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He Said, She Said #1
"Murder"
Meet Joe and Tanja Shepherd, two newlyweds who've given up their law enforcement careers to become private detectives. Unfortunately, the timing couldn't be worse. The economy is bad, jobs are scarce, and they're about to lose their home. To make matters worse, Tanja is pregnant and expecting any day.
Then Joe's old friend Sheriff Diekmann approaches the couple with an offer. He will pay the detectives as consultants to investigate a cold case that he wants solved. It won't be easy: the victim has been dead for five years, the trail has gone cold, and the case was bungled by the original investigators. But the Shepherds are willing to do whatever it takes to save their home, even if it means risking their lives to bring the cold-blooded killer to justice.
Then Joe's old friend Sheriff Diekmann approaches the couple with an offer. He will pay the detectives as consultants to investigate a cold case that he wants solved. It won't be easy: the victim has been dead for five years, the trail has gone cold, and the case was bungled by the original investigators. But the Shepherds are willing to do whatever it takes to save their home, even if it means risking their lives to bring the cold-blooded killer to justice.
214 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2015
742 people are currently reading
998 people want to read
About the author
Jeramy Gates
14 books47 followersJeramy Gates is the author of numerous Amazon lists bestsellers in the categories of Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction and Fantasy (as Jamie Sedgwick). Jeramy spent his childhood on a ranch in the Montana Rockies, but now lives among the grapevines and redwood groves of northern California with his wife and three children. When traveling, you may encounter Jeramy with his family and their three dingoes, camping in their fifth wheel trailer.
For more info, visit www.jeramygates.com
For more info, visit www.jeramygates.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 24, 2020
Written in first person with a narrator switch every chapter or so, this book was an interesting start to a new series. There was a lot of negative tension between the main characters that was distracting and inconsistent with people at that stage of life and career. The plot, however, was solid and a bit of editing would really smooth out the rough edges.
July 10, 2015
Joe and Tanja Shepherd are out of work and about to lose their home. Joe is a former cop, and Tanja an FBI agent. When longtime friend Sheriff Diekmann offers them a job of solving closed unsolved cases, they jump at the chance. On their first case, they quickly uncover new clues, leading to new suspects. When they become targeted themselves, they know that they’re on the right trail, and become more determined than ever to solve the case.
This was an interesting plot in that it was husband and wife working together. Their comical interaction made it a fun read. And learning the connections with the Sheriff and Grandma also helped me to feel close to these characters, like they were my family also. It’s the little things like that, that usually ensure it to be a good read. And this one didn’t disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked the interview part of the story at the end. It gave the backstory that I was looking for all through the book. That finally answered all of my questions.
This was an interesting plot in that it was husband and wife working together. Their comical interaction made it a fun read. And learning the connections with the Sheriff and Grandma also helped me to feel close to these characters, like they were my family also. It’s the little things like that, that usually ensure it to be a good read. And this one didn’t disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked the interview part of the story at the end. It gave the backstory that I was looking for all through the book. That finally answered all of my questions.
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November 16, 2025I can tell a man wrote this because the female character did not really sound like a woman, and there were so many stereotypes and cliches. Also, no woman is going to turn down an ambulance to deliver her baby by herself at a murder scene. First babies generally take hours, and, unlike in movies, do not come out as soon as the water breaks. Also, how can he see the baby’s head if she didn’t take off her pants? Also, she’s not going to put adult earplugs in a newborn’s ears, stand up with the placenta and cord still in, bleeding everywhere because the baby “tore her apart”, the baby still attached to the cord and accurately shoot a guy one handed while holding said baby. That being said, it was entertaining and, you do need to suspend your disbelief, as these two managed to solve a cold case in two days. I can see this being turned into a tv series. It will be widely entertaining and ridiculous.
Here’s To Fears reading challenge-there’s nothing to fear but fear itself (repeated word in the title)
Wheels10
Here’s To Fears reading challenge-there’s nothing to fear but fear itself (repeated word in the title)
Wheels10
April 25, 2021
Great Story
A well written great story that's filled with suspense. I enjoyed it. The main characters and support characters are well developed and it's easy to like them and cheer for them. I'd certainly be interested in a continuation of another mystery solved by these two.
A well written great story that's filled with suspense. I enjoyed it. The main characters and support characters are well developed and it's easy to like them and cheer for them. I'd certainly be interested in a continuation of another mystery solved by these two.
June 14, 2015
Joe and and his very pregnant wife, Tanja, have a wealth of skills as they start their private detective business, but not exactly a lot of money. When their friend and local sheriff takes pity on them and throws them an unsolved cold case they go after it with gusto. What they find may blow them away, both literally and figuratively. Can they solve the mystery without becoming one themselves?
He Said, She Said Murder is written in first person style from alternating viewpoints - him and her. I loved the style of that, especially viewing conflict from both perspectives. But the writing was a little clunky, a lot of repeated words, such as “unfortunately,” and some grammar/spelling errors - nothing a decent editor couldn’t fix quickly. I’m also kind of curious as to whether or not there will be a back story for Joe and Tanja written, as there is clearly some interesting history that brought them to the point where this story starts, and this is the first of a series. I’d love to see that further along as a prequel of some kind. Overall it was a fun, fast read, and I look forward to the rest of the series!
He Said, She Said Murder is written in first person style from alternating viewpoints - him and her. I loved the style of that, especially viewing conflict from both perspectives. But the writing was a little clunky, a lot of repeated words, such as “unfortunately,” and some grammar/spelling errors - nothing a decent editor couldn’t fix quickly. I’m also kind of curious as to whether or not there will be a back story for Joe and Tanja written, as there is clearly some interesting history that brought them to the point where this story starts, and this is the first of a series. I’d love to see that further along as a prequel of some kind. Overall it was a fun, fast read, and I look forward to the rest of the series!
August 20, 2020
I was very disappointed, and just couldn’t bring myself to finish this book.
From the very first sentence (below), the writing style was obtrusive, in a “My creative writing class said to shove as many adjectives into a sentence as you can” sort of way.
“Thunder rumbled, artillery-like booming echoing up and down the coastal mountains, reverberating through the hills like aftershocks, shaking the vehicle around me. I inhaled the humid ocean air..... Thunder came again, rolling, drumming, shaking, and then dying in slow fading echoes.“
I was constantly aware of the author trying too hard to make his presence felt, and found it very irritating.
There were also many typos, mistakes and grammatical errors, which again got in the way of the storyline.
Maybe if the writing gets tighter or the book gets edited the series might improve, but for me it was like chewing cotton wool!
From the very first sentence (below), the writing style was obtrusive, in a “My creative writing class said to shove as many adjectives into a sentence as you can” sort of way.
“Thunder rumbled, artillery-like booming echoing up and down the coastal mountains, reverberating through the hills like aftershocks, shaking the vehicle around me. I inhaled the humid ocean air..... Thunder came again, rolling, drumming, shaking, and then dying in slow fading echoes.“
I was constantly aware of the author trying too hard to make his presence felt, and found it very irritating.
There were also many typos, mistakes and grammatical errors, which again got in the way of the storyline.
Maybe if the writing gets tighter or the book gets edited the series might improve, but for me it was like chewing cotton wool!
March 5, 2021
This was just ok for me. It held my interest but Tanja annoyed me a little bit.....she had a huge problem when Joe suggested that he break into the school but she couldn’t see what was wrong with a teacher having sex with a student??? Huh....WTH. Also that scene in the warehouse....she was able to walk within minutes of giving birth and she fired a gun with the baby in her arms.....I know she put ear plugs in the baby’s ears but still....she is not my cup of tea.
I really enjoyed this author’s Val Smith series but I don’t think this series is for me.
I really enjoyed this author’s Val Smith series but I don’t think this series is for me.
September 21, 2017
I am surprised at the high ratings many people gave it. I found it to be rather amateur in plot and character descriptions, long winded and even found some mistakes that a good editor would have noticed e.g. a character was given the wrong name at one point. I finished reading it only because it was for our book group. I love crime and a good series too so I had high hopes for this, but wouldn't bother with the second.
January 25, 2021
Waste
I can’t pinpoint exactly why this book was bad. I’ll just say, it was a struggle getting to chapter 7 without putting it down. I eventually jumped from chapter 7 to chapter 14 to get out of my self imposed misery. I know who did it yet have no idea why they did it. And I’m okay with that.
I can’t pinpoint exactly why this book was bad. I’ll just say, it was a struggle getting to chapter 7 without putting it down. I eventually jumped from chapter 7 to chapter 14 to get out of my self imposed misery. I know who did it yet have no idea why they did it. And I’m okay with that.
November 10, 2024
This book is one fun read! The plot rips along with some unexpected twists, but the interactions between the main characters, a husband-and-wife private detective team, do even more to make the book enjoyable. The husband, a taciturn former cop, must walk with a cane after a serious injury drove him from active police work. His wife is a former FBI agent who worked—and clashed—with him on his last case on the force. She is impressively skilled in behavioral analysis and is also, just to keep things hopping, heavily pregnant. These two are dedicated to each other, their new life together, and the fledgling private detective business that makes that new life possible. They are life as well as work partners but are far from gushy or overly romantic. They communicate with humor, show respect for each other’s disparate but formidable skills, and make a truly unforgettable team. This book is a pleasure to read!
March 1, 2025
An interesting plot and character intro although by half way through I hoped that the woman detective would finally have to dump her abusive husband. I don't mind that he has PTSD as well as some serious leg and hip injuries (not to mention his quick willingness to spend any money that comes their way), but I do object to his raging and abusive temper that erupts once in a while. He knows he has a problem as does she, but he refuses to get counseling for it until the end of the novel. And throughout the novel she is pregnant and could be the major support of the family, but he doesn't want her to. Why would she trust him to be able to maintain the family peace? From this perspective so far, you wouldn't guess that this is mystery fiction, would you? The mystery was messy, by the way. Of course, as the novel makes clear, women are smarter and more in control than men - I agreed with that part.
April 4, 2020
Cozy mystery is a description that suits this story. It is currently cold and wet outside but I have been curled up enjoying the banter between the husband and wife investigation team. One of the things I loved with this book was that Gates played them off each other. I was particularly taken by his description of the way they each reacted to the old warehouse full of old boats. Joe wanted to provide a home for them all, while Tanja wanted to throw a match at them. It is the characters that make a book, and Gates has understood this.
April 23, 2020
A wonderful short book to read.
This book was a good short story. The people in the book felt familiar. They seem like people that you would like to know. You rooted for them and hoped that they would be able to solve their problems and get the bad guy also. I really liked grandma's style. She showed them the real life aspect of senior citizens these days. Also that some young people are ahead of the game no matter of their age. I enjoyed this book and looking forward to read more from this author. I want to see how the family is doing.
This book was a good short story. The people in the book felt familiar. They seem like people that you would like to know. You rooted for them and hoped that they would be able to solve their problems and get the bad guy also. I really liked grandma's style. She showed them the real life aspect of senior citizens these days. Also that some young people are ahead of the game no matter of their age. I enjoyed this book and looking forward to read more from this author. I want to see how the family is doing.
June 9, 2024
more, please?!!!
what a breath of fresh air! it's not of the Lincoln Child, Jeffery Deaver, James Patterson, or Brad Thor ilk, nor is it another (yawn) cozy mystery. it's a husband and wife PI agency named after their newborn daughter who chose the filthy floor of an idle warehouse as her debut stage and from page one, it reached out and reeled me in. and I stayed there. the book flew through my Saturday and left me wanting more. gonna go find it; I know there are sequels. bye!
what a breath of fresh air! it's not of the Lincoln Child, Jeffery Deaver, James Patterson, or Brad Thor ilk, nor is it another (yawn) cozy mystery. it's a husband and wife PI agency named after their newborn daughter who chose the filthy floor of an idle warehouse as her debut stage and from page one, it reached out and reeled me in. and I stayed there. the book flew through my Saturday and left me wanting more. gonna go find it; I know there are sequels. bye!
May 24, 2020
"He Said, She Said: Murder" by Jeramy Gates tells the story of a couple who work as a team investigating cold cases. I found the two main characters to be so likeable...in love but have to deal with the trials and tribulations of life along with on the edge of being broke.
The story is suspenseful, has intrigue, and pulls the reader in. Tanja and Joe, the main characters, are multidimensional and have depth.
The story is suspenseful, has intrigue, and pulls the reader in. Tanja and Joe, the main characters, are multidimensional and have depth.
June 20, 2020
Exciting Murder Mystery With A Lot of Action
Joe and Tanya make for an interesting married couple and partners in a nascent detective agency. With a baby arriving any day and money in short supply, they take on their first case. They’ll get paid if they solve a cold murder case. The story leads us to know them as they struggle with their relationship and finding the murder.
Great story and it was well told. I enjoyed the story and found it hard to put down overnight.
Joe and Tanya make for an interesting married couple and partners in a nascent detective agency. With a baby arriving any day and money in short supply, they take on their first case. They’ll get paid if they solve a cold murder case. The story leads us to know them as they struggle with their relationship and finding the murder.
Great story and it was well told. I enjoyed the story and found it hard to put down overnight.
July 7, 2025
This book is about Tanja and Joe and the cold case that they are working on. Tanja originally worked for the FBI as behaviour analyst and Joe worked in undercover operations. I really enjoyed the psychological/ body language aspect of this book, kinda like the Mentalist. I enjoyed the dynamic between Joe and Tanya, I also really enjoyed that the story is told from the alternating aspects of the main characters. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
February 1, 2019
Joe was a cop and Tajan was a FBI Agent,deciding to become PI. The sheriff wants to help them out, and also closure on cold cases. With a house they might lose, and wanting work, they go at it. Too many questions has gotten someone nervous and they become targets. With new clues, are they on the right track. Interesting of how this dialog was written.
October 7, 2021
Must read
This was a great read. Kind of difficult to review with out spoilers. The only fault I found in the story is not too much of a spoiler because you learn about it with in the first few pages. It bottles my mind how intelligent people, such as these two MCs are would take such stupid chances. Being pregnant and an action P.I. is just stupid...
This was a great read. Kind of difficult to review with out spoilers. The only fault I found in the story is not too much of a spoiler because you learn about it with in the first few pages. It bottles my mind how intelligent people, such as these two MCs are would take such stupid chances. Being pregnant and an action P.I. is just stupid...
December 20, 2024
I'm surprised that this has been descibed as a 'cozy mystery novel' because it is nothing like one. It is gritty and fairly violent in places and explores areas that are very far from cozy. Without spoiling the plot, I feel the story became a little far-fetched towards the end, but apart from that, I enjoyed it.
January 29, 2025
Unexpected fun!
This book was unusual as it was told in first person for both main characters. In most cases it would not be hard BUT when a male author tells a woman's perspective SO well it is surprising! I commend Mr. Gates for his forsight! I look forward to reading the remainder of the series!
This book was unusual as it was told in first person for both main characters. In most cases it would not be hard BUT when a male author tells a woman's perspective SO well it is surprising! I commend Mr. Gates for his forsight! I look forward to reading the remainder of the series!
November 18, 2025
Great book
The story was great. A husband and wife detective agency. Great team work. Some good back and forth sparring. A good who done it. A little hard to figure out exactly. I mean you get an idea but is your idea right? First time I read this author, looking forward to read more of his in the future. Thanks for letting me read this for free.
The story was great. A husband and wife detective agency. Great team work. Some good back and forth sparring. A good who done it. A little hard to figure out exactly. I mean you get an idea but is your idea right? First time I read this author, looking forward to read more of his in the future. Thanks for letting me read this for free.
February 24, 2020
He Said, She Said.....
Awesome read with awesome characters and storyline. Married ex FBI agent and undercover cop start their detective business. There are money problems and her pregnant. A must read to find out all the good stuff! A definite must read!
Awesome read with awesome characters and storyline. Married ex FBI agent and undercover cop start their detective business. There are money problems and her pregnant. A must read to find out all the good stuff! A definite must read!
May 8, 2020
Good read!!
Knowing and proving are two different things as we learned in this humorous, intriguing story. Joe and Tanja grabbed my heart from the gitgo. Thanks for a good mystery read.
Knowing and proving are two different things as we learned in this humorous, intriguing story. Joe and Tanja grabbed my heart from the gitgo. Thanks for a good mystery read.
December 8, 2020
Awesome mystery!
I really enjoyed this husband and wife detective team! It was a page turner with just enough romance to keep it interesting! No profanity was used which is a big plus for me! Looking forward to the next mystery!
I really enjoyed this husband and wife detective team! It was a page turner with just enough romance to keep it interesting! No profanity was used which is a big plus for me! Looking forward to the next mystery!
February 11, 2021
Excellent!
At one point I had to close the book and walk away for a few moments. The tension was ramping up, and I needed a breather. Excellent descriptions that leave you holding your breath.
At one point I had to close the book and walk away for a few moments. The tension was ramping up, and I needed a breather. Excellent descriptions that leave you holding your breath.
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April 7, 2021Absolutely brilliant
A totally great read. Gripping to the point I was still reading at 3.30 in the morning. Also quite amusing - well made me smile. Would definitely recommend this book as .can't wait to read the next one. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
A totally great read. Gripping to the point I was still reading at 3.30 in the morning. Also quite amusing - well made me smile. Would definitely recommend this book as .can't wait to read the next one. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
July 16, 2021
Wow!
Never in my life have I ever heard of a nine-month-pregnant investigator out shooting things up! This story was a wild ride with great husband vs. wife sarcasm that was dead on (no pun intended).
Never in my life have I ever heard of a nine-month-pregnant investigator out shooting things up! This story was a wild ride with great husband vs. wife sarcasm that was dead on (no pun intended).
December 19, 2016
Another outstanding bit of writing by one of my favorite authors. Highly recommend series so you will have enough good reading for future.
June 13, 2019
Good
This is a book that shows how two young people who had a cause in law enforcement needed to start over.
This is a book that shows how two young people who had a cause in law enforcement needed to start over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews