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Pants on Fire: A Texas Private Investigator Mystery
Lying to Iris Raines is like throwing a boomerang—the truth always comes back hard.
This gritty Texas private investigator mystery is relentless and razor-sharp—where sabotage, cartel money, and dark family secrets collide in a dangerous game of truth and consequences.
Iris Raines doesn’t scare easy. Sharp-tongued, relentless, and backed by her St. Bernard, Festus, she’s built a career digging the truth out of the dung heap of deception. But when sabotage turns lethal, Iris finds herself caught between powerful enemies—and a client who isn’t telling her everything she needs to know.
South Texas restaurateur Quinten Farragut built his circus-themed dining empire on burgers, cheesy fries, and nostalgia—until sabotage turned his brand of family fun into deadly business. When poisoned food kills a customer and sickens dozens more, private investigator Iris Raines is hired to expose the saboteur before Farragut’s empire folds like a circus tent.
The deeper she digs, the clearer it this isn’t sabotage—it’s corporate warfare. A killer with nothing to lose, a client with everything to hide, and a cartel moving in for the kill leave Iris with one choice—expose the truth before it buries her.
She’s made a career exposing other people’s lies—but what happens when the truth cuts just as deep as the betrayal?
Fast-paced, fearless, and full of twists, Pants on Fire delivers another high-stakes ride with private investigator Iris Raines. Written by a licensed private investigator with decades in the field, Pants on Fire is perfect for fans of Sue Grafton, Sara Paretsky, and Robert Crais.
Prologue
Don’t lie to your PI. It’s a maxim for successful living…right up there with never stiff the hitman and don’t blow-dry your hair in the bathtub. Yet every day clients walk into the offices of PIs and lie just like rugs on the floor. How can they believe we’re going to resolve their current imbroglio without uncovering their own role in it?
If you’ve been a PI since lunch, you know that people do not end up slogging upstream, ass-deep in a river of alligators, without having somehow gotten into the water in the first place. However much of an asshole they may be, when we join their team, they become our assholes, and we keep their secrets and do every legal thing in our power to save them. It’s the job. We explain this to them ad nauseam. But they lie to us anyway.
Knowing this, my bullshit antenna is constantly scanning the environment for deception, like the spinning radars perched on the masts of warships. But this time I had no inkling—not until the first bullet hit my windshield.
This gritty Texas private investigator mystery is relentless and razor-sharp—where sabotage, cartel money, and dark family secrets collide in a dangerous game of truth and consequences.
Iris Raines doesn’t scare easy. Sharp-tongued, relentless, and backed by her St. Bernard, Festus, she’s built a career digging the truth out of the dung heap of deception. But when sabotage turns lethal, Iris finds herself caught between powerful enemies—and a client who isn’t telling her everything she needs to know.
South Texas restaurateur Quinten Farragut built his circus-themed dining empire on burgers, cheesy fries, and nostalgia—until sabotage turned his brand of family fun into deadly business. When poisoned food kills a customer and sickens dozens more, private investigator Iris Raines is hired to expose the saboteur before Farragut’s empire folds like a circus tent.
The deeper she digs, the clearer it this isn’t sabotage—it’s corporate warfare. A killer with nothing to lose, a client with everything to hide, and a cartel moving in for the kill leave Iris with one choice—expose the truth before it buries her.
She’s made a career exposing other people’s lies—but what happens when the truth cuts just as deep as the betrayal?
Fast-paced, fearless, and full of twists, Pants on Fire delivers another high-stakes ride with private investigator Iris Raines. Written by a licensed private investigator with decades in the field, Pants on Fire is perfect for fans of Sue Grafton, Sara Paretsky, and Robert Crais.
Prologue
Don’t lie to your PI. It’s a maxim for successful living…right up there with never stiff the hitman and don’t blow-dry your hair in the bathtub. Yet every day clients walk into the offices of PIs and lie just like rugs on the floor. How can they believe we’re going to resolve their current imbroglio without uncovering their own role in it?
If you’ve been a PI since lunch, you know that people do not end up slogging upstream, ass-deep in a river of alligators, without having somehow gotten into the water in the first place. However much of an asshole they may be, when we join their team, they become our assholes, and we keep their secrets and do every legal thing in our power to save them. It’s the job. We explain this to them ad nauseam. But they lie to us anyway.
Knowing this, my bullshit antenna is constantly scanning the environment for deception, like the spinning radars perched on the masts of warships. But this time I had no inkling—not until the first bullet hit my windshield.
- GenresMystery
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2026
72 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 14, 2026
This is a fast paced, non-stop thriller/mystery. Private Investigator Iris Raines starts what seems to be an easy assignment and is thrown from one adrenaline-packed situation to another. There is a lot to like about this book:
-- Iris is a smart, no-nonsense investigator with a lot to untangle from her past. She works for the family law firm and has a tight knit crew she pulls in as needed during her investigation. In this book, their client isn't being up front with his troubles, and Iris needs all the help she can get to get to the bottom of things.
-- I really liked when the story would focus on the friendship between Iris, Sean, and Robbie. They grew up together and have a long history. Outside of the PI case that Iris is working, someone from Sean's past shows up that threatens their friendship and Sean's wellbeing.
-- Iris isn't all business - she's trying to navigate her feelings for Special Ranger Finneas Rhodes. Is he too good to be true? Or is Iris' past preventing her from moving forward with her future?
If you enjoy a fast-paced thriller with a focus on strong characters and their development, don't miss this book!
This is the second book in the series - this book reflects a lot on past trauma that Iris experienced. I suspect some of it is spoilers for the first book. All that to say, you might want to pick up book 1 in the series before you read this one.
-- Iris is a smart, no-nonsense investigator with a lot to untangle from her past. She works for the family law firm and has a tight knit crew she pulls in as needed during her investigation. In this book, their client isn't being up front with his troubles, and Iris needs all the help she can get to get to the bottom of things.
-- I really liked when the story would focus on the friendship between Iris, Sean, and Robbie. They grew up together and have a long history. Outside of the PI case that Iris is working, someone from Sean's past shows up that threatens their friendship and Sean's wellbeing.
-- Iris isn't all business - she's trying to navigate her feelings for Special Ranger Finneas Rhodes. Is he too good to be true? Or is Iris' past preventing her from moving forward with her future?
If you enjoy a fast-paced thriller with a focus on strong characters and their development, don't miss this book!
This is the second book in the series - this book reflects a lot on past trauma that Iris experienced. I suspect some of it is spoilers for the first book. All that to say, you might want to pick up book 1 in the series before you read this one.
April 28, 2026
Allow at least two days for this educational, HEART STOPPING dark, twisted, complicated, contemporary, adult, missing heir, murder mystery procedural THRILLER, mostly around San Antonio, Texas, during September, featuring abduction, abuse, best-friends, betrayal, broken families, drugs, families, infidelity, mafia, magic, midlife, former military, PTSD, rescue, a spy, violence, war, corporate warfare, trail and game cameras, passive income, cyber magic, bite-size sliders, 28 Corinthian columns, snake leggings, topiary, low light settings, caliche powder, bullets, helicopters, DEA, the Texas and South West Cattle Raisers Association, kale smoothies, espresso, bloodthirsty litigators, nosemail, security clearances, flying commercial, a bad moon rising, rosacea, Tyvek suits and face masks, hypoglycemia, Tums, outside experts, bacillus cereus, bursting a delusional bubble, new hires, vandalism, a shootout, cupcakes, dumpster diving, undermining, a Garbage Gobbler, Gamblers Anonymous, The Great Fog of London, the International Practical Shooters Confederation, arson; truth, justice, and the American way; a touch of romance, the Nine of Swords, the Wheel of Fortune, The World, sausage-on-a-stick, The Derailers, a carousel, ten Hail Celeries and five Our Organics; giddiness, location unavailable, biological warfare, substantial tradecraft expertise, milk protein concentrate, mouse ears, government corruption, the string on a sugar sack, the insurance bunny, Kevlar, a grain elevator, ATF, bomb sweeps, one mile clearance, live bull riding, mental floss, turning into a pumpkin, rustling, laundering, a harem, Robber Baron 101, exasperation, TARFU, a shield with lightning, Rangers Lead the Way, a bomb robot, a Guadalajara drug cartel, Bambi vs. Godzilla, digital steganography, telephone cypher, Big Top Burgers, cogitation, a vortex, Special Forces, Allways Security, shake-rattle-and-roll, Sandy Does San Antonio International, a facilitator in the adult entertainment industry, a purveyor of recreational substances, Babydoll, paperwork, forms, the Red Enchilada, charm school, the French Foreign Legion, a renaissance man, World Narcolepsy Day, running shoes, possessiveness, Find My, Prince Solms Caverns, Texas A&M, the Castle on the Hill, criminal justice, ranch management, fire toxins, emergency access evacuation, acrylonitrile, DEFCON 1, Living Our Best Life. Sisterhood of Hope, Mr. Coffee, Mrs. Tea, relief, SSNVER, a honey trap, Miss Daisy, a free-fire zone, the Omar Washington Executive Protection Agency, Beethoven, a Stunt Driving School, a Batmobile, other threats, greed, lust, and family dysfunction.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2026
Pants on Fire: A Texas Private Investigator Mystery by Denise Diana Huddle delivers a fast-paced, hardboiled private investigator narrative grounded in procedural realism and regional authenticity. The novel follows Iris Raines, a sharp, experienced PI operating in South Texas, whose investigative instincts and moral rigidity are tested when a case of suspected sabotage escalates into lethal violence.
The inciting incident, a mass food poisoning event linked to a themed restaurant empire, quickly expands beyond simple sabotage into a layered conflict involving corporate warfare, financial pressure, and organized criminal influence. The introduction of cartel involvement significantly raises the stakes, shifting the narrative from localized mystery to broader systemic threat.
Iris Raines is positioned as a classic hardboiled protagonist: pragmatic, skeptical, and professionally hardened, with her St. Bernard, Festus, adding a grounding detail that humanizes her without diluting the intensity of her investigative role. Her narrative voice, reinforced in the prologue, establishes a clear thematic focus on deception, client dishonesty, and the professional burden of uncovering uncomfortable truths.
Structurally, the novel emphasizes escalating risk. What begins as investigative work quickly becomes personal survival, particularly after direct violence enters the equation. This progression aligns the book with contemporary PI thrillers that prioritize momentum, danger escalation, and moral ambiguity over procedural routine.
From a market perspective, Pants on Fire fits firmly within gritty private investigator fiction and Texas-set crime thrillers. Its appeal is strongest among readers who enjoy procedural authenticity, morally complex cases, and high-stakes criminal ecosystems involving corporate and cartel intersections.
The inciting incident, a mass food poisoning event linked to a themed restaurant empire, quickly expands beyond simple sabotage into a layered conflict involving corporate warfare, financial pressure, and organized criminal influence. The introduction of cartel involvement significantly raises the stakes, shifting the narrative from localized mystery to broader systemic threat.
Iris Raines is positioned as a classic hardboiled protagonist: pragmatic, skeptical, and professionally hardened, with her St. Bernard, Festus, adding a grounding detail that humanizes her without diluting the intensity of her investigative role. Her narrative voice, reinforced in the prologue, establishes a clear thematic focus on deception, client dishonesty, and the professional burden of uncovering uncomfortable truths.
Structurally, the novel emphasizes escalating risk. What begins as investigative work quickly becomes personal survival, particularly after direct violence enters the equation. This progression aligns the book with contemporary PI thrillers that prioritize momentum, danger escalation, and moral ambiguity over procedural routine.
From a market perspective, Pants on Fire fits firmly within gritty private investigator fiction and Texas-set crime thrillers. Its appeal is strongest among readers who enjoy procedural authenticity, morally complex cases, and high-stakes criminal ecosystems involving corporate and cartel intersections.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to the author for the ARC of Pants on Fire
Another excellent novel by Denise Diana Huddle. I loved this story and the characters. There were lots of themes that wove together and made the story really interesting with lots of twists. Get ready to stay up late reading, you won't want to put this book down, not a dull moment!
The author does a really great job keeping the reader engaged with lots of description of people and places and events. I loved Iris' character, and her dog Festus. They certainly have their fair share of adventure and threats throughout this novel. I loved the intro of new characters into Iris' world and also the characters we became familiar with in her previous novel.
I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading more books by Diana.
I really appreciate the opportunity to read this novel in advance of the publish date❤️
Another excellent novel by Denise Diana Huddle. I loved this story and the characters. There were lots of themes that wove together and made the story really interesting with lots of twists. Get ready to stay up late reading, you won't want to put this book down, not a dull moment!
The author does a really great job keeping the reader engaged with lots of description of people and places and events. I loved Iris' character, and her dog Festus. They certainly have their fair share of adventure and threats throughout this novel. I loved the intro of new characters into Iris' world and also the characters we became familiar with in her previous novel.
I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading more books by Diana.
I really appreciate the opportunity to read this novel in advance of the publish date❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Although her assignment seems simple: find out who is poisoning the customers of a hamburger chain; but, life becomes very complicated and dangerous for Iris, her family and friends.
Iris is still recovering from her last assignment, but she’s ready to tackle this problem, not realizing the danger she would be in. She is involved in more life and death situations than you can imagine and yet it all seems realistic. Thankfully, she has a team that’s there to assist.
The Iris Raines books are full of interesting characters from hackers to snipers to lawyers and undercover Rangers.
The writing is tight and suspenseful and keep you turning the pages. Huddle does a great job of character development and plot twists.
If you are looking for a book about a strong, independent woman who takes on all the challenges thrown at her, this is the book. It will not disappoint.
Iris is still recovering from her last assignment, but she’s ready to tackle this problem, not realizing the danger she would be in. She is involved in more life and death situations than you can imagine and yet it all seems realistic. Thankfully, she has a team that’s there to assist.
The Iris Raines books are full of interesting characters from hackers to snipers to lawyers and undercover Rangers.
The writing is tight and suspenseful and keep you turning the pages. Huddle does a great job of character development and plot twists.
If you are looking for a book about a strong, independent woman who takes on all the challenges thrown at her, this is the book. It will not disappoint.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Iris really has her hands full this time.
She's investigating who's poisoning customers at a restaurant and she's also trying to find the legal owner of a huge lot of land. Little does she know the tangled web of lies she's about to run into.
And if that's not enough her best friend is in trouble but refuses to admit it and keeps trying to push everyone away.
This is a well written story with twists and turns that will keep you reading well into the night. You're not going to want to put it down.
Iris is a well written character who is not afraid to ask for help from friends and family. With Iris's brains and knowledge about research and the brawn and connections of her friends they can bring down the bad guys.
A great addition to the series and highly recommend.
I was honored to read an early copy and this is my honest opinion.
She's investigating who's poisoning customers at a restaurant and she's also trying to find the legal owner of a huge lot of land. Little does she know the tangled web of lies she's about to run into.
And if that's not enough her best friend is in trouble but refuses to admit it and keeps trying to push everyone away.
This is a well written story with twists and turns that will keep you reading well into the night. You're not going to want to put it down.
Iris is a well written character who is not afraid to ask for help from friends and family. With Iris's brains and knowledge about research and the brawn and connections of her friends they can bring down the bad guys.
A great addition to the series and highly recommend.
I was honored to read an early copy and this is my honest opinion.
April 7, 2026
This book is a great addition to the series. Iris makes her living off her instincts and the ability to see/find information others want to keep hidden. So much happened the first two books that if you haven't read, I highly suggest you do and read them first. You can read this as a standalone, but you'll get some spoilers for book before it and I don't think you'll truly understand the character dynamics/emotions that come into play here. I read this book and had to sit with it for a little bit because I felt Iris really went through it in this one. Her relationships are so realistic because she wants to trust herself, but she also doesn't quite trust her judgement in matter of the heart. If you love mystery, suspense and book that will have you turning pages until you're done then get this one! I really had a bit of book hangover after this one.
April 8, 2026
An interesting premise
The PI in this mystery is also the adopted daughter of lawyer brothers who have her work with them as a way to build both of their businesses. Her trusty sidekick is a huge and highly trained dog named Festus. She’s an endless magnet for trouble as she tries to solve her clients’ problems, which are always more complicated than they look at first. Then there’s the problem that her PI clients keep showing a tendency to lie to her as they hire her. Why would you lie if you want something solved? It seems unlikely that Iris will ever solve that mystery about her clients, but she keeps working to solve their problems anyway.
Interesting premise and lots of twists, a lot of swearing that seems truly unnecessary and disruptive to the flow of the narrative, but overall it’s an entertaining book.
The PI in this mystery is also the adopted daughter of lawyer brothers who have her work with them as a way to build both of their businesses. Her trusty sidekick is a huge and highly trained dog named Festus. She’s an endless magnet for trouble as she tries to solve her clients’ problems, which are always more complicated than they look at first. Then there’s the problem that her PI clients keep showing a tendency to lie to her as they hire her. Why would you lie if you want something solved? It seems unlikely that Iris will ever solve that mystery about her clients, but she keeps working to solve their problems anyway.
Interesting premise and lots of twists, a lot of swearing that seems truly unnecessary and disruptive to the flow of the narrative, but overall it’s an entertaining book.
April 20, 2026
4.5*+ ARC Review - Pants on Fire
The book starts with a case that appears to be corporate espionage, and Iris is on the case to figure out who is causing the problems for their Circus Burger client. At the same time, she is conducting a title search for the client’s property that dates back decades. While working on these cases, Iris meets Special Ranger Finneas Rhodes and his K-9 partner, Bella. Many of the secondary characters are from the first book, and I would highly recommend reading that one before this book.
The book has plenty of action and twists that will keep you guessing about who might be after Iris now. It is a really good story that will keep you reading, not just about her case but what is going on in Iris’ life. I was introduced to this author from a posting about her ARC group, and I have become a big fan. Now I am planning to read more from her catalog.
The book starts with a case that appears to be corporate espionage, and Iris is on the case to figure out who is causing the problems for their Circus Burger client. At the same time, she is conducting a title search for the client’s property that dates back decades. While working on these cases, Iris meets Special Ranger Finneas Rhodes and his K-9 partner, Bella. Many of the secondary characters are from the first book, and I would highly recommend reading that one before this book.
The book has plenty of action and twists that will keep you guessing about who might be after Iris now. It is a really good story that will keep you reading, not just about her case but what is going on in Iris’ life. I was introduced to this author from a posting about her ARC group, and I have become a big fan. Now I am planning to read more from her catalog.
Review of advance copy
Y’all, it’s gritty, fast, and packed with bite. What starts as food sabotage at a circus-themed restaurant (hello greasy burgers and neon chaos 🍔🎪) quickly spirals into poisoned customers, cartel money, and secrets that stink worse than spoiled fries.
Iris is sharp-tongued, relentless, and backed by her scene-stealing St. Bernard, Festus 🐶—and she does not play when it comes to lies. The deeper she digs into Quinten Farragut’s crumbling empire, the clearer it gets: this isn’t sabotage… it’s war.
The writing is tight, punchy, and full of attitude, with tension you can practically taste. Every reveal hits hard, every twist lands.
If you like your mysteries gritty, snarky, and unapologetically bold—this one delivers 🔥
Iris is sharp-tongued, relentless, and backed by her scene-stealing St. Bernard, Festus 🐶—and she does not play when it comes to lies. The deeper she digs into Quinten Farragut’s crumbling empire, the clearer it gets: this isn’t sabotage… it’s war.
The writing is tight, punchy, and full of attitude, with tension you can practically taste. Every reveal hits hard, every twist lands.
If you like your mysteries gritty, snarky, and unapologetically bold—this one delivers 🔥
April 7, 2026
3.5 rounded up! This PI mystery thriller follows Iris as she investigates a poisoning connected to a fast food spot, and the case quickly opens up into something bigger. There are a lot of moving parts in this story—multiple players and side plots—which made it a bit challenging at times to keep track of everything.
That said, the investigation itself kept my attention throughout, and I enjoyed following along as the pieces came together. I also liked the hint of romance between Iris and Finn. I honestly would’ve loved to see that developed a bit more.
Overall, a solid mystery with an engaging lead and a storyline that keeps you interested. Thank you to the author for the free advanced copy!
That said, the investigation itself kept my attention throughout, and I enjoyed following along as the pieces came together. I also liked the hint of romance between Iris and Finn. I honestly would’ve loved to see that developed a bit more.
Overall, a solid mystery with an engaging lead and a storyline that keeps you interested. Thank you to the author for the free advanced copy!
April 28, 2026
Buckle up when you get on board for this one! Iris Raines is buffeted from several sides at once as she sets off to investigate a seemingly trivial case of arson. Her situation swiftly swirls into a whirlwind involving corporate espionage and malfeasance, along with a conflagration set for her by a cartel. The combined efforts of their minions have one goal in mind: to bring a quick and violent end to Iris and everyone she holds dear.
The true virtue of the story is not just how our heroine grapples with the repeated deadly attacks of her opponents. Rather it is a remarkable tale of how even mortal threats can be overcome through the united efforts of people (and canines!) who truly care for one another.
A great, page-turning read that will both intrigue and inspire you.
I loved it!
The true virtue of the story is not just how our heroine grapples with the repeated deadly attacks of her opponents. Rather it is a remarkable tale of how even mortal threats can be overcome through the united efforts of people (and canines!) who truly care for one another.
A great, page-turning read that will both intrigue and inspire you.
I loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Iris has a lot going on in this novel and is still suffering from PTSD from previous cases where she barely survived with her life. She accepts a case that seems fairly easy to resolve until she learns that her client isn’t telling her the truth. The case gets very complicated and lives, including hers, are at stake. She has good people around her that will do anything to protect her.
This novel has multiple situations going on and twists that keep you on your toes. The character building and background history are excellent. The characters de briefing at the end was a huge help for me.
Thank you Denise (author)
This novel has multiple situations going on and twists that keep you on your toes. The character building and background history are excellent. The characters de briefing at the end was a huge help for me.
Thank you Denise (author)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was action packed. PI Iris Raines is juggling multiple threads in an investigation for one of her fathers' law firm's clients. Threats are coming from everywhere. Luckily. Iris has a lot of people she can rely on when things go bad. But she is missing the support of her best friend. Will that relationship be mended?
I love the characters (including Iris' Saint Bernard, Festus), the plot, and the setting. The setting covers San Antonio, Austin, south Texas and the Texas Hill Country.
I highly recommend it.
I love the characters (including Iris' Saint Bernard, Festus), the plot, and the setting. The setting covers San Antonio, Austin, south Texas and the Texas Hill Country.
I highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the first page to the last word, I felt engaged in the story. The various characters felt real—with flaws and emotions. The setting (Texas) was unfamiliar to me but I could picture the scenes. There was lots going on throughout the story, but it was woven together so it felt like the pieces were discovered the same way a PI would reveal the clues in a case. The themes of family, friends, loyalty and support, past influencing future, and PTSD flowed seamlessly. I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is fast paced, humorous, interesting….you got the picture, it’s great! It follows Iris Raines thru her life with2 dads, and her work as a private eye. She has been thru lots of danger in her life and sees a therapist to deal with “stuff”. She has special friends that she has known most of her life that all band together when danger shows its ugly face, and it does frequently. This story mostly deals with trying to clear up a mistake of a local business years ago that ends up several attempted murders, and the almost broken trust of a friend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reviewed Advanced Reader Copy review ed by Author
Pants on fire is a first-person detective style, but it’s also playful and full of personality . Iris Raines speaks with sarcasm, humor, and a very lived-in Texas sensibility, which keeps the tone lively even when the plot turns violent. it liked the blends of ranch sabotage, cartel-level danger, family secrets, and romantic tension into the story that feels both gritty and entertaining. it was a roller coaster of emotions that made the story exciting.
Pants on fire is a first-person detective style, but it’s also playful and full of personality . Iris Raines speaks with sarcasm, humor, and a very lived-in Texas sensibility, which keeps the tone lively even when the plot turns violent. it liked the blends of ranch sabotage, cartel-level danger, family secrets, and romantic tension into the story that feels both gritty and entertaining. it was a roller coaster of emotions that made the story exciting.
April 7, 2026
Lots of twists and turns to keep your interest. Iris Raines, a Texas private investigator, jumps into a case where customers are being poisoned at a local restaurant. She doesn’t realize how dangerous the sabotage is until someone dies. Then she realizes the client isn’t sharing all information with her, and she must expose the truth before more die. The action keeps the reader moving along! I really enjoyed this book!
Received an ARC from the author. My first read from this author but I will not hesitate to read another.
Received an ARC from the author. My first read from this author but I will not hesitate to read another.
April 9, 2026
Thanks to the author, Denise Diana Huddle, for the ARC of this book! I was completely captivated immediately and read the entire book the first day. Iris is a PI who is a strong woman that doesn't mess around to get the job done. There are interesting characters, lots of twists and action. Iris is dealing with PTSD from her recent past which is continually coming back to haunt her. Although this is a stand alone book, I can't wait to go back and read the first in this series, Hell to Pay. I also look forward to the upcoming books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A definite page turner. The action never stops. Some heart stopping moments though. Several interesting characters. It appears that family is whatever one makes. Solid relationships and some questionable ones. Clever story. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary. I had to buy the first one in this series before I even finished this one. Lots has happened to Iris Raines including PTSD. Never thought about it relating to anyone but soldiers.
March 26, 2026
Glad I downloaded this preview copy. A fast-paced detective series with lots of action. PI Iris Gaines is on a new case after recovering from her last one. With the help of her good friends, Sean and Robbie, she is helping a south Texas restaurateur figure out who is sabotaging his business. Along with her trusty dog, Festus, Iris never gives up no matter what gets thrown at her. Thanks to the author for this free copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, what a jammed packed action bombed story you will not want to put down from start to finish. There were so many things I enjoyed about this book. The characters were wonderful and flawed but they made you invested in them. Festus, the great St. Bernard and trusted side kick of Iris stole the show. This book is a must read if you like a private investigator story with excitment.
This was a complimentary ARC read that I reviewed voluntarily.
This was a complimentary ARC read that I reviewed voluntarily.
April 6, 2026
Pants on Fire, the second Iris Raines book, is a face-paced wild ride. In attempting two jobs at once she discovers that all is not what is seems in either and is it one or both trying to get her killed? Is the new man interest in her life part of it, since he seems to be around when things go wild? Or is his interest genuine? Corporate warfare and cartels mix it up with Iris, and the journey isn't pretty. Hang on for the ride in one, and don't miss the destination!
April 7, 2026
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review. A great suspenseful edge of the seat thriller that kept me reading late into the night. That one more chapter turned into more but well worth the late nights reading. Iris has a tough case with her client Quinten leaving key details out and a great side kick in Festus. A great second book in a nail biting series that kept me guessing until the end
April 8, 2026
Voluntary review of advanced reader copy.
Action packed mystery thriller with several characters that intertwined together beautifully. I found myself staying up late and missing sleep. Short chapters with fast paced action. One minute there’s a shootout, next chapter people are poisoned, another shootout, a car accident, more poison, bombs…Buckle up because this novel will have you on the edge of your seat anxious to see what happens next!
Action packed mystery thriller with several characters that intertwined together beautifully. I found myself staying up late and missing sleep. Short chapters with fast paced action. One minute there’s a shootout, next chapter people are poisoned, another shootout, a car accident, more poison, bombs…Buckle up because this novel will have you on the edge of your seat anxious to see what happens next!
April 20, 2026
Really liked this book , but kept getting thrown off by the different story lines or I would have given it 5 stars. It probably is my 82 year old brain which works a little slower these days and probably a younger reader would have less trouble keeping focus. I loved the characters, and the book had some very interesting sub plots going. First book I have read by this author and I received the book free from her before the publication date.
March 23, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author.
This was my first book by Denise Diana Huddle, I will be reading more from her.
I loved the story and characters, including Festus the Saint Bernard. Iris has a lot of people that she relies on when things get difficult. It was fast paced with themes of family and friends, PTSD, loyalty and addiction.
This was my first book by Denise Diana Huddle, I will be reading more from her.
I loved the story and characters, including Festus the Saint Bernard. Iris has a lot of people that she relies on when things get difficult. It was fast paced with themes of family and friends, PTSD, loyalty and addiction.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I only gave this 4 stars because of the violence. There was too much violence for me. BUT, I do like the characters, I loved the twists, the fun references to 60's sitcoms and that it takes place in San Antonio (I lived there for year). It is very well written and it kept me involved. Looking forward to book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book received for free in exchange for an honest review
I really liked this book. It's a really fast-paced read, full of action and twists. I really love the main character, Iris. She is strong and brave but also real and honest. The supporting characters are also really great and I enjoy the relationship between them and Iris. I can't wait to read the next one.
I really liked this book. It's a really fast-paced read, full of action and twists. I really love the main character, Iris. She is strong and brave but also real and honest. The supporting characters are also really great and I enjoy the relationship between them and Iris. I can't wait to read the next one.
Review of advance copy
Okay, so Iris Raines is basically a badass. You don’t want to mess with her, and her St. Bernard Festus is hilarious. The story’s full of sabotage, cartel chaos, and family drama, and it keeps you turning pages. Some bits felt a little rushed, but honestly, it’s a really fun, gritty mystery. If you like a smart, sassy PI who doesn’t take crap from anyone, you’ll enjoy this one.
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