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The Private Investigator Annie Hudson Mystery Series #1
Murder Behind the Gates
A wealthy community. A body discovered behind locked gates. One of the neighbors... is a murderer.
Private Investigator Annie Hudson doesn't see the world like everyone else. Brought on as a special crime consultant by her childhood friend-- FBI Agent Ethan Beckett-- Annie Hudson can solve any case that's put in front of her. Except for the case from her childhood that made her who she is.
But when Annie is summoned to Aspen Lane to solve a murder, the past breaks wide open. A body has been found in the middle of this upscale enclave, and the gates were locked at the time. The murderer lives on Aspen Lane. Six houses. Even more suspects. Can Annie get to the bottom of the mystery on this exclusive street, where the neighbors keep secrets and loyalty is hard to come by?
Fan of Knives Out and Mary Stone will love this classic, locked-door mystery in which the best of Agatha Christie meets a new detective to root in for in Private Investigator Annie Hudson.
Private Investigator Annie Hudson doesn't see the world like everyone else. Brought on as a special crime consultant by her childhood friend-- FBI Agent Ethan Beckett-- Annie Hudson can solve any case that's put in front of her. Except for the case from her childhood that made her who she is.
But when Annie is summoned to Aspen Lane to solve a murder, the past breaks wide open. A body has been found in the middle of this upscale enclave, and the gates were locked at the time. The murderer lives on Aspen Lane. Six houses. Even more suspects. Can Annie get to the bottom of the mystery on this exclusive street, where the neighbors keep secrets and loyalty is hard to come by?
Fan of Knives Out and Mary Stone will love this classic, locked-door mystery in which the best of Agatha Christie meets a new detective to root in for in Private Investigator Annie Hudson.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2024
About the author
Valerie Brandy
35 books46 followers "... the key word when describing Brandy is 'unflinching'." -- the Huffington Post
Valerie Brandy is a screenwriter, director, and actress based in Los Angeles. She began her writing career by selling a screenplay at 20 years old, becoming one of the youngest members of the WGA west at the time. She’s since worked for numerous film studios and television networks, most recently serving as a full time staff writer at Walt Disney Studios live action feature department, where she continues to develop new projects under a first look deal.
Her directorial feature film debut, Lola’s Last Letter— which she also wrote and starred in— was released in 2016 by Random Media and Sony’s “The Orchard” after a successful festival run, premiering at the historic Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The film received a five- star review from the Examiner, a special feature in Huffington Post, and a Best Principal Actress nomination from Los Angeles Film Review.
As an actress, Valerie recurred on FX’s Emmy- winning show “Justified” as the manipulative Trixie. She received her B.A. from UCLA in three years, graduating as a prestigious Alumni Scholarship Recipient.
Brandy lives in the greater Los Angeles area with her smush-faced dog and snow-white cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 14, 2024
I enjoyed this locked room , well locked gate, murder mystery. First in the P.I. Annie Hudson Real Estate Mystery series, I think, will become better with time. Brandy had some things that were hard to believe, but the book was still good. She finally tells what happened to Annie & Ethan toward the end. It was more like a cozy mystery, no blood or gore. If you like mysteries without that, you will probably enjoy reading this new series.
Thanks to Booksiern for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#booksiren #murderbehindthegates #valeriebrandy #readaway2024
Thanks to Booksiern for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#booksiren #murderbehindthegates #valeriebrandy #readaway2024
May 1, 2025
If Desperate housewives and knives out had a baby it would be this book. I loved every second of it!
December 14, 2024
I loved it. While I was reading I had the tune of “Murder, She Wrote” in my head. I also thought of “Desperate Housewives” when you didn’t know which neighbor had killed Mary Alice. But now the book:
FBI agent Ethan and private investigator Annie know each other because they both lost their siblings at the hands of a serial killer, and that is why they meet in this investigation. They believe that their killer is involved in the death of Mr. Markin.
Each neighbor in the neighborhood has their secrets and knows more about the murder than they let on at the beginning. Little by little Annie gets more information out of them, although it seems that she already knows it from the beginning, the truth of the way she presents it to you at the end is careful and detailed.
I loved it, I hope to continue reading the saga.
Highly recommended.
FBI agent Ethan and private investigator Annie know each other because they both lost their siblings at the hands of a serial killer, and that is why they meet in this investigation. They believe that their killer is involved in the death of Mr. Markin.
