the way she says these things; as if they're just lies she's rehearsed. She says the same things over and over again, but none of what she says has particular feeling so it just feels to me as if she's lying the entire time. Suffice to say, I didn't much care for Maria.
I don't really think Jordan and Maria fit well together. Jordan Kramer, that is, her boyfriend. I think that his role was quite underwhelming in this book. I assume he plays a larger role in one of the others. He is a detective from the LAPD who was sent to France to investigate some sort of art theft and then they met, this is how I understand it. He's kind of a cliche character as well, a detective that comes from a long line of police officers. He gets into trouble and he's worried that his parents won't love him the same. When he speaks to his mother, she suggests that Maria is all wrong for him because she's in prison. That point is kind of meant to make the mother look nasty in the book, from what it seems, but it's actually a fair point for the mother to make. In one of their first nights together, they have sex, at which point he forgets to use a condom and she becomes pregnant. Such a moment leads to much torment later on, her being pregnant in prison. I just thought this entire plot line was cringe-worthy embarrassing. It was such a stupid mistake to make; both of them knew that she would have to spend time in prison and being pregnant would make it all the more worse. They were both so stupid to do something like that, knowing the consequences.
Darya Rahimi's role isn't explained very well in this book. It's easy enough to figure her just as a friend expecting Maria back into the country. However, looking back, she actually didn't have much proper plot, save for her interactions with the private detective she'd hired. In fact, she was pretty much responsible for funding Maria's lawyer and the entire investigation, except she doesn't get much credit for it. The other unexplained portion is that Darya keeps on mentioning bringing back little Afghan orphan girls into the United States and giving them opportunities. I assume that this was partially just to resolve some sort of plot line in a prior novel, but it just seems kind of under-utilised. Mentioning these orphans all the time just has no point in the book other than just to mention them. She's in a relationship with Slade Kelly, who is a private detective. His help is requested personally by Darya. He's been married several times, though none of these relationships would be considered successful. Slade grew up poor, both parents dead and he was raised in an orphanage where he met Chico Ruiz, a background character. He is smarter and has more money than many people might give him credit for. Regardless of that, he has a master's degree in criminology, a law degree, a Porsche Spyder, and a condominium with an ocean view. The author mentions this type of thing several times in his opening scenes. It kind of makes it seem as if he thinks everyone looks down on him. He even makes note about his cheap car and the expensive car he owns next to it, making comment that people would be surprised to find out he owns the expensive one. I've mentioned this type of thing in prior reviews, but the thing that gets me is when people deliberately dress up poor, act stupid and then complain that people think of them that way. Of course, if you show that you have little money, people are going to think that. You really have no right to complain that people might think you have less money than you let on. I actually thought that they were very sweet together. Though, the intimate moments they're involved in kind of end up embarrassing rather than seeming sexy, just by the way the author writes them.
As for other characters, I felt that Brian Meeks was a bit underwhelming. He had little personality, other than to make assumptions about others. Marsha Sinclair, the prosecutor is really looked down upon, which I didn't quite understand. She was just doing her job, except people think of her as "a real bitch who also happens to hate Mexicans because her husband left her for a beautiful young Mexican woman. Every time she looks at Maria, she’s going to see the woman responsible for her divorce." Excuse me? Give the lady a break! She's just doing her job and there's no reason to treat her like that. I thought that this woman's treatment was poor writing on the part of the author. At various points throughout the novel, the author keeps on acting as if every single person in the world is against Maria and Jordan, being that they're both involved in some sort of trouble at the moment. Jordan mentions to his father, "She’s not guilty, dad. There’s some reporter who has it in for both of us." I thought this was especially ridiculous being that Jordan, might not think she's guilty, but that's for a court to decide. Both Maria and Jordan act like it's everyone else's fault that she is being treated this way, but it's quite understandable that she was arrested, is being prosecuted and has little chance of bail; she did leave the country shortly after killing someone, living in France for eight months. That is what I would call a flight risk! I also thought it ridiculous the way that the author kept on making comments that Maria was going to be raped in jail. I don't think rape is funny. I really don't. However, it just seemed like the author was trying to use it to further enhance the beauty of Maria, having people make ridiculous comments such as: "She's going to be the cause of every wet dream in that jail starting tomorrow night."
The plot is interesting. Essentially it's about a woman coming home to defend herself. Though, I don't think that it quite hits the intended mark. It is essentially about a "a stunningly beautiful woman" being tricked into coming home and then being arrested. I just don't see why anyone is surprised that she was arrested and put on trial for murder. There's several mentions that she was only being put on trial because of some article a journalist had written and the fact that it's an election year. However, realistically, she did deserve to be arrested; she had killed someone (even admitted it herself) and now she needs to be tried. Whether it's self defense or not, that's for a jury to decide. Overall, I'm impressed by Dianne Harman's writing. She has such a beautiful style and has a perfect mix of details with to travel along with the story. I just wish that the plot had been better; though she was innocent, I didn't even feel like I wanted to support her. I have nothing against a beautiful, Mexican woman. However, she and the people around her made varying stupid decisions, the very first being the one to bring her back home. There were other plot points that were completely unnecessary, in my opinion. One of them being the entire historic plot line of Slade, Chico Ruiz and the daughter of a senator. It was completely unnecessary for Slade to convince the exotic dancer to get plastic surgery, and at more than a hundred thousand dollars, a complete waste of money. That plot line did not pay off at all. I know it was meant to get Maria protection while she was inside, but he could have gone about it in a much better manner.
I kind of liked the book, yes. However, thinking back on it, I realise that I disliked it more than I thought favourably of it. I would have rated it four stars because I like the writing style and I liked the relationship between Darya and Slade. However, for reasons above, the plot lines and other characters fall short. So much so that it knocks my score down to only two stars. I would kind of like to read the earlier books in the series. Right now, they have no bearing on my opinion of this novel as it was reasonable readable without them. However, I think it might be interesting to see the earlier portions of the entire plot. If I ever end up reading the rest of the series or rereading this novel, it's possible that my score might change.
We begin the book with a plane arriving in the United States. Maria Brooks, a main character is on that plane. It doesn't explain too much to begin with, but we find that she left the country to escape. For some reason, she's returned and, though she'd been assured it was safe for her to return to the United States, she has immediately been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Jeffrey Brooks, her husband. It had been Jordan Kramer, her lover, to convince her to return. Though, I still don't quite understand for what reason he thought it would be safe for her to come back without being arrested. Darya Rahimi, a sort of sometimes business partner of Maria's was also eager for her return. When she finds out that Maria has been arrested, she hires Slade Kelly, a private investigator. She wants him to try and help Maria. He does everything possible, including hiring Brian Meeks, a lawyer. The book goes through portions of Maria's suffering and then even the trial.
Maria Brooks is kind of a Mary Sue character. She's often describe as very good looking, to quote: "a stunningly beautiful woman". In the opening few chapters, we find that everyone stares at her. Many times, the author stops the plot just to explain how beautiful she is at each period in time. I can't help but think of her as kind of nasty. Though everyone thinks she's good looking, she looks at other people and can't help but notice how ugly everyone else is. Continually, from her perspective, she notices the poor features of other people. From the ferret-faced woman at the security podium in France, to the surly fat immigration officer was seated behind the counter in America, and then the police officer who has to adjust his large belly so it fit under the steering wheel. Wherever she goes, she seems to look down upon everyone. The author keeps on making points that everyone else is so much worse looking than Maria. Even later on in the court room, "Even though she’d dressed conservatively, at Brian’s request, she was still dazzling. She looked about as out of place in the austere courtroom as a rare orchid in the desert." The author compares other women to Maria and even mocks the prosecutor for not being good looking. The other thing about Maria is that she's kind of needy and over-dramatic, "She looked around the cell as tears began rolling down her cheeks. Her bodily needs might be met in this sterile, stark environment, but she was certain her soul would die here." Sure, prison isn't where I would like to be either, but surely she expected this type of treatment when returning to America. I just don't understand why anyone thought it would be a good idea for her to do it. Through her life, many tragic things have happened to her and she has a long sob story. Being a child within a large family, she helped raise several of her siblings. When she was only twelve, she was gangraped by people in her own neighbourhood. Her husband was (allegedly) crazy and, through an event of (alleged) self-preservation, she killed him in self-defense. So, now she's in prison, awaiting her trial. Overall, her story is kind of convoluted. I can't get behind Maria's cause. I tried, but nothing she says really seems genuine to me. She's kind of written in a dull tone and I think that it's something about the way she says these things; as if they're just lies she's rehearsed. She says the same things over and over again, but none of what she says has particular feeling so it just feels to me as if she's lying the entire time. Suffice to say, I didn't much care for Maria.
I don't really think Jordan and Maria fit well together. Jordan Kramer, that is, her boyfriend. I think that his role was quite underwhelming in this book. I assume he plays a larger role in one of the others. He is a detective from the LAPD who was sent to France to investigate some sort of art theft and then they met, this is how I understand it. He's kind of a cliche character as well, a detective that comes from a long line of police officers. He gets into trouble and he's worried that his parents won't love him the same. When he speaks to his mother, she suggests that Maria is all wrong for him because she's in prison. That point is kind of meant to make the mother look nasty in the book, from what it seems, but it's actually a fair point for the mother to make. In one of their first nights together, they have sex, at which point he forgets to use a condom and she becomes pregnant. Such a moment leads to much torment later on, her being pregnant in prison. I just thought this entire plot line was cringe-worthy embarrassing. It was such a stupid mistake to make; both of them knew that she would have to spend time in prison and being pregnant would make it all the more worse. They were both so stupid to do something like that, knowing the consequences.
Darya Rahimi's role isn't explained very well in this book. It's easy enough to figure her just as a friend expecting Maria back into the country. However, looking back, she actually didn't have much proper plot, save for her interactions with the private detective she'd hired. In fact, she was pretty much responsible for funding Maria's lawyer and the entire investigation, except she doesn't get much credit for it. The other unexplained portion is that Darya keeps on mentioning bringing back little Afghan orphan girls into the United States and giving them opportunities. I assume that this was partially just to resolve some sort of plot line in a prior novel, but it just seems kind of under-utilised. Mentioning these orphans all the time just has no point in the book other than just to mention them. She's in a relationship with Slade Kelly, who is a private detective. His help is requested personally by Darya. He's been married several times, though none of these relationships would be considered successful. Slade grew up poor, both parents dead and he was raised in an orphanage where he met Chico Ruiz, a background character. He is smarter and has more money than many people might give him credit for. Regardless of that, he has a master's degree in criminology, a law degree, a Porsche Spyder, and a condominium with an ocean view. The author mentions this type of thing several times in his opening scenes. It kind of makes it seem as if he thinks everyone looks down on him. He even makes note about his cheap car and the expensive car he owns next to it, making comment that people would be surprised to find out he owns the expensive one. I've mentioned this type of thing in prior reviews, but the thing that gets me is when people deliberately dress up poor, act stupid and then complain that people think of them that way. Of course, if you show that you have little money, people are going to think that. You really have no right to complain that people might think you have less money than you let on. I actually thought that they were very sweet together. Though, the intimate moments they're involved in kind of end up embarrassing rather than seeming sexy, just by the way the author writes them.
As for other characters, I felt that Brian Meeks was a bit underwhelming. He had little personality, other than to make assumptions about others. Marsha Sinclair, the prosecutor is really looked down upon, which I didn't quite understand. She was just doing her job, except people think of her as "a real bitch who also happens to hate Mexicans because her husband left her for a beautiful young Mexican woman. Every time she looks at Maria, she’s going to see the woman responsible for her divorce." Excuse me? Give the lady a break! She's just doing her job and there's no reason to treat her like that. I thought that this woman's treatment was poor writing on the part of the author. At various points throughout the novel, the author keeps on acting as if every single person in the world is against Maria and Jordan, being that they're both involved in some sort of trouble at the moment. Jordan mentions to his father, "She’s not guilty, dad. There’s some reporter who has it in for both of us." I thought this was especially ridiculous being that Jordan, might not think she's guilty, but that's for a court to decide. Both Maria and Jordan act like it's everyone else's fault that she is being treated this way, but it's quite understandable that she was arrested, is being prosecuted and has little chance of bail; she did leave the country shortly after killing someone, living in France for eight months. That is what I would call a flight risk! I also thought it ridiculous the way that the author kept on making comments that Maria was going to be raped in jail. I don't think rape is funny. I really don't. However, it just seemed like the author was trying to use it to further enhance the beauty of Maria, having people make ridiculous comments such as: "She's going to be the cause of every wet dream in that jail starting tomorrow night."
The plot is interesting. Essentially it's about a woman coming home to defend herself. Though, I don't think that it quite hits the intended mark. It is essentially about a "a stunningly beautiful woman" being tricked into coming home and then being arrested. I just don't see why anyone is surprised that she was arrested and put on trial for murder. There's several mentions that she was only being put on trial because of some article a journalist had written and the fact that it's an election year. However, realistically, she did deserve to be arrested; she had killed someone (even admitted it herself) and now she needs to be tried. Whether it's self defense or not, that's for a jury to decide. Overall, I'm impressed by Dianne Harman's writing. She has such a beautiful style and has a perfect mix of details with to travel along with the story. I just wish that the plot had been better; though she was innocent, I didn't even feel like I wanted to support her. I have nothing against a beautiful, Mexican woman. However, she and the people around her made varying stupid decisions, the very first being the one to bring her back home. There were other plot points that were completely unnecessary, in my opinion. One of them being the entire historic plot line of Slade, Chico Ruiz and the daughter of a senator. It was completely unnecessary for Slade to convince the exotic dancer to get plastic surgery, and at more than a hundred thousand dollars, a complete waste of money. That plot line did not pay off at all. I know it was meant to get Maria protection while she was inside, but he could have gone about it in a much better manner.
I kind of liked the book, yes. However, thinking back on it, I realise that I disliked it more than I thought favourably of it. I would have rated it four stars because I like the writing style and I liked the relationship between Darya and Slade. However, for reasons above, the plot lines and other characters fall short. So much so that it knocks my score down to only two stars. I would kind of like to read the earlier books in the series. Right now, they have no bearing on my opinion of this novel as it was reasonable readable without them. However, I think it might be interesting to see the earlier portions of the entire plot. If I ever end up reading the rest of the series or rereading this novel, it's possible that my score might change.
July 14, 2016
"Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose."
Maria Brooks is back, her adventures continuing from Blue Coyote Motel and Coyote in Provence. Maria is ready to start her new life with handsome detective Jordan Kramer. Her long air journey from France to the United States and its accompanying jet lag are the least of her worries.
At the airport in California, Maria is placed under arrest for the murder of her husband.
Private investigator Slade Kelly is hired to help Maria. Slade takes advantage of people's tendency to judge by outward appearances:
"When people thought of Slade Kelly they thought of a seedy looking gumshoe that probably lived in a run-down one bedroom apartment in West Covina. What they didn’t know was that Slade had a master’s degree in criminology as well as a law degree. Long ago he’d discovered that people judged one another by language, dress, and mannerisms. When they thought someone wasn’t too bright, they tended to let their guard down. He’d found it to be a very effective tool in his private investigation business."
Dianne Harman's Cornered Coyote brings Maria's story full circle. Ms. Harman brings the characters to life. One of my favorite characters is Darya. She risks her life on a daily basis. She is committed to helping little Afghan orphan girls get safely to the United States.
The book is listed as the last in the series. Shall we readers start a petition for another installment?
Maria Brooks is back, her adventures continuing from Blue Coyote Motel and Coyote in Provence. Maria is ready to start her new life with handsome detective Jordan Kramer. Her long air journey from France to the United States and its accompanying jet lag are the least of her worries.
At the airport in California, Maria is placed under arrest for the murder of her husband.
Private investigator Slade Kelly is hired to help Maria. Slade takes advantage of people's tendency to judge by outward appearances:
"When people thought of Slade Kelly they thought of a seedy looking gumshoe that probably lived in a run-down one bedroom apartment in West Covina. What they didn’t know was that Slade had a master’s degree in criminology as well as a law degree. Long ago he’d discovered that people judged one another by language, dress, and mannerisms. When they thought someone wasn’t too bright, they tended to let their guard down. He’d found it to be a very effective tool in his private investigation business."
Dianne Harman's Cornered Coyote brings Maria's story full circle. Ms. Harman brings the characters to life. One of my favorite characters is Darya. She risks her life on a daily basis. She is committed to helping little Afghan orphan girls get safely to the United States.
The book is listed as the last in the series. Shall we readers start a petition for another installment?
January 17, 2015
I seem to be in the minority in my review of Cornered Coyote. I had a difficult time over coming strange word choices, repeated phrases (spaced out, but unique enough to be glaringly obvious -- i.e. gang rape, virgin blood), inappropriate responses (Spoiler --paraphrased -- I was gang-raped when I was 12. I'm too tired to talk about it now.) Seriously, you bring this up in conversation and don't explain yourself? This author's writing style is tell, not show, so the novel was a sequence of events I was never drawn into. And I never connected with the protagonists-- especially the the film noir detective, surrounded by a supporting cast who over-told what was going on (details unrelated to the current action). Character development consisted of education(usually a good college), their current job, and what they are wearing (usually designer); completely in-relatable for me. I give it a 3-star, as obviously other readers are seeing something in the series I don't. I don't appear to be the target audience.
May 14, 2014
Worth every penny
The third book in the Coyote Series is an out and out bestseller, miles ahead of other books in the suspense/thriller genre. It's tight, curvy and hits the ground running. It twists and turns its way through cities, people and situations with the finesse of a BMW, but has all the power of a Hummer when the going gets tough.
The flawed genius Slade Kelly goes from a rugged PI to a smooth lover at the flick of a switch. Women don't know what to expect and even the sophisticated glamor dolls are helplessly attracted to his animal magnetism.
From ruthless men in the mafia to equally ruthless women at various stages of the food chain, this book reveals that anybody can be eaten or swallowed, in a heartbeat, if they are not careful. The end in surprising in more than one way.
Entertaining, enjoyable and highly recommended.
The third book in the Coyote Series is an out and out bestseller, miles ahead of other books in the suspense/thriller genre. It's tight, curvy and hits the ground running. It twists and turns its way through cities, people and situations with the finesse of a BMW, but has all the power of a Hummer when the going gets tough.
The flawed genius Slade Kelly goes from a rugged PI to a smooth lover at the flick of a switch. Women don't know what to expect and even the sophisticated glamor dolls are helplessly attracted to his animal magnetism.
From ruthless men in the mafia to equally ruthless women at various stages of the food chain, this book reveals that anybody can be eaten or swallowed, in a heartbeat, if they are not careful. The end in surprising in more than one way.
Entertaining, enjoyable and highly recommended.
July 9, 2014
I received Cornered Coyote by Dianne Harman for free in exchange readfor a truthful review. The book started out interesting , but went a little down hill after the first 30 pages. I did'nt feel any of the characters or their stories come to life. I actually had to push myself through the book. With that being said it was'nt the worst book that i've ever read. It is readable and the plot is easy to follow.
November 3, 2014
A wonderful novel, full of action and intriguing characters!
Action, mystery, deception, suspense, murder, intrigue, and hot romance are skillfully blended into the plot of this wonderful novel. When I get my hands on a book like that, it’s hard to put it down until the very end… Highly recommended!
Action, mystery, deception, suspense, murder, intrigue, and hot romance are skillfully blended into the plot of this wonderful novel. When I get my hands on a book like that, it’s hard to put it down until the very end… Highly recommended!
October 26, 2020
Lots of stories within
I started with book 1; I was at least halfway into it when I realized the book wasn't a cozy mystery oops. Some heavy details that I prefer not to read about and don't in a cozy mystery; But I pushed through. Book 2 was a great continuation but heavy sex scenes. The plot thicken with new great characters and their stories. Book 3 wrapped things up and gave a lot of answers to the plots within plots. Again heavy sex scenes with new characters. Didn't like Slade & Drydra's ending. Didn't understand needing Maureen to meet Chico. Happy ending for Noor & a few other characters hooray!
Back to my cozies! 😊
I started with book 1; I was at least halfway into it when I realized the book wasn't a cozy mystery oops. Some heavy details that I prefer not to read about and don't in a cozy mystery; But I pushed through. Book 2 was a great continuation but heavy sex scenes. The plot thicken with new great characters and their stories. Book 3 wrapped things up and gave a lot of answers to the plots within plots. Again heavy sex scenes with new characters. Didn't like Slade & Drydra's ending. Didn't understand needing Maureen to meet Chico. Happy ending for Noor & a few other characters hooray!
Back to my cozies! 😊
October 26, 2018
"Compelling Closure For This Series"
Returning from France to the United States, the last thing Maria Brooks expects is to be met by the police and arrested for murder before leaving the airport. Slade Kelly, an eccentric P.I. tries to keep her from going to prison. This is a fast paced story from the Chicago ghettos to Florida beaches, and onto the streets of Los Angeles. The characters are stellar and there are many twists and turns to keep you guessing. Loved it! Highly recommend.
Returning from France to the United States, the last thing Maria Brooks expects is to be met by the police and arrested for murder before leaving the airport. Slade Kelly, an eccentric P.I. tries to keep her from going to prison. This is a fast paced story from the Chicago ghettos to Florida beaches, and onto the streets of Los Angeles. The characters are stellar and there are many twists and turns to keep you guessing. Loved it! Highly recommend.
August 29, 2024
This was the third book in this series and I enjoyed it as much as for first two. Maria has landed in LA and is arrested immediately for the murder of her husband 8 months ago. Her lover, Jordan, has been out on leave by the police department for failing to reveal the truth behind recent art thefts. Daria comes to the rescue and hires the right people to ensure Maria is rightly found not guilty in the trial. It’s an exciting read from start to finish
August 4, 2018
I just did not figure out this book and it's philosophical meanings or leanings.
If there was a story line, I didn't figure it out and felt disappoinred, as if I had wasted my time. I like the books with recipes in the.
If there was a story line, I didn't figure it out and felt disappoinred, as if I had wasted my time. I like the books with recipes in the.
November 17, 2023
This book is definitely addictive and very awesome.
April 5, 2025
Couldn't put this down!
December 7, 2018
well, i liked the book
August 15, 2014
Book : Cornered Coyote
by Dianne Harman
I got this book as an e-book from the writer to give her my honest review of it.
I will start by summing up the novel.
239 pages
It happened in USA and France
Its a thrill novel, mystery and romance
.....
Main characters are
Slade Kelly (( Private Investigator ))
Darya Rahimi
Maria Brooks
Jordan Mitchell (( Art Theft Division, LA police Department ))
Then comes
Brian
Brad (( Slade
Marsha
The others who've been slightly on the novel
Maureen
Papa
Lou (( Darya's bodyguard ))
.....
The main starting is :
Maria when she got back to the USA she was arrested for the murder of her husband Jeffrey Brooks. She was taken to {Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside Country}, she then called Jordan from jail and told him about the arrest, who contacted Darya who was going to start business with Maria. In her place she contacted Slade for help.
Darya is from Afghanistan who worked as a beauty cosmetic. Her life was simple and secretly liked Slade. Where Slade was totally in love with Darya but non of them said it out loud, he worked as private investigator and had many connections plus he is the nephew of a Mafia man called papa. That is the reason why she assigned him. When she had a meeting with him at her home they both had an indecent which change everything between them.
Maria is so beautiful that men fall for her and women get jealous from her beauty. She is a poor woman who raised her 11 siblings. She meet with her late husband Jeffrey where they used to work together in Moorse Laboratory. Jeffery was a scientist. They fall for each other. He was brilliant who invented two drugs. One is the anti-aging and the other is a freedom from depression. Later when he was fired from work he became insane from his own drugs. After killing him for self-defense she run to France and stayed there for months.
The scene of murder happened in the Hotel that Maria and her husband had. Later on the customers will testify upon Maria. So this is the place where it will be the crime scene.
The moment that came where she will be placed as a guilty or not by the jury, a tape came up and showed what really happen in the laboratory. If she killed her husband for money or self-defense
My opinion:
This is just amazing novel it made it easy for me to read and get right in to the mood. I kinda got stuck in the English slang that is used by Slade but I got used to is. The way the writer describe things and people was truly amazing she made me honestly imagine everything.
Just wanted to point in to two things
1- In chapter One you said "Muslim Terrorist". I know you mean well and not the whole Muslims. However, by only saying Muslim you're including all the Muslims people. Me as a Muslim it really hurts. People already try to destroy our image. If only you can just describe some part of them.
2- In the chapter Twenty-Eight you said " Middle East" I hope you know you're including the countries that live in a harmony for instant United Arab Emirates or the famous emirates like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. This will really give people who read the wrong information and will make them think that you're talking in general on how they're.
I hope my opinion wont hurt is just to give a closer look for I who I am a Muslim and I live in the Middle East "Dubai"
Oh just to remind you there are I think two spelling mistake.
by Dianne Harman
I got this book as an e-book from the writer to give her my honest review of it.
I will start by summing up the novel.
239 pages
It happened in USA and France
Its a thrill novel, mystery and romance
.....
Main characters are
Slade Kelly (( Private Investigator ))
Darya Rahimi
Maria Brooks
Jordan Mitchell (( Art Theft Division, LA police Department ))
Then comes
Brian
Brad (( Slade
Marsha
The others who've been slightly on the novel
Maureen
Papa
Lou (( Darya's bodyguard ))
.....
The main starting is :
Maria when she got back to the USA she was arrested for the murder of her husband Jeffrey Brooks. She was taken to {Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside Country}, she then called Jordan from jail and told him about the arrest, who contacted Darya who was going to start business with Maria. In her place she contacted Slade for help.
Darya is from Afghanistan who worked as a beauty cosmetic. Her life was simple and secretly liked Slade. Where Slade was totally in love with Darya but non of them said it out loud, he worked as private investigator and had many connections plus he is the nephew of a Mafia man called papa. That is the reason why she assigned him. When she had a meeting with him at her home they both had an indecent which change everything between them.
Maria is so beautiful that men fall for her and women get jealous from her beauty. She is a poor woman who raised her 11 siblings. She meet with her late husband Jeffrey where they used to work together in Moorse Laboratory. Jeffery was a scientist. They fall for each other. He was brilliant who invented two drugs. One is the anti-aging and the other is a freedom from depression. Later when he was fired from work he became insane from his own drugs. After killing him for self-defense she run to France and stayed there for months.
The scene of murder happened in the Hotel that Maria and her husband had. Later on the customers will testify upon Maria. So this is the place where it will be the crime scene.
The moment that came where she will be placed as a guilty or not by the jury, a tape came up and showed what really happen in the laboratory. If she killed her husband for money or self-defense
My opinion:
This is just amazing novel it made it easy for me to read and get right in to the mood. I kinda got stuck in the English slang that is used by Slade but I got used to is. The way the writer describe things and people was truly amazing she made me honestly imagine everything.
Just wanted to point in to two things
1- In chapter One you said "Muslim Terrorist". I know you mean well and not the whole Muslims. However, by only saying Muslim you're including all the Muslims people. Me as a Muslim it really hurts. People already try to destroy our image. If only you can just describe some part of them.
2- In the chapter Twenty-Eight you said " Middle East" I hope you know you're including the countries that live in a harmony for instant United Arab Emirates or the famous emirates like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. This will really give people who read the wrong information and will make them think that you're talking in general on how they're.
I hope my opinion wont hurt is just to give a closer look for I who I am a Muslim and I live in the Middle East "Dubai"
Oh just to remind you there are I think two spelling mistake.
February 16, 2017
Not a series for me, seemed like one bad books spun off into something else. Just skipped to the end.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
August 22, 2014
Cornered Coyote by Author Dianne Harman
This is my first exposure to mystery Author Dianne Harman and I would have to say that it was a pleasurable experience. "Cornered Coyote" is the third novel in this fictional series and even though I haven't read the first two, it is a stand-alone book as the reader is adeptly introduced to each character as they appear in the storyline.
Maria Brooks is one of the main characters who escapes to Provence, France to avoid prosecution for the murder of her husband Jeffrey. He is literally a "mad scientist" who develops a hormone to delay the aging process as well as Freedom, a feel-good drug or anti-depressant. Maria knows the secret formula and has promised to go into business with female tycoon, Darya Rahimi. However, while in France, Maria falls in love with a detective from the U.S. by the name of Jordan Kramer who specializes in art thief. He manages to persuade her to return home reassuring her that he's checked things out and she will not be arrested for murder. Wow...was he wrong.
In order to protect her interest in the secret formula, Darya has a vested interest in helping Maria avoid a jail sentence. She hires Slade Kelly, a PI, to help ensure that Maria gets the best lawyer in town and anything else it takes to keep her out of prison. This is when the fun really begins as Slade is a unique character with a very interesting background. He's got some pretty powerful connections. The chemistry between Darya and Slade heats up and there are more twists and turns in this novel than you can imagine. Once you get going, you won't want to miss a word of it! Mystery...suspense...romance...crime..."Cornered Coyote" pretty well has it all!
Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
http://www.amazon.com/Up-The-Down-Lad...
This is my first exposure to mystery Author Dianne Harman and I would have to say that it was a pleasurable experience. "Cornered Coyote" is the third novel in this fictional series and even though I haven't read the first two, it is a stand-alone book as the reader is adeptly introduced to each character as they appear in the storyline.
Maria Brooks is one of the main characters who escapes to Provence, France to avoid prosecution for the murder of her husband Jeffrey. He is literally a "mad scientist" who develops a hormone to delay the aging process as well as Freedom, a feel-good drug or anti-depressant. Maria knows the secret formula and has promised to go into business with female tycoon, Darya Rahimi. However, while in France, Maria falls in love with a detective from the U.S. by the name of Jordan Kramer who specializes in art thief. He manages to persuade her to return home reassuring her that he's checked things out and she will not be arrested for murder. Wow...was he wrong.
In order to protect her interest in the secret formula, Darya has a vested interest in helping Maria avoid a jail sentence. She hires Slade Kelly, a PI, to help ensure that Maria gets the best lawyer in town and anything else it takes to keep her out of prison. This is when the fun really begins as Slade is a unique character with a very interesting background. He's got some pretty powerful connections. The chemistry between Darya and Slade heats up and there are more twists and turns in this novel than you can imagine. Once you get going, you won't want to miss a word of it! Mystery...suspense...romance...crime..."Cornered Coyote" pretty well has it all!
Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
http://www.amazon.com/Up-The-Down-Lad...
May 4, 2014
Cornered Coyote,
the 3rd book in Dianne Harman’s Coyote series, is a strong addition to Ms. Harman’s portfolio. The book opens with Maria Brooks, who readers of the series will remember from the first two books, getting arrested at the airport upon returning to California from Provence. And instead of being able to rekindle her romance with Detective Jordan Kramer, Maria finds herself in jail and jeopardy.
The book takes off from there and Ms. Harman, never shy about using multiple locales, incorporates a variety of settings to tell this story that’s an interesting mix of mystery, adventure and romance that contains a considerable amount of straightforward heat. Acknowledged for her ability to skillfully weave descriptive narrative into her books, she again evokes a variety of images and emotions while juggling multiple characters and various storylines.
But Cornered Coyote, is, in the end, Slade Kelly’s book. As the private investigator at the center of the story, he serves as the lynchpin that holds the narrative together as well as providing most of the “juice” as the book unfolds. He’s an interesting character: smart but flawed; impulsive yet still grounded. And I’m betting that readers will be seeing a lot more of him as subsequent books in this entertaining series are launched.
Ms. Harman continues to develop and showcase her considerable skills and fans of her Coyote series will not be disappointed with this one.
The book takes off from there and Ms. Harman, never shy about using multiple locales, incorporates a variety of settings to tell this story that’s an interesting mix of mystery, adventure and romance that contains a considerable amount of straightforward heat. Acknowledged for her ability to skillfully weave descriptive narrative into her books, she again evokes a variety of images and emotions while juggling multiple characters and various storylines.
But Cornered Coyote, is, in the end, Slade Kelly’s book. As the private investigator at the center of the story, he serves as the lynchpin that holds the narrative together as well as providing most of the “juice” as the book unfolds. He’s an interesting character: smart but flawed; impulsive yet still grounded. And I’m betting that readers will be seeing a lot more of him as subsequent books in this entertaining series are launched.
Ms. Harman continues to develop and showcase her considerable skills and fans of her Coyote series will not be disappointed with this one.
July 11, 2014
"Cornered Coyote" by Dianne Harman is a superb and gripping sequel to the previous, and equally exquisite books in her Coyote Series. I was lucky enough to receive an Advance Review Copy of the book and devoured it within days of its arrival, despite a heavy workload of my own.
This time round Maria returns to California, trusting her cop boyfriend will get her through immigration without problems, but she is arrested for the murder of her husband.
It is her business partner, Darya, who comes to Maria's aid by getting the right kind of people to take action.
There are several romantic story lines with some very sexy scenes and great chemistry between the partners, there is excellent and convincing court room drama, legal and illegal plotting and scheming and the return of characters from the first two books. The dialogue is cleverly interspersed with the characters' thoughts, lending more perspective and spice to the scenes.
Harman has made this instalment a firework of action, romance and suspense. As with her previous books she understands to build her characters in a colourful and intriguing way, always poignant and witty. Well paced, written with excellent attention to detail and a talent for fleshing out the scenes with the right amount of detail this really hit all my buttons.
Highly recommended for fans of well written crime fiction.
This time round Maria returns to California, trusting her cop boyfriend will get her through immigration without problems, but she is arrested for the murder of her husband.
It is her business partner, Darya, who comes to Maria's aid by getting the right kind of people to take action.
There are several romantic story lines with some very sexy scenes and great chemistry between the partners, there is excellent and convincing court room drama, legal and illegal plotting and scheming and the return of characters from the first two books. The dialogue is cleverly interspersed with the characters' thoughts, lending more perspective and spice to the scenes.
Harman has made this instalment a firework of action, romance and suspense. As with her previous books she understands to build her characters in a colourful and intriguing way, always poignant and witty. Well paced, written with excellent attention to detail and a talent for fleshing out the scenes with the right amount of detail this really hit all my buttons.
Highly recommended for fans of well written crime fiction.
August 17, 2014
Maria Brooks returns with a bang in Dianne Harman’s “Cornered Coyote” which is a sequel to “Blue Coyote Motel” and “Coyote in Provence”.
Returning from France to the US to join the handsome detective Jordan Kramer, Maria Brooks is arrested at California airport for the murder of her husband.
Private investigator Slade Kelly, hired to help Maria, has Master’s degrees in Criminology and Law. He conceals his qualifications, knowledge and wealth (by dressing almost like a hobo and using an old junk car). By this, his suspects underestimate him and reveal much more than they should. He gets close to a smart and beautiful business woman Darya, who is Maria’s business partner, and who rescues Afghan orphan girls and gets them to the US.
With multiple locales and settings, this story is an interesting mix of mystery, adventure and hot romance. Acknowledged for her skill of descriptive narrative in her books, Dianne Harman successfully creates word pictures of images, ideas, locations and emotions of multiple characters and parallel storylines.
Slade Kelly, the smart but flawed private investigator who is the lynchpin, joins the various strings together. Minus points (for me): Minor editing details like opening quotes instead of closing quotes, possibly some polishing of sentences needed, etc. BUT the bad news is that this is said to be the last book of the series. I hope not!
Returning from France to the US to join the handsome detective Jordan Kramer, Maria Brooks is arrested at California airport for the murder of her husband.
Private investigator Slade Kelly, hired to help Maria, has Master’s degrees in Criminology and Law. He conceals his qualifications, knowledge and wealth (by dressing almost like a hobo and using an old junk car). By this, his suspects underestimate him and reveal much more than they should. He gets close to a smart and beautiful business woman Darya, who is Maria’s business partner, and who rescues Afghan orphan girls and gets them to the US.
With multiple locales and settings, this story is an interesting mix of mystery, adventure and hot romance. Acknowledged for her skill of descriptive narrative in her books, Dianne Harman successfully creates word pictures of images, ideas, locations and emotions of multiple characters and parallel storylines.
Slade Kelly, the smart but flawed private investigator who is the lynchpin, joins the various strings together. Minus points (for me): Minor editing details like opening quotes instead of closing quotes, possibly some polishing of sentences needed, etc. BUT the bad news is that this is said to be the last book of the series. I hope not!
August 23, 2016
I actually bought this book as part of a 3 book collection a long while back. I read and reviewed the first book in this series Blue Coyote Motel (see my review here) and did a Giveaway for the Second in the series-Coyote in Provence. It seems like forever that I have been trying to get back to the third! I think I have mentioned that I should never get kindle books at least as a package deal--I do much better with them singly! But that is a personal preference!!
This book kept me reading, as did the first two, and I read it in one sitting. I could not put it down. You will love Slade Kelly, the private investigator who by hook or by crook manages to get jobs done. When Maria returns to the US from where she has been hiding out in France--she is immediately arrested for the murder of her husband. Slade with his shady background-but stellar education, puts together a team at the request of a friend. Will they be able to exonerate Maria from these false accusations?
This was an excellent ending to this series--although I think I would like to know what happens next--maybe Dianne will write a follow up and let us know?
Cornered Coyote
This book kept me reading, as did the first two, and I read it in one sitting. I could not put it down. You will love Slade Kelly, the private investigator who by hook or by crook manages to get jobs done. When Maria returns to the US from where she has been hiding out in France--she is immediately arrested for the murder of her husband. Slade with his shady background-but stellar education, puts together a team at the request of a friend. Will they be able to exonerate Maria from these false accusations?
This was an excellent ending to this series--although I think I would like to know what happens next--maybe Dianne will write a follow up and let us know?
Cornered Coyote
June 17, 2015
I did enjoy this book. I had read the first book, but not the second so I was worried about not being able to follow the story. If you have not read the second book, or even the first, it does not matter. The plot bits and the people that you need to know are all explained in this book, so you do not get the sense that you are missing a vital piece of the puzzle to fully enjoy the book.
You can see how the author has evolved from book one to this one; it is evident in her writing style. The first book had some very stilted and unnatural dialogue that bogged down parts of the book, taking away just slightly from the plot and the character development. In this book, the dialogue is more natural sounding, although there is a slight tendency to over explain through dialogue and it does give the books some repetitive moments but as a whole, this is only a slight detraction from the story, which is inventive, and the characters. This is a good follow up to the first book, and, from what I can tell, book two, which continues the story in book one.
The plot moves along nicely and the writing is thoughtful, and the characters are developed. I would recommend this book.
You can see how the author has evolved from book one to this one; it is evident in her writing style. The first book had some very stilted and unnatural dialogue that bogged down parts of the book, taking away just slightly from the plot and the character development. In this book, the dialogue is more natural sounding, although there is a slight tendency to over explain through dialogue and it does give the books some repetitive moments but as a whole, this is only a slight detraction from the story, which is inventive, and the characters. This is a good follow up to the first book, and, from what I can tell, book two, which continues the story in book one.
The plot moves along nicely and the writing is thoughtful, and the characters are developed. I would recommend this book.
June 13, 2014
I loved reading the extraordinary, suspenseful, romantic, phenomenally well-written, love story, Cornered Coyote, #3 and final book in the series, by Dianne Harman.
Cornered Coyote begins with Maria on her way to California to join her boyfriend, Jordan. She is immediately arrested for the murder of her husband. Brian, a well known lawyer, is hired for Maria's defense. Maria does not get bail and has to stay in prison until the trial, so Darya has Slade finding ways of protecting Maria while in prison and any possible defense leads in the case. Meanwhile, Darya and Slade continue to try to distract themselves from the increasing feelings and attraction they have toward each other.
Read the fantastic, fabulous, highly recommended third story in the series full of romance and love, Cornered Coyote by Dianne Harman.
Cornered Coyote begins with Maria on her way to California to join her boyfriend, Jordan. She is immediately arrested for the murder of her husband. Brian, a well known lawyer, is hired for Maria's defense. Maria does not get bail and has to stay in prison until the trial, so Darya has Slade finding ways of protecting Maria while in prison and any possible defense leads in the case. Meanwhile, Darya and Slade continue to try to distract themselves from the increasing feelings and attraction they have toward each other.
Read the fantastic, fabulous, highly recommended third story in the series full of romance and love, Cornered Coyote by Dianne Harman.
December 27, 2014
Cornered Coyote by Dianne Harman is the third book in her Blue Coyote Series. The series is categorized as contemporary fiction and cozy mysteries. I read the first two books and looked forward to reading this book, as well, and I'm glad it finally made it to the top of my to be read list!
Cornered Coyote begins with the protagonist, Maria, being arrested for the murder of her husband, Jeffrey. Maria's friend, Darya, provides a large sum of money to protect Maria while she is in jail and hires a private detective to attempt to prove Maria acted in self-defense. But, as the book moves to trial, testimony points to very strong motives indicating Maria may be guilty.
I'd recommend reading all three books in the series, in consecutive order, to get the most enjoyment from the series.
Cornered Coyote begins with the protagonist, Maria, being arrested for the murder of her husband, Jeffrey. Maria's friend, Darya, provides a large sum of money to protect Maria while she is in jail and hires a private detective to attempt to prove Maria acted in self-defense. But, as the book moves to trial, testimony points to very strong motives indicating Maria may be guilty.
I'd recommend reading all three books in the series, in consecutive order, to get the most enjoyment from the series.
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