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The Murder of Orson Crane: Case 24: A Lt. Kate Gazzara Novel
A locked room. A dead judge. An impossible crime.
Judge Orson Crane ruled his courtroom with an iron fist and his family with an even harder one. Now he's dead, shot in his locked study with a gun at his side and his key on the desk.
Suicide. Case closed.
But Captain Kate Gazzara isn't buying it. Something about that locked room isn't adding up.
As Kate digs deeper into the Crane family's secrets, she uncovers gambling debts, affairs, missing weapons, festering resentment, and a patriarch whose cruelty touched everyone around him. Two sons, each with a motive. A wife with secrets. Grandchildren who lived under his tyranny.
Someone in that house wanted Orson Crane dead. Someone who committed an impossible crime.
In her final case, Kate faces a killer who thought of everything. Well, almost everything.
Available for pre-order now.
Judge Orson Crane ruled his courtroom with an iron fist and his family with an even harder one. Now he's dead, shot in his locked study with a gun at his side and his key on the desk.
Suicide. Case closed.
But Captain Kate Gazzara isn't buying it. Something about that locked room isn't adding up.
As Kate digs deeper into the Crane family's secrets, she uncovers gambling debts, affairs, missing weapons, festering resentment, and a patriarch whose cruelty touched everyone around him. Two sons, each with a motive. A wife with secrets. Grandchildren who lived under his tyranny.
Someone in that house wanted Orson Crane dead. Someone who committed an impossible crime.
In her final case, Kate faces a killer who thought of everything. Well, almost everything.
Available for pre-order now.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2026
31 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
299 books347 followersBlair 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.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sadly we say goodbye to Captain Kate Gazzara, but she fittingly goes out with a bang, it's been great getting to know her.
Kate isn't impressed when she gets a call about a suspicious death at a Mountain Ridge mansion, especially when the body is that of despised judge, Orson Crane, the press would be all over this one and the chief would be on her back to clear it up quickly.
Orson's body was in his study, locked from the inside and staged to look like suicide, Kate had been at the job too long to be taken in by that one, Orson Crane had been murdered but how had the killer got out of the locked room when the key was still on the inside.
Living in the mansion was Orson, his wife Margaret, their two sons and their wives and three teenage grandchildren. Visiting on the day of his death for a family meal was stepdaughter Rachel and Elena, the housekeeper, it was Rachel and Elenor who raised the alarm.
Kate needed to pull in every fibre of her knowledge and her gut instinct for this one, every single person in the mansion that day had reason to want the judge dead, was it a family member who had committed the crime or was it one of the many hundred of people who has suffered a harsh judgement in court from Judge Crane, people who had a huge axe to grind.
This story follows Kate as she, and her brilliant team, keep pulling endlessly at the threads until they finally begin to unravel, but can she solve the mystery of the locked room with few clues, gut feeling and circumstantial evidence.
This is an exciting and really fitting end to Kates story.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Kate isn't impressed when she gets a call about a suspicious death at a Mountain Ridge mansion, especially when the body is that of despised judge, Orson Crane, the press would be all over this one and the chief would be on her back to clear it up quickly.
Orson's body was in his study, locked from the inside and staged to look like suicide, Kate had been at the job too long to be taken in by that one, Orson Crane had been murdered but how had the killer got out of the locked room when the key was still on the inside.
Living in the mansion was Orson, his wife Margaret, their two sons and their wives and three teenage grandchildren. Visiting on the day of his death for a family meal was stepdaughter Rachel and Elena, the housekeeper, it was Rachel and Elenor who raised the alarm.
Kate needed to pull in every fibre of her knowledge and her gut instinct for this one, every single person in the mansion that day had reason to want the judge dead, was it a family member who had committed the crime or was it one of the many hundred of people who has suffered a harsh judgement in court from Judge Crane, people who had a huge axe to grind.
This story follows Kate as she, and her brilliant team, keep pulling endlessly at the threads until they finally begin to unravel, but can she solve the mystery of the locked room with few clues, gut feeling and circumstantial evidence.
This is an exciting and really fitting end to Kates story.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Kate being called to the scene for the death of Orson Crane. Upon arriving, Kate visit the crime scene where the initial thought was that it was suicide. After her examination, she believed it was a homicide in which both the sergeant on the scene as well as one of the officers who arrived first. The main question is in regard to the fact that the door where the murder took place was locked and the key was on desk. As Kate continued her investigation, she was under the impression that one of the 10 people at the mansion currently, was the killer.
Follow Kate and her team as they followed all of the clues and information that was obtained later was a major piece of the puzzle. To discover who the killer was, what reason the killing happened and how all of the pieces of the puzzle were filled in.
This is definitely a book that will keep you guessing and the end will fill in all the blanks.
This is a great way to end this series and it one that you must read. Don't miss out, you won't be sorry!!
The story begins with Kate being called to the scene for the death of Orson Crane. Upon arriving, Kate visit the crime scene where the initial thought was that it was suicide. After her examination, she believed it was a homicide in which both the sergeant on the scene as well as one of the officers who arrived first. The main question is in regard to the fact that the door where the murder took place was locked and the key was on desk. As Kate continued her investigation, she was under the impression that one of the 10 people at the mansion currently, was the killer.
Follow Kate and her team as they followed all of the clues and information that was obtained later was a major piece of the puzzle. To discover who the killer was, what reason the killing happened and how all of the pieces of the puzzle were filled in.
This is definitely a book that will keep you guessing and the end will fill in all the blanks.
This is a great way to end this series and it one that you must read. Don't miss out, you won't be sorry!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Why must all good things come to an end? But since they do, in my opinion, this book was an excellent place to do so.
It appeared that Orson Crane had committed suicide but an observant Officer noticed details that did not seem consistent with that call. Enter Kate Gazzara and her Major Crimes team. Kate agrees it was not suicide and now she has a locked room murder mystery to solve. How did the murderer exit the room? Who perpetrated the crime.
Being the thorough investigator Kate is, she finds that nearly everyone in the household had motive to want Judge Crane dead. Now she just needs to figure out the who and the how.
This mystery was very good. The investigation was interesting. The ending was surprising. Kate is a wonderful character and I love that Samson, another of my favorites, was featured in his emotionally supporting role.
I received an ARC of this book, my thoughts are shared voluntarily.
It appeared that Orson Crane had committed suicide but an observant Officer noticed details that did not seem consistent with that call. Enter Kate Gazzara and her Major Crimes team. Kate agrees it was not suicide and now she has a locked room murder mystery to solve. How did the murderer exit the room? Who perpetrated the crime.
Being the thorough investigator Kate is, she finds that nearly everyone in the household had motive to want Judge Crane dead. Now she just needs to figure out the who and the how.
This mystery was very good. The investigation was interesting. The ending was surprising. Kate is a wonderful character and I love that Samson, another of my favorites, was featured in his emotionally supporting role.
I received an ARC of this book, my thoughts are shared voluntarily.
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January 26, 2026Captain Kate Gazzara is faced with the death of a prominent Chattanooga citizen, which of course brings with it pressure from her boss and the local establishment. Found behind his study locked door with a fatal head wound, everything points to suicide but a uniformed police officer sees something that also resonates with Kate and so her investigation starts with plenty of possible murder suspects in the expanded family that live in the same large mansion. Dead end after dead end come to the fore but Kate and the team are determined to successfully resolve the case.
Twists and turns are plenty with various motives coming to the fore as the investigation progresses and although all family members have alibis, eventually one suspect is identified and the case cracked. Then there is a final twist that perhaps only the author could see coming! Another great story from Blair Howard.
Twists and turns are plenty with various motives coming to the fore as the investigation progresses and although all family members have alibis, eventually one suspect is identified and the case cracked. Then there is a final twist that perhaps only the author could see coming! Another great story from Blair Howard.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Two women chatting in a kitchen after a family dinner, a very natural occurrence. The quiet of the house suddenly broken by a sharp sound! A gunshot coming from the area of Orson's study. The door is locked and no one is answering. The spare key is used to open the door and there sits Orson, dead. Suicide? Murder? The forensics will determine that it was murder. But how did it happen. The room was locked from the inside. This is a web of intense feelings created by a manipulative, domineering, cruel man. Everyone has a reason to do 'it'. The characters are well-developed and believable. The plot line makes sense. I kept thinking of solutions, but was not correct. It's a good, interesting read. I couldn't put it down. I think you'll be surprised in the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Orson Crane had a reputation as a stern judge, and he was just as demanding with his family. When Crane is found dead in his study, it appears to be a suicide. However, there are too many inconsistencies with the evidence. When Kate starts the investigation, she finds she is facing a typical locked room mystery, and she works hard to figure out how Crane could have been murdered.
After three weeks of investigation, Kate believes she has figured out who the murderer is. Even though the crime seems impossible, she is convinced she knows how it was done. Blair Howard has stated this will be the last book in the Kate Gazzara series. She proved her expertise in solving this crime, so maybe this isn’t the last we’ll see of her.
After three weeks of investigation, Kate believes she has figured out who the murderer is. Even though the crime seems impossible, she is convinced she knows how it was done. Blair Howard has stated this will be the last book in the Kate Gazzara series. She proved her expertise in solving this crime, so maybe this isn’t the last we’ll see of her.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kate Gazzara's tenure as a cop detective in Chattanooga has ended. Its been an amazing run. She's an amazing person, working with her dog Samson, solving mysteries. Somehow, they always seem to include murder.
Kate relies on her team to get the job done, but she's not working nearly as closely with some of my favorites as she once did.
She is not constantly in danger in this story. She doesn't pull all-nighters like she did in her youth.
There is a great theme running through this book about what a nasty, mean old man the murdered judge was. It's a wonder that several people didn't try to off him. There were plenty enough suspects.
Kate has been a great one to follow, for years, and she will be missed. I still have several of her books TBR so I'm not going to say good bye yet.
Kate relies on her team to get the job done, but she's not working nearly as closely with some of my favorites as she once did.
She is not constantly in danger in this story. She doesn't pull all-nighters like she did in her youth.
There is a great theme running through this book about what a nasty, mean old man the murdered judge was. It's a wonder that several people didn't try to off him. There were plenty enough suspects.
Kate has been a great one to follow, for years, and she will be missed. I still have several of her books TBR so I'm not going to say good bye yet.
March 5, 2026
The Murder of Orson Crane.
This is the last in the series of Kate Gazzara novels and sadly not one of Blair Howard's best. I loved the cover although in the story the gun is on the floor and not on the desk. After the murder at the beginning the story rapidly becomes repetitive. Kate and her team interview the entire family and staff, with the same answers being repeated time and again. There are further interviews with the same answers again and again and again. Although the storyline is good with a neat answer to the murder in a locked room, there is little to keep the reader amused. All too similar to her previous case. However, as this is the end for Kate I had hoped for some action and another chance for Samson to leap into action. Disappointing.
This is the last in the series of Kate Gazzara novels and sadly not one of Blair Howard's best. I loved the cover although in the story the gun is on the floor and not on the desk. After the murder at the beginning the story rapidly becomes repetitive. Kate and her team interview the entire family and staff, with the same answers being repeated time and again. There are further interviews with the same answers again and again and again. Although the storyline is good with a neat answer to the murder in a locked room, there is little to keep the reader amused. All too similar to her previous case. However, as this is the end for Kate I had hoped for some action and another chance for Samson to leap into action. Disappointing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was sad to read that this would be the last story about Kate and Samson. Their story’s have been among my favourite by this author. As it turns out at the end, we may see more of them but in a different capacity (read the book to learn more).
A locked room mystery confronts Kate and her team. The investigation has to dig deep in order to reveal all the pieces necessary to solve the puzzle. It’s another very good procedural and the author keeps the story moving at a good pace. There are numerous twists that have to be taken into account by Kate’s team. I enjoyed the book very much and gave it 5 stars.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
A locked room mystery confronts Kate and her team. The investigation has to dig deep in order to reveal all the pieces necessary to solve the puzzle. It’s another very good procedural and the author keeps the story moving at a good pace. There are numerous twists that have to be taken into account by Kate’s team. I enjoyed the book very much and gave it 5 stars.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A prominent former judge is found dead in his locked private study from a gunshot wound to his temple. Suicide or murder? It’s seems like an open and shut case. The door was locked and there’s no other exit from the room. However, something seems off. Kate and her team have to dig deep and interview family members, staff, friends, and acquaintances repeatedly to find the answers needed to solve the case. You will enjoy the journey as Kate and her team unravel the case. It will keep you guessing who was responsible for Orson Crane’s death. Orson, a family member, or someone else? Enjoy the ride!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ll be honest - I put off starting to read this book because I’m not ready for the Kate series to end. I've grown attached to Kate and Samson. I always know I'm going to be entertained while I read.
There are many twists, even more turns, and plenty of suspects in this "locked room" case.
I love a mystery that keeps me guessing right to the end, and this one absolutely does.
The pace of the story is great, with constantly building tension. Kate and Samson's relationship always adds warmth. I really, really hope this isn’t the last we see of them. I’m not quite ready to let them go.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, these are my honest thoughts.
There are many twists, even more turns, and plenty of suspects in this "locked room" case.
I love a mystery that keeps me guessing right to the end, and this one absolutely does.
The pace of the story is great, with constantly building tension. Kate and Samson's relationship always adds warmth. I really, really hope this isn’t the last we see of them. I’m not quite ready to let them go.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, these are my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Murder of Orson Crane: Case 24: A Lt. Kate Gazzara Novel (The Lt. Kate Gazzara Murder Files), my seventy-ninth read from author Blair Howard, purportedly the last Kate Gazzara book. Haunting, well-written, enjoyable, edge-of-your-seat police procedural/vigilante justice thriller, thoroughly entertaining, as always! I always look forward to the next work from Howard. A Blair Howard book is like a visit from an old detective friend. 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. Next up; Never Ask Why (Randall & Carver Mysteries Book 5). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Review of advance copy received from Author
While it's sad knowing this is the last book in the Lt Kate Gazzara series, she does have one more case to solve. The first question is, was Orson Crane's death a suicide or murder. And it doesn't take long to determine it was a murder when things about the scene don't add up. Then the real work starts as the team has to determine who is the murderer. As can be expected, there will a lot of pressure on the team since the victim was is a retired judge.
There are plenty of suspects given how many people were in the house at the time of the murder and most of them have secrets they don't want revealed. But as can be expected, Kate and her team find the killer and the reason for the murder.
There are plenty of suspects given how many people were in the house at the time of the murder and most of them have secrets they don't want revealed. But as can be expected, Kate and her team find the killer and the reason for the murder.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Murder of Orson Crane delivers a classic locked‑room mystery with the sharp, steady pacing Blair Howard is known for. As Lt. Kate Gazzara tackles her final case, the story leans into family secrets, long‑buried resentments, and the unsettling power dynamics inside the Crane household. The setup—a judge found dead in a sealed study—feels satisfyingly impossible, and watching Kate unravel the truth provides a clean blend of procedural detail and emotional tension. It’s a fitting, engaging send‑off for a character who’s carried this series with grit and heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When words become weapons…
Presumptions are never a good means for connecting the dots, especially when they are out of alignment. Captain Kate Gazzara and her team have to dig deep to unravel the truth when a prominent, hard-edged Judge is found dead in his locked study with no obvious means for someone to escape the scene. Practically all of several family members and servants present in the mansion have opportunity and motive but there is no hard evidence…Another good mystery by Blair Howard and a major turning point for Kate Gazzara…a very worthwhile read.
Presumptions are never a good means for connecting the dots, especially when they are out of alignment. Captain Kate Gazzara and her team have to dig deep to unravel the truth when a prominent, hard-edged Judge is found dead in his locked study with no obvious means for someone to escape the scene. Practically all of several family members and servants present in the mansion have opportunity and motive but there is no hard evidence…Another good mystery by Blair Howard and a major turning point for Kate Gazzara…a very worthwhile read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Things are not always as they first appear. When Orson Crane is found shot in the head in his locked study, it appears to be a suicide. But something seems off to the officer that arrived first to the scene. Kate is asked to investigate. How could someone commit a murder in a locked room and disappear before others arrive to the scene? There are multiple potential suspects. How could it happen? Who was responsible? Kate and her team on on the case and do some of their best work to solve the dilemma. Great read.
February 23, 2026
The Murder Of Orson Crane - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Blair Howard's crime-thriller sees the eponymous Judge Crane found dead, in an Agatha Christie-like, locked-room murder-
mystery.
All the family had reason to hate his rigid financial control of their lives. But what changed the family dynamics from long-
suffering tolerance, to the decision to remove a hated tyrant by one or more of them?
With more twists and turns than a Chubby Checker Twist Marathon and literally a houseful of suspects, you'll have to read The Murder Of Orson Crane to see if you got it right!
Blair Howard's crime-thriller sees the eponymous Judge Crane found dead, in an Agatha Christie-like, locked-room murder-
mystery.
All the family had reason to hate his rigid financial control of their lives. But what changed the family dynamics from long-
suffering tolerance, to the decision to remove a hated tyrant by one or more of them?
With more twists and turns than a Chubby Checker Twist Marathon and literally a houseful of suspects, you'll have to read The Murder Of Orson Crane to see if you got it right!
March 8, 2026
Kate and crew are faced with a shooting death in a locked room with the key inside. This has all the marks of a suicide, but Kate somehow senses that it’s a well-planned murder. The victim, a veteran judge who ruled every aspect of his life with an iron fist, had many enemies, including within his problem-filled family. The team slowly sifted through many possible suspects and very little evidence. This is another well-written story that kept me engrossed through the ups and downs right to the surprise ending. I thoroughly enjoy this series and hope to read more soon.
March 26, 2026
Sad
Mr. Howard's captivating series has been an extraordinary journey that I'm reluctant to see conclude. Each book has been a masterpiece of storytelling, keeping me thoroughly engaged from start to finish. Your exceptional writing skill has brought Kate and Harry to life in a way that has provided countless hours of immersive entertainment. I eagerly anticipate exploring your future works and am grateful for the remarkable literary experience you've crafted. Thank you for creating such compelling narratives that have transported me into unforgettable worlds.
Mr. Howard's captivating series has been an extraordinary journey that I'm reluctant to see conclude. Each book has been a masterpiece of storytelling, keeping me thoroughly engaged from start to finish. Your exceptional writing skill has brought Kate and Harry to life in a way that has provided countless hours of immersive entertainment. I eagerly anticipate exploring your future works and am grateful for the remarkable literary experience you've crafted. Thank you for creating such compelling narratives that have transported me into unforgettable worlds.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved the story but I sure will miss Kate and Samson being a regular part of Blair Howard’s line up. There cannot have been a better send off to this protagonist than a locked room mystery. Of course Kate and her team solved the crime brilliantly. Hopefully Samson and Kate will make appearances from time to time in other series.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A puzzling locked room suicide/murder mystery that will stretch Kate's abilities of a solution to the limit. Very well written mystery with a great storyline and an excellent cast of characters. Contains plenty of suspects, lots of suspense, and misdirection. A page turning enjoyable read that I highly recommend. Kate's last murder case was an excellent one. Very good ending to an outstanding series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A prominent judge is murdered in a locked room mystery. Kate will need to use her entire team to try and solve this one. It is the last Kate Gazzara novel and that makes me sad, but it was such a good read. The way the words flow is like magic. Before you know it you have read the entire book in one sitting. This was such an interesting concept and the family definitely all have secrets of their own. Blair Howard writes stories that bring you along effortlessly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An excellent, locked room murder case, or is it? A potential suicide turns doubtful as the scene just doesn't add up. Kate and her team are called in to find the murderer and doggedly interview family members, exclude historical cases and discover anomalies. Their determination pays off as they unravel the mystery behind the intricate plan to murder the judge. I received a complimentary copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 9, 2026
So this is book 24 of the Kate Gazzara story. I've read them all, from rookie cop to Captain, to - .This is an excellent crime/detective story that's also very sad. It's a great read, I read it in little more than a day and for once, I didn't want Captain Kate to get all the pieces and get it right. I enjoy Blair Howard's writing, I've got close to his characters. I suspect readers of his books will see Kate Gazzara again. I hope so.
February 6, 2026
Wow, wow and wow again. What an awesome case to finish on. (Something I am not too happy with I can tell you, the finishing that is). A fascinating story, I do love this author’s books anyway but this one had me from page one to the ending I again didn’t see coming. I absolutely loved every single word. So I can’t even say on to the next one now anymore can I. Very definitely must read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A is judge found dead in his locked study. Something however does not look right. A locked room murder has Kate stumped. This is a sad story with a lot of emotion that eventually turned to murder. So many had a motive which makes it difficult for Kate and her team. A great way to wrap up the Kate series. I'm sad to see it end, but it was a fantastic ride.
March 11, 2026
The Murder of Orson Crane by Blair Howard features our old friend Kate Gazzara in an old school locked room murder. It’s tightly paced, exciting and very well written. The police procedures that Kate uses in this novel are quite interesting and ring true.
All in all, this is one Blair Howard fans will love.
All in all, this is one Blair Howard fans will love.
January 13, 2026
The Final excellent chapter in the Kate Gazzara series, full of the usual action and suspense that you expect from these books, story line excellent with a fitting ending for Kate. I enjoyed it So should you.
Review of advance copy
A retired prominent judge is found dead in his study with the door locked and the gun on the floor. It looks like a suicide, but Captain Kate Gazzara finds the scene does not look right for a suicide. A complicated case as someone in the house killed him. Another page turning murder mystery.
February 24, 2026
This is the twenty fourth and final book in the Kate Gazarra series. Judge Orson Crane’s death is ruled a suicide but, Kate doesn’t agree and does more investigating. The gripping plot is filled with drama and edge-of-your-seat suspense. A fantastic series finale!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews