Five Sparrows

Double Blind #5

by Dan Alatorre

The body of a sixth grade girl is found in the woods near the exclusive school she attended. It could be a suicide or a murder, but every lead turns out to be a dead end. Detectives Carly Sanderson and Sergio Martin are requested by the local sheriff to aid his scandal-plagued department's investigation.

Security cameras might have recorded the killer, but those have gone missing, and the school administration wants everything kept quiet to preserve the institution’s reputation.

But someone is quietly pointing the detectives toward secret societies that allegedly don’t exist at Hillmont Day School, and the bullying that no one admits happens on the zero tolerance campus.

One group, a small clan of girls called the Sparrows, may have been recruiting the deceased girl, but none of the sparrows are talking—and their influential parents are threatening lawsuits if any of their precious young darlings are implicated.

Genres: Mystery, Ebooks, Fiction

Audible Audio

First published March 24, 2023

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Dan Alatorre has published more than 50 titles and is read in over a dozen languages around the world.

His fast-paced thrillers have gripped readers all over the globe, notably his USA Today bestseller The Gamma Sequence, a medical thriller series, his successful murder mystery Double Blind series, and more. Readers can't put his books down.

Dan resides in the Tampa area with his wife and daughter.

Check out his Readers Club at DanAlatorre.com and find out about new releases before anyone else!

Double Blind, a murder mystery thriller series
- Double Blind
- Primary Target
- Third Degree
- Fourth Estate
- Five Sparrows
- Six Sisters
- Seventh Avenue, coming soon

The Gamma Sequence, a medical thriller series
- The Gamma Sequence
- Rogue Elements
- Terminal Sequence
- The Keepers
- Dark Hour

Jett Thacker mysteries, a murder mystery series
- Tiffany Lynn Is Missing
- Killer In The Dark
- Definition Of A Murder, coming soon

Horror Anthology series:
- Dark Passages
- Dark Voodoo
- Dark Intent
- Dark Thoughts
- Shadowland
- Wings & Fire
- Spellbound
- Nightmareland
- Dark Visions
- The Box Under The Bed

Paranormal Thriller/Horror:
- A Place Of Shadows

Sci Fi Time Travel Adventure:
- The Navigators

Comedy Romance:
- The Italian Assistant

And many more!

Reviews

[Deb (D L) Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Sparrows is the continuation of the drama behind the lives of Sergio and Carly with an added twist. Once again they are called into action to solve a crime. This is one of the worst-case scenarios in dealing with crime. Plus, during the investigation, Carly gets caught up in her own problems involving her marriage and her children. The team that is brought in works well together each contributing to the grand finale. They are met with many challenges along the way. Not being on their own turf and dealing with small-town folks has its drawbacks to the job. And technology isn't always their friend. I enjoyed the action, suspense, and many plot twists this novel featured. I would liken the way the intrigue would build to those of fellow authors Kendra Elliot or perhaps David Baldacci. I am always thrilled by the way an Alatorre novel is filled with fast-paced dialogue. It is an exceptional addition to an already great series. I look forward to the next installment.

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Another runaway hit by Dan Alatorre. This time Sergio and Carly are requested to help with the murder of an eleven year old child in a small country town. Suspects are plenty as the murder happened at the elementary school. And Carly is dealing with personal issues as her soon to be ex-husband and his lawyer are playing dirty to get full custody of the kids. Enjoy the rollercoaster ride as Sergio, Carly, Max, and Averie track down clues and suspects and devise a plan to reveal the killer. You don't want to miss this thrilling mystery.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner featuring Sergio and Carly. The new case is perplexing and heartbreaking. The characters are believable. The plot is intense and the twists had my jaw dropping. I like that there is a back story along with the main one. Each is brought to a satisfying conclusion. If you enjoy heartstopping crime stories, Five Sparrows is a must read. I received an advance copy this book via the author and this is my honest review.

[Stella Gilman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a pretty good mystery. I liked the connection between the characters. And the ending I did not predict!

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️
Five Sparrows follows maverick Tampa police officer Sergio investigate the death of a schoolgirl at a prestigious private school.

This was the fifth book in the series and while it did allude to prior events, it was well written and this did not hamper the reading or understanding of the plot. Unfortunately, the plot still wasn’t for me. I didn’t warm to any of the characters, and Sergio constantly calling everyone “Dude” was irritating. The characters’ motivations weren’t authentic - Carly refused to go to a meeting about custody of her children because of work - I don’t know any mothers that would act like that. The conclusion was ridiculous; a 12 year old child with dialogue and motivations like an adult just did not ring true.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detectives Sergio Martin and Carly Sanderson are back for book #5 in Dan Alatorre’s Double Blind series. This installment is heavy on Sergio and Carly’s personal issues and character development, woven around an investigation into a murdered schoolgirl at an exclusive day school. The criminal investigation puts Sergio in peril based on his impulsive and reckless decisions, as Carly faces a custody battle in her divorce action. It’s a bad time for them to be continuing the romance that blossomed during the prior book. As Carly spends time talking with her lawyer, Sergio and sexy PR consultant Averie Fox spend time together trying to unwind the tentacles of the murder case in the closed-mouth world of the exclusive Hillmont Day School. Both stories are tragic and intense in this page-turner that flies by with lightning speed.

Sergio and Carly are called in by the local Sherrif, who is out of his element in the media-intensive case of the murdered schoolgirl, Bella. The obvious suspect, the school janitor who was seen crouching over the body on the side of a small lake, is in jail and the school administrators are happy to find him guilty without a trial and put the ugly episode behind them. But Sergio quickly concludes that the slow-witted janitor is unlikely to be the killer. With security video missing and no apparent motive, it seems that somebody is covering up the crime. The chairman of the school’s board of directors is particularly uncooperative and instructs everyone to clam up and not help the cops – still blaming the janitor. Something is very wrong, and the investigation goes in several directions in a short period of time before Sergio decides to take a big risk that could easily backfire and put both detectives in hot water with their new sergeant, who already has both of them under a microscope. It’s a mile-a-minute ride down the abandoned mine shaft with no safety net that will keep you wanting more right to the end.

The police investigation story would be entertaining enough even without the intense interpersonal subplot that stands on its own for readers who are not familiar with the earlier books. Carly fears losing custody of her boys after her estranged husband hires a scorched-earth divorce lawyer who claims that Carly is an unfit mother due to her highly dangerous job that often pulls her away from her boys. It’s a heart-wrenching situation that pulls Carly and Sergio apart even as they try to focus on the dead girl and find her killer.

The combination of the relationship plot and the murder investigation plot yields a compelling synergy. Fans of the series will be glued to their Kindles, while new readers will be reaching for their internet connections to order the earlier books. It’s another wonderful installment in the ongoing Double Blind series that will entertain everyone. The text is clean and the prose rich. Lines like this dot the text in just the right places: “Bright stars appeared in the sky. Diamonds, spilling out of an invisible box, onto the underside of a giant, black velvet umbrella.”

I thoroughly enjoyed Five Sparrows and will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.

[Shweta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok read, started off with so much promise but fell flat for me, somehow. At every turn, I felt this could have been developed and handled better. I'd start of by saying that this is my first book in series, since I haven't read the whole series but book could be read independently. Sergio and all the side characters were immediatly likable. I didn't care for Carly or her way of handling things at all. She was portrayed as this amazing cop during entire book but I didnt even feel she can remain professional for even 5 min. Constantly mixing personal and professional, not being able to handle her own mess and just plain not having a head in the game! As for the story, It could have gone in so many different interesting ways. Secret societies and other things that were hinted but never elaborated on at all. Bunch of girls saying SDS doesn't make it an interesting thriller plot, end was also kind of predictable. Based on the synopsis I was so pumped up but I wont be picking up more books from the series, sadly. I still gave it a 3 star for being interesting enough for me to not leave in the middle or stall finishing it forever.

[Keith Withers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder/mystery to die for

A real fast paced and all encompassing murder/mystery to knock your socks off. The partners and an intrepid team of cohorts set off to solve a mysterious murder.
Whilst things don't go quite as planned orr even anticipated, they triumph in their extraordinary quest despite individuals running interference and trying to destroy their togetherness. A novel not to be missed and once started, hard to put down.

[Jeanna Maines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Sparrows Great read

I liked that the book kept the killer secret until the end making you think it was one of the other 2 and then Justice prevails in the end for all. I was hoping all would work out between Carly and Sergio but, I geuss with another book coming we can still hope.

[Books_n_critters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Sparrows is an excellent book. Fantastic characters and awesome writing.
This was a particularly sad case for Carly and Sergio, and as always, they handled it beautifully. I can't wait to see what book six will bring! Highly recommended read!

[Dan A. Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five Sparrows

This as a nice quick, clean read. The story is clean. However, one of the main characters is so wrapped up in her own personal life that she should be on leave until she can get her life in order. That said, I would read more from this writer.

[Judy Scaife · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting

I found the storyline interesting, however it was blurred with Carly’s divorce proceedings. The investigation was more interesting and I found it annoying the relationship between Carly and Sergio. Otherwise a good story.

[Sybil · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I can’t believe I wasted a credit for this book. Sergio sounds like 12 year old boy, it seriously makes my eye twitch. I haven’t gotten to the part with Carly being too obsessed with her personal drama. Maybe I would have finished it if it wasn’t an audio book. Probably not.

[Dorothy Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book wiil.remember the author for further books

[Renee Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good who-done-it with some twits and turns. Enjoyable read!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will for sure need to read the first 4 books, but this was amazing!!!!!

[Nancy Powley · Rating 5 out of 5]

five sparrows

I have read all the books looking forward to the next one. I really liked the book interesting turn of events

[Teri Mosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Really liked the characters this was my first book in this series. Will read the first book of this series

[Paige Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I have really enjoyed the previous books in this series, this one was not all that good, IMO.

[Valerie Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loss of time.

I could not wait to turn a page. Spellbinding. Although I did guess the killer when she delivered cookies. This did not distact me.

[Katie Anne Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Put u on the edge of your seat!

Recommended for everyone who likes suspense.will have you thinking the hole way through it.well worth my time.everyone enjoy for free on unlimited

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

five sparrows

A young girl is found murdered in a small town. The sheriff calls for help and the two detectives work their magic and solve the crime

[Amber K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another action packed addition to this series and I'm loving it!
Fantastic audio narration!
Can't wait for more!!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Dan Alatorre!

Love these books! Always trying to figure out who the murderer is. Will Carly and Sergio finally be together? Can’t put his books down!

[Clownmama · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feel misled by the blurb for this book

I thought this book was going to be about the murder of a young girl, not about 2 detectives and their drama. I was disappointed in the lack of murder mystery and way too much divorce, custody battle, Red-headed witch lawyers. The red-headed lawyer but got real old. How many times do I need to read that she's a red-head? Hmm? Why was the soooo much focus on the physical descriptions of SOME of the characters, and why were they so freaking repetitive? They were always described the exact same! But then others were NEVER described-i guess that's how we knew they didn't matter, sorry Max.

Will not read others in this series. Very disappointing.

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book had me feeling all of the emotions. I was happy, sad, mad, shocked and in awe. I love this series and this may be the best book yet. It is going to be so hard to wait for the next book.

[Philip Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sergio and Carly wrap up school girl's murder at high personal cost - 4.5 stars

Another good episode of Tampa cops Sergio Martin and Carly Sanderson going all out and quickly solving a confusing crime. This time, there is a background story of Carly's husband's lawyer contesting her attempt to obtain a divorce. Carly is supposed to avoid all contact with Sergio, making police business awkward at best.

The sheriff in rural Hillsborough County, about an hour north of Tampa, requested the now-celebrity cops to help out with what seems to be a simple case that has a few inconsistencies. Forensic assistance from a big city laboratory should clear things up. Sergio assembled a team including a PR (public relations) agent and a software specialist. If you get the sense that there will be twists, you got the hint.

While an arrest has been made, the suspect does not seem to be capable of murder. School officials are calling for a quick indictment to clear all possible links to the school. The victim was a good sixth-grade student who was popular at the private school, Hillmont Day School.

In addition to the tension between Carly and Sergio who had been living together after Carly's husband left, some people fired shots at the investigators while the investigation was underway. There were plenty of hints that this was not an open-and-shut case. Having a PR expert seemed to be a good idea after she was able to deflect some of the angst and help the community deal with the tragedy.

I recommend this fast-paced mystery; the drama between the investigators was excellent.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve finally read all of the Double Blind books that are out. I have to say this is my favorite series, as always I love Carly and Sergio! This book was a bit tough to read because I have a child close to the age of the victim. I rarely cry while reading but this one got me, I did shed a few tears. All of Dan Alatorre’s books are so well written you will be hooked from the first page until the last. He truly is a talented writer. So if you haven’t picked up the Double Blind series, what are you waiting for? Go read/listen to them now. Highly recommend this entire series.

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sixth grade girl is found dead in the woods and the janitor is near the body. Why did he say he was sorry? Carly and Sergio have personal issues. Will they be able to make a successful team? If the janitor is innocent then who killed the girl? A page turner with nail biting suspense which will set you thinking.

Merged review:

A puzzling death

Why was a school staff employee found next to the corpse of a sixth grade student? Was it suicide or murder? Carly and Sergio have a lot of suspects.  Solving this crime has them in a bind as they have to deal with personal issues and also a school authority figure hampering their investigation. Fast paced action with a lot of twists make this page turner enthralling and difficult to put down. Sergio is one of my favourite characters even though his methods are unconventional. I always look forward to Dan Alatorre's books.

[J Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling suspense!

Detectives Carly Sanderson and Sergio Martin are sent to a small town to assist in an investigation at the request of the local sheriff. A young schoolgirl at an exclusive charter school is dead in an apparent murder and a suspect has been detained based on witness accounts. The sheriff wants a more in-depth investigation but there is intense pressure to close the case quickly. Meanwhile, Carly is served with papers stating assertions that could cost her her career, her children, and her relationship.

Thumbs up to Dan Alatorre for delivering another thrilling addition to this series! I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary. I devoured it in one day.