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Boys of Syracuse, Kansas #1

Last Shot at Justice

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Detective Mitzi Reardon just became the prime suspect in a murder she didn’t commit. On the run from enemies and coworkers alike, Mitzi must put her trust in Blue Thomas, an old-school cowboy from Kansas. Against all odds, they must bring the real killer to justice.

As a trap closes around them, Mitzi resorts to a bold approach that may just get both of them killed.

"Kristi Cramer knows how to keep the suspense pumping in this never-a-dull-moment thriller." Calvin Dean, author of Curses, A Door Unlocked, and The Epitaph of Jonas Barloff.

"Stunning dialogue between the characters. Blue feels like a real person. Humorous and action-packed." N.D. Taylor, author of The Spellbound Consortium series of Urban Fantasy.

Last Shot at Justice is the first Thomas Family Novel, a series of suspenseful standalone novels featuring characters connected to the Thomas Family of Syracuse, Kansas.

Formerly Book 1 of The Boys of Syracuse, Kansas. There have been no substantial changes to the plot.

234 pages, Paperback

First published April 11, 2013

10 people are currently reading
628 people want to read

About the author

Kristi Cramer

18 books56 followers
When Kristi isn’t working at her day job, playing outdoors at 3D archery shoots, and hiking or walking in the great Pacific Northwest, you can find her in front of her computer, hammering out exciting suspense stories, or chatting around on social media.

Although she has honed her writing craft for 30+ years, she only published her first book in 2012. Her strange and varied work history - having held jobs from a hotel housekeeper, a car wash attendant, an insurance underwriter, an electronics assembly line worker, a data entry tech in auto parts warehouse, a blueberry nursery shipping coordinator, a local delivery driver, and a truck driver and owner of her own trucking company - gives her a broad base from which to build her characters and storylines. Now a billing specialist for The Arc of Lane County, she supports those who care for people with disabilities while she pursues her writing career in earnest.

She got married for the first time at 38, skipped being a mommy and went straight to Grandma. Turns out it’s best for everyone that way.

Kristi's books are all affordably priced. In the time since self-publishing her first novel in 2012, Kristi has learned that working at selling her writing is a great way to kill the joy she has in the process of writing, so she has returned to the idea of writing for the joy of it. She still puts her heart and soul into producing the best possible product, trying only to make it easy for readers to enjoy her work for the least expense. She doesn't promise perfection but works hard to ensure the quality results in a low-to-distraction-free reading experience.

In April of 2023 she cut eBook prices as low as possible, making them free wherever she could. (Amazon doesn't make it easy to provide free eBooks, so all eBooks there are priced at 99¢.) You can find them free on other platforms - see website (below) for details. Paperbacks are priced as low as Amazon allows, or you can purchase directly from the website at cost.

What's the catch? We don't require anything of readers. If you are moved to do so, please feel free to leave a review. If you can afford it, you can donate to the cause of helping Kristi's bottom line. As of April 2023, money for professional covers will come solely from donations and royalties, or from bartering. See her website for details on how to donate.

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5 stars
24 (38%)
4 stars
25 (39%)
3 stars
7 (11%)
2 stars
2 (3%)
1 star
5 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,630 reviews39 followers
May 28, 2013
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL ROMANTIC STORY. I'M IN LOVE WITHOUT A DOUBT, WITH TRUE BLUE. THE CHARACTER BLUE STOLE THE WHOLE BOOK, HE WAS JUST SOOOOO! DANG LOVABLE AND SEXY. I WANTED TO HUG HIM,(ALONG WITH OTHER THINGS) WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MAN INSIDE AND OUT. SURPRISINGLY THIS BOOK DOESN'T HAVE DISCRIPTIVE SEX, BUT THE WAY THE AUTHOR WROTE BLUE'S CHARACTER, MAKES YOUR IMAGINATION RUN COMPLETELY W.I.L.D. HUMMMMMM WHAT A MAN! THE STORYLINE IS ACTION PACKED FROM THE GIDDY-UP TO THE END. OH! DID I SAY BLUE IS A COWBOY FROM KANSAS (LOVE COWBOYS).8) HE MEETS A COP NAMED MITZI AND IT'S ON AND CRACKIN, FROM THEN ON. I WISH THE BOOK HAD BEEN LONGER, BUT SOMETIMES MORE JUST MEANS REPETATIVE STUFF. THIS WAS KINDA SHORT BUT MADE AN IMPRESSION ON ME. BESIDES GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL (NOT BLUE) PACKAGES SOMETIMES . . . THIS CERTAINLY WAS ONE OF THEM.
Profile Image for Calvin Dean.
Author 5 books52 followers
September 11, 2013
Mitzi Reardon should be dead right now. The bullet that killed a prostitute in downtown Denver was intended for her. Fleeing the scene, she winds up in the protective embrace of Blue Thomas, a “dumb cowboy” from Kansas and recent transplant looking for work. Blue promises to help Mitzi get to the bottom of the attack. Assuming she is just another prostitute, he soon learns she is an accomplished boxer and a police officer who just happened to be on duty enticing Johns when the fatal shot was fired.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Denver has ordered a change in Denver’s crime solving methods – prevention instead of incarceration. This doesn’t set too well with the Police Chief. Of course, all Mitzi knows is that the mayor’s daughter has been kidnapped and that she and Blue are being railroaded. But why?

To find out, you’ll have to visit Blue’s tiny camper, the public library at the risk of being recognized, downtown Denver, which is crawling with cops, and then sneak your way into an apartment where the mayor’s daughter is being held.

A little apprehensive at first, Blue soon takes a shining to Mitzi – after he learns she isn’t a call girl. And Mitzi? Well she is immediately taken with Blue’s chiseled good looks and his good ole boy manners. Is there a future for these two? Only if they can solve the kidnapping, beat the wrap and turn the tables on a corrupt police department.

Let’s just say, author Kristi Cramer knows how to keep the suspense pumping in this never-a-dull-moment thriller. When you’re done, you won’t know whether you’re out of breath due to the buzz of the police chase or the romance budding between Mitzi and Blue. Either way, you’ll be glad you picked up Blinding Justice.
Profile Image for Katerina.
318 reviews27 followers
March 21, 2014
4 **** sparkling stars for the most sympathetic and lovable characters I have been introduced to in a crime novel!
And this is saying something!
Because "Blinding Justice" is a rather clean read when it comes to the romance part of the story.
Although I would not have minded a little bit more steam in this book, I have to say that it was understandable, considering that the protagonists, after having barely met, immediately ran for their lives over the course of just two days.
The author chose to make the whole story more realistic and therefore things like insta love/lust are completely absent here and the reader has not to supend his disbelief for a single second.

The showdown at the end of the story had me on the edge of my seat. And this is rare for me, because too much crime novels and suspense reads can do this to you: make you insensitive to the life threatening dangers characters are facing during a story.
The fact that I was rooting for Mitzi and Blue from the very first minute, had me squirming in my seat whenever they were about to be caught and when they finally found themselves at the mercy of the villains.

Mitzi and Blue...
I did not like your names but I wanted to hug you both constantly!
Ok! Blue more than Mitzi.
Because how could I not? After seeing you all on your own in your trailer in Denver, when you realized you were not in Kansas anymore?
Poor Boy! Never forgetting his manners and oh so protective of Mitzi! *sighing and grinning goofily*

And the HEA?
Oh my...
So heartwarming...*double sighing and gazing dreamily*



Did I mention "Wee Care" in this review?
I just did! ;-)
Profile Image for Kristi Cramer.
Author 18 books56 followers
Read
November 4, 2021
Last Shot at Justice was fun to write, and it is thanks to my preview readers and editor that it shines as much as it does.

I fell in love with my characters, especially Blue. He is one hot cowboy, and I know there are still men like him out there. It was hard to make him flawed, because I had a bit of a crush on him, but I think he turned out quite human, but still a heck of a catch.

Mitzi rose up out of a bleak childhood to be a tough cop. It's not easy for her to rely on others, but Blue makes it hard to resist his help.

And there will be more to come from the Thomas Family of Syracuse, Kansas. Blue has a brother who is single, and a sister who is a single mom. Not to mention the Thomas family has history. And Mitzi's got brothers.... Yup. I'll be riding back to Syracuse, hopefully one day soon.
Profile Image for AnessaRenee Reviews.
311 reviews10 followers
March 26, 2017
This was a great thriller and tons of suspense. This is my first book from this author and I loved her writing. The story between Blue and Mitizi is one you won't forget. I don't want to give an spoilers away because their story definitely keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. I loved this story and I can't wait for the next book. This is a standalone so you get the full story.


reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Profile Image for Deb.
1,095 reviews
March 8, 2017
What an awesome stand-alone must read! Ms. Cramer wowed me from the start once again! This contemporary, suspense with romance was so thrilling, I was glued to my seat and read it in record time! ... Fans of fiction can always count on a fresh, new storyline, great attention to detail, and with witty and relatable characters, that will keep readers engaged & turning pages! Plus, the twists and turns kept me guessing & on the edge of my seat :D Even tho I volunteered to read this, these are my honest feelings without any outside influence & I even pre-ordered a kindle book to keep in my "forever-read-again-favorites" folder :D I highly recommend this & any book by Kristi Cramer, and can't wait to read more of her works, but I will :D
Profile Image for t'irla ~The Bookslayer~ aka Barbara.
1,018 reviews134 followers
June 4, 2013
Pull a sweet cowboy out of his comfort zone mix a pretty city police detective on the lam and you have the makings of a great suspense with a bit of romance to heat things up.

Description:

but he is gunning for her. Literally. Now a prostitute is dead, and she is the prime suspect with the law hot on her heels. With nowhere to run and no one to trust, Mitzi’s only hope lies in the hands of a sexy stranger.

Blue Thomas is a stranger in Denver. The bright lights and big city bustle are 250 miles and a world away from his family’s cattle ranch in Kansas, and he is out of his element. He came to find work and save the ranch from foreclosure, but on a rainy night a desperate woman finds him. Back home, he would never let anyone—especially a woman—face danger alone. Without fully understanding what he is in for, Blue pledges his help, whether she wants it or not.

As a trap closes around them, Mitzi must abandon her usual strategy of careful planning and situation management, instead relying on quick thinking and a bold, head-on approach that may just get her—and Blue—killed. Before the last bullet flies, Blue will find out just how far he is willing to go to live up to his old-school ideals of gallant chivalry.

**I was given this book by the author for an honest review**

My Thoughts:

To me this book was all about the characters, Blue is just the sweetest cowboy ever! So masculine, yet in a way innocent but alpha in a laid back way. I loved him as soon as I heard his name. A gentle giant of a guy and such a gentleman. He was so easy to connect with and get inside his head. I have to confess he was my favorite part of the book. I am also intrigued with his little bit of Kansas and I would love to read more about that area with Blue and Mitzi as reappearing characters. Series Kristi?? *grin* Mitzi took me longer to warm up to. I found her very self absorbed and self centered, that being said I know she was running for her life. For a detective I just thought she would be more aware of how her situation would impact others. However, when I reached just over the 50% mark I started warming up to her. I think it was when she started to warm up to Blue. Yes there is a bit of a theme here *Laugh*

I did feel that the book was more suspense than romance possibly because it didn't really warm up until the last 20% of the book. Don't get me wrong I love suspense reads so this worked for me. However the plot of this book was not based around the romance nor was the romance integral to the plot but a bit of spice that just kicked it up a notch. For myself if I had known it was a was a suspense book I think I would have gone into the book with that in mind. I was told it was a romantic Suspense so I kept waiting for the romance...and waiting....and waiting. Yes there was a bit of flirting but you find that in a lot of suspense books too.

I give this book a 3.5 star rating. As I indicated I think it would have been a 4 star if I had gone into reading it with is being more of a suspense than a romance. I am looking forward to reading more Kristi Cramer books she has a real feel for moving the plot forward quickly and creating characters, yes like Blue, who I would love to make my cowboy anyday *evil grin*

More t'irla reviews check out tirlastalk.blogspot.ca *READ RATE REVIEW the author thanks you*
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,209 reviews69 followers
January 28, 2015
4 - 4.5 stars

I would characterize this first book I've read by Kristi Cramer, BLINDING JUSTICE, as an almost-cozy romantic suspense.

The female lead is an undercover policewoman who is being framed by corrupt leaders in the department. She escapes from an assassination attempt and does not know where her partner is nor how widespread the corruption in Denver government is; so she takes her chances dashing into a bar, trying to escape those who have targeted her. As it happens, a cowboy from Kansas is sitting at the bar wondering how he can get a job to help pay off family medical bills and the overdue mortgage before his family loses the ranch. Blue finds himself embroiled in the situation at hand, determined that he will protect Mitzi.

This unlikely pairing of lead characters, the professional with the amateur, has a bit of a different twist and is engaging from the very beginning of this gripping story.

I really liked this book, and I plan to read more books written by Ms. Cramer. There is no onstage gore, I do not remember bad language, nor is there any explicit intimacy -- for potential readers who want to know before they buy or borrow this book. The story is well written [I only found one "wrong word" blooper], so you won't be upset if you are a stickler, as I am!

Recommended to readers who like cozies, or suspense with a little romance developing over the time period in the story world. This book stands alone, but I'd certainly like to see a follow-up second volume with these lead characters.

I almost forgot: Kristi Cramer will volunteer books for the literacy program, "Wee Care," when this charity is mentioned in our reviews! Please consider her work and her passion for literacy.
Profile Image for LiLi.
116 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2013
I definitely enjoyed this book and its combination of mystery and romance. I think the cover is incredibly deceiving, however, and seems to indicate the book is about lawyers or D.C., or something of a like nature; and not about a "rogue" female cop in Denver who is on the run with the assistance of a displaced Kansas cowboy. The mystery is definitely enjoyable and takes its fair share of twists and turns to keep the story interesting and the reader on the edge of their seat. Throughout the course of the book, a romance develops between the two main characters. The love story is sweet between the hero and heroine, I just found it a little less believable at one point when Blue, the cowboy hero, decides he is mad at, no longer attracted to, and ultimately done with Mitzi, the "rogue" Denver cop, only to almost immediately turn around and have completely opposite feelings. I don't know, I guess it just kind of detracted from the heat of the romance, so to speak. I also enjoy more "alpha male" type characters and thus would have preferred Blue to have been more of a knight in shining armor. But, quite frankly, that is over-done and cliche (not to mention, a personal preference), so I am not rating the book based on these opinions. It was a good one-novel story that I enjoyed and would recommend to anyone in the mood for romantic mystery (as opposed to being in the mood for a more intense romantic thriller series).
Note: I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
Profile Image for Vanessa.
140 reviews10 followers
June 4, 2013
This book grips you from the very first chapter and won't let go until the very last chapter.
Undercover police officer Mitzi Reardon finds herself staring down at a dead body and a gun to her head.
Who's pointing the gun? Her boss. . . Ouch.
Running from death, she runs into sexy cowboy Blue Thomas, who insists on helping her— and won't take no for an answer.
While trying to figure out why she's being targeted, she finds herself falling for the sexy cowboy and his charm. Will they be able to escape death and find a happily ever after?
It's very well written and I found myself unable to stop reading. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat the whole entire time.
Very nice story, highly recommended.

4 Stars****
Profile Image for Maria.
1,003 reviews33 followers
September 18, 2013
Mitzi just got framed for a whole lotta stuff she didn't do. The plus side is their atempt to kill her got screwed up and she has gone into hiding with the help of a hunky cowboy who's not as much of a dumb hick as you might think. Together they figure out why someone wants her dead, uncover a major crime syndicate, and the truth behind a kidnapping plot. And if they start to get some pretty some feelings for each other it's all the more interesting in their action packed adventure.

Good paced read with a little bit of everything and great characters! Loved Blue's sence of morals and Mitzi's determination to get to the truth and find Justice.
Profile Image for Marci.
278 reviews
May 30, 2013
this book was a great story, staight out the box it has you caught up. you think you have it figured out then there is a quick turn. if you like suspense, murder, and action. read this story. i love the characters especially since the detective is a female and she is a strong woman. but the story feel really, you can relate to both blue and mitzi. she a tough gal but yet stll very girly. blue is your tipical cowboy i love that he has honor, values and is still much the hero as well.
the hardest part of this book was putting it down. Wee care!
Profile Image for Mary Mooney.
2,542 reviews59 followers
June 10, 2013
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, so here it is: This is the first book by Kristi Cramer that I have read and I loved it. It will keep you glued to the pages from the beginning and will not let up until the end. I am not sure if it was a suspense with a little romance thrown in or if it was a romance with a twist of suspense. This story has all I look for in a great read, mystery, suspense, love and a sexy cowboy. Great job Kristi Cramer, looking forward to reading more from you!
Profile Image for Laura.
73 reviews
May 28, 2013
I would actually give this book a 3.5 rating. However, I would recommend this book for country romance fans! I loved the story line the book followed. This was a true old fashioned romance (no explicit scenes) with a great suspense twist.
Although it is a quick read...the action is pretty much non-stop and sucks you into wanting to know if Mitzi and Blue can wiggle out of the mess she's dragged him into.
Profile Image for Nadine.
110 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2013
If you like suspense and I mean sitting on the edge of your seat, waiting for what could happen next, this book is sure to keep you interested. The author has the ability to describe the scenes in the book so that it feels like you are the main character! The romance angle was sweet and somehow more believable than some other romances I have read.The two main characters was an interesting twist, this is not your typical hero and heroine!
Profile Image for Charity Foster.
222 reviews3 followers
June 3, 2013
I really enjoyed this book from the beginning to end. I had a hard time putting it down as every time I thought I could take a break, somthing else happened. This book keeps you on edge and guessing what is going to happen next through the whole thing. I loved Blue and Mitzi. They were perfect for each other and I loved how it ended. I would recommend this book to anyone/everyone looking for a love story wrapped around a mystery/murder/kidnapping.
Profile Image for Angela Flood.
1 review5 followers
April 16, 2013
Ms. Cramer has written a book that reminds one of the old fashioned love affair with true crime drama. While the characters are balanced and descriptive, one is not inundated with the gore that seems pervasive in the new genres. It was a fun and fast read. It also seems that these characters could move on to a series of tales, if the author was to have such a feeling.
Profile Image for Elaine Cramer.
106 reviews3 followers
April 16, 2013
I really liked this book. Mitzie is a tough little lady, and Blue is a hunk of tasty beef. The action started from page one and led on to a very satisfying conclusion.
I loved all the details in this book, especially the neighbor lady!
432 reviews7 followers
May 12, 2013
A good plot, takes place in about 2 days. Mitzi and Blue getting to know and respect each other's abilities. They make a good team as well as a good couple. I would have liked a higher amount of tension in the final scenes, but it was an engrossing story all in all.
Profile Image for Marissa Honeycutt.
Author 19 books1,977 followers
June 5, 2015
Great book. I loved the story, kept me reading until the last page. Kristi writes great characters that you root for and a story that will keep you guessing. I highly recommend it.
1 review
June 15, 2016
I got the audiobook to listen while I drove. it kept me very entertained. I really enjoy the dumb cowboy and the chemistry between the two main characters. I would definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Misty.
Author 3 books851 followers
November 17, 2016
I got this book with a freebie coupon. It was an entertaining and wholesome quick-read and I will continue the series. :)
Profile Image for R.M. Gardner.
Author 5 books9 followers
January 7, 2018
So much suspense!!

I loved this book, I struggled so much to put it down and when I did put it down I was still thinking about it. I could read about these characters forever! Honestly just buy yourself the bundle with all three in because once you start you won't stop. Kristi Cramer is an incredible author, her writing style is so easy to read, everything flows beautifully, I can't get enough!
Profile Image for Cheryl Berry.
19 reviews
December 15, 2017
Awesome!

I loved this book! Nothing like a strong woman and a big strong man! I loved the tenderness of Blue and never backing down. Great team!
Profile Image for Megan | A Page to Turn.
662 reviews22 followers
March 16, 2017
Wowza! The suspense in this book was amazing! I literally kept reading until the end, it was hard to put it down, especially when I had to attend to kids, husband, and those necessities of life. I loved that it was filled with suspense and mystery, but was wrapped up with a little romance as well - what a well-rounded story! Such a fresh new take on a mystery as Mitzi, the main character, has to face the fact that a bullet that killed someone else, was meant for her! Along the way, she finds herself entangled with Blue Thomas, a unlikely crime solving partner.

This was my first book by Cramer, and I was super impressed with her attention to the little details as well as the well-developed characters. I was engaged all the way through and I look forward to reading more by the author.
Profile Image for Cally.
583 reviews8 followers
January 6, 2016
This book will have you glued to it as you will keep wanting to see what's going to happen.

We start off by meeting police officer Mitzi Reardon. For some unknown reason to Mitzi her boss doesn't like her one little bit and is gunning for her literally.

After a local prostitute is killed,Mitzi is number 1 suspect. It then dawns on her that the bullet was not for the call girl but this person knew she would be there and that the bullet that killed the prostitute was for her. Who would put the hit on Mitzi's head? And who hates her enough to get her killed.

She runs into a hot cowboy in the bar step forward Blue Thomas. Blue is new to the town as he's from a small place in Kansas. Blue has old fashioned values and because he thinks that Mitzi is just your average call girl he refuses to leave her In any sort of danger. He also wants to help Mitzi find the answers she needs.

With the law closing in on her, her and Blue decide to do a run. I won't say anything but if you love books with romance and suspense this the book for you.
71 reviews8 followers
January 3, 2015
Since I stayed up until 430 AM to finish it, I'm going to assume that means I should rate it five stars. Some facets of the story struck me as incredibly realistic and that the author did her homework, while some others were exaggerated much in the way you would expect of Hollywood. Does that detract from the story? I don't really think so. If anything, I would rate this 4.5 stars and deduct a minor amount for the whirlwind romance, however, that too is a common facet of romances. I can't find much to complain about with this story. Stunning dialogue between the characters. Blue feels like a real person.

If you want a clean romance that's an easy read, this is for you. Humorous and action-packed.
Profile Image for Jayne.
Author 15 books84 followers
March 8, 2015
Exceptionally good romantic suspense story. Really well written, with sparky dialogue and great character development. I immediately warmed to Mitzi, the tough cop on the run, and Blue, her mild-mannered cowboy accomplice. A real page turner, full of excitement and goodwill. Not much in the way of sex. This is a romance, not erotica, and the way the characters fall for each other over the duration of the book is sweet without being turgid or sickly. I'll definitely be checking out more of this author's writing.
Profile Image for Zeinab Dh.
1,635 reviews38 followers
January 17, 2016
I got this in exchange for an honest review, I am so happy that I got to read this one, I liked the story line and the main characters Mitzi and Blue I must say this one was wonderful to read I liked the suspense action mystery sparks that went all all at the same time I loved the crimes inside this one real great and also what is cool is how these characters are so much alike yet so different and the sparks fly like diamond in this one I dont like to spoil the story so read it to know and I am sure you will get addicted to these characters as I have
Profile Image for Dana.
392 reviews31 followers
October 10, 2014
I enjoyed this book from page one all the way through! There was never a dull moment and fell in love with these characters right off the bat. The mystery in this story kept me guessing all along and right up to the very end I had no idea how things were going to end. Mitzi is a great heroine, feisty and capable but still feminine. Blue is 6 feet and 4 inches of southern gentlemen and I just loved him! I definitely look forward to reading more from Kristi Cramer!
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