Almost Dead

Lizzy Gardner #5

by T.R. Ragan

Lizzy Gardner is a one-million copy bestselling series.

Life for private investigator Lizzy Gardner will never be the same. It’s been three weeks since her fiancé, Jared, was shot on what was supposed to be their wedding day. He’s in a coma now, and Lizzy is being forced to make a decision she might not be able to live with.

But a string of deaths has forced her to get back to work. While they appear to be unrelated accidents at first glance, a closer look shows they all have something in common. More than a decade earlier, the victims were all members of the Ambassador Club at a Sacramento high school: a posh posse that bullied other students, one of whom remains tormented years later.

In this pulse-pounding thriller from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author T.R. Ragan, Lizzy will need her colleagues and what’s left of her wits to help her track down a cunning killer with a deadly revenge list before the next name—maybe hers—is crossed off for good.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook

366 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2015

About the author

T.R. Ragan (Theresa Ragan) is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling mystery and thriller author.

Readers interested in signing up for a monthly newsletter or getting their name in a TR RAGAN book should check out her website at www.trragan.com

Facebook • Twitter • Instagram: @trraganauthor

LIZZY GARDNER SERIES
Abducted
Dead Weight
A Dark Mind
Obsessed
Almost Dead
Evil Never Dies

FAITH MCMANN TRILOGY
Furious
Outrage
Wrath

JESSIE COLE SERIES
Her Last Day
Deadly Recall
Deranged - 10/18
Buried Deep - 4/19

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book from this author can't get enough of her books, characters are so engaging.poor Lizzy heartache.cant wait to read more.give this series ago won't disappoint.

[❀Aimee❀ Just one more page...]

Honestly, I'm a wuss. I like murder mysteries, but I can't handle dark AND depressing. The bad guys have horrible childhoods, the heroine had a crapload of craptastic depressing crap in her life, and the vivid killings just aren't for me. And skimming ahead it just gets worse. This sort of thing would stick with me.

This is not for me, but if you like the genre, or are entrenched in the series, you'll probably like it fine. It wouldn't be fair for me to rate this.

I need to scour the internet for cute baby animals to cheer me up now....or some hilarious brainless TV show like TMZ.

Thank you Netgalley for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A special thank you to Amazon Publishing, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

ALMOST DEAD (The Lizzy Gardner Series Book # 5) by T.R. Ragan, another kick-ass group of strong women, for a cleverly written, fast-paced, and complex multi-layered winner! The mix of humor and evil, strongly reminding me of talented, Karin Slaughter, for a suspenseful action-packed crime thriller.

After PI Lizzy’s wedding was interrupted by gunfire and her husband to be, Jared was shot, he is now in a coma and his estranged family is fighting Lizzy to take control over his future. However, Lizzy wants to carry out Jared’s wishes.

With bad memories, Lizzy is left to stay with her sister, which is short lived due to all the violence with her sister's abusive husband. So now Lizzy and Haley are living with Kitally, in a huge house she inherited from her family, and the three girls are working together with the PI firm – Lizzy Gardner Investigations.

Wow, the girls are dealing with a number of complex cases, dogs, kidnapping, a fraud workman comp case, murders, and a serial killer out for revenge, stalkers, and ex-cons being released from prison to kill again. Lizzy has a number of enemies, and someone is following her.

In the meantime, business as usual. She is hired by a woman who suspects her high school classmates are being targeted, killed off one by one. They all have a common interest – they belonged to the Ambassador Club at a Sacramento High School, an elite group with a favorite pastime of bullying, raping, and tormenting students (these guys were pure evil). You better be careful, as your enemies will track you down years later.

Now decades later, someone is out for revenge and is quite clever; as each person is killed off and the list is getting shorter, as the bodies pile up. Before the client dies, she leaves Lizzy a list with the names of the students they tormented, and the members of the club. The killer has to be a chemist, as often there is food involved and poisons - always one step ahead. The killer likes to stick to her list as OCD, striking through each name as they are eliminated with careful and precise execution.

In addition to all the drama, one of Lizzy’s girls in her protection class is missing and she thinks the kidnapper, is using Shelby to lure her out, in order to move in for the kill.

The killer and the girls may have more in common than they think. Taking out the bad guys- for justice when the legal system, does not always work. They are tired of people hurting them and being the victim. Now the Lizzy Gardner girls are developing ten known criminals to watch . . Leading us into the next book.

As always, there are many cases which connect for a heart-pounding race against time, full of wit, humor, sarcasm, and evil. I loved the banter between the killer and her conscience, making you laugh out loud.

After reading, OBSESSED (Book 4), was excited to catch up with Lizzy and the gals -was not disappointed; racing to finish before bed. I really enjoy TR Ragan's style and her wit. Love the three gals living and working together (Charlie's Angels).

Lizzy, Haley, and Kitally may need to recruit, Jenny to help them out with their mission, to rid the world of the bad guys-- "she definitely has some tricks up her sleeves".

Looking forward to the next in the series. Evil Never Dies (The Lizzy Gardner Series Book #6). Cannot wait to see what is next for this group! This series is so good, may have to back and read books 1-3, which I missed. Highly recommend, if you love fast-paced complex crime thrillers.

Judith D. Collins Must Read Books

[Charmaine Lim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I kinda wish I could've given it a higher rating, but a 4 star seemed too generous. I am wondering though, what the heck was that ending?

Full review here: https://charmainelimen.wordpress.com/...

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** SPOILER ****** ***** SPOILER ******
are you freaking kidding me. I have NEVER EVER been so pissed off at a writer as I am today. I have devoured these 5 books and loved every minute of entertainment they provided. But today you broke my heart..
HOW DARE you kill him off?? he was perfect and wonderful and their story was beautiful and then BAM....

[Shannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lizzy & gang. So heartbreaking :(

[Jo Anne B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh boy. Dark AND depressing was rough. There needs to some light at the end of the tunnel. Something smidgen of happiness. Not in this one at all! Yikes. And it looks like going forward in the series it will only get worse based on that ending. I did really enjoy the main investigation of the Ambassador Club. Jenny Picket was off her rocker because a colleague stole her research and made millions. So revenge time it became. She went after all the people from high school (in the Ambassador Club) that picked on her. Her knowledge of biochem really came in handy and she got really clever making the murders all look like accidents. Again very little Jessica but even her life got more depressing with her FBI boyfriend injured. I hated Kitally in this book. She lacked her kick-ass power and seemed like a wuss. So out of character for her. She was so boring. I liked their case with the stolen dogs and finding the biological daughter for a bone marrow transplant. Hayley was her usual self but the darkness mostly fell on Lizzy and Hayley seemed like a bright light compared to her, especially at the end. I liked how all three women moved in together but of course no peace and quiet with another stalker for Lizzy out there. I was kind of thinking that one detective that was giving Lizzy a hard time might have a future roll since Lizzy always needs an in with the police. The ending doesn't bode well for happiness and that might be a mistake continuing this super dark and depressing tone. Lizzy said "the old Lizzy Gardner no longer exists." I hope we get her back in the next one.

[Kristen Jett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lizzy Gardner series is one of my favorite crime series, and ALMOST DEAD proves why. (I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series before this one, as it will help certain details become clearer.) Lizzy's just been through one hell of a journey, and all she wants to do is rest. Unfortunately, crime doesn't stop for her...and it's got a way of pulling her back in.

After the last blows Lizzy's been dealt, she's barely holding herself together. She's been tough for so long - why should she have to be right now? Unfortunately this means, Hayley and Kittaly are holding her business together - even reluctantly doing the cases that she'd normally refuse. They take her in, out of concern, despite there being things that they don't want Lizzy to notice. Unfortunately, Lizzy doesn't get the reprieve she's looking for, because criminals keep finding her. She's got a target on her back...but she doesn't even know it.

ALMOST DEAD is packed full of suspense, adventure, and intrigue. This is a darker (and more emotional) Lizzy book - which is to be expected when we think where Lizzy is at, and what everyone has just been through in OBSESSED. (If you get angry when things happen to characters you love, this may not be the book for you.) I appreciate the extra emotions, especially because this is something you don't always get out of crime thrillers.

The ending? Will surprise you. I'm very eager to see how this gets addressed in the next Lizzy Gardner book.

ALMOST DEAD is nearly impossible to put down, and a highly recommended read.

[Joanne Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this via netgalley and boy, this was one I was very excited to read as I have loved this series since book 1.
So Lizzy Gardner is back! After the wedding and cliff hanger at the end of book 4, things have changed quite a lot in Lizzys world. The reappearance of an old adversary and some unconnected "bread and butter" cases cause problems for the team. Throw in someone who is getting their own back on their old school bullies in very extreme ways and the body count really starts to mount up.
I would really recommend that anyone reading this has read the others in the series first so you can find out how the characters have developed into the people they are now. This is a well written part of the series and I am looking forward to seeing where Lizzy goes from here.

[Meghan McClendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

#5 was great! Lizzy is fighting for her future husband after a terrible tragedy that left 4 people dead at wedding. Just like #1-4, T.R. Ragan will have you rushing to read what happens next!

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like the turn of events (more drama in Lizzy's life, shocker), but another good and very readable installment in the series.

[Nancy Neumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for making this available for review.

If you’ve read the first four installments of T.R. Ragan’s Lizzy Gardner books, you know that the trials and tribulations of the characters are not light, happy fare. In fact, the situations can be dark and somewhat disturbing. In amongst the serial killers, kidnappings, rape, drug deals and domestic abuse, however, I have always admired the fact that Lizzy Gardner recognizes her flaws and limitations but has maintained a sense of right and wrong and tried to serve as a model for the young women in her community and the young women in her employ. When her friends and fiancé are attacked in the church on her wedding day, in the fourth book “Obsessed”, Lizzy is faced with a series of questions and decisions about what she is doing and who she is.

It’s safe to say that “Almost Dead” marks the beginning of a transition for Lizzy and her friends. First, Lizzy needs to make a decision about what to do about her fiancé Jared who has been in a coma since the wedding day attack. Secondly, there are a series of murders to solve as well as the kidnapping of one of Lizzy’s self-defense students. At different moments, both the murderer and the kidnapper taunt Lizzy, forcing her to question both her ability as an investigator and the motivation for her life’s work Ultimately, there are some answers to these questions and a new course is plotted for both Lizzy Gardner and Lizzy Gardner Investigations.

This book is not an easy read for anyone who has read the first four books and has come to know the characters populating Lizzy Gardner’s Sacramento. Lizzy and Hayley, in particular, do things that we may not like and there are always consequences to actions. The draw to these novels, however, is a well told tale and “Almost Dead” is no different. In fact, this may be the most compelling tale since the first book, “Abducted.” This series of books is definitely meant to be read from the beginning as there is an evolution to characters and story. I look forward to the story continuing and, while I am anxious about the consequences of actions the characters have taken, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Mike Nemeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Almost Dead," the worst possible comes to pass. And author T.R. Ragan doesn't shy from directing the story of private investigator Lizzy Gardner into a dark direction. In this installment, blackness has fallen. Her boyfriend, her intended, her love lies in a coma with very little possibility of recovery. And this is no "One Life to Live." Ragan doesn't bring anybody back. She traces the outskirts of all-out agony when it comes to her story lines. Lizzy can't do much. She's reverts to autopilot while her lieutenants take up a majority of the story. And as is her custom, Ragan offers insight into the mind of her killer. But this one is different. She's a victim, much as Hayley is a victim. And her pain and suffering caused her to lash out at her demons, who in this case are a group of rich students from high school. They called themselves the Ambassador Club and doled out horrific bullying, including rape and unyielding harassment. Ragan almost makes it a cautionary tale. The now adult bullies have had to live with their actions, and for many those memories and the weight of what they did proved life altering. That, of course, doesn't matter to the victim. She's unrelenting. And at some point, she begins to find catharsis in her actions as unhinged as they are. This is not a series to read without taking a break. I recommend it. Reading something in between each novel would have kept me from getting somewhat depressed. I didn't want to do anything for days. I mean, I went to work. I did my job. But Ragan's ability to tap into that darkness brought some of it into my normally upbeat attitude. Yikes. However, it just means she's that good.

[Kat (Books are Comfort Food) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dark Side

This was an interesting book and different than the others in the series because it removed the reader's hope of "hope".

The book is good as a stand-alone, but if you've read the entire series the gradual shift that happens will make more sense. If begs the question, "how much can each of us take before we are broken?" This book by far, was the most emotional for me given what all the characters have been through.

We've all been pulling for Lizzy and her little band of misfits, characters I've grown to love. But in this book Lizzy is broken beyond repair. It's a good book with twists and turns, as all the books. The characters are still changing as we would all change given the same experiences and choices. The struggle to find truth and know in your heart there is justice is what is called into question here. And to my surprise I found in some cases I was rooting for the wrong side.

The next book, the 6th book, is the end to the series so it will be interesting to see where the chips fall.

[Mallory · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should have stopped after the third book. The series starts out dark and depressing, but there were hints of better things to come. Don't let those hints fool you. Nothing good happens in this book. Not one good thing pans out. Any thoughts of any of the characters finding some sort of patched up version of a HEA were completely dashed by the books end. I loved Lizzy, and now she's not a character I remotely like. I highly suggest reading the first three books, because they were amazing. Then I suggest using your imagination to come up with how you'd like to see their lives panning out, because it will be much better than what they were given here.

If you happen to be one of those readers who enjoy dark and depressing (no judgment, I know you people exist) then maybe you will love the way this series is going. A sixth book is slated for August of this year, but I will not be continuing the series.

[Linda Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzy Gardner is back ...sort of. There are so many things going on in her life that it almost made me dizzy reading about them.

First of all, the love of her life, Jared, is in the hospital after being shot on their wedding day. And somewhere along the way, she's picked up her own personal stalker.. one who is hell-bent on taking Lizzy down. And then there is the woman who, after 20 years, decides to get even with all those mean kids in school who teased and tormented her on a daily basis.

If you haven't read any of the series, I strongly recommend them. Lizzy is a great character.. a female PI who is more than human with human failings and flaws ... and she has her own lines that she won't cross.

I was in tears at the end of the book .. you will have to read it to know if they were happy tears or sad tears.

5 stars

[Kate Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think maybe part of the reason I don't like these as much as I liked the first one is that I can't connect with any of the characters. While it was certainly heart-wrenching for Lizzy to have to take the love of her life off of life support, and while I don't think anyone would react normally, she goes from being a law-abiding citizen to off the deep end vigilante really quickly. I guess I'm just a little surprised. Plus, Kitally's character has never really made sense to me. I guess I thought having one vigilante-minded protagonist (Hayley) was enough - and at times too much. Everyone involved seems to be weirdly okay with it. That being said, I'm still reading the next one because I know it's the final book. Maybe everything will get wrapped up.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Read

First book of many of this reader's that I plan to read!! Wonderful book. Must start with book one & start over!!

[BooksSaveMe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 stars, only ok by this authors own standards, the central plot was a bit pedestrian but I’m still 100% invested in this bunch of pissed off, kick ass women who never get an easy ride

[Dione Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just once

Could we get at least 1 great moment of happiness for Lizzy?
It really sucks that Jared was killed off. I was just disappointed.. Other than that the book was good.

[Trish R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I read the very last book (#6) in this series, Evil Never Dies, and loved it, then read 40 or 50 other books, then read this one the 5th book , and there were a lot of complaints the one before this (#4) was a cliffhanger but I didn’t see that. Although, I did see why some readers were livid over what happened to Jared. BUT since I didn’t read book #4, Obsessed, it didn’t affect be aversely. I was saddened during the last chapter and when Lizzy would visit Jared in the hospital.

Mostly, I was interested in the 13 people in the Ambassador Club, in High School, no less, that were being systematically killed and even though she was arrested and questioned and Lizzy knew she did it, the killer walked free. Twelve perfect murders.

Then there was Shelby being kidnapped and everyone looking for her. And the dog-napper, and the guy trying to take Disability for all he could that Kitally was spying on, and Lizzy’s sister being beat on by her husband, and the rapist Hayley was watching. All the big and little cases that were
on-going with the Lizzy Gardner Investigations.

So many things going on it made the book so much better.

No romance and the F-bomb was used 37 times.

As to the narration: These books wouldn’t be nearly as good without Kate Rudd narrating them. She puts so much feeling in them. One of my top 3 favorite female narrators.

[Kelly_Hunsaker_reads ... · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book really pissed me off. I have stuck with the series because I like the premise: I like the idea of Lizzy taking her life back and helping others in a situation she survived is one I found interesting and hopeful. However, Lizzy has struggled with punishing darkness thanks to the evil people she has met and lived with during her life. A character with so much evil touching her needs the goodness of love, friendship and family. Lizzy had that -- though I wish those aspects of her story had been more fully developed. Lizzy had love with Jared and family with Kathy and Brittany. Jared was helping her to heal. Now at the end of book 5, she is left without it! How can she cope with so much evil without the buffering, healing presence of love? I believe the author has doomed Lizzy to failure. Her friends are already crossing the line and are no longer wearing the white hats... Lizzy is doomed to do the same

[Books 'n' All Promotions]

' This is the fifth book in the Lizzy Gardner series. It is another excellent book. I love Kitally I have read her character develop over the series from someone a bit unrealistic to loveable and believable. Personally I didn't like the ending to this book I it left unanswered questions. I am not sure if Theresa is planning further books featuring Lizzy and her team but I am not sure I like where this is going so possibly won't read any more. To me Lizzy was about fighting evil with good and this seems to have morphed into a vigilante group that is a bit far fetched.

[Patrea Beard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Says a lot about a writer when you know you don't want to really know some of the things in the story that are coming but you enjoy the book anyway. I knew one of the plot points and dragged reading because I didn't want it to happen, yet the other plot points were so good it was hard to make my self drag through this book.

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great instalment in this series. Lizzie is falling apart, Jared is lying in a coma and one of her defence students is missing. On top this a guy is following her and she is getting calls from a crazy lady. a lot going on, but with her team things start to fall into place, but will there be a happy ending?

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the fifth in the series and I won't lie....it was sad all the way around. But still a great ready. Lizzy, Hayley, Jessica and Kittaly are back. However, the cases are darker and Lizzy has a tough life decision to make. Quick and easy read. Another great one in the series.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've enjoyed the Lizzy Gardner series, but I think I might be reaching my limit. There's only so much I can take of the same plot rehashed over and over again. All kinds of messed up things were happening in this one. The best part was watching how the ladies took care of each other.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars. Don't like the direction this book went or where the next one is heading. Think I'm done with the series.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the different characters in this book. I laughed at some of the outrageous behavior. The story was suspenseful and chilling. I did feel it was a little on the man-hating side.

[Karen Glasser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book

One of the best books I have read. I am excited to read book 6. A book that is impossible to put down!!!