Each neighbor in the neighborhood has their secrets and knows more about the murder than they let on at the beginning. Little by little Annie gets more information out of them, although it seems that she already knows it from the beginning, the truth of the way she presents it to you at the end is careful and detailed.
I loved it, I hope to continue reading the saga.
Highly recommended.
September 16, 2024
In Murder Behind the Gates, Valerie Brandy introduces readers to a high-society mystery set in the secluded and upscale neighborhood of Aspen Lane. The story opens with the discovery of Mr. Markin’s body on a cul-de-sac, where six affluent families live behind a towering iron gate in the town of Watersborough, Massachusetts. The seemingly tranquil, lakeside community quickly becomes a hotbed of suspicion when Private Investigator Annie Hudson is called to the scene. With no one entering or leaving the gated area, it’s clear that someone within the small enclave is responsible for the crime.
Brandy establishes a strong atmosphere of suspense right from the start, drawing readers into a world where appearances are deceiving and secrets run deep. Each of the six families on Aspen Lane lives in a distinct mansion reflecting their personalities and wealth. However, the real intrigue lies in how these seemingly disparate people are linked by more than just proximity.
As Annie begins her investigation, her methodical, fact-based approach stands in contrast to the colorful lives of the residents. Her collaboration with FBI agent Ethan Beckett adds a dynamic layer of interplay as they try to piece together the connections between Mr. Markin’s murder and a recent break-in at his home. The stolen item, a peculiar vase, might hold the key to solving the crime.
The novel artfully blends a classic whodunit with modern sensibilities, capturing the societal nuances of wealth, privilege, and secrecy. Through Annie’s sharp eyes and intuitive strategy, the first book in The Private Investigator Annie Hudson Mystery series lays the foundation for a gripping journey into the dark underbelly of an elite community.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Brandy establishes a strong atmosphere of suspense right from the start, drawing readers into a world where appearances are deceiving and secrets run deep. Each of the six families on Aspen Lane lives in a distinct mansion reflecting their personalities and wealth. However, the real intrigue lies in how these seemingly disparate people are linked by more than just proximity.
As Annie begins her investigation, her methodical, fact-based approach stands in contrast to the colorful lives of the residents. Her collaboration with FBI agent Ethan Beckett adds a dynamic layer of interplay as they try to piece together the connections between Mr. Markin’s murder and a recent break-in at his home. The stolen item, a peculiar vase, might hold the key to solving the crime.
The novel artfully blends a classic whodunit with modern sensibilities, capturing the societal nuances of wealth, privilege, and secrecy. Through Annie’s sharp eyes and intuitive strategy, the first book in The Private Investigator Annie Hudson Mystery series lays the foundation for a gripping journey into the dark underbelly of an elite community.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 28, 2024
Decent locked room murder mystery, however the reader has to take giant leaps of believability. For example: why is the victim still lying in the street? A witness had the time to write a letter and send it by courier to hire the P. I. Anne. Not only that, but the letter is intercepted and changed. She has time to pack up and travel to Aspen Lane and it’s still the night of the murder and the body is still in the street? I was willing to make that leap to continue the story. The author does a good job at introducing all of the suspects but their motives remain unclear which kept me guessing.
As the book entered the 8th chapter, it seemed as if the author was completely ignorant of common police procedures that most readers of the genre are familiar with. The reader has to suspend our disbelief too much. It was an immature narrative. I often felt like I was reading an amateur writing student. Overly flowery language was used to describe mundane points. The story had a lot of potential and interesting characters, but the execution was weak. I liked Anne the private detective and Ethan the FBI agent; they had a great back story and a good dynamic. Hopefully the author's next work has a tighter plot and an editor that will reel in the excessive description and assist with researching proper procedures.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As the book entered the 8th chapter, it seemed as if the author was completely ignorant of common police procedures that most readers of the genre are familiar with. The reader has to suspend our disbelief too much. It was an immature narrative. I often felt like I was reading an amateur writing student. Overly flowery language was used to describe mundane points. The story had a lot of potential and interesting characters, but the execution was weak. I liked Anne the private detective and Ethan the FBI agent; they had a great back story and a good dynamic. Hopefully the author's next work has a tighter plot and an editor that will reel in the excessive description and assist with researching proper procedures.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 1, 2024
Thank you to the author for allowing me an advance copy of this book to review. This is the first book in the Annie Hudson Mysteries.
This book for me, started to improve towards the end. The plot is very much in a style of Agatha Christie, the gathering of suspects in one place. The plot is very fluffy, the characters hard to relate too, no real substance to them, the only character I liked was Mr Markin, we seem to find out a lot more about him than the others. There aren't any real twists or suspense, it is just a murder in a affluent community that is really quite boring. That said I struggled to work out who the murderer was until three quarters of the way through. I did like the way each chapter was a characters, that made it easy to follow. They flowed into each other quite well. One chapter about Malcolm though had me confused to begin with when Mr Markin was being referred too as Mr Malcolm several times, I assume this hadn't been picked up during proof reading.
The backstory behind the detectives Annie and Ethan was great, I was hoping their story would be solved but the final pages added an unexpected twist to that story. This is where the author as piqued my interest, wanting me to read further about these two characters.
This book for me, started to improve towards the end. The plot is very much in a style of Agatha Christie, the gathering of suspects in one place. The plot is very fluffy, the characters hard to relate too, no real substance to them, the only character I liked was Mr Markin, we seem to find out a lot more about him than the others. There aren't any real twists or suspense, it is just a murder in a affluent community that is really quite boring. That said I struggled to work out who the murderer was until three quarters of the way through. I did like the way each chapter was a characters, that made it easy to follow. They flowed into each other quite well. One chapter about Malcolm though had me confused to begin with when Mr Markin was being referred too as Mr Malcolm several times, I assume this hadn't been picked up during proof reading.
The backstory behind the detectives Annie and Ethan was great, I was hoping their story would be solved but the final pages added an unexpected twist to that story. This is where the author as piqued my interest, wanting me to read further about these two characters.
September 25, 2024
This book is a "Knives Out" type story where there is a murder and a limited number of known suspects in a specific geographic area. It is the first book in the Annie Hudson PI series.
In this story, there is a murder in a gated Massachusetts community that only has six families. There is a security gate and dedicated officer to ensure that only authorized people come into the neighborhood. On the night of the murder only the community residents are home.
Annie is hired by an unknown person to help with the investigation. She works with her close friend Ethan Beckett of the FBI to solve this case. The two have a friendship that dates back to when they were teenagers and experienced a horrible crime against their families. Annie is very logical and thorough but will not disclose any information until she is certain of the facts.
As Annie and Ethan interview the families they learn the relationship of each person to the deceased as well as uncover a number of secrets. For such a small community there is a lot to hide.
This book ends in a bit of a cliffhanger so I'm really excited to read the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this story, there is a murder in a gated Massachusetts community that only has six families. There is a security gate and dedicated officer to ensure that only authorized people come into the neighborhood. On the night of the murder only the community residents are home.
Annie is hired by an unknown person to help with the investigation. She works with her close friend Ethan Beckett of the FBI to solve this case. The two have a friendship that dates back to when they were teenagers and experienced a horrible crime against their families. Annie is very logical and thorough but will not disclose any information until she is certain of the facts.
As Annie and Ethan interview the families they learn the relationship of each person to the deceased as well as uncover a number of secrets. For such a small community there is a lot to hide.
This book ends in a bit of a cliffhanger so I'm really excited to read the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 23, 2024
I enjoyed this. Set in a gated community, the murder of a resident brings Annie and Ethan to the area to investigate. Annie in particular is called to investigate after receiving an anonymous note which seems to have links to a previous murder years before.
The pace here is steady and methodical as each resident seems to have a secret to hide yet no motive appears forthcoming. Annie herself is quite secretive in her investigative methods and her unwillingness to share any thoughts or insights with Ethan was a bit annoying. The reveal at the end was good although the final community spirit shining through felt a bit twee to me.It didn't detract from my overall enjoyment though and I am already intrigued enough with the excerpt from the next book to want to continue the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The pace here is steady and methodical as each resident seems to have a secret to hide yet no motive appears forthcoming. Annie herself is quite secretive in her investigative methods and her unwillingness to share any thoughts or insights with Ethan was a bit annoying. The reveal at the end was good although the final community spirit shining through felt a bit twee to me.It didn't detract from my overall enjoyment though and I am already intrigued enough with the excerpt from the next book to want to continue the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 14, 2024
This is an enjoyable PI/FBI procedural with plenty of twists and turns and unexpected revelations. The best part? I didn't see the ending coming. That's always a good thing for me.
The characters here run the gambit from totally self-absorbed narcissists to deeply compassionate people who try to be the best they can be. There is a great emotional depth to the ending of the story which I wasn't expecting. This is the first story by Ms. Brandy I have read, but will be searching for more to experience. I'm also looking forward to further books in the series to see where the relationship between Annie and Ethan will end up and how the over-arching storyline will be resolved.
I recommend this book and hope it is the beginning of a long-running series. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review is my honest opinion,.
The characters here run the gambit from totally self-absorbed narcissists to deeply compassionate people who try to be the best they can be. There is a great emotional depth to the ending of the story which I wasn't expecting. This is the first story by Ms. Brandy I have read, but will be searching for more to experience. I'm also looking forward to further books in the series to see where the relationship between Annie and Ethan will end up and how the over-arching storyline will be resolved.
I recommend this book and hope it is the beginning of a long-running series. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review is my honest opinion,.
July 14, 2024
A Quirky Who Dunnit, Clue Style! The first book in this series has caught my attention. It introduces a quirky, private investigator, who deals in facts, when trying to solve murders. Say hello to Annie Hudson. In this story a man is murdered in his rich neighborhood's cul-de-sac, and Annie and her FBI partner, Ethan, have to figure out, which person in the neighborhood had motive. It's well written. A short, easy and fun read. There is a history between the two main characters and it will be interesting to see how that plot line develops in the coming books. If you are looking for a good beach read, something to help you relax and maybe chuckle, this book (and series) is it! Enjoy!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 23, 2024
We are introduced to Annie and her friend, or something more, FBI Agent Ethan, at a crime scene in a very small neighborhood. Annie is brought to the scene by a familiar anonymous note sent to her. They are tasked to work together and solve the crime. Annie and Ethan have a shared sad past that haunts their relationship.
I am not quite sure that I was given enough breadcrumbs to put the pieces together of the mystery. And, I am not sure that I truly got to know any of the characters to really root for any of them. Annie kept too many "clues" to herself. I didn't feel like Ethan was necessary except for their backstory to make it possible to continue the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am not quite sure that I was given enough breadcrumbs to put the pieces together of the mystery. And, I am not sure that I truly got to know any of the characters to really root for any of them. Annie kept too many "clues" to herself. I didn't feel like Ethan was necessary except for their backstory to make it possible to continue the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 18, 2025
Private Investigator Annie Hudson is hired to solve a murder in a private, gated community. She contacts her FBI friend, Ethan, who joins her. Not only is there a murder to solve, but there's also a robbery and the way Annie was hired. A note, with only three words, reminds Annie and Ethan of a previous case that haunts them both.
This book was great. I loved the storyline and the way the book switched between Annie's point of view and the other characters. It was like watching a movie or TV show in my mind while I read. I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was great. I loved the storyline and the way the book switched between Annie's point of view and the other characters. It was like watching a movie or TV show in my mind while I read. I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 24, 2024
A man lies shot dead in the middle of a cul-de-sac behind the locked gates that is supposed to keep this gated community safe. During the investigation, Annie, private investigator and Ethan, an FBI agent, confirm that no cars went in or out of the gates that Sunday and therefore the killer is one of the neighbors. By the end all the secrets and lies will be uncovered and the only one left standing will be the murderer! I really enjoyed getting to know the neighbors and their stories. The story between Annie and Ethan is an ongoing one and I look forward to reading book 2 in this new, dramatic series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2024
Murder Behind the Gates was the first book in the Private Investigator Annie Hudson Mystery series which is a locked gate murder mystery. It is is about a wealthy community and how a body is found behind those locked gates but one of the neighbors is the murderer. First time reading this author and I am looking forward to reading her other books. The book was a quick read for me and it was written well. Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend this one to any reader who loves a good mystery. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 27, 2026
I really enjoyed Murder Behind the Gates from beginning to end. The first line of the book begins, "The street where Mr. Markin's body was found was unlike any other". The murder took place in Watersborough, Massachusetts. Six families live in the cul-de-sac on Aspen Lane. PI Annie Hudson joins forces with FBI agent Ethan Beckett to solve the case. As they investigate, we learn about the interesting group of neighbors. I really liked the way the story was told and I look forward to future books in this series.
July 21, 2024
Thank you for the opportunity to read Murder behind the gates as an ARC.
Overall it was a nice read, the writing was not bad. It wasn't the most exciting murder mystery i've ever read though… I missed the excitement of the 'who did it' and a bit more complexity would have been nice. Would I read the next installment? Yes! Because the author made me quite curious about the past and further development of private investigator Annie Hudson and her partner Ethan.
Overall it was a nice read, the writing was not bad. It wasn't the most exciting murder mystery i've ever read though… I missed the excitement of the 'who did it' and a bit more complexity would have been nice. Would I read the next installment? Yes! Because the author made me quite curious about the past and further development of private investigator Annie Hudson and her partner Ethan.
August 2, 2024
This had a fantastic plot. It was a classic murder mystery where each character has their own storyline and thread to follow. Every one of them has a way they could have been involved in the murder and I was kept guessing until the end. If you like who-done-it kind of stories this one is it. I've read the author's other series and really enjoyed but this one is my new favorite. It's more a classic mystery than a thriller. Listened to it on audible.
September 16, 2024
This is one of the best books I have read so far in 2024. It was beyond incredible. I was drawn in from the start. So many stories intertwined together. I was completely surprised by who the killer was. Although I really shouldn’t have been given the clues I had missed. This is going to be a great series to read. Can’t wait to get started on book 2.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
September 20, 2024
Valerie Brandy did a wonderful job writing this fun and fast paced murder mystery. There’s a murder in a gated community where everyone has a secret. If the gates never opened the night of the murder then it has to be someone who lives there. It’s up to PI Annie Hudson to figure out whodunnit.
Murder Behind the Gates will grab your attention from the first page and leaves the reader with a cliffhanger ending. This is for those who love locked-door mysteries. A great weekend read!
Murder Behind the Gates will grab your attention from the first page and leaves the reader with a cliffhanger ending. This is for those who love locked-door mysteries. A great weekend read!
September 30, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow! A very detailed mystery. Sucks you in from the first word. I highly recommend if you enjoy Sherlock Holmes type books. I personally didn’t solve the mystery until a few chapter before it was revealed. Thinking about it now there were some great bread crumbs that got me there.
Wow! A very detailed mystery. Sucks you in from the first word. I highly recommend if you enjoy Sherlock Holmes type books. I personally didn’t solve the mystery until a few chapter before it was revealed. Thinking about it now there were some great bread crumbs that got me there.
June 12, 2025
This tightly woven story about a murder in a gated community has more layers than a flaky biscuit. There is so much deception and so many lies beneath the surface of the residents' lives. I was spellbound by the masterful storytelling that had me hanging on to every word. This is a well written and well enjoyed book!!!!!
March 1, 2026
Murder Behind the Gates
Valerie Brandy has done it again! I loved her books with dog Joe in them and was afraid this would be too much like them or not as good. I was wrong! Yes, the story is a mystery but totally different. Her style of writing is similar but even more mysterious. Her characterizations are well written and the story suspenseful, well worth the read!
Valerie Brandy has done it again! I loved her books with dog Joe in them and was afraid this would be too much like them or not as good. I was wrong! Yes, the story is a mystery but totally different. Her style of writing is similar but even more mysterious. Her characterizations are well written and the story suspenseful, well worth the read!
September 19, 2024
As a big fan of murder mystery I am very excited for this series. Valerie Brandy does a beautiful job at creating complex characters and story lines that draw you in from the first chapter. Highly recommend!
October 9, 2024
Nancy Drew?
Just not very credible. The characters were not relatable. I was baffled how a neighborhood didn’t seem shooked up that a murder took place on their street rather than try to figure out who the murderer was.
Just not very credible. The characters were not relatable. I was baffled how a neighborhood didn’t seem shooked up that a murder took place on their street rather than try to figure out who the murderer was.
October 16, 2025
Trying way too hard and failing to get the Aussie vibe happening with Sheila and I found it grating. American authors please stop thinking Crocodile Dundee is how Australians speak. (It was a comedy - a mockery.) Also quite a few typos.
July 21, 2024
Murder mystery with interesting characters everyone has a secret huge new fan of this write also read her other series but this one of my new favorite
July 29, 2024
Absolutely an Agatha Christie style mystery. I’m a huge fan always looking for something new because I’ve read all her books. Love this new series.
July 29, 2024
Classic mystery, who-dun-it!
September 4, 2024
Best murder mystery I’ve read in a while. Has a cast of suspects and the reader has to try and figure out who the murderer is. This was a great escape and sucked me in. Finished it in one sitting.
August 19, 2025
It should be 2 1/2 stars, but I rounded up. Too many editing errors. I solved the mystery about half way through the story. I didn't really care what happened. I will not continue the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews