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Kate Waters #1
Empty Houses
Dudley, Arizona is an isolated desert town attracting people who need to escape. Kate Waters flees there following an abusive relationship. Phoenix cop Malcolm MacGregor comes to recover from the death of his wife. No one knows why Carrie and Wes Cooper arrived. But when they are shot dead, the town authorities’ first instinct is to protect the lucrative tourist trade and make a quick arrest – without asking too many questions.
Having once spoken to Carrie briefly, Kate becomes increasingly convinced that the wrong man has been arrested for the crime. Was the shooting random, or is there something in the victims’ history back east that would explain it? Teaming up with Malcolm MacGregor, Kate is about to uncover disturbing links between her own and Carrie’s past. Is Kate herself at risk?
Having once spoken to Carrie briefly, Kate becomes increasingly convinced that the wrong man has been arrested for the crime. Was the shooting random, or is there something in the victims’ history back east that would explain it? Teaming up with Malcolm MacGregor, Kate is about to uncover disturbing links between her own and Carrie’s past. Is Kate herself at risk?
- GenresMystery
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2015
3 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Betsy Thornton
17 books4 followersAka Beth Thornton.
Betsy Thornton is a contemporary American writer of mystery fiction novels set in the Southwestern United States.
Betsy Thornton is a contemporary American writer of mystery fiction novels set in the Southwestern United States.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 2, 2015
Having read and enjoyed all of Thornton's Chloe Newcombe mysteries which are also set in Dudley (a thinly disguised Bisbee), I was excited to see this first book in a new series. As I've come to expect from Thornton, the setting is vivid and adds so much texture to the story. In addition, the mystery kept me guessing from beginning to end. However, all the various parts of the book never really gelled into an enjoyable read for me.
Thornton inserts derogatory comments about Arizona SB1070 (the highly inflammatory immigration law) and the state's (lack of) gun control. I happen to agree with her on both counts, but if she feels that way about guns, why does one come in so handy in one particular scene? It certainly could have been written differently.
Although the book is listed as a "Kate Waters" mystery, Kate does very little investigating in the book. Instead it's MacGregor's expertise that is put to good use. I liked MacGregor even though he seems to be one of those men who are drawn to damsels in distress. He's a good investigator and a nice guy.
Kate Waters is certainly a damsel in distress. A very annoying one. I have to admit that she is the main drawback in this book. The woman has just escaped from an abusive relationship. She lives in fear that her ex will find her. She is extremely paranoid. All that being said, then why on earth did she go do something and leave her house unlocked for the entire day because she knows a friend will be stopping by? That almost beggars belief. And-- once again-- if Kate is so paranoid, why can she never remember to charge her cell phone? A bit difficult to call for help if her phone's dead, isn't it?
I did enjoy the mystery in Empty Houses, and as always, I can't get enough of the setting, but with Kate Waters as the main character, I doubt very much that I'll continue with this series. What a shame.
Thornton inserts derogatory comments about Arizona SB1070 (the highly inflammatory immigration law) and the state's (lack of) gun control. I happen to agree with her on both counts, but if she feels that way about guns, why does one come in so handy in one particular scene? It certainly could have been written differently.
Although the book is listed as a "Kate Waters" mystery, Kate does very little investigating in the book. Instead it's MacGregor's expertise that is put to good use. I liked MacGregor even though he seems to be one of those men who are drawn to damsels in distress. He's a good investigator and a nice guy.
Kate Waters is certainly a damsel in distress. A very annoying one. I have to admit that she is the main drawback in this book. The woman has just escaped from an abusive relationship. She lives in fear that her ex will find her. She is extremely paranoid. All that being said, then why on earth did she go do something and leave her house unlocked for the entire day because she knows a friend will be stopping by? That almost beggars belief. And-- once again-- if Kate is so paranoid, why can she never remember to charge her cell phone? A bit difficult to call for help if her phone's dead, isn't it?
I did enjoy the mystery in Empty Houses, and as always, I can't get enough of the setting, but with Kate Waters as the main character, I doubt very much that I'll continue with this series. What a shame.
October 22, 2016
I spent a day just last week in Bisbee, Arizona after reading one of Margaret Falk/J. Carson Black's mysteries that is set there. I've been down there quite a few times. I wandered the streets and some of the staircases on foot, and drove in and around and all over the place. So when I started reading this mystery (I've read all the Chloe Newcomb ones), I was RIGHT THERE. Bisbee (which for some reason Ms. Thornton calls Dudley) is one of the protagonists in this novel. There are lots of characters and they were really easy to keep track of. I like Kate. She's flawed in lots of little ways, and seems so real. I really like Malcolm, and I hope that he doesn't get dropped from the next in the series. He's not so flawed, he's pretty darned cool..... The mystery was well plotted and kept me guessing. The only thing I didn't like quite so much was the hopping back and forth from coast to coast as easily as they did. It's not that easy, believe me! The trips to Tucson and Phoenix were great, I was able to be right there with them. First book in a bit that I couldn't (or didn't want to) put down. I'm giving it a five (probably should be a 4 or 4.5) because I want its average to go up higher! Looking forward to #2!
June 23, 2025
Story by "cell phone". The movement of the narrative depends on whether the cell phone is charged, answered, left behind, checked or messages followed up. What kept me reading was the character of Malcolm. But I did wonder why an investigator, who thrives on stress, could leave an important cell phone message unanswered for days. This happened a lot - the use of delay in the narrative as a tactic by the author to try to create tension in the story. This is particularly evident in the splitting up of the chapters; for instance someone screams at the end of one chapter and the cause of the scream is delayed by one chapter. It's frustrating. I usually read ahead because the tension is contrived and false. I don't like this type of story structure. Malcolm definitely carried this story to the end for me.
May 8, 2022
more!
I need more by Betsy Thornton. This was a delightful read. I especially enjoyed the mention of places I know.
I need more by Betsy Thornton. This was a delightful read. I especially enjoyed the mention of places I know.
July 13, 2015
This is the first novel in a new ‘Kate Waters’ series and as an introduction to Kate, her life and her friends.
The story opens with Kate and her boyfriend, Harry Light, going out for a meal. But Harry isn’t always light and on this occasion he throws a major tantrum and shows a very dark side. This isn’t the first time he has verbally attacked Kate but she is determined it will be the last, especially as she has discovered that Harry has a gun. She gets home, packs her things and sets off to her friend Dakota’s home in Dudley, Arizona. Harry doesn’t know Dakota, or where she lives and Kate doesn’t leave a note.
No sooner has Kate settled in Dudley, then there is the annual Brewery Gulch festival, an excuse for major drinking and frolics; but this year two tourists are shot, and a local Latino boy, Chico, is found holding the gun. The Chamber of Commerce is anxious that the murderer be apprehended immediately so as to not put off valuable tourist trade, and so Chico is arrested and charged on the flimsiest of evidence.
There are three main, interwoven strands to this novel, and sometimes I did find it a little confusing. Kate experiences a series of disturbing events and is sure that Harry has discovered where she is; Chico’s defence lawyer employs Detective Malcolm MacGregor who is on leave following the suicide of his wife, as an investigator; and he and Kate find themselves becoming attracted to each other.
There is plenty of misdirection, interesting characters and enough twists to make this a satisfying and enjoyable read and I look forward to meeting Kate, and possibly Malcolm, as the series takes shape.—Pashtpaws
Best Selling Crime Thrillers were given an advanced copy of this book to review
The story opens with Kate and her boyfriend, Harry Light, going out for a meal. But Harry isn’t always light and on this occasion he throws a major tantrum and shows a very dark side. This isn’t the first time he has verbally attacked Kate but she is determined it will be the last, especially as she has discovered that Harry has a gun. She gets home, packs her things and sets off to her friend Dakota’s home in Dudley, Arizona. Harry doesn’t know Dakota, or where she lives and Kate doesn’t leave a note.
No sooner has Kate settled in Dudley, then there is the annual Brewery Gulch festival, an excuse for major drinking and frolics; but this year two tourists are shot, and a local Latino boy, Chico, is found holding the gun. The Chamber of Commerce is anxious that the murderer be apprehended immediately so as to not put off valuable tourist trade, and so Chico is arrested and charged on the flimsiest of evidence.
There are three main, interwoven strands to this novel, and sometimes I did find it a little confusing. Kate experiences a series of disturbing events and is sure that Harry has discovered where she is; Chico’s defence lawyer employs Detective Malcolm MacGregor who is on leave following the suicide of his wife, as an investigator; and he and Kate find themselves becoming attracted to each other.
There is plenty of misdirection, interesting characters and enough twists to make this a satisfying and enjoyable read and I look forward to meeting Kate, and possibly Malcolm, as the series takes shape.—Pashtpaws
Best Selling Crime Thrillers were given an advanced copy of this book to review
September 5, 2015
Enjoyable New Crime Series, 7 July 2015
This is the first novel in a new ‘Kate Waters’ series and as an introduction to Kate, her life and her friends.
The story opens with Kate and her boyfriend, Harry Light, going out for a meal. But Harry isn’t always light and on this occasion he throws a major tantrum and shows a very dark side. This isn’t the first time he has verbally attacked Kate but she is determined it will be the last, especially as she has discovered that Harry has a gun. She gets home, packs her things and sets off to her friend Dakota’s home in Dudley, Arizona. Harry doesn’t know Dakota, or where she lives and Kate doesn’t leave a note.
No sooner has Kate settled in Dudley, then there is the annual Brewery Gulch festival, an excuse for major drinking and frolics; but this year two tourists are shot, and a local Latino boy, Chico, is found holding the gun. The Chamber of Commerce is anxious that the murderer be apprehended immediately so as to not put off valuable tourist trade, and so Chico is arrested and charged on the flimsiest of evidence.
There are three main, interwoven strands to this novel, and sometimes I did find it a little confusing. Kate experiences a series of disturbing events and is sure that Harry has discovered where she is; Chico’s defence lawyer employs Detective Malcolm MacGregor who is on leave following the suicide of his wife, as an investigator; and he and Kate find themselves becoming attracted to each other.
There is plenty of misdirection, interesting characters and enough twists to make this a satisfying and enjoyable read and I look forward to meeting Kate, and possibly Malcolm, as the series takes shape.—Pashtpaws
Rating: Three Stars.
This is the first novel in a new ‘Kate Waters’ series and as an introduction to Kate, her life and her friends.
The story opens with Kate and her boyfriend, Harry Light, going out for a meal. But Harry isn’t always light and on this occasion he throws a major tantrum and shows a very dark side. This isn’t the first time he has verbally attacked Kate but she is determined it will be the last, especially as she has discovered that Harry has a gun. She gets home, packs her things and sets off to her friend Dakota’s home in Dudley, Arizona. Harry doesn’t know Dakota, or where she lives and Kate doesn’t leave a note.
No sooner has Kate settled in Dudley, then there is the annual Brewery Gulch festival, an excuse for major drinking and frolics; but this year two tourists are shot, and a local Latino boy, Chico, is found holding the gun. The Chamber of Commerce is anxious that the murderer be apprehended immediately so as to not put off valuable tourist trade, and so Chico is arrested and charged on the flimsiest of evidence.
There are three main, interwoven strands to this novel, and sometimes I did find it a little confusing. Kate experiences a series of disturbing events and is sure that Harry has discovered where she is; Chico’s defence lawyer employs Detective Malcolm MacGregor who is on leave following the suicide of his wife, as an investigator; and he and Kate find themselves becoming attracted to each other.
There is plenty of misdirection, interesting characters and enough twists to make this a satisfying and enjoyable read and I look forward to meeting Kate, and possibly Malcolm, as the series takes shape.—Pashtpaws
Rating: Three Stars.
April 12, 2015
I am a big fan of Betsy Thornton's mysteries set in one of my favorite states, Arizona, so I was excited about this new addition and another series start.
Kate Waters arrives in isolated Dudley, Arizona escaping from a boyfriend showing abusive tendencies and settles in somewhat with a job and a circle of friends. A couple on vacation are murdered, a local is arrested, case closed right? Malcolm MacGregor, a detective on leave from the Mesa, Arizona police department grieving the suicide of his wife, Cindy doesn't believe the local police have the right guy and old instincts kick in as he finds himself investigating the murders.
This book was a little difficult to get into. I felt the chapters did not flow as well as they could have with too many back and forth to suit me. But the end, well that is another matter and when you read it please remember it is worth it to keep going because you will love the ending.
I hope to see more of this series and the development of the characters.
Enjoy!
Kate Waters arrives in isolated Dudley, Arizona escaping from a boyfriend showing abusive tendencies and settles in somewhat with a job and a circle of friends. A couple on vacation are murdered, a local is arrested, case closed right? Malcolm MacGregor, a detective on leave from the Mesa, Arizona police department grieving the suicide of his wife, Cindy doesn't believe the local police have the right guy and old instincts kick in as he finds himself investigating the murders.
This book was a little difficult to get into. I felt the chapters did not flow as well as they could have with too many back and forth to suit me. But the end, well that is another matter and when you read it please remember it is worth it to keep going because you will love the ending.
I hope to see more of this series and the development of the characters.
Enjoy!
July 1, 2015
The first book in this series. I found a mystery with a lot of suspense with many twist and turns full of surprises.. The characters are will developed. Kate Waters is escaping from abusive boy friend and arrives to take a job in Dudley, Arizona. Homicide detective, Malcolm MacGregor ends up in Dudley on a vacation. Carrie and Wes Cooper are touristsand are murder with two single shots.. The tourist industry want quick solution and a Hispanic artist is found with the gun in his hands and is arrested. I had trouble following the story as it moved fast but once I was able to sort out the characters I was hooked to the story and found it difficult to put down. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Severn House 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.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Severn House 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.
May 5, 2015
Kate Waters has run away to Dudley to a friend's house, to escape an abusive relationship.
Cop Malcolm MacGregor is in Dudley to recover from his wife's death. The tiny touristy town of Dudley, is shocked when Carrie and Wes Cooper are shot dead. The local authorities arrest a local man, but MacGregor is pulled into the investigation by the suspect's sister, convinced that her brother is not capable of murder.
Kate is pulled into the investigation when she finds some disturbing links to the dead victims. Kate and Malcolm now need to act fast before the murderer strikes again.
A 3.5/5 read for me. A quick paced, interesting read with an unexpected ending.
Cop Malcolm MacGregor is in Dudley to recover from his wife's death. The tiny touristy town of Dudley, is shocked when Carrie and Wes Cooper are shot dead. The local authorities arrest a local man, but MacGregor is pulled into the investigation by the suspect's sister, convinced that her brother is not capable of murder.
Kate is pulled into the investigation when she finds some disturbing links to the dead victims. Kate and Malcolm now need to act fast before the murderer strikes again.
A 3.5/5 read for me. A quick paced, interesting read with an unexpected ending.
September 4, 2015
This book was hard to get interested in and I didn't enjoy it much. Kate Walers moved to a deset town where people go to escape. Phoenix cop has come to escape also. Carrie and Wes Cooper also arrive and are both shot. Kate has talked to Carrie once and is sure the wrong man has been arrested for the crime. Katie and the cop team up to find who really killed Carrrie and Wes.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews