Never Ask Why

by Blair Howard

Twelve deaths. Thirty years. One killer no one suspects.



When investigative journalist Rachel Brennan walks into Tucker Randall’s office claiming she’s uncovered a serial killer, he’s skeptical. Twelve deaths over three decades, all ruled accidents or suicides? That’s either impossible—or someone very, very good.



But as Tucker and Mallory dig deeper, they uncover a chilling pattern.



Every victim had a secret.

A drunk driver who killed a family.

A coach who preyed on children.

A corrupt cop.

A rapist who walked free.



Someone has been delivering the justice the system wouldn’t.



Now Tucker and Mallory face an impossible expose a killer who only targets the guilty, or let a thirty-year murder spree remain buried. But Rachel Brennan has secrets of her own—and the truth she’s hunting may destroy her.


Some questions don’t have right answers.

Some killers don’t feel like monsters.

And some justice comes at a price no one should have to pay.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2026

About the author

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.

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with A very being chased by an unknown party. They were looking for something that she had, but something changed and they left her and she then disappeared. A few days later, Ben. her fiance came to Mallory and Tucker asking them to find her. They began their investigation with little information to go on until they got records of her phone messages and calls. They then started to contact a couple of them and shortly after they talked to them, each of them was killed. They picked up more info from the last person that was killed which gave them a new lead to follow.

As they continued, Ben also wound up being killed as well and even Mallory and Tucker also received messages to drop the search. The two of them laid out a plan and it almost didn't happen once Mallory was taken when on an errand.

To learn why Avery was so important, who was behind the killings as well as targeting Mallory and Tucker as well then you need to read the book. The ending will summarize it all quite well, don't miss out!

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy a book by Blair Howard, and Never Ask Why was no exception. His stories have a way of grabbing you from the first page and not letting go until the last. This is possibly my favourite so far in this series.
That said, this felt darker than some of the previous books in the series. There’s a real sense of unease running through it - maybe because Tucker and Mallory don’t feel entirely safe this time.
As always, the characters are a big part of the appeal. The returning regulars continue to develop in believable ways, and the secondary characters are interesting and are all there for a reason.
Never Ask Why could be read as a standalone, but I think the series is best enjoyed from the beginning.
As always, I’m already looking forward to the next one.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tucker & Mallery are tested to their limit…

If you are on the run because witness protection cannot save you, how long can you stay hidden? When a man seeks their help to find his missing fiancé, leave it to Tucker and Mallory to dig deep – really deep – and get in over their heads. Despite the increasing danger, they do not quit. And yet, their involvement shakes them to their core and makes them question their investigative lifestyle. How many have died and will continue to die if they just walk away?

This is an excellent story with twists and turns that I liked very much. However, what appeared to me to be minor inconsistencies and repetitions kept me from giving it my highest rating that Blair Howard’s books typically deserve. Maybe I was having an off day. So, read and experience this Randall & Carver Mystery for yourself and enjoy!

[Steven T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tucker & Mallory are back on the case. This time it’s about a woman who is reported missing by her fiancé. Tucker and Mallory aren’t really crazy about missing person’s cases, but they pay the bills. They find out that years earlier the missing woman had testified against a cult like organization in court and was then put into witness protection after the head of the organization was not convicted. Along the way, they find out that her witness protector was compromised and she went underground for the last 10 years, staying one step ahead of the organization who’s out to hunt her down and kill her. As Tucker & Mallory interview people associated with the organization, they start ending up dead. This is a twisted tale with lots of intrigue and action that’ll take your breath away. Another great read from Blair Howard. I highly recommend it.

[Craig Smedley]

Hired by Ben Carter, the fiancé of Avery Whitlow who has disappeared, the PI firm of Mallory Carver and Tucker Randall become personally involved as they investigate, and find brutal deaths occurring to people they have spoken to that may have been able to help them further. From the outset, things do not seem quite right, when the client, Ben Carter is found out to be holding information back from our detectives, and the name Avery Whitlow is found to be an alias.
This leads to many twists and turns and danger for the team when they are confronted with violence from a murderous and mysterious cult that Avery Whitlow, in a prior life testified against in court. The action is continuous and the twists and turns make for an exciting read as you continue to wonder what comes next.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Ask Why (Randall & Carver Mysteries Book 5), my eightieth read from author Blair Howard, the latest in his Randall & Carver Mysteries. Just when you think Howard can't write a better book! Well-written and enjoyable, edge-of-your-seat PI fiction, thoroughly entertaining, as always! Over the course of these five books in the series Randall & Carver have gone from another detective series to a full-blown partner, equally as enjoyable as Harry Stark & Kate Gazzara. I always look forward to his next book. 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. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Ask Why - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Never Ask Why by Blair Howard is a riveting psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and chewing your fingernails to the knuckles as you read all night - it's that unputdownable.

PIs Mallory Carver and Tucker Randall are drawn into a network of lies and secrets that involve vulnerable women in hiding. Their betrayals to a devious cult by those they trusted to protect them leads to more and more deaths. Never ones to shrink from danger, the husband and wife team risk everything to uncover the evidence.How will it all end?
Get your copy of Never Ask Why today, to learn the shocking truth!

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randall & Carver's latest case if their most dangerous one yet. It starts out with Ben Carter hiring them to find his missing fiancee. Avery was at a weekend retreat bur didn't return home. The thing is, they take the case even though they know he is either lying to them or withholding all of the truth. And it doesn't take long before the danger starts as they try to navigate their way through what facts they have. There are some heart stopping moments and several twists that will have you turning the pages until you have the whole story.

[Hope Gerhardstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fiancé of Avery Whitlow contacts Tucker and Mallory to find her. She has been missing for 48 hours…They feel he is holding info back. Avery is an alias. Is she missing by choice or did someone take her? As they investigate, others the contact are gone. They find themselves in danger as they hunt for Avery/Hanna and justice. Lots of action and suspense but I found myself wondering about some details. Good storyline.

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Ask Why, the fifth book in the Randall & Carver Mysteries series, kept my attention from the moment I picked it up. From the very beginning, it grabbed my interest and kept me intrigued until the very end. I fell in love with Tucker and Mallory. I hate to admit it, but I think these two are as good together – maybe better – as Harry and Kate. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Jim Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Randall & Carver mystery with a very well written storyline, plenty of suspense, and an outstanding cast of characters. Very hard case to solve with plenty of action, intrigue, and several murders. A real enjoyable page turning read with an unexpected ending. Highly recommended mystery murder adventure by an outstanding author.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down. The storyline was complex and engaging. The characters multi-faceted and dynamic. This investigative duo had their hands full with their most difficult case ever. Can’t wait to see what they ale on next.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story opens with a mystery that drags you full bore into the intrigue. From there the intrigue widens and you never look back. The story has some darker moments throughout and especially at the end, but it’s all part of what makes this a very good book. I found the book hard to put down and got and the reasons above I’m giving it 5 stars.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good storyline, fast paced with plenty of action. Mallory and Tucker find themselves in danger while looking for a missing person, but regardless of warnings, refuse to back down. A complex case with twists. Yet another good mystery by Blair Howard. Recommended. I received a complimentary copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[John Haslam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Ask Why.

Blair Howard has written another excellent novel in the Randall & Carver mystery series. Sadly there are many spelling mistakes and grammatical errors that proved distracting, and should never occur in a best selling author novel. The only reason I gave it a 5 star rating is because the story is too good to be missed.

[Michael Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m enjoying the exploits of the PI team of Tucker and Mallory almost as much as those of Harry and Kate. Mr. Howard has created another set of strong characters who rely on one another as they encounter dangerous twists and turns in their efforts to help their clients. His stories always pull me into the non-stop action and keep me engrossed right to the satisfying finale.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a case that nearly costs Mallery and Tucker everything. So much so that the last two chapters are about how they process the things that happened and the aftermath. I love Blair Howard's writing and this is a relatively new series compared to his others, but just as good, just as addictive. Action adventure at its best. I couldn't put it down.

[Ellen White]

I found this latest book, asking why doesn't a fiancée want to be found
and a client who is lying as he speaks.
I enjoyed this latest book and do recommend it. As well
as all the other books and series that I have enjoyed.

[John Barberio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing girlfriend? Randall and Mallory asked to find her. turns out to be more than just missing person. They uncover a mystery which nearly kills both of them before the conclusion. A thriller that is full of twists and unknowns.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, book five in the series and what a little cracker it is. Suspense, intrigue, and twists and turns, this story has it all. It was Unputdownable and I loved every single word. It could be really happening right now somewhere in the world couldn’t it. It was that real. Highly recommended.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read several of this author’s books I was delighted to receive a review copy of this twisty mystery. It was fantastic with numerous plot twists and familiar yet beloved characters. This is a great mystery to read.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn't another way!! This book is raw with action and emotions. Kept me going and kept me up until the middle of the night!! It had me hooked at the prologue. The book is very well written, you just wanna dive in and get all involved.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding mystery that you be disappointed by , binge reading is the only way Danger and suspense is something that you’re going to enjoy with this book. Will the crime get solved. Waiting impatiently for the next book to come out.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Randall & Carver series. The drama kept me on the edge of my seat! This plot was so entertaining and exciting. The suspense was intense. So many twists and turns. A must-read mystery/thriller.

[Eleanor Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what a story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down, except to sleep, desperate to find out what happened, then annoyed when it ended lol.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow,  what a wild ride for Tucker and Mallory.  A great story line with tonnes of action and suspense.  A real page turner. This series keeps getting better. 

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A missing fiancée leads to finding an organization that eliminates loose ends. I could not put this one down. I had to keep reading to find out what happened. One of the best novels I ever read.

[william shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story from Blair Howard again