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Unfinished Business
A past mistake. A haunting truth. A cold case that won’t stay buried.
When a woman from Harry Starke’s past walks into his office with a letter that could overturn a decades-old conviction, the world-weary private investigator is forced to reopen the one case he thought was behind him for good. Twenty-one years ago, Harry put David Archer away for the murder of Elizabeth Reynolds—a high-end escort with powerful secrets. Now Archer claims he has an alibi, and worse, Harry’s gut tells him something about the original case never added up.
As Harry digs into a forgotten world of sex, lies, and elite clients, he’ll risk everything to uncover the truth. But the deeper he goes, the more dangerous the trail becomes. Someone doesn’t want this case reopened—and they’ll do whatever it takes to keep the past buried.
Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly, Robert B. Parker, and John Sandford, Unfinished Business is a gritty, fast-paced mystery packed with dark secrets, sharp dialogue, and a hero who won’t quit—even when the truth hurts.
When a woman from Harry Starke’s past walks into his office with a letter that could overturn a decades-old conviction, the world-weary private investigator is forced to reopen the one case he thought was behind him for good. Twenty-one years ago, Harry put David Archer away for the murder of Elizabeth Reynolds—a high-end escort with powerful secrets. Now Archer claims he has an alibi, and worse, Harry’s gut tells him something about the original case never added up.
As Harry digs into a forgotten world of sex, lies, and elite clients, he’ll risk everything to uncover the truth. But the deeper he goes, the more dangerous the trail becomes. Someone doesn’t want this case reopened—and they’ll do whatever it takes to keep the past buried.
Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly, Robert B. Parker, and John Sandford, Unfinished Business is a gritty, fast-paced mystery packed with dark secrets, sharp dialogue, and a hero who won’t quit—even when the truth hurts.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2024
71 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
291 books345 followersBlair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 2, 2024
Twenty-one years ago, Harry was a newly minted Homicide Detective and his first lead case was David Archer who was convicted of the murder of a young escort . Now Harry is doubting everything and has decided to investigate the case again (with his team) and 21 years of experience under his belt. The story is great, complex and feasible. The characters are well developed and many are very familiar from earlier tales. The ending led me to believe in the possibility of changes in Harry’s future. Really good reading. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC for an honest review.
October 4, 2024
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with a glimpse of the 21 yer old case this story is about. It leads into the visit of a new client that wants Harry to discover who was responsible for the death of Elizabeth Reynolds, Harry's 1st case. This client was the convicted killer's sister. She tells Harry that her brother is innocent and there is new evidence to prove it. Harry in the end agrees to take the case.
As Harry begins the investigation, he thinks back to how he handled it. He remembers that he was being pushed to close and that has him wondering if he missed anything. He knows that there was enough evidence to convict, but questions did he miss anything? As he thinks back, he thinks of how he might have done things differently.
Harry assembles the team and assigns tasks to each of them. He has identified a few individuals that need to be interviewed. The more information that he learns has him adding more people to talk to. Before he can interview all of them, a killing occurs to a person that they were waiying to interview. This results in Kate leading her own investigation and Harry and his team working as consultants on the new case.
Read along and follow Harry and his team as the search for the true killer. Discover what leads Harry developed as he looked to resolve the current and old cases. Read the exciting conclusion and how Harry was impacted.
This another in the fine writings of Blair Howard and shouldn't be missed.
The story begins with a glimpse of the 21 yer old case this story is about. It leads into the visit of a new client that wants Harry to discover who was responsible for the death of Elizabeth Reynolds, Harry's 1st case. This client was the convicted killer's sister. She tells Harry that her brother is innocent and there is new evidence to prove it. Harry in the end agrees to take the case.
As Harry begins the investigation, he thinks back to how he handled it. He remembers that he was being pushed to close and that has him wondering if he missed anything. He knows that there was enough evidence to convict, but questions did he miss anything? As he thinks back, he thinks of how he might have done things differently.
Harry assembles the team and assigns tasks to each of them. He has identified a few individuals that need to be interviewed. The more information that he learns has him adding more people to talk to. Before he can interview all of them, a killing occurs to a person that they were waiying to interview. This results in Kate leading her own investigation and Harry and his team working as consultants on the new case.
Read along and follow Harry and his team as the search for the true killer. Discover what leads Harry developed as he looked to resolve the current and old cases. Read the exciting conclusion and how Harry was impacted.
This another in the fine writings of Blair Howard and shouldn't be missed.
October 9, 2024
Just WOW, book 24 of this series and they just get better, Blair Howard knows how to twist a story, inject fear and have me reading far into the night.
When an irate woman entered Harry's PI building demanding to see Harry little did he imagine how this visit would impact on his life.
The woman was the sister of David Archer, a convicted murderer, a man who Harry had put into prison twenty one years ago, the woman said that she had evidence that her brother was innocent and wanted to hire Harry to prove it.
Harry was uneasy, this had been his first case, he solved it within forty eight hours, but something didn't sit quite right with him, the gut feeling of the older Harry told him that, although he had all the evidence, something wasn't quite right, Harry had been pushed to tie it up quickly.
This story follows the convoluted journey of Harry and his brilliant hand picked team, a journey that, when the body count escalated, resulted in Harry and Kate teaming up again, a journey where no one knew who to trust, a journey that had is adored Amanda fearing for Harry's life but knowing that she couldn't tie him down, she had to let him fly, a journey that had Harry suffering from self recrimination and querying his future.
This book is action packed with nail biting suspense and I recommend it 100%
I received an ARC for this book but my review is voluntary.
When an irate woman entered Harry's PI building demanding to see Harry little did he imagine how this visit would impact on his life.
The woman was the sister of David Archer, a convicted murderer, a man who Harry had put into prison twenty one years ago, the woman said that she had evidence that her brother was innocent and wanted to hire Harry to prove it.
Harry was uneasy, this had been his first case, he solved it within forty eight hours, but something didn't sit quite right with him, the gut feeling of the older Harry told him that, although he had all the evidence, something wasn't quite right, Harry had been pushed to tie it up quickly.
This story follows the convoluted journey of Harry and his brilliant hand picked team, a journey that, when the body count escalated, resulted in Harry and Kate teaming up again, a journey where no one knew who to trust, a journey that had is adored Amanda fearing for Harry's life but knowing that she couldn't tie him down, she had to let him fly, a journey that had Harry suffering from self recrimination and querying his future.
This book is action packed with nail biting suspense and I recommend it 100%
I received an ARC for this book but my review is voluntary.
September 27, 2024
This book delves into the first case Harry Starke handled as a rookie detective following a visit to his agency by an interested party. Trouble is, 21 years is a long time ago. Unfortunately Harry always had his moments of doubt about this case and time has not alleviated them. So there is nothing else to do but go back to the beginning and start over. Enter Kate Gazzara , she’s his access to old case files and from thereonin the case just gets murkier and murkier. This is a great tale of a young Harry just starting out , versus the older wiser Harry and the angst that causes. The great news is that a particular long standing character finally gets his comeuppance and not before time. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In fact the series just gets better and better as the characters age.
I received an advance readers copy from the author.
I received an advance readers copy from the author.
September 29, 2024
This story takes us back to Harry's first case as a Homicide Detective when he receives some information that the person he helped put away might in fact have been innocent. And even though there had been enough information to convict someone, there were items about the case that had bothered him at the time. As Harry thinks back on the case, he knows he would handle things a little differently today. But then hindsight is 20-20.
While it didn't come as a surprise that Harry and others would encounter danger as the case progresses, the story did have me turning the pages to see what would be discovered next and trying to figure out who the real killer was. Kate and her team get pulled into this story, and it's always great to see them working with Harry.
While it didn't come as a surprise that Harry and others would encounter danger as the case progresses, the story did have me turning the pages to see what would be discovered next and trying to figure out who the real killer was. Kate and her team get pulled into this story, and it's always great to see them working with Harry.
September 30, 2024
How would you feel if someone came to you with proof that you’d made a huge mistake 21 years ago? If you’re Harry Starke, there’s no question. You’d do all you can to correct that error and put things right, if possible.
But 21 years is a long time. People can’t remember what they were doing back then, evidence can be lost or misplaced, and even when your gut is telling you something’s wrong, how can you really know what’s the truth? People do lie, you know.
This book is full of the usual twists and turns author Blair Howard is known for. A superbly written story that you’ll find hard to put down until the very end.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
But 21 years is a long time. People can’t remember what they were doing back then, evidence can be lost or misplaced, and even when your gut is telling you something’s wrong, how can you really know what’s the truth? People do lie, you know.
This book is full of the usual twists and turns author Blair Howard is known for. A superbly written story that you’ll find hard to put down until the very end.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
September 30, 2024
One of Blair’s best!
Harry Starke’s first case as a Chattanooga PD lead detective has nagged him for the last 21 years. Although there was enough evidence to convict suspect David Archer, there were some things about the case that bugged him. Harry felt great pressure from his superiors to close the case, he always felt it was a rush to justice. When David’s sister shows up at Harry’s office with a letter she received from David outlining an alibi that he didn’t provide the police when he was arrested, Harry is skeptical, but intrigued. He decides to take the case to verify David’s alibi and figure out who really killed Elizabeth Reynolds. What follows is one of Blair’s best stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the way this story unfolded and I think you will too. Highly recommended!
Harry Starke’s first case as a Chattanooga PD lead detective has nagged him for the last 21 years. Although there was enough evidence to convict suspect David Archer, there were some things about the case that bugged him. Harry felt great pressure from his superiors to close the case, he always felt it was a rush to justice. When David’s sister shows up at Harry’s office with a letter she received from David outlining an alibi that he didn’t provide the police when he was arrested, Harry is skeptical, but intrigued. He decides to take the case to verify David’s alibi and figure out who really killed Elizabeth Reynolds. What follows is one of Blair’s best stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the way this story unfolded and I think you will too. Highly recommended!
September 26, 2024
I truly enjoyed the latest Harry Starke novel. He is not your typical private investigator. He has his trusty team working to gather clues/info to find the truth.
He was responsible for putting a seemingly guilty man for the murder of a high end escort. Was he wrong as a young, new murder detective? Is a more recent murder of the escort’s friend, possibly linked to Harry’s new investigation? Blair Howard always weaves a story together that keeps you reading but also trying to figure it out. I never do, of course, but it’s fun trying. You will never be disappointed with Harry Starke and his cases. Please read it, you’ll be happy you did.
He was responsible for putting a seemingly guilty man for the murder of a high end escort. Was he wrong as a young, new murder detective? Is a more recent murder of the escort’s friend, possibly linked to Harry’s new investigation? Blair Howard always weaves a story together that keeps you reading but also trying to figure it out. I never do, of course, but it’s fun trying. You will never be disappointed with Harry Starke and his cases. Please read it, you’ll be happy you did.
September 27, 2024
As a rookie detective Harry Starke has the lead on his first murder case. He convicts and gets a sentence of life for the murderer. 21 years later new evidence has come to light that Harry might have sent an innocent man to prison for life. Harry and team try to right the wrong that was done but 21 years is a long time. As Harry and team re-open the case and talk to people they start dying. Kate is brought in to help. Can they solve this case before more people die and get an innocent man out of prison? Exciting, thrilling and can't put down until the end. Definitely recommend this book and the whole Harry Starke series.
September 30, 2024
Harry faces the results of his first Detective Sargeant case. He was pressured into solving the case quickly and a man was convicted and sent to prison. Twenty-one years later he was presented evidence that the man had an alibi. What was Harry going to do? He decided to pursue the case. He and his team looked for clues and persons of interest, but came up empty. Then another murder. Eventually, Kate Gazzara, CPD, brought him in as a consultant. Their cases were intertwined. Bodies started to pile up. Could they catch the killer and free an innocent man? You will learn the answers if you read the book. I really enjoyed it.
October 13, 2024
Well what a great read, Harry and his family and work colleagues, Kate and Samson are just like family now and the stories are becoming richer as the characters go on their journey. This harks back to the time when Harry had his first 'in charge' assignment and did he wrongly convict the man or not? These stories are best read as part of the series as this one brings back some old trouble makers and the history between them and Harry and Kate is important.
Oh I just love Samson and the section with Jade was brilliant.
For me these are reads where I just get involved and dont stop reading and then I realise it is dark and I have missed the afternoon.
Oh I just love Samson and the section with Jade was brilliant.
For me these are reads where I just get involved and dont stop reading and then I realise it is dark and I have missed the afternoon.
November 5, 2024
Unfinished Business (The Harry Starke Novels Book 24), my sixty-second read from author Blair Howard. 252-pages of well-written and enjoyable, edge-of-your-seat detective fiction, thoroughly entertaining, as always! I always look forward to the next work from Howard, a Blair Howard book is like a visit from an old detective friend. As Howard expands his writings over 4 primary characters it has improved all four. I always look forward to the next work from Howard. I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
September 25, 2024
Harry Starke is looking forward to a pleasant weekend with his family when someone associated with the first homicide case he worked as a young police detective 21 years ago insists on seeing him. Faced with evidence that the person he identified as the murderer, currently serving a life sentence, is probably innocent of the crime he and his team set out to uncover the truth. Blair Howard has crafted an engaging tale as you follow their journey into and through the past to find the facts and see justice served.
September 26, 2024
This was another good and interesting Harry Starke story. *No major spoilers*. The plot stretches back to twenty-one years earlier on Harry’s first case as lead detective. The author brings together characters from his other books in order to bring this one to life. Kate and her team join Harry and his team to figure out this mystery. As usual in the authors book, there are plenty of twists. I thought at one point I had it figured out, but no. I gave this book 5 stars and recommend it. I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2024
Blair Howard does it again! Another great read. What I love about this series and also the Kate series is that the story grabs your attention right from the first page and doesn't let up until the last page.
This book takes us way back to Harry's first case as a new detective. Fast forward 21 years to Harry and Kate teaming up again to investigate it again, upsetting a number of people along the way.
I'm a bit worried that Harry might be starting to think about slowing down, with encouragement from Amanda.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book takes us way back to Harry's first case as a new detective. Fast forward 21 years to Harry and Kate teaming up again to investigate it again, upsetting a number of people along the way.
I'm a bit worried that Harry might be starting to think about slowing down, with encouragement from Amanda.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest and voluntary review.
October 20, 2024
I cannot believe that Harry would make a rookie mistake. This was an amazing read. Harry Starke actually allowed his boss to influence a case, Harry’s first murder case. Even though he wasn’t positive about the suspect David Archer being the murderer of Elizabeth Reynolds’s he still arrested him and David was put away for life. 21 years later Harry learns that he may have arrested the wrong person so he gets his team to look into the murder and see what he missed. A thrilling read that kept you guessing.
December 22, 2024
I am a fan of the Harry Starke and Kate Gazzara series. This story was particularly sad because it involved a mistake Harry made as a young rookie detective. It is as readable as the books by Blair Howard always are. An old friend reappears and the team are excited, but Harry is badly in need of a break after the traumatic events that finally culminated in a wrong being put right - as much as possible. Plus an old enemy is finally dealt with. I'm sure Harry will be back, and I can't wait for the next book. I highly recommend this great series.
October 4, 2024
Harry's past comes back to visit him 21 years later. He made a mistake and sent an innocent man to prison. He is asked to reinvestigate the case by the man's sister. Harry is always in search of the truth. In typical Blair Howard style there are many twists and turns in this story that will make it hard to put down. If you love action and suspense then this book (and the entire series) is for you!
October 5, 2024
Harry Starke's first case as a detective looked solid at the time. The person arrested did not come forth with an alibi. The higher chiefs on the force wanted the case closed. He was sentenced to life in prison for murder. Twenty-one years later it comes to Harry a plea from the man's sister and shows him the man did indeed have an alibi. More murders related to the case as Harry gets close to finding the real murderer. Another fast-paced Blair Howard novel that puts Harry in danger.
October 15, 2024
After 21 years, memories fade and gathering info can be difficult. New evidence has come to Harry’s attention in a case he worked 21 years ago as a new detective. Can he help release a man that he helped convict 21 years ago? Kate Gazzarra is involved after more bodies start piling up during Harry’s investigation. Who is killing these witnesses and why? Someone doesn’t want the truth to come out. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review. Good book.
November 21, 2024
Anytime I pick up a Blair Howard book, I know I am in for an exciting story with many twists and turns. This one does not disappoint! Harry is asked to look into a case that he pursued 21 years ago when he was a rookie. This leads to the discovery of corruption in the police department and the involvement of well-connected community members. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a lot of action and intrigue.
September 25, 2024
Unfinished Business takes us back in time to Harry's first case as a lead detective. A case he closed, but always wondered about. Twenty-one years later Harry reopens the case and the chase is on. So many twists and turns. Plenty of action. As usual, author Blair Howard has brought Harry and the crew to life in another fantastic story. A great read!
September 29, 2024
As usual I loved this new addition to the Harry Starke series. Love the recurring characters and the crossover with the Kate books. I enjoy the mystery and even though I try I never figure out the end until the last chapter reveals it. Great story and hope that Blair Howard continues these for many years to come!
October 1, 2024
What can I say but wow. I love this series and this book just blew me away. The storyline was intense and well written. The hunt for the killer and the quest to right a wrong melded together seamlessly. The characters, the crew of regulars were in top form. A very satisfying read.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
October 4, 2024
This book is about justice and making things right and was a very refreshing look on an agent of law enforcement and humanity in general. Too often people are offended when a mistake is thrown to them, but this book shows how once can go beyond that ego and make things right. A very good book to read.
October 6, 2024
Well, who would have thought that the great Harry Starke could cock up. Just goes to show you he is human after all. This was a cracking tale full of twists and turns all the way through. I didn’t pick the guilty party either. I loved it, could not put it down. I hope this series goes on and on. What is the next one going to be about I wonder, cannot wait. Highly recommended.
October 13, 2024
an early homicide case haunts Harry Starke, and the fallout echoes.
what's a cop to do if a guy refuses to share an alibi?
does blame lie with the detective or with the man who doesn't exonerate himself?
a blame game that has few winners and lots of personal damages.
heart and ego bashing cases that give food for thought, and lote if drama, suspense and action.
what's a cop to do if a guy refuses to share an alibi?
does blame lie with the detective or with the man who doesn't exonerate himself?
a blame game that has few winners and lots of personal damages.
heart and ego bashing cases that give food for thought, and lote if drama, suspense and action.
October 17, 2024
Harry finds himself and his team, revisiting a 21 year old case where he may have convicted the wrong person. This is personal and throws him into turmoil. He struggles with guilt, and as the body count rises, he also finds himself targeted. Well-written with a good storyline and highly recommended. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 23, 2024
A young Harry made a mistake and 21 years later he needs to fix it. Harry drags Kate into his mess and the excitement starts. I love how Howard twists and turns his story and keeps the action going. Each story is fresh and the mysteries are excellent. His characters are real and the story world believable. Loved it!
November 22, 2024
Stumped but never dumbfounded!
When there’s nothing to go on, Harry let’s his instincts take over. He manages to glean clues out of thin air - almost. Although Harry tries to stay out of trouble, others troubles take him to task. This book does not disappoint- it’s full of action for all the characters we’ve come to know and love; Jacque, TJ, Tim, Bob, Amanda, and the rest!
When there’s nothing to go on, Harry let’s his instincts take over. He manages to glean clues out of thin air - almost. Although Harry tries to stay out of trouble, others troubles take him to task. This book does not disappoint- it’s full of action for all the characters we’ve come to know and love; Jacque, TJ, Tim, Bob, Amanda, and the rest!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews