What would you do if someone murdered your best friend and mentor?
Private investigator Harry Starke owes his career to Frank Callahan, the tough-as-nails detective who trained him as a young cop. But when Frank is found brutally murdered in his own home, Harry can’t let it go.
The crime scene reveals a chilling photos from the unsolved Riverside Strangler case—ten women killed along the Tennessee River a decade ago. Frank had spent his retirement obsessed with the case, convinced something vital had been overlooked. His final note left Harry “Catherine Wells is still alive.” Wells was supposed to be the fourth victim.
As Harry follows the trail, he uncovers a conspiracy buried deep in the city’s power structure—corruption so dangerous that people are willing to kill again to keep it hidden. Now, someone is watching Harry’s every move… and they’ll do whatever it takes to silence him.
Harry must walk away, or risk his own life to expose the truth.
Blair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
i realky do love reading this series and the companion Kate series, it just feels like you are part of the family. i do love how Jade is growing up and brings humour to the situation.
the story itself was interesting with lots of different tangents and kept me engaged working out how it was going to resolve.
August, 2014, while doing her normal jog along the Riverwalk in Chattanooga, Jennifer Morrison became aware of someone following her. While she always had her cell phone and pepper spray with her, she was unable to get the spray out of her running jacket before she is attacked. Jennifer became the first of ten women that were murdered along the same stretch of land over the next eighteen months. Detective Frank Callahan was one of the policeman who was assigned to those cases.
Fast forward ten years, Harry was at home with his family, planning a fishing trip with his daughter, when Kate called him. Right from the start Harry knew something bad had occurred. Kate told Harry the sad news, Frank Callahan had been murdered. Since both Harry and Kate had worked with Frank before Frank retired and was Harry's mentor when Harry had joined the police department. While Harry was no longer a police detective Kate was sure that Frank would want Harry involved in helping to solve “Who Killed Frank?” It turned out that Frank was never able to solved the case of the ten murdered joggers from ten years earlier. Frank was sure that something were not quite right with parts of the murdered joggers investigations. Since his retirement he had been spending a lot of time and money in trying to finally solve those ten cases from years earlier.
With permission from Police Chief Johnston for Harry to help solve the mystery of who and why Frank was killed. During the investigation Kate and Harry found out that Frank was also trying to solve possible police corruption, since it may have included the murders of the ten joggers. Frank was also determined to prove that one of the joggers had survived her attack and was still alive, even though her parents say otherwise.
Can Harry and Kate solve who Killed Frank, and at the same time figure out was police corruption was going on for years as Frank believed there was. One thing was sure, there was something going on since it turns out that some of the information that Frank had received was a FBI agent, working undercover in the Chattanooga Police Department for three years investigating possible corruption within the CPD. That agent had died in a suspicious car accident six months earlier.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Jennifer Morrison 10 years earlier being attacked and killed by an individual known as the Riverside Strangler who was responsible for 10 attacks. The detective that was the lead, Frank Callahan, was a mentor of Harry. The story picks up 10 years later when Harry has promised his daughter Jade to go fishing the next day. Harry Harry has just put Jade to bed when he receives a call from Kate. He learns that Frank had been murdered. Upon arriving at Frank's home and examining the scene, a display is on the floor which depicts the 10 victims of the strangler. Harry joins the investigation with the police and returns back to the scene the following day and discovers something that may throw a different light on the motive.
As the investigation continues, Harry learns that this murder may be connected to a case involving the FBI. Eventually the FBI comes onboard and the chief assigns Lisa Morrison to act as a liaison with the feds. Harry learns of the fact that there may be corruption involved concerning the police department. As the hunt for Frank's killer continues a great deal of information becomes uncovered which eventually identifies an operation of several high placed individuals. The decision is made to perform the arrests, but somehow it is leaked with most of the participants fleeing. They are able to capture the majority and with what they learned they confirmed what Frank suspected. This roundup didn't identify Frank's killer. Frank's killer was eventually identified and it was someone you wouldn't expect.
Read along and follow Hary, Kate and the rest of the team as they hunt for Frank's killer. Learn what item Harry discovered that eventually was a major factor in the final result. The ending is well done and will answer all of your questions.
This is another qrat story by Blair and is definitely one you should read, don't miss out!
Blair Howard’s Who Killed Frank may be billed as a standalone novel, but it draws richly from the Harry Stark series, bringing back Stark himself alongside his partner Kate Garazza and her loyal K9, Samson. Even without having read the entire series, I found myself recognizing familiar faces and feeling immediately at home in their world.
The story begins with tragedy: Frank Callahan, Harry’s friend and mentor, is murdered in his own home. There are no signs of forced entry, yet it is clear he fought fiercely against someone he knew and trusted. Kate calls on Stark to help uncover the truth, and though it means disappointing his family, Stark cannot refuse. His loyalty to Frank compels him to dig into the mystery, and what he uncovers is both startling and deeply unsettling.
As a reader who usually guesses the culprit long before the reveal, I was delighted to be wrong this time. Howard masterfully misdirects, keeping suspicion alive but never quite landing on the true killer until the final moment. The revelation of both who and how left me genuinely surprised, which is no small feat.
The pacing of the book is worth noting. It took me a few days to settle into the rhythm, but once the story clicked, I was completely absorbed. At one point I found myself reading straight through dinner on Thanksgiving, unable to put the book down. That kind of immersion is rare, and it speaks to Howard’s ability to build tension and keep readers invested.
In short, Who Killed Frank is a compelling mystery that rewards patience with a gripping payoff. It balances familiarity for fans of the Harry Stark series with accessibility for newcomers, and it delivers twists that even seasoned mystery readers may not see coming.
The title packs a punch, the cover packs a punch and, Oh boy, does this story pack a punch! When Harry received a frantic phone call from Kate, little did he know that his world was about to turn upside down, Frank Callahan was dead, Frank Callahan had been murdered. PI Harry Stark had worked with Captain Kate Gazzara at the Chattanooga PD, Frank Callahan, now retired, had been Harrys mentor, a second father and most importantly, a friend. Kate knew that Frank would have wanted Harry to help investigate his murder and carry on his work. When Frank had retired, his one regret was that he failed to catch the Riverside Strangler, ten young women all murdered whilst running by the side of the Tennessee River, for ten years Frank had been chasing the killer, when he retires he stepped up his investigation, but what he discovered was dynamite, his files were explosive, they would set the Chattanooga PD and the surrounding states alight. Frank had left Harry a message "Catherine Wells is alive", Catherine Wells was the stranglers fourth victim, if she was alive, where was she ? who was protecting her and why ? As this gripping. dramatic story unfolds, the FBI are quickly involved, Frank had discovered corruption on a level that would turn the police department upside down, someone powerful, someone with means, wanted this investigation closed, someone who would kill anyone who got in the way, Harry, his family and his team were in their sights. This story is action packed with nail biting suspense, you won't want to stop until you reach the brilliant conclusion I received a free copy of this book and my review is totally voluntary.
What a complex plot the author has put together here. Harry & Kate are together again working a case. The story primarily involves Harry Starke, commencing when his retired detective mentor, Frank Callahan is found murdered in his own home. The murder scene reveals a connection to unsolved cases of joggers murdered on running tracks along the Tennessee river some 10 years ago. Although now retired, Frank has pursued these cases and has identified some other alarming facts connected in some way to the murders. With the connections to these old cases, and Harry’s concern at the murder of Frank, he and Kate Gazzara of the Chattanooga PD pursue the matter, revealing some well positioned identities making hay whilst the sun shines. Further conspiracies and corruption at a high level come to light as the investigations proceed – but there seems a leak somewhere as many of the moves taken by Harry, Kate and the team seem known before they are implemented. The situation becomes more and more complex, especially when it seems that the perpetrators will stop at nothing to continue to hide the truth, and Harry and his family and some of his team must take extreme measures to protect themselves. An intriguing complex story with a whopper of a twist that can not be seen coming. A highly recommended read.
Harry gets caught in the web of Frank’s initial investigation…
When Harry’s close friend and mentor is killed there is no turning back when asked by Kate to help solve the crime. Frank, a retired investigator, had been trying to solve one cold case for years. The more he dug, the more he uncovered. The crimes are insurmountable and Kate cannot make any arrests without undeniable evidence against key, powerful figures of the community.
This was a very engrossing read with a satisfying conclusion. Getting there is the journey. Once again, Blair Howard writes a compelling mystery that truly challenges the team along with the FBI. When the scale of criminal activity gets this huge and goes across state lines, investigators need to cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s before the prosecutors can win their case in a system held hostage by those holding all the cards…I enjoyed this book and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read and offer my honest and voluntary review.
Another great read from Blair Howard! As always, the story grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go until the end. The plot is full of twists to follow. I never thought I had it figured out because something new kept popping up to keep me guessing.
I loved seeing Tim get his time to shine again in this one. And of course, Harry and Kate make such a brilliant team. I never get tired of their dynamic, this time while they take on a number of high ranking people in their quest to find Frank's killer. I really enjoy the family side of Harry’s life too - it adds a lot of depth to his character. This time they’re taking on some pretty high ranking people in their hunt for Frank’s killer, and it definitely kept me hooked all the way through.
Fast-paced, twisty, and another solid addition to the series!
Thanks to the author for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Harry gets a call that his former Chattanooga Police Department mentor Frank Callahan has been murdered. He teams up with CPD Captain Kate Gazzara to look into Frank’s murder. He discovers Frank was trying to solve a decade old case of several women who were found murdered along the Riverwalk. A serial murderer case Frank never solved before he retired. Harry discovers that Frank continued to investigate the case and he digs into the evidence that Frank has uncovered only to discover that the crime goes deeper than the murder of several women. Much, much deeper. It’s a complex story that is filled with greed, corruption, and danger with many twists and turns you won’t see coming. Another great read from Blair Howard.
Oh my! Harry has certainly found himself investigating a very complicated case(s). It started out as him helping to find who killed Frank Callahan, who was Harry's mentor when he started out as a cop. But it didn't take long before it was there were multiple threads to follow. And the closer they come to finding some answers, the more danger there is not only for those involved in the investigation but also Harry's family.
I loved the multiple threads throughout this story, how Amanda (Harry's wife) stands by his side despite the danger, and the twists along the way. This is a must read if you are a Harry Starke fan.
Kate and Harry are working together on the murder case of Frank Callahan, a retired detective from the Chattanooga Police Department. Frank had been working on a serial killer case from 10 years prior when 10 young women were murdered. There is evidence that Frank was dealing with an FBI agent who is also found dead. Frank and that FBI agent had been investigating corruption in the police department. The FBI are also brought in to help with the investigation. Then Kate and Harry and his family are being targeted and measures are put in place to protect them. Corruption greed and coverup lead to many twists and turns in this well written novel.
Harry Starke's friend and mentor was murdered. Capt Kate Gazzara had the job of letting him know. He joined Kate to find the killer. Frank was investigating an old case that hadn't been solved. (Frank was a retired police officer.) There were a lot of inconsistencies with the case. The more Harry followed Frank's leads, the more convoluted the case became. How much corruption and misdirection could there be. Or is it a figment of their imaginations? You be the judge as you read the book. I couldn't put it down.
Harry, Kate and Samson are back together in this story. Harry is running his detective agency but when his friend and mentor is killed, he accepts the offer from the police force to work on the case. The author has given us a book that deals with far reaching corruption and intrigue. The story has multiple twist and turns and keeps you guessing (and reading) right to the end. It was nice to see Tim get some serious story time. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and gave it 5 stars. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Who Killed Frank?, my seventy-sixth read from author Blair Howard. Well-written and enjoyable, edge-of-your-seat detective fiction, thoroughly entertaining, as always! An incredible work!. A Blair Howard book is like a visit from an old detective friend, I always look forward to the next work from Howard. I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Up next, Buried Secrets: A Harry Starke Story. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
A very complex and intertwined story of conspiracy, murder, fraud, corruption and the big question of: Who Killed Frank? Frank was a retired detective that was also a mentor to Harry. When Harry is called in to help Kate solve this murder, it is very personal to Harry. And becomes a very complex and tangled case. A big surprise twist at the end will shock you and you won't be able to put this story down until that question is answered. I definitely recommend this story and the whole series.
Another brilliant thriller featuring Harry Starke. This time, it's a little different. Harry is called in to find the killer of former detective whom he had worked with and considered a friend. As they dig into it, they find Frank had been working on an old case - serial killer of women. But the deeper they get, the more they discover about cover ups and conspiracies. A task force of FBI, local police and Harry and his team find the horrifying truth. Trials follow.
What a fantastic read, intriguingly mind puzzling with a complex background and allowing for the teams of Kate Gazzara and Harry Starke in pole positions.
Harry’s team” are exceedingly effective in their background investigations but it needs Harry to plumb the depths of his memories to really get them there. With misdirects a plenty, this book is a masterpiece in police investigations, family loyalties, violence, frauds and obsfucation.
I received an ARC from the author this is my honest opinion. I absolutely couldn’t put it down.
This is another wild adventure for Harry Stark and his team. Frank was Harry's mentor so when he turns up dead of course Harry is there to help Kate solve it.
Frank was working on the one case he couldn't solve a decade ago. To find Frank's killer they must begin with the Riverside Strangler case from a decade ago.
This is a fast part dangerous ride for Harry that will keep you turning the pages.
Amazing addition to this long running series. Kudos to Blair Howard on another wonderful book. This mystery with its complexities was virtually impossible to put down. While Harry’s team was involved, Tim played a major part in this story, working with Kate and Harry to untangle a long time secret at the core of this book. The plotting was intricate and excellently presented. If I could give it ten stars I would!
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I've been a fan of Blair Howard's books for years, since I read the first and was hooked on the Harry Starke and Kate Gazzara series. This book is as good as any Blair has written. It's a little different, the Frank of the title being a retired police detective who was well respected and Harry's friend and mentor when Harry was a rookie police officer. I couldn't help suspecting everyone involved. The end result is huge. This book is well worth reading - as always
An excellent crime thriller with a complex storyline and a cast of strong realistic characters. A police investigation with plenty of conspiracies, fraud, and corruption. Plenty of twists and turns that will keep you guessing to the very end. A page turning very enjoyable read that I would highly recommend. One of Blair Howard's best writings.
I’ve been reading Blair Howard’s books for years! Each series of fascinating books from an excellent author has kept me awaiting the next book. The Harry Starke novels; the Harry Starke Genesis series; the Kate Garza series; the Peacemaker series.
This is one of Blair Howard's best! The story is fraught with twists and turns and a very unexpected conclusion to the main story. Harry Strike is a genius of a detective. And my favorite police captain, Kate Bazaars works hands in-game with Harry on this one. Mr. Howard, more please!!!
Another worthy addition to the Harry Starks series of books , usual good characters and good storyline and full of all the usual twists and turns to keep you guessing till the end. I recommend it highly.
This book is number 26 in the fantastic Harry Starke series. This time Harry’s investigating the murder of the man who trained him when he was a young cop. His death seems to be connected to a decade old case. It’s another amazing, well developed, edge-of-your-seat page turner. A must read.
I found this book the best the author has written. The plot flowed to the end With me glued to the story as it was unfolding. Corruption and greed, cover up that went on for years. I recommend this book as well as the many series this author has written. I have read and enjoyed.them all.
A cold case with a definite twist. Harry and Kate are in danger on this one. It turns out to be a case with far reaching implications. I always love it when Harry teams up with Kate, the stories are always more exciting. I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.
Kate Gazzara calls Harry Starke to meet her because his friend and mentor has been murdered. Harry is helping to find his killer, but they find more than they expected. Another page turning thriller from Blair Howard.
It doesn't matter what I'm reading at the time. When a new Blair Howard book with Harry and Kate pops up, I drop everything and dive into it. Two thumbs up on this one.