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Zoe Chambers Mysteries #3
Bridges Burned
Paramedic Zoe Chambers is used to saving lives, but when she stops a man from running into a raging inferno in a futile attempt to rescue his wife, Zoe finds herself drawn to him, and even more so to his ten-year-old daughter. She invites them both to live at the farm while the grieving widower picks up the pieces of his life. Vance Township Police Chief Pete Adams, of course, is not happy with this setup, especially when he finds evidence implicating Zoe's new houseguest in murder times two. When Zoe ignores Pete's dire warnings, she runs the very real chance of burning one too many bridges, losing everything--and everyone--she holds dear.
276 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2015
225 people are currently reading
834 people want to read
About the author
Annette Dashofy
28 books502 followersAnnette Dashofy is the USA Today best-selling author of 12 novels in the multi Agatha Award nominated Zoe Chambers mystery series about a paramedic and deputy coroner in rural Pennsylvania’s tight-knit Vance Township. In addition, her standalone, Death by Equine, about a veterinarian at a second-rate thoroughbred racetrack, won the 2021 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award. The second in her new Detective Honeywell Mystery series, Keep Your Family Close, was released in December 2023. Her upcoming What Comes Around (Zoe Chambers #13) is scheduled for release in May 2024. Annette and her husband live on ten acres of what was her grandfather’s dairy farm in southwestern Pennsylvania with their very spoiled cat, Kensi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 15, 2019
It all starts with an explosion. One of the few houses in a new subdivision explodes after the residents report smelling gas. While EMT Zoe Chambers isn’t on duty, she rushes to the scene to offer whatever aid she can. While she is there, she stops the distraught owner from rushing in to see if his wife was home. Sadly, the wife’s remains are found in the rubble. The fire investigator also find evidence that the gas leak and explosion that killed her wasn’t an accident. While police chief Pete Adams, Zoe’s new boyfriend, immediately suspects the husband of setting things up, Zoe doesn’t believe it. It helps that she has begun bonding with the victim’s daughter. Both Pete and Zoe dig in their heels, certain that they are correct. Where will the facts lead? Will their relationship be destroyed before the truth is revealed?
With Zoe and Pete’s relationship being fairly new, this mystery really tests them. As always, both are prominent characters, even sharing time as our third person view point characters. That’s a good thing, too, since it allows us to better understand where they are coming from in their arguments and lets us see they both know when they might be wrong or did something stupid. But all this drama is only part of the book. While this might be a bit more of a procedural than the multiple suspect books I am used to reading, we still get plenty of twists and turns to the case and a climax that had me turning pages as fast as I could to see what would happen next. Obviously, Zoe and Pete are strong leads, but the rest of the cast are just as strong. Like the rest of the series, this book straddles the line between traditional and cozy with just a smattering of foul language and a bit more detail than in the books I normally read. Just know that going in, and you’ll be fine.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
With Zoe and Pete’s relationship being fairly new, this mystery really tests them. As always, both are prominent characters, even sharing time as our third person view point characters. That’s a good thing, too, since it allows us to better understand where they are coming from in their arguments and lets us see they both know when they might be wrong or did something stupid. But all this drama is only part of the book. While this might be a bit more of a procedural than the multiple suspect books I am used to reading, we still get plenty of twists and turns to the case and a climax that had me turning pages as fast as I could to see what would happen next. Obviously, Zoe and Pete are strong leads, but the rest of the cast are just as strong. Like the rest of the series, this book straddles the line between traditional and cozy with just a smattering of foul language and a bit more detail than in the books I normally read. Just know that going in, and you’ll be fine.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 1, 2020
I have been listening to the audio version of this book and love the mystery and the narration of it. This is a fantastic series that has made it very quick to one of my all-time favourites.
October 1, 2018
I usally like this series slightly more than this - but here Zoe is too close to the too stupid to live/foolhardy/willfully blind line for me. I like the mystery and continue to like the characters, but thought that this was needlessly manufacturing some of the conflict between Pete and Zoe.
January 4, 2015
Thank you to Henery Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review
Last year I had the great pleasure of experiencing my first novel by Annette Dashofy - Lost Legacy, the second book in the Zoe Chambers Mystery series (yes I started on Book 2!!) which was one of my five star reads of 2014.
I was really thrilled to see the third book in the series appear on my reading radar and as soon as it magically downloaded to my Kindle (seriously it never gets old, the pressing of the download button and seconds later "BAM" it is there ready to go!!) I got myself nice and comfy and found myself deeply involved in another mystery for Zoe.
A fire has broken out at a local housing development, when the responders turn up they are glad to find out that the house is no longer occupied but that feeling doesn't last for long as a distressed man tries to run in to the house, the reason - his wife is in there.
Pete Adams, the local police chief and Zoe's love interest sets about finding out what has happened, the discovery of a body in the house confirms that the man was unfortunately right his wife was indeed in the house, the man is Holt Farabee and the fire is another addition to his run of terrible luck, it is discovered that the Farabee's should not have been in the house in the first place, having defaulted on their mortgage they have been illegally squatting inside the house.
Farabee and his young daughter are understandably devastated and when it turns out that the fire may have been set deliberately Pete starts looking very closely in to Farabee and his past. Zoe in the meantime has problems of her own, a land developer has been sniffing around the farm and with the buildings costing more and more she fears that the home she loves may be taken from her plus her fledgling relationship with Pete is not quite getting of the ground.
Being the caring type Zoe offers Holt and his daughter a place to live in exchange for getting some work done about the farm, Pete needless to say in not pleased, he fears that Holt has had something to hide and it probably has to do with the death of his wife, because of this Pete and Zoe's relationship becomes strained.
Now as the story continues we meet other characters such as the family with a dispute over hedges (now it may not sound exciting but trust me it is very important) and the land developer who wants to buy the farm, little by little their stories become weaved together and this is what makes this book so good, you begin to believe that one character is the bad guy only to have another thrown in to the mix leading you down a different road.
Bridges Burned is great novel, it has plenty of twists and turns, intrigue, romance and humour. The characters are really well written and most importantly they are likeable. Annette does a great job of bringing everything to life and like all good series it is a pleasure to come back to it.
Awarded 5 out of 5
Last year I had the great pleasure of experiencing my first novel by Annette Dashofy - Lost Legacy, the second book in the Zoe Chambers Mystery series (yes I started on Book 2!!) which was one of my five star reads of 2014.
I was really thrilled to see the third book in the series appear on my reading radar and as soon as it magically downloaded to my Kindle (seriously it never gets old, the pressing of the download button and seconds later "BAM" it is there ready to go!!) I got myself nice and comfy and found myself deeply involved in another mystery for Zoe.
A fire has broken out at a local housing development, when the responders turn up they are glad to find out that the house is no longer occupied but that feeling doesn't last for long as a distressed man tries to run in to the house, the reason - his wife is in there.
Pete Adams, the local police chief and Zoe's love interest sets about finding out what has happened, the discovery of a body in the house confirms that the man was unfortunately right his wife was indeed in the house, the man is Holt Farabee and the fire is another addition to his run of terrible luck, it is discovered that the Farabee's should not have been in the house in the first place, having defaulted on their mortgage they have been illegally squatting inside the house.
Farabee and his young daughter are understandably devastated and when it turns out that the fire may have been set deliberately Pete starts looking very closely in to Farabee and his past. Zoe in the meantime has problems of her own, a land developer has been sniffing around the farm and with the buildings costing more and more she fears that the home she loves may be taken from her plus her fledgling relationship with Pete is not quite getting of the ground.
Being the caring type Zoe offers Holt and his daughter a place to live in exchange for getting some work done about the farm, Pete needless to say in not pleased, he fears that Holt has had something to hide and it probably has to do with the death of his wife, because of this Pete and Zoe's relationship becomes strained.
Now as the story continues we meet other characters such as the family with a dispute over hedges (now it may not sound exciting but trust me it is very important) and the land developer who wants to buy the farm, little by little their stories become weaved together and this is what makes this book so good, you begin to believe that one character is the bad guy only to have another thrown in to the mix leading you down a different road.
Bridges Burned is great novel, it has plenty of twists and turns, intrigue, romance and humour. The characters are really well written and most importantly they are likeable. Annette does a great job of bringing everything to life and like all good series it is a pleasure to come back to it.
Awarded 5 out of 5
April 17, 2015
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This is the third book in this series and it really kept me on my toes.
Zoe and Pete are trying to take their relationship to the next level but keep facing roadblock after roadblock. One major roadblock occurs when Zoe decides to help a man and his daughter after his wife dies in a tragic fire. Pete just doesn’t trust the guy and Zoe is following her gut instinct. When the evidence starts to point to the man Pete turns up the heat to keep him away from Zoe but she douses the flames by basically telling Pete to back off. Is her gut wrong? Is she the one that is going to get burned?
Annette Dashofy has pumped up this story with a huge bucket of suspense. I actually felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. Almost wanting to cover my eyes when I knew Zoe was going to take a huge dangerous step, or try to keep someone from barreling into a hazardous situation.
Zoe is such a strong woman and the author has written her so beautifully that we get to see her vulnerable side too. Her life could be in for some major changes but she continues to push ahead. Pete is strong as well and that is why they sometimes clash, he also cares deeply for Zoe but needs to learn to trust her. We see a bit of jealously rear its ugly head.
The supporting cast are also so well written. Zoe lives in a divided farmhouse where she also boards her horse. She helps out her landlord’s, the Kroll’s, by giving riding lessons and mucking out the stalls. The Kroll’s are facing hard times due to Mr. Kroll’s hospitalization and Mrs. Kroll is more worried about her husband than the bills that are stacking up. Mrs. Kroll becomes a key character in this story. We also meet Holt and Maddie Farabee. Maddie turns out to be a very wise 10 year old.
Dashofy is such a fantastic storyteller. The plot is full of twists and those anxious moments when the pages just can’t seem to fly fast enough. There was more than one point where I would feel my heart racing and my mind trying to read faster to see how things were going to play out.
I gave Lost Legacy, the second book in this series a Paradise Rating and this one has to get the same. Annette Dashofy has set the bar high. I cannot wait to see what she has planned for Zoe, Pete, and the rest Vance Township next.
This is the third book in this series and it really kept me on my toes.
Zoe and Pete are trying to take their relationship to the next level but keep facing roadblock after roadblock. One major roadblock occurs when Zoe decides to help a man and his daughter after his wife dies in a tragic fire. Pete just doesn’t trust the guy and Zoe is following her gut instinct. When the evidence starts to point to the man Pete turns up the heat to keep him away from Zoe but she douses the flames by basically telling Pete to back off. Is her gut wrong? Is she the one that is going to get burned?
Annette Dashofy has pumped up this story with a huge bucket of suspense. I actually felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. Almost wanting to cover my eyes when I knew Zoe was going to take a huge dangerous step, or try to keep someone from barreling into a hazardous situation.
Zoe is such a strong woman and the author has written her so beautifully that we get to see her vulnerable side too. Her life could be in for some major changes but she continues to push ahead. Pete is strong as well and that is why they sometimes clash, he also cares deeply for Zoe but needs to learn to trust her. We see a bit of jealously rear its ugly head.
The supporting cast are also so well written. Zoe lives in a divided farmhouse where she also boards her horse. She helps out her landlord’s, the Kroll’s, by giving riding lessons and mucking out the stalls. The Kroll’s are facing hard times due to Mr. Kroll’s hospitalization and Mrs. Kroll is more worried about her husband than the bills that are stacking up. Mrs. Kroll becomes a key character in this story. We also meet Holt and Maddie Farabee. Maddie turns out to be a very wise 10 year old.
Dashofy is such a fantastic storyteller. The plot is full of twists and those anxious moments when the pages just can’t seem to fly fast enough. There was more than one point where I would feel my heart racing and my mind trying to read faster to see how things were going to play out.
I gave Lost Legacy, the second book in this series a Paradise Rating and this one has to get the same. Annette Dashofy has set the bar high. I cannot wait to see what she has planned for Zoe, Pete, and the rest Vance Township next.
February 5, 2015
A wonderful third book in the story of Zoe and Pete. This time Zoe helps prevent an attractive man from entering a burning house to save his wife.The wife is lost to the fire, but Zoe then offers the man and his daughter refuge at the Kroll's farm where she lives. Pete is worried and jealous about Zoe's new friendship because he suspects the man may be guilty of his wife's murder. This plot really moves as we learn more about the man, the fire, the wife and the possibility that Pete is right and Zoe is wrong -- maybe dead wrong if she isn't careful. A terrific addition to the series. I could not put it down. Annette Dashovy just keeps getting better.
May 12, 2015
Zoe is a paramedic and stops a man rushing into a burning building to try to rescue his wife. She then offers him a home at her farm with his daughter.
The Police chief, Pete, is concerned about this as he suspects him of setting the fire to kill his wife. Lots of twists and turns where we consider who is right and whether Zoe could have put herself in danger. It puts a strain on their fledgling relationship- is he jealous?
This was part of a series I hadn’t read before- but I’m now keen to read more by this author.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book.
The Police chief, Pete, is concerned about this as he suspects him of setting the fire to kill his wife. Lots of twists and turns where we consider who is right and whether Zoe could have put herself in danger. It puts a strain on their fledgling relationship- is he jealous?
This was part of a series I hadn’t read before- but I’m now keen to read more by this author.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book.
Read
February 8, 2016“I’m a huge fan of Dashofy’s Zoe Chambers series...The action starts off with a bang and never lets up. Zoe's on the case, and she's a heroine you'll root for through the mystery's twists and turns—strong and bold, but vulnerable and relatable. I adore her, and you will, too.” – Lisa Scottoline, New York Times Bestselling Author
March 29, 2019
Kept me guessing
September 10, 2019
4.5 stars
A cracking little read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Would recommend.
A cracking little read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Would recommend.
April 9, 2015
Bridges Burned is the third book in Annette Dashofy's Zoe Chambers mystery series. It's an intensely suspenseful read and, I think, my favorite of the series to date. I so admire how Annette Dashofy brings her characters to life. She really gives each character a unique voice and that little detail is a huge reason why I so enjoy her writing and this series.
This book was a nail-biter, for sure! Zoe and Pete, friends and colleagues for some time, are navigating the waters of moving their friendship into a more romantic zone, but it certainly isn't going smoothly. Just as their romantic relationship is trying to find its feet, a fire breaks out--the results of which drive a wedge between Zoe and Pete. The tense moments between the pair are full of missteps and mis-communication and I worried constantly that their romance would be over before it ever really began.
I also found myself talking to this book as I read.
Honestly, it was like watching a scary movie when you shout at the screen that the killer is right behind that door! Don't go in there! I had been harboring feelings of suspicion for one of the characters right from the start and, as it turns out, my suspicions were well-founded! As the evidence that Zoe and Pete uncover along the course of the story emerged, I was more and more sure of my feelings about who the villain was - and I was trying my best to tell Zoe and Pete. But, alas, neither character listened to me until it was almost too late.
Bridges Burned is an engaging story full of intense and hypnotically suspenseful plot twists. I was engrossed in the story from the beginning and I'm really looking forward to what comes next. I feel that the story ended at just the right point--enough had been resolved and yet there are big threads left dangling, as well. Stay tuned! I know I sure will be!
My thanks to Henery Press, who gifted me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a nail-biter, for sure! Zoe and Pete, friends and colleagues for some time, are navigating the waters of moving their friendship into a more romantic zone, but it certainly isn't going smoothly. Just as their romantic relationship is trying to find its feet, a fire breaks out--the results of which drive a wedge between Zoe and Pete. The tense moments between the pair are full of missteps and mis-communication and I worried constantly that their romance would be over before it ever really began.
I also found myself talking to this book as I read.
Honestly, it was like watching a scary movie when you shout at the screen that the killer is right behind that door! Don't go in there! I had been harboring feelings of suspicion for one of the characters right from the start and, as it turns out, my suspicions were well-founded! As the evidence that Zoe and Pete uncover along the course of the story emerged, I was more and more sure of my feelings about who the villain was - and I was trying my best to tell Zoe and Pete. But, alas, neither character listened to me until it was almost too late.
Bridges Burned is an engaging story full of intense and hypnotically suspenseful plot twists. I was engrossed in the story from the beginning and I'm really looking forward to what comes next. I feel that the story ended at just the right point--enough had been resolved and yet there are big threads left dangling, as well. Stay tuned! I know I sure will be!
My thanks to Henery Press, who gifted me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2015
I absolutely love Annette Dashofy's Zoe Chamber's Mystery series.
Why?
It is set in a fictional county in PA that's near Pittsburgh. Mind you, when I started this series, it kind of through me, because I'm from the area and I knew there wasn't a Monongahela County.
In this book Zoe rescues a man from running into a burning building, only to find out his wife was in the house. The fire was caused by a natural gas explosion and Zoe finds herself getting a little close with the victim's family.
I had only one gripe with the story and that dealt with the foreclosure process. Being in the market for a house and finding all the houses I like are in foreclosure, I know that because of PA law, this house wouldnt' have been going up for sheriff sale that quickly. Foreclosures take forever. But I'll ignore that, because I love the story and because it played a part in the crime.
Holt Farrabee is the main suspect, but he is way too likable and his daughter is a fabulous character. I loved these two. You really connected with them and so did Zoe.
Usually, I can't figure out the whodunit, but for some reason with this book, I knew from the moment the character appeared, that he was the killer. I think that might be me though.
Annette really keep you on the edge of your seat with Zoe and Pete's relationship. These two really belong together and let's just say that things were very touch and go throughout this book.
This is a fast paced exciting mystery that will keep you reading from the time you open the book until you reach the last page.
Why?
It is set in a fictional county in PA that's near Pittsburgh. Mind you, when I started this series, it kind of through me, because I'm from the area and I knew there wasn't a Monongahela County.
In this book Zoe rescues a man from running into a burning building, only to find out his wife was in the house. The fire was caused by a natural gas explosion and Zoe finds herself getting a little close with the victim's family.
I had only one gripe with the story and that dealt with the foreclosure process. Being in the market for a house and finding all the houses I like are in foreclosure, I know that because of PA law, this house wouldnt' have been going up for sheriff sale that quickly. Foreclosures take forever. But I'll ignore that, because I love the story and because it played a part in the crime.
Holt Farrabee is the main suspect, but he is way too likable and his daughter is a fabulous character. I loved these two. You really connected with them and so did Zoe.
Usually, I can't figure out the whodunit, but for some reason with this book, I knew from the moment the character appeared, that he was the killer. I think that might be me though.
Annette really keep you on the edge of your seat with Zoe and Pete's relationship. These two really belong together and let's just say that things were very touch and go throughout this book.
This is a fast paced exciting mystery that will keep you reading from the time you open the book until you reach the last page.
May 3, 2015
Good third in the Zoe Chambers series.Things get complicated between Zoe and Pete as a complex mystery unfolds around them. People living in a house they were evicted from, a death, the possible loss of Zoe's home? Everything combines into a whirlwind mystery that keeps you guessing about which possible suspect could be the worst one of the bunch. I loved the commentary on the people who move out of the city to "enjoy" country life and then build fortresses and complain about the noises involved in country life!
Pete and Zoe are progressing their relationship from colleagues and friends to something more--well, maybe they are. It gets a bit complicated when a truly grieving but handsome Holt enters the picture with daughter Maddie, who Zoe quite falls in love with. Pete gets a job offer from Hawaii--but I won't spoil it for you by telling you his answer--after all, anything can happen, right? The ongoing payment of Zoe's debt to the coroner is really an interesting side plot. Where is she going in her career? What will help her figure it out? Looking forward to seeing what answers we get in book four!
Pete and Zoe are progressing their relationship from colleagues and friends to something more--well, maybe they are. It gets a bit complicated when a truly grieving but handsome Holt enters the picture with daughter Maddie, who Zoe quite falls in love with. Pete gets a job offer from Hawaii--but I won't spoil it for you by telling you his answer--after all, anything can happen, right? The ongoing payment of Zoe's debt to the coroner is really an interesting side plot. Where is she going in her career? What will help her figure it out? Looking forward to seeing what answers we get in book four!
April 7, 2015
A fast moving action cozy mystery and romance set in rural Pennsylvania. I the story moves along and will keep your attention and the characters are well developed. Zoe is a paramedic and responses to accidents. She lives on a farm and has two cats and horse. While Pete is the Police chief of the town. and investigates the accidents.
Pete is mediating a domestic dispute over the height of the hedges and an explosion is heard. Both Zoe and Pete arrive at the area and find a house has exploded. Zoe and Pete disagreed over who cause the explosion as Zoe has invited the owner and 8 year old daughter to live at her home. Pete feels she has invited a killer into her home. Zoe must fine the answers before she loses everything dead to her.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
Pete is mediating a domestic dispute over the height of the hedges and an explosion is heard. Both Zoe and Pete arrive at the area and find a house has exploded. Zoe and Pete disagreed over who cause the explosion as Zoe has invited the owner and 8 year old daughter to live at her home. Pete feels she has invited a killer into her home. Zoe must fine the answers before she loses everything dead to her.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
April 28, 2025
I enjoyed the first two in the series quite a bit. Zoe is a competent and interesting character. But this installment was a little bit of a let-down. Zoe is usually pretty smart but she was making some rash and unwise decisions in this one. And the silliness and fighting between Zoe and Pete was just too much for me and took away from the mystery, so I knocked off a star. I'll most likely read the next one, though.
February 6, 2015
Once again, I was privileged to read an advanced copy of this book.
A stellar third installment. The plot revs up fast and stays revved until the last page. I admire Dashofy for taking Zoe right to the edge - and perhaps dropping her off it, depending on your perspective. Facing a lot of loss, you see right into Zoe's heart.
And for those of you waiting for the Zoe/Pete relationship to settle itself, well, I can only say this book will not disappoint in that area, either.
A stellar third installment. The plot revs up fast and stays revved until the last page. I admire Dashofy for taking Zoe right to the edge - and perhaps dropping her off it, depending on your perspective. Facing a lot of loss, you see right into Zoe's heart.
And for those of you waiting for the Zoe/Pete relationship to settle itself, well, I can only say this book will not disappoint in that area, either.
April 7, 2015
A fast paced, fun, entertaining read that really had me guessing who was the killer until close to the very end. As usual another Henery Press publication did not fail to entertain. And Annette Dashofy does not fail In her third in the series of Zoe Chambers, a paramedic who is really wanting to be a CSI expert.
I highly recommend this, as well as, her other books.
Thank you Henery Press and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
I highly recommend this, as well as, her other books.
Thank you Henery Press and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2025
This is yet another series that I am enjoying more with every book. I love that it's set here in Pennsylvania, although in a fictional town in a fictional county. From its proximity to Pittsburgh, though, I have a general feel for the area, having lived there for several years on a couple of different occasions.
I like both Zoe and Pete, the main characters of these books, and like watching their very new relationship be tested as they work through real-life issues. This story alternates points of view - we hear Zoe's voice in one section, then Pete's in the next - so we understand what is influencing their respective opinions.
An explosion early in the book left one person dead, but it took a bit for the authorities to figure out that it was murder and not an accident. Zoe and Pete have differing opinions about who the chief suspect might be, but I had someone else entirely at the top of my list. I wasn't surprised to learn that I was right, although the motive wasn't quite what I thought it would be.
The next book from this series is in my audio library, and I can't wait to visit Monongahela County again for another visit with Zoe, Pete and the rest.
I like both Zoe and Pete, the main characters of these books, and like watching their very new relationship be tested as they work through real-life issues. This story alternates points of view - we hear Zoe's voice in one section, then Pete's in the next - so we understand what is influencing their respective opinions.
An explosion early in the book left one person dead, but it took a bit for the authorities to figure out that it was murder and not an accident. Zoe and Pete have differing opinions about who the chief suspect might be, but I had someone else entirely at the top of my list. I wasn't surprised to learn that I was right, although the motive wasn't quite what I thought it would be.
The next book from this series is in my audio library, and I can't wait to visit Monongahela County again for another visit with Zoe, Pete and the rest.
November 4, 2025
This series gets better for me with every new read. Bridges Burned is book three in the series, and I have had a hard time putting down all of the three I have read! I am so invested in Zoe and Pete's stories, the small town vibe and camaraderie, and the seriously intense mysteries. This book starts out with a literal bang, a house explodes with a victim inside, was this an accident or something more sinister? When Zoe prevents a frantic spouse from entering the inferno of the remaining house, she becomes invested in finding answers, unfortunately in this case she and Pete are seeing totally different pictures and perspectives and it is taking a toll on their growing relationship. This situation seems tied to a housing development and includes several townspeople who worked on the project. How will it all play out? You will be hard-pressed to put this down. I have already ordered the next three books in the series, and it is becoming an addiction! #BridgesBurned #AZoeChambersMystery #AnnetteDashofy #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
October 20, 2018
This is a great little mystery series. The characters are believable (though like any series you have to suspend belief that this much tragedy and mayhem could hit one town and character). My favorite thing is that the relationship between the two main characters is progressing slowly and with a few hitches, but it is moving along. Too many series don’t allow the characters to grow, change and develop. The mystery keeps you guessing until nearly the end, and there is plenty of suspense.
December 30, 2018
Seriously, every book gets better. I had to force myself to put the book down. Even though I knew the culprit very early on, the authorities wavering was so realistic, based on what they knew and didn't know at any given time. Zoe & Pete--all the characters--are amazing. Everything is strong writing-wise, and there aren't even any grammatical errors (thank the grammar gods). I cannot recommend this series highly enough. I know have two people on my must buy list.
July 27, 2023
I'm halfway through the fourth book, and I have to comment.
The books begin with a pretty interesting event which makes me want to read more. The secondary characters are interesting, including the suspects. However, the two main characters are driving me crazy.
Zoe throws temper tantrums when she doesn't get her own way. She argues with her "boyfriend," Chief of Police Pete Somebody, over almost everything. She noses her way into things she's not supposed to have anything to do with (like many other main characters of this kind of novel), she makes herself late for work and other appointments to "talk" to people about the murder. She's always crying about something, whining...she just makes me tired. I don't know what Pete sees in her.
But the same goes for Pete. He has a terrible temper. He slams his hands on the table, throws things, glares at people, tenses his jaw (many of the men in these books do that. They will get TMJ if they're not careful.) He very often grabs Zoe by the arm. Once when she did something he approved of, he gently chucked her on the chin and said, "Good girl." UGGGHHH.
Once they broke up, apparently temporarily, over nothing. The argument was so manufactured that it was unbelievable. Real reasons would be, "You act like a spoiled brat," and "Your temper is a warning to me."
The one character I like I think we're not supposed to like. Barnonick, the County police. He seems reasonable, he has a calm demeanor, he's smart, and he has a sense of humor. He'll probably end up getting killed. He's very refreshing compared to Pete and Zoey, who are always tense, guilt-ridden, glowering bundles of angst. They make me tired.
The books begin with a pretty interesting event which makes me want to read more. The secondary characters are interesting, including the suspects. However, the two main characters are driving me crazy.
Zoe throws temper tantrums when she doesn't get her own way. She argues with her "boyfriend," Chief of Police Pete Somebody, over almost everything. She noses her way into things she's not supposed to have anything to do with (like many other main characters of this kind of novel), she makes herself late for work and other appointments to "talk" to people about the murder. She's always crying about something, whining...she just makes me tired. I don't know what Pete sees in her.
But the same goes for Pete. He has a terrible temper. He slams his hands on the table, throws things, glares at people, tenses his jaw (many of the men in these books do that. They will get TMJ if they're not careful.) He very often grabs Zoe by the arm. Once when she did something he approved of, he gently chucked her on the chin and said, "Good girl." UGGGHHH.
Once they broke up, apparently temporarily, over nothing. The argument was so manufactured that it was unbelievable. Real reasons would be, "You act like a spoiled brat," and "Your temper is a warning to me."
The one character I like I think we're not supposed to like. Barnonick, the County police. He seems reasonable, he has a calm demeanor, he's smart, and he has a sense of humor. He'll probably end up getting killed. He's very refreshing compared to Pete and Zoey, who are always tense, guilt-ridden, glowering bundles of angst. They make me tired.
May 21, 2023
When a home explodes, killing a woman, paramedic Zoe Chambers takes in her daughter, Maddie, and husband, Holt Farabee, to help Zoe's landlady, Mrs. Kroll, repair things around the house and farm.
Zoe's on-off boyfriend, local Police Chief Pete Adams is not happy, partly through jealousy and also because he suspects that Holt had caused the explosion.
Thorough investigation shows that almost everyone questioned is lying for one reason or another, but the difficulty lies in joining the dots.
The crime is eventually solved through a confession and there is a dramatic finale.
"Bridges Burned" has a tendency to pay more attention to people than the plot. And, in fact the book could have been just as good without the crime.
It, however, what it is and that is just fine by me.
I particularly enjoyed the continuing 'almost' relationship between Zoe and Pete, every time they try to move romance along it backfires. The one thing that they never try is just sitting down and talking it through.
3.5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.
Zoe's on-off boyfriend, local Police Chief Pete Adams is not happy, partly through jealousy and also because he suspects that Holt had caused the explosion.
Thorough investigation shows that almost everyone questioned is lying for one reason or another, but the difficulty lies in joining the dots.
The crime is eventually solved through a confession and there is a dramatic finale.
"Bridges Burned" has a tendency to pay more attention to people than the plot. And, in fact the book could have been just as good without the crime.
It, however, what it is and that is just fine by me.
I particularly enjoyed the continuing 'almost' relationship between Zoe and Pete, every time they try to move romance along it backfires. The one thing that they never try is just sitting down and talking it through.
3.5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.
June 22, 2019
i just hate those twist endings! Paramedic Zoe Chambers and her fellow paramedics are becoming targets of a sniper. Setting them up with fake emergencies to lure them into being shot. Why is someone doing this to emergency responders? These men and women are only there to help others in emergency situations. As I listened to the book I was upset because I know how much good work these first responders do and couldn't figure out why someone would do this to them. I know it is just a book but it really bugged me! I became frustrated when suspects were eliminated and I could not figure out who was doing this and why. Finally the answer came and I could not believe it! I love these Zoe Chambers novels!!
October 25, 2022
Hard to say. The mystery was good. But on reading the reviews, I'd gotten the impression that the relationship thingy between the heroine paramedic and the police chief was going to put it over the edge for me...in a good way....
No. It just made me not like either of them very much. They were both so quick to call it quits and so stubborn about apologies. Not sensible and not even endearingly flawed. Maybe if I knew more of the backstory they both were bringing to the relationship, I might have understood them better.
That aside, with the mystery and the action being as good as they were, if there had only been a little more paramedic-type detail I'd have happily looked for the next book in the series. As it is, it stands as a big, confusing, maybe.
No. It just made me not like either of them very much. They were both so quick to call it quits and so stubborn about apologies. Not sensible and not even endearingly flawed. Maybe if I knew more of the backstory they both were bringing to the relationship, I might have understood them better.
That aside, with the mystery and the action being as good as they were, if there had only been a little more paramedic-type detail I'd have happily looked for the next book in the series. As it is, it stands as a big, confusing, maybe.
June 7, 2019
This fast paced third book in the Zoe Chambers series starts off with a literal bang, and and moves swiftly toward a satisfying conclusion. The characters and setting are just as endearing as in the first two novels, but the relationship between Zoe and Pete is changing. Their friendship/ work relationship is evolving, though rocky, as misunderstandings plague both sides. I am plainspoken and would not have allowed matters to fester, but Zoe has had previous difficulties with the men in her life--ones I've not faced--so, I won't judge. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery / crime elements of the story.
May 25, 2020
Great book! After a house explodes due to a gas leak and a woman is found dead, it seems that the woman's husband is a prime suspect. Zoe and Pete have some big disagreements in this book after Zoe invites Holt Larabee and his 10 year old daughter to live with her and her landlady and help fix some things around the property after his wife is killed. Someone seems to be setting things up to make it appear Holt is behind everything. A land developer also is hanging around trying to get Zoe's landlady to sell as well. Love these characters and the storyline was interesting. Can't wait for more!
August 10, 2022
This is such an under-marketed yet excellent traditional mystery series, referred to me by a national book reviewer.
The reader pretty much knows "whodunnit" early in the book. What takes its time is the rest of the cast of characters putting all of the clues together. There is a nice developing romance developing between the two main characters who basically fall into two categories: "frenemies" and "friends to lovers." There is a secondary story line too which beautifully melts into the main plot.
The small-town setting, handsome and caring sheriff, spunky dedicated horse-loving ambulance driver, the serious crime, and some light but heart-tugging scenarios all add up to a fine read.
The reader pretty much knows "whodunnit" early in the book. What takes its time is the rest of the cast of characters putting all of the clues together. There is a nice developing romance developing between the two main characters who basically fall into two categories: "frenemies" and "friends to lovers." There is a secondary story line too which beautifully melts into the main plot.
The small-town setting, handsome and caring sheriff, spunky dedicated horse-loving ambulance driver, the serious crime, and some light but heart-tugging scenarios all add up to a fine read.
February 22, 2024
This one as too brutal and triggering for me to rate fairly. Fire has been my biggest fear since I was a child and saw my neighbor's house burn to the ground. I absolutely hated the fires. I had to skip through the second fire when the main character was trapped in the basement. I absolutely hated that part of it. I would have given the whole book 1 star because I hated the subject matter so much. However, the book is well written, too well written for me. Too horrific. So I took my 1 star for content and my 5 stars for the actual writing, and averaged it out to 3 stars. I cannot recommend this book to anyone, but I won't let it sour me on the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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